Sports
15th July 2001
Front Page
News/Comment
Editorial/Opinion| Plus| Business
 Mirror Magazine
The Sunday Times on the Web
Line

Rover Pinpoints........

Is it true?
Rover learns that the suspension of an athlete for two years for a drug offence which ends on September 28 is to be pardoned by the authorities giving the athlete a chance to run in the AAA Nationals on July 21 and 22, with a hope of allowing him to run in the Nationals and qualify for the World Championships and the SAF Games. Rover also learns that this move has been initiated by his Coach, citing good behaviour. One also cannot understand that this athlete, during his suspension, being a sports officer attached to the Ministry, was allowed to coach! How come, when the IAAF debars such offenders from any activity.
Next for me
The nod has been given by a former top official to another to contest the presidency of a popular sport for the year 2002 only. The official who gave the nod with all support promised but had strictly mentioned that 2003, was his turn. The reason being that the parent body had stated that Asia will get another term to head this body and this official was eyeing it. What a hope.
At a price
A block booking was made at a hotel in Dambulla by an official stationed there, at Rs 975/- each room. What a waste when it was a day match and not a night match. The question posed is, who made the payment?
What a waste
The mobile toilets imported for the England tour for use at Dambulla at a tidy sum is not used now. What do they hope to do with them!
In vain
Rover learns an order for 2000 security jackets were made for use for the security personnel for the English tour for purposes of identification, of which only 150 were used. The point raised is whether it is not true that this order was made by a top official with his mother!
Rewarded at last
Susanthika Jayasinghe was named the captain of the Sri Lanka athletic team for the World Championships in Edmonton, Canada next month. A top official of the AAA seems to be a dejected person since his choice to lead the team, has been sidelined.
Why no cager tournaments 
Rover is flooded with letters from the Cager Clubs to ask the Sri Lanka Basketball Federation and its affiliated associations why no tournaments for the Clubs have been conducted for last three years? Where is the Promotion, President SLBF?
Girls assaulted by coach?
Rover is informed by the players of a leading Basketball playing Girls School in Nugegoda that the Coach who is well known for lack of talent for Coaching and guide the team to win matches assaulted the players as he could not achieve his goal with the girls. Why is the Principal of the School keeping mum and no action taken against the coach asks the parents?
Kandy cagers to U.S.A without approval?
Rover is made to understand by reliable sources that an official of the Kandy District B.A. & former official of the Sri Lanka Basketball Federation is planning to take his son and few young boys who have not played the game to U S A without the approval from the SLBF and Ministry of Sports. Over to you President SLBF?
Why stop clubs from playing 
Nineteen men and 7 Women Clubs who have been playing in the Inter-Club tournament (Home & Away) conducted by Colombo District Basketball association since April 2000 have been warned by the officials of the SLBF not to play in the tournament and if they play all players will be suspended for life. Is this promotion or ruination of Basketball asks the readers of Rover? Over to you Minister of Sports?
Trials again
A leading indoor sport was taken to task by the Ministry of Sports, with many office bearers being selectors, have decided to conduct a fresh trial for the selection of the team for the forthcoming SAF Games in Pakistan in September. Rover learns that already a pool is in training for the SAF Games. House put in order at last.
Fans kept guessing
Cricket fans are keeping their fingers crossed, thinking whether the triangular matches between Sri Lanka, India and New Zealand will be shown live on Rupavahini since the power cuts are in force.

D.S. Soccer carnival today

For the first time in the history of D.S. Senanayake College an inter-batch soccer carnival will be organised by its OBA on Sunday July 15, at the College grounds, at Wijerama Mawatha, commencing at 8 a.m.

According to an official of the OBA, the motive behind is to raise funds for this school's soccer development foundation. (B.W.)


Stiff opposition for Yoga Perera

Go karting in Sri Lanka is set to change gears with the Motor Racing Association scheduled to hold round 1 of the Colombo Prokarts all Island Go Kart Championship 2001 at the newly designed circuit near the Empire Theatre today, 15th Sunday at 10.00 a.m. A fast challenging track, the karting fraternity is in for scintillating fare with all our top drivers upgrading their machines to be on par with the latest advancements in engines and chassis. 

