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Tuesday,
May 27, 2003, Chandigarh, India  
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Australia’s
unbeaten run ends HC rejects
Jadeja’s plea BCCI
fixture panel meeting on June 10 Serena streaks through; Roger Federer upset in French Open |
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Mixed
fortunes?
JCT’s
loss is Mohun Bagan’s gain 10A gets
nod to bid for Commonwealth Games Badani
aims to get into national side Haryana
eves steal the show Alok rattles Gandhi Soccer his first love
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Australia’s unbeaten run ends
Port of Spain (Trinidad), May 26 The West Indies scored 290 for five after winning the toss yesterday and restricted the World Cup champions to 251 for nine for an overdue victory in the fifth one-day international. The triumph, greeted by joyous scenes from Lara’s home town crowd, also snapped a losing 11-game sequence against Australia stretching back to their last w eight wickets in Bridgetown four years ago. The Australians, whose last ODI loss was to Sri Lanka in Sydney on January 9, had dominated the West Indies in the four previous games to clinch the one-day series after capturing the Test series 3-1. But it was the West Indies’ day yesterday with Lara claiming Man of the Match honours with his 80 off 101 balls studded with 11 fours and a six. Just when Lara looked poised to reach his 17th ODI century he was caught behind by Adam Gilchrist off Andy Bichel, the seventh time he had fallen to Bichel in the Caribbean Test and ODI series. Lara, who showed his intention when he came into bat at number three, combined with opener Hinds to put on a 178-run partnership off 190 balls for the second wicket to have his team in command by Hinds’ dismissal for 79 in the 35th over. It was the Windies’ second-highest one-day partnership against Australia, only behind 205 set by Desmond Haynes and Viv Richards at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in 1979-80. Ponting said the winning sequence had to end sometime and he praised the West Indies’ performance. “Full credit to the West Indies today, they played really well, they batted well and then took three early wickets with the new ball where probably the game changed,” Ponting said. Hinds began slowly but finished with a flourish of seven fours and a straight-hit six off young spinner Nathan Hauritz. Ramnaresh Sarwan and Marlon Samuels continued to push along the West Indian runs with a stand of 71 off 73 balls for the fourth wicket before both fell in Brett Lee’s ninth over and 47th of the innings. Sarwan offered a thin edge to Gilchrist for 32 off 37 balls and Samuels went two balls later,
deceived an inswinging yorker which struck his back pad in front of the wicket for 42 off 38 balls. Ricardo Powell added some late bucaneering strokemaking when he came in with 19 balls left and struck 20 off 13 balls with wicketkeeper Ridley Jacobs not out seven. The Australians were up against a daunting task of scoring 291 runs for victory at 5.82 runs per over, but were soon in trouble with the dangerous Gilchrist out for 11 in the fifth over. He fell to a Lara trap when he hooked straight to Hinds on the fence off Corey Collymore. Collymore removed Jimmy Maher, playing for the rested Matthew Hayden, for 21 to a brilliant diving two-handed catch by youngster Ryan Hurley, who injured his left shoulder in the process as he hit the hard surface. Skipper Ponting proved the crucial wicket when he was caught by Hinds off Merv Dillon for 10 to leave Australia struggling at 57 for three in the 14th over. Andrew Symonds and youngster Michael Clarke, who steered Australia to victory in the third ODI in St Lucia last Wednesday, joined in a 92-run partnership for the fourth wicket, before Clarke was well caught overhead by Lara off Dillon for 39 off 53 balls. Victory was assured when Symonds, who cracked 77 off 85 balls, was bowled by spinner Marlon Samuels attempting a late cut off his stumps to have Australia 182 for five in the 38th over and still 109 runs from the target. It was just a matter of time as Ian Harvey (2) and Andy Bichel (7) were bowled going for big swings and Brett Lee skied to Gayle to give Sarwan his first ODI wicket.
Scoreboard West Indies: Gayle lbw b Lee 5 Hinds c Gilchrist b Bichel 79 Lara c Gilchrist b Bichel 80 Sarwan c Gilchrist b Lee 32 Samuels lbw b Lee 42 Powell not out 20 Jacobs not out 7 Extras
(b-1, lb-11, w-11, nb-2): 25 Total (5 wkts, 50
overs): 290 Fall of wickets:
1-5, 2-183, 3-192, 4-263, 5-264. Bowling: McGrath 10-0-46-0, Lee 10-2-56-3, Harvey 10-1-46-0, Bichel 10-0-67-2, Hauritz 6-0-38-0, Clarke 4-0-25-0. Australia: Gilchrist c Hinds
b Collymore 11 Maher c Hurley b Collymore 21 Ponting c Hinds b Dillon 10 Symonds b Samuels 77 Clarke c Lara b Dillon 39 Bevan c Samuels b Dillon 31 Harvey b Gayle 2 Bichel b Samuels 7 Lee c Gayle b Sarwan 6 Hauritz not out 20 McGrath not out 3 Extras
(lb-15, w-8, nb-1): 24 Total (9 wkts, 50 overs): 251 Fall of wickets:
1-18, 2-43, 3-57, 4-149, 5-182, 6-1 89, 7-202, 8-219, 9-229. Bowling:
Collymore 8-0-25-2, Dillon 9-0-40-3, Hinds 1-0-3-0, Powell 1-0-8-0, Gayle 10-0-44-1, Sarwan 10-0-53-1, Samuels 10-0-48-2, Lara 1-0-15-0.
AFP |
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HC rejects Jadeja’s plea New Delhi, May 26 Mr Justice Manmohan Sarin rejected the plea of
Jadeja, who had sought a direction to the Board of Control for Cricket in India
(BCCI) to lift the ban and allow him to play, at least, in domestic
cricket. Jadeja has sought lifting of the ban in view of the January 27 order by Arbitrator Justice JK Mehra
(retd), while adjudicating the dispute between him and the BCCI. The court agreed with the contention of BCCI counsel Kapil Sibal that Jadeja’s plea for allowing him to play could not be considered unless the petition by the board against the Arbitrator’s award, was decided. The court fixed August 8 for hearing arguments on the BCCI petition challenging the Arbitrator’s order, which said BCCI investigator K. Madhavan’s report on the basis of which board’s three-member disciplinary committee had passed the ban order on December 5, 2000, was “illegal and against the principles of natural
justice.” Madhavan, a former CBI director, appointed by the BCCI to look into the match-fixing allegations, had based his findings mainly on the report of the CBI, which was asked by the Union government to probe the scandal. The CBI in its report had said it could not find any specific charges
against any cricketer. The Arbitrator had further said that Jadeja was entitled to play if the ban order was not there. But the Arbitrator had left the decision for his future selection in the team on the
BCCI. |
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BCCI fixture panel meeting on June 10
Mumbai, May 26 “The final decision would be taken during the Working Committee meeting to be held in Delhi in the last week of June after the International Cricket Council
(ICC) meeting to be held at Lord’s from June 14 to 20,” Nair said. “We will also discuss on June 10 the domestic season — Ranji Trophy, Duleep Trophy and other one-day tournaments”.
PTI |
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Serena streaks through; Roger Federer upset in French Open
Paris, May 26 But if that win, her 29th in a row at Grand Slams, saw the formbook respected it was well and truly upset when Swiss fifth seed Roger Federer slumped out to Peruvian Luis Horna, who won their meeting on the Philippe Chatrier showcourt 7-6 (8/6), 6-2, 7-6 (7/3). Federer had been ranked among the favourites but turned in a dismal showing, conceding the contest by flipping a feeble backhand into the net on match point having flunked his first set chances with a rash of errors including a missed overhead smash which summed up his day. “It’s a big disappointment. I’m very sad to be leaving so early. I should have played better,” said the 21-year-old from Basel, a quarter-finalist here two seasons ago. “I definitely think I helped him - I didn’t play a good match,” said Federer, who came here having lost the Rome final to Spaniard Felix Mantilla before losing in Hamburg to Australia’s Mark Philippoussis. “I know its going to be tough for me ever to win this tournament — I have natural ability on clay. But it’s definitely the surface I have to make the most progress on.” Horna was delighted to have sprung such a major surprise. “It’s a dream to knock out a seed,” said the 22-year-old Davis Cup player from Lima ranked 73 in the world and who was making his debut at Roland Garros. There was another shock among the men when experienced 49th-ranked Slovak Dominik Hrbaty ousted tenth-seeded Thaidornchaphan 6-4, 3-6, 6-0, 7-5. But 1998 men’s champion Carlos Moya of Spain, who had expected to meet Federer in the quarters, was all business as he defeated Filippo Volandri of Italy 7-6 (9/7) 4-6, 6-2, 6-3 to set up a meeting with either Philippoussis or American Alex Kim. Another top name advancing was women’s fourth seed Justine Henin-Hardenne from Belgium, who beat Patricia Wartusch of Austria 6-3, 7-5. Henin, who came here with the German Open under her belt after ousting compatriot Kim Clijsters in the final a fortnight ago, now meets Croatian Jelena Kostanic. Rittner, ranked 87, lacked Horna’s aggression and as a result never threatened Serena, who if she captures a fifth straight Slam singles title would emulate Steffi Graf, the German legend having managed the feat across 1988-89.
AFP
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Strong
Serena PARIS: French Open women’s title-holder Serena Williams warned on Sunday that she felt in her best form ever to defend her crown when the second Grand Slam of the season gets underway. Williams’ bid for a fifth straight Grand Slam title had been looking less than certain following recent losses to Justine Henin-Hardenne in Charleston and France’s Amelie Mauresmo in Rome. But the 21-year-old American said that she always rose to her best in the French capital and had learnt from her mistakes.
AFP |
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Mixed fortunes?
Paris, May 26 The would-be double champion is Andre Agassi, who at 33 is keen to add to his 1999 title and who insisted on arrival in Paris that his body is holding up, and that his head and heart are in tip-top condition. “Most of the players on the circuit don’t have my experience." said the Las Vegan, who intends to make that a key weapon in his formidable armoury, ahead of his opening match against Slovak Karol Beck. One player who does have similar experience but who is on the wane is Michael Chang, who won the tournament here aged just 17 and three months with his 1989 win over Swede Stefan Edberg but who is now making his last visit to French Open. “If there’s one tournament in the world I want to play it’s this one. I want to go out on a good note,” said the 31-year-old, whose first-round opponent is Fabrice Santoro of France.
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Deja vu for Amelie Mauresmo? Paris, May 26 The 23-year-old comes here on a hot streak of form having beaten Venus Williams to win in Warsaw and also made the Rome final. Two years ago she came to the French Open in similar form but lost to German Jana Kandarr, ranked 56th in the world, in the first round. Fans on centre court were stunned into silence. “But now I feel I am much more mature,” insisted the fifth seed ahead of her first-round match against compatriot Virginie Razzano. There is a danger, nevertheless, of deja vu for Mauresmo. Just like Kandar, Razzano is ranked 56.
