The 4th annual Inter-School Esports Championship organised by Gamer.LK and powered by Sri Lanka Telecom PLC, will be held on September 21 and 22 where over 100 schools will compete to qualify for the grand finals to be held on October 12.

The National Olympic Committee of Sri Lanka (NOCSL) has endorsed the Inter-School Esports event being hosted by Gamer.LK and the Sri Lanka Esports Association. This is the second show of support by the NOCSL for Esports in Sri Lanka, with the first being Sri Lanka’s participation in the 18th Asian Games, where Esports was included as a demonstration sport. It went on to align the NOCSLs support to the 2022 Asian Games campaign where Esports is set to be a medal event.

This years championship is powered by Sri Lanka Telecom PLC who comes onboard as the title partner for the event. All games and live streams will be run via super-fast SLT Fibre connectivity allowing low latency, lagless gameplay and streaming.

A trusted brand in the technology sector, DELL is the gaming Laptop partner for the event. These machines have unrivaled power with gaming-grade internals that will pump out fluid graphics with even the most demanding games thrown at them.

Elephant House, the iconic household brand for Ice cream in Sri Lanka, is the Ice cream

partner for the event.

This years Inter-School Esports Championship is also supported by the media partners MTV/MBC, the Cinema partner Scope Cinemas and the digital signage partner for the event Atom Media.

For more information and registration for the Inter-School Esports Championship, visit

https://school.gamer.lk and follow Gamer.LK on Facebook via www.fb.com/gamerlk for updates.

The annual seventh limited over Big Match between Methodist High School, Puwakarmaba Moratuwa and Sastrananda Vidyalaya Dehiwala ended in a time draw due to heavy vain at de Soysa Stadium Moratuwa.

Battinf first Sastrananda Moratuwa 113 for 6 in 20 oves with Ayesh Gimhana scoring 50 runs.

This game was confined to 20 over match and Methodians could not bat due to rain.

Sastrananda Viyalaya 113/6 in 20 overs (Ayesh Gimhana 50, Haritha Thisera 37, Lasantha Fernando 2/10, Seneth Peiris 2/15).

Methodist High School Did not bat

Western Province bagged all gold medals of entire six carrom events (Men’s Single, Women’s Singles, Men’s Doubles, Women’s Doubles, Men’s Team and Women’s Team events) at the 45th National Sports Festival-2019.

Nishantha Fernando and Joseph Roshita of Western Province won the Best men and women Players respectively, who displayed outstanding performances throughout the tournament.

Subsequent to 45th Nationals Sports Festival-2019, Sports Development Department of the

Ministry of Sports conducted this event from September6 to 8 at the Public Library premises, Badulla and over 90 players took-part in this competition representing all nine provinces.

Two white slams performed by Nishantha Fernando and Anas Ahamed of Uva Province were awarded with Rs. 10,000/= each.

This competition has been conducted for the third time since introduced the game of carrom as an

event of National Sports Festival in 2016.

Opening ceremony was held on Sept.6 with the participation of Chief Minister of Uva Province Chamara Sampath Dasanayake and closing ceremony was held with the participation of Gayan Owitigala/ Coordinating Secretary to Minister of Telecommunication and Foreign Employments and Sports.

The wining players have been appraised with Medals and cash prizes.

Medal winners

Mens Singles-

Gold – Nishantha Fernando (WP), Silver – Anas Ahamed (Uva), Bronze – Anjula Kumara (NWP)

Women’s Singles –

Gold – Joseph Roshita (WP), Silver – Maduwanthi Gunadasa (Sabaragamuwa), Bronze – K Kasajini (Northern)

Men’s Doubles –

Gold – Shaheed Hilmy / Hasitha Anuruddha (WP), Silver – Joseph Dilan / D.N. Wijayasinghe (NWP), Bronze – S.A.S. senadhi/ W.M. Mufees (Central)

Women’s Doubles –

Gold – Maduka Dilshani / Detuni Nomaya (WP), Silver – E Disanthiny / R Bhawatharani (Northern), Bronze – M.M.F. Arshana / Rangana Sewwandi (Uva)

Team Event – Men’s

Gold – Western Province (Nishantha Fernando, Shaheed Hilmy, Hasitha Anuruddha, Charith Madusanka, Suraj Maduwantha)

