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Oct 31: Dungarpur SHARJAH, Oct 28: The Indian cricket team can expect a foreign coach by November 15 before the .......more
Ganguly not unnerved SHARJAH, Oct 28: Indian captain Saurav Ganguly today ruled out any change in the batting order in .........more
Coca Cola Cup Tri-Series SHARJAH, Oct 28: India’s spinning ace Anil Kumble is ruled out for tomorrow’s final of Coca Cola ...........more |
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Roller Skating Asso holds prize distribution function Excelsior Sports Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 28: All J&K Amateur Roller Skating Association today held its prize distribution function of the Summer-Meet 2000 organised by it on August 27-28 under the leadership of its president H S Chib and secretary Ajay Gupta..........more Friends
Cricket Excelsior Sports Correspondent KISHTWAR, Oct 28: Friends Cricket Club, Kishtwar entered the final of Munshi Qudratullah and Zakir Memorial Cricket Tournament..........more Uphill task for SHARJAH, Oct 28: Having being beaten comprehensively by Sri Lanka in two successive matches......more Vesenjak sisters fail to NEW DELHI, Oct 28: In a keenly-fought match, Slovenian Urska Vesenjak beat.....more Seles named to WHITE PLAINS, (New York), Oct 28: Olympic bronze medalist Monica Seles was named to the US .........more |
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Foreign coach by Oct 31: Dungarpur SHARJAH, Oct 28: The Indian cricket team can expect a foreign coach by November 15 before the two-test series against Zimbabwe with the first match scheduled to begin in New Delhi on November 18. "A decision on the foreign coach will be taken by October 31," said former Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) president Raj Singh Dungarpur, who was entrusted by the Board to interview those shortlisted. Dungarpur, who arrived here after interviewing Greg Chappel (Australia) and John Wright (New Zealand) in Chennai, told ‘Gulf News’: "if we have to appoint a new coach, the earlier we do it the better. India play their first test against Zimbabwe from November 18. So the new coach should take charge at least by November 15." About Australian Geoff Marsh’s entry in the fray, Dungarpur said, "Marsh did not come for the interview but sent a two-line fax saying he wanted to be interviewed. If Marsh does not come by October 31, we will be compelled to take a decision from among the two (Wright and Chappel)." "We are waiting for Marsh. But we cannot wait. At the moment we are in no man’s land." Dungarpur said the Board also wanted to know the availability of these coaches and how quickly they can assume their duties. Chappel has a contractual obligation with the South Australian Cricket Association while Marsh is a selector with the Australian Cricket Board. "We will like to have the best coach from among the three, but we also have to take into consideration the time factor which is equally important," the former BCCI chief said. Dungarpur had earlier justified the proposed appointment of a foreign coach saying the Indian coaches could be influenced by their regional and other affiliations. He praised the efforts of Anshuman Gaekwad who took over as stopgap coach for the Nairobi and Sharjah tours after Kapil Dev’s sudden resignation from the post. "He has done a grand job." Asked about Gaekwad’s role in the future set-up, Dungarpur said he would have a role to play with his "vast experience, knowledge and commitment to the game." Dungarpur felt Gaekwad could help in talent scouting for the National Academy. "He has a sharp eye and spot talent. We hope to utilise his services." (UNI) |
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Ganguly not unnerved by Muralitharan SHARJAH, Oct 28: Indian captain Saurav Ganguly today ruled out any change in the batting order in the final of the triangular one-day series against Sri Lanka tomorrow to counter Muthiah Muralitharan. Ganguly, who has plundered a lot of runs against the master spinner, said he would not demote himself in the batting order to tackle him. Instead, he said, he would bat for the first 15 overs and wait for the spinner to come on. "I wouldn’t come down the order but see off the new ball bowlers to wait for his arrival," Ganguly said. Ganguly said the success of Muralitharan, who achieved a world record yesterday when he got seven Indian batsmen out for 30 runs, was remarkable considering none of the batsmen actually gifted their wickets to him. "There was no decision by us to take him on," he said. "Except for the last two wickets, he got all of them out." But the skipper was hopeful his team would put up a better performance against the spinner in the final. "We just have to play him normally. It is not the first time we have played him." Indian coach Anshuman Gaekwad didn’t quite understand what the fuss was all about. "He is just bowling 10 overs, isn’t it?" he asked. Cricket Board Secretary Jaywant Lele also had an opinion to air on Muralitharan. "Why not pick him up for three-four runs per over and finish him with none for 40 from 10 overs?" (PTI). |
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Coca
