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Vishnu enters final of FNCC All India Men’s 5 LAC Prize Money Tennis Tournament

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Telangana tennis player J Vishnu Vardhan entered the final of the FNCC All India Men’s 5 LAC Prize Money Tennis Tournament at Film Nagar Cultural Centre, Hyderabad

Published Date – 11 April 2024, 10:57 PM


Vishnu enters final of FNCC All India Men’s 5 LAC Prize Money Tennis Tournament

Telangana tennis player J Vishnu Vardhan entered the final of the FNCC All India Men’s 5 LAC Prize Money Tennis Tournament at Film Nagar Cultural Centre, Hyderabad

Hyderabad: Telangana tennis player J Vishnu Vardhan entered the final of the FNCC All India Men’s 5 LAC Prize Money Tennis Tournament at Film Nagar Cultural Centre, Hyderabad on Thursday.

In the semifinal clash, the State player defeated Kabir Hans Odisha 6-3, 7-5. In the other semifinal, Javia Dev of Gujarat beat Raghav Jaisinghani Madhya Pradesh 6-2, 6-3 to set up a clash with Vishnu in the final.

Results: Semifinals: Singles: J Vishnu Vardhan (1) (TS) bt Kabir Hans (4)(OD) 6-3, 7-5; Javia Dev (GJ) bt Raghav Jaisinghani (6)(MP) 6-2, 6-3; Doubles: Kesarwani Mann (UP)/Ricky Chaudhary (DL) bt Jagmeet Singh (HR)/Tushar Madan (DL) (1) 7-6(4), 6-3; Dev Javia (GJ)/Hans Kabir (OD) bt Neeraj Yashpaul (CH) /Bikramjeet Chawla (DL) 6-2, 3-6, 10-3.

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ISL: Hyderabad FC aim to end season on a high

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The former champions face Kerala Blasters at home in the final game of the Indian Super League, season 10 campaign.

Updated On – 11 April 2024, 10:18 PM


ISL: Hyderabad FC aim to end season on a high

Players of Hyderabad FC during a practice session ahead of their game at Gachibowli.

Hyderabad: Hyderabad FC are all set to face Kerala Blasters in their last game of the Indian Super League, season 10 campaign in GMC Balayogi Stadium, Hyderabad on Friday.

In a disastrous season, the Nizams have collected eight points from 21 games – winning once, drawing five times and losing 15 times. In the entire season, the club made headlines for off-field chaos – facing financial problems and an exodus of players mid-season. The young and inexperienced players from the youth ranks were called up, they had the spark but fell short every time. But on March 9, the club registered their first win of the season beating Chennaiyin FC 1-0 and became the first ISL club to win a game with an all-Indian starting eleven.

The team led by Thangboi Singto, will next meet Blasters at home, who with 30 points from 21 games have already qualified for the playoffs. “We have to give our best in the last game as we want to end the season on a good note. My team is considering this game as important as it was the first game of the season,” the HFC head coach said.

Ivan Vukomanovic’s side saw a downward slide in their results in the second half of the season, registering one win and suffering seven losses from nine games. In the head-to-head stat, both sides stand at five wins each but the Blasters are the clear favourites for the tie at Gachibowli.

For KBFC, this game serves as a preparation before they head into the playoffs and for the home side, it is a test for the young players’ character and probably the last chance to showcase their credibility on the pitch and make a good impression with the club’s management for the next season.

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“There should be heat on every player…”: Maxwell on Virat’s inclusion in T20 WC squad

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While Maxwell praised Virat, he also said that there should be “heat” or scrutiny on every player in a country as cricket-crazy as India.

Published Date – 11 April 2024, 09:30 PM


“There should be heat on every player…”: Maxwell on Virat’s inclusion in T20 WC squad


Mumbai: Australian and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) all-rounder Glenn Maxwell expressed that his franchise cricket teammate and Indian batting superstar Virat Kohli is the “most clutch player” he has played against and jokingly remarked that he hopes India does not pick him for the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup, starting in West Indies/USA from June 1 this year.

While Maxwell praised Virat, he also said that there should be “heat” or scrutiny on every player in a country as cricket-crazy as India. Virat’s place in T20 cricket is under debate as of late because of his slightly conservative approach, which mixes timely aggression with anchoring, which he still uses during times when batters hit big right from the first ball.

Both Virat and Maxwell are playing for RCB in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 season. While Maxwell has struggled, scoring just 32 runs in five matches, Virat is at the top of the run-scorer list, scoring 316 runs in five matches at an average of 105.33 and a strike rate of over 146, with a century and two fifties.

