First game of world chess ends in draw

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Nov 10, 2013 ... Very cool to do, and clearly a great time in the season and a great time in the Chase.” ... country's team who won the FIFA Under-17 World Cup in the United. Arab Emirates. ... in the State of Kuwait for the Indian community. After a stupendous .... in 2010, aged 19, he became the youngest player in history to ...
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2013

S P ORTS

Toothless Panthers sack coach Dineen

Nigerian leader to host Under-17 world champions

Johnson wins pole for Phoenix, Kenseth to start

SUNRISE: The Florida Panthers, mired in a seven-game NHL losing streak, Friday sacked head coach Kevin Dineen and two assistant coaches. Executive vice president and general manager Dale Tallon said Peter Horachek would take over the coaching duties on an interim basis, assisted by Brian Skrudland and John Madden. “After 16 games it was clear that our team needed a change in philosophy and direction,” Tallon said on Friday, a day after a 4-1 loss at Boston dropped the Panthers to 3-9-4. “We have not met the expectations that we set forth at training camp and it is my responsibility to make the necessary changes to ensure that our club performs at its maximum potential.” Dineen’s tenure with the Panthers began with a 38-2618 record and a Southeast Division title in 2011-12. The Panthers’ first playoff appearance since 2000 ended with a double-overtime defeat to New Jersey in game seven of the first round. Beset by injuries, Florida sank to the bottom of the standings last season, finishing with an NHL-low 36 points and a 15-276 record. Horachek, who was in his first season as coach of the Panthers’ minor league affiliate in San Antonio, takes over a team with an NHL-worst minus-25 goal differential.— AFP

ABUJA: Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan will today host the country’s team who won the FIFA Under-17 World Cup in the United Arab Emirates. Nigeria beat Mexico 3-0 in Friday’s final in Abu Dhabi to win a record fourth U17 World Cup after they previously triumphed in 1985, 1993 and 2007. Kelechi Iheanacho was named as the best player of the 24-team competition and Dele Alampasu was named the best goalkeeper. Nigeria went ahead in the ninth minute through Erick Aguirre’s own goal before Kelechi Iheanacho doubled the lead in the 56th. Nigeria captain Musa Muhammed scored from a free kick in the 81st minute to complete the victory. The team, known as The Golden Eaglets, were expected back in Nigeria on Saturday afternoon. Officials said they expect President Jonathan to reward the team at today’s reception. Hefty cash gifts, national honours as well as houses in the country’s capital Abuja were given to the players and officials by the government when they last won the tournament six years ago. — Agencies

AVONDALE: Jimmie Johnson won the pole Friday for the penultimate race in the Chase for the Sprint Cup championship, moving him a step closer to his sixth NASCAR title. The five-time NASCAR champion set a track record with a lap of 139.222 mph in his Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet to earn the top starting spot for today race at Phoenix International Raceway. The lap broke the mark of 138.766 set by Kyle Busch last November. “Track records are awesome,” Johnson said after the qualifying session. “I don’t qualify on pole all that often, so I take great pride in them, especially track records. Very cool to do, and clearly a great time in the season and a great time in the Chase.” Matt Kenseth will start 14th in his Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota. Kenseth trails Johnson by seven points with two races remaining in the Chase. Denny Hamlin qualified second with a lap at 139.023 for JGR, but he went out much later in Friday’s session than teammate Kenseth. Joey Logano qualified third in a Penske Racing Ford, and Kyle Busch was fourth as both of Kenseth’s teammates out-qualified the title contender. Both Hamlin and Logano marveled at Johnson’s performance. “He’s been in kill mode for a while,” said Logano. —AP

First game of world chess ends in draw CHENNAI: Reigning world chess champion Viswanathan Anand of India opened the defence of his crown against Norwegian sensation Magnus Carlsen with a tense draw in the first game in Chennai yesterday. Both players agreed to draw after 16 moves each to remain even at the start of the big-money 12-game showpiece watched by a select gathering of 350 inside the main hall of a luxury hotel and by thousands on live television. Anand, 43, has been the game’s undisputed champion since 2007, but experts predict the end of the road for the Indian against current world number one Carlsen, who is 21 years younger. “I am happy, it was a fairly comfortable draw with black,” said Anand. “But there is a long way to go and it is very difficult to predict what will happen over the next 11 games.” Carlsen also appeared satisfied with a draw despite the advantage of playing first with white. “In the past, I have played a couple of embarrassing draws with white, so this was okay,” he said. “No damage done.” The second game will be held today. All the games are taking place in ChennaiAnand’s home town. With one point awarded for a win and half a point for a draw, the first man to reach 6.5 points will be declared the champion. If points are equal after the 12th game on November 26, the match will be decided by a sudden-death game on November 28. The total prize fund for the title clash is approximately $2.24 million, with the winner getting 60 percent and the loser taking

