HS Prannoy of India demonstrated remarkable composure, securing his place in the quarterfinals at the World Championships for the third consecutive time. He achieved this feat through a hard-fought three-game victory over former champion Loh Kean Yew of Singapore on Thursday (24).
World number 9 Prannoy, who won the Malaysia Masters and finished runner-up at Australian Open this season, once again displayed his sterling fighting qualities during his 21-18 15-21 21-19 win over the seventh seeded Loh at the Royal Arena.
The 31-year-old from Kerala will face the winner of the match between world number one Viktor Axelsen and Chinese Taipei's Chou Tien Chen in the last eight.
The world number two pair of Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty, which had claimed a maiden bronze in the last edition, also stood one step away from another World Championships medal after reaching the last 8 in men's doubles.
The duo bounced back from a mid-game slump to outwit Indonesia's Leo Rolly Carnando and Daniel Marthin, ranked 10th, 21-15 19-21 21-9 in the round of 16 match that lasted over an hour.
The Commonwealth Games champions, who won four titles this season, will meet 11th seeds Kim Astrup and Anders Skaarup Rasmussen from Denmark next.
The Indian duo has lost five times to the Danish pair, including the last meeting at the World Tour Finals in 2021.
Earlier, the women's doubles pair of Treesa Jolly and Gayatri Gopichand, who reached the semifinals of the All-England Championships in the last two editions, couldn't sustain the attack and went down 14-21 9-21 in 42 minutes against top seeded Chinese duo of Chen Qing Chen and Jia Yi Fan.
In one of the best matches of the tournament so far, Prannoy and Loh fought like gladiators but it was the Indian who refused to give up in the end.
After a sedate start, Prannoy slowly found his feet and moved to 6-7 with a cross court return and after his rival hit the net.
The Indian mixed his shots to claw back at 8-8. But Loh ensured a three-point advantage at the interval.
A deceptive block at the net and a lucky net chord helped Prannoy to draw level at 13-13. The speedy Singaporean played some extraordinary shots and looked to step up the pace but Prannoy stayed in the fast-paced rallies and pounced on any openings offered by Loh.
As a result, Prannoy moved to 19-16 before grabbing three game points and converted in the second attempt.
Loh opened up a 6-3 lead again after the change of sides. The Indian, however, managed to make it 7-8 but Loh again grabbed a 11-8 lead.
After two quick points, Loh hit long and wide and sprayed into the net and Prannoy pushed one at the backline to make it 12-13. He drew parity once Loh went long again.
However, Loh enjoyed a run of points to move to 19-14 in a jiffy and took the match to the decider after Prannoy hit wide twice.
Prannoy turned the heat on from the onset of the third game, collecting a series of winners to go 4-0 up. The Singaporean was too erratic as he lagged 3-9. Soon the Indian grabbed a seven-point advantage at the break.
After resumption, Loh stepped up the attack and produced some exquisite smashes to reel off five straight points. Prannoy unleashed two powerful smashes before sending one looping at the backline to move to 14-10.
The Singaporean then scripted a sterling fightback, producing a fast, aggressive play to take a 15-14 lead.
A calm Prannoy, however, produced a precise smash to make it 16-16 and then went for a flick serve which his opponent sprayed into the net. Loh faltered at the net again as Prannoy led 19-17. A cross court on Prannoy's forehand followed by a superb block at the net helped the Singaporean make it 19-all.
However, Prannoy's precise return landed on the line to give him a match point and he sealed it when Loh went to net from the backline.
In the men's doubles match, Satwik and Chirag showed great anticipation and execution to dish out an attacking game. Chirag was superb with his interceptions as he glided through the court and punished any weak returns from their rivals.
The Indian pair had a slow start but Chirag and Satwik soon stepped up, raining down their cross court returns. Soon Satwik unleashed his explosive smash to grab a three-point lead at the breather.
The Indonesians tried to fight back with a couple of points but couldn't break the strong defence of the Indians, who quickly extended the lead to 15-10.
Satwik and Chirag kept the pressure and dominated the flat, cross exchanges. A booming backhand gave the Indians six game points. The Indonesians saved one before spraying the serve into the net.
