‘Trump Match’ concept will appeal to fans, says Gopichand

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  READY FOR TAKE-OFF! Mumbai Rockets players (from left) RMV Gurusaidutt, chief national coach P Gopichand, HS Prannoy and Mathias Boe at the Premier Badminton League press conference on Wednesday.- PHOTO: Rajnish Londhe
  

  Premier Badminton League makes a return after a gap of one year

  ormer All-England men’s singles winner P Gopichand, 42, feels that the badminton world is looking forward to the trailblazing ‘Trump Match’ in the Premier Badminton League (PBL) with great interest.

  The player-turned-coach who has shaped the career of many shuttlers at his Hyderabad academy, doesn’t recall a ‘Trump Match’ format being followed in any part of the world. Neither does Ram Nayyar, the Mumbai Rockets coach from Canada, nor Mathias Boe, Denmark’s doubles specialist, have an idea of theconcept.

  The PBL is set to start at Mumbai’s National Sports Club of India (NSCI) on January 2, and the opening tie between actor Akshay Kumar-promoted Mumbai Rockets and Lucknow’s Awadh Warriors will offer thefirst glimpse of how players will cope up with the pressure situation of a ‘Trump Match’. The Rockets comprise men’s singles players HS Prannoy and RMV Gurusaidutt, women’s singles exponents Han Li, LiuZi Die (both China), India’s promising Ruthvika Shivani Gadde, men’s doubles experts Boe, Russian Vladimir Ivanov, India’s Manu Attri, Singapore’s Chayut Triyachart and women’s doubles expert from Denmark, Kamilla Juhl.

  Explaining the reasons for introducing the concept of ‘Trump Match’ that will boost the winning team’s position in a five-match tie by one bonus point, Gopichand, said: “Every team has to nominate its ‘Trump Match’ from among its five matches. The two teams can nominate the same match as its ‘Trump Match’. This has to be done 90 minutes before the tie starts, after which the broadcaster and the technical officials will determine the order of matches.”

  Taking the rationale of ‘Trump Match’ forward, Gopichand said: “This actually ensures that the last two matches are also important. You will never have a case wherein the fourth match is inconsequential. Even if you have a 3-0 lead in a tie, you can still lose. It keeps the spectators interested till the very end. This is the very reason why the ‘Trump Match’ was introduced in the first place. It remains to be seen how players react to it. Sometimes, you can feel the extra pressure; some players may play better, while others may crack under pressure.”

  PBL rules state that a team can nominate a player for a ‘Trump Match’ only twice during the league and once during the knockouts (semifinals and final). If a player is nominated for the same in the semifinal, he cannot be nominated for the final. “The teams have to be smart in naming players. It’s a great addition to the league and ensures that the excitement remains till the end,” said the former champion.

  Rockets coach Nayyar said: “In Canada, we have had some fun leagues and different formats, but nothing at the level of a ‘Trump Match’. Boe elaborated: “I have not played it either, but it’s always exciting to try new things. The last time we played here, 95 per cent of the matches ended 3-2 and it was super-exciting all the way. It will bring in great excitement.”

  Race to 15 the way forward

  Gopichand believes that a game set to 15 points is the way forward for badminton. “The number 15 seems to be right; shorter and faster will test the calibre of players.” Closely involved with the PBL, the champion player-turned coach went on to state that overseas players have gone out of their way to come to India for the league. “Whatever challenges we have had, what we haveachieved with the kind of players here is fantastic.”

  He added: “To have someone like Lee Chong Wei, Mathias Boe, Carsten Mogensen, Chris Adcock and Gabrielle Adcock, it’s not easy to pull out of something like this. The level is very good. We did not have theleague for a year, but we have it now and we are hopeful of having it as a permanent feature from now on. Looking at the last edition, players like K Srikanth were just coming up. He came to prominence in theIBL.

  “Now, people are looking up to players like him. They have to deliver, so it’s almost like maturing of a player. All said and done, players like him will be scrutinised much more in pressure situations against overseas or fellow Indian players. Each day, there will be either a Saina or Sindhu, or a world champion competing on court. That’s the level of the event.”

  Badminton in the city

  Gopichand touched upon the absence of quality badminton in the city. “In Mumbai (there was) no badminton at all, apart from the previous IBL. So to have Saina, Sindhu and others play for two days here is fantastic. Even though it’s an Olympic year, to get players of such quality is fantastic. The players have shown a great amount of commitment to actually play this event.
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Sri Lanka to send strong contingent to South Asian Games

Sri Lanka is sending a contingent of 484 men and women athletes to take part in the 12th South Asian Games to be held in India’s northeastern cities of Guwahati and Shillong during February 5-16.

