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India go down fighting to Australia
Olympians keen to revitalise Indian hockey
Dispute with TN cricket body resolved: BCCI
Mixed day for Sourav, Harbhajan
Board to take up Sourav ban issue with ICC
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Comeback eves to clash today
Jalan sets record in 20 km walk
Resentment over move to shift SAI centre
Maha Singh, Geeta best athletes
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India go down fighting to Australia
Kuala Lumpur, June 3 The defending champions looked off colour despite earning four penalty corners in the opening session. Perhaps it was the thought of an outright win and thereby a final playoff which was weighing on their mind. Australia found the winner when Jamie Dwyer struck in the 65th minute with a reverse hit after Craig Victory had sent a measured, accurate minus pass in the crowded Indian circle. They used their flanks but lacked the speed and ball control against India, who appeared rusty and looked all at sea for the first 15 minutes. Even though the Aussie midfield was rock solid, their forwards Eli Matheson, Michael Boyce and captain Michael McCann did trouble the rival defence but committed unforced errors in the circle. Liam de Young, the overlapping right wing half, should have broken the ice in the second minute but shot wide, while another chance went abegging as McCann pushed Matheson’s pass out. All the first half penalty corners were well anticipated by Devesh Chauhan as India went into the break with a blank scoreboard. India had their chances to score, too. Prabhjot Singh was found wanting twice and could have netted from a Rajpal Singh cross. Then Sandeep Michael muffed an easy opportunity from the middle of the circle, taking too much time with only Australia goalkeeper Stephen Lambert to beat. After crossing ends, it was an improved Indian show which frustrated Australia no end. The eight-time Olympic winners slowed down the pace and matched their rivals with ball possession and robust defence from Indian skipper Dilip Tirkey. Flankmen Rajpal Singh and Prabhjot made good forays, but did not get the desired support from Arjun Halappa, Deepak Thakur or Michael. India got two penalty corners while the Aussies had only one penalty corner in the second half which Luke Doerner flicked over. Malaysia stun Pakistan
Upsetting all equations, hosts Malaysia stunned three-time winners Pakistan 1-0 to deny the former world champions a place in the final of the tournament. Meanwhile, Asian Games champions South Korea were made to struggle all the way before getting the better of South Africa 3-2 in their last league match here today. South Africa could have swung the match their way in the second half but Steve Philips missed a couple of opportunities with only the goalkeeper to beat. South Korea scored through Jong Hyun Jang (20th), Kyung Seok Kim (45th) and Jong Ho Seo (68th). For South Africa, without a win through the tournament, the goals came through Justin King (7th) and Steve Philips (57th).
— PTI, UNI |
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Olympians keen to revitalise Indian hockey
Sansarpur, June 3 Concerned over recent dismal performance of the Indian team during the Azlan Shah Hockey Tournament at Kuala Lumpur, a group of Olympians comprising former Indian captain Pargat Singh, Balbir Singh (Services), Tarsem Singh and Dharam Singh today gathered at Sansarpur village (Jalandhar), known for producing renowned hockey players, including 14 Olympians. “We are pained to see the present state of Indian hockey. The IHF is responsible for bringing down the standard of the game as the apex body is being governed by non-professionals, who are least concerned with bringing about improvement. Gill and his group have not done much during the past 12 years. We have decided to meet the Prime Minister soon to seek his help in this regard,” said Balbir Singh (Services), a former national selector and Arjuna awardee. They maintained that the countrymen were very unhappy with the dismal performance of the Indian team during the past decade or so. Dubbing the selection procedure for the Indian hockey squad as most dubious, Balbir Singh alleged that Gill was virtually a puppet in the hands of IHF Secretary K. Jothikumaran, who was allegedly instrumental in selecting the final squad by sidelining the selection committee. He said such was the state of affairs in Indian hockey that there was not even a proper selection panel for two or three years. “Let professionals and Olympians be given a chance to tap the talent at the grassroots level. Only the recommendations of the selection panel should be considered,” he added. India finished at the bottom of the table during the last edition of the Sultan Azlan Shah tournament in January, 2004, by losing all matches while they performed badly in the Athens Olympics. In the Test series against Pakistan in October, 2004, and the Champions Trophy in December, 2004, the team’s showing also left a lot to be desired. Pargat Singh alleged that the time has come for Gill and Co. to quit the IHF voluntarily in national interest instead of clinging to their posts. The group of Olympians was of the view that the IHF should involve former players in the development of the hockey. “The IHF must take the initiative to revive school tournaments in the country to tap talent at the grassroots level. Holland, Germany and Australia are grooming players at the school level. We must appoint good coaches at the lower level as school tournaments can play a very crucial role,” maintains Balbir Singh. He said most of them used to get tips from their seniors to improve their performance. The Olympians, who are imparting training to budding players at Sansarpur Hockey Academy, said as many as 160 school-going players were being trained here without any assistance from the state or Central governments. |
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Dispute with TN cricket body resolved: BCCI
Thiruvananthapuram, June 3 Addressing reporters after the two-day Working Committee meeting of the Board, Mr Mahendra said TNCA President N. Srinivasan and former BCCI President Jagmohan Dalmiya presented their views over the controversy generated by the letters written by Mr Srinivasan alleging irregularities in the TV rights issues. “After the discussions, Mr Srinivasan has withdrawn the letters and the allegations against Mr Dalmiya and the matter is closed," he said. Mr Mahendra also said the TNCA had admitted filing affidavits in favour of the apex body in the cases filed by Sir Thyagaraya Cricket Club and Bharti Cricket Club against the BCCI. On the TV rights issue, the BCCI President said the Board would constitute a committee before calling for tenders. “The process will be completed and after approval from the committee and then the Working Committee, the final decision will be taken,” he said Mr Mahendra said the Board would oppose the ordinances brought in by state governments of Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and Himachal Pradesh. “In principle, the members have agreed that we should oppose the move. The Board is not going to accept this intervention by the governments. Instead we will help the associations which have been affected,” he said. “There might be a possibility that the new associations (formed on the basis of these ordinances) might not get subsidies, matches and recognition from the Board.” On the issue of merger of the women’s cricket body, Mr Mahendra said the Working Committee decided to defer the matter till the next meeting. “In the meantime the Secretary has been requested to get in touch with other Test playing nations to find out what have they decided, in which manner they have taken over their respective Women’s Cricket Associations.” Mr Mahendra said the Board will also file a suit claiming a damage of Rs 10 crore against Netaji Cricket Club which had gone to the court against Mr Dalmiya’s election as Patron-in-Chief of the BCCI. The BCCI President was also authorised to take a decision on the disqualification of Rajasthan Cricket Association President Lalit Modi after Board Vice-President Kamal Morarka made a presentation before the members. The Working Committee also approved the itineraries for the tour of Sri Lanka, Pakistan and Zimbabwe and also discussed the details of the ICC Champions Trophy, which is set to be held in the country after the Centre decided to give tax exemption to international sporting events. Asked whether a bowling and fielding coach would also be appointed to assist newly appointed coach Greg Chappell, Mr Mahendra said the back-up team would surely be provided if the Australian asks for it. The BCCI President also said a full-time media manager would also be appointed before September.
— PTI |
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Mixed day for Sourav, Harbhajan
London, June 3 Glamorgan, after winning the toss, had no hesitation in putting Sussex in to bat first. In the 26 overs possible, Sussex made 225 for two. Making his debut for Glamorgan, Ganguly did manage four tidy overs of medium-paced swing conceding seven runs but failed to take any wicket. Asked whether he enjoyed his return to county cricket, Ganguly said: “I enjoyed it, yes. Nice weather. It was a good first day.” The Times daily today stated that Ganguly was intending to go to Paris for the French Open as part of a family holiday when he got the call to help Glamorgan in their fight for first division survival after their worst start to a championship season for 83 years. “There must have been moments during the past two days when he (Ganguly) wondered whether he should have stuck to his original plan,” the newspaper wrote. Harbhajan, playing for Surrey, failed to open his account while batting against Warwickshire but made some impression with the ball taking two for 57 along with Surrey, who made 340 in the first innings, ended the day at 14 for no loss after bowling out Warwickshire for 209. Dinesh Mongia, playing for Leicestershire in their second division match against Somerset, contributed 26 out of a total of 297 for seven at close of play yesterday.
—PTI |
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Board to take up Sourav ban issue with ICC
Thiruvanthapuram, June 3 “We have written to the ICC that the six-match ban is too much. We are taking this up with the ICC,” BCCI President Ranbir Singh Mahendra told reporters after BCCI's two-day working committee meeting here. Ganguly was banned for six one-day internationals by ICC match referee Chris Broad after the Indian captain was found guilty for his side's slow over rate during the one-day series against Pakistan. Ganguly, whose appeal against the ban was later turned down by ICC Appeals Commissioner Tim Castle, has already missed two matches.
— PTI |
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Paris, June 3 "I feel like I am in paradise," he said after finishing off the 3hrs 30mins tie. "I trained so hard for this and put so much in to win this match. It was like being back in Buenos Aires with all my supporters in the crowd." It was one of those unexpected semifinals that the French Open has a habit of throwing up. The big names in the bottom half of the draw, Andy Roddick, Andre Agassi, Marat Safin and Guillermo Coria were all sent packing early on as the special demands of claycourt tennis took their toll. Left standing were two of the sports’ journeymen — Puerta a once promising youngster who fell foul of drugs and injuries and Davydenko, a frail-looking slogger who dislikes playing when it is too hot. But the 24-year-old Russian had nothing to worry about for the biggest match of his tennis career as blustery thunderstorms delayed the start of the tie for 1hr 40mins. When it did finally get underway the 26-year-old Puerta took immediate command, his wristy groundstrokes forcing Davydenko onto the backfoot. They exchanged service breaks in the fifth and sixth games, but Puerta broke again two games later with a finely-judged forehand, crosscourt passing shot. He then served out to take a one set lead, converting on his third set point. Both players had come through gruelling five-set marathons in their respective quarterfinals and in the second set they settled back into that kind of grinding groove that is the mark of claycourt tennis. Games went with serve, but it was Puerta who was having the harder time of it holding serve and he finally cracked while just one game away from a tie-break. The Argentinian saved a first set point when Davydenko netted an easy forehand, but in the blustery conditions, Puerta floated a backhand long on the second break point against him to level the scores. That appeared to briefly take the wind out of Puerta’s sails and he quickly fell 0-3 down in the third. Davydenko looked the fresher taking all the initiatives as Puerta appeared to have run out of ideas. The Russian wrapped up the set 6-2, but Puerta broke first in the third game of the fourth set, only for Davydenko to break back in the next game.
