Rashid Khan posts 69 to stay four ahead

Rashid Khan 

New Delhi, February 27, 2014: India’s Rashid Khan posted a three-under-69 in round two to stay four ahead of the rest of the field at the SAIL-SBI Open presented by Incredible India Ministry of Tourism being played at the Delhi Golf Club. Rashid, who had shot a breathtaking 61 on the opening day, closed round two with a total of 14-under-130 at the US$ 300,000 event co-sanctioned by the Asian Tour and PGTI. PGTI members Mithun Perera of Sri Lanka and Bangladeshi Md Siddikur Rahman are in joint second along with Australian Unho Park at 10-under-134.

Round two could not be completed on Thursday as play was suspended due to fading light. Twelve players who are yet to complete round two will resume play at 8 am on Friday.

Rashid Khan (61-69), who teed off from the 10th, struggled with his hitting on the back-nine. He made his first birdie of the day on the 16th from 20 feet but slipped with a double-bogey on the very next hole where a wrong club selection meant his shot landed over the green. Khan came back with a 25-feet conversion for eagle on the first and closed the day on a high with birdies on the seventh and ninth.

Rashid said, “Only three balls were inside 10 feet of the flag today. I wasn’t hitting it close at all. Had another good birdie on seven from 25 feet and hit a good five iron to 12 feet on the ninth and holed the putt. It was a good comeback on the second-nine after being one over on the first-nine. I was not comfortable with my swing. My putting helped me stay ahead. The winds were swirling out there this afternoon, it was affecting us.

“I’ll need to make sure I find more greens and hole more putts in the next two days. Tomorrow morning, I’ll work on my swing by spending half an hour more at the range with my coach.”

Bangladesh’s Md Siddikur Rahman (67-67) fired a second straight 67 to be joint second. Siddikur, a PGTI member, had six birdies and a bogey in round two.

Siddikur said, “Another five under today, I’m happy. It’s good. That’s my target. It was really good, everything was good. Hitting and putting was good. I’m especially happy about my putting. I got my putting back. Yesterday, I struggled a bit. I’ve been working on my swing, which is a bit wrong. I can feel it and made some adjustments in the past few weeks.”

Mithun Perera (66-68), another PGTI member, continued to be in joint second position as a result of his second round of 68 that featured six birdies and two bogeys.

Perera said, “Had bad bogeys on second and 15 from the centre of the fairway. But I had a good finish, like yesterday. On the first-nine, my tee shots were off target but I got back my swing on the back-nine. The key will be my tee shots as I’m using a lot of drivers. If I can be on the fairways, I will have a chance. Rashid is a really good player, he’s number one on the PGTI and this is his home course. I have to play good to give him a fight.” 

Indians Anirban Lahiri (70-66) and Digvijay Singh (68-68) are in joint sixth place at eight-under-136. Lahiri and Digvijay shot bogey-free rounds of 66 and 68 respectively.

SSP Chowrasia lies tied eighth at seven-under-137.

PGTI Press release and photo

Hockey Gangpur-Odisha and Vidarbha Hockey Association start campaign in style

New Delhi, February 27, 2014: Debutant teams Hockey Gangpur- Odisha and Vidarbha Hockey Association started their campaign on a winning note in Division B of the 4th Hockey India Senior Men National Championship commenced at Major Dhyan Chand Hockey Stadium in Lucknow today.

In the opening match of the championship, Hockey Gangpur- Odisha defeated Chhattisgarh 9-2 in their Pool C match. For Hockey Gangpur-Odisha Bruno Hedrino Lugun and Banamali Xess scored twice each while Amarjeet Ekka, Kishor Lakra, Bikash Toppo, Roshan Minz and Ashish Anmol Minz contributed a goal each in their teams victory. Puducherry scored through N Sellamuthu and N Kamalakannan a goal each.

Bengal defeated Tripura 4-0 in another match of Pool-C.

In Pool-D match, Chhattisgarh played a 1-1 draw against debutants Central Reserve Police Force. Chhattisgarh took a 1-0 lead in the 53rd minute with a field goal scored by Sachin Rathaur but two minutes later Rohen Singh Thangjam scored a field goal for Central Reserve Police Force to level the game.

In the second match of Pool D, Dalbir Singh scored two goals helping Vidarbha Hockey Association to register a 2-1 win over Delhi.

In the third match of Pool D, Maharashtra overcame Kerala 8-0. Kunal Jagdale scored maximum three goals followed by Rajendra Ekka (2), Navneet Swarnkar (1), Manpreet Singh (1) and Vinod Nimbore (1).  

There are 22 teams participating in the Division B of the 4th Hockey India Senior Men National Championship 2014.

Today’s Results

Pool-C Hockey Gangpur- Odisha 9 Bruno Hedrino Lugun (5, 26 min), Amarjeet Ekka (16 min), Kishor Lakra (31 min), Bikash Toppo (39 min), Roshan Minz (40 min), Ashish Anmol Minz (43 min) and Banamali Xess (49, 56 min) vs Puducherry 2 (N Sellamuthu (18 min), N Kamalakannan (65 min)

Bengal 4 Joga Singh(16 min), Sunil Shah (24, 53 min) and Sunil Kujur (66 min) vs Tripura 0

Pool D Chhattisgarh 1 Sachin Rathaur (53 min) vsCentral Reserve Police Force 1 Rohen Singh Thangjam (55 min)

Vidarbha Hockey Association 2 Dalbir Singh (6, 44 min) vs Delhi 1 Naveen Kumar (4 min)

Maharashtra 8 Navneet Swarnkar (5 min), Rajendra Ekka (23, 27 min), Kunal Jagdale (36, 52, 58 min), Manpreet Singh (41 min) and Vinod Nimbore (64 min) vs Kerala 0.

HI Press release

Rashid on a roll, blasts personal best 11-under-61 for first round lead

 Rashid Khan

New Delhi, February 26, 2014: Rashid Khan began his 2014 Asian Tour season with a bang as he recorded a personal best of 11-under-61 in the opening round of the SAIL-SBI Open presented by Incredible India Ministry of Tourism. Rashid’s first round exploits at his home course, the Delhi Golf Club, helped him establish a daunting five-stroke lead at the US$ 300,000 event co-sanctioned by the Asian Tour and PGTI. PGTI member Mithun Perera of Sri Lanka fired a six-under-66 to be tied second along with Japan’s Akinori Tani.

Rashid, the 2013 Rolex Rankings champion on the PGTI, was off to a flying start with four birdies on the front-nine. His solid hitting saw him land the ball within five to 10 feet of the pin on several occasions. The 23-year-old went one better on the back-nine as he picked up an eagle on the 14th and five more birdies. Khan sank a 20-footer for birdie on the 13th and followed that up with a 14-feet eagle putt on the par-5 14th. He thus ended up one short of the course record of 12-under-60 set by Liang Wen-Chong of China at the 2008 Indian Open.

“I didn’t leave myself too many long putts today as my hitting was spot-on. I didn’t focus too much on the leaderboard but just played my game. I’m delighted to have improved on my previous single-round best of nine-under which I shot in Sri Lanka earlier this month. I made a few changes to my swing during the practice round on Monday under the guidance of my fellow professional and senior Ashok Kumar. The changes have helped me hit the fade shot better,” said Rashid, who finished runner-up at the 2013 SAIL-SBI Open after losing in a playoff to Anirban Lahiri.

Rashid went on to add, “This is my first year as a card holder on the Asian Tour and it’s great to start the season in this manner. Winning a tournament on the Asian Tour is my main goal this year. The Order of Merit win on the PGTI last year gave me a lot of confidence. I’ve improved with every passing year and I want to do the same in 2014.”

Mithun Perera, a winner of three successive titles on the PGTI this month, continued his good form on Wednesday. He started off with a birdie on the 10thwhere his second shot landed within a few inches of the pin. Perera sank two more birdies and a bogey on the back-nine to make the turn at two-under. The 27-year-old gained four shots on the last three holes as he drained a 35-feet eagle putt on the eighth and made birdies on the seventh and ninth.

Perera said, “I had a really good start from the 10th hole, the second shot into the green was a given birdie. Six under in my first event of the 2014 season, I’m happy. This is my best at the DGC. I need to keep it going for the next three days. Last three weeks have been so good for me. Every week I’ve had eight-under rounds and I had the confidence to bring into this week’s tournament.”

Bangladesh’s Md Siddikur Rahman, another PGTI member, returned a five-under-67 to occupy joint fourth place along with Scott Barr of Australia.

There are seven Indians among the 10 golfers in tied sixth place at four-under-68. The seven Indians in tied sixth are Sanjay Kumar, C Muniyappa, Digvijay Singh, Shamim Khan, SSP Chowrasia, Chikkarangappa S and Abhijit Singh Chadha.

Women rallyists take on big boys at 12th Maruti Suzuki Desert Storm

Gurgaon's Sarika Sehrawat Vohra, India's only woman rallyist in Xtreme dune racing at The 12th Maruti Suzuki Desert Storm

Jaisalmer, February 26, 2014:  Ten days ahead of International Women’s Day, a group of feisty women at the Maruti Suzuki Desert Storm are redefining woman power by taking on the big boys at what is still primarily a male sport – rallying.

The 12th Maruti Suzuki Desert Storm was flagged off from Delhi on Monday, with 250 champion rallyists from all over the country and also abroad fighting for top honours in one of the most prestigious motorsport events of the country. The six-day marathon motorsport event will end at Jaipur onMarch 1, covering about 2,200 kilometers through the dune outback of Sardarshahar, Bikaner, Jaisalmer and Jaipur.

Leading the pack is Sarika Sehrawat Vohra, India’s only woman rallyist in high-speed dune racing. The Gurgaon-based entrepreneur has been racing since 2002.

Among 55 teams of champion rallyists from all over the country and abroad, Sarika is the only woman driving in Rally Xtreme, the all-out speed category of the event. Her navigator is Delhi-based Deepali Gupta, an IT professional working with Bank of Scotland.

Sarika confesses she is a speed-freak, and is passionate about marathon motorsport races. She is driving a Maruti Gypsy for the rally.

Mr Manohar Bhat, Vice President Marketing of Maruti Suzuki, said that total number of competitors at the Desert Storm 2014 is the highest-ever in its 12-year history. It stood at 220 last year. “The high number of women competitors at the event is encouraging. Our motorsport events showcase our commitment towards youth empowerment and women empowerment," he said.

Team Army brings in its share of woman power to the Maruti Suzuki Desert Storm with Capt Madavi Singh and Capt Komal S, both from The Corps of Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (EME). While fitness training is a major issue for all rallyists preparing for a marathon motorsport event, Capt Madhavi says the training wasn’t rally-specific for them. “In the army, fitness training is a daily thing. That was not a concern. Desert driving was new to us, and we were able to learn it during the Army trials at Bikaner,” said Capt Madhvi.

For Capt Komal, competing at the Desert Storm is a dream-come-true. “I was also chosen to compete at The Maruti Suzuki Raid De Himalaya 2013, but during the second round of training for the event was my wedding day,” she informed with a smile. Capt Komal hopes to celebrate her first wedding anniversary at The 16th Maruti Suzuki Raid De Himalaya in October this year. Both officers are competing in Rally Enduro, which follows the Rally Xtreme route in a Time-Speed-Distance format. They are driving a Maruti Gypsy for the rally.

The petite Garima Avtar, a Sufi singer, golfer and entrepreneur based at Noida, is a regular at motorsport events across the country, including the Maruti Suzuki Raid De Himalaya, the Maruti Suzuki Desert Storm, the Mughal Rally in Kashmir and the Royal Rajasthan Rally. Garima said the excitement and the challenge of the rallies kept her hooked to the sport. “My annual calendar is marked with the rallies I must do, and then make space for holidays,” she said. Garima’s navigator Sukhbans Mann is a home-maker based at Gurgaon. 

The 2014 edition of the Desert Storm started with 55 teams in Rally Xtreme (4X4) and 35 teams in Rally Moto (Motorcycles). These two categories are based solely on fastest timing.

In addition, 35 teams in Rally Ndure and 25 in Rally Xplore took the start on day one. Both these categories follow the Time-Speed-Distance format. Rally Ndure is the more challenging category here, since it follows the Xtreme route. The Xtreme (4-wheelers), Endure and Xplore teams comprise two rallyists each – the driver and the navigator. 

Sunny Sindhu leads

On Day Three of the rally, Sunny Sidhu of Chandigarh was leading Rally Xtreme, followed by Delhi's Sandeep Sharma, driving a Maruti Gypsy. In Rally Xplore, Sanjay Takale and Mustafa of Team Maruti Suzuki are leading, driving an SX4. Second in this category are Rajesh Chalana and Yogesh Gupta, again driving an SX4 for Team Maruti Suzuki. Third in Rally Xplore is Nitin Yadav with navigator Ravi Bansal, driving a Tata Aria.

In Rally Moto, Bangalore's CS Santosh is leading, followed by Helmut Frauwallner of Austria and Jes David of Jaipur. Defending champion Mohit Verma of Chandigarh lost his ranking at the third place due to a mechanical problem in his motorcycle. 

Santosh ahead of Austrian legend Frauwallner at Maruti Suzuki Desert Storm

A rally vehicle in action at The 12th Maruti Suzuki Desert Storm

Bikaner, February 25, 2014: Bangalore's champion biker CS Santosh is fighting to retain his title as India’s top biker, and is leading on Day One of the 12th Maruti Suzuki Desert Storm, which was flagged off from New Delhi on Monday.

Following Santosh is 55-year-old Helmut Frauwallner of Austria, first at The Maruti Suzuki Raid De Himalaya 2013 in October last year. Both Santosh and Helmut, popularly known as Helly, are riding foreign bikes at the Desert Storm. Santosh is riding a Suzuki RMX 450, and Helly a Yamaha WR450F, giving each other tough competition in Rally Moto (Motorcycles). 

Third in Rally Moto is defending champion Mohit Verma of Chandigarh.

The 12thMaruti Suzuki Desert Storm is running with the highest number of competitors ever, at 250. The six-day rally will end at Jaipur on March 1, covering about 2,200 kilometers. The 2014 edition of the Maruti Suzuki Desert Storm was flagged off with 55 teams in Rally Xtreme (4X4) and 35 teams in Rally Moto. In addition, there were 35 teams in Rally Ndure and 25 teams in Rally Xplore.

Kolkata’s Somdev Chanda with navigator Nirav Mehta, defending champions at The 12th Maruti Suzuki Desert Storm, is leading Rally Endure at the motorsport marathon. Chanda-Mehta are driving a Maruti Gypsy for Team Maruti Suzuki.

In Rally Xplore, Sanjay Takale and Mustafa of Team Maruti Suzuki are leading their category, driving an SX4. Second in this category are Rajesh Chalana and Yogesh Gupta, again driving an SX4 for Team Maruti Suzuki. Third in Rally Xplore is Nitin Yadav with navigator Ravi Bansal, driving a Tata Aria.

The results of the Xtreme category were not ready at the time of going to the press.

During the night stage which opened the rally, competitors in Rally Xtreme and Rally Ndure drove through 96 kms of deep sand and light gravel.

Jayesh Desai, president of Northern Motorsport, which organizes the Maruti Suzuki Desert Storm, said the opening night’s challenge was highly exciting for all competitors. “There is the psychological pressure of the first night, and people tend to over reach. The need is to sit back and work out the right strategy,” said Desai. Of the 55 teams which took a start in Rally Xtreme, only 34 teams managed to finish the night stage successfully. The rest can opt for a re-start on the next stage with penalties.

Press release

Anirban Lahiri and Anura Rohana lead their teams to victory

New Delhi, February 25, 2014: The Pro-Am event of the SAIL-SBI Open 2014 presented by Incredible India Ministry of Tourism provided amateur golfers from the capital an opportunity to tee-off along with some of the top professional golfers in Asia.

The Pro-Am of India’s second-longest running international tournament featured a field of 250 players. The youngest participant was 16 years old while the oldest was 85 years old.

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 and defending champion Anirban Lahiri led his team to victory with a score of 51. They won on a count-back of the last six holes. Lahiri’s team comprised of amateurs Mr. Vikram Misri, Mrs. Sheila Sangwan and Mr. Vinay Goel.

Thai professional Jazz J’s team was second with a score of 51. Jazz’s team comprised of amateurs Mr. M S Ray, Mr. Rajindra, and Mr. Subhash Chandra.

PGTI member Wasim Khan’s team comprising of amateurs Mr. P K Misra, Ms. Geeta Rai and Ms. Poonam Chawla finished third. Their team score was 52.

In the afternoon session, Sri Lankan professional Anura Rohana led his team to victory with a score of 49. They won on a count-back of the last six holes. Rohana’s team comprised of amateurs Brig. M S Bains, Brig. C K Maitra and Mr. L K Kapur.

Thai professional Gunn Charoenkul’s team finished second with a score of 49. His team comprised of amateurs Mr. Ashish Malhotra, Mr. Anuva Saurabh and Mr. Deepak Sood.

Among the teams from the afternoon session that could only complete nine holes, PGTI member Mandeo Singh Pathania’s team emerged victorious with a score of 24. The amateurs in his team were Mr. G V Reddy, Mr. Rajiv Pandey and Mr. Aman Sawhaney.

Mr. C S Verma, Chairman, SAIL, gave away the prizes and said, “The Pro-Am event of the SAIL-SBI Open 2014 provided an ideal start to the tournament week as amateur golfers from the Delhi NCR region got an opportunity to rub shoulders with Asia’s best golfing talent. The SAIL-SBI Open Pro-Am continues to be a great platform for promoting golf in the region with golf enthusiasts getting a first-hand experience of the sport at the highest level.”

Picture Caption: Pro-Am winners - Professional Anura Rohana (Centre) and his team receiving their prizes from Mr. C S Verma, Chairman, SAIL (2nd from left)

12th Maruti Suzuki Desert Storm flagged off

 

Manohar Bhat, Vice President Marketing, Maruti Suzuki, flags off the 12th Maruti Suzuki Desert Storm

from New Delhi on February 24, 2014 

New Delhi, February 24: The 12th Maruti Suzuki Desert Storm was flagged off from Delhi today, with 250 champion rallyists from all over the country and also abroad fighting for top honours in one of the most prestigious motorsport events of the country.

The ceremonial flag- off of the six-day marathon motorsport event was done by Mr Manohar Bhat , Vice President Marketing, Maruti Suzuki. Speaking on the occasion, Mr Bhat said that this year, the rally will run from February 24 to March 1. It will begin from Sardarshahar and will end at Jaipur, covering about 2,200 kilometers.

Mr Bhat added that from a two-day rally over a decade ago, the Maruti Suzuki Desert Storm has evolved into a motorsport event of massive proportions that now traverses the Thar Desert and the entire span of the dune country.

As the dense fog in the capital cleared and gave way to a sunny morning, top rallyists of the country drove up for the flag-off in the specified start order. The headstart for the flag-off was taken by Suresh Rana of Team Maruti, winner of Maruti Suzuki Desert Storm 2013.

Rana is considered the most formidable competitor in the Xtreme category. He is nine-time winner of the Maruti Suzuki Raid De Himalaya, and has won the Maruti Suzuki Desert Storm thrice – in 2009, 2012 and 2013.

Rana is aiming for a hat-trick this year. His strategy for the Desert Storm is that of a hardened, experienced rallyist. The biggest challenge, Rana said, is the treacherous desert terrain. “To finish first, you must finish,” he stated.

The who’s who of Indian motorsport is competing at the Maruti Suzuki Desert Storm, considered to be India’s mini-Dakar. Top competitors in Rally Xtreme (4X4) include three-time APRC champion Karamjit Singh, a Malaysian of Indian origin; APRC 2013 winner Gaurav Gill, Amanpreet Ahluwalia, Lohit Urs, Sunny Sidhu, Sandeep Sharma, Harpreet Bawa, Major Amarinder Singh Brar, Lt Col Shakti Bajaj, Sarika Sehrawat, Amartej Pal Singh Buwal and Gaurav Chiripal.

Rana and Karamjit Singh will drive for Team Maruti. They are driving Grand Vitara for the rally.

In the Xtreme Moto (Motorcycles) category, Helmut Frauwallner, a 55-year-old Austrian and CS Santosh, a 30-year-old from Jaipur, are going to begin their six-day battle to determine who is India’s top marathon off-road biker.

Santosh, multiple national supercross and motocross champion, is raring to salvage his reputation as India’s best biker at the Maruti Suzuki Desert Storm.

Dakar-finisher Frauwallner, popularly known as Helly, has been big on the Indian motorsport circuit in the last few years. He was first in the Moto category at India’s iconic motorsport event, The Maruti Suzuki Raid De Himalaya in 2010 and 2013. In 2012, Santosh narrowly beat Helly and topped the Moto category at the Raid. But in 2013, Santosh had to bow out of the Raid on the third day.

Santosh admits that he was “dethroned” by Helly last year. “Yes, I have to salvage my reputation at the Maruti Suzuki Desert Storm. I’m carrying a lot of a weight on my shoulders, and luckily I’m strong,” said the feisty 30-year-old.

Both Santosh and Helly are riding foreign bikes at the Raid. Santosh is riding a Suzuki RMX 450, and Helly a Yamaha WR450F. The other major contenders for the Moto crown at the Desert Storm are defending champion Mohit Verma (riding a KTM Duke 390), Suresh Babu (Suzuki RMS 450Z), Gurinder Rahal (KTM 500 EXC), Jes David (KTM Duke 200) and Mohan Lal Sharma (Yamaha RX 135). David and Sharma are former Desert Storm (Moto) winners.  

Jayesh Desai, president of Northern Motorsport, which organizes the Maruti Suzuki Desert Storm, said the the number of rallyists this year is the highest-ever in the 12-year history of the Desert Storm. It stood at 220 last year.

The 2014 edition of the Desert Storm will have 55 teams in Rally Xtreme (4X4) and 35 teams in Rally Moto (Motorcycles). These two categories are based solely on fastest timing.

In addition, there will be 35 teams in Rally Ndure and 25 in Rally Xplore. Both these categories follow the Time-Speed-Distance format. Rally Ndure is the more challenging category here, since it follows the Xtreme route. The Xtreme (4-wheelers), Endure and Xplore teams comprise two rallyists each – the driver and the navigator.

Press release

Utkarsh, Medhavi bag U-12 tennis crowns

Utkarsh Singh of Bihar 

Patna, February 23, 2014: Utkarsh Singh of Bihar outplayed Aaman Wasim of West Bengal 6-3, 6-2 to win the boys’ U-12 singles crown of the AITA Talent Series third leg tournament at the Patliputra Tennis Centre here on Sunday.

Medhavi Singh of Bihar won the girls’ U-12 singles title defeating her Sakshi Suman (Bihar) 6-2, 6-1in the final.

Results: Boys’ U-12 Singles (quarterfinals): Utkarsh Singh (Bih) bt Kanishk (Bih) 6-0, 6-0; Aayam Sourya Choudhary (Bih) bt  Satyam Sujay (Bih) 6-1, 6-0; Aaman Wasim (WB) bt Ansh Tandon (Bih) 6-1, 6-1; Utsav Rakshit (WB) bt Md Rasid Uddin (WB) 6-2, 6-3.
Boys’ U-12 singles (semifinals): Utkarsh Singh (Bih) bt Aayam Sourya Choudhary (Bih)  6-0, 2-6, 6-0; Aaman Wasim (WB) bt Utsav Rakshit (WB)  6-2, 6-3.
Boys’ U-12 singles (final): Utkarsh Singh (Bih) bt  Aaman Wasim (WB)   6-3, 6-2
Girl's U-12 singles (quarterfinals): Sakshi Suman (Bih) bt Soumya Stuti (UP) 6-1, 6-2; Aneesha Mukherjee  (WB) bt Nicky Ekkka (Jha) 6-3, 0-6, 6-2; Ayushi Singh (Bih) bt. Jyoti Pratap (Bih) 6-3, 6-2; Medhavi Singh (Bih) bt Ayesha Swain (Ors) 6-2, 6-2  
Girls’ U-12 singles (semifinals): Sakshi Suman (Bih) bt Aneesha Mukherjee  (WB) 6-2, 6-3; Medhavi Singh (Bih) bt Ayushi Singh (Bih)  6-1, 2-6, 6-1
Girls’ U-12 singles (final): Medhavi Singh (Bih) bt Sakshi Suman (Bih) 6-2, 6-1

Desai fails to cross final hurdle at Qatar Open TT

New Delhi, February 23, 2014: Tristan Flore of France won the Under 21 Men’s Singles title beating India's Harmeet Desai at the $3.5 million ITTF World Tour Qatar Open in Doha on Saturday night. 

In a contest between two players who were not seeded and had been required to negotiate the qualification stages of the competition, Tristan Flore downed Desai in straight sets of 11-9, 11-5, 11-8, 11-4.

The good form of Desai deserted him at the cruicial final where he was meeting the French for the first time in his career. But the Indian was struggling against his rival who began cautiously the wrap the first game with the minimum points. But having sized up his opponent in good measure, the French was up to the task in the second as he went on rampage to dispose of Desai quickly. 

Probably, the second game helped Flore with more confidence as he shut down Desai, who showed glimpses of his fighting qualities as he did during the Patna senior nationals against Sharath Kamal, when the Indian netted one at a crucial juncture. The French man did not waste time in the fourth game as he simply pounded winners after winners to romp home with the title and a big prize purse.

Desai, however, earned handsomely for his effort even as he admitted to having committing several unforced errors during the final. "I employed the same strategy as I did against my opponent in the semifinals. But Flore was too good on the day," he said.

A TTFI Press release

Delhi Waveriders beat Punjab Warriors in shoot-out to lift Hockey India League crown

Ranchi, February 23, 2014: Sardar Singh-led, Delhi Waveriders emerged the Champions of Hero Hockey India League post an exciting game of hockey which was both intense and nail biting. They were successful in keeping their nerves intact to beat Jaypee Punjab Warriors in the penalty shoot-out and emerge as the contenders to lift the glittering trophy at the Astroturf Hocket Stadium in Ranchi.

 The Grand Finale of Hero Hockey India League even witnessed the presence of many eminent dignitaries at Ranchi today.  FIH President, Mr. Leandro Negre was seen in the VIP box alongwith FIH CEO, Mr Kelly Fairweather. Also present for the occasion was Mr. Rajiv Shukla, Member Governing Council, Hero Hockey India League and Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs, Mr. Arun Jaitley, Member Governing Council, Hero Hockey India League and Leader of Opposition, Rajya Sabha, Dr Narinder Batra, Chairman, Hero Hockey India League,   Mr. Rajeev Mehta, Associate Vice President, Hero Hockey India League and Secretary General, IOA.

While Bollywood Actor and Co-owner of Delhi Waveriders, John Abraham, was seen at the dugout egging his team to go for the win.

Delhi Waveriders rode on goalkeeper Nicolas Jacobi's brilliant show ubder the bar to eke out a hard-fought 3-1 win over Jaypee Punjab Warriors in the shoot-out after the two teams ended the regulation time locked at 3-3.

In the shoot-out, Jaypee Punjab Warriors failed to get past an agile Jacobi in the first three attempts before Robert Hammond found the back of the net. But it came too late as Delhi Waveriders scored three out of their four shots to emerge as the champions. 

Earlier, Jaypee Punjab Warriors made a dream start to the encounter and broke the deadlock in the second minute of the match through Mark Knowles' field goal.

 Trailing by a goal, Delhi Waveriders went on the offensive and earned a penalty corner soon, only to waste the opportunity.

From being 0-1 down, Delhi Waveriders went into half time leading 2-1 by scoring two goals in a span of three minutes.

First Llyod Norris Jones' leveled the scores with a field goal in the 33rd minute after he was fed by Akashdeep Singh before skipper Sardar Singh (35th minute) registered his name in the scoresheet after a long hiatus through a rebound from a penalty corner. 

But Jaypee Punjab Warriors struck twice in the third quarter through two field goals from Shivendra Singh (45th minute) and young Affan Yousuf (48th minute) to restore their lead.

It, however, did not take too long for Delhi Waveriders to level the scores. Yuvraj Walmiki (52nd minute) made the scoreline 3-3 by slotting home after receiving a diagonal pass from Andres Mir Bel.

Jaypee Punjab Warriors were in complete control of the fourth and final quarter but they failed to convert their chances into goal. Delhi Waveriders, on the other hand, relied on counter-attacks but they too failed to trouble the scorers as the match went into shoot-out.

The win made Delhi Waveriders richer by Rs. 2.5 crore, while the Warriors will pocket Rs. 1.25 crore for finishing in the second position. 

Speaking post the match a very happy Sardar Singh, said “A very close match today. For is it was to go all out but also keep our patience in place. We will enjoy the win and gear up for the next tournament.”

A satisfied Cedric D’Spuza, Head Coach, Delhi waveriders said “we lost the finals last year and this time we were filled with fire and the urge to win. We had a hard match today, but we planned and executed our strategy well today. It is time to enjoy the victory”

Speaking post the match, Head Coach, Barry Dancer, JPW said “the team played very well today and we dominated the match for a long period of time. We somehow were not as aggressive as the opponents today. Though this was the best game of the tournament and I am proud of this team."

Jamie Dywer, Captain, Jaypee Punjab Warriors said “When you lose a game in short arm its rather not very disappointing. It was a great game and we played well and gave our best shot”.

YES Bank Garv Award winner –Mark Knowles, JPW

Man of the Match –Nicolas Jacobi, DWR

Hero Goal of the Match Award –Norris Jones Lloyd, DWR

Press release and photo: HIL

Sandeep's brace takes Jaypee Punjab Warriors to HHIL 2014 final

Jaypee Punjab Warriors players celebrate their semifinal win in Ranchi on February 22, 2014

Ranchi, February 22, 2014: Sandeep Singh scored a brace to help Jaypee Punjab Warriors stun defending champions Ranchi Rhinos 3-2 in an exciting second semifinal and seal their place in the final of the Hero Hockey India League 2014 in Ranchi today.

Jaypee Punjab Warriors, who finished fourth last year, will take on Delhi Waveriders in tomorrow's final at the Astroturf Hockey Stadium.     

Unlike the first semifinal, the second last four match was a fast paced encounter. Ranchi Rhinos made a bright start and were undoubtedly the better side on display at least in the opening half. Ranchi Rhinos took the lead in the 15th minute through Englishman Ashley Jackson who converted their first penalty corner to have the upperhand at the end of the first quarter. 

Jaypee Punjab Warriors, however, drew level minutes into the second quarter through their star drag-flicker Sandeep Singh. 

Sandeep converted the Punjab side's first penalty corner in the 24th minute to register his 10th goal in the tournament. 

Rhinos and Warriors earned a penalty corner each before the break but the chances went abegging.

The intense battle between the two teams continued after the change of ends but it was the Warriors who had the better share of chances.

Jaypee Punjab Warriors earned three more penalty corners in the third quarter, the last of which was converted by Sandeep in the 52nd minute to mark his second goal of the day and 11th in the tournament.      

Jake Whetton (55th minute) then scored with a fierce strike from the top of the circle to make it 3-1 in favour of the Warriors before Floris Evers (58th minute) reduced the margin three minutes later for the Rhinos with a field goal to bring the stadium alive.

Ranchi Rhinos got a golden chance to draw level in the final minute of the match through their third penalty corner but an alert Jaap Stockmann in Warriors goal dived full-length to his right to keep out Jackson's grounder flick, which incidentally was the last action of the day. 

Speaking post the match Barry Dancer, Head Coach Jaypee Punjab warriors said “we made a slow start today but we picked up in the second and third quarter. We held our composure till the end and it helped us clinch the win. I am pleased the team kept its nerves under pressure. It was a balanced game and bith teams played a good game of hockey. We are happy and excited to be playing the finals tomorrow. Delhi Waveriders has been a consistent team and has been leading the League for a major part. I am expecting an even contest tomorrow”

Speaking post the match, Captain, Ranchi Rhinos, Mortiz Furste said “we played today's game with a lot of heart but things did not go well. We conceded two corners and missed too many chances. In the first half we did not give any chances but later we were unable to control them. We tried everything to draw the game but remained unsuccessful..”

Speaking on missing out on the finals Gregg Clark, Head Coach, Ranchi Rhinos said “We had a good game though there were some rough patches. We conceded two goals which costed us badly. Had we been able to convert the penalty corner, it would have been a different result today. We tried to keep up our defence but missed some chances which cost us the finals."

YES Bank Garv Award winner – Sandeep Singh

Man of the Match – Sandeep Singh

Hero Goal of the Match Award – Jake Whetton

Patna Women's College clinch Valentine Cup throwball

Pratiti Jha of DAV Public School, Board Colony

Patna, February 20, 2014: Patna Women’s College (PWC) won the 12th Valentine Day Cup Throwball Tournament title beating DAV Public School, BSEB Colony, 15-13, 15-10 at their own ground here on Thursday.

Kendriya Vidyalaya Kankarbagh got the third position.

Pratiti Jha of DAV Public School, Board Colony was named best player of the tournament.

PWC principal Dr Sister Rima AC gave away the prizes. Throwball Association of Bihar secretary Neeraj Kumar Pappu and other office-bearers were present in the closing function.

Results: DAV Public School, Board Colony beat Alliance Club 15-12, 15-7, Patna Women’s College beat KV Kankarbagh 15-9, 15-7, DAV Public School beat KV Bailey Road 15-4, 15-12, PWC beat Alliance Club 15-10, 15-11, KV Kankarbagh beat Evergreen 15-7, 15-1, KV Bailey Road beat Evergreen 15-1, 15-13, PWC beat DAV Public School, Board Colony 15-12, 15-13, KV Kankarbagh beat KV Bailey Road 15-1, 15-9, Alliance Club beat Evergreen 15-3, 15-1, PWC beat KV Bailey Road 15-8, 15-10, DAV Public School, Board Colony beat KV Kankarbagh 15-9, 3-15, 15-12.

Bihar dragon boat team for Senior National

Patna: A 29-member Bihar team that took part in the 5th Senior National Dragon Boat Championships held in Alappuzha (Kerala) on February 22 and 23.

Men: Pankaj Kumar Jyoti, Mukesh Kumar, Bhavesh Kumar, Sanjeet Kumar, Md Sarfraz Alam, Dhirendra Yadav, Manikant Jha, Mukesh Kumar Singh, Gautam Pratap Singh, Sanjay Mahto, Ramkrishna Raj, Sunil Kumar, Roshan Kumar, Nilesh Kumar, Ravi Shekhar, Devanand and Santosh Kumar Singh.

Women: Shalini Kumari, Sweta Rani, Puja Kumari, Jyoti Kumari, Sweta Shahi, Vijaylakshmi, Tulasi Mishra, Sweta Preetaam, Antu Kumari, Sita  Kumari and Puja Kashyap.

Photo: Aftab Alam Siddiqui

Delhi Waveriders beat UP Wizards 1-0 to enter HHIL 2014 final

Ranchi, February 22, 2014: Last year's runners-up Delhi Waveriders rode on Yuvraj Walmiki's strike in the first quarter to beat Uttar Pradesh Wizards by a solitary goal and progress to the final of the Hero Hockey India League (HHIL) at the Astroturf Hockey Stadium in Ranchi today.

Walmiki scored the lone goal of the match in the 15th minute to hand Delhi Waveriders a win in the first semifinal of HHIl 2014.

The opening semifinal between the Waveriders and Wizards witnessed a closed-fought battle as both the teams matched each other equally.
Delhi Waveriders had the first scoring chance of the match in the 12th minute when they earned a penalty corner but Rupinderpal Singh's flick struck the wood work and went wide.

But soon Delhi Waveriders surged ahead through Yuvraj Walimi, who pushed home a pass from Justin Reid-Ross.

In the second quarter, the Wizards earned a penalty corner but captain V R Raghunath try was deflected wide by an onrushing Rupinder.

Trailing by a goal, the Wizards came out attacking in the second half and managed to earn two penalty corners in the third quarter but on both the occasions Raghunath was off the mark.

UP Wizards continued to press hard in the final quarter in search of the equalizer and created a number of chances only to waste them.

Delhi Waveriders will play the winners of the second semifinal between Jaypee Punjab Warriors and defending champions Ranchi Rhinos in tomorrow's final.  

Speaking on the win Cedric D’Souza, Head Coach, Delhi Waveriders said“it’s a happy moment for us today as we have won a tough match and qualifying for the finals is elating. Uttar Pradesh Wizards played good and put a lot of pressure on us. For the finals we will aim not to commit mistakes and we will go all out tomorrow. We have a very good team and we will use the experience judiciously tomorrow to create the right winning combination.

A satisfied Sardar Singh, Captain, Delhi Waveriders said “this platform gives us the opportunity to play with world’s best players and even gives budding talent to showcase their talent. I am hoping that with such initiatives Indian Hockey will go to newer heights. Tomorrow is an important day and we hope to lift the trophy”

Speaking post the match Reolant Oltmans, Head Coach Uttar Pradesh Wizards said “it’s disappointing that we lost the semi-final match today. It was a tough match today with Delhi Waveriders being equally strong. But what matters in the end is the score line. Today’s loss is because of the small errors that we committed but I think it is part of the game. It is difficult to keep the team motivated but we will aim to win tomorrow’s match”

YES Bank Garv Award winner –Yuvraj Walmiki
Man of the Match – Rupinder Pal Singh
Hero Goal of the Match Award –Yuvraj Walmiki

HI Press release

Desai enters Qatar Open U-21 final

New Delhi, February 22: Harmeet Desai entered the final of the under-21 men’s singles final beating Brazilian Hugo Calderano 11-6, 11-4, 11-8, 11-5 at the $3.5 million Qatar Open Super Series Table Tennis Championships in Doha  on Friday night.

He will meet Frenchman Tristan Flore in the final tomorrow. Flore defeated Benjamin Brossier in an all-French semifinal encounter11-2, 11-9, 12-10, 11-3.

In a long time, the under-21 final will be between two unseeded players who have come through qualifications to earn their respective places.

In fact, Desai was victory was even sweeter as he accounted for the Brazilian who defeated compatriot Soumyajit Ghosh, the No. 5 seed, 11-8, 11-8, 5-11, 11-9, 11-4 in the quarterfinals. Indeed, it was a very impressive win for Desai who had been running a great form since the Senior Nationals at Patna this January. There he had accounted for top-seed Indian Sharath Kamal before losing the men’s singles final to Sanil Shetty.

Playing a fast paced game, Desai never gave any opportunity to his Brazilian rival and pinned him on the back foot. Not once did he relax during the semifinal making it utterly impossible for Hugo. Desai summed up his game nicely after the victory, saying, “I played faster than Soumyajit and continued with it throughout my match. My style of attacking game upset Hugo.”

Both played an open game but what made the difference was Desai’s making use of some close points that came his way. Having played Hugo once before at in a tournament at Sweden, where he had lost to Hugo, Desai was determined to outwit his rival. He also said he had spoken to Soumyajit before the match and it helped to some extent.

Incidentally, Desai had won the Under 21 Men’s Singles event, his one and only ITTF World Tour title to date, in June 2012 in the Brazilian city of Santos. It is to be seen if Desai can continue with his form to annex another title here.

TTFI Press release

Bhojpuri Dabang lose to Kerala Strikers in CCL semifinals

Kerala Strikers beat Bhojpuri Dabang by 8 wickets to enter the final of the Celebrity Cricket League at Lal Bahadur Shastri Stadium in Hyderabad on February 22, 2014. 

Navratna Ahmedabad clinch Louis Philippe Cup

Mumbai, February 22, 2014: Navratna Ahmedabad once again underlined their golfing supremacy by claiming top honours in the Rs 1.2 crore prize-money 3rd Louis Philippe Cup, 2014 Golf Championships.

The Ahmedabad team sidelined strong contenders Puravankara Bangalore by a 2-1 margin in the strokeplay final played at the par-70 Bombay Presidency Golf Club, Chembur, Mumbai on Saturday.

The Navratna team had earlier triumphed, when they defeated the same opponents, Bangalore, 3-0 on their home turf in the first edition.

Navratna owe much of their success to their Sri Lankan pro Mithun Perera who sunk a crucial birdie on the par-5 18th hole to finish with a card of 2-under-68 and score over M. Dharma, who made some costly mistakes including a triple bogey on the par-4 9th hole. However, Dharma still managed to complete the round with a score of 1-under-69 to lose the tie narrowly. Perera completed a hat-trick of titles in three weeks having won the Eagleburg Open in Bangalore and Standard Chartered Open in Colombo.

Earlier, Navratna captain Vikrant Chopra lost the opening singles to Anirban Lahiri, India’s top-ranked golfer in the world at 108. The Bangalore professional made 5 birdies and an equal number of bogeys for a par score of 70 while Chopra had just 2 birdies and 3 bogeys to finish at 71.

The second singles was also a close contest with Ahmedabad’s Vinod Kumar putting a great performance of the back nine, hitting four birdies for a score of 2-under-68, while his rival Chikkarangappa also enjoyed a good outing by firing 3 birdies and dropping 2 shots for a card of 1-under-69.

Chopra later mentioned that it was a combined team effort which helped them win. “I am content that we won. It was a collective team effort and that is what we wanted. The draw also went in our favour as I looked forward to play against Lahiri. We had also pinned hopes on Mithun since he is high on confidence and has helped the team by giving us some good advice,” said Chopra.

Mithun was all praise for his teammates. “Vikrant and Vinod played good golf. We rallied well as a team and supported each other and were confident that we could do it,” stated Mithun, who has not lost any event in the last three weeks.

Himmat Rai came up with a superb late charge to help Krrish Colombo turn the tables on AVT Kolkata in the third place match. Trailing by three shots against Shankar Das and with just three holes remaining, Himmat stamped his class with two successive birdies before signing off with a neat eagle to clinch the match in his favour. The 26-year-old Rai with a score of 71 defeated Das (72). K Prabagaran (71) lost to Rahil Gangjee (67) before N Thangaraja (70) overcame Chiragh Kumar (71) in the third singles match.

The Ahmedabad team received the winners cheque of Rs 36 lakh, while the second best team Bangalore pocketed Rs 24 lakhs and Krrish Colombo went home richer by Rs 18 lakhs.

Louis Philippe Cup 2014 – (Finals): Navratna Ahmedabad beat Puravankara Bangalore 2-1 -- Vikrant Chopra (71) lost to Anirban Lahiri (70); Vinod Kumar (68) beat S. Chikkarangappa (69); Mithun Perera (68) beat M. Dharma (69).

3-4th place: Krrish Colombo beat AVT Kolkata 2-1 -- Himmat Rai (71) beat Shankar Das (72), Prabhagaran (71) lost to Rahil Gangjee (67), N Thangaraja (70) beat Chiragh Kumar (71).

5-6th place: DLF Gurgaon beat TAKE Chennai 3-0; 7-8th place: Shubhkamna Delhi 2-1.

Photo caption: Navratna Ahmedabad team, Winner of the 3rd Louis Philippe Golf 2014 (L to R), Sri Lankan Mithun Perera, team owner Devang Shah, M Dharma, Vikrant Chopra and team owner Pranav Shah.  

Press release

Defending champion Suresh Rana aims for hat-trick at 12th Maruti Suzuki Desert Storm

Rana with his prize-winning Grand Vitara at the 15th Maruti Suzuki Raid De Himalaya

New Delhi, February 22, 2014: Rally legend of India Suresh Rana aims for a hat-trick at The 12th Maruti Suzuki Desert Storm, which will be flagged from New Delhi on Monday. 

Suresh Rana, the rallyist with the highest number of motorsport golds in the last two decades, is the defending champion at the rally. His prime rival at the Storm is APRC (Asian Pacific Rally Championship) 2013 champion Gaurav Gill of Delhi. Rana has beaten Gill twice earlier at the Desert Storm, in 2012 and 2013. Both times, Gill had to bow out of the six-day motorsport event in the first stage itself. 

Rana has won the Desert Storm thrice – in 2009, 2012 and 2013. He is nine-time winner of India’s iconic motorsport event, the Maruti Suzuki Raid De Himalaya. Also spicing up the competition is three-time APRC champion Karamjit Singh, a Malaysian of Indian origin. They are competing in Storm Xtreme, which is about driving high speed over the harsh, treacherous terrain of the Thar Desert. Rana and Karamjit Singh will drive for Team Maruti. They are driving Grand Vitara for the rally.

Mr Manohar Bhat, Vice President Marketing, Maruti Suzuki, said that the Desert Storm will traverse a grueling 2,200 kilometers through the rough outback of Sardarshahar, Bikarner and Jaisalmer to finally end at Jaipur. “It is a matter of pride for us that 250 champion rallyists from the country and abroad will compete in the event. There are 55 teams in Rally Xtreme (4X4), 35 bikers competing in Rally Moto, 30 teams in Rally Ndure and 20 teams in Rally Xplore,” said Mr Bhat. The rally will end at Jaipur on March 1.

Rana’s strategy for the Desert Storm is that of a hardened, experienced rallyist. The biggest challenge, he said, is the treacherous desert terrain. “To finish first, you must finish,” he quipped.

Rana admitted that driving top-speed in the sand can lead be tricky. “One has to maintain momentum so that one doesn’t get stuck, and take on the dunes at the right speed and angle,” said Rana. He admitted that the two night stages at the Desert Storm – on the first and the last day of the event – could be the biggest challenge.

“The navigator’s role is very strong here – there is no room for error. You need momentum, and you also need to make sure you don’t get lost. During the night stages, if you can see 50 meters ahead, drive only that much, and refrain from wild risks. Getting lost in the wild desert outback can incur heavy penalties, and drive the best of competitors out of the event,” he observed.

Rana’s navigator is Ashwin Naik of Bangalore. The duo was also the winning team at The 15th Maruti Suzuki Raid De Himalaya 2013.

Karamjit Singh of Malaysia has been APRC champion in 2001, 2002 and 2004. His navigator for the Desert Storm is Parminder Thakur. Thakur, who hails from Manali, was the navigator for Rana in 2012 and also in 2013, when the duo won the top position at the Desert Storm.

The other major competitors in the Xtreme category (4X4) at the Desert Storm are Amanpreet Ahluwalia, Lohit Urs, Sunny Sidhu, Sandeep Sharma, Harpreet Bawa, Major Amarinder Singh Brar, Amartej Pal Buwal and Gaurav Chiripal.

The Maruti Suzuki Desert Storm is one of the toughest and most popular rallies in the country given the conditions, tough stages and spectacular terrain ranging from desert stretches and vast salt flats to dirt tracks.

Jayesh Desai, the President of Northern Motorsport, which organizes the Desert Storm, said that the rally will run this year with the highest number of competitors, at 250. Last year, the total number of competitors stood at 220. 

Rally Xtreme (4X4) and Rally Moto (motorcycles) are based solely on fastest timing. Rally Ndure and Rally Xplore follow the time-speed-distance format. Rally Ndure is the more challenging category here, since it follows the Xtreme route.

From a two-day rally over a decade ago, the Maruti Suzuki Desert Storm has evolved into a major motorsport event of massive proportions that now traverses the Thar desert and the entire span of the dune country. 

Madhya Pradesh, Assam, Gujarat begin campaign in style

 Divya Gohil of Gujarat in action

G Bhuian, chief postmaster general, Bihar, inaugurates the 29^th All India Post Table Tennis Championships at Patliputra Sports Complex in Patna on February 3, 2014

Photo: Aftab Alam Siddiquui

Patna, February 3, 2014: Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Assam and Gujarat began their campaign on winning notes on the opening day of the 29^th All India Post Table Tennis Championships at the Patliputra Sports Complex hall here on Monday.

In the women’s team event, defending champions Gujarat led by Divya Gohil won their first round match with great comfort and élan. Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh also won their opening matches.

However, hosts Bihar men crashed out of the team event losing their consecutive two matches in pool C on the opening day.In their opening match, Bihar suffered 0-3 defeat against Madhya Pradesh while in their second match Tamli Nadu got the better of Bihar 3-1.

Earlier, G Bhuian, chief postmaster general, Bihar, inaugurated the tournament.

Results (men): Andhra Pradesh beat Himachal Pradesh 3-0 (Dipak Singh beat Yashpal Chouhan 11-2, 11-3, 11-4, Umesh Kumar beat Hariom Prakash 11-4, 11-2, 11-9, Shekhar beat Vipul Verma 11-8, 11-5, 11-4); Gujarat beat Odisha 3-0 (Mihit Gandhi beat Prabhat Behra 11-1, 11-4, 11-4, Jalay Mehta beat Sushant Fukan 11-1, 11-2, 11-2, Vijay Vala beat NK Sahu 11-1, 11-3, 11-3); Assam beat West Bengal 3-0 (Kauishik beat Pritam Bose 11-7, 11-9, 6-11, 13-11, 13-11, L Sid beat Nirbhay Roy 11-4, 11-6, 11-7, AP Ratim beat Kuldeep Barman 11-6, 11-5, 11-6); Madhya Pradesh beat Bihar 3-0 (Rakesh Kumar Singh beat Arvind Kumar Jha 11-8, 11-8, 11-7, Amit Kotiyar beat Joy Mukherjee 11-4, 9-11, 11-5, 11-5, P Bhatia beat Dhirendra Kumar 11-1, 11-4, 11-3); Tamil Nadu beat Bihar 3-1 (S Swaminathan lost to Joy Mukherjee 9-11, 4-11, 11-5, 3-11, J Jay Kumar beat AK Jha 11-2, 11-3, 11-5, S Ganesh beat Mahfuj Kamar 11-1, 11-2, 11-3, J Jay Kumar beat Joy Mukherjee 11-4, 11-4, 11-9); West Bengal beat Delhi 3-0 and  Maharashtra beat Himachal Pradesh 3-2.

Women: Gujarat beat Tamil Nadu 3-0 (Divya Gohil beat S Kalyani 11-1, 11-0, 11-0, P Parikh beat S Sujatha 11-2, 11-5, 11-0, Dviya and Sonal beat Sujatha and Thaiunaoki 11-1, 11-2, 11-3); Maharashtra beat Himachal Pradesh 3-2, Madhya Pradesh beat Chhattisgarh 3-0, Punjab beat Delhi 3-1 

Zain, Medhavi wear AITA Talent Series crowns

 Medhavi Singh

Zain Zafar 

Patna, February 3, 2014: Displaying his superb form Zain Zafar outplayed Roshan Kumar 6-0, 6-0 to clinch the AITA Talent Series boys’ U-14 singles title at the Patliputra Tennis Centre courts here on Monday.

Medhavi Singh (Bihar) won the girls’ U-14 crown defeating Ayushi Singh (Bihar) 6-3, 6-0 in the final.

Vishal Vivek and Ayushi Singh (both Bihar) captured the mixed doubles title beating another Bihar pair of Sakshi Suman and Zain Zafar 1-6, 6-2 and 12-10.

Results (Boys U-14 final): Zain Zafar (Bih) bt Roshan Kumar (Bih) 6-0, 6-0.

Girls U-14 final: Medhavi Singh (Bih) bt Ayushi Singh (Bih) 6-3, 6-0

BLTA mixed doubles final: Vishal Vivek (Bih) & Ayushi Singh (Bih) bt Sakshi Suman (Bih) & Zain Zafar (Bih) 1-6, 6-2, 12-10.

Semifinals: Sakshi Suman (Bih) & Zain Zafar (Bih) bt  Utkarsh Singh (Bih) & Medhavi Singh (Bih) 6-2, 6-3; Vishal Vivek (Bih) & Ayushi Singh (Bih) bt. Kumar Aayush (Bih) & Lavanya Hanshi (Bih) 6-2, 6-2

Ranchi Rhinos meet Dabur Mumbai Magicians today

Ranchi, February 3, 2014:  After playing 2 games out of 3 at home ground, Ranchi Rhinos once again is practising very hard to give strong competition to Dabur Mumbai Magicians tomorrow in front of its home crowd. Standing at the 4th position on the points table, the Rhinos will look at going up on the points table by winning the match.

In its last match against Uttar Pradesh Wizards the team showed great control on the ball and they would like to continue their win tomorrow against the Dabur Mumbai Magicians.

Speaking on the preparations Head Coach of Dabur Mumbai Magicians Mr M K Kaushik said “We are practicing very hard and we will play tomorrow with same team. In our team we have 3 captains and all have the potential to lead the team. In our previous matches we played well in the first 2 quarters but after that team lost the momentum. In this league every team is a group of players from different countries so it is not correct to say that the foreign players are playing good compare to Indians. Since we have not won even a single match so far in this league, so there is a little pressure on team but we are ready with full confidence.”

Speaking on the preparations, Glenn Turner, Captain, Dabur Mumbai Magicians said “The overall performance of the team is not very well in the entire league as in few matches we played very well in the initial quarters but we could continue the same spirit up to the end of the match. As far as tomorrow’s match is concerned we have discussed various things with coach and we have got few strategies and we are excited to implement them.”

Speaking on the preparations, Baljit Singh Saini, Coach, Ranchi Rhinos said“After two wins in a row, Rhinos are in a defiant mood to keep their winning form intact, Looking for a great game tomorrow”.

Delhi Waveriders beat Kalinga Lancers 4-3 in a close contest

Bhubaneswar, February 2, 2014: Delhi Waveriders might have steamrolled debutants Kalinga Lancers in their previous outing, but the Sardar Singh-led side had to sweat it out today to eke out a close 4-3 win over the Orissa outfit in their return leg match at the second edition of Hero Hockey India League (HHIL) at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar.

The Waveriders defeated Lancers 5-0 in their previous meeting, but the newcomers produced a much better display today and made the Delhi side work hard to secure five points from the match.

As expected, the Delhi Waveriders seized the early initiative and opened the scoring in the fourth minute through Rupinderpal Singh, who made use of their first penalty corner with a powerful flick to notch up his fourth goal of the tournament.

The Kalinga Lancers created a few bright openings but the Waveriders defense was up to the task to thwart any danger to their citadel as the visitors ended the first quarter with a slender one-goal lead.   

The Kalinga Lancers made a strong comeback in the second quarter and drew level in the 22nd minute when Lucas Vila scored from the spot after they were awarded a penalty stroke following Rupinder’s foul inside the circle.

After a sedate first 17-and-half minutes, both the teams produced attacking hockey in the fiercely competitive second quarter.  

An opportunistic Simon Child restored Waveriders ‘ lead in the 28th minute after latching on to a loose ball inside the Lancers’ circle.

Just four minutes into the second half, Child (40th minute) was again at the thick of things and helped the Delhi Waveriders extend their lead with a diving field goal after being fed by Yuvraj Walmiki.

But the Kalinga Lancers replied back strongly with persistent attacks and managed to secure three penalty corners in quick time, the last of which was converted by Argentine dragflicker Gonzalo Peillat (46th minute) to raise hopes of the home team.

The goal seemed to have pumped up the Kalinga Lancers as they started the fourth quarter on a positive note and drew parity through another penalty corner strike from Vila (57th minute).

But some sloppy defending allowed the Delhi Waveriders to restore their lead two minutes later through veteran Arjun Halappa (59th minute), who collected his own rebound to scoop the ball over Kalinga Lancers goalie Harjot Singh.

The win propelled the Delhi Waveriders to the second position in the standings with 17 points from five games, while the Kalinga Lancers have garnered six points from four outings.

The Delhi Waveriders will next play Uttar Pradesh Wizards at their home ground in capital’s Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium on February 5, while the Kalinga Lancers will travel to Ranchi to face defending champions Ranchi Rhinos on February 7.

Simon Child bagged all the three Hero Man of the Match, Hero Goal of the Match and Yes Bank Garv awards of the evening.

Speaking after the match, Sardar Singh, Captain of Delhi Waveriders said, “It was a close match today. We beat Kalinga Lancers at Delhi early this week by a big margin but when we saw their yesterday’s match, we knew they would fight back and we will have to put full force to beat them. The crowd also supported them today but we were a tad better. Going forward I think Kaling Lancers will be a force to reckon with and will emerge strong contender of the Trophy.”

Addressing the press conference Terry Walsh, Coach of Kalinga Lancers said, “Today we played very well. It was a good game. I am happy with the overall performance of the team though we failed to convert many chances into goals. We also need to focus on penalty corners. Our forthcoming practice sessions will focus on this aspect more.”

Prabodh Tirkey, Captain of Kalinga Lancers said, “Today our coordination was very good. Technically and strategically we played much better than before. The opponent however played very well. We need three continuous wins to come in the top four and will strive hard to be there. Looking forward to win the League.”

Delhi Waveriders will next play Uttar Pradesh Wizards at their home ground in capital’s Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium on February 5, while Kalinga Lancers will travel to Ranchi to face defending champions Ranchi Rhinos on February 7.

Press release