home the rest. Russian grandmaster Vladimir Kramnik, who lost to Anand in the 2008 title showdown, said the Indian will find it tough to retain the title against the aggressive Carlsen. “Carlsen has much more energy, more motivation, as he has not been a world champion yet,” Kramnik was quoted as saying by the Times of India. “Anand is somewhat intimidated by Carlsen. He has not been confident playing against him-he’s scared of him, I would say.” Asked at a pre-match media conference if he was the favourite, Carlsen said: “I don’t know who the favourite is. In general, I expect to do well in tournaments I play in. “If I manage to play my best, I can expect the best results.” Anand, who remains one of the most popular sports figures in cricket-mad India, and his opponent enjoyed a remarkably similar rise in their careers since they were talented teenagers. Anand became an international master at 15, was crowned Indian champion at 16, won the world junior title at 17 and became the country’s first grandmaster at 18. Carlsen turned grandmaster at 13 and in 2010, aged 19, he became the youngest player in history to be ranked world number one. He won the Candidates Tournament this year to earn the right to challenge Anand. The Indian, who is based in Spain with his wife and young son, trails the challenger by a whopping 95 rating points and his world ranking has tumbled from number one to eight. — AFP

CHENNAI: Officials watch as India’s Viswanathan Anand (L) and Norway’s Magnus Carlsen (R) compete in their championship match in Chennai yesterday. Reigning world chess champion Viswanathan Anand is defending his crown against Norwegian sensation Magnus Carlsen at home in Chennai in a battle that favours the challenger. — AFP

Brazil asks hotel chains to explain WCup prices SAO PAULO: Brazil’s justice ministry is asking the main hotel chains in the country to explain the high prices being charged for rooms during the 2014 World Cup. The request comes after several complaints from consumer advocates and a study by the country’s tourism board which showed that exorbitant prices will be charged during the monthlong tournament next year. Among the companies notified by the ministry’s consumer rights secretariat on Thursday are Accor, Choice, Louvre, Blue Tree, Nacional Inn, Wyndham, IHG and Bourbon. The Brazilian Association of the Hotel Industry also was notified. The ministry said Friday that the companies have 48 hours to respond to the request. “Tourists are consumers which require special protection because they are outside of their city or country,” Amaury Oliva, director of the ministry’s consumer rights secretariat, said in a statement. “We are working to make sure that they are well received and that the services we provide have quality and fair price.” The ministry said it wants the hotel chains to provide the average rates charged in the past during other high-demand events in the 12 World Cup host cities, so they can be compared to the prices for the tournament. Although price increases are expected during special events such as the World Cup, officials suspect the chains might be overcharging more than usual this time. Calls to the Brazilian Association of the Hotel Industry were not immediately

answered on Friday. The tourism board, or Embratur, this year showed that rates will rise up to 500 percent during the World Cup in some hotels offered by the FIFA-appointed agency MATCH Services, prompting several consumer rights groups to demand action from the government. Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff last month created a committee to monitor abusive price hikes of hotel rates and plane tickets during football’s showcase event. The government also said it will investigate whether MATCH, FIFA’s official accommodation agency, was involved in “cartel” practices that may lead to price hikes during the World Cup, a claim that FIFA and MATCH have repeatedly denied. Brazil sports minister Aldo Rebelo, the government official in charge of preparations for the World Cup and the 2016 Rio Olympics, earlier this year pledged “zero tolerance” for hotels charging abusive room rates. He said significant hikes would hurt Brazil’s image abroad and threaten to scare tourists away. Although Brazil has said it will not try to control market prices, Rebelo warned that hotels that raised prices excessively would feel the “heavy hand” of the law, adding that consequences included possible hotel closures. Brazil is expecting 600,000 foreigners and about 3 million local visitors traveling through the 12 host cities and the rest of the country next June, when it will host the World Cup for the first time since 1950. — AP