Stating this in a press release issued on Tuesday, the Indian High Commission said the athletes would participate in all 23 disciplines. Of the total number of athletes, men would account for 257 and women – 227.

Earlier in the day, a delegation from India that included Birendra Prasad Baisya, president, Indian Weightlifting Federation Organising Committee for 12th South Asian Games and Rajiv Yadav, Secretary, Department of Sports in the Union Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports held discussion here with Sri Lankan Minister for Sports Dayasiri Jayasekara.

The release stated that Nepal was another country that had confirmed participation in all the disciplines, apart from India, the host country. The other participating countries were Pakistan, Afghanistan, Maldives, Bangladesh and Bhutan. All the eight countries accounted for 21 per cent of the world's population with their share in global economy being around 9.12 per cent.

Totally, there would be 1,505 men athletes and 1,167 women taking part in the Games for 228 events spread over 23 disciplines. While events concerning 16 disciplines would be conducted in Guwahati, those relating to six others would be in Shilliong. Football would be played in both cities.

The theme song of the Games would be ‘Ei Prithibi Ekhon Krirangon, Krira Hol Shantir Prangon’ sung by the musician late Bhupen Hazarika and this meant that “the whole world is a playground and sports is a playground of peace,” the release added.

Carlsen wins Qatar Masters

AP

Magnus Carlsen.World champion Magnus Carlsen of Norway won the Qatar Masters Open chess tournament, billed as the strongest Open in history, here on Tuesday. It was on a tie-breaker though that he won the title.

The top seed had finished with seven points, the same as Yu Yangyi of China, seeded 11th. He drew his 10th and final round encounter with former World champion Vladimir Kramnik of Russia, while Yu defeated Wesley So of the United States.

Surya Shekhar Ganguly was the best-placed Indian, at 10th. It was an impressive show by the Kolkatan, who had begun as the 30th seed; he scored six points, same as compatriot P. Harikrishna. The ninth seed finished 11th.

S.P. Sethuraman was another Indian to score six points; he took the 17th place, though he was seeded only 37th.

The tournament featured several top players of the world, including three World champions (Carlsen, Kramnik and Ruslan Ponomariov). There were four women’s World champions as well — Hou Yifan, Alexandra Kosteniuk, Antaoneta Stefanov and Anna Ushenina.

The standings: 1-2. Magnus Carlsen (Nor), Yu Yangyi (Chn); 3-7. Vladimir Kramnik (Rus), Sergey Karjakin (Rus), Sanan Sjugirov (Rus), Ni Hua (Chn), Vassily Ivanchuk (Ukr) 6.5; 8-17. Anish Giri (Ned), Xu Yinglun (Chn), Surya Shekhar Ganguly (Ind), P. Harikrishna (Ind), Ruslan Ponomariov (Ukr), Vladimir Akopian (Arm), Jan-Krzysztof Duda (Pol), Nguyen Ngoc Truong Son (Vie), Nikita Vitiugov (Rus), S.P. Sethuraman (Ind) 6.

TN has the firepower to go the distance: Sundaram

The Tamil Nadu men and women’s volleyball teams have been practising at the Velammal Engineering College Auditorium here for the last fortnight, away from the glare of media, for the Senior National championships in Bengaluru beginning next month.

State men’s team chief coach P. Sundaram says he is confident of his team’s showing in the Nationals. “We have depth in attack and defence. We have reserve players for each position. Our bench strength is better than last time,” he said, here on Monday, after the morning session.

With first-timers in the team, Angamuthu, Sathishkumar, Muthusamy, Praveen Kumar & Dinakaran and experienced players like Ukkarapandian, captain G.R. Vaishnav and Selvaprabhu, the coach said the team has the right mix of youth and experience.

Sundaram said teams like Karnataka, Kerala, Rajasthan and Uttarakhand could be tough and it all depends on the team’s composition. “Kerala and Karnataka (it defeated TN in the final of the Federation Cup in Bargur in Feb 2015), we will have to see how good the teams are once we land in Bengaluru,” he said.

Sundaram said even though the team will miss the services of key players such as Kanagaraj, John Christopher and Sarang Lal from last year, it has the necessary firepower to last the distance.

A. Dhinakaran, chief coach of the women’s team, said the unit, comprising entirely of college players, has the capability to bag a bronze medal (it won the bronze in the last two editions). The camp concluded on Wednesday and the teams leave for Bengaluru on Thursday.

