Tendulkar writes history by scoring first 200 in ODI

GWALIOR, Feb 24: Sachin Tendulkar rewrote history on Wednesday by smashing the first double century in ODI cricket as India crushed South Africa by 153 runs in the second one-dayer to clinch the three-match series with one game to spare.

Tendulkar (200 not out) became the first batsman in the four-decade history of ODI to hammer a double century as India piled on a mammoth 401 for three and then skittled out South Africa for 248 in 42.5 overs for a facile win.

With this victory, India not only took an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series and rendered Saturday's third and final match in Ahmadabad inconsequential but also ensured there was no threat to their status as the number two ODI side in the world.

For them, Dinesh Karthik (79 off 85 balls), Mahendra Singh Dhoni (68 not out off 35 balls) and Yusuf Pathan (36 off 23 balls) starred with the bat but the day belonged to Tendulkar.

Everything else paled in comparison to Tendulkar's epic 147-ball blistering knock, studded with 25 fours and three sixes, as the master blaster treated the capacity crowd at the Captain Roop Singh stadium to a stunning exhibition of strokeplay.

It was not only Tendulkar's 46th ODI century but also the highest score in one-dayers, eclipsing the previous record of 194 which was held jointly by Pakistan's Saeed Anwar and Zimbabwe's Charles Conventry.

Charl Langvedt went into the history books as Tendulkar steered the pacer to the off side to get to the magical figure as the packed stadium went into a frenzy.

Tendulkar's previous best was an unbeaten 186 against New Zealand made at Hyderabad in 1999.

South Africa's mammoth chase looked doomed as Praveen Kumar cheaply castled swashbuckling opener Herschelle Gibbs (7) in the third over.

S Sreesanth (3/49) removed Roelof van der Merwe (12) with his fourth delivery and returned to see the back of in-form Hashim Amla (34 off 22 balls).

Ashish Nehra got the better of Jacques Kallis (11) in his second spell and by the 23rd over, South Africa were gasping for breath at 134 for seven.

AB de Villiers (114 not out) showed the kind of defiance not seen in his teammates as he hit his fifth ODI century. He added 77 runs with Wayne Parnell (18) to delay the inevitable but South Africa's defeat was just a matter of time by then.

De Villier's unbeaten 101-ball knock had 13 fours and two sixes in it.

It all, however, was reduced to a footnote today as Tendulkar made history.

During his unforgettable knock, Tendulkar rattled up a record 194-run second-wicket partnership with Dinesh Karthik, who recorded his career best 79 off 85 balls with the help of four fours and three six.

They bettered the earlier Indian record of 181 runs that Tendulkar had put together with Rahul Dravid against the same opposition at Nagpur in 2000.

It was Tendulkar all over as he also shared quick and big partnerships with Pathan and skipper Dhoni to pile the agony on the South Africans.

With Pathan he added 81 runs for the third wicket, which ended when the Baroda all-rounder fell to Roelf van der Merwe.

Pathan played his own aggressive brand of game and was ruthless against Parnell, hitting the left-armer for two sixes and a four in the 38th over.

Then for the fourth wicket, Tendulkar and Dhoni raised an unbeaten 101-run stand, which took India to its highest score against South Africa.

Earlier, Wayne Parnell had cut short Virender Sehwag's (9) stay but once Karthik joined Tendulkar in the middle, India were always in charge.

Sachin has climbed the Mt Everest of the game: Pratibha Patil

NEW DELHI, Feb 24: President Pratibha Patil and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Wednesday congratulated Sachin Tendulkar for becoming the first cricketer to score a double ton in One-day internationals and said the “master batsman” has climbed the Mt Everest of the game.

“Sachin Tendulkar has yet again rewritten the record books of cricket, by climbing yet another Mt Everest of the game,” Patil said in a message.

She said in setting a new benchmark for the highest score by a batsman in One-day internationals as well as in notching up a double century, “the master batsman has set stiff targets” for future generation of cricketers to break.

Terming it a “magnificent achievement”, the Prime Minister said that Sachin has led by “example and that all Indians are proud of his achievement“.

Singh wished him many more glorious years in his cricketing career.

Tendulkar created history by becoming the first cricketer to score a double century in One-day internationals with a breath0taking unbeaten 200 to steer India to a massive 401 for three against South Africa in the second cricket ODI in Gwalior.

Tiger Woods apologizes for 'irresponsible and selfish behavior'

MELBOURNE, Feb 18: An emotional Woods finally broke his silence on the sex scandal that engulfed him last year. Also, the 34-year-old confirmed he had been in rehabilitation for 45 days, but didn't reveal details of his treatment.

The No. 1 golfer admitted he cheated and had affairs, but called on the media to respect the privacy of his family, reports News.com.au.

"Elin and I have started the process of discussing my behaviour but I know my apology to her will not come in the form of words but in my behaviour over time. We have a lot to discuss and what we do say will remain between the two of us," he said.

Speaking about press, he said: "Please leave my wife and kids alone. They did not do these things, I did."

