Sporting and related infrastructure updates from city of Chennai.

Aditya — India's chess wonderkid

http://www.hindu.com/2011/01/18/images/2011011858072001.jpg

Six-year-old M. Aditya (1492) has become the youngest rated Indian chess player, according to the January 2011 list released by FIDE, the international chess body.

Initiated into the sport at the age of two, Aditya has shown considerable progress in quick time. Aditya, who is the reigning Chennai District under-7 champion, trains at T. Nagar Chess Academy. Srinivasa Rangan, personal coach of Aditya says, “Usually it is difficult to teach Knight movements to beginners. But this kid was very special and he hit the ground running. It was amazing to see him play a full game when he was a little more than three years old.”

Arvind, Aditya's elder brother, is a FIDE-rated chess player and that has helped in shaping his skills. “Chess has helped him learn computers as well. He used to play chess on the internet when he was four. He could not read and icons were his only guides,” said Meenakshi, Aditya's mother.

SRC: http://www.hindu.com/2011/01/18/stories/2011011858072000.htm

The India Cements Chennai Open International chess tournament, which will be held from January 18 to 26, was inaugurated at the Multipurpose Indoor Stadium, Periamet, here on Monday.

GM Areshchenko Alexanderthe of Ukraine, the highest rated player in the fray and winner of the just concluded Parsvnath International Open at Delhi, and former World Junior Champions Russian WGM Vera Nebolsina and GM Abhijeet Gupta, flagged off the tournament.

The tournament boasts of a strong field, featuring 25 GMs, 36 IMs, 3 WGMs among more than 320 players (41 international entries) who have registered.

A solid Indian contingent, including the likes of GM Abhijit Kunte, IM S.P. Sethuraman, GM B. Adhiban, GM Arun Prasad, GM Neelotpal Das, GM Deepan Chakkravarthy and GM R. Laxman will also be seen in action.

The 11-round Swiss-format tournament comes with a prize pool of over Rs. 10 lakh with the winner taking home Rs. 2 lakh. Apart from the prize money, the strength of the field will also present an ideal opportunity for the players to log in GM, IM, WGM and WIM norms. The games on the top boards can also be followed online at www.indianchessfed.org and www.tamilchess.com.

D.V. Sundar, Vice-President, FIDE, thanked the sponsors India Cements and ONGC for their commitment to the development of the sport in the country.

Satyabrata Sahoo, Member Secretary, SDAT, presided over the function, while J.S. Sekhon, Group General Manager, ONGC, was the guest of honour.

SRC: http://www.hindu.com/2011/01/18/stories/2011011857622000.htm

The Tamil Nadu government has identified Thiruvidanthai on the East Coast Road (ECR) and eight other nearby villages to establish Chennai Sports City in 1,500 acres in the Kancheepuram district.

The proposed site will start from Thiruvidanthai and end at Saluvankuppam on the ECR; and from Kalavakkam to Paiyanur on the Old Mahabalipuram Road in the Chengalpattu Taluk of the district. The site will be surrounded by Thiruporur, Kelambakkam, Kovalam and the Mahabalipuram township.

In May, the State government announced that due to the fast development of employment opportunities on the Rajiv Gandhi Salai (IT Corridor) there is need to develop social infrastructure in nearby areas. In the proposed Chennai Sports City, a multi-purpose outdoor and indoor stadia, training schools, sports facilities, hostels for sports persons and sports medical centre will be created.

Meanwhile, the Tamil Nadu Industrial Development Corporation Ltd (Tidco), which has been mandated by the State government to establish the mega project, intends to engage a consultant to carry out ‘Land Utilisation Plan,' including Techno Economic Feasibility Study for the sports city, according to a Tidco request for proposal (RFP) to identify a suitable consultant to undertake the study.

Study

The study will include identification of various options for better utilisation of the entire 3611.69 acres of land/project area.

The sports city aims to be a leading development project with a distinct focus on sport and sporting excellence that will attract local, regional and international participants. An all-compassing lifestyle of luxury, recreation, leisure, dynamism and enterprise, it will be a ‘vibrant township' under the empowering banner of sport, the RFP says.

The IT corridor houses numerous information technology and IT-enabled service companies, and educational institutions. Over a lakh employees are working in this stretch, and nearly 30,000 vehicles ply on any working day. Once all the industrial parks, including at Siruseri, are completed, the number of employees could cross over two lakh, according to sources.

While the Tamil Nadu Road Development Company Ltd is developing an IT (Information Technology) Express way from Madhya Kailash to Mahabalipuram, there is the Tidel IT Park, the Ascendas IT Park and TICEL Bio-Park located in the corridor.

Tidco, along with private promoters such as Tata and DLF, is developing two IT/ITES special economic zones (SEZs) on the corridor. SIPCOT is developing an IT SEZ at Siruseri, abutting the Rajiv Gandhi Salai. All these developments will and have already put a lot of pressure on the existing infrastructure facilities and there is need to develop social infrastructure, the RFP says.

Source: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2010/09/08/stories/2010090850831900.htm

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_x0wGFVYVf6E/TOqfOm5mStI/AAAAAAAAAGs/PGf_U12Qq6I/s640/260847861_d589a0c5b3_o.jpg

Nungambakkam Tennis Stadium. Seating Capacity: 5800. Year Built: 1997

India's only ATP men's tournament is held here.

http://i.imgur.com/Cftk8.jpg

The Indian team celebrate after a 3- 2 victory against Brazil in 2010 Davis cup.
courtesy: http://www.tn-tennis.com/display.asp?id=297

View of outdoor stadium where Football and Athletics are conducted:

http://i.imgur.com/OkEb5.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/bpmNU.gif

Location: Periamet. Outdoor Seating Capacity: 40,000.

Foot Ball Field - Grass ( International Standard) Athletic Track - 400 Mts. Eight lane synthetic Track .
International standard Volleyball court - 3 Numbers.
Flood lighting - for Football and Athletics.
Electronic Score Board, Circuit TV, Lift facilities, Crowd Control system, A/C. Media hall and Conference hall.

Public Address System, Photo finish room facilities, Physiotherapy hall and commentators room (AIR/TV) accommodation facilities.

View of multi-purpose Indoor Stadium:

http://i.imgur.com/UBnfA.gif

Indoor Seating Capactiy: 7,900

Volley ball, Basket ball, Table Tennis, Badminton, Boxing, Wrestling, Weight lifting - Centralised Air-Conditioning, Circuit TV, Octagonal spectator gallery with an unobstructed view from all sides, Car Parking, Players lobby, players change room, players room, Delegates room, dining room, conditioning and Massage room, dope testing, referee room, Dormitory, First aid, VIP lobby, lounge meeting room and PA System

Player Nation Purchased price Role

1 MS Dhoni India $1.8 million Batsman
2 Suresh Raina India $1.3 million All-rounder
3 Murali Vijay India $900,000 Batsmen
4 Albie Morkel South Africa $500,000 All-rounder
5 Michael Hussey Australia $425,000 Batsman
6 Wriddhiman Saha India $100,000 Wicket-keeper
7 Dwayne Bravo West Indies $200,000 All-rounder
8 Doug Bollinger Australia $700,000 Bowler
9 R Ashwin India $850,000 Bowler
10 S Badrinath India $800,000 Batsman
11 Scott Styris New Zealand $200,000 All-rounder
12 Ben Hilfenhaus Australia $100,000 Bowler
13 Joginder Sharma India $150,000 Bowler
14 Nuwan Kulasekara Sri Lanka $100,000 Bowler
15 Sudeep Tyagi India $240,000 Bowler
16 Suraj Randiv Sri Lanka $80,000 Bowler
17 George Bailey Australia $50,000 Batsman
18 Faf du Plessis South Africa $120,000 Batsman


Read more: Chennai Super Kings - The Times of India http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/Chennai-Super-Kings/articleshow/7236230.cms#ixzz1BLtZ1gLm

Nice thread. Here is info about Irungattukotai Race Track, the spiritual home of Indian racing.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Irungattukottai_Race_Track

The Irungattukottai Race Track is a permanent motor racing circuit located in Irungattukottai, Sriperumbudur, Chennai, India. It was built in the late 80s. The Madras Motor Sports Club is owning and operating the racing.

The full Circuit is 3.717 kilometres (2.310 mi) long. It has 12 turns and 3 straights. The Club Circuit is 2.067 kilometres (1.280 mi) long and has 7 turns. Both tracks are 11 metres wide. Irungattukottai Race Track is an FIA and Federation Internationale de Motocyclisme certified circuit.

Good Initiative! Satishanu!

I hope that TN Govt gives enough importance to Sports Infra so that we get continuous info to post here.

View of outdoor stadium where Football and Athletics are conducted:

http://i.imgur.com/OkEb5.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/bpmNU.gif

Location: Periamet. Outdoor Seating Capacity: 40,000.

Foot Ball Field - Grass ( International Standard) Athletic Track - 400 Mts. Eight lane synthetic Track .
International standard Volleyball court - 3 Numbers.
Flood lighting - for Football and Athletics.
Electronic Score Board, Circuit TV, Lift facilities, Crowd Control system, A/C. Media hall and Conference hall.

Public Address System, Photo finish room facilities, Physiotherapy hall and commentators room (AIR/TV) accommodation facilities.


The opening day is still fresh in my memory.. i don;t remember the date, but it was early Jan i think.. the DD was the only channel.. and england has come to India for Cricket Series.. i see on TV.. morning is the Test match and in evening is the inauguration of this stadium live ( fascinated by the 3 tier structure.. so want to watch more.. ) .... man what should i do..?? i have to go to school too....

so as usual in our school days... Early morning Stomach ace... :) cannot bear the pain.. it was so hard.. i cannot go to school... mom. give a sad look.. father says.. sure.. ? wanna go to doctor.. i said.. no.. i will be fine.. ( but how to say , wanna take leave today ? ) .. brother give me a jealous look ( as he too want to stay and watch.. ) .. then got permission to stay home.. :) hurray..... stomach ace gone as soon as father gone to office and brother gone to school... :) All day watch cricket and evening the inaguration by then CM Jayalalita..

good idea to bring in this thread

Sad to see this facility is used more to hold political and music programes than for sports itself.

View of outdoor stadium where Football and Athletics are conducted:

http://i.imgur.com/OkEb5.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/bpmNU.gif

Location: Periamet. Outdoor Seating Capacity: 40,000.

Foot Ball Field - Grass ( International Standard) Athletic Track - 400 Mts. Eight lane synthetic Track .
International standard Volleyball court - 3 Numbers.
Flood lighting - for Football and Athletics.
Electronic Score Board, Circuit TV, Lift facilities, Crowd Control system, A/C. Media hall and Conference hall.

Public Address System, Photo finish room facilities, Physiotherapy hall and commentators room (AIR/TV) accommodation facilities.

View of multi-purpose Indoor Stadium:

http://i.imgur.com/UBnfA.gif

Indoor Seating Capactiy: 7,900

Volley ball, Basket ball, Table Tennis, Badminton, Boxing, Wrestling, Weight lifting - Centralised Air-Conditioning, Circuit TV, Octagonal spectator gallery with an unobstructed view from all sides, Car Parking, Players lobby, players change room, players room, Delegates room, dining room, conditioning and Massage room, dope testing, referee room, Dormitory, First aid, VIP lobby, lounge meeting room and PA System

What a coincidence. Only yesterday I thought we need to have a separate thread for sports related infrastructure and today I find one. Kudos to Satishanu.

My contribution for today - Nungamabakkam Tennis Stadium during Chennai Open 2011

http://img705.imageshack.us/img705/3144/photo0156w.jpg

After a drizzle
http://img209.imageshack.us/img209/7104/photo0158p.jpg

The Tamil Nadu government has identified Thiruvidanthai on the East Coast Road (ECR) and eight other nearby villages to establish Chennai Sports City in 1,500 acres in the Kancheepuram district.

The proposed site will start from Thiruvidanthai and end at Saluvankuppam on the ECR; and from Kalavakkam to Paiyanur on the Old Mahabalipuram Road in the Chengalpattu Taluk of the district. The site will be surrounded by Thiruporur, Kelambakkam, Kovalam and the Mahabalipuram township.

In May, the State government announced that due to the fast development of employment opportunities on the Rajiv Gandhi Salai (IT Corridor) there is need to develop social infrastructure in nearby areas. In the proposed Chennai Sports City, a multi-purpose outdoor and indoor stadia, training schools, sports facilities, hostels for sports persons and sports medical centre will be created.

Meanwhile, the Tamil Nadu Industrial Development Corporation Ltd (Tidco), which has been mandated by the State government to establish the mega project, intends to engage a consultant to carry out ‘Land Utilisation Plan,' including Techno Economic Feasibility Study for the sports city, according to a Tidco request for proposal (RFP) to identify a suitable consultant to undertake the study.

Study

The study will include identification of various options for better utilisation of the entire 3611.69 acres of land/project area.

The sports city aims to be a leading development project with a distinct focus on sport and sporting excellence that will attract local, regional and international participants. An all-compassing lifestyle of luxury, recreation, leisure, dynamism and enterprise, it will be a ‘vibrant township' under the empowering banner of sport, the RFP says.

The IT corridor houses numerous information technology and IT-enabled service companies, and educational institutions. Over a lakh employees are working in this stretch, and nearly 30,000 vehicles ply on any working day. Once all the industrial parks, including at Siruseri, are completed, the number of employees could cross over two lakh, according to sources.

While the Tamil Nadu Road Development Company Ltd is developing an IT (Information Technology) Express way from Madhya Kailash to Mahabalipuram, there is the Tidel IT Park, the Ascendas IT Park and TICEL Bio-Park located in the corridor.

Tidco, along with private promoters such as Tata and DLF, is developing two IT/ITES special economic zones (SEZs) on the corridor. SIPCOT is developing an IT SEZ at Siruseri, abutting the Rajiv Gandhi Salai. All these developments will and have already put a lot of pressure on the existing infrastructure facilities and there is need to develop social infrastructure, the RFP says.

Source: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2010/09/08/stories/2010090850831900.htm

is this coming up in vandalur - kelambakkam road ? this (http://classifieds.sulekha.com/chennai/real-estate/apartments-flats/clad.aspx?cid=5646584) url says its close to uni world city which is coming up in V-K Road.can someone shed more light on the exact location of this project ?

Sports university (125 acres) is coming up in vandalur kelambakkam road. The sports city (3100 acres) is coming up in OMR. Both are different projects

Sports university (125 acres) is coming up in vandalur kelambakkam road. The sports city (3100 acres) is coming up in OMR. Both are different projects

Alright! Thanks for the information :)

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5210/5366479848_bb10471f89_b.jpg

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5008/5366479096_ac1e379c24_b.jpg

more: http://www.flickr.com/photos/anand-kumar/tags/chennaiopen/

http://www.thehindu.com/multimedia/dynamic/00378/Hayden_378119e.jpg
The Hindu Retired Australian cricketer Mathew Hayden launches his autobiography `Standing My Ground’ at Citi Centre in Chennai on Wednesday. Photo: S.S. Kumar


Former Australian opening great Matthew Hayden was guarded when asked about the favourites for the forthcoming ICC World Cup.

Interacting with the media and the fans while promoting his book `Standing My Ground' at Landmark here on Wednesday, Hayden said, “It will be a near thing between India, Sri Lanka and Australia. It would be hard to pick one team over the other. South Africa and England come next.”

Hayden said India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni headed a bunch with the right blend of experience and youth. “India has some very promising young cricketers. It also has the legendary Sachin Tendulkar on whom the cricketing gods are smiling.”

The Aussie added, “In Dhoni, India has a captain who is calm and unruffled even when things around him are chaotic. He has the ability to bring the team together, which is the quality of a very good leader. I enjoyed playing under Dhoni for the Chennai Super Kings.”

'Ponting will fight back'

Dwelling on the illustrious Ricky Ponting's struggle for runs in the Ashes, Hayden said, “He has had a rough couple of months. But he is a gifted batsman and a warrior. He will fight back in the World Cup.”

............................

............................

Hayden called Chennai his city of destiny and said he was proud that he represented a franchise that he respected in the IPL. “It has been a honour playing for the CSK at a venue, Chepauk, that I love. It is a memory that I will cherish.”


....................

http://www.thehindu.com/sport/cricket/article1150116.ece

http://www.sify.com/news/national-games-chennai-girl-becomes-youngest-swimmer-to-win-medal-news-national-lcprEmaihjd.html

Ranchi, Feb 15 (IANS) Chennai girl A.V. Jayveena Tuesday became the youngest swimmer in the history of National Games to win medals.

The 12-year-old Jayveena, representing Tamil Nadu, won bronzes in the 200 meters breaststroke and relay. In breaststroke, Jayveena competed with experienced Delhi girl Richa Mishra, who has won four gold medals in the meet so far.

Jayaveena's father Thalai Vassal Vijay was proud of his daughter's achievement.

...

http://www.dnaindia.com/sport/report_ipl-4-will-start-and-end-in-chennai_1508504

Even as the stage is being set for the start of the World Cup, Indian Premier League (IPL) authorities, too, are keeping things in motion.

In a couple of days, they are likely to announce the schedule for the fourth edition of the T20 event.

It has been reliably learnt that IPL 4 will take off in Chennai on April 8, just six days after the World Cup final in Mumbai on April 2. The inaugural match will be played between Chennai Super Kings and Kolkata Knight Riders.

The MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chepauk, Chennai, will also host the ‘qualifier’ and the final. These matches will be played on May 27 and 28. Mumbai will host the semifinal, rather the first two matches of the play-offs, on May 24 and 25.

...

^^ Good. Instead of the final being in Mumbai all the time.

yeppieeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee finals in chennai

duplicate post. deleted

http://www.dnaindia.com/sport/report_ipl-4-will-start-and-end-in-chennai_1508504
The MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chepauk, Chennai, will also host the ‘qualifier’ and the final.
...
It is obvius that Previous Winner will be given preference to host the Finals..

http://www.thehindu.com/sport/motorsport/article1306722.ece

http://www.thehindu.com/multimedia/dynamic/00414/11MPTBMRF1_414888f.jpg

The MRF Formula Championship is a stepping stone to the higher levels of motorracing

Negotiating a fast corner in an odd section of the Irrungattukotai circuit that is bumpy, Jordan King strains every sinew to keep the open-wheel car straight. After going through the punishing practice session, King is glad he took his father's advice. Having competed in premier go-karting championships across Europe for three years, the 16-year-old Briton was getting familiar with Formula Renault, when his father suggested he enroll for the MRF Formula Championship (the Chennai leg is on February 5, 6, 12 and 13).

Coping successfully with an unfamiliar and challenging circuit has provided him great excitement, and driving an efficiently-built 1.6 litre racing car has inspired him with confidence. In Europe, Formula Renault 1.6L (one of three levels) is an entry-level championship that takes youngsters to the higher gears of motor-racing.

“Designed and built by international experts, the MRF Formula 1600 cc is as good an entry-level machine as any other in the world,” says Anthony Rodricks, head of motorsports, MRF. Participation of Jukka Honkavuori from Finland, who has already raced in Formula Renualt 2 litre Euro Cup, and four other European racers seems to confirm this.

Designed by Elan Motorsports, this racing car was built with imported critical parts, including a Ford Duratec 1.6. litre engine, Hewland gearbox and AP braking system. “Under the leadership of Peter Allnutt, a bunch of engineers from abroad were on the job,” says Rodricks.

...

http://static.sify.com/cms/image/lcopBIedbbc.jpg

Stuntsmen from the US perform at the MRF International Challenge race in Irungattukottai near Chennai on Sunday, Feb 13, 2011. (Photograph copyright PTI)

He's an electrical engineering graduate who became a swashbuckling cricketer and later the captain of the Indian team.

With a flourishing career as a cricket commentator and later as the chairman of the BCCI Selection Committee, Kris Srikkanth’s career has always been on a soaring high. Passing on the lessons of his eventful life, Kris Srikkanth now adorns yet another new avatar — that of the Success Guru.

His commendable cricket stories are complied in to a DVD titled Cricket Life Success.

It is not a biography of the veteran cricketer but a series of lectures by him on 15 various topics like self belief, positive approach, decision making, humility etc.

The DVD was recently launched by T Rajendran, Commissioner of Police and was received by Parthasarathy, Chairman and MD of CADD Centre India.

At the event, he spoke about numerous things which were a continuation of lectures from the DVD.

He recounted the memorable game played at the ’83 World Cup final. “I was just married and was in Sri Lanka for my honeymoon with my wife. Gavaskar asked me to book tickets to US and to stop in London to play the World Cup.

It was yet another series for us, we felt no pressure and that actually helped us to play a great game,” said Kris emphasising that too much pressure will yield nothing.

“We were defeated in all the practice matches and were unsure of winning the first match against the West Indies. But Kapil Dev was persistent and that determination motivated us. We won the match and the rest is history,” rejoiced Srikka. He made a clear cut point that self-confidence will help you win anything and everything.

