US Open champion Jannik Sinner is a young man in a hurry. He is 23, is No. 1 and has 2 Slam titles

US Open champion Jannik Sinner is a young man in a hurry. He is 23, is No. 1 and has 2 Slam titles
Italy's Jannik Sinner poses with the trophy after winning his men's final match against USA's Taylor Fritz on Day 14 of the US Open tennis tournament at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York City, on Sept. 8, 2024. (AFP)
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Updated 10 September 2024
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US Open champion Jannik Sinner is a young man in a hurry. He is 23, is No. 1 and has 2 Slam titles

US Open champion Jannik Sinner is a young man in a hurry. He is 23, is No. 1 and has 2 Slam titles
  • Sinner is the first man since Guillermo Vilas all the way back in 1977 to pick up major titles No. 1 and No. 2 within the same season
  • This season could be seen as a transfer of power from the generation of Djokovic, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal — a trio with 66 Slam trophies — to the Big Two of Alcaraz and Sinner

NEW YORK: New US Open champion Jannik Sinner is making big strides in a short amount of time.

And that, he figures, bodes well for what’s to come.

Just 23, Sinner already reached No. 1 in the ATP rankings a few months ago and, on Sunday, collected the second Grand Slam trophy of his career — and of the year — by defeating Taylor Fritz 6-3, 6-4, 7-5 in the final at Flushing Meadows.

Add that to his Australian Open championship in January, and Sinner is the first man since Guillermo Vilas all the way back in 1977 to pick up major titles No. 1 and No. 2 within the same season.

“I’ve gone through a lot things quickly,” said Sinner, Italy’s second US Open singles title winner, joining 2015 women’s champ Flavia Pennetta. “I’m still young. That gives me confidence I still can get better, because at 23, you haven’t perfected everything. So my team and I know we have to improve.”

In what ways? He pointed to the match against Fritz.

“Today, I played well from the back court. I felt good there,” said Sinner, who was exonerated in a doping case the week before the tournament began in New York. “But could I do more? Yes. Could I serve better? Absolutely.”

That aspect of his game is considered a relative weakness, but check out this stat: Sinner won 88 percent of points when his first serve went in.

What the 6-foot-4 (1.93-meter) Sinner did best Sunday is what he does as well as any other man in tennis right now: control the baseline, using his instincts and considerable wingspan to get to nearly every ball and whip it with serious force. He’s also an elite returner: Fritz had lost just nine of 107 service games across 22 sets before Sinner broke him three times in the first set alone and a half-dozen times overall.

“Credit to Jannik. He returned well at some of the big moments and got some serves back that a lot of guys don’t get back,” said Michael Russell, Fritz’s coach. “He creates a lot of unique challenges, because he’s so dangerous off both sides, the forehand and the backhand, and he moves really well, too.”

Fritz, the first American man in a major singles final in 15 years, had played Sinner twice before, both times at Indian Wells, California, winning in 2021 and losing in 2023. Fritz said Sinner’s greatest areas of improvement are his movement and serve.

“In my mind, I know that I’m not perfect, and I will never be perfect, but we always try to evolve,” Sinner said. “Then after my career, I can say, ‘OK, I’ve done everything possible to be at 100 percent.’”

When Fritz tried to go to what he called “Plan B” on Sunday, opting to keep balls in play more, rather than going for winners early in exchanges, he said, Sinner managed to “bully me a little bit too much.”

And it’s not as though Sinner is only capable of these things on hard courts like those used at Melbourne Park and Flushing Meadows. He’s been a semifinalist on the French Open’s clay and Wimbledon’s grass.

The self-belief he got at the Australian Open — beating 10-time champion Novak Djokovic in the semifinals, then defeating 2021 US Open champion Daniil Medvedev for the championship after being two sets down — also was important.

He called that title “kind of a relief” because “you never know if you can win one Grand Slam or not, but when you win one, you know that you can.”

The US Open was different, Sinner said, both because of elevated pressure and what he termed “pre-tournament circumstances.”

He considered it “pretty surprising” to wind up with a pair of majors in 2024, which is a fair assessment, especially given that 24-time Slam champion Djokovic, 37, is still around, and Carlos Alcaraz, 21, is showing himself to be elite.

This season could be seen as a transfer of power from the generation of Djokovic, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal — a trio with 66 Slam trophies — to the Big Two of Alcaraz and Sinner.

The young duo divvied up the four biggest prizes in men’s tennis, making this the first time since 2002 that no member of the Big Three won at least one.

“It is a bit different, for sure. I mean, it’s something new, but it’s also nice to see,” Sinner said. “Nice to see new champions. Nice to see new rivalries.”


Pakistan women lose warm-up match to Bangladesh, Australia eye dominance in T20 World Cup

Pakistan women lose warm-up match to Bangladesh, Australia eye dominance in T20 World Cup
Updated 12 sec ago
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Pakistan women lose warm-up match to Bangladesh, Australia eye dominance in T20 World Cup

Pakistan women lose warm-up match to Bangladesh, Australia eye dominance in T20 World Cup
  • Bangladesh defeat Pakistan by 23 runs in warm-up match in Dubai on Monday 
  • The women’s T20 World Cup will begin on Thursday with Australia, India as favorites

DUBAI: Australia are hot favorites for their seventh title at the women’s T20 World Cup starting Thursday in their first tournament appearance since the retirement of four-time tournament-winning captain Meg Lanning.

New skipper Alyssa Healy faces a challenge in the United Arab Emirates, leading a team that has only failed twice to win the 20-over trophy since the competition was first staged in 2009.

The 34-year-old wicketkeeper-batter has been a member of all six of Australia’s prior title wins but said she was entering this year’s tournament with “no real expectations.”

“It’s the best against the best and whoever can be most consistent or win those little moments along the way can get the job done,” Healy wrote in a column for the International Cricket Council’s website.

She nonetheless said her team was brimming with young talent, naming up-and-coming all-rounder Annabel Sutherland, 22, and batting phenomenon Phoebe Litchfield, 21, as players to watch.

Australia face formidable rivals India and New Zealand in their group. They arrive in the UAE fresh from a 3-0 T20 sweep of the Kiwis.

India’s prospects have been buoyed by the runaway success of the Women’s Premier League at home since the 20-over competition’s inaugural season last year.

“If I talk about this team, we have a few players who have been playing for a long time and they know their roles really well,” skipper Harmanpreet Kaur said.

“This is the best team we are going for a T20 World Cup with.”

India finished runners-up in 2020 and lost in the semifinals in 2018 and 2023.

New Zealand’s Sophie Devine will step down as captain at the end of the tournament after playing in every World Cup, earning two runner-up finishes.

“The T20 World Cup’s been an important vehicle in the development and growth of the women’s game,” Devine said.

Sri Lanka and Pakistan round out the first group while Bangladesh, England, Scotland, South Africa and the West Indies make up the second.

The South Africans, who lost to Australia in last year’s final in Cape Town, have a new captain in Laura Wolvaardt who is keen to build on that performance.

“Reaching our first-ever World Cup final in 2023 was a big landmark moment for us,” she wrote on the ICC website.

The Proteas surprisingly beat England in the semifinals.

“It was a big ‘breaking the barriers and pushing the boundaries’ moment for the team.

“Before that, we’d made the semifinals on a number of occasions, so to be able to go that one step further was very important for us as a group.

“Now we’d like to go that one step further and lift the trophy.”

Heather Knight’s experienced England side, which includes Nat Sciver-Brunt, Alice Capsey, Sophie Ecclestone and Lauren Bell, will be keen for revenge when they meet the Proteas on October 7.

Bangladesh face Scotland at Sharjah in the opening match of the tournament, where the prize money is for the first time equal to the men’s edition with a $2.34 million purse for the winners of the October 20 final.

That is a 134 percent increase on the $1 million awarded to the Australians when they clinched the title in South Africa last year.

The ICC said the move was intended “to prioritize the women’s game and accelerate its growth.”

Bangladesh were slated to host the tournament but it was shifted to Dubai and Sharjah after weeks of political unrest in July and August ousted the government of autocratic ex-premier Sheikh Hasina.


Ronaldo and Mahrez shine as Al-Nassr and Al-Ahli triumph in AFC Champions League

Ronaldo and Mahrez shine as Al-Nassr and Al-Ahli triumph in AFC Champions League
Updated 01 October 2024
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Ronaldo and Mahrez shine as Al-Nassr and Al-Ahli triumph in AFC Champions League

Ronaldo and Mahrez shine as Al-Nassr and Al-Ahli triumph in AFC Champions League
  • Despite missing several early chances, Al-Nassr emerge 2-1 victors over Al-Rayyan of Qatar, while Al-Ahli defeat Emirati side Al-Wasl 2-0

Cristiano Ronaldo grabbed the winner for Al-Nassr in their 2-1 victory over Al-Rayyan on Monday, while Riyad Mahrez was the hero as Al-Ahli defeated Al-Wasl 2-0 on matchday 2 of the AFC Champions League Elite group stage.

After a 1-1 draw with Al-Shorta of Iraq in their opening game of the tournament, Al-Nassr went at their Qatari visitors from the kick-off in Riyadh and should have been ahead inside five minutes when Otavio slipped the ball through to Angelo. However, the Brazilian under-20 international, who scored a fine goal last week during a 2-0 win over Al-Wehda in the Saudi Pro League, put the ball wide with only the goalkeeper to beat.

As the home side continued to pile on the pressure Ronaldo then had a great chance to open the scoring. The Portuguese star, who missed the trip to Baghdad two weeks ago because of a viral infection, got on the end of a deep cross at the far post after 13 minutes but his shot was saved by Paulo Victor, who left Saudi side Ettifaq to join Al-Rayyan in the summer.

It was not all one-way traffic, though, and Al-Nassr goalkeeper Bento had to get down well to save a Roger Guedes shot at his near post.

Seven minutes before the break, Ronaldo had another chance but this time he headed over from a Sadio Mane cross. It was the type of opportunity he has taken with ease many times.

The deadlock was finally broken on the stroke of half-time when Sultan Al-Ghannam sent over a perfect cross from a central position and Mane headed home from close range.

Just after the restart Ronaldo volleyed an Otavio cross into the net but was judged to have been marginally offside. He was on a mission to score, however, and eventually did just that with 14 minutes remaining. Abdulrahman Ghareeb slipped the ball into the right side of the area and Ronaldo pounced to fire a perfect shot into the opposite top corner, leaving the goalkeeper with no chance.

It was a goal worthy of winning any game but the result looked like it might yet be in doubt when Roger Guedes pulled one back three minutes from time, slotting home at the far post from Achraf Bencharki’s perfect low cross.

With nine minutes of added time, there were plenty of nerves on display but Al-Nassr managed to hold out for the win and three much-needed points to get their continental challenge up and running. They now sit in third place in the 12-team group with 4 points.

Al-Ahli were also in need of a win as they made the trip to Dubai to face Al-Wasl. Although they defeated Iranian side Persepolis 1-0 in the first game of their Champions League campaign, the Jeddah club had lost their previous two games in all competitions, including a shock home defeat in the King’s Cup to First Division strugglers Al-Jandal. Coach Mattias Jaissle was under pressure as a result but the gloom was lifted as early as the third minute when Mahrez opened the scoring.

The Algerian has come under fire this season for some uninspiring performances but he looked very much like his old self from the start on Monday, and he timed a run perfectly to latch onto a long pass out of defense from Roger Ibanez. Mahrez’s delicious first touch brought the ball down and with the second he stroked the ball past the goalkeeper.

Seven minutes before the break Mahrez returned the favor for former AS Roma defender Ibanez, as the former floated over a corner to the far post where the latter climbed high to send a powerful header into the back of the net.

It was not as comfortable a win for Al-Ahli as the scoreline might suggest but Al-Wasl were unable to take their chances. The three very welcome points moved the Greens into top spot in their group, temporarily at least.

Unlike in previous tournaments, each team will play eight games, with the top eight in the group qualifying for the round of 16 and only four missing out. Al-Ahli are therefore already looking good to progress.

Al-Hilal, who defeated Al-Rayyan in their opening game, will be in action on Tuesday when they host Al-Shorta.


Pakistan’s Irfan Asghar wins 6th Asian Master Squash Championship 2024

Pakistan’s Irfan Asghar wins 6th Asian Master Squash Championship 2024
Updated 30 September 2024
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Pakistan’s Irfan Asghar wins 6th Asian Master Squash Championship 2024

Pakistan’s Irfan Asghar wins 6th Asian Master Squash Championship 2024
  • Irfan outplayed Ryun Hoe Koo, secured 3-0 win
  • The final scores were 11-6, 11-4 and 14-12

ISLAMABAD: Pakistani squash veteran, Group Captain (retired) Irfan Asghar, has won the 6th Asian Master Squash Championship 2024 held in Macau, China, Pakistani state media reported, citing the Pakistan Squash Federation (PSF).
Irfan outplayed his opponent, Ryun Hoe Koo, and secured an impressive 3-0 win, clinching the title for Pakistan.
The final scores were 11-6, 11-4 and 14-12, the state-run APP news agency reported.
“His victory reinforces his status as a leading figure in Pakistan’s squash scene,” the report read.
The win marked Irfan’s second triumph in the Asian Master Squash Championship, having previously won the title in 2010.
Currently serving as the PSF director for academies, Irfan has continued to inspire the next generation of players.


Masood says ‘hurt’ Pakistan aim to end win drought against England

Masood says ‘hurt’ Pakistan aim to end win drought against England
Updated 30 September 2024
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Masood says ‘hurt’ Pakistan aim to end win drought against England

Masood says ‘hurt’ Pakistan aim to end win drought against England
  • Pakistan have gone winless in 10 home Tests since February 2021
  • They were handed a 2-0 defeat by Bangladesh earlier this month 

KARACHI: Pakistan captain Shan Masood on Monday backed Babar Azam to find his batting touch as his side look to end their win drought in the three-match Test series against England starting next week.
Pakistan have gone winless in 10 home Tests since February 2021, the latest humiliation being swept 2-0 by Bangladesh earlier this month.
They also lost 3-0 in Australia earlier this year.
“It’s not acceptable for Pakistan to not win a home Test for that long and we accept the responsibility for that,” said Masood at a press conference in Karachi.
“As a cricketing nation we all are hurt right now.”
Masood was confident that batting great Azam would soon be back to his best after managing just 64 runs in the two Bangladesh Tests.
“We all know Babar is one of the top batters in the world and despite not scoring big runs the good thing is that he is not out of form, we have to back him,” said Masood.
Azam has not passed fifty in Tests in 16 innings dating back to December 2022.
England arrive in Pakistan on October 2 with the first Test starting in Multan five days later.
The second Test is also in Multan from October 15 while the final match is in Rawalpindi from October 24.
“I assure you that everyone is eager to stage a comeback in this series and take Pakistan cricket in a good direction,” said Masood.
England swept the series 3-0 when they last visited Pakistan in 2022.
“For me, pressure is a thing of privilege because leading your country is a great honor but with it comes responsibility,” said Masood, whose captaincy tenure runs until May 2025.
“If results are good then I will serve, if not then I will be punished. I don’t run away from challenges and this coming series is also very challenging.”


Dembele dropped from PSG squad for Arsenal trip

Dembele dropped from PSG squad for Arsenal trip
Updated 30 September 2024
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Dembele dropped from PSG squad for Arsenal trip

Dembele dropped from PSG squad for Arsenal trip
  • Without the in-form Dembele, who has four goals and as many assists in six league games this season, PSG will rely more heavily on Bradley Barcola

LONDON: France forward Ousmane Dembele has been left out of Paris Saint-Germain’s squad for their Champions League game at Arsenal on Tuesday, a source close to the club told AFP.
Dembele’s absence is not injury-related but “a decision of the coach” Luis Enrique, the source told AFP.
It appears to be a disciplinary measure following a heated exchange between Luis Enrique and Dembele after Friday’s 3-1 win over Rennes in Ligue 1, according to sports daily L’Equipe.
Without the in-form Dembele, who has four goals and as many assists in six league games this season, PSG will rely more heavily on Bradley Barcola.
Barcola is the leading scorer in the French top flight this term with six goals, two of which came in the victory over Rennes.
Marco Asensio is in a race against time to be fit after picking up an injury in PSG’s Champions League opener against Girona two weeks ago.