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TABLE TENNIS - Int News 24 Nov, 2024
Islamabad (Sports Desk): An incredible week in Fukuoka ends with Wang Manyu reigning as queen in a seven-game thriller and Wang Chuqin securing his third straight WTT Finals crown.WTT Finals Fukuoka 2024 has brought the curtain down on an exhilarating season of world-class table tennis. With thousands of fans filling the Infinity ∞ Arena in Fukuoka, the energy and excitement have been off the charts. From shocking upsets to career-defining performances, this week has showcased the very best of the sport. The Women’s Singles final was a nail-biter, as Wang Manyu (CHN) edged compatriot Chen Xingtong (CHN) in an epic 4-3 battle (13-11, 9-11, 4-11, 11-5, 5-11, 11-8, 11-5). With both players competing in their first WTT Finals title match, the stakes were sky-high. Wang struck first in a marathon opening game, narrowly taking it 13-11. Chen responded with relentless aggression, claiming the next two games. But just when it seemed momentum was slipping away, Wang rediscovered her rhythm, unleashing blistering raw speed to dominate the fourth game. In the decider, Wang's mental fortitude and tactical adaptability shone through. With Chen throwing everything she had into the rallies, Wang absorbed the pressure and turned the tide with calculated aggression. As the final ball dropped, Wang roared in triumph, clinching her third WTT Series singles title of the season and solidifying her status as one of the game’s brightest stars. In a highly anticipated showdown, the king is back as Wang Chuqin (CHN) overwhelmed local hero Tomokazu Harimoto (JPN) in a commanding 4-0 victory (11-2, 11-8, 11-7, 11-5), winning three consecutive WTT Finals titles.Wang wasted no time asserting his dominance, storming to a 10-0 lead in the opening game, silencing the home crowd while his traveling supporters cheered him on. Harimoto, in his third WTT Finals title match, tried to mount a response by mixing in tactical variations, including his signature backhand serve. While the adjustments helped him claw back some points, Wang’s precision and power proved unassailable. Every rally was a showcase of Wang’s unmatched ability to turn defence into offence, leaving Harimoto reacting rather than dictating. From blistering forehands to his trademark banana backhand, Wang kept the Japanese star on the back foot throughout the match.
Jordan Cox ruled out of the Test series against New Zealand
Islamabad (Sports Desk): England Men's batter-wicketkeeper, Jordan Cox, has been ruled out from the upcoming Test series against New Zealand after sustaining a fractured right thumb during a net session in Queenstown.The Essex player, poised to make his Test debut in Christchurch next week as a stand-in for Jamie Smith (on paternity leave), suffered the injury ahead of play on day two of the two-day tour match against the New Zealand Prime Minister’s XI at Sir John Davies Oval. In Cox’s absence, Surrey’s Ollie Pope stepped in as wicketkeeper for the final day of the warm-up fixture.England Men’s Head Coach, Brendon McCullum, said: “I’m gutted for Jordan (Cox). He has been shaping up nicely, both with the bat and gloves, since we got to New Zealand. That’s sport, and unfortunately, these things happen. We will get around him and look after him. He is resilient, and his time will come at some point in the future.”
SPORTS NEWS - School News 24 Nov, 2024
Sports Bulletin ReportTAXILA: The St. Paul Schools held their annual Sports Gala 2024, as the Nasir Mahmood Baloch, former Manager Health Safety Environment Department POF graced the ceremony as a chief guest.The chief guest appreciated the efforts of the Pakistan Youth League in promoting positive activities Kanwal Hayat, Kiran Hayat, Abid Hussain, Iffat Rauf,Paster Rizwan Shazad, Ghulam Jaffar, Amjad Khan, Arshad Keyani, Irfan Hayat, Jameel Akhtar ,Taqi Shah ,Naheed Afrooz, Zaibi Abid ,Tamkanat Rauf , School administration and others grace the occasion.
