Latest news with #Game
Hindustan Times
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
‘Game, Set, Matchmaker': US Open presents tennis-themed reality dating show, ex-skating champ to be matched with 7 men
Last week saw the United States Tennis Association make an unusual announcement! It was revealed that the US Open would be entering the world of reality show dating. The announcement caught everyone's attention and also went viral on social media. The US Open has launched a new dating reality show. In an official statement, Jonathan Zipper, senior director of social media at the USTA, said, 'We're excited to break new ground with 'Game, Set, Matchmaker,' at the US Open and across our channels this year. It's the perfect time for us to launch a fun, social-forward concept that meets the moment, engaging fans at the intersection of tennis, pop culture and entertainment.' What is 'Game, Set, Matchmaker' about? The reality series will take place at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center and will follow a bachelorette tennis player on her quest to find love. The player at the center of the series is Ilana Sedaka, a 24-year-old former skating champion, tennis fan and pilates teacher, who was born and raised in Long Island and now lives in Miami. Sedaka will be matched with seven men and will go on dates. The dates will also include her playing games and exploring the tennis center. Meanwhile, a contestant will be sent home at the end of each episode. In the official press release, Sedaka said, 'The US Open has always been one of the most iconic sporting events in the country, and growing up just 30 minutes from Arthur Ashe Stadium, it was something I looked forward to every summer.' 'To now be stepping into this experience at such a legendary venue feels surreal and incredibly special. 'I'm coming in open to connection, ready to compete, and excited to be part of something bigger. My hope is to bring a little joy, a little chaos, and a whole lot of realness to the court,' she further added. The contestants will consist of influencers, social personalities, and tennis superfans.
Time of India
3 days ago
- Sport
- Time of India
Second suspect arrested for disrupting WNBA game after a s*x toy hit man and his 9-year-old niece
Connecticut Sun vs Phoenix Mercury. Image via: Getty Images Throwing heinous objects onto the court at WNBA games has become a trend recently. However, the suspects didn't get far and were arrested for it. In a similar set of events, a second person had been arrested for throwing a d**do onto the courtside. The object did not directly reach the court, but hit a man who came to watch the WNBA match with his 9-year-old niece. The person, later revealed to be Kaden Lopez, 18, was arrested for this barbaric incident. What's even more surprising was when this person was interviewed. Although he had apologized for this inhumane behavior, however, he made sure to address the media with something that sparked heated debate among everyone out there. He referred to this incident as a 'stupid prank', which had created discontent among the audience and the people of the league. Kaden Lopez had been arrested for allegedly throwing a d**do at a WNBA Game This is not the first time that a s*x object has been thrown, aimed at the courtside at a WNBA game. A green d**do was aimed at the court earlier during a match between the Golden State Valkyries and the Atlanta Dream on July 29. A similar incident had taken place, making it the 5th known incident so far. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like If A Cat Bites Their Owner Heres What It Really Means Gloriousa Undo The man, later identified as Kaden Lopez, was arrested and booked into jail for suspicion of disorderly conduct, assault, and public display of explicit se**al material. A court document read, 'Video footage shows Lopez, sitting in his seat, he retrieves the green dildo from his sweater front pocket then throws the dildo forward. He then stands up and leaves the area'. The s*x object had hit a man and his 9-year-old niece The heinous incident took place at the WNBA Game, and it isn't an isolated case. The game was between the Phoenix Mercury and the Connecticut Suns. Although the object did not reach the court, it hit a man who went to watch the match with his 9-year-old niece, and then it struck the ground next to him. The suspect, Kaden Lopez, later apologized for his immature behavior and defended in this regard as 'a stupid prank that was trending on social media. " The Los Angeles Sparks coach, Lynne Roberts, also reacted to this malevolent incident and said, 'It's ridiculous. It's dumb. It's stupid. It's also dangerous, and you know, player safety is No. 1, respecting the game, all those things. I think it's really stupid." A similar incident had taken place during the Valkyries-Dream game On July 29, the first incident had taken place, whereby a person allegedly threw a green d**do on the courtside. The game was immediately stopped, following a tough speculation. The object was removed instantly, and the game was resumed. However, similar incidents took place most frequently and haven't stopped since. The very recent incident of Kaden Lopez marks the 5th incident in the history of the WNBA. Also read: NBA Trade Rumors: Boston Celtics May Part Ways With $45 Million NBA Champion Post Latest Roster Shake-Up To Improve Tatum's Title Odds Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
Indian Express
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
A reality dating show presented by US Open: Love games look good only in matches
It's not quite the centre-court showdown one might expect at a Grand Slam, but the USTA, organiser of the US Open, is hoping its latest wild card will still serve up some buzz. This year, a reality dating show, 'Game, Set, Matchmaker', will shadow a former figure skating champion as she volleys her way through seven romantic hopefuls — all on the tournament venue in the week leading up to the main event. The eight-episode series will air on YouTube, with the finale dropping during the women's final, because, of course, nothing pairs with a baseline rally like a soft-focus exchange about emotional availability. Critics are crying gimmick and if the serve feels a bit wide, it is with reason. Tennis has long flirted with the need to modernise but it has, so far, limited itself within the sport's ambit. The Australian Open has leaned into animated streaming to widen viewership; Wimbledon has relaxed its all-white dress code for women. In the US, despite the sport's grassroots popularity, national viewership still can't quite hold serve. And yet, dressing the tournament in reality-tv gloss runs the risk of overplaying the point. Tennis is, after all, a sport built on structure and restraint — its very essence born from the unscripted choreography of long rallies, the expectant hush between points, the tension of attacking and recalibrating in real time. If the USTA really wants to connect with a new generation, it might do well to trust the drama and plot twists embedded in the game. Tennis is inherently cinematic, a love story of unusual depth built on a foundation of showing up again and again — despite its overwhelming demands, despite the critics or the scoreboard. If tennis keeps mistaking visibility for vitality, it risks forgetting that relevance isn't built through novelty alone. It's built through storytelling that respects the game — and assumes the audience can, too.
Daily Mail
3 days ago
- Business
- Daily Mail
UK gaming retailer to close down 5 branches
Advertisement A major high street chain with hundreds of stores across the UK is shutting down several of its locations within days. Game, the popular video game and electronics retailer, is set to close five of its branches in August and September in yet another blow to Britain's struggling high streets. The company, which currently operates around 240 stores, is pulling out of a number of key locations – with up to 20 percent off stock in closing down sales as it winds down operations in affected areas. One of the most notable closures will be Game's store in the Galleries Shopping Centre, Bristol, which will shut its doors for good on September 25, according to BristolWorld. Elsewhere, the Metrocentre Shopping Centre in Gateshead is also set to lose its Game branch on September 7 – although a concession inside Sports Direct at the same site will remain open for now. The Bristol and Gateshead stores have both launched large clearance events to offload stock, with discounts of up to a fifth. Three more locations – Basingstoke, Chatham, and Southend – are also facing imminent closure. The Basingstoke branch will shut on August 10, while the Southend and Chatham stores are set to close later in the month and in September, respectively. The company has already closed several stores this year, including in Bridgewater, Nottingham and Manchester. Some of the shuttered branches have been repurposed as concessions within larger Frasers Group-owned stores. Game was bought out by the Frasers Group, owned by retail tycoon Mike Ashley, back in 2019 in a £52 million deal. But just months later, the chain revealed plans to close 40 of its 300+ stores, with the ongoing economic challenges continuing to take their toll. The Daily Mail has contacted Frasers Group for comment on the recent closures. Retail analysts say Game's latest round of shutdowns is just another symptom of the high street's long-term decline. The Centre for Retail Research said the sector has been stuck in a 'permacrisis' ever since the 2008 financial crash. So far in 2024 alone, 34 retail chains with multiple stores have gone bust, resulting in the closure of 7,537 stores. A combination of surging energy bills, rent, wage hikes, and shifting consumer habits – including a major move toward online shopping – has put high street shops under intense pressure.
Daily Mail
3 days ago
- Business
- Daily Mail
Huge retailer with 240 locations is closing down five branches in DAYS - is your local affected?
A major high street chain with hundreds of stores across the UK is shutting down several of its locations within days. Game, the popular video game and electronics retailer, is set to close five of its branches in August and September in yet another blow to Britain's struggling high streets. The company, which currently operates around 240 stores, is pulling out of a number of key locations – with up to 20 percent off stock in closing down sales as it winds down operations in affected areas. One of the most notable closures will be Game's store in the Galleries Shopping Centre, Bristol, which will shut its doors for good on September 25, according to BristolWorld. Elsewhere, the Metrocentre Shopping Centre in Gateshead is also set to lose its Game branch on September 7 – although a concession inside Sports Direct at the same site will remain open for now. The Bristol and Gateshead stores have both launched large clearance events to offload stock, with discounts of up to a fifth. Three more locations – Basingstoke, Chatham, and Southend – are also facing imminent closure. The Basingstoke branch will shut on August 10, while the Southend and Chatham stores are set to close later in the month and in September, respectively. The company has already closed several stores this year, including in Bridgewater, Nottingham and Manchester. Some of the shuttered branches have been repurposed as concessions within larger Frasers Group-owned stores. Game was bought out by the Frasers Group, owned by retail tycoon Mike Ashley, back in 2019 in a £52 million deal. But just months later, the chain revealed plans to close 40 of its 300+ stores, with the ongoing economic challenges continuing to take their toll. The Daily Mail has contacted Frasers Group for comment on the recent closures. Retail analysts say Game's latest round of shutdowns is just another symptom of the high street's long-term decline. The Centre for Retail Research said the sector has been stuck in a 'permacrisis' ever since the 2008 financial crash. So far in 2024 alone, 34 retail chains with multiple stores have gone bust, resulting in the closure of 7,537 stores. A combination of surging energy bills, rent, wage hikes, and shifting consumer habits – including a major move toward online shopping – has put high street shops under intense pressure. This year's hike in employer National Insurance contributions (NICs) from 13.8 percent to 15 percent, along with a lower threshold for payments and a rise in the national minimum wage to £12.21 per hour, has left many retailers warning of further closures. Big names like Poundland, Hobbycraft, and The Original Factory Shop have already confirmed mass closures in 2025.
