Andhranews

Door not closed on anyone: Vengsarkar


Mumbai, Sept. 28: In what could be music to the ears of Sourav Ganguly and Zaheer Khan, newly appointed national senior selection committee chairman Dilip Vengsarkar on Thursday said that door is not shut on anyone playing domestic cricket for making a comeback into the Indian squad.

“The door is not shut on anyone playing domestic cricket,” said the former India skipper a day after being appointed to one of the most difficult posts in Indian cricket at the cricket board’s AGM here.

Former captain Sourav Ganguly has not got a look-in by the selectors since returning from Pakistan while Zaheer also has not found favour after that trip across to India’s western neighbours early this year.

The Rajapur (Ratnagiri district)-born Vengsarkar, who had led India in 10 Tests in the late 1980s and was a member of the 1983 World Cup winning team, said that he would try and ensure that there was no zonal bias whenever the new five-member committee meets and selects a team. “I will try and see that there’s no question of any zonal bias in selecting a player. It (selection) will be purely based on form and merit of the players,” he said.






I followed Greg’s advice: Mongia


Chennai, Sept. 28: It was a perilous situation to walk into. Back in national colours after a 14-month break, Dinesh Mongia came to bat after the top order had been cracked open by Australia. Showing a heart for the battle, he carved out a fine unbeaten 63. He had, however, to endure criticism from the pundits for not guiding the team home.

“We were right on course but things did not work out well in the end. It was really disappointing but we have to take it in our stride and not let the defeat play on our mind too much. “It is important for the team to approach a prime tournament like the Champions Trophy in a relaxed frame of mind,” Mongia told this newspaper.

Accused of not holding on to the strike when R.P Singh was in the middle, Mongia said, “RP can bat a bit, so we decided not to waste a single run irrespective of the number of balls remaining in the over. The idea was to add 10-15 runs with him and if and when Munaf came in I had planned to go for the boundaries.

“Unfortunately, Munaf also fell in the same over as RP.” Mongia said he had followed the advice of coach Greg Chappell. “Greg told me to just concentrate on playing out the overs and the target will take care of itself. It was not a big chase and Suresh Raina and Dhoni exuded a lot of confidence in the middle and that helped me be my natural self in the middle,” said Mongia.

He returned to the side after a long gap, straight into a high-pressure game and yet Mongia said he never felt any pressure when going out to bat. “The opposition or the situation hardly matters, I treat every game as an opportunity to serve my country and that is inspiration enough. I just played my game and it clicked though I am disappointed the knock didn’t help the team win.”

The Punjab southpaw is also thankful to his teammates especially the seniors Rahul Dravid and Sachin for helping him settle down in the dressing room quickly on his comeback. “The coach and captain had good words for me and they made me a part of the system straight away. That actually helped me concentrate on my game”

Dinesh’s plucky knock overshadowed his bowling. He had accounted for dangerman Andrew Symonds at a crucial juncture who could have easily made India face a stiffer target. But in the final analysis Mongia did go for 43 in his nine overs as he suffered heavily at the hands of Brad Haddin who smashed him for four sixes.

“I could have resorted to a lower trajectory but how I look at it is that I went for only 19 in 8.2 overs but I will have to bring down the bad ball count. Once I am able to achieve that my bowling will also start contributing to the team’s success,” notes Mongia.




Jyoti, Kapur in fray for Indian Open


New Delhi, Sept. 28: Jyoti Randhawa and Shiv Kapur will lead the Indian charge at the $400,000 Hero Honda Indian Open golf tournament to be played at the Delhi Golf Club here from October 19 to 22. Gaurav Ghei, who finished runner-up in 2005 will also compete for top honours.

However, Asian Tour Order of Merit leader Jeev Milkha Singh, who is currently playing the Japan Tour and Arjun Atwal, will miss the open this year, organisers said here on Thursday. Three European Tour winners — Scotsman Andrew Coltart, Simon Dyson from England and Northern Ireland’s Graeme McDowell — will be the strong contenders for the Asian Tour Trophy.

Asian Tour Order of Merit 2000 winner Dyson has won twice this year on the European Tour, while Coltart and McDowell have clinched two titles each in Europe. Apart from the European stars, Thailand’s Thaworn Wiratchant will defend his 2005 Indian Open title. Announcing the schedule of the event Indian Golf Union vice-president T.T. Jaganathan said that everything was in shape for hosting the 43rd staging of the national open. David Parkin, the director of tour operations of Asian Tour, said that special layout at the golf course will attract the visitors.




Diabolical triumphs


Mysore, Sept. 28: Diabolical (B.Prakash up) claimed the Kelachandra Mysore 2000 Guineas 2006 (Grade iii) the second classic event of the races held here on Thursday. Results:

1. Jagan Mohana Palace Plate Div ii 1400 m: Divine Force 52 (cd 49.5) D. Mahendran 1, Young Indian 2, Silent Witness 3, Third World 4. All ran. Won by l.Nk, nk, 1-1/2 l. Time: 1-29. Trained by: S. Dominic. Fav: Jasmine Star.

2. Jaganmohana Palace Plate Div I 1400 m: Azraff 57.5 Suraj Narredu 1, Famous for Free 2, Prince Crimson 3, Fixed Dividend 4, All ran. 1 l,, nose, 3/4 l. 1- Md. Sajid Qureshi. Prince Crimson.

3. The Justice P Medapa Memorial Trophy Div ii 1400 m: Simply Glorious 53 K. P. G. Appu 1, Soul Search 2, Ever Blazing 3, Diamond Rock 4. All ran. 1 l, l.Nk 1 l. 1-28.68 R. R Byramji. Fav: Mystic Minstrel.

4. The Original Vel B Ashok Kumar Memorial Gold Cup Div I 1200 m: Elezibeth Arden 58.5 B. Prakash 1, Copper Bracelet 2, Mount Royale 3, Ho Chi Minh 4. All ran. 3/4 l s.Nk 1/2 l. 1-14.36. R Foley Fav: Elezibeth Arden.

5. The Margrove Estate Gold Cup 1800 m: Shaolin 60.5 M. A. Gallagher 1, Hold That Tiger 2, Sharp N Smart 3, Lyra 4. All ran. 3-1/2 l, 2-1/2 l, l.Nk. 1-53.54. Darius R Byramji. Fav: Shaolin.

6. The Kelachandra Mysore 2000 Guineas 2006 Grade iii 1600 m: Diabolical 56 B. Prakash 1, Red Eagle 2, Stone of Destiny 3, Bramos 4. Not run: No Name and My Turn. 4 l, 7-1/2 l, dist. 1- 38.45. R. Foley. Fav: Diabolical.
7. The Hyderabad Race Club Gold Cup 1400 m: Scintilating Skill 60.5 B. Prakash 1, Arturo 2, Big B 3, Al Qamar 4. All ran. 1-1/2 l, 2-3/4 l l.Nk. 1-25.65. R. Foley. Arturo.

8. Justice P. Medapa Memorial Trophy Div I 1400 m: Royal Dazzle 54.5 J.H. Christopher 1, Mozart 2, Magical Mystery 3, Vesuvio 4. All ran. 1-1/4 l, 1/2 l, l.Nk. 1 m 29.22 sec. B. Puttanna. Fav: Mozart.

9. The Original Vel B Ashok Kumar Memorial Gold Cup Div ii 1200 m: Overdrive 55 J. H Christopher 1, Al Jazeera 2, Janasheen 3, Mid Summer Star 4, All ran. 2-1/2 l, 3/4 l, 1 l. 1-14.64. M. A. Tharun Thimmaiah. Fav: Overdrive.

Dividends at Hyderabad
First race: 32 (w), 13, 9, 93, F: 190, Q: 93, Shp. 34. T: 12,347 (3).
Second race: 31 (w), 8, 13, 7, F: 219, Q: 156. Shp. 50. T: 401 (159).
Third race: 33 (w), 9, 15, 18, F: 115, Q: 51. Shp. 45. T: 334 (181).
Fourth race: 12 (w), 8, 10, 7. F: 54, Q: 39, Shp. 29. T: 160 (331).
Fifth race: 10 (w), 6, 16, 19, F: 160, Q: 82, Shp. 47, T: 1072 (44).
Sixth race: 5 (w), 6, 5, F: 6, Q: 6. Shp. 6, T: 5 (10890).
Seventh race: 19 (w), 7, 7, 115, F: 32. Q: 15. Shp. 21. T: 1461 (46).
Eighth race: 32 (w), 10, 5, 10, F: 126, Q: 18. Shp. 20. T: 327 (178).
Ninth race: 14 (w), 7, 15, 24, F: 162, Q: 113. Shp. 60, T: 2046 (38).
First treble: 39 (1218).
Second treble: 664 (95).
Jackpot consolation: 135 (860). Jackpot: 1050 (258).







