Petr Korda sent packing
NEW YORK, Sept 3 — Second seed Marcelo Rios began his latest bid to overtake Pete Sampras as world number one by clearing his first hurdle at the US Open tennis championships yesterday.
We took one step backward: Kalmadi
NEW DELHI, Sept 3 — The Indian Olympic Association said today it had "gone one step backward" in accepting the cricket squad chosen for the Commonwealth Games, but was happy the IOA could persuade the cricket board to send star batsman Sachin Tendulkar to Kuala Lumpur.

C'wealth Games: Jaspal Rana to be flag-bearer NEW DELHI, Sept 3 — Pistol ace Jaspal Rana will be the Indian flag-bearer at the marchpast during the opening ceremony of the 16th Commonwealth Games in Kuala Lumpur on September 11.

Bindra for C'wealth Games

Basketball trials

Baljinder shines

Karate trials

Amandeep best athlete

Trials

Petr Korda sent packing

NEW YORK, Sept 3 (Reuters) — Second seed Marcelo Rios began his latest bid to overtake Pete Sampras as world number one by clearing his first hurdle at the US Open tennis championships yesterday.

The unpredictable Chilean left-hander eased past Czech Daniel Vacek 6-4 6-2 6-3 to avenge a loss last month in Cincinnati.

Fourth seed Petr Korda, who beat Rios in the Australian open final to claim his first major title this year and who also had a mathematical chance to pass Sampras here, never got out of the first round.

Korda, who scored the biggest upset of last year’s US Open by stunning Sampras, became this year’s first high level casualty with a whopping 57 unforced errors, falling to German veteran Bernd Karbacher 2-6 6-3 6-2 6-1 in a battle of 30-year-olds.

Tenth-seeded Spaniard Carlos Moya had the upper hand in a dogfight with Mariano Puerta, when the Argentine was forced to quit in the fourth set due to cramps. Moya, who prevailed 6-1 7-6 6-7 4-4, helped his stricken opponent hobble off the court and Puerta was taken out of the grandstand in a wheelchair.

Chang, unseeded here for the first time since 1991 after being second seed last year, scampered to a swift 6-1 6-3 6-1 victory over Israeli qualifier Eyal Erlich.

Another former French Open champion, 11th-seeded Russian Yevgeny Kafelnikov, also came through the first round unscathed, 6-1 6-2 6-4 over Dutchman Dennis van Scheppingen in a mere 70 minutes.

Later Chang said: "There is no reason why I am not able to go out and upset the best players in the world," He will get his chance in the next round against the 10th-seeded reigning French Open champion Carlos Moya of Spain.

Wrist and knee injuries have knocked the gritty American out of the world top 10 for the first time since 1991. And until he won at Boston last week, he had not won a tournament since last July.

Chang started this US Open as an unseeded long shot just a year after being seeded second and reaching the semifinals.

But, ever the optimist, the 26-year-old Chang looks at the time he spent sidelined this year as an advantage over the rest of the field.

Karbacher, forced to come through qualifying after falling from the world’s top 100 while sidelined nearly five months last year with a serious heart ailment, was elated.

The match began to turn in Karbacher’s favour after he got back an early break in the second set.

"One bad game and from that moment everything went downhill," said Korda, who went downhill very fast.

"I was trying to hit it and I miss it, I was trying to come in and he made a good pass, whatever I did today, I did wrong," Korda lamented.

Wimbledon semifinalist Tim Henman also advanced. The 13th seed held off Australian Scott Draper 6-3 7-6 7-6.

There was virtually no drama for the women, who began second-round play yesterday. But some of the winners set up intriguing third-round matchups.
Five-time champion Steffi Graf found her old Grand Slam groove, whipping 18-year-old compatriot Marlene Weingartner 6-0 6-1 in 41 minutes.

"I haven’t had many matches like that for a while," said Graf, who next meets talented Croatian teenager Mirjana Lucic.

Sixth seed Monica Seles, a two-time US Open champion, also had an easy time in dispatching South African Joannette Kruger 6-2 6-3.

Third-seeded Wimbledon champion Jana Novotna was a 6-2 7-6 winner over Frenchwoman Amelien Cocheteaux and will face a tougher French foe in Sandrine Testud in the third round.

Ninth seed Irina Spirlea, a semifinalist last year, also won in straight sets and will next face Serena Williams, who hammered Pavlina Stoyanova of Bulgaria 6-2 6-1.

AP: Monica Seles no longer wears her father’s ring on a chain around her neck, and her all-black outfit was replaced by white on a hazy summer afternoon at the US Open.

Though she still mourns, Seles has stopped treating tennis as a catharsis as she deals with her father’s death. It is back to being simply a game, albeit a game at which she once was the best in the world.

Seles was on an emotional roller-coaster when she reached the French Open final in June, less than a month after being at her father’s side when he died on May 14. She wore his ring on a necklace, and said playing was her solace amid sadness.

"I think it was different (in Paris) because it was so soon after my dad’s death and because I had so many raw emotions,’’ she said yesterday. "Now I definitely step on the court and think more about the ball."

Seles’ coach, Gavin Hopper, said she’s no longer relying on tennis to forget about her troubles.

We took one step backward: Kalmadi

NEW DELHI, Sept 3 (PTI) — The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) said today it had "gone one step backward" in accepting the cricket squad chosen for the Commonwealth Games, but was happy the IOA could persuade the cricket board to send star batsman Sachin Tendulkar to Kuala Lumpur.

IOA President Suresh Kalmadi announced at a press meet today that all 14 members of the Malaysia-bound cricket squad had undergone dope tests under the supervision of the Sports Authority of India officials at the team’s Chennai camp.

But Kalmadi continued to strike a tough posture and was sarcastic about the BCCI having "managed to select two best teams by doing magic". The cricket squad will be "fully under the IOA" at the Games and will be part and parcel of the Indian contingent, he said.

When asked whether the IOA, whose stand that only "the best team" will be cleared for the Games and subsequent stand-off with the BCCI marked a hot build-up to the Games, was satisfied with the side selected, Kalmadi shot back: "Ask BCCI".

The IOA brought in as much pressure as possible on the board to ensure a strong side was selected for Kuala Lumpur, but when asked whether the apex body had conceded defeat since the BCCI had picked most of the senior team players for the Toronto Sahara Cup against Pakistan, he replied, "we’ve gone one step backward. There’s no two opinions about it."
"How can it be the best team?" Kalmadi asked.

Kalmadi and IOA Secretary-General Randhir Singh said the team list, sent from Chennai by the BCCI yesterday, was forwarded to Sukom, the Malaysian Games organisers, immediately and confirmation had been obtained.

Asked how many meetings did the IOA and the BCCI actually have in resolving the dispute. Kalmadi quipped: "I only sent them the rule book", adding that stipulations were the same for cricket as for other games.

"Cricket is not an Olympic sport. Otherwise, we would have been more strict," he added.

Saying that cricketers would be entitled, like any other discipline, for financial rewards from the government if they won gold at the Games, the IOA chief said they would stay at the Games village and take part in the marchpast with the others.

But for the IOA’s pressure, top players like Ajay Jadeja — nominated captain for the Commonwealth Games — Tendulkar and leg-spinner Anil Kumble would not have been chosen, he said, adding that the BCCI could have tried to get the Sahara Cup (September 12-20) postponed by a few days to avoid the whole controversy.

On whether the IOA’s stand had led to depletion of both teams which could lead to their losing both in Toronto and Kuala Lumpur, he said: "That can happen".

C'wealth Games: Jaspal Rana
to be flag-bearer

NEW DELHI, Sept 3 (PTI) — Pistol ace Jaspal Rana will be the Indian flag-bearer at the marchpast during the opening ceremony of the 16th Commonwealth Games in Kuala Lumpur on September 11.

The 23-year-old Commonwealth and Asian Games champion was given this honour at the head of 88 athletes, including 29 women, 27 officials and the chef-de-mission who will comprise the Indian contingent at the Games, Indian Olympic Association president Suresh Kalmadi said at a press meeting here today.

India is participating in seven - badminton, boxing, cricket, hockey (men), hockey (women), shooting and weightlifting — of the 16 disciplines at the Games.

The shooting squad, which left here yesterday, was the first to embark for the Games and the men’s hockey team leaves in two batches from Chennai today. The badminton team is slated for departure tomorrow.

Two trap shooters, women’s hockey team and IOA officials, including chef de mission B.S. Ohja, will leave on September 6. The cricketers leave from Mumbai on September 7 and the final batch of boxers, lifters and one IOA official on September 9.

Hockey and cricket competitions, making their debut at the games, begin on September 9.

Interestingly, badminton, cricket and part of the men’s hockey squads travel by Air-India and the rest fly Malaysian Airlines as originally announced by the IOA. The Badminton Association of India president, Mr V.K. Verma, had threatened to pull out the squad if they were forced to travel by a foreign airline.

Russia meet Korea in opener

CHENNAI, Sept 3 (UNI) — After the South Asian Federation (SAF) Games three years ago, the 9000 capacity modern multipurpose indoor stadium would be playing host to some high class international volleyball when the curtain on the third leg of the Indian Oil Servo-World Grand Prix Women’s Volleyball Championships lifts here tomorrow.

The grandeur and the buzz of enthusiasm, normally associated with any world event, was not missing with the organisers of this champagne event leaving no stone unturned to make it a grand success.

Four of the world's top eight teams, including favourites and Olympic champions Cuba, last year’s world grand prix winner and strong contenders Russia would be clashing for supremacy alongside emerging European stalwarts Italy and Asian giants Korea in the tournament here, which carries a whopping prize money of $ 150 million.

The other part of the third leg featuring four teams — Brazil, Japan, China and the USA — would be simultaneously held at Shanghai from tomorrow.

In the four team round robin league of the championship, which would climax on September 6, Russia would begin their title defence when they take on Korea in the inaugural match, while Italy will clash with Cuba who are the front runners to qualify for the four-team semifinals to be held at Hong Kong next week.

Top four teams, among the eight teams from three legs would earn a berth in the semifinals.

However, the towering young Russian side would be running the Cuban women close in their bid to retain the title. The average age of the team is 21 and their attack would be in the hands of Belikova, Sokolova, Godina, Artamonova and Sargsian, all five are 190 cm tall.

However, the key player in the Russian side would be Artmonova, while their setter Vassilevskaia is still to settle down with her talent.

The women from Italy, whose average height is 183 cm would be fielding the tallest player in Elisa Togut, who stands 190 cm. The team, however, would be utilising this prestigious competition to prepare themselves for the world championships slated to be held in Japan in November. Their victories over China, Brazil and Japan in the earlier legs should instil a lot of confidence into the team.

Going by their relative inexperience vis-a-vis the other teams in the fray, the Koreans would be the underdogs in this edition. The three other teams would definitely be looking for an easy win against the short statured Koreans to boost their points tally.

The Koreans, in fact, had come up only this year after having broken the great wall of China, as it were, while being placed third in the grand prix competition last year. They also finished fourth in the 1996 World Super Challenge Series.

The Koreans, who had also won bronze medals in the world championships in 1967, 1974 and in the 1976 Montreal Olympics, would rely on their attacker Yoon-Hee Chang and Sun-Hye Chung.

However, the favorites, Cuba would be catching the imagination of the volleyball fans in the stadium which is expected to be full with ticket sales being brisk, according to the organising committee.

Their trade mark aggressive playing style with thundering smashes, would be piloted by the experienced Regla Bell.

Though relatively short statured, with the average height being only about 180 cm, the Cuban line up, considerably revamped after the Atlanta Olympics boasts of some brilliant spikers shaped up by their popular coach Eugenio George. Luis Hernandez is their best spiker.

Cuba had only won a bronze in the 1995 grand prix losing to the USA and Brazil. Success again eluded them in the 1997 grand prix where they finished with a silver behind Russia in the final round robin competition.

But with the evergreen Luis and newcomers, playmaker Taimaris Aguero and Zoila Barros, the Cubans are favoured to regain the grand prix and the world championship titles this year.

In the round robin league, a team would get two points for a win and one point for a loss. There would be no points if any team forfeits a match.

If two or more teams obtain the same number of points, the ranking would be decided by the quotient of the sets won and lost by a team.

Russia, Cuba and China at present head the eight teams with 11 points each. While China, being the host nation will automatically qualify for the semifinals, and Russia and Cuba expected to fill the next two slots, the contest for the fourth spot would be between Italy, Brazil, the USA and Japan.

The two earlier legs before the Chennai and Shanghai editions were held at Macau and Chong Going (China) from August 21 to 23 and at Bangkok from August 28 to 30.

The following are the fixtures: Sept 4: Russia vs Korea (3 p.m.) Italy vs Cuba ( 5 p.m.), Sept 5 : Korea vs Cuba (3 p.m.), Russia vs Italy (12 noon), Sept 6 : Korea vs Italy (12 noon), Cuba vs Russia (2 p.m.).

The rankings of the eight national Olympic teams which are in fray in the World Grand Prix, one of the richest and most popular international events in the international volleyball calendar are:

Cuba: world number 1, Russia 2, China 3, Korea 4, Brazil 5, Japan 6, USA 7 and Italy 9.

Thumping victory for Gloucestershire

LONDON, Sept 3 (Reuters) — West Indies former captain Courtney Walsh helped bowl Gloucestershire back into contention for their first county championship title yesterday, becoming the season’s leading wicket-taker in the process.

Walsh’s four for 50 gave him match figures of 10 for 86 as Gloucestershire beat Northamptonshire by 10 wickets at Bristol in only two days.

Bowling the visitors out for just 95 left them with only nine to make for victory.

Mike Smith took six for 32 in tandem with Walsh, who now has 89 victims this year, one more than Somerset’s Andy Caddick.

His six for 36 in the first innings on Tuesday had been his best figures of the season.

The 21 points for victory moved Gloucestershire up from fourth to second in the table, though the other contenders were all in a position to press for victory.

England opening batsman Mark Butcher took four wickets for the leaders Surrey as Yorkshire reached 250 for nine before declaring at Headingley, where the first day’s play had been wiped out. Surrey had made 17 without loss by the close.

Second-placed Leicestershire staged a remarkable recovery against Warwickshire.

Their last two wickets produced stands of 77 and 109, with paceman David Millns, who made 99, well supported by Alan Mullally (26) and last man Matt Brimson (54 not out).

That led to a final total of 389. Warwickshire replied with 157 for six, Brian Lara making 26.

Lancashire batted well in response to Derbyshire’s 281 at Old Trafford though Michael Atherton was out for four.

John Crawley, selected for England’s tour to Australia in preference to Graeme Hick, was 96 not out at the close in a total of 214 for two.

Crawley and Graham Lloyd (56 not out), the son of England coach David Lloyd, had put on 139 for the third wicket.

Scores at the close of play in four-day English county championship cricket matches today:

Day three
At Hove: Sussex 332 (K. Newell 84, R. Martin-Jenkins 78, R. Rao 76; D. Thomas 4-63) and 163-9. Glamorgan 353-8 declared (M. Maynard 94, A. Cottey 91).

At Southampton: Middlesex 437 (A. Strauss 83, M. Gatting 77, R. Kettleborough 60, K. Brown 53) and 105-2. Hampshire 311 (G. White 106, D. Mascarenhas 63; R. Johnson 4-72).

Day two
At Bristol: Gloucestershire beat Northamptonshire by 10 wickets. Northamptonshire 123 (C. Walsh 6-36) and 95 (M. Smith 6-32; C. Walsh 4-50). Gloucestershire 210 (R. Cunliffe 53; F. Rose 4-63) and 9-0. Gloucestershire 21 points, Northamptonshire 4.

At Taunton: Worcestershire 224 (G. Haynes 56; A. Caddick 8-64). Somerset 135-6 (G. Haynes 4-38).

At Edgbaston: Leicestershire 389 (D. Millns 99, B. Smith 86, M. Brimson 54 not out; T. Munton 4-90). Warwickshire 157-6 (C. Lewis 4-50).

At Headingley: Yorkshire 250-9 declared (C. White 55, D. Byas 52; M. Butcher 4-41). Surrey 17-0.

At Old Trafford: Derbyshire 281 (M. Cassar 70, P. Defreitas 69). Lancashire 214-2 (J. Crawley 96 not out, G. Lloyd 56 not out).

97 pc South Koreans watched France ’98

SINGAPORE, Sept 3 (AFP) — South Koreans were the most avid viewers of World Cup television broadcasts in Asia with 97 per cent of the entire population watching the event, according to a survey released today.

The Chinese cities of Beijing and Guangzhou registered viewerships of 86 per cent while Shanghai posted 84 per cent, the same as Thailand, according to a survey of 12 Asian cities by Asia Market Intelligence Limited (AMI), a Hong Kong-based research outfit.

The Philippines registered the lowest France '98 viewership at 38 per cent. "Then again, the basketball-crazy nation would probably register the highest viewership for the NBA finals," an AMI statement said.

The survey also showed that the Games themselves were more memorable than the major commercial sponsors, including some of the world’s most familiar brands.

"Ask Asian World Cup viewers what they remembered about the avalanche of sponsors involved in the recent games, chances are local sponsors made more of an impression than the officials ones," AMI said.

Indonesians had the highest recall of any sponsor at 85 per cent of respondents, but they remembered local sponsors most, particularly Gudang Garam, the local cigarette firm.
The most widely remembered major sponsors were Coca-Cola, Adidas and Nike, but Coca-Cola registered a recall of only 22.13 per cent among Asian viewers.

Indian eves' hockey squad confident
From Ravi Dhaliwal

PATIALA, Sept 3 — Even as chief coach G.S. Bhangu expressed optimism about the Indian women hockey team's preparation for the Commonwealth Games for the past one month, the 16-member squad had its last session of limbering up at the NIS astro-turf here today. The team leaves for New Delhi (by train tomorrow) en route to Kuala Lumpur.

Coach Bhangu's satisfaction stemmed from the fact that the team would be leaving the country's shores without any injury.

The team, to be led by mid-fielder and skipper Sita Gossain, will be leaving for Kuala Lumpur from New Delhi by a Malaysian Airlines flight on September 6 morning.

Bhangu, who had been appointed the chief coach after Col Balbir Singh resigned amidst high controversy, favours the 4-4-2-1 pattern of play. This underlines a tight mid-field and also means a radical shift in the strategy that had been adopted in the past few tournaments, including the world cup.

Col Balbir Singh had moulded the team in the traditional 5-3-2-1 format, which is considered to be more attacking in style. According to the chief coach, this change had been made keeping in view India's opposition at Kuala Lumpur, where incidentally, the Indians will be making their debut in hockey, both in the men and women's sections.

Talking to this correspondent, after the girls' workout in the morning, Bhangu singled out forwards Pritam Thakran, Manjinder Kaur and Jyoti Kulu, mid-fielder Sita Gossain, and deep-defender Sandeep Kaur as the players to watch out for.

Placed in pool 'A', the Indians will be playing their first match against lowly placed Jamaica on September 10. According to the chief coach's predicament the clash against Australia will be vital to India's interest in the run up to the semifinal stage. Apart from Australia, which is widely perceived as the team to win the gold, the other teams in India's pool are — Trinidad and Tobago, hosts Malaysia and Scotland.

The team: Tingogliema Chanu, Helen Mary, Sandeep Kaur, Marystilla Tirkey, Suman Bala, Sanggai Chanu, Sita Gossain (captain), Renu Bala, Sunita Dalal, Nidhi Khullar, Manjinder Kaur, Pritam Thakran, Jyoti Sunita Kulu, Fardina Ekka, Suraj Lata and Kamla Dalal.

Rain washes out matches of top seeds

NEW YORK, Sept 3 (Reuters) — Torrential rain whipped by high winds wiped out the evening session at the US Open yesterday postponing second-round matches featuring top seeds Martina Hingis and Pete Sampras.

Tournament officials waited for one hour and 45 minutes before calling off the two Arthur Ashe Stadium night matches.