He also utilized the conference to dismiss reports that his wife had hit him on the night of his car crash last November, saying: "It angers me that people would fabricate a story like that. Elin never hit me that night or any other night."

India defeat South Africa, retain No 1 Test spot

KOLKATA, Feb 18: India defeated South Africa with a huge margin to retain their No.1 Test spot in the ICC rankings. Harbhajan Singh scalped the last wicket of Amla to get India this crucial win.

Dhoni world's 'most destructive' batsman: Laxman

KOLKATA, Feb 18: Mahendra Singh Dhoni is the "most destructive" batsman in the contemporary cricket, feels VVS Laxman, who shared an unbeaten 259-run partnership with the skipper on third day of second Test at Eden Gardens.

"I think, he (Dhoni) is the most destructive batsman in the world at the moment. He is a like an all-rounder and is such destructive as a batsman that put the opposition under pressure," Laxman told reporters after the day's proceedings.

"You can see the body language of the bowlers whenever Dhoni gets in. They become very defensive in the way they bowl and field. We are really happy that he is coming at number seven and doing the required job," he added.

Laxman, who cracked an unbeaten 143, and Dhoni (132n.o.) helped the hosts amass 643 for six before declaring the first innings in reply to South Africa's 296.

Laxman, who has produced some of his classy knocks at the Eden, was also highly impressed with the temperament of his skipper.

"It's also good that he is converting those fifties into big hundreds. It's also good that whenever he gets a hundred, he gets in quick pace. It's great when a number seven batsman comes and destroys the opposition," he said.

"Everyone in our team has specific role. it's important that we play to our strength. We don't try to copy or emulate, that's the beauty of our team, which have unique style. But our ultimate aim is to deliver for the team," he added.

D K Jain, Koji Koda win Fourth Indo-Nippon Golf Cup 2009

Indo-Japan state-of-the-art renewable energy parks to be set up in India

By Deepak Arora

Pix By Noyanika

GURGAON, Nov 15: D.K.Jain of India was adjudged the over all net winner and Koji Koda of Japan were declared overall gross winner at the Indo-Nippon Golf cup 2009 held at Golden Green Golf Resort in Gurgaon on Sunday. While OverAll Nett Runner-up was Arun Kumar, the OverAll Gross Runner-up was J S Naurath.

About 70 Japanese and 45 Indian players, representing a cross section of Japanese and Indian businessmen, took part in the Fourth Indo-Nippon Golf Cup 2009.

The Ladies Winner of the Indo-Nippon Golf Tournament was Mrs. Domichiand the Ladies Runner-up was Mrs. Noriko Kawamura.

The Prize of the Best Japanese Golfer (Nett) was bagged by Yasunobu Fukuda and the Best Japanese Golfer (Gross) was Shigeo Kuwada

The prestigious event was jointly supported by the Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry (ASSOCHAM), the Japanese Chamber of Commerce and industry (JCCI), the Embassy of Japan and the Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO).

Japanese Ambassador Hideaki Domichi teed Off the tournament with a theme of “New and Renewable Energy”, which is an area of high importance to India.

The Chief Minister of Meghalaya D D Lapang and other eminent persons were also present on the occasion.

As many as 70 players representing more than 65 leading Japanese conglomerates including Yusuka Takahashi, Managing Director, Hitachi, Koji koda, Managing Director, NEC, Hidekho Kanishi, President and CEO, Canon India, Shinji Ademya, President and CEO,Honda Motorcycle participated in the tournament.

Others who participated in the tournament included Hidekho Tanaka, Managing Director, Nikkon India, Yuzuru Doi, Managing Director, Denso India, Shinya Walanabe, Managing Director, Maribenu India, Kiichi Nakagani, Chairman and Managing Director, Mitsubishi India and Kalsuhiko Yamagala of Tata Teleservices (DoCoMo), according to Rahull Sharma, President, Indo-Nippon Golf Cup.

Speaking on the occasion, Rahull Sharma, President Indo-Nippon Golf cup and the founder Chairman of Cool the Earth Initiative in the ASSOCHAM, said that the annual Golf tournament will give further impetus to the bilateral trade between India and Japan.

ASSOCHAM and Japan will soon be setting up new and renewable Energy Parks in various parts of India.

ASSOCHAM has already signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with a Japanese firm for transfer of technology to set up renewable energy parks.

The MoU was signed with the Oskak NGO that develops technologies in renewable energy, designs energy parks and promotes non-conventional energy worldwide.

According to the Japanese Ambassador Hideaki Domichi, the energy parks to be set up in four zones of India will help encourage adoption of eco-friendly technologies.

The Ambassador said the parks will showcase latest new and renewable Energy technologies including solar, wind, clean coal and fossil.

The parks will be set up with the help of Ministry of New and Renewable Energy and Ministry of Environment in India and the Government of Japan.

India and Japan will explore more ways and means to further cooperation in the field of New and Renewable Energy sources.

Results for Indo Nippon Golf Cup 2009

Prizes

OverAll Nett Winner 44 D K Jain

OverAll Nett Runner-up 43 Arun Kumar

OverAll Gross Winner 32 Koji Oda

OverAll Gross Runner-up 32 J S Naurath

Best Japanese Golfer - Nett 38 Yasunobu Fukuda
Best Japanese Golfer - Gross 27 Shigeo Kuwada

Ladies Winner 21 Mrs. Domichi

Ladies Runner-up 19 Mrs. Noriko Kawamura

Spot Prizes

1 Closest to Pin Hole # 4 1' 6" Yazuro Doi
2 Closest to Pin Hole # 12 8" 6" Dhruv Singh

1 Longest Drive Hole # 9 257 yards Hirotsugo Horita
2 Longest Drive Hole # 13 235 yards Takaya Miyano

1 Straightest Drive Hole # 1 9" Yasuo Watanabe
2 Straightest Drive Hole # 15 2" Nobuki Akinaga

More Pix By Noyanika of the Indo-Nippon Golf Cup 2009

More Pix By Noyanika of the Indo-Nippon Golf Cup 2009

Sachin completes 30,000 runs in international cricket

AHMEDABAD, Nov 20: Master blaster Sachin Tendulkar has reached another milestone in his career by completing a phenomenal 30,000 runs in international cricket during the ongoing Ahmedabad Test against Sri Lanka on Friday.

Tendulkar, who completed 20 glorious years in cricket on Sunday (November 15), needed 35 runs to reach the landmark at the start of India's second innings in the Ahmedabad Test against Sri Lanka.
Next in line for the feat is is Australia captain Ricky Ponting, who had recently crossed 24,000 runs.

Tendulkar has 17,178 runs in ODI cricket, 10 runs in the only T20 International he's played, and 12,812 Test runs at the time the landmark was reached.

He holds the record for most ODI and Test runs and centuries.
Tendulkar is clearly widening the gap between him and his contemporaries and it is certainly going to be difficult for anybody to catch up with the great batsman.

Thrilling national junior tennis finals at Cosmic Academy

Report and Pix by Deepak Arora

NEW DELHI, April 17: It was a thrilling and grilling matches at the recently concluded All India Junior Tennis (Talent Series) tournament at the Cosmic Sports Centre here. Shreya Pasricha of Amity International Noida and Sujiv Chopra of G D Goenka won the Under 16 Girls and Boys title respectively and Damini Sharma of Delhi Public School, Vasant Kunj and Kepevilie Khate of National Tennis Academy bagged the Under 12 Girls and Boys title respectively.

Sujiv Chopra of G D Goenka school beat Arjun Tomar of Mount Saint Mary’s to win the trophy for Boys Under 16. The thrilling final between Sujiv and Arjun lasted nearly three hours.

The large gathering of people gathered to watch the finals were awed to see the two fighting for each point. Looking at the match between the two one felt that India has abundant talent.

While Niyati Aggarwal of Holychild Auxilium, Vasant Vihar, and Arjun Tomar were Finalists for Girls and Boys Under 16 category, Jahnvi Gupta of Balbharti Pitampura and Mohit Jain Delhi Public School Indirapuram were Finalists for Girls and Boys Under 12 category.

Cosmic Sports Centre, a renowned tennis coaching academy in New Delhi, conducted the All India Junior Tennis (Talent Series) Tournament at its precinct from April 13 to 17 for boys and girls in the age group of under 12 and 16 years. Almost 300 hundred children from different parts of the country took part in the tournament.

Wg Cdr Karan Rai, Managing Director of Cosmic Sports Centre, said that the aim of the tournament was to give children an opportunity to sharpen their skills in match play conditions during the tournament. It was also to help them to develop their game by playing against different opponents and to instill a sense of competitiveness.”

Wg Cdr Karan Rai said “by playing such tournaments children fight for valuable national ranking points which ultimately decide the rankings in their particular age group at the national level.”

There was a lively crowd consisting of parents, friends and supporters watching and applauding their favourite players in action on all days of the tournament.

The tournament was well supported by SETCO Yamaha, Variety Caterers, Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative Limited (IFFCO) (IFFCO) and Samsoft Solutions.

Cosmic Sports Centre is a sports management concern involved in the promotion of tennis through tennis coaching academies located at various parts of Delhi since its formation in April 1990.

Since its inception, the academy has churned out players of national ranking who have participated in junior events at Wimbledon and the US Open. Cosmic has Mahesh Kumaria as its Chief Coaching Instructor who due to his hard work, zeal and dedication has been a source of great inspiration to the budding youngsters.

Cosmic is being managed and run by its Managing Director, Wg Cdr Karan Rai. Besides being a great player, Wg Cdr Rai is an ex-International Tennis Federation (ITF) qualified umpire. He has umpired three Davis Cup ties between India and Japan, India and Korea and India and Indonesia and numerous International Satellite, Challenger Series tournaments and National Championship finals.

Presently, he is a Council Member of the Delhi Lawn Tennis Association (DLTA) and an active organizing official at all the international events held in Delhi till date.

Tennis Tournament Award pix: