Sri Lanka finish in 10th place in Asian championships

Lankans down Hong Kong 3/2 in TT

By Aubrey Kuruppu

As expected, China and Korea continued their dominance at the Asian Junior Table Tennis championships held in Chennai recently.

Ryu Seung Min ( Korea) won the boys' singles title beating ChinYemen (7) India 'B' (8) UAE (9) Malaysia (10) Sri Lanka (11) Hong Kong (12) Bangladesh (13) Maldives (14) Turkemenistan (15) Iran (16) Kajakistan.

China also topped the girls' team events followed by Chinese Taipei, Korea, India, Japan, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Kajakistan, in that order.

The Sri Lankan boys lost a close game (2-3) to Yemen and this prevented them from gaining a place in the first eight. Chinese Taipei also defeated Sri Lanka 3-0 in the group matches.

Sri Lanka beat Hong Kong 3-2 in the semi final of the knock out stage ( for the 9th to 16th placings).

Dinesh Deshapriya lost to Yun To Long 21/18, 07/21, 11/21

Rohan Sirisena beat Jang Ka Chun 21/16, 19/21, 21/13.

Yohan Deshapriya beat Wong Siu Chung 21/9, 21/11

Rohan Sirisena lost to Yun To Leng 13/21, 16/21

Dinesh Deshapriya beat Jang Ka Chun 21/17, 17/21, 21/17.

However, the Sri Lankan boys lost the final 2-3 to their Malaysian counterparts. Rohan Sirisena beat Jong Chen Hong 19/21, 21/16, 21/15.

Yohan Deshapriya lost to Oho Chwor Simi 18/21, 20/22.

Indika Gunapala lost to Kuan Kuang Yung11/21, 12/21.

Rohan Sirisena beat Oho Chwor Simi 21/16, 21/19.

Yohan Deshapriya lost to Tom Chen Hong 19/21, 21/16, 21/15.

Among the girls, Delini Madawala had the satisfaction of beating Hong Kong's second ranked player in the team event. The others - Sachee Tennekoon, Saranga de Silva and Pradeepa Dilrukshi played well in patches, however, their lack of experience stood out.

The girls fared poorly in the individual events, losing all their matches.

Dilini Madawala lost to Lai Ka Yau ( Hong Kong's number one) 19/21, 18/21 and to Chinese Taipei's Lee Hsin Ching 16/21, 19/21.

Sachee Tennekoon lost to the leading Japanese player Hiura Reika 14/21, 13/21 and to Malaysia's Nig Sock Kim, 19/21, 17/21.

Pradeepa Dilrukshi lost to Fuji Hiroko (Japan) 07/21, 11/21, and to Lu Yun Feng ( Chinese Taipei) 11/21, 11/21.

Saranga de Silva lost to Poulomi Ghatak ( India's number one) 17/21, 16/21, and to China's Dai Ning Yang 13/21, 7/21.

The boys fared slightly better, winning a few matches. Their performances were as follows:

Rohan Sirisena beat Kertesu Aleksand ( Turkeministan) 21/11,21/17, lost to Saha Subhajit (India) 14/21, 4/21, lost to Kawagnichi Psutomi 16/21, 10/21.

Dinesh Deshapriya lost to Lee Sum Ho (Korea)18/21, 17/21, lost to Lim Chung Hung (Chinese Taipei) 21/18, 18/21, 17/21, beat Shiung Ibrahim (Maldives) 22/20, 21/9.

Yohan Deshapriya lost to Wang Hao ( China) 11/21, 12/21,lost to Alhashedi Mohammed ( Yemen) 19/21, 20/22, and to Oho Chwor Simi (Malaysia) 18/21, 19/21. Indika Gunapala lost to Jang Ku Chun (Hong Kong) 9/21, 12/21, and to Hara Masahika (Japan) 11/21, 8/21 beat Alqrshi Waiel ( Yemen ) 21/17, 21/16.

Coach Mahinda Ellepola, who accompanied the teams, bemoaned the lack of infra- structure for Table Tennis in Sri Lanka. The Sri Lankan, teams had trained for 3-4 weeks, whereas the Indians had been training for this tournament from January. In passing, he spoke in glowing terms of the Butterfly Coaching Clinics in Japan and the coaching clinics in China. The duration of these clinics is either 1 month, 3 months or even 6 months.

