#winners round 1 match 1 phase 2

[monotart]

sorry for posting again already but i had a really funny idea after finishing the last drawing mer christmas eevee (POKEMON!!!!!!!!!!!!) like comment and subscribe and maybe there will be a wordle surprise in your stocking! Thats right guys, im investing in the stock market using ALL YOUR MONEY! What?

[7grandmel]

Todays rip: 13/02/2024

NIGHTMARESCAPE 〜Unrestrained HyperCam 2〜 (Final Boss Phase 2)

Season 4 Episode 1 Featured on: FINAL BOUT ~ SiIvaGunner: King for Another Day Tournament Original Soundtrack VOL. 3

Ripped by Princess Sylvysprit Visuals by 813N

I covered KFAD just two posts ago with Unhealed, and a big point I wanted to drive home in that post was just how much effort each and every ripper and contributor put into the event, in a way that still feels unbelievably impressive to this day. It's no secret that the King for Another Day Tournament absolutely ballooned in scope from its initial proposal, with tons of things added and changed last-minute to keep raising the bar even higher. And that scope is, again, the main reason why I cover the event so prominently when discussing Season 4 Episode 1, as its unprecedented scale and quality throughout eclipsed anything the channel had done up until that point (and, arguably, since!). Yet for as troubled as production reportedly was, as unchecked as that ambition might have been, its incredible to think that...most all of it still managed to stick the landing? And there's no better example of this in action, I find, than NIGHTMARESCAPE 〜Unrestrained HyperCam 2〜 (Final Boss Phase 2).

I think it came as a surprise to most of us, especially those who had followed the original King for a Day tournament just a year earlier, that the second contest slowly began to grow itself a sort of storyline. It wasn't much, and it wasn't in the forefront - but ones who remembered to check the King for Another Day MOJO website would get to see in universe "interviews" with the event's contestants, small little side stories in their time between matches, and full-on emotional beats of character development. As I mentioned way back in mines.ogg (unused) (and of course in Unhealed), a contestant like MissingNo wound up actually becoming a fleshed-out, fully-rounded character, more than just a vague concept attached to a source list. I truly salute the team who worked on the MOJO writing, being able to effectively improvise such an effective narrative and writing wholly unique dynamics and developments based on the per-match outcomes of the tournament. All of this all-around development, this investment into the entire cast of the event, and the excitement for the final match, made the surprise reveal to come so much more exciting - the reveal that the King for Another Day Tournament had a final boss to defeat.

Winner of the prior year's King for a Day Tournament and the in-universe host of the entire second tournament, Unregistered Hypercam 2 fell victim to possession by the mysterious "crown", set to be awarded to the Tournament's winner. Controlled by a still-unexplained sentient life found within the crown's ruby, the final match between DJ Professor K and Mariya Takeuchi wound up suspended - as this new monstrous force threatened to keep the Tournament running forever, eternally suspended with no resolution, yet another timeloop right alongside the one the Christmas Comeback Crisis already presents in the channel's main story. The Tournament calls for the help of both finalists, every other contestant - and the power of us, the viewers, to use the "MF LIKE BUTTON" from all the way back in Season 1's lore - to fight against and destroy the concept of eternal safety, the concept of maintaining stagnation for the sake of not losing those temporary moments of joy.

...look, I could over-analyze and dissect this finale as much as I want, about how pitch-perfectly each storybeat fell into place to truly connect the King for Another Day Tournament to the theming and narrative that the prior three Seasons had been so rigorously following, but...we're here to cover the theme of the battle itself. But I felt that all this context did need to be conveyed in some way - becuase NIGHTMARESCAPE 〜Unrestrained HyperCam 2〜 (Final Boss Phase 2) reflects the tone and energy of the entire event so pitch-perfectly, it amazed me to learn just how last-minute its production truly was. Princess Sylvysprit employs her expertise and familiarity with the Touhou series to arrange Dreamscape, anthem of the old internet that Hypercam represents, into a rhythmic, hectic, exciting melody, with a sense of dread overlaid on top of it all from the heavy synth covering it (see, there WAS a point in covering Nostalgic Blood of the Gregg ~ Old Source right before this!). It becomes a full-on back and fourth, triumphant higher-key brass responding to the droning eternity of Hypercam's synth melody - made even clearer as the melody and instrumentation occasioally changes to reflect the two finalists' own sourcelists. The amount of layers present in this theme are absolutely incredible, from the choir adding a sense of dread to the track's Hypercam-led sections, to the lone piano sounding as if the original Hypercam is trying to break free from the eternal spell he's been cast under, to the incorporation of the King for Another Day Tournament's main theme for the chorus - we may not see the battle play out, yet the music all on its own conveys a battle in such an engrossing, layered way.

The visual of the Unrestrained Hypercam 2's looming figure just adds the final touch upon it all, wielding the same spinning buzz-saw that was seen severing the thread of hope for all contestants way back in the "opening" to the tournament as a whole. The finality of the story was conveyed so expertly on every front, and the excitement back then was palpable - I still have my contribution to the MF LIKE BUTTON's power left on the video from all the way back in 2019, alongside 14 thousand other viewers (19 thousand on the video announcing the battle!). A duel with the Hypercam, and NIGHTMARESCAPE 〜Unrestrained HyperCam 2〜 (Final Boss Phase 2) by extension, may not have been part of the initial plan for the event - but I am so, so happy that it wound up happening. Because the sense of community and excitement that I, and so many others, felt at this very moment of the channel's life, is one I'll forever cherish.

