The Tribune, Chandigarh, India

SPORTS

PAU Zone lifts cricket title
Our Sports Reporter

Ludhiana, August 24
Fine batting by Abhinav Bhatia (30 runs) and equally valuable contributions from Gurdeep and Vishwanath, who grabbed two wickets each, helped PAU Zone to thrash Ludhiana Zone II by seven wickets in the final of the Ludhiana inter-zonal cricket tournament (u-14) which concluded at Sacred Heart Senior Secondary School ground here last evening.

PAU Zone won the toss and put Ludhiana Zone II in to bat. Ludhiana Zone II batsmen failed to sustain against accurate bowling by PAU Zone bowlers as their innings folded at 67 runs in 19.1 overs. Amarjit scored 14 runs while Mankaran and Manjinder Singh made 10 and 8 runs, respectively.

For PAU Zone, Gurdeep and Vishwanath scalped three wickets each conceding 7 and 13 runs, respectively. Chirag claimed two wickets for 14 runs while Nikhil took one for 12.

PAU Zone made the required runs in 15 overs after losing three wickets. Abhinav Bhatia scored 30 runs while Sunny Pandey and Chirag contributed 14 and 7 runs, respectively.

Gurdeep, Vishwanath, Arjun and Sunny Pandey of PAU Zone impressed one and all with their excellent performance in this tournament. Gurdeep played three matches and captured 14 wickets, Vishwanath claimed 12 wickets in three matches while Arjun scored 77 runs in two matches and Sunny Pandey made 74 runs in three matches.

Shuttlers excel at international meet
Our Sports Reporter

Ludhiana, August 24
Local shuttlers, Pranav Chopra (Jerry) and Raj Kumar, have done the city proud. They gave a stupendous performance to help India advance into the quarterfinal of the World Youth Badminton Championship currently being held in Hanoi, Vietnam.

Trainees of the Ludhiana Badminton Academy being run here, the duo, while representing the nation in this prestigeous tournament, gave a stunning performance. According to a communique received by Anupam Kumaria, secretary of the academy, the lads won both their matches which enabled India to storm into the last eight stage.

In the first round (team event), India routed Hong Kong 3-0. In the first set, Pranav and Raj Kumar quelled a strong challenge from their opponents - Leechung and Ng Kailong to romp home 21-19. However, in the next set, the Indian pair came out triumphant without being challenged (21-10).

Earlier, in the singles’ encounter, Indian - Sai Praneet over came stiff resistence from Hong Kong player - Leechung whom he managed to scrape past 21-19, 21-16. In the third match, Pronny of India had to toil hard to outnumber Ng Kailong in three sets 21-12, 24-26 and 21-13.

In the second round, India beat Laos 2-0 which paved their way into the quarter final. Sai Praneet got the better of S. Sonpkone 21-6, 21-11 to help his side gain the lead. In the doubles’ match, Pranav and Raj Kumar edged out S. Sonpkone and Psothisan 21-11, 21-12 and guided their team to secure a berth in the last eight stage.