 |
|
Tuesday,
June 19, 2001, Chandigarh, India  
|
Zimbabwe
shatter India’s dream
ICC
accepts ICU recommendations
|
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Pete
Sampras still the man to beat Paes-Bhupathi
duo loses in semifinals
Abhinav
placed eighth Roma to
present shirt to Pope Seeded
players sail through Oriental
Bank lift trophy IWF
infighting may end soon
|
|
Zimbabwe shatter India’s dream Harare, June 18 The euphoria of the first Test win was short-lived as the Indians struggled throughout the second Test and were outsmarted by Zimbabwe in both batting and bowling. Having conceded a 78-run lead in the first innings, the Indians put up a dismal batting performance in the second innings despite a good showing by Shiv Sunder Das and Sachin Tendulkar. A modest target of 157 proved thoroughly inadequate and Zimbabwe romped home in 54 overs with more than a day to spare. This was India’s second successive defeat on this ground following their 61-run loss in the one-off Test in 1998. But the ground was hardly the culprit. Captain Saurav Ganguly’s bad phase seems to be continuing interminably as he failed with the bat yet again. Out for a duck as India were trying to save the second Test, Ganguly has managed paltry 49 runs from the last seven Test innings he has played. Ganguly who had earlier said Andy Flower was due for a failure must realise he was due for a success now. The bowlers fought hard in a losing situation and scalped six Zimbabwe wickets with Ashish Nehra producing another of his fiery spells that has made him the find for Indians on this tour. The left-hander from Delhi finished with figures of two for 45 and emerged the most successful Indian bowler on the tour with a haul of 11 wickets. Javagal Srinath too claimed two wickets while Harbhajan Singh and Ajit Agarkar chipped in with a wicket each but their valiant efforts were put to nought by the Zimbabwe batsman led by Stuart Carlisle who remained unbeaten on 62. Zimbabwe batted with a relaxed approach conscious of the fact that they had enough time to overhaul a modest target and though they did lose some of their most important batsman, they never really seemed to be in trouble. Javagal Srinath had struck the first blow when he had opener Guy Whittall caught by Rahul Dravid for 10. Earlier, the Indians put up a pathetic batting display and lost their last seven wickets with the addition of a mere 37 runs. Resuming at their overnight 197 for four, the visitors lasted only 18 overs this morning before being dismissed for 234 in their second innings. Andy Blignaut and captain Heath Streak were chief wreckers for Zimbabwe claiming five and four wickets, respectively, as the Indian innings folded within 18 overs this morning. Carlisle and Grant Flower, who surprisingly came ahead of his brother Andy, were playing comfortably and their fourth wicket stand had so far added 15 runs. The Indians wasted a solid foundation and collapsed from 197 for four to 234 all out to almost dash their chances of a series victory. As many as three batsmen, including captain Saurav Ganguly, were out for noughts and even opener Shiv Sunder das, who played a perfect sheet anchor yesterday, could not last long and was dismissed after adding just two runs to his overnight 68. Debutant Hemang Badani looked good but ran out of partners and remained unbeaten on 16. PTI Scoreboard India (Ist innings): 237 Zimbabwe (Ist innings):
315 India (2nd innings): Das lbw b Streak 70 Dighe c Flower b Blignaut 4 Laxman c Murphy b Friend 20 Tendulkar c G Flower b Streak 69 Dravid c A Flower b Blignaut 26 Ganguly lbw b Blignaut 0 Badani not out 16 Agarkar c A Flower b Streak 0 H Singh c Ebrahim b Blignaut 5 Srinath c A Flower b Streak 3 Nehra b Blignaut 0 Extras (lb-9, w-12) 21 Total (all out, 98.5 overs) 234 Fall of wickets: 1-8, 2-32, 3-150, 4-197, 5-199, 6-202, 7-202, 8-207, 9-226. Bowling: Streak 27-12-46-4, Blignaut 31.5-14-74-5, Friend 22-4-47-1, Whittall 7-4-15-0, Murphy 10-1-42-0, G Flower 1-0-1-0. Zimbabwe (2nd innings): G Whittall c Dravid b Srinath 10 Ebrahim c Badani b Harbhajan 20 Carlisle not out 62 Campbell lbw b Nehra 13 G Flower c Laxman b Agarkar 3 Streak c Dighe b Srinath 8 Blignaut b Nehra 16 A Flower not out 8 Extras (b-1 lb-11 nb-5) 17 Total (for six, 54 overs) 157 Fall of wickets: 1-25 2-45 3-71 4-89 5-119 6-144 Bowling: Nehra 13-0-45-2 (nb-1) Srinath 13-1-46-2 (nb-4) Harbhajan 19-6-25-1 Agarkar 8-3-22-1 Tendulkar 1-0-7-0 Man of the match:
Andy Blignaut Man of the series: Shiv Sunder Das |
|
ICC accepts ICU
recommendations London, June 18 “We have accepted all 24 recommendations contained in Sir Paul’s report,” ICC President Malcolm Gray told a news conference at Lord’s. The ACU’s first report into match-fixing called for the ICC to become “more open, transparent and accountable”. “The ICC will be in a stronger position if it continues to evolve from its origins as a loose and fragile alliance into a modern regulatory body whose role is clarified and whose transactions are more transparent and accountable,” Condon said. A five-man ICC inquiry panel, which fully endorsed Condon’s report, was more scathing. “It has become apparent that the present structure of the ICC is inadequate to run international cricket and to manage the vast sums of money it now receives from television rights and other sources,” said a panel statement. Condon’s inquiry was set up after former South Africa captain Hansie Cronje admitted taking money from bookmakers.
Reuters |
|
Stewart calls for stiff fines London, June 18 Minutes after the invasion Stewart told the umpires he was conceding the match. He said in a statement: “It was the only thing I could do to guarantee the safety of my players the umpires and the two Pakistan batsmen. “In my view we’ll have to get tough and impose fines of £ 5,000 or £ 10,000 for running on the field. We were beaten fairly and squarely, but when other issues like this come into play its a very sad day for cricket.” The crowd trouble is the second incident between the two teams in 10 days and has heightened fears about player safety, leading to calls for improved security at cricket grounds. The invasion began as Pakistan were poised to complete a six-wicket victory but was still four runs short of their target. As the 500 mainly Pakistani fans swarmed towards the main square to claim wickets and bails as souvenirs, Bradford-based Speight was knocked to the ground. The 31-year-old steward lay on the pitch until the crowds cleared and paramedics finally managed to take him off on a stretcher. As the crowd dispersed fighting started outside the grounds between two nearby pubs. A number of fighting white and Pakistani youths were arrested outside the ground. Witnesses said about two dozen whites waiting on the pavements, outside the pubs, ran at Pakistani fans when somebody shouted “Charge.” Fighting between the two groups and the shouting of racial abuse by the whites carried on for 10 minutes before the police arrived.
IANS |
|
Woods fails to stage comeback Tulsa (USA), June 18 The Open was still to be decided when Woods, alone in his car after a day in which he was surrounded by tens of thousands, drove out of the country club parking lot. “I played as hard as I could,” Woods said. “I tried on every shot and there’s no regrets.” Not for Woods, maybe. But there were for those who wanted to watch another piece of magic from a player who has already etched a deep spot in the game’s history books. An unprecedented even money favorite to win the Open, Woods instead finished with his second straight 69 for a 3-over 283 total. That was seven shots behind Mark Brooks and Retief Goosen, who will meet in an 18-hold playoff today for the championship. It was the first time in 41 tournaments Woods had failed to break par. Was he relieved that the streak was over? No. Tired? Definitely. “I don’t think people really understand how difficult it is on you to keep putting yourself there and the stress it puts on you coming down the back nine yesterday with a chance to win,” Woods said. “More times than not it wears you out.” Woods teased the throngs who followed him early with some spectacular shots that hinted of a possible charge from nine shots back. He reached the monster 584-metre (642-yard) fifth hole in two and was 2 under through seven. In the end, though, the cheers that washed over the 18th green weren’t for him this time. They belonged to Rocco Mediate, who was making a birdie putt on the adjacent ninth green as Woods finished a week that never was. “It was fun to win four majors in a row, there’s no doubt about that,” Woods said. “Unfortunately, I’m not out there with the chance to win. That is frustrating, but I’ve had my share. And hopefully, I can have my share in the future.” There’s little doubt of that for the player already recognized as the greatest of his era at the tender age of 25. But for one week, at least, the golf course got the better of him. Woods blamed it on a swing that just wouldn’t cooperate in the first two rounds. Others said it might have been a course that gave others a more equal chance. Southern Hills is full of doglegs and big trees, and for the Open it had only two par-5s, where Woods usually dominates. Woods began the final day without the numbers on his side. Being 9 behind was bad enough. Having 22 players in front of him made it worse. A short iron to 90 centimeters on No. 4 brought birdie. On the next hole, Woods muscled a drive some 328 metres and followed it with a 3-wood that put him on the green of the longest par-5 in Open history and he two putted for another birdie. A third birdie followed on No. 7. The ninth hole, though, got him again. Woods made double bogey there the first day and he spun an iron off the front of the green to make bogey again yesterday. He stood looking at the scoreboard to see where he stood. By then, it didn’t really matter. “Once I realized that there really wasn’t a chance to win you’ve still got to fight,” Woods said. “You can’t bag it. You can’t dog it coming in.” True to himself, Woods didn’t. He played the back nine even par to finish with his second straight 69. The two weekend scores weren’t bad, but the 74-71 he began with did Woods in. All that was left was to change his shoes in the clubhouse, and head out while players with names like Retief Goosen, Stewart Cink and Mark Brooks battled for the trophy that was supposed to be his for a second year in a row. But not without a few laughs first. He had one when asked if it was the most disappointed he’s been after a major in a long time. “Considering I won the last four, yes,” Woods said who tied for the 12th place. The impressive streak of Woods included: Four majors in a row, 15 consecutive rounds in the 60s, 19 consecutive rounds at par or better in the majors, 38 consecutive rounds at par or better, 40 consecutive events under par and 8 straight top 10s in majors.
AP |
|
Pete Sampras still the man to beat London, June 18 The seven-times champion has not won a Grand Slam title off grass since 1997, but at 29 he still believes he has what it takes to beat anyone on the slick, green surface. “When I am playing well there’s nobody I can’t beat,” says Sampras, who lost to eventual champion Lleyton Hewitt in the semifinals of the traditional warm-up event at Queen’s Club yesterday. That defeat leaves the American, who set a record in 1998 by ending six consecutive years as world number one, without a title this year. But that statistic will count for nothing when the gates of the All-England Club open for business on June 25. “There are lot of good young players but no one who really scares me. Andre Agassi is the one guy who can beat me when I’m playing well.” “With (Marat) Safin and (world number one Gustavo) Kuertene even though they’ve beaten me, I feel like the match is on my racket.” “The majority of guys now are baseliners. It’s not like I’m a huge guy with just a huge serve and nothing else. Week in and week out it does get tougher, but when I’m on, it’s tough for guys to beat me.” After winning his seventh Wimbledon title and record 13th Grand Slam last summer in a dramatic four-set victory over Patrick Rafter, Sampras could retire tomorrow and be considered by many the greatest ever. Indeed, Sampras admits that he is tired of the grind of the tour, and marriage to Bridget Wilson has given him new priorities, caused him to waver from the myopic pursuit of world number one. “I guess it’s time for someone else to take over the reins,” Sampras says. “I’m just reining in a little, as you get older you realise there are cons as well as pros to this life.” “Don’t get me wrong, I enjoyed the time I was on top and I guess I’d definitely love to get back there,” says the player who was ranked number one from 1993-98. “But it definitely takes its toll. I’ve been in that position where everything has been focused on tennis and I’m not sure I can go back there. Tennis is still important, but in a different way, a kind of much more controlled way. “It is difficult for anybody to be number one for all those years. I felt a lot of pressure. You almost need to be a little warped to do it.” But when Wimbledon is mentioned, all those fires of ambition still burn bright. “Last year was a storybook ending — my parents were there, how well I played, the sun going down just as I won. It was the perfect way to break the record, a perfect match,” he says. “It was as good as it ever got and maybe as good as it will ever be. Even if I win it again, it will probably never approach that.” “But I want to have that special feeling again and will keep trying to see if I can get it again.’’ “I have said it many times, the Grand Slams are the tournaments that mean everything. That is why we get up in the morning.” “I love playing at Wimbledone I have something of an aura there.” Sampras’s coach, former tour player Paul Annacone, states Sampras’s belief succinctly. “He is supremely confident about his ability on grass. He thinks he can go on winning Wimbledon for another five years and maybe he is right,” he says. Certainly Sampras’s record backs up that belief. Only William Renshaw can match him with seven Wimbledon titles, and he won the last of his in 1889. If he wins again this year he will match Bjorn Borg’s record of five straight wins, having lifted the trophy in 1993, 1994, 1995, 1997, 1998, 1999 and 2000. For a player who has won more than $ 40 million in prize money, 2001 has been a disappointment so far. He is yet to win a title this year and in fact has won just 15 matches and lost 10. But still there are no shortage of believers of what he can achieve at Wimbledon. British number one Tim Henman — considered by many one of only a handful of players who could win the grass Grand Slam said: “Yeah, of course... his record there just speaks for itself... when he is on form, he is the one to beat.”
Reuters |
|
Paes-Bhupathi duo loses in semifinals London, June 18 The duo lost 6-7 (6-7) 4-6 yesterday to the American pair of Bob Bryan and Mike Bryan. Despite the loss, the Indians, who were ranked number three after their triumph at the French Open last week, moved to number two in world rankings. The Indians had gained 100 ATP entry points for their quarter-final win over Jeff Tarango of the USA and Michael Hill of Australia. Jonas Bjorkman of Sweden and Todd Woodbridge of Australia retain their top spot at the rankings table with 614 points. Paes and Bhupathi have 370 points.
PTI |
|
2nd consecutive title for Hewitt London, June 18 Hewitt broke the hearts of the all-British crowd shivering under leaden skies as he defeated fourth-seeded home hope Tim Henman 7-6 (7/3) 7-6 (7/3) in the final. The victory in around two hours - one minor interruption for sprinkles took players off court for a quarter of an hour - produced the eighth trophy of the fast-rising 20-year-old’s career. He claimed a first Queen’s title on grass in 2000, whipping Pete Sampras in straight sets. Hewitt proved that result was no fluke with a 3-6, 6-3, 6-2 victory in a delayed semifinal this morning. Due to a total washout a day earlier, both semifinals at the West London Club were held hours before the start of the final, worth $ 91,500 to the winner.
Reuters |
|
WTA title Tashkent, June 18 |
|
Abhinav
placed
eighth Chandigarh, June 18 According to a press note, these are official rankings of world shooting body, ISSF, in men’s 10m air rifle. The European circuit results are not included. In the European circuit he had taken six gold, four silver and two bronze medals, defeating the top 10 shooters nearly a dozen times. Yaun of China is till maintaining his No 1 position, Rolland Leif Steinar of Norway has moved up to the No 2 position and Khadjibekov Artem of Russia has come down to No 3. The teenaged Abhinav is back after breaking the world record ( earlier held by himself) and winning a bronze medal at the Munich World Cup. |
|
Roma to present shirt to Pope Rome, June 18 Speaking after Roma had won their first Scudetto for 18 years by beating Parma 3-1 Mr Sensi revealed that he would be demanding an urgent meeting with the Pope at the Vatican within the historic boundaries of the Eternal City. The Scudetto (literally little shield) is a shield-shaped piece of cloth in the green, white and red colours of the Italian national flag that the defending champions wear on their shirts the following season and Mr Sensi vowed the pontiff would be the first to receive the new shirt. “Tomorrow morning I will ask for an audience with the Pope and I hope to keep the promise I made to bring him the shirt with the Scudetto on it,” said Mr Sensi who with the entire Roma team had an audience with Pope John Paul II earlier this season.
AFP |
|
Seeded players
sail through New Delhi, June 18 With the work of an Olympic size swimming pool and renovation of the old pavilion building at a fast pace, the DLTA premises is in a mess, but the players bore with the inconvenience quietly to post some quick wins. The DLTA is getting ready in all seriousness for the Afro-Asian Games, but the addition of an Olympic size swimming pool on the only vacant plot inside the tennis complex, is a clear indication that it is turning to become an elite club. Top-seeded Sonal Phadke wore down Annie Trepanier of Canada 6-3, 6-1 while eighth-seeded Tara Kanbargimath lost the first set and first game of the second set against Amanda Parson-Siegel of Denmark, before conceding the match on “medical grounds”. The Danish girl was leading 6-4, 1-0 when Tara threw in the towel. Fifth-seeded Arthi Venkataraman circumvented the energy-sapping heat and humidity to play aggressively, and post a quick 6-0, 6-0 victory against Kamini Murugaboopathy, while seventh-seeded Liza Pereira was given a somewhat close run by Deepa Chakrabarthy before registering a 6-3, 6-3 victory. In other matches, Ankita Bhambri beat Naina Karsolia 6-0,6-1, Megha Vakharia beat Rati Kumar 6-0,6-3, Preeti Rao beat Sonali Sanap 6-0, 6-2, US-based Laila Shetty beat Lata Assudani 6-2, 6-2, Marutha Devi beat Noopur Desai 6-3, 6-3, Karishma Patel beat Surabhi Singh 6-1, 6-0 and Yamini Thukkaiandi beat Sandra Sasidharan 6-4, 6-2. |
|
Oriental Bank lift
trophy Mandi, June 18 There was no scoring during regulation time and players of both the teams kept the spectators spellbound. It was difficult to predict which team would win or lose. The weather gods were kind as the sky was clear unlike the semifinals. A big gathering of spectators converged on the sprawling Padal Stadium to witness the match. There were some excitement when Naval Kishore of DFA Mandi was awarded a special prize for his outstanding display in the tournament. Oriental Bank of Commerce, Delhi, had many chances to forge ahead in the first half in which they monopolised the exchanges. In the 10th minute Joe Paul Raj of the OBC had an easy opportunity but he shot wide. Then it was the turn of Prem Singh to head the ball away off a flag kick. In the defence line of Delhi, Prem Singh was a pillar of strength. The bank men lost yet another chance when Dharmender headed wide with the onrushing Bangalore goalkeeper completely beaten. The usual attacking flair was missing from the Bangalore side and they rarely posed a threat to the rivals in the first session. A free kick by Vinod was the only good scoring attempt but the goalkeeper Prasanta Bimal collected the shot. The Bangalore players performed better on resumption and raised hopes of scoring but with no result. On the other hand the curving shot by Sanjiv struck the bar. With no goal coming the fate of the match was eventually decided by penalty kicks. Annandorai converted the first kick for Bangalore while Vivek put OBC 2-1 ahead. Lokesh hit the bar and the Bangalore team were in a sorry state having converted only one kick. Sanjiv snatched the winner. The Deputy Commissioner, Mr Jagdish Chand Sharma, gave away the prizes. |
|
IWF infighting may end
soon Patiala, June 18 It may be recalled that recently the IOA had asked its Dispute Settlement and Affiliation Commission (DSAC) to probe the matter and submit its findings. The chairman of the DSAC, Mr J.S. Grewal, after holding a couple of meetings had strongly recommended fresh elections of the federation. However, despite the recommendations of the DSAC, Mr Suresh Kalmadi is going slow on the issue of fresh elections. Highly informed IWF sources disclosed that Mr Kalmadi is deliberately skirting the issue as he fears that once elections are held then either Ajay Chautala or his younger sibling Abhey Chautala may ‘grab’ the all-important post of the President of the IWF. Sources reveal that Kalmadi’s fears are not unfounded since Abhey Chautala virtually bulldozed his way to the presidentship of the Indian Amateur Boxing Federation (IABF) and later Mr Ajay Chautala ‘managed’ the coveted post of the President of the Table Tennis Federation of India (TTFI). Sources say that with Mr M.S. Malik, considered close to the Chief Minister Mr O.P. Chautala, being elected President of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI), things are getting too hot for Mr Kalmadi. Mr Ajay Chautala is eyeing the post of the President of the IWF and has even started lobbying for it. In fact, Mr Ajay Chautala made his intentions clear when in the last annual general meeting (AGM) of the IOA he threw his hat in the ring for the plum post of the president. However, due to unknown reasons he withdrew his candidature at the last minute. Sydney Olympics ‘bash’ was funded by Mr Ajay Chautala with the clear intention to canvass votes as office bearers of various national sports federations (NSFs) were present during the party. Sources reveal that due to backroom manoeuvering Mr Abhey Chautala managed to upstage Mr A.K. Matoo from the presidentship of the AIBF and later a similar modus operandi was used by Mr Ajay Chautala to remove Mr V.C. Shukla, a former union cabinet minister, from the presidentship of the TTFI. An IOA source disclosed that Mr Suresh Kalamadi is feeling a bit insecure on this front because if any of the Chautala kin or one of their blue eyed boys takes presidentships of any other NSF, in the ultimate analysis it will be Mr Kalmadi who will have to make way for someone close to Chautala family for the IOA presidenship when the elections to the body are held. |
 |
| Punjab | Haryana | Jammu & Kashmir | Himachal Pradesh | Regional Briefs | Nation | Editorial | | Business | Sport | World | Mailbag | In Spotlight | Chandigarh Tribune | Ludhiana Tribune 50 years of Independence | Tercentenary Celebrations | | 121 Years of Trust | Calendar | Weather | Archive | Subscribe | Suggestion | E-mail | |
