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SPORTS GOA, Wednesday, 30 June, 2010
Venus, Clijsters stunned; Serena up AFP LONDON, JUNE 29
Five-time champion Venus Williams suffered a shock 6-2, 6-3 defeat against unseeded Bulgarian Tsvetana Pironkova in the quarter-finals at Wimbledon on Tuesday. Not since Jelena Jankovic defeated Williams in the third round in 2006 had Venus failed to reach the women's singles final here, but the American second seed was completely outplayed by Pironkova, the world number 82, in the most remarkable result of this year's championships. Venus had competed in eight of the last 10 Wimbledon finals and had been odds-on to make yet another appearance in the showpiece after moving through the first four rounds without dropping a set. Russian Vera Zvonareva stunned Belgian eighth seed Kim Clijsters 3-6, 6-4, 6-2 to book her place in the semi-finals. The Russian 21st seed, who claimed her first victory over the Belgian in six attempts, recovered superbly after Clijsters had taken the opening set in confident fashion after 38 minutes on centre court. “I’m so excited about the match, definitely one of my dreams to be playing here in the semi-final,” an elated Zvonareva said in a courtside interview. “I remember as a kid watching Wimbledon on TV and I’m really looking forward to the semi-final.” The Russian, a semi-finalist at the Australian Open last year, broke serve twice to claim the second set and never looked like being reeled in by Clijsters, whose first serve and forehand
l Roddick
exits, Nadal fined
Serena Williams in action against Na Li.
buckled late in the match. The end came as Zvonareva broke the Clijsters serve yet again when the Belgian netted a straightforward forehand after an hour and 48 minutes. She will playBulgaria’s Tsvetana Pironkova for a place in
Tsvetana Pironkova jubilates after winning.
Saturday’s final. Defending champion Serena Williams put a firm halt on a run of surprise results at Wimbledon on Tuesday when she beat China’s Li Na 7-5 6-3 in their quarter-final. Serena, seeking a fourth sin-
gles title at the All England Club, took to the court knowing sister Venus had lost to Tsvetana Pironkova in her quarter-final, and looked in no mood to follow suit in a high-quality encounter on centre court.
Bhupathi-Mirnyi face shock defeat AGENCIES LONDON, JUNE 29
India's Mahesh Bhupathi and his Belarussian partner Max Mirnyi crashed out of Wimbledon after a shock defeat at the hands of Robert Lindsted of Sweden and Horia Tecau of Romania in the men's doubles third round. The fourth-seeded Indo-Belarussian duo lost 6-3, 6-4, 3-6, 6-7(6-10), 6-8 to their 16th-seeded opponents. With the exit of Bhupathi, Rohan Bopanna
remained the only Indian in the fray in the doubles competition. Bopanna and his Pakistani partner Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi stormed into the quarter-finals after a 7-5, 7-6 (7-4), 6-2, victory over Lukas Lacko of Slovakia and Sergiy Stakhovsky of Ukraine. In mixed doubles, Leander Paes remains the only Indian in fray. He and his Zimbabwean partner Cara Black take on Igor Zelenay of Slovakia and Alicja Rosolska of Poland in the third round.
Serena took advantage of her only break point in the 11th game before serving out for the opener after 45 minutes, and stormed home in the second, raising her finger to the skies when a Li forehand went wide to give her victory. She will play Estonian qualifier Kaia Kanepi or Czech Petra Kvitova for a place in Saturday’s final. Andy Roddick left Wimbledon without the champion’s trophy once again. Only this time, he headed home much earlier than a year ago - and after being beaten by a far-lessaccomplished opponent. The No. 5-seeded American erased an early deficit Monday to even his fourth-round match against 82nd-ranked Lu Yen-hsu of Taiwan, then got beaten for the only time all day in the very last game and lost 4-6, 7-6 (3), 7-6 (4), 6-7 (5), 9-7 despite hitting 38 aces. “It never gets easier,” said Roddick, a three-time runnerup at Wimbledon. “Of course I’m going to be (ticked) off when I wake up tomorrow. I mean, if you got fired from your job, you probably wouldn’t wake up the next day in a great mood Meanwhile, Rafael Nadal was fined $2,000 by Wimbledon officials for receiving coaching during his thirdround match. Nadal was given a code violation by French umpire Cedric Mourier for allegedly receiving advice from his coach, uncle Toni Nadal, during his five-set win over Philipp Petzschener on Saturday. Both Nadals said Toni had only been giving the player encouragement. The fine was announced on Monday. Nadal said, “The rules are the rules.”
Hockey India sets July 29 for elections PTI NEW DELHI, JUNE 29
After missing the deadline several times in the past, Hockey India today set July 29 as the new date for the much-awaited elections of the national body to be held here. Apart from announcing the fresh date, Hockey India also named retired Justice R C Chopra as the returning officer for the elections and said the polls will be held as per the Sports Ministry guidelines. "Mr S K Mendiratta will be the Election Observer on behalf of the Government of India, Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports and Antonio von Ondarza, FIH Vice-President will be the observer for the International Hockey Federation," Hockey India President, Vidya Stokes said in a statement. "The elections shall be conducted as per the guidelines framed by the Election Observer, Government of India, Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports. "The elections will be held from amongst the 30 permanent affiliated units, comprising of 26 states/union territories and four institutional board members," the statement added. Earlier this month, Hockey India had ratified the affiliations of 33 units, including four institutional boards, during its Special General Meeting and said that it would conduct its elections in July. Since 2008, hockey's national body has been running without any democratically-elected setup and its functioning has been embroiled in utter confusion and controversy. Hockey India had thrice postponed its elections in the past which had even irked the FIH.
Mumbai Indians play Highveld Lions in CLT20 opener AGENCIES JOHANNESBURG, JUNE 29
The Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg, one of world cricket's most famous venues, will host the Champions League Twenty20 (CLT20) final after the format and match schedule for the second edition of the tournament was announced on Tuesday. The CLT20, the grand finale of Twenty20 cricket between the world's champion teams, will start on Friday, 10 September with a Group B clash between Sachin Tendulkar's Mumbai Indians and Alviro Petersen's Highveld Lions at Wanderers. Wanderers, which has hosted some of cricket biggest matches including the 2003 World Cup final, 2007 ICC World Twenty20 final and the 2009 IPL final, will add another chapter to its sto-
ried history in September as teams from around the world battle to be crowned the best of the best. Durban and Centurion have been awarded the semi-finals on September 24 and 25 respectively, with the final to be played at Wanderers on Sunday, September 26. The 10 competing teams have been divided into two groups of five for a round robin phase
before the top two teams from each group progress to the semifinals. The matches throughout the tournament have been evenly distributed across the four venues with each hosting at least five fixtures, including the final. Mumbai and the Highveld Lions have been drawn in Group B alongside South Australia's Redbacks, Royal Challengers Bangalore and West Indies' rep-
resentative which will be determined in late-July. Group A includes 2010 Indian Premier League champions Mahendra Singh Dhoni's Chennai Super Kings, Australia's Twenty20 Big Bash champions Victoria, along with the Warriors (South Africa's Pro Series Champions), Wayamba (Sri Lanka) and Central Stags (New Zealand). Mumbai and the Highveld Lions have been drawn in Group B alongside South Australia's Redbacks, Royal Challengers Chennai Super Kings (DLF Indian Premier League, India), Bangalore and West Indies' repMumbai Indians (DLF Indian Premier League, India), Royal Challengers Bangalore (DLF Indian Premier League, India), resentative which will be determined in late-July. Victorian Bushrangers (KFC Twenty20 Big Bash, Australia), The matches in Group A start South Australian Redbacks (KFC Twenty20 Big Bash, Australia), on September 11 in Port ElizaWarriors (Standard Bank Pro 20 Series, South Africa), beth with virtual internationalHighveld Lions (Standard Bank Pro 20 Series, South Africa), strength clashes between the Central Stags (HRV Cup Twenty20, New Zealand), Warriors and Wayamba in the Wayamba Elevens (Inter-Provincial Twenty20 Cup, Sri Lanka), early match, and Chennai Super TBC (West Indies Domestic Twenty20 Champions). Kings and Central Stags in the
Competing teams
BCCI to vote against Howard AGENCIES MUMBAI, JUNE 29
Howard’s dream of ICC presidentship received yet another setback on Tuesday as according to reports, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has decided to vote against the controversial former Australian Prime Minister in the ICC meeting to be held in Singapore on Sunday. According to an Indian news channel, the BCCI will join the lobby of cricket boards, who will vote against the Cricket Australia candidate for the position
of International Cricket Council (ICC) President Seven out of a total of 10 cricket boards are expected to vote against Howard in Sunday’s ICC meeting; the list also includes the Asia lobby. The nations who are in favour of Howard are Australia, New Zealand and England, and those against are South Africa, Zimbabwe, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and West Indies. The ICC board will deliberate on Howard’s nomination on Tuesday and Wednesday as the
PY Nuvem up
Cana-Benaulim soccer HERALD CORRESPONDENT MARGAO, JUNE 29
Parish Youth, Nuvem trounced CRC, Chinchinim 3-1 to enter the last eight of 34th Cana-Benaulim inter-village football tournament organised by Cana Benaulim Sporting Association at St. John Baptist ground, Dando, Benaulim on Tuesday. Parish Youth were leading 1-0 at the lemon break. Much against the run of play
34th Cana-Benaulim inter village football: OL Gloria SC Raia v. Navelim Sporting, St. John Baptist ground, Dando, Benaulim, 4.45 p.m. Gumboots soccer quarters: St Micheal Boys, Orlim v. Guardian Angel, Sanvordem, church ground, Orlim, 4.30 p.m.
striker Gammy Costa gave Parish Youth the lead after picking a pass from midfielder Jose Colaco. CRCC were unable to get into the groove, despite some enterprising play by Nickson Rebello. After change of ends, CRCC found success through a spot kick. Striker Jorex Fernandes was brought down by Nuvem stopper back Richard Fernandes inside the penalty box and the referee had no hesitation in awarding the spot kick. Noel Leitao made no mistake with the resultant spot kick to put his team on equal terms. Unfazed, Parish Youth piled on the pressure and trouble the rival citadel with good sorties. Veterans Remmie Colaco and Jose Colaco were in the thick of action. Rowlin Borges put Parish Youth again into the lead in the 46th minute after he outpaced the rival defender and slotted past CRCC goalkeeper Melroy with an adroit placement. Parish Youth swelled the lead when striker Gammy Costa beat the rival Chinchinim goalkeeper with a long range shot to complete his brace eight minutes before the long whistle.
vice-president of the apex cricket body. The ICC vice-president serves a two-year apprenticeship before becoming president of the game’s organising body, meaning Howard could be the top administrator of cricket in 2012 if he succeeds in two days` time. Cricket Australia has already told their Zimbabwean counterparts that if they do not support Howard’s bid they would not host the bilateral A-series next year that would help the African nation re-enter top level Test cricket.
BCCI scraps IPL media rights deal with WSG PTI MUMBAI, JUNE 29
The Cricket Board has scrapped all its IPL media rights agreements with Mauritius-based World Sport Group, claiming that MSM Satellite (Singapore) Pvt Ltd was the rightful owner of all media rights relating to the Twenty20 event. The BCCI has invalidated all its deals with WSG following revelations that the latter received USD 80 million (Rs 425 crore) as "facilitation fee" from MSM for getting back the Indian sub-continent media rights of IPL in March 2009, according to Board sources. The deals with WSG were scrapped by BCCI after MSM had last week agreed to pay it Rs 300 crore plus the remaining amount of Rs 125 crore, which it has already paid to WSG, after initiating legal action against the Mauritius firm. None of the BCCI's top brass was available for comment as they were currently attending the International Cricket Council's (ICC) annual conference in Singapore.
Pak-India Test series UNI LAHORE, JUNE 29
It seems that Pakistan-India cricketing ties are heading on the right track, with the Test series between the two nations likely to see the light of the day in the coming season. The decision came following discussions on the sidelines of respective foreign secretaries meeting in Islamabad, and is expected to be the focus of discussion of officials from both countries when they meet at the end of the International Cricket Council (ICC) annual meeting in Singapore.
late fixture in Durban. Centurion gets its first taste of CLT20 action the following day with a blockbuster Group B double-header between the Lions and South Australia, and Royal Challengers Bangalore and the qualified team from the West Indies. A number of players have qualified to play for two or more teams, including Jacques Kallis (Warriors, Royal Challengers Bangalore), Mark Boucher (Warriors, Royal Challengers Bangalore), Makhaya Ntini (Warriors, Chennai Super Kings), Kieron Pollard (South Australian Redbacks, Mumbai Indian), Dwayne Bravo (Victorian Bushrangers, Mumbai Indian) and Cameron White (Victorian Bushrangers, Royal Challengers Bangalore). New Zealand's Ross Taylor has become the first player in CLT20's short history to qualify
for three teams, with his home province, Central Stags, and `away' teams Victorian Bushrangers and Royal Challengers Bangalore qualifying for the event. I f Tr i n i d a d a n d To b a g o emerge as champions of the West Indies Cricket Board's domestic Twenty20 competition, Pollard and Bravo will also join Taylor with three options for the tournament. As was the case in 2009, if a player is selected to play for an `away' team rather than his `home' team (the team from the country he is eligible to represent in international cricket), the `away' team must pay US$200,000 compensation to the `home' team. The `away' teams are not eligible for compensation if a player chooses to play for his `home' team.
gumboots soccer
crease their tally but it was poor finishing by their forwards and fine keeping by the rival goalkeeper which kept the score 1-0 at the breather. Crossing over, Alleulia Boys put up an improved performance and created many forays into the rival territory but Mad Max’s defence was alert in frustrating the rival attackers with neat tackles. Mad Max doubled the lead when Ceasar unleashed a right footer which crashed into the net keeping the Navelim goalkeeper dazed.
West Indies succumbed to a 20 series defeat as South Africa won the third Test in Barbados by seven wickets. The Windies resumed only 19 runs ahead at 134-7 but after 17 were added they lost Sulieman Benn in the fifth over. It was the first of wickets in three consecutive overs for Morne Morkel as the home side were all out for 161, leaving Shivnarine Chanderpaul on 71. Kemar Roach took 3-22 and was involved in a row with Jacques Kallis but South Africa reached the paltry target of 47. The South Africans needed less than nine overs to score their runs but there was no shortage of incident in that brief period. Skipper Graeme Smith was hit in the throat by a bouncer from the hostile Roach in the opening over. As expected Roach tested Smith with another short delivery in his next over and it proved successful when the left-hander mis-
l Eyes world No1 ranking
AGENCIES HYDERABAD, JUNE 29
Going through a purple patch, Saina Nehwal has nothing to complaint about her form. The ace shuttler now only wants to steer clear of injuries so that she can give her best in the Commonwealth and Asian Games later this year. “I only pray that I now remain injury-free to help me focus on the World Championships and also the other two big events coming up -- the Delhi Commonwealth Games and the Asian Games in China," said Saina on Tuesday. “There are areas like my defence, which I need to improve in the days to come. The fitness level has to be really good. I think, the challenges are bound to be tougher, especially after winning these titles," said Saina. Saina rounded off a hat-trick of international titles by defending her Indonesia Open Super Series crown in Jakarta on Sunday. Before winning in Jakarta, which was the 20-year-old's third Super Series title overall, she won the Indian Open Grand Prix in Chennai and Singapore Open Super Series. Saina is confident of claiming the No 1 world ranking but knows she now has to work even harder to rise there from No 3. “Now it is important for me to work harder and win the next international events rather than concentrating on rankings. If I can become number three, then I can also become
HERALD CORRESPONDENT MARGAO, JUNE 29
Mad Max, Taleigao swamped Alleulia Boys, Navelim 2-0 to storm into the semi-finals of Gumboots football tournament organised by Gumboots Boys of Orlim at church ground, Orlim on Tuesday. Mad Max were leading 1-0 at half time. Mad Max drew first blood when Cedric Peixoto headed home a flag kick taken byThomson. Mad Max had chances to in-
cued a pull and found mid-wicket. Roach then removed Alvaro Petersen in his next over when an expansive drive only resulted in an inside edge that crashed into the stumps. Kallis was tested with two short ones from the combative Barbadian, who then sent down a brutal third successive bouncer that rose wickedly, flew past the gloves of Kallis and struck him a fearful blow on the helmet. A flurry of verbal exchanges took place between the batsman and bowler, which continued after Roach, who will celebrate his 22nd birthday on Wednesday but may do minus a chunk of his match fee, fired yet another bouncer with the final ball of the over. The confrontation was so severe and prolonged that Roach had to be led away by Chanderpaul and umpires Steve Davis and Simon Taufel both had to intervene. South Africa appeared to have weathered the storm but two runs short of victory Hashim Amla drove Roach to gully. AB de Villiers promptly dis-
patched a low full toss to the boundary first ball for the winning runs, but the Windies will be left to reflect what might have been had their brittle batting line-up given them more runs to defend. Chanderpaul's hopes of compiling a competitive lead on the fourth morning were quashed by a menacing spell from Morne Morkel, who cut through the West Indies tail to ensure a quick end to their resistance. Chanderpaul had stood firm amid West Indies' capitulation on the third day, and taken his team into the lead with support from Shane Shillingford, who was dismissed shortly before stumps. The men who followed, though, were unable to put up a fight. Scorecard: First innings - West Indies 231. South Africa 346. Second innings - West Indies 161 (S Chanderpaul 71 not out. D W Steyn 3-36, M Morkel 3-33, J Botha 3-46). South Africa 49 for 3. Player of the match: J Botha. Player of the series D W Steyn.
