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| Friday, March 31, 2000, Chandigarh, India  
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Formidable SA gear upto meet
Pakistan |
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Hyderabad pile up 246 for 8
Agassi in semis
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Formidable SA gear upto meet Pakistan SHARJAH, March 30 (PTI) — Formidable South Africa and a nicely peaking Pakistan brace themselves for a high-voltage final showdown where fitness to their key men could make all the difference in the Coca Cola Cup one-day cricket triseries here tomorrow. South Africa, dealt their only defeat in nine outings at the desert venue in the final inconsequential league clash on Tuesday when Pakistan beat their rivals after a gap of 14 matches extending to December 1994, hold a slender edge going by their consistency at the Sharjah stadium thus far. The Proteas, who comprehensively beat India twice and also outplayed Pakistan in the first league tie, will be strengthened by the return of five regulars, including skipper Hansie Cronje, who sat out in the unexpected 67-run defeat that has added more suspense to the summit clash. The ever-consistent Kirsten was forced to retire due to severe back spasms that undermined South Africa’s chase of a modest total against Pakistan, while Akhtar, who prised out three wickets in one incredible over, limped off after aggravating a left groin injury. The failure of India to do well in Sharjah has once again taken the sheen out of the final for the expatriate fans always awaiting the mouth-watering prospect of an Indo-Pak clash. But South Africa’s, who beat India 2-0 in the Test series and then went down by a narrow 2-3 margin in the one-dayers, are gearing up to round off their current tour in style. Both Pakistan and the Proteas are considered top class one-day sides that were among the favourites for the World Cup title last year before stumbling out and will have their points to prove. Pakistan, reeling from a series of defeats in Australia and at home, aim to clinch victory ahead of their demanding tour of the West Indies. Their batting, shorn of experience with left-handed opener Saeed Anwar among those who could not make it here, has been propped up by teenager Imran Nazir and Younis Khan. But it is their fast bowling quartet, the wily Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis and Abdur Razzaq with Akhtar, straining at the leash to become the fastest bowler ever in the history of the game, who have shone in Pakistan’s recovery with their sharp fielding coming as a revelation. South Africa have complemented their steady top order batting with the run-denying length adopted by pacemen Shaun Pollock, Mornantau Hayward, rookie Makhaya Ntini and Steve Elworthy. Added to it has been their brilliant fielding and the job done by Gibbs patrolling the backward point area, has given rise to comparisons with his peerless team-mate Jonty Rhodes. South Africa’s one major worry has been all-rounder Lance Klusener’s total failure with the bat. The 28-year-old, who was hampered by an ankle injury in India, has regained his bowling form, but has come nowhere near the rampaging pinch hitter he proved at the World Cup last year. The Sharjah stadium pitch has hardly proved conducive for tall scores in this tournament. Pakistan’s 272 made batting first on a firm track in their 98-run win over India has been the highest score thus far, with the second best being South Africa’s 199 scored in their three-wicket win over Pakistan in the first league game. The two-day break in the tournament has given the groundsmen some breather to prepare a pitch that should favour the batsmen more, but the formidable bowling arsenal both sides boast, of could render the batsmen’s job very difficult. The teams: South Africa (from): Hansie Cronje (capt), Gary Kirsten, Herschelle Gibbs, Jacques Kallis, Neil Mckenzie, Mark Boucher, Lance Klusener, Nicky Boje, Shaun Pollock, Mornantau Hayward, Makhaya Ntini, Dale Benkenstein, Derek Crookes. Pakistan (from): Moin
Khan (capt), Imran Nazir, Shahid Afridi, Younis Khan,
Inzamam-ul Haq, Yousuf Youhana, Wasim Akram, Abdur
Razzaq, Waqar Younis, Arshad Khan, Shoaib Akhtar, Mohd
Akram, Shoaib Malik. |
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SHARJAH, March 30 (PTI) — South African opener Gary Kirsten dealt his team’s aspirations a huge blow after he was ruled out from playing against Pakistan in the one-day cricket triseries final here tomorrow due to a back injury. The 33-year-old left-hander, who was forced to retire early in his knock during South Africa’s last league tie on Tuesday following severe back spasms, is also in danger of being forced out of the game for a longer period. Kirsten, the highest run-getter for South Africa in both Tests and one-dayers, was attempting a second run when he suddenly pulled up in acute pain and had to be helped off the field. His consistent opening stands with Herschelle Gibbs has remained a vital aspect in South Africa’s impressive performances. The South African team management was deciding between usual number three Jacques Kallis and Neil McKenzie to open the batting with Gibbs. Skipper Hansie Cronje admitted Kirsten’s absence was a huge blow and his experience would be sorely missed. “In matches against the best bowling attack in the world like Pakistan’s, we miss the experience of Jonty Rhodes and Daryll Cullinan. Now Gary is also on that list.” “We must use a player (as Kirsten’s replacement) who can bat right through the innings and can also handle the fast bowlers.” “If Shoaib withdraws due to injury, it will make our job much easier,” said Cronje about Pakistan speedster who is also nursing a groin injury. Kirsten’s retirement triggered a slide and South Africa were bowled out for 101 with things put in perspective by his opening partner Herschelle Gibbs remaining unbeaten on 59. Asked about the defeat against Pakistan in the final league tie, Cronje said despite the absence of key players, it was quite disappointing. “The guys admitted we missed our top players, but a loss is a loss, and you could see their disappointment,” Cronje said. “Still, we would
much rather have lost against Pakistan in the round-robin
than in the final. We are going to give it a full go in
the final, that’s for sure.” Said Cronje. |
Tamil Nadu restrict Punjab to 258 CHENNAI, March 30 (UNI) — Former champions Punjab put up a pathetic batting display to be restricted to a modest score of 258 in their first innings by Tamil Nadu who replied with 40 for no loss at stumps on the first day in the quarterfinals of the Ranji Trophy Cricket Championship at the M.A.Chidambaram Stadium, here today. Openers Sridharan Sriram (20 off 27 balls, four fours) and Sadagopan Ramesh (18 off 27 balls, two fours), both left handers were at the wicket. Sriram indicated his intentions of looking for a big score, playing some delectable shots. Punjab captain Vikram Rathore was forced to bring in his ace off spinner Harbhajan Singh into the attack early. However, it was of no avail as the wicket had little help to offer for the bowlers. Earlier, put into bat, Punjab, recovering after losing two wickets for 97 runs in 26.3 overs, seemed to be recovering at 104 for 2 at lunch in 28 overs. But in the post-lunch session, Punjab lost four wickets in the space of 80 runs in 25 overs to be reduced to 184 for 6 at tea. Medium pacers T Kumaran (2-53), S Mahesh 3-55), D J Gokulakrishnan (1-45) and Rajat Bhatia (1-28) and off spinners Aashish Kapoor (2-68) and left armer S Sriram (1-4) combined well to wreck Punjab on a good batting wicket. The Punjab batsmen failed to press home the advantage of making first use of the wicket. Openers Vikram Rathore (57-91 mnts, 7 fours) and Reetinder Sodhi, the India under 19 star (22-88 mnts, 3 fours), put on 56 runs for the first wicket in the first 16 overs. But Reetinder fell to Rajat Bhatia, caught behind. Then Vikram, put on 41 runs for the second wicket with left hander Yuvraj Singh, who collared the Tamil Nadu bowlers hitting 40 of his 44 runs off boundaries in a 116 minute stay at the wicket. But Vikram fell to Mahesh to see Punjab struggling at 97 for 2. However, Yuvraj added another 41 runs for the fourth wicket with another left hander Dinesh Mongia (33-100 mnts, 3 fours) before falling to Kumaran. After lunch, Punjab’s middle order caved in. Sanjay Kumar fell cheaply for 8 in 29 mnts with one six. Punjab were reeling under pressure at 162-5 and 178 for 6 after Dinesh Mongia too fell to Mahesh. However, they recovered briefly again through a stand of 47 runs in 67 minutes for the seventh wicket between Harminder Jugnu (34-85 mints, 7 fours) and Sandeep Sharma (23-123 mnts, 3 fours). Sarandeep Singh held fort with a knock of 20 runs in 52 minutes. But after his dismissal, R P Singh fell cheaply to see Punjab all out in 385 minutes and 79.3 overs. Punjab (first innings): Vikram Rathore c Mahesh b Kapoor 57, Reetinder Sodhi c Paul b Bhatia 22, Yuvraj Singh c Paul b Kumaran 44, Pankaj Dharmani c Paul b Kapoor 3, Dinesh Mongia c Sriram b Mahesh 33, Sanjay Kumar c Sharath b Kumaran 8, H S Jugnu lbw b Gokulakrishnan 34, Sandeep Sharma c Paul b Mahesh 23, Sarandeep Singh c Ramesh b Sriram 20, Harbhajan Singh not out 3, R P Singh c Medappa (sub) b Mahesh 1, Extras (lb-5, nb-5) 10. Total (all out in 385min 79.3 overs) 258. Fall of wickets: 1-56, 2-97, 3-104, 4-145, 5-162, 6-178, 7-225, 8-254, 9-254. Bowling: Kumaran 17-4-53-2; Mahesh 17.3-1-55-3, Goukula-krishnan 13-1-45-1, Bhatia 7-0-28-1, Kapoor 18-3-68-2, Sriram 7-4-4-1. Tamil Nadu (first innings): S Sriram (batting) 20, S Ramesh (batting) 18, Extras (nb 2) 2. Total (for no loss) 40. Bowling: Sandeep Sharma
3-0-20-0, RP Singh 3-0-15-0, Harbhajan Singh 2-1-1-0,
Reetinder Singh Sodhi 1-0-4-0. |
Spain, France sparkle; Germany held PARIS, March 30 (AFP) — France and Spain threw down the Euro 2000 gauntlet with impressive 2-0 victories over Scotland and Italy, respectively, last night as Europe’s national teams warmed up for the continental championship. But Italy and defending champions Germany, who were held 1-1 in Croatia, were served with further reminders that they need to sharply improve if they are to make a serious challenge in the summer. Sadly hooligans also used this free midweek in the Euro club calendar to tune-up for the continental championship with more than a dozen Dutch fans arrested ahead of the match in Brussels between Euro 2000 co-hosts Holland and Belgium, which finished in a 2-2 draw. Portugal beat Denmark 2-1 in the other match between Euro 2000 finalists. The Croatia versus Germany clash was a re-match of the 1998 World Cup quarterfinal match won 3-0 by the Balkan side — ending the German managerial reign of Berti Vogts. But this match in Zagreb had more than a hint of farce about it with huge pools of water on the pitch frequently frustrating attempts to play flowing football and players having to contend with driving rain, although conditions improved after the interval. Hertha Berlin’s Marko Rehmer put Germany ahead after 12 minutes with a fine header from the vicinity of the penalty spot. Lothar Matthaus was winning his 145th cap for his country, having broken Swedish goalkeeper’s Tomas Ravelli’s world record tally of international appearances against Holland in his previous outing in a German jersey. The Croats hit back in the second period. After 71 minutes Robert Jarni and Davor Suker launched a surge down the left and Nico Kovac arrived at the far post and stooped to direct a header just inside the post. World champions France, despite the absence of their talismanic playmaker Zinedine Zidane, were simply a class apart from Scotland. It took them 54 minutes to make the breakthrough with a goal made in Bordeaux. Substitute Johan Micoud, who replaced debutant Ludovic Giuly at the interval, fed his team-mate for club and country Sylvain Wiltord — who scored with an angled shot. A minute from time Arsenal striker Thierry Henry celebrated his return to the international fold with a fine goal. A third Bordeaux player hoping to make the Euro 2000 squad goalkeeper, Ulrich Rame, was not given much of a chance to show his skills in front of a weak Scottish attack. Spain were as impressive in Barcelona to give Dino Zoff’s Italy further food for thought. Goals from Alfonso and Abelardo — both thanks to slack marking at corners — ensured Spain won convincingly to further crank up the pressure on Zoff, who won the European Championship in 1968 as a player as well as the World Cup in 1982. Jon Dahl Tomasson gave Denmark a fifth-minute lead with a header in Leiria only for Manuel Rui Costa of Fiorentina and Barcelona’s Luis Figo to give Portugal a 2-1 win. Rui Costa scored from the penalty spot before Figo out-foxed Peter Schmeichel after dribbling into the penalty area. In Teplice, the 1996 runners-up the Czech Republic were always in charge of their 3-1 victory over Australia in a match where both teams were handicapped by the absence of leading players. Headers from Milan Fukal and Jan Koller and a goal from Ivo Ulich put the Czech’s 3-0 ahead before a late Craig Foster consolation for Australia. The Czechs are in the “Group of Death” in Euro 2000 having been paired with co-hosts Holland, world champions France and 1992 champions Denmark. Romania, drawn alongside Germany, England and Portugal in Euro 2000, were defeated 2-0 by Greece. Georgios Amanitidis volleyed the Greeks ahead before Lambros Choutos headed a second two minutes from time. Sweden, who will line-up with co-hosts Belgium, Turkey and Italy in Euro 2000, left if late to secure a 1-1 draw in Austria. Thomas Flogel gave the hosts the lead at the Arnold Schwarzenegger Stadium and there were only four minutes remaining when Jorgen Petterson equalised for the Swedes. Norway — who play
alongside Yugoslavia, Spain, Slovenia in Euro 2000 —
also had to settle for a draw, this time in Switzerland.
A 73rd-minute penalty by Bent Skammelsrud for Norway
ensured a 2-2 scoreline. |
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TEHRAN, March 30 (PTI) — Indian youngsters outsmarted their continental rivals to tighten their grip in five age groups at the Asian Youth Chess Championships here. Former world under-10 champion P. Harikrishna led the charge with 5.5 points in the boys’ under-14 in the sixth round here last evening. Abhijeet Gupta (5 points - u-12); Abhinav Mekala (6-u-10); Tania sachdev (4.5 - u-14 girls’) and V.K. Sindhu (6-u-10) also kept the Indian Tricolour flying high by taking sole possession of the top spot in their respective age groups. India’s only setback came in girls’ under-12 where Vietnam’s Q.A. Nguyen (5) took the clear lead leaving Krutika Nadig and Soumya Swaminathan, both on 3.5 points each, way behind. Promising Mary Ann Gomes, the only Indian among the 25 children from around the world selected to play Gary Kasparov in an Internet chess, however, remained way down in the under-12 girls’ section. Harikrishna defeated H. Abdulla (4) of the United Arab Emirates in Grunfeld defence with black pieces to take a full point as well as sole lead in his section. He is being closely pursued by Iran’s H. Tahmasebi (5) who drew with India’s Sayantan Dutta (4) with black pieces in French defence game. Abhijeet Gupta (5) defeated A. Esenov (4) in Grunfeld defence after winning the exchange in the middlegame. Following Gupta close behind is R. Ozhumabaev (4.5) of Kazakhstan who drew with G. Guanryau (4) of China in boys’ under-12. Child prodigy Abhinav
Mekala (6) maintained his winning spree with a classic
win over Tofighi (4) of Iran in Guico Piano playing with
black pieces. |
Pakistan recall Mushtaq for 1-day series SHARJAH, March 30 (Reuters) — Pakistan have left out former captain Saeed Anwar, Saqlain Mushtaq and Azhar Mahmood for next month’s triangular limited over series in the West Indies. But there is a recall for leg-spinner Mushtaq Ahmed, who failed to find favour in the side playing in the Sharjah Cup where the Pakistanis meet South Africa in Friday’s final. Mushtaq comes in at the expense of teenage off-spinner Shoaib Malik. “Azhar Mahmood has ruled himself out as he feels he is not fully fit to play while Saeed Anwar and Saqlain Mushtaq have been given more time to prove their fitness,’’ Lt-Gen Tauqir Zia, Chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board, told reporters on Thursday. He named a 17-man squad for the series, which also involves Zimbabwe. Strike bowlers Wasim Akram and Shoaib Akhtar have also been included. Squad: Moin Khan
(wicketkeeper, captain), Inzamam-ul Haq (vice-captain),
Shahid Afridi, Imran Nazir, Wajahatullah Wasti, Yousuf
Youhana, Abdur Razzaq, Wasim Akram, Mohammad Akram,
Arshad Khan, Waqar Younis, Shoaib Akhtar, Younis Khan,
Mushtaq Ahmed, Mohammad Wasim, Naveed Qureshi, Atiq-uz
Zaman (reserve wicketkeeper). |
Poor batting let us down: Ganguly MUMBAI, March 30 (PTI) — A tired and disappointed Indian cricket captain, Sourav Ganguly today said the main reason for his team’s poor performance in the tri-series at Sharjah was poor batting and fielding. Ganguly told reporters after arriving in the wee hours here that the Indian batsmen did not stay at the wicket and play upto the potential. “There were never enough runs on the board and we also dropped a couple of crucial catches which could have turned the tide in our favour,” he added. The Indian skipper, who took over the mantle from Sachin Tendulkar recently and won the one-day home series against South Africa 3-2 before the Sharjah tourney said: “I did not score runs. It happens once in a while.” “I am having a bad season for the first time in two years. Our problem was that none of our batsmen could click,” he added. Assessing each player’s performance at Sharjah, the stylish left hander, said Tendulkar was not the usual self, Rahul Dravid was not getting runs and even Ajay Jadeja, Robin Singh were struggling for runs. “Mohammad Azharuddin failed to get big innings and as a team we did not apply ourselves”. “Rahul is my main player and too good a batsman to stay out of form for a long time while I expect big innings from Azharuddin and the rest of the experienced batsmen,” he added. India could win only one game (against Pakistan) before bowing out of the tournament. Final is scheduled to be held tomorrow between South Africa and Pakistan. Ganguly, who arrived
here along with wicketkeeper batsman Saba Karim and
manager S. Chakraborthy, said the team could have done
much better only of they had applied themselves to the
task on hand. |
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KANPUR, March 30 (PTI) — Seasoned VVS Laxman struck a fine unbeaten ton to help Hyderabad reach a respectable total of 246 for eight wickets in their first innings against Uttar Pradesh on the opening day of the five-day Ranji Trophy quarterfinal match here today. Laxman (batting 118) went in when Hyderabad were two down in the morning session and played a major role in two half-century stands with Venka Pratap and D Vinay Kumar. Laxman checked the slide just when the bowlers looked dominating with paceman Ashish Winston Zaidi claiming his 200th first class wicket in his 56th Ranji match. Debutant Ratnesh Misra bowled a superb line to grab four wickets - Daniel Manohar (28), Arjun Yadav (13), Riyaz Seikh (3) and Venkatapathi Raju (4) - for 23 after the visitors won the toss and elected to bat. With Zaidi needing only one wicket to complete 200 victims, the paceman struck in his third over of the day forcing Nandakishore (3) to give an easy catch to Mohd Kaif at forward shortleg. Opener Manohar fell pray to Mishra as Jyoti Yadav neatly caught him in slips. But Laxman and Pratap kept their cool and denied the UP bowlers further success till lunch. In the post-lunch session, Hyderabad lost two quick wickets when Pratap (21) fell to Shalabh Srivastava and junior world cup winning captain Mohd Kaif sent packing Vinay Kumar, who dragged the ball onto his stumps after making 24. Brief scores: Hyderabad
- 246 for 8 (VVS Laxman 118 n.o, Vijay Kumar 24; R Mishra
4/23). |
Bedi, Gavaskar made cricket ambassadors CALCUTTA, March 30 (PTI) — In a bid to popularise cricket the world over and make it a, “truely global” sport, the International Cricket Council has appointed 23 cricketing greats and a renowned umpire as, “cricket ambassadors” to spread awareness of the game. Announcing this here today ICC President Jagmohan Dalmiya told newsmen that these cricket ambassadors would start visiting different countries, where the promotion of game is needed, immediately after the ICC cricket week to be observed from April 2 to 9 in Bangaldesh. The 23 former greats
including four Indians, who have been appointed as the
ICC Cricket Ambassadors are Gary Sobers, Alan Border,
Vivian Richards, Ian Botham, Sunil Gavaskar, Kapil Dev,
Richard Hadlee, Ian Chappell, Imran Khan, Graeme Pollock,
Barry Richards, Geoffrey Boycott, Martin Crowe, Michael
Holding, Asif Iqbal, Tony Greig, Bishan Singh Bedi,
Mushtaq Mohammad, Mike Procter, John Reid, Ravi Shastri,
Duleep Mendis and David Haughton. |
Colombia hold Brazil in opener BOGOTA, March 30 (DPA) — Record four-time winners Brazil kicked off their 2002 World Cup qualification campaign with a scoreless draw on Tuesday in the high altitudes of Colombia, a result satisfying both teams. In front of 46,000 fans at Bogota’s El Campin stadium, neither of the two goalkeepers was overworked in a sloppy match as the teams battled to control the midfield. Colombian playmaker Frankie Oviedo never found his form and his team could create few chances, their best coming after 10 minutes when a long-distance rocket from Juan Pablo Angel skimmed by Dida’s goal. The Brazilians came into match with little practice and a long list of injured and absent stars, but threatened 16 minutes in on a combination between Jardel and Giovane Elber. Substituting strikers
Edilson and Richardinho for Alex and Jardel helped the
Brazilians little in the second half, as the 1958, 1962,
1970 and 1994 champions were unable to solve the
Colombian back line of Ivan Cordoba, Jorge Bermudez and
Mario Yepes. |
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NEW DELHI, March 30 (PTI) — International Cricket Council (ICC) President Jagmohan Dalmiya has been elected Chairman of the Asian Cricket Foundation, which was formed at the Asian Cricket Council’s AGM in Sharjah, information received here today said. The ACF which met under its president Lt-Gen Tauqir Zia, the Pakistan board Chairman, unanimously decided to form the ACF with a view to step up pace of the game’s development in Asia, according to cricketing sources in Sharjah. The foundation has been
vested with the responsibility of developing the game in
the continent as part of the ICC’s efforts at
globalisation of the game. |
Parnita
surges ahead CHANDIGARH, March 30 — Parnita Garewal surged ahead on the second day of the eighth Chandigarh Open Amateur Ladies Golf Championship at the Chandigarh Golf Club taking a lead of two strokes over Shruti Khanna. It was Shurti Khanna and Irina Brar’s turn to produce identical scores of five over par 77 today. Parnita played a solid level par outward nine making two bogeys, offset by two birdies. Coming home she continued to play well till three bogeys on the 15th, 16th and 18th holes saw her card a three over 75 albeit the best gross score of the day. Shruti Khanna again took time to settle down, dropping shots on the second, fifth, eighth, 10th and 11th, till she recovered with back-to-back birdies on the 12th and 13th. Two more bogeys on the 16th and 17th, however cost her dearly. Irina Brar had a shaky start, dropping four shots going out and then double-bogeying the 10th. She steadied thereafter and recovered with two birdies on the 16th and 18th to finish the inward nine one-over par. She now lies one shot behind Shruti Khanna. Guneet Raikhy, who had a disastrous round yesterday, played a good round of 76. In the Silver Division Rohini Majithia tightened her grip on the Bawa Gill Trophy. Young Sonavi Chopra, a sub-junior from Delhi, lies second. In the Bronze Division Neelu Chopra continued to play well and had a convincing lead over 14 year-old Mina Johl. In the senior ladies Gurbrinder Johl and Taran Simran Singh are one stroke apart and promise a close finish on the last day. The juniors are led by Parnita Garewal, Irina Brar and Guneet. The subjuniors produced good golf today including the day’s best score of 66 by Guneet Saraon. Sonavi Chopra had an excellent round of four under handicap, with five pars in the back nine, to become leader in the division. The scores after the second day’s play: Grewal Salver (0-12 handicap) gross: Parnita Garewal (148), Shruti Khanna (150), Irina Brar (151). Spice Challenge Cup (0-36) Nett: Shruti Khanna (140), Rana Alam (140), Nirmal Milkha Singh (140). Bawa Gill Trophy (13-24) gross: Rohini Majithia (178), Sonavi Chopra (182), Rana Alam (184). Meters and Instruments Trophy (25-36) gross: Neelu Chopra (192), Mina Johl (198), Nirmal Milkha Singh (202). Chandigarh Ladies Challenge (0-12) nett: Shruti Khanna (140), Parnita Garewal (142), Irina Brar (147). Rani Jagdish Kaur Cup (13 to 24) nett: Rana Alam (140), Rohini Majithia (142), Sonavi Chopra (144). Ell Ess Trophy (25-36) nett: Nirmal Milkha Singh (140), Neelu Chopra, Mina Johl Japneet Gharaya (142). Lady Governer’s Cup senior ladies (gross): Gurbrinder Johl (184), Taran Simran Singh (185), Binny Bath (186). Juniors (below 21 yrs): Parnita Garewal (148), Irina Brar (151), Guneet Raikhy (162). Subjuniors (below 15 yrs): Sonavi Chopra (182), Neha Majithia (192), Mina Johl (198). Best gross score of the
day: Parnita Garewal (75). Best nett score of the day:
Guneet Saraon (66). Closest to the pin: Japneet Gharaya |
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MIAMI, March 30 (AFP) — World No 1 Andre Agassi saved four match points and defeated Britain’s Tim Henman 7-5, 1-6, 7-6 (12/10) here to reach the semifinals of a $ 5.7 million Tennis Masters Series event. Reigning Australian, French and US Open champion Agassi battled for two hours and 33 minutes before subduing henman and reaching a semifinal against either South African Wayne Ferreira or sixth seed Gustavo Kuerten of Brazil. Women’s top seed Martina Hingis advanced to the semifinals with a 6-3, 6-1 victory over Amanda Coetzer. Hingis, who needed just 68 minutes to dispose of the South African, next faces American seventh seed Monica Seles, a 6-0, 6-3 victor over American Amy Frazier. Henman grabbed his first
match point at 6-5 in the tie-breaker and his last at
10-9 but Agassi was equal to the task every time,
surviving the last when Henman double-faulted and set the
stage for his downfall. |
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