“It’s the same self-confidence that helps Sehwag, but not Sachin or Gavaskar, to score two triple centuries in the test matches,” he added.

The next negative 'point' that Srikka targeted was ‘ego’. “Never have ego. It will take you nowhere. What I’m now is only because of the great game of cricket. I love to befriend everyone and keep my surroundings active with positive energy.”

Commissioner Rajendran also shared his success story and the challenges he faced in his personal and professional life.

He pointed out that the police department are putting their lives on the line and striving with the latest technological developments to safe guard the city and the public.

src: http://expressbuzz.com/cities/chennai/kris-srikkanths-success-formula/250738.html

The metropolis is all set to host for the first time the World Squash Federation's World Cup event, partially at the Indian Squash Academy and the final phase at a mega shopping mall from March 8 to 12.

Two editions of the World Cup were held in 1996 (Malaysia) and Netherlands (1999) but thereafter the event (mixed competition where each tie involves two men's singles and one women's singles) went into cold storage. The revival of this competition had come at a time when WSF was increasingly working towards giving a boost to the popularity of the sport in the public eye and in the world of sports in general in its bid to find the sport a place in the Olympics.

The WSF President, N. Ramachandran, at a media briefing on Thursday said that earlier PSA tournaments had been conducted outdoors with a degree of success but this was the first time that a WSF event has been tried outside with matches in glass-back courts. “Having the matches conducted in a mega mall like the Express Avenue would bring the sport closer to the public,” he said while thanking the Management of Express Avenue for agreeing to accept the venture.

“If this proves a success and I do not see why it should not, and with Tamil Nadu Government, SDAT and the Union Ministry of Youth Affairs, supporting we will have a world level competition every year here for the next five years,” Mr. Ramachandran said.

The JSW SDAT World Cup 2011 will bring together the virtual cream of overseas talent. The top names include Ramy Ashour (World No 2), Karim Darwish, Mohd El Shorbagy (World junior champion), Raneem El Weleily, Nour El Tayeb (all Egypt), James Willstrop, Peter Barker, (both England), Cameron Pilley, Rachael Grinham (both Australia), Nicol David (World no 1 woman from Malaysia). The Indian challenge will have national champions Saurav Ghosal and Joshna Chinappa part fro Siddarth Suchde, Harinder Pal Singh and Dipika Pallikal (currently the highest ranked Indian woman). The Tournament Director Maj S. Maniam listed the teams:

Pool A: Egypt, France, Malaysia, S. Africa, Sri Lanka;

Pool B: England, Australia, India and Mexico.

A noted absentee is Pakistan and for this Maj Maniam said “Pakistan does not have a strong women's team and that could be the reason.” The winner takes $ 50,000 and there is prize money right till the fifth place in the pool league, according to him.

The hosts TNSRA and SRFI have lined up a host of co-sponsors (Express Avenue, T I Cycles, Karbonn Mobiles, Olympia Infratech, DLF, Malaysia Airlines, Courtyard Marriott, Dunlop, Harrow, Sports Mechanics, Chennai Live, Tourism Malaysia, Sportz Power, Sports Locker, Bassam Apparel studio, ASB and Advent Sports Management. The Hindu is the media partner.

src: http://www.hindu.com/2011/03/05/stories/2011030553011600.htm

The metropolis is all set to host for the first time the World Squash Federation's World Cup event, partially at the Indian Squash Academy and the final phase at a mega shopping mall from March 8 to 12.

src: http://www.hindu.com/2011/03/05/stories/2011030553011600.htm

Wrong timing...

y? bcos of cricket wc?

http://www.thehindu.com/multimedia/dynamic/00500/12MPEXPRESS_AVENUE__500117f.jpg
DRAWING CROWDS Squash at Express Avenue Mall.

Top squash players battle it out for the World Cup on the portable glass court at Express Avenue Mall

The Colosseum has come to Chennai. With squash players battling it out for the JSW-SDAT-WSF mixed team World Cup in a portable glass court installed in the centre of the atrium at the Express Avenue Mall, and spectators gazing on the action from the globular corridors on the higher floors that encircle the domed atrium, the shopping complex evokes images of gladiatorial wars in ancient Rome.

Rings of shoppers leaning on the glass parapet walls on the corridors and soaking in the experience, are a silent testimony to the success of the endeavour. A few lingering doubts are dispelled by Mathieu Castagnet of France, who has played in international squash tournaments enriched by quirky and arresting settings. “The circular aspect of the construction facilitates easy viewing.This is as good a place as you can get for a squash tournament,” says Mathieu, after crafting an elegant victory against his Malaysian opponent. The French player calls this tournament an elephantine footstep towards popularising the sport in the city and compares the Express Avenue Mall to New York's Grand Central Station for its capacity to attract multitudes to squash.

Most shoppers and staff of showrooms at the mall, who watch the duels in the glass box, are dreadfully ignorant of squash's basic rules. Says T.S. Hariprasad, assistant manager, Pepe Jeans, “It is an engrossing spectacle, but I do not understand much of what I see. I definitely feel inclined to learn more about the sport. After work, I will get on the Internet and do just that.”

Parminder Singh, a merchant navy officer out shopping, plans to take a step further. “In a week, when I will go to Kolkata, my temporary home, I will try to play the game.”

M. Arul, venue marketing manager, Club Mahindra, who has undergone training at the Maruti Sports Hostel in Coimbatore and played basketball for Tamil Nadu, says this is the first time he is watching

a squash match live. He admits he has no plans to try squash, but has a few tips to offer. “Organising such big tournaments in colleges can win many youngsters to squash. The sport lacks larger-than-life

players. I came to know of the sport only after watching Dipika Pallikal on television. Squash needs more such players who will be seen in social settings.”


http://www.thehindu.com/sport/article1528905.ece

http://squashstars.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/expressavenue-500x333.jpg

Chennai will make its mark in squash history when the Indian city hosts the Squash World Cup at the Indian Squash Academy and Express Avenue next week, from 8-12 March.

After previously hosting almost all the World Squash Federation (WSF) world championships – including the Men’sWorld Junior Championships in 2002; the World Doubles in 2004 & 2007; Men’s World Team Championships in 2007, Women’s World Junior & Men’s World Junior Individual Championships in 2009—Chennai will now host the mixed team event, the JSW SDAT WSF World Cup.

The 2011 WSF World Cup will be staged initially at the Indian Squash Academy—leading to the final rounds being played on an ASB all-glass show court erected at the Express Avenue Mall, the largest shopping complex in southern India. This will be the first time in India that squash will be played in a shopping mall.

The world’s leading squash players, led by Malaysia’s world number one Nicol David and Egypt’s world No2 Ramy Ashour, will star in the 2011 championship.

“All these are indeed a testimony of the faith WSF has in the organisational capabilities of the Squash Rackets Federation of India and the Tamil Nadu Squash Rackets Association,” says WSF President Mr N Ramachandran.

The Tamil Nadu government and SDAT are solely responsible for ensuring this event is staged in Chennai for the next 5 years. :banana::banana: This edition of the competition will also see JSW Steel joining SDAT as the title sponsors.

The organisers are thankful to all its co-sponsors, namely Express Avenue (official venue), TI Cycles of India, Karbonn Mobiles, Olympia Infratech, DLF India, Malaysia Airlines (Official Airlines), Courtyard by Marriott (official hospitality partner), Dunlop (official ball), Harrow (official apparel), Hindu (official media), Sports Mechanics (official online partner),Chennai Live (official radio), Tourism Malaysia, Sportz Power (official sports media), Sports-Locker, Bassam Apparel Studio, ASB and Advent Sports Management.

There will be video-on-demand facility available online provided by Sports Mechanics for all matches played during the event and a delayed telecast on the sports television channel ESPN Star Sports from 21-23 March 2011. Daily results and stories can be obtained from the official tournament website - www.wsfworldcup.com

The other organisations that have given the event full support are the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Sports Authority of India, Squash Rackets Federation of India, Tamil Nadu Squash Rackets Association and the Indian Squash Academy.

Egypt has been named as top seeds in this two-man-one-woman team event. Their team is led by the hugely-talented and flamboyant former world number one Ramy Ashour and supported by another former world number one Karim Darwish. Also in the Egyptian squad are former world junior champions Mohamed El Shorbagy, Raneem El Weleilyand 17-year-old Nour El Tayeb, ranked 9, 12 and 21, respectively, in the world.

Seeded to face the favourites in the final are England, whose strong squad (even without world number one Nick Matthew, who withdrew due to injury) features Jenny Duncalf, James Willstrop, Peter Barker, Laura Massaroand Tom Richards, ranked 2, 4, 7, 8 and 29, respectively, in the world.

Third seeds Australia will be relying on a three-player squad, featuring world No14 Cameron Pilley, former world No1Rachael Grinham and Hobart-born Aaron Frankcomb, ranked 44 in the world.

New national champion Camille Serme will lead fourth seeds France, while five-time world champion Nicol David will spearhead the fifth-seeded Malaysia attack.

Hosts India will be led by six-time National Champion Saurav Ghosal, ranked 24 in the world. Others in the team areSiddharth Suchde, Harinder Pal Sandhu, Dipika Pallikal and Joshna Chinappa.

Action in the JSW SDAT WSF World Cup will take place initially in two pools, with the top two teams in each pool moving on to the semi-finals.

The pool stage will be played at the Indian Squash Academy (ISA) from 8-10 March, and at the Express Avenue from 10-12 March 2011.

“We are taking the sport to the masses and I believe this will create a greater awareness amongst the general public,” said SRFI secretary general Srivatsan Subramaniam. Mr Subramaniam also expresses his gratitude to the SDAT and Tamil Nadu Government for their sponsorship and support, to JSW Steel for becoming the title sponsors, and to all other co-sponsors who have generously contributed to this gala event.

The pool line-up (with seeding in brackets) is as follows:
Pool A: [1] EGYPT, [4] FRANCE, [5] MALAYSIA, [8] S.AFRICA, [9] SRI LANKA
Pool B: [2] ENGLAND, [3] AUSTRALIA, [6] INDIA, [7] MEXICO

The prize money breakdown is as follows:
1st: US$50,000; 2nd: US$25,000; 3rd: US$15,000; 4th: US$10,000; Pool 3rd: US$6,500 each; Pool 4th: US$4,000 each; Pool 5th: US$2,500

Official website: www.wsfworldcup.com

http://squashstars.com/squash-world-cup/

http://www.timesunion.com/mediaManager/?controllerName=image&action=get&id=626669&width=628&height=471
Members of the Egyptian squash team, from left, Mohamed el Shorbagy, Karim Darwish, Ramy Ashour, coach Amir Wagih and Raneem El Weleily celebrate after their teamÕs victory over England in the finals of the World Squash Federation World Cup in Chennai, India, Saturday, March 12, 2011. ( / AP)



CHENNAI, India (AP) — Egypt has won the squash World Cup, with one of its star players dedicating the title to a country at the center of political uprisings sweeping the Arab world.

Egypt defeated defending champion England 2-0 Saturday.

http://www.timesunion.com/mediaManager/?controllerName=image&action=get&id=626674&width=628&height=471
Egypt's Ramy Ashour, right, plays against England's James Willstrop during the finals of the World Squash Federation World Cup in Chennai, India, Saturday, March 12, 2011. Ashour won the match 3-0. ( / AP)


Ramy Ashour, ranked No. 2, beat No. 4 James Willstrop 11-8, 11-7, 11-7 in the opening match of the best-of-three final. An emotional Ashour called this a "proud moment" for Egypt and "the moment that we all have been waiting for."

Australia beat Malaysia 2-1 in the third-place match.


http://www.timesunion.com/mediaManager/?controllerName=image&action=get&id=626676&width=628&height=471
Egypt's Ramy Ashour, front, plays against England's James Willstrop during the finals of the World Squash Federation World Cup in Chennai, India, Saturday, March 12, 2011. Ashour won the match 3-0. ( / AP)




http://www.timesunion.com/mediaManager/?controllerName=image&action=get&id=626678&width=628&height=471
Egypt's Raneem El Weleily, right, plays against Jenny Duncalf during the finals of the World Squash Federation World Cup in Chennai, India, Saturday, March 12, 2011. Weleily won the match 3-0. ( / AP)


http://www.timesunion.com/mediaManager/?controllerName=image&action=get&id=626776&width=628&height=471
Egypt's Ramy Mohamed Ashour, right, plays squash against Australia's Cameron Pilley in the semifinal World Cup match in Chennai, India, Friday, March 11, 2011. Ashour beat Pilley 3-0. (AP / AP)



http://www.timesunion.com/sports/article/Egypt-wins-squash-World-Cup-in-proud-moment-1094068.php

Nice to see a good crowd turn out.

http://www.thehindu.com/multimedia/dynamic/00500/12MPEXPRESS_AVENUE__500117f.jpg
DRAWING CROWDS Squash at Express Avenue Mall.




http://www.thehindu.com/sport/article1528905.ece
The pic with the squash-play settings are awesome!

^^ Does Squash tournament in shopping malls are normal, or its the first time? It looks odd for me. :)

Another Picture of Squash tournament - by Sarankamal

http://i56.tinypic.com/mrg61e.jpg

http://www.espncricinfo.com/indian-premier-league-2011/content/current/story/508862.html

http://www.englishchess.org.uk/?p=9991

^Nice Find. TN have maximum number of Grand Masters in India.

Here is excerpt from the Prospectus;

The Chennai city in which the above Championship is to be organized is considered the Mecca of Indian Chess. The World Champion and World No. 1 Vishwanathan Anand is from Chennai. The First International Master of India Mr.Manuel Aaron, the first Women Grandmaster from India Ms.S.Vijayalakshmi and the first International Chess Arbiter of India Mr.V.Kameswaran are all from Chennai. Chennai has also produced 4 World age group Champions namely former World Under-18 girls champion WGM Aarthie ramaswamy, former World Under-12 Champion N.Srinath, former World Under -16 Champion GM B.Adhiban and current World Under -16 Champion S.P.Sethuraman apart from producing many Asian Gold Medalists.

Chennai has been in the forefront in organizing many International events in Chess. The World candidates match between GM Anand (India) and GM Alexie Dreev (Russia) was held at Chennai in 1991. The Asian zonal Championship(1995) and the Asian Women Chess Championship (2001) were held at Chennai. Apart from this several Grandmaster and International master tournaments were organized here.

2. Date and venue
The 2011 World Juniors and Girls U-20 Chess Championships will be held from August 1 (arrival day) to 16 (departure day) at Hotel Vijay Park, Arumbakkam, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, South India.

3. Schedule
Monday August 1 Arrival
Monday August 1 18:00 Opening ceremony
Tuesday August 2 10:00 Technical Meeting
Tuesday August 2 14:00 round 1
Wednesday August 3 14:00 round 2
Thursday August 4 14:00 round 3
Friday August 5 14:00 round 4
Saturday August 6 14:00 round 5
Sunday August 7 14:00 round 6
Monday August 8 free day
Tuesday August 9 14:00 round 7
Wednesday August 10 14:00 round 8
Thursday August 11 14:00 round 9
Friday August 12 14:00 round 10
Saturday August 13 14:00 round 11
Sunday August 14 1:00 round 12
Monday August 15 11:00 round 13
Monday August 15 18:00 Closing Ceremony

more: http://www.englishchess.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/worldjuniorcc2011.pdf

Former Australian seamer Andy Bichel has been recruited by the Chennai Super Kings as their bowling coach for the 2011 Indian Premier League.

Bichel replaces Venkatesh Prasad after the erstwhile Indian fast bowler took up a position with the Kochi Tuskers Kerala.

The 40-year-old Queenslander, who played 67 ODIs and 19 Tests between 1997 and 2004, was the Kolkata Knight Riders' bowling coach across their disastrous 2009 season when they finished bottom of the standings.

This is the Chennai franchises' second big signing of the week after New Zealand pace ace Tim Southee joined their ranks on Thursday.

src: http://www.cricket365.com/news/story/6846007/Chennai-welcome-bowling-coach-Bichel

http://img834.imageshack.us/img834/1884/pti442011000073a520978f.jpg
Ravichandran Ashwin, a member of World Cup winning Indian team, showing his medal to his grandfather and parents at their residence in Chennai on Monday.

http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Chennai/article1599326.ece

Spinner R. Ashwin, who featured in just two matches in India’s successful World Cup campaign but made his presence felt with a terrific show against Australia, was accorded a warm welcome in his native place here on Monday

A lot of fans gathered outside his house and cheered the off-spinner on his arrival from Mumbai, where he met President Pratibha Patil at Raj Bhawan on Sunday.

A few excited fans lifted the shy cricketer on their shoulders and welcomed him by exploding firecrackers.

Ahswin’s parents arranged for a cake-cutting ceremony on the occasion.

Asked if he felt disappointed on missing out on playing the final against Sri Lanka, Ashwin replied in a negative.

“I am happy that skipper M.S. (Dhoni) used me as a weapon when he needed me. It’s a great honour to get into the World Cup squad in first place, forget about winning it,” he said.

The spinner said peaking at the right time was behind the success of the Indian team.

“It (World Cup win) means a lot. We have been on the road for nearly two months. We have gone through little bit up and little but down. The most important thing was to peak at right time.

“Somehow, whatever it is .. some super power or what, we peaked at the right time and I am happy that we won the tournament,” he said.

Ashwin took two wickets each against the West Indies and Australia in the World Cup and also got backing from several former players for inclusion in the final XI.

Why TN Govt has not announced any reward for our own Ashwin?

Election Mode?

1 crore for ashwin announced + 3 crore for whole team

^^

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/cricket-world-cup-2011/news/TN-Govt-announces-Rs-3-cr-cash-reward-to-Team-India/articleshow/7864056.cms

I5SbnO4Ji4k

ZDcnJZTdP3w

3ZBhTiZpHkc

Thanks bonoslack7 & Vickvin86.

I am still not out of the hangover, it seems.

To be honest, a person who wishes to remain in whatever ipl team should be allowed to do so instead of treating them as cattle. If murali and balaji had that choice, they would have remained in chennai.

U knw guys!! Ashwin was my senior in college!!

To be honest, a person who wishes to remain in whatever ipl team should be allowed to do so instead of treating them as cattle. If murali and balaji had that choice, they would have remained in chennai.

In EPL, the agent of the players negotiate with the club management & the manager and get the best deal for the player.

But in IPL, the players are at the mercy of the IPL management.

A clause should be put such that players can stay with their team if they are okay with base price.

then what about viswanathan anand????Why do people always go gaga on cricket achievements only???

Why didnt the indian hockey teams dint get the recognition when they won consecutive world cups???

When did the hockey team win consecutive world cups??? India last won the Hockey world cup in 1975 sir!!

i mean olympics...and dont address me as sir...^^^^

From what I read in cricinfo, IPL inaguration ceremony looks like a big flop.

^^ From what I saw on tv it looked pretty sad.. Match was fun though! :)

http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/news-by-company/corporate-trends/business-lessons-from-ipl-franchise-model-is-risk-free/articleshow/7930446.cms?curpg=3

The euphoria over the world cup win is yet to die down. Workers at the Wankhede may still be clearing the confetti. MS Dhoni and his mates will only now start to feel the aches and creaks. But a breather for cricketers and fans alike will have to wait.

For, the annual travelling circus called the Indian Premier League-the grand setting of big bucks and bigger egos-is back in town.

As the franchised cricket league enters its fourth season, sailing through a third of the 10-year ownership given to privately held teams by BCCI, there is no better time than now to assess the return on investments made by some of the biggest corporate houses and canniest business minds in India.

A recent joint study by ET and Brand Finance, a global consultancy, pegs the overall brand value of IPL at nearly $3.7 billion. The brand value of top bananas like Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings has shot up to $57 million and $55 million.

Still, there is no ducking the inevitable question: is the IPL making money for the team owners? The big sixes and cheerleaders apart, the IPL still conjures up visions of big money thrown around for ownership in 2008. India Cements won the bid for the Chennai franchise for $91 million.

Reliance Industries won the bid for Mumbai Indians at $111.9 million. And considering that this season's player auctions (telecast live to add to the drama) where some of India's richest pursued Gautam Gambhir and Piyush Chawla with blank cheques in hand, it is easy to assume that the cost of losing would be near-bankruptcy or being denied entry into The Belvedere or The Chambers.

Truth is the IPL business model is remarkable in its simplicity. Indeed, the sources of income for teams are guaranteed and stable, and avenues for expenditure limited and fixed. It is a business that B-school students could run without bleeding money. And it's as risk free as a batsman milking off-spinners for four runs an over in the middle overs of a one-day international.