The teams: Men: G.R. Vaishnav (captain), Sathish Kumar, Dinakaran, Naveen Raja Jacob, Karthik, Riyazuddin, Selvaprabhu, Angamathu, Praveen, Ukkarapandian, Muthusamy & Sakthikumar. Chief coach: P. Sundaram. Assistant coach: J. Ramesh. Manager: P. Jaganathan.

Women: K. Lakshmipriya (captain), Uttaesha Dharma Sonawane, V. Manju, G. Bakiyalakshmi, R. Mohanavalli, V. Bhavani, E. Poovitha, J. Monisha, L. Iswariya, S. Priya, Bala Ramya, S. Navya. Chief coach: A. Dhinakaran. Assistant coach: Annammal. Manager: Sugantha Sampath Kumar.

Trump matches will make PBL exciting: Gopi Chand

PTI

Mumbai Rockets players R.M.V. Gurusaidutt, H.S. Prannoy and Mathias Boe along with chief national coach P. Gopi Chand (second from right) during a press conference ahead of the Premier Badminton League in Mumbai.

National badminton team chief coach P. Gopi Chand on Wednesday said the new rule of ‘Trump Match’, introduced in the second edition of Premier Badminton League (PBL), will make the tournament an exciting one for players and fans.

PBL’s second edition is set to start on January 2 with a clash between Awadhe Warriors, spearheaded by 2012 Olympic bronze medallist and 2015 World championship silver medallist Saina Nehwal, and Mumbai Rockets here. Besides Mumbai, the participating franchises are Delhi Acers, Hyderabad Hunters, Bengaluru Top Guns, Chennai Smashers, and Lucknow-based Awadhe Warriors.

A team winning the ‘Trump Match’, after selecting one of the five matches in a tie, would gain a bonus point (+2) and a negative point (-1) in case of defeat.

“It’s a great addition to the league to ensure that the excitement remains till the end of the tie. Each team has to nominate a trump match from among five matches. Teams have to finalise their line-up one-and-a-half hours before the tie and also name their trump match,” Gopi Chand said at a press conference here.

“Both teams may nominate the same match as trump match. Even a 3-0 lead is not sufficient to win as you can still lose the tie. Spectator interest will be kept alive. It needs to be seen how the players react to the extra pressure. Some play better under pressure and some others crack,” he said.

Speaking on the league, he said, “I am really excited to see the league help youngsters and aspiring players play against top stars and make a name for themselves. All teams look strong, it will be difficult to pick a favourite. Fans can expect some fireworks.”

Wrestling: Kadian tames Khatri

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UNYIELDING: Gaurav Sharma (right) proved his class against Manjit in the Greco-Roman 59kg final of National wrestling championship on Wednesday.- Photo: Shiv Kumar Pushpakar

Satyavrat Kadian’s superb performance against the fancied Mausam Khatri in the title bout of the 97 kg category was the highlight of the second and penultimate day of the National wrestling championship at the KD Jadhav Hall here on Wednesday.

Kadian had lost the last four bouts between the two with the defeat in the Pro Wresting League being the latest. “I had no fear of losing,” was how Kadian described his approach against a reputed opponent.

Known to be a defensive wrestler, Kadian did not hold himself back and his aggression from the start carried him past the challenge of Khatri. There was little to choose between the two but Kadian’s spirit to dominate helped the Railways wrestler to tame his Services rival.

In another surprise result, Vinod of Services overcame Amit Dhankar of Haryana in the 70 kg final while Sakshi Malik won her bout on expected lines in the final of the women’s 60 kg category.

The medallists: Men: Freestyle: 61 kg:Gold: Rahul Aware (Rly); Silver: Pradeep Kumar (Ser); Bronze: Harful (Ser) and Utkarsh Kale (Mah); 70 kg: Gold: Vinod (Ser), Silver: Amit Dhankar (Har),Bronze: Vishal Singh (Pun) and Pankaj Rana (Ser); 97 kg: Gold: Satyavrat Kadian (Rly), Silver: Mausam Khatri (Har), Bronze: Sunil Kumar (ser) and Rubaljit Singh (Pun).

Greco-Roman: 59 kg: Gold: Gaurav Sharma (Ser), Silver: Manjit (Cht), Bronze: Manoj (Har) and Sandeep (Ben); 71 kg: Gold: Manjeet (Har), Silver: Mohd Rafiq (Kar), Bronze: Aditya Kundu (Pun) and Shri Bhagwan (Har); 130 kg: Gold: Navin (Ser), Silver: Mehar Singh (Har), Bronze: Ravi (Chan) and Ajay Kumar (Ser).

