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Dimitrov battles past Zverev to book Miami final with Sinner – ARN News Centre

Published

2 years ago

March 31, 2024

Staff Reporter

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AFP

Bulgarian Grigor Dimitrov defeated Alexander Zverev 6-4 6-7(4) 6-4 in a thrilling contest on Friday to reach the Miami Open final, where he will face world number three Jannik Sinner.

Dimitrov, the 11th seed, utilised his forehand to devastating effect throughout the match, making just three unforced errors to take the first set.

Fourth seed Zverev regained some control in a tight second set, serving with accuracy to deny Dimitrov any opportunities to break before clinching the tie-break to level the match.

Dimitrov took his tally of winners up to 44 in the decider as he defended a breakpoint and then took the lead at 4-3 before confidently settling the match on serve for his first win over Zverev since 2014.

“It was like a dogfight on both ends; we really went after each other,” said Dimitrov, whose victory will see him return to the top 10 for the first time since 2018.

“He upped his game in the second set. In the third set, he also had a chance, but I served well.”

In Sunday’s final, Dimitrov will face Sinner, who powered past defending Miami Open champion Daniil Medvedev 6-1 6-2 to reach the final for the second year in a row.

SINNER’S HOT STREAK CONTINUES

When Medvedev beat Sinner to claim the Miami title 12 months ago, he extended his head-to-head record over the Italian to 6-0.

But since then, the second seed has enjoyed the upper hand as he has delivered the knockout blow on five successive contests, including a five-set thriller in the Australian Open final earlier this year.

There was no such drama on Hard Rock Stadium court as Sinner delivered a clinical performance to end Medvedev’s challenge in 69 minutes.

“I felt great on court today. Usually, the more you go on in a tournament, the more comfortable you feel, and I’m very happy about today’s performance,” Sinner said after reaching the Miami final for the third time in four years.

“I don’t think Daniil felt too well today; he made a lot of mistakes he usually doesn’t make.

“For me, it is an important tournament if I can get it good; if not, I have another great chance.”

Sinner, whose only loss this season was a semi-final defeat to Carlos Alcaraz in Indian Wells two weeks ago, becomes the first player this season to reach three finals.

The Italian had Medvedev under pressure right from the gun with three break chances on the Russian’s opening service game, converting on a blistering forehand winner for a 2-0 lead.

The third-seeded Russian would finally hold serve at 5-1 but only delayed the inevitable, as Sinner bagged a high-quality opening set without committing a single unforced error.

Baffled and lost for ideas, Medvedev could do nothing to slow the rampaging Sinner, who kept his foot firmly on the gas with another break to open the second set, which left the World Number four staring across the net with a stunned look.

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Brampton Blitz clinch inaugural Canada Super 60 title with convincing win over Montreal Royal Tigers

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22 hours ago

October 15, 2025

Michael Gomes

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The Brampton Blitz were crowned the first-ever champions of the Canada Super 60 at BC Place, cruising past the Montreal Royal Tigers by eight wickets in a dominant final.

The Blitz showcased their supremacy with the ball, as Dillon Heyliger (4/9), David Wiese (3/6), and Chris Greaves (3/16) bundled out the Tigers for a mere 69 in eight overs. Shakib Al Hasan (29 off 12) and Dilpreet Bajwa (18 off 8) were the only batters to reach double figures for Montreal.

Chasing a modest total of 70, the Blitz wrapped up the victory in just 5.5 overs. James Vince top-scored with a blistering 34 off 16 deliveries, while Martin Guptill contributed a quick 23*. Alex Davies finished proceedings with a six to seal the championship.

Blitz Storm into Final with Nine-Wicket Semi-Final Win Over Mississauga Masters

Earlier in the day, the Brampton Blitz displayed their firepower in the semi-final, demolishing the Mississauga Masters by nine wickets. Chasing 148, Martin Guptill (79 off 25) and Will Smeed (63 off 21) shared a record-breaking 141-run stand in just 6.5 overs. Guptill smashed 11 sixes, while Smeed hit eight, taking the Blitz comfortably past the target in eight overs.

Leus de Plooy (43 off 20) and Sikandar Raza (29 off 13) had provided the Masters with a quick start, supported by Shubham Ranjane (25 off 9) and Rayyan Pathan (19 off 7). Piyush Chawla’s three-wicket haul (3/23) was the highlight for the Blitz bowlers.

Montreal Royal Tigers Overcome Vancouver Kings to Reach Final

In the first semi-final, the Montreal Royal Tigers defeated the Vancouver Kings by 24 runs. Nick Hobson’s 50 off 23 balls rescued the Tigers after an early collapse, lifting them to 100/6 in 10 overs. Baltej Singh (3/21) was the pick of the Kings’ bowlers, while Jaskaran Singh, Dwayne Pretorius, and Tajinder Singh shared three wickets.

During the chase, Shakib Al Hasan (2/5) and Ryan Higgins (2/16) restricted the Kings to 76/7, despite efforts from Max Chu (25 off 10), Obus Pienaar (20 off 11), and Jaskarandeep Singh (16 off 13).

End-of-Season Awards

Most Valuable Player: David Wiese – 149 runs at a strike rate of 213+, plus nine wickets.
Top Scorer: Leus de Plooy (Mississauga Masters) – 238 runs in six innings at a strike rate over 231.
Top Wicket-Taker: Dillon Heyliger (Brampton Blitz) – 13 wickets in seven matches at an average of 11.76.

The inaugural Canada Super 60 concluded with the Brampton Blitz leaving an indelible mark on the tournament, blending explosive batting and lethal bowling to lift the trophy.

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Abu Dhabi T10 levels up its game with BC.GAME Esports as principal partner

Published

3 days ago

October 13, 2025

Staff Reporter

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The Abu Dhabi T10 League has announced BC.GAME Esports as its Principal Partner for the 2025 season. This landmark partnership connects the energy of T10 cricket with the fast-growing global esports ecosystem, driving brand visibility and fan engagement to new levels.

The alliance will deliver powerful exposure across broadcast, digital, and in-stadia platforms, while introducing esports-inspired activations to enhance the tournament experience for fans. The aim is to bring the worlds of live cricket and competitive gaming closer than ever before.

The Abu Dhabi T10 will run from November 18 to 30, 2025, at the Zayed Cricket Stadium, featuring top international players competing in action-packed 10-over matches. With BC.GAME Esports on board, the league will strengthen its appeal to younger, digital-first audiences across global markets.

“We’re excited to welcome BC.GAME Esports as our Principal Partner,” said a T10 League spokesperson. “Season 9 will be our biggest yet, with expanded global reach and enhanced fan experiences — and we are confident that BC.GAME Esports will return again next year.”

A BC.GAME Esports spokesperson added: “Partnering with Abu Dhabi T10 gives us the perfect platform to expand our community and create unique experiences that unite cricket fans and gamers worldwide.”

This partnership reflects Abu Dhabi T10’s commitment to innovation, youth engagement, and global growth, making 2025 one of its most exciting seasons yet.

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Canada Super 60: Mississauga Masters, Montreal Royal Tigers, Vancouver Kings storm into semis with dominant wins

Published

3 days ago

October 13, 2025

Michael Gomes

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The inaugural season of the Canada Super 60 delivered a thrilling day of high-octane cricket at BC Place, as three teams cemented their places in the semi-finals with commanding victories.

De Plooy powers Mississauga Masters past Whiterock Warriors

Opener Leus de Plooy smashed a sensational 68 off 26 balls, including eight sixes and three fours, to guide the Mississauga Masters to a 47-run win over the Whiterock Warriors. Partnered by Ravi Bopara (20 off 13) and Saif Zaib (31 off 12), the Masters posted 153/4 in their 10 overs.

Chasing a formidable total, the Warriors’ top order gave glimpses of hope with Chris Lynn (37 off 17), David Malan (19 off 12), and Joe Clarke (19 off 11), but the middle order collapsed. Ali Khan (2/22) and Rushil Ugarkar (3/24) claimed key wickets, while Shubham Rajane bowled a remarkable spell of 3 wickets in 5 balls, skittling the Warriors for 106 in 9.5 overs.

Bajwa’s blitz lifts Montreal Royal Tigers

Dilpreet Bajwa fired a quick-fire 57 off 18 balls, featuring five sixes, to set up a 43-run win for the Montreal Royal Tigers against the Brampton Blitz. Bajwa’s innings, backed by Shreyas Movva (22 off 12), helped the Tigers post 130/7.

Brampton’s chase never gained momentum, with David Wiese (23 off 18) and Roelof van der Merwe (22 off 6) top-scoring in a total of 87/6. Isuru Udana was instrumental with the ball, finishing with 2/12.

Pienaar’s explosive knock drives Vancouver Kings past Toronto Sixers

The Vancouver Kings cruised to an eight-wicket win over the Toronto Sixers. Jaskarandeep Singh (4/10) dismantled the Sixers’ top order, restricting them to 96/9, despite a fighting 30 from Jason Roy.

In reply, Obus Pienaar smashed an unbeaten 67 off 18 balls, with nine sixes, helping the Kings chase the target in 6.5 overs. Max Chu (15 off 10) and Moeen Ali (12)* provided crucial support.

Semi-finals set for tomorrow

The stage is now set for a thrilling final day in Vancouver: