England collapse as Aussies tighten grip
PERTH, Nov 28 — England’s campaign to win back the Ashes was in danger of falling apart almost as soon as it began after a disastrous start today.

Windies move ahead
JOHANNESBURG, Nov 28 — The West Indies nosed ahead on the third day of their first Test battle against South Africa at The Wanderers today before a thunderstorm soon after lunch washed out the rest of the day’s play.

Azhar, Gaekwad confident
MUMBAI, Nov 28 — Indian skipper Mohammed Azharuddin and coach Anshuman Gaekwad were very optimistic of clinching the three-Test cricket series against New Zealand.

Sanghvi destroys Windies 'A'
BANGALORE, Nov 28 — Left-arm spinner Rahul Sanghvi grabbed seven wickets for 68 runs as India "A" dismissed West Indies "A" for 228 in their first innings on the opening day of the first four-day match at Chinnaswamy Stadium here today.

Sasikiran, Das record wins
KOZHIKODE, Nov 28 — Indian players continued to have mixed luck even as overnight leader Darmen Sadvakasov of Kazakhstan tightened his grip in the boys' section after the 11th round in the World Junior Chess Championship here today.

Neil Johnson leads Zimbabwe fightback PESHAWAR, Nov 28 — Zimbabwe middle order batsman Neil Johnson stroked his maiden Test century to lead a fightback against Pakistan in the first Test today.

Surjit Academy, Kila Raipur lads in last 8
LUDHIANA, Nov 28 — Defending champions Dhudial Sports Authority of India Centre, Patiala, last year's losing finalists Sports School, Jalandhar, alogh with Government Senior Secondary School, Kila Raipur, and Surjit Academy Jalandhar, made it to the quarterfinals of the sixth Harbans Singh Pannu memorial Hockey Tournament for school boys being organised by the Aryan Hockey Club at the Guru Nanak Stadium here today.

Corretja, Sampras to meet in semis
HANOVER, (Germany), Nov 28 — Alex Corretja crushed fellow Spaniard Albert Costa at the ATP Tour World Championship yesterday to set up a semifinal clash with world number one Pete Sampras.

JCT hold Dempo in Rovers Cup
MUMBAI, Nov 28 — Defending champions JCT, Phagwara, held Dempo Sports Club, Goa, to a goal less draw in a dull group-D quarterfinal league encounter of the 1998 Bristol Rovers Cup Fotball Tournament at the Cooperage here today.

England collapse as Aussies tighten grip

PERTH, Nov 28 (Reuters) — England’s campaign to win back the Ashes was in danger of falling apart almost as soon as it began after a disastrous start to the second Test today.

Needing a strong performance to keep alive their hopes of winning the series after rain saved them in the first Test last week, England self-destructed on the first day at the WACA.

The tourists showed little resistance and collapsed for a pitiful 112 all out in their first innings. They then dropped three catches as Australia raced to 150 for three at stumps.

England’s total was their lowest ever in a Test at the WACA, eclipsing their 123 all out in the 1994-95 Ashes series. Australia won that match by 329 runs.

Only four players made more than six runs for England today. Mark Butcher, Graeme Hick and Alan Mullally all scored ducks.

England’s innings lasted just 39 overs.

Australia’s pacemen revelled in the conditions after Mark Taylor won the toss and sent England in to bat on a lively wicket.

Damien Fleming finished with career-best figures of five for 46, Glenn McGrath took three for 37 and Jason Gillespie, playing his first Test since breaking down during the 1997 Ashes series, claimed two for 23 in his comeback match.

England’s first three batsmen — Butcher, Michael Atherton and Nasser Hussain — all departed within the first hour with under 20 runs on the scoreboard. All three were caught by wicketkeeper Ian Healy, who finished with five catches in the innings.

England captain Alec Stewart tried to salvage the innings but lasted less than an hour before he chopped a rising ball from McGrath back on to his own stumps. Even so, his contribution of 38 was easily England’s best.

Mark Ramprakash also batted with some purpose, making 26 after being smashed in the chin by a McGrath bouncer.

The blow opened up a deep gash on Ramprakash’s chin, which later required six stitches, but he bravely batted on until he succumbed to Fleming shortly after lunch.

John Crawley, who was called in at the expense of off-spinner Robert Croft, made only four while Hick, who replaced the injured Graham Thorpe, got a second ball duck.

Hick also dropped a straightforward slip catch from Taylor when the Australian captain was on 38. Taylor went on to make 61 before he was caught by Stewart after a lovely inswinger from Dominic Cork.

Michael Slater and Justin Langer also lost their wickets.

Slater, who made a century in the first Test at Brisbane, was caught by Butcher at third slip for 34 off the bowling of Darren Gough.

Langer went for 15 when he was caught by Crawley off bat and pad off the bowling of part-time spinner Ramprakash.

Mark Waugh remained unbeaten on 16 with Gillespie, who went in as nightwatchman when Taylor was out late in the day, on five.

The only bright news for England in an otherwise glum start to the match was the performance of debutant Alex Tudor.

Picked ahead of Dean Headley because of his extra pace, Tudor made a sparkling start to his Test career, scoring an enterprising 18 not out and then bowling well without taking a wicket.

He did find the edge of Slater’s bat, only to hear the delivery called a no-ball. It mattered little anyhow, as the ball was dropped in the slips and went for four. It was that sort of day for England.

Windies move ahead on day three

JOHANNESBURG, Nov 28 (AFP) — The West Indies nosed ahead on the third day of their first Test battle against South Africa at The Wanderers today before a thunderstorm soon after lunch washed out the rest of the day’s play.

When play was stopped, West Indies were 20 for no loss in their second innings. South Africa had eked out a seven-run first innings lead during a hard-fought morning session.

Only 26 balls were bowled after lunch before the umpires took the players off because of bad light. Within 10 minutes, heavy rain fell, accompanied by thunder and lightning.

Recalled veteran Pat Symcox and new cap David Terbrugge shared a last-wicket stand of 25 to take South Africa past the tourists’ first innings total of 261. The pair defied West Indies fast bowlers Courtney Walsh and Curtly Ambrose, armed with the second new ball.

Symcox, 38, refused numerous singles to protect his 21-year-old partner from having to take strike.

Symcox, who made a century against Pakistan on the same ground in February before being dropped from the side, made 25 before getting run out trying to steal a run off the fifth ball of an over from leg-spinner Rawl Lewis. He was sent back by Terbrugge and could not beat a direct hit by Walsh from mid-wicket.

Earlier, South Africa had lost three wickets for 26 runs after resuming at 217 for six. Mark Boucher top-edged a sweep against Lewis and was caught for 12 by West Indian captain Brian Lara, who ran from slip to take the catch at short fine leg.

Skipper Hansie Cronje was bowled off an inside edge by Ambrose after adding just two runs to his overnight score of 39, while Allan Donald was held by diving wicketkeeper Ridley Jacobs off Ambrose for seven.

Play was called off at 3.35 p.m. (local time) with 61.4 overs remaining. An extra hour will be added to play on the remaining two days in an attempt to make up some of the time lost today.

Sasikiran, Das record wins

KOZHIKODE, Nov 28 (PTI) — Indian players continued to have mixed luck even as overnight leader Darmen Sadvakasov of Kazakhstan tightened his grip in the boys' section after the 11th round in the World Junior Chess Championship here today.

Sadvakasov (9.5) escaped with a draw against 19th seed Blehm Pawet of Poland to increase his lead over Banikas Hristodoulos of Greece and Ukraine’s Sergei Fedorchuk to 1.5 points with two rounds remaining.

IM K Sasikiran and Neelotpal Das, India’s best junior potentials, recorded 11th round wins in contrasting styles.

Sasikiran was lucky to beat Erald Dervishi of Albania in 57 moves of Ruy Lopez while Das gave no chance to Herriaz Herminio of Spain in 36 moves of Kings Indian attack.

P Harikrishna (6) lost to 10th seed Andrei Florean of Romania in 61 moves of English opening. R R Laxman (6) also crashed to his second consecutive defeat by going down to sixth seed Socko Bartosz of Poland outsiders Saurabh Kherdekar (5.5), Ramu (5.5) and Vikramaditya Kamble (5.5) tasted success.

In the girls' section, India’s Vijayalakshmi Subburaman (6) lost a piece and then the game to seventh seed Irina Krush of the USA while world under-12 champion Koneru Humpy (6.5) overcame teammate Swati Mohota to become the top scorer for the hosts among the girls.

Pallavi Shah and Meenakshi Subburaman beat Le Thi Phuong Lien of Vietnam and Jelena Miloadovic of Yugoslavia, respectively, while Y Prathiba lost to Sarai Cardlina Sanchez of Venezula.

Neil Johnson leads Zimbabwe fightback

PESHAWAR, Nov 28 (Reuters) — Zimbabwe middle order batsman Neil Johnson stroked his maiden Test century to lead a fightback against Pakistan in the first Test today.

Johnson’s unbeaten 107 from 115 deliveries hauled Zimbabwe from 115 for six to 218 for seven at the close on the second day in reply to Pakistan’s first innings of 296.

Earlier, Pakistan lost their last four wickets for 24 after resuming at the overnight 272 for six, with paceman Heath Streak capturing three wickets in 11 balls.

Waqar Younis and fellow fast bowler Wasim Akram then shared six wickets to plunge Zimbabwe into deep trouble before Johnson checked the slump, hitting 16 fours as he became the ninth Zimbabwean to score a century against Pakistan in the 11 Tests between the two countries.

Johnson had an escape on 99 when Azhar Mahmood dropped a straightforward catch at second slip off Akram.

Together with Streak (24), Johnson added 103 for the seventh wicket in 104 minutes.

Johnson, who previously played his first-class cricket in South Africa for Natal, said: "I am enjoying every second of it (century). For me, it’s just a great opportunity which I thought would never come my way."

"I wanted to play for South Africa but never got a chance until Zimbabwe approached me. I got my Zimbabwean nationality in September."

Johnson came in with Waqar on a hat-trick after trapping Murray Goodwin (29) leg before and bowling Andy Flower (0) with an inswinging yorker.

"It was frightening with Waqar running in to bowl and the crowd behind him. But it was just fantastic. I never thought I would be on the same ground with Waqar and Wasim," Johnson added.

Waqar, playing his first Test in eight months after injury, produced a telling six-over second spell in which he captured three wickets in four balls. Otherwise, he remained below par, showing he lacked match fitness.

He finished the day with three for 62 from 17 overs.

Akram snapped up Gavin Rennie (2), Alistair Campbell (16) and Craig Wishart (3) to finish with three for 49. He has now taken 349 Test wickets and is just 14 short of breaking Imran Khan’s Pakistan record tally of 362 in Tests.

Grant Flower, who was Waqar’s first victim, achieved a landmark in his chancy 15 when on nine he became the second Zimbabwean to score 2,000 runs in Tests. His elder brother was the first and both accomplished the feat in 31 Tests.

Pakistan missed four chances, with Grant Flower being the beneficiary on two occasions.

Surjit Academy, Kila Raipur lads in last 8
From Our Sports Reporter

LUDHIANA, Nov 28 — Defending champions Dhudial Sports Authority of India Centre, Patiala, last year's losing finalists Sports School, Jalandhar, alogh with Government Senior Secondary School, Kila Raipur, and Surjit Academy Jalandhar, made it to the quarterfinals of the sixth Harbans Singh Pannu memorial Hockey Tournament for school boys being organised by the Aryan Hockey Club at the Guru Nanak Stadium here today.

Other teams which entered the last eight stage were Khalsa Senior Secondary School, Bahadurgarh, Hawks Academy Ropar, Government High School Roomi, and Shivalik Public School, Chandigarh.

On the third day of the tournament today, Sports School, Jalandhar, beat Hawks Academy, Ropar 2-0. The last super league match of Pool 'D' began on a fast pace with both the teams trying to dominate. The Jalandhar outfit went into the lead in the 29th minute when centre-forward Sarbjeet Singh received a pass from inside-right Harmanpreet at the top of the circle and sent a sizzler into the net 1-0. In the very next minute their inside-left Tejbir Singh and outside left Mandeep Singh combined well and weaved a good move which resulted in a penalty corner but full back Lakhwinder failed to take advantage of it. Midway through the second half, outside-right Hardeep Singh of Jalandhar got the ball on the half line. He gave it to Mandeep who crossed it to Tejbir Singh. The latter made no mistake in pushing the ball into the goal to clinch the issue 2-0.

In another absorbing match in pool 'B' Surjeet Academy, Jalandhar, outplayed Lala Lajpat Rai Senior Secondary School, Dhudike, in identical fashion 2-0. After a barren first half, in which both the sides wasted five penalty corners each, the Jalandhar boys played better hockey. They struck the first blow in the 55th minute when centre-forward Pavitarjeet Singh scored a superb field goal. Two minutes later outside-left Satnam Singh converted a penalty corner (2-0).

In the last match of the day, reigning champions, Dhudial SAI Centre, Patiala, played like a well-knit unit and gave no chance to rivals Lord Mahavir Senior Secondary School, Raikot, to settle down. The final score sheet read 4-0. The scorers were Jaspreet Singh (2) Jasbir Singh (1) and Domnic (1).

Dejected Dingko on drinking spree
From Ravi Dhaliwal

PATIALA, Nov 28 — India’s top boxer N.G. Dingko Singh has yet to recover from the trauma of being dropped at the last minute from the Indian boxing team scheduled to participate in the forthcoming Bangkok Asian Games.

Dingko Singh who was one of the four boxers who had been selected by the boxing federation’s selection committee for the Asian Games was a totally dejected man after he read the morning newspapers which reported that his name was missing from the Bangkok-bound squad.

The ace boxer after having learnt of his unceremonious exclusion on the last day of the camp suddenly went on a drinking spree. His bout with the bottle continued till in the later afternoon when he fell down in an inebriated condition near the girls hostel in the NIS compound. Dingko was picked up by a colleague and taken to his hostel room.

As word spread senior NIS doctors examined him in his room and advised him rest. While chief coach G.S. Sandhu was out of station, the assistant coach of the Indian team Cuban B.I. Fernandez could not be contacted despite repeated attempts.

Dingko’s condition sent shock waves among the campers attending pre-Asiad camps at the NIS here. The four-member boxing contingent, whittled down to three with Dingko’s omission, is to leave for New Delhi, enroute Bangkok, by the Sunday morning train.

The boxing federation had announced a six-member boxing squad on October 25 which for unknown reasons was pruned down to a four-member squad. Dingko along with three others — Harpal Singh, Gurcharan Singh and Jitendra — was training hard till disaster struck Dingko in the morning sending the camp in a spin. Today’s evening session of the camp was not conducted.

When this correspondent met Dingko in his room in the Dhyan Chand hostel he was not in a position to speak and his speech was incoherent even as he was being consoled by his teammates.

One of the Bangkok-bound boxers, speaking on conditions of anonymity, said that Dingko, after a poor performance at the Commonwealth Games was training like a man possessed and was in fact mentally and physically in top condition to have a go at the Asian Games medal in his weight category (bantam weight).

Dingko had a strenuous two-hour long morning practice session after which he went through the morning newspapers from where he learnt that his name, after months of intensive training, was not in the final list.

So disgusted was Dingko, that he even went to the extent of giving his gold chain to his teammate to sell, ostensibly to raise more money for liquor.

Sanghvi destroys Windies 'A'

BANGALORE, Nov 28 (PTI) — Left-arm spinner Rahul Sanghvi grabbed seven wickets for 68 runs as India "A" dismissed West Indies "A" for 228 in their first innings on the opening day of the first four-day match at Chinnaswamy Stadium here today.

West Indies opener Adrian Griffith hit a painstaking 93 and put on 102 runs for the second wicket with Wavel Hinds (51) but the day belonged to Sanghvi, who ended with excellent figures of 25-8-68-7.

At close, India "A" were 19 for one for the loss of Debang Gandhi, trapped lbw by Pedro Collins.

Earlier, after electing to bat, the visitors got off to a bad start with opener Sherwin Campbell, who has a double hundred in Test cricket, getting out for a duck edging a Robin Singh (jr) delivery to skipper Hrishikesh Kanitkar at first slip in the sixth over.

But Griffith, mixing caution with aggression, played patiently along with Hinds before the latter was caught at deep midwicket by Rohan Gavaskar off Sanghvi.

Hinds hit Sanghvi for three sixes, and also smashed six fours, facing 117 balls in his 152-minute stay in the middle.

Hinds’ departure triggered a collapse with the next eight wickets falling for just 111 runs.

Besides Hinds and Griffith, only Christopher Gayle (22) and N McGarrel (31 not out) reached double figures for the visitors as Campbell, R Sarwan, C Browne and C Tuckett all departed without scoring.

Kanitkar, Gavaskar and Singh claimed one wicket each.

Azhar, Gaekwad exude confidence

MUMBAI, Nov 28 (PTI) — Indian skipper Mohammed Azharuddin and coach Anshuman Gaekwad were very optimistic of clinching the three-Test cricket series against New Zealand on their forthcoming tour to the antipodes and "eradicate" the dismal record abroad.

"Why not. We have the bowlers and the batsmen to deliver the goods. There is no reason why we cannot perform well", Azharuddin told newsmen when asked whether the tour represented the best chance for India to win a Test series overseas after a long time.

Coach Gaekwad also echoed similar views to the reporters after the team’s training session on the first day of the five-day camp for the team at the Brabourne Stadium.

"We have a good chance to eradicate the past. We have certain plans to do it which I cannot disclose now. We are going to practice on grassy pitches similar to what we would encounter in New Zealand", Gaekwad said.

Both Azhar and Gaekwad maintained that the team would use only the three openers chosen specifically by the selectors — Navjot Sidhu, Ajay Jadeja and V.V.S. Laxman-in the Tests and insisted that Nayan Mongia would not be asked to do the difficult job barring an emergency.

"We got three openers. We have two four-day games before the Tests to choose the players (to launch the innings)", Azhar said.

The team, scheduled to leave here on December 3, is to play three Tests and five one-day internationals against the home team besides the side games.

The Indians would open the tour with a four-day fixture against Central Districts at McLean’s Park in Napier. They will play another four-day fixture against Wellington at Basin Reserve (Wellington) from December 12-15 before going into the first test at Carisbrook in Dunedin from December 18 to 22.

The second and third Tests are scheduled at Basin Reserve, Wellington (December 18 to 22) and Westpac Trust Park, Hamilton (January 2 to 6). The two teams would play the best-of-five one-day internationals from January 9 to 18.

Azhar said the conditions in New Zealand were good for cricket unless the odd times when it is cold and raining.

"It is good to play there. We have 15 days to prepare for the test series (after reaching there). It is a good tour as we would be playing on different wickets and in different conditions", the Indian skipper said.

Gaekwad admitted that playing a lone Test in the last nine months (the one-off Test which India lost to Zimbabwe in Harare) was a handicap as the plethora of one-day internationals in the intervening period forced the boys to play so many shots.

"But that is no excuse", he said and added that the four-day games would help iron out these deficiencies before the Test series.

The coach said the emphasis in the camp here was somewhat different to what was gone through at Chennai.

Gaekwad also said he was happy with the decision of the selectors to make changes for the one-day internationals.

"I don't know what the selectors are going to do. But there will be some changes. It is a good arrangement so long as the replacements come sufficiently in advance of the one-dayers to get used to the conditions," he said.

The selectors are to meet during the course of the third Test to decide on the replacements for the one-day internationals to be held on January 9 (Eden Park, Auckland), 12 (Westpac Trust Park, Hamilton), 14 (McLean's Park, Napier D/N). January 16 (Lancaster Park, Christchurch — D/N), and 18 (Basin Reserve, Wellington).

Gaekwad also welcomed the short break the team has enjoyed since returning triumphant after clinching the Coca Cola Cup series in Sharjah on November 14.

"We definitely liked to play as many matches as we were winning, but it was tough on the boys, especially the travelling," the coach explained.

The team had only fielding and loosening up sessions today. Serious nets would start from tomorrow, Gaekwad said and added that the team's Australian trainer Andrew Kokinos was expected to join the squad in New Zealand.

Corretja, Sampras to meet in semis

HANOVER, (Germany), Nov 28 (Reuters) — Alex Corretja crushed fellow Spaniard Albert Costa at the ATP Tour World Championship yesterday to set up a semifinal clash with world number one Pete Sampras.

French finalist Corretja showed no mercy, beating Costa 6-2 6-4.Open

Tim Henman, beaten in straight sets by fellow Briton Greg Rusedski, plays Spaniard Carlos Moya in the other semifinal.

World number five Moya showed more composure when it mattered most to record a 7-5 7-5 victory over Russian Yevgeny Kafelnikov, who beat him in the semifinals here last year.

Costa, who has never won an indoor match in his entire career, entered the event after Chilean world number two Marcelo Rios pulled out injured yesterday.

The withdrawal of Rios means Sampras is now certain to finish the year in top spot for a record sixth consecutive time.

Henman had made sure of a place in the last four before meeting Rusedski, who relied on his trademark artillery to cruise home 6-2 6-4.

Rusedski, who stepped in as an alternate after American Andre Agassi withdrew with a strained back, would have made the last four if Costa had beaten Corretja.

Henman was never really in contention, dropping serve twice with as many double faults to lose the first set.

Rusedski was already two breaks up in the second set and serving for the match at 5-2 when Henman restored some pride by breaking his opponent after saving a match point by hitting a forehand winner along the line.

But Rusedski was soon back in command, earning three more match points at 5-4. Henman hit a return into the net on the first to bow out after 67 minutes of a one-sided fight.

Moya had earlier shrugged off a brave challenge from Kafelnikov.

Both players had dropped serve twice in the first set when Moya managed the telling break, with Kafelnikov netting a backhand to hand him a 6-5 lead.

The Spaniard then served for the set, taking it thanks to another backhand into the net from the Russian.

The second set was also close until Moya went 6-5 up with backhand winner and then clinched victory when Kafelnikov hit a service return into the net on the Spaniard’s second match point.

World number 10 Kafelnikov, who lost to Sampras in last year’s final, had his chances but made too many unforced errors.

JCT hold Dempo in Rovers Cup

MUMBAI, Nov 28 (PTI) — Defending champions JCT, Phagwara, held Dempo Sports Club, Goa, to a goal less draw in a dull group-D quarterfinal league encounter of the 1998 Bristol Rovers Cup Fotball Tournament at the Cooperage here today.

With this draw, Dempo are out of contention for a semifinal berth while JCT need to beat local outfit Bengal Mumbai Football Club (BMFC) in their last match on Monday.

BMFC, who have three points in the kitty, need only a draw to be among the last four.

There was just one noteworthy move in the first half, when JCT striker Jasbir Singh beat Dempo custodian Vikrant Sharma off medio Daljit Singh’s cross, only to see Dempo defender Itocha Singh effect a goal-line save.

In the 83rd minute, Dempo winger Kannan Priolkar’s try off half back Tejinder Kumar’s cross was well saved by JCT goalkeeper Baljit Singh.

Soon after, JCT substitute Sukhjit Singh’s header off substitute Harjinder Singh’s corner kick was well saved by Sharma. Sukhjit came in place of winger Hardip Singh in the 46th minute.

With just three minutes to go for the hooter, JCT’s third substitute Hardip Singh’s pile-driver went over the bar.

Abhinav Bindra sets national marks

CHANDIGARH, Nov 28 (BOSR) — Chandigarh's Abhinav Bindra, an international-level shooter bettered two more national records on the penultimate day of the 23rd Northern India Shooting Championship organised by the City Shooters Club here at the Patiali Rao Ranges, Sector 25, today. Abhinav broke the first record in Air Rifle (ISU) 10-metre Junior Open earlier held by Sudhir Pal of the Indian Army (568/600 points) was shattered by one point — 569/600. The second record in air rifle (ISU) 10-metre civilian was an improvement of the record held by Abhinav himself. He bettered this also by one point — 569/600. The prize distribution will be held tomorrow at 2 p.m.

Panchkula in roller hockey final

CHANDIGARH, Nov 28 (BOSR) — Panchkula will vie for top honours in senior boys event final of the 12th Roller Skating Championship here at the Sector 10 Skating Rink. In the men's roller hockey tie played today, Panchkula were locked in a grim battle against Kurukshetra. Though Panchkula had most of the supporters hooting for them Kurukshetra did not give in and made the Panchkula boys skate allover the rink before going down fighting 5-7. In the women's section Panchkula blanked Panipat 12-0. The junior boys match between Kurukshetra and Yamunanagar was also an exciting one and Kurukshetra were able to beat Yamunanagar boys in a hard-fought match 3-2. Karnal bagged five out of the 10 top positions in the road races I held in various age groups while Faridabad secured four and the remaining were taken by Panchkula, in both boys and girls. The final races will start tomorrow at 7 a.m. at the Lake Club.

DAV KSA spikers claim titles

CHANDIGARH, Nov 28 (BOSR) — DAV Senior Secondary School, Sector 8, and Kirpal Sagar Academy, Nawanshahr won titles in the boys and girls sections, respectively, on the concluding day of the CBSE North-East Zone Volleyball Championship here at PML SD Public School, Sector 32, today. In the final DAV boys outplayed GGPS Bokaro 15-7, 15-6 while Kirpal Sagar Academy trounced Bal Bhawan, Delhi 2-0. The third place in the boys' section went to Shah Satnam Ji School, Sirsa, who beat Chinmaya Vidyalaya, Bokaro, 15-1, 15-0. In the girls' category Modern Vidya Niketan School, New Delhi, finished third by overpowering Gyan Bharti Public School 15-5, 6-15, 15-3. Mr YP Katyal, Joint Secretary, CBSE gave away the prizes to the winners. Mr L.V. Sehgal, Principal, S.D. Public School delivered the vote of thanks.

Gymnastics trials

CHANDIGARH, Nov 28 (BOSR) — The selection trials in rhythmic and artistic gymnastics for junior boys and girls (boys under 17 and for girls under 15) will be held on December 3 at Shivalik Public School, Sector 41, Mr S.S. Budhwar, secretary, Chandigarh Gymnastics Association has said. The boys born before December 31, 1981, and girls born before December 31, 1983, are eligible for trials and entries close on December 2 with the secretary at 2135, Sector 38-C, Chandigarh.

CMSA rally on Dec 6

CHANDIGARH, Nov 28 (TNS) — The Chandigarh Motor Sports Association will be holding the Escorts Yamaha-CMSA Rally 1998 on Sunday, December 6. This event is FMSCI approved and will run strictly according to the national competition rules, according to Mr SPS Garcha, President, Chandigarh Motor Sports Association. The rally will cover approximately 100 km in and around Chandigarh comprising of river beds and choes, forest sections and some water crossings, truly testing the riders ability on various terrains. The event is open only to Yamaha motorcycles up to 140 cc and will have group C & D categories. Cash awards will be given to the winners. This event will have flying finish format which is being held for the first time in this part of the country, Mr Garcha added.

Makkar golf

CHANDIGARH, Nov 28 (TNS) — The fifth Makkar Golf Tournament will be organised on November 29 at Army Golf Club, Jalandhar Cantt. As many as 108 players will participate from all over the state. Gen V Davar, GOC Hq 11 Corps, will inaugurate the tournament. The prize distribution function will held on November 29 at 7.30 p.m.

Award for Sodhi

PATIALA, Nov 28 (FOSR) — Punjab Ranji Trophy cricketer Reetinder Sodhi and four others have been selected for the Castrol most promising cricketer award. According to a press note of the Professional Management Group (PMG) received by Sodhi here today. Sodhi along with Amit Pagnis (Mumbai), N. Haldipur (W. Bengal), Mohammad Kaif (UP) and Jyoti Yadav (UP) will be conferred this prestigious award at the Cricket Club of India (CCI) Mumbai, on December 1. This year the award, which is an annual feature is being given in collaboration with the Mumbai-based Professional Management Group (PMG). Sodhi will be given a cash prize of Rs 25,000 and a scroll. Former Test cricketers Sunil Gavaskar, K. Srikant and Anshuman Gaekwad were the three judges. Reetinder Sodhi left for Mumbai this morning to participate in the ceremony.