 |
|
Parul maintains winning spree Put aside
security concerns, says Akram
|
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Delhi beat Rajasthan by 23 runs in Ranji Trophy
Duleep Trophy tie
at Dharamsala AFC Cup India in race for second Jung fails to secure Olympic berth
Shamim’s team wins Pro-Am
|
|
Parul maintains winning spree Chandigarh, February 11 Other players to win in the girls section were top-seeded I-Hsuan Hwang of Taiwan, second seed Madura Rangnathan and fourth seed Pichittra Thongdach of Thailand. In the boys section three Indians figured in the semifinal line-up. Top seed Rupesh Roy, second seed Navdeep Singh, sixth seed Jeevan Nedunchezhiyan and third seed Faris Khatib of the UK entered the semifinals. After showing the door to third-seeded Kartiki Bhat in the second round yesterday, Goswami showed the same determination to march into the semifinals with a 7-5, 6-4 win in one hour and 50 minutes. She next meets Hwang, who showed little mercy in dispatching seventh-seeded Vandana Murali 6-0, 6-3 in just 70 minutes. Madura Rangnathan was stretched to three sets before prevailing over Jung-Yoon Shin of Korea 4-6, 6-2, 6-2. The match lasted three hours and 45 minutes. After losing the first set, Rangnathan came back strongly to win the next two. She will next clash with Pichittra Thongdach, who crushed Punam S Reddy 6-3, 6-1. Rupesh Roy did not face much difficulty in scoring a fluent 6-0, 6-4 victory over Naoki Sato of Japan. The match lasted just 70 minutes. Faris Khatib also did not have to work hard to enter the semifinals as he ended the run of qualifier Lior Barbash of Israel with a 6-1, 6-4 win. In the semifinals Roy will clash with Jeevan Nedunchezhiyan, who overcame fourth-seeded Martin Sayer of Hong Kong in two tough sets. Martin started strongly as he ran up a 3-0 lead but Jeevan seemed to have other ideas. He managed to hold serve in the next two games. Leading 4-2, Sayer found himself down 15-40. He saved one break point but double-faulted to hand Jeevan the break. In the 11th game Jeevan again broke Sayer to lead 6-5 but then lost his own serve to take set into the tie-breaker. Both players matched each other point for point before Jeevan finally took the tie-breaker 7-5. Jeevan played some beautiful passing shots at crucial times to help his cause. He again started badly in the second set, losing serve in the first game itself. He promptly broke back and thereafter games went with service till 4-4. Both players again traded breaks of serve in the next two games. The set again went into a tie-breaker, which Jeevan won easily. The final score was 7-6(7/5), 7-6(7/3) in Jeevan's favour. In the last singles match of the day, Navdeep Singh defeated Roman Kelecic of Croatia 6-1, 7-5. He will clash with Faris Khatib tomorrow. Rupesh Roy also won in the doubles as he partnered Sumit P Gupta for an easy 6-2, 6-1 win over Sergey Ni and Yuri
Akatov. There was no such luck for Parul Goswami as she lost in the doubles. Kartiki Bhat had her revenge as she teamed up with Punam S Reddy to tame Goswami and Penporn Chantawannop 6-1, 6-3. Semifinal
line-up (singles): Boys: Rupesh Roy (Ind) vs Jeevan
Nedunchezhiyan (Ind) and Navdeep Singh (Ind) vs Faris Khatib (UK). Girls:
I-Hsuan Hwang vs Parul Goswami (Ind) and Madura Rangnathan (Ind) vs Pichittra
Thongdach (Tha). |
|
Put
aside security concerns, says Akram Karachi, February 11 Wasim, who retired from the game with a world record of 502 one-day and 414 Test wickets in May last year, urged India to follow the example of his team which toured India in 1998-99 despite threats from fundamentalists. "My request to Indian players is to hit security concerns out of their minds and tour Pakistan with open minds and smiles because people all over the world are anxiously waiting for the series," Wasim told AFP. "I know it's tough to overcome safety concerns and Indian players are concerned in the same manner we were before our tour a few years back," he said. "But Indians must follow the Pakistan team's example which toured India despite pronounced death threats from fundamentalists, and the whole of India welcomed us on the tour," said Wasim. "I know the cultures of both Pakistan and India, people are mad about cricket and I see no problems for Indian players in Pakistan." A three-member Indian delegation is visiting Pakistan to assess security, which is seen as the last obstacle to India's first tour of Pakistan for 14 years. India is due to play a three-day game, three Tests and five one-dayers on the March-April tour but India's players including captain Sourav Ganguly have expressed fears over security. Wasim acknowledged the Indian players' concerns but said a guarantee of security for the team by the Pakistan's government could be relied upon.
— AFP |
|
Sydney century special, says Laxman Hyderabad, February 11 ''Every tour is an experience, but this one will remain etched in my memory for a very long time. Obviously, when you score two Test hundreds followed by three one-day tons,'' said the affable cricketer, speaking to UNI. Just for the record, Laxman smacked 494 runs in four Tests with an astounding average of 82.33 followed by his 443 runs in 10 innings with an average of 63.28. Asked how he would compare the two Test tons to the one in the '99 Sydney Test, he said ''the pressure was less then. It was a lost-cause where only the pride factor was at stake. The two centuries in this tour gave me a lot of satisfaction as the team was out to prove a point.'' On whether the one-day hundreds were just to hit back at the selectors who had dumped him for the World Cup, Laxman said ''Well, it was a huge disappointment to have missed the mega event. The best way is to let the bat do all the talking. I have been always comfortable with the Australian wickets where the ball comes nicely to the bat. The Sydney century will be special, being Steve Waugh's farewell appearance.'' Evidently, Laxman will be happy to perform at number three in the one-dayers. “I am enjoying the No 3 slot where you get to play the full quota of overs.”
— UNI |
|
Warne eyeing Sri Lanka tour Sydney, February 11 "I am not desperate but I am aiming to get into the team for Sri Lanka," Warne said after claiming two for 24 in his return match for a Victoria second XI against Queensland Cricket Academy in Melbourne today. The 34-year-old Warne, the most successful Australian bowler with 491 Test wickets, was playing in his first match after completing a one-year ban for testing positive for banned diuretics in January last year. After rain had prevented him from bowling on the first day and early sessions of second day, Warne finally got to bowl 12 overs an hour before close of play today. "I am passionate about cricket and it is fantastic to be back playing. When something you love so much is taken away, you realise how important it is," he told Channel Nine's Current Affairs programme this evening. Warne, one of Wisden's Five Cricketers of the Century, looked relaxed and cheerful. An intense fitness programme combined with daily yoga during the exile had kept him in perfect shape. Warne also used the time away from the game for introspection and weighing both his personal and cricket life. "I have had overwhelming support from my family and friends, who have stuck by me during this difficult period," Warne said. The Victorian second XI vs Queensland Academy of Sport match has been one of the most talked about. Warne's friends, family and fans turned up to support the Wizard of Spin over the last two days. A few months ago at the Baggy Green cap presentation ceremony, Warne had sounded philosophical about his ban. "Wearing the baggy green is a privilege and not something to be taken for granted," he told this correspondent. "I would love to come back better than ever before and play for Australia. I am as fit as I have ever been. I am not one to harp on the past, I am enjoying the present — being with my family, touring around the US and UK and playing golf. "I think this break will give me a chance to play longer as I have been rejuvenated," he had told PTI last July. Opinion is divided over whether the 12-month ban would prolong or hasten the end of his chequered career. Given the way he bowled today, there was reason to believe that there is still enough magic left in the 34-year old's wrist. Sri Lanka have chosen six spinners in its 25-man training squad for the seven-week series. Will Warne join Stuart MacGill on the other end, only time will tell.
— PTI |
|
|
Allan Border Medal Melbourne, February 11 A number of other awards will be presented including the Test Player of the Year, One-day International Player of the Year, State Player of the Year, Bradman Young Cricketer of the Year, Women’s International Cricketer of the Year, and induction of former player (s) into the Australian Cricket Hall of Fame.
— UNI |
|
|
Delhi beat Rajasthan by 23 runs in Ranji Trophy Kolkata, February 11 Rajasthan won the toss and allowed Delhi to take the first strike. In response, powered by a another brilliant ton by Rajat Bhatia, Delhi reached a respectable 204. In reply Rajasthan innings folded for 181. At the end of the one dayers, Mumbai emerged the champions with 13 points. Bengal, who won their match against Tamil Nadu today, and Delhi are both tied on 12 points each. But in the head-to-head clash the hosts got the better of Delhi, and that earned Bengal the second spot and Delhi will have to be satisfied with the third spot. Delhi got reinforcement for today’s match as Amit Bhandari, Ashis Nehra and captain Virender Sehwag flew into the city for the match. However, Sehwag got out after contributing only 32 to the score. It was Rajat Bhatia who once again shone with his bat after Delhi was rocked by Rajasthan bowlers who reduced them to three for 38 with Akash Chopra and M. Tehlan returning for duck and A. Jadeja returning for seven. Rajat’s unbeaten ton came of 116 deliveries and included seven fours and two sixes. He continued his form from the last match and batted with controlled aggression to take Delhi to safety after the initial hiccups. Rajat forged two 55-run partnerships with Negi(23) and Sanghvi (11) respectively in good time and held the innings together as batters returned one after the other. Rajasthan opening bowlers utilised the early morning dew and Mathur returned Sehwag and Tehlan. Gehlot accounted for the prized wicket of Akash Chopra. Following the match Delhi coach Madan Lal said it was always good to win, but if they got the bonus they would have been happier. Delhi needed to bowl out Rajasthan below 164 to get one bonus point. Madan Lal was happy that national team players even after the long Australian tour, responded to the state’s needs and flew here to play and add strength to the side.
— UNI |
|
Duleep Trophy tie
at Dharamsala Kangra, February 11 Mr Ashim Agrawal, Joint Secretary, Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association, discussed here today that the four-day match would be played between East Zone and South Zone. He said that half of the job of the Rs 12 crore project has already been completed and work on the construction of the main pavilion was in progress. The stadium was being constructed on the pattern of the stadium that was there in Mohali. It will have grassy slopes from where the cricket lovers will watch the match. The stadium will have seating capacity of more than 20,000 persons. He said that as per the guidelines laid down by the Board of Control for cricket in India (BCCI), five fast pitches of international standard with video and stump vision facility have been laid in the stadium. As many as 64 water sprayers have been implanted in the stadium. |
|
|
AFC Cup Margao, February 11 The Indian team scored courtesy Shanmugam Venkatesh in the 20th minute and Abhishek Yadav in the 66th minute, while for Dhofar the lone goal came through Obenwa Joseph Uju in the 55th minute. Though the visitors controlled the majority of play in the first half and came close to scoring on a number of occasions, they failed to capitalise on the chances. The Omani team came up with a good move in the 18th minute with Saif Al Ghafri and took a pile driver shot from the left flank, which was smartly saved by the jeep men’s goalkeeper Kalyan Chaubey. The jeep men then shot into the lead in the 20th minute through Shanmugam Venkatesh, who after receiving a pass from Jinto Jose, unleashed a left footer which found the net. Mahindra’s goalkeeper Chaubey, who was injured was substituted by Naseem Akhtar in the 27th minute. Stung by the early debacle, the visitors accelerated the pace of their game and had a chance to equalise in the 32nd minute after a short pass from Salim Al Kathiri to Umesh Gabrail, who found Salah Al Amri in a better position, but Salah failed to convert the opportunity. Then in the 35th minute, the Omani team had one more chance after a pass from Ahmed Bait Said found Obenwa Joseph Uju, but Mahindra’s Odartey Lawson’s timely clearance rescued the jeep men. Mahindra almost increased their lead in the 41st minute when Raphael Patron Akakpo, after dodging past Amin Ba Rashid, unleashed a full-blooded shot which unfortunately hit the goal post and rebounded into play. In the 43rd minute Raphael missed a sitter as his feeble shot went straight into the hands of the goalkeeper. Dhofar could have levelled the score in the 45th minute, when Obenwa Joseph from the right flank played the ball to Umesh Gabrail whose header found the goal frame. During the first half’s injury time, Odartey Lawson was shown his second yellow card and had to walk, leaving the jeep men to fend the entire second half with ten men. After change of ends, the Dhofar lads played with renewed vigour and restored parity in the 55th minute through Obenwa Joseph Uju off a well- measured pass from captain Farajallah Al Seem. Mahindra, however, regained their lead in the 66th minute through Abhishek Yadav off a freekick pass received from captain Khalid Jamil. After this, the match petered off as Mahindra closed ranks to defend their lead. The visitors had a chance to equalise in the 81st minute, but Mahindra’s substitute goalkeeper Naseem Akhtar, diving to his right, brought off a brilliant save off a substitute Ahmed Ba Alwi shot. Mahindra, too, had a chance in the 82nd minute when Abhishek Yadav played the ball to substitute Stevan Dias but his shot landed straight into the hands of rival goalkeeper Ahmed Al
Kaaf. — UNI |
|
India in race for second Olympic berth New Delhi, February 11 The Indian team scored 354 out of 375 while Kuwait score 353 and finished second, according to information reached here today. Mansher (121/125) and Manavjit (118/125) have reached the individual finals which will be held tomorrow. Mansher Singh kept India’s hopes of earning second quota place for Athens Olympic Games as he was leading the list of finalists. Earlier, Commonwealth Games gold medallist Samresh Jung failed to qualify for the Athens Olympics after finishing a disappointing 17th in the men’s 10 m air pistol. Jung, who won two gold medals in 50m pistol pairs and 25m standard pistol pairs in the Manchester Games in 2002, shot 573/600 to finish way down at the Subang National Shooting Range. The Indian would, however, get another chance to grab an Olympic berth in the men’s 25m standard pistol which will be held on February 17.
— PTI |
|
|
Jung fails to secure Olympic berth New Delhi, February 11 Jung shot 573 out of a
maximum of 600. Vivek Singh recorded the best Indian performance in this category accumulating 576 points, while another Commonwealth Games medallist Jaspal Rana finished a distant 24th with 570.
— UNI |
|
Women hockey stars felicitated Shahbad, February 11 Jasjeet Kaur and Surinder Kaur, both of whom are members of the Indian women hockey winning squad, were felicitated at a simple ceremony held at Shri Guru Nanak Pritam Girls Senior Secondary School in Shahbad Markanda, Kurukshetra. While Jasjeet Kaur is a student of the school, her senior team-mate Surinder Kaur passed out from this school which is considered a nursery for women hockey players. The gathering included children who are part of the hockey nursery. Jasjeet Kaur had scored the match-winning goal barely a couple of minutes from close to ensure India’s win. Jasjeet Kaur to dribble a through the Japanese defenders before hitting a solid shot home. The 16-year-old hockey player’s skill with the stick made her the most promising player of the tournament. “I am delighted with the win. I want to attain greater heights in hockey. Skill and teamwork helped us lift the Asia Cup,” Jasjeet Singh told mediapersons. Hockey coach Mr Baldev Singh, the man responsible for turning small-town young girls into international level hockey players, said that he has worked with determination. “I have received support from the officials concerned,” he said. He said that Commissioner Sports, Mr DS Dhesi, has been visiting Shahbad at regular intervals. Mr Baldev Singh said “Hockey players need to be trained with discipline. Tough training always bears desired result” he said. Mr Manmohan Singh of Unique Welfare Hockey Society said that girls from Shahbad were doing well in hockey. “We are proud of the fact that the girls from Haryana, particularly from Shahbad, were instrumental in India’s victory in the Asia Cup,” he said. He stated that Jasjeet Kaur, Suman Bala and Surinder Kaur contributed significantly in India’s triumph. “Jasjeet Kaur will now be known as the Golden Girl” he said “Deputy Commissioner Kurukshetra has announced Rs 11000 to each girl on behalf of the district sports council,” he