AFP |
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JCT’s loss is Mohun Bagan’s gain Chandigarh, May 26 Both Hardip Gill and Hardip Saini have been playing for JCT for the past several years. Saini in fact was picked by JCT during the inter-university championship held in Chandigarh seven years ago. He also enjoys the unique distinction of being adjudged the best player in the Rovers Cup when he made his debut. Hardip Gill, who has enjoyed an interrupted run with JCT, also proved to be an asset for Punjab in important assignments like the National Games in 2001. Incidentally Punjab’s gold-medal victory against Goa in the pulsating final at Ludhiana was made possible by Gill, who scored the match-winner. The inter-club transfers have left JCT poorer, but still the Phagwara outfit have managed to retain internationals Joe Paul Ancheri and IM Vijayan. Among the foreigners who have been retained by JCT for the coming season are Ghanian goalkeeper Mansuru Mohammed and Nigerian stopper back Musa Aliu. According to JCT’s assistant coach and former Asian star Parminder Singh, the team management is keen on hiring a couple of outstanding foreigners. JCT supremo Samir Thapar, who is also the president of the Punjab Football Association, has shown his keenness to bring in some top notch players from Senegal. Preliminary talks have already taken place between Mr Thapar and the Senegal Sports Minister. Incidentally Senegal had emerged as a soccer powerhouse in the last World Cup organised jointly by South Korea and Japan and shocked former champions France in their opening tie. However, as in the past, JCT are also on the lookout for fresh talent from Punjab itself. A promising player from the nursery of Punjab football, Sukhjinder Singh, has already been roped in to bolster the attack. A student of Sri Guru Gobind Singh Khalsa College, Mahilpur, Sukhjinder, hails from Nawanshahr. Efforts are also on to hire some talented youngsters from other states. Talks to hire an Indian Bank defender have made some headway. Indian Bank, who also participated in the National Football League this season, finished tenth while JCT were placed fourth with 38 points. |
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10A gets nod to bid for Commonwealth Games New Delhi, May 26 India and Canada are the only countries in the fray to bid for the 19th edition of the games after the withdrawal of Singapore. Since Canada has earlier hosted the games, India’s bid stands a better chance of approval. In a letter to Mr Michael Fennell, Chairman of the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF), Mrs Sonia Gandhi, who is the leader of the Opposition in Parliament, has noted that “Delhi has a proud sporting tradition and heritage, as well as world class facilities. All of Delhi’s citizens would be honoured and pleased to host the 2010 games. Please be assured that the city of Delhi and its people are united behind this bid”. The Government of India has extended guarantee for free entry to India to all accredited athletes and delegation of the participating countries. Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Vikram Verma, in a communication to Mr Fennell, has hoped that the “allotment of the games to India will give a big boost to sports not only in India, but also in the entire region”. IOA President Suresh Kalmadi said besides the 15 sports disciplines suggested in India’s ‘bid document’, India would also like to include cricket and basketball in the teams category, subject, of course, to the approval of the international federations of the respective sport, and the CGF. He said India would also be “pleased to include any additional sports as approved by the Commonwealth Games Federation General Assembly”. Mr Kalmadi said a 250-acre land has already been “identified” to construct a games village to accommodate over 15,000 participants. An eight-member delegation, headed by Suresh Kalmadi, and including Vikram Verma, will leave for London for submitting the bid in a formal ceremony being held on May 30 at Marlborough House, London. The bid documents will be received by Chairman of the CGF, Prince Edward. India is scheduled to host the twice postponed inaugural Afro-Asian Games at Hyderabad in November this year. |
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Badani aims to get into national side
New Delhi, May 26 “Getting selected to the India ‘A’ team is a good feeling but getting back into the Indian team is my aim,” Badani told PTI here today. The Tamil Nadu batsman, who has been in wilderness since a home one-day international against Zimbabwe in 2002, scored a fighting fifth-day hundred against Mumbai in the national championship final at the Wankhede stadium early this month, although his effort ended on the losing side. That century, however, has brought Badani back into the national reckoning through a place in the India ‘A’ team for the tour of England in June-July during when he will also be the deputy to captain Shiv Sunder Das. Badani, who had played four Tests and 29 one-day internationals in his brief two-year international career, said the different weather and pitch conditions in England would test the mettle of any player. “Although we are touring in summer, England is a lot colder than India and playing on different pitches is going to be a difficult task. “We have to play good cricket, and whoever does well will be worthy of a place in the Indian team,” said Badani who has played in England twice at various levels before. The Indian team will be playing two four-day matches, five three-dayers and four one-dayers in England.