Colombo Prokarts at Millennium Park widely acknowledged as the cradle of the motor racing, is sponsoring the All-Island Go Kart Championship consisting of six rounds and drivers will compete in the International class, National class, Yamaha class and the Open class.

International Karting Champion, the evergreen Yoga Perera will face stiff opposition from 16-year-old Thomian Dejan De Zoysa who in his first year of Go Karting underlined his talent by being runner up in the Championship, Randy Batcho who annihilated all opposition in the National class will also make a determined bid for championship honours. Two drivers whom you can never underestimate are Romani De Silva and Rohan De Silva who can turn tables on the best. Romani, third, in last year's event was plagued with engine problems but seems confident this year.

In the National Class last year's champion Randy Batcho will have to contend with the dazzling performance of Romani de Silva and new entrants, Andreas Klaus and Niroshan Perera. Last season's solitary female competitor, Shehara de Silva will try to be in the thick of the action this championship.

Zackie Ismail who fought tooth and nail with Sampath Karunarathne before emerging victorious in last year's final round will have Nimal Wimalasuriya, Mickey Selvanayagam and some new drivers in the fray.

The MRA who revived karting two years ago is also expecting a Singaporean driver to compete in the International class on Sunday. He is sponsored in Sri Lanka by Yoga Perera and this augurs well for the future with our Karters also having the opportunity of making reciprocal visits for International Kart meets.


National Billiards Championships in progress at the Race Course

The finals of the all-Island National Billiards Championships Lanka Plate conducted by the Billiards and Snooker Association of Sri Lanka will be played at its Headquarters tables at the Race Course on Friday July 20.

The semi-finals will be played on Thursday July 19.

Players qualified from the districts of Colombo, Kandy, Galle and Nuwara-Eliya will participate in the final round.

The players representing the different districts are, Colombo - 16, Galle - 4, Nuwara-Eliya and Kandy 8 each.

Six players relegated from the last year's national will also participate bringing the number of participants to 42.

The quarter finalists will qualify to play in the nationals.

A high standard of billiards is expected as most of the youngsters are keen and improved. Play commencing at 2 p.m. daily.


Rizvi Farook tops SLARDAR Rally

Rizvi Farouk driving a Peugeot 205 and co-driven by Aqther Cuttilan emerged winners of the prestigious and most gruelling SLARDAR 1000 rally with a total of 114 debit points just beating the reigning champion Pubudu and brother Prasad Wickrama who put up a brave fight to finish just 11 points behind the winner.

Pubudu went on to annex the first place in the diesel category driving his Toyota Hilux. In third place and creating bit of an upset was "Miniman" Deshan de Silva and co-driver Rohan Speldawin also in a Toyota Hilux with 155 debits. The experienced pairing of Stefan Furkan and Oiitha Gunaratna drove steadily throughout the three stages to be rewarded with 4th place. Young Dilsard Hamdoon with Zamry Mathany went into the final stage just 2 points behind the winner Rizvi Farouk. Unfortunately Dilsard's Ford Laser developed mechanical problems after Thalawakele and he could not maintain the pace of the front runners. Veteran Mahesh Gammanpila co-driven by newcomers Dilhan Jayawardena drove a brilliant final stage to vault up the leader board and finish in 6th place. Mahesh and Hamdoon had equal debit points of 216.

Team Gajaba which consisted Pubudu Wickrama, Mahes Gammanpila and Nishantha Nambuge driving Toyotas easily won the team award. The lone motorcyclist Shafraz Junaid and Azad Zaifuddin did remarkably well to complete the course despite having a bad fall on the slippery and muddy estates roads. 

Once again the organizers of SLARDAR came up with a perfect performance and all competitors were high praise for the slick organization of this mammoth event.

Results
Overall

Risvi Farouk, (Peugeot 205) (Debit points114); Pubudu Wickrama (Toyota Hilux) (125); Deshan de Silva (Toyota) (155); Stefan Furkhan (Nissan Sunny) (193); Dilshad Hamdoon (Ford Laser) (216); Mahesh Gammanpila (Toyota Truenoo) (216); Nishantha Nambuge (Toyota Hilux) (233); Prasanna Ranasinghe (Isuzu Trooper) (247); Mansur Hassen (Toyota Hilux) (270); M. Nafees Faleel (Mitsubishi Pajero) (530).

