 |
|
|
SAPANGS
Sourav shines with bat and ball
No place for Irina in Asiad team
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Jeev shoots 69, placed second
Nehru Hockey
India crush China
Punjabi varsity cyclists reign supreme
UP, Punjab to clash in final
JCT, Dempo in semis
|
|
Performance-based pay on cards?
Mumbai, November 24 BCCI Vice-President Shashank Manohar yesterday kicked off a storm by stating that if he had his way, not a penny would be paid to non-performing players. However, BCCI’s Chief Administrative Officer Ratnakar Shetty said there was no immediate danger for the players on this count but the suggestion would be taken up for discussion once the team returned from South Africa. “These things have not been discussed as yet with the players. The discussions on the clauses of the new contracts would be done only after the team’s return from South Africa,” Shetty said. “Yes, some members feel that the match fees paid to the players should be performance-related but no such discussions have taken place with the players as yet,” he added. Manohar had said in Nagpur that if he had his way the players would “not be paid a single penny” for the second ODI against South Africa in Durban in which India suffered a huge 157-run defeat to the hosts. “The way our team played, none of the players should be paid a single penny. As it is, we have been blamed for making players millionaires by way of bonus payments. Now, let there be a system whereby only those who perform get good money,” Manohar was quoted as saying in media reports. Manohar’s reaction came in the wake of stringent criticism of the Indian team’s performance by Parliamentarians who demanded sacking of coach Greg Chappell. However, some board sources questioned the logic behind the politicians slamming the coach for India’s dismal display. “How can you blame the coach for the players’ display? He’s just a facilitator and is not on the ground and performing. How can you blame a teacher for the pupils’ poor show in an examination,” they said. Team selection flawed: Shastri
Durban: Former Indian captain Ravi Shastri has questioned the team selection as well as the commitment of senior players after India’s “gutless” showing against South Africa in the second one-dayer at Kingsmead. “There was no fight from any of the batsmen - not even from the ones who have vast amounts of experience. It’s time for something to happen. I believe the selections were not right,” Shastri said. India was skittled out of 91 in reply to South Africa’s 248 for 8 suffering a huge 157-run defeat. The former all-rounder, commentating during the series for a television channel here, said the selectors should have opted for Gautam Gambhir, who has been making runs consistently in the domestic cricket, in place of Wasim Jaffer. “Gambhir is the form man. I could not understand why he was not in the squad for this trip. I’m afraid I believe if this team does not show any character as this tour progresses then it will be heading for disaster,” he was quoted as saying by local daily Daily News. “If they have to salvage anything from this tour the Indians will have to start showing some character or this is going to end in a disgrace. It was a gutless showing. I’ve never seen anything like this before,” Shastri said. India play their next one-day in Cape Town on Sunday.
— PTI
|
|
Aussies take control
Brisbane, November 24 Glenn McGrath dismissed England openers Andrew Strauss and Alastair Cook in successive balls before Stuart Clark removed Paul Collingwood to leave the tourists reeling after Australia posted their highest total for 60 years in a home Ashes Test. Australian captain Ricky Ponting fell agonisingly short of a double-century when he went for 196 while Mike Hussey (86), and Michael Clarke (56) helped themselves to half-centuries. Skipper Andrew Flintoff, who took 4-99, was again the pick of England’s bowling attack as his side continued their bid to retain the Ashes they won in 2005. Steve Harmison took the consolation wicket of Shane Warne despite another indifferent display that saw him bowl six wides and concede 123 runs off 30 overs. Scoreboard Australia (1st innings) Langer c Pietersen b Flintoff 82 Hayden c Collingwood Ponting lbw Hoggard 196 Martyn c Collingwood b Giles 29 Hussey b Flintoff 86 Clarke c Strauss b Anderson 56 Gilchrist lbw Hoggard 0 Warne c Jones b Harmison 17 Lee not out 43 Clark b Flintoff 39 McGrath not out 8 Extras
(b-2, lb-8, w-8, nb-7) 25 Total (9 wkts dec, 155 overs) 602 Fall of wickets:
1-79 2-141 3-198 4-407 5-467 6-467 7-500 8-528 9-578. Bowling: Harmison 30-4-123-1, Hoggard 31-5-98-2, Anderson 29-6-141-1, Flintoff 30-4-99-4, Giles 25-2-91-1, Bell 1-0-12-0, Pietersen 9-1-28-0. England (1st innings) Strauss c Hussey b McGrath 12 Cook c Warne b McGrath 11 Bell not out 13 Collingwood c Gilchrist b Clark 5 Pietersen not out 6 Extras
(lb-4, nb-2) 6 Total (3 wkts, 17 overs) 53 Fall of wickets:
1-28, 2-28, 3-42. Bowling: Lee 4-1-13-0, McGrath 6-0-25-2, Clark 6-2-9-1, Warne 1-0-2-0.
