Rohit Sharma-led India recently left for Australia, after their three T20Is versus South Africa at home, for the upcoming T20 World Cup, starting on October 16. Rohit &amp; Co. will hope to win the title for the first time since the inaugural edition in 2007.

In last year's T20 WC, Virat Kohli-led India bowed out of the mega event in the Super 12 round after defeats at the hands of Pakistan and New Zealand, respectively. Since then, Rohit-Rahul Dravid-led team management were committed to strengthen their back-up options.

As a result, India made a plethora of changes throughout the year while playing the shortest format, especially in the bowling attack. It was done to provide the national selectors with a large pool of players to choose from.

However, former Pakistan captain Rashid Latif took a dig at Team India's constant rotation of players. While speaking on a TV show, Latif was asked if Deepak Hooda's should have been given more chances during India's experimental phase (the all-rounder is part of the T20 WC squad but wasn't preferred on several occasions before missing the last two T20I series due to injury). This, the former keeper-batter made a bold claim.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/jasprit-bumrah-reacts-amid-accussations-of-prioritising-franchise-cricket-over-national-duties-523009">Jasprit Bumrah reacts amid accusations of prioritising franchise cricket over national duty</a>

Latif said, “They keep their main players everywhere and they keep changing their players frequently. 56-57 players khila diye unhone poore saal me, event koi bhi nahi bada jeeta. Ye ek issue hai.”

“Australia and England plan a lot better. Then comes Pakistan,” Latif further asserted.

India, under Rohit, will be desperate to end thier ICC-title drought in the forthcoming mega event in Australia. Their last ICC title win came under MS Dhoni during the 2013 Champions Trophy.&nbsp;

Rohit Sharma-led India recently left for Australia, after their three T20Is versus South Africa at home, for the upcoming T20 World Cup, starting on October 16. Rohit & Co.

Rohit Sharma-led India recently left for Australia, after their three T20Is versus South Africa at home, for the upcoming T20 World Cup, starting on October 16. Rohit & Co. will hope to win the title for the first time since the inaugural edition in 2007. In last year's T20 WC, Virat Kohli-led India bowed out of the mega event in the Super 12 round after defeats at the hands of Pakistan and New Zealand, respectively. Since then, Rohit-Rahul Dravid-led team management were committed to strengthen their back-up options. As a result, India made a plethora of changes throughout the year while playing the shortest format, especially in the bowling attack. It was done to provide the national selectors with a large pool of players to choose from. However, former Pakistan captain Rashid Latif took a dig at Team India's constant rotation of players. While speaking on a TV show, Latif was asked if Deepak Hooda's should have been given more chances during India's experimental phase (the all-rounder is part of the T20 WC squad but wasn't preferred on several occasions before missing the last two T20I series due to injury). This, the former keeper-batter made a bold claim. ALSO READ | Jasprit Bumrah reacts amid accusations of prioritising franchise cricket over national duty Latif said, “They keep their main players everywhere and they keep changing their players frequently. 56-57 players khila diye unhone poore saal me, event koi bhi nahi bada jeeta. Ye ek issue hai.” “Australia and England plan a lot better. Then comes Pakistan,” Latif further asserted. India, under Rohit, will be desperate to end thier ICC-title drought in the forthcoming mega event in Australia. Their last ICC title win came under MS Dhoni during the 2013 Champions Trophy.

'India played 56-57 players...' - Ex-Pakistan captain takes a dig at Rohit & Co. before T20 World Cup

LIV Golf players will not receive world ranking points for this week's event in Bangkok or the tournament in Jeddah later this month, the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) organisation said on Thursday. The Saudi-backed LIV Series has yet to be given ranking points but the MENA (Middle East and North Africa) Tour announced on Wednesday that players at the next two events would be awarded points after a strategic alliance between the circuits.

The top 50 players in the rankings qualify automatically for all four major tournaments. OWGR said it had been given insufficient notice and that a decision on whether to award ranking points would only be made following a review. The organisation said it received a communication from the MENA Tour at 1205 GMT on October 5, detailing "significant changes" to its membership structure along with an outline of the initial series of tournaments in the 2022/23 season. "OWGR notes that the first two tournaments in this series appeared to be the same as the LIV Golf Invitational Series tournaments in Bangkok and Jeddah," it said in a statement. "The communication from the MENA Tour included a starting field data file for the Bangkok tournament, confirming that to be the case. "A review of the changes to the MENA Tour is now under way by the OWGR. "Notice of these changes given by the MENA Tour is insufficient to allow OWGR to conduct the customary necessary review ahead of the LIV Golf Invitational Bangkok (October 7-9) and LIV Golf Invitational Jeddah (October 14-16). "Only after the review is complete will a decision be made on awarding points to the MENA Tour's new 'Limited Field Tournaments'."

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/liv-golfers-set-to-earn-ranking-points-after-strategic-alliance-with-mena-tour-522936">LIV golfers set to earn ranking points after strategic alliance with MENA Tour</a>

The MENA Tour has been inactive since the start of the global coronavirus pandemic in 2020. LIV has already staged five events in its inaugural year but without any ranking points awarded to its players -- including British Open champion Cameron Smith, former world number one Dustin Johnson and six-time major winner Phil Mickelson. Golfers on the rebel circuit have been banned from the PGA Tour, ruling out American players from qualifying for the 2023 Ryder Cup. European stars to have left for LIV, including stalwarts Lee Westwood, Ian Poulter and Sergio Garcia, have all plummeted down the world rankings and seem unlikely to make Luke Donald's team for the two-yearly contest, which takes place near Rome.

LIV Golf players will not receive world ranking points for this week's event in Bangkok or the tournament in Jeddah later this month, the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) organisation said on Thursday.

LIV Golf players will not receive world ranking points for this week's event in Bangkok or the tournament in Jeddah later this month, the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) organisation said on Thursday. The Saudi-backed LIV Series has yet to be given ranking points but the MENA (Middle East and North Africa) Tour announced on Wednesday that players at the next two events would be awarded points after a strategic alliance between the circuits. The top 50 players in the rankings qualify automatically for all four major tournaments. OWGR said it had been given insufficient notice and that a decision on whether to award ranking points would only be made following a review. The organisation said it received a communication from the MENA Tour at 1205 GMT on October 5, detailing "significant changes" to its membership structure along with an outline of the initial series of tournaments in the 2022/23 season. "OWGR notes that the first two tournaments in this series appeared to be the same as the LIV Golf Invitational Series tournaments in Bangkok and Jeddah," it said in a statement. "The communication from the MENA Tour included a starting field data file for the Bangkok tournament, confirming that to be the case. "A review of the changes to the MENA Tour is now under way by the OWGR. "Notice of these changes given by the MENA Tour is insufficient to allow OWGR to conduct the customary necessary review ahead of the LIV Golf Invitational Bangkok (October 7-9) and LIV Golf Invitational Jeddah (October 14-16). "Only after the review is complete will a decision be made on awarding points to the MENA Tour's new 'Limited Field Tournaments'." ALSO READ | LIV golfers set to earn ranking points after strategic alliance with MENA Tour The MENA Tour has been inactive since the start of the global coronavirus pandemic in 2020. LIV has already staged five events in its inaugural year but without any ranking points awarded to its players -- including British Open champion Cameron Smith, former world number one Dustin Johnson and six-time major winner Phil Mickelson. Golfers on the rebel circuit have been banned from the PGA Tour, ruling out American players from qualifying for the 2023 Ryder Cup. European stars to have left for LIV, including stalwarts Lee Westwood, Ian Poulter and Sergio Garcia, have all plummeted down the world rankings and seem unlikely to make Luke Donald's team for the two-yearly contest, which takes place near Rome.

Big blow to LIV Golf as players denied ranking points

Pakistan Cricket Board's (PCB) chief Ramiz Raja has lashed out at Babar Azam's&nbsp;critics. Pakistan lost the Asia Cup final, losing to eventual winners Sri Lanka by 23 runs, whereas they conceded the seven-match T20I series, at home, to England 4-3. Meanwhile, Babar Azam -- who held the No. 1 spot in ICC T20I Rankings for long -- was woefully out of form in the Asia Cup, where he amassed only 68 runs in six outings, but returned to form with 285 runs in the England series (second-most overall). However, he is often slammed for his strike rate while batting at the top.

Ramiz, hence, made a bold Virat Kohli statement while slamming&nbsp;Babar's critics. "Previously we used to falter at the very first hurdle. Yes we reached the final and yes we did not play well. But it's okay to have a bad day. But there were others teams as well in the Asia Cup. I mean then India should then have been severely criticised for not reaching the final. But that is not what their fans and media do. I'll tell you...when Virat Kohli scored a century against Afghanistan, they forgot their entire Asia Cup. Will we ever do that? What we say is that Babar Azam scored a ton, but his strike rate was 135 while David Warner's was 147.3. So this is useless,” the former captain said while speaking to Samaa TV during an interview.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/jasprit-bumrah-reacts-amid-accussations-of-prioritising-franchise-cricket-over-national-duties-523009">Jasprit Bumrah reacts amid accusations of prioritising franchise cricket over national duty</a>

After the home T20Is loss to England, Pakistan will now play a tri-series with hosts New Zealand and Bangladesh as a part of their last-minute preparations before heading into the T20 World Cup. The Asian giants, and one-time winners, will open their campaign in the showpiece event, in Australia from October-November, on October 23 when they face India at the iconic MCG, Melbourne.&nbsp;

In last year's T20 WC, in the UAE, Babar &amp; Co. had ended as the semi-finalists, losing to eventual winners Australia. How far will they go this time around? Only time will tell...

Pakistan Cricket Board's (PCB) chief Ramiz Raja has lashed out at Babar Azam's critics. Pakistan lost the Asia Cup final, losing to eventual winners Sri Lanka by 23 runs, whereas they conceded the seven-match T20I series, at home, to England 4-3.

Pakistan Cricket Board's (PCB) chief Ramiz Raja has lashed out at Babar Azam's critics. Pakistan lost the Asia Cup final, losing to eventual winners Sri Lanka by 23 runs, whereas they conceded the seven-match T20I series, at home, to England 4-3. Meanwhile, Babar Azam -- who held the No. 1 spot in ICC T20I Rankings for long -- was woefully out of form in the Asia Cup, where he amassed only 68 runs in six outings, but returned to form with 285 runs in the England series (second-most overall). However, he is often slammed for his strike rate while batting at the top. Ramiz, hence, made a bold Virat Kohli statement while slamming Babar's critics. "Previously we used to falter at the very first hurdle. Yes we reached the final and yes we did not play well. But it's okay to have a bad day. But there were others teams as well in the Asia Cup. I mean then India should then have been severely criticised for not reaching the final. But that is not what their fans and media do. I'll tell you...when Virat Kohli scored a century against Afghanistan, they forgot their entire Asia Cup. Will we ever do that? What we say is that Babar Azam scored a ton, but his strike rate was 135 while David Warner's was 147.3. So this is useless,” the former captain said while speaking to Samaa TV during an interview. ALSO READ | Jasprit Bumrah reacts amid accusations of prioritising franchise cricket over national duty After the home T20Is loss to England, Pakistan will now play a tri-series with hosts New Zealand and Bangladesh as a part of their last-minute preparations before heading into the T20 World Cup. The Asian giants, and one-time winners, will open their campaign in the showpiece event, in Australia from October-November, on October 23 when they face India at the iconic MCG, Melbourne. In last year's T20 WC, in the UAE, Babar & Co. had ended as the semi-finalists, losing to eventual winners Australia. How far will they go this time around? Only time will tell...

'When Kohli scored 100, India forgot their Asia Cup campaign...': Ramiz Raja on Babar Azam's critics

On Monday (October 03), the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced that Jasprit Bumrah is officially ruled out of the T20 World Cup 2022 edition, in Australia. Bumrah will miss the forthcoming showpiece event Down Under due to a back stress fracture. The 28-year-old had earlier also missed the Asia Cup 2022 edition, in the UAE, due to back issues.&nbsp;

It goes without saying that Bumrah's absence will be a huge void to fill for Rohit Sharma-led India, who departed for Australia recently. The premier pacer has been India's go-to-bowler across formats but missed quite a few international games in the ongoing calendar year, due to injuries or being rested at regular intervals. Apart from being rested, the fact that Bumrah featured in all 14 games for Mumbai Indians (MI) in IPL 2022 hasn't been well received by some of the Indian cricket fans. Some section of fans have now accused him of prioritising franchise cricket over national duty after being ruled out of the T20 WC.

The right-arm pacer Bumrah now took to Instagram, on Wednesday (October 05), to share a story where he shared a picture of Winston Churchill’s quote that read: "You will never reach your destination if you stop and throw stones at every dog that barks."

<img alt="Jasprit Bumrah slams critics" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c36df6a5-19cc-46ff-b85c-5ea62298362c" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Jasprit%20Bumrah%20slams%20critics.JPG" />

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/aakash-chopra-urges-bcci-selectors-to-rethink-their-strategy-with-no-jasprit-bumrah-for-t20-world-cup-522787">Aakash Chopra urges BCCI selectors to rethink their strategy with no Jasprit Bumrah for T20 World Cup</a>

After Bumrah's omission, former Indian opener-turned-commentator Aakash Chopra has urged the BCCI selection committee to relook their strategy and add two pacers in his place. In a series of tweets, Chopra said, "Boom( Bumrah) was India’s attacking option that might have allowed for having more defensive options in the squad. Now that he isn’t there, I would be surprised if the selectors/team-management didn’t have a serious rethink about their strategy…Bumrah missed the tour to WI and Asia Cup…and if Shami was indeed the best option to replace Bumrah (in case, he didn’t make it) then he should have been a part of the Asia Cup at the very least. India went with only 3 fast bowlers. And paid for it."

On Monday (October 03), the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced that Jasprit Bumrah is officially ruled out of the T20 World Cup 2022 edition, in Australia.

On Monday (October 03), the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced that Jasprit Bumrah is officially ruled out of the T20 World Cup 2022 edition, in Australia. Bumrah will miss the forthcoming showpiece event Down Under due to a back stress fracture. The 28-year-old had earlier also missed the Asia Cup 2022 edition, in the UAE, due to back issues. It goes without saying that Bumrah's absence will be a huge void to fill for Rohit Sharma-led India, who departed for Australia recently. The premier pacer has been India's go-to-bowler across formats but missed quite a few international games in the ongoing calendar year, due to injuries or being rested at regular intervals. Apart from being rested, the fact that Bumrah featured in all 14 games for Mumbai Indians (MI) in IPL 2022 hasn't been well received by some of the Indian cricket fans. Some section of fans have now accused him of prioritising franchise cricket over national duty after being ruled out of the T20 WC. The right-arm pacer Bumrah now took to Instagram, on Wednesday (October 05), to share a story where he shared a picture of Winston Churchill’s quote that read: "You will never reach your destination if you stop and throw stones at every dog that barks." ALSO READ | Aakash Chopra urges BCCI selectors to rethink their strategy with no Jasprit Bumrah for T20 World Cup After Bumrah's omission, former Indian opener-turned-commentator Aakash Chopra has urged the BCCI selection committee to relook their strategy and add two pacers in his place. In a series of tweets, Chopra said, "Boom( Bumrah) was India’s attacking option that might have allowed for having more defensive options in the squad. Now that he isn’t there, I would be surprised if the selectors/team-management didn’t have a serious rethink about their strategy…Bumrah missed the tour to WI and Asia Cup…and if Shami was indeed the best option to replace Bumrah (in case, he didn’t make it) then he should have been a part of the Asia Cup at the very least. India went with only 3 fast bowlers. And paid for it."

Jasprit Bumrah reacts amid accusations of prioritising franchise cricket over national duty

BCCI, on Monday (October 03), officially ruled out Jasprit Bumrah from the forthcoming T20 World Cup, in Australia from October-November. Bumrah will miss the upcoming showpiece event Down Under due to a back stress fracture. It is to be noted that the 28-year-old pacer had earlier also missed the Asia Cup 2022 edition, due to back issues, but his absence in the ICC event will surely&nbsp;dent India's chances of lifting the title for the second time (after 2007).

Ever since the news broke out of Bumrah's ouster, it remains to be seen who will replace him in the main squad. Among the contenders, Mohammed Shami, Deepak Chahar and Mohammed Siraj remain the top three choices for India, to replace Bumrah. Amid all this, former South African speedster Dale Steyn reacted to Bumrah's omission and named his choice on who should fill in for the premier bowler.

“I'm sad and I feel for him (Bumrah). As a replacement, I would look at someone who can qualify with similar experience. Mohammed Shami is probably the guy I would go with. He's been around the world, he can swing the ball and he can bowl quickly when he wants to,” Steyn told Hindustan Times.

Steyn further went on to say that he has Shami's name written down as the top of the pile of Bumrah's replacements. "You've got a bunch of other guys as well. You've got Deepak who has got swing, Siraj who has got skills, and Avesh has some good pace. But I think the top of the pile woud be Shami, I've got him written down here. If he's fully fit, he's somebody the opposition do fear. But India would be missing Bumrah for sure," he added.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/jasprit-bumrah-reacts-amid-accussations-of-prioritising-franchise-cricket-over-national-duties-523009">Jasprit Bumrah reacts amid accusations of prioritising franchise cricket over national duties</a>

Rohit Sharma-led India left for Australia soon after the end of their three-match T20I series, which concluded on Tuesday (October 04). India will open their campaign versus arch-rivals Pakistan on October 23 at the iconic MCG, Melbourne. They are placed in Pool B, along with Babar Azam-led Men in Green, South Africa, Bangladesh whereas two more teams will join them from the qualifiers, which gets underway on October 16.

BCCI, on Monday (October 03), officially ruled out Jasprit Bumrah from the forthcoming T20 World Cup, in Australia from October-November. Bumrah will miss the upcoming showpiece event Down Under due to a back stress fracture.

BCCI, on Monday (October 03), officially ruled out Jasprit Bumrah from the forthcoming T20 World Cup, in Australia from October-November. Bumrah will miss the upcoming showpiece event Down Under due to a back stress fracture. It is to be noted that the 28-year-old pacer had earlier also missed the Asia Cup 2022 edition, due to back issues, but his absence in the ICC event will surely dent India's chances of lifting the title for the second time (after 2007). Ever since the news broke out of Bumrah's ouster, it remains to be seen who will replace him in the main squad. Among the contenders, Mohammed Shami, Deepak Chahar and Mohammed Siraj remain the top three choices for India, to replace Bumrah. Amid all this, former South African speedster Dale Steyn reacted to Bumrah's omission and named his choice on who should fill in for the premier bowler. “I'm sad and I feel for him (Bumrah). As a replacement, I would look at someone who can qualify with similar experience. Mohammed Shami is probably the guy I would go with. He's been around the world, he can swing the ball and he can bowl quickly when he wants to,” Steyn told Hindustan Times. Steyn further went on to say that he has Shami's name written down as the top of the pile of Bumrah's replacements. "You've got a bunch of other guys as well. You've got Deepak who has got swing, Siraj who has got skills, and Avesh has some good pace. But I think the top of the pile woud be Shami, I've got him written down here. If he's fully fit, he's somebody the opposition do fear. But India would be missing Bumrah for sure," he added. ALSO READ | Jasprit Bumrah reacts amid accusations of prioritising franchise cricket over national duties Rohit Sharma-led India left for Australia soon after the end of their three-match T20I series, which concluded on Tuesday (October 04). India will open their campaign versus arch-rivals Pakistan on October 23 at the iconic MCG, Melbourne. They are placed in Pool B, along with Babar Azam-led Men in Green, South Africa, Bangladesh whereas two more teams will join them from the qualifiers, which gets underway on October 16.

'He can bowl quickly' - Dale Steyn names Jasprit Bumrah's replacement for T20 World Cup

American international grandmaster Hans Niemann said Wednesday he "won't back down," after the chess platform chess.com reported he has "probably cheated more than 100 times" in online games. Norwegian world champion Magnus Carlsen last week accused 19-year-old Niemann of cheating. 
 
"Overall, we have found that Hans (Niemann) has likely cheated in more than 100 online chess games, including several prize money events," the world's leading online chess platform wrote in a Tuesday evening report that ran 20 pages, with 50 additional appendices. Chess.com banned Niemann on September 5, shortly after the first accusations were made, but the platform is defending itself against suggestions that it is under pressure from Carlsen, whose Play Magnus company it is in the process of buying.

After a victory in the US Chess Championship on Wednesday, Niemann said the game he had just won "spoke for itself and showed the chess player that I am".&nbsp;He added, "It also showed that I'm not going to back down and I'm going to play my best chess here regardless of the pressure that I'm under," but declined to comment further.

Chess.com says it is "extremely confident" in its means of detecting cheating, which includes using grandmasters -- the highest rank of chess players -- as well as an analysis of moves made by computer programmes.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/liv-golfers-set-to-earn-ranking-points-after-strategic-alliance-with-mena-tour-522936">LIV golfers set to earn ranking points after strategic alliance with MENA Tour</a>

- 'Statistically extraordinary' - 
 
The suspicions of the platform go beyond the framework of the internet. It also devotes part of its report to Niemann's spectacular and rapid progress on the chessboard. "While we do not doubt that Hans is a talented player, we note that his results are statistically extraordinary," said the report which illustrated the American's rise with a dramatic graph.&nbsp;

However, chess.com said it had no evidence that Niemann had cheated in "over-the-board" (OTB) games when players are physically present.&nbsp;"There is nothing in our statistical investigation to raise any red flags regarding Hans' OTB play and rise," said the report.&nbsp; Last month, at the Sinquefield Cup in St Louis, Carlsen lost to Niemann OTB and then withdrew from the tournament, posting a video that implied something improper had taken place.

Chess.com described this encounter as "bizarre" but concluded that there was no evidence "that Hans cheated in this game and we do not advocate for any conclusions regarding cheating being made based on this one encounter". Two weeks after St Louis, the two players met again in the sixth round of the online Julius Baer Generation Cup. This time Carlsen resigned after making just one move, going on to release a statement that he would not "play against people that have cheated repeatedly in the past".

The International Chess Federation announced on September 29 that it was opening an investigation into these accusations of cheating.&nbsp; Niemann has admitted to cheating in the past on chess.com, when he was between 12 and 16 years old, but denies the most recent accusations, claiming to be "ready to play naked", if necessary.

American international grandmaster Hans Niemann said Wednesday he "won't back down," after the chess platform chess.com reported he has "probably cheated more than 100 times" in online games.

American international grandmaster Hans Niemann said Wednesday he "won't back down," after the chess platform chess.com reported he has "probably cheated more than 100 times" in online games. Norwegian world champion Magnus Carlsen last week accused 19-year-old Niemann of cheating. "Overall, we have found that Hans (Niemann) has likely cheated in more than 100 online chess games, including several prize money events," the world's leading online chess platform wrote in a Tuesday evening report that ran 20 pages, with 50 additional appendices. Chess.com banned Niemann on September 5, shortly after the first accusations were made, but the platform is defending itself against suggestions that it is under pressure from Carlsen, whose Play Magnus company it is in the process of buying. After a victory in the US Chess Championship on Wednesday, Niemann said the game he had just won "spoke for itself and showed the chess player that I am". He added, "It also showed that I'm not going to back down and I'm going to play my best chess here regardless of the pressure that I'm under," but declined to comment further. Chess.com says it is "extremely confident" in its means of detecting cheating, which includes using grandmasters -- the highest rank of chess players -- as well as an analysis of moves made by computer programmes. ALSO READ | LIV golfers set to earn ranking points after strategic alliance with MENA Tour - 'Statistically extraordinary' - The suspicions of the platform go beyond the framework of the internet. It also devotes part of its report to Niemann's spectacular and rapid progress on the chessboard. "While we do not doubt that Hans is a talented player, we note that his results are statistically extraordinary," said the report which illustrated the American's rise with a dramatic graph. However, chess.com said it had no evidence that Niemann had cheated in "over-the-board" (OTB) games when players are physically present. "There is nothing in our statistical investigation to raise any red flags regarding Hans' OTB play and rise," said the report. Last month, at the Sinquefield Cup in St Louis, Carlsen lost to Niemann OTB and then withdrew from the tournament, posting a video that implied something improper had taken place. Chess.com described this encounter as "bizarre" but concluded that there was no evidence "that Hans cheated in this game and we do not advocate for any conclusions regarding cheating being made based on this one encounter". Two weeks after St Louis, the two players met again in the sixth round of the online Julius Baer Generation Cup. This time Carlsen resigned after making just one move, going on to release a statement that he would not "play against people that have cheated repeatedly in the past". The International Chess Federation announced on September 29 that it was opening an investigation into these accusations of cheating. Niemann has admitted to cheating in the past on chess.com, when he was between 12 and 16 years old, but denies the most recent accusations, claiming to be "ready to play naked", if necessary.

Grandmaster Hans Niemann breaks silence, defends reputation after cheating charge by Magnus Carlsen

LIV&nbsp;Golf players are set to earn world ranking points starting this week after the developmental MENA (Middle East and North Africa) Tour said on Wednesday it had formed a strategic alliance with the Saudi Arabia-backed circuit. LIV&nbsp;Golf is holding the sixth event of its inaugural season this week just north of Bangkok and the MENA Tour said those competing at Stonehill Golf Course will immediately qualify for official world ranking points.

As part of the alliance,&nbsp;LIV&nbsp;Golf invitational events will become part of, and sanctioned by, the MENA Tour which is among the eligible tours listed on the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) website. 
 
"We are taking this mutually beneficial action to support the game at the developmental level and because of the importance and fairness of&nbsp;LIV&nbsp;golfers qualifying for OWGR points,"&nbsp; LIV&nbsp;Golf President Atul Khosla said in a MENA Tour news release. "We're pleased to create pathways that give more opportunities for young players, while also giving fans rankings that include all the world’s best golfers."

This week's&nbsp;LIV&nbsp;Golf event, which will feature big-name players like world number three Cameron Smith and twice major winner Dustin Johnson, is not listed on the OWGR website among the events receiving points. Without the ability to earn points, which carry significant weight when it comes to gaining entry into golf's four majors, those competing on&nbsp;LIV&nbsp;Golf will tumble down the rankings and be at risk of missing the blue-riband events.

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Last month, all 48 players who competed at&nbsp;LIV&nbsp;Golf's event outside Chicago sent a joint letter to OWGR Chairman Peter Dawson urging him to award ranking points to competitors on the Saudi Arabia-backed series. According to the OWGR website, the ranking points breakdown is derived from each tournament's total field rating and points are awarded to players who make the cut and complete an event, subject to their finishing position in the tournament.

LIV&nbsp;Golf's 54-hole events do not have a cut. The&nbsp;LIV&nbsp;Golf series is bankrolled by the Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund and critics have accused it of being a vehicle for the country to attempt to improve its reputation in the face of criticism of its human rights record.

LIV Golf players are set to earn world ranking points starting this week after the developmental MENA (Middle East and North Africa) Tour said on Wednesday it had formed a strategic alliance with the Saudi Arabia-backed circuit.

LIV Golf players are set to earn world ranking points starting this week after the developmental MENA (Middle East and North Africa) Tour said on Wednesday it had formed a strategic alliance with the Saudi Arabia-backed circuit. LIV Golf is holding the sixth event of its inaugural season this week just north of Bangkok and the MENA Tour said those competing at Stonehill Golf Course will immediately qualify for official world ranking points. As part of the alliance, LIV Golf invitational events will become part of, and sanctioned by, the MENA Tour which is among the eligible tours listed on the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) website. "We are taking this mutually beneficial action to support the game at the developmental level and because of the importance and fairness of LIV golfers qualifying for OWGR points," LIV Golf President Atul Khosla said in a MENA Tour news release. "We're pleased to create pathways that give more opportunities for young players, while also giving fans rankings that include all the world’s best golfers." This week's LIV Golf event, which will feature big-name players like world number three Cameron Smith and twice major winner Dustin Johnson, is not listed on the OWGR website among the events receiving points. Without the ability to earn points, which carry significant weight when it comes to gaining entry into golf's four majors, those competing on LIV Golf will tumble down the rankings and be at risk of missing the blue-riband events. ALSO READ | EXCLUSIVE! We saw the vision: Ian Poulter explains his decision to join LIV Golf, stirs world ranking debate Last month, all 48 players who competed at LIV Golf's event outside Chicago sent a joint letter to OWGR Chairman Peter Dawson urging him to award ranking points to competitors on the Saudi Arabia-backed series. According to the OWGR website, the ranking points breakdown is derived from each tournament's total field rating and points are awarded to players who make the cut and complete an event, subject to their finishing position in the tournament. LIV Golf's 54-hole events do not have a cut. The LIV Golf series is bankrolled by the Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund and critics have accused it of being a vehicle for the country to attempt to improve its reputation in the face of criticism of its human rights record.

