14 Monday 7th February, 2011

BY JOSEPH WILSON passed a record that had stood for so long," Messi (164) into sole possession of fourth place on the said. club career scoring list, trailing Cesar Rodriguez Letter BARCELONA, Spain (AP) - Barcelona earned Pep Guardiola's team has outscored its oppo- (235), Laszlo Kubala (196) and Josep Samitier a record 16th straight win in the Spanish league nents 60-6 during the winning run that is the 10th (178). by beating Atletico Madrid 3-0 with a Lionel longest in European history. "Messi is the best player I have ever seen," Messi hat trick on Saturday. Atletico Madrid coach Quique Sanchez said Sanchez Flores. "He is the Di Stefano of the Why no investigation? The historic win provisionally lifted Flores left striker Diego Forlan out of the start- 21st century." Barcelona 10 points clear of Real Madrid at the ing 11 and reinforced his midfield with former Messi said he wasn't "worried about leading top of the table ahead of its fierce rival's match Barcelona youth academy product Fran Merida. all scorers in Spain. What concerns me is that the against on Sunday. But the move did not pay off, as Barcelona con- team continues to play like this and maintains its Messi decided the contest with two goals trolled the ball from the opening whistle. distance over the rest of the field." before the half-hour mark and added a third in Atletico resisted until Messi broke through Barcelona set a club record of 28 games with- the second half. for the two-time defending champions in the 17th. out a loss earlier this season and stayed on pace Barcelona's streak surpassed the 15 wins by Messi cut back from the right flank across to break a whole set of other records, including Alfredo Di Stefano's Real Madrid 50 years ago. the edge of the area, leaving behind three defend- season points total, victories in a season, goals "It is an honor for this team to have sur- ers before firing a left-footer into the right corner scored and fewest goals allowed. of David De Gea's goal. Earlier, Levante handed Villarreal its first

Suraj Dandeniya Kapila Dandeniya Several cricket com- sports organizations mentators and others have should have competent written about the misman- Finance Directors or agement, nepotism and Managers and other rele- corruption at SLC and it is vant administrators who strange that not even an may not have played any investigation has been international cricket, if Messi's second goal was product of a great loss this season at El Madrigal Stadium with a 1-0 held to find out the truth that is a requirement team buildup. After Antonio Lopez touched it but win, and beat 10-man Sporting of these allegations if any. under the present act. All could not clear, Pedro Rodriguez linked up with Gijon 3-0 to move into fifth place ahead of The previous minister of such important officers David Villa, who slipped the ball between two Espanyol, which lost 3-2 at Almeria. sports, I remember him should be interviewed by defenders for Messi to punch in. Villarreal had previously dropped only two saying that the “SLC is the Sports Ministry and "We would not be who we are without Messi points at home, but Levante's line of five defend- one of the most corrupt their terms and conditions on our team," said Guardiola. "To be a great team ers succeeded in disrupting the "Yellow organizations in Sri should be fixed and in you need to have a standout player. We have won Submarine's" normally potent attack, and Lanka.” Unfortunately, place. This will, to a large 16 games because we have Messi." Valmiro "Valdo" Lopes scored the visitors' winner before he could take any extent, eliminate these With Forlan coming on after the restart, in the 49th minute. action to find out the true allegations and annual Atletico had a good beginning to the second half Villarreal remained in third place, but let situation at SLC, he was audits carried out in time and Barcelona center back Gerard Pique saved a escape a great chance to close on Real Madrid, moved out to another min- by the Auditor General. strike by Filipe Luis on the goal line in the 53rd. which stayed six points clear. istry! If the salaries that I would also like to De Gea swatted a Messi header over the At San Mames Stadium, David Lopez put are being paid to a couple suggest that the blessings crossbar in the 73rd, but six minutes later Messi Bilbao in front in the 16th from the penalty spot, of the chairman's of all Sri Lankans have pounced to tap in a ball that De Gea blocked but Gaizka Toquero doubled the lead in the 27th, and nephews are correct, these already been bestowed on could not hold. Llorente scored his 13th this season to cap two guys must be having our cricketers. Now leave Messi has 40 goals in 33 games in all the win in the 74th. Bilbao has won four some special skills them alone to work out competitions and his 24 league goals straight games for the first time unknown to the corporate their strategies without put him two ahead of Real 1997. or professional sectors in burdening them because Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo for At Juegos Mediterraneos this country. I do not think in cricket, a team needs a Spain's leading scorer. With Stadium, Marcelo Silva, that the shareholders even lot of luck in addition to 167 goals for Barcelona in Kalu Uche, Hernan of large conglomerates their skills. I therefore all competitions, Messi Bernardello put Almeria would approve such fan- wish them the best of luck moved past Josep Escola ahead 3-0 in 18 minutes. tastic monthly salaries to to win the World Cup. I Joan Verdu and sub- even their CEOs. feel that the chances of stitute Alvaro Vazquez I suppose that the them getting some useful FC Barcelona's Lionel cut the deficit for present minister of sports practice with the West Messi from Argentina Espanyol, but Almeria will sort out these matters Indies team could be scut- holds the ball after held on for its second after the World Cup is won tled by the weather Gods home win. by our cricketers. and let us all appeal to the his hat trick against Also, Getafe downed Atletico Madrid dur- I am writing this to sug- weather Gods to relent Deportivo La Coruna 4-1, gest to the minister to and allow our cricketers to ing a Spanish while Mallorca drew 1-1 at review the Sports Law to show their prowess by soccer match at the Osasuna and Racing ensure that the adminis- winning the World Cup. Camp Nou stadium in Santander drew 1-1 at tration of SLC and other P. S. Mahawatte Barcelona, Spain, Zaragoza. Adrian Colunga scored Saturday, Feb. 5, twice and Nicolas "Miku" Fedor 2011. added another goal before half- (AP Photo/Manu time for Getafe. Fernandez) Pedro Rios sealed the win in the 57th, and Ivan "Riki" Sanchez-Rico I will be back – Mohammad Amir scored Deportivo's consolation goal in the 69th with a penalty. As Mohammad Amir has been everything and if left the Qatar Financial I don't play it I have noth- Centre in Doha Saturday ing. I left education to play evening, having just been cricket and I have nothing banned for five years, he other than cricket." was surrounded by a Naturally not much Under-19 School Cricket small, but scarily enthusi- was said on the case itself. astic group of Pakistan Throughout he veered fans. They had waited between tenuous hope and most of the day outside despair, with nothing in Deshan and Anuk shine for Sebs and when he appeared, between. "For a cricketer they flooded around him, whose life is cricket, this BY REEMUS FERNANDO an early end to the match with eight 53, Chanutha Wickramasinghe 32, in their Under-19 match which chanting his name, slam- is like destroying their ming the ICC, telling him life," he said. Immediately overs still remaining. Alwis picked Harith Wanigarachchi 59; Anuk de ended at Kegalle, on Sunday. to be strong and when he added, "One shouldn't An unbeaten century by Deshan up four wickets for two runs, in an Alwis 6/48, Wishwa Fernando 2/29) Scores: they had nothing else, lose hope because in life if Dias and a match bag of 10 wickets impressive spell of nine overs to and 60 for 8 at close in 24 overs Gurukula 191 all out in 48.4 shouting 'Pakistan Allah closes one door, he by spinner Anuk de Alwis were the complete a match bag of 10 wickets. (Deshan Jeyakumar 16; Wishwa overs (Lisula Lakshan 45, Hashan Zindabad'. But they were opens hundred others." highlights on the second day for St. Scores: Fernando 2/21, Anuk de Alwis 4 Dumindu 29, Madushan so intense that Amir even- He couldn't say what he Sebastian’s College who lost on the St. Sebastian’s 142 all out in for 2 runs, Rusiru Gunathilaka Chathuranga 49n.o., Dulaj tually had to go back had learnt from it all. One question he'd be first innings in their match against 44.4 overs (Luke Jayadewa 34, 2/06) Shaminda 20; Rajitha Ranathunga inside, like he was Justin down, the next not Isipatana College in the Under-19 Rusiru Gunathilaka 15, Charith 4/62, Roshan Subasinghe 2/38, Bieber and the up, but not so tournament match which ended at Fernando 31, Anuk de Alwis 19; Nivanka hat-trick Nimasha Durumandalawa 2/16) fans, 13-year-old down. "It just Moratuwa, on Sunday. Bushana Nibanda 4/47, Sidath in Gurukula victory and 8 for no loss in 1.1 overs girls. seems that every- After conceding first innings Mallawarachchi 2/21) and 230 for 3 Off-spinner Sheshan Nivanka Rahula 90 all out in 24 overs They did the thing is finished points, an unbeaten century by Dias decl. in 48 overs (Deshan Dias 104 produced a hat-trick in the second (Roshan Subasinghe 20; Roshan same with the and that my career never hap- helped St. Sebastian’s set a target of n.o., Luke Jayadeva 30, Marval innings and finished with a match Anuruddha 2/23, Sheshan Nivanka two other two players, pened. Who knows 175 runs to win in 32 overs to their Fernando 26, Charith Fernando bag of eight wickets to steer 4/30) and 106 all out in 41 overs Mohammad what is written for opponents. 54n.o) Gurukula College, Kelaniya to a (Prageeth Priyadharshana 66; Asif and me now?" And Isipatana were wobbling at 60 for Isipatana 126 for five o/n 198 all comprehensive 10 wicket victory Roshan Anuruddha 2/38, Sheshan Salman Butt, then, "These eight wickets when bad light forced out in 59.3 overs (Nilusha Sasanka over Rahula College, Katugastota, Nivanka 4/26) who were part things happen in of this hearing life and I haven't and who have lost my courage been given yet. Who knows harsher punish- that lies ahead for 18th Singer MCA Centenary Year Knockout Cricket 2011 ments, but the me?" Only this Issuing of reserved World Cup tickets starts today love just didn't time, he spoke of the future as if feel the same. Mohammad Amir there might be The local organising committee tickets from 7th February 2011 from Inside the one. building, as Amir's articu- Seylan Bank take plum and the ICC World Cup Secretariat 3.00 p.m. to 7.00 p.m. and from 8 Like Butt, he disagreed in Sri Lanka wishes to apprise crick- February to 17 February 2011, from late lawyer Shahid Karim with the verdicts and et fans who reserved their World 11.00 a.m. to 7.00 p.m. at Sri Lanka picked through the ver- sanctions. The players BY MANJULA D. PHILLIPS any sings of relief in the run stand for the fifth wick- dict, Amir stood away, Unichela dressing room, but et. But then Unichela took Cup tickets well in advance of the Cricket, No 35, Maitland Place, maintained their inno- alone. An early-morning cence through the last day. Seylan Bank beat MAS Malin Silva, playing a cap- control of the game as they ready availability of the already Colombo 07. kind of daze seemed to booked seats. The cricket loving Tickets priced at Rs. 50 for the He did repeat what seems Unichela by three wickets in tain’s knock of 100 that removed both set batters. have taken him over. to have emerged as the the final of the 18th Singer came off 115 balls anchored At one stage Seylan public in Sri Lanka avoided any last public stands will be issued from 14 All through the hear- most intriguing point of MCA Centenary Year restored some order to the required 18 runs off the hour rush in booking their seats to February at the said location and at ings it has been this way. the whole affair: that the Amir's youth, Amir's inno- Knockout Tournament at proceedings. The left hander last three overs. But patronize the matches played on all three World Cup venues. tribunal was keen on giv- cence, Amir's talent, ing lower sentences, to at the Colts Cricket Club partnered Dunil Abeydeera Kaushalya Weeraratne then home soil, when the reservations The organisers assure the avail- began in October 2010. ability of reserved tickets and Amir's outswing, Amir's least two players if not all grounds, Colombo, on in an unbroken 132 run hit a run a ball 30 which hair, Amir's T-shirt, three. That seemed Sunday. partnership for the ninth ensured a victory for “The tremendous public enthusi- request fans not to panic that they Amir's background: he's strangely at odds - perhaps asm was an impetus to us and pro- would be deprived of their seats. Having won the toss and wicket which saw MAS Seylan Bank. He was the only one of the three even a little disconnected - pelled us to well plan the seating Therefore, the fans are requested to with what the rest of the opting to bat first, MAS Unichela reaching 199 for named the Player of the who has spoken to the arrangement as well as take a seri- collect their tickets at their conven- press through the actual cricket world was think- Unichela had a horrid start eight wickets in their allot- Final for his effort. ous look at providing a world class ience, during the stipulated period hearing. At once he's ing and from all the specu- as they lost their eighth ted 50 overs. Brief Scores: lation about sanctions cricketing experience to the cricket and get ready to enjoy the action on become the focus of the wicket in the 23rd over dur- In pursuit of the target MAS Unichela 199/8 beforehand, not once did loving Sri Lankans. Now we request the field that will be showcased at Lord's Three as well as an ing the first 90 minutes of the bankers got off to a (Malin Silva 100*, Dunil entirely separate entity this particular permuta- all of them to collect their actual tick- three brand new stadia with tion appear. play. Seylan’s two seamers, shaky start losing four Abeydeera 40*; Weeraratne removed from it. ets with no rush as we assure them enhanced seating capacity at R. "Two no-balls should Kaushalya Weeraratne and wickets for 74 runs, but the 50/4, Kottehewa 48/3) Later in the evening, on of the already reserved seats,” Suraj Premdasa International Cricket not be five years punish- Tharaka Kottehewa ran experienced Tharanga Seylan Bank 202/7 closer inspection, it Dandeniya, Director of World Cup Stadium, Colombo, Pallekele ment, they have said this became apparent Amir themselves," Amir said. "I through the top and middle Paranavithana and (Lasith Fernando 40, T. Secretariat said. International Cricket Stadium, Kandy had been crying. "Today order. When the MAS Chanaka Wijesinghe took Paranavithana 52, C. will also say it is too much The local organising committee and Mahinda Rajapakse was the worst day of my and I wasn't expecting it. I Unichela captain walked the game away from MAS Wijesinghe 51 M. Bandara and the World Cup Secretariat will International Cricket Stadium, life," he said. "Cricket has can't think clearly right into bat there were hardly Unichela by putting on a 83 40/2) commence the issuing of reserved Hambantota. given me everything and it now."