THE TRIBUNE SPECIALS
50 YEARS OF INDEPENDENCE

TERCENTENARY CELEBRATIONS
S P O R T S

Hodge flays Indian bowling attack
Melbourne, November 26
The Indian bowling attack was made to look mediocre by Australia’s first-class cricketers as Victoria Bushrangers amassed 348 for five on the second day of the three-day cricket match at the Melbourne cricket ground here today.

Waugh announces retirement
Sydney, November 26
Australian captain Steve Waugh today announced his retirement from international cricket at the end of the upcoming Test series against India.
Australian test captain 




Steve Waugh delivers an emotional speech during a news conference in Sydney, on Wednesday. — Reuters photo
In video: (28k, 56k)
Steve Waugh delivers an emotional speech during a news conference in Sydney, on Wednesday


Udayan children heart-broken
BARRACKPORE:
Announcement of the Australian Test captain Steve Waugh’s retirement from the international cricket aafter thecurrent India-Australia Test series came as a great shock to his children fans and adopted daughter at Udayan, the home of the wards for leprosy patients here near Kolkata. The kids, in the midst of the class room studies, were visibly surprised and shocked as the message of Waugh senior’s retirement was conveyed to them by a home worker. Hearing the decision, the children began writing letters to their ‘Steve da’ protesting the decision, home sources said. — UNI

Blignaut stars in Zimbabwe's win
Harare, November 26
Andy Blignaut completed career best figures to bowl Zimbabwe to victory in the third one-day international against West Indies on Wednesday.


Real Madrid's Portuguese player Luis Figo runs with David Beckham during a training session at Velodrome Stadium in France
Real Madrid's Portuguese player Luis Figo (L) runs with David Beckham during a training session at Velodrome Stadium in France on Tuesday.
— Reuters

EARLIER STORIES
 
Thai tennis star Paradorn Srichaphan throws a snowball at Russian tennis player Marat Safin
Thai tennis star Paradorn Srichaphan throws a snowball at Russian tennis player Marat Safin (not in picture) during a visit to Beijing's Temple of Heaven on Wednesday. Paradorn and Safin are in Beijing to promote the China Open, an ATP tennis tournament to be held in Beijing in September 2004. — AP/PTI

India ‘A’ snatch draw
Ahmedabad, November 26
Sri Lanka ‘A’ nearly turned the tables on a jittery India ‘A’ even as the first of the three four-day Test matches between the two teams ended in an exciting draw on the final day at Sardar Patel Stadium in Motera here today.

HCA refutes charge of corruption
Rohtak, November 26
The Haryana Cricket Association (HCA) has refuted the allegations of corruption, appearing in a section of the Press today, against it’s panel of selectors levelled by a former Ranji cricketer, Sanjay Bhatia.

Railways record three-wicket victory in Ranji Trophy
New Delhi, November 26
Railways recorded a thrilling three-wicket victory against Delhi in their Elite Group Ranji Trophy cricket match to earn four points at the Karnail Singh Stadium here today. Chasing a victory target of 240 runs, Railways hit the victory post in the tenth mandatory over, to finish at 244 for seven off 62.5 overs in 330 minutes.

Gaurav engineers Haryana win
Rohtak, November 26
A century partnership for the sixth wicket by Jammu and Kashmir skipper Dhruv Mahajan and Majid Dar and their individual half centuries delayed but could not deny Haryana an outright win in the Ranji Trophy Plate Group A league match which concluded here at Maharaja Aggarsain Stadium here today.

Punjab-Baroda tie drawn
Vadodara, November 26
A crucial first innings lead of 35 runs against Punjab enabled hosts Baroda secure two points as the four-day Ranji Trophy tie ended in a draw here on the last day today.

Olympians' body on the anvil
New Delhi, November 26
The Olympians of India are gearing up to form their own association as they strongly feel that there is no organised outfit to look after their interests. With the Arjuna Awardees' Association (AAA) in a virtually defunct state, the Olympians feel that they need to form their own body to safeguard their interests.

Carlos Moyer of Spain stretches during a practice session at Rod Laver Arena in preparation for the upcoming Davis Cup final against Australia Australian tennis players Lleyton Hewitt and Mark Philippoussis share a laugh during a practice session in Melbourne
Carlos Moyer of Spain stretches during a practice session at Rod Laver Arena in preparation for the upcoming Davis Cup final against Australia, in Melbourne on Wednesday. Australian tennis players Lleyton Hewitt (R) and Mark Philippoussis share a laugh during a practice session in Melbourne on Wednesday. Australia will play Spain in the Davis Cup final, starting on November 28. — Reuters photos

PGA trainers to conduct clinic
Chandigarh, November 26
A team of four trainers from the Professional Golfers Association (PGA) of Great Britain and Ireland will be here early next month to conduct a three-day special clinic for players. The clinic will be conducted a Chandigarh Golf Club from December 2 to 4.

Rajender Bishnoi rules the track
Ludhiana, November 26
Rajender Bishnoi of Rajasthan stole the limelight clinching two gold medals on the fourth day of the 57th Senior, 34th Junior and 20th Subjunior Hero Challenge National Track Cycling Championship being held at the velodrome of the Punjab Agricultural University here today.

Arsenal Fredrik Ljungberg celebrates after scoring against Inter Milan during their Champions League Group B first stage match in Milan on Tuesday
Anderlecht players celebrate their victory over Olympic Lyon during their Champions League Group A first stage soccer match at the Brussels, Belgium, on Tuesday. Anderlecht won 1-0. Arsenal Fredrik Ljungberg celebrates after scoring against Inter Milan during their Champions League Group B first stage match in Milan on Tuesday. Arsenal handed Inter its heaviest home loss in 47 years of European play by beating them 5-1. — Reuters photos

Faridkot beat Ludhiana
Ludhiana, November 26
In a battle of nerves, Faridkot men prevailed over last year's runners-up, Ludhiana 89-72 to secure a berth in the semifinals of the 54th Punjab State Basketball Championship for men and women being held at the AS Senior Secondary School, Khanna, today.

JCT Academy, BSF win
Jalandhar, November 26
BSF beat CRPF while Punjab Police defeated Punjab State Electricity Board by identical 2-0 margin on the third day of the All-India Guru Gobind Singh Football Tournament at Guru Gobind Singh Stadium here today.

Panjab varsity lift football trophy
Fatehgarh Sahib, November 26
Panjab University Chandigarh won the Prof. D.N.Mittal Memorial 4th University Football League Tournament being held at ITI grounds at Bassi Pathana. Panjab University defeated Guru Nank Dev University by one goal to nil in a keenly contested match played on the final day of the tournament. Punjabi University Patiala were runners up by getting seven points. Mr Shiv Kumar, SSP, gave away prizes to the winners.

Michael Phelps of the US leaves the starting block in the men's middle distance freestyle event at the Sydney Skins Swimming tournament in Sydney on Wednesday Michael Phelps of the US leaves the starting block in the men's middle distance freestyle event at the Sydney Skins Swimming tournament in Sydney on Wednesday. Phelps clocked a time of 1:49:33 to win the event. — Reuters

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Hodge flays Indian bowling attack

Melbourne, November 26
The Indian bowling attack was made to look mediocre by Australia’s first-class cricketers as Victoria Bushrangers amassed 348 for five on the second day of the three-day cricket match at the Melbourne cricket ground here today.

The visitor’s got a taste of the tough task ahead of them in the upcoming series on the very second day of their tour opener as the Victoria batsman, led by Brett Hodge, tore the bowling apart.

Hodge, who has scored 2,300 first-class runs this year including 1,467 runs for Leicestershire in the English county, scored a swashbuckling 153 not out to record his 10th century of the year.

After the Indian skipper Sourav Ganguly declared the innings on the overnight score of 266 for nine, the Indian bowlers began on a steady note restricting the host to 67 for one in the first session before lunch.

But that was to be the only high-point of the day for the visitors as Hodge, first with Test discard Matthew Elliot and then with Jonathan Moss, launched an attack on the Indian bowlers.

The pounding of the Indian attack was so brutal that the home team gathered 126 runs between lunch and tea and then came back to collect 155 runs in the final session.

The Victoria batsmen were most severe on off-spinner Harbhajan Singh, who gave away 117 runs from his 27 overs.

It was an even battle in the morning session as the Indian new bowl bowlers concentrated on a steady line instead of generating pace.

Left-arm seamer Ashish Nehra, who is coming back after a long injury lay-off, gave the visitors an early breakthrough when he made opener Jason Arneberger (8) edge an outgoing delivery to vice captain Rahul Dravid in the slips.

Hodge, who joined Elliott (48) at the crease at the fall of the opening wicket on 21, then ensured that there were no more casualties in the morning session adding 64 runs for the second wicket in the bargain.

Elliott was unlucky to fall two runs before his half century as Aakash Chopra held on to a sharp chance at silly point of Harbhajan.

This brought together Hodge and Moss at the crease, who took full advantage of the Indian attack which erred in line and length as well.

So impressive was the partnership between the duo that their 107 run association came in just 135 balls. Moss made 42 from 72 balls in 88 minutes and hit six fours.

Scoreboard

Indians (Ist Innings): 266 for 9 declared

Victoria (Ist Innings) :

Arneberger c Dravid b Nehra 8, Elliott c Chopra b Harbhajan 48, Hodge batting 153, Moss run out 42, Hussey c Dravid b Nehra 21, McDonald lbw b Harbhajan 1, Harvey batting 54, 

Extras: 21

Total: (for 5 wkts, 90 overs) 348. 

Fall of wickets: 1-21, 2-85, 3-192, 4-231, 5-232.

Bowling: Zaheer Khan 16-2-56-0, Ashish Nehra 19-3-56-2, Laxmipathy Balaji 20-3-84-0, Harbhajan Singh 27-3-117-2, Virender Sehwag 6-2-19-0, Sachin Tendulkar 2-0-10-0. — PTI 

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Waugh announces retirement

Australian Test cricket captain Steve Waugh and his wife Lynette leave a press conference in Sydney
Australian Test cricket captain Steve Waugh and his wife Lynette leave a Press conference in Sydney on Wednesday after Waugh announced his retirement from international cricket at the end of the upcoming series against India. — AP/PTI photo

Sydney, November 26
Australian captain Steve Waugh today announced his retirement from international cricket at the end of the upcoming Test series against India.
“My present form and fitness suggests I could play on but all good things must come to an end and I believe Sydney is the perfect place. I want to leave the game on a high and I just think the time is right now,” Waugh told a press conference at the Sydney Cricket Ground this morning.

The 38-year-old veteran, who had made his debut in international cricket in 1985-86 against India will end his distinguished career against the same country, should he be selected for the four Test-match series starting on December 4 at Brisbane.

“The upcoming Sydney Test will be my last for Australia should I be selected to play,” he said.

“There is that element of sadness,” Waugh said. “But the overwhelming emotion for me is there is a lot more to do in life and I am looking forward to it.”

There was no immediate announcement on a successor but Waugh said he believes Ricky Ponting, captain of Australia’s one-day side, is his most likely successor as Test captain.

“The obvious choice is Ricky Ponting,” Waugh said. “He has done a great job with the one-day side. He has been groomed to take over.”

Waugh has played 164 tests amassing 10,660 runs at an average of 51.25 including 32 centuries, putting him second on the all-time list of century makers behind Indian legend Sunil Gavaskar’s 34 and three ahead of Sir Don Bradman.

Waugh has led Australia 53 times and won 40 of his tests as captain, losing eight and having only five draws.

Waugh’s highest test score was 200 against the West Indies at Sabina Park in April 1995.

Waugh said he was now looking forward to spending more time with his wife, Lynette, and three children.

“Lynette, Rosy, Austin and Lily have supported my cricket ambitions in a selfless manner,” he said. “I now look forward to spending more time with them in a more traditional family unit.

“I just feel right now I am playing consistent cricket, I’m really enjoying my cricket. My family and friends will be there in Sydney, it’s a great place to finish and I think now is the right time,” the veteran said.

For Waugh, a series win in India remains the final unfulfilled conquest of his Test career.

Wishing his team-mates well for the 2004 tour of the sub-continent he said: “It is still going to be a great challenge to the guys going to India next year, and I’ll be supporting them and watching them and hope they do well. I just won’t be there.” — PTI

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Blignaut stars in Zimbabwe's win

West Indies batsman Brian Lara is clean bowled by Zimbabwean skipper Heath Streak
West Indies batsman Brian Lara is clean bowled by Zimbabwean skipper Heath Streak. — Reuters photo

Harare, November 26
Andy Blignaut completed career best figures to bowl Zimbabwe to victory in the third one-day international against West Indies on Wednesday.

Fast bowler Blignaut delivered a fiery second spell to take four for 43 as Zimbabwe won by 21 runs and took a 2-1 lead in the five-match series.

Zimbabwe made 229 for five after losing the toss but dismissed West Indies for 208 in the 48th over.

West Indies opener Chris Gayle top-scored with 61, including seven fours, his dismissal in the 40th over effectively ended the tourists' challenge.

The major contributions to Zimbabwe's total were Mark Vermeulen's 66 and an unbeaten 65 by captain Heath Streak.

Vermeulen faced 70 balls and hit seven fours, while Streak batted for 91 balls, hitting a four and a six.

West Indies captain Brian Lara put the home side into bat on a cracked pitch in humid conditions but most of the Zimbabwe top and middle order struggled to settle against the West Indies seamers' nagging line and length.

Vusi Sibanda was the first to go when he drove a delivery from fast bowler Merv Dillon uppishly to Ricardo Powell in the covers for 11.

Zimbabwe:

Sibanda c Powell b Dillon 11

Gripper c and b Hinds 17

Vermeulen b Powell 66

Wishart hit wkt b Drakes 7

Matsikenyere lbw b Hinds 8

Streak not out 65

Taibu not out 37

Extras: (lb-9, w-6, nb-3) 18

Total: (for 5 wkts, 50 overs) 229

FoW: 1-22, 2-53, 3-69, 4-85, 5-139

Bowling: Drakes 10-2-38-1, Dillon 10-2-32-1, Hinds 10-0—43-2, Collymore 10-0-39-0, Samuels 3-0-23-0, Powell 5-0-35-1, Gayle 2-0-10-0.

West Indies

Hinds c Taibu b Blignaut 13

Gayle c Taibu b Blignaut 61

Sarwan c Taibu b Streak 0

Lara b Streak 34

Chanderpaul c Sibanda b Price 19

Samuels c Ervine b Blignaut 25

Powell b Blignaut 0

Jacobs not out 25

Drakes c Taibu b Ervine 9

Dillon b Streak 5

Collymore lbw b Ervine 2

Extras (lb-3 nb-1 w-11) 15

Total (all out, 47.2 overs) 208

FoW: 1-24 2-25 3-95 4-120 5-164 6-164 7-170 8-186 9-205

Bowling: Streak 9-0-45-3, Blignaut 10-0-43-4, Brent 7-1-37-0, Ervine 9.2-0-42-2, Price 10-2-27-1, Gripper 2-0-11-0. — Reuters

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India ‘A’ snatch draw

Ahmedabad, November 26
Sri Lanka ‘A’ nearly turned the tables on a jittery India ‘A’ even as the first of the three four-day Test matches between the two teams ended in an exciting draw on the final day at Sardar Patel Stadium in Motera here today.

Set to chase 184 in 31 overs, the hosts apparently buckled under pressure to lose four wickets, including that of skipper Shiv Sundar Das, as the top-order batsmen executed unwarranted shots in a bid to reach the target.

Das, who skied a simple catch to Nawaz at mid-on in the seventh over, was followed into the pavilion by Hemang Badani clean bowled the very first ball he faced. Lankan pacer T Lakshitha accounted for both wickets.

Mohammed Kaif, however, cracked a gritty 50 not out and was well supported by keeper Ajay Ratra (26 not out) as the duo saved the day for their team, which was panting at 47 for four at one stage.

Earlier, Lankans were bowled out for 308, minutes before tea after resuming their overnight score at 196 for four.

Skipper Naveed Nawaz was unfortunate not to get a 100, after he was caught by Gambhir off legspinner Ramesh Powar for 92.

However, Anushka Pollonwita (41, 153b) and tailender O Wijisiriwardane (19, 91b), frustrated the Indian bowlers. Speedster Munaf Patel and Powar shared three wickets each.

Frustration was evident, as Patel was warned by the umpire after he hurled a ball that was played defensively by Lankan tailender Omesh Wijesiriwardane. The ball bounced and hit the helmet of batsmen, prompting umpire Devendra Sharma to ask the Gujarat speedster to keep his cool. — PTI

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HCA refutes charge of corruption
Our Sports Reporter

Rohtak, November 26
The Haryana Cricket Association (HCA) has refuted the allegations of corruption, appearing in a section of the Press today, against it’s panel of selectors levelled by a former Ranji cricketer, Sanjay Bhatia. Describing the allegations as totally baseless and mischievous the HCA secretary, Mr Ranbir Singh Mahendra, said the allegations had been levelled with the sole aim of tarnishing the image of the HCA and therefore, there was no need to probe the matter.

Mr Mahendra gave a clean chit to Haryana Ranji selectors Rajender Goel, Aman Kumar and Rajesh Bawa. Clarifying the position, the HCA secretary said it was misleading to say that the Haryana Ranji team comprised six players from Delhi. He said members of the state squad currently playing in the Ranji Trophy belonged to Haryana. He said Ishan Ganda, Shafiq Khan, Mahesh Rawat and Saurav Virmani represent Faridabad district whereas Sunny Singh and Pradeep Sahu belong to Gurgaon. Jatinder Malik and Sumit Narwal represent Bhiwani and Karnal districts respectively. Chetan Sharma, Gaurav Vashisht, Jatinder Singh and Joginder Sharma have been representing Rohtak district and have played the junior cricket also from Haryana. 

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Railways record three-wicket victory in Ranji Trophy
Our Sports Reporter

New Delhi, November 26
Railways recorded a thrilling three-wicket victory against Delhi in their Elite Group Ranji Trophy cricket match to earn four points at the Karnail Singh Stadium here today. Chasing a victory target of 240 runs, Railways hit the victory post in the tenth mandatory over, to finish at 244 for seven off 62.5 overs in 330 minutes.

In the end, Railways’ 39-run first innings lead stood them in good stead as Delhi had run them close in the closing minutes, and even looked like upsetting the Railway apple cart.

Railways looked poised for victory when Jaya Prakash Yadav was going great guns. But when he was clean bowled by Narinder Singh with a shooter, which cartwheeled his stump, after Yadav had reached the magical three-figure mark, Railways still needed 18 more runs to pip Delhi to the post. With the Railway total reading 222 for six, the victory target looked achievable with four wickets still in hand, but wicket-keeper Sudhir Wankhede too followed Yadav into the dressing room after the addition of one run when a shooter from Sanjay Gill uprooted his leg stump.

Suddenly Railways looked vulnerable, and were fighting to save their own skin. But Yere Goud and Harvinder Singh put their heads down to foil the designs of Delhi and guide Railways to a well-merited, heart-stopping victory. Yere Goud remained unbeaten on 26, scored off 31 balls with two boundaries while Harvinder scored an unbeaten 7, off eight balls with one boundary.

Railways fetched four points from this victory to take their points tally to six from three matches. They had earned two points from Andhra Pradesh for taking the first innings lead at the Karnail Singh Stadium a fortnight ago. But they nullified the advantage when they conceded two points to Kerala in their away match last week.

Delhi suffered their second consecutive defeat, and today’s setback came before they could recover from the ten-wicket rout they suffered at the hands of Mumbai at the Jamia Milia ground last week. They just have two points from three matches earned from Uttar Pradesh. With the Ferozeshah Kotla ground under renovation, Delhi are without a ‘home ground’ this season, and today’s defeat made them pine for a home ground advantage where they could excel, despite their depleted bench strength.

Delhi, who were 198 for six in their second knock at draw of stumps yesterday, added 80 runs today, thanks to a patient knock of 82 by Pradeep Chawla, who had been let off by J.P. Yadav at short midwicket off Kulamani Parida when he was on 77. Railways were able to restrict Delhi to a modest total, thanks to the effective bowling of Harvinder Singh and J.P. Yadav, who claimed 4 for 58 and 3 for 43 respectively.

Railways, chasing a challenging total on a turning track, suffered two crippling blows when Sanjay Bangar and Amit Pagnis returned to the pavilion in quick succession. Pagnis was run out by Mithun Manhas when his direct throw from extra cover knocked off the bails and Railways lost their first wicket before opening their account. Sanjay Bangar also left after making four runs, when he was caught on the leg trap of Gill. Railways were two wickets down for nine runs.

Tejinder Pal Singh and J.P. Yadav, however, hoisted 59 runs for the third wicket to put Railways back on the rail. And with Yadav showing blazing form, Railways looked set for a victory, but there was a dramatic twist in the fortune when Yadav was bowled by Negi after he made 101, off 174 balls with ten fours and one six. He flicked Sanjay Gill to third man for a single to hoist his century. When Wankhede fell cheaply for one run, there was trepedation in the Railway dressing room, but Yere Goud stayed put to eventually anchor Railways to safety, and to victory, with a fine 26.

Brief scores: Delhi: 195 and 278. Railways: 234 and 244 for 7 in 62.5 overs (T.P. Singh 26, J.P. Yadav 101, Siddarth Verma 38, Yere Goud 26 n o, Sanjay Gill 2 for 60, Kunal Lal 2 for 43, N.S. Negi 1 for 52).

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Gaurav engineers Haryana win
Our Sports Reporter

Rohtak, November 26
A century partnership for the sixth wicket by Jammu and Kashmir skipper Dhruv Mahajan and Majid Dar and their individual half centuries delayed but could not deny Haryana an outright win in the Ranji Trophy Plate Group A league match which concluded here at Maharaja Aggarsain Stadium here today. Haryana earned four points but failed to garner crucial bonus point which they could have earned had they reached the victory target without losing any second innings wicket. Haryana achieved the victory with a margin of eight wickets.

Jammu and Kashmir were 21 runs ahead when proceedings resumed on the final day today. Overnight unbeaten pair of Dhruv Mahajan and Majid Dar raised their half centuries. Mahajan’s 63 came in 253 minutes off 193 balls with the help of 7 boundaries. Majid’s knock worth 50 runs consumed 136 deliveries and lasted for 177 minutes. In the process, they also added 105 runs for the sixth wicket in 177 minutes off 269 balls. Another useful knock by Vijay Sharma (34) raised J&K hopes of preventing Haryana from taking a bonus point. J&K, who were forced to follow on after being bundled out for paltry 96 in the first innings, managed to compile 309 in their second knock giving the hosts a target of 102 for an outright win.

Haryana off spinner Gaurav Vashisht, who had accounted for the dismissal of half a dozen batsmen in the first innings, scalped another six to take his tally of wickets to one dozen from this tie.

Scoreboard

Haryana (1st innings): 304

Jammu and Kashmir (1st innings) 96

Jammu and Kashmir (2nd innings): V. Taggar c Shafiq b Vashisht 39, R. Gill lbw Joginder 18, Kawaljeetjeet run out (Sahu) 41, Ashwani lbw Vashisht 44, Mahajan b Vashisht 63, Ahmed lbw Aparajit 1, Majid Dhar lbw Vashisht 50, Vijay b Aparajit 34, Sameer c Jitender b Vashisht 4, Bagal b Vashisht 1, Jagtar not out 0.

Extras (b-8, lb-6) 14. Total 309 all out in 132.5 overs.

Fall of wickets 1-31, 2-85, 3-143, 4-152, 5-159, 6-264, 7-291, 8-307, 9-309

Bowling: Joginder Sharma 21-5-59-1, S. Narwal 16-4-35-0, Gaurav Vashisht 48-17-102-6, Aparajit Singh 30.5-11-49-2, Pradeep Sahu 17-3-50-0

Haryana (2nd innings): Jitender Singh not out 56, Chetan Sharma b Khajuria 33, Sunny Singh b Khajuria 0, Ishan Ganda not out 9.

Extras (b-1, nb-2, w-1) 4. Total for 2 wickets 102 in 37.2 overs.

Fall of wickets: 1-84, 2-84

Bowling: S.S. Bagal 4-1-11-0, V.Sharma 5-0-12-0, Jagtar Singh 10-2-23-0, S.Khajuria 8.2-2-34-2, D.Mahajan 9-2-15-0, A. Gupta 1-0-6-0.

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Punjab-Baroda tie drawn

Vadodara, November 26
A crucial first innings lead of 35 runs against Punjab enabled hosts Baroda secure two points as the four-day Ranji Trophy tie ended in a draw here on the last day today.

Resuming at their overnight score of 323 for eight, Punjab batsmen could add just 11 runs before being bowled out for 334 in their first innings replying to Baroda's 369.

Medium pacer Rakesh Patel was the wrecker-in-chief for the hosts claiming five wickets.

Baroda, who had made 369 runs in their first essay, made 247 runs losing six wickets before play was called off after eight mandatory overs.

Shatrunjay Gaekwad, son of the former India player, coach and selector Anshuman Gaekwad, made a brilliant 72 while he was ably supported by Rishikesh Parab (56). — PTI

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HP beat Services by 5 wickets

New Delhi, November 26
Maninder Singh Bisla hit a sparkling unbeaten 76 as Himachal beat Services by five wickets in the Ranji Trophy Plate Group B match at the Palam ground here today.

Brief scores: Services: 233 and 175 (Krishna Chawda 56; Vikramjit Singh 6/42).

Himachal: 291 and 118 (Maninder Singh Bisla 76 not out; Fazil Mohammad 3/47). —PTI

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Punjab score 311 for four
Our Sports Reporter

Patiala, November 26
A fluent unbeaten century by opener Ravinder Singh (138 n.o) and a solid 84 by Sunny Sohal enabled Punjab to amass a comfortable 311 for 4 against Delhi on the second day of a league match of the North Zone Inter-State Cricket Tournament (U-17) played at the Dhruv Pandove Stadium here today.

Both Sunny and Ravinder put on 133 runs for the first wicket and this partnership virtually took the sting out of the rival attack which looked pedestrian for almost the entire day. Ravinder was particularly aggressive as he disdainfully carted the bowlers all over the park. The Patiala left hander played some delectable drives on the off side. On the other hand Sunny, who stepped on the crease with a century to his credit in the hosts previous contest, was confidence personified from the first ball he faced.

Scores: Delhi: (1st innings) 278 all out Punjab: (1st innings): 311 for 4 (Ravinder Singh 138 n.o, Sunny Sohal 84, Harman Bajwa 43, Sarabjit Singh 10 n.o, Gurkirat Singh 20, Karan Harit 3 for 64, Rahul Mehta 1 for 62).

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Punjab beat J &K by three wickets
Our Sports Reporter

Patiala, November 26
Despite some hiccups, Punjab managed to register a narrow three-wicket win against J&K in a league match of the North Zone-Inter State Cricket Tournament (U-22) which concluded at the YPS grounds here today.

Resuming from a jittery 13 for 2, the Punjab batsmen were all at sea against some good medium pace bowling by Parnav Mahajan who bowled with zeal to end with analysis of 16-4-43-6. At one stage, the hosts were 61 for 5 and the match threatened to go the visitors way before a 32 run partnership for the sixth wicket between Sachin Sachdeva and Jatinderpal Malhotra steadied the innings.

Scores: J&K: (1st innings) 143 all out Punjab (1st innings): 180 all out J&K (2nd innings): 126 all out

Punjab (2nd innings): 107 for 7 (Sachin Sachdeva 20 n.o, Jatinderpal Malhotra 22, Gaurav Marwaha 17, Sandeep Sanwal 16, V.R.V Singh 8 n.o, Parnav Mahajan 6 for 43)

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Olympians' body on the anvil
M.S. Unnikrishnan

Mr Shiv Kumar, SSP gives away the trophy to players of Panjab University, winners of the 4th DN Mittal Memorial Football League played at Bassi Pathana
Mr Shiv Kumar, SSP gives away the trophy to players of Panjab University, winners of the 4th DN Mittal Memorial Football League played at Bassi Pathana.

New Delhi, November 26
The Olympians of India are gearing up to form their own association as they strongly feel that there is no organised outfit to look after their interests. With the Arjuna Awardees' Association (AAA) in a virtually defunct state, the Olympians feel that they need to form their own body to safeguard their interests. Moreover, with over 70 per cent of the members of the AAA being non-Olympians, the AAA has not been able to properly look after the interest of the Olympians.

Veteran Olympian Gurbachan Singh Randhawa will be attending the third "Electrol General Assembly of World Olympians" to be held at the International Olympic Committee headquarters in Lausanne (Switzerland) on November 28 and 29 to study the functioning of the world body before preparing the groundwork to form an Olympians' body in India.

Randhawa is attending the meeting at the invitation of the president of the world body S Paul Smith. This is the first time the Indian Olympic Association has deputed a veteran Olympian to attend the meeting.

Mr Paul Smith, in a communication, has impressed upon the IOA the need to participate in the meeting of the Olympians as India does not have a National Olympians' Association and "this is a good opportunity to learn more about the goals and activities of the World Olympians' Association and to establish your own National Association of Olympians".

It is learnt that the top brass of the IOA, including secretary-general Randhir Singh, who is also a member of the International Olympic Council (IOC), has given the green signal for the Olympians to form their own association, outside the ambit of the Arjuna Awardees' Association.

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PGA trainers to conduct clinic
Prabhjot Singh
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, November 26
A team of four trainers from the Professional Golfers Association (PGA) of Great Britain and Ireland will be here early next month to conduct a three-day special clinic for players. The clinic will be conducted a Chandigarh Golf Club from December 2 to 4.

The clinic, the first of its kind in this part of the country, will be conducted by Ms Beverly Hukes (founder member of Ladies European Tour), Mr Peter Cain (UK qualified PGA Golf Professional), Ms Claire Waite (UK qualified PGA Golf Professional) and Mr Mark Arnold (Butch Harman certified fitness trainer). Mr Arnold helps in fitness and conduct psychology sessions.

The PGA Teaching System is basically based on modern, universally accepted golf swing and biomechanical principles. It has been designed not only to help brand new golfers to learn the sport from a scratch, get a handicap and learn to play their best but also help existing players to improve their swing, shortgame and course management skills to reduce their handicaps. It also assists advanced players to enhance their shotmaking and competitive talents to play a higher levels.

According to Mr Surinder Malhotra, who looks after media for the PGA, the Professional Golfers Association has been one of the oldest body of the sport as it had its origin in 1901. The PGA supports the improvement of golf facilities all over the world.

Since India is emerging a new power in the sport, the PGA has embarked upon a new programme to help young Indian golfers as well as helping in establishing international standard golf courses in the country.

Before coming to Chandigarh, the visiting British team conducted a similar clinic at DLF Golf Academy in Gurgaon from November 21 to 23 and finished its second clinic at Rishikesh today.

Mr Malhotra said that the British High Commissioner to India, Sir Michael Arthur, has extended official patronage to the visit of the PGA team. The Indian Golf Union (IGU) had deputed four golfers — Vikrant Chopra, Keshav Mishra, Jaskirat Singh Dullet and Karanjeet Singh - to attend the Gurgaon clinic and interact with members of the PGA team.

Since Chandigarh has a team of promising young golfers in the age group of nine to 13 years, special attention would be given to them during the clinic, said Mr Malhotra hoping that similar clinics would also be conducted at Phillaur and Jalandhar besides Chandigarh in February next year. A special clinic was also conducted for young golfers from Army in the union capital.

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Rajender Bishnoi rules the track
Our Sports Reporter

Ludhiana, November 26
Rajender Bishnoi of Rajasthan stole the limelight clinching two gold medals on the fourth day of the 57th Senior, 34th Junior and 20th Subjunior Hero Challenge National Track Cycling Championship being held at the velodrome of the Punjab Agricultural University here today. Punjab, holders in the junior section and Punjab Police, current champions in the senior section along with riders from Andaman & Nicobar, too, secured two gold medals each out of total twelve which were decided today.

Rajender Bishnoi proved too fast for his immediate opponents in the 1 km massed start for boys (u-16 years) and claimed the gold by clocking 1.32.100 secs and later in the 3 km individual pursuit, Rajender finished ahead of others to score a brace.

Results: Girls (u-18) 4 km massed start-Gurpreet Kaur of Punjab 8.30.325 secs 1, Elizabeth of Andaman & Nicobar 8.30.328-2, Neelammumalliganiad of Karnataka 8.59.211 secs 3; 1 km massed start (u-16)- B Neet of Andaman & Nicobar 1.30.255 secs 1, Saritha S of Kerala 1.30.260 secs 2, Nisha Kolhe of Maharashtra 1.30,265 secs 3; Boys (u-16) 1 km massed start- Rajender Bishnoi of Rajasthan 1.32.100 secs 1, K Dharmertheja of Andhra Pradesh 1.33.000 secs 2, Rajinder singh of Punjab 1.35.285 secs 3. Girls (u-14) 1 km massed start- Martha of Andaman & Nicbar 1.35.100 1, Rudrahashi Ganachari of Karnataka 1.35.280 secs 2, Savitha N of Karnataka 1.35.525 secs 3; Boys (u-14) 1 km massed start-Lakappa Kurni of Karnatka 1.28.300 secs 1, Bakhshish Singh of Punjab 1.28.481 secs 2, Kevin of Punjab 1.28.636 secs 3.

Men- 8 km massed start- Pavittar Singh (Punjab Police) 13.44.771 sec 1, Sukhjinder Singh of Punjab Police 13.44.772 secs 2, Vishnuchand M of Kerala 13.44.773 secs 3; Women 4 km massed start- Rajni B of Kerala 07.46.275 secs 1, Gurpreet Kaur of Punjab 07.46.685 secs, Sandhya R of Kerala 07.46.930 secs 3.

Boys (u-16) 6 km massed start- Abhishek Rana of Punjab 11.59.140 secs 1, P.M. Hirekurbar of Karnataka 11.59.364 secs 2, M Suresh Kumar of Andhra Pradesh 11.59.890 secs 3; Boys (u-18) 3 km indvidual pursuit- Rajender Bishnoi of Rajasthan 03.58.887 secs 1, Neeraj Sawhney of Punjab 03.59.482 secs 2, Gagandeep Singh Chauhan of Punjab 04.08.756 secs 3.

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Faridkot beat Ludhiana
Our Sports Reporter

Ludhiana, November 26
In a battle of nerves, Faridkot men prevailed over last year's runners-up, Ludhiana 89-72 to secure a berth in the semifinals of the 54th Punjab State Basketball Championship for men and women being held at the AS Senior Secondary School, Khanna, today.

For Faridkot, Nishan made all the difference securing 35 points. He was well assisted by Sukhpal Singh and Manpreet Singh who contributed 16 and 11 points respectively. For Ludhiana, Gurbhej Singh and Ajay fought well scoring 21 and 14 points, respectively, but that was not enough to wipe out the lead of Faridkot players. Kanwalnain and Sukhpal Singh chipped in with 9 points each.

In other preliminary matches (men) , Faridkot beat Sangrur 59-31; Mansa defeated Ferozepore 58-29; Amritsar drubbed Hoshiarpur 67-23; Kapurthala overpowered Ropar 68-61; Jalandhar pipped Fatehgarh Sahib 56-23; Bathinda outplayed Muktsar 54-25 and Patiala outscored Moga 64-19.

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JCT Academy, BSF win
Our Correspondent

Jalandhar, November 26
BSF beat CRPF while Punjab Police defeated Punjab State Electricity Board by identical 2-0 margin on the third day of the All-India Guru Gobind Singh Football Tournament at Guru Gobind Singh Stadium here today. JCT Academy won against Keltron Club, Kerala, 3-1. BSF opened their account in the sixth minute when Vijay Kumar netted the ball. A spot kick converted by Sarabjit Singh consolidated BSF’s lead. Punjab Police beat PSEB 2-0. Gurpreet scored the first goal while Harpreet Singh made it 2-0 for the Punjab cops.

JCT Academy who beat Keltron Club scored the first goal through, Sandeep. Gian Moin’s pass to Sandeep resulted in the second goal while the third was scored by Moin himself. Keltron Club reduced the margin in 85th minute.

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Panjab varsity lift football trophy
Our Correspondent

Fatehgarh Sahib, November 26
Panjab University Chandigarh won the Prof. D.N.Mittal Memorial 4th University Football League Tournament being held at ITI grounds at Bassi Pathana. Panjab University defeated Guru Nank Dev University by one goal to nil in a keenly contested match played on the final day of the tournament. Punjabi University Patiala were runners up by getting seven points. Mr Shiv Kumar, SSP, gave away prizes to the winners.

The final match of the tournament was played on a very fast note. Both teams played attacking football. The all-important goal for Panjab University was scored by Mr Kulwinder Singh in the 32nd minute of the tournament. Panjab University boys mounted pressure and continued to raid the GND University goal time and again but missed chances. In the second half the GND University players gave a tough fight to Panjab University and they got many chances of scoring but the rhythm and the understanding between the forward line of GND varsity was missing.

Addressing the prize distributing ceremony Mr Shiv Kumar SSP said it was matter of concern that the standard of football was going down in the state and the youth of the state was being attracted by other games like cricket .

Mr Randhir Singh Cheema a former minister, Mr Amardeep Singh Dharni, chairman organising committee, Dr Pardeep Mittal son of Prof. DN Mittal, Mr Surjeet Singh Secretary, organising committee, also addressed.

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 BRIEFLY

MLNC bag title
YAMUNANAGAR:
M.L.N. College Yamunanagar bagged K.U. Inter-College Lawn Tennis Championship defeating Guru Nanak Khalsa College Yamunanagar (4-1), Govt College Kalka (3-0) and Haryana College of Technical Management Kaithal (3-0). Dr Ramesh Kumar, Principal of M.L.N. College informed here today that three players of the college Sahil, Vikram and Ashutosh have been selected to represent K.U. in All-India university tournaments to be held at P.U. Chandigarh. M.L.N. College Yamunanagar has won this championship 12 times during last 13 years. — OC

Junior athletics
SANGRUR:
More than 1000 budding athletes of Punjab are likely to take part in the Punjab State Junior Athletics Championships being held here on December 5 and 6. This information was given by the secretary of the district athletics association. Punjab teams for participation in the junior national athletics championships will also be selected during the championships. The nationals are scheduled to be held at Kerala from December 20 to 22. — OSR

Boxers selected
SANGRUR:
Boxers have been selected to represent Sangrur in the Punjab State Sub Junior Boxing Championships being held at Khanna from November 28 to 30. The list was released by Daljit Singh, president of the district boxing association. They are: Pankaj Saini, Surinder Singh, Paramjit Singh, Ishant Khosla, Jatinder Singh, Manik Sharma, Gurdeep Singh, Avinder Singh, Puran Bahadur, Gurdit Singh, Jagdeep Singh, Sushil Kumar. — OSR

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