Abandoned tie not good for anyone: Brett Lee ...........

Tiwary will do well if given more chances: Ganguly ........

Lankan team’s security heightened in Australia

COLOMBO, Feb 3: The Sri Lankan cricket team’s security in Australia has been heightened after some unruly fans in Hobart attacked spin wizard Muttiah Muralitharan with an egg.

"The Australian authorities have apologised for the incident and the Sri Lankan team’s security has been beefed up," Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) Secretary K Mathivanan told.

Showing no let up in their hostility towards Muralitharan, a group of fans threw an egg on his face in Hobart on Friday night.

The incident marked a new low in Aussie fans’ turbulent relations with Muralitharan.

Mathivanan said Cricket Australia will also keep a close watch on crowd behavior during the ongoing tri-series in which Sri Lanka is one of the teams along with Australia and India.

"Australian authorities will keep an eye on the hotel’s security. They have already announced that anybody misbehaving fan would be thrown out of the ground," Mathivanan said.

Muralitharan, who holds the world record of most Test wickets with 723 scalps, has had a history of hostility with the Australian spectators, who have jeered him on previous tours, forcing him to stop going Down Under for some time.

The off-spinner was no-balled by Aussie umpires and the bowler had to undergo laboratory tests to prove the legality of his bowling action. (PTI)

Sharapova shines as China eye semi-finals

PARIS, Feb 3: Maria Sharapova finally got her Fed Cup career off the ground when she pulled defending champions Russia level against Israel in their world group quarter-final.

The newly crowned Australian Open champion blitzed world number 81 Tzipi Obziler 6-0, 6-4 at Ramat Hasharon after team-mate Dinara Safina had lost the first rubber against top Israeli player Shahar Peer, going down 0-6, 6-2, 6-2 yesterday.

"It was very weird to come on court being down one love," said Sharapova.

"Usually when I play a match both players start the match at the same level, so this was different but I’m glad it’s over and I can’t wait for tomorrow’s match versus Shahar."

The reverse singles will see Sharapova take on Peer, Safina playing against Obziler, as well as the doubles tie.

In Beijing, China opened up a 2-0 lead over a weakened France side to put themselves just one rubber away from a first ever appearance in the semi-finals.

China need only to win one more match from the two reverse singles and the doubles on Sunday to clinch a place in the last four against Spain or Italy as they look for a morale-boosting victory on home soil ahead of the Olympics.

China’s number one Li Na beat 18-year-old Alize Cornet 6-3, 6-1 in the first rubber before number two Peng Shuai then ran out a 4-6, 6-3, 6-4 winner over Virginie Razzano.

Li who is back from a rib injury that sidelined her for most of last year, said she was nervous at the start against Cornet, who is making her Fed Cup debut.

"I made mistakes at the start but after that it was pretty comfortable," she said. She predicts it could also be comfortable for China today.

"I think China has the best chance ever to get into the last four. Against France, you can’t take anything for granted. But Sunday could be our big day."

France came into the match without their top three -Amelie Mauresmo, Marion Bartoli and Tatiana Golovin - but captain Georges Goven said that all was not lost.

"We can still win three out of three games," he said. "I am not saying it is easy, but it is not impossible."

Host United States, the tournament’s most successful country with 17 titles but without a championship since 2000, struggled to a 1-1 start with Germany as 19-year-old Sabine Lisicki upset US veteran Lindsay Davenport 6-1, 7-5.

Davenport, who took time off last year to have her first child, lost for only the third time in 28 Fed Cup singles matches but Ashley Harkleroad pulled the Americans level by defeating Tatiana Malek 6-1, 6-3.

In the world group’s other tie yesterday, Italy, last year’s beaten finalists, slumped to 2-0 down against Spain in Naples.

Nuria Llagostera Vives enjoyed a 7-6 (7/4), 3-6, 6-2 win over Francesca Schiavone before Anabel Medina Garrigues eased past Flavia Pennetta 6-2, 6-3. (AGENCIES)

Hema Malini becomes Baseball Federation Chief Patron

CHANDIGARH, Feb 3: Film actress-turned-politician Hema Malini today extended her full support to Women Baseball Federation of India (WBFI) and accepted the post of chief patron of the Federation.

The WBFI has branched out of the Baseball Federation of India (BFI).

The organisers are confident that with Hema Malini joining WBFI, the sport would give a boost to the sportspersons, especially women of all sports disciplines which have been neglected so far.

WBFI chairman Deepak Joshi echoed the sentiments of Hema Malini that there was a need to change the mindset of society towards women.

Main thrust of the WBFI is on rural area which is full of talent and just need to harness it. Joshi‘s main motive behind sports promotion is to give every player a dignified living and giving carrier options.

His vision is to create Chandigarh ‘a sport’s tourist destination’ which will be a boost to the country and Chandigarh in particular by bringing in international sports to India. The WBFI has started the first ever baseball academy for providing training to the players from March 14 here.

The WBFI and the BFI will be holding baseball nationals for men and women from Feburary 21 here. The WBFI will be holding world women baseball championship in October in which about eight countries are participated to take part.

An Indian Baseball League (IBL) will begin on February 21 next year to promote baseball and sports tourism in Chandigarh in which 10 teams are scheduled to compete. (UNI)

State Invitational Karate Championship concludes

Excelsior Sports Correspondent

JAMMU, Feb 3: The J&K junior and sub junior State Invitational Karate Championship organised by Shito Ryu Seiko Kai Karate Do Association concluded at Luthra Building, Kachi Chawni today.

More than 100 karatekas participated in the competition. The bouts were officiated by Shaveta Gupta, Devidayal Singh, Rakesh Kumar, Rajinder Kumar and Babu Rout.

Rajeev Luthra, Director, Luthra B Ed College, Navneet Mishra, Director, J&K Group of Colleges, Mahroof Ahmed Manhas and Chander Mohan Gupta were present during medal distribution function.

Results:

Girls (U/7yrs): Ananya Gupta (1st)and Savi Jain (2nd)

U/8yrs: Khushi Sharma (1st) and Rupakshi Mahajan (2nd).

U/9yrs: Aarusha Sharma (1st) and Shafaq (2nd).

U/10yrs: Sonali Sharma (1st) and Sidika Charak (2nd).

U/11yrs: Bhawna (1st) and Anna Singh (2nd).

U/15 yrs: Pranibha Sharma (1st) and Yamini Gupta (2nd).

Boys (U/6yrs): Raiman Singh (1st), Diwankar Mahajan (2nd), Arslan Iqbal and Divanshu Singh (3rd).

U/7yrs: Gourish Pratap Singh (1st), Aadvitya Singh (2nd), Himanshu Mishra and Rishabh Bhat (3rd).

U/8yrs: Yuvraj Shalla (1st), Shubhankar Mahajan (2nd), Manik Puri and Manan Arora (3rd).

U/9yrs: Anwar Janbaz (1st), Akash Sharma (2nd), Raivat Dhar and Rasagya Tandon (3rd).

U/10yrs: Sourav (1st), Aman (2nd), Tarun and Rahul (3rd).

U/12yrs: Deepak Kumar (1st), Sa-Adat Mufti (2nd), Mohd Azeem and Amir Latif Beigh (3rd).

U/13yrs: Sahil Singh (1st), Abhishek Sharma (2nd), Akshay Jamwal and Harshvardhan Singh (3rd).

U/14yrs: Tushar Jandial (1st), Anoop Gupta (2nd), Ayush and Richi (3rd).

Sub Junior (Open): Manik Jandial (1st), Kanaya Sharma (2nd) and Abhimanyu Singh (3rd).

MV Intl School celebrates annual day

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Feb 3: The MV International Sr. Secondary School, Vijaypur, celebrated its third ‘Annual Day’ today, by holding a colorful cultural function in school premises. The students of the school presented a bonanza of cultural items with great enthusiasm and fervor.

Prof. Amitabh Mattoo, V.C University of Jammu was the chief guest on the occasion Pramod Jain, Commissioner Secretary Higher Education and M.M Bhatt, member Public Service Commission fficiated as the guest of the honour.

The cultural item included Barbi dance, Rajasthan folk dance, Kashmiri dance, jungle book, pledge English play, instrument dance and Punjabi Bhangra. All were greatly appreciated by the large gathering of dignitaries, guest and parents. The chief guest distributed the award to the tops in the academics and the guest of honour give away the prizes in the field of the sport music and the fine arts.

The dignitaries were welcomed by the activity Coordinator Anju Bala and academic Coordinator Sunil Sharma. The principal of the school Harbachan Singh read out the annual report of the school

The chief guest Prof. Amitabh Mattoo while speaking on the occasion lauded the effort of the school in the putting up such a fine memorable function.

