New Delhi: President K.R. Narayanan and Mrs Usha Narayanan with Indian and Pakistani skippers Mohd. Azharuddin and Wasim Akram at a reception in Rashtrapati Bhavan on Tuesday — PTI

IOC approves ethics panel
LAUSANNE (Switzerland), Feb 2 — The IOC has approved the establishment of an ethics committee and code of conduct to monitor the behaviour of its members in the wake of the Salt Lake City scandal.

Mark Taylor 'lost heart for game' SYDNEY, Feb 2 — Timing has always played an important part in Mark Taylor’s life. Whether it came to timing the ball or knowing the time to quit, Taylor always seemed to know the right moment to act. Retires from Test cricket

Asia asks FIFA to reconsider plea
ZURICH, Feb 2 — Leading Asian soccer officials have urged FIFA president Sepp Blatter to reconsider Asia's allocation of only four guaranteed spots at the 2002 World Cup finals.

Lanka defeat India by three wickets
CHANDIGARH, Feb 2 — Wayward bowling and non-too-impressive batting led India to a three-wicket defeat against Sri Lanka in the inaugural one-day match of the three-nation World Masters Cricket Tournament at the Punjab Cricket Association stadium at SAS Nagar, near here, today.

Leander Paes, Bhupathi advance
CALCUTTA, Feb 2 — Top seed Leander Paes and compatriot Mahesh Bhupathi faced little difficulty in disposing of their opponents and moving into the men’s singles second round of the ATP Tour Challenger Tennis Championship here today.

Series will be lively, feels Bhaskaran
NEW DELHI, Feb 2 — Renaissance of hockey in sub-continent is now possible with the revival of the Pepsi India-Pakistan nine-game series starting at the National Stadium from tomorrow.

Do-or-die battle for Bagan
CALCUTTA, Feb 2 — Faced with the grim prospect of an early exit, defending champions Mohun Bagan have a do-or-die battle at hand as they take on debutants Tolygunj Agragami in a return leg group ‘A’ engagement of the third National Football League at the Rabindra Sarobar Stadium here tomorrow.

JCT to go all out for win
LUDHIANA, Feb 2 — Young and energetic JCT Phagwara will seek to consolidate their position further when they take on current group 'A' leaders Churchill Brothers, Goa, in the National Football League at Guru Nanak Stadium here tomorrow.

Rich badminton fare in the offing
NEW DELHI, Feb 2 — National champions P Gopichand and Aparna Popat have been top seeded in the men's and women's singles draw respectively for the Senior National Badminton Championships to be held here from February 4 to 10.

Paes among top 20 money earners
NEW DELHI, Feb 2 — Indian tennis ace Leander Paes has made it to the top-20 money earners list this season with his remarkable showing at the women's doubles in the Australian Open.

India to persist with same openers
From Abhijit Chatterjee
Tribune News Service

NEW DELHI, Feb 2 — If one goes by sheer logic, there is very little to differentiate between the cricket teams of India and Pakistan. If India have Sachin Tendulkar then Pakistan have Shahid Afridi. If India have Anil Kumble then the visitors have Saqlain Mushtaq. If India can bank upon the pace of Javagal Srinath and Venkatesh Prasad then Pakistan are well served by the pair of their skipper Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis.

Then why did India capitulate when just 13 runs short of the victory target in the first Test of the two-match series between the two teams at Chennai on Sunday when it seemed that one stage that Sachin Tendulkar in association with Nayan Mongia would run away with all the honours? If one were to look for an answer to this question it was apparent to all who witnessed the Chennai cliff-hanger that Pakistan had a more positive attitude towards the game than India. And it was this positive attitude which helped them to seize the initiative just when it seemed that India would canter to a win.

The Pakistan team, even when the chips were down, exhibited cool professionalism and determination, seldom seen in the Indian team. Not for a minute did the Pakistan let down their guards nor did they falter on the field. The bowlers did not bowl a single lose delivery nor did the fielders give anything away.

The way the Pakistan huddled in prayer and consultation everytime a wicket fell or when things appear difficult was a lesson in teamcraft. It seemed that coach Javed Miandad had injected a new team spirit in the squad.

