2nd Youth Test: Ojha’s ton puts India U-19 in command
COLOMBO, July 20: Kushagra Ojha struck a composed unbeaten century to anchor India U-19’s innings and steer the visitors to a position of strength after a horror start against Sri Lanka on a truncated opening day of the second Youth Test here on Monday.India were well-placed at 253 for three in 65 overs when the umpires were forced to call off the day’s play due to bad light.The left-handed Ojha remained undefeated on 103 off 177 balls at stumps after negotiating the new ball with assurance before converting his start into a well-crafted hundred, laying the foundation for a big Indian total.Skipper Yashbardhan Chauhan chipped in with a fine 78 off 89 balls, while Manal Chauhan was the other not out batter at stumps, having moved to 55 in 108 deliveries.The middle-order trio’s batting efforts helped the Indians make a strong recovery after the visitors were reeling at 0-2 following the departure of first match double centurion Lakshya Raichandani and centurion Sagar Virk for ducks.After being asked to bat, India recovered from the early double blow as Ojha stitched together crucial partnerships with the two Chauhans — Yashbardhan and Manal — to blunt the Sri Lankan attack.Ojha mixed caution with aggression, rotating the strike efficiently while punishing loose deliveries to keep the scoreboard moving.While holding one end firm, Ojha displayed patience and temperament well beyond his years. His knock ensured India finished the day in a strong position with wickets in hand.Sri Lanka’s bowlers enjoyed brief periods of success but were unable to dislodge the well-set Ojha, who looked increasingly assured as the innings progressed.India will now look to build on the platform provided by the opener when play resumes on the second day, while Sri Lanka will hope to make early inroads and prevent the visitors from posting an imposing first-innings total.The first Youth Test ended in a draw. (PTI)
Global Chess League launches Road2GCL initiative
MUMBAI, July 20: The Global Chess League (GCL) on Monday launched Road2GCL, a six-week community engagement initiative featuring competitions, community events and creator collaborations ahead of the fourth season of the league in Bengaluru from September 3 to 14.The initiative, announced on World Chess Day, aims to engage players, clubs, schools, creators and chess enthusiasts through a series of activities leading up to the franchise-based tournament.A key feature of the programme is Road2GCL Contenders, a multi-stage competition that will give aspiring players an opportunity to earn a chance to compete against Global Chess League stars.Season 4 of the league will be held in Bengaluru from September 3 to 14 and will feature 36 Grandmasters across six franchises.World No. 1 Magnus Carlsen will return to the league and compete in India for the first time, while reigning FIDE Women’s World Cup champion Divya Deshmukh is set to make her league debut.Apart from the Contenders competition, Road2GCL will include Shining Stars, which will organise chess activities at clubs and educational institutions, and Road2GCL Creators, a programme aimed at engaging new audiences through content creators. (PTI)
