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Int'l Rating Chess: 13 players hold onto solo lead
Thirteen players maintained their solo lead in the Walton International Rating Chess Tournament, securing full three points after the third round matches held in the capital Wednesday.
The leaders are GMs Ziaur Rahman, Enamul Hossain Razib; IM Mohammad Minhaz Uddin, FMs Mehdi Hasan Parag, Khandekar Aminul Islam, Mohammad Javed, Sheikh Nasir Ahmed; CMs Md Sharif Hossain, Sadnan Hasan Dihan, Manon Reja Neer, Md Shawket Bin Osman Shaon, Jabed Al Azad and Md Aminul Islam.
Also read: Int'l Rating Chess: 30 players share top slot after second round of games
IM Mohammad Fahad Rahman, WFM Noshin Anjum, Sakline Mostafa Sajid, Md Abzid Rahman, Avik Sarker and Asif Mahmud are sharing the second position with 2.5 points each.
In the day's matches at the Bangladesh Chess Federation and Old National Sports Council Building, GM Zia beat CM Mahtabuddin Ahmed, GM Razib beat FM Md Saif Uddin, Sakline drew with IM Fahad, and IM Mimhaz beat Md Gazi Salah Uddin.
Also, FM Parag beat Mohammed Shaker Ullah, FM Amin beat Mukitul Islam Ripon, CM Sharif beat Dewan Shahidul Amin, and FM Nasir beat Feroz Ahmed.
And CM Dihan beat Md Azmaeen Parvez Sayor, CM Neer beat Nurul Islam Emon, FM Mahfuz beat Md Aminul Islam, FM Javed beat Md Ruhul Amin, CM Shaon beat Md Raju Ahmed, Jabed beat Md Shawkat Ali Sheikh, WFM Noshin beat Gias Uddin, Abzid beat Wadifa Ahmed, Avik beat Abdul Momin, and Asif beat Md Mahbubur Rahman.
Also read: International Rating Chess tournament underway in Dhaka
The fourth round matches will be held Thursday at 2pm at the same venue.
SA vs BAN Test Series 2022: Team-Wise Statistics of St. George's Park Ground
South Africa defeated Bangladesh by 220 runs on Monday, (April 4), at Kingsmead in Durban in the opening Test match of the SA vs BAN Test Series 2022. Therefore, the second Test match at St. George's Park in Port Elizabeth is a must-win game for Bangladesh. The Bangladesh team has to win the second match in order to save the series. As a result, it's crucial to get an idea of the teams’ record at this venue. Let's look at some noteworthy statistics at St. George's Park.
Teams' Stats in Test Matches at St. George's Park in Port Elizabeth
The second Test match between South Africa and Bangladesh will be played at St. George's Park, one of the oldest cricket grounds in the world. The first match was held at this ground between South Africa and England in 1989.
The visitors, England defeated the hosts, South Africa by eight wickets in the match. Since then, a total of 31 matches have been played at this venue, with 26 matches finishing in a win and the remaining 5 matches ending in a draw.
Read Australia beat Pakistan by 3 wickets in one-off Twenty20
Understandably, South Africa have participated in all of the matches. Despite the fact that the home team's record at this ground is not very impressive. The Proteas national men's Test team has won 13 games, lost 13, and drawn 5 matches at St. George's Park in Port Elizabeth. Bangladesh haven't played a Test match at this venue.
Team-wise Test Record at the St. George’s Park Ground in Port Elizabeth
Team
Match
Won
Lost
Draw
South Africa
31
13
13
5
England
10
6
1
3
Australia
7
3
4
0
New Zealand
4
1
3
0
West Indies
3
1
1
1
India
2
0
1
1
Pakistan
2
1
1
0
Sri Lanka
2
1
1
0
Zimbabwe
1
0
1
0
Source: https://www.espncricinfo.com/
Read Ashraful’s List A career-best carries Brothers past Rupganj
After looking at the team's performance at St. George's Park, it's evident that England have a strong track record here. The English Test team has won six of their ten games and has only lost one. The English team won by an innings and 53 runs in the most recent match between these two teams at this venue, which took place in the year 2020.
