 |
|
|
Korea crush India, Aussies hold Pak
Entire nation unhappy with IHF: Claudius
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Twenty20 can boost women’s cricket: Mithali
Fazal Mahmood laid to rest
PCB lets off players with a warning
Pathan helps Middlesex win
Jyoti, Jeev in Asian Tour top 10
Capel captures 100m crown
|
|
Korea crush India, Aussies hold Pak
Kuala Lumpur, May 31 Though the current Asian Games champions dominated the proceedings, India were lucky to go into the break at 1-1 despite conceding the tournament’s first penalty stroke. After surviving the Korean onslaught in the early part of the match, India took the lead through Len Aiyappa. But the Asian Games gold medallists bounced back with a first-half equaliser before three strikes in six minutes after the break to take home full points. Korea, who earned five penalty corners in the first 15 minutes of the match, but failed to benefit from them, levelled the score through Kim Kyung Seuk. They also missed the penalty stroke they got in the first half. The Korean attack lacked the sharpness of their earlier outings here as many unforced errors were committed against the tentative and toothless Indians. Korea, who were humbled handsomely by India in their last outing at the Athens Olympics, forced seven penalty corners in the match, as against two by the Indians. In an earlier match, Olympic champions Australia rode on their luck to hold a fired up Pakistan 2-2 in a thrilling contest at the Bukit Jalil Stadium. Pakistan produced a consistent top flight attack to dominate the more fancied squad, though they went into the break tied 1-1. While their forwards moved in cohesion, the midfield and defence stood out admirably, crippling the Aussie sorties time and again. One sureshot goal was disallowed by umpire Javed Sheikh of India, when Shakeel Abbasi deflected a Butt centre past goalkeeper Stephen Lambert. The umpire ruled the cross dangerous, much to Australia’s relief. Pakistan could have increased their lead on a few more occasions, but first Butt pushed wide, followed by misses from centre forward Tariq Aziz and Mudassar Ali Khan.
— PTI |
|
Entire nation unhappy with IHF: Claudius
Kolkata, May 31 Claudius, who played four Olympics for the country, winning three gold and one silver, held the IHF responsible for the falling standards of the game in the country and blamed IHF President K.P.S. Gill for not “doing much” to revive the past glory. “Gill and his group have not done much for 12 years. I do not know whether they will win again this time. The results cannot be announced now as per a court order. But if Gill and co win, that will not be good for Indian hockey,” Claudius said here. “Yes, I am not happy with the way the IHF is being run. Not only I, the entire country is unhappy. The federation is greatly responsible for the slump in Indian hockey standards over the years,” he said. Claudius accused the IHF of “making a mess” of the preparations before last year’s Athens Olympics by unceremoniously sacking Rajinder Singh (Sr) as coach. “Under him, the team was doing so well. But they suddenly sacked him and imported foreigner Gerhard Rach,” said the 78-year-old, regarded as one of the greatest ever right-halfs to have played the game. Claudius, who led the Indian team in the 1960 Rome Olympics, where the nation lost its monopoly over gold for the first time by going down to Pakistan in the final, said ideally, the boys should have stayed on in India and practised before the Athens Games. “But the squad was sent to some weak countries, where they won a few matches. Did we gain anything by outsmarting weak sides? If they were to be sent abroad, they should have gone to countries which have strong teams,” he said. Claudius alleged that the IHF then only seemed interested in proving that foreign coaches were better than their Indian counterparts. He felt that Gill should stick to his role as administrator, instead of meddling in technical affairs. “But this is not his job. We have so many brilliant former players who can handle the technicalities with aplomb,” he said. In this connection, Claudius asserted that the IHF should make sincere efforts to reach out to the former greats. “They should involve former players in the development of hockey. We have got so many great ex-stars in every position. They can guide the boys.” Asked whether he would be game for an advisory role if the IHF sought his services, Claudius said “Why not? Hockey has made me what I am today. I will always be there for hockey in any capacity. But the sad part is that the present IHF bosses never seek my services.” “The problem in India is that the sports federation bosses only want their own men to occupy key posts. And Gill is no exception,” said Claudius, who had served as the Indian team manager in the 1974 and 1978 Asian Games, as also on the Australian tour in 1979. He said such was the state of affairs in Indian hockey, that there was not even a proper selection panel for two or three years. While describing the Premier Hockey League as a right move, Claudius, however, said the level of play was below par and slow. “The matches, divided into four quarters, lacked in speed. But it did give hockey a very good media coverage.” He suggested that the IHF take the initiative in reviving school tournaments in the country. “Sports should be made compulsory in the school curriculum. Though it may sound a bit cliched, one has to start from the grassroots. School tourneys are very crucial in this regard,” he said. On the performance of the Indian team at the ongoing Azlan Shah tournament in Malaysia, Claudius said he was not impressed with the players’ showing in the seven-nation tournament so far. “The present standards are not very encouraging. The team lacks in individual brilliance. The players are also not combining well,” he added. –
PTI |
|
Federer meets Nadal in semis
Paris, May 31 Top seed Federer, whose previous best result on the Paris clay was a quarterfinal appearance in 2001, became the second active player behind Andre Agassi to have reached the semifinals at four consecutive grand slam events. He would next meet Rafael Nadal of Spain, who defeated compatriot David Ferrer 7-5, 6-2, 6-0. In women’s action, Justine Henin-Hardenne stormed into the semifinals after outclassing Wimbledon champion Maria Sharapova 6-4, 6-2. The 2003 champion was in complete control against the Russian, who was bidding for her first semifinal here. Tenth seed Henin-Hardenne steamed two breaks clear in the second set and clinched victory as Sharapova fired a backhand long after one hour, 27 minutes. Russia’s Nadia Petrova stopped the surprise French Open run of 17-year-old Ana Ivanovic of Serbia and Montenegro by beating her 6-2, 6-2 to reach the semifinals. Seventh seed Petrova, a semifinalist here two years ago, would meet Henin-Hardenne for a place in the final. Ivanovic, making her Roland Garros debut, had won her share of the limelight here, notably with a third-round defeat of local favourite Amelie Mauresmo. She was never in contention today, looking nervous and making a string of unforced errors until bowing out by hitting a forehand long on match point after 64 minutes. Elena Likhovtseva, seeded 16th, beat Bulgarian 15-year-old Sesil Karatantcheva 2-6, 6-4, 6-4 to become the second Russian to advance to the French Open semifinals. Karatantcheva, making her debut at Roland Garros and the third round conqueror of Venus Williams, fought bravely throughout. She was broken in the final game, hitting a forehand wide on match point after just over two hours of play. The exciting newcomer was trying to become the fourth-youngest semifinalist here. Likhovtseva, nearly twice Karatantcheva’s age at 29, had never advanced beyond the third round in her 10 previous visits to the French capital. She was 3-2 down in the third set when she left centre court to receive treatment after holding her hip. Safin bows out
An ill-tempered Marat Safin was knocked out 7-5, 1-6, 6-1, 4-6, 8-6 by combative Spaniard Tommy Robredo in the fourth round yesterday. Australian Open champion Safin, who in a typical performance was warned for smashing his racket against a chair at 3-1 down in the third set, alternated brilliant winners and clumsy errors. The third-seeded Russian twice fought back from a break down in the fifth set before dropping serve again with a double fault to hand Robredo a 7-6 lead. Fifteenth seed Robredo served for the match and Safin (25) bowed out by hitting a forehand wide on match point after three hours, 50 minutes. A crowd favourite in Paris since he reached the fourth round as a qualifier on his debut in 1998, Safin was a semifinalist here in 2002. Robredo would meet Russia’s Nikolay Davydenko in the quarterfinals.
