Latest news with #WorldUnder-18Championship
Time of India
a day ago
- Sport
- Time of India
Coach reveals how Praggnanandhaa dealt with tough times as Gukesh raced ahead
CHENNAI: The new-age rivalry in Indian chess is getting fiercer day by day. Three young Indian boys sit in the top-six of the live world ratings — R Praggnanandhaa at No. 4, Arjun Erigaisi next, and world champion D Gukesh close behind. But it's the duel between 20-year-old Pragg and 19-year-old Gukesh that stokes the flame. In fact, Pragg was the first to reach the Candidates among the two, after securing his berth at the World Cup in August 2023. Gukesh found his way later through the Chennai Grand Masters in December, clinched his spot, and went all the way to be crowned world champion. Meanwhile, Pragg's run at the Candidates in April 2024 didn't pan out as hoped; he finished fifth. The Chennai boy had told TOI earlier that the previous year had been a difficult period. Pragg's long-time coach, RB Ramesh, revealed how they paved the way for a comeback this year. 'First thing is he was playing a bit too much last year. And he is not used to playing so much. We always have some breaks in between where we can rest and go through what went wrong, what changes we have to make. But we didn't get that opportunity till the end of the year,' Ramesh said on the sidelines of the Chennai Grand Masters event on Monday. 'And then we spoke a lot...I gave my feedback; he gave his feedback. And what changes we need to make. These were the things we were discussing at the end of last year: 'Does it have a negative impact on you?'…Because Gukesh, rating-wise, went up. And then, Pragg was 2,740 in January (2024), and managed 2740 something in December as well. He had some ups and downs in between. So 'does others' performance have an impact on you?' These were some of the issues we discussed. And, he has been able to get results so far this year.' Ramesh said that for prodigies like Pragg, learning to share the stage with peers of the same age was something new. 'We are all human, and we are emotional people. So, it will have an impact when your competitors are doing better. It can affect you. At the same time, it can inspire you and motivate you. But you also don't want to be left behind. So, in a way, it's positive, but it can also be depressing and pressurising if you don't treat it in the right manner. I think everyone has to go through it. Initially, it was not very easy because they were young, and they didn't have the maturity. And also, it was new. 'For example, when Pragg won the World Under-18 Championship, he felt at that time he was the best player in the world. And suddenly there is a competition and that too someone of your age. This was new. But I think in the last two years, everyone kind of got used to this. So, they don't see them as contemporaries anymore, there's a healthy race.' Ramesh is crystal clear on how Pragg should chart his course forward. To brave the storm of doubts, rivalry, and pressure, the youngster needs to be self-reliant, the coach said. 'Ideally, if someone wants to be the world champion, he or she should not be looking for motivation and inspiration from others. The less reliant you are on others, the closer you will be to becoming a world champion. The more you rely on others, it's like you don't believe in yourself. In that sense, that has been our approach. He has to be very independent, make his own decisions, go through the hardships himself, learn to deal with them, and grow and evolve in the process. ' Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
Edmonton Journal
13-06-2025
- Sport
- Edmonton Journal
FLAMES RETOOL TRACKER: Which goaltenders could Calgary target in 2025 NHL Draft?
Article content The Calgary Flames are counting on Calder Trophy finalist Dustin Wolf to be their workhorse starter for years to come. And while it alleviates some of the pressure, that doesn't mean that the Flames will stop searching for future puck-stopping stars. Article content This season: 1.75 goals-against average, .942 save percentage in 37 games with Krasnaya Armiya Moscow in Russia's junior league Measurements: 6-foot, 207 pounds The skinny: The Flames have drafted a Russian netminder in three of the past four years and, as that country continues to pump out many of the most promising between-the-pipes prospects, it wouldn't be a surprise to see them go that route again. While Arsenii Sergeev (2021), Yegor Yegorov (2023) and Kirill Zarubin (2024) were a bit under the radar, Andreyanov comes highly touted. In NHL Central Scouting's final rankings for 2025, he is listed as the top international goalie. Andreyanov has high-end athleticism, plays an aggressive style and posted an eye-popping stat-line this season in the MHL. If the Flames want him, he might have to be a second-round swing. Louis-Antoine Denault Article content Article content This season: 3.13 goals-against average, .902 save percentage in 41 games with QMJHL's Quebec Remparts Measurements: 6-foot-8, 206 pounds The skinny: At 6-foot-8, Denault can look eye-to-eye with Flames skyscraper Adam Klapka. This former basketball player isn't being billed as a slam-dunk, but his measurements immediately make him one of the most intriguing dudes in this draft class. In fact, if he can complete the climb, he'd be the tallest netminder to ever appear in an NHL game. He and Wolf would certainly be a unique combo. While Denault covers a lot of cage, he prides himself on his ability to read and track the play, so he's not a guy who is only good at being in the way. Mans Goos Hometown: Vasteras, Sweden This season: 3.16 goals-against average, .893 save percentage in 24 games with Farjestad in Sweden's junior league Measurements: 6-foot-5, 190 pounds Article content The skinny: The crowd in Vancouver loved to shout 'Luuuu!' and fans in Edmonton are still screaming 'Stuuuu!' Perhaps, Scotia Place in Calgary could someday echo with cries of 'Goooos!' This prospect offers a blend of size and raw athleticism, although he didn't get an opportunity to showcase his skills at the World Under-18 Championship, where he was instead cast as the backup with the Swedes figuring Love Harenstam — another great handle — was their best option. If the Flames do select Goos, current captain Mikael Backlund would approve. They hail from the same hometown. Three more, rapid fire … Alexei Medvedev, London Knights (OHL) — It has been a busy spring for Medvedev. The Russian celebrated both an OHL championship and Memorial Cup title with the London Knights — he didn't get a ton of TV time because he was the second-stringer through the playoffs — and then was one of five netminders invited to the draft combine. He had solid regular-season numbers, including a 2.79 goals-against average and .912 save percentage, and already has three winters of experience on the North American-sized ice. Article content Jack Ivankovic, Brampton Steelheads (OHL) — Ivankovic was between the pipes for Canada's golden group at the World Under-18s and while he had plenty of offensive support, he definitely did his part with a stingy 1.05 goals-against average and sparkling .961 save percentage. Ivankovic is under-sized at 5-foot-11 and 178 pounds but other teams should have learned their lesson after letting Wolf slip to the seventh round in 2019. This kid will continue his development at the University of Michigan. Michal Pradel, Tri City Storm (USHL) — Pradel was another standout at the World Under-18s and his stats with Team Slovakia — including a 2.46 goals-against average, .914 save percentage and a pair of shutouts — are arguably even more impressive because he wasn't behind a stacked squad. He dazzled scouts with 34 saves in a 1-0 shootout victory over Finland. At 6-foot-4 and with a reputation as a guy who can steal games, he's been rising up the rankings. And don't forget about the backstop in your own backyard … Anders Miller, Calgary Hitmen (WHL) — It's not a sure-thing that Miller will be drafted, but the staff at the Saddledome should have a good gauge on his potential. In 22 regular-season appearances with the Hitmen, he posted a 13-4-2 record with a 2.34 goals-against average and .909 save percentage. Miller, who is originally from Alaska, also made 10 playoff starts for the local WHL squad. He could be a late-round target. Latest National Stories
Edmonton Journal
30-05-2025
- Sport
- Edmonton Journal
FLAMES RETOOL TRACKER: Which right-wingers could Calgary target in 2025 NHL Draft?
Article content There has been so much focus on centre ice that it's easy to forget that the Calgary Flames are thin on right wing, too. Article content When the name-calling commences at the 2025 NHL Draft, the Flames will be determined to address both. Pivot prospects should be the priority with one or even both of their first-round picks, but could they target a future flank with the No. 54 overall selection? Article content Article content Measurements: 6-foot-2, 192 pounds The skinny: There were a lot of smiles around Calgary when the Flames plucked Andrew Basha in the second round of the 2024 NHL Draft and there undoubtedly would be a repeat if they pick another hometown hopeful in 2025. The smooth-skating Behm is an alum of Edge School and the Royals 'AAA' program. He made headlines by winning a national golf long-drive title last summer and scouts have been impressed with the velocity that he can fire a hockey puck, too. He is projected to be a second-rounder. Filip Ekberg Hometown: Uppsala, Sweden This season: 16 goals, 45 points in 53 games with the OHL's Ottawa 67's Measurements: 5-foot-10, 166 pounds The skinny: The World Under-18 Championship is one of the most important scouting showcases of the season and Ekberg certainly didn't waste his opportunity to make a positive impression. He won the tournament scoring title — and nabbed MVP honours, too — with 10 goals and 18 points in seven outings for Team Sweden. The Flames have had past success with mid-round swings on undersized forwards and, because defence prospect Henry Mews played part of this season with the 67's, the decision-makers at the Saddledome should be mighty familiar with Ekberg. Latest National Stories
Calgary Herald
30-05-2025
- Sport
- Calgary Herald
FLAMES RETOOL TRACKER: Which right-wingers could Calgary target in 2025 NHL Draft?
Article content There has been so much focus on centre ice that it's easy to forget that the Calgary Flames are thin on right wing, too. Article content When the name-calling commences at the 2025 NHL Draft, the Flames will be determined to address both. Pivot prospects should be the priority with one or even both of their first-round picks, but could they target a future flank with the No. 54 overall selection? Article content Article content Article content Measurements: 5-foot-7, 161 pounds Article content The skinny: If he wasn't so small, Schmidt likely would be a shoo-in to be selected in the first round. He still could hear his name called on opening night, but it wouldn't be a huge shock to see him slide and that could turn him into a potential steal. This on-the-rise righty has blazing speed and a wicked shot, two things that will appeal to the Flames. The question is: Will he be too easy to push around at the pro level? Schmidt was coached at RINK Academy in Kelowna by Jarome Iginla, so his input will be invaluable. Article content Article content Measurements: 6-foot-2, 192 pounds Article content Article content The skinny: There were a lot of smiles around Calgary when the Flames plucked Andrew Basha in the second round of the 2024 NHL Draft and there undoubtedly would be a repeat if they pick another hometown hopeful in 2025. The smooth-skating Behm is an alum of Edge School and the Royals 'AAA' program. He made headlines by winning a national golf long-drive title last summer and scouts have been impressed with the velocity that he can fire a hockey puck, too. He is projected to be a second-rounder. Article content Article content Measurements: 5-foot-10, 166 pounds Article content The skinny: The World Under-18 Championship is one of the most important scouting showcases of the season and Ekberg certainly didn't waste his opportunity to make a positive impression. He won the tournament scoring title — and nabbed MVP honours, too — with 10 goals and 18 points in seven outings for Team Sweden. The Flames have had past success with mid-round swings on undersized forwards and, because defence prospect Henry Mews played part of this season with the 67's, the decision-makers at the Saddledome should be mighty familiar with Ekberg.
