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Caroline Garcia starts with a win in US Open

Down 15-30 in the next game, Garcia stood firm in a bruising rally, skipping forward to clip away an acute volley and fend off any danger of a potential comeback…reports Asian Lite News

No. 17 seed Caroline Garcia opened her 2022 US Open campaign with a 6-2, 6-4 scoreline over lucky loser Kamilla Rakhimova while Maria Sakkari survived a scare as she advanced with a three sets victory in early women’s singles action here.

On Monday, Sakkari returned to the scene where she tore through the 2021 US Open wom’n’s draw, riding on a high of a breakthrough season that saw her crack the Top 10 for the first time in her career, determined to change the narrative. She opened her 2022 campaign with an emphatic 6-4, 3-6, 6-0 win over Tatjana Maria of Germany.

Early on, a knee-high volley from midcourt caught Rakhimova by surprise and the stance and execution on return was particularly aggressive. Sprinkle in winners off each wing and 10 successive points, and it all enabled the Frenchwoman to surge 4-0 in front.

By this point, Garcia was serving superbly with two holds to love. It took 18 minutes for Rakhimova to claim a game, but it was pure dominance from Garcia.

An ace at 5-2 was called let by umpire James Keothavong, but Garcia didn’t hear the call and celebrated posting a set lead. Back to the baseline for taking two, another well-constructed point, and Garcia secured a 6-2 advantage.

The power play, the transitioning up the court, and the net play was all on the song and the pressure finally took hold on the world No. 90. At 2-2, Garcia connected with a backhand return on the stretch, read her opponent’s reply and hooked a forehand pass for a pivotal break.

Down 15-30 in the next game, Garcia stood firm in a bruising rally, skipping forward to clip away an acute volley and fend off any danger of a potential comeback.

A confident hold closed out victory to cue the trademark “Fly with Caro” celebration.

In 2021, Sakkari had played lights-out tennis through to the semifinals, but even that was not enough to get past the teen craze that took hold of last year’s event. Just one win shy of her first major final, Sakkari’s dream run came to an abrupt halt when she fell to eventual teenage champion Emma Raducanu in straight sets, leaving her stunned and fumbling for answers as to what went wrong.

The win was big for the No. 3 seed not only to stay alive in the draw but also because, well, vengeance is sweet. The last time these two players met was earlier this summer at Wimbledon, where Sakkari fell to then-No. 103 Maria in the third round. Monday’s victory evened their scorecard to a 2-2 head-to-head record.

Maria used a variety of slice shots to take away the pace of the rallies early in the match, neutralizing Sakkari’s biggest weapon. Within the first 10 minutes of play, the German was up 4-1. But it didn’t take long for Sakkari to dial in and gain better control of her aggressive brand of tennis, as she reeled off the next five games to claim the first set, according to a report on the official website.

The second set played out identical to the first, with Maria jumping out to another 4-1 lead. This time, it was Sakkari’s service woes that handcuffed her, committing six double faults in the set and allowing Maria to take the set and force a third.

With coaching now acceptable at the US Open, Sakkari took a few tips from her coach and cruised through the final frame, holding off Maria to sweep all six games and book a spot in the second round.

ALSO READ-India pays tribute to Dhyan Chand on Sports day

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India pays tribute to Dhyan Chand on Sports day

Dhyan Chand represented India in three Olympic Games — 1926 Amsterdam, 1932 Los Angeles and 1936 Berlin — and won gold medals in all three…reports Asian Lite News

Meet the Champion events in over 25 cities, felicitations, interactions with sportspersons, and various functions were organised on Monday throughout the country to commemorate the birth anniversary of the greatest-ever sports star, the legendary hockey player Dhyan Chand.

The day, celebrated as National Sports Day had Prime Minister Narendra Modi and a host of politicians and celebrities paying rich tributes to Dhyan Chand, who was born on this day in 1905 in Allahabad in the then undivided United Provinces of Agra and Oudh in British India.