[mysterycharacterbracket]

Roadmap Update

Since a majority of my current followers joined while the tournament was already underway, I figured I would give a recap of everything that's happened so far.

Seeding Phase

We started this tournament with an even 300 characters. First, they were randomized, numbered 1-300, and put into round 1, where they competed in 100 polls of 3 characters a piece. We grouped them into 8 batches of 11 polls and 1 batch of 12 polls.

Then, the 100 winners were sent to the winners bracket, while the 200 losers were seeded by the number of votes they received in the first round:

The top 26 characters (who received 57 votes or more) were also sent to the winners bracket as wild cards,

the 3 characters who received 56 votes were sent to a tiebreaker where the top two characters were also declared wild cards and the loser went to the first round bye group below,

the next 79 characters (who received between 35 and 55 votes) went to the losers bracket but received first round byes,

the 9 characters who received 34 votes were sent to a tiebreaker where the top 4 characters received a bye but the other 5 went to the first round,

and the other 83 characters who received 33 votes or less went to the first round of the losers bracket.

The winners bracket, the second round of the losers bracket, and the first round of the losers bracket were re-randomized. This created a modified double elimination bracket, with an even 128 characters in the winners bracket and 128 in the 2nd round of the losers bracket, with 84 slots coming from the second tier and the remaining 44 slots filled by the first round.

Bracket Phase

Once the brackets were set, it became entirely 2-character polls within each bracket. After the first round of the losers bracket, we had groups of 3 rounds, each group cutting the number of polls and participants in half. We alternated every 3 rounds between

the losers bracket (preceded by an L below),

the winners bracket (preceded by a W below),

and a round between the losers bracket winner and the winners bracket loser (also part of the losers bracket).

The groups of rounds were as follows:

First, round L1 lasted 44 polls, or 4 batches of 11 polls.

The first group was rounds L2, W1 and L3, which each lasted 64 polls (8 batches of 8 polls each).

Then rounds L4, W2, and L5 consisted of 32 polls each (4 batches of 8 polls)

Next, rounds L6, W3, and L7 had 16 polls each (2 batches of 8 polls)

Rounds L8, W4 and L9 included 8 polls each (one batch per round)

And rounds L10, W5, and L11 took 4 polls each (again, all in one batch)

This is the pattern that has continued into today. We have now completed five of these groups, and there is only one more before we hit the Final Four!

6. Rounds L12, W6 and L13 will utilize just 2 polls each (both in the same batch)

FINAL FOUR

The Final Four will start with the last group as described above with only one poll a piece:

Round L14 will be the losers bracket semifinal, with the loser taking 4th place overall

Round W7 will be the winners bracket final, with the loser dropping to L15 and the winner advancing straight to the championship

And round L15 will be the losers bracket final, with the loser taking 3rd place overall and the winner advancing to the championship

Then we will have the ULTIMATE CHAMPIONSHIP match between the winners of the two brackets! The loser of that match will take 2nd place overall and the winner will be deemed the CHAMPION of this tournament!

[cricnewz]

Best Captains in India vs England Test Cricket History

India vs England in Test cricket is more than just a contest between bat and ball. It’s a battle of minds, strategies, and leadership. Over the decades, many great captains have led their sides into this classic rivalry, shaping its narrative with bold decisions, tactical brilliance, and inspirational performances. Some led from the front with the bat or ball, while others orchestrated victories with their sharp cricketing brains. Let’s look at some of the best captains in India vs England Test history — leaders who not only won matches but also left a lasting legacy.

1. Ajit Wadekar (India)

Ajit Wadekar may not have had the flashiest record overall, but his leadership in 1971 changed the course of Indian cricket. He led India to their first-ever Test series win in England — a feat that was almost unthinkable at the time. Wadekar’s calm demeanor, trust in his match-winners like Bhagwat Chandrasekhar and Sunil Gavaskar, and sharp decision-making helped India conquer England in their own backyard. That series win gave India the belief that they could compete and win abroad. Wadekar’s name is forever etched in history for that landmark victory.

2. Mike Brearley (England)

Mike Brearley wasn’t the most prolific batsman, but when it came to captaincy, few could match his cricketing intellect. His leadership was instrumental during England’s battles with India in the late 1970s. Brearley’s understanding of his bowlers — especially someone as mercurial as Ian Botham — and his ability to get the best out of his team made him a standout captain. Under his guidance, England often outmaneuvered India tactically, showing how smart captaincy can influence the outcome of a series.

3. Sourav Ganguly (India)

Sourav Ganguly took over Indian cricket during a turbulent phase, but under his leadership, India found its fighting spirit. His 2002 tour of England stands out, especially the memorable win at Leeds, where India played four bowlers and dominated the game with smart batting and relentless bowling. Ganguly’s aggressive mindset, belief in young talent, and refusal to be intimidated by overseas conditions helped redefine India’s approach to Test cricket. Against England, he proved that India could play tough cricket abroad and not just survive — but thrive.

