Anand-led Indian team eyes medal in Chess Olympiad

Chennai: The Indian team, led by former world champion Viswanathan Anand, will eye a podium finish at the Online Chess Olympiad beginning tomorrow. China, Russia and USA will be among the favourites. The other members of the Indian team are P Harikrishna, Vidit Gujrathi, Koneru Humpy, D Harika and young talents R Praggnanandhaa and Nihal Sarin. India, seeded seventh, are placed in Pool A alongside top contenders China and Georgia.

Cape Town

2 South Africa cricketers test positive for Covid

Two players of the South African men’s cricket team have tested positive for Covid-19 and will miss a specially-arranged culture camp, Cricket South Africa (CSA) revealed today. However, CSA did not disclose the names of the two players. CSA had conducted tests on 50 players and support staff overall. The tests were carried out before the men’s team culture camp comprising 32 players in Skukuza from August 18 to 22.

New York

Bryan twins not in US Open doubles

Bob and Mike Bryan were not on the entry list released for men’s doubles at the US Open, possibly signaling the end of the 42-year-old American twins’ record-breaking careers. Three-time champion Kim Clijsters received a wild-card entry in doubles to go along with the one she got for singles as she makes her Grand Slam comeback. Meanwhile, two players were dropped from the Western & Southern Open after they were in contact with someone who tested positive for Covid-19.

Tokyo

Japanese firms don’t want Tokyo Oly in 2021

A majority of Japanese companies among almost 13,000 surveyed oppose holding the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics next year, according to an online study published today. The survey by a Japanese research company showed 27.8% want the games to be cancelled, and 25.8% said they should be postponed again. In the survey, 46.2% said they wanted the games to go ahead in some form and open on July 23, 2021. Japan is heavily invested in the Olympics and is spending officially $12.6 billion, though a government audit says the number is twice that large.

New York

NBA roundup: Mavs pull level with Clippers

Dallas Mavericks earned a 127-114 victory over Los Angeles Clippers to even their opening-round Western Conference playoff series at one win apiece. Reigning champions Toronto Raptors beat Brooklyn Nets 104-99 to grab a 2-0 lead in the best-of-seven Eastern Conference clash. Agencies