Tuesday, March 16, 1999
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S P O R T | Tuesday, March 16, 1999 |
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Pak rout Lanka to emerge champs DHAKA, March 15 — Pakistan crushed Sri Lanka by an innings and 175 runs to crown themselves continental champions on the fourth day of the inaugural Asian Test Championship final. Azhar captain till World Cup
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Holyfield-Lewis bout rematch ordered Ranatunga
back as captain Lara
regains form with double ton Young,
Horne help Kiwis draw Test Arjun
Atwal claims Indian Open title Yadav
apologises to BCCI Railways
beat Punjab, join BSF in last 8 |
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Pak rout Lanka to emerge champs DHAKA, March 15 (PTI) — Pakistan crushed Sri Lanka by an innings and 175 runs to crown themselves continental champions on the fourth day of the inaugural Asian Test Championship final. Pakistan completed their supremacy when they bowled out the islanders, tottering at nine for three wickets in the wake of Wasim Akram’s sensational hattrick last evening, for 188 at the stroke of tea at the Bangabandhu Stadium. Sri Lankan hopes of any meaningful fightback evaporated when they were reduced to 61 for seven before left-hander Hashan Tillekeratne’s unbeaten 55 and his useful stands with debutant Upul Chandana (28) and last-man Sajeewa de Silva (27) delayed the inevitable. Tillekeratne and Sajeewa de Silva raised a Sri Lankan record last wicket stand of 73 runs — surpassing the previous best of 64 by Rumesh Ratnayake and Graeme Labrooy against England in 1988 — in a final act of defiance before the beleaguered Sri Lanka capitulated when De Silva was bowled by off-spinner Saqlain Mushtaq. Pakistan, who completed a fine run in the three-nation affair claimed the handsome prize money. Ijaz Ahmed, who struck his maiden century with punishing 211, was adjudged ‘man of the match’ while Wasim Akram who claimed hattrick in successive Tests and ended up with 15 wickets in the championship, was named the ‘man of the series’. Sri Lanka, faced with the near-impossible task of making 363 runs to avoid an innings defeat, saw left-handed opener Russel Arnold (30) and Marvan Atapattu (22) add 39 runs when Akram got into the act. He brilliantly threw down the wicket at the non-striker’s end to catch Atapattu short of his crease and then caught Arnold at first slip off off-spinner Arshad Khan. Skipper Aravinda de Silva, whose valiant 72 was the lone saving grace in Sri Lanka’s first innings, failed to stay as he offered a simple catch to Wajahatullah Wasti at silly point for six to provide off-spinner Saqlain Mushtaq the first of his three wickets. Saqlain Mushtaq returned 3 for 46 with Arshad Khan (1/41) and leg-spinner Shahid Afridi (2/31) lending support to make up for Akram (3/33) not taking any wickets today. Sri Lanka, who pipped India for the final place against Pakistan, were awarded $ 60,000 as runners-up. Pakistan reduced Sri Lanka to 91 for seven at lunch as the usually gritty Romesh Kaluwitharana (0), who could not keep wickets as he was running fever, offered a tame return catch to Saqlain Mushtaq. Afridi ended the 42-run eighth wicket stand by trapping Chandana leg before and then bowled Promodya Wickremasinghe (7) before the last wicket resistance came. Sajeewa de Silva played a cameo, slamming four fours and a towering six over long on in a Saqlain Mushtaq over which went for 14 runs. His 27 came off 48 balls. Tillekeratne’s 16th Test fifty came in 122 balls off 143 minutes and was studded with 10 boundaries. SCOREBOARD |
Azhar captain till World Cup MUMBAI, March 15 (PTI) — The national cricket selectors today retained Mohd Azharuddin as India's skipper till the end of the May 14-June 20 World Cup in England, putting at rest all speculations on the captaincy issue. "Azharuddin will lead India till the conclusion of the World Cup and will be the captain for the triangular series (March 19 to April 4) at home and in the Sharjah Tournament (April 7 to 16) too, "cricket board Secretary and selection committee convenor Jaywant Lele announced after the meeting. "I told the selectors to name the captain till the end of the World Cup in the fitness of things after a discussion with the president (Raj Singh Dungarpur) prior to the selection committee meeting", Lele informed the reporters. "The choice of Azhar as skipper was unanimous", selection committee chairman Ajit Wadekar added. Azhar, thus, gets a chance to lead India for the third World Cup running following his unsuccessful stints at the helm in the 1991-92 edition in Australia and New Zealand and in the last tournament hosted jointly by