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TENNIS - ITF Juniors 12 Feb, 2024
Sports Bulletin ReportISLAMABAD: The main draw of the ITF Pakistan Khawar Hyat Khan Memorial World Junior Championship Leg-1 commenced here at PTF SDA Tennis Complex, Garden Avenue on Monday.As many as 45 boys and girls from Kazakhstan, Turkey, USA, Hongkong, China, Russia, Belarus, Uzbekistan, South Korea, Romania, Switzerland, Sri Lanka, and Thailand are participating in the Championships while 27 local boys, and girls are also participating in the Championships.Results (Day-1):Papangkorn Bunyarit (THA) beat Mohammad Kashan Tariq (PAK) 2-6, 6-1, 6-4Ahtesham Humayun (PAK) beat Ye Chan Choi (KOR) 4-6, 7-6 (5), 6-4Zhe Jiang (CHN) beat Bilal Asim (PAK) 6-2, 6-2Ivan Makarov (Belarus) beat Mohammad Hamza Aasim 6-4, 5-7, 6-4Shijie Chen (CHN) beat Ege Avci (TUR) 7-5, 6-1Ahmed Nael Qureshi (PAK) beat Daniil Varaksa (RUS) 6-1, 6-1Hamza Roman (PAK) beat Par Chandragholica (THA) 6-0, 6-0Jiwan Park (KOR) beat Doruk Elbirlik (TUR) 6-2, 6-1Xiuyuan Guo (CHN) beat Amir Mazari (PAK) 6-1, 6-2Ju Hun Choo (KOR) beat Mohammad Salar Khan (PAK) 6-2, 6-1Akmal Arabdjanov (UZB) beat Kaigaoge (CHN) 6-0, 6-2Ilya Kryukov (RUS) beat Asad Zaman (PAK) 6-1, 3-6, 7-6 (3)Howard Chan (HKG) beat Mohammad Haider Ali Rizwan (PAK) 3-6, 6-3, 6-2Dong Hyeon Euom (KOR) beat Shehryar Anees (PAK) 6-1, 6-0Hamid Israr (PAK) beat Narathip Rueangsri (THA) 6-2, 4-6, 6-0
President's Trophy: SNGPL post a massive win against WAPDA in final
Sports Bulletin ReportRAWALPINDI: A brilliant ton by Bilawal Bhatti and 9 wickets a piece by Shahnawaz Dahani led SNGPL to a massive 519-run win over WAPDA in the final of the President’s Trophy Grade-I here at the Pindi Cricket Stadium in Rawalpindi on Sunday.The match ended inside third day of the five-day final. SNGPL not only won the trophy, but also took away prize money of PKR three million. WAPDA had to settle for the runners-up trophy and prize money of PKR 1.5 million.Resuming their second innings at the overnight score of 121 for five in 36 overs, SNGPL declared their innings at 346 for eight in 82 overs, courtesy century by Bilawal Bhatti (101, 114b, 14x4s, 2x6s) and 91 from Mubasir Khan. The pair knitted a 108-run partnership for the seventh wicket. Mubasir’s innings included 14 fours and a six.For WAPDA, Asif Afridi was the most successful bowler, taking five wickets for 149 runs.In turn, chasing 686 to win, WAPDA were dismissed for 166 for nine in 32 overs. Ayaz Tasawar, coming to bat at number six, top-scored for his side with a 30-ball 51, smashing seven fours and three sixes. Test batter Umar Akmal, who scored 28 runs in the first innings, didn’t come to bat in the second innings as he was ill.Right-arm fast Shahnawaz Dahani, who bagged seven wickets in the first innings, managed to get two scalps in the second innings, and ended up with match figures of 94 runs for nine wickets. Left-arm pacer Mir Hamza was the most successful bowler in the second innings, grabbing three wickets for 50 runs in nine overs.Dahani and Sahibzada Farhan were declared joint player of the match. KRL’s Abdul Faseeh and Ghani Glass’ Mohammad Rameez Jnr were declared joint player of the tournament.Scores in brief:SNGPL 479-7, 80 overs (Sahibzada Farhan 161, Saud Shakeel 123 not out, Kamran Ghulam 101, Mubasir Khan 44; Tahir Hussain 2-78, Iftikhar Ahmed 2-105) and 346-8 decl, 82 overs (Bilawal Bhatti 101, Mubasir Khan 91, Abid Ali 38, Saud Shakeel 34, Kamran Ghulam 28; Asif Afridi 5-149, Ali Shafique 2-53)WAPDA 140 all out, 34.4 overs (Iftikhar Ahmed 52, Umar Akmal 28; Shahnawaz Dahani 7-42, Mir Hamza 2-30) and 166-9, 32 overs (Ayaz Tasawar 51, Umar Abid Kayani 40; Mir Hamza 3-50, Bilawal Bhatti 2-29, Shahnawaz Dahani 2-52)Player of the match: Shahnawaz Dahani and Sahibzada Farhan (SNGPL) PKR 100,000Players of the tournament: Abdul Faseeh (KRL, 637 runs from six matches, 3x100s, 1x50) and Mohammad Rameez Jnr (Ghani Glass, 42 wickets from five matches, five five-wicket hauls) PKR 100,000Best batter of the tournament: Abdul Faseeh (KRL) PKR 100,000Best bowler of the tournament: Mohammad Rameez Jnr (Ghani Glass) PKR 100,000Best wicket-keeper of the tournament: Shahbaz Javed (Ghani Glass, 26 dismissals) PKR 100,000
POLO - Local News 11 Feb, 2024
Sports Bulletin ReportLAHORE: DS Polo emerged title winners in the 4th Jinnah Gold Polo Cup 2024 sponsored by Sarsabz, defeating Olympia/AZB Polo in the main final by 7-4 at Jinnah Polo Fields on Sunday.The main final was a spectacle of high-caliber polo, with DS Polo taking control in the crucial final chukker to secure their win. Max Charlton, DS Polo's standout player, led the charge with an impressive six goals, earning him the best player of the final award. His teammate, Ahmed Ali Tiwana, also contributed to the scoreboard with a goal, while Nicolas Corti and Novillo Astrada scored two goals each for Olympia/AZB Polo. The main final kicked off with both teams on an equal footing, each netting a goal to draw 1-1. In the second chukker, DS Polo revamped their strategy, embracing a more aggressive style of play that tipped the balance in their favor and secured them a 3-1 lead. Despite Olympia/AZB momentarily taking the lead at 4-3 in the third chukker, DS Polo swiftly equalized before the chukker concluded. The final and decisive chukker witnessed DS Polo's relentless push, as they fired in three consecutive goals to stylishly clinch the match with a 7-4 victory. Mark John Holmes and ABdul Sattar Khan officiated the main final as field umpires. The final also featured Max Charlton receiving the most valuable player award and Open Bursalino being named the best playing pony. Adding to the day's festivities were a heavy bike parade and javelin competitions for men and women, greatly entertaining the attendees. The event was honored by the presence of Punjab Governor Muhammad Balighur Rehman, who, alongside Fatima Group Director Mian Abbas Mukhtar, awarded the winners and participants. The governor praised the winning team's dedication and wished the runners-up better luck in future endeavors. Earlier in the subsidiary final, Team FG Polo narrowly edged out BN Polo with a scoreline of 6-5. Leading the charge for the victors, Mian Abbas Mukhtar netted three impressive goals, with Raul Laplacette adding two more to their tally. On the BN Polo side, Santiago Loza was the standout performer, scoring three goals, while teammates Babar Naseem and Hamza Mawaz Khan each contributed one goal to their team's effort.
