ITF Women: Sahaja, Ankita power into second round
BENGALURU, Jan 22: India’s top singles players Sahaja Yamalapalli and Ankita Raina battled past their rivals to move to the second round of the USD 100,000 KPB Trust Women’s Open here on Wednesday.Sahaja was dominant in her first-round win over Britain’s Yuriko Lily Miyazaki. The India No. 2 impressed with her shot-making en route to a 6-3 3-6 6-0 win in a match that lasted two hours and 14 minutes.She next takes on Russian Maria Timofeeva, who had an easier passage in her opener as Brenda Fruhvirtova retired with a back injury when she was down 3-4 in the first set.Later, India No. 1 Ankita Raina came through a 7-6 (7-2), 7-6 (7-4) thriller against qualifier Daria Kudashova of Russia.The seasoned campaigner, who felt a little uneasy on court and even called a trainer when up 4-0 in the second set, regrouped before much damage could be done.Ankita will now face top-seeded Tatjana Maria next. The German ace survived a scare before overcoming qualifier Petra Marcinko 6-4, 7-5.The other three Indian wildcards in the fray – Vaidehee Chaudhari, Shrivalli Rashmikaa Bhamidipaty and lucky loser Riya Bhatia – bowed out without a whimper. (PTI)
Pant to be co-owner of Mumbai Pickle Power franchise
MUMBAI, Jan 22: Dashing keeper-batter Rishabh Pant will co-own the Mumbai Pickle Power franchise when the inaugural season of World Pickleball League (WPBL) kicks off.Pant’s foray into India’s first franchise-based pickleball league marks a new chapter for the sport, one of the fastest-growing worldwide.Pant said, “The excitement around pickleball is contagious and I personally love the sport. I wanted to invest into the World Pickleball League to take the sport to the next level.” (PTI)
4th National Pickleball from 23rd-26th January
GREATER NOIDA, Jan 22: The 4th National Pickleball tournament will be held at the Bennett University here from January 23-26.The highly anticipated event, a PWR700 tournament, will bring together players from across the country.The tournament being held under the aegis of Indian Pickleball Association (IPA) will feature a wide range of categories, including team and individual events for boys, girls, pro players, and age groups of 35+, 50+, and 60+ for both men and women.Players will compete across singles, doubles, and mixed doubles formats, ensuring an exciting and inclusive experience for participants and spectators alike. (PTI)
Bengaluru Open upgraded to ATP 125, begins from Feb 24
BENGALURU, Jan 22: A clutch of top stars are expected to feature in the eighth edition of the Bengaluru Open, now upgraded to ATP 125 category, which begins here from February 24.An important stop on the ATP Challenger Tour, the Bengaluru Open will now offer an increased prize money of USD 200,000. The winner will pocket USD 28,400 and gain 125 ATP points.In the past, Indian players have excelled in this event. Sumit Nagal won the singles crown in 2017 and Prajnesh Gunneswaran emerged triumphant the following year.Ramkumar Ramanathan annexed the doubles crown three times, twice with fellow Indian Saketh Myneni and once with Purav Raja. Divij Sharan won the inaugural edition doubles title with partner Mikhail Elgin.“I’m really happy that the ATP Challenger in Bengaluru is back again this year in an even bigger way. I’ll be back again this year,” said Ramanathan, a world No. 405. (PTI)