Tendulkar fights back with smashing 154

NAPIER, Dec 9: Sachin Tendulkar lived up to his billing, slamming a superb 154 on the penultimate day of India’s four-day match against the Central Districts even though the tourists stand all but beaten in the tour opener.

The little magician’s swashbuckling 120-ball innings which included as many as three sixes and 20 fours, was applauded by the assembled audience as well as the home players, as India reached 390, setting a victory target of 158 for the hosts.

Central districts were 73 for two in their second knock at stumps, needing 85 more runs on the last day tomorrow to inflict a defeat on the tourists.

Tendulkar, who came in at number seven after having remained off the field yesterday because of fever, put on 201 runs for the sixth wicket with Nayan Mongia (79, 183b, 11x4) before the latter departed with the total at 334.

The two batted fluently, Mongia revealing a wide range of strokes to match his scintillating partner, and knocked up 177 runs in the second session, Tendulkar accounting for 105.

India began the day disastrously as medium pacer David Blake removed Ajay Jadeja (39) and Navjot Sidhu (15) within 15 minutes of start of play and just four runs added to their overnight score of 54 for no loss.

The situation worsened after Saurav Ganguly (16) and Mohammed Azharuddin (7) fell to off spinner Campbell Furlong.

India looked in real danger of going down by an innings when Rahul Dravid (46), who had mastered furlong for a while, played one from medium pacer Michael Mason to behind the stumps to reduce the visitors to to 133 for five.

Tendulkar then entered and reached 15 by lunch after being dropped down the legside off mason.

On resumption, he reached 50 off 33 balls and continued in belligerent fashion to get his century off just 81 deliveries.

Mongia’s departure started a slide and both Harbhajan Singh (13) and Venkatesh Prasad (7) were run out while Tendulkar, who once cleared furlong down the long on fence, fell on a similar attempt on the offside of the very next delivery to a simple catch.

For the hosts, off spinner Furlong took four wickets for 177 runs. Needing 158 to win, Central Districts did not have things going their way in their second innings.

Opener Glen Milnes (0) and M Sinclair (8) were out to Venkatesh Prasad’s deliveries, but Craig Spearman (47 batting) and Jarrod Englefield (16 batting) stayed put to raise visions of an impressive win tomorrow.

Tendulkar said though the wicket had become even faster during the latter part of the day, I batted the way I usually bat and there was no hinderance in terms of my listlessness of the previous day.

Indian coach Anshuman Gaekwad was pleased with the much improved performance. We are getting used to the conditions. (PTI)

Biggest scandal
Waugh, Warne took money, cricket world in storm

From Meenakshi Ganjoo

SYDNEY, Dec 9: Star Australian batsman Mark Waugh and his teammate Shane Warne today admitted receiving money from an Indian bookmaker for providing information about pitch and weather conditions in 1994, setting off a storm in the cricket world with some describing it as the biggest scandal the game has known.

Waugh and warne told reporters at Adelaide that they had taken a total of 11,000 Australian dollars from the Chennai-based bookie in return for information the pitch and weather during their tour of Sri Lanka.

Waugh said he was paid 6,000 Australian dollars and Warne admitted taking 5,000 dollars from the bookie and both described their action as stupid and naiv.

The admission by the two cricketers has given a new twist to the judicial probe in Pakistan into allegations of match-fixing after Waugh and Warne claimed they, along with fellow Australian spinner Tim May, were offered bribes by Pakistani batsman Salim Malik.

Waugh and Warne, who were fined a total of 18,000 australian dollars by the australian cricket board, said they were at no stage involved in fixing matches.

Matthew Engle, editor of Wisden, Regarded as the bible of cricket, said this ‘’could be the biggest scandal cricket has ever known. We’re talking about the possibility that international cricket is completely tainted.’’ ``It is appalling,’’ commented former Australian captain Richie Benaud and said ``one of the most appalling things is that it has been covered up for so long.’’

"The shocking thing about this is not what waugh and warne actually may have done, which in itself is arguable in its seriousness, but the fact that the australian cricket board thought it could cover it up", he added.

Well-known cricket commentator Peter Roebuch said "by suppressing the story, Australian cricket board stands accused of conducting its affairs with astonishing hypocrisy."

West Indian cricket legend Sir Clyde Walcott, who was the president of world cricket’s governing body ICC in 1994, said the Australian Board had asked the ICC to hush up the fines imposed on Waugh and Warne.

Australian Prime Minister John Howard said his country’s cricket board was wrong to have hushed up the scandal.

Former Aussie skipper Bill Lawry said Waugh and Warne could be forgiven but the Austalian Board must accept some criticism.

However, Greg Chappel, another ex-captain, defended the board’s holding back the scandal all these years saying disclosure would have served no purpose.

Roebuck said the matter ought to be reopened and a proper investigation ordered but Australian Board’s Chief Executive Malcolm speed rejected the demand contending there was "no new evidence."

Indians redeem some pride

BANGKOK, Dec 9: India were assured of a medal in men’s tennis when they blanked Pakistan 3-0 to enter the semi-finals while ace cueists Yasin Merchant and Alok Kumar overpowered their way into the pre-quarterfinals of snooker doubles on the fourth day of the 13th Asian Games here today.

The Indian camp, however, plunged into gloom when ace shooter Jaspal Rana failed to qualify for the final of the 10 metre air pistol individual event along with five compatriots.

In equestrian, the Indians were placed third in the cross country event of the three-day competition.

Vaga Ram and Piyush Baroi could not match their yesterday’s performance failing miserably in the finals of the canoening and kayaking events.

In swimming the women relay quartet finished fifth in the second heats of the 4x100 freestyle event.

The Indian men spikers salvaged some pride as they shrugged off early opposition from Kazakhstan to record their first win in the preliminary group B league encounter 15-11, 15-7, 15-9. India are already out of contention with defeats against China and Japan.

Trailing 3-4, Yasin and Alok staged a fine rally to emerge winners 67-56, 37-58, 52-57, 75-33, 73-9, 10-75, 47-63, 105-19.

The women shooters, too, were wide off the mark. Anuja Tere finished 42nd among 43 competitors in the sports rifle prone. She could not even complete the full volley of shots in the last round and finished with 528 points.

In the air rifle event, Rupa Unnikrishnan, who holds the South Asian Federation games record of 586, disappointed finishing 8th with a tally of 581 points. A visibly upset Rupa said she had scored 590 in the U.S early this year to earn a bronze. She said the 589 scored by the Chinese Wang Xian was well within her reach.

Kuheli Gangulee, the third member of the women’s team shot a poor 576.

India (-247) were placed third in the cross country event of the 3-day equestrian competition behind hosts Thailand (171.40) and Japan (-174.60). Malaysia and Korea were eliminated from the competition.

Yesterday in the dressage test India were in the fourth place behind Japan, Thailand and Korea. Touted back home as a strong medal hope the India women football team suffered its second ignominous defeat when Chinese Taipei mauled it 13-1 in a group B encounter. The Indians have considered 20 goals in two outings having lost 7-0 to Korea on Monday. (UNI)

To face Francois
Mike Tyson not talking about legal problems

LOS ANGELES, Dec 9: If Mike Tyson is concerned about a possible return to prison, he wasn’t saying.

Looking fit in a black muscle t-shirt and wearing a crimson beret, Tyson appeared for a news conference called to announce what promoter Dan Goossen called the worst-kept secret in boxing that Tyson will face Francois Botha on January 16.

The twelve-round bout at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, to be carried on showtime event television pay per view, will be Tyson’s first since June 28, 1997 when he bit Evander Holyfield’s ears in their heavyweight championship bout and was disqualified in the third round.

Shortly thereafter, the Nevada Athletic Commission stripped Tyson of his boxing license and fined him three million. The Commission reinstated Tyson’s license in October.

Even before Tyson spoke at the packed Hollywood Athletic Club News Conference, adviser Shelly Finkel informed attending reporters and fans that questions wouldn’t be answered regarding "any pending litigation."

The first questioner asked Tyson how he felt about a possible return to prison, and was shouted down by others on the dais.

Appearing more relaxed and glib than usual, Tyson then responded to questions sometimes with flippant, sarcastic answers, other times with more thoughtful responses.

"I’m not much for talking," he said in a one-minute presentation before questions began. "You guys know what I do. I know no one believes that he (Botha) is going to beat me."

Asked what round he’d stop Botha, he replied, "come to the fight, brother."

Another questioner asked about a possible future opponent, to which Tyson replied, "if the price is right, I’ll fight a lion."

He also said, "I’m not here because I’ve been voted the nicest guy in the world. I’m just here to give good fights, be a good boy."

And about the 30-year-old Botha, Tyson said, "let’s be nice to this guy, let’s all be nice."

Tyson has a 45-3 record with 39 knockouts, while Botha is 39-1 with 24 knockouts.

Botha’s only loss came on Nov. 9, 1996 when he was stopped by Michael Moorer in the ninth round for the IBF heavyweight title. Botha has fought just twice this year, stopping two unheralded opponents in the first round.

" Everyone knows I’m on parole, I’m trying to be nice up here," Tyson said during the news conference. "I’m just here to fight, one fight at a time. I don’t want no trouble from anyone."

Botha, pretty much shoved to the background, said he felt honoured to have the opportunity to face Tyson, an opportunity he said he has been awaiting his entire life.

"He’s in for a rude awakening, that’s all I can say," Botha said. "I come to fight, I don’t come to lay down, and that’s what I intend to do."

Following the news conference, Goossen, president of America presents, said it wasn’t his job to concern himself with Tyson’s possible legal problems.

"His lawyers are handling that," said Goosen, promoting a Tyson fight for the first time. "I’m a boxing promoter. My energies have to go strictly toward the promotion.

"I’m working toward January 16, that’s it. I don’t think about it one way or another. My answer is simply, we have to prepare for January 16."

Goossen also said, "Mike Tyson’s the biggest act in show business." (AP)

Khan inaugurates cricket bat manufacturing unit

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Dec 8: The Chairman Jammu and Kashmir Bank, Mr M Y Khan inaugurated a Cricket Bats Manufacturing Unit at Miransahib in R S Pura tehsil of Jammu district here this morning. The unit has been established by a young enterpreneurs M/s Sunil Sports at a cost of Rs 8 lakh under Special Employment Centrally Sponosred Scheme of the Khadi and Village Industries Board. The unit will provide employment to 22 persons of the area at its initial stage.

The Chairman, Khadi and Village Industries Board, Mr G N Naik who was the chief guest presented a cheque of Rs 2.40 lakh as margin money to the Chairman, Jammu and Kashmir Bank on the occasion.

Speaking at the function, Mr Naik said that under this scheme 150 cases were sanctioned and sponsored to various banks during the first eight months of the current financial year. He said currently 72 schemes falls under the Board and are meant for the rural artisans. He appealed the educated unemployed youth to come forward and avail the benefis from these schemes rather than hankering after Government jobs.

Mr Naik revealed that the Union Government has agreed to provide more funds under this scheme for the upliftment of socio-economic standard of the people living below the poverty line. He said two districts of ths State viz Jammu and Anantnag have been brought under the ambit of this scheme in the first phase and the other districts will be covered on priority basis. He asked the functionaries of the concerned agencies to speed up the activities and work with zeal and dedication so that the benefit of the scheme reaches to the poor masses.

The function among others was attended by Mr Ram Chand Bhagat, MLA, R S Pura, Mr R L Sharma, Divisional Officer KVIB, General Manager, J&K Bank, Mr Mushtaq, Dy General Manager, Mr Ajit Singh and prominent citizens of the area.

GMC beat Udhampur by 5 wickets

JAMMU, Dec 9: Government Medical College defeated Degree College Udhampur by five wickets in the Inter-College Cricket Tournament being played at Jammu University grounds, here today.

After winning the toss and elected to bat first, Udhampur College all out at 222 runs in 36 overs. Sachin and Arun were the highest scorer with 51 (34, 10x4s) and 35 (44, 3x4s) runs respectively.

At one stage, Udhampur College was struggling at 61 for five. But the seventh wicket partnership between Sachin and Arun yielded valuable 83 runs which helped Udhampur College to make a respectable total of 222 runs.

Amjad Ahmed and Ujwal Malhotra contributed 26 and 24 runs respectively, while Deepak made fast 24 runs in just 12 deliveries, hitting two sixes and an equal number of boundaries.

From MAM College, Showab clinched four for 33 runs, while Sandeep and Vipin got two each.

Chasing a moderate target of 223 runs to win in 40 overs, Medical College could not face any difficulty after they maintained an steady average of six runs per over. Medical College achieved the target in 35th over losing only five wickets.

Opener Gagan Bali played a responsible inning of 78 (130) and protected the one end. Sandeep Singh, who alongwith Gagan added 105 runs for the third wicket partnership, made fast 74 runs in just 51 deliveries with the help of two huge sixes and and eight fours.

Amit Anand was another highest scorer from Medical College with 22 runs in 25 balls including three boundaries.

From Udhampur College, Satvinder Singh got three for 21, while Sandeep Singh and Vivek clinched one wicket each.

Mr Bhagwan Dass was scorer in the match.

JU men Handball

team leaves for

Kurukshetra

Jammu University Handball men team consisting of 12 players today left for participation in North Zone Inter-Universities Handball Tournament being organised by Kurukshetra University at Kurukshetra. JU team will play its first match on December 11.

Deepak Pathania is leading the team which comprised of Rajat, Vishal, Anadhi, Manmeet, Amandeep, Vikas, Varun, Shamsher, Dharminder, Munish and Satnam Singh. While, Mr Harjeet Singh will be the manager of the team.

GMC, MAM

College in

Chess final

Government Medical College will take on MAM College in the final of the Inter-College Chess Tournament being played at Indoor halls, Jammu University tomorrow.

In the first semi-final played today Government Medical College (GMC) beat Post Graduate Departments 3-1. While, in the second semi-final, MAM College beat GGM Science College 3-1.

The results: GMC bt MAM College—Ritesh Kumar bt Vikas Sharma, Deep Aman Singh bt Vikaramjit Singh, Jagmohan Singh bt Vikas Gupta and Yaseer Ahmed lost to Rakesh Maini.

MAM College bt GGM Science College—Vivek Bharati bt Vilakshan Singh, Gautam Bhagat lost to Bharat Mahajan, Rishu Gupta bt Rajinder Tagotra and Sushil Singh Sambyal bt Suneet Kumar.

Sher-e-Kashmir Football Cup
J&K Bank to face Young Stars in final today

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Dec 9: Jammu and Kashmir Bank defeated Churchill Brothers by a solitary goal to meet the Young Stars tomorrow in the final of the Ist Sher-e-Kashmir Football Tournament being played at Mini Stadium, here.

Jammu and Kashmir Bank had a tough time with Churchill Brother even after getting first half lead by one goal. The only goal of the match was scored by right out Deepak Sangral in the 35th minute of the match when he got a field pass from right off Tariq, beating defender Clint Mattoo.

Earlier, J&K Bank got three chances to score the goal, but their attempts were foiled by the alert Churchill Brothers goal-keeper.

In the second half, J&K Bank played a confident game as they had one goal lead, gaving little chance to Churchills to enter their goal area. However, Churchills missed a good chance to equal the score in last minutes of the match, when Robert made a kick from right corner which was stopped by vigilant J&K Bank goal-keeper, Hilal Rasool.

Mr Johnny William, SP City and former State Badminton Champion was guest of honour in today’s match and he was given a memento by Mehmood Ahmed, Staff Officer, DIG, Jammu.

Jaideep beat Gulati to enter Snooker quarters

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Dec 9: Jaideep Manocha, Arun Gulati and Amit Dang entered the senior Snooker quarter-finals in the 8th Billiards and Snooker Championship being played at M A Stadium here today.

In the first pre-quarter, Jaideep Manocha defeated Vishal Abrol 3-2, while Arun Gulati outplayed Ajay Sachdeva 3-1 in close frames to enter the semi-final stage.

In another match, Amit Dang, who beat Sunil Jain had lost his first frame but clinched the remaining three frames to make it 3-1.

The score: Jaideep Manocha bt Vishal Abrol 53-49, 68-43, 35-52, 28-56, 61-35; Arun Gulati bt Ajay Sachdeva 51-58, 65-14, 64-51, 60-58; Amit Dang bt Sunil Jain 32-70, 57-17, 61-24, 65-37.

Poonch beat Women College Parade in Volleyball Tourney

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Dec 9: Poonch district beat Women College Parade 2-1 in the State Volleyball Championship (women) played at Women College Gandhi Nagar, here today.

However, Women College, Gandhi Nagar won the match beating Tiger Club 2-1 in another league match. In their match, Women College, Parade beat Srinagar district 3-0 in a one sided match.

In the men section, Poonch district down Pulwama 3-0 while, JKP beat Baramullah district in straight sets of 3-0 in anther match.

District Anantnag also won its match, outplaying Budgam district 3-2.

The score (women): Poonch bt Women College, Parade 3-15, 15-3, 15-10; Women College, Gandhi Nagar bt Tiger Club, Jammu 10-15, 15-2, 16-14; Women College, Parade bt Srinagar 15-0, 15-2.

Men: Poonch bt Pulwama 15-3, 15-3, 15-5, JKP bt Baramullah 15-3, 15-3, 15-5; Anantnag bt Budgam 17-15, 15-9, 10-15, 14-16, 15-12.

Tomorrow’s fixture:

Men section: Poonch district V/s Srinagar district; JKP V/s Udhampur district; Ananatnag district V/s Budgam at GGM Science College grounds.

Women section: Poonch district V/s Srinagar district; Poonch district V/s Tiger Club, Jammu; Women College, Gandhi Nagar will take on Women College Parade in the first semi-final.

India, Pak and Lanka Boards to meet on Dec 15

NEW DELHI, Dec 9: A meeting between the representatives of the Cricket Boards of India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka is scheduled here on December 15.

The meeting would chalk out details about the Asia Cup one-day tournament and the inaugural Continental Test Championship which are proposed to be squeezed into the season early next year along with the long-planned full tour by Pakistan, Indian Board (BCCI) secretary Jaywant Lele told from Baroda.

The Indian Board’s Marketing Committee is to meet on December 13 prior to the triangular meeting between the Boards of three Asian test-playing countries.

The Asia Cup has been allotted to Dhaka to be held in March, but the Indian Board has expressed its inability to take part in it as per that schedule because of its tight international programme.

The Asian Test Championship is a unique conception, a forerunner to the proposed World Test Championship, of the International Cricket Council (ICC). (PTI)

Cricketer killed during match

NASHIK, Dec 9: Cricketing spirits turned violent with rival team mates bludgeoning a player to death in a local match at the Mansura college ground in Malegaon town.

Twentytwo-year-old Inam Mohammad Yusuf was brutally beaten up with bat and wickets by seven rival team mates over an issue of whether or not to grant a no-ball, police said.

Yusuf was rushed to hospital where he succumbed to injuries.

Police have arrested all the seven involved in this connection.

They would be presented before the court on December eleven. (UNI)