 |
|
|
davis cup
Sania wins 9th doubles WTA title
|
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Highveld Lions beat Guyana by 9 wkts
Talukdar wins Archery World Cup bronze
Ashok Kumar wins DLF Masters
WADA gives a hope to tainted players
Pak cricket victim of conspiracy: PCB
Mary’s next target: London Olympics
ALL-INDIA JP ATRAY MEMORIAL CRICKET TOURNAMENT
Independence Cup Hockey Tourney
Punjab approves sports policy
Mumbai knocked out despite win over RCB
|
|
davis cup
Chennai, September 19 Making amends for their opening-day defeats, Somdev and Bopanna downed their higher-ranked rivals in a do-or-die situation and led India to its first-ever win in a Davis Cup tie from a 0-2 deficit. Sweden has the most 0-2 comeback wins in the Davis Cup history with five victories and only once a team has won a final from 0-2 score line when Australia defeated USA in 1939. Somdev led 7-6 (3) 4-0 before world No 27 Thomaz Bellucci conceded the first revesre singles, failing to negotiate hot and humid conditions, thus, allowing India to level the tie 2-2. The 479th-ranked Bopanna then came out firing on all cylinders to beat 75th-ranked Ricardo Mello 6-3 7-6(2) 6-3 in the fifth rubber to complete an amazing come-from-behind win. Leander Paes and Mahesh Bhupathi had brought India back in the tie by beating Marcelo Melo and Bruno Soares in the doubles rubber yesterday. With their win, Lee-Hesh had taken their unbeaten streak in Davis Cup to 24, the most by any doubles team in the world. India's decision to host the tie on hard courts under trying weather conditions paid as it played an important part in turning tide in favour of India on the final day. India was forced into the play-offs after losing to Russia 2-3 in the World Group first round in Moscow in March. Now, Brazil has lost five consecutive play-off ties since 2006. Bopanna, who had squandered three match points against Bellucci on Friday, today showed a lot of control over shots under crunch situations. Bopanna won the rubber without dropping his serve as he saved two set points in the 10th game of the second set that he won in a tie-breaker. Like the first set, Bopanna broke Mello in the fourth game of the third set and went onto win comfortably. After missing two match points in the eighth game, Bopanna served out the tie for India in the next game. He fell on the court on his back after dropping a volley winner, which sealed his and India's win. The moment triggered wild celebrations in the Indian camp as his teammates ran to court and lifted Bopanna on their shoulders. Earlier, ranked 113th, Somdev had the upper-hand in the fourth rubber when the Brazilian world No 27 opted out of contest. Somdev put up a brave fight against Bellucci, who also looked in good nick. Both played engrossing tennis in the first set but Bellucci seemed uncomfortable in the second. After dropping his serve twice, he walked up to net to shake hands with Somdev and the chair umpire and left the court. Unlike the first singles, he played against Bopanna; Bellucci was spot on with his first serve today and played beautifully throughout the first set. He had only hit six aces in his two serve games. Somdev, too, showed gave a tough time to his superior-ranked opponent in the first set. — PTI
|
|
Sania wins 9th doubles WTA title
Guangzhou (China), September 19 Sania and Edina beat local favourites Xinyun Han and Wanting Liu 7-5 6-3 in the summit clash of the $ 220,000 hard court event. It was Sania's first WTA title in 17 months as the last time she won was in April 2009 at Ponte Vedra Beach event with Taipei's Chia-Jung Chuang. Sania earned 280 ranking points and split $11,000 with Edina as prize money. Sania won her first and only WTA singles title in 2005 after beating Alyona Bondarenko of Ukraine in the Hyderabad Open. Her maiden Grand Slam title came only last year when she won the mixed doubles event of the Australian Open along with Mahesh Bhupathi.
— PTI
|
|
Highveld Lions beat Guyana by 9 wkts
Johannesburg, September 19
Steven Jacobs was the lone bright spot in Guyana's batting chart with a 37-ball 34, while skipper Ramnaresh Sarwan (21) was the other notable run-getter. Chasing a modest 149, Cameron returned to form in style with a quickfire 78 that came off just 42 deliveries, while Petersen also blossomed in the right-hander's company to score a breezy 38-ball 57 to take Lions home at the New Wanderers stadium here. Lions, however, started poorly, losing opener Jonathan Vandiar (8) in the third over, with scoreline reading 16 for one. But that was the only time Guyana bowlers tasted success as both Petersen and Cameron mixed caution with aggression to help Lions cross the 50-run mark in 6.1 over. Petersen, who showed signs of returning to form in their last outing, opened up and dispatched Eusan Crandon for a four and a six in the fifth over to accumulate 15 runs. In the seventh over, Cameron also got his act together and dispatched Crandon for two fours and a six to bring up his team's 50. He was merciless in his approach and hammered the Guyanese bowlers to all parts of the ground. Cameron was particularly severe on Christopher Barnwell and Royston Crandon as he treated both the bowlers with disdain, dealing with them in fours and sixes. Petersen hit Crandon for two consecutive fours in the 12th over to bring up Lions' 100.
— PTI
|
|
Talukdar wins Archery World Cup bronze
Kolkata, September 19 For the first time, three Indian archers, two women (Dola Banerjee and Deepika Kumari) and Taulkdar, had made it to the grand final. The women's duo yesterday made a first round exit but the Guwahati archer, who represents Steel Plant Sports Board, ensured a medal for India, winning the bronze with a 6-2 win over Marco Galiazzo of Italy. Taulkdar thus erased his bitter memories of the World Cup finals in 2006 and 2009, when he bowed in the semifinals, finishing fourth. On a rainy and windy morning with 11 degree celsius temperature, Jayanta braved the weather for a good start against the Italian, who was the 2004 Athens Olympic gold medallist. The 24-year-old won the first two sets easily. The first being a perfect 10 (10-10-10), while in the second he shot 10-9-10 to take a 4-0 lead after two sets. Galiazzo shot 9-9-9 against Talukdar's 7-9-10 to take the third set. But Talukdar again came up with a strong performance in the fourth set to settle the issue 6-2 for the bronze medal. In the match of the day, Talukdar earlier lost out to eventual gold medallist Brady Ellison of USA in the semifinals. Talukdar faltered from a 5-1 lead as the American edged past the Indian 6-5. Ellison beat Korean Dong-Hyun Im of Korea 6-5 in the final en route to the gold medal. In the first round, Talukdar beat Michele Frangilli of Italy 6-4 for a place in the last four.
— PTI
|
|
Ashok Kumar wins DLF Masters
Gurgaon, September 19 The Delhi golfer totalled 16 under 200 after the third round to be on top of the scoreboard. He was eight strokes ahead of Gaganjeet Bhullar, who finished second with the next best overall score of eight under 208. Ashok (70-65-65), who took home the winner’s cheque worth Rs 15,35,675, also climbed to the No 1 position from the seventh place on the Rolex Rankings. Earlier, the play was suspended around 8:50 am because of rain. The leading group, comprising Ashok and Gaganjeet, had not teed-off at that stage. The round could not resume till 2 pm as the course was waterlogged. The tournament committee then decided to declare the results on the basis of the three completed stipulated rounds. Commenting on his victory, Ashok said: “This has been an outstanding tournament as I had never shot two successive rounds of 65. Things are looking up for me at the moment as I am in total control of my hitting after having got my clubs refitted. I have almost recovered from my wrist injury…this win is a huge morale-booster since it is my first of the season and also my first at the DLF Golf and Country Club.” Gaganjeet (68-67-73) finished second at eight under 208, while Anirban Lahiri (70-69-70) secured the third place at seven under 209. |
|
WADA gives a hope to tainted players
Patiala, September 19 With less than a fortnight for the Games to begin, this decision is a blessing in disguise for 12 sportspersons, including two athletes, sixwrestlers, three swimmers and a weightlifter, whose dreams to win laurels for India were shattered while samples collected by NADA came positive for the above substance. They had been issued second notices for anti-doping violations and cases had been referred to Anti Doping Disciplinary Panel. Hearing has been fixed for the September 22. NADA Director General Rahul Bhatnagar said: “During the preliminary hearing of these sportspersons consequent on their provisional suspension by NADA held by me, they had stated that they were not aware how this particular substance entered their body as they had not taken any drugs containing the substance.” Bhatnagar further stated that after hearing their explanation, NADA had then taken up the matter with WADA, this being a singular case of 12 athletes testing positive for the same substance within a short span of time. After getting all details, a meeting of the executive committee of WADA to approve a list of prohibited substances for 2011 was held in which Methylhexaneamine was now to be classified as a ‘specified’ substance rather than a ‘non-specified’ substance with an explanatory note as follows: “The stimulant ‘methylhexaneamine’ (which may be described, like many other substances, by other chemical names) is now included in the prohibited list as a ‘specified’ substance. This substance is often marketed as a nutritional supplement and may frequently be referred to as ‘geranium oil’ or ‘generanium root extract.” The implication of shifting the substance methylhexaneamine from a ‘non-specified’ substance to a ‘specified’ substance would mean that the range of sanctions in the Rules, available to any Result Management Tribunal/Anti Doping Disciplinary Panel would be expanded from a “warning through to two years ineligibility”, whereas under its present classification as a ‘non-specified’ substance the sanction was a two year ineligibility. Therefore, the process valid under the Anti Doping Code would be different and the range of penalties quite significantly different. The athletes are entitled to the legal principle of “Lex Mitior”. WADA has informed that judicial notice might be taken of its revised status in the list should there be hearings related to the athletes who have presently tested positive for this substance, particularly having regard to issues such as selection process and eligibility for the forthcoming Commonwealth Games.
