In brief

Swedish Golf Classic Awards Ceremony 2009

GOLF: Victoria Golf and Country Resort in association with Swedish Community conducted the seventh annual Swedish Golf Classic 2009 at the Victoria golf course at Rajawella. There was also World Motocross legend and five times motocross champion Rolf Tibblin of Sweden who took an active part in the proceedings.

Afridi joins Ajantha Mendis in Hampshire

CRICKET: LONDON, Jan 9, 2010 - English county Hampshire have signed Pakistan one-day star Shahid Afridi as their second overseas player for this year's domestic Twenty20 competitioin.

Afridi, player of the tournament as Pakistan won the World Twenty20 last summer, will join Sri Lanka spinner Ajantha Mendis at the Rose Bowl.

The 29-year-old has previously played in England with Leicestershire and Kent and Hampshire first team manager Giles White said: "He is renowned as one of the best Twenty20 players in the world and is a match-winner with both bat and ball.

"It is an exciting prospect for the club and its supporters to have two such exciting players involved in this year's competition."

AFP

Review system a boon for spinners: Tufnell

CRICKET: LONDON, Jan 9, 2010 - Phil Tufnell believes cricket's new decision review system has increased the importance of spinners in the game by making umpires more willing to give tight leg before decisions. "In the old days batsmen used to put their front foot down the wicket and you'd never get an lbw," Tufnell, the former England spinner said.

"I must admit you do sit there and think, 'Crikey, I'd have another 1,000 wickets if I was still bowling!' But there you go - times move on and the game has changed. You take what you get."

AFP

Sixth Masters Athletic Meet April 3 and 4

Athletics: The 6th All Ceylon Masters Athletic Meet will be held at the Bogambara grounds, Kandy on April 3 and 4.

The meet is organised by the Central Province Masters Athletic Association.

The meet is open for the age groups: under 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75 and 80 for both men and women.

Applications are available from W.A. Cyril Perera, Secretary, No. 155/1 Gannoruwa, Peradeniya.

Entries close on January 31.

Inquiries form: 071-8191369 and 081-5625923.

Double international Fairlie no more

Fairlie Dalpathado one of South Asias cricketers passed away on January 6 at the age of 79 years.

Fairlie a double international was a product of St. Joseph's College Colombo who captained the school team as a top allrounder who performed well with bat and sending down the ball at a terrific pace to trouble many of the batsmen during his period.

After leaving school he represented the Tea Small Holdings Department in the State Services tournament. He also played SSC along with FC de Saram and other stalwarts. Fairlie retired from state service as an Assistant General Manager of Tea Small Holdings Department. He also served as the coach for St. Joseph's College team for many years.

He leaves behind his wife Therese, two daughters and a son. His funeral took place on Jan 7 according to his wishes.