SPORTS

It's a topsy-turvy world

WELL, WELL, all it took was the first match _ and now no one can be quite so certain how the eighth World Cup would turn out. There was little of that ambiguity in the months preceding last Sunday's opener. The near-unanimous view was that South Africa would confront defending champions, Australia, in the March 23 final. That once-popular prediction might well yet become a fact, but only fools will dare say so at this point of time, notwithstanding Australia's trouncing of Pakistan.

The West Indies' stunning upset of South Africa on the opening night sent out the statement loud and clear: no team is safe from defeat and the World Cup is anybody's. Barely 24 hours had elapsed, and Sri Lanka reconfirmed that message by grounding the high-flying New Zealanders, who, 72 hours later themselves came off the floor to pummel the West Indies.

 Astonishing stuff, really. But it has surely caused bewilderment in the minds of Jayasuriya's men. The triumph over the Kiwis on Monday had raised visions of a place in the Super Six Round. But then the Kiwis pull the rug from under the Windies on Thursday _ and Sri Lanka are no closer to the next round than they were before the tournament. Had the Windies won over the Kiwis, as was widely expected, then the outcome of our match against Hooper's team would have mattered less. But now it could well decide our destiny.

So, just how confident would Jayasuriya's men be against the Windies?  The one common factor is that consistency isn't a virtue of both teams. But where the Windies' confidence may have evaporated, Sri Lanka's is intact. As at now, each has just one win. It has to be said the triumph of Jayasuriya's men on Monday isn't quite of the same magnitude as the Windies' the previous day. After all, defeating the South Africans on their own patch is quite another thing to overcoming the Kiwis on neutral ground. But Jayasuriya's men won't see it that way. In fact, the Kiwis might well have been the South Africans, given the doubt and frustration brought on by losing 10 of their last 13 one-day internationals, not to speak of the public embarrassment endured in their quarrel with Board over World Cup payments.

There's little doubt that defeat at the hands of the Kiwis would've as good as ended our campaign. Let's presume the outcome had been different Monday, or more precisely that umpire Mallender agreed with the Kiwis that Jayasuriya, long before he got into flow, had nicked a catch behind. In such a situation, it is hard to imagine the Sri Lankans battling back into reckoning by inflicting defeat on the West Indies or South Africa. Jayasuriya's men are famed for many things, but gallantry in adversity is not one of them _ the records show that one loss sets off a chain of defeats. Against that background, the compulsion for Sri Lanka to win over the Kiwis was a great deal more compelling than it was for the Windies.

All this, I admit, is hypothesis rendered irrelevant by consequences that turned out to be opposite of the presumed. But there's no better way of illustrating the sheer relief Jayasuriya's men brought themselves by winning Monday.

Greater optimism

There is now reason for greater optimism. But it is still early days to be even thinking of a possible repeat of 1996, irresistible though it might be. And it will be wise to rethink with calmer heads the win over New Zealand. The Kiwis were a good team to overcome, but not quite as formidable as made out to be. Why they were feared was due as much to their remarkable run of successes against India as our own failures in South Africa and Australia. But frankly, the Kiwis superiority over the Indians is a touch exaggerated _ so heavily were the conditions doctored to favour them. Away from their green grass of home, the Kiwis are less threatening. Their win on Thursday was more a consequence of the Windies' arrogant bravado than their own brilliance.

Jayasuriya's men might have had an atrocious three months in the veldts and outback, but as far as preparations for the World Cup go, it was the ideal. As well, it's worth remembering that Sri Lanka has, as a habit, defeated the Kiwis over the past few years, including the 5/1 swamping in the 2000-01 season in New Zealand and wins in the triangular, including India, in Colombo in the 2001-02 season. So, too much shouldn't be read into Monday's win.

Jayasuriya's men also won the one-day series convincingly, 3/0, over the West Indies last year. But the confidence from that success will count for less when they meet the West Indies on February 28 in Cape Town. Undoubtedly the Windies will provide a sterner test than the Kiwis did, especially as they have to recoup Thursday's loss.

 Of course, one-day cricket is dependent much on what happens on the day. Yet, it is fair to say that the West Indies' batting appears to have greater depth than Sri Lanka's, albeit the Thursday's self inflicted capitulation. It is becoming increasingly clear that batsmen will be more influential than bowlers, as proved by Lara, Jayasuriya and Symonds.

They all scored big 100s, as did Kiwi Styris. Four centuries in the opening three days is eloquent evidence that the pitches' riches are reserved for the batsmen.

Clearly, a competitive total here would be around 270-280; some 20-30 runs more than most other places.

The Sri Lankan batsmen, however, have done little to inspire faith that they can consistently run up the sort of competitive totals required in South Africa. They managed 272/7 and though a winning total, it was not quite what was promised after the priceless 170-run stand between Jayasuriya and Tillekeratne. A total of 300-plus was realistic after Jayasuriya was second out at 193 in the 35th over. But disappointingly, it was again shown that Sri Lanka is a dead duck unless Jayasuriya delivers the big scores. It is commendable that the skipper can shoulder such burdens and yet fulfill expectation. Correspondingly, it is a sorry reflection on the rest, bar Tillekeratne of course, on Monday and Atapattu most other times.

All the blame that his many critics have laid at his door, linking his failures to the team's defeats, has been horribly unfair.

Misplaced benevolence

Typical of the nice guy he is, Jayasuriya wouldn't so much as even say he's disappointed with his failed batsman on Monday _ Aravinda de Silva, Mahela Jayawardena, Kumar Sangakkara and Russel Arnold, collectively worth just 38 runs.

And the skipper says: '' We want at least two batsmen to get big scores. On this occasion it was Hashan and I, others of course chipped in not with big score. But you have to accept that.''

This is misplaced benevolence - the truth is, most of the batting specialists are falling short of their jobs more frequently than is excusable. It happened in South Africa in November, in Australia in December and January. The hope was that the experience would've left them wiser and would come good in the World Cup. Apparently not. Of course, failure isn't a deliberate thing, but a reminder that indispensability is a word not found in the sport's dictionary won't do any harm _ throw in Jehan Mubarak and Avishka Gunawardena into the race for places in the middle order. With encounters against Bangladesh, Kenya, Canada lined up next, a few experimental changes isn't such a big gamble. As well, the tour management can well keep some key players under wraps for the games against the minion teams.

Perhaps, Muralitheran, Vaas and even Jayasuriya can alternate the off-day and so rest body and mind for the more serious battles, against the Windies on Feb. 28 and South Africa, March 3.

The triumph over New Zealand was a significant step forward but the guarantee of being one of the Super Six teams can come only through a win over either the Windies or South Africa. And New Zealand losing out to the host nation _ and minions don't slay giants. One way or the other, should Jayasuriya's men be among the Super Six that's when the mountain begins. They take on the best three from Group A _ Australia for sure and any two from England/India/Pakistan/less likely Zimbabwe. The journey has only begun.

The Sucker Punch

Gamini Senadhira reporting from S. Africa

When a boxer is too overconfident, he drops his guard, inviting his opponent to knock him out if possible. But the underdog in this battle too is determined to come into the limelight by defeating the supposed to be, renowned boxer. There are many an occasion that it has become a reality. Even Mohamed Ali (Cassius Clay) being too over confident, lost to Leon Spinks as a result of being over confident. By adopting this policy, many top class boxers have kissed the canvas before the reference could have counted. Tom, Dick and Harry. The punch that flows the favourite is called 'The Sucker Punch.'

This theory does not apply to boxing only. In any kind of sport, day to day life I am (or we), the supreme, hardly works.

