Howard's replacement for ICC post denies BCCI's dominance of world cricket

Published>Sun, Aug 01 10 12:21 PM

Melbourne, Aug 1 (ANI): International Cricket Council chairman-elect Alan Isaac has denied that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) led bloc dominated the sport.

"It's not actually like that. As chairman of KPMG, four times a year I met as part of the Asia-Pacific board so you get a bit used to dealing with people from different countries who approach things differently. You just find a way to work through to achieve the common goal," he said.

Isaac said his vast business background has given him confidence that he can be a proactive leader and negotiate the dominant Afro-Asian bloc when he joins the eclectic governing body, The Age reports.

Isaac replaced John Howard as Australasia's nomination to become ICC vice-president this year and president from 2012 after the former Australian Prime Minister was twice rebuffed by world bodies.

Isaac spent 35 years with KPMG, including a decade as chairman, and is chairman of New Zealand Cricket. He also sits on golf and rugby boards in New Zealand.

Isaac also said that he wants to strengthen the credibility of the ICC and improve its governance. Isaac must be officially nominated to the ICC by August 31, with ratification expected to be a formality. (ANI)

Source: Web Search

OC lands in yet another mess

Sun, Aug 01 10 12:17 PM

New Delhi, Aug. 1 -- Another crucial component of the 2010 Commonwealth Games - procuring sponsorships for the event - seems to be getting derailed. The Singapore-based Sports Marketing and Management (SMAM), with whom the Organising Committee (OC) had signed a contract for negotiating and procuring sponsorship and licencing contract, has failed to generate adequate sponsorships. The contract was inked in 2007. SMAM had at the time of signing the contract promised to raise sponsorship worth R 470 crore (US $100 million). Of this, it has so far managed to get R 125 crore. Adding insult to injury, the flawed contract agreement that the organising committee signed with SMAM has ensured that despite the latter failing to deliver, it will get commission from sponsorship that it did not procure on its own (like those coming directly to OC from public sector undertakings). PSUs such as Air India, Central Bank of India, NTPC and Railways have committed sponsorship worth R 250 crore. Sources say in a recent meeting, unhappy with SMAM's performance, the OC was mulling terminating its agreement but was advised against it by its legal team. "The exit clauses of the agreement are very tough. If we scrap it, we will not only end up paying money to the company but the latter has threatened to go into arbitration against us," said a source. Hemmed in from all sides, OC could only tell SMAM that it was not making enough effort and has asked it deliver. The OC sources say not only has SMAM failed to deliver but it is also using the flawed contract to get commission from sponsorship it did not procure on its own. Of the R 125 crore that SMAM has managed to raise so far, R 36. 5 crore is value in kind. For instance, Swiss company Omega will be providing all TSR (Testing Scoring Result) gadgets worth R 19 crore, while Agility, an international logistic firm is providing logistical support to the game. Amity International is providing training to volunteers at a total cost of R 5 crore. "There were loopholes in the contract. The OC should have drafted the agreement more carefully to safeguard its interest. This was not done," said an official, requesting anonymity.

The contract had clauses for commission that sources say was very high. Also, according to the contract, the OC had agreed that the total income tax liability of SMAM under the income tax Act will be limited to 10.54 per cent.

Source: Published>

CWG games: DD to complete preparations by August end

Sun, Aug 01 10 11:51 AM

Bhopal, Aug 1 (PTI) Despite getting venues late for the XIX Commonwealth Games 2010 to be held in New Delhi from October 3-14, Doordarshan will complete all preparations for telecasting the mega sporting event in high definition format by August end, a top DD official said here today. "Our target was to start preparations for the telecast of the games from April and finish it by June. But we have got the venues very late therefore, things have spill over to August as our work starts only when the venue is complete," Doordarshan Director General (DG), Aruna Sharma told PTI. The DG arrived here yesterday to launch the Environment and Science Communication course jointly launched by Madhavrao Sapre Newspaper Museum and IGNOU. "Now that we have got the venues, we have started our work. Everything has been mapped on the spot. Camera positions are identified and cabling is almost 30-35 per cent over. Some construction work is needed to be done according to our requirement but by August end everything will be ready," she said. Problems like lighting arrangement and shadows among others are pointed out and corrective measures are also being taken by the concerned authorities, Sharma said. For the first time in India Doordarshan will telecast the event in the High Definition Television (HDTV) format. It will be a big change for the people as it involves far superior quality than the standard format, the DG said adding private players like Airtel, Reliance and others are now also switching over to HDTV mode. .

