The much debated National Olympic Committee (NOCSL) election will be held today at the NOCSL headquarters, commencing 6pm to appoint office bearers who will govern the apex sports body for a four-year term. The two main parties headed by presidential candidates Rohan Anthony Fernando and Suresh Subramaniam seek a majority vote to appoint 12 top officials in the NOCSL. It has been a controversial election campaign from the beginning with both parties pointing fingers at each other.

The three-member NOCSL Election Committee headed by Dr. R.M.K. Ratnayaka yesterday put an end to a lot of confusion and controversy involved with the election by deciding that only 31 affiliated members will be eligible to vote at the election. The election committee was appointed by the immediate past president Hemasiri Fernando and included S. Virithamulla and S. Liyanagama as the other members.

The number of eligible votes has been a controversy from the beginning as presidential candidate Rohan's alliance lodged protests against voting eligibility of some federations. They pointed out that Hockey and Badminton federations have been dissolved and functioning under the Director General of Sports, so they should not be allowed to vote. The main controversy was about the eligibility of two votes by the Athletes' Commission. The Athletes’ Commission was established in 2016 on an International Olympic Committee (IOC) recommendation. Even though the NOCSL constitution allows two votes by the Athletes' Commission, Rohan's alliance protested that the Athletes' Commission has not yet obtained approval from the General Assembly of IOC and ratification from the IOC, which is the legitimate procedure for voting rights.

Considering the protests, the NOCSL Election Committee yesterday cleared the doubts, by allowing the two votes by the Hockey and Badminton federations while not approving the Athletes' Commission's votes. The NOCSL Election Committee further said that only after the IOC ratification and its general Assembly approval, the Athletes' Commission will be allowed to vote at future elections.

As both parties had no objections on the Election Committee's verdict, the IOC representative who will be arriving today will most likely play the role of an IOC supervisor at the election.

Presidential candidate Suresh Subramaniam said that he is very confident of winning the race from the beginning. “I have over 25 years of experience in local and international sports administration. I have a good plan to develop sports and I know how to do that properly. I have never tried to influence anyone and never did anything below the belt," he said.

Former NOCSL secretary and secretary candidate from Suresh's alliance Maxwell de Silva emphasized preserving the spirit of sports and serving Sri Lankan sport are his top priorities regardless of winning or losing at the election.

"We never wanted to create problems and not a single objection or protest has been lodged by us. So we hope that we will get the majority," he said. Senaka Clement Ranasinghe is the candidate for the treasurer’s post from Suresh's side.

The other presidential candidate Rohan Anthony Fernando claims that he will get a clear majority if the member federations want to rescue NOCSL from corruption. "People who are against corruption will vote for my alliance. We are very confident that even under a lot of influence by the other party, the rightful people will support us to take Sri Lankan sports to the next level," he commented.

The secretary candidate from Rohan's side, Rohan Prithiviraj Perera said that he wishes the Election Committee will act neutrally, despite influence attempts by the strong rivals.

"We were subjected to lot of ill treatment and one of our Ex-Co candidates had to withdraw at the last moment due to a trap set by the other party. So we have only 11 candidates in our list. But we hope the sports loving people will give us the mandate today," he said. Shirantha Peries is the treasurer candidate from Rohan's side.

[Suresh Subramaniam's alliance candidates list]

* Suresh Subramaniam (SLTA) - President

* Maxwell de Silva (SLTA, SL Judo Assoc.)- General Secretary

* Wing Comm. (Retd.) Chandana Liyanage (SLBF) - Asst. Secretary

* Asanga Seneviratne (SLR) - Vice President

* Joseph Kenny (Yatchting Assoc.SL) - Vice President

* Senior DIG (Retd.) Sumith Edirisinhghe (SL Hockey Fed.) - Vice President

* Maj. Gen. Dampath Pandula Fernando (Handball Fed. of SL) - Vice President

* Senaka Clement Ranasinghe (Cycling Fed. of SL)- Treasurer

* Nishantha Dayan de S. Jayasinghe (SLBF)- Asst. Treasurer

* Ajith Thamel (SL Weightlifting Fed.) - Committee Member

* Fazil M. Hussain (SL Amature Baseball Asso.) - Committee Member

* A.H.T.Chanaka Heshantha (Sri Lanka Aquatic Sports Union) - Committee Member

[Anthony Rohan Harsha Fernando's alliance candidates list]

* Anthony Rohan Harsha Fernando (Amateur Rowing Club) - President

* Rohan Prithiviraj Perera (National Assoc. for Canoeing & Kayaking) - General Secretary

* Kanchana Jayarathna (Sri Lanka Taekwondo Assoc.)- Asst. Secretary

* Dian Gomes (Amateur Boxing Assoc. of SL)- Vice President

* Maj. Gen. Palitha Fernando (Athletics Association of SL)- Vice President

* Anura de Silva (Football Fed. of SL) - Vice President

* Cdr (Ret.) H.U. Silva (SL Archery Assoc.)- Vice President

* Shirantha Peries (National Shooting Sports Fed. of SL) - Treasurer

* Nishantha Indunil Piyasena (Modern Pentathlon Assoc. of SL) - Asst. Treasurer

* A. S. Nalaka (National Volleyball Fed.) - Committee Member

* Lt. Col. (Ret.) Ajith Siyambalapitiya (National Assoc. of Fencing in SL)- Committee Member

Ceylon Biscuits Limited’s premium chocolate brand Revello, enjoyed for its rich and delectable chocolates, will sweeten this year’s 139th 'Battle of the Blues’ Royal-Thomian cricket encounter as the official chocolate partner.

The Revello sponsorship was presented to officials of both schools during the

Royal-Thomian media conference held recently. The Royal-Thomian has a rich and colourful history and is the second-longest uninterrupted cricket series in the world. The match is even older than the Ashes, having been played for 138 years continuously.

The match is looked forward to by both young and old, male and female and even those who have no connection with either school would turn up and enjoy the celebrations.

Commenting on Revello’s sponsorship Brand Manager, CBL Foods International (Pvt) Ltd, Saumya Fernando said, “We are extremely proud to announce our association with the 139th Battle of the Blues as the Official Chocolate Partner.

The Royal-Thomian has a rich and colourful history,as not only a prestigious cricket encounter but also as a major social event attracting both local and overseas spectators who join together in the spirit of gamesmanship and camaraderie.

The Guwan Hamuda Papedi Sawariya 2018 (Air Force Cycle Race) will be flagged off at Air Force Headquarters, Colombo on March 2 for the 19th consecutive year to mark the 67th anniversary of Sri Lanka Air Force with the blessings of Cycling Federation of Sri Lanka (CFSL).

Over one hundred men and thirty womenranking/other riders registered with the CFSL are expected to compete in the race.

The objective of the race is to offer an opportunity to the cycling fraternity to take part in a competitive event and to promote the sport in Sri Lanka.

The three day men’s race will cover a total distance of 447.4 kms and it will finish in front of Youth Centre, Ampara.

The first day race will finish at Puttalam with a distance of 124.9 kms while the second day race will start at Palavi junction and ending at Hingurakgoda with a distance of 172.6 kms.

The final day of the race will commence at Polonnaruwa and end at Ampara covering a distance of 149.9 kms.

In addition to the men’s race the organizers have scheduled a women’s race for the seventh year on March 4 from Batticaloa to Youth Centre Ampara with a total distance of 65.2 kms.

The organisers plan to give away handsome cash awards for Individual and Group winners amounting to more than Rs. 315,000.

Individual 1st place and 2nd places will receive Rs. 100,000 and Rs. 75,000 respectively while winner of the female race will receive Rs. 50,000 and prizes up to 5th place.

The sprint champions of male and female categories will be awarded Rs. 20,000 and Rs. 10,000 respectively while men’s youth champion (under 23) will receive Rs. 40,000.

The daily allowance of Rs. 2,000 will be paid to all riders and their managers to motivate competitors for three days of the race.

The races will be telecast live on Sirasa TV.

How often do you get to see a designated wicketkeeper removes his gloves, pads and other protective gears in order to roll his arms to do bowling in an ODI? Certainly, that is among the rarest sight one gets to see in a cricket match and that too in ODIs. On that note, here we present those wicketkeepers who remove their protective gears in the middle of the match and went to do bowling from the other end.

The lifestyle of our cricketers is as grand and classy as the sports they play. The reflection of their persona and exquisiteness reflects on their lifestyle choices, mainly cars. Many of our cricketers have fetish for high-end, luxury cars, and many of them owns an envious collection. Let’s check out the tastes of our cricketers when it comes to owning the four-wheeled beauty.

South African female cricket Chloe Tryon achieved an unprecedented feat during the first T20 against India at Senwes Park, Potchefstroom last Tuesday even though she could not end up on the winning side.

The 24-year-old South African played a scintillating innings of 32 runs in just seven deliveries at the fag end of their innings. During that six-minute inning, Tryon hit four sixes and two boundaries and could not score off just one delivery.

What makes the innings even more remarkable is the strike rate. Tryon’s runs came at a strike rate of 457.14 and if we talk of innings played of over 25 runs, Tryon’s strike rate is one of a kind in international cricket.

According to statistician Mohandas Menon, 4064 men have played international cricket till February 14, 2018 and none of those men have played an international innings with a strike as high as Tryon’s.

In 2007, Dwayne Smith hit 29 off nine deliveries in a T20 match against Bangladesh at a strike rate of 414.28. He had struck four sixes and a boundary in that innings.

Despite Tryon’s record-breaking innings, South Africa lost the match by seven wickets, thanks to Mithali Raj’s 54 not out.

Chasing 164/4, Mithali got good support from Veda Krishnamurthy (37 not out), Jemimah Rodriques (37) and opener Smriti Mandhana (28) as India overhauled the target with 1.1 overs and seven wickets to spare.

Mithali struck her 11th fifty in T20I cricket. Her unbeaten 54 came from 48 deliveries, out of which six went for fours and one went over the rope.

In the South African innings, captain Dane van Niekerk (38), Tryon (32 not out) and Mignon du Preez (31) contributed with crucial knocks. They were assisted by Nadine de Klerk (23 not out), Lizelle Lee (19) and Sune Luus (18).

For India, off-spinner Anuja Patil picked up two wickets, while medium pacers Shikha Pandey and Pooja Vastrakar got a wicket each.

Earlier, Jhulan Goswami had been ruled out of the five-match T20I series against South Africa due to a heel injury. – Indiatoday

There is a popular song hit by the name “Everything I Touch Turns To Gold” by English pop group Saint Etienne that can be attributed to Sri Lanka’s new head coach Chandika Hathurusingha who on his first assignment has changed the fortunes of the national team across all three formats – Tests, One-Day Internationals and T20 Internationals. Not so long ago this very same team was struggling to compete with other nations at international level and the cricket they played had reached a point of no return.

Hathurusingha is renowned for uplifting Bangladesh as an international cricket nation during his four-year tenure as coach and now he is beginning to do the same with the Sri Lanka team guiding them to a successful tour of Bangladesh where they won the Test and T20I series and emerged champions of the one-day tri-series that featured Bangladesh and Zimbabwe.

The DAILY NEWS caught up with Hathurusingha after the team returned from their triumphant tour of Bangladesh to get to know the intricacies of how the coach works with the players to form a winning combination and what the future looks like for the country’s cricket.

Q: Are you surprised by the results obtained in Bangladesh?

CH: Not surprised by the results but surprised by the improvement we showed in a short space of time. I was surprised by the way we played and the dominance that we showed there. I expected to win but I also expected a lot more fight from Bangladesh especially in the ODIs and Tests.

Q: Do you believe in the old adage that the coach is only as good as the players?

CH: The coach is only as good as the players because you can’t go and bat and bowl for them I certainly believe in that. Then again if you don’t utilise what you have then you can under achieve as well.

Q: You are credited with preparing players mentally and working on mental toughness, how much of that have you been doing with the Sri Lanka team?

CH: Preparing mentally I don’t know what I am doing you must ask the players. We try to be realistic, identify what our strengths are, the opportunities against that particular opponent and the conditions of the particular day and try to maximise every bit of talent we have. That’s what I am trying to do and probably get the players to understand their strengths and limitations.

Q: Can you elaborate on the sudden changes that have been brought about in the games of Thisara Perera and Kusal Mendis?

CH: For both of them I saw immense potential. For example Thisara was never given the particular role that suited him in the past because of that he probably didn’t realise how good he can be. But at the same time he has the second highest Man of the Match awards after another player in Sri Lanka. So that means there is something special in him to change the course of the game which I saw from outside before I came. He is a big part of our plans going forward. I spoke to him of what he can be and what he can do and how good he can be. Then myself, Rumesh (Ratnayake) and Thilan (Samaraweera) put him in a kind of a situation that he is challenged every time he comes to training, more than before. He did train differently in the last few months.

In the case of Kusal Mendis he had lost confidence in himself and a little bit of faith in his ability. It is natural for a young player to have success and a little bit of dip which I have experienced with some other players in other countries where I was coaching. Everyone can have that kind of dip but it’s nothing to be worried about. You have to trust your ability. I felt that a lot of information has been fed to him that has made him lose his way of playing and his actual strength. We had to clear his mind and identify his strengths.

Q: Was it a gamble you took giving an ODI cap to Shehan Madushanka (Tri-series final v Bangladesh) and a Test cap to Akila Dananjaya (2nd Test v Bangladesh)?

CH: I don’t take it as a gamble but I saw something special. I foresaw what they can do given the right role and environment. I believe that throwing talented players into the deep end is the best way to get them playing international cricket. When you put trust on them and if they are talented they will give you results. I spoke to Shehan and told him clearly what I wanted him to do and what he is capable of doing. Just go and do it without worrying about the outcome. Even Akila I thought he was a very good Test player although he was playing only one-day cricket. You have to play them in the right conditions. The conditions in which they played suited both of them.

Q: How do you rate Akila Dananjaya as a Test bowler?

CH: He reminds me of young Murali because his off-spin is ideal for Test cricket, the loop, the speed that he bowls and the lines he bowls are for Test cricket. He can bowl a few other balls as well. I am not saying that he is going to play in every Test match going forward but whenever we think we need someone to suit the conditions we know that we have someone special.

Q: What do you bring to the table that other coaches don’t?

CH: I don’t know to be honest. I believe if you do what other people are doing you’ll never be the best. You have to be really creative and be the leader of whatever you do that’s what I believe. We can’t copy other coaches from other countries. If you do that you can’t be competitive you’ll always become second. If you want to be the best you have to be unique. I try to think differently and work on what I have and maximise it.

Q: How did you manage to change the fortunes of a team that has been struggling in international cricket so quickly?

CH: For instance Bangladesh played the same team and dominated international cricket domestically for the past 3½ years and we beat the same team. I think I read the game and the situation and I am probably blessed with that talent. I don’t know. We did positional changes that is one thing. For example Kusal Mendis to open the batting and Dushmantha Chameera to bowl with the white new ball. My analyst showed me that he had played 9 matches and taken only one wicket in ODI cricket previously. I was surprised for someone like him taking one wicket in 9 games there was something wrong somewhere. We had to change it. There were also positional changes and there is a lot of tactical things involved which I don’t want to divulge.

Q: Do you set challenges or any goals to the team?

CH: Playing international cricket is a challenge itself. You are expected to win games. The challenge comes with playing for your country at the highest level. You have to play to win and find ways to do that.

Q: What does the team need to move forward?

CH: We have a lot of areas we can still improve one thing is we need to believe that we are good enough and the confidence. We have a lot of injuries and we need to manage that, it is something to address. From last month or so we have changed the ways we trained that is going to help us to maximise our potential and help us to win all the time.

Suhaib Sangani walked away with the Donald Steel Trophy 2018 in the men’s section while the Ladies gross winner Anouk Chitty was awarded the Pam Fernando trophy at the Donald Steel Trophy Golf tournament held at the Victoria Golf and Country Resort.

Cinnamon Life were the main sponsors with Litro Gas Lanka , Shell Lubricants , Cinnamon Hotels and Resorts, Cinnamon Air and Sun Aqua Water coming in as co-sponsors for this mega-event.

Sidath Wettimuny finished runner-up for the second year in the men’s event.

South Asia's best golf course saw over 90 golfers from different countries taking part.

The Football Federation of Sri Lanka has appointed Nizam Packeer Ali as the Head Coach of the Senior National Football team while Sunil Senaweera has been appointed the National team Manager for a two-year term. FFSL has made these appointments aiming at the SAFF Championship to be held in September 2018 in Bangladesh.

Packeer Ali is one of the most experienced football coaches in the country and started his professional coaching career as the head coach of Abahani Sports Club in Bangladesh in 1995. He also has performed as head coach with many local and foreign clubs in Bangladesh, India and Maldives.

Packeer Ali obtained his AFC “A” License Coaching Certificate in 2008 and worked as the head coach of National Youth Team in the years of 2003 and 2007. He served as the Technical Director of FFSL from 2012-14. FFSL believes that Sri Lankan Football will move towards a new direction under his purview.

Sunil Senaweera appointed as team manager is with tremendous experience in many fields in football. He was a player, coach, FIFA Referee, FIFA Referee Assessor and later became FIFA & AFC Match Commissioner. He ihas vast experience in football administration and was the General Secretary of FFLS during the period 2003-04.

The new officials will commence their initiatives and their duties with selections for the National team in February/March and hope to declare the National Pool by 25 March.

Meanwhile, FFSL is determined to play a few international friendlies with Afghanistan, Malta, Singapore and a few other countries in their preparation for the SAFF Championship in September.

In addition, the Sri Lankan team will be in Japan for a three-week training program and to play a couple of friendly matches in August to give some exposure to the players as well as the coaches. A tour to Thailand is also in the schedule if all arrangements fall in line.

Prince of Wales College Moratuwa and St. Joseph’s College Colombo advanced to the quarterfinal round of the ‘Singer Cup’ Under 19 inter-schools two-day knockout cricket tournament yesterday.

Savindu Peiris of Prince of Wales Moratuwa took a match bag of 13 wickets for 76 runs to set up their win over D.S. Senanayake College.

Fifteen-year-old Dunith Wellalage hit a superb 137 off 140 balls with 24 fours and shared a last wicket stand of 174 off 227 balls with Ashan Daniel in their massive win over last year’s runner-up Richmond College.

Prince of Wales will meet defending champion Ananda College and St. Joseph’s will meet St. Sebastian’s College Moratuwa in the quarterfinals.

RESULTS:

+At Moratuwa: Prince of Wales won by 228 runs.

Prince of Wales Moratuwa: 342 and 134/6 decl. in 22 overs (Vishwa Chathuranga 62, Muditha Lakshan 6/29)

D.S. Senanayake: 89 (56/6 o/n) in 28.5 overs (Ayantha Shavinda 22, Savindu Peris 6/18, Kaumal Nanayakkara 3/40) and 159 in 35.3 overs (Pasindu Adithya 40, Teron Baskaran 30, Tuwin Osanda 26, Ayantha Shavinda 23, Savindu Peris 7/58, Kaumal Nanayakkara 3/74)

+At Galle: St. Joseph’s won first inning.

Richmond: 216 and 165/4 in 44 overs (Dhananjaya Lakshan 88, Avindu Theekshana 29 n.o., Adithya Siriwardhane 22, Dunith Wellalage 3/38)

St. Joseph’s: 401 (118/3 o/n) in 106.4 overs (Dunith Wellalage 137, Shevaan Rassool 78, Jehan Daniel 47, Ashan Daniel 43 n.o., Lakshan Gamage 34, Sachintha Ravindu 24, Kamindu Mendis 5/87, Avindu Theekshana 2/66) - (YK)

Chamod Sanadru of Piliyandala Central College made unbeaten century against Taxila Central College Horana in day one of the 17th “Battle of the Salpiti – Raigam” annual Cricket encounter played at De Soysa stadium Moratuwa yesterday.

Taxila Central won the toss and elected to field. Piliyandala Central scored 291 runs for 9 wickets in 84.2 overs. Taxila Central scored 19 runs for no loss at close.

Match will be continued today

Piliyandala Central Piliyandala 291/9 decl in 84.2 overs (Chamod Sandaru 100 n.o., Heshan Madushanka 73, Gayashan Gimhana 34, Sandun Thathsara 22, Thilina Tharinda 5/89, Thisara Sachinthana 3/78)Taxila Horana: 19/0 in 5 overs.

(YK)

A century on debut by Thurstanite Jayavihan Mahavithana 125 not out put his school in a strong position at the end of the first day’s play in the 55th Battle of the Brothers against Isipathana College at the SSC grounds yesterday.

Jayavihan who came to the middle with Thurstan reeling at 33 for 3 wickets after being put into bat by Isipathana was involved in an invaluable stand of 120 with Nimesh Perera who made a well compiled 52 before he retired due to an injury.

Jayavihan was also involved in another fruitful partnership with Savan Prabash of 74 runs. Nimesh Perera had six fours in his innings with lasted 106 minutes while Prabash had four hits to the ropes and four over it in his 25-ball knock of 50.

Jayavihan who faced 143 deliveries had 12 boundaries and four sixes in his majestic innings which helped Thurstan to declare at 314 for 5 wickets. He had the rare honour of being the first Thurstanites to score a century on his debut in the series. He joined a select band of cricketers who has scored centuries in the Battle of Brothers.

Isipathana going into bat before the tea break were also in dire straits losing three wickets for 33 runs before they staged a partial recovery through last year’s skipper Sanjula Abeywickrama 44 not out and skipper Ayana Siriwardana 22 not out who have so far put on 60 runs in an unbroken fifth wicket partnership. Sanjula has so far hit four boundaries.

Thurstan skipper Nipun Lakshan did the early damage by capturing the wickets of Ilangathilaka and Leshan Amarasinghe in the same over before Abeywickrama and Siriwardana averted further trouble.

The former president of the Sri Lanka Tennis Association Suresh Subramaniam was elected president of the National Olympic Committee (NOC) at the annual general meeting held after nine years at Olympic House yesterday.

Subramaniam beat President of the Rowing Association of Sri Lanka Rohan Fernando by a majority of six votes.

Subramaniam received 18 votes while Fernando had to settle for 12 votes.

Current general secretary of NOC Maxwell de Silva was re-elected by overcoming Rohan Prithiviraj by a majority of seven votes (19-12).

The four vice-presidents elected were: Joseph Kenny, Sumith Edirisinghe, Major-General Palitha Fernando and Asanga Seneviratne.

The incumbent president Hemasiri Fernando who held the position for 21 years did not seek re-election. The last time the NOC AGM was held was in 2009.

Thirty-one associations were eligible to vote at yesterday’s election.

“Although my opponents tried to tarnish my image they could not succeed and I was elected on my good record as a national tennis player for ten years and as an administrator,” said Subramaniam after his victory.

“My father was also a good tennis administrator and my brothers also played tennis,” he added.

RESULTS:

President (1): Suresh Subramaniam (18 votes), Rohan Fernando (12)

Vice Presidents (4): Joseph Kenny (18), Asanga Seneviratne (17), Maj-Gen Palitha Fernando (18), Sumith Edirisinghe (16), Maj-Gen Dampath Fernando (13), Anura de Silva (12), Dion Gomes (15), Chaminda Kumara (2), Udayasena Silva (11).

General Secretary (1): Maxwell de Silva (19), Prithiviraj Perera (12), Pradeep Priyankara Perera (withdrew)

Treasurer (1): Senaka Ranasinghe (17), Milroy Peiris (14), Gamini Jayasinghe (withdrew).

Asst Treasurer (1): Nishantha Silva (17), Nishantha Piyasena (14)

Asst Gen Secretary (1): Wing Commander Chandana Liyanage (elected uncontested)

Executive Committee Members (3): Chanaka Hasantha (21), Faisal Mohamed Hussain (17), Ajaath Thamel (17), Nalaka Shanthasiri (15), Ajith Kumara Siyambalapitiya (12)

A sedate half century by Skandavarodaya skipper B. Ajinthan and a superb bowling feat by Mahajana skipper T. Thayustan were the highlights on the opening day of the 18th Battle of the Heroes began at Mahajana grounds, Thellipalai yesterday.

Asked to bat first Kandarodai, Skandavarodaya scored 233 in 69.1 overs in their first innings. After losing the first wicket at the total of 11, K. Niharjan (38) and J. Kalistan (20) shared a 62-run stand for the second wicket which enabled Skandavarodaya to recover.

Then B. Ajinthan scored a skipper’s knock with a patience 55 in 120 balls and then S. Pirashan scored a quick 30 off 28 balls. Number 10 batsman L. Laxan too contributed with the bat as he scored 16 runs.

In the bowling Thellipalai Mahajana, skipper T. Thayustan captured 7 wickets for 70 runs in 19.1 overs. S. Sathurjan took 2 for 37.

In reply Mahajana were 2 wickets down for 93 in their first innings at the close. Opener K. Kirushan scored 46 and N. Janushan was not out on 33.

The match will be continued today.

Scores:

Skandavarodaya 233 in 69.1 overs (K. Niharjan 38, J. Kalistan 20, B. Ajinthan 55, S. Pirashan 30, L. Laxan 16 runs, T. Thayustan 7/70, S. Sathurjan 2/37).

Mahajana 93-2 at close (K Kirushan 46, N Janushan 33 n.o.)

Anuradhapura Central College and Ananda Maithriya Central College Balangoda won the matches against S. de S. Jayasinghe Central College Dehiwala and Gankanda Central College in their ‘Singer Cup’ Under 19 inter-schools cricket matches concluded yesterday.

Vimukthi Nethumal of Trinity Kandy took 7 wickets for 52 runs against Royal College Colombo on the opening day of the 125th encounter at Asgiriya grounds.

RESULTS:

nAt Dehiwala: Anuradhapura Central won by 198 runs.

Anuradhapura Central: 143 and 238 (161/6 o/n) in 40.2 overs (Ashmika Prabodana 72, Ameesha Senavirathna 41 n.o., Heshan Senira 40, Dilshan Dias 3/56, Ravindu Udayanga 2/15, Keshika Sasanka 2/26, Chamindu Hansaka 2/72)

S. de S. Jayasinghe Central Dehiwala: 104 and 79 in 23.2 overs (Dilshan Dias 32, Madhuranga Sri Chandraratne 6/15, Sithum Niluminda 3/34)

nAt Lake View: Match drawn.

Mahanama: 400/8 decl. (364/5 o/n) in 104 overs (Pawan Rathnayake 127 n.o., Heshan Hettiarachchi 105, Pawantha Weerasinghe 52, Pethum Botheju 44, Kanishka Jayasekara 2/74) and 56/1 in 5 overs (Pethum Boteju 31, Bishan Mendis 19 n.o.)

St. Sylvester’s: 221 in 75.4 overs (Avindu Herath 64, Manoharan Pavithran 44, Nadeera Balasooriya 36, Abishek Suranga 25, Hashan Sandeepa 4/73, Sonal Dinusha 3/30)

nAt Balangoda: Ananda Maithreya Central won by inns & 84 runs. Gankanda Central College: 149 and 109 in 39.3 overs (Pethum Shanaka 30, Chathuranga Nanayakkara 22, Chamodya Rajapaksa 6/49, Sashika Thiwanka 4/33)

Ananda Maithreya Central: 342 (287/8 o/n) in 60.2 overs (Shasika Thiwanka 99, Dilshan Lakshitha 51, Lalantha Vishwajith 50, Lithija Kalhara 38, Sankanath Vishwamith 31, Miran Harischandra 3/71, Lahiru Sandaruwan 3/84, Pubudu Shashi 2/43)

DAY ONE SCORES

Matches will be continued today on day two.

nAt Mt. Lavinia: St. Peter’s: 202 in 68.2 overs (Shalitha Fernando 47, Shannon Fernando 29, Pabasara Herath 28, Kanishka Madhuwantha 28, Kalana Perera 5/50, Thevin Eriyagama 2/39, Pavith Ratnayake 2/46)

S. Thomas’: 44/3 at close in 17 overs (Shalin de Mel 35 n.o., Santhush Gunathilake 2/25)

nAt Asgiriya: Royal: 149 in 55 overs (Kavindu Madarasinge 60, Bagya Dissanayake 30, Pasindu Sooriyabandara 21, Vimukthi Nethumal 7/52) Trinity: 123/7 at close in 38 overs (Hasitha Boyagoda 24, Hasintha Jayasooriya 21, Manula Perera 4/37)

nAt Henegama: Galahitiyawa Central: 225 in 61.1 overs (Shenesh Nadeeshan 93, Isuru Tharaka 49, Manujitha Abishan 29, Lahiru Perera 6/57, Amith Wijenayake 4/61)

Henegama Central: 120 in 31.2 overs (Sisikalum Lochana 53, Lahiru Perera 22, Nimsara Sadupa 3/7, Buddhika Kamesh 3/17, Ashen Perera 2/40)

nAt Kirindiwela: Dudley Senanayake Central Tholangamuwa: 298/9 decl. in 61.3 overs (Mihindu Madushan 99, Sandakan Jayaweera 51, Lakvith Jayaweera 43, Asitha Padmasiri 23, Kumara Jayarathne 5/84, Kavinda Sathyage 3/58)

Ibbagamuwa Model School: 77 in 34 overs (Chaturanga Gunasekara 5/12, Rumesh Wijeratne 3/21) - (YK)

St. Anthony’s College Katugastota, Devapathiraja College Ratgama, Tissa Central College Kalutara and Karandeniya Central College advanced to the quarterfinals of the ‘Singer Trophy’ Under 19 division 11 inter-schools (two-day k/o) cricket tournament yesterday.

Raveen Yasas (Devapathiraja Ratgama) scored his third century of the season - 190 off 273 balls (24 fours, 3 sixes) against St. John’s Jaffna and Rohan Sanjaya (Tissa MMV Kalutara) took 12 wickets in the match against Kingswood.

RESULTS:

*At Ratgama: Devapathiraja Ratgama won on first innings. St. John’s Jaffna: 184;

Devapathiraja: 495 (124/3 o/n) in 105 overs (Raveen Yasas 190, Chamika Sandaruwan 54, Jeewaka Shasheen 50, Hareen Achintha 48, Sudeera Weerarathna 43, Pethum Madushanka 34, T. Dinoshan 4/109, V. Abilakshman 2/38, Vasanthan Jathushan 2/99)

*At Katugastota: St. Anthony’s Katugastota won on first innings.

St. Anthony’s: 252 and 330/7 in 75 overs (Theeksha Gunasinge 92 n.o., Deon Stouter 68, Sunera Jayasinghe 54, Janidu Himsara 38, Navodya Wijayakumara 34, Prabod Wanigasinghe 5/79)

Kalutara Vidyalaya: 155 (105/6 o/n) in 46 overs (Dunith Jayathunga 54, Vishmika Costa 20 n.o., Dhanuka Nimhana 20, Janidu Himsara 3/23, Nimnaka Jayathilake 3/41, Navodya Wijayakumara 2/22)

*At Kalutara: Tissa Central Kalutara won by 92 runs.

Tissa Central: 271 and 121 in 37.4 overs (Sachin Himash 44, Ramesh Madushanka 29, Harshana Wickramasihne 2/35)

Kingswood: 184 (144/6 o/n) in 46.1 overs (Dhananjaya Madhuranga 59, Achala Bogodawaththa 37, Rohan Sanjaya 4/22, Rasanjana Aravindu 4/43) and 116 in 27.2 overs (Dulin Wijanarayana 33, Rohan Sanjaya 8/34)

*At Panadura: Karandeniya Central won by 65 runs. Karandeniya Central: 203 and 152 in 53.5 overs (Dimuth Sandaruwan 53, Janeth Kaushal 33, Janindu Induwara 4/46, Anuka Jayasinghe 3/49)

Sri Sumangala Panadura: 174 (64/3 o/n) in 60.4 overs (Tharana Gandara 62, Samith Isuru 5/45, Ishara Madhuwantha 3/33) and 116 in 15 overs (Imesha de Silva 45, Isuru Umanga 24, Dinupa Krishan 5/43, Samith Isuru 4/28)

DAY ONE

Match will be continued today on day two.

nAt PTS ground Kalutara: St. Anne’s Kurunegala: 195 in 77.4 overs (Randeera Ranasinghe 40, Dananjaya Bandara 37, Dilhara Nanayakkara 5/39, Nadeera Maduwantha 2/14)

Holy Cross College, Kalutara: 64/4 at close in 22 overs (Dineth Silva 22 n.o., Randeera Ranasinghe 2/34)- (YK)

Los Angeles, Monday: The World Anti-Doping Agency stopped short on Sunday of endorsing the International Olympic Committee's decision to lift Russia's suspension if no new positive drug tests come to light from the Pyeonchang Winter Olympics.

In a statement issued Sunday night, WADA said it "acknowledges" the IOC's latest move but pointed out that Russia is still not adhering to the World Anti-Doping Code.

"It should be clarified that the Russian Anti-Doping Agency (RUSADA) remains non-compliant with the World Anti-Doping Code as it has not yet met the necessary criteria of RUSADA's Roadmap to Compliance, following Russia's proven systemic manipulation of the doping control process," WADA said in a statement.The agency said it is continuing to work with "RUSADA to assist them in rebuilding a credible and sustainable anti-doping program." The IOC voted unanimously to keep Russia's ban for mass doping, meaning Russian athletes were not able to march behind their flag at the Pyeongchang Olympics closing ceremonies on Sunday.

But the IOC said the suspension would be lifted -- in "a few days or a few weeks" -- if no new doping cases come out of the Games, where two Russians tested positive for doping.

The vote to maintain the ban for the time being followed a recommendation from the IOC's executive board, which met Saturday and early Sunday over Russia's fate.The IOC "could have considered lifting the suspension given that the Olympic Athletes from Russia (OAR) had respected the IOC's decision of December 5," IOC president Thomas Bach said.

"However, two Russian athletes tested positive for doping here in Pyeongchang." The IOC decision was slammed by the lawyer for Russian whistleblower and former Moscow drug lab director Grigory Rodchenkov.

"Thomas Bach was a drowning man," lawyer Jim Walden said on the weekend.

"But finally cooler heads within the IOC threw him a life preserver. Yet in the decision, the IOC had the gall to claim Russia 'respected' its decision on December 5th to institute the suspension.

"This, despite Russia's continued retaliation against the IOC's main witness, Dr. Rodchenkov, and Russia's litany of further transgressions, including denial and obstruction toward the IOC and WADA. The acrimony caused by Bach's mismanagement should be his undoing."Russia was formally banned in December from taking part in the 2018 Olympics following revelations of widespread drug-cheating, but 168 athletes deemed "clean" were allowed to compete as neutrals.They were representing "Olympic Athletes from Russia" under strict guidelines including a ban on Russia's flag, national colours and the national anthem. AFP

The Motor Racing Calendar for the year 2018 got off to a flying start on Sunday when the 21st annual Eliyaknada Hill Climb organized and conducted Southern Motor Sports Club was held on a grand scale. Dilan Seneviratne who returned to the racing circuit after a lapse of three years was in fine form when he went on to erase the existing track record for the Ford Formula Cars Modified up to 1665cc climbing the Hill in only 32.24 secs.

Dilan’s drive on Sunday also was ‘the Best Time’ for the day which gave him the Fastest Drivers Trophy in addition to the record breaking Trophy awarded for the event. Dilan erased the Course record which stood at 32.61 seconds set up by his team mate Dinesh Jayawardene two years ago.

Dilan was in excellent form and was also able to carry away the winner’s Trophy for Ford Formula Cars up to 1600 cc and other special awards on offer for Fastest Driver and the Best Timer’s Award.

Former course record holder Dinesh Jayawardena though he failed in the Formula Class was at his best in the Group SL-GT up to 3500 cc class climbing the Hill clocking 33.745 seconds to be the winner ahead of Ashan Silva and Darin Weerasinghe.

Mahen Madugalle, a veteran in lighter cars did well in Group A modified class on Sunday to away Trophy awarded for event going ahead for the other divers timing clocking a time of 38.630 seconds.

Kavindu Dushan Mudalige riding in the Group SM Supermotard on a Honda CRF 250cc had the best timing for the day clocking an impressive 38.850 seconds to win the event in style and also the Best Riders’ Award on offer.

The only major incident reported on the track was Yasith Gamage’s vehicle which went off the track crashing onto a tree causing heavy damage but Yasith was lucky to escape sans injuries.

Due to intermittent rains that came down the drivers riders were not able to touch their maximum possible on their machines with the expectation of setting up new records. Full credit should go to the organizers who managed to complete the events on a high note under difficult conditions due to the unexpected rains.

Results:

Motor Cars

Group N: Ford Laser/Mazda323 up to1500cc

1.Rajitha Uluwita

2. Shenal Gunewardena

3. Mahesh Kodagoda

Group F: Formula Mclarens EFI 300cc

1. Chandima Guneratne

2. Brian Perera

3. Ranjaya Dissnayake

Group F: Ford Formula Cars up to 1600cc

1. Dilan Seneviratne

2. Dinesh Jayawardene

3. Nadeera Jinasena

Group F: c

1. Dilan Seneviratne Ford Formula Cars Modified up to 1600cc

Group F: T & J Open Diesel & Petrol

1.Ishraq Wahab

2. Sanjaya Sedera Senarath

3. Kasim Wahab

Group F: SL A modified cars up to 1050cc

1. Mahen madugalle

2. Chamika Rantunga

3. K. Parameshwaran

Group F: SL-H cars up to 1618cc (one Make)

1. Kushan Peiris,

2. Dammika Piris,

3. Prasanna de Alwis

Group F: SL-GT cars up to 3500cc

1. Dinesh Jayawardene

2. Ashan Silva

3. Dinesh Jayawardene

Group F: SL E Nisan March Cars up to 1000cc (One Make)

1. Dileepa Palliyaguru

2. M. Arachchi Jayaneththi

3. Dilanka Wijesuriya

Group E Ford Laser/Mazda car up to 1300cc

1. Manura Wanniarachchi

2. Naveen Madawa Bandara

3. Kolitha Edirisinghe

Group E: Mini up to 1275 (One make cars):

1. Chanaka Ratnayake

2. Sandaru Weerasinghe

3. Thiran Perera

Club Event: Modified Cars up to 1300cc:

1. Rajitha Uluwita

2. Jagath Munasinghe

3. Prasaan de Alwis

Club Event Open (Diesel and Petrol):

1. Prasanna de Alwis

2. Udara Palliyaguru

3. Ranga Biyanwala

Motor Bikes

Group O Standard Motorbikes over 100cc up to 125cc:

1. Sanjeeva Udaya Kumara

2.Chaminda Subasinghe

3. Supun Danushka

Goup O Standar motorcycles 160cc 4/T:

1. Assanka Samarawickrama

2. Pathirage Nikila

3. Pathirage Mangala

Group M Standard modified cycles 100cc & up to 125cc 4/T:

1. Dammika Senaratne,

2. Sanjeewa Udayakumara, Isuru Madushan

Group M Modified Motorcycles 250cc Supersports:

1. Nipun Dilanka

2.Madura Peiris

3.Janaka Dinesh

Group SM Supermotard 250cc 4/T:

1. Kushan Mudalige

2. Nipun Dilanka

3. Kavindu Dushan Mudalige

Group Modified motorcycles 600cc:

1. Amal Supun Suraj,

2. Amila Hashan,

3. S.D.D. Nadeeshan

Group M Street Trailbikes 250cc 4/T:

1. Lahiru Randeep,

2. Maheel Pavitra,

3.Ishan Edirisinghe

Group M Supermotard Open:

1. Kushan Mudalige

Group M Street Trail Bikes 250cc 2/T:

1. Shane Mark de Silva

2.H.G. Kasun

3. S. Vasudevan

Group M Modified Motorcycles over 900cc up to 10004/T:

1. Insaf Basheer

2. Lahiru randeep Hansa Ishan Edirisinghe

Sports Touring Motorcycles Over 700cc (Club event):

1.Akalanka Perera

2. Shashika Sandaruwan

3. Amila Heshan

One Make Series Buel

(Club Event):

1. Amila Hashan

2. W.P.S. Ranaweera,

3. Buddhika Peiris

Los Angeles, Monday: LaMarcus Aldridge led the offensive attack in the paint and Danny Green shot the lights out from long distance as the San Antonio Spurs beat the Cleveland Cavaliers 110-94 on Sunday.

Aldridge finished with 27 points and Green chipped in 22 as the Spurs snapped a four-game losing skid.

Green missed Friday's loss to Denver with food poisoning but on Sunday he delivered the perfect side dish to Aldridge's dynamic inside game with his five three-pointers.

"Every win is a big one for us," Green said. "But this month we've had some ups and downs. This is a really good team, especially with the best player in the world over there."

Indeed, Cavs' superstar LeBron James flirted with a triple double by finishing with 33 points, 13 rebounds and nine assists but that's not what James wanted to talk about after the loss.

The reigning All-Star Game MVP slammed officials after the game, saying they are not calling enough fouls on him.

"There's no reason I should be going to the line four times in a game when I drive 100 times to the paint and I'm getting hit and slapped and grabbed and whatever and what not," James said.

James thinks the officials are protecting players that shoot a lot of three-point shots and not calling enough fouls on players like him who like to drive to the basket.

'Chicks dig long ball'

"Chicks dig the long ball and that's what it's about," James said.

San Antonio was called for 12 personal fouls -- only three in the second half -- and shot 32 free throws compared to 14 for Cleveland.

Cleveland dropped to 3-2 since overhauling their roster before the all-star break with three trades.

Dejounte Murray added 13 points and nine rebounds for San Antonio, who are playing without injured star Kawhi Leonard. Elsewhere, Jrue Holiday scored 28 of his 36 points after halftime to lead the New Orleans Pelicans to a 123-121 overtime victory over the Milwaukee Bucks.

Holiday chipped in nine rebounds and six assists for New Orleans, who won their season-high fifth straight game.

Milwaukee's Jason Terry tossed up a potential game-winning three-pointer but the officials ruled it was after the buzzer.Anthony Davis added 27 points and 13 rebounds for the Pelicans, who trailed by 18 early in the second half but outscored Milwaukee 38-19 in the third quarter.

James Harden scores 27 of his 41 points in the first half as the Houston Rockets held on to beat the Denver Nuggets 119-114. AFP

Paris, Sunday: Paris Saint-Germain coach Unai Emery remains optimistic that superstar Neymar will be fit to face Real Madrid in their do-or-die Champions League clash despite suffering an ankle injury in Sunday's 3-0 victory over Marseille.

Neymar, the world's most expensive footballer, was stretchered off 10 minutes from time at the Parc des Princes as PSG opened up a 14-point lead in Ligue 1.

The 26-year-old was on his own when he innocuously rolled his ankle and flopped to the ground in pain.

"The first examination in the locker room revealed that it was a twist to the ankle. Now we will do a medical examination to find out what this twist is," said Emery, whose team face Real at home on March 6 in the Champions League last 16 where they need to overturn a 3-1 deficit.

"We will wait for the examination, we will be optimistic. If I had to say today (whether or not he will face Real) I would rather say yes to being optimistic."

PSG skipper Thiago Silva told Canal+ added: "Neymar already had a swollen ankle. I'm not a doctor, but I don't think he'll be available on Wednesday (when PSG face Marseille again in the French Cup). He has to rest."

It was an otherwise easy night for the big-spending Parisians as teenager Kylian Mbappe became the youngest scorer in the French 'Classique'.

Uruguayan goal-machine Edinson Cavani was also on the scoresheet while Neymar had a hand in PSG's other goal.

With Monaco drawing 3-3 at Toulouse on Saturday and Lyon held 1-1 at home to local rivals Saint-Etienne earlier on Sunday, it meant none of PSG's three nearest challengers managed to win.

Monaco remain second with Marseille third, two points behind, and Lyon a further five adrift.

This result was never in doubt and Emery even had the luxury of bringing off Mbappe, 19, after an hour to give Argentine international Angel Di Maria a half-hour run out.

PSG were off to a flying start through Mbappe but Marseille were in part the architects of their own downfall.

France midfielder Adrien Rabiot tried to thread a through ball on 10 minutes to Mbappe, cutting in from the right.

Former Aston Villa full-back Jordan Amavi was in place to intercept the ball but he slipped and succeeded only helping it onto teenage star Mbappe, who jinked inside onto his left foot and dragged a low shot inside Yohann Pele's near post.

As expected, the hosts were dictating the tempo and dominating the ball, but Neymar was off target with a header from a Dani Alves cross.

The second came before the half hour mark, though, and again it owed much to poor Marseille defending.

Layvin Kurzawa slipped Rabiot into the inside left channel in the visitors' box and he picked out Brazilian Neymar with a cut-back.

The forward's poked finish was heading off target until his compatriot and Marseille centre-back Rolando thrust out a boot and inadvertently directed the ball into the goal. AFP