Britain crushes India’s Olympic dreams

SANTIAGO, Mar 10: Indian hockey today sunk into its darkest pit of despair as the men’s team failed to qualify for the Olympics for the first time in 80 years following a shocking 0-2 defeat against Britain in the final of the qualifying tournament here.

Faced with a do-or-die battle, India’s Olympic dream came down crashing as Barry Middleton (4th minute) and Richard Mantell (10th) scored for Britain in the nerve-wracking final at the Prince of Wales Country Club.

Eight times gold medalist India thus failed to make it to the Olympics for the first time since their debut in 1928, adding an ignominious chapter to the game’s history which has seen more lows than highs in recent times.

The setback prompted coach Joaquim Carvalho to step down along with his support staff.

While Britain celebrated to the accompaniment of the song "we are the champions", the Indian players, heads bowed and shoulders slumped, could only watch the jubilant scenes of a team that played smarter, if not better, hockey.

Britain showed a lot of steel in dealing with the massive pressure they were subjected to by the Indian forwards. The difference was that Britain, who had beaten India 3-2 in the league, capitalised on the two early chances that came their way, while the Indians did not.

India could never really settle down and the two yellow cards to their key players, midfielder Sardara Singh and forward Prabhjot Singh, filled their cup of woe.

India also blew five penalty corners with neither Ramachandra Raghunath, with his drag-flicks, nor Dilip Tirkey, with his direct hits, able to convert. In fact, their set-piece drill in the second-half was rather pathetic, as the ball was not even stopped cleanly.

Britain’s first-half tactics were fairly obvious and that was to seize early initiative. Two goals within the first 10 minutes put them firmly in front while pushing India on the back foot.

While Britain’s performance slick and sure, the Indians struggled to get going. The two teams were a study in contrast with Britain sticking to basics of close marking, quick release and positional play.

In contrast, India seemed to run out of ideas and there was predictability in their attacks with the long balls to the wings in much use.

Middleton scrambled the ball in from a Ashley Jackson pass with the Indian defence caught square in the very fourth minute and then Richard Mantell drag-flicked a 10th minute penalty corner to put Britain on top.

India did knit together a few moves, but at the finish it was the same old tale of wrong passes and at times, too much of individual play. With the time ticking by, India made desperate attempts force a penalty corner and finally succeeded in the 31st minute. But Raghunath failed to beat goal keeper Alistair McGregor.

A little earlier, Sardara was sent out with two green cards in the 26th minute and his absence meant another round of reshuffling that affected Indian team balance.

In between the Indian attacks, Britain squeezed a couple of more raids and nearly scored twice with Jackson and then Tindall shooting wide of target.

On resumption, the Indians attacked with some urgency but they suffered a setback when Prabhjot was sent out with a yellow card suspension for deliberate stick-check. Yet again, it limited India’s options while leaving a huge hole in the frontline.

India’s persistence fetched them their second penalty corner in the 47th minute, but goalkeeper Mcgregor easily blocked Dilip Tirkey’s direct hit.

Seven minutes later, India forced three penalty corners in quick succession, but twice Ignace Tirkey and then Shivendra Singh failed to stop the ball. Worse still, Ignace limped off the field after being struck on the knee by the British charger.

At the other end, goalkeeper Baljit Singh kept India in the game with some good saves as Britain wasted three penalty corners.

Even as the Indians grew in desperation, Britain kept their composure to survive the vital final moments of a match that barely rose to expectations in terms of quality, though did not lack intensity and passion.

Earlier, Russia defeated Austria 6-3 to finish overall third while Chile overcame Mexico 9-3 in the play-off for 5-6 positions.(PTI)

Cricket, not money makes a player famous: Dhoni

RANCHI, Mar 10: India’s limited overs captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni has dismissed notions that the auction of cricketers for the Indian Premier League would adversely affect the youngsters’ performance.

"It will never affect the performance. I think the performance level will only go up. Because the cricketers are mature enough to realise that whatever they are earning or whatever their stature or fame is, it is because of cricket and I think every cricketer knows this," Dhoni told newsmen here yesterday.

Introduction of the IPL, he said, would help the cricketers perform better.

"You cannot be famous even if you have Rs 100 crore. But if you are a cricketer and play good cricket, you will get money, fame and everything," he said.

"It is very important to focus 100 per cent on cricket and I think the newcomers, whether from Under-19 or those playing the domestic circuit, are clever enough to realise that it is cricket and not money which makes one famous," Dhoni said.

Dhoni, a member of the Chennai outfit of the IPL, said he is looking forward to play in the league starting April 18.

"Our side is very good, but we have to see the availability of players", he said.

"The Chennai track is a flat one, but has a bit bounce and is considered good for stroke play. Some exciting cricket is possible there".

Dhoni, however, chose to keep silent on the controversy on dropping Sourav Ganguly and Rahul Dravid from the one-day squad.

"I would not like to comment on that," he said. (PTI)

Serena lauds Sania Mirza

NEW DELHI, Mar 10: Expressing her admiration for Sania Mirza, Bangalore Open champion Serena Williams lauded her efforts and said the Indian tennis star has the potential to be in the top 10.

Talking to mediapersons here today, Serena said, "Sania is a great player.’’

"She has done a lot for Indian tennis and has the potential to be in the top 10,’’ she added.

Serena, who defeated Patty Shnyder 7-5, 6-3 to win the 6,00,000 dollar WTA Bangalore Open yesterday, was here at the launch of the limited edition of the HP Pavilion series.

The former world number one was all at sea when she was asked about cricket and India’s batting maestro Sachin Tendulkar.

"I am from the US and in that part of the world, cricket is not very popular,’’ she added.

"I don’t get much of time so I hardly follow cricket.’’

The eight-time Grand Slam winner has been in India for the last one week. This is her first visit to the country and she will visit the Taj Mahal tomorrow. (UNI)

Carvalho blames India’s below-par performance

SANTIAGO, Mar 10: Chief hockey coach Joaquim Carvalho has blamed India’s below-par performance and some serious blunders for their 0-2 defeat in the World Hockey Olympic qualifying final at the hands of Great Britain, who also did not put up an extra ordinary performance. Following the defeat, India failed to qualify for the Olympic Games for the first time in 80 years since their debut in 1928.

"We played to just 50 per cent of potential today. Our defence made a silly mistake in the very first minute that led to a goal and another error on the flanks resulted in a second goal against us. We could not recover from these setbacks," Carvalho said after the match.

He opined that it was not as if Britain played an extraordinary game, but rather, India helped their opponents by playing badly."It was like we losing the match rather than Britain winning. (PTI)

Nighat Shafi Pandit awarded Shakti Puraskar

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Mar 10 : Nighat Shafi Pandit, Chairperson Help Foundation, J&K was awarded Shri Shakti Puraskar (Women Empowerment Award) for the year 2004, 2005 and 2006 by the Government of India, Ministry of Women and Child Development March in recognition the pioneering work done by her in empowerment of women.

The award was presented at a well attended function held at Shri Fort Auditorium, New Delhi by UPA Chairperson, Sonia Gandhi in presence of Gursharan Kaur wife of Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh and MoS Independent Charge of Ministry of Women and Child Development, Renuka Chowdhary.

In recognition of her contributions, Pandit became one of the 1000 Peace Women nominated for the Noble Peace Prize, 2005.

PG Deptt to face Udhampur College for summit clash

Excelsior Sports Correspondent

JAMMU, Mar 10: PG Department will take on Udhampur College for title clash tomorrow in the ongoing Inter Collegiate Volleyball Tournament (men) being played at New University Campus.

In the second semifinal played today, Udhampur College got the better of Commerce College by 3-0 sets 25-17, 25-14 and 25-10.

Rakesh and Nazar were the star performers for the winner team while Deepak and Satish also played well for Commerce College.

The match was officiated by Shashi Sharma, Neeraj Sharma, Vishal and Anil Sharma.

Final will be played at 11 am.

Benia lifts Shiv Khori Kesari title

Excelsior Sports Correspondent

JAMMU, Mar 10: Pahalwan Benia defeated pahalwan Ranbir (Rana) in a tough bout to lift "10th Shiv Khori Kesari 2008" title at Ransoo in district Reasi.

The Dangal was organised by the J&K Indian Style Wrestling Association in collaboration with Shiv Khori Shrine Board, Ransoo Dangal Committee, Amar Memorial Trust, Katra and local civil administration.

In all 49 bouts were played. In the second main bout, Qasim Din (Billu) defeated Jagbir while Kirpal Singh beat Akram in the third main bout.

In other bouts, Narinder beat Sunit Singh, Prabhat Singh beat Sunny, K P Singh beat Kulbir Singh, Bir Singh beat Yash Paul, Hoshier Singh beat Bittu, Prabhat Singh beat Kuldeep Singh and Yash Paul Pritam Singh.

The bouts played between Kulbir Singh vs Sunny and Narinder Singh vs Kuldeep Kumar were ended in a draw.

Rattan Lal Tripathi, Tehsildar Settlement, Reasi was the chief guest on the occasion who gave away a cash prize of Rs 2100 to the winner pahalwan alongwith silver Gurj and Patta.

Pahalwan Rana pocketed Rs 2,000. Vijay Choudhary, SDPO, Reasi was the guest of honour while Shiv Kumar Sharma, President of J&K Indian Style Wrestling Association presided over the function.

Technical officials who helped in the smooth conduct of the Dangal included Babu Ram Pathania, Capt Lehar Singh (Retd), Mohd Fareed, Madan Lal, Vijay Singh and Jugal Kishore Sharma.

Keeper strikes late to earn nine-man Arsenal a point

BUENOS AIRES, Mar 10: Goalkeeper Mario Cuenca converted a last-minute penalty to give Arsenal a 3-3 draw with Gimnasia-Jujuy in the Argentine championship after they played the entire second half with nine men.

Juan Roman Riquelme’s second-half goal salvaged a point for 10-man Boca Juniors in their derby with independiente and river plate coach Diego Simeone was given a hot reception on his return to former club estudiantes.

Arsenal, thumped 6-0 by Brazil’s fluminense in a Libertadores Cup match on Wednesday, made a perfect start when Luciano Leguizamon gave them a first-minute lead.

Diego Miranda equalised in the 15th minute before the hosts had Dario Espinola sent off for a second bookable offence in the 36th minute.

Arsenal defender Anibal Matellan then gave away a penalty in first-half stoppage time, was also dismissed and Cesar Carranza converted to put Gimnasia ahead.

Alejandro Gomez levelled in the 68th minute, Diego Mateo put Gimnasia back ahead with 10 minutes left before Cuenca completed an astonishing match by converting a last-minute penalty yesterday.

Gimnasia remained bottom of the Clausura championship and winless after five games while Arsenal climbed to fourth with 10 points.

Boca missed a chance to go top after their 1-1 draw with independiente, who looked set to win at the Bombonera for the first time in 12 years when they led 1-0 at halftime.

Paraguay defender Julio Cesar Cacaeres turned Mariano Herron’s cross into his own net in the sixth minute and the hosts had defender Gabriel Paletta sent off before halftime for a two-footed challenge on Freddy Grisales. (AGECNIES)

Bruised Cink rues more tentative putting

MIAMI, Mar 10: Two weeks after putting too tentatively against Tiger Woods, an emotionally bruised Stewart Cink was annoyed to make the same mistake and self-destruct at the Tampa Bay championship.

American Cink wasted an early four-shot lead in yesterday’s final round with missed birdie opportunities, four bogeys and a double-bogey to finish joint second behind Sean O’Hair.

It was the ninth time in 10 attempts that Cink had failed to win a PGA Tour title after holding at least a share of the lead going into the final round.

"It’s not coincidence,’’ the 34-year-old told reporters after closing with a three-over-par 74.

"I just haven’t played very good rounds. I tend to be less aggressive on my putting. It’s like I’m a little bit tentative.

"You don’t have room to be that way when you’ve got the best players in the world lined up behind you ready to pounce on my mistakes. I got to keep on getting myself in these situations and just get a little more comfortable.’’

Cink has posted three top-three finishes in five PGA tour starts this year, including a runner-up spot behind world number one Woods at last month’s WGC-Accenture match play championship. (AGENCIES)

Depleted Inter seek miracle against Liverpool

MILAN, Mar 10: Inter Milan have problems in defence for tomorrow’s Champions League last 16, second leg against Liverpool where the serie A leaders must overhaul a 2-0 first-leg deficit.

Marco Materazzi is suspended after his harsh red card for two first-half bookings in the first leg at anfield while fellow centre-backs Walter Samuel and Ivan Cordoba are probably out for the season after knee ligament injuries.

Cristian Chivu missed Saturday’s 2-0 win over Reggina with a shoulder injury but is set to be fit for tomorrow when he may partner usual right-back Nicolas Burdisso in central defence.

Inter, who celebrated their centenary this weekend, did have some good injury news on Saturday when striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic returned from two weeks out with a knee problem.

First choice striker partner Julio Cruz also made the bench after injury and will be available against Liverpool but Hernan Crespo took a knock to the head and is a slight doubt.

Captain Javier Zanetti, a right midfielder nowadays, started at left back against Reggina with Maxwell injured and is expected to do the same tomorrow unless Chivu plays there. (AGENCIES)

We are here to stay, says Bhupathi

DUBAI, Mar 10: India’s Mahesh Bhupathi and doubles partner Mark Knowles of the Bahamas after winning Dubai Tennis Open doubles last weekend are looking forward to stick together eyeing more wins in the future.

"We’ve been good friends for 15 years now and both of us did not have a regular partner for the past two years or so. We are looking forward to a long run together,’’ Bhupathi told newspersons after Saturday’s final.

Bhupathi and Mark Knowles of Bahamas intended coming together at the end of last season, but Bhupathi was hamstrung by an injury.

"So we had to somehow work out a schedule when we could start playing together,’’ Knowles told the Gulf News.

Knowles is the winner of 49 doubles titles, most of these in the company of Daniel Nestor from whom he decided to part ways last season after more than ten years together. Knowles and Bhupathi are currently second in the Stanford ATP doubles ranking behind leaders Andy Ram and Jan Erlich.

"Overall we are a good team together. I have my strong points and Mark has his. I have a fine serve and volley game and Mark is so athletic and strong at the net,’’ Bhupathi said, adding "so we try to match each other and complement each other’s strengths. If at all someone wants to win against us then one of us will have to be off that day.’’ (UNI)

Australia to decide on Pakistan tour by end of week

SYDNEY, Mar 10: Cricket Australia (CA) should make a decision by the end of the week whether they will proceed with their tour of Pakistan, a spokesman for the governing body in Australia said today.

CA Chairman Creagh O’Connor and Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Nasim Ashraf are expected to discuss the tour over the telephone later in the week.

Australia’s cricketers have expressed concerns about the security situation in Pakistan after a series of suicide bombings following the general election, which had been postponed by the assassination of opposition leader Benazir Bhutto late last year.

"The next step will be the phone conversation — we are waiting for that to take place,’’ CA spokesman Peter Young told Australian Associated Press today.