Source: Published>

Gill takes opening day honours

Sun, Aug 01 10 11:47 AM

Imbil, Aug. 1 -- Billed as one of the most difficult rallies, the Queensland event lived up to its reputation on the opening day of the APRC rally in the forest stages of Imbil on Saturday. The course catapulted MRF's Gaurav Gill to the top, but sent local favourite Chris Atkinson packing. Atkinson had held a huge lead of 48 seconds till the eighth stage. However, by the end of the day, Gill had an overall lead of 4.8 seconds over Atkinson's Proton teammate Alister McRae. It wasn't a good day for Gill's teammate Katsu Taguchi either. Considered one of the top contenders, Taguchi finished overall fifth with a time gap of 3:54.8 seconds. Gill surged ahead after a submerged rock put paid to Atkinson's hopes. "I hit the rock too hard in the creek," said Atkinson. "The front of my car got damaged. I couldn't speed up and crashed out." Trailing the Australian by 6.5 seconds after Stage 3, Gill slumped further after McRae clocked the fastest timing in Stage 4, pushing Gill to the third spot. Gill, though, managed to overcome the British challenge and came back to second position after Stage 6. Stage 8, the longest in the rally (35.08km), was the most crucial stage of the day, for, not only did it topple Atkinson, but also put Gill on top and pushed McRae to second. Despite being the leader, Gill didn't sound optimistic. "I have a lead of 4.8 seconds, which a car like the Proton could cover easily. I will try my best. My aim is to garner enough points to put the team on top," said Gill. "The course is unpredictable. One stage is too dry, the other too wet. With the sun playing hide and seek, it gets difficult to figure out the track's traction." Car beats chopper

The Proton driver beat a Robinson R44 chopper in a unique race, which pitted his car against a helicopter at the Sunair airport hear. "It was fun," said Atkinson. "We had to start, go a certain distance and then come back. I never looked at the chopper. I just sped away."

Source: Published>

New beginning for Brazilian Aurelio at Liverpool

Sun, Aug 01 10 11:23 AM

Brazilian defender Fabio Aurelio hailed his latest contract at Liverpool a new beginning after he re-signed for the Premier League club on a two-year deal.

"I feel very pleased and proud," he said. "It feels like I'm signing for the first time -- everything has changed so it's like a new beginning for me with new confidence and a new boss."

The 30-year-old left Anfield when his contract expired in May but was offered a chance to prove he was worth retaining by new manager Roy Hodgson and has agreed a deal until 2012.

"I asked the club to find out whether Fabio had found a new club," Hodgson told the Liverpool website (www.liverpoolfc.tv).

"When we ascertained that he hadn't, we invited him back to (the training ground at) Melwood so both myself and my staff, and the medical team could properly assess the player.

"We were both very impressed and I am delighted we were able to re-sign Fabio," he added.

Aurelio endured an injury-marred spell at Anfield after joining from Valencia in 2006 but said on Saturday he thought he was in good condition after training on his own in pre-season.

He was part of the squad that travelled to Germany for Sunday's pre-season friendly with Borussia Moenchengladbach.

Source: Published>

Kolkata people did a Sourav Ganguly a century ago: report

Sun, Aug 01 10 10:51 AM

Kolkata, Aug 1 (PTI) When Sourav Ganguly took off his shirt and waved it at the Lords after winning the Natwest Trophy in 2002, he probably did not know that people of his city had done the same thing a century ago -- to celebrate a historic football victory in 1911. On July 29, 1911, a barefoot bunch of 11 Indians, representing Mohun Bagan, defeated fancied East Yorkshire Regiment team to lay their hands for the first time on the then coveted IFA Shield. An report on that day said, "When it was known that East Yorkshire regiment had been beaten by two goals to one, the scene beggared description, the Bengalees tearing off their shirts and waving them." The report, which was reproduced from an anthology of news articles published by Press Club, Kolkata, says, "The vast majority saw nothing of the game and was informed of the progress by flying kites." There was also no racial overtone. "The European spectators were good humoured and the Bengalees cheered the losing team," said the report. A newspaper, The Mussalman, said: "It was a sense of universal joy, which pervaded the feelings of the Hindus, the Mohammedans and the Christians alike. The members of the Muslim sporting club were almost mad and rolling on the ground with joyous excitement on the victory of their Hindu brethren." .

