Indiaâ€™s performance remains unimpressvie

Linares (Spain), January 14: A ray of hope flickered for India with IM Sandipan Chanda (3.5) registering a comeback in the sixth round and...

Linares (Spain), January 14: A ray of hope flickered for India with IM Sandipan Chanda (3.5) registering a comeback in the sixth round and IM R B Ramesh (3.5) managing a draw at the Linares International Open Chess Tournament here today. However, Indians will have to pull up their act fast if they are to catch up with the leader IM Zulfigali who took the sole lead with 5.5 points after toppling overnight leader GM Najer.

Overall, India continued with its dismal performance as Rahul Shetty, D K Sharma, Aarthie Ramaswamy, C S Gokhale lost their boards and K Visweswaran and Sriram Jha were held to draws. Sandipan (2431) crushed Rodriguez Lopez (2315) from the white side of the Sicilian Paulsen variation.

Sandipan was in his vintage form, conducting a masterly attack on the black ring right from the start. Combining his queen, rook and minor pieces, he lured the king into a mating net and forced his opponent to give up on the 21st move.

Story continues below this ad

Sriram Jha (2412), playing against compatriot K Visweswaran (2289), found himself in a favourable position using a Sicilian Paulsen variation with black pieces as Visweswaran lacked the punch but was able to enter an ending with rook for two minor pieces.

Ramesh (2467) was held to draw by lower-rated IM Valdes (2334) of Costa Rica. Ramesh faced the English opening with black pieces and inexplicably blundered a pawn on the 10th move.

IWM Aarthie Ramaswamy (2250) faced the Alekhine Defence from IM Hassan from Egypt and obtained a better position from the opening. The game transposed into a minor piece ending were in time trouble Aarthie blundered her bishop to resign immediately on the 41st move. D K Sharma (2353) lost tragically to IM Zilberman (2481) after being in the driverâ€™s seat throughout the game.

Rahul Shetty (2331) faced the kings Indian attack from IM Salmensuu Olli (2434) of Finland. C S Gokhale (2355) lost toGM Tseitlin (2494) of Israel from the black side of the Ruy-Lopez Archangel variation.

Trump hikes H-1B visa fees to $100,000 a year in massive immigration overhaul

India47 min ago

President Trump has signed a proclamation increasing the H-1B visa fee to USD 100,000 per year in an effort to prevent abuse of the visa system. This will affect skilled Indian professionals, who make up the majority of H-1B visa recipients. The goal is to protect American workers while still allowing companies to hire qualified individuals.

View all shorts

Live Blog