Known as “Hockey Wizard”, or The Magician, Dhyan Chand was blessed with superb ball control, dribbling skills and brilliant reading of the game that helped him dominate the sport during an international career spanning from 1926 to 1949.

Dhyan Chand represented India in three Olympic Games — 1926 Amsterdam, 1932 Los Angeles and 1936 Berlin — and won gold medals in all three. In a career spanning more than two decades, he played 185 matches, scoring 570 goals. According to his autobiography Goal, Dhyan Chand, known as Dadda or Dada in the hockey and sports community, he scored over 1000 goals in his entire domestic and international career.

His exploits in the three Olympics, especially in the 1936 Games in Berlin which were organised by Hitler’s Nazi Germany as a tool of propaganda. India played Germany in the final and beat them handsomely as Hitler left the stadium midway as Dhyan Chand’s India took control of the match.

After retiring from hockey and the Indian Army, took over as chief hockey coach at the National Institute of Sports, Patiala for several years. He died on December 3, 1979, from liver cancer at All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Delhi (AIIMS).

The government has awarded Dhyan Chand with the Padma Bhushan, India’s third highest civilian honour. The government celebrates his birthday as the National Sports Day and the President gives away sports-related awards the Major Dhyanchand Khel Ratna, Arjuna Award and Dronacharya Awards on this day.

ALSO READ-India setting new records in sports: Modi

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Pandya powers India to last over win against Pakistan

Virat Kohli, playing in his 100th T20I, was dropped by Fakhar Zaman at second slip while chasing a wide one, followed by a series of inside and outside edges. He showed signs of his authoritative self when he pulled slashed and whipped off his wrists to collect boundaries…reports Asian Lite News

In the Men’s T20 World Cup held in the UAE last year, Hardik Pandya was a pale shadow of his all-round skills and far from his fittest self. He faced 45 balls with the bat and bowled only four overs, the effect of which was seen in India’s early exit from the tournament.

Ten months later, Pandya is back in the Blue jersey and in Sunday’s marquee clash against Pakistan in Group A of Asia Cup 2022, his all-round skills were the driving force behind India sealing a five-wicket win in an engrossing match.

With the ball, Pandya used his short ball to good effect and got extra bounce as well on a two-paced pitch to break Pakistan’s innings mid-way with his spell of 3-25. Then, after Pakistan were bowled out for 147, India were in a scenario where 59 runs were needed off the last six overs.

From there, Pandya (33 not out) and Jadeja (35) shared a stand of 52 runs off just 29 balls. Even though the left-handed Jadeja fell in the final over, Pandya finished off things with a six over long-on to take India over the line and add another thrilling chapter in the history of India-Pakistan clashes.

The innings of both India and Pakistan had two similarities: eventful first overs and being penalised for slow over-rate in their last three overs as one extra fielder came into the 30-yard circle. In chasing 148, debutant pacer Naseem Shah (2-27) struck on just his second T20I ball, as K.L Rahul inside-edged to his stumps.

Virat Kohli, playing in his 100th T20I, was dropped by Fakhar Zaman at second slip while chasing a wide one, followed by a series of inside and outside edges. He showed signs of his authoritative self when he pulled slashed and whipped off his wrists to collect boundaries.

Rohit Sharma, cautious till then, opened up in eighth over when he slog-swept Mohammad Nawaz (3-33) over long-on. But the left-arm spinner had the last laugh as Rohit holed out to long-off on the final ball of the over. In his next over, Nawaz had another big scalp as Kohli chipped straight to long-off. Jadeja started off his promotion at number four by smacking Nawaz down the ground for a 98m six.

He and Suryakumar Yadav stitched a stand of 36 runs before Naseem knocked off Suryakumar’s off-stump on the first ball of his second spell. Jadeja and Hardik Pandya hanged in to bring the equation to 32 off the last three overs. By then, Pakistan were struggling as their pacers got cramps and Jadeja survived an lbw appeal off Naseem Shah clearly in pain after a review showed the ball pitching outside the leg-stump.

