Daniel Evans Stuns Karen Khachanov in Epic Marathon: Longest Match in US Open History

In a riveting display of endurance and tenacity, ​Daniel Evans triumphed over Karen Khachanov in the longest match ever played at the US Open, lasting a staggering five hours and 35 minutes, exceeding the previous record of 5:26, when Sweden’s Stefan Edberg beat American Michael in 1992 semi-finals.​ The first-round clash, held at the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, set a new record with Evans winning 6-7 (6), 7-6 (2), 7-6 (4), 4-6, 6-4, thus etching his name into tennis history.

The contest began with high intensity as Khachanov, the 23rd seed, took the first set in a tiebreaker, narrowly edging Evans at 7-6 (6). The match progressed with both players displaying remarkable shot-making and athleticism. Evans rallied back in the second set, levelling the match by clinching another tiebreaker with a score of 7-6 (2). This thrilling back-and-forth continued as Evans secured the third set via yet another tiebreaker, 7-6 (4), shifting momentum in his favour.

However, Khachanov showed his mettle, bouncing back to capture the fourth set 6-4 and sending the match to a deciding fifth set. It was here, with the score at 0-4 against him, that Evans showcased his incredible resilience. He rallied to win six consecutive games, finishing the match with a final score of 6-4.

The match did not only break records but also exemplified Evans’ indomitable spirit. After falling behind 0-4 in the final set, he showcased unbelievable mental toughness, winning the final six games and overcoming several breakpoints that Khachanov could not convert. In the end, the final point was a thrilling 22-shot rally that saw Evans hit a definitive backhand that Khachanov could not return, sealing the match amidst a roaring crowd.

“This is a crazy, crazy match. I guess it’s one I’ll remember forever,” Evans said after the match, reflecting on not only the physical drain from such a long battle but the emotional toll as well. He acknowledged that the match tested him more than any before. 

Daniel Evans’ astounding victory over Karen Khachanov in the longest match in US Open history not only adds another chapter to the annals of tennis but also highlights the unpredictable and exhilarating nature of the sport. With both skill and sheer determination on full display, fans are left eager to see how far Evans can go in the tournament as he carries this momentum forward.

Virat Kohli's Transformative Test Captaincy: Dominance, Historic Wins, and Inspiring Leadership

Virat Kohli’s Transformative Test Captaincy: Dominance, Historic Wins, and Inspiring Leadership

Virat Kohli’s tenure as India’s Test captain marked a transformative era for the team, characterized by dominance, historic victories, and an aggressive leadership style that inspired players.

Kohli, alongside head coach Ravi Shastri, fostered an environment where India’s pace attack flourished, becoming one of the most formidable in the world. Under their guidance, India achieved historic series wins in Australia and drew a series in England, showcasing their resilience and adaptability.

Kohli’s aggressive captaincy left an indelible mark on the players who played under him. Leg-spinner Karn Sharma, who made his Test debut under Kohli, lauded the former skipper’s leadership style.

In his first Test as captain, Kohli’s unwavering determination to win was evident. Despite facing a daunting target of 363 in the fourth innings, Kohli instilled a belief in his team that they could chase it down. “We are going to chase it down,” he declared, injecting positivity into the dressing room.

Although India ultimately fell short by 48 runs, Kohli’s flamboyant 141 off 175 balls demonstrated his unwavering belief in his team’s abilities. “It was a different approach,” said Karn. “His words sent a wonderful indication to the players in the dressing room, that your captain has different plans.”

Kohli’s resilience was also evident in his ability to overcome poor form. Despite enduring a rough patch during India’s tour to England in 2014, he put that behind him to heap runs in Australia.

“He always gave the impression that everything is fine,” said Karn. “Through his preparations, fitness, mental approach, Kohli never appeared too bothered or was fretting over the fact that he had a bad Test series.”

Kohli’s leadership style not only inspired his players but also left a lasting legacy on Indian cricket. His aggressive approach, unwavering determination, and ability to overcome adversity continue to serve as a model for future generations of cricketers.

Uruguayan Footballer Juan Izquierdo Dies at 27 After Collapsing During Match

Uruguayan Footballer Juan Izquierdo Dies at 27 After Collapsing During Match

Uruguayan footballer Juan Izquierdo, a promising defender, tragically passed away on August 27, 2024, at a hospital in Brazil, five days after collapsing during a Copa Libertadores match at Sao Paulo’s Morumbi Stadium. He was just 27 years old.

Izquierdo’s untimely demise has sent shockwaves through the football world. Born in Montevideo, Uruguay, he began his professional career in 2018 with local club Cerro. After a brief stint at Peñarol, he moved to Montevideo Wanderers, where his athleticism and sharp tackles caught the attention of Mexico’s San Luís. However, he soon returned to Montevideo Wanderers.

In 2022, Izquierdo joined Nacional, one of Uruguay’s most prestigious clubs. He played one match before being transferred to Liverpool, where he played a pivotal role in the club’s first league title in over a century. This season, he returned to Nacional and was vying for a starting position with veteran defender Sebastián Coates.

On August 22, tragedy struck during a Copa Libertadores match against Sao Paulo. Izquierdo collapsed late in the game, and despite immediate medical attention, he was rushed to the hospital in critical condition. Doctors at Hospital Albert Einstein in Sao Paulo confirmed his death at 9:38 p.m. local time, citing “cardiorespiratory arrest associated with his cardiac arrhythmia.”

Izquierdo’s death has left a profound impact on the football community. Nacional expressed their “deep pain and impact in our hearts,” while the South American football governing body, CONMEBOL, mourned the “early departure of Juan Izquierdo.” Other federations, including Uruguay, Brazil, and Argentina, also extended their condolences.

Izquierdo’s passing has also raised concerns about the health and safety of footballers. Almost two decades ago, Sao Caetano defender Serginho died hours after collapsing at Morumbi Stadium during a Brazilian league match. His death prompted Brazilian football executives to implement new health protocols, including the mandatory presence of defibrillators in every stadium.

Juan Izquierdo’s legacy will live on as a talented footballer and a reminder of the importance of prioritizing player health and safety. His untimely demise has left a void in the football world, and his memory will be cherished by his family, friends, and fans.

BBL and WBBL Drafts Set for September 1: Everything You Need to Know

BBL and WBBL Drafts Set for September 1: Everything You Need to Know

The BBL and WBBL drafts are set to take place on September 1, where the eight clubs in each competition will secure overseas players for the 2024-25 season. The draft process has undergone significant changes this year, with clubs now allowed to pre-sign one overseas player before the draft.

Draft Order and Rounds:

The draft order was determined by a weighted lottery based on last season’s finishing positions. In the WBBL, Hobart Hurricanes have the first pick, while Perth Scorchers have the last. In the BBL, Melbourne Stars will have the first pick, and Sydney Sixers will have the eighth.

The draft consists of four rounds, with each round featuring different player categories:

* Round 1: Platinum players
* Round 2: Platinum and Gold players
* Round 3: Gold and Silver players
* Round 4: Silver and Bronze players

Pre-Signed Players and Retention:

Clubs have already taken advantage of the new pre-signing rule, with all eight clubs securing at least one overseas player before the draft. These pre-signed players will be allocated to a specific round based on the value of their contract.

Each club also has one retention pick, which can be used to retain a player who played for the club the previous season or who was signed last year but did not play.

Player Availability:

The WBBL and BBL seasons have been reduced to 40 games each, which has impacted player availability. The WBBL starts just seven days after the T20 World Cup, and there are various bilateral cricket series scheduled during the competition.

In the BBL, most pre-signed players have committed to a full season, but some players drafted in the draft itself may leave early due to commitments to other T20 leagues.

Player Salaries:

Players are divided into four price bands based on their value:

* WBBL:
* Platinum: $110,000
* Gold: $90,000
* Silver: $65,000
* Bronze: up to $40,000
* BBL:
* Platinum: $360,000-$420,000
* Gold: $300,000
* Silver: $200,000
* Bronze: up to $100,000

PBG Bengaluru Smashers Aim for Playoffs Berth Against Jaipur Patriots

PBG Bengaluru Smashers Aim for Playoffs Berth Against Jaipur Patriots

PBG Bengaluru Smashers, riding high on two consecutive victories, aim to extend their unbeaten streak and inch closer to the playoffs when they face Jaipur Patriots, the debutants of Ultimate Table Tennis 2024, at the Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium on Thursday.

Bengaluru Smashers, led by captain Alvaro Robles, have emerged as a formidable force in UTT 2024, winning both their ties and securing eight out of ten matches played. Their impressive performance has propelled them to second place in the standings, trailing only Ahmedabad SG Pipers.

The Smashers boast a star-studded lineup, including Manika Batra, who recently showcased her prowess with a dominant win over Ayhika Mukherjee. American ace Lily Zhang and the assertive Jeet Chandra add further depth to the team.

On the other hand, Jaipur Patriots, despite being newcomers to the league, have demonstrated their potential with a balanced record. They have won one tie out of two, claiming five matches out of ten and 15 games out of 30.

The Patriots’ clash with Bengaluru Smashers is expected to feature a captivating matchup between Robles and South Korean paddler Cho Seung-min. Suthasini Sawettabut, Snehit SFR, and Nithyashree Mani have also made significant contributions to the Patriots’ success and will be eager to continue their strong performances.

The franchise-based league, promoted by Niraj Bajaj and Vita Dani under the auspices of the Table Tennis Federation of India (TTFI), has captivated audiences with its thrilling matches. All ties are being broadcast on Sports18 Khel on TV and streamed live on JioCinema in India and Facebook Live outside India. Tickets are available online through BookMyShow and offline at the Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium box office.

Indian Contingent Aims for Medal Glory at 2024 Paris Paralympics

Indian Contingent Aims for Medal Glory at 2024 Paris Paralympics

The 2024 Paris Paralympic Games are set to commence on August 28th, with an 84-member Indian contingent aiming to surpass their 19-medal tally from the Tokyo Paralympics. Led by flag-bearer Sumit Antil, who won gold in the men’s javelin throw in Tokyo, India will field athletes across various disciplines, including archery, athletics, badminton, canoe, cycling, powerlifting, rowing, and shooting.

In archery, India will be represented by Harvinder Singh, Rakesh Kumar, Shyam Sundar Swami, Pooja, Sarita, and Sheetal Devi. The athletics team boasts a strong contingent of 25 athletes, including javelin throwers Sumit Antil, Sandeep, Ajeet Singh, Sundar Singh Gurjar, Rinku, Navdeep, and Yogesh Kathuniya. Other notable athletes include discus thrower Dharambir, club throwers Pranav Soorma, Amit Kumar, and Nishad Kumar, and high jumpers Ram Pal, Mariyappan Thangavelu, Shailesh Kumar, Sharad Kumar, and Sachin Sarjerao Khilari.

The badminton team comprises Manoj Sarkar, Nitesh Kumar, Krishna Nagar, Sivarajan Solaimalai, Suhas Yathiraj, Sukant Kadam, Tarun, Manasi Joshi, Mandeep Kaur, Palak Kohli, Manisha Ramadass, Thulasimathi Murugesan, and Nithya Sre Sivan. In canoe, Prachi Yadav and Yash Kumar will compete in the women’s and men’s categories, respectively. Arshad Shaik and Jyoti Gaderiya will represent India in cycling.

The powerlifting team includes Paramjeet Kumar, Ashok, Sakina Khatun, and Kasthuri Rajamani. Anita and Naryana Konganapalle will compete in rowing. In shooting, India will be represented by Amir Ahmad Bhat, Avani Lekhara, Mona Agarwal, Nihal Singh, Manish Narwal, Rudransh Khandelwal, Sidhartha Babu, Sriharsha Devaraddi Ramakrishna, Swaroop Mahavir Unhalkar, and Rubina Francis.

The Indian contingent will be hoping to make a strong showing in Paris and bring home a significant medal haul. The Games will provide a platform for these athletes to showcase their talent and determination, inspiring countless others with their stories of resilience and triumph.

Ahmedabad SG Pipers Triumph Over U Mumba TT in UTT 2024

Ahmedabad SG Pipers Triumph Over U Mumba TT in UTT 2024

Ultimate Table Tennis 2024 (UTT 2024) witnessed an exciting clash between U Mumba TT and Ahmedabad SG Pipers at the Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium. Despite Manav Thakkar’s victory over his doubles partner Manush Shah in the opening men’s singles match, Ahmedabad SG Pipers emerged victorious, registering their second consecutive win.

Manav dominated the first two games, winning 11-2 and 11-9. However, Manush fought back to claim the third game, setting the stage for a thrilling encounter. Reeth Rishya leveled the tie for Ahmedabad SG Pipers with a 2-1 win over Sutirtha Mukherjee.

The mixed doubles match saw Manush and Bernadette Szocs outclass Manav and Maria Xiao 3-0. Quadri Aruna gave U Mumba TT a glimmer of hope with a 2-1 win over Lilian Bardet. But Szocs proved too strong for Xiao in the women’s singles, securing the victory for Ahmedabad SG Pipers.

Reeth Rishya was awarded the Indian Player of the Tie and DafaNews Shot of the Tie honors for her performance. Szocs claimed the Foreign Player of the Tie and ACT Tally of the Tie awards for her contributions in both singles and doubles.

Impact Player Rule Adds Strategic Depth to IPL, Says Ashwin

Impact Player Rule Adds Strategic Depth to IPL, Says Ashwin

The Impact Player rule, introduced in the Indian Premier League (IPL) in 2023, has sparked controversy among players and experts. While some, like Rohit Sharma, believe it hinders the development of all-rounders, others, like R Ashwin, argue that it adds strategic depth to the game.

Ashwin believes the rule encourages innovation and makes the game fairer. He cites the example of Shahbaz Ahmed, who became a match-winner for Sunrisers Hyderabad in Qualifier 2 of IPL 2024 after being brought in as an Impact Player.

“It gives a little more value for strategy,” Ashwin said. “The other side of that argument is it doesn’t encourage all-rounders. But no one is stopping them.”

