Monday, April 5, 1999
today's calendar
|
S P O R T | Monday, April 5, 1999 |
|
| weather n
spotlight today's calendar |
|||
|
123-run defeat for India BANGALORE, April 4 — With a career-best haul of five for 38, speedster Azhar Mehmood bowled Pakistan to a facile 123-run victory as India failed yet again in batting in the finals of the Pepsi Cup Triangular Cricket Series at the M. Chinnaswamy stadium here tonight.
Foreign teams for Khalsa sport
festival |
 |
|
|
SA feel Donald will be fit for Cup Hingis,
Kournikova reach final Paes,
Fazal help India make clean sweep Lalitha
captures golf title Fazaluddin’s
show ‘biggest gain’ Bengal
lift record sixth crown Olympics
main goal: Popov Stage
set for Gold Flake Open |
||||||
|
123-run defeat for India BANGALORE, April 4 (UNI) — With a career-best haul of five for 38, speedster Azhar Mehmood bowled Pakistan to a facile 123-run victory as India failed yet again in batting in the finals of the Pepsi Cup Triangular Cricket Series at the M. Chinnaswamy stadium here tonight. Set a target of 292 for a win, with an asking rate of 5.84 runs per over, India were shot out for a paltry 168 in 42.1 overs. India were never in contention after they lost opener Sadagopan Ramesh in the second over of the match, which was marred by unruly behaviour of section of the packed house. In all 24 minutes of play was lost. Saurav Ganguly (13) was declared man of the Series and received a brand new Fiat Siena car. Sadagopan Ramesh (1), Rahul Dravid (25), Amay Khurasia (3) and Robin Singh (5) were the first five batsmen to be sent back. Stand-in skipper Ajay Jadeja, whose 25-ball blitz of 45 against Pakistan was instrumental in India’s triumph in the 1996 World Cup clash, top-scored with a plucky 41 but it only delayed the inevitable. Jajeda faced 51 balls, hit three fours and put on 41 runs for the sixth wicket with Ajit Agarkar (13) but by then all hopes had virtually vanished. He was caught behind by Moin Khan off Mehmood with India 131 for seven in the 30th over. The victory was Pakistan’s 45th in 74 ties. The two teams now proceed to Sharjah to resume their rivalry in the April 7 to 16 tri-series featuring England as the third team. Earlier, burly middle-order batsman Inzamam-ul Haq smashed 91 off 112 balls and also put on a near run-a-ball 94 with aggressive opener Shahid Afridi, who played a cameo 61-ball knock of 65 (9x4, 1x6), helped Pakistan recover from a shaky 28 for two and post the highest total at this venue. It bettered the previous best of 287 by India in the 1996 World Cup quarter-final. Useful knocks of 35 by wicket-keeper Moin Khan, 25 by Azhar Mehmood and an unbeaten 21 by Akram in the final stages contributed to the huge Pakistan total. Pace spearhead Javagal Srinath and young Ajit Agarkar conceded over six an over while Anil Kumble gave away 56 in 10 overs to help the Pakistan cause. Only Venkatesh Prasad, the most economical host bowler with 2 for 37 and Saurav Ganguly (2/35) managed to stem the run-spree a bit. Medium-pacer Azhar Mehmood, who claimed five for 38 and was on a hattrick at one stage, was declared Man of the Match. Like their bowlers earlier in the day, the Indian batsmen put up a pathetic show chasing the huge target. Left-handed opener S Ramesh flopped for the second time in limited over when he poked at an away going ball from Shoaib Akhtar to wicketkeeper Moin Khan in the second over. Rahul Dravid, who has been dismissed cheaply in both the league matches against Pakistan by Akhtar found a couple of fours, including a superb square cut off Wasim Akram, but with much depending upon the duo, Ganguly departed to a rash shot. Runs were not easy to come against the express pace of Akhtar though Ganguly and Dravid both punished Akram when he gave them width. But a double strike by the Pakistani pace duo in the space of seven balls in the ninth and 10th overs, put the Indian innings firmly on the backfoot. Ganguly gifted his wicket away when he moved away and tried to hoist Akram over the inner circle on the offside, only managing to edge to Moin Khan. He fell at 41 and in the next over Amay Khurasia (3) was adjudged leg before to Akhtar by K Parthasarathi off a doubtful decision with the ball moving and moving away from the left-hander. Dravid, who seemed to have weathered a torrid time from Akhtar, who has claimed him four times in succession, and Jadeja tried to repair the massive damage. But first change bowler Azhar Mehmood struck off only his second ball when he trapped the local hero plumb in front of the wicket. Dravid’s 25 came off 36 balls (4x4’s). PAKISTAN INDIA |
Mohanty in World Cup squad BANGALORE, April 4 (UNI) — Sachin Tendulkar, troubled by a niggling back problem, has opted out of the triangular Sharjah tournament while Debashish Mohanty of Orissa is the surprise inclusion in the World Cup squad announced here tonight. Announcing the teams, Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Secretary J.Y. Lele said they would seek the permission of the International Cricket Council to include the name of Debashish Mohanty, who is not in the list of 19 probables. However, he was part of 30 probables. He said Sachin has opted out of the Sharjah tournament beginning on April 7 on medical advice despite being fit. The following are the team: For Sharjah: Mohd Azharuddin (captain), Ajay Jadeja (vice captain), S Ramesh, S Ganguly, Rahul Dravid, Nayan Mongia, Amay Khurasia, Vinod Kambli, J Srinath, Ajit Agarkar, Venkatesh Prasad, Nikhil Chopra, Robin Singh, Anil Kumble and Sunil Joshi. Manager: A N Mathe. World Cup: Mohd Azharuddin (captain), Ajay Jadeja (vice captain) S Ramesh, Saurav Ganguly, Sachin Tendulkar, Nayan Mongia, J Srinath, Ajit Agarkar, Venkatesh Prasad, Nikhil Chopra, Anil Kumble, Robin Singh, Amay Khurasia, Rahul Dravid and Debashish Mohanti.
|
Foreign teams for Khalsa sport
festival CHANDIGARH, April 4 — As part of the tercentenary celebrations of the birth of the Khalsa, the Punjab Olympic Association, in collaboration with the Punjab Sports Department will organise the Khalsa Tercentenary International Sport Festival from April 9 to 13, at the Charanganga Sports Complex, Anandpur Sahib. Stating this at a Press conference here today, Mr Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa, president of the Punjab Olympic Association, said the festival would comprise bullock cart races, shooting, tug-of-war, kabaddi (circle-style) wrestling (free-style) and equestrian competitions. Besides national-level teams, teams from the USA, UK, Pakistan, Kazakistan and Uzbekistan would participate. The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Vice-Marshal A.Y. Tipnis, will inaugurate the sports festival on April 9 while Mr Parkash Singh Badal, Chief Minister, will give away the prizes on the concluding day. The opening ceremony will include a sky-diving and para-sailing show by the Indian Air Force. A cultural programme will also be organised. According to Mr Dhindsa, eminent persons like Ms Uma Bharti, Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports, Chief Election Commissioner M.S. Gill, General O.P. Malhotra, former Governor of Punjab and wrestler Dara Singh, will attend the festival. As many as 120 distinguished sportspersons of Punjab will be honoured during the festival. They include Balbir Singh (hockey), `flying Sikh' Milkha Singh, Suneeta Rani, Paramjit Singh and Jeev Milkha Singh. For the bullock cart races, the top 8-10 cart racers of Punjab have been chosen for the event. Besides teams from Punjab, Haryana and Himachal Pradesh, sportsmen from the United Kingdom, Pakistan and the USA have also been invited for the tug-of-war and kabaddi competitions. Ten international shooters who have represented India in various international meets will be participating in the trap shooting events. The wrestling competition will have six different weight categories and top wrestlers from India, Pakistan, Uzbekistan and Kazakistan will participate. Each weight category winner will be awarded Panj Pyara trophies and the heaviest weight category winner will be awarded a gurj titled Vishav Khalsa Kesari. Haryana and Punjab police personnel will be participating in the equestrian events. During the year-long celebrations International tournaments in hockey, gymnastics, athletics, cricket, boxing, volleyball, and basketball will also be organised. In wrestling , the competitions will be held in 54 kg , 63 kg, 69 kg 78 kg, 85 kg and above 85 kg categories. Two wrestling team each from Pakistan and Punjab and one team each from Haryana, Delhi, Himachal, Chandigarh, M.P., UP, and Rajasthan will exhibit their prowess. Cash prizes are being offered i.e. Rs 1 lakh for the winner, Rs 75,000 for the second position , Rs 50,000 for the third position and Rs 25,000 for the fourth position. The prizes are being sponsored by former international wrestler Kanwarjeet Singh Sandhu who had won many titles, including Punjab Kesari, in 1974. In kabbadi, teams from Pakistan, Canada , the UK, USA besides teams from Punjab and Haryana would participate although Pakistan are yet to confirm their entry. In tug-of-war, Pakistan have confirmed their entry along with teams from Haryana, PSEB, Ludhiana, Fatehgarh Sahib, Jalandhar and Nawanshahr. Cash prizes will be awarded