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Sri Lanka fail India A test
On mom’s birthday, Advani gifts her 12th world title
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duleep trophy final
It’s always about India first, says Saina
Don’t doubt my commitment, says Paes
paris masters
surjit hockey
Newcastle dump Man City
Younis stays hot vs Oz
Ticket sales for IPTL begins today
Kerala beat Pune
Luis Garcia fit for next game
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Sri Lanka fail India A test
Mumbai, October 30 Playing his first match after recovering from a fractured finger and shoulder injury, Sharma cracked a brilliant 111-ball 142 before getting run out. Pandey stroked his way to an unbeaten 135 off 113 balls at the Brabourne Stadium. Invited to bat, India A scored at a brisk pace, with the openers — Sharma and Unmukt Chand — carting the bowlers all over the park and helping the team post 72 runs in the first 10 overs. Sharma dominated the proceedings initially before Chand, too, upped the ante. The former U-19 World Cup-winning captain continued with his rich vein of form, having scored an unbeaten 79 and 101 against the West Indies earlier this month. The Delhi batsman struck eight fours and a six in his 39-ball 52 before being caught behind by Kumara Sangakkara off Lahiru Gamage. Sharma, who was on 36 when Chand departed, forged a 214-run partnership with Pandey. The duo remained aggressive as they sent the bowlers on a leather hunt. Sharma showed no signs of discomfort and looked to attack from the start. The 27-year old’s scintillating knock was laced with 18 fours and a six, including some beautiful cover drives. The Mumbai batsman fell short of his crease while trying to steal a second run when a direct hit from Lahiru Gamage found the target in the 41st over. Pandey however remained undeterred. His brilliant knock included 15 fours and a six, while skipper Manoj Tiwary chipped in with a cameo, scoring 36 with the help of two sixes and as many fours. After putting up a solid display, India A lost three quick wickets in the penultimate over, but it did not cause much worry to them as by then the batsmen had already dented the Lankan bowling attack. The island nation opted to give a chance to all their 15 members and utilised the services of as many as 10 players in the bowling department. — PTI Brief scores: India A 382 for 6 (Rohit 142, Pandey 135*, Chand 54); Sri Lanka 294 for 9 (Tharanga 76, Karn 4-47) Rohit has proved his fitness: Bangar
Rohit Sharma showed no signs of the finger injury that kept him out of action for more than two months as he hammered the visiting Sri Lanka bowlers, making 142 off 111 balls. “Rohit showed he's absolutely fit while batting. He is a quality player. He didn't get a game because of the injury. His match fitness had to be assessed and that was the reason the selectors had dropped him. He gave a fantastic account of himself,” said coach Sanjay Bangar. “He has been practising hard over the last 10 days at BKC. And he showed the total recovery from that injury while batting.” |
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On mom’s birthday, Advani gifts her 12th world title
New Delhi, October 30 The champion cueist added another glittering feather to his cap by clinching the World Billiards title in the 'Time Format', defeating England's rising star Robert Hall 1928-893 in the lop-sided summit clash. The 29-year-old won his third 'Grand Double' — a feat achieved by no other billiard player. Prior to this, he was tied with Qatar's Mike Russell, who had won the double in 2010 and 2011. Advani's previous title triumphs came in Malta in 2005 and in Bangalore, his hometown, in 2008. If the 'Point Format' world title was his Diwali gift to the nation last week, the 'Time Format' title was a birthday gift to his mother, Kajal. Advani's victory is the latest chapter in India's glittering history in the cue sport. For decades now, the Indian cueists have been setting the green baize ablaze and the Bangalore boy is taking the legacy forward in the most impressive way. “I don't know what to say. I don't have words to explain how I am feeling. I've worked really hard on my game and fitness, both physical and mental, before coming to Leeds and all that has paid off,” said Advani. In the final, Advani's magic was on full display against Hall, who had defeated Bangalore player B. Bhaskar in the semifinal. However, Hall’s maiden final appearance did not go as he would have liked. His experienced Indian opponent had way too much firepower, as he has often shown in big matches. At the end of the first session of the five-hour final, Advani led 746-485 with the help of a 185 break. On resumption, the Indian ace fired in breaks of 94,182, 289 and 145, adding a whopping 1000 points in less than two hours. The Indian went into an overdrive, making the result a foregone conclusion with over an hour left on the clock. “This win is truly special. The reason why it's most special among the 12 world titles is that I won it on my mother's birthday. She is my rock. Hope she likes the present,” said Advani. Advani has thus far won 10 individual World titles besides the World team billiards crown, two Asian Games (2006, 2010) gold medals in billiards, five Asian billiards titles, 24 national championships in both junior and senior categories. Yet, for all his achievements, Advani is still “a work in progress” and that he has another 20 years of top-flight billiards in him, feels Geet Sethi who himself won nine World titles. “I feel that a billiards player reaches his peak between 30 to 35 years of age and hence I believe that we are still to see the best of Pankaj,” said
Sethi. |
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Rahul, Uthappa torment Central
Sabi Hussain Tribune News Service
New Delhi, October 30 Rahul, the 22-year old Karnataka batsman, notched up his highest first-class score, 168 not out, on the eased out Kotla wicket to help his side lead Central by 32 runs, with three days remaining. South ended the second day’s play at 308 for 4 in 69 overs in reply to Central's 276. Central, resuming on 237 for 7, added 39 runs in the morning session with the tail lasting just 13 overs. Giving Rahul company was Hanuma Vihari, who was unbeaten on a 48-ball 38 before bad light forced the umpires to suspend the play early. Rahul, whose previous highest first-class score was 158, batted with authority to score at a strike-rate of around 80 without taking much risk. He pulverised the Central's bowling attack with elegant drives and assured pulls off the front foot. The lanky batsman, belonging to the old school of playing every ball on merit, played a fantastic hand to give his team an upperhand in the contest. That the Central's total was below par was apparent with South's openers, Robin Uthappa and Rahul, scoring at will. That South managed to get into a position of strength was courtesy a splendid show by the top order. Uthappa, who was initially reluctant to step out of the crease, got into the groove after the lunch break, unleashing several straight drives when the bowlers over-pitched. He went to lunch on 18 off 47 deliveries, and reeled off 62 off the next 50 balls. The duo sent the Central bowlers on a leather hunt in their 168-run stand that came off only 34.2 overs. Rahul was the initial aggressor, raising a half-century off 57 balls even as Uthappa played the role of second fiddle to perfection. Uthappa started opening up when Central skipper Piyush Chawla came into the attack. A flurry of fours and sixes followed, which took him to his half-century off 83 balls. Central's off-spinner Jalaj Saxena provided the much-needed breakthrough, trapping Uthappa in front for a 97-ball 80. Uthappa's dismissal, however, did not stop Rahul, who moved to 99 with a six off Chawla and brought up his century off the next ball with a single to long-on. When it looked the game was drifting away from Central's grasp, pacer Pankaj Singh's three-wicket burst injected some life back into the contest. Pankaj castled both Baba Aparajith (21) and Dinesh Karthik (0) in his 14th over, and then came back in his next to get rid of R Prasanna (0). At 233 for 4, South looked in trouble but Vihari put on a 75-run partnership with Rahul for the fifth wicket to tighten their grip on the match. Brief scores: Central Zone 276 all out in 100 overs (Faiz Fazal 49, Robin Bist 79; R Vinay Kumar 2-54, Pragyan Ojha 2-49, Baba Aparajith 2-26); South Zone 308/4 in 69 overs (Robin Uthappa 80, KL Rahul 168 n.o.; Pankaj Singh 3-55).