How it works

When India Cements' vice-chairman N Srinivasan won the Chennai franchise, baffled analysts were eager to grill him on why a manufacturing company that requires high capital expenditure 'fritter' money on cricket.

http://i.imgur.com/koEqM.jpg

One analyst quizzed Srinivasan why he hadn't mentioned that the company was going to earmark such a huge amount for a non-core activity when he was trying to raise money from the domestic markets through a qualified institutional placement.

Srinivasan's reply showed a limpid Tam Bram's grasp of the financial dynamics of IPL. "If I can be brutally frank, we only looked at this as a marketing thing. We did not think that

this is an earthshaking event that should cause so many people so much of concern," he said. "Here there is no outflow. This is just a marketing strategy. We are doing something slightly innovative at no cost." Yes, that is right. Running an IPL team costs little.

To begin with, the cost of acquiring a franchise is fairly low. For instance, if Reliance Industries won the Mumbai team bid for $111.9 million, it has to pay IPL only a tenth of that amount. In RIL's case, that is $12 million a year. And that is a team's biggest expenditure. Player wages, fixed at $5 million then, is now capped at $9 million. Logistics and administrative costs account for another $2-3 million

If you are still unimpressed, consider this: teams get nearly $10 million a year from IPL's central broadcasting and sponsorship pool. It is their biggest source of revenue, contributing almost 70% of income. The teams keep earnings from ticket sales, sponsorship deals they strike on their own, and income from merchandise such as replica shirts and sundry souvenirs.

Together, these returns offset the personnel costs. Under Lalit Modi's three-year reign at IPL, teams benefited a great deal as he managed to rope in new sponsors. Modi also introduced a rash of ad breaks, notably the scheduled 10-minute match break anomalously called "strategic time-out".

No prizes for guessing who will miss Modi the most. So even if a team takes only a stab at marketing and adds fans to its ranks, there's a good chance it will be loss free. Or as Srinivasan said, "I have no capital employed and everything is revenue plus. The only capital I will invest is in cricket kits."

It's the core business, stupid

The smarter team owners have been those who haven't chased the mirage of fancy valuations, made tall claims about listing on the bourses, or treat IPL as a significant cash generator. Rather, they have used IPL to grow their bread and butter businesses. Here, the Chennai and Mumbai team owners are shining examples.

http://i.imgur.com/rrbOM.jpg

"To get into IPL was a very clear, cold analytical decision taken solely with a view to building our brand more extensively and deeply throughout the country," said Srinivasan. India Cements has been trying to break free from its conservative mould, trying to grow beyond its traditional southern markets.

Here, running a successful cricket team captained by Dhoni becomes the calling card when it meets dealers and consumers in the north. The company has offered 1,800 new dealers in Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat and Rajasthan free tickets for CSK's games, coupled with a pilgrimage to Tirupati. The strategy has paid off, says India Cements marketing head Rakesh Singh. The company is now able to utilise every bit of its factories' capacity.

For Mukesh Ambani, the deep-pocketed promoter of Mumbai Indians, the team is a valuable managerial training ground for family. It also gives RIL a platform to extend its corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities. And even India's biggest private company would not mind more visibility.

Brand Finance says Reliance's integration of social and business dimensions gives MI an existence with a purpose, th ereby, creating a healthier sporting ecosystem. The team has partnered five NGOs-Pratham, Ummeed, Akanksha, Teach For India and Nanhi Kali-that work in education for underprivileged children. "Such a unique business proposition offers the brand Mumbai Indians immense ability to attract and associate with global fan base," says Brand Finance India managing director M Unni Krishnan.

After a dismal first year, Vijay Mallya's Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) proved to be quick learners and turned the corner. Now, the flamboyant promoter is no longer accused of using the franchise as an expensive hobby horse. Realising that running a franchise based in Bangalore would be impossible without the support of the local Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA), the team went on to co-opt its officials. Anil Kumble, captain-turned-mentor for the franchise, is today the president of KSCA.

RCB has now emerged as a well-managed professional club with a strong focus on innovation in fan engagement, merchandising and ticketing. Its substantial investments in developing corporate stands to create a world-class sports-viewing experience has resulted in higher gate receipts and higher margins for every ticket sold. The franchise has become an extension of Kingfisher's tag line "The king of good times".

Teams such as Shah Rukh Khan's Kolkata Knight Riders have roped in professional CEOs with experience in financial services to bolster their chances of success and find a way out of cricketing mediocrity. On-field success can give you bragging rights at a party, or fetch a few million dollars in sponsorship.

The IPL's lesson is this: unless you have a core business that can piggyback on the visibility provided by the tournament, there's no fortune waiting at the bottom of the pyramid, at least for a few years.

Among the team owners, Chennai's are the most cold, calculative and analytical. No doubt about that.

^^ Yeah. Least glitz, most cricket :)

New kind of sports unique to TN utilizes (http://thatstamil.oneindia.in/movies/specials/2011/04/21-udayanidhi-stalin-celebrate-success-rajini-aid0136.html) our sports infrastructure to the max

English summary of the article

Udayanidhi Stalin will be hosting a grand function to celebrate the success of his four films Vinnaithaandi Varuvaya, Boss Engira Bhaskaran, Madarasapattinam and Myna with the Superstar.

Yes, Finally Rajinikanth accepted to distribute the shields to the artists of all the four films on May 7th at Nehru Indoor Stadium, Chennai.

SARATH KUMAR RACES AT THE TOP!

The first Indian on a MotoGP grid also became the first Indian to race at the top, after qualifying for the recently concluded Portuguese Grand Prix at Estoril


Within three races, the shining beacon of India at the top level of motorcycle racing showed his class. Sarath Kumar, the 20 year old youngster from Chennai managed to qualify at the 125cc Grand Prix of Portugal at the Estoril circuit, and created history after becoming the first Indian ever to race at the top level of international motorcycle grand prix road racing.
While Sarath had made his debut a few months back at the 2011 season opening race at Qatar, he had not managed to qualify yet owing to the 107% rule, where riders who cannot clock a time within a certain limit to the fastest rider cannot appear for the race. At Estoril however, Sarath was given a spot on the grid to start the race from 30th place. After riding a tough race and even being lapped by the faster riders, he managed to finish in an encouraging 24th position.
While that may not sound like much, it must be remembered that Sarath's essential racing exposure until now has been restricted at local-level racing in India. The proud Chennai lad began the race with a placard saying 'Namaste India' - here's sending a big namaste back to him, and wishing him luck in his debut season!

http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Repository/getimage.dll?path=TOICH/2011/05/12/11/Img/Pc0110800.jpg

TOI (http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Default/Scripting/ArticleWin.asp?From=Archive&Source=Page&Skin=TOINEW&BaseHref=TOICH/2011/05/12&PageLabel=11&EntityId=Ar01101&ViewMode=HTML)

May 28: Eight-year-old L.N. Ramesh Aravind, a budding chess prodigy, recently brought laurels to the city and the country, winning two championships — Asian youth chess championship and Asian youth blitz chess championship in Philippines.

Aravind, a Class IV student of Kamala Nikhetan Montessori school in the city, represented the country in the Under-8 age group in the Asian-level tournament and won all rounds. He bagged two gold medals: one each at the Asian youth chess championship and Asian youth blitz chess championship which was a sequel to the main event. By virtue of his win at the Asian level, he will represent the country in the world youth chess championship in Brazil later this year.

Earlier, he had won the national youth chess championship (Under-7 category) at Jamshedpur in November 2010 and was picked by the all Indian chess federation to represent the country in the Asian youth chess championship in Philippines. He was initiated into chess at the tender age of two and trained by a professional coach from then on, say his businessman father Nagappan and homemaker mother Muthu.

“Aravind is gifted with phenomenal memory and could identify the national flags even when he was two. As he was also a voracious reader, we wanted to channelise his talent in a mentally-challenging board game like chess,” said his mother. “Now he is under the tutelage of coach Manikanteswarasamy of Vellore who trains Aravind in person and through the online platform,” said Mr Nagappan. Manikanteswarasamy says Aravind was an aggressive player as he won the title with a round to spare in the Philippines tournament. “We hope he would bring laurels at the global level soon.”

http://www.deccanchronicle.com/channels/cities/chennai/chess-prodigy-vie-world-title-998

http://www.thehindu.com/multimedia/dynamic/00647/TH03_FOOTBALL_647959f.jpg
The Chennai team, which won the State football championship held recently in Tirunelveli.

For the second year in succession, Chennai emerged winner in the State senior football championship for the S.A. Naidu Trophy.

In the final of the championship hosted by Tirunelveli in V.K. Puram recently, Chennai edged the host 5-4 in the tie-breaker. Both teams were locked goalless at full time.

What was particularly satisfying for the ad hoc committee of the Tamil Nadu Football Association which is looking after CFA affairs in the district was that the team had won despite the absence of several regular players who were doing duty for the State in the Santosh Trophy national championship in Guwahati.

“We had held a separate selection trial to pick the team. A few who could not make it to the State team to Guwahati also joined the trials,” said S. Suresh, Convenor of the Committee.

Coach Unni from SAI said good performance came from David, Karthikeyan and Karthik. He said after the comfortable win over Pudukottai and Sivaganga, the real test came in the semifinal against a youthful Cuddalore. Chennai managed a 2-1 win to meet and, as it happened, beat the host in the final.

“The crowding strategy adopted by Tirunelveli forced the final to a draw at the end of regular and extra time and the tie was resolved through penalties,” he said.

Having won the under-19 and under-21 State titles earlier, Chennai had in a way completed a hat-trick this time.

http://www.thehindu.com/sport/football/article2071792.ece

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Scoreboard between the stands. sorry abt the shake.
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http://i.imgur.com/r4dEw.jpg

Stadium is excellent but prices of drinks are exorbitant. Maaza bottle hiked up to 300 ruppees!!. Mostly North Indian sellers inside the stadium.

I heard long back, that Chennai's floodlit color is unique and it is different...

Fabulous pics in every thread, Satish. Post some good pics in the MAC Stadium thread and the Indian Stadia thread in the Sportsbar thread too.

Superb pics Satish!! Thanks for posting.. :)

300 rupees for a Maaza? That's ridiculous!! When I went for a match we got fountain Pepsi for 25 bucks.. Are you sure the guy didn't sell you something other than Maaza? ;)

Amazing pics satish! Thanks for the photo treat!

Tamil Film Industry(Chennai Rinozs) wins the First CCL.
:banana::banana::banana:

http://www.thehindu.com/multimedia/dynamic/00666/chennai_spikers_666199f.jpg

Chennai Spikers came up with a sterling performance in the must-win final round-robin game against strong contender Hyderabad Chargers to score an impressive 25-19, 21-25, 25-20, 25-17 victory and take the honours in the inaugural edition of the Indian Volley League at the Kotla Vijaya Bhaskara Reddy Indoor Stadium here on Friday.

Rising to the occasion, the Chennai squad lifted its game so well that Chargers, but for the flashes of brilliance in the second set, was clearly inferior in many aspects of the game.

Kapil the hero

The seasoned K.J. Kapil Dev donned the role of setter very well, and his accurate first pass repeatedly set it up for his teammates Mandeep Singh, Navjit Singh and captain J. Nadarajan to execute those traditional telling smashes. In a way, it was Kapil who controlled the game so well almost right through.

For Chargers, it was just the opposite. It was obvious that it had to get the first-pass right to stay in the game but that was not to be as Sube Singh was off colour and Lavmeet Katariya was erratic. That Chargers had to look to a not fully fit Kasi Viswanadha Raju (his right hand was strapped due to an old injury) as the match progressed was a sign of desperation for the team. Chargers had the support of the crowd but the team lacked coordination on the court.

Flying start

Chennai was off to a flying start in the first set with Navjit Singh and Prabhakaran combining effectively at the net to exploit Chargers' weak double-block. It was in this set that Mandeep Singh set the tempo with some big points. And there were too many service errors also from Chargers.

In the second set, Chargers came up with a better performance mainly due to V.R. Sanoj's superb display. The Chennai defence was suddenly tested as Sanoj began to dominate with Raju providing good support in the back court.

However, it was one-sided from the third set as Chennai changed gears and gave no chance for Chargers to come back into the match. Like in the previous games, Chennai preferred the drops to change the pace of the game which confused the already disjointed Chargers' defence.

If the home crowd thought Chargers would put up a fight, it had to return disappointed as Chennai was in no mood to relax. Nadarajan was outstanding at the net with lovely interceptions and scoring important points with solid support from Navjit and P. Rohith.

When Nadarajan successfully employed the block to score the final point for Chennai, the jubilation was understandable.

“The focus was on receiving the serve and setting up the high balls for the spikers to come up with those big points. I am really pleased with the way Kapil played today. Full credit to him as he made things very easy for us,” said an elated Chennai coach A. Venkatesan later.

“We knew that once we controlled the game at the net, Chargers will find it difficult to dominate,” he said. “Definitely, I am delighted to be the winning coach of the first edition of IVL,” he added.

Chargers' coach M.H. Kumara was modest enough to give Kapil the credit for Chennai's victory. “He was the culprit from our point of view,” he said with a smile.

“Our first pass let us down right through the match and this made it very difficult for us,” he added.

The results (final round):

Chennai Spikers bt Hyderabad Chargers 25-19, 21-25, 25-20, 25-17; Maratha Warriors bt Kerala Killers 25-18, 25-20, 25-14; Yanam Tigers bt Karnataka Bulls 25-18, 19-25, 21-25, 25-19, 15-12.

Top-3 standings: 1. Chennai Spikers, 2. Hyderabad Chargers, 3. Yanam Tigers.

src: http://www.thehindu.com/sport/other-sports/article2132488.ece

^^ That's great news.

But IVL just had 5 teams this time. Chennai, Kerala, Maratha, Yanam, Hyd.
It has to expand into a pan-Indian tournament.

^^ That's great news.

But IVL just had 5 teams this time. Chennai, Kerala, Maratha, Yanam, Hyd.
It has to expand into a pan-Indian tournament.

Volley Ball is very strong in South may be except Punjab / Railways, not much of patronage in other parts.

In South TN & Kerala, Volley Ball is equivalent to Soccer as religion.

Sivandhi Adityan (Daily Thanthi) is the known Patron of this game.

^^ That's great news.

But IVL just had 5 teams this time. Chennai, Kerala, Maratha, Yanam, Hyd.
It has to expand into a pan-Indian tournament.

Actually 6 teams. You missed Karnataka bulls.

Here is the official site which has loads of info/pics/videos:

http://www.indianvolleyleague.com/

Volley Ball is very strong in South may be except Punjab / Railways, not much of patronage in other parts.

In South TN & Kerala, Volley Ball is equivalent to Soccer as religion.

Sivandhi Adityan (Daily Thanthi) is the known Patron of this game.

Even in Haryana, it has some appeal.

Young Anaka Alankamony clinched gold in the women’s Asian Junior U-19 squash Championship in Amman, Jordan after shocking top seed Tong Tsz-Wing from Hong Kong in five games.

Anaka, among the Indian quartet who won a team bronze in the Asian Games last year, beat Tong 6-11, 11-8, 10-12, 11-7, 11-7 at the Al-Hassan International Squash Centre last night.

Chennai girl Anaka, all of 16, avenged her defeat of the Asian Team Championships earlier this year to notch up her maiden victory against the tournament favourite Tong.

Anaka had beaten second seeded Tan Yan Xin of Malaysia 11-7, 11-6, 11-8 in the semifinals. Another Indian, Aparajitha Balamurukan had lost to Tong Tsz-Wing in the semifinals.

In the men’s Under-19 section, second seeded Ramit Tandon had to settle for a silver after losing to Danish Atlas Khan of Pakistan 11-9, 7-11, 4-11, 5-11 in the final.

Another silver also came from Saumya Karki, who lost to top seeded Ho Ka Po 15-17, 12-10, 5-11, 3-11 in the girls under 17 final.

src: http://www.thehindu.com/sport/other-sports/article2136920.ece

Hi. Satish. I was in the same stand during finals. Was gr8 to watch from G stand. And the cost of Maaza was 50rs not 300rs.

Dude, I was talking about the big plastic bottle(2L I suppose) which was allowed inside the stadium not the cup. There was mad rush even for that.

a 2 L plastic bottle would take 2 billion years to biodegrade. Such is the level of nyana soonyams who sell these garbage in crowded indian cities where a million lazybones are likely to throw such stuff everywhere. I would imagine only paper bags must be allowed in these areas. Just my 2 cents.

Yes, Maaza served in a paper bag with no bottle is an excellent idea.. <rolleyes />

Chennai, Jul 13 : The Tamil Nadu Government today gave its consent to host the prestigious World Chess Championship Title match between Defending Champion Viswanathan Anand of India and Boris Gelfand of Israel in April/May next year.

Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa gave the consent to hold this mega match when World Chess Federation (WCF) President Kirsan Illyumzhinov called on her at the State Secretariat this morning, an official release said.

This would be for the first time India would be hosting a World Chess Championship Title match. The estimated budget for the prestigious event was expected to be Rs 20 crores. Being held once in two years, Anand won the World Chess Championship title in 2010 defeating Topalov at Sofia in Bulgaria and would be defending the title at home in 2012.

During the meeting, the WCF Chief said ten out of 24 Grandmasters in India were from Tamil Nadu. He also told the Chief Minister that India was ranked seventh in World in Chess. Newly elected All India Chess Federation President J C D Prabhakaran, AICF Secretary Bharat Singh and FIDE Vice-President D V Sundar were present at the meeting.

:banana:. No mention about the venue?

:banana:. No mention about the venue?



CHENNAI

Gr8!!

Cool. Chennai is the host and Chennaite is World Number 1.

CHENNAI

I'm pretty sure he was asking where in Chennai.. :)

I'm pretty sure he was asking where in Chennai.. :)

Most probably at SAI (Sports Authority Of India) Complex......:cheers:

Last time it was in Hotel Trident, I think. Anand won hands down.

I hope that he repeats the same magic this time also.

Now the crowd must be much more than before. It will be good, if they have many CCTVs for them to watch.

Anand has not got his due from either the SG or CG. If he had been in Philippines or Russia, he would be considered as GOD. My friends who are into Chess vouch that he is the fastest chess player so far in the world and his brain leaps & jumps several notches ahead of the rivals.

Chennai, Jul 17 : Big time cue sports come to this city after a gap of a few years, when the national billiards and snooker championships for men, women, junior and sub junior sections begin here tomorrow.

The nearly three-week long green baize extravaganza would kick of with the Sub-junior Boys and Girls Billiards and Snooker championships from July 18 to 21. This would be followed by Junior Girls event from July 20 to 22 and the 20th Ladies Nationals from July 20 to 25.

The Junior boys event would be held from July 26 to 30. However, the big action will commence on July 24 when senior billiards and snooker championships are held. This event will conclude on August 9. Some of the renowned cueists like Pankaj Advani, Geet Sethi, Alok Kumar, Asian gold winners Yasin Merchant and Rafath Habib, Siddarth Rao, Dhruv Sitwala, Ashol Shandilya, Manan Chandran, five times national snooker title winner S Vidya Pillai, Two time World Billiards champion Chitra Magimairaj would be seen in action, Tamil Nadu Billiards and Snooker Association President Arun Pandian told reporters today.

The tournament, to be sponsored by mobile handset retailer Hash 10 - World SIM", would serve as a qualifying event for selecting the Indian team for the Asian and World Championships

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-R9yuKJqlw_k/TiV-yns_IMI/AAAAAAAAAhg/PgGJilV8mgE/s1024/P1010437.JPG

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-wWH3fIqqQ-M/TiV_CCwo7mI/AAAAAAAAAic/Z8NbQMnam9I/s1024/P1010450.JPG

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https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ByYSmlCu_A0/TiV_ce805tI/AAAAAAAAAj4/jjKMeuOc6wo/s1024/P1010473.JPG

More: https://picasaweb.google.com/sureshehash10/NationalBilliardsChampionship2011Chennai#slideshow/5631046317212901570

World junior chess starts in Chennai on Sunday

CHENNAI: Times have changed and with that the focus too. The world junior chess championships used to be a stage that helped young talents acquire GM norms two decades ago and a straight GM title in the last 10 years. But today, if you go by the ratings and grades of the top competitors in the recent championships, it is clear that they are no longer there to pocket the norms or a GM title, they want to win the championship and get noticed at the highest level for invitations from elite tournaments.

In the 50th world junior and 29th world junior girls championships that get underway for the first time in Chennai on Monday, there are 19 Grandmasters in the open section and so is the case with the girls section where the top four are Women GMs.

......

TOI (http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/more-sports/chess/World-junior-chess-starts-in-Chennai-on-Sunday/articleshow/9432386.cms)

Last time it was in Hotel Trident, I think. Anand won hands down.

I hope that he repeats the same magic this time also.

Now the crowd must be much more than before. It will be good, if they have many CCTVs for them to watch.

Anand has not got his due from either the SG or CG. If he had been in Philippines or Russia, he would be considered as GOD. My friends who are into Chess vouch that he is the fastest chess player so far in the world and his brain leaps & jumps several notches ahead of the rivals.

he is fast because he prepares heavily. He has several "seconds" who assist him in preparation including Surya Sekar Ganguly. Even in those days he had Ubilava to assist him.

I think in Trident he once lost to Gata Kamsky after a two point lead over him initially in the candidates match - it was heart breaking i must say. Anand is the only world champion in the world who has won the world championship in three formats of Chess - Winning a tournament to become the world champion, Fide world championship and a combined world championship compromising of Fide and professional chess association.

When he beat Topolov in Europe, it was during the time when there was a huge volcano and he had to come to the venue after a 17 hour tiresome car drive as flights were cancelled. He infact lost the first round as a result of it but was gracious enough not to give excuse. He equalled the score in the next round or third round and then took a two point lead in subsequent rounds. Thats the level of fighting spirit and bouncebackability he shows.

Anand has a poor record after becoming a grand master playing in India since 1987. He has never convincingly won a national A after becoming a grand master and has faltered a few times to lesser known players in Goodrick international in Calcutta and has lost to Barua, DV Prasad, Sasikiran etc... in India where as he would never be able to meet them out of India because of their low ranks compared to him. Even the match against Kamsky in Trident was a shocker - he falters in India for some strange reasons and so it is better for him to play in their conditions. He wont feel the pressure having to play in India.

http://www.deccanchronicle.com/channels/sport/motor-racing/bid-host-motogp-chennai-track-be-redesigned-145

The Madras Motor Sports Club track in Irungattukottai is all set for a makeover.

With a string of international championships keen to run their events at the motorsport capital of the country, the MMSC has decided to revamp the track to meet the standards required for the high-profile events.

With New Delhi getting the country’s first Grade-1 track, it looks Chennai is not ready to lose its tag in a hurry.

Amit Arora, the general manager of the MMSC operations, said the track would be redesigned to be upgraded from a Grade-4 to a Grade-2 certificate.

“Our main goal is to organise the MotoGP, the pinnacle of two-wheeler racing, in Chennai. The promoters of MotoGP, Dorna, are already in talks with us. Once we get Grade-2, we can also host up to Formula 2 in four-wheelers,” said Arora.

Work has already begun with famous UK-based circuit designers Apex being roped in to sketch the master plan. Apex, which has been involved in numerous projects, is known for its work at Silverstone, the Singapore Street Circuit and the Dubai Autodrome.

Arora said Apex is known for developing commercially viable motorsport and entertainment projects.

“The plan is to create a multi-use venue for motorsport, alongside an entertainment area. It will have shopping malls, hotels and restaurants. The length of the main straight will be increased and corners will be worked to improve speed.”

“There will be new paddock buildings and garages. The construction will be completed in different phases and the project is expected to be over within three years. We have planned the renovation in such a way that it will not affect our regular operations,” Arora added.

Irungattukottai track, which was inaugurated in 1990, has been a home for national championships.

One thing I noted is that our people are mostly interested/shine lucarative sports
such as Tennis/Cricket/Motorsports & involves high cost for training/specialize.

Moto-Rev gears up for road racing Championship

CHENNAI: Moto-Rev India will be the sole team from India to field bikers in the PETRONAS Asia Ro*ad Racing Championship (ARRC), one of Asia’s most prestigious events for two-wheeler racing, scheduled at the Sriperumbudur track from August 4 to 7. Their th*ree-pronged attack comprises Toshiyuki Hamaguchi, Krishnan Rajini, Gautham Mayilvagnan.

Overall, 22 riders would feature in the Supersports 600cc category, which has seen participation from leading bike manufacturers – Kawasaki, Honda, Yamaha and Suzuki. Hamaguchi, Rajini and Gautham will mount Yamaha YZF-R6 bikes.

Local lad Rajini is pumped up for the race. “I know this circuit like the back of my hand, but the quality of the riders in the ARRC is such that their learning time is next to zero. This is the third cons*ecutive year that Chennai will host the event. Event promoter, Two Wheels Motor Racing (TWMR) Promotions director Ron Hogg is hopeful of the race’s successful conduct in the city.

Source (http://expressbuzz.com/sport/moto-rev-gears-up-for-road-racing-championship/300815.html)

http://www.chessbase.com/newsdetail.asp?newsid=7433

India gears up for i1 Super Series

A consortium led by batting maestro Sachin Tendulkar and Yuvraj Singh will be part of the Indian version of new car racing championship called the i1 Super Series launched by Bangalore-based Machdar Motorsports in Mumbai on Friday.

The first season of the series will begin on December 18 this year. The company has sought approval from Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) for the schedule as well as approval from the track owners in Greater Noida, Chennai and overseas.

"Cricket and Bollywood stars and a few top industrialists have already shown a keen interest to own the nine Indian city-based franchise teams. Cricketers Tendulkar and Yuvraj Singh have been approached," Darshan M, chief executive officer, i1 Super Series told reporters in Mumbai.

"The cricketers are expected to own the franchise team through a consortium,” Vinod Menon, chief financial officer, Machdar Motorsports, said.

i1 Super Series will have nine teams from nine different metropolitan cities including Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, Chennai and Hyderabad, among others. “The nine franchisees will be sold at a base price of $5 million and it is available only by invitation and not auction,” Anjana Reddy, director, Machdar Motorsports, said. The closely-held company is expected to announce the franchise owners along with the broadcast partners soon.

Each team will have two drivers, one of which will be an international driver and the other shall be an Indian driver with national and international experience. The payment to the drivers will be finalised by Machdar Motorsports soon.

“We are in talks with former as well as current formula one drivers to be part of this competition,” Andrea Gamberini of Movie and Sport Management told Financial Chronicle.

The series will take place across seven cities including New Delhi, Abu Dhabi, Doha, Dubai, Kuala Lumpur, Pataya and Chennai :banana:.

The cars for the competition are being sourced from London-based sports car manufacturing company - Radical Sportscars. Lex Akehurst, managing director, x-sport motorsports management, said, “The car will have 1.5 litre 1500 cc engine which can reach top speed of 60 kilometer per hour in three seconds.” The price of the car is 35,000 pounds (around Rs 25.58 lakh), which the franchise owner will have to pay. A franchise owner is expected to have three such cars – two for the race and one as reserve.

The winner of the competition at the end of the 14 races (first season of i1 Super Car Championship) will get price money of $2 million.

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-ozZVmqPqLEE/Tb0GBotcdRI/AAAAAAAAWKM/NzcQo0VtoDU/s1024/IMG_20110101_114608.jpg

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https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-PPpX4tLWmS0/Tb0GFK5fs_I/AAAAAAAAWK0/z14tjKkwcUI/s1024/IMG_20110101_135902.jpg


CR: Vishnu Reddy, picasa

http://www.hindustantimes.com/Anand-robbed-of-home-advantage/Article1-731440.aspx

For the first time in the history of Indian sports, a sponsor was ready to put in Rs 20 crore for a chess event. The Tamil Nadu government pledged that amount and also promised to provide other facilities. But, in the end, that was not enough to get Chennai the right to host the World Chess Championship final match between its favourite son, Viswanathan Anand, and Israeli challenger Boris Gelfand in May 2012. At the current exchange rate, Chennai's bid works out to around $4 million. However, FIDE, the sport's world governing body, on Tuesday announced that it had accepted the bid by the Russian Chess Federation to host the event at Skolkovo, near Moscow. The Russians have pledged a total prize fund of $2.55 million (R 11.52 crore approx).

Though the Indian bid would also work out to the same prize fund after deducting FIDE's fee and other expenses, one reason why the Russians got the nod was that the Israeli Grandmaster wanted to avoid taking on Anand in India.

"It could be a reason that Gelfand wanted to play the match on neutral territory and that's why FIDE favoured the Russian bid," said Bharat Singh, honorary secretary, All India Chess Federation (AICF). The AICF had high hopes of hosting the biggest chess event in the country after FIDE president, Kirsan Ilyumzhinov, had met Tamil Nadu chief minister J Jayalalithaa and expressed support for the Indian bid.

"It's a big shock for us. For the first time a sponsor was ready to put in R 20 crore but we still failed to get the match. It would have been a great opportunity to promote chess in the country," said Bharat Singh.

Anyways Anand gonna kick Gelfand's B***

True and his next World Cup match will be in Chennai if his opp. is ready for that.

http://www.hindustantimes.com/Anand-robbed-of-home-advantage/Article1-731440.aspx

For the first time in the history of Indian sports, a sponsor was ready to put in Rs 20 crore for a chess event. The Tamil Nadu government pledged that amount and also promised to provide other facilities. But, in the end, that was not enough to get Chennai the right to host the World Chess Championship final match between its favourite son, Viswanathan Anand, and Israeli challenger Boris Gelfand in May 2012. At the current exchange rate, Chennai's bid works out to around $4 million. However, FIDE, the sport's world governing body, on Tuesday announced that it had accepted the bid by the Russian Chess Federation to host the event at Skolkovo, near Moscow. The Russians have pledged a total prize fund of $2.55 million (R 11.52 crore approx).

Though the Indian bid would also work out to the same prize fund after deducting FIDE's fee and other expenses, one reason why the Russians got the nod was that the Israeli Grandmaster wanted to avoid taking on Anand in India.

"It could be a reason that Gelfand wanted to play the match on neutral territory and that's why FIDE favoured the Russian bid," said Bharat Singh, honorary secretary, All India Chess Federation (AICF). The AICF had high hopes of hosting the biggest chess event in the country after FIDE president, Kirsan Ilyumzhinov, had met Tamil Nadu chief minister J Jayalalithaa and expressed support for the Indian bid.

"It's a big shock for us. For the first time a sponsor was ready to put in R 20 crore but we still failed to get the match. It would have been a great opportunity to promote chess in the country," said Bharat Singh.


Anand has not done well in India(he lost to Kamsky in a candidates match after going up two games up, he did not do well in Goodricke international tourneys in India) if i remember it right. Once a player goes to world level he should not be asked to contest in India. It is a psychological burden and pressure. So it is a blunder Gelfand has opted for. Gelfand is not even the right challenger for Anand. Going by the player strength I was hoping to see Magnus Carlson take on Anand and I am sure it would have been a real spin off. That kiddie Magnus Carlson surprises the entire chess world with non contemporary openings and really takes a path less taken to win and his ELO rating is pretty solid and probably is the highest rated player in the world if i am not wrong.

Anand is weak in endgames from what i observed against Topolov and he needs to finish of Gelfand in the opening or middlegame. Gelfand has a 5:14 head to head with Anand not counting the draws and surprisingly the first three decisive games they played (not including the draws) Gelfand had won back in the early 1990's. After that Anand was clinical in his performances and losing only twice. They have drawn 43 times according to chessbase database which has 5 million recorded chess games in its database.

World Junior which is being held in Vijaya park in 6th and 7th floors is really exciting to watch. 19 grand masters have turned up for the event. I saw some Indian players with low rating beating some highly rated grandmasters. Today a kiddie called Girish Kaushik with a low rating of around 2350 beat a grand master who was rated about 2650!!!

Thats like our Rohan Bopanna beating a player like Mikhael Youzny.

The ambiance is just perfect. You guys must visit Vijaya Park in. Its all happening.

World champion Anand to defend title in Russia :ohno:

CHENNAI: The Federation Internationale des Echecs (Fide) has allotted the 2012 world chess championship match between Viswanathan Anand and Boris Gelfand of Israel to Russia.

The Fide announcement has come as a shock to Indian in general and Chennai in particular as the Tamil Nadu government had given the financial backing to All India Chess Federation (AICF) to organise the match in Anand's hometown.

It is learnt that the Indian federation's bid of $2.25 million lost out to Russia's winning offer of $2.55 million. "Yeah, we are a bit disappointed but then Fide has given us the option of hosting the 2013 world title match," said DV Sundar, Fide vice-president.

"I am looking at the positive. This gives us more time to plan our preparations. Let us hope Anand wins the match in Russia and play in India next time," added Sundar.

The match will be held in May 2012 in Moscow, Russia .Fide president, Kirsan Ilyumzhinov expressed his gratitude AICF which worked very hard to put in a very competitive bid with the support of the government of Tamil Nadu.

The challenger, Boris Gelfand, liked the idea of playing the match in Moscow: "I wouldn't say that I will be playing in Moscow like I was at home, but I'll feel very comfortable in the Russian capital. I'm sure Anand will like it there too. The world champion has many fans in the Russian capital," the challenger was quoted as saying. Anand was not available for comment.

While announcing the venue for the 2012 match, Ilyumzhinov said AICF would be given a first option of three months following the match in Moscow, to make a proposal for the organization of the world chess championship match 2013.

Fide also announced the women's world chess championship match between women world champion Hou Yifan of China and the challenger Koneru Humpy of India, will be held in Tirana, Albania in November 2011 for a prize fund of 200,000 euros.

Under the terms of the tender, the organisers of the match must guarantee a minimum purse of one million euros and transfer a further 200,000 in dues to Fide.

Moscow was the first to make its bid back in June. "A serious sponsor has indicated an interest in the match between Anand and Gelfand being held in Moscow," said Ilya Levitov, head of the Russian Chess Federation.

Initially, the benefactor's name was kept secret, but later the Russian press said the man who is ready to provide $2.5 million for the world chess title match is Andrei Filatov, co-owner of the N-Trans Group of companies. Having a Candidate Master title himself, he has recently been acting as a chess patron. He paid for the restoration of a monument to Alexander Alekhine in Paris.

The last time Moscow hosted a world championship in chess was in 1985 between Gary Kasparov and Anatoly Karpov. However, Russia later held the Fide knockout world championship in 2002.

TOI (http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/more-sports/chess/World-champion-Anand-to-defend-title-in-Russia/articleshow/9545273.cms)

Chennai lost narrowly. :bash:

:(

http://zeenews.india.com/news/others/chennai-offered-2013-world-chess-c-ship-match_725619.html

In an apparent bid to placate India after Chennai was deprived of the World Chess Championship Match between Vishwanathan Anand and Boris Gelfand of Israel next year, the game's world governing body has now offered the 2013 edition of the prestigious event to the city.

In a letter to Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalitha, FIDE President Kirsan Ilyumzhinov said the world body would want All India Chess Federation to host the 2013 Match.

"This is to recall that the FIDE delegation headed by President called on the Chief Minister for the organisation of this match at Chennai. The Hon'ble Cheif Minister was spontaneous in giving her consent to organise this match at Chennai and sanctioned an amount of USD 4.4 million towards expenses which included USD 2.25 million as Prize money," Ilyumzhinov said in the letter released by AICF Vice-President D V Sundar.

"However, the match was allotted to Moscow as their bid towards prize money was USD 2.55 million. Impressed by the Chief Minister's love for the game of chess and graciously agreeing to his request, the FIDE President has offered the 2013 match to the All India Chess Federation," according to the letter.

The FIDE president said "to our knowledge this is the first time ever that FIDE has offered a title match to anyone directly."

Chennai was tipped to host the Championship Match and the chess fraternity was waiting in anticipation that world champion Anand will defend his title at his home city. The Match was later given to Moscow, apparently because the Russian capital had offered more prize money.

:banana:

the Legendary Russian dominance in Chess will end soon. They no longer will have their say. The list of world champions in the past and to give an idea of the Russian domination....

William Steinitz - Austria
Emanual Laskar - Germany
Jose Roaul Capablanca - Cuba
Alexander Alekhine - Russia and later France
Max Euwe - Holland
Mikhail Botvinnik - Russia
Smyslov - Russia
Mikhail Tal - Russia
Tigran Petrosian - Russia
Boris Spassky - Russia
Robert (Bobby) Fischer - USA
Anotaly Karpov - Russia
Gary Kasparov - Russia
Vladimir Kramnik - Russia
Vishwanathan Anand - India
Vaselin Topolov - Bulgaria
Ruslan Ponomariov - Ukraine
Alexander Khaliffman - Russia
Rustam Kasimdzhanov - Uzbekistan

Jaya comes up with game-changing plans

In a major fillip to sports development in the State, Tamilnadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa announced in the Assembly today that a Centre of Excellence in Sports would be set up soon to train students.


Reading a statement under Rule 110, Jayalalithaa, whose love and concern for all sports is well known, said her government would give utmost importance to games and take all possible initiatives for their development.

'Sports can make a student a responsible citizen. Members of this Assembly are well aware that various initiatives were taken during my earlier regime for sports development', she said.

......

http://newstodaynet.com/newsindex.php?id=24802%20&%20section=7

^^ The ruling party has done some good development (relatively) in the earlier regime. Hope to see some plan and actioin on this.

Will it be again in OMR-Mahabs-Pondy areas like financial city (proposed)?

The tale of our speed racers

At the peak of its popularity in the 1970s and 80s, the first Sunday of February was the biggest racing carnival the country could boast of. An Indian Air Force airstrip with a distinct T-shaped straight, 20-odd kilometres north of Chennai, drew in crowds of over 50,000 year after
year.


It made for a grand spectacle and many of the country's rich and famous raced there, the din of the raucous fans matched by the growl of the vintage cars. However, it was less an entry into the world of professional motorsport and more a venue for pure car-to-car racing.

The drivers too, many of them wealthy industrialists and princes with garages full of exotic cars, weren't really eager to embrace motorsport as a profession.

When Akbar Ebrahim, the country's first motorsport professional to race extensively in Formula car series' abroad, competed there for the first time as a 15-year-old in 1978, the governing rules were so relaxed that he raced his saloon car, an 1800cc Fiat 128, against Formula cars.

"I had never seen Formula One, never heard of it, didn't have a clue what it was. It was all about the thrill of racing, getting in a car and trying to make it go the fastest it can. There was no concept of a racing calendar or organised racing, it was once a year and it was all out," Ebrahim told HT.

He remembers that first race well. It was a 50-lap race.

"All the Formula cars had mechanical faults after 20 laps, and I was the only one left. I kept racing for a further twenty laps after that and won," added the 47-year-old.

http://www.hindustantimes.com/images/HTPopups/121011/12-11-11-metro-20c.jpg

Career shift
Like almost any other racer at the time, Ebrahim didn't think there was a career in it. So on his father's insistence he focused all his energy on the other sport he excelled in - cricket.

By the time he was 20 he had shifted to English county Essex, where he would play in the Essex local league.

Primarily a batsman, Ebrahim's position in the batting order was two-drop. The man batting at number three was an Australian youngster, whose stay was sponsored by media mogul Kerry Packer, named Steve Waugh.

"I had forgotten about racing, and cricket was the only thing on my mind.

"I was on the verge of making the Tamil Nadu Ranji team (which he soon would). Steve and I spent a lot of time together at the crease, and we often talked at length both on and off the pitch," said Ebrahim. Their talks were often held over a pint or few.

"We also spent many nights getting drunk. It was great fun," he added.

Full 360
His cricket career never really took off, and he was at the crossroads. "I was almost 26 in 1988 (when the inaugural Formula Maruti was held), and I decided to get into motorsport again."

In 1991, he competed in the inaugural F3 race at the new circuit in Sriperumbudur, which had replaced Sholavaram as the de facto headquarters of Indian motorsport. The series again proved to be shortlived as escalating budgets saw it shut shop in three years.

In 1994, with funding from JK Tyres and partial funding from sponsors such as BPL, Ebrahim competed in a series abroad, the 1994 Bristish Formula 2 series and the Formula Asia series, in which he finished a creditable third.

Young blood
As Ebrahim's career was coming to an end, another Indian was climbing through the ranks. By 1998, Narain Karthikeyan was well on his way to taking over Ebrahim's mantle as nation's top Formula car racer.

Competing in the British F3 championship, the Coimbatore racer capped the season with podium finishes at both Spa-Francorchamps and Silverstone.

With no set order in place he travelled far and wide, from Europe to Japan, to get top-flight racing experience.

Karthikeyan recalls the early days on the road as a testing period.

"It was a very hostile environment - but I was able to showcase my abilities regardless and things took their course from then onwards."

As the years passed, Karun Chandhok followed Karthikeyan into the rarefied air of F1, aided by improving motorsport awareness and more doors opening up.

A host of other Indian drivers, the likes of Akbar's son Armaan Ebrahim and Aditya Patel are competing in racing series' aborad.

Beyond F1
The current generation of motorsport hopefuls has it better than ever before. A host of racing series' are already in the country, with plenty more primed to enter.

"There's the national rally championship, there's a national karting championship, there's the Volkswagen Polo Cup. Audi will start a racing series next year, as will Toyota," said Ebrahim.

However, he feels that most of the aspiring drivers lack the commitment required to become professionals. "There are many talented drivers in the country. Take the example of Vishnu Prasad. He's one of the best young racers in the country, but somehow his commitment is questionable. His attitude towards fitness is woeful, an aspect, and a very important one at that, which is lost on many youngsters," he said.

Ebrahim added that young drivers in the country should start looking beyond F1, the wide world of professional motorsport awaits.

"I never understood the obsession with F1. To pay a great sum of money, just to get a tag. What will one get to show for it? That's what I've been trying to drill into the minds of all young racers.

"They can make a career out of it, a profitable one too. Look at Aditya Patel, after a while he realized single-seat racing wasn't his forte and is now doing quite well in the Volkswagen Scirocco R-Cup."

Source (http://www.hindustantimes.com/News-Feed/Motorsports/The-tale-of-our-speed-racers/Article1-756206.aspx)

Have they started the renovation for the remaining stands at Chepauk ? What is the eta for completion ?

Is there a possibility of new Cricket stadium in chennai outskirts as Srinivasan is the BCCI head??

Is there a possibility of new Cricket stadium in chennai outskirts as Srinivasan is the BCCI head??
yen... already they are looting public money in the name of "tickets" without any good quality.. they are paying very less rent also...i think it is Rs 68k/year...
why the hell they need to go outskirts?
they have asked "huge" land in ECR... they are not deserving it, as they dont pay any taxes and claim that it is autonomous body..

WTF???

Rejigged stadium awaits nod, ODI fate uncertain

http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Repository/getimage.dll?path=TOICH/2011/11/11/2/Img/Pc0021100.jpg

IN THE DOCK: Three new stands, with a capacity to seat 8,000, were built without clearance from the CMDA or the environment ministry

The fate of the India-West Indies one day match in the city on December 10 is uncertain. The MAChidambaram stadium, where the game is to be played, is yet to get clearance from the National Coastal Zone Management Authority(NCZMA) under the Union ministry of environment and forests (MoEF). Senior Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority (CMDA) officials said the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association (TNCA), which owns the stadium, hadn’t approached them for approval of the plan proposal or completion certificate.

There was a controversy after three new stands were built in the stadium with a capacity to seat an additional 8,000 people without clearance from the CMDA or MoEF. In September 2010, the management approached the CMDA for approval. The latter returned the proposal, citing deviations in the plan as per the new Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) amendment. “It is the Union ministry that should approve the plan. We can approve the project only after the clearance from the NCZMA,” said a CMDA official.He added that no eventcould be conducted at the stadium without clearance.

After reconstruction began in 2009, the Chennai Corporation found that approval had been obtained only for renovation and that the construction of additional stands (G, H, I) was not in the proposal. “The CMDA returned the
plan permission proposal finding a violation of the amended CRZ rules,” said a corporation official. The additional stands remained closed during theChampionsLeague Series in September-October.

The clearance from the MoEF became difficult for the TNCA due to the amended CRZ notification.The notification widened the definition of coastal land area. It also introduced Coastal Zone Management plans that regulate coastal development activities, normally formulated by state governments or the regional administrations concerned.
When contacted, TNCA secretary K S Viswanathan said they were awaiting the ministry’s nod and that the match would be cancelled if the reply was negative. “November 17 has been fixed for hearing our appeal and we await the response. Sale of tickets will start only after that,” he said.

http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Default/Scripting/ArticleWin.asp?From=Archive&Source=Page&Skin=TOINEW&BaseHref=TOICH/2011/11/11&PageLabel=2&EntityId=Ar00202&ViewMode=HTML

WTF???

Rejigged stadium awaits nod, ODI fate uncertain

http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Repository/getimage.dll?path=TOICH/2011/11/11/2/Img/Pc0021100.jpg

IN THE DOCK: Three new stands, with a capacity to seat 8,000, were built without clearance from the CMDA or the environment ministry



http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Default/Scripting/ArticleWin.asp?From=Archive&Source=Page&Skin=TOINEW&BaseHref=TOICH/2011/11/11&PageLabel=2&EntityId=Ar00202&ViewMode=HTML
How is that going to violate the so called amended CRZ rules.They have demolished and constucted at the same place and the sea coast is where it is all these decades.How will it violate? Funny regulations your country has

Any building - new or old reconstruction - in CRZ area has to get permission before starting the work. Even a small house on Cooum / B.Canal Bank needs it.

MAC Stadium lies within 100 metres of Buckingham canal which is classified as CRZ 2 area. Permission is needed from TNPCB which is the nodal agency for CRZ clearance for smaller construction. For huge construction MoEF has to clear.

Most of the Govt Depts do not take permission and start building and end up in project delay due to this lapse.

It happened for Adayar Poonga, Ambedkar Mani Mandapam etc.

They never learn from the earlier mistakes.

TNCA could have easily approached TNPCB HQ as it is in Chennai itself.

Enakennamo idhula Srinivasan (Chennai cements owner) - Admk modhal irukkonu thonudhu

How is that going to violate the so called amended CRZ rules.They have demolished and constucted at the same place and the sea coast is where it is all these decades.How will it violate? Funny regulations your country has

yes, these rules are all absolute farce. if cmda & all these ministries are abolished, there is hope for a better future.

yen... already they are looting public money in the name of "tickets" without any good quality.. they are paying very less rent also...i think it is Rs 68k/year...
why the hell they need to go outskirts?
they have asked "huge" land in ECR... they are not deserving it, as they dont pay any taxes and claim that it is autonomous body..

But at the end of the day all that matters is chennai having just the MAC vs MAC & and awesome state of art stadium. I would prefer the latter and would not mind State govt losing few bucks on the real estate value anyway if they have not given it to TNCA are you and me going to be the beneficiaries in any way of that real estate?

Any building - new or old reconstruction - in CRZ area has to get permission before starting the work. Even a small house on Cooum / B.Canal Bank needs it.

MAC Stadium lies within 100 metres of Buckingham canal which is classified as CRZ 2 area. Permission is needed from TNPCB which is the nodal agency for CRZ clearance for smaller construction. For huge construction MoEF has to clear.

Most of the Govt Depts do not take permission and start building and end up in project delay due to this lapse.

It happened for Adayar Poonga, Ambedkar Mani Mandapam etc.

They never learn from the earlier mistakes.

TNCA could have easily approached TNPCB HQ as it is in Chennai itself.

isnt it funny......all thses regulation are chennai specific.... no highrise ...etc....

if they are so regulation conscious wht about those illegal const on the banks of coovum n adyar river. anybody after visiting these places will be confused does all these regulation exist ....n..if so implemented

isnt it funny......all thses regulation are chennai specific.... no highrise ...etc....

if they are so regulation conscious wht about those illegal const on the banks of coovum n adyar river. anybody after visiting these places will be confused does all these regulation exist ....n..if so implemented

All major cities have DCRs (Development Control Rules) and it is not Chennai specific.

Pl read CMDA DCR for any clarification.

Violation and Punishment is the issue here. CMDA has been made tooth less by deliberate under staffing and political interference.

The irony is that CMDA was made in charge of the MRTS - which has totally violated the CRZ rules and the entire alignment is inside a waterway. Very Myoscopic policy.

High Rise in Chennai had a specific issue wrt Maritime Radar and we discussed this threadbare many times. Now the same is being replaced by a few Doppler Radars at various locations to have a seamless service.

Hiranandani in OMR & Oragadam both have got 100m height clearance.

If we do not follow DCR, Chennai will be raped beyond redemption - much worse compared to present day levels.

All major cities have DCRs (Development Control Rules) and it is not Chennai specific.

Pl read CMDA DCR for any clarification.

Violation and Punishment is the issue here. CMDA has been made tooth less by deliberate under staffing and political interference.

The irony is that CMDA was made in charge of the MRTS - which has totally violated the CRZ rules and the entire alignment is inside a waterway. Very Myoscopic policy.

High Rise in Chennai had a specific issue wrt Maritime Radar and we discussed this threadbare many times. Now the same is being replaced by a few Doppler Radars at various locations to have a seamless service.

Hiranandani in OMR & Oragadam both have got 100m height clearance.

If we do not follow DCR, Chennai will be raped beyond redemption - much worse compared to present day levels.

What about the seismic zone crap that they always sited and disallowed highrises and skyscrappers in Chennai by the so called DCR authorities. If radars were the problem then why are coastal cities such as Singapore allowing 230 m as the highest allowable height for a skyscrapper and Chennai isn't? Are some of the old rules still in existance which needs a thorough re-evaluation? Are we into masterplan 3 or 1?

What about the seismic zone crap that they always sited and disallowed highrises and skyscrappers in Chennai by the so called DCR authorities. If radars were the problem then why are coastal cities such as Singapore allowing 230 m as the highest allowable height for a skyscrapper and Chennai isn't? Are some of the old rules still in existance which needs a thorough re-evaluation? Are we into masterplan 3 or 1?

There is no crap in Seismic zone rule. MSBs have to be designed to withstand tremors. Chennai Buildings have to be designed for min Zone III or IV. CMDA & DTCP use Stadpro software for checking or IIT / CEG Guindy depts expertise are used.

Have you ever gone through past posts where we have discussed this many times. ?

There is no crap in Seismic zone rule. MSBs have to be designed to withstand tremors. Chennai Buildings have to be designed for min Zone III or IV. CMDA & DTCP use Stadpro software for checking or IIT / CEG Guindy depts expertise are used.

Have you ever gone through past posts where we have discussed this many times. ?

i have and i am sorry i got confused by the marine radar story. Maybe i am not aware that so many such bodies appose Chennai's development. Bombay appears to be void of such troubles. Kannan sir please dont mistake me to raise this curiosity yet again. I got confused when u said it was because of marine radar issue.

@Kannan sir,

So from what I understand of the CRZ regulations, is there no possibility of building any structures on sea along Chennai coast even if it is of utmost necessity? I am referring to structures like the once proposed elevated expressway from Santhome to Kottivakkam. Can we never have even a Bandra - Worli Sea link type structure leave alone Chep lap kok or Palm Island kinda structure?

@Kannan sir,

So from what I understand of the CRZ regulations, is there no possibility of building any structures on sea along Chennai coast even if it is of utmost necessity? I am referring to structures like the once proposed elevated expressway from Santhome to Kottivakkam. Can we never have even a Bandra - Worli Sea link type structure leave alone Chep lap kok or Palm Island kinda structure?

bump


p.s: good question. Kannan sir, knock knock... u there? cant wait to get an answer. Forget expressways, i was even thinking of a fantastic hope that they may be building a 300 meter high light house one of these days something that dwarfs the statue of liberty.

@Kannan sir,

So from what I understand of the CRZ regulations, is there no possibility of building any structures on sea along Chennai coast even if it is of utmost necessity? I am referring to structures like the once proposed elevated expressway from Santhome to Kottivakkam. Can we never have even a Bandra - Worli Sea link type structure leave alone Chep lap kok or Palm Island kinda structure?

Pl understand the rules clearly.

If somebody wants to build a structure in CRZ - I, II, III, they have to obtain the appropriate permission from the authorities concerned before construction.

MRC Nagar has many old flats / MSBs just near the Adyar & Beach since they took permission.

For small constructions,, there is a TN based panel and for bigger projects, MoEF at Delhi. One has to do Environmental Impact Assessment study first and submit the report to the panel / MoEF.

The expressway from marina / Santhome to Neelangarai - EIA was not done and some short circuit was tried.

Similarly MRTS was executed without clearance and we see and experience the consequences now. Now they say the b Canal can not be made navigable between Central Station and Thiruvanmiyur.

If you want to have a Sea Link like Bandra Worli with proper EIA and with approval from MoEF, why not ? In the case of Santhome Neelangarai expressway, benefits were very less compared to the old problems and some newly created problems due to the project.

The problem with many infra projects in TN is there is no proper planning authority who has to do check listing of all the steps. They do not even inform CMDA or DTCP or traffic police.

TN Govt also employs only some SOOPERU foreign (name only) companies as consultants and it is manned by in service and just retired Govt officials from these depts.

Will anybody suggest a MRTS inside B. Canal or BRTS inside Adyar river if he is environmentally conscious ?

^^ To your question, a big NO... no one with right mind will say that build in Canal or in river... By the way, Coovam river is getting raped in the name of Express highway... anyone bothers...

I know Coovam runs with sewage water currently that does not mean, we should build concrete jungle over it and screw it permenantly... I feel more agitated that the project is on.

^^ To your question, a big NO... no one with right mind will say that build in Canal or in river... By the way, Coovam river is getting raped in the name of Express highway... anyone bothers...

I know Coovam runs with sewage water currently that does not mean, we should build concrete jungle over it and screw it permenantly... I feel more agitated that the project is on.

already chennai burried a lake between T.Nagar and Nungambakkam and we now have an easy task cut out burrying the river under a million billion godzillion pounds of sand, gravel, concrete, carborundum, boxite, urea, chemicals and bricks.

Thanks kannan sir for the clarification. I thought all these days the problem was with CMDA and TNPCB only. Why can't these government agencies get the required clearances in the beginning. "Procrastination 'eva Jayathe"!!!:bash:

Thanks kannan sir for the clarification. I thought all these days the problem was with CMDA and TNPCB only. Why can't these government agencies get the required clearances in the beginning. "Procrastination 'eva Jayathe"!!!:bash:

kal karai so aaj kar aaj karai so ab - kabir das ji on procrastination.

I too have read that. Namma oorla atha pota hindi ozhiga nu aramipaanga. Thirukkural lerndhu pota yedhaavadhu pudhusa podunga nu solluvaanga. Velaiye seiyaama irukka enna venaa yosippaanga.!!!

any idea if billiards, pool and bowling joints have come in some of the new malls across the city?

Thanks kannan sir for the clarification. I thought all these days the problem was with CMDA and TNPCB only. Why can't these government agencies get the required clearances in the beginning. "Procrastination 'eva Jayathe"!!!:bash:

Govt Depts can not bribe other Govt Depts. Appuram Eppadi Velai Nadakkum ?

Konjam vitta Sondha Pondatti Pillainga kitta kooda Lanjam vanguvanga.

Chennai Cheetahs, 1st WSH franchise to be unveiled


The organisers of the World Series Hockey (WSH) unveiled their first city-based franchise Chennai Cheetahs on Monday that is owned by a director and promoter of a South Indian mining company.
"The WSH has officially concluded the franchise allocation process and is pleased to announce Chennai Sports Organisers Pvt Ltd (CSO) as the franchisee owners of southern metropolis Chennai," the organisers said in a statement.
The organisers said the other franchises will be announced one by one for strategic reasons.

Bollywood superstars Shahrukh Khan and Salman Khan and another popular actor from tinsel town Suneil Shetty are believed to have shown interest in the city-based franchises. The first four franchises will be by invitation while the remaining four will be through open bidding.
The Cheetahs are owned by Chennai Sports Organisers, backed by L.T. Nanwani, the director and promoter of Jubilee Granites mining company.
"It is a matter of great pride to own a franchise in the prestigious WSH. Chennai has always had a strong sports culture and we are committed to strengthening the talent pool of players. Extensive research has revealed that speed is a key attribute of the sport and hence our team is going to be aptly called Chennai Cheetahs," said Nanwani.
"We will expand our sports business by investing in multiple sports to create greater local connect with the fans."
Yannick Colaco, the Chief Operating Officer of Nimbus Sport, said: "WSH has been very selective in identifying franchise owners who are passionate about hockey and share the common vision of creating a strong and viable ecosystem for the sport in India."
The league between the city-based franchises will be played Dec 17-Jan 22 with over 200 players from all over the hockey-playing world taking part in it. The dates have become a bone of contention between the WSH and Hockey India which has decided to hold its national camp for the Olympic qualifiers around the same period.
The players will be distributed among the eight franchises on a draft system prevalent internationally.

http://ibnlive.in.com/news/chennai-cheetahs-1st-wsh-franchise-to-be-unveiled/204443-5-136.html

Toyota to enter motorsport in India

Toyota Racing Development, the motorsport arm of Toyota has announced its plans to enter the Indian motorsport scene with a one-make series. Due to begin in mid-2012, the one-make road racing series that will possibly span the three racing tracks of the Buddh International Circuit, Coimbatore and Chennai race tracks, it will most likely mirror a sort of touring car championship series.
Toyota Kirloskar Motor Limited will provide the cars and engines for this one-make series, though unlike the Volkswagen Polo Cup would only be run by the company. About 25 to 30 cars would be part of this series and the engines and cars would be sold to customers/teams that are keen on participating in the series.

Toyota Racing Development is in the process of getting FIA approvals for the series. The cars will be stripped down and re-built by the customers/teams before being readied for the series. An announcement to the effect with further details is expected to be made at the upcoming 2012 Auto Expo in January at New Delhi. Stay tuned!

http://www.bsmotoring.com/news/toyota-to-enter-motorsport-in-india/4255/1

The Aircel Chennai Open, India's only and South Asia's premier ATP World Tour tennis event, will usher in the new year with a heady mix of thrilling action and fun-filled activities at the SDAT Tennis Stadium in Chennai from 2nd - 8th January 2012.

The 17th edition of the tournament will see in action an impressive line-up of stars, both Indian and International. The strong player field includes two players ranked in the top 10, Serbian world number 9 Janko Tipsarevic, and Spanish world number 10 Nicolas Almagro.

The other top players in the fray include Swiss world number 17 Stanislas Wawrinka, the defending champion, former champions world number 22 Marin Cilic of Croatia and Xavier Malisse of Belgium and world number 31 and the youngest player in top 35, Milos Raonic of Canada. Raonic had an impressive 2011 and has been announced as the ATP World Tour's Newcomer of the Year award.

Somdev Devvarman, the country's top-ranked singles player and finalist at the 2009 edition here, will lead the Indian challenge in the singles draw of the tournament. The Aircel Chennai Open 2012 is being telecast live exclusively on Ten Sports.

The online sale of season tickets for the 17th edition of the country's annual tennis extravaganza, which has built a strong legacy of being a "Springboard for Champions", will commence 00.00 hours on November 28, 2011. Priced at INR 5000, INR 3000 and INR 1500, season tickets can be booked either on the official website www.aircelchennaiopen.org or through www.bookmyshow.com, the tournament's ticketing partner.

Tipsarevic, who lost to countryman and world number one Novak Djokovic in the quarterfinals of the US Open, is a regular to Chennai and will begin his opening week of a new season here for the fourth successive year and the fifth time in all. The 27-year-old Tipsarevic has won two ATP World Tour titles in October, at Kuala Lumpur and Moscow, defeating Cypriot Marcos Baghdatis and compatriot Viktor Troicki, respectively, and subsequently made the final at St. Petersburg where he lost to Cilic.

Tipsarevic was a semi-finalist in the 2011 edition of the Aircel Chennai Open, losing to 2007 champion Malisse 6-3 3-6, 2-6, who finished runner-up.

The 26-year-old Almagro, who will be appearing at the Aircel Chennai Open for the first time, made the fourth round of the Australian Open and reached a career-high ranking of number 9 in May before bagging his third title of the season.

Cilic won the Aircel Chennai Open Singles Title in 2009 and 2010 but was ousted in the opening round in the 2011 edition by rising Japanese Kei Nishikori and will be looking to become the first player ever to claim three Aircel Chennai Open Singles crowns.

Olympic doubles gold medallist Stanislas Wawrinka opens the new season in Chennai for the fourth straight year and is eyeing a winning start like in 2011. The Aircel Chennai Open has been a happy hunting ground for the Swiss, who was a finalist in singles in 2010 and in the doubles event in the 2009 edition.

World number 31 Milos Raonic is another player to watch for. Raonic enjoyed a breakthrough year in 2011 where he reached the fourth round of the Australian Open in January before capturing his first ATP singles title in San Jose and reaching the final in Memphis in March. Raonic began the season ranked no. 156 in the world and reached a career-high ranking of no. 25 in May to become the highest ranked Canadian man in tennis history.

The Canadian is looking to build on his exceptional run in 2011 and is hoping to use this year's Aircel Chennai Open as a springboard for the Australian Open.

The Indian challenge in the singles field will be headed by world number 84 Somdev Devvarman. The crowd favourite, who spent his formative years in Chennai, lost in the opening round in the 2011 edition after an impressive run in the 2010 season during which he won the singles gold medal in both the Commonwealth Games and the Asian Games.

The field for Singles Draw of Aircel Chennai Open 2012 boasts of nine players from the top 50 ATP ranking. Additionally, another 12 players are from the top 100 rankings, thus making it a powerful and impressive field.

Fernando Soler, the Tournament Director and Head of Tennis, IMG Worldwide, said in a statement: "The Aircel Chennai Open has been a permanent fixture in the ATP calendar for almost two decades, and for this we are grateful to the steady support from our sponsors. This year again, the Aircel Chennai Open will showcase world-class tennis with an exciting mix of top players and promising young talent."

Mr. M.A. Alagappan, President of Tamil Nadu Tennis Association said: "The confirmation from top players like Janko Tipsarevic, Nicolas Almagro, Marin Cilic and Milos Raonic is a testimony to the stature of the Aircel Chennai Open. The players will get to experience Chennai's rich tennis culture and I'm sure they will embrace the event, which is acquiring the status of a much sought-after one for players and fans alike on the international tennis circuit."

A spokesperson from IMG Reliance, said: "We are proud to once again present a high quality event which promises to provide high levels of excitement for tennis fans in India. The confirmation from three world-beaters is just the beginning of what will be another season of fantastic talent at display. Aircel Chennai Open 2012 will aim to set new benchmarks in all aspects and offer players and fans a great tennis festival."

src: http://www.aircelchennaiopen.org/2012/news/view/top-stars-to-vie-for-aircel-chennai-open-2012-title

The Aircel Chennai Open, India's only and South Asia's premier ATP World Tour tennis event, will usher in the new year with a heady mix of thrilling action and fun-filled activities at the SDAT Tennis Stadium in Chennai from 2nd - 8th January 2012.

The 17th edition of the tournament will see in action an impressive line-up of stars, both Indian and International. The strong player field includes two players ranked in the top 10, Serbian world number 9 Janko Tipsarevic, and Spanish world number 10 Nicolas Almagro.

The other top players in the fray include Swiss world number 17 Stanislas Wawrinka, the defending champion, former champions world number 22 Marin Cilic of Croatia and Xavier Malisse of Belgium and world number 31 and the youngest player in top 35, Milos Raonic of Canada. Raonic had an impressive 2011 and has been announced as the ATP World Tour's Newcomer of the Year award.

Somdev Devvarman, the country's top-ranked singles player and finalist at the 2009 edition here, will lead the Indian challenge in the singles draw of the tournament. The Aircel Chennai Open 2012 is being telecast live exclusively on Ten Sports.

The online sale of season tickets for the 17th edition of the country's annual tennis extravaganza, which has built a strong legacy of being a "Springboard for Champions", will commence 00.00 hours on November 28, 2011. Priced at INR 5000, INR 3000 and INR 1500, season tickets can be booked either on the official website www.aircelchennaiopen.org or through www.bookmyshow.com, the tournament's ticketing partner.

Tipsarevic, who lost to countryman and world number one Novak Djokovic in the quarterfinals of the US Open, is a regular to Chennai and will begin his opening week of a new season here for the fourth successive year and the fifth time in all. The 27-year-old Tipsarevic has won two ATP World Tour titles in October, at Kuala Lumpur and Moscow, defeating Cypriot Marcos Baghdatis and compatriot Viktor Troicki, respectively, and subsequently made the final at St. Petersburg where he lost to Cilic.

Tipsarevic was a semi-finalist in the 2011 edition of the Aircel Chennai Open, losing to 2007 champion Malisse 6-3 3-6, 2-6, who finished runner-up.

The 26-year-old Almagro, who will be appearing at the Aircel Chennai Open for the first time, made the fourth round of the Australian Open and reached a career-high ranking of number 9 in May before bagging his third title of the season.

Cilic won the Aircel Chennai Open Singles Title in 2009 and 2010 but was ousted in the opening round in the 2011 edition by rising Japanese Kei Nishikori and will be looking to become the first player ever to claim three Aircel Chennai Open Singles crowns.

Olympic doubles gold medallist Stanislas Wawrinka opens the new season in Chennai for the fourth straight year and is eyeing a winning start like in 2011. The Aircel Chennai Open has been a happy hunting ground for the Swiss, who was a finalist in singles in 2010 and in the doubles event in the 2009 edition.

World number 31 Milos Raonic is another player to watch for. Raonic enjoyed a breakthrough year in 2011 where he reached the fourth round of the Australian Open in January before capturing his first ATP singles title in San Jose and reaching the final in Memphis in March. Raonic began the season ranked no. 156 in the world and reached a career-high ranking of no. 25 in May to become the highest ranked Canadian man in tennis history.

The Canadian is looking to build on his exceptional run in 2011 and is hoping to use this year's Aircel Chennai Open as a springboard for the Australian Open.

The Indian challenge in the singles field will be headed by world number 84 Somdev Devvarman. The crowd favourite, who spent his formative years in Chennai, lost in the opening round in the 2011 edition after an impressive run in the 2010 season during which he won the singles gold medal in both the Commonwealth Games and the Asian Games.

The field for Singles Draw of Aircel Chennai Open 2012 boasts of nine players from the top 50 ATP ranking. Additionally, another 12 players are from the top 100 rankings, thus making it a powerful and impressive field.

Fernando Soler, the Tournament Director and Head of Tennis, IMG Worldwide, said in a statement: "The Aircel Chennai Open has been a permanent fixture in the ATP calendar for almost two decades, and for this we are grateful to the steady support from our sponsors. This year again, the Aircel Chennai Open will showcase world-class tennis with an exciting mix of top players and promising young talent."

Mr. M.A. Alagappan, President of Tamil Nadu Tennis Association said: "The confirmation from top players like Janko Tipsarevic, Nicolas Almagro, Marin Cilic and Milos Raonic is a testimony to the stature of the Aircel Chennai Open. The players will get to experience Chennai's rich tennis culture and I'm sure they will embrace the event, which is acquiring the status of a much sought-after one for players and fans alike on the international tennis circuit."

A spokesperson from IMG Reliance, said: "We are proud to once again present a high quality event which promises to provide high levels of excitement for tennis fans in India. The confirmation from three world-beaters is just the beginning of what will be another season of fantastic talent at display. Aircel Chennai Open 2012 will aim to set new benchmarks in all aspects and offer players and fans a great tennis festival."

src: http://www.aircelchennaiopen.org/2012/news/view/top-stars-to-vie-for-aircel-chennai-open-2012-title

Nadal used to play this event. Also Boris Becker. Wow what big names. I think Chennai ATP needs to become a ATP masters even pretty soon with more funds coming up. Atleast ATP 500 so there will be a gamut of players from top 100 participating.

Nadal used to play this event. Also Boris Becker. Wow what big names. I think Chennai ATP needs to become a ATP masters even pretty soon with more funds coming up. Atleast ATP 500 so there will be a gamut of players from top 100 participating.

Masters ellam chance illa. 500 aanale periya vishayam. Anyway this year the cutoff for direct entry is rank 98. This is the first time it has breached 100. If the organizers make a concerted effort along with union sports ministry and state govt, it definitely has the potential to be a 500 event. In that case we will see lot of top 10 players. But I am not sure whether ATP will allow a 500 event just one week prior to Australian open. Maybe they will ask for a change in the event dates.

R Ashwin, the India offspinner, will be given the Dilip Sardesai award for being the best performer in the home Test series against West Indies.

Ashwin was the Man of the Series in his debut series, which India won 2-0, taking 22 wickets at an average of 22.90. He claimed nine wickets on debut in Delhi, won two Man-of-the-Match awards, and also scored 121 runs at an average of 40.33. He made his maiden century in the third Test in Mumbai, where he steered India to a tense draw in the fourth innings.

He will be given the award at the BCCI awards ceremony in Chennai in December.

The BCCI instituted the Dilip Sardesai Award in 2007 for the player who performs best in bilateral series between India and West Indies. Ishant Sharma was given the award for India's tour of the Caribbean earlier this year.

src: http://www.espncricinfo.com/india-v-west-indies-2011/content/story/542325.html

National team captain and goalkeeper, Bharat Chetri, will turn out for Chennai Cheetahs while midfielder Gurbaj Singh will represent Delhi Wizards and penalty corner ace Sandeep Singh Karnataka Lions in the World Series Hockey tournament, scheduled to begin on December 17. WSH announced the players' draft for inaugural edition on Monday, naming many on the Indian team now in Johannesburg for the FIH Champions Challenge.

Notable names

A couple of other notable names were Diwakar Ram for Pune Strykers and Dhanraj Pillay for Karnataka Lions.

Foreign players from Pakistan like Rehan Butt (Chandigarh), Waseem Ahmed (Bhopal) and Shakeel Abbasi (Delhi) were also named in draft list released.

Bhopal, Chandigarh, Chennai, Delhi, Bangalore, Mumbai, Pune and Chandigarh will be the eight city-based franchise outfits that will take part in the competition.

Wizcraft International announced a tie-up with WSH to acquire the Delhi franchise.

As per rules for the same, each team figuring will be composed of a maximum only six foreign internationals and a minimum of four local players and four India youth internationals.

In the context of the controversy surrounding the event, Yannick Colaco, COO of Nimbus Sport, said: “Players signed up for the WSH, including Indian internationals, have agreed to accept the advance payment and commit to a written agreement.”

Pakistan players

On the participation of players from Pakistan, he clarified that no written communication from any official had reached him thus far.

The teams' captains and coaches: Bhopal:Sardara Singh, V Bhaskaran;Chandigarh:Rehan Butt, Harender Singh;Chennai:Brent Livermore, Jose Brasa;Delhi:Lucas Vila, Roelant Oltmans;Bangalore:Arjun Halappa, Jude Felix;Mumbai:Adrian D'Souza, Andrew Meredith;Pune:Rodrigo Garcia, Gundeep Kumar;Chandigarh:Prabhjot Singh, Rajinder Singh.
http://www.thehindu.com/sport/hockey/article2669057.ece

City-based drivers to fill most slots in racing league


The new i1 car racing series, which will take off next year, will have Chennai-based drivers filling most of the nine domestic slots.
The i1 series is modelled on cricket’s IPL with a similar auction process and teams with representation from India and abroad. The Chennai Super Sonics team, unveiled on Tuesday, will be the automatic first choice for the strongest Indian drivers as almost all of them hail from here. But since the team composition and structure are decided by IPL-like rules, competitors are treated as common property to be made available to all through an auction process.
There are nine teams in the inaugural i1 league, of which Hyderabad, Bangalore, Delhi, Mumbai and Chennai have already been launched.
Each team will have an international and Indian driver each. Like in IPL, Narain Karthikeyan and Karun Chandhok will qualify as international buys as they have competed in Formula One.
The Chennai list runs long and deep with the likes of Armaan Ebrahim, Ashwin Sundar, Parthiva Sureshwaren, Aditya Patel and Vishnu Prasad. “Chennai is the motorsport capital of India with arich history in the sport,” said M Darshan, CEO of i1 series. Despite the city’s high representation, only one of them will get to don Chennai colours while others will have to drive for other cities.

WHAT IS i1 SUPER SERIES?

The new league will see teams representing 9 Indian cities competing in 12 races in tracks in India and Asia. Each team can field two cars with one seat occupied by foreign/expert driver, while the other is reserved for an upcoming Indian talent. The teams can buy drivers in an IPL-style auction

CHENNAI INTEREST (PROBABLE LIST) Expert drivers | Narain Karthikeyan, Karun Chandhok
Upcoming drivers | Armaan Ebrahim, Parthiva Sureshwaren, Aditya Patel, Vishnu Prasad, Ashwin Sundar

‘Development of Chennai track a long-term goal’

i1 series will have 12 races across five premier venues including the Buddh International Circuit (BIC) in Noida, besides international tracks in UAE, Malaysia, Bahrain and Qatar. Super Sonics, owned by K Raghu Ramakrishna Raju, chairman of Ind-Barath Power Infra Private Limited, joins teams from Hyderabad (owned by Tollywood actor Nagarjuna), Bangalore (Arjun Baljee and Rudra Dalmia), Delhi (Arindam Chaudhuri) and Bollywood Superstar Shahrukh Khan’s Mumbai in the league, the inaugural race of which is scheduled for January next year.
The organisers are sure the team representing the hub of Indian motorsport will set the tone during the inaugural season in i1, which will be run on the Radical SR3 roadster sports car. “Many drivers in the fray for the nine Indian driver slots in the teams are from Chennai and so the team will be the most followed one. I am expecting the best from Chennai,” said Darshan.
The city may have another gain from the league. The organisers have a long-term plan to help in upgrading the Madras Motor Sport Club (MMSC) race track near Irrungattukottai to have a second venue in the country alongside the F1 track in Noida.”We are promoting the league to develop motorsport in the country and for that we need to develop talent as well as improve infrastructure for racing. We have a long term plan to upgrade the Chennai track and get it homologated so that it can be a second venue for the series as well as host other international races,” said Darshan.The i1 series is keen to develop the Chennai track for a much more immediate concern too. Buddh Circuit is closed to racing at the moment for some repairs and additional construction and the organisers want to have a venue in the country for the series touted as “Indian racing league”.But Darshan is sure the Indian leg of the series will be held in Noida. “Last week we received communication from the BIC officials that the track will be made available for racing in January. So I am sure this season, i1 races will be held in Noida. We are developing Chennai track with a long term goal and have already appointed a consultant who had studied the track including soil testing to come identify areas for improvement to get the track ready for FIA approval,” said Darshan.

http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Default/Scripting/ArticleWin.asp?From=Archive&Source=Page&Skin=TOINEW&BaseHref=TOICH/2011/11/30&PageLabel=1&EntityId=Ar00101&ViewMode=HTML

Wow..great..Chennai hosting lot of high value professional tournaments(be it IPL, ATP Tennis, motor racing)

We should have got the F1 too. Lost it because of non availability of land around Irungaatukottai.

We should have got the F1 too. Lost it because of non availability of land around Irungaatukottai.

F1 should go to Coimbathore - for Narain Karthikeyan is from that belt right?

Kongu will be happy with me for saying that.

F1 should go to Coimbathore - for Narain Karthikeyan is from that belt right?

Kongu will be happy with me for saying that.

Yeah NK is from Cbe. Actually just before the inaugural Indian F1, I was reading a newspaper article (not sure which newspaper) in which some influential person was saying that they considered Chennai, Mumbai and Bangalore ahead of Delhi and gave the reasons why they didnt do it in these places. Chennai because of land problems, Bangalore because of some political interference and Mumbai.... I forgot. Sheila Dixit was also pro active (although Noida is in UP).

They didnt even consider Kolkata, Pune or Ahmedabad, so no way would have considered Coimbatore. (now KT is going to get angry)

Most F1 tracks around the world are in smaller cities, not the hubs. I guess Noida was chosen because of logistics, but to me, considering Pune, Coimbatore, Jaipur would have been better - would have boosted infra in those cities.

Yeah Pune or Cbe would have been good choices. Both already had race tracks and a racing culture. It would have been ideal IMO.

P.S: My previous post was not my opinion.. it was what I remembered from a newspaper article.

Most F1 tracks around the world are in smaller cities, not the hubs. I guess Noida was chosen because of logistics, but to me, considering Pune, Coimbatore, Jaipur would have been better - would have boosted infra in those cities.

nanba Pune is highly developed already compared to Kovai and Jaipur

Most F1 tracks around the world are in smaller cities, not the hubs. I guess Noida was chosen because of logistics, but to me, considering Pune, Coimbatore, Jaipur would have been better - would have boosted infra in those cities.

Actually that's not quite true..

Melbourne, Kuala Lumpur, Shanghai, Budapest, Singapore, New Delhi, Abu Dhabi, Sao Paolo, Montreal are all large urban hubs..

IMHO two main reasons for F 1 to go out of Chennai.

Inspite of Chennai & CBE has the most no of facilities in India and enthusiasts, due to

petty politics within Indian Motosport Admin

lack of sponsors from Chennai / CBE

Vijay Mallaya's entry was the last straw, which tilted against.

Also one thing to understand here is that the F1 circuit was built be Jaypee(a private contractor) in the township they are building. So, Jaypee would only build that in their own township be it in Nodia or Mumbai or Chennai. Why would they go and build a track in Bangalore when they building a huge township in Noida?

This was not a Govt. project, that Govt. will choose the beneficiary city for infra development. A Private company chose it according to what they found as the best investment. I am sure if a Chennai based Real Estate Company had bid better than Jaypee then the circuit would have built in Chennai. In same way there is no sense in Jaypee having a township in Noida but building a circuit in Chennai.

Also one thing to understand here is that the F1 circuit was built be Jaypee(a private contractor) in the township they are building. So, Jaypee would only build that in their own township be it in Nodia or Mumbai or Chennai. Why would they go and build a track in Bangalore when they building a huge township in Noida?

This was not a Govt. project, that Govt. will choose the beneficiary city for infra development. A Private company chose it according to what they found as the best investment. I am sure if a Chennai based Real Estate Company had bid better than Jaypee then the circuit would have built in Chennai. In same way there is no sense in Jaypee having a township in Noida but building a circuit in Chennai.

Jyapee is Maya Didi's right hand now.

^^ Sure it is, but that's not my point.

Actually that's not quite true..

Melbourne, Kuala Lumpur, Shanghai, Budapest, Singapore, New Delhi, Abu Dhabi, Sao Paolo, Montreal are all large urban hubs..

Agreed. Building tracks in cities seems to be a recent trend (Istanbul too). Most of the traditional European tracks were in smaller cities.

World champion Viswanathan Anand and challenger Boris Gelfand will play their 12-game World chess championship match at Moscow's State Tretyakov Gallery from May 10 to 31, 2012.

The contract of agreement for the match was signed on Saturday by Anand, Gelfand, the FIDE President Kirsan Ilyumzhinov and Arkady Dvorkovich in Moscow.

Earlier, the Russian Chess Federation wanted to host the mega-match at the Moscow Science Park but changed the venue after Ilyumzhinov expressed his reservation over its size.

The State Tretyakov Gallery is the National treasury of Russian fine arts and one of the greatest museums in the world. It is located in Zamoskvorechye, close to the Kremlin.

Anand, who first become the World champion in 2000, regained the title in 2007 and retained it in 2008 and 2010. The title-match offers $2.5 million with 60 per cent going to the winner and rest to the loser.

src: http://www.thehindu.com/sport/other-sports/article2671893.ece

^^ Win or lose $1 million prize guaranteed. I am sure he will win.

Agreed. Building tracks in cities seems to be a recent trend (Istanbul too). Most of the traditional European tracks were in smaller cities.

Logistics is the main reason. In Europe most F1 logistics are handled by road in trucks from the factories spread across europe. But once the race gets outside Europe, you are talking of atleast 6 to 7 B-747s specially handled by DHL and atleast 5000 star hotel room for the weekend itself. Teams have their own chefs and carry food and all other utilities to prepare home food. Both coimbatore and Pune lose in that.

World champion Viswanathan Anand and challenger Boris Gelfand will play their 12-game World chess championship match at Moscow's State Tretyakov Gallery from May 10 to 31, 2012.

The contract of agreement for the match was signed on Saturday by Anand, Gelfand, the FIDE President Kirsan Ilyumzhinov and Arkady Dvorkovich in Moscow.

Earlier, the Russian Chess Federation wanted to host the mega-match at the Moscow Science Park but changed the venue after Ilyumzhinov expressed his reservation over its size.

The State Tretyakov Gallery is the National treasury of Russian fine arts and one of the greatest museums in the world. It is located in Zamoskvorechye, close to the Kremlin.

Anand, who first become the World champion in 2000, regained the title in 2007 and retained it in 2008 and 2010. The title-match offers $2.5 million with 60 per cent going to the winner and rest to the loser.

src: http://www.thehindu.com/sport/other-sports/article2671893.ece

^^ Win or lose $1 million prize guaranteed. I am sure he will win.

in head to head he leads by a huge margin according to chessbase software. But we cannot say anything afaik wrt world championship matches. Capablanca had a 5:0 head to head lead over Alekhine but Alekhine won their 1927 world championship and Karpov had a 6:3 score against Kasparov including their unfinished 1984 world championship which was called off by the then Fide president Campomonas however in 1985 he won Karpov convincingly.

So personal head to head would never matter that much. I guess my good friend Ganguly is still Vishy's second and is in the team.

Last world championship (2010), Magnus, Kasparov, Kramnik + few other seconds helped Anand win the championship.

Last world championship (2010), Magnus, Kasparov, Kramnik + few other seconds helped Anand win the championship.

ha ha Kaspy and Kramnik as Anand's second? Last thing you can think of in chess field. If a snake can be a mongoose's second so can they.

Actually Anand's contingent contains Ubilava(very old second), Ganguly and Magnus Carlson but now a days also Giri i think, a young GM from UK

Gary and Kramnik were mere consultants and well wishers.

Yeah, there are not seconds but helped him

http://www.chessvibes.com/reports/carlsen-giri-kasparov-and-kramnik-all-helped-anand/

Yeah, there are not seconds but helped him

http://www.chessvibes.com/reports/carlsen-giri-kasparov-and-kramnik-all-helped-anand/

non paid "seconds" or playing partners for a world championship cause are these days called Thirds. Especially when people face Topolov they will support them. Topolov is like hated a lot among super GM's.

FIA meet in New Delhi

....

FMSCI president Vicky Chandhok hailed FIA's role in improving motor sports in the country.

“The FMSCI now has a very active interaction with the FIA. India has also been a beneficiary of the Facilities Improvement Programme (FIP) grant and the Officials Training Programme (OTP) grant from the FIA Institute in the preparation of a master plan to upgrade India's existing facilities in Chennai and the training of Indian officials respectively, ” said Chandhok.

http://www.thehindu.com/sport/motorsport/article2681338.ece

Chepauk Stadium 2 days after IND vs WI WC 2011 match

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7157/6453248115_152f931d91_b.jpg

http://cricketnext.in.com/news/bcci-to-start-regional-cricket-academies/62230-13.html

In a bid to reduce the load on Bangalore's National Cricket Academy (NCA), the Indian cricket board will start regional academies in Mumbai, Mohali and Chennai.

The decision was mooted by Specialised Academies Committee chairman MP Pandove and was accepted by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) at its working committee meeting here on Monday.

"The three academies will lessen the burden on the NCA. Each academy will cater to nine states and this will have a major effect on talent development," a top BCCI official told IANS, on the condition of anonymity.

The BCCI is also planning to go on a massive talent hunt programme in the northeastern states.

"We will be hold open trials for players in the north east and the best would be trained in the three academies," the official said.

http://www.thehindu.com/sport/other-sports/article2715162.ece

The 62nd senior National basketball (men and women) championships will be hosted by the Basketball Federation of India at the Nehru Indoor Stadium here from December 16 to 24.

Speaking to newspersons here on Wednesday, Prem Pal Singh, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, BFI, said that the National Federation hosting the Nationals is not something new but has been in practice for the last two years as a part of the agreement with IMG-Reliance to bring in more professionalism and fiscal discipline.

The host Association will provide referees, officials and co-ordinate with the BFI for the smooth functioning of the event. BFI has even sought the services of a few former players.

In all 25 State teams will take part in the championships. It will be a “busy schedule”, said G.M. Sampath Kumar, Chairman, Technical Commission. “We have around 126 matches in total and are confident of holding it successfully.”

The top 10 teams in men and women from the last National championships have been placed in Pool ‘A' and ‘B' (Level I) while Pool ‘C' to ‘F' (Level II) will comprise the rest.

The top four from Group ‘A' and ‘B' will reach the knock-out stage.

The top two teams from ‘C' to ‘F' will join the other eight teams in the pre-quarterfinals.

The winner will take home Rs.150,000 while the runner-up will receive Rs.75,000. Railways is the defending champion in the men's and women's sections.

Chennai last hosted a Senior Nationals tournament in 1973.

During the championships, a clinic will be conducted by NBA coaches Kenny Natty, Peter James Gaudat and physical conditioning trainer Zak Penwell.

The fifth season of the Indian Premier League will kick-off on April 4 at Chepauk, the home of champions Chennai Super Kings, with an opening ceremony the previous day.

The popular tournament will run a course of 54 days and conclude on May 27, according to an official press release issued after the meeting of the IPL Governing Council in Hyderabad on Friday.

It will be the second consecutive season that Chennai will host the opening ceremony and the inaugural game. Having won the 2010 IPL title, Chennai was the venue for the opening game of the 2011 competition that the Super Kings went on to win.

The Super Kings have been the most consistent among the IPL teams. They reached the final in the inaugural 2008 season, then the semi-finals in 2009 when the event was held in South Africa before clinching the title two years running, in 2010 and 2011.

The Super Kings, led by Mahendra Singh Dhoni, also achieved a unique double by winning the 2010 Champions League tournament that was held in South Africa.

The Governing Council has asked the Management team to come back with options for the format and structure for the 2012 season of the tournament.

The Governing Council also approved various operational items for the forthcoming IPL season, the release stated.

The player regulation and trading modalities will be discussed at the next meeting of the Governing Council.

Source - http://www.chennaisuperkings.com/news/NewsContent.aspx?NewsID=429

QuqzXPOolXk

The Central Council of the All India Chess Federation, on Tuesday, decided to recommend Grandmaster Viswanathan Anand for the coveted Bharat Ratna to the Government of India.

It was also decided to explore the possibility of tying up with Tenvic Sports (founded by Anil Kumble, International cricketer) with regard to setting up a National Chess Academy.

The Central Council also decided to disaffiliate West Bengal Chess Association and has formed an Ad-hoc committee to run the affairs of the Association.

The members of the Ad-hoc committee are: Debashis Barua, Atanu Lahiri (Convener), Tharun Banerjee.

The Council placed on record its gratefulness to the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, J. Jayalalithaa, for having decided to implement chess in schools from the next academic year. J. C. D. Prabhakar, President, AICF, presided over the meeting.

src: http://www.thehindu.com/sport/other-sports/article2772392.ece

http://www.espncricinfo.com/indian-premier-league-2012/content/story/548395.html

The fifth season of the Indian Premier League (IPL), comprising nine teams and 76 matches, will begin and end in Chennai, with the opening match on April 4 and the final on May 27. The teams will play each other at home and away during a league phase consisting of 72 games at 12, possibly 13, venues, beginning with the defending champions Chennai Super Kings playing Champions League T20 winners Mumbai Indians.

There won't, however, be any matches in Sri Lanka, the BCCI apparently turning down a suggestion by Sri Lanka Cricket to stage a few games there.

The Pune Warriors franchise will host eight games at the new stadium in Pune, subject to its completion. In 2011, Pune had to stage their 'home' games at the DY Patil Stadium in Mumbai. Dharamsala and Visakhapatman will also host two games each, and Cuttack is listed as an alternate venue to Hyderabad for two matches.

The first Qualifier, which will be contested by the top two teams in the league, and the Eliminator, contested by Nos. 3 and 4, will be held in Bangalore. Chennai will host the second Qualifier, which will be played between the winner of the Eliminator and the loser of the first Qualifier, and the tournament final.

The tournament is scheduled to begin 12 days after the Asia Cup final and a week after the end of South Africa's tour of New Zealand. At present there are three international series that will clash with the 2012 IPL and could affect player availability for both the franchises and the countries. Sri Lanka are hosting England in April, while West Indies host Australia and then travel to England in May.

The next player auction for the IPL is scheduled for February 4.

Recently I read that Chidambaram Stadium is getting a make over without getting clearance from Enviro. Ministry and have received a notice.

How come it's boundry is within 20 mtr from high tide mark and stadium starts from 30 mtr? And comes within CRZ norms!

Marina beach sand area will be around 150 mtr,Kamaraj Rd width will be 20-30 mtr, the stadium may be further away by 50 mtr..

Any explanation?

^^Prechanai pananum nu irundha eppadi venaalum pannalaam.

http://splicd.com/3WZrUyvId4U/105/150

Recently I read that Chidambaram Stadium is getting a make over without getting clearance from Enviro. Ministry and have received a notice.

How come it's boundry is within 20 mtr from high tide mark and stadium starts from 30 mtr? And comes within CRZ norms!

Marina beach sand area will be around 150 mtr,Kamaraj Rd width will be 20-30 mtr, the stadium may be further away by 50 mtr..

Any explanation?

All sea side developments within 500 meters from High Tide line have to get clearance as they are in CRZ I zone.

Public Parks, Resorts and play grounds are allowed in CRZ 1. No permanaent structure is allowed.

But if there is a road between the sea and the development and if the development is an old one prior to CRZ notification, then they can get exemptions.

But they have to officially communicate to MoEF and get official sanction

all eye wash

http://www.cbc.ca/sports/story/2012/01/08/sp-atp-chennai-open.html

Canada's Milos Raonic has captured his second career ATP title.

The hard-serving 21-year-old from Thornhill, Ont., won the Chennai Open, defeating top-seeded Janko Tipsarevic of Spain, 6-7 (4), 7-6 (4), 7-6 (4).

The fourth-seeded Raonic is 2-1 in ATP World Tour finals.

He claimed his first ATP title in San Jose last February.

He followed that up by finishing runner-up to Andy Roddick in Memphis a week later.

^^ Its only a matter of time for this fellow to reach No. 1 ranking in the world.

Ccg5VrP6hcM

Good to know they are using technology for line calls (check @ 2.55)

Better sports facilities promised

CHENNAI: The Chennai Corporation is keen on improving infrastructure for sports in schools under its jurisdiction in the city. Apart from the schemes announced by the State government, the Corporation would also provide incentives for students who excel in sports, Mayor Saidai Duraisamy said here on Wednesday. Inaugurating the sports meet organised jointly by the Education Department and the Corporation, he said that he was aware of the constraints of space and infrastructure faced by the schools. However, he said sports was an important component in the overall development of a student’s personality and so, facilities for encouraging sportspersons would be created.

Referring to the criticism mounted on the Corporation with regard to garbage clearance in the city, he said that alternative ways to the current method of garbage clearance and disposal was being looked into. Currently, waste is being collected in seven centres and then being taken to dump yards, he said. He also acknowledged that there was a delay in the process of clearance in certain areas which was being attended to with all seriousness.

On the condition of the roads following the rains, he blamed the previous government for giving up on the scheme of laying plastic roads and pushing the city into a “pathetic state.” The idea was being revived now and every road would be provided with a sort of a lamination to extend its lifespan.

The two-day sports meet will see thousands of students from 282 schools in the city competing in various athletic competitions. On Tuesday, the inauguration saw cultural performances put up by students.

Source (http://ibnlive.in.com/news/better-sports-facilities-promised/219725-60-120.html)

anyone following Ranji semi final - TN vs Mumbai. I am just following the score updates daily in cricinfo.

Seems TN have good chance to go to final and could be first time beating mumbai in semis.

http://www.espncricinfo.com/indian-domestic-2011/engine/current/match/522987.html

BTW, BCCI increased per day match fee to Rs 35,000 (each player 1.4 lakhs for 4 days) and winners purse to 2 crores.

Now Ranji players can make a good career if they are real good cricketers.

I am watching them live at bcci.tv. Excellent game by prasanna. This year's Ranji trophy elite is sponsored by Airtel. Maybe that's the reason for the increase in match fee.

anyone following Ranji semi final - TN vs Mumbai. I am just following the score updates daily in cricinfo.

Seems TN have good chance to go to final and could be first time beating mumbai in semis.

http://www.espncricinfo.com/indian-domestic-2011/engine/current/match/522987.html

BTW, BCCI increased per day match fee to Rs 35,000 (each player 1.4 lakhs for 4 days) and winners purse to 2 crores.

Now Ranji players can make a good career if they are real good cricketers.

Wow I thought I was the only weirdo following Ranji. Good to see others too. I am sick and tired of all the commercial BS associated with the international team (especially the limited overs stuff) they dont even allow you to watch 2 minutes at a stretch without ramming some ad down your throat. Its disgusting and makes me wanna puke. I dont think I will even follow IPL let alone watch it on the TV this year. Good old Ranji is the only cricket I am interested in right now. Actually I am following right from the league stages. Abhinav is in a very good form this year.

Did you see the other semifinal between Rajasthan and Haryana? Its totally crazy! 18 wickets on the first day and 14 wicket on the second day. The match should be over latest by tea today.

I am hoping if TN wins this one (semis) then it could be cake walk in the finals (Chennai could host the final).

The prasanna guy made his 2nd century at the crucial time. TN team is pretty youthful with Balaji oldest at 30.

@krishnancv: Actually match fees was increased in 2008/09 to Rs.37,000 per day (not 35,000 as mentioned before)

http://www.espncricinfo.com/ranjisuperleague2008/content/story/366950.html

I am hoping if TN wins this one (semis) then it could be cake walk in the finals (Chennai could host the final).

The prasanna guy made his 2nd century at the crucial time. TN team is pretty youthful with Balaji oldest at 30.

@krishnancv: Actually match fees was increased in 2008/09 to Rs.37,000 per day (not 35,000 as mentioned before)

http://www.espncricinfo.com/ranjisuperleague2008/content/story/366950.html

Yep.. kinda free today.. will watch the match at least for a hour or so. The other semis is more interesting though. Will toggle between both.

i think, it is 3 or 4th time that TamilNadu Vs Mumbai in SF/Finals.
I remember 1 knock, where Tendulkar cleaned us...(4-5 yrs back?)
This year , Yo-Mahesh played crucial knock in QF...surprisingly he has again hit crucial 50 in this innings as welll

I too follow Ranji matches in cricinfo every year

Looks like TN has this one in the bag. Now all we need to do is carry this over to the final.

Yeah, TN will play Rajasthan in finals. Hoping it happens in Chennai.

^^

:banana:

Yes TN is likely to enter finals...

Hope we get the prestigious Ranji Cup!!

It will be Rajasthan's bowling vs TN's batting. If held in Jaipur, I am sure it will be a seam friendly pitch. If in chennai prechanaiye illa. Raavoda raava vanthu ptch ah kuthi utta podhum :). People if held in MAC must show a good turnout.

How did chennai open go?

It is nice to hear Chennai Tennis on overseas Media

Really lot of British,Aussies & Kiwis hear about Chennai due to Chennai Super Kings & Chennai open Tennis.

They are good publicity for chennai abroad.

^^Chennai Open courts foreign tourists

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/Chennai-Open-courts-foreign-tourists/articleshow/11394479.cms

Chennai Open This year lacked its usual pomp, I was told. (I did not go this time).

The Prince of Karaikudi is at the helms and Vijay Amritharaj is out.

TN is doing reasonably well in many sports at the National level...

Basket Ball,Volley Ball,Squash,Ball Badminton,Tennicoit,Kabbadi,Football and some winners in Athletics too..

It will be Rajasthan's bowling vs TN's batting. If held in Jaipur, I am sure it will be a seam friendly pitch. If in chennai prechanaiye illa. Raavoda raava vanthu ptch ah kuthi utta podhum :). People if held in MAC must show a good turnout.

better to start following Ranji / State teams...our famed national team is getting battered down under!!:ohno:

It will be Rajasthan's bowling vs TN's batting. If held in Jaipur, I am sure it will be a seam friendly pitch. If in chennai prechanaiye illa. Raavoda raava vanthu ptch ah kuthi utta podhum :). People if held in MAC must show a good turnout.

Of the 83 overs that were bowled at the Wankhede Stadium on Thursday, only 13 mattered.

For that’s how many Tamil Nadu needed to prise out Mumbai’s last four. And once they skittled them out for 157 to take a commanding lead of 202, the visiting batsmen made merry over the next two-and-a-half sessions.

In the process, Tamil Nadu virtually booked a place in the final of the Ranji Trophy, their 11th overall and first since the 2003-04 season. Unless Mumbai dismiss them out without conceding a run on Friday, and get to the least possible ‘target’ of 423, Chepauk curator K Parthasarathy can start preparing a pitch for the final against defending champions Rajasthan starting January 19.

Cont....

http://www.dnaindia.com/sport/report_mumbai-vs-tn-all-over-bar-the-shouting_1636949

:banana:


Tamil Nadu beat Mumbai to enter Ranji Trophy final

Tamil Nadu entered the Ranji Trophy final for the eleventh time by virtue of having taken the first-innings lead over Mumbai in the semi-final that ended in a draw at the Wankhede Stadium.

The visitors, who led the home team by 202 runs in the first innings, piled on the agony on their long-time nemesis by notching up 331 for eight before declaring the second innings in the pre-lunch session.

Left with the improbable victory target of 534 in 44 overs, 39-time winners Mumbai made 88 for three in 29 overs before the match was called off by mutual consent.

Cont...

http://www.cricketcountry.com/cricket-articles/Tamil-Nadu-beat-Mumbai-to-enter-Ranji-Trophy-final/10256

Chennai hosting the Ranji final is confirmed.

http://www.espncricinfo.com/ranji-trophy-elite-2011/content/series/522928.html

^^ :banana:

TNCA should work overtime to promote this match - lower prices and attract people in - it's a massive stadium and looks weird without a crowd.

http://i.imgur.com/7MRN0.jpg

http://www.thehindu.com/sport/other-sports/article2795765.ece

For the first time an international open in India has been won by an untitled player.

China's Yu Ruiyuan, who achieved the feat, also completed the IM and GM norms in the SDAT-RMK Chennai Open international Grandmaster chess tournament that concluded here on Thursday.

Drawn games ruled the top tables on Thursday. Yu, who held a half point lead at the start of the round, drew with Marat Dzhumaev (Uzb) with the white pieces to win the title. Remaining undefeated, he totalled nine points from eleven games.

Kore's good show

Pune's Akshayraj Kore celebrated his return by completing his maiden GM. He won seven games, drew three and only lost to Yu. Though he tied for the second spot, Kore finished third on tie-break. Top seed Aleksandrov, who played well from the start, bagged the second place.

In the final round, Kore held the upper hand for most part before drawing against last year's champion Kravtsiv of Ukraine.

Cash prizes totalling over Rs.10 lakhs were distributed along with the trophies.

Final placings: 1 Yu Ruiyuan (Chn) 9/11; 2-6. A. Aleksandrov (Blr), Akshayraj Kore (Ind), John Paul Gomez (Phi), M. Kravtsiv (Ukr), M. Dzhumaev (Uzb) 8.5 each; 7-18. M. Oleksienko (Ukr), S.P. Sethuraman (Ind), Hoang Thang Trang (Hun), Vishnu Prasanna (Ind), Zeng Chongsheng (Chn), P. Karthikeyan, Deepan Chakkravarthy, Navin Kanna, S. Nitin, A. Rajpara (all Ind), O, Barbosa (Phi), R.R. Laxman (Ind) 8 each.

Leading results (final round): Yu Ruiyuan drew with Dzhumaev; A. Kore drew with Kravtsiv; Barbosa drew with Aleksandrov; Hoang Thanh Trang drew with Oleksienko; Ma Qun lost to Gomez; P. Karthikeyan drew with Deepan Chakkravarthy.

^^ :banana:

TNCA should work overtime to promote this match - lower prices and attract people in - it's a massive stadium and looks weird without a crowd.

Do they sell tickets for Ranji fnals? thought the gates are thrown open fr the public. Well atleast that's how I've seen some Ranji league matches at MAC.

Indian batsmen are struggling big time overseas. Its high time BCCI realizes how poor Indian pitches are. We need some quick pacy bouncy tracks at least in 3-4 major locations in the country. Why cant TCNA take a step to create bowler friendly tracks in Chennai? Chepauk is known to be slow low spinner friendly track. Now that the stands have been replaced, sea breeze flowing to aid swing, why not improve the pitch bounce as well?

during jj rule, sport infra will get a boost.So is there any proposal for building any sports complex this time

Indian batsmen are struggling big time overseas. Its high time BCCI realizes how poor Indian pitches are. We need some quick pacy bouncy tracks at least in 3-4 major locations in the country. Why cant TCNA take a step to create bowler friendly tracks in Chennai? Chepauk is known to be slow low spinner friendly track. Now that the stands have been replaced, sea breeze flowing to aid swing, why not improve the pitch bounce as well?

Chennai is traditionally known to produce result oriented pitches. We need not change that. Pitches in dire need of change are Bengaluru, Delhi etc.

Indian batsmen are struggling big time overseas. Its high time BCCI realizes how poor Indian pitches are. We need some quick pacy bouncy tracks at least in 3-4 major locations in the country. Why cant TCNA take a step to create bowler friendly tracks in Chennai? Chepauk is known to be slow low spinner friendly track. Now that the stands have been replaced, sea breeze flowing to aid swing, why not improve the pitch bounce as well?
you will repeat the same message even after next Australia Tour...
most of the pitches are not true wickets in India. We are used to hear the lazy reason..." bouncy pitches for overseas.spin turner for indian tracks"...
2. We gave too much of importance to IPL.
3. people aer shouting for removal of seniors..like Dravid or lakshman..I agree to that partially. but where are the replacements? Raina, yuvi all are struggling.. We should not force the seniors to go out. let the time will come, where we get true talents rather than Media's proposed talents...
Did the fab 4(Sachin, Sourav, Dravid, Lakshman) came because of media?
why the hell media is crying for their heads now? Even after 2 yrs, we are struggling to replace Sourav..
it does not mean that they need to play till their 60s... the time will come for true talent to come out..

I have short cut. Let's change ICC rules that BCCI will prepare all pitches in the world.

Rushmi Chakravarthi, former National tennis champion inaugurated her new centre — Precision Tennis Academy — at the D.G. Vaishnav College courts here on Saturday, by hitting a few balls with the chief guest, M.A. Alagappan, President, Tamil Nadu Tennis Association.

“It's always been a dream to open an academy for tennis players and now it's become come true. I'd like to thank the D.G. Vaishnav College management for their guidance and encouragement, family, friends and well-wishers for their support,” said Rushmi, who is the chief coach and founder of the academy. Alagappan said that Rushmi would teach the finer points of the game to the trainees and urge them “to be a winner.”

Karti P Chidambaram, vice-president, Tamil Nadu Tennis Association, said Rushmi will be a “guiding force” for the academy and to take Tamil Nadu tennis forward.

Tennis classes, a press release, said, will commence by the end of this month and will be open from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. six days a week.

Dr. S. Narasimhan, Principal, D.G. Vaishnav College, gave the welcome address.
http://www.thehindu.com/sport/tennis/article2801780.ece

Chennai is traditionally known to produce result oriented pitches. We need not change that. Pitches in dire need of change are Bengaluru, Delhi etc.

