The indispensable Father Time

In a week's time, the clock has reminded us all of our impending fall. Through the retirement of one on the cricket field and the subdued performance of another on the chess board, we have seen our own fallibility at the hands of the ticking seconds. That mortality is a given couldn't have come as a more jolting reminder. One may leave behind a trail of brilliance or be of the overwhelming mundane existence but time, that great leveler strikes us all in equal measure, sooner or later. Sachin Tendulkar might have overstayed his welcome but his retirement from all formats of the game leaves a void that one felt would never materialize. He enjoyed a farewell worthy of a gladiator bidding adieu to his beloved arena and the highest civilian award that the Indian government bestows upon individuals would only have compensated for some of the sense of emptiness. Its debatable if we will see a career spanning 24 years again on the cricket field given the physical demand the sport places on its exponents these days but one thing that is certain is that even if it happens, the revelry is bound to end one day.

Vishy Anand lost two theoretically drawn end games to the challenger Carlsen and twice fell into traps that would have embarrassed him at the peak of his career. While the spirit of competition may burn bright in the soon to be erstwhile world champion, the mind has surely taken a beating after what seems an eternity dodging menacing pawns and knights on the board. Would we see a final flicker of radiance from the embattled warrior or the light would go out silently for the one who deserves the "Bharat Ratna" as much as any body else. One would have wished for him going out with a bang but fairy tale endings are just that, wishful thinking, especially when father time creeps up with his axe so surreptitiously. Here's bidding good bye to the legend and three cheers to the young man from Norway who seems to be well set to rule the world till he faces the master like all his predecessors.

The Davis cup finals are under way and Serbia without the services of Tipsarevic, would rely solely on Novak to make sure they land the coveted title once more. The crucial doubles match has landed in the Czech republic's favor and with Djokovic only playing one of the reverse singles rubbers, it would take a miracle for the Serbs to stop the Czechs from winning back to back titles. The Berdych vs Djoker  match may well be a humdinger and decide the ultimate fate of the tie. The traditional heavy weights like the US and Germany in the team competition are now fighting for lesser spoils while the new world order takes shape in tennis.