Tuesday, April 13, 1999
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S P O R T | Tuesday, April 13, 1999 |
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Azhar concerned about poor Indian
batting SHARJAH, April 12 — After two straight wins against England, India are now looking for a victory against Pakistan in their last league engagement in the triangular Coca Cola Cup Cricket Series being played here. Fazaluddin, Kirtane, Srinath bow out NEW DELHI, Apr 12 — India opened their campaign in the $ 25,000 Servo-Indian Oil ATP Tennis Challenger on a disastrous note with Syed Fazaluddin, Nitin Kirtane and Prahlad Srinath bowing out in their opening matches here today. Fazaluddin was overwhelmed by Germany’s Andy Fahlke 3-6, 4-6, while Kirtane was overpowered by Italian Giogio Galimberti 2-6, 6-7. |
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Windies post 44-run victory Consolation win for England Anand
escapes with a draw Olazabal
outshoots Norman, wins Masters Agassi
outplays Becker in final
Services boxing from today Ali
overpowers Bajender |
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Azhar concerned about poor SHARJAH, April 12 (UNI) — After two straight wins against England, India are now looking for a victory against Pakistan in their last league engagement in the triangular Coca Cola Cup Cricket Series being played here. "The result of approaching the game with a positive frame of mind is beginning to show. The boys have lifted their game very well," skipper Mohammed Azharuddin said after India’s dramatic nine-run victory over England last night. Earlier, India had gone down by 116 runs to Pakistan and then beaten England by 20 runs. The two wins against England have ensured a place for India in the April 16 final against Pakistan. India will meet Pakistan tomorrow in league matches that are now only of academic interest. Talking to local journalists, Azharuddin said he was happy with his bowlers’ performance in the last two matches. He also pointed out that the batting had not risen to the occasion. "We did not bat well because on this wicket 240 is not a winning score. And in the World Cup, if you want to win in England, you have to bat well," he said. He singled out Venkatesh Prasad, who has taken nine wickets in the tournament so far, for special mention. "We have fielded well and Prasad has bowled brilliantly. It is the bowlers who have been winning the matches. I want to see the batsmen also winning matches for us," he said. "But we want convicing victories, not close ones like today’s. We want to beat Pakistan in the next match. There is no point in being in the final just for the sake of it. We want to keep winning," he said. Azharuddin said he had asked his players to face Pakistan’s pace bowler Shoaib Akhtar with a positive frame of mind. "We will win against Pakistan," he declared. The Indian skipper had to miss yesterday’s match because of a toe injury he suffered while batting against England on Friday. "I am not sure if I will be ready for the next match," he said. He also hoped Ajit Agarkar would be able to play in the final. The bowler had to stay out of India’s first three matches so far because of a viral infection. His absence meant that India were without a fifth specialist bowler in these matches. "We need to play Agarkar. He may not be ready for the next match, but he will surely play in the final," he said. Azharuddin was also happy with the performance of Vinod Kambli in his short innings yesterday. "He showed he is in good nick," he said. Asked about the performance of Ajay Jadeja as captain in his absence, Azharuddin said. "That is for you people to decide." England skipper Alec Stewart felt the three straight losses in the tournament so far would not affect his team’s preparations for the World Cup beginning in their country next month. "On the other hand, we have played some competitive matches which have served as excellent practice games ahead of the World Cup", he said. "Your confidence
takes a knock when you lose but the World Cup in England
is an absolutely different ball game. The conditions are
completely different back home so I think we’ll do
pretty alright in the Cup," Stewart added. |
Fazaluddin, Kirtane, Srinath bow out NEW DELHI, Apr 12 (UNI) — India opened their campaign in the $ 25,000 Servo-Indian Oil ATP Tennis Challenger on a disastrous note with Syed Fazaluddin, Nitin Kirtane and Prahlad Srinath bowing out in their opening matches here today. Fazaluddin was overwhelmed by Germany’s Andy Fahlke (ranked 373 on the ATP) 3-6, 4-6, while Kirtane was overpowered by Italian Giogio Galimberti 2-6, 6-7. Davis Cupper Srinath was defeated by left handed Wesley Whitehouse (RSA) 2-6, 5-7 in a 90-minute encounter. The upset of the day was scored by Sweden’s Andreas Vinciguerra who defeated fifth-seeded Andre Sa of Brazil 6-7, 6-1, 6-3 in a match which lasted two hours and four minutes. In other matches of the day, third-seeded Argentine Gaston Eltis overpowered Damien Roberts (RSA) 7-5, 6-2 in 61 minutes while Australian Matthew Breen moved past Barry Cowan (GBR) 6-1, 6-4 in 63 minutes. Fazaluddin started the match on a shaky note as he was broken consecutively in his initial two serves by Fahlke, who retained his own serve to take a lead of 4-0. Though Fazal managed to break the German in the next game, while retaining his own serve, the latter capitalised on the initial lead to take the set 6-3. The second set saw a rejuvenated Fazaluddin, but he soon wilted under pressure. The players traded a brake each in the seventh and eighth games to take the score to 4-4. But Fahlke proved the better of the two as he broke the Indian again and retained his serve to take the set (6-4) and the match. Fazal later admitted that the German played better, although he himself was at an advantage being used to the heat. Galimberti, who is ranked 318 on the ATP, took the first set (6-2) easily from Kirtane as he broke the Indian thrice, the first two being on Kirtane’s initial serve. Kirtane never looked to be covering the court well and hit some wild shots. The second set saw both the players hitting well and breaking each other in the sixth and tenth games. Finally, it was the tie-breaker which decided that an already set down Kirtane was not to proceed for a third set. The Srinath-Whitehouse match proved to be the only Indian match which had some exciting moments. Though the Indian lost the first set easily at 2-6, the second set saw his revival as he valiantly fought, though in vain, to save the grace for the country. The second set saw both Srinath and Whitehouse making the other run around for points. The desperation continued amid the mounting tension until Whitehouse got the breakthrough, breaking the Indian in the eleventh game to go up 6-5. Then he managed to retain his serve, finishing the match in style with an ace. Indian ace Leander Paes
and his doubles partner and country’s number two
Mahesh Bhupathi are slated to play their opening matches
tomorrow. Mustafa Ghouse, another Indian in the singles
fray, will also play tomorrow. |
Consolation win for England SHARJAH, April 12 (PTI) — England finally brought a high flying Pakistan down to earth with an exciting 62-run victory in a low scoring tie with Mark Ealham leading the way with a superb all-round effort in their final league tie of the Coca Cola Triseries Cricket Tournament here tonight. England, out of reckoning for the final, regained much pride as they managed to score 206 in 49.1 overs on captain Alec Stewart winning his first toss in a long time and then steadily chipped away with wickets to dismiss Pakistan for a paltry 144 in just 40.2 overs at the Sharjah Stadium. Man of the match Mark Ealham first struck a solid 36 in the late order with Graham Thorpe top-scoring with 62 and then wrecked the Pakistan lower order to emerge with a splendid haul of four for 30 in 10 tight overs. Veteran Salim Malik marked a return into the side by making an unbeaten 47 off 77 balls but was stranded as wickets fell like nine pins at the other end. Seasoned Angus Fraser (3/32 in 10 overs) did the early damage and young Andrew Flintoff (2/3) provided the breakthough by claiming wicketkeeper Moin Khan off his very third ball to trigger the final collapse. England’s first victory came too late as they had already been ousted from a place in the final with three straight defeats, but they ended their campaign by shaking Pakistan from their lofty perch though the tie was only of academic interest with India and Pakistan already securing a highly expected final showdown on April 16. England, hosting the World Cup in just over a month’s time, signed off with some confidence restored in their final build-up tournament, which also maintained the tradition of teams batting second coming a cropper on a wicket where the ball kept low to leave the chasing sides with lot of trouble. There was no signs of the stunning turnaround after Pakistan’s crushing wins over England and India in the first set of the league matches. It seemed set to go that way when paceman Shoaib Akhtar rattled the England top order in yet another impressive haul of four wickets for 37 runs. Seamer Azhar Mehmood (2/37) then rattled England in the middle overs with two wickets in the space of three balls. But Graham Thorpe followed his 79 against India last night with a weighty half-century after opener Nick Knight had contributed 26 and with Neil Fairbrother (25) and Ealham (36) lending fine lower order support England crossed the 200-run mark. Chasing the modest 208-run target, Pakistan were helped by young opener Wajahatullah Wasti (31) and Malik, but nagging line by the England seamers and some rash shots by Pakistan batsmen helped England, winners of the tournament here in 1997, pulled the match their way. Pakistan take on India in the inconsequential final league tie tomorrow. SCOREBOARD Pakistan: |
Prasad deserved the award Another terrific performance by India in two matches against England they have recovered the belief in themselves. For weeks they have given some lethargic performances but now they are playing with spirit. Players are working for each other and communicating advice and help. There is no doubt when India bat first their chances of winning improve. When chasing they are indecisive, so winning the toss in vital for their success. With early wickets going down, it was imperative that Rahul Dravid anchored the innings. He has a good technique but on these slower pitches his inability to rotate the strike creates extra pressure on himself and his partner. He can play shots but can't drop the ball down at his feet. He pushes the ball with too much force to the fielders saving the singles. If his good shots hit the fielders and he can't get a run, then the scoring rate comes to a stop. Bob Simpson, the technical coach, was a master at running between the wickets. I feel confident that Bob has impressed this on all the players but somehow Rahul can't relax his hands at the moment of impact and stun the ball. Whether it is soft hands or relaxed hands, it is skill which young Dravid needs to acquire to improve his game and make batting easier. The decision to send Srinath up the order was precisely to get the score moving. As a pinch hitter he has had limited success but this time his 28 runs off 29 balls were far more valuable than the amount of runs. He rattled the English bowlers, gained momentum for India and got Dravid going. His contribution helped Dravid make a half century and gave the team a springboard. Jadeja was impressive in the middle order spot where he controlled the late overs like Michael Bevan does for Australia. His quick running and placement were excellent Nobody else could do his job as well and he should never move up the order. Srinath and Prasad again bowled like demons to take an early wicket each. With these two back in harness and bowling with aggression, the Indian attack has real menace. In recent times India have lacked fire-power but now they are wicket-taking bowlers again Kumble was so tight and controlled when the game was in the balance. He is a captain's dream because he is so dependable. At the other end, Prasad struck the decisive blow in knocking over the dangerous Fairbrother and then Austin. It was right that he got the Man of the Match award because he had deserved it in the first match between these two teams. The winners go forward to the final and England need to do some soul searching. They have a captain out of touch and not worth his place. It has been sometime since he has made runs in one-day international. The running between the wickets left a lot to be desired and needs to be improved on and the tactic of sending in two pinch hitters, Wells and Eaiham didn't work. The bowling has too much of a sameness and they lack another good bowler in the death overs to complement Gough. Whatever happens between
Pakistan and England, it cannot disguise the fact that
England have problems to solve to become serious
contenders for the World Cup. On the other hand, India's
resurgence just might give Pakistan a run for their
money. |
Seles moves up to third place HAMBURG, April 12 (DPA) — Former number one Monica Seles moved up to third place in the women’s tennis rankings released today thanks to her victory yesterday in the final of the $ 520.000 tournament at Amelia Island. Twenty-five-year-old Seles of the USA, who defeated Ruxandra Dragomir of Romania 6-2, 6-3, overtakes Jana Novotna of the Czech Republic who splits to fourth. Martina Hingis of Switzerland continues to lead the rankings ahead of Lindsay Davenport of the USA Top ten: |
Windies post 44-run victory ARNOS VALE (St. Vincent) April 12 (AP) — West Indies seamer Hendy Bryan enjoyed a magical debut match, taking four wickets for 24 runs in a 44-run victory over Australia in the opening one-day cricket international. The 29-year-old Brabadian took the wickets of both the Waugh Twins, Mark and Steve, as Australia were bowled out for 165. The West Indies led by opener Sherwin Campbell's solid 62, totalled 209 after being sent in. Bryan sparked a middle order Australian collapse in which four wickets fell for 10 runs off 15 balls. The tourists were 99 for three in the 26th over when Bryan struck to capture three wickets in the space of eight balls. Bryan induced Steve Waugh to drag an expansive off-drive back onto his stumps. The Australian captain made just 10 from 32 balls. One run later, West Indies skipper Brian Lara produced a slick piece of fielding at midwicket to run out left-hander Darren Lehmann. Lara's pick-up and direct hit at the bowler's end stopped short Lehmann's busy innings at 24 off 43 balls with three fours. Bryan returned in his last over to pick up two more wickets and ruin the Australian run chase. Bryan removed the dangerous No. 6 Michael Bevan for one and three balls later, accounted for Shane Lee. Lee padded up to a big inswinger and looked back in disbelief as his off-stump was hit. Bryan had earlier ended Mark Waugh's stay, bringing one back into the batsman to bowl him for 28 off 41 balls that included three fours. Brendon Julian gave the tourists hope in a career-best 35 off 42 balls. But as the scoring rate mounted, he was bowled by off-spinner Nehemiah Perry, trying to hit out. Keith Arthurton, who took one for 33 from nine tidy overs of left-arm spin, formalised the result with another brilliant run-out. The athletic 34-year-old swooped from short fine leg and hit the stumps at the bowler's end with last man Damien Fleming inches short of his crease. Fast bowler Mervyn Dillon took two wickets for 45 from 10 overs. Earlier, Campbell's 62 off 105 balls set the foundation of a solid West Indies total on a helpful pitch. But the home team faltered in the middle order after Campbell and left-hander Jimmy Adams added 76 for the third wicket. The run out of Adams for 30 sparked a collapse in which the West Indies lost five wickets for 18 runs from 52 balls. Leg-spinner Shane Warne was the best of the Australian bowlers, taking two for 30 off 10 overs. Fast bowler Fleming captured three for 41 from 9.1 overs, while medium pacer Lee grabbed two for 44 off 10 overs, including the prize wicket of Lara. The Australian bowlers conceded 20 wides and six no balls and their poor over rate resulted in them being penalised three overs. The second match in the series is in Grenada on Wednesday. SCOREBOARD AUSTRALIA: |
Anand escapes with a draw DOS HERMANS (Spain), April 12 (UNI) — A lucky draw saved Indian grandmaster Vishwanathan Anand from further embarrassment in a tournament that has already seen him rather out of form. Anand escaped with a draw against Peter Svidler of Russia in the fifth round of the Dos Hermanas Chess Grandmasters Tournament last night. Anand, who is yet to score a win in the tournament, which now has four rounds left, was losing even when Svidler agreed to a draw after a long 69-move battle. Clearly, Svidler failed to see the win, just as he had missed other lines earlier on in the game. Today is a rest day, the second of the three rest day. Either way it was good for Anand, for whom a third loss in five rounds would have been disastrous. He has already lost to Judit Polgar and Vladimir Kramnik in the tournament. Kramnik, who was lying second after four rounds, managed to find his way to the top to join England’s Michael Adams. As Adams drew with Belarussian Boris Gelfand, Kramnik ended local player Miguel Illescas unbeaten run in the tournament. Illescas and the rest of Spain were celebrating Jose Maria Olazabal’s great triumph in the Augusta Masters Golf Tournament, but there was no such luck for the Spaniards here as Kramnik was too good for the local hero. Kramnik and Adams have 3.5 points each, while Veselin Topalov, who beat Polgar in the fifth round and Anatoly Karpov, who drew a historic game with Viktor Korchnoi, have three points each for the joint third place. Anand’s clash with Svidler was littered with mistakes, but many of them from Svidler’s side, who despite being in winning positions more than once failed to find his way to that fully point. The game was ruy lopez and ironically looked like the Karpov-Korchnoi 1978 world title match game in the beginning. Svidler missed chances and Anand for his part defended well and even when the draw was agreed Svidler was clearly better off. Kramnik defeated Illescas after gaining a lot of space in the beginning and he developed passed pawns and were completed a good win in 55 moves. It was his second win, the first having been over Anand earlier. Karpov and Korchnoi, who have played innumerable times in their career, including two world title matches in 1978 and 1981, came out blazing for yet another one. But this had a quiet queen’s Indian opening with Karpov as white. Karpov did not press much and Korchnoi, who criticised Karpov for playing as aggressively as white should, had no problems getting the draw with repetition after 38 moves. Topalov who played well in a Sicilian Najdorf ground down Polgar. Topalov launched a good kingside with a good attack and won in 48 moves as Adams drew with Gelfand in 42 moves from a sicilian rossolimo. Results (round 5): Kramnik beat Illescas, Karpov drew Korchnoi, Polgar lost to Topalov Adams drew with Gelfand Svidler drew with Anand. 1. Kramnik (Rus) 3.5/5 2. Adams (Eng) 3.5/5 3. Karpov (Rus) 3.0/5 4. Topalov (Bul) 3.0/5 5. Illescas (Esp) 2.5/5 6. Gelfand (Blr) 2.0/4 7. Korchnoi (Sui) 2.0/4 8. Anand (Ind) 1.5/5 9. Svidler (Rus) 1.5/5 10. Polgar (Hun) 1.5/5 |
Olazabal outshoots Norman, AUGUSTA, Georgia, April 12 (Reuters) — Jose Maria Olazabal of Spain capped off a remarkable comeback from a career-threatening injury by emerging from a five-way tie and outdueling Australian Greg Norman down the stretch yesterday to win his second Masters Championship. Olazabal, whose aching feet sidelined him for 18 months starting in 1995, overcame a string of three successive bogeys from the 3rd hole to shoot a one-under par 71 for an eight-under-par 280 and a two-stroke victory over Davis Love. Norman, who played in the last pairing with Olazabal and was tied with the Spaniard at seven under par after the 13th hole, finished with a 73 for 283 and third place. The 33-year-old Spaniard collected $720,000 and a second green jacket to add to the one he won in 1994. "To be here at this moment is very emotional," said Olazabal as last year’s champion Mark O’Meara draped the green jacket over his shoulders in the ceremony. Olazabal came up with several brilliant clutch shots and courageous escapes from looming disaster during the pressure-packed final round, but the turning point in his emotional victory may have come at the 13th hole. Norman had fired aggressively at the pin on the par-5 hole and then sank a downhill eagle putt to jump to seven under par Olazabal, standing six under par, looked likely to suffer a two-shot swing that would leave him a stroke behind the Australian. But the Spaniard answered the challenge by calmly draining a long putt for birdie that brought him level with Norman at seven under. Norman began to slide at that point, taking bogeys at the next two holes, which Olazabal parred. The Spaniard gave himself some cushion by sticking his tee shot at the par-3 16th within three feet and sinking the putt to go to eight under. Love made one last push to challenge with a spectacular birdie chip-in at the 16th, but he could not pick up any more strokes on the way in and finished at six under par. Tied for fourth at four under par were Steve Pate (73) and Bob Estes (72). Bunched at three under par were David Duval, whose round of 70 included one eagle, six birdies, one double bogey and four bogeys, Briton Lee Westwood (71), Phil Mickelson (71), Nick Price of Zimbabwe (72) and Paraguay’s Carlos Franco (73). Olazabal said he knew it would be difficult day at Augusta National. Olazabal had to fight through a pack of golfers to capture his second Masters. After he bogeyed the 5th, his third successive bad hole, he fell to second place as Pate was left alone at the top for a brief time at five under. Olazabal’s
condition was misdiagnosed at first as rheumatoid
arthritis in both feet, but his foot pain was later found
to have been caused by a herniated disc in his lower
back. While he was sidelined, there were periods when he
could not stand up at all. |
Agassi outplays Becker in final HONG KONG, April 12 (DPA) — Andre Agassi had to hold on for dear life as Boris Becker mounted a late comeback, but the American managed to clinch his 40th career title today at the rain-delayed $350,000 Salem Open. Third seed Agassi squeezed through for a 6-7, (4-7), 6-4, 6-4 win in a match which began yesterday, was interrupted repeatedly by rain and called off with the American up a break in the final set late in the evening. The pair came back out today to finish the job — but it wasn't as easy as the 28-year-old Agassi might have liked it. Becker, who struck 21 aces in the contest, was down 1-5 in the third but he rallied and began a fightback which Agassi only ended with much effort. "I thought we both played pretty well today," said Agassi, who along with Becker heads to Tokyo to play in this week's Japan Open. "I felt fortunate to put him away." "At 5-2 and serving for it, you want to hold, Boris can so quickly turn it all around. The next thing you know, it's 5-4." Agassi's victory gives him ATP tour trophies on five continents. His 40th career title keeps him victorious over Becker in their career series, 10 wins to four. Agassi, who confirmed his divorce from actress Brooke Shields, won his last meeting with Becker, played at the semifinal stage of the 1995 US Open. Becker had been aiming to cap the closing chapter of his brilliant career with a 50th title, but like in Gastaad last summer, he felt short in the title match. "He beat me. I didn't lose it," said the 31-year-old German. "I stayed in and created chances. But he played better and deserved to win." Becker said that more than five hours of rain delays on Sunday the third year in succession that the Hong Kong final has been interrupted by the weather — just had to be dealt with. "You have to take them with a sense of humour," said the German. "I had some friends with me. While we waited we played cards, talked about life, things like that." Aggasi will move up a spot in the computer rankings to 11th, edging out Briton Greg Rusedski. Beckers, who will retire this summer, is ranked in the 70s as he winds down his career. Agassi cited a strained right shoulder for his pullout in the doubles with American David Wheaton. The title went by default to the little-known James Greenhalgh of New Zealand and Australian Grant Silcock. AMELIA ISLAND (Florida) (Reuters): Monica Seles capped a week of dominating tennis on Sunday by beating unseeded Romanian Ruxandra Dragomir in the Bausch and Lomb championships final, ending a seven-month title drought. The second-seeded Seles claimed her 44th career singles title and first since September, 1998, with a 6-2, 6-3 victory over Dragomir to complete a week on the Amelia Island Clay in which she didn't lose a set. In five matches the former world number one dropped a total of 14 games, two shy of the tournament record set by Chris Evert in 1981. Seles collected $ 80,000 for her first title on clay since capturing the 1992 French Open, one of her nine Grand Slam titles. "I was really consistent and that's why I got better results," said Seles. "I'm happy with my form going into Federation Cup next week. Seles will play for the USA against Croatia in a first round Federation Cup tie. Unlike her previous four opponents, none of whom won more than four games from Seles, Dragomir had several chances to make it a close match. But the Romanian, who upset ninth seed Anna Hournikova in the semifinals, failed to convert six game-point opportunities in games that she eventually lost. "I really had to work hard for this win. The score looks easier than the match," Seles said. OEIRAS, (Portugal) (AP): Fourth-seeded Albert Costa of Spain rallied after losing the second set on Sunday to beat No 2 Todd Martin of the USA and win the Estoril Open. In the women's final, Slovenia's Katarina Srebotnik made a brilliant debut on the WTA tour, crushing Rita Kuti Kis in just over an hour with a 6-3, 6-1 win. The 23-year-old Spaniard finally broke loose in the middle of the third set to win 7-6 (7-4), 2-6, 6-3 and take the $ 84,000 title, as well as 190 tournament points. "It was a very difficult match for me," said Costa, who made it to the final here in 1995 but lost to Austria's Thomas Muster. Martin, ranked No. 8 in
the world and fresh after a key Davis Cup win over
Britain, missed an opportunity to snatch his second title
this year after a January victory at the Sydney Adidas
International. |
Services boxing from today PUNE, April 12 (UNI) —The fifth National Games gold medalist Dingko Singh and the bronze medalist Gursharan Singh will be the top draw in the 48th Inter-Services Boxing Championship which gets underway at the Army School of Physical Training (ASPT) from April 13. Giving details, Brig. G.R.C. Nair told reporters in Pune here today that the prestigious championship is being hosted by the ASPT for the last five years in succession. Defending champions Army Red along with Army Green and Indian Navy and Air Force will be in the fray in the four day meet. This championship would
be the basis of selection of the Indian team
participating in the world championship to be held in
October, Brig Nair said. Being the nodal centre for
boxing ASPT has been playing a crucial role in retaining
the coveted over all championship for the last three
years, Brig Nair added. |
Hyderabad-MP tie evenly poised HYDERABAD, April 12 (PTI) — An unbeaten century by Venka Pratap and his 107-run sixth wicket partnership with Vinay Kumar (45) helped Hyderabad set Madhya Pradesh a victory target of 236 on the penultimate day of the Ranji Trophy semi-finals here today. The visitors began their victory chase badly, losing C.P. Sahu with just two runs on the board at stumps. Sahu (2) was bowled by skipper Venkatapathy Raju. J.P. Yadav, the other opener was yet to open his account. Earlier, Hyderabad, who made 280 in their first innings, scored 292 in their second knock after conceding a 57-run lead to MP. Resuming on their overnight 57 for 2, Hyderabad managed to add 235 runs before being all out in 87.4 overs. Overnight unbeaten batsmen, Pratap and M.V. Sridhar (49), steadied the innings, adding 85 runs for the third wicket before Sridhar was caught by J.P. Yadav off Manish Majithia. Pratap was also instrumental in a 107-run sixth wicket partnership with Vinaykumar. His unbeaten knock of 108 was laced with three hits to the fence and two sixes. Pratap took 469 minutes and 302 balls for his third century in Ranji trophy. Majitia was the highest wicket-taker (4 for 96) while Sodhi claimed two for 27. HYDERABAD (Ist
innings): 280
|
TN beat Punjab, lift title TRIPRAYAR, April 12 (PTI) —Tamil Nadu defeated Punjab to lift the men’s title while Railways overcame hosts Kerala to take the honours in the women’s section of the National Volleyball Championship here last night. Holders Railways achieved a hat-trick of titles when they won their final clash against Kerala 25-19, 25-20, and 25-18. Railways gained six points by virtue of their three wins. In the men’s event Tamil Nadu beat Punjab 25-23, 18-25, 18-25, 25-17, 15-11. Tamil Nadu won all the five matches played in the league and have earned ten points, while Punjab have earned nine points. Punjab captain Surjeet Singh, Ratan Lal and Manoj Kumar played superbly but their best was not enough against their southern rivals. The match was exciting with each team trying to prevail over the other with penetrative smashes. Tamil Nadu’s captain Sajee, Tulsi Reddy, Anand Kurup and Kumaran were outstanding. In the women’s event Railway’s Salomi Vaisali Sangeeta, Hemalatha and Setter Vasali were in their top form and powered their team to victory. Railways maintained their supremacy in the battle not allowing the rivals to equalise even once. The winners were ahead throughout the set. Power-packed smashes and spikes of Kerala’s Anu Jacob could not make any impact on the Railways. For Kerala, captain Mercy Antony, Sini Jacob and Vini Thomas played well, but all their efforts went waste. Although Kerala showed
some improvement in their performance in the second set,
Railways with their determination nullified the
host’s attempts. |
Ali
overpowers Bajender ANANDPUR SAHIB, April 12 — In one of the most thrilling bouts in the wrestling events, Mohammed Ali of Pakistan checked the tide and reversed the trend of play to win the top Rs 1 lakh prize and a silver mace in the Khasla Terecentenary International Sports Festival at the Charan Ganga Stadium here this evening. Pitted against Bajender Singh of Haryana, the Pakistani wrestler found the going tough against Bajender who showed marvellous agility. Both wrestlers, however, wasted no time and went after each other right from the word go. Initially, Bajender held the upper hand and at one stage it looked he might pile up enough points to win the bout. Both wrestlers were extremely fit and grappled with fast and quick reflexes. With trend against Mohammed Ali, the Pakistani wrestler in a do-or-die attempt suddenly and swiftly had Bajender Singh in the grip, though the Haryana wrestler tried his best to wriggle out of the situation, he failed as Mohammed Ali pinned him flat on the mat, thus winning the bout by fall. For his effort, Mohammed Ali won Bhai Himmat Singh Award. For the Bhai Daya Singh Award in open category Anuj Chodhary of UP got the better of Randhir Singh of Punjab to win the top Rs 1 lakh prize and a silver mace. Randhir Singh, a nephew of international wrestler Kartar Singh, tried his best to prevail upon Anuj but in the end the winner showed he was not only technically sound but superior in terms of strength. Being runner-up, Randhir was awarded Rs 50,000 while the third placed Mohammed Umer of Pakistan got Rs 30,000 and Sajjan Pal of Haryana Rs 20,000, being fourth. The issue was also decided in the Bhai Sahib Singh Award in the 54 kg category. In this Manoj Kumar of Haryana won the top prize of Rs 1 lakh and a silver mace while third placed Rakesh Kumar of Delhi got Rs 30,000 and Rajesh Sharma of Punjab Rs 20,000. The sports competition going on at the Charan Ganga Stadium is turning out to be a big draw as top personalities from various fields are witness to the fierce competition at the stadium. While Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal spend more than three hours yesterday here, today wrestler and film star Dara Singh and wrestling guru. Guru Hanuman, were present among the audience to watch and encourage the players. But the real guest of guests was none other than top journalist and "Malice towards none" columnist Khushwant Singh. Since when he started evincing interest in sports, we do not know though of course we knew he would occasionally play tennis at home in Delhi besides watching other beautiful things. Nonetheless, his presence was encouraging and lent grace to the occasion. The final stage has reached in the tug-of-war competition. Namdhari Club, Bhaini Sahib, and Khosa Randhir will decide tomorrow who will win the title. In the first semifinal today, Khosa Randhir defeated Haryana 2-1 while in the second Namdhari Club beat PSEB 2-0. The issue is still not decided in kabaddi and equestrian. Only preliminary matches are going on. Though for most of the day, wrestling, tug of war and kabaddi matches kept the people spell bound, in the evening it was the turn of horse riders who tried to demonstrate how much they understood the horse sense and what control they possessed over their animals. The galloping horses raised enough dust in the Charan Ganga Stadium as the riders sped past showing great skill with their spears, though not all proved dexterous. But witnessing them speeding against the backdrop of Naina Devi it was a great sight indeed and reminded one of the times when the great Guru probably trained his troops in the vicinity in martial arts. So the man and the horse occupied the mind of men and women of course as riders participants in the tent-pegging event. However, only
preliminary rounds were completed today. Tomorrow is the
last day of the sports competitions. |
Punjab colts lose by 3 wickets LUCKNOW, April 12 (UNI) — Apace XI, Lucknow, today defeated Punjab colts by three wickets to enter the semifinals of the 49th All-India Sheesh Mahal Cricket Tournament. In the quarterfinal match at the K.D. Singh Babu Stadium here, Apace XI won the toss and elected to field. Openers Manav Duper (50) and Ravneet Ricky (18) put up 65 runs for the first wicket. After the departure of Ravneet, Punjab lost two more quick wicket at 71 when UP Ranji player Satish Durai claimed Rakesh Saini caught behind for three and in the next ball Harman Harry was stumped for zero in the very first ball he faced. Manav was the seventh man out for 50 when he was bowled by Saurabh Shukla. He hit five boundaries in his 93-ball inning. Lakhbir Singh (41) and Hari Krishna (26 not out) added 54 runs for the eighth wicket before the former was caught and bowled by Satish Durai. His 41 included one six and two boundaries off 44 deliveries. Durai in his next ball removed Vikram when he was caught at over without opening his account. Ankur Sondhi was his last victim bowled for 4. Durai captured six wickets for 30 runs in 8.3 overs. Chasing a target of 180 runs for victory, Apace XI started their innings disastrously, losing two wickets for only 25 runs. Later, Rakesh Shukla (34) and Kamal Kant (52) added 39 runs for the fourth wicket before Rakesh was stumped off a delivery from Amit. He hit two boundaries in his 34. Kamal Kant, along with Satish Durai, added another 68 runs for the fifth wicket when the former was also stumped by wicket-keeper Ankur Sondhi off Tejender Singh. He hit one six and three boundaries in his 52 off 64 balls. Durai’s 29 consisted of two boundaries in 44 deliveries. In the closing stage, Arvind Singh (13 not out) hit three boundaries and added an unbeaten 21-run partnership with Mohd Ayub (7 not out) to give his team a three-wicket victory. Lakhbir Singh captured
four wickets for 21 runs while Tejender Singh and Amit
Kukreja shared one wicket each conceding 27 and 22 runs
respectively. |
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