TENNIS - ITF Juniors 11 Feb, 2024
Sports Bulletin ReportISLAMABAD: The main round of the ITF Pakistan Khawar Hyat Khan Memorial World Junior Championship Leg-1 will start here at PTF SDA Tennis Complex on Monday. The matches will roll into action at 10:00 am.According to an official of the Pakistan Tennis Federation (PTF), as many as 45 male and female players from Kazakhstan, Turkey, United States of America (USA), Hong Kong, China, Russia, Belarus, Uzbekistan, South Korea, Romania, Switzerland, Sri Lanka and Thailand will participate in the championships. 27 Pakistani players will take part in the competitions.Results (Qualifying Round):Lin Kieran (USA) beat Hamza Rehmat (PAK) 6-0, 6-1Kang Kaigaoge (CHN) beat Park Joel (USA) 6-2, 6-3Daniil Varaksa (Balarus) beat Cetinkaya (TUR) 6-4, 4-6 (11-9)Ivan Makarov (RUS) beat Dalbusin Ulad (Balarus) 6-1, 6-4
POLO - Local News 11 Feb, 2024
Sports Bulletin ReportLAHORE: ZS Polo clinched the Noon Polo Cup trophy after thumping Newage Cables/Master Paints by 7½-3 in a thrilling finale here at the Lahore Polo Club on Saturday.The event attracted a substantial crowd, including families and polo enthusiasts, eager to witness the clash of titans. The match was graced by the presence of notable personalities such as former four-goal player Amiruddin Noon, Lahore Polo Club President Malik Azam Hayat Noon, and other distinguished members of the Noon family including Qasim, Salman, Aleem, and Bilal Noon.Bilal Hayat Noon led ZS Polo with an exceptional performance, scoring three spectacular goals. Teammate Zoraiz Shehzad added another two goals to the tally, with Aleem Yar Tiwana and Muhammad Ali Malik contributing one goal each, showcasing the team's formidable prowess. On the opposing side, Newage Cables/Master Paints' efforts were led by Adnan Jalil Azam with two goals, and Sahar Yaghoobi, who managed to put one past the goal line.The day also featured a closely contested subsidiary final where Guard Group edged out Sheikhoo Steel/Diamond Paints with a score of 5-4. Taimur Mawaz Khan was the standout player for Guard Group, scoring all five goals for his team, while Kashif Jamal, Shiraz Qureshi, and Mir Huzaifa Ahmed scored for Sheikhoo Steel/Diamond Paints, making for an exciting precursor to the main event.At the prize distribution ceremony, the Noon family members, serving as special guests, took the honor of distributing prizes to the winners and standout performers. They commended ZS Polo for their exceptional display of skill and technique that secured their victory. Additionally, they extended their best wishes to the runners-up, Newage Cables/Master Paints, encouraging them to aim for triumph in future tournaments.
HOCKEY - FIH Pro League 10 Feb, 2024
India beat Spain 4-1 while Netherlands defeat Ireland 4-1 in BhubaneswarSports Bulletin ReportBhubaneswar (India): The Netherlands men got the second mini-tournament of the FIH Hockey Pro League in Bhubaneswar, India off to a perfect start with an emphatic 5-1 victory over Ireland. In the second match of the day, a dominant second quarter saw home side India getting the better of the Red Sticks, beating the Spanish side 4-1.(Men’s) Netherlands beat Ireland (5-1): Floris Wortelboer celebrated his 100th cap for the Netherlands in a hard-fought 5-1 win over Ireland. The Dutch stamped their authority on the match early, pressing high and applying immense pressure on the Irish defence. Tjep Hoedemakers opened the scoring off a short corner variation in the 12th minute, deflecting a rocketed pass over the postman’s head from a metre wide of goal. Jorrit Croon made it two in the 21st minute, swatting in a rebound off Jamie Carr’s mask after Joep de Mol had opened up the defence with great acceleration along the baseline. Ireland had some good opportunities, but missed a penalty corner and then clattered one into the upright from open play to trail 2-0 at half-time.The third quarter served up plenty of action. Carr made two good saves for Ireland before Jip Janssen scored his 50th goal for the Netherlands from a penalty stroke in the 35th minute. Within a minute Lee Cole responded for Ireland with a penalty stroke from a foul that resulted in a Dutch player receiving a 10-minute yellow card. The Netherlands’ problems grew worse when they were reduced to nine men with a green card three minutes later. This prompted the Irish to press hard but they couldn’t convert from two penalty corners, Pirmin Blaak making an excellent save as the quarter came to an end. The Netherlands regained control in the final quarter, Janssen scoring his second from a drag flick after 52 minutes, and Steijn van Heijningen adding one off an unlucky defender a minute later.(Men’s) India beat Spain (4-1): India thrilled their home crowd with an excellent 4-1 win over Spain. The teams were equally matched in the opening quarter, India having a slight edge courtesy of a Harmanpreet Singh drag flick in the seventh minute and some excellent work in goal by Parattu Raveendran Sreejesh. The Indians turned up the heat in the second quarter, testing the excellent Luis Calzado in goal repeatedly and winning five penalty corners in just four minutes. Harmanpreet Singh slotted in a penalty stroke in the 20th minute after his drag flick struck the postman on the line, and Jugraj Singh added a drag flick in the 24th minute for a 3-0 Indian lead at half-time.Spain came back in the third quarter, a strong circle carry from Enrique Gonzales earning a penalty stroke for skipper Marc Miralles to bury in the 34th minute. They went on to dominate the quarter but were denied by an exceptional Indian defence. Spain needed something early in the final quarter and they went after it, but India hit them on the break in the 50th minute, Lalit Kumar Upadhyay lashing in a one-touch reverse shot off a pass that deflected to him in clear space.