Among the Asian teams, Pakistan and Sri Lanka have won a match each against South Africa on this ground. Pakistan defeated South Africa by five wickets in 2007, while Sri Lanka defeated the hosts by eight wickets in 2019.
South Africa haven't been a dominant side at this venue in recent years. Therefore, the Bangladesh side has a chance against this second-string South African team if they properly lay out a game plan. Besides, they will also have to analyze how Asian teams defeated the hosts in the longer-version format.
Read SA vs BAN Test Series 2022: Things Bangladesh Must Fix Before Second Match
Bottom Line
Given the Test statistics for St. George's Park in Port Elizabeth, it is clear that South Africa’s record at this venue is not very impressive. The Proteas men’s side usually struggles to get results in their favour on this ground. As a result, Bangladesh have a good chance of surprising South Africa in the second Test match.
Besides, the majority of South African players will be unavailable for this Test series due to their commitments to the Indian Premier League. Bangladesh should be confident heading into the second match of the SA vs BAN Test series 2022.
Chelsea vs Real Madrid: Champions League Quarter-Final First Leg Team News, Preview
Chelsea and Real Madrid will meet in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League quarter-final at Stamford Bridge on Thursday, April 7 at 1 a.m. (Bangladesh Standard Time). This will be a fascinating matchup, since Real Madrid are the most successful club in Champions League history, while Chelsea are the reigning champion. Both clubs will strive to win the game in order to obtain a significant advantage over their opponent ahead of next week's crucial second tie at the Santiago Bernabeu. Let's take a look at the latest team news and a match preview for Chelsea vs Real Madrid.
Chelsea vs Real Madrid: Probable Team Lineups
Ben Chilwell is expected to miss the opening leg against Real Madrid due to injury. In addition, Callum Hudson-Odoi may miss the match owing to an injury. Christian Pulisic, who was out for the weekend encounter, should be available for this one.
Predicted Playing XI (Chelsea):
Edouard Mendy (GK), Cesar Azpilicueta (RB), Trevoh Chalobah (CB), Antonio Rudiger (CB), Reece James (LB), N'Golo Kante (CM), Jorginho (CM), Marcos Alonso (CM), Mateo Kovacic (LW), Kai Havertz (RW), Christian Pulisic (FW).
Read Barcelona edges Sevilla to move into 2nd in Spanish league
Coach Carlo Ancelotti will most likely miss guiding his team from the sideline due to COVID-19 issues. Luka Jovic, Isco, and Eden Hazard are among the players who will almost certainly miss out due to injury.
Predicted Playing XI (Real Madrid):
Thibaut Courtois (GK), Dani Carvajal (RB), Eder Militao (CB), David Alaba (CB), Ferland Mendy (LB), Toni Kroos (CM), Casemiro (CM), Luka Modric (CM), Federico Valverde (RW), Vinicius Junior (LW), Karim Benzema (FW)
Chelsea FC vs Real Madrid CF: Head-to-Head
Both sides have met each other five times at European events. Real Madrid have never beaten Chelsea in UEFA competitions. Chelsea defeated Real Madrid three times, including a 2-0 victory at Stamford Bridge in the second leg of the Champions League semi-finals last season.
Read: UEFA Champions League 2022: Top favourites to reach the semi-finals
Real Madrid have won the Champions League 13 times, making them the most successful side in the competition's history. The most recent Champions League title won by Madrid was in 2018. On the other hand, Chelsea have won the UEFA Champions League thrice, including last season. Portuguese striker, Cristiano Ronaldo is Real Madrid's highest scorer in the Champions League with 105 goals. Oppositely, Didier Drogba of the Ivory Coast is Chelsea's top scorer with 36 goals.
Real Madrid vs Chelsea Match Prediction
Chelsea and Real Madrid have both suffered heavy losses in their recent domestic league fixtures. Chelsea were defeated 4-1 by Brentford in their most recent Premier League encounter. It was the first time Chelsea have lost against Brentford since 1939. Real Madrid, on the other hand, was humiliated 4-0 by arch-rival Barcelona in front of their home supporters, ending a five-match unbeaten streak against the La Blaugrana. However, Los Blancos made a strong comeback in their latest La Liga encounter, defeating Cleta Vigo 2-1 away from home.
