Indian GM Arjun Erigaisi was forced to settle for a quick draw against Hans Moke Niemann of the United States in the ninth round of the Tata Steel Masters chess tournament here. Erigaisi played the white side of an English opening wherein his attempts to complicate matters as per his preference did not materialise once again in the tournament. The opening fizzled out with black giving up the right to castle in favour of quick development and Arjun realised very soon that it could be dangerous to hope for something out of nothing. Predictably, the two shook hands after 22 moves. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
29 January,2026 08:57 AM IST | Wijk Aan Zee (The Netherlands) | PTITennis fans at the Australian Open are speculating about what could be signs of a relationship between top seed Carlos Alcaraz and world famous DJ Peggy Gou, after his win over Alex de Minaur on Tuesday night. Gou, who will be performing at the Australian Open on Sunday afternoon before the men’s singles final, was spotted cheering Alcaraz on from his players’s box during the quarter-final, which the Spaniard won in straight sets. After the match, Alcaraz was asked about the renowned South Korean DJ and music producer. “Peggy is a friend, she’s really cool. I’m happy to see her here,” said Alcaraz, before adding: “I’d better win the next round if I want to see her playing [performing]. I’ve got great support from her, which is really cool. Hopefully, I’ll see her play on Sunday.” Gou was born by the name Kim Min-ji in Incheon, South Korea, on July 3, 1991 and her performance fee is in the six figure-mark, as reported by Britain’s The Daily Mail, with some sources suggesting a starting price of $300,000 (approximately Rs 2.76 crore). Before the Australian Open, Alcaraz and Gou were also spotted at a dinner date in Seoul, it is learnt. Some fans are convinced Alcaraz is in love. “He is in looove,” one follower wrote on Instagram. “Bro is struggling to lie. They are clearly not friends,” claimed another online follower.
29 January,2026 08:57 AM IST | Mumbai | A CorrespondentElena Rybakina credited a calmer mindset for helping her stun Polish World No. 2 Iga Swiatek on Wednesday to race into the Australian Open semi-finals, calling it “just another match.” The Moscow-born Kazakh bounced back from early serving issues to down the second seed 7-5, 6-1 and will meet Jessica Pegula for a place in Saturday’s final. “I think probably now I’m more calm and going deeper in tournaments. In the beginning, when it’s the first final and you go so far in a tournament, of course you are more emotional. Now I feel like I’m just doing my job, trying to improve each day. So it’s kind of another day, another match,” said the 2022 Wimbledon champion. For Swiatek a title at Melbourne remains elusive. “I know what I need to improve, and it’s kind of the same stuff that I had in my mind before the tournament as well. I’m just going to keep doing my job, and hopefully the next tournament I’ll get some stuff, you know, settled in terms of what I wanted to do with my game,” said Swiatek. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
29 January,2026 08:56 AM IST | Melbourne | AFPSerbia’s Novak Djokovic admitted he got lucky after opponent Lorenzo Musetti of Italy retired hurt on Wednesday to send the 24-time Grand Slam winner into his 13th Australian Open semi-final and a showdown with reigning champion Jannik Sinner. The 38-year-old Djokovic seems to have the tennis gods smiling on him. His last-16 opponent Jakub Mensik pulled out without a ball being hit and Musetti was forced to retire with the Italian leading 6-4, 6-3, 1-3 on Rod Laver Arena. The World No. 5 was well on top when he needed treatment on his upper right leg, and with his movement badly impeded, was forced to reluctantly throw in the towel. “I feel really sorry for him, he was the far better player, I was on my way home tonight,” said World No. 4 Djokovic, who had been uncharacteristically error strewn and staring down the barrel. “It has happened to me a few times. He was in full control. So unfortunate. He should have been the winner today no doubt. I am extremely lucky to get through this one today. I am going to double my prayers and gratitude tonight to God for giving me this opportunity again,” he added. Meanwhile, defending champion Jannik Sinner stormed into the last four by sweeping past USA’s Ben Shelton 6-3, 6-4, 6-4. “It is very tough to play against Ben. He has a huge serve and I feel like he is improving so much, year after year. So, I am very happy with today’s performance,” said the victorious Italian. OneNo. of times Novak Djokovic has lost to Lorenzo Musetti in nine matches 1400No. of Tour-level matches Djokovic has played; third player to surpass that mark This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
29 January,2026 08:56 AM IST | Melbourne | AFPIga Swiatek has called for privacy for tennis players after Coco Gauff’s racquet-smashing act near the locker room area following her defeat was broadcast all over. “The question is, are we tennis players, or are we, like, animals in the zoo, where they are observed even when they poop,” said Swiatek apologizing for the latter reference. “OK, that was exaggerating, but it would be nice to have some privacy,” added Swiatek. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
29 January,2026 08:55 AM IST | Melbourne | AgenciesThe Villoo C Poonawalla Indian Derby (Gr 1) is set to light up the iconic Mahalaxmi racecourse this Sunday, February 1, turning the historic venue into a spot of high drama. For the next five years, the blue riband event will carry the sponsorship of Dr Cyrus Poonawalla, the patriarch of the Poonawalla Group, and his son Adar, dedicated to the memory of Cyrus’s late wife Villoo, whose passion for horses and racing ran as deep as the love she inspired in those around her. Every racing centre in India has its own Derby, but only Mumbai’s Derby is called the ‘Indian’ Derby and for good reason. First run in 1943, well before Independence dawned in 1947, it was conceived by visionaries, who dreamed of crowning the nation’s premier four-year-old equine contest as a true test of class over the classic mile-and-a-half (2400m) trip. The clockwise loop around Mahalaxmi is a brutal test of speed, stamina, heart and preparation. In just two-and-a-half minutes, four years of breeding dreams, training strategy, and jockey skill combine into one burst of energy. For trainers, jockeys and owners, leading a Derby winner in front of the jam-packed Mahalaxmi stands is the ultimate lifetime ambition. The collective roar — something like a quick exhale by 20,000 fans — as the field shoots from the gates is an experience of pure, primal energy. If you are a first-time Derby visitor, don’t let it bother you that everyone is talking about the colt Baychimo or the filly Fynbos. The Derby has had its share of upsets in the past. And with so much at stake, every jockey will battle every yard of the mile-and-a-half trip as the stands roar, hearts race, and one horse etches its name into history. Rs 1 cr-plus jackpot! The Derby day jackpot may swell to R1 crore-plus thanks to a brought forward amount of R50 lakh added to the second jackpot pool. The second jackpot pool races will be the 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th and 9th. A ticket costs only Rs 10 and if a single ticket correctly nominates the five race winners, you could win R1 crore-plus, breaking the record set by film lyricist Rajendra Krishna, who won Rs 48 lakh on a single ticket in 1971.
29 January,2026 08:25 AM IST | Mumbai | Prakash GosaviWorld champions Yogesh Pardeshi, Prashant More, Sandeep Dive and K Srinivas are among 500 players, who will be playing for top honours, in the 3rd Maharashtra Open Carrom Challengers Trophy. The tournament will be played at Shri Halari Visa Oswal Samaj Hall, Dadar, East on January 29 and 30. “Since this is an open category tournament, the men and women will be playing together for the first time. Apart from India, players from Canada, Sri Lanka, and Maldives will also be participating,” said Maharashtra Carrom Association Secretary Arun Kedar. The champion will take home Rs 1.5 lakh along with a trophy, from a total prize purse of Rs 8 lakh.
29 January,2026 08:24 AM IST | Mumbai | A CorrespondentUkraine’s Elina Svitolina said entering the Australian Open semi-finals ‘means the world to me’ after stunning USA’s two-time Grand Slam winner Coco Gauff 6-1, 6-2 here on Tuesday. The 12th-ranked 31-year-old dispatched her opponent in 59 minutes, and is on a twelve-match winning streak after her triumph at Auckland earlier this month. She will now break into the Top 10 having qualified for the last four. “It’s always been my dream to come back after maternity leave to make the Top 10. [It has] always been my goal. It means the world to me,” said an emotional Svitolina, who reached just her fourth semi-final in 14 attempts. A dejected Coco Gauff after her loss to Elina Svitolina on Tuesday The Ukrainian also hoped that her result can bring a ‘little light’ to her supporters back home as their war with Russia rages on. “It’s of course very close to my heart to see a lot of support from Ukrainians, and lots of people get to know tennis in Ukraine, which is great. Because right now it’s one of the toughest winters for Ukrainian people without electricity and everything. So I feel like bringing a little light to Ukrainian people when they are watching my matches, it’s a great feeling for me,” she added. Svitolina will battle World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka for a place in the final, after the Belarusian dispatched Amercian teenager Iva Jovic 6-3, 6-0.Meanwhile, Gauff said that this was a rare off day for her, with nothing working in her favour. “I just felt like all the things I do well, I just wasn’t doing well today. The backhand wasn’t firing. Forehand wasn’t really firing. [Nor the] returns. There was just a lot that didn’t go well today,” said the World No. 3, before adding, “Credit to her [Svitolina] because she forced me to play like that. It’s not like I just woke up and today was a bad day, but bad days are often caused by your opponent.” 12No. of consecutive matches Elina Svitolina has won this year 04No. of times Elina Svitolina has reached a Grand Slam semi-final in 14 attempts This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
28 January,2026 08:40 AM IST | Melbourne | AgenciesWorld No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz swept into the Australian Open semi-finals for the first time on Tuesday after outclassing home hope Alex de Minaur 7-5, 6-2, 6-1. The 22-year-old Alcaraz is yet to drop a set as he arrows in on a maiden Australian Open crown. “I’m just really happy with how I’m playing every match, each round my level is increasing,” he said, in a warning to his rivals. “Today I felt really comfortable, playing great tennis that I am really proud of,” added the Spaniard, who had never previously gone beyond the quarter-finals in Australia in four previous visits. He next faces German World No. 3 Alexander Zverev in the last four, from whom he expects an aggressive game-plan. “He is playing great, aggressive tennis. I have to be ready. We need to play tactically really well,” said Alcaraz. Meanwhile, de Minaur felt he could not sustain the power in his groundstrokes for the whole match. “I didn’t really execute it for the whole match, and that’s what it takes against these guys,” he said. OneNo. of times Carlos Alcaraz has progressed to the Australian Open semis This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
28 January,2026 08:39 AM IST | Melbourne | AgenciesHanin Qureshi netted a brilliant hat-trick as Duruelo Convent High School (Bandra) registered a commanding 3-0 win over Gokuldham High School (Goregaon) to lift the girls U-16 title of the Dream Sports Mumbai School Sports Association (MSSA) Smt KG Kalantari tournament at the Don Bosco High School ground, Matunga, recently. Hanin ’tricks for Duruelo Hanin set the tone early with a fine finish in the ninth minute, catching the Gokuldham defence off guard. She doubled Duruelo’s advantage a minute later with another sharp effort, giving her side a comfortable 2-0 lead inside the first 10 minutes. Dominating proceedings down the right flank with her pace and control, Hanin completed her hat-trick in the 30th minute, effectively putting the contest beyond Gokuldham’s reach. The