Shirov, Akopian first to qualify
Grandmasters Alexy Shirov of Spain and Vladimir Akopian of Armenia became the first two qualifiers of the quarter-final line-up of World Chess Championship being organised by FIDE at Hotel Caesars Palace, Las Vegas.

Thipsay stays on right Lane
National champion IM K Sasikiran and GM Pravin Thipsay (both 5.5) scored over GM Aaron Summerscale (4.5) and IM Garry Lane (4.5), both of England, in the eighth round of the British Chess Championship.

Wasim Raja new Pakistan coach
Former Test batsman Wasim Raja was named coach of the troubled Pakistan cricket team yesterday.

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