Tuesday, March 9, 1999
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S P O R T | Tuesday, March 9, 1999 |
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Pak-Lanka Test ends in a draw LAHORE, March 8 — After high-drama on the first three days, the Asian Test championship tie between Sri Lanka and Pakistan ended in a dour draw when rain and bad weather forced an early end to the fifth day’s play here today. Anand, Kramnik to vie for 2nd spot LINARES, March 8 — Garry Kasparov has clinched the city of Linares Chess title with his 12th round win here, leaving nearest rival Vladimir Kramnik and India’s Vishwanathan Anand to fight for the second spot.
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Giant-killers Gambill, Hewitt set up
title clash
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Last round Ranji ties from March 16 MUMBAI, March 8 — The crucial last round ties of the Ranji Trophy super league are to be played at six centres from March 13 to 16. Slater puts Aussies in command PORT OF SPAIN, March 8 — An exhilarating 106 from Michael Slater put Australia in a commanding position on the third day of the first Test against West Indies at Queens Park Oval. Indian team's selection on March 15 MUMBAI, March 8 — The Indian captain and team for the triangular limited overs series, commencing later this month, will be chosen here on March 15 by the national selectors, according to the Board of Control for Cricket in India. Taylor set to play last match SYDNEY, March 8 — Former Australian cricket captain Mark Taylor is set to play his final first-class cricket match this week, Australian media said today. SAFF football at Goa from April 22 CALCUTTA, March 8 — Defending champions India will meet Bangladesh in the inaugural match of the second South Asian Football Federation Championship beginning at Nehru Stadium in Margao, Goa, from April 22.
UT sportspersons honoured |
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Pak-Lanka Test ends in a draw LAHORE, March 8 (PTI) — After high-drama on the first three days, the Asian Test championship tie between Sri Lanka and Pakistan ended in a dour draw when rain and bad weather forced an early end to the fifth day’s play here today. Chasing a daunting target of 385 runs, Sri Lanka were 165 for two when rain and poor light forced the match to be called off soon after tea with Russel Arnold (57) and Marvan Atapattu (6) at the crease. Both Pakistan and Sri Lanka have already qualified for the final of the inaugural championship to be played in Dhaka from March 12 to 16. The islanders arrived here for the crucial tie with just four points to their credit and achieved the target of seven points to surpass India (10) during incident-filled first three days of the match. The Lankan bowlers claimed all four points by bowling out nine Pakistani batsmen within first 100 overs, but the way the hosts played, many an eyebrow was raised at Pakistan’s strategy of keeping India out of the final. Young Pakistan opener Wajahtullah Wasti, who struck tons in both the innings of the tie, was declared man-of-the-match. Wasti, who had a forgettable debut against India, seized the opportunity here in front of home crowd hitting 133 in the first essay and a flawless 121 not out in the second to liven up to the expectations of the selectors who named him in Pakistan’s preliminary World Cup squad. Skipper Wasim Akram also achieved a distinction by becoming the first Pakistani to claim hat-trick of wickets at the Test-level in Sri Lanka’s first innings. Akram, who took four for 30 from first innings, today claimed the wicket of Lankan vice-captain Mahela Jayawardene (50) to take his overall Test tally to 373 wickets, just three short of West Indies’ fearsome Malcolm Marshall (376). For the islanders, Russel Arnold was the top scorer with 123 in the first innings and 56 not out in the second. Left-hander Arnold has come out good after the Lankans struggled for a while with the opening pair following Sanath Jayasuriya’s withdrawal following surgery. Romesh Kaluwitharana hammered 100 in the first innings to give his team three comfortable batting points that helped them shut India out of the competition. The entire morning session was wasted as no play was possible due to damp pitch, Sri Lanka resumed at 60 without loss when umpires David Shepherd of England and Rudi Koertzen of South Africa decided to start play after lunch. The Islanders lost opener Aviska Gunawardene (37) when Shahid Nazir, who made his debut here, trapped the Lankan leg before the wicket. Young Jayawardene, who came here as deputy to skipper Hashan Tillekeratne after his memorable 242-run knock against India in Colombo, played gamely before becoming Wasim Akram’s 373rd victim. Jayawardene (50) edged an outswinger from Akram for wicketkeeper Moin Khan to complete an easy catch. Sri Lanka took tea at 157 for one, but after they lost Jayawardene, dark clouds again gathered and the umpires decided to call off the Test. Scoreboard |