Two other singles matches on the outside courts already in progress from the daytime session were also called due to the heavy storm that buffeted the National Tennis Centre grounds.

Hingis, the defending champion, and Majoli had finished their warm-up when the storm forced them off the court. The matchup is a repeat of the 1997 French Open final in which the Croatian surprised the world’s number one player.

Last year’s loss at Roland Garros was the only one the Swiss teenager suffered in the 1997 Grand Slams as she swept to victories in the Australian Open, Wimbledon and the US Open.

Sampras and Goldstein had never played before. Goldstein, the 22-year-old national collegiate championship runner-up from Stanford, was given one of eight wildcards into the main draw.

Seventh-seeded French Open runner-up Alex Corretja of Spain was in danger of falling behind 2-1 in sets against Gianluca Pozzi of Italy who was leading 6-2, 3-6, 5-2 when their first-round match was halted.

US veteran Mary Joe Fernandez was leading Alexandra Fusa of France 6-3 2-3 when their second-round match was stopped.

Super league players face national ban

London, Sept 3 (Reuters) — Players with teams competing in an unsanctioned European super league would be banned from playing for England, the country’s Football Association (F.A.) said yesterday.

Clubs which took part would also be banned from all English domestic competitions. The F.A. believes that other countries would follow suit, either voluntarily or by FIFA decree.

The F.A. Confirmed the stance in a meeting of its executive committee yesterday, two days before the chairmen of premier league clubs meet to discuss the super league issue.

F.A. spokesman Steve Double said today the F.A. Was following FIFA’s clearly stated position on clubs operating outside the existing governing bodies.

However, F.A. Chairman Keith Wiseman said he did not think such drastic measures would be needed as he expected the clubs to come to a European league compromise with UEFA.

He said he accepted that UEFA would not be able to offer financial proposals as attractive as an outside body but said the clubs would be operating within a more stable system.

"I think the structure of the game will survive and it is vital that it does," Wiseman said on BBC Radio.

"We are probably looking at a period of several months for UEFA to put together their proposal."

Wiseman said he expected a European league to become a reality within the next few years but said he hoped it would be within the existing structure after consultation with the major leagues.

Team for Zimbabwe tour on Sept 19

MUMBAI, Sept 3 (PTI) — The Indian cricket squad for the short tour to Zimbabwe commencing later this month is to be picked at Delhi on September 19.

The members of the team selected for the Sahara Cup in Canada, who find berths in the squad for Zimbabwe would proceed directly to Harare from Toronto at the end of the five-match series against Pakistan, according to Jaywant Lele, secretary of the BCCI.

The players, who are not in the Sahara Cup squad but are included for the Zimbabwe tour, would join the team in Zimbabwe," Lele added here today.

The squad for the Sahara Cup, named yesterday and led by Mohd Azaharuddin, does not have in its ranks at least four players who are considered certainties for Zimbabwe — Sachin Tendulkar, Ajay Jadeja, Anil Kumble and Robin Singh.

India are to play three one-day internationals against Zimbabwe (September 26, 27 and 30) and a one-off Test (October 7-11).

The first two one-dayers are to be held at Bulawayo while the third one-day tie and the lone Test are to be held at Harare. The team will also play a three-day game against the Board President's XI at Harare from October 2 to 4.

Sumit advances with ease
By Our Sports Reporter

CHANDIGARH, Sept 3 — Unseeded Sumit Kathuria of Faridabad scored an easy 15-2, 15-1 victory over Karan of Kurukshetra in the first round of the boys under-16 singles on the opening day of the Mini Haryana Open Badminton Championship at the Sector 7 community centre, Panchkula, near here today. More than 175 players from all over Haryana are taking part in the four-day championship.

Earlier, Mr Bhagwati Parshad, Commissioner, Ambala Division, inaugurated the championship.

The results are (first round) boys under-16 years singles: Sachin Garg (Panchkula) b Sumit Narwal (Karnal) 15-2, 15-1, Karan Sahoo (Panchkula) b Ankuish Kalara (Kurukshetra) 15-2, 15-2, Varinder (Hisar) b Nagesh (Ambala) 15-6, 15-7, Nakunj (Faridabad) b Nishant (Ambala) 15-1, 15-2.

