Tiger Woods was underwhelmed by his first glimpse of Augusta National.

The unmistakable canopy of blooming Magnolia trees that guides golf’s finest names along the 300-metre driveway to the Founders Circle and iconic clubhouse failed to capture his imagination.

“Magnolia Lane, is that it?” a 19-year-old Woods asked reporters. “It was a pretty short drive. From what everyone says, it’s majestic.”

Woods felt comfortable from the moment he arrived at his first Masters in April 1995, having qualified as the US amateur champion.

He had been building towards this since the moment his father Earl handed him a club before his first birthday, captivated by this tournament since first watching it on TV in 1980 at the age of four.

Competing at Augusta was always the dream and, despite remarking that the clubhouse was “a lot smaller than it looks on TV”, Woods would in private tell close friend Mark Soltau how he ventured out of his bedroom in the Crow’s Nest to wander around the historic building at night.

He spent the daytime practising relentlessly. With his parents staying in town, and Woods out on the course at every opportunity, Earl joked with reporters at a news conference during the build-up that it was the first opportunity he’d had to say “Hi, Tiger”.

“Hi, Pop,” his son responded, before suggesting the first major of his career was “just another tournament” and insisting the main focus was to get his game ready for Thursday’s opening round.

Woods was mixing with the stars for the first time at a major, heading out for practice rounds with Nick Faldo, Raymond Floyd, Greg Norman and Fred Couples after arriving on the Sunday.

In his round on Monday with Faldo, Woods caught the then two-time Masters champion’s eye as he reached the par-five 15th hole in two strokes.

“He hits it long,” said Faldo, explaining the teenager’s shoulders were “impressively quick through the ball - that’s where he’s getting his power from”.

That power was something Woods’ first coach Rudy Duran witnessed when he was just four years old.

Woods’ father Earl, a Vietnam veteran, would take his young son to hit balls on the military courses near their home in Orange County, south California - and by the time his mother, Kutilda, took the child prodigy to Heartwell Golf Course in Long Beach, Tiger was swinging like a natural.

On his first meeting with Woods, Duran walked him to the range and teed up four balls before stepping back and watching his new pupil unleash a kindergarten-sized club.

“Bam, bam, bam, bam… he hit four perfect drivers about 60 yards. I was like ‘Woah!’” Duran tells BBC Sport.

“Then I threw some balls down on the chipping green. He chipped them on and turned around and asked me - he had a little stutter - if I wanted him to ‘pop them up’.

“I remember hearing Tiger say he wanted to win the US Open when he was about seven. He had dreams of winning major tournaments when he was quite young, but I wasn’t grooming a pro - he could trip and fall and break his arm or crash his bike or something, it wasn’t the mission for his parents or me to make him a pro.”

Woods’ parents were deeply proud and emotionally invested in their son’s burgeoning golf career, but while growing up his mother had instilled an academic focus - homework came before practice.

That was an attitude Woods would take with him to Stanford University in 1994, having penned a handwritten note to men’s golf coach Wally Goodwin four years earlier expressing his interest in joining a team that previously boasted players such as Tom Watson - a letter the coach still treasures.

“He could have gone anywhere in the country - everybody knew about him, everybody wanted him,” says Soltau, who watched wide-eyed as Woods hit balls on the cold autumn afternoon they met during the player’s first semester.

“What sold Tiger on Stanford was the academics, especially his mum. She was determined he get a great education.

“If you ask him now, he’ll say his two years at Stanford were two of the best years of his life. It was an adjustment for sure, because for him being as famous and successful at a young age as he was, he wasn’t sure how he would fit in. What he quickly discovered was it was a pretty high curve.

“Everybody at Stanford excels in something - whether it’s business or arts or music, you name it, everybody has something special and he liked that. For the first time in his life he could be kind of anonymous, walk around and nobody would bother him. He could do what he wanted to do.”

When not playing golf or studying, Woods would enjoy chatting with other students in his dorm - something they called “rapping”.

“He loved to rap, sometimes all night with people from all different backgrounds,” adds Soltau, now an assistant director of communications for Stanford Athletics. “He was like a sponge - he soaked things in and listened a lot.

“He remarked about how some guy down the hall built a computer from scratch in his freshman year and another guy was getting ready to start his own company - those are Stanford-like things that he loved and embraced.”

Six months into his tenure at Stanford, and after winning his first college tournament to settle a bet with coach Goodwin that meant he did not have to obey the tradition of first years loading the team’s luggage on away trips, Woods found himself on the opening tee at Augusta ready to play his first hole in a major, his parents ready to walk every hole with him.

Woods was always going to generate interest on his Masters debut - he had been under the media spotlight since the age of two when he took on comedian Bob Hope in a putting contest on The Mike Douglas Show, although the youngster just saw those TV appearances as eating into time when he could be playing golf.

He was only the fourth black player, and first black amateur, to compete at Augusta. He was the reigning US amateur champion and a prodigious talent who had won every major junior championship.

Having been paired with defending champion Jose Maria Olazabal in the first round Woods recovered from an opening bogey, in which he rolled a long-range putt beyond the hole and off the other side of the sloping green, to birdie the par-five second after a magnificent approach to the green from beneath some trees.

Attempting to get to grips with the buzz of a packed Augusta, the fresh-faced amateur dropped further shots at three and five but clawed his way back to level par by the time he reached Amen Corner, only to card another bogey in view of the colourful azalea flowers at 13.

Making short work of the par-five 15th, Woods again recovered and headed back to the clubhouse having signed for a level-par 72 that impressed Olazabal.

“I needed binoculars to see where he hit the ball,” said the Spaniard.

Woods continued his form in Friday’s play, spending most of the round at one under par - making birdie at the 13th after navigating a pine tree and clearing Rae’s Creek - before a bogey at the 18th ensured he carded a second successive 72 and became the only amateur to make the cut for the weekend.

That evening Earl drove his son out to Forest Hills, a nearby public course, to host a free golfing clinic as a way to honour the local black men who were used as caddies in the Masters until 1982.

“It’s a way of saying thank you and a promise to carry the baton,” said Earl at the time.

Woods steamed into Saturday’s play with early birdies to take him within five shots of eventual winner Ben Crenshaw, but Augusta bit back and a humbling four-putt from the edge of the green on the par-five eighth marked the beginning of a difficult spell that saw him finish on five over for the day and drift out of contention.

The teenager could not hide his frustration, believing he should have been in the running to claim the Green Jacket.

“I feel like this place is perfect for me. I guess I need to get to know it better,” he added, before heading to the range and wowing onlookers by hammering a drive over the netting in the distance.

With the pressure off, Woods signed off with three birdies in his final four holes to piece together another fine 72 on Sunday and finish tied 41st. It laid the foundations for him to win the Green Jacket two years later after turning professional.

“It gave him a better understanding of what the environment and atmosphere was like,” says Soltau. “To soak it all in and know this was a place he belonged and could play and win on.“That set him up for success in 1997, because by then he was a little bigger and stronger and more mature, and more accomplished.”

Woods left Augusta National that evening after his Masters debut came to a close to rush back for a history class at Stanford on Monday morning, but not before signing off with a letter of thanks to the club’s membership.Since that underwhelming first impression seven days earlier, the 19-year-old had fallen in love with a venue he would go on to dominate - adding to his first Masters title in 1997 with wins in 2001, 2002 and 2005, as well as a further nine top-10 finishes to date.

“Please accept my sincere thanks for providing me the opportunity to experience the most wonderful week of my life,” wrote Woods.“It was Fantasyland and Disney World wrapped into one.

I was treated like a gentleman throughout my stay and I trust I responded in kind. The Crow’s Nest will always remain in my heart and your magnificent golf course will provide a continuing challenge throughout my amateur and professional career.

“I’ve accomplished much here and learned even more. Your tournament will always hold a special spot in my heart as the place where I made my first PGA cut and at a major yet! It is here that I left my youth behind and became a man. For that I will be eternally in your debt.”

– BBC

At the All Island Inter-School 46th L.V. Jayaweera boxing meet held at Jayathilake Stadium in Nawalapitiya, Trinity College finished runner-up. Last year Trinity achieved the same success. A fine up and coming boxer Ryan Weerasekara was first in his respective weight category (43-45kg – Light Weight) winning all his fights. Attaab Manzil boxed in style to win the 46-48kg Fly Weight category. Prior to the final, he knocked out his opponents, winning the 3 fights with 3 knockouts. Mohammed Aathif won in the 52-56kg category Bantam Weight. He beat all his opponents and fell short only in the final. Trinity fielded seven top boxers - Hassan Fowzie, Hussain Fowzie, Murad Raizan, Ryan Weerasekara, Attaab Manzil, Bhanuka Samarakoon, and Mohammed Aathif.

Kingswood-Sri Sumangala at Nittawela today

The Plate schools rugby game between division IA 5th placed Kingswood and Sri Sumangala will be played today at Nittawela. Sri Sumangala who did well in their group in the first round will be playing with some confidence after a strong showing in the first round where they won four games out of five.

Kickoff is at 4 pm. Kandy has massive respect for the Sri Sumangala boys not only in the way they performed in the first round but in how they have evolved as a team. They’re a well-coached group with some very talented players who will apply a lot of pressure on Kingswood, especially now that they’ve also qualified for the Plate. They will certainly be focussed on putting their best foot forward as they know the Kingswoodains will not make it easy for them. Kingswood playing in Division I in the first round were placed 5th with 2 wins and three losses in five games.

Vidyartha play Zahira at Nittawela on Sunday

Vidyartha are all-out to win their first Plate game, which will be played on Sunday at Nittawela. In the first round Vidyartha played in Division I B and Zahira in Division II A. Vidyartha won four games out of five and lost one, while Zahira, lost all five games.

Who will be the next Kandy SC coach?

Sean Wijesinghe the coach for a couple of seasons has taken wing to Canada and will be back during the next season according to sources. At the moment Fazil Marija who was the assistant coach last season is tipped to be the chief coach. Kandy are expected to bring in former Isipathana ruggerite Viraj Prasantha as the forwards coach. It’s interesting to note most of the Kandy products are helping clubs and schools in coaching in Colombo and it is surprising to see a Colombo man coming to Kandy.

Trinity Staff wins at cricket, netball

The annual Hill Country Battle of the Blues between Trinity and St. Anthony’s took place for the 12th time at the Trinity College Junior School grounds. Trinity Staff showed their talent outside the classroom marvelously by defeating their rivals St. Anthony’s by 46 runs. Trinity Staff was led by Sanoj Srinath and had players like Indika Bandara, Chamith Kumara, Gihan Samarasekara, Nadasena Thalagoda, Chamila Meddegoda, Sumith Ratnayake, Ravindra Weerakoon, Dhanuska Pradeep, Arthur Jenkyn-Jones and Patrick Elway. Trinity Staff scored 150-4 in their 15 overs with Arthur Jenkyn-Jones scoring 35 and Patrick Elway 30 and they bowled out the Anthonian Staff for 104 with Gihan Samarasekara taking 3 wickets to win the Best Bowler’s award. Sumith Ratnayake who held five catches won the best fielder’s award and Jenkyn-Jones was the Man of the Match. At netball, Trinity Staff team won by one point (5-4). Trinity Staff team comprised Anju Dissanayake (captain) who won the best shooter’s award, Samadhi Batawalage the best player award, Chamari Attanayake, Yashoda Dassanayake, Meroni Samaratunga, Raveena Munasinghe, Mekhala Suriyaarachchige, Bhagya Dharadakumbura, Arosha Weerasinghe Menike, Nela Weerasekara, and Shanika Karunaratne.

Fellowship Bradby dinner1969 Trinity batch

The 1969 Trinity rugby teammates will celebrate a fellowship dinner on Friday, May 10 the day before the first leg of the Bradby Shield in Kandy. In 1969 Trinity were led by Shafie Jainudeen who died on 15 June 2012, the night before the 1st leg of the 68th Bradby game. Shafie’s team was made up of players like Fredrick Prins, Nihal Marambe, Sam Samarasekera, Romesh Nugawela, Irwin Howie, Tikiri Marambe, Y.S. Ping, Harinda Gunasekera, Mohan Samarakoon, Russel Tennekoon, ASB Madawela, Izwan Omar, RG Panabokke, Cuda Wadugodapitya, and Ralph Roberts. The last two named played in the first leg. That year both games were won by Trinity 1st leg 8-0 in Colombo and 2nd leg 9-3 in Kandy.

Rajans-Antonian Plate game on April 22

On April 22 Monday at Nittawela, fifth-placed division “II A” St. Anthony’s will play Division “I B” second placed Dharmaraja in a Plate game. St. Anthony’s who failed to do well are capable of upsetting the Rajans. In this game two fully fit sides are expected to give their best. The Rajans forwards who are spearheaded by some top players should give a good display by taking the fight to the Antonians from the outset. Antonian backs, who did well in the first round games, should send the ball down the line as their fast running backs are capable of dictating terms.

Sri Rahula College lose semis

Sri Rahula College Katugastota who qualified for the semi-finals of the under 19 Singer division III level I cricket tournament went down to Chris King College on the first innings at Bulathsinhala grounds. Kings College batting first made 250 and dismissed Sri Rahula for 204. It was a good performance by the Rahulians with limited facilities to come up to the semis.

Kandy happy over Roshan

Kandy Sports Club scrum-half Roshan Weeraratne will captain the Sri Lanka XV a side rugby team at the forthcoming Asia Division I championship that will kick off in Chinese Taipei. Four teams will be in action in the tournament Philippines, Singapore, Chinese Taipei, and Sri Lanka. The tournament will take place at the Taipei Municipal Stadium on 29 May and 1 June. The draw is: 29th May – Sri Lanka v Philippines, Chinese Taipei v Singapore, 1st June – 3/4th Play-off – Loser M1 v Loser M2, on the same day - 1st June – Final – Winner M1 v Winner. Roshan learnt his rugby at Kingswood College and first played for Kandy SC in 2009 and has captained the side twice. He has been a part of six league winning teams and was also in the Clifford Cup, Sevens winning teams and triple champion outfit.

The 2018 Sri Lanka Junior Golf ranking awards was recently concluded successfully with the support of NDB Wealth as the principle sponsor. This is the 3rd consecutive year that NDB Wealth has stepped forward to generously support junior golf in Sri Lanka.

The current President of the National Olympic Committee of Sri Lanka (NOCSL) Suresh Subramanium, a former national tennis champion and a keen golfer himself was the chief guest. Addressing the young golfers Subramanium stated “to excel at golf, one requires great discipline, dedication and determination. The young and upcoming golfers in this country should understand that they can achieve much through their hard work.

The Golf Union and officials are currently doing a fabulous job to help the players to improve their performances by organizing events of this nature.”

Junior Golf in Sri Lanka has developed rapidly over the last five years with a number of initiatives and grassroot level development programmes carried out islandwide by the Sri Lanka Golf Union (SLGU). What is most encouraging is that these programmes are identifying and nurturing a host of young talent from the rural areas so that golf is becoming less of an elite Colombo-centric sport. The current crop of talented juniors boasts of many such golfers some of whom seem set for future national or international representation.

“NDB Wealth is glad to be a part of a venture that promotes the young golfing talent enabling them to reach newer heights. Our sponsorship is tailored towards recognizing the valuable contribution made by professional coaches and to provide the necessary equipment to facilitate and strengthen the development of the sport”, stated Prabodha Samarasekera, Chief Executive Officer of NDB Wealth. Commenting further he said, “NDB wealth is driven and committed by the objective of promoting and establishing junior golf in Sri Lanka. The commitment of the SLGU officials is very admirable and encouraging.

The SLGU has developed a comprehensive and intensive ranking system primarily based on stipulated rounds and mandatory tournaments thereby granting the players access to the most prominent golfing courses in the island.

This year the designated tournaments for ranking were the qualifying round of the Sri Lanka junior match play championship 2018, the match play segment as well as the three rounds of the Sri Lanka Junior Open Golf Championship 2018. The ranking has been done according to four age categories ranging from below 9 years (Copper Division) and 10-11 years (Bronze Division), to 12-14 years old (Silver Division) and 15-18 years

old (Gold Division) for boys and separately for the girls in the Silver and Gold divisions combined.

“We thank expert financial planner NDB Wealth for their continuous support and commitment towards Sri Lanka golf. We are most grateful to have them come on board for the 3rd consecutive year. So this year we were delighted to have Suresh Subramaniam, President of the National Olympic Committee of Sri Lanka as the keynote speaker who shared the Olympic dream with the budding golfers.” stated Niloo Jayatilake, Chairperson Junior Sub

SL Board XI versus Moratuwa Combined Team

Board XI vs Moratuwa XI Seated (from left): S. Mendis, A. R. J. Praveen, R. Ferando, W. Fernando, H. Fernando, Ajith Wasantha (Captain Moratuwa XI), C. N. de Silva, P. I. Peiris, Tyronne Fernando (MP), D. B. Wijetunga (Prime Minister), M. Travis, L. Nonis, Asantha de Mel, Brendon Kuruppu (Captain Board XI), S. Fonseka, E. E. Fernando, L. Rodrigo Standing Middle Row (from left): K. T. P. Wijedasa (Umpire), G. Fernando, S. Vass, B. de Silva, N. Fernando, K. Perera, T. Fernando, C. Mahesh, R. Kaluwitharana, J. Waranaweera, V. De Mel, A. Gunasekera, K. Wijegunawardene, S. Ahangama, A. Ranatunga, A. De Silva, D. Mendis, Mr. Anandappa (Umpire)Standing Back Row (from left): C. Hathurusingha, R. Madurasinghe, K. G. Priyantha, T. L. Fernando, A. Cooray, C.Mendis, H. Premasiri, D. Wickramasinghe, AMunaweera, N. Bopage, S. Jayasooriya (picture by Dilwin Mendis Moratuwa Sports Special Correspondent)

Former Dharmapala Vidyalaya, Dehiwala Mt. Lavinia CC, BRC, Moratuwa SC, Saracens SC, Oxygen Company cricketer, Cricket Coach at Dharmapala, Director Coaching of SL Youth Center and A.W.C. Academy and Match Referee Ajith Wasantha spoke to the Daily News at his residence at 26, 2nd Lane, Katubedde, Moratuwa.

Q: Can you tell something in about yourself and your family?

A – I am Ajith Wasantha Kumara Wickramaarachchi and was born on 26 August 1963. My father is Helton Wickramaarachchi a Retired Police Officer. My mother is Belin Batagoda a housewife. I have one elder sister, one elder brother and we hail from Mudduwa, Ratnapura. My wife is Romani Shamila Wickramaarachchi nee Tennakoon a Retired Company Secretary.

Q: What is your first school?

A – I was at Athurugiriya Vidyalaya then Sri Sarana Vidyalaya after that at Dharmapala Vidyalaya, Pannipitiya. My Principals were V. S. Gunasekera and N. B. Perera.

Q:Did you take part in sports at school?

A –I played Cricket, Rugger and did Athletics.

Q: How did you commence cricket?

A – At the beginning we played with the softball. Later I attended under 12 cricket practices and got selected. My father encouraged me because he too has played cricket and football for St. Aloysius, Galle. I got selected for the under 14 and 15 teams as an all rounder. I bat right hand and bowl off spin. I captained the under 16 Division One team. In the semi-finals I scored a century. In 1977 I got selected for the first eleven cricket team.

Q: Did you perform well in the first eleven team?

A– I was selected at the age of 15 and I played upto 1982. Each year I claimed 50 wickets or more. I passed the 900 run mark in my last two years. I was awarded school colours. In 1981 I was awarded the trophy for the Most Popular Outstation Schools Cricketer. I was in the Sri Lanka Schools pool for five successive years.

Q:Did you play club cricket?

A– In 1977 I played in the Daily News Trophy tournament for Dehiwala-Mt. Lavinia Sports Club and I got four centuries. In the match against SSC I did well. Then one Gihan Sahabandu came to me and asked me to joint BRC. In 1978 I played for them in the Sara Trophy. Later I joined Saracens Sports Club and played in the Sara and for the under 25 team. Later I got selected to the Sri Lanka pool. I joined Moratuwa SC and played till 1985. Again in 1986 and 1987 I played for Saracens and came back to Moratuwa in 1988 and played upto 1997. I captained in 1991 and 1992. In 1998 I went to Australia and played for Sorento CC in Brisbane. In 1995 and 1996 under me Moratuwa reached the final round. In 1991 I captained the Moratuwa Combined Team against Sri Lanka Board Eleven. My opposing captain was Brendon Kuruppu. I was in the Sri Lanka pool and played for Sri Lanka “A” against England “A”. I was the Premier Best Batsman in 1990. Provincial Best Batsman in 1991. I have 26 first class centuries under my belt. The Asian Cricket Council conducted an under 19 Asia Cup. Wendell Labrooy, Nalliah Devarajan, Ranjith Priyantha and myself were the Match Referees. My ambition is to become an ICC Match Referee.

Q:You said you did Athletics and Rugger at school?

A– Our cricket coach only allowed us to play cricket. But at the school sports meet I did the 100 and 200 meters and long jump and became the Senior champion.

Our coach was Lakshman de Alwis. Palians commenced rugger in 1981. I was the first captain and the coach was former Havelocks player Neville Fernando.

Q:Did you coach at cricket?

A– I coached my alma-mater. I am the Director Coaching at SL Youth Center and A. W. Cricket Academy. Since 2005 I am a Match Referee.

Q: Who are the people who helped you to come up the ladder?

A– My Parents, Principals, Teachers, Team Mates, Coaches, T. K. Palitha, S. B. Senanayake, W. L . Withanage and MIC Somasiri Perera.

Q: Who were the cricketers you were impressed with during your school and club level?

A– S. B. Senanayake, B. N. R. Senasinghe, Ganegama, Asoka Dias and club level Aravinda de Silva and Sripal Silva.

Q: What is the advise you can give to up and coming cricketers?

A – First Education. Cricket is a team game. You should be always be a team member.

Ajith can be contacted on 0112650754 and 0777987637

The Annual 30-overs cricket match between Palinks School of Cricket, Colombo and Mahamaya Girls School, Kandy, will be played for the Palitha Gunasekera Trophy on April 22 at the Salika Grounds.

The Challenge shield is named after Palitha Gunasekera who was an old Anandian, and a cricketer who has toured Pakistan and India in 1971 under the veteran Coach D.H. de Silva and the other team members were Aubrey Kuruppu, T.B.Kehelgamuwa, Franklyn Burke, Daya Sahabandu. Harshani Gunawardena will lead Palinks SC and Udeshika Madumali for Mahamaya Girls School.

Both teams are packed with good players posing threat to each other to win the Palitha Gunasekera Trophy. Chrishmal Warnasuriya, a leading Lawyer of the Supreme Court will grace the event as the Chief Guest

The Teams:

Mahamaya Girls: Udeshika Madumali (Captain), Isiri Meegammana (Vice Capt.), Himashi Kodituwakku, Wasana Rasangi, Salila Lakshani, Sithumini Abeykoon, Oshadi Wimalawansa, Sayuni Premaratne, Danushika Bandara, Sashini Vandana, Sulari Godakanda, Piumi Upendra, Yasara Pitawela.

Palinks SC: Harshani Gunawardena (Captain), Malsha Ranatunge (Vice Capt.), Imasha Tharuni, Kasini de Silva, Rashmi Ranasinghe, Thilakshi Chanchala, Kaumini Dileka, Waruni Subasinghe, Kavindi Rajapakshe, Keshani Athulathmudali, Dimuthu Wijesekera, Herath Dinushika, Dilanka Upamali.

St. Joseph’s College Colombo beat Royal College Colombo 2-1 at under-18 All Island Soccer finals played at the Sugathadasa Stadium recently and won the Renown President’s Trophy for the third consecutive year. Sports Minister Harin Fernando was the chief guest at the finals.

Joes were captained by Sachinthaka Perera who represented the under-18 Sri Lanka Schools team to India recently controlled the midfield along with Kavinda Rupasinghe.

Royal too played well in patches and were seem aggressive when their strikers received the ball from the defence.

Shenala Sandesh, the skipper of St. Joseph’s was the pick of the players and was too strong to be stopped by the Royal defenders. In the 50th minute of the game, Shenal was brought down by a Royal defender inside the penalty box and conceded a penalty which was goaled by Shenal himself.

Soon after the first goal was scored Royal changed their playing tactics and started an attack from all corners and equalized in the 60th minute through a 35-yard volley by Basit Ameen.

Once again Joes dominated the game in the latter stage and scored off a beautiful cross by Pathum Gimhan was well headed by Kavinda Rupasinghe to seal their victory 2-1.

Shenal Sandesh of St. Joeseph’s College won the Player of the Final and the Highest Goal Scorer of the Tournament awards. M. Asad of Royal College won the Best Goalkeeper award.

Joes have proven their dominance in school soccer arena and also won the under-20 title earlier this year beating Al Hussainiya College.

Kandurata Umbrella Industries (Pvt) Ltd extended its commitment to empower Trinity College Rugby for the second consecutive year as the Principal Sponsor.

Trinity College Kandy, one of the most prominent institutions that introduced rugby to schools in the country, has a rich tradition of over 113 years with the sport. Trinity has been in the schools rugby scene without any interruption since 1906 to date and has been consistently producing top rugby teams over the years.

The school has been contributing to the game by producing many national players, captains, referees and administrators.

Kandurata Umbrellas made its name in a different manner, conquering the world of business, with a breakthrough product line-up, spearheaded by the superior quality umbrellas since the company was founded in 1978.

Kandurata Umbrellas has already secured the top slot in the market at the manufacturer of Ladies’ Gents’ and kids’ umbrellas.

The company also manufactures and markets quality mosquito nets, rain coats and socks, expanding their product range to fulfill the needs of the customers and consumers.

Kandurata is a corporate leader that is in the forefront of promoting sports in Sri Lanka. They have been the clothing sponsor of the Sinhalese Sports Club cricket team continuously for the past seven years and has been exclusively working with TAFA (Thaabit Ahmed Football Academy) sponsoring them and backing them in many ways.

MUMBAI, Thursday - South Africa are loaded with match-winners and, with a little bit of luck, can end their World Cup agony at this year’s 50-over tournament in England, fast bowler Dale Steyn has said.

South Africa’s World Cup adventures have ended prematurely in unfortunate circumstances on numerous occasions earning them the ‘chokers’ tag at the 50-over event.

Ranked fourth in ODIs, Faf du Plessis’ side, however, have not lost a 50-over series in the last 12 months, winning home and away against Sri Lanka, in Australia, and at home to Pakistan and Zimbabwe. All of it convinces Steyn that the team could break their World Cup duck this time.

“We’re going with good expectations,” Steyn told reporters in Kolkata.

“If you’re not going to the World Cup expecting to win, then you probably shouldn’t go. But I’m not going to lie, we have some fantastic players.”

South Africa in the past fell foul of an unfair rain rule, paid for miscalculating the Duckworth–Lewis run-rate requirement, and suffered comical run outs to crash out of the competition. Four years ago, they fell short in a thrilling semi-final when New Zealand’s Grant Elliott hit Steyn for a six off the penultimate ball of the match to seal victory.

Steyn, who has taken 196 wickets in 125 ODIs, showered rich praise on fast bowler Kagiso Rabada and pinned hopes on the 23-year-old to lead South Africa’s bowling attack in the future.

“We’re led by Faf, who’s been in fantastic form lately. And in the Indian Premier League, Imran Tahir has been right up there in terms of wickets,” said Steyn, who is hoping to make South Africa’s 15-man squad for the May 30-July 14 tournament.

“From Quinton de Kock all the way down to number 11, they’re all match-winners. We just need to go there and hope a bit of luck - weather, a missed no-ball - goes your way, and you could win the tournament.

“You look at KG (Rabada), he’s been bowling exceptionally well. Kagiso is a wunderkind. Just hope he continues that kind of form.”

South Africa open their World Cup against England at The Oval on May 30. – Agencies

England’s plans to regain the Ashes later this year using a batch of last summer’s lively Dukes balls have been scuppered because the ECB’s supply has all but run out.

The seam on this year’s selection has been stitched more tightly - a directive from the board aimed at reducing the number of medium-pacers relying on help from the ball to get their wickets, especially on fresh, early-season pitches.

And with Australia’s batsmen traditionally vulnerable to lateral movement, the new-style Dukes - which is expected to do less off the pitch and through the air than its predecessor - has caused consternation in the England dressing-room.

Sportsmail understands that the leftovers from last year’s batch of balls are currently being stored in a handful of boxes in a cupboard at Lord’s.

But there are not enough to last a five-match Test series: not only would both sides need to be able to practice with the 2018 version in the build-up to games, but balls are routinely changed during matches.

Once it became clear there was a shortfall in last year’s batch, England were forced to abandon the idea of taking them out of storage for use against Australia. The initial enthusiasm was understandable: Australia’s totals on their previous visit here, in 2015, included 136 at Edgbaston and, famously, 60 at Trent Bridge, where Stuart Broad took eight for 15.

Since the Australians last won in England in 2001, their batsmen have averaged nearly 44 per wicket in home Ashes Tests and 33 away - a discrepancy that has contributed to 19 wins out of 25 in Australia, but only four out of 20 in England, where they have lost their last four series - their worst sequence since the 19th century. – Daily Mail

Tony Astaphan, the legal counsel for the recently sacked West Indies selection panel, consisting of Courtney Browne, Lockhart Sebastien and Eldine Baptiste, has lambasted comments made by the Cricket West Indies (CWI) president Ricky Skeritt and took a serious view of the new administration for unfairly terminating the services of his three clients.

Announcing a revamp of the selection panel, the newly appointed president, who took over after Dave Cameron was sacked from his position as CWI president, had criticized the previous selection panel of following a policy which ‘secretly, but actively, victimised some players and banished them from selection consideration’.

Browne was replaced by an interim chairman Robert Haynes, while former captain and director of cricket, Jimmy Adams and the new interim head coach, Floyd Reifer, were added to the selection panel.

Astaphan, who was speaking at the Mason and Guess show on Thursday, took serious view of the comments against his clients and retaliated that they were disappointed at the tone of the newly-appointed president.

“My clients are very troubled by their dismissal and the manner of their dismissal, particularly the statements made about the ‘old embedded selection policy which secretly but actively victimised players and banished them from selection consideration’,” he said.

“That’s a serious [charge] and it affects the manner of dismissal of Mr Browne, Mr Baptiste and Mr Sebastien. What we are looking at now within the context of the labour code of Antigua and Barbuda is whether having regard to all the facts and circumstances, including the terms of the agreements signed by these good gentlemen, who as you know have dedicated their lives to West Indies cricket, constitute independent contractors or employees under the Antigua and Barbuda labour code,” he added.

One of the major talking points on the sacking of the three selectors was regarding to ‘selection policy’, which Astaphan contended had nothing to do with Mr Browne. Instead, he added, the sacked selection panel had simply adhered to the rules set up by the previous establishment. Going further, Astaphan discussed the positive contributions of Mr Brown and said that the former West Indies wicket-keeper had always received ‘excellent appraisals’ which helped him stay in the job for a long time. Browne - he said was ‘diligent’ and a ‘strategic thinker’ - quoting appraisal reports from the present director of cricket, Jimmy Adams and his predecessor, Richard Pybus.

“He has been there since 2010 and you having before every renewal of his contract, gone through what is called an employee job assessment and getting extraordinary marks on matters of ethics and selections, to be thrown out like that with the commentary of a discriminatory selection policy which he did not set,” Astaphan noted.

“I think it is a well-known fact there was a selection criteria either approved by the board or requested by the board, and there was a technical team set up with the specific jurisdictional authority to decide who was eligible or not. They were the ones that made the decision as to who was eligible or not.

“The selectors were required only to select from people who were eligible for selection and it seems as if these gentlemen have been sent packing because [there are those] who believe there is an old embedded selection policy which secretly but actively victimised players, of which Mr Browne, Mr Baptiste and Mr Sebastien were a part.

“That’s extraordinary when you consider the findings made in the 2014, 2016 assessment by Richard Pybus, when he did the assessment of Courtney Browne. It said ‘Courtney has worked diligently’... whereas Jimmy Adams was much more specific [saying] ‘Courtney has effectively managed the selection panel and its processes. He communicates effectively to all stakeholders and is a strategic thinker’,” he added.

The new administration panel has made sweeping changes in the way cricket is run in the island nation and as part of this process - interim coach, Richard Pybus, his assistant, Vasbert Drakes, and the entire coaching staff were sacked, despite a series win against the touring England side. Drakes, through his lawyer, QC Ralph Thorne, has already indicated that he would be taking legal action against CWI.

TOKYO, Thursday - Japanese police have been encouraged to take a “light-touch approach” during the Rugby World Cup, with organisers telling they had visited host cities to emphasise that while fans will be boisterous they are unlikely to cause trouble.

More than 400,000 foreign fans are expected to descend on Japan for the Sept. 20 to Nov. 2 tournament and concerns have been raised that police might not have enough experience to deal with the influx. Staff from two embassies have expressed concern to Reuters that police may overreact to perceived intimidation from fans.

Mick Wright, 2019 executive director for operations, said host cities had received briefings on what to expect and that organisers had downplayed concerns about unruly fans.

“We have been on a bit of a mission, we have had a roadshow going around all the cities talking about ... rugby fans and what they expect from their behaviour,” Wright told Reuters.

Wright, who also works as a technical advisor to the International Olympic Committee, said host cities would be swamped by large numbers of fans drinking huge quantities of alcohol but that the mood would be a positive one.

“We have been explaining to all the cities that they better stock up on beer because we know from history that rugby fans will drink a lot,” he said. – Agencies

MONTE CARLO, Thursday - Champion Rafael Nadal and top-ranked Novak Djokovic turned in impressive displays to reach the Monte Carlo Masters quarter-finals on Thursday.

Nadal, chasing a record-extending 12th Monte Carlo title, broke Grigor Dimitrov’s serve on four occasions to defeat the Bulgarian 6-4 6-1.

After recovering from two break points down in his opening service game, Nadal attacked Dimitrov’s backhand with power and precision to move into a 3-1 lead.

The 32-year-old Spaniard continued to extract errors from Dimitrov to claim the first set before racing to his 15th quarter-final on the Monte Carlo clay.

Nadal has now recorded 70 wins at the Monte Carlo Country Club. The only other tournament Nadal has achieved more victories is the French Open, where the 11-time winner holds an astonishing 86-2 match-win record.

Second seed Nadal was pleased to have negotiated two top 30 players — Dimitrov and Roberto Bautista Agut — and tricky playing conditions on Court Rainier III this week.

“The first two rounds I played more than well enough to win. I had two confident scores against two good players,” Nadal said.

“The second set (there) were a little bit more mistakes and the wind was even (greater) later in the match. These things are part of the game and just try to be ready for it... You have to adapt. You have to find solutions.”

After struggling to rediscover his rhythm in his opener against Philipp Kohlschreiber, Djokovic looked in complete control as he swept past Taylor Fritz 6-3 6-0.

The 31-year-old Serb quickly adjusted the pace on his groundstrokes to claim three consecutive service breaks and take the opening set.

Fritz failed to offer any kind of resistance in the second set and was ultimately undone by his 28 unforced errors.

It moves Djokovic within three wins of matching Nadal’s record haul of 33 ATP Masters 1000 titles and he will next face Russian Daniil Medvedev for a semi-final spot.

Medvedev defeated sixth seed Stefanos Tsitsipas 6-2 1-6 6-4, beating the Greek youngster for the fourth time in four matches.

“(Daniil) has improved his movement a lot, I think. Obviously his results are showing that he’s close to the top 10 rankings,” said Djokovic.

“He’s definitely in the form of his life. He’s had a good tournament so far here, winning quite comfortably in the first two matches and then now against Tsitsipas today.

“We have never faced each other on clay. We have faced each other in a close four-setter in Australia this year... I have seen him play. I have hit with him many times. I’m looking forward to it.”

Serb Dusan Lajovic pulled off the biggest upset of the day as he saved seven of the nine break points faced to knock out last year’s French Open runner-up Dominic Thiem 6-3 6-3.

– Agencies

LONDON, Saturday - Phil Foden fired Manchester City back to the top of the Premier League as the young midfielder sealed a vital 1-0 win over Tottenham, while Brighton improved their survival prospects with a goalless draw at Wolves on Saturday.

Pep Guardiola's side are one point clear of second-placed Liverpool after Foden's fifth-minute header exacted a measure of revenge for City's Champions League quarter-final exit against Tottenham on Wednesday, a result that ended their bid to win an unprecedented quadruple.

"We could have lost the Premier League today -– after Wednesday it was really tough. As a footballer, I could not have done what my players have done today," said Guardiola.

Liverpool can regain pole position if they win at struggling Cardiff on Sunday, but City have won their last 10 league matches to keep the destiny of the title in their own hands because the champions will hold a game in hand on Jurgen Klopp's men.

"It was very important for the race for the Premier League. We know we cannot drop points. It was tight, Tottenham had more chances than the previous two games," added Guardiola.

"We have been playing for the Premier League every three days for 10 months, you can feel the pressure.

"The title is still in our hands. We are fighting until the end."

As well as Foden's crucial contribution in only his second Premier League start, Guardiola was indebted to City goalkeeper Ederson for a series of fine saves as the champions gave a nervous display at the Etihad Stadium.

The only frustration for Guardiola was an injury to Belgium midfielder Kevin De Bruyne, who limped off again just before the break.

De Bruyne, only recently back from a knee problem, is unlikely to play in the midweek derby at Manchester United.

"We will see tomorrow but I think the next game he will be out," Guardiola said.

RODGERS RESCUED

At Molineux, fourth-bottom Brighton moved three points clear of Cardiff after a gritty stalemate against Wolves.

Chris Hughton's men, who have a game in hand on Cardiff, needed a man-of-the-match display from Australian goalkeeper Mat Ryan to avoid a fifth successive defeat.

Ayoze Perez's hat-trick effectively sealed Newcastle's safety as the Magpies beat struggling Southampton 3-1.

Perez struck in the 27th and 31st minutes at St James' Park before Mario Lemina reduced the deficit in the 58th minute.

Perez completed his treble with four minutes left to move Newcastle 10 points clear of the bottom three, while Southampton are five points above the drop zone.

However, Newcastle boss Rafael Benitez once again hinted he might leave if he doesn't get more support in the transfer market from controversial owner Mike Ashley.

"In an ideal world I want to compete for something. That's main thing. If you analyse the transfer fee and wage bill, it's far away. We'll keep preparing the team and see," Benitez said.

Gerard Deulofeu's brace lifted Watford to seventh place with a 2-1 victory at relegated Huddersfield.

Deulofeu, the hero of Watford's FA Cup semi-final win over Wolves, put the Hornets ahead with a deft dink into the top corner in the fifth minute at the John Smith's Stadium.

The Spanish winger netted again in the 80th minute after Jonas Lossl saved Abdoulaye Doucoure's effort.

Huddersfield's stoppage-time reply from Karlan Grant couldn't stop the Terriers suffering a 14th home defeat this term.

Watford's rise up the table was aided by Leicester's 2-2 draw at West Ham, which dropped Brendan Rodgers' team to eighth place.

Michail Antonio put West Ham ahead, then Jamie Vardy equalised before Lucas Perez restored the hosts' lead in the 82nd minute.

But, after Perez had a second goal wrongly ruled out for offside, Harvey Barnes rescued Rodgers' side with an equaliser two minutes into stoppage-time.

Relegated Fulham finally earned their first Premier League away win this season with a 1-0 success at Bournemouth. – AFP 

MILAN, Saturday - Cristiano Ronaldo said he was “1,000 percent committed to staying” with Juventus next season as he claimed his first Serie A title and Juventus their eighth in a row on Saturday.

Massimiliano Allegri’s side had needed just one more point for a 35th Scudetto and their latest title triumph helped ease some of the pain of their shock Champions League exit at the Juventus Stadium to Ajax on Tuesday.

And a come-from-behind 2-1 win over Fiorentina was enough to give them a 20-point lead on nearest rivals Napoli with five games to play.

Serbian defender Nikola Milenkovic put Fiorentina ahead after less than six minutes.

But Alex Sandro’s diving header on 37 minutes and an own goal from Fiorentina defender German Pezzella after a Ronaldo cross in the 53rd minute sealed another title to ease their European disappointment.

“It was a great season and I adapted well. We won the Scudetto and the Italian Super Cup, which is not easy to achieve,” said Ronaldo.

“It didn’t go well in the Champions League but next year is a new page, the fans all want it and so do we. “I’m staying at Juve, 1,000 percent.”

It was the 34-year-old’s sixth domestic league title, having won three with Manchester United and two with Real Madrid.

The Portuguese star now has 28 trophies in total, including the Euro 2016 title.

Juventus dominated the league, bolstered by the five-time Ballon d’Or winner they purchased for 100 million euros ($112 million) last summer.

He has scored 19 goals and had six assists, and is in the running for the top-scorer award along with Sampdoria’s Fabio Quagliarella, who has 22 goals, and AC Milan’s Krzysztof Piatek on 21.

Juventus have lost only two matches, against Genoa and SPAL, with 28 wins and three draws.

HIGHS AND LOWS

Their eight straight title sees them overtake French club Lyon for the record of consecutive victories in the top five European leagues.

“I’m very happy because we’ve achieved an important goal,” said Allegri, who becomes the first coach to win five consecutive Serie A titles. He has six in total, having also won with AC Milan, one behind Giovanni Trapattoni, who has seven.

“We had an amazing season and we won 50 percent of the competitions we participated in.

“Of course, we are disappointed by the elimination of Tuesday but a title is celebrated.

“We won it five days from the end and that’s all about what the lads did on the pitch. Despite our points in advance, it was not easy.”

Juventus also equalled the record for the earliest the Italian title has been won, with five games to spare, achieved by Torino in 1948, Fiorentina in 1956 and Inter Milan in 2007.

Juventus succeeded despite having been hit hard by injuries with defender Giorgio Chiellini out along with Sami Khedira, Mario Mandzukic, Paulo Dybala and Douglas Costa.

Ronaldo threatened early, but defender Milenkovic gave Fiorentina hope of a first win in eight trips to the Juventus Stadium.

Giovanni Simeone had the ball in the back of the net on 25 minutes but the goal was ruled offside, before Sandro got his head to Miralem Pjanic’s corner to pull the teams level before the break.

Ronaldo pushed forward after the break, crossing for Federico Bernardeschi, but Pezzella clumsily turned into his own net.

Allegri brought on teenage star Moise Kean in place of Bernardeschi on 74 minutes, but the 19-year-old could not add to his six goals in his previous six appearances.

“We were greatly disappointed this week, but now it’s time to party,” said Chiellini, who has played a part in all eight league triumphs.

“We’ve beaten record after record, we had an extraordinary championship,” said the 34-year-old.

“The Champions League is a competition which comes down to details. You can play well for nine months and then compete on a week where things are slightly off and it’s over.

“We have to continue to progress and work, it’s the only way we know at Juventus.”

Meanwhile, Juventus remain on track to match the record 102 points achieved in 2014 under Antonio Conte, who won three titles before Allegri took over.

– AFP

LONDON, Saturday: Yorkshire captain Steven Patterson hit 11 runs from five deliveries to help his side tie with Warwickshire in a dramatic One-Day Cup game at Edgbaston.

When Patterson’s side fell to 251-8, they needed 20 runs to win from 10 balls with no recognised batsmen left.

Patterson hit two boundaries to put the Yorkshire on the verge of victory.

But Henry Brookes then dismissed Mathew Pillans before the Bears restricted Yorkshire to a bye from each of the last two balls.

It was a game of to and fro, with the home side well on top thanks to 77 from Tim Ambrose in their 270-8 and the a cluster of early wickets - including two for England’s Chris Woakes - that left their opponents 89-5 in the 22nd over.

Jonny Tattersall (79) and Tim Bresnan (89) shared a partnership of 138 to put Yorkshire in a strong position until the pair of them fell in the space of four balls to shift the advantage back to Warwickshire.

Nottinghamshire won an amazing game as they narrowly beat Lancashire on a day of 823 runs at Trent Bridge.

Joe Clarke made 139, backed by 74 apiece for Ben Slater and Tom Moores, and a cameo 46 off 17 balls from Luke Fletcher as Notts piled up 417-7, their third highest one-day total ever.

Ex-skipper Steven Croft then hit 110, followed by a new Lancs one-day record 166 from current captain Dane Vilas.

But when Vilas was given out LBW, Lancs fell short on 406-9 to lose by 11 runs.

Varun Chopra’s century was not enough for Essex as leg-spinner Nathan Sowter bowled Middlesex to victory at Chelmsford with a six-wicket haul.

Australia-born Sowter blew away the Essex tail to claim career-best List A figures of 6-62 in 9.2 overs.

That was despite a run-a-ball 127 from opener Chopra as Essex chased 367.

England hopeful Dawid Malan had earlier made 95 in Middlesex’s 366-8 with George Scott blasting 63 in just 30 balls and Nick Gubbins scoring 56.

Craig Overton starred with bat and ball as Somerset began their One-Day Cup with a crushing 264-run win over Kent. Wicketkeeper Tom Banton opened for Somerset and hit 107 off just 79 balls to lay the platform for their 358-9. Overton also smashed 66 not out from 36 deliveries before claiming 5-18 as Kent were skittled for just 94 on their way to a second successive defeat.

His five-over new-ball spell yielded figures of 3-9 as Kent slumped to 26-4 and were dismissed in just 27 overs.

Derbyshire got their One-Day Cup campaign off to a victorious start with a comfortable home win over Northants.

West Indies captain Jason Holder helped reduce the hosts to 53-3, but Billy Godleman (87) and Matt Critchley’s unbeaten 64 lifted Derbyshire to 268-6.

Alex Hughes then took charge, taking three middle-order wickets and three catches as Northants slumped to 113-8.

Luke Procter (50 not out) and Ben Sanderson added 70 for the ninth wicket, but the visitors fell to their second defeat.

Royal London One-Day Cup Scores

* At Edgbaston: Warwickshire 270-8 (50 overs): (Ambrose 77, Rhodes 43; Pillans 3-56)

Yorkshire 270-9 (50 overs): (Bresnan 89, Tattersall 79; Woakes 3-47, Brookes 3-50)

Match tied, 1 pt each

* At Trent Bridge: Nottinghamshire 417-7 (50 overs): (Clarke 139, Slater 74, Moores 74, Fletcher 46 n.o.)

Lancashire 406-9 (50 overs): (Vilas 166, Croft 110, Pattinson 5-61)

Nottinghamshire (2 pts) won by 11 runs

* At Chelmsford: Middlesex 366-8 (50 overs): (Malan 95, Scott 63, Gubbins 56; Siddle 3-71)

Essex 328 (49.2 overs): (Chopra 127, Westley 77; Sowter 6-62)

Middlesex (2 pts) won by 38 runs

* At Taunton: Somerset 358-9 (50 overs): (Banton 107, C Overton 66, Gregory 51)

Kent 94 (27 overs): (Blake 24; C Overton 5-18, Groenewald 2-16)

Somerset (2 pts) won by 264 runs

* At Derby: Derbyshire 268-6 (50 overs): (Godleman 87, Critchley 64 n.o.; Muzarabani 2-54)

Northamptonshire 215 (43.5 overs): (Procter 50 n.o.; Hughes 4-44, Van Beek 3-50)

Derbyshire (2 pts) won by 53 runs

The Sri Lankan karate team which will participate in Asian Karate Championship in Malaysia left the island yesterday. One of the major regional karate events, the Asian Championship will be held in Shada, Malaysia on April 26 and 27.

The Lankan team consisted of 36 karatecas and 8 officials. Nadeeth Soyza is the team manager. Sri Lanka Karate Federation chairman Sisira Kumara and chief representative Laxman Saparamadu also accompanied the team. 

MONTE CARLO, Saturday: Rafael Nadal crashed out to Fabio Fognini in the Monte Carlo Masters semi-finals on Saturday with the Spanish star admitting his 6-4, 6-2 loss was his “worst clay court match in 14 years”.

The shock result leaves Italian 13th seed Fognini facing unseeded Serb Dusan Lajovic in Sunday’s unscripted final.

“I played one of my worst matches on clay in 14 years,” said Nadal. “It’s difficult to find any positives -- I deserved to lose.”

Fognini, who beat Nadal twice on clay in 2015, stopped a 25-set win streak in the principality for the world number two.

“The vision is clear,” added 32-year-old Nadal who was playing his first tournament in a month after opting to rest his troublesome knees.

“I played a very bad match against a good player. In that situation, you have to lose.

“I had a bad feeling, it was a tough day. I’m coming from low moments in terms of injuries, and in terms of the mental side it has not been easy to accept all the things that have been going on during recent weeks.

“Everything was wrong. I always expect the best. But you have to be ready to accept the negative things and today was a negative day.”

For 31-year-old Fognini, based just over the border in San Remo, it was a fourth career win over Nadal and third on clay.

“I had a really good week, did some good work,” said the Italian.

“I was born near here, I know how to play on clay. This will be the final that no-one expected, I just hope to recover well and be ready.

“Plus Lajovic is trained by my ex-coach -- we laughed about that in the locker room.”

Fognini, cheered by thousands of compatriots on Centre Court, broke Nadal three times in a 55-minute opening set.

Nadal saved three match points while trailing a set and 5-0 as he broke Fognini in a last-gasp effort.

‘I REALLY WANT THE TITLE’

But the 13th seed would not be denied, earning another pair of chances in the eighth game and claiming victory with a forehand winner down the line.

“I’m calm, I want to enjoy my victory,” Fognini said after reaching his first final at the Masters 1000 level.

“I’ve beaten Rafa on clay, I’m really happy, it was windy and tough to play.

“Of course it’s a surprise to play Lajovic, but he’s playing good.”

Fognini trailed 3-1 early in the opening set before giving himself a mental scolding: “I told myself to calm down and play.

“All of that doesn’t matter now -- I’m in the final. It was difficult, you need more than 100 percent concentration to play Rafa on clay. I really want to win this title now.”

Lajovic, ranked 48th, will be playing his first ATP final after seeing off Russian 10th seed Daniil Medvedev -- the conqueror of Novak Djokovic -- 7-5, 6-1.

That match was also played in distracting, swirling conditions, with Lajovic making a recovery from 5-1 down after changing strategy when Medvedev had the upper hand.

Lajovic ran off 10 straight games to claim the opening set in an hour and take a 4-0 lead in the second.

“I was completely out of rhythm, to start. It was the worst nightmare, being 5-1 down,” Lajovic said.

“I’m still unaware of reaching the final, but I’m enjoying it,” added the player who has not dropped a set all week. – AFP

JAIPUR, Saturday: Australia’s Steve Smith hit an unbeaten half-century to lead his Indian Premier League side Rajasthan Royals to a comfortable win after being appointed captain on Saturday.

Smith was given the leadership job in place of India’s Ajinkya Rahane ahead of the game against Mumbai Indians in Jaipur, despite the Australian being barred from leading the national team over a ball-tampering scandal.

Smith -- who along with compatriot David Warner missed the 2018 edition of the Twenty20 tournament because of the scandal -- made an unbeaten 59 off 48 as Rajasthan outplayed Mumbai by five wickets.

“Haven’t contributed as much as I’d like through this tournament, it was nice to get off to a good start and take the boys home,” Smith said after his team’s third win in nine games so far.

“We can’t worry about other results, it’s about us and our processes. For us, it’s a final, every game. We did well to pull it back to 160 (161) and executed our skills well,” he added.

The star batsman, who was named man of the match, hit five fours and one six to anchor Rajasthan’s chase as they achieved their 162-run target with five balls to spare.

Rajasthan bowlers restricted Mumbai to 161 for five in 20 overs despite a brisk 65 from South African wicketkeeper-batsman Quinton de Kock.

Smith and Warner were not allowed to compete in last year’s IPL despite their one-year suspension restricted to club and national games for Australia.

The former Aussie captain has made his way back into the national team for the upcoming World Cup but cannot take on formal leadership responsibilities for another year.

Smith and Warner’s cheating ban ended last month and the two have launched into the IPL campaign as they seek to restore their reputations.

Smith, who was captain of Rajasthan in 2015 and also led the now defunct IPL franchise Rising Pune Supergiant for two years till 2017, has scored 245 runs in eight matches this season.

The team management are gambling on Smith boosting confidence to get the side to the play-offs.

“Steve is one of the most innovative and successful captains in the world, in all formats of the game,” said Rajasthan’s head of cricket Zubin Bharucha.

“We are confident he can lead the Royals to success.”

Smith and Warner were suspended for cheating in a South Africa-Australia Test in March last year along with teammate Cameron Bancroft, who was banned for nine-months. – AFP

NEW DELHI, Saturday: Colin Ingram pulled off a stunning relay catch with his Delhi Capitals teammate Axar Patel to cut short Kings XI Punjab star Chris Gayle’s blistering knock in the Indian Premier League on Saturday.

The athletic South African leapt on the deep mid-wicket boundary to catch the ball but since his momentum was taking him over the rope, he threw it to Patel who completed the dismissal near long-on.

The candidate for ‘catch of the tournament’ on the boundary got Gayle trudging back to the pavilion for 69 off Nepalese spinner Sandeep Lamichhane at Delhi’s Feroz Shah Kotla ground.

Gayle’s 37-ball blitz guided Punjab to 163 for seven but the score was not enough as Delhi surpassed the total in 19.4 overs to win by five wickets.

“Chris Gayle caught by Axar Patel, What about Colin Ingram who did all the hard work?,” noted Indian statistician Mohandas Menon wrote on Twitter.

Delhi skipper Shreyas Iyer anchored the chase with an unbeaten 58 that included a 92-run second-wicket partnership with opener Shikhar Dhawan, who made 56.

The 18-year-old Lamichhane claimed three wickets for Delhi with his leg-spin including Gayle, who smashed six fours and five sixes, and England’s Sam Curran for nought in one over to check Punjab’s surge. – AFP