|
|
Pak cricket victim of conspiracy: PCB
Karachi, September 19 The International Cricket Council (ICC) is investigating Friday's match at the Oval after receiving information from a British newspaper alleging a suspicious scoring pattern in Pakistan's innings. Pakistan won by 23 runs. "We won the match and we are under suspicion. England lost, their players should be investigated," Butt told Duniya television. "You don't lose a match if you are doing fixing. We have co-operated so far with all this investigation but after the third ODI we get this feeling it is not a conspiracy to defraud bookies but to defraud Pakistan cricket." The ICC investigation follows its decision to suspend test captain Salman Butt and pace bowlers Mohammad Amir and Mohammad Asif after a newspaper report that they had arranged for no-balls to be deliberately delivered in the fourth test against England at Lord's. "You can't fix a match by bowling three no-balls," Butt said. Series with Pak will go ahead: CSA
Johannesburg: The Cricket South Africa today denied reports that its players were reluctant to play against Pakistan in the wake of the match-fixing scandal, saying that the series between the two sides in the UAE next month would go ahead as scheduled. An unnamed South African player was quoted as saying by the London-based 'Daily Telegraph' that some of his senior teammates could make themselves unavailable for the series, comprising three Tests, five ODIs and two Twenty20 Internatioanals, due to the match-fixing row surrounding Pakistani cricketers. But CSA chief executive Gerald Majola said no player had expressed any such reservation so far and there was no plan to scrap the series. “This is an official bilateral tour governed by the ICC FTP agreement, signed by all member countries, therefore it is an ICC-sanctioned match. The ICC has not cancelled the tour and is dealing with the matter through the ACSU. We therefore have no reason to call off the tour,” Majola told 'Cricinfo'. Earlier, the 'Daily Telegraph' reported that senior South African cricketers were considering making themselves unavailable for the series in Abu Dhabi and Dubai. "To say we are reluctant is an understatement," one senior player was quoted as saying by the newspaper. “Nobody knows what is going in Pakistani cricket and we feel that playing such a high profile series right now - especially in the Middle East - is asking for trouble. May be it's time for the ICC to step in, or for Pakistan to withdraw from the international game for a year until the mess can be cleaned up and people can start to believe in the game and develop a bit of trust,” the player said. South African Cricketers’ Association chief executive Tony Irish also conceded that "many players" had reservations but didn't say whether there had been talk of pullouts. "The fact that there are now further incidents under investigation is not good news. This all needs to be dealt with urgently in order to ensure that a heavy cloud of suspicion and doubt doesn't hang over our series against Pakistan,” Irish said. —
Agencies |
|
Mary’s next target: London Olympics
Bridgetown (Barbados), September 19
Dubbed 'Magnificent Mary' by the International Boxing Association for her historic feat, the diminutive counter-puncher is the only woman boxer to have clinched a medal in each of the six World Championships, starting with a silver in the inaugural edition in 2001. "I am overwhelmed and don't even know how to describe what it feels like. I am just so happy to have done it," the former Khel Ratna awardee told PTI in an interview after the unprecedented feat. Balancing a demanding training schedule with the responsibility of being the mother of two young children is not easy but with women's boxing finding a place in the 2012 Olympics, Mary Kom said has a reason to continue doing the tough twin jobs. "It's very demanding and emotionally draining to leave my sons behind for competing and training. But I have somehow managed to do it so far and hopefully I will continue doing it till at least the London Olympics. I want to win an Olympic medal, don't want to go before doing that. That's my dream," she said. "I know age would be a factor but if I continue to train hard and remain fit, I think, I would be able to compete and win a medal," she added. Women's boxing would make its debut at the London Olympics in three weight categories -- flyweight (48-51kg), lightweight (56-60kg) and middleweight (69-75kg). Mary Kom will have to bulk up substantially for the fly weight division but she is confident of coming through. "Putting on weight and adjusting to it is always tough but since I would be giving trials for the November Asian Games in the same division, I think I will have enough to time to adjust," she said.
