Funding cuts will risk 2012 London Olympics: Brit intelligence chiefs

Published>Tue, Jun 01 10 12:09 PM

London, June 1(ANI): British intelligence chiefs have warned that Al-Qaeda bombers could wreak havoc at the 2012 London Olympics, if funding cuts go ahead.

Brit intelligence agencies MI5, MI6, Government Communications Headquarters (GCHQ) and police counter-terrorist units all face cuts in the Comprehensive Spending Review.

"There will be a real risk to British lives if the counter-terrorism budget is not increased, let alone cut," The Sun quoted a senior security source, as saying.

"The 2012 Olympics present a massive opportunity to Al-Qaeda to pull off a spectacular attack. It will be then that we'll be most vulnerable," the source added.

Security chiefs want one billion pounds on top of the 3.5 billion pounds now spent on the fight against terror.

Up to 600 million pounds is needed to safeguard the Olympics and MI5 needs 400 million pounds for a secret project to track terrorists' communications, officials said.

Meanwhile, ex-Security Minister Lord West warned the Government against the funding cuts, and said: "I believe we should ring-fence the security and intelligence agencies' budget, and a large chunk of the counter-terrorism budget as well. This is simply not an area we can take a risk with, it's too important."

"The Government needs to think extremely hard about whether it is prepared to give away capabilities and I would urge them to be extremely careful about doing this," Lord West added. (ANI)

Source: Web Search

Barcelona keen to bring Fabregas back to Camp Nou

Published>Tue, Jun 01 10 11:43 AM

Barcelona, June 1(ANI): Spanish football giants Barcelona remain confident about signing Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas this summer.

Fabregas has told Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger that he wants to join Barcelona, but the Gunners are holding out for an astonishing 80 million pounds.

"We are working on it. We will try to achieve his signature and if we don't get there with time, at least we will have opened a path," The Sun quoted Joan Laporta, Barcelona President, as saying.

"The possibility is always there, but Arsenal have to defend their interests and perhaps they have a different strategy," he added.

The 23-year-old has five years left on his contract at the Emirates, so Arsenal hold all the aces.

However, Laporta insists that Barcelona are trying to find a halfway point for both sides to agree.

"We have a player who has expressed his intention of coming to Barcelona. The player has said it and I want to thank him publicly for that decision, but we are being prudent in the sense that we are not going to do things that are not logical," he added. (ANI)

Source: Web Search

Director Bettega leaves Juventus after five months

Published Tue, Jun 01 10 12:47 AM

Juventus have continued to rebuild for the future after a dreadful season by parting company with director Roberto Bettega after just five months, the Serie A club said in a statement on Monday.

Bettega was a key Juve director when the club bossed Italian soccer in the first half of the last decade but left in the wake of their 2006 match-fixing demotion only to return in late December.

However, his presence could not stop Juve sliding down to seventh and this month's arrivals of former Sampdoria coach Luigi Del Neri and ex-Samp sporting director Beppe Marotta have spelt the end of his second short stint with the Turin club.

Source: Web Search

Nadal moves forward while Henin eliminated in Paris

Published>Tue, Jun 01 10 12:09 AM

Paris, May 31 (DPA) Rafael Nadal assumed his accustomed place in the later stages of the French Open Monday, his fourth-round defeat a year ago just a fading memory.

But his fellow quadruple tournament winner Justine Henin was unable to re-live her own glorious past on the clay of Roland Garros, with Australian seventh seed Samantha Stosur completing an upset of the Belgian 2-6, 6-1, 6-4.

Nadal, by contrast, polished his game further in anticipation of a fight to seize back the crown he lost in 2009 through a defeat by Swede Robin Soderling. The Spanish second seed got past Brazilian Thomaz Bellucci comfortably 6-2, 7-5, 6-4.

'I'm happy, I've been playing better and better with each match,' said Nadal, who has won every match in straight sets. 'I've got a lot of confidence in my game.'

The second seed from Mallorca will line up in an all-Iberian quarter-final after Nicolas Almagro put out seventh seed Fernando Verdasco 6-1, 4-6, 6-1, 6-4.

Nadal will be playing in his 14th quarter from his last 16 majors.

Third seed Novak Djokovic advanced 6-4, 2-6, 6-1, 6-2 over American Robby Ginepri and will next face Austrian Jurgen Melzer, who beat Teimuraz Gabashvili 7-6 (7-4), 4-6, 6-1, 6-4 a round after the Russian hammered Andy Roddick.

Melzer, who knows Roddick well, said he got some match advice from his absent friend, already in London to prepare for the grass season.

Melzer, ranked 22nd, is the first Austrian to reach the Paris quarters since Thomas Muster 12 years ago, claiming victory in just under three hours.

The Austrian has never gone this far at a major and is the oldest man remaining in the draw at age 29. He admitted to receiving some tactical advice on SMS before the contest from Roddick.

'It's gonna be a tough match for both of us,' said Djokovic, 'I wouldn't give myself too much chances to win, It's the Grand Slam quarter-finals, the matches are getting tougher.

'Physically you have to be very fresh and you have to expect the longer rallies. He's very aggressive, he can play defensive and offensive at the same time. So that's what makes him very dangerous.

'I'll try to keep up the good rhythm that I had in last two matches, and the better man will win.'

Henin's loss temporarily derails her career comeback scenario after quitting tennis in May, 2008, but returning at the start of this season as her motivation returned.

Stosur will play her quarter-final against top seed Serena Williams, who beat Shahar Peer of Israel 6-2, 6-2.

'You can never underestimate anyone, Sam is actually a wonderful clay court player,' said Williams. 'She proved that last year,

'She's someone you can't overlook, she has a good chance to go all the way.'

Henin won the French Open 2003 and three straight years 2005-2007 before not playing the past two editions after she quit.

But Monday the Belgian fell apart under the pressure at the event where she is considered as good as French by the fickle Roland Garros crowd.

'I can't believe it, I'm so happy to be through,' said Stosur, who had earlier in May lost the Stuttgart final to Henin.

'After the first set, I told myself to keep going. I knew what I dad to do, I just had to do it.

'After the double-fault on match point, I just shook it off, had a laugh and didn't worry about it. I knew I had some more good serves. I just played the point out.'

Source: Web Search

World Cup Group F news - Italy/NZ/Paraguay/Slovakia

Published Tue, Jun 01 10 12:07 AM

Latest news from World Cup Group F ahead of the June 11-July 11 tournament in South Africa.

ITALY

Italy coach Marcello Lippi continues to experiment with formations in their Alpine training camp with a 4-2-3-1 looking his current favourite.

Alberto Gilardino has been leading the line with Antonio Di Natale and Vincenzo Iaquinta out wide and Claudio Marchisio playing in the hole.

"I like Marchisio in that position," Lippi, to be replaced by Fiorentina's Cesare Prandelli after the World Cup, told reporters.

The 62-year-old added he would only reveal after the tournament why he is leaving his post.

NEW ZEALAND

After a day off following their surprise victory over Serbia on Saturday, the All Whites were due to resume full training on Monday with Chris Killen, who skipped the Serbia game to get married in England, joined in camp by back-up midfielder Cole Peverley.

Peverley has been brought in as injury cover for Tim Brown, who is still recovering from shoulder surgery.

The win over Serbia has been hailed as one of the greatest by New Zealand with John Adshead, who coached the All Whites to the 1982 World Cup finals in Spain, saying he had no doubt of the significance of the victory.

"We've never looked like beating a team of that quality (in the past) to be absolutely honest," Adshead said.

The Kiwis are training in the spa resort of Bad Waltersdorf in Austria ahead of this week's friendly against Slovenia in Maribor.

PARAGUAY

Coach Gerardo Martino said after Paraguay's 2-2 draw with Ivory Coast at Evian-les-Bains in France at the weekend that he was unhappy with his team's defending at set pieces.

"Our deficit was at dead ball situations, and our opponents are scoring a lot of goals against us that way," Martino was quoted as saying in the Asuncion daily La Nacion.

"I think we played well in the last 25 minutes since Ivory Coast controlled the ball in the first half," said Martino, whose team fought back from two goals down.

SLOVAKIA

Centre back Martin Skrtel said he felt no effects of a three-month injury layoff and was happy with his own performance as well as with the team's effort in a 1-1 warm-up draw with Cameroon.

"We worked very well defensively, we kept them at bay for most of the match and I think this is a positive result to build on," said the Liverpool defender who had broken a metatarsal bone in his right foot in February.

The Slovaks play Costa Rica in their final warm-up on Saturday before heading out for their first major tournament as an independent nation.

Source: Web Search

Nadal moves forward while Henin eliminated in Paris

Published>Mon, May 31 10 11:57 PM

Paris, May 31 (DPA) Rafael Nadal assumed his accustomed place in the later stages of the French Open Monday, his fourth-round defeat a year ago just a fading memory.

But his fellow quadruple tournament winner Justine Henin was unable to re-live her own glorious past on the clay of Roland Garros, with Australian seventh seed Samantha Stosur completing an upset of the Belgian 2-6, 6-1, 6-4.

Nadal, by contrast, polished his game further in anticipation of a fight to seize back the crown he lost in 2009 through a defeat by Swede Robin Soderling. The Spanish second seed got past Brazilian Thomaz Bellucci comfortably 6-2, 7-5, 6-4.