The opening game of the Cricket World Cup 2003 now in progress in South Africa, between the West Indies and the host, proved this factor. The South African media on the eve of the curtain raiser, under a banner heading predicted that the eighth World Cup sans doubt will be a two sided affair. South Africa and Australia will enter the final and the so called 'God,' in the international cricket arena, South Africa, definitely will have the 'World in their Pocket.' They have now become the "Sucker" who received that unexpected 'Punch' and if they lose one more game, the proteas definitely will be knocked out in the first round itself. New Zealand, after their successful ODI series with India too was certain that Sri Lanka with a poor record in the recently concluded tours of South Africa and Australia will be easy meat for them. But the Lions roared again to prove that they are yet capable of clinching the Cricket World Cup for a second time. Under the headline 'Make the Corpses Walk' I, predicted that the Lankan skipper, Sanath Jayasuriya is the only person who could resurrect the dead Sri Lankan outfit. It happened last Monday in Bloemfontein when the Lankans scored a convincing victory against New Zealand. Naturally, the Lankan cricketers morale will be quite high after their performance in their first battle. The drubbing they received from the media, in regard to their fanatic obsession for a 'Few More Dollars' certainly has done a world of good. They are now down to earth. The Lankan coach, Dav Whatmore in a discussion with The Sunday Leader after their triumph in the first encounter, said, that the boys were really nervous before their clash with Kiwis, especially after the harassing they received from the press in regard to their demand of the percentage from the World Cup income. But Dav is confident now. He is sure that the Lankans will first secure a berth in the semi final and anything can happen thereafter. The South African wickets are much slower than one expected them to be. The reason for this transition is the bad weather conditions experienced in every part of South Africa, currently.

Judging by the results of the matches played so far in the Cricket World Cup 2003, the signs are on the wall that the favourites are open to that 'Sucker Punch.' The odds in regard to the colour of the skin are now in favour of the blacks. Australia certainly will miss the services of their trump card, Shane Warne, who was dispatched to his 'Green Grass of Home,' after being detected positive for using a banned drug called 'Dierutics.'

It was a pleasure to see the experienced Hashan Tillek- eratne playing a major role in the Sri Lankans' win with New Zealand. It's high time that the Lankan middle order batsmen exhibit their skills to support their skipper. Cricket is a funny game, one should not expect Jayasuriya to give life to the rest regularly. If the rest give him the support, the World Cup 2003, without question, will be in the Lankans' pocket again.

Sri Lanka with their win over Bangladesh on Friday had the consolation of leading standings in Group B, obtaining full points from the two outings.

However, the stakes in Group B were made wide open when the New Zealanders had the better of pre match favourites West Indies.

On Friday Lankan seamer Chaminda Vaas continued his knock to be a part of the new feats in international limited over cricket by claiming an unprecedented hattrick in the very first over of the Bangladeshi innings and went on to grab another wicket in the same over.

CMSC  - SLMCC McFoil Challenge

The quiet surroundings of Pannala are shortly to burst into the roar of revving engines and wheels spinning as the CMSC - SLMCC McFoil Challenge 2003 kicks off at the Pannala international circuit.

The event is scheduled for 22 and 23 February, with practices being held on Saturday, and racing on Sunday. The event is organized jointly by two of the oldest motoring clubs - the Ceylon Motor Sports Club and the Sri  Lanka Motor Cycle Club. McFoil, the new name in motor racing continues their support for the sport with the sponsorship of this event. A total of 07 races have been planned, covering motor cars. (Group A M&S and Formula Ford 1600) and motor cycles. According to the organizers over 80 motor car entries have been handed in to the club, with about 35 motor cycles also competing for top honours.

The McFoil Challenge takes place over three rounds, all to be held at Sri Lanka's only  purpose built racing track at Pannala. Three motor car events, and two motor cycle events will count to wards the championship. The championship events for motor cars are Standard, Group Ford event. For motorcycles, the racing 125 cc and racing 250 cc events will? towards the championship.

The cream of Sri Lanka's motor racing fraternity are all in the running, as also some newcomers to the fast growing sport. The racing is scheduled to start at 9am on both days, and the nature of the  track is  such that fans should pencil these dates of 22 and 23 February into their diaries as this event promises to be a spectacular one.

All the big names in racing have already sent in their entries, such as Romani de Silva in the Formula Ford which has attracted 13 entries, Rohan de Silva who is having some problems of late with his Formula car should provide stiff opposition not forgetting the super brat Dejan de Zoysa who gave us an excellent display of driving at Katukurunda. Others who should thrill the crowds are Dinesh  Deheragoda who has shown consistency in the Super car event. Aravinda Premadasa is hard at work trying to sort out his Subaru and should give Dinesh a hard fight.

