Short Corner 8212; Chandigarh

Azharuddin and Mongia sidelinedThe new combination of national cricket selectors, headed by former India captain Chandu Borde, made their...

Azharuddin and Mongia sidelined
The new combination of national cricket selectors, headed by former India captain Chandu Borde, made their intentions clear on their first day at the office. Their thrust on the future saw the sidelining of Mohammed Azharuddin and wicket-keeper Nayan Mongia as they picked the Indian team for the 1st Test against New Zealand from October 10 at Chandigarh. 8220;We kept the future in mind while selecting the best possible team, which we all felt will deliver the goods. Our first aim is to the win the series against New Zealand,8221; Borde said.

Harbhajan strikes
Harbhajan Singh8217;s inclusion in the squad for the first Test against New Zealand was announced on the public address sytem at the Barkatullah Khan Stadium here this afternoon. And the Punjab off-spinner celebrated the news with two wickets off successive balls to finish the day with four wickets for 63 runs. The New Zealanders, replying to the Board President8217;s XI8217;s first innings score of 298, ended the second day at 248 for five.

Sunil shines
Sixteen-year-old promising Sunil Kumar of Chandigarh continued his amazing run at the DSCL National Hardcourt tennis championship, storming into the quarterfinals of the men8217;s and the boys u-18 sections, registering contrasting wins. Sunil today overcame a spirited challenge by S K Shivshanker of Karnataka to win 6-2, 6-1 in 70 minutes.

Madan hat-tricks
International BN Madan8217;s hat-trick, and the ouster of Sports Authority of India SAI were the highlights of the opening day in the 38th BHA Gold Cup hockey tournament at Mahindra Stadium. Rashtriya Chemicals amp; Fertilisers RCF opened proceedings against a depleted MS Police, soeme of whose players were called away for election duty. Madan made most of the opportunity, scoring in the 27th, 52nd and 55th minutes to give RCF a 3-0 win.

Pele8217;s son convicted
The son of Brazilian soccer legend Pele was convicted of murder early today for taking part in a street car race that resulted in the death of a passing motorcyclist. Edson Cholbi Do Nascimento, 29, was sentenced to six years in quot;semi-openquot; prison, which means he must sleep in the prison but may leave during the day to go to work.