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Agassi, Seles sent packing

NEW YORK, Sep 9 (AP) — A child’s voice plaintively called out Mon-ee-ka’’ in the match’s waning moments, but it had little more effect than any of Monica Seles’ shots did against the chilling precision of Martina Hingis.

The top-seeded Hingis made just 16 unforced errors in a 6-4, 6-4 win over no. 6 Seles on a cool night at the US Open yesterday to reach her ninth straight grand slam semifinal.

Hingis closed out the match with her second ace, then jumped for joy and pumped her right arm in the air. The match included several long, fascinating rallies in which both players made acrobatic saves.

Seles had defeated Hingis in their only two previous matches this year, including the semifinals of the French Open. But Hingis was nearly perfect yesterday, losing just seven points on her serve in the first set.

“I was a little worried going into the match because I wasn’t playing my best and I lost two times to Monica before this,’’ Hingis said. “I was playing well, my serve was very good and I didn’t make any mistakes. I was on a good wave.’’

Hingis will face no. 3 Jana Novotna in the semifinals. Novotna, the Wimbledon champion, advanced earlier yesterday with a 6-2, 6-3 win over Patty Schnyder, who ousted Steffi Graf on Sunday.

When it came down to pure tennis, and not the mind games of the night before, Andre Agassi simply couldn’t handle the speed or power of an opponent who rallied from a big deficit in the final set.

Karol Kucera slowly regained his confidence while winning five straight games as he closed out a 6-3, 6-3, 6-7 (5-7), 1-6, 6-3 victory that took two days to complete because of rain.

The win sent no. 9 Kucera toward a quarterfinal match against top-seeded Pete Sampras, while no. 8 Agassi failed to advance beyond the fourth round in any Grand Slam tournament this year.

A day after the players glared and postured at each other across the net, there was little emotion as an embattled Kucera saved two break points that would have given Agassi a 3-0 lead in the final set.

“Last night it just got to the point where it was so competitive we could have put on boxing gloves, thrown darts, we could have done anything not to do with tennis,’’ Agassi said. “Today was all about tennis.’’

Joining Sampras and Kucera in the quarterfinals was no. 3 Patrick Rafter, the defending champion, as well as Mark Philippoussis and Swedes Jonas Bjorkman, Magnus Larsson and Thomas Johansson.

Rafter won 6-3, 6-4, 4-6, 6-1 over no. 14 Goran Ivanisevic, who was penalised a point in the final set for throwing his racket. That match also was stopped by rain Monday night, with Rafter up a set.

Philippoussis, an unseeded Australian, reached his second straight Grand Slam quarterfinals with a 7-5, 0-6, 6-4, 6-1 win over 13th-seeded Tim Henman of Britain.

Promising 23-year-old Thomas Johansson, who has climbed to 33 in the rankings and who is hoping to earn a place in the Davis Cup team, stunned Russian Yevgeny Kafelnikov in four sets. The former French Open champion was clearly rattled after losing 3-6, 6-3, 6-3, 7-6 (8-6), adds Reuters.

Johansson now plays Australian Mark Philippoussis,

Magnus Larsson defeated Germany’s 92-ranked Oliver Gross 6-4, 7-5, 5-7, 6-2 in just over two hours.

The 34th-ranked Larsson, who beat world number two Marcelo Rios of Chile in the previous round, now plays French Open champion Carlos Moya, the 10th seed, who defeated seventh-seeded fellow Spaniard Alex Corretja 7-6 (7-4), 7-5, 6-3.

PTI: India’s Leander Paes and Mahesh Bhupathi maintained their fine run at the US Open tennis championship here by storming into the men’s doubles semifinals yesterday.

They rallied past the Argentine-Spanish combine of Luis Lobo and Javier Sanchez in straight sets 6-3, 6-3 to book a semifinal showdown with Sandon Stolle (Australia), and Cyril Suk (Czech Republic).

The fourth seeded pair had kept India’s hopes alive by thrashing Lan Bale of Russia and Danny Sapsford of Britain 6-0, 6-2 to reach the quarterfinals last Sunday.

The Indian duo, who climbed to world number two ranking early this year after an impressive streak of wins in 1997 which culminated in their superb show in the world doubles championships, have not lost a single set in the tournament till now.

Meanwhile, Bhupathi and Mirjana Lucic of Croatia bowed out of the US Open mixed doubles losing to Serena Williams and Max Mirnyi in the quarterfinals here yesterday.

Aussies trounce India 5-2

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 9 (PTI) — Australia capitalised on a sloppy defence to trounce India 5-2 in their opening pool-A men’s hockey league match in the Commonwealth Games here tonight.

The Indians, seeking to redeem themselves after the disastrous show in the Utrecht World Cup, found the going tough against the more organised title-favourites Aussies who took control of the game with a 3-0 first-session lead at the national hockey stadium.

Veteran forward Stephen Davies (2nd and 20th minutes), Lachlan Vivian Taylor (28th) gave Australia a 3-0 advantage at half-time before India fought back through goals from full-back Dilip Tirkey (38th) and skipper Dhanraj Pillay (44th) to raise visions of a spectacular rally.

However, the Terry Walsh-coached Aussies scotched the Indian hopes through goals from Michael Brennan (44th) and Jeremy Hiskins (58th) to come out triumphant.

The Indians failed to play cohesively and tended to become over-defensive and paid a heavy price as their rivals managed to break the cordon with ease and score with embarrassing regularity.

The Aussies shot into the lead as early as the second minute of the contest when the speedy Davies capitalised on poor trapping by a defender to slam it from close range after receiving a controlled pass from Hiskins on the left.

Spurred by the early success the Aussies kept up the pressure with a series of counter-attacks and sounded the boards again with Davies doing the damage again after a combined move by Paul Gaudon and Daniel Sproule which took the Indian defence by surprise.

The Aussies consolidated the position with Taylor cashing in on a defensive lapse close to half time. Once again the defence was caught napping as Taylor picked the ball inside the striking circle and blasted home.

The Indians raised hopes of a fight back as Tirkey converted a rebound.

The beleaguered Indians, who started with four forwards in the second session, struck again minutes later when veteran Pillay found the target from close after inside forward Sabu Varkey had done the spadework.

UNI: Four-time world hockey champions Pakistan made heavy weather of their opening match against Kenya, edging out the Africans 5-4.

Penalty specialist Imran Yousuf sparkled for the Asian giants, scoring four goals in the fiercely contested game.

Minnows Kenya, who were not expected to match upto the Pakistanis put in a sterling performance. They missed out on a penalty corner in the final minute which would have levelled the match at five goals each.

Pakistan, at 5-2, had opened up a seemingly insurmountable three goal lead, but then let the Kenyans dominate.

Yousuf, however, appeared to be the difference between the two sides, converting three penalty strokes and a penalty corner.

The first goal came in the 19th minute when Yousuf converted from the spot after the Kenyan goalkeeper, Jotham Omany, brought down a Pakistani forward in a rough tackle.

Kenya, however, equalised seven minutes later, when Raymond Ondong scored the first of his two penalty corner goals.

The Kenyan goalie again conceded a penalty in the 31st minute when he brought down the dangerous Khalid Mohammed (2-1).

The only field goal for Pakistan came six minutes into the second half when Mohammed shot home, collecting a superb pass from right winger Atif Bashir.

Kenya fought back and the marauding forward line won another penalty corner in the 41st minute which was again converted by Ondong.

The last two goals for Pakistan were scored in the 42nd and the 44th minute.

In the 52nd minute, Nicholas Induli scored on a rebound and the 66th minute saw Joel Senge pull back one more for the Africans.

The Kenyans stepped up the attack, looking for the equaliser, but the Pakistanis somehow managed to keep them at bay.

Akram, Malik implicated in match-fixing

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 9 (AFP) — A Pakistani inquiry has found cricket stars Wasim Akram, Salim Malik and Ijaz Ahmed responsible for match fixing and recommended they be banned.

An interim report by the Pakistan Cricket Board committee, made available to at the Commonwealth Games, said the three should not play in Tests until further investigations are finished.

But it added that betting on matches was widespread and called for an intensive new inquiry.

The report by the three-member committee, headed by justice Chodhary Ejaz Yousuf, said Akram, Malik and Ijaz should be kept away from the Pakistan team "to save youngsters and new entrants in the game from being affected further and spoiled by the soiling atmosphere".

"However, the final decision against them and all others concerned may be deferred to the finalisation of inquiry and findings".

The report, based on interviews with current and former players and a journalist, spelled out the involvement of players in betting and match fixing — a charge first levelled by Australian players against Malik in 1994.

Former Test fast bowler Ata-ur-Rehman gives a graphic account of how a one day international in Christchurch was fixed during Pakistan’s tour of New Zealand in 1994 when Malik was the captain.

