sports.ndtv.com - Magnus Carlsen, Ian Nepomniachtchi's Decision To Share World Blitz Title Sparks Controversy

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.

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.

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.

First Or Second Dismissal? Michael Clarke Gives His Take On Which Dismissal Rishabh Pant Would Have Regretted More

Former Australia captain Michael Clarke feels Rishabh Pant would have regretted the shot that led to his dismissal in the second innings of the Boxing Day Test more. Pant was at the receiving end of backlash from fans and former cricketers after India succumbed to an 184-run defeat in front of a record-attendance crowd at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) in the Boxing Day Test. In the first innings, he lost his wicket after trying to execute a cheeky shot. The plan was there in his mind, but when it came to execution, Pant fluffed and lost his wicket.

Marcus Rashford Slams 'Ridiculous' Claim Over Potential Manchester United Exit

Marcus Rashford has blasted "ridiculous" claims that the unsettled Manchester United star wants a new agent to fulfil his desire to quit Old Trafford. A report this week said England forward Rashford had met with a leading sports agency in a bid to engineer a move. The 27-year-old hinted he would be prepared to leave United in an interview last month. Rashford said he was ready "for a new challenge" after falling out of favour under new boss Ruben Amorim. The United youth academy graduate was omitted from four successive matchday squads last month, starting with the derby against Manchester City, before being an unused substitute for Monday's defeat by Newcastle.

'Rohit Sharma, You Shattered India's Confidence': Captain Comes Under Scathing Attack After MCG Humiliation

Former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali has ripped into India captain Rohit Sharma for their defeat to Australia in the fourth Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024/25 in Melbourne. Rohit Sharma was slammed by Ali for not only ruining the confidence of KL Rahul by demoting him and promoting himself, but also criticised for his mentality. Basit Ali also reserved criticism for Gautam Gambhir, criticising some of the decisions taken during the game, and also suggested a captaincy change for Team India.

Rohit Sharma's Three Options In Do-Or-Die Sydney Test For India's Sake: Step Aside Or...

Standing at the crossroads of his Test career, skipper Rohit Sharma has certain choices to make in the best interests of the Indian team heading into the fifth and final Test against Australia. With the series in line after his team's 184-run drubbing in the Boxing Day Test, the Indian captain might have to field his six best batters at the Sydney Cricket Ground, which will pave the way for Shubman Gill's inclusion in the playing XI after being dropped for the previous game in Melbourne.

Indian Cricket In 2024: Who Were The Top Wicket-Takers In Tests, ODIs And T20Is?

Indian cricketers had a mixed 2024, that saw the team end more than a decade-long wait for an ICC title, bagging the 2024 T20 World Cup title in the USA and West Indies. But, the year also saw the team struggle in other formats. While India failed to win a single match in ODIs, they also suffered humiliation in Tests at home against New Zealand before witnessing some heartbreaking results in Australia. Though team milestones were a few, Indians did manage to make headlines with some personal landmarks.

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

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

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

First Or Second Dismissal? Michael Clarke Gives His Take On Which Dismissal Rishabh Pant Would Have Regretted More

Marcus Rashford Slams 'Ridiculous' Claim Over Potential Manchester United Exit

'Rohit Sharma, You Shattered India's Confidence': Captain Comes Under Scathing Attack After MCG Humiliation

Rohit Sharma's Three Options In Do-Or-Die Sydney Test For India's Sake: Step Aside Or...

Indian Cricket In 2024: Who Were The Top Wicket-Takers In Tests, ODIs And T20Is?