Owners of 4X4 SUVs from Chandigarh, Delhi and Shimla recently gathered in Chandigarh for some adventure and fun with their machines.
"The idea is not to achieve anything. The idea is to just have fun. Most of the four-wheel drive vehicles which are coming to India are not being fully utilized. What we are doing is try to build a sport where people enjoy going offroading, going where there is no road. We want to see what a man is capable of with machines and what can machine and man synchronising, drive into the hills, where normal vehicles will not go," said Billy Gill, the President of 4x4 Offroaders Club.
The group started its 40-45 miles journey from the Chandigarh Club. On the way, they encountered slush and dirt, which made it slowdown.
Some tackled it better than others. But, with help of other members, all of them got back on track.
The idea behind organizing such an adventure rally was to bring together people who like to drive SUVs. And it was a welcome change to take their machines off the road and see how it reacted.
But in this group, it is generally said, to have fun one needs to know his or her vehicle quite well.
Passing through the plain-sand fields and rocky terrains along riverbeds - these adventure seekers enjoyed every moment.
"Offroading is a sport in itself. It's very enjoyable and we love to go off- roading or any chance to just go. Basically, rallying is also going fast on off roads," said Sunny Sidhu, owner of 4*4 Vehicle.
"When you need more power, you put it into four-wheel drive and high, so you had four gears before or five gears before and you got five gears ratios now. If that's not working, you put it into 4*4 and lower. It gives you an option of five more gears. So, in theory, you have a mixture if 15 gears to choose from. That's very unique selling pair of a 4*4 offroading vehicle," said H. Kishie Singh, auto expert.
Adventure rallies have become popular these days among the owners of SUVs in north India. The high that these drivers get by pushing these machines through such tough terrain is what gets them to do such tracks.
The passion for SUVs is spreading. They are gradually making in-roads into the Indian psyche and look set to bulldoze, quite literally, a new path for themselves.
Source : http://www.newkerala.com
Friday, April 10, 2009
Australia considers making changes ahead of crucial third ODI
The tourists opened the five-match series with a 141-run win in Durban last Friday, but were beaten by seven wickets two days later at Centurion as the Proteas bowled Australia out for 131, FOX Sports reported.
Australian captain Ricky Ponting was reminded at his pre-match press conference of his team's effort in the one-dayer in Cape Town on the 2006 tour, when Makhaya Ntini's 6-22 helped the Proteas rout the tourists for 93 chasing 290 to win.
"We won't be able to finalise our team until Thursday morning. We just want to have a closer look at that wicket and see what the overhead conditions are like when we start the game," Ponting said.
"We'll name the eleven in the morning. There are some changes that we could make if we wanted to so we'll wait and see what turns out in the morning. Probably the good thing for us is that not many guys who played in that (2006) game are here for this game.
"There are not many of us who have that memory. As it turned out I didn't play that game either, I had torn a stomach muscle. Maybe only Mike Hussey and Michael Clarke (and pace bowler Nathan Bracken) who played in that game," Ponting said.
Cameron White and Marcus North, who can bat in the middle order and also bowl spin, and paceman Brett Geeves are the three members of the 14-man squad who could possibly come into the side.
Source : http://www.newkerala.com
Australian captain Ricky Ponting was reminded at his pre-match press conference of his team's effort in the one-dayer in Cape Town on the 2006 tour, when Makhaya Ntini's 6-22 helped the Proteas rout the tourists for 93 chasing 290 to win.
"We won't be able to finalise our team until Thursday morning. We just want to have a closer look at that wicket and see what the overhead conditions are like when we start the game," Ponting said.
"We'll name the eleven in the morning. There are some changes that we could make if we wanted to so we'll wait and see what turns out in the morning. Probably the good thing for us is that not many guys who played in that (2006) game are here for this game.
"There are not many of us who have that memory. As it turned out I didn't play that game either, I had torn a stomach muscle. Maybe only Mike Hussey and Michael Clarke (and pace bowler Nathan Bracken) who played in that game," Ponting said.
Cameron White and Marcus North, who can bat in the middle order and also bowl spin, and paceman Brett Geeves are the three members of the 14-man squad who could possibly come into the side.
Source : http://www.newkerala.com
ICC mulling year/six month 'cooling period' before Pak ICL players return to national team
A Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) spokesperson said the International Cricket Council (ICC) was considering a 'cooling period' for players who joined unrecognized leagues like the ICL, before they appear for their national team in the international cricket arena.
"There is a suggestion that a player who has played in an unauthorised tournament should have a cooling period of six months or one year before he can be allowed to return to international cricket," The Daily Times quoted the spokesperson, as saying.
Commenting on PCB's decision to pick three rebel ICL players in the provisional squad for the Twenty20 World Championship, and later removing their names from the list, the spokesperson said the ICC has yet not given any idea about how to deal with the issue.
"We have also asked the ICL to send us some clarifications as we can only consider those players for national selection who end their contracts with unauthorised tournaments permanently and not temporarily," he added.
Meanwhile, sources said that chief selector Abdul Qadir has been severely criticized for naming three ICL players Abdul Razzaq, Rana Navedul Hasan and Imran Nazir in the list of thirty probables for the World Twenty20 Championship to be held in England in June.
"It proved to be an embarrassment for Pakistan. The ICC and its member boards were not very pleased with the announcement by the Pakistani selectors," sources said.
Source : http://www.newkerala.com
"There is a suggestion that a player who has played in an unauthorised tournament should have a cooling period of six months or one year before he can be allowed to return to international cricket," The Daily Times quoted the spokesperson, as saying.
Commenting on PCB's decision to pick three rebel ICL players in the provisional squad for the Twenty20 World Championship, and later removing their names from the list, the spokesperson said the ICC has yet not given any idea about how to deal with the issue.
"We have also asked the ICL to send us some clarifications as we can only consider those players for national selection who end their contracts with unauthorised tournaments permanently and not temporarily," he added.
Meanwhile, sources said that chief selector Abdul Qadir has been severely criticized for naming three ICL players Abdul Razzaq, Rana Navedul Hasan and Imran Nazir in the list of thirty probables for the World Twenty20 Championship to be held in England in June.
"It proved to be an embarrassment for Pakistan. The ICC and its member boards were not very pleased with the announcement by the Pakistani selectors," sources said.
Source : http://www.newkerala.com
Symonds' return to Oz team could be disruptive: Smith
Symonds, who clashed with Smith at a Cape Town nightclub during Australia's 2006 tour, has a long history of alcohol-related incidents and has been recalled to Australian one-day side following a troubled summer and a knee operation.
"He has a lot of experience, he has played a lot of key knocks for them at five. He does provide them with a little bit more balance I guess, he gives them a few bowling options. He's a great fielder," FOX Sports quoted Smith, as saying.
"In terms of a cricketer, I think they'd love to have him back. I don't really know how he'll impact the team in his personality and what has gone on, how that's going to affect the team environment.
"It can be disruptive if he still has issues and it can disrupt other players. So I guess how they manage it is going to be the key," Proteas skipper added.
Smith said he was nervous about how Herschelle Gibbs would fit back into the team environment after completing a month-long alcohol rehabilitation course in early January.
"You always have apprehension when Herschelle is coming back into the team environment," Smith said of his opening partner.
"But I think the key is Herschelle has taken responsibility for himself. He has really fitted back into the (team) environment, he has handled himself extremely well since he has come back," he said.
Source : http://www.newkerala.com
"He has a lot of experience, he has played a lot of key knocks for them at five. He does provide them with a little bit more balance I guess, he gives them a few bowling options. He's a great fielder," FOX Sports quoted Smith, as saying.
"In terms of a cricketer, I think they'd love to have him back. I don't really know how he'll impact the team in his personality and what has gone on, how that's going to affect the team environment.
"It can be disruptive if he still has issues and it can disrupt other players. So I guess how they manage it is going to be the key," Proteas skipper added.
Smith said he was nervous about how Herschelle Gibbs would fit back into the team environment after completing a month-long alcohol rehabilitation course in early January.
