CRICKET. Abhinav Bindra shot Olympic Gold. Indias first Olympic gold. Sourav is Asian Cricketer of the Year. Anil Kumble announced retirement

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1 Bank Probationary Officer General Awareness S P O R T S & G A M E S R O U N D T H E Y E A R O L Y M P I C S Abhinav Bindra shot Olympic Gold. Indias first Olympic gold India s Abhinav Bindra won gold medal in 10 meter air rifle event at Beijing. It is India s first individual Olympic gold. Norman Prichard is the first Indian to get an individual medal in Olympics. In 1900 he won silver in 200mtrs race and 200 meter Hurdles. CRICKET Anil Kumble announced retirement Indian test team captain and leg-spinner Anil Kumble announced his retirement from International Cricket on November 2, 2008, following third match against Australia. Muralitharan:Lanka s outstanding Sportsman Sri Lanka selected Muttiah Muralitharan as the most outstanding sportsman of the year. Kevin Pietersen, the new England Captain Michael Vaughan stepped down as the captain of England cricket team. Kevin Pitersen became the new Captain. India lost test series India lost the test series against Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka won the Homeseries for 2-1. After losing the Test series, India team slipped four points down to 109 in world ranking. And Sri Lanka remains unbeaten in home test series since Pakistan clinched the tri-series Salman Butt and Younis Khan hammered centuries to set up Pakistan s thrilling 25 run victory over arch - rivals India in the triangular one-day series final in Dhaka on June 14. Left handed opener Butt retired hurt on 129 and Younis scored a brisk 108 as Pakistan posted before restricting India to 290 to avenge their record defeat in the earlier series. India, under pressure after Pakistan s fire works, were in deep trouble when they lost four wickets for 106, including those of in - form openers Virendra Sehwag (2) and Gautam Gambir (40). Younis was named Man of the Match and Butt Man of the series. Sourav is Asian Cricketer of the Year Former Indian Captain Sourav Ganguly was adjudged the Asian Cricketer and Asian Batsman of the year for his fighting comeback into the Indian team, at the Castrol Asian Cricket Award Ceremony held in Karachi, Pakistan. He announced his retirement from international cricket on November 10 following the fourth test against Australia. Rajasthan Royals clinched the IPL Championship The inaugural DLF IPL twenty 20 competition was clinched by Rajasthan Royals. Rajasthan Royals, chasing 164 -scored a last -ball three -wicket win over Chennai Super kings to win the DLF-IPL - title at the D.Y. Patil stadium in Mumbai. Yusuf Pathan, with his big hitting (56 off 39 balls) and fastish variety of off - spin (three for 22) emerged the hero for the winning side. MacGill announced retirement Australian leg-spinner Stuart MacGill announced his retirement from international Cricket on June 1, following the second test against West Indies. Dravid joins exclusive club Rahul Dravid became the sixth batsman and the third Indian to surpass 10,000 test runs. When Dravid

2 reached 80 during his innings of 111 on the fourth day of the first Future Cup Test at the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium on March 29, he joined Brian Lara, Sachin Tendular, Allan Boarder, Steve Waugh and Sunil Gavaskar in the exclusive club. In 119 tests Dravid has runs at an impressive average of Year ban on Akhtar Maverick speedster Shoaib Akhtar was banned for five years by the Pakistan Cricket Board for repeated acts of indiscipline. India Winner of Twenty-20 World Cup Indian cricket team clinched the inaugural ICC World Cup Twenty-20 Cup after defeating Pakistani Cricket team by 5 runs in the final of the tournament which was played in Johannesburg (South Africa) on September 24, India set a target of 157 runs for seven wickets but Pakistan could only make 152 runs with three deliveries remaining and thus lost the match. Irfan Pathan of India was declared Man of the Match while Shahid Afridi was named Man of the Series for their brillian performance. Yuvraj Singh of India became the first batsman to hit sixes in an over in the shorter version of the game. BCCI announced an award of 2 million dollars for India for achieving the victory. Yuvraj Singh has been given one crore rupees for his brilliant batting performance. Besides, the tournament prize money of 4,90,000 dollar will also be given to the Indian team. It is worth mentioning that Indian Cricket Team has won World Cup after 24 years. Last time they won world cup in 1983 under the captaincy of Kapil Dev. India Clinches Under-19 World Cup India clinched the Under 19 World Cup with 12 run win over South Africa in rain hit final match on March 2, 2008 in Kuala Lumpur. The South African team finished with 103 runs for eight wickets. India Registers Historic Tri Series Win Over Australia Indian cricket team created history on March 4, 2008 in Brisbane (Australia) when they won the second final against Australia by nine runs and emerged triumphant in the Commonwealth Bank ODI tri-series by beating Australia by six wickets. India which opted to bat made 258 runs for nine wickets in 50 overs. Sachin Tendulkar after making his unbeaten 117 runs in the first final, scored 91. He opened his partnership of 94 runs in 20.5 overs with Robin Uthappa (30 runs). This laid a solid foundation for the Indian side. Central Zone Clinches Deodhar Trophy Central Zone emerged triumphant of the Deodhar Trophy though its final round match against East Zone was washed out due to heavy rains on March 23, 2008 in Hyderabad. This was Central Zone s fifth title triumph. Saurav Ganguly : Castrol Asian Cricketer of the Year Saurav Ganguly won the inaugural Castrol Asian Cricketer of the Year Award for the year 2007 and also bagged the overall award for batting at the Castrol Asian Cricket Awards Ceremony held in Karachi on June 28, Hanif Mohammad was honoured with the Pakistan Life time Achievement award. Virender Sehwag Hits 2nd Triple Century India s cricketer Virender Sehwag hit his triple century in Test match against South Africa in Chennai on March 28, 2008 as India reached 468 runs for one wicket in their first innings on day three of the Chennai Test against South Africa s 540 runs. With the achievement of this Virender Sehwag feat, he became the third batsman of the world to score two triple centuries in Tests. The other two players who hit triple centuries in Test cricket are Donald Bradman and Brian Lara. Rahul Dravid Completes 10,000 Runs in Test Match Rahul Dravid of India completed his 10,000 runs score on day 4 of the first test against South Africa in Chennai on March 29, India was bowled out for 627 with a lead of 87 runs while S. Africa was 131 for 1 wicket at the close of the play. He scored 111 runs in the test against S. Africa which proved Rahul Dravid a milestone for him to cross the mark of 10,000 runs and become the sixth world cricketer to reach 10,000 runs in Test Cricket.

3 The other five players to make 10,000 runs in Test matches are listed below: Players/Cricketers Matches Runs 1. Brian Lara , Sachin Tendulkar , Allan Border Steve Waugh , Sunil Gavaskar ,122 Pakistan s Comprehensive Win Over Zimbabwe in ODI Series Pakistan defeated Zinbabwe by seven wickets in the fifth and final limited overs international to clinch the One Day Series 5-0 in Sheikhupura on February 2, Zimbabwe could not win even a single match in five match ODI series. Australia Wins Twenty-20 Match Australia won Twenty-20 match against India by nine wickets in Melbourne on February 1, Indian team was out for just 74 in 17-3 overs. North Zone Clinches Duleep Trophy North Zone clinched six wicket victory over West Zone in Duleep Trophy Tournament in Mumbai on February 22, Asian Cricket Council Awards : Tendulkar Named Best Batsman in ODIs The Asian Cricket Council s Inaugural Awards ceremony was held in Karachi (Pakistan) on July 5, Sachin Tendulkar was named the best batsman in ODIs and Sunil Gavaskar was listed in the legendary-cricketer award category though both were not present on the occasion. Kumar Sangakkara and Muttiah Muralitharan won the best batsman and best bowler awards respectively for Tests India Wins Women Asia Cup India won its fourth successive women s Asia Cup Cricket title by defeating Sri Lanka by a massive margin of 177 runs in the final in Kurunegala on May 11, Rajasthan Royals is the Champion of IPL Tournament Rajasthan Royals beat Chennai Super Kings by three wickets in the thrilling grand final to lift the inaugural Indian Premier League on June 1, 2008 in Mumbai. Yusuf Pathan (Rajasthan Royals) was adjudged Player of The Match, S.R. Watson was adjudged Player of the Series; S. E. Marsh was adjudged Batsman of the Series while Sohail Tanvir was adjudged the Bowler of the Series. The winner team Rajasthan Royals received the top Prize of $ 1-2 million and a glittering gemladen trophy while the runners-up won $ 600,000 (six lakh dollars). Irani Trophy Rest of India XI defeated Ranji Trophy winner Mumbai by nine wickets to win the Irani Trophy in Rajkot on October 9, Future Cup. India on the seventh and the last one-day match against Australia by two wickets on October 17, Austrarlia, however, won the Future Cup series 4-2. ICC Awards announced Australian captain Ricky Ponting was named Player of the Year at the prestigious ICC Awards ceremony held in Johannesburg on September 10, The following is the list of awardess: Cricketer of the Year: Ricky Ponting (Aus) Test Player of the Year: Mohammad Yousuf (Pak) ODI Player of the Year: Matthew Hayden (Aus) Women s Cricketer of the Year: Jhulan Goswami (Ind) Emerging Player of the Year: Shaun Tait (Aus) Associate ODI Player of the Year: Thomas Odoyo (Ken) Captain of the Year: Ricky Pointing (Aus) Spirit of Cricket: Sri Lanka Umpire of the Year: Simon Taufel Sachin Tendulkar passes Runs in ODI Sachin Tendulkar became the first man in cricket history to scroe 15,000 one-day international runs when the reached fifty against South Africa during the Future Cup in Belfast on June 29, The 34-year-old reached the landmark in his 387th match. His nearest pursuer in the list of all-time leading one-day international run scorers is Sri Lanka s Sanath Jayasuriya with in 395 matches.

4 Muralitharan reclaims world record for Test wickets Sri Lanka off-spinner Muttiah Muralitharan took his 709th Test wicket on 3 December 2007 to move to the top of the all-time list above australian Shane Warne. Muralitharan bowled England s Paul Collingwood for 45 on the third day of the first Test in Kandy. Warne retired from Test cricket this year with 708 wickets from 145 matches. Muarlitharan, 35, reached the milestone in his 116th game. Muralitharan had previously held the world record after surpassing West Indian fast bowler Courtney Walsh (519 wickets) in 2004, but he was subsequently overtaken by Warne after suffering a shoulder injury that year. Tendulkar is now the highest runscorer in Test Sachin Tendulkar broke Brain Lara s record for the most test runs during the second test against Australia in Mohali on 17th October During the course of his 247th innings in his 152nd match, Tendulkar also become the first bastsman to score 12,000 Test runs. Retired West Indies batsman Biran Lara heads the list with 11,953 runs from 131 matches. Indian Premier League The Indian Premier League (IPL), created by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and sanctioned by the international Cricket Council, is a Twenty 20 competition. The league states in April 2008 and will last for 44 days, involving 59 matches. The prize money for the league will be around Rs 13 crore (US $3 million). Muralitharan wins cricketer on the year award Sri Lanka s ace spinner Muttiah Muralitharan bagged the Ceat International Cricketer of the Year award for while India s veteran leg spinner Anil Kumble and Australian skipper Ricky Ponting bagged the Lifetime Achievement awards at a function in Mumbai on October 18, Off spinner Muralitharan also bagged the International Bowler of the Year award, while his captain Mahela Jayawardene was named the International Batsman of the Year. ICC World Cup 2007 The 2007 ICC cricket world cup was hosted by the West Indies from March 13 to April 28, The Greenfield Stadium, Trelawny, Jamaica hosted the opening cermony on March 11, The final match was played at Kensington Oval, Bridgetown, Barbaos on 28 April Mello an orange racoon-like creature was the mascot of the World Cup. The field of sixteen teams were the largest ever for the Cricket WorldCup. ICC World Cup 2007: Australia emerges champion. Australia won an unprecedented third straight World Cup with a 53-run win over Sri Lanka in a rain-affected final in Barbados on April 28,2007. This was Australia s 23rd straight tournament win as well. Glenn McGrath was named the Player of the Tournament at the Cricket World Cup Yuvraj slams 6 sixes in 6 balls, fastest 50 in history Yuvraj Singh slammed six sixes in one over off Stuart Broad during the T20 match against England in Durban on September 19, 2007, the first time ever been done in an international T20 match. Ganguly named Best Captain Sourav Ganguly was named Best Captain in 75 years of Test cricket at the 10th Castrol Awards for Cricketing Excellence in Kochi on Oct. 2, Shane Warne retires Shane Warne retired from international cricket, following Australia s 5-0 Ashes series victory over England in Sydney on January 5, Two other players integral to the Australian team of recent years, Glenn McGrath and Justin Langer, also retired from Tests on the same day. Warne, however, will continue to play for Hampshire for another two years, honouring a previously signed contract.

5 Inzamam-ul-Haq retires On 12 October 2007, Pakistan batsman Inzamamul-Haq retired from International cricket following the second Test match against South Africa. Brian Lara retires Brian Charles Lara, nicknamed The Prince of Portof-Spain or The Prince announced his retirement from all forms of international cricket on April 19, Jayasuriya retires from Test cricket Sri Lanka s master blaster Sanath Jayasuriya took retirement from Test Cricket after first Test in Kandy against England on December 5, 2007 but will continue to play limited-overs cricket. Jayasuriya scored 10 and 78 in his last Test match. Ranji Trophy The Ranji Trophy was won by Delhi on January 19, 2008 defeating Uttar Pradesh. NatWest Trophy England defeated India in the final match at Lord s on September 8, 2007, in the seven match NatWest ODI series, by 4-3, to win the NatWest Trophy. Twenty 20 World Cup India defeated Pakistan in the final match of the inaugural ICC World Twenty 20 at the Wanderers in Johannesburg on September 24, Geoff Lawson Former Australian Test cricketer, Geoff Lawson, has been appointed as Pakistan coach, to replace Bob Woolmer, whose mysterious death at the cricket World Cup, 2007, in March, sparked a murder investigation in the Caribbean. T E N N I S Serena Bags the Family Circle Cup Serena Williams won her third WTA title of the year by beating Russia s Vera Zvonareva 6-4, 3-6, 6-3 in the Family Circle Cup on April 20, 2008 in Charleston. Davydenko Winner of Sony Ericsson Nicolay Davydenko of Russia, won the Sony Ericsson Open on April 6, 2008 after beating Rafael Nadal of Spain in Key Biscayne. Ashutosh and Karan Triumphant in Doubles Ashutosh Singh and Karan Rastogi of India won the doubles title in the $ 15,000 ITF men s Futures tennis tournament at Taizhou in China on April 18, French Open Tennis Tournament 2008: Nadal and Ivanovic Emerge Champions Rafael Nadal of Spain defeated world No. 1 Roger Federer 6-1,6-3,6-0 and won his fourth straight French Open Title in Paris on June 8, The Spaniard was at his best when he demolished Federer in one hour and 48 minutes in Men s Singles (final). With this win, he also equalled legendary Bjorn Borg s feat of four consequentive titles at Roland Garros. It was the shortest French Open men s final in terms of games played since 1977 and the quickest final at 108 minutes since In Men s Doubles Pablo Cuevas (Uruguay) and Lius Herna (Peru) beat Daniel Nestor (Canada) and Nenad Zimonjic (Serbia) 6-2, 6-3. In Women s Singles, Serbia s Ana Ivanovic won Roland Garros on June 7, 2008 in Paris. It was her first Grand Slam title. She defeated Russia s 13th seeded tennis player Dinara Safina 6-4, 6-3. Santoro Wins the Hall of Fame Tennis Championship Defending champion Fabric Santoro won the Hall of Fame tennis championship in Newport after beating Prakash Amritraj of India 6-3, 7-5 in the final on July 13, Somdev Bags Title Somdev Dev Verman has clinched his maiden ATP challenger title after stunning third seeded American Robert Kendrick 6-3, 6-3 in the final of the $ 50,000 hard court tournament in Lexington. Nadal Bags Toronto Masters Rafael Nadal lifted Spanish hopes with his Toronto Masters victory on July 27, 2008 in Toronto

6 (Canada). He defeated Germany s Nicolas Kiefer 6-3, 6-2. It was his 29th consecutive victory. Nadal and Venus Reign in Wimbledons, Emerge Champions Rafael Nadal of Spain defeated Roger Federer of Switzerland on July 7, 2008 in London s All England Lawn Tennis Club to clinch Men s Singles Wimbledon Champion ship. Nadal s 6 4, 6 4, 6 7 (5 7), 6 7 (8 10), 9-7 victory took 4 hours and 48 minutes of actual playing time. Nadal is the only second Spaniard, after Manolo Santana in 1966, to become Wimbledon s Gentlemen s Single Champion. In Women s section Venus Williams claimed her fifth Wimbledon Singles Crown after ending her losing run against sister Serena Williams in Grand Slam finals to win 7-5, 6-4 in a riveting match which wonderfully lived up to the occasion. If we look at the past, both sisters featured in five of six slam finals in 2002 to Wimbledon in 2003, but Serena Williams won all of the titles. Roddick Wins Dubai Open : Bhupati Wins Doubles Andy Roddick of the U.S.A. won his second ATP Tour title in three weeks on March 8, 2008 after defeating Feliciano Lopez 6-7 (8), 6-4, 6-2 in the Dubai Open Tennis Championship final in Dubai. Serena Williams Bags Bangalore Open Serena Williams of the U.S.A. defeated Patty Schanyder 7-5, 6-3 to win the Canara Bank Bangalore Open Singles title in Bangalore on March 9, Djokovic Wins the Pacific Life Open World Number three tennis player Novak Djokovic won the Pacific Life Open after defeating Mardy Fish of the USA in the men s final on March 24, 2008 in Indian Wells (California). Federer Beats Sampras World s No. 1 tennis player Roger Federer on March 10, 2008, defeated Pete Sampras in a exhibition match in New York. Dementiva Wins Dubai Open Russia s Elena Dementiva defeated compatriot Svetlana Kuznetsova. 4-6, 6-3, 6-2 to win the WTA Dubai Open at Dubai on March 1, Serena Williams Wins Title Serena Williams emerged winner in her fifth title in the Sony Ericsson Open on April 6, 2008 after beating Jelena Jankovic 6-1, 5-7, 6-3 on April 6, 2008 in Key Biscayne. Ryan Harrison Creates History Ryan Harrison just fifteen year old beat Pablo Cuevas of Uruguy 6-4, 6-3 in the U. S. Claycourt Championship on April 14, 2008 in Houston. Japanese Team Wins Both Reverse Singles Titles in Davis Cup Japanese team won the two rubbers played on April 13, 2008 in New Delhi in the best of three format. The 18 year old Kei Nishikhori became the youngest Japanese to win his first rubber in Davis Cup as he defeated Mahesh Bhupati 7-5, 6-1 in the first reverse singles in 53 minutes. Davis Cup : Indian is Winner in Asia- Oceania Group India registered a 3-2 victory over Uzbekistan in the Asia-Oceania group 1 tennis event in New Delhi on February 10, India s Prakash Amritraj defeated Farrukh Durtov of Uzbekistan 6-3, 3-6, 6-3, 6-2. Pawar Clinches Austrian Open India s Anand Pawar of Tata Padukone Badminton Academy lifted the Austrian Open men s singles title at Vienna on February 23, He became the second Indian to win this title. The late Syed Modi had won it in Maria Sharapova Wins Qatar Open Maria Sharapova won WTA Qatar Open after defeating Vera Zvonava in Doha on February 25, David Nalbandian Win ATP Copa Telemix David Nalbandian beat Jose Acasuso on February 25, 2008 in Buenos Aires to clinch ATP Copa Telemex Championship.

7 Federer Grabs 55th Title Roger Federer captured his 55th title on June 15, 2008 in Halle (Germany) with a 6-3, 6-4 win over Phillip Kohschreiber at the Gerry Weber Open. Nadal Bags Barcelona Open Rafael Nadal once again proved his mettle by winning Barcelona Open on May 4, 2008 in Barcelona (Spain). He beat David Ferrer 6-4, 4-6, 6-1 to lift the title for a consecutive year. Jeev Wins Sammy Cup 2008 Top Indian golfer Jeev Milkha Singh won the Japan Golf Tour s Nagashima Shegio Invitational Sega Sammy Cup 2008 after carding an amazing six under 66 in the final round at the North Country s Golf Club in Hokkaido on July 27, Brown Bags Johnnie Walker Classic Title Mark Brown collected his second title in eight days when he won the $ 2-57 million Johnnie Walker Classic Title in Gurgaon on March 2, Federation Cup India was relegated to Fed Cup Asia/Oceania Zone groupii after top seeds Australia defeated them 3-0 in their third can final group I match in Bangkok on February, 1, Fed. Cup. Russia won its third Federation Cup defeating Italy 3-0 in the final in Moscow on September 16, Hopman Cup. The United States beat Serbia 2-1 in the final to win its fourth Hopman Cup in six years in Perth on January 4, Kim Clijsters bids adieu Belgian tennis star and former world number one Kim Clijsters announced her immediate retirement on May 6, The former US Open champion had been struggling with injury over the last few years. She won only one Grand Slam- the 2005 US Open- she reached four other finals and six additional semifinals. She was Belgium s first tennis player to reach No.1, holding the top-ranked spot for 29 weeks in Martina Hingis retires Martina Hingis of Switzerland announced her retirement on november 1, Known as the Swiss Miss, she won seven Grand Slam singles titles (three Australian Open, one Wimbledon, on US Open and two French Open). She also won nine Grand Glam women s doubles titles, winning a calendar year Grand Slam in 1998, and one Grand Slam mixed doubles titles. Grand Slam 2007 French Open. Rafael Nadal of Spain and Justine Henin of Belgium won the men s and women s singles titles, respectively at the Roland Garros in Paris on June 10, Nadal clinched his third Roland Garros title in a row, beating Roger Federer 6-3, 4-6, 76-3, 6-4. The second ranked Nadal also became the second man since 1914 to win the Wimbledon Championship 2008 : Winners at a Glance Category Winner (s) Runner up(s) 1. Men s Singles Rafael Nadal Roger Federer 2. Women s Singles Verms Williams Serena Williams 3. Men s Doubles Nenad Zumonjic Jonas Bjorkman Daniel Nestor Kevin Ullyett 4. Women s Doubles Serena Williams Lisa Raymond and Venus Williams Samantha Stosur 5. Mixed Doubles Bob Bryan Mike. Bryan Samantha Stasur Katerina Srebotnik Boy s Singles Grigor Dimitrov Henry Kontteen Girl s Singles Laura Robson Noppawan Lertcheewakarn

8 tournament three consecutive times, and the first since Bjorn Borg ( ). For the third consecutive year in Paris, the topranked Federer sought to become the sixth man to win all four Grand Slams. Nadal defeated him in the semifinals in 2005, and in the final last year. The latest loss also spoiled Federer s bid to win a fourth consecutive major, something last done by Rod Laver in Justine Henin claimed her third consecutive French Open title - and her fourth overall - beating 19 - year - old Serbian Ana Ivanovic 6-1, 6-2 in the final. Henin became the first woman since Monica Seles ( ) to win three consecutive Roland Garros titles, and only the second since Wimbledon. Roger Federer of Switzerland and Venus Williams of the US won the Wimbledon men s and women s singles titles respectively in London on July 8,2007. Federers 7-6(7), 4-6, 7-6(3), 2-6, 6-2 victory over Rafael Nadal of Spain in the men s singles final of the 121st championships gave him his fifth straight Wimbledon title, equalling Borg s 1980 feat - one of the most incredible records in modern sport. It was the Swiss maestro s 11th major title and he also drew level with Borg and Rod Laver in the list of all - time Grand Slam title leaders. Only Roy Emerson (12) and Pete Sampras (14) are ahead of him now. The world No-1. Venus Williams beat Marion Bartoli of France 6-4, 6-1 in the women s singles final. She thus became the lowest ranked woman since Open era records began. It was Venus fourth Wimbled on title. US Open. Roger Federer captured his 12th Grand Slam crown in New York on September 9, 2007 by winning his fourth US Open in a row, moving three major titles shy of surpassing the all-time record of 14 slam wins set by Pete Sampras. The Swiss world number one defeated Serbian Novak Djojkovic 7-6, 7-6, 6-4 in the final. Federer won his fifth Wimbledon in a row in July, six months after taking his third Australian Open in four years, and stretched his US Open title streak to the longest since Bill Tilden won six in a row from 1920 to Top-seeded Justine Henin beat Svetlana Kuznetsova 6-1, 6-3 in the final to win her second US Open title and seventh major championship overall. Australian Open. Roger Federer of Switzerland and Serena Williams of the US emerge champions in the men s and women s singles respectively in the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne on January 29, Federer beat Fernando Gonzalez of Chile 7-6 (2), 6-4, 6-4 in the final, while Serena defeated Maria Sharapova 6-1, 6-2 in the final to win the women s singles title. Federer, who collected his 10th Grand Slam title, became the first man in the Open Era (post-1968) in win three consecutive majors twice in his career. He now holds the Wimbledon, US and Australian titles. It was Serena s eighth Grand Slam title in 10 finals. Sunfeast Open Russian tennis player, Maria Kirilenko, won the Sunfeast Open, 2007 on September 23, 2007, defeating Mariya Koryttseva. Chennai Open 2008 The 2008 Chennai Open, an ATP tournament was held in Chennai, India from December 31, January 6, Fourth seeded Mikhail Youzhny from Russia defeated World No.2 Rafael Nadal of Spain 6-0, 6-1, in the Men s Singles. Masters Cup Title Roger Federer won his fourth Masters Cup title in five years on November 18, overwhelming No. 6 David Ferrer in Shanghai, China. Sania Mirza Sania Mirza became Asia s No.1 woman tennis player in the latest WTA rankings on January 27, year-old tennis player from Hyderabad, she rose to the 29th position after Australian Open and overtook Chinese women tennis player Na Li, who dropped to the 32nd position. G O L F Arjun Singh Drubs Shamin Khan for SRF Title Arjun Singh won the SRF all India match play-off golf championship on March 15, 2008 in New Delhi. He beat Shamin Khan 2 and 1 in the final.

9 Immelman Winner of Augusta Masters South Africa s Trevor Immelman bagged a maiden major title with a three shot victory in 72nd Masters at Augusta on April 13, 2008 in Augusta. Chowrasia Bags Indian Masters Shiv Shankar Prasad Chowrasia of Kolkata produced the most professional round of his career when he won the $ 2-5 million Emaar MGF Indian Master Golf Championship in New Delhi on February 10, Mark Brown Wins SAIL Open Golf Tournament Mark Brown of New Zealand won the $ 400,000 SAIL Open Golf Tournament in Greater Noida on February 23, Tiger Woods Clinches World Golf Championship Tiger Woods won his third World Golf Championship Accenture Match Play Championship on February 25, 2008 in Tucson. Randhawa in $ 2 million Club India s highest ranked golfer Jyoti Randhawa achieved a new career milestone when he became the member of $ 2 million club. Woods Wins U.S. Open Tiger Woods won the U.S. Open in a 19 hole playoff day on June 16, 2008 in San Diego. It was his fourteenth career title. With this win he became the second player to win the Career Grand Slam three times over. Gangjee Wins PGTI Player s Championship Rahil Gangjee won the PGTI player s Championship at the Royal Calcutta Golf Club on June 21, Gangjee s total of nine under 234 helped him record his first professional victory since the Asian Tour s Volkwagen Masters in China Jeev Milkha Singh Champion of Austria Open India s Jeev Milkha Singh hit a remarkable 63 in the second to clinch Austrian Open of golf on June 8, 2008 in Vienna. Atwal Wins Malaysian Open Arjun Atwal of India won the Malaysian Open in Kuala Lumpur on March 9, He beat defending Champion Peter Hedblom of Sweden in tough play off to clinch his Malaysian Open title. Haridass Triumphs Pritam Haridass with a score of 134 gross, won on March 31, 2008 the Governor s Cup trophy in the Open Event section in the two-day tournament played at the Bangalore Golf Club at Bangalore over the weekend. David D Souza (137 gross) was the runner-up. GR AND PR IX Hamilton Wins German and British Grand Prix McLaren s Lewis Hamilton won a thrilling German Grand Prix on July 20, 2008 in Hockenheim. With this victory he forged four points clear of Ferran s Felipe Massa at the top of Formula One Championship. Lewis Hamilton also won British Grand Prix on July 6, 2008 in Silverstone (England) with a masterful drive in wet conditions. BMW s Nick Heidfeld produced a good drive to finish second and Rubens Berrichello came third. Hamilton Triumphs in Australian Grand Prix Lewis Hamilton won Australian Grand Prix on March 16, 2008 in Melbourne. BMW s Nick Heidfeld finished second five seconds behind Hamilton while Williams Nico Rosberg, and Fernando Alonso took the next two positions. Felipe Massa Clinch Bahrain Grand Prix Ferran s Felipe Massa won the Bahrain Grand Prix on April 6, 2008 in Sakher (Bahrain). It was his first victory of the season. Raikkonen Wins Spanish Grand Prix Kimi Raikkonen won the Spanish Grand Prix on April 27, 2008 in Barcelona (Spain) leading Ferrari to a third straight win in the Formula One Championship in this season.

10 Liu Wins Japan Grand Prix Chinese hurdler Liu Xiang won the Japan Grand Prix in Osaka on May 10, He coasted to victory in seconds in the 110 metre hurdles in wet and cold conditions in his first outdoor race of the season. Tatyana Kotova Wins Doha Grand Prix Russia s Tatyana Kotova won the Doha Super Grand Prix on May 9, 2008 with a season best 6-83 metre. Lewis Hamilton Wins Monaco Grand Prix Me Laren s Lewis Hamilton won Monaco Grand Prix on May 25, 2008 in Monaco. Massa Triumphant in Turkish/ Grand Prix Brazil s Ferrari driver Felipe Massa emerged triumphant in the Turkish Grand Prix on May 11, 2008, in Istanbul (Turkey) for the third successive year and his seventh career victory. Robert Kubica Registers Historic Win Robert Kubica grabbed his first Formula One Victory by winning Canadian Grand Prix in Montreal on June 9, Nick Heidfeld finished second in the race. Massa Wins French Grand Prix Felipe Massa of Ferrari won the French Grand Prix on June 22, 2008 in Magny Cours (France) and hence moved to the top of the overall standings after his third Formula-1 victory of the season. Stoner Wins British Grand Prix Australian s World Champion Casey Stoner won his second consecutive British Grand Prix and thus reignited his defence title on June 22, 2008 in London. Raikkonen Wins Malaysian Grand Prix Kimi Raikkonen of Finland emerged winner in the Malaysian Grand Prix on March 23, 2008 in Sepang. By winning this Grand Prix, Raikkonen put Ferrari back on the winning track and moved ahead of Lewis Hamilton by three points. C H E S S World school Chess championship - Anjana won Silver Anjana Krishna, 8th Standard student from Kerala, became the runner up in world school chess championship held at Singapore. Sihite Chelsia Monica of Indonesia won the match in under -13 category. It was Anjana to win the match if book home rule was not used against the usual method of Progressive score to break the tie. Anand retains crown World Champion Viswanathan Anand won the 13th Grenkeleasing rapid world chess championship at Germany. This was Anands 11th title victory in the tournament which made his title. Anand wins Oscar for fifth time World No. 1 Viswanathan Anand has won the chess Oscar for the year This is Anand s fifth Oscar, his first coming in More than 220 chess and sports journalists from 30 countries ranked the best players for 2007, based on tournament results. Laxman clinches GM norm International Master R.R. Laxman claimed a much - deserved Grandmaster norm after a final round draw with the seventh - seeded Ukrainian GM Yuri Drozdovskij and finished a creditable seventh, two places behind compatriot Abhijeet Gupta, in the 11th Dubai Open chess tournament in Dubai. Laxman scored 6.5 points from nine rounds but initially fell just short of meeting the norm stipulation. The average rating of Laxman s rivals was 2434 against the stipulated 2435 and his performance rating was 2600 against the required However, rule 1.46c came to Laxman s rescue. Eesha Karvade Wins Her Maiden Title Eesha Karvade won her maiden title in the National Women s B Chess Championship in Kozhikode on June 14, Mary Ann Gomes who beat Alka Das secured the second place while top seed Nisha Mehota who drew with Kruthika Nadig, finished third.

11 Anand Triumphs in Linares Championship World Chess Champion Vishwanathan Anand won the Linares Chess Tournament for the second successive year and the third time in his career at Linares, Spain on March 7, Harshal, Meghna Clinch Titles Keralas C. H. Meghna and Delhi s Harshal Shahi claimed the honours of the Parsvnath National Under 9 Chess Championship in New Delhi on May 6, Krasenkow Clinches Mayor s Cup Poland s Michael Krasenkow won the Mayor s Cup International Open Chess title on May 19, 2008 in Mumbai after topping a six-way tie. Anand Wins Oscar for Fifth Time World No. 1 Vishwanathan has won the Chess Oscar for the year This is Anand s fifth Oscar since his first coming in Negi Bags Kaupthing Open Title Grandmaster Parimarjan Negi defeated sixth seeded Ukranian GM Yuri Drozdovskij in 42 moves to win a three tie for the title in Kaupthing on May 17, 2008 at Differdange (Luxembourg). Ramana Clinches Title J. Venkata Ramana created history when he won internationally rated the second all India Air Marshal Subroto Mukharjee Chess tournament on April 18, 2008 in New Delhi. Victor Laznicka Wins the Title in Chess Grandmaster Victor Laznicka of Czech Republic emerged champion of the third Kolkata Open Chess Tournament on April 2, 2008 in Kolkata. Though Laznicka and India s Krishnan Sasikaran both earned 8-5 points each at the end of 10 round Swiss League, Laznicka was declared winner after applying the rating average method. R. R. Laxman Now a Grand master International Master R.R. Laxman claimed a much deserved Grand master norm after final draw with the seventh seeded Ukrainian G. M. Yuri Drozdovsky. Ganguly Secures A Decisive Win in Chess Championship The top seed Surya Shekhar Ganguly of Kolkata defeated his Indian Oil team mate and second seeded Abhijeet Kunte of Pune in the eighth round game of the Velammal National A Chess Championship on February 10, 2008 in Chennai. Indians Dominate the Asian Youth Chess Championship Indian boys and girls won 21 medals, including six gold medals and thus topped the medals tally in the Asian Youth Chess Championship that concluded in Tehran on July 21, 2008 out of the 36 medals covering 12 categories. Women s National A Championship: Tania Sachdev claimed the prestigious women s National A chess title in Pune on November 15, Kiran Manisha finished runner-up while Soumya Swaminathan took the third place. Asian women s chess championship. National champion Tania Sachdev won the Asian women s chess championship at Teheran on September 11, World rapid chess championship. Viswanathan Anand beat Levon Aronian in the best-offour game final of the World rapid chess hampionship at Maniz in Germany on August 20, F O O T B A L L Scolari named new Chelsa manager Luiz Felipe Scolari has been confirmed as Chelsea s new manager. The Brazilian had been one of the favourites to succeed Avran Grant, but the timing of his appointment has come as a huge surprise. Inter Milan signs Balotelli Inter Milan has signed its promising young striker Mario Balotelli to a three year contract. The 17 year old has signed a deal that will take him through to June As a player younger than 18 years it was the maximum contract he was allowed to sign.

12 Spain crowned champion of Europe Spain ended their 44 -year wait for a major international title with a 1-0 victory over Germany at the Euro 2008 final in Vienna. Fernando Torres scored the only goal of the game in the first half, as football s perennial under achievers finally banished that tag to the history books. It was the first time Spain had won the European title since 1964 and their first final since Punjab retain the Santhosh Trophy A tactically superior Punjab overran services 1-0 to retain the Santhosh Trophy. The final of the 62nd National Football championship was held in the Bakshi Stadium in Srinagar. A 51st minute penalty gave the opportunity for the defending champion. Stopper-back Jaspal Singh then put the ball into the net. Punjab, which won the last edition in Gurgaon (Haryana), proved its class and stopped the seemingly indefatigable services. The defence outfit, which was the only undefeated side in the tournament, failed to reproduce the form that defeated Punjab 2-1 in the quarter final league stage. Benzema is French player of the year Lyon striker Karim Benzema was named the French Football league s player of the year by his fellow professionals. The 20 year old Benzema has scored a league leading 17 goals this season and 30 in all competitions to make himself a sure pick for France in next month s European Championship. Ronaldo, player of the year Manchester United winger Cristiano Ronaldo has been voted England s Professional Footballer s Association (PFA) Player of the Year for the second straight year. The 23 year - old Portuguese star, who has scored 38 goals in all competitions this season beat Fernando Torres, Steven Gerrard, Cesc Fabregar, Emmanuel Adebayor and David James in Annual Poll. Egypt Wins the African Nations Cup of Football Egypt defeated Cameroon 1-0 to clinch the African Nations Cup on February 10, 2008 with a goal in Accra (Ghana). Dempo Emerges Winner in ONGC Championship Dempo Sports Club won the ONGC I-League Championship which was held at Kozhikode on February 23, It defeated Viva Kerala 4-1 to clinch the championship. Punjab Lifts Santosh Trophy The 62nd Jammu Kashmir Bank National Football Championship for Santosh Trophy 2008 came to a close in Srinagar on June 15, 2008 with defending champion Punjab stunning favourite Services by a solitary goal and thus clinching the championship title. Jammu & Kashmir striker Ishwaq Ahmed, who plays for Mohan Bagan, was rewarded with Rs. 50,000 for fair play while Reland was adjudged the player of the tournament for his 13 goals which included 2 hat tricks. UEFA European Football Championship 2008 : Spain Crowned Champion Spain emerged champion at the final of the 2008 UEFA European Football Championship after beating Germany 1-0 in Vienna (Austria) on June 29, Spain by winning the 2008 European Football Championship, ended their 44 year wait for the Trophy. Striker Fernando Torre s equisite first-half goal gave them a deserved 1-0 victory over Germany. Spainish team which was appearing in its first final since 1984 and seeking only its second trophy following their Euro success in 1964 exactly 44 years back on home soil, proved to be worthy winners as their crisp passing wonderful technique and defensive discipline left Germany humbled. Maldives Wins SAFF Championship Maldives defeated defending champion India by a solitary goal to lift its maiden South Asian Foot-ball Federation (SAFF) championship on June 14,2008 in Colombo. Mumbai Champion in Foot ball Tournament Mumbai emerged champion in Budweiser Six-on- Six football Tournament National final on April 15, 2008

13 in Mumbai, leading ahead from Andhra Pradesh, Goa and Karnataka. Manchester United Bags 10th Premier League Title Manchester United won its 10th Premier League Title in 16 years on May 11, 2008 in Wigan after defeating Chelsea. Roma Wins Italian Cup AS Roma defeated series A Champion Inter Milan in the Italian Cup final on May 24, 2008 in Rome. Lyon Wins French Cup Lyon beat Paris Saint Germain (PSG)) 1-0 on May 24, 2008 in Saint-Denis France to win the French Cup of football. Lyon Wins French League Title Lyon won its record seventh consecutive Lique I title with a convincing 3-1 win on May 17, 2008 in Paris. Real Madrid Wins Spanish League Real Madrid won its 31st Spanish League title on May 4, 2008 after defeating Osasuna in Madrid (Spain) 2-1. F. C. Barcelona came third in the title. Asian Cup Iraq won the 2007 Asian Cup football title with a 1-0 victory over Saudi Arabia in the final in Jakarata on July 29, South Korea clinched the third place with a penalty shootout victory(6-5) over Japan. Federation Cup. East Bengal won their fifth Federation Cup by defeating Mahindra United 2-1 in the final in Ludhiana on September 15, It was East Bengal s first triumph in the tournament after Durand Cup Churchill Brothers won the 120th Durand Cup with a 1-0 win over Mahindra United (Mumbai) in New Delhi on November 7, Nehru Cup India beat Syria 1-0 in the final to lift the ONGC Nehru Cup in New Delhi on August 29, Kaka named FIFA s World Player of Year AC Milan playmaker Kaka was named FIFA World Player 2007 in Zurich on December 18,2007. The 25-year-old Brazilian international won 1,047 votes, while Argentine Messi gained 504 and Portuguese Ronaldo picked up 426. Chelsea and Ivory Coast striker Didier Drogba was fourth on 209. Barcelona and Brazil playmaker Ronaldinho, winner of the award in 2004 and 2005, came fifth. S Q U A S H Anaka won Asian title Anaka Alankamony did herself and India proud by winning the girl s under -15 title in the Asian Junior individual squash championship, which concluded in Busan, South Korea. Anaka defeated Hong Kong s Ho Ka Po in straight games 9-6, 9-6, 9-5. This is Anaka s eighth International title. S H O O T I N G Delhi to host 2010 World Cup The 2010 Commonwealth Games will not be the lone mega sports event in Delhi as the capital will also be holding the prestigious shooting world cup two years from now. The International Shooting Sports Federation (ISSF), in its meeting in Bejing, allotted the 2010 World Cup to the capital, which would host the event in the month of March. Stakes will be high in the event as it would be the first ISSF World Cup from where shooters will qualify for 2012 Olympic Games to be held in London. H O C K E Y India hosting 2010 Worldcup Hockey 2010 World Cup Hockey will be jointly hosted by FIH and IOA in New Delhi. Argentina Wins 17th Sultan Azlan Shah Trophy Argentina defeated India 2-1 in the final of 17th Sultan Azlan Shah Cup to clinch the trophy on May 18, 2008 at Ipoh (Malaysia). Thus Argentina, the

14 world s 7th ranked and the sole representative from the South American continent emerged Champion in the tournament. New Zealand came back from a goal down to edge three-time champion Pakistan 2-1 to finish in third. Australia Defeats China Olympic Champion Australia defeated China in a penalty stroke shootout to sweep the four nation field hockey tournament series on May 4, 2008 in Darwin. The Australian prevailed 9-8 in the shoot-out after the scores were locked 2-2 at a full time. S. Korea claimed the third place with a 4-3 victory over India. India Lifts Sixth Junior Asia Cup Hockey India lifted sixth Junior Asia Hockey Cup on July 18, 2008 in Hyderabad after defeating Korea. India s Diwakar Ram scripted a golden finish in the fourth minute of extra time to help India clinch the title. Indian Hockey Confederation is Now Hockey India Hockey India is the new name of Indian Hockey Confederation (IHC) and henceforth will be sole governing body for hockey (men and women) championships in India and the 2010 World Cup men s hockey Champion ship which will be held in New Delhi. This decision was taken at a meeting between the Indian Olympic Association representatives headed by President Suresh Kalmadi and FIH (International Hockey Federation) headed by its President Ms. Els Van Breda Vriesman on July 18, 2008 in Hyderabad. Indian Hockey Team Fails to Qualify for 2008 Olympics Eight time gold medalist Indian hockey team could not qualify for the Olympics Games men s hockey event for the first time when it lost 2-0 to Britain in the final of qualifying tournament on March 9, 2008 in Santiago. Railways Wins Senior National Women Hockey Championship Railway defeated Jharkhand 3-1 to win the 55th National Women s title for the 23rd time in Jalandhar on February 9, Last time Railways had won the title in SAIL Retain Title in Fourth Junior National Hockey Championship SAIL (Steel Authority of India Ltd.) won the fourth junior National Hockey Championship for boys on February 18, 2008 in Hyderabad. SAIL team defeated Chandigarh Academy. India retains Asia Cup India retained the Asia Cup with a 7-2 victory over Korea in Chennai on September 9, Malaysia finished third. Australia lfits Azlan Shah Trophy: Australia annexed the Azian Shah Trophy for the fifth time in the invitation hockey tournament beating Malaysia 3-1 in the final at lpoh in Malaysia on May 13, India finished third, defeating Korea Andrew Smith of Australia was declared Player of the tournament, while Ed Ockenden of Australia was named Player of the Match. The Fair Play award went to Argentina. B A D M I N T O N Ponsana Boonsak Clinches India Open Grand Prix Badminton Championship : Mi Zhou Winner of Women s Title Thailand s Ponsana Boonsak outplayed India s Chetan Anand 21-16, in 33 minutes to clinch the India Open Grand Prix Badminton Championship on April 5, 2008 in Hyderabad. Park Sung Wins ABC Title South Korea s Park Sung Hwan defeated All England Champion Chen Jin to bag his first major title on April 20, 2008 in Johor Bahru. He won the men s final in the $ 125,000 Asian Badminton Championship. Chetan Wins Nepal Open National Champion Chetan Anand won the Nepal Open Badminton Championship defeating another Indian J. B. S. Vidyadhar 21-14, 21-7 in the final at Kathmandu on June 21, Later, Jwal a Gutta, Chetan s wife, won the women s doubles title along with Shruti.

15 Tamil Nadu Wins Badminton in Women s Section, Indian Railways Winner in Men s Section Tamil Nadu won the women s title for the first time in the Senior National Ball Badminton Champion ship after defeating Kerala 29-18, on May 4, 2008 in Chennai. In Men s section, Indian Railways regained the title beating Hyderabad 29-14, China Wins Thomas Cup China defeated South Korea 3-1 on May 18, 2008 in Jakarta to win its third straight Thomas Cup title. Xie Zhong Bo and Guo Zhengdong sealed the win for China with a 21-12, 19-21, win over Lee Jae-jin and Hwang Ji-man in the second doubles match. Top ranked Lin Dan recovered from a slow start to defeat Park Sunghwan 10-21, 21-18, 21-8 in the first singles match of elite men s tournament. South Korea s doubles team of Jung Jae-sung and Lee Yong-dae tied the series at 1-1 with a 25-23, win over Chai Yun and Fu Haifeng. China s women team won the Uber Cup on May 17, 2008 after defeating the host Indonesia 3-0 for a sixth straight title. National Championship Chetan Anand and Saina Nehwal retained their men s and women s singles titles respectively in the 72nd senior National badminton championship in Panjim on January 27, BILLIARDS Advani wins Asian Billiards crown Pankaj Advani, the reigning World Champion, annexed his second Asian Billiards Crown with a 5-4 win over fellow Indian Rupesh Shah in Myanmar. Advani, who had won his fourth world title and third in billiards in Singapore last September, was made to fight every inch for the crown. Pankaj Advani Wins Asian Billiards Crown World champion Pankaj Advani of India won his second Asian billiards crown with a 5-4, win over fellow Indian Rupesh in Myanmar on April 13,2008. O Sullivan Champion of World Snooker Title England s Ronnie O Sullivan clinched the 2008 World Snooker title after completing an win over All Carter in the final on May 5, 2008 in Sheffield. At the age of 32 he became the first player aged over 31, to lift the World title since rank outsider Joe Johnson disposed of Steve Davis 22 years ago. MI SCE LLA NEO US SPO RTS NE WS Indian relay team ranked 15 Indian Women s 4 400m relay team ranked 15th in the world by International Association of Athletic Federation (IAAF) Ponting is the most marketable athlete Ricky Ponting remains Australia s most marketable athlete and cricketers, both retired and contemporary, according to a recent study in Melbourne. Ponting clings on to the top spot for the second year running. Delhi hosts Olympic torch relay The much- awaited Olympic Torch relay had a dramatic twist in the end as the Country s best bet for a medal in the Beijing Games, tennis stars Leander Paes and Mahesh Bhupathi were given the honour of carrying the flame together on the final stretch and light the Cauldron India Gate in New Delhi. Amidst tight security, barricades and traffic diversions, it proved a long wait on a hot afternoon as the Olympic torch relay began at 4.30 pm at Vijay Chowk. Nathuram Emerges Champion in Chennai Marathon Nathuram emerged victorious in Chennai Marathon on February 10, 2008 in Chennai. Nathuram, a havaldar in MRC Wellington. Tiger Woods : First Sports Billionaire World s famous Golf player Tiger Woods is set to pass 1 billion dollar earning by Thus he has become the world s first billionaire sportsman to accumulate his wealth by playing sport.