Sports

Sanga shines in drawn Test

Thank you Chaminda, you have done Sri Lanka Cricket proud. But this series was about the seniors and how well they performed. Sanga took the honours yet it was an emotional farewell to Chaminda Vaas. 16 years of Test cricket at top level and what a great entertainer!   

Vaas exit could've been more dignified

It is hard to be convinced that             Chaminda Vaas' retirement from Test cricket was a decision of his own making. After 15 years, yes, the career of any cricketer is pretty much near to ending and so the news last week that the 35-year-old is taking leave of the longer game ought not to have surprised many.

But it did, for no other reason than that the public had been led to believe his career was already in past-tense. Of course, the man himself hadn't, that is until last week, officially called it quits. But the selectors, months before, had as good as made up his mind for him. He was served virtually with notice to quit in February when he was bypassed for the aborted Second Test in Lahore (after finishing wicket-less in the First).

Neither did the Deccan Chargers find him indispensable; fielding him for just two of its 16 IPL T20 matches. That was good enough reason for the selectors to exclude the veteran from Sri Lanka's 15-member T20 World Cup squad. But it was his exclusion from the ongoing Test series, and the inclusion instead of the emerging pacemen Kulasekera, Thushara and Matthews, that pretty much confirmed the door to the Test team's dressing room had been firmly shut on him - no matter that his ambition was otherwise.

Mildly surprising

That being the selectors' mindset, their sudden decision to summon Vaas back to the squad on the eve of the Third Test was more than mildly surprising. This Test, admittedly, was of inconsequential value, and if the much touted policy of infusing fresh blood into the national team meant anything, then, the preferred choice for the off-form Ajantha Mendis ought to have been another spinner, say, 24-year-old off spinner Suraj Randiv, who under his old name Mohamed, claimed four Pakistani wickets in the three three-day warm-up game.

 But the selectors' decision to opt for a quick bowler to replace a spinner defies logic. If the decision had been made in the belief that the pitch would favour the quick men, then, the choice of one who was considered pensionable - and cold shouldered indeed - rather than anyone from an armoury bristling with young pacemen (not to speak of the availability of many experienced ones like Dilhara Fernando, Dhamikka Prasad or Farveez Mahroof) just doesn't make sense.

Contrary to the theory that the SSC pitch is better suited for the pacemen, turns out to be quite the opposite: a fertile ground for spinners, who claimed the lion's share of the spoils - which makes the selectors' decision to swap a spinner for a paceman an apparent excuse to let in Vaas through the backdoor.

Vass denies

And that apparent reason for his recall is not without credence. Early this month, after the Vaas-less 16-man squad for the series was named, Ashantha de Mel, chairman selectors, publicly declared that the veteran had quit Test cricket - a claim that the bowler not only sternly denied in public, but also remarked that he hadn't even spoken to de Mel in months. It left de Mel in rather poor light, albeit his outspoken nature.

One thinks that a behind-the-scenes face-saving exercise had been undertaken on behalf of de Mel. The chairman of selectors, it must be said, is headstrong and might have been averse to go back on his decision to recall Vaas. But he had, intentionally or not, bluffed on the reason why the bowler was excluded in the first instance. However, to be more charitable to de Mel, his 'bluff' was probably founded on popular assumption; understandable given that the end of the bowler's career was imminent anyway. Whatever, there's no denying that his committee's treatment of the country's most successful new-ball bowler had been most unbecoming, to say the least

Vaas, though, is not a Nuwan de Zoysa, Pulasthi Gunratne or one of those here-today-gone-tomorrow new ball bowlers you crassly banish into wilderness without so much as a by-your-leave. He richly deserves a proper farewell from Test cricket as opposed to a series of rejections that inevitably leads to either self-imposed retirement or an inconspicuous departure - which was the path Vaas seemed drifting down.

It so is easy to conclude that a deal had been struck between the bowler and the selectors: his inclusion in the third Test on condition that he announces his retirement. And so it was: he announced his Test retirement on the day before the match and took the field next day, for the last time. Thus, de Mel's bluff was atoned for and Vaas was provided with an occasion to bid a final farewell to Test cricket.

However, as things turned out, it is arguable whether the deal had been the right one for Vaas. Yes, he deserved a last hurrah - but alas there were no real hurrahs, bar the one that his only wicket aroused on the first day. Visibly, he was a pale shadow of his old self, an old man labouring to his end, a pitiable sight his many followers would rather have been spared of.

Painful moments

Honestly, it might've been better had he foregone his 111th Test, his last. Painful moments are all he is left as legacy of this final appearance: The new ball duties in Pakistan's second innings was not entrusted to him, as it had been all his playing-life. And it wasn't until 32 overs had passed did a gnawing sense that he was unnecessary baggage on the field leave him. That was when he was asked to do the job he was supposed to - to bowl. He might have been miserly, but it's wickets that win matches, and his contribution was just one wicket - as against helpings of six and five respectively by Thushara and Kulasekera.

