Kotla set to host second Test

NEW DELHI, Feb 1 (PTI) — The pitch area damaged by Shiv Sena activists sports a transformed look and water-tight security has been marshalled for the second cricket Test between India and Pakistan to be held at the Ferozeshah Kotla here from February 4 to 8.

Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit visited the ground today to gain first-hand knowledge of the preparations and former India captain and cricket board’s pitch committee chairman, Kapil Dev, inspected the track that has been laid out for the match.

"The police is keeping a close watch and whatever minor hiccups are there will be ironed out," Mrs Dikshit said after being apprised of the steps taken by the authorities to ensure an incident-free Test.

She chaired an organising committee meeting at the Kotla attended among others by former India opener Chetan Chauhan, MP and Delhi Cricket Association (DDCA) patron.

Asked whether the Delhi authorities would be under greater pressure than Chennai because of the January 6 pitch digging, the Chief Minister said all steps had been taken to ensure everything went off smoothly.

"I hope the result will be reversed," she quipped when asked whether she expected the Delhi crowd to be as sporting as the Chennai spectators.

Kapil Dev, accompanied by his former team-mate Madan Lal, a selection committee member, had a close look at the pitch which was prepared afresh after the vandalising incident.

"My job is to see that the conditions are good enough for a Test," he said and declined to comment further.

The authorities are leaving no stone unturned with security measures despite Shiv Sena calling off its protest on January 21, the day Pakistan team arrived for the first full tour of India in 12 years.

But ironically the security steps have helped give a facelift to the Kotla ground which otherwise has a dilapidated look. The perimeter fences have been raised, various gallery blocks have been segregated for better crowd control with the identity of each person entering the venue checked.

Sub-Inspectors in plainclothes will also be deployed, apart from the uniformed personnel from Delhi Police and RAC, among the crowd.

Meanwhile, the Kotla pitch — the object of all attention in the turmoil leading to the start of the tour — is expected to turn out to be a 'slow turner' according to curator Radhey Shayam and former cricketers.

The pitch has no blade of grass and is a bit soft right now. "Because of the digging, whatever grass was there has gone. But it will bind and harden if there is good sunshine for the next two days," the curator said.

There are thin cracks on the surface which could lead to low bounce. The outfield looks lush green, drastically improved compared to the usual condition of the ground.

India's 12-run defeat against Pakistan has dampened the ticket sales a bit, but it is expected to pick up in the next two days, according to a DDCA official.

Pak cricket team cautioned

CHENNAI, Feb 1 (PTI) — The Pakistan cricket team has been cautioned by ICC match referee Cammie Smith to cut out the kind of excessive appealing it indulged in during its 12-run win against India in the first Test which ended here yesterday.

Skipper Wasim Akram and coach Javed Miandad were summoned by Smith who told them that needless appealing should be reduced to avoid any tension among the crowd and between members of the two teams.

Akram and Miandad were closeted with the official from West Indies for a while at the conclusion of the match.

Pakistan manager Shharyar Khan confirmed the meeting with the referee and said Smith wanted to ensure the second Test in Delhi was played in a sporting manner.

Smith advised Akram and Miandad that Pakistan players should not indulge in excessive appealing. "Such needle matches always brought tension on the crowd and the players," Mr Khan said.

"The match referee only advised Akram and Javed to maintain their cool as otherwise, things would have a magnifying effect", Mr Khan added.   

The Pakistan players kept appealing vociferously for everything and succeeded with their tactics when New Zealand umpire Steve Dunne made a horrendous decision by adjudging Saurav Ganguly caught behind.

Pakistan wicketkeeper Moin Khan had actually caught the ball which bounced after hitting Azhar Mahmood at silly point. Ganguly was pointing out that the ball had bounced and it was confirmed by television replays.

Late in the evening with India closing in on their target, Akram was seen arguing with umpire V.K. Ramaswamy, who no-balled the bowler as he over-stepped time and again striving for extra pace.

Hoogovens title for Kasparov

WIJK AAN ZEE (Netherlands), Feb 1 (PTI) — Garry Kasparov of Russia made a triumphant comeback to tournament play when he annexed the 61st Hoogovens Grandmasters title after drawing his final game against Vladimir Kramnik here last night.

India’s Viswanathan Anand scored a spectacular win over dangerous Vasselin Topalov of Bulgaria to finish with 9.5 points, a close-second behind Kasparov (10) and remained unbeaten throughout the tournament.

