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Sinner Cruises Past Sonego in Madrid, Extends Unbeaten Record

Sinner Cruises Past Sonego in Madrid, Extends Unbeaten Record

By April 27, 2024 0

Jannik Sinner’s maiden appearance as the top seed at an ATP Masters 1000 event proved to be a resounding success as he cruised to a 6-0, 6-3 victory over fellow Italian Lorenzo Sonego in the second round of the Mutua Madrid Open.

Despite the unfamiliarity of being the tournament’s top seed, Sinner found solace in facing a familiar opponent in Sonego. The 22-year-old set the tone early, winning the first 10 points and losing just eight in the opening set. Sonego managed to get on the scoreboard in the second set, but Sinner’s dominance continued as he broke serve four times, including the decisive break in the fourth game.

Sinner’s victory extended his unbeaten record against Sonego to 5-0, with only one set dropped in those matches. The Italian prodigy never faced a break point and lost just nine points in eight service games, showcasing his exceptional serving prowess.

In the third round, Sinner will face either Jordan Thompson of Australia or Pavel Kotov. The 22-year-old will be aiming to continue his impressive run in Madrid and secure a spot in the last 16.

Sinner’s performance in Madrid is a testament to his growing maturity and consistency. Despite the pressure of being the top seed, he remained composed and executed his game plan with precision. His victory over Sonego also highlights his ability to perform at the highest level against familiar opponents.

As Sinner continues his journey in Madrid, he will face tougher challenges. However, his impressive start to the tournament suggests that he is ready to make a deep run and potentially claim his first ATP Masters 1000 title.

Categories: Tennis
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Indian Grandmasters to Lead Charge in Enhanced FIDE Women's Grand Prix Series

Indian Grandmasters to Lead Charge in Enhanced FIDE Women’s Grand Prix Series

By April 27, 2024 0

The 2024-2025 FIDE Women’s Grand Prix Series is set to witness an exciting battle of wits as India’s top female grandmasters Koneru Humpy, Harika Dronavalli, and R Vaishali join a star-studded field. The trio has earned their spots through impressive performances, fulfilling the qualifying conditions.

The series has undergone significant enhancements, with the number of tournaments increasing from four to six and the number of participants expanding from 16 to 20. This expansion provides more opportunities for women chess players to showcase their skills and compete for a larger prize pool.

Among the notable participants are three reigning women’s world champions in classical time control: Tan Zhongyi, Alexandra Kosteniuk, and Mariya Muzychuk. Former rapid world champions Humpy, Kateryna Lagno, and Anna Muzychuk will also grace the event.

The absence of reigning champion Ju Wenjun has opened the door for Sarasadat Khademalsharieh, the vice champion of both the Women’s World Rapid and Women’s World Blitz Championships 2018. Khademalsharieh qualified by rating according to the April 2024 FIDE Rating List.

FIDE CEO Emil Sutovsky emphasized the importance of the Women’s Grand Prix for promoting women’s chess. “We want more women to play, and we want them to have more events, better events, and better conditions,” he said. “The Women’s Grand Prix is one of the most important events for us in promoting women’s chess.”

Humpy’s impressive second-place finish in the women’s section of the FIDE Candidates tournament in Toronto and Vaishali’s fourth-place finish highlight the strength of the Indian contingent. The trio will be eager to make a mark on the international stage and challenge for the coveted title.

Categories: Others
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India and Bangladesh Begin T20 World Cup Preparations with Five-Match Series

India and Bangladesh Begin T20 World Cup Preparations with Five-Match Series

By April 27, 2024 0

India and Bangladesh are set to clash in a five-match T20I series in Sylhet, starting Sunday, as both teams prepare for the T20 World Cup in Bangladesh later this year.

Bangladesh, who were thrashed 3-0 by Australia at home recently, will be looking to improve their batting, which struggled against the Aussies. Captain Nigar Sultana was the only consistent performer, scoring 96 runs in three innings. The hosts will need top-order batters such as Fargana Hoque, Sobhana Mostary, and Rubya Haider to provide a solid foundation.

India, on the other hand, will be hoping to carry the momentum from the 2024 WPL into international cricket. Several of their international players got back to form in the tournament, including openers Shafali Verma and Smriti Mandhana. With some new names in the mix, India will be keen to experiment and find their ideal combinations before the T20 World Cup.

One of the key problems for India will be how to accommodate all their talented spinners. Legspinner S Asha and spin-bowling allrounder S Sajana have earned maiden international call-ups on the back of their WPL performance, while Radha Yadav has returned to the squad after a year. With Deepti Sharma and Shreyanka Patil being the first-choice spinners, it remains to be seen how India squeeze in Asha, Radha, and Saika Ishaque in the XI.

