Sports : life magnified

A little more than 50 years later, the opening world record looks set to be broken. An article by Partab Ramchand written 6 years earlier relives memories of that partnership.

Any of Kim Clijsters and Amelie Mauresmo can take the top spot from Davenport.

To quote from tennisfans:

Here’s how it goes: Clijsters can take the top spot if she reaches the final or if Lindsay loses before then (all those ranking points to defend, I guess). If Davenport makes the title match, Kim must at least make the quarters. Davenport, can retain the top ranking by reaching the final and having Clijsters lose in the fourth round or earlier. She will also stay No. 1 if she wins the title and Clijsters doesn’t make the final. However, Mauresmo has the most difficult scenario. She must win the title and Clijsters must not advance to the semifinals, regardless of what Davenport does.

Its Pironkova this time. The Williams just can’t handle the ovas. Only difference this time is that Tszvetana Pironkova is from Bulgaria.

And she epitomises the young daring sportsperson:

I have known about Venus for a long time but when I go on court I am a professional so I should not think she was kind of my idol before. After one day I have another match so I don’t think I should celebrate.

I pondered about how much the BCCI can restrict. Now they are going to have their own broadcast with commentators handpicked. Also, they are making their own calendars - scrapping their own Champions Trophy after the next edition and playing Australia more often reports Rahul Bhatia.

The member countries ARE the ICC. If a majority number of member countries get a lot of financial reward playing tours with India more often, they are unlikely to object to it as in the case of Australia here.

Another aspect, even if the ICC shows some balls and bans countries x,y,z for a period - it wouldnt matter as the countries would go onto play their cricket any way.

The unofficial RSA-India test after the Mike Denness issue showed it can easily be done.

Increased demand for the sport in India has lead to power in terms of money generation capabilities in India. This shouldn’t be the reason for a hackneyed calendar without any structure though thats exactly what is happening.

I had spoken about the restriction on speaking with the media the BCCI imposed on players recently. Apparently they are now objecting to what is being telecast on TV as well.

Also, Sehwag will have to stop his column as well. Will the BCCI compensate him for the income he has been denied as a result of this?

There was nothing ‘great’ in the batting effort of India or Pakistan in this test match. People were going gaga when Afridi and Akmal were making runs and some fans from India would be feeling the same currently. Memories of Chris Gayle’s knock and that India-Sri Lanka test match comes to mind.

In chess, when the opponents decide, a draw can be agreed upon. I think the same should hold good for test cricket. It is an option in the last hour of play. But why not in any period during the test match. Why have a dead rubber too after a series has been completed.

The Indian board was not able to accomodate a twenty20 charity match for Pakistan earthquake victims and proceeds of a limited overs match will go to them.

A twenty20 match or one dayer for charity would be much more interesting than cricket which has been played till now and that which will be played tomorrow.