President Trophy: Kamran, Farhan and Saud Shakeel hit centuries
Abdullah AsjadRAWALPINDI: Kamran Ghulam, Sahibzada Farhan and Saud Shakeel struck centuries for SNGPL against WAPDA on day one of the final of the President’s Trophy Grade-I here at the Pindi Cricket Stadium in Rawalpindi.After being put into bat, SNGPL scored 479 for seven in 80 overs. After losing Test cricketer Abid Ali for no score, right-handed batters Sahibzada Farhan and Kamran Ghulam got together and knitted a 214-run partnership for the second wicket.Sahibzada, who has featured in five T20Is for Pakistan, top-scored for the side, scoring 161 off 206 balls, hitting 22 fours and two sixes. 28-year-old Kamran was the second centurion for his side in the first innings. He scored a 136-ball 101, which included 16 fours.Saud Shakeel, who has featured in 10 Test matches, and was also part of the Pakistan squad against Australia recently, returned undefeated on 123 off 81 balls, smashing 12 fours and four sixes.That SNGPL managed to score around six an over in 80 overs was largely due to a quick-fire 44 off 20 balls from Mubasir Khan. The right-handed batter, coming to bat at number seven, struck four sixes and two fours over the course of his innings. For WAPDA, captain Iftikhar Ahmed and Tahir Hussain bagged two wickets apiece.
POLO - Local News 09 Feb, 2024
Sports Bulletin ReportLAHORE: Newage Cables/Master Paints qualified for the main final of the Noon Polo Cup 2024 after winning their match against AR/PR played here at the Lahore Polo Club on Friday. Newage Cables/Master Paints played outstanding polo against AR/PR and outclassed them by 8-1½ to qualify for the main final. Adnan Jalil Azam smashed in five goals for the winning side while teammates Alman Jalil Azam, Sufi Farooq and Sahar Yaghoobi contributed one goal apiece. The only goal from the losing side came from Saim Abbas. In another match of the day played under the American system, Sheikhoo Steel/Diamond Paints won both of their matches to qualify for the subsidiary final. In their first match, Sheikhoo Steel/Diamond Paints defeated Zacky Farms by 3½-3. Mir Huzaifa thrashed in two goals and Sufi Haroon scored one for Sheikhoo Steel/Diamond Paints, which had a handicap advantage of a half goal, while for the losing side, Shah Shamyl Alam slammed in all three goals. In their second match of the day, Sheikhoo Steel/Diamond Paints edged out Sea Gold by 2½-2. Saim Abbas and Mir Huzaifa contributed one goal each for the winning side while Kashif Jamal banged in a brace for Sea Gold. In another match, Zacky Farms thumped Sea Gold by 4½-1. From the winning side, Zackaria Daud Ali Khan and Shah Shamyl Alam thrashed in two goals each. For Sea Gold, the only goal was scored by Shiraz Qureshi. Now, Newage Cable/Master Paints will take on ZS Polo in the main final to be played at Lahore Polo Club’s Ground 2 at 3:00 pm while the subsidiary final will also be contested at the same venue between Sheikhoo Steel/Diamond Paints and Guard Group 1:30 pm.
HOCKEY - FIH Pro League 09 Feb, 2024
Sports Bulletin ReportBhubaneswar (India): Defending champions the Netherlands delivered another commanding performance as FIH Hockey Pro League action continued in Bhubaneswar, India on Friday. The Dutch were all class as they romped to a 6-2 victory over Australia while later in the day, India gave their home fans plenty to cheer about with a hard-fought win over the United States.(Women’s) Netherlands beat Australia (6-2):The Netherlands took full control of proceedings in their 6-2 win over Australia. They asked plenty of questions of the Australian defence throughout the match, connecting with long diagonal through-balls, making textbook inter-passes between players, and displaying moments of individual brilliance that all resulted in regular circle entries. Marijn Veen opened the scoring for the Dutch after seven minutes with a deft two-touch goal, popping the ball up and then lofting it into the top left corner from the reverse stick. Frédérique Matla then extended the lead just two minutes later, getting in front of the defence to slap in after a devastating baseline run from Marleen Jochems, and Yibbi Jansen added a scorching drag flick off a penalty corner to put the Dutch three in front. Australia finished the half with a flurry of penalty corners, but it took a deflection off a first-wave runner for Tatum Stewart’s rocketed drag flick to beat Josine Koning in the Dutch goal, making it 3-1 at halftime.Jansen added her second drag flick after 39 minutes, taking her tournament tally to an impressive 11 goals. Veen then completed her hat-trick with two quick goals, the first as the Dutch intercepted a poor free hit at the top of the Australian circle in the 48th minute, and the second from a somewhat fortuitous deflection off a defender’s stick a minute later. Australia pulled one back in the 52nd minute, Stephanie Kershaw intercepting a loose Dutch overhead and driving 50 yards up-field before two quick passes found Grace Stewart for a tap-in, but that did little to dent the Netherlands’ emphatic winning margin.Marijn Veen of the Netherlands was awarded player of the match for her hat-trick as said: “We played really good as a team so I’m happy with the win. It’s always nice to score but I’m more happy with the team performance.”(Women’s) India beat USA (3-1):India delighted the home crowd with a 3-1 win in a fast-paced encounter against the USA. The Americans looked to attack through the first half, but they turned over possession through impatience and inaccuracy to give the Indians plenty of advantage. Vandana Katariya put India ahead off a failed USA clearance in the ninth minute, volleying the ball in after it popped above her head from a goalmouth scramble. Deepika extended India’s lead with a glorious team goal, collecting a pass in the circle at full stretch after a good build-up and then recovering well to fire home off her reverse stick.The USA fought back in the third quarter with Sanne Caarls pouncing in the 42nd minute when India failed to clear their circle. The fourth quarter was played at full throttle as the USA sought an equaliser and India tried to find a two-goal cushion. Deepika ultimately gave India the last word, carrying the ball some 60m, beating four defenders outside the circle and passing to Salima Tete for the tap-in at the right post and the 3-1 win.India’s Deepika picked up the player of the match award and said afterwards: “I think we played really good and the team is doing a really good effort. So it’s only about the team effort, and thank you to the supporters, it’s for you also.”
U19 Men’s World Cup: India to meet Australia in final on Sunday
Sports Bulletin ReportBenoni (South Africa): India will take on Australia in the Men’s ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup 2024 final on Sunday (February 11, 2024) in Benoni South Africa. India confirmed their spot in the final after beating hosts South Africa by two wickets in a tense matchup on Tuesday. Chasing 245 for victory, India battled back from 32 for four to seal a memorable win thanks to a brilliant match-winning partnership between Sachin Dhas and captain Uday Saharan.Thursday’s second semi-final also provided no shortage of drama, as Australia emerged victorious over Pakistan by one wicket in the final over of the contest. Having bowled out Pakistan for a seemingly below par total of 179, Australia stuttered in their chase before their middle and lower order formed crucial partnerships to help them edge home in thrilling fashion.The highly anticipated final between the two sides will be hosted on Sunday 11 February at Willowmoore Park, Benoni, the same venue that staged both semi-finals, with the action commencing at 10h00 local time (SAST).India and Australia both head into the final undefeated, having topped their respective groups in both the initial stage and the Super Six stage, and can boast some of the most exciting young talent on the planet.Among the future stars that have impressed throughout the competition are skippers Uday Saharan of India and Hugh Weibgen of Australia, and both have their sights firmly set on lifting the coveted trophy on Sunday.India captain, Uday Saharan said: “As we approach the World Cup final, we carry the dreams of a billion hearts on our shoulders. Our journey has been a testament to our hard work, unity, and love for the game. In this final battle, we aim to create a legacy that inspires the next generation. It's not just a game; it's a chance to etch our names in history. Right from our first game, we have played with passion, determination, and a belief that we will get the coveted title home. In the final, against Australia, it is going to be no different as we go one step closer to defending the title successfully. Together, as one team, one nation, we march into the final, ready to seize our moment and make India proud. As a captain, I couldn’t have asked for anything more from my team as we stand at the cusp of creating history.”Australia captain, Hugh Weibgen said: “We're really pleased to have made it through to the final after a close game against Pakistan and we can't wait to take on India in Sunday's final. The whole squad has done a terrific job throughout the tournament, and it would mean so much to us as a group to lift the trophy on Sunday. This is an opportunity to make our coaches as well as family and friends extremely proud. They have helped and supported us along the journey. India have obviously also had an outstanding tournament so far and are a class team. We're expecting they will provide a challenge for us, and we are looking forward to it.”These sides have met twice before in an ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup final, with India having won on both previous occasions in 2012 and 2018. Match Official appointments for Sunday’s final have also been confirmed, with Allahudien Palekar and Langton Rusere selected as the on-field umpires. Rashid Riaz will assume the role of TV umpire, with Roland Black acting as fourth umpire and Shaid Wadvalla as Match Referee.
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