2 COIMBATORE- 2-9-2025
Praggnanandhaa, Gukesh lead India’s
challenge in Grand Swiss Chess
Humpy, Vaishali in women’s event fray
Chennai, Sep 2: China in fray, the competition will in the playoff stage of the Grand
R. Praggnanandhaa, the current be fierce. Chess Tour.
leader of FIDE Circuit, and World Since its initiation in 2019, the The superb strength and
Champion D. Gukesh in the men’s
as well as Koneru Humpy and R.
Vaishali will lead India’s charge
FIDE Grand Swiss - held every
two years - has distinguished itself
as the strongest classical chess
performance he has had this year
so far has put him at the top of the
favourites to win the Grand Swiss.
Double crown for TN in senior
in the FIDE Grand Swiss Chess
tournament to be held in Uzbekistan
from September 3 to 15.
tournament.
Featuring 11 rounds played
under the Swiss system, it is a
Another title hopeful is Gukesh,
the 19-year-old World Champion
who has made history several
national fistball
Chennai, Sep.2: [Link] Vinayakam, Secretary the Champion. Telangana beat
The Grand Swiss tournament will battleground where the best face times already, most notably by Tamilnadu men and women General, Fistball Federation of Puducherry 2-0 and bagged 3rd
take place at the Silk Road EXPO the best and only exceptional becoming the first Indian to breach teams won the 9th Senior National India presided over the function,
- a grand venue with outstanding performance can secure victory. place. Gowtham from Tamilnadu
the 2750 ELO barrier, as well as Fistball Championship title held R. Krishnamurthi, Correspondent,
playing and resting facilities and The total prize fund amounts to at Vidhya Parthi Hr Sec School, Vidhya Parthi Group of Schools, was declared as the best player.
being the youngest-ever winner of
catering, where the 2023 World USD 855,000, with USD 625,000 Seelapadi, Dindigul. Chandrasekar, Correspondent, Shri In the women finals, Tamilnadu
the Candidates and later on World In the prize distribution function, Lakshmi Vidyalaya School and
Rapid and Blitz tournaments took allocated to the Grand Swiss and beat Telangana 2-0. Delhi won
Champion. John Brito, District Educational Vidhya, Trustee, Vidhya Parthi
place, the World Chess body, FIDE USD 230,000 to the Women’s Arjun Erigaisi, India’s third big the third position. Divya from
Officer, (Private Schools), Dindigul Educational Trust, also took part.
said today. Grand Swiss. hope at the event, is also in strong District was chief guest and In the men finals, Tamilnadu Tamilnadu was declared as the
This is a crucial qualifying The primary qualification goal distributed the prizes. beat Kerala 2-0 and became best player.
form. A former national number
India go 0-3 down to Iran in CAFA Nations Cup
t o u r n a m e n t f o r t h e Wo r l d of the tournament is clear - the
one, he?s now ranked among the
Championship cycle, with the top top two finishers in both the
best players in the world.
two finishers in both the Open and open and women’s events will
In the women’s section, former
Women?s sections earning places in secure their places in the 2026 Hisor, Sep 2: The Blue Tigers? first meaningful attacking threat. Manvir’s cross
world champion and this year’s India went down 0-3 against IR attack came in the 24th minute, in the 72nd minute found Bheke
the 2026 Candidates. Candidates, which will decide
Challenger for the world crown, Iran in their second match of the when Suresh Singh Wangjam’?s at the near post, but his header
This adds extra significance to the next challenger for the World
the competition and makes for an Championship title. Tan Zhongyi, is the top seed. CAFA Nations Cup 2025 at the cross found Nikhil Prabhu inside went wide.
Other top female players - Koneru Hisor Central Stadium here today. the box, but his shot was blocked. I r a n’ s s u b s t i t u t e s A l i r e z a
exciting event in Samarkand. Praggnanandhaa is heading the After a tense first half that ended India gradually gained confidence,
Humpy, Kateryna Lagno, as well Jahanbakhsh and Mehdi Taremi
This year’s Grand Swiss will see ranking list in the event. The Indian goalless, Amirhossein Hosseinzadeh producing a few promising moves
as the winner of the 2023 Grand proved decisive in the dying
116 players take part in the Open, youngster, who only turned 20 on broke the deadlock in the 60th through Vikram Partap Singh minutes. Alipour doubled the lead
including the World Champion August 10, is already a seasoned Swiss, Vaishali - are also in the minute, before substitutes Ali on the right wing, though Iran’s
hunt for one of the top two spots. in the 89th minute following a
Gukesh and 56 in the women’s player having dominated many Alipour (89?) and Mehdi Taremi defence held firm. rebound from Taremi?s effort,
tournament. tough tournaments and represented “The Grand Swiss has always (90’ & 6’) struck late to hand The second half began in a and Taremi struck again in injury
The Open tournament field is his country in Olympiads and team stood as a unique tournament the Asian giants a comprehensive similar vein, with India absorbing
victory. pressure and defending in numbers. time to complete the 3-0 scoreline.