Team Results: 1 Pubudu Wickrama, Mahesh Gammanpila, NIshantha Nambuge (Team Gajaba), Debit Points (574) 

2. Deshan de Silva, Arjun S. Abeysinghe, Shafraz Junaid (Rally Raiders) (1618)

3. Dilshad Hamdoon, Prasanna Ranasinghe, Ashhar Hameem (Preethi Marble) (1667). 

Stage Winners: Stage 1: Rizvi Farouk. Stage III: Pubudu Wickrama Stage IV: Rizvi Farouk

Class Winners: Motor Vehicle Diesel: 1 Pubudu Wickrama, 2 Dehsna de Silva, 3 Nishantha Nambuge. 

Motor Vehicles: Petrol: 1 Rizvi Farouk, 2 Stefan Furkan, 3 Dilshad Hamdoon. 


Talduwa Rally Cross 2001 on July 22

By M.Shamil Amit
The Motor Racing Association together with the Sri Lanka Army Motor Sports committee are making arrangements to conduct the Talduwa Rally Cross 2001 on July 22 at Talduwa, Avissa-wella. This is the second consecutive year that the Motor Racing Association is affording this opportunity for talented riders and drivers to enjoy racing on a fast challenging track.

Speaking at a press briefing held at the Army Headquarters, Logistic Commander General M.G.Muthaliph emphasised that last year the Rally was an instant success and the people of the area were looking forward for this event and had been making inquiries and had made a request to have it this year as well. He said that the Army Sports committee is working round the clock not only to prepare this track but also to find safe spectator enclosures since large crowds are expected to watch this spectacular event. 

Motor racing drivers are expected to sieze this opportunity to exhibit their skills and talent on this spectacular track which has grass, loose gravel, a hard soil surface and ashpalt... the only track of its kind in Sri Lanka. All gate money raised at the event will be presented to the Army Welfare Society for use of disabled soldiers. General Muthaliph thanked the KV Club for giving the premises free of charge. 

The Army will be strict on spectators and no one will be allowed to roam about 


Roshan Mahanama's Autobiography 

Roshan Mahanama in Association with Sarvodaya Vishva Lekha plans to launch Retired Hurt: the Roshan Mahanama's Autobiography written with Ken Peisse at 6.30 p.m. on July 31 at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH) Colombo 7. It will be published with the Sinhala Translation including the original English version.

Roshan Mahanama's autobiography "Retired Hurt" with Ken Peisse was successfully launched in Melbourne on May 11, 2001.

It created quite a sensation in Australia in view of certain frank comments made in his book regarding Australian Cricketers. His numerous fans and cricket-lovers are anxiously awaiting for the launch of this exciting book in Sri Lanka.

Vishva Lekha in association with Roshan Mahanama, have now finalised plans to launch this book in Sri Lanka at 6.30 p.m. on July 31 at the BMICH.

Every effort is being made to make this launch the grandest ever book launch in Sri Lanka. A galaxy of 1500 VIP guests including International Cricket Stars are expected to grace this occasion. Among them will be:

• Tony Greig as the Keynote Speaker 

• Leading Indian and New Zealand Test Stars • Ministers and Members of Parliament 

• Members of the Diplomatic Missions Corps • Dr. A.T. Ariyaratne, President Sarvodaya • Past and Present Sri Lankan Cricket Stars • Chairman and Directors of Companies, Corporations and Banks • Principals of Schools • Past and Present Cricket Board Officials • Local and International Media. 


Lanka out to prove their strength in traingular one dayers

By Marlon Fernandopulle
Sri Lanka will be looking to reassert their dominance while India and New Zealand will be all out to improve their one day record and prove their skills outside home territory when the three teams clash in a Triangular tournament beginning this week.

The tournament will be of added importance for all three teams as it will have a direct bearing on the draw for the next World Cup which will take into account all one day games played by each country until September this year since the last World Cup in England in May 1999.

Sri Lanka have proved, time and again, that their strength lies in the one day game. Playing at home gives Sanath Jayasuriya's team the edge over the opponents and the islanders should go in as favourites.In their last appearance in Sharjah the Lankans clinched the Triangular tournament which also featured Pakistan and New Zealand. Since then the Lankans have enjoyed a well deserved break and regrouped in the past eight weeks to prepare for the forthcoming Triangular tournament and the Test series with India.