India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka, in 1996. India failed to enter the semifinals of the edition in the antipodes and forfeited their semifinal clash against eventual champions Sri Lanka because of crowd disturbance at Calcutta's Eden Gardens three years ago. The choice of Azhar as skipper was not unexpected, especially after board chief Dungarpur had aired his personal view in the Press that there was no need for a change in captaincy for the World Cup a few days ago. The 15-member Indian squad for the World Cup will be announced on April 4 after the final of the home triangular series featuring India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka, Lele added. "We have obtained special permission to finalise the 15 after the March 31 deadline from the England and Wales Cricket Board", the board secretary added. The selectors' decision to give the World Cup captaincy to Azharuddin has given him the chance to become the only Indian to lead the country for the third time running in the mega event. S. Venkataraghavan led India's lukewarm campaigns in the first two World Cups, both held in England in 1975 and 1979. Kapil Dev led India to a glorious triumph in 1983 against all odds when they lifted the Cup, one of the most cherished moments in the nation's cricket graph, at the Lord's by defeating favourites and defending champions West Indies in a low-scoring final. But the great Indian all-rounder could not repeat the feat when India and Pakistan jointly hosted the tournament in 1987. Kapil's Indians were beaten by England in the semi-final at the Wankhede Stadium here. Azhar's Cup record as captain, six wins out of 15 matches with a success percentage of 43.33, is much below Kapil's figures of 11 wins out of 15 matches (73.33 per cent) and far above Venkat's dismal record of a lone win in six matches (16.66 per cent). India's overall record in
the last six editions of the cup stands at 18 wins out of
36 matches (17 losses and one no result) for a success
rate of 51.38 per cent. |
Pakistan deserved to win PAKISTAN deserved to win the first Asian Test Championship because they were far superior to Sri Lanka. Only a Lankan record last wicket partnership saved them from being humiliated. It was a heroic effort from No. 11 De Silva to stay there for over an hour with the ball turning and jumping out of the bowler foot marks. Even Akhtar's pace couldn't budge him! Tillekaratne batted in a positive manner for his half century and the 73 runs the last pair put on gave the final total a bit of respectability. Some credit should go to the ground staff for producing a result pitch. There was something in the pitch for fast bowlers with the new ball and plenty of spin for the slow bowlers. Batting was awkward against seam or spin when batsmen had to start their innings. But once a player got in the pace and bounce of the ball it was good for playing shots and the outfield was fast. We had two double hundreds — a hat-trick and a record last stand. If you could bat out fancied making runs yet there was enough in the pitch to encourage all types of bowlers. Perhaps the Sri Lankan cricket board should hire the Bangladesh groundsman to make good cricket pitches for their home Test matches then they would not get so many boring tedious drawn Tests that are driving the Lankan public away. This is the first Test in Bangladesh and I don't think it will be long before they are given another. It needed someone to be brave and make a start to see if a World Test Championship is possible. I don't believe we can have a competition in one country with all Test playing nations. It would take too long to find a winner whether every country played each other or they were split into two groups. Also the matches over five days each would not draw the crowds. In many countries spectators for Tests are decreasing except at peak holiday times like Boxing Day and New Year Tests. Old foes and enemies like England vs Australia and India vs Pakistan will always draw crowds but other position doesn't have the same impact. Also every spectator wants to see his own country play. Whenever a world Test tournament is played I don't see crowds turning up in good number for two teams playing in a third country. Very few people turned up in Bangladesh to watch Pakistan and Sri Lanka! What we could have is a league table where through the ICC every country agrees to play each other two matches or three matches home and away. Three points given for a win and one point for a draw with nothing for losing. Winning is the object of any game so more points should be awarded for an outright win but I also believe there should be some honour in achieving a draw. After a year or more you would have a table which may change with each Test match played in the world but if every country played the same amount of Tests you would have an indicator of the best teams at any given moment. In golf and tennis individual players are awarded points for winning matches and achieve a ranking. Tiger Woods is top of the world golf rankings and Carlos Moya has just replaced Pete Sampras as No. 1 in tennis. It is not ideal but Test cricket is played over such a long period that it would be impossible to run it like a World Cup. One day cricket is exciting and has captured the imagination. People can take one day off work but is not so easy to take five days. We would all like to know
at any given moment which are the best Test team in the
world but finding a practical way of achieving that is
not easy. I'm glad Jagmohan Dalmiya — President of
the ICC has started something but he will have to be very
persuasive and determined to get other countries to take
his brain child a step further. — PMG |
Sachin to miss first two matches MUMBAI, March 15 (PTI) — Maestro Sachin Tendulkar has been "rested" by the national cricket selectors for the first two matches in the forthcoming limited overs triangular series while his Mumbai mates Ajit Agarkar and Vinod Kambli have been included for the ties after long injury lay-offs. Tendulkar is now in London at the Indian cricket board’s expense undergoing treatment from a specialist for his recurring back spasms and "there has been no information from him till now", board secretary Jaywant Lele announced at a Press conference here today. "In Tendulkar’s absence Saurav Ganguly and S. Ramesh (yet to play in a limited overs international) will open the innings," selection committee chairman Ajit Wadekar told reporters. Also omitted from the Indian 14 for the first two matches, against Sri Lanka at Nagpur (March 22) and Pakistan at Jaipur (March 24), from the 19-strong World Cup probables list are Hrishikesh Kanitkar, Robin Singh Sr, Venkatesh Prasad and Virendra Sehwag. The team, to be led by Mohammed Azharuddin, who has been retained India’s captain till the end of their World Cup campaign, understandably does not include any player outside the 19-strong World Cup probables list. The squad: Mohammed Azharuddin (capt), Saurav Ganguly, S. Ramesh, Rahul Dravid, Ajay Jadeja, Vinod Kambli, Amay Khurasia, Nikhil Chopra, Anil Kumble, Javagal Srinath, Ajit Agarkar, Laxmi Ratan Shukla, Nayan Mongia and Gyanendra Pandey. Mr Lele said Azharuddin, Jadeja and Mongia — who were not playing in the final round of the Ranji Trophy super league now in progress — had taken permission from the board to skip the matches. About Tendulkar’s availability for the remainder of the triangular series, Mr Lele said the dashing batsman would be informing the board president (Raj Singh Dungarpur) on when he could be selected. On the other four players left out from the 19-strong World Cup probables list, Wadekar said they would get chances in the subsequent matches of the series. "The team for the remaining matches would be chosen at Jaipur on March 24," Mr Lele said and added that the team for the April 7-16 Sharjah triangular featuring Pakistan and England as the other two teams would be selected either at Pune on March 30 or at Bangalore on April 4. The performance of the
players in this tournament assumes importance as the
selectors are to finalise the World Cup 15 on April 4. |
Holyfield-Lewis bout rematch ordered NEW YORK, March 15 (AP) — Evander Holyfield and Lennox Lewis, who fought to a controversial draw for the undisputed heavyweight championship, must fight a rematch within six months. The president of the IBF the WBA and the WBC ordered the action yesterday following a bout many thought Lewis won. "I am in disbelief," Lewis said after the 12-round match ended early Sunday in Madison Square Garden. Bob Lee of the International Boxing Federation, Jose Sulaiman of the World Boxing Council, and Gilberto Mendoza of the World Boxing Association met after the fight. "It's a shame there was so much controversy attached to this important fight," Lee said. "But we did what we thought was the most sensible thing by ordering a rematch in six months." Holyfield holds the IBF and the WBA titles. Lewis is the WBC champion. The IBF judge Jean Williams of Atlantic City, New Jersey, voted 115-113 for Holyfield, the WBA Judge Stanley Christodoulou of South Africa had it 116-113 for Lewis. The WBC Judge Larry O'Connell of Britain called the fight even at 115-115. The AP scored it for Lewis at 116-111. "I don't care who the winner was....I scored by the blows that connected," said Williams, who thought Holyfield won even though he landed 228 fewer punches, according to Compubox Inc. Emanuel Steward, Lewis trainer, was