Brazil hold Germany in eves’ World Cup
WASHINGTON, June 28 — In an emotion-filled match, Brazil scored in the final seconds to draw with Germany 3-3 yesterday and avoid a quarterfinal match-up with women’s World Cup favourites the USA, who beat North Korea 3-0 to remain unblemished.

NEW JERSEY : India's Surinder Kaur scoring 1st goal against England in the final of the four-nation women's hockey tournament in New Jersey on Sunday. India won the match 2-1 — PTI

Indian eves clinch hockey title NEW DELHI, June 28 — Mamta Kharab struck a "golden goal" to lift the Indian junior women’s hockey team to a thrilling 2-1 title victory over strong England in the four-nation under-21 tournament held at Union, New Jersey, yesterday. India, Philippines sail into final CHANDIGARH, June 28 — India and the Philippines sailed into final of the Asian Cup Baseball Championship at Panjab University grounds here today.

Akram rejects nightclub claim
LONDON, June 28 — Pakistan captain Wasim Akram reportedly rejected the accusation batsman Ijaz Ahmed stayed out late the night before the World Cup final and said discipline had been fine.

Namibia shock title holders Nigeria
WINDHOEK, June 28 — Little Namibia shocked title holders Nigeria 3-2 here yesterday in the second leg of an Olympic Games first-round football qualifying tie.

Azhar undergoes shoulder surgery
LONDON, June 28 — Indian cricket captain, Mohammad Azharuddin recently underwent a surgery to his right shoulder here and is expected to be back home only by the end of July.

Jeev slips to finish joint 31st
NEW DELHI, June 28 — The vagaries of golf hit ace Indian golfer Jeev Milkha Singh with full force on the final day of the 1.4 million Euro (£ 1 million) Compaq European Grand Prix Tournament when he went five-over on one single hold to drop down to a 31st place finish on Sunday.

Ronaldo, Brazil seek redemption
ASUNCION, June 28 — Just before last year’s World Cup Ronaldo featured in an advertising campaign imitating the famous statue of Christ the redeemer that towers over Rio De Janeiro from a nearby mountain.

Warne yet to decide about future
SYDNEY, June 28 — If Shane Warne has made a decision on retiring from cricket after starring in Australia’s World Cup triumph, he’s staying coy about it.

BCCI grant for ailing Jaisimha
MUMBAI, June 28 — The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has sent a draft of Rs 25,000 to ailing former Test cricketer M.L. Jaisimha, who is reported to be in a critical condition at his hometown Hyderabad for the last few days.

Mohammedan sneak into semifinal
CALCUTTA, June 28 — Mohammedan Sporting sneaked into the semifinal edging past Tata Football Academy by a solitary late second half goal in the McDowell Cup Football Tournament group ‘A’ match here today.

Punjab judokas honoured
CHANDIGARH, June 28 — The Punjab Judo Association yesterday honoured judokas of the state who won medals in the National Games held in Manipur in February this year and the India Cup International Judo Championship organised here in September last year.

Dokic stuns Pierce; Agassi, Kuerten
in quarters

LONDON, June 28 (Reuters) — Brazilian Gustavo Kuerten set up a quarter-final with Andre Agassi by beating Swiss qualifier Lorenzo Manta 7-5 6-3 5-7 6-3 in the fourth round at Wimbledon today.

Kuerten, the 11th seed and surprise package on grass this year, lost the first 12 points of the first set but fought his way back from 3-0 down to secure a decisive break in the 11th game.

Manta, the surprise conqueror of fifth seed Richard Krajicek in the previous round, was broken in the third game of the following two sets. But as Kuerten was about to serve for the match at 5-4 in the third, he was broken and Manta capitalised to take the set.

Roared on by his passionate supporters, including Brazilia Grand Prix star Rubens Barichello, Kuerten broke twice again in the fourth set to close out the match. In his last two visits to Wimbledon, Kuerten has been knocked out in the first round and he had never won a match on grass before Wimbledon 99.

Australian qualifier Jelena Dokic beat Mary Pierce of France, seeded ninth, 6-4, 6-3 in the fourth round.

Fourth seed Andre Agassi survived a torrid test from Australian qualifier Wayne Arthurs at Wimbledon today before pulling away to win 6-7 7-6 6-1 6-4 and earn a place in the quarter-finals.

Reigning women's champion Jane Novotna used her wealth of grass court experience to outplay Nathalie Decy of France 6-3 7-5 on Monday and book a quarter-final with Lindsay Davenport.

Davenport, the third seed, had the rain to thank as she despatched 14th seed Barbara Schett 7-6 6-1. The match was stopped for 70 minutes with the American 3-5, 0-30 down, and after the break the Austrian lost her momentum.

Davenport, the highest seed left in the top half of the draw, saved six set points in the first set before taking the tiebreak 9-7.

"This is one of the times when the rain delay helped me immensely", Davenport said. "I was really nervous going out there. I was 5-3 down then the rain came and I was able to relax a bit and think about how I should be playing.

"I wanted really badly here to get to the quarter-finals", rain caused a delay to the start of play and three interruptions in the early stages.

The 29-year-old Agassi's triumph was very much in doubt for two sets against the left-hander who had not dropped his service in the three earlier rounds.

Arthurs had also lost only one of eight tiebreaks in the tournament and he took the first against Agassi 7-5, after wasting three set points in the 12th game.

But Agassi, who played the first two sets at whirlwind speed, won the second set tiebreak and finally broke Arthurs’ serve in the third game of the third set.

He then broke the Australian twice more as he took control by mixing up his game against a wilting opponent.

Arthurs stayed on level terms in the fourth set until the final game. Then he netted a low backhand volley to give Agassi match point and the American took advantage with an immaculate lob followed by a drop shot to sew up a hard-earned victory.

"His serve is so big and he was serving so well in the first two sets," Agassi said. "I wasn’t expecting the versatility in the serve but I was expecting the power."

"I felt a little tired in the third set and it showed in my serve," said Arthurs.

Novotna, the 30-year-old Czech fifth seed, was giving away 10 years to her opponent but she took charge at the net and punished any loose balls, despite some penetrating groundstrokes from the hard-hitting French woman.

Blustery conditions made serving difficult but Novotna broke Dechy’s serve three times in the rain-interrupted first set, dropping her own serve once.

Novotna, making her 14th appearance at Wimbledon, then traded breaks with dechy but her experience and Firepower won through and the Frenchwoman bowed out on her own serve with a forehand error.

Paes-Bhupathi enter quarterfinals

LONDON, June 28 (PTI) — Indian tennis spearheads Leander Paes and Mahesh Bhupathi, continuing their fine run at the All-England Club, stormed into the quarterfinals of the men's doubles tournament at Wimbledon championships here today.

Top seeded Indian pair, who came here with their first Grand Slam title win at the French Open earlier this month, scored a workmanlike four-set 6-4 4-6 6-4 6-4 win over 16th seed American pair Patrick Galbriath and Justin Gimelstob.

The world number one duo, who never had progressed beyond second round here, quelled a spirited challenge of the American tandem on the court number five here to make it to their first Wimbledon quarterfinals date.

Paes/Bhupathi pair had reached the round of 16 with a straight set second round victory over Bobby Kokavec (Canada) and Gabriel Trifu (Romania) on Friday.

The Indians will face either ninth seeds Canadian-U.S. duo of Sebastien Lareau/Alex O'Brien or American Bryan brothers Bob and Mike, for a place in the semifinals.

Akram rejects nightclub claim

LONDON, June 28 (AFP) — Pakistan captain Wasim Akram reportedly rejected the accusation batsman Ijaz Ahmed stayed out late the night before the World Cup final and said discipline had been fine.

Wasim said he believed all the accusations and treatment from fans and media would now make the young players frightened to lose.

Wasim's teammates have been pelted with eggs back home, their houses stoned and their effigies burned in the streets following the thrashing by Australia on June 20.

There have been allegations that the Pakistanis threw the game and the latest claim suggests Ijaz Ahmed broke the team curfew the night before the Lord's showpiece, staying at a nightclub in London until 3.50 a.m.

Wasim, who has been playing lower league cricket in England, said: "I have nothing to defend. There was no indecent behaviour by anyone.

I was in charge together with the manager and everything about the behaviour of the team was fine.

This has been got up by the press back home. It always happens. For several months we were winning all the time and nothing was said.

"They always vilify us when we lose. I told my players afterwards I was proud of them for beating some very good sides and reaching the final," he added.

"These people should leave the team alone. I fear for the young players because they will be frightened to lose. When you are in fear you will not be able to win," Wasim told the Daily Mail.

Safira sole leader

KOZHIKODE, June 28 (PTI) — Safira Shahnaz of Tamil Nadu recaptured the sole lead with 5.5 points when she outplayed debutant E. Sheena of Kerala, while Swati Ghate and Bhagyasree Thipsay fell into a draw and defeat respectively in the seventh round of the National Women's 'A' Chess Championship here today.

Safira came out of the nimzo Indian defence from white side against Sheena with great advantage in the 20th move. After they exchanged queens on move 22, Safira was in a position to promote two pawns at D1 and E1 squares. Sheena could not offer any resistance against this and resigned on the 39th move.

S. Vijayalakshmi upstaged international women's master Bhagyasree Thipsay in a marathon 94th move of an English opening game. Bhagyasree gave Vijayalakshmi a run for the money, but on the 88th move, overlooked a bishop placement, which finally decided the game in favour of her opponent.

D.C. Bose of Bihar registered her first win in the round against Meenakshi in scotch opening, creating a passed pawn 'F7' square in the 32nd move.

Koneru Humpy and Swati Mohote split points after a 53-move spirited game.

Adopting the king's Indian defence, Aartie Ramaswamy won an exchange against Bindu K. Saritha in the 28th move, trading queens and minor pieces step by step in a forced manner, she created an 'A7'.

Swati Ghate and Anupama Gokhale played a 38 move draw in the king's Indian defence. Though Swati won her rival's rook in the 24th move, she miscalculated for moves later, shifting queen to 'B5' instead of its exchange with the remaining rook, bringing about an escape square for Anupama's queen, which drew the game through perpetual checks.

Results (seventh round): E. Sheena (1) lost to Safira Shahnaz (5.5), Swati Ghate (5) drew with Anupama Gokhale (4), S. Vijayalakshmi (5) bt Bhagyasree Thipsay (4.5), D.C. Bose (1.5) bt Meenakshi (1.5), K. Humpy (3) drew with Swati Mohoto (3.5), Aartie (3.5) bt Bindu K. Saritha (1), Pallavi Shah (3) bye.

Namibia shock title holders Nigeria

WINDHOEK, June 28 (AFP) — Little Namibia shocked title holders Nigeria 3-2 here yesterday in the second leg of an Olympic Games first-round football qualifying tie.

Nigeria advanced 6-3 on aggregate following a 4-0 first-leg win in Lagos two weeks ago and face Angola, Uganda and Zimbabwe in a mini-league with the winners booking a berth at the 2000 finals in Australia.

Namibia rocked the defending champions by taking a 2-0 lead after 29 minutes through close-range shots from German-based Razundura Tjikuzu and Collin Benjamin.

The goals triggered a frantic reaction from the Nigerians, who pulled one back before half-time through Oluwole Johnson and levelled after 55 minutes when Ikedie Pius struck from an acute angle.

Paulus Shipanga set up fellow substitute Nico Nicodemus for a late winner in a match that thrilled a small crowd at the independence stadium in the Namibian capital.

Nigeria can draw comfort from the fact that they also made a poor start to the 1996 qualifiers, drawing goalless at home to Kenya, before becoming the first champions from Africa with a 3-2 triumph over Argentina.

There was more group 1 drama in Lusaka, where favourites Zambia bowed out on the away-goal rule despite coming from behind to defeat Uganda 2-1 in another thriller.

Hakim Magumba rocked the Zambians with a goal midway through the first half and although Emmanuel Chile scored soon after from a penalty kick, the home side did not take the lead until Gift Kampamba struck with 16 minutes left.

Ali Zitouni was the hero as Tunisia triumphed 2-1 over Senegal to qualify 3-2 on aggregate after a drawn first leg. Zitouni equalised within 60 seconds of Henri Camra putting Senegal ahead and grabbed the late winner.

Angola outclassed Botswana 4-0 in Gaborone, South Africa edged Togo 1-0 in Vosloorus and Ghana won 2-1 in Tanzania while Morocco received a walkover when the Democratic Republic of Congo failed to arrive in Rabat.

There was no explanation from the Congolese for their non-appearance after winning the first leg 2-1 in Kinshasa although a lack of funds is the likely reason.

Olympic qualifiers are restricted to footballers born on or after January 1, 1977 with three over-age players permitted at the 16-nation finals in Sydney, Adelaide, Brisbane, Canberra and Melbourne.

Azhar undergoes shoulder surgery

LONDON, June 28 (PTI) — Indian cricket captain, Mohammad Azharuddin recently underwent a surgery to his right shoulder here and is expected to be back home only by the end of July.

The 36-year-old Azharuddin underwent the operation at a London hospital soon after the World Cup and is expected to recuperate here before returning to India.

Azharuddin, under tremendous pressure to retain captaincy in the wake of India’s World Cup debacle, is one of the few team members who decided to stay back after India’s campaign ended.

