Argentine Tennis Star Raves About Rwanda's Historic ATP Challenger

Argentine Tennis Star Raves About Rwanda’s Historic ATP Challenger

Argentine Tennis Star Praises Rwanda’s Historic ATP Challenger Event

Rwanda has made history as the first sub-Saharan African nation to host an ATP Challenger tournament, and Argentine player Juan Pablo Paz has shared his glowing review of the inaugural event.

Paz, ranked 589th in singles and 244th in doubles, reached the second round in singles and the semifinals in doubles at the Rwanda Challenger, held in Kigali. His positive experience extended beyond the court, as he praised the tournament’s accommodations, venue, and the warm hospitality of the Rwandan people.

Paz was particularly impressed with the official hotel, the Park Inn by Radisson, giving it a perfect 10 for its comfortable rooms, delicious breakfast, and amenities like a gym and pool. He also commended the tournament venue, the IPRC-Kigali Ecology Tennis Club, for its excellent match courts and friendly staff.

The tournament’s atmosphere was equally impressive, with enthusiastic crowds and even a visit from Rwanda’s president for the singles final. Paz noted the friendly nature of the Rwandan people, who welcomed the players with open arms.

While Paz acknowledged some areas for improvement, such as tournament transportation and the on-site fitness center, he emphasized that these were minor complaints. He highly recommended trying Rwandan coffee, which he discovered thanks to his fellow countryman, Marco Trungelliti.

Paz is set to compete in the second Kigali Challenger event this week and promised to share more travel tips with his fans. His positive review of the Rwanda Challenger is a testament to the country’s growing reputation as a welcoming and vibrant destination for tennis and tourism alike.

Manchester City Edge Past Manchester United in Thrilling Derby

Manchester City Edge Past Manchester United in Thrilling Derby

Manchester City’s title hopes received a major boost as they came from behind to defeat arch-rivals Manchester United 3-1 in a thrilling Premier League derby at the Etihad Stadium. Phil Foden’s brace and Erling Haaland’s stoppage-time strike sealed the victory, leaving City just one point behind league leaders Liverpool.

United stunned the hosts with a stunning goal from Marcus Rashford in the eighth minute. However, City dominated possession and created numerous chances, with Foden and Rodri denied by excellent saves from Andre Onana.

Haaland’s incredible miss just before half-time, when he fired over with an open goal, seemed to give United hope. But Foden’s equalizer in the 73rd minute, a blistering shot into the top corner, leveled the match.

Ten minutes later, Foden struck again, this time with a composed finish after a slick one-two with Julian Alvarez. Haaland then atoned for his earlier miss with a clinical finish in stoppage time, rolling the ball into the net to seal the victory.

United’s defeat leaves them 11 points adrift of the top four, while City’s triumph keeps them firmly in the title race. The result sets up a tantalizing clash between City and Liverpool next weekend, with the Premier League crown potentially on the line.

Kerala's Abijith Praveen Hits Six Sixes in an Over, Joins Elite Club

Kerala’s Abijith Praveen Hits Six Sixes in an Over, Joins Elite Club

Kerala’s Abijith Praveen Joins Elite Club with Six Sixes in an Over

In a remarkable display of power hitting, Kerala’s Abijith Praveen has etched his name into the annals of cricket history by becoming the latest batsman to smash six sixes in an over. The feat, achieved during the semifinal of the Navio Youth Trophy U-22 Cricket Tournament, follows a similar accomplishment by Andhra opener Vamshhi Krrishna just a week earlier.

Playing for Masters CC, Thiruvananthapuram, Abijith faced leg-spinner Joe Francis from Trident Cricket Academy, Thrissur, in the 21st over of the match. With the score already at 69, Abijith unleashed a barrage of sixes that cleared the boundary with ease. The first two balls sailed over long-off, while the third soared over deep mid-wicket. The fourth and fifth deliveries were deposited over cow corner and long-on, respectively, as Abijith raced to 105 by the end of the over.

However, Abijith’s pursuit of another six proved costly as he was caught at long-on by Abhiram off the bowling of Akshay TK. His innings of 106 came from just 52 balls and featured 10 sixes and two fours. Masters CC went on to win the match by 106 runs.