Short of a spinner

It is fair to say that our four-man pace attack was one too many, a view coach Trevor Bayliss himself shares, saying the team was "short of a spinner.'' There's little doubt that Vaas represented the unwanted excess, which is another way of saying that the chance of completing a whitewash was lost because of his inclusion. It is the sort of farewell performance he might've wished he was spared. And if it was possible to alter the past, surely he would've decided that 110 Tests was the right time to draw stumps.

But when the past has been filled with gloriously memorable moments, as it has for Vaas, the reluctance to retire of his own free will is difficult. The temptation of 'one more' is hard to resist, but sport is filled with stories of the sad destiny that befall champions who chose to overstay their welcome.

In return for the immense service he rendered Sri Lanka cricket, the administrators could've done better to save Vaas from what really turned out to be, if not exactly an embarrassment, then certainly the memory of a lifelong regret. They ought to have persuaded his retirement much earlier than they did - than try and con him into it. Legends of the game needed to be treated like legends. It didn't happen in the case of Vaas - all because de Mel shot his mouth.

 Ratnam seek revenge from Army

By Lal Gunesekera

Can Army win the Holcim FA Cup on Saturday (August 1) for the first time and create history or can Ratnam take the trophy back to Kotahena for the seventh occasion (they last won it in 2005) when they battle each other in the knock-out final at the newly developed City League Complex at  3.30 p.m. When they met each other in last year's Premier League final, the soldiers got the better of Ratnam.

Ratnam are minus three of their national players, including Sri Lanka captain Chathura Maduranga, Raumy Mohideen and E.B. Channa, who are playing professional soccer in the Maldives. They will also feel the absence of two senior players (Nadeeka Pushpakumara and Pradeep Perera) who have joined other clubs. However, young players, Josephian Sadhintha Maduranga, and Mazedonian center Malik Migara, who are products from the FFS Youth Programme, will fill the vacuum. Skipper Kasun Jayasuriya, a star striker, is also on the injured list, but may take the field for the final.

Ratnam are a well composed side who have the services of Chyrsantha Abeysinghe, Tharusha Rangana, B.Shivanka in the midfield, former national captain and Centre Back Dudley Steinwall (who is also the coach), M. Ismirally in deep defense and veteran Goal-keeper Dammika Senarath to meet Army's challenge on Saturday. This is the 15th occasion Ratnam, have entered a FA Cup final, since it was launched in 1949.

Army who came into the limelight since winning the Premier League title last year (2008), have been consistent this season too. Their fast and attacking style of play as well as stamina and skill, could test Ratnam's defence. They have the services of three national players in M. Izzadeen, Nirantha Perera and Bandara Warakagoda. The former is an exceptional striker.

The fast and tactical play of Asanka de Silva and Kelum Premanayake combines fluently with midfield feeders Priyanakara and Priyadarshana, whose ability to play up and down the field offer constant support to "spoiler" Nirantha Perera and together with Danushka Perera man the last line of defence. They will have to keep a close eye on Ratnam's Kasun Jayasuriya and Malik Nigara.

Saunders have won the FA Cup on 21 occasions, Ratnam six times and renown five time It was not held on many occasions due to various reasons.

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Holcim Lanka Limited, Stefan Huber, will be the chief guest at the final.

Tigo partners Infotechs to promote Golf Tourism

With tourism on the rise, Tigo recognises the need to make its contribution to help build the countries economy. Therefore Tigo supports Infotechs initiative to launch a web site for Golfers. A site that will help promote Golf in Sri Lanka.

"It is a special day for us as we join hands with Tigo and the Royal Colombo Golf Club to promote Golf tourism" said Infotechs Chairman Susantha Pinto. "With the game gaining popularity, Sri Lanka will be able to attract Golfers from across the world which will contribute to the development of tourism in the country. It is with great pride that we launch the 'Golfing in Paradise' or www.golflk.com the first Golfer's website in Sri Lanka" added Pinto delightedly.  

Pinto further commented "that the site would serve as a portal for Sri Lankan Diaspora worldwide to connect and communicate with each other. The site would also promote golf as a sport that transcends race, gender, wealth, and other social barriers. Presently the site is being developed and maintained by us, in partnership with Tigo. Golf packages will be available on the site to promote Golf tourism for Golfers outside the country".

"Today we are delighted to partner Infotechs one of the countries renowned and diversified IT specialist. It's a worthy partnership one that will surely support Tigo in its future endeavors, to help improve and develop industries that will contribute to the growth of our economy" said Tigo CEO Dumindra Ratnayake.

"Tigo is no stranger to the game of Golf as we have associated with the Royal Colombo Golf Club  (RCGC) for a long time. It's been a natural fit, with Tigo sponsoring the Monthly Medal Golf tournaments consecutively for the past 9 years. This month's sponsorship however will be in association with Infotechs" commented Ratnayake. "Together with Infotechs and RCGC, we hope to open doors to Golf tourism, bringing in an influx of Golfers from a cross the world" added  Ratnayake.

"The Royal Colombo Golf is 130 years old and is one of the oldest clubs in the world. The club received its Royal Charter from the British Crown in 1928. There are only 16 other Royal Clubs in the world which are older than RCGC," said Captain Lal Dias.

Nine countries confirm, two in doubt 

By Lal Gunesekera 

Nine countries have confirmed and two are in doubt for the Badminton Asia Youth Under 16 Team and Individual Championship to be staged at the S. Thomas' College Indoor Stadium, Mount Lavinia from August 3 to 9. This will be conducted by the Interim Committee (IC) of the Sri Lanka Badminton Association (SLBA) on behalf of Badminton Asia Confederation (BAC).

The Secretary of the SLBA IC, S. Veeravagu, told The Sunday Leader that South Korea, India, Iran, Singapore, Hong Kong, Maldive Islands, Thailand, Chinese Taipei and Iraq (apart from Sri Lanka) have already confirmed participation, while Malaysia and the Philippines are awaiting the green light from their education authorities.

The team events will be from August 3 to 5 and a match will consist of two Singles and one Doubles, while the individual events (Singles, Doubles and Mixed Doubles) will be from August 6 to 9. The tournament is for both boys and girls. Final of the Team Championship is scheduled for 3 p.m. on August 5, while the finals of the individual championship  is on August 9 starting at 9 a.m. in two sessions.

Each team will comprise a maximum of four boy's and four girl's, while the host country (Sri Lanka) could include two extra players. The Sri Lanka team which has been reduced to six boys and six girls has been picked and sent for ratification to the Ministry of Sports and Public Recreation.

 Veeravagu also disclosed to The Sunday Leader that the Ministry of Sports has agreed to fund the tournament for Rs. 4 million, while the Ministry of Tourism too is involved in this one-week tournament. The official hotel is Mount Lavinia Hotel, where all visiting players and officials will be accommodated.

Course for umpires too

An accreditation course for umpires (11 from overseas and two or three from Sri Lanka) too is to be conducted by two officials from the BAC during this period. An examination too will be held for them.

The BAC has appointed Anthony from Malaysia as the Referee for the tournament with his assistant being Ajith Wijeyesinghe of Sri Lanka.

Karting a necessity in Sri Lanka

It is common knowledge that practically every international racing driver worth his or her salt got their career started in Go-Karts. These low-cost, 4-wheeled vehicles are in effect scaled-down versions of larger race cars and are generally accepted as being the stepping stone to almost any form of circuit racing.

Fans of contemporary motor sport will be familiar with World Champion Lewis Hamilton's story - even after McLaren signed him to their driver development program they funded his progress through the various ranks of European karting. 7-time F1 World Champion Michael Schumacher was such an aficionado that after winning his 4th F1 drivers title in 2001, he returned to his karting roots in the off-season to take part in that year's Karting World Championship, finishing in a very competitive 3rd place behind winner and future F1 driver Vitantonio Liuzzi.

In addition to the relatively inexpensive nature of Go-Kart racing, this form of motor sport is also important in developing a racing driver's skills. For younger drivers especially, karting offers valuable lessons that are essential for a career in top-flight motor sport - comfort at high speed, car control, carrying high speed through corners, fighting for track position with other drivers and not least of all, gives them valuable understanding of technical and engineering matters.

72nd  Madras - Colombo Regatta on Saturday 

The Madras-Colombo regatta is the second oldest inter-club boat race in the world, second only to the prestigious Oxford-Cambridge boat race held annually on the Thames in England. The first Madras-Colombo, as it is popularly known, was held in 1898, its main protagonists being our erstwhile colonial masters, and the records of this race still grace the walls of the respective clubs.

The regatta has since, continued intermittently, gradually taking on a local flavour as the membership of the clubs on both sides of the straights gradually reflected their respective demography, and is today a hallmark of the bonds of friendship and goodwill that exists between the two nations.

This year will be the 72nd annual regatta and will be held in Colombo on  August 1, on the East Beira Lake, with the finish line demarcated on the waters in front of the Colombo Rowing Club. The regatta will consist of a total of 11 men's and women's events including coxless fours, pairs and single and double sculls, comprising of over 35 participants.

The men's events will be worked out for the overall Deepam Trophy, last won by Colombo in 2007 with Madras taking the honors last year, while the ladies will battle it out for the J.M. Perera Trophy. This year, for the first time, a men's double sculls race will be formally added to the event list adding to the repertoire of races which have also included a keenly contested masters event.

The Colombo team will be led by the captain of the CRC, Udesh Hettiarachchi while the Madras crews will be led by  Sanjeev Kessu. Races will commence at 2 p.m.

CR win 24-6 over Army

CR and FC produced a superb second half rally to beat Sri Lanka Army Sports Club by 24 points to 6 points in their SLRFU Caltex inter club `A' division league rugby tournament second round match worked off at Longden Place on Friday.  The winners collected their points from three goals and one penalty after having led 10 nil at half time. Army SC responded with two penalties.