Even though Anand realised that the top prize was out of his grasp, he played an interesting game against the Bulgarian and won in 41-moves from a sicilian. The Indian also won the spectator’s best game award for his fine board-play.

Before the start of the final round, Anand had a theoretical chance of tying of the top spot with Kasparov. Anand had to win and Kasparov had to lose for the tie.

But Kasparov drawing his game put paid to the outside chances Anand had of catching up with the Russian and the world number one notched up his sixth win of the 14-man category-17 tournament.

Kasparov finished with 10 points from 13 rounds, while Anand, who at one stage had fallen back by 1.5 points, was just half a point behind in the end.

An interesting observation in the tournament was that Kasparov had seven games with white and Anand only six - an unfair advantage that helped Kasparov to edge past Anand.

Kramnik of Russia finished third at eight points, clear 1.5 points behind Anand.

In terms of wins, Kasparov registered eight and Anand had six and the Dutch Jan Timman was next best at five. But Anand and Kramnik were the only players to finish with no losses.

As if to prove a point, Anand had prepared the line at home, but was a little puzzled on board. He missed a good 16th move where he played KB1, but Topalov failed to take advantage and even though Anand sacrificed a pawn, the Bulgarian failed to chase an intruding white rook from the seventh rank. Then Topalov went from bad to worse and made a losing move 34th BD3, and Anand emerged with a win.

Kasparov took the 28-move draw from Kramnik from a meran variation. The game did not seem to be going either way as Kasparov had clearly readied himself to take the title and had a draw in sight from the start.

Local hero Timman scored a fine and technically flawless win over Alex Yermolinsky (US), who appeared to be baffled by white’s uncommon 5th — QxD4 move in the sicilian. Yermolinsky missed some more chances of making a fight of it and lost just before the first time control.

Rest of the games were drawn. Bosnia’s Ivan Sokolov drew with Dmitri Reinderman (Netherlands) in 47 moves from kings Indian while Alexei Shirov (Spain) and Vassily Ivanchuk (Ukraine) split the point after 45 moves from a sicilian dragon.

In a similar sicilian dragon game Russia’s Peter Svidler and Loek Van Wely (Neitherlands) drew and shared the point, and on the other board Rustam Kasimdhzanov drew with Jeroen Piket.

Final standings:

1. Garry Kasparov (Russia) -10; 2. Vishwanathan Anand (India) -9.5; 3. Vladimir Kramnik (Rus) -8; 4. Ivan Sokolov (Bosnia) -7; 5. Jeroen Piket (Netherlands) -7; 6. Alexei Shirov (Spain) -7; 7. Jan Timman (Ned) -7; 8. Vassily Ivanchuk (Ukraine) -6.5; 9/ Peter Svidler (Rus) -6.5; 10. Vasselin Topalov (Bulgaria) -6; 11. Rustam Kasimdhzanov (Uzbekistan) -5; 12. Loek Van Wely (Ned) -4.5; 13. Alex Yermolinsky (USA) -4; 14. Dmitri Reinderman (Ned) -3.

Negative approach led to defeat: Azhar

CHENNAI, Feb 1 (PTI) — Skipper Mohammed Azharuddin said his team got a bit negative in their approach yesterday which led to loss of two quick wickets, but praised Sachin Tendulkar for his stupendous 136 which helped India almost pull off victory against Pakistan in the first Test.

"We got a little bit negative when we started in the morning and lost two quick wickets," Azhar said adding that superb batting by both Tendulkar and Mongia took India to the brink of a famous win before Pakistan pulled off the test by 12 runs.

"But we lost two wickets (Tendulkar and Mongia) which cost the match," he said.

However, I would like to congratulate the Pakistan team. They played well, the Indian captain said.

"Sachin batted brilliantly. We can’t ask for more than what he did. Hopefully he would come out in flying colours in the second match also," Azhar said of Tendulkar’s effort which lifted India, chasing 271 for victory, from 82 for five to within 17 runs of the target before the hosts caved in.

Pakistan captain Wasim Akram felt it was one of the closest matches of his career but said it was expected to go down to the wire as matches between India and Pakistan have always been close affairs.

"It was the closest game after the match against India in Bangalore (in 1987). We always had close games against India.

Akram, who was in that touring party, said the match would do the young members of the Pakistan team a lot of good.

"It will definitely be a great education for them. I congratulate my team-mates for the win," he said.

Asked about India’s change in strategy after tea, Gaekwad said: "We thought we should go after the bowlers and so Tendulkar and Mongia did that. They almost pulled it off before both holed out going for big shots which turned the Test once again dramatically to give the visitors the upperhand again."

Pakistan skipper Wasim Akram described the victory as the greatest moment of his career.

"It is the greatest moment of my career. I would like to thank my team members. They played well with a positive approach and we were always hopeful."

Asked whether he gave up when India needed just 17 runs, Akram replied in the negative saying "we were positive and we knew we had to get Tendulkar’s wicket."

On Tendulkar’s knock, Akram said "Sachin is one of the best batsmen in the world today. He was positive and played well under trying circumstances. I’d like to thank him for the shot he played to end his innings," Akram said.

Comparing Tendulkar’s 136 to Gavaskar’s 96 in Bangalore 12 years ago, Akram said ‘it is a different era, different players. India and Pakistan games are always close. Still I must give credit to Gavaskar’s knock which was one of the best I have ever seen on a difficult track."

On off-spinner Saqlain Mushtaq, who returned a match haul of 10 for 187, he said, "I have been terming him as the best off-spinner in the world for the last two years."

"This victory will help us regroup as we lost the last series at home against Australia. Though 1-0 up, we will still go for a win in Delhi," he added.

Mr Shahryar Khan, the Pakistan manager, paid tributes to the sporting Chennai crowd. "It was a great win on Indian soil. I must give credit to the crowd at Chennai. They were passionate but fair an appreciative of the game."

The former Pakistan Foreign Secretary declined to comment whether the Test series, first since 1989, would help improve relations between the two countries.

"I am not here to speak on relations between the two countries. I am here only to see the matches are played in the right spirit," he added.

Waugh, Warne stake claims

SYDNEY, Feb 1 (AP) — Shane Warne is convinced his experience as stand-in Australian cricket captain has matured him. Steve Waugh, whose injury enabled Warne to take the helm temporarily, said it would be a dream come true if he became the new skipper.

Mark Taylor is expected to announce his retirement from Test duty at a Press conference tomorrow, despite pleas from the Australian Cricket Board for him to stay on as captain for at least the West Indies tour starting later this month.

With Taylor likely to ignore the pleas, one-day captain Waugh and his deputy Warne were unabashed in announcing their desire to take over the prime job in Australian sport as Test cricket captain.

"I think it’d be great, I think it’d be the greatest honour for any cricketer," Waugh, the favoured candidate, said on Monday.

To be captain would be the ultimate thing, if I got it, it’d be tremendous. I’m ready to captain Australia if I get the opportunity, but that’s up to the selectors.

"It would be a dream come true certainly to be captain of Australia. Australia has the best tradition in cricket of any county in the world and to be captain of that team, it doesn’t get any better than that."

With 33-year-old Waugh injured for all but two games of the one-day series this season, Warne has stepped in admirably as skipper, leading Australia to the finals and staking a solid claim for the job.

"I’m feeling more comfortable with it and I’m enjoying it, it makes me pull my head in a little bit and concentrate on batting and bowling and making a few changes," Warne said.

"You’ve got three or four guys who could do it. I think Ian Healy could do it, I think Mark Waugh could do it, I think Stevie could do it and if I had a chance I think I’d do ok, too".

"I think it’s one of the toughest jobs in Australia. Eight or nine months a year away from family, it’s such a hard thing to do. But I’m sure it’s one of the most enjoyable too."

Former captain Ian Chappell, closer in personality and style to the flamboyant Warne than the serious Waugh, had no hesitation in choosing the 29-year-old leg spinner.

"Shane Warne could be captain of both sides — the Tests and one dayers," Chappell also told Channel Nine television today.

"I saw him captain in the Super 8s for about five minutes and I thought this guy has the potential to be a terrific captain. He’s pro-active, he makes things happen and he has a very good cricket brain."

"He’s got common sense and he’s got a gambler’s instinct and that’s what I like about Shane Warne as a captain"

Warne and Steve’s brother Mark Waugh were fined for their involvement with an Indian bookmaker in a case that only came to prominence late last year. At the time, commentators suggested the scandal would end any chances Warne had of being named captain.

Whoever takes over when the squad for the West Indian tour is named within the week will fill big shoes.

In his 104-Test career, Taylor has led Australia to unprecedented triumphs and dragged himself out of the depths of one of world cricket’s worst form slumps.

Last October, he equalled Donald Bradman’s Australian Test record score with his 334 not out against Pakistan a little more than a year after failing to reach 50 in 21 innings.

He has led Australia to three Ashes series victories, a series win in the West Indies for the first time in 23 years and Australia’s inaugural series win in Pakistan in 39 years.

Defeat hurts, says Leander

CALCUTTA, Feb 1 (PTI) — India’s tennis ace Leander Paes yesterday said that he and Mahesh Bhupathi were ‘hurt’ by the narrow five-set loss in the Australian Open doubles final against Swede Jonas Bjorkman and Aussie Pat Rafter at Melbourne yesterday.

"We came so close to winning our first Grand Slam. The loss really hurts", Paes told newspersons at a Press conference here.

While lauding the fifth-seeded pair of Rafter and Bjorkman for playing ‘very well’ in the final set, the country’s leading tennis star said he felt ‘dejected’ for losing his service in the crucial tenth game of the decider.

Paes said both he and Bhupathi carried injuries into the tournament. "I had stomach and shoulder injuries, while Bhupathi had a shoulder problem".

Bhupathi, who was also present at the Press meet, said the going would be very tough for the duo in the coming days, unless they managed to fully get over their injury problems.

Paes said the first few rounds were ‘tough’, with their opponents Doug Flach and Mark Merklein letting ‘us off the hook’ in the second round.

"We desperately wanted to overcome the semifinal hurdle, as we had lost at that stage in Grand Slam tournaments thrice in the past. So, in a sense, we have moved a step forward this time," he said.

Asked whether they would have preferred to take on the Aussie pair of Mark Woodforde and Todd Woodbridge in the final, Paes said "We take one step at a time. So it does not matter whether we play the Woodies or Rafter-Bjorkman.’’

On the pair’s prospects at the coming French Open, Bhupathi said having done so well at the Australian Open, they were eagerly looking forward to playing at Roland Garros. "Clay has been one of our best surfaces. So, we are optimistic," he said.

Paes, who along with Bhupathi would take part in the ATP tour challenger tennis tournament beginning here today, said they had a ‘good’ schedule ahead of them in the run up to the French Open, which would keep them in fine fettle for the major event.

Asked to comment on his preparations in the singles, Paes, placed 91 in the ATP rankings, said "I have to focus a bit harder. My first task would be to get into peak performance and play as many tournaments as I can."

On whether the pressure of playing so many tournaments was wearing them out towards the end of the season, Paes said he and Bhupathi would henceforth concentrate on playing the supernines and the Grand Slams only.

Mahindras, Salgaocar split points

MUMBAI, Feb 1 (PTI) — A dubious late goal helped Mumbai’s Mahindra and Mahindra salvage a 1-1 draw against crack Goa outfit Salgaocar Sports Club in a group "B" National Football League match at the Cooperage Ground here today.

Substitute M. Shakil volleyed in the equaliser for Durand Cup champions Mahindras three minutes from the end following a deflection towards him in a crowded penalty area by teammate P.J. Jose, also a second half substitute, with his hand which went unnoticed by referee P.K. Bose.

Jose put his hand up and directed the ball towards Shakil off a diagonal throw-in by another substitute Naushad Moosa to help the local team share two points equally with Salgaocar who had beaten Mahindras 3-0 at home in their first leg tie.

Earlier, Salgaocar went in front in the last minute of the opening stanza when their African recruit William Inganga tapped in a rebound off the left post following a swerving free-kick taken by ex-India captain Bruno Coutinho from 20 yards out.

The draw boosted Salgaocar’s points tally to nine from six matches and placed them in third spot behind leaders East Bengal (13 from six) and second-placed F.C. Kochin (10 from six) in the pool.

Mahindras, with a lone win to their credit prior to today’s match, increased their tally to four from six ties and were tied on points with ITI, Bangalore, at the bottom of the six-team group.

Salgaocar had the better half of the first half scrimmages but the local team got into the picture in the second session and then fought well.

Salgaocar could have scored twice more in the first stanza before taking the lead but for lack of proper cohesion. Coutinho put forward a defence-splitting pass as early as the eighth minute only to see Nigerian Jude Odegah make a hash of it by failing to take a first-timer.

Then five minutes from the end of the session Idegah once again failed to be in proper position to receive the short cross from Venkatesh well inside the box.

It was Coutinho’s flamboyance which gave the Goans the lead in the last minute of the half. He swerved the free-kick, earned after he was fouled by a rival defender, past the defensive wall to hit the post and, luckily for the Goans, Inganga pounced on the rebound and slotted the ball in.

Mahindras came into the picture quite early in the second session. Andrew Louis’s cross from the right was cleared by Salgaocar’s stopper back Roque Pereira on the line after a nervous custodian Juje Siddi was drawn off his position.

The resultant corner kick by Satish Minz hit the far post, rebounded into play but Manjit Singh’s weak grounder was cleared off the line by Salgaocar defender Coven Lawrence.

Manjit then booted the ball over the bar from close in the 60th minute and Venkatesh followed suit at the other end, ten minutes later before Mahindras secured the equaliser in questionable circumstances.

CHENNAI: ITI, Bangalore, gave some anxious moments to Indian Bank before the latter managed to eke out a 2-2 draw in a group ‘B’ match of the National Football League here today.

As in the earlier away clash at Bangalore, which Indian Bank lost 1-0, ITI’s Kyrgystan recruits Liril Keker, Alexei Drobatov, and S Kalu Biem proved more than a handful for the local team.

At half-time the score was one-all.

The scorers were Liril Keker (34th minute) and Drobatov (55th) for ITI, while David Maria Gerald (44th) and Anton Silva (88th) for Indian Bank.

With this win, ITI has five points from six outings while Indian Bank seven points from an equal number of matches.

Indian Bank now takes on F.C. Kochin on Wednesday here while ITI clashes with Mahindras and Mahindras at Mumbai on February 5.

The bankmen had the better of the exchanges earlier. But with Kyrgystan recruits pressing hard, the bank’s defence crumbled. Thapa played a one-two with striker Liril Keker, who dodging past bank skipper Satyan, booted in to the left side of custodian Sebastian to bulge the net (1-0).

The reverse galvanized bank strikers Anton Silva, the Sri Lankan recruit, and Hamilton Bobby to Action. But they were thwarted by ITI’s strong defence ably manned by captain Sunil Kumar and Muralidharan. But at the stroke of lemon-time a melee inside the ITI citadel saw Bank’s R.Selva Kumar pass to unmarked David Maria Gerald near the goalmouth. Gerald calmly tapped in the ball gently past ITI goalie Balaji to restore parity.

Ten minutes into the second half, Dobratov got into action. Bheem Rao playing in tandem with Kalu Biem found Dobratov unmarked. Dobratov quickly latched on to the pass, got past the defence, and slammed in the second goal.

Dobratov and Keker launched several raids but could not control their shots. In the dying moments, ITI captain received a red card for "touching" the ball and Keker had to receive medical attention after colliding with a bankman.

Down to nine men, ITI fell back on defence, and Indian Bank, seizing the opportunity, struck through Anton Silva just before the hooter. Hardworking Selva Kumar’s pass found Silva and the latter quickly guided the ball goalwards for the equaliser.

Srinath, Fazaluddin bow out

CALCUTTA, Feb 1 (PTI) — India’s Syed Fazaluddin and Prahlad Srinath could make little impact against their stronger rivals to tumble out of the men’s singles first round of the ATP Tour Challenger Tennis Championship at the South Club here today.

While Israel’s Noam Behr prevailed over Fazaluddin with a facile 6-1, 6-4 victory, Peter Tramachchi of Australia had no difficulty in brushing aside Srinath with a 6-3, 6-2 verdict on a day which saw the Indian players fare poorly.

Fazaluddin, ranked 590 in the ATP, found the going tough against the much superior Israeli who displayed a controlled game to progress into the second round in a match which lasted nearly one hour and 15 minutes.

Behr wrapped up the first set 6-1 capitalising on a number of unforced errors but local boy Fazaluddin raised hopes of a spirited fightback by improving his game in the second set.

Fazaluddin managed to level the score 4-4 in the second set but failed to hold his serve and eventually conceded the set 4-6.

Srinath, the other Indian player to be seen in action on the opening day, could not counter the seventh seeded Peter Tramacchi who unsettled the Indian with his big serves and crisp volleys to wrap up the match in about one hour.

Rana wins gold

BANGALORE, Feb 1 (PTI) — Twenty-two-year old Jaspal Rana won the gold in his favourite centre fire pistol (25m) open men’s event logging 589 points but failed to equal his own national record by one point in the 42nd National Shooting Championship here today.

