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Magnus Carlsen, Ian Nepomniachtchi's Decision To Share World Blitz Title Sparks Controversy

Magnus Carlsen and Ian Nepomniachtchi's decision to share the World Blitz Championship title for the first time in history has sent shockwaves through the chess community, sparking widespread criticism. World number one Carlsen and Russia's Nepomniachtchi shared the Blitz title after three sudden-death games failed to produce a winner. This was the first time that the title was awarded to two players after the Norwegian asked whether it could be shared given the deadlock. The move has drawn sharp criticism, with former World Champion Vladimir Kramnik slamming the international chess federation for not thinking of a rule for such scenario.

Yearender: Indian Legend Sunil Chhetri Bows Out To International Football After Iconic Career

The torchbearer of Indian football, Sunil Chhetri, announced his retirement in 2024, bidding farewell to a career that spanned over two decades. From a humble boy with dreams of representing India to becoming the country's all-time highest scorer and one of its most revered football icons, Chhetri's all-inclusive success is truly remarkable. Chhetri made his professional debut for Mohun Bagan in 2002, where he played until 2005, scoring eight goals in 18 matches. Though the early years were challenging, his talent quickly caught the attention of larger clubs across India. Over the years, Chhetri played for JCT (2005-08), East Bengal (2008-09), Dempo FC (2009-10), Chirag United (2011), Mohun Bagan (2011-12), Churchill Brothers (2013 on loan), Bengaluru FC (2013-15, 2016-present), and became a household name in Indian club football.

Chess Rankings: Arjun Erigaisi 4th, D Gukesh 5th As Nine Indians Ranked In Top-50 In Open Section

Arjun Erigaisi maintained his rating of 2801 and retained the fourth spot while newly-crowned World Classical World Champion Gukesh Dommaraju occupied the fifth position in the classical Open section in the first ranking list of 2025 released by International Chess Federation (FIDE) on Wednesday. Erigaisi, the second Indian after Viswanathan Anand to cross the exalted 2800 rating in classical chess, has a rating of 2801 and is just one ELO behind American Hikaru Nakamura (2802). Another American Fabiano Caruana (2803) is a further one ELO ahead at No. 2 position in a hot chase for the second spot behind Magnus Carlsen, who leads the chart with a rating of 2831.