Hussey topples Dhoni from ODI batsman top spot

Published Mon, Feb 01 10 01:24 PM

Dubai, Feb 1 (PTI) Australian middle-order batsman Michael Hussey dethroned Indian captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni from the top spot in the ICC ODI batsmen chart updated today. Hussey, whose 46-ball 40 was instrumental in Australia''s win in the fifth ODI against Pakistan yesterday in Perth, has 825 rating points, three more than Dhoni who also had a good show in the recent tri-series in Bangladesh. Sachin Tendulkar (at seventh), who skipped the Bangladesh tri-series, and Virender Sehwag (at ninth) are the other Indian batsmen in the top 10 with 723 and 702 points respectively. Yuvraj Singh (12th), Gautam Gambhir (19th) and Suresh Raina (20th) make it to the top 20. Bangladesh tri-series top-scorer Virat Kohli is at 21st. Among the bowlers, off-spinner Harbhajan Singh is the only Indian in the top 10 at sixth. Pacer Zaheer Khan is the next highest ranked Indian at 21st. Meanwhile, India retained the second spot in the ODI team chart at 121 rating points, 12 adrift of leaders Australia who beat Pakistan 5-0 in the series concluded yesterday.

Source: Web Search

PR model claims she had five-month affair with John Terry

Published>Mon, Feb 01 10 01:20 PM

London, Feb 1 (ANI): A 42-year-old promotions model Jayne has revealed that she had a five-month affair with Chelsea skipper John Terry, believing he was single.

"He has no respect for anyone - and has been getting away with it for years," the Mirror quoted Jayne as saying.

She had first met Terry in 1999 while working on a promotion for Legoland in Heathrow Airport.

"He was coming through with the Chelsea team. I didn't know who he was but we made eye contact and I liked him straight away," she said.

"He came up and said, 'You're lovely'. He told me he was single and said, 'You're beautiful. I've got to go out with you'. I was 32 and asked him how old he was. He said 24 (Terry was actually 20) and that he always wanted an older woman.

"I gave him my number and he came round when he got back to Britain and we made love.

"He was very attentive, loving and charming," she added.

Terry's lie about being single was blown apart after his wife Toni called up Jayne and confronted her about their affair.

"Toni said, 'Hi, is that Jayne Connery? You don't know me but I need to ask have you slept with John Terry?' She told me she was John's fiancee. I was gobsmacked," said Jayne.

"I said he had told me he was single and that we had slept together. I was mortified." Later the same day, Jayne got another call.

She said: "The voice said: 'Hi, I'm a friend of John Terry. You might get a call from a girl who claims to be his girlfriend. We want you to deny everything. We want you to say that you chased John, but that he rebuffed you. He had no dealings with you whatsoever."

Jayne decided she never wanted to see Terry again.

Then, the following year, Jayne became involved with England boss Sven-Goran Eriksson.

When the relationship became public in the wake of Eriksson's affair with Ulrika Jonsson, Terry worried that his affair with Jayne would be next in the headlines.

She says: "He told me, 'I have the best lawyers in the world. No one can touch me'. He was so arrogant."

Jayne also received a threatening call from a man.

"He told me someone would rearrange my face if I went to the papers about my relationship with John.

This week's revelations about Terry's latest affair and his squalid attempts to keep it out of the public arena have come as no surprise to Jayne. (ANI)

Source: Web Search

John Terry's wife 'flies to Dubai with kids, wants divorce'

Published>Mon, Feb 01 10 01:10 PM

London, Feb 1 (ANI): England footballer John Terry's wife Toni has jetted to Dubai after telling him that she wants a divorce, it has emerged.

She flew to the Gulf state on Saturday night with three-year-old twins Georgie John and Summer Rose and her mum Sue Poole.

Friends said Toni was devastated by the news that the Chelsea star cheated on her with the girlfriend of his England team-mate Wayne Bridge.

To add to her woes, it also emerged that her husband arranged for the French lingerie model Vanessa Perroncel to have an abortion after getting her pregnant.

She is now considering hiring top divorce lawyer Fiona Shackleton in a bid to land half of Terry's massive fortune.

"Toni has simply had enough. She's had just about as much humiliation as she can bear. She has told John in no uncertain terms she wants a divorce," the Sun quoted a source as saying.

"They had a brief conversation and she said she was flying away. She is still feeling very raw and angry. Toni feels the best thing for both of them was for her to get some space and for him to concentrate on football and his career.

"She will take a break and do some thinking and decide what she wants to do when she gets back. John agreed but really he had no choice but to accept," the source added. (ANI)

Source: Web Search

Oz fast bowlers will hammer England to reclaim Ashes: Gillespie

Published>Mon, Feb 01 10 12:50 PM

Sydney, Feb 1 (ANI): Former Australian fast bowler Jason Gillespie has said that Ricky Ponting's team will hammer England to reclaim the Ashes with a relentless pace arsenal comprising quality performers, all of whom are desperate to impress.

Gillespie was all praise for Australia's Test attack, which includes Mitchell Johnson, Doug Bollinger, Peter Siddle, Ben Hilfenhaus and Shane Watson.

"I have absolutely no doubt Australia will win the Ashes, I think this side is very good," Fox Sports quoted Gillespie, as saying.

"As a former quick, I am chuffed watching this - blokes coming in and bowling 145-150km/h," he added.

Gillespie further said that unheralded fast bowler Ryan Harris, who has become Australia's new one-day hit man, underlines the rock-solid back-up that the national team enjoys.

"Rhino has really surprised me. I have always known he could bowl low 140s, but gee-whiz he's bowling 150km/h. He is running in and hitting the track hard and has been fantastic," Gillespie said.

The 34-year-old also believes that Australia's pace stock has been facilitated by the rise of left-armer Bollinger.

"I told everyone bowlers of Doug's ilk are like gold. I have always been a big wrap for him since I faced him at state level. As a bowler who batted a bit, you always knew the guys you felt could have some success at the next level," Gillespie said. (ANI)

Source: Web Search

Murray's tight underwear behind Australian Open defeat

Published>Mon, Feb 01 10 12:24 PM

London, Feb 1 (ANI): Australian Open finalist and World No.3 Andy Murray has said tight underwear may have played a part in his defeat in year's first grand slam.

He fought back tears, as he apologised to fans for losing to Roger Federer and missing out on Britain's first grand slam win for 74 years.

The 22-year-old revealed his cycling shorts had caused him some problems during the two hours and 41 minutes of tennis, the Daily Express reprots.

Asked whether he had picked up an injury after frequently rubbing his left hip, he said: "My hip is fine. It was just that the cycling shorts were too tight."

Despite some great tennis by Murray, Federer won his 16th title in straight sets.

Welling up with tears, Murray said: "I can cry like Roger, just a shame I can't play like him." (ANI)

Source: Web Search

Wintryquest

Published>Mon, Feb 01 10 12:20 PM

India, Jan. 30 -- Striding along in the second hour of the morning's trek, your muscles have loosened up, the speedier circulation is carrying more oxygen to your brain and, as you inhale the crisp mountain air, your head and body feel wonderfully clear and full of energy. The brown earth trail, peppered with grey boulders, snakes through a patch of dark green conifers. In the silence among the trees, a brook splutters, awakening a childhood memory of Minnehaha ("laughing water") in The Song of Hiawatha. Above, perfect snow cones daubed with golden sunlight parade on the skyline. Beyond the trees, the trail meanders into a meadow of springy turf, sprinkled with red, yellow, magenta, and white flowers nodding in the breeze. The sun spreads a mantle of warmth on your back and you pause beside a rock, luxuriating in the beauty of summer in the Himalaya. Did you picture heaven? Now picture this. Your torso is trussed up in six layers of warm fabrics, your hands are encased in gloves topped with mittens, a fleece cap is pulled low over your forehead and your neck gaiter up till your lips, as you desperately try to cover every possible inch of your face. Yet the cold air stabs at your nose and cheeks as you hunch, with muscles stiffened in the battle against the cold. Surrounding you is snow - blankets, mounds and columns of it. Source of Ganges This trek follows the Bhagirathi upstream to the source of Ganga in Garhwal Himalayas. From Gangotri, you travel across pine forests and meadows to reach the multi-hued Chaturangi glacier. Chopta-Tungnath Chopta is located just beyond Rudra-prayag on the Gopeshwar-Ukhimath road. The trek ends at the Chandrasila summit that affords the most beautiful view of Nanda Devi, Trishul and Chaukham. Dodital The crystal blue water of the Dodital lake (north of Uttarakashi) is home to rare species of fish like the Himalayan Golden Trout, and dense oak, pine and deodar forests surround it. Har ki Doon Har ki Doon lies in the foothills of the Western Himalayas, at the base of Fateh Parvat. The surrounding forests are part of the Govind Wildlife National Park. The trek starts at Taluka, near Dehradun. Pindari Glacier This trek in the Kumaon Himalayas, starts at Song, moving along the banks of the Pindari and winds up at the glacier that has distinctive patches of lush greenery on a stark white landscape. Bedni Bugyal One of the larger bugyals (meadows) in Uttaranchal, Bedni is also a major station on the Nanda Raj Jaat Yatra, a ritual procession held every 12 years. The trek starts at Mundoli (240 km from Haridwar). Singalila The trek to Sandakphu, the loftiest peak of the Singalila Range, starts near Darjeeling. The region has more than 600 varieties of orchids, the most to be found in a single geographical area in the world. You take a step, trying to grind the heel of your boot into the rock-hard snow underfoot. The trail slopes upward ever so slightly and, unable to dig in sufficiently, your boot slips a few inches back on the frozen surface. You take another step, only to slide back a few inches again. The exertion makes you breathe faster but you must avoid panting with your mouth open. You stop to rest, drawing in the icy air through the nostrils to warm it before it hits your lungs. You look around, but there is not an iota of comfort to be drawn from this hostile land. You resume the macabre stepping and sliding dance. If this enchanting scenario appeals to you, as seems the case with a growing tribe of Indian trekkers - the foreigners have been at it for years, but they have a reputation for masochism to live up to - then welcome to winter trekking. Something about the challenge posed by snow and wintry heights seems to strike a chord with adventure seekers. Then there's the fact that some treks are only possible in the extreme cold (like the Chadar) and some far prettier (the Singalila or the Chopta) at this time of the year. However, though it is possible to go straight from your desk job to a strenuous walk in the Himalaya during the summer, it's unwise to do this for a winter trek. So here's how you can prepare. Prepare your body and mind The body has to work extra hard to acclimatise to altitude on a winter trek because it is coping with extreme cold. So get it used to the exertion of walking uphill and downhill with a moderate load, well before the trek. Walk a lot and include stair-climbing in your daily routine. Jogging is not essential but, along with gym work, will be useful if you have the time and inclination to get very fit ahead of the trek. On rest days, play a sport. For a winter trek, you must gain weight so that the body has surplus fat it can burn to generate warmth. A couple of kilos above your normal weight will be enough. To gain weight, your intake of carbohydrates must exceed requirement. The body will use what it requires as fuel and store the surplus as fat. If you are doing an exercise regimen to prepare for the trek, you will be using more carbohydrates than normal, so hike your intake to cover this. Many people think that a "putting on weight diet" is a licence to eat anything. It is not. Do not eat large quantities of Western junk food or Indian fast food which is deep-fried. Steer clear of bad cholesterol. You cannot afford to have clogged arteries in conditions of extreme cold.

On the trek, snack constantly. Supplement the usual chocolates, lozenges and nutrition bars with cheese, nuts, gajak and gurpatti. Get the right gear The good part is that thermals with wicking away property (instead of absorbing moisture, the fabric transports it to the outside, from where it eventually evaporates) are now available in India. However, if the layers you wear above that are not breathable, the purpose will be defeated. For a moderate winter trek, take two sweaters, a fleece jacket, windproof-cum-waterproof Gore Tex outer jacket, fleece cap, windstopper gloves, mittens and fleece pants. For an extreme trek, add a balaclava, neck gaiter, down jacket and insulated trousers. Carry only nylon and fleece socks - at least six or seven pairs. Insulated winter trekking boots and gaiters are essential. A sleeping bag certified for - 25deg Celsius, a liner and a mountaineering-quality mat are advisable. Take along two thermos water bottles of 1-litre capacity. Trekking poles for treacherous terrain and a pee bottle are optional but helpful items. Stick some tape on the pee bottle so that you can distinguish it by touch in the dark.

Source: Web Search

Woods' 'mistress' Uchitel celebrates 35th b'day - with pals, police escort

Published>Mon, Feb 01 10 12:10 PM

New York, Feb 1 (ANI): Tiger Woods' alleged mistress Rachel Uchitel recently celebrated her birthday in West Palm Beach, Fla..

According to sources, Uchitel, the first one of a bevy, celebrated her 35th birthday by partying it up early Saturday, reports The New York Daily News.

She sipped champagne, chain-smoked and had a blast with several gal pals at the French bistro Pistache until 3:20 a.m., Radaronline.com reported.

After the party was over, a full police escort reportedly led Uchitel away from the venue. The move left several revelers clueless. (ANI)

Source: Web Search

I will not repeat "the mad thing": Afridi

Published Mon, Feb 01 10 11:40 AM

Karachi, Feb 1 (PTI) A repentant Pakistan all-rounder Shahid Afridi tendered an unconditional apology to the country and the cricket world after being penalised by the ICC for ball tampering, saying he would not repeat the "mad thing" again in future. Afridi, who was caught on television biting into the ball during the final overs of the Australian innings in the fifth ODI in Perth and was slapped two Twenty20 International ban, said he was sorry for having caused embarrassment to his countrymen and fans. "I really don''t know what happened to me that made me do such a mad thing. It was not right and I apologize for my actions to everyone," he said. Afridi was charged with an article 2.2.9 offence of the ICC Code of Conduct which relates to ''changing the condition of the ball in breach of Law 42.3 of the Laws of Cricket''. He will miss Pakistan''s next two Twenty20 Internationals against the same opponents on Friday in Melbourne and against England in Dubai on February 19. "What happened was very unfortunate and should not have happened. I have learnt from my mistake and will not repeat it again," Afridi said. "Maybe I lost my cool because our team had not done well in Australia and finally close to a win. But my intentions were just to help the bowlers but I chose the wrong way to do it," he added.

Source: Web Search

Superb Man Utd humble Arsenal

Published>Mon, Feb 01 10 11:34 AM

Champions Manchester United delivered a devastating statement of Premier League title intent by beating rivals Arsenal 3-1 at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday.

United produced a superb attacking display, taking the lead when Nani's cross was turned into his own net by goalkeeper Manuel Almunia after 33 minutes before Wayne Rooney started and finished a stunning counter-attack before halftime.

Park Ji-sung got the third seven minutes after the interval and Arsenal had only the minor consolation of Thomas Vermaelen's deflected volley 10 minutes from time.

"We delivered a completely off-the-mark performance and that's why we were well beaten," Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger said.

"We gave them too much room, we were naive and that's why we have to stick together and produce a much better performance next Sunday when we go to Chelsea."

Chelsea, who won 2-1 with a late goal at Burnley on Saturday, top the standings on 54 points, one ahead of United and five clear of Arsenal. Chelsea have a game in hand on both rivals and play it against Hull City in midweek.

Arsenal went into the United match full of confidence after a 10-game unbeaten run and both sides showed total commitment to attack.

Arsenal's Andrei Arshavin escaped three times down the left but finished poorly on each occasion while Nani looked highly dangerous down the United right.

It was the Portuguese winger who made the breakthrough with a brilliant piece of trickery to get past three Arsenal defenders and when he hoisted over a deep cross, Almunia, trying to turn it over the bar, only flapped it into the net.

SNUFFED OUT

The second goal was a classic as United snuffed out an Arsenal attack in their own penalty box and broke.

Rooney turned the ball into the path of Nani before sprinting 70 metres to collect the return and sweep it in first time.

It was the 100th Premier League goal of the 24-year-old England striker's career and came just over seven years after he opened his account for Everton against Arsenal when he was 16.

United's third was another long-range break and hesitant defending allowed Park to travel from halfway before calmly slotting his first goal of the season.

Vermaelen's goal led to a brief flurry but United held out quite comfortably and Arsene Wenger's side must bounce back immediately at Chelsea.

"We need to deliver a special performance at Stamford Bridge next Sunday before we can even start thinking about winning the game," Wenger said.

United manager Alex Ferguson said he would be hoping Arsenal found their form against Chelsea.

"Arsenal are not out of it, I hope that Arsenal go to Stamford Bridge and batter them," he told Sky Sports.

Ferguson had special praise for the "unbelievable Rooney."

"He was the key player for us and they could just could not handle him. He was a really great player today," he said.

In Sunday's other game, Emmanuel Adebayor marked his return from Togo's traumatic time at the African Nations Cup with the opening goal in Manchester City's 2-0 win over bottom club Portsmouth at Eastlands.

Vincent Kompany headed the second as City won without breaking sweat to close on Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur in the battle for fourth place.

Source: Web Search

Ponting hits 55 as Australia sweep ODI series 5-0

Published>Mon, Feb 01 10 11:30 AM

Australia were made to fight every inch for their two-wicket win on Sunday to complete a 5-0 series whitewash of Pakistan at Perth. Having bowled out Pakistan for 212, it was left to Michael Hussey to steer them home with an unbeaten 40. After Clint McKay set the tone with 4 for 35, there was a welcome return to form for Ricky Ponting, whose 55 gave Australia the early initiative.

Pakistan began their defence of a modest total by taking three wickets, but Ponting's presence at the half-way mark meant the balance was safely tilted Australia's way. Defending a low total, Pakistan's only chance was to bowl Australia out. But despite taking three wickets, Ponting's presence at the crease gave Australia the edge.

Pakistan's Umar Akmal took charge of rebuilding the innings with 67 after the top order struggled. Fawad Alam was left to carry on whatever momentum Pakistan had achieved through Umar's resistance, and he played his part with 63 runs.