The motor cycle events will be hotly  contested between Damien Goonetilleke Feroze Omar, Maduranga Caldera and a host of other riders.

Senior Citizens bridge tourney

The Sri Lanka Association of senior Citizens will conduct it's annual All - Island Senior Citizens Bridge Tournament on Sunday, 2 March at the G.O.H.Colombo, commencing at 2 p.m. Only players over the age of 50 will be eligible to  compete in the tournament.

However, other games such as Rummy,  304, Scrabble, Mahjong and Tombola will also be played, so as to provide entertainment   for a wider circle of participants.

Tickets, priced at Rs. 400/- could be purchased from Mrs. Nimal Gunasekara, 12/1, Plam Grove, Colombo 03.

Phone : 573311, or Mrs Indrani Atulorale, 102/1 Dharmapala Mw. Colombo 7. Phone : 696993

Come back, Manilal

By All-rounder

The football fraternity of the country, will appeal to Manilal Fernando  to withdraw his resignation and come back to the poor man's game of football. Today without Manilal there won't be football.

Manilal Fernendo is the man who has done the best for the game, of football, in the country, and today a certain section of the media  attacks him - the people who have done nothing for sports.

Due to our poor memory, many may have forgotten the glorious moments of Sri Lanka football under Manilal.

The news, of Manilal's resignation from football has put most of the football and administrations on the mat. Most of them will assemble today at the Football House and if Manilal does not  come back most them will get out of football.

Today in our country, there is a set people who  only know to talk bad, they don't allow anyone to do a good job of work. Our country has gone to the dogs due to cut throatism and undercutting. The day this stops, then one can see results.

Manilal Fernando is one of  the most respected persons in the football scene not only in Sri Lanka but also in the entire world where football is played. He is the first man to become the AFC Vice President from Sri Lanka, and due to his clean work he was appointed as the Chairman of the Finance Committee of the AFC and a committee member of the FIFA.

It was only  after Manilal came in, the game got off to its best. During his tenure in office, he has done his best and has spent lavishly. Without him the game of football will be no where.

If one talks about football, it is Manilal who gave the flip up for the sport and today due to Manilal's effort the game, the player and the administration feel good. In addition he has given a big helping hand to many leagues, clubs and schools. There are some leagues and clubs that are totally dependent on him to stay in the game. Today champion clubs in FFSL tournarnents gets fabulous cash awards.

With all the necessary facilities, the Baddegana football training centre & sports complex work is on the way.

Manilal, there is nothing called a favourite club or league, for whoever who promotes football is a friend and be will give whatever possible support to uplift the game.

There are a few people who failed to do a good job, keep on attacking this gentleman who does something for the sport. Why don't the EXCO of the FFSL get- together and fight for this great man? After Manilal took over only the coaches, referees, players and administrators got a break in AFC and FIFA.

Today, all representatives of leagues will meet and appeal to Manilal to come back to the sport, They are also hoping to write to the prime minister on this matter.

To all football lovers, when the history of football is recorded, the name of Manilal Fernando will stand alongside as the greatest administrator this country has seen, although his style of leadership is different from the rest.

Manilal, the king maker of football, come back. There won't be football without you.

Petes take control

By Sunil Thenabadu

St. Peters College making a strong challenge for league title honours took control by close of play on day one at Bambalapitiya in their encounter against St. Anthonys College, Katugastota.

St. Anthonys: 96 all out.

(S. Wijetunge 6 for 49, N.De. S. Wijeratne 4 for 32).

St. Peters: 224 for 7 wickets at close.

(D. Randika 49 n.o., G.De Silva 37, S. Gallage 30, T.De Silva 2 for 72).

Sebs on a run spree

St. Sebastians College went on a run spree at Moratuwa on Friday against St. Sylvesters College who were in trouble by close of play losing three quick wickets.

Scores: St. Sebastians 335 for 5 wickets Dec.

(N. Perera 101 n.o., N. Silva 67, T. Peiris 65, S. Cooray 40).

St. Sylesters: 32 for 3 wickets at close.

(D. Abeydheera 2 for 3).

Royal well placed

Royal College laid a strong foorting to notch an outright victory over Wesley College by close of play on Friday at Reid Avenue. Royal have already obtained first innings points.

Scores: Wesley 121 all out.

(F. Maharoof 66, K. Seneviratne 20, T. KOttahewa 5 for 39, P. Jayaprakash 4 for 25).

Royal: 142 for 3 wickets at close.

(D. Seneviratne 51, V. Arunprakash 35, R. Wijeratne 21, F. Maharoof 2 for 47).

Drawn game at Ananda Mawatha

The Ananda - St. Benedict's game ended in a no-decision on Friday due to interruption of play by rain. Skipper Jeremy Saverimuttupillai shone for the Benedictines with an all round performance.

Scores: St. Benedict's 83/4 o/n 192 all out.

(J. Saverimuttupillai 72, L. Jayampathy 29).

Ananda: 145 for 7 at close.

(P. Botheju 58, J. Saverimuttupillai 3 for 43).

Els warms up for Tiger with classic display

PERTH, Australia (Reuters) - Ernie Els ignored thoughts of a long-awaited showdown later this month with Tiger Woods after moving four strokes clear of the field at the halfway mark of the Johnnie Walker Classic in Australia.

Els continued his domination of the tournament, adding a seven-under-par 65 to Thursday's opening 64 on the Lake Karrinyup course in Perth.

The South African, chasing his fourth win in five starts this year, carded an eagle and six birdies and for a second day running played the inward half of the Western Australia course in a seven-under-par 29.

Woods is only returning to action this week in the Buick Invitational on the U.S. tour after end-of-season knee surgery while Els has set the golf world alight with his string of wins which followed victory in his last event of 2002, the Sun City Challenge.

Els began his round on Friday at eight under par and three strokes behind England's Greg Owen and Australian Robert Allenby, who had completed their rounds after starting in the morning half of the draw.

Els was in trouble at the par-five third hole taking the only bogey of his round when he put his second shot into a water hazard.

He birdied the seventh hole to move back to eight under par before an astonishing five holes when he birdied four holes in succession from the 11th and then capped the streak by sinking a 24-foot eagle putt at the par-five 15th.

A remarkable birdie at the final hole from 33 feet capped a memorable day for the world number two.

Maddumapatabendi - Ryde Gold Medallist

Special awards were made to following sportsmen of Trinity College at their annual prize giving held on Friday at the school hall.

M. Maddumapatabendi, the rugger captain for the year 2003 received the Ruggerite of the Year 2002 and also received the highest award at Trinity College - the 'Ryde Gold Medal.'

Randil Gamage received the best cricketers award, R.L. Joseph, the best hockey player, and S. Halangoda, the best swimmer.

Latif drops legal threat against Aussies

Pakistan wicketkeeper Rashid Latif withdrew a threat to sue the Australia team on Thursday after they had accused him of making a racist remark.

Latif was cleared of the charge after Australia's 82-run win over Pakistan in their World Cup Group A match on Tuesday.

Match referee Clive Lloyd said there had not been sufficient evidence to prove the allegation.

Media reports on Wednesday said Latif, who was accused of making a remark to wicketkeeper Adam Gilchrist, was considering legal action.

But the player told Reuters on Thursday: "I have had second thoughts about the whole affair and decided not to pursue this matter.

"I have cooled down. I was unhappy about being accused but this could harm the game and the World Cup, and I have always had good relations with Adam."

Earlier Pakistan team manager Shaharyar Khan had said: "For the Pakistan Cricket Board and the Pakistan cricket management, the matter is closed.

"We are satisfied with the match referee's decision. If Rashid Latif was to pursue legal action, he will do it in a personal capacity."

Reuters

Unity block 2003

The Junior O.B.U. of   Thurstan College will be organizing a unity block at the 40th cricket encounter between Thurstan and Isisipathana. This will be held on February 22 at the S.S.C. Grounds from 9.30 a.m. onwards.

Live Music, DJ s, A kiddies corner with wonder clown, BBQ, beer garden, food stalls, raffle draws,  best flag competition and many more fun-filled events are planned throughout the day.

All past students of Thurstan and Isipathana along with their families and well - wishers are welcome.