Global Sport

Oltmans, who watched the fourth Test between India and Pakistan, said the Dutch — the Olympic champions — would be the toughest team to beat on their home ground.

"It is hard to predict but the Netherlands will have an edge on home ground. Germany is a very good team and the Australians are also doing well," he said.

Oltmans believes Pakistan’s chances depend largely on their forwards. "It remains to be seen how well Shahbaz Ahmed plays in the World Cup. He is a quality player. The Indians are in the ascendancy and can pull a few surprises," the Dutch coach said.

Billionaire’s bonanza for Egypt team

RIYADH: Saudi billionaire businessman Prince Walid Ibn Talal Ibn Abdel Aziz has given $300,000 to Egypt’s national football team for their victory in the African Nations Cup, his officeannounced today.

It said each of the 21 players in the squad and the nine-member management staff would receive $12,500 while the remaining $75,000 would go to Egypt’s Football Federation.

Sporting Coulthard gifts Hakkinen race

MELBOURNE: Britain David Coulthard performed one of the most sporting acts in Formula One motor racing today when he pulled across to gift his Mclaren team-mate Mika Hakkinen victory in the season-opening Australian Grand Prix.

Coulthard led the 58-lap race, with two laps remaining, when he slowed, allowing the Finn to pass him on the straight and drive on for his second successive victory. Hakkinen won his first in the final race of last year, the European Grand Prix at Jerez, where McLaren also scored a dominant one-two.

Tasmania take on Western Australia

SYDNEY: Tasmania will face Western Australia in the Sheffield Shield final later this month after both sides booked their passage with easy wins today.

Tasmania thrashed New South Wales bynine wickets in Hobart while Western Australia, last season’s losing finalists, beat Victoria by 112 runs at the WACA Ground in Perth.

With one round of matches remaining, both sides have 34 points from nine matches, an unassailable 12 points clear of defending Shield champions Queensland in third place.