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Bhullar shines in Indonesia
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Sindhu signs off incredible season with win in Macau
Team India leaves for South Africa
tour
Pujara deals in double ton ahead of S. African Test
Announcer sacked for mocking Monty Panesar
The Indian women after defeating New Zealand (44-12) in their first match; and (below) the match between Spain and Kenya went to the wire. Tribune photos: Rajesh Sachar
American captain alleges bias
Shrijita fights for her spot
Shrijita Ghosh beat Sachi Belwal 0-6 6-2 6-3 to qualify for the main draw of the The Tribune Cup on Sunday. — Pradeep Tewari
Bale hits hat-trick in Real romp
McIlroy overhauls Scott to end title wait
Adam Scott congratulates Rory McIlroy after the latter won the Australian Open on Sunday. — REUTERS
Rooney double earns United a draw
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Bhullar shines in Indonesia
Chandigarh, DECEMBER 1 “I haven’t had much success this season but I knew my game was up there and winning was just a matter of time. I waited so long for my fifth win and this is my 10th consecutive event. Mentally, I was exhausted but Jakarta is one of my favourite cities as I won my first title on the Asian Tour here,” said an ecstatic Bhullar. Jyoti Randhawa carded a two-under-par 69 with three birdies against a solitary bogey and moved up to sole fifth place on the leaderboard with a total of 11-under-par 273. Anirban Lahiri’s round consisted of six birdies but three bogeys including one on the last saw him card a final round 68. He was tied for second place going into the last hole but the bogey on 18 dropped him four places, in a tie for sixth place at 10-under-par 274. Daniel Chopra shot a 69 to finish the week tied 14th with a score of seven-under-par. Shiv Kapur and SSP Chowrasia finished 23rd this week at five-under, while Sujjan Singh was just a stroke behind finishing tied 29th. Himmat Rai was 35th at three-under, Abhinav Lohan was 51st at one-over and Rahil Gangjee was 64th with a total score of four-over this week. Gaganjeet Bhullar |
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Sindhu signs off incredible season with win in Macau
Macau, December 1 Sindhu, who was bestowed the Arjuna award earlier this year, was dominant from start to finish in a lop-sided encounter against the seventh-seeded Canadian. “I was confident going into the final after I defeated the Chinese player and knew that if I did not make mistakes I can win the title,” Sindhu said. Just two minutes into the contest, Sindhu raced to a 7-0 lead. The 18-year-old was relentless in her attack and never let her lead slip. It took just 16 minutes for a determined Sindhu to pocket the first game 21-15. Li battled back in the second game and the scores were level 5-5 at one stage. However, Sindhu eventually broke through and led 11-6 at the break, eventually claiming the title. Sindhu walked away with $9,000 as prize money from the event which offered a total prize money of $120,000. This year has been good for Sindhu, says father
This year has been a remarkable one for the Hyderabad-based shuttler. Besides the Malaysia Open triumph in May, Sindhu also became India’s first women’s singles medallist at the World Championship in August, where she claimed bronze. National coach Pullela Gopichand said they had pulled Sindhu out of the China Open to put in month-long training and the plan worked very well. “We worked extensively on speed and aggression during the preparation for the tournament and she executed it well in Macau,” he said. Madhumita Bisht, who is accompanying the team, said “Sindhu was a bit nervous in the earlier rounds but the way she played in the semifinals and the finals, she thoroughly deserved the crown.” PV Sindhu’s parents are elated over the shuttler’s victory at the Macau Open and are hoping to see their daughter continue the good work in the coming year. The triumph ensured that she capped off the season on a positive note. “We are extremely happy. This year has been good for Sindhu. She received Arjuna award, bronze in world championship. Now, this win at the end of the year makes us happy,” said PV Ramana. He hoped Sindhu would do well in the big tournaments like Asian Games, Super Series among others scheduled for next year. “The coach (P. Gopichand) would take care of that and I hope she does well,” he said.