Read: Mbappe runs the show in PSG’s 5-1 win over Lorient
Chelsea and Real Madrid both prefer to play in a 4-3-3 formation because it is an approach they are familiar with. However, Thomas Tuchel is known for his mastermind tactics and has a stellar Champions League record. He can outsmart Carlo Ancelotti of Real Madrid in a tactical tussle. Ancelotti may not be in the dugout for the first leg due to a positive COVID-19 test.
Prediction: Chelsea 1-0 Real Madrid
Verdict
Chelsea FC and Real Madrid both have some of the top footballers in the world right now. Their tactics remain fairly similar when facing decent opposition. However, both teams have struggled this season while playing tougher opponents. Chelsea's record against big sides this season hasn't been impressive, while Real Madrid eliminated PSG in the Round of 16 thanks to a fantastic performance by French striker Karim Benzema. Therefore, it will be interesting to see how both teams create a strategy to defeat one other in this Chelsea vs Real Madrid match.
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Australia beat Pakistan by 3 wickets in one-off Twenty20
Australia rounded off its first tour to Pakistan in 24 years with a three-wicket victory in the one-off Twenty20 on Tuesday.
Captain Aaron Finch smashed 55 and anchored Australia to 163-7 with five balls to spare as Ben McDermott flicked Haris Rauf to backward square leg for a boundary.
Nathan Ellis picked up 4-28 and pulled Pakistan back to 162-8 after Babar Azam continued his run of golden form and struck 66 off 46 balls when Finch won the toss and elected to field first.
Australia won the three-test series 1-0, its first in Pakistan since 1998, and lost the ODI series 2-1 after several of its players were rested from the white-ball series while Mitchell Marsh and Steve Smith were ruled out due to injuries.
“Thought the way our bowlers attacked that game were fantastic,” said Finch, who came into the final game of the series after failing to score in the last two ODIs against Pakistan.
“Nathan Ellis had a tough start but showed real character. Everything we do is (with) one eye to the World Cup. There’s been a lot of great performances on this tour … to see so many young cricketers come on is super exciting.”
Read: Ashraful’s List A career-best carries Brothers past Rupganj
Travis Head, who scored a century in the first ODI, hit a brisk 26 off 14 balls and provided Australia a whirlwind start with Finch of 40 in 21 deliveries to set up a strong platform.
Josh Inglis, who missed out the ODI series after testing positive for COVID-19, also made a brisk 24 while Marcus Stoinis blasted five boundaries in his 9-ball 23 against some wayward Pakistan bowling — especially Hasan Ali, who conceded 30 runs off his three overs without taking a wicket.
Fast bowler Mohammad Wasim (2-30) clean bowled Stoinis and Cameron Green in successive overs but Australia made sure not to let the game slip away through some clinical hitting.
Shaheen Shah Afridi (2-21) had Finch caught on the edge of the boundary in his last over and also had Sean Abbott clean bowled before McDermott sealed the game in the final over.
Pakistan lost its way once Green, one of the three debutants for Australia, broke the half century opening stand by having Mohammad Rizwan (23) clean bowled with an off-cutter. Green was on a hat trick when Fakhar Zaman was snapped up by Finch at mid-on after the left-hander played a hard drive off a low full toss.
Adam Zampa put the brakes on Pakistan’s scoring rate when Babar, who hit six fours and two sixes in his 46-ball knock, was well caught at deep extra cover by Ellis in the 16th over.
Ellis then ran through the lower order by grabbing three wickets in his last two overs before Usman Qadir’s brisk 18 runs off debutant fast bowler Ben Dwarshuis’ (0-42) last over provided Pakistan a late flourish.
Ashraful’s List A career-best carries Brothers past Rupganj
Former Bangladesh captain Mohammad Ashraful hit a List Acareer-best 141 not out in the ongoing Dhaka Premier Division Cricket League on Tuesday. Riding on his brilliance, Brothers Union beat Rupganj Tigers Cricket Club by 36 runs at BKSP.