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Paes-Martina beaten Paris, June 3
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Comeback eves to clash today
Paris, June 3 Their low seedings never mattered on their marches through the draw to semifinal victories yesterday, nor did the formidable health problems they each overcame to get this far. Pierce’s flat, deep groundstrokes kept Likhovtseva pinned behind the baseline, or left her frustrated when she made ventures to the net and got passed. Henin-Hardenne played with greater artistry and touch, wearing down Petrova and making her look silly on some points. On paper, it would be easy to discount Pierce’s chances to reclaim the French title she won in 2000, and came close to winning when she reached her only other final at Roland Garros 11 years ago. The years between have seen Pierce rise and fall — and rise again — as she has dealt with family dramas, coaching changes and injuries. None more serious than the back problems that led her to miss most of 2001 — and consider retiring. Pierce has won only one tour event, a minor one on grass in the Netherlands, since capturing the French Open, and came into this Grand Slam event seeded No. 21. At 30, she is the oldest women’s finalist here since Martina Navratilova in 1987, and is bidding to become the oldest champion since Chris Evert, at 31, the year before that. Throw in the fact that Pierce has lost all three of her matches against Henin-Hardenne in straight sets — on clay in Charleston, on grass at Wimbledon two years ago and on a hardcourt at the Olympics last summer — and it would not seem she has much chance. The 10th-seeded Henin-Hardenne, the 2003 champion, has a Jordan-esque number going for her — she turned 23 on Wednesday, she has won 23 straight matches, all on clay, and she is trying to win her 23rd title. “It’s my lucky number,” she said. “I hope it will keep going.” Yet consider the intangibles: Pierce, when she is on, still has some of the hardest and most accurate groundstrokes in the game. Though she lacks finesse and quickness in moving side to side, she can dictate points from the baseline, and put them away by moving forward. More than that, there is her attitude — a go-for-broke feeling and an absence of the pressure she felt earlier in her career. “It’s a fantastic feeling,” Pierce said, of the prospect of winning the trophy again. Someone asked Pierce if it all feels like a fairy tale. “No, not at all, because I’ve worked very hard,” she said. “I believe in myself, and the few people that believe in me that I have in my life have really helped me a lot to get where I am. “That’s why I’m here today, because I had something inside of me when I had my injuries that was telling me, ‘You’re not done. There’s still something for you to do in tennis, still some things for you to accomplish.’ “I just listened to that. That just proves (you should) never really doubt yourself and that voice inside.”
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Jalan sets record in 20 km walk
New Delhi, June 3 Gurdev also improved upon his previous meet record by clocking 1:30:58.5 which fetched him a silver. Meanwhile, Ritu Rani maintained her domination in hammer throw, winning her fifth successive gold of the season as she clinched the title in this event this evening. Ritu, however, was not very impressive in her win as her best throw covered a distance of 54.97m. In the men's section, CRPF's Joseph Abraham won his second gold in a row in 400m hurdles. He clocked a below-par 51.63 but still managed to top the
field.— UNI |
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Resentment over move to shift SAI centre
Chandigarh, June 3 Interestingly, even the name of the Chandigarh centre, Netaji Subhas Northern Regional Centre, has also been changed to Chaudhary Devi Lal SAI Northern Regional Centre, a proposal mooted by the then Chief Minister of Haryana, Mr Om Prakash Chautala. The local MP, Mr Pawan Bansal, had written to the Union Government about keeping the office in Chandigarh as it catered to various northern states. A councillor of the Municipal Corporation, Chandigarh, Mr Kuldip Singh, recently faxed a letter to the corporate office stating reasons for not shifting the SAI northern office to Sonepat. ]The councillor said the place where the office was proposed to be shifted was located at a remote place from the city. It was also surrounded by a crematorium and several industrial units, he said. |
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Maha Singh, Geeta best athletes
New Delhi, June 3 Three new meet records — two in pole vault, men and women, and one in 20km walk — were created during the three-day championship. S. Geeta, who yesterday won 400m gold clocking 52.71s, made it a grand double as she won the 200m gold this evening, timing a creditable 23.88. Twenty-four-year old SAF Games champion from Punjab Maha Singh leaped to the distance of 7.85m to win his third long jump title of the season in a row. — UNI
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Bangladesh
skittled out for 104 Anju keen to improve show Hughes on panel Cricket tourney Under-13 cricket Hockey league
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