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Novak Djokovic honors late Kobe Bryant after US Open victory

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Before the trophy presentation, Djokovic offered a tribute to Bryant, who sadly lost his life in 2020.

Updated On – 04:03 PM, Mon – 11 September 23


Novak Djokovic honors late Kobe Bryant after US Open victory



New York: Serbian tennis star Novak Djokovic paid a heartfelt tribute to Kobe Bryant after winning the US Open 2023 men’s singles event here.

Djokovic defeated Medvedev in straight sets to win the title at the Arthur Ashe Stadium.

Ahead of the trophy presentation, Djokovic paid a tribute to Bryant, who had tragically passed away in 2020. The Serbian wore a t-shirt that had an image of him with the LA Lakers legend and the message ‘Mamba Forever’ written on it.

“I thought of doing this T-shirt eventually if I got the chance to win the tournament. It was about seven days ago. I didn’t share it with anyone until a few days ago when I asked my people to help me out to make this shirt,” Djokovic was quoted as saying.

“Kobe was a close, close friend. We chatted a lot about the winner’s mentality when I was struggling with an injury and trying to make my comeback, work my way back to the top of the game.”

Earlier, the 36-year-old Serbian won his fourth US Open and a record-tying 24th Grand Slam singles title after eliminating Medvedev in straight sets in the final here.

The battle between the second and the third seed saw Djokovic cruise past Medvedev 6-3, 7-6(5), 6-3. With the victory, he became the oldest US Open men’s singles champion in the Open Era.

Having also won the Australian Open and the French Open this year, Djokovic became the first man to win three Grand Slams singles titles in a season four times.

The win also marked a revenge to Medvedev, who in 2021 in straight sets halted Djokovic’s pace to become the first man to clinch all four Grand Slams in the same year since Rod Laver in 1969.

Following his victory, Djokovic will also return to the world No. 1 spot on Monday.

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Dhiraj loses bronze play-off, India return with a silver from Archery World Cup Final

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Dhiraj Bommadevara showed some spark when he shocked two-time Olympic team gold medallist Kim Woojin 6-2 but lost his next two matches to return empty-handed

Updated On – 12:35 PM, Mon – 11 September 23


Dhiraj loses bronze play-off, India return with a silver from Archery World Cup Final

Photo: Twitter

Hermosillo: Dhiraj Bommadevara showed some spark when he shocked two-time Olympic team gold medallist Kim Woojin 6-2 but lost his next two matches to return empty-handed as India ended their campaign with a solitary silver medal in the ‘Archery World Cup Final’.

Compound archer Prathamesh Jawakar won the country’s lone medal despite India fielding their biggest-ever contingent of five archers in the World Cup’s season-ending grand finale.

Rising Indian recurve archer Dhiraj began his campaign on a rousing note when he rallied from 0-2 to pull off an upset 28-29, 30-28, 30-28, 29-26 win over the World No. 2 Korean heavyweight in the men’s quarterfinals here on Sunday.

But the 22-year-old Army archer faltered against another Korean Lee Woo Seok as he went down 1-7 (28-28, 27-30, 28-30, 28-29) in the semifinal to be left to fight for the third-place playoff, where he was up against Medellin World Cup winner Mauro Nespoli.

The bronze medal contest went down to the wire with the Italian clinching the issue 6-5 (29-30, 27-27, 25-29, 27-26, 27-28) (10-9) in the shoot-off where Dhiraj dropped a point.

Jayanta Talukdar remains the only male recurve archer to have won a World Cup Final medal — bronze — 13 years ago in Edinburgh. Dola Banerjee is the only Indian with a World Cup Final gold that came way back in Dubai 2007 in the women’s recurve section.

In terms of medals, woman recurve archer Deepika Kumari is the most successful Indian, having won four silver medals at different World Cup Finals.
The event is a year-ending world outdoor competition where a total of 32 archers, eight in each of the four championship categories, fight it out for the gold, silver and bronze medals.

Archers qualify for the tournament by winning one of the circuit’s four stages — in Antalya (Turkey), Shanghai (China), Medellin (Colombia) and Paris (France) — or by climbing high enough in the World Cup Ranking with consistent finishes across the season to make it as a points qualifier. One spot in each category is also awarded to the host nation.

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P.V. Sindhu undergoes intensive training at PPBA academy to regain form

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Since her return from a prolonged break due to an ankle injury suffered on her way to securing the Commonwealth Games gold last August, Sindhu has faced considerable challenges.

