CHESS<\/h4>\n
Gukesh rises to joint second spot in Grand Chess Tour Croatia<\/b><\/p>\n
World champion D Gukesh made good use of his white pieces to beat Dutch Grandmaster Anish Giri in the final game of the day to rise to joint second spot after the second day of the Zagreb leg of the Grand Chess Tour.<\/p>\n
Iranian Grandmaster Firoujza Alireza is at the top by extending his lead by a huge three points.<\/p>\n
With 10 points in his kitty out of a possible 12, Alireza is far ahead of his rivals — Vincent Keymer of Germany, Maxime Vachier-Lagrave of France, Deac Bogdan-Daniel of Romania and Gukesh, who all have identical seven points.<\/p>\n
Another half point behind are India\u2019s R Praggnanandhaa, Giri and Nodirbek Abdusattorov of Uzbekistan while Croatioan Ivan Saric and Dutchman Jorden van Foreest are at the bottom of the table with just two points apiece.<\/p>\n
Gukesh made most of his opportunities against Giri in a Ruy Lopez exchange variation.<\/p>\n
For once, the Dutch Grandmaster of Nepalese origin was seen lost from his prep book as Gukesh launched an attack against his king and never looked back.<\/p>\n
Winning an exchange, the youngest ever world champion did nothing wrong in wrapping up a fine victory.<\/p>\n
The day could have been better for Praggnanandhaa but Alireza simply had the Caissa on his side.<\/p>\n
After reaching a probable draw out of a game that had fluctuating fortunes, Praggnanandhaa was the last one to make a blunder and lost from what was a theoretically drawn endgame.<\/p>\n
Earlier in the day, Gukesh started off with an uncharacteristic loss against Bogdan-Daniel but followed it up with a win over Foreest.<\/p>\n
Much like the first day when he beat Keymer in the opener, Praggnanandhaa won the first game of the day against Foreest but ended up losing the next two starting with Abdusattorov.<\/p>\n
With three rounds still remaining in rapid, Alireza seems all set to win the section but there are still 18 games to come in the blitz that will decide the final outcome on the last two days.<\/p>\n
Standings (After Rd-6 rapid): 1. Firouzja Alireza (FRA, 10) 2-5: Maxime Vachier-Lagrave (FRA); D Gukesh (IND) Deac Bogdan-Daniel (ROU); Vincent Keymer (GER) 7 each; 6-8: R Praggnanandhaa (IND); Anish Giri (NED); Nodirbek Abdusattorov (UZB) 6 each; 9-10. Jorden van Foreest (NED); 10. Ivan Saric (CRO) 2 each.<\/p>\n
-PTI<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n
Global Chess League seeks Karnataka support to host fourth edition in Bengaluru<\/b><\/p>\n
A delegation from the Global Chess League met Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister G Parameshwara, who also holds the sports portfolio, on Friday to discuss hosting its fourth edition in Bengaluru.<\/p>\n
The delegation expressed interest in bringing the Global Chess League, one of the world\u2019s premier chess leagues, to Bengaluru and sought support from the Department of Youth Empowerment and Sports, the deputy CM\u2019s office said in a statement.<\/p>\n
Parameshwara said hosting international sporting events would significantly boost Karnataka\u2019s sports ecosystem and reaffirmed the government\u2019s commitment to supporting prestigious global events, it said.<\/p>\n
Global Chess League CEO Gourav Rakshit, international chess player Prachura P P, and other members of the delegation were present at the meeting.<\/p>\n
-PTI<\/i><\/b><\/p>\nCRICKET<\/h4>\n
TG20: Gaurav Reddy ton guides Knights to big win over Falcons<\/b><\/p>\n
Facing a must-win contest, Nalgonda Knights delivered with authority as Gaurav Reddy\u2019s unbeaten century steered it to an emphatic eight-wicket victory over Medak Falcons, ensuring its TG20 playoffs destiny remains in its own hands.<\/p>\n
Asked to bat, the Falcons started brightly as Naman Agarwal and Shrunjith Reddy punished the loose deliveries to race to 30 in three overs. Aniketh broke the stand by deceiving Naman, before skipper T. Ravi Teja and Shrunjith steadied the innings with a 28-run partnership.<\/p>\n
However, a run-out ended Shrunjith\u2019s stay, triggering a collapse. Debutant Ilyaan Sathani struck with his first over to dismiss Ravi Teja, while Rakshann Readdi removed Bunny Jagam in the next, to leave Falcons reeling.<\/p>\n
![\"Gaurav](\"https:\/\/ss-i.thgim.com\/public\/incoming\/222txk\/article71179203.ece\/alternates\/FREE_1200\/Gaurav%20Reddy%202.jpg\" "\\"Gaurav")
<\/p>\n Gaurav brought up his breathtaking century in 46 balls before fittingly striking the winning runs, sealing a commanding victory with 21 deliveries to spare.