A native of Pachalloor in Thiruvananthapuram, Abijith expressed his elation at reaching his century with a six. “I have hit five sixes in an over before, but to hit six maximums is a dream come true,” he said. “After I connected the first two, I felt I should go for it. Luckily, I timed each shot perfectly. I still get goosebumps when I think of the moment.”

Abijith, who cites Ab de Villiers and Hardik Pandya as his role models, is an allrounder who bowls medium pace. He made his List A debut for Kerala last December against Sikkim in the Vijay Hazare one-day tournament, claiming three wickets but not getting an opportunity to bat.

Biju George, fielding coach of Delhi Capitals, under whom Abijith trains at the SAI Medical College ground in Thiruvananthapuram, praised his ward’s remarkable achievement. “He has strong hands, and his shots go a long distance,” George said. “His six-hitting technique is simple but mighty effective. I knew Abi could pull off something like this, and I am happy for him. I hope someone recognizes his power hitting and gives him a much bigger platform to showcase his talent in the coming days.”

WPL History: Gujarat Giants' Hemalatha Ruled Out with Concussion, Satghare Makes Concussion Substitute Debut

WPL History: Gujarat Giants’ Hemalatha Ruled Out with Concussion, Satghare Makes Concussion Substitute Debut

Gujarat Giants’ Hemalatha Ruled Out with Concussion, Satghare Makes History as First WPL Concussion Substitute

In a significant development in the Women’s Premier League (WPL), Gujarat Giants’ middle-order batter D Hemalatha has been ruled out of the team’s clash against Delhi Capitals due to a concussion. This marks the first instance of a concussion substitute being used in the WPL.

Hemalatha sustained the injury while attempting to catch a high ball at deep midwicket during the 15th over of Delhi Capitals’ innings. Jess Jonassen’s powerful shot burst through Hemalatha’s hands and struck her forehead, prompting immediate medical attention.

Following the incident, Hemalatha was removed from the field and replaced by Sayali Satghare, a 23-year-old seam-bowling allrounder from Mumbai. Satghare’s inclusion as a concussion substitute is a testament to the WPL’s commitment to player safety and well-being.

Satghare, who has represented Mumbai in domestic cricket, has impressive credentials. She recently scored a century against Arunachal Pradesh in the Senior Women’s One Day Trophy and averaged 52 with the bat. She also claimed ten wickets in the competition.

Gujarat Giants, who had lost three consecutive matches prior to the clash with Delhi Capitals, were hoping for a change in fortunes with Hemalatha’s return to the lineup. However, her absence due to concussion has dealt a blow to their plans.

The use of concussion substitutes in cricket has become increasingly common in recent years, with the aim of protecting players from the potential long-term effects of head injuries. The WPL’s adoption of this practice is a positive step towards ensuring the safety of its athletes.

2024 Candidates Chess Tournament Faces Relocation Due to Visa Issues

2024 Candidates Chess Tournament Faces Relocation Due to Visa Issues

The 2024 Candidates chess tournament, scheduled to take place in Toronto, Canada, from April 3 to 23, faces an uncertain future due to unresolved visa issues for players and participants. The tournament, which determines the challengers for the world champion title in both the open and women’s categories, is at risk of being moved out of Canada if the visa problems are not resolved by Friday.

Vladimir Drkulec, president of the Chess Federation of Canada, expressed concern over the situation, stating that “if we cannot resolve these issues by Friday, the tournament will be moved to Spain.” He emphasized the need for “political will” to address the issue and expressed cautious optimism that a resolution could be reached before the deadline.

The tournament faces uncertainty as many players, including India’s teen sensation R Praggnanandhaa, have not received their visas. As many as 40 participants, including 16 players, are yet to secure visas. Vidit Gujrathi, Gukesh D, and Vaishali Rameshbabu, Praggnanandhaa’s sister, are among those who have not been issued visas.

The International Chess Federation (FIDE) made an urgent appeal last Friday, expressing concern about the lack of visa updates for players who submitted their applications months ago. The appeal, posted on social media, tagged Canada’s Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, Marc Miller, and his department.

Drkulec stated that the federation has contacted multiple members of parliament and government ministers, receiving positive responses from their staff. FIDE director general Emil Sutovsky emphasized that the tournament will not be postponed or players replaced due to visa issues.

This will be the first time the nearly 70-year-old tournament is being held in North America and will feature 16 of the world’s best players. The tournament is a significant event in the chess world, and its relocation would be a major disappointment for the Canadian chess community and fans worldwide.

Mohammedan Sporting Triumphs Over Gokulam Kerala in Thrilling I-League Encounter

Mohammedan Sporting Triumphs Over Gokulam Kerala in Thrilling I-League Encounter

Mohammedan Sporting and Gokulam Kerala engaged in a captivating end-to-end football match on Sunday night, with the Kolkatans emerging victorious 3-2. This triumph solidifies Mohammedan’s position at the top of the I-League standings.

The match commenced with Mohammedan taking an early lead in the 16th minute. Alexis Gomez’s skillful pass found Lalremsanga Fanai, who deflected the ball past goalkeeper Padam Chhetri. Eddie Hernandez, unmarked and with ample space, effortlessly slotted the ball into the net.

Seven minutes later, Mohammedan extended their advantage to 2-0. Gomez, receiving a short pass from David Lalhlansanga, unleashed a stunning strike from just outside the penalty area, sending the ball soaring into the top corner of the net.

However, Gokulam refused to be deterred and fought back before the interval. P.N. Noufal produced a brilliant solo effort, sprinting from his own half on a counter-attack and sending the ball into the far top corner.

The second half witnessed a resurgence from Gokulam. K. Abhijith’s superb cross was met by Nidhin Krishna’s stunning header, leveling the score at 2-2. Gokulam’s hopes of securing a point were dashed in the dying seconds when Lalhlansanga capitalized on some inadequate defending by Abdul Hakku to score the winning goal.

Despite the loss, Gokulam remains third in the standings with 32 points, six behind Mohammedan.

Praggnanandhaa Triumphs, Gukesh Stumbles in Prague Masters

Praggnanandhaa Triumphs, Gukesh Stumbles in Prague Masters

Indian Grandmaster R Praggnanandhaa emerged victorious in the fifth round of the Prague Masters, defeating compatriot Vidit Gujrathi in a thrilling encounter. However, D Gukesh suffered a disappointing loss to Czech Republic’s David Navara, despite holding a strong position.

Uzbekistan’s Nodirbek Abdusattarov continued his impressive run, crushing Mateusz Bartel of Poland to become the sole leader with four points. Parham Maghsoodloo of Iran trails closely with 3.5 points, while Richard Rapport of Romania sits in third with three points.

Praggnanandhaa, known for his aggressive style, kept pushing for an advantage against Gujrathi, who initially held his own. However, Gujrathi’s misstep allowed Praggnanandhaa to launch a devastating attack, securing the win in 52 moves.

Gukesh, on the other hand, had a comfortable position with an extra pawn in the endgame. However, Navara managed to turn the tables, exploiting Gukesh’s errors and converting his advantage into a victory.

Abdusattarov displayed his dominance against Bartel, opting for the Sicilian Dragon opening and quickly gaining the upper hand. The Polish Grandmaster struggled to find a response, and Abdusattarov sealed the win in just 28 moves.

In the Challengers section, Grandmaster R Vaishali suffered a setback against Erwin L’Ami of Holland, while Arjun Erigaisi impressed in the Shenzen Masters by defeating Anish Giri of Holland.

With four rounds remaining in the Prague Masters, Abdusattarov holds a commanding lead. Praggnanandhaa, Gukesh, and Navara share fourth place with 2.5 points each, while Gujrathi and Keymer trail with two points.

India's Bhoria Loses in World Olympic Boxing Qualifier Opener

India’s Bhoria Loses in World Olympic Boxing Qualifier Opener

India’s Olympic boxing aspirations suffered a setback at the World Olympic Boxing Qualifier in Busto Arsizio, Italy, as Deepak Bhoria (51kg) succumbed to a 2-3 split verdict against Azerbaijan’s Huseynov Nijat on the opening day.

Bhoria, who had edged out 2019 World Championships silver medalist Amit Panghal for a spot in the Indian squad, faced a formidable opponent in Nijat. The Azerbaijani boxer’s pace and agility proved too much for Bhoria in the first two rounds, which he lost by identical 2-3 scorelines.

Undeterred, Bhoria rallied in the final round, delivering some impressive blows to secure a 4-1 victory. However, it was not enough to overcome the deficit from the earlier rounds.

Despite Bhoria’s defeat, India still has hopes of securing Olympic quotas through Asian Games bronze medalist Narender (92kg) and Commonwealth Games 2022 bronze medalist Jaismine (60kg), who will face Germany’s Nelvie Tiafack and Japan’s Ayaka Taguchi respectively later on Sunday.

The World Olympic Boxing Qualifier offers 49 quotas for the Paris Olympics, including 28 for men and 21 for women. India has already secured four quotas for the Games.

Marcus Rashford Stuns Manchester City with Ronaldo-esque Goal in Manchester Derby

Marcus Rashford Stuns Manchester City with Ronaldo-esque Goal in Manchester Derby

In the highly anticipated Manchester derby, Marcus Rashford emerged as the hero for Manchester United, scoring a stunning goal against Premier League champions Manchester City. With Pep Guardiola expecting a strong performance from his team, Rashford delivered, silencing the Etihad Stadium crowd with his brilliance.

Rashford’s goal came in the eighth minute of the match, assisted by Bruno Fernandes. The England international unleashed a powerful long-range shot that flew into the top corner, reminiscent of Cristiano Ronaldo’s iconic strikes. The goal gave United an early lead and sent shockwaves through the City defense.

Rashford’s strike was not only a moment of individual brilliance but also a testament to his growing stature as a world-class forward. With 30 career goals against the “big six” rivals in the Premier League, Rashford has joined the ranks of Manchester United legends Wayne Rooney and Eric Cantona.

The goal also marked a significant milestone for Rashford, as he became the third player in United’s history to score the most goals in the Manchester derby. Rooney holds the record with eight goals, while Cantona has seven.

Under the guidance of Erik ten Hag, Manchester United are hoping to end their losing streak against their bitter rivals at the Etihad. However, City have been dominant in recent derby clashes, scoring 10 goals in their last two home matches against United.

Despite the challenge, Rashford’s goal has given United fans hope that they can overcome their rivals and secure a crucial victory. The match promises to be a thrilling encounter, with both teams eager to prove their superiority in the Premier League.

Bangladesh and Sri Lanka Downplay Rivalry Ahead of Competitive Series

Bangladesh and Sri Lanka Downplay Rivalry Ahead of Competitive Series

Bangladesh and Sri Lanka are set to face off in a highly anticipated series that has historically been marked by intense rivalry. However, both teams’ captains and coaches have emphasized their desire to put the past behind them and focus on a competitive and respectful series.

Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto expressed his belief that the series will be a good one, with both teams aiming for victory. He acknowledged the pressure that comes with international competition but emphasized the team’s focus on their own performance. Shanto also highlighted the depth of Bangladesh’s bowling attack, stating that all of their bowlers have the potential to be match-winners.

Sri Lanka coach Chris Silverwood echoed Shanto’s sentiments, stating that he wants to forget the past and concentrate on the future, particularly Sri Lanka’s preparation for the T20 World Cup. Silverwood acknowledged that Sri Lanka will be the favorites but emphasized that both teams will be pushing hard for victory.

Despite the absence of key players Wanindu Hasaranga and Pathum Nissanka, Silverwood expressed confidence that others will step up and take advantage of the opportunity. He praised Nissanka’s recent performances and expressed hope that he will return soon.

Shanto, who is leading Bangladesh for the first time in all three formats, spoke about the challenges of his new role. He emphasized the importance of building relationships with his players and coaching staff and expressed his belief that the responsibility will not hinder his performance as a batter.

The series is expected to be a competitive one, with both teams looking to build momentum ahead of the T20 World Cup. Bangladesh has performed well in T20Is in recent months, while Sri Lanka will be eager to prove their credentials as one of the favorites for the World Cup.

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