India File

While denying other allegations, he has sincerely apologised to the team management that such incidents would not not recur in future, a statement issued by the Australian team management said here tonight.

Press reports said that Ricky Ponting in an inebriated condition had misbehaved with a woman and had attacked the security staff of a hotel.The statement issued by cricket manager Steve Bernard said the batsman had been severely reprimanded and a substantial fine had been slapped on the player.

Aparna wins

BANGALORE: Indian women’s national champion Aparna Popat emerged triumphant in the final of the French Open Badminton Championship in Paris on Sunday, according to information received here. Aparna won the the final beating the top seed Katja Michlowsky ofGermany in straight games 11-8, 11-4, says a press release from the Badminton Association of India.

Aparna put pressure on her opponent from the very first point and maintained it throughout the match. The German girl who is ranked 39th in the world, wilted under the pressure and caved in meekly to give the Indian champ a well-deserved victory.

Mishra operated

NEW DELHI: Young forward Rajiv Mishra, who suffered a knee injury early last month and is out of the current India-Pakistan hockey Test series, underwent a knee orthroscopy here on Friday.

Mishra was operated for “lateral meniscus” tear by noted orthopaedic surgeon, Ashok Rajagopal, who conducted the laser surgery on the player. Mishra is expected to be fit in about three weeks and should be able to play competitive hockey in a month.

Kudrolli observer

MUMBAI: AR Kudrolli, joint secretary of the Mumbai Cricket Association has been appointed as the observer for the third and final Test between Australia and India to beplayed at Bangalore from this Wednesday, according to the Board of Control for Cricket in India here.