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It’s always about India first, says Saina
new delhi, October 30 “I don't think anyone would not want to play for the country. Sometimes you can't help if there’s an injury or a player is going through some difficult situation. Otherwise, I am sure everyone wants to play for the country, for the pride of the nation. For me, it's always about playing for the country first,” Saina said. In recent times, the players have often found themselves in a situation where they had to choose between their professional commitment and representing the country. After the Sports Ministry issued a diktat saying financial help would not be extended to the athletes preferring prize-money tournaments over representing the nation, the issue is cetrainly going to generate some heated debate. The directive came after top tennis players, namely Somdev Devvarman, Leander Paes and Rohan Bopanna opted out of the Asian Games in Incheon, citing loss of rankings points on the ATP circuit. Asked for her opinion, Saina said a player should always strike a balance between playing for the country and prize-money events. “In the prize money event, you are not going there just as a player. You play at the state level, then national level and finally you reach the international level. So at that level, you only play for the country. It is not about prize money or medal, it is only about your country,” she said on the sidelines of an event organised by USHA at the Delhi Golf Club here. As the discussion veered towards her performance in the current year and her decision to train under coach Vimal Kumar ahead of the Asian Games, Saina said she was extremely happy with her showings in 2014, where she won two titles — India Open GP and Australian Open. “It's about bringing improvement in my game (under Vimal). The way I am playing my matches, everything is going on pretty well. I am consistent with my game which shows in my rankings. I am World No.5 now,” she said. |
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Don’t doubt my commitment, says Paes
New Delhi, October 30 The Ministry had not named any athlete but it was clear that the reference was to tennis players who skipped the Asian Games to play on ATP tour to salvage their rankings. Paes said he was not aware of the whole story so he cannot comment much but his patriotism is beyond doubt. “I have not heard about it, so it's not right for me to comment. But I have played six Olympics and I don't have to say more about my commitment,” said Paes. “It's very clear to see, I love playing for the flag and the people. When I play at Grand Slams, I play for India, for flag and for people,” the 41-year-old player said. Paes, who has been a hero of India's many memorable Davis Cup victories, said, “At the end of the day, I have to do my job and earn my living and I am focussed on my job, winning more Grand Slams. I have done my bit in the last 24 years, not just for myself but also for the people,” he said. Asked if the ministry has been unfair to him by questioning his commitment, Paes said, “I have heard (ministry's version) and I don't want to comment. I have tremendous respect for the Sports Minister. My job is to play hard and I will continue to do so. A lot goes into winning Grand Slams and Davis Cup.” Paes also clarified that he has not received any financial aid from the government since 2012 London Olympics. He concluded by saying that playing for the country was a “great joy for an athlete”.
— PTI |
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Wawrinka slump continues
Loses to Kevin Anderson in the third round; Berdych, Ferrer advance into quarters
Paris, October 30 The Swiss, who has already qualified for the ATP World Tour Finals, had lost his opening matches in the three previous tournaments he had entered. A solid performance in the second round in Paris against Austrian Dominic Thiem was followed by an erratic display against the 14th seeded Anderson, who served 18 aces. Wawrinka saved two match points to force a tiebreak in the decider, but was unable to match Anderson, who upped his level to book a quarter-final spot against Czech Tomas Berdych. “It was a great match and some of my best matches have been against Stan,” said Anderson. “I fought well out there and was in trouble at 5-4 down but suddenly I was back in front again so I'm very, very happy. It's going to be a big challenge (against Berdych) but I'm not going to worry about that just yet. I'll start thinking about it tomorrow.” added Anderson. Following a first round defeat at the Valencia Open last week, the 29-year-old Berdych evened his record against Spaniard Feliciano Lopez at six wins apiece with a 7-5 6-3 victory behind the back of a 70 per cent first serve percentage and eight aces. Victory against Anderson would guarantee Berdych a place in the eight man field in London which begins on November 9 although he could still qualify depending on results elsewhere. Fourth-seeded David Ferrer also kept alive his hopes of making it to London with a 6-1, 6-2 defeat of Fernando Verdasco. Murray in WTA Finals
Andy Murray qualified for the ATP World Tour Finals by reaching the quarterfinals with a 6-3 6-3 win against Bulgarian Grigor Dimitrov.
— Agencies |
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Punjab Police beat Northern Railways; Navy thrash CRPF
Tribune news service
Jalandhar, October 30 In the first match of the day, Punjab Police took lead in the second minute when Jagmeet Singh sounded the board from Rajpal Singh’s pass. Punjab Police managed to keep their lead intact in the first-half. They scored another goal in the 44th minute through Jagmeet Singh, making it 2-0. Northern Railways earned a penalty stroke in the 57th minute and Simranjit Singh netted the ball to reduce the margin (1-2). Two minutes later, Punjab Police’s Ajay Kumar made it 3-1 to seal the match. Indian Navy beat CRPF comprehensively in another match of the day. In the 6th minute, Faheem Khan opened the account for Indian Navy (1-0). Two minutes later, CRPF got an equalizer through Ignecius Toppo. CRPF took the lead when Mikhal Barla scored the field goal from right flank 2-1 in the 26th minute. Surinder then scored the equalized (35th min), by converting the penalty corner (2-2).
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London, October 30 Newcastle’s 18-year-old winger Rolando Aarons struck in the sixth minute to hand the visitors an unlikely lead before Moussa Sissoko ended any hopes of a City fightback with a brilliant goal to gift underfire manager Alan Pardew a third win in 11 days. “We are buzzing in the dressing room. It has given the club a massive lift,” Aarons said. The result completed a miserable week for City, who are now without a win in three games, after they lost to West Ham United on Saturday and threw away a two-goal lead to draw with CSKA Moscow in the Champions League last Tuesday. Elsewhere, Graziano Pelle scored twice as in-form Southampton let slip a 2-0 lead before advancing to the last eight with a thrilling 3-2 win against Stoke City. Tottenham Hotspur eased through to the quarterfinals with a routine 2-0 win against second tier Brighton & Hove Albion. Tottenham dominated possession but failed to take the lead until the 54th minute when Erik Lamela danced into the area and dispatched a neat finish. — Reuters
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Younis stays hot vs Oz
Abu Dhabi, October 30 Pakistan won a crucial toss on the dry and slow track at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium and were on course for a big first innings total that they hope will eventually lead to their first Test win over Australia in 20 years. Younis, whose twin centuries in the first Test secured Pakistan’s 221-run win in Dubai, was unbeaten on 49 at the break with Azhar Ali keeping him company on 26. The duo added 62 runs for the third wicket in a blooming partnership. Off-spinner Nathan Lyon dismissed Ahmed Shehzad in the morning session and paceman Mitchell Johnson denied Mohammad Hafeez (45) his half-century but Australia were made to toil on a wicket that had little for the pacers. The batsman was trapped leg before when he tried to play across but missed the line. Shehzad’s 35 included three fours and came off 64 balls. Brief scores: Pakistan 304/2 (Younis 111*, Azhar 101*) v Australia.
— Reuters |
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Ticket sales for IPTL begins today
new delhi, October 30 The ticket prices range between Rs 3,240 to 49,680. Tickets will be released in phases; with close to 6,000 tickets available for sale, across price categories, during Phase 1. During the 3-day event (December 6, 7 and 8), at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium, fans will get to see two matches a day, first at 4pm and second match starting at 7:30pm. Each ticket will allow spectators to watch the 3-day action. The fans will get to see two matches a day, first at 4pm and second match starting at 7:30pm. Each ticket will allow spectators to watch the 3-day action. Icon player Roger Federer, 14-time Grand Slam Champion Pete Sampras, teammates Gael Monfils, Ana Ivanovic, Fabrice Santoro, and Indian greats Sania Mirza and Rohan Bopanna will make up the Indian squad and take on the Manila Mavericks, UAE Royals, and Singapore Slammers during the three-day event.
— PTI |
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A fit-again Rohit Sharma and Manish Pandey slammed strokeful centuries as India A feasted on Sri Lanka’s mediocre attack before registering a comfortable 88-run victory in a warm-up match ahead of the ODI series on Thursday.
New Delhi, October 30
KL Rahul stroked his way to a brilliant unbeaten century as South Zone gained the all-important first innings lead against Central Zone in the Duleep Trophy final on Thursday.
Rahul, the 22-year old Karnataka batsman, notched up his highest first-class score, 168 not out, on the eased out Kotla wicket to help his side lead Central by 32 runs, with three days remaining.
Punjab Police derailed Northern Railways Delhi 3-1 and Indian Navy defeated CRPF 5-2 to enter the next round of the Surjit Hockey Tournament at the Olympian Surjit Hockey Stadium here today.
In the first match of the day, Punjab Police took lead in the second minute when Jagmeet Singh sounded the board from Rajpal Singh’s pass. Punjab Police managed to keep their lead intact in the first-half.
Younis Khan extended his red hot form against Australia to power Pakistan to 158/2 wickets at tea on the first day of the second and final Test on Thursday.
Pakistan won a crucial toss on the dry and slow track at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium and were on course for a big first innings total that they hope will eventually lead to their first Test win over Australia in 20 years.
Younis, whose twin centuries in the first Test secured Pakistan’s 221-run win in Dubai, was unbeaten on 49 at the break with Azhar Ali keeping him company on 26. The duo added 62 runs for the third wicket in a blooming partnership.
New Delhi: