Sports

Arjun Erigaisi Powers Into Semis, Praggnanandhaa Falls to Caruana in Freestyle Grand Slam

Arjun Erigaisi Powers Into Semis, Praggnanandhaa Falls to Caruana in Freestyle Grand Slam

National Times Bureau, July 18, 2025: Chennai’s Arjun Erigaisi stormed into the semifinals of the prestigious USD 750,000 Freestyle Grand Slam Tour with a dominant victory over Uzbekistan’s Nodirbek Abdusattorov. The 20-year-old Indian Grandmaster secured the match 1.5-0.5, displaying top form and clinical precision.In contrast, fellow Indian star R Praggnanandhaa bowed out of the title race after a marathon 3-4 loss to the USA’s Fabiano Caruana. The seven-game thriller saw Praggnanandhaa take the lead on three occasions, but Caruana’s resilience helped him snatch victory in the decider.Arjun was unstoppable against Abdusattorov, maintaining an edge from the opening in both games.…
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Praggnanandhaa Stuns Carlsen, Enters Freestyle Grand Slam Quarterfinals with Erigaisi

Praggnanandhaa Stuns Carlsen, Enters Freestyle Grand Slam Quarterfinals with Erigaisi

National Times Bureau, July 17: R Praggnanandhaa pulled off a stunning win against world number one Magnus Carlsen, advancing to the top-bracket quarterfinals of the USD 750,000 Freestyle Grand Slam Tour. Fellow Indian Arjun Erigaisi also secured a quarterfinal spot, marking a strong showing for India in the prestigious chess event.The 19-year-old Praggnanandhaa displayed precise tactical play from the outset, seizing the initiative and keeping the pressure on Carlsen. Despite the Norwegian getting some chances, the Indian teenager broke through with creative piece play, securing a memorable win.Carlsen’s defeat sparked a downward spiral. He lost to Wesley So in the…
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PV Sindhu Suffers First-Round Exit at Japan Open, Lakshya Sen and Doubles Pair Advance

PV Sindhu Suffers First-Round Exit at Japan Open, Lakshya Sen and Doubles Pair Advance

Tokyo, July 16: India’s star shuttler and two-time Olympic medallist PV Sindhu’s struggles in 2025 continued as she crashed out of the Japan Open in the first round on Wednesday, losing in straight games to South Korea’s Sim Yu Jin.Playing her first match since the Indonesia Open in June, Sindhu, currently ranked 16th in the world, fell 15-21, 14-21 to the world number 14 Sim, marking her first-ever loss in four meetings against the Korean opponent.Sindhu began the match on a shaky note, quickly trailing 3-9 in the opening game. Although she clawed back to narrow the gap at 13-12,…
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Virat Kohli Becomes First Batter to Cross 900 Rating Points in All Formats of Cricket

Virat Kohli Becomes First Batter to Cross 900 Rating Points in All Formats of Cricket

New Delhi, July 16, 2025: Indian cricket superstar Virat Kohli has scripted yet another chapter in cricketing history, becoming the first batter ever to cross the 900-point mark in ICC Men’s Cricket Rankings across all formats of the game, following an update to his T20I rating on Wednesday.The International Cricket Council (ICC) revised Kohli’s all-time T20I best rating from 897 to 909 points, according to Wisden. This places him third on the list of highest T20I ratings ever, behind compatriot Suryakumar Yadav (912) and England’s Dawid Malan (919).With this milestone, Kohli has now achieved the rare feat of breaching the…
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Fauja Singh Death Case: Accused NRI Amritpal Dhillon Remanded to 14-Day Judicial Custody

Fauja Singh Death Case: Accused NRI Amritpal Dhillon Remanded to 14-Day Judicial Custody

Jalandhar, (National Times): In a significant development in the Fauja Singh death case, the accused NRI Amritpal Dhillon has been remanded to 14 days' judicial custody by the CJM Court on Wednesday. Dhillon was produced before Hon’ble Judge Mr. Manik Koda, who ordered his judicial custody following the hearing. The accused is alleged to have hit 114-year-old marathon legend Fauja Singh with his vehicle while the latter was crossing a road in Jalandhar on Monday. The collision left the centenarian runner grievously injured. Despite immediate efforts to provide medical care, Fauja Singh tragically succumbed to his injuries, sparking national mourning.…
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Allahabad High Court Stays Arrest of Cricketer Yash Dayal in Sexual Exploitation Case

Allahabad High Court Stays Arrest of Cricketer Yash Dayal in Sexual Exploitation Case

Prayagraj, July 15, 2025: The Allahabad High Court on Tuesday stayed the arrest of cricketer Yash Dayal in connection with an FIR accusing him of sexually exploiting a woman under the pretext of marriage.The bench of Justices Siddhartha Varma and Anil Kumar passed the interim order while hearing Dayal’s plea challenging the FIR registered against him on July 6 at Indirapuram police station in Ghaziabad district. Dayal, 27, currently plays for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the Indian Premier League (IPL).The FIR has been lodged under Section 69 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which pertains to sexual intercourse by…
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England Clinch Thriller at Lord’s, Beat India by 22 Runs to Lead Series 2-1

England Clinch Thriller at Lord’s, Beat India by 22 Runs to Lead Series 2-1

London, July 14, 2025: Ravindra Jadeja’s valiant unbeaten 61 proved insufficient as England sealed a nerve-jangling 22-run win over India on the final day of the third Test at Lord’s, taking a 2-1 lead in the five-match series. Chasing 193 for victory, India were bowled out for 170 despite a spirited lower-order resistance. England’s pace duo of Jofra Archer (3/55) and captain Ben Stokes (3/48) led the charge, dismantling India’s batting order in crucial spells. Starting Day 5 needing 135 runs with six wickets in hand, India lost momentum early. Jofra Archer set the tone, producing a peach that knocked…
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Saina Nehwal Announces Separation from Parupalli Kashyap After Nearly Seven Years of Marriage

Saina Nehwal Announces Separation from Parupalli Kashyap After Nearly Seven Years of Marriage

New Delhi (National Times): Indian badminton icon and Olympic medallist Saina Nehwal has confirmed her separation from husband and fellow shuttler Parupalli Kashyap, bringing an end to their nearly seven-year-long marriage. The announcement came via Saina’s official Instagram account, where she posted a heartfelt note acknowledging the mutual decision. “Life takes us in different directions sometimes. After much thought and consideration, Kashyap Parupalli and I have decided to part ways. We're choosing peace, growth, and healing—for ourselves and each other. I'm grateful for the memories and wish nothing but the best moving forward. Thank you for understanding and respecting our…
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Sinner Triumphs at Wimbledon, Halts Alcaraz’s Streak to Claim Historic Maiden Title

Sinner Triumphs at Wimbledon, Halts Alcaraz’s Streak to Claim Historic Maiden Title

London, July 14: World No. 1 Jannik Sinner captured his maiden Wimbledon title on Sunday, overcoming Spanish star Carlos Alcaraz in a thrilling four-set final to avenge his recent French Open heartbreak.The 23-year-old Italian prevailed 4-6, 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 on Centre Court, becoming the first Italian man ever to lift the Wimbledon trophy. The win ended Alcaraz’s career-best 24-match winning streak and secured Sinner’s fourth Grand Slam crown, adding to his two Australian Open and one US Open titles.Alcaraz made a fast start, unleashing his trademark pace and deft drop shots to recover from 2-4 and snatch the opening set. But…
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Lord’s Test Hangs in Balance as India Stutter in Chase After Bowling Out England for 192

Lord’s Test Hangs in Balance as India Stutter in Chase After Bowling Out England for 192

London — The third Test between India and England at Lord’s is headed for a thrilling finish after Day 4 delivered yet another dramatic shift in momentum, leaving India needing 135 runs with six wickets in hand on a deteriorating surface.India’s bowlers produced a superb display to bowl England out for just 192 in their second innings, setting a target of 193. However, England roared back late in the day, striking crucial blows to leave the visitors wobbling at 58/4 by stumps.Siraj, Sundar Star as England CollapseEngland began Day 4 on 2/0 but suffered early setbacks. Mohammed Siraj struck first,…
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