Wishlist0
0
Continue Shopping

 +91 91155 12977

Home / News (Page 140)

Category: News

Carlsen and Caruana to Clash in Chess960 Match Ahead of World Championship

Carlsen and Caruana to Clash in Chess960 Match Ahead of World Championship

By October 14, 2024 0

Chess960 Match to Precede World Championship Clash

Ahead of the highly anticipated World Championship match between D. Gukesh and reigning champion Ding Liren, chess enthusiasts will be treated to a captivating Chess960 encounter between Magnus Carlsen and Fabiano Caruana in Singapore on November 21-22.

Chess960, also known as Fischer Random, is a variant of chess where the pieces on the home rank are arranged semi-randomly, fostering less reliance on theory and encouraging more unconventional play. The match is organized by German entrepreneur Jan Buettner, who launched the inaugural Freestyle Chess tournament in Germany earlier this year.

The Carlsen-Caruana match is expected to take place at the Supertree Grove, overlooking Marina Bay Sands, creating a visually stunning backdrop. “It’s going to make for spectacular pictures,” Buettner said. “We want to make it as big as possible.”

Carlsen and Caruana previously faced off in the 2018 World Championship match, which ended in a historic 12 consecutive draws in the classical games. Carlsen ultimately prevailed in the rapid tie-break, making it one of the closest World Championship encounters in history.

Buettner expressed Carlsen’s eagerness for a rematch, saying, “Magnus is happy to have a rematch. And who can forget the 12 draws at the World Championship between them?”

Next year, Buettner plans to launch a Freestyle Chess Grand Slam tour, a series of Chess960 tournaments across five continents. India is a potential destination in Asia, with New Delhi being a preferred location.

Just days after the Carlsen-Caruana match, Gukesh will embark on his quest to become the youngest-ever world chess champion when he faces Ding in a 14-game classical match starting on November 25. While Ding has faced recent struggles, Gukesh has impressed with his exceptional performance at the recent Olympiad. However, Ding’s experience in World Championship matches could prove invaluable.

Categories: Others
Read more
Mayank Yadav's Impressive Debut Earns Test Call-Up

Mayank Yadav’s Impressive Debut Earns Test Call-Up

By October 14, 2024 0

Mayank Yadav, the young speedster who set the IPL ablaze in 2024, has made a remarkable debut for India in the recent T20I series against Bangladesh. After a lengthy rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy, Yadav showcased his sharp bowling skills, claiming four wickets in three matches.

His standout performance came in the third T20I in Hyderabad, where he became the fourth bowler in T20I history to take a wicket with the first ball of an innings. This elite group includes Indian bowlers Hardik Pandya, Arshdeep Singh, and Bhuvneshwar Kumar.

Yadav’s impressive outings have earned him a spot as a traveling reserve for India’s upcoming three-match Test series against New Zealand. This opportunity will allow him to test his abilities in the longer format of the game.

While some experts advocate for cautious handling of Yadav, former India cricketer and ex-selector Jatin Paranjape believes otherwise. “We should take it step by step with Mayank Yadav. The talk about wrapping him in cotton wool is exaggerated,” said Paranjape.

He emphasized the importance of bowling for bowlers’ development, stating, “Bowlers need to bowl to improve, they don’t get better by just working out in the gym. The focus should be on making him stronger physiologically.”

Yadav’s limited experience in First Class cricket, with only one match for Delhi, raises questions about his readiness for Test cricket. However, the upcoming series against New Zealand will provide him with a valuable opportunity to test his endurance and adaptability.

Categories: Cricket
Read more
Gambhir: Bowlers Reign Supreme in Modern Cricket, Batters' Obsession Must End

Gambhir: Bowlers Reign Supreme in Modern Cricket, Batters’ Obsession Must End

By October 14, 2024 0

India’s Gautam Gambhir Emphasizes Bowlers’ Importance in Modern Cricket

In the lead-up to the first Test match between India and New Zealand at M Chinnaswamy Stadium, head coach Gautam Gambhir has highlighted the crucial role of bowlers in the modern era of cricket. Gambhir believes that the “obsessed” mentality of batters needs to end, as bowlers now hold the key to victory.

Over the past decade, Test cricket has witnessed a gradual shift from batsman-dominated matches to those where bowlers have taken center stage. The recent Test match between India and Bangladesh in Kanpur served as a stark reminder of this evolution. Despite losing over two days of play due to rain and a soggy outfield, India adopted an aggressive approach from the outset, bowling out Bangladesh for 20 wickets to secure a historic victory.

Gambhir emphasized that the era of batters dominating Test matches is over. “That era is past. This is the era of bowlers. Batters only set up matches. This batsman-obsessed attitude of ours needs to end,” he said at a press conference in Bengaluru.

According to Gambhir, even if batters score a large number of runs, victory is not guaranteed. However, if the bowling unit takes 20 wickets, the team’s triumph is almost assured. “If a batter even scores 1,000 runs, it doesn’t guarantee victory. But if a bowler takes 20 wickets, then there is a 99 per cent guarantee that we will win the Test match,” he explained.

Gambhir believes that bowlers win matches and tournaments, and that this mindset needs to change. “In this era, we will talk more about bowlers compared to batters, and I hope this mindset changes,” he added.

Historically, matches between the 1950s and 1990s often ended in draws, even when batters were able to stay on the crease for extended periods. However, recent results indicate a shift in the balance of power towards bowlers.

In the recent Test in Multan, Pakistan posted a mammoth 550 runs on the scoreboard. However, England responded with a remarkable 823/7, declaring their innings and setting the bowlers the task of securing an innings and 47 runs victory, which they duly achieved.

The upcoming Test match between India and New Zealand in Bengaluru promises to be a fascinating contest between bat and ball. India boasts a bowling attack that combines skill and experience, and it will be interesting to see how they fare against the formidable New Zealand batting lineup.

Categories: Cricket
Read more
Gautam Gambhir Backs Virat Kohli Despite Recent Form Struggles

Gautam Gambhir Backs Virat Kohli Despite Recent Form Struggles

By October 14, 2024 0

India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir has expressed unwavering confidence in Virat Kohli, despite the star batter’s recent struggles with form. Gambhir emphasized Kohli’s unwavering commitment and hunger for the game, highlighting his consistent performances over a prolonged period.

“Virat is a world-class cricketer who has performed exceptionally well for a long time,” Gambhir said. “His hunger to succeed remains as strong as when he first debuted.”

Gambhir believes that Kohli’s ability to score consistently once he gets going will soon lead to a return to form. “That hunger is what makes him a world-class cricketer,” Gambhir said. “I am confident that he will be eager to score runs in the upcoming series against New Zealand and Australia.”

Gambhir stressed the importance of supporting players throughout the season, rather than judging them based on individual performances. “Everyone has off days,” he said. “We need to back our players and select the best playing 11, not drop anyone based on a single game.”

India is set to play eight Test matches in the near future, and Gambhir believes this period is crucial for the team’s performance. “This is an opportunity for the team to perform well in a series of Test matches,” he said. “I am confident that everyone is hungry and ready to deliver.”

India’s squad for the three Tests against New Zealand includes Rohit Sharma (C), Jasprit Bumrah (VC), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, Sarfaraz Khan, Rishabh Pant (WK), Dhruv Jurel (WK), Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, and Akash Deep.

New Zealand’s squad includes Tom Latham (C), Tom Blundell (WK), Michael Bracewell (1st Test only), Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Matt Henry, Daryl Mitchell, Will O’Rourke, Ajaz Patel, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Mitchell Santner, Ben Sears, Ish Sodhi (2nd and 3rd Test only), Tim Southee, Kane Williamson, and Will Young.

Categories: Cricket
Read more
Pakistan Drops Top Quartet for Remaining Tests Against England

Pakistan Drops Top Quartet for Remaining Tests Against England

By October 14, 2024 0

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has made a bold decision to rest four of its top players for the remaining two Test matches against England. The move, which includes dropping captain Babar Azam, former captain Sarfaraz Ahmed, and pace bowlers Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah, has raised eyebrows in the cricket world.

The PCB has defended the decision, stating that it is in the best interests of the team. A PCB spokesperson said that the players were “spared from the team to give them rest so that they can come back afresh.”

The decision comes after Pakistan suffered a humiliating innings and 47-run defeat in the first Test at Rawalpindi. The team’s performance was widely criticized, with many calling for changes to the playing XI.

The PCB has also announced a new selection committee, which will be responsible for selecting the team for the remaining two Tests. The new committee includes former players Aleem Dar, Aaqib Javed, Azhar Ali, and Hassan Cheema.

The four players who have been dropped have been replaced by younger players, including Haseebullah, Mehran Mumtaz, Mohammad Ali, and Kamran Ghulam. These players have limited experience at the international level, but the PCB believes that they have the potential to succeed.

The PCB’s decision to rest its top players is a gamble. However, it is a gamble that the board believes is necessary to ensure the long-term success of the team.

Categories: Cricket
Read more
Babar Azam's Exclusion from Pakistan Test Squad Raises Concerns

Babar Azam’s Exclusion from Pakistan Test Squad Raises Concerns

By October 14, 2024 0

Pakistan’s decision to exclude star batsman Babar Azam from the upcoming Test series against England has raised eyebrows, with former England captain Nasser Hussain expressing his surprise. Hussain believes that while Azam is currently out of form, he is a player who can rise to the occasion when the pressure is on.