The lack of experience of the Sri Lankan players cost them dearly. Ellepola feels that for a start, we should at least play in the Indian circuit.

10th All Island Novices Powerlifting

Nadini sets new Sri Lanka record

Nadini Gunasekera unattached, smartly built and packed with power excelled in erasing the Sri Lanka record by lifting 105 kilos in the dead lift in the 10th All Island Novices Powerlifting Championships conducted by the Sri Lanka Powerlifting Federation held at the Peradeniya University Gymnasium.

Nadini was awarded the best lifters trophy for her record breaking effort. P.G. Rohitha of the Sri Lanka Army was awarded the best lifters trophy for men in the 56 Kg. category.

Ultra Fitness Centre Peradeniya carried away the champions challenge shield trophy presented by Harcourts Limited.

Women-

44 Kgs - B.G. Thusari Kumari (Swarnajothi MMV);

60 Kgs - Nadini Gunasekera (Unattached);

75 Kgs - S.D.K. Dias (Airport Aviation SC);

Men-

52 Kgs - K.S.C. Prasad Rukmal (Super Eagle SC), C.B. Bibile (Ultra Fitness Centre), J.A.C. Thushara (Iron Arm SC);

56 Kgs - P.G. Rohitha (Army), K.A.M.V. Vidyaratne (Ultra Fitness Centre), T.B. Harsha Kumara (Hermes SC);

60 Kgs - W.W.M.C.R.K. Weerabahu (Wije Health Club), D.M. Ruwan Sampath (Hermes SC), K.A.G. Edward (Ultra Fitness Centre);

67.5 Kgs - A.S. Masakin (Ultra Fitness Centre), F.M. Fazil (Wije Health Club), P.A.J.C. Karunaratne (Peradeniya University);

75 Kgs - K.S. Laxman (Super Eagle SC), R. Divakaran (Ultra Fitness Centre), R. Sisira Kumar (Ultra Fitness Centre);

82.5 Kgs - K.C.P. Fernando (Super Eagle SC), S. Ranasinghe (Super Eagle SC), W.M.C.L.B. Wickremasinghe (Peradeniya University);

90 Kgs - L.D. Priyantha Silva (Super Eagle SC), K.S. Narayan (Ultra Fitness Centre);

100 Kgs - A. Narayana (Ultra Fitness Centre).

D.U.M. Jayathilleka, G.D. Samarasena, Desha Prabhoda Liyanage, Earl de Mel, I.P. Nandasena, Sujeewa Ramachandra and Francil Silva served as the panel of referees.

Bouncy pitches a test for Lanka 'A'

By Bernie Wijesekera

With the Sri Lanka 'A' team scheduled to tour S.Africa next month, we are given to understand that Stanley Jayasinghe, has been earmarked to go as manager and may get the nod again.

The Sunday Times interviewed Jayasinghe, for his comments on the impending tour we view below what transpired at this interview.

Q - We are reliably informed after the successes of the England tour, that you have been earmarked for the six-week S.A. Tour next month.

S.J. - I don't wish to jump the gun, but have being sounded by the Interim Committee. I shall be delighted to accept this appointment. But let me add that going on past experiences I have not failed to realise, that there is many a slip between cup and lip!

Q - Do you anticipate any hurdles to clear during this tour?

S.J. - I have few hurdles to clear before the tour. The biggest is to prepare hard and fast bouncy pitches similar to those found in S.A. I have never been to S.A., but to know about the behaviour with my experience.

Q - Do you believe them to be quite different to those in Sri Lanka and in England?

S.J. - As you know that pitches here are spin bowlers dream. In England during our recent tour, some of the pitches were bouncy and green. Whilst, one or two were similar to local pitches. Overall my analysis is that - fast bowlers and wrist spinners will receive encouragement there.

Q - Why do you specify wrist spin as against orthodox spin?

S.J. - Orthodox spin is generally imparted by the index finger - also known as the first finger. Wrist spin is imparted with palm, basically away from you.

Q - Do we have any bowlers, who will fall into these two categories?

S.J. - Fast bowlers that will benefit from these pitches are - R. Pushpakumara, Suresh Perera and Ruchira Perera.