Silver - Uva (Anas Ahamed, MMM Mazahir, S.M. Shiyam deen, K Gopishan, C.M. Niswar)

Bronze - Central (K.G.S.J. Prasad, S.A.S. Senadhi, W.M. Mufees, A.P.M.P.Bandara, A.N.M. Ameer)

Team Event – Women’s

Gold – Western Province (Joseph Roshita, Detuni Nomaya, Maduka Dilshani Ranawera, Tasmila Kavindi, Rebecca Dalrine)

Silver - Sabaragamuwa (Maduwanthi Gunadasa, Madusha Dulanjali Vithana, M. Oshadhi Madhushani, L.A.R.K. Warnasuriya, B.G. Nirioshini Gamlath)

Bronze - Northern (K. Kesajini, E. Disanthiny, R. Bawatharani, S. Sathursiga, L. Thusajini)

Royal College, Colombo emerged overall champions in the Inter-schools Weightlifting Championship worked off at the Aranayaka Dippitiya MV with the participation of school lifters from across the island. Here the champion Royal College weightlifters with Principal B. A. Abeyratne, Vice Principal M. V. S. Gunathilaka, POG M. A. M. Riyaz, Master In Charge Ruwan Kosta, Trainer P. Kahingala and team captain Pasindu Malawana (all seated in front row).

Sri Lanka suffered an injury scare when its one-day captain Lahiru Thirimanne suffered a pain in his back while training ahead of the tour to Pakistan and his condition is currently being monitored by the physio.

“There was a slight concern about Thirimanne, he had some pain on one of his discs, that’s what the physio said,” said team manager Ashantha de Mel. “But so far they have said that it is nothing serious and hopefully he will be alright.”

De Mel said that Thirimanne complained of a pain in his back when he was running. “At the moment he is not under any pain or anything but by Friday we will know exactly his situation. More or less I think he should be okay,” De Mel said.

The rest of the ODI and T20I squad have been under training in the gym and De Mel said that they will have their first practice sessions under lights on September 19 and 20 at the R Premadasa Stadium.

“The team is doing their normal work out and getting prepared, once they get the clearance they will go,” said De Mel.

Sri Lanka named two separate squads for the tour 15-member squad under the captaincy of Thirimanne for the ODIs and a 16-member squad led by all-rounder Dasun Shanaka for the T20Is. As there is a difference of only one player between the two squads, the teams will leave together.

Sri Lanka’s tour to Pakistan was put under a cloud last week when the Prime Minister’s Office received reliable information of a possible terrorist threat on the Sri Lanka team while touring Pakistan.

Following that information Sri Lanka Cricket said that it wanted to reassess the security situation in Pakistan and have sought the assistance of the Defence Ministry for clearance to make the tour.

In the meantime according to the Pakistan Urdu daily ‘Daily Jang’ the ICC is also carrying out its own independent review of the security situation in Pakistan before appointing its match officials (neutral umpires and match referees) for the ODI and T20I series.

The ICC will analyse the security plans to be put in place by the Pakistan government before appointing their match officials.

Commenting on the ICC’s independent survey of the security in Pakistan De Mel said, “That is a good guideline. If the ICC feels that it is safe then there is some justification.”

The last time an international series was played in Pakistan against Zimbabwe in 2015 the ICC did not appoint any neutral match officials and asked both the countries to oversee cricketing matters.

International teams have shied away from touring Pakistan since 2009 on the grounds of security after the Sri Lanka team bus was attacked by terrorists during a tour there.

The Sri Lanka team is due to leave for Pakistan on September 24 and play a series of three ODIs in Karachi on September 27, 29 and October 2 and three T20Is in Lahore on October 5, 7 and 9.

Kaviru Sanjith created major upset to enter the boys under 17 singles quarterfinal of the SSC Open Badminton championship which is now in progress at the SSC Badminton courts.

Kaviru, the 13th seeded player of this event defeated 3rd seed Mahen Ghandara with a hard fought three-setter game 21/27, 20/22, 21/13. In the second round of the under 17 boys singles most of the seeded players failed to enter the quarterfinal with unseeded players playing well to progress forward. Unseeded Dinuth Paranahewa defeated top seed Savinka Wijesekara in straight sets 21/19, 21/19 but Chaniru Manmitha beat Paranahewa 21/12, 21/15 to enter the quarterfinals which will be played today.

Isira Perera and Siyath Senaratne also entered the under 17 quarterfinals defeating Dinal Jalith and Manuth Pelawatte respectively.

Meanwhile Kavisha de Silva beat Dulaj Uduvitage to enter quarterfinals and L. Andrahannadi outclassed Kavidu Salgado. Bottom seed Sethum Perera beat Oshamika Karunaratne and Tarilu Wakwella had a straight sets 21/18, 21/12 win to enter the boys under 17 quarterfinals. Lakidu Ratnaweera, Nethula Liyanage, Chandika Jayasekara and Kulana Kannangara entered the boys under 19 semi-finals. Nethula won a three setter game to beat Vidurasa Weeradekara to enter semifinal and Kulana won in straight sets 23/21, 21/8 over Deelaka Wickramasinghe also to enter the semifinals which is scheduled to be played in September 21 Saturday.

In the under 19 girls singles Manuki Chandrasekhara will meet Ashini Fernando in the semifinals. Manuki scored an upset win over Indeewari Geethama in the quarterfinals. Suhansi Vidhanage beat Ravishya Jayaweera to enter the semifinals and bottom seed Nisali Balasuriya defeated Suwani Muthumali in the other quarterfinal. The under 19 girls semifinals will be held on September 21 and the finals on September 22 Sunday.

Kitakyushu, Wednesday: Wales coach Warren Gatland said he was "shocked" on Wednesday and urged his team to recover quickly after his assistant Rob Howley was sent home over betting allegations just days before the Rugby World Cup.

Gatland said Howley, the former Wales scrum-half and captain, was "devastated" by the bombshell turn of events that has thrown the Six Nations champions' preparations into disarray.

Attack coach Howley, Gatland's right-hand man at Wales since 2008, left their World Cup camp on Monday and will be investigated over a possible breach of World Rugby regulations covering anti-corruption and betting.

"I have had better birthdays for sure!" said Gatland, who turned 56 on Tuesday, the day he broke the news to the squad.

"We were shocked. The (Welsh Rugby) Union are dealing with this and my focus has to be on the next five days in terms of preparing the squad for the first World Cup game against Georgia.

"You have to deal with adversity at times and it's how you respond to that. I must say the players have really stepped up in the last 24 hours. They have been incredibly responsible and resilient."

Former Wales fly-half Stephen Jones, who was due to succeed Howley as attack specialist after the tournament, is on his way to Japan and will join the squad later this week.

Gatland expressed concern for the welfare of Howley, who had been linked with the Italy coaching job but whose future now appears uncertain.

The 48-year-old is understood to be suspected of betting on rugby, which is outlawed for players, coaches and match officials.

After a glittering playing career, Howley was part of four victorious Six Nations campaigns as a coach including in 2013, when he deputised for Gatland who was preparing to lead the Lions.

Gatland, who will step down after the World Cup, said he hoped Wales would bounce back quickly from the revelations as they prepare to start their tournament against Georgia on Monday.

"Sometimes that (adversity) brings teams closer together," he said. "We have got to draw a line in the sand on this and really focus on preparing the team for the next five days. It took a bit of time for this to sink in. "There was concern from the coaches and the players about Rob's welfare. We have to let the formal process take its course and hopefully that can continue outside our preparation. At the moment these are allegations and obviously Rob was devastated by them. That's all I can say."

Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) chief executive Martyn Phillips said the allegation against Howley was first known a week ago following contact from one of the betting industry's integrity teams.

"We were then contacted formally with further information on Friday evening and at that point we informed World Rugby there was a potential breach and we would be seeking face-to-face time with Rob. We reached the decision on Saturday that we were best-placed to come out to Japan," Phillips said.

"That triggered the formal process we're now in and it will carry on back in Wales. It is a serious allegation about Rob. He's our employee and we have a duty of care to him. I can assure you that has been a major factor we've considered over the last few days.

"Rob is back in Wales and we have put the necessary support around him. We're checking in on his well-being as we formalise our processes to get through the investigation."

The investigation into Howley will be led by the WRU, but Phillips admitted an independent judicial panel is likely to be involved.

"There will be an investigation and that's confirmed. I'd be far more interested in quality not speed," he said. "I wouldn't put any pressure on anyone to do things quickly. I will be putting pressure on them to do it right."

- AFP

The Central Province netball team defeated Western Province netball team by 65 points to 32 to win the gold medal after a lapse of 14 years at the 45th National Sports Festival held at the Badulla Esplanade. The champion Central Province team comprising Thilina Wattegedara (captain), Gayani Dissanayake, Gayanjali Amarawansha, Sureka Kumari, Ruwini Yatigammana, Kaweena Rajapakshe, Dushani Bandara, Kusalika Aluwihare, Malithi Dissanayake, Yohansi de Silva, Faika Feroz and Ruwindi Abeysinghe with coaches Thushara Samaratunge and Inoka Senadheera and the Director of Sports (Central Province) Jagath Keerthi. The best player of the tournament was Gyanjali Amarawansha.

An eight-member Sri Lanka team is expected to take part at the 21st World Junior Badminton championship which is scheduled to be held from September 30 to October 13 in Kazan, Russia.

The boys team comprises Lochana de Silva from Nalanda College, Viren Nettasinghe from St Peters, Bambalapitiya, Chamath Dias and Thulith Palliyaguru from Richmond, Galle.

Dilmi Duas from Our Lady Victory, Moratuwa, Panchali Adhikari from Mahamaya, Kandy, Chamudhi Abeywickrma from Anula, Nugegoda, Anurangi Masakorala from Southernland College, Galle form the girls team. Chirath Illepuruma of D.S. Senanayake, Colombo and Jananuwani Amada from Visakha Colomo were named as reserve players of this tour.

Former Olympian and National champion Thilini Jayasinghe will accompany the team as coach, Schools Badminton Secretary Saman Wijesinghe as the manager, and Malika Waduge as the Lady Chaperone.

This time the championships will be conducted in two stages. The first stage is mixed team competitions from September 30 to October 5 while the second stage will be for singles and doubles events which will be held from October 7 to 13. Sri Lanka are grouped with South Korea, Singapore, Slovakia and Peru in the mixed team championships.

Trinity College boxer Zerik Zakeer was a big hero to all the young lads fighting in the All Island Youth Boxing Championship 2019 held at Nawalapitiya.

He won a silver medal with his stylish boxing. He is also a promising rugbyr player.

In this meet, Trinity College emerged runner-up with the help of boxers like Rahul Danaraj who won a gold medal while Miranga Subasinghe and Zerik Zakeer (silver), and Nathan John walked away with the bronze.

An Open Volleyball Tournament organized by the Attanagalla Pradeshiya Sabha in collaboration with Attanagalla Veterans Volleyball Association will be held at the Nittambuwa Pradeshiya Sabha volleyball courts on September 21 from 9.00am onwards. There will be two categories namely Over 50 and 60. For more information contact tournament secretary on Tel. no. 0712892926, 0763701491

SINGAPORE, WEDNESDAY: Lewis Hamilton will be hoping his march towards a sixth Formula One world title around the streets of hazy Singapore this week is not affected by smoke from wildfires raging in neighbouring Indonesia.

The National Environment Agency is forecasting pollution at the “low end of the unhealthy range” for Sunday’s showpiece night race after dense smog last weekend. Formula One bosses are reported to have a contingency plan in place should the “highly changeable” air quality deteriorate, though the race weekend is still scheduled to go ahead as planned.

Hamilton, who has a 63-point lead in the title race over teammate Valterri Bottas after winning eight grands prix this season, and Mercedes have prospered in the past at the Marina Bay Circuit.

- AFP

Captain of the champion team Arshad Ibrahim receiving champion trophy from Group of 90 President and OBA Social Welfare Secretary M.R.A. Razak. President of the Batch 95 Naveez Marzook, Secretary Aashik Shafee, Project Chairman Shihan Safardeen, M. Azar and members of the team are also present.

Zahira College Colombo Batch of 95 conducted an Inter-Batch Six-a-Side Softball Cricket Tournament at the Moors Sports Club Grounds, Colombo recently. Thirteen teams participated, namely, 95 Winners, ZCF 95, Dangerous 95, ZATS 95, Metrix 95, Youngers 95, Stars 95, 98 Rugby Legends, Champions 95, Kings 95, Golden 95, Winners 95 and ZSC 95.

ZCF 95 team scored 104 runs for two wickets against Kings 95 team who scored 99 runs for three wickets in the final.

ZCF 95 team captain Arhad Ibarahim received the Best Bowler award from M. Azar. The Best Batsman award was won by Mohamed Muhseen (ZCF 95 team). He received the trophy from Mohamed M.K. Hassan, Coordinating Secretary to Minister Ravi Karunanayake.

Mohamed Feroz of Kings 95 team was adjudged the Man of the Series and received the award from Project Chairman Shihan Safardeen. Runners-Up Kings 95 team captain Mohamed Jahaz received the award from president of the Batch of ’95 Naveez Marzook.

President of the Batch 95 Naveez Marzook, Secretary Aashik Shafee, Treasurer Fayaz Muhseen, Project Chairman Shihan Safardeen, Project Secretary Mohamed Aflal and members were present. 

We live in a country where there is so much sunshine (too much in some places). The Government and the Electricity Board are all telling us to save electricity at our homes. If I see an unwanted light burning in my office premises, I would ask someone to turn it off. At home I would do it myself.

But what a waste this floodlit cricket? I was happy and proud when our cricketers played so well at Pallekelle. We love our country. I too have been an excellent sportsman having broken eleven Ceylon records at weight-lifting, never beaten in Sri Lankan soil and represented the country at two Asian Games. At rugby I captained my club for three years, led the pack right throughout my 11 years rugby career and represented Upcountry and Ceylon.

I am writing this because I love my country. At parties when I sing the song “Edelweiss” my friends tell me that I cry when I sing the last line of the song.

“Bless my homeland forever,” Sri Lanka. (My eyes are full of tears as I write this last line.)

So can’t we play cricket during the day in the sunshine? And save electricity. One hour after the match was over the floodlights were still on.

M.N. Majeed, Colombo.

NEW DELHI, Tuesday - The Indian cricket board has launched investigations into suspected match fixers who approached a member of the women’s national team and players in a regional Twenty20 league, its anti-corruption head said on Tuesday.

A case has been registered against two suspects in Bengaluru after they approached a member of the Indian women’s team, Ajit Singh, the head of the Anti-Corruption Unit at the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), told Reuters by telephone.

“She was approached before a home series by people who expected her to be part of the India squad and wanted her to play according to their script,” Singh said without identifying the player.

“She asked them to call to another number, recorded the conversation and reported the approach to us,” Singh said.

In another incident, several players in this year’s Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL) were approached by suspected fixers.

“We are trying to find out what their purpose was. They tried to contact through social media. The moment these players realised something was wrong, they cut out the approaches and reported to us,” Singh said.

Singh said no player was being probed. “I consider it a success of our education programme that in both cases, the players did the right thing by reporting the approaches.

Indian Premier League (IPL), BCCI’s showpiece Twenty20 competition, was blighted by illegal betting with former India paceman Shanthakumaran Sreesanth handed a ban following a spot-fixing scandal in 2013.

The Chennai and Rajasthan franchises were also subsequently suspended from the IPL for two years after key officials from both teams were found guilty of illegal betting.

– Agencies

Sri Lanka are looking at naming a 40-member squad from which the senior national teams and the ‘A’ teams will be picked for future series and tours.

In this aspect the Sri Lanka ‘A’ team series against Bangladesh ‘A’ will be of great importance to the players picked to play in the two-match 4-day unofficial test series and three-match unofficial ODI series.

The series begins on September 23 with the first 4-day unofficial test at FTZ grounds, Katunayake.

The Bangladesh ‘A’ team cricketers arrived yesterday.

A 30-member squad has already been selected and it is from this squad the teams for the tour to Pakistan was picked. What the national selection committee headed by Ashantha de Mel will be looking at during the Bangladesh ‘A’ series is to add a further ten players to the already existing squad thus expanding it to 40.

The selectors named a 19-member pool for the two unofficial tests and a 17-member squad for the three unofficial ODIs. Middle order batsman Ashan Priyanjan will lead both teams.

Explaining how Sri Lanka will use the series, De Mel stated that two pairs of fast bowlers and spinners will be picked for the first four-day unofficial test and a separate pair of fast bowlers and spinners will play in the second four-day unofficial test.

“We are giving these players the opportunity to play against international opposition and showcase their talent and potential. We will have a fair idea of which ten players to select to make up the 40-member squad by the end of the series,” said De Mel.

“We are looking at strengthening our spin bowling resources. Off-spinner Dilruwan Perera is 37 years and there is a question mark against off-spinner Akila Dananjaya’s bowling action. We need to have a proper spinner for the Test side,” he said.

The selectors have named two young potential off-spinners in 22-year-old Nishan Peiris and 24-year-old Ramesh Mendis in the Sri Lanka ‘A’ team for the series against Bangladesh ‘A’ and will be closely following their performances.

They have also got 27-year-old left-arm spinner Prabath Jayasuriya in the fray along with seasoned left-armer Malinda Pushpakumara and leg-spinner Jeffrey Vandersay who has been given another opportunity to prove his potential following a poor World Cup.

“Pushpakumara is a consistent wicket-taker in domestic cricket and his performances cannot be ignored. It is the same with Vandersay we cannot just simply ignore him just because he had a poor series,” said De Mel.

Also making an appearance is all-rounder Asela Gunaratne who has been named in the ODI squad.

“We are looking at him for the ODI team. He is a good finisher and he’s had a run of injuries that have kept him out of contention,” said De Mel.

Gunaratne excelled in all three formats after making his international debut in 2016, but since fracturing his left thumb in the Test against India at Galle in 2017 has been unable to hold a permanent place in the national team due to recurring injuries.

The second unofficial test will take place from September 30-October 3 at Galle International Stadium and will be followed by the three unofficial ODI matches at Hambantota on October 7 and 9 and at the R Premadasa Stadium on October 12.

SRI LANKA ‘A’ TEST SQUAD: Ashan Priyanjan (captain), Pathum Nissanka, Sangeeth Cooray, Lahiru Udara, Kamindu Mendis, Priyamal Perera, Ashen Bandara, Manoj Sarathchandra, Charith Asalanka, Ramesh Mendis, Nishan Peiris, Malinda Pushpakumara, Prabath Jayasuriya, Vishwa Fernando, Chamika Karunaratne, Asitha Fernando, Mohammed Shiraz, Shiran Fernando, Jeffrey Vandersay.

SRI LANKA ‘A’ ODI SQUAD: Ashan Priyanjan (captain), Pathum Nissanka, Sandun Weerakkody, Lahiru Udara, Kamindu Mendis, Priyamal Perera, Ashen Bandara, Ramesh Mendis, Amila Aponsu, Jeffrey Vandersay, Vishwa Fernando, Chamika Karunaratne, Asitha Fernando, Ishan Jayaratne, Shiran Fernando, Shammu Ashan, Asela Gunaratne.

TOKYO, Wednesday: With the weight of an expectant nation on their shoulders and a governing body desperate for the hosts to succeed in the first Rugby World Cup in Asia, Japan head into the tournament opener on Friday under arguably more pressure than any other team.

Fortunately, head coach Jamie Joseph probably could not have picked a better match-up to begin their campaign as they prepare to face Russia, ranked 20th in the world and making only their second World Cup finals appearance, at Tokyo Stadium.

A big win for the home side is likely to be welcomed by World Rugby, who took a major risk in awarding the tournament to Japan 10 years ago, taking the World Cup out of the sport’s traditional heartlands for the first time.

They will be looking for a good early showing from Japan to build further excitement in the host country, who are already optimistic following the Pacific Nations Cup (PNC) triumph last month.

Japan now see themselves as too good for many of the other Tier Two nations and are looking to disrupt the established world order by reaching the quarter-finals for the first time.

Although the results against their other Pool A opponents Ireland, Scotland and Samoa will likely define Japan’s World Cup campaign, a big opening win in front of an expected record television audience will build belief that history can be made.

Joseph has been quick to dismiss the favourites tag ahead of Friday’s game, pointing out that Japan only managed to sneak a 32-27 win when they faced Russia in November.

“I never consider us to be the favourites, simply because… we have never been the favourites,” Joseph said on Wednesday.

“We have got a lot of respect for Russia and we were very lucky to win the last time we played them.

“I will say that the players are really excited, they have been waiting a long time, like everybody has in Japan, for the day to arrive.”

Japan were naive in a 41-7 loss to South Africa in their last warm-up match, struggling to adapt to the Springboks’ suffocating defensive gameplan and leaving Joseph looking tactically outclassed.

Despite admitting that match was a wake-up call for his players, against Russia he is likely to go back to the dynamic, attacking rugby that produced 14 tries and 109 points in three matches during the PNC.

For their part, Russia will be determined not to act as merely the sacrificial lamb to Japan’s slaughter as they aim to get their first ever World Cup win.

They lost all four matches at the 2011 tournament during their only previous appearance at the finals and are only in Japan after Romania and Spain were disqualified from European qualification for fielding ineligible players.

Russia, under the tutelage of Welshman Lyn Jones, lost their last warm-up match 85-15 to Italy. – Agencies

Sehasna Lochani made a superb display to enter the semifinals of the girls under 17 singles event at the SSC Open Badminton championships which is now in progress at the SSC Badminton courts.

In a tough three-setter quarterfinal against Sasini Hansamali, Lochani the fifth seed player defeated the top seed 21/13, 14/21 and 21/14.

Thiyaana Vidanarachchi outclassed Madudi Mithara in straight sets 21/8, 21/9 in the other quarterfinal of the girls under 17 while Tisuni Midara the seventh seed player created a major upset by defeating third seed Pramudi Thillekaratne in three sets 21/19, 19/21, 21/16 while bottom seed Yeheni Kuruppu eased through against unseeded Medha Indramali 21/16, 21/5 to reach the semifinals. In semifinals on September 21 Saturday Lochani will meet Tiyana Vidannarachchi and Tisuni Medara will take on Yehani Kuruppu.

Meanwhile Manuki Chandraseka partnered by Vishmi Edirisinghe entered the girls under 19 doubles final defeating Piyumi Dunuwila and Vinuki Viboda 21/18, 21/12. Nilasi Balasuriya and Indeewari Geethama defeated Suwani Muthumali and Suhansi Vidhanage 21/15, 21/15 in the other semifinal. The final will take place on September 22 Sunday.

Deegayu Kahatapitiya and Lakidu Ranaweera won in straight sets against Lochana Perera and Yasas Weerage in the boys under 19 doubles while Chamika Jayasekara and Vidusara Weerasekara the third seeded pair made scored an upset victory over bottom seeded pair Dunshan Hettiarachchi and Ashen Weerasinghe 21/15, 21/19 to enter the final.

The tournament is conducted by SSC Badminton together with Sri Lanka Badminton Association. The awards ceremony will take place after the finals on September 22 Sunday at the SSC pavilion.

The Kuwait Under 19 cricket team visited the Sri Lanka Cricket Museum during under 19 Asia Cup which was held in Sri Lanka recently.

London, Wednesday: Former Australia all-rounder Tom Moody and England World Cup winner Lydia Greenway have been appointed as head coaches of the Oval-based men's and women's teams for the new Hundred competition, the England and Wales Cricket Board announced on Wednesday.

The Hundred, starting in 2020, is a new tournament consisting of eight city-based franchise sides, breaking away from England's traditional county system.

Teams will bat for 100 balls each with overs, normally consisting of six deliveries, lasting for 10 balls with bowlers either bowling five or 10 balls consecutively. Moody led Sri Lanka to the 2007 World Cup final and Sunrisers Hyderabad to the Indian Premier League title in 2016.

"Anything that is new and is innovative has an automatic appeal," said Moody. "From a coaching perspective it presents new challenges to test yourself against in a world-class environment.

"To be a part of the early stages of a tournament where you have the opportunity to set the tone around what the 100-ball format will look like is a unique opportunity."

The 53-year-old's appointment is the final one among the eight men's outfits in The Hundred following the announcements of Stephen Fleming (Nottingham), Mahela Jayawardena (Southampton), Simon Katich (Manchester), Gary Kirsten (Cardiff), Darren Lehmann (Leeds), Andrew McDonald (Birmingham) and Shane Warne (Lord's).

None of the coaches of the men's sides are English but of the seven appointed so far for the women's teams, Greenway is the fourth from the host nation. Greenway, who helped England win the Women's World Cup in 2009, said: "I feel extremely privileged to have this chance. It's an opportunity to work with the best players in the country and the best players from around the world, which is really exciting."

Sanjay Patel, managing director of The Hundred, said the list of coaches was a line-up "bursting with quality".

The men's player draft takes place on October 20. AFP