— Reuters
|
||
|
Sourav shines with bat and ball
Mohali, November 24 At close of play, Bengal were 112 for four with A Jhunjhunwala on 33 and Deep Dasgupta on 18 at the crease. Earlier, Punjab were bundled out for 157 in their first innings. After resuming the innings at 75 for three in the morning, the Punjab middle order was sent packing by Ganguly and Ranadeb Bose with their accurate bowling. Ravneet Ricky (47) was the first key victim of Ganguly, who trapped him leg before during the first hour of play. After that Bose did not give Punjab batsmen any chance to recover. He claimed four wickets conceding 47 runs. Only Amit Uniyal showed some resistance with his unbeaten 36-run knock. The last four batsmen were back to the pavilion in a span of just seven runs. Ganguly finished with the figures of three for 29 from 16 overs whereas Syed Ahmed took two for 23. Bengal again started their second innings on disastrous note as Loveabhilish snapped Arindum Das for a duck in the fourth over of the innings. Subhmoy (6) and Rohan Gavaskar (0), too, fell cheaply. Ganguly (43) played some good shots but Gagandeep denied him a half century. Brief scores: Bengal (1st innings): 156; Punjab (1st innings): 157 all out (Ravneet Ricky 47, Amit Uniyal 36 n.o, Bose 4 for 47, Ganguly 3 for 29); Bengal (2nd innings): 112 for four (Ganguly 43, A Jhunjhunwala 33, Loveabhilish 3 for 21). AP take lead
Rohtak (UNI): Andhra Pradesh bowlers ran through the Haryana line-up to skittle out the hosts for a paltry 129 runs, thus earning a 73-run first innings lead on day two of the Ranji Trophy match here today. Brief scores: AP (1st innings) 202; Haryana (1st innings) 129 (Sumit Sharma 27, S. Rana 18, KS Sahabuddin 3 for 23); AP (2nd innings): 67 for 3 (LNP Reddy 28 n.o, S Rana 1 for 13).
|
||
|
No place for Irina in Asiad team
Chandigarh, November 24 Irina’s dream of playing for the country in the Asian Games has been shattered. In the last nationals which concluded this January, she won six titles and finished runner-up in one to head the women’s amateur circuit merit list with 118 points. Her nearest rival was Shruti Khanna of Delhi who could muster only 53 points. She was the natural choice for the captaincy of the Indian team for the Queen Sirikit Cup held in Australia in April. But what happened after that. She was dropped like a hot potato barely five months later. The team was named without any selection trials. This despite the fact that a letter circulated to all the players and the zonal representatives had clearly said that the final trials would be held in November. During the trials to select the Asian Games team in 2002 Irina Brar was the only player to clear the benchmark of three-over per round score. But since no other lady golfer could clear the benchmark no team was fielded. But this time the team has been named without any selection trials. I buttonholed Irina after a training session with her coach Jessie Grewal. She was her smiling self. Yes, she was all prepared to conquer new horizons in the professional circuit. She had delayed her switchover to the professional circuit, hoping to play for the country in the Asian Games. “It is the ultimate dream of any amateur,” she added. As ill luck would have it Irina slipped and fell in the rain fracturing her left elbow on August 3. After the temporary cast was removed, her left hand was put in plaster for six weeks — from August 14 to September 29. She immediately dispatched a letter along with a medical certificate to the IGULS Convener, Ms Anu Bindra, and the zonal representative, Ms Dalbir Sahi, informing them of her inability to play in the first two events of the Ladies Amateur Open Golf Championship. The convener sent a letter naming the first two matches as the pre-qualifiers. But added that the final trials would be held in November. With the plaster removed and her doctor giving her the go ahead, Irina informed the IGULS that she would be playing in the Punjab Open and the subsequent Noida Open. Irina tried to get to Ms Anu Bindra. Her reply was vague and she was told to contact after two days. This was an official talking to the reigning golf champion of the country. She got in touch with Ms Sonia Malhotra, vice-president of the IGULS. She did not know anything about the selection process. But she was sure that Irina would be an automatic choice. And then Irina got the shock of her life. She was informed that no selection trials will be held and that the team had been selected. The following were selected: Vaishavi Sinha, Sharmila Nicolette and Meghna Bal. Shruti Khanna’s name was added as a reserve player. Vaishavi and Meghna do not figure in the merit list. A depressed Irina met the Golf Club lady course captain, Ms Pauline J.M. Singh. Ms Dalbir Singh, the zonal representative, who sent a strongly worded letter to Ms Anu Bindra. But to no avail. She finally replied after 20 days. By then the dice had already been cast. A depressed Irina pulled out of the Punjab Open and the subsequent amateur circuit tournaments. She had had enough. “It was a bizarre sequence of events,” said Irina. She was down, but not out. She wrote to the president of the Indian Golf Union, Gen J. J. Singh. But there was no response. She went to Delhi seeking a meeting with the general. But she was told to meet the secretary. That was the last straw. Back in Chandigarh she announced her entry into the pro circuit. The champion said: “It was mind boggling and disgusting. They do not have the time to reply to players’ appeals”. Irina will play in her first pro circuit match at Golden Greens in Gurgaon from November 28 to 30. And she is all set “to conquer new horizons”. Her advice to budding female golfers is: “Turn pro and get out of this nuisance”. She went on to say: “My dream is now the Ladies Asian Golf Tour. But I have to get some sponsor. I hope the IOC retain me”. |
|
Gaganjeet lifts Samarvir trophy
Chandigarh, November 24 It was great going by Gaganjeet. The resilient golfer took the four-stroke disadvantage in his stride. Pitted against the country’s No. 1 amateur golfer from Bangalore, the Kapurthala teenager showed his class as he shot pars and birdies to return a final round of two-under 70 for a final tally of 284. Anirban Lahiri missed some easy putts to card a two-over 74 to tie with Gaganjeet. In the play-off Gaganjeet managed a par while Anirban missed an easy putt and handed over the title to Gaganjeet. Joseph Chakola returned a par round to finish third at 292. Simarjeet Singh also had the same tally. But because of a better back nine, the third place went to Joseph. Gaganjeet played a par round till the eighth hole. He then shot a birdie in the ninth to turn at one-under. Birdies on the 12th and 13th saw him take a two-stroke lead over Anirban on the 14th hole. On the other hand Anirban dropped strokes on the third, fourth, 10th and 14th holes after managing a birdie on the second. But then Gaganjeet conceded a double bogey on the 15th hole which Anirban birdied. Gaganjeet was again one-stroke behind. He continued his steady game to birdie the 17th hole. The two drew level at the close. It was a tie. The play-off saw the Kapurthala boy lift the trophy which was given away by the late Samarvir’s father, Mr Gurpratap Singh Sahi. A beaming Gaganjeet said: “The conditions were great and the course played well today. It was a bit windy and the greens were better that on the first two days. I played my natural game.” Anirban Lahiri said: “I missed some easy putts and it played on my mind. I had a four stroke cushion, but my iron play and putting let me down.” The am-am event of the tournament, managed by Tiger Sports, will be played tomorrow Final scores (after 72 holes): Gaganjeet Bhullar 284, Anirban Lahiri 284; Joseph Chakola 292, Simarjeet Singh 292; Saurabh Bahuguna 293; H. S. Kang 295; Jasjeet Singh 296; Karan Vasudeva 298; Moin Malak 300, Pawan Kumar 300, Tarun Goghale 300; Raj Randhawa 301, Balpreet Singh 301.
|
|
Jeev shoots 69, placed second
Kochi (Japan), November 24 The Indian ace, the overnight joint leader, was overtaken by Tetsuya Haraguchi, who shared the lead with him. Haraguchi shot a four-under 68 and was 10-under 132 and one ahead. Hideki Kase (69) was third at eight-under, while three players — Toshimori Muto (68), Shinichi Yokota (68) and Azumo Yano (71) were in tied fourth place at seven-under 135. Yano was among the three leaders after first round. Jeev, who has been in top-10 ten times in Japan this season, had a birdie on first and seventh but he also bogeyed fourth and seventh to be even at the turn. On the back nine, he bridied 11th, 12th and 18th to come three-under. “That’s as satisfying. I am still in touch,” said Jeev. Jeev had his first three putt of the tournament on fourth and said “the putting was a little off mark.” He needed 31 putts as against 29 on first day. “There is still two more rounds to go,” added Jeev, who is now 12th on Japan Money list.
