S P O R T S

India’s fate in Rohit’s hand
Auckland, February 7
Rohit Sharma was battling to save India's innings as the tourists finished the second day of the first Test against New Zealand on 130 for four after Brendon McCullum's double century had guided the hosts to a mammoth first innings total of 503.

Much will depend on Rohit Sharma (67no) if India are to reach anywhere near New Zealand’s total of 503. reuters

We’ve the attack to take 20 Indian wickets: McCullum
Auckland, February 7
New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum said he has the bowlers at his disposal to take 20 Indian wickets after the Kiwis rode on the skipper's unbeaten double century to take an upper hand in the ongoing first Test in Auckland. McCullum said he never imagined that the Kiwis would reach the 500-run mark after they were reduced to 30 for three in the morning session of the first day's proceedings on Thursday.

Voting on ICC’s controversial revamp today
New Delhi, February 7
India will push for significant control over the ICC's revenue and power structure when a radical revamp plan is put to vote in a meeting tomorrow despite strong resentment from the Cricket Boards of South Africa, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.

Rant against Flower sealed Pietersen’s fate, says report
London, February 7
It seems a vicious rant against Andy Flower during a players-only meeting in Melbourne on December 30 turned out to be the proverbial last straw on Kevin Pietersen's England career.

Winter games
Sochi Olympics kick off in great style
Sochi, February 7
Russia's Winter Olympics officially got underway on the Black Sea coast on Friday with a burst of fireworks and a dazzling opening ceremony that President Vladimir Putin hoped would dispel fears of militant attacks and a row over gay rights.

Fireworks over the Olympic Park during the opening ceremony of the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics on Friday. Reuters

3 ‘nation-less’ Indians in Sochi
Patiala, February 7
That dreaded day has finally dawned when Indian athletes would participate in the Olympic Games as “independents”. In the past, we’ve seen this in the case of athletes from war or conflict-hit regions like Yugoslavia, East Timor and South Sudan. They had to bear the ignominy of marching and competing under the IOC flag.

The Indian athletes march under the IOC flag during the opening ceremony of the Winter Games in Sochi on Friday. Reuters

Sanga 2nd to hit triple ton, century in same Test
CHITTAGONG, February 7
Kumar Sangakkara became only the second cricketer to hit a triple century and a hundred in the same Test as Sri Lanka set Bangladesh a huge target of 467 to win the second and final match in Chittagong on Friday.

Hockey India league
Ranchi sneak past Lancers
RANCHI, February 7
Defending champions Ranchi Rhinos staved off a stiff challenge before prevailing over Kalinga Lancers (3-2) in a league match of the second edition of Hockey India League.


Ranchi Rhionos celebrate their win against Kallinga Lancers during a match in Ranchi on Friday. PTI

Magicians take on Warriors
Mumbai, February 7
Buoyed by their fighting display against Delhi Waveriders, struggling Mumbai Magicians would be eagerly seeking their maiden win when they take on strong Punjab Warriors in the Hockey India League (HIL) at the Mahindra Stadium from Saturday.

Fifa president Blatter may run for office again
Berne, February 7
FIFA president Sepp Blatter has given the strongest hint yet that he is ready to stand for a fifth term, telling Swiss public radio he would not say no if member associations asked him to stand.

SAI gives Rs 2 cr to shooters
New Delhi, February 7
The Sports Authority of India has sanctioned Rs two crore for training of four elite marksmen with an eye on Commonwealth Games and Asian Games this year. The shooters who will benefit from the grant are Ronjan Sodhi (two silver medals at 2010 CWG and a gold at 2010 Asian Games), Shagun Chaudhary, Heena Sidhu (gold medal in 2013 ISSF World Cup Finals), and Manavjit Singh Sandhu (gold at 1998 CWG, four silver medals at Asian Games). — PTI

Yuki tames Somdev in ATP Challenger
CHENNAI, February 7
Yuki Bhambri emerged winner as he brushed aside the challenge of India number one Somdev Devvarman in straight sets to breeze into the final of the ATP Challenger event. Yuki, ranked 71 places below his compatriot at 174, beat top seed Somdev 6-2, 6-4 in one hour and 41 minutes in the semifinals of the USD 50,000 hard court event. Later, Yuki also made the doubles final with New Zealand partner Michael Venus as they trounced Ruben Gonzales and Artem Sitak 6-2 6-1 in just 52 minutes. — PTI

India’s fate in Rohit’s hand
The Mumbai batsman holds fort after Kiwis knock off top order in a flash

Auckland, February 7
Rohit Sharma was battling to save India's innings as the tourists finished the second day of the first Test against New Zealand on 130 for four after Brendon McCullum's double century had guided the hosts to a mammoth first innings total of 503.

