Latest news with #Vamos
New Straits Times
4 days ago
- Sport
- New Straits Times
Aero eSports stun Vamos to advance in MPL MY playoffs
KUALA LUMPUR: Aero eSports turned the tables on last season's runners-up Team Vamos with an emphatic 3-1 win in the play-in stage of the Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB) Professional League Malaysia (MPL MY) playoffs on Saturday. Playing at Juara Stadium, Aero stormed to a 2-0 lead, wobbled slightly as Vamos pulled one back, but closed out the best-of-five series in the fourth game. The victory seals Aero's place in the upper bracket semi-finals, where they will meet back-to-back champions Selangor Red Giants (SRG. OG) on Sunday. Just last week, Vamos had edged Aero 2-1 in the regular season to clinch their playoff spot. But crucially, Aero were missing their first-choice jungler Praba "Hazle" Balakosa, 18, who had returned to Indonesia to attend his high school graduation. "We were unprepared against Vamos in the regular season," said Aero coach Abraham "Bam" Unida. "His replacement, Alang Indra 'Rannqt' Roshid, didn't have enough time to build chemistry with the team before that match. "Hazle made all the difference today. I'm proud of him. He played brilliantly and helped our mid-laner control the game's tempo." Aero, notably, remain the only team to have taken a game off SRG. OG in the regular season, in a tight 2-1 loss. Despite facing the reigning champions next, Unida is not planning any drastic shake-ups. "We'll stick with the same hero draft and play to our strengths," said the Filipino tactician. "We just need to cut down on our mistakes and make smarter decisions in-game." Joining Aero in the upper bracket semis are DX Soul, who looked clinical in their 3-0 sweep of Monster Vicious. They will take on second seeds Homebois in the other semi-final.
Al Bawaba
26-05-2025
- Sport
- Al Bawaba
Emotional Farewell: Rafael Nadal Receives Hero's Tribute at Roland Garros
On Sunday, Philippe-Chatrier Court transformed into a theater of nostalgia and reverence as thousands of fans rose to honor Rafael Nadal, not as a competitor, but as a legend. Also Read Rafael Nadal pulls out of Australian Open due to injury Dressed in a dark suit rather than his iconic headband and athletic gear, Nadal walked into the arena where he built an unmatched legacy, greeted by roaring applause and chants of "Rafa!" echoing through every corner of the 15,000-seat stadium. This emotional tribute came exactly 20 years after his debut on the same court, where, at 18, he secured his first win in the French Open. Now, two decades later, he returned not to play, but to be celebrated. Tears, Memories, and a Standing Ovation A video montage played on the big screens, showcasing the ferocious left-handed forehands, the fist pumps, the passionate 'Vamos!' screams, and the relentless hustle that defined his game. As the clips rolled, Nadal was visibly moved. His voice cracked, his eyes welled up, and eventually, the tears came. Speaking in French, English, and Spanish, he shared his heartfelt thanks: "This is tough," he said in French. "I don't know where to begin after 20 years on this court. Wins, losses – but above all, moments that moved me deeply every time I stepped out here." Records That May Never Be Broken 112 wins and just 4 losses at Roland Garros. 14 titles in 14 finals, all held on this very court. 22 Grand Slam titles overall, with at least two in each of the sport's four major tournaments. These numbers explain why a steel statue of Nadal was erected on the grounds of Roland Garros even before his retirement — a rare honor for a living athlete. Tennis Icons Pay Their Respects In a moment that brought together decades of rivalry and respect, Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, and Andy Murray walked out to embrace Nadal and celebrate his extraordinary career. Their presence added a symbolic seal to the occasion, a salute from the very few who could truly grasp the magnitude of Nadal's achievements. A Lasting Mark on the Court As the ceremony drew to a close, a new plaque was unveiled near the court, bearing Nadal's footprint, name, and a sketch of the French Open trophy, a permanent tribute to the king of clay. In his final remarks, Nadal spoke directly to the crowd: "Thank you, France. Thank you, Paris. You gave me emotions and memories I never dreamed of. I may no longer play in front of you, but my heart and soul will always remain connected to this magical place."
Asharq Al-Awsat
25-05-2025
- Sport
- Asharq Al-Awsat
Nadal is Celebrated at Tournament he Won a Record 14 Times
Rafael Nadal stepped out into Court Philippe-Chatrier on Sunday to the sort of unending adulation, thunderous applause and chants of his nickname, 'Rafa,' that greeted him for years as he accumulated a record 14 French Open championships, only this time he was being honored at a farewell ceremony. Thousands of spectators gave Nadal, who retired last year, a standing ovation as he strode through the doorway that leads from the locker room to the playing surface he ruled like no one ever has in the history of tennis. Instead of that familiar headband or the tape on his fingers or the capri pants he made famous early in his career, Nadal was wearing a dark suit and dark dress shirt. He smiled broadly and waved at the crowd, which seemed to occupy just about every seat in the 15,000-capacity venue. As a highlight video began playing on the screens — showing those lefty bullwhip forehands, those pumped fists accompanying shouts of 'Vamos!' and the relentless racing to every inch of the court — Nadal bit his lower lip and appeared on the verge of tears. His voice cracked and he sniffled while delivering a speech in French, then English, and then his native Spanish. 'This is tough," he began, in French. "Good evening, everyone. I don't know where to start after playing on this court for the past 20 years. Winning, losing — but especially being moved every time I've had the chance to be here.' Mostly winning, of course: His career record at the French Open was 112-4. That's why a larger-than-life steel statue of Nadal was installed on the Roland-Garros grounds while he was still an active player. He went 14-0 in the event's finals, always held in Chatrier, which he called 'without a doubt, the most important court of my tennis career.' Nadal finished with 22 Grand Slam titles in all, including at least two at each of the sport's most prestigious events. Nadal, who turns 39 on June 3 and played his final competitive match at the Davis Cup last November, thanked tournament organizers. His coaches. Other members of his entourage. His parents. His wife, who stood in the front row behind one of the baselines, holding their 2-year-old son. And his greatest rivals — Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray — who later all walked out together to join Nadal on the court and hug him. 'We showed the world that we can fight as hard as possible, but being good colleagues and respecting each other very well. And for me, it means a lot that you are all here,' Nadal told the players with whom he was grouped as the Big Four of men's tennis. 'You gave me some hard times on court, honestly, but I really enjoyed pushing myself to the limit every single day to compete with all of you.' Fans received T-shirts matching the rust color of the clay on the court below, with 'MERCI RAFA' in white, capital letters and Sunday's date stamped on the front. Even Carlos Alcaraz, the 22-year-old Spaniard who won last year's French Open and is considered Nadal's heir apparent, wore a rust-colored shirt while in the stands for the ceremony. Depending on where they were sitting, some people instead received white shirts that, when seen together, spelled out particular messages, including '14 RG' next to a representation of the La Coupe des Mousquetaires trophy awarded to the men's champion at Roland-Garros. Another part of the upper deck showed 'RAFA' between two hearts. Toward the end of the proceedings, which closed with yet another ovation, Nadal was shown a new plaque that's been placed near the stands on the side of the court opposite the chair umpire's stand: It is a white rectangle which bears his footprint, his name, '14' and a sketch of the tournament trophy. He certainly left a mark on everyone who ever faced him, or watched him compete, in that stadium. And now that stadium will forever carry his mark. 'Thank you, France. Thank you, Paris. You have given me emotions and moments I could never have imagined. You can never know how gratifying it is to be appreciated in the place that matters most. ... You made me feel like a Frenchman,' Nadal said. 'I can no longer play in front of you anymore, but my heart and my memories will always be linked to this magical place.'
New Straits Times
19-05-2025
- Sport
- New Straits Times
Danish keen to continue hot form after impressive show against Niners
KUALA LUMPUR: Danish Tahqif "Error 404" Abdullah marked his return to Team Vamos' starting line-up with a stellar performance in week five of the Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB) Professional League Malaysia (MPL MY). Danish steered Vamos to a much-needed 2-0 win over JP Niners. Vamos had suffered a dip in form recently which left them perilously close to missing out on the playoffs. Back-to-back defeats to Todak and Homebois in week four had seen Vamos tumble from third to sixth in the standings. Citing in-game communication issues as the root of their poor performances, the team faced mounting concern from fans who feared they might miss the postseason altogether. Danish, 16, who made his debut in Vamos' 2-0 triumph over Ocean Black in week two — where he was named series MVP — had not featured in the team's subsequent four matches. Returning to the fold in place of regular jungler Nazhan "Chibi" Mohd Nor, Danish impressed with a standout display, recording 10 kills, two deaths and 19 assists across the two games to secure all three points for Vamos. The victory steadied the ship ahead of their final regular season fixture next week against Aero Esports. "I feel proud that the team put their trust in me to replace Chibi and I'm relieved we managed to win 2-0," said Danish during a post-match press conference at Juara Stadium in Bukit Kiara yesterday (May 19). "I'm not sure if I'll be playing next week, but if I do, I'm looking forward to facing Aero's jungler." The match could pit Danish against Aero's Muhammad Praba "Hazle" Balakosa, 18, who has been in scintillating form since his debut in week four. The prospect of a clash between the two teenage junglers is sure to excite fans. Elsewhere, Monster Vicious (MV) became the third team after Selangor Red Giants ( and Homebois to book their place in the playoffs following dominant 2-0 victories over Ocean Black (OB) and Team Rey. OB, meanwhile, became the first team to be relegated to the MLBB Academy League, having failed to register a single win this season. With their final match against reigning champions looming next week, OB are staring at the possibility of a winless campaign. Week 5 full results: Friday May 16 Todak 1 DX Soul 2 OB 0 MV 2 Saturday May 17 DX Soul 2 Team Rey 1 2 Homebois 0 Todak 0 Aero 2 Sunday May 18 Homebois 2 OB 0 Vamos 2 JP Niners 0 MV 2 Team Rey 0
New Straits Times
27-04-2025
- Sport
- New Straits Times
Teenager Danish proves Team Vamos made no error signing him
KUALA LUMPUR: Danish Tahqif Abdullah, better known by his nickname Error 404, made a historic debut in the Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB) Professional League Malaysia (MPL MY) for Team Vamos yesterday (April 26). Danish helped Vamos clinch a 2-0 victory over Ocean Black at Juara Stadium in Bukit Kiara and also entered the history books as the youngest player - at age 16 - to compete in MPL MY. Vamos had looked unconvincing after suffering a heavy defeat to defending champions Selangor Red Giants last week and were forced to dig deep before securing a 2-1 win over Team Rey in their next match. Danish's introduction provided Vamos the spark they needed. He impressed against league newcomers Ocean Black, posting 10 kills and 11 assists with only three deaths across two games to be named the series' Most Valuable Player. "I'm thrilled to have made my debut," said Danish. "Playing on the main stage was a new experience but I was not nervous, the seniors helped me a lot during the game." Danish began playing MLBB during the Covid-19 lockdown period after his friends persuaded him to join them. "I kept playing in ranked mode and improved to the point where I was competing against professional players from MPL MY teams," the jungler recalled. "The pros noticed my skills and invited me to join them. After a while, Vamos made me an offer." Born in Putrajaya, Danish lived in Melaka with his family before relocating to Selangor to further pursue his esports career. "This is the first time I have been away from my family so it was difficult at first but I have adjusted since then. I call my mother every night," he said. "Initially, my parents were unsure about letting me turn professional but Vamos' management convinced them. "On weekdays I practice after school but make sure I also make time to study and complete my homework." Danish is expected to return to the bench for Vamos' upcoming matches with regular starter Nazhan "Chibi" Mohd Nor likely to reclaim his spot in the starting lineup. The teenager is, however, itching for more action. "I want to play every game if I can, but it is up to the coaches," he said.