Women: 53 kg: Gold: Vinesh Phogat (Rly), Silver: Mamta Rani (Goa), Bronze: Sheetal (UP) and Seema (Har); 60 kg: Gold: Sakshi Malik (Rly), Silver: Manisha (Har), Bronze: Babita (UP) and Anita (Har); 69 kg: Gold: Navjot Kaur (Rly), Silver: Geetika (Har), Bronze: Rajni (UP) and Pinki (Del).

It’s Joshua vs Maleficent in P.D. Bolton Trophy

Joshua and Maleficent should fight it out in the P.D. Bolton Trophy, the main event of the races to be held here on Thursday. Rails will be placed eight metres away from its original point from 1600m to 1200m, and thereafter 13 metres upto the winning post.

BLURR PLATE (1,200m), Cl. V, rated 01 to 26, 2-15 pm: 1. Allee Bleue (5) Zeeshan 61, 2. Ame (3) Parmar 61, 3. Name Of The Game (2) Trevor 61, 4. Wild Venture (8) Parbat 59.5, 5. Serene (4) T S Jodha 58.5, 6. Ocean Sparkle (7) Ajinkya 58, 7. Wonder Story (1) Shelar 57.5, 8. Terrific (9) Pereira 55.5 and 9. Home Factor (6) K Kadam 49.5.

1. Name Of The Game,

2. Allee Bleue,

3. Serene

FOREST FLAIR PLATE (1,000m), Maiden, 2-y-o only, 2-45: 1. Himalaya (6) Neeraj 55, 2. Wild Jack (3) Parmar 55, 3. California Dream (4) Zervan 53.5, 4. Cataleya (7) Yash Narredu 53.5, 5. Honey Dew (1) Trevor 53.5, 6. Night Fury (5) Sandesh 53.5 and 7. Voulez Vous (2) Dashrath 53.5.

1. Cataleya, 2. Honey Dew

P D BOLTON TROPHY (1,000m), Cl. II, rated 60 to 86, 3-15: 1. Deep Diver (1) Shubham 62, 2. Ravello (3) Sandesh 55.5, 3. Incentio (4) Yash Narredu 54.5, 4. Maleficent (2) P S Chouhan 54.5, 5. Star (5) J Chinoy 52 and 6. Joshua (6) Dashrath 51.5.

1. Joshua, 2. Maleficent

MASEEHA PLATE (2,400m), Cl. V, rated 01 to 26, 3-45: 1. Jordana (6) Ajinkya 61, 2. Red Fort (9) R Vaibhav 60.5, 3. Jibuti (5) Yash Narredu 59, 4. Running Cloud (3) J Chinoy 58, 5. Move In Time (4) C S Jodha 56.5, 6. Yodha Shakti (8) Daman 56, 7. Allegiance (2) Bhawani 55.5, 8. Hugs And Kisses (1) Parmar 53 and 9. Sky Lantern (7) K Kadam 52.5.

1. Jordana, 2. Move In Time,

3. Red Fort

NEW YEAR’S EVE CUP (1,600m), Cl. III, rated 40 to 66, 4-15: 1. Just By Chance (4) R Vaibhav 59, 2. B Fifty Two (1) Sandesh 58.5, 3. Cha Cha Cha (5) Dashrath 57.5, 4. Top Bracket (6) Neeraj 55.5, 5. Khayyam (7) Trevor 54, 6. Starry Moment (2) C S Jodha 52 and 7. Bethpage (3) Zervan 50.5.

1. Khayyam, 2. B Fifty Two

RAO SAHEB D K PARKAR TROPHY DIV.II (1,400m), Cl. IV, rated 20 to 46, 4-45: 1. Indus Prince (10) Santosh 59, 2. Flying Dragon (9) Sandesh 57.5, 3. Targetmaster (8) S J Sunil 57.5, 4. Alfonso (1) J Chinoy 56, 5. Wolf Rock (4) Akshay 55.5, 6. Aurelio (5) Zervan 55, 7. Fringe Benefit (7) Prasad 54.5, 8. Simon Says (2) Trevor 54.5, 9. Wizard Of Odds (3) Merchant 54.5 and 10. Caribbean Legend (6) Bhawani 52.

