Picture Credit: Twitter
The sporting world witnessed R Praggnanandhaa reaching his career-high ranking and after finishing second in the FIDE Chess World Cup, the 18-year-old sits in the top 20. On the other hand, India’s top ranking shuttlers duo of Sat-Chi got knocked out of the tournament after getting defeated in their quarterfinal knock. Meanwhile, now India’s sole contender in BWF World Championships, HS Prannoy made it to the semifinal of the tournament. A lot happened in various disciplines around the globe. Let’s have a look at a few of them.
R Praggnanandhaa achieves career-high ranking of World No. 20 after finishing runner up in FIDE World Cup 2023
R Praggnanandhaa, who created history by becoming the only Indian to enter the FIDE World Cup, achieved his career-high ranking. The 18-year-old went down to undefeated five-time World Champion and current world number 1, Magnus Carlsen in the summit clash of the tournament. With his advancement to the finale of the tournament, Praggnanandhaa entered the top 20 of world rankings.
The Chennai-born grandmaster took down the former World No. 3, Italian-American grandmaster Fabiano Caruana along with World No. 2, the American grandmaster Hikaru Nakamura in the tournament.
Braun Strowman, Triple H, Cody Rhodes pay tribute to Bray Wyatt during WWE SmackDown
WWE stars with the likes of Braun Strowman, Triple H, Cody Rhodes and Bobby Lashley paid tribute to Bray Wyatt. Wyatt passed away on August 24, Thursday, at the age of 36. The WWE celebrities bowed down their heads, as a montage of Wyatt’s best moments in WWE were displayed. Not only this, but the fraternity also paid tribute to another wrestling icon Terry Funk, who passed away on August 23, Wednesday.
Sadio Mane hits ‘Siuuu’ in front of Cristiano Ronaldo during Al Nassr vs Al-Fateh
Al-Nassr took on Al-Fateh in the Saudi Pro League game on August 25, Friday. The Knights of Najd, who were coming on the back of an incredible victory in the AFC Champions League this week thumped their rivals 5-0 in the Friday night game. In the match, the Portuguese star, Ronaldo scored his 63rd career hattrick and first hattrick for his side, Al-Nassr.
During the match, the Al-Nassr star Sadio Mane was seen pulling off Cristiano Ronaldo’s trademark celebration ‘Siuuu’ after scoring a goal. Al-Nassr’s latest signing Sadio Mane, along with the captain, combined to hit five goals.
Mikael Ymer announces retirement from tennis after failing to overturn suspension
Sweden tennis star Miakel Ymer announced retirement from football after he failed to overturn an anti-doping ban. The 24-year-old took to Twitter (X) to announce his decision. Ymer wrote, “I've decided to retire from professional tennis. Thank you all for the amazing memories! What a ride it's been! I wish all my old colleagues well going forward in competition.”
East Bengal defeat Kerala to reach Durand Cup 2023 semifinals
East Bengal took down Gokulam Kerala in the Durand Cup 2023 semifinals on Friday, August 25, in Kolkata. The win of EBFC came with their first-minute strike and then a 77th minute goal in the quarterfinal of the tournament. In the next round, they will lock horns with the Northeast United on Tuesday, August 29. Speaking of the squad, while East Bengal went unchanged into the game, Kerala made eight changes in their squad.
Lionel Messi meets tennis great Novak Djokovic ahead of their respective matches
Two greats from their respective sports arena, Novak Djokovic and Lionel Messi, met on Friday night, August 25 ahead of their matches in the New York City. While the location remains undisclosed, the two sporting giants were pictured as Lionel Messi is in NYC for his first Major League Soccer match, whereas Djokovic is all set to begin his US Open 2023 campaign this week.
The picture which is now doing rounds on social media of two greats of the game, was shared by the Inter Miami owner Jorge Mas. Mas took to Twitter to share the image alongside the two greats, captioning it, “What a night”.
Borja Iglesias to boycott Spain national team until Spanish FA President Luis Rubiales resigns
Spanish footballer Borja Iglesias announced that they will boycott selections until Spain Football Association Chief Luis Rubiales remains in office. Notably, Rubiales kissed Spain women football star Jenni Hermoso on the lips when the team won their first ever FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023.
After receiving heat and backlash from fans and government officials, the football association chief decided to step down from the role. Rubiales was expected to submit his papers on Friday, August 25, but he defended his actions and said that it was a ‘peck’ and it was ‘consensual’.
Satwik-Chirag pair bows out of BWF World Championships; HS Prannoy advances to semifinal
India’s star Men’s doubles duo of Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty crashed out of the BWF World Championships in Denmark, as they lost against the Danish pair of Kim Astrup and Anders Rasmussen in straight sets. The Indian pair had a fairly good tournament until this game, winning the previous rounds quite easily.
World No. 9 HS Prannoy stunned the world after he beat World No. 1 Viktor Axelsen of Denmark in the quarterfinals of the tournament. The Indian shuttler won the game against the defending champion 13-21, 21-15, 21-16 in a thrilling 68-minute battle in Copenhagen to seal the semifinals berth and assure a medal finish for India.
