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Retired life isn't so bad, Sachin Tendulkar assures Jacques Kallis
NEW DELHI, Dec 31: Sachin Tendulkar on Monday paid tribute to just-retired South African all-rounder Jacques Kallis, calling him a "true champion" who always played the game in the right spirit. Tendulkar, who called time on his own career in international cricket last month, tweeted: Kallis, one of the greatest all-rounders of the game, bid adieu to Test cricket after an illustrious 18-year career in a fairytale script as he hit a century in his swansong match in South Africa's 10-wicket thrashing of India in Durban.
The script for Kallis' Test retirement could not have been better as he ended his career as the third highest run- getter in the longest format of the game, besides also bowing out with a win by his side. The 38-year-old 'King' Kallis ended his Test career on 13,289 runs from 166 Tests, only behind Tendulkar (15,921) and Ricky Ponting (13,378) in the all-time list.
His batting average stood at an outstanding 55.37. He also took 292 wickets and 200 catches. His 45 tons in Test cricket is only second to Tendulkar's 51.
Kallis will continue to play in the One-Dayers and he has so far scored 11,574 runs from 325 ODI matches and has taken 273 wickets at an average of 31.79.
The burly South African made his Test debut against England in December 1995.
A new cricket star born; 15-year-old Prithvi Shaw slams superb 546
MUMBAI: 15-year-old Mumbai teenager Prithvi Shaw created a national record today, hitting an astonishing 546 playing for Rizvi Springfield against St Francis D'Assisi Borivali in an inter-school match for the prestigious Harris Shield here today.
Touted as one of the bright young prospects emerging out of Mumbai school of batsmanship, the state U-16 captain Prithvi hit 85 boundaries and five sixes in the match played at the Azad Maidan.
In the process, Prithvi became the first schoolboy cricketer to hit a 500 plus score in an official inter-school match.
"I am feeling good. It is a good score for me and my team. Our coach just asked me to concentrate on every ball. The only plan was to score as many runs as we could. I want to continue like this in future also," the youngster said.
Prithvi eclipsed his senior schoolmate and former India opener Wasim Jaffer's nephew Arman's score of 498, which he scored a few years back.
Having bowled out St Francis for 92, Prithvi was unbeaten on 257 off 166 balls yesterday and smashed another 289 runs on the day.
It was Harris Shield, which first brought Sachin Tendulkar into national prominence after his world record partnership of 664 with Vinod Kambli that was broken a few years back.
The previous highest by an Indian in any form of registered competitive cricket is 515 by Dadabhoy Havewala for BB and CI Railway vs St. Xavier's College at Mumbai during 1933-34 season.
This is the third highest score if one goes by all the registered scorecards available worldwide since the inception of competitive cricket. As per available information, AEJ Collins scored 628 not out in a competitive match in England in 1899 and CJ Eady struck 566 in another competitive match in 1901.
It was the perfect time to leave the game: Tendulkar
MUMBAI, Nov 17: The feeling has not quite sunk in yet but batting icon Sachin Tendulkar on Sunday said it was the perfect time to end his dream journey in cricket as his body was finding it tough to cope with the rigours of international cricket.
A day after bidding an emotional farewell to the game which he considers his "oxygen", Tendulkar said that 75 per cent of his life had revolved around cricket and he had no regrets about hanging his boots after playing for 24 years.
"It hasn't struck me that I won't play cricket again. It has been a dream journey, no regret that I am leaving cricket. This was the right time to stop playing cricket. It was an enjoyable journey," Tendulkar said at a packed press conference in Mumbai.
"I had a question and when I looked for an answer, I felt it was the perfect time to leave the game."
The 40-year-old maestro, who brought down the curtains on his career after playing his 200th Test yesterday, indicated that he would remain associated with the game after enjoying some time off.
"Cricket has been my life, it is oxygen to me. In 40 years, at least 30 years I have played proper cricket. 75 per cent of my life has been cricket, so there will be some association with the game, maybe not in the immediate future. Still, it is only 24 hours since my retirement, give me at least 24 days to relax. Then I will see what to do," he said.
The champion batsman answered questions ranging from his best playing moments to his tearful retirement during the hour-long interaction with the media.
Asked why he touched the wicket in reverence yesterday, Tendulkar said he just wanted to thank the game which made him an icon.
"I knew never ever in my life I would get to do that again. And that is where my life started and those 22 yards gave me everything. It's like a temple for me. I wanted to say thank you to cricket. I just thanked cricket for everything that I got in my life," he said.
Tendulkar explained how his body was not responding to his desire to continue and how it was becoming harder by the day to focus on training.
"I was still enjoying cricket. I have always said the day I felt I should stop playing, I would inform you. I got that feeling, because after 24 years, you have to appreciate I had many injuries, not easy to overcome. You reach a stage when your body gives you a message, enough of this physical load. The body requires rest. The body is not able to take more load consistently," he said.
"It was becoming an effort to continue training. Earlier, it used to be automatic," he explained.
Reflecting on his glorious career, Tendulkar said being part of the 2011 World Cup winning team was the best moment of his journey.
"When we won the World Cup two years ago. I had to wait 22 years for it, that has to be a special moment. Yesterday, the way people responded, I don't know how to react to that, I want to say a big 'thank you' to everyone, so that was also special," he said.
Asked about the most disappointing moment of his career, Tendulkar said, "The 2003 World Cup, we reached the final, we were playing so well, but we couldn't cross the final hurdle."
Tendulkar went on to elaborate on what he went through emotionally on Saturday. It was an emotional moment, I remember when I was thinking about retirement I don't think I was very emotional because I knew it was the right decision even though my family was," he said.
"I became emotional with the way players gave me a send off, when I was talking to the wicket. Normally I am not very emotional because I knew it was the right decision. The thought that I won't be able to represent India again made me emotional," he added.
MUMBAI: An emotional Sachin Tendulkar bid a farewell to Test Cricket, the game he loved the most. In a befitting farewell to an emotional Sachin Tendulkar, India beat West Indies by an innings and 126 runs in Mumbai's Wankhede Stadium to clinch the series 2-0.
Tendulkar had played a masterly knock on day two, scoring 74 in his last innings in cricket after India took a 313-run lead and then reduced West Indies to 43 for 3 at stumps on Friday.
India's Bhullar, Lahiri eye strong debut at ISPS Handa World Cup of Golf
 KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 14: Gaganjeet Bhullar and Anirban Lahiri believe their debut appearance at next week’s ISPS HANDA World Cup of Golf is a massive boost for the rise of a new generation of Indian golf stars.
The World Cup debutants plan to bring glory to their nation with a strong showing at the Royal Melbourne Golf Club, Australia from November 21-24 as they vie for a lucrative prize pot of US$8 million in the 60-man field.
“The next generation of Indian golfers is taking over,” said Bhullar. “I guess we have to take up the responsibility. Times have changed, a lot of youngsters are coming up and playing well on the Asian Tour. I guess it shows the gap has narrowed between the younger generation and the veterans like Jeev Milkha Singh and Arjun Atwal,” he added.
Lahiri said: “Both Gaganjeet and I have stepped our games up in the last 24 months and it is great that we get rewarded by playing in the World Cup.”
The 25-year-old Bhullar and close friend Lahiri, who is a year older, have been pushing each other up the upper echelons of the Asian Tour. They initially teamed up as amateurs to help India win the silver medal at the Asian Games in 2006 and in the past four seasons as pros, they have won a combined seven Asian Tour titles to cement their star status on the region’s premier Tour.
To add the icing on the cake, Lahiri wants to put on a top show at Royal Melbourne to show that Indian golf is in good hands from the days when Singh, Atwal and Jyoti Randhawa brought glory by capturing the prestigious Asian Tour Order of Merit titles on four occasions.
“The World Cup of Golf is something that I’m looking forward to. A couple of years ago, Gaganjeet and I had a great chance at the qualifying event but we missed out. That was a heart break, so it will be nice to finally get to play,” said Lahiri, who is ranked fourth on the Asian Tour following one victory and three runner-up finishes.
Bhullar is equally fired up to represent his nation. “This is going to be my first World Cup and I’m excited. It will be a great experience for me. Golf is an individual sport so the World Cup has a different charm in it when you get the opportunity to represent your country,” he said.
Both Lahiri and Bhullar will enjoy a good warm up at Royal Melbourne as they will compete in the Talisker Masters this week at the same venue.
Lahiri said qualifying for the World Cup would also boost their hopes of qualifying for the Olympic Games in Rio De Janeiro in 2016.
“That’s we what play for. When I played as an amateur, I played for India in many events. As a professional, you want to keep doing it and winning medals and honour for your country. It means a lot more when you are doing something more than winning titles for yourself,” said Lahiri, who finished tied second at the Hero Indian Open last weekend.
India’s best showing in the World Cup in recent years was a ninth place finish by Atwal and Randhawa in 2005. This year’s ISPS HANDA World Cup of Golf will offer US$7 million for the individual category and US$1 million for teams who are eligible with two players represented at the event.
“The new format is a good preparation for the 2016 Olympics. It gives everybody a good idea on how to cope with the format. It is a very good format. The most of us will definitely welcome this format,” said Bhullar.
“It is a very exciting moment in my career. Hopefully my family and some of my relatives in Australia will follow me on the golf course. It is always a great and different feeling when you are representing your country.”
Other Asian players who have qualified for the ISPS HANDA World Cup of Golf through the Official World Golf Ranking are Thailand’s Prayad Marksaeng and Kiradech Aphibarnrat, China’s Wu Ashun and Liang Wen-chong, Korea’s K.J. Choi and Bae Sang-moon, Filipinos Angelo Que and Antonio Lascuna, Japan’s Ryo Ishikawa and Hideto Tanihara and Bangladeshi Siddikur.
Manila Masters as scheduled to support Typhoon-hit Filipinos
MANILA, Nov 13: The inaugural Resorts World Manila Masters will proceed as scheduled at the Manila Southwoods Golf and Country Club from November 14-17 to support the typhoon-hit Filipinos.
The decision to continue with the event was taken after careful consideration and consultation with the local golf associations, authorities and relief agencies.
The Asian Tour along with its partners, Resorts World Manila and Manila Southwoods Golf and Country Club have also pledged to support the Philippine Red Cross directly in their efforts to provide aid and assistance to alleviate the human suffering after Typhoon Haiyan passed through the central and southern Philippines last week.
“The people in this country are resilient and they have shown countless times that they are able to bounce back stronger. Through this tournament, we want to show that the Filipinos are survivors and we’ll get back on our feet quickly,” said Stephen Reilly, Chief Operating Officer, Resorts World Manila.
“The Asian Tour has a close affinity with the Philippines through our long history of supporting the game of golf in the nation. We feel for the people affected by this unfortunate tragedy and hope that through the staging of this tournament and through our support of aid and relief programmes, we will be able to help in whatever way possible,” said Mike Kerr, Chief Executive Officer, Asian Tour.
Siddikur survives nervous finish to win Hero Indian Open
 NEW DELHI, Nov 10: Bangladeshi Siddikur claimed a nerve-wracking one-stroke victory over local hopes S.S.P. Chowrasia and Anirban Lahiri at the 50th Hero Indian Open on Sunday for his second career title on the Asian Tour.
Leading by four overnight, the tenacious Siddikur made life difficult for himself with a wobbly final round of three-over-par 75 at the Delhi Golf Club which allowed the chasing pack to breathe down his neck and apply the pressure.
Chowrasia, who has won twice previously at the fabled Delhi venue, agonisingly missed a five-foot birdie chance on the 72nd hole to force a play-off as Siddikur ended a three-year winless run following his career breakthrough at the 2010 Brunei Open.
Lahiri, who closed with a 70, shared second place with Chowrasia in the US$1.25 million tournament as he also rued a missed birdie chance on the last hole to force extra time in front of a large gallery, who were hoping to celebrate an Indian champion in the golden edition of the Hero Indian Open.
A sensational eagle from about 30 feet on the last hole earned young Indian Rashid Khan a share of fourth place with countryman Chiragh Kumar, Filipino Angelo Que and Baek Seuk-hyun of Korea, who all ended the tournament two shots behind the champion.
Siddikur, who led the Hero Indian Open from the opening round after what he termed as “playing the best golf of my life”, started strongly with birdies on the second and fifth holes but four bogeys over a six-hole stretch around the turn opened the door for his rivals to get close to him.
He steadied the ship with birdies on 13 and 14 but a calamitous triple bogey seven on 15 and another bogey on 16 ensured a dramatic and nervy finish. But on the par three 17th, Sididikur nailed what would be the most important birdie of his tournament from 15 feet to regain a one-shot advantage as his rivals eventually missed opportunities to force a play-off.
Siddikur, who earned US$225,000 said: “I am so happy. After I won in Brunei, I struggled to win a tournament. It was a long day for me but it’s been the best golf of my life this week. Honestly, I didn’t put pressure on myself but I had some bad shots for bogeys but I had a good feeling that I would win this tournament. The putt on 17 was certainly the winning putt.”
“I had a four-shot lead but on this golf course, I knew that Anirban (Lahiri) and S.S.P. Chowrasia will not play it safe. They could have shot a low score. In that case, I didn’t play safe and continued playing aggressively.
“After winning Brunei in (2010) I was really hungry to win more tournaments but it didn’t happen. However, I still remained confident and I told myself that a big victory is coming my way. That big victory happened today,” smiled Siddikur.
Chowrasia, who was chasing a third Asian Tour victory, signed off with a 72 which included four birdies against as many bogeys but lamented his missed opportunity on the last green when he pushed his putt past the hole to the despair of the home fans.
“I was not consistent. I was not playing good and made a lot of small mistakes. I had problems reading the lines. But the last three days I have putted well. I needed to make an important birdie putt on 18th hole but it didn’t happen. May be next time,” said Chowrasia.
Lahiri was in the thick of battle as he pursued his fourth Asian Tour title at the Delhi course, with three birdies around the turn pushing him into contention after starting the last day six shots behind Siddikur. But after dropping a shot on 12, the talented Indian failed to find another birdie to tie Siddikur.
“I am very proud of my Hero Indian Open record. I was third some time back and last year I was fifth and now second. On the Asian Tour I have won once and this is my third second place this year. I have been putting myself in contention and giving myself a chance. So, I must be doing something right,” said Lahiri.
Scores after round 4 of the Hero Indian Open being played at the par 72, 6983 Yards Delhi Golf Club course (a- denotes amateur):
274 - SIDDIKUR (BAN) 66-66-67-75.
275 - Anirban LAHIRI (IND) 71-67-67-70, S.S.P. CHOWRASIA (IND) 69-68-66-72.
276 - BAEK Seuk-hyun (KOR) 69-69-70-68, Chiragh KUMAR (IND) 69-70-69-68, Angelo QUE (PHI) 69-68-67-72, Rashid KHAN (IND) 69-70-65-72.
277 - Unho PARK (AUS) 68-73-65-71.
278 - Chapchai NIRAT (THA) 66-68-77-67, Mithun PERERA (LKA) 70-72-68-68.
279 - Namchok TANTIPOKHAKUL (THA) 73-70-69-67, Sanjay KUMAR (IND) 70-68-72-69.
280 - Shiv KAPUR (IND) 75-66-71-68, Mardan MAMAT (SIN) 66-73-72-69, Antonio LASCUNA (PHI) 71-70-68-71, Adam GROOM (AUS) 69-67-70-74.
281 - Scott BARR (AUS) 71-70-69-71, Rahil GANGJEE (IND) 66-69-73-73.
282 - Carlos PIGEM (ESP) 66-77-70-69, Chawalit PLAPHOL (THA) 70-68-73-71, Shankar DAS (IND) 67-70-73-72, LEE Sung (KOR) 70-70-70-72, Jake HIGGINBOTTOM (AUS) 72-70-68-72.
283 - Daniel CHOPRA (SWE) 74-71-70-68, Abhinav LOHAN (IND) 70-72-72-69.
Super Six take route 66 at Hero Indian Open
 NEW DELHI, Nov 7: Siddikur of Bangladesh fired a flawless six-under-par 66 to share the opening round lead at the Hero Indian Open on Thursday after adopting a more attacking style of play.
Rahil Gangjee of India saved par on the last and was among the leaders which included Mardan Mamat of Singapore, winner of the 2004 Indian Open, Asian Tour rookie Carlos Pigem of Spain and Thai duo Pariya Junhasavasdikul and Chapchai Nirat.
Shankar Das of India placed seventh on 67 while Jay Bayron of the Philippines, Shamim Khan and Unho Park of Australia were a further shot back in tied eighth at the US$1.25 million Asian Tour event staged at the Delhi Golf Club.
Siddikur traded his conservative approach with a more attacking flair after playing and learning from Major champions Keegan Bradley and Bubba Watson at the CIMB Classic in Malaysia a fortnight ago.
“They played very aggressively. Most players can hit the ball but not all of them can play like them. Since then, I’ve been trying to play more aggressively and the results seem to be showing,” said Siddikur.
A victory this week for the slightly built Bangladeshi will sweeten his impressive track record at the Delhi Golf Club where he has six top-10 results including two runner-up finishes since 2011.
“I have good memories on this golf course. This is one of my favourite golf courses and I always love playing here. I like golf courses where you need to place your ball and I always do well here. I hope to keep it up,” Siddikur added.
A return to the Hero Indian Open, which celebrates its 50th anniversary this week, brought out the best from Mardan, who won his first ever Asian Tour title at the 2004 Indian Open.
“During my pro-am on Wednesday, I saw my 2004 photo plastered on the wall at the hospitality tent. It was nice to see the photo among all the other winners of the Indian Open. That certainly gave me some motivation,” smiled the 46-year-old Singaporean.
Asian Tour winner Gangjee, who started from the 10th tee, had to recover from a poor tee shot on the last with a 12-feet par save to emerge as the best Indian after day one.
“I kept it going, I didn’t stop making birdies. I lost track of my score which is a good thing! Sometimes when you go low then it happens. I was aware of what I was doing but I just lost track of my score,” said Gangjee.
The big-hitting Chapchai, who set a 72-hole world scoring record with a 32-under-par 256 total in India in 2009, was cruising on six-under before dropping a combined three shots on holes 14 and 15, which he swiftly erased with three closing birdies.
“I’m very hungry for a win. I really want to win because my game is in good shape. Mentally I’m strong as well so I think I have a good chance,” said the three-time Asian Tour winner Chapchai.
Scores after round 1 of the Hero Indian Open being played at the par 72, 6983 Yards Delhi Golf Club course (a- denotes amateur):
66 - SIDDIKUR (BAN), Rahil GANGJEE (IND), Mardan MAMAT (SIN), Pariya JUNHASAVASDIKUL (THA), Chapchai NIRAT (THA), Carlos PIGEM (ESP).
67 - Shankar DAS (IND).
68 - Jay BAYRON (PHI), Shamim KHAN (IND), Unho PARK (AUS).
69 - S.S.P. CHOWRASIA (IND), Sam BRAZEL (AUS), Adam GROOM (AUS), Chiragh KUMAR (IND), Rashid KHAN (IND), KIM Gi-whan (KOR), BAEK Seuk-hyun (KOR), Javi COLOMO (ESP), Angelo QUE (PHI), Matthew STIEGER (AUS), Sattaya SUPUPRAMAI (THA).
70 - Sanjay KUMAR (IND), Kwanchai TANNIN (THA), Mohd ISLAM (IND), CHAN Yih-shin (TPE), Jyoti RANDHAWA (IND), Abhinav LOHAN (IND), LEE Sung (KOR), Atthaphon SRIBOONKAEW (THA), Chawalit PLAPHOL (THA), Anthony KANG (USA), Mithun PERERA (LKA), Raju ALI (IND), Kapil KUMAR (IND), Deepinder Singh KULLAR (IND).
Shiv Kapur aims for Golden Win at 50th Hero Indian Open
 NEW DELHI, Nov 6: A motivated Shiv Kapur of India believes this is his best opportunity to fulfil one his main career goals of winning the 50th Hero Indian Open which starts on Thursday.
The popular Indian won in Dubai last week to earn playing rights in Europe for next season, but admits that a win at the Hero Indian Open will be even more satisfying as it celebrates its golden anniversary on his home course at the Delhi Golf Club.
Kapur will be joined by an elite field at the US $ 1.25 million Asian Tour event which include Arjun Atwal, the Asian Tour number one in 2003, PGA Tour winners Daniel Chopra of Sweden and Michael Thompson of the United States and David Gleeson of Australia, the 2011 Hero Indian Open champion.
Jyoti Randhawa of India, who won the Indian Open in 2000, 2006 and 2007, Siddikur, the first Bangladeshi to play and win on the Asian Tour, Angelo Que of the Philippines, Pariya Junhasavasdikul of Thailand and S.S.P. Chowrasia of India, all multiple Asian Tour winners, will also feature in the prestigious event.
Fresh from a satisfying but mentally exhausting win in Dubai, Kapur is determined to win the Hero Indian Open, which he terms as the fifth Major tournament for all Indian golfers.
“Every year I sit here and keeping telling all of you that it is always my dream to win the Indian Open. It is the fifth Major for all of us and I would love to win it, more so because it is held at the Delhi Golf Club,” said the 31-year-old Kapur.
“Obviously the Indian Open being in its 50th year makes it more special. The fact that I’m coming into this week with a little bit of form will help my chances. It will mean a lot more than winning last week,” he added.
With a string of solid results this year, Kapur is eager to take advantage of his consistent form where he won two tournaments and has four other top-10 results.
“It is not my last chance at winning it (Hero Indian Open) but I would say that it is my best chance at winning. I know I got a few more years to try and win the Indian Open but it is not often that you come into a week, feeling that you are playing closed to your best.
“It is satisfying to win but you get weeks when you are playing really well and not win. You have to have a fair share of luck to win. I had a couple of good breaks go my way so hopefully it is a sign of good things to come,” explained Kapur.
Thompson, who is playing on a sponsor’s invitation this week, hopes to follow in the footsteps of the late Payne Stewart, who headlined and won the 1981 Indian Open.
“I got the chance of meeting him (Stewart) when I was eight or seven years old and remember getting his autograph. To be here and playing on the same golf course where he tasted success is a great honour. I hope that I can go out and perform to the best of my abilities and beat a really strong field,” said the American, who won his first PGA Tour title in March.
Panuphol Pittayarat of Thailand has opted to keep the big stick out of the golf bag to avoid any temptations of hitting the driver off the tees at the tree-lined Delhi Golf Club. He finished third at the Hero Indian Open last year and will be aiming for another solid result.
“The driver is sitting in the hotel. I’m committed to that. If I’m angry, then I won’t smash my driver! This is my sixth time playing at the Delhi Golf Club and I’m probably feeling the most confidence playing here,” said the 20-year-old Thai, who is chasing for his first Asian Tour win.
The Hero Indian Open (Golf) is India’s longest running international sports competition and is held annually on the Asian Tour. Started in 1964, it has now been held for 49 years and celebrates its golden jubilee in 2013. With a total prize purse of US$1.25 million and featuring top Indian and international golfers, the Hero Indian Open is the flagship event of Indian golf.
In 2013, the Asian Tour will celebrate a momentous milestone with its 10th season. As the official sanctioning body for professional golf in Asia, the Asian Tour leads the development of golf across the region, enhancing the careers of its members while maintaining a commitment to the integrity of the game.
The Asian Tour, through its membership of the International Federation of PGA Tours, is the only recognised pan-Asian professional golf tour in Asia. This unique feature positions the Asian Tour at the pinnacle of professional golf in Asia; providing its events with Official World Ranking status. Tour Partners include Abacus (Official Apparel Partner), Inetol Headwear (Official Headwear Supplier), Saxo Capital Markets (Official Statistics Partner), Singha Beer (Official Beer), Srixon (Official Ball), Subway (Official Quick Service Restaurant), Starwood Hotels and Resorts (Official Hotels and Resorts) and Rolex (Official Timekeeper). The Asian Tour has offices in Kuala Lumpur and Singapore.
Canara Bank sponsors Para badminton player Anand Kumar
 BANGALORE, Oct 31: In continuation of its CSR activities, Canara Bank has decided to born the entire expenditure of B Anand Kumar, a Para Badminton player, for his participation in the BWF PARA BADMINTON WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS to be held at Dortmund, Germany from November 4 to 10.
The sponsorship includes airfare, boarding and lodging, visa and other incidental expenses.
Mr A K Das, DGM, Canara Bank Social Action Cell, Head Office, handed over a cheque to Aanand Kumar.
Mr Kumar expressed his gratitude to the Bank for this grand gesture and said that he is looking forward for winning the title.
He will be participating in the S L 4 category in this championships and he is currently ranked No. 1.
Asian tour stars ready to light up 50th Hero Indian Open
NEW DELHI, Oct 31: The Hero Indian Open, which is celebrating its 50th edition next week, has attracted a stellar line-up of Asian Tour stars which will comprise of over 30 Tour champions and five players from the current top-10 of the Order of Merit.
In one of the strongest ever fields to assemble at the Delhi Golf Club from November 7 to 10, multiple Asian Tour winner Arjun Atwal, who was the Asian number one in 2003, Korea’s Baek Seuk-hyun, local heroes Gaganjeet Bhullar, Shiv Kapur and Anirban Lahiri and Bangladeshi Siddikur will be amongst the leading stars challenging for the Golden anniversary title.
Bhullar, currently third on the Asian Tour’s Order of Merit, will be the highest ranked player in the elite field, followed by the fourth-ranked Lahiri, Baek, who is fifth, Siddikur who is eighth and ninth-ranked Kapur.
David Gleeson of Australia, the 2011 Hero Indian Open champion, flamboyant Filipino Angelo Que and South Africa’s Jbe Kruger will also feature in the US $ 1.25 million showpiece, which is one of the longest running tournaments on the Asian Tour Schedule.
Englishman Robert Rock, a two-time winner in Europe, and Michael Thompson, a winner on the PGA Tour, will be hoping to make it a memorable visit by winning the Hero Indian Open which will see players from no fewer than 15 different nationalities vying for honours.
Former Indian Open champions Mardan Mamat of Singapore, C. Muniyappa and Jyoti Randhawa of India are also in the field next week. Sweden’s Daniel Chopra, who has close affinity to India and a two-time winner on the PGA Tour, will also tee up at the Delhi Golf Club.
Que, known as one of the most carefree players on the Asian Tour, will be determined to continue his solid track record at the Hero Indian Open where he finished tied 10th and tied 21st in 2012 and 2011 respectively.
The 35-year-old Filipino has enjoyed a superb season so far, posting three top-five finishes and currently sits in 15th position on the Order of Merit. He hopes to sweeten a relatively successful year with a fourth Asian Tour win at the Hero Indian Open
“I’ve been playing really well for the whole year. Every time I’m in contention I seem to keep going unlike before when I sort of slide down when I’m in contention. I think it is mainly because of my short game,” said Que.
“I worked hard on my chipping and putting and it has been working. If I can get everything together for one whole week then I might have a chance to win.”
Siddikur, the first Bangladeshi to play and win on the Asian Tour and Mithun Perera of Sri Lanka are expected to shine with their immensely accurate games at the tree-lined Delhi Golf Club.
Ranked ninth on the Order of Merit, Siddikur will adopt a new aggressive style of play after watching and playing with Major winners Bubba Watson and Keegan Bradley in the opening two days at the CIMB Classic in Malaysia last week.
“Previously, I always played it safe but I learnt from them (Watson and Bradley) that sometimes, you need to play aggressively. That’s what I tried and it really worked for me. This experience will help me in the long run. I can’t play like how they do but I can certainly learn from their attacking play,” said Siddikur.
Asian Tour winner Prom Meesawat of Thailand insists that he is firmly focussed on winning his second title on the region’s premier Tour which is celebrating its 10th season in 2013.
Nicknamed the ‘Big Dolphin’ for his physique and because he hails from the coastal town of Hua Hin, Prom won his first Asian Tour title in 2006 in Korea but struggled to hit top form due to numerous injuries.
“I’m fully recovered now and my goal for the rest of the Asian Tour season is to aim for that long-awaited second win! I’m very focussed and I’m still very hungry for a win. My game is in good shape and am confident that the win will come soon,” said Prom.
Bhullar seeks rise in world rankings at WGC-HSBC champions
SHANGHAI, Oct 29: India’s Gaganjeet Bhullar is relishing the opportunity to make his move on the world rankings when he tees up for his third appearance at the WGC-HSBC Champions which begins on Thursday.
Bhullar is currently ranked 185 in the world and is eyeing a huge leap up the rankings with a solid performance at the year’s final World Golf Championship.
“This week is really going to be important one for my world ranking. Last week in Malaysia was good but I felt I could have done better. These are the opportunities which we get through the Asian Tour and I would really love to make my mark,” said Bhullar.
Bhullar will face off against the world’s best players at the Sheshan International Golf Club and like the other Asian players in the field this week, he is confident of a good showing.
“Gone are the days when Asians are in the field just to make up the numbers. We’re right up there and every time one or the other is in contention now. I’m really happy for Kiradech as he played really well last week,” said Bhullar.
The Indian has four victories on the region’s premier Tour and earned his place at this week’s WGC-HSBC Champions courtesy of his position on the Asian Tour Order of Merit where he is ranked third.
“I’ve been enjoying a good streak so far and I’m just waiting for the best to happen in my career. With more opportunities to compete against these top players, I’m also going to be a better player myself too,” said Bhullar.
Having learnt a new Chinese phase this week, the 25-year-old also hopes its meaning will prove prophetic.
“I learnt a new Chinese phase and it says Wo ta de heng hao (I’ve played very well) and I hope that comes true this week,” smiled Bhullar.
The battle of champions will see Asia’s best players challenge the likes of American stars Keegan Bradley, Jason Dufner, Bubba Watson and Boo Weekley as well as defending champion Ian Poulter and 2012 Open Champion Ernie Els, who is a honorary member and international ambassador of the Asian Tour.
For the first time, the HSBC Champions will become part of the PGA TOUR’s FedExCup schedule, with money earned counting as official money on the PGA TOUR, and the winner earning a three-year exemption on the PGA TOUR.
The HSBC Champions will also award full FedExCup points, plus the 10 percent premium awarded by all World Golf Championships compared to a regular PGA TOUR event. With these changes the HSBC Champions is now in line with the other three World Golf Championships played in the United States and is also a key part of the 2013 European Tour’s Final Series.
The WGC-HSBC Champions prize fund has increased to $8,500,000 from $7,000,000 and is one of four World Golf Championships sanctioned and organised by the operational committee of the International Federation of PGA Tours, which includes the Asian Tour, European Tour, Japan Golf Tour, PGA TOUR, PGA Tour of Australasia and Sunshine Tour.
The other World Golf Championships include the WGC-Accenture Match Play Championship, WGC-Cadillac Championship and the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational.
Shiv Kapur keeps faith ahead of Hero Indian Open
By Deepak Arora
 KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 24: Indian star Shiv Kapur hopes to cap his season and end a home jinx by winning the Hero Indian Open which is celebrating its golden 50th anniversary next month.
The popular Indian has fond memories of the prestigious National Open and hopes he can finally achieve a dream victory on his home course at the Delhi Golf Club from November 7 to 10.
“The Hero Indian Open holds a special place in my heart and also in the hearts of the other Indian players. Hero has big plans on how to make it a very special event and I’m very excited. Personally if I can win the 50th edition of this event it will be the icing on the cake for a great season,” said Kapur.
The Hero Indian Open is expected to attract some of the top names in the region including India’s first Asian Tour number one Arjun Atwal and rising stars Gaganjeet Bhullar and Anirban Lahiri.
Kapur, whose lone Asian Tour win was in 2005 in Thailand, has enjoyed a solid season so far where he won one title in India followed by two other top-10s on the region’s premier Tour which is celebrating its 10th season this year.
The 31-year-old, currently ranked 14th on the Asian Tour Order of Merit, has fond memories of the Hero Indian Open where he used to volunteer as a scorer when he was a junior golfer.
“One of my first recollections is being a scorer and a marker for Jyoti Randhawa and Gaurav Ghei when I was young. Walking around the course with these players and the gallery, it made me dream that one day I could be in this event and maybe win it,” he said.
“I think my fondest memory was when I was 15 and I won the low amateur at the Indian Open. When I turned professional, I wanted to be inside the ropes and now I’m living that dream,” added the Indian.
He added that the Hero Indian Open has been the springboard for many Indian players to achieve greater success on the Asian Tour. Jyoti Randhawa, a three-time Indian Open winner and Arjun Atwal have both gone on to win the Order of Merit in 2002 and 2003 respectively.
“If you date back to the early 1990s when Ali Sher won the event in 1991 and 1993, it really put Indian golf on the map. Before that it was the foreigners who came and dominated the event,” Kapur explained.
“Then it sort of opened up the floodgates to more Indian winners. Indian golf has really gone from strength-to-strength in the last 10 years,” he added.
Sachin Tendulkar to bid adieu at Wankhede Stadium
MUMBAI: Champion batsman Sachin Tendulkar will bow out from the game, which he embellished for close to a quarter of a century, at the Wankhede Stadium by playing his landmark 200th Test match against the West Indies next month.
It was at this very venue that he made his debut in first class cricket.
"Tendulkar had expressed the wish yesterday that he wanted to play his 200th match at his home ground and the BCCI (Cricket Board) on Friday acceded to his request and has decided that the Test will be held at the Wankhede Stadium from November 14-18," said Mumbai Cricket Association's president Ravi Savant.
Savant did not want to go into the details of how MCA persuaded BCCI to allot the game to its home venue, amidst reports that the Cricket Club of India, BCCI's second affiliated unit in the city, also wanted to host the match.
"I don't want to go into the details. Suffice it to say that the match would be held at the Wankhede Stadium," Savant told reporters.
Savant met BCCI chief N Srinivasan, who was at the Board's headquarters on Friday, before making the announcement ahead of the Programmes and Fixtures committee meeting on October 15 to chalk out the detailed programme of the West Indies tour.