In the second game, Marthin and Carnando managed to lead 2-1 but they couldn't build up the pressure with Satwik unleashing his booming smash to move to 5-5. The Indians took an 11-8 lead at the interval again.
The momentum shifted after the break with Marthin and Carnando reeling off six straight points to take a lead with the former showing some good interception. The Indonesians started extending the rallies and soon they were level at 18-18.
In the end, the Indonesians produced two winners to roar back into the contest.
In the decider, the Indians dished out a dominating game after being locked at 4-4 at one stage to take a five-point cushion at the break.
Upon resumption, the Indians ran away with the match with the Indonesians committing too many errors. One such hit into the net gave 12 match points to the Indians and Satwik ended the agony of their rivals with another cross court return.
Emma Raducanu defeated fellow Briton Mimi Xu 6-3, 6-3 in the Wimbledon first round.
Xu, 17, was making her Grand Slam debut and appeared overwhelmed early on.
Raducanu dropped just three points on serve in the first set.
Despite a series of breaks in the second set, Raducanu regained control to seal victory.
She described the all-British clash as “difficult” but was pleased with the result.
The biggest home assault on Wimbledon for 41 years got off to a great start on Monday when Emma Raducanu triumphed in an all-British clash.
British tennis is enjoying a buoyant period, and although former U.S. champion Raducanu and Jack Draper are making most of the headlines, 23 local players started in the men's and women's singles this week, the most at Wimbledon since 1984.
With Draper not in action until Tuesday, British women's number one Raducanu was the main attraction, although home loyalties were somewhat split as she faced 17-year-old Welsh wildcard Mimi Xu, making her Grand Slam debut.
Xu had not beaten a top 50 player and never looked likely to break that duck on Number One court as she went down 6-3 6-3. Raducanu, desperate for a deep run in her home slam after a previous best of two fourth-round exits, did not have to do anything too extraordinary against a rival who for a while seemed intimidated by the occasion.
After Xu swung wildly for a rare air shot and then tumbled to the pristine turf after a slip, the 318th-ranked teen got what no young player wants to hear – some sympathy applause.
Raducanu swept to the first set, dropping only three points in her four service games, and with a lack of tension on court, the obligatory “come on Britain” shout drew the usual ripple of Wimbledon laughter usually reserved for any lingering pigeon.
Xu settled in the second set, however, finally getting to grips with the Raducanu serve during a run of five successive breaks, but the favourite got back on track to come through.
Raducanu moves into round two
Home favourite Emma Raducanu claimed a 6-3 6-3 win over fellow Briton Mimi Xu, who was making her Grand Slam debut."I'm super pleased to have come through that match. It is so difficult playing against another Brit in the first round," Raducanu said after her victory on Court One.
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Taylor Fritz’s opening-round clash against France’s Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard was suspended
Play was suspended for Fritz and Zverev after curfew. Taylor Fritz’s opening-round clash against France’s Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard was suspended on Monday evening with the score tied at two sets apiece. The match was halted just before 11 pm local time due to Wimbledon’s curfew regulations. Alexander Zverev’s match against Arthur Rinderknech, also level at two sets all, was similarly paused for the night. Both contests will resume on Tuesday.
Zverev and Fritz matches suspended for the night
German third seed Alexander Zverev’s match against France’s Arthur Rinderknech, level at two sets all, and U.S. fifth seed Taylor Fritz’s clash with Frenchman Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard, all square after two sets, have been suspended for the evening.
Credit : Reuters
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Kennedy scored two tries in Chennai’s 41-0 win over Delhi Redz in the final of the six-team rugby sevens franchise league held in Mumbai. (Photo credit: Rugby Premier League)
IRELAND Sevens international Terry Kennedy played a key role in helping Chennai Bulls secure the first Rugby Premier League (RPL) title in India on Sunday, as the new format marked its arrival in a country known for its focus on cricket.
Kennedy scored two tries in Chennai’s 41-0 win over Delhi Redz in the final of the six-team rugby sevens franchise league held in Mumbai.
India’s Olympic gold medallist shooter Abhinav Bindra attended the final. However, the crowd size was smaller compared to the audience that turned up to watch Virat Kohli’s Bengaluru team win the Indian Premier League earlier this month.
Despite that, organisers said the RPL’s broadcast on satellite television has provided hope that rugby could grow into a major sport in India.
“No matter how big a sport may be, there is always space if you work hard enough, if you create a product that's good enough,” Rugby India president Rahul Bose told AFP.
“In that respect we are very happy and very secure in the knowledge that there is space for this game and it doesn't have to come by eating away at anybody else's space.”
The RPL has opted for the shortest format of the game, similar to how the IPL focused on T20 cricket. The seven-a-side rugby matches in the RPL were played over four quarters of four minutes each, designed to highlight quick handling and speed over the physicality of the traditional 15-a-side version.
Kennedy was one of several experienced Sevens players brought into the tournament.
His teammate Joseva Talacolo, who also scored a try in the final, won a silver medal with Fiji at the Paris Olympics last year. Scott Curry, who has 321 caps for New Zealand’s All Blacks Sevens, featured for Bengaluru Bravehearts, who finished fourth after losing the third-place match to Hyderabad Heroes.
Perry Baker, the 39-year-old American who has twice been named World Rugby Sevens Player of the Year, returned from retirement to represent Kalinga Black Tigers.
Bose said the public response to the first season had been encouraging.
“What we have heard is that the game is easy to follow, very fast, very exciting and has got tremendous amount of likeability,” said Bose, who is also a Bollywood actor.
“Along with that, the athletic prowess of these men has come in for a lot of attention. We are happy with the connect we have made.”
Plans for expansion
The RPL is also being seen as part of India’s wider ambition to host the Olympics in 2036. With continental qualification systems in place, India is looking at the possibility of fielding a men’s or women’s rugby team before then.
The RPL includes Indian players alongside international athletes and is managed by GMR Sports, which also owns the IPL team Delhi Capitals.
“The first season has gone very well for us,” Satyam Trivedi, chief executive officer of GMR, told AFP.
“The sponsors are happy with what they see on the ground and on TV.
“However, this is just the beginning for us. We are looking at the first season as a showcase event and take a lot of learnings from here.
“In every season this league will get bigger and better.”
(With inputs from agencies)
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In an industry long regarded as a boys’ club, Sharma brings a refreshingly unapologetic approach
As the world prepares for the second edition of the World Championship of Legends (WCL), one of its most exciting franchises, the Meteora England Champions, is being led by a compelling force. Mahima Sharma is not just making her mark in cricket – she is quietly redefining leadership in a male-dominated industry.
In an industry long regarded as a boys’ club, Sharma brings a refreshingly unapologetic approach. She is strategic, deeply rooted in her love for the game, and proudly feminine. “Cricket has always felt like home to me,” she says. “I come from a culture where cricket is an emotion, and stepping into this role carries a great deal of responsibility. Growing up, I saw very few women leaders in cricket. To now find myself in this position 15 years later feels like coming full circle.”
As co-owner and the driving force behind the Meteora England Champions, Sharma is part of a small group of women leading professional cricket teams. For her, this is not about tokenism, it’s about legacy. “I do not want to be the exception,” she says. “I want to be part of a movement where women leading in sport is normalised. As more women step into leadership, we must not only create space but also change the environment so others can thrive.”
The journey has not been without its obstacles. Sharma recalls the doubt she encountered in the early days. “You walk into certain rooms and feel it – the unspoken question of how a twenty-something woman is in charge,” she says. But instead of backing away, she leaned in. “I chose not to internalise that doubt. I focused on proving myself through action.”
Each branding move, player decision, and strategic step has helped reshape perceptions. “We are not here to just participate. We are here to lead – with vision, knowledge and authenticity.”
Sharma’s leadership story is closely tied to her family. She co-owns the team with her father, a self-made entrepreneur who built the wider Meteora Group. Their dynamic is one of mutual respect. “We do not always agree – and that is our strength. We challenge each other, and that leads to better decisions.”
This blend of tradition and innovation shapes how she runs the team. From revamping fan experiences to reviving iconic rivalries, Sharma brings together nostalgia and bold new energy. “We are embracing history while writing new chapters,” she says. “Through storytelling, digital content and match-day experiences, we are bringing legends back into the spotlight in meaningful ways.”
Those legends include the likes of Eoin Morgan and Alastair Cook – cricketing greats now representing Meteora. “It has honestly been a dream,” Sharma says. “These players are not just icons – they are grounded, inspirational, and passionate about the future of the game.”
The team is also shaped by dynamic women behind the scenes. One key figure is Bhakti Bansal, the team’s creative strategist. “Her leadership has helped shape how the Meteora brand speaks and connects,” Sharma says. “It is not about having women in leadership for the sake of it – it is about having the right leadership.”
Empowerment runs through Sharma’s journey. She is not content with simply climbing the ladder – she wants to rebuild it. “As more women take on leadership roles, we carry the responsibility not just to make space, but to transform the environment so others can thrive.”
As WCL enters its second season, Sharma is scaling upwclegends.uk
For Sharma, inclusivity and creativity are core values. “It starts internally. Our team is deliberately diverse – not just in terms of gender or ethnicity, but in background and thinking styles.” This inclusivity informs every decision, from interns to executive planning. “Everyone has a seat at the table.”
As WCL enters its second season, Sharma is scaling up. “The challenge is in the scale and speed – logistics, player schedules, fan engagement, sponsorships. But the challenges are real, and so is our drive.”
Asked what message she would give young women pursuing careers in sport or business, Sharma is clear. “You do not have to choose between being passionate and being powerful. You do not need all the answers on day one – but you do need to believe you belong.”
Her approach is grounded in authenticity. “Resilience and self-awareness are everything. You must know who you are and hold your ground, even when you do not see yourself reflected in the room.”
She adds, “You can be assertive without being abrasive, strategic without being cold, and emotional without being weak.”
Despite the pace and pressure of running a franchise, Sharma’s love for cricket keeps her grounded and ambitious. “It is still my greatest passion,” she says. But she is open to other opportunities if they align with her values.
At the heart of her leadership is a principle passed down from her father: “Build long-term relationships based on trust.” It is a value she holds close as she navigates partnerships, negotiations and team dynamics.
When she needs inspiration, she turns to her support system. “My family, my friends, my dog Lexi – and the fans. Just being in a packed stadium, hearing the cheers, wearing your team’s jersey – that feeling is unmatched.”
Sharma closes with a simple yet powerful philosophy: “We walk into the room each day with a game plan, positive energy, and a clear vision.”
As the second season of WCL approaches, it is clear that Mahima Sharma is building more than a cricket team – she is building a legacy. One that says, without apology: the future of sport belongs to everyone. And yes, that includes the women who dare to lead.
The World championship of legends cricket 2025 takes place from July 18 – August 2. wclegends.uk
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Mahmood, a pace bowling allrounder, played 143 one-day internationals and 21 Tests for Pakistan. (Photo: Getty Images)
PAKISTAN on Monday appointed former all-rounder Azhar Mahmood as the interim head coach of the men’s Test team. He is the fourth person to hold the position in the past 18 months.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said the 50-year-old will remain in the role until January.
Mahmood, a pace bowling allrounder, played 143 one-day internationals and 21 Tests for Pakistan. He has been serving as assistant coach since last year.
“The PCB announces Mahmood as the acting red-ball head coach of the Pakistan men’s team,” said a PCB press release.
Mahmood replaces Aaqib Javed, who was interim head coach for the Test series in South Africa in December-January and the home series against the West Indies.
Javed stepped down after Pakistan lost all four Tests and finished ninth and last in the third cycle of the World Test Championship.
Before Javed, former Australia fast bowler Jason Gillespie had taken over but quit six months into his stint in December 2024 following differences with the PCB.
Prior to Gillespie, former Pakistan all-rounder Mohammad Hafeez was the team director and had overseen a 3-0 Test defeat in Australia.
Monday’s appointment is part of a series of changes by the PCB aimed at improving the national team’s performance following a difficult two years.
Last month, New Zealand’s Mike Hesson was named white-ball head coach for two years.
Pakistan will host South Africa in October in their first series of the new World Test Championship cycle. They will then play Sri Lanka at home in December-January.