RAMKUMAR IN CINCINNATI OPEN SECOND ROUND

Indian tennis player Ramkumar Ramanathan bounced back from a set down against Christopher Eubanks of the United States to advance into the second round of the 2017 Western and Southern Open in Cincinnati here on Tuesday.

After going down in the first set by a whisker, the 22-year-old rebounded strongly to register a 6-7 (5-7), 6-1, 6-4 win over the American opponent in an exhilarating opening round clash that lasted one hour and 48 minutes.

Ramanathan will now take on either American Jared Donaldson or Spaniard Roberto Bautista Agut. The Indian had earlier booked his place in the main draw as a ‘lucky loser’ after France’s Gael Monfils pulled out because of illness.

Indian Grandmaster Dronavalli Harika started her campaign in style, beating compatriot Mithil Ajgaonkar at the Master’s Tournament of the Abu Dhabi International Chess Festival here. The World No. 9 Indian, playing with white pieces, started off aggressively as she found an opening in the initial phases of the game.

It was an uphill task for Ajgaonkar from there on and eventually succumbed to the pressure after toiling for a long three and a half hours. “I got a clear advantage in the opening stages itself and could easily convert it after just 34 moves,” Harika said.

Puneri Paltan thrashed Bengal Warriors 34-17 in an inter-zone Pro Kabaddi League match, here on Tuesday. By virtue of this win, Puneri Paltan maintained their second position in the group standings. For Puneri Paltan defenders Sandeep Narwal (7 pts) and Girish Ernak (4 ) along with raider G B More (6) starred to help their side win by a 17-point margin.

Zone A team Gujarat Fortunegiants came from behind to defeat Bengaluru Bulls 27-24. Raider Sachin Tanwar (4 ) and defender Parvesh Bhainswal (4) helped Gujarat come back to register a win by narrow margin.