It would be good for the hosts to learn something from the visitors because any international squad which cannot score 17 runs from three wickets at that level of the game is not worth rooting for. And one must remember that Sunil Joshi, who hit a huge six off Saqlain Mushtaq soon after he joined Sachin Tendulkar after the fall of Nayan Mongia, has a highest score of 43 in Test cricket. Srinath’s personal best in Test cricket is a 76 while Prasad too has once scored an unbeaten 30 in that level game. As for Anil Kumble he has once scored 88 in a Test innings. Why all collectively failed on that day is difficult to fathom.

If India are to improve then a lot will depend on cricket manager Anshuman Gaekwad. He has to instil in his boys the confidence and the will to succeed because one must remember that at that level winning or losing is more a matter of confidence than of playing skills specially in cases where the teams are more or less evenly poised.

Meanwhile, the two teams reached here late last night from Chennai under the strictest security cover. The vehicles which transported the teams to the hotels were already lined up on the tarmac of Palam airport even as the flight landed. Policemen and commandos had thrown a ring round the aircraft. Even the baggage of the teams was packed separately.

This morning both teams practised at the Palam area as tighter security could be provided there. It is doubtful whether the two teams will practice at the Ferozeshah Kotla, the venue of the second Test commencing on Thursday, even tomorrow, the eve of the match. While India had nets at the Palam ground the visitors had their nets at the nearly Harbaksh Stadium where the entry of the media was totally barred.

Team doctor Ravinder Chadha had told TNS on the flight from Chennai that Sachin Tendulkar had recovered from his back strain. However, the star Indian batsman missed today’s nets. Anshuman Gaekwad said that Sachin was "just resting".

Speaking to the press, Indian team Manager Anshuman Gaekwad said the Indian cricket team had to step up their performance to fill up the "hairline" gap that made all difference between winning and losing.

"The difference is only marginal in terms of performance. We have to play that much better. That is the only way".

He denied the Indians were under psychological pressure going into the Delhi Test. "Pakistan’s bowling made the difference. But our top order batsmen should stay and get runs. In Chennai, we didn’t bat well in the first innings and let slip the initiative."

Gaekwad denied his team was too inferior despite trailing in the series. "Yes, we lost the Test. But it was very close. It could’ve been anybody’s game. Had it (defeat) been with a greater margin maybe we would be under pressure", he said.

He was emphatic that the same opening pair of V.V.S. Laxman and left-hander S. Ramesh would be persisted with in Delhi, though the final team selection lay in the hands of the selectors who would be assembling here tomorrow. "There is no re-thinking on openers", he said.

He did not feel, on hindsight, that teenaged off-spinner Harbhajan Singh would have been a better choice than left-arm spinner Sunil Joshi as Pakistan off-spinner Saqlain Mushtaq was an overwhelming success. "Joshi did bowl well. And Saqlain is far superior to Harbhajan", he added.

Wasim Akram, writing in a syndicated column, had said after the Chennai Test that if India had included Harbhajan Singh in the playing squad then he would have proved to be a better asset than Sunil Joshi, who played as the second spinner.

Asked whether the Indians played to his expectations, Gaekwad said there should be more consistency.

Mark Taylor 'lost heart for game'

SYDNEY, Feb 2 (Reuters) — Timing has always played an important part in Mark Taylor’s life.

Whether it came to timing the ball or knowing the time to quit, Taylor always seemed to know the right moment to act.

So, it came as no real surprise when Taylor announced on Tuesday that he had decided to pull up stumps and stand down a captain of Australia’s cricket team.

"I know I’ve made the right decision," Taylor told a packed news conference in Sydney.

"I feel that my heart is not quite in it and if it is not in it I won’t do well."

Taylor chose to retire at a time when he was at the top of his game. A respected player and captain, Taylor could have continued but said he wanted to leave because he had lost his heart for the game.

His decision, like most of the tough choices that marked his captaincy, was dignified and perfectly timed.

A reliable left-handed opening batsman and brilliant slips fieldsman, Taylor made his Test debut against the West Indies in Sydney in 1989 and went on to play 104 Tests.

He finished his career against England in the fifth and final Ashes Test in Sydney last month, leading Australia to a record sixth series win over their oldest rivals.

Taylor scored a total of 7,525 Test runs — the second most by any Australian — at an average of 43.50, scoring 19 centuries and taking a world record 157 catches.

He replaced Allan Border as Australian captain in May 1994 and went on to lead his country in 50 Tests, for 26 wins, 11 draws and 13 losses.

His statistics rank him as one of the greats of Australian cricket but it was the way that Taylor fought his way out of a career-threatening form slump that endeared to his fans around the world.

After a brilliant start to his Test career, which led him to the country’s highest honour in sport, Taylor’s career was on the rocks when he suffered an 18-month loss of batting form that started in late December 1995 and went on until early June 1997.

It led to widespread calls for his sacking and Taylor himself even admitted he was so worried about his form that he wanted to retire.

He was chosen to lead Australia on the 1997 Ashes tour of England against a murmur of protest from past players but still looked certain to be dropped from the team after his form slum continued.

Just when it looked as though his Test-playing days might be over, Taylor ended his crisis with a courageous innings of 129 in the second innings of the first Ashes Test at Edgbaston, Birmingham.

It quite literally saved his career and, remarkably, marked the start of a dramatic return to form as Taylor scored centuries in each of Australia’s next four Test series, against New Zealand, South Africa, India and Pakistan.

But his crowning moment came in October last year when he equalled Don Bradman’s 334 for the highest score by an Australian in Test cricket.

Known affectionately as "Tubby" because of bulging waistline, Taylor gave up the chance to pass Bradman and go for Brian Lara’s world record 375 in one of the most unselfish gestures in cricket history.

It proved to be his last Test hundred and the defining moment of a distinguished career but Taylor, typically played down his achievements.

He gave the first real hint that he planned to retire when he wore his baggy green cap on the final day of the fifth Ashes Test last month instead of the wide brimmed white cap he usually wears.

But rather than announce his retirement moments after leading Australia to victory, Taylor, who was named last week as Australian of the Year, decided to wait because he did not want to appear to be "grandstanding".

"I have achieved more in this game than I thought I would", Taylor said on Tuesday. "I have gained more from cricket than have given cricket".

"I am not leaving sad, I am leaving it happy and I am looking forward to the next few years."

Mark Taylor retires from Test cricket

SYDNEY, Feb 2 (AP) — Australian captain Mark Taylor quit Test cricket today after playing 104 matches and 50 as leader.

His decision comes less than four months after he equalled Sir Donald Bradman’s Australian record innings score by making an unbeaten 334 against Pakistan in Peshawar.

"It’s been a very, very enjoyable time for me as a person,’’ Taylor told a news conference. "I don’t sit here sad. I sit here quite happy. I’ve achieved in the game more than I ever thought I was going to achieve as a player and as a person, so I can sit here feeling very satisfied.’’

Taylor (34), ignored calls from the Australian Cricket Board to stay on for the tour of the West Indies later this month. He played his last Test in the victory over England at the Sydney Cricket Ground on January 6.

Taylor’s deputy, Steve Waugh, is considered the front-runner to take over the job while leg-spinner Shane Warne is also believed to be a candidate. The team for the West Indies tour will be named on February 8.

Taylor, who took over from Allan Border as captain on the 1994 tour of Pakistan, said he wanted to stay out of the debate over the new captain.

Sampras’ gamble pays off

LONDON, Feb 2 (Reuters) — World number one Pete Sampras gambled by missing the Australian Open but it paid off when the new ATP world rankings showed him still on top.

His lead, following the first Grand Slam of the year, has been eaten away from 351 points to just 214, but the statistics that counts remained the same.

Five men had the chance to topple the American when the action started at Melbourne Park two weeks ago but were undone either by lacklustre performances or bad luck.

Home hope Pat Rafter fizzled out as early as the third round, losing in four sets to eventual finalist Thomas Enqvist he could have become the first Australian to top the rankings since John Newcombe in 1974.

World number five and French Open champion Carlos Moya failed to make it past the first round.

World number seven Andre Agassi would have had a chance but Moya’s defeat meant he could no longer accumulate enough of the bonus points awarded for victories over top 10 players.

Marcelo Rios, second before the Open and now ranked sixth, pulled out with a back injury without striking a ball.

French Open runner-up Alex Corretja fell to unheralded Norwegian Christian Ruud in the second round.

Eventually it was left to Yevgeny Kafelnikov to take the title, his second Grand Slam victory. The first was the 1996 French Open which lifted the Russian to number three in the world and he acknowledged Sampras in accepting the trophy.

"My last message is to one person — Pete," he grinned. "This is a great, wonderful feeling. Thanks for letting me do that."

Sampras finished 1998 as the number one player in the world for a record sixth consecutive time.

But the effort of beating Jimmy Connors’s record of five straight years in the 1970s took its toll.

Trailing around the end-of-season European tournaments to pick up valuable points left Sampras fatigued and unprepared for Melbourne.

With the ranking record under his belt, Sampras is now gunning for Roy Emerson’s record of 12 Grand Slam titles.

Wimbledon 1998 was his 11th and many players were surprised by his absence in Australia — the first Grand Slam tournament he has missed since the 1992 Australian Open.

After breaking the rankings record, Sampras said: "You need the game, you need the heart and you need the mind. Some guys have two of the three, but to do it for six years you need to have everything."

Sampras’s decision to leave Australia alone this year could be the proof that he certainly has the brains.

Wimbledon was his sole slam success last year and remains his best chance for glory this year.

If Sampras uses the first part of the year to recharge his batteries and build up to Wimbledon in June and the US Open in September, his name could find its way into the history books yet again — this time as a record Grand Slam winner.

IOC approves ethics panel

LAUSANNE (Switzerland), Feb 2 (AP) — The IOC has approved the establishment of an ethics committee and code of conduct to monitor the behaviour of its members in the wake of the Salt Lake City scandal.

International Olympic Committee Director-General Francois Carrard said the measures were adopted by the IOC executive board during a special meeting on the eve of the world drug summit yesterday.

Mr Carrard said the ethics panel would police the general conduct of IOC members and their business practices.’’

He said the panel would consist of five persons, including three officials from outside the IOC. He said they would be "very serious independent personalities’’ from different parts of the world.

Mr Carrard said the ethics panel should be in operation before the special IOC general assembly from March 17-18.

He said the panel would eventually replace the IOC Commission formed to investigate allegations of misconduct stemming from Salt Lake City’s winning bid for the 2002 winter games.

Asia asks FIFA to reconsider plea

ZURICH, Feb 2 (Reuters) — Leading Asian soccer officials have urged FIFA president Sepp Blatter to reconsider Asia's allocation of only four guaranteed spots at the 2002 World Cup finals.

With Japan and South Korea co-hosting the tournament only two other Asian countries have been guaranteed a berth in the finals.

A fifth could compete if they qualified via a play-off.

Mr Blatter, senior FIFA vice-president Julio Grondona and general secretary Michael Zen-Ruffinen met four Asian executive committee members, including FIFA vice-president Chung Mong Joon of South Korea and two senior Asian Football Confederation Officials.

Later FIFA said in a statement: "The FIFA president listened very carefully to all the arguments raised in support of their request for a fair and equitable allocation, taking into consideration the unique situation of Korea and Japan co-hosting the World Cup in 2002".

The issue will be discussed at the next FIFA executive committee meeting on March 11 and 12.

The draw for the qualifying competition for the 2002 final will be made in December.

The current allocation for the 2002 finals sees Europe with 15 of the 32 places, Africa five, CONCACAF three, South America four and Asia four. The remaining place will be decided after play-off.

If a team is visiting a country specifically to lobby for FIFA member's vote, then FIFA wants to know about the trip in advance.

Another recommendation urges that if a bidding country does attend a recognised FIFA tournament like World u-17 or u-20 championship, its party stays in a separate hotel from the official FIFA hotel and does not put up any display stand.

FIFA also spells out its requirements on security, telecommunications, stadiums and other infrastructure.

Mr Alex McGivan, director of England's campaign welcomed the guidelines. "We have no problems with any of the recommendations", he told Reuters.

"There has been a lively debate recently about the best way for England to promote its bid. We are very comfortable with the way we have conducted the campaign so far and we are looking forward to the next 14 months."

As far as the recommendations on travel are concerned, Mr McGivan said: "The guidelines don't say you can't go overseas and meet people to explain your case."

Earlier, FIFA president, Sepp Blatter said he was pleased with the bidding process to date. "The behaviour of the bidders has been very good so far. I think that in FIFA we will not have any problems with this".

The eight countries competing for the right to stage the finals are Brazil, Egypt, England, Germany, Ghana, Morocco, Nigeria and South Africa.

Lanka defeat India by three wickets
Tribune News Service

CHANDIGARH, Feb 2 — Wayward bowling and non-too-impressive batting led India to a three-wicket defeat against Sri Lanka in the inaugural one-day match of the three-nation World Masters Cricket Tournament at the Punjab Cricket Association stadium at SAS Nagar, near here, today.

The Indian bowlers conceded as many as 38 runs extras, including 24 wides, which helped the cause of the visitors a great deal.

Ashley de Silva who slammed scintillating (53) and Madurasinghe who claimed three wickets for 29 runs were the key performers of the visitors.

Medium pace bowler Salil Ankola emerged the highest scorer for the home side, notching up valuable 41 runs. Chetan Sharma (29), Roger Binny and Ashok Malhotra (27 each) and skipper Sandeep Patil (22) were the successful batsman for India.

Sri Lanka put India into bat after winning the toss and restricted them to 196 for eight in the stipulated 35 overs. They overhauled the target losing seven wickets with 2.2. overs to spare.

Opener Salil Ankola and Roger Binny contributed 71 runs for the first wicket, but the later order batsmen failed to stay at the wicket.

The Indian bowlers performed badly and gifted away 38 runs by way of extras.

Salil Ankola (2/22) and Suru Nayak (2/21) were the main wicket takers for India.

India play their next match against West Indies at Jalandhar on February 9.

Brief score: India (196 for eight in 35 overs) Salil Ankola 41, Chetan Sharma 29, Ashok Malhotra 27, Roger Binny 27, Madurusinghe 3 for 29, Don Anurasiri 2 for 37).

Sri Lanka (197 for seven in 32.4 overs). A De Silva 53, B. Kukuppu 25, Duleep Mendis 20, S. Nayak 2 for 21, S. Ankola 2 for 22.

Leander Paes, Bhupathi advance

CALCUTTA, Feb 2 (PTI) — Top seed Leander Paes and compatriot Mahesh Bhupathi faced little difficulty in disposing of their opponents and moving into the men’s singles second round of the ATP Tour Challenger Tennis Championship here today.

India’s ace Davis Cupper Paes whipped Spain’s Oscar Burrieza for a facile 6-4, 6-4 verdict while wild card entrant Bhupathi got the better of qualifier Wesley Whitehouse of South Africa with a 6-3, 2-6, 6-1 victory.

Playing in front of his home crowd, Paes looked quite relaxed and played a controlled game to send his Spanish opponent packing in about one hour 15 minutes. Paes, ranked 93 in the ATP, will now take on Patrick Fredriksson of Sweden in the second round.

The going was slightly more difficult for Bhupathi, ranked 346 in the world, as he made a few costly errors but raised his game again to tame his spirited opponent who had won the junior Wimbledon championship in 1997.

Israel’s Elrich Jonathan caused a major upset on the second day by stunning second seed Marcus Ondruska of South Africa with a hard-fought 6-7, 6-2, 6-3 victory. Ondruska became the third seeded player to bite the dust within the first two days of the championship.

Series will be lively, feels Bhaskaran
From Our Sports Reporter

NEW DELHI, Feb 2 — Renaissance of hockey in sub-continent is now possible with the revival of the Pepsi India-Pakistan nine-game series starting at the National Stadium from tomorrow.

Emphasising this all-important aspect, the Indian Hockey Federation (IHF) president K.P.S. Gill said here today that there was a lot of enthusiasm and, with extensive media coverage, the game could get further shot in the arm.

The series comprises nine Tests. Four of these will be played in this country at Delhi, Bhopal (Feb 5), Hyderabad (Feb 8) and Chennai (Feb 10), while the rest will be played in Pakistan.

The Indian team coach Bhaskaran said that he was optimistic that the series — both legs — would be lively and absorbing. "I am sure tomorrow’s match will set the pattern for the series", said Bhaskaran.

Bhaskaran was non-committal about India’s chances of winning the series. "Pakistan’s team is new and assessment may be possible after watching the players", added Bhaskaran.

According to Bhaskaran, there will be no change among 18, already chosen, from the matches scheduled for the India leg. "We may take stock of the situation after two matches and bring about changes, if at all, for the Pakistan leg", added Bhaskaran.

Pepsi authorities said that the ‘man of the match’ for each match in this country would carry award of Rs 25000. Earlier, Mr Gill hoped that the partnership between the IHF and Pepsi would be enduring.

The Pepsi Cup, which starts tomorrow at 3p.m. will be covered live by Doordarshan.

Do-or-die battle for Bagan

CALCUTTA, Feb 2 (PTI) — Faced with the grim prospect of an early exit, defending champions Mohun Bagan have a do-or-die battle at hand as they take on debutants Tolygunj Agragami in a return leg group ‘A’ engagement of the third National Football League at the Rabindra Sarobar Stadium here tomorrow.

With the rules permitting only three clubs from the six-team group to play in the super six round, Bagan, now lying fourth, desperately need full points against their local challengers, with whom they played a goalless draw on January 23 in the first leg.

Agragami, with 10 points from six matches, have put up a decent performance in the league so far, and are sitting pretty at the second spot after group leaders Churchill Brothers of Goa. Churchill, despite having the same number of points as Agragami, possess a better goal difference.

City giants Mohun Bagan, on seven points, are two points behind third-placed JCT, and need to tighten both their defence and the midfield, leaving behind bitter memories of a 1-2 loss against the Phagwara outfit here in their last match.

Coach P.K. Banerjee would be hoping for a better performance from his veteran Nigerian striker Chima Okerie, who is yet to among the goals in the league this year. The mercurial I.M. Vijayan has been ruled out of action following.

JCT to go all out for win
From Amardeep Bhattal
Tribune News Service

LUDHIANA, Feb 2 — Young and energetic JCT Phagwara will seek to consolidate their position further when they take on current group 'A' leaders Churchill Brothers, Goa, in the National Football League at Guru Nanak Stadium here tomorrow.

Fresh from their giant-killing act at Calcutta where they humbled defending champions Mohun Bagan on January 28, the Phagwara outfit are expected to go all out for a win tomorrow which will push them further up the ladder from their current number three position. Churchill Brothers, who will be playing their third away match, also have a lot at stake having come up to the top after an unimpressive start.

JCT, who kicked off the league with the lung opener against Mohun Bagan, have so far accumulated nine points from two victories and three draws. After drawing with Mohun Bagan in the opening match, they lost to Dempo 2-1 at Margao on January 9. However, the mill men picked up rhythm and went on to beat Air-India 3-2 and drew with Tollygunge Agragami and Churchill Brothers (away match). In their last match, JCT registered a shocking 2-1 victory over title holders Mohun Bagan.

Churchill Brothers, on the other hand, launched their campaign with a spate of draws. After splitting points with Dempo, they were again held by Tollygunge and Mohun Bagan. Eventually, in their fourth tie, they got cracking and registered the most impressive win in the group so far routing Air-India 5-1 at Goa on January 18. In their last match against Dempo, they again garnered full points with a 2-1 verdict.

JCT and Churcill Brothers last met at Margao on January 24 where they played a 1-1 draw. In the inaugural year, the two teams had finished winners and runners-up, respectively.

Churcill Brothers' Scottish coach Danny McLennan has pinned his hopes on new recruits particularly Ghanian Philip Mensah and Portuguese Jose Martins. Philip Mensah was in devastating form in the previous encounter against Dempo when he scored two goals in a span of eight minutes. The two can spell danger for the best of teams on their day, if not marked properly. The other notable players are striker Cyril Baretoo, Usumani Hussein and Anthony Pereira. In the midfield, Churcill have experienced players like Aqueel Ansari, Mario Soares and Somatai Shaiza. Edward Ansah as usual will be the custodian.

JCT Phagwara will be relying on young blood which has shown promise.

However, what has caused considerable worry to the JCT camp is the injury sustained by skipper Jasbir Singh who played a key role in the victory against Mohun Bagan. According to team manager Inder Singh, who was present at the stadium this evening, Jasbir is a doubtful starter tomorrow. In his absence, a lot will depend on new recruit Sukhjit and and the Hardeep trio — Sangha, Saini and Gill — who will bolster the attack while controlling the midfield.

In the defence, coach Sukhwinder will be relying on Tarsem Lal, Deepak Mondal, Kuldip and Daljit.

Hardeep Saini, Ram Pal and Hardeep Sangha in all likelihood will be the link-men lending valuable support to the attack. Dipankar Roy of Tata Football Academy who played a key role in the match against Mohun Bagan, is also likely to chip in at crucial moments. In the goal, JCT have an able custodian in Virender Singh who shot into limelight after stopping a penalty by Mohun Bagan's Chima Okerie.

Meanwhile, Churchill Brothers who have put up at a local hotel, had workout at the stadium this morning, while JCT preferred to stay back at Phagwara for their practice.

