VOL. 25 :: NO. 16 :: Apr. 20 - 26, 2002

The heroic outsider. As a product of the I-Me generation, Leander Paes is very much an outsider. The biggest source of his motivation is not the same as it might be for the average champion of his generation. Cover Story.

GEARING UP FOR THE MEGA-EVENT

NOTHING stirs the passions of a greater number of sportslovers around the world than does the quadrennial World Cup of football. And in a few weeks' time, the world of sport's most popular event will arrive in Asia for the first time as Japan and Korea play host to the Cup that matters. As in the past, The Sportstar will provide its readers comprehensive coverage of the month-long championship which kicks off on May 31. But, more importantly, we have planned to offer the readers a glittering array of lead-up features spread over five special Countdown sections starting from the issue dated April 27. The Countdown pull-out will contain articles that focus on the past as well as on the upcoming event and will also carry profiles of legends and reviews of all the World Cups held so far. And the biggest treat for the readers will come in the form of the World Cup Bumper issue dated June 1... but more on that later. Right now, begin your own countdown for the April 27 issue.

STAR POSTER: Carl Hooper
• Verbal Volleys: A Leander show

• Taking Leander for granted

• Davis Cup round-up: Santoro's encore

• Masters Series: Fifth title for Agassi

• Tennis: National Grasscourt tournament

• Cricket: India v Guyana BP XI

• WI Tour Diary: Dravid & the media

• Down Memory Lane: A meeting with Mendonca

• TV Spot On: The Laxmania that never was

• This India, this 'Spain'

• Auckland Test: Kiwis fly high

• By the Way...: Bring back Jack Russell
  Column by Ted Corbett

• Focus: John Reid

• Cricket Corner: On India's chances
  Column by Bob Simpson

• Feature: Allan Donald

• Tribute: Naren Tamhane

• Chess: Goodricke Open

• Kicking Around: World Cup hints
  Column by Brian Glanville