The New Nation - Internet Edition

Tendulkar short of Lara mark as India draw test

Reuters, Bangalore

Sachin Tendulkar was dismissed 14 runs short of equalling Brian Lara's world runs record as India clung on for a draw in the first test against Australia on Monday.

Tendulkar (49) and Vangipurappu Laxman (42no) had added a dogged 61 for the fourth wicket before bad light halted play with the hosts on 177 for four after Australia had declared their second innings on 228 for six to set an unlikely victory target of 299.

Tendulkar's resistance lasted a shade under three hours before he was caught driving into the covers with his career total of runs on 11,939, just short of the mark set by West Indian Lara.

The second test in the four-match series starts in Mohali on Friday.

Australia gained the early initiative with two quick wickets after they declared having added 35 runs to their overnight score for the loss of Shane Watson for 41.

Medium pacer Stuart Clark dismissed Virender Sehwag for six and his new ball partner Brett Lee had Rahul Dravid caught for five to reduce the hosts to 24 for two in the ninth over.

But Tendulkar shared in two fifty-run partnerships to rescue India from a collapse on a difficult pitch.

Clark had Sehwag caught at lone slip by Mathew Hayden in the sixth over while Dravid, who scored a dogged fifty in the first innings, fell flicking uppishly at Lee for skipper Ricky Ponting to take a magnificent diving catch at mid-wicket.

Tendulkar, 35, put on 53 for the third wicket with opener Gautam Gambhir (29) before the stand with Laxman.

Gambhir, who survived a confident lbw appeal off Clark early, batted dourly before left-arm seamer Mitchell Johnson bowled him.

Every run Tendulkar scored was accompanied by loud cheers from a packed stadium as he closed on Lara's mark before becoming debutant Cameron White's first test victim.

Tendulkar drove uppishly at the leg-spinner for Michael Clarke in the covers to take the catch in the 53rd over.

Australia clearly missed an experienced spinner to exploit the turning track, and had to rely on part-time spinner Clarke, who bowled 20 overs.

Laxman continued confidently with Saurav Ganguly (26no), the pair adding 39 for the fifth wicket when play was called off

National booters insured for injury, life

bdnews, Dhaka

The Bangladesh Football Federation on Monday signed a one-year contract on group life and health insurance for the national footballers with the Progati Life Insurance Limited ahead of the Merdeka Cup in Malaysia.

The national footballers are scheduled to leave here for Kuala Lumpur early Tuesday and the BFF highups informed the players that they were insured during the campaign in the 40th edition of the tournament scheduled for Oct 15-25.

"We could have signed the agreement a few days later, but we have completed it today so that the players can play without any hesitation about any injury," said BFF vice president Badal Roy at a press conference at the BFF House.

"What the football federation had done in favour of the players is a unique thing in the arena of sports," said Badal Roy, who is also chairman of the National Team Management Committee.

BFF senior vice president Salam Murshedi and Progati Life Insurance deputy general director SK Sarkar signed the contract on behalf of the respective organisations.

"It is a historical day for the BFF and the footballers and I believe this would inspire the players and help build up their confidence level in tournament," said Murshedi.

"We feel proud of being associated with the BFF and it is a 'no profit scheme 'for us as we have only taken a nominal charge for the group and health insurances," said SK Sarkar.

Each of 20 national footballers will get Tk 5 lakh for the medical treatment if he suffers injuries while his family will receive Tk 10 lakh if a player dies a natural death. The amount will increase to Tk 20 lakh if a player dies from unnatural cause.

Salam Murshedi said that the insurance would remain effective on the selected 20 players until the BFF calls another new squad in future.

Meanwhile, BFF president Kazi Salahuddin on Monday met the players and the officials of the Kuala Lumpur-bound national team and urged them to put up better performance in the tournament.

After the meeting, captain Motiur Munna told bdnews24.com that the speech from the BFF president had inspired all the players much.

"What we have done and are going to do are all for the footballers and we want nothing special from you except a better performance," Munna quoted Salahuddin as saying.

Bangladesh will play their first match against Mozambique on Oct 16 while the second and third matches against Myanmar and Vietnam will be held on Oct 18 and 20 respectively.

Australia to face Japan in Melbourne WCup qualifier

AFP, Sydney

Australia will play their potentially deciding Asian World Cup group match against Japan in Melbourne on June 17 next year, Football Federation Australia said on Monday.

FFA also announced that the Socceroos' two other remaining home qualifying matches against Uzbekistan on April 1 and Bahrain on June 10 will be played in Sydney.

Australia, who face Qatar in a World Cup qualifier in Brisbane on Wednesday, have a great rivalry with Japan and beat the 'Blue Samurai" 3-1 on their way to the second round of the 2006 World Cup finals in Germany.

"This is the final match for the Socceroos in round 4 of the 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifiers and the one that could determine whether we qualify directly for the World Cup or not," FFA chief executive Ben Buckley said Monday.

The top two in both Asian qualifying groups qualify for the 2010 World Cup finals in South Africa.

Australia's remaining schedule for 2010 FIFA World Cup Asian qualifiers:

October 16 - Australia v Qatar, Brisbane

November 19 - Bahrain v Australia, Bahrain

February 11 - Japan v Australia, Tokyo

April 1 - Australia v Uzbekistan, Sydney

June 6 - Qatar v Australia, Doha

June 10 - Australia v Bahrain, Sydney

June 17 - Australia v Japan, Melbourne

Cheruiyot, Grigoryeva win Chicago Marathon titles

AFP, Chicago

Kenya's Evans Cheruiyot made it two marathon triumphs in as many career races Sunday by winning the Chicago Marathon men's title while Russian veteran Lidiya Grigoryeva captured the women's crown.

Cheruiyot won in two hours, six minutes and 25 seconds to head a Kenyan podium sweep. David Mandago, at 33 the eldest runner in the men's field, was second in 2:07:37 with Timothy Cherigat third in 2:11:39.

Cheruiyot made a triumphant marathon debut last year at Milan.

Mandago surged ahead in the 23rd mile but Cheruiyot, 26, stayed within reach and made his move to grab the lead in the 25th mile and claim the victory by 72 seconds, the sixth triumph in a row at Chicago by a Kenyan man.

In the 19th mile, Mandago had motioned for Cheruiyot to share the work at the front as warm weather made the going tougher.

"He told me to push the pace," Cheruiyot said. "But I didn't want to go to the front because I didn't have experience with the marathon."

Cheruiyot's victory gave Kenyan men victories in four of the five 2008 World Marathon Majors series races - London, Boston, the Olympics and Chicago - with the New York Marathon still to come.

However, there was only more heartache for Kenya's Daniel Njenga, ninth in 2:17:33. Njenga has had six podium finishes at Chicago, including a third-place effort in 2007, but has yet to taste victory.

Reigning Rotterdam Marathon champion William Kipsang was eighth, his course record-setting victory in April having given the Kenyan the fastest entry time at Chicago.

Kenya's Emmanuel Mutai, fourth at the London Marathon last April in a personal best 2:06:15, was sixth in 2:15:36.

Grigoryeva, the 2007 Boston Marathon winner, surged ahead of compatriot Alevtina Biktimirova in the 21st mile and won in 2:27:17, defeating runner-up Biktimirova by 2:15 seconds with Japan's Kiyoko Shimahara third in 2:30:19.

For Grigoryeva, the unseasonable heat was welcome, because it slowed the pace long enough for her to warm up a sore hip.

Then, when Biktimirova picked up the pace in the 14th mile, Grigoryeva was ready to respond.

"I was happy my friend Biktimirova picked up the pace after halfway, and no one else wanted to do it," Grigoryeva said. "I knew I was faster than she is."

The Russians ran together for five miles before Grigoryeva took control.

Romania's Constantina Tomescu-Dita, the Beijing Olympic women's marathon champion and 2004 Chicago Marathon winner, was fourth in 2:30:57. She became the oldest Olympic marathon champion at age 38 with her August gold in China.

"I'm not disappointed," said Tomescu-Dita, who completed her fourth marathon in four countries on three continents in less than nine months. "If I didn't have to travel so much, I might have been in the top three.

"My legs were really too tired. The others didn't run in Beijing and were training specifically for this race."

Ethiopia's Berhane Adere, who was bidding for an unprecedented third consecutive women's title, finished 10th in 2:34:16.

Kaka, Robinho lead Brazil to victory

AFP, Venezuela

World player of the year Kaka returned after an 11-month international absence to inspire five-time champions Brazil to a 4-0 World Cup qualifying victory over Venezuela here on Sunday.

The 26-year-old AC Milan star was on target after just five minutes and set up the third goal as Brazil moved back into the second place in the South American standings with 16 points, four behind leaders Paraguay.

Manchester City ace Robinho also grabbed a share of the headlines with two sublime goals.

Venezuela came into the match buoyed by having won a friendly between the two nations 2-0 in a friendly in Boston last year, their first ever victory ending a run of 17 successive defeats against their illustrious rivals.

However, within 20 minutes, any hopes Venezuela coach Cesar Farias had off overseeing another shock were extinguished.

With just six minutes gone, Kaka beat goalkeeper Renny Vega with a shot from a difficult angle which went in off the post. It was the AC Milan star's 23rd international goal in his 60th appearance.

Four minutes later, Robinho made it 2-0 when he cut inside from the left and drove the ball into the back of the net from 30 yards.

By the 20th minute, it was 3-0 with troubled striker Adriano, recalled this year after a series of fitness and disciplinary problems, finding the net from close range.

Kaka had broken from midfield and sent Elano, another Manchester City player on the pitch, free down the left-hand side.

His shot fell invitingly for Adriano to beat Vega and to justify his selection by coach Dunga who was deprived of the injured Luis Fabiano.

Venezuela had chances to hit back before half-time as Brazil's defensive frailities looked in danger of being exposed, but Alejandro Guerra, Jorge Rojas, Juan Arango and Giancarlo Maldonado all wasted opportunities.

Adriano was booked on the stroke of half-time which means he will be suspended for Wednesday's visit of Colombia.

Brazil keeper Julio Cesar was twice called on early in the second half to save from Maldonado at close range.

Venezuela, the only South American team never to have played in a World Cup, paid for their wastefulness after 69 minutes when Robinho added his second goal of the night being put through by Kleber.

Robinho controlled the ball superbly, steadied himself and slotted the ball into the corner of the net.

Terry, Cole out of Belarus clash

AFP, London

England coach Fabio Capello suffered a major blow on Monday with the news that defenders John Terry and Ashley Cole will miss Wednesday's World Cup qualifier against Belarus.

Terry had already been sidelined for Saturday's 5-1 victory over Kazakhstan at Wembley with a back injury and the England captain hasn't recovered in time to play in Minsk, while Cole is ruled out with a hamstring problem, the Football Association confirmed.

Capello was keen to have Terry back for a match that could prove more tricky than expected because his defence looked unconvincing at times against a Kazakhstan team ranked 131st in the world.

Now the Italian will have to hope Matthew Upson can improve on his shaky display on Saturday or turn to Everton centre-back Joleon Lescott, who has been struggling for his club this season.

Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand will once again deputise for Terry as stand-in captain.

Cole's absence is likely to hand his Chelsea team-mate Wayne Bridge a chance to start at left-back. The injury completes a miserable three days for Cole, who was booed by sectionS of the Wembley crowd after his careless backpass led to Kazakhstan's goal.

"It's disappointing to lose two very experienced players in John Terry and Ashley Cole for the game in Belarus," Capello said.

"Unfortunately they have no chance of playing, so it is best they return to Chelsea."

With Terry out, Capello may opt to retain Gareth Barry in a holding midfield role despite taking off the Aston Villa player at half-time on Saturday.

If Capello opts to switch to the 4-4-2 formation that proved so successful in the second half on Saturday and against Croatia last month, either Steven Gerrard or Frank Lampard could have to play out of position on the left wing.

While Capello debates who should start in midfield, he has fewer worries about his attacking options after Wayne Rooney took his tally to five in four games for club and country with a second-half double against the Kazaks.

After a long international goal-drought, Rooney is beginning to recapture the prolific form that first made him an England star at Euro 2004.

Capello still sees room for improvement from the Manchester United striker though and has told him he can become even more dangerous if he calms down in front of goal.

"Wayne Rooney is in fantastic form at the moment," Capello said. "He is scoring a lot of goals and his movement and pace are excellent. He runs, he comes back to win the ball. He does everything.

"He is an example to the other players. But it is possible for him to be better.

"I spoke with him when I first became England manager and told him technically he was very good.

"There are no problems with the head or feet. But when he arrives in front of the goal, sometimes he shoots too quickly.

"He has to be more patient, take things more slowly and understand what is happening around him. Then he will get more goals."

England's bid to win their opening four World Cup qualifiers for the first time will be boosted if Belarus winger Alexander Hleb fails to recover from injury.

Yet Barcelona star Hleb is adamant his side will cause England problems and liken their slick movement to his fluid style of his former club Arsenal.

"They are not conservative at all," Hleb said. "They move all over, like Arsenal, and pass the ball a lot.

"Belarus are a very dangerous side and this game will not be easy."

Both NCL encounters end in draw

bdnews, Dhaka

Farhad Hossain struck an unbeaten 56 as runners-up Rajshahi made a draw against Barisal on the fourth and final day of the National Cricket League four-dayer at Rajshahi Divisional Stadium on Monday.

The match between Chittagong and Dhaka ended in an expected draw at Narayanganj Osmani Stadium, which saw the first two days of the match called off due to wet outfield.

Barisal and Chittagong with first innings lead secured four points each while Rajshahi and Dhaka earned two points each. Khulna secured full eight points for their outright win over Sylhet on Sunday.

Barisal vs Rajshahi

Hosts Rajshahi were 135 for three in 42 overs at close of the final day after visitors Barisal set them to chase 263 runs to win almost in two sessions.

Tariqul Islam tore Rajshahi top-order removing Shakil Haider (20), Jahurul Islam (14) and Anisur Rahman (13) before Farhad and Mushfiqur Rahman produced a stiff resistance to ensure no further damage.

Farhad and Mushfiqur together put on 76 runs for the unbroken fourth wicket and remained unbeaten on 56 and 23 respectively before the bails were drawn for the final day.

Earlier, Barisal, having resumed the day on 149 for four, were all out for 204 in the second innings as Farhad Hossain (4/74) and Suhrawardi Shuvo (3/45) wracked the visitors' batting.

Dhaka vs Chittagong

After resuming the day on 48 for no loss, visitors Chittagong ended up with 212, taking a slim two-run lead after bundling Dhaka out for 210 in the first innings.

Tariq Ahmed Ruben topscored with 73 after top-order batsmen Gazi Salahuddin (26), Naif Iqbal (28) and Masumuddowla (20) returned cheaply.

Spinner Arafat Sunny caused the main damage to Chittagong's batting claiming five for 46 while Al Amin and Marshal Ayub took two wickets each for 13 and 35 respectively.

Dhaka were 64 for two in 20 overs in the second innings at close of the final day.

Ctg Mohammedan make goalless draw with Farashganj SC

UNB, Dhaka

Chittagong Mohammedan SC split points with Farashganj SC as the lone CityCell B League match between the two sides ended in goalless draw at the Narsingdi Stadium on Monday.

After the day's tame draw, the popular black and white team from port city of Chittagong has secured six points from five matches, while the old Dhaka outfit Farashganj SC bagged four points from four outings.

Today's match: Rahmatganj MFS vs Khulna Abahani KC (BNS).

2nd Division Chess League begins tomorrow

UNB, Dhaka

The 2nd Division Chess League, organized by Bangladesh Chess Federation, will begin on Wednesday at the Bangladesh Chess Federation hall room.

The League is an open event for all clubs and teams. The interested clubs and teams can enroll their names on or before Tuesday at the Federation office with a registration fee of Tk 460.

The event will be held on Swiss-League system with the top two teams qualifying for the next season's 1st Division Chess League.

Tripti Dutta of Bangladesh finishes 5th in Commonwealth Youth Games Shooting

UNB, Dhaka

Tripti Dutta, a Bangladeshi shooter from BKSP, finished fifth in the women's 10-meter Air Rifles shooting of the 3rd Commonwealth Youth Games scoring 384 in the Indian town of Pune on Monday.

Sudhir Binte Aqilah of Singapore won the event's gold medal scoring 398, Monica Fyfe of Canada got the silver with 394 and Farhana Binti Abdul Hali Nur Ayuni of Malaysia won bronze scoring 392.

Bangladesh is taking part in four disciplines - swimming, weightlifting, shooting and boxing.

The Bangladesh contingent left Dhaka on October 9 and will return home on Oct 19.

Osasuna coach sacked

AFP, Madrid

Jose Angel Ziganda became the Spanish first division's second coaching casualty within a week after he was sacked by Osasuna on Monday.

"Jose Angel Ziganda will today end his collaboration with Club Atletico Osasuna. The club will name a successor in the next few hours," a club statement said.

After six league matches - which includes four draws and two defeats - Osasuna sit in 16th place with just four points.

Ziganda, who arrived at the club in 2006, is the second Spanish top flight coach to be sacked this season following Manolo Zambrano's sacking by Recreativo Huelva last week.

Extremists wouldn't target Aussies in Pakistan : Khan

AFP, Sydney

International cricketers are safe from terror attacks in troubled Pakistan because the game is so well loved in the country, player-turned-politician Imran Khan told Australian media.

Australia have not toured Pakistan for a decade and abandoned a visit earlier this year because of security concerns in the wake of the assassination of former prime minister Benazir Bhutto.

In August, Australia also pulled out of the Champions Trophy in Pakistan which has now been postponed.

Speaking to Australian television, Khan said that while he understood the Australians' decision, those who wanted to destabilise Pakistan would not risk alienating their support base by attacking cricketers.

"I also know that cricketers would never be under any threat from terrorists," he said in an interview to be screened late Monday by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.

"Terrorists rely on support from the masses because that's where they get their recruits, and cricket is a game which is so loved and there's such passion in Pakistan, that the terrorists know that if a cricket match is bombed, they've had it.

"The public will just turn against them."

Khan, a former Pakistan captain who led his team to the 1992 World Cup title, has been active in Pakistani politics since his retirement from the sport.