Delhi Daredevils pick 9 schoolboys among nets bowlers

NEW DELHI, March 22, 2013:  “It will be a dream come true to be able to bowl to the Delhi Daredevils batsmen this season,” said Kulachi Hansraj Model School’s leg-spinner Hiten Dalal after being picked today by the Delhi Daredevils coaching staff led by Team Mentor TA Sekar and Head Coach Eric Simons, as one of the nine young nets bowlers.

At the end of a two-day camp for schoolboys who had performed well in the inaugural Fast Trax Daredevils Schools Cup in December last, the Delhi Daredevils coaches identified five fastmedium bowlers, two leg-spinners and two off-spinners to bowl to the Delhi Daredevils players ahead of the home games in the Pepsi Indian Premier League 2013.

“We believe this is one way of contributing to the society in which we play our cricket,” Sekar said. “We were impressed by the talent shown by these lads and believe they can learn a great deal when bowling to some of our batsmen at the nets this season. It is unfortunate that we could not include the batsmen and other bowlers.”

The bowlers selected:

Medium fast: Vishwas Malik (Kulachi Hansraj Model School), Suraj Rai (Salwan Boys Senior Secondary School), Vineet Kumar (Ravindra Public School), Sachin Roy (Ravindra Public School) and Sarang Rawat (Modern School). Leg-spinners: Hiten Dalal (Kulachi Hansraj Model School) and Naveen Yadav (Vidya Jain Public School).Off-spin bowlers: Vikas Dikshit (Kulachi Hansraj Model School) and Jatin Dalal (Ganga International).

DD Press release

Daredevils’ coaches share insights with schoolboys at camp

NEW DELHI, March 20, 2013: The Delhi Daredevils delivered its promise of letting a set of talented school boys from the National Capital Region of Delhi have a tryst with its coaching staff at the Jamia Milia Islamia ground here today.

Led by Team Mentor TA Sekar and Head Coach Eric Simons, the Delhi Daredevils coaches spent time sharing their insights with nearly three dozen teenagers at the start of the two-day camp.

Simons often shared a laugh with the trainees I to break barriers of awkwardness that the youngsters sometimes felt in the presence of the India’s erstwhile bowling coach. “I don’t believe in making too many changes. I have shared some insights into the game with the players and if they can follow them, they will see the results,” he said.

Sekar spent time with the fastmedium bowlers and told them about the importance of shoulder position and structure while delivery. “I hope they will think about it and work on these areas. I have asked them to give me feedback about what works for them and what doesn’t,” he said.

Team Manager Aashish Kapoor and Batting Coach Trent Woodhill were at hand to help the boys with tips on spin bowling and batting. It was evident that the schoolboys enjoyed the session, eagerly lapping up every word that the coaches spoke, to the point that one of the most talented batsmen Vishal Adlakha’s father said he would let his son attend the second day’s session too at the cost of his Board examination tomorrow. 

DD Press release

Chaturvedi elected TTFI president; Bihar to host Senior National Table Tennis Tournament

New Delhi, March 19, 2013: Prabhat C. Chaturvedi was elected as president of the Table Tennis Federation of India (TTFI) at the Annual General Meeting held at Lucknow on Sunday for a four-year term (2013-2017). Chaturvedi, a retired IAS officer was the senior vice-president of the federation, and he replaces Ajay Singh Chautala, whose third term at the helm ended recently.

The new president, who assumed charge at the TTFI, will have Dhanraj Choudhary as secretary-general and Mahinder Pal Singh as treasurer, the two other principal office-bearers of the federation. Choudhary, who took over from Mool Chand Chouhan after his demise three years ago, is in his second term, while Singh, a first-timer, replaces B.K. Bawa, as treasurer.

TTFI, which has adopted the new sports code at a special GBM held in January this year, held elections as per the guidelines set out by the sports ministry. The elections were conducted by returning officer UK Bansal, a retired IPS officer, in the presence of government observer Rachna Govil and Indian Olympic Association representative Anandeshwar Pandey.

All office-bearers, including one senior vice-president, eight vice-presidents, four joint secretary and seven out of eight executive council members, were elected unanimously. The posts of one senior vice-president and one EC member have been kept vacant as there were no sufficient nominations. They will be filled later with the due process of election.

Later when the newly-elected members met, they decided on the annual calendar of events and drew up a bid chart from various state affiliates. As per agreement from state units, the senior nationals will be held in Bihar, while the youth and junior nationals in Assam and the cadet and sub-junior nationals in Rajasthan. Punjab (north), Andhra Pradesh (south), North Bengal (east) and Maharashtra (west) will conduct the zonals in 2013. All these domestic events will see a total prize purse of Rs 50 lakh being disbursed to the paddlers up to the top eight places.  

But the most immediate and biggest event on TTFI calendar is the Commonwealth TT Championships to be held in New Delhi between May 5 and 10. According to the secretary-general, the TTFI has already started chalked out plans to conduct the prestigious championships in a big way. Besides the Commonwealth championships, the TTFI will also host two more international events in ITF Global Circuit event in October (Maharashtra) and South Asian championships (July-August) this year.

The office-bearers: Prabhat C. Chaturvedi (President), Dushyant Chautala (Senior vice-president), DV Sundar, Rajeev P Bodas, S M Sultan, Sanjay Singh, Majinder Singh Sirsa, Sudhanshu Pandey, Arun Kumar Banerjee, and Chiranjib Choudhury (all vice-presidents), Dhanraj Choudhary (secretary-general), Mahinder Pal Singh (treasurer), Haresh Sangtani, Mantu Ghosh, Jayesh Acharya and Tridip Duvarah (all joint secretaries), Jhanja Tripathy, Srinivasan Shridhar, TH. Nandkishore Singh, Yatin Tipnis, Manjit Dua, Pankaj Sharma, Vivek Satyajeet, and Vijayarangam (all EC members). 