Updated On – 12:49 PM, Mon – 11 September 23


P.V. Sindhu undergoes intensive training at PPBA academy to regain form



New Delhi: Olympic medallist P V Sindhu needs to make a few technical changes in her game and is likely to take some time to regain her form, said former India coach Vimal Kumar, who has observed the Indian ace from close quarters during her week-long stint in Bengaluru.

Sindhu has found the going tough ever since returning from a long lay-off following an ankle injury en route to the Commonwealth Games gold last August.

Desperate to arrest the slide, the 28-year-old, a two-time Olympic medallist, sought the help of the legendary Prakash Padukone and trained under him at the PPBA academy in Bengaluru last week.

“We have been sitting and observing her sessions. Prakash spoke to her her and tried to motivate her. We have also interacted with her coach (Muhammad Hafiz Hashim),” Vimal, who is the director of the Prakash Padukone Badminton Academy, told PTI.

“She is at the moment low on confidence and physically and mentally slightly in a poor state. She has some work to do and we shouldn’t expect much from her at the Asian Games.

“She is a big player and it is important to give her some time, it might take a few months for her to regain her touch. There are a few technical aspects, where she can make some changes. Some initiatives she needs to take in the technical aspect.” Sindhu, the 2019 world champion, has lost seven times in the first round of BWF tour events this year with a semifinal finish at the Canada Open and two quarterfinals — US Open super 300 and Australian Open super 500 — being the highlight so far.

Ahead of the Asian Games in Hangzhou, China, Sindhu has pulled out of the China Open Super 1000 and Hong Kong Open Super 500 to focus on the multi-sport event beginning September 23.

She along with her coach Hafiz Hashim then spent the last week training at the PPBA under the former All England champion Padukone.

“The last week has been a good change for her. She had a good experience of learning from Mr Prakash Padukone. He was very kind to be there and watch her practice session,” Sindhu’s father PV Ramana, who had won a bronze medal as part of the Indian Volleyball team in the 1986 Asian Games, said.

“They have been very supportive and has given her great encouragement. It is good to learn from different coaches, everyone has different views and ways. As a player, she might like to go again, every player have their own strategy.” For world number 14 Sindhu, it is a crucial period in her career with the Olympic qualification period for the 2024 Games having started from May 1.

In February, the player from Hyderabad parted ways with Korean coach Park Tae-Sang, who was instrumental in her winning the bronze medal at the Tokyo Olympics.

Sindhu worked with SAI coach Vidhi Chaudhary for sometime before roping in Hafiz ahead of the Olympics.

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Wasim Akram gives weather update from Colombo ahead of Ind-Pak clash reserve day

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The electrifying match between India and Pakistan in the Super Four stage of Asia Cup 2023 was been called off and moved for a reserve day as rain did not allow any play after 24.1 overs on Sunday.

Published Date – 01:01 PM, Mon – 11 September 23


Wasim Akram gives weather update from Colombo ahead of Ind-Pak clash reserve day



Colombo: Pakistan pace legend Wasim Akram offered a weather update to the fans from Colombo as India and Pakistan gear up to resume their Asia Cup Super Four stage clash on the reserve day on Monday. The electrifying match between India and Pakistan in the Super Four stage of Asia Cup 2023 was been called off and moved for a reserve day as rain did not allow any play after 24.1 overs on Sunday.

The play was halted for almost four hours today as the rain kept on coming back. India will resume their innings today at 147/2, with Virat Kohli (8*) and KL Rahul (17*) unbeaten. Skipper Rohit Sharma (56) and Shubman Gill (58) had hit delightful fifties.

Wasim took to X (Formerly known as Twitter) and said in a video, “Update from Colombo, rain kept happening on and off overnight. Now it is clear, not all clear, you can see the clouds. It is breezy. Currently, it is okay, but let us see what happens when the match starts. Yes, it must be really frustrating to see all this, but weather you cannot control. We can only pray, I hope we get to enjoy some good cricket.”

Ahead of the start of the Asia Cup Super Four clash between India and Pakistan at Colombo on the reserve day, there are some discouraging signs from the Island nation that have put the possibility of finishing the game under doubt. There was heavy rains in Colombo at 7 AM on the reserve day. The skies are extremely cloudy.

