Short corner — Chandigarh

Damp end to a Lanka Pak Test
After high-drama on the first three days, the Asian Test Championship tie between Sri Lanka and Pakistan ended in a dour draw when rain and bad weather forced an early end to the fifth day’s play today. Chasing a daunting target of 385 runs, Sri Lanka were 165 for two when rain and poor light forced the match to be called off soon after tea with Russel Arnold (57) and Marvan Atapattu (6) at the crease.

Kasporav wins
Garry Kasparov has clinched the City of Linares chess title with his 12th round win here, leaving nearest rival Vladimir Kramnik and india’s Viswanathan Anand to fight for the second spot. With two rounds to go, Kasparov, on 9.5 points after his win over Michael Adams yesterday, is beyond the reach of Kramnik (7 points), who drew his 12th round game with Anand (6.5).

Punjab can qualify
The crucial last round ties of the Ranji Trophy Super League are to be played at six centres from March 13 to 16. Hyderabad are poised to enter the next stage from Group A’. Only a shock defeat against Baroda, who have little to play for except pride, and Punjab earning first innings points against Bengal in Calcutta to force a triple tie on points can stop them. Hyderabad have 16 points with Punjab on 11 and Bengal on 13. JCT underdogsTHE second leg of the National League Super Six’ stage, which starts tomorrow, will give the Calcutta sides a chance to move up in the table. The Goan leg found the Goan teams grabbing the top two places.