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NATIONAL
hockey ‘06
Pondicherry sink Andamans
Haryana, Services in pre-quarters
IA, J&K advance
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Pak cricket fans fail to turn up at Wagah
Jyoti Randhawa holds the trophy after winning the $400,000 Indian Open golf tournament in New Delhi on Monday. — Reuters Punjab ladies golf tourney tees off today
Two Russian pilots hurt
Women boxers win Venus Cup
Talukdar finishes 4th
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NATIONAL
hockey ‘06
Jalandhar, October 23 Karnataka defeated Manipur 6-1 in another match. With today’s victories Punjab and Karnataka joined Mumbai in the knock-out stage. The spirited youngsters from different universities of the country could not match the sturdy pack from Punjab. The hosts lacked cohesiveness expected against the minnows, but luckily penalty corners taken by Punjab proved to be too hot to handle for the Universities. Infact, Jugraj scored the first four goals, all through penalty corners. Universities earned a penalty corner in the opening minutes itself but it went wide. Then Jugraj took centre stage and opened the scoreboard in the fifth minute through a penalty corner and followed it by another in the seventh minute. Universities struck back through Yadwinder Singh, who scored off a penalty corner in the 19th minute to a give anxious moments to the hosts for another 15 minutes. Jugraj was back in action as Olympian Baljit Singh Dhillon rolled the ball on a penalty corner and the defender on comeback trail claimed his third goal in the 30th minute. He celebrated the feat by lying down on the ground as the small crowd clapped and whistled its own encouragement and jubilation. The Universities, in the first half, made interesting moves that were stalled by the goalkeeper and star defender Kanwalpreet Singh, very effectively. The team lost its shine in the second half. Jugraj struck in the 47th minute, followed by a field goal by Ranjodh Singh, the centre forward playing in his first nationals, in the 55th minute, displaying deft stick work. Jagbir Singh, who had a poor day in the field, completed the tally through a field goal in the 57th minute. In another match, Maharashtra outplayed Bihar 4-1. Following his hat-trick in the league match against Universities yesterday, Xavier Gidh set the tempo for the proceedings in the match against
Maharashtra in the 19th minute through a beautiful field goal. Maharashtra rolled back in the reckoning in the 22nd minute with a field goal by Sunil Shipure. Santosh Musale scored in the 52nd and the 66th minute while Sandeep Sawant scored the final goal for Maharashtra in the dying moments of the game. Madhya Pradesh defeated Vidarbha 2-0. The match proceedings were rather slow till Asad Khan struck for the Madhya Pradesh in the 53rd team through a penalty corner. Vinod Sharma converted a penalty stroke in the 68th minute to complete the scorecard. Meanwhile, Karnataka beat Manipur 6-1 as brilliant stick-work and a fast-paced Manipur could not match up to a better-planned teamwork of Karnataka. Poor finish proved to be the biggest drawback of the agile team lost steam in the dying moments. Laxman Rao scored the first two goals for the winners. Appanna, H.K.P Dinesh and B. Pundalic scored the other goals for the winners.
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Pondicherry sink Andamans
Amritsar, October 23 Pondicherry started the onslaught in the fifth minute with a field goal by M Harikrishanan. Thereafter, it started raining goals. The lowly island team failed to put up any resistance against the aggressive rivals. Skipper K P Jeues of Pondicherry sounded the board six times. The victorious team earned 13 penalty corners and manage to convert five of them. In the second match of the day, Railways opened their account through a field goal in the fifth minute when Harish Kumar latched on to a pass. Not to be left behind, Hardip increased the tally in the 13th minute. In the 41st minute, Johnson added a goal through a penalty-corner conversion. Railways scored seven goals in all, while Andhra Pradesh got the solitary goal through a penalty stroke in the 51st minute. The match between Hyderabad and Uttaranchal also proved to be a one-sided encounter. Uttaranchal, who were hammered by Chandigarh yesterday, provided little resistance to the Hyderabad boys. Within minutes of starting of the match, David scored a field goal to open the scoring for the winners. Hyderabad led 4-0 at half-time, while five goals came in the second half. In the last match of the day, Central India proved to be no match for Orissa, who notched up a 6-1 victory.
