Queen's baton to reach Chandigarh by road

Published>Thu, Jul 01 10 12:28 PM

Chandigarh, July 1 (IANS) The Queen's baton for the 2010 Commonwealth Games, which was supposed to arrive here by a flight from Jammu Thursday morning, is now undertaking a nearly 10-hour road journey to reach this union territory, an official said.

'The baton had to board a flight from Jammu to Chandigarh. But due to some security concerns in Srinagar, the programme was changed and it was finally decided to follow the road route,' Priya Singh Paul, official spokesperson of Queen's Baton Relay, told IANS.

'Rest everything is going according to plan and there are no other complications,' she added.

Pakistan's Olympic Association chief Syed Arif Hassan handed over the baton to Indian Olympic Association (IOA) president Suresh Kalmadi, who is also the chairman of the organising committee of Commonwealth Games-2010, at the Attari border June 25.

Elaborate security cover is now being provided to the baton by the Punjab Police while it is on its way to Chandigarh.

'The baton was earlier coming to Chandigarh by air from Jammu but yesterday (Wednesday)late evening the officials concerned informed me that it was now coming by road. They requested me to arrange security for the baton on the route,' Raja Sidhu, nodal officer of the IOA for the Queen's Baton Relay, said.

'I asked the Punjab Police chief to provide a proper escort to the baton when it passes through Punjab. It will travel through Pathankot, Hoshiarpur and Mohali before finally entering into Chandigarh,' he added.

The baton will be in Hoshiarpur and Pathankot for the second time as it passed through them June 27.

'After entering Chandigarh, the baton will be straightaway taken to the Western Command headquarters at Chandimandir (in neighbouring Panchkula town),' Sidhu said.

'The baton will be officially received by the Chandigarh administration July 3 and it will move towards Una town (in Himachal Pradesh) in the wee hours of July 4,' he added.

The baton travelled nearly 170,000 km through nearly 70 Commonwealth countries before arriving in host India for the Games Oct 3-14 in New Delhi.

By the end of its journey, the baton would have travelled over 190,000 km, through different modes of transport across land, air and sea, in 340 days. This will make the baton relay 2010 one of the longest in the history of the Commonwealth Games.

The 2010 Commonwealth Games is the biggest sporting extravaganza being hosted by India since the 1982 Asian Games held in New Delhi.

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Oz, Kiwi cricket boards 'gutted' by ICC's rejection of Howard candidacy

Published>Thu, Jul 01 10 11:52 AM

Melbourne, July 1 (ANI): Cricket Australia and New Zealand Cricket have said that they are "gutted" by the Internatioanl Cricket Council's (ICC) decision to reject former Prime Minister John Howard's vice presidency bid.

Howard's bid for the coveted post was rejected after the ICC's African and Asian blocs dismissed it without a vote.

Cricket Australia chairman Jack Clarke said the ICC gave no reason for the decision after it met in Singapore.

Clarke said Australia's relationship with the ICC had suffered as a result of a decision which "was in the grand final" of ICC insults towards Australia.

Howard, who was Australian prime minister from March 1996 to December 2007, was "extremely disappointed and extremely upset" at the decision, Clarke said.

Clarke said from Singapore: "You hope it doesn't affect the relationship, but it obviously puts a block there for a while and makes you wary."

"Gutted and incredibly disappointed that a man of John Howard's stature has been knocked off for this job," he said.

"If you keep having processes that don't work, or are not allowed to work, I am not too sure where they go from there," he added.

New Zealand Cricket chairman Alan Isaac said he was angered at the ICC's refusal to detail their reasons for the rejection.

"We have been unable to get a reason for the lack of support for our nomination and it's just not acceptable," Isaac said.

Australia and New Zealand had jointly nominated Howard for the ICC vice presidency, a candidacy normally rubber-stamped by cricket's governing body.

Under ICC rules, the vice president becomes president after two years.

The ICC has invited Australia and New Zealand to nominate a new candidate by the end of August.

Under the ICC's rotational five-region electoral process, Howard's candidacy for vice president should have been ratified months ago.

But opposition to Howard delayed the decision.

The opposition was led by Zimbabwe and South Africa, who questioned Howard's suitability given his hardline stance against Zimbabwe's Mugabe regime when he was prime minister.

Howard also faced difficulties winning over the powerful Asian bloc after once labelling celebrated Sri Lankan bowler Muttiah Muralitharan a "chucker".

When India threw their considerable muscle behind the Asian bloc, Howard's bid was doomed.

Clarke said India's influence within the ICC was not ideal.

"In any business model where a company has 75 per cent of the income, it's not an ideal model. But that is not India's fault they do that ... it's a powerful bloc but it's a reality of life," he said.

Howard himself said he's disappointed because he still hasn't been told why he was rejected.

He said it was possible his political past could be the source of the controversy. (ANI)

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I won''t withdraw: Howard

Published Thu, Jul 01 10 11:22 AM

Melbourne, Jul 1 (PTI) The rejection from the powerful Afro-Asian bloc notwithstanding, a defiant former Australian Prime Minister John Howard today refused to withdraw his candidacy for the ICC President''s post. "I won''t be withdrawing. Even in private discussions they (the opposing boards) are very reluctant to give a particular reason. It''s a very unusual situation," Howard told ''Sky News''. Howard''s name was proposed by Australia and New Zealand and backed by only England at an ICC meeting in Singapore. The self-confessed "cricket-tragic" failed to get the crucial support from the powerful sub-continental bloc -- India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka -- and the African Boards. Cricket Australia (CA) chairman Jack Clarke and his New Zealand counterpart Alan Isaac said they were angry and gutted by the rejection. In a joint statement issued after Howard''s nomination was rejected, the two boards said "we remain convinced it is reasonable for his nomination to be supported by the ICC executive board." There is speculation that Howard was rejected by the African Boards for his vocal opposition to the Robert Mugabe regime in Zimbabwe during his tenure as Australian Prime Minister. Howard said if that was the reason, he would rather accept the rejection then back down on his past comments on Mugabe. "All I can say in relation to Robert Mugabe is that if that is the reason I wear the negative attitude as a badge of honour because I don''t apologise in any way for the criticism I offer of the Mugabe regime," Howard said. No past experience in cricket administration also worked against Howard but the Aussie said it is hardly a reason to oppose him. "If it was in some way based on past political reasons then that is a very bad precedent to be establishing for the ICC because there are serving politicians holding positions of authority within the ICC. "I''m not criticising that but I''m just drawing attention to it," he said.

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Unlucky 13, unless your name is Mueller

Published>Thu, Jul 01 10 11:18 AM

Johannesburg, July 1 (DPA) If you want to play in the World Cup final, better not choose jersey number 13 - unless your name is Mueller.

The number 13 is considered unlucky in many countries.

But football's governing body FIFA has little sympathy for superstition. Since squad numbers were introduced, in 1954, the number 13 jersey has featured in all of the squads taking part in a World Cup.

Where it has not featured very often, however, is in the World Cup final itself. In the 14 showdowns played since 1954, just four players won the tournament wearing a number 13 jersey.

The number of players who have won an individual award at the World Cup finals while wearing the number 13 jersey is even smaller. In fact, they can be counted on one finger.

In 1966, Portugal achieved their best-ever result at the finals by finishing third, courtesy of a Mozambican-born striker called Eusebio.

Despite wearing the number 13, Eusebio scored nine goals - four of them in a 5-3 quarter-final win over North Korea - and won the Golden Boot award as the tournament's top scorer. Eusebio is still today regarded as one of Portugal's greatest.

The 1954 final pitted Hungary against Germany. Both teams had a number 13, but it was Germany's Max Morlock who had the last laugh as his side stunned the seemingly invincible Hungarians 3-2.

The Nuremberg striker, who scored 21 goals in just 26 matches for his country, scored Germany's first goal after Hungary had raced into a 2-0 lead after just eight minutes.

The next number 13 to appear in a World Cup final was Italy's Angelo Domenghini in 1970. His side lost 4-1 to Brazil.

Four years later it was another German number 13 who appeared in the final. And just like Morlock 20 years earlier, Gerd Mueller not only ended up on the winning side, he scored in the host's 2-1 victory against the Netherlands.

The Dutch side featured Johan Neeskens, the only number 13 to have ever played twice in a final. He lost both.

The only non-Germans to have won a World Cup with a number 13 jersey were Italy's Gabriele Oriali, in 1982, and Brazil's Aldair, in 1994.

Now another German is hoping to follow in Morlock's and Mueller's footsteps: Thomas Mueller. Like his more famous namesake Gerd Mueller, Thomas Mueller is a striker. His two goals in this year's Round of 16 match against England sent the Three Lions crashing out.

Mueller was only given the number 13 because team captain Michael Ballack had to pull out from the squad with an injury.

But for Mueller, the number on his back is just that - a number.

'I don't really mind, the number you wear doesn't make a difference to how you play - I'm not superstitious,' he said.

History, however, appears to suggest that those who wear the number 13 on their back are less likely to play in the final.

For the superstitious, the situation would be even trickier if a World Cup game was played on Friday the 13th. Luckily, for them, that has happened only once, in 1986.

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Sharad Pawar takes over as ICC President

Published>Thu, Jul 01 10 09:46 AM

Former BCCI chief Sharad Pawar has taken over as International Cricket Council President on Thursday, becoming the second Indian, after Jagmohan Dalmiya, to occupy the top post. Pawar became the seventh ICC President, succeeding Englishman David Morgan.

Dalmiya was the first Indian to be elected for the post, in 1997. Th decision was taken in the annual conference week which began on June 27 with the Chief Executives' Committee (CEC) meeting.

The main agenda for the CEC meeting was the subject of the Future Tours Programme 2012-20, including possibility of having ICC Test and ODI leagues.

The Executive Board also received updates on the design of mandatory Safety and Security Regulations drawn up by Security Task Force, chaired by Paul Condon, following the Lahore attack last year.

Pawar becomes the president at a time when Indian subcontinent will organise the World Cup 2011.

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Pironkova faces Zvonareva in unlikely semi

Published>Thu, Jul 01 10 09:38 AM

Tsvetana Pironkova has put Bulgaria back on the tennis map by knocking out Venus Williams to set up a Wimbledon semi-final showdown with Vera Zvonareva of Russia on Thursday.

Ranked 82nd in the world, Pironkova dumped five-times champion Williams out of the tournament 6-2 6-3, to become the first Bulgarian woman to reach a grand slam semi in the open era.

Not bad for someone without a grass court in her homeland and a grand slam record that until now had not stretched beyond the second round.

The 22-year-old graced a media frenzy once before having shocked Venus in the Australian Open in 2006, only to lose in the next round. Now she must master the limelight as well as 2009 Australian Open semi-finalist, Zvonareva.

The Russian, seeded 21, came up with a shock of her own to make the last four of Wimbledon with victory in over U.S. Open champion Kim Clijsters.

She is also enjoying a Wimbledon best, having previously never gone beyond the fourth round at the All England Club.

Zvonareva and Pironkova have met once before, last year in Moscow with the Bulgarian sauntering to victory 6-0 6-2.

"You know, it's hard to predict what she's doing on the court," said 25-year-old Zvonareva.

"You never know what to expect, so you lose your rhythm. Then you start thinking maybe too much on the court. I just know that in that match I will have to concentrate on myself... no matter what's she's trying to do."

The winner will face either Wimbledon champion Serena Williams or Czech Republic youngster Petra Kvitova in the final on Saturday.

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Aisam keen on playing friendly with Bopanna at Wagah Border

Published Wed, Jun 30 10 09:23 PM

Karachi, Jun 30 (PTI) Pakistani tennis star, Aisam-ul-Haq is keen on playing an exhibition match with his doubles partner, Indian Rohan Bhopanna at the Wagah border in a bid to highlight the fact that the two countries can co-exist on friendly and cordial terms. Aisam, who became the first Pakistani to reach the quarter-finals of any event in the Wimbledon when he and Bopanna qualified for the last eight stage of the doubles event, said he always dreamt of such a match ever since he started playing with Bopanna. "I see my partnership with Bopanna as a great tennis partnership and a close friendship as well. I think we have shown that people from both countries can live happily and peacefully together and also help each other out," Aisam said in an interview to a Pakistani channel. He said he planned to organise an exhibition tennis match with Bopanna at the Wagah border later this year to play his part in improving relations with India. "I hope the project becomes reality because I am sure if it is possible the match at Wagah will serve as a great advertisement of friendly relations between the two countries," he said. Aisam and Bopanna have teamed up in several international circuit tournaments and scored notable success this year and reaching the Wimbledon quarter-finals was a major achievement for both of them. Aisam said that by playing consistently with Bopanna, a gradual improvement has come in his doubles ranking and both now aimed to get to the top position in the world rankings. The Indo-Pak pair played the Wimbledon''s third round match against the pair of Lukas Lacko of Slovakia and Sergiy Stakhovsky of Ukraine in London and won the contest 7-5, 7-6(7-4), 6-2.

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Trump gets green light to build "world's greatest course"

Published>Wed, Jun 30 10 09:17 PM

Celebrity real estate developer Donald Trump has been given the go-ahead to build what he says will be "the world's greatest golf course" in Scotland.

Despite opposition to the project, Aberdeenshire Council has granted the American tycoon full planning permission for the construction of the championship links in the north-east of the country.

"My team will (now) finally get to work and build the world's greatest golf course for Scotland and for the great game of golf," Trump said in a news release.

"We are building on the finest piece of land I have ever seen and we will turn it into a national jewel," added Trump who possesses several championship courses around the world.

His organisation said that more than 40 million pounds ($60.19 million) had already been invested in the Scottish project during four years of development.

The group added that it had gone through nine planning applications and a lengthy public inquiry and it was "widely accepted this project is the most scrutinised application in recent UK history".

The course is due to be completed in 2012 and a spokeswoman said Trump was keen to host the British Open there in the future.

The building of the links is phase one of a 1 billion pounds development on the Menie estate, 10 kms north of Aberdeen, that Trump hopes will eventually include a hotel, resort accommodation and leisure facilities.

This year's 150th anniversary British Open will be played at the 'home of golf' in St Andrews in two weeks' time.

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Rosaiah announces Rs.25 lakh for Saina Nehwal

Published>Wed, Jun 30 10 08:57 PM

Hyderabad, June 30 (IANS) Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister K. Rosaiah Wednesday announced a cash award of Rs.25 lakh to badminton champion Saina Nehwal for winning three international titles in a row and being ranked world number three.

Rosaiah announced the award when Saina called on him at his camp office here this evening.

'You have done a great job. The country, particularly Andhra Pradesh, is proud of you. All my best wishes and greetings to you,' the chief minister told the champion.

Rosaiah, who presented a bouquet and a shawl to Saina, said he is sure that she will become world's number one player in the near future. He described Saina as a role model for upcoming young players.

Saina, who returned to the country Tuesday, was accompanied by her coach Pullela Gopichand, her father and sister.

Saina won the Indonesian Open Super Series Sunday to make a hat-trick of badminton titles in three weeks. She earlier won the Indian Open Grand Prix and the Singapore Open Super Series to move up to the third position in world rankings.

The Haryana Badminton Association Tuesday announced a cash award of Rs.5 lakh for Hisar-born Saina while Andhra Pradesh Badminton Association presented her a cheque of Rs.1 lakh.

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Indo-Pak foreign secretaries discussed cricket: PCB sources

Published Wed, Jun 30 10 08:53 PM

Karachi, Jun 30 (PTI) The resumption of India and Pakistan bilateral cricket ties could soon become a reality as the matter came under discussion in the foreign secretaries meeting of both the countries in Islamabad recently, PCB sources said. According to sources in the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), cricket was discussed by the top officials of both countries but in an informal manner. "It was not part of any official agenda but yes Pakistani officials did stress on the need for both countries to normalise cricket relations as well," one source told PTI. When contacted, the spokesman of the foreign ministry said he was not aware of cricket coming under discussion at the recent Indo-Pak talks. "It was not on the agenda for the meetings but if it was discussed on the sidelines of the meetings, I am not aware," Abdul Basit said. However reliable sources in the foreign ministry said cricket did come under discussion on the sidelines as the Pakistan government is keen resume bilateral cricket ties with India. India has suspended cricketing ties with Pakistan since the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks although both countries have met in ICC and Asian Cricket Council tournaments since then. Recently both the countries played against each other in the Asia Cup in Sri Lanka, where India won a thriller in the final over. "The situation now is that even Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Ejaz Butt has an inkling that the Pakistan government is also pushing for resumption of bilateral ties so he is in a better position to talk to the Indian officials of a possible bilateral series even at a neutral venue in Singapore," the source said.

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Lahiri maintains lead in Aircel PGTI golf

Published>Wed, Jun 30 10 08:47 PM

Pune, June 30 (IANS) Anirban Lahiri held on to his lead in round two of the Aircel PGTI Players Championship Wednesday at Oxford Golf and Country Club here after he posted a four under 68.

Lahiri led by two strokes at 11 under 133. Himmat Singh Rai was in second position at nine under 135 and the cut was declared at seven over 151. Fifty-three professionals and one amateur made the cut.

Lahiri (65-68), the reigning Aircel PGTI Order of Merit champion, continued to stay ahead of the rest of the field with the help of a solid 68 that included five birdies and a bogey. He was not at his best with the putter, but he capitalized on the par five holes (fourth, ninth, 11th, 16th), making birdies on all four of them.

Lahiri said: 'I was in good hitting form today, but my putting left a lot to be desired. I could have had a much better score, but I left about three shots out there since I missed quite a few birdie putts inside 10 feet. However, it was great to score birdies on all the par 5s today.'

