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world championship In one of longest games in the history of world chess championship, Anand and Carlsen fought for over six hours before signing a peace treaty. courtesy fide
Whitewash a big feat: Virat
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Why Srini’s position becomes even more untenable
India eves have SA on the mat
Mumbai to Goa: 90 min of goalless journey
Deadlock persists, Walsh may leave
‘Had nothing to lose against Dan’
Srikanth caused the biggest upset of his career by beating Lin Dan in the final of the China Open. PTI
Latham ton gives Kiwis strong start
Delhi edge past Punjab
Dutch rout Latvia 6-0
Pakistan cyclists waiting for visas
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world championship Sochi, November 17 Trying to recuperate from a double blunder in the previous game of the 12-game match, Anand did not show any signs of fatigue and matched Carlsen move for move in what was considered a grudge game. The Indian, who was facing a double white from Carlsen according to the rules laid in, was at his best in defense even though the game was fought in the most recent theoretical battle. For the record, it was as theoretical as it could get in a world championship match. Carlsen went for the extensively analysed Berlin defense with his white pieces — an indication that the Norwegian word champion had worked out a plan to tackle Anand's deep preparation in the opening. As it happened, Dutch Grandmaster Anish Giri could not stop himself from tweeting that 'when it came to Berlin, Carlsen knew who to follow'. The Dutch GM was obviously referring to his game against Teinmour Radjabov of Azerbaijan just a couple of weeks back. And after Carlsen followed him to the hilt, there was no doubt that Giri was making sense. Anand in fact checked himself not to follow that game and it was clear that the Indian ace had analysed the details. Instead what followed was a deeply analysed sequence of moves, wherein Anand had worked out his way to equality. "These are the kind of position when you have to be lucky, but if you are playing in a world championship match you better be correct," said Grandmaster Abhijeet Gupta, who has been keenly following the match. As it turned out, the game was in Anand's grip only for a short while as Carlsen took control soon after. The Indian was subjected to some technical questions on the game once the second time control was over. It was a piece sacrifice by Anand that opened the debate. The Indian ace was thereafter trying to figure out a way to defend a piece down endgame which was theoretically drawn. As it happened, Carlsen went to haunt Anand for a long time with his extra piece but the result of the game was never in doubt. A draw it was after a marathon 122 moves. — PTI
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Whitewash a big feat: Virat
Ranchi, November 17
India crushed Sri Lanka 5-0, completing the formalities with a three-wicket triumph in the final match of the series last night. “Guys being positive and aggressive rather than defensive and negative... that's something we're really stressing on. Even if a bowler is getting hit, as long as he's looking to take wickets and not looking to get away — that's the change we need,” said Kohli. “That's something we have decided as a group in the series and it has come out beautifully,” he said. Stressing on the new-found aggression, Kohli said it was a challenging task to beat their sub-continental rivals so convincingly. “It's not easy to have a whitewash, especially against a sub-continent team in the sub-continent. It's always a very difficult, so really glad the way the guys have responded to whatever I've asked of them. I'm really satisfied as a captain,” he said. Reiterating his mantra of being ruthless, Kohli said: “I meant with ruthless, that we're looking to create wining habits more than anything else and create a culture for the team that needs to continue going forward as well.” With an inexperienced side under him, Kohli batted at number four but the flamboyant right-hander said his gut feeling was to bat at his usual number three. “I can't comment on it right now but as long as we're strong in the middle-order I don't see any reason to keep batting at four. I've scored most of my centuries and won most of the games for the team at No 3. “As long as I play the same way as I did today, that serves right for the team. You never know, I'm comfortable batting at No 3 and 4 both. I will go with my gut feel as well as what the team requires of me. I'm learning to bat at other position also if the team requires,” he added. “I, as a captain of the team, need to be at that level first where I want my players to be. That's a conscious effort I have to make. It's not that hard because I always play my cricket like that. Leading by example always feels nice,” said Kohli. — PTI Jaya takes blame for Lanka humiliation
Colombo: Sanath Jayasuriya, the chairman of selectors, has taken the responsibility for Sri Lanka's 0-5 thrashing. Jayasuriya, who is the Deputy Minister of Sports, was addressing the Parliament on the Sports Ministry's budgetary allocations. “There is no need to blame the Sports Minister and all others, I take the responsibility,” Jayasuriya said. Jayasuriya, at the outset of the tour, told local media that the selection panel was looking forward to a good showing from fringe players in the Sri Lanka squad ahead of the 2015 World Cup starting in February. Jayasuriya's former skipper Arjuna Ranatunga, another Parliamentarian, had earlier held the entire cricket hierarchy including the Sports Minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage and skipper Angelo Mathews responsible for the unprecedented 5-0 thrashing. He said the result would have a demoralising effect on the team's World Cup preparations. When the SLC made the decision to agree to tour as a stopgap arrangement, murmurs were raised over the alleged arbitrary action of the SLC secretary Nishantha Ranatunga in what was seen as an action to please BCCI. The local media reacted to the disastrous results with screaming headlines such as 'RIP Sri Lanka Cricket', 'Whitewashed'. — PTI |
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Why Srini’s position becomes even more untenable
CHandigarh, November 17
The Mudgal Committee report has said that there is no evidence that Srinivasan was personally involved in betting or match-fixing, or that he tried to obstruct investigation into last year's betting and spot-fixing scandal. But the report does hold Srinivasan guilty of ignoring the violation of the IPL Code of Conduct by a player. The report says: “This individual (Srinivasan) along with four other BCCI officials was aware of the violation of the Players Code of Conduct by Individual 3 (a player whose name has been withheld), but no action was taken against Individual 3 by any of the aforesaid officials who were aware of this infraction.” This is serious, but all this was not even basis of the objection against Srinivasan continuing or reclaiming his post of BCCI president. His position was and is untenable because he misrepresented facts to the investigators, and because of the conflict of interest situation he is in. His IPL team's Principal, no less, was arrested and questioned during investigation into the betting and spot-fixing scandal. The team Principal, Gurunath Meiyappan, is also his son-in-law. Until investigations cleared Meiyappan, Srinivasan had no moral authority to continue as BCCI president. Srinivasan informed the Mudgal Committee that Meiyappan was not a CSK official but just a follower, an “enthusiast”, of the team. Earlier this year, the Mudgal Committee established that Meiyappan was, contrary to Srinivasan's claims, indeed a CSK official. Which implicates Srinivasan for lying to investigators appointed by the Supreme Court. Now, after more detailed investigations, the Mudgal Committee has said: “Mr Meiyappan formed an integral part of Chennai Super Kings and most persons viewed him as the face of the team. Though the de-jure ownership vests in India Cements, the Committee finds that Mr. Meiyappan was in fact acting as a team official if not the defacto owner of CSK….” Srinivasan did not tell the truth about Meiyappan's position in the CSK to the Mudgal Committee because if a team's officials are found involved in serious wrongdoings, the team could be heavily penalised, even banned. The case against Srinivasan has become stronger, because the Mudgal Committee has found that he — and other IPL/BCCI officials — were aware of unspecified wrongdoing by a cricketer but did nothing.
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Mysore, November 17 Resuming at 211 for one, the hosts dominated the day once again as they added another 189 runs to their overnight total, losing five wickets in the process, before deciding to declare the innings. Kamini, who resumed at 100, went on to hit a 430-ball 192, while her overnight partner Poonam, who was also unbeaten on 100, added another 30 runs before getting out at 130 off 355 deliveries. Kamini's knock was studded with 24 boundaries and one six, while Poonam hit 18 fours during her innings. For South Africa, Sunette Loubser was the most successful bowler with figures of three for 90. In reply to India's huge first innings score, South Africa did not have an ideal start as they lost two wickets for just 37 runs on the board. It was opener Nadine Moodley (40) and skipper Mignon du Preez (28 not out) who consolidated the innings and put on 46 runs together for the third wicket. At stumps on day two, Marcia Letsoalo (0) was unbeaten along with Preez. Off-spinner Rajeshwari Gayakwad (2/20) took two wickets for the hosts. Brief scores: India: 400 for six decl (Thirush Kamini 192, Poonam Raut 130; Sunette Loubser 3/90); South Africa 1st innings: 85 for 3 (Nadine Moodley 40; Rajeshwari Gayakwad 2/20). — PTI
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Mumbai to Goa: 90 min of goalless journey
Dubai, November 17
The two teams had also been locked in a goalless stalemate in the first-leg encounter in Goa on November 9. The drawn game kept Mumbai in the fifth spot in the table with 12 points while the visitors too remained in seventh spot with 9 points, two better than bottom-placed Delhi Dynamos. Incidentally this was also Mumbai’s third successive goalless draw in the league. In a fast-paced opening half, Mumbai dominated the play through the major portion of the first half with French ace Anelka spelling constant danger up front after some lovely work in midfield by two other foreigners in the team — Brazilian Andre Moritz and Czech Jan Stohanzl.But they lacked sufficient support from the likes of Subash Singh, who wasted a few gilt-edged chances, and Lalrindika Ralte. Goa came into the picture late in the second half after an initial foray. The latter half saw both teams having an almost equal share of exchanges. The opening salvo was fired in the fourth minute by the visiting team when Mandar Dessai shot over the crosspiece from the left after using Brazilian midfield mate Andre Santos to run into the penalty box. But thereafter the Goa team’s players were left chasing their rivals. In the sixth minute Anelka volleyed the ball over on the run after outrunning his marker and compatriot Gregory Arnolin. Six minutes later the home team got its first corner award which went waste as Czech defender Pavel Cmovs left-footed on the turn wide of the post. A dangerous run from their own half by Stohanzl after outsprinting three rival players also went fruitless in the 18th minute as his minus pass from the byline found no takers. Soon afterwards Subash Singh blasted wide a shot after being fed superbly by Moritz.— PTI
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Deadlock persists, Walsh may leave
New Delhi, November 17 “The support from the Sports Ministry and the SAI has been great, but we have to take some steps with regards to Hockey India if we want to solve the issue. The time is running out for them, the door is closing. The ball is in their court now,” Walsh said after a marathon six-hour long meeting with the Ministry panel, SAI officials, and Hockey India CEO Elena Norman here on Monday. Walsh had cited “difficulty in adjusting to the functioning of the country's bureaucratic system” as one of the main reasons behind his decision to resign as the chief coach. Walsh also rubbished reports which stated that he had asked for 120 days of paid leave in Australia, during which he will stay in touch with the team through video conferencing. “One thing I want to make very clear is that I have never asked for extended leave. What I have asked for is the ability to work from Perth when I am not involved with the national programme.” Walsh said the two meetings, which he has had with the Ministry panel comprising former hockey captains Ajit Pal Singh, Zafar Iqbal and Ashok Kumar, have remained inconclusive so far. “It seems rather crazy to me that even after 10 hours of meeting, the issue remains unresolved. We have to move forward on certain issues. From my perspective, I've resigned on October 19, and I have just two days left before my contract expires,” he said. Ajit Pal, chairman of the committee, refused to share the details of the meeting and, instead, asked Walsh to review his list of demands, which include more freedom in the decision-making process and team selection, appointment of a scientific advisor from Australia, and issues concerning his paid leaves. “We had a long meeting today, and we would most likely have another round of talks on Tuesday. I am hopeful of a resolution,” he said. Walsh has called for a press conference on Tuesday to announce his decision.
