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Monday,
March 18, 2002, Chandigarh, India  
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Mark Waugh revives Aussie hopes Gavaskar comments Desperate
NZ look for bowlers |
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Ian Bell
gets England call Churchill
Brothers rout Punjab cops
Lewis
extends deal deadline Ralf
Schumacher to the fore BMW Williams driver Ralf Schumacher of Germany celebrates his victory on the podium after winning the Malaysian Grand Prix in Sepang on Sunday.
— Reuters photo
India's Vijay Kumar holds aloft the Indian Open trophy after winning the golf tournament in New Delhi on Sunday.
— Reuters photo Demand
goes up for tickets Maharashtra
are overall champs SSCB pugilists excel
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Mark Waugh revives Aussie hopes
Durban, March 17 South Africa remained favourites to end a five-match losing streak against the world champions, however, as they reached 264 for four at the end of the third day, 71 short of a victory target of 335. South Africa were cruising at 216 for one when off-spinner Waugh dismissed Graeme Smith for 42. He struck an even bigger blow in his next over when he had top-scorer Herschelle Gibbs caught on the midwicket boundary for 104. Leg-spinner Shane Warne had Neil McKenzie (4) caught at midwicket five overs later and South Africa seemed in danger of squandering a solid start. But Jacques Kallis batted solidly and Ashwell Prince survived a nervous start to see their team through to the close, adding 32 runs without further loss. Gibbs and Gary Kirsten gave South Africa their best start of the series, putting on 142 for the first wicket. The left-handed Kirsten made a sound 64 off 134 balls with 12 fours before he was run out. The South African opening batsmen were largely untroubled on a good pitch before Gibbs whipped Brett Lee to midwicket. He started for a run but stopped as Damien Martyn moved swiftly to gather the ball. Kirsten, backing up, was stranded as Martyn whipped the ball to Lee. AFP SCOREBOARD
Australia (1st innings): 315 South Africa (1st innings): 167 Australia (2nd innings): Langer c Boucher b Terbrugge 18 Hayden c Prince b Terbrugge 0 Ponting c Terbrugge b Ntini 34 M. Waugh b Kallis 30 S. Waugh c Kallis b Ntini 42 Martyn c Boucher b Kallis 0 Gilchrist c Boucher b Kallis 16 Warne c McKenzie b Adams 13 Gillespie c Kallis b Adams 3 Lee not out 23 McGrath b Ntini 0 Extras (b-1, lb-3, nb-2, w-1) 7 Total (all out in 49 overs) 186 Fall of wickets: 1-4, 2-19, 3-77, 4-90, 5-90, 6-114, 7-129, 8-159, 9-186. Bowling: Ntini 17-2-65-3, Terbrugge 4-1-21-2, Hall 4-1-20-0, Adams 13-0-47-2, Kallis 11-2-29-3. South Africa (2nd innings): Gibbs c Martyn b M Waugh 104 Kirsten run out 64 Smith c Gilchrist b M Waugh 42 Kallis not out 35 McKenzie c Hayden b Warne 4 Prince not out 8 Extras (lb-2, nb-5) 7 Total (4 wkts, 84 overs) 264 Fall of wickets: 1-142, 2-216, 3-218, 4-232.Bowling: McGrath 23-8-47-0, Lee 16-2-59-0, Gillespie 13-2-49-0, Warne 24-5-81-1, M Waugh 8-1-26-2. |
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Gavaskar
comments All those worried about India’s cricketing future would have been heartened by the display of two youngsters, Yuvraj Singh and Mohd. Kaif as they steered their team through a difficult period to win a close game and ensure that the final match will decide who wins the one-day series. Yuvraj was just coming off a double century in a Duleep Trophy match and his confidence must have been high with that innings and Kaif who has shown that he is willing to buckle down and not go only for the big shots is looking better with every innings. More than anything else the youthful pair displayed tremendous fitness and energy by the way they ran between the wickets and were prepared to work hard for their runs. To many seniors in the team, not exactly the epitome of fitness, this is a valuable lesson to be learnt only of course if they believe that the game of cricket is an onward and always learning process. Another much-maligned young man, Ajit Agarkar gave the early breakthrough for India getting the in-form Campbell cheaply and also the pinch-hitter Travis Friend. In striving for the extra yard of pace, Agarkar has not always bowled accurately and in limited-overs cricket spraying the ball on either side of the wicket can make the captain go bald very quickly. The coach of course, is at an age where he won’t get bald but will grey sooner than later but Agarkar’s performance would have slowed the process. Agarkar is a whole-hearted trier but is now obviously applying more thought than just strength in what he does on the field. It can be seen in the manner in which he is batting straighter and not trying to play across from the word go. Yuvraj’s inclusion also quickened the fielding of the side and perhaps the time has come now to look at the ‘runs saved’ aspect of the Indian team because of its limitations as a bowling side and compare it with some of the run scorers who are no longer consistent with the bat and awfully slow in the field conceding more runs than they score. One-day cricket will be invariably dominated by sides who save runs on the field and India sadly haven’t been the most athletic of teams in the recent years with some fielders looking as if they are in perpetual slow motion mode. If they are hoping to win the World Cup or be anywhere in the reckoning as serious contenders they have to shed excess baggage even if it means dumping some vintage performers. For Zimbabwe the fact that Andy Flower could play was a big bonus after his injury which looked far more serious than it is. He makes a big difference to this inexperienced Zimbabwe team especially when the other experienced player Campbell doesn’t score. Stuart Carlisle too will have been pleased to get a few runs though he would have been aware that his team were perhaps twenty or so runs short than what could have put the pressure on the Indians. There was some pressure indeed when India lost those wickets but youthful enthusiasm, energy and self confidence were on exhibition as India levelled the series they should have won by now!
PMG |
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Desperate
NZ look for bowlers Christchurch, March 17 The Kiwis were beaten inside four days by a 98-run margin in the series opener at Lancaster Park but the batting heroics of Nathan
Astle, who hit the fastest double century in Test cricket, gave Stephen Fleming’s side some batting momentum. New Zealand was outclassed by a rejuvenated England team seeking revenge after the unexpected 1-2 defeat at home to the New Zealanders in Nasser Hussain’s first series as captain at home in 1999. Despite dismissing England for 228 on a lively first day pitch, New Zealand conceded the upper hand with a poor batting performance in the first innings.
AP |
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Ian Bell gets England call
London, March 17 The 19-year-old will fly out later today, alongside chairman of selectors David Graveney and link up with the squad in Wellington preparing for Thursday’s second Test. Bell was contacted after Surrey left-hander Mark Butcher was ruled out of this week’s Test having cracked a bone in his right hand taking a catch during England’s 98-run first Test triumph yesterday. Butcher hopes to have recovered for the final Test in Auckland starting on March 30, while captain Hussain is optimistic of being able to lead out the side in Wellington later this week after jarring the middle finger of his right hand attempting to take a slip catch. Their injuries have given a possible opportunity to Bell, who has excelled in every England age-group and has just been given rave reviews from his time with the Academy in Adelaide under the guidance of Rod Marsh.
AFP |
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Churchill Brothers rout Punjab cops Margao, March 17 Churchill toyed with the sloppy rival defence, displaying their class through Yakubu Yusif’s brace in the 25th and 41st minute, Roque Barreto (30th minute), Sayyed Mossavi (53rd minute) and Somatai Shaiza (77nd minute). Punjab Police’s lone goal came in the 50th minute through Praveen Kumar. With this win, Churchill have taken their tally to 29 points from 15 outings and are now at par with Kolkata’s Mohan Bagan. Vasco Sports Club lead the tally with 31 points from 14 matches. Punjab Police have suffered 13 defeats from an equal number of outings and remain at the bottom with seven points. The home team swung into action right from the kick off as Yakubu Yusuf and Abdul Saley pierced the rival defence with good support from the midfield trio Aqueel Ansari, Roque Barreto and Sayyed Amin Mossavi, who were feeding their upfront brilliantly but took time to settle down. Churchill shot into the lead in the 25th minute when Rajesh Meetei received a lob from Aqueel Ansari. The former passed to the well positioned Yakubu Yusif, who nicely placed the ball in the net. Inspired by the lead, Churchill pressed into the attack and five minutes later struck again through Barreto in the 25th minute. The goal was the result of a fine combined move by Abdul Saley, who passed to Yakubu, who quickly switched on the ball to Barreto, who tapped the ball in following a goal mouth melee 2-0. Churchill consolidated their lead through Yakubu’s brace in the 41st minute when Sayyed Mossavi from the right flank sent a pass to Yukubu, who dribbled past the entire rival defence and the goal keeper and shot into the net 3-0. After change of ends, Punjab Police regrouped well and reduced the margin in the 50th minute through Praveen Kumar, when Harish Sharma snatched the ball from Denzil
Ferrao, passed to Praveen Kumar, who shot into the net 3-1.
UNI |
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Hantuchova
stuns Martina Hingis for title
Indian Wells (USA), March 17 Hantuchova (18), beat the former world No 1 6-3 6-4, sealing the victory with her 20th backhand winner of the night. As she bounced around the court in her sleeveless red dress, Hantuchova didn’t seem to feel the chilly desert winds that had hindered players throughout the day. US Open champion Lleyton Hewitt, the top seed in the $2.95 million ATP Tennis Masters Series tournament, made the most of his advantage in the wind and pounded Pete Sampras 6-2, 6-4 to reach a final showdown with Briton Tim Henman. Hewitt never faced a break point as Sampras struggled in the swirling, gusting desert breeze. He needed an hour and 23 minutes to advance to final against Henman, who defeated wildcard Todd Martin 6-3, 6-3. The men’s semifinals were the curtain raiser to the women’s final, which started routinely enough, with the underdog Hantuchova dropping her serve in the opening game. In the end, however, she broke the second-seeded Hingis’ serve six times. The crucial break of the first set came in the eighth game, when Hingis-whose 40 career singles titles include five Grand Slam triumphs — double faulted to let Hantuchova take a 5-3 lead. Hantuchova served out the set, fighting off one break point in the process, and broke Hingis to open the second. She broke Hingis again to lead 4-1 in what proved to be the start of four consecutive service breaks. After breaking Hingis to lead 5-2, Hantuchova dropped her own serve with two forehand errors. “At that point I just realised how close I was to winning this match,” she said. “I was a little nervous.” After Switzerland’s Hingis held for 5-4 and Hantuchova served for the match again, she tried to put thoughts of victory out of her mind. “I was just trying to concentrate on every point, not think about how close I was.” Despite the cold, windy conditions, Hantuchova showed no hesitation in swinging for the lines. “She played fearlessly,” Hingis said. “She was hitting those lines, I said, ‘OK, nothing I can do about that.’ She wasn’t afraid of going for the lines.” The wind was more of a factor earlier, Hewitt and Sampras both saying they knew blustery conditions would hurt the American more. “I just tried to play the percentages,” said Hewitt, who was more bothered by the dust blowing across the court than the wind itself. “I believe that I can play my style of game without changing too much. “You can’t go for the big shots as much, you can’t panic, you’ve got to wait for the right balls,” added the Australian, who repeated his straight-set victory over Sampras in the US Open final last September, a victory that insured the 13-time Grand Slam champion ended 2001 without a major title for the first time since 1992. The latest defeat leaves Sampras still searching for his first tournament title since Wimbledon 2000. Sampras said Hewitt’s game was more adaptable to the conditions. “Because of his footwork, his ability to adjust, the fact that he plays more compact, whereas mine are a little bit long,” Sampras said. “He’s a lot more compact, that’s better in the wind.” Even so, Hewitt said, he would have preferred a little less wind. “It’s not enjoyable to watch. It’s not too enjoyable playing when you’ve got crap blowing in your eyes every second point.” Hewitt needed just 27 minutes to take the first set.
AFP |
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Lewis extends deal deadline
New York, March 17 World champion Lewis of Britain has agreed to extend his contract deadline for backing out of any deal, which had been Friday, to March 25 — the same date he must begin talks with another challenger or risk losing a title belt. But Lewis has also raised concerns about site fee financing, ring size, compensation from Tyson for a January brawl, a $ 2.5 million penalty on Tyson for fouling Lewis in a fight and the involvement of promoter Rock Newman. The issues, reported by several newspapers in New York and Washington, could jeopardise the long-awaited bout, now planned for June 8 provided terms can be arranged between the fighters, Tyson telecaster Showtime and Lewis backer HBO. Washington is considered a front-runner to host the bout, but Memphis and Detroit are also contenders. Lewis and Tyson representatives are set to meet with arena officials in Washington as early as tomorrow. “It’s very close,” said Shelly Finkel, Tyson’s manager. “We have some things in place and we are still working on others.” Lewis wants a larger ring, enabling more elusive moves compared to the smaller fighting space Tyson’s side desires. There are concerns over site fee finances. Casinos near Memphis and Detroit are said to be willing to spend $ 13 million to host the bout. Private investors, reportedly including rap music star Sean Combs, are willing to back a Washington bid. Tyson is licensed in Tennessee, bolstering Memphis’ chances. Lewis trainer Emanuel Steward would like to see the fight in his hometown, Detroit. But Tyson is not licensed there, a major obstacle. Washington approved Tyson’s fight license Tuesday. Lewis wants money from Tyson to pay costs incurred after a January news conference to announce a Lewis-Tyson fight in April at Las Vegas turned into a brawl that in part led to Tyson being rejected for a fighting license in Nevada a week later. Lewis said Tyson bit him in the January 29 altercation. Tyson bit off a chunk of Evander Holyfield’s right ear when they fought in Las Vegas in 1997.
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Ralf Schumacher to the fore Sepang, March 17 Schumacher described it as “the perfect race” after he cruised home nearly 40 seconds clear of his Williams team-mate Juan Pablo Montoya to bring an end to Ferrari’s dominance at the Sepang circuit. Michael Schumacher was third, his hopes of a hat-trick of wins here dashed at the first corner when he tangled with Montoya, sending the two fastest qualifiers back down the field. As they veered across the track, the rest of the field passed safely through on the inside avoiding a repeat of the pile-up which marred the start of the last Grand Prix in Australia. Rubens Barrichello emerged at the head of the field, in front ahead of Ralf Schumacher and the McLarens of David Coulthard and Kimi Raikkonen. Schumacher, driving on a one-stop strategy, eventually took control in the 20th lap when Barrichello made the first of two stops in his Ferrari. In a race of attrition, where only 13 cars finished, McLarens dropped out as did Barrichello on the 39th lap leaving Schumacher unchallenged to the chequered flag. “It was the perfect race, the car was just there,” Schumacher said. “It was a fantastic drive, the car was perfect during the whole race, I was amazed how quick the car was.” “We had very high tear wear, but I was not worried because the car was so well balanced to take it.” The Williams dominance put the team ahead of Ferrari at the top of the constructors’ championship, although the 26-year-old Schumacher admitted luck was on his side after his older brother and four-time world champion Michael collided with Montoya. Montoya, forced to make three pit stops and also ordered to detour through pit lane on lap seven after being judged at fault in the collision with Michael Schumacher, set a new lap record of one minute 38.049 seconds in a frenzied chase back up the field. He felt the penalty was unjustified, blaming Schumacher for the incident. “It was very unfair. I gave him room, he understeered and he touched me.” Montoya said, claiming the officials were “a bit extreme” after the Australian crash and “I had to pay for it”. Michael Schumacher said the collision was Montoya’s fault.
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Vijay Kumar wins Indian Open
New Delhi, March 17 Vijay landed his biggest prize this evening with the comfortable two-stroke win over veteran Canadian Rick Gibson. Vijay Kumar picked up $ 50,000 while Gibson was richer by $ 33,090. Despite a birdie finish from Gibson, Vijay with a card of one-under 71 aggregated 13-under 275 to beat back a royal challenge from the Canadian, who finished at 11-under 277. Four strokes behind Gibson was another Indian, Digvijay Singh, who recorded his best-ever finish on the APGA tour and went back with his biggest pay cheque. Liang Wen-Chong of China and Mo Joong Kyung of Korea shared the fourth place with a total of six-under 282. Five players —Andrew Pitts of the USA, Dean Alaban of Australia, Mardan Mamat of Singapore, Soe Kyaw Naing of Myanmar and Sriroj Thammanoon of Thailand shared the sixth spot. Vijay Kumar’s win was the fourth in five years by an Indian in the Indian Open and it now means of the last nine Asian PGA events in India, eight have been won by five Indians and interestingly all of them were present at the Delhi Golf Club this afternoon as Vijay celebrated his best moment in golf. Though Arjun Atwal, Indian Open winner now a full-timer on the European PGA Tour, and Jyoti Randhawa missed the event they were both at the club house watching the proceedings over the 18th green and both rose to applaud Vijay’s winning putt. Atwal missed the event because of a clash with the more lucrative Qatar Masters, and Jyoti Randhawa was out because of a motorcycle accident. Vijay partnering Mukesh Kumar continued his successful streak at RC events as they shared the $ 8,000 prize. Now comes the biggest prize of them all — the Indian Open title and the $ 50,000 cheque that goes with it. And with it comes a two-year exemption on the Asian PGA Tour.
UNI |
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Demand goes up for tickets Guwahati, March 17 Cricket buffs in the city lined up before ticket counters since morning and all the remaining tickets were sold out within a few hours, leaving many disappointed. The sale of tickets in the first few days was rather dull but India’s victory in the day-night encounter at Hyderabad has generated a lot of excitement. “All the tickets for the match have been sold out and we are expecting a full house on Tuesday,” a top official of the Assam Cricket Association said. The excitement reached a feverish pitch in late afternoon as both the Indian and Zimbabwean teams flew into the city by a chartered flight. The teams checked in their hotels soon after arriving here. A large crowd gathered in front of the hotel to have a glimpse of the cricketers and cheered the players as they walked out of their bus into the hotel. Besides captain Saurav Ganguly and Rahul Dravid, Yuvraj Singh, who played a match-winning unbeaten innings in Hyderabad, drew cheers from the waiting cricket fans.
PTI |
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Maharashtra
are overall champs Faridabad, March 17 The champions won 72 medals which included 19 gold, 28 silver and 25 bronze. Players of UP, however, topped in the gold hunt, with 20 gold, 18 silver and 11 bronze. Hosts Haryana had to be content with the sixth position in the tournament with 12 gold, six silver and eight bronze, and secured 86 points. S.J. Singh of Chhatisgarh and K.S. Sasikala of Karnataka were declared best athlete in veteran (men) and women’s sections respectively, while Chela Durai of Tamil Nadu and Ranjana of Maharashtra were declared the best athletes in the men’s and women’s open categories respectively. Jammu and Kashmir won the cricket trophy beating Chhatisgarh in the final. They also claimed gold in football. Tamil Nadu won the volleyball, ICFRI, Dehra Dun, hockey, and Haryana tug-of-war titles. The Union Minister for Chemicals and Fertilisers, Mr S.S. Dhindsa, and president of the Haryana Olympic Association, Mr Abhey Singh Chautala, gave away the prizes to winners. |
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SSCB pugilists excel
Chennai, March 17 International Prakash Gurung (bantam) and Chananda Kuttappa (light) won two gold. SSCB pugilists again grabbed top honours in three of the five higher weight categories -the winners being Santosh Kumar (light welter), G Periyar (light middle) and Harjinder Singh (light heavy). Santosh Kumar, who showed good technique, won his bout against Maharashtra’s Santosh Avhad. Andhra Pradesh grabbed the runners-up spot, winning two gold medals each in lower and higher weight categories. The team was coached by Chiranjivi of sai who is also the Indian coach. International Ranjit E Mani, winner of the bronze medal in the National Games, was the pick of the lot.
PTI |
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Durban, March 17
