Sports FRIDAY, MARCH 7, 2014

India not giving up hope of Formula One return MUMBAI: India’s motor sports federation is optimistic concerns will be satisfied,” Akbar Ebrahim, the chair- overcome. A Jaypee spokesman declined to com- the tax problems that have jeopardised the country’s man of racing at FMSCI, told Reuters yesterday. “The ment when contacted by Reuters, but a source at the Formula One race will be resolved and the home good thing is that the International Olympic promoter said the problems should be resolved and Grand Prix will be back in 2016. Committee has recognised the International Formula One would return to India. Formula One commercial supremo Bernie Automobile Federation (FIA) and made it a full mem- India first hosted a Grand Prix in 2011 to positive Ecclestone told Reuters on Wednesday that the ber. “So once we have the recognition the drivers are reviews and have staged three races to date. Former Buddh International Circuit near New Delhi will not no longer going to be considered as entertainers but Formula One driver Karun Chandhok rued India’s loss be hosting a race next year after being dropped from as athletes.” Crediting race promoters Jaypee Sports of a glamorous sporting event. the 2014 championship. International for building a stellar circuit in India, “I’m not surprised, unfortunately. The situation Problems over taxation, with Formula One classi- Ebrahim was hopeful that the FMSCI would be recog- hasn’t changed from the government’s viewpoint fied as entertainment rather than a sport in India, as nised after the country’s general elections are over in despite the Jaypee group’s best efforts,” Chandhok well as the considerable bureaucracy governing the May. “The required paperwork that was asked for by told Reuters from London. “It’s a sad but predictable import of equipment have been seen as obstacles. the government of India has been already submitted outcome. “With the IOC recognising FIA, the recogni- The Federation of Motor Sports Clubs of India (FMSCI) a month back,” Ebrahim added. “It’s a priority. tion for the sport body in India should be pretty auto- is waiting for a final clearance from the sports ministry “This recognition is not just for F1 but it is benefi- matic. “The teams and the drivers really enjoyed com- for recognition as a national sports federation and cial for the grass root level of Indian motorsports, ing to India. But unfortunately the Indian govern- hopes that will pave the way for the race’s return. too.” Ecclestone said in November that a deal had ment did not embrace Formula One or really under- “It’s unfortunate but once the government gives been done for the Indian Grand Prix to return in 2015 stand its penetration and reach worldwide. “It’s an the recognition I am very hopeful that Mr Ecclestone’s and for six years beyond that if tax problems could be opportunity lost.” — Reuters Lee cruises at All England

LONDON: It was a near perfect day for Malaysia’s world number one at the All England championships on Wednesday as he cruised through the first round while his main rivals struggled. Lee, a silver medallist at the 2008 and 2012 Olympic Games, played within himself to dispose of Thailand’s 21-15 21-17 and book his place in the second round. While Lee was in cruise control, world number three Tommy Sugiarto was dumped out of the tournament by China’s Gao Huan. Gao took the first game 21-13 but Sugiarto smashed through the second 21-10. While many expected the Indonesian to go on to seal the win, it was Gao who took the decider 21-18. Another of Lee’s main rivals, , also looked in danger of an early exit when he lost his first game 21-10 to Denmark’s . Chen, who defeated Lee in last year’s final, found himself trailing in the second game but fought back to win 21-15, then completed the victory 21- 12 in the deciding game. CALGARY: Max Reinhart No. 59 of the Calgary Flames chases Cody Ceci No. 5 of the Ottawa Senators during an NHL Chen said he was not surprised there had been spectac- game at Scotiabank Saddledome. — AFP ular early upsets. “The All England championships is a tour- nament that has a lot of character and it is not a surprise to see a big upset caused by a lower ranked player to a high Canadiens drown Ducks ranked player,” he said. “It’s a really special tournament and it is unique and everyone wants to win it. “It was ANAHEIM: Andrei Markov scored in the sixth round of the FLYERS 6, CAPITALS 4 almost a bad result for me but I can handle losing, what I shootout as the Montreal Canadiens beat the NHL-leading Claude Giroux and Jakub Voracek each had two goals, and cannot handle is playing badly.” Chen next plays Japan’s Anaheim Ducks 4-3 Wednesday for their sixth victory in eight Michael Raffl and Steve Downie also scored to lead Philadelphia. while Malaysian Lee plays compatriot Chong games. Andrew McDonald had an assist in his first game since he was Wei Feng. — Reuters Brendan Gallagher had a goal and an assist for the Canadiens, acquired from the New York Islanders. The Flyers won for the sev- tying it late in the second period. Max Pacioretty got his 30th goal enth time in eight games. and captain Brian Gionta also scored in an impressive victory The Flyers chased Washington goalie Braden Holtby after tak- before the arrival of new acquisition Thomas Vanek. ing a 4-0 lead early in the second period. Holtby was replaced by Tim Jackman, Francois Beauchemin and Daniel Winnik scored Philipp Grubauer for the rest of the game - and could face some early goals for the Ducks, who had won three straight. Jonas Hiller competition the rest of the season. The Capitals acquired Jaroslav made 27 saves in Anaheim’s first loss since the Olympic break. Halak from Buffalo for backup goalie Michal Neuvirth and Dustin Tokarski stopped 39 shots in his debut for the defenseman Rostislav Klesla at the NHL trade deadline earlier in Canadiens, making several sharp saves in his eighth NHL appear- the day. ance. Alex Ovechkin, Joel Ward and Troy Brouwer nearly rallied the Capitals with three straight goals in the third. Brooks Laich also MAPLE LEAFS 3, RANGERS 2 scored. Tyler Bozak scored from a penalty shot and then got the win- ning goal 1:51 into overtime to lift the Toronto Maple Leafs over FLAMES 4, SENATORS 1 the Rangers, spoiling the New York debut of Martin St. Louis. Markus Granlund scored his first NHL goal as fellow Finnish Bozak got to a loose puck in front that bounced past Rangers rookie Joni Ortio picked up his first career victory to lead Calgary. defensemen Dan Girardi and Ryan McDonagh and slammed a Paul Byron, Joe Colborne and Mike Cammalleri also scored for shot past Henrik Lundqvist to snap the Maple Leafs’ three-game the Flames, and rookie Sean Monahan had two assists. Ortio, losing streak (0-1-2) and stretch New York’s skid to three (0-2-1). making his second start, finished with 30 saves to help Calgary Toronto built a 2-0 lead on Bozak’s second-period goal and win for the sixth time in its last seven home games. Kyle Turris Nazem Kadri’s tally in the third. The Rangers tied it on short-hand- scored his 20th goal of the season for Ottawa, which has lost four ed goals by McDonagh and Dominic Moore 1:19 apart. of its last five. Lundqvist bounced back from two straight losses in which he Granlund scored 2:04 into the first period and Byron doubled gave up 10 goals, finishing with 26 saves. Toronto’s Jonathan the lead at 9:12 of the second. Colborne made it 3-0 about 8 min- Bernier had dropped two straight after regulation while allowing utes later. Turris spoiled Ortio’s shutout bid just past midway Lee Chong Wei smashes in this file photo. nine goals. He stopped 35 shots. through the third period. — AP