outraged. "It looks like the judges were rigged...almost," Steward said. New York Governor George Pataki wants the New York State Athletic Commission to look into the draw. He said his administration worked hard to bring boxing back to the Garden. "But it has to be done in a way that upholds the integrity of the game and people's confidence in the sport." Promoter Don King and both fighters talked about a rematch even before it was ordered. However, before a rematch can take place both sides must agree on television and promotional contracts. It’s also possible one or both fighters could change their minds about a rematch. In addition, it’s doubtful Lewis would accept half of what Holyfield makes in a second fight. Holyfield was guaranteed $ 20 million for this fight and Lewis made $ 10 million . "Six months ain’t no problem with me,’’ Holyfield said immediately after the fight. There might not be a big public demand for a second bout. This fight lacked drama, especially the second half when Lewis got cautious, and 36-year-old Holyfield started showing his age. With six seconds remaining in the fight, Lewis lifted his right arm in triumph, and his corner men rushed to congratulate him. Then the decision was announced. "I feel that I am the undisputed heavyweight champion,’’ Lewis said. Instead, the 33-year-old Briton remains holding only one of the three titles. "This was a situation where politics was involved. When you’ve got a fight of this magnitude I’m not saying Don King had anything to do with it, but this is one of his shows.’’ It was not a typical boxing crowd, with some seats selling for $ 1,500. But the fans were up for the third round when Holyfield had said he would knock out Lewis. "I was wrong,’’ Holyfield said. Tonight, I had problems.’’ Lewis’ best round was the fifth in which he had Holyfield in real trouble. In one 45-second stretch, Lewis trapped Holyfield on the ropes and landed about 15 punches. In that round, Lewis was credited with landing 43 of 57 punches to 11 of 30 for Holyfield. Yet, Williams scored that round for Holyfield. Lewis landed 348 of 613 punches to 130 of 385 for Holyfield, and in each of six rounds, Holyfield landed fewer than 10 punches, according to Compubox, Inc. Christodoulou told the South African Press Association: "I think that many think it was a travesty of justice...I really believe Holyfield lost this fight." At Ringside was light heavyweight champion Roy Jones Jr., considered by many the world’s best pound-for-pound boxer. "I feel ashamed of
what happened,’’ Jones said. |
Ranatunga back as captain COLOMBO, March 15 (PTI) — Sri Lankan selectors retained Arjuna Ranatunga as the captain for the one-day triangular cricket series in India on the heels of the team's ignominious defeat against Pakistan in the Asian Test Championship final in Dhaka today. Ranatunga, who sustained a hamstring injury during last month's Asian Test Championship league match against India, missed the last league tie and the final. The selectors, by and large, retained the side that played at Dhaka for the series involving Pakistan and India, but omitted Romesh Kaluwitharana and included teenaged stumper Prasanna Jayawardene, who was part of the Sri Lanka under-19 team that just toured India. The selectors also brought in fast bowlers Eric Upashantha and Hemanta Boteju in the 15. Explosive opener Sanath Jayasuriya, who underwent surgery after suffering a wrist fracture during the Australian tour last month, was yet to return to full fitness. Off-spinner Muttiah Muralitharan, who underwent a shoulder operation, is also not in the side. The squad: Arjuna
Ranatunga (capt), Arvinda de Silva (vice-captain), Marvan
Atapattu, Mahela Jayawardena, Eric Upashantha, Ruwan
Kalpage, Hashan Tillekeratne, Chaminda Vaas, Promodaya
Wickaramasinghe, Hemantha Boteju, Russel Arnold, Chandika
Hathurasinghe, Aviska Guruwardena, Upul Chandana,
Prasanna Jayawardene. |
Young, Horne help Kiwis draw Test CHRISTCHURCH, March 15 (Reuters) — Bryan Young and Matt Horne put on 107 in New Zealand’s first century opening stand for 22 Tests in three years to ensure a draw in the rain affected second Test against South Africa at Lancaster Park here today. The home side, 274 runs behind on first innings after South Africa declared at their overnight 442 for one, had just 60 overs to survive for the draw after rain delayed the start on the final day. They did so for the loss of just one wicket. With the first Test also drawn at Eden Park in Auckland two weeks ago, the series will now be decided in the third Test beginning at the Basin Reserve in Wellington on Thursday. Horne batted positively to reach his third half century in four innings in the series, but an embarrassing mix-up with Young cost him his wicket as Paul Adams made a diving stop and throw from midwicket to run him out. Horne’s 56 from 134 balls with eight boundaries followed scores of 93, 60 and 36. Young reached his half century shortly before the game ended and finished 55 from 168 balls with five fours. Roger Twose finished on six not out. Play did not start on the final day until 1.40 pm, bringing the total time lost in the match to 13 hours and 57 minutes, equating to 212 overs. With Allan Donald unable to bowl because of a torn stomach muscle, Lance Klusener was promoted to share the new ball with Shaun Pollock but neither was able to make an impression on a pitch offering little, seam movement. The grey, overcast skies that had hung gloomily over the match finally lifted during the final afternoon to provide the best batting conditions of the five days. Another dull day in a series that has been of major interest only to statisticians was made a little more entertaining for a tiny crowd when Sri Lankan umpire K.T. Francis was forced to chase his hat, blown off by a gust of wind, all the way to the deep square leg boundary. Scoreboard |
Lara regains form with double ton KINGSTON (Jamaica), March 15 (Reuters) — Brian Lara hit a magnificent double century as West Indies held Australia’s bowlers at bay throughout the second day of the second test to take a 121-run first innings lead with six wickets in hand. West Indies, 1-0 down in the four-test series, recovered from a perilous 37 for 4 overnight to finish on 377 for 4 at the close in reply to Australia’s first innings 256 yesterday. Lara rediscovered his finest form to smash an unbeaten 212 and was partnered in a West Indies record fifth-wicket partnership of 321 by fellow left-hander Jimmy Adams who was 88 not out at the close. The two batsmen afterwards paid each other compliments. "Without Jimmy’s help it would not have been possible," said Lara. "He was really special today." Adams commented: "We just set out to bat as long as possible. When Brian is batting in that form it makes it so much easier." It was a remarkable batting display by Lara whose captaincy was under threat after a six-Test losing sequence culminated in West Indies’ 312-run thrashing by Australia in the opening match of the series when they were dismissed for a record low of 51 in their second innings. But after a slow start, Lara, world record holder of the highest Test and first-class scores, tore into the Australian bowling, hitting 28 fours and three sixes. Adams, who joined Lara after nightwatchman Pedro Collins retired hurt on 10 after being struck by pace bowler Jason Gillespie, gained confidence from his skipper after a hesitant start and hit eight boundaries. In an absorbing afternoon’s play Lara took on possibly the world’s best fast bowler, Glenn McGrath, and spinner, Shane Warne. And he won. When Lara reached 100 it was his first Test century since June 1997, against Sri Lanka in St Vincent and the West Indies captain turned back the clock with a display of exuberant Caribbean batting. Only 69 runs came in the first two-hour session as Lara and Adams attempted to repair the innings. The crucial moments came just after lunch as Australia employed their big guns of McGrath and Warne in an attempt to break through. They almost succeeded. McGrath’s first ball after the interval had Lara groping outside the off-stump, his fifth had the West Indies captain falling on his back as he avoided a bouncer speared at his head. Then Warne’s final ball of his first over of the afternoon found the inside edge of Adams’ bat but a diving Justin Langer at short square leg failed to grasp a hard chance. Shortly afterwards Lara also had a narrow escape when he was on 47. He edged a short delivery outside the off-stump but the ball eluded the grasp of Mark Waugh diving to his left at second slip. The two missed chances seemed to turn the tide, Lara reaching his 50 from 140 balls. Suddenly their was a glint in the eye of the West Indies captain instead of the downcast look of recent troubled months. He pulled Warne for four and two overs later stepped down the pitch to lift the leg-spinner over mid-on for six. Scoreboard |
