分类： sports

In a spectacular display of resilience at Alexandra Palace, Kenyan debutant David Munyua delivered one of the most dramatic upsets in recent PDC World Darts Championship history. The 30-year-old veterinarian from Kenya mounted an extraordinary comeback from a two-set deficit to defeat world number 18 Mike de Decker of Belgium in Thursday’s afternoon session.

The match appeared destined for conventional conclusion when De Decker stood one set from victory, but Munyua’s perseverance transformed the contest into an instant classic. After missing crucial opportunities in the second set and eventually securing the third, the African qualifier demonstrated remarkable composure under pressure. The deciding fifth set featured an astonishing 135 finish achieved through outer bull, treble 20, and bullseye combination—a spectacular checkout that leveled the match before Munyua completed his historic victory.

Munyua, who qualified through the African Darts Group Qualifier, described his triumph as “amazing” during his emotional on-stage interview, emphasizing that the moment represented a significant breakthrough “for the sport, for Africa, and for Kenya.”

The upset was particularly striking given De Decker’s credentials as the 2024 World Grand Prix champion, though it extended his disappointing record at Alexandra Palace where he has yet to progress beyond the last 64 in six appearances.

Earlier in the session, Japanese debutant Motomu Sakai captivated the audience with a straight-sets victory over France’s Thibault Tricole. Sakai’s exuberant entrance and engaging showmanship quickly won over the London crowd.

Additional afternoon results saw England’s Ryan Joyce deliver a polished performance against compatriot Owen Bates, averaging 95.27 and converting nine of fourteen double attempts. Callan Rydz (world number 42) dominated Hungary’s Patrik Kovacs with a comprehensive 3-0 victory, dropping just three legs throughout their match.

The evening session promised further excitement with matches featuring Fallon Sherrock—the first woman to win a PDC World Championship match—against 2021 semi-finalist Dave Chisnall, and three-time champion Michael van Gerwen beginning his campaign against Japan’s Mitsuhiko Tatsunami.

Australia moved decisively closer to retaining cricket’s coveted Ashes urn after dismantling England’s batting lineup on a scorching day at Adelaide Oval. The hosts need only a draw in the current Test to secure the series, having established a commanding 2-0 lead earlier.

In a stunning display of defensive cricket, MI Emirates clinched a nail-biting seven-run victory against Dubai Capitals in the DP World ILT20 Season 4 clash at Dubai International Stadium on Wednesday. Defending a modest total of 137/8, the Emirates orchestrated a remarkable turnaround that saw them leapfrog their opponents into third place on the tournament table.

The match pivoted dramatically when Rashid Khan’s crucial two-wicket intervention shattered the Capitals’ commanding position. Despite a strong foundation built by Jordan Cox (46 off 41) and Shayan Jahangir (34 off 27), who hammered 51 runs during the powerplay, the Capitals’ chase unraveled spectacularly in the final overs.

Earlier, Jonny Bairstow’s explosive 67 off 40 deliveries, featuring eight boundaries and three sixes, provided the cornerstone of MI Emirates’ innings. His 30-ball half-century seemed to set a competitive platform until Muhammad Jawadullah’s brilliant spell (2/7) and Mustafizur Rahman’s devastating 3/34 triggered a collapse that limited the Emirates to what appeared to be a below-par total.

The turning point arrived during the penultimate over when Naveen-ul-Haq dismissed both Cox and Mohammad Nabi within three deliveries, effectively sealing the Capitals’ fate. The final over witnessed three more wickets falling as the Capitals capitulated at 130 all out.

Post-match, Player of the Match Rashid Khan emphasized the team’s collective effort: ‘Today was a proper team effort and bowling performance. The way we fielded gave us the energy needed to defend this total.’

Dubai Capitals captain Dasun Shanaka reflected on missed opportunities: ‘We bowled exceptionally well, but crucial dropped catches and my own dismissal at a critical juncture ultimately cost us the game.’

The highly anticipated fourth T20 International between cricket powerhouses India and South Africa was officially abandoned Wednesday evening due to unsafe playing conditions caused by persistent dense fog in Lucknow. Despite multiple pitch inspections at Ekana Stadium, match officials determined that visibility remained insufficient for play to commence.

The scheduled toss at 6:30 PM local time was repeatedly postponed as umpires conducted assessments amid deteriorating conditions. After three hours of evaluation, the match was formally called off at 9:30 PM, leaving disappointed spectators to exit the venue without witnessing any action.

India, current T20 world champions, maintain their 2-1 series advantage heading into Friday’s decisive fifth match in Ahmedabad. This bilateral series serves as crucial preparation for both teams ahead of the 2026 T20 World Cup, jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka commencing February 2026.

Environmental concerns emerged as a subplot when Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya was photographed wearing a protective mask, sparking online discussions about northern India’s pollution challenges. IQAir monitoring data revealed PM 2.5 microparticle levels reached 78 micrograms per cubic meter in parts of Lucknow—exceeding WHO safety recommendations by more than fivefold.

This incident highlights a recurring pattern of atmospheric challenges in northern India during winter months, where temperature inversions trap pollutants from agricultural burning, industrial emissions, and vehicular exhaust. The abandonment underscores how environmental factors increasingly influence international sporting events in the region.

ABU DHABI – Beyond the high-stakes environment of the IPL auction, Punjab Kings co-owner Ness Wadia found himself captivated by the understated elegance and serene atmosphere of the UAE capital. In an exclusive interview with Khaleej Times, Wadia revealed how Abu Dhabi’s unique character left a lasting impression that transcends cricket.

The transformative moment occurred the evening preceding the auction as Wadia dined with a view of the illuminated Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. The majestic white domes against the night sky established a tone of peaceful contemplation that would define his entire experience. “The roads are smooth, the people welcoming, and the pace noticeably different,” Wadia observed. “Everything feels nice and calm here, offering a sense of order and reassurance that’s increasingly rare in modern cities.”

Wadia drew thoughtful comparisons between Abu Dhabi and Dubai, describing them as complementary emirates with distinct personalities. While Dubai thrives on dynamic energy and relentless momentum, Abu Dhabi presents a more measured, contemplative environment. What struck Wadia most profoundly was the subtlety of the UAE’s progress – the nation’s advancements in infrastructure and security achieved without ostentation.

The executive particularly noted the pervasive sense of care and security throughout the city. “Security was present without being intrusive,” he remarked, “allowing people to go about their lives with genuine ease.” This philosophy extended to cricket infrastructure, which Wadia noted had been designed with thoughtful consideration for players and spectators alike.

Wadia discovered unexpected connections with local cricket enthusiasts, learning of substantial Punjab Kings support among UAE residents including Emirati nationals. “Knowing we have fans here makes me feel even more at home,” he shared with visible appreciation.

These experiences have catalyzed concrete plans for future engagement. Wadia confirmed that Punjab Kings are actively exploring opportunities for a February visit to Abu Dhabi, with both team management and captain Shreyas Iyer expressing enthusiasm. Crucially, Wadia emphasized that any engagement would prioritize genuine fan interaction over spectacle, creating meaningful connections with the team’s supporter base.

As his visit concluded, Wadia reflected on Abu Dhabi’s unique balance – capable of hosting high-intensity events while maintaining its fundamental tranquility. The city has transcended its role as merely a venue on the cricket calendar, becoming instead a place where Wadia feels authentically welcomed and understood – a true home away from home.