Ashwin argues that the rule has not prevented all-rounders from emerging. He points to Venkatesh Iyer, who has impressed for Lancashire in England.

“There’s an opportunity for innovation and it makes the game fairer,” Ashwin said.

He also believes the rule has helped players move up the ranks, including Shahbaz Ahmed, Shivam Dube, and Dhruv Jurel.

“If not for the Impact Player rule, he may have never gotten the chance,” Ashwin said of Jurel.

However, Ashwin opposes the reintroduction of the Right to Match (RTM) rule, which allows teams to retain players they have released.

“If a franchise has released a player because they don’t see him in their top four or five, then what gives them the right to jump in during an auction,” Ashwin argued.

He suggests that players should have the option to decide if they want to be RTMed and that a pre-determined price should be set by the player.

BBL and WBBL Release Draft Nominations for 2023 Season

BBL and WBBL Release Draft Nominations for 2023 Season

The Big Bash League (BBL) and Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) have released their respective lists of nominations for the upcoming draft, scheduled for September 1. The BBL list features 432 players, while the WBBL list includes 161 players.

BBL Nominations:

The Adelaide Strikers have retained Adam Hose, Jamie Overton, and David Payne. The Brisbane Heat have retained Paul Walter and Tom Banton. The Hobart Hurricanes have retained Corey Anderson and Sam Hain. The Melbourne Renegades have retained Joe Clarke, Jordan Cox, and Mujeeb Ur Rahman. The Melbourne Stars have retained Dan Lawrence, Imad Wasim, Liam Dawson, Olly Stone, Usama Mir, and Haris Rauf. The Perth Scorchers have retained Zak Crawley, Stephen Eskinazi, Laurie Evans, and Tymal Mills. The Sydney Sixers have retained Izharulhuq Naveed, Rehan Ahmed, and James Vince. The Sydney Thunder have retained Alex Hales, Zaman Khan, and Tom Kohler-Cadmore.

WBBL Nominations:

The Adelaide Strikers have retained Georgia Adams and Laura Wolvaardt. The Brisbane Heat have retained Bess Heath. The Hobart Hurricanes have retained Shabnim Ismail and Bryony Smit. The Melbourne Renegades have retained Eve Jones and Harmanpreet Kaur. The Melbourne Stars have retained Alice Capsey and Sophia Dunkley. The Perth Scorchers have retained Amy Jones, Lauren Winfield-Hill, and Danni Wyatt. The Sydney Sixers have retained Suzie Bates, Sophie Ecclestone, Jess Kerr, Chloe Tryon, and Linsey Smith. The Sydney Thunder have retained Heather Knight.

Kohli to Face Mixed Reception in Australia, Says Lawson

Kohli to Face Mixed Reception in Australia, Says Lawson

Former Australian cricketer Geoff Lawson predicts a mixed reception for India’s Virat Kohli from Australian crowds during the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Lawson believes Kohli’s fierce competitive nature could paint him as a “faux villain,” contrasting with the more amiable Jasprit Bumrah.

Lawson told Mid-day, “Virat Kohli will play the faux villain to Jasprit Bumrah’s likeable nature.” He added, “Bumrah, with the fast bowler’s privilege of spending half a life at fine leg, has the perfect chance to interact with the crowd, winning smiles and hearts. Meanwhile, Kohli will lurk in the infield, appealing vociferously, fielding magnificently, and engaging verbally with any Australian player so inclined to conversation — and there will be one or two of those.”

Lawson commented on the complicated relationship Australian fans have with Kohli, noting they appreciate strong competition yet may react to his on-field demeanor. “They may give him some grief if he plays the antagonist, but you can guarantee that if he makes 50s and 100s, he will be loudly applauded by the fans. He has shown a liking for Australian conditions ever since his first tour 13 years ago. Bounce and pace suited his two-footed game, but the question in 2024 is whether he still has the razor sharpness to best Australia’s attack on their home surfaces. I wouldn’t count him out.”

Despite Australia’s overall superior record in Test cricket against India, recent years have seen the Border-Gavaskar Trophy remain intensely competitive. India have held onto the trophy through three successive series wins, including two victories on Australian soil. Nevertheless, Lawson believes it is time for the trophy to return to Australia.

“Pat Cummins may smile a lot, but his competitiveness is ingrained and powerful,” Lawson noted. “Some Australian players have been quoted as having unfinished business. The Border-Gavaskar Trophy has been loaned to the BCCI for a decade; it’s time to get it back on the trophy shelves in Jolimont [Cricket Australia’s headquarters in Victoria]. Australia may hold the World Test Championship, but without a home series win against India, the crown sits unsteadily.”

Lawson, who represented Australia in 46 Tests and 79 ODIs between 1980 and 1989, emphasized the significance of reclaiming the trophy to reinforce Australia’s dominance in Test cricket, particularly on home soil.

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