Duruelo Convent girls with the Smt KG Kalantari U-16 trophy in Matunga. In the boys U-16 Jr Aga Khan final, hosts Don Bosco (Matunga) defeated Dr Antonio Da Silva High School (Dadar) 3-1 to cap off an impressive season.Don Bosco had beaten the same opponents 2-0 in the League Cup earlier this month and this win proved their superiority again. Aamod’s early stunner The Dadar school boys made a bright start, with Aamod Gadge scoring in the fourth minute to give his team the early lead. The Bosco boys though remained calm and responded positively when Arnav Khot drew level in the 13th minute off a penalty corner. Just before the half-time whistle, Jay Topiwala put Don Bosco ahead with a crisp strike. After the break, the Bosco boys continued to press and sealed the fate of the encounter in the 30th minute when Royden Koli made it 3-1. The victorious St Stanislaus U-12 hockey team with the Walter D’Souza League winner’s trophy at the St Stanislaus ground, Bandra Meanwhile, at the St Stanislaus ground in Bandra, the hosts emerged victors in the Dream Sports-MSSA boys U-12 Olympian Walter D’Souza Hockey League. They beat Children’s Academy (Malad) 1-0 in a keenly contested summit clash. Liam Dharmai netted the winner for the hosts. In the third-place match, Don Bosco High School (Matunga) routed St Stanislaus International School (Bandra) 3-0. Ansh Mundye, Marcus Bron Jesudas, and Dhaval Rathod scored a goal each. The New Bombay City School girls from Ghansoli with the Fr Jude Rodrigues Hockey League winner’s trophy at Bandra In the girls U-12 Fr Jude Rodrigues Hockey League final, New Bombay City School (Ghansoli) got the better of St Stanislaus International 2-0. Purva Samant and Aarvi Beloshe scored a goal each for New Bombay City School. In the third-place match, Mount Carmel ICSE (Malad) beat Don Bosco (Borivli) 3-0. Elisha Barretto, Emma Mascarenhas and Shanaya Bhatkar scored for Mount Carmel.
28 January,2026 08:38 AM IST | Mumbai | Rufus VedanayagamBombay Scottish High School (Mahim) clinched the boys U-13 title of the Dream Sports Mumbai School Sports Association (MSSA) basketball tournament with a narrow 24–19 win over Podar International School (Powai) in a closely contested final at Azad Maidan on Friday. The five-point margin showed the competitive nature of the match, with both teams trading blows throughout. Bombay Scottish’s ability to convert key chances and maintain their defensive composure in the closing stages proved vital. High five for Adidev Adidev Shreenivasan led Bombay Scottish’s scoring with five points. Krish Chalill, Nivaan Gala and Kiyan Thitira contributed four points each. Yohan John added three points, while Avighna Chury and Husain Kachwalla chipped in with two points each, ensuring the Mahim side had contributions from seven different players. On the other hand, Podar relied heavily on Giaan Bane, who top-scored with 15 points — nearly 80 per cent of Podar’s score. Vaman Pattar and Soham Tute scored two points each, but Podar struggled to find more scoring options due to Bombay Scottish’s structured defence. MSSA girls U-13 basketball champs Vibgyor High School, Goregaon. Pics/Atul Kamble In the girls U-13 final, Vibgyor High School (Goregaon) registered a comprehensive 26–6 victory over St Anthony’s High School (Chembur). Vibgyor dominated the proceedings from start to finish. The Goregaon girls outscored their opponents in every quarter, combining effective defence with consistent scoring to maintain control throughout the contest. Gritty Dhriti top scores Dhriti Chheda emerged as Vibgyor’s top scorer with eight points. She was supported by Keerat Kaur (six points) and Naisha Mirzan (five points) as the Vibgyor girls ensured steady scoring across the game. Tisya Khandelwal added three points, while Saanchi Saraf and Aarohi Duchawala chipped in with two points each. Defensively, Vibgyor showcased an organised structure and disciplined marking. St Anthony’s struggled to convert opportunities, managing only three successful scoring contributions in the entire match through Bhavyaia Jeth, Riya Maroly and Aamulya Yadav, who scored two points each.
28 January,2026 08:38 AM IST | Mumbai | Rufus VedanayagamADVERTISEMENT
