Grandmaster Pantsulaia Levan of Georgia tied with two others on points at the end of the final round and was declared the winner on the tie-break rule in the Rs 21.5-lakh prize money 6th Mumbai Mayor International Chess Tournament here today.
     Levan (ELO 2563) finished level on 8.5 points with countryman GM M Mekheil (ELO 2645) and GM Amonatov Farrukh (ELO 2616) of Tajikistan before pipping the others for the title.
     However, all the three players had to share the winner's purse and pocketed Rs 2.58 lakh each.
     Indian GM Akshayraj Kore missed out on the chance to finish with the same number of points when he failed to capitalise on an advantage in the middle game and was held to a draw by IM Swayams Mishra at the NSCI Stadium here.
     Kore and Mishra finished among a bunch of six players in joint second spot to earn Rs 49,333 each for their efforts.
     Results: GM Pantsulaia Levan 8.5 drew with GM Amonatov Farrukh 8.5, GM Andriasian Zaven 8 drew with GM Mchedlishvili ..

Georgian Levan claims Mumbai Mayor Chess title

PTI Automatic

Rattled by betting charges against Rajasthan Royals co-owner Raj Kundra, the BCCI today convened an Emergent Working Committee meeting in New Delhi on Monday to discuss the issue and "take action if required".
     Addressing a press conference here, the BCCI Working Group's chief Jagmohan Dalmiya said the entire issue of Raj Kundra's alleged involvement in betting will come up for discussion at the meeting.
     "Raj Kundra issue will be discussed in the Working Committee, which is going to be held on June 10 and after we hear the details, if it demands any strict action, we will look into it," Dalmiya said.
     The raging IPL spot-fixing and betting scandal took a new twist today with Delhi police Commissioner disclosing that Kundra has confessed to betting in the IPL during his 11-hour interrogation.
     The veteran administrator also said that Baroda Cricket Association's Sanjay Patel will be the new BCCI Secretary while the post of the treasurer will be announced later.
     He 

BCCI to discuss Raj Kundra issue at Working Committee meet

Former IPL commissioner Lalit Modi today suggested that the upcoming Champions League T20 and next year's IPL should be put "on hold" till the time the sport is completely free of corruption.
     "IPL 7 and current upcoming CL should be put on hold till full and complete cleansing of Bcci and IPL is done. One cannot continue to take fans for a ride," Modi wrote on his twitter handle.
     In another sensational twist in the IPL spot-fixing and betting scandal, Delhi Police today claimed that Rajasthan Royals' owner Raj Kundra had "admitted" to placing bets on his own team through a bookie who is also his business partner.
     Modi said Kundra should be terminated.
     "Just woke up to flurry of new activities - Rule is simple if an owner in involved in betting - he should be terminated.
     "The rules on this have no ambiguity. Betting is a no no," Modi said.
     Police have confiscated Kundra's passport to ensure that he does not leave the country during investigations.
     ...

IPL, CLT20 should be put on hold pending inquiry: Modi

Dropped from Pakistan's Champions Trophy squad, former skipper Shahid Afridi today said that he is "working hard" on his bowling with legendary leg-spinner Abdul Qadir in a bid to regain his position in the national team.
     "Although Qadir and I are different type of bowlers but his tips were valuable and I am now working hard to get that drift back into my bowling," Afridi said.
     "Before Pakistan's next international assignment I will focus hard again on my bowling and try to get back to my best form," he said.
     Afridi also revealed that a problem in his knee had also affected his bowling.
     "The problem I have faced is I am not getting proper drift in my bowling and also had a nagging knee problem. But it is now worked out," he said.
     The allrounder said that when a player out of form people tended to notice even the smallest things in his action.
     "But when you are in form and taking wickets people don't notice even if you are doing something wrong in your ...

Bowling tips from Abdul Qadir will be helpful, says Afridi

Veteran Indonesian badminton coach Yusuf Jauhari, who is conducting coaching clinic for beginners in five clubs here, wants the local coaches to constantly monitor and correct the players' technique.
     "For beginners, you have to keep correcting the technique, grip, footwork etc for 1-2 months. In India, I see many beginners with the wrong technique. The coaches must correct them continuously as daily training is important," Jauhari told PTI after the first day of a two-day clinic at the Bombay Gymkhana.
     "This is the first time I am coaching the beginners. It's a new experience for me. I see younger players in India having good talent. They need routine training," said the Indonesian who is a former head coach of one of junior training camps in Jakarta for more than six years.
     Thirty two boys and as many girls will be picked at the conclusion of the joint initiative by the Bangalore-based Prakash Padukone Badminton Academy and Tata Capital for a two-day tournament at the .

