Friday, May 08
The evolution of the chess queen finds a parallel in rural India, where the “Checkmate Betul” initiative, launched by US-based Avika Shukla, offers free, structured chess training to girls with no prior access. The programme, run by an all-girl global team, is helping students gain confidence, focus and new skills while overcoming significant logistical hurdles.
A complaint has been filed with FIDE against Sarwagya Singh Kushwaha, the youngest FIDE-rated chess player. The complaint alleges unfair means were used to secure his rating. His father and coach dismiss the claims as factional politics. Kushwaha secured victories against higher-ranked players in recent tournaments. Concerns are raised about opponents being from the same academy and tournament irregularities.
Indian Grandmaster R Praggnanandhaa views the upcoming Chess World Championship Tour as an opportunity for players, not a threat to the traditional World Championship. He believes the World Championship remains the ultimate priority, especially with the tour winner qualifying for the Candidates. Praggnanandhaa also highlighted the growing excitement and interest in chess across India.
The Global Chess League's third season kicks off in Mumbai with the American Gambits featuring Hikaru Nakamura as their Icon player. The team, boasting a strong lineup including World Rapid Champion Volodar Murzin, faces PBG Alaskan Knights in their opening match, a highly anticipated duel against World Champion Gukesh D.
India suffered a significant 51-run T20I defeat to South Africa, leveling the series and marking their most losses against any opponent. South African pacers achieved a rare feat, taking all ten wickets. India's inability to chase over 210 and the large margin of loss highlight persistent challenges ahead of the T20 World Cup.
India's assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate expresses unwavering confidence in Shubman Gill and Suryakumar Yadav, despite their recent batting struggles. He believes the duo's class and past performances, particularly Gill's IPL record, assure their return to form ahead of the T20 World Cup. Ten Doeschate emphasised the team's absolute faith in their ability to deliver when it matters most.
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi smashed an incredible 171 off 95 balls, including fourteen sixes, setting a new U-19 world record in India's 433/6 against UAE. The 14-year-old's dominant innings, marked by a witty exchange with the wicketkeeper, propelled India to a commanding position. His performance also secured a tournament record for most sixes in a single U-19 Asia Cup innings.
India suffered a significant 51-run T20I defeat to South Africa, leveling the series and marking their most losses against any opponent. South African pacers achieved a rare feat, taking all ten wickets. India's inability to chase over 210 and the large margin of loss highlight persistent challenges ahead of the T20 World Cup.