'I'm happy, I've been playing better and better with each match,' said Nadal, who has won every match in straight sets. 'I've got a lot of confidence in my game.'

The second seed from Mallorca will line up in an all-Iberian quarter-final after Nicolas Almagro put out seventh seed Fernando Verdasco 6-1, 4-6, 6-1, 6-4.

Nadal will be playing in his 14th quarter from his last 16 majors.

Third seed Novak Djokovic advanced 6-4, 2-6, 6-1, 6-2 over American Robby Ginepri and will next face Austrian Jurgen Melzer, who beat Teimuraz Gabashvili 7-6 (7-4), 4-6, 6-1, 6-4 a round after the Russian hammered Andy Roddick.

Melzer, who knows Roddick well, said he got some match advice from his absent friend, already in London to prepare for the grass season.

Melzer, ranked 22nd, is the first Austrian to reach the Paris quarters since Thomas Muster 12 years ago, claiming victory in just under three hours.

The Austrian has never gone this far at a major and is the oldest man remaining in the draw at age 29. He admitted to receiving some tactical advice on SMS before the contest from Roddick.

'It's gonna be a tough match for both of us,' said Djokovic, 'I wouldn't give myself too much chances to win, It's the Grand Slam quarter-finals, the matches are getting tougher.

'Physically you have to be very fresh and you have to expect the longer rallies. He's very aggressive, he can play defensive and offensive at the same time. So that's what makes him very dangerous.

'I'll try to keep up the good rhythm that I had in last two matches, and the better man will win.'

Henin's loss temporarily derails her career comeback scenario after quitting tennis in May, 2008, but returning at the start of this season as her motivation returned.

Stosur will play her quarter-final against top seed Serena Williams, who beat Shahar Peer of Israel 6-2, 6-2.

'You can never underestimate anyone, Sam is actually a wonderful clay court player,' said Williams. 'She proved that last year,

'She's someone you can't overlook, she has a good chance to go all the way.'

Henin won the French Open 2003 and three straight years 2005-2007 before not playing the past two editions after she quit.

But Monday the Belgian fell apart under the pressure at the event where she is considered as good as French by the fickle Roland Garros crowd.

'I can't believe it, I'm so happy to be through,' said Stosur, who had earlier in May lost the Stuttgart final to Henin.

'After the first set, I told myself to keep going. I knew what I dad to do, I just had to do it.

'After the double-fault on match point, I just shook it off, had a laugh and didn't worry about it. I knew I had some more good serves. I just played the point out.'

Source: Web Search

World Cup Group F news - Italy/NZ/Paraguay/Slovakia

Published Mon, May 31 10 11:27 PM

Latest news from World Cup Group F ahead of the June 11-July 11 tournament in South Africa.

ITALY

Italy coach Marcello Lippi continues to experiment with formations in their Alpine training camp with a 4-2-3-1 looking his current favourite.

Alberto Gilardino has been leading the line with Antonio Di Natale and Vincenzo Iaquinta out wide and Claudio Marchisio playing in the hole.

"I like Marchisio in that position," Lippi, to be replaced by Fiorentina's Cesare Prandelli after the World Cup, told reporters.

The 62-year-old added he would only reveal after the tournament why he is leaving his post.

NEW ZEALAND

After a day off following their surprise victory over Serbia on Saturday, the All Whites were due to resume full training on Monday with Chris Killen, who skipped the Serbia game to get married in England, joined in camp by back-up midfielder Cole Peverley.

Peverley has been brought in as injury cover for Tim Brown, who is still recovering from shoulder surgery.

The win over Serbia has been hailed as one of the greatest by New Zealand with John Adshead, who coached the All Whites to the 1982 World Cup finals in Spain, saying he had no doubt of the significance of the victory.

"We've never looked like beating a team of that quality (in the past) to be absolutely honest," Adshead said.

The Kiwis are training in the spa resort of Bad Waltersdorf in Austria ahead of this week's friendly against Slovenia in Maribor.

PARAGUAY

Coach Gerardo Martino said after Paraguay's 2-2 draw with Ivory Coast at Evian-les-Bains in France at the weekend that he was unhappy with his team's defending at set pieces.

"Our deficit was at dead ball situations, and our opponents are scoring a lot of goals against us that way," Martino was quoted as saying in the Asuncion daily La Nacion.

"I think we played well in the last 25 minutes since Ivory Coast controlled the ball in the first half," said Martino, whose team fought back from two goals down.

SLOVAKIA

Centre back Martin Skrtel said he felt no effects of a three-month injury layoff and was happy with his own performance as well as with the team's effort in a 1-1 warm-up draw with Cameroon.

"We worked very well defensively, we kept them at bay for most of the match and I think this is a positive result to build on," said the Liverpool defender who had broken a metatarsal bone in his right foot in February.

The Slovaks play Costa Rica in their final warm-up on Saturday before heading out for their first major tournament as an independent nation.

Source: Web Search

Security arrangements for C'wealth Games reviewd: Chidambaram

Published>Mon, May 31 10 11:07 PM

New Delhi, May 31 (ANI): Union Home Minister P.Chidambaram on Monday said security arrangements for the Commonwealth Games have been reviewed in consultation with Delhi police and other security forces.

"Security arrangements for the Commonwealth Games were reviewed in consultation with Delhi police and the CPMFs. Six companies of CPMF were deployed for the test events held between May 23-30, 2010," said Chidambaram while presenting the month report card of the MHA for the month of May.

"On the request of the Government of West Bengal, 48 additional CPMF companies were deployed for the municipal elections on May 30, 2010," he informed. e also said: "The supply, installation, integration and commissioning of the C4i (Command, Control, Coordination and Communication Centre) project for the Delhi Police HQs was sanctioned at a cost of Rs 15.39 crore."

"Under the MPF Scheme, Rs. 9.25 crore was sanctioned for the UTs," Chidambaram said.

"On May 4, 2010, the Daman and Diu Marine Fishing (Amendment) Regulations were notified," he further stated. (ANI)

Source: Web Search

Cyclist Valverde gets two-year ban from CAS

Published Mon, May 31 10 10:47 PM

Tour of Spain champion Alejandro Valverde was banned for two years on Monday for an anti-doping violation by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

CAS made the decision following an appeal by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and the International Cycling Union (UCI). The ban was back-dated to start on Jan. 1.

Valverde, who will miss the next two Tour de France races, was already serving a two-year ban from racing in Italy.

That suspension meant he also missed last year's Tour de France which passed through Italy.

Source: Web Search

Beaten Henin keeps her Wimbledon expectations low

Published>Mon, May 31 10 10:17 PM

Paris, May 31 (DPA) Justine Henin said Monday she will take a day to digest her first French Open defeat in six years, with the former number one adding that she would not set any unrealistic goals for Wimbledon.

Henin lost her fourth-round match at Roland Garros 2-6, 6-1, 6-4 to Australian Samantha Stosur, who beat the four-time champion in Henin's first return to the event since 2007.

The former number one quit the game in May, 2008, but made a u-turn and returned to the WTA in January, reaching the finals of her first two events (Brisbane and the Australian Open) and winning a title last month on clay in Stuttgart.

'Of course it is disappointing, it's never easy to lose, and especially in this kind of situation,' said the seven-time Grand Slam winner. 'I just wanted so much that the adventure could keep going.'

'I wasn't at my best today. Samantha was the best player on the court, she took her chances, the opportunities.'

Henin said that her next goal will be to prepare for the grass season, but refused to detail just yet her possible schedule outside of Wimbledon starting in three weeks.

It is the only one of the four majors that the 27-year-old has not won, losing finals there in 2001 and 2006.

'In terms of what I'm gonna play before Wimbledon, I still have no idea about my plan. We will discuss this in the next two days.'

'I want to go as far as possible over there. But in 2010, it's probably a bit too early to say, Well, it's going to be my goal to win it. There are so many things I have to work on.'

The Belgian said she was not mentally crushed by her Paris loss. 'I was really here to play match after match, and that's what I did.'

'I keep some positive things from this tournament, I never considered myself as the favorite. If I could win have won one more match or two more matches, then you can start dreaming.'

'But that is not the case anymore.'

Source: Web Search

Railways rule roost in Indian Grand Prix athletics

Published Mon, May 31 10 09:51 PM

Tapan Mohanta Pune, May 31 (PTI) Fresh from their domination in the National Open, Railways today bagged maximum honours in the Indian Grand Prix-I, prelude to the first leg of the Asian GP, at Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex at Balewadi here. Manikananda Raj of Jharkhand and H M Jyothi of Karnataka won the men''s and women''s 200m race respectively, even as there was no new record at the meet. Manikananda won with a timing of 21.7 sec, while Jyothi had a 24.6 sec effort. Railways athletes made a clean sweep in the men''s pole vault which was won by Gajanan Upadhyay with an effort of 4.90m, followed by Vadivel and Bineesh Jacob for the second and third places. Men''s 400m hurdles also saw a domination by the Railways who had the top two finishers in Joseph Abraham (50.77s) and Avin A Thomas (51.38s) respectively. In men''s discus throw, Vikas Poonia (51.72m) won the top place while his teammate Sunil Kumar finished third with a timing of 49.68m. Services'' Vipender Singh settled for the second spot with a throw of 50.43m. There was no Kavita Raut in women''s 5000m, but still hosts Maharashtra made a clean sweep claiming the top three places. Manisha Salenkh won with a timing of 18:34.5 min, while Reshma Patil (21:13.1) and Pornima Shinde (28:12.1) finished second and third respectively. A total of seven events in the men''s section and four in women''s took place under floodlights with rain interrupting the proceedings briefly. 83 men and 38 women athletes took part in the meet.

Source: Web Search

Salman Butt set to become Pakistan vice-captain

Published Mon, May 31 10 09:37 PM

Karachi, May 31 (PTI) Opener Salman Butt is all set to be named as Pakistan vice-captain for the forthcoming Asia Cup in Sri Lanka and the subsequent tour to England, according to PCB sources. Sources in the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said that chairman Ejaz Butt and chief selector Mohsin Khan had suggested Salman''s name for the post of vice-captain, a move which was also supported by newly-appointed Test skipper Shahid Afridi and coach Waqar Younis. "PCB chairman Ejaz Butt will make the announcement later this week when the team is announced for the Asia Cup," one source said. The left-handed opener, who has been in prolific form in recent times, was made vice-captain for a short period of time in 2007 but was later unceremoniously removed without any explanation. Sources said that with Shoaib Malik, Kamran Akmal and Younis Khan still uncertain for the both the series because of PCB bans and fines, the board had decided to opt for Salman. Salman''s elevation to the vice-captaincy is significant as many critics and experts still doubt whether Afridi would be able to justify his place in the Test side when Pakistan play two five-day games against Australia and four against England this year. Afridi has been made captain for all three formats of the game recently but the hard-hitting all-rounder has not played a Test since mid 2006. "Salman''s promotion indicates that the board and selectors also want to have a proper back up to lead the team in the Tests in case Afridi''s form does not justify his place in the side," one source said. The source added that Afridi had backed Salman''s appointment as his deputy as the opener had largely emerged as a non-controversial character during the probe into Pakistan''s disastrous New Zealand and Australia tours. Salman has so far played 27 Tests, 76 ODIs and 22 Twenty20 Internationals for Pakistan. He is one of the few players in the side who has a strong educational background. Former Test opener and captain Aamir Sohail said that if Salman was made the vice-captain, he will have to be careful about his own form. "He has to concentrate full time on his batting as he is improving day-by-day and his role will be important for Pakistan in the coming matches," Sohail said.

Source: Web Search

Paes-Black advance to French Open mixed doubles quarters

Published Mon, May 31 10 09:27 PM

Paris, May 31 (PTI) Leander Paes and his partner Cara Black advanced to the quarterfinals of the French Open mixed doubles event after a hard-fought victory in super tie-breaker over Su-Wei Hsieh and Bruno Soares here today. The second seeded Indo-Zimbabwe pair beat the unseeded Chinese Taipei-Brazilian duo of Hsieh and Soares 7-5 2-6 1-0 (10/8) in a second round match which lasted 111 minutes and spread over two days. Rain delay and bad light had forced the match to stop last night after Paes and Black were leading 7-5 0-2. In the quarterfinals, Paes and Black will take on another unseeded duo of Yaroslava Shvedova of Kazakhstan and Julian Knowle of Austria. Partnering with Lucas Dlouhy of Czech Republic, Paes, the lone Indian remaining in the fray in the clay court Grand Slam, has also reached the quarterfinals in men''s doubles. Paes and Dlouhy, the defending champions, will meet Polish pair of Mariusz Fyrstenberg and Marcin Matkowski in the last eight stage.

Source: Web Search

French Open: Slow-starting Djokovic beats Ginepri for quarter-finals

Published>Mon, May 31 10 09:17 PM

Paris, May 31 (DPA) Novak Djokovic overcame the drudgery of a slow early-morning start to reach the French Open tennis quarter-finals Monday, with a 6-4, 2-6, 6-1, 6-2 win over American Robby Ginepri.

The win in two hours 15 minutes sent Djokovic into a match-up with Austrian Jurgen Melzer who beat Teimuraz Gabashvili 7-6(4), 4-6, 6-1, 6-4 a round after the Russian hammered Andy Roddick.

Djokovic said he needed time to get cranked up for the 11 a.m. start but added: 'I finished in a good way with a lot of winners and aggression.

'I need to be aggressive from the start and keep on playing all the way. I had some ups and downs, and you could see that in second set. But you cannot always perform 100 percent on every single point.'

Ginepri's loss brought an end to an unexpected flurry of form for the American, who had not won a match on clay this season ahead of the Paris Grand Slam.

'Even though I lost the first set, I was still pretty happy with the way I was playing,' said the last of the US entries. 'In the third set after I got broken, I kind of let my foot off the gas a little bit.

'He stepped his game up a lot more, started playing a little bit bigger, hitting the balls deeper. Anything that he tried, it seemed like it worked.

'Hats off to him, he played well, I thought, in the third and fourth sets,' said Ginepri.

Djokovic improved to 5-0 in the series, with only one previous match played on clay. The Serb won his 25th match of the season. He reached semi-finals at Roland Garros in 2007 and 2008.

Melzer, ranked 22nd, is the first Austrian to reach the Paris quarters since Thomas Muster 12 years ago, claiming victory in just under three hours. The Austrian has never gone this far at a major and is the oldest man remaining in the draw at age 29.

'It's gonna be a tough match for both of us,' said Djokovic, 'I wouldn't give myself too much chances to win, It's the Grand Slam quarter-finals, the matches are getting tougher.

'Physically you have to be very fresh and you have to expect the longer rallies. He's very aggressive, he can play defensive and offensive at the same time. So that's what makes him very dangerous.

'I'll try to keep up the good rhythm that I had in last two matches, and the better man will win.'

On the women's side, top seed Serena Williams, playing the Paris fourth round for the eighth time in ten years, rolled over Israeli Shahar Peer 6-2, 6-2.

Source: Web Search

Pakistan to host SA in the emirates in Oct-Nov

Published Mon, May 31 10 08:51 PM

Karachi, May 31 (PTI) Pakistan will host South Africa for a revised series of two Tests, five one-day internationals and a one-off Twenty20 match in Abu Dhabi and Dubai in October-November this year. The series is being held in the emirates after the South Africans refused to tour Pakistan because of the prevailing security situation there. Originally, the series had three Tests, three one-dayers and a Twenty20 match but Pakistan requested South Africa to revise the schedule keeping in mind next year''s 50-over World Cup. "We felt that with the World Cup coming up, it would be better for both the teams to play an extra one-day match then a third Test match," a Pakistan Cricket Board official said. Pakistan has been isolated as an international venue since March last year when militants attacked the Sri Lankan cricket team in Lahore. The attack that shook the cricketing world killed five Pakistani policemen and a van driver and wounded six Sri Lankan players. Since then no foreign team has agreed to visit the strife-torn nation, forcing Pakistan to play its share of home series at neutral venues. Abu Dhabi and Dubai had already hosted Pakistan''s series against Australia and New Zealand. PCB chairman Ejaz Butt said that he was grateful to the Cricket South Africa (CSA) for agreeing to play the series in the UAE. "I am very grateful to Dr Mtutuzeli Nyoka and Gerald Majola (CSA chief executive) for their understanding of our position and supporting us to make this series possible. I would especially like to thank the Emirates Cricket Board for their unwavering support to Pakistan Cricket," Butt said in a statement. "This series will provide great entertainment for cricket fans as PCB and CSA have worked hard to bring this event about and we are very excited to be returning to the world class facilities in the UAE," he added. CSA chief executive Gerald Majola said, "The Proteas always enjoy playing Pakistan and CSA was glad to assist the PCB and ensure this tour happened. We are especially delighted that the fans will get to see top flight cricket between these two teams." With this series, Dubai Sports City and Abu Dhabi''s Sheikh Zayed stadium''s will make its debut as Test venues. PTI Cor SSC

Source: Web Search

French Open: Slow-starting Djokovic beats Ginepri for quarter-finals

Published>Mon, May 31 10 08:37 PM

Paris, May 31 (DPA) Novak Djokovic overcame the drudgery of a slow early-morning start to reach the French Open tennis quarter-finals Monday, with a 6-4, 2-6, 6-1, 6-2 win over American Robby Ginepri.

The win in two hours 15 minutes sent Djokovic into a match-up with Austrian Jurgen Melzer who beat Teimuraz Gabashvili 7-6(4), 4-6, 6-1, 6-4 a round after the Russian hammered Andy Roddick.

Djokovic said he needed time to get cranked up for the 11 a.m. start but added: 'I finished in a good way with a lot of winners and aggression.

'I need to be aggressive from the start and keep on playing all the way. I had some ups and downs, and you could see that in second set. But you cannot always perform 100 percent on every single point.'

Ginepri's loss brought an end to an unexpected flurry of form for the American, who had not won a match on clay this season ahead of the Paris Grand Slam.

'Even though I lost the first set, I was still pretty happy with the way I was playing,' said the last of the US entries. 'In the third set after I got broken, I kind of let my foot off the gas a little bit.

'He stepped his game up a lot more, started playing a little bit bigger, hitting the balls deeper. Anything that he tried, it seemed like it worked.

'Hats off to him, he played well, I thought, in the third and fourth sets,' said Ginepri.

