EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE

DELHI THE HINDU 20 SPORT MONDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2019 EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE ‘It’s a huge feeling to be World champion and means a lot to me’ bests Lei Tingjie to claim the women’s rapid crown; Carlsen reigns supreme amongst men V.V. Subrahmanyam HYDERABAD A quest resurrected It is a dream come true for Koneru Humpy! P.K. Ajith Kumar while she had to take a event the World rapid Tipped by Viswanathan KOZHIKODE break for a couple of years championship Anand more than a decade The queen is back! from competitive chess commenced in Moscow. ago to be a World champion, Koneru Humpy’s following childbirth. She also deserved to Humpy became one on Sa­ triumph is the biggest by win a senior World title turday by winning the wo­ an Indian in chess. Back to her best after claiming just about men’s World rapid chess That makes one of If there were doubters who every championship for championship at the Grand the few countries that have had felt her best might be various age­groups, Sports Arena of the Luzhniki produced the World rapid behind her, she proved beginning with the World Olympic Complex in chess champions both them wrong — even before Under­10, way back in Moscow. among men and women. the World rapid 1997. has championship. She has Four years later, she Intense won it multiple times. performed superbly in the won the World junior The 32­year­old from Vijaya­ The genial genius from first two legs of the FIDE championship at 14, when wada, arguably the best­ever Chennai has also won the Women’s Grand Prix the age­limit was 20. She women’s chess player from more important classical chess, which is part are also became only the India, emerged triumphant World championship (in part of the process to second woman in history, in an intensely­contested which the games are identify the challenger for behind Hungarian Judit championship which went played over much longer the next World Polgar, to cross 2600 Elo down to the wire. duration than the rapid championship. points. Humpy, seeded 13th, one and thus is more After winning the It had seemed it would claimed the title after draw­ prestigious). opening leg at Skolkovo only be a question of ing the Armageddon game Humpy had come close (Russia) last September, when, and not if, she wins against China’s Lei Tingjie to becoming the classical she finished runner­up in the World title. But and went home richer by World champion in the Monaco to maintain her somewhere along the line, $40,000. The Indian and past, but could not quite lead in the overall Grand the hopes began to fade a Chinese had, along with Tur­ finish the job. She saw her Prix points. It was just a bit. In Moscow, they have key’s Ekaterina Atalik, fin­ Well played! Newly­crowned World rapid champion Koneru Humpy offers her commiserations to Lei Tingjie after their title­ rivals becoming stronger, few days after the Monaco been resurrected. ished with nine points from deciding match. * PICTURE COURTESY: FLICKR.COM/FIDE 12 games. The men’s crown was won for a top­three finish as she “There was no pressure at really well,” the champion World champion. I have tag means a lot.” whose previous best in this who has been an inspiration by classical World champion was keen to improve her all but I did have a feeling stated. been waiting for this to hap­ How significant was this format was a bronze in the for many young girls to take Magnus Carlsen of Norway. game in the format. that it was the best chance The ONGC officer is on a pen, though not certainly in win in the context of her 2012 edition. up chess in India. “Frankly, rapid and blitz for me to have a go. I was comeback trail after taking a the rapid format,” said a hap­ chasing the classical format “It is a totally different “Right now, it is time to Not targeting title formats are not my cup of tense before the second break from competitive py Humpy. World championship title? challenge for the classical enjoy this memorable win Reflecting on the historic tri­ tea. But, I must say that I game in the tie­breaker for chess in 2016 to start a “To be a World champion “In terms of confidence, it World title. and I dedicate the win to my umph, the first Indian wo­ played some quality chess in there was no plus or minus family. in any format is definitely a takes you to a different level “I will continue to give my parents and husband Anvesh man to win the World rapid crunch games to clinch the here. I had to respond quick­ “This win means a lot to dream for any chess player though the format is totally best to realise that one big for their wonderful support,” title said she was hoping only title. ly but I handled the situation me. It is a huge feeling to be a and I am no different. That different,” said Humpy, goal,” said the champion, concluded Humpy. South Africa draws first blood Big victory for Australia despite Siddle quits internationals Rabada, Nortje do the damage to break England’s resistance Blundell’s fighting century Pattinson begins dismantling, Lyon completes task as Kiwis chase daunting target NZ IN AUSTRALIA SCOREBOARD Agence France-Presse Melbourne Australia — 1st innings: 467. New Zealand — 1st innings: Nathan Lyon took four wick­ 148. ets as Australia thrashed New Australia — 2nd innings: D. Zealand by 247 runs to win Warner c Blundell b Wagner 38, the second Test here and the J. Burns c Watling b Santner 35, series on Sunday with a bat­ M. Labuschagne run out 19, S. tling century from opener Smith c Southee b Wagner 7, M. Peter Siddle. * GETTY IMAGES Tom Blundell proving futile. Wade (not out) 30, T. Head b The Black Caps, chasing a Wagner 28; Extras (lb­4, b­4, Agence France-Presse massive 488 to win, were in w­2, nb­1): 11; Total (for five Melbourne serious trouble after a fiery wkts. decl. in 54.2 overs): 168. Veteran Australian bowler Fall of wickets: 1­62, 2­100, 3­ The end! The South African players celebrate victory after Stuart Broad was bowled by Kagiso James Pattinson ripped Peter Siddle announced his 110, 4­110, 5­168. Rabada. * REUTERS through the top order to international retirement leave them reeling at 38 for New Zealand bowling: Boult 9­ on Sunday after a 67­Test immediate impact with Kagi­ wicket with the second ball three. 0­30­0, Southee 15­3­44­0, de career, with national coach ENGLAND IN SA Grandhomme 5­0­14­0, Wagn­ so Rabada having Jonny Bair­ of a new spell after he made Justin Langer praising him er 17.2­1­50­3, Santner 8­0­ Agence France-Presse stow caught at gully before the first breakthrough of the Fighting partnerships 22­1. as giving his “heart and Centurion Anrich Nortje claimed the day by dismissing top­scorer But some fighting partner­ soul” to the team. New Zealand — 2nd innings: T. South Africa broke down crucial wicket of Root, who Rory Burns for 84. The re­ ships spearheaded by Blun­ Latham c Paine b Pattinson 8, T. The 35­year­old had stubborn England resistance made a fighting 48 before he maining wickets fell quickly, dell delayed the inevitable Blundell c Lyon b Labuschagne been called up to the se­ to win the first Test of their was caught behind. with Rabada finishing with until Lyon worked his magic 121, K. Williamson lbw b Pattin­ cond Test squad in Mel­ World Test Championship It was the second time in four for 103 and Anrich as the pitch deteriorated. son 0, R. Taylor b Pattinson 2, bourne but was not select­ series by 107 runs at the Su­ the day Nortje claimed a Nortje claiming three for 56. Blundell was last man out H. Nicholls st Paine b Lyon 33, ed in the side to face New perSport Park on Sunday. for a swashbuckling 121 — his B­J. Watling c Warner b Lyon Zealand and decided to call England needed 376 to SCOREBOARD second Test century and his 22, C. de Grandhomme c War­ it quits. win but despite some com­ first in two years — as New ner b Lyon 9, M. Santner c Paine “Just being able to play, mitted batting was bowled South Africa — 1st innings: 284. Anderson (not out) 0; Extras Zealand was dismissed for b Lyon 27, T. Southee run out 2, to walk out, wear the baggy N. Wagner (not out) 6, T. Boult out for 268 on the fourth England — 1st innings: 181. (b­8, lb­3, w­1): 12; Total (in 93 240 with Trent Boult not bat­ In vain: Tom Blundell fought gamely in a tall chase. * AFP green — I'd watched guys absent hurt 0; Extras (lb­7, South Africa — 2nd innings: overs): 268. day. ting after fracturing his hand nb­1, w­2): 10; Total (in 71 ov­ like Punter (Ricky Pont­ 272. Fall of wickets: 1­92, 2­139, 3­ An enthralling contest in the first innings. loss when he snared the key Test, and B­J. Watling put on ers): 240. ing), Steve Waugh, guys swung South Africa’s way England — 2nd innings: R. 158, 4­204, 5­222, 6­232, 7­ It was the second heavy wickets of Tom Latham, bat­ 72 before Lyon finally broke like that wear it, represent 251, 8­256, 9­262. Fall of wickets: 1­32, 2­33, 3­ when left­arm spinner Kesh­ Burns c Rabada b Nortje 84, D. defeat for the Black Caps, ting linchpin Williamson and their dangerous partnership. Australia,” he said. South Africa bowling: Rabada 35, 4­89, 5­161, 6­172, 7­212, 8­ av Maharaj bowled Ben Sibley c & b Maharaj 29, J. who lost by 296 runs in Perth the experienced Ross Taylor Lyon then mopped up Co­ “Every time I stepped 24­3­103­4, Philander 20­8­ 214, 9­240. Stokes to halt a brief flurry of Denly lbw b Pretorius 31, J. and will be playing for pride for three just runs. lin de Grandhomme and out was amazing, I don't Root c de Kock b Nortje 48, B. 35­0, Nortje 17­4­56­3, Pretor­ Australia bowling: Starc 15­3­ strokes as the allrounder in the final Test at Sydney la­ Latham, scorer of a Mitchell Santner before Tim think I could pick one spe­ Stokes b Maharaj 14, J. Bairstow ius 16­6­26­1, Maharaj 59­0, Cummins 18­4­47­0, Pat­ and captain Joe Root tried to c Hamza b Rabada 9, J. Buttler c 16­3­37­2. ter this week. dogged 50 in New Zealand’s Southee was run out in a hor­ tinson 12­3­35­3, Lyon 23­4­ cial one. At the end of the lift the scoring rate before Pretorius b Rabada 22, S. Cur­ MoM: Quinton de Kock. Pattinson, playing for the 148 first innings, fell for eight ror mix­up, with Blundell 81­4, Labuschagne 3­1­11­1. day, to play one is amazing, the second new ball was ran c de Kock b Rabada 9, J. South Africa won by 107 runs, injured Josh Hazlewood, did when he edged a thunderous swinging his bat before he MoM: Travis Head. to end up playing what I due. Archer c van der Dussen b takes 1-0 lead in the 4-match the early damage. New Zea­ delivery to the diving Paine. was caught by Lyon off Mar­ Australia won by 247 runs, did is truly special,” he The new ball then had an Nortje 4, S. Broad b Rabada 6, J. series. land had reached 32 without Blundell, in only his third nus Labuschagne. seals series 2-0. said. VAR reviews aid Liverpool in warding off Wolves Sougou’s brace earns Mumbai Late strikes help Chelsea spoil Arsenal manager’s Arteta’s home debut a hard­fought win PREMIER LEAGUE the tide in a thrilling London derby on Sunday. ISL Pratik Chaudhary charge on­ off a long pass lobbed to­ Agence France-Presse Leading through Pierre­ to his body, then was denied wards him. LONDON Emerick Aubameyang’s ear­ Nandakumar Marar by the upright after the goal­ Kamaljit Singh, under the Liverpool continued its re­ ly goal, Arteta was just seven MUMBAI keeper was beaten by a loop­ visitor’s bar, remained on lentless march towards a first minutes away from securing Two stylish goals by Modou ing shot to the far post. his toes right through the Premier League title in 30 his first victory in his second Sougou set up Mumbai City first half. Carlos tested him years, but Jurgen Klopp’s game in charge. FC’s hard fought 2­1 win in Quick movement in the second minute, going men needed the benefit of But Gunners goalkeeper the Indian Super League The host’s first goal was the wide down the left, cutting two VAR reviews to see off Leno made a hash of coming game at the Mumbai Foot­ result of quick movement by in and essaying a curling Wolves 1­0 on Sunday. to catch a free­kick and Jor­ ball Arena here. the blues. right­footed shot. Sadio Mane scored the on­ ginho tapped in to spark a Hyderabad FC fought till Subhasish Bose picked The goalkeeper was in po­ ly goal three minutes before Chelsea fightback that cli­ the end in the action­packed out Diego Carlos, free and sition to punch the threat half­time as the Senegalese’s maxed in Abraham firing match, scoring only in the ready on the left. away. strike was allowed to stand home with three minutes 86th minute through Bobo The latter arrived at the A few minutes later, Perei­ after initially being ruled out left. goalline with a burst of ra misfired a free­kick on the for handball against Adam The results: Liverpool 1 (Mane Disallowed goal speed, turned the ball across edge of the box, after Mo­ Lallana. Moments later 42) bt Wolverhampton Wander­ The visitor scored again in for Sougou to direct home hammed Larbi tricked the ers 0; Arsenal 1 (Aubameyang Wolves had an equaliser the 90th minute, but the with a right­footed strike to defence with sudden twist to scored by Pedro Neto disal­ 13) lost to Chelsea 2 (Jorginho goal was disallowed. Mat­ the right. 83, Abraham 87). Saturday: roll the ball towards his lowed by VAR for the tightest thew Kigalion was caught The forward celebrated Burnley 0 lost to Manchester teammate. of offside decisions. United 2 (Martial 44, Rashford off­side when Bobo slotted his first goal this season with The win took Mumbai to Chelsea ruined Arsenal 90+5); Norwich 2 (Vrancic 18, the ball in. a run across the half, hold­ fourth place after 10 games, manager Mikel Arteta’s Aurier 61­og) drew with Totten­ Marcelinho Pereira came ing his finger up in triumph while Hyderabad remained home debut as Tammy Abra­ ham 2 (Eriksen 55, Kane 83­ close to scoring twice for to the dugout. 10th. ham’s late strike sealed a dra­ pen); West Ham 1 (Fornals 45) Hyderabad — the Brazilian Sougou beat the goalkeep­ The result: Mumbai City FC 2 matic 2­1 win after Bernd Le­ lost to Leicester 2 (Iheanacho The clincher: Tammy Abraham, right, takes flight as a delighted Mason Mount tags him after wearing the captain’s arm­ er a second time with a dia­ (Modou Sougou 6, 78) bt Hy­ no’s horrific blunder turned 40, Gray 56). the former netted Chelsea’s last­gasp second goal. * GETTY IMAGES band was first hustled by a gonal volley, on the bounce deerabad FC 1 (Bobo 86).

CM A ND-NDE YK