10
Dimapur
SPORTS
Tuesday 13 January 2015
Gayle powers West Indies to record chase
West Indies batsman Chris Gayle plays a shot during their 2nd T20 cricket match against South Africa at the Wanderers stadium in Johannesburg, South Africa on January 11. (AP Photo)
JOHANNESBuR G, JANuARy 12 (AP): Chris Gayle powered the West Indies to the highest score by a team batting second in Twenty20 internationals on Sunday, sealing a 2-0 series win in South Africa. Gayle hammered 90 off 41 balls as West Indies made 236-6 in 19.2 overs to overhaul South Africa's 231-7 and win by four wickets at the Wanderers. Altogether, 467 runs were scored off 39.2 overs as batsmen ran riot on the run-friendly wicket. South Africa had set West Indies the challenge of pulling off the biggest chase in T20s, and Gayle responded with another devastating innings. He destroyed the home bowling with the fastest half-century by a West Indian in T20s in the first game. He bludgeoned nine fours and seven sixes and reached 50 in 20 balls this time. Marlon Samuels made 60 and shared a West Indies record 152-run partnership with Gayle as the West Indian power hitters overshadowed Faf du Plessis' century for South Africa. Captain Darren Sammy sent a towering six into the stands to clinch the series with one more game to
play. Du Plessis' century — the highest score by a South African in the 20-over format — appeared to put the home team on course to level the series at the highscoring Johannesburg ground. He arrived in the first over and was there until the end of the 19th, hitting 11 fours and five sixes and making his 119 off just 56 balls. Gayle was in red-hot form again, though, and crunched fours through the off side and hooked and pulled sixes over mid-wicket almost at will. He finally fell 10 short of a century to an edge behind off David Wiese (3-43) and West Indies again wobbled when he was gone as they did in the opener. Facing a tough chase still, Sammy hit two precious fours and a six in his 20 off 15 balls, launching the match-winning maximum over mid-wicket and way back into the crowd for the record-breaking victory. West Indies' chase bettered the 214-4 Australia scored to tie against New Zealand in 2010, and the 211-4 India made to beat Sri Lanka in 2009. West Indies' total was the fourth-highest ever batting first or second in T20 internationals.
The Morung Express
Messi quells Barca crisis with big win
BARCELONA, JANuARy 12 (AP): Lionel Messi did everything he could to put end to Barcelona's most serious club crisis in years on Sunday, first scoring one goal and setting up two more in a 3-1 win over Atletico Madrid before denying a swarm of rumors swirling around the star forward. Stifled by Atletico in six winless meetings last season, Messi first shredded the defending champion's vaunted defense with run after run, passing for Neymar to score in the 12th minute and for Luis Suarez to double the lead at Camp Nou in the 35th. He then made up for committing a penalty that led to Mario Mandzukic scoring from the spot in the 57th by scoring three minutes from time for his 25th goal in as many games this season. And after giving Barcelona control of second place at one point behind Real Madrid, Messi gave a rare interview where he put to bed an entire set of rumors following a tumultuous week for the Catalan club that included the firing of its sports director and its president calling for early elections this summer. Messi denied media reports that he had asked for coach Luis Enrique to be fired and that his father, who acts as his agent, had spoken to Premier League clubs Chelsea and Manchester City about a possible transfer. "I wanted to give my version after hearing so many things," Messi told Barcelona's club television. "I have never asked that they replace a coach, and I never would. This hurts. And it comes from people who want to hurt the club. "I have heard many things, both before and now, that make it look like I run the club. I am a player. I don't take decisions and I don't want to." As big as his performance was on the pitch, Messi's appearance on club television will likely do more to settle down the club's fans and relieve pressure on Luis Enrique. The coach, however, didn't think even this big win would open a new chapter for the team. "Without a doubt, wins are the only thing that can calm this wave," said Luis Enrique. "All wins reinforce the team, but these are three points, nothing more. When we lose again the tension will come back. It is inevitable." Atletico, in third, fell four points behind Madrid, which has a game
in hand. Elsewhere, Sevilla tightened the race at the top with a 2-0 win at Almeria thanks to goals by Vicente Iborra and Jorge "Coke" Andujar, moving into fourth place two points behind Atletico. Elche moved off last place with a 2-1 win at Athletic Bilbao in its first victorious visit to the Basque club after 20 trips. Granada fell to the bottom of the standings after a 14th straight game without a win following its 1-1 draw at home with Real Sociedad. Eight months ago Atletico won the title in a winnertakes-all finale at Camp Nou, whose fans ended up honoring the victors while jeering their own team. On Sunday, it was "Messi! Messi!" that rang out after Suarez's goal. Messi was awarded a trophy by the Spanish league before kickoff for breaking Telmo Zarra's alltime scoring record in November that had stood at 251 goals since 1955. Messi then proceeded to wreak havoc from his spot on the right side of the attack with repeated dribbles into the thick of Atletico's area. He unlocked the defense with a burst of speed before his short cross eventually fell to Neymar after Suarez couldn't control it for the Brazil striker to toe past goalkeeper Miguel Moya's reach. With Barcelona pressing for a second goal, Atletico turned up its physicality with hard fouls on both Neymar and Messi. Neymar spent five minutes on the sideline having a bloody right ankle tended to after Jose Gimenez's tackle. But Suarez got his second goal in 10 league matches after Messi sprinted with the ball at his feet for half the pitch and passed to the striker. Televised replays showed what the referee had missed: Messi used his arm to control the ball at the start of his run. The referee didn't let Messi get away with a slight kick that grazed Jesus Gamez's boot to set up Atletico's goal. Messi combined with Ivan Rakitic to get his goal from close.
FC Barcelona's Lionel Messi, from Argentina, is awarded a trophy by the Spanish La Liga for setting a goal scoring record, prior to the Spanish La Liga soccer match between FC Barcelona and Atletico Madrid at the Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona, Spain, Sunday, January 11. (AP Photo)
WADSA 44th sports meet underway at Sechü Zubza
NASA ‘D’ sports meet 2015 KOHimA, JANuARy 12 (mExN): The Northern Angami Sports Association (NASA) Group ‘D’ will hold its 22nd games and sports meet from January 15 to 17 at Botsa Local Ground. The 22 edition is partnered by Nagaland State AIDS Control Society, assisted by 11th Assam Rifles and hosted by Botsa Youth & Sports Association. Colonel Manoj, Shaurya Chakra, Sena Medal, Commandant 11th Assam Rifles and Keduo-o Zumu, advisor NASA will grace the occasion as the chief guest and guest of honour respectively. The inaugural function will take place on January 15 from 9:0 AM onwards. The function will witness 22 gun shots heralding the 22nd NASA D meet. Presidential address will be delivered by Kechangulie Kense while administration of oath to the participating teams will be done by Methavilie Pielie. The inaugural function will be chaired by Thepfukhrietuo Riipreo.
Players seen during the inaugural function of WADSA 44th sports meet at WAPO Ground, Sechü Zubza on Monday.
KOHimA, JANuARy 12 (mExN): The 44th sports meet of the Western Angami ‘D’ Sports Association (WADSA) got underway today at WAPO Ground, Sechü Zubza. The inaugural function of the three-day event was to be graced by Dr Neiphrezo Kedistu, MLA as the chief guest but due to his inability to turn up, he was represented by his personal secretary Roko Angami. In his address, Roko
Angami, who himself was a sportsperson and presently a State football coach, advised the players to wholeheartedly partake in games and sports activities if they want to make it (sports) as a career. For those aspiring to venture out in this field of sports, he emphasized in making sports a profession and further encouraged them to strive with total commitment and dedication. “Without total com-
mitment, it will be a waste of time. You will become successful only when you decide to make sports a career wherein you can also earn your livelihood,” said Roko, who also represented the Nagaland football team and even played for popular football club Mahindra & Mahindra. Roko, who to his credit has earned an Asian Football Coaching certificate, also advised the players on discipline and punctuality,
which he said are the two most essential criteria for a sportsperson to achieve at the highest level. “If you aspire to become a sportsperson at the highest level, make a good beginning by disciplining yourself first,” then things will fall at the right place to your own advantage, Roko said while recalling on his days as a footballer. The inaugural function was chaired by WADSA president Neivi Sechü
while the welcome address was delivered by Vibeilie Seyie, advisor WADSA. Administration of oath to the players was done by Abeilie Meru, Athletic Secretary, WADSA. The second day of the WADSA sports meet would be graced by Satuo Sechü as the patron, while the closing function on January 14 would be graced by Goneiu Sirie, president NPF Kohima Division as the guest of honour.
16th veteran club open badminton championship DimAPuR, JANuARy 12 (mExN): The 16th veteran club open badminton championship concluded on January 9. A press note informed that participants came from Dimapur, Kohima, Mokokchung, Medzhiphema and Nagaland police. The closing programme was graced by Dr Tali Longkumer, MD, ZHRC as the guest of honor. He encouraged players to bring laurel to the country and particularly Nagaland. He further spoke on the benefits of sports to people’s health. Winners: Veteran Mixed double –Uma and Yekhuvi Achumi Men’s Single – Moamongba Imsong Sub veteran double – Raju and Nochet Men’s double – Raju and Ankur Rai
Southampton stuns United to go third in the Premier League Stosur beats Safarova in 3 sets in 1st round in Sydney Rob Harris
AP Sports Writer
A Southampton shirt had to be scrambled from the dressing room before the forgetful Dusan Tadic could enter the Old Trafford pitch. Within minutes it was being ripped off again as the secondhalf substitute celebrated scoring the goal that gave Southampton its first win at Manchester United in 27 years on Sunday. It ended United's 10game unbeaten run in the Premier League, and Ronald Koeman's side dislodged the hosts — managed by fellow Dutchman Louis van Gaal — from third place. "They came for a draw I believe and they go away with a victory — and that is disappointing," Van Gaal said. "We didn't create so many chances in spite of dominating the game." The standings are led by Chelsea on 49 points with Manchester City two points behind. Southampton is eight points adrift of City on 39, but in an elevated position that was unthinkable when the south-coast team
Manchester United's Angel Di Maria, centre right, fights for the ball against Southampton's Florin Gardos, left, as Nathaniel Clyne looks on during the English Premier League soccer match between Manchester United and Southampton at Old Trafford Stadium, Manchester, England, Sunday January 11. (AP Photo)
was among the teams being tipped for relegation in August. For now the team that lost so many of its stars in the offseason, the prospect of Champions League qualification becomes a slightly more realistic proposition each week. And this was a victory
against a United side with most of its key players back from injury. So much so that Radamel Falcao was left out of the matchday squad. Tadic's goal came in the 69th, around five minutes after eventually coming off the bench. The Serbia midfielder first set up
Graziano Pelle for a shot that hit the post and was then alert enough to send the rebound into the net with the game's only shot on target. Tadic was booked for his celebration, taking off his shirt and flexing his muscles in front of the cameras. "He
scored the winner, it's fantastic," Koeman said. "But the rest I don't like." Southampton has recovered from a run of four successive losses late in 2014, with back-toback league wins in the New Year — starting against Arsenal. The Gunners hit back, though, against Stoke on Sunday. Sanchez's cross was headed in by Laurent Koscielny inside six minutes, and the Chile forward was on target in the 33rd after completing a onetwo with Tomas Rosicky. A free kick from Sanchez four minutes into the second half went through the wall and the ball was pushed onto the post by goalkeeper Asmir Begovic before going into the net. It took his tally to 18 goals since joining in July from Barcelona for around $60 million. "The better the team plays, the more he is involved in the game," Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger said. "We had a very offensive team today and Sanchez is confident. We can be direct with him, there is a good combination offensively."
SyDNEy, JANuARy 12 (AP): Samantha Stosur overcame some homecrowd jitters to beat Lucie Safarova 7-6 (3), 5-7, 6-3 Monday in the first round of the Sydney International, and Caroline Wozniacki's Australian Open preparations took a hit when she was forced to withdraw with a wrist injury. Stosur saved three break points to take a 3-2 lead in the third set before breaking Safarova again when the Czech player double-faulted on back-toback points. "It was relatively important win," the Australian said. "It was good to step up and win the match after what happened last week, and I am very happy with it." Stosur, who won the 2011 U.S. Open, has never been past the fourth round at the Australian Open. And she has struggled at other tournaments Down Under, too. Last week at the Brisbane International, Stosur lost to Varvara Lep-
Australia's Samantha Stosur plays a shot to Lucie Safarova of the Czech Republic in their match at the Sydney International tennis tournament in Sydney on Monday. (AP Photo)
chenko 4-6, 6-4, 7-5 in the first round after leading 5-1 in the third set. Stosur will next play Barbora Zahlavova Strycova of the Czech Republic in the second round after Wozniacki withdrew from their match with a left wrist injury. The fourth-seeded Dane
trailed 6-4, 1-1 when she walked to the net and said she couldn't continue. Wozniacki was coming off a hard-fought loss to Venus Williams in the final of the ASB Classic in Auckland, New Zealand, on Saturday, and the injury throws into doubt her fitness for the Australian Open.