Other present on the occasion were General Secretary Chamber of Commerce, Bansi Lal Gupta Municipal Counselor, Vinod Sachdeva, and members of the board of management.

The function concluded with a vote of thanks by H.L Abrol, Chairman of the M.V. Sr. Secondary School.

ITBP clinches Ice Hockey Championship

Excelsior Sports Correspondent

LEH, Feb 3: ITBP got the better of Lalok Sporting Club by 7-2 goals in the final to clinch 4th Lalok Running Ice Hockey Championship played at Tangtse here today.

In women section, SECMOL girls prevailed over Ex-Servicemen’s women team by 2-0 to emerge winner.

Chering Dorje, Chief Executive Councillor, LAHDC, Leh was the chief guest on the occasion while Surinder Singh, Brigadier, 114 Inf was the guest of honour.

Speaking on the occasion, Dorje said in order to provide opportunities to the upcoming players of Ladakh to horne their skills in Winter Games, LAHDC has introduced CEC Ice Hockey Championship this year.

Later, the chief guest and Brigadier gave away trophies to the winner and runner up teams.

Councilor Tangtse, Stanzin Dorje, Councilor Chushul and Sonam were also present.

Haryana,Jharkhand enter semi, Punjab missed berth

JALANDHAR, Feb 3: While Haryana and Jharkhand today entered into semi final of 55th Rakshak Senior Women National Hockey championship being played here at Surjit Hockey stadium, host Punjab missed the berth in semi as it was defeated by a lone goal by Jharkhand.

In today’s league matches of pool A pool B, UP defeated Chhatisgarh by 4-0, Haryana outclassed Orrisa by 7-2 and Jharkhand edged out Punjab by 3-2.

First match of the day was played between UP and Chattisgarh. UP eves dominated the match from very beginning and after wasting a penalty corner in 10th minute, it took lead in the 15th minute when Rijuta Mullick scored an excellent field goal (1-0).

In the 26th minute Mulick again entered into the danger zone of opponent and scored another field goal to increase lead of her team (2-0). Chattisgarh got an opportunity in the form of penalty corner in 21st minute, but missed the target. At lemon break up was leading by 1-0. In second half also, up eves kept their dominance on the ground and in 50th and 54th minutes scored two more goals through the sticks of Manjri Pandey and Sumitra Tirkey to lock the fate of opponent (4-0).

In the second match of day, it was Haryana eves, who took an early lead in 4th minute when Mamta Kharb successfully converted a penalty corner followed by another goal by Pritam Siwach in 16th minute, when she scored an excellent field goal (2-0). At lemon break Haryana was leading by 2-0.

In the second half, also Haryana maintained its dominance over the match and in 42th minute, increased the lead when Harmanjeet Kaur committed no mistake in converting a penalty corner (3-0).

Haryana increased its lead by two more goals in the 45th and 53rd minute through the stick of Mamta Kharb (5-0).

In 56th minutes Orissa in retaliation, although late, scored a goal through Sarita Bara (1-5), but in 61st minute, Haryana eves again increased their lead when Monika Dahiya scored a field goal (6-1).

In 66th minute, Orrisa eves again managed their entry into the danger zone of Haryana and Sarita again scored a goal by successfully converting a penalty corner (2-6).

But finally Haryana locked the fate of Orrisa when Pritam Siwach again scored a field goal to consolidate win of her team by 7-2. With the win, Haryana entered into semi final of the championship.

Third match of the day was played between the host Punjab and Jharkhand. It was a nail biting match from the very beginning but it was Jharkhand eves, who took an early lead in 25th minute, when Adlene Kerketta scored a field goal (1-0) to disappoint the crowd from Punjab.

Punjab eves in a mood of retaliation, scored an equalizer through the stick of captain Manjinder Kaur in 32nd minute, which brought the smile on the faces of crowd. At lemon break the score board showed 1-1.

In second half, Punjab eves increased their lead in 47th minute when Deepika successfully converted a penalty corner (2-1). The joy of Punjab did not remain for long as just after two minutes Jharkhand scored a goal through Sarita Lakra (2-2).

Now, what Punjab eves wanted to protect their goal post, as they knew that playing draw will reserve their berth in the semi.

But in the dying moment of match, Jharkhand eves put dent on the hope of Punjabi girls as in the 58th minute forward player of Jharkhand Amrita Ming scored a field goal to increase lead for her team (3-2). Punjabi girls got irked over the decision of match referee and protested that there was foul play by the opponent during last goal and decided to walk out.

Match referee declared the result of match in favour of Jharkhand, which reserved its berth in semi final of the tournament. (PTI)

Give youngsters time to settle, pleads Dhoni

BRISBANE, Feb 3: Indian captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni backed his young team and outlined his vision for the 2011 World Cup after the opening game of the tri-series against Australia was washed out here today.

"If we are looking for a team for 2011 World Cup, it’s important that we have guys who have played 80-100 matches by then...I think this is the team I wanted," an earnest Dhoni said.

"This is the plan which can succeed it can backfire as well. But they (the youngsters) need the right opportunity and base to perform."

Dhoni was not perturbed that he has given opportunity to his men, selected in place of veterans such as Sourav Ganguly and Rahul Dravid, in conditions as difficult as in Australia.

"It’s up to individuals if they succumb to pressure. It’s up to them to show courage or perform."

The wicketkeeper-batsman said he picked Manoj Tiwary by instinct ahead of Suresh Raina even though the Bengal youngster arrived in Australia only yesterday.

"I go by instinct. It doesn’t matter that he arrived only yesterday or he didn’t have enough practice. It’s tough cricket and good ones can adapt quickly," he said.

As for today’s game, Dhoni felt it was evenly-poised after his bowlers broke through early.

"After the second break, Ishant (Sharma) and Sreesanth bowled brilliantly in the right areas and troubled the batsmen.

"I think it was evenly-poised. When the rain came, the momentum was with us. But the target was so small, a good innings could have turned the momentum their way."

Dhoni felt his bowlers did not bowl the first two overs well and his side could have also done better in the field.

Batting first in overcast conditions may have raised a few eyebrows and Dhoni admitted the decision could have gone either way.

"It (the decision) was confusing. It was sticky and overcast and we expected it to swing. But it did not swing that much," Dhoni said.

Losing early wickets did not help India’s cause, he felt. (PTI)

Abandoned tie not good for anyone: Brett Lee

BRISBANE, Feb 3: Australian speedster Brett Lee was disappointed that the brilliantly poised first game of the tri-series was abandoned because of frequent rains at Gabba here today.

"It wasn’t good for us, it wasn’t good for the Indian team and the fans," said Lee, who continued his splendid season with a five-wicket haul against India.

Lee said the manner in which the Indians were making the ball ‘talk’ had made it anybody’s match, if the rain gods had relented.

"The way Sreesanth was bowling, if we had lost a couple of more wickets, it could have really tilted the game in their favour."

Lee termed patience as the key to his spectacular success as the leader of the Australian bowling attack.

"Patience is important. It has got me wickets. The way the ball is coming out of hand, I am trying to do the same thing and don’t change much."

He admitted he has shouldered a fair bit of workload in recent times but the thought of rotation, for the moment, is far from his mind.

Lee bowled a lot of short deliveries to Indian batsmen and termed it a good tactic.

"Short ball, as I see it, can be a very defensive ball but it can also get you wickets. I think if a bowler can, he must do it," the speedster said.

Lee did not want to comment on the young Indian batsmen saying he would prefer to have a good look at them before giving an opinion on their quality. (PTI)

Tiwary will do well if given more chances: Ganguly

KOLKATA, Feb 3: Notwithstanding Manoj Tiwary’s failure in his maiden one-day international in Brisbane today, former captain Sourav Ganguly is confident that the right-hander would do well for the country if given more opportunities.

Tiwary was dismissed for just two after struggling to find his bearings. But Ganguly said "such things happen. Not everybody has a good debut. But I’m hopeful that he will do well if given proper chances."

Australian speedster Brett Lee put the youngster out of his misery with a yorker which went past his defensive bat on to the stumps.

When Ganguly was reminded of his maiden tour for India to Australia in 1992, he said "that was long back. Now, you don’t get too many practice games. One has to adjust fast. I am confident that Tiwary will also become used to the conditions quickly."

Ganguly said he had a conversation with Tiwary before the young talent left for Down Under.

Ganguly, who has been axed from the one-day side now doing duty in Australia, extended his good wishes to Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s team.

"At this point I can’t say whether they will make it to the final of the triangular series. But if they play well, they should, but the (new) players have to get attuned to the conditions fast."

Ganguly, speaking to newspersons at a blood donation camp organised by the Cricket Association of Bengal, said he was yet to decide whether to play in the Ranji Trophy one-dayers. (PTI)