"A day prior to the match, Wasim Akram contacted him (Rehman) at about 8-9 pm and enquired whether he would be ready to take a purse of 4 lakh rupees ($ 9,000) for doing a favour", the report says.

On query, Akram disclosed to him that the match was fixed and all arrangements were made by Ijaz Ahmed and Salim Malik. In case (the) match is lost by Pakistan all the players would be paid.

"Since it was the first occasion he (Rehman) agreed to the proposal.

"When Pakistan took the field, Malik came to him and told him that since he had agreed to the proposal, he would have to bowl opposite to the field placements.

"Rehman stated that instructions were accordingly carried out and Pakistan ultimately lost the match.

"He further stated that in the Christchurch game, except Rashid Latif and Aamer Sohail, all team members were party to the betting and match-fixing business.

"He further disclosed that Wasim Akram, Salim Malik and Ijaz Ahmed were responsible for the arrangements".

Rehman also said manager Intikhab Alam made his players swear on the Koran that they were not involved when reports trickled in that a 1994 Sharjah Cup match between Pakistan and India had been fixed.

Sohail, the current Pakistan captain, told the committee he was offered $ 120,000 (about Rs 50 lakhs) to "get himself out before scoring 10 runs and also to get (opening partner) Saeed Anwar run out in the same Sharjah match".

Anwar was quoted as saying he suspected the Singer Cup match between Pakistan and Australia in Sri Lanka in 1994 was "fixed".

"He therefore reported the matter to manager Mr Intikhab Alam who asked him to cool his heels’.

Test bowler Aquib Javed told the committee that when he turned down a bribe to lose a match, "He was conveyed through Wasim Akram that he would not be included in the team as long as Akram was captain".

Former coach Haroon Rashid told the committee that many times he noticed Pakistani players not playing to full potential and "a number of matches which could easily have been won were thrown away".

Others who gave evidence were former Test cricketers Rameez Raja and Basit Ali and Journalist Fereshte Gati.

The report noted: "In order to complete the inquiry and in order to draw final findings and opinion, the examination of players accused of allegations, including Akram, Malik, Ijaz, Moin Khan, Inzamam-ul Haq, Mushtaq Ahmed, Waqar Younis and Saqlain Mushtaq would also be necessary and imperative".

BRISBANE (AP): Former Australian Test player Tim May said on Wednesday he felt justified in standing firm on allegations of bribery levelled at Salim Malik now that an inquiry found match-fixing exists and the former Pakistani captain was involved.

The report follows years of accusations against Pakistani players. In 1994 Australian players Mark Waugh, May and Shane Warne accused Malik of trying to bribe them. Malik was cleared by a hearing in Pakistan.

May and Warne alleged Malik offered them $ 2,50,000 in bribe to bowl badly on the last day of the first Test in Karachi, where Pakistan's last pair snatched a miracle victory.

Later on the tour, Mark Waugh alleged Malik tried to bribe him to bat poorly in a one-dayer. Waugh made a century but Pakistan triumphed easily.

The allegations were rejected by an internal Pakistan inquiry in 1995.

May, now the president of the Australian Cricketers Association, said it was a relief that after years of speculation it had finally been confirmed that match-fixing did exist.

"In my own personal way there's a genuine sense of relief that perhaps people are becoming more aware of a problem," May said.

May said he felt his scrape with bribery back in 1994 had been forgotten but was glad the issue had not been let slip.

I'm not out there campaigning to bring these players to justice," May said. "Personally I think the issue of May, Warne and Waugh in 1994 has been buried and this is a new inquiry.

India-Antigua tie abandoned

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 9 (PTI) — India’s hopes of garnering full points in their opening group-B league match against Antigua in the Commonwealth Games cricket competition went awry as heavy afternoon showers forced abandonment of the tie at the TNB Sports Ground here today.

After restricting Antigua — who chose to bat first on a drying pitch — to 164 for 9 in the tie reduced to 41-overs per side owing to a delayed start, India were tottering at 30 for two in 9.4 overs after losing the vital wicket of star Sachin Tendulkar for just 15 runs when the sky opened up to wash out the remainder of the tie. The teams picked up a point each.

The tropical showers lashing these parts in the noon daily over the last few days, thus, upset Indian hopes of opening their campaign in the 16-team event on a winning note.

Indian skipper Ajay Jadeja said after the match: "I think we would still have made it. All I know is that we must beat both Australia and Canada (to enter the semi-finals)".

Antiguan skipper David Joseph won the toss and elected to bat after start of play was delayed by over an hour and 45 minutes as the ground had been rendered soggy following last evening’s heavy showers.

The Antiguans plunged into trouble straightaway with Orissa swing bowler Debashish Mohanty striking two vital blows in his first three overs which reduced the Caribbean islanders to 13 for two.

But Ridley Jacobs (43 not out), Sylvester Joseph (29) and their captain staged a fightback and helped them post a fighting total.

Leg spinner Anil Kumble kept his reputation intact with a three-wicket haul (3 for 20) while Mohanty (2 for 13) and fellow seamer Robin Singh (2 for 17) chipped commendably.

The Indian run-chase started on a wrong note when they lost both openers Tendulkar (15) and Gagan Khoda (3) to be at a shaky 30 for two when the rains came.

India take on Canada in their next match on September 12 before matching their might against the formidable Australians on September 15 in what may prove to be the crunch encounter.

Only winners of each of the four groups will advance to the knock-out semi-finals.

Meanwhile, a full-strength Australia warmed up for their campaign with a thumping nine-wicket demolition of rookies Canada, skittling them out for 60 and rattling up 61 for one.

In other league clashes, an under-strength Sri Lanka made shortwork of hosts Malaysia by carving out a seven-wicket win while Zimbabwe got the better of Jamaica by six wickets in two group-A ties.

But Pakistan, fielding a depleted side like India owing to the two clashing in the official Sahara Cup series in Toronto, had to be satisfied with sharing points with world cup qualifiers Scotland (group D) after their clash was washed out with the Scots tottering at 35 for 3 in 17.2 overs chasing Pakistan’s 201 for five.

The Lankans without several regulars and led by Hashan Tillekeratne, shot out the hosts for 109 and then coasted home in the 20th over. Zimbabwe toyed with Jamaica by streaking past the modest score of 142 posted by the Carribean islanders.

In the India-Antigua tie played under heavily overcast skies, Mohanty exploited the early juice on the wicket admirably as he removed opener Earl Waldron in his second over as the batsman went for an on-drive but mistimed completely to give a tame catch to skipper Ajay Jadeja at mid on.

The lanky paceman struck again in his very next over by evicting former West Indies skipper Richie Richardson with a lovely delivery to leave the Antiguans gasping at 13 for two after three overs.

Robin Singh, who replaced fellow seamer Paras Mhambrey in the fifth over, was rewarded in his very first ball as the other opener Wilden Cornwall edged a sharp chance to Tendulkar in the slip cordon to leave the Antiguans in a precarious position at 13 for three.

Sylvester Joseph and skipper David Joseph then tried to repair the damage with cautious play. They added 33 runs for the fourth wicket before young off-spinner Harbhajan Singh broke the stand by castling Sylvester Joseph.

But Ridley Jacobs, who joined action, looked the most comfortable and remained undefeated with 43.

The Antiguans, who were struggling to score runs freely, could not have reached the total they did, had not Test pace bowling star Curtly Ambrose used the long handle effectively in the slog overs to score a brisk 23 before being bowled by Tendulkar.

Sachin world's best batsman: Richards

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 9 (PTI) — "Master blaster" Viv Richards became the latest cricket legend to hail the batting of Sachin Tendulkar when he named the Indian star as the best in the world today and joined Aussie icon Donald Bradman to say that Tendulkar reminded him of his own batting style

Tendulkar, who drew unstinted praise from Aussie icon Sir Donald Bradman who was charmed by the Indian ace at their recent meeting in Adelaide, also moved the former West Indian skipper Richards to rate him the "best batsman in the world in his current form".

"He is certainly the best batsman at the moment. There’s something in his batting which reminds me of my own. I will pay any money to watch him play," Richards gushed today.

One of the most destructive batsmen in the history of the game, Richards said he had seen some of India’s recent matches against Australia and Tendulkar looked really magnificent.

Tendulkar had received the highest compliment when Bradman said the Indian reminded him of his own batting. As a a special invitee for the Don’s 90th birthday celebrations in Adelaide recently, he was so impressive that the normally reclusive Bradman affectionately called him "little bonzer".

Richards, who is at the Commonwealth Games here as the Antiguan coach, explained his new role saying he had not been directly associated with cricket for some time and the new job gave him a lot of pleasure.

"Now that I have started coaching Antigua, I look forward to coaching the West Indies some day. I do believe I’ve something to offer to the game,’ he said.

Richards, who relished belting bowlers all over the park during his playing days, said the Antiguan team was quite balanced with a mixture of youth and experience and promised they would put up a good show in Kuala Lumpur, where cricket is making its debut.

Asked why the West Indies could not produce the same class of fast bowlers over the last few years, he said the retirement of a number of high quality pacemen at the same time had left a vacuum and it was difficult to fill it so quickly.

"We obviously have not got the same quality and quantity of fast bowlers we had in the past. But we now have a more organised coaching system in place and things will brighten up in the future, he pointed out.

Asked what he thought of the standard of cricket at the moment, he said: "The game is in good health. Everybody is quite committed". He singled out the Sri Lankan style for praise.

"People flock to see the Sri Lankans play. Their style and approach is quite similar to the Caribbeans.’

Upset victory for Jalandhar duo
From Our Sports Reporter

PHAGWARA, Sept 9 — Harmandeep and Ramanjit of Jalandhar caused an upset when they outplayed fourth seeds Dilpreet and Tajinder Singh of Ludhiana in the boys doubles under-22 Frontier Punjab Badminton Championships on the inaugural day at JCT Mill, here today.

Another upset was witnessed in the same event by Patiala lads Harminder and Narinder in well-fought three games, 15-10, 16-17, 15-3. The Jalandhar pair couldn't face sharp down the line smashes and speed of Patiala players of left-right combination.

Harmandeep and Ramanjit played an intelligent game as they placed every stroke at a blank space which helped them to beat the seeds 15-5, 15-12.

In the girls doubles under-22 top seed Nazma of Ludhiana and Sumeet of Jalandhar got a bye, whereas second seeds Sapna and Gurpreet of Jalandhar sailed into the semifinals by defeating Indermeet and Navneet Kaur of Hoshiarpur 15-1, 15-4.

Earlier, Mrs Usha R. Sharma, Deputy Commissioner, Kapurthala, inaugurated the championships.

Results: Boys doubles: under-22: Sumit & Ankush (Asr) got w/o from Sandeep & Sunil (Kpt), Ritin & Rohan (Jal) got w/o from Dinesh & Vikash (Kpt), Gurminder & Narinder (Pta) b Kulbir & Sumit (Fgh) 15-2, 15-6, Harmandeep & Ramanjit (Jal) got w/o from Shekhar & Vishal (Hsp) Dilpreet & Tajinder (Ldh) b Ashok & Tomar (Kpt) 15-1, 15-1, Harvinder & Vikas (Pta) b Touseeb & Mehtab (Sgr) 11-15, 15-6, 15-2.

Quarter Finals: Amandeep & Sunil (Ldh) b Sumeet & Ankush (Asr) 15-4, 15-9, Gurminder & Narinder (Pta) b Ritin & Rohan (Jal) 15-10, 16-17, 15-3, Harmandeep & Ramanjit (Jal) b Dilpreet & Tajinder (Ldh) 15-5, 15-13, Jaideep & Gagandeep (Jal) b Harvinder & Vikas (Pta) 17-14, 15-10.

Girls Doubles under-22 (Quarterfinals): Kahmir & Kamaljit (Hsp) b Sandhya & Madhuri (Jal) 15-9, 15-8, Vidhu & Navdeep (Pta) b Saloni & Shahnaz (Asr, Sgr) 15-6, 15-3, Sapna & Gurpreet (Jal) b Indermeet & Navneet (Hsp) 15-1, 15-4.

International judo meet in Chandigarh
From Our Sports Reporter

NEW DELHI, Sept 9 — Chandigarh, one of the most sporting centres in the country, will be the venue for the two-day India Cup International Judo Championship on September 21 and 22.

Announcing this, the organising chairman S. Sukhbir Singh Badal Union Minister of State for Industries, said here today that 12 countries had already confirmed participation in the meet, which would be held at Panjab University. Japan, Pakistan, Singapore, Iran and Thailand are among leading countries which will be taking part.

Badal, who considers sport vital for development of all-round personality, said the meet was the only competition for juniors of below 18 years. The meet was first held in 1994.

The 10-members team will consist of seven judokas, who will figure in different weight categories, like below 50 kgs, below 55 kgs, below 60 kgs, below 65 below 71 kgs, below 78 kgs and open group.

The matches will be held in accordance with the International Judo Federation rules, that is, knock-out with double repechage system. In case there are less than five participants in any weight category, the matches will be held on league basis.

