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India suffered a 4-0 defeat to higher-ranked Russia in the first of two women’s international friendlies at the Kishore Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata on Thursday. Iana Sheina opened the scoring in the 41st minute before substitute Kira Petukhova struck twice in the second half, in the 60th and 65th minutes, with Iana Svistunova adding a fourth in the 81st minute. Goalkeeper Monalisha Devi Moirangthem made several saves as India, ranked 69th, resisted Russia’s pressure in the first half, but struggled after the break amid heavy rain. Head coach Crispin Chettri handed senior international debuts to six players as India fielded an experimental squad amid an off-field dispute over player releases. The Blue Tigresses will look to bounce back when the teams meet again on Sunday.

BY Photo Webdesk 9 October 2026

Nikola Bartunkova produced a stunning performance to defeat fellow Czech Karolina Muchova 6-3, 6-0 in the China Open quarterfinals on Thursday, October 8. The 20-year-old sealed the victory in just 67 minutes, booking her place in her first WTA 1000 semifinal in Beijing. The 26th seed made a flying start, winning the opening five games before Muchova managed to respond. Despite the seventh seed saving five set points, Bartunkova closed out the first set 6-3. She then dominated the second, winning seven consecutive games to complete the rout. Bartunkova recorded 19 winners against Muchova’s 12 and committed only 15 unforced errors. The victory marked her third career win over a top-10 opponent and guaranteed her debut inside the world’s top 30.

BY Photo Webdesk 9 October 2026

The USS Abraham Lincoln returned to Naval Air Station North Island in Coronado, California, on October 8, as families welcomed sailors home after deployment

BY Photo Webdesk 9 October 2026

Find today's news in pics from India and around the world for October 09, 2026

BY Photo Webdesk 9 October 2026

Colourful body painting adds a creative twist to Navratri 2026 celebrations, as devotees showcase artistic designs inspired by Goddess Durga, traditional motifs and current events

BY Photo Webdesk 9 October 2026

Veteran actor Nana Patekar was cremated with full state honours at his farmhouse in Donje village near Pune. Family, fans, film personalities and political leaders gathered to pay their final respects

BY Photo Webdesk 9 October 2026

Protesters in Bengaluru have raised objections to Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls, amid growing political opposition to the exercise.

BY Photo Webdesk 8 October 2026

Nana Patekar is one of Indian cinema’s most respected actors, known for his powerful performances, distinctive voice, and intense screen presence.

BY Photo Webdesk 8 October 2026

Qinwen Zheng survived a spirited challenge from qualifier Alina Charaeva to reach the China Open quarterfinals with a 6-1, 2-6, 6-4 victory in Beijing. Zheng dominated the opening set but Charaeva responded impressively, taking the second set 6-2 to force a decider. The Chinese star then recovered her composure in the final set, breaking through at crucial moments to close out a two-hour, 11-minute contest. Zheng hit seven aces and converted five of nine break-point opportunities, while Charaeva fought hard with her aggressive returning. The victory marked Zheng's second China Open quarterfinal appearance in four editions and her second consecutive WTA 1000 quarterfinal. She will face sixth seed Elina Svitolina in the last eight.

BY Photo Webdesk 8 October 2026

Elise Mertens produced the biggest result of her China Open campaign by defeating third seed Coco Gauff 6-3, 6-3 in the Round of 16 in Beijing. The Belgian had lost all five of her previous meetings with Gauff but finally ended that run in convincing fashion, sealing victory in 78 minutes. Mertens broke Gauff eight times from 12 opportunities and faced just one break point herself. Gauff struggled badly with her serve and consistency, committing eight double faults and 34 unforced errors. The American also appeared short of energy after a draining few days surrounding online abuse following her previous-round match. Mertens advanced to her first China Open quarterfinal, where she will face six-time Grand Slam champion Iga Swiatek

BY Photo Webdesk 8 October 2026