— PTI
|
|
It’s Namdhari XI vs Indian Oil in final
New Delhi, November 24 Sher Singh, Jatinderpal Singh and Gurpreet Singh scored for Namdhari XI while Pundalik Bellary, Ravi Pal and Jarnail Singh found the target for Bharat Petroleum. Jatinderpal Singh settled the issue for the Namdharis when he struck a golden goal 12 minutes into extra time. Indian Oil and Punjab Police were locked 2-2 at the end of full time with Prabhjot Singh and Deedar Singh scoring for Indian Oil and Gagandeep Singh and Jugraj Singh finding the mark for Punjab Police. Bharat Chikara scored the golden goal in the seventh minute of extra time.
|
|
|
Mumbai, November 24 De Souza represented Lusitanians and Caltex, one of the top Mumbai clubs during his time, before turning out for Mafatlal for several years. He later turned to coaching youngsters and guided Mumbai’s well-known club Mahindra and Mahindra, now known as Mahindra United and holder of the National Football League, to a spate of leading football tournament titles between 1988 and ‘91. De Souza then coached Goa’s Salgaocar Sports Club, besides guiding the fortunes of the national team in the 1993-94 season under chief coach Jiri Pesek. The funeral would be held tomorrow. — PTI
|
|
India crush China
Hyderabad, November 25 Sania and Bopanna then paired up to defeat Mao-Xin Gong and Shuai Zhang 6-2, 6-4.
— UNI
|
|
Punjabi varsity cyclists reign supreme
Patiala, November 24 With today’s programme, the first phase of the meet has concluded while the second phase, which comprises of road races, will commence from tomorrow from the same venue. In the men’s section, the hosts, who were leading the pecking order since day one, topped with 54 points while Bikaner University were placed second with 23 points. The third place was taken by Panjab University, Chandigarh, who accumulated 19 points. On the distaff side, Punjabi University took the first and the hosts were followed by Kerala University and GNDU, Amritsar in that order. The prizes were distributed by former Director (sports), Punjab Mr Kartar Singh in the presence of Director (sports), Punjabi University Mr Raj Kumar Sharma and other dignitaries. Meanwhile, Panjab University, Chandigarh suffered a jolt when their women’s team was scratched from the tournament. The Punjabi University management had yesterday filed a protest against the eligibility of ace Panjab University rider Gurpreet Kaur subsequent to which the tournament’s eligibility committee, comprising of Mr Jasbir Singh (Convener) and Mr Manmohan Singh took the decision to scratch the entire squad.
|
|
UP, Punjab to clash in final
Chandigarh, November 24 UP commenced the proceedings on a promising note and took the lead as early as in the 12th minute. A penalty awarded to UP when their forward was brought down inside the box was dutifully converted by Sham Bihari Yadav (1-0). The second half again witnessed some good moves from either side but UP had to wait till the 85th minute to consolidate the lead. Off a counter attack, a power-packed shot from 30 yards by Ashish Bhatrai in the 88th minute left the Jammu and Kashmir goalie flummoxed (2-0). The goalie, in fact, had advanced out of charge and failed to anticipate the move. The final will be played on November 26 at 2 pm.
— TNS
|
|
JCT, Dempo in semis
New Delhi, November 24 In a Group II quarter-final league match, Mandeep Singh (64th minute) put the Punjab side ahead but Isfaq Ahmed equalised three minutes later (67th). After today’s win, both the sides have collected five points from one win and two draws. JCT will play Group I runners-up Sporting Clube-de-Goa while Dempo take on Group I winners Mohun Bagan in the semifinals tomorrow.
— UNI
|
| HOME PAGE | |
Punjab | Haryana | Jammu & Kashmir |
Himachal Pradesh | Regional Briefs |
Nation | Opinions | | Business | Sports | World | Mailbag | Chandigarh | Ludhiana | Delhi | | Calendar | Weather | Archive | Subscribe | Suggestion | E-mail | |