The pitch and conditions in Sylhet are expected to assist the seamers initially, but both teams might still bank on spinners for wickets. India have played two T20Is against Bangladesh at this venue, and both times, they scored 150-plus and restricted the hosts to 100 or below.

Categories: Cricket
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Jake Fraser-McGurk Emerges as Boundary-Hitting Sensation in IPL 2024

Jake Fraser-McGurk Emerges as Boundary-Hitting Sensation in IPL 2024

By April 27, 2024 0

Jake Fraser-McGurk, the young Australian batter, has emerged as a formidable force in the ongoing IPL 2024. His exceptional power-hitting abilities have captivated fans and made him a key player for the Delhi Capitals.

Fraser-McGurk’s prowess was on full display in the recent match against Mumbai Indians, where he smashed an astonishing 84 runs off just 27 balls. His innings was a masterclass in boundary hitting, with 11 fours and 6 sixes accounting for over 95% of his runs. This remarkable feat is a testament to his ability to find gaps in the field and clear the boundary with ease.

Earlier in the season, Fraser-McGurk had a similar performance against Sunrisers Hyderabad, scoring over 95% of his runs in boundaries. His consistency in boundary hitting is a testament to his solid technique and impeccable timing.

Fraser-McGurk’s boundary-hitting prowess is evident in his overall IPL statistics. Out of his 247 runs, a staggering 220 have come from fours and sixes. He has smashed 22 fours and 22 sixes in just 5 innings, maintaining an impressive strike rate of 237.50.

The right-handed batsman’s ability to hit boundaries at will suggests that he possesses a solid technique and seems to have the gift of timing the ball perfectly. He has equaled his previous fastest T20 fifty, which also came off 15 balls earlier this season against SRH. It is Fraser-McGurk’s third half-century in his debut IPL edition.

Fraser-McGurk’s exceptional performances have not gone unnoticed. He is now the third batsman to have scored a half-century in 15 or fewer balls twice in T20 cricket. Kolkata Knight Riders’ players Andre Russell and Sunil Narine are the other two.

The next best in terms of fastest IPL fifty for Delhi Capitals are Chris Morris (17 balls), Rishabh Pant (18 balls), and Prithvi Shaw (18 balls). Fraser-McGurk’s ability to clear the boundary with ease and his consistency in boundary hitting make him a valuable asset to the Delhi Capitals and a rising star in the IPL.

Categories: Cricket
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Gujarat Titans Host Royal Challengers Bangalore in Tactical IPL Clash

Gujarat Titans Host Royal Challengers Bangalore in Tactical IPL Clash

By April 27, 2024 0

Gujarat Titans vs Royal Challengers Bangalore: A Tactical Battle in Ahmedabad

Gujarat Titans and Royal Challengers Bangalore will clash in a crucial IPL encounter at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday. Both teams have had contrasting fortunes in the tournament so far, with GT seeking consistency and RCB aiming to build on their recent victory.

Gujarat Titans: Tactical Adjustments and Home Advantage

GT’s recent performance against Delhi Capitals raised questions about their tactics. However, they will be eager to rectify those mistakes and utilize their home advantage. In their previous afternoon game at the venue, they effectively employed spinners Rashid Khan, Noor Ahmed, and Mohit Sharma to restrict Sunrisers Hyderabad.

Royal Challengers Bangalore: Spin Challenge and Powerplay Dominance

RCB, with only one left-handed batter in their top seven, will face a spin challenge from GT. Rashid, Noor, and Sai Kishore pose a significant threat, especially to Virat Kohli, who has struggled against spinners this season. However, RCB’s Rajat Patidar has been in excellent form and has a high strike rate against spinners.

Powerplay Struggles and Form Guide

GT has struggled in the powerplay, with a run-rate of just 8.1, the second-lowest in the IPL. The slow starts from Wriddhiman Saha, Shubman Gill, and Sai Sudharsan have put pressure on the middle order. RCB, on the other hand, has been dominant in the powerplay, scoring over 60 runs in six of their nine games.

Team News and Impact Player Strategy

GT may swap Sai Sudharsan for Sandeep Warrier as the Impact Player if they bat first. Azmatullah Omarzai’s lack of impact could lead to Kane Williamson’s return at No. 4. RCB is unlikely to make any changes to their lineup unless there are injury concerns.

Players in the Spotlight

Shubman Gill, despite his recent struggles, has a remarkable record at the Narendra Modi Stadium, averaging over 64. Virat Kohli, after a slow start against SRH, will be keen to regain his form and exploit GT’s spin attack.

Pitch and Conditions

Players will face a hot afternoon with temperatures reaching 40 degrees. The pitch is expected to be similar to the previous afternoon game, where GT restricted SRH to 162 for 8.

Stats that Matter

* Rashid Khan has a strong record against Kohli, Faf du Plessis, and Dinesh Karthik in T20s.
* RCB has conceded over 60 runs in the powerplay in six of their nine games.
* Shubman Gill has a high strike rate against Mohammed Siraj.

Categories: Cricket
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Swiatek Cruises into Madrid Fourth Round Despite Closed Roof

Swiatek Cruises into Madrid Fourth Round Despite Closed Roof

By April 27, 2024 0

Iga Swiatek, the world’s top-ranked women’s tennis player, continued her dominant run at the Mutua Madrid Open, cruising into the fourth round with a 6-1, 6-1 victory over Sorana Cirstea on Saturday. Despite the closed roof, which altered the playing conditions, Swiatek’s performance remained unfazed.

Swiatek’s dominance was evident from the outset, as she broke Cirstea’s serve in the opening game and never looked back. The Romanian had two chances to win the first game but failed to capitalize, setting the tone for a one-sided match. Swiatek’s relentless aggression and precise shot-making proved too much for Cirstea, who struggled to find her rhythm.

In the first set, Swiatek won five straight games after the initial break, showcasing her ability to control the tempo and dictate the rallies. Despite failing to serve out a bagel, she maintained her momentum in the second set, winning another five consecutive games to seal the victory in just 78 minutes.

Swiatek’s serve was a key factor in her success, as she created 14 break point chances against Cirstea’s serve, converting five. Cirstea, on the other hand, had only two break points on Swiatek’s serve, both in the first set.

The victory extended Swiatek’s unbeaten head-to-head record against Cirstea to 4-0. Since losing the first set she played against the Romanian at the 2022 Australian Open, she has won six straight sets, losing no more than three games in any of them.

Swiatek’s impressive performance in Madrid is a testament to her consistency and adaptability. Despite the different conditions, she was able to maintain her high level of play and secure a spot in the last 16. She will now face either two-time finalist Victoria Azarenka or Spain’s Sara Sorribes Tormo for a place in the quarterfinals.

Categories: Tennis
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Fraser-McGurk's Blazing Fifty Powers Delhi to Record-Breaking Start

Fraser-McGurk’s Blazing Fifty Powers Delhi to Record-Breaking Start

By April 27, 2024 0

Delhi Capitals’ opener Jake Fraser-McGurk set the Arun Jaitley Stadium ablaze with a blistering half-century off just 15 balls, equaling his previous fastest T20 fifty. Mumbai Indians’ decision to field first proved costly as Fraser-McGurk tore into their bowling attack.

The Australian batsman’s onslaught propelled Delhi to a record-breaking 92/0 in the powerplay, with Fraser-McGurk contributing 78 runs. This is the third-highest individual score in the powerplay in IPL history.

Fraser-McGurk’s innings was a masterclass in power-hitting, with the right-hander dispatching boundaries with ease. He became only the third batsman to score two half-centuries in 15 or fewer balls in T20 cricket, joining Andre Russell and Sunil Narine.

Delhi’s dominance continued as they reached the 100-run mark in just 6.4 overs. Abishek Porel joined the party, hitting Mumbai Indians captain Hardik Pandya for a six.

However, legspinner Chawal finally broke the 114-run partnership in the seventh over, dismissing Fraser-McGurk for 84 off 27 balls. The Australian’s innings included 10 fours and 4 sixes.

Despite Fraser-McGurk’s departure, Delhi continued to pile on the runs, reaching 150/1 in 10 overs. Prithvi Shaw (24*) and Rishabh Pant (22*) remained unbeaten at the crease.

Mumbai Indians’ bowlers struggled to contain Delhi’s batsmen, with only Chawal and Kumar Kartikeya managing to pick up wickets.

Categories: Cricket
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Yuzvendra Chahal: 200 IPL Wickets, Chess-Inspired Patience

Yuzvendra Chahal: 200 IPL Wickets, Chess-Inspired Patience

By April 27, 2024 0

Yuzvendra Chahal: From Chessboard to Cricket Field, a Journey of Patience and Success

Rajasthan Royals’ star spinner Yuzvendra Chahal has etched his name in the annals of Indian Premier League (IPL) history by becoming the first player to reach the milestone of 200 wickets. In a recent interview, Chahal shared his thoughts on this achievement, his cricketing journey, and the influence of chess on his game.

Chahal expressed his gratitude for reaching the 200-wicket mark, acknowledging it as a significant milestone in his career. He emphasized that his focus remains on contributing to his team’s success and taking wickets to help them win matches.

The spinner’s milestone came during the match against Mumbai Indians on April 22, when he caught and bowled Afghanistan all-rounder Mohammed Nabi. Chahal has taken 200 wickets in 153 IPL matches at an impressive average of 21.37, with best figures of 5/40. He has represented Mumbai Indians, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, and currently plays for Rajasthan Royals.

Chahal also discussed the impact of playing chess at the youth level for India on his cricketing approach. He believes that chess has instilled in him a sense of patience on the field, which is crucial in the game of cricket. He enjoys playing chess with teammates Ravichandran Ashwin and Jos Buttler.

“Chess has given me patience. Sometimes you do not get wickets on good balls. It goes on for matches. Just like you plan your moves in chess, the same goes for cricket and you have to stay a step ahead of batters,” Chahal explained.

At 34 years old, Chahal believes he has matured with age but still maintains his fun-loving personality and enjoys playing pranks on his teammates. “I have not changed a lot. Maybe I am a little older and got a little more beard. I have mostly stayed the same, fun-loving, prank-doing guy. Maybe, I should have batted more (laughs),” he added.

Chahal’s journey from chessboard to cricket field is a testament to his adaptability and the importance of patience and strategy in both sports. His success in the IPL is a reflection of his hard work, dedication, and the influence of chess on his cricketing mindset.

Categories: Cricket
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Pathan Urges Reassessment of Pandya's Role, Raises Concerns Ahead of T20 World Cup

Pathan Urges Reassessment of Pandya’s Role, Raises Concerns Ahead of T20 World Cup

By April 27, 2024 0

Former Indian seamer Irfan Pathan has urged Indian cricket to reassess the importance placed on Hardik Pandya’s role as an all-rounder, emphasizing the need for impactful performances in ICC tournaments. Pathan’s remarks come amidst Pandya’s struggles in the ongoing IPL season, sparking debates over his inclusion in India’s T20 World Cup squad.

Pathan highlighted the necessity for Pandya to deliver substantial contributions at the international level, particularly in ICC events. He emphasized that Pandya’s potential alone is not sufficient and that he needs to make a tangible impact on the field.

Expressing concern over the disparity between IPL performances and international cricket, Pathan advised Pandya to commit to consistent participation throughout the year, rather than selective appearances. He stressed the importance of fostering a team-oriented approach, drawing parallels with Australia’s strategy of nurturing collective excellence over individual brilliance.

Beyond Pandya’s role, Pathan raised concerns about India’s finishers and the effectiveness of the pace bowling unit ahead of the T20 World Cup. He noted that while India’s top-order batting and middle-overs bowling are relatively settled, the team needs to address concerns in the finishing and fast bowling departments.

Pathan emphasized the need for improvement in key areas, underscoring the significance of addressing these challenges to bolster India’s prospects in the upcoming tournament. He highlighted the importance of finding a reliable finisher with a high strike rate and improving the performance of the pace bowlers, particularly in the absence of Jasprit Bumrah.

Categories: Cricket
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Sam Curran Joins Unwanted Club of Expensive IPL Bowlers

Sam Curran Joins Unwanted Club of Expensive IPL Bowlers

By April 27, 2024 0

England and Punjab Kings (PBKS) all-rounder Sam Curran has joined an exclusive club of bowlers who have conceded 50 or more runs on six or more occasions in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Curran’s unwanted feat came during his side’s match against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Friday.

Curran was taken to the cleaners by KKR openers Sunil Narine and Phil Salt, as well as the team’s middle-order, conceding 60 runs and taking just one wicket. His economy rate was a staggering 15. This was the sixth time Curran has conceded 50 or more runs in an IPL spell, joining the likes of Mohit Sharma, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Mohammed Shami, Pat Cummins, and Kagiso Rabada.

Curran’s performance also marked the fifth most expensive figures by a PBKS bowler in IPL history. Afghanistan’s Mujeeb ur Rahman holds the record with his 0/66 against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in 2019.

Despite his expensive spell, Curran has taken 12 wickets in nine games this season, with an average of 22.58 and a strike rate of 14. However, his economy rate of 9.67 remains a concern.

In the match, Punjab sent Kolkata to bat first after winning the toss. Narine and Salt put on a batting masterclass, scoring 71 and 75 runs respectively, to power KKR to a massive 261/6 in 20 overs.

Punjab’s chase was led by Jonny Bairstow (108), Prabhsimran Singh (54), and Shashank Singh (68*), who played unbeaten knocks to chase down the target with eight balls to spare. Narine was the only wicket-taker for KKR.

Bairstow was named the ‘Player of the Match’ for his match-winning century.

With this victory, KKR moved up to second place in the IPL 2024 standings with 10 points from eight matches. Punjab, on the other hand, remains in eighth place with six points from nine games.

Categories: Cricket
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