Latest news with #Duckworth
News18
4 hours ago
- Sport
- News18
Toronto Masters: Lorenzo Musetti Sinks James Duckworth, Holger Rune Downs Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard
Italian Musetti got the better of Duckworth 7-5, 6-1 while Dane Rune pipped Mpetshi Perricard 7-6 (9/7), 6-3 to advance. Lorenzo Musetti and Holger Rune posted wins at the Toronto Masters over James Duckworth and Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard, respectively, to advance to the subsequent round of the event in Canada. Italian Musetti got the better of Duckworth 7-5, 6-1 in an hour and 22 minutes while Dane Rune pipped Mpetshi Perricard 7-6 (9/7), 6-3 in a fixture that lasted an hour and 15 minutes to register the win. Musetti, a former semi-finalist at both Wimbledon and Roland Garros, decisively defeated Duckworth, advancing in 82 minutes. He broke serve for a set and 5-1 on his opponent's double fault and sealed the victory with an ace in the next game. The Italian is regaining form after losing his only grass match of the summer at Wimbledon and then losing in his Washington opener last week. His last victory was in early June during the Roland Garros quarter-finals. Musetti hit 17 winners, while Duckworth was undone by over 30 unforced errors. 'I tried to stay calm and focus on my serve," Rune said after his victory. 'There's sometimes not a lot you can do against his big serve, but I was trying as much as possible," he added. 'I had a good start to the second set. I'm very happy with the match in general. I've not served like this for a while. We've been working on small adjustments," the Dane said. 'My serving felt good and I trusted it all the way," he concluded. Rune is set to take on Frenchman Alexandre Muller in his upcoming Round of 32 fixture at the event in Canada with a place in the pre-quarters up for grabs. view comments Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Yahoo
10 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Popyrin powers ahead in quest for Canadian double
Reigning champion Alexei Popyrin got his title defence off to a flying start on a mixed day for Australia's men at the Canadian Open. After an opening-round bye, the 18th-seeded Popyrin was made to work harder than expected but still beat Canadian Nicolas Arseneault, ranked No.636 in the world, 7-6 (9-7) 6-3 in their round-of-64 clash in Toronto on Tuesday (local time). Both players were nearly impenetrable on serve, each pounding down nine aces and having similar first-serve percentages (57 per cent for Popyrin, 60 per cent for Arseneault). Break points proved almost as elusive as the Sasquatch, with Popyrin managing the only break of the encounter in the second set. It was one of just three break opportunities the Australian generated for the match. However, Popyrin was even more miserly on his own serve, fending off the only break point Arseneault could manufacture. The Australian is hoping to secure back-to-back titles in Toronto, having won last year's final 6-2 6-4 against Russia's Andrey Rublev. Victory in Canada would be a perfect tune-up to next month's final grand slam of the year, the US Open in New York. While Popyrin safely advanced to the third round in Toronto, compatriot James Duckworth proved no match for third-seeded Italian Lorenzo Musetti. Here to stay 💎@Lorenzo1Musetti shows his prowess to defeat Duckworth 7-5 6-1! @NBOtoronto | #NBO25 — ATP Tour (@atptour) July 29, 2025 Duckworth put up a good fight in the first set, before Musetti cantered away with the second, clinching a 7-5 6-1 victory. The Italian was virtually invulnerable on serve, winning 90 per cent of his first deliveries compared with 63 per cent by Duckworth. Musetti was also much more effective on return, converting three of the nine break points he set up, while not allowing Duckworth to win either of the two chances he had. Other winners on Tuesday included No.5 seed Holger Rune, of Denmark, No.8 Casper Ruud, of Norway, and 11th-seeded Russian Karen Khachanov. Australia will be looking for more success on Wednesday, when three men will be in action in the second round. Alex de Minaur, hot off clinching his 10th career title with a three-set win in the final of the Washington Open on Sunday, takes on Argentina's Francisco Comesana. Christopher O'Connell faces flamboyant Greek Stefanos Tsitsipas, the 23rd seeed, and Aleksandar Vuckic takes on 31st-seeded Brit Cameron Norrie.
