IAF clinch Dr Shiv Narain volleyball trophy

Patna, March 27, 2009
Indian Air Force (IAF) stamped their authority on the 4th edition of the All-India Dr Shiv Narain Singh memorial volleyball tournament defeating Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) in straight sets 25-21, 25-14 and 25-12 at the Moinul Haq Stadium here on Friday evening.

Air Force spikers displayed superb volleyball throughout the tournament and entered the final in grand manner winning all their matches in the league stage with great aplomb and élan. The tournament was an eight-team affair with two groups of four teams each. Top two teams from each pool qualified for the semi-finals after playing league matches.

Air Force were just unstoppable. It seemed Air Force skipper Mithun made full proof plan to derail CISG game plan. Shafique K once again bloomed for Air Force with his stunning smashes and power-packed blocks especially against CISF skipper Justine and Anirudh, who were spearheading the rivals attack. CISF showed a bit of resistance in the first set and made their rivals strove hard for each and every point.

But after losing the first set at 21-15, CISF played like a disjointed lot and could not match to the speed, power and precision of their fancied rivals IAF. They lost the next two games more tamely at 14-25 and 12-25.

Bihar State Bridge Corporation managing director Pratyay Amrit was the chief gust at the closing function and he distributed the prizes. The tournament committee also awarded special prizes to Shafique K (best all rounder, IAF), B Joseph (best setter, CISF), A Seth (best mid-fielder, Kolkata Electricity Board), Vivekanand (best promising player, BMP, Patna), Vivek (best attacker, Chhattisgarh) and Laxmi (best disciplined player, Jindal Steel)

Earlier on March 26, 2009 (Thursday) Indian Air Force set up title clash with CISF winning their respective semi-final matches against Chhattisgarh and Kolkata Electricity Board respectively. IAF sweated it out a bit to beat Chhattisgarh 26-24, 22-25, 25-14, 25-19 while CISF to followed the same track against Kolkata Electricity Board 25-19, 25-20, 19-25, 25-20.

Two Shafiques, K and KM played brilliantly to script another resounding win for IAF. In the first two sets Chhattisgarh showed their grit and determination well matched to their rivals IAF. In the process they also bagged the second set despite losing the first after a tough and evenly matched fight. But in the third and fourth sets, Chhattisgarh spikers were not finding it tough to break solid defence manned by Raju Pal.

In the second semi-final, Kolkata and CISF played a neck and neck battle for each and every point. CISF had an upper hand as their attackers did well in the finishing stage of first and second sets. Kolkata Electricity Board bounced back in the third ser winning it 25-19. But in the fourth set, they failed to repeat the performance and CISF won the set and the match.
Earlier in the league matches, Indian Air Force beat BMP 25-20, 21-25, 25-17, 25-17, CISF beat SAI, Patna 25-23, 25-13, 25-19, Kolkata Electricity Board beat Chhattisgarh 22-25, 25-18, 25-17, 25-10 and BSNL beat Jindal Steel 23-25, 25-20, 25-15, 25-21.

Other results of the pool matches:
Pool A: BMP beat SAI, Patna 21-15, 26-24, 25-14, 25-18, 15-9; Air Force beat CISF 21-15, 25-18, 25-15, 25-12.
Pool B: Chhattisgarh beat Jindal Steel 23-25, 25-10, 25-20, 25-19; Kolkata Electricity Board beat BSNL 26-24, 19-25, 15-16, 25-20.

On the opening day (march 24, 2009, Tuesday), Indian Air Force beat SAI, Patna 25-14, 25-23, 25-21; CISF beat BMP 25-18, 25-20, 25-15, Jindal Steel beat Kolkata Electricity Board 19-25, 25-17, 25-20, 20-25, 25-13 and Chhattisgarh beat BSNL 25-20, 25-19, 23-25, 20-25, 15-9.

Bihar Government’s Information and Public Relation Department’s secretary Rajesh Bhushan inaugurated the tournament in a colourful function. Art, Culture and Youth Affairs Department’s secretary Vivek Kumar Singh graced the function as chief guest.

Photo caption: Indian Air Force and CISF players in action during their final match of the All-India Dr Shiv Narain Singh memorial volleyball tournament in Patna on March 27, 2009.

Photo: Aftab Alam Siddiqui

Muzaffarpur tame Samastipur to emerge BCA under-22 cricket champions

Patna, March 22, 2009
Muzaffarpur boys were upbeat when they reached the Moinul Haq Stadium to play the final match of the Bihar Cricket Association (BCA) under-22 cricket tournament against neighbour Samastipur on Sunday morning. They had the reasons more than one to feel themselves a champion of state cricket. They were buoyant because they had defeated the power house of Bihar cricket, Patna, in the semi-finals. They were optimistic they could beat their rivals in the final. They did it in a clinical fashion and emerged as the champions with a resounding 153-run victory.

Batting first Muzaffarpur piled up 248 runs for the loss of eight wickets off 50 overs and then bowled their rivals out for a meager 95 runs off 29.5 overs. Chetan struck a well-made and polished half-century (50). On the way he was involved a 56-run partnership with Sunny Kumar for the sixth wicket. Chetan hit four boundaries in his knock. Pawan (22) and Sanky (23) were the other two batsmen who scored runs up in the order.

The real tormentor of Samastipur bowling attack was Saurav Sankalp. He played a whirl-wind knock of 52 unbeaten runs with five fours and one six in the slog overs to pilot his side to near 250 runs at the end of the stipulated 50 overs. Muzaffarpur’s tail-ender Ranjan also delighted the crowd with some fine shots at the closing stage of the innings. He scored 25 runs off as many balls with three boundaries.

Sanjeev claimed three wickets for 25 runs in his full quota of 10 overs while Ronit and Ashfahan took two wickets each giving away 53 and 59 runs respectively.

In reply Samastipur began firmly with openers Rakesh and Mohsin put on 42 runs for the first wicket. At this stage it looked Samastipur would make it a match of it. Sunny got the vital breakthrough for Muzaffarpur taking the wicket of Mohsin (21).

After the fall of Mohsin, Samastipur fell like a heap of sand. Muzaffarpur’s left arm spinner Sarfaraz destroyed Samastipur middle order. He finished the day with a rich haul of five wickets for 15 runs off 7.5 overs. Other spinner Sunny Kumar supported Sarfaraz well capturing four wickets for 16 runs of 7 overs. Samastipur stumbled out for 95 runs off 29.5 overs.

Sunny Kumar of Muzaffarpur was adjudged man of the match. Sanjeev Kumar of Samastipur was named player of the tournament. Sarfaraz of Muzaffarpur and Rohit Raj of Bhojpur got the best bowler and best batsman award. Nishant of Patna was declared best wicketkeeper while Nishant of Muzaffarpur was named best promising player of the tournament.

Justice Rajendra Prasad Singh gave away the prizes. Tripurari Sharan (IAS) and Jai Prakash Singh (public prosecutor) were the guests of honour at the prize distribution function. Bihar Cricker Association secretary Ajay Narain Sharma, other office-bearers and Bihar Players Association president Mritunjay Tiwari were present at the closing function.

Brief scores:

Muzaffarpur: 248 for 8 off 50 overs (Pawan 22, Sainki 23, Chetan 50, Sunny Kumar 29, Vikas 19, Saurav Sankalp 52 not out, Ranjan 25 not out, Ronit 2 for 53, Sanjeev 3 for 25, Ashfan 2 for 59).
Samastipur: 95 all out off 29.5 overs (Rakesh 21, Mohsin 21, Brajesh 17 not our, Sarfaraz 5 for 15, Sunny Kumar 4 for 16, Nishant 1 for 13).

Photo caption" Muzaffapur team after winning the Bihar Cricket Association under-22 cricket championships in Patna on March 22, 2009.

Photo: Aftab Alam Siddiqui

BCA Under-22 cricket: Muzaffarpur upset Patna

Patna, March 20, 2009
Start favourites Patna bowed out of the Bihar Cricket Association (BCA) under-22 tournament losing to Muzaffarpur by 18 runs in the second semi-finals at the Moinul Haq Stadium here on Friday. It was the biggest upset of the month-long inter-district battle for supremacy in state cricket.

Spinner Nishant weaved a magic with his turning balls taking four wickets for only 13 runs in his spell of nive overs, three of them were maiden . Nishant was rightly adjudged as the man of the match. He was awarded a cash prize of Rs 501 and a trophy by the organizing committee.

The day was lucky for the Muzaffarpur boys, right from the beginning. They won the toss and made a modest 136 runs off 44.3 overs after electing to bat first.

However, Patna bowlers did well in restricting Muzaffarpur to a not so challenging total. At one stage Muzaffarpur were reeling at 57 for the loss of five wickets. But in the later part of the innings Sarfaraz and Vikas Ranjan gave some stability putting on 47 runs for seventh wicket partnership. Sarfaraz made 29 runs with one boundary and one mighty heave over the fence. Vikas Ranjan scored valuable 26 runs with one hit to the fence.

In the earlier part of the Muzaffarpur innings, one down batsman Chetan delighted the crowd with some lusty strokes. Cehtan scored 28 runs with four boundaries.

Patna spinner Kaushik Raj turned out to be most successful bowler claiming four wickets for 31 runs off 9.3 overs. Speedster Sridhar bagged two wickets for 22 runs.

In reply, Patna lost their first wicket for just one run on the board. A 45-run second wicket partnership between Arvind Jha and Kumar Mridul raised some hopes in Patna camp but Kumar Mridul who was hitting the ball well, misjudged a Sunny delivery only to see his stumps uprooted. Mridul played an attacking knock of 26 runs with five tremendous hits to the fence. Patna lost their second wicket at 46 runs.

After that, wickets fell like nine pins as Arvind going for big hit off a Nishant delivery was stumped cleverly by Vikas. Arvind struck 28 runs with three boundaries. Ranjit was the other batsman for Patna to reach the double figures. Ranjit made 18 runs. Patna innings folded at 118 runs off 38.3 overs.

Sarfaraz took two wickets for 26 runs while medium pace bowler Ranjan grabbed as many wickets for 13 runs off his eight overs spell.

Brief scores:
Muzaffarpur: 136 all out in 44.3 overs (Chetan-28, Amit-11, Sarfraz-29, Vikas Ranjan-26, Kaushik Raj-4/31, Sridhar-2/22, Kamlesh-1/30).
Patna: 118 all out in 38.3 overs (Arvind Jha-28, Mridul-26, Ranjit-18, Ranjan-2/13, Nishant-4/13, Sarfraz-2/26).

Muzaffarpur in semis

Earlier Muzaffarpur moved into the semi-finals beating Bhojpur by five wickets in the quarter-finals at the Moinul Haq Stadium here on Thursday (March 19).

Rohit Raj of Bhojpur and Amit Kumar of Muzaffarpur were jointly declared man of the match.

Brief scores:
Bhojpur: 171 all out in 47.1 overs (Deepak-30, Rohit Raj-53, Mithilesh-12, Sarfraz-3/31, Ranjan-2/28, Saurav Sankalp-2/21).

Muzaffarpur: 172 for five wickets in 39.5 overs (Pawan-14, Shanky-37, Chetan Srikant-22, Amit-50 not out, Sunny-12 not out, Rohit Raj-3/32).

Photo caption: Muzaffarpur boys celebrating their victory over Patna on March 20, 2009.

Photo: Aftab Alam Siddiqui

Thai golfer Chapchai wins SAIL Open title; India's Bhullar finishes second

Gurgaon, March 21, 2009
Chapchai Nirat’s flawless final round of five-under 67 seemed modest by his own lofty standards that saw him twice card 10-under this week, but it was just enough to give him a bagful of records enroute to winning the $ 300,000 SAIL Open golf tournament at the Classic Golf Resort on Saturday. The 25-year-old Chapchai, won his third Asian Tour title with a total of 32-under 256, that sent the world media scurrying in search of the record books.