The spinners - Bathiya Perera, Nimesh Perera and Priyankara Wickremasinghe, who failed to come to expectations in England.

Q - What have you got to say about our recent win over Australia in the Test match?

S.J. - It was most memorable win and history was created. But let us not turn a blind eye, with the damage done to finish a five-day Test in two and half days, is a travesty to cricket. I sincerely hope such pitches of dubious quality are not dished out in the future.

Q- Your Lankan 'A' team in England did well above expectation. Were there any secrets formula?

S.J. - There was nothing secret. It was merly discipline, dedications and consistently good fielding. I am proud our record of wins was without any form of sledging which has been the hallmark of almost all international teams.

Q - If S. Africans resort to sledging will you turn a deaf ear?

S.J. - Let me tell you that when we beat New Zealand in the one-dayer, our lads were referred to 'black monkeys', when defeat was staring at the face. But our batsmen laughed it off and replied appropriately with a few more boundaries, to ensure victory. We shall play it hard that, too in the spirit of the game, but ask no quarter or give any quarter Jayasinghe smiled. That's what this great game of character building is all about.

Holes in one - 3 spectacular and one unique

Four extraordinary performances were recorded in the very recent past one as spectacular as the other.

Nihal Ranasinghe

The most creditable came off the 4 iron wielded by Nihal Ranasinghe the only golfer I know who is quite intoxicated with enthusiasm for the game. Playing with another rabid enthusiast P. R. Balaratnarajah off the 9th tee the shot took off high and wide towards the right bunker and as luck would add to his skill the ball moved left hit the green and snaked into the cup. Ranasinghe jumped with glee and was so elated thereafter that he riddled the rest of this game with a few juvenile errors. At the 19th he was the perfect host and his hospitality stretched to his residence where Kalyani his willowy wife was the complete hostess.

Lalin Samarawickrema

The 13th is certainly not a comfortable par 3 but Samarawickrema with the assistance of omnipotency made the whole effort simple. Playing in the company of Dian Jayasuriya, James Robinson and Karl Frostig he swung into a craftily calculated shot with transfer of slender weight to watch his ultra 4 take off, move out of sight & re-appear on the green and vanish into the cup to cause jubilation and a short war dance. The 19th was one helluvafestive area with Samarawickrema almost running into a rupee crisis.

Laksiri de Mel

Young De Mel is a delightfully pleasant little player. Improving in leaps he has in just a few years reached a stage where polishing up is most necessary. The mould has to be made and we are all waiting to see what the hierarchy will do to brighten his talent. Playing in excellent company with Anura Rohana, Jehan de Saram and Lalith Kumara he struck an absolute snorter and his 4 iron directed the ball to the lip of the cup and thereafter the base of the cup. There was much felicitation over almost a crate of Coke.

Joseph Kenny

The Wine Merchants Free Lanka Trading have come up with an absolutely substantial sponsorship named "Ballantines" "Golden Shot" through courtesy of Joseph Kenny who is a Director identified more as a qualified Sailor. Ballantines Scotch is what prize winning golfers will take away and for a Hole in One on a Medal round competition the achiever will collect a crate of one dozen bottles. This is a great competition for another reason that the entry fee of each competitor will be placed in a special fund which will benefit our Excaddie Trio Chandradasa, Rohana and Kumara.

Unique record

At the time of writing I have just received a clipping from my friend 'JASI' N. Jeyasingham who was quite an enthusiast, now detached from the game. I quote what his clipping says. "London Sept. 9th '99. Amateur Fires Holes in One in Same Round. English Golfer Paul Chana has beaten odds of about 13 million-to- one by firing two holes-in-one in a single round.

The 25-year-old amateur carded an ace, his first ever on the 142-yard first at the Huntercombe golf course during a tournament a week ago. The excitement had hardly abated before he holed his tee shot on the 179- yard 10th.

The Royal and Ancient, golf's world governing body, quotes odds of 42,952 - 1 for a golfer to score one ace in a lifetime. To do it twice in one round, you'd have to multiply those odds again - and add some. The Hole-in-One Society estimated the odds at 13 million-to-one."

Malaysia to stage rugby quadrangular

Malaysia will play host for the second annual rugby quadrangular tournament to be kicked off from October 5 to 9.