Moreover, the ooutfield faced immense damage as there were noticeable wet patches at the R Premadas Stadium, where the match is taking place. More rain will only make these patches worse, delay the game further or even cause an abandonment without any further action. If this match is washed off, India and Pakistan will take one point each. Pakistan will move to the top of the Super Four standings with three points, having won against Bangladesh. Sri Lanka has already registered a win against Bangladesh too, worth two points, almost knocking them out of the competition.

In this case, India’s next two matches against Sri Lanka (September 12) and Bangladesh (September 15) will be must-win matches for India and reach a total of five points.

Losing even one of these matches or two more washouts will reduce India to just three points, which will put India’s qualifying chances in danger. It will be down to how the points table plays out for the rest of the teams due to their results, rain and net-run-rate if India is to qualify for the final with three points. India vs Sri Lanka, Sri Lanka vs Pakistan and India vs Bangladesh are the remaining fixtures before the finals on September 17 in Colombo.

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Kaif identifies Kohli vs Shaheen as pivotal matchup in the game

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He pointed out Kohli’s extraordinary knack for surmounting challenges and his outstanding track record against Pakistan. It’s clear that when Kohli faces Pakistan on the field, his performances truly make a statement.

Published Date – 01:32 PM, Mon – 11 September 23


Kaif identifies Kohli vs Shaheen as pivotal matchup in the game



New Delhi: Former Indian cricketer Mohammad Kaif delved into the high expectations placed on Virat Kohli as he faces Pakistan in this highly-anticipated match at the Asia Cup 2023.

He highlighted Kohli’s remarkable ability to overcome challenges and his stellar record against Pakistan, emphasising that when Kohli takes to the field against Pakistan, his performances speak volumes.

Speaking exclusively to Star Sports, Kaif said, “Overcoming challenges is one of Virat’s best qualities. That has become his habit. It’s a big match, and his record against Pakistan is great. Whenever he plays against Pakistan, his bat does the talking. And people have high expectations of him.

People have expectations from someone who performs regularly. For newer players, as it is a big game, the expectations are not as high. But the senior players, Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, if they fail, the fans don’t like it at all. There is no compromise on that; they have to perform with the bat and continue their form for the past two or three years and perform well at the World Cup also.”

Furthermore, Kaif discussed the pivotal matchup that cricket enthusiasts eagerly await – the battle between Virat Kohli and Pakistan’s Shaheen Shah Afridi. He highlighted Kohli’s special quality of thriving in big matches and his aggressive approach, emphasising that he won’t shy away from taking on the opposition’s bowlers.

Kaif also spoke on what the key matchup will be at the greatest vivalry between India and Pakistan.

“Shaheen will continue to bring the ball in, bowling his inswing. He has told it himself that his game plan is very simple, bring the ball in and fast, whatever the batsman wants to do let him, his game plan is straightforward – bring the ball in, hit the pad and hit the stumps. So it will be exciting to see Virat Kohli in the form he is in to take him on; it is the most key matchup of the game. What makes Virat special is his ability to play in the big matches, and he won’t play on the backfoot. Naseem Shah, Afridi or Rauf, whoever is bowling, don’t play on the backfoot. If you get the chance, even on the first ball, look for the boundary.”

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Luis Rubiales resigns as Spanish soccer chief over World Cup kiss controversy

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Luis Rubiales stepped down from his role as president of the Spanish soccer federation and vice president of UEFA following intense criticism over his unwanted kiss

Published Date – 02:10 PM, Mon – 11 September 23


Luis Rubiales resigns as Spanish soccer chief over World Cup kiss controversy



New Delhi: Luis Rubiales stepped down from his role as president of the Spanish soccer federation and vice president of UEFA following intense criticism over his unwanted kiss with FIFA Women’s World Cup champion Jennifer Hermoso.

“Today, at 9:30 PM, I have submitted my resignation from the position of President of the RFEF (Royal Spanish Football Federation) to the Acting President, Mr Pedro Rocha. I have also informed him that I have taken the same step regarding my position at UEFA so that my role in the Vice Presidency can be replaced,” Rubiales said in his statement late on Sunday night.

“After the quick suspension carried out by Fifa along with the ongoing proceedings against me, it is evident that I will not be able to return to my position. Insisting on remaining in limbo and clinging to it will not contribute to anything positive, neither for the Federation nor for Spanish football,” he added

Rubiales said he hoped his departure would boost Spain’s joint bid with Morocco and Portugal to host the 2030 World Cup.

“I make this decision after ensuring that my departure will contribute to the stability that will allow both Europe and Africa to remain united in the dream of 2030, which will enable our country to host the world’s biggest event,” said Rubiales.

The Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) also confirmed that Rubiales has resigned as chief of the Spanish Football Association as well as vice president of UEFA.

“The Royal Spanish Football Federation confirms that Luis M. Rubiales Béjar has presented his resignation tonight. This has been made known to the federative entity through a letter to Pedro Rocha Junco. In addition, he also resigns from his position as vice president of UEFA,” it said in a statement.

The 46-year-old Spaniard was provisionally suspended by global governing body FIFA for 90 days while a disciplinary investigation takes place. Pedro Rocha stepped into the role in the interim.

Rubiales’ unwanted kiss on Hermoso after the Spanish team’s victory in the World Cup final on August 20 sparked criticism in Spain and across the world.

The 46-year-old had previously offered an apology and characterized the kiss as “mutual”, a statement contradicted by Hermoso, who asserted that she did not give consent and felt disrespected.

Following the controversy, 81 Spanish players, including all 23 World Cup winners, declared they would not represent the national team as long as Rubiales remained in his role.

Furthermore, World Cup-winning head coach Jorge Vilda also voiced criticism against Rubiales, and his entire coaching staff resigned in protest against the federation president.

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Golf: Shubhankar Sharma finishes seventh at Irish Open

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Shubhankar Sharma, who shared the lead at the halfway stage of the Irish Open golf to make a bid for his first DP World Tour title since 2018, ended tied seventh

Published Date – 02:50 PM, Mon – 11 September 23


Golf: Shubhankar Sharma finishes seventh at Irish Open

Shubhankar Sharma, who shared the lead at the halfway stage of the Irish Open golf to make a bid for his first DP World Tour title since 2018, ended tied seventh

Kildare: India’s Shubhankar Sharma, who shared the lead at the halfway stage of the Irish Open golf to make a bid for his first DP World Tour title since 2018, ended tied seventh with a final round of 1-under 71 here.

Sharma, who opened the season with a tied seventh-place finish in Abu Dhabi, ended tied eighth at the Open in July, and this is his third Top-10 finish of the season.

Sharma, who was 13-under after 36 holes, could not produce the magic he showed in the first 36 holes as he carded 75-71 in the final two and finished the week at 11-under.

Yet, the Indian ace, who has been picked by the Indian Golf Union for the Asian Games later this month, has moved to 168th in the world. Sharma’s career-best ranking is 64th.

Sweden’s Vincent Norrman secured his second DP World Tour title in the space of just 56 days as he carded a final round seven under par 65 to triumph at the Irish Open.

Sharma, lying T-4 after the third round, started the final round with a double bogey, his second of the week after the double on the sixth in the third round.
The Indian recovered with birdies on second and fourth and added two more on the 10th and 14th, but failed to get birdies on the Par-5s on 16th and 18th. He also dropped a shot on 17th. There were quite a few missed putts on a day when the weather interrupted the play.

Norrman, who won the Barbasol Championship in the United States in July, started the day six strokes behind the overnight leaders and was well off the pace after pars on his opening six holes.

The 25-year-old made his first birdies of the day on the seventh and ninth holes before play was suspended at The K Club for an hour and a half due to the threat of lightning.

Norrman showed no signs of slowing down after the restart as he birdied four of his next five holes from the 10th. His birdie at the 13th saw him move into a share of the lead for the first time and he then made his seventh gain of the day on the 18th to set the clubhouse target of 14 under par.

Germany’s Hurley Long was also on 14 under par after 12 holes, but consecutive bogeys saw him slip back to 12 under. The 28-year-old gave himself an eagle look at the last, but he left his putt short, handing Norrman his second DP World Tour title.

His win sealed a fortnight of success for Sweden on the DP World Tour as he backed up compatriot Ludvig Åberg’s victory last week at the Omega European Masters.

In a share of third was home favourite Shane Lowry, who was bidding for a second Irish Open crown, New Zealand’s Ryan Fox, who was runner-up at this event last year, Scotsman Grant Forrest and Thriston Lawrence of South Africa.

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Ishan Kishan is a strong character who maintains a good team atmosphere: Raina

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“I always said that Ishan Kishan has to open because he is a strong character who maintains a good team atmosphere,” the former India cricketer said.

Published Date – 03:01 PM, Mon – 11 September 23


Ishan Kishan is a strong character who maintains a good team atmosphere: Raina



New Delhi: Former India cricketer Suresh Raina recalled his time with Ishan Kishan at Gujarat Lions during the IPL and how the wicketkeeper-batter brought camaraderie and team spirit to the squad.

“I always said that Ishan Kishan has to open because he is a strong character who maintains a good team atmosphere. He worked really hard even during those days. Since he hails from Ranchi he spoke to MS Dhoni, and everyone wants to be like Dhoni there. Also, because of the way Ishan contributed to Jharkhand, Dhoni told me to observe his wicket-keeping progress,” Raina told JioCinema.

“So, I told Finch that if Dwayne Smith and Brendon McCullum aren’t playing, then Ishan Kishan should open, I’ll bat at No. 3, and you can decide the rest of the batting lineup. I remember in one match, he hit 4-5 sixes in Rajkot against Mumbai Indians, and the way he showed intent is what a team needs. Just like Rishabh Pant, who keeps laughing and maintains good team bonding, that’s what’s crucial.”

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Messi joins Argentina for WC Qualifier against Bolivia

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Messi underwent separate training from his teammates on Sunday. This comes after he was substituted late in Argentina’s 1-0 victory over Ecuador in the inaugural South American zone qualifier on Thursday.

Published Date – 03:02 PM, Mon – 11 September 23


Messi joins Argentina for WC Qualifier against Bolivia



Buenos Aires: Lionel Messi will travel with Argentina’s squad for their World Cup qualifier against Bolivia in La Paz, Albiceleste manager Lionel Scaloni said.

Messi trained separately from his teammates on Sunday after being withdrawn late in Argentina’s 1-0 home win over Ecuador in their opening South American zone qualifier on Thursday, reports Xinhua.

Tests on Friday cleared the Inter Miami forward of injury but Scaloni is considering resting the 36-year-old amid concerns over his heavy recent workload.

“He is going to travel,” Scaloni told a news conference. “Today he trained apart [from the main squad]. There are still two days left until the game. We will make the decision tomorrow or on Tuesday.”

Messi has played 12 games in 48 days, having barely rested since joining Inter Miami on a free transfer in mid-July.

The clash against Bolivia on Tuesday will be particularly taxing given the rarefied air of La Paz’s Hernando Siles stadium, at an altitude of more than 3,600 meters above sea level.

Apart from the possible exclusion of Messi and defender Cristian Romero, who suffered a minor right leg injury against Ecuador, Scaloni said he would make few changes to Argentina’s starting lineup.

“We all know how difficult it is to play at that altitude, but the team will basically be the same as it was against Ecuador,” he said.

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Ram Dinesh, Mamatha Gotte emerge champions at TS Tenpin Bowling Tournament

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Ram Dinesh and Mamatha Gotte emerged champions in the men and women categories respectively at the Telangana State Ranking Tenpin Bowling Tournament

Published Date – 05:57 PM, Mon – 11 September 23


Ram Dinesh, Mamatha Gotte emerge champions at TS Tenpin Bowling Tournament

Ram Dinesh and Mamatha Gotte, winners of the men’s and women’s titles of Telangana State Ranking Tenpin Bowling Tournament.

Hyderabad: Ram Dinesh and Mamatha Gotte emerged champions in the men and women categories respectively at the Telangana State Ranking Tenpin Bowling Tournament at Gallivant Bowling and Gaming, Jubilee Hills in Hyderabad recently.

In the final of the men’s category played based on cumulative pinfall of 2 games, second seed Ram Dinesh fought back against top seed Wivek Singh, who recorded a lead of 27 pins in the first game. In the second game, the winner scored 206 against Wivek’s 168 to clinch the title with 381-370 scoreline.

Second seed Mamatha gained a comfortable 18 pins lead against top seed Sindhura recording 138-120 in the first game. In a closely contested second game,
Mamatha scored 122 against 126 by Sindhura to win the women’s final by 14 pins of 260-246 scoreline.

Results: Special Prizes: Highest Average in a 6-game block (Men) : Wivek Singh (203.00); Highest Average in 4-game block (Women) : Mamatha G (144.00); Highest Average in 18 games (Men): Wivek Singh (190.22); Highest Average in 8 games (Women) : Sindhura (139.13).