Briefly: Rupinder brace gives Bengal Tigers 2-1 win over Gonasika

Rourkela

Rupinder Pal Singh rolled back the years with a brace, helping Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers beat Team Gonasika 2-1 in their Hockey India League. Rupinder (31st and 48th) scored from a penalty corner and a penalty stroke while Manpreet Singh scored Team Gonasika’s solitary goal.

Dubai

Bumrah eclipses Ashwin’s rating-point record

India’s pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah bettered spin stalwart Ravichandran Ashwin’s all-time rating-point record by an Indian in the latest ICC rankings when he touched the 907-point mark. Ashwin’s highest rating was 904, achieved in December 2016. The 907 ranking points also placed Bumrah as joint-17th in the all-time list.

SYDNEY

Kazakhstan end Germany’s title defence, US in semis

Kazakhstan ended Germany’s title defence at the United Cup while inaugural champions United States also made the last-four beating China in the mixed team tennis tournament. Germany suffered a blow when Alexander Zverev withdrew from the quarterfinal tie with a bicep strain minutes before his match.

Auckland

Osaka wins again to reach quarterfinals

Four-time Grand Slam singles winner Naomi Osaka has started 2025 in style, beating Julia Grabher 7-5 6-3 to reach the quarterfinals of the Auckland tennis classic. Osaka overcame a swirling breeze and a lengthy rain break to progress comfortably beyond the second round. Although the wind often affected her ball toss, Osaka didn’t drop her serve at any stage.