List A cricket is the domestic level of one-day cricket, below One Day Internationals (ODIs).
Brothers batted first and lost the opener, Imtiaz Hossain, for a duck. But in the second wicket stand, Ashraful and Myshukur Rahman added 150 runs.
Myshukur fell for 68 while Ashraful was firm at the other end of the wicket. He posted 141 off 139 balls with 16 fours and one six. Chathuranga De Silva of Sri Lanka was the third-highest run scorer for Brothers with 51.
Brothers posted 309 for four wickets in 50 overs.
For Rupganj Tigers, Farhad Reza, Nasum Ahmed, Fazle Mahmud and Ariful Haque bagged one wicket each.
READ: Mominul complains of ‘abuse’ by South African players
In reply, Rupganj Tigers tumbled for 273 for all wickets in 47.4 overs despite a hundred by Fazle Mahmud. Captain Marshall Ayub scored 58 off 54 balls.
For Brothers, Abu Haider Rony and Chathuranga De Silva scalped two wickets each.
On the same day, Abahani Limited took on Mohammedan Sporting Club in Mirpur, and Abahani beat their archrival by six wickets.
Mohammedan batted first and posted 255 for all wickets riding on the 70 by Mohammad Hafeez and 51 by Rubel Mia. Tanzim Hasan Sakib bagged three wickets for Abahani while Afif Hossain scalped two wickets.
In reply, Abahani chased down the target in 46.2 overs with Jaker Ali Anik hitting the highest of 60 runs, and Hanuma Vihari scoring 59. Captain Mosaddek Hossain and Afif also scored 52 and 38 balls and 48 off 38 balls to seal the match for Abahani.
In the other match of the day, Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi Club beat Prime Bank Cricket Club by one wicket. Parvez Rasool of Sheikh Jamal won the player of the match award for his fifty and a four-wicket haul.
Int'l Rating Chess: 30 players share top slot after second round of games
Thirty players sharing the top slot in the points table securing full two points after the 2nd round matches of the Walton International Rating Chess Tournament-2022, now being held at Bangladesh Chess Federation hall-room and conference room of National Sports council here on Tuesday.
The leaders are: GM Ziaur Rahman, GM Enamul Hossain Razib, IM Mohammad Fahad Rahman, IM Mohammad Minhaz Uddin, FM Mehdi Hasan Parag, FM Khandekar Aminul Islam, CM Md. Sharif Hossain, FM Sheikh Nasir Ahmed, CM Sadnan Hasan Dihan, CM Manon Reja Neer, FM Syed Mahfuzur Rahman, FM Mohammad Javed, CM Md Shawket Bin Osman Shaon, Jabed Al Azad, CM Mahtabuddin Ahmed, Sakline Mostafa Sajid, Md. Gazi Salah Uddin, Md Shawkat Ali Sheikh, Md. Ruhul Amin, Mohammed Shaker Ullah, Mukitul Islam Ripon, FM Md Saif Uddin, Dewan Shahidul Amin, Feroz Ahmed, Md. Aminul Islam, Md. Azmaeen Parvez Sayor, Md. Raju Ahmed, Nurul Islam Emon and Gias Uddin.
READ: International Rating Chess tournament underway in Dhaka
In the day's 2nd round matches, GM Zia beat Zahirul, GM Razib beat Rashedul, IM Fahad beat Shahnaz, IM Minhaz beat Nasir Uddin, FM Parag got walk-over against Neloy, FM Amin beat Raison, CM Sharif beat Hasan Mia, FM Nasir beat Anis Mallick, CM Dihan beat Anisur rahman, CM Neer beat Nazre Mowla, FM Mahfuz beat Masud, FM Javed beat Din Mohammad, CM Shaon beat Jewel Khan, Jabed beat Asif, CM Mahtab beat Afzal, Sajid beat Monir, Gazi beat Sohel, Shawkat beat Sariatullah, Ruhul beat Ariful, Shaker beat Abijit, Ripon beat Shamsul, FM Saif beat Hasan, Shahidul beat Walid,, Feroz beat Faysal, Aminul beat Amirul, Sayor beat Jewel Hossain, Raju beat Mahbubur, Emon beat F. A Chowdhury and Gias beat Nasim.
