AATA releases new ranking list

AATA releases new ranking list

By our Sports Reporter

GUWAHATI, April 7: The All Assam Tennis Association (AATA) has released the new ranking list of the state players. Aloke Kumar Tripathy ranked number one in the mens section. The other players who ranked top in different categories are Parikshit Somani (Boys U-12), Priyana Kalita (Girls U-12), Tanvir Aman (Boys U-14), Amrita Nath (Girls U-14), Madhurya Dutta (Boys U-16), Manaswinee Hazarika (Girls U-16), Alok Kumar Tripathi (Boys U-18) and Marisha Dutta ( Girls U-18).

Kolkata beat Delhi by 14 runs

Kolkata beat Delhi by 14 runs

Kolkata, April 7: A spirited Knight Riders overcame Sehwag’s exploits to beat Daredevils by 14 runs. Earlier, Kolkata Knight Riders posted 181/3 against Delhi Daredevils in their Indian Premier League game at the Eden Gardens here on Wednesday. Skipper Sourav Ganguly scored a 46-ball 56 (8x4, 1x6) and added 94 for the opening wicket with Chris Gayle, who got 40 off 21 balls (5x4, 2x6). Angelo Mathews 46 not out (28 balls, 3x6) and Manoj Tiwary 26 not out (18 balls, 1x4, 1x6) played some scintillating shots towards the end as they stitched together an unfinished fourth wicket stand of 70 to set the visitors an asking rate of 9.1 runs per over.

Brief Score: Kolkata: 181 for 3 in 20 overs

Delhi: 167 for 8 in 20 overs

(IANS)

Jumbo is mascot for 2011 World Cup

Jumbo is mascot for 2011 World Cup

MUMBAI, April 5: “Appu”, the elephant was the mascot of the 1982 Asian Games in New Delhi and almost two decades down the line, the pachyderm has been chosen to perform the same role at the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 to be jointly hosted by India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. The CWC mascot was unveiled at a function in Colombo, Sri Lanka, on April 2 and the World Cup organisers on Monday announced that cricket fans based in the host nations would be able to participate in a contest to name the mascot. The details pertaining to the consumer contest (address on which to send entries and deadline) will be intimated in due course, said Tournament Director Professor Ratnakar Shetty. (PTI)

Rajasthan Royals win

Rajasthan Royals win

Nagpur, April 5: Shane Warne once again produced a magical display as he picked up four Deccan batsmen to nail a thriller on Monday in Nagpur. Rajasthan Royals emerged victorious by two runs in the IPL match. Rohit Sharma was the highest scorer with 74 but that was overshadowed by the magic of Warne. Warne not only performed brilliantly with the ball but also managed his fielders nicely to succesfully defend the total score of 159.

Earlier, Shane Watson cracked a scintillating 36-ball 58 but Rajasthan Royals suffered a middle-order batting collapse and failed to put up a big score in the board.

Watson blasted three fours and as many sixes to stand amidst the ruins, even as Michael Lumb (15), Naman Ojha (1), Yusuf pathan (5), Abhishek Jhunjhunwala (11) and Abhishek Raut (0) were dismissed cheaply after skipper Shane Warne elected to bat first.

Watson played a dashing knock to anchor the Rajasthan innings but their batting capitulated as they lost first half of their side for 130 in 15.2 overs, before losing the last five wickets for just 29 runs.

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.

My family and I know the truth: Sania Mirza

My family and I know the truth: Sania Mirza

New Delhi, April 3: Her prospective groom is facing allegations of marrying and dumping a woman, but Indian tennis ace Sania Mirza backed Pakistani cricketer Shoaib Malik on the matter, saying that she and her family have known the truth all along.

Although she did not mention Shoaib directly, Sania’s latest twitter feed clearly supported her husband-to-be, who has been accused of cheating a Hyderabadi girl Ayesha Siddiqui after a telephonic nikah.

“Me and my family know what the truth is, we’ve known it all along and we have confidence in god’s justice,” Sania said.

The 24-year-old has been flayed by the Shiv Sena and some other right wing parties for deciding to marry the Pakistani all-rounder.

Getting ready for the “biggest day” of her life, Sania said she never thought she would have to deal with so many things apart from the regular pre-wedding jitters.

“Too much going on, never in my life thought that I’d had to worry bout anything Of this sort, rather than my mehendi!” she said.

Mumbai win by 63 runs against Deccan

Mumbai win by 63 runs against Deccan

Mumbai, April 3: Ambati Rayudu cracked an unbeaten 29-ball 55 as table-toppers Mumbai Indians put up a sterling all-round performance to virtually seal a semifinal berth beating holders Deccan Chargers by 63 runs in their Indian Premier League match here today.

Opting to bat, Mumbai Indians piled up a challenging 178 for five, thanks to Rayudu and youngster Saurabh Tiwary who made a 44 off 35 balls at the floodlit Brabourne Stadium.

The hosts then skittled out the Adam Gilchrist-led side for 115 in 18.2 overs, with left-arm pacer Zaheer Khan (2/10), Harbhajan Singh (2/16), Kieron Pollard (2/26) and Ryan McLaren (2/28) claiming two wickets apiece.

It was fourth straight defeat for the visiting team whose semifinal hopes receded further after this loss — their fifth in eight matches. The hosts, on the other hand, is almost through to the last-four with 14 points from eight games.

KP’s maiden half ton takes RCB to 6-wkt win

KP’s maiden half ton takes RCB to 6-wkt win

Mohali, April 2: Kevin Pietersen (66 not out) got three lives before notching up his maiden Indian Premier League half century and helping Royal Challengers Bangalore score a comprehensive six-wicket victory over Kings XI Punjab tonight.

Pietersen, who was dropped thrice while on 36, 47 and 50, played sheet anchor with two crucial partnerships -- 71 off 51 balls for the third wicket with Virat Kohli and 40 from just 15 balls for fourth wicket with Robin Uthappa as RCB romped home with five balls to spare in chase of 182.

Uthappa played a stunning cameo of 22 from just eight balls with two sixes and a four to take the score near finishing line at the PCA Stadium.

Pietersen, who hit seven fours and one six in his 44-ball knock in his second match for RCB, smashed the winning runs, a four off Irfan Pathan, to take his side to 184 for four.

Earlier, Kumar Sangakkara top-scored with a 27-ball 45 as Kings XI Punjab posted a challenging 181 for five after electing to bat.

With the win today, their fifth in eight matches, Royal Challengers are on second spot with 10 points and brightened their chances to qualify for the semifinals.

Sania’s heart beats for Pakistani: Thackeray

Sania’s heart beats for Pakistani: Thackeray

MUMBAI, April 2: Shiv Sena chief Bal Thackeray, on Friday, flayed tennis star Sania Mirza for her decision to marry Pakistani cricketer Shoaib Malik, saying “had Sania’s heart been Indian, it wouldn’t have beaten for a Pakistani.”

“Henceforth, Sania will not remain an Indian. Had her heart been Indian, it wouldn’t have beaten for a Pakistani. If she wished to play for India, she should have chosen an Indian life partner,” 84-year-old Thackeray said in an editorial in party mouthpiece Saamna.

“More than victories on tennis court, Sania became famous for her tight clothes, fashion and love affairs,” Thackeray alleged.

“More than her play, people’s attention was on her mannerisms,” he claimed.

The Shiv Sena supremo alleged that “for Shoaib, India is an enemy, not only in sports arena but also in the battlefield.

“We have heard that Shoaib has many affairs in India and has promised many girls he will marry them,” he said.

Thackeray also expressed surprise over the alacrity with which Sania’s family members were granted Pakistani visas.

“Getting a Pakistani visa is tough even for a singer like Lata Mangeshkar,” he said.

S Africa refuses to tour Pakistan

TAFF WRITER 21:43 HRS IST

Karachi, Apr 1 (PTI) The Pakistan Cricket Board has started preparations of its 'home' series against South Africa in the United Arab Emirates after the Proteas refused to tour the trouble-torn country.

South Africa were scheduled to tour Pakistan in October-November for the series of Tests and one-day internationals but conveyed to the PCB they were not inclined to play in Pakistan in the present security situation.

"We have agreed to host the series at neutral venues in the UAE and we are in the process of finalising dates and venues," PCB Chairman Ijaz Butt said.

He said the South Africans had agreed to play in the UAE as they were keen to have the series against Pakistan.

"The series is on but the venues have changed we are now looking at Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah as possible match venues," Butt said.

Lajong again out from danger zone

Lajong again out from danger zone

By our Sports Reporter

GUWAHATI, April 1: Shillong Lajong FC once again bailed out themselves from the relegation Zone by a draw in their away match against Air India by 1-1 at Mumbai on Wednesday. With this one point Shillong Lajong FC collected 21 points from their 19 matches and they are now in the 12th position. Mumbai FC and Sporting Clube de Goa are behind them collecting 20 and 11 points respectively. ND Opara put the hosts ahead in the first half, but Lajong were rewarded for their perseverance as Wailadmi Passah equalized late to earn a point from the game.

Ganguly guide KKR to victory

Ganguly guide KKR to victory

Kolkata, April 1: Sourav Ganguly led from the front with a blazing 54-ball 88 as a resurgent Kolkata Knight Riders bulldozed a hapless Deccan Chargers by 24 runs in their return-leg Indian Premier League match here today.

Ganguly blasted nine fours and five sixes and added 78 runs for the fourth wicket with David Hussey to take the Kolkata Knight Riders to a competitive 181 for six at the Eden Gardens here. The home team then returned to restrict the defending champions to 157 for five to zoom to the fifth place, just behind Rajasthan Royals with eight points from eight matches in the points table.

Barring offie Mohnish Parmar, the KKR bolwers put up a disciplined performance with Shane Bond, Angelo Matthews, Murali Kartik, Ajit Agarkar and Chris Gayle taking one wicket each to contribute to their team's win.

We lost momentum towards end of batting: Kumble

TAFF WRITER 21:5 HRS IST

Chennai, Mar 31 (PTI) Bangalore Royal Challengers captain Anil Kumble today attributed his side's five wicket defeat to Chennai Super Kings in Indian Premier League to the loss of momentum towards end of their batting, saying that it had made them 20 runs short of a challenging total.

"We had the momentum until the 13th or the 14th over, but then we lost it a little bit," Kumble said referring to Jacques Kallis' inability to force the pace of scoring at a crucial stage of the game.

"We were some 20 runs short, and that made it a little hard for us," said Kumble.

The former India captain said RCB were still well placed for a semifinal berth as seven more matches are left in the league stage.

"There still are seven matches to go. Four out of seven is not a bad start.

Karthik's 69 powers Delhi to a massive win over RR

STAFF WRITER 23:12 HRS IST

Amit Kumar Das

New Delhi, Mar 31 (PTI) Dinesh Karthik blasted a 38-ball 69 and the home side bowlers then wreaked havoc as a resurgent Delhi Daredevils steamrolled Rajasthan Royals by 67 runs in their return leg Indian Premier League match here tonight.

Karthik clobbered six fours and four sixes and added 79 runs off 50 balls with Gautam Gambhir (43) to power Delhi to 188 for six first.

The home side then returned to shoot out Rajasthan for 121 in 17.4 overs to clinch their third win on the trot which catapulted them to the second place in the points table.

For them, Amit Mishra (3 for 25) and Parvez Maharoof (2 for 13) starred with the ball, sharing five wickets between them to snap Rajasthan Royals' four-game winnings streak.

World number one Federer out of Miami tennis

Miami, Mar 31 (AFP) World number one Roger Federer was sent crashing out of the ATP and WTA Masters tournament dropping a 6-4, 6-7 (3/7), 7-6 (8/6) fourth round marathon match to Czech Tomas Berdych.

The reigning Australian Open champion yesterday suffered just his second loss to Berdych in 10 career meetings.

Berdych, the 16th seed, hammered six aces and won 67 percent of his first service points in the two hour, 51 minute match on the hardcourts at Crandon Park.

Six-time Grand Slam champ Rafael Nadal and American Andy Roddick were two of eight seeded players to advance to the quarter-finals yesterday.

Nadal, who is playing in just his fourth tournament of the season, outlasted fellow Spaniard David Ferrer 7-6 (7/5), 6-4.

"With each round it gets more difficult," Nadal said. "I had my moments today but I also had moments where I made more mistakes than usual but it was an important win.

Tendulkar threat looms large as Chargers take on MI

Tendulkar threat looms large as Chargers take on MI

Mumbai, March 27: The threat of Sachin Tendulkar taking the game away by the scruff looms as the biggest hurdle between defending champions Deccan Chargers and a victory in their Indian Premier League tie against Mumbai Indians at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai on Sunday. Tendulkar, who created history by making a double hundred against South Africa in Gwalior ODI last month, has not let up in his run-scoring ways and stands tall for Mumbai Indians in their quest to clinch the coveted IPL crown after the disappointment of the first two seasons. The champion batsman has been in sublime form and has literally led his team from the front with his superb poise at the crease, which is reflected in MI going into the tie atop the points table with eight points. Tendulkar’s masterly knocks of 63 off 32 balls with 10 fours floored Delhi Daredevils at the Ferozeshah Kotla.

Lajong stun Mohun Bagan

Lajong stun Mohun Bagan

Kolkata, March 27: Last year’s runners-up Mohun Bagan’s title hopes today went up in smoke after succumbing to a humiliating 1-4 defeat at the hands of debutant Shillong Lajong FC in a round 18 match of the I-League here. Having stunned by last-placed Sporting Clube de Goa in their last round fixture, Mohun Bagan were dealt another big blow at Yuba Bharati Krirangan today when the club from North-East scored two goals in each half to register a comfortable win against the local favourite. Lajong drew first blood through Seikhohao Tuboi in the ninth minute and then Kelechi Okoya doubled the scoreline in the 20th minute. Bagan, however, reduced the margin through Surkumar Singh in the 37th minute. But injury time goals from Niwan-O-Gatphoh (90+2”) and Anil Gurung (90+3”) sealed Bagan’s fate. With this win , Lajong climbed up from the relegation zone to be on third last spot with 20 points.

Sahara to review sponsorship to Team India

TAFF WRITER 13:32 HRS IST

New Delhi, Mar 23 (PTI) Having bid a staggering over Rs 1,700 crore for buying an IPL team, Sahara will review its sponsorship to the Indian cricket team, Group chief Subroto Roy has said.

Sahara had bagged the sponsorship for the Indian cricket team for Rs 400 crore for a four-year period ending December 2009, and had agreed to continue for six more months as Board for Cricket Control in India could not find any sponsors.

In the eventuality of Sahara discontinuing the sponsorship, BCCI may find it difficult to rope in a new patron given the mad rush for the Indian Premier League.

"No, it will not. Only thing we will see is our continuation of sponsorship to the Indian cricket team. We will sit on that and we will discuss on that.

Khel Ratna award won’t be shared: Sports Ministry

Khel Ratna award won’t be shared: Sports Ministry

NEW DELHI, March 17: The country’s highest sports award Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna will not be shared by two or more persons in future except in case of Olympic medal winners, Sports Ministry said on Wednesday.

In the past there were occasions when Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna was awarded to more than one person, but the ministry said such cases would be an exception in future.

“There will be only one award every year in the category of Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award to be given to an individual sportsperson. This condition will be relaxed only in exceptional circumstances viz, winning of an Olympic medal,” the ministry said.

This decision was taken following recommendations by a committee formed by Department of Sports in August last year to review the process of selection for National Sports Awards.