Williams sisters suffer three-set defeat in emotional US Open doubles…

New York [US], September 5 (ANI): Tennis legends Serena Williams and Venus Williams made a memorable return to the US Open doubles court at Arthur Ashe Stadium before suffering a three-set defeat against Maya Joint and Hao-Ching Chan. catcross.org

The Williams sisters, playing together at the tournament for the first time since 2022, lost 6-3, 6-7(6), 7-6(7) to Australia’s Joint and Chinese Taipei’s Chan, the No. 14 seeds, in a contest that lasted three hours and two minutes.

Despite the defeat, the night marked a special reunion for the 14-time Grand Slam women’s doubles champions, who received a huge reception from the New York crowd as they stepped onto the court in matching tennis whites.

The duo, who have won three Olympic gold medals together and remained unbeaten in 17 high-profile doubles finals, showed glimpses of their former dominance while battling against a younger opponent.

Joint and Chan claimed the opening set after taking the final three games, but the Williams sisters responded strongly in the second set. Serena and Venus fought through a tight contest and converted a crucial set point to force a decider.

The final set saw the Williams sisters erase a 1-4 deficit and bring the match level, but Joint and Chan held their nerve in the deciding moments. They saved three break points at 4-4 before edging the match tiebreak to seal victory.

Venus, 46, and Serena, 44, have played a defining role in women’s tennis, winning multiple Grand Slam singles and doubles titles while transforming the sport with their achievements and influence.

Although their comeback ended in defeat, the Williams sisters’ appearance provided fans with a nostalgic night and another opportunity to witness one of tennis’ most iconic partnerships on the US Open stage. (ANI)

(This content is sourced from a syndicated feed and is published as received. The Tribune assumes no responsibility or liability for its accuracy, completeness, or content.)

Anaya Bangar, the daughter of ex-India all-rounder Sanjay Bangar, stunned her one million Instagram followers with this swimsuit pose as she takes a dip in a pool.

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Anaya, who recently underwent gender-affirming surgery, captioned the post: “There’s something beautiful about finally experiencing yourself the way you always knew you were. This is gender Euphoria.”

One fan called her, ‘absolutely gorgeous,’ while another commented: “Red is truly your colour.”

WWE SmackDown was taped at the Rocket Arena in Cleveland, Ohio. The show served as the blue brand’s go-home episode for Sunday Night’s Main Event.

Kyoki, formerly known as Hiromu Takahashi in New Japan Pro Wrestling, made his WWE debut in tag team action. He teamed with Shinsuke Nakamura against Kit Wilson and Cleveland’s own The Miz.

Giulia also got another chance to face Blake Monroe after their previous match did not take place. Cody Rhodes addressed the WWE Universe ahead of Sunday Night’s Main Event.

The show also featured developments around the Undisputed WWE Championship. Sami Zayn had disrupted the previous week’s No. 1 contender’s match. His actions left the title picture needing further clarification.

WWE SmackDown Highlights

GUNTHER, Finn Balor and Kevin Owens Confront Sami Zayn

GUNTHER called out Sami Zayn and demanded that he come to the ring. Sami appeared in the crowd and said he was not cleared because of his broken hand. Sami claimed he was still the rightful WWE Champion. He also attacked current champion CM Punk and demanded another opportunity to regain the title. Sami said nobody would get what they wanted until he got justice.

GUNTHER then went into the crowd to confront Sami. Sami backed away and reminded him about his injured hand. Finn Balor then appeared and chased Sami toward the ring. Kevin Owens soon arrived and joined the chase. Owens followed Sami through the crowd and toward the backstage area.

This left GUNTHER and Finn Balor standing in the arena.

Charlotte Flair & Tatum Paxley vs Fatal Influence (Fallon Henley & Lainey Reid)

Charlotte Flair and Tatum Paxley faced Fatal Influence in a tag match. Fatal Influence controlled the opening before Charlotte entered and changed the pace with several big moves. Jacy Jayne tried to interfere, but Alexa Bliss stopped her. Tatum then caught Lainey Reid with Cemetery Drive for the pinfall. Charlotte Flair and Tatum Paxley won by pinfall.

