Chennai, November 19
World champion Viswanathan Anand got an easy draw with black as challenger Magnus Carlsen continued his march towards the throne after the end of the eighth game of the World Chess Championship here on Tuesday.

The morale boosting draw, first since the first game of the match, is likely to help Anand psychologically before the home stretch but the fact remains that the defending champion still has a lot to catch up.

For the records, Carlsen now leads by 5-3, just three draws or 1.5 points shy of winning his maiden world title with four games still to come in the 12-games match.The eighth game was over in just 75 minutes, after 33 moves giving the indication that the defending champion Anand might be crawling back after some tough games and tougher defenses he has had to put in. From Carlsen's perspective, the draw took the Norwegian a step closer in his quest.

It turned out to be an opening surprise from Carlsen when he pushed the King pawn two squares after settling behind the white pieces in the eighth game.

Anand chose the Berlin defense, an opening used by Carlsen himself in the match on as many as three occasions and it was evident that the Norwegian did not have an ace up his sleeves. Not going for the main lines, Carlsen decided to try his luck in one of the extensively analysed, but relatively less-played position and found Anand adequately prepared. It was on the seventh move that the first exchange took place, a pair of knights changing hands and five moves later a pair of rooks flew off the board as well.

While Anand's form has deserted him in equal positions earlier in the match, there was no problem this time around as Carlsen did not get even a glimpse of complications running for him. The pieces got exchanged at regular intervals and the players arrived a queen rook and minor piece endgame by the 21st move itself.

With the pawn structure absolutely similar, there was no chance to fight for an advantage and Carlsen confirmed this by going for a tactical trick that led to force exchange of the remaining three pieces.

What remained was a king and pawns endgame on board after 28 moves and five moves later the peace was signed when both queen and king side became impregnable for either side. Anand summed up his play in the post match conference, "Given the match situation I am expected to liven things up, I will try to do it in the next game," he said.

The ninth game on Thursday now will be most crucial for Anand. The local star will get white pieces after a rest day and a victory can still keep him in the hunt to defend his title. — PTI

Mumbai, November 19
Late Monday afternoon, soul-twins Sachin Tendulkar and Virender Sehwag, separated by a half-hour ride through Mumbai, were separated also by an enormous gulf in the state of affairs of their lives.

At 3.45 PM, near the southern tip of Mumbai, Tendulkar was readying himself for his first interaction with the media after his days as a cricketer ended the previous day.

Exactly at that moment, Sehwag was playing the final part of his tiny, sparkling knock of 35 off 22 balls against Mumbai at the Bandra-Kurla Complex ground.

Tendulkar had a live audience of 200 journalists in the room and millions of people watching him on TV; Sehwag was being watched by some 150 spectators.

Tendulkar’s career had ended in glory, with the Indian government rushing in to bestow the Bharat Ratna on him. Sehwag was trying to resurrect his through the Ranji Trophy grind, playing at the ground on which Tendulkar usually practised during his final years as a cricketer.

Sehwag was the one man who approximated Tendulkar in brilliance and superseded him in daring and, sometimes, impact. At one time, the two being of similar build and wearing similar helmets, people struggled to tell them apart at the crease, for Sehwag’s game was based on Tendulkar’s.

Both scored centuries in the same innings when Sehwag made his Test debut. There was no doubt that Tendulkar was the master, Sehwag was follower.

But, briefly but spectacularly, Sehwag eclipsed Tendulkar. In the years 2003-2010, Sehwag averaged 56.18, with 6798 runs from 127 innings; Tendulkar averaged 55.00, with 5721 runs from 119 innings. Sehwag had over a 1,000 runs more than Tendulkar, in only eight more innings. Sehwag made two triple centuries and a 293, against Pakistan (in Pakistan), South Africa and Sri Lanka; Tendulkar made his highest career score in this time, a 248* against Bangladesh.

Sehwag’s impact went beyond numbers — he was the fearsome game-changer. Tendulkar, troubled by injuries, modified his game, turned to a lighter bat and began to score more behind the square.

Tendulkar became an accumulator. But he had started as a destructor, at age 16; he had promised to be the next Viv Richards, the man everyone feared. But at that time the Indian batting was weak; Tendulkar had to suppress his destructive impulses; he also seemed to be under pressure to get big scores, and critics note that he slowed down as he approached his century in One-day cricket.

Sehwag was a breath of fresh air; he was the casual slayer of bowling attacks. He became the batsman Tendulkar promised to become at 16 before turning into a scoring machine.

Sehwag was no machine; he had amazing strokes but played with the amateur’s nonchalance. He was a man who would not slow down in his 90s — he was someone who’d get to his 300 with a six even in Tests. He batted like we thought Tendulkar would bat when he was 16.

The difference between the two is great, though. Tendulkar lasted 24 years, Sehwag less than half that time. Tendulkar has 15921 Test runs and 51 centuries, Sehwag 8586 runs and 23 100s. Tendulkar is gone, and now it seems increasingly likely that Sehwag, 35, is gone, too.

Exactly a year ago, Sehwag scored a century in the Ahmedabad Test against England. Thereafter, in the five subsequent Tests, his totals were 39, 72, 0, 21 and six. His coach, AN Sharma, believes that Sehwag can be back. Sehwag made one big comeback before, in early 2008, and made 11 Test centuries after that.

However, with Shikhar Dhawan and Rohit Sharma making a great start to their careers, it seems unlikely we’d see Sehwag bat for India again. He’s even been dropped from the list of the contracted Indian players.

Tendulkar is gone in a blaze of glory; Sehwag struggles in relative obscurity. It’s the right time to doff the hat to Sehwag, too, for he was the man who realised the young Tendulkar’s potential as a killer batsman.

Brisbane, November 19
Host broadcaster Channel 9 and developers of the real-time Snickometer have reportedly reached an agreement to include the technology among the Decision Review System tools available for umpires during the Ashes series. 

Snickometer, previously used on TV broadcasts but not available to umpire reviews of disputed calls during tests, will join Hot Spot, Eagle-Eye ball tracking and stump microphones as part of the DRS technology package, a report on the Cricket Australia website said. The report quoted Channel 9 executive producer of cricket Brad McNamara as saying the cricket boards of England and Australia agreed to use Snicko, which graphically represents ball touching bat, and the International Cricket Council would use the broadened DRS system for the Ashes series as a trial. — Agencies

Kochi, November 19
The India and West Indies teams, which arrived Tuesday for the first One-day International, got a traditional welcome at the Kochi international airport.

The first of the three match series would be played here Thursday. The teams were received by a group of women dressed in the popular art forms of Kathakali and Mohiniyatam, accompanied by the chenda (traditional Kerala drums).

A huge crowd had gathered to receive the cricketers and the biggest cheers was reserved for explosive West Indies batsmen Chris Gayle and hearing the drums beating to glory, Gayle danced to the tunes which left many happy and excited to see the great batsman. The teams are slated to practise Wednesday at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium. The match, to be played under lights, will be the ninth ODI here. — Agencies

Mumbai, November 19
For at least 15 years now, everyone who likes cricket has wanted to party with Sachin Tendulkar.

Around 1,000 lucky ones did that last night here, invited by Tendulkar to celebrate the end of his cricket career and, also, to rejoice after being given the Bharat Ratna. Tendulkar hosted a big bash for friends at the Waterstone Club in Mumbai.

Layers upon layers of security was present at the venue, provided by Mumbai Police and private agencies.

There was reason for such security — the party was a virtual who’s who affair. Cricketers and Bollywood actors constitute the royalty of the entertainment industry in India, and the biggest names from Bollywood and cricket were present at the party.

Tendulkar, white shirt covered by a black jacket, received the guests with his wife Anjali, also dressed in black. Many of the current Indian cricketers arrived in the team bus, though Mahendra Singh Dhoni came with wife Sakshi in a car. Recent India players Gautam Gambhir and Virender Sehwag were there, as were Ravi Shastri, Sunil Gavaskar, K Srikkanth and Javagal Srinath and many of Tendulkar’s old friends and teammates. Sourav Ganguly, VVS Laxman and Yuvraj Singh were among those present. Two old teammates of Tendulkar who have been under the match-fixing cloud in the past, Ajay Jadeja and Mohammed Azharuddin, were present too.

Everyone who matters to Tendulkar in Mumbai was there. Sharad Pawar, Raj Thackeray, Maharashtra Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan attended the party. Mukesh and Nita Ambani and Subrata Roy were there, too. Tendulkar's old coach Ramakant Achrekar stood out in a blazing red shirt.

It was a private party, but the media had got the wind of it and there were several TV crews present outside the party venue. Among those who spoke in tribute to Tendulkar was Amitabh Bachchan, who said only half in jest: “At an age when we struggling how to button up our trousers, he was facing some of the fiercest bowling attacks ever seen, and coming out victorious!”

Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan were not present, as wasn’t Vinod Kambli.

Bachchan later noted on his Facebook page: "A delightful evening with Sachin Tendulkar, as he invites us to celebrate his Bharat Ratna, alongwith his team mates and family and friends .. all paying such glorious tributes to this pride of our nation ... meeting up with all the members of the Indian Team .. players whom we admire and respect as we see their accomplishments on the field .. so humble and generous in their countenance !! Wishing Sachin all the very best he deserves in the coming years."

Perth, November 19
England's most talked-about cricketer will reach a century of caps on Thursday at the Gabba, when Alastair Cook's tourists begin their bid for a fourth consecutive Ashes series triumph.

Pietersen will become just the 10th England player with 100 or more Tests to his name, and should be followed into three figures by Cook in Perth next month.

It all so nearly did not happen, however, for the South Africa-born batsman - because of last year's breakdown of working relationship with then captain Andrew Strauss, and coach Andy Flower. Only a period of 'reintegration' subsequently ensured Pietersen's return for last winter's tour of India, and he has since added a historic series victory there and last summer's Ashes success to his CV. Pietersen addressed a media conference at the Gabba on Tuesday, for the first time apart from in a post-match environment since Colombo 14 months ago, and did not seek to hide away from his lows as well as his highs. The former include sending “provocative” text messages about Strauss to members of the South Africa touring team, at a time in summer 2012 when his differences with his employers at the England and Wales Cricket Board had become intractable. Pietersen said: “I think as a person, you grow when you make mistakes. “We've all made mistakes in all our lives. “That's when you learn the most, and if I hadn't learned I wouldn't be sitting (here) on the eve of my 100th Test match.” He concedes mistakes, but not apparently regrets. “The good has been good; the bad has been bad.

“There has been some really good stuff, and I've really enjoyed the journey.

“Where my career is at now, I don't think I can be any happier. I'm incredibly happy.” Pietersen stands on the verge of joining an elite group, and can scarcely believe the company — across all sports — he is about to keep.

Sachin Tendulkar's retirement after his 200th Test three days ago, and centuries reached by England footballer Frank Lampard and New Zealand rugby player Dan Carter spring to his mind. — Agencies

Melbourne, November 19
Gaganjeet Bhullar does not want to let his biggest fans —his parents — down when he attempts to build on a liking for the Royal Melbourne Golf Club at the World Cup of Golf, which starts in Melbourne on Thursday.

Together with close friend Anirban Lahiri, Bhullar will represent India for the first time at the $8 million event at the iconic course where he enjoyed a good finish at last week’s Australian Masters.

“My parents are here from India this week. They travel once in a while to watch me play and it’ll be good to play well in front of them at such an important event,” said Bhullar, who is a four-time Asian Tour champion.

“I played really good here last week. I was feeling high on confidence and I’m sure that confidence will help me. I just want to focus on the next four days. The sky is the limit. This is my first World Cup and I’m really excited.”

“It’s a great sense of achievement for team India. Anirban and I have grown up together in the amateur ranks and we represented India in many international events, so it’s good to be here together.”

Lahiri didn’t enjoy a good outing at the par-71 Royal Melbourne last week, missing the cut after failing to come to grips with the quick greens.

“It’s probably the quickest greens that I’ve ever played on. The biggest challenge would be around the greens, getting into the right spots,” said Lahiri, a three-time winner on the Asian Tour. “Hopefully, I can get a good start this week. Gaganjeet had a great last week. He’s obviously got a hang of the course and we’re looking forward to combining well,” said Lahiri, who is also making his debut in the tournament that will offer $7 million in the individual category and $1 million in the team category. — IANS

Chandigarh, November 19
Of all the phenomenal qualities of Sachin Tendulkar, his longevity stands out, especially to someone from the field of fitness and medicine.

