Success at home for youngster as overnight leader Abhishek Jha falters in final round

Abhishek Jha suffered a severe bout of final-round nerves while a tenacious S Chikkarangappa scripted a sensational fightback to emerge champion in the inaugural Take Solutions India Masters here on Saturday.

Leading by a whopping six shots overnight, Jha appeared completely beset by stage fright as he reserved his worst for the last, carding a disastrous three-over 75 to end runner-up in painful fashion in front of his home crowd at the Eagleton Golf Resort.

The crowd, whose loyalties were divided all day with two homegrown boys slugging it out for supremacy in the Asian Development Tour event, had plenty to cheer about as well with Chikkarangappa carding a brilliant five-under 67 to total 270 and score an out-of-nowhere two-shot victory.

“I won my first junior and amateur titles here but I’ve always come short in a pro tournament,” said a delighted Chikkarangappa, watched by his parents, after pocketing $12,250 (approx Rs 7.5 lakh). “To finally get a pro win at your home course is something amazing. I could not sleep until 2.30 in the morning because of the injury I suffered in the third round. But all that pain has vanished with this victory that I’d been dreaming of.”

Although just 21 and six years younger to Jha, Chikkarangappa is miles ahead of his practice partner and friend in terms of top-level experience and that was what proved to be the difference in the end. While Chikkarangappa conjured all his experience in rising to the challenge, Jha, playing as a final-round leader for the first time in four years, was totally overwhelmed by the occasion, his game collapsing amidst the tension he brought upon himself.

Things started to unfold as early as in the third hole itself when Chikkarangappa nailed a 25-footer birdie and Jha three-putted as the lead was cut short to four. That poor putt seemed to have an immediate bearing as Jha found the woods on the par-5 fourth hole, from where he could only bogey at best.

Chikkarangappa then birdied the eighth hole, draining a 10-footer as he turned in just two strokes behind Jha. Both birdied the 10th before Jha dropped a shot again on the 12th, the par-putt agonisingly lipping out. Chikkarangappa brought himself level with Jha on the 15th after pulling off a stunning 35-foot birdie putt.

That scorcher appeared to knock the stuffing out of Jha, who picked up a double bogey on the 16th. He drove the ball next to a banyan tree, hit it to the greenside rough with his second attempt before duffing it on the third. He then chipped way over the pin, two-putting from there as Chikkarangappa, aware the title was just handed over to him on a platter, coolly parred to take a two-shot lead.

Chikkarangappa birdied the penultimate hole and although Jha too matched his friend, it was way too late as the former completed a brilliant win.
“I wish I could play the final round again,” said a disappointed Jha. “I just suffered from final round blues. It’s been a four years, since I played as leader and I just didn’t know how to pace myself. I just did everything wrong. It’s a big lesson for me.”

Leading scores (after 72 holes, Indians unless mentioned): 270: S Chikkarangappa (64, 70, 69, 67); 272: Abhishek Jha (66, 66, 65, 75); 274: Nils Floren (Swe, 71, 62, 74, 67); 275: C Muniyappa (69, 68, 72, 66), Niall Turner (Ire, 67, 70, 70, 68); 276: SSP Chowrasia (74, 68, 69, 65), R Murthy (71, 68, 64, 73); 277: Pijit Petchkasem (Tha, 65, 73, 70, 69); 278: Khalin Joshi (67, 69, 71, 71), Deepinder Singh Kullar (67, 69, 71, 71), M Dharma (67, 71, 69, 71).

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> Sports / by Sidney Kiran / Bangalore – DHNS, November 02nd, 2014

Cricket is a popular sport and is being played by many upcoming youngsters throughout the country. Mysore has been producing talented cricketers from time in different age categories who have gone one to represent the State in different levels. One such upcoming talent is Nikin Jose from Mysore. This youngster has been very consistent with his performance and has been the star performer in the Vijay Merchant U-16 South Zone tournament 2014 for Karnataka. Nikin with his excellent batting performance in the tournament helped Karnataka emerge as the champions with 19 points from their five games. He scored 461 runs in five innings for his State and also led the side to the title triumph. He is our “Star This Week”.

Nikin Jose, a right hand opening batsman, captained the Karnataka Under-16 team in the Vijay Merchant U-16 tournament 2014 and with his performance both as a skipper and batsman helped his team to lift the trophy. He had scores of 13 against Andhra, 146 against Goa, 96 against Tamil Nadu, 69 against Hyderabad and concluded the tournament with a excellent 92 and 45 not out against Kerala. He has emerged as the top run-getter in the tournament and is a talent to be groomed.

Nikin Jose plays for Sunny Side CC in the KSCA Mysore Zone league. In the KSCA Mysore zone under-16 tournament he scored five centuries (with two double centuries). He also captained Mysore Zone U-16 team in the Inter-zonal tournament held in Bangalore and performed well.

Nikin has represented Karnataka U-16 in the Inter-state matches in 2013-14 season and also performed well for his team in the tournament. Nikin was adjudged as the Best Under-14 player in the State and won the Best Batsman award in the Annual KSCA Awards 2013-14 held at Bangalore.

Nikin has been representing Mysore Zone in the Under-14 and Under-16 levels for the last two years and has been performing consistently. He has been encouraged by his parents, KSCA Mysore Zone and his coaches since he took up to the sport.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Sports News / Sunday, November 02nd, 2014

A. Sandesh leaves a lasting impression on Mysore

Ace Jockey A. Sandesh was seen in action at the Mysore Derby held this Sunday. He was specially called to ride Dr. M.A.M. Ramaswamy’s horse ‘Bold Majesty.’ Sandesh proved his worth as he guided Bold Majesty to a brilliant win.

The Mysore Derby panned out to be a cliffhanger with Spreadeagle ridden by another top Jockey P. Trevor and Bold Majesty being the two fancies engaged in an electric battle, climaxing to a photo finish. Sandesh was at his brilliant best and has left a lasting memory for all those who witnessed the exciting finish.

The young and unassuming lad from Western India was the darling of the mammoth crowd that had turned up to witness the Derby.

Madhukar Bhagawan, Racing Commentator, caught up with Jockey Sandesh for an interview for Star of Mysore. Excerpts…

by Madhukar Bhagawan

SOM: What made you choose a career as a jockey?

Sandesh: My fascination for horses goes a long way back. I am originally from Matheran, one of the most popular hill stations in Maharashtra. Along with its scenic beauty, Matheran attracts tourists for its good weather and joy- rides atop horses and ponies. Like most locals, my father too made a living by offering rides to tourists.

One such tourist was Iqbal Nathani, a passionate race horse owner. My father used to take horses to ferry him and his family up the hill and one day I too joined him and was riding the spare horse along with them. My riding style caught Nathani’s eye and I still remember when Nathani Sir walked up to my dad and me and said to me, “You have a good seat and my gut-feeling says that you can succeed as a professional jockey.” He then turned to my dad and said, “Your son should become a jockey when he grows up, I will do all I can to guide him.” I was just a young boy then.

When I turned 15 years of age, my dad reminded Nathani Sir during one of his visits about his offer to guide me in becoming a jockey. Nathani Sir kept his word and soon he took me to his trainer Rehanullah Khan to pick up the ropes of race riding. I worked in Rehan Sir’s stables for almost 2 ½ years before I got an apprentice’s licence. My first learning began here.

I would also like to share a brief tale with regard to my name. My name is Sandesh Akhade. It was at the instance of veteran jockey Vasant Shinde that ‘A.Sandesh’ came into being. Vasant Sir is immensely popular in Matheran and is highly revered by everyone there. We affectionately refer to him as “Appa” in our hometown. He was delighted when he came to know that I was heading to Mumbai to become a jockey. “When you apply for the apprentice jockey school, register your name as A.Sandesh,” he had advised and I did his bidding.

SOM: Do you now feel you have chosen the right profession?

Sandesh: Definitely! Riding is the only activity I know. Being with the horses from an early age, I believe I understand them very well. Riding means everything to me. I was at ease from the very outset. From Sept. 30, 2009, which was when I got my licence, I have ridden over 400 winners to date. The recent Mysore Derby win astride Bold Majesty was my third Derby success, the first two being the Kingfisher Bangalore Derby with Borsalino in 2012 and with Alaindair in 2013. I have won a total of nine classics so far and I am looking forward to add a lot many more.

SOM: Which winner of yours do you rate as the best?

Sandesh: The Governor’s Cup on Hills And Stars in 2012 at Bangalore stands out in my mind. I beat the favourite Toroloco in a thrilling finish.

SOM: Your comments on the different race tracks in the country.

Sandesh: I have ridden in most of the race courses in India. Each track has its own characteristics and one has to adapt to different riding tactics depending upon the course. The Bangalore course has a steep climb. The home stretch at Pune and Kolkata are quite short and so on. The best course according to me is Mahalakshmi, Mumbai. A jockey gets to learn a lot riding in Mumbai. The long straight at Mumbai is the best ‘class room’ for any rider.

SOM: How do you find the Mysore race course?

Sandesh: I haven’t ridden as much here as I have at other race courses. I have had only four winners on this track and two of them have been Classics this season, the Mysore 2000 Guineas on War Command and Bold Majesty now in the Mysore Derby. Mysore is a beautiful city, historic and the race course is one of the most picturesque race courses I have ever seen.

SOM: I am sure you had a plan in place for the Mysore Derby. Won’t you share it with us?

Sandesh: It was a small field. My focus, however, was only Spreadeagle in the race. After all, he had beaten Bold Majesty in the Hyderabad Derby. I was confident I would tackle the other four runners. Our plan was to make sure that Spreadeagle did not have a leeway of more than three to three-and-half lengths on entering the home straight. Spreadeagle did give me a scare as he had that lead entering the home-stretch. I had to ride out real hard to bridge the gap. Bold Majesty too was responding inside the last furlong. I must admit it was a hard task as Spreadeagle too ran a great race. The close finish could have gone either way. I guess I was lucky to win it in almost on the last stride!

At this point, I must also convey my gratitude to Dr. M.A.M. Ramaswamy and trainer S. Ganapathy for offering me this ride.

SOM: You had a stint in England, how enriching was that experience?

Sandesh: I was in England for almost two months. Once again this was possible due to Iqbal Nathani Sir and trainer Rehanullah Khan Sir for facilitating this trip. They were also kind enough to request Jockey Richard Hughes to make arrangements and speak to the professionals there to provide me opportunities. With his help I got to work under trainer Richard Hannon. It was an educative trip.

SOM: One last question. A jockey is required to have a strict check on his weight. How do you manage this issue?

Sandesh: In that respect I am very lucky. My riding weight is 49 kilograms and my body composition is such that I don’t have any problem in maintaining my weight, thankfully, without many sacrifices.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Feature Articles / Tuesday ,  October 21st, 2014

Tennis is a global sport and Mysore has been producing talented tennis players from time to time who have gone on to represent the country in different levels. One such player who has made his mark in the National and International level in the junior boys section is city’s C. Vasisht. A trainee at Prahalad Srinath’s Tennis Academy, Vasisht won the Fenesta National Title in the Boys Under-16 section. He also won the U-16 Doubles and U-18 Doubles title to win a triple crown in the championships which concluded at the DLTA complex in Delhi on Saturday. He is our “Star This Week”.

In the U-16 Boys singles final, second seeded C. Vasisht shocked the top-seeded Karnataka lad B.R. Nikshep 2-6, 6-2, 7-5 and clinched the coveted title. Vasisht saved a match point in the ninth game of the decider in which he had trailed 2-4. Vasisht came back strongly and gained the upper hand with his free-stroking forehand winners and won the title.

Earlier in the semi-finals, Vasisht had beaten S. Manish of Tamil Nadu 7-6 (3), 6-2 to enter the title round. Vasisht partnering Nitin Kumar Sinha of West Bengal won the boys U-16 doubles title by beating Yugal Bansal & Amaan Bhatia 2-6, 6-4, 10-8 in the final. He completed a fine treble when he combined with city’s Prajwal Dev and won the boys U-18 doubles title.

In the Boys U-18 boys doubles final, Vasisht and Prajwal Dev beat P. Param and Paramveer Bajwa of Chandigarh 1-6, 6-4 (10-7) to win the title.

Vasisht, a Mysorean, has shifted base to Bangalore and presently trains with Prahalad Srinath. Encouraged by his parents has been performing well in the National and International circuit.

Vasisht has made all Mysoreans proud with his feat of being crowned as the National Junior Tennis Champion in the MCC Adidas Tennis Championship in Chennai last month.Vasisht has represented India in the junior ranks and has been making steady progress with good performances in the ITF tournaments in the circuit both in India and abroad. He aims to work hard under the guidance of his coach and with the support of his parents, intends to reach greater heights in this sport in the days to come.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Sports  News / Sunday ,  October 19th, 2014

Mysore :

The NIE team won the Mysore City Inter-Collegiate Throwball Championships – 2014-15 organised by Mysore City Inter Collegiate Tournaments Committee at JSS Women’s College, Saraswathipuram, in city recently.

In the finals played between NIE and JSSCW, JSSCW won the first game by 27-26. NIE team fought back and won the second game by 25-13. The deciding third game was very interesting and both the teams exhibited good attacking skills. However the NIE team which was trailing at 10-16 fought back with some very good display of skills by Captain V. Dharini and won over JSSCW by 25-20.

The prizes for both the teams were distributed by International Throwball Referee Kashinath.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home>Sports News / Thursday ,  October 16th, 2014

Intro: Once considered as a taboo in India, women wrestlers in India have fought all odds to be recognised as wrestling was restricted to only men and women were not encouraged to take up the sport.

It was in early 2000 that women were encouraged to take up wrestling as a sport. Geeta Phogat of Haryana became the first woman to qualify for the Olympics in the year 2012 and slowly the sport started spreading across the country and today the country is a home for many talented women wrestlers who have been competing in national and international tournaments. One such girl who has made a name for herself in wrestling is Rita Priyanka, a native of Palahalli in Mandya district. Having taken up wrestling in 2004, she has emerged as a champion wrestler. She has also become an inspiration for young women who wish to make a career out of wrestling. Rita has completed her graduation in Arts from D. Banumaiah College in City. Star of Mysore (SOM) caught up with Rita Priyanka for a chat. Here are the excerpts…

by S.N. Venkatnag Sobers

SOM: When did you take up wrestling and who encouraged you?

Rita: I took up wrestling in the year 2004. It was my father who encouraged me to take up wrestling when I informed him about my desire to become a wrestler. Basically, I have been an athlete since my childhood. After having participated in athletics and Kabbadi competitions, I decided to take up wrestling as it was interesting. Fortunately, I have been doing well in wrestling competitions held in State and at the National level. I wish to continue my good run and wish to represent my country at international tournaments.

SOM: Wrestlers like other sports-persons are required to maintain the physique and diet. What is your daily routine and diet?

Rita: I get up at 5 am everyday and go for a 6 km run, that is from Palahalli to Pump House and return. Later, I attend my college and hit the wrestling ring at 4 pm at the University of Mysore. I am being coached by L. Manjappa, University wrestling coach, on Point Wrestling. This apart, Pailwan Ramesh, Girish, Vijendra, Mukunda and others have been guiding me throughout.

My diet includes Sukka Chapathis, Ragi Balls, Ragi Porridge, Raw Egg, Butter and other high protein food. The diet alters accordingly during my preparations to a tournament.

SOM: What role has your father played in you emerging as a successful wrestler?

Rita: Like I said earlier, my father Antony Raj has been my inspiration. He has encouraged me throughout. Though, we come from a poor background, he has made sure to get me the best of training facilities to help in all my endeavours to become a successful woman wrestler. We neither have lands nor we have high income, but my father being a small farmer has never discouraged me. I owe a lot to my father.

SOM: Compared to other States, Karnataka lacks proper infrastructure for wrestling especially for women. What do you have to say on this?

Rita: Sadly, we don’t have the infrastructure that is required for women wrestlers. When Shobha Karandlaje was the District In-Charge Minister, we had requested her to construct a sports hostel for women in Mysore as it is the first place in the State to have women wrestlers.

Unfortunately, the facilities are provided at Belgaum and Davanagere. It is difficult for us to go there and get trained. I request the State Government to grant a sports hostel for wrestling in Mysore.

SOM: What are your future plans in wrestling and career?

Rita: I will continue to prepare for wrestling competitions. I aspire to become a Police Officer and serve the society. Earlier, the State Govt. provided job opportunities for wrestlers in Police Department and others. But, it has stopped now.

I have applied for the Sub-Inspector’s post and I am waiting for the interview call. Hopefully, I will do well in the interview and get through.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home>Feature Articles / Wednesday ,  October 15th, 2014