The Malaysian R.F.U. will conduct this four-cornered contest between reigning champions Sri Lanka, Thailand, Singapore and Malaysia.

According to Harsha Mayadunne, the Union's Deputy President, the Lankan team, will be leaving on October 2. There may be quite a number of new faces drawn from the development squad, who impressed in their outing against the tough Chinese team.

Sri Lanka, will be rarin' to go in this contest to retain the title. The Lankans lost to Malaysia in the Sevens Plate final staged in Kandy 27 - 26. However,they are sure to make amends in this 15-a-side contest. Singapore will have some expatriates joining the scrum.

Some players are bound to get the nod, and will add muscle to the team's aspirations to retain the title.

C.R. coach Lagata, assisted national coach Nimal Leuke in the training. Lagata, left home with his family on Sept. 15 after a successful stint with the CR & FC.

According to chairman of the selection panel, the squad will be picked after the Northern Territories two-Test series. Capt. Harsha Mayadunne, will accompany the team as Manager.

This fixtures - Oct. 4 Arrival of teams. Oct. 5 - Thailand-Sri Lanka; Malaysia-Singapore. (Citizen Cup) Oct. 6 - Free. Oct. 7 - Malaysia- Sri Lanka; Thailand - Singapore (Yook Cup) 8 - Free. 9 - Sri Lanka - S'pore; Malaysia -Thailand (King's Cup) (B.W.)

Rover pin points

Double pension?

It has been stated that the Sri Lanka Umpires will be provided with duty free cars, houses and a pension scheme. Where in the world have you heard this happen? First the players were given Desabandu awards, another first when in other countries one is rewarded when in retirement only when one retires in old age perhaps. Take for instance Sir Don Bradman. Most umpires are employed elsewhere which will give them a double pension.

Same treatment

The area near the staircase at the Asgiriya Stadium, where the Aussies were hard at practice a day prior to the Test match was found to be slippery and as a result three players were nearly injured. A message was sent across to a higher up in Colombo, who was a notable absentee in Kandy, as to what Would be done. Pat came the reply: Why worry at all. We were given the same treatment in Australia.

Is it true?

Rover learns that taxmen are inquiring into the monies earned by a leading cricketer.

Not their fault?

Much hue and cry is being made on the bad decision and the wastage of time by the third umpire and the total blame is on Rupavahini.

Rover learns that the cameramen from South Africa who are here have equipment which is nowhere near the ones owned by Rupavahini, hence these lapses.

Show cause for ref.?

A top ranking referee in a popular sport, has been asked to explain his conduct in asking two foreign referees to stay back and blow in the two Tests.

Good spotting

A high ranking Cricket Board official has been asked for his explanation on 14 counts, by the Interim Committee. To counter this he has submitted a medical certificate, but was seen at a funeral at Kanatte. Good spotting indeed!

What does he mean?

Not very long ago, a top ranking police officer was heard telling those who had been picked to officiate at a meet at the Sugathadasa Stadium that duty leave had been obtained with a high allowance in order to carry out their duties at the middle of the ground. What exactly did he mean?

How true it was?

The umpire standing at the bowlers end was heard telling the batsman at his end in the first Test at the Asgiriya Stadium that he would rule him out LBW for padding up and true to his word he carried out his words.

Roshan coming back?

Rover learns that Roshan Mahanama is contemplating a comeback, since many are requesting him to do so.

Drafted in?

At least five to six junior cricketers are to be drafted into the Sri Lanka Test squad after their 'A' tour of South Africa and Zimbabwe, Rover learns, which may see some of the seniors being chopped.

Coach turned salesman

A foreign coach connected to a popular sport who was brought down by a former administrator to coach a club, is reported to be upto a big game and even taking some officials for a ride. Rover learns the man has become a talking point. He is said to have pushed through some business deals selling equipment needed for the sport and has even gone to the extent of trying to broker a deal with one club that wants to organise an event with foreign teams to commemorate an anniversary. Rover learns the door was slammed in his face. Rover learns the man has also been a financial burden to the governing body of the sport after he spent three nights in a hotel with a companion during an event organised by them . People who know more of his shady deals call him a "mercenary". He is being promoted by a person or persons with vested interests.

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