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Farewell speech & Zimbabwe rebels head overseas Fleming, Papps in record
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Harbhajan ready to
return to action PCB decision
too harsh, says Shoaib
Himmat Rai captures maiden title
Patiala girls
dominate on opening day
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Coria makes it all-Argentine final Paris, June 4 The No 3-seeded Coria's opponent Sunday will be unseeded Gaston Gaudio, who lost track of the score in the second set but knew when to celebrate after beating yet another Argentine, No 8 David Nalbandian, 6-3, 7-6 (5), 6-0. The last Argentine to reach the men's finals at the French Open was 1982 runner-up Guillermo Vilas, who watched from the third row as Coria and Gaudio advanced to their first Grand Slam final. "I never thought I was going to be in the final of such a big tournament like this," Gaudio said. He or Coria will become the first Argentine to win a major men's title since Vilas at the 1979 Australian Open. Coria, who is named after Vilas, won 13 games in a row for a 3-0 lead in the final set, but Henman rallied to win five consecutive games. Coria then regrouped to sweep the final four games, closing out the victory when Henman floated a backhand long. Henman, the first Englishman in 41 years to reach the semifinals at Roland Garros, made his run with a serve-and-volley game that's usually suicide on clay. The tactics finally backfired on him in a seesaw semifinal. The speedy, combative Coria was on the defensive early, and he received a code violation for angrily breaking his racket after falling behind 5-3. The opening set was the first he has lost in the tournament. Henman continued to apply pressure until he led 4-2 in the second set, when the match suddenly turned. Coria began to hit his passing shots more precisely, Henman became more erratic, and soon the Englishman was having a hard time winning a point, much less a game. Coria kept making his opponent hit one more shot. On one exchange, he raced into the corner, then up to the net, then retreated to hit an acrobatic overhead for a winner. "Vamos!" he shouted. Henman made one last charge, overtook Coria in the fourth set and served with a chance to force a fifth. But Coria broke, then broke again for the ninth time to secure the victory. Gaudio rallied from a 1-5 deficit in the second set, winning five consecutive games and overcoming two set points. Confusion about the score came with Gaudio serving at 5-2 in the tiebreaker. He erroneously served from the deuce side of the court, and neither Nalbandian nor chair umpire Andreas Egli noticed the mistake until after the point, which Gaudio won for a 6-2 lead. The point counted, and Egli told Gaudio to serve again from the deuce side. Nalbandian, frustrated that the set was slipping away, briefly argued. "So now he's going to serve two points to the same side?" Nalbandian said. "Maybe you have to change to another umpire."
— AP
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Gaudio wins battle of Argentines
Paris, June 4 ''I never thought I was going to be in the final of the French Open,'' said Gaudio, who broke down in tears after clinching victory on a damp day at Roland Garros. ''I was thinking about all the effort I made when I was young and all the dreams about winning here so that is why I was a little emotional at the end.'' Nalbandian said he had been hampered by a stomach injury, which
particularly affected his serve. ''I had a problem with my intercostal muscles in the last set against Guga (Kuerten, in the quarterfinal),'' he said. ''It was a little better today but it was a still a bit of problem. But I had my chances in the second set and I didn't take them. Then he played very well in the third set.'' Gaudio, playing in his first Grand Slam semifinal, began well by taking the first set before Nalbandian, runner-up at Wimbledon in 2002, hit back in the second, thanks in part to a succession of trademark drop shots. But having used it so effectively to reach 5-2, Nalbandian appeared suddenly overcome by nerves as he forgot the drop shot altogether and began to make mistakes. Twice he served for the set, twice he was broken, and the set headed to a tie-break. Gaudio, with his backhand working to perfection, was the more aggressive throughout and raced to a 6-2 lead, helped by an umpiring mistake at 5-2 when he was allowed to serve from the wrong side. Nalbandian showed brief signs of life when he saved three set points but a huge backhand down the line by Gaudio set up a comfortable smash that gave Gaudio the tie-break 7-5. After that Nalbandian simply folded. Gaudio broke in the first game of the third set and when he repeated the feat two games later the wri ing was on the wall for a despondent Nalbandian.