Djokovic improved to 5-0 in the series, with only one previous match played on clay. The Serb won his 25th match of the season. He reached semi-finals at Roland Garros in 2007 and 2008.

Melzer, ranked 22nd, is the first Austrian to reach the Paris quarters since Thomas Muster 12 years ago, claiming victory in just under three hours. The Austrian has never gone this far at a major and is the oldest man remaining in the draw at age 29.

'It's gonna be a tough match for both of us,' said Djokovic, 'I wouldn't give myself too much chances to win, It's the Grand Slam quarter-finals, the matches are getting tougher.

'Physically you have to be very fresh and you have to expect the longer rallies. He's very aggressive, he can play defensive and offensive at the same time. So that's what makes him very dangerous.

'I'll try to keep up the good rhythm that I had in last two matches, and the better man will win.'

On the women's side, top seed Serena Williams, playing the Paris fourth round for the eighth time in ten years, rolled over Israeli Shahar Peer 6-2, 6-2.

Source: Web Search

BCCI serves notice on Modi over grant of theatrical rights

Published Mon, May 31 10 08:21 PM

Mumbai, May 31 (PTI) There is simply no respite for suspended IPL Commissioner Lalit Modi as the Cricket Board today served a third notice on him over granting of theatrical rights in November last year for IPL-III. "A third notice has been served on Mr Modi over theatrical rights in IPL," BCCI sources said today. Modi has already been served two notices. The first notice was sent soon after the conclusion of IPL 3 after he was suspended from his post by the BCCI and the second one was served on May 6 based on an e-mail sent to the Board by England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) Chairman Giles Clarke. In his e-mail, Clarke levelled serious charges against Modi that the Board found "detrimental to Indian cricket, English cricket and World cricket at large." On November 12, 2009, IPL had announced that Entertainment & Sports Direct (ESD) has made the highest bid of Rs 330 crore for its theatrical rights to matches in the league to be played in seasons 2010 through to 2019. (More) PTI SSR VKV PDS

Source: Web Search

World Cup ball is kicked about with epithets

Published>Mon, May 31 10 07:47 PM

Dusseldorf, May 31 (DPA) The world's best footballers are far from impressed with the World Cup ball, with the verdict ranging from terrible to useless.

The most damning statements on the 'Jabulani' ball came from the goalkeepers who appear to have a harder time at each big event to cope with the latest inventions.

'I believe it is a shame to play with a ball like this and such an important tournament,' said Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon on the weekend.

Brazil's Julio Cesar said sarcastically that the ball 'is similar to those you can buy in a supermarket.'

Spain's Iker Casillas has dismissed the object as 'appalling' and England's David James expects 'goals at this World Cup you would have never seen at past editions'.

The ball has been the centre of attention and criticism over the past big events. Made by Adidas, who provide the World Cup ball since 1970, the Jabulani was to end the heated debate about its unpredictable trajectory as the 'best' ball that has ever been made.

Instead, the tradition simply continued, and like in the past it was often the non-Adidas equipped players that led the choir and disagreed with the statement of Germany captain Michael Ballack, whose club (Chelsea) and country sports the famous three stripes.

'Fantastic. The ball does exactly what I want it to do. There are no more excuses,' Ballack said.

But Ballack will miss the World Cup due to injury while others have to deal with the hi-tech ball, and criticism was not restricted to goalkeepers.

Serbia and Manchester United defender Nemanja Vidic blamed the Jabulani for his blunder which led to a 1-0 defeat against New Zealand on the weekend.

Italy striker Giampaolo Pazzini also found harsh words: 'The ball is a disaster, for attackers as well. He are jumping into the air for a header, it makes a move and you miss it.'

Spanish midfield genius Xavi was also far from in a praising mood as players could face even more unpredictability once the tournament in South Africa starts - given the higher altitude of matches in cities like Johannesburg and Pretoria.

Source: Web Search

Underdogs Kiwis hope to create few upsets

Published>Mon, May 31 10 07:27 PM

Wellington, May 31 (DPA) One of the unquestioned minnows of World Cup football in South Africa this summer, New Zealand are happy just to be back in the spotlight after a 28-year absence from the finals.

Coach Ricki Herbert was in that team in Spain in 1982, and he will be trying to lead the All Whites to better than the three losses at that event.

Herbert and his side will take a small amount of consolation from their appearance at last summers Confederations Cup, also in South Africa, where they failed to score a goal but did find their first ever point at a senior FIFA competition when they drew with Iraq 0-0.

The competition was good experience for the Oceania representatives, who struggle to find top level matches, but they will have an even more difficult task on their hands this June, drawn into Group F with defending champions Italy, consistent South American challengers Paraguay and Slovakia, who are in their first finals as an independent state.

While their second opponents, Italy, would seem to have claim on one of the two spots into the next round, the All Whites are dreaming of nipping points in their opener against the Slovaks before potentially doing the same to the Paraguayans in their last match.

Physically imposing and defensive in nature, the New Zealanders will be unlikely to befriend many neutrals at the finals, but their backline should earn grudging respect from the world's watchers.

Veteran captain Ryan Nelsen of Blackburn Rovers is the key figure in the centre of defence and is an inspirational player for the side on and off the pitch.

Nelsen led the defence to an impressive pair of shutouts of Asian representatives Bahrain in the cross-continental qualifying play-off to reach South Africa, although towering goalkeeper Mark Paston deserves plaudits for a second-leg penalty save to preserve the 1-0 aggregate victory.

The scorer of the only goal of the tie, Rory Fallon, is a consistent option at the other end of the pitch alongside Shane Smeltz, who has been named Oceania Player of the Year for two consecutive years. Based at West Bromwich Albion, Chris Wood is another promising striker at just 18 years of age.

Herbert, who maintains his job managing Kiwi club Wellington Phoenix in Australia's A-League, surely knows that his long-shot team are not helped by the early end to the Australian season where most of his players compete.

But the determined boss and his inspirational captain have nothing to lose and everything to gain, and Australia's abandonment of the Oceania region, leaves them looking to go from strength to strength.

'Leading this team out at the World Cup is going to be the greatest honour of my career,' said Nelsen recently.

'We are underdogs, but we have great unity in the team and on a good day you never know what can happen,' said the captain.

The coach: Ricki Herbert, 49, has been determined to bring the New Zealand national team back to the World Cup since he was a young figure in the side that lost all three of their matches at Spain 1982.

Relatively inexperienced compared to his coaching rivals, he is a conservative tactician, which should play to his teams strengths - although he called on three strikers in the decisive play-off matches against Bahrain.

A former defender, who won 61 caps for the Kiwis, Herbert took up the national team reins in 2005, winning the OFC Nations Cup in 2008 to qualify for the Confederations Cup. A first-ever point in a senior FIFA competition in South Africa last summer and a famous 1-0 aggregate win over Bahrain to reach the finals this year is enough for his tenure to be already considered a success.

The star: Ryan Nelsen is the most well-known face on the New Zealand national team, having starred for Blackburn Rovers in the English Premier League for the last five seasons. The 32-year-old central defender is captain for club and country and is a particularly inspiring figure for the All Whites.

A talented athlete, Nelsen is nonetheless susceptible to injuries, and he missed out on the Confederations Cup last summer with a calf problem. There were worries about his fitness for the World Cup after he went down with a knee injury in February, but he should be ready to lead the side into their second finals appearance.

Source: Web Search

Dhoni to launch cricket academy in Ranchi

Published>Mon, May 31 10 07:09 PM

Ranchi, May 31 (ANI): Indian skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni is all set to realize his dream of launching a cricket academy in Ranchi.

Dhoni has approached Central Coalfields Limited (CCL) for the setting up of a cricket academy to nurture young talent and budding players from Jharkhand and Bihar.

The central coalfields felicitated him for his contribution to the state team and the Indian cricket team.

Speaking on the occasion, Dhoni said that the central coalfields were trying to devise a formula to help in promoting sports in the state.

He said his new project would provide a platform for budding cricketers to groom themselves for India's biggest domestic cricket tournament, the Ranji Trophy.

"We are planning to start a cricket team again here. And we are hoping that the youngsters get facilities to practice for four-five to upto seven months so that they can groom themselves well for the Ranji Trophy level, and be a permanent part of the team.

And if they perform well in the domestic tournament they will rise to a much higher level," he added. (ANI)

Source: Web Search

ANALYSIS - Mourinho needs Euro glory to win over doubters

Published>Mon, May 31 10 06:47 PM

Jose Mourinho's challenge at Real Madrid is to deliver their 10th European Cup as quickly as possible, thereby putting arch-rivals Barcelona back into the shade.

If he can do that, impatient Real fans and management will be prepared to overlook the methods by which it may be achieved as success in the Champions League has become their Holy Grail.

Real won Europe's top club competition three times in six years between 1998 and 2002, made the semi-finals in 2003 and the quarters the year after, but have failed to progress beyond the last 16 since.

Last season's surprise exit to Olympique Lyon, their sixth successive defeat in the first knockout round, sealed Manuel Pellegrini's fate, while failure to reach the final at their own Santiago Bernabeu stadium was particularly galling.

When Real president Florentino Perez authorised the expenditure of 250 million euros on new players last year, that had surely been one of his objectives.

Speaking after his sacking last week, Pellegrini said he did not believe winning La Liga would have made any difference to his future in the post, and that was after his team scored 102 goals and smashed the Spanish points record.

Barca went one better to finish three points ahead on the final day of the season, with their home and away victories over Real in the clasicos' the difference between the two giants.

Mourinho, of course, out-manoeuvred Pep Guardiola's side to knock them out of the Champions League at the semi-final stage, and he will be expected to do something similar next season when the sides meet in the league.

Barca have not rested on their laurels and have snapped up Spain striker David Villa to strengthen their side. Real have yet to move in the transfer market but this could be the first point of friction between Mourinho and his new bosses.

COACH UNDERMINED

Pellegrini, as other Real coaches have before him, complained of being isolated from the planning and decision-making processes at the club, saying they undermined the position of the coach.

Mourinho is likely to want more control over who is signed and will fiercely resist any kind of interference in team affairs from Perez's right-hand man Jorge Valdano and sports director Miguel Pardeza.

The Portuguese is the 10th coach hired in eight years since Vicente del Bosque led them to their last European triumph in 2002, and he has to please the suits upstairs as well as a demanding fan base, many of whom are suspicious of Mourinho's reputation for being a defensive coach.

Real fans expect their sides to entertain and want to see the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Kaka cut loose. The atmosphere at the Bernabeu resembles that of a bull-ring where a matador is judged by how well he kills the animal, his style, his daring and his flourishes.

Keeping a Galactico like Kaka on the bench, for example, will test the patience of Real's marketing men and the fans, but they will perhaps forgive him if he leads them to next year's Champions League final.

Three European Cup triumphs with three different clubs would be a remarkable personal achievement for Mourinho, especially if the third was won with perhaps the world's most impatient club.

Source: Web Search

England set 160 to win after Finn takes five wickets

Published>Mon, May 31 10 06:27 PM

Steven Finn captured five wickets in an innings in his first home test on Monday to grasp the initiative for England on the final day of the first test against Bangladesh at Lord's.

Bangladesh, who resumed on 328 for five in their second innings, were dismissed for 382 just before lunch to leave England needing 160 to win with two sessions remaining.

Fast bowler Finn, 21, who made his debut on the two-test tour of Bangladesh in March, struck three times in 15 balls after play resumed on a cold, overcast morning.

Bowling from the Pavilion End, he removed captain Shakhib Al Hasan (16), Junaid Siddique (74) and Mushfiqur Rahim (0) in consecutive overs,

Shakhib guided a simple catch to Eoin Morgan at cover point and Siddique's patient innings ended after more than four hours when he was deceived by a slower delivery and lobbed the ball to Tim Bresnan at mid-off. Mushfiqur edged an excellent ball moving away off the pitch to wicketkeeper Matt Prior.

Bresnan, who replaced Finn at the Pavilion End, took his first wicket when Rubel Hossain (4) edged a low catch to Andrew Strauss at first slip. He ended the innings when Mahmudullah was caught behind by Prior for 19.

Mahmudullah had been given a life on 14 when Bresnan at third slip failed to get to his hands to a chance off James Anderson which flew over his head.

Source: Web Search

Ghana hope Mensah gamble is stroke of genius

Published Mon, May 31 10 06:07 PM

Ghana have gambled on the fitness of Sunderland defender John Mensah and included the centre back in their final 23-man squad for the World Cup.

Coach Milovan Rajevac has named Mesnah for the tournament starting on June 11 in South Africa despite a run of injuries over the last year and concern over a ligament strain suffered towards the end of the English league season.

Ghana, who suffered a major blow last week when Michel Essien was ruled out of the finals because of injury, also included Portsmouth's German-born midfielder Kevin-Prince Boateng in the squad named on Monday.

Boateng recently received FIFA permission to switch his nationality after previously winning caps at under-21 level for Germany, and is expected to debut for the Black Stars in a friendly against the Netherlands in Rotterdam on Tuesday.

The only other uncapped player in the squad is reserve goalkeeper Stephen Ahorlu.

Rajevac cut six players from his preliminary squad; Stephen Adams, Eric Addo, Emmanuel Agyemang-Badu, Laryea Kingston, Haminu Dramani and Bernard Kumordzi.

Ghana are in Group D along with Serbia, Australia and Germany.

Source: Web Search

Footballing clichis 'poignant, beautiful': Booker winner Kazuo Ishiguro

Published>Mon, May 31 10 05:53 PM

London, May 31 (ANI): Soccer clichis such as "at the end of the day" are "beautiful and poignant", says Booker prize winner Kazuo Ishiguro.

The 55-year-old Japanese author supported the post-match language of players and managers when asked about his own writing style at the Hay literary festival.

Ishiguro was answering a question about his new collection of short stories, Nocturnes - Five Stories of Music and Nightfall.

John Mullan, Professor of English at University College London, said only footballers would use phrases like "to tell the truth" and "to be fair".

But Ishiguro defended his use of the phrases.

"I find a lot of what footballers say is poignant and beautiful. Perhaps I am alone in this," the Telegraph quoted him, as saying.

He added: "I find phrases like 'to be fair' and 'at the end of the day' very deep. 'At the end of the day,' is full of stoic ruefulness. It's very close to reflecting the human condition.

"I feel that for writers, an obsession with what is elegant or what is a clichi or not a clichi can become very inhibiting.

"When you write fiction but have to be prepared to adopt the language of everyone that you want to mimic. Prohibitions have behind them a kind of snobbery or fear of being seen as lower middle class." (ANI)

Source: Web Search

PGA Tour money list

Published Mon, May 31 10 05:47 PM

REUTERS - Leading money winners on the 2010 PGA Tour on Monday (U.S. unless stated):

1. Ernie Els (South Africa) $3,460,341

2. Phil Mickelson $2,677,719

3. Jim Furyk $2,588,070

4. Tim Clark (South Africa) $2,573,170

5. Anthony Kim $2,518,521

6. Robert Allenby (Australia) $2,394,057

7. Ben Crane $2,262,176

8. Camilo Villegas (Colombia) $2,118,415

9. Dustin Johnson $2,104,815

10. Steve Stricker $2,059,754

11. Matt Kuchar $1,923,700

12. Hunter Mahan $1,757,016

13. Jeff Overton $1,747,141

14. Ian Poulter (Britain) $1,711,681

15. Zach Johnson $1,687,412

16. Jason Bohn $1,667,255

17. Paul Casey (Britain) $1,618,184

18. Luke Donald (Britain) $1,600,146

19. JB Holmes $1,580,322

20. Bill Haas $1,563,720

Source: Web Search

Debutant Slovakia will be surprise package

Published>Mon, May 31 10 05:37 PM

Hamburg, May 31 (DPA) Slovakia will be making their football World Cup debut as an independent nation at South Africa 2010. And the upstarts know they are in a fight for second place in their group - with chances of increasing the popularity of the sport.

Vladimir Weiss's outsiders were drawn into Group F with reigning world champions Italy as well as Paraguay and New Zealand. And the Slovaks believe they will be challenging the latter two for the second Round of 16 berth.

'I'd think first place is already taken. I'm pretty certain the world champions can cope with this group. But we're contenders for second place. That would be a huge success for Slovakia,' striker Stanislav Sestak told FIFA.com recently.

Slovakia may be making their first appearance in the finals, but their rise to this point has been steady and their spot in South Africa without a doubt deserved.

They finished fourth in qualifying for the 1998 World Cup and third for Korea/Japan 2002. In 2006 qualifying, Slovakia finished runners-up in their group but were beaten by Spain in the play-offs.

But Weiss had his men ready in the 2010 qualification campaign, where they took top honours in Group 3, finishing ahead of second placed Slovenia. Third placed was the Czech Republic, who came into the qualification as a darkhorse World Cup favourite after playing at Germany 2006 and each Euro tournament between 1996 and 2008.

Now the nation of 5.5 million is looking forward to upsetting the odds in South Africa.

A strong showing in Africa could give football an increase in popularity in Slovakia, where ice hockey rules.

'We're obviously hoping it'll give us a real boost. Ice hockey has been easily our number one sport up to now. Taking part at the World Cup, and hopefully giving a decent account of ourselves, could well close the gap,' added Sestak.

The man behind Slovakia's successful run to the World Cup has been Weiss, 45, who played at the 1990 World Cup in Italy with Czechoslovakia and later also won caps for Slovakia.

After taking over from Jan Kocian in the summer of 2008, Weiss has sought to blend youth with experience and has a number of professionals with current or previous experience in the German and English leagues in particular.

Liverpool's Martin Skrtel and Marek Cech of West Bromwich Albion and the coach's own son - Vladimir Weiss at Manchester City - are among the English contingent.

The Germany-based players in the provisional squad include the experienced midfielder Miroslav Kahan (Mainz), defender Peter Pekarik (Wolfsburg), Sestak (Bochum) who can be used in an attacking midfield role, Erik Jendrisek, who has just agreed a switch from Kaiserslautern to Schalke 04.

Napoli's Marek Hamsik is at nearly 23 meanwhile already proving to be a vital player in midfield with outstanding performances which have earned him both the captaincy and the admiration of some of Europe's major clubs.

Striker Robert Vittek, another player bringing experience to the squad after spending five years at Nuremberg before joining Lille last year, says the players are hungry for success.

'Our greatest strength is our collective approach... Obviously, we have a number of skilled young individuals too,' he told the FIFA website recently.

The coach: Slovakia's success in qualifying for the World Cup followed the appointment as coach of Vladimir Weiss in July 2008. The 45-year-old - whose son Vladimir is a member of the playing squad and whose father Vladimir played for Czechoslovakia - won 19 caps for Czechoslovakia, with whom he played at the 1990 World Cup, and 12 for Slovakia.

He coached Artmedia Bratislava with whom he reached the group stage of the Champions League in the 2005/06 season, Russian club Saturn Ramenskoye and again Artmedia before taking on the national team post.

The star: Chelsea, Manchester United, Bayern Munich and Juventus are among the clubs reportedly keen on signing 22-year-old Marek Hamsik who has the quality to shine as one of the emerging stars at the World Cup next year.

After being voted young player of the year in Italy in 2008, Hamsik has again been in sparkling form for Serie A side Napoli this season and his role in attacking midfield has been one of the factors behind Slovakia's successful qualifying campaign.

Hamsik played for various junior national teams before making his debut in the national team on February 7, 2007 against Poland and has since gone on to make close to 30 appearances and take on the responsibility of captain.

Source: Web Search

Sahara remains sponsor of Team India

Published>Mon, May 31 10 05:21 PM

The Sahara Group outbid telecom giants Bharti Airtel to retain the title sponsorship rights of the Indian men's cricket team till the end of 2013 which could fetch BCCI upto Rs 558 crore.

The Subrato Roy-headed industrial conglomerate will pay Rs 3.34 crore per international match to have their logo displayed on the Team India jersey.

"Sahara India Financial Corporation has been awarded the Indian team (Seniors) Title Sponsorship Rights, for the period 1 July 2010 to 31 December 2013," BCCI Secretary N Srinivasan said in a statement.

"The BCCI will be paid Rs. 3.34 crore per Test/ODI/T20 International during this period," the statement added.

Locked in a two-way battle with Bharti Airtel, Sahara's bid was way above the Rs 2.89 crore per match offer made by the telecom giant.

The amount offered by Sahara could earn BCCI anything between Rs 481 crore to Rs 558 crore in the next three years depending on the number of matches India plays.

Sahara's original contract with the BCCI expired last year after the company spent Rs 400 crore over a four-year period for team sponsorship.

They came to the BCCI's rescue when no bids were received for the team sponsorship six months ago and continued their support for the period. Their renewed contract was to expire next month.

Under the existing contract, Sahara was paying Rs 1.9 crore per Test, Rs 2.08 crore per ODI and and Rs 1.56 crore per Twenty20 International, the BCCI said.

The two were the only firms left in the fray, although four others including electronic giants Videocon, had also purchased the bid form.

Sahara and Airtel submitted the requisite security deposit of Rs 50 crore along with the form at the end of deadline while the other firms excused themselves from the race due to the steep base price of Rs 2.5 crore per match.

The Cricket Board had published a tender notice calling for bids for the Indian men's team, women's team, India A squad and the under 19 squad and the deadline to submit security deposit ended on Sunday.

Source: Web Search

Is Lewis Hamilton planning to propose Nicole Scherzinger?

Published>Mon, May 31 10 05:07 PM

London, May 31 (ANI): Formula One champ Lewis Hamilton has plans to propose his girlfriend Pussycat Doll Nicole Scherzinger, friends have revealed.

One pal, in fact, believes that Lewis, 25 may have already popped the question to Nicole, 31, before his Turkish Grand Prix win in Istanbul, but is staying mum to avoid overshadowing her victory on US reality show 'Dancing With The Stars' last week.

"They'll be announcing the engagement soon. Some of their circle believes they have been secretly engaged for weeks," the Sun quoted a friend as saying.

The couple's spokesman has, however, denied these rumours. (ANI)

Source: Web Search

Rohit ends up on the right side

Published>Mon, May 31 10 04:51 PM

The carom ball darted off the soil, before it was lazily crunched through the square region on the off-side to the boundary.

For Ajantha Mendis, the emotions didn't show too much, as he had already resigned to his fate. But for Rohit Sharma, the prolonged weight of expectations had just risen off his shoulders, causing a look of much-awaited relief.

The traditional leap and the raise of the willow to the dressing room that followed probably didn't do the moment much justice, but the 100 runs he scored before the mild celebration justified every ounce of his oozing talent.

Sharma-Kohli show

Although Sharma's skills were never under question, his temperament had been a constant source of frustration for both the selectors and the fans, ever since he made his international debut in 2006. But with two back-to-back centuries ? his first two in international cricket ? at the Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo, the past has been swept under the carpet.

If Sharma's first century was in vain against Zimbabwe, the one on Sunday (an unbeaten 101) led India to a seven-wicket victory over Sri Lanka ? and their first in the tournament.

On a good day, Sharma can do little wrong. Putting his entire extent of elegance on display, the Mumbai batsman stroked every part of the picturesque ground, while forcing the spectators to burn their barbeques and spill beer in disbelief.

Sharing a 154-run partnership ? the highest on this ground ? with vice-captain Virat Kohli, Sharma's knock made a mockery of the 243-run target, as India chased the total with 39 balls to spare. On the other hand, Kohli was back at his vicious best during his 92-ball 82.

He matched Sharma almost to the stroke, before going for one shot too many in an attempt to earn his third hundred at this level. He holed out at mid-wicket off Suraj Randiv with 42 runs to get. There wasn't much Tillakaratne Dilshan could tell his bowlers, as even he was reduced to a mere spectator on his first day as Sri Lanka skipper.

Like Dilshan, Raina knows a thing or two about losing the first match while captaining. But a prolonged lapse of reason by the Indian skipper on the field could very well have made it two losses in a row for him.

Raina's gaffe doesn't hurt

Long after the match is done and dusted, Dilshan's wry chuckle is bound to embarrass Raina. Apart from the win, it was a day of another first for Raina. He became the only captain to implement the bowling powerplay and yet not have it accounted for. Raina obeyed the rules of the fielding restrictions for the entirety of the five-over spell between the 11th and the 15th, but forgot to inform the umpire.

When the team management relayed information that the umpire hasn't registered the decision yet, Dilshan guffawed in laughter. India ended up bowling 25 overs with the field restrictions on, instead of the mandatory 20, and the Lankans were in no mood to give any respite. Dilshan quickly raced onto his 50 but became the third casualty to a run-out in the Sri Lankan innings.

Deputy Angelo Mathews powered on from where Dilshan left, assaulting the Indian bowling line-up with some lusty hits during his 75 to take his side to 242. But it was never going to be enough, as a century in a winning cause was in the pipeline for Sharma, for a very long time.

Mithun to replace Vinay Kumar

R Vinay Kumar has been ruled out of the tri-series due to a knee injury and will be replaced by Karnataka new-ball partner Abhimanyu Mithun in the Indian squad. "The selection committee of the BCCI has chosen Abhimanyu Mithun as replacement for Vinay Kumar," BCCI secretary N Srinivasan said in a statement. "He (Mithun) will fly out as soon as formalities are completed."

Source: Web Search

Ex-Pak greats blast PCB arbitrator for revoking Malik's ban

Published>Mon, May 31 10 04:47 PM

Lahore, May 31 (ANI): The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) arbitrator's decision to overturn former skipper Shoaib Malik's one-year ban and reduce his two million rupee fine, apparently under some political pressure, has earned him criticism from all quarters, particularly from former players.

Former Test opener Aamer Sohail called Irfan Qadir's decision as 'hasty' and said that the ban was lifted under pressure.

"To hide its own incompetence, the PCB targeted the players and, after pressures from outside, they abruptly lifted the ban," The Daily Times quoted Sohail, as saying.

Former fast bowler Sarfraz Nawaz blasted the PCB for first banning the players and then suddenly lifting the ban, and described the decision to revoke Malik's ban as 'a coward's stance'.

"It's a decision taken under political pressure and will damage Pakistan cricket in the future. The PCB took a decision against discipline breaches but couldn't stand the pressure from political forces," Nawaz said.

"I also question the authority of the arbitrator as well who doesn't have the credibility and authority to take such a decision," he added. (ANI)

Source: Web Search

Rooney, Gerrard World Cup shirts selling like hotcakes in UK

Published>Mon, May 31 10 04:17 PM

London, May 31(ANI): Football World Cup shirts of England striker Wayne Rooney and midfielder Steven Gerrard are outselling those featuring Argentina superstar Lionel Messi and Portugal captain Christiano Ronaldo.

Just 12 days before the World Cup kicks off in South Africa, sales data from football shirt firm Kitbag.com showed that home and away kits with Rooney and Gerrard are the best sellers.

The data also found that many of the Argentina shirts, topped by Messi, are being sent to fans in Scotland.

Messi shirts have sold twice as many as those with Ivory Coast's Didier Drogba, three times as many as Brazil's Kaka and England's Frank Lampard, and seven times as many as France's Thierry Henry.

"We've seen a big rise in demand from Scotland for US and Argentina shirts," The Sun quoted Ray Evans, Kitbag.com boss, as saying.

