News Archives

Kylian Mbappe’s Brace Sends Barcelona Crashing Out of Champions League

By Nilay April 17, 2024 0

FC Barcelona’s Champions League hopes were dashed by a resurgent Paris Saint-Germain, led by the unstoppable Kylian Mbappe. The French superstar, who is widely expected to join Real Madrid at the end of the season, proved to be Barcelona’s nemesis once again, scoring a stunning brace to seal PSG’s 4-1 victory.

Barcelona had taken an early lead through Raphinha, but Ronald Araujo’s red card in the 29th minute proved to be a turning point. PSG capitalized on their numerical advantage, with Ousmane Dembele equalizing before Vitinha gave them the lead. Mbappe then took center stage, converting a penalty in the 61st minute and adding a second in the 89th minute to complete his brace.

Mbappe’s performance was a reminder of his immense talent and the threat he poses to any defense. The 25-year-old has now scored 41 goals this season, including eight in the Champions League. He is the first player in Europe’s top flight to reach the 40-goal mark this season.

Barcelona’s elimination from the Champions League has also confirmed Atletico Madrid’s berth in the inaugural 32-team FIFA Club World Cup. Barcelona were behind Atletico in the rankings, and their defeat to PSG secured Atletico’s qualification for the FIFA event.

Categories: Football

Indian Shooters Prepare for Olympic Selection Trials with a New Mindset

By Nilay April 17, 2024 0

Indian shooters are gearing up for the first of two training camps leading into the Olympic Selection Trials (OST), a month-long exercise that will determine India’s representation in rifle and pistol events at the Paris Olympics. The OST is a first-of-its-kind event, with shooters vying for Paris spots through a scoring system that will factor in their best three scores from the trials.

National rifle coach Suma Shirur has noticed a slight shift in the body language of shooters, who are accustomed to checking into national camps regularly. This time, they are “a little bit on the edge,” with questions about how to prepare for an event like this. Shirur has addressed these concerns through routine discussions, interactive sessions with Olympians, and reiterating the attitude to be taken into the trials.

The approach to these high-pressure trials is crucial, as the anxiety of making the Olympics team can be unnerving. Shirur emphasizes the importance of developing strategies for handling the pressure and staying in the moment. Former rifle shooter turned coach Deepali Deshpande believes the key to the right approach lies in planning, using all events in 2023 for confidence building and ensuring quotas are secured.

Deshpande acknowledges the risk of shooters laying too much emphasis on the trials, potentially affecting their performance at the Olympics. However, she believes that the shooters will be ready for the challenge of peaking twice in around three months. Shirur agrees, stating that shooting doesn’t require physical peaks, so the focus will be entirely on mental peaking.

After the trials, shooters will need to take a break for recovery and get back to the basics before redirecting their energies into the Olympics. Shirur emphasizes the importance of rest and recovery to ensure that every selected shooter is well rested and hungry to perform at the Olympics.

Categories: Others

Sunil Narine Hints at International Cricket Return for T20 World Cup

By Nilay April 17, 2024 0

Sunil Narine, the enigmatic West Indian spinner, has hinted at a potential return to international cricket for the T20 World Cup in 2024. Narine, who announced his retirement from international cricket in November 2023, has been coaxed by West Indies T20I captain Rovman Powell to reconsider his decision.

After hitting a magnificent century for Kolkata Knight Riders in the Indian Premier League (IPL), Narine hinted at a possible change of heart. “It is what it is, but let’s see what the future holds,” Narine said when asked about his retirement decision.

Powell has been persistent in his efforts to convince Narine to return, revealing that he has been “whispering in his ears” for the past 12 months. “I’ve asked [Kieron] Pollard, [Dwayne] Bravo, [Nicholas] Pooran. Hopefully, before they select the team, they can crack his code,” Powell said.

Powell himself played a crucial role in Rajasthan Royals’ victory over Kolkata Knight Riders, hitting 26 off 13 balls at a crucial stage of the chase. He praised the team management for their communication and support, even when he was not playing.

Powell also revealed that he has been lobbying for a batting promotion, likening his batting position to that of his role in the West Indies team. “I told them, ‘hey, I bat at No. 4 or 5 for West Indies and if you think West Indies is a good T20 side, then you can push me up the order,” he said.

The emotions at the end of the match were described by Powell as a “roller-coaster ride” as Royals pulled off the highest successful chase in IPL history. He admitted that he had not planned to take on Narine but reacted to the situation and backed his strengths.

Categories: Cricket

IPL Quotes: Insights into the Minds of Cricket’s Elite

By Nilay April 17, 2024 0

The Indian Premier League (IPL) has become a spectacle of extraordinary performances, but it has also been a stage for memorable quotes. These quotes offer a glimpse into the minds of the players, revealing their perspectives on the game and their own abilities.

One such quote came from Suryakumar Yadav, the world’s top-ranked batter. Yadav admitted that he had never faced Jasprit Bumrah in the nets because “either he breaks my bat or my foot.” This statement encapsulates the fear and respect that Bumrah commands among his opponents.

Bumrah, India’s pace spearhead, is a master of deception. His short run-up and ability to deliver a wide range of deliveries at high speeds make him an unpredictable force. As Bumrah himself explained, “There is no ego in this format.” This humility reflects his understanding that the game is not about individual glory but about team success.

In contrast to Bumrah’s humility, Sunil Narine, Kolkata Knight Riders’ opening batter, believes that “the less I know, the better it is for me.” Narine’s philosophy is to clear his mind of unnecessary information and focus solely on hitting the ball. This approach has paid off, as he has been a key contributor to KKR’s success.

These quotes highlight the different mindsets that exist within the IPL. Some players, like Bumrah, are driven by a desire to dominate their opponents. Others, like Narine, prefer to adopt a more relaxed and instinctive approach. Regardless of their individual styles, these players have all made their mark on the IPL, leaving behind a legacy of memorable quotes that capture the essence of the game.

Categories: Cricket

The Unsung Heroes of Tennis: Tournament Stringers

By Nilay April 17, 2024 0

Behind the Scenes: The Unsung Heroes of Tennis Tournaments

In the glamorous world of professional tennis, the spotlight often shines on the players, coaches, and sponsors. However, there’s a group of individuals who play a crucial role in ensuring the smooth operation of every tournament: the stringers.

At major events like the BNP Paribas Open, the stringing room is a hub of activity. Led by Mitch Case, a PTR certified coach and USRSA Master Technician, a team of expert stringers work tirelessly to prepare racquets for the world’s top players.

The stringing room is a dedicated space equipped with 11 primary stringers and machines, a center area for racquet preparation, and a front desk for player interactions. The team consists of experienced stringers with Grand Slam and Masters 1000 experience.

Case describes the atmosphere in the stringing room as “not very glamorous.” Interactions with players are minimal, with most communication occurring through the front desk staff or team members. However, the stringers take pride in their work, knowing that a well-strung racquet can make a significant difference in a player’s performance.

The workload during a tournament is intense. During the early days, stringers handle over 300 racquets per day, with each stringer responsible for 30-40 racquets. The hours are long, with stringers arriving at 7-7:30 a.m. and often staying until the last match of the day.

Stringers are assigned specific players to ensure consistency in technique and machine usage. However, there are exceptions, such as when a player needs an “on-court” stringing during a match.

Case recalls a particularly stressful day when he had 14 racquets due at various times. He also mentions a player who requested the highest possible tension, resulting in a stringbed that moved when weaving crosses.

Despite the challenges, Case finds the experience rewarding. He enjoys the camaraderie with his fellow stringers and the opportunity to collaborate with experts in the field. The challenge of stringing for the world’s best players is also a source of motivation.

Categories: Tennis

Nakashima Stuns Rublev in Barcelona, Continues Resurgence

By Nilay April 16, 2024 0

Brandon Nakashima, the 22-year-old American tennis star, has made a remarkable resurgence in the 2024 season. After spending the first two months competing at the ATP Challenger level, Nakashima has regained his form and climbed nearly 50 spots in the rankings.

On Tuesday, Nakashima achieved his biggest win of the season at the ATP 500 Barcelona Open Banc Sabadell. He defeated Andrey Rublev, the No. 2 seed, in straight sets (6-4, 7-6 (6)). Nakashima’s victory was particularly impressive considering Rublev’s recent struggles. The Russian has lost eight consecutive sets and has only one win since being disqualified from the Dubai semifinals.

Nakashima’s success in Barcelona is a testament to his hard work and determination. He controlled the match with his backhand crosscourt and mixed it up with slices and drop shots. Despite making only 55% of his first serves, Nakashima was not broken throughout the contest.

Rublev’s frustration was evident as he slammed his racquet to the clay court six times before shaking hands. The world No. 8 has been in a downward spiral since his disqualification in Dubai.

Nakashima’s victory over Rublev is his second Top 10 win, adding to his triumph over Holger Rune in Shanghai in October 2023. The 2022 Next Gen ATP Finals champion has won four of five matches on clay this year.

Other notable results from the Barcelona Open include the upsets of eighth seed Sebastian Baez and 15th seed Borna Coric. Matteo Arnaldi saved four match points to stun Baez, while Facundo Diaz Acosta defeated Coric in straight sets.

Nakashima’s resurgence is a positive sign for American tennis. The young star has the potential to become a top player in the world, and his recent performances suggest that he is on the right track.

Categories: Tennis

IPL 2023: Attacking Batting May Trump Defensive Bowling, Says Ponting

By Nilay April 16, 2024 0

The Indian Premier League (IPL) has witnessed an unprecedented surge in high-scoring matches this season, with four of the five all-time highest totals being recorded. Sunrisers Hyderabad has set the bar with the top two scores (287 and 277), followed by Kolkata Knight Riders (272) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (262).

Delhi Capitals head coach Ricky Ponting believes that the team with the most aggressive batting approach will emerge victorious in this year’s IPL. “The Impact Player rule is having a big effect on how teams are batting,” Ponting said. “You saw how Travis [Head] batted [versus RCB]. You cannot bat that way unless you have confidence in the batters underneath you and unless you bat deep.”

Ponting also highlighted the importance of defensive bowling, noting that the teams with the best defensive bowling records have often won major tournaments like the IPL and Big Bash League. However, he acknowledged that the current trend in the IPL suggests that attacking batting may be more effective than defensive bowling.

Ponting also addressed his team’s struggles in the death overs, particularly with South African pacer Anrich Nortje conceding a significant number of runs. “Looking through the stats, I think there are only three teams that are going at under-10 at the death,” Ponting said. “And if you go for say 13, the difference is huge in that phase. But it is a difference of just one or two balls. With the T20 game, that is how crucial every ball is. We know we have to tighten up and, trust me, we are working really hard.”

Categories: Cricket

Sunil Narine’s Century Powers KKR to Victory Over RR

By Nilay April 16, 2024 0

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 witnessed a thrilling encounter between Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Rajasthan Royals (RR) at the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata. The match was marked by a scintillating century from West Indies star Sunil Narine, who propelled KKR to a commanding victory.

Rajasthan Royals captain Sanju Samson opted to bowl first after winning the toss, hoping to capitalize on the conditions. However, KKR openers Phil Salt and Sunil Narine had other plans. The duo put on a solid partnership of 75 runs before Salt was dismissed for 32.

Narine continued his onslaught, smashing a 49-ball century, the fastest in IPL 2024. He hit 10 fours and 7 sixes in his whirlwind knock, leaving the RR bowlers clueless. Shreyas Iyer (25) and Venkatesh Iyer (22) provided valuable support as KKR posted a formidable total of 210/6.

