Gilchrist knows when he has to go: Shastri ...........

Harbhajan rues missed ton ..........

Bhupathi-Sania in mixed doubles final

MELBOURNE, Jan 25: Mahesh Bhupathi and Sania Mirza combined well to storm into the final of the mixed doubles competition at the Australian Open after scoring a straight set victory here today.

The unseeded Indian pair pipped eighth seeds Nathalie Dechy of France and Andy Ram of Israel 6-4 6-2 in the semifinal match.

The Indians will take on the winners of other semifinal match between fifth seeds Tiantian Sun of China and Serbian Nenad Zimonjic and third seed pair of Chinese Zi Yan and Mark Knowles of Bahrain.

In the juniors competition, Yuki Bhambri’s campaign ended as he lost the boys singles semifinal to local hope Bernard Tomic.

Yuki put up a spirited fight before losing 0-6 7-5 1-6. (PTI)

Anand meets Carlsen

WIJK AAN ZEE (The Netherlands), Jan 25: World champion Viswanathan Anand will face tournament leader Magnus Carlsen in the 11th round of the group ‘A’ of Corus International Chess tournament here.

With just three rounds remaining in the category-20 tournament, Anand faces a daunting task at hand as he is currently a full point behind Carlsen and only a final spurt can help the Indian for a pedestal finish after the third and final rest day.

With two victories, a lone loss against Teimour Radjabov of Azerbaijan in round one and seven draws thus far, the Indian ace is facing the heat in his first tournament of the year.

Carlsen, on the other hand, has been steady and lucky at the same time and given the way he won his previous game against Loek Van Wely of Holland from a completely lost position, many experts have already opined that it is champion’s luck.

With Carlsen on 6.5, Levon Aronian of Armenia is in close pursuit of the title he won jointly last year on 6 points. Anand, Vladimir Kramnik of Russia, Michael Adams of England, Vassily Ivanchuk of Ukraine and Radjabov are next in the standings with 5.5 points apiece and the battle for the title is now only between these players in the 14-player round-robin tournament.

Given the standings, India’s best bet seems to be Grandmaster Parimarjan Negi in group ‘C’.

Parimarjan has done quite well in the event after an indifferent start with two losses and is currently joint second on 6.5 points behind leader Caruana Fabiano of Italy who is on 7.

The Tata-sponsored youngster next meets Dmitry Reinderman of Holland before taking on e grivas of Hungary and his last round duel with Caruana should be the championship decider according to the pundits who give the Italian still more chances to win than anyone else.

GrandMaster P Harikrishna has spoiled many good positions in the tournament already and he will be satisfied if he can notch a couple of victories in the remaining three games. In the next round Harikrishna is slated to play Ivan Cheparinov of Bulgaria.

As things stand in ‘B’ group, Sergei Movsesian of Slovakia seems to be running away with the title here with 7.5 points already in the bag from first 10 rounds.

Sharing the second spots are Etienne Bacrot of France and Nigel Short of England while another half point adrift is Russian Ian Nepomniachtchi. Harikrishna is currently joint fifth in the event and can possibly finish in top three with an improved performance in the remaining games.

The other Indian contestant in the ‘B’ group, Koneru Humpy has not had a great tournament thus far and she too would be keen to finish on a positive note.

The result for Humpy have been quite unlike her thus with one victory, a couple of losses and seven draws. In the 11th round Humpy plays against Daniel Stellwagen of Holland. (PTI)

Ganguly, Dravid have lots of cricket
left in them: Ranatunga

COLOMBO, Jan 25: Begging to differ from the Indian selectors, chairman of Sri Lanka Cricket and former captain Arjuna Ranatunga said veteran batsmen Sourav Ganguly and Rahul Dravid deserve to be in the one-day squad of their country.

Ranatunga said he would back both the seniors for one-day assignments as they were still capable of delivering the goods.

"I personally feel that Dravid and Ganguly have a lot of cricket left in them, even for the one-dayers. The only area (they lack) is fielding. That is the area where Indians were never good. Now things are changing," Ranatunga told in an interview.