The foreign participating teams have sent details pertaining to their teams, said organising secretary and president Punjab Judo Association T.C. Gupta.

The Indian team, now under training at Patiala, will be announced on September 15 said Mr Gupta, adding that this was a totally sponsored meet, which would cost about Rs 25 lakh.

Y.S. Park, president of the International Judo Federation and Mr F.P. Besson, Sports Federation (IJF) are among the distinguished foreign guest who will be present at the two-day meet.

In addition to competition, there will be seminar (refereeing coaching and organising) at Chandigarh from September 17 to 23. Two participants — one referee and one coach from each member federation of South Asia zone, West Asia zone Central Asia zone — will take part in the seminar.

The officials belonging to several countries like, Kuwait, Qatar, Kyrghyzstan, Turkianistan, Pakistan, Bangadesh, Sri Lanka, Uzbekistan, Nepal, India and Mangolia will be impressed upon to adhere to uniform system of coaching and refereeing. "So far different systems are followed", Judo Federation of India Secretary Dagga said.

Jaspal Rana in superb form

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 9 (UNI) — Ace Marksman Jaspal Rana, who will carry the Indian flag at the opening ceremony of the Commonwealth games here on Friday, gave indications of being in top form for the shooting competition when he won the badge matches, a warmup to the main event in the individual centre fire pistol today with a performance that was better than the meet record of Ashok Pandit.

Rana won the individual and pairs in centre fire while Mansher Singh claimed the trap gold to give India three gold medals, besides two silver and two bronze at the Victoria Games four years ago.

At the Langkawi shooting range, 40 minutes by air from the Malaysian capital, Rana shot 584 to improve on Pandit’s Commonwealth record of 581.

Pandit was sixth today with a score of 572. Rana, whose performance in other championships is higher, shot 294 in precision and 290 in rapid for a total of 584.

Australian Bruce Quick was second with 578 and John Rochon third with 575.

In other badges events of shooting, Anjali Vedpathak of India finished eighth in the individual smallbore sports rifle three positions category with a score of 561. The best today was Scotland’s Shirley Macintosh with 567.

Shilpi Singh was sixth with 373 and Sushma Rana, Jaspal’s sister, ninth in the individual air pistol with a tally of 371.

Earlier, a release by the National Rifle Association of India stated that "at XVI Commonwealth Games 1998 Langkawi Malaysia.

Today, India’s Jaspal Rana won gold medal in the centre fire pistol during badge shooting by scoring 584/600. Bhanwar Lal Dhaka won silver medal in rapid fire event by scoring 574/600. Anuja Tere tied for the third place and lost in air rifle event and came fourth. Her score is 390/400.’’

This had caused some confusion among the pressmen, giving the impression that it was the main event.

Indian eves thrash Wales in badminton

KUALA LUMPUR, Sep 9 (PTI) — Indian shuttlers opened their campaign in style with an emphatic 4-1 victory over Wales in a women’s group ‘X’ league match in the badminton team competition of the Commonwealth Games here today.

The Indian eves displayed superb form to trounce their opponents who found it tough to counter them in almost all departments of the game. SAARC champions India meet Sri Lanka in the next group tie tomorrow.

After national champion Aparna Popat went down fighting to individual top seed and world number 10 Kelly Morgan in thrilling three games at 1-11 13-12 2-11 in the first singles, Neelima Chowdhury pulled India level with a facile straight games win over Gail Osborne in the second singles.

The sterling effort by Popat, ranked 28 in the world, inspired Chowdhury to thrash her rival 11-1, 11-1.

Former national champion Manjusha Kanwar kept up the momentum by breezing past Katy Howell 11-0 11-5 in the third singles to hoist the lead before veteran and eight time national champion Madhumita Bisht and Olympian P.V.V. Lakshmi teamed up brilliantly to claim the doubles against N. Burke-Groves and Robin Ashworth, with a 15-2, 15-3 verdict.

The overall superiority of the Indians was never in doubt as barring Kelly Morgan, the Welsh eves could show little resistance.

In the second doubles, Manjusha Kanwar and her long-time partner Archana Deodhar made a mockery of opposition from Katy Howell and Gail Osborne at 15-2, 15-6 to wrap up the tie.

Indian women have been clubbed with Scotland, Wales and Sri Lanka in group ‘X’ while strong contender Malaysia feature in group ‘W’ along with New Zealand, Trinidad and Tobago and Mauritius.

Australia, Canada, Jersey and Samoa figure in group ‘Y’ while group ‘Z’ comprises strong contenders England, South Africa, Jamaica and Fiji.

The first singles between the 20-year-old Aparna Popat and Kelly Morgan proved to the only tough match in the tie. The world junior runner-up went down tamely in the first set but raised her level by several notches in the second game which lasted nearly half an hour.

The fancied Morgan wrapped up the opening game 11-1 and looked set for an easy win, but Aparna Popat launched a splendid fightback in the second to put her opponent off the rhythm and win on extended points.

But the decider was a tame affair with Popat not being able to maintain the same tempo.

"It is good to win in a strong way. It should do the confidence of the girls lot of good," coach Uday Pawar said.

India regained initiative as Neelima Choudhury trounced Osborne 11-1, 11-1 in just 15 minutes with a flurry of leap smashes before Manjusha Kanwar consolidated the position with an equally one-sided win over the off-colour Katy Howell.

Result (group X): India beat Wales 4-1 (Aparna Popat lost to Kelly Morgan 1-11, 13-12, 2-11; Neelima Choudhury bt Gail Osborne 11-1, 11-1; Manjusha Kanwar bt Katy Howell 11-0, 11-5; Madhumita Bisht/P.V.V. Lakshmi bt N. Burke-Groves/Robin Ashworth 15-2, 15-3; Manjusha/Archana Deodhar bt Katy/Gail 15-2, 15-6.

Eves open campaign against Jamaica

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 9 (PTI) — India, striving to return home with a medal, open their campaign against Jamaica in what should be an easy pool ‘A’ league match in the women’s hockey event of the Commonwealth Games here tomorrow.

The Indian women, who have received a relatively easy draw as barring world champions Australia they can look to do well against Scotland, Trinidad and Tobago and hosts Malaysia who comprise the six-team group.

Under new coach Gurdial Singh Bhangu, the team led by veteran halfback Sita Gussain would be hoping to redeem themselves after losing all their matches to finish last in the May World Cup at Utrecht.

The euphoria over world cup qualification died in no time as they lost all encounters, albeit showing lot of fighting spirit.

The formidable Australia spearheaded by Alyson Annan might be out of the league for India, but a consistent showing can enable them make it to the semifinals.

Group ‘B’ comprises strong contenders Canada, England, New Zealand, Sri Lanka, South Africa and Wales. The two top teams from each group will qualify to the semifinals slated for September 19. The final will come off the next day.

The Indian eves, laid low by a virus close to the World Cup, are a vastly fitter unit and are here after a two-month coaching camp. The players had worked a lot on rectifying their weaknesses which should help them, Bhanghu said.

India’s real test will be on September 16 when they meet Australia though hosts Malaysia are also capable of turning the tables.

Azhar, Gaekwad optimistic

NEW DELHI, Sept 9 (PTI) — Indian skipper Mohammed Azharuddin and coach Anshuman Gaekwad sounded very optimistic of the squad’s chances against arch-rivals Pakistan in the September 12-20 Sahara Cup series at Toronto despite the absence of five key players.

Prior to the team’s departure, scheduled for midnight, the captain and coach told PTI it was pointless to rue over the fact that the squad would be without five regulars for its daunting campaign in Canada.

The Indian team for the series will not have the services of master batsman Sachin Tendulkar, leg spin ace Anil Kumble, flamboyant middle-order batsman Ajay Jadeja, key all-rounder Robin Singh and young off spinner Harbhajan Singh who have all been sent with the Jadeja-led team now participating in the Kuala Lumpur Commonwealth Games.

Both Azhar and Gaekwad said the team has to perform well with whoever is available for the series.

"We will play with a positive attitude. It is best not to talk about who is not in the team and try to get the best out of who is there. The board has taken a decision (to send Tendulkar and four other regulars to Kuala Lumpur)," the skipper said.

Gaekwad echoed Azhar’s point of view saying "it does not matter. We can’t keep cribbing about who is there and who is not. We have to make the most of whoever is there".

Azharuddin said: "I’m looking forward to the tour. We want to win it as well. We should do well as long as we apply ourselves".

Another series win at Toronto would provide Azhar and India with the splendid record of five wins from their last six one-day international engagements.

Azharuddin hoped to encounter much better wickets in the Canadian city this time around unlike last year when the seam bowlers ruled the roost.

"I hope the wickets would be better this time. Last year there was lot of sideways movement (of the ball) and any team which scored 180-plus was in with a winning chance," he said.

Azharuddin said the Pakistan side was a very good one but added: "We have done well against them before. I am going with an attitude to win and not to play safe. We have the talent to win".

Gaekwad said the Indian team was a fairly good and balanced one.

"If everything goes well we should be through", he added.

Kendriya Vidyalaya athletics meet
Tribune News Service

CHANDIGARH, Sept 9 — A three-day Regional Athletics Meet of the Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan, Chandigarh region, was inaugurated today at Kendriya Vidyalaya no 1, Chandimandir, by Brig Surinder Kumar Rathee, Commander, 12 Signal Group, Chandimandir, and chairman of the Vidyalaya Management Committee.

Speaking on the occasion, the chief guest highlighted the importance of discipline and true sportsmanship among participants during such meets.

Addressing the athletes representing several Kendriya Vidyalayas of the region, the Principal, Dr S.P Srivastava, stressed the role of such meets for the overall development of students.

Boxing federation clarification
Tribune News Service

SHIMLA, Sept 9 — Mr Rajesh Bhandari, secretary of the Indian Amateur Boxing Federation, has clarified that the federation had at no point of time withdrawn the name of Mr Narender Kumar Rawat, who had been nominated as manager of the boxing contingent for Commonwealth Games being held at Kuala Lumpur from September 11 to 20.

He said it was the Indian Olympic Association which insisted that only two coaches would be allowed to accompany the four-member squad and the name of the manager was not cleared.

He along with the president of IABF president, Mr A.K. Mattoo, met Mr Suresh Kalmadi, president of the IOA, and requested him to allow the manager to accompany the team. The final decision rests with the association.

Sahara Cup to be explosive: Pak

KARACHI, Sept 9 (AFP) — Pakistan captain Aamir Sohail and coach Javed Miandad predicted explosive cricket against arch rivals India as the team left for Toronto yesterday to participate in the Sahara Cup contest.

"We promise explosive cricket on the field," Miandad said. But it had nothing to do with rival nuclear Tests in May, he quipped.

Sohail also believed tensions generated by the tit-for-tat Tests would not affect the game. "We keep cricket away from politics."

Pakistan and India will play a five-match series in the third Sahara Cup opening on Saturday.

"Tension and involvement of sentiments are inevitable whenever Pakistan and India play. But we enjoy good cricket relations and offer our fans real stuff," he said.

Pakistan won the inaugural Sahara Cup 3-2 in 1996. India won 4-1 in 1997.

Miandad, remembered for his last-ball six against India in Sharjah in 1986, was inducted as team coach in August.

Built Football Club win
Tribune News Service

CHANDIGARH, Sept 9 — The four-day District Football Championship began at Yamunanagar today with the Built Football Club defeating D.G. Football Club 2-1 in the inaugural match. The championship was inaugurated by Commissioner, Ambala Division, Mr Bhagwati Prasad. Eight teams of the district are participating.

Ramesh Kumar of Built Club scored the first goal in the 15th minute but D.G. Club could equal it in the second half when Ashish Kumar scored a goal. When only five minutes of play was left, Ramesh Kumar of Built Club hit another goal to lead his team to victory.

The patron of the District Football Association, Mrs Surina Rajan, spoke about the achievements of the association. She said four players of the district had played at the international level and the district had produced a number of players who had made their mark at the national level.

The president of the DFA, Mr Satish Bhardwaj, also spoke.

Wrestler Manoj to be honoured
By Our Sports Reporter

CHANDIGARH, Sept 9 — Padamshri Kartar Singh Wrestling Club, Mohali, will honour international grappler Manoj Kumar, who brought laurels to the country by winning a silver medal in the Junior World Wrestling Championship under 20 years held in the USA, last week, at Dara Film Studio, Phase-VI, Mohali, on September 10 at 10 a.m..

Mr Harinder Singh Billa, president, Municipal Corporation, Mohali, will preside over the function while Mr C. Mascarenhas, Director in-charge, Sports Authority of India, Chandigarh, will be the chief guest.

Cricket trials

LUDHIANA (FOSR): Trials to select the Ludhiana district cricket teams (u-16) for the Inter-District A.L. Markan Trophy will be conducted here at the S.D. Government College on September 12 at 3 p.m., Mr Vinod Chitkara, general secretary, Ludhiana District Cricket Association, has said.