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Journalism of Courage
French Open jinx continues
A Jaded Patrick Rafter crashed out of the French Open here today when he was beaten in four sets by fellow-Australian Jason Stoltenberg. The stamina-sapping Roland Garros red clay claimed two more victims when South African Wayne Ferreira twisted his ankle and Dutch qualifier Johan van Lottum retired with a strained thigh muscle.
Power shifts
That no Asian country figures in the top four is a clear indication of the shift in World hockey order, as the league phase of the ninth men’s World Cup hockey tournament concluded on Friday. Three European teams, Germany, the Netherlands and Spain, and Australia, qualified for the semi-finals which are scheduled for Saturday. The exit of Pakistan, after they lost to the fiery Australians on Friday evening, came as a shock since the defending champions had shown every sign of a resurgence.
Fleming’s century
New Zealand captain Stephen Fleming scored an unbeaten century to put his side in a commanding position against the hosts Sri Lanka on the third day of the first Test today. New Zealand were 260 for four when stumps were drawn for the day. They lead over their opponents by 280 runs. Fleming was not out at 106 while giving him company was Craig McMillan (64 n.o.). The two have already put on exactly hundred runs for the fifth wicket.
India lose
India made a mess of its 9-12 classification game against Scotland and lost 3-5 at the women’s World Cup hockey tournament on Friday. Thus, India will be involved in a play-off for the 11-12 positions. The Indian girls were rather unlucky to lose. For much of the game, they outplayed Scotland who, however, ensured that they converted the few openings that were presented to them.
