Short Corner 8212; Chandigarh

Kambli among WC probables
All-rounders were accorded top priority when the National selectors pruned the list of Indian probables for the forthcoming World Cup. The 19-member squad released today by Board of Control Cricket in India BCCI secretary Jaywant Lele also features Mumbai boys Ajit Agarkar and Vinod Kambli. Both were declared fit by the team doctor Ravinder Chadha and physical trainer Andrew Kokinos and Dr Anant Joshi.

Asian Test
Already assured of a final berth, Pakistan begin favourites against a young and depleted Sri Lanka in the final league tie of the Asian Test Championship beginning tomorrow. Pakistan, who scored a 46-run win over India in the first match at Calcutta earlier this month, have qualified with 17 points but India will be keenly awaiting the outcome at the Gaddafi Stadium.

Kasparov wins
Russian world champion Gary Kasparov produced an incredible fourth straight win with black pieces to stretch his lead to 1.5 points over Viswanathan Anand and Vladimir Kramnik after eight rounds in the city of Linares Super Grand Masters Chess Tournament. Kasparov was once again in irresistable form as he outclassed fellow Russian Peter Svidler to reach six points.

Sharjah tourney
England and Pakistan will clash in the opening match of the triangular limited overs series to be held in Sharjah from April 7-16 with India being the third team in the fray. The tournament assumes added importance for it is the final tune-up event for India prior to the May 14-June 20 World Cup in England.