In response, RR got off to a decent start with Yashasvi Jaiswal (35) and Rovman Powell (28) putting on 63 runs for the first wicket. However, the KKR bowlers, led by Mitchell Starc (3/32) and Varun Chakravarthy (2/35), kept chipping away at the RR batting lineup.

Sanju Samson (29) and Riyan Parag (25) tried to revive the chase, but their efforts were not enough. RR eventually fell short by 37 runs, with KKR securing a crucial victory.

The match also witnessed a special moment when Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan, the co-owner of KKR, met Indian cricket legend Jhulan Goswami. The two icons shared a warm embrace, highlighting the growing stature of women’s cricket in India.

Categories: Cricket

Tennis Channel Appoints First Europe-Based Executive to Lead German Expansion

By Nilay April 16, 2024 0

Tennis Channel has expanded its global reach by appointing Matthias Hahn as its first Europe-based executive. Hahn will lead the network’s German-language platforms in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.

Hahn’s responsibilities include establishing a local executive team in Munich, overseeing subscriber growth, and developing strategies for profitability. He will also manage sponsor relationships, marketing initiatives, and pricing decisions.

Hahn brings a wealth of experience in the media industry. Prior to joining Tennis Channel, he held senior sales positions at TiVo and Sky Germany. His expertise in monetizing streaming services and managing distribution agreements will be invaluable to Tennis Channel’s international expansion.

Launched in 2020, Tennis Channel Germany offers a tailored programming lineup for audiences in the region. It features series hosted by and focused on players from Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, as well as classic matches with all-time greats from the area.

Tennis Channel Germany complements the network’s extensive coverage of top-level live tennis throughout the year. The network holds rights to the four majors, all ATP and WTA Tour competitions, and other prestigious events.

Tennis Channel’s parent company, Sinclair, Inc., is a diversified media company with a strong presence in local news and sports. The company owns and operates over 185 television stations and provides services to 21 regional sports network brands.

Hahn’s appointment reflects Tennis Channel’s commitment to expanding its international footprint and providing tennis fans around the world with access to high-quality content.

Categories: Tennis

RCB’s Woes Continue: Lack of Indian Support Staff, Poor Recruitment Blamed

By Nilay April 16, 2024 0

Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), a perennial underachiever in the Indian Premier League (IPL), has once again disappointed its fans in the 2024 season. With six defeats in seven matches, RCB languishes at the bottom of the 10-team points table.

Former India cricketer Virender Sehwag believes the lack of Indian support staff is a major issue for RCB. “If you have 12-15 Indian players, just 10 overseas and your entire staff is made of foreigners, that’s an issue,” Sehwag said. “Players need a comfort level which they are not getting presently.”

Manoj Tiwary, another former India player, points to poor recruitment as another problem. “All the good players of this franchise leave to go and play for other teams,” Tiwary said. “You let them go. You don’t persist with Virat Kohli’s captaincy.”

Tiwary also criticized RCB’s bowling, calling it “not a problem.” “They don’t have a specialist spinner,” he said. “You’re making Will Jacks open the bowling. Sometimes Mahipal Lomror and even some of the on-field captaincy calls are terrible.”

Despite the dismal start, RCB still has a mathematical chance of making the playoffs. However, they will need to win almost all of their remaining matches and hope for other results to go their way.

Categories: Cricket

Kylian Mbappe’s Brace Sends Barcelona Crashing Out of Champions League

Indian Shooters Prepare for Olympic Selection Trials with a New Mindset

Sunil Narine Hints at International Cricket Return for T20 World Cup

IPL Quotes: Insights into the Minds of Cricket’s Elite

The Unsung Heroes of Tennis: Tournament Stringers

Nakashima Stuns Rublev in Barcelona, Continues Resurgence

IPL 2023: Attacking Batting May Trump Defensive Bowling, Says Ponting

Sunil Narine’s Century Powers KKR to Victory Over RR

Tennis Channel Appoints First Europe-Based Executive to Lead German Expansion

RCB’s Woes Continue: Lack of Indian Support Staff, Poor Recruitment Blamed

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