Ram Karan (Sonepat) b Amarjit Singh (Karnal) 15-0, 15-5, Sumit Kathuria (Faridabad) b Karan (Kurukshetra) 15-2, 15-1, Rohit (Bhiwani) b Aditya Aggarwal (Panchkula) 15-2, 15-1, Piyush Aggarwal (Panchkula) b Anuj Walia (Ambala) 15-1, 15-0.

PT Usha bereaved

PAYYOLI (Kerala), Sept 3 (PTI) — P. T. Paithal, father of sprint queen P. T. Usha, died at his residence here early today. He was 72.

He is survived by his wife, five daughters and a son. Usha is his second daughter.

Paithal, a textile merchant, had been keeping indifferent health for the past couple of years.

According to family sources, Usha, now in Patiala, is expected to arrive here tomorrow.

A hartal was observed in Payyoli town, where Paithal had his textile business for over four decades.

Bindra for C'wealth Games
Tribune News service

CHANDIGARH, Sept 3 — Chandigarh's Abhinav Bindra has been included in the Indian contingent for the Commonwealth Games to be held in Malaysia later this month. Abhinav will take part in the 10-metre air rifle event (ISU).

Abhinav, who is the only shooter from Punjab (he represented Punjab in the National Shooting Championship), is the youngest member of the Indian contingent for the Commonwealth Games. A student of the local St Stephen's School, Abhinav is the national record holder in the 10-metre air rifle event, both in the senior as well as the junior sections.

Recently he took part in the World Championship at Barcelona and the experience he gained there is bound to stand him in good stead in the Commonwealth Games.

Basketball trials

LUDHIANA (FOSR): Trials to select the Punjab Basketball Teams (boys and girls) for the National Youth Basketball Championship to be held at Surat from October 11 to 16 will be conducted here at Guru Nanak Stadium on September 6 at 2.30 p.m., according to Mr R.S. Gill, president, Punjab Basketball Association. Players born on or after January 1,1982 are eligible. Those interested should bring their age proof certificates and contact Teja Singh Dhaliwal, secretary, PBA, at the venue.

Baljinder shines
Tribune News Service

CHANDIGARH, Sept 3 — Baljinder Singh of Manav Mangal High School, Sector 21, has won a silver in the Chandigarh State Inter-School Judo Championship (under 25kg). This is the fourth consecutive year that he has won a medal in the Chandigarh meet.

Amarpal Singh and Bhawana Chauhan of the same school won the bronze in the 25-30 kg and under-27 kg categories, respectively.

Badminton meet postponed
From Our Sports Reporter

PATIALA, Sept 3 — The Patiala District Badminton Championship which was slated to be held here from September 4 to 6 has been postponed, according to a press release of the Patiala District Badminton Association here today.

However, the selection trials to select the Patiala team to participate in the Punjab Senior Badminton Championship scheduled to be held at Phagwara, will be held on September 4.

Karate trials

CHANDIGARH (BOSR): Trials to select the Chandigarh boys and girls team for the All-India Inter-School Karate Championship being held at Indore (Madhya Pradesh) from September 18 to 20, will be held at the Sector 22-A, MDAV High School here on September 6 at 8 a.m., according to a Press note of the Amateur Karate Association of Chandigarh.

PSEB's Amandeep best athlete
From Our Sports Reporter

PATIALA, Sept 3 — The Punjab State Electricity Board (PSEB) won the All-India Electricity Athletics championships which concluded at Thiruvananthapuram recently, according to information received here today. KSEB and TNEB were placed second and third, respectively.

International Amandeep Singh of the PSEB, who won the 10,000 and 5,000m events and was placed second in the 1500 and 800m, was declared the best athlete of the meet.

Trials

CHANDIGARH (BOSR): Trials to select the Chandigarh boys and girls teams for the Junior North Zone Athletic Meet to be held at Kanpur on September 25 and 26, will be held at the Sector 7 sports complex here on September 6 at 9 a.m., according to a press note of the Amateur Athletic Association of Chandigarh.