 |
|
|
Clash for the Top
Sensational Bhullar lifts Asian Tour International crown
|
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
It happens only in India!
Marathon Man Joginder Singh Khanowal runs during his ‘marathon’ in Chandigarh on Sunday.
Tribune photo:: Pradeep Tewari
|
|
Clash for the Top
Amla (253 not out) lit up the second day's proceedings with his unbeaten marathon double century — a product of more than 11 hours of ceaseless vigil — even though the co-star of his 340-run partnership Jacques Kallis (173) missed the mark. Among others, AB de Villiers (53) chipped in with a useful half-century before South Africa declared their first innings at 558 for six, hoping to make some early dents in the remaining four overs of the day. That, however, did not happen as Indian openers Virender Sehwag (9) and Gautam Gambhir (12) stayed put at the crease, guiding the side to 25 for no loss with the hosts still trailing by 533 runs and needing 314 to avoid follow-on. The day, however, belonged to Amla, who stood like a rock, frustrating the Indian pacers and spinners alike with his unflappable concentration. India's slipshod fielding also helped his cause and the home side had only themselves to blame as they let Amla off the hook on as many as four occasions during the right-hander's 473-ball innings which included 22 hits to the fence. Onus on batsmen: Kirsten
India coach Gary Kirsten believes his team can still win the first Test against South Africa and said the onus is now on the batsmen to bring the home side back into the match. Kirsten said the Indians should bat themselves back into the contention tomorrow. "We certainly will give the best shot to win the game. We need to bat well. That's going to be very important," Kirsten said. "There is lot of work to do on the batting side. A couple of guys have to apply themselves and get big scores on board. We know we are capable of doing that. It's a big day from the batting perspective tomorrow," said the South African at the end of the second day's play. India's task would be even more difficult since the middle order is missing injured veterans Rahul Dravid and VVS Laxman but Kirsten seemed to have enough trust in the ability of young substitutes S Badrinath and Murali Vijay.
Maiden double ton in India special: Amla
In-form South African Hashim Amla, whose forefathers hail from Gujarat, today said to get his maiden double century on the Indian soil was of special significance for him. Amla, whose grandparents migrated from Gujarat, lit up the second day's proceedings with his unbeaten 253 in their first innings against India. Amla was also the first South African of Indian descent to reach the national team. "Scoring a maiden double hundred on the Indian soil is a momentous occasion. I am really grateful that I had the opportunity. More important was to get the team in the best position," Amla said. The 26-year-old also said it was a great learning experience to bat so long with senior partner like Jacques Kallis and forge together a grand stand of 340 for the third wicket -- second occasion the duo have done so for South Africa. "I've been more fortunate and it has been a good learning experience on both occasions, watching it from the non-striker's end also," he said.
— PTI Scoreboard South Africa (1st innings): Amla not out 253 Kallis c Vijay b Harbhajan 173 de Villiers c Badrinath b Sehwag 53 Duminy lbw b Harbhajan 9 Boucher c Mishra b Zaheer 39 Steyn not out 0 Extras (b-8, lb-8, nb-9) 25 Total: (For 6 wkts, 176 overs) 558 decl Fall of wickets: 1-5 2-6 3-346 4-454 5-476 6-554. Bowling: Zaheer 31-7-96-3, Ishant 28-4-85-0, Harbhajan 46-1-166-2, Mishra 53-5-140-0, Sehwag 18-1-55-1. India (1st innings): Gambhir not out 12 Sehwag not out 9 Extras: (b-4) 4 Total (For no loss, 4 overs) 25 Bowling: Steyn 2-0-8-0, M Morkel 2-0-13-0.
|
|
Sensational Bhullar lifts Asian Tour International crown
This was Bhullar's second Asian Tour title, following his breakthrough win in last year's Indonesian President Invitational tournament, which marked him as one of Asia's brightest prospects. It was a flawless display by the youngster who parred the opening hole before an eagle flew off his club on the par-five second hole at the Suwan Golf and Country Club. That set the tone for a sparkling round and the Indian maintained the tempo. Two par shots later, he reeled off a birdie hat-trick and nailed a birdie on the ninth hole as well to lie six-under at the turn. On his way back, Bhullar birdied the 15th and 18th as well, while ensuring it was a bogey-free round, to make it a dramatic come-from-behind triumph. "It's amazing. I have no words to describe it, I'm totally speechless," a beaming Bhullar later said. "When I woke up this morning, I just wanted to shoot a good number. I never ever thought I was going to shoot a 64 and win by one. It's like a dream coming true. My first event of the year and winning at the start of the season will give me a lot of confidence," said Bhullar, who pocketed $47,550 for his exploits. "After 15 where I made a good curling putt, I told myself to make par on 16 and 17 and make a birdie on 18. Everything happened the way I decided. On 18, it was amazing. I told myself that the putt was to win the tournament. "It was a crucial one as I had missed the same putt last two days from the nearly same line. I had a bit of an idea that it would come from the right. I just got lucky. I'm sure my confidence will go up a long way," said the youngster. "I'm looking forward to next week (Avantha Masters in Gurgaon). It's a big event and I love the DLF course as I've won there twice (on the local circuit). Going back to play in front of the home crowd will give me a great sense of achievement," added the youngster.
— PTI |
|
It happens only in India!
Gurdaspur, February 7 With just 10 days to go before the meet gets underway at the Dr Karni Singh shooting range in New Delhi, all the 22 shot gun shooters attending the camp are paying for own their food and hotel accommodation. The camp is being attended by top shooters of the country prominent among them being Athens Olympics silver medallist Rajyawardhan Rathore, Ronjan Sodhi, Mansher Singh and Manavjit Singh. The Commonwealth shooting meet will be a test event for the redesigned range. The Secretary General of the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) Baljit Singh Sethi expressed hope that SAI, the agency which is responsible for making payments to players attending National camps, will dole out the money later when the shooters hand over their food and hotel bills. However, for now the shooters, from whom the IOA and SAI expects atleast 25-30 medals in the Commonwealth games, wear a deserted look and are also paying for their own transportation expenses. Most of the shooters are lodged at hotels which are alteast 5 to 7 kms away from the range. Said a shooter, preferring anonymity, “We can not believe in what SAI officials say as far as reimbursing our expenses are concerned. During a national camp held at Patiala in December last year, we trained at our own expenses and till yet we have not been reimbursed by SAI. Whenever national camps are held at the National Institute of Sports (NIS) in Patiala in various disciplines sportsmen do not have to pay from their own pockets. But we have to make all our payments. We do not know when will SAI come forwards and lend us a helping hand.” Sources reveal that even Marcello Dradi the Italian coach attached with the shooters at the camp, brings his own food as no food or beverages are available within a 5 to 6 km radius from the range. According to rules, if SAI does not make boarding and lodging arrangements it should pay Rs 1000 towards hotel expenses and Rs 450 as food expenses to each shooter. However, as a shooter disclosed, “When and how will be getting our payments is just in the realm of speculation. Despite being strained we are still focusing on the task at hand. After all it is matter of representing our country in an International meet.”
|
|
Marathon Man
Chandigarh, February 7 Based in Bradford, England, the man who hails from Khanowal village in Punjab’s Kapurthala district, wanted to be a part of the Chandigarh Marathon. He did run, not in the marathon, but alone in what, had he been any younger, could have been considered a rush of unspent adrenaline. But at his age, it was just a tribute to the passion of one man who sees running as his raison d'etre. “I was supposed to run in the Chandigarh Marathon, which was earlier scheduled to be held on February 7. A friend of mine, Sarabjit Singh Chhina (Chandighariya), invited me for the marathon and also registered me for the event. But as soon as I booked my tickets, we figured out that the date had been changed to January 31. Despite my best efforts, I could not get my flight date changed. So I decided that I would run a stretch of 26 miles on February 7, nonetheless. And I am glad that I achieved it in just about four hours today. But all this was not possible without the help of Sarabjit. He has really been a pillar of strength for me.” Call it passion, obsession or whatever one would, this is a classic example of defiance, rebellion against numbers and the body willing to take on challenges, despite the age. “I want to keep running as it is my passion. I have won 63 medals in various marathons and I wish to take the number to 100. I train very hard, everyday, and that is how I am able to compete in these events.” He adds, “In fact last year, even during heavy snowfall, I did not give up and stuck to my routine of seven miles every day.” Employed with the sports centre of the Bradford University, Joginder says, “I have participated in the New York Marathon on six occasions. What keeps me going is that I want to show the world what a simple Indian, with a white beard and frail body can do. The love for my motherland has kept me going for the last 40 years, and I am not done yet.” he adds with a smile that gives a glimpse of the young spirit that beats an ageing body, everyday.
|
| HOME PAGE | |
Punjab | Haryana | Jammu & Kashmir |
Himachal Pradesh | Regional Briefs |
Nation | Opinions | | Business | Sports | World | Letters | Chandigarh | Ludhiana | Delhi | | Calendar | Weather | Archive | Subscribe | Suggestion | E-mail | |
Chandigarh, February 7
Nagpur, February 7
Bangkok, February 7
