40 h. ago Outsiders sense Chess World Cup glory after host of big names make early exits

Fifteen of the world’s top 20 were eliminated in first four rounds, including world champion Gukesh DommarajuAn early cull of the favourites at the Chess World Cup in Goa has resulted in 15 of the top 20 seeds heading for home early. It has also created a lopsided pairing situation where almost all the remaining favourites are concentrated in one half of the draw.The two surviving top seeds, India’s world No 5 Arjun Erigaisi and China’s No 10-ranked Wei Yi, could meet in the quarter-finals, while the headline pairing in Friday afternoon’s fifth round is Levon Aronian, the US star who has already won the World Cup twice, against Erigaisi. Continue reading...

Politics

6 d. ago Teen behind the Louvre heist ‘Fedora Man’ photo embraces his mystery moment

Fifteen-year-old Pedro Elias Garzon Delvaux has become an internet sensation after an Associated Press photo captured him outside the Louvre on the day of a crown jewels heist

Culture

7 d. ago Selling Sunset producers to replace Chrishell Stause with huge star after shock departure

Selling Sunset producers are now on the hunt to replace Chrishell Stause with a big name and have even contacted Hollywood agents following Chrishell's shock exit

Events

8 d. ago Chess: Russian star and top Americans fall in World Cup but Adams wins 10

Ian Nepomniachtchi was a world title challenger, Wesley So is ranked No 8, and Hans Niemann has huge ambition, but all lost to unheralded opponentsThe ongoing $2m, 206-player World Cup in Goa, India, has a brutal format designed to maximise the chance of shock results. Its knockout matches consist of the best of just two classical games, followed by rapid and blitz tiebreaks at increasingly fast speeds, then a final Armageddon game where White has more time but is obliged to win. The major incentive besides the prize money is three places in the 2026 Candidates, the pathway to the world title.The Russia No 1, Ian Nepomniachtchi, who twice played for the global crown, the USA’s world No 8, Wesley So, and Hans Niemann, who has huge ambitions, were the high profile casualties in Thursday’s second round of 128, which was the first round for the top 50 seeds. After losing to the little-known Indian Diptayan Ghosh, Nepomniachtchi posted a laconic message: “There’s nothing to say about the...

Politics

2 w. ago Ange Postecoglou named as next Celtic manager solution after Brendan Rodgers bombshell exit

The ex-Tottenham and Nottingham Forest boss enjoyed a hugely successful two years in charge at Parkhead

Events

3 w. ago Strictly's Nadiya Bychkova shares daughter's name for Chris Robshaw as she speaks out on exit

The pair were seen bowing out of the BBC One dance contest during the latest results show on Sunday night

Politics