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\n SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT\n <\/p>\n
![\"lightbox-info\"\/](\"https:\/\/assetsss.thehindu.com\/theme\/images\/SSRX\/lightbox-info.svg\")
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Gaurav brought up his breathtaking century in 46 balls before fittingly striking the winning runs, sealing a commanding victory with 21 deliveries to spare.
\n | Photo Credit:
\n SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT\n <\/p>\n<\/div>\n
G. Vikram Naik and Sai Varun Yerram then stitched together a superb unbeaten 91-run stand off 55 balls, pacing the recovery to perfection before exploding in the final five overs, which yielded 63 runs. Their effort lifted Falcons to a competitive 180 for four.<\/p>\n
Knights\u2019 reply was nothing short of explosive. Jashwanth Mote and Gaurav Reddy tore into the bowling, adding 83 runs in just 40 balls, including 81 in the PowerPlay, before Arjun Gorrapalli dismissed Jashwanth.<\/p>\n
There was no stopping Gaurav, though. He raced to a 22-ball fifty and, alongside P. Nitish Reddy, kept the chase firmly under control with a mix of calculated aggression and smart strike rotation.<\/p>\n
Gaurav brought up his breathtaking century in 46 balls before fittingly striking the winning runs, sealing a commanding victory with 21 deliveries to spare.<\/p>\n
The scores: Medak Falcons 180\/4 in 20 overs lost to Nalgonda Knights 181\/2 in 16.3 overs (Gaurav Reddy 101 n.o.).<\/p>\n
TABLE TENNIS<\/h4>\n
Two more medals assured for India at Asian Youth Table Tennis C\u2019ships<\/b><\/p>\n
Syndrela Das led the charge as India continued its impressive campaign at the ITTF-ATTU Asian Youth Table Tennis Championships, assuring two more medals here on Friday.<\/p>\n
The U-19 girls\u2019 doubles pair of Syndrela and Divyanshi Bhowmick produced another strong performance to beat China\u2019s Yao Ruixuan and Jiang Yiyi 7-11, 11-7, 7-11, 11-8, 11-6 in the semifinals.<\/p>\n
The Indian duo recovered twice from a game down before taking control in the decider to book their place in the final, where they will face Japan\u2019s Aoba Takahashi and Misuzu Takeya.<\/p>\n
The Japanese duo defeated the Chinese pair of Yan Yutong and Yang Huize 3-2 in the other semifinal.<\/p>\n
Earlier, the Indian duo were assured a medal by defeating Thailand\u2019s Thasita Kanaphong and Pimmada Thongnak 11-6, 13-15, 11-9, 11-8 in the quarterfinals.<\/p>\n
Syndrela was India\u2019s star performer as she backed up her upset win over China\u2019s Yao Ruixuan in the pre-quarterfinals with a gritty 11-5, 11-7, 5-11, 3-11, 8-11, 11-6, 11-3 victory over Japan\u2019s Yuna Ojio in the quarterfinals.<\/p>\n
Recovering from a 2-3 deficit, she dominated the final two games to become India\u2019s lone singles semifinalist, assuring herself of at least a bronze medal.<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, India\u2019s top-seeded mixed doubles pair of Abhinand and Divyanshi settled for a bronze after Thailand\u2019s Thitaphat Preechayan and Kulapassr Vijitviriyagul won 11-7, 11-9, 5-11, 11-5 in the semifinal clash.<\/p>\n
Abhinand\u2019s effort drew praise as he continued competing with the damaged racket instead of switching to a replacement.<\/p>\n
Earlier, the Indian U-19 boys\u2019 team had won a bronze medal.<\/p>\n
India are thus assured of four medals in the championships so far.<\/p>\n
India had begun the day with three players reaching the U-19 singles quarterfinals.<\/p>\n
In the boys\u2019 event, P.B. Abhinand produced a stirring comeback to beat Chinese Taipei\u2019s Yang Hao-en 11-9, 6-11, 9-11, 6-11, 11-8, 14-12, 11-6 in the pre-quarterfinals despite his racket handle breaking during the match.<\/p>\n
Divyanshi Bhowmick also advanced after edging Singapore\u2019s Loy Ming Ying in seven games. M Hansini exited after a spirited seven-game loss to Chinese Taipei\u2019s Wu Ying Syuan, while Ankholika Chakraborty bowed out in the U-15 girls\u2019 Round of 16.<\/p>\n
India\u2019s U-19 boys\u2019 doubles challenge ended in the quarterfinals, with Abhinand and Ankur Bhattacharjee losing to the Malaysian pair of Im Jin Zhen and Lai Yong Han, after beating China\u2019s Zhai Jiale and Zhou Guanhong 3-2 in the earlier round.<\/p>\n
In the singles quarterfinals, Abhinand and Ankur bowed out in the boys\u2019 event, while Divyanshi\u2019s impressive run also ended in the girls\u2019 last eight.<\/p>\n
-PTI<\/i><\/b><\/p>\nGOLF<\/h4>\n
Diksha shares lead with four others after first round, Aditi is seventh<\/b><\/p>\n
Diksha Dagar opened with a solid 4-under 68 to share the lead with three other golfers while fellow Indian Aditi Ashok carded 2-under 70 to be at tied seventh after the first day at the Hulencourt Women\u2019s Open.<\/p>\n
Avani Prashanth shot even par 72 and was T-24 while Pranavi Urs (73) was T-33.<\/p>\n
Diksha was tied at the top with South Africa\u2019s Nadia van der Westhuizen, Switzerland\u2019s Morgane Metraux and England\u2019s Bronte Law with cards of 68 (-4) each.<\/p>\n
Teeing up in the morning, Diksha\u2019s fine form continued as she went bogey-free, firing birdies at the first, sixth, 10th and 14th to set the early pace at Hulencourt Golf Club.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt was a very steady day of golf,\u201d the 25-year-old Indian said.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt was really tough conditions, but still we continued and stay composed. I\u2019m very happy that I went bogey-free. It was tough to read the greens so I focused on the speed. The greens are also much faster than last week.\u201d Diksha is in excellent form at the moment, arriving in Belgium off the back of four top-20 finishes in a row, dating back to the Lalla Meryem Cup.<\/p>\n
Two weeks ago, the Indian missed out on getting into a playoff by one shot at the Dutch Ladies Open, finishing the week at T-3. She currently sits 11th on the LET Order of Merit thanks to the hot run of results.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt doesn\u2019t matter what the conditions are like, I know I can still play the same and the form is there,\u201d Diksha said.<\/p>\n
\u201cI think I\u2019m very intuitive and go with my gut feeling a lot. I\u2019m feeling very confident at the moment.\u201d Five-time winner on LET, Aditi, playing on the Tour after a long time, had four birdies against two bogeys.<\/p>\n
Avani, also playing well this season, was T-3 recently in Dutch Ladies, and she rallied from a 3-over score after 11 holes to finish with three birdies in last four holes for an even par round.<\/p>\n
Pranavi had three birdies against four bogeys.<\/p>\n
After a breezy morning in Belgium, conditions improved in the afternoon allowing several players to enter the mix and match Diksha\u2019s early target.<\/p>\n
