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| Saturday, February
10, 2001, Chandigarh, India  
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India, China share honours India will halt Aussie winning spree: Borde Waugh sparkles as Aussies win Sponsorship issue
BCCI, ITC on collision course
ITC withdraws from all sports sponsorships Chauhan hopes to
infuse discipline |
 Marion Jones, the first woman to win five track and field medals at an Olympics, poses with the 21st annual Jesse Owens International Trophy in New York on Thursday. — AP/PTI photo
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Jadeja’s petition Ishan Ganda slams century
PSB whip Andhra
Pradesh 4-0 Punjab spikers rout
Chandigarh Mahindra United
hold Vasco Atwal shoots
into lead
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India, China share honours LANG FANG (China), Feb 9 (PTI) — Tennis ace Leander Paes warmed up in time in the severe cold weather to give India a crucial lead winning the opening singles, but the day one honours were even with China taking the second singles in the Asia-Oceania Davis Cup Zone-I tie here today. Paes started tentatitively in the first set, trying to guage his opponent and getting used to the sub-zero temperatures, before grabbing the initiative to beat China’s No 2 Wang Yu 4-6, 6-0, 6-0, 6-4 at the Oriental University stadium indoor court. A strong team on paper, India were expected to take a 2-0 lead, but the visitors’ ambitions were thwarted. Chinese top seed Zhang Yu disected Syed Fazaluddin’s game clinically as the Indian failed to provide any resistance after a brief show of grit in the first set before losing in straight sets 6-4, 6-1, 6-0. The crucial doubles rubber will see Paes teaming up with Mahesh Bhupathi against the Chinese pair of Yang Jingzhu and Xu Ran tomorrow. “I was little shaky at the start with such cold conditions, but (Ramesh) Krishnan kept on encouraging me till the end,” Paes said of his win while thanking the non-playing captain. “We were hoping for a 2-0 result at the end of the day, but its 1-1. We will take it with a pinch of salt,” Krishnan said after the match. Ranked a lowly 231st on the ATP list, Paes was up against an unranked 19-year-old Chinese southpaw brimming with confidence in front of his home crowd. Battling against the elements, Paes was bundled in full-length attire — an unlikely scene at any international tennis event — while Wang was at ease in T-shirt and shorts. Rarely a Davis Cup is played under so severe conditions and a slow-bounce synthetic surface compounded Paes’ misery as he is used to the faster courts for his style of game. After the temperatures last night dipped to minus 14, there was some respite today as it were hovering around minus five. The Indians were saved from the Siberian winds sweeping across the city as the Chinese chose an indoor stadium unlike the South Koreans, who hosted India outdoors in February 1999 in the Cheju Island near Siberia. India had lost that tie 2-3. Paes made his intentions clear in the opening game on Wang’s serve as he rallied from 0-30 down to make it deuce with an inside out forehand winner. After earning an advantage, Paes attacked the net and with a superb stretch volley recorded the first break. But the Indian was stumped on his own service as Wang levelled the scores (1-1) and raced to a 4-1 lead as Paes’ movements looked restricted in the heavy attire. Paes peeled off his woolen cap in the sixth game and showed a new zeal. He served an ace on the second serve to take the game but his effort came much too late. After a long eighth game that he won saving three setpoints, Paes broke Wang in the ninth but again handed the initiative back and lost the first set 4-6. Smarting under the loss of first set, Paes came back with a bang after a brief time-out between the sets. This new rule for rest has been introduced at all levels by the three tennis bodies — International Tennis Federation, ATP and WTA — from this year doing away with rest after the first game and subsequent two games. Now there will be rest between every set and after two games. Paes fired on all his cylinders and used drop volleys to perfection as Wang struggled to come to terms with the Indian. The Indian broke Wang in the first game and finding his rhythm back, opened a 2-0 lead taking the second game at love. The Chinese No 2 started committing unforced errors and his sketchy play allowed paes to dominate the duel. Paes hit a backhand cross court down the line winner for a 3-0 lead. Two breaks up, Paes now started literally toying with Wang as his powerful returns found the court and his chip and charge game bore the much needed fruits. Serving for the set, Paes kept up the pressure on Wang and took the sixth game at love. The third set was also a repeat of the second one as the Indian underlined his authority. In the third Paes led 4-2 at one stage before Wang broke the Indian to level 4-4. But that was the end of the Chinese’ resistance as Paes broke Wang in the ninth after it went into deuce thrice before the Indian scripted the win on his serve. Much was expected from Fazaluddin after Paes gave India the much needed lead. But Fazaluddin made the mistake of taking Zhang lightly. The Indian looked too casual at the start and this attitude cost him dearly. After a closely-fought first set when Fazaluddin sometimes surprised Zhang with his blistering first serves, the Indian’s challenge fizzled out. Both went with the serves till eight games (4-4) and Zhang set himself up for winning the first set as he blasted down an ace in the ninth to lead 5-4. Fazaluddin lost an opportunity to level when he wasted a 40-30 lead as Zhang took advantage of the Indian’s weak backhand that found the net. The former national grasscourt champion looked nervous by the line-calls that went against him. Despite being a set down, Fazaluddin played very casually and in the second game of the second set, he was stretched to deuce nine times before Zhang made the killing. The rest was history as the Chinese allowed only one game before closing out the match 6-4, 6-1, 6-0. India will halt Aussie winning spree: Borde CHENNAI, Feb 9 (UNI) —
National selection committee chairman Chandu Borde today said preparing pitches to the strength of the home team had been a common practice with every country in international cricket, but dismissed the involvement of coach or players in it. The former Indian vice-captain and celebrated batsman, who watched the 25 probables to pick the Indian team for the forthcoming home series against Australia, said at the camp that neither coach John Wright nor anyone else had issued any direction on the preparation of wickets as alleged by Aussie captain Steve Waugh. “For domestic cricket, preparation of sporting wickets is imperative,” he noted. Borde, who watched the camp along with two other selectors Ashok Malhotra and T.A. Sekhar, said he was confident that India would break the Aussies’ record of 15 Test wins on the trot. “I hope our boys will break the Australians’ winning spree”, Borde said exuding confidence. On the selection of the team for the series, Borde said the selectors had an open mind. Asked about stumper Nayan Mongia, he said: “Mongia is definitely in the reckoning with Vijay Dahiya”. He also reiterated that players who performed well in the Challenger matches beginning here on February 12 would also be considered for the series against Australia. Borde admitted that the absence of leg spinner Anil Kumble would be of great concern but he emphasised that of the seven spinners among the 25 probables, whoever was impressive would be picked for the matches against Australia. Tamil Nadu leg spinner W.D.Balaji Rao was being monitored closely, he added. Asked if the performances of the under-19 boys, who recently played against the touring England under-19, would be considered, he said that had not been discussed. He also said the development of software to study the strengths and weaknesses of foreign teams was a welcome step and would be pursued. |
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Waugh sparkles as Aussies win MELBOURNE, FEB 9 (Reuters) — Mark Waugh scored an Australian record 173 as Australia completed their first unbeaten southern summer with a 39-run victory over West Indies in the second limited overs final today. Australia made 338 for six in 50 overs, their highest score in a limited overs international on home soil, as Waugh smashed 16 fours and three sixes in his 148-ball innings. Waugh showed no sign of nerves on the eve of his interview by the International Cricket Council tomorrow over his alleged links with a cricket bookmaker at a tournament in Hong Kong. West Indies made 299 all out in 49.3 overs in reply, their highest total for the series. Wavell Hinds got 60, Marlon Samuels 63 and Ridley Jacobs 59. Shane Warne took four wickets. Australia have won every Test and limited overs match this season.