Azam’s exclusion, along with that of strike bowlers Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah, was a bold move by Pakistan’s new selection panel. Hussain suggests that England may not be too concerned about Azam’s absence, given his recent struggles. However, he warns that players of Azam’s caliber often find a way to score runs when it matters most.

Azam’s form has dipped since he was appointed captain and Pakistan’s disappointing performance at the T20 World Cup in June. He has not scored a Test half-century since 2022, despite an impressive overall record that includes nine centuries and 26 half-centuries in 55 matches.

Meanwhile, Shaheen has struggled to regain his wicket-taking rhythm after recovering from a knee injury. Pakistan’s decision to use the same contentious Multan pitch for the second Test has also drawn criticism from Hussain. He emphasizes the need for a more balanced pitch that offers something for both batsmen and bowlers.

“Test cricket cannot afford another game like the one we had last week,” Hussain wrote. “There has to be a balance between bat and ball, and that means the pitch has to offer bowlers something at both ends of the game: movement for the seamers at the start, turn for the spinners at the end.”

Pakistan will be desperate to level the series against England, but they will need to find a way to overcome the absence of their star players and the challenges posed by the Multan pitch.

Categories: Cricket
Read more
Jessica Pegula Celebrates 100 Weeks in WTA Top 5

Jessica Pegula Celebrates 100 Weeks in WTA Top 5

By October 14, 2024 0

Jessica Pegula’s remarkable run of form has propelled her to the pinnacle of women’s tennis, with the American now celebrating a significant milestone in her career. This week marks Pegula’s 100th week in the WTA Top 5, a testament to her consistency and unwavering determination.

Pegula’s ascent to the elite began in September 2022, following her impressive performance at the US Open. Since then, she has maintained a remarkable presence within the Top 5, spending only a brief period outside its hallowed ranks. Her unwavering commitment to excellence has seen her capture three WTA 1000 titles, including the prestigious Toronto Open, and reach her maiden Grand Slam final at the US Open.

Pegula’s journey to the Top 5 has been marked by unwavering consistency. She has spent 43 weeks at No. 5, 17 weeks at No. 4, and 40 weeks at No. 3. Her ability to maintain her high level of play has been a key factor in her sustained success.

Pegula’s rise to the top has been a testament to her hard work, dedication, and unwavering belief in her abilities. She has overcome challenges and setbacks with resilience and determination, proving herself to be a formidable force on the court. As she continues to push the boundaries of her potential, Pegula’s presence in the WTA Top 5 is a source of inspiration for aspiring athletes and tennis enthusiasts alike.

Categories: Tennis
Read more
Sindhu, Sen Aim for Redemption at Denmark Open Super 750

Sindhu, Sen Aim for Redemption at Denmark Open Super 750

By October 14, 2024 0

Indian badminton stars PV Sindhu and Lakshya Sen are determined to rebound from a disappointing start to their season at the USD 850,000 Denmark Open Super 750, which begins on Tuesday.

Both players struggled at the Arctic Open in Vantaa, Finland, last week. Former world champion Sindhu was eliminated in the first round, while 2021 world bronze medalist Sen lost in the second round.

At Arena Fyn in Odense, they hope for better results as they lead India’s challenge in this prestigious tournament, the 13th event of the 2024 BWF World Tour.

Sen, who finished fourth at the Paris Olympics, lost a close match to Chinese Taipei’s Chou Tien Chen last week. In Odense, the 23-year-old from Almora will face China’s Lu Guang Zu in his opening match, an opponent he has yet to meet in professional badminton. If he advances, Sen could face Indonesia’s Jonatan Christie in the second round, with reigning world champion Kunlavut Vitidsarn of Thailand likely waiting for him in the quarter-finals.

Sindhu, a two-time Olympic medalist, needs to address the issues affecting her performance after a disappointing first-round loss to Canada’s Michelle Li, an opponent she had previously defeated 10 times. Under the guidance of new coaches Anup Sridhar and Korea’s Lee Hyun-il, she will open against Chinese Taipei’s Pai Yu Po and could potentially face China’s Han Yue in the second round if she progresses.

In addition to Sindhu, India will have several other competitors in women’s singles, including the in-form Malvika Bansod, Aakarshi Kashyap, and promising talent Unnati Hooda. Bansod, who reached the quarterfinals of the China Open, will face Vietnam’s Nguyen Thuy Linh at first, while Kashyap faces Thailand’s Supanida Katethong. Hooda, the 2022 Odisha Open winner, will compete against Lauren Lam from the USA.

While there will be no Indian representation in men’s doubles, Treesa Jolly and Gayatri Gopichand, who missed the Paris Olympics, will compete in the women’s doubles, taking on the fifth-seeded Malaysian duo of Pearly Tan and Thinnah Muralitharan. The Panda sisters, Swetaparna and Rutaparna, will face off against Chang Ching Hui and Yang Ching Tung of Chinese Taipei.

In mixed doubles, the husband-wife combination of B Sumeeth Reddy and Sikki Reddy are set to face Canada’s Kevin Lee and Eliana Zhang, while Sathish Karunakaran and Aadya Variyath will take on Indonesia’s Rehan Kusharjanto and Lisa Kusumawati.

Categories: Badminton
Read more
Iga Swiatek Joins Elite Group with 50th Consecutive Week as WTA No. 1

Iga Swiatek Joins Elite Group with 50th Consecutive Week as WTA No. 1

By October 14, 2024 0

Iga Swiatek’s reign at the pinnacle of women’s tennis continues to reach unprecedented heights. This week marks her 50th consecutive week as the WTA world No. 1, a feat that places her among the most dominant players in the sport’s history.

Swiatek’s first stint at the top lasted 75 weeks, from April 2022 to September 2023. After a brief eight-week hiatus, she reclaimed the No. 1 ranking in November 2023 and has held it ever since. This latest 50-week run makes her just the seventh player in WTA history to achieve multiple 50-week stints at the top.

The Polish star joins an illustrious group that includes Chris Evert, Martina Navratilova, Steffi Graf, Monica Seles, Martina Hingis, and Serena Williams. These legendary players have all left an indelible mark on the sport, and Swiatek’s inclusion in their ranks is a testament to her exceptional talent and consistency.

Swiatek’s dominance has been characterized by her relentless pursuit of excellence. She has won three Grand Slam titles in the past year, including the French Open twice and the US Open once. Her all-court game and unwavering determination have made her a formidable opponent for any player on the tour.

However, Swiatek’s reign at the top is facing a serious challenge from Aryna Sabalenka. The Belarusian has been in scintillating form this season, winning the WTA 1000 event in Wuhan and closing the gap on Swiatek in the rankings.

With the WTA Finals approaching, the battle for year-end No. 1 is set to intensify. Swiatek will be defending 1,500 points for winning the title last year, while Sabalenka will be looking to make up ground with a strong performance.

The upcoming weeks will be crucial in determining who will finish the year as the world’s top-ranked women’s tennis player. Swiatek’s experience and consistency will be put to the test against Sabalenka’s power and momentum.

Categories: Tennis
Read more
Gautam Gambhir's Top 5 Heated Exchanges: A Testament to His Competitive Spirit

Gautam Gambhir’s Top 5 Heated Exchanges: A Testament to His Competitive Spirit

By October 14, 2024 0

Gautam Gambhir, the former Indian cricketer and current head coach of the Indian cricket team, is known for his fiery competitive spirit on the field. Throughout his illustrious career, he has been involved in several heated exchanges with fellow players, driven by his unwavering passion for the game.

1. Gautam Gambhir vs Andre Neil

During an ODI match between India and South Africa, Gambhir and Andre Neil engaged in a verbal spat after Gambhir pulled a bouncer for a boundary. Neil’s stare and subsequent sledging provoked Gambhir, leading to an exchange of words that required the umpires’ intervention.

2. Gautam Gambhir vs Shahid Afridi

In a 2007 ODI match between India and Pakistan, Gambhir and Shahid Afridi clashed after Gambhir hit a boundary off Afridi’s delivery. Afridi’s sledging and a subsequent collision between the two players escalated the tension, resulting in a heated exchange of words.

3. Gautam Gambhir vs Virat Kohli

During an IPL match in 2013, Gambhir and Virat Kohli had a heated exchange after Kohli was dismissed. As Kohli walked back to the pavilion, he engaged in a verbal altercation with Gambhir, who was the captain of the opposing team.

4. Gautam Gambhir vs Kamran Akmal

In an Asia Cup match between India and Pakistan, Gambhir and Kamran Akmal exchanged words after Akmal made frequent appeals on missed shots. The situation escalated during a drinks break, but was resolved after the intervention of the umpire and Indian captain MS Dhoni.

5. Gautam Gambhir vs Virat Kohli (2022)

In a recent IPL match between Lucknow Super Giants and Royal Challengers Bangalore, Gambhir, who was the mentor for LSG, intervened in a heated exchange between LSG bowler Naveen-ul-Haq and Kohli. The situation escalated into a confrontation between Gambhir and Kohli, requiring the intervention of other players and umpires.

These incidents highlight Gautam Gambhir’s competitive spirit and his unwavering determination to win. While his fiery nature has sometimes led to heated exchanges, it has also been a driving force behind his success on the field.

Categories: Cricket
Read more
Main Menu
Home
Shop
Wishlist0
Back to Top

Search For Products

Product has been added to your cart