Indian Grandmaster Dronavalli Harika stunned world champion Ju Wenjun in the third round to grab a share of the top spot in the Fide Women’s Grand Prix chess tournament here. Harika has two points after three rounds along with four others.
2 Indians advance
Manish Kaushik (63kg) and Ashish Kumar (75kg) made the quarter finals of the Asian Olympic Qualifiers for boxing here on Thursday. Manish went past Taiwan’s Chu-En Lai in a unanimous 5-0 result, while Ashish notched up a thumping 5-0 win over Kyrgyz Omurbek Bekzhigit Uulu.
FIA clarification
Formula One’s governing body suspected Ferrari’s engine was not operating within the rules last year but lacked conclusive evidence, the FIA said on Thursday. The FIA explained in a statement that it had therefore reached a private settlement to avoid lengthy litigation. The confidential settlement angered non-Ferrari powered teams who issued a joint statement on Wednesday threatening legal action.
Malan century
Janneman Malan hit a match-winning century as the Proteas clinched their ODI series against Australia with a six-wicket victory in the second match at the Mangaung Oval on Wednesday. Malan made 129 not out to enable South Africa to chase down a target of 272.
Mashrafe decision
Bangladesh pacer Mashrafe Mortaza stepped down on Thursday as captain of the national one-day side. Friday’s 50-over game against Zimbabwe in Sylhet will be his last as captain, Mortaza said.
Fed Cup
Rutuja Bhosale’s win in the opening singles proved crucial as India beat Korea 2-1 to stay alive in the race for the play-offs in the Fed Cup, here on Thursday. After Rutuja edged out Su Jeong Jang 7-5, 6-4, Ankita Raina lost 4-6, 0-6 to Na-Lae Han. Sania Mirza then joined forces with Ankita to prevail over Na-Ri Kim and Han 6-4, 6-4 .
‘Passport’ foul by Ronaldinho
Former Barcelona and Brazil striker Ronaldinho was being questioned by Paraguayan authorities on Thursday after arriving in the country with what police said was an adulterated Paraguayan passport. Ronaldinho and his brother and business manager Roberto de Assis were both questioned by law enforcement officials.
Platini’s ‘loss’
Michel Platini has lost his appeal at the European Court of Human Rights to overturn a four-year ban from soccer for taking a $2 million payment from Fifa. The unanimous ruling by seven judges to declare Platini’s application inadmissible was published on Thursday by the court in Strasbourg, France.
Kane return
England captain Harry Kane expects to be fit in time for Euro 2020 as he targets an April return for Tottenham Hotspur. Kane had surgery to repair a ruptured tendon in his left hamstring in January, leading to concerns about his involvement in Euro 2020, which starts on June 12.
Ticket ‘gift’
Mohun Bagan members will be given a complimentary ticket of ISL VI second leg semi-final match between ATK & Bengaluru FC to be played at the Salt Lake Stadium on Sunday. The passes will be given on Friday and Saturday at the club tent from 4pm to 7pm, according to a Mohun Bagan media release.
Costa to depart
ISL franchise Mumbai City FC on Thursday announced that their head coach Jorge Costa will be leaving the club. Jorge’s contract expires shortly and has not been renewed.
