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Greg Chappell gets down to business
Ex-captains differ on skipper selection
Harbhajan stars in Surrey win
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Twenty20 to make debut
in Delhi
Bookies on the run
Sania partners Chakvetadze
Roddick thirsty to end drought
Davenport raring to go after unexpected return
India determined to win football series
Sasikiran draws again
Browne, Mediate share lead
Indian eves finish 5th
Basketball trials
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Greg Chappell gets down to business
Bangalore, June 17 The 56-year-old former Australian captain was closeted with King, who has already given him reports on various players, and Gloster at the National Cricket Academy, where he would be based during his tenure. “Gregory King has a broad programme (on the upcoming camps). I have got some ideas that I would like to put into it,” Chappell said. The first camp would be for fringe fast bowlers towards the end of the month, followed by a conditioning camp for national probables for the forthcoming triangular series in Sri Lanka and thereafter a cricket camp for the full squad . The tri-series, featuring India, the West Indies and hosts Sri Lanka is scheduled to be held from July 26 and India’s first match is slated for August 1. “I have some ideas on the winning formula (for the tri-series),” Chappell said. Stressing the need for consistency and getting the basics right, he said: “I think we sometimes can be in danger of trying to do something that is really basically very simple.” Chappell also had a discussion with Col K.R. Nair, the administrative manager of NCA. He was also seen talking to under-22 players who are attending a camp here. Gloster said in terms of fitness, Indian players were on a par with those in top cricket playing nations. Chappell also stressed on fitness: “To play international cricket, you have to be fit.” Meanwhile, he had another task in hand. He had to pick the house from among the ones shortlisted by the Karnataka State Cricket Association and NCA officials in the vicinity of M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. Currently, Chappell and his wife Judith are staying in a Bangalore hotel.
— PTI |
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Ex-captains differ on skipper selection
Mumbai, June 17 While Polly Umrigar supported the view of Chappell, who wanted the squad to be chosen first and then the captain to be picked from among the members, Chandu Borde was against the idea. Chappell, at his first press conference at Bangalore yesterday after taking over as the new coach, said, “Speaking on cricket in general, one has to pick the team first and then the best person to lead the team,” adding that he felt quite strongly in favour of this method. “It is a good idea and the
correct procedure, to choose the squad members first and then choose the captain from among them,” said Umrigar, who had led India in the late 1950s. Borde, on the other hand, held a different view. “It is something new to Indian cricket, but I do not know whether this is a good idea or how this will work out as during selection committee meetings, both captain and coach are present and their views are given weightage (by the selectors),” Borde said. “How can you get the captain’s views about the players who are to be chosen if he himself has not been chosen in the first place,” he queried. Both the 79-year-old Umrigar, scorer of 12 centuries in 47 Tests, and the 70-year-old Borde were not in favour of the coach having a vote in selection committee meetings. “It is not the case in even Australian cricket. Anyway, the selection committee meetings are attended by captain and coach, whose views are listened to and considered (by the selectors),” Umrigar pointed out. Agreeing with his erstwhile team-mate’s views, Pune-based Borde said “I do not feel the necessity for the coach to have a vote. Anyway, his and captain’s views are given good weightage by the selectors.” The two former stalwarts were reacting to Chappell’s comments yesterday that he was keen to have a say in selection matters and would discuss the issue with the cricket board. “I have got an open mind about that; I do not have a particularly firm view,” Chappell said.
— PTI |
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Harbhajan, who had castled rival skipper and legendary leggie Shane Warne in the first innings, stole the thunder from the Australian by completely outshining him with an eight-wicket haul in the match. After captain Graham Thorpe won the toss and decided to bat, Surrey had scored 361 in their first innings in which Harbhajan scored a quickfire 25 off just 16 balls that included four boundaries and a six. In reply, Hampshire were all out for 146 as Harbhajan ran through their middle order claiming six for 36 in his 16 overs, that included two maidens. Following on, Hampshire lost wickets at regular intervals in their second innings as well. John Crawley tried to steady the ship and played a positive 62-ball knock of 67 before Harbhajan deceived him to be stumped out and that virtually dashed Hampshire’s hopes of saving the match. Nic Potha was Harbhajan’s next victim in the second innings and the batsman could not open his account before he gave an easy catch to Rikki Clarke. Harbhajan’s figures in this innings read 8-1-47-2. Mohammad Akram was the pick of Surrey bowlers in the second innings with figures of five for 41. Meanwhile, Warne was in the news for the wrong reasons in this match — he was involved in a prolonged
slinging match with umpire Alan Whitehead on Wednesday after his appeal for a catch was turned down. Warne met umpire Whitehead in the pavilion to sort out their differences and agreed to put the incident behind them.
— UNI, IANS |
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Twenty20 to make debut
in Delhi
New Delhi, June 17 The Delhi and District Cricket Association today announced a Super Hot Weather Twenty20 Cup, involving top eight teams of Premier Division. It would be played after completion of the Hot Weather matches which start tomorrow. “We are planning to organise Twenty20 overs matches involving all top eight teams of Premier Division for the Super Hot Weather Twenty20 Cup,” DDCA Sports Secretary Sunil Dev told a press conference in the Capital. Dev also announced that the Hot Weather Cricket Tournament would begin tomorrow. “This year’s tournament will be on a knockout basis in which 42 teams will take part. The matches will be played on 10 grounds in 12 days,” he said. DDCA general secretary SP Bansal said the new Kotla pitch would be ready by the end of this month. “The work at the Kotla ground, including installation of floodlights, would be over in six months”. Dev also announced the launch of DDCA website. “Our website would be available from this evening. “We are much ahead in launching our website comparing to the BCCI. The website will have daily match details as well as other features,” he said.
— PTI |
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Bookies on the run
Ahmedabad, June 17 A city-based bookie admitted “the arrest of Mehta and the subsequent raids and arrests of another big bookie codenamed ‘Jai Jinendra’ on Wednesday night had spread panic among 20 other big bookies, who had gone to undisclosed destinations.” The bookie said “none of these top bookies surfaced since Mehta’s arrest and whatever little betting is going on is through smaller channels”. He said all the main aspects concerning placing of bets during an international cricket match were fixed from Mumbai as it was the “unofficial headquarters” of bookies in the country. “The details (of the matches) are all collected from various sources by Mumbai-based bookies and it is they who decide the betting rates within the country and other factors”, the bookie said. “This information is passed on to bookies across the nation and punters, middlemen and small-timers in the trade also get involved in informing clients about the rates and its developments”, the bookie said. Most of the money dealings were done through ‘hawala’ transactions or ‘angadia’ (local courier), he said. Crime branch officials investigating the sensational case said they were working towards busting the bookies network operating in the state. Mehta, arrested under the Mumbai Gambling Act, was brought to the city on June 11 and was granted conditional bail by a local court.
— PTI |
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Sania partners Chakvetadze
London, June 17 The Indo-Russian pair will take on Alina Jidkova (Russia) and Tatiana Perebiynis (Ukraine) in the first round. The Sania-Anna pair had reached the second round of the French Open. In singles, the Hyderabad girl — struggling to find form since recuperating from a nagging ankle injury — meets Akiko Morigami of Japan. Sania, the only Indian girl with a WTA title under her belt, shot to fame after winning the girls’ doubles title partnering Alisa Kleybanova of Russia in 2003. Meanwhile, doubles specialist Mahesh Bhupathi and his Australian partner Todd Woddbridge have been seeded sixth in men’s doubles and the pair will take on the American duo of Graydon Oliver and Jared Palmer. The Indian, however, has undergone back treatment here and is doubtful starter. Down with the injury, Bhupathi had to retire halfway through his doubles semifinal match in the Gerry Weber Open at Halle in Germany last week. Bhupathi’s estranged partner and compatriot Leander Paes teams up with Serbian Nenad Zimonjic and the fifth seeds meet Lucas Arnold (Argentina) and Daniele Bracciali (Italy) in their first round tie.
— UNI |
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Roddick thirsty to end drought
London, June 17 Roddick got his thunderbolt serve firing in all directions and displayed his flair on the lush green lawns as he hurtled to his third successive Stella Artois title at the weekend. His reward for a focused performance at the Queen’s Club was to join fellow American John McEnroe and Australian Lleyton Hewitt as the only players to triumph three times in a row at the Wimbledon warm-up tournament. That win improved the American’s grasscourt record to an impressive 26-2 since 2003 and left him eager to launch an assault for a first Wimbledon crown when the All-England Club opens its gate for business next Monday. “I’m just excited that my preparation’s gone well for Wimbledon,” said the world number four. “It feels good. I never would have predicted it three years ago, that’s for sure”. “If you’re playing good tennis going in, then obviously you help your chances”. “I’d like to rate my chances a little better than a lot of people in the draw just based on how I’m playing right now and the preparation going in.” The only man who boasts a better grasscourt record than Roddick since 2003 happens to be twice Wimbledon champion Federer. Frustratingly for Roddick, both of his two defeats on the slick surface over the past two seasons have been dealt by the Swiss at the citadel of grasscourt tennis. Roddick was given a straight-sets masterclass by Federer in the 2003 semifinals. Just 12 months later, it appeared that the owner of the world’s fastest serve had done his homework when he stepped out for a rematch in the final. For a set and a half, his frenzied attack put Federer’s usually impeccable timing off course and Roddick looked set to become the seventh American to lift the Wimbledon men’s singles title since tennis turned professional in 1968. However, the world number one’s mesmeric skills eventually doused Roddick’s fireworks and the American had to make do with coming second best once again to the Swiss tactician.
— Reuters |
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Davenport raring to go after unexpected return
London, June 17 Twelve months ago, the 1999 Wimbledon champion walked out of the All-England Club convinced that she would never return again as a player. “I just cannot see myself back here in 12 months,” she said after losing to eventual winner Maria Sharapova in the semifinals. “I just do not feel the same kind of excitement any more.” Fast-forward a year and the American is singing a different tune. “I would not be doing it if I did not enjoy it,” the 29-year-old Davenport said recently. “I think you are still out there because you love to play and you love the competition and everything that goes with tennis.” The reason for her U-turn? An incredible run during the 2004 American hardcourt season. Following her defeat by Sharapova at Wimbledon, Davenport won four titles on the trot and strung together a 24-match winning streak, which was eventually snapped by Russian Svetlana Kuznetsova in the US Open semifinals. The disappointment of not being able to cap her run with victory at Flushing Meadows failed to stop the Davenport charge and she immediately stepped back into the winner’s circle at Filderstadt. Just when Davenport thought she was going to put her feet up and settle down to a life of domesticity, albeit with the help of a $18.5-million bank balance, with her investment banker husband Jon Leach and their two rottweilers, fate intervened. The popular American found herself back on top of the tennis rankings on October 18 and any thoughts of becoming a full-time housewife had to be put on hold.
— Reuters |
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Brazil, Mexico win
Leipzig, June 17 The striker’s inswinging left-foot shot from 30 metres embarrassed Greek goalkeeper Antonios Nikopolidis as it flew past him at his near post after 41 minutes yesterday. Robinho gave further evidence that he was on his way to becoming Brazil’s next great player with a superb solo performance, capped by their second goal and the man of the match award. The 21-year-old Santos striker, coveted by many of Europe’s richest clubs, scored in the 46th minute. Substitute Juninho Pernambucano added Brazil’s third in the 81st minute, just four minutes after replacing Kaka, firing home a superbly executed free-kick from 20 metres out. HANOVER: A touch of class from Brazilian-born forward Zinha helped Mexico come from behind to beat Japan 2-1 in their Group B opener. Mexico, trailing to Atsushi Yanagisawa’s 12th minute tap-in and struggling to get through a packed midfield, got their equaliser six minutes before the break when Zinha sent a perfectly flighted shot into the top right corner from over 20 metres. Mexico dominated for the remainder of the game and clinched victory when Jose Fonseca leapt and twisted in the air to guide in a Luis Perez cross in the 64th minute.
— Reuters |
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India determined to win football series
Lahore, June 17 Though India dictated terms in the first match, the hosts ended up with a creditable 1-1 draw at Quetta. The second match played yesterday again saw Indians dictating terms, but in the end only managed a solitary goal win, scripted by substitute Abdul Hakkim in the 66th minute. On the other hand, the Pakistanis must be thinking that if they could gain more control in the midfield, they could trouble the visitors, ranked 35 places above them at 135 in the latest FIFA ratings. The Pakistanis managed to stretch the Indians with quick counter-attacks at Peshawar yesterday, but such periods were few and far in between long spells of Indian superiority. India would again be looking for another inspired display from their skipper S. Venkatesh, who was voted by the AIFF as the best player in the last season. Venkatesh excelled in both matches and it was his long ball that was converted into the winning goal by Hakkim yesterday. Despite being billed as the Friendhsip Series, Pakistan Football Federation officials said they were thinking of a penalty shootout to determine the series if it ended in a deadlock. They said a final decision would only be taken at a managers’ meeting before the start of the floodlit match.
— PTI |
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Sasikiran draws again
Paks (Hungary), June 17 After his fourth draw in five games, Sasikiran inched to two points out of a possible five and remained on sole fourth spot following another all-drawn day in the category-15 tournament, being played on a double round-robin basis between six players. With just five rounds remaining, 74-year-old Viktor Korchnoi of Switzerland hung on to his slender half-point lead after an eventful draw with Grandmaster Zoltan Almasi of Hungary. The Swiss took his tally to an admirable four points with the draw and Almasi remained in sole second spot on 3.5 points.
— PTI |
Pinehurst (USA), June 17 The rest of the so-called “Big Five” were hot on their heels, though. Retief Goosen launched his title defence with a three-birdie 68 for a three-way tie for third, 2004 Masters winner Phil Mickelson returned a 69 after holing a 20-foot birdie putt at the last and world number two Vijay Singh opened with a 70. Although conditions were not quite as tough as had been expected by the 156-strong field, PGA Tour veterans Browne and Mediate made the most of a layout they applauded as fair. The 46-year-old Olin Browne, who shot a 59 in qualifying nine days ago to book his place at Pinehurst, reeled off five birdies and two bogeys. Rocco Mediate, 42, sank a 50-foot eagle putt on 10, dropped on 14 but also picked up shots on four and 16. Nine-times major winner Tiger Woods, despite looking a little out of sorts and struggling for accuracy off the tee, offset two bogeys with two birdies to finish three strokes off the pace.
— Reuters |
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Indian eves finish 5th
New Delhi, June 17 This was India’s second win in the competition. Their first came against the same side when they won their opening encounter 7-1. Three back-to-back losses had knocked them out of the race for a podium finish. England claimed the title with a 3-1 win over Korea, according to information received here today. China took the third place with a 5-2 win over Ireland. — PTI
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Basketball trials
Patiala, June 17 According to Mr G.S. Biru, secretary of the Patiala District Basketball Association (PDBA), only those cagers will be allowed to take part in the trials who have been born on or after January 1, 1989. The selected team will participate in the Punjab Junior Basketball Championship slated to be held at Hoshiarpur from June 22 to 26. |
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Bangalore, June 17
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