“To survive the rigours of international sport for 24 years is mind-blowing. Just imagine the stress and pressure it would have put on his mind and muscles,” says Ravinder Chadha, who was Team India’s physiotherapist/doctor from 1997 to 1999.

So how did he handle it all? “Fitness and focus is what held him in good stead over these years. While his fitness could be credited to his hard work, his ability to stay focused on the job at hand, cutting out all distractions and adulation, was god gifted.”

“He was already a huge star when I joined the team. Yet, I never saw him shirk away from fitness drills. He would make it a point to put in as much work as any other member of the side. And while talking about his fitness, we must keep in mind that with advancing age, you need to work harder to keep your body in shape,” he said.

The former Haryana skipper also recalled some incidents that show how badly the little master wanted to play and win. “That final in Sharjah, considered one of his best, he played under tremendous pain. After the semifinal, he had terrible pain in his elbow and couldn’t even lift a bat. We did whatever we could but were not sure if he would be fit enough to play the game. He, however, went ahead and played that historic knock.”

“And then during the Chennai Test, which India lost despite his heroic 136, he cried like a baby in the dressing room. He was adjudged man of the match but he kept crying even as his name was announced for collecting his award.” 

Bhubaneswar, November 19
Ahead of the second edition of the Hockey India League (HIL), Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik today formally launched Kalinga lancers, the latest franchise to join the tournament.

Patnaik also unveiled Kalinga Lancers’ logo and jersey for the members of the Odisha team. The Lancers would be the sixth team in the tournament which is scheduled to start from January 23 next year.

Former India captain Dilip Tirkey is the chief mentor and advisor of the team, while Terry Walsh has been named as the coach. — PTI

Siliguri, November 19
India outplayed Nepal 2-0 in an international football friendly here today with captain Sunil Chhetri scoring a goal to become the country’s most prolific striker in national colours.

Chhetri gave India the lead with a 21st minute strike to go past former captain Bhaichung Bhutia’s 42 international goals before Clifford Miranda added another in the 49th as India produced a dominant display over Nepal at the Kanchenjunga Stadium.

The win, which avenged India’s 1-2 defeat against the same opponents in the SAFF Championships, was also the first international friendly victory for Wim Koevermans as head coach this year.

The build-up for India’s first goal came from Clifford Miranda on the left. Robin Singh, whose physical presence was a constant threat for Nepal, could not beat the rival goalkeeper Kiran Limbu with his header off Clifford’s cross.

But Chhetri was there to slot the ball home for his 43rd goal. — PTI

BRIEFLY

Milkha’s statue to motivate youngsters to take up sports
Chandigarh: A 28-feet-high statue of legendary Indian athlete Milkha Singh is coming up in a village near Ludhiana to motivate youngsters to take up sports. “A sports academy is raising the statue at a cost of Rs 7.5 lakh in village Jarkhar, about 10 km from Ludhiana," Singh stated. “It will motivate young children take up sports besides promoting games in rural areas," the ‘Flying Sikh’ said.”

Sachin has left a legacy for everyone to follow: Blake
New Delhi: Sprint superstar Yohan Blake says his "childhood hero" Sachin Tendulkar's humility has touched many people around the world and the batting legend has left an ever-lasting legacy for everyone to follow. Paying tribute to the batting maestro, Blake said it was amazing to see Tendulkar maintaining humility all these years. “I want to say that he has left a legacy for everyone to follow. He is a humble man who has touched many people around the world. I hope they will follow in his footsteps," Blake said.

Armstrong seeks dismissal of fraud case
New York: Disgraced cyclist Lance Armstrong asked a federal judge to dismiss the US government's fraud case against him in a hearing, claiming prosecutors missed statute of limitations deadlines to file. US District Judge Robert Wilkins was expected to make a ruling within 30 days on the matter but was not expected to toss out the case, in which the US Department of Justice says Armstrong made false claims while accepting $40 million in sponsorship money from the US Postal Service from 1998-2004. Prosecutors say Armstrong's admission last January in a television interview that he took performance-enhancing drugs while crossing the finish line first at the Tour de France from 1999-2005 violated the deal and opens the 42-year-old Texan to treble damages that could be recovered under the False Claims Act. —PTI