His best score is 113*. Speaking on ESPN’s Around The Wicket programme, Maxwell said, “Virat Kohli is the most clutch player I have ever played against. The innings he played against us in Mohali during the 2016 T20 World Cup is still the best innings I have ever seen been played against me. His awareness of what he needs to do to win the game is just phenomenal.I hope India do not pick him because it will be great to not come up against him.” Maxwell said that such chatter around Virat’s place in T20s is not surprising and though Team India has some phenomenal players, there should be scrutiny on all since Team India is a hard one to break into.

“It is not surprising because there are 1.5 billion and I reckon half of them are unbelievable cricketers in this country (laughs). It is a hard team to get into. You look at India’s top T20 players which are all playing in this tournament. They are phenomenal players and there should be heat on every player,” said Maxwell.

Virat is the highest run-getter in T20I cricket. In 117 matches, he has scored 4,037 runs at an average of 51.75 and a strike rate of over 138, with a century and 37 fifties in 109 innings. His best score is 122*.

Also, Virat is the most decorated batter in the history of the ICC T20 World Cup and is its leading run-scorer. In 27 T20 World Cup matches, Virat has made 1,141 runs at an average of 81.50 and a strike rate of 131.30, with 14 half-centuries in 25 innings. His best score is 89*.

He was also the ‘Player of the Tournament’ in 2014 (319 runs in six matches at an average of 106.33 with four fifties) and 2016 (273 runs in five matches at an average of 136.5 with three fifties) editions, in which India finished as runners-up and semifinalists, respectively.

He ended as the leading run-scorer in 2014. During the successful run chases in nine innings of the tournament, Virat averages 518, as he has only been dismissed once.

Out of these nine innings, seven have been fifties. In the 2022 edition in Australia, Virat ended as the leading run-getter, with 296 runs in six matches at an average of 98.66 and a strike rate of 136.40, with four fifties. His knock of 82* against Pakistan in a tough run-chase of 160 runs at Melbourne is also considered as one of the best T20I knocks ever played.

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Iran boxing team victorious over Russia in friendly match

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The winning boxers were Mostafa Rigi (51kg), Pouria Danial Shahbakhsh (57kg), Ali Habibinejhad (63.5kg), Kasra Tahmasebi (71kg), Hossein Mirahmadi (80kg), and Pouria Amiri (92kg).

Iranian boxers had defeated Russia 6-1 on Tuesday in their first friendly match.

The Iranian boxers took part in the friendly matches as part of their preparation for the Paris Olympics qualifications, which are scheduled to take place in late May in Thailand.

MP/TSN

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Champions League: Xavi’s substitutions propel Barcelona to thrilling win against PSG

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The match was an emotional rollercoaster, as Barcelona first led, then trailed, before mounting a stunning comeback.

Published Date – 11 April 2024, 12:10 PM


Champions League: Xavi’s substitutions propel Barcelona to thrilling win against PSG


Paris: Barcelona’s manager, Xavi Hernandez, showcased his tactical genius by making two substitutions that led directly to goals, propelling his team to a thrilling 3-2 victory over Paris Saint-Germain in the first leg of the Champions League quarterfinals on Wednesday night.

The game was an emotional rollercoaster, with Barcelona initially taking the lead, only to fall behind, and then executing a stunning comeback.

Brazilian forward Raphinha scored twice, including the opener in the first half, taking advantage of a mistake by PSG’s goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma to net his first Champions League goal at the 37-minute mark, reports Xinhua.

PSG quickly turned the tables after halftime, with Ousmane Dembele and Vitinha scoring to give the Parisians a 2-1 advantage.

It was at this juncture that Xavi made a tactical masterstroke. In the 61st minute, he brought on Rodri and Joao Felix for Lamine Yamal and Sergi Roberto, a change that quickly paid off.

Pedri, just two minutes after coming on, lofted a perfect pass to Raphinha, who calmly finished past Donnarumma, drawing the teams level.

In the 76th minute, Xavi’s strategic acumen was on display again when he substituted Andreas Christensen and Ferran Torres for Frenkie de Jong and the key player Raphinha. Christensen scored with a header from a corner just a minute later, sealing a dramatic comeback for Barcelona.

“Pedri came on and helped us a lot. I’m very proud of the team. Christensen also came on and helped,” Xavi said. “Tactically we did really well.”

Since Xavi announced his departure from the team at the end of the season following a January defeat to Villarreal, Barcelona has been unbeaten in 12 matches across all competitions, a stark contrast to PSG’s previous unbeaten streak of 27 matches, which ended with this loss.

“We made things a bit difficult for ourselves. We managed to turn things around in the second half and could have had a third (goal),” PSG coach Luis Enrique said. “Everything’s still open for us and we will go there with ambition.”

The return leg is set for April 16 at Barcelona’s home ground.

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Hyderabad Cricket Association announces free summer cricket camps for youth

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Targeted at participants in the Under-14, Under-16, Under-19, and Open categories, the coaching camps aim to nurture cricketing talent at no cost to the attendees.

Published Date – 11 April 2024, 11:45 AM


Hyderabad Cricket Association announces free summer cricket camps for youth


Hyderabad: The Hyderabad Cricket Association (HCA) has announced the commencement of ‘Summer Cricket Coaching Camps’ for boys and girls, starting from April 20. These camps will be conducted across 25 centers across the State, including Hyderabad.

Targeted at participants in the Under-14, Under-16, Under-19, and Open categories, the coaching camps aim to nurture cricketing talent at no cost to the attendees. Jaganmohan Rao, President of the Hyderabad Cricket Association, stated that each district will receive Rs 15 lakh to organize three camps, ensuring widespread access to professional coaching and facilities.

The HCA further stated that admissions for the camps will be open from April 15.

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IPL 2024: MI v RCB on April 11; When and where to watch

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MI enters this match fresh off their inaugural win of the season against the Delhi Capitals, whereas RCB suffered a defeat against the Rajasthan Royals in their last outing.

Updated On – 11 April 2024, 10:33 AM


IPL 2024: MI v RCB on April 11; When and where to watch


Mumbai: Mumbai Indians (MI) will take on the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in an IPL 2024 Match 25 on Thursday.

MI is coming into this game on the back of its first win of the season against the Delhi Capitals, while RCB lost to Rajasthan royals in its previous match.

The two teams have met 32 times in the tournament so far. Mumbai Indians have emerged victorious in 18 matches, while Royal Challengers Bangalore have won 13.

MI v RCB head-to-head 32

Mumbai Indians: 18

Royal Challengers Bengaluru: 13

No result: 1

MI v RCB Match time: The Match starts at 7:30 PM IST (2:00 PM GMT) with toss taking place half an hour prior to the match i.e., 7:00 PM (1:30 PM GMT)

MI v RCB match venue: Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai

Live broadcast of MI v RCB match on television in India: MI v RCB match will be broadcast live via Star Sports Network.

Live stream in India: The live streaming of MI v RCB will be available on JioCinema.

Squads:

Mumbai Indians: Rohit Sharma, Ishan Kishan(w), Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya(c), Tim David, Romario Shepherd, Mohammad Nabi, Piyush Chawla, Gerald Coetzee, Jasprit Bumrah, Akash Madhwal, Kwena Maphaka, Naman Dhir, Nehal Wadhera, Shams Mulani, Shreyas Gopal, Luke Wood, Vishnu Vinod, Arjun Tendulkar, Kumar Kartikeya, Shivalik Sharma, Anshul Kamboj, Nuwan Thushara, Dewald Brevis

Royal Challengers Bangalore: Virat Kohli, Faf du Plessis(c), Rajat Patidar, Glenn Maxwell, Cameron Green, Dinesh Karthik(w), Saurav Chauhan, Reece Topley, Mayank Dagar, Mohammed Siraj, Yash Dayal, Himanshu Sharma, Suyash Prabhudessai, Mahipal Lomror, Vijaykumar Vyshak, Swapnil Singh, Karn Sharma, Tom Curran, Lockie Ferguson, Alzarri Joseph, Will Jacks, Anuj Rawat, Manoj Bhandage, Akash Deep, Rajan Kumar

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Atletico, Borussia Dortmund leave it open for return leg

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Atletico’s plan seemed to unfold perfectly at the Metropolitano Stadium as they secured a 2-0 lead in the first half, courtesy of goals by Rodrigo de Paul and Samuel Lino in the third and 31st minutes, respectively.

Published Date – 11 April 2024, 10:40 AM


Atletico, Borussia Dortmund leave it open for return leg


Madrid: Atletico Madrid took a narrow first leg lead from their Champions League quarterfinal at home to Borussia Dortmund after a game where the Spanish side will think they could have all but sewn up the tie, while the Germans can lament late chances that nearly left things all-square for next week’s return leg.

Things looked to be going completely to plan for Atletico in a Metropolitano Stadium as Atletico took a 2-0 lead and controlled the first half after Rodrigo de Paul and Samuel Lino scored after three and 31 minutes.

High pressure from an Atletico side, roared on by 70,000 fans, saw them rob the ball high in the Borussia half to allow De Paul to put them ahead.

Antoine Griezmann was vital to Atletico with his pressure, work rate and vision with the ball, and he almost doubled the lead just three minutes later, only for Gregor Kobel to make a good save, reports Xinhua.

Kobel was helpless during the half-hour when Lino doubled Atletico’s advantage after Griezmann lobbed the ball over the last defender so that the winger could run onto and shoot across Kobel.

Although they had controlled most of the ball, Borussia’s first chance didn’t come until just before halftime, when Ian Maatsen stung Jan Oblak’s hands with a powerful shot.

Atletico began the second half with a chance for Nahuel Molina, but just after the hour, Atletico coach Diego Simeone made his first change, replacing forward Alvaro Morata with midfielder Pablo Barrios.

It looked to be a defensive change, but first Barrios and then Lino both went close to adding a third for Atletico, with Kobel making a fine stop to deny Lino’s second.

That could prove to be a vital moment in the tie as Sebastien Haller threw Borussia a lifeline, turning in the Atletico penalty area to score.

Borussia were almost level twice in the closing minutes when first, Jamie Bynoe-Gittens hit the crossbar, and then Julian Brandt headed against the Atletico woodwork and that shows Atletico will have to endure a difficult night in Germany next week if what promises to be a thrilling return leg.

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Champions League: Man City and Real Madrid all-square in quarterfinal first leg thriller

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The match began with an impressive start as City midfielder Bernardo Silva netted against Real Madrid for the third consecutive season, surprising goalkeeper Andriy Lunin with a clever free-kick just two minutes in.

Updated On – 10 April 2024, 11:37 AM


Champions League: Man City and Real Madrid all-square in quarterfinal first leg thriller


Madrid: The Champions League quarterfinal first leg between Real Madrid and Manchester City ended all square after a 3-3 draw at the Santiago Bernabeu.

The game got off to a remarkable start, with City midfielder Bernardo Silva scoring against Real Madrid for a third successive season as he caught out goalkeeper Andriy Lunin with a clever free-kick after only two minutes.

Just ten minutes later, though, Madrid were level, Eduardo Camavinga’s effort from outside the box taking a wicked deflection off City defender Rúben Dias to wrongfoot Stefan Ortega.

That gave the hosts momentum, and two minutes after equalising they took the lead, as Rodrygo running onto Vinicius Junior’s delightful pass and poking a shot through Stefan Ortega’s legs with the help of a touch off Manuel Akanji, Champions League reports.

There was no let-up in the action in the second half, both teams missing chances before City’s talented young midfielder Phil Foden collected a John Stones pass and unleashed a delightful curling shot into the top corner for his fifth goal in his last six Champions League appearances to level at 2-2.

Five minutes later Josko Gvardiol chose the perfect time to score his first-ever City goal, crashing an unstoppable long-range strike inside Lunin’s left-hand upright.

But just when it looked like City would be taking an advantage back to Manchester, Federico Valverde met a Vinicius Junior cross with a stunning low volley to take the roof off the Bernabéu.

In the end there was nothing to choose between the teams, with football the real winner in this most entertaining of games.

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IPL 2024: RR v GT on April 10; When and where to watch

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IPL 2024

Jaipur: Table toppers Rajasthan Royals (RR) will play host to Gujarat Titans (GT) in Match 24 of the IPL 2024 on Wednesday.

Royals are unbeaten in IPL 2024 so far, winning all four matches, sitting on top in the team standings with eight points. GT, meanwhile, have played five matches this season, winning two and losing three. They are seventh in the IPL standings with four points and an NRR of -0.797.

RR beat Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) by six wickets in their last match in Jaipur last week. Meanwhile, GT lost to Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) by 33 runs in their last outing at the Ekana Stadium in Lucknow on Sunday.

The two teams have played each other five times in the IPL. The Royals have come up victorious on one occasion, with GT winning four.

RR v GT head-to-head 5:

Rajasthan Royals: 1

Gujarat Titans: 4

RR v GT Match time: The Match starts at 7:30 PM IST (2:00 PM GMT) with toss taking place half an hour prior to the match i.e., 7:00 PM (1:30 PM GMT)

RR v GT match venue: Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Jaipur

Live broadcast of RR v GT match on television in India: RR v GT match will be broadcast live via Star Sports Network.

Live stream in India: The live streaming of RR v GT will be available on JioCinema.

Squads:

Rajasthan Royals: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Jos Buttler, Sanju Samson(w/c), Riyan Parag, Dhruv Jurel, Shimron Hetmyer, Ravichandran Ashwin, Trent Boult, Avesh Khan, Nandre Burger, Yuzvendra Chahal, Shubham Dubey, Rovman Powell, Tanush Kotian, Kuldeep Sen, Abid Mushtaq, Sandeep Sharma, Navdeep Saini, Keshav Maharaj, Tom Kohler-Cadmore, Donovan Ferreira, Kunal Singh Rathore

Gujarat Titans: Shubman Gill(c), Sai Sudharsan, Sharath BR(w), Vijay Shankar, Rahul Tewatia, Rashid Khan, Noor Ahmad, Umesh Yadav, Spencer Johnson, Darshan Nalkande, Mohit Sharma, Kane Williamson, Abhinav Manohar, Matthew Wade, Manav Suthar, Jayant Yadav, Wriddhiman Saha, David Miller, Sandeep Warrier, Shahrukh Khan, Joshua Little, Ravisrinivasan Sai Kishore, Kartik Tyagi, Azmatullah Omarzai, Sushant Mishra