SL to ink India offer

COLOMBO: Sri Lankan officials will head to India next week to finalise a $40-million deal with the Indian Premier League, the island’s sports minister said. Gamini Lokuge said the deal would lead to the full participation of Sri Lankan players in the IPL and the Twenty20 Champions League for the next decade. The proposed deal follows a recent decision to release Sri Lankan players contracted to the IPL from next year’s tour of England. SLC’s chief executive Duleep Mendis will be part of the delegation that will fly to Mumbai on October 18 to finalise the deal with the BCCI, Lokuge said. — AFP

Kim takes lead

CALIFORNIA: Kim In-Kyung recorded four birdies and carded a three-under par 69 in the second round of the the $1.2m USLPGA Longs Drugs Challenge. Kim holds a one-shot lead over Mollie Fankhauser and a two-stroke lead over World No 1 Lorena Ochoa, who denied the 21-year-old her first win last season. Kim, who began the day one shot back of the lead, recorded four birdies on the front nine and pared her last hole for a 33 at the turn. Ochoa, the 26-year-old Mexican is third at 4-under 68 after firing seven birdies and an eagle. Ochoa is at 6-under par 138. — AFP

Hamilton takes pole

FUJI SPEEDWAY: A delighted Lewis Hamilton grabbed his sixth pole position of the season to boost his hopes of winning the Japanese Grand Prix and taking the world title. The McLaren driver, who leads Felipe Massa of Ferrari by seven points with three races remaining, took pole with a dazzling last-gasp lap while the Brazilian fell away and ended fifth. Hamilton now has a perfect opportunity on Sunday to build on his lead in his quest to become Formula One’s youngest champion. — AFP