Bengaluru, April 16 (IANS) Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) skipper Faf du Plessis expressed concern over the team’s confidence following their fifth consecutive defeat in the IPL 2024 season. The team faced a tough challenge against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), who set a new record for the highest total in IPL history with 287/3, leading to RCB’s sixth loss in seven games.

RCB’s bowling strategy came under scrutiny as they opted for a pace-heavy lineup without a specialist spinner. The decision backfired as the bowlers struggled to contain SRH’s batters, resulting in a daunting chase for RCB. Despite the loss, du Plessis lauded the team’s effort and resilience in trying to stay competitive in the game.

In the batting department, du Plessis and Kohli provided a solid start, followed by an impressive innings from Dinesh Karthik. However, RCB fell short of the mammoth target set by SRH, highlighting the need for improvement in maintaining momentum throughout the innings.

Du Plessis emphasized the importance of mental rejuvenation for the team to bounce back from the defeats. He stressed the need for full commitment and fight in the upcoming challenges to turn the tide in their favor. With a break on the horizon, RCB aims to regroup and come back stronger in their next matches.

Overall, RCB’s captain acknowledged the tough phase they are going through but remained optimistic about the team’s potential to overcome the hurdles and make a comeback in the IPL 2024 season.

Barcelona, under coach Xavi Hernandez, is gearing up for a crucial Champions League quarterfinal return leg against Paris Saint-Germain. Xavi credited Luis Enrique, now PSG coach, for his impactful coaching influence, alongside Pep Guardiola and Luis Aragones.

Xavi expressed his admiration for Enrique, stating, “Maybe with Pep Guardiola and Luis Aragones, they are the coaches who have had the greatest impact on me.” He emphasized how their coaching styles have left a lasting impression on him, shaping his own coaching philosophy.

Following a stellar performance in the first leg, Barcelona is optimistic about their chances in the upcoming match. Xavi highlighted the significance of playing at home and urged the fans to create an electric atmosphere similar to the iconic nights at the Camp Nou.

Acknowledging the challenges ahead, Xavi emphasized the need for unity and resilience against a formidable opponent like PSG. He stressed the importance of finding spaces, showcasing personality, and staying tactically sharp to secure a spot in the semifinals.

As the anticipation builds for the high-stakes clash, Xavi remains focused on the task at hand, emphasizing the need for a collective effort from both the team and the supporters. With PSG expected to put up a strong fight, Barcelona is prepared to rise to the occasion and showcase their quality on the pitch.

The 2024 Masters Tournament concluded at Augusta National Golf Club on April 14, 2024, in Augusta, Georgia, with Scottie Scheffler of the United States lifting the coveted crown. Incidentally, he had lifted the title in the 2022 Masters.

The total purse for the 2024 Masters had been increased by $20 million, up from $18 million in 2023 and $15 million in 2022 by Augusta National Golf Club. The winner for this year will take home $3.6 million, up from the $3.24 million last year, an increase of 74% versus three years ago.

Scottie Scheffler hit the winning shot from the third tee during the final round of the 2024 Masters Tournament to lift the title. The 2024 Masters Tournament was beset with inclement weather, with golfers having to battle out the elements, but the weather settled down Saturday and Sunday. There were no major upsets in the final rounds of the tournament, and Scheffler remained on top of the list. With an 11-under-par, hitting four-under-par in the final round, the 27-year-old golfer finished on top.

After Sunday’s action, here’s a look at the final leaderboard and the payouts from the $20 million purse.

1. Scottie Scheffler (-4) $3.6 million

2. Ludvig Åberg (-7) $2.16 million

T3. Collin Morikawa (-4) $1.04 million

T3. Max Homa (-4) $1.04 million

T3. Tommy Fleetwood (-4) $1.04 million

T6. Cameron Smith (-2) $695,000

T6. Bryson DeChambeau (-2) $695,000

8. Xander Schauffele (-1) $620,000

T9. Will Zalatoris (E) $540,000

T9. Tyrrell Hatton (E) $540,000

T9. Cameron Young (E) $540,000

This year has been very productive for Scottie Scheffler of the United States, and his latest exploits add one more feather to his cap and also became the first golfer to repeat as the winner.

Another notable performance which stood out was by Ludvig Åberg, who came in second place in his first Masters this weekend. Though his performance could not win him the title, his seven-under-par showing was not a bad one at all. Trailing Scheffler by just one stroke and leading into the final round before unforced errors cost Collin Morikawa a win.

Another great performance was by Bryson DeChambeau, who had an uneventful Masters career, and the best he could achieve was the 21st position in 2016. However, this year’s Masters was very special, and he finished in sixth place after shooting two-under-par in the tournament.

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