They beat West Indies 5-0 in the Test series which finished last month and won all eight of their preliminary-round matches in the limited overs triangular series against West Indies and Zimbabwe before sweeping the best-of-three finals series 2-0. SCOREBOARD AUSTRALIA: Gilchrist c Hinds b McLean 5 Waugh c Lara b Samuels 173 Ponting c Hinds b Nagamootoo 63 Symonds c Nagamootoo b Cuffy 7 Bevan c Williams b Samuels 58 Harvey c McLean b Samuels 2 S. Waugh not out 10 Martyn not out 4 Extras (b2, lb2, w12) 16 Total (for 6 wkts, 50 overs) 338 Fall of wkts: 1-12, 2-137, 3-155, 4-291, 5-311, 6-328. Bowling: McLean 10-1-58-1, Cuffy 10-0-53-1, Nagamootoo 10-0-54-1, Williams 8-0-72-0, Samuels 10-0-71-3, Adams 2-0-26-0. WEST INDIES: Hinds c Ponting b Symonds 60 Powell lbw b Warne 21 Lara c Martyn b Warne 0 Samuels c Martyn b Warne 63 Adams c and b Fleming 18 Jacobs c S. Waugh b McGrath 59 Nagamootoo b Fleming 5 McLean c S. Waugh b Bevan 16 Ganga b McGrath 18 Williams not out 10 Cuffy c Martyn b Warne 6 Extras
(b-2, lb-8, w-8, nb-5) 23 Total (all out, 49.3 overs) 299 Fall of wickets: 1-54, 2-56, 3-128, 4-159, 5-201, 6-218, 7-237, 8-279, 9-288. Bowling:
McGrath 10-1-48-2, Fleming 8-0-49-2, Warne 8.3-0-48-4, Harvey 10-0-59-0, Symonds 8-0-55-1, Martyn 2-0-10-0, Bevan 3-0-20-1. |
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Sponsorship issue
BCCI, ITC on collision course KOLKATA, FEB 9 (IANS) — The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and tobacco giant ITC appear to be on a collision course over continuation of sponsorship to the Indian cricket team, with a senior BCCI official saying that ITC cannot withdraw sponsorship until another sponsor is found. The ITC announced Thursday its decision to stop sponsoring sporting activities in the country from April 1, pursuant to a Central Government directive to ban tobacco-related advertisements and sponsorships. The ITC decision would not affect cricket overall as other sponsors would come forward, BCCI treasurer Kishore Rungta said, but added that the tobacco firm could not stop sponsoring the national side before a substitute is found, as the contract is valid till 2003. The BCCI claim notwithstanding, ITC apparently does not intend to honour any of its sporting commitments beyond April 1, despite the fact that Australia’s cricket tour of India would still be on at that point of time. After April 1, the two teams would still have to play two one-day cricket internationals. ITC seems prepared for any legal challenge to its decision. A company statement issued here said the decision to stop sporting sponsorships was taken in a constructive spirit and to avoid any controversy. ITC corporate communications chief S.H. Venkataramani said the move has been taken to create the right climate for a constructive dialogue that would help develop the appropriate content, rules and regulations to make a proper legislation. The BCCI is yet to discuss the situation, but will wait for the return of its president A. C. Muthiah and secretary Jaywant Lele who are in Melbourne, Australia, attending an International Cricket Council (ICC) meeting. At present, the Indian cricket team is paid Rs.3.5 million for each Test and Rs 3 million for each one-day international by ITC. Sixty per cent of the money is distributed among players and the coach, while the rest is handed over to various affiliate units of the BCCI. The Indian cricketers also sport the ITC’s “Wills” logo. The BCCI sources said here they were not short of sponsors, adding that Korean electronic major LG has said it was interested in sponsoring the national squad.
ITC withdraws from all sports sponsorships KOLKATA, Feb 9 (UNI) — In a major decision, tobacco giant ITC Ltd. yesterday decided to withdraw from all sponsorship of sporting events in view of the Centre’s proposed legislation to ban cigarette companies from advertising and sponsoring sports and cultural events. “The decision has been taken voluntarily in a constructive spirit to avoid any controversy, irrespective of the legal position of the subject,” ITC Chief of Corporate Communication SH Venkatramani said here. ITC is one of the largest sponsors of sporting events in the country. Mr Venkatramani said ITC would continue to have dialogue with the government to support the execution of a meaningful and practical regulatory framework which could balance the interests of the tobacco farmers, the consumers, the exchequer, the Indian economy and societal health concerns. He said cigarettes, though constituting only 16 per cent of the tobacco consumption in the country, contribute over 90 per cent of government revenues from tobacco. Mr Venkatramani said, “Although ITC had long-term arrangements in respect of sponsoring various sports, it had already initiated action to exit from such arrangements and hope to complete the same by April this year.” “The company also proposes to progressively scale down its cigarette advertising,” he said. Mr Venkatramani intimated that ITC believed that the action on its part would create the right climate for a constructive dialogue which would help develop appropriate content, rules and regulations to make the intended legislations equitable and implementable. At the same time, Mr Venkatramani hoped that ‘’the proposed legislation would not in any way place the Indian cigarette industry at a disadvantage as compared to international who enjoy free access on television channels.
