Manika Batra’s WTT Champions campaign ends after loss in quarters
New Delhi, Oct 27: Star paddler Manika Batra crashed out of the WTT Champions after a quarterfinal straight game defeat against China’s Qian Tianyi in Montpellier, France. The Indian, a world No. 30, went down to Tianyi 8-11, 8-11, 10-12 in just 25 minutes on Saturday night. Batra, a multiple Commonwealth Games medallist, fought well in all three games, but her Chinese opponent played the crunch points better to emerge the winner. The first Indian to enter the WTT quarterfinals, Batra had shocked world number 14 Bernadette Szocs of Romania 11-9, 6-11, 13-11, 11-9 on Friday to enter the last eight. Tianyi too had caused an upset in the pre-quarterfinals, stunning world No. 4 compatriot and the top seed here Yidi Wang 11-7, 11-9, 13-11. Tianyi will now face third seed Japanese Miwa Harimoto in the semifinals on Sunday. Sreeja Akula, the other Indian competitor in the WTT and world No. 25, had made a first-round exit after a defeat to world number 13 Adriana Diaz of Puerto Rico 6-11, 11-7, 11-1, 8-11, 11-8. (PTI)
PM Modi hails Erigaisi crossing 2800-mark in live chess ratings
New Delhi, Oct 27: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday hailed as a “phenomenal feat” Arjun Erigaisi crossing the 2800 mark in live chess ratings, saying that in addition to being a great personal milestone, it will also inspire many more youngsters to play chess and shine on the global stage. Erigaisi became only the second Indian player to cross the 2800 mark, after five-time world champion Viswanathan Anand. The 2800 club is a rarefied one. Only 14 players in history have crossed 2800 Elo in published ratings. “Congratulations to Arjun Erigaisi for crossing the 2800 mark in live chess ratings! This is a phenomenal feat. His exceptional talent and perseverance make our entire nation proud,” Modi said in a post on X. “In addition to being a great personal milestone, it will also inspire many more youngsters to play chess and shine on the global stage. Wishing him the very best for his future endeavours,” he said. (PTI)
Armaan Bhatia wins India Masters Pickleball Championship
New Delhi, Oct 27: India’s Armaan Bhatia clinched the men’s Pro Singles title at the PWR DUPR India Masters Pickleball Championship, defeating USA’s Dusty Boyer in a nail-biting final match here on Sunday. The final scoreline was 8-11, 11-9, 11-8. Bhatia started the match confidently, taking an early 3-0 lead but Boyer, known for his resilience, came back to make it 3-3 before taking a slender lead of one point. Carrying the momentum, Boyer extended his lead to make it 6-3. The momentum shifted back and forth, with both players refusing to yield. It was a neck-to-neck fight where ultimately Boyer dished out a few clinical shots down the baseline to win the first game 11-8. The second set was equally intense. Boyer once again took an early lead, but Bhatia clawed his way back. A crucial moment arrived when Boyer slipped on the court, giving Bhatia an opportunity to seize the momentum. Capitalising on this, Bhatia won the second set 11-9, forcing a decisive third game. The third game was a roller-coaster of emotions. Boyer started strong, taking 8-0 lead and it seemed all was lost for the Indian star. But Bhatia staged a comeback, winning the final set 11-8. His incredible determination ultimately secured him the title. (PTI)
Benson, Reena win Kochi Spice Coast Marathon
Kochi, Oct 27: Kerala’s CB Benson and Reena Manohar bagged the men’s and women’s title respectively in the Kochi Spice Coast Marathon 2024 here on Sunday. Benson, comfortably tackled the 42.2 kilometres in 3:00:42. It was third time lucky for him after finishing second in the previous two editions. Justin (03:06:56) and Sreenidhi Sreekumar (03:08:49) grabbed the second and third positions. Reena did the star turn among women, covering the same distance in 04:50:06. Mary Joshy (04:53:59) and Nileena Babu (04:54:32) took the second and third spot. Later, Sajith KM (1:21:23) completed a grand hat-trick, winning the half-marathon title for the third time in succession. Athul Raj (01:22:37) and Vishnu VR (01:23:05) grabbed the other two positions on the podium. Among women, AK Rama (1:55:33), Jaseena Khani (1:58:03) and Bismy Augustine (1:59:00) were the winners. (PTI)