Brief scores: Pakistan 212 all out in 49.3 overs (U Akmal 67, F Alam 63; McKay 4/35) vs Australia 213/8 in 49.2) R Ponting 55, M Hussey 40 not out; Naved 2/55, Afridi 2/31)

Source: Web Search

Superb Man Utd humble Arsenal

Published>Mon, Feb 01 10 11:24 AM

Champions Manchester United delivered a devastating statement of Premier League title intent by beating rivals Arsenal 3-1 at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday.

United produced a superb attacking display, taking the lead when Nani's cross was turned into his own net by goalkeeper Manuel Almunia after 33 minutes before Wayne Rooney started and finished a stunning counter-attack before halftime.

Park Ji-sung got the third seven minutes after the interval and Arsenal had only the minor consolation of Thomas Vermaelen's deflected volley 10 minutes from time.

"We delivered a completely off-the-mark performance and that's why we were well beaten," Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger said.

"We gave them too much room, we were naive and that's why we have to stick together and produce a much better performance next Sunday when we go to Chelsea."

Chelsea, who won 2-1 with a late goal at Burnley on Saturday, top the standings on 54 points, one ahead of United and five clear of Arsenal. Chelsea have a game in hand on both rivals and play it against Hull City in midweek.

Arsenal went into the United match full of confidence after a 10-game unbeaten run and both sides showed total commitment to attack.

Arsenal's Andrei Arshavin escaped three times down the left but finished poorly on each occasion while Nani looked highly dangerous down the United right.

It was the Portuguese winger who made the breakthrough with a brilliant piece of trickery to get past three Arsenal defenders and when he hoisted over a deep cross, Almunia, trying to turn it over the bar, only flapped it into the net.

SNUFFED OUT

The second goal was a classic as United snuffed out an Arsenal attack in their own penalty box and broke.

Rooney turned the ball into the path of Nani before sprinting 70 metres to collect the return and sweep it in first time.

It was the 100th Premier League goal of the 24-year-old England striker's career and came just over seven years after he opened his account for Everton against Arsenal when he was 16.

United's third was another long-range break and hesitant defending allowed Park to travel from halfway before calmly slotting his first goal of the season.

Vermaelen's goal led to a brief flurry but United held out quite comfortably and Arsene Wenger's side must bounce back immediately at Chelsea.

"We need to deliver a special performance at Stamford Bridge next Sunday before we can even start thinking about winning the game," Wenger said.

United manager Alex Ferguson said he would be hoping Arsenal found their form against Chelsea.

"Arsenal are not out of it, I hope that Arsenal go to Stamford Bridge and batter them," he told Sky Sports.

Ferguson had special praise for the "unbelievable Rooney."

"He was the key player for us and they could just could not handle him. He was a really great player today," he said.

In Sunday's other game, Emmanuel Adebayor marked his return from Togo's traumatic time at the African Nations Cup with the opening goal in Manchester City's 2-0 win over bottom club Portsmouth at Eastlands.

Vincent Kompany headed the second as City won without breaking sweat to close on Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur in the battle for fourth place.

Source: Web Search

'Wife to remain with Tiger Woods for four more years to claim 250m pounds'

Published>Mon, Feb 01 10 11:10 AM

London, February 1 (ANI): Tiger Woods' wife Elin Nordegren is reportedly drawing plans to remain with her cheating husband for four more years so that she can claim a slice of 250 million pounds from his pie of wealth.

The mum-of-two, who tied the knot with the ace golfer in 2004, has purportedly been advised by her legal team to stay married to the star for 10 years to ensure she gets half of his 500 million pound fortune.

"She's prepared to stick with it if that's what it takes to get what she deserves," the Sun quoted a friend as saying.

"She's going through the motions of trying to work things out, but has said there's no chance. She's a woman scorned and will do what it takes to hit him where it hurts," the pal added.

Woods reportedly checked into a rehabilitation centre in Mississippi for sexual addiction after confessing infidelity and withdrawing from professional golf for an indefinite period. (ANI)

Source: Web Search

Karate wonder kid from Kerala

Published Mon, Feb 01 10 10:30 AM

T K Kesavan Kochi, Feb 1 (PTI) At five, she just looks like any other tiny tot, but Varsha Vinod is already on top of the world, having become the youngest-ever to get a karate black belt. The wonder kid from Kerala started practising the chops and kicks of the martial art three years ago when children of her age were busy playing. A Class I student of Taxila English Medium School at Purakkad in neighbouring Alappuzha, Varsha has become a celebrity after her achievement. She is now sought by many organisations and clubs in Kerala to demonstrate karate, her father and sensei Vinod Viswanathan, who runs the Ko-In-Chi Academy of Martial Arts at Amabalapuzha in Alappuzha District, told PTI. "Varsha, who idolises martial art veteran Bruce Lee, has extraordinary talent and has been showing her interest in this sport from the tender age of two. Seeing her interest, I started taking her regularly to the academy," he said. Once her talent became evident during preliminary training, he started imparting advanced karate techniques. At the age of four, Varsha was a brown belt holder, the first degree in Karate, and was awarded the black belt, the tenth karate grade, last year, he said. .

Source: Web Search

Kobe jumper lifts Lakers to victory over Celtics

Published Mon, Feb 01 10 10:10 AM

Kobe Bryant made amends for a poor shooting game by sinking a spectacular game-winning jumper as the Los Angeles Lakers edged the Boston Celtics 90-89 on Sunday.

Bryant drilled a difficult 15-footer with 7.3 seconds left despite the close attendance of Ray Allen, who then went on to miss a three-point attempt as time expired to ensure the Lakers (37-11) took a satisfying win over their long-time rivals.

"I was thinking about last year when I had a chance to win a game in regulation but missed it. I wanted to make up for that," Bryant told reporters after L.A. beat Boston for the third time in a row since losing to the Celtics in the 2008 NBA Finals.

"The fans are very knowledgeable here and it's always a great place to get a win."

Bryant finished with 19 points and six assists despite 8-for-20 shooting and Andrew Bynum added 19 and 11 boards as Los Angeles captured its fourth straight win.

In a marquee matchup between the last two NBA champions, the Celtics recovered from an early deficit and looked poised to prevail when they led by 11 with less than nine minutes remaining.

DRY SPELL

However, the home team suffered a dry spell that allowed the Lakers to inch closer and the visitors pulled within one on Ron Artest's drive with 45 seconds remaining.

Artest then drew an offensive foul on Paul Pierce to set up his team's final possession.

Rajon Rondo led the way with 21 points and 12 assists for a struggling Boston (29-16), who have suffered six defeats in eight games.

Injuries and an aging roster have been of concern for the Celtics, who have compiled a mediocre 13-8 home record this season.

The Lakers took the life out of the TD Garden in the first where Bynum had 12 points for the hot-shooting visitors, who took a 30-19 advantage, before Rondo sparked a Boston comeback.

The newly named All-Star point guard scored nine in the second and the Celtics seized the momentum with a 30-10 turnaround to grab a 49-40 advantage with 3:01 left before the half.

"We came back with some energy from our bench who gave us a lift and we stuck with it and kept fighting," Rondo said.

"No matter what are offense does we have to come down and play defense."

Source: Web Search

American Crane ends title drought in San Diego

Published>Mon, Feb 01 10 09:50 AM

American Ben Crane sank three lengthy birdie putts on his way to clinching a first PGA Tour title in more than four years with a one-shot victory at the San Diego Open on Sunday.

Crane overhauled third-round leader Ryuji Imada of Japan with three birdies in the first five holes and survived a nervy finish at Torrey Pines to card a two-under-par 70 for a 13-under total of 275.

The 33-year-old missed a three-footer to bogey the 17th but he parred the last on the brutal South Course to earn his first win on the U.S. circuit since the 2005 Milwaukee Championship.

"I was working so hard with my caddie coming down the last few holes just to not get involved in the score and outcome and all that," Crane told reporters after earning the winner's cheque for $954,000.

"It was a grind but I'm very thankful I came out on top. It's really cool to know I'm going in the right direction."

Australian Mark Leishman, the 2009 PGA Tour rookie of the year, birdied two of the last three holes for a 68 and a tie for second with compatriot Michael Sim (71) and American Brandt Snedeker (69).

South African Ernie Els was a further stroke back after closing with a 69 but the expected last-day charge by three-times champion Phil Mickelson failed to materialise.

The American world number two, making his first tournament appearance of the year, bogeyed the first three holes en route to a 73 and 19th place at eight under.

"I was really excited about playing, maybe I was a little over-anxious," Mickelson said. "I got off to a terrible start and throughout the round I didn't get much out of it."

SUPERB APPROACH

Crane began another sun-kissed day on the California coastline two strokes behind the pacesetting Imada and he recorded his first birdie at the par-four second where he struck a superb approach to three feet.

At the tricky third, he benefited from a two-shot swing to move one ahead of Imada, a lead which he never relinquished.

Crane rolled in a 45-foot birdie putt up the hill while his Japanese playing partner bogeyed after three-putting from long range.

Two holes later, the American picked up his third shot, ramming in a 22-footer and pumping his right fist in celebration after the ball disappeared into the cup.

Out in a flawless three-under 33, Crane drained a 48-footer at the par-three 11th to keep his closest challengers at bay.

"I made two putts today that you certainly never expect to make," he said of his two birdies from more than 40 feet. "I was not trying to make those putts, I was just trying to put a good stroke on it, and they happened to go in."

Crane collected his first bogey of the round at the par-five 13th, where he three-putted from 14 feet, and also stumbled at the par-four 17th when he pushed his short par putt wide of the left edge of the cup.

Despite finding the right rough off the tee at the par-five last, Crane laid up in two on the way to a regulation five and a one-stroke victory.

Australian Robert Allenby made a strong bid for his fifth PGA Tour win with five birdies in the first 13 holes but he fell out of second place by losing five shots in four holes.

Source: Web Search

China's Ho-Pin Tung steps up with Renault

Published>Mon, Feb 01 10 09:29 AM

Ho-Pin Tung broke new ground with Renault on Sunday when be became the first Chinese driver to be named in a Formula One team line-up.

The Dutch-born 27-year-old, already the first Chinese national to drive a grand prix car, will be Renault's official third (reserve) driver this season.

Tung will also be racing in the GP2 support series with the DAMS team in Renault colours.

"This step will be the breakthrough I think in terms of media attention, of interest," he told Reuters at the launch of the new Renault F1 car.

"I will be the first Chinese guy ever who is officially part of a Formula One team and that's going to be a big thing, I think.

"It's a very nice thing. China has had a race since 2004 but never had a Chinese involvement within a team. Now they have, and I'm really looking forward to it."

Tung first tested with Williams in December 2003 after winning that year's Asian Formula BMW series, and again with Renault late last year.

He is managed by Gravity Sport Management, owned by Genii capital who recently bought a large stake in the Renault team, and had been linked to a possible race drive.

"As a driver you always want to race but in the end this is a fantastic opportunity," he said. "To be officially third driver is already a big thing. I am showing the world I am on the threshold of Formula One.

"I hope to gain as much experience as I can and gain a race drive in the near future."

Asked whether he might get a chance to drive in Friday practice in this year's Chinese Grand Prix in Shanghai, Tung said he would certainly be there.

"Never say no but for the moment that's not the case," he said of the possibility of a home track appearance.

Team principal Eric Boullier said it was unlikely to happen, given limited testing opportunities, but it depended on how the team performed.

"Depending on where we are standing on the grid, we can allow then a little bit more flexibility with our third drivers," he said.

Source: Web Search

Shooting venue opened, Games panel chief Kalmadi out of range

Published>Mon, Feb 01 10 09:28 AM

Now, game to get ready for eventDisappointed by the slow progress of preparations for the Commonwealth Games? Fume not, for you can now join in and help, at least in the virtual world.

A new online game that is fast catching on among gamers helps one "gear up to prepare for the prestigious event and show the world that Delhi is the best choice for this huge event." called 'Delhi Games 2010', the game is available on koffii.com, involves the player building roads to stadiums and Metro stations, besides providing security, before the Games organising committee comes along for inspection.

The game has been divided into various levels ? the introductory level involves making roads within a stipulated time, after which the player moves forward to build other things. "The roads in Delhi are in a pathetic state, so new roads have to be built. Set the ball rolling by constructing world-class roads and pave the way for a mind-blowing event," it says.

The game says: Be a step ahead and show how competent you are!"

Criticised for ignoring the Commonwealth Games organising committee in the January 24 inauguration of the National Stadium, the Sports ministry invited Suresh Kalmadi to the unveiling of the Karni Singh shooting range on Sunday but the committee chairman skipped the event.

Kalmadi cited prior commitments in Pune, and though committee vice-chairman Randhir Singh attended the ceremony, he made it clear that he was here as a former marksman. "I am not here to represent the organising committee," he told reporters. "I got an invitation as a former shooter."

Kalmadi, on his part, issued a statement from Pune in which he expressed happiness at the completion of the range and said his preoccupation kept him away. "As a dedicated Member of Parliament, I have to be committed to my work beyond all else," Kalmadi said.

"I am happy and proud that world-class sports infrastructure is being opened well in time for the Commonwealth Games. I was at the opening of the Ludlow Castle training centre for wrestling the other day and must say that my heart swelled with pride at the facilities on offer to the athletes," Kalmadi said in the statement.

The Sports ministry earlier drew flak for not inviting Games organising committee members when the National Stadium ? venue of hockey events ? was inaugurated on January 24.

Source: Web Search

Jindal delighted at new norms for shooters

Published Sat, Jan 30 10 06:25 PM

New Delhi, Jan 30 (PTI) A former shooter himself, Member of Parliament Naveen Jindal today welcomed the liberalised norms announced by the Sports Ministry for the import of weapons and cartridges by the marksmen for their training. "I have always pursued the cause of youth and sports in India. Being a shooter myself, shooting is close to my heart. I am delighted and grateful to the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports for the notification, which I am sure, will help improve the performance of our shooters," Jindal said in a statement. "(The notification) may help India win medals at the forthcoming Commonwealth Games and further popularise the sport of shooting in the country," he added. Jindal had been pursuing for liberalised and rationalised procedures for import of weapons and ammunition and resale of used weapons by renowned shooters.

Source: Web Search

Lalith Babu in joint lead with Maxim Turov

Published Sat, Jan 30 10 06:09 PM

Chennai, Jan30 (PTI) International Master M R Lalith Babu of Andhra Pradesh stayed on course for his maiden Grandmaster norm after he overwhelmed compatriot Deepan Chakkravarthi in the seventh round of Chennai Open IM Chess Tournament here today. With this second consecutive win against a Grandmaster, Lalith Babu led the table along with overnight leader Grandmaster Maxim Turov of Russia with 6.5 points. Turov settled for a quick draw in 12 moves against compatriot Grandmaster Dmitry Krayakvin from an exchange Spanish variation. Turov allowed Krayakvin to sacrifice his queen and take a perpetual check early in the opening. The second spot is shared by six players -- GMs Dmitry Krayakvin, Marat Dzhumaev, Martyn Kravtsiv, Mikulas Manik, IM Vikramaditya Kamble and youngster Anwesh Upadhyaya. Anwesh Upadhyaya of Orissa moved closer to getting a norm with a handsome win against IM Bitoon Richard of Philippines as also another youngster R Siddharth who drew his game against Grandmaster Rinat Jumabayev. Vaibhav Suri, another youngster from Delhi, also stayed in the hunt for a norm after he defeated higher rated International Master Himanshu Sharma to move into the third spot with 5.5 points. Seventeen players are in the third spot with 5.5 points. MORE PTI COR BN PDS

Source: Web Search

Anand draws with Smeets; Carlsen joins Kramnik in lead

Published Sat, Jan 30 10 05:23 PM

From Our Chess Correspondent Wijk Aan Zee (The Netherlands), Jan 30 (PTI) After a lucky win in the previous round, world champion Viswanathan Anand was back to splitting points as he played out a quick draw against Dutch Jan Smeets in the 11th round of the Corus Chess Tournament here. Anand took his tally to six points out of a possible 11 and apart from the draws, the Indian was lucky to post a victory against Alexei Shirov of Spain in the 10th round of the elite group ''A''. With just two rounds to come in this category-19 event, Anand''s chances of a comeback are bleak unless he comes up with a winning performance against Russian Vladimir Kramnik in the penultimate round. Kramnik, meanwhile, was joined in the lead by world number one Magnus Carlsen of Norway who put it across Leinier Dominguez of Cuba. Both Kramnik and Carlsen now have 7.5 points and they are now a half point ahead of nearest rival Alexei Shirov of Spain. Anand shares the fourth spot along with Vassily Ivanchuk of Ukraine, defending champion Sergei Karjakin of Russia and Hikaru Nakamura of United States while Dominguez and Hungarian Peter Leko share the eighth spot with 5.5 points each. Anand did almost nothing with black pieces as Smeets was quite happy to get a half point against the World champion even though the latter had white pieces. The players split the point after just 15 moves.

Source: Web Search

Williams overcomes Henin for fifth Australian Open title

Published>Sat, Jan 30 10 05:19 PM

Melbourne, Jan 30 (DPA) Serena Williams Saturday overcame a fighting Justine Henin 6-4, 3-6, 6-2 to claim her fifth Australian Open title.

The laboured victory marked the 12th Grand Slam for the American and her first in an even-numbered year at Melbourne Park after title success in 2003, 2005, 2007 and 2009.

Henin, the 2004 champion, was playing in only her second event since reversing a 2008 retirement which lasted 20 months.

Williams also became the first women's champion to successfully defend her title since Jennifer Capriati in 2002, improving to 8-6 over Henin.

Source: Web Search

Legendary golfer Tom Watson blasts Tiger Woods over sex scandal

Published>Sat, Jan 30 10 05:09 PM

New York, Jan 30 (ANI): Legendary golfer Tom Watson has blasted Tiger Woods for cheating on his wife and having numerous flings saying it is "bad for our game".

"It's something he needs to get control of and a handle on and show some humility to the public when he comes back," the New York Daily News quoted Watson, as telling told NBC affiliate KSHB-TV.

Watson said he hoped to see Woods, who has taken a hiatus from pro golf, to on the links "probably this year."

According to Watson, Woods should not only work on his golf course "manners" but also get "his personal life in order."

He said: "His swearing and his club throwing, that should end...That's not part of what we want to project as far as the professional golf tour is concerned."

Covenanting on Watson's advice to Woods, Brooks Melchior of the sportsBYbrooks blog wrote "in the rhetorically-correct world of pro golf that qualifies at the very least as a pro wrestling-esque open handed slap at Woods." (ANI)

Source: Web Search

Ferguson asks Man U fans to stop Wenger jibes

Published>Sat, Jan 30 10 04:59 PM

London, Jan 30 (ANI): Sir Alex Ferguson has asked Manchester United fans to stop their vile abuse of Arsene Wenger.

Fans verbally attack Wenger home and away and Ferguson wants the chants to stop, starting tomorrow at the Emirates.

"There's been some terrible abuse from our fans to Arsene Wenger and there must be a line drawn. We have a team to support - we don't need to worry about anyone else," The Sun quoted Ferguson, as saying.

It has been seven years since Wenger and United boss Ferguson last went head-to-head for the title.

Ferguson believes tomorrow's clash is the big one.

"Looking at the way the league is shaping up, this game with Arsenal is the biggest game of the season. These games with Arsenal are historic," Ferguson said.

"Since I came down here, it's been Arsenal and United competing for most of the trophies," he said. (ANI)

Source: Web Search

Double man of the match Harris happy to play a 'fill-in' role for Australia

Published>Sat, Jan 30 10 04:49 PM

Melbourne, Jan 30 (ANI): Fast bowler Ryan Harris, who claimed 10 wickets and two man-of-the-match awards in the past week, has set his sights on becoming Australia's next frontline bowler, but is content for now to play a "fill-in" role for the world champions.

Harris has been in the form of his life since being recalled into the Australia squad for the past two one-dayers against Pakistan.

Harris was scintillating in Australia's 135-run win over Pakistan in Perth on Friday, FOX Sports reports.

The right-arm paceman finished with figures of 5-19 to go with Tuesday's 5-43, taking his wicket tally in one-day internationals to 11 in just three appearances at the phenomenal average of 10.54.

But with star bowler Mitchell Johnson expected to return to the side for Sunday's fifth one-dayer against Pakistan at the WACA Ground, Harris said he wouldn't be surprised if he was the one to be dropped.

"I'm here to fill in at the moment. The boys are resting, Dougy (Bollinger) is resting as well. So if I don't play the next game, well that's the way it is," Harris said.

"I've still got to earn my spot. The boys have been there and have done such a great job over the last two or three years. If the boys say to me on Sunday have a rest, then have a rest. That doesn't really bother me," he said.

"I look long term and think that if I keep bowling well then I'll make them pick me, make myself be the frontline bowler. But that's probably a little way off. If I keep doing well and they need someone to bowl when one of the guys need a rest they'll know I'll be there," Harris said.

Harris's only previous one-day international before the current series came a year ago against South Africa and the all-rounder feared he would not get another chance. (ANI)

Source: Web Search

Olympic hero Chris Hoy to provide a 'little inspiration' to Murray

Published>Sat, Jan 30 10 04:27 PM

London, Jan 30 (ANI): The most successful Olympic male cyclist of all time Chris Hoy, who represents Scotland and Great Britain, will be at Rod Laver Arena to support Andy Murray's bid for the Australian Open.

A spokesman for the multiple world champion and Olympic Games gold winner said Hoy and Andy Murray have known each other for some time and his attendance at the Rod Laver Arena will "provide a little inspiration".

Another sportsman expected to be in attendance is boxer, Ricky Hatton, who was in Murray's corner when he beat Rafael Nadal earlier this week, The Scotsman reports.

Meanwhile, First Minister Alex Salmond promised that he will treat Murray to a curry should the Scot defeat Roger Federer.

The First Minister expressed confidence the 22-year-old could overcome his opponent, but jokingly admitted that his offer of a prize could interfere with the modern sportsman's strict diet.

Revealing he has already telephoned the British number one to wish him good luck, Salmond said: "I tend to contact Andy after every game, win or lose. It's going to be a tough match but Andy Murray looks well up for it." (ANI)

Source: Web Search

Murray should feel the pressure because he is playing me, says Federer

Published>Sat, Jan 30 10 01:49 PM

London, Jan. 30 (ANI): A not-so-modest world number one Roger Federer has told Andy Murray that the Brit's biggest problem is that he is playing him, "who has won so many Slams."

"It's Andy's second Grand Slam final - the fact he didn't win the first one, when he played me at the US Open, doesn't help. Plus, he's playing, you know, me, who's won many Slams," The Sun quoted a 'tongue in cheek' Federer, as saying.

"I don't feel the pressure as I have done it before. He really needs to do it more than me. So, the pressure's big on him. We will see how he handles it. It's not going to be easy, that's for sure," he added.

Earlier, Federer took a pot-shot at Murray's ambition to become Britain's first men's Grand Slam winner since Fred Perry 74 years ago.

"I know Andy would like to win his first title for Britain in what is it? 150,000 years? This is probably the question Andy gets the most and he is probably a little bit fed up," he said.

However, the Swiss star did admit that Murray is a class player.

"Andy was an excellent player at the US Open. But now, he has played more matches, he knows what to expect from crowds, opponents, conditions and everything," he said.

"That is a big step, playing a lot of tough matches on big courts. If I play well I can win, if I play badly, I can lose. But now, I don't usually play badly. If I do, maybe it's just a few games," he added.

Federer also came out in defence of his six losses out of 10 clashes he had with Murray.

"Without taking anything away from him, he has beaten me when I was not at my very, very best. We played in Dubai and I'd just come back from glandular fever. I know some people don't like to believe it - for some reason - but that is the truth," he said.

We've played close matches when I was in control and I gave the match away. But that was also because of the way he plays," he added. (ANI)

Source: Web Search

Grand Slam win will take huge weight off my shoulders: Murray

Published>Sat, Jan 30 10 01:39 PM

London, Jan. 30 (ANI): Ahead of his Australian Open final clash with Roger Federer, British tennis ace Andy Murray has admitted that winning his first Grand Slam will lift an enormous amount of weight off his shoulders.

"I know that if I do it, it will be a huge weight off my shoulders and I'll play better tennis after I do it. Winning here would change my tennis life, yes...Winning a Grand Slam is just something I have always wanted to do," The Sun quoted Murray, as saying.

Murray will also be looking to deliver a better performance than his first Slam final, at the US Open in 2008, when he was taken apart by Federer, the only man in tennis history to have won 15 Grand Slams.

"I was disappointed but reaching a Slam final is such a difficult thing to do that you don't look back on it as a failure or anything like that. But I want to try and win it. Physically I am a lot stronger and my game's just got better," Murray said.

Murray seems to have a chance against Federer, as he has won six of their 10 meetings.

However, the fifth seed insists: "But in the 16 Slams I have played, Federer and Nadal have won 14 of them. They are obviously still the best two in the world and deserve to be there. It is my job - and the guys behind job - to try and close that gap and win these big tournaments.

"I'll always have the same sort of game style but now I can add little bits and pieces to make my play a bit more unpredictable," he added.

The ability to be a bit unpredictable and to catch Federer off guard could be the key for his victory, feels Murray.

"Roger has a lot of strengths - experience being his No 1 strength. He knows how to play the big matches. His record in Grand Slams is unbelievable. My job is to find the right tactics and the right way to win against him," he said. (ANI)

Source: Web Search

Modi alone responsible for IPL fiasco: Pakistan cricket board

Published>Sat, Jan 30 10 12:59 PM

New Delhi, Jan 30 (IANS) Pakistan Cricket Board chief Ijaz Butt has squarely blamed the Indian Premier League (IPL) and its commissioner Lalit Modi for ignoring Pakistani players for the third season of India's Twenty20 league, but said it will not have any long term effect on sporting ties between the two countries.

'This (decision to keep out Pakistani players) has nothing to do with Indo-Pak relations in cricket. This is between IPL and us. They have made a mistake, whether purposefully we don't know. But I strongly feel it was a wrong decision on their part not to consider any of our boys,' Butt told CNN-IBN in an interview.

IPL franchise owners did not bid for Pakistani players during the auction for the IPL III, which has snowballed into a major spat between the two countries. In the latest move, the PCB has revoked its no objection certificates to players to participate in the IPL. This means that no Pakistani player will be able to play in IPL this year even if any Indian team seek their inclusion at a later stage.

Butt thinks 'the responsibility is solely with IPL and Lalit Modi'.

'IPL is giving statements against Pakistani players despite many people in Pakistan and India having asked us to move on. We still don't know any reason why has this not been entertained yet by IPL.'

The PCB chief also questioned Modi's 'motive' behind the controversy.

'You must ask Modi about the motive. Why he did this we don't understand. I don't think anybody in India or Pakistan understands this. I spoke to Modi in London during the T20 World Cup. He explained the reasons why the boys were not considered in South Africa (last year). I understood and then he assured me all would be playing in next IPL (IPL III).'

Source: Web Search

Injured Manan not allowed to board plane

Published>Sat, Jan 30 10 12:53 PM

New Delhi, Jan. 29 -- Allrounder Manan Sharma, who was part of India's under-19 team that played the World Cup in New Zealand, could not make the journey home with the rest of the team on Friday. Manan, who suffered a broken thumb during India's penultimate match of the tournament, against England, had his hand in a cast, and the airline had apprehensions about allowing him to board with the cast intact. In long flights, like the 10-and-a-half hour Christchurch-Singapore journey, the routine practice is to split the cast, allowing some leeway for swelling that occurs due to water retention. When the team was due to board the aircraft, this was pointed out and there was insufficient time for the cast to be modified at the airport's medical facility. As a result, ICC staff accompanied Manan back to the city, and the cast was attended to. Manan, son of former Ranji stalwart Ajay Sharma, will now return home on Saturday. Speaking to the Hindustan Times, the PR Manager-India, Singapore Airlines, Deepa Sridhar said, "Singapore Airlines keeps the safety and well-being of its passengers in highest regard. We wanted to ensure that Manan Sharma, is not under any kind of discomfort during his flight back to India and, with the clear objective of his concern and safety, he was advised proper dressing before boarding the flight. He will be flying back to India with us tomorrow." Experts said that Manan should have informed the doctor who put the cast that he had to travel by air.

"Limb injuries are especially vulnerable because the arms and legs have to be kept raised, which is not always possible in a flight," he said.

Source: Web Search

Leander makes 21st Slam final

Published>Sat, Jan 30 10 12:49 PM

Mumbai, Jan. 29 -- This is one story that keeps getting stranger as it unfolds. Leander Paes is 36 years old and has no business regularly figuring in the final stages of a Grand Slam. By now his forays into the last rounds should be few and far; they should be the final gasps of a great career coming to a close. Instead, the fellow notched up four Slam finals last year and two the year before - three of those ended with the trophy in his bag. On Friday he clawed his way into his 21st Slam final partnering Zimbabwe's Cara Black with a 6-7, 7-6 (5), 10-7 win against seventh seeded Lisa Raymond and Wesley Moodie. "It got tough out there. At one moment we were cruising at 5-2 in the first with two breaks in the bag and soon enough we were a set and 0-3 down in the second! "I just could not believe it as it was very similar to what happened in the Wimbledon final this year (Paes and Black blew away a 5-2 lead to cave in 5-7, 3-6)," Paes told HT after the match. The pair also squandered a match point at 5-3 when Paes did not put away a simple backhand volley. "I went for a bit too much as I tried to lob it over them. The ball landed out by the smallest possible margin." Down a set after being in command of it must have rankled. "That's the beauty of playing with Cara. She just does not know how to give up. Neither do I. So, we just dug in our heels and sure enough, the tide turned," said Paes. The partnership with Black is working well for Paes. "We have figured in four finals of the six slams that we have been partners.

Source: Web Search

Comprehensive 'post-mortem' needed to find out reasons for Pak's Oz debacle: Qasim

Published>Sat, Jan 30 10 12:39 PM

Karachi, Jan.30 (ANI): Dejected over Pakistan's string of defeats Down Under, chief selector Iqbal Qasim has said that a comprehensive 'post-mortem' is needed to figure out the reasons for such a deplorable performance, and to prepare the team for the 2011 World Cup.

Qasim said Pakistan has some world-class players, but the current form of the team clearly suggests that they are not performing according to their potential.

"A post-mortem is needed because we have to find out the causes behind such a pathetic performance of our team in Australia," said Qasim.

"The reports from the team manager and coach will be very important. Then we will have to sit down with the captain and listen to his views. That will help us find what really went wrong in Australia," he added.

While the team management has its task cut out to prepare a formidable side for the 2011 World Cup, its immediate mission is to buckle up the team to defend its World T20 Championship scheduled to be held in May in the Caribbean.

Qasim is confident that the Shahid Afridi led T20 team will pocket the coveted title for the second consecutive time, but is more worried about the 2011 World Cup.

"Our Twenty20 team is pretty much in order. But the World Cup (2011) is a different matter. It won't be that easy to prepare a good team for it," The News quoted Qasim, as saying.

Coach Intikhab Alam has stressed on the need for including some young guns in the ODI squad, and seeing the way Pakistan's junior squad has performed in the under-19 World Cup, its almost certain that some of the junior's would get promotions into the senior squad.

"The national selection committee is open to all options. "The idea is to have a team that is capable of doing well in the World Cup and we will take all possible steps to make such a team," Qasim said. (ANI)

Source: Web Search

Badrinath does it for South Zone

Published>Sat, Jan 30 10 12:29 PM

Indore, Jan. 29 -- There is a very thin line between confidence and overconfidence. S. Badrinath demonstrated it in ample measure as South Zone beat Central Zone by five wickets in the Duleep Trophy semifinal here on Friday. Resuming on 57 for one, a confident South came to bat on the final day but lost Abhinav Mukund (19) and A. Karthik (33) early to Pankaj Singh and Praveen Kumar respectively. That's where Central became overconfident and all their bowlers became ineffective. Manish Pandey (59) and skipper S. Badrinath (82) were crucial in stitching together a 108-run partnership for the fourth wicket. Pandey was especially harsh on Piyush Chawla and hit him to every corner of the park. Chawla proved costly in his very first over as he gave away 18 runs. Later, R. Ashwin (59) too hit him for three boundaries when the leggie bowled from the Media End. Though Pandey hit eight boundaries and a six in the 72 balls he faced, it was unfortunate to see him throw away his wicket to RP Singh, after settling down. R. Ashwin, who picked six wickets on the penultimate day, showed his talent with the bat scoring 59 off 44 balls and remaining unbeaten.

Mohammad Kaif, on the other hand, wished his spinner had clicked. "The first hour, when Praveen and Pankaj got wickets, was good. Had any of our spinners --Chawla or Jalaj -- picked three-four wickets, we would have won this match," he said.

Source: Web Search

Mithun to play for BP XI only?

Published>Sat, Jan 30 10 12:25 PM

Kolkata, Jan. 29 -- Two rewards for the same accomplishment are perhaps as unusual as two punishments for the same offence. By a queer stroke of luck, Abhimanyu Mithun finds himself in the first category. A dream debut season in the Ranji Trophy has earned the Karnataka speedster not only a berth in the Board President's squad to take on South Africa, it has also pushed him into the squad for the first Test against the visitors. The decision defies logic because if Mithun - who is still an unknown commodity even in the domestic circuit - is to be unleashed against Graeme Smith's team in the Test match, why expose him against the same set of batsmen before that game? Common sense says it would reduce the bowler's surprise element and make him a known entity to the visiting batsmen. Usual war plan suggests when you have a special weapon, you hide it for as long as possible before the war so that you can catch the enemy unawares. So why isn't this strategy being followed when it comes to using Mithun? The answer is simple. He stands no chance of playing in the first Test. "Mithun is the fourth seamer in the Test squad and, at best, we will field two - Ishnat Sharma and Zaheer Khan.

So, on the face of it, even if it seems that it's double delight for Mithun, it's actually one. For now, he has to make do with how it feels like playing against a foreign team. For the real thing, he has to wait.

Source: Web Search

Rooney is England's Maradona

Published>Sat, Jan 30 10 12:09 PM

London, Jan 30 (ANI): Manchester United ace striker Wayne Rooney is not the best player in the world at this moment, but his display against City confirmed to that he is the nearest thing to Diego Maradona these shores have ever produced, according to former great Terry Venables.

Sir Alex Ferguson hailed Rooney's display in Manchester United's Carling Cup semi-final victory against rivals City on Wednesday as "world class".

The Red Devils boss was right that Rooney is a cut above everyone on the park, Venables said.

"The way he took the game to City merely underlined what most of us have known for a while: He is a genuine world-class performer. But after his latest match winning display, I realise I cannot keep the genie in the bottle any longer... Rooney is our Maradona," The Sun quoted him, as saying.

Venables said just like Maradona, Rooney is a talisman to those who play with him at United and increasingly more so, England.

Cristiano Ronaldo's 80 million pounds world-record switch to Real Madrid has allowed Rooney to flourish even more at Old Trafford.

He is managing to lift players around him in the same way Maradona did at Argentinos Juniors, Boca Juniors and Napoli - not to mention at international level with Argentina.

"Great - and I mean truly great players - have a knack of inspiring and bringing out the best in those alongside them. On numerous occasions Maradona was able to haul his teams and team-mates to greater heights.

"Often his presence was enough to inspire those around him and deflate those against him. When that was not enough, he relied on outstanding skills, technique and goals. That is what Rooney is doing now. He has become the biggest player at the biggest club in the world," Venables said.

Like Maradona, he knows where the target is and like the Argy legend, he can score all types of goals," he added. (ANI)

Source: Web Search

No shortcuts for more testosterone

Published>Sat, Jan 30 10 11:54 AM

New Delhi, Jan. 30 -- Please suggest some exercises to boost my testosterone level. I go to the gym regularly: I run on the treadmill for 15 to 20 minutes at an average speed of 11.5 km per hour and lift heavy weights - Vivek Testosterone is a naturally occurring hormone in both men and women, though men produce higher quantities of it. The only way to artificially increase your testosterone level is by taking supplements such as steroids and the Human Growth Hormone (HGH), or through testosterone patches. But not only are these illegal in competitive sport, they also interfere with the normal functioning of the body. Instead, look to naturally increase testosterone levels through exercise and diet. There is some proof that testosterone levels improve with high intensity (rather than long duration) exercise and certain forms of resistance training. More than 20 per cent of the exercise should be above 80 per cent of your anaerobic threshold. So you're probably doing the correct thing already. When it comes to exercise, you need to have a structured plan. Aim to use multiple muscle groups to the maximum level of intensity within each exercise i.e. use them to failure. But you can't do this unless you have a periodised plan, as training to exhaustion in every session will just lead to overtraining and reverse any gains you might achieve. The key exercises are those that engage multiple joints and therefore involve the largest number of muscles. These include free weight squats, dead lifts, the bench press, power cleans, snatches etc.

Source: Web Search

Wolfsburg concede late 1-1 in Hamburg under new coach

Published>Sat, Jan 30 10 10:19 AM

Hamburg, Jan 30 (DPA) Piotr Trochowski struck in injury time as SV Hamburg drew 1-1 with VfL Wolfsburg Friday night to leave the Bundesliga champions winless in 10 games.

The substitute Trochowski got a deserved equaliser with a blasting freekick on the last play of the match as new Wolfsburg coach Lorenz-Guenther Koestner was denied a perfect debut after taking over from the sacked Armin Veh on Monday.

Bosnian striker Edin Dzeko had given Wolfsburg the lead with his ninth goal of the season in the first half in driving snowfall. But Wolfsburg were eventually denied a first win since they beat Hoffenheim Nov 7.

Wolfsburg remained 10th with 25 points and Hamburg are fifth on 34.

Wolfsburg got an early chance from Dzeko before their fragile defence was lucky three times in 120 seconds. Mladen Petric's freekick sailed inches wide, Andre Lenz saved from Marcell Jansen's header and Marcus Berg's header was scraped off the goal line.

Dzeko's class then provided Wolfsburg's 1-0 lead in the 34th when the striker chested a deep pass, wrong-footed central defender Joris Mathijsen and curled home into the far left corner.

David Rozehnal was denied by the crossbar as Hamburg had enough chances to reverse matters in the second half before the late equaliser. The poor finishing only added to the anticipation that newly hired star striker Ruud van Nistelrooy is soon fit to make his debut.

The result left neither side happy.

'If you get an equaliser in the last minute it is extremely bitter,' said Koestner.

Petric also named the result 'bitter' for Hamburg, saying 'we had enough chances to win the match'.

Wolfsburg failed to get some badly needed morale as they now face the league top three of Bayer Leverkusen, Bayern Munich and Schalke in the next games.

Leverkusen (41 points) host lowly SC Freiburg on Sunday. The scheduling allows Munich (39) to move to the top again for at least 24 hours if they beat promoted Mainz on Saturday.

Source: Web Search

American Points and Japan's Imada set Torrey pace

Published>Sat, Jan 30 10 08:09 AM

Little-known American DA Points took advantage of another calm, sunny day at Torrey Pines to charge into a tie for the lead in Friday's second round of the San Diego Open.

Despite playing on the more difficult and longer South Course, Points recorded five birdies and an eagle three at the sixth on the way to a flawless, seven-under-par 65.

The 33-year-old covered his homeward nine in five under for an 11-under total of 133 to finish level with Japan's Ryuji Imada, who carded a 68 on the South layout.

Australian Michael Sim eagled the par-five 18th on the easier North Course for a best-of-the-week 62 to lie two strokes off the pace with PGA Tour rookie Matt Every (70).

Tournament favourite and three-times champion Phil Mickelson fired a 67 on the North layout to share 10th place at seven under, two shots better than South African Ernie Els, after a 69 on the North.

Points, seeking his maiden PGA Tour title, was delighted to flourish at a venue where he has always felt at home.

"I've played this course a lot more than I've played the other one and I feel pretty comfortable out here," he told reporters after totalling only 25 putts.

"The main thing here is obviously just making putts and driving the fairway and those are two things that I've done the last two rounds, especially today I made a lot of putts.

"My iron game isn't quite as sharp as I would love it to be but certainly making putts is always a good way to make up for a little bit of a sloppy iron game."

GOOD IRONS

Imada, whose only victory on the PGA Tour came at the 2008 AT&T Classic, was also pleased to fare well on the brutal 7,698-yard South layout.

"I'm very happy," said the 33-year-old, who has not made a bogey this week. "It did play a little easier today without the wind and the warm weather but 68 on that golf course is a great round.

"My irons have been really good. I've hit a lot of greens and my putts from long range have been really good as far as judging the distances."

Mickelson, playing his first tournament of the year, covered his outward nine in three under before losing a bit of momentum around the turn.

"I missed putts on one, three and four and I thought I had made all of those," the three-times major winner said of his 10th, 12th and 13th holes. "That may have taken a little momentum out.

"Afterwards I didn't have very many birdie putts but I was able to make all the tough par putts and kind of salvage the round."

The cut fell at two-under 142 with 2004 champion John Daly, U.S. Ryder Cup player Chad Campbell and Australians Jason Day and Stuart Appleby among those missing out.

Source: Web Search

McCarron accuses Mickelson of cheating, Daly plans to quit

Published>Sat, Jan 30 10 07:09 AM

Emotions ran high at the San Diego Open on Friday when Phil Mickelson was accused of cheating by fellow American Scott McCarron and double major winner John Daly said he was quitting the game.

World number two Mickelson was criticised by McCarron for exploiting a loophole in golf's new groove rules by using a 20-year-old Ping wedge and fan-favourite Daly told the Golf Channel he was finished after missing the second-round cut.

McCarron, who also missed the cut at Torrey Pines on Friday, said Mickelson was "taking an unfair advantage of the rules".

In an interview with the Golf Channel, he added: "Golf is a gentleman's game and most of us out here on the PGA Tour don't think it's the right thing to do."

Although McCarron backed off on again using the word 'cheat', he had told Friday's San Francisco Chronicle: "It's cheating and I'm appalled Phil has put it in play.

"All those guys should be ashamed of themselves for doing that. As one of our premier players, (Mickelson) should be one of the guys who steps up and says this is wrong."

As of Jan. 1, new rules relating to club-face grooves were implemented at the top level after research found modern configurations could allow players to generate almost as much spin with irons from the rough as from the fairway.

All clubs, with the exception of drivers and putters, have been affected by the change which limits groove volume and groove-edge sharpness, effectively replacing U-grooves with V-grooves.

SQUARE GROOVES

McCarron took exception to the Ping-Eye 2 wedge used by Mickelson, a club with square grooves which is legal because of a lawsuit won by its manufacturer over the United States Golf Association (USGA) in 1990.

Mickelson agreed with McCarron's overall stance but took exception at how his compatriot had made his point.

"I totally agree with him (McCarron)," Mickelson told reporters after shooting a five-under-par 67 in the second round. "I think it's a ridiculous rule.

"But it's not up to me or any other player to interpret what the interpretation of the rule is or the spirit of the rule. All my clubs are approved for play, and I take that very seriously not to violate any rule.

"I've been talking with Dick Rugge of the USGA and talking to the (PGA Tour) commissioner and explaining behind closed doors how ridiculous all this is. I don't agree with the way he (McCarron) carried on about it, but that's his choice."

Later on Friday, the PGA Tour said in a statement: "We have been aware... the pre-1990 clubs would be allowed and that there was the potential that some players might choose to use them. We will monitor this situation as we move forward."

Shortly before Mickelson completed his round on the North Course, Daly signed for a 71 on the same layout before telling the Golf Channel: "I'm done... with golf.

"I just can't do it any more. I'm tired of embarrassing myself. I can't keep taking spots from guys out here playing this bad."

Daly, who has missed his first two PGA Tour cuts of the year, has played on sponsor's exemptions since losing his past champion category after the 2007 season.

He has not won on the U.S. circuit since the 2004 Buick Invitational.

Source: Web Search

Hughes named Canada flag-bearer for Vancouver Games

Published>Sat, Jan 30 10 06:49 AM

Speed skater Clara Hughes, the only Canadian to win medals at both the Summer and Winter Games, has been selected to carry her country's flag into the opening ceremonies of next month's 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics.

A five-time Olympian with five medals, Hughes will defend the 5,000 metres title she won at the Turin Games, where she also took a silver in the team pursuit.

The 37-year-old Winnipeg native was also a bronze medallist in the 5,000m at the 2002 at Salt Lake City Olympics and won bronze medals in cycling's road race and time trial at the 1996 Atlanta Summer Games.

Hughes, who speaks both of Canada's official languages English and French, is equally admired for her humanitarian work, donating $10,000 to the Right to Play after her gold medal victory in Turin.

The opening ceremonies, the first for a Winter Games to be staged indoors, are scheduled for BC Place on Feb. 12.

Source: Web Search

Ali Bacher signatory for CAB blood donation camp

Published>Sat, Jan 30 10 06:26 AM

To commemorate Sir Frank Worrell's gesture of donating blood to injured Indian skipper Nari Contractor at Barbados in 1962, the CAB will celebrate this year's Frank Worrell Day by organising a blood donation camp on its foundation day on February 3.

This time round, Dr Ali Bacher has volunteered to sign the certificates for the donors. Last year, Mike Brearley was the signatory for the annual event.

On India's 1962 West Indies tour, Contractor was hit on the head off a Charlie Griffith snorter at Barbados. The Indian captain needed a considerable amount of blood for survival. His Windies counterpart Sir Frank took the initiative and players of both the teams donated blood for Contractor.

To pay tribute to Sir Frank for his gesture, the CAB has been organising a blood donation camp at the Eden Gardens routinely every year since 1981, recalled CAB joint-secretary Biswarup Dey on Friday on the sidelines of the announcement at Eden.

Source: Web Search

American Points and Japan's Imada share early Torrey lead

Published>Sat, Jan 30 10 06:09 AM

Little-known American DA Points took advantage of another calm day at Torrey Pines to charge into an early share of the second-round lead at the San Diego Open on Friday.

Despite playing on the more difficult and longer South Course, Points recorded five birdies and an eagle three at the sixth on the way to a flawless, seven-under-par 65.

The 33-year-old covered his homeward nine in five under for an 11-under total of 133 to finish level with Japan's Ryuji Imada, who carded a 68 on the South layout.

Australian Michael Sim eagled the par-five 18th on the easier North Course for a best-of-the-week 62 to lie two strokes off the pace with PGA Tour rookie Matt Every (70).

Three-times major winner Ernie Els, making his second appearance of the season on the U.S. circuit, was at five under after carding a 69 on the North.

Points, seeking his maiden PGA Tour title, was delighted to flourish at a venue where he has always felt at home.

"I've played this course a lot more than I've played the other one and I feel pretty comfortable out here," he told reporters after totalling only 25 putts.

MAKING PUTTS

"The main thing here is obviously just making putts and driving the fairway and those are two things that I've done the last two rounds, especially today I made a lot of putts.

"My iron game isn't quite as sharp as I would love it to be but certainly making putts is always a good way to make up for a little bit of a sloppy iron game."

Imada, whose only victory on the PGA Tour came at the 2008 AT&T Classic, was also pleased to fare well on the brutal 7,698-yard South layout.

"I'm very happy," the 33-year-old said. "It did play a little easier today without the wind and the warm weather but 68 on that golf course is a great round.

"My irons have been really good. I've hit a lot of greens and my putts from long range have been really good as far as judging the distances."

Tournament favourite and three-times champion Phil Mickelson, who opened with a 70 on the South, was among the late starters on Friday.

The cut was projected to fall at two-under 142 with 2004 champion John Daly among those likely to miss out.

Source: Web Search

America's Cup match to go ahead next month

Published Sat, Jan 30 10 05:29 AM

The 33rd America's Cup will take place from Feb. 8 after the New York Supreme Court said on Friday it would not hear before the match a complaint from BMW Oracle over the origin of sails to be used by holders Alinghi.

The holders issued a statement saying Justice Kornreich of the New York Supreme Court informed the competitors -- Societe Nautique de Geneve's (SNG) Alinghi and Golden Gate Yacht Club's (GGYC) BMW Oracle -- of her decision in a teleconference.

"This means the 33rd America's Cup is free to proceed as ordered by previous New York rulings," said Alinghi. The race is scheduled to take place in Valencia, Spain.

BMW Oracle asked the court to decide if Swiss-based Alinghi, who sail under the colours of SNG, were allowed to defend the title with sails made in the United States.

The Deed of Gift race rules say competitors' yachts must be constructed in the country they represent.

EXCELLENT NEWS

Alinghi contested the claim, saying their sails were made in Switzerland, and that sails were outside the original definition of what constitutes the yacht or vessel.

The holders also accused BMW Oracle, who sail under the GGYC colours, of having a French-designed yacht as part of the Swiss team's defence in the long-running legal battle.

"This is excellent news," said Alinghi team president, Swiss entrepreneur Ernesto Bertarelli.

"We are delighted BMW Oracle's attempts to disqualify Alinghi and to win the America's Cup in court have been denied.

"We look forward to meeting them on the start line here in Valencia on Feb. 8 to race for the Cup -- something they can no longer try to avoid."

GGYC spokesman Tom Ehman acknowledged it was unlikely a hearing on the "constructed-in-country" issue would take place before the match due to the court's busy schedule.

"It's unfortunate the legality of Alinghi's American-made sails probably will not be decided before the match," he said in a statement. "However, it will be decided eventually."

Source: Web Search

Late Trochowski goal denies champions Wolfsburg

Published Sat, Jan 30 10 05:09 AM

Substitute Piotr Trochowski scored a spectacular stoppage-time equaliser to earn Hamburg SV a 1-1 home draw with champions VfL Wolfsburg on Friday.

Bosnian striker Edin Dzeko gave the visitors the lead with a curling shot from the edge of the box in the 34th minute before Trochowski fired in a 25-metre free kick with the last touch of the match.

Hamburg remain fifth on 35 points from 20 matches while Wolfsburg, still looking for their first win since early November, are 10th.

Second-placed Bayern Munich, two points behind Bayer Leverkusen, could go top on Saturday when they host Mainz.

Leverkusen, undefeated in the league this season, take on Freiburg on Sunday.

Wolfsburg, led by interim coach Lorenz-Guenther Koestner after this week's sacking of Armin Veh, went close after five minutes when Brazilian Grafite curled a cross into the box and Dzeko just failed to convert.

Dzeko and Christian Gentner went close again before Hamburg's Markus Berg was denied by keeper Andre Lenz from close range and Mladen Petric sent a 20-metre free kick against the post.

Striker Dzeko then broke the deadlock when he controlled a deep cross with his chest, turned quickly and floated a left-footed shot past keeper Frank Rost for his ninth league goal of the season.

Hamburg attacked in the second half and hit the woodwork eight minutes after the restart when David Rozehnal headed an Eljero Elia corner against the bar.

Wolfsburg, who have now gone eight matches without victory, must have thought they had won after Hamburg squandered several more opportunities but Trochowski, who came on in the 78th minute, saved the day.

Hamburg's new signing, Dutch striker Ruud van Nistelrooy, watched from the stands.

Source: Web Search

Late Trochowski goal rescues draw for Hamburg

Published Sat, Jan 30 10 03:49 AM

Substitute Piotr Trochowski scored a spectacular stoppage-time equaliser to earn Hamburg SV a 1-1 home draw with champions VfL Wolfsburg on Friday.

Bosnian striker Edin Dzeko gave the visitors the lead with a curling shot from the edge of the box in the 35th minute before Trochowski fired in a 25-metre free kick with the last touch of the match.

Hamburg remain fifth on 35 points from 20 matches while Wolfsburg, still looking for their first win since early November, are 10th.

Second-placed Bayern Munich, two points behind Bayer Leverkusen, could go top on Saturday when they host Mainz.

Leverkusen, undefeated in the league this season, take on Freiburg on Sunday.

Source: Web Search

Former world champion gymnast Dos Santos suspended

Published Sat, Jan 30 10 03:29 AM

Former world champion Daiane Dos Santos has been suspended for five months for a doping offence, the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) said in a statement on Friday.

The 26-year-old Brazilian, world champion in the floor exercise in 2003, tested positive in an out of competition check last July and the FIG said the ban would start immediately.

Dos Santos can appeal to the FIG tribunal or the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) within 21 days of notification.

Source: Web Search

INTERVIEW - World Cup safety fears over-played, says Els

Published>Sat, Jan 30 10 02:49 AM

Concerns over safety at the World Cup in South Africa have been over-played, according to former world number one golfer Ernie Els.

Several media reports have slammed the host country's high levels of crime but Els, one of South Africa's best-known sporting figures, felt security had improved considerably in the last decade.

"There are always safety concerns in any country but I don't believe it's to the point where it was (in South Africa) 10 years ago," Els told Reuters at the PGA Tour's San Diego Open on Friday.

"Ten years ago I would have been a little bit worried but I believe South Africans are standing together now and I think it's going to be one of the best ever (soccer World Cups).

"I was in South Africa for a month's holiday in December and for the first time since the changeover really, I felt the positive vibe," added the globe-trotting Els, a keen sports fan who also has homes in United States and Britain.

"I feel that black people, white people, Afrikaans speakers, English speakers, Xhosa speakers, everyone ... we have all become a nation now. It's just the spirit of the country right now. I've never seen it better.

VIOLENT CRIME

"It's almost a generation now since the (democratic) elections in 1994 so South Africa has come a long way and people realise how big economically this World Cup is going to be for the country."

South Africa has one of the highest rates of violent crime, with 50 murders a day, more than the U.S. which has six times the population. More than 40,000 police are being mobilised to protect the World Cup tournament.

Els, a three-times major champion who has won more than 60 tournaments worldwide, felt spectators at June's soccer spectacular would be impressed by South Africa's infrastructure.

"The venues and the stadiums are unbelievable and all the airports have been redone," the 40-year-old said.

"Rugby is our number one sport for the whites but I think some of the rugby supporters don't know the scale of the football World Cup. This is almost as big as the Olympics.

"A lot of South Africans will be surprised by the mass of people coming down there. The only problem is the World Cup is being played in the winter so people aren't going to really see South Africa in all its glory," Els added with a smile.

Source: Web Search