Burj Al Arab – one of the world’s most luxurious hotels – aside from all the mystique and wealth it’s known for, also has the highest tennis court in the world. Its space, located at 210 metres of altitude can also become a heliport for emergency landings or guest traffic.

Another extravagance from this sumptuous hotel, in Dubai, to which very few mortals have access. I confess, even if I was given access to it, I would have some difficulty in running around after a tennis ball at 210 metres above the ground.

Here are some pictures of the interior of this piece of heaven on earth.

There were plenty of newsworthy events in the year 1930, but which do we still talk about today? Constantinople was officially renamed Istanbul, the planet Pluto was discovered, and Agatha Christie’s first full-length Miss Marple novel rolled off the presses, for example. Oh yes, and world football as we know it came into being with the inaugural FIFA World Cup™ in Uruguay.

Qualifying was as yet unheard of. A grand total of 13 teams accepted invitations to compete, four from Europe, eight from South America and a team representing the United States. The draw for the group stage was left until all the teams had safely arrived in Uruguay. Once underway, the tournament produced football at its contemporary best. By the end, the host nation won through and became the first team to lay hands on the coveted trophy, then known as Victory or simply as the World Cup.

By the time of the second edition in Italy four years later, interest in the global showdown had soared. Thirty-two countries took part in a qualifying round to determine the 16 finalists – and once again, the hosts carried off the honours.

If all good things really come in threes, hosts France should have won the third FIFA World Cup finals. But it was not to be: the French made it to the quarter-finals but were beaten by holders Italy. TheSquadra Azzurri duly went on to claim the world crown for the second time in a row, cementing their enduring reputation as formidable exponents of the game.

Brazil emerge
The grim events of the Second World War meant a 12-year gap until the cream of the world game gathered again in 1950. It later emerged that Dr. Ottorino Barassi, the Italian vice-president of FIFA, hid the trophy in a shoe-box under his bed throughout the war, intent on preventing it falling into the hands of occupying troops. In 1946, the trophy was officially renamed in honour of then FIFA President Jules Rimet, who had worked tirelessly to preserve the spirit and structures of the game during the years of conflict.

The starting field in Brazil for the 1950 finals again numbered just 13 nations. Following a league-based preliminary round, Brazil, Sweden, Spain and Uruguay played off for the trophy. A Seleçãoneeded just a point from their meeting with Uruguay to seal the title, but a crowd officially recorded as 199,954 – estimates vary from 174,000 to as many as 205,000 – watched in mounting horror as theMaracanazo (The Maracana Disaster) unfolded. One of the biggest upsets in footballing history ended with the Uruguayans sealing a second triumph.

The next shock outcome rapidly followed. Germans refer to the events of four years later as ‘The Miracle of Berne’, as Sepp Herberger’s West Germany went to Switzerland in 1954 and beat the seemingly invincible Hungarians 3-2 in the Final. In terms of innovation, the 1954 tournament was the first time fixed squad numbers were assigned to all players.

It was also easily the biggest event of its kind thus far, with a new record number of nations embarking on qualifying. The Asian Confederation was founded that very year and entered teams from Japan and Korea, with Egypt representing Africa in the first truly global edition of the event. Sixteen teams earned the right to compete in Switzerland, and this was the size of the starting field right through until the 1982 finals in Spain, when it rose to 24.

O Rei illuminates Sweden and Mexico
In 1958, the show in Sweden belonged to a certain 17-year-old by the name of Pele, a major contributor to Brazil’s maiden FIFA World Cup triumph. Just Fontaine of France scored 13 goals at the tournament, a record which still stands today, and the finals witnessed a first-ever goalless draw, a meeting between England and Brazil. Sweden 1958 was also the first FIFA World Cup to be broadcast around the world on TV.

Brazil retained the world crown in Chile four years later, but 1966 finally saw a host nation triumph once again, as England defeated West Germany 4-2 in a thrilling and controversial final at Wembley.

The Brazilians were back to the sublime best for the 1970 finals in Mexico, sweeping aside the competition and taking home the Jules Rimet trophy in perpetuity in honour of their third triumph. For the second and last time since 1950, no player was sent off during the tournament. The finals also saw the first use of substitutes, and the introduction of yellow and red cards. Viewers at home could tell the difference too: the FIFA World Cup was broadcast in colour for the first time.

At the tenth edition of the finals in 1974, the honour of becoming the first recipients of the new FIFA World Cup Trophy fell to the West German hosts, although the tournament is often fondly remembered for the startling and revolutionary Total Football practised by beaten finalists the Netherlands, featuring all-time legends Johan Cruyff and Johan Neeskens.

Another of the great footballing nations finally registered a maiden triumph in 1978, as Argentina hosted and won the event. It was to prove the end of the road for a great Dutch generation, runners-up for the second time in a row, and then not present at all for the first 24-team finals in Spain four years later. That tournament was won by a resurgent Italy.

Diego and Zizou excel
As Pele is to Brazil, so is Diego Maradona to Argentina. The diminutive midfielder led La Albiceleste to their second world crown at Mexico 1986, and also featured in a re-run of the final against West Germany at Italy 1990. But on that second occasion, Franz Beckenbauer’s side exacted revenge and the Germans drew level with Brazil and Italy on three FIFA World Cup triumphs apiece. The Argentinians earned the dubious distinction of becoming the first team not to score in a FIFA World Cup final – and also of losing two players to red cards during the match.

Ahead of the 1994 finals in the USA, a record 147 nations started out on the qualifying road. For the first time in history, the Final was decided on penalties, Brazil defeating Italy in the decisive shoot-out to secure a fourth triumph.

The records continued to tumble in the years that followed. The 1998 tournament in France was comfortably the biggest-ever event of its type, with a starting field of 32 and a total of 64 matches played. The name of Zinedine Zidane will forever be associated with the hosts’ victory.

Brazil’s triumph at the 2002 FIFA World Cup Korea/Japan, the first time the event was held in Asia, meant the South Americans could claim the distinction of winning the famous trophy on every continent which had staged the finals up to that point. And in 2006, Italy beat hosts Germany in the semi-finals to settle the clash between two three-time winners in their favour. Fabio Cannavaro and Co went on to beat France on penalties in Berlin and earn a fourth star for the national jersey.

And what of 2010? New records and fresh milestones look a formality, as the world’s biggest single sporting event decamps to yet another new continent. Can Brazil pull further clear with a sixth triumph, or will the Italians retain the trophy and draw level on five? Or could an African side open a new chapter in the long and exciting history of the game? The footballing world can hardly wait for the action to start.

(FIFA.com) Sunday 6 June 2010

2nd year coloursman, left-hand opening batsman, right arm off spinner and a good slip fielder, product of the prestigious Royal College earned the Man of the match award for his spectacular 165 runs at the 131st Battle of the blues.

How did you enter the field of cricket?

My Love for cricket from small days encouraged me to also start playing the game. I started playing at NCC when I was 9 years old and thereafter joined the under 11 team in school.

Who is your role model in the cricket arena?

Sanath Jayasuriya and Mathew Hayden.

Your most memorable innings/match?

It will of course be the 131^st battle of the blues where I scored my personal best of 165 runs.

Your performance in this year’s school season?

Personally I am extremely satisfied with my achievements in this season I completed 1000 runs and played my part as a responsible batsman during the absence of my captain.

Your greatest support?

My family coz they have to make a lot of sacrifices,they encourage me A LOT. And I also have to mention my coaches for all the hard work and extra batting sessions to help me perfect my style.

What’s the difference playing for the Roy-Tho big match in comparison to other matches?

It’s the main match of the season and all the practice sessions all the sweat blood and commitment is paid off at that match and thus expectations are high. And it’s a lot of pressure for the freshers.

Commitments and sacrifices that had to be made throughout your cricket life?

A lot of Practice and fitness plays a crucial part n any sports thus I too had to give in my 100% to get to where I am at the present.

Your strengths and weaknesses as a sportsman?

My greatest strength is the support I get from my coaches family and friends if not for them I would not have been able to come this far. My weakness would be my fun loving attitude which sometimes tends to affect my game.

In your opinion what could your team have done better at the 131^st battle of the blues?

We as a team could have done a better job at fielding and our bowling too. But we all did our very best.

You’re other interests?

During my free time I normally like to relax my self by going for a swim. I also like playing basket ball.

What do you think about fashion?

Fashion plays a major role in your character. It’s the first thing people judge you on thus I take fashion very seriously.

What do you think about love?

Love is beautiful. Its something everyone should experience in their life.

Could love be a barrier for a sportsmen when reaching his goals?

Life is all about balancing. It all depends on his mindset if he is able to balance love and sports then I don’t see it becoming a problem.

Talking about your family?

I have six members in my family. That is my father mother three sisters and me. For me family is very important they are people you can ALWAYS count on to be there for you when you are having the best of days and the worst of days. My family is my biggest pillar of support and encouragement.

Your Goal in life?

My Goal is to contribute my cricketing skills to my country and to be the best in everything I do.

On behalf of the Erbenizer Magazine we all would like to wish all the very best with your future endeavours.

Interviewd by Lasni Sellahewa

Pix by : Lishan Wickramanayake

A fresher, Right hand one down batsman and a very good fielder, hailing from the great S.  Thomas’ College, Scored a brilliant 99 runs in the first innings of the 131^st battle of the blues which earned him the title “Best Batsman”

1) How did you enter the field of cricket?

I was first taught by my uncle and then I started cricket in 1999 at college. I was named the most promising player in my first ever match played at college.

2) Who is your role model in the cricket arena?

Roshan Mahanama and Michael Clark

3) Your most memorable innings/match?

The 131^st battle of the blues where I scored my personal best of 99.

4) Your performance in this year’s school season?

I am very satisfied with my performance as I believe I gave my very best and did my part for the betterment of my team.

5) Your greatest support?

It’s no other than God. Its through his grace and power that I have been able to go this far and of course the unending support of my mother.

6) Commitments and sacrifices that had to be made throughout your cricket life?

As it is told in cricket “the class is permanent but the form fluctuates” therefore a lot of hard work has to be put in to maintain your form throughout the season

7) What’s the difference playing for the Roy-Tho big match in comparison to other matches?

For me it felt like any other match. However I didn’t let the excitement get to me as I was committed to doing my very best.

8 ) Your strengths and weaknesses as a sportsman?

My strengths would be the fact that I give my all to be the best in everything I do, the hard work, commitment and patience needed to endure anything and everything. My weak point would be my wrong judgment at the wrong time.

9) In your opinion what could your team have done better at the 131^st battle of the blues?

We could have fielded better. If we had held onto our chances there would have been a better chance to penetrate the royal batting and win the match.

10) Your other interests?

Well cricket is my first love after that it is hockey.

11)What do you think about Fashion?

Well I think it is something that applies to the personalty of a person. Where ever we go our first impression is what counts. I personally do do care about my fashion.

12) What do you think about Love?

Love is simply amazing to me. Without it i don’t think a person can live, because I cannot live without it.

13) Could it be a barrier for a sportsman to reach his goals?

No it will never be a barrier. Everyone needs love when ever they feel down. “Specially Sportsmen”

14) Talking about your family?

There are four members in our family. My father, mother and my sister.

15) You’re Goal in life?

To peruse a career in cricket. I have been asked to play for a cricket club in New Zealand so I am hoping that will be my gateway to getting to my dream.

On behalf of the Erbenizer Magazine we all would like to wish all the very best with your future endeavours.

Interviewd by Lasni Sellahewa

The Battle of the Blues which is popularly know as the Royal Thomian is the annual cricket match encounter that is played between Royal College, Colombo and S.Thomas’ College, Mount Lavinia for the past 130 years continuously without being interrupted. The Royal Thomian also hold the record for being the longest uninterupted cricket match series in the world. The match is played for the D.S.Senanayake Memorial Shield which was first presented in 1928.

So this continued and it lead to the 131st Battle of the Blues which took place at Sinhalese Sports Club Ground on 11th, 12th & 13th of March 2010

Theres a lot of fun stuff we would like to tell you about this legendary battle, but first of all we’ll have an official description about it.

So the Thomian Side for this year consists of

Seated L To R Mr. Lakmaal De Zoysa (Master-In-Charge), Mr.Vijitha De Silva, (Prefect Of Games), Lalindra Peiris, Ashane Fernando, Rev. John C. Puddefoot (Warden), Dinesh Walpita(Captain), Chamodh Pathirana, Sachin Peiris, Mr.Barney Reid (Coach), Mr. Shiraz Samsudeen(Assistant Coach) Standing L To R Pasan Wijewardena, Brian Dharmasena, Kavindu Perera, Sachinda Liyanarachchi, Yasas Nanayakkara, Nilaksha Fernando, Dimitri Dolapihilla, Malinda Jayasinghe, Nuwan Kavinda, Neomal Wickremasekera, Madushan Ravichandrakumar, Umesh Fernando,Prabath Ariyaratne

While the Royal Side consists of

Seated (L-R) Mr.M.T.A Rauf(S.G.M), R. Rambukwella, C.Bogoda, B. Rajapakse(Capt), Mr. U. Gunasekara (Principal), M. Thanthirigoda, K. Vithanage, C. Rajarathne, Mr. E.G.M. Rajakaruna(M.I.C), Mr. G. Perera (Coach) Middle Row (L-R) I. Liyanage, D. Rajakarunna, T. Abeysekera, M. Rajarathne, M. Abeysekera, I. Khan, M. Gunarathne, D. Pathmanathan Back Row (L-R) C. Devasurendra, L. Landewela, G. Deva, P. Sampath, W. Dissanayake, S. Edirisuriya

Results of the 131st Battle of the Blues

The 2010 season kicks off in March in grand fashion. The entry of team Lotus is considered as a special event in the formula 1 world arena. Also alot of swaps and re entry of drivers has made it more intense.

The highlight is that 7 time champion, German sensation, Micheal Schumacker is returning back from retirement seeking his 8^th championship title. He will compete in the season on a Mercedez as he signed up with Mercedez for the latest season. This decision was purely based on “Ross Brown” the man who helped Schumacker to achieve the championships before.

Micheal, who had bright career while he was in Ferrari, is considered as the best driver. He and Arton Sena are considered as “track gods” because of the way they handled the wheel. In his last season in 2006 he was beaten by Renault’s Fernando Alonso who won the championship while Schumacker ended up second in the points table. According specialists, Alonso had a better car than Micheal but still Micheal gave everyone a good fight.

Moving on, Jenson Button of Brawn GP is rearing to snatch another title for himself in the new season. There will also be threats from Louis Hamilton, Sebastian Vettel, Kimi Raikonnen and Filippe Massa who missed the last season due to injury.

Anyways lets all hope that this season will be a thrilling season.

The year 2010 was a good start for the Sri Lankan cricket team. The “Idea Cup” was the season opener for Sri Lanka and they grabbed it with much joy.

A young looking Sri Lankan side was sent to Bangladesh for the triangular between India, Sri Lanka and the hosts, Bangladesh. Chamara Silva and Lahiru Thirimanne were picked up as well. The inexperienced Sri Lankan unit was missing the services of veteran Jayasuriya, Kapugedara, Jayawardena, Muralitharan, Mathews, Malinga, Mendis and Dilhalra Fernando. Youngsters such as Suraj Randiv, Suranga Lakmal, Muthumudalige Pushpakumara were picked ahead of the regular entries.

The series opener between the hosts and the Lankans was a tight game, but a century from Dilshan wrapped up things for the visitors. India met SL the day after and again SL won due to a ton by Thilan Samaraweera. The latest worry was that three of the Sri Lankan batsmen, namely, Dilshan, Silva and Pushpakumara suffered injuries. Dilshan, whose injury was a minor fracture stayed whole the other two were taken back to SL. Jayawardena, Udawatte and new star batsman Dinesh Chandimal was sent as replacements.

The next match against Bangladesh was easy pickings as SL wrapped it up with 9 wickets to spare. Jayawardena was Tharanga scored centuries to ensure the victory. Though the match was won, the critics were onto the management saying young guns weren’t given the chance. Thirimanne and Chandimal were not used to the extent of their abilities. The next match against India was an utter disaster. Only Sangakkara and Randiv showed some resistance backed up Thushara who chipped in with a twenty. India wrapped up things in 32 overs.

Going into the final, SL had a lot to decide on. It was whether to expose Chandimal or Thirimanne in the final or go on with the experienced players. Also Lakmal was not giving the results that were required. Finally it was decided to leave out the youngsters and go with the experienced. Kulasekara was brought instead of Lakmal.

As the match commenced, SL took over control of the proceedings by taking fiver wickets for just 60 runs. Kulasekara and Welagedara who shared the new ball did the damage. Suresh Raina and Ravindra Jadeja gave India some hope by putting up a century stand. Raina scored his third ODI and took India to a respectable 245. The key destroyer was Kulasekara who bagged 4 wickets for just 48 runs.

SL began the run chase very after loosing Tharanga cheaply. But the captain and the vice captain of the team made good contributions. Then Samaraweera and Jayawardena closed down the gap. Proving his selection, Jayawardena scored a fighting half century and brought SL to a victory against India.

The series is over but looking at it, we can’t be so happy about the opportunities given to the youngsters. For instance, Chandimal, who is in the best form of his life was not given a game where Thilina Kandamby failed during the whole series. There are also some plus points too. Randiv and Welagedara have improved immensely while Thilan proved his place on the team. The top 5 SL batsmen are in form.

Looking on the otherhand, what will happen to players like Murali, Sanath, Malinga and Mendis? Keeping them out was good but now with the youngsters performing, you cannot get them back in. Specially a person like Murali just cannot be benched. Mathews would not find it hard to enter, but his replacement, Thisara Perera made a name for himself too.

Anyhow lets hope that every decision will be taken for the best of the future of cricket in SL.

This is more or less an obvious choice for the opening slot. Atapattu who scored 5 ducks in his first 6 test innings, became a batsman who made a name for him self. He is considered as one of the batsman with the best technique. He has six double hundreds under his belt and he has scored over 5000 runs with an average of 39 per innings. After his test debut against India in 1990 he moved up the ranks to become the captain in the national team. He was then put into a crisis by the respective authorities of cricket and he retired from cricket while he had some more to give for the national side.

3.Kumar Sangakkara
(Wk)
The current captain of the Sri Lankan team and the batsman who held the no.1 slot in the ICC rankings until Mahela Jayawardane took over it from him.Sangakkra made his test debut in 2000 against South Africa. According to critics Sangakkara is the best wicketkeeper batsman in the modern era. He has scored over 7000 runs with an average of 54 which is in the top ranked averages in the world today. He too has 6 double hundreds to his name with a highest score of 287 and also 20 centuries. He shares the record for the highest partnership for any wicket with Mahela Jayawardane who together put up 624 against South Africa. He has all the ability and talent to be in any team.

4.Aravinda de Silva
In many Sri Lankan’s opinion the best batsman ever to be produced by Sri Lanka is Pinnawaduge Aravinda de Silva. He started his test career in 1984 against England in Lords. He has over 6000 test runs under his belt with 267 against New Zealand as his best. With an average of 42 and 20 centuries, he is no doubt a force to reckon with. He has even captained the national side. He played his last test in 2002 against the Bangladesh side scoring 206 with a stand of 234 with Sanath for the 5th wicket. He is now working for the uplifment of Sri Lanka cricket.

5.Mahela Jayawardane
The no.1 test batsman in the world according to the current Icc rankings is Denagamage Praboth Mahela de Silva Jayawardane. He made his debut in the world record holding match where Sri Lanka posted 952 and Mahela chipped in with a 50. He is the leading run scorer in tests for Sri Lanka with a tally of over 9000.He also has the record for the highest run scored by a right handed batsman in international cricket scoring 374 against South Africa.He has a average of 54.36 with 27 centuries to his name and 6 double hundreds. He is technically sound in his batting and is a big asset to the team.

6.Arjuna Ranatunga (C)
The youngest player who represented Sri Lanka in the first test played in 1982 who also scored a fifty in that match being the first person to score a test match fifty for Sri Lanka. He was a school boy at the time he represented the national side. Known as  the best captain to captain the Sri Lankan team (captain cool) he led the team to victory in the 1996 world cup. He has a tally of over 5000 runs in test cricket with four centuries at an average of 35.Most of the time the last straw of the Sri Lankan batting line was held by this man who. Though his large body mass he was known as a quick runner between the wickets and also brought the term of walking between the wickets for a run. He last represented the test side in 2000 against South Africa where he finished his career unbeaten in a match where Sri Lanka won comprehensively. Arjuna was best known for the team spirit and great captaincy. Once when Muralitharan was reported for ‘chucking’ by on field umpire Daryl Hair he took the team off the field supporting his fellow bow;er who later on became to be a great world class bowler. So in my opinion Sri Lanka needs the captaincy of this great player.

7.Hashan Thilakratne
Known as the wall of the Sri Lankan side Hashan made a name for himself for being in the wicket for long hours. He provides some balance to the side as he is a wicket keeper giving the side the option of playing an extra batsman when needed. He also captained the national side for sometime. In his career he scored over 4500 runs at an average of 42.87 with 11 centuries and 201* being the highest. He started his test career in 1989 against Australia in Hobart where he kept wickets. He ended his career against Australia in 2004.

8.Chaminda Vaas
The one and only fast bowler who brought glory to the nation with taking wickets not only in fast bowling pitches but also taking wickets in sub continent soil. Warnakulasuriya Patabandige Ushantha Joseph Chaminda Vaas by name is still the highest wicket taking fast bowler in Sri Lanka. In 111 tests he has taken 355 wickets with an average of 29 runs per wicket. He has taken 12, 5 wicket hauls and the best figures being 7/71 against the West Indies. He also was not amateur with the bat. He has a test century under his name and 12 half centuries. Vaas started his career in 1994 against Pakistan. After an illustrious career he ended his test career in 2009 against Pakistan. Undoubtedly the best paceman in the Lankan ranks Vaas is a definite class act.

9.Rumesh Ratnayake
Making his test debut in 1983 against New Zealand Rumesh Ratnayake is considered as one of the best bowlers produced by Sri Lanka. He played a limited number of tests but in that he made an great impression among the minds of the Lankans. In 25 tests he bagged 73 wickets with 5, 5 wicket hauls with the best being 6/66 against England. He retired from test cricket in 1992 playing against Pakistan.

Lasith Malinga the latest entry to the Sri Lankan pace army. This was not an definite pick but with the record he has shown overseas Malinga is a player who should be in the Sri Lankan side. With his unorthadox action and thretaing bouncers at roaring pace he is the fastest bowler ever produced by Sri Lanka. In his debut against Australia in Darwin he took 6 wickets proving to be a bright prospect for the future of Sri Lanka cricket. In his 28 test matches he has taken 91 wickets.

The highest wicket taker in the world in both tests and ODIs. He has 22, 10 wicket hauls and 44, 5 wicket hauls under his name. In the 131 matches he played he has taken 390 wickets at an average of 22.He has two nine wicket hauls with the best being 9/51 against Zimbabwe. he made his debut in 1192 against Australia where he took 3 wickets in the match. Known as a magician who spins the ball in any track, Murali is feared all over the world for his clever and vicious bowling.

This is my dream team.The addition of Sidath Wettamuny, Roy Dias and Ashantha De Mel was debatable but finally this is what came out.
Hope you give your ideas and your views about who should come in and who should be left out.

By – Minura Munasinghe

Many of you know half of the players in Sri Lanka,but most of you wouldn’t know the hidden players in it.
I first point the attention towards Indika De Seram,a lad from the south who holds the record for most runs scored in a single day beating ex cpt.Arjuna Ranatunga’s 318 scoring 319*.Seram was called up for the team in the early 2000.An average performance by Seram and the admission of wicket keeper batsman Kumar Sangakkara who is now the Sri Lankan cpt. made life hard for Indika.Eventually he was dropped from the team.In the domestic season 2004 he was the highest run scorer.He kept on his good form and became the highest run scorer in the 2005 season but the selectors didnt give him a fair chance. He has scored more than 10000 runs ain the domestic arena with 21 centuries under his belt.He then led the Sri Lanka towards victory in the Hong Kong 6s with his hard hitting ability.In 2007 he didnt make the Sri Lankan team which left for the inaugaral T20 world cup.He was selected to the T20 world cup squad in 2009 but wasnt given a single chance eventhough Chamara Silva and Jehan Mubarak kept on failing.But in the first T20 domestic season,Seram was the highest run scorer.The Sri Lankan midle order which lacks fire power needed a batter like Seram,but this talent was wasted.Now in the late 30s Seram still contributes with the bat for his domestic side Ragama.The matter of his selection still reamins a blank.

Kaushalya Weeraratne,the left handed allrounder who holds the record for the fastest fifty ever to be scored by a batsman is another hidden talent.He hit a 12 ball half century which is only done by India’s Yuvraj Singh in the T20 format.At the age of 19 he entered the Sri LAnkan team against PAkisthan in 2000.This hard hitting paceman was left out of the Sri Lankan team for quite a sometime.He was then called up in 2008 but was left out for no reason.He didnt fail,but the unforeseen force of  Jehan Mubarak who kept on under performing made Weeraratne and many others falling apart.Kaushal still performs in the domestic arena but still he ain’t noticed.

Another class player who wasnt given the chance was Jeewantha Kulatunga.This fine batsman form Kurunegala who has the flexibility to bat at any given position wasnt choosen to the national side due to unkonwn reasons.He has scored over 7000 domestic runs and is a player of Colts Cricket Club.This could be seen as the most injustice because there wasnt any reason for not picking him.Kulatunga a hard hitter by nature was a member in the Sri Lankan domestic team ‘Vayamba’ which represented the Champions League T20 and was the highest run scorer for Sri Lanka.He also played a big role in the Hong Kong 6s triumph and was a member for a long period in the Sri LAnka 6 a side team.At the age of 35 Kulatunga still could be a very good player for the T20 and the limited overs version.

Not only them there are a list of people whos knocking at the teams door.Gayan Wijekoon who has a first class average of 38 and has 244 scalps is still a steady performer.but he still aint looked up by the selectors.Chanaka Welagedara,Chinthaka Jayasinghe, Kaushal Silva are some good players who aint given the proper exposure.
Now I’ll move your attention towards some bright prospects of Sri Lanka Cricket. Dinesh Chandimal who came up the ranks through the school calender becoming the highest run scorer in the season playing for Ananda College.In his first class debut against the New Zeland team he scored a half century where the other Sri Lankan batsmen struggled.In the next practice match he scored a century against the Kiwis proving his worthiness but went unnoticed.In the only 07 first class matches he played he has scored 3 centuries with an outstanding average of 66.Chandimal whos in his peak should be utililized before its wasted as the previous mentioned talents.To get to the winning streak of the Sri Lankan cricket team the responsible authorities should be more careful while selectiing the team.

by Minura Munasinghe

The 2008 season was won by Louis Hamilton with a 6th place finish in the final grand prix beating Ferrari’s Fillippe Massa by one point. The battle was on the wire and with the retirement of Toyota’s Timo Glock. This controversial end gave McLaren’s Louis Hamilton the first career title becoming the youngest in history to do so. He last the 2007 season to compatriot Kimi Raikonnen of Ferrari by 1 point but he bounced back to claim his world title.

The 2009 era started with a bang in Melbourne, Australia. Team Honda came up as Brawn GP who was sponsored by Richard Branson of Virgin Airlines. The team promised to keep the good work done by team Honda. In qualifying, Brawn GP kept up to expectation by having pole position by Britain’s Jenson Button and Brazilian Rubence Barichello lining up behind Button. On race day Button went passed the checker flag before any other, only to collect his second win from 154 starts in his career. Rookies Brawn GP finished up in a high with Button’s team mate Barichello finishing second. World champion Louis Hamilton was the other to go on the podium.

The the teams moved onto Malaysia. The ‘Sepang’ circuit was influenced with bad weather that weekend. The race had to be minimized to 32 laps due to a storm and bad light conditions. Drivers were awarded half points according to the standings after 32 laps. Button who was leading at that moment bagged his second win of the season. Nick Heidfield of BMW and Timo Glock of Toyota were respectively second and third. By the end of two races, Button was leading the table by 15 points from his teammate Rubence who had 10.

Singapore Grand Prix

China was their 3rd circuit of the season. Though the weather wasn’t that much of a help, the race ran the full distance. German driver Sebastian Vettel of Redbull came first breaking the streak of Button. Vettel’s teammate Mark Webber came onto claiming second place while Button pulled up to third to get a podium finish. The free running Brawn GP was now under threat by team Redbull. Last year’s constructors champions Ferrari were yet to score a point after three races.

The teams moved into Bahrain. Brawn GP’s Button came up with another triumph as he went onto win the race extending his lead in the driver’s championship. Sebastian Vettel finished second while Jarno Trali who started the race at pole position became third. Ferrari opened up their account with Kimi Raikonnen coming up as the 6th. Spanish Grand Prix changed nothing to the other teams who were expecting to clinch a victory. Button snatched it up with team mate Barichello coming second. Redbull’s Webber completed the podium for the Barcelona race. Brawn was extending their lead more and more making it harder to reach by the end of each race.

The fastest track Monaco gave Button his fifth win increasing his tally to 51 points. He became the second person to win a hat-trick of races which was only done before by Micheal Schumacker. Barichello ended up second making Brawn GP a heavy force to reckon with. While Ferrari, McLaren and Renault were struggling the new admitted Brawn GP and Redbull were dominating. The 7th race which was held at Turkey was again clinched by Button with Webber and Vettel completing the podium. After Istanbul, the standings read out as Button 61, Barichello 35 and Vettel 29. Brawn had gone through with 96 points with a massive lead.

Button’s home race proved unlucky to him as Vettel drove to get the checker flag of the British Grand Prix. This was Vettel’s third career win. At Germany, Redbull’s Mark Webber went out to win his first career pole position. The Australian won this after 130 starts in his career. Vettel became second and Ferrari’s Filippe Massa gave Ferrari its first podium finish in 9 races. Hungarian Grand Prix gave triumph to world champion Louis Hamilton.

2007 winner Kimi Raikonnen came in second as Webber clinched third. The European Grand Prix was won by Brazilian Barichello which was his 10th career victory and first after leaving Ferrari. Barichello came ahead of Hamilton and Raikonnen who finished up on the podium. With this win, Barichello moved up to second in the driver’s championship.

Kimi Raikonnen won the Belgium Grand Prix giving Ferrari its first season triumph. Force India’s Fischella went to become second.  In Italy, Barichello bagged his second win while table leader Button came back into work with a second place while a crash in the last lap, ruined Hamilton’s podium finish which was taken by Raikonnen. The night race of the season was won by Hamilton. Singapore proved to be good hunting ground for McLaren as Hamilton cruised to a victory followed by Glock and Button with Button leading the points table. There are 3 more races to be completed to end this season with Japan, Brazil and Abudhabi in line.

By – Minura Munasinghe

Related articles :-

• Formula One: With Not a Hint of Chicanery, Hamilton Wins in Singapore (nytimes.com)
• Vettel wins Japanese GP to boost F1 hopes (thestar.com)
• Vettel wins Japanese GP, keeps drivers race alive (cbc.ca)
• Hamilton storms to victory in Singapore (nationalpost.com)
• Hamilton Wins Singapore Grand Prix (nytimes.com)
• Formula One: Raikkonen Wins in Wild Belgian Grand Prix (formulaone.blogs.nytimes.com)