in both the competitions. Punjab's international stars like Randhir Singh, Manavjit Singh, Mansher Singh and Zorawar Singh besides others will exhibit their shooting prowess in clay pigeon shooting. The winner of the bullock cart race will be richer by Rs 50,000. This popular rural sport will also have prizes of Rs 40,000, Rs 30,000 and Rs 20,000 for the second, third and fourth position, respectively. The famous Akashganga team of the Indian Air Force, will put up a sky diving show at 9.30 a.m. on April 9, which will be followed by cultural events to staged daily by the North Zone Cultural Centre. Among eminent persons who are expected to attend the festival are Lt-Gen (Retd) J.S. Aurora, writer Khushwant Singh, Mr Ashwini Kumar, member IOC, Mr Suresh Kalmadi, president Indian Olympic Association, Lt-Gen H.B.Kala, GOC-in-C Western Command and Chief of Staff Western Command, Lt-Gen H.R.S. Mann.
|
Aussies struggle to 221 for five ST JOHN’s (Antigua) April 4 (Reuters) — Australia failed to capitalise on their best opening stand of the series on the first day of the fourth and final Test against West Indies. The touring team struggled to 221 for five at close yesterday, after openers Michael Slater and Greg Blewett had given them a solid platform with a partnership of 60. Skipper Steve Waugh,
Australia’s most accomplished batsman of the series,
again came to his side’s rescue after they had
limped to 96 for three. Waugh redressed the balance in half century partnerships with Justin Langer and Ricky Ponting. Tight bowling, a slow pitch and a very slow outfield did not make for exciting cricket, the first two sessions producing just 123 runs. Blewett and Slater had batted confidently if somewhat cautiously through the morning session when Slater fell in the final over before lunch bowled by off-spinner Nehemiah Perry. He cut hard and was caught at backward square point by the diving Dave Joseph for 33. It was another Slater innings that flattered only to deceive. Test debutant Corey Collymore was eventually rewarded for some excellent bowling in his 12th over when he forced Blewett into a loose drive and he was caught behind by Ridley Jacobs leaving the Australians on 76 for two. Blewett faced 117 balls in grinding out 32. The out-of-form Mark Waugh became Walsh’s 22nd victim of the series at 96 when he edged to Carl Hooper at second slip having made only 11. Steve Waugh and Langer then hauled the innings around with a fourth wicket stand of 59 but just as they appeared to be getting on top of the bowling Langer was brilliantly run out as he completed his half century. Perry’s bullet-like return from the extra cover boundary caught him short of his ground as he attempted a third run, Hooper taking the ball above the stumps and whipping off the bails. Langer’s 51 from 102 balls included sixes off both Perry and Hooper. Curtly Ambrose broke the threatening fifth wicket stand between Waugh and Ricky Ponting after Brian Lara had taken the new ball. Ponting was leg before for 21 at 211 padding up. Australia (first
innings): |
Warne talks of quitting ST JOHN’s (Antigua), April 4 (AFP) — Shane Warne said here yesterday that he had been forced to wonder whether he would ever play Test cricket for Australia again after being dropped for the first time in seven years for the crucial fourth Test with the West Indies. However, Warne, whose 317 wickets in 71 Tests make him Australia’s second-highest wicket-taker, said he would play in the one-day series against the West Indies and in the World Cup in England in May-June. He said as Australia’s next Test was not for another six months, it gave him ample time to consider his future. Warne said he held no grudge against Steve Waugh despite the Australian captain combining with coach Geoff Marsh to dump him from the fourth Test. "It’s Steve’s job to come up with what he thinks is the best team to win, he doesn’t want to be the captain that’s lost the series," Warne told Australian Associated Press. "When he walks out on the field, he’s got to know when he turns to someone that he’s got faith in them with the ball, that he can do the job. That’s why he’s picked these 10 blokes plus himself." "I’m good friends with Steve and have been for a long time and I don’t think this strains the friendship. I respect his decision. Financially I’m pretty well off, I’ve been lucky enough to play something I love and I’ve enjoyed for eight or nine seasons of international cricket," he said. "I have always played to win and the biggest enjoyment I have got is playing in teams," Warne said. "When I do finish, whenever that may be, I have got the memories