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Billie Jean King Cup: India bounces back to upset New Zealand, registers first win  India rode on its young singles players to bounce back and win its second tie against New Zealand 3-0 to stay in contention for a top-two finish of the Billie Jean King Cup Asia/Oceania Group I and a spot in the Playoffs here on Wednesday despite rains threatening to play spoilsport.After a disappointing 2-1 loss against Thailand in the opening tie that stretched across two days due to inclement weather, Vaishnavi Adkar and Sahaja Yamalapalli fought back, the latter within hours of her opening match, to give India a 2-0 lead at the DLTA Complex. The experienced pair of Ankita Raina and Rutuja Bhosale then completed the formalities with a 6-4, 6-2 win against the fancied pair of Erin Routliffe and Monique Barry to be third on the table.Vaishnavi, who was all over the place in the opening match on Tuesday, was far more in control of her shots and won 6-2, 6-4 against Aishi Das. Clearly superior to her 18-year-old opponent, ranked more than 700 places behind, Vaishnavi dominated with a more assured presence, relying on her accuracy and Aishi’s inconsistency to race to a 6-2 win in the first set.ALSO READ | Monte Carlo Masters 2026: Berrettini thumps Medvedev 6-0, 6-0With the sun shining through, Vaishnavi was able to control the ball’s speed much better and broke Aishi in the opening game itself, then again in the fifth and seventh games to take the set. Aishi put up an improved performance in the second, fighting back from being 4-1 down to level 4-4, but Vaishnavi quickly regained control and then served out the match when Aishi hit wide.Earlier, in the morning, India lost the opening tie against Thailand 2-1 after Patcharin Cheapchandej won her overnight match against Sahaja 6-4, 1-6, 6-4. Ankita and Rutuja completed a consolation win against Thesaporn Naklo/Peangtarn Plipuech 6-3, 6-4 in the doubles. Sahaja, who only had 5.5 hours between her two matches, showed no signs of fatigue against Valentina Ivanov in her 6-1, 6-3 win in one hour and 25 minutes.Intelligently mixing her strokes and pushing Valentina hard to earn every point across the court, Sahaja added soft drops and volleys to her powerful returns from the baseline to stay in control.
The results:

India bt New Zealand 3-0: Vaishnavi Adkar (Ind) bt Aishi Das (Nzl) 6-2, 6-4; Sahaja Yamalapalli (Ind) bt Valentina Ivanov (Nzl) 6-1, 6-3; Rutuja Bhosale/Ankita Raina (Ind) bt Monique Barry/Erin Routliffe (Nzl) 6-4, 6-2.

Indonesia bt Mongolia 3-0: Aldila Sutjiadi (Ina) bt Anu-Vjin Gantor (Mgl) 6-0, 6-0; Anjali Kirana Junarto (Ina) bt Khongorzul Aldarkhishig (Mgl) 6-2, 6-0; Anjali Kirana Junarto/Meydiana Laviola Reinnamah (Ina) bt Jargal Altansarnai/Oyungerel Khasbaatar (Mgl) 6-0, 6-0.

Korea bt Thailand: Dayeon Back (Kor) bt Anchisa Chanta (Tha) 6-3, 6-4; Sohyun Park (Kor) bt Patcharin Cheapchandej (Tha) 6-4, 6-1; Dayeon Back/Eunhye Lee (Kor) vs Thesaporn Naklo/Kamonwan Yodpetch (Tha)
Published on Apr 08, 2026  #Billie #Jean #King #Cup #India #bounces #upset #Zealand #registers #win

Billie Jean King Cup: India bounces back to upset New Zealand, registers first win

India rode on its young singles players to bounce back and win its second tie against New Zealand 3-0 to stay in contention for a top-two finish of the Billie Jean King Cup Asia/Oceania Group I and a spot in the Playoffs here on Wednesday despite rains threatening to play spoilsport.

After a disappointing 2-1 loss against Thailand in the opening tie that stretched across two days due to inclement weather, Vaishnavi Adkar and Sahaja Yamalapalli fought back, the latter within hours of her opening match, to give India a 2-0 lead at the DLTA Complex. The experienced pair of Ankita Raina and Rutuja Bhosale then completed the formalities with a 6-4, 6-2 win against the fancied pair of Erin Routliffe and Monique Barry to be third on the table.

Vaishnavi, who was all over the place in the opening match on Tuesday, was far more in control of her shots and won 6-2, 6-4 against Aishi Das. Clearly superior to her 18-year-old opponent, ranked more than 700 places behind, Vaishnavi dominated with a more assured presence, relying on her accuracy and Aishi’s inconsistency to race to a 6-2 win in the first set.

ALSO READ | Monte Carlo Masters 2026: Berrettini thumps Medvedev 6-0, 6-0

With the sun shining through, Vaishnavi was able to control the ball’s speed much better and broke Aishi in the opening game itself, then again in the fifth and seventh games to take the set. Aishi put up an improved performance in the second, fighting back from being 4-1 down to level 4-4, but Vaishnavi quickly regained control and then served out the match when Aishi hit wide.

Earlier, in the morning, India lost the opening tie against Thailand 2-1 after Patcharin Cheapchandej won her overnight match against Sahaja 6-4, 1-6, 6-4. Ankita and Rutuja completed a consolation win against Thesaporn Naklo/Peangtarn Plipuech 6-3, 6-4 in the doubles. Sahaja, who only had 5.5 hours between her two matches, showed no signs of fatigue against Valentina Ivanov in her 6-1, 6-3 win in one hour and 25 minutes.

Intelligently mixing her strokes and pushing Valentina hard to earn every point across the court, Sahaja added soft drops and volleys to her powerful returns from the baseline to stay in control.

The results:

India bt New Zealand 3-0: Vaishnavi Adkar (Ind) bt Aishi Das (Nzl) 6-2, 6-4; Sahaja Yamalapalli (Ind) bt Valentina Ivanov (Nzl) 6-1, 6-3; Rutuja Bhosale/Ankita Raina (Ind) bt Monique Barry/Erin Routliffe (Nzl) 6-4, 6-2.

Indonesia bt Mongolia 3-0: Aldila Sutjiadi (Ina) bt Anu-Vjin Gantor (Mgl) 6-0, 6-0; Anjali Kirana Junarto (Ina) bt Khongorzul Aldarkhishig (Mgl) 6-2, 6-0; Anjali Kirana Junarto/Meydiana Laviola Reinnamah (Ina) bt Jargal Altansarnai/Oyungerel Khasbaatar (Mgl) 6-0, 6-0.

Korea bt Thailand: Dayeon Back (Kor) bt Anchisa Chanta (Tha) 6-3, 6-4; Sohyun Park (Kor) bt Patcharin Cheapchandej (Tha) 6-4, 6-1; Dayeon Back/Eunhye Lee (Kor) vs Thesaporn Naklo/Kamonwan Yodpetch (Tha)

Published on Apr 08, 2026

#Billie #Jean #King #Cup #India #bounces #upset #Zealand #registers #win

India rode on its young singles players to bounce back and win its second tie against New Zealand 3-0 to stay in contention for a top-two finish of the Billie Jean King Cup Asia/Oceania Group I and a spot in the Playoffs here on Wednesday despite rains threatening to play spoilsport.

After a disappointing 2-1 loss against Thailand in the opening tie that stretched across two days due to inclement weather, Vaishnavi Adkar and Sahaja Yamalapalli fought back, the latter within hours of her opening match, to give India a 2-0 lead at the DLTA Complex. The experienced pair of Ankita Raina and Rutuja Bhosale then completed the formalities with a 6-4, 6-2 win against the fancied pair of Erin Routliffe and Monique Barry to be third on the table.

Vaishnavi, who was all over the place in the opening match on Tuesday, was far more in control of her shots and won 6-2, 6-4 against Aishi Das. Clearly superior to her 18-year-old opponent, ranked more than 700 places behind, Vaishnavi dominated with a more assured presence, relying on her accuracy and Aishi’s inconsistency to race to a 6-2 win in the first set.

ALSO READ | Monte Carlo Masters 2026: Berrettini thumps Medvedev 6-0, 6-0

With the sun shining through, Vaishnavi was able to control the ball’s speed much better and broke Aishi in the opening game itself, then again in the fifth and seventh games to take the set. Aishi put up an improved performance in the second, fighting back from being 4-1 down to level 4-4, but Vaishnavi quickly regained control and then served out the match when Aishi hit wide.

Earlier, in the morning, India lost the opening tie against Thailand 2-1 after Patcharin Cheapchandej won her overnight match against Sahaja 6-4, 1-6, 6-4. Ankita and Rutuja completed a consolation win against Thesaporn Naklo/Peangtarn Plipuech 6-3, 6-4 in the doubles. Sahaja, who only had 5.5 hours between her two matches, showed no signs of fatigue against Valentina Ivanov in her 6-1, 6-3 win in one hour and 25 minutes.

Intelligently mixing her strokes and pushing Valentina hard to earn every point across the court, Sahaja added soft drops and volleys to her powerful returns from the baseline to stay in control.

The results:

India bt New Zealand 3-0: Vaishnavi Adkar (Ind) bt Aishi Das (Nzl) 6-2, 6-4; Sahaja Yamalapalli (Ind) bt Valentina Ivanov (Nzl) 6-1, 6-3; Rutuja Bhosale/Ankita Raina (Ind) bt Monique Barry/Erin Routliffe (Nzl) 6-4, 6-2.

Indonesia bt Mongolia 3-0: Aldila Sutjiadi (Ina) bt Anu-Vjin Gantor (Mgl) 6-0, 6-0; Anjali Kirana Junarto (Ina) bt Khongorzul Aldarkhishig (Mgl) 6-2, 6-0; Anjali Kirana Junarto/Meydiana Laviola Reinnamah (Ina) bt Jargal Altansarnai/Oyungerel Khasbaatar (Mgl) 6-0, 6-0.

Korea bt Thailand: Dayeon Back (Kor) bt Anchisa Chanta (Tha) 6-3, 6-4; Sohyun Park (Kor) bt Patcharin Cheapchandej (Tha) 6-4, 6-1; Dayeon Back/Eunhye Lee (Kor) vs Thesaporn Naklo/Kamonwan Yodpetch (Tha)

Published on Apr 08, 2026

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Alex Sarama was relatively unknown when the Portland Fire announced he’d be their first-ever head coach. But, on Wednesday, when the WNBA announced that Sarama was named Coach of the Month, it came as no surprise. Sarama led the Fire to a 6-4 record in May and several improbable victories, while making a name for himself in broad basketball circles.

At just 30 years old, Sarama was an assistant coach for the Cleveland Cavaliers and became the director of player development.

He joined NBA Europe in 2020, became a Paris Basketball player improvement specialist in 2022, and was the director of methodology for the British Basketball League’s London Lions in 2023. In the 2023-2024 season, Sarama was an assistant coach for the Rip City Remix, the Portland Trail Blazers’ G League affiliate. Then, in 2024, he became an assistant for the Cavaliers.

Sarama is unique in that he is an advocate of the Constraints-Led Approach (CLA) to skill acquisition and practice design, a methodology that emphasises decision-making, adaptability, and game-representative learning environments rather than isolated and repetitive drills.

Sarama has cancelled morning shootarounds, had Fire players practice with just socks, and simulated specific drills with different constraints to emulate late-game scenarios.

The Fire are 6-5 and owners of the league’s 8th-best record, despite being one of two WNBA expansion teams. In May, they went 6-4, accruing two wins over the New York Liberty and a win over the Indiana Fever, among other star-studded squads.

On the court, Portland has been led by Carla Leite, who is averaging 15.2 points and 5.2 assists per game, both team-highs.

Bridget Carleton, selected No. 1 overall in the WNBA’s expansion draft, is averaging 14.7 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 2.1 steals per game, while Emily Englster has been the top shot blocker in the league, averaging 2.3 blocks per game. Engstler is also averaging 9.7 points, 4.2 rebounds, 1.5 steals, and 1.3 assists per game. And, Sarah Ashlee Barker has been huge off the bench, averaging 10 points and 4.5 rebounds per game.

In a video shared by the Fire, Sarama credited the players and his staff for his first-ever Coach of the Month honor.

“This isn’t possible without incredible players. This is really because of you guys, number one,” he said. “Everything we’ve asked you to do, you guys have done times a thousand. I couldn’t be more proud to coach you guys. This is going to be such a fun ride.”

“Secondly, it’s staff of the month. Not coach of the month. That’s everyone. Front office, performance, the incredible coaching staff we have. It’s every single one of us here.”

#WNBA #named #Coach #Month #welldeserved">The WNBA just named a Coach of the Month, and it’s well-deserved  Alex Sarama was relatively unknown when the Portland Fire announced he’d be their first-ever head coach. But, on Wednesday, when the WNBA announced that Sarama was named Coach of the Month, it came as no surprise. Sarama led the Fire to a 6-4 record in May and several improbable victories, while making a name for himself in broad basketball circles.At just 30 years old, Sarama was an assistant coach for the Cleveland Cavaliers and became the director of player development.He joined NBA Europe in 2020, became a Paris Basketball player improvement specialist in 2022, and was the director of methodology for the British Basketball League’s London Lions in 2023. In the 2023-2024 season, Sarama was an assistant coach for the Rip City Remix, the Portland Trail Blazers’ G League affiliate. Then, in 2024, he became an assistant for the Cavaliers.Sarama is unique in that he is an advocate of the Constraints-Led Approach (CLA) to skill acquisition and practice design, a methodology that emphasises decision-making, adaptability, and game-representative learning environments rather than isolated and repetitive drills.Sarama has cancelled morning shootarounds, had Fire players practice with just socks, and simulated specific drills with different constraints to emulate late-game scenarios.The Fire are 6-5 and owners of the league’s 8th-best record, despite being one of two WNBA expansion teams. In May, they went 6-4, accruing two wins over the New York Liberty and a win over the Indiana Fever, among other star-studded squads.On the court, Portland has been led by Carla Leite, who is averaging 15.2 points and 5.2 assists per game, both team-highs.Bridget Carleton, selected No. 1 overall in the WNBA’s expansion draft, is averaging 14.7 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 2.1 steals per game, while Emily Englster has been the top shot blocker in the league, averaging 2.3 blocks per game. Engstler is also averaging 9.7 points, 4.2 rebounds, 1.5 steals, and 1.3 assists per game. And, Sarah Ashlee Barker has been huge off the bench, averaging 10 points and 4.5 rebounds per game.In a video shared by the Fire, Sarama credited the players and his staff for his first-ever Coach of the Month honor.“This isn’t possible without incredible players. This is really because of you guys, number one,” he said. “Everything we’ve asked you to do, you guys have done times a thousand. I couldn’t be more proud to coach you guys. This is going to be such a fun ride.”“Secondly, it’s staff of the month. Not coach of the month. That’s everyone. Front office, performance, the incredible coaching staff we have. It’s every single one of us here.”  #WNBA #named #Coach #Month #welldeserved

Five-time champion India booked its place in the final of the SAFF Women’s Championship with a hard-fought 1-0 win over a resolute Bhutan in the second semifinal on Wednesday.

India, which found the winner through Sanfida Nongrum in the 60th minute, will meet defending champion Bangladesh in the title clash at the Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on Saturday.

Having scored 14 goals in two group-stage matches, the host was expected to dominate, but Bhutan once again showed the defensive discipline that had taken it to a third successive semifinal appearance.

Ranked 69th in the FIFA rankings, India controlled possession for long periods but found it difficult to break down Bhutan’s compact backline in a goalless first half.

The Blue Tigresses created chances through Karishma, Soumya Guguloth and Aveka Singh, but poor finishing and alert goalkeeping kept the scores level at the break.

Bhutan, meanwhile, remained a threat on the counterattack and squandered a couple of promising opportunities of its own.

India finally found the breakthrough when Sanfida scored after sustained pressure, giving the host the lead it had been searching for throughout the contest.

Coach Crispin Chhetri then introduced experienced attackers, including Manisha Kalyan and Pyari Xaxa, as India looked to put the game beyond Bhutan. However, Bhutan refused to back down and continued to test the Indian defence on the break.

The host created several openings in the closing stages but was unable to add to its tally.

ALSO READ: India vs Bhutan as it happened, highlights and facts

Bhutan, despite its determination, lacked the finishing touch required to force extra time as India held on for a narrow victory.

The Blue Tigresses are now one win away from reclaiming the title it last won in 2019.

Earlier in the day, Bangladesh beat Nepal 2-1 in the first semifinal to reach a third consecutive SAFF Women’s Championship final after substitute Sagorika scored a stoppage-time winner.

Bangladesh won the previous two editions, held in 2022 and 2024.