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Haryana, Services in pre-quarters
Ludhiana, October 23
The Pool F match played between Services and Haryana turned out to be a lacklustre affair, with the former emerging triumphant 8-2. Despite this defeat, Haryana, who had wrapped up their first two matches, made it to the next stage. Eliazer Lakhra put Services ahead in the 10th minute through a field goal and AK Mazhi struck in the 21st minute to increase the lead. Trailing by two goals, Haryana players, in a quick counter-attack, managed to penetrate the rivals’ defence and Satish Kumar sounded the board in the 29th minute to make it 2-1. After changing ends, Services began the proceedings with added vigour. They exhibited mobility and depth in their attacks and forced a penalty corner in the 39th minute which was converted by D Mahadik (3-1). Five minutes later, he again found the target to further cement the lead. Suresh Kumar scored a fine field goal in the 48th minute to make it 5-1, while Ajit Singh of Haryana reduced the margin (2-5) the very next minute. Services pumped in three goals through D Mahadik (55th minute) and Ajay Kumar (58th and 69th minute) to complete the rout. In the second match, Tamil Nadu quelled a strong challenge from Bengal before winning 3-1. After battling for 30 minutes, Tamil Nadu drew first blood through a penalty-corner conversion by Appun Kumar. Bengal’s Edmond Karkala restored parity in the 42nd minute. However, TN against went into the lead in the 57th minute when Muthu Selvan converted a penalty corner to make it 2-1. He again sounded the board in the 62nd minute, sealing Bengal’s fate. Earlier, in the first match of the day which was of mere academic interest, Mizoram outplayed Kerala 4-1 to record their first win. Both teams had already made an exit from the championship. The winners were leading 2-0 at half-time. Lalduhawana put Mizoram ahead in the 21st minute, while MS Dawnguara increased the lead four minutes later. Lalduhawana scored his second goal in the 44th minute to consolidate the lead (3-0). R Suresh Kumar of Kerala struck in the 47th minute to reduce the margin. In the dying minutes of the encounter, Mizoram’s Lalthakima found the target and helped his team to wrap up the issue 4-1.aThe two knockout matches slated for October 25 will be played between Services and Bengal (1 p.m.) and between Tamil Nadu and Haryana (3 p.m.).
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IA, J&K advance
Bhaini Sahib, October 23 IA proved that they were in top form when they beat Himachal Pradesh 15-0. Till half time, IA led by 10 goals. Olympian Dhanraj Pillai again played a lead role in the huge win. He not only scored two goals but also was also responsible for feeding several strokes from field, which resulted in goals. Olympian Sameer Dad was the top scorer with four goals followed by Lazarus Barla (3 goals), Brojen Singh, Dhanray Pillai, Arjun Halappa (two goals each) and Sandeep Michael Rajnish Sharma and Barinder Lakra (1 goal each). This was the second big win for IA. J& K trounced Tripura 13-0 to top their pool. Delhi and UP drew 1-1. Delhi has now seven points and has made it to the next round.