In addition to coach Dav Whatmore putting the boys through their paces two former Sri Lanka cricketers Rumesh Ratnayake and Lalith Kaluperuma have been helping out with the fast bowlers and spinners respectively. Another feature of the recent sessions has been the additional batting training given to the bowlers as well as the inclusion of bowling allrounders to their squad. All this should help the Lankan team to outsmart their opponents.

India have enjoyed a mixed fortune in the one dayers lately. They won all four league games and lost the final to West Indies in the Triangular in Zimbabwe. Prior to this at home they beat Zimbabwe 4-1 but lost to Australia 3-2. The over reliance on Sachin Tendulkar has been their key problem. Tendulkar has been in devastating form scoring his 29th one day century in Zimbabwe, however when the maestro fails, India falters. Although they have the likes of skipper Saurav Ganguly, Rahul Dravid, V.V.S. Lakshman, S. Das the Indians rely heavily on Tendulkar's willow and his absence in the team is certain to be a big blow to the team.

Stephen Fleming's New Zealanders will be eager to erase the home defeats against the Lankans earlier this year. New Zealand were beaten 4-1 but later did well to beat Sri Lanka in Sharjah with a depleted side. Their youngsters are full of talent and with the return of the experienced Nathan Astle, Adam Parore, Daniel Vettori and skipper Fleming, the Kiwis will not be easy meat. They have proved in the past that on their day they can beat any team. 


Lanka in Pool one

Sri Lanka has been drawn to play in Pool 1 at the International Rugby Sevens sponsored by Singer and SriLankan Airlines to be conducted by the Kandy Sports club for the third successive year at the Bogambara Stadium in Kandy from September 14 to 16.

Sri Lanka will play along side Korea, Malaysia and Czech Republic in which tournament 16 countries will participate.

The others groupings are:

Pool 2 - China, Belgium, Arabian Gulf and Singapore. 

Pool 3 - Hong Kong, Germany, Kasakhastan and India. 

Pool 4 - Chinese Taipei, Denmark, Netherlands and Thailand. Sixteen schools too will scrum down including four combined districts, Ruhunu, Kurunegala, Matale and Sabaragamuwa; Dharmarajah, Isipatana, Kingswood, Royal, St. Anthony's, St Peter's, St Sylvester's, S.Thomas', Thurstan, Trinity, Vidyartha and Wesley.


Roshan makes winning debut for CR

By Bernie Wijesekera
Isipatana schoolboy fly-half Roshan Peiris, made a winning debut for the depleted CR and FC in their traditional first-leg match against Havelocks SC with his kicking boots scoring 11 points in the Caltex 'A' League match at the Park yesterday. CR after leading 6-0 in the first half, stormed their way to an exciting 16 points (a goal and 3 penalties) to 15 (3 tries) to win on the post.

CR sans six regulars due to injury took the field as underdogs. But they fought back to the end with a never-say-die approach to keep their opponents at bay. 

Acting captain Asanga Rodrigo playing with authority, be it in defence or attack, helped CR to dominate the first half. Roshan Peiris playing in the pivotal position of fly-half, was a tower of strength. He fired two penalties in the first half. The youth player who paired off with the seasoned Nishantha in place of injured Bohoran, played intelligently from the base.

For the Havies it was a case of missed opportunities. Just before the short whistle they could have scored with a move created by Antonian schoolboy Tikiri Dissanayake. Sanjeeva Jayasinghe darted to the corner flag, but was stalled by winger Ekanayake.

After the break the Havelocks back division got their act together and scored two tries through Trinity fullback Tisal Jayawardena - an unconverted try 6-5. 

* At NITTAWELA Kandy Youth scored a hard fought 14-11 win over Air Force.

Index Page
Front Page
News/Comments
Editorial/Opinion
Plus
Business
Mirrror Magazine
Line

Return to Sports Contents

Line

Sports Archives

Front Page| News/Comment| Editorial/Opinion| Plus| Business| Sports| Mirror Magazine

Please send your comments and suggestions on this web site to 

The Sunday Times or to Information Laboratories (Pvt.) Ltd.

Presented on the World Wide Web by Infomation Laboratories (Pvt.) Ltd.
Hosted By LAcNet