Former Indian off-spinner Harbhajan Singh has come out in the support of 7-time national chess champion Malika Handa after the specially-abled athlete lashed out at the Punjab government for failing to fulfill their promises, which included a cash reward and a job opportunity.&nbsp;

For the unversed, the national chess champion Malika came out in the open and expressed her anger at the government via some hard-hitting words on her official Twitter handle.

On January 2 (Sunday), the 26-year-old Malika had posted a video expressing her frustration and&nbsp;captioned the post, "I m very feeling Hurt 31 dec I met sports minister of Punjab&nbsp;@PargatSOfficial. Now He said punjab Govt can not give job and Not cash award accept to (Deaf sports) because they do not have policy for deaf sports."&nbsp;

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I m very feeling Hurt 
31 dec I met sports minister of Punjab <a href="https://twitter.com/PargatSOfficial?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PargatSOfficial</a> 
Now He said punjab Govt can not give job and Not cash award accept to (Deaf sports) because they do not have policy for deaf sports. 
Cc: <a href="https://twitter.com/CHARANJITCHANNI?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CHARANJITCHANNI</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/sherryontopp?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@sherryontopp</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/RahulGandhi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RahulGandhi</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/rhythmjit?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@rhythmjit</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ANI</a> <a href="https://t.co/DrZ97mtSNH">pic.twitter.com/DrZ97mtSNH</a>
— Malika Handa🇮🇳🥇 (@MalikaHanda) <a href="https://twitter.com/MalikaHanda/status/1477542186732310528?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 2, 2022</a></blockquote>
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In addition to the clip, the chess champion wrote in her post, "I met Sports Minister Pargat Singh on Dec 31st. He said that the state govt can't provide a job &amp; a cash reward because they don't have a policy for deaf sports.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ms-dhoni-may-have-supported-some-bcci-officials-who-didnt-want-me-harbhajan-singh-makes-glaring-remark-441643">MS Dhoni may have supported some BCCI officials who didn't want me: Harbhajan Singh makes glaring remark</a>

"Ex sports minister have announced cash award for me i also have letter of invitation in which i was invited but was cancelled due to covid. This thing when i told to present sports minister @pargat singh he told clearly it was ex minister i did not announced and govt can not do." She added, "Former sports minister had announced a cash reward for me &amp; I also have a letter of invitation in which I was invited but it was canceled due to #COVID19."&nbsp;

Handa didn't mince her words as she felt that she has wasted five years of her life due to the false claims made and questioned why there is no support for deaf sport.&nbsp;"I am only asking why it was announced. My time Waste 5 years on congress govt. They fool me.. not care deaf person sports. District Congress all told me that supports , promised me after 5 years that happen is nothing now. Why why Punjab govt doing this?" she questioned.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tried-to-ask-ms-dhoni-but-got-no-reason-harbhajan-opens-up-on-his-sudden-omission-from-team-india-441226">'Tried to ask MS Dhoni but got no reason ' - Harbhajan opens up on his sudden omission from Team India</a>

Now, Harbhajan, who retired from international cricket on December 24, 2021, has come out in support of Malika. He tweeted saying, "Firstly why is there no policy for the hearing impaired?? Being deaf doesn’t take away talent. Secondly she should get what was promised for her achievement ..I urge sports minister punjab and India to look after this matter&nbsp;@PargatSOfficial @ianuragthakur"

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Firstly why is there no policy for the hearing impaired?? Being deaf doesn’t take away talent. Secondly she should get what was promised for her achievement ..I urge sports minister punjab and India to look after this matter <a href="https://twitter.com/PargatSOfficial?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PargatSOfficial</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/ianuragthakur?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ianuragthakur</a> <a href="https://t.co/9FZAJw2ArQ">https://t.co/9FZAJw2ArQ</a>
— Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) <a href="https://twitter.com/harbhajan_singh/status/1477707958251180034?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 2, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Given someone of a stature of Bhajji has joined in, it will be interesting to see if a swift action is taken in the coming days by the senior authorities in the Punjab government to meet the needs of Malika.

Malika has had a stellar career where the youngster has&nbsp;clinched&nbsp;the national championship for as many as seven times and has also returned with six medals at the Asian and World Championships. Thus, the wayward treatment of such a star athlete remains alarming.&nbsp;

Former Indian off-spinner Harbhajan Singh has come out in the support of 7-time national chess champion Malika Handa after the specially-abled athlete lashed out at the Punjab government for failing to fulfill their promises, which included a cash reward and a job opportunity.

Former Indian off-spinner Harbhajan Singh has come out in the support of 7-time national chess champion Malika Handa after the specially-abled athlete lashed out at the Punjab government for failing to fulfill their promises, which included a cash reward and a job opportunity. For the unversed, the national chess champion Malika came out in the open and expressed her anger at the government via some hard-hitting words on her official Twitter handle. On January 2 (Sunday), the 26-year-old Malika had posted a video expressing her frustration and captioned the post, "I m very feeling Hurt 31 dec I met sports minister of Punjab @PargatSOfficial. Now He said punjab Govt can not give job and Not cash award accept to (Deaf sports) because they do not have policy for deaf sports." I m very feeling Hurt 31 dec I met sports minister of Punjab @PargatSOfficial Now He said punjab Govt can not give job and Not cash award accept to (Deaf sports) because they do not have policy for deaf sports. Cc: @CHARANJITCHANNI @sherryontopp @RahulGandhi @rhythmjit @ANI pic.twitter.com/DrZ97mtSNH — Malika Handa🇮🇳🥇 (@MalikaHanda) January 2, 2022 × In addition to the clip, the chess champion wrote in her post, "I met Sports Minister Pargat Singh on Dec 31st. He said that the state govt can't provide a job & a cash reward because they don't have a policy for deaf sports. ALSO READ | MS Dhoni may have supported some BCCI officials who didn't want me: Harbhajan Singh makes glaring remark "Ex sports minister have announced cash award for me i also have letter of invitation in which i was invited but was cancelled due to covid. This thing when i told to present sports minister @pargat singh he told clearly it was ex minister i did not announced and govt can not do." She added, "Former sports minister had announced a cash reward for me & I also have a letter of invitation in which I was invited but it was canceled due to #COVID19." Handa didn't mince her words as she felt that she has wasted five years of her life due to the false claims made and questioned why there is no support for deaf sport. "I am only asking why it was announced. My time Waste 5 years on congress govt. They fool me.. not care deaf person sports. District Congress all told me that supports , promised me after 5 years that happen is nothing now. Why why Punjab govt doing this?" she questioned. ALSO READ | 'Tried to ask MS Dhoni but got no reason ' - Harbhajan opens up on his sudden omission from Team India Now, Harbhajan, who retired from international cricket on December 24, 2021, has come out in support of Malika. He tweeted saying, "Firstly why is there no policy for the hearing impaired?? Being deaf doesn’t take away talent. Secondly she should get what was promised for her achievement ..I urge sports minister punjab and India to look after this matter @PargatSOfficial @ianuragthakur" Firstly why is there no policy for the hearing impaired?? Being deaf doesn’t take away talent. Secondly she should get what was promised for her achievement ..I urge sports minister punjab and India to look after this matter @PargatSOfficial @ianuragthakur https://t.co/9FZAJw2ArQ — Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) January 2, 2022 × Given someone of a stature of Bhajji has joined in, it will be interesting to see if a swift action is taken in the coming days by the senior authorities in the Punjab government to meet the needs of Malika. Malika has had a stellar career where the youngster has clinched the national championship for as many as seven times and has also returned with six medals at the Asian and World Championships. Thus, the wayward treatment of such a star athlete remains alarming.

Harbhajan Singh supports chess champion Malika Handa after she slams Punjab govt for failed promises

Reigning world chess champion Magnus Carlsen of Norway defended his title and won the FIDE World Championship on Friday in Dubai.

He beat Ian Nepomniachtchi of Russia, securing the one point he needed to cross the seven point threshold to win the global tournament held at Dubai's Expo 2020 this month in the United Arab Emirates.

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Magnus Carlsen wins Game 11 and the match, retaining his title. 
⠀ 
Capitalizing on Ian Nepomniachtchi's blunder on move 23, the World Champion scored his fourth win in the match at <a href="https://twitter.com/expo2020dubai?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@expo2020dubai</a>. The final score is 7½-3½. 
⠀<a href="https://t.co/cmW9hMdEqY">https://t.co/cmW9hMdEqY</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CarlsenNepo?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CarlsenNepo</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FIDEmatch2021?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FIDEmatch2021</a> <a href="https://t.co/CnFdYcyVXT">pic.twitter.com/CnFdYcyVXT</a>
— International Chess Federation (@FIDE_chess) <a href="https://twitter.com/FIDE_chess/status/1469334506234691584?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 10, 2021</a></blockquote>
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After a surprise blunder by Nepomniachtchi, Carlsen clinched his fifth world championship title. Up until that point, the match was tense with games ending in draw after draw.

"Then everything kind of clicked. I think after that it all went my way, Carlsen told reporters from the world's fair after his win.

"You don't expect necessarily to run away with it in a world championship."

