Latest news with #WorldCup
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Business
- Yahoo
The Co Antrim village that could be Liverpool star's next holiday destination
The world's top footballers usually head off to the likes of the Maldives or Dubai for their holidays, but one Premier League star could be planning a trip to Cushendall in the near future! Alexis Mac Allister, who is currently in Hong Kong preparing for the start of the new season with Liverpool, and his girlfriend Ailen Cova could be tempted to pay the County Antrim coastal village a visit after they were tagged in a special picture. A friend of Ailen, who is visiting Cushendall, sent her a snap of Shore Street in the village which included the building where the McAlister family ran their family business for 220 years and their neighbours Cafe Cova. READ MORE: Blow for Coleraine as key signing picks up injury in Fleetwood Town friendly READ MORE: MLA calls on Health officials to explain rationale for Trans healthcare funding With the buildings sharing both their surnames Ailen was quick to tag her partner on Instagram with the caption "destinados mi amor", which translates to "destined my love". Will it lead to the World Cup winner and his partner booking their summer holidays in Cushendall next year, who knows, but they are definitely intrigued by this quirk of fate which has been thrown up. McAlister is a famous name in the village with eight generations of the family having run the shop for over 200 hundred years. Archibald McAlister first opened a general merchant store on Shore Street back in the 1700s. Unfortunately back in 2017 the then owner Andrew McAlister made the difficult decision to close the family business citing the rise of online shopping making the business "no longer viable". Unsurprisingly, given his surname, Mac Allister has links to Ireland with his family originating from the island, specifically Donabate in County Dublin. He also has Italian ancestry through his maternal grandmother.
India.com
an hour ago
- Sport
- India.com
Divya Deshmukh Receives Hero's Welcome In Nagpur After Historic Chess World Cup 2025 Triumph
Divya Deshmukh's return to Nagpur was nothing short of cinematic. The 19-year-old Grandmaster, fresh from her triumph at the FIDE Women's Chess World Cup 2025 in Batumi, Georgia, was welcomed by a jubilant crowd at the airport. Family, friends, and chess fans from across the city gathered to cheer the young star, who has now become the first Indian woman to win the Chess World Cup. "I am happy. I feel very good to see that so many people have gathered here to welcome me. My heart is very happy. I want to give credit to my sister, my whole family, and my first coach, Rahul Joshi..." - Divya Deshmukh! — The Khel India (@TheKhelIndia) July 30, 2025 'I am so happy to receive this affection. My heart is full,' said an emotional Divya, greeted with flowers, cheers, and chants of "Bharat Mata Ki Jai". Her achievement is not just a personal milestone but a historic moment for Indian chess, marking a significant step forward for women in the sport. Toppling a Titan: How Divya Defeated Humpy In the title clash, Divya was up against Koneru Humpy, one of India's most decorated chess players. The final was intense, with both classical games ending in draws. The tie-breakers, however, saw Divya shift gears and show remarkable composure under pressure. A string of minor inaccuracies in the second rapid game proved costly for Humpy. She found herself in a challenging rook endgame, one pawn down, and eventually resigned after 75 moves. The final score: 2.5-1.5 in Divya's favour. Though she missed two earlier opportunities to capitalize on Humpy's missteps, Divya stayed resilient. On move 69, when Humpy captured the f-pawn, it tipped the balance. Divya pounced, making a series of clinical moves that forced the veteran's resignation just six moves later. From Underdog to Grandmaster Divya's journey at the World Cup began with modest expectations. She entered the tournament hoping to notch a GM norm. But as the rounds progressed, the teenager stunned top-seeded opponents, culminating in her beating Humpy—an all-Indian final that electrified the chess community. With this victory, Divya not only clinched the Grandmaster title, but also secured a coveted spot in the FIDE Women's Candidates Tournament and earned a prize purse of USD 50,000. Emotional Tribute to Her Pillars of Strength Fighting back tears at the press conference, Divya paid tribute to those who shaped her journey. 'My parents have played the biggest role in my career. Without them, I would not be here,' she said. She reserved special praise for her late coach, Rahul Joshi, who passed away in 2020 at the age of 40. 'He always dreamed I would become a Grandmaster. This is for him.' She also credited her younger sister Arya Deshmukh, grandparents, and mentor GM Abhijit Kunte, calling him her 'lucky charm'. What's Next for Divya Deshmukh? After the whirlwind of celebrations, Divya plans to take a short break before resuming competitive action at the Grand Swiss Tournament in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, scheduled from September 2 to 16. The event will offer another opportunity for her to test herself against the world's elite and push toward the Women's World Championship crown. 'I'll take some rest this month and prepare for Grand Swiss next,' she shared, already setting her sights on the future. A Symbol of India's Emerging Chess Powerhouse Divya's victory is emblematic of India's chess revolution, particularly among young women. She becomes the fourth Indian woman Grandmaster and the 88th overall in India, reinforcing the country's growing global stature in the game. With young stars like R Praggnanandhaa, Gukesh D, and now Divya Deshmukh rising through the ranks, India's chess future looks incredibly bright. Her success serves as an inspiration for thousands of young girls across the nation dreaming of making it big on the 64 squares.
Time of India
2 hours ago
- Sport
- Time of India
Divya Deshmukh is a Chess World Cup winner - but not a World Champion yet: Why?
Divya Deshmukh (FIDE Photo) Indian chess sensation Divya Deshmukh has made headlines by winning the FIDE Women's World Cup at just 19 years old, but there's a distinction that needs clarification: she is a World Cup winner, not the World Champion. The current Women's World Champion title still belongs to Ju Wenjun of China, who secured her fifth title in April by defeating Lei Tingjie 6.5–2.5. Divya's victory at the World Cup, held in Batumi, Georgia, is no less remarkable. Entering as the 15th seed, she stunned the chess world by beating top-tier opponents, culminating in a thrilling final against India's highest-ranked female player, Koneru Humpy. Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW! After the classical games ended in draws, the match went into rapid tiebreaks. In the first rapid game, Divya held her ground as White, forcing a draw. In the second, playing with the Black pieces, she showed nerves of steel. Humpy, under severe time pressure, made a few critical mistakes in the endgame, which Divya capitalised on to seal the title. What made this victory even more historic was that it earned Divya her final Grandmaster norm, officially making her a Grandmaster: the fourth Indian woman and the 88th Indian overall to achieve this feat. It's a landmark achievement in a career that's just beginning to bloom. ALSO READ: Chess | 'Security protocol': Why Divya Deshmukh played World Cup-winning move inside empty venue While the World Cup is a prestigious knockout-format tournament, the World Championship is a separate title, usually determined through a longer match between a reigning champion and a challenger. Hence, while Divya is now a World Cup champion and a Grandmaster, Ju Wenjun remains the reigning World Champion. Crucially, Divya's World Cup win has earned her a spot in the upcoming FIDE Women's Candidates Tournament, the gateway to the World Championship match. The winner of the Candidates will earn the right to challenge the reigning World Champion, putting Divya firmly on the path to possibly claiming the ultimate crown in women's chess. Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
Scoop
2 hours ago
- Sport
- Scoop
Rising Stars Set For OFC U-16 Women's Championship In Samoa
Press Release – OFC Defending champions New Zealand return with their sights set on another title, while hosts Samoa look to build on their impressive runner-up finish in the previous edition, buoyed by passionate home support. The stage is set in Apia for the 2025 OFC U-16 Women's Championship, as eight Pacific nations prepare to compete for regional glory and qualification for the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup 2027 in Morocco. Defending champions New Zealand return with their sights set on another title, while hosts Samoa look to build on their impressive runner-up finish in the previous edition, buoyed by passionate home support. At today's pre-tournament media conference, all eight teams shared a clear message: this championship is about more than results, it's a platform for growth, pride, and progress. There is plenty to play for, with the tournament winners and runners up qualifying for next year's FIFA U-17 Women's World Cuyp in Morocco. Led by Juan Chang Urrea, Samoa's youthful squad enters the tournament riding a wave of national excitement following the senior team's strong showing at the OFC Women's Nations Cup. Urrea said his side are proud to represent Samoa on home soil. 'We want every team to have an amazing experience in our beautiful country. But on the field, we don't think about tomorrow, we focus on winning today.' 'This is about being examples, on and off the pitch. We'll turn gratitude into growth and make Samoa proud with every action.' Chang Urrea said. Under head coach Alana Gunn, New Zealand brings a balanced squad blending tournament experience and fresh talent. The reigning champions are focused on continuing their dominant run, while developing players for the global stage. 'Every match here teaches adaptability to different styles, to life on tour, to growing as athletes and people,' said Gunn. 'The U-17 World Cup isn't just an achievement, it's a global stage where dreams become reality. That's what we're preparing these players for.' Inspired by their senior team's historic OFC Women's Nations Cup victory, the Solomon Islands aim to channel that momentum into their youth campaign under Japanese coach Kato Yamashita. 'Our goal is to become champions, but more importantly, to connect these players with the world through football,' said Yamashita. 'The Nations Cup win showed what's possible. Now it's their turn to inspire the next generation.' With a proud footballing tradition and increasing investment in women's football, New Caledonia arrives eager to compete under head coach Kengi Vendegu. 'I want the girls to have fun on the pitch,' said Vendegu. 'Yes, World Cup qualification is at stake, but it's also about enjoying the game and showing what we've worked hard on.' Coach Marika Rondu leads a diverse squad representing the full spectrum of Fiji's development system, from veterans making a third tournament appearance to newcomers experiencing international football for the first time. 'For some of these girls, it's their first flight, their first time away from home,' Rondu explained. 'Each game is a learning opportunity, not just in football, but in life as an athlete. We're growing day by day.' Tonga coach Shinsuke Okiso brings a philosophical approach, placing emphasis on mindset, self-belief, and long-term growth. 'I don't want them to just play, I want them to leave here with greater ambition,' he said. 'Playing for the national team means playing for yourself first, then for your team. I want them to feel something real and lasting from this experience.' Making their tournament debut having won the qualifying tournament earlier this year, American Samoa marks a major milestone in the nation's footballing journey. Coach Diane Justus sees this as a pivotal moment. 'This is history for our country,' said Justus.'It's our first time reaching this level. We're here to make the nation proud and show we can compete, and grow beyond where we've been before. Under the guidance of Delphine Soret, Tahiti arrives with a focus on patience and technical development. Their approach is about building solid foundations for the future. Soret and her staff are looking for progress, composure, and growth across the tournament, laying the groundwork for long-term success. The tournament kicks off tomorrow in Apia, with Fiji playing Tahiti in the opening group A match followed by Samoa against New Caledonia.
CAF
2 hours ago
- Sport
- CAF
TotalEnergies CAF CHAN 2024: South Africa team profile
File Fact: Nickname: Bafana Bafana Total Appearances: Three (2011, 2014, 2025) Last Appearance: Algeria 2022 (Did not qualify) Titles: 0 FIFA Ranking: 56 Coach: Molefe Ntseki Captain: Neo Maema South Africa Eye First Knockout Spot At TotalEnergies CHAN Having qualified for the TotalEnergies CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) for only the fourth time, South Africa will be hoping to finally break their group-stage curse and go deeper into the tournament. Bafana Bafana's CHAN journey has been a mixed one. Their best performance came in 2014 on home soil when they made it out of the group stages but were knocked out in the quarter-finals by Nigeria. Since then, they've struggled to make a meaningful impact, with disappointing campaigns in 2016 and failure to qualify in 2018 and 2022. This year, South Africa return with renewed intent and a squad selected from the country's domestic-based players, giving a platform for local talent to shine on the continental stage. Despite hosting the tournament in 2014, they've never reached the semi-final stage. This year presents a big opportunity to rewrite that history. What To Expect: There is cautious optimism around this Bafana Bafana team, which features domestic league standouts and emerging stars the lower division. With more technical depth and attacking flair than in previous editions, expectations are that Ntseki's side will aim to at least make the knockout phase. Fan Zone: Did you know? South Africa's only senior continental title came at the TotalEnergies CAF AFCON 1996 on home soil. Since then, the country has been chasing another major trophy at senior level. While CHAN is not contested with overseas-based players, it remains a prestigious platform, especially for homegrown talent seeking to break into the senior Bafana Bafana squad for future TotalEnergies CAF AFCON or World Cup campaigns. How They Qualified: South Africa sealed their spot at the finals after a dominant 2-1 aggregate win over Malawi in the final qualification round. Under the guidance of coach Molefi, the squad impressed over both legs with attacking intent and solid defensive shape. Key Player To Watch: Neo Maema The Mamelodi Sundowns attacking midfielder is a visionary player who is renowned for both creating and finishing off scoring chances. His influence was vital as Bafana Bafana managed to qualify for the next edition of the CHAN. Know The Coach: Know The Coach: Molefi Ntseki Molefi Ntseki returns to the national team fold with the responsibility of guiding Bafana Bafana's CHAN squad. The 54-year-old previously served as head coach of the senior national team from 2019 to 2021, having also worked extensively within SAFA's youth structures, including the U17 and U20 teams. Known for his tactical discipline and deep knowledge of domestic football, Ntseki is seen as a coach who can get the best out of locally-based players. His focus on structured build-up play and defensive organisation will be key in South Africa's quest to make it past the group stage for just the second time in TotalEnergies CAF CHAN history. Past CHAN Performances: 2011 (Sudan): Group Stage Exit Group Stage Exit 2013 (South Africa): Quarter-final (Lost to Nigeria) Quarter-final (Lost to Nigeria) 2016 (Rwanda): Did Not Qualify Did Not Qualify 2019 (Morocco) Did not qualify Did not qualify 2022 (Algeria): Did not qualify