BADMINTON - National 23 Nov, 2024
KARACHI (PR): Ali Asif has won the title of the Iqbal Day Celebration Badminton Tournament after beating Mohammad Bilal in final here at National Coaching Center, Pakistan Sports Board, as the event was organized by Youth Sports Organization (YSO).Results:Men's Doubles Winner: Ahmed Zia and Usama MalickMen's Doubles Runners Up: Hamza and Ali AsifMen's Singles Winner: Ali AsifMen's Singles Runners up: Mohammad Bilal from Rahim Yar KhanWomen's Doubles Winner: Abiya and Najma GayasWomen's Doubles Runners up: Tanzila and ZehrsWomen's Singles Winner: Abiya KhanWomen's Singles Runners up: Hani Aqeel.
T10: Morrisville Samp Army clinch victory in last-over thriller
Sports Bulletin ReportAbu Dubai (UAE): The 2024 Abu Dhabi T10 which is being played at the Zayed Cricket Stadium unveiled another nail-biting contest between Morrisville Samp Army and UP Nawabs. The Samp Army clinched a win by 3 runs after defending a target of 101 against the Nawabs.UP Nawabs needed 11 runs from the final over of the innings but some phenomenal bowling from Amir Hamza who returned with bowling figures of 2/9 in two overs helped Morrisville Samp Army steal away a win.Batting first, the Samp Army managed to put 100/7 in 10 overs on the board. Opener Sharjeel Khan top-scored with 37 off 23 while Pakistan's Imad Wasim chipped in with a late surge and struck 15* off 6 to take his side to the 100-run mark.Binura Fernando who hails from Sri Lanka and England pacer Tymal Mills picked up two wickets each for their side.Later, the Nawabs were off to a perfect start as Dawid Malan and Rahmanullah Gurbaz stitched a stand of 61 runs for the first wicket. While Malan departed for 15 off 13, Gurbaz continued his form with the bat. But the UP team lost the plot in the final two overs of the innings and only managed to gather 14 runs. Gurbaz remained unbeaten at 60 off 32 but the side was eventually restricted to 97/3.Bowlers hand New York Strikers easy win:The New York Strikers took away a convincing win by 7 wickets against Bangla Tigers in the second encounter of the day. Batting first, the Tigers didn't really get the start they needed and were eventually restricted to 66/8 in 10 overs.Akeal Hosein, Reece Topley, Mohammad Amir scalped two wickets each while Sunil Narine and Matheesha Pathirana picked up one apiece.Later, the Strikers chased down the target in just 6 overs. Donovan Ferreira (wk) struck 21* off 9 and returned as the top-scorer for the side.
T20 Blind Cricket World Cup: Pakistan and Sri Lanka post wins
Pakistan stun South Africa by 8 wickets, Sri Lanka overcome Nepal by 70 runsSports Bulletin ReportLAHORE: Hosts Pakistan claimed a massive victory by 8 wickets against South Africa in the opening game of the 4th T20 Blind Cricket World Cup 2024 that rolled into action here on Saturday under the banner of Pakistan Blind Cricket Council (PBCC).At the Ghani Institute Cricket Ground in DHA, Pakistan convincingly defeated South Africa. Batting first after winning the toss, South Africa posted 129 runs for seven wickets in their 20 overs. Lesedi Lesufi scored 24, while Edrich Ter Haa contributed 17. For Pakistan, Babar Ali picked up two wickets.In reply, Pakistan chased down the target in just 10.3 overs with two wickets down. Opener Naimatullah led the charge with an explosive 59 off 31 balls, including nine fours and a six, while Zafar contributed 33 runs. Talha, a debutant from the B3 category, also featured in the match.In the second game at Saeed Sports City, Sri Lanka secured a commanding 70-run victory over Nepal. After being invited to bat, Sri Lanka amassed 195 for four in 20 overs. Opener Damith Sandaruwan smashed the first century of the World Cup, remaining unbeaten on 100, supported by Maduwantha's 23 runs. Nepal, in response, managed 125 for 8 in their allotted overs. Durga Datta scored 24, while Naresh added 23 to their total.On Sunday (November 24, 2024), Sri Lanka will face Afghanistan at the Ghani Institute Cricket Ground, while Bangladesh will take on Nepal at Saeed Sports City.
