Anand slips to fifth spot in Norway chess

STAVANGER: Former world champion Viswanathan Anand went down fighting against Fabiano Caruana of United States in the eighth and penultimate round to slip to fifth spot in the Altibox Norway Chess tournament.

In the other games of the day, Hikaru Nakamura of United States tamed Sergey Karjakin of Russia, showcasing a superior opening preparation, while world champion Magnus Carlsen could not make use of the opportunities against Shakhriyar Mamedyarov of Azerbaijan.

With just one round to come in the strongest tournament of the year, Carlsen and American trio of Wesley, Nakamura and Caruana share the lead on four points apiece while Anand slipped to joint fifth spot along with Levon Aronian and Mamedyarov (3.5 pts) apiece.

GYMNASTICS TRIALS

NEW DELHI: After a marathon meeting between Indian Olympic Association (IOA) and the Gymnastics Federation of India (GFI) faction, recognised by the world governing body, the issue of selection trials for Asian Games has been resolved.

A five-member panel, including officials from Gymnastics Federation of India , was formed to oversee the trials on June 24 which will be held in Delhi.

CHIKKA STARTS WELL

BANGKOK: Indian golfer S Chikkarangappa blasted a superb five-under 65 on the Par-70 Thai Country