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‘Had nothing to lose against Dan’
New Delhi, November 17 There was a reason to believe so — a look at Lin Dan’s career would show why the Chinese star is such a genius. Before coming into the match, he had played 559 matches with 495 wins and just 64 losses. Compare this to Srikanth’s record — 104 matches, 67 wins, 37 losses — and one would need no further explanation to illustrate the gulf between the two players. So, for Srikanth, who recovered from a serious ailment — a bacterial infection in his brain — a few months ago to beating his childhood idol, Lin Dan, the outcome was nothing short of living a dream. “I never thought about the win. It’s a dream come true for me. The feeling is yet to sink in. I knew that a player like Lin Dan can make a comeback anytime, so I remained focused till the last point. Beating my childhood idol was just great,” Srikanth told The Tribune. For Lin Dan, the defeat was his first in a final since the 2012 Korea Open to Lee Chong Wei of Malaysia. Srikanth returned with a title from his very first World Super Series final, and the win came shortly after Saina Nehwal won the singles title — giving India an unprecedented two titles at the event. Srikanth was an unheralded player in the badminton world in 2012, with a ranking of 240. The rise from 240 to a current world ranking of 13 was no easy task for the Guntur boy from Andhra Pradesh, and the lanky lad had to sweat it out in Pulella Gopichand's academy for months to become a ‘giant slayer’. Srikanth said he played a smart game against Lin Dan, not allowing the two-time Olympic champion to unleash his thunderbolts and cross netshots. “There was nothing to lose. I just wanted to go out and enjoy my game against him. There was no pre-planning, but just a confident approach. I want to carry the momentum in coming tournaments,” he said. The reigning National Champion does not want to burden himself with the pressure of expectations. For him, the victory gives him the motivation to perform better. “I am focusing on the next Super Series. My next aim is to do well in Hong Kong and qualify for the Super Series Finals in Dubai (December 17 to 21),” said the player with a world ranking of 16. Only the top-eight of the Super Series play the Finals and Srikanth is currently ranked No.9.
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Latham ton gives Kiwis strong start
Dubai, November 17 Opting to bat first after winning the toss at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, the visitors, trailing 1-0 in the three-Test series, reached 243 for three wickets at the close. Latham, who scored a century in the first Test in Abu Dhabi, remained unbeaten on 137 with Corey Anderson on seven. The 22-year-old Latham, playing his sixth Test, displayed good temperament and solid technique against both the fast bowlers and the spinners and reached his century with a single off paceman Ehsan Adil. The left-handed batsman survived a close lbw appeal against Adil on 11 and edged Rahat Ali on 71 but the ball went between the wicketkeeper and first slip. Brief Scores: New Zealand 243/3 (Latham 137*) v Pakistan. — Reuters
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Delhi edge past Punjab
New Delhi, November 17
According to the league format, the team that wins more games wins the tie and not the sets. Juan Carlos Ferrero provided a fiery start to the hosts as he routed Greg Rusedski 6-1 in the legends singles to put the hosts ahead. World No.15 Jelena Jankovic from Serbia shrugged off a poor start to beat Garbine Muguruza 6-5(5-3) in the women’s singles and Kevin Anderson spanked Somdev Devvarman 6-1 in the deciding men’s singles when Delhi were leading Punjab by a slender one-game margin. Punjab, led by the charismatic Leander Paes, won the mixed doubles and men’s doubles. Paes featured in both the matches. Punjab’s hopes hinged on Somdev but the 6 feet 8 inches tall Anderson showed why he is world No. 16 as he demolished the challenge of the India No. 1 in a matter of minutes. The South African sprayed winners all over the centre court with a hapless Somdev gasping. The Indian, ranked 139, could hold his serve only in the first game as close to 1000 fans watched their hero go down. Ferrero hardly broke a sweat in outplaying the 41-year old Rusedsky as the Delhi player needed just 19 minutes to provide a winning start to his side. Nicknamed ‘mosquito’ during his playing days for his agility, Ferrero conceded just four points on his serve and broke his rival thrice. The 2007 US Open finalist, Rusdeski, seven years older than Ferrero, fired two aces but hardly put up a challenge to the 2003 French Open winner. Ferrero hit a backhand winner past Rusedski at 40-40 in the seventh game to close the match. India’s hero Paes then joined hands with Garbine Muguruza to bring Punjab back in the tie with a clinical 6-3 win over Kevin Anderson and Jelena Jankovic in the mixed doubles. — PTI
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euro 2016 qualifying
AMSTERDAM, November 17 Hiddink, in his second spell as Dutch coach, had indicated that he would resign if his side suffered another disappointing result after suffering four defeats in their five games since finishing third at the World Cup in Brazil under his predecessor Louis van Gaal. Having already been beaten in the Czech Republic and in Iceland, Hiddink’s side still have some catching up to do but this result takes some of the pressure off with their next qualifier, at home to struggling Turkey, not until the end of March. Results: Czech Republic bt Iceland 2-1; Netherlands bt Latvia 6-0; Belgium dr Wales 0-0; Israel bt Bosnia and Herzegovina 3-0; Bulgaria dr Malta 1-1; Italy dr Croatia 1-1. — Agencies
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I’m at the pinnacle of my career: Djokovic
London, November 17 “I physically feel very fit. I’m very motivated to keep on playing on a very high level. I’m going to try to use these years in front of me to fight for the number one of the world and fight for the biggest titles.” Djokovic ends the season as number one for the third time in four years having won a seventh Grand Slam at Wimbledon and Masters 1000 titles in Miami, Indian Wells, Rome, Paris and this week’s year-ender in London. While arch-rival Rafa Nadal is still recovering from a wrist injury followed by appendicitis, Andy Murray is struggling to return to his best form after back surgery a year ago and 33-year-old Federer cannot hold back time forever, new dad Djokovic appears to be reaching his prime. In London, he dropped only nine games in his three group matches before seeing off Japan’s Kei Nishikori in the semis and he will start 2015 having clearly set the benchmark for men’s tennis. Djokovic said he was disappointed his year ended with a hollow victory — even if it meant he was the first to win the year-ender three times in succession since Ivan Lendl. “This is probably the first time in history that this happens,” said Djokovic, who found out shortly before the final that Federer was withdrawing. “It’s a very awkward situation to talk about, to be honest. You never like to win, especially these big matches against big rivals, with a retirement.” Djokovic rejected any suggestion that Federer had pulled out to save himself for next week’s Davis Cup final. “The stats are saying clearly that he is one of those players that would compete and always fight if he can,” Djokovic said. “He has had, what, three retirements in his entire career? I don’t think he was calculating and trying to save his body for the Davis Cup final. I’m sure that wasn’t the case. This is probably one of the biggest matches of the year for him, as well as for me.” — Reuters
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Pakistan cyclists waiting for visas
New Delhi, November 17 The Pakistan team has not yet been issued visa by the Indian High Commission in Islamabad for the Nov. 21-23 event, which would provide an opportunity for the participants to qualify for next year’s World Championships and 2016 Rio Olympics. There is no official indication from the Cycling Federation of India (CFI) on whether the visa would be granted. CFI secretary and Track Asia Cup organising committee member, Onkar Singh, said they are helpless with politics getting in the way of sport. Last year, too, an eight-member Pakistan team had to wait till the last minute before getting the visa for the Asian Cycling Championships. “We have approached the Ministry of External Affairs and urged them to give the clearance. We are hopeful of their participation,” Singh told The Tribune. The Track Asia Cup is one of the most prestigious events in the International Cycling Union (UCI) calendar and would see the participation of about 100 riders representing eight teams — Hong Kong, Thailand, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Malaysia and India — in both senior and junior categories. “This is a Class 1 event, which carries more ranking points than any other event on the calendar. The championship provides an opportunity for the Indian cyclists to accumulate vital points, which will enhance their chance to qualify for the World Championships and Rio Games,” Singh said. Singh said India would face stiff competition from Hong Kong and Kazakh cyclists. “All foreign teams, particularly Hong Kong and Kazakhstan, are sending their strongest-ever teams and India will have to work overtime to outperform them.”
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world squash c’ship
Doha, November 17 The 14th-seeded Indian slowly gained momentum in the 51-minute encounter as he got past his arch-rival 11-7 5-11 11-9 11-4 in the round-of-32 clash. — PTI
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Five-time world champion Viswanathan Anand salvaged a draw after suffering for long in the seventh game of the World Chess Championship against Magnus Carlsen here on Monday.
It was always a David vs Goliath battle in every sense. Much before Kidambi Srikanth took to the court against the ‘Super’ Lin Dan in the summit clash of the China Open Premier Super Series, the result was a foregone conclusion.
There was a reason to believe so — a look at Lin Dan’s career would show why the Chinese star is such a genius. Before coming into the match, he had played 559 matches with 495 wins and just 64 losses.
