WEST INDIAN batsman Shivnarine Chanderpaul hit his first test century at Kensington Oval in Bridgetown yesterday, on the opening day of the Third Test, the first two having been drawn, against India, sparking scenes of jubilation.

The West Indies were 240 for seven at the close with Chanderpaul unbeaten on 102, alongside paceman Curtly Ambrose on 28, after they had added 47 for the eighth wicket, when umpires Lloyd Barker and Steve Randell took them off for bad lights with 4.2 overs remaining.

The 22-year-old Chanderpaul accomplished what he has been looking for in 29 previous innings in 18 Tests. It was a great relief for the left-hander when he drove fast medium bowler Dan Ganesh through mid-on for three to reach the landmark after six hours at the crease.

Chanderpaul's innings illuminated an otherwise gloomy day for West Indies. Sent into bat by Tendulkar on the hard, lively pitch, they lost opening batsmen Sherwin Campbell and Stuart Williams in the first hour and were on a roller coaster ride all the way through to the close.

When tea arrived, West Indies' innings was in trouble at 144 for five and Chanderpaul had reached his 50. However, his stubborn resistance was not followed by the other batsmen.

Chanderpaul and Brian Lara added 48 for the third wicket. The two left-handers seemed to have the same thing in mind, but Prasad, a passenger for the first two Tests, removed the acting West Indies captain in the sixth over after the lunch interval.