Priapus excels


Hyderabad, Sept. 28: Priapus, Key To Relax, Lancashire, DA Vinci Rose, Lolita pleased when the horses were exercised here on Thursday morning. Sand Track: 600M: Captain Steve (Laxmikanth) 46. Easy. Adoring Star (K. Anil) 47. Impressed.

800M: Mr. Bureaucrat (A. Ramana) 1-1. Easy. Invogue (Deep Shanker) 1-1 600/44. Impressed. Desirable (J. Anthony) 1-3 600/45. Gazar Glitz (D. Singh) 59. Famous Tribute (G. Sandeep) 58. Impressed. World Vision (A. Pavan K) 1-3. Celestrella (C. Razzan) 1-1 600/45. Grey Hound (Laxman) 56. Chief De Mission (D. Singh) 56. Extended. Red Key Point (D. Singh) 1-1. Impressed. Lolita (Arvind Joshi). Unexpected Twist (Laxman) 56 600/43.

1000M: Lancashire (Ravinder S) Key To Relax (A. Imran K) 1-15. Lenavi (Ravinder S) DA Vinci Rose (A. Imran K) 1-13 800/56 600/41. State City (C. Razzan) 1-17. Special Force (M.F. Ali K) 1400/400/1-17.

1200M: Flower Princess (Qazafi) Fashion For Ever (Ganesh) 1-28. Dama Grande (C. Razzan) 1-27. Sir Creek (B.V. Krishnan) Spanish Cruise (RB) 1-30. Silver Bullet (Qazafi) 1600/400/1-37.

1600M: Priapus (C. Razzan) 2-04 1400/1-47 1200/1-33 1000/1-17 800/1-3 600/49.






Brits on a roll while Italians flop


Paris, Sept. 28: A hat-trick from Didier Drogba and a brace from Peter Crouch gave English sides Chelsea and Liverpool victory over Levski Sofia and Galatasaray respectively on Wednesday in their Champions League matches. Chelsea saw off Levski 3-1 while Liverpool — the 2004 champions — had to withstand a late Turkish comeback to win 3-2 to give British clubs a highly satisfactory week in the Champions League with five wins from five.

However, it was quite the reverse for Italian clubs as both Inter Milan and AS Roma were defeated, Inter — Italian champions by default following the demotion of Juventus over the match fixing scandal — reduced to nine men being beaten 2-0 by Bayern Munich and Roma losing 2-1 away at Valencia.

It was Bayern’s first win in Italy in seven matches dating back to 1988. While Valencia maintained their unbeaten start to the season their Spanish title rivals and Champions League titleholders Barcelona left it late to draw 1-1 away at Werder Bremen, Argentinean teenager Lionel Messi scoring with a minute remaining.

That leaves Barca two points adrift of bitter Champions League rivals Chelsea, who they face on October 18, with both sides having eliminated each other one apiece over the past two seasons. Drogba’s hat-trick — his first for Chelsea in the competition and second in his career in the Champions League — once again showed up in rather painful fashion the lack of goals and morale from his £30 million strike partner Andriy Shevchenko. (AFP)




Hair not posted to Champions Trophy


London, Sept. 28: Controversial Australian umpire Darrell Hair will not officiate in next month’s Champions Trophy in India because of security concerns. Hair was at the centre of a damaging row last month over the ball-tampering allegations against Pakistan that led to the Oval Test against England ending in a farce.

Pakistan captain Inzaman ul Haq was on Thursday cleared of ball-tampering but found guilty of bringing the game into disrepute and banned for four one-day internationals. Hair, 53, said he accepted the ICC’s decision not to employ him as an umpire at the 10-nation Champions Trophy but added: “Of course I wish to keep on being an umpire. “My umpiring performance or career is on public record and if other people consider I am still good enough to umpire I will continue.”




Sania gets her revenge on hingis


Seoul, Sept. 28: Top seed Martina Hingis crashed out of the Korea Open in spectacular fashion on Thursday, losing to India’s Sania Mirza in the second round 4-6, 6-0, 6-4. Just five days after the world number eight swept the 19-year-old aside in the semi-final of the Kolkata Sunfeast Open, a competition that she went on to win, the Swiss star encountered a much-improved Mirza at Seoul Olympic Park.

“It is my third time to play her this year and I guess that it is third time lucky,” said a smiling Mirza. “Every match is a different match and every week is a different week — this proves that.” When the Indian produced some stunning strokeplay to twice come back from 0-4 to win the game in the opening three games, the crowd sensed an upset.

Mirza’s below-par service let her down, however, with four double faults early on that interrupted her momentum. Hingis, who had been struggling to impose herself on the game, took advantage to win a hard-fought first set 6-4. The second set was an entirely different affair as the Mumbai-born Mirza stormed back in style to overpower her bewildered opponent and take the set without dropping a game.

The third set was a much closer affair but the world number 59 was always in control and dominated play, producing four exquisite returns to win a Hingis service game to love. Mirza’s serve threatened to let Hingis back into the game but although the top seed survived two match points, it was third time lucky for the outsider.

“She was too good today, she played too well,” a tired Hingis told a press conference. “She played very well today, much better than last Saturday. I gave her more chances today. In the beginning I lost two 40-0 games. Sometimes that’s professional tennis and little things can make matches.”




Galvani extends super Mario


Mumbai, Sept. 28: Second seed and crowd favourite Mario Ancic of Croatia was made to battle but eventually prevailed 6-1, 7-6 (7-5) over unseeded Italian Stefano Galvani to go through to the quarter-finals of the $380,000 Kingfisher Airlines Open at the Cricket Club of India on Thursday.

“Super Mario” swept through the first set in quick time but was given a much harder time in the second by the plucky Italian who stretched the lanky Croat all the way into the tie-breaker before finally conceding to his opponent’s class and aggression. Joining him in the last-eight stage was Austrian Stefan Koubek, a 7-5, 6-3 winner over Frenchman Nicolas Devilder.

Earlier, the Czech Republic’s third seed, Tomas Berdych was not exactly fluent with his display, but was still good enough to book a quarter-final berth as he made his way past Germany’s Simon Greul.

21-year-old Berdych, who last year won his first ATP Masters Series title (Paris), encountered a stiff challenge from the unseeded German before ensuring his progress following a hard-fought 7-6 (4), 6-4 victory in an early match played on the outside court.

Also making his way into the quarters was Dmitry Tursunov, who recovered from an early reversal to quell the challenge of Kristian Pless 6-7 (5), 6-3, 6-4. Berdych, who made the fourth round of the US Open, will now meet another German in the form of Bjorn Phau, who had a comparatively easier passage into the next stage.






Narain predicts bright future with Williams


Chennai, Sept. 28: Formula One test driver Narain Karthikeyan predicts a bright future for the Williams F1 team after he was retained as test driver for the British squad. Willaims boss Sir Frank confirmed on Thursday that Narain will stay as an official test driver till December 2007, “with an option of renewing it”.

In a chat with this paper, Narain, who failed to find a racing seat in the 2006 season after hisdebut with the Jordan team in 2005, explained his role as a test driver and spoke on the team’s future plans.

Excerpts:

On the team’s 2006 performance and future plans: The current season was not an ideal one for Williams. We struggled with our Cosworth powerplants, with poor reliability and a lack of results forcing us to look at Toyota next year. Though it is too early to make any judgements, I am confident the change of engines would also lead to a change of fortunes in 2007. If everything goes fine, we will come out with a good performance next season.

On the new Toyota-powered Williams FW28B: We had a positive test at Silverstone last week where we tested a revised aero package that we will bring with us for the final three rounds. We also concentrated on tyre testing in preparation for the remaining season. Apart from the new Toyota-powered interim Williams FW28B, we also switched to an entirely new gearbox.

On the focus of the Silverstone tests: We concentrated on testing a new aero package that will be rolled out for the final rounds of the season and comprehensive tyre evaluations to assist the team in selection at the track. All FW28s will benefit from new front wings and barge boards in China, as well as minor bodywork modifications.

On his targets: Going into the third successive season as a Formula 1 driver, I feel my hard work, perseverance and desire helped me perform to the fullest of my abilities. Naturally as a racing driver, my first priority is to compete, but I would far rather test with a leading team than accept a race seat that offered no real potential to learn and develop. Next season is extremely important for Williams with their new engine partners Toyota. Williams are a team who exist only to race and I hope that whatever I can contribute to this ultimate objective will be valued by the team.






Alaskan best bet for feature

Kolkata card
Kolkata, Sept. 28: Alaskan who is in fine winning form is expected to win the Hokaido Cup (1400m) the main event of Friday’s races.

Following Is The Card:

1. The Gold Kale Handicap 2000m 1.30 pm:
1. Falaknuma 60 Rajinder 1
2. Newmachar 60 N Pandey 2
3. Lightning Flash 57.5 I Chisty 4
4. Queen Amedale 57 D Singh 3

2. The Bright Law Handicap 1200m 2.00 pm:
1. Schumacher 61 V Jaiswal 4
2. Thoughtful 59.5 Md Islam 2
3. Arrayal 59 S Shanker 3
4. Satluju 54 D Singh 1

3. The Allying Handicap 1100m 2.35 pm:
1. Cambridge Blue 60 S Domingo 3
2. Salinger 60 Rajinder 5
3. Secret Desire 57 J Gurung 2
4. Eglevsky 54.5 Surjeet S 6
5. Vancouver 51.5 D Singh 4
6. Castle Moon 50 Md Islam 1


4. The Mercury Handicap 1100m 3.05 pm:
1. Acrostic 60.5 G Singh 1
2. Sweet Success 58 M Reuben 5
3. Romantic Escape 57 Som Singh 4
4. Sergeant Slipper 54.5 I Chisty 3
5. Star Gluster 52.5 G Ross 2
6. Alashaan 52 Md Islam 6

5. The Roll ‘N’ Twist Cup 1400m 3.35 pm:
1. Exploding Wonder 60 M Reuben 6
2. Retained Asset 56.5 I Chisty 4
3. Star Magic 56.5 D Singh 1
4. Pure Valour 54.5 Manasseh 5
5. Regal Empress 54.5 G Ross 2
6. Alarico 53.5 Md Amil 3

6. The Amazing Handicap 1400m 4.10 pm:
1. Immaculate 60 N Akhtar 1
2. Wizard of Oz 58.5 I Chisty 4
3. Champion Crusader 57.5 Rajinder 6
4. Ardennes 57 S Shanker 5
5. Sven 57 B Gurang 7
6. Boogie Nights 53 Md Islam 3
7. Spectacular Star 51 Surjeet Singh 2

7. The Hokaido Cup 1400m 4.45 pm:
1. Sea Legend 60.5 Md Islam 5
2. Adderly 55.5 V Jaiswal 9
3. Alaskan 55 Asghar 2
4. El Cid 54.5 Salim K 6
5. Magic Mantra 54.5 M Reuben 8
6. Remarquable 54 G Ross 3
7. Tactical Advantage 53.5 D Singh 4
8. Roofer 53 R Ahmed 7
9. Body and Soul 48.5 M Maseyk 1
Jackpot Pool Race Nos. 3, 4, 5, 6 & 7.
First Treble Pool Race Nos. 2, 3 & 4.
Second Treble Pool Race Nos. 5, 6 & 7.

Selections

1st race: Lightning Flash 1, Falaknuma 2.
2nd race: Schumacher 1, Arrayal 2.
3rd race: Salinger 1, Cambridge Blue 2, Secret Desire 3.
4th race: Sergeant Slipper 1, Sweet Success 2, Acrostic 3.
5th race: Retained Asset 1, Star Magic 3.
6th race: Wizard of Oz 1, Ardennes 2, Champion Crusader 3.
7th race: Alaskan 1, Tactical Advantage 2, Magic Mantra 3.
Day’s best: Alaskan