Gashimov Memorial Chess: Anand loses twice on Day 2

Baku (Azerbaijan): Former world champion Viswanathan Anand lost to Richard Rapport of Hungary and David Navara of Czech Republic in the second and third rounds, respectively, of the rapid event in the 7th Vugar Gashimov Memorial chess tournament here today. Anand lost by identical 0.5-1.5 margins. Anand had lost to Rauf Mamedov of Azerbaijan in the first round on the opening day.

New Delhi
IOA forms committee to look into amendments

The Indian Olympic Association today formed a six-member committee to look into the amendments to be made to its constitution before holding elections so as to align it with the National Sports Code. The committee will comprise IOA president Narinder Batra, secretary-general Rajeev Mehta, treasurer Anandeshwar Pandey, senior vice-presidents Anil Khana and R K Anand, and Lalit Bhanot, who is a member of the committee that finalises India’s contingent to multi-sports events.

Madrid
Nadal casts doubt over Australian Open participation

Spain’s Rafa Nadal said he cannot guarantee he will make the trip to Melbourne for next month’s Australian Open after returning to action at the Mubadala World Tennis Championship in Abu Dhabi.

London
Wolves hold Chelsea to goalless draw; City win

Chelsea’s title ambitions suffered a further blow after they were held to a goalless draw by Wolverhampton Wanderers, a match the visitors had asked the Premier League to postpone before kickoff. Chelsea trail leaders Manchester City, who beat Newcastle United 4-0, by six points.

Barcelona
Sevilla beat Atletico; Barca get much-needed victory

Sevilla beat Atletico Madrid 2-1 to keep the pressure on Spanish league leaders Real Madrid, while Barcelona’s young talents got them a much-needed win. Barca beat Elche 3-2. Agencies