US Open Offers Record $75 Million in Player Compensation

US Open Offers Record $75 Million in Player Compensation

The US Open, the final Grand Slam tennis tournament of the year, is set to offer a record-breaking $75 million in compensation to players, a significant increase of 15% from the previous year. This substantial purse surpasses the prize money offered by other major tennis championships, including Wimbledon, the French Open, and the Australian Open.

The winners of the men’s and women’s singles titles will each receive a staggering $3.6 million, a 20% increase from last year’s $3 million. However, this amount still falls short of the pre-pandemic payout of $3.85 million awarded to the 2019 champions.

The total compensation includes expenses for players, and every round of the main draw and qualifying has seen an increase. First-round losers in the 128-person brackets for women’s and men’s singles will receive $100,000 each, a significant jump from $81,500 in 2023 and $58,000 in 2019.

Doubles champions will also benefit from the increased prize money, with each team receiving $750,000, up from $700,000 last year.

The US Open’s commitment to player compensation reflects the tournament’s status as one of the most prestigious and lucrative events in tennis. The increased prize money is expected to attract top players and enhance the overall quality of the competition.

Play in the main draws for singles begins on August 26 at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center and concludes with the women’s final on September 7 and the men’s final on September 8.

Neeraj Chopra Clinches Silver in Javelin Throw at Paris Olympics 2024

Neeraj Chopra Clinches Silver in Javelin Throw at Paris Olympics 2024

India’s Olympic medal drought at the Paris 2024 Games ended with a silver medal from javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra, who fell short of defending his Tokyo gold but secured India’s first podium finish in the French capital.

Chopra’s best throw of 89.45 meters, recorded in his second attempt, was a season-best but not enough to surpass Pakistan’s Arshad Nadeem, who claimed the gold with a monumental throw of 92.97 meters, breaking the Olympic record.

The competition began tensely, with Chopra, Nadeem, and Julian Weber all committing fouls on their first attempts. Nadeem, however, quickly turned things around with a throw that surpassed the 90-meter mark, putting pressure on Chopra.

Chopra responded with his second attempt, but another foul on his third try left him trailing Nadeem. After three rounds, four competitors were eliminated, leaving Chopra to face fierce competition from Jakub Vadlejch, Anderson Peters, Julius Yego, and Weber.

In the fourth round, Peters took the lead with an 88.54, while Chopra fouled again. Nadeem played it safe, staying within bounds but managing only a 79.40-meter throw. Despite the dip in distance, Nadeem remained in the lead, with Chopra holding onto second place.

More fouls from Chopra in the fifth round allowed Nadeem to extend his lead. With just one throw left for each competitor, Chopra fouled again, sealing his fate with a silver medal. Nadeem’s gold was guaranteed even before his final throw, which he celebrated with a gigantic 91.79-meter throw.

Chopra’s silver medal brings India’s medal count at Paris 2024 to five, with a chance for another on Friday. After Swapnil Kusale’s bronze in the men’s 50m rifle 3 position final, India went six days without winning a medal before Neeraj’s silver and the men’s hockey team’s second consecutive bronze on Thursday evening.

Pakistani Javelin Thrower Arshad Nadeem Shatters Olympic Record

Pakistani Javelin Thrower Arshad Nadeem Shatters Olympic Record

Pakistan’s Arshad Nadeem has etched his name in Olympic history by shattering the men’s javelin throw record with an extraordinary 92.97m throw during the final. Achieving this monumental feat on his second attempt, Nadeem eclipsed the previous Olympic record of 90.57m, set by Norway’s Andreas Thorkildsen.

Despite a rocky start, during which he initially aborted his first attempt due to a flawed run-up and eventually did not register his opening throw, Nadeem displayed remarkable composure and precision to deliver the record-breaking throw that stunned the athletics world.

The Pakistan javelin thrower, who claimed the silver medal at the 2023 World Championships, has consistently been a formidable force in the javelin circuit, and his Olympic record further cements his legacy. His primary rival, India’s Neeraj Chopra, led the qualification round with an impressive 89.34m throw and later improved to a season-best 89.45m in the final.

Nadeem was a gold medallist at the 2022 Commonwealth Games, which Chopra skipped owing to an injury. He also won a bronze medal at the 2018 Asian Games. In the previous Olympics, Nadeem stood fifth with the highest attempt of 84.62m.

Nadeem was widely seen as Pakistan’s top contender for a medal at the Olympic games, and with his gargantuan throw in the final, he has all but assured that he will stand on the podium after the final. If Arshad wins a medal, he will become the first track and field athlete from the country to stand on the Olympic podium.

Nadeem’s record-breaking throw is a testament to his unwavering determination and exceptional talent. It is a moment of immense pride for Pakistan and a historic achievement that will inspire generations to come.

Vinesh Phogat's CAS Appeal to Overturn Disqualification Set for Friday

Vinesh Phogat’s CAS Appeal to Overturn Disqualification Set for Friday

Vinesh Phogat’s appeal to overturn her disqualification from the Paris Olympics 50kg weight division will be heard by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) on Friday at 9am Paris time. The Indian wrestler was disqualified for being 100 grams overweight during her final weigh-in, resulting in her last place finish.

Phogat’s appeal seeks to overturn her disqualification and award her a shared silver medal. The hearing was initially scheduled for Thursday but has been postponed by a day. The Indian side, initially represented by pro bono lawyers, may now have an established lawyer to present Vinesh’s case.

The CAS has established an ad hoc division in Paris to hear cases during the Olympics, led by president Michael Lenard of the US. The division has dismissed several cases filed during the Games, including one by Spaniard David Sanchez Lopez on Thursday.

The Indian contingent had previously appealed to the United World Wrestling (UWW), requesting that wrestlers not be disqualified for results achieved on days when they met the weigh-in requirements. However, the UWW declined to make any changes, emphasizing the need to adhere to rules without exception.

Phogat’s disqualification has sparked controversy, with many questioning the fairness of disqualifying an athlete for a minor weight discrepancy. The outcome of her appeal will be closely watched by the Indian sporting community and the international wrestling fraternity.

Southern Brave Triumph with Wyatt's Heroics in Rain-Hit Clash

Southern Brave Triumph with Wyatt’s Heroics in Rain-Hit Clash

Southern Brave, the defending champions of The Hundred, secured their first victory of the 2023 season with a seven-wicket triumph over Oval Invincibles in a rain-affected encounter. England star Danni Wyatt played a pivotal role in the victory, guiding her team to the target with an unbeaten 46 from 37 deliveries.

Wyatt’s innings was characterized by resilience, as she twice survived being dropped by the Invincibles fielders. Her knock included four boundaries and a six, and she played a crucial role in anchoring the Brave’s chase.

The Invincibles, who were put into bat, struggled to gain momentum due to the impressive bowling of Lauren Cheatle and Tilly Corteen-Coleman. Cheatle dismissed Chamari Athapaththu for a duck and Alice Capsey for 16, while Corteen-Coleman accounted for Lauren Winfield-Hill and Paige Scholfield.

Marizanne Kapp provided some late resistance for the Invincibles, scoring an unbeaten 26 from 17 balls. However, the Brave’s bowlers kept the Invincibles in check, restricting them to a total of 79 for 4 from their allotted 65 balls.

With a revised target of 83 set by the DLS method, the Brave began their chase cautiously. Smriti Mandhana was run out cheaply, while Maia Bouchier was bowled by Ryana MacDonald-Gay.

Wyatt, however, remained unfazed and played a composed innings. She received support from Freya Kemp (14) and Chloe Tryon (10), but it was her experience and composure that ultimately guided the Brave to victory.

In the final over, Wyatt faced a tense situation with five runs needed from five balls. She calmly dispatched Sophia Smale over the leg side for the winning boundary, securing a much-needed victory for the Brave.

Leicestershire Foxes Triumph in Rain-Hit Clash Against Yorkshire Vikings

Leicestershire Foxes Triumph in Rain-Hit Clash Against Yorkshire Vikings

Leicestershire Foxes emerged victorious in their rain-affected Metro Bank One-Day Cup clash against Yorkshire Vikings at Scarborough, securing an eight-wicket win via the DLS method.

Ian Holland played a pivotal role for the champions, contributing with both bat and ball. As an opening bowler, he claimed two wickets for 39 runs from 10 overs, dismissing Fin Bean and Shan Masood. Later, as an opener, Holland smashed 42 runs off 25 balls, setting the tone for Leicestershire’s chase.

Yorkshire, after being inserted to bat, posted a competitive 236 for 7 from 50 overs. Dom Bess and Matthew Revis played crucial innings, scoring 60 and 55 not out respectively. The pair shared a 112-run partnership for the seventh wicket, rescuing Yorkshire from a precarious 118 for 6.

Leicestershire’s bowlers, led by Holland, Tom Scriven, and Alex Green, restricted Yorkshire’s scoring early on. They took four wickets in the first 25 overs, conceding only three boundaries during that period.

In response, Leicestershire chased down the revised target of 150 from 22 overs with ease. Holland and Lewis Hill formed a formidable opening partnership, putting on 62 runs before Holland departed. Hill remained unbeaten on 71 off 54 balls, hitting four sixes. Ajinkya Rahane contributed 28 runs as Leicestershire sealed victory with 2.2 overs to spare.

This win propelled Leicestershire into the top three places in Group B, while Yorkshire suffered their third loss in six fixtures.

Middlesex Beat Lancashire in One-Day Cup Thriller

Middlesex Beat Lancashire in One-Day Cup Thriller

Middlesex secured a crucial five-wicket victory over Lancashire in their Metro Bank One-Day Cup clash at Emirates Old Trafford, boosting their chances of reaching the knockout stages.

Lancashire’s innings got off to a shaky start, losing two early wickets. However, 16-year-old debutant Kesh Fonseka (42) and Rocky Flintoff (88) steadied the ship with a 58-run partnership. Flintoff, playing his fifth innings for Lancashire, reached his maiden fifty for the county, hitting six fours and two sixes.

Despite Flintoff’s heroics, Middlesex’s bowlers kept the pressure on, with Henry Brookes (4-43) and Ethan Bamber (2-31) sharing seven wickets. Lancashire’s innings ended on 233 for 9 in the rain-reduced 48-over match.

In reply, Middlesex openers Joe Cracknell (98) and Sam Robson (87*) put on a dominant 175-run partnership for the second wicket. Cracknell reached his fifty off 71 balls, while Robson reached his half-century off 64 balls.

Lancashire fought back late in the innings, taking four wickets in quick succession. However, Robson remained unbeaten, guiding Middlesex to victory with eight balls to spare. Josh Boyden (2-35) and Jack Morley (3-48) were the pick of the Lancashire bowlers.

The victory keeps Middlesex in contention for a place in the knockout stages, while Lancashire’s hopes of qualification are fading.

Bangladesh Cricketers Grapple with Political Unrest and Personal Loss

Bangladesh Cricketers Grapple with Political Unrest and Personal Loss

Bangladesh’s recent political and social unrest has had a profound impact on its cricketers. Wicketkeeper-batter Nurul Hasan actively participated in the protests, facing police pursuit in Dhaka. Akbar Ali and Kamrul Islam Rabbi openly supported the student movement from its inception.

Anamul Haque, the Bangladesh batter, endured a personal tragedy when his close friend Akram was killed in the Dhaka student protests on July 25. Leading Bangladesh A in two four-day games against Pakistan A in Islamabad, Anamul shared his harrowing experience during the protests.

“Losing contact with my family during the protests was traumatizing, especially after my friend’s death,” Anamul said. “I was in Chattogram and couldn’t reach them in Dhaka. This tragedy affected everyone in some way.”

Like many in Dhaka, Anamul faced sleepless nights as uncertainty and chaos gripped the capital. “I was awake from 2am to 5am, taking care of my child,” he recalled. “I went out to see what was happening and witnessed people guarding their property. We don’t want to live like this. We deserve peace and fundamental rights.”

