Category: Sports

Dominic Thiem, the 2020 US Open champion, has received a second chance at Australian Open glory after lucky loser status propelled him into the main draw following the withdrawal of American Reilly Opelka.

Thiem, currently ranked 98th in the world, had been facing the prospect of battling through the grueling qualifying rounds after a first-round defeat at the Brisbane International. However, Opelka’s unexpected pullout due to a persistent toe injury opened the door for the Austrian to make a dramatic return to the Melbourne Park limelight.

This is a welcome turn of events for Thiem, who has endured a challenging two years. A debilitating wrist injury in 2021 sidelined him for months, and his comeback has been hampered by inconsistent form. Despite flashes of his brilliance, including a second-round win at the US Open last year, the former world No. 3 has struggled to recapture his pre-injury dominance.

The Australian Open has been a happy hunting ground for Thiem in the past. He reached the final in 2020, only to be denied the title by Novak Djokovic. A repeat of that run to the final now seems like a long shot, but Thiem’s inclusion in the main draw offers him a valuable opportunity to gain match practice and build momentum as he works his way back towards the top of the game.

His first-round opponent is yet to be determined, but one thing is for sure: Thiem’s fighting spirit and his potent combination of baseline power and exquisite touch will make him a dangerous unseeded player in the draw.

The Australian Open gets underway on January 16th, and tennis fans will be eager to see whether Thiem can use this lucky break to reignite his Grand Slam charge.

Rafael Nadal marked his comeback to singles action with a commanding victory over rival Dominic Thiem at the Brisbane International.

In his first singles match in nearly a year, Nadal displayed top form, defeating Thiem 7-5, 6-1 in a dynamic hour and 30 minutes of play. This victory adds to Nadal’s 10-6 win-loss record against Thiem.

Having been sidelined for almost a year due to a hip injury and subsequent surgery, Nadal expressed pride in his positive return to competitive tennis. The 37-year-old acknowledged the challenges of the past year and appreciated the support from his team and family.

“Probably one of the toughest years of my tennis career, without a doubt,” Nadal said post-match.

“To come back and play at a very positive level is something that will make us feel proud, to myself, all the team, all the family who’ve helped every single day over the past year.”

Nadal’s return comes after a doubles match on Sunday, where he partnered with Marc Lopez but faced defeat against the Australian duo of Max Purcell and Jordan Thompson. Despite being unseeded in the upcoming season-opening Grand Slam, Nadal aims for a deep run in the Brisbane 250-level event to enhance his preparedness. The draw presents the possibility of facing rivals like Novak Djokovic in the early rounds.

The Spaniard received a warm welcome from fans, who celebrated his trademark shots and powerful play. In the second round, Nadal is set to face the winner between former Australian Open semi-finalist Aslan Karatsev and Australian Jason Kubler, with Kubler leading the first set 6-4.

Sheetal Devi has etched her name in the annals of Indian sports history by becoming the first Indian archer to win a prestigious World Archery award. This monumental achievement not only highlights her exceptional talent but also marks a significant milestone for Indian archery on the global stage.

Devi, who has been a rising star in the Indian archery circuit, clinched this accolade amidst stiff competition from some of the world’s best archers. Her journey to this triumphant moment is a testament to her relentless dedication, rigorous training, and unwavering focus.

The World Archery awards, considered the pinnacle of recognition in the sport of archery, celebrate the outstanding achievements of archers globally. Devi’s win in this highly competitive arena is a source of immense pride for India and has brought the spotlight on the country’s potential in this sport.

Her path to this achievement has been marked by several notable performances in international competitions, where she consistently showcased her prowess and resilience. Devi’s technique, characterized by precision and composure, has been honed through years of disciplined practice and a deep understanding of the sport.

This victory is not just a personal achievement for Sheetal Devi but also a huge boost for Indian archery. It is expected to inspire a new generation of archers in India, encouraging more young athletes to pursue the sport professionally. Moreover, it underscores the need for more support and investment in archery and other sports where India has the potential to excel on the world stage.

Devi’s achievement in winning the World Archery award is a beacon of hope and inspiration for aspiring athletes, demonstrating that with hard work and determination, Indian sports people can reach the zenith of global sports.

In conclusion, Sheetal Devi’s historic win at the World Archery awards is not just a landmark achievement for her but also a moment of immense pride and motivation for the entire Indian sports fraternity. Her journey and success are sure to ignite passion and ambition in many young Indian athletes.

In a stunning display of skill and resilience, KL Rahul etched his name in the annals of cricket history by becoming the first-ever visiting cricketer to score two Test centuries in Centurion. The Indian opener’s remarkable feat unfolded during the second Test match against South Africa, as he showcased impeccable technique and unwavering focus to leave an indelible mark on the iconic venue.

Rahul’s stellar performance not only showcased his batting prowess but also demonstrated his adaptability to challenging conditions. Centurion, known for its bouncy and pacy wickets, has often been a testing ground for visiting batsmen. However, Rahul’s innings exuded class and determination, dismantling any preconceived notions about the difficulty of batting at this venue.

The first century proves Rahul’s ability to anchor an innings. Displaying a wide array of shots, he navigated the South African bowling attack with grace and precision. His innings provided the Indian team with the stability needed to lay a solid foundation, setting the stage for a formidable total.

The second century, however, was more than just a continuation of his earlier brilliance – it was a masterclass in resilience. Facing a relentless South African bowling attack and challenging conditions, Rahul showcased his mental fortitude. His innings was a blend of caution and aggression, illustrating his ability to adapt to the demands of Test cricket.

KL Rahul’s remarkable performance in Centurion will undoubtedly inspire future generations of cricketers. It serves as a reminder that with skill, determination, and an unyielding spirit, boundaries can be conquered, even in the most formidable of cricketing arenas.

As the tennis world eagerly anticipates the new season, two of its greatest icons, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic, are poised for comebacks in Australia.

Nadal, a 22-time Grand Slam champion, returns from a challenging year marked by hip surgeries, with the Brisbane International (Dec 31-Jan 7) marking the beginning of what he terms a “farewell season.” The Spanish maestro, now 37, acknowledges the difficulties ahead but expresses a desire to accept the challenges gradually.

“I have internalised what I have had throughout my life, which is demand myself the maximum,” he said in announcing his return.

“Right now what I really hope is to be able not to do that, to accept things are going to be very difficult at the beginning and give myself the necessary time.”

Meanwhile, world No. 1 Djokovic, eyeing an unprecedented 11th Australian Open title, has opted for the mixed teams United Cup in Perth and Sydney (starting Dec 29). Djokovic, 36, concluded 2023 with three Grand Slam victories but faced defeats at the Davis Cup.

With Serbian arch-rival Nadal back in the mix, Melbourne Park (Jan 14) promises a potentially epic showdown, perhaps one of the last for these tennis legends.

On the women’s front, four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka makes a highly anticipated return in Brisbane, while world No. 1 Iga Swiatek prepares in Perth. Aryna Sabalenka, fresh off her maiden Slam victory, headlines a competitive field in Brisbane, with other stars like Coco Gauff defending titles and players like Svitolina, Wozniacki, and Raducanu making noteworthy comebacks.

Ramkumar Ramanathan is set to lead the Indian Davis Cup squad on a grass court challenge against Pakistan, marking India’s first visit to the neighboring nation in 60 years.

The All India Tennis Association (AITA) announced the five-member team, including N Sriram Balaji, Yuki Bhambri, Niki Poonacha, and Saketh Myneni, for the World Group I play-off tie scheduled for February 3-4.

India’s last venture to Pakistan dates back to 1964, with the upcoming tie sparking anticipation as the AITA awaits the International Tennis Federation (ITF) tribunal’s decision on its appeal regarding security concerns. Despite India’s undefeated record against Pakistan in Davis Cup history, the AITA had requested a venue change, which was rejected by the ITF Davis Cup Committee.

AITA Secretary General Anil Dhupar mentioned that the squad announcement is crucial for players to plan their schedules, irrespective of the final decision on the tie’s location. With the tribunal’s ruling expected on December 19, the AITA remains hopeful that the government will grant permission for the team to travel to Pakistan, emphasizing the global significance of the Davis Cup.

The Pakistan Tennis Federation (PTF) has already made it clear that it will not field its team if the ITF decides to shift the tie to a neutral venue again.

World No. 2 Carlos Alcaraz, the 18-year-old Spaniard, secured the Stefan Edberg Sportsmanship Award 2023 on Friday, December 15. Alcaraz’s outstanding display of fair play and integrity on the court earned him the prestigious ATP award, a recognition bestowed upon players who exhibit exceptional sportsmanship throughout the year.

Alcaraz’s journey to the coveted award saw him defeating formidable opponents, including Jannik Sinner, Hubert Hurkacz, and Grigor Dimitrov. This achievement makes him the fourth Spaniard to claim the honor, joining the ranks of Jose Higueras, Alex Corretja, and Rafael Nadal.

Expressing his joy, Alcaraz shared, “I’m so happy to win the Stefan Edberg Sportsmanship Award. I’m especially happy that it’s an award chosen by my colleagues on the circuit. It means a lot to me, so thank you all very much.”

The young tennis prodigy had a remarkable year, clinching six titles, with the Wimbledon final standing out as a highlight. His victory over the legendary Novak Djokovic, the current World No.1, marked a significant milestone in his flourishing career.

Looking ahead, Alcaraz is gearing up for the Australian Open 2023, set to commence in mid-January. Notably, in 2021, he became the youngest and the first teenager to claim the World No.1 spot, a feat achieved by defeating Casper Ruud in the final of the US Open 2022. Djokovic himself has praised Alcaraz as one of the most complete players he has ever witnessed, with Alcaraz boasting two victories over the tennis icon in their five encounters to date.

Star Pacer Mohammed Shami has been nominated for this year’s Arjuna Award after his spectacular run in the ODI World Cup 2023. Shami was the leading wicket-taker in the World Cup, with 24 wickets in seven outings where India finished second best, losing to Australia in the final.

In overall World Cups, Shami has now claimed 45 World Cup wickets in 14 innings – the most by an Indian bowler, surpassing seamers Javagal Srinath and Zaheer Khan on 44.

As per the ministry’s sources, a special request was made by the BCCI to the sports ministry to include Shami’s name as originally he didn’t feature in the list of the country’s second-highest sporting honour.

The ministry has constituted a 12-member committee to decide for this year’s sports awards including Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award and Arjuna award among others.

Retired Supreme Court Justice AM Khanwilkar will head the committee. Apart from him, there are six former international athletes in this committee. Hockey player Dhanraj Pillay, former paddler Kamlesh Mehta, ex-boxer Akhil Kumar, women shooter and current national coach Shuma Shirur, former cricketer Anjum Chopra, badminton player Tripti Murgunde and powerlifter Farman Pasha are also part of the panel.

Suryakumar Yadav has etched his name in the record books as the fastest Indian to reach 2000 runs in T20 Internationals (T20Is).

The dynamic batsman achieved this milestone during the ongoing South Africa tour, playing his 56th T20I innings.

Fresh off India’s triumphant T20I series against Australia, Suryakumar’s scintillating form continues to make headlines. The Mumbai batter’s achievement puts him on par with Virat Kohli in terms of innings but with a notable distinction—he reached the milestone in one fewer match, marking his 59th T20I appearance for India.

Suryakumar Yadav ascended to the No. 1 spot in T20I rankings in October 2022, a position he has steadfastly maintained. The dynamic player capped off the previous year with 1164 runs in 31 matches, and in 2023, he has already amassed 592 runs from 17 matches at an impressive average of 45.53 and a striking strike rate exceeding 153, featuring a century and four fifties.

In the recent encounter against South Africa, Suryakumar showcased his leadership on the pitch, steering India through a challenging start.

After early setbacks, he powered to a 28-ball fifty, orchestrating a remarkable recovery alongside Tilak Varma. However, his innings concluded at 56 when he chipped Tabraiz Shami’s delivery to long off.

Vaishali Rameshbabu became only the third female grandmaster from India, following in the footsteps of Koneru Humpy and Harika Dronavalli. This accomplishment was realized after Vaishali surpassed the 2500 FIDE rating threshold at the IV El Llobregat Open in Spain, where she secured the grandmaster title by defeating Turkish FM Tamer Tarik Selbes in the second round.

“I am very happy to finally completed the title. It’s just two rounds. I am also focusing on the tournament. But I am really happy with the GM title,” told Chess.com.

With this achievement, Vaishali and her younger brother, Praggnanandhaa, have become the first-ever Grandmaster siblings pair in history. They have also become the first-ever brother-sister duo to qualify for the Candidates.

The chess journeys of Vaishali and Praggnanandhaa have been intertwined, marked by parallel successes and shared victories, including double bronze in the Olympics and double silver at the Asian Games.

The achievement drew praise from various quarters, including Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin, who extended his congratulations to the sibling duo.

“Adding to the glory, you are now the first-ever Grandmaster siblings. We’re immensely proud of your achievements, and your remarkable journey is an inspiration to aspiring chess enthusiasts and a testament to women’s empowerment in our state,” he posted on his social media handle.

Vaishali gained prominence in 2015 by winning the under-14 girls’ division of the Asian Youth Chess Championships and concurrently earning the title of International Master (IM).