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Ollie Pope Vows to Ignore Criticism Amid Batting Struggles

Ollie Pope Vows to Ignore Criticism Amid Batting Struggles

By September 1, 2024 0

Ollie Pope, England’s stand-in captain, has vowed to ignore criticism of his batting after a disappointing performance against Sri Lanka. Despite England’s perfect record under his leadership, Pope has come under fire for failing to reach 20 in four innings.

Pope’s dismissals in the first Test at Lord’s raised concerns about his ability to balance captaincy and batting. However, he insists that he will not use his new role as an excuse for his poor form.

“I’m not going to put down my average shot to the fact that I was captain,” Pope said. “I’ll learn from it and move on.”

Pope acknowledges that his nervous starts have been an issue, but he is working to improve them. “It’s something that I’m still trying to improve in my game,” he said. “I want to keep on improving, especially the way I start my innings.”

Despite the criticism, Pope remains confident in his abilities. He has sought advice from Joe Root, who has been in excellent form for England. “Any batter in England can learn a fair bit off him,” Pope said.

Pope is excited to play his first Test at The Oval, his home ground. “It’s always special getting back to The Oval,” he said. “Hopefully there will be a great crowd in.”

England are aiming for a summer sweep, having not won every Test in a home season since 2004. “It would be a pretty cool thing to look back on,” Pope said. “We’ve played some really good cricket throughout this summer.”

Categories: Cricket
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Paula Badosa's Resurgence: From Injury Woes to US Open Quarterfinals

Paula Badosa’s Resurgence: From Injury Woes to US Open Quarterfinals

By September 1, 2024 0

Paula Badosa’s journey back to the top of women’s tennis has been a testament to her resilience and determination. After a series of injuries threatened to derail her career, Badosa has emerged stronger than ever, reaching the quarterfinals of the US Open and setting her sights on a return to the WTA Finals.

Badosa’s struggles began during the clay court season, where she suffered early exits in several tournaments. The setbacks raised questions about her future in the sport, especially as she resorted to cortisone shots to manage her persistent back pain.

However, Badosa refused to give up. She found solace in her relationship with fellow pro Stefanos Tsitsipas and explored opportunities off the court. But her competitive fire burned brighter than ever, and she resolved to give herself one more year to prove that she could still compete at the highest level.

The hard-court season has been a turning point for Badosa. She won her first title in over two years at the Mubadala Citi DC Open and reached the semifinals of the Cincinnati Open. Her impressive form has propelled her into the last eight at the US Open, where she is now projected to make a Top 20 return.

Badosa’s victory over Wang Yafan in the fourth round was a testament to her newfound confidence and aggression. Despite being the overwhelming favorite, Badosa remained focused and executed her game plan flawlessly.

“I think I managed that, and I dealt with the pressure and the nerves pretty well,” Badosa said. “I was really aggressive. I think today the forehand worked really well and especially also the serve. I’m really pleased with that.”

Badosa’s next challenge will be an even tougher one. She will face either Emma Navarro or Coco Gauff, the defending champion, in the quarterfinals. While she is not expecting a home-court advantage despite being born in New York City, Badosa is relishing the opportunity to play on one of the biggest stages in tennis.

“I like these kinds of challenges,” Badosa said. “I was born to play on big stages, and I’m really looking forward for that.”

Badosa’s journey back to the top has been an inspiration to many. Her unwavering belief in herself and her ability to overcome adversity serve as a reminder that anything is possible with hard work and determination.

Categories: Tennis
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Tavares Triumphs in Epic Para-Badminton Quarterfinal

Tavares Triumphs in Epic Para-Badminton Quarterfinal

By September 1, 2024 0

In a thrilling men’s SH6 quarterfinal at the Paralympics, Brazilian para-badminton star Vitor Tavares emerged victorious over American Miles Krajewski in a match that will be etched in the annals of the sport. The encounter, which was fiercely contested from start to finish, showcased the exceptional skills and unwavering determination of both players.

The first game was a testament to Tavares’ dominance, as he outplayed Krajewski with a series of precise shots and aggressive smashes, securing a comfortable 21-12 victory. However, Krajewski refused to be deterred and fought back valiantly in the second game, employing a more tactical approach to neutralize Tavares’ power. With a series of deft drop shots and well-placed clears, Krajewski leveled the match with a 21-10 win.

The third and decisive game was a rollercoaster of emotions, with both players refusing to yield an inch. Tavares, buoyed by the support of the crowd, surged ahead to a 22-21 lead, putting him on the cusp of victory. Krajewski, displaying immense resilience, launched a series of blistering attacks, forcing Tavares into a series of desperate defenses.

In one of the most memorable rallies of the match, Tavares unleashed a powerful smash down the right side, which Krajewski miraculously returned with a diving save. The American, refusing to give up, scrambled across the court to counter a drop shot from Tavares, only to be forced to the ground by the relentless pressure.

Despite falling twice during the rally, Krajewski displayed incredible athleticism and resolve, picking himself up quickly and continuing to fend off Tavares’ relentless attacks. The Brazilian’s persistence paid off as he continued to send a barrage of smashes Krajewski’s way. On three occasions, Krajewski managed to return cross-court smashes, keeping the rally alive against all odds.

However, it was a subtle change in tactics from Tavares that ultimately secured his victory. A delicate drop shot, which barely cleared the net, caught Krajewski off guard, leaving him unable to adjust in time. Despite his best efforts to reach the shuttle, Krajewski’s return went wide, giving Tavares a well-deserved win.

The final scoreline read 21-12, 10-21, 23-21 in favor of Tavares. His victory sets up an exciting semi-final clash against local favorite Charles Noakes, where Tavares will look to continue his impressive run and secure a place in the gold medal match.

Categories: Badminton
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Liton Das's Century Lifts Bangladesh from Collapse in Rawalpindi Test

Liton Das’s Century Lifts Bangladesh from Collapse in Rawalpindi Test

By September 1, 2024 0

Liton Das’s heroic century and a record-breaking partnership with Mehidy Hasan Miraz lifted Bangladesh from the brink of collapse to a competitive total of 262 all out on Sunday in the second Test against Pakistan in Rawalpindi.

Das, who came to the crease with Bangladesh reeling at 26-6, played a marathon innings of 333 minutes, hitting 13 boundaries and four sixes to reach his fourth Test hundred. His knock was crucial in Bangladesh’s remarkable turnaround, which saw them add 236 runs for the last four wickets.

Mehidy, who had taken 5-61 in the first innings, provided valuable support to Das, scoring a pugnacious 78 off 12 boundaries and a six. The pair’s 165-run seventh-wicket stand is the highest for Bangladesh in Tests and the first time a pair has added 150 or more runs for the seventh or lower wicket from a team total under 50 runs.

Das and Mehidy’s partnership frustrated Pakistan’s bowlers, who had earlier put Bangladesh in a precarious position. Pacer Shahzad took 6-90, including a four-wicket burst in his first spell, while Mir Hamza chipped in with 2-50.

However, Bangladesh’s lower order showed great resilience, with Das adding 69 runs with tail-ender Hasan Mahmud (13 not out) in a 24.5-over ninth wicket stand. This equaled the partnership record against Pakistan and left the home team frustrated.

At close on the third day, Pakistan were left on a sluggish 9-2, with opener Abdullah Shafique dismissed for three and nightwatchman Khurram Shahzad falling without scoring. Saim Ayub was not out on six as the home team lead by 21 runs.

Pakistan will need to bat smartly to clinch a series-leveling win after losing the first Test, also in Rawalpindi, by 10 wickets. Bangladesh’s win last week was their first in 14 attempts against Pakistan.

Categories: Cricket
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Empty Seats at Lord's Raise Concerns About Test Cricket's Affordability

Empty Seats at Lord’s Raise Concerns About Test Cricket’s Affordability

By September 1, 2024 0

England’s emphatic Test victory over Sri Lanka at Lord’s was marred by a disappointing turnout, raising concerns about the affordability and accessibility of the format. Despite the team’s impressive performance, thousands of tickets for the fourth day went unsold, leaving swathes of empty seats in the iconic stadium.

The low attendance has been attributed to a combination of factors, including the high ticket prices, the accelerated pace of Test matches under the “Bazball” approach, and the heavy schedule of cricket this summer. England’s dominant wins have often resulted in matches concluding earlier than expected, leaving fans feeling short-changed.

Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), which owns Lord’s, has acknowledged the issue and pledged to review fourth-day pricing. However, the club’s reluctance to cut prices at short notice has drawn criticism, with some arguing that lower ticket prices could have attracted more fans and ultimately generated more revenue through matchday spending.

The empty seats at Lord’s stand in stark contrast to the packed crowds that attended the Hundred final at the same venue two weeks earlier. While the Hundred offers a more affordable and accessible alternative to Test cricket, it would be misleading to suggest that the difference in attendance reflects a shift in fan preferences.

Despite the low turnout at Lord’s, Test cricket remains popular in England. However, the empty seats serve as a reminder that fans are not willing to pay exorbitant prices for a format that is increasingly seen as inaccessible. If administrators want to ensure the long-term health of Test cricket, they must address the issue of affordability and find ways to make the format more appealing to a wider audience.

Categories: Cricket
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Northern Diamonds Triumph with Kalis Century and Turner's Six-Wicket Haul

Northern Diamonds Triumph with Kalis Century and Turner’s Six-Wicket Haul

By September 1, 2024 0

Northern Diamonds’ Sterre Kalis and Phoebe Turner starred in a dominant performance against Lancashire Thunder, securing an 86-run victory and propelling their team to the top of the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy standings.

Kalis notched her maiden List A century, scoring a remarkable 100 runs off 94 deliveries. Her innings, coupled with a 58-run knock from Beth Langston, propelled the Diamonds to a formidable total of 290 for 6.

Lancashire Thunder’s chase got off to a promising start, with Alice Clarke and Emma Lamb putting on 38 runs in the opening five overs. However, Rachel Slater’s double strike, dismissing both batters, halted their momentum.

Eve Jones and Seren Smale steadied the Thunder’s innings, but their 100-run partnership was broken by Turner, who bowled Smale for 48. Langston then struck twice in a double-wicket maiden, removing Jones and Ellie Threlkeld.

Turner continued her impressive spell, claiming the remaining Thunder wickets to finish with a remarkable six for 20. Her performance sealed a five-point victory for the Diamonds, who now sit atop the table with 37 points.

Earlier, Lauren Winfield-Hill and Emma Marlow had laid the foundation for the Diamonds’ innings with a 95-run opening stand. However, the Thunder fought back, taking two wickets in quick succession.

Kalis and Langston then combined for a crucial 111-run partnership, reviving the Diamonds’ innings. Kalis reached her century before being dismissed, while Langston contributed a valuable 58.

The Diamonds’ total proved too much for the Thunder, who were bowled out for 204 despite Jones’ 57 runs.

Categories: Cricket
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Surrey's Title Charge Stalled by Nottinghamshire Draw

Surrey’s Title Charge Stalled by Nottinghamshire Draw

By September 1, 2024 0

Surrey’s pursuit of a third consecutive Division One title hit a minor roadblock as they were forced to settle for a draw against relegation-threatened Nottinghamshire in the Vitality County Championship at Trent Bridge.

Despite a record-breaking 10-wicket match haul from teenage off-spinner Farhan Ahmed, Surrey’s declaration at 177 for 9 in their second innings left Nottinghamshire with a target of 298 from a minimum 48 overs. The home side responded with a resolute batting display, reaching 121 without loss at the close of play, with openers Haseeb Hameed and Ben Slater both scoring half-centuries.

The draw reduces Surrey’s lead at the top of the table to 24 points, while Nottinghamshire remain 10 points clear of Lancashire in the battle to avoid relegation.

Rory Burns, who had scored 161 in the first innings, added 71 in the second, while Liam Patterson-White finished with five for 94 for Nottinghamshire. However, it was Ahmed who stole the show, becoming the youngest player to take 10 or more wickets in a first-class match in Britain since WG Grace in 1865.

Ahmed’s remarkable achievement overshadowed the efforts of England off-spinner Will Jacks, who had also taken seven wickets in the first innings. Surrey’s decision to declare just shy of an hour after lunch may have been a tactical error, as Nottinghamshire were able to bat cautiously and avoid defeat.

Despite the draw, Surrey remain in a strong position to secure the title, while Nottinghamshire’s hopes of survival have been boosted.

Categories: Cricket
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Indian Para Shuttler Nitesh Kumar Secures Maiden Paralympic Medal

Indian Para Shuttler Nitesh Kumar Secures Maiden Paralympic Medal

By September 1, 2024 0

Indian para shuttler Nitesh Kumar has secured a maiden medal in the men’s singles SL3 category at the Paris Paralympics. The 29-year-old defeated Japan’s Daisuke Fujihara in straight games (21-16, 21-12) in the semifinals on Sunday.

Kumar, who overcame permanent leg damage from a 2009 accident, has been performing consistently and expressed his self-belief in reaching the finals. He said, “I have been performing consistently, so I had the self belief that I will make the finals and it feels amazing to actually do that because there is pressure and I had lost my mixed doubles but I didn’t let it affect me.”

In the summit clash, Kumar will face Great Britain’s Daniel Bethell, who defeated Thailand’s Bunsun Mongkhon in the other semifinal. Bethell, who was the runner-up to Pramod Bhagat in the Tokyo Games, is a formidable opponent, setting the stage for an electrifying final.

Kumar’s sports journey began with a passion for football in childhood. However, an accident in Visakhapatnam left him bedridden for months and resulted in permanent leg damage. Despite this, his interest in sports endured, particularly during his time at IIT-Mandi, where he developed a keen interest in badminton.

He kept honing his skills along with studies and made his debut at the Nationals in Faridabad, winning a bronze while representing Haryana. The following year, he clinched silver in singles and bronze in doubles at Bengaluru, establishing himself in para-badminton.

His domestic success peaked at the 2020 Nationals, where he defeated Pramod and Manoj Sarkar to win gold. Kumar’s win assured India’s third medal from para badminton after Manisha Ramadass confirmed a podium after setting up a women’s singles SU5 semifinals duel with compatriot Thulasimathi Murugesan.

India’s medal hopes were further bolstered by Nithya Sivan Sumathy, who advanced to the women’s singles SH6 semifinals with a 21-4, 21-7 victory over Poland’s Oliwia Szmigiel. On Saturday, Sukant Kadam earned the right to take on compatriot Suhas Yathiraj in SL4 semifinals to assure the country its first medal in badminton from this edition of the Games.

Categories: Badminton
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Jack Leach Determined to Reclaim England Test Spot After 12-Wicket Haul

Jack Leach Determined to Reclaim England Test Spot After 12-Wicket Haul

By September 1, 2024 0

Jack Leach, the left-arm spinner for Somerset, has expressed his unwavering determination to reclaim his place in the England Test team after his impressive 12-wicket haul against Durham. Leach, who was England’s first-choice spinner under Ben Stokes’ captaincy, has been sidelined by injuries in recent months, but his recent performance has reignited his hopes of a return to the international stage.

Leach’s 15 wickets in England’s 3-0 Test series win in Pakistan in December 2022 serve as a testament to his abilities. Despite the emergence of Shoaib Bashir, his Somerset teammate, Leach believes he can regain his spot in the pecking order ahead of England’s tour to Pakistan in October.

“I totally understand why Bash has been selected,” Leach said. “I rate him really highly and think he is already a very good bowler with a lot of promise for the future. But there is a tour to Pakistan coming up and if England need me, I am more than happy to go.”

Leach’s long spells against Durham have boosted his confidence, and he feels he is nearing his best form after overcoming a series of niggling injuries. He acknowledges the possibility of England selecting multiple spinners for the Pakistan tour and sees no reason why he and Bashir cannot both make the squad.

“I don’t want to get my hopes up, but I am as determined as I ever have been to play for England,” Leach said.

Somerset’s victory over Durham has kept them in contention for the County Championship title, and Leach is eager to contribute to his team’s success. He believes the upcoming match against Surrey at Taunton will be crucial in their title aspirations.

“We are still right in the fight for the title, which is where we wanted to be at this stage of the season,” Leach said. “I think the pitch against Durham suits our style of cricket. You had to be patient as a bowler, but if you kept putting the ball in the right place you were rewarded.”

Categories: Cricket
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Medvedev Advances at US Open Despite Challenging Season

Medvedev Advances at US Open Despite Challenging Season

By September 1, 2024 0

Daniil Medvedev, the 2021 US Open champion, has advanced to the Round of 16 at this year’s tournament, despite a challenging season. Medvedev defeated Flavio Cobolli in straight sets, becoming the only former champion remaining in the men’s draw.

Medvedev has struggled for form this year, failing to win a title since May 2023. However, he has found his rhythm in New York, where he has reached the second week for six consecutive years.

The Russian has a unique relationship with the US Open crowd, which has both cheered and booed him over the years. Despite the occasional hostility, Medvedev has consistently performed well in New York, winning the title in 2021 and reaching two finals and a semi-final since then.

Medvedev believes that the faster hard courts in New York suit his style of play. He is also experimenting with new shots and combinations in practice, although he admits to being hesitant about implementing them in matches.

Medvedev’s serve was a key factor in his victory over Cobolli. He won 81% of points behind his first serve, including several crucial points and games.

Despite his recent success, Medvedev remains cautious about his chances of winning the tournament. He is aware of the stacked draw, which includes top-ranked Jannik Sinner in his half.

“I said it before the match that for me upsets don’t really matter,” Medvedev said after beating Cobolli. “The only thing (is that when) the conditions are a bit tricky, the favourites maybe have less margin than the other guys.”

“If I play good tennis, I can win the whole thing. If I don’t play good, I can lose against anyone.”

Categories: Tennis
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