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South Africa play for survival today
Ahmedabad, October 23 While it is a matter of survival for Graeme Smith’s men, the Sri Lankans will be equally determined to consolidate their position for a semifinal berth having won and lost a match in the group stage. An intense and interesting contest may be on the cards at the floodlit Motera Stadium with the rivals having a lot at stake as the tournament reaches a decisive stage as far as placings in the last four is concerned. After a smooth as silk show in the qualifiers where they won all three matches, Sri Lanka began their campaign in the main tournament with a jerk going down to Pakistan by four wickets but then regained the momentum to hammer a seven wicket drubbing to New Zealand. In contrast, the South Africans, yet to taste a win, had failed to come to terms with a dustbowl of a track at Mumbai’s Brabourne stadium to stumble to a 87-run defeat to New Zealand in their only match so far. The South Africans face a must-win situation tomorrow as they now lie a the bottom of the pool with Pakistan and New Zealand both having two poins each. Coach Mickey Arthur admitted the need to improve in all departments of the game to put it across the experienced and in-form Sri Lankans. After having lots to complain about the Brabourne pitch, the South Africans today gave the thumbs up to the pitch here. “It looks a better wicket than what we had in Mumbai. It is a little damp now. But I hope it will dry up before the match,” said skipper Graeme Smith. Smith said his bowlers would have to restrict the island nation’s rampaging opening pair of Sanath Jayasuriya and Upul Tharanga, the latter having emerged as the new sensation in world cricket with his back-to-back hundreds followed by a half century in the tournament. Arthur said his side could go in for a replacement and hinted that A.B. De Villiers could be in the final XI. The South African batting line up, rated by Smith as ‘one of the best in the world’, needs to pull up the socks, as it failed to fire in the opener with only three players managing to reach double figure scores. In bowling, old warhorse Jacques Kallis came good against the Kiwis, but the South Africans would be looking forward to a fiery performance from veteran Shaun Pollock and his new ball partner Makhaya Ntini. Apart from Tharanga, the other Sri Lankan batsmen have also struck a purple patch in the last few months, and coach Tom Moody would be hoping for some fine performances from the likes of skipper Mahela Jayawardene, Kumar Sangakkara and Marvan Atapattu. Among the Sri Lankan bowlers, medium pacer Ferveez Maharoof pulverised the West Indies with enviable figures of 6/14, while the wily office Muthiah Muralidharan mesmerised the Kiwis by picking up four wickets. — PTI
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Pak cricket fans fail to turn up at Wagah
Wagah, October 23 In March last year, about 2,750 cricket fans had crossed over to watch the India-Pakistan Test at Mohali. However, eleven of them, all from Lahore, had overstayed in India. The district administration and various sister agencies working at the Joint Checkpost had made arrangements to receive about 1,000 cricket fans. Officials of Immigration and Customs were on high alert since they did not want to take any chance in view of past experience when some Pakistan nationals went missing after the Mohali match.
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New Delhi, October 23 Randhawa, the Indian Open winner in 2000, birdied the play-off hole, which was played on the 18th after Chowrasia missed an eight-footer for birdie at the Delhi Golf Club Course. The match lasted only 10 minutes this morning as Randhawa birdied and Chowrasia only parred after it was extended to Monday for the first time after fading light forced the game to be stopped yesterday. The win also earned Randhawa a berth in the $5 million HSBC Champions tournament in Shanghai next month. He will be the fourth Indian to earn a berth in it. Others three are Shiv Kapur, who got it after winning the Volvo Masters in December 2005, Jeev Milkha Singh on winning Volvo China Open in April and Gaurav Ghei in Mecuries Masters in September. “I thought about my missed four-footer on Sunday and couldn’t sleep last night. But I also realised that I had started thinking about the win, rather than doing my job, which was to putt. That cost me,” Randhawa said after his sixth Asian Tour title. “It is very emotional to win the Indian Open once again and especially after such an exciting battle. I must thank my family, my father, my wife (Tina) and all friends who came on Monday morning to see this finish,” he said. Randhawa, who also has Asian Tour title from Japan Tour (one), and four of them in India, said Chowrasia had a right attitude and would have his chances. “Chowrasia is younger and he will have his chances. He has been the find this year on Asian Tour and he has the right attitude and is always smiling and plays very well,” he said. Chowrasia, who has had a great season and is 36th in Money List in his Rookie Year on Asia Tour, said, “I did not get tense and I slept well. I was relaxed. I am happy with the way I played. I know that my chance will come.” “My chip went a little away and then I left the club face open while putting,” he said about the second play-off hole. The promising youngster said he would be sponsored by RCGC for the coming Asian Tour events. “That takes a lot of pressure away. Overall I played well this season and I know I can compete with the best in Asia. I want to play in Asia for two more years and then try and play in Japan,” said Chowrasia, who will also play the Volvo Masters of Asia at the end of the year. Randhawa took home $63,400 while Chowrasia and Vijay Kumar tied for second and received $33,900 each. India also had Mukesh Kumar in fifth place, Gaurav Ghei in seventh and amateur Chiragh Kumar in 10th. Rahil Gangjee finished 12th. — PTI
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Punjab ladies golf tourney tees off today
Chandigarh, October 23 The organisers got a jolt this evening when the defending champion, Vaishavi Sinha, pulled out of the tournament on the eve of the tee-off because of a sudden bout of influenza. Chandigarh golf icon Irina Brar is also out of the tournament. She had come for her practice in the evening. Her left hand had been in plaster for six weeks after she fell and fractured her elbow. “I am fine now”, said Irina, but hastened to add that she would not be playing in the amateur circuit tomorrow. Three of the leading lady golfers, Parnita Garewal of Chandigarh and Shalini Malik and Anjali Chopra of Delhi have turned pros on the newly started women’s golf circuit. The Lady Captain and chairperson of the championship committee, Ms Pauline J.M. Singh, said a host of youngsters were waiting in the wings to take charge of the front-runners mantle. Leading the field will be old favourites Shruti Khanna of Delhi and Vandana of Kolkata. Chandigarh’s hopes are pinned on Saaniya Sharma, a BA final year student of the Government College for Girls. Saaniya is just back after clinching the fourth spot in the Madras Open. Daughter of Col R. Sharma, Saaniya is all praise for coach Jessie Grewal. This four-handicap player stands 5 ft 11 inches in her socks and is all set to out-drive the contestants with her long drives. Saaniya will be facing tough competition from teenagers Meghna Bal and Sharmila Nicellet. The Lady Captain said besides the girls turning pro the dates of the tournament clashing with the Divali holidays was also a dampener in the participation. The main sponsor of the tournament is New Quest, BILT (Ballarpur Industries) who have arrived on the golf scene in a big way. Fiftyone contestants will battle it out for the different trophies at stake. The following contests will be held: 1. Overall winner; 2. Silver salver (0-12 handicap); 3. Challenge Bowl (13-24): Best gross and best nett contests; 4. Bronze plate (25-36): Best gross and best nett contests The youngest participant is Seerat Grewal who turned 10 in August. Three months older to her is Khushboo who turned 10 in May. The tournament begins with the ceremonial tee off by the Golf Club president, Mr G.S. Sandhu, tomorrow morning.
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Two Russian pilots hurt
Kangra, October 23 Meanwhile, 41 pilots flied for task assigned to them of 74.9 km today and all of them landed safely. The District Tourism officer said the task for today was from take off site to Uttrala then to Gatasni Jogindernagar then to Burmani temple and back to landing site. Till yesterday, Russian pilot Nickolay maintained the lead and remained at the top followed by Demetry of Russia and Ajay Kumar of India was at the third place. — OC
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New Delhi, October 23 The pugilists, led by reigning World Champion M.C. Marykom, garnered five gold medals, four silver and one bronze in the competition that concluded yesterday. Boxers from world champions Russia, New Zealand, Italy, Canada, Poland, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Estonia, Ireland, France, Romania, Germany and Finland took part in the competition organised mainly for the European teams in build-up to the 4th World Cup to be held here next month. Three-time world champion Marykom lived up to her reputation by out-punching her opponent S. Duta of Romania, who retired in the third round of their bout in the 46 kg class. Chottu Laura’s better ring craft strategy helped her defeat D. Mancini of France on points 26-13 in 50 kg class and bag the second gold for India. Sushma Kumari made it a forgettable final for N. Forget of Canada winning 19-10 to add another yellow metal in the 52 kg division while L. Sarita Devi continued the trend pulling off a narrow 34-32 victory after coming from behind in the last round against home challenge K. Michalzeuk. It was an all-Indian final in the 57 kg class where N. Usha took the honours against compatriot Aswathy Prabha. Usha edged out Prabha by mere a point to win 16-15. Other silver came in 48 kg as Kalpana Chaudhary lost 14-25 to E. Pekalska of Poland and Aruna Mishra (66 kg) bowed out to A. Cissoko of France by offering a feeble resistance. Mishra was thrashed 5-24. Aswathy Mol (70 kg) went down against A. Fortin of Canada 4-19. Lekha K.C. won the bronze in the 80 kg category. — PTI
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New Delhi, October 23 The 20-year-old Indian had a disastrous start to the final leg yesterday losing all three round robin matches in the men’s recurve competition. — PTI
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