to think about. I don’t think about the time I got five-for or six-for or went out and got 30-odd. I think about the times we had won the Test match with all the boys together", Warne said. "That’s what I play for". "As a senior player, I thought I was a pretty big part of the team but unfortunately that’s not the way it falls. Hopefully I’ll get another chance", he said. One of the finest leg spinners in the history of cricket, he has taken five wickets in an innings 14 times and 10 in a match on four occasions since making his Test debut against India in Sydney in the 1991-92 season. Marsh and West Indian captain Brian Lara said they would be stunned if Warne’s career ended after the four-Test series for the Frank Worrell Trophy. "Why would he retire", Marsh asked. "The bottom line is that he is just had a huge disappointment and he probably needs a few days to think things properly. He is going to have an important role to play in the World Cup, the whole atmosphere of the tournament and within the team will probably remind him of how much he enjoys it, and how much it means to him". Marsh said they had agonised about the decision to drop Warne. Lara said, "It’s
going to be a hard time for Shane. He is world class
bowler and I am sure he will find it strange watching a
Test instead of playing". |
SA feel Donald will be fit for Cup JOHANNESBURG, April 3 (Reuters) — South Africa are confident fast bowler Allan Donald will be fit for the forthcoming World Cup in England despite recent injury problems. Donald was named in South Africa’s final squad of 15 for the tournament starting on May 14. Chief selector Peter Pollock believes Donald will be ready for the World Cup even though he suffered a recurrence of a stomach muscle strain during his country’s recently-completed tour of New Zealand. South Africa’s squad includes fast bowler Makhaya Ntini, who has earned a place after a disappointing start to the season and a pending court case for alleged rape. Derek Crookes is included after convincing the selectors on his one-day potential with his all-round skills. "Derek is a supremely versatile one-day player. He’s a batter, a pinch-hitter, and a good fielder, and we regard him as a very valuable component of the team," Pollock said. The four members of the initial squad of 19 to be omitted are Nic Pothas, Alan Dawson, Paul Adams and Pat Symcox. Veteran off-spinner Symcox ruled himself out when he recently announced his retirement from international cricket. The team: Hansie Cronje
(capt), Shaun Pollock (vice-capt), Gary Kirsten,
Herschelle Gibbs, Jacques Kallis, Daryll Cullinan, Jonty
Rhodes, Mark Boucher, Dale Benkenstein, Lance Klusener,
Derek Crookes, Nicky Boje, Allan Donald, Steve Elworthy,
Makhaya Ntini. |
Hingis, Kournikova reach final HILTON HEAD ISLAND (SOUTH CAROLINA) April 4 (AP) — Martina Hingis and Anna Kournikova gave women's tennis second straight teenaged final, advancing to the Family Circle Cup championship yesterday. "Hingis, the world's No. 1 player from Switzerland, downed No. 3 Jana Novotna of the Czech Republic 6-2, 6-3, while Kournikova, seeded seventh, overcame a first-set tiebreaker loss to defeat No. 6 Patty Schnyder 6-7, 6-0, 6-3. "With Anna and me, it's like two youngsters coming up," said the 18-year-old Hingis. "It's going to be very interesting." It's a show shared with Hingis, who's already won four Grand Slam events, and the confident 17-year-old Kournikova, who has unashamedly dated much-older ice hockey star Sergei Fedorov and was one of People Magazine's "50 most beautiful people." "There are longterm
factors involved here", WTA tour chief executive
officer Bart Mcguire said. |
Davis
Cup CALCUTTA, April 4 (PTI) — India number one Leander Paes and debutant Syed Fazaluddin won their reverse singles matches in contrasting styles over their unheralded opponents to give the hosts a sweeping 5-0 victory over China in their Davis Cup Asia-Oceania group-1 tie here today. Having already clinched the tie by taking an invincible 3-0 lead yesterday, Paes had to dig deep into his reserves to quell a spirited Zhu Ben-Qiang with a hard-fought 6-7 (5-7), 7-6 (7-3), 6-3 victory but the other local lad Fazaluddin had no difficulty in brushing aside Jiang Shan with a comfortable 6-3, 6-3 verdict. Paes, who has produced many memorable triumphs for his country in Davis Cup competitions, seemed to lack the motivation in the ‘dead’ rubber and played quite erratically before finding his touch just in the nick of time to ward off the Chinese challenge at the South Club grass courts. The ace Indian Davis cupper committed a number of unforced errors to concede