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Southern Japan rocked: 1 kiled, 381 injured

     Fukuoka (Japan): A powerful earthquake measuring 7.0 on the Richter scale, followed by numerous aftershocks, shook southern Japan Sunday morning. An elderly woman was killed and at-least 381 people were reportedly injured. The tremor damaged houses, shattered windows and toppled walls and stone statues and was felt as far away as South Korea. Local and bullet train services were also hampered. Pushing the panic button the authorities issued a tsunami warning, which was cancelled later. Officials said electrical power, gas and water services have been disrupted in many cities on Japan's main southern island of Kyushu. According to the Japan Meteorological Agency, the epicentre of the quake was in the Sea of Japan, about 70 kilometers off the coast of Kyushu and it struck at 10.53 am local time (0723 IST). Seismologists at the agency were quoted by media as saying that this was the strongest quake to hit Kyushu in nearly 18 years. Authorities were advising people in southern Japan to stay away from the seacoast.

Pak loses Kolkata Test, falls to Kumble's wiles (Go To Top)

     Kolkata: India beat Pakistan by 195 runs in the second Test at Kolkata's Eden Gardens with leg spinner Anil Kumble picking up seven wickets in the second innings. Chasing a target of 422 runs, Pakistan were bowled out for 226 in the post-tea session at the Eden Gardens. The Pakistan's innings ended shortly after tea when fast bowler Mohammad Sami was trapped leg before wicket by Anil Kumble. Danish Kaneria was bowled by Harbhajan Singh for 3 to give India a 1-0 lead in the three-match Test series. Mohammad Khalil remained not out on zero. Rahul Dravid, who scored a century in both innings, was declared the man of the match. Pakistan lost four wickets in the post-lunch session. Kumble first got rid of Yosuf Youhana, caught by Gautam Gambhir for 22. He then bowled Abul Razzaq for six to pick his fifth wicket in Pakistan's second innings. Off-spinner Harbhajan Singh then broke through Kamran Akmal's defence to bowl him for seven. Kumble had Asim Kamal caught by substitute fielder Mohammed Kaif for 50. At tea, Pakistan were 223 for eight. Earlier today, India got off to a fine start by getting a wicket off the first ball of the day. Younis Khan was stumped by wicket- keeper Dinesh Karrthick off the bowling of Anil Kumble for zero. Pakistan were reduced to 115 for three when Kumble bowled captain Inzaman-ul Haq for 13. The visitors lost their fourth wicket at the same score. Laxmipathy Balaji had overnight batsman Taufeeq Umar caught at second slip by Virender Sehwag for 35. Resuming from their overnight score of 95 for one, Pakistan lost three wickets in the morning session and were 174 for three at lunch. Yesterday, India declared their second innings at 407 for nine. In the first innings, Pakistan had made 393 in reply to India's 407.

Karthikeyan finishes 11th in Malaysian Grand Prix (Go To Top)

     Malaysia: India's first Formula One racer Narain Karthikeyan ended 11th in the second race of the season at the 7th Malaysian Grand Prix here today. The race was won by Spain`s Fernando Alonso. While, Jarno Trulli in his first season with Panasonic Toyota came second, German driver Nick Heidfeld got the third place. Karthikeyan, who had finished 15th in the Australian Grand Prix, and his teammate Tiego Monteiro, who finished 12th, did well to achieve their eventual position after finishing 17th and 18th in the final qualifying this morning. "The car felt different from yesterday as it was heavier with fuel load. It definitely makes a big difference as you go from quit a light car to a much heavier one. There is not much time in a one lap qualifying. Overall, I think my lap time was decent," said Karthikeyan. This race was also disappointing for German World Champion Michael Schumacher who came at the seventh place. Meanwhile, Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports, Sunil Dutt has congratulated Narain Karthikeyan for putting up a fine show and settling 11th position.

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