— PTI
|
|
ALL-INDIA JP ATRAY MEMORIAL CRICKET TOURNAMENT
Chandigarh, September 19
The PCC won by 18 runs in the low-scoring match, which has also shown the doors to Yusuf Pathan-led team on the basis of low run rate. Batting first, the PCC was skittled out on paltry 182 all out in 48.2 overs. But Reliance could not chase the target and was bundled out on 162 in 45.2 overs. The PCC lost its first wicket in shape of Karan Goel (14) on 39 runs in 9.4 overs. With the falling of wickets of Sunny Sohal (1) and skipper Ravi Inder Singh (29), the team was tottering at 47 for 3 in 13.4 overs. The PCC’s condition worsened with the loss of Manpreet Gony (3) and Manish Bhatia (19). At that time, the score was 82 for 6. Sodhi and Khera then rescued the team with their 48-run partnership before Sodhi being caught by Nanda off Rakesh Solanki for 26. Solanki proved the wrecker-in-chief, claiming 4 for 43 while Mohnish Parmar and Ishan Malhotra shared two wickets each. Reliance-I witnessed a disastrous start as it lost its first wicket on 1 run when Gony trapped Ishan Malhotra for naught. All hopes on Yusuf Pathan were shattered when Sodhi took a brilliant catch at long-on when the skipper was at two. At one stage, the team had lost seven wickets for just 80 runs. Abhimanyu Chohan (40 off 53) along with Mohnish Parmar (20 off 36) tried hard to chase the target but failed. Rahul Sharma snapped 3 for 24 while Karan had an equal share of wickets for 26 runs. PCC will take on BPCL on September 21 at Tau Devi Lal Stadium, Panchkula, to secure semi-final berth. Gitansh Khera was declared man of the match. Brief Score PCC: 182 all out in 48.2 overs Reliance-I: 161 all out in 45.2 overs (II) In the second match between AIESCB and ONGC, Sandeep Sharma blasted his second century (140 off 146) to guide the latter to register whopping 206-run victory at Tau Devi Lal Stadium, Panchkula, here today. Sharma hammered 14 boundaries and three sixes during the course to help ONGC pile up 310 for 7 in 50 overs. Tanmay Srivastava and Mayank Tehlan were other notable contributors with their 51 and 54 runs, respectively. AISCEB was never in the match as its all wickets fell on 104 in just 20 overs. Sandeep Sharma was declared man of the match. Brief Score ONGC: 310 for 7 in 50 overs AIESCB: 104 all out in 20.5 overs (III) In the third match at Dhruv Pandove Stadium, PCA Colts beat LIC by 41 runs. Batting first, PCA Colts scored 234 for 9 in 50 overs with the help of Kunwar Raina (45 off 76), Amitoze Singh (43 off 54) and Himanshu Chawala (64 off 74). In reply, LIC XI restricted at 193 in 41 overs. Opener Manan Vohra hit 61 off 78 balls, studded with six fours and one six, but in vain. Yogesh was declared man of the match. Brief Score PCA Colts: 234 for 9 in 50 overs LIC XI: 193 all out in 41 overs
|
|
Independence Cup Hockey Tourney
Mandi, September 19 In the first league match, the BSF dominated the game in the first half. BSF’s Haminder Singh scored the first goal converting the plenty stoke awarded to the BSF in the 14th minute. Both teams made some moves till Peter Turkey of the BSF made forward bid and scored the second goal in the 30th minute. Himachal’s budding lads made spirited moves but could not pierce the impregnable defense line of the more experienced BSF. However, the BSF could not keep the same frontal attack in the second half. BSF’s Mukesh Sharma made a brisk move and scored the third goal in the 49th minute. The things went to the point of no recovery for Himachal though it played brilliantly. The second game also turned out to be one-sided as Punjab National Bank struggled to contain the Punjab and Sind Bank’s top-seeders. Its players kept their winning spree on and Parminder made hat-trick scoring all three goals. He scored the first hat-trick that took his team to the semi-finals tomorrow. Semi-finals Punjab & Sind Bank to face CISF BSF to face Punjab National Bank |
|
Punjab approves sports policy
Chandigarh, September 19 Talking to The Tribune the Deputy CM said the Sports Policy was one of his dream projects as he wanted to do something for the youth, to encourage them and reward them for helping will accolades for the state. It is for the first time that Punjab has ever announced a sports policy, even though Punjab has produced several sportspersons who played at the national and international level. According to the note put up before the cabinet on the policy, it says that the new sports policy provides for an elaborate procedure for selection of potential sportspersons out of nearly 1.5 lakh through competitions held at Block, District and State level. The new sports policy has made provisions for enhancement of the cash incentives under cash award policy in case of Olympics from Rs.1 crore to Rs.2.25 crore for winning Gold, Rs.50 lakh to Rs.1.01 crore for Silver and Rs.25 lakh to Rs.51 lakh for Bronze. Likewise, the award money of Maharaja Ranjit Singh Award had been enhanced from Rs.1 lakh to Rs.2 lakh including a scroll and statue. This award was given to sportspersons for high level of performance spread over a period of five years. Pensions have also been increased. |
|
Mumbai knocked out despite win over RCB
Although Mumbai registered their second victory in the tournament, the Sachin Tendulkar-led side will have to pack their bags and return home as Bangalore and Highveld Lions have a better net run rate with one match still to go. Mumbai's prospect has also been marred by South Australia Redbacks, which has already booked their place in the last four stage from Group B with three out of three wins. Although Mumbai have fours points, they ended their campaign with a net run rate of +0.22, while Bangalore (+0.85) and Lions (+0.72) are in a better position with still a game to go. Incidentally, the match between Bangalore and Lions have turned out to be a decider as whoever wins the encounter will progress to the semifinals along with Redbacks. — PTI
|
||||||
Warne to enter nightclub business: Report
Sasikiran spearheads Indian challenge in chess Olympiad CWG: Gender verification
tests of athletes Zaheer, Harbhajan may return
|
| HOME PAGE | |
Punjab | Haryana | Jammu & Kashmir |
Himachal Pradesh | Regional Briefs |
Nation | Opinions | | Business | Sports | World | Letters | Chandigarh | Ludhiana | Delhi | | Calendar | Weather | Archive | Subscribe | Suggestion | E-mail | |
In a stunning turnaround, Somdev Devvarman and Rohan Bopanna powered India to the elite Davis Cup World Group by scripting a sensational 3-2 win over Brazil in the play-off tie.
Guangzhou (China), September 19
Johannesburg, September 19
Karachi, September 19
A historic fifth successive World Championship gold medal under her belt but star Indian woman boxer M C Mary Kom remains hungry for more and will not consider hanging up her gloves before finishing on podium at the 2012 London Olympics.
The 27-year-old mother-of-two from Manipur brushed aside the rising international competition in women's boxing to clinch a fifth gold medal at the World Championships last night by thrashing old foe Steluta Duta of Romania 16-6 in the light fly weight 48kg finals.
Mumbai Indians pulled off a sensational two runs win over Royal Challengers Bangalore in a crucial Group B match here today but still got knocked out of the Champions League Twenty20 cricket tournament on net run rate.
Although Mumbai registered their second victory in the tournament, the Sachin
Tendulkar-led side will have to pack their bags and return home.
Hesh gets hooked to Lara Dutta
After O'Reilly (4/27) helped Lions restrict the Caribbean side to 148 for nine, Petersen (57) and Cameron (78) shared a 75-ball 133-run second wicket unbeaten stand to help the South African side overwhelm the target with more than four overs to spare.
The 27-year-old mother-of-two from Manipur brushed aside the rising international competition in women's boxing to clinch a fifth gold medal at the World Championships last night by thrashing old foe Steluta Duta of Romania 16-6 in the light fly weight 48kg finals.
Durban, September 19
