Mixed day for Harika in world rapid chess championships

Doha

Harika Dronavalli came up with an inspiring performance to register one win, two draws and one loss on Day Two of the 2016 FIDE World Rapid and Blitz Championships (Open and Women). Harika started her day with a draw against International Master Sarasadat Khademalsharieh of Iran. In her second game, she drew with Dinara Saduakassova of Kazakhstan. In her third tie, she beat Stefanova Antoaneta of Bulgaria. In her final game, she went down to Nana Dzagnidze of Georgia.

Mumbai

Mumbai rope in teenager Prithvi Shaw for Ranji semis

Reigning champions Mumbai, gunning for their 42nd Ranji Trophy title, today inducted uncapped teenage batsman Prithvi Shaw into their squad for the semifinals against Tamil Nadu to be played at Rajkot from January 1 to 5.  Mumbai will be without Dhawal Kulkarni, out due to an injury.

Nagercoil (Tamil Nadu)

Lalchhanhimi, Sathish lift gold on Day 3

Lalchhanhimi and Sathish Kumar won gold medals on Day 3 of the 32nd Senior National Weightlifting Championships. Lalchhanhimi topped in the 69kg women’s category, lifting a total of 214kg. Punam Yadav (211kg) and Rakhi Halder (197) of Railways Sports Promotion Board (RSPB) finished second and third, respectively. Sathish won the men’s 77kg gold with an overall lift of 317kg, three kg more than second-placed Ajay Singh. 

Dubai

Infantino says not ‘dictator’ on World Cup expansion

FIFA president Gianni Infantino said he will not be a “dictator” in discussions over his proposal to expand the World Cup finals from 32 to 48 teams. Infantino’s proposal for a 48-team World Cup in 2026, featuring 16 groups of three, will be submitted to the FIFA Council next month. A 40-team World Cup is also on the table. 

LONDON

Gascoigne taken to hospital after hotel row   

Former England footballer Paul Gascoigne was involved in a  fracas in a London hotel, several witnesses said, and taken to hospital after sustaining a head injury. The Metropolitan Police said officers were called to a disturbance at London’s Ace Hotel in Shoreditch on Tuesday night before a 49-year-old man was taken to hospital. — Agencies