The skipper himself had an ordinary World Cup, scoring only 161 runs from seven innings with the highest score of 59 for an average of 26.83, and the 1983 champions failed to clinch a semifinal berth.

Azharuddin has been struggling with fitness and form in the last few months. He missed three matches in the Sharjah Cup Triangular One-Day Tournament after suffering a left toe in the league stage.

The current term of Azharuddin as captain was till the end of World Cup and the national selectors will get together to pick the skipper and team prior to India’s next engagement - the three-nation one-day tournament in Sri Lanka this August.

Azharuddin has said he was confident of playing at the highest level for the next two years, but many former players and officials have called for his replacement with Ajay Jadeja being recommended to take over the job of leading the country.

Dokic comes to aid of "father from hell"

LONDON, June 28 (DPA) — Jelena Dokic has come to the aid of her "father from hell."

Damir Dokic, a former truck driver and boxer has not had a quiet month in Britain.

Earlier in June, the burly 40-year-old was lobbed out of a tour tournament for disruptive behaviour.

He then was arrested and held for several hours after sitting down in traffic outside the club in the northern city of Birmingham, reportedly drunk.

"He has been badly misquoted," the 16-year-old said before the start of the second week at the All-England Club. "He has not spoken to a single person, yet all of these reports about him are coming out".

"Anyone would be upset."

At Wimbledon, the bearded Serbian has been quiet, but was accused on television of coaching his daughter from the sidelines during a match, illegal under the rules.

"It’s all been blown out or proportion," said Dokic. "He was not coaching me. This ‘father from hell’ stuff is ridiculous".

When her Father was arrested, the teenager said: "The thing that disturbs me is that I didn’t think he had done anything wrong, just shouting a few ‘come ons’. I definitely think the English are a bit fussy."

Dokic’s knockout of top seed Martina Hingis in the first round vaulted her into a talking point at the championships.

She was billed as the youngest at this edition — until it emerged that 16-year-old Belgian Kim Klijsters only celebrated her birthday three weeks ago, making her the baby of the event.

But Dokic is poised for a huge future payday thanks to her efforts on the grass this fortnight.

Her agent is optimistic. "You can’t choose a better place to beat a number 1 player than at a Grand Slam," said her Washington-based agent, Ivan Brixi.

But he added that he could not put a value on the win and the subsequent victories which have kept the teenager in the chase into the second week.

Dokic, advised by her parents, has reportedly turned down contract proposals from hotels, restaurant, soft drinks and a financial institution.

Dokic may be unknown to the mass of the British public. But she started making her name in January when she and Mark Philippoussis led Australia to the Hopman Cup title in Perth prior to the Australian Open.

Jeev slips to finish joint 31st
From Our Sports Reporter

NEW DELHI, June 28 — The vagaries of golf hit ace Indian golfer Jeev Milkha Singh with full force on the final day of the 1.4 million Euro (£ 1 million) Compaq European Grand Prix Tournament when he went five-over on one single hold to drop down to a 31st place finish on Sunday.

According to information reaching here, Jeev was tied for the fourth place after eight holes on the final day, but went for a nine on the 453-yard par-4 9th hole to drop down the race. To add to his misery, he had a bogey-double bogey finish to end the day at seven over 79 and level-par 288 for the tournament, which concluded at the De Vere Slaley Hall in Hexham, England.

The disaster came after Jeev had pulled back from his opening woes by going two-over on the first two holes by shooting birdies on the 4th and 7th holes.

Jeev could have moved into the top-20 of the Volvo European PGA Tour order of merit with a top-5 finish, instead, he dropped three places to 25th in the rankings. Had he made a par on the 9th hole, he would have earned 14,000 Euros more for finishing tied for 8th place at three-under.

The tournament was won by David Park of Wales at 14-number 274 after playing a level-par final round. He also emulated Greg Norman by becoming only the second player to win a title in only his second tournament on the European tour.

England's David Carter, winner of the 1996 Honda-Siel PGA Indian Championship, and Retief Goosen of South Africa were tied for the second place at 13-under 275. The finish propelled Goosen to the top of the order of merit ahead of Colin Montgomerie.

Scores (after 72 holes): 274-David Park (Wal) 67+65+70+72) tied 2: 275 - David Carter (Eng) 65+69+68+73; Retief Goosen (SAF) 70+68+&71+66; 4th 278 - Peter O' Malley (Aus) 66+71+71+70; 5: 279 -Lee Westwood (Eng) 72+70+67+70; T-6: 282-Dean Robertson (Sco) 72+70+68. Richardo Gonsales (Esp) 70+7-+71+71, T-31 288 - Jeev Milkha Singh (Ind) 68+67+72+79.

Ronaldo, Brazil seek redemption

ASUNCION, June 28 (AFP) — Just before last year’s World Cup Ronaldo featured in an advertising campaign imitating the famous statue of Christ the redeemer that towers over Rio De Janeiro from a nearby mountain.

The message was clear. The Brazil and Inter Milan hitman had the world at his feet and would dominate the biggest single sport event in the world.

In fact the advertising men got it right — but for the wrong reasons.

The former Sao Cristavao, Cruzeiro, PSV Eindhoven and Barcelona striker, then 21, certainly provided the story of the night as Brazil squared up to host nation France in the final.

Even the match-winning performance of France playmaker Zinedine Zidane was eclipsed by the amazing turn of events in the hours before France’s 3-0 victory over the favourites.

A clearly out-of-sorts Ronaldo flopped, as did his team, as France romped to victory.

It subsequently emerged that he had suffered a fit on the day of the game — some team-mates even thought he had died. He then went to a clinic, discharged himself, travelled to the stadium alone and told Zagallo he was ready to play after the veteran coach had handed in his first team sheet.

Still unexplained, Ronaldo’s fit has become the sporting equivalent of the John F. Kennedy assassination. Conspiracy theories abound with the national teams sponsors Nike said to have exerted undue pressure on Zagallo to play Ronaldo — a claim the sportswear firm has denied.

It was only the beginning of a nightmare year for Ronaldo. Plagued by injury he only played a fraction of Inter’s Serie A fixtures and had his car stoned by angry fans.

His appearances for the national team have been fleeting. He even suffered the indignity of being voted the second worst footballer in Brazil in a recent magazine poll.

And going into the Copa America Ronaldo knows another poor tournament will only multiply the pressure.

What is more his own predicament mirrors that of his team.

Such are the high standards of Brazilian football that defeat in World Cup is considered a disaster. Loss of Copa America — the continental crown — would make matters worse.

Surprisingly Brazil’s record in Copa America is not very impressive. They have only won the event five times, Argentina and Uruguay have 14 victories apiece. Four of Brazil’s win’s were on home soil but they won the most recent Copa, in 1997, on Bolivian soil.

Brazil turned the page on the Zagallo era after the World Cup and appointed Wanderley Luxemburgo as coach.

Luxemburgo had made his reputation with Sao Paulo outfit Corinthians. A fiery character, he knows failure at the Copa America will try the patience of the fans and the Brazilian Football Confederation (CFB).

His build-up to the Copa has not been easy. First he blew his top at Brazil fans in the tourist town of Foz De Iguacu when they called for reinstatement of Flamengo’s 1994 World Cup hero Romario, omitted by Luxemburgo.

Then he had to replace injured midfielders Juninho (Vasco Da Gama) and Cesar Sampaio (Palmeiras) with Alex and Marcos Paulo.

Next Luxemburgo decided to axe Corinthians striker Edilson for disciplinary reasons, calling up the other Ronaldo, who plays for Gremio. He will be referred to as Ronaldo Gaucho or Ronaldo Assis to avoid confusion.

Finally midfielder Leonardo pulled out due to lack of motivation and Vasco Da Gama goalkeeper Carlos Germano also withdrew with Flamengo’s Beto and Palmeiras keeper Marcos called up instead.

Another absentee from the squad will be Senilson, whose year at Spanish club Real Betis has been almost as bad as Ronaldo’s. His stay at the Seville-based outfit has been a disaster. Instead Luxemburgo’s main attacking options in midfield come from Barcelona’s Rivaldo, one of Brazil’s successes in France 98.

The exciting World Cup wing-back pairing of Roma’s Cafu and Real Madrid’s Roberto Carlos remains intact.

Strikers Romario and Edmundo — dubbed "the bad boys" in Brazil — are also omitted.

Instead Ronaldo has competition up front from Ronaldo Gaucho, Christian (International De Porto Alegre) and Parma’s multi million pound signing from Udinese Amoroso.

Ronaldo Gaucho’s exciting debut in the 3-0 warm-up win over Latvia suggests that he — and not his illustrious namesake could be the discovery of the Copa.

It would be the ultimate fall from grace for the Inter Milan striker if he was to be replaced in the hearts of the world’s most football-crazy nation by someone who even shares his name.

Big reception for Cup heroes in Sydney

SYDNEY, June 28 (AFP) — Australians turned out to celebrate their cricketers’ World Cup victory once more today with a lunchtime parade through Sydney’s central business district.

The procession and a presentation of the city keys to the world champions followed a similar welcome in Melbourne on the cricketers’ return home last week.

But "Sydneysiders" were keen to outperform their rivals today with some 100,000 city workers and cricket fans turning out to heap adulation and confetti on their heroes.

"I think this has been the greatest week of our lives," captain Steve Waugh declared after he and his teammates were presented with the keys to Sydney by Lord Mayor Frank Sartor.

Waugh stopped short of saying Sydney’s parade was better than Melbourne’s, mumbling he would "get in trouble" if he picked sides.

But fast bowler Glenn McGrath, who plays alongside Waugh for Sydney’s home state of New South Wales in Australia’s Sheffield Shield competition, was not worried about any controversy.

"I’ll say it’s a better turnout here today," he said, eliciting a roar of approval from the crowd.

The players were scheduled to head off for Canberra later in the day for a parliamentary reception tonight, which should mark the end of official celebrations.

But even after a week of engagements, some of the squad seemed to want the party to go on and on.

"I don’t think you can ever get sick of this," wicketkeeper Adam Gilchrist said.

The Australian’s welcome has stood in marked contrast to that given to Pakistan, who were trounced by Australia in the finals.

Last week dozens of young men angry at their side’s defeat by eight wickets pounded batsman Inzamam-ul-Haq’s home with stones.

Pakistani protesters have also slung placards bearing the names of their cricketers around the necks of donkeys and even burned some players’ figures in effigy.

Brazil hold Germany in eves’ World Cup

WASHINGTON, June 28 (DPA) — In an emotion-filled match, Brazil scored in the final seconds to draw with Germany 3-3 yesterday and avoid a quarterfinal match-up with women’s World Cup favourites the USA, who beat North Korea 3-0 to remain unblemished.

In other matches, African champions Nigeria reached the second round with a 2-0 victory over disappointing Denmark. Italy defeated Mexico 2-0 in a match of second tier group B teams.

The Brazilians held on to the top spot in group B with a surprise goal by reserve Maicon in the fourth minute of injury time at Jack Kent Cooke Stadium in suburban Maryland.

Brazil’s top-scorer Sissi sent a free kick into the box after a foul deep in the German zone. The ball caroomed off the German defenders before deflecting to Maicon at the right side who drove a 15-metre shot past goalkeeper Silke Rottenberg.

Brazil, who advanced to the quarterfinals for the first time after first round eliminations in 1991 and 1995, will face Nigeria on Thursday at Cooke Stadium.

Germany will face the USA, who won the title in 1991, and a strongly pro-American crowd in the first game at Cooke Stadium on Thursday night.

European champions Germany had forged a 3-2 lead when Stephanie Jones ran through three defenders at midfield before being set up by Sandra Smisek. Jones’ 15-metre shot deflected off a defender and beyond the reach of Brazilian goalkeeper Maravilha.

After playing from behind after Sissi scored for a 2-1 lead in the 21st minute, the Germans evened the score early in the second half when Birgit Prinz was pulled down in the box for a penalty. Veteran Bettina Wiegmann calmly buried the penalty shot in the 47th minute.

Prinz had scored the first German goal in the 8th minute, while Brazil levelled in the 15th minute off a 20-metre blast from Katia Di Silva.

In the second match at Cooke Stadium, Nigeria led with a goal from team leader Mercy Akide in the 25th minute. The second Nigerian goal came from Nkiru Okosieme in the 81st minute.

Denmark were unable to organise a coherent attack against the fleet Nigerian defenders and finished the tournament with three loses and just one goal to show for their last-place effort in group A.

Mexico was also poor performers as they fell to Italy and were outscored 15-to-1 in their three games in group B.

Italy had goals from Patrizia Panico and Paola Zanni in the middle of each half. The team finished with a win and a draw but ended one point short to Germany in group B.

Meanwhile in Foxboro, Massachusetts, North Korea held off the powerful American attack throughout the first half, but their disciplined defence yielded in the second half. Shannon MaCmillan scored in the 56th minute and Tisha Venturini added two goals in seven minutes late in the half for the hosts.

The first game between the two nations, which do not share diplomatic relations, shows the potential of the Koreans who were making their first World Cup appearance.