Published on Jun 03, 2026

#SAFF #Womens #Championship #India #scrapes #Bhutan #face #Bangladesh #title">SAFF Women’s Championship 2026: India scrapes past Bhutan 1-0, to face Bangladesh for title  Five-time champion India booked its place in the final of the SAFF Women’s Championship with a hard-fought 1-0 win over a resolute Bhutan in the second semifinal on Wednesday.India, which found the winner through Sanfida Nongrum in the 60th minute, will meet defending champion Bangladesh in the title clash at the Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on Saturday.Having scored 14 goals in two group-stage matches, the host was expected to dominate, but Bhutan once again showed the defensive discipline that had taken it to a third successive semifinal appearance.Ranked 69th in the FIFA rankings, India controlled possession for long periods but found it difficult to break down Bhutan’s compact backline in a goalless first half.The Blue Tigresses created chances through Karishma, Soumya Guguloth and Aveka Singh, but poor finishing and alert goalkeeping kept the scores level at the break.Bhutan, meanwhile, remained a threat on the counterattack and squandered a couple of promising opportunities of its own.India finally found the breakthrough when Sanfida scored after sustained pressure, giving the host the lead it had been searching for throughout the contest.Coach Crispin Chhetri then introduced experienced attackers, including Manisha Kalyan and Pyari Xaxa, as India looked to put the game beyond Bhutan. However, Bhutan refused to back down and continued to test the Indian defence on the break.The host created several openings in the closing stages but was unable to add to its tally.ALSO READ: India vs Bhutan as it happened, highlights and factsBhutan, despite its determination, lacked the finishing touch required to force extra time as India held on for a narrow victory.The Blue Tigresses are now one win away from reclaiming the title it last won in 2019.Earlier in the day, Bangladesh beat Nepal 2-1 in the first semifinal to reach a third consecutive SAFF Women’s Championship final after substitute Sagorika scored a stoppage-time winner.Bangladesh won the previous two editions, held in 2022 and 2024.Published on Jun 03, 2026  #SAFF #Womens #Championship #India #scrapes #Bhutan #face #Bangladesh #title

India vs Bhutan as it happened, highlights and facts

Bhutan, despite its determination, lacked the finishing touch required to force extra time as India held on for a narrow victory.

The Blue Tigresses are now one win away from reclaiming the title it last won in 2019.

Earlier in the day, Bangladesh beat Nepal 2-1 in the first semifinal to reach a third consecutive SAFF Women’s Championship final after substitute Sagorika scored a stoppage-time winner.

Bangladesh won the previous two editions, held in 2022 and 2024.

Published on Jun 03, 2026

#SAFF #Womens #Championship #India #scrapes #Bhutan #face #Bangladesh #title">SAFF Women’s Championship 2026: India scrapes past Bhutan 1-0, to face Bangladesh for title

Five-time champion India booked its place in the final of the SAFF Women’s Championship with a hard-fought 1-0 win over a resolute Bhutan in the second semifinal on Wednesday.

India, which found the winner through Sanfida Nongrum in the 60th minute, will meet defending champion Bangladesh in the title clash at the Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on Saturday.

Having scored 14 goals in two group-stage matches, the host was expected to dominate, but Bhutan once again showed the defensive discipline that had taken it to a third successive semifinal appearance.

Ranked 69th in the FIFA rankings, India controlled possession for long periods but found it difficult to break down Bhutan’s compact backline in a goalless first half.

The Blue Tigresses created chances through Karishma, Soumya Guguloth and Aveka Singh, but poor finishing and alert goalkeeping kept the scores level at the break.

Bhutan, meanwhile, remained a threat on the counterattack and squandered a couple of promising opportunities of its own.

India finally found the breakthrough when Sanfida scored after sustained pressure, giving the host the lead it had been searching for throughout the contest.

Coach Crispin Chhetri then introduced experienced attackers, including Manisha Kalyan and Pyari Xaxa, as India looked to put the game beyond Bhutan. However, Bhutan refused to back down and continued to test the Indian defence on the break.

The host created several openings in the closing stages but was unable to add to its tally.

ALSO READ: India vs Bhutan as it happened, highlights and facts

Bhutan, despite its determination, lacked the finishing touch required to force extra time as India held on for a narrow victory.

The Blue Tigresses are now one win away from reclaiming the title it last won in 2019.

Earlier in the day, Bangladesh beat Nepal 2-1 in the first semifinal to reach a third consecutive SAFF Women’s Championship final after substitute Sagorika scored a stoppage-time winner.

Bangladesh won the previous two editions, held in 2022 and 2024.

Published on Jun 03, 2026

#SAFF #Womens #Championship #India #scrapes #Bhutan #face #Bangladesh #title

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