A “gobsmacked” Lewis Hamilton obliterated the Shanghai lap record to claim pole position on Friday for the Chinese Grand Prix sprint in only his second race weekend with Ferrari. Hamilton, who has won a record six Chinese GPs, flew around the resurfaced 5.451km Shanghai International Circuit in 1 minute 30.849 seconds. His lap easily beat the 1:32.238 set in 2004 at the inaugural Chinese GP by fellow seven-time world champion Michael Schumacher, also in a Ferrari. Also Read: Subramanian stuns World No. 2 Antonsen Red Bull’s reigning world champion Max Verstappen was second-fastest, 0.018 seconds behind Hamilton, while McLaren’s Oscar Piastri was third. Charles Leclerc was fourth-fastest as Ferrari showed a big improvement from Melbourne, where Hamilton finished 10th and Leclerc eighth. “I’m a bit gobsmacke, taken aback. I can’t believe we are in front, ahead of a McLaren which has been so fast throughout winter testing, Australia and even today,” said Hamiton. Last weekend’s race-winner Lando Norris will start the sprint race from sixth place. 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
22 March,2025 08:04 AM IST | Shanghai | AFPIndian shuttler Sankar Muthusamy Subramanian caused a major upset by knocking out World No. 2 Anders Antonsen of Denmark in a thrilling three-game contest to reach the men’s singles quarter-finals of the Swiss Open Super 300 badminton tournament here. The 21-year-old from Tamil Nadu, a silver medallist at the 2022 World Junior Championships and currently ranked 64th in the world, put up an impressive display of defence to take down Antonsen 18-21, 21-12, 21-5 in a 66-minute match. Also Read: Nayak enters vault final at World Cup gymnastics This win marks one of the biggest victories of Subramanian’s career, which will boost his confidence as he continues his transition into the senior ranks. Next, Subramanian will face World No. 31 Christo Popov of France, a 2019 World Junior Championships silver medallist. Popov had a strong 2024 campaign, claiming titles at the German and Hylo Opens. 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
22 March,2025 08:01 AM IST | Switzerland | PTIIndian gymnast Pranati Nayak has qualified for the vault final after qualifying in third place at the FIG Apparatus World Cup in Antalya, Turkey. Also Read: Nawaz smacks record-breaking maiden ton as Pak thrash NZ Nayak, 29, who represented the country at the Tokyo Olympics, came up with an aggregate score of 13.317 in qualification. “Pranati did well in the qualification. With better execution, she can be a medal prospect in the finals,” her coach Ashok Kumar Mishra told PTI. The vault final will be held on Saturday. 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
22 March,2025 07:59 AM IST | New Delhi | PTIThe city of Mumbai came alive in a grand celebration on Thursday as it welcomed the CISF Coastal Cyclothon 2025 riders at the iconic Gateway of India. The event marked a pivotal milestone in their remarkable 6,553 km journey, dedicated to bolstering coastal security, promoting environmental consciousness, and fostering community engagement. The reception was met with overwhelming enthusiasm, as thousands of spectators, dignitaries, and distinguished guests gathered to honour the cyclists' extraordinary efforts. The evening commenced with an electrifying build-up program, featuring a screening of the CISF documentary, an insightful CISF Tactics Demonstration video, and live performances by the Mumbai Police Band and the CISF Orchestra Team. The festivities continued with a captivating cultural showcase, including the traditional sport of Mallakhamba, an energetic Koli dance performance, and an inspiring presentation by the children of CISF personnel under the banner of ‘Sanrakshika’, the CISF Wives’ & Family Welfare Association. This vibrant display honoured the resilience and strength of the CISF fraternity. As the CISF cyclists arrived, they were greeted with a resounding ovation from dignitaries and guests, recognising their endurance and commitment to the nation’s security. Several eminent figures took the stage to extend their support, including the legendary Sunil Gavaskar, Upa-Lokayukta of Maharashtra Sanjay Bhatia and Bollywood icons Suniel Shetty, Boman Irani, and Jackie Shroff. Retired hockey stalwart Mir Ranjan Negi and acclaimed long-distance runner Lalita Babar also lent their voices in support of the initiative. Addressing the gathering, Sudhir Kumar, ADG (South), CISF, highlighted the monumental impact of the cyclothon, while adding that the cyclists had already covered over 3,300 km, interacting with more than 10 lakh people across India’s coastline.
21 March,2025 02:37 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentIndian gymnast Pranati Nayak has qualified for the Vault final after securing a third place in the qualification round at the FIG Apparatus World Cup in Antalya, Turkey. The 29-year-old, who represented the country at the Tokyo Olympics, came up with an aggregate score of 13.317 in the vault qualification. She finished behind the American duo of Jayla Hang (13.783) and Claire Pease (13.584). The Vault final is scheduled on Saturday. "Pranati did well in the qualification and with better execution, she can be a medal prospect in the finals," her coach Ashok Kumar Mishra told PTI. Pranati had clinched the bronze medal in the women's vault event of the FIG Apparatus World Cup in Cairo before the Paris Olympics last year. She also won vault bronze medals at the Asian Championships in 2019 (Ulaanbaatar) and 2022 (Doha). More updates to follow...
21 March,2025 12:50 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentKirsty Coventry was been elected president of the International Olympic Committee as the first woman and first African to get perhaps the biggest job in global sports aged just 41. Coventry, a former Zimbabwe sports minister and two-time Olympic gold-medallist swimmer, was voted by 100 members. 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
21 March,2025 08:28 AM IST | Costa Navarino (Greece) | AP | PTIAn upbeat Lewis Hamilton declared on Thursday that things would be different at the Chinese Grand Prix after a disappointing debut with Ferrari in Melbourne, believing his new team “can close the gap” on McLaren. The seven-time world champion qualified eighth and finished 10th at the season-opening Australian Grand Prix. “I’m just going to set the car up a bit different this weekend,” Hamilton told reporters ahead of his second outing in red at the Shanghai International Circuit, where he has won on a record six occasions. “I think as I get more and more comfortable and more knowledgeable about the car, I can start making more decisions [about its set-up]. I’m having those discussions and going to lean a little bit more with adding my experience,” he added. Hamilton’s former Mercedes teammate George Russell told reporters that McLaren which claimed victory in Australia thanks to Lando Norris, were quick enough to win every race. But Hamilton cautioned: “It has only been one race. Yes, McLaren has done a great job and they’re looking very strong. We’re still just taking the time to learn the car and to be able to extract more from it.” “We definitely have work to do, but I think we can close the gap to McLaren,” added Hamilton. Hamilton conceded it had been a poor weekend for Ferrari in Melbourne, where the team strategists gambled and lost on leaving him out on slick tyres when he was leading as rain returned. “I mean, it wasn’t the race that we wanted, but it’s not a moment to throw the toys out the pram. It is what it is. One small thing could have made a big difference in our result, but yeah, we move forward. Everyone’s still motivated. The energy is still good in the garage. We’re not going to be defined by that one race,” said the Briton. 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
21 March,2025 08:27 AM IST | Shanghai | AFPTwo-time Olympic medallist and seventh seed PV Sindhu’s poor run continued as she crashed out in the opening round of the women’s singles event, losing 17-21, 19-21 against lower ranked Julie Jakobsen of Denmark. Sindhu, who started the year on a solid note by making it to the quarter-finals of the Indian Open, has now bowed out in the opening round of the last three competitions, Indonesia Masters, All England Open and now the Swiss Open. The Indian shuttler let her frustration be known as she flung her racquet up in the air after losing the final point of the match. Sindhu had got off to a good start in the first game, but let a lead of 8-6 slip. In the second game, she looked out of sorts to begin with, trailing 9-16, but put up a good fightback to level the scores at 17-17. Unfortunately, the momentum could not get her across the finish line. Meanwhile, in the men’s singles event, Priyanshu Rajawat, ranked 35th in the world, beat Kuenzi 21-10, 21-11 in just 29 minutes in his opening round match, while S Sankar Muthuswamy Subramanian beat Magnus Johannesen of Denmark 21-5, 21-16. Both of them progressed to the quarter-finals. Elsewhere, it was curtains for Kiran George as he lost 21-18, 17-21, 10-21 against Rasmus Gemke of Denmark. 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
21 March,2025 08:27 AM IST | Basel (Switzerland) | PTIFlamboyant former Formula One team owner Eddie Jordan died on Thursday aged 76 after battling an aggressive form of prostate cancer. “It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Eddie Jordan OBE, the ex-Formula 1 team owner, TV pundit and entrepreneur. He passed away peacefully with family by his side in Cape Town in the early hours of 20th March 2025 at the age of 76, after battling with an aggressive form of prostate cancer for the past 12 months,” his family said in a statement. Jordan achieved rare success as an independent team owner in the fiercely competitive world of F1. His team, which made its debut in 1991, won four grands prix in 15 years in the sport and he remained a prominent figure through his work as a TV pundit. 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
21 March,2025 08:26 AM IST | London | AFPThe Narredus, with so many of them training and riding at different racing centres across the country, have been famous for breaking records and creating new ones, but even they didn’t see this coming: Two ladies in their family, one making her debut as a racehorse owner at the age of 50, and the other, a one-day old baby girl (Malesh Narredu’s son trainer Deepesh Narredu and his wife Malavika were blessed with a daughter) literally squared the power of the double lady luck to win the mid-day Trophy at the Mahalaxmi racetrack on Thursday. Eaton Square, ridden by jockey Yash Narredu, hit the front soon after the starter flagged off the mid-day Trophy, led all the way thereafter, and then ran away with the race, mocking all his rivals who tried to step up speed in the final furlong. Eaton Square was trained by the jockey’s father, Malesh Narredu. This was the second success for the father-son duo in the mid-day Trophy which they had won 10 years ago with Speed King (2015). For Malesh, this was the third mid-day Trophy as he had also bagged it in 2016 with Silver Beauty ridden by nephew Suraj Narredu. “I am elated to win the mid-day Trophy,” Asha, the wife of the trainer, said over the phone from Pune. “I would have loved to personally lead in my first winner, but we were blessed with a granddaughter on Wednesday so I stayed back in Pune, and forced Malesh too. “It’s grandparenting duty for us,” remarked Malesh. “Here, Asha is the boss, and I have to obey her orders.” In the absence of the Narredu couple, Eaton Square with Yash astride was led in by members of the Mehta family (Homi and Jehangir), who co-own the winning horse with them.
21 March,2025 08:26 AM IST | Mumbai | A CorrespondentThe mid-day Trophy, for class III horses going over the trip of ten furlongs, could turn out to be the trickiest race of Thursday's seven-race card at Mahalaxmi. There are only six horses in the fray, but they have taken turns to finish ahead and behind one another on more than one occasion, and the market is likely to favour Gordon (sole 4y old), Kimiko (bidding for a hat-trick now) and Endurance (a game trier). However, Eaton Square (improving with every run) and Multiverse (best on the inherent class factor) are no mean horses, and may try to figure in the finish for the mid-day Trophy. The last-named, Multiverse trained by Adhirajshingh and to be ridden by Nirmal Jodha, may post a shock victory at lucrative odds. First race at 4.30 pm.Selections: Racingpulse.in Trophy (Class V; 2000m)Alpha Gene 1, Baleno 2, Leo The Lion 3. Free Press Journal Trophy (3y, Maidens; 1200m)Charlie Brown 1, Eastern Monarch 2, Allez L'Etoile 3. Also Read: IPL 2025: Sanju Samson will not captain Rajasthan Royals? This player will lead in the first three matches mid-day Trophy (III; 2000m)Multiverse 1, Endurance 2, Eaton Square 3. Times Of India Trophy (3y, Maidens; 1200m)Kavya 1, Noorie 2, Algonquin 3. Indiarace.com Trophy (Class V; 1000m)Ekla Cholo 1, Collateral 2, Untitled 3. Hindu Trophy (Class II; 1200m)Azrinaz 1, Credence 2, Timeless Vision 3. Race Mirror Trophy (Class IV; 1400m)Chardikala 1, Empower 2, Hagibis 3. RecommendationsBest bet: Kavya (4-8)Upsets: Skandha (2-5), Hilma Klint (5-3) & Believe (7-1) Today's poolsSuper jackpot pool: 2,3,4,5,6,7Jackpot pool: 3,4,5,6,7Treble pool: 4,5,6Tanala pool: All races.
20 March,2025 01:40 PM IST | Mumbai | Prakash GosaviADVERTISEMENT