Anamul praised the students for managing Dhaka’s traffic in the absence of the police force. “They’re doing an extraordinary job, maintaining discipline,” he said. “This is the country we’ve always wanted.”

Regarding the silence of Shakib Al Hasan and Mashrafe Mortaza, two prominent Bangladesh cricketers and Awami League MPs, Anamul remained diplomatic. “It’s up to the individual whether they want to speak out,” he said. “I was focused on my family and my friend’s family. I wrote about him on social media, but others may have different perspectives.”

Anamul expressed hope that Bangladesh A’s tour of Pakistan would provide valuable preparation for the senior team’s upcoming Test series. “Cricket unites us,” he said. “This tour will help us, especially the Test series in Pakistan. We’re playing Tests after a long time, and we hope to bring some cheer to our fans during these challenging times.”

Indian Hockey Team Defends Bronze Medal at Paris Olympics with Trust and Teamwork

Indian Hockey Team Defends Bronze Medal at Paris Olympics with Trust and Teamwork

Coach Craig Fulton’s unwavering belief in building trust and teamwork propelled the Indian hockey team to defend its bronze medal at the Paris Olympics. Fulton emphasized the importance of fostering a strong bond among the players, recognizing that it was the foundation for their success.

The team’s journey began with a gold medal at the Asian Games, securing their qualification for the Olympics. Despite facing challenges in the Pro League, the team remained confident in their abilities. Fulton’s unwavering belief in their potential instilled a sense of determination within the players.

The quarterfinal match against Great Britain proved to be a defining moment. Despite being reduced to 10 men after Amit Rohidas’ red card suspension, the team displayed remarkable resilience. They fought valiantly for 43 minutes, ultimately securing a hard-fought victory. Fulton hailed this performance as one of his proudest moments on the hockey field.

The semifinal match against Germany was a tough battle, but the Indian team played with heart and determination. While they were unable to score, Fulton praised their fighting spirit. He also acknowledged the team’s resilience in the bronze medal match against Spain, where they faced a relentless attack in the final quarter.

Fulton credited the team’s success to the lessons they learned during their training sessions with Paddy Upton and Mike Horn, who were part of the World Cup-winning Indian cricket team. These sessions focused on mental toughness and the importance of embracing challenges. Fulton believes that these experiences played a crucial role in the team’s ability to overcome adversity and achieve their goals.

Sri Lankan Cricketers Express Safety Concerns Amidst UK Riots

Sri Lankan Cricketers Express Safety Concerns Amidst UK Riots

The Sri Lankan cricket team’s upcoming test series against England has been overshadowed by concerns over player safety amidst ongoing anti-immigrant riots in Britain. Several Sri Lankan players currently in England for pre-series training have expressed their anxieties to the Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) board, requesting enhanced security measures.

“We can’t go out to dinner or do anything like that. Mostly we stay in the hotel. No one wants to run into trouble and get beaten up,” a Sri Lankan player in England told ESPNcricinfo.

Sri Lankan team manager, Mahinda Halangoda, has formally addressed these concerns with the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), particularly after reports of unrest in Manchester, the venue for the first test match.

“I raised the issue with them, and the ECB responded very quickly and sent us their comprehensive security arrangements. We’ll be having a security liaison on the tour from them as well,” Halangoda stated.

The ECB has assured the Sri Lankan team of comprehensive security arrangements, but the players’ apprehension underscores the potential impact of broader societal issues on international sporting events.

This situation presents a parallel to Sri Lanka’s own experience in 2022, when the island nation faced significant political and economic turmoil, leading to ethical concerns raised by Australia and Pakistan regarding touring for a bilateral series. Ultimately, the Asia Cup, initially planned to be held in Sri Lanka, was relocated to the United Arab Emirates due to the unrest.

The SLC will be keen to ensure their players can focus on the upcoming series without undue anxiety. The effectiveness of the ECB’s security measures and the overall management of the situation will be closely observed, setting a precedent for future touring teams navigating similar circumstances.

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