Philippoussis pips world No 1 Moya INDIAN WELLS (California), March 15 (AP) — Mark Philippoussis cranked it up a couple of notches and came out victorious against newlycrowned No. 1 Carlos Moya in the final of the Newsweek Champions Cup. The unseeded Australian yesterday slugged it out for nearly three hours, winning 5-7, 6-4, 6-4, 4-6, 6-2. The fourth-seeded Moya charged to a first-set advantage, breaking Philippoussis in the last game of the first set. But Philippoussis was in control most of the way thereafter. "The key of the match was the third set where the match was very close and I had some breakpoints," Moya said. "But I didn’t take any of them." After Moya won the fourth set, Philippoussis put the pressure on and jumped to an early 3-1 lead, held on and broke Moya again for a 5-2 lead and won with his 23rd ace. Moya had six. "It feels great," Philippoussis said after winning the biggest title of his career, and $ 361,000 while jumping 16th to 11th. "It’s extra special knowing that Carlos was No. 1 in the world. I played some great tennis today." Philippoussis’ run for the title started with a two tiebreaker wins over Bohdan Ulihrach of the Czech Republic, followed by an upset of third-seed Alex Corretja of Spain, a victory against Marat Safin of Russia in the quarterfinals and a semifinals victory win over 11th-seeded Todd Martin. Moya rolled over his early opponents, eighth-seed Richard Krajicek in the second round, then Xavier Malisse of Belgium, followed by 12th-seed Karol Kucera of Slovakia in the quarterfinals. Then he advanced to the finals, beating Gustavo Kuerten of Brazil in the semifinals. With that victory, Moya earned the points to reach the top spot in the rankings, replacing Pete Sampras and making history as the first Spaniard to be No. 1. Serena Williams, 17, got the biggest paycheck of her young career when she defeated two-time champion Steffi Graf, in the Evert Cup final, 6-3, 3-6, 7-5. The event was played concurrently with the men’s tournament. Williams earned $ 200,000 and her second title in a week. She won in Paris, defeating Amelie Mauresmo, the Australian Open finalist. Williams upset No. 2 seed Lindsay Davenport in the second round, No. 6 Mary Pierce in the quarterfinals and No. 12 Sandrine Testud in the semis. Top seed and defending
champion Martina Hingis was eliminated by unseeded Chanda
Rubin in the quarterfinals. Rubin was ousted by Graf in
the semis. Graf reached the semis by defeating No. 4 seed
Jana Novotna, the current Wimbledon champion, in the
quarterfinals. |
Arjun Atwal claims Indian Open title CALCUTTA, March 15 (PTI) — Arjun Atwal became the youngest Indian to win the Wills Indian Open Golf when he finished with an overall 12 under par 276 at the Royal Calcutta Golf Club here yesterday. Atwal, who started the day at 10 under par, carded a two under 70, to bag the first prize. Atwal, who shot an impressive 66 to emerge as the sole leader after the third round on Saturday, gave a consistent performance making two birdies on the 3rd and the 17th, and returned par scores on the other 16 holes. Wook-Soon, who was three strokes behind Atwal, missed a three footer for birdie on the 15th, and though he hit a birdie in the next, it was too late. Chowrasia, ranked 23rd in the order of merit, made it a memorable day for Indian golf with a three-under final round score to claim the biggest pay cheque of his professional career in a spectacular fashion. The 20-year-old local pro blasted off with three birdies in the first four holes before adding another on the ninth. Among the other Indians, Basad Ali (288 - 72,73,72,70) was placed joint 17th while Jyoti Randhawa (70,75,76,79) was two strokes adrift at joint 25th position. The highlight of Chowrasia’s performance was a 30-footer from the edge of the green on the third which entered the hole. Moving up to nine under par after the front nine holes, he dropped three shots in succession on the back nine, on the 10th, 11th and 12th holes respectively, to climb down to six under par. "I dropped these shots because I did not chip very well and therefore made it more difficult for myself to make pass," he said. On the 10th, Chowrasia missed a chip and putt from the edge and squandered a chip and putt on the 11th and 12th after hitting the bunkers. However, he recovered to make two birdies on the 13th, 15th and 16th to go back to nine under. But he again lost his consistency and dropped a shot coming in and made a good chip and putt for par on the last to finish at eight under par. Prayad, who shot a
creditable 69 to have the best round of the day, birdied
the second, eagled the fourth, sank a three-footer for a
birdie on the 10th and hit another birdie on the 17th. |
Yadav apologises to BCCI MUMBAI, March 15 (PTI) — National selector Shivlal Yadav has apologised to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) for revealing the selection committee meeting’s proceedings to reporters at Hyderabad recently. "I had a word with him and he gave an explanation on the issue which was satisfactory. He also regretted speaking to the Press and said it would not happen again," board secretary Jaywant Lele said here today. South Zone representative Mr Yadav was in the dock following his revelation at a Press conference in Hyderabad that Sachin Tendulkar had been offered the vice-captaincy unanimously by the selectors at Calcutta which the master batsman had declined to accept. Mr Yadav’s act was
considered by the board’s bigwigs to have
transgressed the tradition of only the Chairman of the
selection committee talking to the Press on issues
concerning the committee and not any other selector. |
Railways beat Punjab, join BSF in last 8 HYDERABAD, March 15 (PTI) — Defending champions Railways from group-A, formidable Indian Airlines (group-D) and Border Security Force (BSF) from group-C moved into quarterfinals of the 59th Senior National Hockey Championship here today. Railways rallied well to outplay National Games champions Punjab 3-1, star-studded Indian Airlines stopped Orissa 6-2 while BSF stunned former champions Mumbai 3-1. Railways had earlier beaten Bihar (5-1), Rajasthan (13-0) and Andhra (5-1) in their earlier league matches to top their group. Indian Airlines took the top place from group-D defeating Haryana 7-1, Jammu & Kashmir 3-0 and Maharashtra 8-2 in their earlier matches while BSF topped their group with wins over Vidharbha (12-0), FCI (2-1) and Mumbai (3-1) in their earlier league ties. In the quarterfinals, Railways will clash with BSF while Indian Airlines will take on the winners of the match between Uttar Pradesh and India Postal Department. Border Security Force (BSF) kept their slate clean, registering the third straight victory by ousting former champions Mumbai 3-1 in their last group-C league encounter to move into the quarterfinals. In another group-B league tie, India Postal Department scored their third straight victory by defeating Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) by a narrow 2-1 verdict. In an earlier match, India Postal Department defeated Gujarat. Much was expected from the Mumbai-BSF tie, but former champions Mumbai played without any coordination and their feeble passes were easily intercepted by agile policemen who dominated the entire first session. The close coordination of BSF forwards — Peter Tirkey, Harbhajan Singh, Marinus Lakra and Shinu Herenz — played a vital role in their team’s victory. The Mumbai defence succumbed to the onslaught as in a span of 15 minutes BSF managed to earn five penalty corners, but none of them could be converted into goals. In the 26th minute, a defensive lapse by M.K. Prakash of Mumbai on the top of the circle gave the chance to forward Amrit Lakra to steal the ball and dribble inside the circle. After deceiving three Mumbai defenders, he took a rasping shot towards the target which was deflected by Mumbai defender Vijay Alphonso and the ball went direct to Peter Tirkey who trapped the ball to a perfection and sounded the board to take the lead in the match. After lemon break, Mumbai had a chance of scoring the equaliser as they earned two consecutive penalty corners as the push taken by Amar Aiyanna could not be trapped on the top of the circle by Sandeep Somesh. The second goal for the policemen came in the 42nd minute, even though the full strength of Mumbai defenders were moving inside the circle. Amrit Lakra’s powerful shot could not be defended by Mumbai players. Mumbai managed to reduce
the margin in their last penalty corner converted by Ajay
Kumar in the 54th minute even as the policemen nailed the
coffin of Mumbai through their last penalty corner
converted by skipper Harbhajan Singh in the 61st minute
to triumph with 3-1 goal win and move into last eight of
the championship. |
Dena Bank, RBI in final CHANDIGARH, March 15 — Holders Dena Bank will cross swords with Reserve Bank of India in tomorrow's team championship final of the All-India Inter-Bank Table Tennis Tournament being played here at the Sector 23 TT hall. In the semifinals, Dena Bank tamed Canara Bank by 3-0. Lead by top level players of the country,Dena Bank got their first singles when Sunil Babras braved the challenge of K. Telang of Canara Bank before winning at 17-21, 21-16, 21-16. Deepak Thukral who recently took part in the World Cup at Qatar and is ranked amongst top eight players of the country, easily disposed of G. Ravishankar of C.B. at 21-11, 22-20. In the decider, Rajdeep Sarkar, the spirited boy of Dena Bank, quelled the diminutive challenging of S. Suresh at 21-12, 21-16. The second semifinal played between last years runners-up Bank of India and Reserve Bank of India went in favour of the latter as they romped home at 3-0. Souvik Roy ousted J. Acharya of BOI at 21-8, 24-23 while Mukul Boro wrapped the second singles and made short work of R. Sawant at 21-16, 21-13. The third and final match was claimed by G. Chaudhary of RBI who downed G. Ahuja of BOI at 21-14, 21-17. The team championship final will be played tomorrow at 4 p.m.
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Captain’s knock by Vikram Rathore CALCUTTA, March 15 (PTI) — Captain Vikram Rathore’s heroic unbeaten 179 helped Punjab reach a healthy 402 for four wickets in their first innings and the visitors were in sight of a first innings lead at close on the penultimate day of the Ranji Trophy group A super league tie against Bengal here today. Resuming at their overnight score of 105 for no loss in response to Bengal’s first innings total of 457, Rathore played a captain’s knock carrying his bat through the day with Punjab needing just 56 runs to take the vital first innings lead at the Eden Gardens here. Rathore has slammed as many as 20 boundaries during his unfinished 566-minute vigil while Test discard Navjot Singh Sidhu (52), Pankaj Dharmani (65), Sandeep Sharma (39), and Dinesh Mongia (37) were the other contributors for Punjab. Navdeep Singh was giving his captain company on four at stumps on a day which saw the Bengal bowlers toil hard but fail to make much impact on the visiting batsmen. The trusted pair of Rathore and Sidhu provided a solid foundation to the innings by putting on 114 runs for the opening stand before young paceman Laxmi Ratan Shukla provided the breakthrough by evicting Sidhu, trapping the veteran leg before wicket. Brief scores: Bengal 457
all out vs Punjab 402 for four (V Rathore batting 179, N
S Sidhu 52, P Dharmani 65, S Sharma 39). |
Baldev elected KFI chief PATIALA, March 15 — Mr Baldev Singh Mann, administrative member of the PSEB, is the new president of the Kabaddi Federation of India (circle style). He was elected unopposed at the 12th general house meeting of the federation held here. Twelve out of 17 state associations and other units attended the meeting in which the office-bearers have been elected for a term of four years. The other office bearers of the federation as nominated are: chairman — Mr S.S. Bal, honorary general secretary — Mr P.P. Singh, finance secretary — Mrs Sukhwinder Kaur. The women’s cell of the federation will also be under the presidentship of Mrs Sukhwinder Kaur. The five-member selection committee will be headed by former international S.S.Bal It was also decided to
hold the 12th Senior National Kabaddi Championships (both
men and women) from April 5 to 7 at a venue to be decided
later in Sangrur district. |
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Veterans' meet results CHANDIGARH, March 15 (BOSR) — Major Gian Singh bagged the first position in the above 75-year category in the 1 kilometre walking competition organised by the Senior Citizens Council (Pensioners) SAS Nagar at Dasehra ground, SAS Nagar, here last evening. Earlier the council flag was hoisted by Mr Amrik S. Bhatti, MC while Mr H. I. Dhami president, Senior Citizens Federation, North Zone, Panchkula inaugurated the meet. Mr O.P. Popli, SDM SAS Nagar gave away the prizes. Results: Walking — Above 75: (1 km): Major Gian Singh 1, Pritam Singh 2, Amar Singh, 3. Between 70-75: (1.5 km):- Harwant Singh 1, A.N. Sharma 2, Hardial Singh 3. Between 65-70:- (2 km): Sukhdev Singh 1, Gian Singh 2, Kartar Singh 3, 60-65:- (2.5 km):- RS Bajwa 1, R Sharma 2, HS Dhillon 3. Women:- (Above 60):- Harbhajan Kaur 1, Surjit Bhatti 2, Krishna Sharma 3. Musical Chair (Men) HS Gill 1, Naresh Singh 2, Madan Lal 3. Women:- Kuljit Kaur 1, Harbhajan Kaur 2, Rachhpal Kaur 3. Speech (Life after 60 years)- Prabhjot Kaur 1, Bachan Singh 2, Gurcharan Singh 3. The eldest among the participants, Mr Pritam Singh aged 86 and Bibi Amar Kaur aged 79 were also honoured. Punjab and Sind Bank sponsored the meet. Rural meet AMRITSAR, March 15 (TNS) — The 6th annual sports festival will be organised by Gill Sports Association Jagdev Kalan at the village stadium from March 27 to 29. More than 2000 sports persons of national and international fame will participate in this festival in the disciplines of athletics, kabaddi, football, volleyball and tug-of-war. Competitions on the track besides dog races and traditional rural games will also be held. DCW beat RE PATIALA, March 15 ((FOSR) — Diesel Component Works (DCW), aided by a fine century by Harjit Bajwa (131) beat Railway Electrification, Allahabad by 195 runs in the All-India Inter-Railway Cricket Tournament league match played at the local DCW Sports Stadium here today. DCW: 352 for 7 in 50 overs (Harjit Bajwa 131. Ranpreet Singh 45, Dilip Yadav 49, Jaspal Gill 42. L B Kala 72 for 3) RE, Allahabad: 157 all out (Narinder Billa 4 for 45. H. Bajwa 3 for 25, Rohit Shukla 2 for 27). Kabaddi meet CHANDIGARH (BOSR): The District Kabaddi Association, Panchkula, will conduct the third district kabaddi championship (national and circle style) on March 27 and 28 at forest grounds, Pinjore. The district team for the state championship will also be selected. Soccer squad CHANDIGARH, March 15 (BOSR) — Haryana Football Association has selected a twenty-member team to represent the state in the national football championship for the Santosh Trophy to be held at Chennai (Tamil Nadu) from March 17 to 31, according to a press note of the HFA. The team is:- Machhinder, Sunil Kumar, Pardeep Sharma, Pal Singh, Raj Kapoor, Madan Singh, Ravinder Singh, Deepak Rana, Satya Singh, Ranbir Singh, Manoj Rathi, Kewal Thakur, Promesh Chetra, Jaipal, Sunil, Yoginder, Sanjeev Kumar, Pankaj, Navin Yadav and Ranbir. Mr Prem Singh will be the
coach and Mr RC Sabharwal manager of the team. |
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