Also Read:- Virat Kohli Career Stats And Overview

4. Andrew Strauss (England)

Andrew Strauss might not be the flashiest name on this list, but his reign saw England dominate India in a way few other captains had managed. The 2011 series in England, where India was whitewashed 4-0, was one of Strauss’s most commanding performances as a leader. He marshaled a well-rounded bowling attack, backed his batsmen, and executed plans with precision. That series win wasn't just a triumph — it was a statement. Strauss's calm, methodical approach helped England reach the top of the Test rankings during his tenure.

5. Virat Kohli (India)

No modern discussion about Indian Test cricket can ignore Virat Kohli. Passionate, aggressive, and intensely competitive, Kohli brought a new energy to India's Test side. Against England, he showed both personal and team growth. His 2018 tour of England, while a series loss, was personally a redemption story with the bat. But it was the 2021 tour — where India led 2-1 before the final Test was postponed — that truly highlighted Kohli's leadership. He backed fast bowlers, demanded high fitness standards, and built a team that could fight anywhere. Kohli made India a formidable Test side, home and away.

6. Joe Root (England)

Joe Root led England through a transitional period but remained a standout performer with the bat. His captaincy against India saw both highs and lows — a famous win in Chennai in 2021 and a strong fightback in the rescheduled 2022 Test. Root’s poise under pressure and ability to lead by example, particularly in hostile Indian conditions, made him a respected figure on both sides.

These captains shaped the IND vs ENG rivalry in their own ways — through strategy, inspiration, and character. In a series rich with history, it’s these leaders who elevated the battles, making them memorable chapters in cricket’s grand story.

Also Read:- England Cricket Team Schedule and Fixtures

[icecricnews247]

Best Captains in India vs England Test Cricket History

India vs England in Test cricket is more than just a contest between bat and ball. It’s a battle of minds, strategies, and leadership. Over the decades, many great captains have led their sides into this classic rivalry, shaping its narrative with bold decisions, tactical brilliance, and inspirational performances. Some led from the front with the bat or ball, while others orchestrated victories with their sharp cricketing brains. Let’s look at some of the best captains in India vs England Test history — leaders who not only won matches but also left a lasting legacy.

1. Ajit Wadekar (India)

Ajit Wadekar may not have had the flashiest record overall, but his leadership in 1971 changed the course of Indian cricket. He led India to their first-ever Test series win in England — a feat that was almost unthinkable at the time. Wadekar’s calm demeanor, trust in his match-winners like Bhagwat Chandrasekhar and Sunil Gavaskar, and sharp decision-making helped India conquer England in their own backyard. That series win gave India the belief that they could compete and win abroad. Wadekar’s name is forever etched in history for that landmark victory.

2. Mike Brearley (England)

Mike Brearley wasn’t the most prolific batsman, but when it came to captaincy, few could match his cricketing intellect. His leadership was instrumental during England’s battles with India in the late 1970s. Brearley’s understanding of his bowlers — especially someone as mercurial as Ian Botham — and his ability to get the best out of his team made him a standout captain. Under his guidance, England often outmaneuvered India tactically, showing how smart captaincy can influence the outcome of a series.

3. Sourav Ganguly (India)

Sourav Ganguly took over Indian cricket during a turbulent phase, but under his leadership, India found its fighting spirit. His 2002 tour of England stands out, especially the memorable win at Leeds, where India played four bowlers and dominated the game with smart batting and relentless bowling. Ganguly’s aggressive mindset, belief in young talent, and refusal to be intimidated by overseas conditions helped redefine India’s approach to Test cricket. Against England, he proved that India could play tough cricket abroad and not just survive — but thrive.

Also Read:- Virat Kohli Career Stats And Overview

4. Andrew Strauss (England)

Andrew Strauss might not be the flashiest name on this list, but his reign saw England dominate India in a way few other captains had managed. The 2011 series in England, where India was whitewashed 4-0, was one of Strauss’s most commanding performances as a leader. He marshaled a well-rounded bowling attack, backed his batsmen, and executed plans with precision. That series win wasn't just a triumph — it was a statement. Strauss's calm, methodical approach helped England reach the top of the Test rankings during his tenure.

5. Virat Kohli (India)

No modern discussion about Indian Test cricket can ignore Virat Kohli. Passionate, aggressive, and intensely competitive, Kohli brought a new energy to India's Test side. Against England, he showed both personal and team growth. His 2018 tour of England, while a series loss, was personally a redemption story with the bat. But it was the 2021 tour — where India led 2-1 before the final Test was postponed — that truly highlighted Kohli's leadership. He backed fast bowlers, demanded high fitness standards, and built a team that could fight anywhere. Kohli made India a formidable Test side, home and away.

6. Joe Root (England)

Joe Root led England through a transitional period but remained a standout performer with the bat. His captaincy against India saw both highs and lows — a famous win in Chennai in 2021 and a strong fightback in the rescheduled 2022 Test. Root’s poise under pressure and ability to lead by example, particularly in hostile Indian conditions, made him a respected figure on both sides.

These captains shaped the IND vs ENG rivalry in their own ways — through strategy, inspiration, and character. In a series rich with history, it’s these leaders who elevated the battles, making them memorable chapters in cricket’s grand story.

