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New Straits Times
2 days ago
- Sport
- New Straits Times
Malaysia serve up dominant performance to reach Davis Cup play-offs
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia booked their spot in the play-off round of the Davis Cup Asia-Oceania Group IV campaign with a 3-0 win over Iraq in their penultimate Pool A clash on Thursday. Koay Hao Sheng got Malaysia off to a strong start at the National Tennis Centre with a hard-fought 7-6, 7-5 win over Abdullah Ali Hatem Ghrairi. Darrshan Suresh Kumar then made quick work of Akam Bakr with a dominant 6-1, 6-1 victory to give Malaysia an unassailable 2-0 lead, before Daniel Prickett-Naufal Siddiq Kamaruzzaman sealed the comprehensive win with a 6-3, 6-2 triumph over Mohammed Al Shammari-Abdullah Ali Hatem in the doubles. The team will face Kyrgyzstan on Friday to determine the Pool A champions. Darrshan was pleased with his form and is aiming to secure victory against Kyrgyzstan for a favourable play-off draw. "It was quite solid. I am really happy with my performance, the way I was moving, especially my serves. I was struggling a bit yesterday, but today was much better," said the 18-year-old. "We played Kyrgyzstan in a training session last week. They know our game style and we know theirs. It's pretty even... it will come down to who plays better tennis tomorrow." "We need to secure the top spot. As you know, in the other group, anything can happen. Everyone here is solid. Everyone wants to win and earn promotion to Group III." "Tomorrow (Friday) we have to win and finish top of the group, so we can play the number two team from the other group. We just have to do our part and hope for the best." "We all want to win, especially after what happened last year when we were relegated to Group IV. It wasn't something we were proud of. This year, we're trying to fix that and get back to where we belong." In the other Pool A, Kyrgyzstan defeated Nepal 3-0.
New Straits Times
12-07-2025
- Sport
- New Straits Times
Adam Jaya back as Davis Cup captain
KUALA LUMPUR: Former national tennis player Adam Jaya has been appointed as Davis Cup team captain for Malaysia. The national squad will be competing in the Davis Cup Asia-Oceania Group IV competition at National Tennis Centre (NTC) here on July 16-19. Despite earlier plans to appoint Koay Hao Sheng as playing captain, national head coach Muliyadi Jamal said the vastly experienced Adam was called in to help the squad. "Yes we did initially plan to have Hao Sheng as playing captain, however, we do not want to burden him as he is also our key player," said Muliyadi during a press conference at NTC today (July 12). "We need him to remain focused on playing as he will likely be fielded in singles and doubles. "This is why, after discussion with the Tennis Malaysia (TM) committee, we have decided to bring in Adam. "He is very experienced and has captained both our Billie Jean King Cup and Davis Cup sides at least seven or eight times now. We need his services." Malaysia, relegated from Group III for the first time in history last year, are top seeds. Pacific Oceania have been seeded second while the other teams in the competition are Iraq, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Nepal, Qatar and the Philippines. The countries will be split into two groups. The draw will be held on Tuesday (July 15). "Although we are the top seeds, I believe Philippines will be the favourites," said Muliyadi. "As they are unseeded, they can be placed into any group. It would actually benefit us if they are drawn in the same group as us. "This way we will not have to face them in the promotional playoffs." The Philippines tennis federation was suspended by the ITF in late 2020 due to governance issues. The suspension was lifted in January last year which is why they are currently making their way back up from the lower divisions in both men's and women's tennis. The top-two teams from each group will qualify for the promotional playoffs - essentially the semi-finals. The last two teams standing will be promoted to Group III. Muliyadi is hoping his players will rise to the occasion. "This is the first time Malaysia is playing in Group IV and I have told the players that we have to make it back to Group III. That is imperative," said Muliyadi. "When we were relegated last year, we saw the impact it brought. The association and the players were badly criticised by the public. "We have home ground advantage and hopefully that will boost our players to go for promotion." Besides Hao Sheng, Leroy Yong, Darrshan Kumar, Daniel Prickett, Naufal Kamaruzzaman and Devesh Sarawanan have been shortlisted for the squad. Muliyadi will announce the final five-man squad on Tuesday.
Yahoo
09-07-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
15 Classic Muscle Cars That Were Ahead Of Their Time
Some cars arrive quietly and follow trends. Others show up early, set the pace, and change expectations before the rest of the industry catches on. This article focuses on muscle cars that did exactly that, as these models introduced performance, design, or technology that would only be fully appreciated years later. These were vehicles that challenged norms, took risks, and offered drivers something ahead of what the market was ready to embrace. In a segment known for raw power and bold styling, these cars added forward-thinking execution that pointed to where the industry was heading. This article was built around the idea that true innovation often goes unnoticed until time puts it in perspective. We selected muscle cars that introduced features, design elements, or performance benchmarks that were not fully understood or appreciated when they first launched. Each car on this list pushed boundaries in engineering, styling, or strategy that later became industry standards. Our choices are based on documented advancements, influence on future models, and the lasting respect these vehicles now hold among collectors and enthusiasts. Looking back at them highlights how real progress in the automotive world often begins with the models that dared to lead rather than follow. As reported by MotorCities, the Judge brought a bold personality to the muscle car era, but beneath its bright paint and high-energy branding was a performance package that signaled where the industry was heading. It introduced clever marketing, youth-driven appeal, and factory-backed speed in one complete package. The Ram Air III and later IV engines delivered real capability while remaining street legal. Its approach to integrating image, performance, and identity would later become a blueprint for countless models across brands. While many initially saw it as a flash in the pan, it had the hardware and vision to back it up. Today, the Judge is recognized not just for its character, but for its influence on how muscle cars were marketed and built. According to the Audrain Auto Museum, the GSX Stage 1 surprised many by delivering luxury-level comfort with power figures that rivaled those of bare-boned street machines. It had a massive, torquey engine, which was combined with plenty of luxury options, challenging the notion that muscle cars had to be stripped down to go fast. The GSX proved that refinement and raw power could share the same badge. With its impressive quarter-mile times and advanced tuning, it blurred the lines between grand touring and straight-line speed. Its forward-thinking combination of performance and polish anticipated the rise of modern performance sedans. Buick took a different route, and it paid off with a car that feels more relevant today than ever. The Superbird stood out instantly with its enormous rear wing and aerodynamic nosecone, but its engineering roots went much deeper. As reported by Hagerty, it was developed for NASCAR and brought race-proven aerodynamics to the street years before terms like "downforce" became part of the consumer vocabulary. It challenged what muscle cars could look like and how they could perform at high speeds. The car's wind-cheating design had a direct influence on future performance models, both on and off the racetrack. At the time, many buyers found it too extreme; however, today it is admired for being ahead of its time in terms of design. It remains a symbol of what happens when racing technology meets production vision. As Robert Ross at Robb Report points out, the AMC AMX came with a shorter wheelbase, a focus on balance, and a desire to compete with more than just muscle car rivals. It offered handling dynamics that often went overlooked in an era obsessed with straight-line performance. AMC delivered a car that was lighter, tighter, and aimed at the driving enthusiast. The two-seat configuration and compact size made it stand out in a field of larger coupes. Its approach predicted a growing demand for performance cars with more refined handling. The AMX showed that American muscle could be nimble and sharp long before that became a wider trend. According to the Boss 429 was more than a high-performance Mustang; it was a street-legal testbed for Ford's racing ambitions. Built to homologate a NASCAR engine, it featured advanced engineering that few road cars could match at the time. The semi-hemispherical heads, oversized intake ports, and reinforced chassis turned it into a rolling piece of technology. Even though it was underappreciated during its original run, it introduced ideas that would appear in racing and high-performance tuning for years. Its rarity and complexity gave it long-lasting collector appeal. The Boss 429 helped bridge the gap between road and race in a way that was not widely understood in its day. Hot Rod magazine informs us that the LS6-powered Chevelle pushed the boundaries of what a factory muscle car could offer in terms of raw horsepower. It featured performance parts that rivaled aftermarket builds, packed into a platform that still retained daily usability. Its horsepower rating was conservative, hiding the true potential of what was under the hood. Few cars matched its capability right off the showroom floor. The combination of aggressive acceleration and respectable build quality made it feel more complete than many of its peers. The LS6 set a benchmark that other manufacturers would later chase, even as muscle cars faced tightening regulations. As MotorTrend points out, the Charger Daytona, like its Plymouth cousin, was born out of NASCAR necessity. It introduced functional aerodynamics into a market dominated by style-first thinking. The car was built for stability at high speeds, not just visual impact. Its engineering reflected a deeper understanding of airflow and track performance that would later become standard thinking in performance car development. It faced resistance from consumers at the time due to its radical appearance, and dealerships struggled to sell them. Today, the Charger Daytona's value and influence are clear indicators of how far ahead Dodge was thinking. According to Car & Driver, the Toronado GT combined muscle car attitude with a groundbreaking front-wheel-drive layout, a configuration unheard of in high-performance American cars at the time. This drivetrain layout gave it unique traction advantages and more interior space, hinting at future design priorities. The powerful V8 and aggressive styling aligned it with the muscle segment, even as its architecture said otherwise. It opened the door to more diverse approaches in how power could be delivered to the pavement. The Toronado GT may not have followed the conventional mold, but it helped stretch the definition of what a muscle car could be. It laid a path for future innovation in layout and packaging. As Rob Finkelman at Street Muscle Magazine points out, Pontiac introduced the SD-455 variant of the Trans Am just as the muscle car era was winding down, but it carried technology that pointed towards the future. With strengthened internals, revised heads, and emissions-conscious tuning, it managed to meet stricter regulations without losing its performance core. Pontiac showed that muscle could survive if approached with smarter engineering. This car became a bridge between the brute force of the late sixties and the more regulated, refined performance of the years ahead. It was one of the first to show that adaptation was possible without sacrificing identity. The SD-455 became an understated pioneer in the evolution of performance. AutoEvolution says the Dodge Charger R/T embodied the spirit of American performance wrapped in a sleek, fastback design. It commanded attention with hidden headlights, a wide stance, and a muscular silhouette that hinted at the power within. Under the hood, high-output V8 engines like the 440 Magnum and the legendary 426 HEMI made it a dominant force on the road. Inside, the Charger offered a surprisingly refined experience with premium materials, contoured seats, and a driver-focused cockpit. It bridged the gap between brute strength and upscale styling, appealing to those who wanted more than just raw horsepower. The Charger R/T left a lasting impression as a bold and balanced take on the muscle car formula. As per Dodge Garage, the GTX combined muscle car aggression with more refined features, aiming to offer a mature alternative without losing intensity. Its Six Barrel carb setup and tuned suspension gave it the hardware to compete with rawer street machines. Inside, it brought comfort and finish not usually found in high-output cars. Plymouth offered a vision of what muscle cars could look like if they matured without losing their edge. The GTX hinted at what would eventually become the performance-luxury segment. It was a model that spoke to power with polish before that became a trend. Robb Report informs us that the original Z/28 was built for road racing rather than stoplight drag races, an unusual focus in the muscle car landscape of the time. Its high-revving small-block engine, close-ratio gearbox, and upgraded suspension set it apart as a driver's machine. The Camaro's engineering leaned toward balance and feedback rather than brute force. It showed that performance could mean more than acceleration. As track-focused performance grew in popularity, the Z/28's early approach proved prophetic. It remains one of the most respected builds in the Camaro's long history. Ford Torino delivered serious power in a larger, more understated shell. As How Stuff Works points out, it was fast, but also stable and capable in a way that many of its size category rivals were not. Ford aimed to combine speed with poise, anticipating future interest in grand touring muscle platforms. The car could hustle down the strip while still offering a smoother ride and more refined presence. Its performance figures were strong, but its long-term impact came from how complete it felt. The Torino Cobra Jet helped lay the groundwork for a broader definition of performance. The Rebel Machine packed huge performance into a platform that, according to Street Muscle Mag, many enthusiasts overlooked, delivering one of AMC's most focused muscle car efforts. With bold graphics, a tuned suspension, and real power under the hood, it surprised critics and rivals alike. AMC built it to make a statement, and it did exactly that without relying on brand legacy. It anticipated the value of identity in a crowded field, using design and performance to carve out space. Although short-lived, it introduced ideas that endured in enthusiast circles. The Rebel Machine demonstrated that innovation can sometimes emerge from unexpected places. According to AutoEvolution, the Can Am was Pontiac's attempt to blend full-size comfort with muscle car energy during a time when that balance was becoming harder to achieve. Borrowing performance elements from the Trans Am and applying them to a larger coupe gave it a distinct flavor. Its aggressive styling and powertrain setup made it a standout even in a fading era. The Can Am predicted the future demand for cars that could deliver both space and strength. Despite limited production, it gained a reputation for being one of Pontiac's more daring efforts. It showed that muscle could evolve, even in its final years. These muscle cars introduced ideas and performance that set them apart from everything else on the road. They brought new thinking to design, engineering, and what drivers could expect from a high-powered vehicle. Some arrived before the market was ready, others quietly influenced everything that came after. Their value today goes beyond rarity or nostalgia. These cars helped shape the standards that later generations would follow. Recognizing their place in history reminds us of the importance of early vision in driving change.
Scroll.in
03-07-2025
- General
- Scroll.in
TNPSC Group 4 hall ticket 2025 released; check exam details here
The Tamil Nadu Public Service Commission (TNPSC) has released the hall tickets for the Combined Civil Services Examination - IV (Group IV Services) under Advt. No. 07/2025. Applicants can download their admit cards from the official website The objective type exam (OMR based) will be conducted on July 12, 2025, from 9.30 am to 12.30 pm. The recruitment drive aims to fill 3935 vacancies. 'The Memorandum of Admission (Hall Ticket) for the admitted candidates for the said examinations is hosted in the Commission's website and The Memorandum of Admission (Hall Ticket) shall be downloaded through their One Time Registration (OTR DASHBOARD) by entering his/her Application Number and Date of Birth,' reads the notification. Steps to download Group 4 admit card 2025
Mint
26-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Mint
15 Years of PlayStation Plus: Full line-up of July games and anniversary events revealed
PlayStation Plus is commemorating its 15th anniversary this month, with Sony Interactive Entertainment outlining a range of activities, promotions, and giveaways that will run throughout the summer. The subscription service, which launched on 29 June 2010, has evolved significantly over the years. To mark the milestone, Sony is offering subscribers access to new monthly games, limited-time game trials, store discounts, and competitive gaming events. For the month of July, PlayStation Plus members will be able to download three titles as part of their membership. These includeDiablo IV (available on both PS5 and PS4), a dark fantasy action RPG that features solo and co-op gameplay, cross-platform progression, and an expansive open King of Fighters XV (PS5, PS4) continues the long-running fighting game series with 39 playable characters, rollback netcode for improved online performance, and a bonus 'Classic Leona' costume for fans of the (PS5), a narrative-driven puzzle climbing game, invites players to explore a mysterious tower at their own pace, uncovering the remnants of a lost civilisation through intuitive traversal mechanics. In addition to the regular game offerings, Sony is giving Premium tier subscribers access to time-limited game trials. Starting today, members can tryWWE 2K25, the latest entry in the wrestling franchise which launched earlier this year. Another trial will be available from 30 June forMonster Hunter Wilds, offering players a taste of the upcoming hunting title. From 27 to 29 June, PlayStation Plus members can also benefit from exclusive store discounts on select games. Titles on offer includeSniper Elite: Resistance,Sid Meier's Civilization VII, andStar Wars Outlaws, with special pricing only available during the promotion window. Alongside this, all PS Plus members are eligible to claim a freeValorant pack starting today. The bundle includes two 'Prelude to Chaos' gun buddies, two sprays (Imperium and Chronovoid), one 'Kohaku & Matsuba' player card, and 10 Radianite Points. All items are cosmetic and do not affect gameplay performance. A dedicated PlayStation Plus 15th Anniversary Cup tournament will also kick off on 28 June. Players can participate in 1v1 matchups across various popular titles such asEA Sports FC,NBA 2K,UFC,Madden NFL,College Football, andTekken 8. Prizes include in-game virtual currency, exclusive PlayStation Network avatars, and Sony Pictures Core movie credits. The tournament can be accessed through in-game menus or via custom tournament cards. As part of the celebrations, PlayStation Plus Premium subscribers are being offered a 15 per cent discount on up to 2,000 movie titles available through the Sony Pictures Core platform. The promotion is valid from today through 12 August, although the selection of titles may vary by region and is subject to change without notice. Finally, an online multiplayer weekend will be held from 12:01 am on 28 June until 11:59 pm on 29 June. During this time, all players, even those without an active PlayStation Plus subscription, will be able to access online multiplayer modes across supported games free of charge. Sony has hinted that more announcements and offers could follow in the coming weeks as the company continues to celebrate 15 years of PlayStation Plus.