Perth Now
10 hours ago
- Sport
- Perth Now
Popyrin powers ahead in quest for Canadian double
Reigning champion Alexei Popyrin got his title defence off to a flying start on a mixed day for Australia's men at the Canadian Open. After an opening-round bye, the 18th-seeded Popyrin was made to work harder than expected but still beat Canadian Nicolas Arseneault, ranked No.636 in the world, 7-6 (9-7) 6-3 in their round-of-64 clash in Toronto on Tuesday (local time). Both players were nearly impenetrable on serve, each pounding down nine aces and having similar first-serve percentages (57 per cent for Popyrin, 60 per cent for Arseneault). Break points proved almost as elusive as the Sasquatch, with Popyrin managing the only break of the encounter in the second set. It was one of just three break opportunities the Australian generated for the match. However, Popyrin was even more miserly on his own serve, fending off the only break point Arseneault could manufacture. The Australian is hoping to secure back-to-back titles in Toronto, having won last year's final 6-2 6-4 against Russia's Andrey Rublev. Victory in Canada would be a perfect tune-up to next month's final grand slam of the year, the US Open in New York. While Popyrin safely advanced to the third round in Toronto, compatriot James Duckworth proved no match for third-seeded Italian Lorenzo Musetti. Duckworth put up a good fight in the first set, before Musetti cantered away with the second, clinching a 7-5 6-1 victory. The Italian was virtually invulnerable on serve, winning 90 per cent of his first deliveries compared with 63 per cent by Duckworth. Musetti was also much more effective on return, converting three of the nine break points he set up, while not allowing Duckworth to win either of the two chances he had. Other winners on Tuesday included No.5 seed Holger Rune, of Denmark, No.8 Casper Ruud, of Norway, and 11th-seeded Russian Karen Khachanov. Australia will be looking for more success on Wednesday, when three men will be in action in the second round. Alex de Minaur, hot off clinching his 10th career title with a three-set win in the final of the Washington Open on Sunday, takes on Argentina's Francisco Comesana. Christopher O'Connell faces flamboyant Greek Stefanos Tsitsipas, the 23rd seeed, and Aleksandar Vuckic takes on 31st-seeded Brit Cameron Norrie.
Time of India
3 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Embarrassing: Trump's Singapore nominee fumbles basic questions - who is Dr Anjani Sinha?
Since Donald Trump came back to the White House, Washington has started to resemble St PETERsburg—not the Russian city, but a living monument to the Peter Principle. For the uninitiated, the Peter Principle states that in any hierarchy, people tend to rise to their level of incompetence. Under Trump 2.0, that appears to be the primary qualification for public office. Loyalty? Optional. Expertise? Disqualifying. But even in this sea of spectacular underperformance, one recent Senate hearing managed to set a new low: the confirmation hearing of Dr Anjani Sinha, nominee for US Ambassador to Singapore. What was expected to be a routine appearance before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on July 9 quickly turned into a masterclass in diplomatic unpreparedness. Dr Sinha, a retired orthopaedic surgeon and longtime Trump acquaintance, floundered as Democratic Senator Tammy Duckworth subjected him to a barrage of basic questions on trade, defence, and Southeast Asian diplomacy—none of which he seemed ready for. 'This is not a role you can just pick up on a whim, or because Singapore is a great place to live,' Duckworth warned, moments before dissecting his talking points with surgical precision. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Student Loans with Zero Fees Earnest Learn More Undo 'I just feel that you are not taking this seriously.' Off by Billions Asked to state the size of the US trade surplus with Singapore in 2024, Dr Sinha confidently said US$18 billion. The actual figure? US$2.8 billion. 'You're off by a huge factor,' Duckworth said bluntly. His explanation of Trump's sudden tariff threats—up to 25% on imports from a long-time trade partner with a free trade agreement since 2004—didn't go over well either. 'The President is resetting the trade numbers,' he replied, offering no rationale for how a surplus justifies sanctions. Geography, Defence and Homework Gaps Things only got worse when Duckworth asked Sinha when Singapore would next chair Asean. He couldn't answer. '2027,' she supplied. When asked to name a priority issue for Singapore as chair, he cited 'defence and trade.' 'Too broad,' she shot back. Asked how he would strengthen US-Singapore military cooperation, Sinha mentioned joint exercises—again too vague for Duckworth. 'Name a specific facility,' she demanded. He couldn't. 'You want to be ambassador to Singapore, one of the most important friends we have in the Indo-Pacific... and you've not even done your homework,' she said, visibly frustrated. 'You think you're going to live a nice life in Singapore, but what we need is someone who's going to actually do the work.' Doctor vs Doctor? Not Quite. Republican senators tried to smooth things over. Lindsey Graham described Sinha as a 'talented entrepreneur.' Senator Pete Ricketts, fresh from the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, urged Sinha to bond with Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan over their shared medical background. Sinha, eager to connect, replied: 'He became an eye surgeon, I became an orthopaedic surgeon. His wife is a neurologist, mine an anaesthesiologist. His kids are lawyers—ours are lawyers and doctors.' There was just one problem: Vivian Balakrishnan's wife isn't a neurologist. She isn't even a doctor. She's an educator and founder of a children's charity. The detail was not only incorrect but emblematic of a deeper issue: a nominee who appeared to have prepped for a dinner party, not a diplomatic post. St PETERsburg, USA Dr Sinha's performance would be comical if it weren't consistent with the broader dysfunction of Trump's second term. A Homeland Security Secretary who shot her own dog. A Defence Secretary who leaked classified plans on Signal. A National Security Adviser who added journalists to chats about bombing Yemen. A Vice President who asks foreign leaders to say 'thank you' and rivals Death in his unpopularity. In Trump's Washington, incompetence isn't accidental—it's structural. The Peter Principle isn't just theory anymore. It's the governing philosophy of the world's most powerful democracy. And Sinha's nomination is one more brick in a crumbling edifice where personal loyalty and vibes matter more than preparation or policy. Who Is Anjani Sinha? Born in India and immigrated to the US in 1977, Dr Anjani Sinha made his name—and fortune—as a sports medicine specialist and medical entrepreneur on Long Island. Trump nominated him on March 11 in a brief Truth Social post, referring to him as 'Dr Anji Sinha' and hailing him as a 'highly respected entrepreneur with an incredible family.' His wife, Dr Kiki Sinha, a retired NYU anaesthesiologist, and their son were present at the hearing. His daughter, a lawyer in Norway, watched the proceedings online. In his opening statement, Sinha described Singapore as 'a key strategic partner and friend in the Indo-Pacific,' and promised to expand defence ties, tech cooperation, and people-to-people contact. The specifics, however, were scarce. What Happens Now? As of July 27, 2025, Dr Anjani Sinha has not yet been confirmed as ambassador to Singapore. His nomination was reported favorably by the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on July 16 and is currently on the Senate Executive Calendar (No. 288), awaiting a full floor vote. With Republicans holding 53 of 100 Senate seats, his confirmation remains likely unless new objections emerge. If confirmed, Sinha will be dispatched to a country that has become one of the United States' most important Indo-Pacific partners—economically, militarily, and strategically. Whether he can represent that relationship with competence is a question that now hangs over the chamber—and the region.
Hans India
3 days ago
- General
- Hans India
Grit: The power of passion and perseverance
AngelaLee Duckworth's acclaimed book 'Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance' compellingly explores the question: 'Why do some people succeed while others fail.' She defines grit as a quiet fire of passion and perseverance that continues to burn even when the spotlight fades. She downplays the roles of qualifications, talent, IQ and luck. Released in May 2016, the book gained widespread attention and stayed on The New York Times bestseller list for 21 weeks. Angela, a distinguished American academic and psychologist born to Chinese immigrants, has, at 55, emerged as a leading voice in psychological research, especially in the field of achievement science. She asserts that 'GRIT' is the common thread among high achievers. Duckworth challenges society's obsession with natural ability and its tendency to glorify talent, often overlooking the invisible engine of effort that drives true excellence. She argues that 'tlent may open the door, but it is effort that builds the house' emphasizing that grit is not a fixed trait but a dynamic quality that can be cultivated and strengthened. 'Without effort talent is nothing more than unmet potential; skill is nothing more than what could have done but did not; talent becomes skill and at the same time, effort makes skill productive' is her concept. Nevertheless, it is widely agreed that 'grit is choosing to hang on when desperately want to let go.' While exploring the key factors behind individual accomplishments and setbacks in climbing the professional ladder, a Vice-President (Human Resources) at an American Multinational, during the process of discussion, recommended this book to me. I found its insights highly relevant and to contextualize grit, in the realm of political leadership. The components of grit can take a life from 'Good to Great to Exceptional.' Cultivating a deep passion for pursuits and take genuine enjoyment in what one does equals to possessing grit. The key to outstanding achievement is not talent but a unique blend of passion and persistence. 'Why do some people succeed while others fail?' she asked. Drawing from her landmark research, Duckworth explains that talent alone rarely guarantees success. She discovered that grit consistently emerges as the defining trait of high achievers across every field and profession. The book is structured into three distinct sections. Part I: 'What Grit is and why it Matters' (five chapters), introduces the 'Grit Scale,' explains why effort surpasses talent, and provides evidence that Grit is not fixed but can grow over time. Part II: 'Growing grit from the inside out' (four chapters), focuses on developing Grit internally, through nurturing interest, engaging in deliberate practice, discovering deeper purpose, and sustaining resilience (hope). Part III: Growing grit from the outside in' (three chapters), examines how external influences such as family upbringing, extracurricular activities, and organizational cultures can shape and strengthen grit by reinforcing values of effort. In the concluding chapter, Duckworth weaves the threads together with a compelling and affirmative message: Grit can be learned, taught, and cultivated. It is not something one is simply born with or without, but it is about committing to something meaningful and staying with it. Together, the chapters shape grit into a life philosophy grounded in the science of effort, belief, and sustained dedication. According to Angela Duckworth, success is not a gift granted by talent, luck, or birth, but a deliberate pursuit fueled by deep interest, honed through tireless practice, elevated by a strong sense of purpose, and sustained by unwavering hope. Achievement is not about speed, but about stamina; not about fleeting brilliance, but about enduring commitment to meaningful goals over years and decades. Grit is not merely about winning; it is about enduring, evolving, and ultimately living with purpose. She acknowledges that while talent and skill have value, they pale in comparison to the power of consistent effort. In both politics and the corporate world, countless examples support her concept of grit. In the political arena, it is especially fitting to frame it as: 'Why some rise again: Grit in political leadership.' For instance, Donald Trump's relentless grit brought him back to the White House, making him only the second US President after Grover Cleveland to accomplish the feat. His journey reflects Duckworth's core principle of sustained, effortful striving. In the UK, 'Wartime Grit and Beyond' is best exemplified by Sir Winston Churchill, who, despite leading Britain through World War II, was rejected by voters, only to return him as Prime Minister five years later. Churchill knew that grit meant not shouting through storms but walking through them with purpose. Harold Wilson regained power not through charisma, but through steady resilience. Stanley Baldwin, who served thrice as Prime Minister, was also ousted thrice. But his grit remained unmatched. Margaret Thatcher and David Cameron were others. In India, Jawaharlal Nehru's grit lay in sustaining the vision of modern India with brilliance, relentless devotion, scientific temper, and pluralism, making his tenure a master class in perseverance. Indira Gandhi embodied grit, surviving political isolation, declaring, and lifting Emergency, losing power, and regaining it. She lived defiant, driven, and deeply purposeful. Morarji Desai's grit was evident in his unwavering discipline, lifelong commitment to Gandhian ideals, and the patience to wait decades before finally ascending to the Prime Minister's chair. 'Young Turk' Chandrashekar, a firebrand who briefly became Prime Minister, demonstrated rare political grit, holding a unique place in Indian democracy through his unwavering convictions and fearless dissent. PV Narasimha Rao's deep sense of purpose and tolerance for ambiguity enabled him to usher in economic liberalisation, rescuing India from default, a rare display of grit. Atal Bihari Vajpayee's grit was reflected in his transformative vision, eloquence, warmth, and statesmanship. Narendra Modi's journey, brought to life Duckworth's thesis. His unwavering determination to reshape India's development narrative, rising from a tea-seller to the Prime Minister of the world's largest democracy, is grit in its most convincing form. Jyoti Basu's strength lay in his ideological consistency, adaptability over decades, and commitment to gradual transformation. Mamata Banerjee's journey from street protestor to Chief Minister is a testament to pure passion and perseverance. K Chandrasekhar Rao's grit was not just about seeking power but about championing Telangana's identity, despite enduring mockery, solitude, and betrayal. A Revanth Reddy embodies new-age political grit, rising from ground level to Chief Minister, enduring political droughts and party transitions. His 'Interest, practice, purpose, and hope, the four pillars of grit' are reflected in his combative style and strategic clarity. Odisha's Naveen Patnaik redefined leadership through consistent, quiet, and determined governance. In Angela's terms, Chandrababu Naidu's grit lies in his ability to script success even in defeat, by returning to power after two setbacks. YS Jaganmohan Reddy, despite defying Sonia Gandhi and being in jail, rose with fierce perseverance. Yet, his defeat shows grit alone does not guarantee endurance. Indian-origin leaders in global corporations exemplify Angela Duckworth's grit framework with balance, insight, and humility. Sundar Pichai, rising from modest beginnings in Chennai to become Google's CEO, personifies grit through his deep passion for technology. Satya Nadella's ascent after spending 22 years in low-profile roles, steadily learning, and evolving is another case study. His leadership blends passion with compassion, resilience with reinvention, and a strong sense of purpose with sustained growth. These achievers did not just rise; they persisted. They did not merely excel; they endured. Behind every victory were setbacks, betrayals, and despair. If grit powers long-distance leadership, it also reflects when fuel runs low. Not every achiever fits Duckworth's mould, though. Grit is the true success muscle. Endurance defines greatness more than brilliance ever can. Ultimately, it is not talent but tireless, quiet, continuous, and unseen effort, which sustains success. That is grit, as conceived by Angela Lee Duckworth.