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Chauhan hopes to
infuse discipline NEW DELHI, FEB 9 (IANS) — Former Indian opening batsman Chetan Chauhan, appointed the national cricket team’s administrative manager for the upcoming home series against Australia, hopes to infuse discipline and punctuality among the players. “I will try to make the players disciplined,” Chauhan told IANS. “For instance, I would like players to reach for net practice or functions on time,” adding he was happy at landing the job. The Australian team, which arrives in Mumbai on February 14, will be playing three Test matches and five one-day internationals, apart from the three warm-up matches, in its seven-week tour of the country. Chauhan (53) a veteran of 40 Tests and seven one-day internationals, said, he would try to help players which ever way he can. “I will share my experiences with them in order to help them play better,” he said, and hinted he could get tough if a player did not follow the rules. “During the day, of course, Wright will be there. But after a day’s play is over, I will take over the responsibilities,” said Chauhan who has not been told about his exact duties by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) yet but assumes he would be required to lessen the burden on coach John Wright, a former New Zealand captain and the first foreigner to hold the post. Chauhan is also likely to help Wright convey messages to those players who might find it difficult to figure out the New Zealander’s accent. One of the reasons that led to the creation of the administrative manager’s post was the fact that some players were unable to understand Wright’s English. “It is a big responsibility,” said Chauhan, a former member of Parliament. “But this job has given me an opportunity to associate myself with the game again. I will try, along with the players, to restore cricket’s image, which took a beating following the match-fixing scandal last year. Mind you, not an easy to do.” Wright had complained to the BCCI about menial jobs he had to perform during his first Test series as coach, against Zimbabwe last year. Responding to his request, the board had appointed a Delhi-based official to share Wright’s burden during the first Test in Delhi. |
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Jadeja’s petition NEW DELHI, Feb 9 (PTI) — The Delhi High Court today issued notices to the Union Sports Ministry, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and five others on cricket star Ajay Jadeja’s petition challening the five-year ban imposed on him by the board as well as a notice by the Government regarding withdrawal of Arjuna Award. Mr Justice Vijender Jain, after hearing hour long arguments by Jadeja’s counsel R.K. Anand on maintainability of the writ, also issued notices to the BCCI President, Dr A.C. Muthiah, who headed a disciplinary committee imposisng the ban and its two other members Kamal Murarka and Ram Prasad. The committee had imposed life ban on former captain Azharuddin and five-year ban on Jadeja, Manoj Prabhakar and Ajay Sharma. The court also issued notices to the Union Ministry of persosnnel and former CBI Director K Madhavan, appointed as a commissioner by the BCCI to probe the allegations of match-fixing against certain cricketers. The court, while fixing next hearing on March 29 directed all the respondents to file their replies within two weeks to Jadeja’s writ which alleged that the BCCI commissioner, Mr Madhavan, neither gave him any opportunity to explain his position nor was his statement recorded by him. “Mr Madhavan gave his finding on the basis of the CBI report, which was not even made officially available to the BCCI as per the board’s own admission. He (Madhvan) had taken the CBI report as gospel truth and no opportunity was given to Jadeja to explain his position,” Mr Anand contended. “There is absolutely no evidence with the BCCI for taking the disciplinary action against Jadeja,” he said. Mr Justice Jain during arguments said if the facts were as being narrated by the petitioner’s counsel “then its seems that they (BCCI) wanted to see that some heads must roll. Even in Pakistan some law exists,” he observed referring to the opportunities given in that country to the cricketers to explain their position. Mr Anand also questioned the appointment of Mr Madhavan as the BCCI probe commissioner before the board made amendment in its rule on
September 28, 2000 to facilitate the same. “The entire procedure followed to impose the ban on Jadeja was in violation of the BCCI rules, his fundamental rights and natural justice as the board was in a hurry to fix someone under the media pressure as was admitted by one of the members of the disciplinary committee.” Mr Anand argued. “Mr Madhavan had acted in haste and without authority as the BCCI’s rules at that time did not permit appointment of any such commissioner,” he said. Though Mr Madhavan commission provided for the facility of taking the service of a lawyer during questioning of the players who were
called by it to depose, Jadeja was not allowed to take the services of a lawyer to present his case which was against natural justice,” he contended. “The BCCI rules are clear that for any player facing disciplinary inquiry, the board has to appoint a three-member committee, which would first frame charges
against him and then serve him notice to file his reply. But in this case all the rules and regulations were kept aside by the board and Jadeja was not given any opportunity of cross-examination,” he said. Mr Anand said the board’s hurry about “fixing certain players” was evident from the fact that Dr Muthaiah had written a letter to Jadeja on November 24, 2000 directing him to appear before disciplinary committee on November 28 where Mr Madhavan was to submit his report. It showed that the board had decided in advance who were the players to be “fixed”, otherwise how could the committee chairman summon a player even before receiving the commissioner’s report, he asked.