Chapchai, staying modest despite his monumental effort, spoke through a translator, “I was confident from the very start today. This win has given me a lot of confidence and I think I will now be able to take this momentum forward and probably win two to three more tournaments this year,” said Chapchai, who picked the winner’s cheque of $ 47,550 besides the gleaming Omega’s ‘Double Eagle’ watch that went along with the winner’s trophy.

India’s Gaganjeet Bhullar riding a 43-hole bogey free streak saw it snap on the first hole on the final day. He birdied the second, but dropped a bogey on seventh only to make on eighth. On the back nine, he had back-to-back birdies on 14th and 15th, but missed a crucial 15-footer birdie putt that would have given him sole second. Bhullar ended at 21-under for tied second with Australian Richard Moir (68). Bhullar and Moir won $ 25,425 each.

“It was disappointing not to birdie that last hole from about 15 feet,” said Bhullar. “But still I will take this second place. It was great playing alongside Chapchai, who was amazing all through the week.”

The rest of the Indian challenge withered away, as Ashok Kumar (70) dropped from 10th to 12th, while Amandeep Johl, whose employers SAIL sponsored the tournament celebrated with a final round of 68 that made him the third best Indian this week in 15th place. Shiv Kapur (72) and Vikrant Chopra (67) tied for 20th place with Mardan Mamat (70) at 13-under.

Chapchai set a series of records, beginning with a course record on first day and continued with records for 36 and 54-hole totals. On the final day he carried on with a 67 that saw him grab the Asian Tour record for the lowest wining total ever, beating Ernie Els’ 29-under at the 2003 Johnnie Walker Classic in Perth. He also bettered Els’ best four-round winning total (in relation to par) of 31-under 267 on the par-73 Plantation Course in Hawaii, while winning the Mercedes Benz Championships on the PGA Tour.

Interestingly, earlier this year at the Bob Hope Chrysler Classic on US Tour, Pat Perez won the five-round tournament with a total of 33-under. In the same tournament, Steve Stricker of the US led after four rounds at 33-under, but dropped to 28-under with a five-over in the final round.

One record that eluded Chapchai’s grasp was Ernie Els’ winning margin of 13-shot achieved at the 2005 BMW Asian Open, as Chapchai won by 11-shots over Bhullar and Moir.

The newly crowned SAIL Open champion’s score is believed to be one of the lowest scores ever recorded in the world for a four-round tournament.

Chapchai, who has just two bogeys through the week and an amazing 34 birdies in four rounds, said, “My target was just to win and I did not think of the record so there was no pressure during the final birdie putt which helped me break the record.”

Bhullar, who at best had an outside chance of upsetting Chapchai, never got a chance after two bogeys in his round. He did well to hang in for a tied second, even as Moir made a great charge on the final day.

Thailand’s Thammanoon Srirot, South Africa’s Keith Horne and New Zealand’s Mark Purser were tied for fourth at 269, while Australia’s Chris Gaunt and Thailand’s Wisut Artjanawat ended their Indian campaign in tied-seventh on 270.

The spotlight once again shone brightly on the Thai standout who produced a bogey-free grandstand finish that was highlighted by five birdies.

When Chapchai started to make the turn in two-under and extending his lead over Bhullar to 10 shots, the question among the galleries was not about who was going to win the tournament but rather the number of shots Chapchai would win the tournament by.

“Chapchai just played some fabulous golf through the week. He’s been hitting it so well and doesn’t seem to feel any pressure,” said Bhullar.

Bhullar’s hopes of a maiden breakthrough on the Asian Tour faded after he could only manage four birdies against two bogeys on a day where Chapchai was simply at the top of his game.

Second-placed Moir was also left to applaud the heroics of Chapchai.

“It’s an outstanding effort. I don’t have any words, it’s unreal. His monstrous drives made it seem like he’s playing on a par-three course,” said Moir.

Leading fourth round scores
256 - Chapchai Nirat (THA) 62-62-65-67
267 - Gaganjeet Bhullar (IND) 67-64-66-70, Richard Moir (AUS) 66-67-66-68
269 - Thammanoon Srirot (THA) 67-68-67-67, Keith Horne (RSA) 68-67-64-70, Mark Purser (NZL) 65-63-72-69,
270 - Chris Gaunt (AUS) 70-66-67-67, Wisut Artjanawat (THA) 65-64-72-69
271 - Rory Hie (INA) 67-70-67-67, Ross Bain (SCO) 67-68-66-70, Antonio Lascuna (PHI) 65-67-67-72,
272 - George Coetzee (RSA) 68-68-70-66, Ashok Kumar (IND) 67-68-67-70
273 - Thaworn Wiratchant (THA) 69-69-65-70
274 - Kodai Ichihara (JPN) 70-70-66-68,Jason Norris (AUS) 68-68-71-67, Amandeep Johl (IND) 68-69-69-68, Will Yanagisawa (USA) 68-66-69-71, Prom Meesawat (THA) 68-65-68-73
275 - Kiradech Aphibarnrat (THA) 72-68-66-69, Mardan Mamat (SIN) 65-67-73-70, Siddikur (BAN) 68-70-68-69, Vikrant Chopra IND) 72-68-68-67, Unho Park (AUS) 70-67-68-70, Shiv Kapur (IND) 68-66-69-72, Mars Pucay (PHI) 67-66-70-72

Photo caption: SAIL Chairman, Mr. S.K. Roongta handing over the winner's trophy and cheque to Chapchai Nirat at SAIL Open 2009 at Classic Golf Resort in Gurgaon (India) on March 21, 2009.

Source: SAIL Open press release

SAIL Open golf: Thai Chapchai continues his record-breaking march, India's Bhullar second

Gurgaon, March 20, 2009
Thai golfer Chapchai Nirat continued to pound the course and the opposition as he maintained his record-breaking march adding a sizzling seven-under 65 to go to a sensational 27-under after three rounds in the SAIL Open here on Friday. He opened up an eight-stroke lead over second-placed Gaganjeet Bhullar (66), who last year was in contention at one stage at the SAIL Open before falling to tied fourth.

Two behind Bhullar was a threesome South African Keith Horne (64), Prom Meesawat (68) and Antonio Lascuna (67).

Unable to make use of the excellent scoring conditions were Mark Purser and Artjanawat, whose 72 each saw them fall from over second and third to sixth and tied seventh respectively. Purser was 16-under and Artjanawat was 15-under alongside Ross Bain (66) and Prom Meesawat (68).

From the Indian point of view, Ashok Kumar made a good move upwards with a five-under 67 that carried him to 14-under 202 and tied 10th. Shiv Kapur (69), tied 10th after second round slipped to 13th and S.S.P. Chowrasia (68), Gaurav Ghei (69) and Rahil Gangjee (71) were tied 20th at 11-under, where the group also included Mardan Mamat (73), who slid from tied fifth to 20th.

Chapchai is now in sight of Ernie’s Els winning total of 31-under on the par-73 in Kapalua, Hawaii while winning the Mercedes Benz Championships on US PGA in 2003 and Daniel Chopra’s winning total of 30-under at the Henrico County Championships in 2004. India’s Mukesh Kumar has shot a 30-under at the par-70 Qutub Golf Course on the Indian Tour in 2005. The Asian Tour record for the lowest winning total is 29-under set by Els at the 2003 Johnnie Walker Classic in Perth.

After two very eventful days, Chapchai seemed to be carrying on with birdies on the second and third. But then they dried up and time and again his putts stopped short. Seven straight pars followed by a bogey on 11th meant he was only one-under after 11. But a birdie on 12th pepped him and then he closed the round with five straight birdies from the 14th to the 18th for a 67. His total of 27-under includes a score of 11-under for the par-fives alone and he has missed out on a birdie on only one par-five, the ninth in the third round. It is the lowest ever three-round total on the Asian Tour.

Chapchai admitted, “I am extremely happy with my performance, though a little disappointed that I could not shoot another 62. The conditions were a shade tougher today because the pin positions were more difficult compared to the last two rounds and it was windy and overcast in the morning.”
He did admit that he had a bit of a struggle with the putter on the front nine. “My putting on the back nine was exemplary even though I struggled with the putter on the front nine.”
As for his gameplan for the final day, he declared, “I’ll stick to my strategy of aiming for birdies on the par fives tomorrow. I expect the pin positions to be tougher in round four. I’d love to break the world record of 32 under for four rounds. I’m really enjoying the game at this stage of my career and relish every challenge.”
As Chapchai was running away with the event, Bhullar seemed to be the only with an outside chance of narrowing the gap. The young Indian was four-under through 13 holes, with four birdies and no bogeys. With Chapchai two-under for the day at that stage, the gap between the two was down to five shots – Chapchai at 22-under and Bhullar 17-under. But Chapchai closed with five birdies and Bhullar managed only two more.
“This is a course for the taking. I have not been able to take full advantage of the par-fives,” admitted Bhullar after missing out on a birdie only once on the par-fives on first two days, Bhullar had just one birdie from the four par-fives in the third round.

Bhullar, who has been on a bogey-free streak for the last 43 holes –his last bogey came on the 11th on the first day – said, “I am a little disappointed to miss about three putts within 10 feet today. The conditions were a little tricky at the start of the round as I had to deal with headwind for the first three holes. But I attacked the pin all day and made 16 regulations for the third consecutive day. My driving has been spot-on since last week when I won on the PGTI.”

Bhullar, who has also been working with Hyderabad-based hypnotherapist Pradeep Aggarwal, added, “He (Pradeep) has been helping me with the mental aspect of my game for the last one month. He deals with the subconscious mind. His inputs have helped my game to a great extent. My mindset has changed and I now have another vision of golf.”

Leading scores at the end of the third round:

189 - Chapchai Nirat (THA) 62-62-65

197 - Gaganjeet Bhullar (IND) 67-64-66

199 - Keith Horne (RSA) 68-67-64, Richard Moir (AUS) 66-67-66, Antonio Lascuna (PHI) 65-67-67

200 - Mark Purser (NZL) 65-63-72

201 - Ross Bain (SCO) 67-68-66, Prom Meesawat (THA) 68-65-68,
Wisut Artjanawat (THA) 65-64-72

202 - John Parry (ENG) 68-68-66, Thammanoon Srirot (THA) 67-68-67
Ashok Kumar IND) 67-68-67

203 - Thaworn Wiratchant (THA) 69-69-65, Chris Gaunt (AUS) 70-66-67,
Sushi Ishigaki (JPN) 68-67-68, Shiv Kapur (IND) 68-66-69, Will Yanagisawa (USA) 68-66-69, Mars Pucay (PHI) 67-66-70
204 - Rory Hie (INA) 67-70-67
205 - Unho Park (AUS) 70-67-68, S.S.P. Chowrasia (IND) 66-71-68,
Gaurav Ghei (IND) 69-67-69, Rahil Gangjee (IND) 67-67-71, Jerome Delariarte (PHI) 71-69-65, Mardan Mamat (SIN) 65-67-73

206 - Amandeep Johl (IND) 68-69-69, Siddikur (BAN) 68-70-68, Christopher Campbell (AUS) 67-71-68, George Coetzee (RSA) 68-68-70,
Naman Dawar (IND) 67-69-70, Jeff Burns (USA) 70-68-68, Artemio Murakami (PHI) 67-68-71, Kiradech Aphibarnrat (THA) 72-68-66,
Kodai Ichihara (JPN) 70-70-66

Nirat extends his lead on Day Two
Chapchai Nirat shot a second straight 10-under 62 on Thursday to extend his lead after the second round of the SAIL Open. The 25-year-old Thai golfer has a 20-under total of 124, a new Asian Tour record at the halfway mark. Chapchai is four strokes ahead of Mark Purser of New Zealand, a tour rookie who shot a 63 on Thursday. Thailand's Wisut Artjanawat is another stroke back in third.

Chaichai also shared the tour's previous halfway record of 17 under with two other players.
Chapchai had 11 birdies and one bogey as he equalled the Classic Golf Resort's course record that he set Wednesday.
India's Gaganjeet Bhullar was in fourth place at 131, while pre-tournament favourites Thaworn Wiratchant of Thailand (138) and Jyoti Randhawa of India (140) were lagging back.

Bhullar (64) played flawless golf on a course where birdies were up for grabs. The Kapurthala lad made the turn at two-under before giving of his best on the way back.He began his back-nine journey with a birdie hat-trick and picked up a stroke each on the 14th and 18th holes as well to round off a satisfying day.
"All my putts were within 10 feet. I also did well with the lob wedge and sand wedge. My (first professional) victory (in a domestic event) last week has given me a lot of confidence. I'm hitting the ball well and I have this good feeling about my game," said the talented Indian.Everything else, however, paled in comparison to Nirat's sensational round and the Thai said he never imagined doing so well
"I didn't realise that it would turn out to be so impressive. My putting has been fantastic. I made one-putts on the first six holes and had 23 putts in total," he said."The course is very suitable to my game. I can reach all the par fives in two and the par four holes present birdie opportunities because the fairways are pretty open. But the greens were faster today which made it tricky," he added. In all, 24 Indians made cut, while 48 crashed out.

Source: SAIL Open press release

BCA U-22 cricket: Patna start campaign in style

Patna, March 18, 2009
Patna opened their knock out campaign in the Bihar Cricket Association (BCA) under-22 inter-district championships in style defeating Khagaria by 103 runs at the Moinul Haq Stadium here on Wednesday. With this win, Patna moved into semi-finals.

In the semi-finals on March 20, Patna will play against the winners of the match between Muzaffarpur and Bhojpur.

Batting first, Patna failed to impress and could collect a modest 184 runs off 50 overs losing all the wickets. Ranjit Kumar played a sheet anchor knock of 64 runs. Kundan Gupta (27), Amit (22) and Shridhar (20) were the other notable contributors. Khagaria bowlers kept Patna batsmen on tight lease through out the innings. Kaushal and Saket grabbed two wickets each for 11 and 8 runs respectively.

In reply, Khagaria lost three quick wickets in early part of the innings against Chandan Singh and Munish Khna’s accurate bowling. Khagaria failed to recover from the setback and folded out for 81 runs off 33 overs. Jitendra Kumar top scored with 22 runs and Mukesh Yadav made 15 runs. Chandan Singh took three wickets while Munish Khan captured two wickets for 34 runs.

Ranjit Kumar was named man of the match.

BCA U-22 cricket: Samastipur enter final

Patna, March 17, 2009
Using the Moinul Haq Stadium pitch first has always been an advantage for the batting side, if you go by the past results. Luck favoured Bhagalpur as their captain called the coin correctly and opted to bat first. It was expected Bhagalpur would put up good score on the board against Samastipur in a semi-final match of the Bihar Cricket Association under-22 cricket tournament. But at the end Bhagalpur could manage to score 151 runs off 47.3 overs losing all the wickets.


In no way you can call it a defending total in a 50-over a-side-match. Ashfaque Khan of Samastipur did most of the damage claiming four wickets for 18 runs. Rohit took three wickets for 20 runs while Sanjeev captured two wickets for 48 runs. Rahul (30), Sanjeev Choudhary (27) and Sandeep (16) were the distinguished contributors for Bhagalpur.


In reply, Samastipur scored the required runs in37.3 overs for the loss of four wickets. Ashfaque Khan, who excelled with the ball, played a match-winning knock of 42 runs and remained unbeaten. Pradeep Kumar (29) and Santosh (15) did some useful contributions. With this win Samastpur entered the final.

For his outstanding performance, Ashfaque Khan of Samastipur was declared man of the match.

Brief scores:
Bhagalpur: 151 all out in 47.3 overs (Rahul-30, Sanjeev Choudhary-27 not out, Sandeep-20, Sachin-16, Ashfaque Khan-4/18, Ronit-3/20, Sanjeev-2/48).
Samastipur: 153 for four wickets in 37.3 overs (Ashfaque Khan-42 not out, Pradeep Kumar-29 not out, Santosh-15, Sandeep-1/28, Vasukinath-1/20).

SAIL Open golf: Chapchai shoots stunning 62, takes three-shot lead

Gurgaon, March 18
Big-hitting Chapchai Nirat of Thailand made the best of ideal golfing conditions and a benign golf course to bring home a course record in the first round of the SAIL Open as an Asian Tour returned to the Classic Golf Resort after eight years. The 25-year-old chubby golfer, shot five birdies on either side of the turn to bring home a flawless 10-under 62 that saw him open up a three-shot lead over four players crowding the second place.

The foursome in shared second included Filipino Antonio Lascuna, Thai Wisut Artjanawat, Asian Tour rookie New Zealand’s Mark Purser and Singaporean veteran Mardan Mamat.

With the golf course ideal for scoring, the players went on a birdie spree as 22 players came five-under or better and a total of 95 shot under par for the round.

Behind Chapchai and the four sharing the second spot, there were three players, two of them Indians Shamim Khan and S.S.P. Chowrasia, and Richard Moir of Australia at six-under 66 at tied sixth.

Fourteen players, including five Indians Rahil Gangjee, Rafiq Ali, Gaganjeet Bhullar, Ashok Kumar and Naman Dawar, shot five-under 67 to share the ninth place.

There were 19 players in tied 23rd place at four-under 68 and the bunch included Shiv Kapur, Amandeep Johl, Arjun Singh, Vijay Kumar, Vinod Kumar, Sujjan Singh and C Muniyappa.

Tournament favourite Jyoti Randhawa made a sedate start with a one-under 71 and was laying way behind in 76th place, while Thaworn Wiratchant was one shot better at three- under 69 in tied 44th.

Chapchai, winner of two Asian Tour titles back in 2007, the year he landed more than 300 birdies to become the Birdie King, was in full flow this morning with 10 birdies, five on either side of the turn after starting at the tenth.

Back in 2007, when he spent some time in a monastery to learn how to become calm, Chapchai scored his maiden title win on Asian Tour after beginning the TCL Classic with a 11-under 61 on China.

This time around the 10-birdie round saw him take early advantage. He started with a birdie on tenth and added a second on 11th. A birdie on 14th, followed by two more on 17th and 18th saw him turn in five-under.

Three more in the next four holes on firsr, third and fourth meant he was seven-under after 12 holes. A birdie-birdie finish on eighth and ninth saw him round off the day at 10-under and set a new course record for Chapchai, who was second at the Volvo Masters last December.

“I’m very pleased with my effort since this is my second-best single round score on the Asian Tour. I had 26 putts in all today and my best birdies were on the 11th and 17th. On the par three-11th, I hit my four iron tee shot to within one foot of the pin while on the 17th I chipped-in from the front edge. The key for me in the second round would be to hit the green in two on the par 5s,” said Chapchai.

Wisut, another young and promising Thai, was also in great form with seven birdies against no bogeys. Having finished in the top-10 three times last year, he is still looking for his first win, he had five birdies on the front nine and two on the back journey. Wisut, 27, nevertheless has won a title on the Asean Tour.

Keeping the Indian flag flying were Chowrasia, fourth at the Thailand Open two weeks ago, and Shamim Khan, both of who, carded a six-under 66. Admiring Chapchai’s sensational 62, Chawrasia recalled having shot a 63 here in an Indian Tour event, which has been the best here.

Chowrasia looking to regain the form that won him the joint-sanctioned Indian Masters last year, said, “I made a couple of important birdie putts from 10 feet on the seventh and ninth today and that really got me going for the rest of the round. The course is playing really well and we could be in for a very low score this week. I feel comfortable on this course as I have won here in the past after having shot a nine under.

Shamim Khan, who has been in great form on the Indian tour, but is looking to make a mark on Asian Tour, said, “I couldn't have asked for a better start. I hit it close all day today and made a crucial 15 feet putt for birdie on the 15th. The course is not very difficult to negotiate since there is no rough or wind but one needs to focus on putting. My guess is that the winning score could go up to 20 or 22 under.”

The SAIL Open is the sixth leg of the Asian Tour.


Leading scores

62 - Chapchai Nirat (THA)

65 - Antonio Lascuna (PHI)
Wisut Artjanawat (THA)
Mardan Mamat (SIN)
Mark Purser (NZL)

66 - Shamim Khan (IND)
Richard Moir (AUS)
S.S.P. Chowrasia IND)

67 - Rafiq Ali (IND)
Rahil Gangjee (IND)
Rory Hie (INA)
Gaganjeet Bhullar IND)
Thammanoon Srirot (THA)
Artemio Murakami (PHI)
Mars Pucay (PHI)
Jbe Kruger (RSA)
Naman Dawar IND)
Christopher Campbell (AUS)
Ashok Kumar IND)
Ross Bain (SCO)
Wilhelm Schauman (SWE)
Kao Bo-Song (TPE)

Source: SAIL Open press release

Randhawa hopes to carry on his good form at SAIL Open

Gurgaon, March 17
Buoyed by the title in Thailand earlier this month, Jyoti Randhawa will be hoping to carry on the form which has made him one of the most feared golfers on home turf in India, when he tees off at the second SAIL Open at the Classic Golf Resort. The Asian Tour resumes this week from March 18-21 for SAIL Open after taking a one-week break.

“I know I have a good record at home, but having said that the field is still strong,” said Randhawa, who added that a relaxed approach has helped his game.

“I was relaxed in Thailand and I won. Next week I am off to San Francisco for sky diving before going to Europe for the European Tour. This week I’ll be riding on my motorbike to the course every day,” said Randhawa of his new approach, at the Press conference on the eve of the $ 30,0000 SAIL Open, the sixth leg of the Asian Tour.

“Basically, we golfers spend so much time on the course, so I feel some activities like these (trap shooting, scuba diving, sky diving, desert safaris, etc) help me to relax.”

“The course is very near to my home. That’s where I won my first Indian Open title. I have a lot of good memories of the golf course which is a great track.

“Length of the tees will be beneficial as there are a lot of long par fours and par fives. If you are long enough, you can do some damage. I remember I putted really well in 2000 when I won there. I was hitting the ball long, so it was fun then.”

Randhawa, winner of the Singha Thailand Open, this season has won time and again in major events in India. He has an awesome record with five Asian Tour wins in India – three Hero Indian Open crowns and two Hero Honda Masters titles – since his breakthrough win in 1998. Randhawa has also won last four times he has teed off in India on the domestic tour.

Randhawa was second at the inaugural SAIL open last year and would be looking to improving that. A win here could propel him closer to top-50 in the world, as he is currently 96th.

Randhawa was also very appreciative of SAIL, who have come back as sponsors. “Hats off to SAIL. I think we golfers should appreciate the role of sponsors and media, in promoting this sport in India,” he said.

While Randhawa will be one of the strong favourites, he will have to contend with other Indians, all of whom have begun to look strong on the Asian Tour.

S.S.P. Chowrasia, winner of the Emaar-Indian Masters last season, also seems to have found his touch with a fourth place in Thailand Open. He will be hoping to make up for the loss of form following his maiden win on Asian and European Tour.

“I have changed my putter and my game is coming together,” said Chowrasia.

