New Delhi, February 1
India’s forced experiment to play with rookie players against South Korea in the Asia-Oceania Group I Davis Cup tie fell flat on its face as the visitors took a 2-0 lead by winning both the singles matches here today.

Top singles player V.M Ranjeet just could not get his game together against unranked Korean colt Cho Min Hyeok to capitulate in straight sets at 6-1, 6-0, 6-1 in 1 hour, 22 minutes. Vijayant Malik put up a valiant fight before muscle cramps forced him to concede the tie against Suk-Young Jeong after he trailed 4-6, 5-7, 0-3. Malik, who has been training in Delhi for the past two years after learning his tennis lessons in Chandigarh, put on an aggressive show till the second set. But he showed signs of fatigue in the beginning of the third set, and after dropping serve in the first game, he had to take medical aide to get his troubled muscle mended. He just went through his on-court motions, and fell flat on his face after the third game was level at 15-15. He lay prostrated on the service end of the court for a while, while he was rushed to the sidelines for medical attention.

Leander Paes, his father Dr. Vece Paes, coach S.P.Mishra all rushed to attend to him, but the player was forced to concede the match as he was not in a position to stand up and resume play. The Indian team preferred to skip the mandatory post-match press conference.

But he conceded that the Korean improved the game as the match progressed, and he was unable to match the game plan of Cho.

Both the Indian players, who were making their Davis Cup debut, were understandably tense and edgy. While it showed on Ranjeet’s game, Vijayant Malik masked his apprehensions though aggressive tactics, though the resilient Korean eventually had the upper hand and the last laugh. Ranjeet messed up his game plan in the very first game, when he failed to cash in on a 40-15 lead to lose on deuce. Though he lost the third game as well to give the Korean a 3-0 lead, Ranjeet energized the stands, packed with a couple of thousands vocal fans and many tennis veterans, when he broke Cho in the fourth game.

But the baby-faced Korean, though unranked, has two Davis Cup experience, and he brought that into fore to decimate Ranjeet with a clinical demolition. His ranking fell when he served two mandatory years in the Korean army, but that seemed to have not affected his game. Though Ranjeet served rather well, his returns were atrocious, and it looked as if he could get the ball across only if the net was removed! He failed to hold his serve in the second game, and his only high point in the rest of the rubber came when he led 40-15 before holding serve in the fourth game.

Thereafter, Cho simply ran through the former national champion to give Korea a 1-0 lead, as his court coverage and returns were beyond the comprehension of the Indian.

Malik was much more assured, and he matched Jeong in shots and long rallies. But eventually, the Korean’s ploy of engaging Malik in long rallies and court coverage took its toll, as the Indian looked a spent force at the the start of the third set. It was just a matter of time that he threw in the towel. He was broken in the fifth game of the first set, and the 11th game of the second, after it went to deuce, though he could have perhaps changed the course of the match had he seized the chance to break Jeong in the fourth game of the second set, which went to deuce four times before the Korean retained it. Malik had two break points when he led 15-40, but then hit wide to force deuce. He wasted another break point to allow the Korean to prevail.

New Delhi, February 1
Rookie Vijayant Malik may have failed to score a much-needed win for India against Korea in the Davis Cup tie today but non-playing captain SP Misra is not complaining.

Malik fought his heart out against Korean number one Suk-Young Jeong but lacked fitness to outlast a higher-ranked player and ended up conceding the second singles.

Misra, who is guiding the side for one last time, said maybe the occasion got to Malik. “Probably it was pressure of Davis Cup but he played extremely well. He is young lad and fought hard. It’s (cramps) not serious and he should be all right for the reverse singles,” Misra said.

The 70-year-old non-playing captain said it made sense to withdraw from the contest.

“He was already two sets down and I do not want to get him injured, so he conceded. We needed to protect his health for the reverse singles.

“The kind of tennis he played against Korean number one was pleasing. Had he pulled out one set, tension would have eased out,” he said.

Asked about the surprisingly tame defeat of V M Ranjeet in the first singles, Misra said nothing worked for the rookie against Min Hyeok Cho.

“Long rallies suited the Korean guy (Cho). He had the upper hand. Ranjeet needed to mix it up, go up and take the lead but could not execute. There was not much to tell him since it would have added pressure on him.

“His serve did not work at all, that’s why he could hold just once. He was down all the way,” Misra said.

Asked if he was worried about the doubles match tomorrow, going by the way Koreans were playing, he said: “It’s not going be easy but on record and reputation we should win.” — PTI

Johannesburg, February 1
Mohammad Hafeez chipped in with four late wickets after excellent bowling by pace bowlers Umar Gul and Junaid Khan as Pakistan bowled out South Africa for 253 in their first innings on the opening day of the first Test at the Wanderers.

From 199 for four, the South Africans slumped to 253, losing their last six wickets for 54 runs in a little over 15 overs. Four of the wickets were taking by right-arm off-break bowler Hafeez. Pakistan were six without loss at stumps.

Earlier, excellent catching from Pakistan had restricted South Africa to 159 for four at tea.

A quick-fire 79-run stand for the third wicket between Jacques Kallis and Hashim Amla looked to have given the hosts the advantage, but two fine catches dragged the visitors back into the contest. Kallis, having just reached his 58th test 50, was caught by Asad Shafiq in the deep while Amla was snapped up in the gully by Azhar Ali for 37.

Resuming on 68 for two after lunch, Kallis and Amla made hay as they flayed the bowling to all parts of the ground with some wonderfully controlled shots.

They were particularly severe on debutant fast bowler Rahat Ali, who had figures of 0/43 from his nine overs on a pitch that was still giving assistance to the seamers. — Agencies

South Africa

Smith c Ahmed b Gul 24

Petersen c Hafeez b Junaid 20

Amla c Azhar b Younis 37

Kallis c Shafiq b Gul 50

de Villiers c Ahmed b Hafeez 31

du Plessis b Junaid 41

Elgar c Ahmed b Hafeez 27

Peterson b Hafeez 0

Philander run out 1

Steyn not out 12

Morkel b Hafeez 0

Extras: (b 4, lb 4, w 1, nb 1) 10

Total: (all out; 85.2 overs) 253

Fall of wickets: 1-46, 2-46, 3-125, 4-135, 5-199, 6-232, 7-239, 8-240, 9-243

Bowling

Gul 19-2-56-2

Junaid 18-8-33-2

Rahat 14-0-56-0

Ajmal 23-4-68-0

Younis 4-0-16-1

Hafeez 7.2-1-16-4

Pakistan

Hafeez batting 6

Jamshed batting 0

Total: (0 wickets) 6

Bowling: VD Philander 1 0 6 0, Steyn 1 1 0 0

Perth, February 1
Paceman Mitchell Starc helped consign West Indies to their third lowest total in one-day internationals as Australia's top order needed less than 10 overs to race to a nine-wicket victory here on Friday.

Man of the Match Starc captured five wickets for 20 and burly quick Clint McKay returned figures of 3-10 as the tourists were skittled for 70, having won the toss and elected to bat first on a baking hot day.

Australia's response was short and brutal with opener Glenn Maxwell blasting an unbeaten 51 and Usman Khawaja finishing on eight not out after pushing the winning single to wrap up victory in the opener of the five-match series.

"I was given a job to do and i just went out and did it," Maxwell said in a television interview after his swashbuckling knock of nine fours and two sixes. Was glad to get the boys across the line."

Aaron Finch was the only Australian wicket to fall, caught behind for 10 off the bowling of Jason Holder.

Starc took full advantage of some devilish bounce and movement to rout the tourists' top order with four wickets in eight balls and wrapped up the innings in less than 24 overs with his fifth.

"It's nice when things come together and you get on a bit of a roll," Starc said. "It's nice when it swings, I tried to keep it nice and smooth. There was enough in the deck, we knew if we put the ball in the right place, we'd get something out of it."

Reduced to 39-7 at the drinks break, the tourists flirted with their all-time lowest one-day total of 54 but captain Darren Sammy combined with paceman Jason Holder for a 26-run partnership to avert the humiliation.

As it was, they slumped to their lowest one-day total against Australia. "We didn't react properly to the swing and the seam," admitted Sammy.

McKay triggered the West Indies collapse in the fifth over when he removed Chris Gayle for 11, the dangerous opener nicking to the slips where Finch dived to his right to complete a sharp catch. — Reuters

West Indies

Gayle c Finch b McKay 4

Powell c Clarke b Starc 11

Sarwan b Starc 0

Bravo c Clarke b Faulkner 11

Bravo c Hughes b Starc 0

Pollard b Starc 0

Thomas c Clarke b Faulkner 3

Sammy c Bailey b McKay 16

Holder b Starc 7

Narine c Wade b McKay 0

Roach not out 1

Extras: (b 8, lb 3, w 6) 17

Total: (all out; 23.5 overs) 70

Fall of wickets: 1-14, 2-18, 3-19, 4-19, 5-19, 6-28, 7-39, 8-65, 9-68

Bowling

McKay 7 3 10 3

Starc 6.5 2 20 5

Faulkner 5 1 14 2

Johnson 5 0 15 0

Australia

Maxwell not out 51

Finch c Thomas b Holder 10

Khawaja not out 8

Extras: (w 2) 2

Total: (1 wicket; 9.2 overs) 71

Fall of wickets: 1-39

Bowling

Roach 2 0 29 0

Holder 4.2 0 18 1

Narine 3 0 24 0

Mumbai, February 1
Minnows Sri Lanka caused the biggest upset of the ICC Women’s World Cup as they defeated defending champions England by one wicket off a last-ball six in a thrilling Group A encounter here.

After drawing level with England off the penultimate ball, Sri Lanka’s Dulani Manodara pulled Georgia Elwiss over mid-wicket for a superb six to complete their first-ever win over their fancied rivals in any form of the game.

Chasing 239 for a win, the Lankans got off to a flying start with a record century partnership between Chamari Athapaththu and Yasoda Mendis, but slumped to 157 for 5 before Kaushalya Lokusooriya brought them on the doorsteps of victory with a whirlwind 56 off 41 balls with three sixes and five fours.

Kaushalya was run out off the penultimate ball at the non-striker’s end before Dulani slammed Elwiss for a six to complete a shock win over the three-time champions.

The left-right opening combination of Atapaththu (62 in 72 balls) and Yasoda (46 in 98 balls) laid the foundation of the Lankan run chase. But after Atapaththu’s exit at 103, the underdogs lost a clutch of wickets in a short span -- including that of Yasoda.

Ahmedabad, February 1
The golfing community got a taste of super celebrity as Sachin Tendulkar paid a visit to the Kensville Golf and Country Club on Friday. Tendulkar, who has a Villa at the Kensville Golf and Country Club, took time out to go around the golf course and also interact with the players.

The players, fans, officials and members of Kensville virtually swarmed the legendary cricketer, who seemed to enjoy himself in the midst of sportsmen and fans.

Tendulkar tried his hand at driving and then putting, too, alongside many of the internationals, like Shiv Kapur, Gaganjeet Bhullar, Rich Beem, Rahil Gangjee and Rhys Davies, who are participating here this week.

“I have been to many golf courses and even had an occasional attempt at the driving range, but visiting a golf course, while a tournament is in progress was a new experience. I really enjoyed and the golf course is a lovely one. I have seen other courses, but I really liked this one,” said Tendulkar.

When asked if he would take up golf seriously sometime, Tendulkar said, “I enjoy racket sports and have not been able to play golf. My focus has been cricket, maybe golf will come sometime in the future.”

Asked what was special about the course, he laughed added, “I liked the bunkers. They look great but don’t get into them. The greens is where you should play. They are great.”

Tendulkar hit about 25-30 balls on the driving range and not once did he mis-hit or shank. “I enjoyed the sound of some of the shots,” he said of the ones, which hit the sweet spot. His former Mumbai colleague, Rahul Sanghvi, a former India spinner, also had a few shots.

A good number of drives sailed past the 200 and 250 yards when he teed up a bit high. But after adjusting the height of the tee, his shots went past 250 and some even touched 300 yards. — PTI

A Nihang performs ‘gatka’ at the Kila Raipur Sports Festival on Friday. Tribune photo: Himanshu Mahajan

Kila Raipur, February 1
The Kila Raipur Sports Festival, also known as Rural Olympics, began at the Grewal Sports Stadium here today. The festival was inaugurated by state Cabinet Minister Sharanjit Singh Dhillon. Union Minister Manish Tewari was the chief guest on the occasion.

Feats like a Nihang riding two horses, motorcycle stunts, horse pegging, gatka, bhangra and giddha performances captivated the audience on the first day of the festival. Heats of bullock cart races won the maximum applause from the rural crowd.

Tewari presented a cheque for Rs 7.5 lakh to the organisers besides announcing a grant of Rs 10 lakh for the renovation of the stadium. Dhillon promised to get all roads leading to the stadium repaired, while Gill MLA Darshan Singh Shivalik announced a grant of Rs 2 lakh for the organisers.

Kirandeep Kaur and Mukesh Kumar of Jalandhar emerged winners in the 100m race in their respective categories, whereas Amardeep Kaur of Jalandhar and Akashdeep Singh of Patiala were runners-up. Jaspreet Kaur of Bathinda and Yadwinder Singh of Jalandhar secured third positions.

In the Bhagwant Memorial Hockey Gold Cup, Baba Nagandas academy, Sangrur, beat Dalla Brothers Academy, Moga, by 4-2; while Bathinda girls beat Sports Wing, Kairon, by 3- 1.

In the under-17 category, Grewal Academy, Kila Raipur, beat Education Wing, Kila Raipur, by 10-3; and Baba Bakala team defeated Gill Academy, Kharar, by 5-4.

Bullock carts owned by Naib Singh of Kalsiaan, Jarnail Singh of Dehlon, Jaskaran Singh of Gujjarwal, Rammi Singh of Mahima Singh Wala, Nirmal Singh of Naulhri, Gurdeep Singh of Lohgarh, Dimpi of Gujjarwal, Raju Bariaa of Assi Kalan, Sukh Nagra Golu of Jodhhaan, Satinder Singh of Kila Raipur, Deepi of Jassowal, Manjinder Singh of Pohir , Kaur Singh of Bhudan, Raju of Dakha, Inderjit Singh of Jand, Dhur Singh of Lohgarh, Jaswant Singh of Dhaul Khurd, Nachhattar Singh of Akalgarh Chhanna, Harjit Singh of Jandali, Resham Singh of Jauhlan, Harpreet Singh of Jandali, Harnek Singh of Kartarpur, Joga Singh of Dhulkot, Shinda Singh of Lohgarh, Satwant Singh of Lalton khurd and Gurdeep Singh of Dhaul khurd entered the next phase by winning their respective heats.

Patiala, February 1
The Punjabi University women’s kabaddi team underscored their supremacy in the event by winning the All India Inter University Kabaddi title for the third consecutive time.

In the semifinals of the tournament, held at RTM Nagpur University, the Punjabi University girls beat Pune University 16-9 to set up a final clash with Meerut. In the final, Punjabi University easily outclassed their opponents with a score of 25-16.

The team’s captain, Mukhtiyaar Kaur, was adjudged the Best Raider of the tournament while Moti Chandan was named the Best Catcher, Best Performer and Best player of the tournament.

Director Sports of the university, Dr Raj Kumar Sharma, and staff members of the sports department gave the victorious team a warm welcome after their return from Nagpur.

Dr Sharma congratulated the team and their coach Sohandeep Singh and Manager Tarandeep Kaur with this third consecutive win in the event.

Coach Sohandeep Singh said that the team was very well prepared and brimming with confidence, which was reflected in team’s victory margins in the semifinals and the final.

Karachi, February 1
Shahid Afridi has made an emotional appeal to the cricketing world to end Pakistan’s four-year isolation over terror attacks.

No international cricket has been played in Pakistan, which suffers near daily Taliban and al-Qaeda-linked violence, since gunmen attacked the

Sri Lankan team bus in March 2009, killing eight Pakistanis and wounding seven visiting players.

Minnows Bangladesh twice called off tours last year over security fears and the head of the Federation of International Cricketers’ Associations (FICA) has warned players not to take part in an inaugural Twenty20 tournament in March.

“We are desperately trying to revive international cricket in our country and need co-operation but it’s not coming,” he said. “Pakistan cricket is suffering because of non-cooperation and it is high time that other nations contribute to our efforts. Don’t leave us alone.” — Agencies

BRIEFLY

AITA should accept our demands: Bhambri
New Delhi: Yuki Bhambri, one of the rebel tennis players, on Friday said if the All India Tennis Association (AITA) accepts all their demands in writing then they are willing to play for the country. "We are ready to play if it (AITA) gives us in writing that it will accept all our demands. The (rebel) players have been in touch with each other and we have not received anything in writing from AITA on our demands," said Bhambri at the venue of the India-Korea tie.

CSK may not buy foreign players
Chennai: Chennai Super Kings coach Stephen Fleming on Friday indicated that his team may not look for foreign players in Sunday's IPL auction in Chennai as he felt "looking for new overseas players will lose fan base". Asked about continuing with the existing players in the CSK squad, Fleming said, "We would like to continue with the players. We associate with those quality players and develop them and plan our strategies. It is dangerous situation when you are looking for new overseas players as you will lose the fan base.

Punjab Police, IAF keep up winning streak
Bangalore: Punjab Police continued its winning streak by defeating Vijaya Bank in a close encounter on the third day of the 27th Federation Cup Basketball Championship. Ranbeer Singh produced a scintillating performance for Punjab Police as he top-scored with 22 points to take his side to a hard-earned 72-61 victory. Amritpal Singh (15) and Harminder Singh (10) were other notable performers for Punjab Police. IAF registered a 92-82 win over Central Excise and Customs, Cochin. — Agencies