Ishan Ganda slams century ROHTAK, Feb 9 — A brilliant century by Ishan Ganda for Haryana against the Rest of India (u-19) was the highlight of third day’s play of the Chidambram Trophy cricket match at Maharaja Aggarsain Stadium here today. Once Haryana conceded a first innings lead of 63 runs, wickets continued to fall at regular interval in Haryana’s second innings from one end. However, Ishan stayed put at the wicket for 227 minutes and defied the rival attack. He hit 13 fours and a six, facing 152 balls, before being declared hit wicket off Kashinath. Earlier in the day resuming their first innings at overnight score of 264 for six, the Rest of India carried their total to 305. Skipper Kashinath Khadkikar scored 86. From Haryana Joginder Sharma and Amit Mishra bagged 3 wickets each. In the remaining 307 minutes of play today Haryana scored 247 for 7. Scoreboard Haryana (Ist innings) 242: Rest of India (Ist innings): Naman Oza b Gaurav Vashishta 32, Gaganinder Singh lbw Joginder Sharma 0, Deepak Chowgule c Y.S. Singh b Amit Mishra 66, Gnaeshwar Rao c Y.S. Singh b Amit Mishra 43, Kashi Nath Khadkikar b Nitin Aggarwal 86, Mohnish Mishra c Deepak Joon b Ishan Ganda 0, A.S.K. Verma run out 0, Mohammad Faiq not out 47, Rajesh Banik c Ajay Ratra b Joginder 2, Kiran Adhav b Joginder 0, Steve Lazarus c Ajay Ratra b Amit Mishtra 13. Extras: (b-5, lb-3, nb-8) 16 Total
(in 102.4 overs) 305 Fow: 1-1, 2-49, 3-148, 4-149, 5-158, 6-166, 7-277, 8-284, 9-284, 10-305. Bowling: Nitin Aggarwal 18-4-59-1, Joginder Sharma 16-4-47-3, Y.S. Singh 3-0-9-0, Amit Mishra 26.4-4-87-3, Gaurav Vashishta 16-4-44-1, Deepak Joon 2-0-7-0, Ishan Ganda 20-6-43-1, Sumeet Sharma 1-0-1-0. Haryana (2nd innings): Manvinder Bisla c Mohammad Faiq b Kiran Adhav 13, Bhuvnesh Sharma b Kiran Adhav 26, Ishan Gandha hit wicket Kashi Nath 101, Sumeet Sharma c Naman b Kiran Adhav 0, Ajay Ratra lbw M. Faiq 8, Deepak Joon c Steve Lazarus b M. Faiq 17, Joginder Sharma lbw Steve Lazarus 28, Amit Mishra batting 34, Gaurav Vashishta batting 3. Extras: (b-3, lb-8, nb-5, w-1) 17 Total
for 7 wickets in 75 overs 247 Fow: 1-25, 2-59, 3-59, 4-85, 5-135, 6-195, 7-239. Bowling:
Steve Lazarus 10-1-33-1, A.S.K. Verma 2-0-8-0, Kiran Adhav 23-7-62-3, Kashi Nath 13-2-56-1, M. Faiq 21-5-53-2, Rajesh Banik 4-0-9-0, Mohnish Mishra 2-0-15-0.
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This is Everest,
says Amritraj UNITED NATIONS, FEB 9 (AP) — Top-ranked tennis player. The first professional athlete from India in any sport. Winner of 16 major tournaments. Successful businessman and actor. For Vijay Amritraj, all these accomplishments were just a prelude to the greatest honour of his life — becoming a Messenger of Peace for the United Nations. “This is Everest,” he said in an interview on the eve of his appointment today by Secretary-General Kofi Annan to his new role of helping to focus worldwide attention on the work of the United Nations. “This is ... the top of the mountain.” Since 1954, when the late US comedian Danny Kaye became the first goodwill ambassador for the United Nations Children’s Fund, leading personalities in the arts, sports, literature and public life have been travelling around the world advertising the work of UN agencies. In 1997, Annan created a new title — Messenger of Peace - to try to raise global awareness of the UN’s primary work in promoting peace through a wide range of activities. Amritraj becomes only the eighth Messenger of Peace, joining boxing great Muhammad Ali, actor Michael Douglas, basketball legend Magic Johnson, opera star Luciano Pavarotti, Nobel Peace Prize winner Eli Wiesel, Italian author Anna Cataldi and French singer Enrico Macias. “You can’t even put any other kind of achievement in the same league,” Amritraj said. “This is not just an honour to me. This is for my country, to have an Indian be able to do this.” Being a Messenger of Peace, he said, will give him the chance to work with children, especially those who are orphans and handicapped, as well as promoting AIDS awareness. The position is not a full-time job, nor is it a paid post. It is largely up to each Messenger — working with UN officials — to decide how to carry out the role. As a child, Amritraj recalled, he spent about half of every year in the hospital because he suffered from a mild form of cystic fibrosis and dreamed of being a doctor and saving lives. When he was 10 years old, doctors advised him to play an outdoor sport and because his parents loved tennis, that’s what he chose. “I’d play for one minute and sit for five minutes. I also started running. I’d run for 10 yards and sit down for 10 minutes,” he said. But three years later he was running 10 miles a day, and he was the number one tennis player in Asia at the age of 17. Two years later, he was in the world’s top 10.
PSB whip Andhra Pradesh 4-0 CHENNAI, Feb 9 (UNI) — One-sided matches, deluge of goals would be the order of the day in the
initial phase of any hockey tournament. And the 31st Junior National Hockey Championship, which began here today was no exception as many as 32 goals were scored in four matches. Punjab and Sind Bank, Jalandhar, (group B) set the trend walloping Andhra Pradesh 4-0 and Karnataka (group D) followed suit scoring a resounding 14-0 win over a lowly Assam. Then Border Security Force (BSF) (also group D) hammered Jammu and Kashmir (5-1) and Tamil Nadu (group F) struck eight goals without reply against Madhya Pradesh. It were the Karnataka boys who warmed up for their greater battles ahead as they scored through Ajay Aiyappa and Sandeep Michael (four each), K.P. Dinesh (three) and Navaneeswaran, Suresh Kumar and Birender Lakra (one each). The moment Navaneeswaran opened the account off a penalty corner in the first minute, the flood gates were opened as Karnataka wrought havoc with the hapless Assam defence scoring at will. Karnataka led 7-0 at the break and doubled the score before close to gain full points from the group. It was a similar story as Tamil Nadu scored at will against Madhya Pradesh. The hosts forged ahead through Muthu Selvan (three goals), Karthik and skipper Rajinikanth (two each) and medio Sarat Babu rounded off the tally. However, BSF which dominated the first session scoring five goals through Mandeep Singh (two), Raj Singh, Ranjit Singh and Davinder Singh (one each), could not increase the tally as Jammu and Kashmir boys came up with a inspired performance in the second. Their perseverence paid when Jagjeet Singh pulled one back four minutes from time converting a penalty stroke. |
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Punjab spikers rout
Chandigarh NEW DELHI, FEB 9 — Punjab maintained a clean slate trouncing Chandigarh 25-19, 25-20, 25-21 while national champions Kerala botched up their chances when they caved into hosts Delhi 20-25, 22-25, 17-25 in the men’s section of the National Volleyball Super League matches today. Karnataka had a very satisfying day out as their men pipped Madhya Pradesh 25-22, 25-16, 25-21 while the Karnataka eves toyed with Bengal 25-15, 25-14, 25-13. The defeat of the Kerala men’s team has thrown open the third place up for grabs, as Delhi have now put themselves in line for a berth in the final round of the league. Three men’s teams and two women’s teams will qualify for the challenge round from the Delhi leg of the Super League—the other leg is being played in
