BHUBANESWAR FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2012 | 15 Sports

SNIPPETS INDIA ENTER FINAL India Thursday booked their berth in the final of the Sultan of Johor Cup hockey tour- AFTER DISGRACE, nament with an impressive 3-1 victory over at Johor Bahru (). The Indian junior men’s team dominated pro- ceedings from the outset with Mandeep Singh scoring in the 19th minute when his shot from the right beat goalkeeper Richard Joyce. Playing their fourth round-robin HUMILIATION league match at the Taman Daya Hockey Texas, Nov 15: The Lance Armstrong the needs of survivors of all cancers. mission is bigger than him. “We will not Stadium, Harjeet Singh swelled the lead for Foundation has formally dropped the Armstrong, 41, announced October 17 be deterred; we will move forward,” India with his strike in the 27th minute while name of the disgraced cyclist from its that he was stepping down as chairman but Armstrong said that night. skipper Manpreet Singh made it 3-0 in the title, the organisation said Wednesday remaining on the board of the organiza- At the foundation’s office, seven yellow 34th minute. In the second half, Benedict night, marking the latest move by the tion. That followed an October 10 report Armstrong Tour jerseys have been re- Van Woerkom scored a field goal in the 48th cancer charity to distance itself follow- by the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) moved from the walls. “Lance doesn’t minute to reduce the margin. India will now ing the biggest doping scandal in the which said that the now-retired rider had want to be a distraction from the foun- square off against hosts Malaysia in their last league match Saturday. After four sport’s history. been involved in the ‘most sophisticated, dation’s cause - serving cancer patients matches, India lead the points table with 10 The foundation that has been infor- professionalised and successful doping and survivors,” said McKinnon. “That’s points and remain the only undefeated team mally known for years as Livestrong - the programme that sport has ever seen.’ why he resigned from the foundation’s board. in the competition so far. word adorning its well-known yellow Monday, Livestrong chairman Jeff In the spirit of that noble decision, the foun- wristbands - filed paperwork with the Garvey said that Armstrong had volun- dation has to make appropriate changes PINKI’S PLEA Texas Secretary of State for a name change tarily resigned from the foundation ‘to spare as well.” Troubled athlete Pinki Pramanik, who has that became effective October 30, said the organisation any negative effects as a The Austin father of five, who had been been accused of being a male and charged foundation spokeswoman Katherine McLane. result of controversy surrounding his cy- spending time in Hawaii, tweeted November with rape, Thursday sought the intervention It is now the Livestrong Foundation. cling career.’ 10 that he was “Back in Austin and just layin’ of the West Bengal and central Governments “For most of its life, the organisation “All of us - especially Lance - wanted around”. He linked to a photo of himself in her case. “Mamata Banerjee should give has been known as the Livestrong Livestrong to have a presence that was lying on a couch, with his seven framed yel- attention to the case. She should intervene. I Foundation, but making that change of- bigger than its founder,” board member Mark low Tour jerseys on the wall. will write to her in the next few days seeking a meeting,” said Pramanik. “This whole ficial is necessary and appropriate during McKinnon said. “We knew that in order Livestrong started as the name of an episode is an insult to the Government of a time of change for the organisation,” to make the most profound and lasting im- educational programme at the foundation India, for whom I won the medals... I feel bad McLane said. pact for cancer survivors, the cause and the and in 2004 became the word on Nike wrist- that my gender is being discussed in public,” Armstrong founded the charity in 1997, organisation had to have its own persona. bands, 55 million of which were sold by the athlete added. after he was diagnosed with testicular can- That’s exactly what Livestrong has be- the following year. Armstrong, who is the NO ‘BIG BASH’ cer and before he first won the Tour de come and Lance helped shape that effort.” largest donor to Livestrong, having con- . Since then, it has raised some Armstrong declined through a manager tributed $7 million, is still welcome at the Thursday refused Shahid Afridi, $500 million and has evolved from a focus to comment. He said at the foundation’s foundation, officials said. “It’s a house Saeed Ajmal and Umar Akmal permission to on testicular cancer research to addressing gala last month that the organisation’s that he built,” McLane stated. AGENCIES The Livestrong Foundation is no more by Lance Armstrong’s side play in ’s Big Bash Twenty20 com- petition, ordering them to prepare for next month’s tour of India instead. The trio had all signed up to play in the Big Bash from next month, but the Pakistan Cricket Board Kashyap in quarters France rally to beat (PCB) said they must take part in a domes- tic Twenty20 event being used to test play- New Delhi, Nov 15: London Olympics back, reeling off seven straight points to open Parma (Italy), Nov 15: A second-half strike formations and home coach , baller’ - was involved again when the ers ahead of the matches against arch- quarterfinalist, Parupalli Kashyap showed up a five-point lead over Tien. The Vietnamese from France substitute Bafetimbi Gomis as he had promised, took the opportunity Italians broke through as his neat lay-off rivals India. Afridi was due to play with nerves of steel to notch up a hard-fought caught up at 17-17 and the game moved saw his side come from a goal down to win to rest some of his regulars and played a gave Montolivio the chance to put El Sydney Thunder while Ajmal had signed for three-game victory over seventh seed to 20-20 but Kashyap quickly notched up 2-1 and chalk up their first triumph on Italian front three of , El Shaarawy Shaarawy through on goal. But after the Adelaide Strikers and Umar for Sydney Sixers but the PCB insisted they gear up at Vietnamese, Tien Minh Nguyen, to reach two points to roar back into the contest. soil since 1994. and . equaliser, the Italians appeared shocked and home for the India tour. “Since the Big Bash the final eight of the China Super Series In the decider, Kashyap went into the Lyon striker Gomis poked a shot home Balotelli exemplified Italy’s deter- - a deflected Balotelli effort apart - failed was clashing with our Twenty20 tourna- in Shanghai Thursday. break leading 11-8 after fighting tooth after 67 minutes following a low ball in from mined start to the match and the to string much together for the remain- ment we have asked the players to feature The World No. 23 Indian recovered and nail and though Tien stepped up the Patrice Evra to turn the game around. Manchester City man fired an early der of the half. in the national event so that selectors can after dropping a game to see off Tien 12- heat, the Indian kept his nose ahead and Italy were dominant for much of the first warning, blasting the ball over the top Prandelli brought Andrea check their form and fitness for the selec- 21, 22-20, 21-14 in an hour and nine eventually cemented his place in the last- half and took the lead through Stephan El from the edge of the area with the first Pirlo into the action at the start of the tion of the squad for India,” PCB chairman minutes in the men’s singles competition. eight comfortably. Shaarawy, who ran through the middle to real effort of the evening. second period - one of a flurry of second- Zaka Ashraf said. He will next take on China’s Zhengming Among other Indians, the young duo of fire past from Riccardo Moments after that, the Italy striker half substitutions - but his side were un- LIVING A DREAM Wang in the quarters Friday. Pranaav Jerry Chopra and Siki Reddy N came Montolivio’s through pass - but the ad- came agonisingly close to a breakthrough able to stop France from increasing their Kashyap, who had beaten Tien in the a cropper against the higher ranked Indonesian vantage lasted only two minutes as Mathieu when he hit the angle of post and cross- attacking threat as the game wore on. Jean has described his inclusion in Brazil’s national football squad for next London Olympics in August, could not find pair of Riky Widianto and Puspita Richi Valbuena conjured up a brilliant equaliser. bar after El Shaarawy, battling well, had laid The visitors could have added to their week’s Superclassic of the Americas his rhythm in the opening game as the World Dili. Chopra and Reddy lost 11-21, 15-11 Valbuena evaded his markers on the left the ball back to him 25 yards out and his advantage as substitute Jeremy Menez saw against Argentina as one of the most spe- No. 11 Tien closed it comfortably with- in just 24 minutes. The Indian men’s dou- and cut into the Italian penalty area be- beautifully-struck effort had Lloris com- his low shot touched around the post, cial moments in his life. The 26-year-old out being threatened much. bles pair of Tarun Kona and Arun Vishnu fore firing an unstoppable shot across prehensively beaten. while Italy came close to a leveller when was rewarded for his consistent first sea- In the second game too, the went down to top seed Mathias Boe and goalkeeper Salvatore Sirigu and high into And Euro 2012 semi-final hero Balotelli hit the crossbar son with Brazil’s 2012 champions Commonwealth Games bronze medallist Carsten Mogensen of Denmark 10-21, the top corner. – who had been challenged by Prandelli with a well-hit effort from the edge of the Fluminense after crossing from Sao Paulo was lagging 1-5 but made a strong come 8-21 in 32 minutes. PTI Both sides had lined up in initial 4-3-3 to show that he was now ‘a mature foot- penalty area. AGENCIES earlier in the year. “I’m realising a dream that I had since childhood and I will always say this is a special day in my life,” Jean said. “I am forever grateful to the advice of my father, who always told me about the importance of discipline. His words have Top stars confirm shaped who I am today because it showed me the importance of being responsible on Chennai, Nov 15: World No. 6 Tomas the Hopman Cup for the Czech Republic and off the pitch.” Berdych and No. 9 Janko Tipsarevic are with compatriot Petra Kvitova, continued MA FOCUSED set to take part in the Chennai Open 2013 his top form throughout the year. He reached starting here December 31. This will be his career best at the US Open where he stalled China’s Ma Qinghua has promised not to 26-year-old Berdych’s second visit to the the progress of Roger Federer to enter the lose focus as he pursues his Formula One dream after his HRT team was put up for tournament, while Tipsarevic will open his quarterfinals. In September, Berdych led sale. Ma, who became China’s first new season at the Chennai Open for the the Czech team to victory to set-up a face- Formula One driver when he took part in fifth successive year. off against Spain in the Davis Cup final official practice sessions at this year’s “We are pleased to announce the par- which would be held later this year. Italian and Singapore grand prix races, ticipation of two top-10 players. Tomas Tipsarevic also had a productive year, said he needed to concentrate on his Berdych had a huge fan following in India besides leading his country to a Davis training rather than HRT’s ownership. after he reached the semifinals in 2011. He Cup first round win over Sweden he com- “No matter who will be the boss, the has had a great year thus far and we are piled a 15-5 record during the spring team is still there. So what I need to sure he will continue his winning streak European clay swing. It was highlighted focus on now is to improve myself in Chennai,” President of Tamil Nadu by a semifinal run at ATP World Tour through training,” he said. Monday the Spanish team’s owner, Thesan Capital, Tennis Association, MA Alagappan said. Masters 1000 Madrid. Tipsarevic beat announced it was in talks with potential “Tipsarevic is a regular to Chennai and Novak Djokovic 7-6(2), 6-3 in the quar- buyers. Perennial back-markers HRT are loves to play here. He has been doing terfinals, before losing to Federer 6-2, 6- yet to win a point in three seasons in well in 2012 and I am sure his presence 3 in the semifinals. Formula One. Ma’s agent Jin Yong also will ensure that fans will get to see some The 2013 edition of Chennai Open pledged the driver would be in action at fantastic games being played during the will feature Tom Annear, who has worked next year’s Chinese Grand Prix in tournament,” he added. at the Sony Open for the last 17 years, as Shanghai. “No matter who the boss is, Berdych, who started 2012 with a win in the new Tournament Director. PTI Ma will definitely compete in next year’s F1 race in Shanghai,” Jin was quoted as saying by the Chinese media. Sweden talisman Zlatan Ibrahimovic completes his overhead kick against Wednesday night INDIA EVES OUT Randhawa tied 17th The Indian challenge in the WSF Women’s World Team Championship came to , Nov 15: Indian golfer Jyoti They will resume play Friday. an end Thursday when Dipika Pallikal and Ibrahimovic four sinks England Randhawa opened strongly with a two-under Shiv Kapur was tied 27th at one-under Joshana Chinappa lost their respective quar- 68 to be placed at tied 17th after the first 69 which included a bogey on the par-4 terfinal matches to Egyptian rivals in Nimes, London, Nov 15: Zlatan Ibrahimovic il- keeper by capping the victory in stoppage round of friendlies coming in between round of Hong Kong Open at the Hong 17th. Himmat was even par with one France. It took second seeds just six luminated a low-key night of international time in memorable style. Hart’s weak two weekends of domestic play in Europe’s Kong Golf club here Thursday. more hole to play, while the in-form games to end the Indian run as wins from friendlies Wednesday, scoring an auda- headed clearance was latched onto by leagues, most of the teams did not have their Randhawa dropped just one bogey Gaganjeet Bhullar was off to a modest and took cious overhead kick from 30 yards to cap Ibrahimovic, who span and produced a bi- first-choice lineups out. Germany were against three birdies to emerge as the start with a one-over 71 in tied 54th place. the 2008 champions into the semifinals of his four-goal display in Sweden’s 4-2 win cycle kick that looped over the goalkeeper looking to claim a third win over its bit- best Indian and was four shots behind Asian He had three birdies and four bogeys. the biennial event. While Pallikal went down to Weleily 14-16, 4-11, 7-11 in a marathon over England. and two defenders into an empty net from ter rival in 12 months but Marco Reus missed Tour rookie, Javi Colomo of Spain, who Things did not work out too well for battle, Chinappa lost to Sherbini 7-11, 6-11, Ibrahimovic’s one-man show in Stockholm well outside the area and from an angle. a chance to clinch victory for the visitors outshone more illustrious names with a SSP Chowrasia (76), Digvijay Singh and 9-11 at the La Parnasse Arena. outshone the other scheduled friendlies The stadium erupted as Ibrahimovic in injury time. flawless six-under 64 to take the first Chiragh Kumar, both of whom shot 80 each and his acrobatic strike with his back to goal wheeled away in delight with his shirt off, The in-form Luis Suarez scored in the round clubhouse lead. and were tied 139th. US HOLD RUSSIA was described by England captain Steven having become the first player to score second half to cap Uruguay’s 3-1 win in Three players, including India’s Himmat While Colomo led the field, Italy’s Mix Diskerud scored deep into stoppage time Gerrard - who made his 100th international four times in a match against England. “I Poland, but South American rival Argentina Rai were yet to complete their round. Matteo Manassero, winner in Singapore as the United States twice fought back from a appearance - as ‘one of the best goals I’ve don’t know if you’re going to see another lacked a cutting edge in Saudi Arabia, last week carded 67 and World No. 1 goal down to hold Russia to a 2-2 draw in the ever seen.’ one like that in your life,” Sweden coach with Messi failing in his bid to set an Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland shot 73. first match between the two former Cold War “When I saw the goalkeeper was out I Erik Hamren said. outright record for the most goals for Miguel Angel Jimenez showed that old is adversaries since 2000 in Krasnodar Wednesday night. Debutant Fyodor Smolov tried to put it against the goal, and luck- England’s goals came from Danny the country in a calendar year. Messi gold when he rolled back the years to take put the home team 1-0 up in the ninth minute ily it went in,” Ibrahimovic said. “It’s both Welbeck and debutant Steven Caulker in shares the record with Gabriel Batistuta a share of second place with Australia’s of the friendly before Michael Bradley’s spec- luck and skill.” a four-minute span before halftime, with with 12 goals. Andrew Dodt, a former winner at Avantha tacular volley in the 76th minute rewarded an The enigmatic Ibrahimovic punished Hodgson also giving a first start to 17-year- Ronaldo was absent with an eye injury Masters, with his opening 65. Trailing a improved second-half display by the England with a stand-out all-round per- old Liverpool prodigy Raheem Sterling. as Portugal came from a goal down to go further shot back was China’s most dec- Americans in the southern city of Krasnodar. formance to mark the opening of Sweden’s It was the second straight match that ahead through goals by Pizzi and Hugo orated player, Zhang Lian-wei who could VISA FOR ASYLUM-SEEKER new national stadium, the . Sweden had scored four goals — on the Almeida. Andre Biyogo Poko buried a have returned with a lower score had he After poking Sweden ahead in the 20th first occasion, it came from 4-0 down to 70th-minute penalty to earn a committed not carded a double-bogey six on his fin- A Pakistani asylum-seeker and leg-spin minute from close range, the Paris Saint- draw 4-4 with Germany in a World Cup Gabon a draw against the world’s No. 4- ishing par-four 10th. bowler who helped Australia as they pre- Germain striker made it 2-2 by chesting down qualifier last month. ranked team. Spain only needed about 15 Zhang, 47, signed for a 66 to take equal pared for the first Test against South Africa was Thursday rewarded with a per- Anders Svensson’s lofted pass and volley- The Germans kept a clean sheet minutes to get rolling with Pedro’s first goal fourth place alongside Asian Tour honorary manent visa to stay in the country. Fawad ing home past Joe Hart. Ibrahimovic’s Wednesday in a dull stalemate with the against Panama. David Villa, member YE Yang of Korea, Ryder Cup cap- Ahmed was granted his wish to stay after skimming free kick from 35 yards some- Netherlands in Amsterdam, with both and Markel Susaeta got the other goals for tain José María Olazábal of Spain, Italy’s the personal intervention of Immigration how beat Hart before the Sweden captain countries electing to start with fringe play- the defending World Cup and European Gagli Lorenzo and Sweden’s Fredrik Minister Chris Bowen. caused more embarrassment for the goal- ers because of injury or illness. With this champions. AGENCIES Jyoti Randhawa Andersson Hed. PTI