Anand goes down to Svidler in opening round

Chennai

Former world champion Viswanathan Anand went down 1.5-2.5 to Russia’s Peter Svidler in the opening round of the $150,000 Legends of Chess tournament. Anand, making his maiden appearance on the Magnus Carlsen Chess Tour, drew the first three games of the best-of-four contest before losing the final game. Boris Gelfand stunned world No. 3 Ding Liren 3-1, while world No. 1 Magnus Carlsen dominated in a 3-1 victory over Anish Giri.

WADA extends NDTL suspension by 6 months
New Delhi

The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has extended the suspension of the National Dope Testing Laboratory (NDTL) by another six months, citing non-conformation to international standards. WADA first suspended NDTL in August last year. Currently, samples collected by National Anti-Doping Agency are being sent primarily to the WADA-accredited lab in Doha.

Delhi HC restrains new EFI president from officiating
New Delhi
In a big jolt to the Equestrian Federation of India, the Delhi High Court has restrained Lt Gen SS Mishra and Lt General MKS Yadav from acting as interim president and vice-president (admin) of the sports body.

Atwal set for 3M Open on PGA Tour
Blaine (US)
Indian golfer Arjun Atwal will look to assess his game and current physical condition when he tees off at the $6.6 million 3M Open tomorrow.

Villa stun Arsenal, City thrash Watford
London
Watford’s hopes of avoiding relegation suffered a double blow when they were thrashed 4-0 by Manchester City and then slipped into the relegation zone after fellow strugglers Aston Villa beat Arsenal 1-0. Agencies