Renukoot—though the venue and dates of the finals are yet to be finalised by the Volleyball Federation of India
(VFI). Punjab men, having won four matches on trot, have placed themselves in an unassailable position, but national champions Kerala may gain a lot, if they beat Punjab in their last league engagement, as Delhi had lost to Punjab, and now face another tough team in Karnataka. Karnataka too have ensured a place in the final round after having recorded three wins, while Chandigarh suffered their fourth defeat in a row today. In the women’s section, Railways and Karantaka are through to the league finals, after notching up two wins each. The clash between Railways and Karnataka will now decide the league toppers here. Punjab once again rode on the brilliant spiking skills of Manoj Kumar, who was ably supported by the impenetrable defence put up by captain Roy Joseph and company. The Chandigarh boys could never once dictate the course of the match, though they did manage to keep the fight close, by garnering points at regular intervals. |
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Mahindra United
hold Vasco MARGAO, Feb 9 (UNI) — Mahindra United (Mumbai) held formidable debutant Vasco Sports Club (Goa) to a goal-less draw and split points in the National Football League Championship match being played at Nehru Stadium, Fatorda, here today. With this drawn match Vasco maintained their unbeaten record and moved on to 12 points from six outings while Mahindra took their tally to six points from equal number of matches. Vasco could have won outright had they utilised the chances that came their way in the first half. In spite of local support Vasco failed to do justice to their rating though they maintained an edge in the first half. The absence of Uzbek recruit Khoshimove Avezbek was felt much, who missed today’s match due to two yellow bookings. In a barren first half it was Vasco who dominated the proceedings and would have been up by at least a couple of goals but Mahindra’s alert custodian Virender Singh was at his best under the bar. Vasco missed the first chance in the seventh minute when medio Gragary Clark’s try sailed over the bar. In the 17th minute Mahindra’s Raman Vijayan header missed the mark narrowly after he received a cross from Shamsi Raza from the left flank. Medio Gragary Clark and Ronaldo de Silva, who combined well in the 28th minute latter unleashed a blistering shot which Mahindra’s goalkeeper saved brilliantly. Vasco were again deprived of a goal in the 43rd minute when Luis Nixon attempted a well measured pass from Ronlado de Silva, but Mahindra’s custodian Virender dived to his right to block the ball which resulted into a corner. Once again Virender collected a header from Ronaldo following a flag kick taken by Gragry Clark. Mahindra after making three changes in their team in the second half with Ramesh Razak, Khalid Siddique and Manjit Singh in place of Sanjay Dayal, Shamsi Raza and off colour Raman Vijan, the complexion of Mahindra side changed. Manjit Singh and Khalid attacked vigorously dominating the major part of the second half but Vasco defence found them a hard nut to crack. |
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Atwal shoots
into lead NEW DELHI, Feb 9 — Arjun Atwal, who finished as the fifth-ranked player in Asia last year, returned a five-under 67 card on the second day of the Rs 6 lakh Sir Padampat Singhania Open Golf Championship at the Army Golf Course here today. Atwal’s 67 took his two-day tally to one-under 143, which helped him jump 14 places from the tied 15th position yesterday, to the top of the leaderboard. One stroke behind Atwal was Shiv Shankar Prasad Chowrasia at even-par 144 after his second successive par round. Rookie Praduman Singh Guleria, who had recorded a double eagle during the Servo Masters in Digboi, shot a two-under 70 and was tied for the third place at four-over 148. Ravipreet Singh Sidhu of Chandigarh was disqualified for submitting a wrong card. According to the organisers, Sidhu had been awarded a penalty, but he failed to add the stroke to his total. Sidhu’s ‘fault’ was that he pointed this out to the PGAI officials, and was disqualified. Because of Sidhu’s disqualification, the cut, which was at 14-over 158 with exactly 50 golfers making it to the money-making rounds, fell to 15-over 159 with four lucky players surviving it. |
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