Harika advances to World Chess prequarters after Humpy’s ouster

KHANTYMANSIYSK (RUSSIA) : GM Dronavalli Harika advanced to the pre-quarterfinals, crushing Bela Khotenashvili of Georgia in the second game of the rapid tiebreaker in round two of the world women’s chess championship here. After the shocking ouster of GM Koneru Humpy who lost to Poland’s Jolanta Zawadzka in the second game of the second round, Harika emerged as the last hope. She won with black in the second rapid game played with 25 minutes for each player.

SATHIYAN QUALIFIES

NEW DELHI: G Sathiyan stunned world No 17 Sangeun Jong in the final match of the preliminary rounds to qualify for the main draw of the ITTF Austrian Open in Linz. Sathiyan began his impressive run by beating the recently-crowned Youth Olympic champion Wang Chuqin.

RAMKUMAR OUT

NEW DELHI: There was no end to Ramkumar Ramanathan’s lean patch as the Indian Davis Cup player yet again made an early exit, losing his second round 3-6, 6-3, 2-6 at the Slovak Open in Bratislava while Purav Raja lost his doubles quarterfinal with partner Antonio Sancic.

DABANG DELHI WIN

GREATER NOIDA: Dabang Delhi snapped their three-match losing streak in Pro Kabaddi League with a 39-33 win over Haryana Steelers. In the second match of the day, Bengaluru Bulls beat UP Yoddha 37-27.

ARMY POLO

NEW DELHI: Rajnigandha Achievers beat Anchors 11-2 in the Radha Mohan Rajinder Mohan Gold Vase (8 Goal) Polo tournament at the Army Equestrian Centre Polo Ground. LA Pegasus Polo Titans beat ASC/Col Girdhari Singh 4-3 and Sona Polo – 1 beat LA Pegasus Polo - Knight 8-7.