LIV golfers set to earn ranking points after strategic alliance with MENA Tour

Paris Saint-Germain were forced to settle for a 1-1 draw away to Benfica in the Champions League on Wednesday despite Lionel Messi's brilliant curling strike. 
The Argentina star scored midway through the first half in Lisbon but Danilo's own goal before the break ensured PSG and Benfica remain level on seven points at the top of Group H. Both clubs failed to win for just the second time this season in all competitions but are four points clear of Juventus, who bounced back from successive defeats to beat Maccabi Haifa 3-1 at home.

Sitting top of the Portuguese league despite dropping their first points at the weekend, Benfica's high pressing rattled PSG as the hosts made a bright start. 
Goncalo Ramos, who drew interest in the summer from PSG, saw his effort blocked by Gianluigi Donnarumma's leg after he raced onto a long ball in behind the defence. 
Ramos then stung the palms of Donnarumma from distance before the Italy goalkeeper produced a terrific save to deflect David Neres' shot wide.

But PSG's vaunted three-man attack of Messi, Neymar and Kylian Mbappe suddenly sparked into life and the visitors surged ahead as the Argentine finished the move he started in style. Messi's pass to Mbappe was helped on to Neymar, whose lay-off was whipped into the far top corner first-time by Messi for his 127th Champions League goal.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/minutes-silence-at-european-matches-for-indonesia-stadium-victims-reveals-uefa-522409">Minute's silence at European matches for Indonesia stadium victims, reveals UEFA</a>

Donnarumma again intervened to deny Benfica by parrying Antonio Silva's strike to safety, but the hosts got the equaliser their play deserved just before half-time. 
Enzo Fernandez was afforded far too much space to swing in a teasing cross from the left that Danilo inadvertently glanced in as he tried to track Ramos. 
Neymar twice went close to restoring PSG's lead early in the second half, clipping the bar with an inventive overhead kick and forcing Odysseas Vlachodimos to punch away his free-kick. Achraf Hakimi could only drill straight at the Benfica 'keeper after being played in by Messi, while Benfica defender Nicolas Otamendi glanced a free-kick just past the post at the other end.

Both sides continued to create chances. Mbappe's curling shot was turned behind by a sprawling Vlachodimos, with Donnarumma spreading himself to thwart Rafa Silva after a marauding run. But there was ultimately nothing to separate two sides who are unbeaten this season, and will meet again in six days' time at the Parc des Princes.

Paris Saint-Germain were forced to settle for a 1-1 draw away to Benfica in the Champions League on Wednesday despite Lionel Messi's brilliant curling strike. The Argentina star scored midway through the first half in Lisbon but Danilo's own goal before the break ensured PSG and Benfica remain level on seven points at the top of Group H.

Paris Saint-Germain were forced to settle for a 1-1 draw away to Benfica in the Champions League on Wednesday despite Lionel Messi's brilliant curling strike. The Argentina star scored midway through the first half in Lisbon but Danilo's own goal before the break ensured PSG and Benfica remain level on seven points at the top of Group H. Both clubs failed to win for just the second time this season in all competitions but are four points clear of Juventus, who bounced back from successive defeats to beat Maccabi Haifa 3-1 at home. Sitting top of the Portuguese league despite dropping their first points at the weekend, Benfica's high pressing rattled PSG as the hosts made a bright start. Goncalo Ramos, who drew interest in the summer from PSG, saw his effort blocked by Gianluigi Donnarumma's leg after he raced onto a long ball in behind the defence. Ramos then stung the palms of Donnarumma from distance before the Italy goalkeeper produced a terrific save to deflect David Neres' shot wide. But PSG's vaunted three-man attack of Messi, Neymar and Kylian Mbappe suddenly sparked into life and the visitors surged ahead as the Argentine finished the move he started in style. Messi's pass to Mbappe was helped on to Neymar, whose lay-off was whipped into the far top corner first-time by Messi for his 127th Champions League goal. ALSO READ | Minute's silence at European matches for Indonesia stadium victims, reveals UEFA Donnarumma again intervened to deny Benfica by parrying Antonio Silva's strike to safety, but the hosts got the equaliser their play deserved just before half-time. Enzo Fernandez was afforded far too much space to swing in a teasing cross from the left that Danilo inadvertently glanced in as he tried to track Ramos. Neymar twice went close to restoring PSG's lead early in the second half, clipping the bar with an inventive overhead kick and forcing Odysseas Vlachodimos to punch away his free-kick. Achraf Hakimi could only drill straight at the Benfica 'keeper after being played in by Messi, while Benfica defender Nicolas Otamendi glanced a free-kick just past the post at the other end. Both sides continued to create chances. Mbappe's curling shot was turned behind by a sprawling Vlachodimos, with Donnarumma spreading himself to thwart Rafa Silva after a marauding run. But there was ultimately nothing to separate two sides who are unbeaten this season, and will meet again in six days' time at the Parc des Princes.

Champions League: PSG settle for 1-1 draw at Benfica despite record Lionel Messi stunner

Britain's Emma&nbsp;Raducanu&nbsp;has pulled out of the Transylvania Open due to a wrist injury, organisers of the WTA 250 event said on Thursday. Raducanu's season has been blighted by a series of different injuries, ranging from blisters to side strains and hip and back problems. Last month, the 19-year-old was forced to retire during the Korea Open semi-final.

Raducanu, who won her first Grand Slam title at the U.S. Open last year, was beaten by Daria Kasatkina in the first round of the WTA 500 event in Ostrava, Czech Republic on Tuesday. She has plummeted to 67th in the rankings from a career-high 10th in July. The Transylvania Open is due to be held in Cluj-Napoca, Romania from Oct. 10-16.

Britain's Emma Raducanu has pulled out of the Transylvania Open due to a wrist injury, organisers of the WTA 250 event said on Thursday. Raducanu's season has been blighted by a series of different injuries, ranging from blisters to side strains and hip and back problems.

Britain's Emma Raducanu has pulled out of the Transylvania Open due to a wrist injury, organisers of the WTA 250 event said on Thursday. Raducanu's season has been blighted by a series of different injuries, ranging from blisters to side strains and hip and back problems. Last month, the 19-year-old was forced to retire during the Korea Open semi-final. Raducanu, who won her first Grand Slam title at the U.S. Open last year, was beaten by Daria Kasatkina in the first round of the WTA 500 event in Ostrava, Czech Republic on Tuesday. She has plummeted to 67th in the rankings from a career-high 10th in July. The Transylvania Open is due to be held in Cluj-Napoca, Romania from Oct. 10-16.

Britain's teen star Emma Raducanu out of Transylvania Open due to wrist injury

A frustrated Max Verstappen failed to clinch his second successive&nbsp;Formula&nbsp;One&nbsp;title in Singapore last weekend but the Red Bull driver has a much stronger chance of getting the job done&nbsp;at Suzuka on Sunday (October 9). Japan is home territory for power unit partner Honda and Verstappen, who made his F1 weekend debut at the circuit in 2014 when he drove in Friday practice, will be champion again if he wins with fastest lap.

The Dutch 25-year-old has a 104-point advantage on Ferrari's Charles Leclerc, who finished second in Singapore behind Red Bull's race winner Sergio Perez. The Mexican is two points behind Leclerc. "It would make it extra special to win the championship here because of our relationship with Honda," said Verstappen. "We need a perfect weekend that's for sure."

Leclerc and Perez are now his only mathematical title rivals with five races remaining. Verstappen needs only a 112 point advantage over his closest challenger to be champion at Suzuka, which hasn't crowned a drivers' champion since 2011 when Sebastian Vettel won his second of four titles with Red Bull. Honda, who officially pulled out of the sport last season but continue to assemble Red Bull's power units in Japan, will have an enhanced presence from Suzuka with their branding on Verstappen and Perez's cars as well as sister team AlphaTauri.

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Verstappen's 2021 title was the Japanese manufacturer's first since 1991, when late Brazilian great Ayrton Senna clinched his third and final&nbsp;one&nbsp;with their engines in his McLaren. Honda has not had a home race since 2019, however, with the Japanese Grand Prix left off the calendar for the last two seasons due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The company owns the Suzuka circuit and is the title sponsor for this year's event. Red Bull last won there in 2013, the final year of Vettel's era of dominance while Ferrari's last success in Suzuka was with Michael Schumacher in 2004. Mercedes, still chasing a first win of the year, have enjoyed an unbeaten run of success at Suzuka going back to 2014, with the reigning champions even wrapping up their sixth constructors' title at the track in 2019.

With Red Bull winning 13 of this year's 17 races, and Ferrari the others, that could all change this weekend.

A frustrated Max Verstappen failed to clinch his second successive Formula One title in Singapore last weekend but the Red Bull driver has a much stronger chance of getting the job done at Suzuka on Sunday (October 9).

A frustrated Max Verstappen failed to clinch his second successive Formula One title in Singapore last weekend but the Red Bull driver has a much stronger chance of getting the job done at Suzuka on Sunday (October 9). Japan is home territory for power unit partner Honda and Verstappen, who made his F1 weekend debut at the circuit in 2014 when he drove in Friday practice, will be champion again if he wins with fastest lap. The Dutch 25-year-old has a 104-point advantage on Ferrari's Charles Leclerc, who finished second in Singapore behind Red Bull's race winner Sergio Perez. The Mexican is two points behind Leclerc. "It would make it extra special to win the championship here because of our relationship with Honda," said Verstappen. "We need a perfect weekend that's for sure." Leclerc and Perez are now his only mathematical title rivals with five races remaining. Verstappen needs only a 112 point advantage over his closest challenger to be champion at Suzuka, which hasn't crowned a drivers' champion since 2011 when Sebastian Vettel won his second of four titles with Red Bull. Honda, who officially pulled out of the sport last season but continue to assemble Red Bull's power units in Japan, will have an enhanced presence from Suzuka with their branding on Verstappen and Perez's cars as well as sister team AlphaTauri. ALSO READ | Former Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone faces fraud trial in October 2023 Verstappen's 2021 title was the Japanese manufacturer's first since 1991, when late Brazilian great Ayrton Senna clinched his third and final one with their engines in his McLaren. Honda has not had a home race since 2019, however, with the Japanese Grand Prix left off the calendar for the last two seasons due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The company owns the Suzuka circuit and is the title sponsor for this year's event. Red Bull last won there in 2013, the final year of Vettel's era of dominance while Ferrari's last success in Suzuka was with Michael Schumacher in 2004. Mercedes, still chasing a first win of the year, have enjoyed an unbeaten run of success at Suzuka going back to 2014, with the reigning champions even wrapping up their sixth constructors' title at the track in 2019. With Red Bull winning 13 of this year's 17 races, and Ferrari the others, that could all change this weekend.

Red Bull driver Max Verstappen feels winning F1 title at Honda's home track would be 'extra special'

The FIFA World Cup is a keenly-awaited event, which will be held in the Middle East for the first time ever. Qatar is set to play host to the 32-nation showpiece event which will see some big stars rub shoulders with each other and, hence, the excitement is on another level for football fans across the globe.

In the run-up to Qatar 2022, quite a lot of preparations are being made. On Wednesday (October 5), it was announced that the number of government workers attending offices would be cut down whereas schooling hours are also set to be reduced&nbsp;to ease congestion before and during the World Cup.

With in excess of one million visitors expected to be in Qatar for the big-ticket event, from November 20 to December 18, the government is eager to minimise the traffic on&nbsp;the streets around the eight stadiums. In this context, the authorities are&nbsp;worried about&nbsp;the opening two weeks&nbsp;when the number of foreign fans following the participating nations will peak.

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An official spokesperson recently claimed that only 20 per cent of government staff would be expected in offices starting&nbsp;November and till&nbsp;December 19. In addition, the&nbsp;staff would&nbsp;work four hours a day. Not only this, from&nbsp;November 1 to November 17, school hours will also be brought down; i.e.&nbsp;opening only from 7&nbsp;am to midday. Students will&nbsp;be on holiday from November 18 until December 22.

