NZ-WI Test ends in draw
Dunedin: The first test between New Zealand and the West Indies ended in a draw on Saturday, with rain washing out the final session and preventing a potentially exciting climax. New Zealand was 79-4, chasing 112 to win when rain set in just before tea, providing the last twist in a test made compelling by the West Indies’ brave fightback after following on 396 runs behind. Darren Bravo made 218 to lead the West Indies to 507 in their second innings — an overall lead of 111 — but New Zealand appeared to have a simple task of chasing down the modest target. However controversial off-spinner Shane Shillingford took four quick wickets to reduce the hosts to 44/4 and at that point the West Indies looked capable of becoming just the fourth team in history to win a test after following on. Brief Scores: New Zealand: 609/9 & 79/4 (Corey Anderson 20*; Shane Shillingford 4/26) drew with West Indies: 213 & 507 (Darren Bravo 218, Darren Sammy 80, Kirk Edwards 59, Narsingh Deonarine 52; Neil Wagner 3/112).
‘Sachin didn’t face WI greats’
New Delhi: Former Pakistan captain Imran Khan on Saturday said recently-retired Sachin Tendulkar was lucky to have never faced the ferocious West Indies pace attack of ‘70 and ‘80s. While delivering a lecture on leadership at an All India Management Association function here, Imran said facing the likes of Andy Roberts, Michael Holding, Joel Garner, Malcolm Marshall and Colin Croft was a huge task. In fact, Imran pointed out that some fine talent was forced to be on the bench because the frontliners were irreplaceable. “There was Sylvester Clark, who used to be on the bench mostly but on a rebel tour of South Africa, he demolished the opposition single-handedly,” Imran said. “My friend, the poor guy, Sunny Gavaskar bore the brunt of the West Indian fast-bowling attack. Sachin is very lucky that he didn’t face them,” he added.
IPl-betting: cops share evidence
Mumbai: The Mumbai Crime Branch chief on Saturday shared evidence against former Chennai Super Kings owner Gurunath Meiyappan, among others, with the Supreme Court-appointed panel probing the betting and spot-fixing case of this year's Indian Premier league (IPl). "Whatever information we had with us in the case has been shared with the committee which is expected to submit its report before the Supreme Court soon," said a crime branch officer here.
Farbrace may replace Ford
Colombo: Sri lanka Cricket is set to hold talks with Englishman Paul Farbrace with a view to appointing him as incumbent head coach Graham Ford’s successor. Ford is to leave the Sri lanka job in January to be with the English county Surrey. SlC executive committee has decided that the governing body should have a discussion with Paul Farbrace, as he had shown an interest to take over the job, the Board said in a statement.
Kerala to host Federation Cup
Kochi: Kerala will host the Federation Cup football from Jan 14-26 next year. Kochi has been identified as the main venue for the tournament, where the semifinals and final would be held, KFA President, K M I Mather, told reporters here. While Manjeri stadium at Mallapuram is the second venue, Thiruvananthapuram and Kozhikode are also being considered, he said. Being the host state, All India Football Federation has approved KFA’s request to include teams for the Federation Cup from Kerala. Since Eagles FC fulfilled the club licensee criteria, it has been selected to participate. Kerala Government, GCDA and Kochi Corporation have offered full support for the tournament, he said.
Chinappa out of Hong Kong Open
Hong Kong: Joshna Chinappa put up a valiant fight against Alison Waters but the world number four eventually managed to tame the unseeded Indian 3-1 in the Women’s Cathay Pacific Sun Hung Kai Financial Hong Open Open, here. Joshna went down 14-12 7-11 3-11 6-11 but not before making the second seed English opponent work hard for every point in a contest that lasted 41 minutes.
Akhil Kumar back in the ring
New Delhi: laid low by several injury breakdowns, former Commonwealth Games gold-medallist Indian boxer Akhil Kumar is all set to return to the ring with the All India Police Games starting on Monday in Ranchi, Jharkhand. The 32-year-old, whose last major international event was the 2011 World Championships, is eyeing the Asian and Commonwealth Games coming up next year. “I have been frustrated with injuries over the past couple of years, but now, with the right exposure and in time, I will be back at the top of my game very soon,” Akhil said.
Chitra in World Snooker semis
Daugapils (latvia): India’s Chitra Magimairajan stormed into the semi-finals of the women’s event at the IBSF World Snooker Championships, defeating compatriot Varsha Sanjeev even as the men’s challenge ended in the last-16 round here. Seasoned Chitra, who had two world billiards titles and Australian Open crown to her credit, defeated 17-year-old Varsha 4-0. With her last four-place secured, Chitra now is assured of at least a bronze medal from the event. Chitra will play unbeaten Wendy Jans of Belgium in the semi-final later on Saturday.
now, FMSCI sole recognised body
Paris: FMSCI on Saturday became the sole recognised body from India in the FIA, as the world governing body scrapped Motorsport Association of India’s membership on the recommendation of World Motor Sport Council. The decision was passed unanimously on the floor in the Federation International Automobile (FIA) General Assembly. FMSCI Chairman Vijay Mallya was re-elected as a member of the World Motor Sport Council (WMSC).
Shiv Kapur tied 2nd at Hong Kong
Hong Kong: India’s Shiv Kapur remained firmly in contention for a grandstand finish when he returned a four-under 66 to trail Welsh leader Stuart Manley by one stroke after the third round of the $1.3 million Hong Kong Open here on Saturday. Kapur was third overnight and moved to tied second. He along with Australia’s Wade Ormsby (66) have one victory each on the region’s premier Tour and share the second place at the storied championship after Manley signed for a 66 to take his place atop the leaderboard with a three-day total of 10-under 200 at the Hong Kong Golf Club. PNS/Agencies