Teeing up in only her fourth sole LET event, the South African Nadia van der Westhuizen, who has competed in several co-sanctioned tournaments on her native Sunshine Ladies Tour, joined Diksha as she fired five birdies and dropped just one shot which came at the par-4 16th.<\/p>\n
Two-time LET winner Metraux would match the target soon after as the Olympian also carded five birdies and one bogey. Metraux has been competing on the LPGA Tour over the past few weeks as she recorded one top-10 alongside Perrine Delacour at the Dow Championship.<\/p>\n
Law, a three-time LET winner, fired a 68 (-4) in only her third round of the season on the circuit to share the 18-hole lead.<\/p>\n
One back from the quartet in a tie for fifth on three-under sit Thailand\u2019s Trichat Cheenglab, winner of the 2023 LET Order of Merit, and Finland\u2019s Ursula Wikstrom, now in her 23rd season on tour.<\/p>\n
Australia\u2019s Kirsten Rudgeley, England\u2019s Meghan MacLaren and Slovenia\u2019s Pia Babnik all started strong carding rounds of 70 (-2) to sit two off the pace.<\/p>\n
They were joined on the score by India\u2019s Aditi Ashok, Spain\u2019s Carolina Chacarra, Sweden\u2019s Corrine Viden, Australia\u2019s Kelsey Bennett as well as the duo of Hannah Screen and Liz Young. The group sit in a tie for seventh after round one. Defending champion Darcey Harry of Wales was forced to retire on day one with a hip injury.<\/p>\n
-PTI<\/i><\/b><\/p>\nBADMINTON<\/h4>\n
Aakarshi, Tanya lose in 2nd round, Indian challenge ends in Canada Open<\/b><\/p>\n
Tanya Hemnath and Aakarshi Kashyap lost their women\u2019s singles second round matches to draw curtains to the Indian challenge at the Canada Open here.<\/p>\n
Tanya lost to third seed Riko Gunji of Japan 11-21 11-21 in 31 minutes while Aakarshi went down fighting to fourth seed Beiwen Zhang of USA 22-20 17-21 17-21 in the second round match that lasted one hour and seven minutes.<\/p>\n
Earlier, Tanya had prevailed 21-16 21-18 over USA\u2019s Disha Gupta in the opening round while Aakarshi saw off Anna Tatranova of France 21-14 21-12.<\/p>\n
With the ouster of Tanya and Aakarshi, the Indian challenge ended at the Super 300 tournament.<\/p>\n
-PTI<\/i><\/b><\/p>\nHOCKEY<\/h4>\n
Indian junior women\u2019s hockey team to play 7 matches during UK exposure tour<\/b><\/p>\n
A 24-member Indian Junior women\u2019s hockey team has flown to the United Kingdom for an exposure tour that will also feature matches against junior teams of England and Scotland from July 5 to 14.<\/p>\n
The team departed from Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru on Thursday night.<\/p>\n
Under new chief coach Tim White, the Indian junior women\u2019s team will play seven matches Scotland and England as part of its preparations for key upcoming international tournaments, including the Junior Asia Cup.<\/p>\n
The tour will commence with two matches against the Scotland senior women\u2019s team at the University of Edinburgh.<\/p>\n
The Indians will then take on the junior teams of the United States, England and Belgium at the Lilleshall National Sports Centre, Near Newport, Shropshire, England.<\/p>\n
-PTI\\<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n
Published on Jul 03, 2026<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
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