— PTI |
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Team India leaves for South Africa
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Mumbai, December 1 India will play a three-match ODI series ahead of the two-Test series in South Africa. “If you see there is always a new start,” Dhoni said about absence of Tendulkar, who retired recently last month. Dhoni said his batsmen have plenty of experience in the shorter format of the game and playing ODIs first will give them confidence for the Tests. “Many of them have had good exposure if not in Tests, but in ODIs. It is a new challenge for all of them and a new learning curve. It is always a challenge when you go outside. Which length to bowl and to adjust to the bounce of the wickets. It is good to start with ODIs. As the batsmen can play their shots and express themselves and carry it into the Tests,” he said ahead of team’s departure. Asked who will perform the duties of the third opener in Tests, which has only two regulars in Shikhar Dhawan and Murali Vijay, Dhoni surprised everyone by naming Gautam Gambhir, who is not part of the 17-member squad. “If you see, Gautam is definitely our third opener that we are considering. As of now, Vijay and Shikhar they have done really well for us. So third opener as of now is Gautam.” Later he clarified, “I know (Gambhir not being in team) but he is the third opener.” Nevertheless, the statement by Dhoni makes it clear that Gambhir is still in the scheme of things for at least Test side. Asked who was likely to replace Tendulkar at number four in the Test squad, Dhoni said they are yet to decide on that. “We have not decided on Number 4. No one is going to replace anyone else,” he said before adding in lighter vein, “If possible we will omit the number 4. And try to bat 1,2,3, 5,6... and 12.” Bowling in slog overs has been a worry for India but Dhoni was hopeful of a better performance in South Africa. “In different conditions the statistics would be different. There will be pace and bounce on offer for the fast bowlers. Along with the yorkers, they can use bouncers and a little bit of pace. So we will see how it goes,” he said. “In the last few matches it has improved a lot but we are trying to see how to improve (more), so that we don’t give lot of runs in the last 10 overs. If you see our Champions Trophy performance and if you compare our death bowling you will see that it is a completely different scenario. “The ideal would be to compare how the Indian bowlers performed in the last 10 overs and how Australian bowlers performed in the death overs in the same game. Then it becomes more realistic.” Dhoni said fans will see good cricket in the series as top two sides in the world will be up against each other. “If you see both the teams are well positioned in the rankings. In ODIs it is us and in Tests it is they. It is going to be an exciting and interesting series. The key is getting adjusted to conditions as early as possible,” Dhoni said. “They have a very good team, well balanced team, with genuine all-rounders,” he said. Dhoni said pressure was nothing new to India. “Pressure goes hand in hand whether in India or away.”
— PTI |
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Pujara deals in double ton ahead of S. African Test
Chennai, December 1 Pujara faced 461 balls and hit 33 boundaries, while Shah made 195 off 296 balls. Shah scored 17 boundaries and was involved in a huge 353-run stand for the fourth wicket with Pujara. Thanks to their efforts, Saurashtra overtook Tamil Nadu’s massive first-innings score, eventually declaring at 581 for six in 161.4 overs. Tamil Nadu had scored 565 for eight in 158.2 overs. After the fall of Shah, Pujara added 157 runs with Aarpit Vasavada (70). This was Pujara’s third first-class century on the trot, having reached the three-figure mark in the Mumbai Test against the West Indies and versus Bengal in a Ranji match. Resuming at overnight 326 for three, Saurashtra had little trouble in tackling the Tamil Nadu attack spearheaded by L Balaji. Pujara started the day on 152, while Shah was batting on 133 at the start of day’s play. Puajara’s effort was the match’s second double century, with Abhinav Mukund making 240. Brief scores: Tamil Nadu 1st innings: 565/8 in 158.2 overs Saurashtra 1st innings: 581 for 6 in 161.4 overs (Pujara 269, Jaydev 195).
— PTI |
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Announcer sacked for mocking Monty Panesar
Alice Springs, December 1 Nixon is an Austalian Broadcasting Corporation employee, and undertook the PA job separately in the tourists’ fixture against a CA Chairman XI. His irreverent tone was evident throughout, until he was relieved of his duties after lunch on the second and final day. There were reports that he used an Indian accent when announcing the name of England bowler Monty Panesar. CA would not comment on the specifics of the dismissal.A spokesman for the Australian board did nonetheless say on Saturday afternoon: “Cricket Australia deemed the conduct of the PA announcer as inappropriate and as such he will take no further part in the match.” There will be no further comment from CA until a review of events has been completed. The controversy over Nixon’s performance comes against an antagonistic backdrop so far in this Ashes, which has included an outbreak of ‘sledging’ in England’s first-Test defeat at the Gabba last week and a frosty, partisan reception for the tourists from media and home crowds.
— Agencies |
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Indians make winning start
Around 20,000 sports lovers greeted the Kabaddi teams who displayed their strengths and skills on the first day. Unlike the last three editions wherein almost all the teams had a majority of Punjabi players, many countries, including the New Zealand women’s team, the Spanish and the Kenyan men’s teams have fielded non-Indian players this year. While the women’s team of New Zealand didn't have a single Indian-origin player, there were hardly any Indian-origin players in the Spanish and Kenyan teams. In the first match of the day, which also proved to be the most closely-fought, Spain defeated Kenya 40-32 points. In the women’s category, the host eves maintained their tradition of registering their opening victory by trouncing first-timers New Zealand 44-12 points. Their experience gave them an upper hand over the New Zealanders who, despite having robust structures and putting a brave front, lost the match in a one-side manner. This was largely due to their lack of experience and knowledge of the technicalities of the sport. The best came in the form of the final match of the day when the men’s team of India took on the American lads. Though India drubbed the US 59-31, the Americans showed good raiding and catching skills. However, they could not prove a match for the three-time champions due to the superior skills and coordinated efforts of the Indian players. Later, the Indian women rued that while their male counterparts have been given due recognition for their performance in the form of suitable jobs, the Punjab government is yet to extend the same to the women players. Punjabi folk singer Irshaad Mohammad entertained audience with his hit numbers before the beginning of the matches. As Sukhbir Singh Badal, the Deputy Chief Minister of Punjab, could not reach for the opening ceremony due to some engagements, Cabinet Minister Surjit Singh Rakhra addressed the gathering and highlighted the sports policy of the Punjab government. Sikander Singh Maluka, President Punjab Kabaddi Association and also the stage Education Minister, was also present. NADA collects samples Patiala:
The National Anti Doping Authority has collected a total of six samples, one from each team, today. The samples have been sent to the NADA drug testing laboratory in New Delhi. The NADA in-charge for this tournament, Dr Manish Kumar, informed that NADA would collect only one sample from each team during all the matches. He said that random samples would be collected on the basis of suspicion and the NADA would try to release the reports at the earliest. Results
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American captain alleges bias
Patiala, December 1 Gill alleged that the government has set a new rule that players who are the Green Card Holders will not be allowed to compete in the Cup following which his top five raiders had to miss this tournament. “Only those who have American passports have been allowed but this is unethical since everyone who has a green card of America is ideally their citizen. I had to bring our B team due to this rule which has damaged the prospects of our team. Indians are ideally playing against kids who have just started the game. However, we are not giving up,” he added. Gill further said that it was not just America which had been harmed by this decision. All countries are facing the same problem as many top class players had to miss the tournament. “The Punjab government should have given every player a proper opportunity to compete for the title,” he rued. Today’s matches
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Shrijita fights for her spot
Ravinder Singh beat Ominder Baisoya in a closely contested match that lasted for more than two and a half hours. Ravinder final won the match with a scoreline of 6-3 4-6 6-3. In another match, Rahul Somani defeated Lavish Nehra 3-6 6-4 7-6(2) to qualify for the main draw. Ankit Sachdeva faced stiff resistance from Ankush Arora but finally managed to win 7-5 7-5. Bhavesh Singh Gour was stretched to his limits by Rahul M. Robinson before winning the three-setter 6-1 2-6 6-2. In the women’s section, Shrijita Ghosh lost the first set 0-6 but came back strongly to beat Sachi Belwal and qualify for the main draw. Abhilasha Shokeen had everything going in her favour till she pocketed the first set 6-1 but Protiksha Sharma took her to the task in the second set. Abhilasha however was lucky to win the match 6-1, 7-5. The main draw matches will be held at CLTA Complex at 9 am onwards. The tournament will be inaugurated by SS Sodhi, Former Chief Justice, Allahabad High Court and Chairman of The Tribune Trust. Results (Qualifiers)
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Bale hits hat-trick in Real romp
Madrid, December 1 Three minutes later the Welshman teed up Karim Benzema to double Madrid's lead with a wonderful in-swinging cross that the Frenchman bulleted home. Bale grabbed his second of the game when Carlos Pena could only turn Marcelo's cross into the path of the grateful former Tottenham man to slot home. And Marcelo was again the provider as Bale completed his first hat-trick in Spanish football with a simple left-footed finish a minute from time. Victory moved Real to within three points of leaders Barcelona and Atletico Madrid. Earlier, Atletico moved level on points with Barcelona at the top of the table after goals from Koke and Diego Costa gave them a hard-fought 2-0 win at Elche. — PTI
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McIlroy overhauls Scott to end title wait
SYDNEY, December 1 McIlroy, who swallowed up Scott's four-shot overnight lead in the first eight holes, nervelessly sank a 10-foot birdie putt at the 18th to finish on 18-under-par for the tournament with a final round seven-under 66. Scott, who was seeking a rare "triple crown" of Australian titles after winning the PGA and Masters, missed a string of chances over the back nine to extend his lead and held just a single-shot advantage heading to the 72nd hole. After firing his approach over the back of the green, the world number two overcooked his chip and sent the ball racing back past the hole before coming up short with a 40-foot par putt to give McIlroy a chance he grasped with both hands.
— Reuters |
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Rooney double earns United a draw
London, December 1 Tottenham, looking to shake off last weekend's 6-0 mauling at Manchester City, took the lead through Kyle Walker's fierce free kick but the defender then gifted his England team mate an equaliser. A spectacular strike by Sandro restored the home team's lead after the interval before a rash moment by goalkeeper Hugo Lloris handed Rooney the chance to level from the penalty spot. Champions United remained eighth on 22 points, nine behind leaders Arsenal, with Tottenham a further point back. Tottenham had not beaten United in 12 previous home attempts but they began the game looking determined to improve that dismal statistic and get their season back on track. With under-pressure manager Andre Villas-Boas pacing around his technical area they began at a high tempo with Walker and Aaron Lennon impressive down the right flank. United, with Shinji Kagawa given a starting berth in central midfield, were nearly gifted a head start when Vlad Chiriches was robbed by Rooney who exchanged passes with Antonio Valencia but then found himself crowded out. — Reuters
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Macau, December 1
Chennai, December 1
The fourth edition of the World Cup Kabaddi began amid great enthusiasm here today, with the home teams in the men’s and women’s sections posting comfortable wins.
The Indian women defeated the first-timers from New Zealand 44-12 while in the last match of the evening, their male counterparts beat the United States 59-31.
Top seed Bharat Bhardwaj faced tough resistance from Ashish Kapoor to win his final qualifying round match of The Tribune Cup at Chandigarh Lawn Tennis Association Complex
(CLTA), Sector-10, on Sunday. Ravinder Singh beat Ominder Baisoya in a closely contested match that lasted for more than two and a half hours.
SYDNEY, December 1
“I finished last at the World Cup last week. I wanted to prove to myself that I can still play well. I believed in myself, and mentally, I was ready to win. I would like to qualify for the Asian team in the Eurasia Cup next year. That’s my goal now. Before this, I actually thought I was slightly out of the race but looking at the Order of Merit now I am definitely in it. It’s the first Eurasia Cup ever and I would love to be part of the Asian team,” added Gaganjeet.
Patiala, December 1
Chandigarh, December 1
