Friday, June 18, 1999
today's calendar
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S P O R T | Friday, June 18, 1999 |
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Akram
all praise for Anwar, Shoaib Youhanna
faces World Cup heartbreak Fleming
pleads for tight security NZ dream run failed to have dream
end Numb
finger led to dropped catch: Gibbs |
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NZ boxing meet begins today Dutch,
Aussie eves to clash in final Another
6-wkt haul by Muralitharan Muthu,
Prathima claim gold |
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Aussies tie with SA; enter final EDGBASTON, June 18 (PTI) — Australia pulled off a heart stopping tie over South Africa in the most thrilling tie in World Cup history to storm into the final against Pakistan today. In an absolute thriller that had dramatic twists and turns till the very end, Australia, bowled out for 213, dismissed South Africa also for the same score with two balls left to pull off a tie. The 1992 champions qualified for the final as they had finished ahead of South Africa in the Super Six league table after beating the South Africans in the last Super Six tie at Headingley on Sunday. South Africa, needing nine runs to win in the final over, were brought to the doorstep of victory by star all-rounder Lance Klusener who cracked two successive fours off paceman Damien Fleming bowling the final over. With just a single needed, last man Allan Donald escaped a run out going for a non-existent single and again failed to respond as Klusener came charging down after playing straight. Both batsmen were caught at the non-strikers end and wicketkeeper Adam Gilchrist whipped off the bails as the Aussie players and the crowd, resigned to a South African victory and maiden final entry, erupted in joy. In a thrilling low-scoring affair, paceman Shaun Pollock with five for 36 and Donald (4/32) ripped the heart out of the Aussie batting after skipper Hansie Cronje put the rivals in to bat first. But leg spin wizard Shane Warne produced similar magic to bring Australia back into reckoning with a sensational three-wicket burst in his first three overs to leave South Africa suddenly gasping at 61 for four. Warne finished with mesmeric figures of 10-4-29-4 to declared the Man of the Match. Jacques Kallis (53 off 92 balls) and Jonty Rhodes (43 off 55 balls) pulled their team back into reckoning with an 84-run fifth wicket partnership, but the dramatic slog overs saw six wickets tumble with enough heart-stopping drama packed in it. Paul Reiffel provided the breakthrough removing Rhodes in the 41st over and Warne, returning for his final two over spell, claimed the priceless wicket of Jacques Kallis in the 45th over to leave the tie balanced on the razor’s edge with South Africa needing 38 runs from 30 balls with four wickets in hand. Klusener kept up his big-hitting display at one end, but Australia chipped away at the other by removing Shaun Pollock, Mark Boucher, and Steve Elworthy to a dramatic run-out in the 49th over with South Africa 16 runs away from victory with 10 balls left. The tension showed on the players as Klusener’s straight hit off Glen McGrath was spilled by Reiffel resulting in a six and a single off the next ball left South Africa needing nine runs from the final over. With the match still looking evenly poised, the best all-rounder of the tournament Klusener showed his class by smashing Fleming for two consecutive fours to virtually assure South Africa a victory, needing just one run from four deliveries. But Australian fielders closing, prevented the single and Darren Lehmann almost ran out Donald, backing up too far, with his direct throw missing the stumps by a bare inch. Klusener took off after
playing the next ball straight down, but Donald hesitated
and both batsmen tragically ended up at the
non-striker’s end to enable the Aussies complete an
easy run out. In 1992, the cumbersome rain rule left them needing 21 runs off one delivery while they were knocked out in the quarterfinal of the 1996 edition by the West Indies propelled by Brian Lara’s superlative 111. South Africa looked the most complete team, but the Aussies after early losses pulled off four wins coming into the semifinal before gaining this right result to set up the explosive final clash against Pakistan at the Lord’s on June 20. SCOREBOARD South Africa: |
It’s a ‘‘cruel game’’, says Cronje EDGBASTON, June 17 (PTI) — Australian leg spinner Shane Warne is ready to exchange a "Mark Waugh duck" for a World Cup win against Pakistan at the Lord’s on Sunday. "Whenever he (Mark Waugh) gets a duck, we win the game," joked Warne, who was adjudged Man of the Match for his splendid spell of 4 for 29 that broke the backbone of South African batting in the thrilling World Cup semifinal that ended in a tie here today. Mark Waugh was out for a duck when a rising ball from Shaun Pollock kissed his gloves and went straight to wicket-keeper Mark Boucher. Waugh had scored a nought in the Aussie’s scintillating 1996 World Cup semifinal win over West Indies in the sub-continent. Former Australia captain and now commentator Ian Chappell asked Warne if it (Waugh’s duck) had to do something with Australia’s win, the leggie grinned and said he would be happy to exchange Mark Waugh’s duck for the World Cup. Warne said the win over West Indies was very special and it would be nice if Waugh comes up lucky again in the final. Warne was Man of the Match in the Mohali match when Mark Waugh was out for zero and interestingly today’s match brought the same results for the two Kangroo players. A visibly dejected South African skipper Hansie Cronje called it a "cruel game." "Unfortunately, things did not go our way at the end. It was as close as you can get I suppose," Cronje said of his team’s second failure to reach the World Cup final. In the first instance, the controversial rain rule did in them in 1992. "Jonty and Kallis gave us a good chance but we lost the way in the end," Cronje said. Shane Warne, adjudged Man of the Match for this effort, said: "We just got out of jail at the end. I don’t know how we did it. It was just a great game of cricket." "I got off to a
very good start. We needed wickets and I got one at the
right time," Warne said of his breakthrough. |
Kiwi manager has no complaints MANCHESTER, June 17 (Reuters) — Former all-black rugby captain John Graham does not like losing. Yet there were no complaints from Graham, now manager of the cricket side, after New Zealand team lost to Pakistan by nine wickets in yesterday’s World Cup semifinal. "We’re a small country," Graham reflected. "And at least we didn’t just roll over." The reality is that qualifying for the semifinals ahead of West Indies, England and India was a triumph for a team of modest ability whose sum was far greater than its parts. "Would any New Zealander get into the South African side?, Graham asked rhetorically. "No. In the Australian side? No. In the Pakistan side? No. "Geoff Allott might get in the Indian team but he’d be the only one." Allott was one reason New Zealand got as far as they did in the tournament. The lively left-arm pace bowler troubled all opening batsmen in the competition until yesterday when he looked innocuous against Pakistan’s openers Saeed Anwar and Wajahatullah Wasti. The other major contributor was left-hand batsman Roger Twose, an expatriate Englishman who was never in contention for a place in England side during his time with Warwickshire. New Zealand’s chief attribute, one that also characterises the all blacks, was unselfish team spirit and a willingness to battle until the final ball had been bowled. New Zealand now prepare for a four-Test series against England and a different set of challenges. To guarantee regular tours to the home of cricket they must perform more consistently at the international level and a series win over England, who were knocked out in the first round of the World Cup, would be an ideal start. Graham, who had a distinguished career as a secondary school headmaster after retiring from international rugby 35 years ago, was recruited to instil some discipline into the side three years ago. During his period in charge New Zealand have won home series against Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe and India without seriously threatening the likes of Australia and South Africa. The top order batting failed consistently in the World Cup revealing some worrying technical flaws. Opener Nathan Astle garnered just 80 runs in nine innings. Jeremy Coney, captain of the only New Zealand team to win series in England and Australia, believes a lack of technique is the chief problem facing the current outfit. New Zealand’s other concern is their bowling, which apart from Allott looked short of class during the World Cup. In response the New Zealand management are sending pace bowler Carl Bulfin and left-arm spinner Matthew Hart home after the Cup and flying in leg-spinner Brooke Walker. Simon Doull, not required during the World Cup, is one of the best swing and seam bowlers in the world and will return for the England series and Matthew Bell will replace Astle as an opening bat. "England are
probably struggling a little after going out of the
Cup," said Fleming. "But England are a good
side." |
Akram all praise for Anwar, Shoaib OLD TRAFFORD, June 17 (AFP) — Pakistan World Cup strike bowler Shoaib Akhtar has re-written cricket’s one-day rules by showing that genuine pace can play a key part in the game, according to his captain. Wasim Akram, speaking after Akhtar took three wickets to claim the ‘man-of-the-match’ award in Pakistan’s semi-final victory over New Zealand yesterday, said: "He showed pace does matter in one-day cricket." The right-armer, who has confirmed his status as the quickest bowler in the world during the tournament, took a wicket in each of his three spells to keep New Zealand’s innings in check. Akram said the 23-year-old was still "in a learning process", but added: "he played his heart out." Earlier in the tournament Akram had blamed his protege for costing Pakistan their match against South Africa. Akram said Akhtar had sacrificed control for pace, thus giving away a crucial 17 runs in one over to lose the match. Against New Zealand yesterday, he was also expensive at the end of the Kiwi innings, his 10 overs costing 55. But he bowled at speeds of up to 94 miles per hour, a speed unmatched by any other bowler at the World Cup, and Akram continued to encourage him because of his constant wicket-taking threat. Most leading pace bowlers, South Africa’s Allan Donald, Glenn McGrath of Australia and Akram himself among them, rein back their speeds in the one-day game, looking to balance the chance of wickets with the need for containment. The lack of close fielders in the limited-over format, as captains defend the boundary, also makes all-out attack less successful. Akhtar — who Akram said had not been able to sleep on Tuesday night because he was so excited — saw at least one chance go through the vacant area between third and fourth slip. His speed could not have been more in contrast with New Zealand’s bowling attack, largely based of slow-medium pacers bowling accurate line and length while taking the pace off the ball to try and force batsmen to do the work. Defeated New Zealand captain Stephen Fleming, who became one of Akhtar’s victims when his leg stump was sent cart-wheeling by a perfect yorker, however, agreed with Akram. "He’s quick and when the ball is swinging it’s very hard to score. He creates pressure situations. It’s vital to have someone of that ability," he said. Forget Sachin Tendulkar or Brian Lara. Pakistan’s Saeed Anwar is the best batsman in the world in the eyes of his admiring World Cup captain Wasim Akram. The left-hand opener justified his skipper’s faith with two back-to-back centuries — 103 against Zimbabwe which carried Pakistan into the semifinals, and then an unbeaten 113 versus New Zealand which lifted his side into the final. "Saeed was brilliant," Akram said after Pakistan’s nine-wicket romp in the semifinal yesterday. "I have always said he is the best batsman in the world." Kiwi skipper Stephen Fleming conceded: "if Anwar does not fire, you can put pressure on Pakistan." Akram was so confident of Anwar’s ability that he was actually delighted when the opener struggled at the start of the tournament with a top score of 28 in the first four matches. "I’m glad Saeed isn’t getting runs," Akram had said. "It will mean he will get runs in the super sixes ... We know there’s more to come." Akram, who has played for more than a decade for Lancashire in English county cricket, told Anwar not to chase the swinging ball in the early overs. The advice went down well. His solid batting in the semifinal inspired young opening partner Wajahatullah Wasti during a World Cup record opening stand of 194. The pair looked good to overtake New Zealand’s 241 for seven on their own when Wasti, driving at Chris Cairns, skied the ball to Fleming at mid-off after making 84. Anwar, a 30-year-old computer engineer from Karachi, has 17 one-day centuries to Tendulkar’s record-setting 22. But his 194 against India at Chennai two years ago remains unsurpassed.
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British media hails Shoaib Akhtar LONDON, June 17 (AFP) —Pakistani paceman Shoaib Akhtar became the British media’s new pin-up hero today after decimating New Zealand in the World Cup semi-final at Old Trafford. Pictures of Akhtar celebrating after shattering the stumps three times during his team’s nine-wicket romp yesterday, were splashed on the back pages of most tabloids with the Daily Mail dubbing him the "lightening assassin." The witty Martin Johnson wrote in the Daily Telegraph: "Akhtar’s eventual dismissal of (the off-form) Nathan Astle was close to an act of euthanasia... "... the first time Stephen Fleming would have seen of the ball that yorked him was on the giant video screen as he walked back to the pavilion." Former England test cricketer-turned journalist Derek Pringle called Pakistan’s victory a "drubbing of quite embarrassing proportions." "Show me the way to Lord’s" was the Sun’s caption of Akhtar’s action photo, and described one-sided the semi-final as an "open and shut case." The Mirror, under the headline "Runaway Akhtar railroads Kiwis", said his "breathtaking speed and ruthless approach brought New Zealand to their knees. The paper gave due credit to the record first-wicket stand between century-maker Saeed Anwar and Wajahatullah Wasti, but said "the abiding memory of this sadly one-sided semi-final was the explosive bowling of Shoaib. "There has been no more thrilling spectacle than the Rawalpindi Express accelerating to the wicket off that fearsome 30-yard run-up, frequently followed by a splintering of stumps," The Mirror said. The papers, however, came down heavily on the unruly fans who invaded the pitch when Pakistan still needed six for victory and were relieved none of the players were injured. "It was a
grotesque, indeed an unacceptable way for an
international match to conclude," The Telegraph
said, adding: "If security arrangements are not
tightened for Sunday’s final at Lord’s, the
competition could yet end with a serious
disturbance." |
Youhanna faces World Cup heartbreak OLD TRAFFORD, June 17 (AFP) — Injured Pakistani star Yousuf Youhanna was facing a World Cup heartbreak today after his captain all but ruled him out of the final. Wasim Akram said he doubted that the young batsman, an automatic choice at the start of the tournament, would be fit for Sunday’s final - then suggested he would not be risked even if he were. Akram said: "I don’t think he will be fit ... hamstrings are such a problem that it occurs again and again." He hoped the 24-year-old right-hander would make it, only to add that he was not really concerned since his side were playing so well. Akram said the pressure was off the batting at last, with Ijaz Ahmed finally finding form in the nine-wicket romp over New Zealand here yesterday. Ijaz only played a cameo
role of 28 not out after the World Cup record
first-wicket stand of 194 between Saeed Anwar and
Wajahatullah Wasti, but Akram said the way he played was
important. |
Fleming pleads for tight security MANCHESTER, June 17 (Reuters) — New Zealand captain Stephen Fleming called for more intensive security after his team’s World Cup semifinal with Pakistan was interrupted by fans invading the pitch yesterday. With Pakistan needing just six runs to win, dozens of fans ran on to the Old Trafford ground. The match was held up for seven minutes while they were cleared from the field and returned behind the advertising barriers. After Pakistani fans stormed on to the field to celebrate their team’s victory at the end and fireworks went off in the crowd, Fleming talked about the possibilities of putting fence around grounds or imposing tough fines on people who invaded the field. "There was no real drama but it is a concern. There has got to be something done about it before someone gets hurt," he said. "There has got to be a time when someone says ‘enough is enough’." Fleming said there were fences on grounds in the subcontinent but he realised it was a sensitive issue. "Nobody wants it (the fences) apart from the players who value their safety but if it is going to get to that stage I’m all for it," he said. But he added: "It is a catch 22 situation and it needs more discussion." The Kiwi captain said he believed fines might be the better option. "That is one way of stinging people and that is perhaps the way to go. It is perhaps the safer way on all accounts of trying to stop it. Because it is not only interfering with players’ safety but also interfering with games." World Cup officials do not appear to have been overly concerned about the behaviour of fans during games which has largely been good so far in the tournament. But the ground invasions by hundreds of supporters at the end of some matches have worried the players. Pakistani captain Wasim Akram said he did not believe the crowd was a major problem. But he said: "I think they got a bit too excited. With the security, they have to be more strict with it." The crowd trouble did not spoil Fleming’s satisfaction with his team’s overall performance in the tournament. "I think we have done pretty well," he said. "I am happy with the way we have scrapped during this tournament. We made the top four and we still haven’t played that well. I don’t think we have played to our potential." Akram said his team’s form was coming together just at the right time ahead of Sunday’s final at Lord’s against the winner of today’s semifinal between Australia and South Africa. "We have qualified
for the final and that is a great achievement," he
said. "We are full of confidence. Everybody is ready
for Sunday." |
NZ dream run failed to have dream
end MUMBAI, June 17 — Against all expectations New Zealand reached the semifinal. But their dream run in a World Cup yet again failed to have a dream end. Just for a while yesterday morning the Kiwis must have felt from within that destiny had something wonderful in store for them. Having reached this far they also realised, more things were in their favour at the start of this knockout game. Their opponents Pakistan had painful memories from their last game here. They were playing on the very track on which they had lost to India. Winning the toss and batting first confirmed the New Zealand belief that everything was going to be fine. But fine ending is what they needed to justify the belief. Unfortunately, that was not the case as Pakistan emerged emphatic winners in the first semifinal. They have always been the big bully in a Pakistan-New Zealand encounter. Pakistan have always dominated the Kiwis, at home as well as away. It was not the ideal start for Pakistan — the favourites of the contest. Losing the toss meant they started off with a handicap. Wasim Akram tried his best to underplay the disadvantage after the toss but it is a universal knowledge now that the 1992 world champions are a much better team bowling second. To their credit the Pakistani bowlers bowled as well as they could in the morning. Shoaib Akhtar was impressive yet again. This man has been a revelation for his team as well as for the World Cup audience. Everyone has been raving about his pace, in the process somewhat sidelining his other important attributes. His remarkable accuracy at that speed, to begin with. He has also shown that he has a sound temperament. For a young man in his early 20’s and knowing he is the quickest in the business it was easy to get carried away. But Akhtar has done nothing of the sort and has never looked excitable as one would expect with that combination. Akhtar also has a good cricketing brain on those big, strong shoulders. He has proved that by bowling the right length with the right variations he could earn rewards for his pace, something our own Srinath sadly has not yet come to terms with. Akhtar has modelled himself on Waqar Younis — the great Pakistani fast bowler. Younis is now in the reserves, but I am sure he is the one who has helped Akhtar at the right time to realise his strengths. Who says Younis has not contributed much in this World Cup? A good competent show with the ball saw to it that the New Zealanders didn’t achieve something incredible, which was exactly what the Kiwis wanted. Pakistan’s eventual strong batting reply clearly showed their opponents’ sheer lack of ability, something that has seen them never win a major tournament. Few better sights in world cricket than Saeed Anwar in full flow. With Wasti also realising his potential on the same day, it meant things were going to be too much for the Kiwis to handle. The Kiwis return home again without a trophy or a cup, but with some good matches won, their 1999 World Cup campaign is enough to be an incentive for New Zealand cricket to look ahead in times to come. Now you see the three best teams in the world left in the competition, just the purpose for which the World Cup is played — to find out who is the best. It has been pretty much
on course till now, isn’t it? — PTI |
Numb finger led to dropped catch: Gibbs EDGBASTON, June 17 (UNI) — South African opener Herschelle Gibbs yesterday stoutly refuted that a split second of flamboyance caused him to drop Australia’s Captain Steve Waugh at Headingley on Sunday which cost his side the match. It appeared as if Gibbs was throwing the ball up in premature celebration at square leg, but to him it will go down as the cause of the numb finger. Gibbs explained: "after I got hit while I was batting, the physio brought the spray on, and it numbed the finger. While I was fielding I didn’t actually feel anything in my finger. When the catch went up, although in slow motion it looked as if I had control of the ball, I tried to catch it and it was almost as if my hand didn’t want to close, I couldn’t feel the ball in my hand". "It happened so quickly, I tried to close it and before I knew it, the ball was on the ground. I think it slowed up too much, and I didn’t have it under control. I didn’t try to toss it over my shoulder. It might have looked like that in the slow motion (replay) and I do have a tendency of doing that. In future I think I should hold on to the ball longer". "These things happen, although the timing of the dropped catch could be a lot better". "I’ll put it out of my mind, it was unfortunate it happened, now I’ve got a job to do in the semifinal". Gibbs also made a
hundred at Headingley and briefly turned from hero to
villain when Waugh escaped. |
Pakistan bookies' favourites LONDON, June 17 (Reuters) — Pakistan have been installed as favourites to win the World Cup after their nine-wicket semifinal victory over New Zealand yesterday. Bookmakers William Hill
have priced them at 11-10 on with South Africa at 2-1 and
Australia 3-1. |
Paes to meet Andre in first round LOND0N, June 17 (PTI) — India’s tennis ace Leander Paes has drawn an easy opponent in Brazilian qualifier Andre Sa in the men’s singles first round of the Wimbledon Championships, starting here on June 21. Paes, currently 101 in the ATP rankings, is in the second quarter of the draw led by third seeded Russian Yevgeny Kafelnikov and sixth seeded local hero Tim Henman, will have a possible second round tie against 13th seed Karol Kucera of Slovakia. Kucera takes on another Latin American qualifier Alejandro Hernandez of Mexico in the opening round. Paes, who had slipped to 105 in the rankings earlier this season, managed to sneak into the main draw after clinching titles in two challengers at Lucknow and New Delhi that saw him break into the top 100. Paes, who won his first ATP Tour singles title at the Hall of Fame Championships at Newport, was knocked out in the first round here last year. Paes’ doubles
partner Mahesh Bhupathi and top Indian woman player
Nirupama Vaidyanathan, however, failed to make it to the
main draw after both lost in the second round of the
qualifying tournament in Roehampton. |
India beat Belgium in hockey NEW DELHI, June 17 (PTI) — Young forward Gagan Ajit Singh slammed a hat trick as the Indian hockey team opened their Belgium tour with a 5-3 victory over the hosts at Auderghem on Tuesday, according information received here. Forward Sameer Dad struck a brace to complement Gagan Ajit, who shone in India’s victory in the final Test over Germany a few days back. Coudron, with a stroke conversion made it 1-2 before Kholopov and Joeri Beunen scored in the second half to provide the consolation goals for Belgium, who are preparing for the European Championships. The Asian Games champions, who lost 1-3 to Germany in their four-Test series before embarking on the Belgian tour, were 2-0 ahead by the 25th minute through twin strikes by Dad. Belgium reduced the margin through the 30th minute stroke conversion before Gagan Ajit Singh struck in quick succession to enable India take a 4-1 lead. Kholopov made it 2-4 for Belgium in the 57th minute before Gagan Ajit completed his hat-trick. The hosts, who will play
three more friendly matches with India, reduced the
margin further just three minutes before the final
whistle with Joeri Beunen slamming home from a penalty
corner. |
Cricket steps aside, Wimbledon in focus LONDON, June 17 (AFP) — Last year soccer’s World Cup ran rough-shod over the Wimbledon Tennis Championships, much to the disapproval of those who prefer blazers and pimm’s to replica shirts and lager. This year, however, cricket’s World Cup will politely end on June 20, allowing tennis’ grass court Grand Slam at the All-England Club the centrestage it deserves. For once the weather looks set fair for the 113th championships with the mercury touching 27 degrees Celsius in the week before the tournament, which starts next Monday. Never mind the cricket’s barmy army, that is just plain balmy for June in the English capital. Wimbledon, of course, features as high on the social calendar as the sporting one. In all, well over 400,000 spectators, officials, mediapersons and players will come through the club gates over the next fortnight, consuming some 27,000 kg of strawberries, 7,000 litres of cream and 12,500 bottles of champagne. The continuing modernisation of the venue means 2,000 extra seats will be available this year, giving a new capacity of 35,000 and some London agencies are charging a wallet-busting 1,600 pounds (over Rs 1 lakh) for a centre court seat at the final on July 4. The tournament’s ever-increasing popularity has much to do with the resurgence of British tennis, spearheaded by sixth seed Tim Henman and his Canadian-born compatriot Greg Rusedski. Both have a better chance than ever of becoming the first Briton to win the men’s singles title since Fred Perry in 1936, but the man everyone will have to beat is American Pete Sampras. Appropriately restored to his world number one spot in time for the tournament, the 27-year-old who has dominated for most of the 1990’s is seeking a sixth singles title to surpass the Open era record of five won by Swedish legend Bjorn Borg. A sixth victory in seven years for Sampras would see him tie Roy Emerson’s all-time record of 12 Grand Slam titles, and he is already guaranteed to match Ivan Lendl’s mark of 270 weeks at number one during the fortnight. Sampras starts against Australian Scott Draper and the Australian contingent, led by number two seed Pat Rafter, big-serving mark Philippoussis and teenage sensation Lleyton Hewitt, should provide a strong challenge. The 1996 champion Richard Krajicek from the Netherlands is also a proven grass master and newly-crowned French Open champion Andre Agassi is on such a current high that he will believe he can emulate his 1992 success at SW19. That may be beyond three-time former champion Boris Becker, but the soon-to-retire German can expect probably the biggest cheer of all as he makes his final Grand Slam appearance in the tournament which launched his career at a tender age in 1985. Tender age is very much what the women’s game is all about these days. Criticised as uncompetitive just a few years back, the women’s game now promises plenty of fireworks thanks to its infusion of young stars — and the revival of some slightly older ones. Top seed Martina Hingis will be out to banish the memory of her miserable French Open final loss while veterans Monica Seles of the USA, Czech holder Jana Novotna and Spaniard Arantxa Sanchez-Vicario will all fancy their chances. With the dynamic Williams sisters Venus and Serena, as well as Russian glamour girl Anna Kournikova all looking for their Grand Slam breakthrough, the women’s singles promises to be anything but boring. Furthermore, nobody should ignore the threat of Steffi Graf, now 30 and chasing an eighth Wimbledon singles title. With 22 Grand Slam
singles crowns under her belt — two short of
Margaret Smith court’s all-time record — Graf
is the modern day queen of Wimbledon and she showed she
is not yet ready to give way to the younger generation
with her steely victory over Hingis in the French Open
final earlier this month. |
NZ boxing meet begins today CHANDIGARH, June 17— Nearly 200 pugilists will vie for top honours in both subjunior and Senior sections in the 11th senior and second Subjunior North Zone Boxing championship scheduled to start tomorrow at Yavanika Open theatre,Sector 5 Panchkula, according to Mr Alok Mittal, IPS and president of the District Boxing Association, Panchkula, organisers of this meet. The teams which will be taking part in this four day tournament are Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Chandigarh, Delhi, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh besides hosts Haryana. The boxing team from the Boy Company Kumaon Regiment will make its maiden appearance. In the senior section, competition in all categories from light fly weight to super heavy weight will be organised. Mr Mittal who is the Senior Vice-President of the Haryana Amateur Boxing Association (HABA) further said that the board and lodging arrangements had been made free for all the participants. According to Mr Ashwani Sharma secretary, DBA Panchkula, the bouts will be held daily from 7 pm to 10 pm. Two referees each from the participating state/units have been called for this meet. Mr Ram Sarup, Sports
Minister, Haryana, will inaugurate the meet tomorrow at 7
pm. |
Dutch, Aussie eves to clash in final BRISBANE (Australia), June 17 (AP) — Australia and the Netherlands will meet again in Saturday's gold medal game of the Champions Trophy women's hockey tournament after they fought out a 1-1 tie today. The Dutch needed at least a tie to qualify ahead of Germany, which gave itself a strong chance with a 4-0 win over South Korea earlier. Argentina missed a chance to push for a place in the final when it drew with New Zealand 2-2. The Dutch started strongly and opened the scoring on 20 minutes through Fleur Van De Kieft but Australian striker Alyson Annan equalised four minutes later. Australian coach Ric Charlesworth said his team was flat because they had already secured top spot on the table but he predicted a stronger performance on Saturday. "Sometimes you get that letdown and there was a softness there and I don't think it's a good thing," Charlesworth said. "It took a while for us to get our teeth into it tonight and we were spasmodic and there were long periods where we weren't as slick as we should be. A lot of their players played as well as they could but they made some mistakes, just as we did." Charlesworth reserved some praise for goalkeeper Rachel Imison, who provided the difference with a series of saves in the 60th and 61st minutes as the Dutch tried desperately to crack the defence. "Sometimes our
goalkeepers don't get much work but there were three or
four bursts tonight when she did very well,"
Charlesworth said. |
Another 6-wkt haul by Muralitharan LONDON, June 17 (Reuters) — Muttiah Muralitharan kept Lancashire in contention on the second day of their county championship match against leaders Surrey with another six-wicket haul at The Oval yesterday. The Sri Lankan spinner, who took 14 wickets in the match on his championship debut last week, finished with 6-87 as Surrey were dismissed for 298, giving them a first innings lead of 104. England captain Alec Stewart finally came good again, making his highest score in any class of cricket this season before being bowled by Muralitharan for 95. Lancashire’s former England skipper Mike Atherton then followed suit by making 52 in his first game since recovering from the back injury that forced him to miss the World Cup. By the close Lancashire had reached 100-3 in their second innings, still trailing by four runs. At Southampton, second placed Hampshire were indebted to Robin Smith (78), Will Kendall (52) and Jason Laney (50) as they closed at 239-4 in reply to Leicestershire’s 405 all out. Ben Smith, 126 not out overnight, was Leicestershire’s last man out for 154 made off 310 balls with 16 fours. England ‘A’ batsman Chris read hammered the day’s top score of 160 — his maiden century — against Warwickshire at Trent Bridge. Read and Chris Tolley (51) shared a seventh-wicket stand of 148 to help Nottinghamshire recover from 10 for two overnight to reach 327 all out for a lead of 11. Warwickshire closed at 24- 2. At Canterbury, Steve James’s second championship century of the season put Glamorgan in a strong position against Kent. James (103) shared century stands with Alun Evans (50) and Adrian Dale (46 not out) as the Welsh county closed 49 runs in arrears on 283-2. At New Road, bottom-of-the table Worcestershire lead Somerset by 149 runs with seven second innings wickets in hand. At Headingley, Yorkshire struggled to 124-7 in their second innings against Sussex for a lead of 203. Sussex had trailed by 79 after being all out first time round for 192. Close of play scores on the second day of four-day English county championship cricket matches yesterday: At Southampton: Leicestershire 405 (B. Smith 154; M. Kasprowicz 73; S. Renshaw 4-124). Hampshire 239-4 (R. Smith 78, W. Kendall 52, J. Laney 50). At Canterbury: Kent 332 (M. Fleming 94, R. Key 92, S. Watkin 5-47). Glamorgan 283-2 (S. James 103, A. Evans 50). At Trent Bridge: Warwickshire 316 (D. Hemp 100; V. Drakes 6-71) and 24-2. Nottinghamshire 327 (C. Read 160, C. Tolley 51; E.Giddins 4-46). At The Oval: Lancashire 194 (A. Tudor 4-60, I. Salisbury 3-28) and 100-3 (M. Atherton 52; M. Butcher 3-12). Surrey 298 (A. Stewart 95; M. Muralitharan 6-87). At Worcester: Worcestershire 308 (P. Newport 65 not out, G. Hick 50; A. Caddick 4-55) and 34-3 (A. Caddick 3-22). Somerset 193 (R. Turner 63; A. Sheriyar 4-49). At Headingley: Yorkshire
271 (M. Vaughan 71; U. Rashid 4-41) and 124-7. Sussex
192. |
Muthu, Prathima claim gold BANGALORE, June 17 (PTI) — Commonwealth Games silver medallist T. Muthu (Railways) won the gold in the 56 kg in the men’s section while Prathima Kumari claimed the first gold medal for hosts Karnataka in the women’s 58 kg category on the second day of National Weightlifting Championships here today. Muthu, silver medallist at the last two Commonwealth Games, took the gold with an aggregate of 232.5 kg. He cleared 107.5 kg in the snatch and 125 kg in the jerk. Ramachandran of Maharashtra took silver with 227.5 kg and Gurdeep Singh of Punjab claimed the bronze totalling 220.5 kg. Prathima cleared 85 kg in the third and final attempt to win the gold in the snatch event and finished with 105 kg in the jerk. She remained at top with an aggregate of 190 kg. Krishna Kumari (185 kg)
and Geethanjali Devi (175 kg), both of PSCB, won the
silver and bronze respectively. |
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