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| Monday, July 3, 2001, Chandigarh, India   
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Laxman,
Ratra likely to play Sachin meets Schumi,
gets Ferrari Umpires’
panel meeting Williams
sisters reign supreme
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Hewitt wants title to inspire kids
Mahesh Bhupathi
(left) and Elena Likhovseva hold up their trophies after winning the
mixed doubles championship at Wimbledon on Sunday. Bhupathi and Likhovseva defeated Kevin Ullyett and Daniela Hantuchova to win the final.
— AP/PTI photo No plan
to team up with Paes: Bhupathi
Direct
entry for Alok Kumar Indian
spikers win Indian
eves fail to qualify
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Laxman, Ratra likely to play
London, July 8 The Indians have surprised all and sundry with their consistency in the triangular tournament — three wins and a strong position spoilt by rain out of four league games played so far — and would start favourites in the July 13 final at Lord’s against England. Sri Lanka, who registered a consolation victory, their only one in the tournament, against England yesterday, have unceremoniously been ousted from the title clash capping what has been a disastarous summer for them here. With only academic interest left in the league match against England tomorrow, India were expected to give a look-in to players like Ajay Ratra, Tinu Yohannan and V V S Laxman. Harbhajan, a match-winner in his own right, would be keen to make amends for his performance in India’s first match against England where he went wicketless in his 10 overs while conceding as many as 50 runs which prompted Ganguly to include Nehra at the office’s expense in the next match and thereafter. And Nehra has done enough justice to that decision to retain his place in the side with some fine piece of bowling. He was instrumental in India’s four-wicket over Sri Lanka on Saturday returning excellent figures of 10-2-28-2. The brilliant performance notwithstanding, India are not exactly without worries. In its previous match against Sri Lanka there were anxious moments with the top four wickets falling cheaply with just 59 runs on board and India making heavyweather of a target of 188 runs. Virender Sehwag, often criticised for throwing away his wicket, was out to the first ball, and needs to put his act together urgently. So is the problem with Dinesh Mongia who is yet to get a big knock in the series. Although he has been able to get starts, he has failed to build up and consolidate. With Ganguly also not appearing in the best of frames, excess responsibility has fallen upon the middle order and more so on Sachin Tendulkar. Ganguly, who turned 29 today, will be playing his 200th one-day international tomorrow and would certainly try to make it a memorable one for himself. Tendulkar sent out a warning to the rivals with his bedazzling 105-run knock in the rain-ruined match against England on Thursday though he couldn’t do much against Sri Lanka, being dismissed for 19. But England must have put a strategy in place to rein in the maestro for they very well know what the Indian superstar is capable of. England skipper Nasser Hussain minced no words when he said: “We must have our thinking caps on in trying to get through this Indian batting line-up,” referring to India’s score of 285 for four after they were reeling at one stage on 52 for three. Teams (from): India: Sourav Ganguly (capt), Virender Sehwag, Dinesh Mongia, Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, Yuvraj Singh, VVS Laxman, Mohammad Kaif, Ajay Ratra, Ashish Nehra, Harbhajan Singh, Tinu Yohannan, Anil Kumble, Ajit Agarkar and Ashish Nehra. England: Nasser Hussain (capt), Paul Collingwood, Andrew Flintoff, Ashley Giles, Darren Gough, Matthew Hoggard, Ronnie Irani, Nick Knight, Jeremy Snape, Alec Stewart, Graham Thorpe, Marcus Trescothick, Alex Tudor and Michael Vaughan.
PTI |
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Sachin meets Schumi,
gets Ferrari London, July 9 Tendulkar and Schumacher had a tete-a-tete lasting over two hours when the batting maestro drove to the Silverstone racing circuit on Saturday. They had dinner together that night. Tendulkar fulfilled another long-cherished dream of his-watching Formula One Grand Prix live on a Sunday morning. Tendulkar returned a richer man last evening, presented with the keys of a Ferrari by automobile major Fiat for equalling Sir Donald Bradman’s feat of 29 Test centuries. The meeting was arranged by Fiat, whose brand Palio is endorsed by both Schumacher and Tendulkar. The company also plans to feature the two legends together in an advertisement soon.
PTI |
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Tendulkar
bereaved Mumbai, July 8 She was
92. Indumati, who had been staying with Tendulkar after his father Ramesh Tendulkar’s death three years ago, died in her sleep, the sources added. The funeral was held this morning. London:
Tendulkar, who is currently here, was given the option to skip practice today but the maestro joined the team in the nets, saying it would help him keep his mind off the tragedy. At the time of the death of his father too, Tendulkar was in England, playing in the World Cup 99. In the very first outing after a brief visit to Mumbai to attend the funeral, Tendulkar scored a brilliant match-winning century against Kenya which he dedicated to the memory of his father.
PTI |
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Umpires’ panel
meeting New Delhi, July 8 The members of the umpires’ committee are: Prof R.R. Rohi (Himachal Pradesh), Mr M. Ranga Reddy (Hyderabad), Mr Gautam Das Gupta (Cricket Association of Bengal), Prof
R.S. Shetty (Mumbai Cricket Association), Mr M.N. Dorai Rajan (Vidarbha Cricket Association) and Mr Jyoti Bajpai (convener). |
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Williams sisters reign supreme
London, July 8 Not satisfied with leaving the rest of the women in the singles draw empty handed and in their wake, the sisters have now weaved their brand of power tennis to bulldoze through the doubles draw and pick up their second pairs’ title over the last three years. Just a day after Serena beat elder sister Venus in the women’s final — the first sisters to contest the Wimbledon final since Maud beat Lilian in the inaugural contest in 1884 - the Americans teamed up to throttle the challenge of Spaniard Virginia Ruano Pascual and Paola Suarez of Argentina 6-2 7-5 in the doubles final. “We’ve had a great six weeks with the French Open and Wimbledon but we realise that doesn’t make a career,” said Venus, who also came off second best to Serena in the French Open final last month. “We want to just keep our level up and also want to improve.’’ Serena, who defeated Venus in two sets yesterday, was the weak link in the doubles final as she dropped her serve twice during the one hour 20 minutes match, compared to just once for Venus. In cold and blustery conditions on centre court, Serena struggled with her service rhythm and often had to count on Venus to get her out of trouble. “I was a little tight today going out there,’’ said Serena, who will become the world number one when the new rankings are issued on Monday . “Venus really had to calm me down and said ‘you know just calm down and enjoy the battle’. “I just didn’t want to let Venus down.” “I didn’t want to miss too many returns because it’s okay in singles to let yourself down but to let someone else down, it’s not fair.” For their effort over the fortnight, the sisters walk away with a combined purse of £923,250 (1.40 million dollars). The Williams also become the first singles finalists to pair up to capture the women’s doubles crown at the same championships since their fellow black American Althea Gibson and Darlene Hard achieved the feat in 1957.
Reuters |
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Hewitt wants title to inspire kids
London, July 8 Despite the ease of the top seed’s 6-1 6-3 6-2 win over an outclassed and stagestruck David Nalbandian in the final of the men’s singles yesterday, it hadn’t gone unnoticed that with just Hewitt, Mark Philippoussis and Wayne Arthurs in the main draw as well as qualifier Scott Draper, it was the lowest Australian participation at Wimbledon since the Second World War. “I’d like to think this shows to all the kids in Australia that winning here is possible. You can dream. You still have to put in a lot of hard work to get there, but it is possible. “When I was young I saw Pat Cash win Wimbledon. For me it was a huge thing to see an Australian win here,” said Hewitt after becoming the first Aussie since Cash in 1987 to win at the All-England Club. But the recent record of the country still pales compared to its glory days of the 1960s and early 1970s when the likes of Rod Laver, John Newcombe and Roy Emerson captured 10 titles in 12 years. Between the triumphs of Cash and Hewitt, only Pat Rafter, with two runner-up places in 2000 and 2001, had come close to glory here. Hewitt’s triumph yesterday rubbed off on countrymen Todd Woodbridge, who teamed up with Jonas Bjorkman to win the men’s doubles for his seventh title here, and Todd Reid who won the boys’ championship. “If you had talked to me about tennis in Australia three months ago, I would have said we were struggling,” said Woodbridge who is now on 73 career doubles titles, just five behind the record set by Dutchman Tom Okker. “But Lleyton has done better than I thought he would. I didn’t expect him to win Wimbledon. “He’s a freak in a way. Players like him come along every 15 or 20 years but I think he’s a four-to-six Grand Slam winner if he keeps fit and retains the drive and motivation that he has now. “The young guys in the junior programme also have really stepped up to the plate and come through with some good results. “I think we thought we didn’t have much back-up after I had retired from singles and then Jason Stoltenberg and Richard Fromberg quit and Mark Woodforde too. “But for Todd Reid to win that’s a huge boost and he will be coming into the professional ranks. Let’s hope he can stay level-headed and keeps working hard.” Hewitt added that he hopes he doesn’t have to bear the burden of Australian hopes all on his own.
AFP  |
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Team man in individual sport
London, July 8 The new boy was informally welcomed into the Wimbledon champions’ club at the weekend by a reception committee comprising former winners Frank Sedgeman, Neale Fraser and four-time finalist Ken Rosewall after his finals triumph over Argentine David Nalbandian 6- 1, 6-3, 6-2. Also on hand were Australian Davis Cup captain John Fitzgerald and coach Wally Masur. And one of the last to speak to the new king of the game prior to his match was Pat Cash, the last Aussie to win here 15 years ago. “Neale Fraser welcomed me into the club,’’ said Hewitt, his customary brashness toned down after his accomplishment on court. “Wally and Fitzy were there — all my support crew. It was a great feeling. “Pat spoke to me in the locker room afterwards. He said I’ll probably get sick and tired of talking about him as the last Australian to win here.’’ Like all of the Australian greats, world number 1 Hewitt is a team man in an individual sport. Among his closest mentors has been Patrick Rafter, the semi-retired 29-year-old who lost the last two finals here. The target on his back as top dog in the game is now even larger. But the feisty Hewitt, who proved to himself that he was made of championships material when he won the US Open last year, is unnerved. “If I can play this well at other Grand Slams, I don’t see why I can’t win more. But right now, I don’t really care.’’ The Aussie will put away his grass court shoes for another season, having lifted titles here and at the classic tune-up event at Queen’s club last month. He will now take a rest and look ahead to the North American hard-court season and defence of his New York title. “Wimbledon is obvious, it’s the biggest tournament that every one knows in Australia. Growing up, grass wasn’t my favourite surface. But there was something about Wimbledon that drew you to come here - the tradition. “For an Australian as well. We’ve had so many great players do well here in the past. It’s a place where you look forward to play.’’ And Hewitt said he had a feeling ... “I said four or five months ago that I was really looking forward to Wimbledon. There’s something about it, the grass court season, that I enjoy. There was something drawing me. I couldn’t wait for it to start. That’s strange coming from a baseliner coming on grass.’’
DPA |
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Hewitt a worthy champion: Cash LONDON: Former title holder Pat Cash hailed fellow Aussie Lleyton Hewitt as a worthy Wimbledon champion. Top-seeded Hewitt overpowered Argentinian outsider David Nalbandian 6-1 6-3 6-2 on Centre Court on Sunday to claim his first men’s singles title at the All England Club. Cash, the last Australian to win the title in 1987, admitted that his countryman was in a class of his own over the past fortnight. “There’s no doubt about it. He
was the only guy out there who is the worthy champion,” Cash told
the BBC. “Sampras (Pete) is on the way down, and Agassi (Andre)
didn’t get through and other than that there isn’t anybody who
deserves to win that trophy. He (Hewitt) was the toughest player and
the best all around player he could be. It was faultless really”. AFP |
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Bhupathi-Elena duo lifts title
London, July 8 Third seeds Bhupathi and Likhovtseva, who beat Americans Donald Johnson and Kimberly Po-Messerli for the finals, overpowered fourth seeds Kevin Ullyett (Zimbabwe) and Daniela Hantuchova (Slovakia) 6-2, 1-6, 6-1 for the championship. After winning the first set with comfortable ease, Bhupathi and Likhovtseva faced a remarkable comeback from their Zimbabwe-Slovak opponents who easily took the next 6-1 to stretch the match for a third decider. But here the India-Russia pair did not make mistakes, wrapping it 6-1 for the championship. With the victory, Bhupathi also avenged the loss of the other famous Indian in fray in the category, Leander Paes. Paes, who had paired with America’s Lisa Raymond, had gone down to Ullyett and Hantuchova in the last eight stage 6-7 (4-7), 6-4, 4-6. In the finals, Bhupathi and Likhovtseva had 50 per cent break point conversions, 10 per cent more than their opponents. Both the pair fired two aces each, though the winners committed three double faults to Ullyett and Hantuchova’s four. The first serve percentage for Bhupathi and Likhovtseva was recorded at 62 while for the losing finalists it was at 59. Earlier in the day, Bhupathi and Likhovtseva had beaten Johnson and Kimberly Po-Messerli 6-4, 1-6, 6-3 to enter the last stage.
UNI |
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No plan to team up with Paes: Bhupathi
London, July 8 Third seeds Bhupathi and Likhovtseva claimed the last title of the two-week tournament yesterday beating Zimbabwean Kevin Ullyett and Slovak Daniela Hantuchova, the fourth seeds, 6-2 1-6 6-1. “All four of us wanted to finish so we would have stayed their all night,” smiled Bhupathi who also played the semi-finals earlier in the day before taking to Centre Court for the finals. It was the sixth Grand Slam title for the 28-year-old from Bangalore and his third in mixed doubles, but first with the Russian. “This is the third Grand Slam that we’ve played together. We knew we would eventually break the barrier and it’s great that we did it at a big tournament like Wimbledon,” said the Indian. And Bhupathi said that he had no plans to get back with Paes in the immediate future, and would be continuing doubles with Belarus partner Max Mirnyi with whom he reached the quarter-finals here. Paes and Bhupathi, whose 24 doubles titles also include the 1999 Wimbledon crown, split up for the second time in three years earlier this year as their form began to dip. Paes and Bhupathi reformed briefly to win the Mallorca title in April before separating again to honour commitments to other players. Paes was knocked out in the first round of the Wimbledon doubles with Australian Stephen Huss, and went out in the quarter-finals of the mixed doubles with American Lisa Raymond.
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Surhid emerges winner Solan, July 8 In the scooters Ishwinder Singh came first and Sukhjinder Rana was declared second, since he lost 20 points by coming a minute early at two transport stages, thereby invoking penalties against himself. Jasmohan Singh came third in this category. As many as 13 motor cycles and eight scooters took the Starters’ flag from Rajasthan Bhavan in Solan. Three riders dropped out. The first competitive stage, a short 2.7 km, was a fast gravel track. It was to prepare the riders for the next two competitive stages. Narag-Maryog was 15.4 km and the Gaura-Chail section was 23.6 km of gravel, uphill, fast and a riders’ delight. The transport from Chail to Kandaghat was through heavily forested Deodar forests and a beautiful drive. From Kandaghat to Basaal, it was 12.7 km of broken tarmac and a challenge to the riders. From Basaal the event came back to Solan for lunch, after which there was only one competitive stage, Chakki Ka Mor to Bhojnagar a distance of 14.5 km. The twisty downhill and uphill gravel track tested the mettle and grit of the riders. It was a keenly contested battle between Surhid Sharma, Preet Mohan and Aulukh. Sukhjinder Rana seemed to be at home in the hills and on his scooter. The riders were all praise for the event. The organisation was good and the competitors enjoyed the sportsmanship, the competition and the route. As was to be expected there were thrills and spills, and some bruised egos, but nothing major. Out of 21 starters 18 finished the event. The Chandigarh Motor Sports Association (CMSA) gave consolation prizes to Sukhjinder Rana (fastest scooterist) and Rocky Moudgil of Kalka (fastest four-stroke). In order to encourage local talent, Solan’s fastest riders came in for special focus and consolation awards were given to Rahul Singh (motor cycle) and Suresh Kumar (scooter). The event was sponsored by the BSNL and organised by CMSA and Himachal Motor Sports Association. |
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Direct entry for Alok Kumar Chandigarh, July 8 Apart from these 126 players who have been given direct entry, over 800 players from all over the world are taking part in a series of qualifying rounds which started on July 6 at Bristol in the UK. Eleven players will be selected from these 800 participants and they will get a chance to compete with the international greats in the pool championship. |
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Indian
spikers win Chennai, July 8 Without much rest and practice after reaching Tehran, the Indians got down to business going for the attack straight away. However, the team went down narrowly to lose the first set 24-26, according to a release by the Volleyball Federation of India here today. They regrouped soon with setter Kapil Dev organising tactical boosts, which were well utilised by Amir Singh and Joby Joseph to win the second set 25-17. Amir Singh played the key role till he was injured after colliding with Raghuveer Singh in the fourth set. Despite losing the third set, again narrowly (25-27), the Indians excelled in the fourth. They rose to a lead of 10-7 and then capitalised on it before winning it 25-18. Substitute setter Kasi Viswanatha Raju was effective with his ‘jump service’ at crucial times and helped the side earn valuable points.
PTI |
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Indian eves fail to qualify
New Delhi, July 8 India’s best bet for a medal in the women’s category, Anjali Vedpathak faltered when she secured a lowly 13th rank after finishing with 395 points out of a possible 400, according to information received here. The other Indians in the fray, Suma Dixit and Anuja Teri, also fared miserably and secured 391 and 389 points, respectively. With 1175 points in the team event, the Indians were knocked out of race for a medal.
PTI |
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London, July 8