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Magnus Carlsen: "I am very happy of course. I did not expect it to go quite like this. I think it was a very good professional performance overall. I have no regrets at all, just very satisfied." <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CarlsenNepo?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CarlsenNepo</a> <a href="https://t.co/gXa8nCD2xJ">pic.twitter.com/gXa8nCD2xJ</a>
— International Chess Federation (@FIDE_chess) <a href="https://twitter.com/FIDE_chess/status/1469344948772384776?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 10, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Carlsen wins 60% of the 2 million-euro prize offered by the championship.

Nepomniachtchi said he was struggling to understand exactly what went wrong and at the moment had no idea.

"The things that happened to me here never happened to me basically at any events ... In my career I lost quite some stupid games,&nbsp;Nepomniachtchi said grimly.

"I should find out why it happened."&nbsp;

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Nepomniachtchi: "The outcome... The good news is that it was almost nothing about chess. But the match consists of many aspects: not only chess preparation but also physical, psychological." 
"The level of these blunders is below some bad examples of pathetic shape." <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CarlsenNepo?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CarlsenNepo</a> <a href="https://t.co/GeU3Qa0ku9">pic.twitter.com/GeU3Qa0ku9</a>
— International Chess Federation (@FIDE_chess) <a href="https://twitter.com/FIDE_chess/status/1469349433586466822?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 10, 2021</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

Reigning world chess champion Magnus Carlsen of Norway defended his title and won the FIDE World Championship on Friday in Dubai. He beat Ian Nepomniachtchi of Russia, securing the one point he needed to cross the seven point threshold to win the global tournament held at Dubai's Expo 2020 this month in the United Arab Emirates.

Reigning world chess champion Magnus Carlsen of Norway defended his title and won the FIDE World Championship on Friday in Dubai. He beat Ian Nepomniachtchi of Russia, securing the one point he needed to cross the seven point threshold to win the global tournament held at Dubai's Expo 2020 this month in the United Arab Emirates. Magnus Carlsen wins Game 11 and the match, retaining his title. ⠀ Capitalizing on Ian Nepomniachtchi's blunder on move 23, the World Champion scored his fourth win in the match at @expo2020dubai. The final score is 7½-3½. ⠀https://t.co/cmW9hMdEqY#CarlsenNepo #FIDEmatch2021 pic.twitter.com/CnFdYcyVXT — International Chess Federation (@FIDE_chess) December 10, 2021 × After a surprise blunder by Nepomniachtchi, Carlsen clinched his fifth world championship title. Up until that point, the match was tense with games ending in draw after draw. "Then everything kind of clicked. I think after that it all went my way, Carlsen told reporters from the world's fair after his win. "You don't expect necessarily to run away with it in a world championship." Magnus Carlsen: "I am very happy of course. I did not expect it to go quite like this. I think it was a very good professional performance overall. I have no regrets at all, just very satisfied." #CarlsenNepo pic.twitter.com/gXa8nCD2xJ — International Chess Federation (@FIDE_chess) December 10, 2021 × Carlsen wins 60% of the 2 million-euro prize offered by the championship. Nepomniachtchi said he was struggling to understand exactly what went wrong and at the moment had no idea. "The things that happened to me here never happened to me basically at any events ... In my career I lost quite some stupid games, Nepomniachtchi said grimly. "I should find out why it happened." Nepomniachtchi: "The outcome... The good news is that it was almost nothing about chess. But the match consists of many aspects: not only chess preparation but also physical, psychological." "The level of these blunders is below some bad examples of pathetic shape." #CarlsenNepo pic.twitter.com/GeU3Qa0ku9 — International Chess Federation (@FIDE_chess) December 10, 2021 ×

Norway's Magnus Carlsen wins FIDE world chess championship for the fifth time

In the final episode of 'The Queen’s Gambit,'&nbsp;the wildly popular Netflix series, an announcer delivers chess play-by-play and commentary while the show’s fictional hero, portrayed by Anya Taylor-Joy, competes in a climactic tournament in Moscow.

“The only unusual thing about her, really, is her sex, and even that’s not unique in Russia,” the announcer intones, as a woman watching the match comes into focus. “There’s Nona Gaprindashvili, but she’s the female world champion and has never faced men.”

The series is fiction, but there is a real pioneering chess champion named Nona Gaprindashvili, the first woman to be named a grandmaster. Now 80 years old and living in Tbilisi, the capital of the Black Sea nation of Georgia, she was pained to learn that the television show had erased her many successes against male opponents. (A 1968 headline in The New York Times, for instance, reads, “Chess: Miss Gaprindashvili Beats 7 Men in a Strong Tourney.”)

So on Thursday, Gaprindashvili filed a lawsuit against Netflix in U.S. District Court in Los Angeles, seeking millions of dollars in damages for what the suit claims is a “devastating falsehood, undermining and degrading her accomplishments before an audience of many millions” and calling for the line about her not facing men to be removed.

“They were trying to do this fictional character who was blazing the trail for other women, when in reality I had already blazed the trail and inspired generations,” Gaprindashvili said in a recent video interview arranged by her lawyers, speaking in Georgian, which was translated to English by her grandson. “That’s the irony.”

Netflix said that it greatly respected Gaprindashvili but that it believed her claim was without merit. “Netflix has only the utmost respect for Ms. Gaprindashvili and her illustrious career, but we believe this claim has no merit and will vigorously defend the case,” the company said in a statement.

As the 25-page complaint details, Gaprindashvili did, in fact, play against many highly skilled male champions over the course of her career, including before the episode in question takes place. The suit claims that the line that she had “never faced men” caused professional harm to Gaprindashvili, who continues to compete in senior chess tournaments, and notes that “The Queen’s Gambit” was viewed in more than 62 million households in the first month after its release.

“This was an insulting experience,” Gaprindashvili said during the hourlong interview, when she could not resist at times enthusiastically recounting some of her most memorable chess matches and victories.

“This is my entire life that has been crossed out, as though it is not important,” she said.

The lawsuit alleges that Netflix “brazenly and deliberately lied about Gaprindashvili’s achievements for the cheap and cynical purpose of ‘heightening the drama’ by making it appear that its fictional hero had managed to do what no other woman, including Gaprindashvili, had done.”

The complaint added that “in a story that was supposed to inspire women by showing a young woman competing with men at the highest levels of world chess, Netflix humiliated the one real woman trail blazer who had actually faced and defeated men on the world stage in the same era.”

“The Queen’s Gambit,” based on the 1983 novel by Walter Tevis, became what Netflix described as its biggest limited scripted series ever. The series won two Golden Globes this year and has garnered 18 Emmy Awards and nominations; there are plans for it to be adapted into a stage musical. And, just as Gaprindashvili has been doing for years through her game play and example, the series has inspired more women to take up chess while also renewing concerns about sexism in the game.

The lawsuit notes that the line in the series saying that Gaprindashvili had never faced men had been changed from the book it was based on, and quotes this passage from the original novel: “There was Nona Gaprindashvili, not up to the level of this tournament, but a player who had met all these Russian Grandmasters many times before.”

The real Gaprindashvili began playing professionally at 13, and later became a female world champion and, as the suit noted, “the first woman in history” to be awarded the rank of grandmaster after a tournament in Lone Pine, California, in 1977. The Tbilisi Chess Palace, the lawsuit noted, is dedicated to Gaprindashvili.

“It took a year of fighting to get accepted,” Gaprindashvili said in the interview. “Whenever they saw me as a small, short, young girl, they would tell me to get in line — to play next time, but not now. But I always asserted my place.”

Gaprindashvili said she has been asked about the show often. Those discussions evoked memories of her own rise as a female chess champion. But she said she could not understand why a fictional television show would “lie” about a real person’s life.

“Not many things can damage me emotionally,” she said. “But this was surprising to me — and humiliating.”

The lawsuit, she said, would now be another part of her legacy.

“It is already part of my legacy that women chess players are accepted and becoming grandmasters,” Gaprindashvili said. “This is also a big part of it. It is a fight I began, and it is a fight I am continuing.”

In the final episode of 'The Queen’s Gambit,' the wildly popular Netflix series, an announcer delivers chess play-by-play and commentary while the show’s fictional hero, portrayed by Anya Taylor-Joy, competes in a climactic tournament in Moscow.

In the final episode of 'The Queen’s Gambit,' the wildly popular Netflix series, an announcer delivers chess play-by-play and commentary while the show’s fictional hero, portrayed by Anya Taylor-Joy, competes in a climactic tournament in Moscow. “The only unusual thing about her, really, is her sex, and even that’s not unique in Russia,” the announcer intones, as a woman watching the match comes into focus. “There’s Nona Gaprindashvili, but she’s the female world champion and has never faced men.” The series is fiction, but there is a real pioneering chess champion named Nona Gaprindashvili, the first woman to be named a grandmaster. Now 80 years old and living in Tbilisi, the capital of the Black Sea nation of Georgia, she was pained to learn that the television show had erased her many successes against male opponents. (A 1968 headline in The New York Times, for instance, reads, “Chess: Miss Gaprindashvili Beats 7 Men in a Strong Tourney.”) So on Thursday, Gaprindashvili filed a lawsuit against Netflix in U.S. District Court in Los Angeles, seeking millions of dollars in damages for what the suit claims is a “devastating falsehood, undermining and degrading her accomplishments before an audience of many millions” and calling for the line about her not facing men to be removed. “They were trying to do this fictional character who was blazing the trail for other women, when in reality I had already blazed the trail and inspired generations,” Gaprindashvili said in a recent video interview arranged by her lawyers, speaking in Georgian, which was translated to English by her grandson. “That’s the irony.” Netflix said that it greatly respected Gaprindashvili but that it believed her claim was without merit. “Netflix has only the utmost respect for Ms. Gaprindashvili and her illustrious career, but we believe this claim has no merit and will vigorously defend the case,” the company said in a statement. As the 25-page complaint details, Gaprindashvili did, in fact, play against many highly skilled male champions over the course of her career, including before the episode in question takes place. The suit claims that the line that she had “never faced men” caused professional harm to Gaprindashvili, who continues to compete in senior chess tournaments, and notes that “The Queen’s Gambit” was viewed in more than 62 million households in the first month after its release. “This was an insulting experience,” Gaprindashvili said during the hourlong interview, when she could not resist at times enthusiastically recounting some of her most memorable chess matches and victories. “This is my entire life that has been crossed out, as though it is not important,” she said. The lawsuit alleges that Netflix “brazenly and deliberately lied about Gaprindashvili’s achievements for the cheap and cynical purpose of ‘heightening the drama’ by making it appear that its fictional hero had managed to do what no other woman, including Gaprindashvili, had done.” The complaint added that “in a story that was supposed to inspire women by showing a young woman competing with men at the highest levels of world chess, Netflix humiliated the one real woman trail blazer who had actually faced and defeated men on the world stage in the same era.” “The Queen’s Gambit,” based on the 1983 novel by Walter Tevis, became what Netflix described as its biggest limited scripted series ever. The series won two Golden Globes this year and has garnered 18 Emmy Awards and nominations; there are plans for it to be adapted into a stage musical. And, just as Gaprindashvili has been doing for years through her game play and example, the series has inspired more women to take up chess while also renewing concerns about sexism in the game. The lawsuit notes that the line in the series saying that Gaprindashvili had never faced men had been changed from the book it was based on, and quotes this passage from the original novel: “There was Nona Gaprindashvili, not up to the level of this tournament, but a player who had met all these Russian Grandmasters many times before.” The real Gaprindashvili began playing professionally at 13, and later became a female world champion and, as the suit noted, “the first woman in history” to be awarded the rank of grandmaster after a tournament in Lone Pine, California, in 1977. The Tbilisi Chess Palace, the lawsuit noted, is dedicated to Gaprindashvili. “It took a year of fighting to get accepted,” Gaprindashvili said in the interview. “Whenever they saw me as a small, short, young girl, they would tell me to get in line — to play next time, but not now. But I always asserted my place.” Gaprindashvili said she has been asked about the show often. Those discussions evoked memories of her own rise as a female chess champion. But she said she could not understand why a fictional television show would “lie” about a real person’s life. “Not many things can damage me emotionally,” she said. “But this was surprising to me — and humiliating.” The lawsuit, she said, would now be another part of her legacy. “It is already part of my legacy that women chess players are accepted and becoming grandmasters,” Gaprindashvili said. “This is also a big part of it. It is a fight I began, and it is a fight I am continuing.”

A chess pioneer sues, saying she was slighted in ‘The Queen’s Gambit’

To commemorate the inauguration of the International Chess Federation (FIDE) in Paris in 1924, the United Nations designated July 20 as World Chess Day. Chess fans from all over the world get together on this day to honour the lovely two-player strategy board game. India has made important contributions to the world of chess, from the beginning of the lovely game to the current worldwide online chess phenomena. Today, the game is played by around 605 million individuals regularly.

International Chess Day: All you need to know about the 1,500-year-old game

International Chess Day, often known as World Chess Day, is celebrated on July 20th around the world.

Chess fans from all over the world get together on this day to honour the lovely two-player strategy board game.

To commemorate the inauguration of the International Chess Federation (FIDE) in Paris in 1924, the United Nations designated July 20 as World Chess Day.

There are about 2,000 variations of this board game. This game involves moving several sorts of playing pieces over a checkered square board to capture the opponent's king piece.

Originated in India

According to the United Nations website, the game Chaturanga, which evolved in the Northern Indian subcontinent between 319 and 543 CE, is thought to be the earliest ancestor of chess.

The game eventually spread west to Persia via the Silk Roads.

The game was termed Shatranj when it came to Sassanid Persia around 600 CE.

In nations such as Russia, India, Germany, the United States, and the United Kingdom, up to 70% of the adult population has played chess at some point in their lives.

Chess is played by around 605 million individuals regularly.

India has made important contributions to the world of chess, from the beginning of the game to the current worldwide online chess phenomena.

According to historical documents, the 8x8 checkerboard dates back to the Mahabharata and Ramayana periods.

Early Buddhist literature, as well as Chinese texts, describe board games. 
 
First International Master and Grandmaster

Manuel Aaron (December 30, 1935) is India's first international master, having achieved the rank when he was 26 years old in 1961.

At the age of 19, Viswanathan Anand became India's first Grandmaster.

He and Aaron are both from Chennai (formerly Madras), which is known as the chess capital of India.

Anand's success set the stage for significant chess growth in India. 
 
<img alt="The five-time world chess champion Viswanathan Anand." data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a1f9e0c6-9b9f-491d-b2e5-d4a280c37fe0" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Anand.JPG" /> 
 
(The five-time world chess champion Viswanathan Anand.)

Chess in popular culture:

Shatranj Ke Khiladi

Based on Munshi Premchand's 1924 short novel, Satyajit Ray's 1977 film Shatranj Ke Khiladi (The Chess Players) tells a story of two chess addicts set against the backdrop of Lucknow under Nawab Wajid Ali Shah as his city was being taken over by the British East India Company. 
 
<img alt="A still from Shatranj Ke Khiladi" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="767c2675-fead-4827-a891-55b716ccd575" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/shatranj-ke-khilari.jpg" /> 
 
(A still from film Shatranj Ke Khiladi)

Online Chess

Chess's popularity has allegedly risen, and players are increasingly turning to the internet to participate in virtual gaming tournaments.

Chess, like other recreational games, can help with mental health and anxiety reduction.

Chess is a game that combines scientific reasoning and artistic expression. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

International Chess Day, often known as World Chess Day, is celebrated on July 20th around the world. Chess fans from all over the world get together on this day to honour the lovely two-player strategy board game.

International Chess Day, often known as World Chess Day, is celebrated on July 20th around the world. Chess fans from all over the world get together on this day to honour the lovely two-player strategy board game. To commemorate the inauguration of the International Chess Federation (FIDE) in Paris in 1924, the United Nations designated July 20 as World Chess Day. There are about 2,000 variations of this board game. This game involves moving several sorts of playing pieces over a checkered square board to capture the opponent's king piece. Originated in India According to the United Nations website, the game Chaturanga, which evolved in the Northern Indian subcontinent between 319 and 543 CE, is thought to be the earliest ancestor of chess. The game eventually spread west to Persia via the Silk Roads. The game was termed Shatranj when it came to Sassanid Persia around 600 CE. In nations such as Russia, India, Germany, the United States, and the United Kingdom, up to 70% of the adult population has played chess at some point in their lives. Chess is played by around 605 million individuals regularly. India has made important contributions to the world of chess, from the beginning of the game to the current worldwide online chess phenomena. According to historical documents, the 8x8 checkerboard dates back to the Mahabharata and Ramayana periods. Early Buddhist literature, as well as Chinese texts, describe board games. First International Master and Grandmaster Manuel Aaron (December 30, 1935) is India's first international master, having achieved the rank when he was 26 years old in 1961. At the age of 19, Viswanathan Anand became India's first Grandmaster. He and Aaron are both from Chennai (formerly Madras), which is known as the chess capital of India. Anand's success set the stage for significant chess growth in India. (The five-time world chess champion Viswanathan Anand.) Chess in popular culture: Shatranj Ke Khiladi Based on Munshi Premchand's 1924 short novel, Satyajit Ray's 1977 film Shatranj Ke Khiladi (The Chess Players) tells a story of two chess addicts set against the backdrop of Lucknow under Nawab Wajid Ali Shah as his city was being taken over by the British East India Company. (A still from film Shatranj Ke Khiladi) Online Chess Chess's popularity has allegedly risen, and players are increasingly turning to the internet to participate in virtual gaming tournaments. Chess, like other recreational games, can help with mental health and anxiety reduction. Chess is a game that combines scientific reasoning and artistic expression. (With inputs from agencies)

World Chess Day 2021: History, significance and the Indian connection

Cryptocurrencies may have had a turbulent week, but leading&nbsp;chess&nbsp;players,&nbsp;including world number one Magnus Carlsen, will play for $100,000 of Bitcoin over the coming days.

Together with a $220,000 cash pot, the FTX Crypto Cup, which begins on Sunday, has the biggest prize for an online&nbsp;chess&nbsp;competition in history.

Carlsen is the top name involved, but will joined by 15 of the world's leading players, including former world title challenger Fabiano Caruana, and the man who will take on the Norwegian next, Ian Nepomniachtchi.

Bitcoin was trading at nearly $60,000 at the start of May, plunged to below $35,000 this week but had recovered slightly on Friday to around $40,000.

Hong Kong-based Sam Bankman-Fried, Chief Executive of cryptocurrency exchange FTX, admitted that the short-term outlook for the cryptocurrency was uncertain, but that longer term it would become more established among mainstream financial institutions.

"I will say that there are certainly reasons to be optimistic, and one thing that I'll say is we've had conversations with a lot of major banks and other financial players over the last year, and one really, really consistent theme has been all of them saying 'well six months ago, we had a mandate basically never to touch crypto, and now we have a mandate that we have to figure out how to do something in crypto over the next two months'.''

''And you know, I don't think they know what, or exactly what, you know how it's going to happen yet, and so there's still a lot of room left to grow that."

Meanwhile, Dutch number one Anish Giri, who will be part of the line up at the FTX Crypto Cup, said interest in cryptocurrency among&nbsp;chess&nbsp;professionals was high, and welcomed the move to offer Bitcoin as prize money even if he couldn't be sure what it would be worth by the end of the tournament.

"It's like playing with the house money right?" he said. "You're getting it for pretty much for nothing, it's also a bonus added to the prize fund."

Cryptocurrencies may have had a turbulent week, but leading chess players, including world number one Magnus Carlsen, will play for $100,000 of Bitcoin over the coming days.

Cryptocurrencies may have had a turbulent week, but leading chess players, including world number one Magnus Carlsen, will play for $100,000 of Bitcoin over the coming days. Together with a $220,000 cash pot, the FTX Crypto Cup, which begins on Sunday, has the biggest prize for an online chess competition in history. Carlsen is the top name involved, but will joined by 15 of the world's leading players, including former world title challenger Fabiano Caruana, and the man who will take on the Norwegian next, Ian Nepomniachtchi. Bitcoin was trading at nearly $60,000 at the start of May, plunged to below $35,000 this week but had recovered slightly on Friday to around $40,000. Hong Kong-based Sam Bankman-Fried, Chief Executive of cryptocurrency exchange FTX, admitted that the short-term outlook for the cryptocurrency was uncertain, but that longer term it would become more established among mainstream financial institutions. "I will say that there are certainly reasons to be optimistic, and one thing that I'll say is we've had conversations with a lot of major banks and other financial players over the last year, and one really, really consistent theme has been all of them saying 'well six months ago, we had a mandate basically never to touch crypto, and now we have a mandate that we have to figure out how to do something in crypto over the next two months'.'' ''And you know, I don't think they know what, or exactly what, you know how it's going to happen yet, and so there's still a lot of room left to grow that." Meanwhile, Dutch number one Anish Giri, who will be part of the line up at the FTX Crypto Cup, said interest in cryptocurrency among chess professionals was high, and welcomed the move to offer Bitcoin as prize money even if he couldn't be sure what it would be worth by the end of the tournament. "It's like playing with the house money right?" he said. "You're getting it for pretty much for nothing, it's also a bonus added to the prize fund."

Checkmate for Bitcoin? Chess tournament offers $100,000 crypto currency prize

Kings of Lagos: Children learn chess to seek escape from Nigeria's slums

Judit Polgar might be the one woman in the world who knows how Beth, the heroine of the hit Netflix series 'The Queen’s Gambit,' really feels. Like Beth, Polgar, who is from Hungary, stood out during her career because she regularly beat the world’s top players, including Garry Kasparov, in 2002, when he was ranked No&nbsp;1.

Polgar, the only woman to ever be ranked in the Top 10 or to play for the overall world championship, retired from competitive chess in 2014. Watching the series, which she described as an “incredible performance,” gave her a sense of déjà vu, particularly in the later episodes.

But there was one respect in which she could not identify with Beth’s experience: how the male competitors treated her.

“They were too nice to her,” Polgar said. When Polgar was proving herself and rising in the world rankings, the men often made disparaging comments about her ability and sometimes jokes, which they thought were funny but were actually hurtful, she said.

And no one ever resigned to her, as Shapkin did to Beth in Episode 7 by gallantly holding her hand near his lips.

“There were opponents who refused to shake hands,” she recalled. “There was one who hit his head on the board after he lost.”

Not every woman has had negative experiences. Irina Krush, who won her eighth US&nbsp;Women’s Championship last month, said she felt as if the chess community and men in particular were supportive of her when she was an up-and-coming player. She said of the series, “The spirit of what they are showing conforms to my experience.”

Whether what happens to Beth is typical or not, the popularity of 'The Queen’s Gambit' has inspired anew a debate about inequality and sexism in chess and what, if anything, can be done about them.

Though chess would seem like one area where men and women should be able to compete on equal footing, historically, few women have been able to do so. Among the more than 1,700 regular grandmasters worldwide, only 37, including Polgar and Krush, are women. Currently, only one woman, Hou Yifan of China, ranks in the Top 100, at No&nbsp;88, and she has been playing infrequently, even before the pandemic.

The superiority of men in the game is so well established that the best female players have freely acknowledged it. In a recent issue of Mint, in an article titled 'Why Women Lose at Chess,' Koneru Humpy, an Indian player currently ranked No&nbsp;3 among women, said men are just better players. “It’s proven,” she said. “You have to accept it.”

The dearth of women at the top of the game is one reason that there are separate tournaments for women, including a world championship; the World Chess Federation even created titles for women, such as women grandmaster.

Having such institutionalized, second-class status might seem like a bad idea, but not according to Anastasiya Karlovich, a grandmaster who was the press officer for the World Chess Federation for several years. She said the women’s titles permit more female players to earn a living as professionals, thereby increasing their participation in the game.

Karlovich said the Netflix show has helped her indirectly: It has made the parents of her chess students look at her differently.

“They have more respect for me. They understand better the life of a player,” she said.

While some men have speculated that the reason there are so few top female players is because they are not wired for it — Kasparov once said that it is not in their nature — women think the overriding reason is cultural expectations and bias.

Krush said the cultural cleaving between boys and girls happens at a young age. Scrolling through lists of the top players in the United States who are 7, 8 and 9, Krush pointed out that there are only a handful of girls in the Top 10.

That creates and reinforces another problem that discourages women’s participation: too few social contacts. Jennifer Shahade, a two-time U.S. women’s champion who has written two books about women in chess ('Chess Bitch' and 'Play Like a Girl!') and is the women’s program director at the US Chess Federation, said teenage girls tend to stop playing chess because there are so few of them and they want the social support. That Beth is a loner is likely an important reason she does not quit playing in tournaments.

Of 74,000 members in total, the US Chess Federation said it has about 10,500 female members. Shahade wants to increase that number, as well as their participation. To that end, she and the federation started an online chess club in April to keep female players engaged during the pandemic. In the last few weeks, there have been between 80 and 140 participants, with quite a few older players. The last meeting also had a special guest: Kasparov, who has become a big booster of women’s chess since his retirement from competition in 2005. He was also a consultant on the Netflix series.

To keep the momentum going, Shahade is launching a new online group called the “Madwoman’s Book Club.” The title refers to a pejorative name used for the queen in the 15th and 16th centuries after it became the most powerful piece on the board. The first meeting, this Friday, already has 100 people signed up.

The subject of the discussion should come as no surprise: 'The Queen’s Gambit'&nbsp;by Walter Tevis, the book on which the Netflix series is based. 
&nbsp;

Judit Polgar might be the one woman in the world who knows how Beth, the heroine of the hit Netflix series 'The Queen’s Gambit,' really feels. Like Beth, Polgar, who is from Hungary, stood out during her career because she regularly beat the world’s top players, including Garry Kasparov, in 2002, when he was ranked No 1.

Judit Polgar might be the one woman in the world who knows how Beth, the heroine of the hit Netflix series 'The Queen’s Gambit,' really feels. Like Beth, Polgar, who is from Hungary, stood out during her career because she regularly beat the world’s top players, including Garry Kasparov, in 2002, when he was ranked No 1. Polgar, the only woman to ever be ranked in the Top 10 or to play for the overall world championship, retired from competitive chess in 2014. Watching the series, which she described as an “incredible performance,” gave her a sense of déjà vu, particularly in the later episodes. But there was one respect in which she could not identify with Beth’s experience: how the male competitors treated her. “They were too nice to her,” Polgar said. When Polgar was proving herself and rising in the world rankings, the men often made disparaging comments about her ability and sometimes jokes, which they thought were funny but were actually hurtful, she said. And no one ever resigned to her, as Shapkin did to Beth in Episode 7 by gallantly holding her hand near his lips. “There were opponents who refused to shake hands,” she recalled. “There was one who hit his head on the board after he lost.” Not every woman has had negative experiences. Irina Krush, who won her eighth US Women’s Championship last month, said she felt as if the chess community and men in particular were supportive of her when she was an up-and-coming player. She said of the series, “The spirit of what they are showing conforms to my experience.” Whether what happens to Beth is typical or not, the popularity of 'The Queen’s Gambit' has inspired anew a debate about inequality and sexism in chess and what, if anything, can be done about them. Though chess would seem like one area where men and women should be able to compete on equal footing, historically, few women have been able to do so. Among the more than 1,700 regular grandmasters worldwide, only 37, including Polgar and Krush, are women. Currently, only one woman, Hou Yifan of China, ranks in the Top 100, at No 88, and she has been playing infrequently, even before the pandemic. The superiority of men in the game is so well established that the best female players have freely acknowledged it. In a recent issue of Mint, in an article titled 'Why Women Lose at Chess,' Koneru Humpy, an Indian player currently ranked No 3 among women, said men are just better players. “It’s proven,” she said. “You have to accept it.” The dearth of women at the top of the game is one reason that there are separate tournaments for women, including a world championship; the World Chess Federation even created titles for women, such as women grandmaster. Having such institutionalized, second-class status might seem like a bad idea, but not according to Anastasiya Karlovich, a grandmaster who was the press officer for the World Chess Federation for several years. She said the women’s titles permit more female players to earn a living as professionals, thereby increasing their participation in the game. Karlovich said the Netflix show has helped her indirectly: It has made the parents of her chess students look at her differently. “They have more respect for me. They understand better the life of a player,” she said. While some men have speculated that the reason there are so few top female players is because they are not wired for it — Kasparov once said that it is not in their nature — women think the overriding reason is cultural expectations and bias. Krush said the cultural cleaving between boys and girls happens at a young age. Scrolling through lists of the top players in the United States who are 7, 8 and 9, Krush pointed out that there are only a handful of girls in the Top 10. That creates and reinforces another problem that discourages women’s participation: too few social contacts. Jennifer Shahade, a two-time U.S. women’s champion who has written two books about women in chess ('Chess Bitch' and 'Play Like a Girl!') and is the women’s program director at the US Chess Federation, said teenage girls tend to stop playing chess because there are so few of them and they want the social support. That Beth is a loner is likely an important reason she does not quit playing in tournaments. Of 74,000 members in total, the US Chess Federation said it has about 10,500 female members. Shahade wants to increase that number, as well as their participation. To that end, she and the federation started an online chess club in April to keep female players engaged during the pandemic. In the last few weeks, there have been between 80 and 140 participants, with quite a few older players. The last meeting also had a special guest: Kasparov, who has become a big booster of women’s chess since his retirement from competition in 2005. He was also a consultant on the Netflix series. To keep the momentum going, Shahade is launching a new online group called the “Madwoman’s Book Club.” The title refers to a pejorative name used for the queen in the 15th and 16th centuries after it became the most powerful piece on the board. The first meeting, this Friday, already has 100 people signed up. The subject of the discussion should come as no surprise: 'The Queen’s Gambit' by Walter Tevis, the book on which the Netflix series is based.

How 'The Queen's Gambit' started a new debate about sexism in chess

India and Russia are declared joint winners of FIDE (The Fédération Internationale des Échecs) Chess Olympiad. This is for the first time Chess Olympiad held in an online format by FIDE.

India was initially declared to have lost the final round but it lodged an appeal saying their players lost internet connection due to a server failure. The decision was then reversed.

This was the first time that India reached the finals of the FIDE Chess Olympiad.

India's best finish at the Olympiad had come in 2014 when the contingent returned with a bronze medal.

The first round of the final between India and Russia finished as 3-3 draw after all six games finished in six draws.

Russia started the match against India as favourites after having their average rating of 12 players (2519) higher than India (2419).

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🇷🇺 Russia and India 🇮🇳 are co-champions of the first-ever FIDE Online <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ChessOlympiad?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ChessOlympiad</a>. 
 
Tournament's website: <a href="https://t.co/bIcj0hRMek">https://t.co/bIcj0hRMek</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/chess?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#chess</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndianChess?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IndianChess</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/%D1%88%D0%B0%D1%85%D0%BC%D0%B0%D1%82%D1%8B?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#шахматы</a> <a href="https://t.co/gP4sULP2kr">pic.twitter.com/gP4sULP2kr</a>
— International Chess Federation (@FIDE_chess) <a href="https://twitter.com/FIDE_chess/status/1300074799469821952?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 30, 2020</a></blockquote>
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We are the champions !! Congrats Russia!
— Viswanathan Anand (@vishy64theking) <a href="https://twitter.com/vishy64theking/status/1300070069431496705?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 30, 2020</a></blockquote>
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The second round witnessed high drama as two Indian players — Sarin and Deshmukh — lost connection to their games and had to forfeit, following which India filed an official appeal for a consequent investigation.

FIDE President A. Dvorkovich sat out the appeal, as he represented Russia.

IO M.Khodarkovsky (USA) and IA Sava Stoisavljevic (Serbia) were tasked with issuing a verdict.&nbsp;

It was declared that both India and Russia will be joint winners of the competition.&nbsp;

(With inputs from ANI)

India and Russia are declared joint winners of FIDE (The Fédération Internationale des Échecs) Chess Olympiad. This is for the first time Chess Olympiad held in an online format by FIDE.

India and Russia are declared joint winners of FIDE (The Fédération Internationale des Échecs) Chess Olympiad. This is for the first time Chess Olympiad held in an online format by FIDE. India was initially declared to have lost the final round but it lodged an appeal saying their players lost internet connection due to a server failure. The decision was then reversed. This was the first time that India reached the finals of the FIDE Chess Olympiad. India's best finish at the Olympiad had come in 2014 when the contingent returned with a bronze medal. The first round of the final between India and Russia finished as 3-3 draw after all six games finished in six draws. Russia started the match against India as favourites after having their average rating of 12 players (2519) higher than India (2419). 🇷🇺 Russia and India 🇮🇳 are co-champions of the first-ever FIDE Online #ChessOlympiad. Tournament's website: https://t.co/bIcj0hRMek#chess #IndianChess #шахматы pic.twitter.com/gP4sULP2kr — International Chess Federation (@FIDE_chess) August 30, 2020 × We are the champions !! Congrats Russia! — Viswanathan Anand (@vishy64theking) August 30, 2020 × The second round witnessed high drama as two Indian players — Sarin and Deshmukh — lost connection to their games and had to forfeit, following which India filed an official appeal for a consequent investigation. FIDE President A. Dvorkovich sat out the appeal, as he represented Russia. IO M.Khodarkovsky (USA) and IA Sava Stoisavljevic (Serbia) were tasked with issuing a verdict. It was declared that both India and Russia will be joint winners of the competition. (With inputs from ANI)

India and Russia declared joint winners of FIDE Chess Olympiad after a dramatic final

Russia may have suspended all basketball, football and ice hockey fixtures over the coronavirus pandemic, but sports fans may find solace in a different competition beginning this week: chess.

The 2020 Candidates Tournament opened in a luxury hotel in the Urals city of Yekaterinburg this week despite a large series of suspensions of sporting events in Russia and Europe to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Europe's football governing body UEFA said Tuesday it was postponing the EURO 2020 championship involving 24 nations due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The chess tournament that began Monday sees eight players compete for 500,000 euros ($545,000 and the chance to face off against the world number one, 29-year-old Magnus Carlsen from Norway, who has held the world's number 1 place since 2013.&nbsp;

The games between players from countries including the United States and China are being broadcast on a YouTube channel run by the International Chess Federation (FIDE) with commentary in Chinese, Russian and English.

FIDE has banned live spectators to limit the risks linked to the pandemic, but reported on Twitter Tuesday that one million virtual spectators had tuned in from China.&nbsp;

It also posted pictures of competitors touching elbows before a game rather than shaking hands.

In March, the organisation addressed concerns over the virus saying that postponement was "not legally and practically feasible," unless ordered by the Russian authorities.

Photographers are only allowed "a distance of at least 6 metres from the players," said FIDE, one of the last international sports organisations where Russia maintains an influence inherited from the Soviet Union.

"Being an elite, 8-player tournament, the reduced number of participants allows us to monitor their personal circumstances, health status, and provide them personal attention," the tournament said.&nbsp;

Moscow on Wednesday reported 147 cases of coronavirus with no deaths, according to official figures.&nbsp;

Russia has also closed its borders to foreigners on Wednesday until May 1 to slow the spread of the virus.

Russia may have suspended all basketball, football and ice hockey fixtures over the coronavirus pandemic, but sports fans may find solace in a different competition beginning this week: chess.

Russia may have suspended all basketball, football and ice hockey fixtures over the coronavirus pandemic, but sports fans may find solace in a different competition beginning this week: chess. The 2020 Candidates Tournament opened in a luxury hotel in the Urals city of Yekaterinburg this week despite a large series of suspensions of sporting events in Russia and Europe to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Europe's football governing body UEFA said Tuesday it was postponing the EURO 2020 championship involving 24 nations due to the coronavirus pandemic. The chess tournament that began Monday sees eight players compete for 500,000 euros ($545,000 and the chance to face off against the world number one, 29-year-old Magnus Carlsen from Norway, who has held the world's number 1 place since 2013. The games between players from countries including the United States and China are being broadcast on a YouTube channel run by the International Chess Federation (FIDE) with commentary in Chinese, Russian and English. FIDE has banned live spectators to limit the risks linked to the pandemic, but reported on Twitter Tuesday that one million virtual spectators had tuned in from China. It also posted pictures of competitors touching elbows before a game rather than shaking hands. In March, the organisation addressed concerns over the virus saying that postponement was "not legally and practically feasible," unless ordered by the Russian authorities. Photographers are only allowed "a distance of at least 6 metres from the players," said FIDE, one of the last international sports organisations where Russia maintains an influence inherited from the Soviet Union. "Being an elite, 8-player tournament, the reduced number of participants allows us to monitor their personal circumstances, health status, and provide them personal attention," the tournament said. Moscow on Wednesday reported 147 cases of coronavirus with no deaths, according to official figures. Russia has also closed its borders to foreigners on Wednesday until May 1 to slow the spread of the virus.

Missing sports on TV? Russians still have chess

Eight of the world's best chess players began competing in an international tournament in Russia on Tuesday (March 17), but were told by organizers that handshakes would be optional because of the coronavirus that has halted most sports around the world.

Handshakes optional: Russia hosts major chess tournament amid coronavirus outbreak

Chess Grand Master Viswanathan Anand is said to be stuck in Germany amid the on-going coronavirus outbreak.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/liverpool-left-to-wait-and-wonder-after-coronavirus-strikes-286513" hreflang="en">Liverpool left to wait and wonder after coronavirus strikes</a>

The five-time World Champion Vishwanathan Anand travelled to Germany in February for SC Baden OOO in Bundesliga Chess, but the pandemic outbreak of the novel coronavirus has brought all the sporting events even the chess tournament to a halt.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/shoaib-akhtar-blames-chinas-eating-habits-for-coronavirus-expresses-anger-at-putting-world-at-risk-286534" hreflang="en">Shoaib Akhtar blames China's eating habits for coronavirus, expresses anger at putting 'world at risk'</a>

Anand currently is under self-isolation in his apartment near Frankfurt for more than a week. He said that his current routine while self quarantining includes speaking with family, catching up with family and going out for walks.

Anand gave an interview to Times of India on Sunday where he said:&nbsp; "This is a very unusual experience for me. For the first time in my life and for many others as well, I am forced to self-isolate myself, one important part of the day is the phone call from home. I have a video chat with my son Akhil and wife Aruna as soon as I get up. We try to get some happiness talking to each other."

Germany has been hit with the coronavirus, the global pandemic was confirmed to extend its roots in the country on January 27, when the first case of COVID-19 resurfaced.

"I am sitting with a lot of time on my hand and so are my friends around the world due to the COVID-19 outbreak. For the first time, we have the possibility to communicate with friends over the internet and it’s nice to do that. Besides that, I go for a nice long walk once or twice a day. If I meet someone on the way, I ensure to keep a few metres of separation at 
least," Anand said.

Anand's wife Aruna was worried about her husband's delayed stay in Germany, she said: "I feel awful that he is there. But we have to be thankful that his situation is better than many people who are stranded. We miss having him here and keep telling him to eat well, ventilate and of course wash hands. I hope he returns to India by the end of this month."

Chess Grand Master Viswanathan Anand is said to be stuck in Germany amid the on-going coronavirus outbreak. Also read: Liverpool left to wait and wonder after coronavirus strikes The five-time World Champion Vishwanathan Anand travelled to Germany in February for SC Baden OOO in Bundesliga Chess, but the pandemic outbreak of the novel coronavirus has brought all the sporting events even the chess tournament to a halt.

Chess Grand Master Viswanathan Anand is said to be stuck in Germany amid the on-going coronavirus outbreak. Also read: Liverpool left to wait and wonder after coronavirus strikes The five-time World Champion Vishwanathan Anand travelled to Germany in February for SC Baden OOO in Bundesliga Chess, but the pandemic outbreak of the novel coronavirus has brought all the sporting events even the chess tournament to a halt. Also read: Shoaib Akhtar blames China's eating habits for coronavirus, expresses anger at putting 'world at risk' Anand currently is under self-isolation in his apartment near Frankfurt for more than a week. He said that his current routine while self quarantining includes speaking with family, catching up with family and going out for walks. Anand gave an interview to Times of India on Sunday where he said: "This is a very unusual experience for me. For the first time in my life and for many others as well, I am forced to self-isolate myself, one important part of the day is the phone call from home. I have a video chat with my son Akhil and wife Aruna as soon as I get up. We try to get some happiness talking to each other." Germany has been hit with the coronavirus, the global pandemic was confirmed to extend its roots in the country on January 27, when the first case of COVID-19 resurfaced. "I am sitting with a lot of time on my hand and so are my friends around the world due to the COVID-19 outbreak. For the first time, we have the possibility to communicate with friends over the internet and it’s nice to do that. Besides that, I go for a nice long walk once or twice a day. If I meet someone on the way, I ensure to keep a few metres of separation at least," Anand said. Anand's wife Aruna was worried about her husband's delayed stay in Germany, she said: "I feel awful that he is there. But we have to be thankful that his situation is better than many people who are stranded. We miss having him here and keep telling him to eat well, ventilate and of course wash hands. I hope he returns to India by the end of this month."

Chess grandmaster Viswanathan Anand stuck in Germany due to COVID-19 scare

Five-time former world champion Viswanathan Anand feels India cricket captain Virat Kohli became a bit emotional and lost control during his "leave India" comment to a fan on social media, which snowballed into a massive controversy.&nbsp;

Kohli had stirred up a massive controversy and was trolled on social media and slammed by critics over his "I don't think you should live in India" response to an enthusiast who called the skipper overrated while expressing his admiration for English and Australian batsmen.

"I think he lost control. He got a bit emotional and he just said the first thing that came to his mind," Anand, one of India's greatest sporting icons, told PTI on the sidelines of the Tata Steel Chess here.

"That's the attitude he is comfortable with. In sport, you see all characters and this is the character that fits him best.

"I try to be myself and in the end you should be comfortable in your own skin," he added.

In a video available on his mobile app, Kohli was reading tweets and Instagram messages on November 5 when he came across an user, who said the Indian mainstay has nothing special in his batting.

Reacting to fans' comment, Kohli had shot back saying: "I don't mind you not liking me but I don't think you should live in our country and like other things. Get your priorities right."

The 48-year-old chess icon, however, felt that enough was written about it and it's better not to pile anything more to it.

"Maybe Kohli was caught at a weak moment, feeling a bit sensitive and was not in the best mood maybe. That's my impression. Then he lost control of it," Anand said.

The soft-spoken Anand further said it's natural to get emotional and that he too had lost it once in a while.

"People are emotional and they lose control once in a while. It has happened to me even if I was more successful in not showing it. But there are moments when your emotions take over," he said.

"He has got enough criticism already. It's over. Those who did not like it, already criticised him so no need to keep piling on it."

Five-time former world champion Viswanathan Anand feels India cricket captain Virat Kohli became a bit emotional and lost control during his "leave India" comment to a fan on social media, which snowballed into a massive controversy.

Five-time former world champion Viswanathan Anand feels India cricket captain Virat Kohli became a bit emotional and lost control during his "leave India" comment to a fan on social media, which snowballed into a massive controversy. Kohli had stirred up a massive controversy and was trolled on social media and slammed by critics over his "I don't think you should live in India" response to an enthusiast who called the skipper overrated while expressing his admiration for English and Australian batsmen. "I think he lost control. He got a bit emotional and he just said the first thing that came to his mind," Anand, one of India's greatest sporting icons, told PTI on the sidelines of the Tata Steel Chess here. "That's the attitude he is comfortable with. In sport, you see all characters and this is the character that fits him best. "I try to be myself and in the end you should be comfortable in your own skin," he added. In a video available on his mobile app, Kohli was reading tweets and Instagram messages on November 5 when he came across an user, who said the Indian mainstay has nothing special in his batting. Reacting to fans' comment, Kohli had shot back saying: "I don't mind you not liking me but I don't think you should live in our country and like other things. Get your priorities right." The 48-year-old chess icon, however, felt that enough was written about it and it's better not to pile anything more to it. "Maybe Kohli was caught at a weak moment, feeling a bit sensitive and was not in the best mood maybe. That's my impression. Then he lost control of it," Anand said. The soft-spoken Anand further said it's natural to get emotional and that he too had lost it once in a while. "People are emotional and they lose control once in a while. It has happened to me even if I was more successful in not showing it. But there are moments when your emotions take over," he said. "He has got enough criticism already. It's over. Those who did not like it, already criticised him so no need to keep piling on it."

Virat Kohli got emotional and lost control with fan: Viswanathan Anand

Garry Kasparov is a name that you would find at the top of the world chess rankings. For close to 20 years, the former world chess champion held virtually undisputed sway over the sport.

From 1986 until his retirement in 2005, Kasparov was ranked world No. 1 for 225 out of 228 months. His peak rating of 2851, achieved in 1999, was the highest recorded until being surpassed by Magnus Carlsen in 2013.

When asked how did he manage to stay at the top for such a long time, Kasparov said, "I'm quite proud of my chess accomplishments. The reason I managed to stay on top for so long is that from my early days, thanks to my mother, I looked at every game not just an opportunity to win and prove my superiority over my opponents, but an opportunity to find something new, to make the difference."

At the age of 22, Kasparov became the youngest ever undisputed World Chess Champion after defeating then-champion Anatoly Karpov in 1985.

Speaking about the mindset with which he used to play, the former World No.1 said, "Even if you are winning, if you are number 1 or you are on the top, there is always a challenge to come up with new ideas and better ideas and if you are just competing with your own excellence, you will never be short of opponents."

"For me even at the end of my career, every game was a chance to look for new horizons. I used to learn not only from my own losses, that were few, but also from the games I won," he added. &nbsp;

A player who was equally regarded as Kasparov was Anatoly Karpov. The World Chess Championship 1984 match between the two had many ups and downs, and a very controversial finish.

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When asked whether he was his toughest competitor, Kasparov said they surely created the foundation of more than chess.

"We played five world championship matches, not counting the mini-games we played in the top competitions. And more than chess it was very much based on the experience that was allocated during our matches from 1984 to 1990. So, I can say we very much created the foundation of more than chess," he concluded.

Kasparov retired in 2005 and devoted his time to politics and writing. He formed the United Civil Front movement, and joined as a member of The Other Russia, a coalition opposing the administration and policies of President Vladimir Putin. 
&nbsp;

Garry Kasparov is a name that you would find at the top of the world chess rankings. For close to 20 years, the former world chess champion held virtually undisputed sway over the sport.

Garry Kasparov is a name that you would find at the top of the world chess rankings. For close to 20 years, the former world chess champion held virtually undisputed sway over the sport. From 1986 until his retirement in 2005, Kasparov was ranked world No. 1 for 225 out of 228 months. His peak rating of 2851, achieved in 1999, was the highest recorded until being surpassed by Magnus Carlsen in 2013. When asked how did he manage to stay at the top for such a long time, Kasparov said, "I'm quite proud of my chess accomplishments. The reason I managed to stay on top for so long is that from my early days, thanks to my mother, I looked at every game not just an opportunity to win and prove my superiority over my opponents, but an opportunity to find something new, to make the difference." At the age of 22, Kasparov became the youngest ever undisputed World Chess Champion after defeating then-champion Anatoly Karpov in 1985. Speaking about the mindset with which he used to play, the former World No.1 said, "Even if you are winning, if you are number 1 or you are on the top, there is always a challenge to come up with new ideas and better ideas and if you are just competing with your own excellence, you will never be short of opponents." "For me even at the end of my career, every game was a chance to look for new horizons. I used to learn not only from my own losses, that were few, but also from the games I won," he added. A player who was equally regarded as Kasparov was Anatoly Karpov. The World Chess Championship 1984 match between the two had many ups and downs, and a very controversial finish. × When asked whether he was his toughest competitor, Kasparov said they surely created the foundation of more than chess. "We played five world championship matches, not counting the mini-games we played in the top competitions. And more than chess it was very much based on the experience that was allocated during our matches from 1984 to 1990. So, I can say we very much created the foundation of more than chess," he concluded. Kasparov retired in 2005 and devoted his time to politics and writing. He formed the United Civil Front movement, and joined as a member of The Other Russia, a coalition opposing the administration and policies of President Vladimir Putin.

Rivalry with Karpov 'created foundation of more than chess': Garry Kasparov to WION

A nine-year-old chess prodigy from India is caught up in a battle to stay in the UK after his father's work visa is set to expire.&nbsp;

Shreyas Royal has won a series on chess championships and his parents, Jitendra and Anju Singh, are now appealing to the UK Home Office for indefinite leave to remain (ILR) in Britain on the grounds that he is a national asset.&nbsp;

The family had moved to London from Bangalore in 2012 when Shreyas was three years old.

"Shreyas's life is here, he has roots. We are used to India, we spent a lot of our lives living there but it will be a massive shock for Shreyas. He will not be able to continue his chess, it really is a terrible situation," father Jitendra told 'The Times'.

The 38-year-old IT project manager with the Tata Group was offered a fixed-term contract in the company's UK office and on September 10 his work visa will lapse permanently.

With the backing of Julian Simpole, a trainer who has coached two of the English grandmasters, and Dominic Lawson, president of the English Chess Federation, the family have lodged their appeal with the Home Office.&nbsp;

"He pretty much wins every competition he's in," Simpole said, in reference to Shreyas who has been competing professionally for three years now.

"I've been coaching Shreyas for nine weeks now. I am amazed. He is so advanced I set him 'Soviet-style toughness' lessons&nbsp;as in no concessions made for his age. He virtually always gets the right answer," he said.

"This kid is like something I've never seen before. His talent is very highly pronounced. He's going to be a future world champion and we'd like it to be for Britain," the well-known coach added.

Shreyas, who attends Pointer School in Blackheath, south London, on a full scholarship, first learnt to play chess at an after-school club that his mother enrolled him in. "He was doing so much sport, swimming, tennis, but I wanted him to do something with his mind," his 37-year-old mother said.

According to the newspaper, Shreyas now spends his weekends and summer holidays travelling across Britain and around the world competing against champions almost 10 years older than him.&nbsp;

"I don't think the older kids like being beaten by me. The Russians are the hardest to play against," he said. "What I like about chess is that it's not about being physically aggressive, you have time to use your mind," added Shreyas, who has already won numerous trophies and medals.

He had started playing the game when he got a chess board at the age of five and went on to be named the world's youngest candidate master within months.&nbsp;

Shreyas Royal has won a series on chess championships and his parents, Jitendra and Anju Singh, are now appealing to the UK Home Office for indefinite leave to remain (ILR) in Britain on the grounds that he is a national asset

A nine-year-old chess prodigy from India is caught up in a battle to stay in the UK after his father's work visa is set to expire. Shreyas Royal has won a series on chess championships and his parents, Jitendra and Anju Singh, are now appealing to the UK Home Office for indefinite leave to remain (ILR) in Britain on the grounds that he is a national asset. The family had moved to London from Bangalore in 2012 when Shreyas was three years old. "Shreyas's life is here, he has roots. We are used to India, we spent a lot of our lives living there but it will be a massive shock for Shreyas. He will not be able to continue his chess, it really is a terrible situation," father Jitendra told 'The Times'. The 38-year-old IT project manager with the Tata Group was offered a fixed-term contract in the company's UK office and on September 10 his work visa will lapse permanently. With the backing of Julian Simpole, a trainer who has coached two of the English grandmasters, and Dominic Lawson, president of the English Chess Federation, the family have lodged their appeal with the Home Office. "He pretty much wins every competition he's in," Simpole said, in reference to Shreyas who has been competing professionally for three years now. "I've been coaching Shreyas for nine weeks now. I am amazed. He is so advanced I set him 'Soviet-style toughness' lessons as in no concessions made for his age. He virtually always gets the right answer," he said. "This kid is like something I've never seen before. His talent is very highly pronounced. He's going to be a future world champion and we'd like it to be for Britain," the well-known coach added. Shreyas, who attends Pointer School in Blackheath, south London, on a full scholarship, first learnt to play chess at an after-school club that his mother enrolled him in. "He was doing so much sport, swimming, tennis, but I wanted him to do something with his mind," his 37-year-old mother said. According to the newspaper, Shreyas now spends his weekends and summer holidays travelling across Britain and around the world competing against champions almost 10 years older than him. "I don't think the older kids like being beaten by me. The Russians are the hardest to play against," he said. "What I like about chess is that it's not about being physically aggressive, you have time to use your mind," added Shreyas, who has already won numerous trophies and medals. He had started playing the game when he got a chess board at the age of five and went on to be named the world's youngest candidate master within months.

9-year-old chess prodigy from India caught in visa battle in UK

Relieved after claiming his first rapid world title since 2003, Indian chess ace Viswanathan Anand said he entered the tournament in a &quot;pessimistic&quot; frame of mind but managed to surprise himself and the world with an unbeaten campaign.

The 48-year-old, who had been drawing flak from critics for a string of sub-par performances in the recent past, hit back in style, by winning the World Rapid title in Riyadh yesterday.

&quot;The last two rapid events were nothing short of disastrous. I came here in a pessimistic frame of mind. But it has just been the most wonderful surprise. But I played well,&quot; Anand told PTI after his triumph.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/vishwananthan-anand-wins-world-rapid-chess-championship-28003" target="_blank">Vishwananthan</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/vishwananthan-anand-wins-world-rapid-chess-championship-28003" target="_blank"> Anand wins World Rapid Chess Championship</a>

The former world champion remained unbeaten through the tournament and came back strongly to bag the top position on a tie-break after a three-way tie with Russians Vladimir Fedoseev and Ian Nepomniachtchi at 10.5 points from a possible 15.

The Chennai ace then defeated Fedoseev 2-0 in a two-game tie-break to win the trophy.

Anand said he had had a particularly tough year coming into the event in Riyadh.

&quot;...Especially the London (Chess Classic) tournament was a big disappointment. It is not that I had high expectations of London, but still, I expected to do well. But to finish in the last place was a heavy blow.

Anand said he felt good on the first day of the tournament as he played well and it reminded him of his glory days.

&quot;It was on the first day I felt I was playing well. It was as if time had stood still. I was back in time a few years when I was dominating rapid chess tournaments. That gave me a lot of confidence. On top of that, I beat Peter Leko in a very nice game. I was in a good frame of mind,&quot; he added.

He described the win against Norway&#39;s world champion Magnus Carlsen as the crucial moment in the tournament.

&quot;The crucial moment was the win against Magnus Carlsen. Because he had come back after a defeat against Bu Xiangzhi. He seemed to be in great form, as always.

&quot;He has this amazing ability to win games on demand where he is just able to pull together these long streak (of wins). So at that moment I must admit I felt he was favourite for the final few rounds,&quot; Anand said.

&quot;But, we had a very intense game, an intense Nimzo Indian. It is nice beating a player, who is so dominant in the blitz and rapid rating lists. To beat him was a real accomplishment. Of course, given our history, given the intense matches, there was that extra bit of feeling,&quot; the Indian Grand Master added.

Anand also said that towards the end he got worried that he might not even secure a podium finish but a series of unexpected twists and turns on the final day helped him land the top prize.

&quot;...The first three rounds ended in draws. I felt that I had lost the plot a little bit and in fact I was worried that I might not even be on the podium anymore.

&quot;I mean there were so many unexpected twists and turns. Magnus lost. Nepo (Ian Nepomniachtchi) had won his. A lot happened. But once the tie-break started and I got a big advantage in the tie-break game then I started to feel the wind was behind me,&quot; he said.

&quot;It is so unexpected because I wasn&#39;t even planning to come to this tournament, which was announced late. The most amazing feeling of all is to have the title of world champion again. I am so happy that I can&#39;t describe it in words,&quot; he added.

His wife Aruna was delighted after the victory and said, &quot;I was just very happy... Almost wanted to be there when he did the fist pump.&quot;

Meanwhile, his erstwhile rival, Russian great Garry Kasparov, hailed his triumph on Twitter.

&quot;Congratulations to the man from the sixties, @vishy64theking, on his World Rapid title! I hope you dedicated this latest victory to everyone who has asked you when you were going to retire,&quot; he tweeted.

&nbsp;

The 48-year-old had been drawing flak for a string of sub-par performances in the recent past

Relieved after claiming his first rapid world title since 2003, Indian chess ace Viswanathan Anand said he entered the tournament in a "pessimistic" frame of mind but managed to surprise himself and the world with an unbeaten campaign. The 48-year-old, who had been drawing flak from critics for a string of sub-par performances in the recent past, hit back in style, by winning the World Rapid title in Riyadh yesterday. "The last two rapid events were nothing short of disastrous. I came here in a pessimistic frame of mind. But it has just been the most wonderful surprise. But I played well," Anand told PTI after his triumph. Also read: Vishwananthan Anand wins World Rapid Chess Championship The former world champion remained unbeaten through the tournament and came back strongly to bag the top position on a tie-break after a three-way tie with Russians Vladimir Fedoseev and Ian Nepomniachtchi at 10.5 points from a possible 15. The Chennai ace then defeated Fedoseev 2-0 in a two-game tie-break to win the trophy. Anand said he had had a particularly tough year coming into the event in Riyadh. "...Especially the London (Chess Classic) tournament was a big disappointment. It is not that I had high expectations of London, but still, I expected to do well. But to finish in the last place was a heavy blow. Anand said he felt good on the first day of the tournament as he played well and it reminded him of his glory days. "It was on the first day I felt I was playing well. It was as if time had stood still. I was back in time a few years when I was dominating rapid chess tournaments. That gave me a lot of confidence. On top of that, I beat Peter Leko in a very nice game. I was in a good frame of mind," he added. He described the win against Norway's world champion Magnus Carlsen as the crucial moment in the tournament. "The crucial moment was the win against Magnus Carlsen. Because he had come back after a defeat against Bu Xiangzhi. He seemed to be in great form, as always. "He has this amazing ability to win games on demand where he is just able to pull together these long streak (of wins). So at that moment I must admit I felt he was favourite for the final few rounds," Anand said. "But, we had a very intense game, an intense Nimzo Indian. It is nice beating a player, who is so dominant in the blitz and rapid rating lists. To beat him was a real accomplishment. Of course, given our history, given the intense matches, there was that extra bit of feeling," the Indian Grand Master added. Anand also said that towards the end he got worried that he might not even secure a podium finish but a series of unexpected twists and turns on the final day helped him land the top prize. "...The first three rounds ended in draws. I felt that I had lost the plot a little bit and in fact I was worried that I might not even be on the podium anymore. "I mean there were so many unexpected twists and turns. Magnus lost. Nepo (Ian Nepomniachtchi) had won his. A lot happened. But once the tie-break started and I got a big advantage in the tie-break game then I started to feel the wind was behind me," he said. "It is so unexpected because I wasn't even planning to come to this tournament, which was announced late. The most amazing feeling of all is to have the title of world champion again. I am so happy that I can't describe it in words," he added. His wife Aruna was delighted after the victory and said, "I was just very happy... Almost wanted to be there when he did the fist pump." Meanwhile, his erstwhile rival, Russian great Garry Kasparov, hailed his triumph on Twitter. "Congratulations to the man from the sixties, @vishy64theking, on his World Rapid title! I hope you dedicated this latest victory to everyone who has asked you when you were going to retire," he tweeted.

Amazing feeling, says Vishwanathan Anand after winning World Rapid Chess Championship

Former multiple World Champion Viswanathan Anand of India defeated reigning chess champion Magnus Carlsen Wednesday in the&nbsp;ninth round of World Rapid Championship (WRC) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.&nbsp;

Anand won the game from the black side of Botvinnik system in the Nimzo Indian defence.&nbsp;

He won in a total of 34 moves -- as his queen and bishop that controlled the long diagonal proved too powerful in the play.&nbsp; 
 
Anand, Vladimir Kramnik and Wang Hao were among the leaders.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-chess-champion-says-will-lose-two-world-champion-titles-for-not-going-to-saudi-arabia-27924" target="_blank">Also Read:&nbsp;Ukraine chess champion says &#39;will lose two World Champion titles&#39; for &#39;not going to Saudi Arabia&#39;</a>

Also, Pune&#39;s Eesha Karavade defeated higher-rated Valentina Gunina in the ninth round of the ongoing World Chess Championships 2017.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Former multiple World Champion Viswanathan Anand of India defeated reigning chess champion Magnus Carlsen Wednesday in the ninth round of World Rapid Championship (WRC) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Anand won the game from the black side of Botvinnik system in the Nimzo Indian defence. He won in a total of 34 moves -- as his queen and bishop that controlled the long diagonal proved too powerful in the play. Anand, Vladimir Kramnik and Wang Hao were among the leaders. Also Read: Ukraine chess champion says 'will lose two World Champion titles' for 'not going to Saudi Arabia' Also, Pune's Eesha Karavade defeated higher-rated Valentina Gunina in the ninth round of the ongoing World Chess Championships 2017.

World Chess Championships 2017: Viswanathan Anand beats World No. 1 Magnus Carlsen

Fifth-seeded Ukrainian Grand Master (GM)&nbsp;Vitaliy Bernadskiy joined compatriot GM&nbsp;Valeriy Neverov in the lead after six rounds in the Open category of the 2nd IIFL Wealth Mumbai International Chess Tournament here today.

While Neverov drew his game against India&#39;s 18-year-old talent GM&nbsp;Diptayan Ghosh, Bernadskiy beat India&#39;s International Master (IM) P Shyaamnikhil with the white pieces.

Neverov chose to play a Catalan against Ghosh, where black got a chance to repeat the position thrice early in the opening, which resulted&nbsp;in a draw. The position after 12 moves has been witnessed in 2,000 games. 
Ghosh saw no reason to push with the black pieces during the game and decided that he should repeat the position.

Bernadskiy unleashed a Symmetrical English and slowly outplayed the Tamil Nadu international master Shyaamnikhil in the middle game and endgame.

The Tamil Nadu youngster Tarun V Kanth delivered yet another good performance to hold IM Sayantan Das, who is rated approximately 400 points above the former.

The 14-year-old Tarun thus remains part of a group of seven players pursuing the leaders in the second place with 5.0 out of 6 points.

In the Juniors section, the leader, Maharashtra&#39;s Sankarsha Shelke settled for a draw, with the third seed Aronyak Ghosh of West Bengal.

This allowed Pranav V of Tamil Nadu to beat Dhanush Ragav to join Sankarsha in the lead. After seven rounds, both Sankarsha and Pranav lead the tournament with 6.5 out of 7 points.

(PTI)

While Neverov drew his game against India's 18-year-old GM?Diptayan Ghosh, Bernadskiy beat India's IM P Shyaamnikhil

Fifth-seeded Ukrainian Grand Master (GM) Vitaliy Bernadskiy joined compatriot GM Valeriy Neverov in the lead after six rounds in the Open category of the 2nd IIFL Wealth Mumbai International Chess Tournament here today. While Neverov drew his game against India's 18-year-old talent GM Diptayan Ghosh, Bernadskiy beat India's International Master (IM) P Shyaamnikhil with the white pieces. Neverov chose to play a Catalan against Ghosh, where black got a chance to repeat the position thrice early in the opening, which resulted in a draw. The position after 12 moves has been witnessed in 2,000 games. Ghosh saw no reason to push with the black pieces during the game and decided that he should repeat the position. Bernadskiy unleashed a Symmetrical English and slowly outplayed the Tamil Nadu international master Shyaamnikhil in the middle game and endgame. The Tamil Nadu youngster Tarun V Kanth delivered yet another good performance to hold IM Sayantan Das, who is rated approximately 400 points above the former. The 14-year-old Tarun thus remains part of a group of seven players pursuing the leaders in the second place with 5.0 out of 6 points. In the Juniors section, the leader, Maharashtra's Sankarsha Shelke settled for a draw, with the third seed Aronyak Ghosh of West Bengal. This allowed Pranav V of Tamil Nadu to beat Dhanush Ragav to join Sankarsha in the lead. After seven rounds, both Sankarsha and Pranav lead the tournament with 6.5 out of 7 points. (PTI)

Ukrainian GM Bernadskiy joins Neverov in lead at intl Mumbai chess tournament

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