India-Italy Davis Cup tie in AprilMUMBAI: India would play their opening 1998 Davis Cup World Group first round tie against hosts Italy at Genoa from April 3-5, according to a message from the Italian federation to the All India Tennis Association (AITA).The playing surface is, however, yet to be known. India earned the right to remain in the elite world group of 16 countries by beating Chile 3-2 at New Delhi last September through the efforts of their star Cup duo of Leander Paes and Mahesh Bhupathi.Cricket captainMUMBAI: The dawn of the New Year may also herald a fresh face at the helm of India's one-day cricketing fortunes when the National selectors meet here tomorrow to choose the country's skipper for the triangular one-day tournament in Dhaka commencing on January 10.Speculations are already rife that Sachin Tendulkar would be replaced as captain by his one-day deputy Ajay Jadeja for the Dhaka tri-nation tournament featuring India, arch-rivals Pakistan and hosts Bangladesh.Germans arrivingCHENNAI: India will play Germany here in their opening encounter of the four-Test hockey series on January 5.The Indian team, headed by forward Dhanraj Pillai, will arrive here tomorrow evening from New Delhi, while the 18-member German squad arrives on Saturday morning, Indian Hockey Federation secretary K Jothikumaran said in a press release here today.Dutta lifts recordsJAMSHEDPUR: Aruna Dutta of Andhra Pradesh eclipsed all her previous records in squat, bench press, dead lift and total to set new national records in the women's 60 kg class on the third day of the 19th Junior National for men (fourth for women) Powerlifting Championship last evening.Aruna clinched gold in the 60kg class, lifting a total of 432.5 kgs, shattering her previous best of 410 kgs. Similarly, she authored a new record in squat - 165 kg (her previous best - 157.5 kg), bench press - 82.5 kg breaking her previous best of 72.5 kg.In the 56 kg class, Maharashtra's women secured the first two places while Mandeep Kaur of Punjab stood third.Bhutia escapesCALCUTTA: Four East Bengal footballers, including star-striker Baichung Bhutia, had a narrow escape when their car collided with a trailer near Ultadanga in the northern part of the city on Thursday. East Bengal club assistant secretary Paltu Das said while the car was damaged, the players - Bhutia, medio Somatai Shaiza, Samsi Reza and Sherap Lepcha - escaped unhurt.The accident occurred while the players were on their way to the East Bengal ground for a practice session before the club's crucial National League encounter with Goa league champion Churchill Brothers at the Salt Lake stadium here tomorrow.Cyclist deadIMPHAL: National cyclist Debita Devi (17), was run over by a speeding CRPF vehicle on Tiddim Road, near Tulihal airport, according to police. She was practising in the area for fifth National Games to be held here in May 1998. Debita Devi has been selected for this year National Games.She was on routine practice for the national games along with some of her friends when the accident occurred.The police arrested the driver and seized the vehicle.
