Anand, Gujrathi, Swapnil win in Round 6 of Isle of Man chess meet

Five-time champion Viswanathan Anand, Vidit Santosh Gujrathi and Swapnil S Dhopade emerged victories in the sixth round of the Isle of Man International chess tournament, here.

Gujrathi was the best-placed Indian at the second position after he defeated compatriot Harsha Bharathakoti, who is 308 rating points below him, in 42 moves after playing with black pieces. The second highest Indian in the fray, Gujarathi next takes on World Champion Magnus Carlsen of Norway.

After the sixth round, Anand and Swapnil S Dhopade were at the joint third place along with 16 others with 4.5 points.

Playing with white pieces, Anand showed better precision and forced SP Sethuraman to surrender in 51 moves. He will face American grandmaster Lenderman Aleksandr next.

DOUGLAS (ISLE OF MAN):

MANIPUR REWARDS U-17 CUP STARS

Manipur Youth Affairs and Sports Minister Letpao Haokip on Friday announced cash awards of ~5 lakh each for eight players from Manipur in the 21-member football team of the country for the FIFA Under-17 World Cup to be held across six cities from October 6.

Announcing this on Friday afternoon, Sports Minister Letpao said, “The Government is planning a super special incentive for our players if they win gold medals.” However he did not elaborate on the said ‘super special incentive’.

IMPHAL: