NEW DELHI: India's chances of winning the Asia Cup for the third straight year received a boost when ace tennis player Leander Paes confirmed his participation in the tournament to be played here from Nov 22-27.Mahesh Bhupathi gave his consent to the All India Tennis Association, about his availability two months ago.

Rajput shines

NEW DELHI: Man of the Match Lalchand Rajput's all-round display (53 &3-35) helped Indian Veterans defeat Sri Lankan Veterans by 16 runs in the first match of the Indian Masters Challenge series.

Brief scores: India 204-8 in 45 overs (Lalchand Rajput 53, Ashok Malhotra 44; S de Silva 2-34) bt Sri Lanka 188 in 41.2 overs (G de Alvis 52, D Priya 30, W Waragoda 31, Rajput 3-35, C Sharma 2-15, N Hirwani 2-35).

Jadeja taciturn

MUMBAI: The Board of Control for Cricket in India is awaiting word from Ajay Jadeja about his expected return to full fitness from the calf muscle tear he sustained during the Singapore tri-nation event earlierthis month.Meanwhile, deposed skipper Mohammed Azharuddin is unlikely to be considered for selection as he still felt some pain in his shoulder while throwing from outside the 30-yard circle.

Chima appeal

CALCUTTA: Mohun Bagan striker Chima Okerie, suspended for an eight-month period for violent conduct, today appealed to the Indian Football Association for reducing the suspension period and fine.

Okerie was slapped an eight-month suspension and fined Rs 3 lakhs by the IFA's Super Division league sub-committee on Tuesday last for ``manhandling'' the referee during the Derby clash between East Bengal and Mohun Bagan on August 31.

Bagan players Samuel Omollo, Debjit Ghosh and Dulal Biswas, who were fined Rs 10,000 each for their conduct in the violence-marred match, have also appealed to IFA for a reduction in fine.