Shirts for teams including Australia, Portugal, Ivory Coast and Holland are also flying off the shelves. (ANI)

Source: Web Search

Ex-Pak greats blast PCB arbitrator for revoking Malik's ban

Published>Mon, May 31 10 04:11 PM

Lahore, May 31 (ANI): The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) arbitrator's decision to overturn former skipper Shoaib Malik's one-year ban and reduce his two million rupee fine, apparently under some political pressure, has earned him criticism from all quarters, particularly from former players.

Former Test opener Aamer Sohail called Irfan Qadir's decision as 'hasty' and said that the ban was lifted under pressure.

"To hide its own incompetence, the PCB targeted the players and, after pressures from outside, they abruptly lifted the ban," The Daily Times quoted Sohail, as saying.

Former fast bowler Sarfraz Nawaz blasted the PCB for first banning the players and then suddenly lifting the ban, and described the decision to revoke Malik's ban as 'a coward's stance'.

"It's a decision taken under political pressure and will damage Pakistan cricket in the future. The PCB took a decision against discipline breaches but couldn't stand the pressure from political forces," Nawaz said.

"I also question the authority of the arbitrator as well who doesn't have the credibility and authority to take such a decision," he added. (ANI)

Source: Web Search

WBC champ Klitschko itching to 'shut Haye's big mouth'

Published>Mon, May 31 10 04:07 PM

London, May 31(ANI): Ukrainian WBC world heavyweight boxing champion Vitali Klitschko has targeted British boxer David Haye as his preferred option as his next opponent.

Klitschko's demand came after he retained his title with a 10th-round stoppage of London-based Polish fighter Albert Sosnowski in Gelsenkirchen, Germany.

"I would like to fight either David Haye or the Russian giant Valuev next. I would really like to fight Haye next because I want his title," The Mirror quoted Klitschko, as saying.

"All Haye does is talk trash about other fighters. I would really like to get him in the ring to shut his big mouth," he added.

When asked about his fourth defence in his third reign as world title-holder, Klitschko said: "I am very happy about my performance. Albert was good, but I saw his mistakes and took advantage of them."

It was the Ukrainian's 38th stoppage victory in 42 fights.

Meanwhile, WBA world heavyweight champion Haye is in talks with Klitschko's younger brother and IBF-WBO king Wladimir about a world title unification clash in October. (ANI)

Source: Web Search

Russian WC football 2018 bid boss says England fans 'utmost hooligans'

Published>Mon, May 31 10 03:51 PM

London, May 31(ANI): Russia 2018 World Cup bid chief Alexei Sorokin has launched a scathing attack on England fans, calling them 'hooligans'.

Sorokin's comments came after London 2012 Olympic Games Organizing Committee Chairman, Lord Coe, hailed England's fans as the best in the world.

"I know Lord Coe well. He is a most decent person, but I do not understand what 'the best supporters' mean," The Mirror quoted Sorokin, as saying.

"Maybe he meant that English football fans are the utmost hooligans. If that's so, I am ready to agree and hand over supremacy to them. Wherever the English fans travel they create huge problems for the hosts. In this sense they are indeed 'the best'."

"As for our fans, going to away games they behave well. I may guarantee that as the Russian Football Union general director," he added.

Meanwhile, talking about former Football Association Chairman Lord Triesman's allegations that Russia and Spain were involved in a bribery scandal, Sorokin claimed: "We are in a state of information war with England."

"In England they keep publishing stuff aimed against us. I must stress that we do not retaliate," he added. (ANI)

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Sahara to sponsor India team at $718,000 per match

Published Mon, May 31 10 03:47 PM

Sahara India Financial Corporation have agreed a new deal to sponsor the Indian cricket team until December 2013 at a cost of 33.4 million rupees ($718,000) per match.

The deal was announced on Monday by the Board of Control for Cricket in India, who issued a tender for the rights last week, with Bharti Airtel providing the competition to Sahara.

India are expected to play between 140 and 167 test, Twenty20 and one-day matches during the contract depending on their success in competitions, which should lead to an increase in income on the previous deal.

The Sahara Group, which has interests in financial services, real estate, media and tourism, held the rights for Indian internationals for four years through a previous deal, under which they paid different prices per game.

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Woods' 'mistress' Rachel Uchitel on holiday with Gossip Girl star Chace Crawford

Published>Mon, May 31 10 03:07 PM

Melbourne, May 31 (ANI): Defamed golfer Tiger Woods' alleged lover Rachel Uchitel is on a holiday with Gossip Girl star Chace Crawford.

The New York society girl, 34, was snapped holidaying with the actor, 10 years her junior, and his family on a Memorial Day break to Mexico, reports the Herald Sun.

Also present in the party with Crawford were his sister Candice and her footballer boyfriend, Tony Romo.

Uchitel has always denied having an affair with Woods. (ANI)

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Problems in past, full speed ahead for Castroneves

Published>Sat, May 29 10 03:47 AM

Helio Castroneves arrived at the Indianapolis 500 last year trying to put legal troubles behind him, but this weekend the charismatic Brazilian comes to the Brickyard looking to join an elite group.

In nearly a century of racing at the famed speedway, only three men -- A.J. Foyt, Al Unser Sr. and Rick Mears -- have finished the 500 on Victory Lane four times, and a win on Sunday for Castroneves would make him the first non-American to join that exclusive club.

"For me, Rick and A.J., they're the gods of racing, the legends. I'm so honoured to have this opportunity," said Castroneves, who will launch his bid for a fourth 500 bid from the pole. "To be compared with those guys, if I'm able to accomplish what I want, it will be a dream come true."

A year ago the Brazilian's career appeared in jeopardy.

He had been forced to step out of the cockpit and turn over his seat in the Penske Dallara to Australian Will Power while he battled tax evasion charges that could have landed him in prison for six years if convicted.

But just weeks before the Indy, Castroneves was cleared of the charges and he celebrated his return to the Brickyard with a third 500 win, thanking his team for "giving my life back" as he chugged from the traditional bottle of milk.

With the darkest chapter in Castroneves's life closed, the bubbly Brazilian known to race fans as 'Spiderman' for scaling the fences surrounding the track after a victory is now focused on the task at hand.

The 35-year-old driver's biggest challenges on Sunday are likely to come from team mate and Indy Car series leader Will Power, who will line up alongside him in row one, and Briton Dario Franchitti, who will try to give his team owner Chip Ganassi a special place in the motor-racing record books.

Roger Penske and Ganassi are the only two owners to win America's two biggest motor sports races but no one has claimed the 500 double in the same year.

"I don't look at it in terms of winning the two races in one year," said Ganassi, who won the Daytona 500 in February with Jamie McMurray. "It would be a huge thing but right now my focus is to beat this guy (Penske) next to me.

FOUR WOMEN

The 94th running of the Indy 500 will include a record four women among the 33-car field.

Brazil's Ana Beatriz produced the best qualifying effort among the women putting her car on the outside of row seven.

She was followed closely by 21-year-old Swiss rookie Simona de Silvestro, who will start on the inside of row eight just ahead of American Danica Patrick, the only woman to ever win an Indy Car race.

The poor qualifying effort added to what has been a disappointing season for Patrick, the only woman to lead a lap in the 500 and who has traditionally produced some of her best results the sprawling speedway.

Sarah Fisher will start from near the back in row 10.

"Coming (to Indy), I thought it would for sure would be good and it hasn't been," said Patrick, who recorded the best ever result by a woman in an Indy 500 with her third place finish last year. "I'm trying not to think about that.

"I need to focus on each day and move along because when I look back on this season it makes me disappointed."

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NBA - Zero to hero in three seconds for Lakers' Artest

Published>Sat, May 29 10 03:27 AM

Grizzled veteran Phil Jackson has seen it all as a player and coach in the NBA but even he was dumbfounded by Ron Artest's stunning turnaround from zero to hero for the Los Angeles Lakers.

Artest had missed two ill-advised three-pointers in the last minute of Thursday's Game Five against the Phoenix Suns before he sank the winning basket as time expired to leave the Lakers one victory away from the NBA finals.

"He has an uncanny knack of doing things, and sometimes it just works out," Lakers coach Jackson told reporters after the NBA champions scraped past the Suns 103-101 to take a 3-2 lead in the best-of-seven Western Conference finals.

"He just has a knack of being around crucial plays."

Asked if he had ever witnessed such a sudden and dramatic change in fortune for a player, the 64-year-old Jackson replied: "No, I have not. I'm still recovering.

"We had a little session with Ron after the ball game. A lot of hugs, and then a lot of discussion."

Artest had struggled with his shooting all night at the Staples Center, making only one-of-eight from the field before his buzzer-beating heroics thwarted a gripping Suns fightback.

Phoenix had rallied from an 18-point deficit to trail by just three in the final minute when Artest missed consecutive open shots from beyond the arc, the second of them when the Lakers should have been running down the clock.

Jason Richardson banked in a game-tying three-pointer with 3.5 seconds left for the Suns and Jackson immediately called a 20-second timeout.

KEY PLAY

"I don't know why I left him in the game," Jackson said of his decision to allow Artest back on court for the final possession. "I actually questioned it myself when I put him out there on the floor, and there he was. Made the key play."

Jackson's final play was set up for Kobe Bryant to go for the winning shot but his attempt from long range came up short. Artest slipped in to beat Richardson to the rebound and he scored with an awkward layup to send the crowd into a frenzy.