BCCI grant for ailing Jaisimha

MUMBAI, June 28 (PTI) — The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has sent a draft of Rs 25,000 to ailing former Test cricketer M.L. Jaisimha, who is reported to be in a critical condition at his hometown Hyderabad for the last few days.

BCCI Executive Secretary Sharad Diwadkar said that the money was despatched on Saturday and it had already reached Jaisimha’s family members.

"The money was given to Jaisimha from the benevolent fund of the board under the president’s (Raj Singh Dungarpur) discretionary powers", Mr Diwadkar announced.

Jaisimha is reported to be seriously ill and is even unable to take his regular meals after radiation treatment, according to reports reaching here.

Jaisimha, a childhood idol of Sunil Gavaskar, was known for his stylish batsmanship and represented India in the sixties and early seventies.

His flamboyant batting style earned him 2,056 runs in 39 Tests between 1959 and 1971, including three centuries and 12 half centuries. He once flew in as an emergency replacement for injured leg spinner Bhagwat Chandrasekhar on the 1967-68 tour to Australia and slammed a century and a half century in the Test held soon after his arrival.

Jaisimha, a very shrewd captain had led Hyderabad and south zone with the then India captain Mansur Ali Khan Pataudi playing under him.

Warne yet to decide about future

SYDNEY, June 28 (AFP) — If Shane Warne has made a decision on retiring from cricket after starring in Australia’s World Cup triumph, he’s staying coy about it.

The legspin wizard joined his team-mates for a parade through Sydney’s streets today to celebrate their victory and revelled in holding the World Cup trophy aloft.

But he said he had yet to decide whether or not he’d be leaving the game, despite signs his recovery from shoulder surgery has been successful.

"We’re here to celebrate," he said. "I’ll consider my future over the next couple of weeks."

Warne, who saw his newborn son Jackson for the first time last week after he was born during the World Cup, said after Australia trounced Pakistan in the final eight days ago that he was reassessing his priorities in life.

The 29-year-old said last week that seeing his son "makes you realise that there are important things in life and where your priorities lie, and my priorities lie with my family."

"But in the next few weeks if I decide I want to keep playing at international level then hopefully I will get selected for the Sri Lankan tour."

Australia’s cricketers have six weeks to recover from the World Cup before heading off for a Test tour of Sri Lanka in mid-August.

Mohammedan sneak into semifinal

CALCUTTA, June 28 (PTI) — Mohammedan Sporting sneaked into the semifinal edging past Tata Football Academy by a solitary late second half goal in the McDowell Cup Football Tournament group ‘A’ match here today.

Veteran Aslam Parvez scored a spectacular winner in the 79th minute to propel his side to the second spot in the group with three points from two matches. They will take on the champion of group ‘B’ in the first semifinals on July 1.

Bagan, who humbled Sporting 3-0 in their lung opener and then overcame Tata Football Academy 2-0, topped the group with six points and will clash with the group ‘B’ runners on July 2.

Parvez saved the day for Sporting when his rising diagonal shot from 22 yards out dipped and entered the far corner of the net, much to the relief of around 15,000 sporting supporters at the Salt Lake Stadium.

The Calcutta outfit, despite having a porous defence and a colourless midfield, could have won by a bigger margin had their forwards not squandered a number of scoring chances.

The match was absorbing for most part of the opening half with the ball constantly travelling from one end to the other. But the TFA boys seemed to slacken in the second half, allowing Sporting to wrest the initiative.

Indian eves clinch hockey title

NEW DELHI, June 28 (PTI) — Mamta Kharab struck a "golden goal" to lift the Indian junior women’s hockey team to a thrilling 2-1 title victory over strong England in the four-nation under-21 tournament held at Union, New Jersey, yesterday.

The Indian eves, who avenged their 0-1 loss to England in their opening league tie, went ahead through an eighth minute strike by Surinder Kaur before England drew parity with a 46th minute conversion by Lisa Wooding.

But Mamta Kharab enabled India triumph in the very first minute of the sudden death extra time, information received here today said.

The Indian girls displayed a classy game despite playing abroad for the first time at the Kean University facility, Indian Women’s Hockey Federation Secretary Amrit Bose said here.

The Indians, yet to recover from jet lag when they lost to England, showed their calibre as they outplayed hosts USA 5-1 and routed Chile 10-0.

They made it to the final after finishing second in the league with two wins and a loss behind England, who topped the pool with three wins.

The Indians, preparing for the junior World Cup qualifiers to be held in Argentina, came for high praise for exhibiting delectable stickwork and precise passing.

The performance gives much hope for women’s hockey in India, coming soon after the seniors landed the Asian Games silver medal at Bangkok last December.

India, Philippines sail into final
Tribune News Service

CHANDIGARH, June 28 — India and the Philippines sailed into final of the Asian Cup Baseball Championship at Panjab University grounds here today.

In the first semifinal the Philippines routed hapless Iran 19-0, while in the second semifinal India drubbed Malaysia 18-3.

Philippines pitchers Placides and Badrina pitched very well and accounted for 4 and 5 stricks outs, respectively. Iran batters could not hit the pitchers who were very fast for them. Philippines team dominated in batting and hit 2 homers. Other scorers are: Icbanlorenzo, Valasquez, Justo (3 runs each) Ramos, Jimenez (2 each). Angeles, Bernabe, Nariquvina, Hidalgo, Recto and Delos Reyes (one each).

For India Vijay Patrod hit one homer. Gopinath, Rajesh and Anil scored 3 runs each, while Niraj, Amit, Rakesh scored 2 runs each. Vijay and Girish scored one run each for Malaysia Faizal, Azhar, Limbeng scored one run each.

Punjab judokas honoured
Tribune News Service

CHANDIGARH, June 28 — The Punjab Judo Association yesterday honoured judokas of the state who won medals in the National Games held in Manipur in February this year and the India Cup International Judo Championship organised here in September last year.

At a brief but impressive ceremony, the Deputy Commissioner of Chandigarh, Mr Ramsekhar, who is also the Director Sports of the Union Territory, gave away the awards. Among those present on the occasion were Mr T.C. Gupta, IAS, president of the Punjab Judo Association, Mr P.S. Gill, vice-president of the association, and a host of dignitaries.

While 15 judokas were present on the occasion to receive the awards, three were honoured in absentia. The three absentees, including Ashwani Kumar, Jagjit Kaur and Varinda, are currently representing India at the Asian Judo Championship in China.

Earlier, a general body meeting of the association decided to hold the senior and junior Punjab State Judo Championship at Anandpur Sahib in October after the general elections. According to Mr T.C. Gupta, the Subjunior State Judo Championship would be held at Patiala in the second week of August.

The following judokas were honoured yesterday:

Winners of India Cup — Ajay Dhir (Hoshiarpur — silver in 50 kg), Jatinder Handa (Hoshiarpur — gold in 60 kg), Rakesh Kumar (Gurdaspur — silver in 65 kg), Munish Riat (Jalandhar — bronze in open weight).

Winners of the National Games: Gurpreet Kaur (Hoshiarpur — silver in 44 kg), Namrata (Ludhiana — bronze in 48 kg), Joytinder (Ludhiana — bronze in 56 kg), Parvinder Kaur (Jalandhar — bronze in 63 kg), Sukhjit Kaur (Jalandhar — bronze in 78 kg), Ajay Dhir (Hoshiarpur — bronze in 56 kg), Jatinder (Hoshiarpur — bronze in 60 kg), Pankaj (Jalandhar — bronze in 66 kg), Jaipal (Hoshiarpur — gold in 73 kg), Brij Lal (Jalandhar — bronze in 81 kg), Pawan Kumar (Amritsar — silver in 90 kg), Shiv Pal (Hoshiarpur — bronze in open weight).

Bench press meet concludes

PATIALA, June 28 (FOSR) — Bhupinder Singh and Narinder Kaur of Patiala were declared the strongman and strongwomen, respectively, in the second Punjab State Bench Press Championships which concluded today.

The tall and sturdy Narinder Kaur lifted 102.5 kg to create a new national record. The previous record also stood in the name of Narinder Kaur at 100 kg.

Results: 52 kg class: 1 — Rajinder Singh, 2 — Radhakrishan.

56 kg: 1 — Gurpal Singh, 2 — Rajinder Kumar.

60 kg: 1 — Gurpreet Singh, 2 — Sandeep Syal;

67.5 kg: 1 — Ashok Kumar, 2 — Anil Kumar,

75 kg: 1 — Ramesh Kumar, 2 — D.D. Joshi.

82.5 kg: 1 — Harjit Singh; 2 — Sunil Kumar,

90 kg:- 1 — Om Parkash; 2 — Bobby Singh.

100 kg: 1— Rajpal Singh, 2 — Ravinder Pal Singh.

110 kg: 1 — Bhupinder Singh, 2 — Baljit Singh.

125 kg: 1 — Jarnail Singh; 2 — Sandeep Kumar.

125 kg plus: 1 — Surjeet Singh; 2 — Naresh Kumar.