Anand settles for draw against Hess

Isle of Man (UK)

Former world champion Viswanathan Anand struggled for the second day running as he was held to a draw by Robert Hess of the United States in the second round of the Isle of Man International Chess tournament here today.  Grandmaster Vishnu Prasanna got the better of Israel’s Tamir Nabaty, who is rated nearly 200 points above him. Harsha Bharthakkoti put it across compatriot and higher ranked SP Sethuraman in what was probably the game of the day. With seven rounds still to come in the world’s toughest open event, as many as five Indians share the lead in a group of 19. 

Pune

Priyanshi, Reddy move into second round

India’s Priyanshi Bhandari and Sai Karteek Reddy scored contrasting victories to move to the second round of the girls’ and boys’ events, respectively, at the Asian B1 Junior Tennis Championship here today. Priyanshi thrashed Hoi Ki Jenny Wong of Hong Kong 6-0 6-1, while Reddy edged past Hong Kong’s Sebastian Nothhaft 6-4 1-6 6-4. Top seed Dostanbek Tashbulatov easily got past wild card Aryaan Bhatia 6-3 6-2. Local lad and last year’s runner-up Siddhant Banthia beat Christian Didier Chin of Malaysia 6-4 6-2.  

Sydney

Bolt ‘offered cut-price deal’ in Australia

Australia’s Central Coast Mariners have offered sprint superstar Usain Bolt a contract, reports said on Monday, but the club’s coach said he knows nothing about it. The eight-time Olympics champion has been on trial with the A-League side since arriving in August to fulfil his dream of becoming a professional footballer. He scored two goals in a pre-season friendly last week and on Thursday turned down a two-year, trial-free deal from cashed-up Maltese champions Valletta. “I can confirm Usain has been offered a contract by Central Coast Mariners,” the Jamaican’s agent Ricky Simms told the BBC. The club had no immediate comment on Monday, but Daily Telegraph said he had been offered only a fraction of the Aus$3 million that his management had discussed months ago when the prospect of a trial was first mooted. 

Pune

Bengaluru beat Pune City 3-0 in ISL     

A double strike from Sunil Chhetri and another fine finish from Miku set up an impressive 3-0 win for Bengaluru FC against FC Pune City in the Indian Super League here today. Bengaluru led 2-0 at the breather with Chhetri striking in the 41st and 43rd minutes, while Venezuelan striker Miku completed the rout in the 64th minute. The win saw Bengaluru FC jump to the top of the table with seven points and a better goal difference compared to NorthEast United FC. Pune have just one point after three matches. — Agencies