Rohit was 67 not out when the players were forced from the field due to poor light at Eden Park with Ajinkya Rahane on 23 after New Zealand's pace bowlers had ripped the top off their innings by reducing them to 10-3 in the sixth over.

Neil Wagner had bowled Murali Vijay for 26 shortly after the tea break before Rohit and Rahane consolidated the innings with a 79-run partnership that was adjourned with 17 scheduled overs of play remaining on Friday. New Zealand's innings was anchored by McCullum's second Test double century as the captain shared productive partnerships with Kane Williamson (113) and Corey Anderson (77) .

McCullum's dismissal ended New Zealand's innings and he fell just one run short of his highest Test score of 225, also against India in 2010. His innings was the highest by a New Zealander at the Eden Park and fourth highest overall. India paceman Ishant Sharma, who had been under pressure after poor form in the One-day series, was the pick of the visitors' bowlers with 6-134.

Fired-up attack

India's reply began terribly with a fired up Trent Boult and Tim Southee harrying their batsmen from the first over. Boult had Shikhar Dhawan caught by Williamson at gully before Cheteshwar Pujara chased a wide delivery and was easily caught by wicketkeeper BJ Watling to leave the world's second best Test side reeling on 3 for 2 in the first over.

Southee, who had been peppered by India's pace bowlers earlier in a cameo innings of 28, unleashed a vicious bouncer that caught Virat Kohli's gloves and Peter Fulton held the head-high catch at second slip to reduce them further to 10 for three.

Vijay and Rohit then took the visitors through to tea on 45-3 before left-armer Wagner got a delivery to seam away and hit the top of the former's off-stump after the pair had added just six more runs.

Rohit then took the fight back to New Zealand, hitting eight boundaries and one maximum as he improved his batting average to 80. India need a further 174 runs to avoid the follow-on. — Agencies

Scoreboard

We’ve the attack to take 20 Indian wickets: McCullum

Southee had Virat (in pic) caught in the slips, though the batsman seemed unhappy with the decision. AFP

Auckland, February 7
New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum said he has the bowlers at his disposal to take 20 Indian wickets after the Kiwis rode on the skipper's unbeaten double century to take an upper hand in the ongoing first Test in Auckland. McCullum said he never imagined that the Kiwis would reach the 500-run mark after they were reduced to 30 for three in the morning session of the first day's proceedings on Thursday.

“I thought we will get 200-odd runs, because when you are 30/3 down, you are thinking about small targets and getting a competitive score. Never did I think that after 30/3 in those conditions, we would end up getting 500 runs and for this batting line-up, I think that is a fine achievement,” he said. “We have bowlers to take 20 wickets if we give them enough runs and I think we have given them enough runs,” said McCullum.

McCullum, agreeing with India opener Murali Vijay, said the new ball was creating problems for the batsmen initially. “The new ball is stopping a bit when it is hard. We saw that with Ishant when the ball was changed in the morning and it started to stop a little bit. Short catches in front of the wicket will become crucial as the game goes on,” said the Kiwi skipper.

“So, to get two wickets in the first over was outstanding, especially Pujara's wicket because he can bat for weeks. It's nice to get him pretty early. They had a nice partnership going in the end, but it means that we still have a hard ball tomorrow morning. There is a slightly earlier start and I am hoping for an overcast morning with some swing,” he added.

“Ishant bowled really well. He asked a lot of tough questions. His spell this morning was very long and every time we thought they will change the bowler, he kept handing in his cap and had another go at us. It was a deserving reward for him. Some days, you don't get wickets, like (Mohammed) Shami. I thought he bowled very well and didn't get the rewards. Ishant did a good job and kept coming at us, and he will be a tough proposition ahead,” he added. — PTI

Voting on ICC’s controversial revamp today

New Delhi, February 7
India will push for significant control over the ICC's revenue and power structure when a radical revamp plan is put to vote in a meeting tomorrow despite strong resentment from the Cricket Boards of South Africa, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.

The controversial restructuring of the ICC, which would cede executive decision-making to India, Australia and England, requires consent of eight of the 10 member Boards and it remains to be seen whether the dissenting Boards remain adamant or agree to the changes. The three Boards could relent if the ‘Big Three’ offer some lucrative tour assurances in the bargain. Pakistan, Sri Lanka and South Africa have refused to back the plan stating that it only makes the ‘Big Three’ more powerful.

ICC would be mad to let Big Three to take over: Mani

Former International Cricket Council (ICC) president Ehsan Mani says it would be "sheer madness" for the governing body to effectively hand over control of the sport to India, Australia and England.

The current executive committee includes representatives from all 10 Test-playing countries, and some suggest the new proposals will allow the ‘Big Three’ to take over at the expense of other cricketing nations.

“If these proposals are accepted then the Big Three will decide how the ICC runs and what it does,” Mani said in an interview from his home in Islamabad.

“The board of the ICC cricket council will effectively have no powers apart from approving whatever India, Australia and England do. If these proposals are accepted, they are going to be doing severe damage to world cricket. It would seriously affect the credibility of the ICC as the governing body.”

Mani believes three of the 10 Test-playing nations will reject the new proposals.

“As far as I know South Africa, Sri Lanka and Pakistan will not vote for it and without those three this cannot go through," said the 68-year-old businessman who was president of the ICC between 2003-06. — Reuters

Revamp retrograde

Lord Harry Woolf, the former judge whose review of the ICC's governance structure was rejected, has lambasted the proposed revamp of the body which would cede executive decision-making to India, Australia and England, calling the controversial plan a “retrograde step”. Lord Woolf said the currently planned revamp is “a really alarming position for the future of cricket”. "It is giving extraordinary powers to a small triumvirate of three people, and everybody else has got no power to say anything or do anything,” Woolf said.

3 ‘nation-less’ Indians in Sochi
Tribune news service

Patiala, February 7
That dreaded day has finally dawned when Indian athletes would participate in the Olympic Games as “independents”. In the past, we’ve seen this in the case of athletes from war or conflict-hit regions like Yugoslavia, East Timor and South Sudan. They had to bear the ignominy of marching and competing under the IOC flag.

That fate is now India's, too.

It has been clear for months that the Indian athletes at the Sochi Winter Olympics — Shiva Keshavan, Alpine skier Himanshu Thakur and cross-country skier Nadeem Iqbal — would not complete under the Indian Tricolour.

“I have been told by athletes who have come to me to sympathise that this is an unfortunate situation. It is definitely not good for the image of the country,” Keshavan said in Sochi. Sadly, this is not because of war or conflict — this is because the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) remains suspended by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) for not adhering to its rules of governance.

For Indian athletes to be allowed under Indian flag, the IOC wanted a new IOA elected before Feb 7. “The elections on February 9 could have been held a week in advance,” said shotgun shooter Mansher Singh. “As a player, I know how it feels when you see the national flag go up and how our three athletes, representing the country would now go everywhere in the tournament under the Olympic flag, which means no official India participation.”

“They (IOA officials) have always ensured that the Indian athlete is very rarely placed in the front in either policy or practice. These officials belong to political parties across the entire ideological spectrum and ensure that their personal gains are always at the top,” said another athlete.

Rant against Flower sealed Pietersen’s fate, says report

London, February 7
It seems a vicious rant against Andy Flower during a players-only meeting in Melbourne on December 30 turned out to be the proverbial last straw on Kevin Pietersen's England career.

According to The Daily Telegraph, the players agreed in the meeting that the team was relying too heavily on Andy Flower to provide instruction. Pietersen then allegedly went on an anti-Flower rant, but missed the point of his team mates' concerns, believing they were accusing Flower of being overly "prescriptive" rather than "paternalistic".

Flower heard about the meeting and wanted an explanation from Kevin Pietersen. He then asked the players if they had a problem with his methods, to which they said they did not.

The issue was discussed with Paul Downton, the new managing director of England cricket, who after meeting Flower, coaching staff, captain Alastair Cook and other senior players, decided to end Pietersen's international career.

Meanwhile, England wicketkeeper Matt Prior defended himself against allegations that he undermined former coach Andy Flower during the disastrous recent Ashes tour of Australia before turning his back on Kevin Pietersen.

“I refuse to be attacked by a bloke that knows very little about what goes on in the England setup apart from rumour, gossip and hearsay from certain individuals,” said the England wicket-keeper. — Reuters

Winter games
Sochi Olympics kick off in great style

Sochi, February 7
Russia's Winter Olympics officially got underway on the Black Sea coast on Friday with a burst of fireworks and a dazzling opening ceremony that President Vladimir Putin hoped would dispel fears of militant attacks and a row over gay rights.

Putin has staked his reputation on hosting a safe and successful Games in the resort town of Sochi, where a high-octane show before 40,000 spectators at the gleaming new Fisht Stadium signalled the start of the full sporting programme.

He was joined by leaders from China, Japan and about 40 other countries in a show of support despite an international outcry over Russia's "gay propaganda" law passed last year, which critics say curtails the rights of homosexuals.

U.S. President Barack Obama, French President Francois Hollande, British Prime Minister David Cameron and German President Joachim Gauck are not attending the Games, and the U.S. delegation includes openly gay representatives. Despite grumblings about poor accommodation and tight security, the mood among competitors and officials after a handful of early qualifying events in Sochi and at the mountain base 40 km (25 miles) to the northeast was upbeat.

“Conditions offered to the athletes are absolutely outstanding,” said French Olympic Committee president Denis Masseglia on a clear, crisp day. Some 37,000 security personnel are on high alert over threats by militant groups based in the nearby north Caucasus region to attack the February 7-23 Games, the most expensive ever staged at an estimated cost of $50 billion.

Separatist guerrillas seeking an independent Islamic state in Chechnya and neighbouring regions of southern Russia have vowed to disrupt the Olympics, which they say are taking place on land seized from Caucasus tribes in the 19th century.

Google targets gay propoganda law

In addition to fears over security, Russia, hosting the Winter Games for the first time, has been under fire since passing legislation against promoting gay propaganda among minors. Putin says it protects young people, and has stressed that homosexuals would not face discrimination at the Olympics. Google placed a rainbow version of its logo on its search page featuring the six colours on the gay pride flag — red, orange, yellow, green, blue and purple. The page also includes a quote from the Olympic charter underlining the right to practise sport without discrimination. Google Inc. declined to comment.

Konstantin Ernst, in charge of the opening ceremony, gave little away about the content of the 2-1/2 opening show, although he said it would draw heavily on Russia's rich heritage and take viewers on a tour of the host nation's history.

He promised innovation, surprises and a performance of the Olympic anthem by renowned Russian opera singer Anna Netrebko. When asked how the Olympic flame would be lit, he replied in English: “This is the biggest secret ever.” — Reuters

Sanga 2nd to hit triple ton, century in same Test

CHITTAGONG, February 7
Kumar Sangakkara became only the second cricketer to hit a triple century and a hundred in the same Test as Sri Lanka set Bangladesh a huge target of 467 to win the second and final match in Chittagong on Friday.

Sangakkara, who struck his maiden triple century in the first innings, hit a six off Sohag Gazi to reach three figures in the second and emulate former England opener Graham Gooch's 1990 feat against India at Lord's.

The 36-year-old left-hander was then bowled by the off-spinner's next delivery as he attempted to sweep on the fourth day. Sangakkara's fluent 144-ball knock included 11 fours and two sixes. His tally of 424 fell just short of Gooch's record of 456 for most runs in a single Test.

His partner in a fourth-wicket stand of 145, Dinesh Chandimal, struck his third Test century as Sri Lanka declared on 305 for four half an hour just before the close. Tamim Iqbal and Shamsur Rahman then survived eight overs to leave their side on 12/0.

Brief Scores: Bangladesh 426 and 12 for 0 need 455 runs to beat Sri Lanka 587 and 305 for 4 dec (Sangakkara 105, Chandimal 100*). — Reuters

Hockey India league
Ranchi sneak past Lancers

Magicians take on Warriors

Mumbai, February 7
Buoyed by their fighting display against Delhi Waveriders, struggling Mumbai Magicians would be eagerly seeking their maiden win when they take on strong Punjab Warriors in the Hockey India League (HIL) at the Mahindra Stadium from Saturday.

Magicians were in control for most part of the match but they allowed the Waveriders to take the game away in the last few minutes yesterday to slump to their fourth defeat.

With just six points from five games, the hosts cannot afford to repeat the mistakes tomorrow, a fact pointed out by coach M K Kaushik ahead of their encounter against Warriors.

“Saturday’s match is crucial and we have to play to win the match. We will try and overcome the areas that we have been lacking in and improve ourselves," Kaushik said on Friday.

Fifa president Blatter may run for office again

Berne, February 7
FIFA president Sepp Blatter has given the strongest hint yet that he is ready to stand for a fifth term, telling Swiss public radio he would not say no if member associations asked him to stand.

"I'm in good health and I don't see why I should now think about stopping the work, about the consolidation of FIFA," Blatter, told French-language station RTS in an interview on Friday. "If the member associations ask me to be a candidate, I would not say no" said the Swiss who has been president since 1998.

"There are lots of people who say it's necessary to carry on, the continuation is necessary, it's not necessary to stop," he added.

The next FIFA presidential election is in 2015. Each of FIFA's 209 member associations holds one vote.

Blatter, who will be 78 in March, was elected unopposed for a fourth term in 2011 after his rival Mohamed Bin Hammam withdrew his candidacy. — Reuters