— Reuters |
|
Twenty20 can boost women’s cricket: Mithali
New Delhi, May 31 “People want entertainment, whether it is women’s or men’s cricket. They don’t come to watch copybook style,” Mithali, world record holder for the highest individual score in Tests, said. “You watch men’s cricket, it all about power. But women are not as strong as men. We don’t have that speed, nor the aggression. “I think Twenty20 would be a good idea, it will attract crowd. It will be more suited for television also,” the 23-year-old said. Mithali and fellow Railways players — including Jaya Sharma, Neetu David, Amita Sharma, Hemlata Kala, Deepa Marathe, Nooshin Al Khader and Reema Malhotra of the Indian team — received a total cash award of Rs 5 lakh, besides out of turn promotion for each of them from their employers. The incentive comes down to Rs 50,000 per head, far below than a regular member of the men’s team would get in match day allowance alone every year. “At least they are doing something,” Mithali reassured herself with a broad smile. The Jodhpur-born cricketer believed the merger of the women’s governing body with the BCCI, expected to be approved by the BCCI, Working Committee at a meeting on June 2 and 3, should solve the financial woes of the game. “We will get more tours. Now we have to find a sponsor whenever a visit abroad comes up. With the merger, and Sahara as sponsors for three years, we should have good financial support,” she said. Regular tours would also mean regular display in newspapers, something that Mithali and her teammates have lacked till now. Mithali wants the women’s game to be telecast on private television channels. “Now it is shown on DD Sports, but how many people watch it?” She cited the Premier Hockey League shown on ESPN-Star Sports as the way to promote ailing sports in India. Media coverage is another issue. With matches held in remote venues, the game doesn’t get into print or get the air time it deserves. But, strangely, Mithali doesn’t want events to be held in major Test stadia like the Wankhede in Mumbai, or M Chinnaswamy at Bangalore. “In metros, people don’t have time to watch women’s cricket. In fact, how many of them know us? In Aurangabad, the tickets were sold in black.” Mithali said it was important that the momentum after reaching the World Cup final was sustained. “We need to keep it going. Expectations will be high, so we need to project the right image.” Next up is a home series against England in December. But for the moment, they wait with fingers crossed for a positive decision from the BCCI.
— PTI |
|
Fazal Mahmood laid to rest
Karachi, May 31 Fazal died yesterday after suffering a cardiac arrest in his Ayesha Textile Mill office at the age of 78. The cricketer, who remained Pakistan’s leading wicket-taker with 139 wickets which stood for 25 years before Imran Khan broke it, was largely remembered for his 12 for 99 against England in the 1954 test at The Oval. Fazal’s teammates, former Test stalwarts, politicians, people from media and officials of the Pakistan Cricket Board attended the burial. President Pervez Musharraf and Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz also condoled his death while remembering the great fast bowler as someone who conquered the hearts of not only the Pakistanis but all the cricket lovers with his performances, attitude and discipline. As a mark of respect, the Pakistan cricket team will wear black arm bands in the second cricket Test against the West Indies starting at Jamaica from June 3. Former Test stalwarts remembered Fazal as an inspiration and role model for the generations to come. Hanif Mohammad described Fazal as the greatest bowler of his era. “Fazal was foremost in putting Pakistan cricket on track soon after the independence. The fact we got Test status in such a short time was because of Fazal who won us matches on his own,” Hanif said. Hanif said Fazal was a kind-hearted person who always cared for others. “I can never forget those early days when as a youngster I always sought Fazal’s help for guidance. And never once he refused.” Former captain Imran said: “We learnt a lot from him. And his role in Pakistan’s victory against England at Oval has proved an inspiration for all the upcoming players. He was instrumental in helping Pakistan emerge from the colonial mindset and made us realise as a nation that the British can be defeated in cricket as well.” Javed Miandad termed Fazal as one of the greatest cricketers of all times, who did not get the kind of limelight he richly deserved. “Fazal was a true legend of cricket. But unfortunately he did not get the recognition he should have got. Just imagine what would have happened if Fazal was not there to help out in the formative years of Pakistan cricket. Sadly as a nation, we seldom utilised his services.” Fazal received numerous civil awards, including the highest Pride of Performance award. He was appointed as PCB chairman’s advisor on fast bowler by Tauqir Zia in 2000 — a post he held till the time of his death. In October 2003, he was honoured by the PCB with a gold medal with rest of the team members that toured India in 1952 as mark of Pakistan Test cricket’s golden jubilee. Last year, Fazal received another gold medal when the PCB celebrated 50 years of its Oval Test victory.
— PTI |
|
PCB lets off players with a warning
Karachi, May 31 According to a local newspaper, PCB chairman Shaharyar Khan “reacted promptly” three days after the alleged incident took place in the dressing room and “warned the players that such incidents and behaviour would be dealt swiftly in future.” Skipper Inzamam-ul-Haq, stand-in captain in Barbados Test Younis Khan and allrounder Shahid Afridi had a heated argument and had even exchanged blows after the first day’s play against the West Indies. The incident, which happened after Afridi was told to open the innings by Younis, was also confirmed by team manager Saleem Altaf, who was also PCB’s director. Local daily ‘The News’ today quoted Abbas Zaidi, PCB director, as saying that the three players had a meeting with Shaharyar Khan over the incident.
— PTI |
|
Pathan helps Middlesex win
London, May 31 Styris first played a 83-ball knock of 80 and then returned to pick two wickets to prove his worth. After Middlesex skipper Ben Hutton opted to bat first in the match which was made a 44-overs-a-side affair due to rain, the side lost three quick wickets before Styris and Ed Smith (93) steadied the ship with a 140-run partnership. Coming down the order, Irfan Pathan scored a brisk 15 off just six deliveries with the help of two boundaries and a six as his side reached 224 for seven. Vikram Solanki and Stephen Moore gave Worcestershire a steady start but after they departed, wickets started tumbling at regular intervals and their innings folded at 192 for nine. Zander de Bruyn (55) was the top scorer for them. Irfan Pathan conceded 38 runs in his eight overs, picking up two wickets.
— UNI |
|
Jyoti, Jeev in Asian Tour top 10
Kuala Lumpur, May 31
The in-form Thai star is enjoying a rich vein of form this season and claimed the top spot on Sunday, by finishing second in the Maekyung Open. Thaworn now leads the merit list with $ 326,229, already a career high. Jyoti has played six events for $ 184,120, while Jeev has played nine and earned $ 116,478. Jyoti’s best finish has been second at the Carlsberg Malaysian Open besides tied 11th at Qatar and tied 16th at BMW Asian Open. Jeev has three top 10s with tied second at Asia Japan Okinawa Open, tied 10th at Thai Airway Thailand Open, and tied 10th at BMW Asian Open. Two other Indians figure in the top 60. Harmeet Kahlon is 46th, while Amandeep Johl just squeezed into the top 60 with his tied 15th place at Maekyung Open. Shiv Kapur is 64th. The top 60 players retain full playing rights for the following season. With 14 more events left in the season, a few other Indians have a chance of getting into the top 60. They include Gaurav Ghei, who is 77th, and Arjun Singh, who is showing signs of resurgence at 80th. Ashok Kumar (94th) and Rahil Gangjee (99th) are others inside top
100.— PTI |
|
Capel captures 100m crown
Palo Alto (USA), May 31 Capel, aided by a 1.3 m/s tailwind, won in 10.08 seconds with Jamaica’s Dwight Thomas second in 10.12 and American Brian Lewis third in 10.16. Capel will try to qualify for the World Championships in the 100m and 200m at the US Championships in 3 1/2 weeks at Carson, California. He hopes to follow Maurice Greene and Marion Jones in taking both world sprint crowns.
— AFP |
| HOME PAGE | |
Punjab | Haryana | Jammu & Kashmir |
Himachal Pradesh | Regional Briefs |
Nation | Opinions | | Business | Sports | World | Mailbag | Chandigarh | Ludhiana | Delhi | | Calendar | Weather | Archive | Subscribe | Suggestion | E-mail | |