Constant monitoring of technique is vital, says coach Jauhari

Chavan, who along with his Rajasthan Royals teammate S Sreesanth and others is now booked under MCOCA, surrendered before Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Lokesh Kumar Sharma

IPL spot-fixing scandal: Ankit Chavan surrenders before court

Shikhar Dhawan's maiden ODI century and his 127-run opening stand with Rohit Sharma propelled India to a commanding 331 for seven in their opening match of the ICC Champions Trophy against South Africa here today.
     India were put into bat after skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni lost the toss in an overcast and chilly morning.
     If South Africa can chase down the Indian total, it will be a record at this venue. The highest successful chase here is 258 for three by Australia against Pakistan in a NatWest series match in 2001.
     Interestingly, all the seven completed ODIs here have been won by the team batting second.
     The morning session belonged to Dhawan. He was third out in the 38th over after scoring a well-paced 114, studded with 12 fours and a six. The only 'life' in his 94-ball innings came immediately after he scored his century. A B De Villiers missed a stumping chance after the left-hander stepped out to off-spinner J P Duminy and missed the line.
     That blemish ...

Dhawan's maiden ODI ton propels India to 331/7

Ankita Raina continued her dream run by beating third seed Nigina Abdurakhimova of Uzbekistan to reach the semifinals of the USD 25,000 ITF Women's tennis tournament in Karshi, Uzbekistan today.
     The world 455, who had to qualify for the main draw, hammered Abdurakhimova 6-4, 7-6 (7/3) in the quarterfinals. She will now face the winner of the other quarterfinal between Ksenia Palkina of Kyrgystan and sixth seed Veronika Kapshay of Ukraine.
     The 20-year-old, who trains at the PYC Gymkhana under Hemant Bendrey, made her intentions clear at the start of the match itself by matching the world number 250 Abdurakhimova stroke for stroke and carried that momentum through-out the match.
     "My confidence levels were really good after yesterday's come from behind quarterfinal victory. Against Abdurakhimova, I was striking the ball well from the start and the pressure ultimately built on her as she was the local favourite," said Ankita from Karshi.
     Despite the comfortable ...

Ankita upsets third seed to reach semis of USD 25000 ITF meet

Sent into bat, India scored 331 for seven against South Africa in a Group B match of the Champions Trophy at Sophia Gardens here today.
     Brief scores:
     India: 331 for 7 in 50 overs (Shikhar Dhawan 114, Rohit Sharma 65; Ryan McLaren 3/70).

India finish 331 for 7 against South Africa

Punjab overwhelmed Delhi 9-2, while Manipur ousted Andhra Pradesh 4-2 in their league matches respectively to enter the quarter-finals of the third Hockey India Senior Men National Championship 2013, here today.
     Former India forward Deepak Thakur slammed five goals (7,42,60,61,65 mins), while Vikramjit Singh scored thrice off penalty corners (24th, 27th, 64th mis) to help Punjab thrash Delhi and top the pool A with four wins out of four matches.
     In another game, Jharkhand scraped past Odisha 3-2 to top the pool E.
     Another win will guarantee a  quarter-final spot to Jharkhand, who still have a match in hand against Himachal Pradesh.
     In another league match of the pool E, Comptroller and Auditor General registered a 2-1 win over Himachal Pradesh.
     In pool C, Hockey Karnataka scored a 8- 1 win over Hockey Bihar with Karnataka players converted four penalty corners into goals.
     Karnataka will take on Services Sports Control Board in a crucial match tommorrow to 

Punjab, Manipur enter HI Senior Men National's quarters

The India team, led by national champion Saurav Ghosal, has been seeded eighth in the 24th WSF Men's World Team Championship to be played in Mulhouse, France from June 9-15.
     The other team members are Harinder Pal Singh Sandhu, Mahesh Mangaonkar & Ramit Tandon.
     India will kickstart their campaign on June 9 against Argentina, followed by Finland (June 10) and Venezuela (June 11).
     The team will leave tonight for the biennial championships which will be held in France for the first time in the event's 46-year history.
     "We are certainly confident of doing better this year, we have a great mix of experience and youth in our squad," said national coach Cyrus Poncha who will be accompanying the side.
     Defending champions Egypt is the top-seeded team in the competition in which 31 nations will be participating.
     The Indian team finished in 7th position in the 2011.

Indian squash team seeded 8th for Men's World Team C'ship

Former cricketer E Prasanna today said Raj Kundra, being an owner of an IPL team, has crossed a certain line by placing bets during matches but felt that such cricket events cannot survive without the help of rich businessmen.
     Adding more drama to the spot-fixing drama, it was today revealed that Rajasthan Royals co-owner Kundra lost a lot of money while placing bets during IPL matches.
     Asked if the game should have a place for businessmen, Prasanna said they were indispensable for events such as IPL.
     "In an event like this, huge amount of investment is required. You do require people with lot of money and I expect money is hoarded by business people. There presence is required in these events," Prasanna said.
     However, the former spinner said people like Kundra should be satisfied with the money they already are making through their association with the IPL.
     "If they are investing money knowing that they will get an X amount of money in return from the Board, .

IPL needs big investors: Prasanna

Aditi Ashok continued to hold the lead after the second round of the Usha Karnataka Ladies and Junior girls golf today as she added a flawless two-under 68 that carried her total of one-under 139.
     She holds a one-shot lead over Gurbani Singh, who roared back into form with a identical 68, which however had four birdies against two bogeys at the Bangalore Golf Club.
     But the star of the day was Gauri Monga, who had a stunning four-under 66, despite bogeys on two par-fives. She had three birdies in first four holes and another three in last six holes. Her bogeys came on par-5 fifth and 17th holes.
     Gauri's 66 took her total to 143 as she had a 77 in first round.
     Astha Madan (74-71) was fourth, while Tvesa Malik, the first day co-leader slipped to fifth with a card of 76 after a first round 71. Amrita Anand (75-73) was sixth at 148 alongwith Amandeep Drall (74-74).
     Aditi had birdies on first and 12th and parred the other 16 holes for the most steady round of the ...

Aditi stays ahead at Usha Karnataka Ladies golf

Defending champion Saina Nehwal, H S Prannoy and K Srikanth today reached the quarterfinals of the Thailand Grand Prix Gold badminton tournament here today.
     Top seed Saina thrashed Indonesia's Febby Angguni 21-12 21-11 in just over half an hour to set up a clash with eighth seed Juan Gu of Singapore. Juan beat compatriot Xiaoyu Liang 21-13 21-11 in another prequarterfinal match.
     In men's singles, Prannoy bounced from a game down to prevail over fellow Indian 10th seed Anand Pawar 19-21 21-13 21-15, while 13th seed K Srikanth defeated Hwang Jong Soo of Korea 21-19 21-15 in another match.
     However, Sai Praneeth B lost to Indonesia's Wisnu Yuli Prasetyo 18-21 21-16 19-21 to crash out of the tournament.
     Febby was no match for Saina as the world number two Indian reeled off seven points to open up a huge 7-0 lead and then held her fort to pocket the game.
     In the second game, Febby took two points early on but Saina didn't give any chance to the Indonesian thereafter 

Saina, Prannoy, Srikanth enter quarterfinals of Thailand

Former BCCI secretary Sanjay Jagdale today expressed shock over Rajasthan Royals co-owner Raj Kundra's admission to betting in IPL matches, saying it further shakes faith of the fans in the sport.
     The Delhi police, that questioned Kundra, claimed that Kundra has admitted to betting and even lost a lot of money in doing so.
     "It (Betting) is morally wrong since you're owning a team. Such things are not good for cricket and not good for IPL. It's another instance of damaging the faith, Indian cricket lovers have in the sport. Really shocking," said Jagdale, who resigned recently from his BCCI position.
     Asked if Royals should be suspended if charges of betting against Kundra is proved, Jagdale said the decision lies with the IPL authorities.
     "I can't comment on the legalities. It's is upto the Governing Council and Executive Committee (to decide on the fate of RR)," he told 'Times Now'.
     Jagdale said it's high time BCCI takes lessons from these controversies and go 

It's shocking: Jagdale on Kundra's betting admission

Criticised for receiving Rs 1 crore from a ponzi company for conducting cricket matches in the state, Odisha Cricket Association said it was ready to return money either to the police or the state government, but not to Artha Tatwa Group.
     "We are willing to return the money either to the state government or the police for the benefit of small investors," said OCA secretary Asirbad Behera after deposing before the police here yesterday.
     Admitting that the OCA had received the amount for organising Ranji matches and OPL between 2011 and 2012, Behera said the funds received from Artha Tatwa Group was also used to sponsor some junior cricketers to undergo training under former Odisha coach Michael Bevan in Australia.
     Stating that the OCA had no knowledge about AT Group's illegal activities, Behera said he would put condition before returning money.
     "Only those who have lost their hard-earned money should benefit and not the rich investors," he said.
     Claiming that .

OCA ready to return Rs 1 cr received from ponzi company

Former India women's hockey team captain Rekha Bhide today shot off a letter to the Sports Minister Jitendra Singh, complaining of harassment and defamation by Hockey India (HI) for refusing to tow to its Secretary General, Narinder Batra's line of thought.
     "I am writing to you to bring to your kind attention the immense, unjust harassment that I am being subjected to by some officials of HI," Bhide wrote in the letter.
     "Being a former international player and an Olympian, I had given my view regarding HI's decision to send a foreigner as the manager with the Senior Men's National team for London Olympics. I had also put forth certain suggestions regarding team manager, physio etc. For the national women's team.
     "But since I was not towing Secretary General, Hockey India Dr. Narinder Batra's line, I am being singled out, harassed and defamed; so much for the democratic manner of HI's functioning," Bhide, a recipient of Arjuna Award and Maharashtra State Award Shiv ...

Former women's hockey captain alleges harassment

The Sri Lankan government is mulling to bring a tough anti-corruption law against unfair practices in sports in the wake of spot-fixing scandals in the IPL and Bangladesh Premier League.
     "We are bringing a law against fixing and are working on its draft. It will have strict provisions like life ban if anyone found guilty of fixing. I will send the draft to the cabinet and after its approval, it will be passed by the Parliament. The whole process will take around six months," Sri Lanka's Sports Minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage told PTI from Colombo.
     Aluthgamage vowed to put in place a proper mechanism to to combat ill practices in the Sri Lankan Premier League.
     "Naturally, we will be much more alert this time in the wake of what has happened in the IPL and BPL. The Board (SLC) will work with ICC's anti-corruption unit officials during the league," he said.
     Aluthgamage also ridiculed reports which said the SLPL franchise owners were pulling out over losses incurred .

Sri Lanka mull strict anti-fixing law

Actor Vindu Dara Singh, who is out on bail in the IPL spot-fixing scandal, today claimed innocence saying that the police have no evidence to link him with the betting scam.
     Asked if police tried to implicate him, Vindu said, "No No, why they will try to implicate me. I didn't do any crime, I didn't do any wrong. They needed to know the truth, when they came to know, they let me go."
     Asked about Rajasthan Royals owner Raj Kundra, whose passport was seized after close to 12 hours of questioning by the Delhi Police, Dara Singh said, "Raj Kundra is a fried. He is a good human being. I know him very well.
     "Whenever his team plays, he never says that his team will win. Crores of people bet in India. If you have to stop betting in India then catch the bookies, not the people who bet," he said.
     Dara Singh and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) Team principal Gurunath Meiyappan, arrested in connection with the IPL spot-fixing and betting scandal, were granted bail by a local court .

Vindu Dara Singh claims innocence

South Africa skipper AB de Villiers won the toss and decided to field against India in a Group B match of the Champions Trophy here today.
     South Africa are without pacer Dale Steyn, who misses out because of an injury.
     Teams:
     India: M S Dhoni (c), Shikhar Dhawan, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Dinesh Karthik, Suresh Raina, Ravindra Jadeja, R Ashwin, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Ishant Sharma and Umesh Yadav.
     South Africa: ABde Villiers (c), Hashim Amla, Colin Ingram, Faf du Plessis, J P Duminy, David Miller, Ryan McLaren, Robin Peterson, Rory Kleinveldt, Morne Morkel and Lonwabo Tsotsobe.

South Africa put India into bat

His passport seized after close to 12 hours of questioning by the Delhi Police, Rajasthan Royals owner Raj Kundra today lashed out at the media for making "stupid claims" on his alleged involvement in the IPL spot-fixing and betting scandal.
     "Good morning woke up to news raj kundra faces the heat...Yes it's very hot in Mumbai. Media has misconstrued everything using unreliable sources. Try speaking to the Main guys at crime branch. Why does media hype things and make such stupid claims to sell news," Kundra tweeted after reports emerged that he had confessed to betting during questioning yesterday.
     "Is there an arrest warrant? I am back home in Mumbai. Kindly let Delhi crime branch do their work. Media stop using derogatory statements," he added.
     Kundra's passport has been seized by Delhi Police which questioned him in connection with the IPL spot-fixing scandal and allegations that he was into betting. Police have asked Kundra not to leave the country.
     Delhi ...

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