added. "We have been trying to get the best possible facilities for the hockey players. But, the authorities concerned must look into the requirement of the players. The Astro-turf shoes which were bought from outside for the girls turned out to be under sized”. Mr Manmohan Singh observed. |
|
|
Shamim’s team wins Pro-Am Chandigarh, February 11 While Kahlon warmed up for a possible appearance on Wednesday, the Pro-Am event, a curtain raiser to the four-day main tournament, was won by Delhi pro Shamin Khan’s team, who tallied 107 stableford points. The winners pipped Lucknow’s Vijay Kumar and team by a solitary point. Another Delhi pro Zai Kipgen and team finished third at 92 points. The Pro-Am was played on a Team Stableford format, where the professional’s score, which was compulsory was added to the two best amateur scores to get the team total . the handicap limits were 18 for gents and 24 for ladies. ‘‘There has been this slight pain in my right elbow for nearly a month,’’ said Kahlon. ‘‘Following my doctor’s advice, I have been abstaining from golf with a heavy heart. But with the Forest Hill Open being played at my home-town I felt this was a fine opportunity for me to test out my elbow at the Pro-Am. If it feels good, I would love to play the tournament before proceeding for the Malaysian Open next week,’’ he added ‘‘I have always enjoyed playing at the Forest Hill Golf Resort and will be keen to not just recover fitness but also put up an impressive performance here if I play this week,’’ said the winner of the last PGAI event held in this city, the Hero Golf Chandigarh Open 2003. Pro-Am winner Shamin Khan’s team comprised Pankaj Kishen, Navtej Singh and Dilmik Lamba, while Vijay Kumar’s team consisted of Gursimran Singh, Vaibhav Mehon and Amrinder Aulakh. The third placed team read Zai Kipgen, IPS Mann, Baljinder Singh and Raghav Bhandari. The professional in the winning team received Rs 5,000 for his effort while Vijay and Kipgen pocketed Rs 3,000 and Rs 2,000, respectively. The duo of Shamin Khan and Bangalore’s Rahul Ganapathy won the ‘Best Individual Pro Score’ of 38 stableford points and two-under 70. The two shared Rs 2,500 for their efforts. Dilmik Lamba also won the ‘Best Lasalle Putting Award’, a putting contest held for all the amateurs playing the pro-am and sponsored by Lasalle. Lamba’s 18-hole tally stood at an impressive 23 putts. Maj-Gen SPS Vains won the ‘Closest to the Pin’ award on the eighth hole, while IPS Mann won the ‘Longest Drive’ on the ninth hole. |
|
|
Judo teams Patiala, February 11 The team: (Men): Navjot Channa (56 kg), Kuldeep Raj (60 kg), Rakesh Kumar (66 kg). Shamsher Singh (73 kg), Kuljinder Singh (81 kg), Jai Pal (90 kg) and Pawan Kumar (100kg). (Women): Ranjit Kaur (44 kg), Namrata Sharma (48 kg), Sarabjit Kaur (52 kg), Harpreet Kaur (57 kg), Rajvinder Kaur (63 kg), Pawandeep Kaur (70 kg) and Arti Sharma (78 kg). Mr Surinder Kumar and Ms Tejinder Kaur will accompany the team as coaches. |
|
Footballers bereaved Chandigarh, February 11 He was 71 and leaves behind his widow and four sons, all footballers. They are international Vijay Kumar and Shubh Karan, a former JCT player, Yash Paul and Amrit Lal. Incidentally, Amrit Lal is the current president of the club founded by Mr Om Prakash Sharma. The bhog ceremony will be held on February 14. |
| HOME PAGE | |
Punjab | Haryana | Jammu & Kashmir |
Himachal Pradesh | Regional Briefs |
Nation | Opinions | | Business | Sports | World | Mailbag | Chandigarh | Ludhiana | National Capital | | Calendar | Weather | Archive | Subscribe | Suggestion | E-mail | |
Chandigarh, February 11