Rana (CISF) scored 294 in precision (48, 48, 50, 50, 48, 50). He scored three perfect 50’s in the series and went on to score 295 in duelling with another three perfect 50’s (50, 48, 49, 50, 50, 48).

He was one point short to equal the score of 590 which he had scored during the fourth National Games at the same venue and had logged the same at the recently-concluded Asian Games. Incidentally 590 also happens to be the world record.

"It was not a very good performance, two bad cards made the difference. Every one will have match pressure. 297 is my best score in precision and duelling 298", said Jaspal Rana.

Poonam Kumar (BSF) won the silver with the score of 575 (292+283). Vedprakash and G.D. Sharma of Army were tied for the bronze with the score of 574. In the "tie shootout" Vedprakash took an edge over Sharma scoring 142 while Sharma landed up with 138.

India clash with Lanka today
Tribune News Service

CHANDIGARH, Feb 1 (PTI) — India will clash with Sri Lanka in the opening match of the three-nation World Masters Cricket Tournament at the Punjab Cricket Association (PCA) Stadium at Mohali, near here, tomorrow.

In the 40-overs-a-side match, India will be led by Sandeep Patil and Sri Lanka by Duleep Mendis.

West Indies, the third nation in the tournament, take on India in their first match at Jalandhar on February 9.

The tournament is being organised as part of the Khalsa tercentenary celebrations.

Teams:
India: Sandeep Patil, Chandrakant Pandit, Roger Binny, Yashpal Sharma, Salil Ankola, Raghuram Bhatt, Madan Lal Sharma, Sanjeev Sharma, Ashok Malhotra, Suru Nayak, Raju Kulkarni, Kiran More.

Sri Lanka: Duleep Mendis, Lalit Kaluperuma, Asanka De Mel, Ashley De Silva, Don Anurasiri, Brendon Kuruppu, Madurusinghe, Asoka De Silva, Lanthra Fernando, Hemanth Devapriya, Mahesh Gunatilake, Flavion Aponsu, J.C. Gamage and Guy De Alwis.

Jhajjar eves lift soccer title
Tribune News Service

CHANDIGARH, Feb 1 — Jhajjar clinched the title defeating Karnal by 1-0 in the 3rd Haryana State Women Football championship which concluded at Bahadurgarh yesterday.

It was an evenly contested final in which the host Jhajjar team had the better of exchanges. The winning gold was scored by Sonika off a cross from the right winger Sunil in the 19th minute of the second half.

For the Hardline Cup the match was played between Gurgaon and Kurukshetra. Gurgaon dominated the game throughout the time. First goal was scored through a penalty kick taken by Surbhi in the first half and second goal was scored by Sangeeta in the second half.

Earlier, the first semifinal was played between Jhajjar and Gurgaon in which Jhajjar prevailed over Gurgaon by 1-0. The lone goal was scored in the first minute of the extra time by Sunil. The match was played at a fast pace and Gurgaon defence did not crack in the regular time because of some good covering by the defender Surbhi and good saves by Rajwanti although Jhajjar dominated the game most of the time.

The second semifinal between Karnal and Kurukshetra was a one-sided affair in which Karnal routed Kurukshetra by 7-0 goals. Renuka Dahiya of Karnal was the star striker of the tournament scoring four goals, including a hattrick. Poonam, Reena and Monika also scored one each goal for Karnal.

Mr Harsh Kumar, State Minister for Irrigation, Haryana distributed the prizes to the winners. He also announced a cash prize of Rs 5100 each for winner Jhajjar team and runners up Karnal.

Mr R.R. Jowel, Director, Sports, Haryana while addressing the participants said that the department would popularise football among women with the co-operation of Haryana State Football Association. He also announced that maximum sports facilities would be provided in the newly-constructed Hoshiar Singh Stadium of Bahadurgarh.

Central lift Polly Umrigar Trophy
From Our Sports Reporter

ROHTAK, Feb 1 — Central Zone bagged the Polly Umrigar Trophy beating the Rest of India by 16 runs at Vishwakarma Stadium here today.

Central Zone, who emerged winners of Vijay Hazare Trophy two days ago, elected to bat first after winning the toss today. Their openers made a disastrous start but their middle order batsmen batted well. Their skipper Prashant Malviya hit a half century (55). He was ably supported by Anshul Kapoor who was run out for 46. His innings was studded with 6 hits to the fence. Ashutosh scored 22 to raise the innings total to 184 in stipulated 46 overs. Left arm spinner Jagdish Patel bowled with economy and penetration to capture five wickets for 20 runs in six overs.

Chasing the victory target of 185, the rest of India lost their opener Sandeep for a duck to Sunil Upadhaya. Same bowler struck again in his next over to get rid of Vinit Indulkar, who also failed to open his account. Fortyeight runs partnership between Vikram Kumar and Deepak Chowgle gave some respectability to the team. Deepak hit 55 in 65 balls (7 boundaries) but the batsmen to follow failed to consolidate the position for the Rest of India. Only Deepak Joon (36) and Udai Karavadra (21) made some useful contributions but that was not enough. The Rest of India innings finally ended at 168 after 39.4 overs. Medium pacer Ankush Singh and Harjeet Singh struck thrice whereas Sunil Upadhya bagged 2 wickets for central zone.

PAP retain title
From Our Sports Reporter

JALANDHAR, Feb 1 — PAP Frontline steamrolled host Jalandhar in the men's final of the Senior Punjab Handball Championship which concluded at Labhu Ram Doaba Senior Secondary school today.

The PAP men, who led 13-12 at half time, carried too many guns for Jalandhar winning by 27-19 margin to retain the title. Satvinder Paul Singh 'Gora', Raghu Kumar Kulwinder and Jaskaran Kali were the best scorers from the winning side.

In women's section Jalandhar dominated throughout. They hardly faced any resistance right from the beginning. Led by Gurpreet Purewal, Ranjit Kaur and Kulwinder Kaur the Jalandhar forwards rose in unison to harass the crowded Amritsar defence to romp home unscathed 24-14.

Hari Om wins title

CHANDIGARH, Feb 1 (BOSR) — Hari Om Sharma of AG Allahabad won the North Zone (IA & AD) Chess Championship which concluded here today at the AG (Audit) Haryana, Sector 33. In the Individual category, Hari Om remained unbeaten with five points while Baij Nath Prasad of AG (Audit) Haryana finished runners up with four points.

Meanwhile, two teams, AG (A&E) Allahabad comprising Hari Om Sharma and Sujit Sinha, and AG (Audit) Haryana represented by Baij Nath & SK Gosain have been selected to represent North Zone in the All India Inter Zonal IA & AD Chess Championship to be held at Chandigarh from February 3.

Results at the end of the last round: Hari Om (5) by Gurpartap Singh (3); Baij Nath (4) b VP Gill (3); S.K. Sinha (3) b S.K. Gosain (2); Dayal Singh (3) b Ashok Kunar (0.5); S. Akhtar (1.5) b Virender Singh (1).

Trampoline meet at Surat

CHANDIGARH, Feb 1 (BOSR) — Trampoline Federation of India is organising the 7th National Trampoline Championship at Surat (Gujarat) on February 7 and 8, according to Mr D.S. Cheema, secretary of the federation.

A two-day National judges course will also be organised on February 5 and 6 which will be conducted under the supervision of Mr Horst Kunze, chairman, technical committee, of the International Trampoline Federation.

Kabaddi tourney

CHANDIGARH, Feb 1(TNS) — The third Prime Minister International Kabaddi Tournament will be held at Islamabad from March 19 to 23, according to Mr J.P. Sharma, secretary, Amateur Circle Kabaddi Federation of India. Besides India, Canada and England teams are likely to participate in the tournament.

The World Kabbadi Federation will hold its meeting in the first week of February at Chandigarh.

Rawat to lead

PATIALA, Feb 1 (FOSR) — P.S. Rawat will lead the Railways cricket team against Orissa in the Ranji Trophy super league match slated to be played at the local Diesel Component Works (DCW) here from February 6 to 9. Railways will play their second match at the same venue against Maharashtra from February 14 to 17.

The other members of the squad are: Yera Gaud (vice-captain), Asif Murtza, Sanjay Bangar, Saket Bhatia, Vishal Sharma, Devinder Singh, Zakaria Zuffri, Javed Zaman, Zakir Hussian, Murli Karthik, Kulami Parida, W.D. Balaji Rao, Suresh Kumar, Dharmendra Mishra and Abhey Sharma.

The coach will be Vinod Sharma and Mr Gopi Fatnani the manager.