Rai (66-69) kept in touch with the leader as he came up with a three under 69 on day two to move his total to nine under 135. He made five birdies against two bogeys. He chipped-in for birdie on the 17th.

'I carried the momentum from the first round and continued to hit it well. The birdie from the chip-in on the 17th was crucial as it helped me end the day on a positive note and put me in the right frame of mind for the third round,' said Rai.

Karanjit Singh Sandhu was in third place at eight under 136 while C. Muniyappa was a further three strokes back in fourth position.

Gaganjeet Bhullar and Mukesh Kumar were in joint ninth place at two under 142 while Rajiv Datar of Pune was tied 24th at one over 145. Jaideep Patwardhan (two over 146) and Gurki Shergill (three over 147), two other Pune-based professionals, were placed tied 28th and tied 33rd respectively.

Amish Jaitha of Pune, the lone amateur to make the cut, was placed tied 41st with a two-day total of five over 149.

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Schweinsteiger warns of 'disrespectful' Argentina

Published>Wed, Jun 30 10 08:37 PM

Germany must beware of Argentina's attempts to provoke them during Saturday's World Cup quarter-final, German midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger said on Wednesday.

Schweinsteiger said Argentine players would be looking to throw the Germans off their game and urged his teammates not to be drawn into any provocation.

"It starts before the match," Schweinsteiger, a member of the squad that beat Argentina on penalties four years ago to move into the semi-finals of the 2006 World Cup, told reporters.

"If you see how they gesticulate, how they try to influence the referee. That is not part of the game. That is a lack of respect. They just are like that," said Schweinsteiger.

Several players and coaches from both teams clashed immediately after Germany's victory on penalties in 2006 in an incident that briefly overshadowed the hosts' joy of advancing to the last four.

Germany and Argentina have also met twice in a World Cup final, with the former winning in 1990 and the latter coming out on top four years earlier.

"We should not be provoked by them," Schweinsteiger said.

"I hope the referee will pick up the feeling of who is provoking whom. We saw that again in their match against Mexico at halftime."

There was a heated exchange between the Argentina and Mexico benches at halftime of their last 16 match after Italian referee Roberto Rosetti let Argentina's first goal stand despite being clearly offside. Argentina won 3-1 to advance.

"This behaviour shows their character and mentality," Schweinsteiger said.

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Lahiri holds on to lead at PGTI Players C''ship

Published Wed, Jun 30 10 08:23 PM

Pune, Jun 30 (PTI) Anirban Lahiri held on to his first round lead after posting a four under 68 on day two of the Aircel PGTI Players Championship here today. Lahiri leads by two strokes as his total stands at 11 under 133. Himmat Singh Rai is in second position at nine under 135. The cut was declared at seven over 151. Fifty-three professionals and one amateur made the cut. Lahiri (65-68), the reigning Aircel PGTI Order of Merit champion, continued to stay ahead of the rest of the field with the help of a solid 68 that included five birdies and a bogey at the Oxford Golf & Country Club. He was not at his best with the putter but he capitalised on the par five holes (fourth, ninth, 11th, 16th), making birdies on all four of them. "I was in good hitting form today but my putting left a lot to be desired. I could have had a much better score but I left about three shots out there since I missed quite a few birdie putts inside 10 feet. However, it was great to score birdies on all the par 5s today," Lahiri said. Himmat (66-69) kept in touch with the leader as he came up with a three under 69 on day two to move his total to nine under 135. Himmat made five birdies against two bogeys. He chipped-in for birdie on the 17th. "I carried the momentum from the first round and continued to hit it well. The birdie from the chip-in on the 17th was crucial as it helped me end the day on a positive note and put me in the right frame of mind for the third round," said Himmat. Karanjit Singh Sandhu is in third place at eight under 136 while C Muniyappa is a further three strokes back in fourth position. Gaganjeet Bhullar and Mukesh Kumar are in joint ninth at two under 142. Rajiv Datar of Pune lies tied 24th at one over 145. Jaideep Patwardhan (two over 146) and Gurki Shergill (three over 147), two other Pune-based professionals, are placed tied 28th and tied 33rd respectively. Amish Jaitha of Pune, the lone amateur to make the cut, is placed tied 41st with a two-day total of five over 149. PTI SHN

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Age has caught up with me: Sethi

Published Wed, Jun 30 10 08:17 PM

New Delhi, Jun 30 (PTI) Eight-time world billiards champion Geet Sethi today conceded that advancing age has caught up with him as he is experiencing weakening of his mental and physical strength resulting in poor performance in the last few seasons. "You have to accept that as one grows older, there comes certain slowness in his pace. I am 49 and my mental edge has slightly gone down. Full concentration, full energy has got somewhere diluted as I grew older," 49-year-old Sethi told PTI on the sidelines of a school tournament here. "It''s a process and I am aware of it. My performances in recent times have gone down. Yes my performance has dropped. I am aware of it and it''s upto me how to reset my game," Sethi said. Ahmadabad-based Sethi has not won any international tournament since 2008 following his English Billiards Open Series success at Prestatyn in North Wales. He lost to countryman Pankaj Advani in the quarterfinals of Asian Championship in Indore in April this year, lost in the semifinals of Australian Open Billiards Championship this month and even failed to reach quarterfinal of World Professional Billiards Championship in Leeds in September last year. Asked whether he needs to readjust his playing technique given the current crop of aggressive young players, Sethi said, "There is nothing wrong with my technique and I just need to introspect within and need to refocus on my game." "This game is not about aggression. This sport is not about aggression, but about concentration, calmness and introspection. So it''s not the aggression that I need, I need it from the opposite player. To adjust to it, that''s upto me," he said. But, Sethi, looking dapper in white shirt and pair of blue denim, said that there are tournaments like Asian Games, which motivates him to produce remaining best out of him. "There are times where I get remotivated. Asian games is one such tournament that remotivates me. Asian Games somehow manages to get best out of me. It''s like seclusion from other things of my life during that period. Only devoted to it," he said. "I play one-two hours every day. As I play solo, playing alone means giving three-four hours daily. For last 15 years, that''s what I have done. My preparation both on and off the table is going good," he said. On his future plans like opening a cuesport academy on the lines of Badminton greats Prakash Padukone or Pulella Gopichand, Sethi said, "I will always contribute in whichever way administration asks me to do. I don''t know about full time coaching or opening own academy but I will be always available for the betterment of the game." "As far as I know, BSFI is setting up a very large academy in Hyderabad," he said.

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Sutil eyeing more points in Silverstone

Published Wed, Jun 30 10 08:07 PM

New Delhi, Jun 30 (PTI) High on confidence after registering his fifth consecutive finish in the points bracket, Force India driver Adrian Sutil said he is determined to make it six in a row for his team in the home race in Silverstone on July 11. After securing a disappointing 13th place in the qualifying in Valencia, Sutil drove a commendable race on the weekend to secure the sixth spot and earn Force India''s sixth finish among points out of the nine races in this season so far. Sutil said he was eagerly looking forward to driving in the new circuit in Silverstone, which is billed as the home race for the Vijay Mallya-owned outfit. "I''m sure when we go racing (in Silverstone) the clouds will come in like every year, and it will start to rain! Last year we were quite competitive there as well. But yes, this year we are much better and much more consistent. For sure we want to score a lot of points again," the German said of the team''s prospects in the Santander British Grand Prix on July 9. "It''s nice to have a kind of new circuit on the calendar. Silverstone is a great circuit, and I''m always happy to go there. It shouldn''t be too bad for us," Sutil said of the revised circuit. Sutil said the sixth place finish in Valencia was a great achivement considering Force India''s bad run in the qualifying session there. "Yes, qualifying 13th was very disappointing. I knew the car was much better, and the pace we had in the race was really good. Sixth position I expected even in qualifying. Maybe it was a little bit of a lucky race, but we finished where we wanted to finish this weekend. In the end P6 was a fantastic result," he said.

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SPORT-RACES

Published Wed, Jun 30 10 07:53 PM

Mysore, June 30 (PTI) Following are the results of 8th day''s races held here today. 1st Race: The Mudigere Plate-1200 M The Rolls (M/s Mahesh Gowda, Sharat Kumar & Anil Saraf) 56.5 S Chandrasekhar first Latin Twister 61 B Mahesh second Splendid Glory 50 Gaurav Sapra third Land of Smiles 57.5 Md. Shafiq fourth All ran Won by: 1-3/4 Ls, 1-3/4 Ls and 2-1/4 Ls Time : One minute: 15.12 seconds Tote : Rs 51 for win, Rs 19, Rs 17 and Rs 19 for places Winner trained by : Ranjeet Shinde Favourite : Latin Twister Forecast : Rs 145 Quinella : Rs 67 SHP : Rs 49 Trin : 70 pct Rs 290 : 30 pct Rs 128. .

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Messi not a threat for Germany: Loew

Published>Wed, Jun 30 10 07:47 PM

Erasmia (South Africa), June 30 (IANS) Ahead of the World Cup quarterfinal clash against Argentina in Port Elizabeth, German coach Joachim Loew kicked off the mind games Wednesday by saying that Lionel Messi is no big threat to his team.

Loew knows that Friday's encounter will be a tough one, similar to what happened in 2006 in Germany when the hosts went on to win the match on penalties.

In the base camp here in Erasmia, which is on the outskirts of the South African capital Pretoria, Loew said that the team would 'try collectively' to stop Messi.

'Other teams have done so, he hasn't scored any goals so far, but there are other players who we have to watch out for,' Loew said.

Loew said a day's break has helped the squad and all the players are training except striker Cacau, who is doubtful for the match with a stomach muscle strain.

Asked if his team had prepared any strategy for Argentina, Loew said: 'We won't need a note, we'll need a whole catalogue. Argentina have lot of strengths and it is not easy to recognise weaknesses. They are one of the big favourites, if not the favourite for the title. They have not only Messi but other players who can win games. But we in the coaching team think we have recognised some weaknesses, and of course Argentina are vulnerable.'

In 2006, during the penalty shootout, German keeper Jens Lehmann pulled out a note from his socks that had details of Argentina's penalty takers and it helped Lehmann to save the strikes.

Loew was full of praise for Argentine coach Diego Maradona.

'He was a genius as a player, a phenomenon and the idol of millions of fans around the world. It is difficult to judge him as a coach, but I have only heard good things about him. The way the team has played has been impressive, and he has also managed to motivate them with a lot of pride,' Loew said.

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France chief felt helpless against revolt

Published>Wed, Jun 30 10 07:37 PM

French Football Federation president Jean-Pierre Escalettes had felt helpless against a player revolt at the World Cup that led to him handing in his resignation, he said on Wednesday.

Escalettes, who quit on Monday in the wake of France's shambolic World Cup showing, told a parliamentary commission he could do nothing to stop the players boycotting a training session in support of expelled striker Nicolas Anelka.

The 75-year-old official told the commission about the incident at Knysna in South Africa's Western Cape, and how he had tried to convince the players sitting in the team coach that refusing to train was not a good idea.

The players, who eventually left the World Cup in disgrace with just one point and one goal from three group matches, would not listen and continued the boycott to protest against the FFF decision to kick out Anelka after he had insulted Domenech.

Escalettes and outgoing France coach Raymond Domenech, who also appeared at Wednesday's hearing, told the commission they had tried their best to reason with the rebellious players.

"He (Escalettes) told us that in the coach they (Escalettes and Domenech) had used every conceivable argument in vain," commission member Lionel Tardy told reporters after Wednesday's hearing, that took place behind closed doors.

"Escalettes told us they faced a wall (of opposition), something he had never experienced in over 50 years of experience in football, and they could not make it fall," he added. "For him, something was broken that day."

Escalettes faced criticism for failing to prevent the squad's implosion but also for having always supported Domenech, whose traumatic six-year tenure ended with France's elimination.

Domenech, whose lack of authority and vision were exposed at the World Cup, told the commission French sports daily L'Equipe had contributed to the team's collapse by printing Anelka's crude insults on its front page.

FRONT-PAGE STORY

The insults had been muttered by Anelka at halftime of the 2-0 defeat by Mexico in their second group game. Two days later, the L'Equipe story came out and later that day, the striker was sent home after failing to apologise.

"Domenech told us that the front-page story was what started everything," Tardy said. "He said that without it, he would have been able to handle the situation."

Escalettes and Domenech avoided media on Wednesday by using a back door to enter the National Assembly building in Paris and left just as discreetly over two hours later.

They did not make any comments before or after the hearing, that was scheduled to be public but took place behind closed doors at the request of the FFF.

"I find it scandalous that those two people refused to speak in the presence of media," commission member and former Sports Minister Jean-Francois Lamour told reporters during a break.

"I can't understand what they need to hide from the French people," he added.

France's woeful campaign and the players' revolt in South Africa sparked a national debate with senior politicians getting involved.

Wednesday's hearing took place a day after FIFA president Sepp Blatter warned that soccer's world governing body would suspend the FFF if France's politicians interfered in its business.

If France were suspended, the country would be banned from international tournaments and French clubs could not take part in European competitions.

Source: Web Search

Volunteers of Commonwealth Games being trained at Amity

Published>Wed, Jun 30 10 07:23 PM

NOIDA (UP), June 30 (ANI): The countdown to Commonwealth Games has begun and the clock is ticking faster and faster.

It is a much awaited mega event. Each and every person associated with Commonwealth Games has to ensure that he/she does the best job possible so that entire world can proclaim XIXth Commonwealth Games held in New Delhi as the best ever.

Over 2, 000 students from Amity have been selected by the Organizing Committee to act as volunteers during the Games and over 310 students of Amity have already volunteered during the Test Events which precede the Commonwealth Games.

About 70 students from Amity Institute of Physiotherapy and Amity Institute of Forensic Sciences have been chosen and trained to act as dope control officials during the Commonwealth Games.

These students will be required by OC to conduct dope tests from July 3, 2010 onwards.

The volunteers trained will be expected to work in any of 22 Functional Areas of OC namely Security, Media, Spectator Services, Sports, Accreditation etc.

The volunteers will gain knowledge and experience which will add immensely to their skills set and competitiveness.

"Amity believes in serving the humanity and the nation through education and empowerment of youth and volunteers training is the best means of realizing our mission", said Dr. Ashok K Chauhan- Founder President, Amity

"Every enterprise, be it industrial, commercial establishment or a philanthropic foundation or an NGO or anything else, is guided by the life mission of its promoters. I am, through Amity, trying to fulfil the mission of my life, i.e. to bring India in the first rank of the nations of the world," added Chauhan.

"I firmly believe in the potential and capabilities of more than one billion Indians. I also want that our country should take a lead for bringing peace, harmony and brotherhood in the world. For this, we have to make our nation strong, we have to showcase our capacities and capabilities to the whole world," he said.

The training modules have been very carefully designed to meet the requirement during the games. he general training itself is divided into eight sessions providing comprehensive details on the background of the CWG, Heritage of Delhi, Workforce operations, Accreditation process for different groups, Conflict Resolution and the importance of Communication, Choosing the right words, Adaptability, Energy, Enthusiasm, Enjoyment, Personal dedication etc.

The training sessions are very interactive, volunteers are encouraged to clear their doubts during the question and answer sessions. The content delivered is an amalgamation of theory and practical. (ANI)

Source: Web Search

Formula One embarks on carbon-cutting drive

Published>Wed, Jun 30 10 07:07 PM

London, June 30(ANI): The Formula One racing teams are on track for a comprehensive and externally audited carbon reduction programme.

The Formula One Teams Association (FOTA) is unveiling an analysis that projects emissions cut of 15 percent in three years.

FOTA also said that its ambitions include a doubling of energy efficiency in engines.

"With the support of all its member teams, FOTA has... undertaken to maintain continuous and independent analysis and assessment in order to ensure that these carbon emissions reduction targets are met or bettered, and to investigate where further carbon emissions reduction opportunities may exist," BBC quoted Martin Whitmarsh, FOTA Chairman and team principal of Vodafone McLaren Mercedes, as saying.

"In addition, the FIA and FOTA are already working together to tailor the 2013 technical regulations to ensuring that all engines and powertrains used in Formula One by that date will showcase, and provide a platform for the ongoing development of, technologies designed to enhance fuel efficiency," he added.

Currently, each car burns about 160kg of petrol in an average race in its 2.4 litre normally-aspirated V8 engine.

Under the new scenario, engines would be made much smaller - about 1.5 litres, in either a straight 4-cylinder or V6 configuration - and turbocharged. (ANI)

Source: Web Search

Afridi injured ahead of Australia series

Published>Wed, Jun 30 10 06:57 PM

Karachi, June 30 (IANS) Pakistan suffered an injury scare just a week before the start of their tough series against Australia when it was revealed that captain Shahid Afridi is nursing a side strain.

Afridi has confirmed that the strain has troubled him a bit but is confident that he will recover in time to play in the opening Twenty20 International against Australia July 5 in Birmingham.

The seasoned all-rounder, who is leading his team in a warm-up match against Kent in Canterbury, will be visiting a clinic later Wednesday to ascertain the full extent of the injury.

'I don't think its anything serious,' said Afridi. 'Its just a minor side strain and hopefully I'll be fully fit soon.'

Afridi, 30, will lead Pakistan in back-to-back series against Australia and England later this summer. At the helm of a relatively inexperienced team, Afridi has to carry much of his team's hopes during the tour which include two T20 games and two Tests against Australia and four Tests, five One-day Internationals and two Twenty20

matches against England.

Source: Web Search

J&K Deputy CM received Queens Baton at Srinagar airport

Published Wed, Jun 30 10 06:53 PM

Srinagar, Jun 30 (PTI) Sports personalities of Kashmir and senior ministers, including Deputy Chief Minister Tara Chand received the Queen''s Baton after it reached the city. On arrival at the Srinagar airport yesterday, the Baton was received by Tourism Minister Nawang Rigzin Jora and Minister for Higher Education A G Malik, besides Deputy CM Tara Chand. The sports personalities of the valley, including former capain of the Indian football team Abdul Majid Kakroo, ex-state footballer Mohammad Yousuf Dar and well-known skier Gul Mustafa were also present on the occasion. The baton was later taken to Mughal Garden Nishat Bagh and then to Char-Chinari, an island in the Dal lake and then to the Botanical Garden, where it was received by Minister for Health and Floriculture Sham Lal Sharma. The baton relay culminated at S K International Conventional Complex on the banks of the Dal lake. The baton will cover 20000 kms during its relay through 28 states and seven Union Territories before reaching the Capital on September 30. The journey will culminate with the baton entering the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, venue for the October 3 Commonwealth Games opening ceremony, an official spokesman said. He said by the time it arrives at the Nehru stadium it would have travelled more than 1.90 lakh kms over 340 days, making it one of the longest relays in the history of the games. The baton will leave for Chnadigarh from here later today.

Source: Web Search

US soccer star Donovan's Brit 'love child lady' set to spill the beans

Published>Wed, Jun 30 10 06:47 PM

London, June 30(ANI): The mystery British woman, who claims she is pregnant by US striker Landon Donovan, is set to decide whether to go public with her story.

According to reports, the woman, who has not been named, has met top UK publicist Max Clifford to take a decision, which could cause embarrassment for the World Cup star.

Donovan is separated from his actress wife, Bianca Kajlich, but is believed to be hoping for reconciliation with her, The New York Post reports.

Earlier, Donovan, who joined Everton on a 10-week loan from the Los Angeles Galaxy until March, said: "I was informed of the possibility [of a pregnancy] during the World Cup, and if I need to take responsibility, then I will provide the appropriate support." (ANI)

Source: Web Search

'World Cup flops' Rooney and Gerrard pull out of Gladiator-style skills event

Published>Wed, Jun 30 10 06:39 PM

London, June 30(ANI): England footballers Wayne Rooney and Steven Gerrard have pulled out of the star-studded skills event, A:3K, which would have earned them 500,000 pounds each.

The duo would have pocketed the cash for starring in a series of Gladiator-style challenges with global football stars Cristiano Ronaldo, Cesc Fabregas, Didier Drogba and David Villa at London's O2 arena on July 17.

"Both Steven Gerrard and Wayne Rooney have made it clear they believe it would be inappropriate for them to participate in A:3K at this time," The Mirror quoted Terry Byrne, A:3K Director, as saying.

"We fully understand and respect both players' decisions. We could have replaced them with two other players but feel the players involved are six of the best in the world - and that is what we promised we would deliver," he added.

The TV challenge, at 35 pounds a ticket, was to be staged in front of 20,000 fans.

Organisers now hope to reschedule the event with the same line-up in June 2011. (ANI)

Source: Web Search

US soccer star Donovan's Brit 'love child lady' set to spill the beans

Published>Wed, Jun 30 10 06:09 PM

London, June 30(ANI): The mystery British woman, who claims she is pregnant by US striker Landon Donovan, is set to decide whether to go public with her story.

According to reports, the woman, who has not been named, has met top UK publicist Max Clifford to take a decision, which could cause embarrassment for the World Cup star.

Donovan is separated from his actress wife, Bianca Kajlich, but is believed to be hoping for reconciliation with her, The New York Post reports.

Earlier, Donovan, who joined Everton on a 10-week loan from the Los Angeles Galaxy until March, said: "I was informed of the possibility [of a pregnancy] during the World Cup, and if I need to take responsibility, then I will provide the appropriate support." (ANI)

Source: Web Search

Paraguay look for space to go further into unknown

Published>Wed, Jun 30 10 05:57 PM

Paraguay, having reached a World Cup last-eight milestone, will need a monumental upset against Spain if they are to go further into the unknown.

They beat Japan 5-3 on penalties after a goalless extra time draw at Loftus Versfeld on Tuesday, becoming the fourth South American team to reach the quarter-finals.

However, unlike the high-scoring Argentina and Brazil, coach Gerardo Martino's team netted a mere three goals to win their group, with none by a forward.

"I wouldn't like to be unfair to the forwards because, to score goals, the ball should reach them more cleanly and in advantageous positions," the Argentine said.

"We had some chances but they were tight. I think our future rivals will let us play differently, not having to take the game to them and that's more convenient," he told the post-match news conference.

"In three of the four World Cup matches we had to take the game to our opponents and that's difficult for a team like ours. (Spain) will give us more space."

Spain, who meet Paraguay at Ellis Park in Johannesburg on Saturday, will certainly play more openly than Japan, who sat back and tried hitting the South Americans on the break.

Vicente del Bosque's side showed their credentials as one of the favourites by getting past a tough Portugal side on Tuesday and Paraguay might need to hold out for another impeccable set of penalties for an upset.

PARAGUAYAN PRIDE

Even if they lose, Martino and his team will still be able to leave South Africa proud to have given Paraguay their best World Cup.

The Argentine had said long before the finals that Paraguay had the players to break their traditional mould of a side with a solid back line and potency in the air.

They are more versatile up front even after the loss of shooting victim Salvador Cabanas, a key player in the qualifiers, but they lack the quality of a David Villa, Xavi or Andres Iniesta.

"I think we can leave this World Cup with our heads very high," said striker Nelson Valdez.

"People say that five qualify out of 10 (South American Football Confederation teams) and it's easy but as you can see nothing's easy in South America and now we're in the best eight and that has to be celebrated," he told reporters.

"I don't think we're 100 percent aware yet of what we have achieved."

Source: Web Search

Spain's Silva to join Man City on four-year deal

Published>Wed, Jun 30 10 05:37 PM

Spain midfielder David Silva will join Manchester City after the World Cup on a four-year contract, the Premier League club said on Wednesday.

City have reached agreement with the 24-year-old's Spanish club Valencia, who confirmed the move, pending a medical.

Spanish media reported the deal was worth about 32 million euros ($39.16 million) although no financial details were given in the announcement on City's website (www.mcfc.co.uk).

"The player's advisers and officials from both clubs have finalised the details... he will complete his medical and officially become a City player once his involvement in the World Cup is over," the world's richest soccer club said.

The pacy left-footer has been a potent force at Valencia and at international level with team mate David Villa, Spain's goalscorer in their World Cup second-round victory over Iberian neighbours Portugal on Tuesday.

The money will be welcome for Valencia, who have qualified for the Champions League but are in a dire financial situation and have already sold Villa to Barcelona for 40 million euros.

"The time is right for me to seek a new challenge, and I am thrilled about playing in England with Manchester City," the City website quoted Silva as saying from Spain's World Cup base in South Africa.

"I believe the Premier League is one of the best competitions in the world and I want to bring success to City and win trophies for them."

IMPORTANT SIGNING

The playmaker, who has been at Valencia for six years, thanked the Primera Liga club for their support and said they would always be special to him.

City's Italian manager Roberto Mancini said Silva was an important signing for the Abu Dhabi-owned club who finished fifth in England last season to qualify for the Europa League.

"I think that David Silva is one of the best midfielders in Europe," he said.

"I am so pleased he is coming to us, I think he can make a big, big impact for Manchester City. In signing David, we are showing the World that we are bringing the best players here and that we hope to compete to win the Premier League.

"When players see what is happening at Manchester City and the ambition, they are attracted to what we are building and want to be a part of it," added Mancini.

Valencia have been forced to sell players because of debts running to over 500 million euros. They have a half-built new stadium and have yet to sell their current one, the Mestalla.

After selling top scorer Villa, Valencia president Manuel Llorente had warned there would probably be more sales, saying: "The board's principle objective is to make sure we have economic viability for the future."

Spain winger Juan Mata is the other high-profile Valencia player linked with a move away and Barcelona are reported to be interested in his services according to local media.

Source: Web Search

Indian medal aspirants look to Europe for training

Published Wed, Jun 30 10 05:07 PM

New Delhi, June 30 (PTI) Europe has emerged as favourite destination for the Indian athletes preparing for the Commonwealth Games, to be held here in October this year. With less than 100 days to go for the Games, the hockey team is already off to a month-long tour of Europe starting at Germany and wrestlers are also set to leave for Belarus for training. The pugilists are preparing to leave for the Central Asian country of Tajikistan. Being the host nation, Indian athletes are keen to come out all guns blazing and win as many medals as possible and are relying on training-cum-competition tours abroad to sharpen their skills. India managed 49 medals to finish fourth in Melbourne Games in 2006 but was way behind the top three - Australia (221), England (110) and Canada (86). Hockey skipper Rajpal Singh says they want to do well in front of the home crowd and is quite optimistic of their chances. "We will definitely have chance, especially because of the local support. We are going to Europe for the extensive training for one month," Rajpal told PTI before leaving for Germany. Coach Jose Brasa had also said that playing against strong European teams would be the best preparation. Olympic bronze medallist wrestler Sushil Kumar said the intensity of the preparation is going to be up everyday. "Our practice is going very good and we will soon go to Belarus for better preparations," Sushil told PTI. "Good preparations and multiple weight categories will allow us to bag maximum medals and the inclusion of Greco Roman wrestling style is an extra advantage," Freestyle wrestling national coach Jagminder Singh said. National Boxing coach Gurbax Singh Sandhu says boxers of England and Ireland would be a hurdle in his wards'' way. "We are going to Tajikistan. After that a training session will be held in New Delhi from July 10-16. Our major opponents are England and Ireland." Olympic bronze medallist Vijender Singh and Melbourne Games gold medal winner Akhil Kumar say they will leave no stone unturned to bring laurels for the country. "I will play in middleweight category (75kg). I know England and Australia can give us tough competition but I am working very hard to get good results for the country," said Vijender. Akhil said, "Along with UK and Australia, Ghana and Uganda boxers can be major challenges. I am training at NIS in Patiala. I am hoping to do well since this time I will play in different category (bantamweight)." .

Source: Web Search

Davydenko to lead Russia in Davis Cup v Argentina

Published Wed, Jun 30 10 04:57 PM

World number five Nikolay Davydenko will lead Russia in next week's Davis Cup quarter-final against Argentina.

Davydenko missed the first-round tie against India in March with a wrist injury but Russia captain Shamil Tarpishchev has recalled his number one for the Argentina clash.

Tarpishchev also included world number 14 Mikhail Youzhny, Teimuraz Gabashvili (84) and Igor Kunitsyn (104) for the July 9-11 tie at Moscow's Olympic indoor arena.

The meeting will be the fifth between the nations in the last eight years. Russia beat Argentina 3-2 at the same venue in the 2006 final to clinch their second Davis Cup title.

Source: Web Search

FIFA to release tickets of disappointed fans

Published>Wed, Jun 30 10 04:37 PM

FIFA said on Wednesday it would release 2,000 tickets for the World Cup quarter-finals which had been reserved by fans who hoped their teams would reach the last eight but had seen them eliminated.

"Tickets for the quarter-finals will be, as of noon today, released," FIFA spokesman Nicolas Maingot said at a media briefing on Wednesday.

There are 500 tickets available for the Brazil-Netherlands match at Nelson Mandela Bay stadium in Port Elizabeth; 1,200 for the Uruguay-Ghana match at Soccer City stadium in Johannesburg; and 300 tickets available for Argentina-Germany match at Greenpoint stadium in Cape Town.

Maingot said FIFA would release more information regarding the Paraguay-Spain match at Ellis Park in Johannesburg.

The soccer governing body also said almost 4 million fans had watched games at fan fests, with about 1.7 million going to sites in South Africa and about 2.2 million to its six international venues.

Source: Web Search

Capello turns down million pound England WC campaign book deal

Published>Wed, Jun 30 10 04:07 PM

London, June 30(ANI): England manager Fabio Capello has turned down a million pound offer to write a book about the Three Lions' World Cup campaign.

Capello was approached by top American sports agent Charlie Stillitano to give his inside view of the tournament in South Africa.

Stillitano heads the sports division of the world-renowned Creative Artists Agency.

A close friend of Capello said: "CAA were very keen to do this book about the World Cup and really pushed Fabio to do it, but he told them he had no interest in writing a book about the World Cup."

"He told them this very firmly before the finals began, but they have refused to take 'No' for an answer. They said 'Let's see how you feel after the World Cup', but England's campaign was nowhere near as successful as Fabio hoped, so there's even less chance of him putting pen to paper now," The Sun quoted the friend, as saying.

He further said that even if Capello does lose his England job in two weeks' time, he "still won't agree to dish the dirt on what went wrong".

"It might make him a lot of money, but it's just not his style," he added. (ANI)

Source: Web Search

England team's 'booze and cigar' bender following ignominious World Cup exit

Published>Wed, Jun 30 10 03:53 PM

London, June 30(ANI): A photograph has revealed that just hours after England's humiliating World Cup exit, which shattered the dreams of millions of fans, Fabio Capello's men had crowded into a bar to chill out with beers and cigars.

The photograph allegedly taken by defender Ledley King, and circulated among pals with the title: "Home time then holiday time", shows how the pampered players got over their World Cup woes in their Royal Marang Hotel near Rustenburg, South Africa.

It shows winger Aaron Lennon puffing on a Cuban cigar. Others pictured were winger Shaun Wright-Phillips, striker Jermain Defoe, and defenders Glen Johnson, Michael Dawson and Stephen Warnock.

Beside them, beer bottles nestle on the table, while an ice bucket for wine or champagne can also be seen among the empty glasses, The Sun reports.

One fan, who leaked the picture after being shocked by the team's apparent carefree attitude, said: "Many of my friends spent thousands flying to South Africa to watch this bunch of losers. When England crashed out, they were that gutted over how it went so wrong."

"At the least after that God-awful performance we expected the team to be embarrassed and reflect on how they let us all down, but instead, just hours after the match, they're in the bar with a cigar and beers."

"It's enough to make you sick. They have no pride," the fan added. (ANI)

Source: Web Search

ICC rejects Howard's nomination

Published>Wed, Jun 30 10 03:37 PM

Singapore, June 30 (IANS) The International Cricket Council (ICC) Wednesday rejected the nomination of former Australian prime minister John Howard for the ICC vice president (2010-12).

Howard's nomination was forwarded by Cricket Australia (CA) and New Zealand Cricket (NZC), who said they were 'deeply disaapointed' at the rejection.

The ICC executive board met here Wednesday to discuss Howard's nomination.

'Following lengthy consideration it was recognised that the nomination put forward by Cricket Australia and New Zealand Cricket did not have sufficient support within the ICC Board. No vote was taken,' ICC said in a statement.

'Under the ICC's regional rotation process for the nomination of the ICC vice president, CA and NZC have now been invited to re-nominate a candidate by August 31,' ICC said.

CA Chairman Jack Clarke and NZC chairman Alan Isaac issued a joint statement, saying Howard was the best possible candidate they had nominated.

'John Howard is an eminent and well-credentialed international statesman who Australia and New Zealand nominated after a comprehensive selection process. We jointly nominated Mr. Howard as a candidate as he possesses significant leadership and administrative skills,' the statement said.

'We believe cricket needs to continue to seek excellence and dispassionate independence in the game's global governance.

'We were delighted that the most senior world figure ever considered for this role agreed to accept the nomination. We remain convinced it is reasonable for his nomination to be supported by the ICC Executive Board and we are deeply disappointed by the position taken at today's meeting,' the statement said.

'We will go back to our respective boards to agree upon a combined approach. It is premature for us to make any further comment.'

Meanwhile, a report in Australian media said that six leading cricket boards have signed a letter rejecting Howard's nomination.

Howard needed seven of the 10 votes to become vice president but could muster support from only Australia, New Zealand and England, the Australian said.

'It means that all the Asian nations - India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh - and South Africa have united to oppose Mr. Howard's elevation to the post, effectively ending his hopes of becoming ICC President in 2012.'

Source: Web Search

Howard bowled out in ICC role bid

Published Wed, Jun 30 10 03:17 PM

Former Australia Prime Minister John Howard has failed in his bid to become the next vice-president of the International Cricket Council (ICC).

Howard had been nominated for the position by Cricket Australia (CA) and New Zealand Cricket (NZC), who have been asked to put forward another candidate by the ICC.

"Following lengthy consideration it was recognised that the nomination put forward by Cricket Australia and New Zealand Cricket did not have sufficient support within the ICC Board. No vote was taken," the sport's governing body said in a statement.

"Under the ICC's regional rotation process... Cricket Australia and New Zealand Cricket were invited to re-nominate a candidate by August 31, 2010."

Under ICC rules, the vice-president would serve for two years then become president in 2012.

The nomination of Howard, who lost the 2007 Australian federal election and retired from politics, had been contentious with newspaper reports earlier indicating that six of the 10 major cricket nations had signed a letter opposing him as a candidate at this week's executive board meeting in Singapore.

Only Australia, New Zealand and England had supported him, the Sydney Morning Herald and The Australian reported on their websites.

In the weeks leading up to the Singapore gathering, the Australian media suggested Howard would struggle to seal the nomination.

One of the reasons given was his criticism of Zimbabwe President Robert Mugabe's regime when he was Australian Prime Minister, with both South Africa and Zimbabwe expected not to give him his support.

Sri Lanka cricket authorities had also expressed reservations about his nomination because he did not have the necessary cricketing administrative background.

He also won few friends in Sri Lanka after he questioned the bowling action of test wicket record holder Muttiah Muralitharan.

Howard was also the subject of a public battle between CA and NZC for the nomination, with New Zealand wanting to nominate their former chairman John Anderson for the position before they agreed to Howard.

Source: Web Search

Australia, New Zealand resent Howard''s rejection

Published Wed, Jun 30 10 02:51 PM

Melbourne, Jun 30 (PTI) Australian and New Zealand cricket boards today resented the rejection of John Howard''s bid for the ICC Vice-President''s post, saying the former Australian Prime Minister was the best possible candidate for the role. Cricket Australia and New Zealand Cricket said in a joint statement that they would start discussion all over again to agree on a new candidate within the August 31 deadline set by the International Cricket Council. "Cricket Australia and New Zealand Cricket...were deeply disappointed that their joint nomination of former Australian Prime Minister, the Honourable Mr John Howard AC, for the position of ICC Vice-President had not been supported by the ICC Executive Board when it met in Singapore today," the joint statement said. "The Chairmen of the two boards, Jack Clarke and Alan Isaac, said that Australia and New Zealand had nominated the best possible candidate from the region under the ICC''s stipulated process," the statement read. Stressing that the former Australian Prime Minister had excellent credentials as "international statesman", the boards said Howard was nominated after a comprehensive selection process. "We jointly nominated Mr Howard as a candidate as he possesses significant leadership and administrative skills. We believe cricket needs to continue to seek excellence and dispassionate independence in the game''s global governance. "We were delighted that the most senior world figure ever considered for this role agreed to accept the nomination," the boards said. "We remain convinced it is reasonable for his nomination to be supported by the ICC Executive Board and we are deeply disappointed by the position taken at today''s meeting," they said. "The ICC Executive Board has now invited us to resubmit a nomination by 31 August. Firstly, we shall need to go back to our respective boards and then for Cricket Australia and New Zealand Cricket to agree upon a combined approach. It is premature for us to make any further comment," they added. Howard''s candidature was thwarted by the Afro-Asian bloc in the ICC Executive Board meeting in Singapore with the Australian finding support only from his home country, New Zealand and England.

Source: Web Search

ICC defers vote on Howard's vice-presidential claims due to lack of support

Published>Wed, Jun 30 10 02:23 PM

Dubai, June 30 (ANI): The ICC Executive Board today met to discuss the nomination of former Australian Prime Minister John Howard for the role of ICC Vice-President for the period 2010-12.

Following lengthy consideration it was recognised that the nomination put forward by Cricket Australia and New Zealand Cricket did not have sufficient support within the ICC Board. No vote was taken.

Under the ICC's regional rotation process for the nomination of the ICC Vice-President, which was adopted by the ICC in October 2007, Cricket Australia and New Zealand Cricket have now been invited to re-nominate a candidate by August 31, 2010.

The ICC Board consists of the chairman or president from each of the 10 Full Members plus three Associate Member representatives. Also present at ICC Board meetings is the ICC President, who chairs proceedings, the ICC Chief Executive and the ICC Vice-President, as well as, by invitation of the President, the ICC Principal Advisor.

David Morgan ICC President

Sharad Pawar ICC Vice-President

Haroon Lorgat ICC Chief Executive

Ijaz Butt Pakistan

Dr Julian Hunte West Indies

Peter Chingoka Zimbabwe

Giles Clarke England and Wales

Jack Clarke Australia

Alan Isaac New Zealand

Mostafa Kamal Bangladesh

Shashank Manohar India

Dr Mtutuzeli Nyoka South Africa

DS de Silva Sri Lanka

Associate Member Representatives:

Imran Khwaja

Keith Oliver

Neil Speight (ANI)

Source: Web Search

European football power on the wane at this World Cup

Published>Wed, Jun 30 10 02:17 PM

Port Elizabeth (South Africa), June 30 (DPA) They can blame on the Jabulani, on the high altitude, or the long domestic seasons.

But as the final stages of the 2010 World Cup loom, the unmistakeable conclusion is that the tournament has been as bad for European football as the Greek crisis was for its currency.

A European team may yet win the 2010 World Cup. It would be foolish to bet against Germany, the Netherlands or Spain based on their recent performances.

But it could also well be the first time since 1930 that no European team makes it to the final if Germany lose to Argentina, the Dutch to Brazil and Spain to Argentina.

Results so far show clearly that Europe is on the wane, its football superceded by a new world order dominated by the skill, technique and new found discipline of the best South American sides.

The continent that boasts an overwhelming number of the world's best players on its club's rosters started with 13 of the tournament' 32 teams. South America had five teams, North and Central America had three, Asia had four, Africa six and Oceania one.

By the second round only six European teams were still left in, a record low. With all the quarter-finalists now selected Europe has just three, South America four, and Ghana is Africa's lone representative.

The failure of the European teams including Italy, France and England has clearly taken FIFA by surprise.

The allocation of teams to the World Cup is weighted heavily in favour of Europe, and not only because that's where FIFA earns the most from television rights. In past years European teams had a high level of success in the competition, where Germany, Italy, France, Spain and England were challenged only by Brazil and Argentina.

This time around things are very different. While poor European performances usually coincided with the tournament being held in South America, the 2010 World Cup was held in wintry South Africa, which was supposed to be an advantage.

It didn't turn out that way, acknowledged FIFA secretary general Jerome Valcke this week.

'All the confederations are moving up and getting stronger. It shows that Europe is not as strong as in the past,' he told a news conference.

Valcke said that despite the disappointing showing Europe was not in immediate danger of losing spots for the 2014 World Cup. But the final allocation by FIFA will be done in 2011.

'There are a number of explanations: some teams did not change enough from 2006; maybe also these European players play a lot of games, but most of the players on Brazil and Argentina play in Europe, too - in fact most of the players on all these teams play in

Europe.

'Mainly, I think football in other countries is more strong than in the past.'

Claims that the Jabulani ball, which is difficult to control when kicked hard in the air, has favoured the Latin-American short-passing style, or that the high altitude of many of the World Cup stadiums could also work in their favour, miss the main points.

South America has always nurtured players with personal skills that most Europeans could only dream about. Given the honing of defensive tactics at this World Cup it is those silky skills, the ability to maneuver in tight spaces and wriggle one's way out of double-markings, that are the greatest assets a team can employ.

Adding to the continental imbalance is the fact that South America's greatest players now come and play for Europe's top clubs at an ever younger age, where they benefit from the professionalism and resources that are poured into the game.

Their arrival blocks the way for Europe's promising youngsters, while at the same time opening spaces back home for the development of more young talent.

'The South American teams are now better organised and play on a European level,' said Spain coach Vicente del Bosque.

The marathon World Cup qualifying campaigns are also a key factor in the success of the South Americans, says former Uruguayan midfield star, Enzo Francescoli.

'The South American qualification is the hardest and this strengthens the teams,' says Francescoli,, who pointed out that even Diego Maradona's celebrated Argentina team did not qualify until the very last day of the 18-match campaign.

Maradona, meanwhile, warned it's too early to write Europe off.

'We'll never be bigger than Europe,' Maradona told FIFA.com this week. 'But we will have good players and we must also pay attention to youth leagues and make kids dream of playing in Europe and being ready.'

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With past bad memories buried, Pak aims to put smiles back on fan's faces in England

Published>Wed, Jun 30 10 02:07 PM

London, June 30 (ANI): Pakistan cricket team manager Yawar Saeed has said that the squad has put all the bad memories of its last England tour behind and is committed to bring smiles back on fan's faces.

Saeed said the team is aware that expectations from it were high and the players are raring to go and prove the critics wrong.

"We aren't kidding ourselves, it's going to be a long and tough tour. Six tests, four Twenty20 fixtures and five one day internationals is a lot of cricket, but we will give it our best shot, play some good cricket, entertain and put smiles on the fan's faces. I feel we are well prepared for the series' and we can do well," Saeed told PakPassion.net.

Saeed said he doesn't want to recall some of the controversies which attracted much media attention last time Pakistan toured England, and added that he wants to ensure that cricket emerges as the only and real winner this time around.

"What's happened in the past is not something I want to focus on or indeed talk about. We want cricket to be the winner on this tour and will play the game in the best spirit, to ensure that when we go back to Pakistan, it's the cricket that is talked about, not any other incidents".

Pakistan's 2006 England tour is particularly remembered for captain Inzamam ul Haq leading his team off the field during the fourth Test at The Oval after on field umpires ruled that his team was involved in ball tampering.

