The Press Editor

St Louis (US): Indian Grandmaster R Praggnanandhaa moved a step closer to qualifying for the Grand Chess Tour Finals after finishing at the top of the rapid standings at the St. Louis Rapid & Blitz tournament.  The 20-year-old collected 12 points from a possible 18 in the nine-round rapid section to emerge as the leader despite suffering his only defeat in the final round. The loss came against Dutch Grandmaster Jorden van Foreest, but it was not enough to dislodge Praggnanandhaa from the top of the standings. Notably, the Indian entered the last rapid round unbeaten after putting together four…

New Delhi: Australia pacer Michael Neser has sustained a right calf strain during a training session. The blow delayed his preparations for the upcoming South Africa series in October. However, he is expected to recover in time unless it further complicates.  Notably, the 36-year-old was not included in Australia's 13-man squad for the upcoming two-Test home series against Bangladesh, with Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood returning from injury to reclaim places in the pace attack. Even after missing selection, Neser had remained in full training and was on standby in case a replacement was required before the series opener in…

Glasgow: Pakistan boxer Qudratullah has reportedly gone missing in Glasgow ahead of his team's scheduled departure from the Commonwealth Games. It prompted fresh concern over a recurring issue that has affected the country's boxing contingent at several international events. Notably, the boxer disappeared after completing his campaign in the men's 60kg event. Pakistan officials discovered he was missing when the contingent gathered to return home following the conclusion of the Games. Qudratullah's tournament ended with a Round of 16 defeat against Northern Ireland's Jude Gallagher. Despite his elimination, he remained with the squad until the early hours before the team's…