Also looking for good results and a possible win will be Gaurav Ghei, Shiv Kapur and Digvijay Singh while young gun, Gaganjeet Bhullar, is also looking confident after a win on domestic Tour this week. Rahil Gangjee, seeking to find his way back to the Asian Tour, where he lost his card last season, will also be hoping to strike here.

Thailand’s Thaworn Wiratchant will be amongst the Asian Tour’s elite hoping to equal fellow compatriot’s Thongchai Jaidee’s record of a 11th career victory on the Asian Tour when the second edition of the SAIL Open gets underway next week.

The 2005 Asian Tour Order of Merit champion’s start to the season has been frustrating so far, having missed the cuts in three of the four events that he has played in so far.

“The Indians are doing so well these days. In Thailand Open, it looked like only Indian players. I was telling someone it was like Indian Open. The Indians are very strong and more so in India, but I will try my best. But I am getting old,” he said with a smile.

However, the 42-year-old Thai believes that it will be matter of time before he regains the form that has led him to 10 career titles on the Asian Tour.

Padamjit Singh Sandhu, Director, PGTI, said: “We are delighted to welcome back the SAIL Open 2009. Tournaments of this stature will give our players an opportunity to compete against the best golfing talent from across the region and play a key role in popularising the sport.

“With many top Asian and Indian stars slated to compete in the event, there is a lot to look forward to. The PGTI is indeed thankful to SAIL for helping create playing opportunities for our players.”

Commenting on Omega’s association with golf, P.H. Narayanan, Brand Manager, Omega India, said, “Omega defines precision and for any sportsman – precision matters the most. No wonder then Omega has been the official timekeeper for time immemorial for games across genres be it European Masters, Mission Hills or Olympics. SAIL OPEN reinforces Omega’s commitment to the world of golf.”

The SAIL Open forms the sixth leg of this season’s Asian Tour Schedule and is the first of the two Asian Tour events in India this year.

Source: SAIL Open press release

BCA U-22 cricket: Bhagalpur storm into semis

Patna, March 16
The second quarter-final match of the Bihar Cricket Association (BCA) under-22 inter-district tournament between Bhagalpur and Siwan went through the distance after a drab one-sided match on the opening day on Sunday. Bhagalpur fought it out a grim battle against Siwan and moved into the semi-finals with a four-wicket victory at the Moinul Haq Stadium here on Monday.

Opting to bat first, Siwan collected 163 runs losing all the wickets off 48.1 overs. Three good knocks, Kaifi Shamshir (33), Navneet (32) and Asif Javed (25) provided Siwan a respectable platform to defend the total, in an otherwise dismal batting performance. Mehtab Mehndi returned with best figure of the day claiming four wickets for 29 runs. Vasukinath Mishra supported Mehtab well capturing three wickets for 28 runs.

In reply, Bhagalpur had to fight hard to chase the target. Vikas (36), Sandeep Mishra (24), Rahul (29) and Ashutosh (17) contributed well in the victory. Bhagalpur raced to the target off 41.1 overs losing six wickets. Rizwan Ahmad and Shashikant claimed two wickets each for 28 and 34 runs respectively.

Mehtab Mehndi of Bhagalpur, who claimed four wickets for 29 runs, was declared man of the match. AR Khan, former joint secretary, All India Chess Federation (AICF), gave away the man of the match award.

Earlier, players and officials observed two-minute silence in memory of former Bihar Ranji Trophy player Robin Mukherjee, who passed away following a heart attack in Kolkata recently.

Brief scores:
Siwan: 163 all out in 48.1 overs (Sonu-11, Navneet-32, Kaifi Shamshir-33, Asif Javed-25, Saddam Husain-10, Mehtab Mehndi-4/29, Vasukinath Mishra-3/28)
Bhagalpur: 164 for six wickets in 41.1 overs (Vikas-36, Sandeep Mishra-24, Ashutosh-17, Rahul-29 not out, Rizwan Ahmad-2/28, Shashikant-2/34)

BCA U-22 cricket: Samastipur in semi-finals

Patna, March 15
Sudhir took seven wickets for only six runs as Samastipur scripted a huge 260-run win over Munger in a quarter-final match of the Bihar Cricket Association (BCA) under-22 tournament at the Moinul Haq Stadium here on Sunday. With this victory, Samastipur moved into the semi-finals.

Batting first Samastipur amassed 287 for the loss of eight wickets off 50 overs. Sanjeev struck unbeaten 94 runs to emerge as the top scorer for his side. Asfan Khan (42), Mohsin Khan (26), Santosh (22) and Sudhir (17) were the other notable contributors. Pranav and Shahid Khan captured two wickets each for 50-50 runs respectively.

In reply Munger stumbled out for a paltry 27 runs off 10.4 overs. Sudhir tore apart Munger batting line up with his probing medium pace bowling. Sanjeev got two wickets for 15 runs.

Sudhir (Samastipur) was declared man of the match and received the man of the match award from Rama Shankar Prasad, joint-secretary, Bihar Cricket Association.

Earlier, Professor Uttam Kumar Singh, director general, Dr Zakir Husain Institute inaugurated the second stage of the tournament. Eight teams have qualified for the knock-out stage after playing league matches at eight different venues of Bihar.

This is second tournament being organized by the Lalu Prasad led Bihar Cricket Association after getting associate membership status from Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) in September, 2008. Earlier, BCA had organized an Inter-District Twenty20 tournament. Ajay Narayan Sharma, secretary, Bihar Cricket Association and Mritunjay Tiwari, president, Bihar Players Association were present at the opening function.

Brief scores:
Samastipur: 287 for eight wickets in 50 overs (Mohsin Khan-26, Santosh-22, Asfan Khan-42, Sanjeev-94 not out, Sudhir-17, Pranav-2/50, Shahid Khan-2/50)
Munger: 27 all out in 10.4 overs (Sudhir-7/6, Sanjeev-2/15)

Photo caption: Professor Uttam Singh, Director General, Dr Zakir Hussain Institute being introuduced to the players at the inauguration of BCA U-22 cricket tournament in Patna on March 15, 2009.

Photo: Aftab Alam Siddiqui

NYK lift Archana cricket trophy

Patna, March 1, 2009
Local senior division league team Nehru Yuvak Kendra Cricket Club (NYKCC) halted Diesel Locomotive Works, Varanasi (DLW) XI’s dream run in the final and clinched the third Archana Sharma memorial cricket tournament title. NYK beat DLW XI by 69 runs at the Moinul Haq Stadium here.

Batting first, NYK scored 165 for nine wickets in the allotted 40 overs. Pradeep (38) emerged as the top scorer while substantial contribution came from Babul (20), Ashish (31), Kumar Aditya (33) and Nishant (20) Manoj Singh took three wickets for 24 runs. Abdul Gani two wickets for 31 and Avinash one wicket for 31 runs were the other wicket-takers.

In reply, DLW XI could manage to score 96 runs off 27.2 overs. Abhinav Verma, who enjoyed good outings in this tournament so far, disappointed in the final hurdle. He scored only 17 runs. Rakesh Mishra (19), K Ganguly (21) and JP Singh (13) showed some semblance of resistance against NYK’s probing attack.

Kaushik did the trick with his three-wicket haul for only 9 runs. Babloo claimed two wickets for 31 runs. Pradeep Gupta was named man of the match.

Organising committee chairman, Sanjeev Ranjan was the chief guest at the closing function and he distributed the prizes. Abhinav Verma of DLW XI was declared best batsman and best player of the tournament. Abhishek Pandey of DLW XI was adjudged best bowler. Arvind Jha (SBI, Patna) was declared best fielder while Kamlesh Kumar of NYKCC got best promising player award.
Brief scores:
NYKCC: 165 for nine wickets in 40 overs (Babul-20, Ashish-31, Kumar Aditya-33, Nishant-20, Pradeep-38, Manoj Singh-3/24, A Gani-2/31, Avinash-1/31)
DLW XI: 96 all out in 27.2 overs (Abhiav Verma-17, Rakesh Mishra-19, K Ganguly-21, JP Singh-13, Kaushik-3/9, Babool-2/31).

DLW XI in final
DLW XI, Varanasi entered the final of the third Archana Sharma memorial cricket tournament defeating Gardanibagh XI by 86 runs in the second semi-final at the Moinul Haq Stadium here on February 28.
Abhinav Verma of DLW XI (Varanasi), who remained unbeaten on 79 runs, was declared man of the match. He received the man of the match award from former international and Test cricketer, Saba Karim.
Batting first, DLW XI piled up 215 for seven wickets I the allotted 40 overs. In reply, Gardanibagh XI stumbled out for 129 runs in 36.5 overs.

Brief scores:
DLW XI, Varanasi: 215 for seven wickets in 40 overs (Abhinav Verma-79 not out, Khurshid Khan-82, Manoj Singh-15, Sahil-5/18)
Gardanibagh XI: 129 all out in 36.5 overs (Akash-23, A Pintu-25, Iqbal-17, A Gani-4/26, Avinash-2/23, Abhishek Pandey-3/20)

Sourav Ganguly says no to politics

Patna, March 7, 2009
Former Indian cricket team captain Sourav Ganguly today ruled out the possibility of joining politics. “I had an offer from Left front in West Bengal but I refused it”, he said while talking to scribes during a promotional campaign of a TMT bar manufacturing company here.

“I have no plan to join politics. I won’t be campaigning for any party in the coming Parliamentary elections”, said Sourav, arguably the most successful captain of Indian cricket team.

On another former Indian captain Mohammad Azharuddin joining politics and putting his candidature from Hyedrabad parliamentary seat on Congress ticket, Sourav wished Azhar good luck and said, “It is his personal decision. I wish him well”.

Sourav, who is lovingly called as Dada, talked at a length on different topics and terror attack on cricket was on the fore front. He termed terror attack on Sri Lankan players in Lahore as "frightening" and said Pakistan is no more a safe venue for international cricket. He hoped such incidents would not happen in the future.

“It is terrible for the game of cricket where players are attacked by terrorists. Definitely, Pakistan is not safe now,” he added.

Six Sri Lankan cricketers and assistant coach Paul Fabrace was injured, while eight people, including six policemen were killed when 12 gunmen opened fired at the team convoy on March 3, 2009 while it was on its way to Gaddafi stadium for the third day's play in the second Test.

The Kolkata Knight Riders captain, however, dismissed apprehensions of any terror threat to the Indian Premier League (IPL), saying, “It is completely safe and preparations are already underway for holding the matches.”
“The Knight Riders will begin practice from March 16," he said.

On Master Blaster Sachin Tendulkar
“Sachin Tendulkar, despite being dogged by injuries, should play in the 2011 World Cup. Sachin is quite capable of playing in the 2011 World Cup and he should play in it though the decision has to be entirely his.”

On captain MS Dhoni and his boys

“I feel current Indian team led by Mahendra Singh Dhoni is a ‘balanced’ one. When I was captain, I often suggested the gifted wicketkeeper-batsman to go up in the batting order.”
“It is good that he has moved up the batting order and the decision is showing good results. He should give himself as many overs as he can in a limited over game.”

On opener Virender Sehwag

“Veeru has always been a Master Blaster and continues to be so even today.”

current Indian coach

South African Gary Kirsten is a good coach though I did not have a long stint with him.”

On his favourite coach

“John Wright is my favourite coach. I played under his guidance for five years with good results.”

On Greg Chappell stint as Indian team coach
“Things were not up to our expectations.”

On Bihar players

“Bihar has the potential to produce international cricketers. I will be happy to include Bihar players in my cricket academy in Kolkata”.

Photo captions: Har Koi Captain Nahi Hota (everyone can’t be captain): Former India’s cricket team captain Sourav Ganguly at a promotion campaign of a TMT bar company in Patna on March 7, 2009.

Photo: Aftab Alam Siddiqui