Harika starts with draw in FIDE Women’s Grand Prix

Lausanne

Harika Dronavalli started her campaign in the FIDE Women’s Grand Prix here with a draw against Swedish veteran Pia Cramling in the first round. The tournament featuring 12 players including world champion Ju Wenjun of China is the third in the chess series of four Grand Prix events from which two with the highest points tally would qualify for the next candidates event. India’s world No. 2 Koneru Humpy leads the Grand Prix standings after two events with 293 points, while Grandmaster Harika is joint fifth with Wenjun (120 points, 1 event).

Sylhet

Bangladesh beat Zimbabwe by 4 runs, clinch ODI series

Bangladesh beat Zimbabwe by four runs in a thrilling match to take a 2-0 lead in the three-match ODI series. Tamim Iqbal struck a career-high 158 as Bangladesh powered to a commanding 332/8. Zimbabwe came close to chasing down the target as four players hit half-centuries, but the hosts just about hung on. Brief Scores: Bangladesh: 322/8 (Tamim Iqbal 158, Mushfiqur Rahim 55, Mahmudullah 41; C Mumba 2/64, D Tiripano 2/55); Zimbabwe: 318/8 (Sikandar Raza 66, D Tiripano 55; Taijul Islam 3/52)

CHANDIGARH

HC notice on Amjyot’s plea against ban

The Punjab and Haryana High Court has issued a notice of motion to the Union of India on a petition challenging a three-year ban on a “distinguished basketball player” who has represented India and Punjab since 2008. Taking up the petition filed by Amjyot Singh through counsel Vikas Chatrath, Justice Lisa Gill also issued a notice regarding stay. Appearing before the Bench, Chatrath submitted there was complete non-compliance of the principles of natural justice in the “so-called” inquiry held against the petitioner. The petitioner, Chatrath submitted, was being penalised in an absolutely unjustified manner. — TNS, AGENCIES