Also Read:- England Cricket Team Schedule and Fixtures

[icenews]

Top 5 Reasons Why PBKS Reached Their First IPL Final in Years

For years, Punjab Kings (PBKS) have been the perennial underdogs of the Indian Premier League. Despite having a loyal fanbase and some iconic players over the seasons, the franchise has struggled to put together a complete campaign. But all of that changed in IPL 2025. PBKS stunned everyone by storming into the final for the first time in years, finally fulfilling the promise they've long shown. Their journey wasn’t a fluke—it was the result of smart decisions, consistent performances, and a fearless mindset. Here are the top five reasons behind PBKS’s long-awaited run to the final.

1. Balanced Squad and Smart Team Selection

This season, PBKS finally found the right balance in their playing XI. For a franchise that often relied too heavily on a few big names, 2025 saw them backing a more well-rounded squad. There was a clear plan in place: blend youth with experience, and rotate smartly based on conditions. The management’s commitment to consistency in team selection allowed players to settle into their roles. Whether it was explosive openers, solid middle-order anchors, or specialist bowlers, each player had clarity and purpose. And that made a huge difference across the tournament.

2. Shikhar Dhawan’s Calm Leadership

Shikhar Dhawan, the captain and senior statesman, was the glue that held it all together. While not the loudest presence on the field, his calm and composed leadership gave the team a sense of direction. He led from the front with the bat and never let pressure situations rattle him. His experience in handling both success and failure rubbed off on the younger players. Under his guidance, PBKS played with more maturity and composure than in previous seasons. Dhawan’s steady hand ensured that the team didn’t lose focus, even in crunch moments.

3. Emergence of New Match-Winners

One of the most exciting aspects of PBKS’s 2025 run was the emergence of young players who stepped up at crucial times. Ashutosh Sharma became a reliable name in the middle order, delivering match-winning knocks with an attitude that screamed confidence. On the bowling side, new faces like Arshdeep Singh and another young pacer consistently picked up wickets during key phases of the game. PBKS didn’t depend solely on foreign stars or experienced Indian names—they built a core of Indian talent that thrived under pressure and delivered when it mattered.

Read More:- The RCB IPL 2025 Victory Celebration Unfolds

4. Consistent Finishing and Clutch Performances

A big part of PBKS’s struggles in the past had to do with their inability to close out tight games. This year, they flipped the script. Whether it was defending low totals or chasing steep targets, the team showed resilience in the final overs. Liam Livingstone played the role of the finisher to perfection on multiple occasions, while the bowlers executed yorkers and slower balls with precision at the death. These small moments—often the difference between victory and defeat—went PBKS’s way because of better execution and belief in pressure situations.

5. Improved Bowling Unit and Tactical Depth

For once, PBKS didn’t just rely on power-hitting. Their bowling unit became a true strength. Kagiso Rabada led the pace attack with fire and accuracy, while the spin department—anchored by Harpreet Brar and Rahul Chahar—played key roles on slower tracks. The team had options and flexibility; they could attack up front or tighten the screws in the middle overs. Their bowling plans were spot-on in several matches, showing that this was a team that wasn’t just relying on brute force, but also on thoughtful tactics.

In 2025, PBKS found the right mix of talent, leadership, and belief. They didn’t just reach the final by chance—they earned it, match by match. And though they still chase their first title, this campaign has already redefined what the franchise stands for. Punjab Kings are no longer just hopefuls—they’re real contenders.

Read More:- Anushka Sharma Shares Fans Celebrate RCB IPL Win

[namantogwe]

Axar Patel: The Silent Match-Winner Every Fantasy Gamer Must Pick on the Best Fantasy Sports App

Axar Patel’s all-round brilliance makes him a fantasy cricket favorite. Learn how to maximize your points using the best fantasy sports app and strategic picks like Axar.

  I. Introduction  

Brief intro to Axar Patel as one of India’s top-performing all-rounders.

His evolution from a T20 spinner to a dependable Test and IPL performer.

Highlight how his multi-skill set makes him a fantasy goldmine.

Tie-in with how the best fantasy sports app helps identify and track players like him.

II. Axar Patel’s Rise in Indian Cricket  

Quick background: debut in 2014, consistent rise across formats.

Notable performances:

Test debut vs England (2021 ��� 27 wickets in 3 matches).

Regular IPL impact: economical bowling + useful cameos with the bat.

Known for:

Accuracy and discipline

Tactical bowling

Handy finisher with the bat

III. Why Axar Patel Is a Must-Have on Fantasy Teams  

All-Round Contributions: Points from both batting and bowling.

Consistent Economy Rate: Especially in IPL — bonus fantasy points.

Wicket-Taking in Middle Overs: Crucial phase in fantasy scoring.

Underrated Finishing Power: Can score 20–30 quick runs in lower order.

High Match Fitness and Availability: Regularly features in all formats and tournaments.

IV. Fantasy Strategy: When and Where to Pick Axar Patel  

Best picks for:

Turning pitches (Delhi, Chennai, Lucknow).

Matches against spin-vulnerable teams.

Captain/Vice-Captain Option: In slow pitch conditions or when batting position is higher.

IPL & T20 format focus: consistent economy + pressure spells + late-over runs.

ODI & Test formats: bonus points from long spells and potential for 5-wicket hauls.