The kick off is at 2.30 p.m.

Rich badminton fare in the offing

NEW DELHI, Feb 2 (PTI) — National champions P Gopichand and Aparna Popat have been top seeded in the men's and women's singles draw respectively for the Senior National Badminton Championships to be held here from February 4 to 10.

Gopichand, who has been in great form winning silver in Kuala Lumpur Commonwealth Games and had fairly good run on the European and Asian Circuits, is favourite to retain the title he won in Hyderabad last year.

The Andhra Pradesh shuttler will face tough challenge from number two seed Nikhil Kanetkar of Maharashtra and Air India's Abhinshyam Gupta, the third seed.

In women's singles, Aparna Popat, Commonwealth Games silver medallist, will be up against Manjusha Kanwar (Mah) and AP's PVV Lakshmi, the number two and three seeds respectively.

The tournament will start with two-day team championshipsmen — vying for the Rahamtullah Cup and women for the Chadha Cup — and individual events will begin on February 6 at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium, organising secretary SP Singh said at a Press conference last night.

This year's nationals have assumed greater importance as the Indian team for the World Badminton championships to be held at Copenhagen, Denmark, will be selected on the basis of performances here, Mr Singh said.

Jaseel P Ismail/Vincent Lobo of Bai, George Thomas Masrkose Bristow (Ker) and Jaison Xavier/Deepak Amarnath (Ker) have been given top three sports in men's doubles.

Qualifying rounds for the open event will be held on Wednesday.

Paes among top 20 money earners

NEW DELHI, Feb 2 (PTI) — Indian tennis ace Leander Paes has made it to the top-20 money earners list this season with his remarkable showing at the women's doubles in the Australian Open.

Paes, who is individually ranked number 4 in the world doubles rankings, has earned $ 55,658 for his Australian Open showing with partner Mahesh Bhupathi.

Paes and Bhupathi reached the final of the men's doubles event before losing to Pat Rafter (Australia) and Jonas Bjorkman (Sweden) on Saturday.

The Indian duo were top-10 money earners this time last year after their stupendous performance when they had won season opener in Doha and reached semifinals in Melbourne Park.

Karun adjudged best

ROPAR, Feb 2 (FOC)— Karun Chaudhary of Ropar was adjudged best player at the district lawn tennis championship, which concluded here last evening.

In this championship, as many as 79 players in the junior and senior sections for men and women, participated.

In the men's singles, Ashok Kumar Kaushal (Kurali), Sudhir Kumar Rana (Ropar) and Iqbal Singh obtained first, second and third positions, respectively. In the men's double, Vaibhav and Nikhil, Karun and Dixit (Ropar), and Sudhir and Lovepreet Chawla secured first, second and third positions, respectively.

In the veteran's section (above 50 years), Ashok Kumar and Dilbagh Singh got first position while second position went to Sohan Singh Chawla and Balbir Chawla.

Under-19 girls single: Manmeer Kaur 1, Ravneet Kaur 2, Manpreet Kaur 3.

Under-19 boys single: Karun Chaudhary 1, Sudhir Kumar Rana 2, Dixit Arora 3.

Under-16 girls single: Manmeer Kaur 1, Ravneet Kaur 2, Jasmeen Kaur 3.

Under-16 boys double: Dixit and Karun 1, Gaurav Kalra and Gaurav Singh 2, Munish and Gursher Singh 3.

Under-16 boys single: Karun Chaudhary 1, Dixit Arora 2, Nikhil 3.

Mr Amarjit Singh, SDM, Ropar, gave away prizes to the winners and announced Rs 5000 for the district lawn tennis association.

Abhinav excels in shooting nationals

CHANDIGARH Feb 2 (TNS) — Abhinav Bindra, an international shooter from Punjab, clinched gold in air rifle 10m (ISU) category in both senior men and junior events in the 42nd National Shooting Championship at Bangalore today.

Abhinav, who is student of the St Stephen's School here, shot 570 out of 600.

Skating rink

CHANDIGARH, Feb 2 (TNS) — Foundation stone of a skating rink was laid in Kailash Bahl DAV Centenary Public School, Sector 7, here yesterday. The skating rink will be of international standards.

Initially the rink will be made available to the students of the school. Proper arrangements and open air theatre facility will also be provided for use of the rink in international meets. The rink will ready for use in the next academic session.