India finish 7th at Badminton World Junior C’ships team events
New Delhi, Sep 30: India beat Thailand 3-1 to finish in the seventh spot at the mixed team events of the Badminton World Junior Championships in Spokane, USA on Saturday. India’s Samarveer and Radhika Sharma defeated Tanakorn Meechai and Fungfa Korpthammakit 11-21, 21-19, 21-18 in mixed doubles to make a positive start. In boys’ singles, Tushar Suveer, however, lost against Nachakorn Pusri 19-21, 11-21 as Thailand was back level 1-1. In girls’ singles, Tara Shah defeated Tonrug Saeheng 21-15, 24-26, 21-12 to put India ahead. Divyam Arora and Mayank Rana then defeated Songpon Sae-ma and Phurinath Saikamma 21-18, 21-19 in boys’ doubles to seal the victory. Individual events will commence from October 2. (PTI)
Medvedev advances to quarterfinals at China Open
Beijing, Sep 30: Third-ranked Daniil Medvedev showed composure to overcome a characteristically tenacious Alex de Minaur on Saturday and secure a spot in the quarterfinals of the China Open. The second-seeded Medvedev emerged with a 7-6 (3), 6-3 win in Beijing, but not before his 12th-ranked Australian opponent had staged a comeback from trailing 5-2 in the first set to force a tiebreaker. “It’s crazy how every time he is down in a match, you know he is going to start playing like he is No. 1 in the world,” Medvedev said. “Tough to play against him, a tough victory, but I am happy with my level.” “Confidence is key. When I am in good shape and good form, I have this ability to win these kinds of matches in straight sets. If I’m missing just 2% of what I’m doing right now, that’s when it’s tougher.” The Russian will next face Ugo Humbert on Monday, after the Frenchman upset fifth-seeded Andrey Rublev 5-7, 6-3, 7-6 (3). Humbert thwarted Rublev’s attempt to serve out the match at 5-3 in the final set and then completed the comeback victory with a dominant tiebreaker. Nicolas Jarry, who eliminated fourth-seeded Stefanos Tsitsipas in the previous round, beat qualifier Matteo Arnaldi 6-7 (4), 7-6 (4), 6-3. Eighth-seeded Alexander Zverev plays Alejandro Davidovich Fokina later on Saturday. (AP)
RCB rope in Luke Williams as head coach for women’s team
Bengaluru, Sep 30: Royal Challengers Bangalore on Saturday announced the appointment of Australia’s Luke Williams as their head coach for the second edition of the Women’s Premier League. RCB had parted ways with Ben Sawyer after the team finished last in the five-team inaugural edition this year in March, managing just two wins in eight matches. “I look forward to working with a playing group that will host a number of the most exciting players in Indian and world cricket, as we look to bring a bold and exciting style of play and success to our huge and passionate fan base,” Williams said in a statement. The 43-year-old Williams coached the Adelaide Strikers to win the Women’s Big Bash League 2022-23. They also had reached the final on previous two occasions. As their assistant coach, Williams played a vital role in the Southern Brave side winning The Hundred women’s competition this year. (PTI)