Despite recent setbacks, reigning World champion Ding Liren of China is determined to return to form in preparation for his upcoming match against 17-year-old FIDE Candidates winner D. Gukesh. Gukesh, while acknowledging Ding’s strength, expressed confidence in his own abilities, stating, “I think I’m ready for the challenge.”
D. Gukesh, the 17-year-old Indian chess prodigy who emerged victoriously from the FIDE Candidates tournament in Toronto, received a rousing welcome upon his arrival at Chennai International Airport. Despite an arduous 18-hour journey, Gukesh remained composed and shared his readiness to face World No. 1 Ding Liren in the upcoming World Championship. Having already planned his next tournaments, including the Grand Chess Tour, Gukesh emphasized his laser-sharp focus and unwavering determination as key factors in his triumph. He expressed gratitude for the support of his coach Vishnu Prasanna and inspiration from Viswanathan Anand, while acknowledging the potential of his achievement to inspire aspiring chess enthusiasts.
USA Hockey is sending a formidable roster to the upcoming world championship, featuring five NHL All-Star players. The team aims to prepare for the return of NHL players to the Olympics in 2026. Despite the absence of some top players due to playoff commitments, the U.S. roster boasts seven-time All-Star forward Johnny Gaudreau, five-time All-Star defenseman Seth Jones, three-time All-Star forward Dylan Larkin, and two-time All-Star defenseman Zach Werenski.
Three students from Pine-Richland High School have earned a bid to compete in the FIRST Robotics World Championship, which will take place from April 17th to 20th in Houston, Texas. The students, Ryan Scott, Piya Dargan, and Keerthana Visveish, are members of the Giant Diencephalic BrainSTEM Robotics Team, which is part of BrainSTEM Learning. The team is dedicated to outreach and has led over 100 events designed to break systemic barriers that may prevent children from achieving their full potential. Their efforts have included creating STEM activity kits for the Ronald McDonald House, raising $5,000 for humanitarian relief in Haiti, starting 20 robotics teams in Central America, and developing a High School to Guaranteed STEM Career Pathway for students in Allegheny Public Housing.
Ronnie O’Sullivan has admitted that reaching the pinnacle of snooker has been a bit of an anti-climax, but he is still striving for more success and has enlisted the help of a coach ahead of the World Championship. The Rocket begins his bid for an eighth world title on Wednesday, looking to set an outright modern record as he currently sits alongside Stephen Hendry on seven Crucible crowns. Despite being level with the Scot, the Englishman is almost universally considered to be the greatest player ever, although he says it is not actually nailed on.
Barry Hawkins, after a disappointing loss in last year’s World Championship qualifying round, has experienced a remarkable turnaround, culminating in an improved mindset and consistent performances. The 44-year-old has developed a newfound confidence in his abilities, acknowledging that he belongs among the world’s best. This transformation has been a gradual process, involving hard work and collaboration with various coaches. As Hawkins prepares to face Ryan Day in the Crucible opener, he reflects on his journey and the ongoing pursuit of improvement.
Four-time world champion John Higgins believes that the World Snooker Championship’s departure from the Crucible is inevitable, despite the iconic venue’s historical significance and the potential for regret among future winners. The current contract for the tournament expires in 2027, with speculation surrounding a potential switch to destinations such as Saudi Arabia or China.
Indian chess has witnessed a remarkable rise with the emergence of young prodigies, led by the 17-year-old Dommaraju Gukesh. Gukesh’s exceptional performance in the Candidates tournament has earned him the right to challenge Chinese grandmaster Ding Liren for the World Championship. India’s chess ecosystem is thriving with talented young players and experienced mentors, creating an environment that fosters growth and innovation. Gukesh’s success has reignited excitement for Indian chess and set the stage for an exciting India-China showdown in the upcoming World Championship.
Jimmy White and Alan McManus have both condemned Hossein Vafaei’s criticism of the Crucible, with White branding the comments ‘pathetic’. Vafaei had given a negative assessment of the Sheffield venue after losing to Judd Trump in the first round of the World Championship, claiming it smelled bad and was poorly maintained.
Dommaraju Gukesh, a prodigious 17-year-old chess grandmaster, has achieved a remarkable feat by winning the Candidates Chess tournament in Toronto. This victory qualifies him to challenge reigning world champion Ding Liren for the title. Gukesh’s accomplishment marks him as one of the youngest players to ever be in contention for the world championship.