Press release

DLW win All India Inter-Railway Golf Championship title

Diesel Locomotive Works (DLW) Varanasi won the 57th All India Inter-Railway Golf Championship title carding a gross score of 459 at the Patna Golf Club in Patna on March 17, 2013. DLW team comprises Inamul Haque, Arshad Ali, SB Singh and SP Dwivedi. East Central Railway General Manager Madhuresh Kumar gave away the prizes.
Photo: Aftab Alam Siddiqui

BPA stages dharna to protest SAI decision

Players led by Bihar Players Association president Mritunjay Tiwari staged dharna before the Sports Authority of India Training Centre in Patna on March 17, 2013 in protest against the SAI's decision to close the residential boarding scheme (RBS) for football and kabaddi and day boarding scheme for basketball from April 1.
Photo: Aftab Alam Siddiqui

Bhullar gives Aiken a run for money, but still finishes second at Avantha Masters

 Thomas Aiken receiving the Avantha Masters Trophy  

Gaganjeet Bhullar

Greater NOIDA, March 17, 2013: Gaganjeet Bhullar waged a magnificent battle with a stunning eight-under 64, the best card of the final day, but still lost by three shots to the steady Thomas Aiken of South Africa at the Avantha Masters in Jaypee Greens Resort Golf Club.

The 29-year-old Aiken shot a bogeyfree 67 on the heels of a superb 62 on third day and totaled a superb 23-under 265, while Bhullar, who had predicted a 20-under total for a win, did reach that but was still well short.

It was the Aiken’s second European Tour title, while Bhullar achieved his best ever European Tour results, but that will carry him to he top of the Asian Tour Order of Merit.

Aiken’s performance on Saturday for a 62 was a ball-striking masterclass and on Sunday he carried on and carded a 67.

Bhullar waged a strong challenge, and so did China’s Liang Wen-chong (69), who also had the tournament’s only hole-in-one par-3 seventh. Liang finished at 18-under with the final round including five birdies, two bogeys, one double bogey and one ace.

Kiradech Aphinbarnrat (69) also posed a challenge at one stage, but Aiken stayed steady, and the Thai ended at 17-under in fourth place.

Bhullar apart, Himmat Rai (65) had the day’s second best round and finished in a tie for ninth place at 14-under.

Among other Indians, Jeev Milkha Singh (71), Rahil Gangjee (71) and Anirban Lahiri (71) ended in a tie for 23rd, while Jyoti Randhawa (70) was tied 29th. Rashid Khan cracked an error-free 66 and ended in a tie for tied 34th at nine-under.

Aiken said, “I’ve been playing very nicely the last four months, not making a lot of mistakes, but just not sinking enough putts.”

 “This week a few went in, I hit some better iron shots which gave me a better chance to sink some putts, and I played some phenomenal golf.”

Bhullar said, “I was actually worried before this week and then I spoke to my coach. We worked on some of the mistakes I was making. We exchanged swing videos and he told me what to do. The trick today was the way my putting worked. I got off to a great start with three birdies and an eagle on fifth. It gave me the momentum that I needed.”

“I wanted to try for a win and my caddie kept motivating me. Basically no one remembers the second place guy after sometime. It is only the winner who stays in the history books. Being second or 40th does not matter. For instance my friends, fans and some may remember I was second here, but Thomas Aiken’s name will be there in the books,” he added.

Bhullar continued, “So I went for the flag on the 14th and was rewarded with a birdie. I had another 40-feet conversion on the 17th. However, I couldn’t catch up with Thomas who played a fabulous round. Aiken putted better and that made all the difference.  Thomas was simply superb. And then he holed a fine birdie to finish in style.”

Bhullar came with an aggressive plan as he revealed, “The plan was to hit 14 fairways and 18 greens and make all putts in order to have a chance. I thought I’d give it hundred per cent when I started today. I was aggressive at the start and it paid off with birdies on the first three holes and an eagle on the fifth. I drove the green on the fifth for the third successive day and followed it up with a 40-feet putt.”

But he was put back by a bogey on eighth. “The bogey on the eighth came at the wrong time for me as I pulled my drive into the trees. I then sank birdies on the 10th, 14th, 15th and 17th,” he added.

If Aiken’s brilliant third round was the catalyst for victory, there was still plenty of work to do on the final day.

Bhullar came flying out of the blocks, and looked as though he may add a European Tour title to the Challenge Tour victory he recorded on home soil two years ago when he followed birdies at the first three holes with an eagle at the 356 yard par four fifth after driving the green.

Aiken’s playing partner Liang also closed in with birdies at the second and fourth, but the 2011 Open de España winner responded by holing a six footer at the second to remain two clear.

Aiken knocked in an eight footer at the fifth to go to 20 under, and when Bhullar bogeyed the eighth and Liang double-crossed his tee shot right into bushes at the sixth, took a penalty drop, and eventually three-putted for a double bogey, the South African was four ahead.

However, as quickly as Liang’s title chances looked to have evaporated they reignited with an eight iron ace at the short seventh which halved the deficit.

Bhullar birdied three of the last five to set the clubhouse target at 20 under par, but Aiken completed regulation birdies on both par fives on the back nine – he almost eagled both – then sunk a 20-footer across the final green for a fitting finale.

“These guys kept coming at me today – Liang on the front nine and then Bhullar made some amazing birdies coming in,” added Aiken. “It was by no means a walk in the park.

“I want to dedicate this to my wife Kate – being the wife of a sportsman is not easy and she supports me so much, so this one’s for you Kate.”

Bhullar’s brilliant 64 gave him second, with Liang two shots further back in third following a 69.

“I had a great week in India,” said Liang, whose only European Tour victory remains the 2007 Singapore Masters.  “Although I did not win, I learnt a lot about myself, especially today. To card a double-bogey on the sixth and make a comeback with a hole-in-one on the next hole showed lots of character. 

“Unfortunately I could not make as many putts as I would to, but that’s golf. You win some and you lose some. I tried my best and that’s all I can ever ask for.”

Press release

Aiken takes three-shot lead into the final day of Avantha Masters

 Thomas Aiken

Greater NOIDA, March 16, 2013: Thomas Aiken, who chose golf ahead of cricket and tennis, because it offered better scenery, could enjoy it even more on Sunday as he grabbed a three-shot lead going into the final day of the Avantha Masters at the Jaypee Greens Resort. His three-shot lead in a tournament that has been very tight thus, indicated that the lovely Avantha Masters could once again be headed to South Africa for the second year running, taking over from Jbe Kruger, who missed the cut on Friday.

Aiken, a competent fast bowler at the provincial level, was also proficient in tennis in his mid-teens. He finally opted for golf and is now beginning to reap the benefits of the sport, besides enjoying the sights it brings with it.

Firing eight birdies and an eagle in a stunning 10-under round, bettered only by the 61 on first day Chinnarat Phadungsil, Aiken is now 18-under and three clear of the overnight co-leader Liang Wen-chong ((69). Kiradech Aphibarnrat, playing two groups ahead of Aiken also had a 30 for front nine like the South African, but he managed only a 36 with one eagle and two bogeys on back nine, while Aiken shot 32. Kiradech, whose only win on Asian Tour, came at SAIL Open in 2011, is now tied third with David Drysdale (68) at 14-under while big-hitting Scott Hend (68) was tied fifth with Joonas Granberg (69) and Tommy Fleetwood (69) at 13-under.

Gaganjeet Bhullar moved up to tied eighth as the top Indian following a flawless five-under 67 that brought him to 12-under for the week, six behind Aiken. Bhullar, who had 17 greens admitted his round was better today but felt he need to putt better to further move up.

Jeev Milkha Singh with six birdies and three bogeys shot 69 and was tied 17^th at 10-under.

Anirban Lahiri (70) and Rahil Gangjee (72) were tied 23rd at nine-under, while Jyoti Randhawa (68) showed glimpses of his old form and moved to eight-under in tied 32^nd.

Abhijit Chadha was unable to conjure up the same magic as first two days and dropped four shots in last five holes and ended with a 74 that saw him drop to tied 37^th, alongside Himmat Rai (68), Ashok Kumar (70) at seven-under. Manav Jaini (69) was tied 45^th at six-under.

Aiken’s iron play was spellbinding as he moved from four behind to three in front. “I concentrated very hard to play one shot at a time and it seemed to work,” said Aiken. “It just shows what can happen. I got off to a great start - holing a pitch shot on the second for eagle always helps - and from then on I just stuck to my game plan. All in all I’m very pleased with the way I played.” Having also birdied the first, Aiken’s slice of fortune on the second saw him three under through two holes.

Some sensational approach play allowed him to birdie the fifth, seventh, eighth, tenth and 11th without having to make a putt of more than ten feet, and after being briefly caught by Kiradech Aphibarnrat, the 29 year old responded with a two-putt birdie at the long 15th and a 12 foot gain at the next.

Aiken, whose only European Tour win was the 2011 Open de Espana, said, “I’ve been playing very well the last four months and just haven’t converted opportunities.” This season his best has been tied sixth at the Joburg Open.

“Fortunately this week I’ve converted a lot of the opportunities that I’ve had; the majority of them have gone in from inside ten feet and that’s what makes the difference from a scoring point of view.”

India’s top man this week thus far, Bhullar said, “It was much better than previous two days. I have been hitting the ball consistently well, and even finding a lot of greens. I had a lot of greens in regulation. It was 17 yesterday and again 17 today. I missed only one green in regulation today. But the putts have not fallen. However, it was better today as compared to the first two days.”

On the takeaways from the second round, Bhullar added, “But the positive I am taking from today’s round is that I had no bogeys. Anytime you shoot four-five birdies and no bogeys it feels good. Today on the 8^th, I had superb 40-50 footer for birdie and then on the par-5 15^th, I was sitting on six-foot eagle, but I just missed it closely. I used a 3-Wood and 3-Iron and landed within six feet. I had earlier birdied the par-5 12^th.”

Jeev had mixed feelings as he said, “I am getting the birdies alright, but I am also dropping too many bogeys. In three days I have dropped eight bogeys and that’s just too much. I had as many as six birdies today, but I gave back three of them. On the first day seven birdies and I dropped three bogeys. So, that tells you the story. Maybe, I am getting very aggressive on this course. But that’s also what is required because the course if there for the taking. Every now and then someone is going really deep and low.”

Overnight joint-leader Liang is closest to Aiken following a 69. Liang was  left him 15 under - the Chinese star’s efforts undone by two bogeys on the front nine after missing putts from inside two feet.

Thailand’s Aphibarnrat, who briefly held a share of the lead when he splashed in from a bunker for an eagle at the long 12th, and Scotland’s David Drysdale are tied for third on 14 under after both dropped shots late in the day.

Aphibarnrat had also raced to the turn in 30 with six birdies in eight holes, but bogeyed the tenth after missing a three-footer for par.

Press release

Chadha, Gangjee seventh; Liang, Chapchai in lead

 Chapchai Nirat

Liang Wen-chong

Greater Noida, India, March 15, 2013: There was a very strong Asian touch to the leaderboard as Thailand’s Chapchai Nirat and China’s Liang Wen-chong, added second successive and matching 66s to share the halfway lead at the €1.8 million (approximately US$2.3 million) Avantha Masters on Friday at the to lead at the Jaypee Greens Golf Course.

Right on the leading duo’s heels was the current Asian Tour Order of Merit leader Chawalit Plaphol of Thailand, as he carded a 68 to share third place alongside Scotland’s David Drysdale, England’s Tommy Fleetwood and Finland’s Joonas Granberg. The quartet was two shots behind the leaders, who were at 12-under-par 132 and the foursome following them was at 10-under.

The bunch for tied seventh at nine-under included young Indian Abhijit Chadha, who was once again not overawed by the big stage. He carded a neat three-under 69 that included one bogey, his only one in the past 36 holes. Also tied with him was a Rahil Gangjee, whose flawless 66 carried to nine-under and gave him a shot at the title he missed narrowly in 2010, when he shared a seven-way lead after 54 holes before faltering in the final round.

First-round leader Thai Chinnarat Phadungsil, who shot 11-under on first day was five-over after 10 holes, before three birdies in the last saved him the blushes and brought him to 74  and at seven-under he was tied seventh.

Fourteen Indians made the cut and it was one of the highest-ever by Indians in an European Tour event.

Apart from Chadha and Gangjee, Jeev Milkha Singh (69-68), Anirban Lahiri (68-69) and Gaganjeet Bhullar (68-69) ere tied at 20th at seven-under. Ashok Kumar (68-71) was 28th at five-under, while Jyoti Randhawa (70-70), Rashid Khan (67-73) and SSP Chowrasia (68-72) were tied 39th, Himmat Rai (70-71), Manav Jaini (70-71), Vikrant Chopra (72-69), Ajeetesh Sandhu (72-69) and Mukesh Kumar (72-69) were tied 56th and on the cut line, which fell at thee-under.

Prominent Indians to miss the cut were Shamim Khan (77-66), Chiragh Kumar (72-71), Khalin Joshi (73-70) and Shiv Kapur (72-72).

Missing the cut among leading stars was Edoardo Molinari (72-70), Anders Hansen (73-69), Gregory Bourdy (74-68), Simon Dyson (73-70) Daniel Chopra (73-71), Thomas Levet (72-73), and Colin Montgomerie (76-76).

Chapchai was delighted that his booming drives played a key role in putting him into contention. “I played very well indeed. This is a very long course and I managed to hit the balls long the last two days. I also managed to hole several long putts as well and luck did play a part in getting me into my position today,” said the three-time Asian Tour winner.

Liang showed why he is still one of China’s best players when he found himself back on familiar ground atop the leaderboard.

“I had a good break with my family and I feel all recharged now. I’ve learnt to stay patient and my playing experience from all over the world has taught me well,” said Liang.

Chadha, who has shown great poise and character in the first two rounds, admitted that interactions with Jeev Milkha Singh have helped. The youngster said, “In Chandigarh I train with Jesse Grewal and I often talk to Jeev Milkha Singh when he is around and we also play sometimes. Then Amritinder Singh (Jeev’s swing coach) is also in Chandigarh. They have so much experience. I have learnt from them.

Gangjee was the best performing Indian after he returned with a flawless 66. “I am feeling relaxed and hitting the ball well, so let’s see how it goes over the weekend,” said Gangjee.

“I’ve hit it close on both days. I converted a few more putts today as compared to round one. I sank a dramatic 50-footer for birdie on the third where the ball hit the hole, jumped out and fell in. There were no destructive shots today,” added the Indian.

Press release

Chinnarat scorches the course for 11-under card

Thailand’s Chinnarat Phadungsil

Greater Noida, India, March 14: Thailand’s Chinnarat Phadungsil took ample advantage of the ideal scoring conditions, scorching the Jaypee Greens Golf Course for an 11-under 61 that include a sensational eight birdies on the back nine on the first day of the Avantha Masters 2013. It gave him a huge five-shot lead over a bunch of five players that included yet another talented young Indian, Abhijit Chadha, who shot a bogey free six-under 66 in the €1.8 million (approximately US$2.3 million) event, tri-sanctioned by European, Asian and PGTI Tours.

Though Chinnarat led the field, the home challenge had a decent enough start.

Among the other prominent Indians, Chadha’s 2010 Asian Games teammate, Rashid Khan shot 67, while former champion SSP Chowrasia, Anirban Lahiri, Gaganjeet Bhullar and Ashok Kumar carded 68 each, while Rahil Gangjee and Jeev Milkha Singh brought in 69 apiece.

Chinnarat, 25, a three-time winner on the Asian Tour, who won his first title beating India’s Shiv Kapur in a play-off in Thailand in 2005, had just 22 putts. Back in 2005, Chinnarat had become the youngest winner on the Asian Tour at 17 years and five days.

He was only one shot away from equalling the Asian Tour’s low 18-hole score record. The five players tied in second place included Thailand’s Chapchai Nirat and current Order of Merit leader Chawalit Plaphol, Chadha, China’s Liang Wen-chong and Sweden’s Magnus A Carlsson who signed for matching 66s.

“It’s my best-ever round! My previous best was a nine-under par in China in 2007. So it’s definitely a great feeling today,” said Chinnarat.

Chinnarat had three birdies to reach the turn in 33. Then he exploded into action with seven birdies in a row. He was 10-under when he came to the 220-yard long par-3 17th tee. “I had a very long putt and managed two putts for a par,” said Chinnarat.

“On the front nine I was hitting a lot of hook shots, so my putter really saved me. But on the back nine, I drove the ball better and my irons were also better, so that’s the reason why I scored so well,” said Chinnarat.

Local hope Chadha brought the early cheers in the morning when he finished as the clubhouse leader then. Chadha, 21, was presented the PGTI Rookie of the Year Award on Wednesday and is excited about his prospects this week.

“I’m feeling really good about this week. I was just raring to go and get on with it. I just want to go out and play. I like this golf course as it suits my game. Winning the title last year on the PGTI was a good feeling,” said Chadha, who marked his flawless card with six birdies.

Liang, who earned the distinction of being the first mainland Chinese to win the Asian Tour Order of Merit in 2007, continued his love affair with India when he returned with a 66 to continue his push for his third Asian Tour victory.

The Chinese last win on the Asian Tour was in India where he carded a 12-under-par 60 to set a new low 18-hole score in the opening round of the Indian Open in 2008.

Abhijit Chadha emerges from amateur ranks, lies tied second

Abhijit Chadha 

GREATER NOIDA, March 14, 2013: Wearing his favourite Augusta Masters T-shirt, Abhijit Chadha underlined his potential with a flawless six-under 66 a day after being honoured as the ‘Emerging Player of the Indian PGTI Tour for 2012’. The big-hitting 21-year-old Chadha is tied second place behind the rampaging Thai Chinnarat Phadungsil, who shot a sensational 11-under 61 on the first day of the Avantha Masters.

Chadha was tied second in the company of former Asian Tour Order of Merit winner, Liang Wenchong, two other Thais, Chapchai Nirat, who holds the world of 32-under recorded in 2009 SAIL open, and Chawalit Plaphol, winner of the opening event on 2013 Asian Tour, and Swede Magnus Carlsson.

Among the other prominent Indians, Chadha’s 2010 Asian Games teammate, Rashid Khan shot 67, while former champion SSP Chowrasia, Anirban Lahiri, Gaganjeet Bhullar and Ashok Kumar carded 68 each, while Rahil Gangjee and Jeev Milkha Singh brought in 69 apiece.

Chadha, son a Chandigarh-based businessman, is coached by Jesse Grewal, who also trains many other leading pros including Himmat Rai.

Chadha said, “The putter was hot today. I holed almost everything. I made a 40-footer for birdie on the 16th and converted two 25-feet birdie putts on the sixth and ninth. I hit it given from the edge to set up a birdie on the 15th. I also had a fantastic par save on the par-3 17th with a good up and down.”

Speaking of the Augusta Masters shirt he wore, Chadha smiled and added, “That’s the one (Masters) I want to win. It is my big dream and it is my favourite shirt.”

For the present, he was happy with six birdies and the way he played. He added, “I hit it long so this course suits my game. My average driving distance is 300 yards and with my new driver I’ve been smoking it and hitting it even further. The conditions were quite tough in the morning with the swirling wind so I’m all the more pleased with my six-under.”

Chadha, said, “I don’t feel the pressure of playing the Avantha Masters for the first time. The experience of playing many big international events during my amateur days has really helped me. As an amateur I played a lot of events overseas as part of the Indian team.”

But he did add, “It’s the first time I’m playing in an event sanctioned with the European Tour. I’ve got no experience at all. I’ve played a couple of events on the Asian Tour. Playing with the big players really gives you lots of confidence.”

Chadha played in a local event recently besides the two rounds he played during the trials for the selection of the 2010 Asian Games team. “We just had a tournament (LP Cup) last month. I played six rounds then and that obviously helps. Also I played the Asian Games trials here in 2010.”

The key for Chadha now is to hang in and not let the pressure get to him.

Press release

Clinics by Golf Foundation and Emirates attract keen youngsters

GREATER NOIDA, March 14, 2013: Two sets of youngsters from different backgrounds benefited from the clinics held on the first day of the Avantha Masters at Jaypee Greens Golf resort.

India’s leading professionals Gaurav Ghei and Anirban Lahiri, both three-time winners on the Asian Tour, conducted the Emirates Clinic and then Thomas Levet, a six-time European Tour winner and Ryder Cup player conducted the second one for the Golf Foundation.

About 15 kids between the ages of six and 15 from various backgrounds turned up for the Golf Foundation clinic with Levet, who showed them a lot of trick shots and also gave tips on the basic aspects of the game.

Levet said, “Some of these youngsters have a lot of potential and they seemed so keen. Many of them have got their basics right, which is very good.” Many of them had won titles in age-group competitions and the most prominent, Shubham, son of a milkman, learnt golf from videos on the Internet and has won over 60 tournaments in the last 2 years.

Earlier nearly 30 children from the National Capital region, many of whom train at the Jaypee Greens Golf Resort, attended the Emirates Clinic conducted by Ghei and Lahiri, both three-time Asian tour winners.

The youngsters were shown various nuances of the game and given tips on driving, putting, chipping and bunker shots. “It is amazing to see how keen these youngsters are. Some of them are really very good for their age. They have a great future,” said Ghei.

Lahiri, winner of the SAIL-SBI Open last week, added, “These kids have a lot of opportunities and they are willing to work at it. I am sure some of the kids we saw today will be the champions of the future.”

Emirates Quiz contest

Emirates is also running a quiz where guests enter the quiz using iPads at the booth to stand a chance to win 2 business class tickets to Dubai. Emirates Skywards members who come to the booth and produce their Skywards Membership card will get a special gift from the airline. Any golfer who hits a hole in one at Hole 17 will win two business class tickets to any of the 130 destinations on the Emirates Network.

Press release

Ali Sher, Shaaban Hussin lead their teams to victory at Pro-Am event

 Morning session winners - Ali Sher's team

Afternoon session winners - Shaaban Hussin's team

New Delhi, March 10, 2013: The Pro-Am event of the SAIL-SBI Open 2013 provided amateur golfers from the capital an opportunity to tee-off along with some of the top professional golfers in Asia.

The Pro-Am was played in the modified scramble format where the team’s best net score on each hole was counted towards the team score.

In the morning session, PGTI member Ali Sher led his team to victory with a score of -21. Ali Sher’s team comprised of amateurs Ms. Geeta Rai, Ms. Veera Singh, Ms. Poonam Chawla and Mr. Gandhrav Kohli.

PGTI member Vijay Kumar’s team was second with a score of -20. Vijay’s team comprised of amateurs Mr. R Kumar, Mr. Vishal Chaudhry, Mr. Didharth Chaudhry and Ms. Amita Jalta.

PGTI member Mukesh Kumar’s team comprising of amateurs Mr. P K Misra, Mr. Rajiv Mehrishi, Mr. Vinod Mishra and Mr. Vipin Malik finished third. Their team score was -20. Mukesh Kumar’s team lost out to Vijay Kumar’s team on the basis of a count-back.

In the afternoon session, Malaysian professional Shaaban Hussin led his team to victory with a score of -24. Shaaban’s team comprised of amateurs Mr. Dinkar Makla, Mr. Nikhil Kumar, Mr. Prashant Jain and Mr. Anshul.

PGTI member Ashok Kumar’s team finished second with a score of -22. His team comprised of amateurs Mr. J S Naurath, Mr. M D Sinha, Mr. Kulvinder Singh and Mr. Vishal Bakshi.

PGTI member Vinod Kumar’s team comprising of amateurs Mr. Manu Rajan, Mr. Tuhin Verma, Mr. S K Sood and Mr. Nirbhay Sharma finished third. Their team score was -20.

Press release 

State Bank of Travancore clinch Bihar Cup

State Bank of Travancore (SBT) beat Jammu and Kashmir Bank 4-2 to clinch the Second All India Football Tournament for Bihar Cup at the Patliputra Sports Complex in Patna on March 10, 2013. Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar gave away the prizes.
Photo: Aftab Alam Siddiqui

Canara Bank win Bihar Gold Cup cricket title

Canara Bank Bangalore beat FCI, New Delhi by 85 runs to win the first Bihar Gold Cup T20 Cricket Tournament title at the Maoinul Haq Stadium in Patna on March 8, 2013.
Photo: Aftab Alam Siddiqui

Jammu and Kashmir Bank in Bihar Cup final

Jammu and Kashmir Bank (in blue jersey) beat Raj Mlik Football Club 2-1 to enter the final of the 2nd all India Football Tournament for Bihar Cup at the Patliputra Sports Complex in Patna on March 8, 2013.
Photo: Aftab Alam Siddiqui

SBT in Bihar Cup football final

State Bank of Travancore (SBT) beat Sesa Football Academy, Goa (in red jersey) 2-0 to enter the final of the Second All India Football Tournament for Bihar Cup at the Patliputra Sports Complex in Patna on March 7, 2013.
Photo: Aftab Alam Siddiqui

Jammu and Kashmir Bank move into semis

Jammu and Kashmir Bank (blue) beat Army XI Junior, Lucknow 3-0 to move into the semifinals of the Second All India Football Tournament for Bihar Cup at the Patliputra Sports Complex in Patna on March 6, 2013.
Photo: Aftab Alam Siddiqui

Raj Milk, SBT waltz into semifinals

Patna, March 5, 2013: Raj Milk Football Club beat Kerala State Electricity Board 4-3 via penalty shootouts and entered the semifinals of the Second All India Football Tournament for Bihar Cup at the Patliputra Sports Complex here.
In the another match, State Bank of Travancore (SBT) drubbed Denzong boys Sikkim 4-0 to enter the semifinals.

Sesa beat Assam Regimental Centre to enter semis

Sesa Football Academy, Goa (blue) edged out Assam Regimental Centre, Shillong 1-0 and entered the semifinal of the Second All India Football Tournament for Bihar Cup at the Patliputra Sports Complex in Patna on March 4, 2013. Yogesh Kadam scored the all important goal in the 25th minute.
Photo: Aftab Alam Siddiqui

SBT outplay MEG Bangalore to enter last 8

Patna, March 3, 2013: State Bank of Travancore (SBT) beat MEG Bangalore 3-0 in a pool B league match of the Second All India Football Tournament for Bihar Cup at the Patliputra Sports Complex here. SBT won all the three matches they played and topped the pool B.
Army XI Junior, Lucknow, finished second in this group. Both the teams qualified for the quarterfinals. From Pool A, Assam Regimental Centre and Raj Milk Football Club booked their berths in the quarterfinals.

Rookie Joshi and Chapchai share lead in SAIL-SBI Open golf

New Delhi, March 6, 2013: Rookie Khalin Joshi got off to a dream debut on the Asian Tour with a six-under 66 on his first day of the SAIL-SBI Open presented by Incredible India, Ministry of Tourism, as he shared the lead with former champion and world record holder, Thailand’s Chapchai Nirat in the first round of the tournament that got underway at the fabulous Delhi Golf Club on Wednesday.

Chapchai and Joshi lead by one shot over Qualifying School winner Chan Kim of the United States.

Chapchai launched his quest to end a four-year winless and snared eight birdies against two bogeys in the morning session. In the afternoon he was joined by Joshi at the top. Joshi, the top Indian Amateur in 2012, turned pro at the start of the year and on Wednesday he had nine birdied against three bogeys on a day he called as ‘dream debut’.

Chiragh Kumar shot a solid 68 to share third place with Bangladeshi Siddikur while Shiv Kapur (69) failed to capitalise on his magnificent outward 29 when he came home in 40 after taking a quadruple bogey eight on the sixth hole. Manav Jaini, another DGC star, who has some excellent finishes in Asian Tour events at his home course, also carded a creditable 69.

Defending champion Anirban Lahiri started with a sedate one-under 71, while Rikard Karlberg champion in 2010 shot even par 72. Four-time Asian Tour winner, Gaganjeet Bhullar went three-over 75.

Khalin Joshi was ecstatic with his round. He said, “It was a great start, but I will take it. I putted really well today. I’ve been hitting the ball well the past few weeks but the putter was hot today, made quite a few. Hit a great tee shot on seven to two inches, wish it was a hole in one but its okay.”

The young Bangalorean added, “I’m going to approach the rest of the week like how I did today, just play within myself. This is the first week I am not playing with my driver. I’ll do that the whole week. Just keep the same attitude.”

Speaking of his fellow Bangalorean, Anirban Lahiri, the defending champion, Joshi said, “Anirban is a great friend of mine and I look up to him. I’m looking forward to doing something this week. It will mean the world to me, if I can win my first Asian Tour tournament as a pro. I’m looking forward to it.”

Joshi, who turned pro at the start of the season, added, “I feel I was ready to turn pro, so I did that, since I had some very seasons as an amateur. Last year, I was number one on the amateur tour. I played for Indian junior and amateur team for six years. Shot a 62 at my home course at the KGA in Bangalore last year. Finished third in the Nomura Cup was a good thing. So, the decision to turn pro was natural.”


The 29-year-old Chapchai, whose last victory was in the SAIL-SBI Open in 2009 when he set a new world record for 72-holes with his winning 32-under-par 256 total, wielded a hot putter to move up the leaderboard.

 “My putting was very good today. I made a lot of one putts out there, probably took 27 or 28 putts,” said Chapchai, who played alongside Kapur.

“Shiv played well on our front nine (on the back) and then I played well coming in. I stuck to my game plan. It’s a tough course as the fairways are small. But if you can hit fairways, you can make birdies as you’ve probably got a short iron into the greens.”

His only disappointing was two three-putt bogeys at the 10th and ninth holes. “I started on 10 with a three putt and finished at nine with a three putt, so that was not so good. But it was still pretty good overall. I stuck to my new putting routine and didn’t take too much time over my putts. I feel confident for the rest of the week,” said Chapchai, who is seeking a fourth Asian Tour title.

Chan produced two chip-in birdies as he moved into contention in what is his rookie season on the Asian Tour, which is celebrating its milestone 10th season in 2013.

“I struggled two weeks ago in Myanmar. To finally put together a good round feels good,” he said.

The strapping Korean-American was stunned when he stepped foot for the first time to the Delhi Golf Club. “I was pretty shocked when I got here. My partners in Myanmar were telling me how narrow it was and I looked online and it didn’t look as narrow. But when I stepped on the first tee on Monday, I kind of got a taste of how it really is,” he smiled.

Chiragh Kumar, who lost his full playing rights after finishing 74^th on the Order of Merit last season, was delighted to get into the title mix with a 68 which included five birdies against a lone dropped shot.

Kapur strikes disaster on sixth, but home boys do well

New Delhi, March 6, 2013: Shiv Kapur, who has won his last two strokeplay events, maintained his humorous side, as he came with a 69 that included a quadruple bogey on the sixth (his 15th hole) on the first day of the SAIL-SBI Open presented by Incredible India on Wednesday.

He said, “Like I was telling Dean Jones (the great Australian cricketer who was following Shiv’s group), the front nine was like India and the back nine was like Australia (in recent cricket Test matches). It was quite disappointing to finish that way after my start. Shooting 29 at the front nine, I set myself up for a possibly a very low number. I just had one bad hole on six with a quadruple bogey eight. I don’t think I’ve ever made an eight on that hole in my 20 years of playing here.”

He added, “It’s one of those things that happen in golf and take it on the chin and move on. I hit my tee shot right and hit the monument and went further right in the bush. Tried to chip out but it clipped the stone and went back into the bush and had to take an unplayable inside the bush. Back on the fairway and hit my fifth to the back of the green and then missed the putt.”

He admitted that the first nine (back nine of the course) was a great run. “I was playing great. Hitting a lot of good shots and making a lot of putts.” He had five birdies and an eagle on 18th.

Then he said, “I was having visions of going double digits under par. You take what you get and move on.”

Chiragh, who has grown up at this course like Shiv Kapur, said, “It was a good round, a good start to the tournament. I had a few chances, which I missed out on but I’m not going to complain. 68 is a good round and I’m quite happy with the way I played. I hit the ball pretty good off the tee and my second shots were good as well and I putted pretty well. Overall, it was a great day. I hope it is a sign of things to come. “

On his first round, he said, “I made a few long putts today which feel good. The putts were between 15 and 25 feet.”

He did admit, “The other advantage I have this week is that I know this course pretty well having played here all my life. I’ve won a big event on this course back in 2010 and performed well in a number of Asian Tour events here including the 2011 Indian Open when I was runner-up.”

Manav Jaini also worked on the home advantage at the DGC and he has finished second at the Panasonic Open in 2011, when Anirban Lahiri won the event. Jaini has a few other top-5s also at DGC.

Delhi to host Hockey World League Finals and Hockey Junior World Cup

LAUSANNE, Switzerland, March 6, 2013: The FIH announced today the official hosts and dates for two of its upcoming top events. New Delhi, India will play host to the men’s tournaments for both the Hero Hockey Junior World Cup and the Hero Hockey World League Finals.

The Hero Hockey Junior World Cup will be held from December 6-15 and it will be followed by the Hero Hockey World League Finals from January 10-18.

The Hero Hockey Junior World Cup is held once every four years and will feature the top 16 men’s junior teams battling for the supreme title.

Meanwhile, the Hero Hockey World League Finals is the culmination of a two-year odyssey for the Hockey World League that has seen more than 60 men’s national teams play through four rounds of competition for the ultimate prize of becoming the inaugural Hockey World League Champion.

“I can think of no better venue for our inaugural Hockey World League final tournament than India,” said FIH President Leandro Negre. “With this event we are bringing the future of hockey to a country that has one of the richest traditions in our sport. It is sure to be an action packed tournament.”

Negre continued, “The Junior World Cup is one of the gems in our event calendar. We get the see the future of hockey on display. When looking through past athletes that have competed in the Junior World Cup, it reads as a who’s who in international hockey.”

Once again Hero Motocorp will have a big influence on both tournaments. The two-wheel giant will be the title sponsor of both events, giving both events increased visibility and stature in India and around the globe.

The full line-up of teams for both events will be known once all of the qualification tournaments are completed, For the Hero Hockey World League Finals, the teams will be known following the Hockey World League Semi-Final tournaments in the Netherlands and Malaysia this June.

For the Hero Hockey Junior World Cup, the last of the 16 teams was just named when Australia won the Junior Oceania Cup. Confirmed in the field are: Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Canada England, Spain, Egypt, France, Germany India, Korea, Malaysia, Netherlands, New Zealand Pakistan and South Africa.

Press release

Army XI beat MEG Bangalore in Bihar Cup

MEG Bangalore (red and black) lost to Army XI Juniors, Lucknow in a pool B league match of the All India Football Tournament for Bihar Cup at the Patliputra Sports Complex in Patna on March 2, 2013. Dinesh Singh scored the match winner for Army XI.
In the second match of the day, Assam Regimental Centre, Shillong beat Raj Milk 1-0 in pool A.

Photo: Aftab Alam Siddiqui

Chowrasia eyes Avantha Masters double

Greater Noida, March 4, 2013:  SSP Chowrasia has targeted another entry into the history books with a second success in the Avantha Masters. Chowrasia became the first Indian to win a European Tour event on home soil – and only the third, after Arjuna Atwal and Jeev Milkha Singh, to win one anywhere – when he captured the EMAAR-MGF Indian Masters title in 2008.

It was a real rags-to-riches tale for the self-taught 34-year-old, who used to sneak onto the course at night to play a few holes at Royal Calcutta Golf Club, where he worked as a caddie and his father was a greenkeeper.

Three years later, thanks chiefly to his razor sharp short game – which earned him the nickname “Chipputtsia” – he repeated the feat in the Avantha Masters, sparking jubilant scenes at DLF Golf & Country Club.

Chowrasia, whose full name is Shiv Shankar Prasad, will now go in search of a hat-trick of European Tour titles when the fourth edition of the €1.8million event takes place from March 14-17 at Jaypee Greens, in Greater Noida, India.  

   

He said: “I’m very excited about playing the Avantha Masters – I’m sure the tournament will be a great success. It’s the one all the Indian players want to win, and hopefully I can come out on top again.

“I’ve played Jaypee Greens many times, so I know what to expect. The fairways are quite wide, so unless the rough is very thick I think the scoring will be quite low. There is also a Golf Academy there which has a great driving range and practice facilities for the amateurs and us pros, so it’s a great venue for the tournament.”

Chowrasia has fond memories of his Avantha Masters triumph in 2011, when he overhauled overnight leader Robert Coles with a round of 67 on the final day to prevail by a single stroke.

Having subsequently finished 80th in The Race to Dubai that season and 97th last year, Chowrasia has since established himself on The European Tour and has now set his sights on securing a place in the DP World Tour Championship, Dubai at the end of the season.

He said: “After my win in 2011, I thought I could do anything. Winning once on The European Tour is one thing; but if you then win again, it shows it wasn’t down to luck the first time. I feel like I’m now a much better player than I was when I won for the first time in 2008. Playing in different conditions on different courses and against better players has definitely improved my game.

“Because of that, my confidence is now much higher than it was before. In my first season on Tour in 2009, I wasn’t ready at all – but not anymore. I’ve played in some very big tournaments this year and down quite well in all of them, especially [finishing tied 17th] in Abu Dhabi. So hopefully this year can be my best yet, and I can make it to Dubai at the end of the season.”

Chowrasia will face a strong international field at Jaypee Greens GC, with European Tour winners Simon Dyson, Søren Kjeldsen, Colin Montgomerie, Thomas Levet and the defending champion Jbe’ Kruger all confirmed in the star-studded line-up.

Press release

Thongchai Jaidee among super stars to participate at Avantha Masters

Greater NOIDA, March 2, 2013:  Three-time Asian Tour Order of Merit winner Thongchai Jaidee of Thailand will be looking to reignite his winning ambitions when he tees up at the €1.8million Avantha Masters at the Jaypee Greens Golf Course from March 14-17.

The Thai star, currently ranked 58th in the world, has enjoyed a flying start to his 2013 campaign with three successive top-10s in South Africa and the Middle East.

The local charge will be spearheaded by Jeev Milkha Singh, Asia’s number one in 2006 and 2008 as well as Anirban Lahiri and Gaganjeet Bhullar who have a combined total of six Asian Tour victories. 

The 43-year-old Thongchai also enjoyed a memorable 2012 campaign when he notched his first victory on European soil with his triumph at the ISPS Handa Wales Open.

A second win in India could be timely for Thongchai as his last win in the subcontinent came in 2001 at the Indian Open.

 “I’m looking forward to going back to India to compete at the Avantha Masters. I’ve been playing well since the start of the year and hoping my good form will translate into a win for me,” said Thongchai who holds an unprecedented three Merit crowns and 13 titles in Asia.

Thongchai suffered a setback when he was knocked out by Spain’s Sergio Garcia in the first round of the WGC-Accenture Match Play championship last month.

But he is expected to bounce back and shoot for more glory when the Avantha Masters, which is tri-sanctioned by the Asian Tour, European Tour and the Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI), gets underway.

“That’s golf. You cannot expect to win all the time but the most important is to bounce back and get ready for your next tournament,” said Thongchai.

Other Asian Tour stars expected to vie for top honours include Singapore’s Mardan Mamat, a three-time Asian Tour winner, Sweden’s Rikard Karlberg, Australia’s Scott Hend and Korean-American David Lipsky.

The Avantha Masters will be played at a new venue this year with the event being staged at the Greg Norman-designed Jaypee Greens Golf Course, in Greater Noida near Delhi, India.

The course features 14 water hazards and 88 bunkers and, at 7,347 yards, is India’s longest golf course.

Press release

Bihar Gold Cup T20 Cricket Tournament begins

Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Kumar Modi inaugurated Bihar Gold Cup T20 Cricket Tournament at the Moinul Haq Stadium in Patna on March 1, 2013. Bihar Art, Culture and Youth Affairs Minister Dr Sukhda Pandey was the special guest at the opening function.
In the opening match Canara Bank, Bangalore beat DY Patil Mumbai by 17 runs while in the second match Hari Singh Group, Ghaziabad beat Bihar XI by 9 wickets.
Photo: Aftab Alam Siddiqui

Assam Regimental Centre move into quarterfinals

Assam Regimental Centre (red and deep blue) beat Kidderpore Sporting Club 2-1 in a pool A league match of the All India Football Tournament for Bihar Cup at the Patliputra Sports Complex in Patna on March 1, 2013. In aother match of the pool B State Bank of Travancore thrashed East Central Railway Danapur 3-0.

Photo: Aftab Alam Siddiqui

Shamim Khan edges out Mukesh Kumar in playoff

Shamim Khan receives the winner's cheque in Mewat on March 1, 2013

Mewat (Haryana), March 1, 2013: Shamim Khan of Delhi edged out Mukesh Kumar of Mhow in a playoff to win the PGTI Players Championship played at the Classic Golf Resort here. Shamim and Mukesh headed to a playoff after finishing the regulation 72 holes with matching totals of 12-under-276.

Chikkarangappa S of Bangalore finished third at 11-under-277.

Shamim Khan (66-70-70-70), who was in third position overnight placed three strokes behind the leader Mukesh, made a solid start to the day with pars on the first eight holes and followed that up with a birdie on the ninth. He landed his approach shot from 115 yards to within a foot of the pin on the ninth. The 34-year-old reigning Rolex Rankings champion went two-under for the day with a birdie on the 14th after landing his chip within three feet of the hole.

Shamim bogeyed the 15th as a result of finding the bunker and missing a four feet putt. He trailed Mukesh by two shots after the 15th. However, there was a reversal of fortunes over the next two holes as Shamim birdied the 16th and Mukesh bogeyed the 17th. Shamim’s second shot from 200 yards stopped just six inches from the hole on the 16th and led to a birdie while Mukesh played a poor chip to bogey the 17th. The two players headed for a playoff after being tied at 12-under at the end of their rounds.

The first playoff hole (18th hole) turned out to be the decider as Shamim made par and Mukesh dropped a bogey. While Shamim found the green in three shots and made a two-putt, Mukesh missed the fairway and couldn’t convert a three feet par putt.

Shamim, who registered his ninth professional win on Friday, said, “A come-from-behind win is always special. This is also a very satisfying win as the playing conditions were quite tough due to the strong winds. The sideways wind made club-selection and putting extremely difficult. However, I hit some fabulous approach shots today and made a number of good chip-putts.

“I took my opportunities on the par-5s and made some solid pars on the last two holes and the playoff hole. It’s great to have a win under the belt early in the season. This gives me a huge boost ahead of some important events in the next few weeks,” added Shamim, who also won PGTI’s last event at the Classic Golf Resort in September 2012.

Mukesh Kumar (68-67-68-73) lost the opportunity to make it two titles in two weeks as he shot an ordinary 73 on Friday. Mukesh’s card featured three birdies and four bogeys as he struggled with his chipping and putting towards the end of his round.

Bangalore’s Chikkarangappa S (69-68-70-70) ended third with a total score of 11-under-277. He made a promising start to the day with four birdies on the first 14 holes but then stumbled with bogeys on the 15th and 16th to finish one stroke behind Shamim and Mukesh.

Delhi’s Rashid Khan claimed fourth place at 10-under-278 while Ashok Kumar, another Delhi golfer, secured fifth position with an eight-under-280 total.

Ainesh Ahluwalia of Gurgaon, the lone amateur to make the cut, won the trophy for the best performance by an amateur. Ahluwalia ended up in tied 11th place with a total of four-under-284.

Press release