Aldona United Dubai take flight with late Sheikha Huda Al-Sabah trophy KUWAIT: Real Betalbatim F.C. (RBFC) has proved once again that they are second to none among the Indian expatriate community when it comes to organizing international football tournaments in the State of Kuwait for the Indian community. After a stupendous success in the previous two editions RBFC once again proved their mettle successfully in organizing the 3rd Edition of Open Rolling Football Tournament in fond memor y of Late Sheikha Huda Bader Mohammed Al-Ahmed Al-Sabah on 16th October 2013 at PGA Everton Grounds at Bayan, Kuwait. The football extravaganza had four teams from UAE taking part along with a strong line up of Kuwait based teams. This year 24 teams participated, 4 Teams from Dubai, Aldona United F.C., Siolim United, FC Bardez and Emirates Goan Sports & Cultural Committee (EGSCC) and 20 teams from Kuwait, AVC - Kuwait, Don Bosco Oratory, Navelim Youth Center, DHL FC, Kuwait Goan Association, Santos United, Nagoa Verna Pereira Brothers, Real Betalbatim F.C, Veterans United, Goa Maroons, FC Sparks, Skynet Raiders, United Friends Club, Fahaheel Brothers, Blue Racers Guirim, Curtorcares United, Indian Strikers, Skyden United, Goan Boys and Vac Spartons. The tournament was conducted on a round robin league cum knock out basis and a total of whooping 70 matches were held during the day from 07:30 am to 07:30 pm. The day’s proceedings commenced with a minute silence remembering the departed soul of Late Sheikha Huda Bader Mohammed Al-Ahmed al-Sabah and all others who have departed in recent times. All the matches were played at a brisk pace with teams vying to qualify for the knockout stage. 8 teams who qualified were Aldona United Dubai, Siolim United Dubai, Navelim Youth Center, Goa Maroons, Real Betalbatim FC, Nagoa Verna Pereira Bros, Skyden United and United Friends Club. Renowned Teams to miss out were FC Bardez Dubai, Emirates Goans Dubai, AVC Kuwait and DHL FC. The knockout stage was a hotly contested affair among the eight qualifiers and teams making the semifinal line up were last year’s Champions, Siolim United Dubai v/s Nagoa Verna and Aldona United Dubai v/s United Friends Club. All were eagerly assuming that the finals would be an all Dubai affair but it

was not to be as Siolim United bowed out in the tie breaker and had to be content with the 4th Place Trophy. The 3rd Place Trophy was won by United Friends Club, Kuwait. The finals took place between Aldona United, Dubai and Nagoa Verna Pereira Brothers, Kuwait and was played at a blistering pace on the artificial pitch and it was a thrill for the spectators to witness the action. Both the teams especially Aldona United showed tremendous skills and ball control and were vying for the prestigious Rolling Trophy. Players who excelled with their skill and precision were Russell Rodrigues and Fraizer Picardo of Aldona United, Dubai and Anthony Rego and Godwin for Nagoa Verna Pereira Brothers. The finalists matched equally in all departments of the game and the normal time ended in a barren draw. The winner had to be decided by a tie-breaker and once again the finals were won by the Dubai based team, Aldona United who ensured that the Trophy will take a flight to Dubai for the 3rd successive time. This is the 2nd time that Aldona United, Dubai has inscribed their name on the Trophy after having won the inaugural edition in 2011. Nagoa Verna Pereira Brothers had to settle for the Runners-up Trophy. All the 70 Matches were officiated by renowned Indian Football Referees Association (IFRA) and for the second time in the history of Indian Football in Kuwait a lady referee Ms. Penny Rebello was seen officiating the matches. All the referees were presented with mementos and a special prize was given to the Ms. Penny Rebello. Before the finals national anthems of Kuwait and India along with the specially crafted anthem of RBFC were played and giant balloons customized and procured from USA for the event were released to mark the event. Also a children’s exhibition match between Kuwait City Boys and Kheitan Boys was held in order to add spice to the day’s proceedings which was won by Kheitan Boys. Another highlight of the day was a women’s exhibition match which was a delight to watch bringing the memories of yesteryears. Chief Guest, Asif Juzar, Managing Director of ProSports, Kuwait was accorded a warm welcome by the Managing Committee of RBFC led

by President Vijay Gonsalves and Vice President Francis Fernandes. RBFC President, Vijay Gonsalves in his brief speech thanked RBFC Executive Committee for their tireless efforts in ensuring a successful tournament once again. He thanked Sheikha Hanouf Bader Al-Sabah, Sheikha Dalal Bader Al-Sabah for their unstinted support. He also thanked the Chief Guest, Asif Juzar for accepting the invitation. He further thanked all the Club Presidents and 24 participating teams, supporters of RBFC, Mr. Bader Nasser Al-Kharafi, Managing Director, Gulf Cables & Electrical Co., Viva Goa Restaurant, Oriental Restaurant, Manoj Cardoso of Al-Bahar Group, Peter Mendes (Lays), IFRA Officials, Immaculate Gonsalves, Media Supporters, and the spectators for making this event a success. The Chief Guest also spoke. KIFF President Fidelis Fernandes and other Club Presidents were also present and gave away the Prizes. Refreshments on the day were provided by Al-Bahar Group (Lipton), Viva Goa Restaurant (Bosco Rodrigues), Lays (Peter Mendes) and Gift Vouchers were given by Oriental Restaurant, Kuwait and Swiss Belhotel Plaza, Kuwait. Ace lens man Revon Gomes along with Simon Dias and Agusto Fernandes captured the day’s proceedings on camera. Renowned MC’s Merwyn Pereira and Alex Taylor took control of day’s program and DJ Mario enthralled the crowd with his selections... The Winners Rolling Trophy and Gift Voucher were awarded to Aldona United, Dubai and Runners-up Trophy and Gift Voucher was awarded to Nagoa Verna Pereira Brothers, Kuwait. Trophies were awarded to Best Goalkeeper: Newton Pereira - Siolim United - Dubai, Best Defender: Fraizer Picardo, Aldona United - Dubai, Best Midfielder: Godwin, Nagoa Verna, Best Striker: Russell Rodrigues, Aldona United Dubai, Best Discipline Team: Siolim United, Dubai and Best Player of Finals: Anthony Rego, Nagoa Verna Periera Brothers, Kuwait. Special mementos were presented to Dubai based teams Aldona United, FC Bardez, Emirates Goans (EGSCC) and Siolim United for their participation in the prestigious Tournament. It was a day to remember for all football loving Indian expatriate community which was exquisitely organized by Real Betalbatim Football Club Kuwait.

Garcia seeks redemption, second title vs Martinez NEW YORK: Although Mikey Garcia has the talent and the pedigree for multi-division stardom, he’s not assuming he’ll be the next 130-pound champion until he actually takes the belt away from Rocky Martinez. Garcia learned all about assumptions in his last fight, when he lost his featherweight title on the scales. Garcia (32-0, 27 KOs) goes after a world title in his second weight class today night when he faces Puerto Rico’s Martinez (27-1-2, 16 KOs), who will attempt his third defense against one of boxing’s rising stars. Not many unbeaten fighters find themselves in need of redemption, but Garcia could use an impressive win. After he trounced Orlando Salido in January to claim a 126-pound title, Garcia couldn’t make weight for his defense against Juan Manuel Lopez in June. Although he still beat Lopez handily, Garcia couldn’t feel good about it. He’s hoping to bury

those regrets under another win. “I feel very happy to have this opportunity after what happened in the last fight,” Garcia said. “To lose the title on the scale and to be given the opportunity to fight for a world title is great, and I’m really happy for that.” Garcia will face Martinez after Nonito Donaire’s comeback fight against Vic Darchinyan in the HBO show at the American Bank Center in Corpus Christi, Texas. Demetrius Andrade also takes on Vanes Martirosyan for a vacant 154-pound belt in the first major title shot for two former US Olympic boxers with spotless pro records. Although the fight is his 130-pound debut, Garcia is favored against Martinez. The Southern California native is trained by his older brother, Robert, one of the sport’s most respected cornermen. Garcia is imposing, but he doesn’t scare Martinez, the only current champion from Puerto Rico. “You shouldn’t be a champion if you’re not

going to fight the best,” Martinez said. Martinez has never been knocked down, but Garcia floored Salido and Lopez in his recent fights, demonstrating punching power and technique that give other fighters pause. He also managed to make the junior lightweight limit Friday, coming in at 129.75 pounds.Donaire (31-2, 20 KOs) hasn’t fought since losing a decision and his junior featherweight title to Guillermo Rigondeaux in April. The one-sided defeat derailed the momentum built by the Filipino-born, Bay Area-raised fighter during an outstanding 2012, so Donaire is looking to reclaim it against a familiar opponent. “I have been just trying to recall how I became world champion and the process of it,” said Donaire, who had won 30 straight fights. “The mentality and the desire, we are trying to bring all that out. Trying to bring youth back into my boxing style.—AP