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Nadal still the ultimate test on clay, says Tsitsipas – ARN News Centre

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Rafael Nadal could return to action this week in Barcelona and play just his second event of an injury-hit season and while the Spaniard lacks match practice Stefanos Tsitsipas said it would be no surprise to see him battling for the title in the final.

Nadal, who has said he expects to retire after the 2024 season, returned to the tour in Brisbane in January after nearly a year out with a hip flexor injury and the 37-year-old has not played an ATP tournament since due to a muscle issue.

The 22-times Grand Slam champion looked set to make another comeback at the Monte Carlo Masters this month but withdrew days before the start of the claycourt tournament, saying his body would not allow him to play.

Nadal has won the Barcelona title 12 times and is drawn to play Flavio Cobolli on Tuesday, and while there has been no word on his status Tsitsipas said the Spaniard would have no trouble finding form on his favourite surface.

“I wouldn’t be surprised if we saw Rafa in the final of Barcelona, because that’s something he has done over and over again for years and years,” Tsitsipas, who won the Monte Carlo title for a third time on Sunday, told reporters.

“What he does have is this competitiveness and this fierce tennis when he gets into the momentum that sometimes feels like on the outside perspective unstoppable … I think he’s the ultimate challenge on clay.

“Whether he’s playing now at, let’s say, later stages of his career or the ones before, what he has now that he didn’t before is experience, and he for sure knows ways to win points and to prevail more in economy mode than before.”

World number seven Tsitsipas, a three-time runner-up in Barcelona, will aim to carry his good form from Monaco to Spain after winning his first title of the season with a 6-1 6-4 victory over Casper Ruud.

“I did need a week like this a lot, especially (after) the rough months I’ve been through the latter half of 2023 until now,” Tsitsipas said.

“It hasn’t been the best of times in terms of where I wanted to be, so getting back here and winning the title is something I was definitely not aiming for and it came naturally.”

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Sri Lanka crowned champions after defeating Pakistan in Hong Kong Sixes 2024 final

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he fireworks continued in the Hong Kong Sixes 2024 on the final day of the tournament. Sri Lanka were crowned champions after they defeated neighbours Pakistan by 3 wickets.

Being out into bat, Pakistan were bowled out for 72 in 5.2 overs. Muhammad Akhlaq top-scored with 48 off 20. Later, Pakistan bowlers did create some pressure in the starting of the chase but the Lankan lions soon pushed the paddle.

Sandun Weerakkody chipped in with a 13-ball 34 while captain Lahiru Madushanka (19 off 5) and Tharindu Ratnayake (16* off 4) made valuable contributions to take the side home.

Earlier, in the day, Australia’s Dan Christian smashed 6 sixes in one over against Pakistan’s Asif Ali in the Cup Semi Final. The Asian side had started off the proceedings with the ball in a steady way but Dan Christian helped the Aussies put up 107/1 in 6 overs. He ended up getting 42*off 10.

Later, Pakistan batters unleashed a stunning show with the bat and chased down the target in 5.5 overs to win the match by 4 wickets and register a place in the final. Muhammad Akhlaq scored 32 off 10 while Asif Ali struck 32 off 8.

The rest of the job was done by Faheem Ashraf (19* off 9) and Aamer Yamin (24* off 8).
Sri Lanka made it to the final of the tournament after defeating Bangladesh in a close encounter in the semi-final. The Bangla tigers were bundled out for 103 after Tharindu Rathnayake picked up four wickets.

Sri Lanka were then off to a good start in the chase after Sandun Weerakkody scored fifty before retiring. But Bangladesh did make a comeback and picked up a couple of wickets in quick succession. Sri Lanka needed 14 runs in the final over and they went over the line by 3 wickets.

England and Oman locked horns with each other in the Bowl final.

Oman took away the win by 4 wickets after chasing down a target of 124 runs. Batting first, England put up 123/1 in 6 overs after Ravi Bopara and Jordan Thompson struck fifties before retiring.

Oman got a perfect start to the chase as openers Asif Khan (47* off 17) and Vinayak Shukla (38 off 12) stitched a stand of 75 runs for the first wicket. Oman eventually completed the target in 5.5 overs to win the Bowl final.

The Plate Final was played between South Africa and UAE. The Proteas scored 96/4 after JJ Smuts remained unbeaten at 67 off 18 and then the bowlers unveiled a brilliant show with the ball. UAE were restricted to 95/4 and lost by 1 run.

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Oman Defeats India, Women’s Match Highlights Day 3 of Hong Kong Sixes

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The Hong Kong Sixes 2024 moved into the third and final day but the tournament continued to produce some brilliant performances and exciting encounters. While Oman clinched a win against India, the highlight of the day was the special women’s exhibition match to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China.

The final day of the tournament began with the Bowl Match 5 between England and New Zealand. Batting first, England put up 116/4 in 6 overs after Ravi Bopara struck 62* off 15. In reply, the Kiwis were restricted to 108/2. Siddhesh Dixit top-scored for his side with 45 off 18. England won by 8 runs.

Next, it was hosts Hong Kong up against South Africa in the Plate Semi Final 1. Hong Kong could manage 92/4 in 6 overs and it took the Proteas chase down the target in 5.3 overs. Wicket-keeper batter Modiri Litheko struck 41 off 15 for the side as South Africa clinched a win by 4 wickets.

The Plate Semi Final 2 was played between Nepal and UAE. Bibek Yadav’s 49 off 16 helped the side to put 94/3 in 6 overs. Later, UAE captain Asif Khan notched up 55 off 15 before retiring and the side eventually won by 5 wickets.

India locked horns with Oman in the Bowl Match 6. The Men in Blue rode on Robin Uthappa’s 52 off 13 and Bharat Chipli’s 32 off 11 to put up 119/3 in 6 overs. Robin Uthappa retired after scoring a fifty.
The Oman batters then took on the Indian bowling unit and chased the target down in 4.2 overs to win by 6 wickets. Asif Khan remained unbeaten at 46 off 12 and Vinayak Shukla struck 54 off 11 before retiring.

The special women’s exhibition match that was played to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China between Hong Kong, China Women and Chinese Women saw Hong Kong, China clinching a win against China. Hong Kong put up 61/0 in 6 overs and then restricted the opponents to 36/3 to win the match by 25 runs.

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Hong Kong Cricket Unveils Star-Studded Commentators for Hong Kong Sixes 2024

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Hong Kong Cricket is excited to announce a star-studded lineup of commentators and presenters for the highly anticipated and thrilling Hong Kong Sixes 2024 tournament which is scheduled to take place from November 1 to November 3 at the Tin Kwong Road Cricket Ground, featuring 12 teams, competing in six-a-side matches. Fans can watch all the action Live on Star Sports Network and Fancode.

The competition that has made a return after seven years promises to be an exhilarating showcase of cricketing talent, and our expert team is ready to deliver all the action live. The starry list of commentators includes the likes of Dominic Cork, Brad Hogg, Niall O’Brien and Ryan Campbell.

Dominic Cork, a former England cricketer who retired in 2011, is now a dynamic cricket speaker known for his insightful commentary and bowling expertise.

Former Australia cricketer and legendary spinner, Brad Hogg enjoyed a distinguished 25-year playing career before transitioning into a popular media personality and commentator. He is well known for his bold predictions and in-depth analysis of the game.

Niall O’Brien is a former Ireland international cricketer who has a profound understanding of the game and is celebrated for his engaging commentary style. He was known for his aggressive batting style during his playing days.

Former Australian international and Hong Kong representative, Ryan Campbell has also served as the head coach of the Netherlands. His insights into both Full Member and associate teams make him a valuable addition to this commentary team.

Abhishek Jhunjhunwala, Suren Sundaram and Nashpreet Kaur will be the part presenters’ team.
Suren Sundaram is an Indian radio jockey, TV presenter, and sports anchor. He brings his expertise and charm to our coverage, which will enhance the viewing experience.

A former first-class and IPL cricketer turned TV presenter, Abhishek Jhunjhunwala possesses a passion for cricket and a talent for engaging storytelling, keeping fans entertained and informed.

Nashpreet Kaur is known for her vibrant personality and charisma. Nashpreet will guide viewers through the tournament, ensuring an engaging experience.

Don’t miss a moment of the action! Tune in to Star Sports and Fancode to catch all the thrilling matches of the Hong Kong Sixes 2024, featuring 12 teams competing for glory. Join us as we celebrate cricket in its most exciting form! The broadcast begins at 8:15 AM (Hong Kong Time) and 5:45 AM (IST).

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