The Hindu : Front Page : Tendulkar on top of the world

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Sunday, Dec 11, 2005

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Tendulkar on top of the world

S. Ram Mahesh

Sachin surpasses Gavaskar's world record with 35th Test century at Kotla

SAVOURING THE MOMENT: Sachin Tendulkar celebrates his world record 35th Test hundred in the second Test against Sri Lanka in New Delhi on Saturday. — Photo: S. Subramanium

NEW DELHI: Sachin Tendulkar became the world's highest Test century maker on Saturday at the Ferozeshah Kotla here, surpassing Sunil Gavaskar's record of 34 hundreds. He remained unbeaten on 100 as India finished on 245 for three on the first day of the second Videocon Cup match against Sri Lanka.

"This was an emotional hundred more than anything else," Tendulkar said. "It's very satisfying. There are very few moments in my life when I get emotional, this time I felt different." Tendulkar, who had equalled Gavaskar's record against Bangladesh in December last year, said the long wait had not exerted extra pressure because India had played "only four matches" in that time.

The 32-year-old has battled injury and form in the past year. His 177-ball effort took 279 minutes and included 13 fours and one six. This was the master batsman's 125th Test — the same as Gavaskar. Only Kapil Dev with 131 matches has played more.

Tendulkar said the change of ball had helped him quicken the rate.

He dedicated the century to his family and all those who had stood by him during his toughest moments.

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