Anand, Kramnik to vie for 2nd spot LINARES, March 8 (PTI) — Garry Kasparov has clinched the city of Linares Chess title with his 12th round win here, leaving nearest rival Vladimir Kramnik and India’s Vishwanathan Anand to fight for the second spot. With two rounds to go, Kasparov, on 9.5 points after his win over Michael Adams yesterday, is beyond the reach of Kramnik (7 points), who drew his 12th round game with Anand (6.5). This will be Kasparov’s second title in as many months, having won at Wijk Aan Zee last month, and his fifth here, after wins in 1990, 1992, 1993 and 1997. In 1998, the title was won by Anand in Kasparov’s absence. Playing white, Kasparov found himself in trouble and a pawn down in the middle game after a series of exchanges in the marshall attack in Spanish opening. But the game took new turns as the champion, unbeaten so far in the tournament, displayed tremendous on-board innovations. The game entered sudden death after the second time control and 60 moves and gradually tilted in favour of Kasparov. Though at one stage it looked as if Adams would hang on for a draw, Kasparov pulled through for a win in 65 moves. Kramnik played the Petroff defence against Anand in a game in which neither wanted to take chances. With the queens off the board after early sparring which yielded nothing, the two players were happy to draw after 21 moves. Anand plays with black pieces in his last two rounds against Peter Svidler and Adams, while Kramnik plays Adams in the next round with black and Peter Leko in the final round with white. Vassily Ivanchuk and Leko played out a very quick draw in 13 moves from a Ruy Lopez much to the disappointment of all. Veselin Topalov finally scored a win in the 12th round, beating Svidler. The Bulgarian had black in the Yugoslav variation of sicilian defence, and won in 36 moves. In the next round, Kasparov plays black with Leko and Topalov has white against Ivanchuk. Results: Ivancnuk (Ukr
4.5) drew with Leko (Hun 5.5) Kasparov (Rus 9.5) beat
Adams (Eng 5) Anand (Ind 6.5) drew with Kramnik (Rus 7)
Svidler (Rus 4.5) lost to Topalov (Bul 5.5). |
Furore over Sarfaraz's remarks LAHORE, March 8 (PTI) — Pakistan cricket, already neck-deep in the match-fixing and betting scandal, plunged further into the quagmire after outbursts by former Test star Sarfaraz Nawaz accusing Indian batting legend Sunil Gavaskar and former Pakistan skipper Asif Iqbal of starting the whole thing by calling them the original "Mr Fixers". Sarfaraz Nawaz, known for his periodic outbursts against the cricket set-up in Pakistan, set off a furore when he was being interviewed by Tony Greig on television and even hinted Pakistan deliberately allowed Sri Lanka to make it to the Asian Test Championship final ousting India in the process. He said the ongoing betting and match-fixing enquiry should begin with Gavaskar and Iqbal who he alleged had started off the whole thing during the India-Pakistan Test match at Mumbai way back in 1979-80. An angry Gavaskar, doing commentary on the fourth day of the Sri Lanka-Pakistan Asian series Test, castigated Sarfaraz Nawaz for levelling reckless charges against world’s top cricketers without any proof. The former Pakistan bowler’s outbursts led to Pakistan Cricket Board Chairman Khalid Mahmood immediately summoning him to discuss the issue which has come at a time when the Indo-Pak cricketing relations have just been revived. But an adamant Sarfaraz repeated the allegations before the Pakistani media and was quoted as saying, "the world calls them (Gavaskar and Iqbal) Mr Fixers", and dared the former Indian opener to "move court against me". Immediately after the comments by Sarfaraz Nawaz and reaction by Gavaskar went on the air there was hectic activity in the Pakistani cricket set up as a number of people called up Mahmood to inform him about the new controversy. Khalid Mahmood, according to reports, contacted Sarfaraz on his mobile phone and asked him to immediately see him in his office. "He (Mahmood) wanted to know what exactly happened as he received a number of calls from several people", Nawaz told reporters later. "I told him I said in the interview whatever I used to say about these two cricketers (Gavaskar and Asif)". In his interview the former paceman who has had a running feud with ex-Pakistan captain Imran Khan alleged that "betting and match-fixing inquiry should start from Asif Iqbal and Sunil Gavaskar, who agreed to play on a wet pitch at Bombay (1979-80) when even the players suggested not to start the match", he said. Sarfaraz later told Pakistani newsmen that hue and cry is raised only with regard to the allegations against Pakistani players. Sarfaraz claimed he could prove Gavaskar and Asif Iqbal fixed the Bombay test saying, "I will produce the bookie who had paid them". "I believe such people need to be brought to justice", Sarfaraz was quoted as saying as he added, "match-fixers have to be hanged publicly. It is a treason case and penalty for treason is death. Nothing else". He described Sharjah as a "den of gamblers" and claimed both Abdur Rehman Bukhatir (main organiser of the Sharjah tournaments) and Asif Iqbal (a key organiser of Sharjah cricket) stage tournaments there "to fix matches". The people in the know of Pakistan cricket politics here are used to Nawaz’s outbursts, against Iqbal in particular, as the former fast bowler has had serious differences with Iqbal during his playing days. But what was surprising was his outburst after he was recently taken on the pay-roll of the PCB as coach for the upcoming fast bowlers. The Pakistani media was critical of Sarfaraz Nawaz for raising a controversy against Gavaskar on a day when the former Indian great had defended Pakistan in his syndicated columns in Indian newspapers against charges that Pakistan had let Sri Lanka make the final at India’s cost. Pakistani cricket is already embroiled in a match-fixing and betting scandal and a judicial commission is probing the charges with skipper Wasim Akram, Salim Malik and Ijaz Ahmed among those named. The enquiry is in the
final stage and its report is expected any day. |
Giant-killers Gambill, Hewitt set up title clash SCOTTSDALE, (USA) March 8 (AP) — Two rising stars Jan Michael Gambill and Lleyton Hewitt who had shocked the biggest names in tennis earlier at the tournament, won semifinal matches on Saturday to reach the finals of the Franklin Templeton Tennis Classic. Gambill dethroned Andre Agassi, the defending champion, when injury forced Agassi to retire. Earlier, 18-year-old Lleyton Hewitt beat Mark Woodforde 6-2, 6-2 to reach the third final of his 14-month career. At 21, Gambill is the youngest American ranked in the top 100 (No. 45). He and Hewitt will form the youngest final pair on the ATP tour this year. Hewitt had upset Patrick Rafter, the fifth-ranked player in the world, on Wednesday. Gambill had upset Pete Sampras, the world’s top player, on Thursday, and was leading Agassi 5-4 when he retired because of a right hamstring strain. "Technically it’s true, but in my mind a win is when you have match point and you win the point and it’s over,’’ said Gambill, who idolised Agassi and Steffi Graf while he was growing up in Spokane, Washington. "I would never have wished this on Andre.’’ Agassi hurt himself in the seventh game when he tried to flag down a backhand volley. Then, with a 15-40 lead, he went after a serve and aggravated the injury. He managed to break Gambill’s service to take a 4-3 lead, but Gambill broke right back and served the last two of his seven aces while winning the next game against Agassi, who was obviously ailing. Agassi is the only multiple winner of the Scottsdale ATP tour with titles in 1993, 1994 and 1998. Tournament orthopaedic Angelo Mattalino called the strain mild and said Agassi might be able to play in the Champions Cup at Indian Wells, California, this week. Gambill has never won an ATP tournament, while Hewitt earned his first title last year in his hometown of Adelaide at the age of 16 years, 10 months. "It was actually a tough match against Mark, and he's a smart player", said Hewitt, Ranked 91st in the world. "I tried to play a very smart game today. I was trying to move it around a lot. I didn't want him to get into any kind of rhythm." COPENHAGEN: Magnus Gustafsson defended his singles title in the Copenhagen open, beating Fabrice Santoro 6-4, 6-1 in yesterday’s championship match. I got two early service breaks and that helped,’’ said Gustafsson, one of the heroes on last year’s Swedish Davis Cup team. "I served well and I’m also happy with my forehand. Even my tactics worked. That’s usually one of my weaknesses.’’ After helping Sweden win its third Davis Cup title in three years last December, Gustafsson underwent surgery later that month which forced him to miss the Australian Open in January. When I came here I thought winning two matches would be a big bonus,’’ he said. I was lucky in the first two matches, then I started playing better and better. In my last two matches here I played as well as I did last year.’’ Gustafsson also won the semifinal in straight sets, dropping only four games to second-seed Byron Black of Zimbabwe. Santoro, seeded fourth in the indoor tournament, played his second ATP final. He won the Marseille Open in his native France in early February. Davenport out INDIAN WELLS (CALIFORNIA) (DPA): Recently dethroned world number 1 Lindsay Davenport crashed out of the $ 1.3-million Evert Cup yesterday as fellow American Serena Williams continued her red-hot run of form. Davenport, seeded second and a losing finalist last year to Martina Hingis, was sent packing 6-4, 6-2 in the second round by the unseeded world number 21, winner of her first title a week ago. "I couldn’t play my best tennis when I had to,’’ said Davenport. "I haven’t had the ideal preparation. You get tough draws and have to be ready from round one. I wasn’t ready to play today. I’m disappointed because I’ve always played well here," said the 1997 champion, who lost her number 1 status to Martin Hingis. "but there will be other times, I’ll be back." "It was a great win,’’ said the American teenager. "I didn’t make very many mistakes, I’m very excited. Winning that first tournament meant a lot to me, I look forward to winning more." Two-time champion Steffi Graf, the fifth seed whose poor fitness was a factor here last year as she reached the semifinals only to lose to Davenport, had no such problems as she crushed Czech Kvetoslava Hrdlickova for a 6-1, 6-2 win. The 29-year-old improved her career record here to 14 wins and a single loss. Graf took only 52 minutes in dismissing the world number 61. "I’ve always relied on my baseline game," said the German tennis icon. "I’m still working on trying to play a little more around the net, where I can have an easier time of putting points away." In other results, Ai
Sugiyama of Japan beat American Lisa Raymond 7-6 (8-6),
7-5, Brie Rippner of the USA Stopped German Barbara
Rittner 6-4, 6-4, while Italy’s Rita Grande beat
American Lilia Osterloh. |
Malik hurt over expulsion LAHORE, March 8 (AFP) — Veteran Pakistani batsman Salim Malik yesterday said his omission from the World Cup squad was the most disappointing news of his life. "I feel really disappointed. I can say this is the most disappointing news for me. I wished to play the 1999 World Cup and then announce my retirement," the former Pakistani captain said. Malik, along with opener Aamir Sohail, was left out of the 19 probables for the May 14 to June 20 tournament in England. Pakistani selectors opted for young players and discarded Malik on current form. I can’t understand the reason for my expulsion," Malik said. Malik, who had a successful stint for English county side Essex, began his career in 1980-81 and played in the 1983, 1987, 1992, and 1996 World Cup tournaments. His aggregate in 276 one-day internationals is 7,053 runs at 33.11, with five centuries and 46 half centuries. "I did not play badly in India, but if they are bent on dropping me I can never get their nod," he said. Malik’s expulsion from the 1999 World Cup will leave Sri Lankan Arjuna Ranatunga as the longest surviving player in international cricket. "I have enough cricket left in me but I had decided to say goodbye after playing the World Cup," Malik said.
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Last round Ranji ties from March 16 MUMBAI, March 8 (PTI) — The crucial last round ties of the Ranji Trophy super league are to be played at six centres from March 13 to 16. Last year’s champions Karnataka have already advanced to the knock-out round, commencing on March 30, after topping group "C" with 29 points. The feat doubly ensured Karnataka’s direct entry into the semi-finals, which they were assured of by virtue of being the holders, while a keen fight is on the cards for the other five spots in the knock-out round. Hyderabad are poised to enter the next stage from group "A". Only a shock defeat against Baroda, who have little to play for except pride, and Punjab earning first innings points against Bengal in Calcutta to force a triple tie on points can stop them. Hyderabad have 16 points with Punjab on 11 and Bengal on 13. In group "B", Tamil Nadu and Delhi jointly lead the table with 16 points each while Maharashtra, with 15 points, are close behind in the race to clinch one of the two berths. Delhi only need to take a first innings lead against Orissa (8 points) in their last league match at Cuttack to go through while the match at Pune between hosts Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu would decide the other qualifier from this group. The fifth team, Railways, have been knocked out of the race with a final tally of nine points. In group "C", the race for the second qualifier behind champions Karnataka is between Madhya Pradesh (14 points) and Haryana (8 points), who meet at Rajnandgaon. MP need only a draw to go through while the other two teams in the group, Bihar and Saurashtra, are out of reckoning for the second berth even before their clash at Jamshedpur. Besides Karnataka, the team with the second-highest points tally in the league would gain direct entry into the semi-finals while the other four teams meet in the quarter-finals to be held simultaneously from March 30 to April 3. The semi-finals are to be held from April 9 to 13 and the final will be held from April 19 to 23.
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Slater puts Aussies in command PORT OF SPAIN, March 8 (Reuters) — An exhilarating 106 from Michael Slater put Australia in a commanding position on the third day of the first Test against West Indies at Queens Park Oval. Opener Slater’s fourth hundred in his last six Tests dominated Australia’s second innings yesterday which reached 227 for seven at close — an overall lead of 329 with two days left on a slow pitch which is increasingly keeping low. Two rain breaks and the slow West Indian over rate forced play to be extended by almost an hour. Eleven overs remained when bad light stopped play. Slater’s superb effort eventually ended when he was stumped swinging wildly at a delivery from occasional left-arm spinner Jimmy Adams. The innings lasted 15 minutes short of five hours consumed 205 balls and included 12 fours. His 12th hundred in his 46th Test was his first score of any real note in five matches against West Indies. His previous best was 41 in Antigua on the 1995 tour. The milestone came with a rush. He hit Courtney Walsh for three boundaries in four balls to race from 88 to 100. Each were spectacular shots as he pulled, drove over mid-off and then pulled again. The innings continued Slater’s strong showing since his recall to the Test side in India a year ago. The uncertain nature of the pitch and defensive fields set by West Indian captain Brian Lara forced the aggressive and spontaneous Slater into periods of diligent defence. However, he ran smartly between the wickets and played some wonderful cuts pulls and drives. Slater’s opening partner Matthew Elliott failed to score. Tied down by accurate bowling, the left hander slashed at a wide ball from Walsh and was caught by Dave Joseph at second slip. Justin Langer scored 24, then played a similar shot to Elliott, edging a ball from Mervyn Dillon to wicketkeeper Ridley Jacobs. Slater and Mark Waugh had the best partnership of the innings — 81 for the third wicket — that ended when Waugh was leg before to Curtly Ambrose for 33. Captain Steve Waugh was caught behind off a thin edge without scoring but Slater and Greg Blewett put on 66 for the fifth wicket. Once Slater departed, Ian Healy went just five balls later leg before to Walsh without scoring and just before the close Blewett was stumped for 28 charging at Adams. When West Indies resumed in the morning at 167 for nine, it took just one over to end their first innings without addition to the overnight score. Glenn McGrath bowled Dillon with the sixth ball of the morning to finish with five for 50, his 12th haul of five wickets in a Test innings. Australia (1st innings): 269 (Greg Blewett 58 Courtney Walsh 3 for 60, Curtly Ambrose three for 35) West Indies (1st
innings): |
Indian team's selection on March 15 MUMBAI, March 8 (PTI) — The Indian captain and team for the triangular limited overs series, commencing later this month, will be chosen here on March 15 by the national selectors, according to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). Mohammed Azharuddin had been appointed skipper only till the end of the ongoing Asian Test series in which Pakistan and Sri Lanka have made it to the final at Dhaka to be played from March 12 to 16. The limited overs tri-series, scheduled to end on April 4 with the day-night final at Bangalore, features hosts India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka and starts off with the round-robin clash between the two visiting teams at Jamshedpur on March 19. The teams play each other on a double-leg basis to decide the finalists. India's opening clash will be against Sri Lanka at Nagpur on March 22. The other round-robin matches featuring the home team are to be held at Jaipur on March 24 (vs Pakistan), Pune on March 30 (vs Lanka) and Mohali on April 1 (vs Pakistan). Sri Lanka will take on
Pakistan in their second leg clash at Visakhapatnam on
March 27. |
Taylor set to play last match SYDNEY, March 8 (Reuters) — Former Australian cricket captain Mark Taylor is set to play his final first-class cricket match this week, Australian media said today. Taylor, 34, announced his retirement from Test cricket on February 2, saying his heart was no longer in the game. His departure from all forms of cricket now appears certain, with his New South Wales state side due to play its last four-day Sheffield Shield match of the season against Tasmania in Hobert from Thursday. "I think I am probably edging towards finishing at the end of the season at this stage," Taylor was quoted as saying in the Australian media. Taylor’s comments were made yesterday at a gloomy Sydney cricket ground, scene of some of his greatest triumphs but where New South Wales drew their shield match against South Australia after heavy rain. The match against Tasmania will be his 100th for his state. It will carry added resonance because it was in Hobart that Taylor made his first class debut for New South Wales on a cold and windy day in November 1985. "A lot of things have happened since then, have not they?" he said. Taylor this year led Australia to a record sixth successive Ashes victory over England and broke the world record for Test catches (157). He made his test debut in 1989 against the West Indies, where new captain Steve Waugh is now leading the Australians in the first Test. Taylor played 104 Tests, scoring 7,525 runs at an average of 43.50. His Test total is the second highest by an Australian and he led his country in 50 tests, for 26 wins, 11 draws and 13 losses. The defining moment of his career came in October last against Pakistan in Peshawar, when he equalled Don Bradman’s 334 for the highest score by an Australian in Test cricket. The Shield match in Hobart
will also see the retirement from first-class cricket of
David Boon, another Australian stalwart who retired from
Test cricket in 1995 after 107 Tests with a batting
average of 43. |
SAFF football at Goa from April 22 CALCUTTA, March 8 (UNI) — Defending champions India will meet Bangladesh in the inaugural match of the second South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) Championship beginning at Nehru Stadium in Margao, Goa, from April 22. Releasing the format and the schedule of the 11-day tournament here today, SAFF president P.P. Lakshmanan told reporters that in all 10 matches would be played which would be telecast live by Doordarshan. The final is slated for May 1. Besides India and Bangladesh, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka would vie for the title. The first edition of the biennial tournament was held in Kathmandu in 1997. The six teams have been divided into two groups with India, Pakistan and Bangladesh clubbed in group "A". The teams will play each other in a group once with the best two teams of each group proceeding to the semifinals slated for April 29. A total prize money of Rs 42.50 lakh will be up for grabs with the winners assured of Rs 21.25 lakh. Speaking on the occasion, SAFF general secretary JSN Anandarajah claimed that the SAFF tournament had emerged as a leading event among the countries of the south Asian region on the lines of the Tiger Cup of South East Asia, the Gulf Cup of the Arabian Gulf and the Dynasty Cup of the East Asia. The following is
the schedule:- |
UT
sportspersons honoured CHANDIGARH, March 8 — IN recognition of their achievements in different disciplines, Chandigarh Sports Council gave cash awards to sportspersons who brought glory to the city in various national and international meets during the year 1997-98. Apart from this, the players of UT won a rich haul of 27 medals in the recently-concluded National Games at Manipur were also honoured at the Lake Club, this morning. Lt Gen (Retd) BKN Chhibber, Administrator, UT Chandigarh, was the chief guest and gave cash prizes to the sportspersons. He applauded the efforts of the players and hoped that the Chandigarh sportspersons would bring more glory in the future. The medal winners of the Manipur National Games got the cash prize ranging from Rs 1000 to Rs 5000. Rowing players got the maximum applause as they secured eight gold medals, six silver and two bronze medals. The medal winners include: Rowing — Nardev Singh, Tejinder Singh, Dalip Kumar, Dalal Khan, Roop Chand, Jatinder Kumar, Ganesh Kumar Soumya (all gold); Rajeshwari, Babita Sharma, Ranjna, Ranuka Sarkar, Reena Biwswas, Manjula (all silver); A. Saleema, Meera Devi (all bronze); Wrestling — Surjit Mann (Gold), Parvesh Dutt & Raj Singh (Silver); kayaking & canoeing-Jarnail Singh (bronze); Boxing HS Saini (bronze) ; Judo-Yash Pal Solanki, Parshant Verma, Babita Negi (gold) Mukesh, Rashmi and Ravinderdeep Kaur (all bronze). The coaches honoured were Rajeev Sharma (rowing), Darshan Lal (wrestling) and Kuldeep Singh (boxing). The UT sportspersons were also given cash prizes ranging from Rs 500 to Rs 10000. Babita Negi and Parshant Verma of judo got the highest cash prize of Rs 10000 each for their outstanding feats in Commonwealth judo championship held at Edinburgh (Scotland). The 20 sports disciplines whose players were honoured were: Athletics (seven), Badminton (four), baseball (fifteen), basketball (one), boxing (three), cricket, cycling (five), fencing (seven), football (two), hockey (thirty), judo (twelve), kabaddi (two), tennis (four), weightlifting (seven) shooting (four), rowing (eleven), cycling (twelve), softball (eleven), wrestling (fifteen), yoga (eight). The coaches of few games were also given cash prizes. Interestingly, baseball,
which if not a recognised sport at the national level,
had a long list of 15 players who were honoured. |
Kunjarani, Pandiyan excluded NEW DELHI March 8 (PTI) — Top woman lifter N Kunjarani Devi and male Commonwealth Games gold medallists Sateesha Rai and Arumugham K Pandiyan are notable omissions from the 10-member Indian team selected to take part in the Commonwealth Weightlifting Championship to be held at Melbourne from March 26 to 28. Railways ironmen T Muthu and T M Sundareswaran (56 kg) and Dalbir Singh (police - plus 105 kg) alongwith seven women, Sanamacha Chanu (pol - 48 kg), Nandini Devi (pol - 53 kg), Krishnakuma (AP - 58 kg), K Malleswari (FCI - 63 kg), Neelam Sethu Lakshmi (pol - 69 kg), Romi Devi (pol - 75 kg) and Bharti Singh (pol - plus 75 kg) are those chosen. The team has been forwarded to the Sports Ministry for clearance. The Weightlifting Federation of India finalised the team at Imphal on February 23 immediately after the National Games competition. A camp which began at NIS, Patiala, on February 26 will continue till the team leaves for Australia. Former world champion Kunjarani Devi (48 kg), who was pushed to silver standard by her Manipur statemate Sanamacha Chanu at Imphal last month, and Khoni Devi (Mani - 69 kg) who won silver behind Lakshmi in the Manipur capital have been named reserves. Chanu had suffered
injuries immediately after the National Games when a car
in which she was travelling, collided with a truck and
her training was disrupted, according to WFI sources. |
Maharashtra win cricket trophy CHANDIGARH, March 8 — The 6th All India Oriental Bank of Commerce sports meet concluded here last evening with Maharashtra clinching the cricket trophy by surprising the fancied Northern Region by one wicket. I n chess Ravi Malhotra of Delhi came the champion followed by Rajbir Singh of Gujarat and third place went to AK Paliwal of Rajasthan K. Ramesh of Southern Region bagged the carrom title, Sanjay Sawant got second place while AK Nikkiram of Southern Region finished third. The team championship
title was won by Northern Region when they got the better
of Delhi by 3-0. Jawahar Bhandari of Northern Region
clinched the singles TT title for fourth time in a row
when he disposed of Virender Kumar of Delhi by 21-12,
21-12, 21-17. |
UP defeat Karnataka ROPAR, March 8 — In the inaugural match this evening, Uttar Pradesh defeated Karnataka 12-9 in the 27th Senior National Handball Championship, being played at the Nehru Stadium here. The Championship was declared open by Mr Madan Mohan Mittal, Food and Supply Minister, Punjab. He announced a grant of Rs. 50,000 for the organisation of the championship. In the initial moments of the first half, the UP team led the proceedings and scored three goals in six minutes while the Karnataka team could score it's first goal in the seventh minute. After this, the Karnataka women scored four more goals till the interval, while U.P. team also scored more four goals. As the breather, the score was 7 (UP) - 5 (Karnataka). In the second half, the players from both side almost played equally good. The UP team added five goals in half time total while Karnataka team added four goals. When the referee blew the final whistle, the score was 12-9 in favour of Uttar Pradesh. The star scorer of the match was Anuradha, captain of the U.P., who alone put the ball into the goal post for five times while Bhanumati, captain of the Karnataka team, scored four goals. Other scorers for the UP team were Sushila (4 goals), Rajni (2 goals) and Simi (1 goal). For the Karnataka team Baby Rani and Reshma scored two goals each. As the scoreboard was
manned by the children, they created confusion in the
first half. |
Jeev tied for 25th spot NEW DELHI, March 8 — Jeev Milkha Singh finished tied for the 25th place after playing a one-under 71 round on the final day of the £400,000 Portugese Algarve Open, which concluded at the Le Meridien Penina yesterday. According to information reaching here, Jeev aggregated two-under 286 for the four days, which took him up from third day’s joint 33rd position. For his efforts, the Hero-Honda sponsored Jeev won 5,376 euros, which took his season’s earnings to 105,504 euros and was placed 15th in the Volvo Order of Merit. The tournament was won by Van Phillips of England, who got the better of compatriot John Bickerton in the first hole of the paly-off after both aggregated 12-under 276 with final round cards of four-under 68. American Gerry Norquist, an Asian PGA Tour regular who earned his playing rights on the European Tour after winning the Benson & Hedges Malaysian Open, finished tied 16th after a final round card of two-under 70. Jeev, who began his rounds badly on all three days with bogies within the first couple of holes, started in a much better fashion on the final day with pars on the first six holes. However, he made a bogey on the par-47th hole, but followed it up with a birdie on the par-38th to finish his outward journey level-par. On the back nine, the Chandigarh based pro made birdies on the par-5 10th and 18th, but lost a bit of the advantage with a bogey on the 14th hole. Jeev is hoping to do well
in the next couple of events to remain high in the Order
of Merit, which would guarantee him a direct entry into
the British Open, one of the four Majors in world golf. |
H
Kabaddi competition concludes KAITHAL, March 8 (FOC) — A three-day kabaddi competition organised by Sir Chotu Ram Sabha concluded at Guhna village yesterday. While addressing the villagers and the participants the Deputy Commissioner, Ms Jaiwanti Sheokand, said by organising sports in the rural areas talent could be brought to the surface and after proper training such players can make their mark at national and international levels. About 14 teams from Punjab and Haryana participated in the competition. In the women’s section Patiala stood first and Kurukshetra came second. In the men’s section Pai remained first, Harigarh Kingan second and Jakhauli third. The Deputy Commissioner gave away the prizes to the winners. Hemant, Anuradha adjudged best CHANDIGARH, March 8 (BOSR) — The annual athletic meet of the local Government Medical College concluded here last evening with the best male athlete award going to Hemant Bhardwaj while Anuradha Chopra was adjudged the best female athlete. The meet was conducted at Sports Complex, Sector 46, and the chief guest at the closing function was 'Flying Sikh' Milkha Singh who distributed the prizes to the athletes. He also announced a cash prize of the Rs 2500 each to both male and female athletes. The winners of various event are 800M: Geetinder; 4x100m relay: Anuradha, Manisha, Preeti, Asmeet. Javelin throw Dr Srikant; 4x400 mtr (boys) Advitya, Jaswinder, Harmeet and Ashish. 100 mtr (veterans): Dr Rajeev Mahotra; 100 mtr (faculty) Dr Arjun Dass, javelin throw: Sandeep; triple jump (boys) Manish Thakur; 5400 mtr (boys): Manish; 100 mtr (class iv) Pardeep; 200 mtr (boys): Hemant; 200 mtr (girls) Anuradha; 100 mtr (boys): Hemant Bhardwaj; 100 mtr (girls): Preeti. Sports Club win crown CHANDIGARH, March 8 (TNS) — Sports Club, Jalandhar, defeated Godrej Cricket Club Chandigarh by six runs and won Suneel Memorial Invitation Cup Cricket Tournament at Doaba College here yesterday. Batting first the Jalandhar team was reduced to 35 for 3 after 10 overs. But Amarjit Kaypee played well for 47 runs. In the later stages of the innings Tejinder Singh struck 41 off 33 balls to enable Sports Club to score 213 runs in 35 overs. Godrej Club lost three early wickets. But Munish Arora and Amit's Bhardwaj shared a partnership of 95 runs. Amit knock of 68 included one six and ten fours. When the team appeared set for victory both these batsmen were run out and the team lost. Tejinder Singh of Sports Club was declared best all rounder while Amit Bhardwaj and Parveen of Godrej Club were declared best batsman and bowler, respectively. Brief scores: Sports Club, Jalandhar:- 213 for 8 in 35 overs (Amarjit Kaypee 47, Tejinder Singh 41 n.o. Rajiv Sharma 31, Vineet Jain 4 for 31, Parveen 2 for 43, Girish Bhanot 2 for 33) Godrej C.C.:- 207 all out in 33.5 overs (Amit Bhardwaj 68, Arun Tuli 31, Munish Arora 23, Vineet Jain 21, Gagandeep 3 for 40, Tejinder Singh 3 for 42). Athletic meet GARHSHANKAR, March 8 (FOC) — In the annual athletic meet of SGGS Khalsa College Mahilpur (Garhshankar) Gurmukh Singh among boys and Jasvir Kaur among girls were declared the best athletes. SAI coaches feel ignored CHANDIGARH, March 8 (BOSR) — The Sports Authority of India (SAI) coaches working at the Chandigarh felt ignored during the award distribution function of the Chandigarh Sports Council at the Lake Club here today. Sixteen SAI coaches are deputed at Panjab University (8), SAI Hostel Sector 18 (4) and Shivalik Public School (4) in various disciplines. While their counterparts posted on deputation with UT have been honoured alongwith the UT coaches they said, they have been left out. The SAI coaches argue that all these centres have been giving good results and in the past also they were ignored. Chandigarh win overall title CHANDIGARH, March 8 (BOSR)
— Chandigarh won the overall championship at the Ist
North Zone Veterans Athletic Championship which concluded
at the Panjab University grounds here last evening. The
event attracted more than 500 athletes from this region.
Haryana got second place while Punjab finished third. Mr
HS Mattewal, Advocate-General, Punjab was the chief
guest. |
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