number one," she said. “I enjoyed all the matches in the three tournaments. I was a little tired but confident that I could do it. I told myself that I am going to win. Finally I am happy to win three titles in-arow. Now I want to win the upcoming tournaments," she added. “Last year it was tough for me to win the Indonesian Open and it was something special as it was my first super series title. But the latest one is special because I have won three tournaments in a row." But the young Indian is not ready to compare herself with anyone. “Definitely, there is a lot more recognition now. I am happy with this, but I don't want any comparison. I just want to make my country proud by winning," she said. The Andhra Pradesh Badminton Association presented her a cheque for Rs 1 lakh for the rare achievement. Meanwhile, Saina was accorded a hero's welcome when she arrived in Hyderabad on Tuesday. Her family, friends, wellwishers and officials of the Andhra Pradesh Badminton Association received her at the Rajiv Gandhi international airport. As soon as the 20-year-old came out of the airport, she was hugged by her parents amidst slogans of `Saina, Saina'. She then drove away with her coach, 2001 All England champion Pullela Gopichand, in an open-top flower-bedecked vehicle.
Gouramangi fails to secure contract
Mad Max in semis
South Africa wrap up series win against West Indies AGENCIES BARBADOS, JUNE 29
Saina hopes to stay fit
HERALD SPORTS DESK PANJIM, JUNE 29
Star defender Gouramangi Singh failed to secure a contract with the Australian A-League Club, Melbourne Heart FC. Gouramangi featured for Melbourne Heart FC in a pre-season friendly against A-League side Brisbane Roar and was on the pitch for the entire game. "He did impress the coaches at Melbourne Heart FC with his performances, but unfortunately they felt that even though he was at a very good level, he
might not be able to break into the first eleven due to the presence of Simon Colosimo and Michael Beauchamp, who are both established stopper backs in Australia.” “It was mutually accepted by both parties that signing him and making him stay on the bench won't be good for the players career, especially with the Asian Cup coming up, so it was in the better interest of the player that at least for this season he doesn't sign for Melbourne Heart FC, but the option always remains for the future" said Lyndon Miranda, Gouramangi’s manager. Gouramangi drew on the positives of the trial, "It was a good experience to come to Australia and try-out for a club here. Unfortunately, things did not work out this time, but I am still young and this was just my first trial. I am sure more opportunities will open up in future. Now my focus is on Asia Cup and I want to do well not only for myself but for my country as well, and I am positive that we can make a good impression there."
GOA DIARY
Mini-lightning soccer
PANJIM (HSD) - St. Francis Xavier Sports Club, Bhatpal will organize their 7-a-side all-Canacona mini-lightning football tournament on July 4 at Mokhardamoll ground at 10 a.m. Spot entries will be accepted before the commencement of the matches. The winners and runners-up will receive Rs.5, 555 and Rs.3, 333 respectively.
Football tourney at Valpoi
VALPOI (HC) - CJ Brothers, Valpoi will organise their 3rd AllGoa 6-a-side football tournament on Sunday, July 4 at municipal ground, Valpoi, Sattari. The winners will be awarded Rs.5,000 while the runners-up will get Rs.3,000. Only first 24 entries will be accepted upto July 3. Details may be obtained on 9423813254 and 9049075877.
Chess selection trials
PANJIM (HSD) – The Vasco-Da-Gama Chess Club, Vasco, under the aegis of Goa Chess Association will conduct chess selection trials to select two U-9 boys and girls to represent the State at 24th National Chess Championship from September 30 to October 10 in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. The selection trials will be at Janata Vachanalaya, Vasco on July 16, 17 and 18. Entries may be submitted to P. P. Insulkar (9226315359), Sanjay Kavlekar (9823258711), Swapnil Hoble (9881776689) or Prasanna Swamy (9890218971) upto July 15.