Good day for Paes, Bhupathi at French Open

PARIS, May 30: Mahesh Bhupathi joined Leander Paes in moving into the mixed doubles pre-quarter finals of the French Open yesterday partnering Ai Sugiyama of Japan after the Indian duo also entered the same round in men’s doubles.

The third seeded Bhupathi-Sugiyama pair, combining in the French Open for the first time, came from behind to beat Anng Sidot and Alex Clement of France 2-6 6-2 6-4 in one hour and 21 minutes in the second round at the Roland Garros.

Bhupathi, who won the mixed doubles title here in 1997 partnering Japan’s Rita Hiraki to became the first Indian to win a grand slam title, and Sugiyama will take on 16th seed Corina Moraru and Sebastian Montana of the United States in the next round.

India number one Leander Paes also had a wonderful day at the French Open, making it to the pre-quarter finals of both the men’s doubles and the mixed doubles event.

Paes and Bhupathi made short work of the French pair of J Lisnard and M Llodra L-2 6-4 in just 55 minutes before Paes returned to partner American Lisa Raymond for a splendid rally to beat Belgian pair dominique Van Roost and Tom Van Houdt 4-6 6-2 6-3 in the mixed doubles second round.

Paes-Bhupathi, semifinalists here last year, will take on Piet Norval (South Africa) and Kevin Ullytt (Zimbabwe) in the next round. (PTI)

Manjrekar unhappy over Sachin playing in middle order

NEW DELHI, May 30: Former test cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar has expressed unhappiness over Sachin Tendulkar playing in the middle order in the team.

In a telephonic interview to "World Cup Update," on Doordarshan sports channel Manjrekar said "it really pains me to see Sachin playing at number four. The best batsman in the world is under utilised. One of the biggest blunders of the World Cup is that Sachin comes after 15-20 overs".

Manjrekar, who is in England said Sachin has not been given a chance to play as an opening batsman and that his batting skills should be optimized.

On the composition of the Indian eleven, Manjrekar said it was mistake not to include Robin Singh in the team. The team needed Robin Singh as an additional batsman and probably Ramesh could have been rested for the day.

The World Cup update is produced by the Delhi-based company "Video Track India Private Limited". (UNI)

Udhampur Zone lifts Inter-Zonal Tourney

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, May 30: Udhampur Zone lifted the over all trophy in the Inter-Zonal Sports meet of District Udhampur winning three out of the six events, final of which held at Government Higher Secondary School, Udhampur today.

The meet in which 440 boys and girls participated was held in the disciplines of Kho-Kho, Kabaddi, Volleyball and Wrestling. The Sports meet was organised by the Department of Youth Services and Sports.

The first win came for Udhampur Zone when Higher Secondary School for boys beat Higher Secondary School, Jaganoo in Under-17 years Kabaddi event. However, Middle School Jaganoo compansated the loss and lifted the Kabaddi Under-14 after beating Middle School.

The second win for Udhapur came through Girls City Middle School, who beat Middle School, Gopa Mandir in Kabaddi Under-14.

It was again girls, who helped Udhampur Zone to emerge as overall champion in the district by winning third title in Kho-Kho. The Girls Higher Secondary School, Udhampur had defeated High School Moungri in Kho-Kho Under 17 group.

Whereas, in Kho-Kho Under-14 girls, High School Salkmari defeated Higher Secondary School, Udhampur.

Volleyball title was lifted by Girls High School, Thial beating Girls High School, Garhi. While, in boys Volleyball event, High School Kud beat Higher Seoncdary School, Ramnagar.

Mr A S Salathia, Chief Education Officer, Udhampur, who was chief guest on the concluding function distributed prized among the winning teams.

The chief guest also gave awary mementos to distinguished guests for thier cooperation during the competitions.

They included, Prof Sansar Chand Gupta, Ex-MLA, Mr Balak Ram, Mr Ramanand Baria, president Baopar Mandal, Mr Bishan Dass Gupta, Mr M L Kailoo, Principal Higher Secondary School, Mr P L Suri, Principal Government Girls Higher Secondary School, besides sports persons of the district.

Sports quiz, debate held

Excelsior Correspondent

UDHAMPUR, May 30: The department of Youth Services and Sports, organized debate, sports quiz and crafts competition in Girls Higher Secondary School Udhampur today.

In all 110 boys and girls drawn from 16 institutions participated in the programme. Mrs Veena Bakshi, Divisional Youth Services and Sports Officer Jammu, who was the chief guest appreciated the participants who inspite of holiday participated in the programme in large numbers with enthusiasm and zeal.

In Sports Quiz contest Master Ashish Mehra and Sudhir Bhat from A O Convent H S Udhampur, Master Suhail Jandyal and Sandeep Kumar from City High School Udhampur and Master Ajay Dogra and Gurjeet Singh from Boys H S S Udhampur got first, second and third positions respectively.

In debating competition Ist position went to Miss Harshita Sudan of Happy Model School, second spot was shared by Miss Jyoti Sharma of Girls HSS and Suhail Jandyal of Happy Model School. Third position was also shared by Miss Shivani Kapoor of National Academy and Himani Khajuria of Happy Model School. Fourth position was shared by Master Tarun Khatri of A O Convent and Miss Sakshi Thakur of BB Shanti Vidya Peeth Udhampur.

The prizes were awarded to all the position holders. A large number of teachers and invitees attended the function. S Kulwant Singh, PEM of Higher Secondary School Ramnagar was the Quiz Master. The prizes for craft and painting competitions shall be awarded tomorrow after the marking by the experts.

Pakistan to try out Waqar, Mushtaq in last league tie

NORTHAMPTON, May 30: Pakistan are keen to utilise their final league match against newcomers Bangladesh to try out their reserve players ahead of the second round as the two teams from the sub-continent clash in an inconsequential World Cup group ‘B’ tie here tomorrow.

Determined to move into the super six stage with an all-win record, Pakistan plan to make a few changes in their line-up giving rest to superfast Shoaib Akhtar and off-spinner Saqlain Mushtaq.

But their likely replacements - speedster Waqar Younis and leg-spinning Wizard Mushtaq Mohammad - could be equally dangerous for debutante Bangladesh, who will look forward to putting up a gallant fight as they did against other superior teams like Australia and West Indies.

The Pakistani attack has been the most fearsome in the World Cup so far but tomorrow’s match will provide skipper Wasim Akram an opportunity to try out Younis and Mushtaq in search of more options when facing stronger opponents in the next round.

Though the top order batsmen have not played up to their potential, Akram is not unduly worried.

The poor form of Saeed Anwar, whose 194 against India in 1996 World Cup is the highest one-day score, is a blessing in disguise he said as it implied the dashing opener would hit purple patch in the super six matches.

Despite his penchant for running out partners, flamboyant Inzamum-ul-Haq has emerged as the mainstay of Pakistan’s middle order notching up 81 against Australia and unbeaten 73 against New Zealand in the last two matches.

But the man to watch out would be wicketkeeper Moin Khan whose pyrotechnics with the willow had provided improbale acceleration in the run rate in the later stages of the innings.

Upbeat over their ego-boosting victory against fellow debutantes Scotland, the Bangladeshis are determined to give a good account of themselves as they strive for the status of a test-playing nation.

While new ball operators Hasibul Hossain and Manjural Islam have impressed with their ability to exploit the english conditions to trouble the batsmen, opener Mehrab Hossain and middle-order bat Minhazul Abedin were consistent contributors.

Hossain followed up his 64 against West Indies with a gritty 42 against Australia, while Minhazul Abedin, a last minute inclusion to the World Cup squad, scored an unbeaten 53 against the Aussies after his match-winning knock of 68 not out against Scotland.(PTI)

McGrath helps Australia enter super six

MANCHESTER, May 30: Australia lifted themselves from near elimination to a super six berth with a crushing six wicket win over the West Indies, but helped their rivals to remain in the reckoning as they took advantage of a World Cup rule enabling teams to carry forward points gained beating fellow qualifiers.

Pace spearhead Glenn McGrath captured five for 14 in an outstanding display and leg spinner Shane Warne took 3 for 11 as Australia bundled out the West Indies for a paltry 110 in 46.4 overs at Old Trafford here.

Australia then hit up 111 for four wickets in 40.4 overs, surviving a three wicket burst from veteran fast bowler curtly Ambrose (3/31), to complete a comfortable victory.

But Australia crawled to their target once close to victory to ensure they made qualification for New Zealand -the third team in the reckoning for two super six spots behind group leaders Pakistan - as difficult as possible.

New Zealand meet debutantes Scotland tomorrow knowing exactly what to do to push up their net run rate to qualify, but Australian strategy was to ensure the Caribbeans made it to help the 1987 champions carry forward two points which would be vital for semifinal qualification.

Australia’s five wicket loss to the Kiwis earlier means they will carry no points forward if the latter qualify.

Australia and West Indies finished tied on six points, but the former finished with a better net run rate to seal their qualification. The Kiwis have four points and are favourites to beat Scotland tomorrow, but their job has been rendered tougher by the Australian ploy.

After the win, Australia finished with the best run rate of "0.73 and the West Indies were lying second ("0.50) with New Zealand (0.00) behind.

In a given scenario, if the Kiwis make 230 batting first they will have to dismiss scotland for 110, which may not prove that easy to accomplish.

The West Indies went into the tie with a better net run rate than Australia and New Zealand, but having bowled out the Caribbeans for 110, Australia had the luxury of knocking off the run in 47 overs and still finish ahead of the west indies on net run rate.

Skipper Steve Waugh made 19 not out and Michael Bevan remained unbeaten on 20 as the two plodded on after reaching 98 for 4 in the 32nd over.

Steve Waugh and his men responded brilliantly today to outplay the West Indies.

Glenn McGrath, struggling to control the movement of the white ball earlier, was unplayable as he removed opener Sherwin Campbell (2) and Jimmy Adams for a golden duck to be on a hattrick. Lara denied that but was bowled soon after to a superb delivery from McGrath after making only nine runs.

Ridley Jacobs became the first player in World Cup history to carry the bat to remain unbeaten on 49, but Shivnaraine Chanderpaul’s 16 was the next best as Warne and McGrath combined to wipe out the tail.

Ambrose sparked some fightback claiming openers Adam Gilchrist (21), Mark Waugh (2) and Darren Lehman (9) and Reon king dismissed Ricky Ponting (20) to a super catch at square leg by Chanderpaul, but there were very few runs left to make a match of it. (PTI)

Sri Lanka beat Kenya by 45 runs

SOUTHAMPTON, May 30: Sri Lanka defeated Kenya by 45 runs in their final World Cup group ‘A’ league match heretoday.

Brief scores:

Sri Lanka - 275 for 8 in 50 overs (M Atapattu 52, Aranatunga 50, M Jayawardena 45 J Angara 2/50, T Odoyo 3/56)

Kenya - 230 for 6 in 50 overs (M Odumbe 82, A Vadher 73 not out C Vaas 2/26). (pti)

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