The 3rd round games will be held tomorrow (Wednesday) from 2:00 PM at the same venues.
PAK vs AUS Series 2022: Pakistan will play Australia in One-Off T20I
Australia's tour of Pakistan 2022 will come to an end with a one-off T20I encounter on Tuesday in Lahore. The tour began with a three-match Test series, which was followed by a three-match ODI series. The Test series ended in a 1-0 victory for Australia, but the limited-overs series was won by Pakistan by a margin of 2-1. Therefore, it will be fascinating to see who win the twenty20 format series. The one-off T20 match preview of the PAK vs AUS series 2022 is discussed in this article.
One-off T20I Match preview of the Pakistan-Australia Series 2022
There will be some changes in the playing XI for both sides since it’s a twenty20 format of cricket. Pakistan selectors included 17 players in the squad, which gives the team management some options to select an ideal playing XI for the match. But the biggest news for Pakistan's campaign is that injured all-rounder Shadab Khan is likely to play in this match.
On the other hand, some Australian players tested positive for COVID-19 in recent tests. The visiting side will be hoping that all the players remain free from the coronavirus and available for the one-off T20 match against Pakistan. The match will start on Tuesday at 9.30 p.m. (Bangladesh Standard Time).
Pakistan
Pakistan would seek to avenge their recent semifinal loss to Australia in the T20 World Cup 2021. The Pakistan team certainly has the players to put in a dominant performance over the Baggy Green short-format side. This Pakistan T20 team has some world-class all-rounders, power hitters, and genuine wicket-taking bowlers. So, the Pakistan team should feel confident heading into the match against Australia.
Read: SA vs BAN Test Series 2022: Things Bangladesh Must Fix Before Second Match
Pakistan skipper Babar Azam has been in outstanding form since the Test series. He saved a Test match with a big hundred, followed by two white-ball centuries, which helped Pakistan to clinch the ODI series. Will Babar step up to the challenge once more for Pakistan in the lone Twenty20 match against Australia?
Probable playing XI
Top Order: Babar Azam (captain), Mohammad Rizwan (wicket-keeper), Fakhar Zaman, Middle-Orders: Asif Ali, Iftikhar Ahmed, Haider Ali, Khushdil Shah, Shadab Khan, Lower-Order: Hasan Ali, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf
Australia
Two of Australia’s prominent T20 players, Josh Inglis and Ashton Agar, were tested positive for coronavirus. They are currently in isolation but will go for a further COVID-19 test before the match starts.
If their tests come back negative, then they will be selected for this match. Besides, there is a strong possibility that Cameron Green and Marnus Labuschagne may make their T20I debuts. Australia will put the host team to the test if they can find the proper balance for the encounter.
Read: Ross Taylor plays last innings for New Zealand cricket team
Probable Playing XI
Top Order: Aaron Finch (captain), Travis Head, Ben McDermott, Middle Orders: Alex Carey (wicket-keeper), Marcus Stoinis, Cameron Green, Sean Abbott, Ashton Agar, Lower Order: Nathan Ellis, Adam Zampa, Jason Behrendorff
Weather Forecast and Pitch Report
There is no chance of rain on Tuesday in Lahore. The game would begin in the evening, giving an ideal setting for a T20 contest. This match has the potential to become a run-fest due to the batting-friendly pitch.
Bottom Line
The Pakistan team may believe they are in a strong position to beat Australia in this match, considering that the hosts secured the ODI series against the visitors just a few days earlier in Lahore. Pakistan currently has the momentum and would like to use smart tactics to overcome Australia in the match. On the other hand, the Australian batters will go after Pakistan's bowling lineups in an attempt to disrupt their rhythm and seize control of the game. The team that can fight more diligently will have a better chance of winning this lone T20 match of PAK vs AUS series 2022 given that both sides have some world-class T20 cricketers.
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SA vs BAN Test Series 2022: Things Bangladesh Must Fix Before Second Match
Bangladesh's batting collapse in the second innings appears to be the main reason for the first Test loss to South Africa. However, there were a few more things that resulted in a disappointing surrender to the hosts. Bangladesh team management needs to work on these issues in order to find a proper solution prior to the second match. The three things Bangladesh must fix before the second match of the SA vs BAN Test series 2022 are discussed in this article.
Three Issues Bangladesh Team Should Address Prior to the Second Test
Bangladesh had created a winning possibility in the first Test match against South Africa once they bowled them out for 204 runs in the second innings. The target was 274 for Bangladesh to clinch the match, but collecting those runs on day five was a big challenge. Even then, Mahmudul Hasan Joy’s inspiring knock in the first innings had given everyone hope that Bangladesh might pull off a historic victory.
Read Mominul complains of ‘abuse’ by South African players
However, it took South African spinners only 19 overs to pick up all of Bangladesh’s wickets for only 53 runs. Bangladesh were defeated by South Africa by 220 runs, giving the hosts a 1-0 lead in the series. Here are the three important issues that Bangladesh need to work on to improve their play in the second match of the SA vs BAN Test series 2022.
Game Plan for the Match
Multiple sources claim that there was a disagreement among the coach, players, and team management about whether Bangladesh would take fielding or batting if they won the toss. The decision to ask South Africa to bat first didn’t bring the desired result that the Bangladesh team was hoping for initially. They also let the South African tailenders score at least 50 more runs in the first innings.
Read: Mominul complains of ‘abuse’ by South African players
Besides, selecting an ideal playing XI is also important in order to get the anticipated result from a Test match. South Africa picked two genuine spinners and they were ruthless against Bangladesh. In contrast, Bangladesh picked one spinner in the first match, which was a bad decision. Therefore, Bangladesh’s game plan and strategy need to be effective in order to get the expected result against the hosts in the next game.
Bangladesh’s Batting Performance
Except for Mahmudul Hasan Joy’s outstanding hundred in the first innings, Bangladesh’s overall batting performance in both innings was hapless. Najmul Hossain Shanto got a start in both innings but couldn’t convert them into big knocks.
Read Durban Test: Tigers fold inside an hour on day 5
In the first innings, Litton Das played an effective knock and made a solid partnership with Mahmudul Hasan. There was an expectation from Mominul Haque and Mushfiqur Rahim as they are the main pillars of Bangladesh’s middle order. But both the players failed in the match, which was one of the main reasons Bangladesh couldn’t take a lead over South Africa.
Tamim Iqbal is expected to return to Bangladesh's playing XI for the second match, giving the team a huge confidence boost. Tamim needs to play the anchor role, while Mominul and Mushfiqur should find their best form during the contest. Bangladesh's chances of winning the match will improve if these players find their groove with the bat.
Read: Ross Taylor plays last innings for New Zealand cricket team
Enhancing the ability to chase a target
Scoring 274 runs in the fourth innings on day five was not an impossible task given the nature of the wicket at Kingsmead in Durban. What Bangladesh's team required was a perfect game plan. They were completely clueless against the two Proteas spinners, Keshav Maharaj and Simon Harmer.
The Bangladesh team needs to believe within themselves that this South African bowling lineup is not their best. Therefore, they can chase down any decent target on day five if they play sensibly. So, the Bangladesh team should be prepared to chase in the second Test in Port Elizabeth.
Read Australia Clinch ICC Women's World Cup 2022: Alyssa Healy Sets New Record
Bottom Line
When South Africa were bowled out in their second innings before the end of day four, Bangladesh had a genuine chance in the match to upset the hosts. But due to a lack of proper planning, lack of application in batting, and, above all, the team's lack of confidence, Bangladesh were reduced to a miserable condition in their second innings.
Bangladesh players need to believe that they have the capacity to change the scenario of a match and can chase a decent total on day five. Mahmudul Hasan Joy’s memorable 137 runs in the first innings could serve as an inspirational knock to instill confidence among the batters of Bangladesh.