"You always have apprehension when Herschelle is coming back into the team environment," Smith said of his opening partner.
"But I think the key is Herschelle has taken responsibility for himself. He has really fitted back into the (team) environment, he has handled himself extremely well since he has come back," he said.
Source : http://www.newkerala.com
Home > News > sports-india-news Chelsea defeat Liverpool to enter Champions League semi-finals
Chelsea defeated Liverpool FC by three goals to one.
The Sun quoted Chelsea boss Guus Hiddink as saying: "That even amazed me."
Serbian defender Ivanovic bagged two headed goals - his first for the club - and Didier Drogba added a third after Fernando Torres had shot Liverpool ahead.
Hiddink said: "It was well deserved but a real surprise to be honest, especially after starting sloppily.
"Some players were asleep early on. But their reaction is a compliment to the team as a whole," he added.
Dejected Kop boss Rafa Benitez said: "We got the first goal and were doing well. But we weren't in control after that and they scored from a corner when we could have done better."
Source : http://www.newkerala.com
The Sun quoted Chelsea boss Guus Hiddink as saying: "That even amazed me."
Serbian defender Ivanovic bagged two headed goals - his first for the club - and Didier Drogba added a third after Fernando Torres had shot Liverpool ahead.
Hiddink said: "It was well deserved but a real surprise to be honest, especially after starting sloppily.
"Some players were asleep early on. But their reaction is a compliment to the team as a whole," he added.
Dejected Kop boss Rafa Benitez said: "We got the first goal and were doing well. But we weren't in control after that and they scored from a corner when we could have done better."
Source : http://www.newkerala.com
Warne bowled over by bushfire victim's courage
Warne has already arranged to fly 13-year-old Aiden Buchanan to Sydney for a cricket match and organised tickets for him to last month's MCG Sound Relief concert. Now the boy has been invited to the Warne family home for a barbecue.
Warne said Aiden's tears would haunt him forever. And, he has promised to be there for the boy, who lost his brother MacKenzie, 15, sister Neeve, 9, and uncle Danny Clark, The Courier Mail reported.
"I keep in touch with him all the time. None of us could imagine what he's been through. He has touched me a lot ... thinking about my kids and how they would be if they lost a brother or sister or both," Warne said.
During a visit to Whittlesea, Warne had asked the teenager: "How are you going, buddy?"
Aiden, who had not cried over his losses, could not help himself. His lip trembled, tears fell and he finally sobbed for the first time.
The pair has swapped mobile phone numbers and is in touch every week. "I try and be there as a friend for him, just to be there for him," Warne said.
Source : http://www.newkerala.com
Warne said Aiden's tears would haunt him forever. And, he has promised to be there for the boy, who lost his brother MacKenzie, 15, sister Neeve, 9, and uncle Danny Clark, The Courier Mail reported.
"I keep in touch with him all the time. None of us could imagine what he's been through. He has touched me a lot ... thinking about my kids and how they would be if they lost a brother or sister or both," Warne said.
During a visit to Whittlesea, Warne had asked the teenager: "How are you going, buddy?"
Aiden, who had not cried over his losses, could not help himself. His lip trembled, tears fell and he finally sobbed for the first time.
The pair has swapped mobile phone numbers and is in touch every week. "I try and be there as a friend for him, just to be there for him," Warne said.
Source : http://www.newkerala.com
Black Caps coach Moles now wants selector's role
Speaking as the New Zealand team disbanded at the end of the test series against India, Moles said his decision was not a reflection of the panel's work, but there was certainly an inference that he wants to be in a position to offer greater input into the team.
"I feel my thoughts were taken into consideration when final decisions were made, but I'll be talking to New Zealand Cricket around that and we have to make sure we get the best XI on the field every time we play," The Dominion Post quoted Moles, as saying.
"As long as we are being consulted and have our views put forward and debated well, it will work, but ideally I would like to be on the selection panel in future," he added.
When Moles took over from John Bracewell in December he said he did not want to be a selector because he wanted the players to be able to confide in him. But clearly he now feels having a greater say is paramount.
The current panel comprises Glenn Turner, who is the convener, John Wright and Dion Nash, while Mark Greatbatch is an adviser.
"We need to make sure that my views and the captain's views are taken into consideration so we get the balanced side to win games of cricket," Moles said.
Source : http://www.newkerala.com
"I feel my thoughts were taken into consideration when final decisions were made, but I'll be talking to New Zealand Cricket around that and we have to make sure we get the best XI on the field every time we play," The Dominion Post quoted Moles, as saying.
"As long as we are being consulted and have our views put forward and debated well, it will work, but ideally I would like to be on the selection panel in future," he added.
When Moles took over from John Bracewell in December he said he did not want to be a selector because he wanted the players to be able to confide in him. But clearly he now feels having a greater say is paramount.
The current panel comprises Glenn Turner, who is the convener, John Wright and Dion Nash, while Mark Greatbatch is an adviser.
"We need to make sure that my views and the captain's views are taken into consideration so we get the balanced side to win games of cricket," Moles said.
Source : http://www.newkerala.com
Bench strength allows Australia to rest top players: Alam
Referring to Cricket Australia's (CA) decision to rest Ricky Ponting, Mike Hussey, and Mitchell Johnson, Alam said: "Even without three key players, I believe they are a very good side."
The Australian selectors have recalled Andrew Symonds, Brett Lee and Shane Watson as replacements.
Alam, who has recently returned from the UAE after inspecting the pitches in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, said Australia would be tested on the wickets in both the cities as the pitch there would not offer much bounce as they do in South Africa.
Australia will directly fly to the UAE after the completion of their current one-day series in South Africa on April 17.
He said that Pakistan has the ability to beat the world champions if players give their hundred percent.
"Every team is beatable and so is the case with the Australian team and we are fully prepared to take them on. Australia is vulnerable and those who are thinking that Pakistan will badly lose the series are day dreaming," Alam said.
Source : http://www.newkerala.com
The Australian selectors have recalled Andrew Symonds, Brett Lee and Shane Watson as replacements.
Alam, who has recently returned from the UAE after inspecting the pitches in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, said Australia would be tested on the wickets in both the cities as the pitch there would not offer much bounce as they do in South Africa.
Australia will directly fly to the UAE after the completion of their current one-day series in South Africa on April 17.
He said that Pakistan has the ability to beat the world champions if players give their hundred percent.
"Every team is beatable and so is the case with the Australian team and we are fully prepared to take them on. Australia is vulnerable and those who are thinking that Pakistan will badly lose the series are day dreaming," Alam said.
Source : http://www.newkerala.com
Jeev starts with a 71 at Masters
The Indian ace shot a one-under 71 and was tied 28th while Woods hit a 70 in the first round here Thursday.
On a day when the Augusta National was kind and generous with inviting pin positions, Jeev hoped to finish better than the tied 28th, but said he would take it and try to improve on it in the second round.
"I'm pretty happy with the way I played except for the last which left a bad taste in my mouth. But overall, I played pretty good. I made a few mistakes on the back nine but it's just the first day and we'll take it from there," said Jeev, who is playing his third straight Masters and is hoping to improve his best finish of tied 25th last year.
Asian Tour No. 1 Jeev looked set for a 70, but a last hole bogey just like Woods left him dissatisfied at the end. Earlier Jeev gave the crowds a lot to cheer with a perfect second shot with a 3-iron to set up an eagle, which he duly nailed on the par-5 13th.
Asian Tour's best for the day was the 43-year-old Thai Prayad Marksaeng who overcame a triple bogey early in his round by shooting six birdies for his solid start.
American Chad Campbell who had a record five birdies in a row led with a superb 65 and was one clear of Jim Furyk and Hunter Mahan.
Jeev, who had opened with a similar 71 last year, admitted to nervousness as a huge crowd followed the marque group with Woods and Stewart Cink, who once beat Jeev in a matchplay encounter. Woods was playing his first Major since the US Open last year.
But once the butterflies settled with five straight pars, Jeev showed some solid play.
"It was tough when I was starting out and you're a little nervous. But after that it was fine. Tiger was very nice and made me comfortable. I'll try to better the score tomorrow and see what comes my way," said Jeev.
Jeev's first birdie came on the sixth hole from five feet and he stayed at one-under through the first stretch. On the 10th he gave the shot back after landing in the greenside trap.
He again recovered and then a brilliant 3-iron approach set him up for eagle on the par five 13th hole. However, he failed to cash in further as he dropped a bogey which he later admitted was a mistake. He had a 9-iron second shot to the pin from the middle of the fairway, but still dropped a shot.
He made up with a second birdie on 17th, but immediately gave it back with wayward drive to the left amongst the pine trees on the 18th and failed to save par from the greenside.
Assessing his 14th hole, Jeev admitted: "I shouldn't have gone for the flag on 14th. I made a management error there. I was looking at birdie and to move off with a bogey hurts. I got greedy and paid the price."
Among other Asians Prayad Marksaeng stood out with a three-under 69 that tied him alongside Padraig Harrington in tied 14th.
Chinese Taipei's Lin Wen-tang, playing alongside 2007 Masters champion Zach Johnson, signed for a 77 in his Major debut. Lin had three birdies against four bogeys but made costly double bogeys on 10 and 12 to leave himself with an uphill task of making Friday's halfway cut.
Source : http://www.newkerala.com
On a day when the Augusta National was kind and generous with inviting pin positions, Jeev hoped to finish better than the tied 28th, but said he would take it and try to improve on it in the second round.
"I'm pretty happy with the way I played except for the last which left a bad taste in my mouth. But overall, I played pretty good. I made a few mistakes on the back nine but it's just the first day and we'll take it from there," said Jeev, who is playing his third straight Masters and is hoping to improve his best finish of tied 25th last year.
Asian Tour No. 1 Jeev looked set for a 70, but a last hole bogey just like Woods left him dissatisfied at the end. Earlier Jeev gave the crowds a lot to cheer with a perfect second shot with a 3-iron to set up an eagle, which he duly nailed on the par-5 13th.
Asian Tour's best for the day was the 43-year-old Thai Prayad Marksaeng who overcame a triple bogey early in his round by shooting six birdies for his solid start.
American Chad Campbell who had a record five birdies in a row led with a superb 65 and was one clear of Jim Furyk and Hunter Mahan.
Jeev, who had opened with a similar 71 last year, admitted to nervousness as a huge crowd followed the marque group with Woods and Stewart Cink, who once beat Jeev in a matchplay encounter. Woods was playing his first Major since the US Open last year.
But once the butterflies settled with five straight pars, Jeev showed some solid play.
"It was tough when I was starting out and you're a little nervous. But after that it was fine. Tiger was very nice and made me comfortable. I'll try to better the score tomorrow and see what comes my way," said Jeev.
Jeev's first birdie came on the sixth hole from five feet and he stayed at one-under through the first stretch. On the 10th he gave the shot back after landing in the greenside trap.
He again recovered and then a brilliant 3-iron approach set him up for eagle on the par five 13th hole. However, he failed to cash in further as he dropped a bogey which he later admitted was a mistake. He had a 9-iron second shot to the pin from the middle of the fairway, but still dropped a shot.
He made up with a second birdie on 17th, but immediately gave it back with wayward drive to the left amongst the pine trees on the 18th and failed to save par from the greenside.
Assessing his 14th hole, Jeev admitted: "I shouldn't have gone for the flag on 14th. I made a management error there. I was looking at birdie and to move off with a bogey hurts. I got greedy and paid the price."
Among other Asians Prayad Marksaeng stood out with a three-under 69 that tied him alongside Padraig Harrington in tied 14th.
Chinese Taipei's Lin Wen-tang, playing alongside 2007 Masters champion Zach Johnson, signed for a 77 in his Major debut. Lin had three birdies against four bogeys but made costly double bogeys on 10 and 12 to leave himself with an uphill task of making Friday's halfway cut.
Source : http://www.newkerala.com
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