The main Corniche highway along Doha's seafront will also be closed to all cars with the commencement of November.

The FIFA World Cup is a keenly-awaited event, which will be held in the Middle East for the first time ever. Qatar is set to play host to the 32-nation showpiece event which will see some big stars rub shoulders with each other and, hence, the excitement is on another level for football fans across the globe.

The FIFA World Cup is a keenly-awaited event, which will be held in the Middle East for the first time ever. Qatar is set to play host to the 32-nation showpiece event which will see some big stars rub shoulders with each other and, hence, the excitement is on another level for football fans across the globe. In the run-up to Qatar 2022, quite a lot of preparations are being made. On Wednesday (October 5), it was announced that the number of government workers attending offices would be cut down whereas schooling hours are also set to be reduced to ease congestion before and during the World Cup. With in excess of one million visitors expected to be in Qatar for the big-ticket event, from November 20 to December 18, the government is eager to minimise the traffic on the streets around the eight stadiums. In this context, the authorities are worried about the opening two weeks when the number of foreign fans following the participating nations will peak. ALSO READ | War-torn Ukraine to join Spain and Portugal in 2030 World Cup bid An official spokesperson recently claimed that only 20 per cent of government staff would be expected in offices starting November and till December 19. In addition, the staff would work four hours a day. Not only this, from November 1 to November 17, school hours will also be brought down; i.e. opening only from 7 am to midday. Students will be on holiday from November 18 until December 22. The main Corniche highway along Doha's seafront will also be closed to all cars with the commencement of November.

Qatar slashes staff strength, working hours to prevent traffic jams during FIFA World Cup

Novak Djokovic brushed aside Chile's Cristian Garin 6-1, 6-1 in 64 minutes on Wednesday as he breezed into the second round of the Astana Open. Coming off his 89th career title in Tel Aviv last weekend, Djokovic broke an overmatched Garin five times to continue his push for a place in the season-ending ATP Finals.

"From the start to the end, (it was) a great performance," said Djokovic.&nbsp;"Playing in a new tournament, different conditions, the first match is never easy. Obviously you are looking to see how you are going to adapt, but I did it perfectly, really, played as well as I can."

The Serb is the only player to win ATP tournaments on clay, grass and hard courts this year. He will play Dutchman Botic van de Zandschulp for a place in the quarter-finals. "Coming into this tournament I feel confident, I feel excited, I feel motivated, so I think that helps as well to adjust quickly," added Djokovic.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/qatar-slashes-office-hours-to-reduce-traffic-jams-for-fifa-world-cup-522808">Qatar slashes office hours to reduce traffic jams for FIFA World Cup</a>

Third seed Stefanos Tsitsipas ended the run of Italian qualifier Luca Nardi, advancing 7-6 (7/2), 7-6 (7/3). He goes on to face Kazakhstan's Alexander Bublik or Hubert Hurkacz. Andrey Rublev, seeded fifth, defeated China's Zhang Zhizhen 6-3, 6-2 in his second round match. Rublev meets Adrian Mannarino next after the Frenchman put out David Goffin, who shocked world number one Carlos Alcaraz in the opening round.

Roberto Bautista Agut beat lucky loser Pavel Kotov 6-1, 7-6 (7/5) and could play Daniil Medvedev in the quarter-finals. Marin Cilic, the runner-up to Djokovic in Tel Aviv, won his opener 5-7, 7-6 (7/4), 6-2 against Germany's Oscar Otte. Switzerland's Marc-Andrea Huesler, who won his first ATP title in Sofia last week, was dumped out by Emil Ruusuvuori 6-0, 6-2.

Novak Djokovic brushed aside Chile's Cristian Garin 6-1, 6-1 in 64 minutes on Wednesday as he breezed into the second round of the Astana Open. Coming off his 89th career title in Tel Aviv last weekend, Djokovic broke an overmatched Garin five times to continue his push for a place in the season-ending ATP Finals.

Novak Djokovic brushed aside Chile's Cristian Garin 6-1, 6-1 in 64 minutes on Wednesday as he breezed into the second round of the Astana Open. Coming off his 89th career title in Tel Aviv last weekend, Djokovic broke an overmatched Garin five times to continue his push for a place in the season-ending ATP Finals. "From the start to the end, (it was) a great performance," said Djokovic. "Playing in a new tournament, different conditions, the first match is never easy. Obviously you are looking to see how you are going to adapt, but I did it perfectly, really, played as well as I can." The Serb is the only player to win ATP tournaments on clay, grass and hard courts this year. He will play Dutchman Botic van de Zandschulp for a place in the quarter-finals. "Coming into this tournament I feel confident, I feel excited, I feel motivated, so I think that helps as well to adjust quickly," added Djokovic. ALSO READ | Qatar slashes office hours to reduce traffic jams for FIFA World Cup Third seed Stefanos Tsitsipas ended the run of Italian qualifier Luca Nardi, advancing 7-6 (7/2), 7-6 (7/3). He goes on to face Kazakhstan's Alexander Bublik or Hubert Hurkacz. Andrey Rublev, seeded fifth, defeated China's Zhang Zhizhen 6-3, 6-2 in his second round match. Rublev meets Adrian Mannarino next after the Frenchman put out David Goffin, who shocked world number one Carlos Alcaraz in the opening round. Roberto Bautista Agut beat lucky loser Pavel Kotov 6-1, 7-6 (7/5) and could play Daniil Medvedev in the quarter-finals. Marin Cilic, the runner-up to Djokovic in Tel Aviv, won his opener 5-7, 7-6 (7/4), 6-2 against Germany's Oscar Otte. Switzerland's Marc-Andrea Huesler, who won his first ATP title in Sofia last week, was dumped out by Emil Ruusuvuori 6-0, 6-2.

Novak Djokovic cruises ahead in Astana; Stefanos Tsitsipas and Andrey Rublev enter quarters

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