formidable. Eighteen players boast events. and one of the most anticipated India?s late efforts, including a
Iran, the defending champions Iran finally broke through in the
ratings above 2700, placing them in Praggnanandhaa is enjoying a events in the FIDE calendar. We and ranked 20th in the FIFA 60th minute, when Hosseinzadeh’s shot from Jeakson Singh deep into
the Super-GM category, alongside career-best year as he became the are pleased that it will be taking Rankings, 113 places above India, header, initially blocked by Rahul injury time, failed to trouble Iran?s
74 GMs rated 2600- 2699 - top-ranked player in his native place in Uzbekistan - a great imposed early pressure, forcing Bheke, fell kindly for him to score goalkeeper Payam Niazmand.
world class competitors capable of India and fourth in the world, his chess nation which is investing in India goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh from close range. The result highlighted the gulf
Sandhu into crucial saves. Despite India head coach Khalid Jamil in experience and ranking between
toppling anyone. highest placement so far. the sport and has a proven track
this, India’s defence stabilised and responded by introducing attacking the two sides, but India showed
With top contenders hailing from Most recently, Praggnanandhaa record in organising major chess resilience, particularly in defence
successfully limited Iran’s clear- options, Manvir Singh Jr, Mahesh
chess powerhouses such as India, was the runner-up of the Sinquefield events,” FIDE president Arkady cut opportunities in the opening Naorem, and Jithin MS, which during the first half, and glimpses
the US, France, Germany and Cup, which secured him a place Dvorkovich said. 45 minutes. briefly lifted the Blue Tigers’ of attacking promise in the second.
Buchi Babu cricket: TN
President’s XI in strong position
Chennai, Sep 2: ner Varun Goud chipped in with Ajitesh, who scored his maiden
Defending champions Hyderabad two wkts. ton, added 89 runs for the fifth
gained a slender 17-run first in- Hyderabad were 49 for one in wicket with Siddarth and 88 for
nings lead, while TNCA President’s 16 overs in their second essay, the sixth wicket, to put the home
XI batted itself to an impregnable stretching the lead to 66 runs, with team in a strong position.
position, thanks to a fine century two days remaining and the need Mediumpacer KawalpreetSingh
by middle order batter Ajitesh and to bat longer to fancy its chances and left arm spinner Tazeem Tax
half centuries by C Andre Siddarth of retaining the title. claimed two wickets each.
and R S Ambrish on the second In the other semifinals, TNCA Brief scores: TNCA President’s
day of the semifinals of the All President’s XI, resuming at 265 for XI 503/7 in 180 overs (R. Vimal
India Buchi Babu cricket tourna- three, ended the day in a dominant
Khumar 112, Pradosh Ranjan
ment here today. position scoring 530 for seven
Hyderabad, which scored 225 in in 180 overs against Jammu and Paul 91, C. Andre Siddarth 57,
the first innings, bowled out Hary- Kashmir, as Ajitesh (101) became G. Ajitesh 101, R.S. Ambrish 62
ana, which resumed at 14 for no the second century-maker, adding batting, Kawalpreet Singh 2/72,
loss, for 208 in 79.3 overs, gaining to opener Vimal Kumar’s 112, Tazeem Tak 2/107) vs Jammu and
a slender lead. Himanshu Rana top yesterday. Kashmir.
scored with 75. Andre Siddarth scored a patient Hyderabad 225 and 49/1 in 16
Off-spinner Rohith Rayudu did 57 in 211 balls with seven fours overs (Aman Rao 30 batting) vs vs
most of the damage claiming five and Ambrish scored an unbeaten 62 Haryana 208 in 79.3 overs (Himan-
wickets for 63 runs, his second (133 balls, 3x4, 2x6) to virtually shu Rana 75, Parth Vats 36, Rohith
fifer in this edition, while leg spin- bat out their rivals. Rayudu 5/63, Varun Goud 2/27)
Indian Bank wins Tiruvallur Premier League
Chenna, Sep 2: finals League Indian Bank 4 goals Padmashri Olympian V. Baskaran,
The Grand Finale of the Nuo beats Indian Overseas Bank 3 goals. Olympians Mohammed Riaz &
Clinic Tiruvallur Premier League Indian Bank wins the tournament Thirumalvalavan, Mr. Prabhakaran
(TPL 3.0), organised by Hockey The Closing Ceremony graced (Indian International), Mr. Mohd.
Tiruvallur held at the historic SDAT b y C h i e f G u e s t – H o n’ b l e Muneer (FIH Official), and Mr. C.
Mayor Radhakrishnan Hockey Minister Thiru. S. M. Nasar R. Kumar (Indian Coach).
Stadium, Egmore. (Minister for Minorities Welfare Winners: Indian Bank Rs.50,000
The blockbuster Final features & NRT Welfare), along with + Champions Trophy, Runners-Up:
the much-anticipated Bankers Derby Thiru. I. Paranthamen (MLA – Indian Overseas Bank Rs.30,000 +
Indian Bank Vs Indian Overseas Egmore), Hockey Tiruvallur Team Trophy , Third Place: Pice Agorc
Bank. Tiruvallur Premier League President Dr. Prakash Ayyadurai, Rs.20,000 + Trophy.
TNTA celebrates centenary as
hub of Indian tennis
Chennai UNI Sep 1
T h e T a m i l Na d u T e n n i s
providing pathways for young
players to shine on the global stage.
by making international-grade
opportunities accessible to aspiring
Manikandan, Yashini crowned
Association(TNTA), which is
celebrating its centenary, is shaping
the Future of Indian Tennis from
TNTA’s mission is to promote,
nurture, and grow tennis across all
levels in Tamil Nadu. Its vision
Indian athletes.
With brands like Unifi Capital and
Indium stepping forward, TNTA?s
champions at state ranking TT
Chennai, the land of Krishnans and is equally ambitious - to make vision of building grassroots tennis Chennai, Sept 2: winners. For the first time, TNTTA Nandagopal (Dronacharya TTA)
Amritrajs. the state the hub of Indian tennis, is gaining momentum. S. Manikandan and S. Yashini introduced an Open Doubles Event, U-13 Boys: M. Ashvajith (SK
A TNTA release here on Monday producing champions of global According to TNTA treasurer emerged as the top players in the which is now a regular feature in Academy) beat H. Tanish (SK
men’s and women’s categories, all state ranking tournaments. The Academy)
said when it comes to Indian caliber while creating world-class Vivek Reddy There’s crystal clarity respectively, at the 5th TNTTA-State doubles title was won by the team U-13 Girls: Ambati Pooja (LCC-
tennis, the first name that comes facilities that inspire players to at TNTA on what needs to be done Ranking Table Tennis Tournament of Akshay Bhushan and Vishruth Neyveli) beat A. Bavithra (LCC-
to mind is Chennai - the city that dream big. The SDAT Tennis to achieve world beating results held at the ICF Indoor Stadium Ramakrishnan. Neyveli)
produced legends like Ramanathan Stadium, with its state-of-the-art on court. on Sunday. Other Final Results: U-11 Boys: H.N. Siddharth
Krishnan, Ramesh Krishnan, and courts and infrastructure, stands as With the former Davis Cupper S. Manikandan of SK Academy U-19 Boys: M.R. Balamurugan Adhithyan (SSHI) beat Kanish
the Amritra’s. a testament to this commitment. and the legendary Vijay Amritraj at secured his first-ever career title by (ITTC) beat K. Umesh (RTTHPC) Goyal (Chennai Achievers)
The City also hosted the only The collaboration between TNTA the helm of TNTA as its president, defeating S. Tharun of RTTHPC in U-19 Girls: A. Shriya (CTTF) U-11 Girls: D. Prathika (SSA-
a thrilling seven-set final, with a beat N. Sharvani (Mylapore Club) ERD) beat V.G. Harshika (Madurai)
ATP event in South Asia that and Unifi Capital for the ITF his leadership, conviction and score of 4-3 (12-10, 12-10, 4-11, U-17 Boys: M. Mohammed (SK Corporate: Prasanna (Jawahar
brought iconic stars like Boris Under-18 Tennis Championship, dedication from being a world’s 8-11, 10-12, 11-8, 14-12). In the Academy) beat Nikkhil Menon TTA) beat S. Hariharasudhan
Becker, Rafael Nadal, Carlos Moya, which concluded a few days back, top player himself and thereafter women’s singles final, S. Yashini, (MST) (Chengalpattu)
and Stan Wawrinka to the courts further strengthened Chennai’s role producing multiple champions also from SK Academy, dominated U-17 Girls: R. Mercy (ACE TTA) Veteran: L. Vigneshwaran (SSHI)
of SDAT, Nungambakkam, stadium. as a centre for tennis excellence. from his tennis academy BAT, has Harshavardhini Ravichandran of beat S.S. Bhuvanidha (Madurai) beat J. Rajkumar (SSHI)
For over a century, TNTA has This partnership reflects created a clear and realistic road RBI with a convincing 4-0 victory U-15 Boys: K. Akshay Bhushan Special Awards:
been at the centre of this proud Unifi Capital’s commitment to map on reinstating Tamil Nadu to (11-6, 14-12, 11-9, 11-5). (SK Academy) beat Nikkhil Best Academy: VINWIN
Former Commonwealth medallist Krishnan (Dronacharya TTA) Vasudevnan Memorial Trophy
legacy, nurturing talent, hosting youth empowerment and sports lead the country to success on the R. Abhishek was the chief guest U-15 Girls: K. Ananya (SK (Best District Player): B. Varnica
international tournaments and development, transforming lives world stage, the release added. and presented the awards to all the Academy) beat Chinthanaya (SSA-ERD)
