Briefly: Sinquefield Cup: Gukesh draws with Nepomniachtchi

St Louis (USA): World Championship challenger Indian Grandmaster D Gukesh played out a thrilling draw with Russia’s Ian Nepomniachtchi to be tied second after the second round of the Sinquefield Cup, the final event on the Grand Chess Tour this year. After a relatively easy draw with reigning world champion Ding Liren of China, Gukesh had an exciting match against Nepomniachtchi out of a Catalan opening game. Grandmaster R Praggnanandhaa also stayed in the hunt after a draw with Maxime Vachier-Lagrave of France.

Munich

Germany keeper Neuer retires from internationals

Germany goalkeeper Manuel Neuer announced his retirement from internationals on Wednesday after playing 124 times for his country since 2009. The 38-year-old Bayern Munich player won the golden glove when Germany won the World Cup in 2014. “Today marks the end of my career in the German national football team,” Neuer wrote on Instagram.

London

Chelsea sign Felix from Atletico on 7-year contract

Chelsea have signed Portugal forward Joao Felix from Atletico Madrid on a seven-year deal, the Premier League club said on Wednesday. Financial details were not disclosed, but English media reported that Chelsea paid around £46 million to secure the 24-year-old’s return to Stamford Bridge. Felix impressed during his six-month loan spell at Chelsea in the 2022-23 season, scoring four goals in 20 appearances. Agencies