After the match, Jade Cargill and the Baddies attacked Charlotte, Alexa, and Tatum. Fatal Influence also joined the attack before stepping aside. The Baddies then hit Tatum with a double facebuster and Jade finished Charlotte with Jaded.

Nia Jax vs Tiffany Stratton

Chelsea Green confronted Nick Aldis and insisted she wanted to keep defending her WWE Women’s Championship. She said she had waited 13 years for the title and was willing to face anyone. The doctor cleared her to compete as long as she wore her protective facemask.

Nia Jax and Lash Legend then confronted Chelsea and demanded a title match. Tiffany Stratton came out to help Chelsea and fought off the attack. Aldis announced that Nia would challenge Chelsea for the title next week in Mexico City. He also booked Nia against Tiffany that night.

Tiffany used quick counters to fight back against Nia. She hit a handspring Ace Crusher and crucifix driver. Nia answered with a Samoan drop before hitting her Banzai Drop. Nia Jax won by pinfall.

Cody Rhodes Confronts Randy Orton Ahead of Sunday’s Match

Randy Orton interrupted Cody Rhodes’ interview with Corey Graves. Orton mocked Cody for not defending his family after his earlier comments about Cody’s mother and wife. Orton said Cody cared more about the WWE Championship than his family. Cody finally stood up and confronted Orton face-to-face.

Cody said he might be sick, but if Orton was right about him, then Orton would be in trouble on Sunday. Cody then calmly walked away. Orton was left frustrated as his mind games failed.

Bakusai (Kyoki & Shinsuke Nakamura) vs Kit Wilson & the Miz

Bakusai faced Kit Wilson and The Miz in a tag match. Wilson and Miz tried to control Kyoki early, but Kyoki and Nakamura answered with strong strikes and quick teamwork. Miz isolated Nakamura after Wilson interfered. Nakamura eventually made the tag and Kyoki entered with a burst of offense. Kyoki later countered Wilson and hit an inverted Stunner. Bakusai won by pinfall with an inverted Stunner from Kyoki on Kit Wilson.

CM Punk (c) vs Johnny Gargano (Undisputed WWE Men’s Championship)

CM Punk defended the Undisputed WWE Championship against Johnny Gargano. Gargano attacked quickly and sent Punk outside with an enzuigiri and plancha. After the break, both men traded several near falls.

Sami Zayn then appeared and distracted Punk. Candice LeRae also interfered and helped Gargano hit One Final Beat. Punk survived another pin attempt.

Sami later grabbed the championship belt, but Kevin Owens stopped him. GUNTHER then attacked Sami before Finn Balor cut him off. Sami eventually struck Punk with the title belt.

Despite the chaos, Punk kicked out and later hit Gargano with Go to Sleep. CM Punk won by pinfall and retained the Undisputed WWE Championship.

After the match, Punk challenged Sami Zayn to a title match next week in Mexico City. Sami responded with more trash talk before the show ended.

FAQs

Q. Who confronted Sami Zayn on SmackDown?

A. GUNTHER, Finn Balor, and Kevin Owens confronted Sami.

Q. Who will challenge Chelsea Green for the title next week?

A. Nia Jax will challenge Chelsea Green for the title.

Q. Who won the match between Cody Rhodes and Randy Orton?

A. Cody Rhodes and Randy Orton did not wrestle on this show.

Q. Did CM Punk retain the Undisputed WWE Championship?

A. Yes, CM Punk defeated Johnny Gargano and retained the title.

Get the Latest WWE News at IceCric.News and Follow for Live Updates – Facebook & Instagram.

India and Japan will contest a special men’s T20I game in Tochigi Prefecture later this month to inaugurate celebrations marking the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations.

The match, dubbed the Suzuki Cup, is scheduled to be played on September 22 at the Sano International Cricket Ground. The fixture serves as the flagship event launching ‘Sport 75’, a broader bilateral initiative originating from a summit agreement between Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi designed to foster sporting exchanges and cooperation.