"I thought Kobe got fouled on the shot so I just kind of figured it was going to be short," said Artest, who was mobbed by his jubilant team mates after making what he called the biggest shot of his career.

"I missed a lot of layups during the regular season. I'm just staying with it, just trying to play my part and see what happens."

Artest, effectively traded to the Lakers from the Houston Rockets last July for three-point specialist Trevor Ariza, has struggled to fit in with the Los Angeles offense this season.

"I'm a better player than my numbers are speaking of right now but there's a new system for me," he said. "I'm trying to somehow make it work for the team."

His buzzer-beating basket certainly worked for the Lakers on Thursday night and they can reach the NBA Finals for a third year in a row if they beat the Suns in Phoenix in Game Six on Saturday.

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Inter upset as Mourinho steals limelight in finest hour

Published>Sat, May 29 10 03:07 AM

Inter Milan should be basking in the glory of a record-breaking season but instead the manner of Jose Mourinho's departure has left a nasty taste in the mouth.

A first Champions League triumph since 1965 and an unprecedented Italian treble have been overshadowed by Mourinho's unashamed desire to join Real Madrid and his verbal volleys against what he saw as the cynical Italian game.

The outspoken Portuguese all but announced he was leaving for Real when Inter were still celebrating on the pitch after their 2-0 European Cup final win over Bayern Munich last Saturday.

Winning the most-coveted of trophies at Real's Santiago Bernabeu stadium only served to increase the drama which envelopes the brash former Chelsea coach, leading fans around the world to love him and hate him in equal measure.

Inter president Massimo Moratti, who on Friday agreed a compensation deal to allow Mourinho to join Real, had very little time to enjoy his team's stunning achievements.

"Certainly his timing was not great," Moratti, who sees England coach Fabio Capello and Fulham boss Roy Hodgson as potential replacements, told reporters.

"Both for him and the fans, he could have opted for a course of action a little different."

Mourinho cried when Inter wrapped up a fifth straight Serie A title on the final day of the season against Siena and the waterworks from the usually cool coach were also on full power after the Bayern game.

He has spoken often of his attachment to the Inter team and fans, despite his hatred of the Italian media and soccer establishment, but his swift departure was not a surprise given he did the same thing when leaving Porto for Chelsea in 2004 following their European Cup success.

Despite not managing to fully appreciate his club's moment of glory because of Mourinho, Moratti would not have swapped his coach for the world given what they have achieved.

The club president knew he was signing a livewire when Mourinho rolled up two years ago.

"He worked hard, seriously, with all his soul and he won so much. This situation does not ruin at all my esteem and friendliness towards him as a person. The door is always open," Moratti added.

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INTERVIEW - Johnson says no rival to give Bolt a jolt

Published>Sat, May 29 10 02:07 AM

Ben Johnson, the disgraced former sprinter who was banned from competition in 1993 for using steroids, said athletics is fortunate to have Usain Bolt but the sport lacks the kind of rivalries that marked his time in the spotlight.

Johnson, who waged a memorable rivalry with American Carl Lewis during his prime, said Olympic and world champion Bolt is capable of running even farther away from the pack and could lower his 100 meters world record of 9.58 seconds to 9.4.

"Track and field has not the excitement like there used to be anymore. The excitement is gone," Johnson told Reuters in Harlem on Thursday after participating in a sports symposium.

"We know Bolt is going to win all the time."

Bolt has electrified the sprint scene since setting the 100 metres world record two years ago in New York, registering an Olympic and world record triple in the 100, 200 and 4x100 relay at the 2008 Olympics, and lowering the current 100m standard at last year's world championships in Berlin.

Johnson was clocked at a world record 9.79 seconds when he beat Lewis for gold at the 1988 Seoul Olympics before he tested positive for steroids at the Games and had his medal and record stripped away in a startling plunge from prominence.

"Carl Lewis and I were a big rivalry," Johnson, 48, said.

"We didn't like each other. But Carl Lewis brought the best out in me and I brought the best out in Carl Lewis. Carl Lewis and Ben Johnson was like Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier back in the '70s boxing."

Johnson, banned from competing for life in 1993 after a second positive doping test, now helps train young sprinters in Toronto. The Jamaican-born Johnson does not attend top track events but said he noticed that Bolt has room to improve.

"From what I've seen on the replays, I think if he can work on the first 10 metres on his start -- he doesn't have to work on the 30 and 40 -- just get the reaction, he can run a 9.4."

Before the symposium on the future of Jamaican athletics, Johnson, still looking fit in a dark dress suit with his familiar shaved head and sad eyes, told a news conference that his autobiography "Seoul to Soul" would reveal new evidence of sabotage related to his positive dope test.

Saying he was "singled out" as a doping cheat and "wrongfully convicted", Johnson defended his prowess as a sprinter and said his use of steroids only served to allow him to train harder, not to run faster.

"Usain Bolt and I come from different generations," he said. "When I was running, I was running 9.79 on a slow track. Now technology has changed and he is running 9.5. So things have changed over the years.

"I'm not saying he is not good. He is great. And it's good for Jamaica and it's good for all the kids in Jamaica to say I want to be a part of that."

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Real secure Mourinho as coach after Inter deal

Published>Sat, May 29 10 01:47 AM

Real Madrid will present Jose Mourinho as their coach on Monday after agreeing an undisclosed compensation deal with Inter Milan, the Spanish club said on Friday.

Inter president Massimo Moratti and his Real counterpart Florentino Perez met to thrash out details of the package that will free Mourinho to leave and join the nine-times European champions after a treble-winning season in Italy.

While Spanish and Italian media reported that Inter would receive eight million euros ($9.80 million), a statement from the Italian champions said: "Real will eventually have to pay all the clause in the contract."

Inter added that exchange of players could form part of the deal.

Mourinho led Inter to three trophies last season, culminating in their Champions League final victory over Bayern Munich at Real's Bernabeu Stadium.

Real turned to him after sacking Manuel Pellegrini this week following a season with no trophies for a team that had 250 million euros spent on it last summer.

"We are convinced that we need a fresh impulse and we are convinced that Jose Mourinho is the right person to take on the job," Perez said at the time.

The move for Mourinho marks a change in direction for Perez, who has preferred to invest money in the world's best players rather than high-profile coaches in the past.

STRONG MAN

"(We looked to Mourinho) for his prestige, for the personality he has, for his great ability to absorb the pressure and for the leadership Madrid needs," Perez's right-hand man Jorge Valdano said in a radio interview earlier on Friday.

"We lacked a strong man in a moment of transition like this."

Real tripped up in the big games last season, losing in the 'clasicos' against Barcelona and in the Champions League first knockout round against Olympique Lyon.

Mourinho, 47, has a reputation as a motivator, is a great tactician and is strong enough to ride out the inevitable ups and downs of managing a side under the local media's microscope.

With Porto he won the UEFA Cup and the European Cup in 2004, and he won back-to-back league titles with Chelsea before moving to Italy.

He will be expected to get the most out of compatriot Cristiano Ronaldo but is likely to demand more of a say in planning at the club.

Pellegrini spoke of being isolated from the decision-making process when it came to planning the team, and Jose Antonio Camacho walked out on the club in 2004 complaining of interference in team affairs from above.

Spanish media have already speculated that Real will move back into the transfer market, with Inter's Brazilian fullback Maicon and Benfica's Argentine winger Angel Di Maria among the names linked with the club.

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Federer to leave friendship aside against Wawrinka

Published>Sat, May 29 10 01:07 AM

No-one knows the importance of a killer instinct in tennis more than Roger Federer, but even the Swiss maestro accepts it will be tough to keep his feelings in check when he faces great friend Stanislas Wawrinka on Sunday.

The Olympic doubles champions and practice partners face each other across the net for the first time in a grand slam, and with Wawrinka boasting a rare clay victory over the world number one Federer knows he faces a formidable foe.

"We know it's going to be a tough match, so I'm very happy about this challenge, because he's a great player. I'll have to play great tennis, also," the top seed said after swatting aside German qualifier Julian Reister 6-4 6-0 6-4 on Friday.

Federer has throughout his career been something of a mentor for Wawrinka, at 25 three years his junior, offering him advice in the early stages of their friendship.

Yet Wawrinka, who won doubles gold alongside Federer for Switzerland in Beijing two years ago, scored a three-set win on clay in Monte Carlo last year and will likewise forget their friendship for what promises to be a captivating fourth-round battle.

"I'm not his coach, but at the beginning it's like giving tips and advice. I saw him growing, and he had many problems with the indoors before on the hard or quick surfaces.

"I saw how he developed on these surfaces. It's always very interesting to see how he can continue and make progress. He's no longer asking for tips, which is a good sign."

Like Federer, the softly spoken Wawrinka has yet to lose a set in his current Roland Garros campaign, and has reached the last 16 for the first time in Paris.

"I've never played against him during a grand slam, so that's a bit of a difference," Federer said. "He's really fit, and we have the same physical trainer. We know what we do."

Wawrinka needed no reminding of the influence Federer had had on his career.

"When I was young and I arrived on the tour, he was already top 10. Because of him, I have a gold medal in my house, so I'm very happy for that," said Wawrinka after dispatching Italian Fabio Fognini in straight sets on Friday.

"It's never easy because he's really a good friend. We know each other so well, so it's never easy to play him, especially here in French Open.

"But then when you go on court you try to do your job."

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