"A lot of youngsters like Yuvraj are coming in. They are putting in lot of effort in their fielding. So it is a good challenge for some of the seniors," Ranatunga said.

Ranatunga likened the situation to Sri Lanka dropping star fast bowler Chaminda Vaas and dashing opener Sanath Jayasuriya to include some younger players.

"You have to practically do it. It is very difficult to get rid of a senior player if he is performing. But, in the meantime, you have to think of the juniors as well. There has to be a mixed composition where the selectors should look into protecting the seniors and bringing up the juniors to fit in to their shoes," Ranatunga said.

"My theory is to replace someone like Jayasuriya or Vaas you have to achieve a certain standard. It is not easy," Ranatunga said.

Ranatunga, who led Sri Lanka to World Cup win in 1996, said he was not in favour of exposing a youngster to the hazards of international cricket without proper grooming. (PTI)

Young gun Djokovic ends Federer’s finals run

MELBOURNE, Jan 25: Serbian young gun Novak Djokovic ended defending champion Roger Federer’s record run of 10 consecutive Grand Slam finals to power into the Australian Open decider today.

Third-seeded Djokovic confirmed his status as Federer’s heir apparent with a tense 7-5, 6-3, 7-6 (7/5) win in two hours 28 minutes to set up an intriguing final on Sunday against unseeded French Sensation Jo-Wilfried Tsonga.

It will be the 20-year-old Serb’s second consecutive Grand Slam final after losing to Federer in last year’s US Open final.

For the Swiss great, it was his first semi-final loss at a Grand Slam since going down to world number two Rafael Nadal at the 2005 French Open and halted his 19-match unbeaten run at the Australian Open.

"It’s amazing, an indescribable feeling to beat the number one player of the world, probably one of the best players this sport has ever had, in straight sets," Djokovic said.

"I’m very, very proud of myself.

"It’s very difficult to play against a player who is so dominant on any surface and he’s been so successful for the past couple of years.

"I’m just so amazed at how well I coped with the pressure, in the most important moments I played my best tennis."

Three-time winner and top seed Federer also lost the second of his five Australian Open semi-finals on hardcourt after falling to Marat Safin 9-7 in the fifth set of their epic encounter in 2005.

Defeat ended his bid for now of improving on his Grand Slam titles, remaining two behind Pete Sampras’ record of 14.

"He made the more important points today. It was a bit unfortunate for me, but he did play well and served really well when he had to," Federer said.

"There’s no doubt I’ve played better in my life. I’ve not been really serving like the way I wanted to, maybe in the last few matches."

Djokovic advanced to the final without dropping a set in his six matches and stretched his winning streak on hardcourt to 10 matches.

came under increasing pressure in the second set and went down a break in the fourth game when Djokovic came up with a super running backhand to pick up a sliced volley for a winner.

Djokovic pumped his chest in triumph on snaring the point and the break.

The Swiss again fell behind two break points in his next service game and Djokovic claimed it with a cracking forehand on the line to lead 5-1.

But Federer broke back with a floating backhand return on his third break point.

Djokovic was put under pressure as he attempted to serve out for the second set and won a tense service game with an ace.

The third set went into a tiebreaker and despite falling behind a mini-break, the Serb clinched it on his first match point for a career-defining victory. (AGENCIES)

National Winter Games at Gulmarg from Feb 17

New Delhi, Jan 25: The world famous resort of Gulmarg is going to host the 5th National Winter Games from February 17 to 22. About 500 players of 17 teams from several States and sports boards will compete in several sporting disciplines during the five day long sporting extravaganza.

Making this announcement at a press conference here today, Secretary Tourism, Naeem Akhter said the torch run for games will be flagged-off from New Delhi on February 12 at 2 pm. The torch will pass through Dehradun, Shimla, Jammu, Srinagar to reach finally at Gulmarg on February 17. The teams participating in the games include Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Uttaranchal, New Delhi, Rajasthan, Maha-rashtra, Karnataka, Ta-mil Nadu, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, GMVN, WH-MI (Manali), BSF, Navy, Army, Sports Control Board, IIS & M (Gulmarg).

The Secretary, Tourism, on the occasion also released the mascot of the 5th Nati-onal Winter Games.

He further said, the State is holding cross-country race at Gulmarg in the first week of March under the auspices of Federation of Inter-national Skiing. He said the successful conduct of the games would further cement Gulmarg's position as the premier ski resort of the country that would pave way for hosting the Winter Edi-tion of the Commonwealth Games - 2010.

Terming Gulmarg as the Davos of the country, Naeem said the mountain range of Gulmarg has the capacity to absorb one Lac skiers a year adding 1400 skiers have visited the place already since December 15, 2007.

Inzamam open to short county stint

KARACHI, Jan 25: Inzamam-ul-Haq may have quit international cricket but the appetite is still there and the former Pakistan captain said he is open to offers, if any, from English county teams for brief stints there.

Inzamam, who retired from international cricket last year, had a short stint with Yorkshire, which he thoroughly enjoyed.

Inzamam said although he is semi-retired, he would still welcome an offer from a county team in England.

"Maybe not for the whole season but if there was an opportunity to help a team out for two or three months, like I did at Yorkshire last year, I would be very interested," Inzamam said on www.Bigstarcricket.Com.

"Having experienced county cricket late in my career, I would enjoy some more and hope my experience can benefit some of the younger boys in the side.

"If an offer comes from England I would be looking to go over a couple of weeks beforehand to readjust to the conditions and because I have been out of the game for a while. But I know that although I may be out of practice, I haven’t lost my ability," he said.

Inzamam admitted it felt little strange watching the team play after being part of the squad for 17 years but said he was not missing international cricket.

"I am now enjoying my life more and I am more relaxed. I am loving my retirement and the extra time with my family when I would usually have been away with the team.

"The last cricket I played was in the ICL (Indian Cri-cket League) in December and that was really enjoyable and good fun. I will be returning to India for some more ICL at the end of March and start of April, as part of my three-year deal with the organisers," he said.

"The money is very good and will give my family security for some time, while the cricket was more competitive than what people may have thought it would be like," he said.

"I haven’t been playing any cricket in Pakistan the last time was my final test. I therefore realise that when my cricket commitments be-gin once again I will need to prepare twice as hard," Inzamam added. (PTI)

Sharukh hopes he can see matches

MUMBAI, Jan 25: After a run-in with the Indian cricket board last November, bollywood star Sharukh Khan took a swipe at the body saying there should not be any objections if he now watched cricket matches.

"No one should have objection if I watch a match now," said Shahrukh after he won a bid yesterday to own Mumbai team in the high-profile Indian Premium League (IPL). (PTI)

World record thrills Gilchrist

ADELAIDE, Jan 25: Basking in the glory of becoming the glovesman with most Test dismissals, Australia’s star wicketkeeper Adam Gilchrist today said he is thrilled after achieving the milestone even though he has not been having the best of times behind the stumps off late.

"It’s a great achievement even though I was expecting it today. At the same time, it also speaks volumes about the quality of our bowling," an elated Gilchrist said.

Gilchrist took his tally to 414, one more than South African Mark Boucher, when he caught Indian skipper Anil Kumble to drop curtains on India’s first innings in the fourth Test here at the Adelaide Oval.

He had levelled Boucher’s record when he caught Harbhajan Singh off Andrew Symonds.

"To get the record is simply thrilling," he said.

The Australian vice captain, who made his debut in the longer version of the game against Pakistan in 1999 at Brisbane, is playing his 96th Test here.

Though Gilchrist took four catches in India’s innings, he did not have a good time behind the stumps, missing quite a few chances in the on-going India-Australia series.

Gilchrist dropped four catches in the second Test in Sydney and grassed a sitter off Indian middle order batsman VVS Laxman in India’s the first innings of the ongoing fourth and final Test.

"Well, a few got down in recent times but that’s the challenge of Test cricket where you need to pick yourself," he said.

He also admitted it was quite frustrating to see Anil Kumble and Harbhajan Singh bat on and on.

"Well, it can get frustrating indeed. But it shows that it has been a decent batting track and their stand made us realise that every partnership is important," he said.

The Australian vice captain, however, oozed confidence that with Matthew Hayden back in the side and unbeaten on 36, the hosts have a good chance in the match.

"Matty is a 94-Test veteran and put on a good effort today.

"We have been in similar positions in the past and we have a nice foundation to build on tomorrow," Gilchrist said. (PTI)

Gilchrist knows when he has to go: Shastri

MELBOURNE, Jan 25: Adam Gilchrist’s blunders against India on the first day at Adelaide has sparked debate about his future but former captain Ravi Shastri made light of his mistakes, saying the Australian remained a feared opponent and deserved to go out on his own terms.

The 36-year-old Gilchrist, the veteran of 95 Tests straight who recently declared he would play for another year, surprised his team by failing to take what looked a simple catch when VVS Laxman was on 37 yesterday.

"If he believes he has got stuff left in him, I think he should be entitled to play on," Shastri said.

"He has set such high standards that no wicketkeeper-batsman in the history of cricket has done. So you get that bad feeling when he does make a mistake. He is only human. Before you jump at criticism of someone like that, you have to be careful," he was quoted as saying by the ‘Herald Sun’.

"Like Sachin, if he says he can play two years, he bloody well can play two years" he added.

Former Australian captain Steve Waugh conceded Gilchrist’s ‘keeping was down on his past standards and said he was fortunate the Indians didn’t fully punish the error, with Laxman adding just 14 more runs.

"For a world-class keeper, Gilly’s concentration and consequently his sharpness of footwork hasn’t been up to his usual exceptional standard and this one could have really hurt Australia," he wrote in his column for news limited newspapers.

Gilchrist is just two dismissals away from claiming the world record of South African Mark Boucher. (PTI)

Harbhajan rues missed ton

ADELAIDE, Jan 25: Indian off-spinner Harbhajan Singh rued the missed opportunity to score a century against Australia after it was there for the taking on the second day of the fourth and final cricket Test here today.

"I played a stupid shot. When I returned to the dressing room everyone had a go at me, especially Sachin Tendulkar who said I had missed the second chance of a century against Australia," remarked Harbhajan at the end of the day’s play.

Harbhajan made exaggerated gestures towards the dressing room after he had completed his second successive half century against Australia.

"I had told the boys in the dressing room before going out to bat that I would get few runs for the team. I had a stand going with Anil (Kumble), crossed the 400 runs on the board and made a gesture towards the dressing room that I have got a big heart."

Harbhajan, during his innings, ran into Stuart Clark and quickly apologised for having thumped into him hard.

"I was looking back and had really hit him hard. I touched him to say I am sorry. I did the same in Sydney (to Brett Lee, patting his back) but then it was blown into something big."

Harbhajan chose the moment to say that his side had competed very well against the world champions and the hosts were beatable.

"Any team is beatable. We have a very good team, we have great players in our team. No team has challenged Australia as well as we have done so."

"We now have the runs and bowlers can bowl with freedom and confidence. No batsmen like to see fielders hovering around his bat. We would apply the pressure tomorrow," Harbhajan said.

One of the features of India’s resurgence in this series has been the way tailenders have contributed to India’s cause.

"Throughout the series our tailenders have done well. In our win in Perth, the stand between RP Singh and VVS Laxman was critical. The tailenders have shown they can bat sensibly."

Finally, Harbhajan heaped a great deal of praise on his skipper and senior spinner Anil Kumble.

"He’s a great guy, probably the best captain I’ve played under after Sourav Ganguly.

"What he has done for the team is tremendous. He’s a fighter and wants those sort of people around him who can fight for the team."

Harbhajan asserted to he wanted to be a 500-wicket bowler in Test cricket and that he doesn’t feel upset by critics having a go at him.

"I don’t get upset by what critics tell me. I don’t take advice from anybody. I have seniors such as Anil Kumble and Sachin Tendulkar in the team whose advice I seek and trust. I don’t need to go to anyone and everyone."

The Indian, due to appear for a hearing in the racial abuse case after the Test, said he was not under any kind of pressure.

"I have no pressure of the hearing. I have a big day tomorrow but I will try to be relaxed and bowl well. I have people to look after the matter," he said. (PTI)