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United News of India
2 days ago
- Sport
- United News of India
Carlos Alcaraz fends off Shelton, storms into QFs
Paris, June 1 (UNI) Defending champion Carlos Alcaraz came through a stern fourth-round examination at Roland Garros, subduing American Ben Shelton in four gripping sets — 7-6(8), 6-3, 4-6, 6-4 — in a contest that stretched just over three hours on Court Philippe-Chatrier on Sunday night. Alcaraz, the No. 3 seed, was made to work for his place in the quarterfinals, with the explosive Shelton threatening to turn the match on its head after storming back to take the third set. But the Spaniard held firm in the crucial moments of the fourth, breaking decisively to seal a hard-earned victory. Much of the post-match chatter will revolve around the missed opportunities by Shelton in a pulsating opening set. The 21-year-old left-hander had three set points in the tie-break — including a 6-4 lead — but Alcaraz saved them all, showcasing phenomenal defence and trademark flair to clinch it 10-8. The set, described by many as one of the finest passages of play in the tournament so far, featured a point that could well go down as the shot of the event. Shelton did not fade, however. After conceding the second set 3-6, he roared back in the third, converting more chances and keeping the Chatrier fans enthralled with his power-packed groundstrokes and fearless play. But Alcaraz, a two-time Grand Slam champion, regrouped in the fourth, raising his level when it mattered most to keep his title defence on course. He will now face American Tommy Paul in the quarterfinals, a rematch of their Indian Wells semifinal earlier this year. Meanwhile, over on Court Suzanne-Lenglen, fellow American Frances Tiafoe was leading Germany's Daniel Altmaier by a set as he looked to join Shelton's countrymen in the last eight. UNI BDN GNK
United News of India
5 days ago
- Sport
- United News of India
Rankireddy-Shetty in Singapore Open quaters
Singapore, May 29 (UNI) In an exhilarating Round of 16 encounter at the KFF Singapore Badminton Open 2025, Indian shuttlers Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty displayed remarkable resilience and tactical brilliance to overcome Indonesia's Sabar Karyaman Gutama and Moh Reza Pahlevi Isfahani in a fiercely contested three-game thriller. Played on Court 2, the match extended for 1 hour and 14 minutes, with the Indian duo emerging victorious by a slender margin, 19-21, 21-16, 21-19. The Indonesians took an assertive approach in the opening game, launching aggressive attacks that placed Rankireddy and Shetty on the defensive. Despite a spirited Indian comeback, the Indonesians held their nerve to claim the first game 21-19. Recalibrating their strategy in the second game, the Indian pair focused on precision, employing controlled attacks and sharper net play. This tactical adjustment paid dividends, allowing them to dominate proceedings and secure the second game 21-16, thus leveling the match. The decider proved to be a grueling test of stamina and mental fortitude, with both pairs exchanging leads on numerous occasions. Ultimately, the experience and composure of Rankireddy and Shetty during critical moments proved decisive, enabling them to edge past their opponents 21-19 and book their place in the quarterfinals. Over the entire match, the Indians won 61 out of 117 points, capitalizing on key momentum shifts through crucial streaks. The contest was marked by intense rallies and strategic ingenuity from both sides, reflecting their high calibre and determination. Rankireddy and Shetty's triumph is a testament to their resilience and tactical acumen, especially noteworthy following their recent return to competitive action after a brief hiatus. Their performance earned widespread praise from fans and analysts, who noted their strong potential to progress deeper into the tournament. Moving forward, the Indian duo will aim to maintain consistency while adapting their game plans to counter the challenges posed by upcoming adversaries. The KFF Singapore Badminton Open 2025 continues to deliver enthralling badminton, drawing top talent from across the globe as they vie for the coveted title. UNI BDN BM
United News of India
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- United News of India
Gukesh checkmates Nakamura at Norway Chess Tournament
Stavanger (Norway), May 29 (UNI) World Chess Champion GM Gukesh Dommaraju marked his 19th birthday with a vital victory against GM Hikaru Nakamura in the third round of the Norway Chess 2025 tournament here on Wednesday. After a shaky start to the event with two narrow losses, Gukesh bounced back emphatically, showcasing improved time management and resilience under pressure. The match, unfolding in the classical time control, featured the Giuoco Piano opening, where Gukesh surprised World No.2 Nakamura early with the aggressive queenside pawn thrust 13.b4!, disrupting Nakamura's setup. Attempting to counterattack on the kingside, Nakamura came close to salvaging a draw, but a critical misstep with gave Gukesh the upper hand. When Nakamura offered a draw on move 30, Gukesh declined and pressed forward with the move 31.h4!, effectively sealing the game in his favour. Nakamura's last attempt to turn the tide with was not played, and instead hastened his defeat. Gukesh converted the advantage with calm precision, ultimately securing a hard-fought win. Reflecting on his performance, Gukesh said, "I feel quite good! I think my time management was much better today than before. He [Nakamura] had some drawing chances, but overall it was a good game." The timing of the victory was particularly poignant, coinciding with midnight in India, allowing fans to celebrate the young champion's birthday in unison with his triumph. Gukesh's win is a significant turnaround after his initial struggles in the tournament, where time pressure and narrow losses threatened to derail his campaign. The victory not only boosts his confidence but also keeps him in contention in the highly competitive field, which includes top grandmasters such as Fabiano Caruana and Magnus Carlsen. Meanwhile, the tournament's leaderboard saw Caruana take sole lead after defeating GM Arjun Erigaisi, while Carlsen, despite a frustrating armageddon loss to GM Wei Yi, remains firmly in second place. Norway Chess 2025 continues with round four scheduled for Thursday, promising exciting clashes including a high-stakes encounter between Gukesh and Caruana. UNI BDN BM
United News of India
27-05-2025
- Sport
- United News of India
Djokovic angry despite smooth win in his opener
Paris, May 27 (UNI) Despite kick-starting his French Open campaign with a fluent straight set win, top seed Novak Djokovic's demeanour on court suggested underlying frustrations on Tuesday. Throughout the match against world number 98 Mackenzie Mcdonald, Djokovic exhibited signs of agitation, including gesturing towards his box and displaying visible frustration after certain points. The reactions were notable even as he maintained control over the match, breaking McDonald's serve twice in each set. Notably, he dropped his serve once in the second set, an uncommon lapse that perhaps contributed to his visible discontent. The match was played under the closed roof of Court Philippe-Chatrier due to inclement weather, providing windless conditions that typically favour Djokovic's precise baseline play. However, the serene environment did little to alleviate his apparent dissatisfaction. In his post-match reflections, Djokovic acknowledged the challenges faced during the match, stating, "It doesn't feel great when you play this way on the court... just a bad day in the office, I guess, for me." He emphasised the need to build momentum as the tournament progresses, aiming to elevate his performance in subsequent rounds. The victory comes on the heels of Djokovic's title win at the Geneva Open, marking his 100th singles title—a milestone that underscores his enduring excellence in the sport. Yet, the absence of his long-time rivals from the "Big Four"—Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Andy Murray—has cast a reflective mood over his current campaign. "It's a bit sad that they're not here," Djokovic remarked, highlighting the emotional void left by their retirements. Looking ahead, Djokovic is set to face French veteran Gaël Monfils in the next round. Monfils, known for his athleticism and flair, will likely have strong support from the home crowd, setting the stage for a compelling encounter. UNI BDN
United News of India
24-05-2025
- Sport
- United News of India
Tsitsipas admits long-hidden admiration for Nadal
Paris, May 24 (UNI) In a heartfelt admission on the sidelines of the French Open, Greek tennis star Stefanos Tsitsipas revealed he had always admired Rafael Nadal but never publicly acknowledged it — until now. Tsitsipas said he always talked about Roger Federer as the person he admired, but he now feels it was a bit of both Federer and Nadal. He never admitted it was Nadal too, because he felt his game was closer to Federer's. After Nadal's retirement, the younger generation is increasingly opening up about the Spaniard's impact — and Tsitsipas is no exception. The Greek star even mused that with a two-handed backhand like Nadal's, he might have had a chance at emulating the 14-time Roland-Garros champion's dominance. Tsitsipas said maybe if he had a two-handed backhand like Nadal, he might have played as many Roland-Garros tournaments as him — 29 Roland-Garros, including 14 victories. Having faced Nadal on clay, Tsitsipas reflected on the experience with both reverence and relief — especially for having avoided a match on Court Philippe-Chatrier, Nadal's most iconic battleground. He said he was lucky not to play against Nadal on the Chatrier because it wouldn't have been a fun experience. Tsitsipas credited Nadal with teaching him intangible qualities that define champions — determination and perseverance on a tennis court. Tsitsipas also said it felt surreal to see a legend retiring. He said it was strange to see Nadal stop competing and live a different life than he lived for years. UNI BDN RN