Cola Cup Tri-Series SHARJAH, Oct 28: India’s spinning ace Anil Kumble is ruled out for tomorrow’s final of Coca Cola Cup Tri-series against Sri Lanka with a bruised shoulder bone for which he needs rest for 3-4 weeks. Coach Anshuman Gaekwad said, "Kumble is ruled out because of the injury. "We tried him at the nets and he seems to be under lot of pain," he said. Kumble has a bruised shoulder bone and a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) has been done. "Experts feel he needs rest for 3-4 weeks," Gaekwad said. "We do not want to risk him with a long series ahead," the coach said. Earlier, Gaekwad and skipper Sourav Ganguly had said that they would play Kumble only if "absolutely necessary", perhaps indicating at the finals. With this kind of injury, Kumble might also miss the inaugural test match of Bangladesh to be played in Dhaka from November 10. Zimbabwe are to reach India on November 5 for a two-test series besides a few one-dayers. A decision on India’s proposed tour to Pakistan in January is also expected next month as the BCCI awaits a nod from the Government with ties between the two countries at the lowest ebb. Australia are to tour India thereafter. Kumble played only the first match against Sri Lanka and bowled his full quota of ten overs taking one wicket for 50 runs. As injury forced him out, left-arm spinner Sunil Joshi walked in and has performed well both with the ball and the bat, much to Ganguly’s relief. However, in case of Kumble, the Indian team management has not asked for any replacement. Seamer Venkatesh Prasad also had a stiff neck. But Gaekwad confirmed that he would play in the final. "Venky will play definitely and we will leave out one from the team that played the last league match against Sri Lanka," he said. (UNI) |
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Seles named to US Fed Cup team WHITE PLAINS, (New York), Oct 28: Olympic bronze medalist Monica Seles was named to the US Fed Cup team for next month’s world finals in Las Vegas, joining Lindsay Davenport, the US Tennis Association announced. Seles has played fed cup for the United States since 1996, compiling an impressive 10-1 singles mark. She helped the United States wrest the cup from Spain in 1996 and was a member of last year’s team which captured a record 16th fed cup title for the US. "I’m excited to be part of the Fed Cup team again, and I’m looking forward to defending our title and getting together as a team," Seles said in a statement yesterday released by the USTA. "Between last year’s great win over Russia and such a good experience in Sydney, it’s always fun to be together with the other u.S. Players, especially with Billie Jean (King) and Zina Garrison as the coaches," added Seles. Earlier this week, Davenport was the first player named to the team by US Fed Cup captain King, who has until November 10 to name her full team. If they are willing, sisters Venus and Serena Williams are clearly the top choices to fill out the squad after sweeping the women’s singles and doubles gold medals at the Olympics in Sydney. "The other potentials are obviously Venus and Serena," King said. "Other ones we would look at would be (Jennifer) Capriati, Lisa Raymond, Corina Morariu, Chanda Rubin and Amy Frazier." The semifinals and finals will be staged in Las Vegas from November 21-25. The United States will face Belgium and Spain will take on the Czech Republic in the semifinals with the final set for November 24 and 25.(REUTERS) |
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Roller Skating Asso holds prize distribution function Excelsior Sports Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 28: All J&K Amateur Roller Skating Association today held its prize distribution function of the Summer-Meet 2000 organised by it on August 27-28 under the leadership of its president H S Chib and secretary Ajay Gupta. Deputy Commissioner R K Goel was the chief guest on the occasion who distributed prizes amongst the winners in different category. Group Under 6 Boys: Rink Race I: Anshul Gulati got first position, Satvik Sharma, second and Samadh Choudhary, third. Rink Race II: Anshul Gulati secured first, Satvik Sharma got second and Samadh Choudary claimed third position. Road Race: Siddarth Mohan got first, Shivank Dubey, second and Manmeet Singh, third. Anshul Gulati was annouced as speed champion of the group. Group Under 6 Girls: Both in Rink Race I and Rink Race II: Phalguni Manhas secured first, Ananya Khajuria, second and Ashima, third position respectively. Phalguni Manhas was announced as speed champion of the group. Group 6-8 Boys: Rink Race I: Valentine claimed first position, Jaskarn Singh, second and Aditya Mehta third position. Rink Race II: Divji Balotra claimed first position, Aditya Mehta got second and Vikram Jeet finished third. Road Race: Divji Balotra secured first, Jaskarn Singh second and Valentine third position respectively. Speed champion of the group was Divji Balotra. Group 6-8 girls: Rink Race I and Rink Race II: Preeti got first, Deepakshi second and Kanika claimed third position respectively. Speed champion of the group was Preeti. Group 8-10 Boys: Rink Race I: Gandotra Tarun secured first, Jagraj second and Honey third position respectively. Rink Race II: Gandotra Tarun claimed first, Shubum Manhas, second and Vivian A Barnard, third position. Road Race: Subum Manhas got first position, Jagraj secured second and Neeraj claimed, third position. Speed champion of the group was Gandotra Tarun. Group 8-10 Girls: Rink Race I and Rink Race II: Banveet Kour, first, Talotma, second and Gandotra Naina, third. Speed champion of thr group was Banveet Kour. Group 10-12 Boys: Rink Race I: Varun Chandan, first, Arvindeep, second and Vishal Rohmetra, third. Rink Race II: Varun Chandan secured first, Rahul Verma got second and Vishal Rohmetra claimed third position respectively. Road Race: Rahul Verma, first, Arvindeep, second and Vikas Mahajan, third. Speed champion of the group was Varun Chandan. Group 10-12 Girls: Rink Race I: Deveshi Chandan, first, Baani Khorana, second and Mehak Sharma, third. Rink Race II: Harpreet Kour, first, Manvi Gupta, second and Baani Khorana, third. Road Race: Harpreet Kour, first, Manvi Gupta, second and Deveshi Chandan, third. Speed champion of the group was Harpreet Kour. Group 12-14 Boys: Rink Race I: Sanjeev got first position and Vivek secured second position. Rink Race II: Gandotra Arjun and Krish Gupta, first and Sanjeev, second. Road Race: Arjun Gandotra, first, Krish Gupta, second and Vivek, third. Speed champion of the group was Gandotra Arjun. Group Above 14 Boys: Rink Race I: Priyanka Chandan, first. Rink Race II: Vanita Suri, first, Surbhi Rohmetra, second and Pooja Langer, third. Road Race: Priyanka Chandan secured first position, Vinata Suri, second and Surbhi, third position respectively. Speed champion of the group was Priyanka Chandan. Group Above 14 Girls: Rink Race I: Aryavir Singh, first and Veenus Sethi, second. Rink Race II: Veenus Sethi, first, Jasmeet Singh, second and Aryavir Singh, third. Road Race: Jasmeet Singh got first position. Speed champion of the group was Veenus Sethi and Jasmeet Singh. |
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Friends Cricket Club enters final Excelsior Sports Correspondent KISHTWAR, Oct 28: Friends Cricket Club, Kishtwar entered the final of Munshi Qudratullah and Zakir Memorial Cricket Tournament. After winning the toss, Friends Eleven elected to bat and scored 147 runs in 20 overs. Raju played some tremendous shots all around the ground. Zakir Eleven were looking comfortable while chasing target but in the middle of the game Rajinder Singh Ghai bowled top four middle order batsmen. Zakir Eleven remained under pressure till end and lost the semi-final by 35 runs. The final will be played between Friends and the other team which will qualify tomorrow’s second semi-final match between Farooq Eleven and New Saraj. |
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Uphill task for India in the final SHARJAH, Oct 28: Having being beaten comprehensively by Sri Lanka in two successive matches, India will be fighting not just their opponents but also their minds when they take on the Islanders in the final of the triangular one-day series here tomorrow. India have clearly come out second best to Sri Lanka in this tournament, and with some key players doubtful for the final, it would require tremendous effort from them to prevent a repeat of yesterday’s match when they had to settle for a humiliating 68-run loss. The much-talked about bowling attack, which the Indian skipper Saurav Ganguly went so far as to describe as the best in the world during the slog overs, came to nought in the absence of seamer Venkatesh Prasad and leg-spinner Anil Kumble as Sri Lankan batsmen made merry. The batting line-up also exposed gaping holes with the services of Rahul Dravid being sorely missed. Newcomer Sridharan Sriram has been found wanting and Vinod Kambli and Yuvraj Singh have not measured up to the task expected of them. But Ganguly put up a brave face saying he was confident his team was capable of turning the tables on the Sri Lankans tomorrow. "Today was a bad day for us. But Sunday is a new day and we will be up for it," Ganguly said after last night’s loss. India have played well in the last one month reaching the final of the ICC Knock-out Tournament in Nairobi after beating teams like Australia and South Africa. However, consistency seems to be lacking as they let New Zealand run away with the trophy after putting up a decent 264 runs in the final. They have more or less struggled in this tournament with both their wins against Zimbabwe being close affairs. Sri Lankans have outplayed them in every department of the game in the two matches though the dew factor also has played its part in India’s losses. And here they are now in the final, once again against the Islanders, requiring a herculean effort to win and prove Indian cricket was indeed on the road to recovery. Ganguly was aware of the task ahead of his team. "I have already lost a final. I cannot afford to lose another," he said. The skipper said he hoped Kumble and Prasad, whose absence cost India dearly in yesterday’s match, would be back in the team for the final. However, the major problem continues to be the batting with Ganguly and Sachin Tendulkar required to share most of the burden. If India hope to entertain any chances of winning tomorrow, other batsmen will have to come good. The one positive point for India in this tournament has been the performance of the lower order batsmen who have been among the runs even in pressure situations and Ganguly would hope they do well once again though he would not exactly prefer a situation where the tailenders have do the batsmen’s job. On the other hand the Sri Lankans have performed exceptionally well and seem to be doing everything right. They are unbeaten in this tournament having defeated both India and Zimbabwe quite comfortably and go into the final as favourites to win the competition. Captain Sanath Jayasuriya has led his side from the front performing well both with the bat and the ball. Marvan Atapattu and Mahela Jayawardene, both of whom scored centuries yesterday, have also been in tremendous touch. Romesh Kaluwitharana, Russel Arnold, Kumara Sangakkara and even Chaminda Vaas have made the most of the limited opportunities available to them as batsmen and Sri Lanka should not have much problems either setting or chasing a big target tomorrow. Their bowlers have also done their job admirably well. The pace attack of Vaas and Nuwan Zoysa has troubled the batsmen regularly and master spinner Muthiah Muralitharan was virtually unplayable last night when he recorded the best ever figures of 7/30 in one-day cricket. Their fielding has also been of the top order and at their current level of performance they seem sure to be running away with the final with ease. Jayasuriya, however, realises the unpredictable nature of the game and warns against any complacency. "We have to come out and do it again on Sunday. All the effort of winning four games will go waste if we lose the final," he said. (PTI) |
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Vesenjak sisters fail to
complete a double, NEW DELHI, Oct 28: In a keenly-fought match, Slovenian Urska Vesenjak beat twin sister Masa 4-1, 4-5 (4-7), 4-2, 5-4 (7-3) to win the 10,000-dollar Syndicate Bank ITF Women’s Tennis Championship here today. Urska, who is the fourth seed, won the singles championship in two hours. However, the Vesenjak sisters could not make it a double for themselves as they fell at the final hurdle. They lost the doubles championship to the second-seeded Indian pair of Sai Jayalakshmi and Rushmi Chakravarthi 2-4, 5-4 (5), 1-4, 0-4 in around 90 minutes. For the win in singles, Urska collects 1600 dollars prize money and five WTA points while Masa stays content with 1000 dollars and four points. The doubles winner shared a prize money of 650 dollars while the runners up took 350 dollars. Asked about her performance, Urska, who last beat masa in a final in Turkey three weeks back in straight sets, said, "it was really, really a tough one. She was playing really well and I had to give my best. I think I was lucky to win." This is the fourth title for Urska at this level. Left-hander Urska started the match well, taking the first set easily at 4-1. She broke Masa in the fourth game, taking the second break point with a double-fisted forehand down the line to lead 3-1. Then she served the set out in just 17 minutes. However, the real tussle between the sisters started in the remaining three sets which saw as many as eleven breaks. The second set saw the Slovenian sisters trade two breaks each by the end of the fifth game, with Masa leading 3-2. However, the latter missed a set point in the sixth game, not capitalising on the vital point with Urska retaining her serve. After both retained their next two serves, the set was pushed to a tie-break, which Masa took 7-4 as Urska hit a backhand out. The third set was a real tough one as both broke the services five times in six games. They started with breaking each other in their initial serves. After Urska retained serve in the third, she broke Masa in the next to lead 3-1. However, masa broke back in the next and could not maintain the tempo as Urska broke her for the third successive time for the set (4-2). The fourth set started in the same fashion as that of third, with both breaking each other in their beginning serves. However, Urska missed an opportunity to gain a vital lead when after retaining serve in the third, she missed three break points. The set then progressed with the serve till the tie-break, though Masa missed two vital break points in the seventh. Finally, the all-important tie-break, which was the only chance for Masa to stay in the match, was taken by Urska at 7-3. The fourth seed finished with a forehand for her second victory over Masa. Despite the loss, Masa expressed happiness with her performance. "I am happy by the way i played today, even though I lost." The sisters exuded confidence to do well in the 25,000-dollar tournament which begins next week. Results (Final) : Singles: (4) Urska Vesenjak (Slo) bt (6) Masa Vesenjak (Slo) 4-1, 4-5 (4-7), 4-2, 5-4 (7-3). Doubles: (2) Sai Jayalakshmi/Rushmi Chakravarthi (Ind) bt Masa Vesenjak/Urska Vesenjak (Slo) 4-2, 4-5 (5), 4-1, 4-0. (UNI) |
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