Why are bouncy pitches not result oriented?

^^ They produce adverse results..

Why are bouncy pitches not result oriented?

Of course but why change that of chennai. Cricketers all over the world have appreciated the Chennai wicket for decades. Its the flat tracks that assists neither spin or bounce that needs to relaid.

Of course but why change that of chennai. Cricketers all over the world have appreciated the Chennai wicket for decades. Its the flat tracks that assists neither spin or bounce that needs to relaid.

+1. Exactly my point. Let's change other countries pitches to suit us. Let's change ICC rules.

@karkal: Any pun intended? Pls mention them.

We definitely need atleast 4 to 5 grounds around the country that assists pace and swing, so that domestic cricketers get exposed to such conditions.

@karkal: Any pun intended? Pls mention them.

We definitely need atleast 4 to 5 grounds around the country that assists pace and swing, so that domestic cricketers get exposed to such conditions.


I would suggest prepare these pitches in smaller cities have a separate tournament on the lines of Ranji. After a decade once we are comfortable and have produced enough prospects move it to test playing cities. If you think its too long a period, we can use my short cut which will produce the result in a year.

I would suggest prepare these pitches in smaller cities have a separate tournament on the lines of Ranji. After a decade once we are comfortable and have produced enough prospects move it to test playing cities. If you think its too long a period, we can use my short cut which will produce the result in a year.

Yes. The ranji clash between Karnataka and UP at the new shimoga stadium attracted more than 3000 people on day 1. TN too needs to develop stadiums apart from MAC.

Yes. The ranji clash between Karnataka and UP at the new shimoga stadium attracted more than 3000 people on day 1. TN too needs to develop stadiums apart from MAC.

B'cos Chennai is too much obsessed with itself it might not happen.

B'cos Chennai is too much obsessed with itself it might not happen.

Ranji matches take place in Tirunelveli too (probably because of NS) but they are irregular.

Ranji cup is slipping off ?

^^

:ohno:

I too guess the same..... what a waste..... This is really to do with the pitch..
But unlike the normal matches I guess this one in really a 5 days match. Got wait & watch

nalla venum for choosing a pitch like this.

bombay test'la sachin century adika pota pitch'la west indies karan century adicha maathiri..rajasthan cup vangitu poga poran

nalla venum for choosing a pitch like this.

bombay test'la sachin century adika pota pitch'la west indies karan century adicha maathiri..rajasthan cup vangitu poga poran

Ashwin a Australia lendhu pack panni Fedex la Anuppangappa.

Angeyum use illa. Ingeyavadhu wicket edthalum edupparu.

Pathetic pitch preparation. Nallvelai match pogalla.

Toss proved to be vital..since it's a 5 day match will have to see how well TN batsmen performs..seems the pitch is batsman's paradise..

Chennai is traditionally known to produce result oriented pitches. We need not change that. Pitches in dire need of change are Bengaluru, Delhi etc.

This is exactly what I was referring to. Day 1 ending at 221/0 cannot happen on a result oriented pitch. Chennai pitches are traditionally known to be belters for one-dayers and slow and turning pitches for tests (esp day 4 and 5)

btw what happens when a Ranji final ends in a tame draw when even the first innings of both teams is not complete in 5 days? :tongue2:

Yes. The ranji clash between Karnataka and UP at the new shimoga stadium attracted more than 3000 people on day 1. TN too needs to develop stadiums apart from MAC.

TN should take Int. cricket to someother cities. The sports culture should spread across the cities.

TN should take Int. cricket to someother cities. The sports culture should spread across the cities.

It is in the hands of TNCA and we ve to remember it is a private club.

Surprisingly the year before they proposed to build a new stadium in Coimbatore, then no news after that.

Ideally they can have two seperate teams - Chennai & TN, like Hyd/AP and Mum/Maharastra.

Pondy has been fighting with BCCI/TNCA to have its own team in the Ranji and has been refused and now they taken the issue to the court. If they form a seperate TN team, Pondy can be part of it and can be given a quota.

btw what happens when a Ranji final ends in a tame draw when even the first innings of both teams is not complete in 5 days? :tongue2:

Good Q. Think it may boil down to no. of wickets fallen or run rate. Not sure..

intha pitcha prepare pannavana serupallayae adikannum... i thought this was the best chance for TN playing in chennai that too against mediocre batting team...

It is in the hands of TNCA and we ve to remember it is a private club.

Surprisingly the year before they proposed to build a new stadium in Coimbatore, then no news after that.

Ideally they can have two seperate teams - Chennai & TN, like Hyd/AP and Mum/Maharastra.

Pondy has been fighting with BCCI/TNCA to have its own team in the Ranji and has been refused and now they taken the issue to the court. If they form a seperate TN team, Pondy can be part of it and can be given a quota.

How is TNCA a private club? It comes under BCCI which comes under sports ministry.

As of now those who play well in the combined districts level come to Chennai and play in the SPIC TNCA league for atleast 2 to 3 years for want of competitve league cricket before getting into first class. First we need to develop cricket infrastructure around the states before thinking of a new TN team. In the whole of central districts, I know of only one turf wicket at Saranathan Engineering college in Trichy.

intha pitcha prepare pannavana serupallayae adikannum... i thought this was the best chance for TN playing in chennai that too against mediocre batting team...

I want TN to lose this match. Cheap guys..

How is TNCA a private club? It comes under BCCI which comes under sports ministry.

As of now those who play well in the combined districts level come to Chennai and play in the SPIC TNCA league for atleast 2 to 3 years for want of competitve league cricket before getting into first class. First we need to develop cricket infrastructure around the states before thinking of a new TN team. In the whole of central districts, I know of only one turf wicket at Saranathan Engineering college in Trichy.

TNCA is a pvt club regd. in TN .

BCCI is also not under Sports Ministry.

The whole Cricket management is in fact dubakkoor type with no control whatsoever from Govt side.

Even Team India technically is a BCCI team and not Indian team. Thats why many people objected why Govt is giving concession to Cricket & BCCI & Cricket players.

BCCI does not even pay proper tax. WB Govt is trying to bring Eden Garden events under Tax Net.

I want TN to lose this match. Cheap guys..

+1. I too want TN to lose.

They had a good team yet they wanted to win with the help of the pitch. Perasai Perunattam!

TNCA is a pvt club regd. in TN .

BCCI is also not under Sports Ministry.

The whole Cricket management is in fact dubakkoor type with no control whatsoever from Govt side.

Even Team India technically is a BCCI team and not Indian team. Thats why many people objected why Govt is giving concession to Cricket & BCCI & Cricket players.

BCCI does not even pay proper tax. WB Govt is trying to bring Eden Garden events under Tax Net.

Does BCCI comes under Sports Ministry? Did it happen recently?

Does BCCI comes under Sports Ministry? Did it happen recently?

Union Sports Minister is fighting. BCCI is resisting.

Not yet.

BCCI has bosses from all key parties and so Soup expected for Sports ministry initiative.

How to identify Ranji winner.

http://www.espncricinfo.com/ranji-trophy-elite-2011/content/story/550288.html

For all its problems, I would still prefer cricket to be under private organization instead of government. How is the other sports doing under govt. right now. Pretty bad than cricket. I do agree BCCI's functioning needs to drastically improve a lot and they should also start paying taxes.

In the land where even movies are exempted taxes, How do u expect a sports body to pay taxes.

Rajasthan 621 AO. 7 wickets in this session. We have to see whether TN will get anywhere near the score. The commentator has pointed out that TN has never taken a first innings lead batting second if the opposite team has scored more than 400. I dont know whether he meant in Ranji finals or in all Ranji matches (which I beleive is unlikely). I am thinking.. we are screwed!

sodhapals of TN going on... better luck next time..

http://i.imgur.com/ReYkb.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/2bCgL.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/FJSDY.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/fFZwY.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/bmOlQ.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/U57yO.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/KyjBf.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/78H5t.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/6Wlmm.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/T42lx.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/anVYk.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/XRzFk.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/pP2eU.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/2RIcX.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/zhHdo.jpg

Vinoth..
Excellent photos....

Superb pics vinoth!!

Some clicks today

http://img39.imageshack.us/img39/8513/img3116e.jpg (http://img39.imageshack.us/i/img3116e.jpg/)

http://img827.imageshack.us/img827/8979/img3147v.jpg (http://img827.imageshack.us/i/img3147v.jpg/)

http://img845.imageshack.us/img845/7228/img3186g.jpg (http://img845.imageshack.us/i/img3186g.jpg/)

http://img806.imageshack.us/img806/5972/img3194b.jpg (http://img806.imageshack.us/i/img3194b.jpg/)

http://img88.imageshack.us/img88/1813/img3224w.jpg (http://img88.imageshack.us/i/img3224w.jpg/)

http://img638.imageshack.us/img638/4089/img3225o.jpg (http://img638.imageshack.us/i/img3225o.jpg/)

http://img715.imageshack.us/img715/3731/img3242l.jpg (http://img715.imageshack.us/i/img3242l.jpg/)

http://img821.imageshack.us/img821/1974/img3251ts.jpg (http://img821.imageshack.us/i/img3251ts.jpg/)

http://img804.imageshack.us/img804/7361/img3265t.jpg (http://img804.imageshack.us/i/img3265t.jpg/)
(Karthik's century)

http://img406.imageshack.us/img406/8453/img3093c.jpg (http://img406.imageshack.us/i/img3093c.jpg/)

http://img534.imageshack.us/img534/5839/img3100n.jpg (http://img534.imageshack.us/i/img3100n.jpg/)

http://img528.imageshack.us/img528/9624/img3108w.jpg (http://img528.imageshack.us/i/img3108w.jpg/)

http://img854.imageshack.us/img854/7061/img3109qi.jpg (http://img854.imageshack.us/i/img3109qi.jpg/)

Super pics vinoth and cp..

If they are allowing cameras for Ranji matches, why not for international and IPL matches?

5eIOY1B5iRc

Super pics vinoth and cp..

If they are allowing cameras for Ranji matches, why not for international and IPL matches?
Thx!
Donno why no cameras on main matches, guess its some law enacted in 1930s...
Are cameras allowed in other countries? like Aus, Eng...

Nice pics guys.

But abject surrender by TN :ohno:

http://nerudal.com/nerudal.40601.html

தமிழகத்தில் முதல் முறையாக மீனவர்களுக்கான படகு போட்டி சென்னை மெரினாவில் வருகிற பெப்ரவரி 7ம் திகதி நடைபெற உள்ளது

கடலோர காவல் படை தினத்தை முன்னிட்டு 4 ரோந்து கப்பல்களில் கடலோர காவல்படையினர் பல்வேறு சாகசங்களை சென்னை துறைமுகத்தில் இன்று காலை நிகழ்த்தி காட்டினர்.

கடலில் விழுந்தவர்களை ஹெலிகொப்டர் மூலம் எப்படி மீட்பது உட்பட பல்வேறு சாகசங்களை செய்து காண்பித்தனர். இதனை பார்ப்பதற்காக கடலோர காவல் படையினரின் குடும்பத்தினர் வந்திருந்தனர்.

பின்னர் கடலோர காவல் படையின் மண்டல இயக்குனர் எஸ்.பி.சர்மா நிருபர்களிடம் கூறியதாவது, கடலோர காவல் படை சிறப்பாக செயற்பட்டு வருகிறது. ரோந்து பணியில் தீவிரமாக ஈடுபட்டு வருகிறது.

கடலோர காவல்படை தினத்தை முன்னிட்டு மீனவர்களுக்கென்று 3 விதமான போட்டிகள் நடத்தப்பட உள்ளது. கட்டுமரம், பைபர், விசைப்படகு போன்றவற்றில் மீனவர்கள் பங்கேற்கும் 3 விதமான போட்டிகள் பெப்ரவரி 7ம் திகதி சென்னை மெரினா கடலில் நடத்தப்பட உள்ளது.

மீனவர்களுக்கென்று தமிழகத்தில் படகு போட்டி நடத்தப்படுவது இதுவே முதல் முறையாகும். இந்த போட்டிக்கான ஏற்பாடுகளை கடலோர காவல்படையினர் செய்து வருகின்றனர் என்று தெரிவித்துள்ளார்.

Chennai sets benchmark in basketball


http://www.deccanchronicle.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/article_horizontal/article-images/24GROUND.jpg.crop_display.jpg

The inaugural edition of the Chennai invitation all-India basketball tournament has come as a whiff of fresh air.

Never-ending factional feud in the Tamil Nadu Basketball Association dented the reputation of the state as a host in the past four years.

The demise of an array of all-India tournaments — an annual affair across TN with all the top teams competing — has robbed hoop game enthusiasts of quality action.

The ongoing all-India tournament, hosted by the newly-formed Trotters BC, at the T. Nagar Corporation ground has drawn appreciation from various quarters.

The event, no doubt, is unique for a number of reasons. As the vice-president of the Basketball Federation of India, M. Venkatesh, says, it has already set a benchmark for other all-India events.

“It’s easily the best in the country and the aura around the stadium is unmatchable,” he adds. The BFI official isn’t exaggerating.

The organisers have done a commendable job in converting an open-air ground into an impressive playing arena. The field has all big names of the country and the line-up of sponsors is comparable to that of a cricket event. Players enjoy three-star accommodation facilities.

The cement court has been blanketed with high-quality Terra Flex imported from Dubai. All matches are videographed from four different angles. DVDs are handed over to the coaches right after the match.

Live webcast is an added attraction. For the first time, organisers have used NBA-style software for statistical scoring. The highlight is the presence of an American team — Shooting For Success.

Showing supreme athleticism and gravity-defying dunks, the SFS players are a treat to watch.

The man behind the show is CEO of Medall Healthcare, Raju Venkatraman, who was also ins-trumental in reviving Mumbai’s prestigious Ramu Memorial Cup.

Raju has made it clear that he has no intention of joining the TNBA. “I am doing this for the love of the game. I played basketball as a student in IIT.

It has always been my dream to run a tournament in Chennai. My only aim is to make it bigger and better with every passing year,” he said.

Pratibha Shekar, former national captain, says players are given utmost priority. “When I was a player, we had to travel in unreserved compartments and often had no place to sleep.

In those days, there was hardly any prize money and all we got was a flask or steel vessels or a bag. Today, it’s nice to see players getting a three-star accommodation,” she said.

John Jungers, coach of American team Shooting For Success, has been sharing his expertise with his Indian counterparts. Players are of the opinion that competing against the Americans will help them improve their game.



http://www.deccanchronicle.com/channels/sport/local-sports/chennai-sets-benchmark-basketball-298

SQUASH: Tough task for Malaysian juniors

http://www.nst.com.my/sports/soccer/squash-tough-task-for-malaysian-juniors-1.37089

MALAYSIA have an uphill battle at the WSF Under-21 World Cup in Chennai after being drawn with European heavyweights England and France in the inaugural tournament next month.
If that was not enough, Malaysia also have to face rising Asian squash power Hong Kong in Pool B after being seeded a lowly seventh of the eight teams confirmed for the mixed-team tournament on Feb 1-5.

The Squash Racquets Association of Malaysia (SRAM) has picked Afeeq Abedeen Ismail, Sanjay Singh Chal, Marcus Yuen, Tan Yan Xin and Rachel Arnold to carry the country's challenge.

National coach Allan Soyza said the team face a difficult challenge but believes they are capable of finishing better than their seeding.

"Initially, there were 12 teams entered and we had hoped to finish in the top-eight but with just eight now confirmed, finishing above our seeding of seventh would be good.

"Hong Kong will be tough because they have good Under-21 players while France are quite strong among the men. If we can win the woman's match, we'll have to hope one of the boys can win us the tie.

"England, as the second seeds, are going to be the favourites in the group," said Soyza.

Afeeq will play at first-string followed by Sanjay and Marcus in that order while Yan Xin, 18, is favoured to take the woman's slot despite being ranked 16 rungs below 15-year-old Rachel at 157th in the world rankings.

England will be led by 19-year-old Charles Sharpes, who last week stunned National No 2 and Asian champion Nafiizwan Adnan in a tournament in Canada, and European junior champion Emily Whitlock, 17.

Egypt are the top seeds for the championship which will feature mixed teams of two men and one woman, following the highly successful format of the biennial WSF World Cup last year.

They boast a formidable squad which includes the two reigning world junior champions Marwan El Shorbagy and Nour El Tayeb and 16-year-old former world junior champion Nour El Sherbini.

They face India, Australia and Germany in Pool A with World No 15 Dipika Pallikal leading the home side's charge.

DRAW -- Pool A: Egypt, India, Australia, Germany; Pool B: England, France, Hong Kong, Malaysia.

http://www.thinaboomi.com/2012/01/25/10072.html

சென்னை, ஜன.26​- துறைமுக அணிகளுக்கு இடையேயான அகில இந்திய அத்லடிக் போட்டியில் 16 வயது மற்றும் 18 வயதுக்குட்பட்ட சிறுவர்கள் பிரிவில் சென்னை துறைமுக அணி சாம்பியன் பட்டம் வென்றது. சென்னை துறைமுகம் சார்பில் அகில இந்திய அத்லடிக் போட்டி நடத்தப்பட்டது. பெரிய துறைமுக அணிகளுக்கு இடையேயான இந்த போட்டியில் நாடு முழுவதிலும் இருந்து 9 அணிகளைச் சேர்ந்த 300க்கும் மேற்பட்ட வீரர், வீராங்கனைகள் பங்கேற்றனர். கடந்த 23ந் தேதின்று துவங்கி நேற்று(25ந் தேதி) வரை நடைபெற்ற இதில் துறைமுக ஊழியர்களுக்கு மட்டுமன்றி அவர்களது குழந்தைகளுக்கும் போட்டிகள் நடத்தப்பட்டன. இதில் 16வயதுக்குட்பட்ட சிறுவர் பிரிவில் 4 தங்கப்பதக்கங்களையும், 18 வயதுக்குட்பட்ட சிறுவர்கள் பிரிவில் 5 தங்கப்பதக்கங்களையும் வென்று சென்னை துறைமுக அணி சாம்பியன் பட்டம் வென்றது. 14 வயது சிறுவர் பிரிவில் பாரதீப் அணி(5 தங்கம்)யும், சீனியர் ஆண்கள் பிரிவில் கொச்சின் அணியும்(7 தங்கம்) சாம்பியன் பட்டம் பெற்றது.

14வயது சிறுமியர், 16 வயது சிறுமியர், 18 வயது சிறுமியர் ஆகிய 3 பிரிவுகளிலும் ஜே.என்.பி.டி.(மும்பை) அணி சாம்பியன் பட்டத்தை தட்டிச்சென்றது. சீனியர் பெண்கள் பிரிவில் சென்னை துறைமுக அணி பட்டம் வென்றது.

போட்டிகளின் முடிவில் நடைபெற்ற பரிசளிப்பு விழாவில் மத்திய தொழில்நிறுவன பாதுகாப்பு படை(சி.ஐ.எஸ்.எப்.) தென்மண்டல் டி.ஐ.ஜி. ஜெயந்த் முரளி சிறப்பு விருந்தினராக பங்கேற்று பரிசுகளை வழங்கினார். பரிசளிப்பு விழாவுக்கு சென்னை துறைமுக தலைவர் அதுல்யா மிஸ்ரா தலைமை தாங்கினார்.

சென்னை துறைமுக துணை தலைவர் பரிடா, தேசிய அத்லடிக் சம்மேளன தொழில்நுட்பக்குழு தலைவர் சி.கே.வல்சன் உள்பட பலர் விழாவில் கலந்துகொண்டனர். விழாவின் துவக்கத்தில் சென்னை துறைமுக விளையாட்டு குழு செயலாளர் துரைராஜ் வரவேற்றார். முடிவில் விளையாட்டு குழு தலைவர் வீரராகவலு நன்றி கூறினார்.

http://ibnlive.in.com/generalnewsfeed/news/special-scholarship-for-elite-sports-persons-announced/956049.html

Chennai, Jan 26 (PTI) In an attempt to create more quality sportspersons, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa today announced a special scholarship for elite sports persons besides sanctioning funds for other efforts. According to the new scheme, five sportspersons, men and women, will be selected and efforts will be put in to prepare them to win laurels at international competitions such as Olympics, a government release here said. Jayalalithaa sanctioned Rs 1.25 crore for this purpose, which includes training and participation in foreign countries, procuring high-tech equipments and providing quality food for athletes, it said. Further, she announced hiking assistance for school and college students bagging medals at national level,from Rs 5000 to Rs 10,000 and Rs 13000 from Rs 6500, respectively. The government will incur an expense of Rs 39.76 lakh due to this increase, it said. She announced another Rs 50 lakh as recurring expenditure to award Rs one lakh, Rs 75,000 and Rs 25,000 to three toppers in 20 categories of athletic competition for the state-level Chief Minister's Troply. She sanctioned Rs 62 lakh towards developing local games in 31 villages in the state.