PTI |
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Haryana eves steal the show
Chennai, May 26 While all other bouts finished on the expected lines with the favourites winning the gold medals, Babita impressed all by beating Shekhamat, who will represent India in the Asian Junior Wrestling Championship slated to be held in New Delhi from June 8. In the last bout on the final day, Babita clinched the top-place finish with an “arm role” in the second round of the 55 kg category. Shekhamat, considered a strong contender to win the event after she defeated Gurmeet Kaur in the trials for qualifying event for the Asian Championship, was pinned down to the mat by Babita in her “first action” and failed to continue to the fight. President of Wrestling Federation of India M.S. Mallick was also present to watch the bout. The MTNL became the overall champions in the senior category with 67 points followed by Haryana (49) and Manipur (43). Manipur girls, who were on view in all the three sections, matched their rivals in physique but lacked in techniques. Haryana won the overall titles in both junior and cadet with 69 and 7 points, respectively, while Punjab finished with 61 and 63 points for junior and cadets for second and third places, respectively. Mr
Malik, who was chief guest, presented a cheque for Rs 25,000 to be distributed among the members of the Tamil Nadu team.
PTI |
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Alok rattles Gandhi
Jalandhar, May 26 Alok was only one step away from the victory leading 4-2 when Harish Gandhi started his fightback to draw level at 4-4 in the decider Alok rattled Gandhi with a neatly crafted 53 breaks to win by the skin of his teeth. In another match, Asian doubles gold medallist Rafath Habib downed former national champion Sarang Shroff 5-4. Sarang who was having a good run recently after making the final at NSCI tournament could not match Habib’s consistent play. Davendra Jodhi of Bharat Petroleum overcame a
spirited Kamal Chawla 5-4 after being down 3-4 . Joshi was leading 3-2 when Kamal made a nice 46 break to clear the frame and draw level. In the next Kamal unleashed a superb 75 break to lead 4-3.
UNI |
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Soccer his first love
Patiala, May 26 Worries about the workload and welfare of young Sarpreet were taken care of by his father in the youngster’s formative years. Kept away from the blinding glare of the high-profile game of cricket, Sarpreet’s father wanted his son to rise and now, after rigorous practice sessions, the father’s wish is all set to be fulfilled. Keeping in view the achievements of the talented youngster , many organisations have already come forward to employ him. However, the youngster thinks it too early to start earning and is passionately devoting his energy to his first love — football. Sarpreet’s second home is the Polo ground where his father is posted as a coach. With his impeccable distribution skills, Sarpreet was quick to make a mark when he made his debut for Patiala in the Punjab State Junior Championship held at Amritsar in 1998. A couple of superb goals scored by the midfielder impressed soccer experts, some of whom opined that the youngster was destined for bigger things. In November, 2000 while playing for Punjab in the 31st edition of the All-India Rural Sports Festival, Sarpreet announced his arrival on the big stage in style when he returned home with a gold. The crowning moment of glory for Sarpreet, who is a Class XII student of Budha Dal Public School, came when he led from the front and enabled his team win a gold medal in the 2001 National School Games held at Jammu. However, there was disappointment in store for Sarpreet when he was not selected in the Indian schools team that was scheduled to play in the Asian Football Championship, which was held in Singapore last year. Sarpreet did not let this incident become a permanent scar on his psyche and started practising with more vigour in his endeavour to prove that the selectors had indeed erred in not selecting him. With every passing day, Sarpreet is enhancing his reputation as a durable midfield player and is hoping to don the junior Indian colours soon. |
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Port of Spain (Trinidad),
May 26
New Delhi, May 26
PARIS: Austria’s Werner Schlager, fed up with being one of the foxes hunted by the hungry Chinese pack, captured the men’s singles title at the World Table Tennis Championships here on Sunday to record Europe’s first success in the blue riband event since Sweden’s Jan-Ove Waldner won in 1997. The 30-year-old No. 6 seed defeated Korea’s 61st seed Joo Se-Hyuk 11-9, 11-6, 6-11, 12-10, 8-11, 12-10. “I’ve played the role of fox chased by the great Chinese players for too long, now with this title I guess I’ll become a hunter,” said Schlager. “I hope I’m not going to wake up suddenly and find this fairytale is a dream,” added Schlager, who booked his ticket to the final with a seven set semifinal victory over double Olympic champion Kong Linghui earlier on Sunday. Tackled on his plans to celebrate the new world No. 1 smiled: “I don’t know, some beer might help I guess.”
AFP