Nagal reaches pre-quarterfinals of Rosario Challenger
New Delhi, Feb 4: Indian tennis player Sumit Nagal progressed to the pre-quarterfinals after a hard-fought win over local favourite Renzo Olivo at the 2025 Rosario Challenger in Rosario, Argentina. Nagal, seeded eighth, displayed determination and grit to rally his way to a 5-7, 6-1, 6-0 win over Olivo on Monday. The 27-year-old Indian will next face the winner of the match between Chinese Taipei’s Tseng Chun-hsin and Bolivian Hugo Dellien. (PTI)
Magnificent Maaya shines as Indian players dominate Mumbai Open
Mumbai, Feb 4: India’s rising tennis star, 15-year-old Maaya Rajeshwaran Revathi delivered a stunning performance at the L&T Mumbai Open WTA 125, defeating Belarusian Iryna Shymanovich 6-4 6-1 to advance to the Round of 16 here on Tuesday. Displaying remarkable maturity, the young sensation outplayed her more experienced opponent with precision and composure. Meanwhile, India’s wildcard entry Ankita Raina dominated compatriot Vaishnavi Adkar, securing a 6-2, 6-2 victory. India’s Shrivalli Bhamidipaty delivered a commanding performance to dismantle Russia’s Elena Pridankina 6-1, 6-0 in a one-sided contest. Japan’s Mai Hontama caused an upset by defeating sixth-seeded compatriot Nao Hibino in a hard-fought 7-6, 6-4 victory. (PTI)
Sri Lanka’s Dimuth Karunaratne to retire after playing 100th Test
Galle, Feb 4: Former Sri Lanka captain Dimuth Karunaratne is set to retire from international cricket after playing his 100th Test, which will be the second and final match against Australia starting here on Thursday. The 36-year-old, one of the most prolific batters for Sri Lanka, has scored 7,172 runs at an average of just under 40, with 16 centuries and 34 half-centuries in 99 Tests over nearly 14 years. He has also featured in 50 ODIs, scoring 1,316 runs with one century and 11 fifties. “It is difficult for a Test player to keep himself motivated to play 4 Tests for a year and maintain his form,” Karunaratne, who made his Test debut in 2012, was quoted as saying by Daily FT. Karunaratne plans to relocate to Australia with his family next month. Having made his first-class debut for Sinhalese Sports Club (SSC) in 2008, he will play his final match for them against NCC in the SLC Major Club three -Day Tournament from February 14-16. (PTI)
Sam Konstas to leave Sri Lanka tour for Sheffield Shield game
Galle, Feb 4:Young opening batter Sam Konstas is leaving Australia’s tour of Sri Lanka and flying back home to play in New South Wales’ next Sheffield Shield game against Queensland at the Gabba. The Australian media have reported that the decision to send back Konstas was taken after it became clear that the 19-year-old batter would not be considered for selection in the second Test against Sri Lanka. Konstas, who made headlines with his unorthodox shots on debut against a Jasprit Bumrah-led Indian pace bowling attack in Melbourne last December, returned to hotel after Australia’s training session on Tuesday and started packing his bag for his flight back home. According to Sydney Morning Herald, the Australian selectors “have chosen to send Konstas home early so he can play” in the first round of Shield games after the Big Bash League, as he has never played a first-class match in Brisbane before. The game between NSW and Queensland starts on Saturday. Konstas did not feature in the opening Test against Sri Lanka, which Australia won by an innings and 242 runs. He was okay with not getting a chance to play in the series opener, as the Australian selectors brought up the in-form Head to open the innings. (PTI)