"The BCCI is delighted to be part of this historic occasion as the Indian and Japanese men’s teams come together for a special T20 International in Japan. This is a significant moment for cricket, as it takes the Indian team to new territory and provides an opportunity to introduce the sport to a wider audience in Japan and East Asia.

"India and Japan share a strong and longstanding relationship and friendship, and we are pleased that cricket will be part of the celebrations marking 75 years of bilateral relations between the two countries, and we thank the Japan Cricket Association (JCA) for its efforts in making this fixture possible," said Devajit Saikia, Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Secretary, said in a statement on Friday.

Saikia added that the Indian board recognises its obligation to support global expansion efforts in non-traditional regions.

"The BCCI believes that the growth of cricket must extend beyond its traditional territories, and as the world’s largest cricket board, we recognise our responsibility to contribute to that growth. The BCCI will work closely with the JCA to further strengthen cricket in Japan and to build on this relationship in the years ahead.”

To accommodate the expected surge in fan interest, organisers plan to expand the Sano venue's capacity from its usual 500 spectators to potentially 2,000, with ticket sales expected to launch on official social media channels shortly. The India men's team is coming to Japan to play in the Asian Games men’s event from September 24 to October 3.

Japan Cricket Association Chief Executive Naoki Miyaji described the arrival of the reigning world champions as a transformative development for the sport locally. "To be able to invite the reigning World Champions to the home of cricket in Japan is a landmark moment for our association.

"We thank the BCCI for working with us towards this goal and greatly look forward to welcoming the passion of Indian cricket fans, and we actively encourage any local Japanese people curious about cricket to come and cheer on our team in what will be a truly memorable occasion.”

Meanwhile, left-arm spin bowling all-rounder Vicky Ostwal along with pacers Rasikh Salam and Kartik Tyagi will travel with the Indian team to the Asian Games as net bowlers. “The passport and visa-related formalities are in process for them. The trio are expected to leave with the Indian team for Tokyo from New Delhi on September 19.

“The trio’s progress has been closely monitored by CoE head of cricket VVS Laxman, who’s also the head coach for the team in the Asian Games. But it’s going to be a good exposure for all three to bowl to Indian batters and experience being in a multi-sport event,” said a BCCI source to IANS on Friday.

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Ipswich [UK], September 5 (ANI): Liverpool secured their first Premier League victory under manager Andoni Iraola with a 2-0 win over Ipswich Town at Portman Road, with Alexander Isak scoring twice in the opening nine minutes.

Liverpool, who had drawn 2-2 against Newcastle United and Nottingham Forest in their opening two league matches, made a strong start and took control of the game early.

Isak opened the scoring in the sixth minute after Cody Gakpo played a well-timed pass into his path. The Swedish forward made no mistake, firing a powerful finish past Ipswich goalkeeper Kjell Scherpen.

Liverpool doubled their advantage just three minutes later. Gakpo again turned provider, finding Isak with a clever pass, before the forward calmly finished past Scherpen.

Isak appeared to have completed a first-half hat-trick when he tapped in Florian Wirtz’s cross, but the goal was ruled out for offside.

Ipswich gradually improved as the match progressed but struggled to create clear chances against Liverpool. Scherpen made several saves to prevent the visitors from extending their lead, including three stops from long-range efforts by Dominik Szoboszlai.

Liverpool came close to a third early in the second half when Alexis Mac Allister’s header was saved by Scherpen. Ipswich also threatened through Julio Enciso, whose curling effort forced Alisson into action.

Liverpool handed former Paris Saint-Germain forward Bradley Barcola his Premier League debut in the 64th minute when he replaced Victor Munoz.

The visitors managed the closing stages comfortably to secure all three points.

The win moved Liverpool to fifth in the Premier League table with five points, while Ipswich remained 13th with three points. (ANI)

(This content is sourced from a syndicated feed and is published as received. The Tribune assumes no responsibility or liability for its accuracy, completeness, or content.)