On the very next ball, Jadeja lofted with a straight bat down the ground for six. In the next over, Pandya flat-batted off Haris Rauf over extra-cover and got a boundary as Babar chased the ball, but couldn’t stop it from hitting the boundary rope. He then swatted Rauf over wide long-on and brought out a short-arm jab on the last ball for a four splitting deep mid-wicket and long-on for perfection.

With seven needed off the final over, Nawaz struck on the first ball as Jadeja was castled while going for an expansive slog. Pandya finished off the match in style by clobbering Nawaz over long-on to win an absorbing contest.

Earlier, electing to bowl first, Azam oozed gorgeousness while straight driving with full face twice through mid-off. In an attempt to pull off a Bhuvneshwar Kumar (4-26) bouncer, Azam sent a top-edge to a short fine leg.

Avesh Khan banged in short and got a faint tickle off Zaman’s bat through extra bounce to be caught by the keeper. Though India didn’t appeal, Zaman walked off, ruling himself out. Post power-play, Pandya and spinners, Jadeja and Yuzvendra Chahal, kept things tight with a hint of turn on offer. It didn’t deter Pakistan as Mohammad Rizwan cut through backward point off Jadeja for four while Ahmed heaved Chahal high over long-on for six.

But India halted their charge as Pandya bounced out Ahmed and the top-edge was caught safely by Karthik. In his next over, he made a double strike with his short balls as Rizwan ramped straight to third man and Khushdil Shah slashed straight to cover.

Pakistan never recovered from those three wickets lost in overs 11-15, as Asif Ali holed out on a slower off-cutter to long-off off Bhuvneshwar. Arshdeep came back to have Nawaz nicking behind. Bhuvneshwar took out Shadab Khan and Shah on consecutive lbws. But Dahani smacked two huge sixes over leg-side before his stumps were disturbed by a quick Arshdeep yorker to end Pakistan’s innings at 147.

Brief scores: Pakistan 147 all out in 19.5 overs (Mohammad Rizwan 43, Iftikhar Ahmed 28; Bhuvneshwar Kumar 4-26, Hardik Pandya 3-24) lost to India 148-5 in 19.4 overs (Virat Kohli 35, Ravindra Jadeja 35; Mohammad Nawaz 3-33, Naseem Shah 2-27) by five wickets.

ALSO READ-STARZPLAY to live stream Asia Cup in Middle East

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Serena and Venus receive doubles wild card to US open

Venus Williams will play her first-round match on Tuesday against Belgium’s Alison Van Uytvanck…reports Asian Lite News

Serena Williams and Venus Williams will reunite for doubles at the U.S Open after receiving a wild card for the tournament, which is set to begin on Monday.

The William sisters are two-time champions at the U.S Open and will pair for the first time since 2018 Roland Garros. In addition to their 14 major doubles titles, the last of which came at 2016 Wimbledon, Serena and Venus have teamed to win three Olympic gold medals in doubles, winning in 2000, 2008, and 2012.

The duo is the most recent team to hold all four major doubles titles at one time, having won 2009 Wimbledon, 2009 U.S Open, 2010 Australian Open, and 2010 French Open.

Earlier this month, Serena confirmed the U.S Open would be her final tournament before evolving away from tennis. In singles, she is set to face Montenegro’s Danka Kovinic in the first round on Monday night.

Venus Williams will play her first-round match on Tuesday against Belgium’s Alison Van Uytvanck.

The USTA also announced additional doubles wildcards going to the other teams: Sophie Chang and Angela Kulikov, Robin Montgomery and CoCo Vandeweghe, Katrina Scott and Elizabeth Mandlik, Peyton Stearns and Ashlyn Krueger, Hailey Baptiste and Whitney Osuigwe Clervie Ngounoue and Reese Brantmeier.

The doubles competition begins on Wednesday.

ALSO READ-Blasters register first win in Durand Cup

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Blasters register first win in Durand Cup

Subam Rabha’s men were kept busy by the Tuskers who constantly were creating chances after Roshan went on a running spree, easily getting past three defenders but his shot went wide off the post…reports Asian Lite News

Kerala Blasters FC secured their first victory of their Durand Cup 2022 campaign as they eased past NorthEast United FC in a comfortable 3-0 victory in their Group D match at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium, here on Saturday.

A brace from Mohammed Aimen (28′, 90′) and a goal from Muhammed Ajsal (55′) outnumbered NorthEast United FC to hand full points to the Blasters.

NorthEast United FC hit the ground running by being quick on the ball right from kick-off with a handful number of chances being created in the opening minutes of the game, but the Blasters’ shot-stopper Sachin Suresh calmly took charge of the situation.

The Highlanders imposed themselves on the Blasters’, putting them on the back foot as the former kept looking for spaces to create more attacking chances. Tomasz Tchorz’s men found their first big chance of the game in the 21st minute after Roshan’s attempt from a free kick found Marwan on the right, as the latter’s glancing header narrowly sailed over the bar.

A quick counter-attack from the Blasters opened the way for the first goal of the game as Muhammad Ajsal’s blocked shot fell through to Muhammed Aimen, who with an exquisite first touch slot it home to make it 1-0 for his side.

Subam Rabha’s men were kept busy by the Tuskers who constantly were creating chances after Roshan went on a running spree, easily getting past three defenders but his shot went wide off the post.

The Blasters maintained their attacking consistency in the second half and were rewarded with a second goal after Ajsal found himself in an open position to receive Azhar’s ball, and smashed it past the keeper to hand his side a two-goal cushion in the 55th minute.

In the 65th minute, the Blasters almost scored the third goal of the night as a lightning counterattack by Tomasz Tchorz’s men ended up with a quality block by a Highlanders’ defender after their blunder in the opposite half.

Minutes later, the Highlanders were slenderly close to scoring an equaliser but a last-ditch tackle by Tejas scrapped any chance of losing their lead. Right before the stroke of full-time, Aimen netted his second of the night and the third for his side as he went round the keeper and latched it past the net after receiving a long ball from Azhar.

The Tuskers’ take the field again on Wednesday as they face Army Green FT while the Highlanders will lock horns with Sudeva Delhi FC two days later.

ALSO READ-STARZPLAY to live stream Asia Cup in Middle East

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Hong Kong qualify for Asia Cup 2022

In reply, Murtaza and skipper Nizakat Khan powered Hong Kong to a quick start, sharing a stand of 85 runs in 10.5 overs, recording the side’s highest-ever T20I opening partnership…reports Asian Lite News

Hong Kong qualified for the main Asia Cup event after defeating the United Arab Emirates (UAE) by eight wickets at the Al Amerat Cricket Stadium in Muscat.

With Hong Kong ending the Qualifiers as the top-ranked side, they will now join India and Pakistan in Group A of the Asia Cup T20 event. Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka are in Group B of the competition.

Their match against India will be on August 31 in Dubai, followed by the clash against Pakistan in Sharjah on September 2. Co-incidentally, Hong Kong had defeated UAE in the 2018 qualifiers to join India and Pakistan in the same group of the ODI Asia Cup event.

Ahead of the final match of the Asia Cup qualifiers, Hong Kong and UAE were put in a must-win situation after Kuwait defeated Singapore by six wickets and completed their chase of 105 in 7.5 overs to be on top of the table on the basis of Net Run Rate.

Electing to bowl first, off-spinner Ehsan Khan shined for Hong Kong with the ball, picking 4-24 in his four overs. He was well-supported by right-arm medium pacer Ayush Shukla, picked three for 30 in his three overs, while Aizaz Khan (2-8) and Yasim Murtaza (1-17) chipped in with vital contributions to bowl out UAE for 147 in 19.3 overs.

For the UAE, their captain CP Rizwan top-scored with 49 from 44 balls, including four fours, while all-rounder Zawar Farid smashed 41 off 27 balls after coming in at number seven, hitting two fours and three sixes, to give their bowling attack something to defend.

In reply, Murtaza and skipper Nizakat Khan powered Hong Kong to a quick start, sharing a stand of 85 runs in 10.5 overs, recording the side’s highest-ever T20I opening partnership. Nizakat fell for 39, including five fours, while Murtaza made 58 off 43 balls, smashing seven fours and a six.

Babar Hayat (38 not out) and Kinchit Shah (six not out) ensured Hong Kong crossed the line with six balls to spare to seal the last remaining spot for Asia Cup. Hong Kong, ranked 23rd in the ICC T20I rankings, will be making their first-ever Asia Cup T20I appearance and fourth overall after playing in 2004, 2008 and 2018 editions in ODI format.

Brief Scores: UAE 147 all out in 19.3 overs (CP Rizwan 49, Zawar Farid 41; Ehsan Khan 4-24, Ayush Shukla 3-30) lost to Hong Kong 149-2 in 19 overs (Yasim Murtaza 58, Nizakat Khan 39; Basil Hameed 1-31, Junaid Siddique 1-35) by eight wickets

ALSO READ-Serena believes she will always be involved in tennis

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Bhaichung Bhutia files fresh nomination for AIFF president’s post

The nominations for the posts can be filed between August 25 to 27 while the scrutiny will be done on August 28, the returning officer had said…reports Asian Lite News

Amid the hectic activities in the All India Football Federation over the filing of nomination for the Executive Committee election, the posterboy of Indian Football, Bhaichung Bhutia has filed his fresh nomination for the post of President.

Sources close to the development told that his nomination was proposed by the Andhra Football Association and seconded by Rajasthan Football Association.

After the termination of the Committee of Administrators (CoA), as demanded by the international football federation (FIFA), the returning officer on Tuesday issued fresh dates for the elections to the All India Football Federation (AIFF) Executive Committee.

After the SC order, the returning officer Umesh Sharma had stated that the election will be held on September 2 at the AIFF headquarter in Delhi and the results could be announced either on September 2 or 3.

The nominations for the posts can be filed between August 25 to 27 while the scrutiny will be done on August 28, the returning officer had said.

The candidates will have a chance to withdraw the nomination on August 29 while the returning officer shall prepare the final list of contesting candidates and put it on the AIFF website on August 30.

ALSO READ-UAE all set for Asia Cup

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Serena believes she will always be involved in tennis

Williams also outlined her plans for the future, adding: “I really want to expand my family, and you know I’ve been putting it off for so long…reports Asian Lite News

Retiring legend Serena Williams has indicated she “will always have some sort of involvement” in tennis as she prepares for the US Open, in what will be the final Grand Slam of her career.

The 40-year-old has won 23 major singles titles, while also adding 14 doubles championships in a brilliant career, but will be hanging up her racquet after she plays in the tournament she has won six times, reports DPA. Her first time lifting the US Open trophy came in 1999, but even after spending over two decades at the top level of the sport, Williams says she will continue to be active in tennis.

“I will never retire from something I absolutely love,” the American told Meghan Markle on the Duchess’ new Spotify podcast.

“I will always have some sort of involvement in it. Maybe not professionally, but I will always want to be involved in some form in tennis. Obviously, I’ve retired professionally, but it’s also an evolution.”

Williams also outlined her plans for the future, adding: “I really want to expand my family, and you know I’ve been putting it off for so long.

“As a woman, there’s only so long you can put that off and other people out there, other men out there, can continue to play. My best is being a mom; I think I can do really good at that.

Fellow tennis legend John McEnroe has heaped praise on Williams ahead of the tournament at Flushing Meadows, commenting: “The way that she moves the needle when she plays, it’s like Tiger Woods and golf.

“You can look at the accomplishments; she has the Grand Slam victories. Off the court, I know that she’s had a lot of difficulties in her life that she talks about in her own documentaries, but she has come out the other end as this icon, global superstar.”

ALSO READ-Bengaluru FC defeat Indian Air Force 4-0

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Bengaluru FC defeat Indian Air Force 4-0

BFC now join Mohammedan on six points in the group and both also have the same goal difference…reports Asian Lite News

Bengaluru FC (BFC) became the third team of the Durand Cup to pick up a second consecutive win in as many games in this season, after they beat the Indian Air Force 4-0 in a Group B encounter at the Kishore Bharati Krirangan (KBK) here on Tuesday.

Roy Krishan opened the scoring in the ninth minute of the match while Sunil Chhetri got the second in the 23rd. The third was scored by Faisal Ali in the 71st minute, while young striker Siva Sakthi got the fourth in the third minute of stoppage time.

As a result, BFC now join Mohammedan on six points in the group and both also have the same goal difference.

The Blues gaffer Simon Grayson made as many as six changes in his starting eleven with defender Hira Mondal being the only forced change due to a red-card picked up in their first game. Priya Darshan the Air Force coach made two, rewarding Prabhjot Singh for his spirited play in the last game when he came on as substitute and dropped Guizam in defence in place of Amal Das. Both surprisingly began with five defenders in the starting line-up.

The goal came early for BFC as Roy Krishna received a cross from the left and drove in to finish with his right, for his second of the tournament. Soon after captain Sunil Chhetri got at the end of a cross from Prabir Das, who was tireless with his runs from the right on the day, to sneak one past Shibinraj in the Air Force goal. It was his second of the tournament as well in as many games.

There was no further damage done for the Airmen in the first half.

BFC got their third goal in the 71st through their new recruit from Kolkata itself, Faisal Ali. Two substitutes, Udanta and Faisal combined for it but credit should go to Suresh Wangjam who chased a ball inside the box with Air Force defender Arashpreet on his shoulder trying to see it to touch.

Suresh persisted and kept the ball in play with a lunge and Udanta was at hand. The speedy Manipuri winger delivered a cross across the face of goal with pin-point accuracy and Faisal coming in following the game, had an easy tap in.

The Airmen had their best chance in the 81st minute when off a Prabhjot corner, Arashpreet jumped the highest to deflect a powerful header towards goal but it grazed the top of the net and went out.

ALSO READ-Neeraj to participate Diamond League Meeting in Lausanne

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Neeraj to participate Diamond League Meeting in Lausanne

Tokyo Olympics silver medallist Jakub Vadlejch of Czech Republic leads the standings with 20 points, followed by Germany’s Julian Weber (19 points) and world champion Anderson Peters (16 points) of Grenada…reports Asian Lite News

Olympic champion and World Championships silver medalist javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra has recovered from his groin injury and will participate in the Diamond League Meeting in Lausanne, Switzerland, on August 26.

This will be Chopra’s first event since the world championship silver and after missing the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham due to injury. The star athlete had suffered the injury during the final of the World Championships on July 24 in Eugene, USA.

The 24-year-old athlete is currently based in Saarbrcken, Germany, along with his coach Dr Klaus Bartonietz and physio Ishaan Marwaha.

“Feeling strong and ready for Friday. Thanks for the support, everyone. See you in Lausanne! @athletissima,” tweeted Neeraj along with his picture on Tuesday.

The Lausanne meet of the Diamond League will decide the top-six finalists for the big final to be held in Zurich on September 7 and 8. Chopra is currently at the fourth spot on the Diamond League standings after his second place finish at the Stockholm event and a good show in the upcoming event can ensure him a berth in the Finals.

Tokyo Olympics silver medallist Jakub Vadlejch of Czech Republic leads the standings with 20 points, followed by Germany’s Julian Weber (19 points) and world champion Anderson Peters (16 points) of Grenada.

After winning the silver at the World Championships, Neeraj had spoken about the Diamond League title being the one he wants to add to his cabinet which also includes gold medals at the Asian Games and the Commonwealth Games in 2018.

This will be Chopra’s second competition in a Diamond League Meeting this season after the Stockholm event in June. He broke the national record for the second time in a month with an opening throw of 89.94 metres during that event.

The Olympic Champion finished second to world champion Anderson Peters in Stockholm and was the first time he had finished in the top three in a Diamond League event.

ALSO READ-Anshul Bhatt wins triple gold at U-16 Youth Bridge Championships