Monday, April 5, 2010

Sutil fifth

Sutil fifth
Sepang, April 4: Force India’s point-scoring spree continued unabated as Adrian Sutil drove a flawless race, keeping 2008 world champion Lewis Hamilton at bay, for a fifth place finish to earn 10 invaluable points from today’s Malaysian Grand Prix.

Teammate Vitantonio Liuzzi, who scored points in both the previous races this season, was less fortunate as the Italian retired on lap 12 with a suspected throttle problem.

Indian Formula One driver Karun Chandhok finished the race 15th, ahead of Hispania teammate Bruno Senna. After failing to score point in the first two races this year, Sutil started the race fourth on the grid and drove a faultless race to open his account.

Force India chairman Vijay Mallya said ideally both the cars should have scored points but he had no complaints. “Three races and three times in the points, I am absolutely delighted,” Mallya said.

“Adrian had a strong race, keeping a cool head under pressure when a charging Lewis Hamilton was right on his tail.

Jayawardene ton powers Kings XI to 8-wkt win

Jayawardene ton powers Kings XI to 8-wkt win
Kolkata, April 4: Mahela Jayawardene cracked an unbeaten 59-ball 110 to power Kings XI Punjab to a comprehensive eight-wicket victory over Kolkata Knight Riders in a high-scoring Indian Premier League match here tonight.

Chasing a stiff 201 for a win, Kings XI were never under pressure with Jayawardene playing a blistering innings which had 14 boundaries and three sixes in it as the visitors romped home with 10 balls to spare.

Jayawardene’s unbeaten century, the fourth in IPL III, overshadowed a 42-ball 88 from Kolkata Knight Riders’ opener Chris Gayle after the home side opted to bat first at the Eden Gardens.

The Sri Lankan, who was sent out to open with Manvinder Bisla, was though dropped when on 51.

Yuvraj’s Singh’s cameo of 16-ball 36, which was laced with two fours and three sixes, gave the final push in the run chase of Kings XI who notched up 204 for two in 18.2 overs. Captain Kumar Sangakkara chipped in with a 22-ball 38.