Read South Africa win 1st test as Bangladesh all out for 53
Besides, Bangladesh’s pace unit and off-spinner Mehidy Hasan Miraz were economical and got success against this Proteas side. They should be confident of performing even better heading into the second match at St George's Park, Port Elizabeth, which will start on April 7 (Thursday). As veteran Tamim Iqbal is all set to return to the playing XI, Bangladesh should aim to win the second match of the SA vs BAN Test series 2022.
Iga Swiatek becomes 1st Polish tennis player ranked No. 1
Iga Swiatek moved up one spot to the top of the WTA rankings on Monday, becoming the first tennis player from Poland to be No. 1 in the sport.
The 20-year-old Swiatek — pronounced shvee-ON-tek — takes over from Ash Barty, who announced last month she would be retiring at the age of 25 after more than two years at No. 1.
Swiatek won the 2020 French Open and is currently on a 17-match winning streak that includes the title at the hard-court Miami Open, where she defeated Naomi Osaka 6-4, 6-0 in the final on Saturday. That followed Swiatek's triumph at Indian Wells, California, last month, making her only the fourth woman to complete what's known as the “Sunshine Double,” and another trophy in Doha, Qatar, in February, so she is the first woman to win the first three WTA 1000 events in a year.
“I felt like everything clicked this season,” Swiatek said in a video interview with The Associated Press.
READ: Spanish Tennis Maestro Rafael Nadal Wins Record 21 Grand Slam Titles
She is the 28th woman to lead the rankings.
Osaka is a former No. 1 whose run to her first tour final in more than a year allowed her to go all the way from No. 77 to No. 35 on Monday.
Miami Open men's champion Carlos Alcaraz, an 18-year-old Spaniard, jumped five spots to No. 11 in the ATP rankings, his highest showing so far.
The player he beat 7-5, 6-4 in the final Sunday, Casper Ruud, also got to his best ranking, rising one place to No. 7.
Novak Djokovic remained at No. 1 despite not having played at Indian Wells or Miami because he has not been vaccinated against COVID-19 and couldn't travel to the United States.
Daniil Medvedev briefly held the top spot this year and could have returned there depending on his performance in Miami, but his quarterfinal loss meant he stayed at No. 2. He announced Saturday he would be sidelined for a month or two after having hernia surgery.
Reigning French Open champion Barbora Krejcikova rose two places to No. 2 in the WTA rankings, equaling her best. Paula Badosa moved up three spots to No. 3 to set a career high.
Australian Open runner-up Danielle Collins, an American who beat Swiatek in the semifinals at Melbourne Park, went from No. 11 to No. 8, her highest placing.
Jessica Pegula, who made it to the semifinals in Miami before losing to Swiatek, soared from No. 21 to No. 13, the best ranking of the American's career.
BPL Football: Police force Mohammedan to play out goalless draw
Bangladesh Police FC forced traditional giants Dhaka Mohammedan SC to play out a goalless draw in the 12-team Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) Football '2021-22 at the Shaheed Dhirendranath Dutta Stadium in Cumilla on Monday.
After the day's match, Bangladesh Police FC remain 5th in the league table securing 16 points fron 10 encounters while Mohammedan SC are struggling at the 7th place securing 14 points from 1O matches.
Last two times champions Bashundhara Kings comfortably dominate the league table securing 25 points from 10 matches while two former champions Sheikh Jamal DC and Dhaka Abahani follow the leader with 20 and 19 points respectively, playing 10 matches each.
In the day's other league match, Sheikh Russel KC play 1-1 draw with Rahmatganj Muslim Friends Society at their home venue --Bashundhara Sports Complex here.
READ: BPL Football: Bashundhara Kings play out 2-2 with Dhaka Abahani
Nigerian striker Sunday Chizoba, a well known face in the Dhaka league put the old Dhaka outfit Rahmatganj ahead in very 4th minute of the match (1-0).
But, their lead was very shortlived as Mohammad Jewel leveled the margin for Sheikh Russel KC in the following minute (1-1).
After the match, Rahmatganj MFS remained at the 8th slot securing nine points from 10 matches while former champions Sheikh Russel KC remained at the 10 slot with seven points, also playing 10 matches.