Pakistan and Zimbabwe One Day series begins on Sunday
Sports Bulletin ReportBulawayo (Zimbabwe): Pakistan and Zimbabwe will lock horns in a three-match ODI series followed by as many T20Is at the Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo from 24 November to 5 December. This will be Pakistan’s second ODI series this month after they beat Australia 2-1 earlier in November in their own backyard.Former fast bowler and member National Men’s Selection Committee, Aqib Javed has been appointed the interim white-ball head coach of the Pakistan team until the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 at home. The ODI series against Zimbabwe will be his first assignment after he joined the team on Friday.Pakistan’s ODI squad, led by Mohammad Rizwan, reached Zimbabwe on Wednesday and had three extensive practice sessions in the lead up to the ODI series. In the 15-member squad Arafat Minhas, Babar Azam, Naseem Shah and Shaheen Shah Afridi have been replaced with uncapped duo of Abrar Ahmed and Ahmed Daniyal along with pacer Shahnawaz Dahani and Tayyab Tahir.Pakistan and Zimbabwe last faced each other in the 50-over format in November 2020 in Rawalpindi where Pakistan beat the visitors 2-1. Pakistan, on their last visit to Zimbabwe whitewashed the Chevrons in a five-match ODI series in July 2018.Mohammad Rizwan, Pakistan’s ODI captain said: “The ODI series against Zimbabwe is equally important for us as we aim to test out our bench strength and plan towards the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025 at home. With the help of the Almighty, we aim to keep the winning momentum from out last ODI series going. With the trio of our main players resting up after the Australia series, it will be exciting to see other players putting their hands up and helping the team at various times during the 50-over contests. Having played against the home team various times, we do expect them to put up challenges for us during the three ODIs but crucially this series will also test out temperament in terms of backing up a historic win in Australia.”Pakistan ODI squad: Mohammad Rizwan (captain), Abrar Ahmed, Aamir Jamal, Abdullah Shafique, Ahmed Daniyal, Faisal Akram, Haris Rauf, Haseebullah, Kamran Ghulam, Mohammad Hasnain, Mohammad Irfan Khan, Salman Ali Agha (vice-captain), Shahnawaz Dahani, Saim Ayub, and Tayyab TahirZimbabwe ODI squad: Craig Ervine (captain), Brian Bennett, Blessing Muzarabani, Brandon Mavuta, Clive Madande, Dion Myers, Faraz Akram, Joylord Gumbie, Richard Ngarava, Sean Williams, Sikandar Raza, Tadiwanashe Marumani, Tashinga Musekiwa, Tinotenda Maposa and Trevor Gwandu.Schedule of Tour:24 Nov – 1st ODI vs Zimbabwe (12.30pm Pakistan time start)26 Nov – 2nd ODI vs Zimbabwe (12.30pm Pakistan time start)28 Nov – 3rd ODI vs Zimbabwe (12.30pm Pakistan time start)1 Dec – 1st T20I vs Zimbabwe (4pm Pakistan time start)3 Dec – 2nd T20I vs Zimbabwe (4pm Pakistan time start)5 Dec – 3rd T20I vs Zimbabwe (4pm Pakistan time start)
TENNIS - ITF Juniors 23 Nov, 2024
Sports Bulletin ReportISLAMABAD: Young tennis lad, Xiuyuan Guo from China defeated Sion Ji from Korea 2-0 in the Boys’ Singles final of the ITF Pakistan PPL-Syed Dilawar Abbas World Junior Tennis Championship Leg-2 here at Pakistan Tennis Federation (PTF) Tennis Complex on Saturday.Tariq Mehmood Murtaza Chairman Islamabad Tennis Association (ITA) was the chief guest at the closing ceremony. G-Ali Noon -PPL was the guest of honour. Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi President PTF and Col Zia-ud-din Tufail Secretary-General-PTF were also present at the closing ceremony. The closing ceremony was also attended by Advocate Majid Bashir President-ITA, Tufail Cheema Secretary-ITA and a large number of players, coaches and parents. Results (Finals):Boys’ Singles: Xiuyuan Guo of China beat Sion Ji of Korea 7-6 (3), 6-2Girls’ Singles Dinara De Silva of Sri Lanka beat Karolina Ligai of Kazakhstan 6-3, 6-4
CAS International: Noor Zaman outplays Nasir Iqbal 3-0 in final
Abdul Jabbar FaisalISLAMABAD: The second seed, Noor Zaman overpowered Nasir Iqbal 3-0 in the final of the Chief of Air Staff (CAS) - Serena Hotels International Squash Championship 2024 at Mushaf Squash Complex Islamabad on Friday. The final score-line of 11-8, 12-10, and 11-9, as the championship match lasted 27 minutes.The officials of Pakistan Squash Federation (PSF) were looking satisfied before commencing the final, as the both Pakistan squash lad were on the court for the title. Nasir had ousted top seed Ibrahim Elkabbani from Egypt in the first semifinal and Noor had trounced compatriot Mohammad Ashab Irfan in the second semifinal on Thursday at the same venue.In the first game of the final, Nasir Iqbal earned pivotal 3 points lead at 5-2 after playing some powerful stroke in the starting of the game, however, Noor Zaman succeeded to square the game at 5-5. After leveling the game, Noor kept up his pressure on his rival and made the score 10-5. World No 82 Noor Zaman finished the first game at 11-8 after showing aggression with powerful fore-hand and back-hand drives.Meanwhile, the second game saw a nerve-jangling competition, which was won by Noor Zaman 12-10 on tie-break, as the game went up neck-to-neck. The game score was leveled at 1-1, 2-2, 6-6, 8-8, 9-9 and 10-10. Both players exhibited top class squash and amused the spectators with their game skills, as the second game was a blend of powerful strokes, classic drop shorts and nicks. Finally, Noor Zaman won the second game at 12-10 to take 2-0 vital lead in the final.In the third game, Noor Zaman took the control of the game in the beginning and marinated the lead at the end of game at 11-9. At one stage game was leveled 2-2, however, champion Noor Zaman kept the score up at 7-4, 8-6, and 10-7. The final score-line was 11-8, 12-10, and 11-9. The final match wasted 27 minutes and final proved unexpectedly one-sided.Air Marshal Shakil Ghazanfar Deputy Chief of Air Staff (Personnel) graced the closing ceremony as a chief guest and presented trophies and souvenirs to the players and officials. Air Marshal Kazim Hammad Senior Vice President PSF, Amjad Ali Gill, Joint Secretary Ministry of IPC, squash Legend Qamar Zaman, VP PSF Adnan Asad, Chief Operating Officer Serena Hotels Peter Martin along with number of players, officials and squash lovers were also present in the ceremony.
TENNIS - ITF Juniors 22 Nov, 2024
Sports Bulletin ReportISLAMABAD: Ahmad Nael Qureshi pairing with Bilal Asim have lifted the Doubles title of the ITF Pakistan PPL-Syed Dilawar Abbas World Junior Tennis Championship Leg-2 after beating Abubakar Talha and Haider Ali Rizwan 2-0 in the final here at PTF Tennis Complex on Friday.Results:Boys’ Singles (Semifinals): Sion Ji (KOR) beat Ahmad Nael Qureshi 6-4, 6-4Xiuyuan Guo (CHN) beat Bilal Asim 6-3, 6-3Girls’ Singles (Semifinals): Karolina Ligai (KAZ) bt Chaerin Lee (KOR) 7-5, 6-3Dinara De Silva (SRI) bt Hinata Wada (JPN) 4-6, 6-4, 6-1Boys' Doubles Final: Ahmad Nael Qureshi / Bilal Asim beat Abubakar Talha /Haider Ali Rizwan 6-4, 6-3Girls Doubles Final: So Yuna(KOR) / Yeon Joo Cha(KOR) beat A Hyun Jo (KOR) / Chaerin Lee(KOR) 6-2, 6-3 Saturday (Schedule):Girls’ Singles Final: 10:00 amBoys’ Singles Final: 02:00pm
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