V. Role of the Best Fantasy Sports App in Making Smarter Picks  

In-app tools to assess Axar’s:

Recent form

Opponent analysis

Pitch behavior

Team selection tools with filters for all-rounders and economy stats

Notifications about playing XI confirmation, weather/pitch reports

Insights from fantasy experts on players like Axar

VI. Game-Changing Matches: Axar’s Fantasy Impact in Action  

Highlight 2–3 matches where Axar Patel delivered big fantasy points:

Example 1: IPL 2022 – Match-winning spell + quick 25 runs

Example 2: Test vs England – 6-wicket haul on Day 1

Detailed breakdown of how many fantasy points he generated

How users on the best fantasy sports app capitalized on his selection

VII. How to Build a Fantasy Team Around Axar Patel  

Suggested fantasy team combination:

2–3 all-rounders including Axar

3 bowlers

3 top-order batters

1 wicketkeeper

1 finisher/impact player

Pairing Axar with similar role-based players (e.g., Ravindra Jadeja, Moeen Ali)

When to make Axar your captain/vice-captain

Risk management tips if he’s used only as a bowler or comes in late to bat

VIII. Lessons Fantasy Players Can Learn from Axar Patel  

Importance of consistency over stardom in fantasy leagues

Multi-skilled players = double the points potential

Always consider form, pitch, and opponent — not just the big names

Axar proves why balanced players are the true fantasy MVPs

IX. Conclusion + Call to Action  

Recap why Axar Patel should be on your radar for every fantasy match.

Reiterate his value: all-rounder, consistent, under-the-radar performer.

CTA: “Want more value from every pick? Make smarter fantasy moves with players like Axar Patel. Download the best fantasy sports app today and start building your winning squad!”

[careerkickservice]

Free NEET College Predictor 2025: Know Your College as Per Your Rank

Are you a NEET 2025 candidate looking for which medical college can be your top pick? At Careerkick Services, we understand how confusing and stressful this phase can be. Different Colleges, cut-offs, and so many doubts, that is why we designed the free NEET college Predictor 2025, to eliminate the guesswork and simplify the decision-making process for you. Simply put your NEET score, and our tool will present you with a good sense of which colleges you're going to qualify for, using actual data and past trends. It's built to simplify your choice and make it more informed. Whether you are looking at a top government medical college or considering private colleges, our predictor helps you see clearly when you need to most. If you also have questions like:

• Which colleges can I get with my NEET rank? • Do I attend a government college or think about private colleges as well? • How can I rank colleges while filling choices?

Our NEET College Predictor is made to provide all these answers with a minimal number of easy inputs. Let's see how it does that and how you can best utilize it.

What Is the NEET College Predictor 2025?

Our NEET Predictor 2025 is a simple, free online calculator that assists you in estimating which medical colleges you can expect to get based on your NEET rank, category, state, and other important details. Whether you are targeting MBBS or BDS, this calculator provides you with a clear idea of your choices even before the counseling process starts. It's a tactical roadmap to shortlist the colleges that best match your profile and devise a winner-winning choice-filling strategy. Our NEET College Predictor 2025 is easy to use and yet highly accurate. It's based on the most recent NEET cut-off trends as well as past data, to provide you with precise predictions and the best part is, it's free to use, with no extra charges or any sort of registration process.

Why Use the NEET College Predictor?

The predictor is founded on authentic data from previous rounds of NEET counseling to help you make better, fact-based decisions. With its sophisticated integrated data, you can easily separate colleges based on course type, type of college, and geography. And the good news is, it's completely free to use, with no extra charges or registration procedures. Here are a few points on why should one use our NEET College Predictor.

1. Well-Informed Decisions:

The predictor relies on real data from previous rounds of NEET counseling to help you make better decisions regarding which colleges you can go up to with your rank, category, and quota.

2. Smart Choice Filling:

While counseling, you must fill your options in the right order. Our tool helps you create a thought-out preference list by bringing colleges with your profile, improving your chances of getting a better allotment.

3. Saves Time & Reduces Stress

Our predictor is quick and reliable so instead of delving through hundreds of PDFs and websites, keep all your potential college options at hand.

4. Includes All Quotas & Categories

Along with the All India Quota or State Quota, General or Reserved category application, our predictor provides you with the appropriate result according to your profile such as MBBS and BDS courses of government, private, and deemed universities.

Conclusion

The NEET College Predictor 2025 is a convenient and free tool for all NEET students. It provides you with a proper understanding of the colleges you can get according to your rank, category, and state. This aids in better planning for counseling and making better decisions during choice filling. You don't have to visit many websites, everything is here. It saves time, decreases stress, and provides you with confidence in your choice. Use our predictor today on CareerKickPredictor.in and start towards your dream medical college!

[banishingsigils]

i'm re-running my powerbuilding program and i'm in the midst of phase 1, week 2 right now. i was curious how this phase 1 compared to the last one in november, namely how/if my base has increased.

and mostly, yes!

squat -> +20 lbs (130 lbs to 150 lbs for 4x8)

bench -> +10 lbs (70 lbs to 80s lbs for 4x8)

deadlift -> +5 lbs** (175 lbs to 180 lbs for 4x8)

**i switched from pulling conventional to sumo during the last training block and i matched the prescribed rpe better this time than in november. my ceiling is definitely higher pulling sumo because i jumped up in weight week-to-week and ended at 225 lbs during peak week and i was not managing that with conventional. or rather, it was more of a grind to progress.

i really wasn't expecting squat to be the winner here, but squat and i are friends right now so maybe i shouldn't be surprised. i do think back to my first time ever doing this program, and i overshot my first squat day. i thought i could do 150 lbs then and, friend, i could not - not at that volume. and look at me now! an rpe 8 effort for 4 sets of 8 reps.

and i'm delighted with bench even though i remain overall frustrated with it as a lift. there is progress there even if it feels slight every week! here's hoping i can put up some numbers with bench this go-round.