the first set and was again stretched to the tie-breaker in the second set which he won after a few anxious moments. Paes, however, toned up his game in the third set to win 6-3 in a battle which lasted 110 minutes to keep India on course for a clean sweep while fellow Calcuttan Fazaluddin completed with aplomb. The 23-year-old Fazaluddin, who was selected for the singles in place of injured Mahesh Bhupathi, played with a great deal of confidence to spank the hapless Jiang Shan in straight sets in a tussle which lasted only 70 minutes. The lanky Fazaluddin fired in a number of aces and produced some crisp baseline returns to put pressure on Shan, who played the second reverse singles in place of the injured Zhang Yu. The Indian debutant, playing before his home crowd, broke his Chinese opponent in the seventh and ninth games to pocket the first 6-3 in just 35 minutes. Fazaluddin broke Shan in the fourth game and held on to his serve till the end to easily wrap up the second set by an identical 6-3 margin. The holiday crowd at the South Club was a trifle disappointed by Paes’ performance as the local hero looked a pale shadow of himself on his favourite grass surface. Playing under hot and humid conditions, Zhu Ben-Qiang broke the fancied Indian in the fifth game of the first set to take a 3-2 lead, but Paes, under pressure to save a set point after being down 4-5, responded by breaking the Chinese in the tenth game to level the score 5-5. Both the players than held on to their serves to take the set to the tie-breaker stage where a few lapses by Paes allowed the Chinese to take the first set which lasted 44 minutes. After conceding the first set, Paes tried to lift his game, but erratic shots and a few double faults helped the Chinese to level 6-6 and raise hopes of a stunning victory against his much superior opponent. Both the players held their serves till 3-3 in the second set before Paes broke Zhu in the seventh game. The Chinese fought back again to neutralise the lead by breaking the Indian in the tenth game to make the score 5-5. Paes, pushed to the brink of an embarrassing defeat, came close to playing his best tennis again as he won the tie-breaker 7-3 to restore parity in the set score. Encouraged by the home crowd, a rejuvenated Paes raised his game by several notches in the deciding third set and displayed some brilliant baseline returns and drop shots. Paes broke the Chinese in the fourth game and the sixth game to race to a 5-1 lead. Needing to hold his service game, he fell prey to a few lapses to allow the Chinese to break him in the seventh game. But he held on to his serve in the ninth game to wrap up the set 6-3 in 25 minutes. India will now meet
Uzebkistan in their next Asia Oceania group I tie.
Uzbekistan beat Japan 3-2 in their group one second round
tie. |
Stage set for Gold Flake Open CHENNAI, April 4 (UNI) — His high strung racquet in hand, the latest celebrity in tennis — Carlos Moya from Spain — locked in the battle for the top spot with his American counterpart Pete Sampras, is staring at you from the bill boards. The tall card board pillars, painted bright red and displaying a tennis ball streaking at lightning speed, as it were, beckons you to the Nungambakkam Stadium as yet another edition of the ATP World Tour Gold Flake Open Championship unfolds here tomorrow. The week-long country’s magnum opus event, promoted by the International Management Group (IMG), which no doubt would draw full house, would end with the battle for the singles and the doubles titles on April 11. But the Spaniard Moya, the winner at the Roland Garros in France, although top seeded and out to take back the world no one ranking from Sampras, who regained it from him, is not the clear favourite. Nor is the second seeded Czech Karol Kucera. The inspiration for Moya, however, despite the unsettling conditions of heat and humidity here, would be the chance to emerge as world number one again if he enters the final here. The draw released with the seedings by the tournament committee yesterday suggests that there would be a spate of upsets. Moya and Kucera would have to first conquer the weather before possibly setting up a title clash. But they would have to reckon with, especially Karol, with the 1997 winner, the feisty Swede Mikael Tillstrom, who overcoming dehydration, won the title dramatically after trailing in the fifth set tie break. Eventhough unseeded this time, Tillstrom, is already used to the conditions. Another Swede Thomas Johansson, world number 17 and seeded three, Zimbabwe’s Byron Black world no 29 and seeded no 4, the 24 year-old Australian Andrew Llie world no 43 and ranked no 5, the Dutch Sjeng Schalken, world no 56 and seeded no 6, German Rainer Schutler, world no 71 and seeded no 7 and another Dutch John Van Lottum, world no 78 and seeded no 8, have been given the pride of place. The Indian challenge, would be focussing on the doubles with the world no two pair of Leander Paes and Mahesh Bhupathi, the latter a wild card entry in the singles event, expected to retain the doubles crown to complete a hat-trick of wins. The main draw matches commencing at 5 p.m., would also see four qualifiers, one of them drawn to meet Leander Paes. Another rising young Swede Andreas Vinciguerra along with his compatriot Jonathan Stark, who had played in the 1996 (New Delhi) and 1997 editions but was injured last year, are the other two wild card entries. The event was a big draw last year with tennis icon Boris Becker, the then US Open winner Australian Patrick Rafter and the famous "Woodies", Todd Woodbridge and Mark Woodforde, exhibiting their skill on Indian courts for the first time. There would be very little to look forward to from Indians Leander Paes (ranked 101) and Mahesh Bhupathi (ranked 322) in the singles. Leander, who played despite a nagging (rotator cuff) shoulder injury last year managed to last till the quarter finals. But Mahesh could not progress beyond the second round. And it may be even worse for him this year. He has been drawn against the Aussie Richard Fromberg, a clear favourite despite being unseeded. He is ranked no 83. Many of the stars, whom
the avid tennis buffs in Chennai, which has thrown up all
the talent for the country, are looking forward to see in
action, have been arriving here since Saturday. The star
attraction, Carlos Moya who is assisting Spain in the
Davis Cup matches, is to arrive by Tuesday. |
Lalitha captures golf title CHANDIGARH, April 4 — It was indeed a momentous occasion for 20-year-old Lalitha Kumara of Sri Lanka as he became the proud recipient of the All-India Amateur Golf Championship trophy at the Chandigarh Golf Club here today. Playing aggressive golf through- out, the young Sri Lankan from the Royal Colombo Golf Club, who has been in the game for five years, remained in the business of making pars even when birdies eluded his putter. His opponent, Sheeraz Kalra, also started off well making birdie on the second and winning the third as well. But Lalitha hit back with a birdie on the fifth and won the sixth to draw even. At the ninth hole Sheeraz double bogeyed to give the Sri Lankan the advantage. The back nine saw them hold each other off till Sheeraz birdied the 16th to pull even. Halving the next two holes, the match went into the second 18 like it started, at level. At the 23rd hole Sheeraz went into the lead once again with an excellent birdie and Dame Luck seemed to smile on him when he bogeyed on the 25th but Lalitha lying for a certain par duffed his approach shot and then chipped and two putt to bogey as well. But Lalitha made no mistake on the 26th to land his tee shot for a birdie putt and even though he missed the birdie it was enough to win from a faltering Sheeraz who bogeyed again. At the 27th Sheeraz's chip hit the flag stick but failed to drop for a birdie and Lalitha halved again. Making pars on the 28th and 29th Lalitha set up an almost certain birdie chance with an excellent approach shot but he missed his putt again to allow Sheeraz to halve. The tide turned finally at the 33rd when Sheeraz from a position of advantage topped his chip in shot right across the green and failed to make a return up and down like he had done so many times before and Lalitha's simple par took him into the lead. At the dog leg 33rd Sheeraz pulled his drive into the heavy rough and had to play safely out. Lalitha made no mistake and nailed home on the advantage with a brilliant par even though he had overshot the green with his second shot. With three holes to go Lalitha was 2 up and the heat was on Kalra in earnest and the pressure seemed to tell on him. He mishit a straight forward fairway shot into the trees on the next hole when he had had a 50-yard advantage over Lalitha Kumara. Lalitha on the other hand recovered lost ground and even though his second shot was not in the best position, he made the green in regulation. Sheeraz again hit the tree overhead on his approach shot and stayed shy of the green. He then-chipped on, leaving himself a 12 footer to half in case Lalitha missed his birdie, which he did. Sheeraz, normally good with his putter went completely off to give the match to his rival. Mr Gogi Sibia, president, Chandigarh Golf Club, and Mr Dilip Thomas, chairman, selection committee, Indian Golf Union, gave away the prizes. Later talking to The Tribune, Lalitha said: "The course was one of the most challenging and interesting I've ever played on and I am happy that I played well" Lalitha was also all
praise for the greens saying they were very good. |
Fazaluddin’s show ‘biggest gain’ CALCUTTA, April 4 (PTI) — India’s non-playing Davis Cup captain Jaideep Mukherjea today said the impressive performance of Syed Fazaluddin was the biggest gain from the Asia-Oceania Group-1 tie against China which concluded here today. "Fazal played well in his debut singles under pressure. This is our biggest gain," Mukherjea added. "Similarly, Prahlad Srinath also shone in his Davis Cup debut against Italy. These two lads have shown they can serve the country well in singles. So in case, Leander (Paes) or Mahesh (Bhupathi) are unavailable in future, these two can move in," he said. Fazaluddin, who gave yet another confident display today spanking Jiang Shan 6-3, 6-3, said: "I gave my best and am quite satisfied and happy". But he admitted he has to improve his service returns. Fazaluddin, who was got a
doubles will card for Chennai Gold Flake Open and would
be partnering Sergius Sargison of Armenia, said:
"This meet would be something special for me, as
this is my first ATP Tour event." |
Bengal lift record sixth crown CHENNAI, April 4 (PTI) — Mighty Bengal created a record, winning the prestigious Santosh Trophy for the sixth time in a row with a big 5-0 win over Goa in the final of the 55th National Football Championship here this evening. This was Bengal’s 29th title triumph in 39 appearances in the final of the championship instituted in 1941-42. Bengal had won the title five times in a row on three earlier occasions from 1945-46 to 1951-52, 1975-76 to 1979-80 and 1993-94 to 1997-98. For Goa, this was their fourth successive defeat at the hands of Bengal including twice in 1995 and 1997. Incidentally, Bengal had won the title with the same margin when they beat Hyderabad for their first title in 1945-46, the best so far by any team in a final. This is also the personal best for Sudip Chatterjee, who has scored a hat-trick of wins as coach of Bengal. Bengal found the lead in the 11th minute through Basudev Mondal while Baichung Bhutia (48th min), Calrton Chapman (53rd), Raman Vijayan (68th) and substitute Dipendu Biswas (82nd min - penalty kick) scored the other goals at the Jawarhalal Nehru Stadium here. Both the team had superb openings at times but Goa’s misery was their inept shooting at the target. Bengal coach Sudip Chatterjee said: "Both teams had chances but to Bengal’s credit we were able to find the target." He said, Basudev Mondal’s first goal was a world class one. The final match turned out to be a one-sided affair only after Goa yielded two goals and then wilted under pressure. Goa goalkeeper Juje Siddi, considered to be an outstanding player, was also a bundle of nerves. The first half was full of action with the teams trying to break ice and Goa had the better of attack. However, it was sheer opportunism by Bengal forwards that sealed the hopes of Goa, who on their part missed to find the mark on three times, all clear chances. The final was one of the best in recent times as the rivals dished out clean football, not indulging in rough tactics but played the game by the book. However, Bhutia was shown the yellow card for ‘pulling’ Goa’s Robert Fernandez intentionally. The Goans were in full cry and they had everything but the luck with them. They enjoyed territorial advantage, ball possession and the players worked like a well-knit team. In the very second minute, Bengal goal had a close shave. Following a throw-in by Bruno Coutinho, Vekatesh relayed the ball to Roque Pereira inside the box, Somatai Saizia accepted a pass from Roque and his powerful right footer hit the cross piece the ball went to Anthony Pereira, who headed over. On the other hand, defending champions Bengal were also upto the task of finding the lead. Comparatively, Bengal made fewer raids on the Goan citadel, but their better scoring abilities and opportunism helped them win the match. After Goa had made few
forays into Bengal area, Bengal’s counter attack
drew them near the box. Carlton Chapman’s free hit
near the goal mouth fell near Baichung Bhutia and
defender Covan Lawrence. As both were jumping for the
ball, Coven’s deflection landed before Basudev
Mondal, whose chest high left footer went inside the
netting. |
Olympics main goal: Popov HONG KONG, April 4 (Reuters) — Alexander Popov, easing his way back into competition after surgery, failed to win a medal but still proved crowd favourite at the world short-course swimming championships. Double Olympic champion Popov was, for once, not the focus of media attention as reporters thronged past him and headed for Mark Foster after the Briton had regained the 50 freestyle title and the Russian had been relegated to joint fifth. Foster, winner of the event at the inaugural championships in 1993, reclaimed the 50 freestyle world record from Popov last December, lowering the mark to 21.31 seconds. Foster was a full half a second slower in winning the final but Popov, who underwent surgery in his left knee in January, was still not in contention and finished way back in 22.10. On Thursday, the first day of these four-day championship, the Russian finished seventh in the 50 metres backstroke and yesterday he failed even to make the semifinals of the 100 metres backstroke. Those results were no great surprise. Popov is not a backstroke specialist and he is feeling his way back after his operation and used these championships as part of his build-up to the 2000 Sydney Olympics. Popov, winner of the 50 and 100 freestyle at the 1992 and 1996 Olympics, did not even enter his 100 freestyle speciality in which he has not been beaten at a major championships since winning his first European title in 1991. "I wasn’t expecting to get any medals. I just came here to meet the guys, show myself that I’m still swimming," Popov, who has been living and training in Australia since 1993, told Reuters. "I have come here just to break my training programme and have a little bit of competition. This is such a high level of competition and, for me, being here is the best training." Many Hong Kong people who turned up just to see the great man swim must have been a little disappointed by his performances but he remained the darling of local fans. Admirers, including one grandfather, queued yesterday for his autograph, many bearing small gifts, looking ahead. Popov said his main goal was the Sydney Olympics. Popov, holder of world 100 metres freestyle records in both the 25-metre and 50-metre pools, suffered his first major reverse when he was beaten into second place by American Bill Pilczuk at the 1998 world long-course championships in Perth. This is his first championship appearance in the 15 months since Perth and the return of his knee problem. He refused to make Olympic medal predictions. "I’m not talking about that. My first ambition is just to make the team and go to Sydney." Popov said he still needed time for his knee to heal and to get back to top form. "Doctors have said it’s up to me. As long as it is recovering, I’m going to be training," he said. "As soon as I get
back to normal, I’m going to go straight
forward." |
H
Youth Club win CHANDIGARH, April 4 (BOSR) — Youth Club beat KL Foundation Cricket Club by 49 runs in the Chandigarh League-cum-knock out Cricket tournament being played at the Cricket Stadium here today, Vijay Rattan scored 52 runs and took three wickets for 9 runs. CNS XI got the better of Canara Bank by nine wickets while in another match of the day, Panther Club defeated Shine Star club by 28 runs. Ojha re-elected HGA chief CHANDIGARH, April 4 (BOSR) — Mr BS Ojha, former Chief Secretary, Haryana, has been unanimously re-elected president of the Haryana Gymnastics Association for a period of four years at an annual general meeting held here today. The other office-bearers of the newly-elected HGA are: vice presidents: Mr DV Bhatia, Mr HS Rana, Ms Sunita Sharma: secretary — Mr VM Datta: and treasurer Mr FS Budhwar. The association has decided to host this year's Haryana state championship at Faridabad in the month of October. Mr Jai Gopal attended the meeting as observer from the Haryana Olympic Association. Fitness meet CHANDIGARH, April 4 (BOSR) — On the eve of the World Health Day-1999, the Sports Association of Directorate General of Health Services, Haryana, will organise a physical fitness meet on April 6 at 10 AM at Athletic Club, Sector 7. Mr Brij Mohan Singla, Health Minister, Haryana, will inaugurate the meet. Arjuna Club win CHANDIGARH, April 4 (BOSR)
— On the 2nd day of the Ambala district club
football league being held at War Heroes Memorial
Stadium, Ambala Cant, today Arjuna Club edged out JK Club
Ambala by 3 goals to one, while Lions Club, Ambala,
blanked Vital Club, Ambala, by seven goals to nil. |
 |
 |
| Nation
| Punjab | Haryana | Himachal Pradesh | Jammu & Kashmir | | Chandigarh | Editorial | Business | | Mailbag | Spotlight | World | 50 years of Independence | Weather | | Search | Subscribe | Archive | Suggestion | Home | E-mail | |