— Reuters
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Paris, June 4 The 22-year-old Muscovites met in the Russian capital when they were six, played at the same Spartak club, even shared the same coach and have spent the intervening years building up to this moment as they fight out their first ever Grand Slam final. “We are pretty good friends, still - I hope,” said Myskina, the older of the two by three months. “I have known her all of my life. We have grown up together. We used to practice with the same coach, Marat Safin’s mum (Rausa Islanova) and then played junior and team tennis together. “We did everything together so we know each really well. I know her game, she knows mine so I think the person who wins is going to be the one who is mentally stronger.” Sixth seed Myskina reached the final, the first Grand Slam ever to feature two Russians, with a hugely impressive 6-2, 6-2 win over 2001 champion Jennifer Capriati after knocking out Venus Williams in the quarterfinals. Dementieva, the ninth seed, made the final winning a desperately poor semifinal 6-0, 7-5 against Argentina’s Paola Suarez but will approach the showdown with a degree of inside knowledge. Her coach is Olga Morozova, only one of two Russian women to have made the final here in 107 years of Roland Garros. She was a finalist in 1974, losing to Chris Evert while Natasha Zvereva also came up short being humiliated 6-0, 6-0 by Steffi Graf in 1988. “I don’t really see Olga that much,” said Myskina. “But she’s great and has given Elena a lot of things. She has really improved her. She is an idol in Russia.” Dementieva joked that they would cancel the final here and play it in Moscow instead. “Throughout our lives, we must have played each other 30 times and it’s amazing that we are going to be playing the final. Maybe we will take the trophy home and play for it in Moscow.” — AFP
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Farewell speech & Zimbabwe rebels head overseas
London, June 4 According to The Daily Telegraph, the statement reads, “Two months ago we decided to withdraw our services from the Zimbabwe Cricket Union. Our action was in solidarity with our national captain, Heath Streak, who was unlawfully dismissed, as well as in protest at the unfair and discriminatory employment practices perpetrated against us by individuals of the Zimbabwe Cricket Union. “It was our hope that meaningful dialogue and negotiation would address our problems with the Zimbabwe Cricket Union... to achieve our goal to safeguard the future of Zimbabwe cricket. “Our actions have never been racially or politically motivated. In fact, through our years of service and dedication we feel we have been an example of a successful and multi-racial team. Despite some perceptions, we have proven time and time again that Zimbabweans of all colours can work together and achieve excellence as shown in our last two World Cups.” On a patriotic note, the rebels said they still expected a solution to emerge so that they could return to represent the country they loved. The statement was signed by Heath Streak, Grant Flower, Stuart Carlisle, Craig Wishart, Trevor Gripper, Andy Blignaught, Gary Brent, Travis Friend, Sean Ervine, Ray Price, Barney Rodgers, Neil Ferreria and Richard Simms. According to the report, Streak leaves today to join Warwickshire while veteran batsman Flower left for the UK along with Trevor Gripper last week. Blignaught and Ervine have been signed by Australian sides and other cricketers are also hoping for overseas jobs.
— UNI |
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Fleming, Papps in record stand
London, June 4 At tea New Zealand, who resumed on 41 for one after yesterday's rain-interrupted opening day, were 206 for two after being put in to bat. Papps was the only batsman dismissed in the first two sessions of play, lbw to Andy Flintoff for his highest test score of 86 from 232 balls with nine fours. Captain Fleming was on 89, his 35th test half-century, while Nathan Astle was on one. Fleming's partnership with Papps was the highest for any wicket by New Zealand at Headingley. The England pacemen failed to take advantage of a pitch still assisting the bowlers when play began on time after Thursday's rain. They were also again let down by their fielders when Papps, who was dropped on 15 and 20 on Thursday, was put down by Ashley Giles in the gully off Flintoff when he had scored 36. Scoreboard New Zealand (first innings) Richardson b Saggers 13 Papps lbw b Flintoff 86 Fleming not out 89 Astle not out 1 Extras:
(b-5 lb-12) 17 Total (2 wkts, 86 overs) 206 Fall of wickets:
1-33, 2-202 Bowling: Hoggard 18-3-63-0, Harmison 21-6-34-0, Flintoff 14-6-25-1, Saggers 17-4-25-1, Trescothick 2-0-3-0, Giles 12-1-36-0, Vaughan 2-0-3-0.
— Reuters
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Harbhajan ready to return to action
New Delhi, June 4 The off-spinner, who has been out of action since aggravating a finger injury during the first cricket Test against Australia in December, was scheduled to join Lashings on Monday on a month-long contract, the BBC said quoting a club official. In the company of ‘Turbanator’ for the celebrity club’s fixture against Somerset would be stars of the yesteryear — Courtney Walsh, Richie Richardson and Allan Donald, besides Pakistan’s explosive opening batsman Shahid Afridi. Harbhajan originally wanted to start with first-class matches to prove his fitness and form but that did not materialise Due to the gradual recovery. The arrangement with the Kent club means the off-spinner will not be available for the first leg of the fitness camp for the 26 probables in Bangalore from June 13 to 19. The second leg of the camp is slated to begin on July 3. Meanwhile, fast bowler Zaheer Khan was due to return home on Saturday from England where he had been undergoing a fitness training. Zaheer, who played a limited overs and first-class match for Surrey as an amateur, will join the special fitness camp for fast bowlers at Bangalore from June 7 to 12. A source close to the player denied the fast bowler was suffering from any fitness problem while playing for Surrey as reported by a section of the media. “Zaheer bowled 15 to 18 overs in both innings. He did go for runs but his focus was on getting match fitness. “He had to skip the third match that he had agreed to play because he had to return to India for the fast bowlers’ camp,” the source said. Moreover, Zaheer was playing as an amateur and was not bound by a contract, and his willingness to play for no pay was appreciated by everyone, he said. — PTI
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PCB decision
too harsh, says Shoaib Lahore, June 4 “There are still six weeks to go before the tournament. Whether I could have played or not is another question. But they never asked me about my fitness position and if I could be fit in time for the tournament,” he was quoted as saying by the local media today. The 28-year old speedster, who has taken 125 Test and 167 one-day wickets, said he didn’t believe fitness was the main reason for his being dropped for the tournament. “What can I say, but if the PCB was so concerned about my fitness why did they allow me to go and play for Durham in the first place? If they were sincere about wanting me fit for the Asia Cup they would have held me back in Pakistan and got me treated and could have compensated me for my loss of fees for not playing for Durham,’’ he said. “I don’t think Durham has given any confirmation to the board that I should not be considered for the Asia Cup. But whatever the position of my ribcage injury they could have spoken to me and told me what they had in mind before deciding to rule me out of the Asia Cup,’’ he added. Meanwhile, chief selector Wasim Bari has said the other Pakistani players appearing in county cricket, including fast bowlers Muhammad Sami, Shabbir Ahmed, leg-spinner Danish Kaneria and all-rounders Shoaib Malik and Azhar Mahmood had all been advised to report for the national camp training for the Asia Cup from June 20 in Lahore.
— UNI |
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Olympic torch begins odyssey in Sydney
Sydney, June 4 Freeman, the 400 metres Olympic champion and face of the last Olympics in Sydney in 2000, took possession of the Olympic flame and set off amidst thousands of cheering Sydneysiders at the landmark Opera House on Sydney Harbour. Sydney is the first of 33 cities around the world where the symbol of the Olympic Games will visit in the countdown to the lighting of the flame in the Olympic cauldron in Athens on August 13. The torch touched down on a chartered Boeing 747 dubbed Zeus just before dawn and was taken to the Opera House where an official ceremony featuring Greek Australian schoolgirls acting as ‘goddesses’ carrying olive branches and Aboriginal dancers symbolised the union of two ancient civilisations. A choir sang the Olympic hymn in Greek and New South Wales state premier Bob Carr officially welcomed the Olympic flame to Sydney, home of one of the most successful modern games four years ago. Freeman, who lit the Olympic flame at the Sydney games opening ceremony, then took possession of the torch and proceeded down the steps of the Opera House and around the Sydney Cove precinct to the first changeover with former Olympic champion swimmer Susie O’Neill. The torch will be relayed around Sydney before former Australian Test cricket captain Steve Waugh will light the cauldron at Sydney Olympic Park just after sunset. — AFP
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Himmat Rai captures maiden title New Delhi, June 4 Rai, who shot a one-under 71, returned a tournament tally of two-over 290, while Butta at 291 and Ajeetesh Sandhu at 292 occupied the second and third position, respectively. The final round started with Akshay Butta teeing-off with a six-stroke lead. This was, however, whittled down when the Kolkata-based golfer carded a double-bogey on the fourth, followed by another bogey on the sixth. A birdie on the seventh was the only silver lining in an otherwise gloomy round of seven-over 79, which included as many as five more bogeys on the back nine. Meanwhile, Fatehbir Dhaliwal returned a deserving victory with a tally of 301 after firing a final day round of four-over 76 in Category ‘B’. Amanjyot Singh finished second, three strokes behind Fatehbir. In Category ‘C’, Ajay and Rommel Majumdar were involved in a keen play-off after they tied at a 72-hole tally of 332 points each. Ajay beat Rommel with a par on the first play-off hole, the par-4 first hole of the Army course. Junior golfing sensation Viraat Bhadwar cruised to an astounding 24-stroke win in Category ‘D’, with a three-day tally of 244. The prizes were given away by Chandan Dang of Nokia and former Test player Prakash Bhandari, who is the vice-president of the Indian Golf Union. |
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Punjab lift U-21 football trophy
Jamalpur, June 4 Punjab dominated the game all through, raiding the Bengal goalpost repeatedly but succeeded in drawing first blood only in the dying moments of the first half when centre forward Rajbir Singh immaculately converted a pass from defender Manjit Singh into a goal. Striker Amarjeet Singh’s solo effort fetched another goal for Punjab in the 54th minute to increase the lead. Trailing by two goals, pressure showed on Bengal players when defender Amjad Ali engaged in a verbal duel with Punjab forwards. It led to exchange of blows among the players of the two teams, interrupting the match for about 30 minutes. When referee MA Siddiqui tried to intervene, an agitated Ali attacked him too and was shown the red card. As the match resumed, playing with 10 players the Bengal team could never match the power and skill of their Punjab counterparts. A right-footer from Kularjeet Singh whizzed past the Bengal custodian Sanjay Kumar in the 70th minute to make the score 3-0. Amarjeet Singh struck for the second time four minutes later to take the tally 4-0. As the defending champions looked resigned to their fate, Gaurango Dutta dribbled past Punjab defenders to neatly deliver the ball into the net in the 83rd minute. — PTI |
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Patiala girls
dominate on opening day Amritsar, June 4 In the (U-17), Lajdeep clocked 13:05:91. Vasuda of Ferozepore was second with 14:15:74 while Sanjeevan Kaur Brar of Sagrur was third with 14:23:44. In the second group of girls in the same age category, Amarjot took 13:05:25 to cover the distance. Sangrur’s Jasleen Kaur was second with 14:18:13 and Amanpreet Kaur of Ropar clocked 15:09:78. In the boys’ section of the 800 metres freestyle local Ravneet Singh clocked 10:50:47. Surinderjit Saini of Sangrur stood second with 11:05:15 and Gagan Matta of Ferozepore was third with 11:05:25. |
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Kanpur colts win cricket meet Patiala, June 4 In reply, Ghaziabad lads were bundled out for 122. Brief scores: Kanpur XI: 146 for 6 (Aditya Dinger 80, Arjun Gupta 22; Tarun 4 for 27) Prachar XI:
122 all out (Shakib 33, Sankalap 16; Sushant Rai 3 for 26, Kunal Pandey 3 for 20, Angad Singh 2 for 26). Aditya Dinger, who scored 276 runs in the tournament, and Sushant Rai, who picked up 17 wickets, were awarded the best batsman and best bowler’s prize. Tarun Chauhan and Mahatav were declared the best all-rounder and best wicketkeeper, respectively.
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