Umpires Billy Doctrove and Daryl Hair had awarded five penalty runs to England and offered them a replacement ball. Pakistani players denied to accept the punishment and refused to come out to play after tea of the fourth day following which England were declared winners by forfeiture. (ANI)

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Alonso apologizes for Hamilton 'manipulated' European Grand Prix slur

Published>Wed, Jun 30 10 01:53 PM

London, June 30(ANI): Ferrari Formula One racing driver Fernando Alonso has apologized for claiming that the European Grand Prix was 'manipulated' for McLaren's Lewis Hamilton to finish second.

Alonso had accused Hamilton of disrespecting the rules as he overtook the safety car deployed following Mark Webber's crash.

"I reacted emotionally. It is too easy to adopt a tone and say things that can be interpreted wrongly," The Sun quoted Alonso, as saying.

Although Hamilton was handed a drive-through penalty by the FIA stewards, it was served 17 laps after the accident, by which time he had built a large enough advantage to retain his second place behind eventual race winner Sebastian Vettel.

Alonso, who was running third at the time of the accident, finished eighth after he filed in behind the safety car.

Earlier, Hamilton had rubbished the claims, saying: "It's just sour grapes. I even saw him overtaken by a Sauber on the big screen. It is very unlike him to be overtaken by a Sauber so he must have been completely in another world".

"The FIA are doing an incredible job because they are allowing us to race this year. I don't understand why I affected his race so much. Everyone has a right to their opinions. He must just be disappointed with his own result, but I didn't do anything to him," he added. (ANI)

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Air quality monitoring system for Commonwealth Games by July-end

Published>Wed, Jun 30 10 01:37 PM

New Delhi, June 30 (IANS) By July-end the air quality monitoring system developed for the Commonwealth Games will start providing real time pollution data at 11 key locations in the city - and will continue to do so till long after the Oct 3-14 mega event is over.

Scientists from the Pune-based Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) are in the process of installing air quality monitoring stations at the 11 locations near the Games village and venues.

The air quality stations will provide information on level of pollution within a four-kilometre radius on an hourly basis and forecast about air quality 24 hours in advance through wireless colour digital display panels which will be installed in various parts of the capital.

The monitoring stations are part of the System of Air Pollution Forecasting and Research (SAFAR) developed by the IITM at a cost of Rs.100 million ($2 million).

'The system will tell us about the quality of air at any given moment and also what it will be 24 hours later, thus alerting people and helping them avoid immediate exposure to unhealthy air,' Gufran Beig, SAFAR scientist and project director, told IANS.

The IITM has already started receiving data from air quality monitoring stations installed at the Palam meteorological office near the Indira Gandhi International Airport, the IITM office in West Delhi and the National Centre for Medium Range Weather Forecasting (NCMRWF) in Noida on the national capital's outskirts.

At eight other places - Delhi University, Jawaharlal Nehru Sports Complex, Thyagaraj Sports Complex, Indira Gandhi Sports Complex, Dr. S.P. Mukherjee Swimming Stadium, Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium, Siri Fort Sports Complex and Yamuna Sports Complex - it will be operational by the end of July.

A team of IITM experts has been stationed in the capital since mid-June to complete the installation work after their receiving clearance from the Commonwealth Games Organising Committee.

'The air monitoring system will be housed in a walkway shelter made of glass-reinforced material to make it water- and fire- proof,' said Beig.

The monitoring system comprises instruments like ozone and carbon monoxide analysers, particulate matter analysers and real time analysers for recording other pollutants.

'The institute has already begun the trail run of SAFAR. We are now validating the data of Oct 2008 and 2009 by putting in parameters like temperature, pressure and humidity and matching the forecast made by the system with the real weather during that time. As of now, the accuracy level is 90 to 95 percent,' Beig said.

According to scientists, weather forecast during the Games will be more accurate as they have prepared a vehicle emission inventory for the Games.

Explaining how the generated data will come handy for air quality forecasting, Beig said: 'If on a particular day it is found that the pollution level is high, we will recommend to the Delhi government to shut some industries or divert traffic near the venues.'

The monitoring system is important as some athletes have hinted at skipping the Games as they fear that Delhi's air is unsafe to breathe. But the Games Organising Committee says it is committed to ensuring clean air as the event has been dubbed the first-ever Green Games.

The organisers are confident that the existing traffic density can be reduced drastically by providing quality public transport by way of more Metro trains and green buses.

The Indian capital is among the most polluted cities in the world and the ever-growing number of cars, two-wheelers and three-wheelers occupy a staggering 75 percent of road space, although only 20 percent of the commuting public use them.

Delhi has over five million vehicles and another four million come to the metropolis from towns in adjoining states in the National Capital Region (NCR).

The Games organisers are keeping their fingers crossed, hoping the scientific methods to improve the quality of air in the capital will succeed.

China had a tough time battling air pollution during the Olympic Games last year and there are doubts whether Delhi can be as effective as Beijing in enforcing traffic curbs, raising emission standards and stopping Games' construction work well in time to improve air quality.

But India is hard at work to ensure a pollution-free event.

Source: Web Search

Capriati's family spokesperson denies 'overdose' was 'suicide attempt'

Published>Wed, Jun 30 10 01:23 PM

Florida, June 30(ANI): Former US tennis star Jennifer Capriati's family spokesperson has denied reports that her drug overdose was a case of a suicide attempt after becoming depressed over her failed career.

Lacey Wickline called the reports "completely inaccurate", and said that Capriati is "recovering fully and stably".

She further described it "an accidental overdose of medication prescribed to Jen by her personal physician".

"In response to an outpouring of concern and support shown by Jennifer's fans and friends worldwide, we would like to acknowledge that Jen is recuperating at a South Florida hospital," The Daily Mail quoted Wickline, as saying.

The 34-year-old was found in a 'dazed' state in her Riviera Beach condo on Sunday, and was said to have swallowed a handful of pills in an attempt to end her life.

Earlier, Capriati's friend and former US tennis star Justin Gimelstob had said that she had struggled to cope with depression.

"With the heightened focus with Wimbledon and tennis being on everyone's radar, that makes her feel even worse. She feels like the tennis world has deserted her," Gimelstob had said.

"She's in tremendous pain physically and mentally. She struggled with depression, and it's a tough story. Jennifer's been through so much. You can never tell the collateral damage that being a child prodigy has on you," he added.

Capriati, a former world no.1, had won 14 professional singles titles and 1 doubles title before injuries ended her career in 2005. (ANI)

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Watson expecting 'white-wash' at England's hands

Published>Wed, Jun 30 10 01:17 PM

London, June 30 (ANI): All-rounder Shane Watson is fearing a white-wash for the Australians at the hands of England when the two teams take each other on at The Oval today.

England are leading the one-day series three to nil, and victory today, will give England a 4-0 lead in the NatWest Series and leave them one win from a scarcely-believable whitewash against the team which has dominated world cricket for 20 years, The Sun reports.

"Our memories of The Oval are not great, to be fair. It wasn't our greatest game last year. I've had some good times playing here with Hampshire, it's a beautiful wicket and suits my cricket. I just want to erase some of the bad memories of last year," Watson was quoted, as saying.

"We definitely don't want a whitewash. Australia don't normally lose 5-0 at anything but England are playing good cricket and we're slightly below par. We must step up, but there's no need for big crisis meetings and that sort of thing. I'm not surprised by England," he added.

"We've seen how they've played recently and particularly in the World Twenty20. Kevin Pietersen is back after being sorely missed by England in last year's one-day series when we won 6-1 - he is a world-class batsman," Watson said.

England off-spinner Mike Yardy, however, said: "We regard Australia as the best team in the world. So, it is already a massive achievement to win the series." (ANI)

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Top FA board member wants Capello to stay on as England manager

Published>Wed, Jun 30 10 01:07 PM

London, June 30(ANI): England manager Fabio Capello still enjoys the support of a top Football Association (FA) board member, despite the Three Lions' shattering Round of 16 exit from the World Cup.

Capello has made his intentions clear about staying on with England, but he has been told to wait for two weeks to find if the FA wants him to carry on.

Phil Gartside, a top FA board member and pal of Dave Richards -the Club England Chairman who has the biggest say on Capello's future- has pledged his support for the manager.

"I'm saying Capello is the right man for the job. He has only lost one game. That is my opinion. I don't know that there's a decision to be made, is there? He's got a contract and that's it," The Sun quoted Gartside, as saying.

"It's my opinion he should carry on. Yes, I get on very well with Dave Richards, but I'm not speaking on anyone else's behalf. Personally, I don't think his future is up in the air. I don't know the outcome," he added.

England was eliminated from the tournament after Germany thrashed them 4-1 in Sunday's Round of 16 match in Bloemfontein.

According to reports, Capello could be axed from his role.

However, the Italian is adamant that he wants to see the England job through to Euro 2012.

Capello is said to be "more angry, more determined and more focused" to build a successful England team and believes it can be done.

He also wants "revenge" for the fiasco in South Africa and to prove he is the right man to lead England. (ANI)

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