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King Anand brings chess crown to land of its birth NEW DELHI, Dec 30: The "chess phenomenon" called Viswanathan Anand scaled the highest peak after some gruelling.....more LONDON, Dec 30: Records were smashed and reputations cemented during a ..more New Zealand-Zimbabwe test ends in draw WELLINGTON, Dec 30: Zimbabwe decided to close up shop early today, forcing a one-off test between the visitors. ....more 46th National School Games
begins tomorrow Excelsior Sports Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 30: Minister for Sports, Surjit Singh Slathia has pinned high hopes of Jammu..more |
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DGP flags
off contingent Excelsior Correspondent KATHUA, Dec 30: The Director General Police, Mr A K Suri flagged off a contingent of 59 students belonging to various educational institutions of the district Kathua for Bharat Darshan this morning....more Bharat Club win by 3 wkts in Baba Santokh Nath Cricket Excelsior Sports Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 30: Bharat Cricket Club outplayed Trikuta Cricket Club by three wickets in the XI Jai Baba Santokh Nath Cricket Tournament being held at Smailpur.....more UCC beat Friends Club Excelsior Sports Correspondent KATHUA, Dec 30: United Cricket Club thrashed Friends Cricket Club by 116 runs in ongoing Peace Cricket Trophy being organised by the District...more Singh XI sail into final of
Excelsior Sports Correspondent RAJOURI, Dec 30: Superb all round performance by skipper Jaspal Singh helped Singh XI sail into the final of the Dev Raj Sharma Memorial Inter-club ...more |
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King Anand brings chess crown to land of its birth NEW DELHI, Dec 30: The "chess phenomenon" called Viswanathan Anand scaled the highest peak after some gruelling sessions of mind-draining contests and brought the world chess crowd of birth - over 5000 years after the game of 64 squares and 32 pieces was discovered. World Number two Anand’s feat in Tehran rekindled many a hope back home with chess as a game, and players as ‘pieces’ both flourished in the millennium year with the country celebrating 2000 as the year of chess - virtually. Anand became the 15th world champion beating Spain’s Alexei Shirov 3.5-0.5 in a dominating and ruthless show of his brain power and then lined himself for another glory which no other human except Russia’s Garry Kasparov has achieved. The world champion is most likely to touch the magical figure of 2800 on Elo ratings - something that only kasparov has managed to do so. The wizard has remained there for over three years making himself the strongest player of any era. Anand’s excellent feat over the season despite a subdued start at the Amber Chess in January, culminated in achieving World Cup in Shenyang, and an unbeatable run in the New Delhi-Tehran World Championship boosted his chances of catching up with the 2800 mark. "Vishy, the tiger from Madras’ and "the one man Indian chess revolution" are the sobriquets for Anand, who in a true sense, ruled the Indian sports scene with a dazzling display around the world. Despite being given a rough ride in his formative days by the ‘movers and shakers’ of the All India Chess Federation, Anand remained a true ambassador of the Indian chess and every budding player dreamt of emulating him. Apart from winning events, consolidating his position and preparing his mind championships, Anand spent precious time in Sydney during the Summer Olympic games to help chess make a positive start in earning a possible entry into the olympic family. Fide’s efforts to make chess a medal event in the Olympic games saw two exhibition matches being played in the athletes’ village in the homebush bay facility near Sydney. It was fitting that the world governing body chose anand and Shirov to display the nuances of the game - months before the two GMs again faced each other for the all-important world championship clash. Indians achieved dizzy heights as K Sasikiran became the first from the country after Anand to get past the first round of the world championship; The teenager joined the grandmasters’ league alongwith Abhijit Kunte; S Vijayalakshmi clinched the woman grandmaster title; India finished creditable eighth at the Istanbul Olympiad with Viji winning silver medal and youngsters showed promise by triumphing with two world titles in the age-group championship. In their own continent, Indian youngsters virtually swept the Asian Age-group Championship as they became region’s undisputed kings garnering five out of six gold medals at stake. (PTI) |
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LONDON, Dec 30: Records were smashed and reputations cemented during a vintage tennis season. The race for the men’s number one spot came down to the last match of the season while Pete Sampras enjoyed a memorable year. Possibly the best player ever to lift a racket, the American landed a record 13th Grand Slam title before getting married and contemplating winding down. "It’s hard to stay focused and motivated and it is hard when you have to be away from someone you love," the 29-year-old mused after his marriage to actress Bridgette Wilson. "Maybe I’m not as consumed, not like I was three, four years ago. It’s time to kind of cut back on my tournaments, not play quite as much, but try to find ways for me to keep it exciting and fun." During the Northern summer, though, Sampras was as single-minded as ever. The record he coveted most, Roy Emerson’s 12 Grand Slam titles, had stood for 30 years, surviving the best efforts of Bjorn Borg, Jimmy Connors and Ivan Lendl. But in the wimbledon dusk in July, Sampras rewrote tennis history by winning his seventh singles crown and a record 13th Grand Slam title. The quiet American broke down, wiping tears from his eyes, as the centre court exploded in celebration. "This is one of my best moments," he said after victory over Pat Rafter. "I love wimbledon and I love the people here...This court is the best in the world." his seventh title in eight years equalled a 19th century record set by Britain’s William Renshaw. Spectacular start Sampras’s great rival Andre Agassi had started the year in spectacular fashion. He beat Sampras in a thrilling five-set Australian Open semifinal before defeating Yevgeny Kafelnikov in the final. That title meant Agassi had won three of his last four Grand Slam tournaments and the 30-year-old was understandably confident when he arrived in Paris to defend his French Open crown. But this time there was no happy ending as Agassi meekly bowed out in the second round to Karol Kucera. Another former champion, the colourful Brazilian Gustavo Kuerten, added to his 1997 title with some rousing victories at Roland Garros, the first hint of an imminent change in the world order. Sampras predictably dominated the grasscourt season and his rivals were still reeling at his accomplishments when the tour switched to North America. But while most of the world were anticipating a fifth U.S. Open crown at flushing meadow, a towering 1.93 metre Russian had other thoughts. Marat Safin’s straight sets battering of Sampras in the final was brutal and although his form slumped, including a first round defeat at the Sydney olympics, nobody thought he could be caught for the number one spot going into the season-ending ATP Masters Cup. When the complicated points system had been worked out, the only way for Safin to fail to become the first Russian year-end number one was for him to win no more than two matches and for a patched-up injured Kuerten to win the tournament. Safin duly won just two matches and Kuerten’s heroic victory saw him become the first non-American to end the year with the top ranking since Stefan Edberg in 1991 and the first South American to finish the season in pole position. The Brazilian’s 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 win over Andre Agassi in the final saw him leapfrog Safin into number one in the champions race. "It really was a tight year," Kuerten grinned afterwards. (REUTERS) |
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New Zealand-Zimbabwe test ends in draw WELLINGTON, Dec 30: Zimbabwe decided to close up shop early today, forcing a one-off test between the visitors and New Zealand to end in a draw. Faced with a winning target of 301, Zimbabwe never entertained the task of scoring seven runs an over and ended their second innings on 60 for two when stumps were drawn 13 overs ahead of schedule. Those to depart were Guy Whittall for six and Gavin Rennie for 37. Stuart Carlisle was not out 16 and Alistair Campbell had not scored. New Zealand declared its second innings closed on 153 for four an hour before the tea break, giving the tourists a minimum of 43 overs to score their first test win over the home side. Earlier in the day Zimbabwe cut short its first innings on 340 for six, having added 52 runs to their overnight score before captain Heath Streak gave New Zealand the chance to set the tourists a final innings’ run chase. Streak was unbeaten on 19 and Trevor Madondo was not out 74, his maiden test half century. Chris Martin took the only Zimbabwean first-innings wicket to fall today when he had Doug Marillier caught for 28 by wicketkeeper Adam Parore. The dismissal gave Martin his first five-wicket bag in just his fourth test. He had figures of five for 71 off 32.5 overs. His only blemish was in the field when he dropped a simple chance offered by Gavin Rennie in the second innings. New Zealand captain Stephen Fleming top-scored in New Zealand’s second innings with 55 while Nathan Astle was unbeaten on 51, giving him a fine double for the match after he scored a test-best 141 in the first innings. New Zealand opener Matt Horne had a dismal return to the test arena after injury, scoring one in the first innings and a duck today. He was making his return after breaking a finger on the tour of Zimbabwe in September. The teams play the first of three one-dayers on Tuesday in Taupo. (AP) |
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46th
National School Games begins tomorrow Excelsior Sports Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 30: Minister for Sports, Surjit Singh Slathia has pinned high hopes of Jammu and Kashmir’s medal in under-19 year Football (boys) in the 46th National School Games beginning from January Ist at different playing fields, here. He was briefing the newsmen regarding various arrangemtns being made for the successful conduct of the competitions by State’s Department of Youth Services and Sports under the auspices of School Games Federation of India. Host Jammu and Kashmir, the Minister said had reached the quarterfinals stage last year, and this year, as the preparations are going on, State will definitely clinch a medal. "We have selected the best stuff available in the State and on whom we have pinned high hopes of winning a medal", in reply to a question the Minister said. In all, 25 teams from as many states are expected to take part in the six-day long competitions which will be held at different venues of Jammu University, GGM Science College, MAM College and Mini-Stadium, Parade. The Games will be declared open by the Minister of State for Agriculture, J&K at Mini Stadium, Parade at 3 pm. And the guests teams have been accommodated at Youth Hostel, Nagrota, where they are being provided all the necessary facilities, informed the newly appointed Director, Youth Services and Sports, Syed Asgar Ali. The Secretary, State Sports Council, Sheikh Fazal Ahmed and Divisional Youth Services and Sports Officer, Veena Bakshi were also present. |
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DGP flags off contingent for Bharat Darshan Excelsior Correspondent KATHUA, Dec 30: The Director General Police, Mr A K Suri flagged off a contingent of 59 students belonging to various educational institutions of the district Kathua for Bharat Darshan this morning. It has been sponsored by J&K Police, as a goodwill gesture in order to actively involve the youth for further strengthening police-public relations and to make them more friendly towards police forces. During tour, the youth would get an opportunity to acquaint themselves with various historical and religious places of the country like- Ajmer Sharif, Hardawar, Red-fort, Taj Mahal, Rashtryapati Bhawan, Parliament House, Gurdwara Shesh Gunj etc.by covering a distance of over 2000 kms. The contingent will reach back Kathua on April 4, 2001. Speaking on the occasion, the DGP said that the students during the courseof their tour will see for themselves the ancient and important places which they hitherto have known only in the text books. He hoped that the Bharat Darshan will broaden the horizon of young students and acquaint them with the rich historical and cultural heritage of our country. He also thanked the people of Kathua district for their whole hearted co-operation. "It was with their co-operation that we were able to eliminate fifty hardcore foreign militants in the last few months in Kathua district," the DGP said and added that police-public relation would be strengthened further. He also cautioned people about the wicked designs of enemy and said that despite cessation of operations by police and security forces, the enemy has not stopped infiltration yet. |
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Bharat Club win by 3 wkts in Baba Santokh Nath Cricket Excelsior Sports Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 30: Bharat Cricket Club outplayed Trikuta Cricket Club by three wickets in the XI Jai Baba Santokh Nath Cricket Tournament being held at Smailpur. Earlier, in the allotted 20 overs, Trikuta Nagar Club scored 183 runs for the loss of six wickets, which Bharati Club chased losing seven wickets with two yet to be bowled. Raju was the main scorer from Trikuta Club who scored 61 runs, while Pummy and opener Kapil contributed 23 and 28 runs respectively. For Bharat Club, Kannu, Rinku, Sanjay and Aman shared one wicket each. Batting second, Bharat Club reached the required total in the 18th over for the loss of seven wickets. Opener Amit played a confident inning and scored 36 runs, followed by Rinku and Kannu who set the socreboard moving towards the victory mark. Rinku contributed 24 runs and Kannu 29. Sanjay and Hemant remained unbeaten for 22 and 13 runs respectively. From Bharat Club, Neetu, Kapil, Bhalla, Aman and Pummy shared one wicket each. Amit was declared man of the match. |
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UCC beat Friends Club by
116 runs in Excelsior Sports Correspondent KATHUA, Dec 30: United Cricket Club thrashed Friends Cricket Club by 116 runs in ongoing Peace Cricket Trophy being organised by the District Sports Association, here today. Batting first, United Club set a target of 202 runs in 30.1 overs in the 35 overs match. Ravneet Ricky was the top scorer with 53 runs off 52 balls. He was followed by Sanjay Kumar and Chandan with 34 and 31 runs respectively. For Friends Club, Pawan was most successful bowler with four wickets, while Gurdeep and Pankaj shared two each. Later, chasing the target Friends Cricket Club lost all the wickets for 86 runs when 27th over was in progress. For UCC Harish claimed four wickets. Harish was declared as man of the match. G P Dutt and Rattan Bharati were umpires, while Ajay Sharma was scorer. |
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Singh XI sail into final of Dev Raj Memorial Cricket Excelsior Sports Correspondent RAJOURI, Dec 30: Superb all round performance by skipper Jaspal Singh helped Singh XI sail into the final of the Dev Raj Sharma Memorial Inter-club Cricket Tournament beating Patli XI by 22 runs in the first semi-final which played here today. Singh XI after winning the toss and decided to bat first bowled out for 148 runs in the allotted 20 overs. Opener Tejinder Singh and Deedar Singh played patiently and scored 18 and 26 runs respectively. Skipper Jaspal, who came at number three position added quick 25 runs hitting one six and three boundaries. Middle order batsman Harpal Singh who remained unbeaten was the top scorer with 47 runs including two sixes and five fours. For Patli XI, Amarjeet and Kuka took three wickets each, while Amit and Sham bagged two each. Batting second, Patli XI lost all the wickets for 126 runs. Openers unable to give a good start when Kuku Bali was bowled out for 19. Middle order batsmen Anil and Chhottu played confident innings but of no use because the tale-enders could not stand on the wicket for long. Anil contributed 37 runs while Chhottu made 24. From Singh XI, Jaspal Singh remained the most successful bowler with four wickets for 18 runs. Mukhtiyar Singh, Manohar Singh and Harmeet Singh shared two wickets each and Deedar Singh took one. Jaspal was declared as man of the match for his all round performance. Sushil Chowdhary and Raj Kumar officiated the match, while Rajesh(G) was scorer. Later, in a statement issued here today, Mahesh Kumar Bali, president of the host Indian Youth Organisation (Rural) disclosed that the final of the tournament will be played on January 6 at High School, Langer. |
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