Sports

Shelton downs Fritz to reach first Masters 1000 final in Toronto

Shelton downs Fritz to reach first Masters 1000 final in Toronto

Ben Shelton upstaged higher-ranked compatriot Taylor Fritz 6-4, 6-3 Wednesday night in Toronto to muscle his way into his first ATP Masters 1000 final at the Canadian Open on Thursday (IST).

Improving to 26-1 this season after winning the first set, the World No. 7 combined an expected service masterclass with a surprising baseline assault on return to declaw Fritz, who had dropped serve just once in his previous three matches heading into the semifinals, ATP reports.

The match started with a flurry of break point opportunities, five for Shelton and two for Fritz, but the set remained on serve. Shelton would get another chance in the ninth game and this time he converted, setting himself up to serve out the set.

The American No. 2 kept up the pressure in the second and was rewarded with a break to go up 3-2. With the way he was serving, the result seemed inevitable. Fritz never had another break point after the second game of the first set and Shelton punched his ticket to his first Masters 1000 final with another break in the final game.

Shelton claimed his 100th tour-level win earlier in the tournament and will move to a career-high No. 6 ahead of Novak Djokovic if he defeats Karen Khachanov in the final.

Chelsea Striker Marc Guiu joins Sunderland on loan

Chelsea Striker Marc Guiu joins Sunderland on loan

Sunderland continues to strengthen its squad on the club's return to the Premier League with the signing of former FC Barcelona striker Marc Guiu on loan from Chelsea for the 2025-2026 season.

The 19-year-old made 16 appearances for Chelsea last season, netting six goals, but the club has sent him on loan to gain more top-flight experience with the club that returned to the top-flight after winning last season's play-off from the Championship.

Sunderland has spent big since assuring promotion, spending well over 100 million pounds on signings such as Enzo Le Fee, Habib Diarra, Noah Sadiki, Reinildo, Chemsdine Talbi, Simon Adingra, and Granit Xhaka, with the Swiss international returning to the Premier League from Bayer Leverkusen reprorts.

Rickelton not aiming to change approach in bid to claim South Africa T20I opening slot

Rickelton not aiming to change approach in bid to claim South Africa T20I opening slot

Left-handed opener Ryan Rickelton said he will stick to his aggressive batting approach in a bid to own South Africa’s T20I opening slot ahead of next year’s World Cup, set to happen in India and Sri Lanka.

Siraj doesn't get the credit he deserves, I love his attitude, says Tendulkar

Siraj doesn't get the credit he deserves, I love his attitude, says Tendulkar

Legendary India batter Sachin Tendulkar said he loves Mohammed Siraj’s attitude, adding that the fast bowler doesn’t get the credit he deserves. On day five of The Oval, Siraj picked a sensational 5-104 as India levelled the five-match series 2-2 with a six-run win over England.

Will O’Rourke ruled out of Zimbabwe Test with back injury

Will O’Rourke ruled out of Zimbabwe Test with back injury

New Zealand have suffered another injury blow, as the pace bowler Will O’Rourke has been ruled out of the second Test against Zimbabwe with a back injury, New Zealand Cricket said on Wednesday.

O’Rourke experienced back stiffness on day three of the New Zealand's nine-wicket win in the first Test last week after taking three for 28 from his 10 overs in the second innings.

NZC said O'Rourke has been sent home to undergo further assessment. Left-arm seamer Ben Lister, who was called in to provide additional pace-bowling cover, will remain with the squad for the series and could be in contention to win a Test debut for the second and final Test of the series that commences on Thursday.

We take back great memories from enthralling Test series: Bumrah

We take back great memories from enthralling Test series: Bumrah

India pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah said that he will take back great memories from the highly competitive and enthralling five-Test series against England.

Tim David fined for showing dissent during fifth T20I against West Indies

Tim David fined for showing dissent during fifth T20I against West Indies

Australia batter Tim David has been fined 10 per cent of his match fee for showing dissent during the fifth T20I against the West Indies in St. Kitts on July 28.

Zverev ends Popyrin's Toronto title defence to enter SF

Zverev ends Popyrin's Toronto title defence to enter SF

Top seed Alexander Zverev ended Alexei Popyrin's title defence at the Canadian Open with a 6-7(8), 6-4, 6-3 victory and sailed into the semifinals.

Now into his 75th tour-level semi-final, Zverev joins Novak Djokovic (196) among the only two active men to reach that mark. By advancing to his 21st semi-final at the Masters 1000s, his first since last year's Rolex Paris Masters, Zverev moved ahead of Roddick for seventh-most in series history (since 1990), according to ATP.

Both men had minibreak leads and set points, but a generous netcord handed the opening frame to Popyrin. Zverev secured the first break of the match on his way to a 3-0 lead in the second and led the rest of the way. The defending champion did break back in the second but was broken to send the match to a decider, where Zverev again took a 3-0 lead which he did not relinquish.

Sudheer Babu and Sonakshi Sinha don a fierce, never-seen-before avatar in first look poster of ‘Jatadhara’

Sudheer Babu and Sonakshi Sinha don a fierce, never-seen-before avatar in first look poster of ‘Jatadhara’

The makers, on Monday, unveiled the first look poster of “Jatadhara,” featuring Sudheer Babu and Sonakshi Sinha in fierce, never-seen-before avatars.

They shared the poster and wrote, “The wait is over! Witness the mythology-meets-visual spectacle of #JATADHARA. Sudheer Babu, Sonakshi Sinha, and a glimpse of Lord Shiva ignite the screen. ZEE Studios & #PrernaVArora redefine Indian cinema, yet again. Teaser 8th August—history in the making.”

The poster offers a glimpse into the intense world of Jatadhara, where myth and reality collide, and the divine faces off against the cursed. At the center, a blazing trident cuts through stormy skies as Sudheer Babu’s character stands ready for battle, with the mighty figure of Lord Shiva looming behind him. The scene shifts to a fiery red underworld, where the terrifying Dhanapisachini — a demon guarding forbidden treasures — appears in a chilling, upside-down form.

Goal is to win trophies and give everything: Rayan Ait-Nouri on joining Man City

Goal is to win trophies and give everything: Rayan Ait-Nouri on joining Man City

Ahead of the Premier League 2025-26 season, Rayan Ait-Nouri reflected on joining Manchester City with pride and excitement. He discussed his playing style and experience, his eagerness to learn under Pep Guardiola, and shared his international career highlights alongside his ambitions to grow and win trophies with the club.

Rayan expressed his pride and happiness after signing for Manchester City. “To be honest, I’m very happy and proud. Playing for a club like Manchester City was one of my goals. I’m eager to wear this shirt and give my best. My family is also very happy - today is definitely a very special day," he said on JioHotstar.

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