The Caribbean outfit is set to play two Tests, from November 6-10 and November 14-18, as well as three ODIs, on November 21, 24 and 27, during its short tour.
The venue for the first Test and the three subsequent ODIs would be decided by the committee headed by Rajeev Shukla on Tuesday.
The BCCI is also planning a grand farewell for Tendulkar, it is learnt.
The Board had squeezed in the home series against the West Indies to give Tendulkar an opportunity to retire in front of his home fans.
Tendulkar on Thursday announced his decision to retire from Test cricket after playing his landmark match, bringing an end to the intense speculation about his future.
 Prince of Trinidad Brian Lara bats for Kedarnath
By Deepak Arora
DEHRADUN, Oct 4: Internationally renowned West Indian cricket player and Prince of Trinidad, Brian Lara, played a charity match here on Thursday to raise funds for a hospital at Kedar Valley.
The match, organised by the Indian Medical Association (IMA) and the Dehradun-based Abhimanyu Cricket Academy (ACA), was held on the grounds of the ACA.
Lara had appealed to one all to come forward to support the Kedarnath cause. He said lots of families lost their near and dear ones in the tragedy.
 Lara said "the unfortunate tragedy in Kedarnath is something that touched our hearts. The nature of devastation at Kedarnath has moved me."
" The funds collected would help build an hosptial by the Indian Medical Association," he added.
He said he plans to come back to Dehradun sometime in future. "Hopefully, the next time I’m back I’ll come will some West Indian players,” he added.
Over 2,500 people, including children from Doon School, Wellums, Unisons and Aryan school, had come to watch the match and contributed for the good cause, according to R T Easwaran, owner of the Abhimanyu Cricket Academy and co-organiser of the event.
Uttarakhand Sports Minister Dinesh Aggarwal and Health Minister Negi had also watched the proceedings of the charity match.
Noted Charted Accountant Rakesh Nangia donated the highest amount of Rs 5 lakh towards the charity.
Easwaran said over 20 lakhs have been collected from the charity event for building the hospital. He hoped to receive more funds for the charity from several organisations soon.
 The 15-over match was played between Doon School and Abhimanyu Cricket Academy. Brian Lara batted for Doon School team and made quick fire 69.
Meanwhile, four months after flash floods and heavy rains led to the halt of the annual "Char Dham Yatra" in Uttarakhand, the religious trip to Kedarnath and Badrinath shrines is scheduled to open for people on October 5, according to officials.
While small vehicles have been allowed right up to the Badrinath shrine, as earlier, vehicles will be stopped at Soneprayag on the Kedarnath route and pilgrims will have to trek 24 kilometres to reach the Kedarnath temple.
The number of pilgrims will be "controlled by the state government this time round" and health check-up will be mandatory for pilgrims.
"The state government will be issuing travel passes for the pilgrimage from now on," said an official.
Earlier, in a meeting between religious groups, seers, temple management members, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Vijay Bahuguna and his officials, it was decided that the route to the famous shrines, closed for common people June 17 onwards due to heavy devastation, would be re-opened on October 5.
Officials said earlier the date fixed for reopening of the shrines was October 1 but due to a weather office warning of rains till October 4 and the ongoing inauspicious period of "Pitra Paksh", the date was deferred to October 5.
Afghanistan's big leap in cricket, qualify for World Cup 2015
SHARJAH: In a fantastic display of grit and determination, strife-torn Afghanistan on Friday qualified for its maiden ICC World Cup after defeating Kenya by seven wickets to finish second in the World Cricket League Championship in Sharjah.
Deciding to field first after winning the toss, Afghanistan dismissed Kenya for 93 in 43.3 overs and then achieved the target in 20.5 overs with seven wickets to spare.
The victory meant Afghanistan finished on 19 points -- five behind champion Ireland, which qualified for ICC's flagship event to be jointly hosted by Australia and New Zealand in 2015.
The architects of Afghanistan's victory were left-arm spinner Hamza Hotak, captain Mohammad Nabi and Hashmatullah Shaidi. Hotak finished as the pick of bowlers with figures of 10-1-19-3, while Nabi scored 46 not out and Shaidi 13 not out.
The pair of Nabi and Shaidi put on 62 for the fourth wicket, after Shem Ngoche had taken two wickets in five balls to reduce Afghanistan to 34 for three.
By virtue of finishing second in the World Cricket League Championship, Afghanistan has earned a place in Pool A that includes co-hosts Australia and New Zealand, as well as Bangladesh, England, Sri Lanka and Qualifier 3.
Afghanistan will play its opening match in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 against Bangladesh at Manuka Oval, Canberra, on February 18 while its other matches will be against Sri Lanka (February 22, Dunedin), Qualifier 3 (February 26, Dunedin), Australia (March 4, Perth), New Zealand (March 8, Napier) and England (March 13, Sydney). |
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Befitting farewell to Sachin; India beat West Indies