1. Indus Prince,

2. Flying Dragon, 3. Targetmaster

RAO SAHEB D K PARKAR TROPHY DIV.I (1,400m), Cl. IV, rated 20 to 46, 5-15: 1. Few Dollars More (6) Trevor 61.5, 2. Nebulous (5) C S Jodha 60, 3. Fortuna (9) Santosh 58.5, 4. Kandinsky (4) P S Chouhan 58, 5. Orla (10) Zervan 58, 6. Seahorse (1) Dashrath 58, 7. Dancing Prince (3) Yash Narredu 56, 8. Aeolus Maximus (8) Bhawani 55, 9. Japanese (2) R Vaibhav 55 and 10. Espada (7) Kuldeep 525.

1. Kandinsky, 2. Few Dollars More, 3. Japanese

Day’s best: Cataleya

Double: Jordana — Khayyam

Jackpot: 3, 4, 5, 6 & 7. Treble: 5, 6 & 7. Tanala: All races. Super Jackpot: 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 & 7.

Consistency is going to be Coric’s big challenge: Maclagan

Miles Maclagan (right) says Borna Coric has already shown that he has the ability to pull off big wins but is in need of a big weapon to survive at the highest level. PHOTO: R. RAGU

He worked with Andy Murray between 2007 and 2010 — a phase which saw the Scot make two Grand Slam finals. Since then he has worked with the likes of Laura Robson and Sam Stosur.

Now, it is the upcoming Borna Coric that Miles Maclagan has turned his attentions to.

In his relatively short career so far, the Croat already has beaten the likes of Rafael Nadal (Basel 2014), and Murray (Dubai 2015), and is in the city for his second tilt at the Aircel Chennai Open.

Asked if Coric had it in him to take that big leap and fulfill his promise, Maclagan said: “He is ambitious, works really hard and has shown that he can beat the likes of Nadal and Murray. The big challenge for him now is to do that consistently.”

In the last two years, Coric has made a huge leap from being ranked outside 300 to reach the top-50 in the ATP rankings. Now ranked 44, Coric is the youngest player in the top-50.

Speaking about the specific areas they have been working on, Maclagan said: “The top guys have some big weapons and you need to develop that to survive at the highest level. Guys like Federer and Djokovic have very good serves and that is a key area.”

Speaking about Murray and his transformation over the last few years, Maclagan said: “He is playing more aggressive tennis and coming up to the net a lot more. His serve has become become a big weapon now.”

Since their split, Murray has won two Slams under Ivan Lendl’s tutelage before hiring Amelie Mauresmo as his coach.

Maclagan said he too was surprised by the decision.

“I don’t know if they knew each other well. It was a surprise because you don’t naturally think of a woman.

“But he played the best tennis of his career this year even though he did not win a Slam. So it is great that it is working well,” he said.

Maclagan is Coric’s third coach in over a year after Zeljko Krajan and Thomas Johansson. Coric’s tendency to change coaches is not something Maclagan is overly worried about.

“The key thing is you have to see the game the same way. Also, it is a big commitment for a coach to travel, and you won’t get to know this until you start working. So sometimes it doesn’t work,” MacLagan said.

IOB trumps ICF, sews up CHA title

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The triumphant IOB players pose for lensmen after the match.

Rupinderpal Singh converted three penalty corners as IOB trumped ICF 4-2 to emerge champion in the CHA Era. Sambantham senior division super-six league at Mayor Radhakrishnan stadium on Tuesday.

The first half belonged to IOB as it went one-up in the third minute, courtesy a Rupinderpal drag flick that found the top of the net off a well-deliberated penalty corner. Back-to-back chances in the same form, were to present themselves in the 15th minute, and Rupinder capitalised on one.

The 25-year old found the back of the net again a few minutes later, as IOB’s grip on the match tightened.

ICF’s initial forays into the shooting circle opened up prospects but were all scuttled.

Relief came in the form of a penalty corner towards the end of the first half which it converted to get off the mark. It was after that goal that play shifted to IOB’s half as ICF pressed on.

Pitchaimani squandered a long ball inside the shooting circle with only a defender and the goalkeeper to beat.

IOB gained upper-hand immediately after resumption, this time a sliding effort from R. Manikandan adding to the lead.

ICF managed to score once more but the rest of the match saw its initiatives getting stymied.

The result: IOB 4 (Rupinderpal Singh 3, 16, 21, R. Manikandan 37) bt ICF 2 (K. Iyyappan 31, Satish Kumar 42).

Points table (read as team, played, won, drawn, lost, points): IOB 5, 4, 1, 0, 13; ICF 5, 3, 1, 1, 10; Central Excise 5, 2, 1, 2, 7; Indian Bank 5, 1, 0, 4, 3; AGORC 5, 0, 0, 5, 0.

‘Trump Match’ concept will appeal to fans, says Gopichand

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  READY FOR TAKE-OFF! Mumbai Rockets players (from left) RMV Gurusaidutt, chief national coach P Gopichand, HS Prannoy and Mathias Boe at the Premier Badminton League press conference on  

  Premier Badminton League makes a return after a gap of one year

  ormer All-England men’s singles winner P Gopichand, 42, feels that the badminton world is looking forward to the trailblazing ‘Trump Match’ in the Premier Badminton League (PBL) with great interest.
  The player-turned-coach who has shaped the career of many shuttlers at his Hyderabad academy, doesn’t recall a ‘Trump Match’ format being followed in any part of the world. Neither does Ram Nayyar, the Mumbai Rockets coach from Canada, nor Mathias Boe, Denmark’s doubles specialist, have an idea of theconcept.
  The PBL is set to start at Mumbai’s National Sports Club of India (NSCI) on January 2, and the opening tie between actor Akshay Kumar-promoted Mumbai Rockets and Lucknow’s Awadh Warriors will offer thefirst glimpse of how players will cope up with the pressure situation of a ‘Trump Match’. The Rockets comprise men’s singles players HS Prannoy and RMV Gurusaidutt, women’s singles exponents Han Li, LiuZi Die (both China), India’s promising Ruthvika Shivani Gadde, men’s doubles experts Boe, Russian Vladimir Ivanov, India’s Manu Attri, Singapore’s Chayut Triyachart and women’s doubles expert from Denmark, Kamilla Juhl.
  Explaining the reasons for introducing the concept of ‘Trump Match’ that will boost the winning team’s position in a five-match tie by one bonus point, Gopichand, said: “Every team has to nominate its ‘Trump Match’ from among its five matches. The two teams can nominate the same match as its ‘Trump Match’. This has to be done 90 minutes before the tie starts, after which the broadcaster and the technical officials will determine the order of matches.”
  Taking the rationale of ‘Trump Match’ forward, Gopichand said: “This actually ensures that the last two matches are also important. You will never have a case wherein the fourth match is inconsequential. Even if you have a 3-0 lead in a tie, you can still lose. It keeps the spectators interested till the very end. This is the very reason why the ‘Trump Match’ was introduced in the first place. It remains to be seen how players react to it. Sometimes, you can feel the extra pressure; some players may play better, while others may crack under pressure.”
  PBL rules state that a team can nominate a player for a ‘Trump Match’ only twice during the league and once during the knockouts (semifinals and final). If a player is nominated for the same in the semifinal, he cannot be nominated for the final. “The teams have to be smart in naming players. It’s a great addition to the league and ensures that the excitement remains till the end,” said the former champion.
  Rockets coach Nayyar said: “In Canada, we have had some fun leagues and different formats, but nothing at the level of a ‘Trump Match’. Boe elaborated: “I have not played it either, but it’s always exciting to try new things. The last time we played here, 95 per cent of the matches ended 3-2 and it was super-exciting all the way. It will bring in great excitement.”
  Race to 15 the way forward
  Gopichand believes that a game set to 15 points is the way forward for badminton. “The number 15 seems to be right; shorter and faster will test the calibre of players.” Closely involved with the PBL, the champion player-turned coach went on to state that overseas players have gone out of their way to come to India for the league. “Whatever challenges we have had, what we haveachieved with the kind of players here is fantastic.”
  He added: “To have someone like Lee Chong Wei, Mathias Boe, Carsten Mogensen, Chris Adcock and Gabrielle Adcock, it’s not easy to pull out of something like this. The level is very good. We did not have theleague for a year, but we have it now and we are hopeful of having it as a permanent feature from now on. Looking at the last edition, players like K Srikanth were just coming up. He came to prominence in theIBL.
  “Now, people are looking up to players like him. They have to deliver, so it’s almost like maturing of a player. All said and done, players like him will be scrutinised much more in pressure situations against overseas or fellow Indian players. Each day, there will be either a Saina or Sindhu, or a world champion competing on court. That’s the level of the event.”
  Badminton in the city
  Gopichand touched upon the absence of quality badminton in the city. “In Mumbai (there was) no badminton at all, apart from the previous IBL. So to have Saina, Sindhu and others play for two days here is fantastic. Even though it’s an Olympic year, to get players of such quality is fantastic. The players have shown a great amount of commitment to actually play this event.
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• Wednesday.- PHOTO: Rajnish Londhe
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How Syndicate Bank became a club

PTI

AAP leaders Ashutosh and Saurabh Bhardwaj display documents during a press conference in New Delhi on Wednesday.

The Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) on Wednesday struggled to counter the allegations from BJP Member of Parliament Kirti Azad regarding the Syndicate Bank being converted into a private club in order to continue its participation in the local cricket league.

“The club has been restored to the bank,” claimed DDCA acting president Chetan Chauhan at a press conference here.

Supporting Mr. Chauhan’s assertions, DDCA Sports Secretary Sunil Dev said, “In 2005, Bhola Shankar, an employee of the Syndicate Bank, decided not to field a team. But he wanted the team to continue its participation in the DDCA League and he got the required permission to that effect from his employers.”

Mr. Dev also produced a letter written by the bank to Bhola Shankar. The letter, dated 2 November 2005 and signed by the Assistant General Manager of the bank, stated, “We wish to inform you that the Competent Authority has permitted your cricket team to play under the banner of Syndicate Bank Employees Club on the following conditions: The club shall not admit any non-employees as member of the club, except children of the employees in service. No benefits, as applicable to sportspersons of the bank, shall be applicable to you since your club shall be a private club.”

A DDCA club official, however, countered the claims. Bhola Shankar, the official alleged, had applied for permission to play under the banner of Syndicate Cricket Club or Syndicate Employees Club. According to DDCA insiders, the team participated as Syndicate Cricket Club and an account was allegedly opened in that name. “The club miraculously managed to retain its original position and has been participating in the league under the banner of the Syndicate Bank,” said the club official.

The official also alleged that an account in the name of the Syndicate Cricket Club was opened in another branch of the Syndicate Bank and the club subsidy was also given by the DDCA and was encashed through the account.

“The club subsidy by DDCA is only given to private clubs and not to institutions. Only private clubs are allowed to change the name,” the official added. The going price for buying a DDCA-affiliated club is reportedly Rs. 1.25 crore.

The affiliation fee for a private club is Rs. 812 and an institution needs to shell out Rs. 5,500 annually. “It is impossible for this discrepancy in affiliation fee payment to escape the notice of the DDCA authorities,” the official emphasised.

DDCA Scam

• What - The AAP alleged huge financial irregularities in DDCA during Arun Jaitley’s 13 year-old tenure as its chief, saying large amounts were siphoned off through fake companies besides other irregularities including in team selection.
• When - BJP MP and former cricketer Kirti Azad had earlier in 2014 alleged irregularities in the functioning of DDCA. The Delhi government had set up a committee to inquire the alleged DDCA scam after they received several complaints.
• Who - The AAP is demanding an investigation against Mr. Jaitley and other office-bearers of the DDCA. Mr. Jaitley was the patron-in-chief of the DDCA until December 2014.
• Then - Delhi's ruling party alleged that the CBI raid on Arvind Kejriwal's top officer Rajendra Kumar was linked to a DDCA file in the Chief Minister's office.

Van Gaal under scrutiny as Swansea visits Man United

Reuters

Louis van Gaal.

It speaks volumes about Manchester United’s current plight that a 0-0 draw at home against a team languishing just above the Premier League’s relegation zone represents an encouraging sign of progress.

That’s how far a mighty club has fallen, with the stalemate with Chelsea on Monday appearing to give some breathing space for under-pressure manager Louis van Gaal.

Lose to manager-less and relegation-threatened Swansea at Old Trafford on Saturday, though, and United will put Van Gaal even closer to the brink.

The record 20-time English champions are winless in their last eight games in all competitions, marking their worst run of form since 1990, and have collected only three points from their last six league games.

“If anything, we are all playing for our own futures as well,” United defender Chris Smalling said, with the team having fallen five places adrift of the Champions League places.

On paper, Swansea looks the ideal opponent for United to get back to winning ways.

“Inside of the club, the players are willing to fight for every meter, the manager is willing to fight, the members of staff are willing to fight and the board is very confident in the staff and the manager,” Van Gaal said.

The warmth of crowd makes Chennai Open special: Ravi Krishnan

Ravi Krishnan

Ravi Krishnan, former Managing Director, South Asia of International Management Group (IMG), owner of the Aircel Chennai Open, is in awe of the seamless form that the south Asia’s only ATP tennis tournament has taken to entertain the fans of the city.

As one who has been instrumental in running the event as part of IMG from 1996 to 2011, Ravi knows what it entails to organise such a spectacular show.

Aesthetically, the 47-year-old, says the tournament is better than it ever has. “I get a great feeling when I look at the new hospitality area; it looks spectacular with the way it is done. The finish is much better. Operationally and security-wise, it is great.”

According to Ravi Krishnan, even now, the former players speak affectionately about the Chennai Open. “During Mahesh Bhupathi’s International Premier Tennis League in Singapore, I was with (Patrick) Rafter, (Carlos) Moya and Cedric Pioline, and they all talked fondly about Chennai Open,” says Ravi Krishnan.

Excerpts:

Q. On the changes the tournament has seen

A: I think every year the tournament improves; in terms of all aspects it has improved every year. Now, they have done a great job in improving the aesthetics of the tournament using the electronic signage on the court and improving the hospitality. After a while, there is only so much you can do. The core of this tournament is that it runs very well. It is a great testament to everyone involved from IMG, to the local association, to sponsors, to the crowd, to the TN Government and the media.

Q: On upgrading the event

A: To do a bigger event you need a bigger infrastructure, more courts. There were talks at one point of doing men and women, and for that you need more changing rooms, and whole lot of infrastructure. Bigger event means big draw also.

Q: On dipping spectator interest in the early stages

A: If you look at most tennis tournaments around the world except the Grand Slams and the ATP Masters, there is a gradual crescendo with regard to the crowd. Sometimes, we are very hard on the event. The crowd is good for the tournament of this size.

Q: On the biggest challenges

A: The biggest challenge of what do we do, do we stay in Delhi? (1996 edition was held in the National capital), where do we go. That was probably the biggest challenge in the history of the tournament.

Q: Memorable moments

A: I remember the amazing final in 1997 when Mikael Tillstrom won the match on a controversial last point. Next was Patrick Rafter, Boris Becker and the Woodies (Mark Woodfore and Todd Woodbridge). Becker stepping on to court was electric. The rise of Leander and Mahesh started here. Overall, the warmth and involvement of Chennai crowd, I think, made it special.

Leicester frustrates Man City

Reuters

Manchester City’s Nicolas Otamendi (left), who is involved in a duel with Leicester’s Jamie Vardy, couldn’t halt City’s winless run in the Premier League away games on Tuesday.

Leicester join Arsenal at the top, Manchester City up to third place

Leicester City again showed they could mix it with the big guns, going level on points with Premier League leaders Arsenal after drawing 0-0 with title rivals Manchester City on Tuesday.

The clash between the division's two top-scoring sides provided plenty of entertaining moments but keepers Kasper Schmeichel and Joe Hart were equal to everything thrown at them at the King Power Stadium.

Jamie Vardy, the league's joint leading scorer with 15 goals alongside Romelu Lukaku of Everton, wasted Leicester's best chance late in the first half.

Manchester City, who have not won away in the league since September, went close through Raheem Sterling and Nicolas Otamendi.

Hosts Leicester, who suffered their first defeat in 11 league games at Liverpool on Saturday, have 39 points from 19 games and trail Arsenal on goal difference.

Manchester City, without defender Vincent Kompany who could be out for another three weeks with a calf problem, leapfrogged Tottenham Hotspur to go into third place. They trail the top two teams by three points.

Leicester manager Claudio Ranieri thought his side showed signs of fatigue at Anfield but was delighted with their effort on Tuesday, saying a point apiece was a fair result.

"I wanted to see a reaction from the Liverpool game and it was good," the Italian told reporters.

"We were calm, tried to do our job. We created chances but so did Manchester City. The draw is right."

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The visitors began the season with three successive away wins but have not returned home with three points since victory over Crystal Palace on Sept. 12.

Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini was buoyed by the clean sheet but, with striker Sergio Aguero needing "two or three more games" to return to top fitness after injury, expressed frustration that his side lacked a cutting edge.

"We came for three points, had more possession, more attempts, did more things to win the game," said Pellegrini.

"If you can't win it's important not to lose and we were solid against a difficult team. I'm not happy but not disappointed also because we played well."

Manchester City dictated for long periods of the first half with Sterling a constant menace.

Schmeichel made the first meaningful save from Kevin De Bruyne and then, following fine link-up play, kept out Sterling's strike before again denying the England international from the edge of the box.

Leicester finished the opening 45 minutes strongly. Marc Albrighton, sliding in at the far post, just failed to get on the end of a delightful low curling centre from Christian Fuchs that went across the face of the goal.

Vardy, isolated up front for long stretches, was then handed a great opportunity to score.

Fernandinho gave away possession just outside his own box and Vardy, played in behind the defence, blazed his shot over Hart's bar, hardly the finish of a striker high on confidence.

The second half was more even but neither side could find the elusive breakthrough.

Leicester's N'Golo Kante and Albrighton were off target, Fuchs tested Hart with a stinging shot while Manchester City's best effort after the break came from an Otamendi header that Schmeichel turned around the post.