[lovingcrownkryptonite]

PSL 2024 Key Phases:

PSL 2024 Key Phases:

Group Stage (Feb 17 – Mar 12):

All 6 teams play in a double round-robin format.

Venues: Lahore, Karachi, Multan, Rawalpindi.

Playoffs:

Qualifier (1st vs 2nd): Mar 14 (Winner advances to final).

Eliminator 1 (3rd vs 4th): Mar 15 (Loser eliminated).

Eliminator 2 (Loser of Qualifier vs Winner of Eliminator 1): Mar 16 (Final spot psl matches schedule ).

Final: Mar 18 (National Stadium, Karachi).

Match Timings (UTC):

Matches in Pakistan are usually played in Pakistan Standard Time (PST = UTC+5).

Typical start times (convert to UTC):

Day Matches: ~10:00 AM PST = 05:00 UTC.

Night Matches: ~7:00 PM PST = 14:00 UTC.

For exact UTC timings of specific matches, check the PSL website or apps like Cricbuzz.

[stateofsport211]

📸 ATP official website

Also headlining the other evening in the Koblenz Challenger was the German derby involving 2 people in different career stages, where wild card and rising junior (transitioning into the professional stage) Diego Dedura-Palomero faced 27-year-old qualifier Florian Broska, who might be a late-bloomer in his Challenger phase, for a spot in the second round. This match turned out to bring the best out of them for the first half, but it ended differently in the second set.

Diego had a nervy start as he faced several break points along the way, trying to deal with Florian's aggression, but the latter confidently moved forward through his volleys to force another deuce, but the former eventually still massively held his serves to 1-0. Florian's working volley also put himself a point ahead, but the possible break of serve did not happen as Diego held his serves to 2-1. The older German might have leveled the play with a forehand winner in the fifth game, but the younger one came up with an opportune backhand pass to set up his game point before holding his serves to 3-2.

Several moments later, Florian's forehand errors became costly, and Diego had his initial chance to serve for the first set. However, his erratic service game drove himself south, which was marked by his frequent forehand errors to be broken back 5-4, with Florian's backhand winner setting up the said break point. Forcing the deuce by mixing the rhythm up with the slices, the break of serve also did not happen as the wild card still held his serves to 6-5.

The tie-breaker became unavoidable, with Diego having a fair moment through a backhand pass to mini-break 2-0 only to be mini-broken back several points later over a forehand error (2-2). Florian also scored a forehand winner to initially mini-break 5-4, but another unforced error foiled it. Through his serves, Diego generated his initial set point (6-5), only for Florian's fourth-shot backhand pass to save it (6-6). It took 2 more consecutive holds before Florian came up with his initial set point through his forehand winner, but Diego's double-fault allowed the former to take the first set 7-6(7) to put himself ahead in this match.

[mgs-vocal-song-tourney]

ROUND 2 OFFICIAL BRACKET

Good timezone, everybody! Hope you're all enjoying the tournament. Thank you all so much for voting in the first round. Also special thanks to those who reblogged/added propaganda for their fave songs!

Now that Round 1's out of the way, we're now in the phase of the tournament where songs can actually be kicked out, rather than just moved to a lower bracket. So the pressure's on, y'all~

I've given enough preamble. Here's the bracket for Round 2!

The first four matches of the Losers' Bracket (bottom half), which are:

Oishii Two-Han Seikatsu vs Collective Consciousness,

Behind the Drapery vs Calling to the Night,

Don't Be Afraid vs Way to Fall,

Return to Ashes vs The Best is Yet to Come

...will go live on Saturday, January 13, 2024 at 6:00 PM EST. The second four matches of the Losers' Bracket will go live the following week, followed by the first and then second half of the Winners' Bracket.

Text-only version of this bracket is below the cut.

WINNERS' BRACKET, 1ST HALF (top-left quadrant):

Heavens Divide vs Rules of Nature

The Only Thing I Know For Real vs Dark Skies

The Stains of Time vs Red Sun

The Man who Sold The World vs A Phantom Pain

LOSERS' BRACKET, 1ST HALF (bottom-left quadrant):

Oishii Two-Han Seikatsu vs Collective Consciousness

Behind the Drapery vs Calling to the Night

Don't Be Afraid vs Way to Fall

Return to Ashes vs The Best Is Yet to Come

WINNERS' BRACKET, 2ND HALF (top-right quadrant):

A Stranger I Remain vs I'm My Own Master Now

It Has to Be This Way vs The War Still Rages Within

Snake Eater vs Sins of the Father

Koi no Yokushiryoku vs Here's To You

LOSERS' BRACKET, 2ND HALF (bottom-left quadrant)

Sing vs The Hot Wind Blowing

A Soul Can't Be Cut vs Quiet's Theme

Love Theme vs Can't Say Goodbye to Yesterday

Victory Song vs Inori no Uta

[mysterycharacterbracket]

Roadmap

SO. Now that the tiebreaker is complete, we will move on to the stage of the tournament where there are less than 8 polls in each round. Here is the updated roadmap of the tournament:

Stage 1: seeding

Round 1

100 polls, 3 characters per poll, 2 first place tiebreakers and 2 second place tiebreakers.

Round 1.5: 4 polls:

one 3-way tiebreaker for two wild card spots in the winners bracket between characters with 56 votes

one 9-way tiebreaker for four first round byes in the losers bracket between characters with 34 votes

one poll to decide which colors would be used in the second phase

and one poll to decide how I would handle seeding.

After this,

100 characters were in the winners bracket because they won their polls

28 were in the winners bracket as wild cards despite losing their polls (with 56 or more votes)

84 characters were in the second round of the losers bracket (with between 34 and 56 votes)

And 88 characters were in the first round of the losers bracket (with 34 votes or fewer).

Stage 2: first rounds

From here on, the rules are different. All polls have two characters. For losers bracket polls, the winner moves on in the losers bracket and the loser gets eliminated and revealed. For winners bracket polls, the winner moves on in the winners bracket and the loser drops to the next round of the losers bracket.

Round L1: 44 polls between the characters with 34 votes or less

Round L2: 64 polls, the 44 winners of L1 vs the 84 first round bye characters (34-56 votes)

Round W1: 64 polls, the 100 round 1 winners vs the 28 wild cards (losers with 56 or more votes)

Round L3: 64 polls, the 64 winners of L2 vs the 64 losers of W1

Stage 3: top half

Round L4: 32 polls, the 64 winners of L3

Round W2: 32 polls, the 64 winners of W1

Round L5: 32 polls, the 32 winners of L4 vs the 32 losers of W2

Stage 4: double batch

Round L6: 16 polls, the 32 winners of L5

Round W3: 16 polls, the 32 winners of W2

Round L7: 16 polls, the 16 winners of L6 vs the 16 losers of W3

Stage 5: top 10%

Round L8: 8 polls, the 16 winners of L7

Round W4: 8 polls, the 16 winners of W3

Round L9: 8 polls, the 8 winners of L8 vs the 8 losers of W4

You are here.

Stage 6: half batches

Round L10: 4 polls, the 8 winners of L9

Round W5: 4 polls, the 8 winners of W4

Round L11: 4 polls, the 4 winners of L10 vs the 4 losers of W5

Stage 7: getting close

Round L12: 2 polls, the 4 winners of L11

Round W6 (semifinal): 2 polls, the 4 winners of W5

Round L13: 2 polls, the 2 winners of L12 vs the 2 losers of W6

Stage 8: Final Four

Round L14 (semifinal): the 2 winners of L13, loser takes 4th place

Winners bracket championship: the 2 winners of W6

Losers bracket championship: the winner of L14 vs the loser of the winners bracket championship, loser takes 3rd place

CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH: the winner of each bracket's championship, loser takes 2nd place, WINNER TAKES ALL!!!!!

[rmfantasysetpieces1]

Women’s world cup 2023- round 11

Korea Republic 0 Morocco 1 This is a penultimate match so I can say that Korea republic which is on a similar track like japan but in an earlier phase than japan, and absent that world cup winning generation japan had, needs more work. I repeat what I said in my massive review, Korea need to look at their program. Morocco's next match will be against Colombia.

New Zealand 0 Switzerland 0 A battle, in the end not enough for New Zealand, and enough for Switzerland to top the group. New Zealand need to look to Japan for development in my view.

Norway 6 Phillipines 0 Phillipines is a newbie, It will be interesting how they develop. Norway is a former world cup winner, again, no excuse. They had to hammer based on their slow start and they did. In my view, any country that lifts a flag title, no longer has excuses. They know what they need to do. If they don't do it, they don't.

Germany 1 Colombia 2 I repeat what I have said for a while, northern Conmebol is the center of women's futebol in conmebol, not the south. Colombia beat the media touted best time in the group, former world cup winner, and beat a media touted lesser team. No excuse to go forward positively. Colombia have a tricky opponent in Morocco, Morocco is a newbie but they are developing well, they will want to win. Colombia can't afford to get caught up in two wins. The test is the mentality of the colombian women's team, they will see themselves.

Penultimate Group stage match review https://rmfantasysetpieces1.tumblr.com/post/724218965223735296/womens-world-cup-2023-group-stage-review

#RMSoccer

[icecricnews247]

sBest Captains in IPL History – Leaders Who Defined the League

In a tournament as competitive and high-pressure as the Indian Premier League (IPL), the role of a captain becomes even more crucial. T20 cricket demands quick thinking, tactical sharpness, and the ability to stay calm under pressure. Over the years, certain individuals have not only led their teams with brilliance but have left a lasting legacy on the league itself. These captains didn’t just chase wins—they built teams, inspired players, and became the face of their franchises. Let’s take a look at the best captains in IPL history who truly defined the league.

1. MS Dhoni – The Calm Conqueror

When we talk about leadership in the IPL, there’s no name bigger than Mahendra Singh Dhoni. The heartbeat of Chennai Super Kings, Dhoni led the team with unmatched calmness and precision. Under his captaincy, CSK has lifted five IPL trophies and reached the playoffs almost every season they've played.

What made Dhoni exceptional wasn’t just his tactical brain, but his ability to trust his players and back them even during tough phases. He turned average players into match-winners and built a culture of loyalty and consistency. Whether it was reading the game flawlessly or finishing it with the bat, Dhoni’s influence went beyond just strategy—he became the identity of CSK.

2. Rohit Sharma – The Tactical Genius

Rohit Sharma transformed Mumbai Indians into the most successful team in IPL history. Taking over the captaincy mid-season in 2013, he led MI to five championships, matching CSK’s title count. His leadership style was sharp, composed, and incredibly strategic.

Rohit’s ability to rotate bowlers effectively, especially in pressure games, and promote the right players at the right time made all the difference. He balanced star power with emerging talent, creating a well-rounded team capable of winning under any condition. His captaincy was about planning, patience, and delivering when it mattered most.

3. Gautam Gambhir – The Fearless Fighter

Gautam Gambhir may not have the calm demeanor of Dhoni or the flair of Rohit, but his aggressive and passionate leadership brought Kolkata Knight Riders two IPL titles (2012 and 2014). What made Gambhir special was his no-nonsense approach. He led from the front, set high standards, and never shied away from taking bold decisions.

He transformed KKR from a struggling side into a disciplined and dangerous team. His faith in players like Sunil Narine and Robin Uthappa paid off big time. Gambhir’s intensity, both as a captain and a batsman, set the tone for KKR’s resurgence.

Know More:- Suryakumar Yadav Dominates In T20 Mumbai 2025

4. David Warner – The Relentless Leader

David Warner brought a different kind of energy to Sunrisers Hyderabad. With his aggressive style and hunger to win, he turned SRH into one of the most consistent teams in the league. Under his captaincy, SRH lifted the trophy in 2016, with Warner leading from the front as both captain and top-scorer.

What made Warner stand out was his proactive captaincy. He wasn’t afraid to shake things up, try new combinations, or take the game deep with smart field placements and bowling changes. His passion and dedication made SRH a tough team to beat.

5. Virat Kohli – The Inspirational Icon

Though a title has eluded him as captain, Virat Kohli’s impact on Royal Challengers Bangalore and the IPL is undeniable. He led RCB for nearly a decade and created a brand of aggressive, high-intensity cricket. His leadership was marked by emotion, passion, and relentless commitment to the team.

Kohli also played a crucial role in building the team’s identity and backing young talent. While silverware didn't come his way, he brought eyeballs, energy, and unmatched enthusiasm to every game he captained.

These captains have defined eras, shaped franchises, and set standards that others strive to follow. They weren’t just leading teams—they were crafting legacies. In a league full of stars, these leaders shone the brightest, proving that great cricket starts with great leadership.

Know More:- ENG vs WI Dream Prediction

[mcytblrsexymen]

May I ask, how do you seed a bracket? Do you just try to roughly divide the most powerful competitors into different sections?

so the good news is, as long as you can come up with a seed for each competitor, the "making the bracket" part is easy. you can just google how many teams/competitors you have and the words "seeded bracket", or you can go to a website called "challonge" and you'll be able to have it automatically generate the bracket for you.

for the record, the brackets are generated so the higher your seed is, the 'easier' it is to get to the end - the highest seed should always face the lowest expected seed remaining in their next match. so in a 64-person tournament, the 1 seed faces the 64 seed first, but then it will face the outcome of 32/33, because "32" is the expected winner and should be the lowest remaining seed if every match goes as expected. (this is as opposed to their next match facing the outcome of 2/63, because while facing the 63 seed would certainly be easy, 2 is expected to win, if that makes sense.) this propagates down the bracket.

however, like i said, you won't have to worry about that much, because generating brackets is a solved problem you don't have to do yourself! genuinely do recommend challonge for generating brackets it is very, very easy.

okay. so, that's the easy part - once you have seeds, the 'correct' way to generate a bracket is a solved problem that other people can do for you. what about the hard part - what is a seed?

so in our tournament, we determined the "strength" of our competitors via "number of nominations". this mostly worked out - due to stuff like the fact we didn't circulate as well in dsmp circles as we wanted until too late, or the fact most low seeds had very similar numbers of nominations, these weren't perfect measures. (techno and quackity were especially under-seeded, i think, and a lot of the low seeds were treated by the bracket as more wildly far apart in power from each other than they actually were.) however, if you have something like "number of nominations" or "previous tournament rankings" or "ELO score" to work off of in your tournament, you can seed using that!

(side note: a lot of sports tournaments actually do rounds of what's called 'swiss' day one in order to determine seeds for a bracket day two, as do a lot of card game tournaments, but i'm assuming you want to do something like us, for which the concept of rounds of swiss wouldn't help and we weren't structured well for. but know that's also an option, if you're running something that's structured in a way that you can do that.)

however, let's assume you DIDN'T have our nominations phase. in this case, you're going to have to make judgement calls to decide who is which numbered seed. the thing to remember here is that your seeds are effectively the "expected" placement order in your tournament. the person you expect to get first is the 1 seed. the person you expect to get twentieth is the 20 seed. so on and so forth. you'll need to make some judgement calls on who you expect to get what place to decide these numbers. it's okay if it's not perfect (and for stuff like a sexyman tournament tbh it's gonna be HARD to get it perfect), the idea is for it to be around correct, so that theoretically, you've made a path that makes the "most exciting" match the last one.

so yeah, that's how you seed a bracket! hopefully this ramble helps and isn't just confusing! :D