Source: Published>

East Bengal hire uefa a-licenced coach

Sun, Aug 01 10 10:27 AM

Kolkata, Aug. 1 -- Trevor James Morgan was officially unveiled the new head coach of East Bengal here on Saturday, making him only the second Englishman to take charge of an Indian club after David Booth who has coached Mumbai FC and Mahindra United. After an ordinary performance last season, East Bengal are pulling all stops to ensure a reversal of fate this time around. They have spent almost Rs 7.5 crore on the forthcoming season's squad and they are hoping that Morgan can finally bring the club back on track. The 54-year old had started his football career under current Tottenham Hotspur coach Harry Redknapp at AFC Bournemouth. Used to excellent standards of infrastructure at England, Australia, Singapore, Hong Kong and Malaysia, Morgan said India would provide him with a new perspective to coaching.

When asked if he would be able to adapt to the standard of football currently ranked 132nd in the world, he said:"It's up to me to try and uplift the standards. I will leave the country a happy man if the team improves under me and win some titles."

Source: Published>

Barcelona release Mexico captain Marquez

Published>Sun, Aug 01 10 09:57 AM

Mexico captain Rafael Marquez, who has been strongly linked in the media with a move to New York Red Bulls, has reached a deal with La Liga champions Barcelona that releases him from his contract.

"Barcelona and the player Rafa Marquez have agreed to rescind, by mutual consent, the contract that tied the two parties together until June 30, 2012," Barca said on their website (www.fcbarcelona.cat) on Saturday.

If the deal with the Red Bulls goes through, the 31-year-old would join former team mate Thierry Henry in New York. The French striker moved to Major League Soccer (MLS) this month after he was also freed from his contract with Barca.

"I don't know where I am going," he said at a farewell news conference on Saturday attended by new club president Sandro Rosell and coach Pep Guardiola.

"I am analysing the options that we have and the ones that I most like the sound of, although we don't yet know what decision to take," he added.

Marquez can operate as a centre back or defensive midfielder and would be the Red Bulls' third "designated player", whose wages are mostly exempt from the salary cap, along with Henry and Colombian striker Juan Pablo Angel.

Marquez joined Barcelona from French Ligue 1 side Monaco in 2003 and has won four Spanish league titles and two European Champions League crowns.

"I am leaving because maybe last season I didn't get so much playing time and that's what I am looking for," said Marquez, who started only seven league games in the 2009-10 campaign.

"I would like to have retired here (at Barca) but conditions are not always how you would prefer them to be."

Source: Web Search

which left is right?

Published>Sun, Aug 01 10 09:27 AM

Mahendra Singh Dhoni may not have a wealth of talent at his disposal when it comes to his bowling resources, but he will have a pleasant headache when the team management sits down to pick the playing XI for the third Test.

Yuvraj Singh has occupied the No.6 position in the batting line-up. The spot now has a new claimant in the form of Suresh Raina, who made a century on debut in the second Test at the Sinhalese Sports Club.

It's been a roller-coaster ride for Yuvraj Singh. He was dropped for the Asia Cup after the selectors believed his fitness levels had fallen. It was meant to be a wake-up call of sorts for the talented southpaw. Included for the Test series against Sri Lanka, Yuvraj made a half-century in the first innings but fell cheaply in the second ? both times outdone by Muttiah Muralitharan. Flu resulted in him missing the second Test. Suresh Raina played in Yuvraj's place and made full use of his solitary knock.

On Saturday, the selectors reposed faith once again in Yuvraj when they named him in the tri-series squad. His place in the playing XI for the third Test is not yet set in stone. Raina impressed even before he started batting in the first innings at the SSC. In the cover region he was electric and saved certain boundaries. The India Test team looked a much better fielding side when Raina was diving about and stopping runs.

His batting was even more impressive. During his 294-minute stay at the wicket, Raina looked the part. If there were nerves, he didn't show it. Knowing that the bouncer was his Achilles heel, the Sri Lanka medium-pacers peppered him with short balls. Raina ducked inside the line of the ball.

Raina was calm and collected at the wicket during his 256-run partnership with Sachin Tendulkar. Dhoni voiced a similar opinion, as Tendulkar did about Raina. "He has been a real positive cricketer. Not just while batting, but whenever he is given the ball or even while fielding ? if you see in the Test match we fielded for close to two days and he was active throughout running around. That really makes a difference and it reflects into your batting. His intensity when he was playing each and every ball was high. Even after scoring the hundred, he didn't get complacent. He deserved a century on debut," Dhoni said.

The Indian skipper, however, held his cards close to his chest when asked who among Raina and Yuvraj would make the cut for the third Test. "It's a perfect question to ask, which means if I answer it right now, there will be four days of coverage. So I would prefer to keep it with me for the next three days and we just have to wait till 9.30 on the day of the start of the next Test match," Dhoni said.

That said, it will be difficult for Dhoni to look beyond Yuvraj, the batsman. But Raina's 120, in a crucial time in the game, will be fresh in the Indian skipper's mind.

Source: Web Search

No tax benefits, so no donation: BCCI to CWG

Published>Sun, Aug 01 10 05:37 AM

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Saturday turned down Commonwealth Games Organising Committee's request for Rs 100 crore donation, citing the lack of tax benefits from the government. The CWG had written a letter to the Indian board two weeks ago asking for the donation.

"The Committee expressed its inability to agree to the request of the Commonwealth Games to be the lead partner by donating Rs 100 crores," BCCI Secretary N Srinivasan said in a statement, following the board's Working Committee Meeting in Mumbai.

According to sources, BCCI's non-approval came as a result of not receiving any concession from the Income Tax department. Also as per the BCCI constitution, the board cannot become a leading partner for any non-cricketing event, as offered by the CWG in lieu of their donation. The working committee also decided not to give the remaining Rs 12.5 crores of the Rs 25 crores it had accepted to give the All India Football Federation (AIFF) for the same reason. Interestingly, many board members present felt that the Games had ample funding and felt it wasn't utilised properly.

"There was no point in giving 100 crores to CWG after more than 1000 crores have already been spent on the project, which is still not completed. The BCCI doesn't want to get embroiled anywhere, where there are controversies," said a senior member of the board.

Meanwhile, the BCCI has appointed former Olympian Dr Vece Paes as their Anti-Doping officer. Paes, who is the father of Indian tennis player Leander, has been part of the Asian Cricket Council before and has an extensive knowledge of anti-doping matters.

"Paes will educate these players about WADA's anti-doping. It is important that these players get educated about WADA anti-doping policy. We will make sure each player follows the procedure. They should be aware of the do's and the don'ts," BCCI chief administrative office Ratnakar Shetty said.

Support for Isaac

BCCI have also agreed to support New Zealand Cricket chairman Alan Isaac's candidature for the ICC vice-President's post. "The Committee approved the candidature of Mr Alan Isaac, Chairman, New Zealand Cricket, for the post of ICC vice-president," the Board statement said.

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CWG 2010 and cricket

Published>Sun, Aug 01 10 02:21 AM

There is a serious concern in the country's sporting circles that the Commonwealth Games, India's biggest sporting event ever, stands to lose out because of a clash with the high profile India-Australia cricket series. With the BCCI going ahead with the series as planned, a rumour is rife that the Games OC will even ask the cricket board for a monetary pay back to make up for its loss of eyeballs. In this atmosphere of competition between cricket and the Olympic sporting disciplines, a serious opportunity is being lost. Cricket, it is important to understand, can be harnessed for the Commonwealth Games. This point was eloquently made by Abhijit Sarkar, head of corporate communications, Sahara India Pariwar, at a recent summit on the Commonwealth Games in Delhi. "Virender Sehwag and Gautam Gambhir should be used as brand ambassadors for the Games. Their endorsing the Games will only help further its appeal", suggested Sarkar. Drawing a leaf out of this comment, it can be suggested that the OC should request the BCCI that in the lead-up to the Games it would like India's single-biggest icons, Tendulkar and Dhoni, to be seen with the Games baton, lending the Games support in any way they can and also endorsing the Games on television. After all, the Games are for India and the OC and BCCI can't just continue to be at loggerheads when India's prestige and image is at stake.

Drawing on sporting icons from other disciplines isn't a unique practice in world sport. Rather, it is a time-tested mechanism used by mega event organisers for decades. It was only natural the Zinedine Zidane would endorse the French bid for the Olympics, in the process making a case for a socially inclusive France where Algerian immigrants are welcome. David Beckham, too, played a significant role in London winning the Olympic bid for 2012 in Singapore in 2005.

In India, where Sachin, Dhoni and Sehwag are three of the nation's biggest icons, it is only foolish that their services aren't being utilised alongside that of Abhinav, Vijender and Saina for the Commonwealth Games. Hype could surely have been generated had Sachin bought the first ticket of the Commonwealth Games online the day tickets went on sale. Again, it hardly takes much to get messages recorded from the cricketers wishing their sporting colleagues like Saina all best as they get ready to lead India's charge in the Games. If the sporting greats and Bollywood celebrities can go gaga over Saina on Twitter, one wonders why they can't be drawn upon by the OC in a systematic manner to promote the Games?

With just about two months left for the Games, CWG 2010 is in need of every bit of positive publicity it can generate and draw upon. With national magazines unleashing cover stories under the headline, 'Shame Games', the Suresh Kalmadi-led organising committee truly has its task cut out, as does Havas and Percept, the two PR firms entrusted with the task of creating a positive feel about the Games. In such a climate, cricket, it can be suggested can emerge the unlikely saviour. Anything Sachin Tendulkar suggests in India has a biblical effect and there's no reason why CWG 2010 can't benefit from the maestro. It is time the right chords are tapped and right buttons pressed to make the best of the time left. With Delhi tourism all set to unfurl plans for international tourists making Delhi home during the Commonwealth Games on August 16, the countdown to the Games has begun. And, with scepticism still the prevalent tenor of the day, it is time the OC sheds all apprehensions and draws upon some of India's biggest champions to lobby for the Games. India is on show and 'India', not the OC or the BCCI, will be pulled up for a failed CWG 2010.

?The writer is a cricket historian

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Pakistan slump to 15-3 in record run-chase

Published>Sun, Aug 01 10 12:37 AM

Matt Prior's courageous 102 not out on day three of the first test helped England recover from early trouble to set Pakistan a world record target of 435 to win at Trent Bridge on Saturday.

England then reduced Pakistan to 15 for three at stumps, leaving the tourists a further yet unlikely 420 to score with two days remaining.

Stuart Broad claimed the wickets of Salman Butt (8) and Azhar Ali (0) while James Anderson snared Umar Amin. Imran Farhat was 6 not out and night-watchman Mohammad Aamer was yet to score.

Pakistan, who lost their 2006 series in England 3-0, saw their three wickets fall for one run in a frenetic seven-ball sequence. Broad had figures of two for 14 and Anderson had one for one from four overs.

England's dominance and relaxed position by the close was such that Anderson was even able to oblige the capacity crowd who chanted 'Jimmy, give us a wave', while he was walking back to his bowling mark.

It was a see-sawing day in which Pakistan started by saving the follow-on when Umar Gul scored an exhilarating 65 not out from just 46 balls.

They needed eight runs at the start of play. England then slumped to 98 for six but Prior's third test hundred calmed the nerves.

Even though England held a first innings lead of 172, Prior's runs were important and took England to 262 for nine declared and effectively batted Pakistan out of the match.

His 136-ball effort ensured that Pakistan need to surpass the world record successful run chase of 418 that West Indies made in 2003 against Australia.

Pakistan's highest-ever fourth innings score to win is 315, also against Australia, in 1994.

Prior, dropped from England's one-day plans earlier this year, combined in valuable partnerships of 49 with Graeme Swann, 56 with Broad and then 49 with last man Steven Finn.

Prior was on 63 when Finn came to the crease and as he approached his century he took a single off the first ball of an over seven times but the number 11 batsman survived, for his nine not out from 50 deliveries.

The floodlights were switched on all day after play began under gloomy skies, but they stayed on long into the evening session despite bright sunshine breaking out.

Gul claimed three wickets after earlier entertaining spectators with his stroke-play. His innings contained eight boundaries and four sixes.

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Forlan defends Suarez's handball in crucial World Cup game

Published>Sun, Aug 01 10 12:17 AM

Kolkata, July 31 (IANS) Uruguyan star striker Diego Forlan Saturday defended his teammate Luis Alberto Suarez's handling the ball on the goal line during extra time of the quarter-final match against Ghana, saying it had saved the day for Uruguay and carried them to the World Cup semi final.

'In football you always try to save goals. They (Ghana) had a chance to score. He (Suarez) was on the line and saved it by getting the ball away with his hand. Football has his rules. And as per rules he was red-carded.

'But he saved the game for us, and we qualified for the semi final. We are happy for him,' Forlan, the golden ball winner as the best player of the World Cup, told media persons here.

By handling the ball on the line in the last minute of extra-time, Suarez prevented a Ghanaian goal that would have led to the Africans winning the game and entering the last four.

The Uruguayan was given marching orders and Ghana awarded a penalty. However, the spot kick was missed by Asamoah Gyan and Uruguay went on to win 4-2 in the shootout and progressed to the semi-final.

On his free kick hitting the post in the play-off against Germany, Forlan said he had aimed to keep the ball just below as the Germans were tall. 'But when I took the shot I saw the ball hit the post and go away. And that was it. And that's a part of the game'.

Forlan confessed that he had no idea about Indian soccer. 'I know it's a cricket country'.

Asked why he took to cricket and not his other favourite sport tennis, the 31 year old player said: 'I wanted to play tennis as a youngster. As a 15-year-old I was playing both tennis and football. Then I decided to go for football'.

Forlan acknowledged Argentine soccer legend Diego Maradona's contribution in helping his sister who was paralysed after a car accident.

In 1997, Maradona had participated in a charity match for raising funds for her treatment. 'It was nice of him. We are not in touch now. However, I shook his hand during the World Cup'.

Forlan said Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson's brother had contacted him after his sparkling World Cup show to turn out for the English club. 'But I have a three-year contract with Spanish club Atletico Madrid. I want to complete that first'.

About his difficult days with Manchester United between 2002 and 2004, Forlan said 'It was a big difference going from Argentina (where he turned out for Independiente from 1998 to 2002,) to England. I had all the best players as teammates. It was tough.

'I was mostly on the bench. So I had a talk with the manager and told him I wanted to leave.For Atletico Madrid I got to play for full 90 minutes. And I did well'.

Forlan said he was not bothered with whether he has got recognition for his talent late or not. 'Does not matter when it (recognition) comes. I never thought about it. I was enjoying the game for my team'.

Forlan did not agree with a questioner that Uruguay had dearth of talent in recent times. 'There are a lot of very good players. There are good players training in Brazil, Mexico, Europe. We are only a country of 30 million people. And India is a country of more than one billion people. But we have done well'.

Forlan is here to take part in a soccer reality show 'The Match' organised by a Bengali entertainment channel Mahuaa Bangla.

Source: Web Search

Vettel runs away with Hungary GP pole

Published>Sun, Aug 01 10 12:15 AM

Germany's Sebastian Vettel stormed to his fourth successive pole position on Saturday in a Red Bull sweep of the Hungarian Grand Prix front row with Australian Mark Webber.

Vettel's seventh pole of the season was also Red Bull's 11th in 12 races and they looked utterly dominant at the twisty Hungaroring, a slow circuit where overtaking is difficult and grid position crucial.

"It's good to be on pole," grinned Vettel, his understatement as glaring as his supremacy. "I think we have been there a couple of times this year. I'm confident for tomorrow that we have a very good chance to win."

The gap between the 23-year-old and Webber was a cavernous 0.419 seconds and the Australian could only congratulate his team mate, who bizarrely described the tricky circuit as "like a woman alongside you that doesn't behave well."

"We weren't quick enough today," said Webber, referring to himself and looking deflated at the prospect of following his team mate around on Sunday. "We could have done better of course so we deserve to be second.

"It's going to be an interesting start and then after that we know with these regulations the race can be interesting in terms of trying to stay awake," he added.

"Let's see how the start goes and then after that we will try and stay awake."

Ferrari filled the second row, with Fernando Alonso lining up alongside Brazilian Felipe Massa -- qualifying without incident after suffering life-threatening head injuries at the track a year ago.

DOMINANT AND UNTOUCHABLE

Alonso, winner at the previous German Grand Prix in a cloud of controversy over Ferrari's use of banned 'team orders', was a hefty 1.2 seconds slower than Vettel and said third was the best he could have hoped for.

The Spaniard, like Webber, was also none too hopeful of beating Vettel and described the Red Bulls' performance so far as 'dominant and untouchable'.

"We know the track is difficult to overtake on," he said. "The start, the first corner, first lap will be 60 or 70 percent of the final result."

McLaren's championship leader Lewis Hamilton qualified in fifth place while world champion team mate Jenson Button, second overall and 14 points behind his fellow-Briton, qualified a disappointing 11th.

"Your target is always pole, but the Red Bulls are impossible to beat, they are 1.7 seconds ahead," Hamilton told television reporters.

"For Jenson and me, we just look at the onboard footage and laugh. I don't know what they (Red Bull) are doing but it's incredible."

Renault's Russian rookie Vitaly Petrov outqualified Polish team mate Robert Kubica for the first time this season, the two lining up seventh and eighth.

Seven-times world champion Michael Schumacher failed to make the top 10 for the fourth time in the last five races for Mercedes while team mate and fellow-German Nico Rosberg will start sixth.

Spain's Pedro de la Rosa, who had his career best result in Hungary when he finished second to Button in 2006, lines up ninth with German Nico Hulkenberg 10th for Williams.

Source: Web Search

England 354 & 262-9dec v Pakistan 182 - first test

Sat, Jul 31 10 11:57 PM

England declared on 262 for nine wickets in their second innings, a lead of 434 over Pakistan, on the third day of the first test at Trent Bridge on Saturday.

Score: England 354 (E. Morgan 130, P. Collingwood 82, M. Asif 5-77) & 262-9 (M. Prior 102 not out) v Pakistan 182 (U. Gul 65 not out; J. Anderson 5-54)

Source: Published>

Vettel runs away with Hungary GP pole

Published>Sat, Jul 31 10 11:37 PM

Germany's Sebastian Vettel stormed to his fourth successive pole position on Saturday in a Red Bull sweep of the Hungarian Grand Prix front row with Australian Mark Webber.

Vettel's seventh pole of the season was also Red Bull's 11th in 12 races and they looked utterly dominant at the twisty Hungaroring, a slow circuit where overtaking is difficult and grid position crucial.

"It's good to be on pole," grinned Vettel, his understatement as glaring as his supremacy. "I think we have been there a couple of times this year. I'm confident for tomorrow that we have a very good chance to win."

The gap between the 23-year-old and Webber was a cavernous 0.419 seconds and the Australian could only congratulate his team mate, who bizarrely described the tricky circuit as "like a woman alongside you that doesn't behave well."

"We weren't quick enough today," said Webber, referring to himself and looking deflated at the prospect of following his team mate around on Sunday. "We could have done better of course so we deserve to be second.

"It's going to be an interesting start and then after that we know with these regulations the race can be interesting in terms of trying to stay awake," he added.

"Let's see how the start goes and then after that we will try and stay awake."

Ferrari filled the second row, with Fernando Alonso lining up alongside Brazilian Felipe Massa -- qualifying without incident after suffering life-threatening head injuries at the track a year ago.

DOMINANT AND UNTOUCHABLE

Alonso, winner at the previous German Grand Prix in a cloud of controversy over Ferrari's use of banned 'team orders', was a hefty 1.2 seconds slower than Vettel and said third was the best he could have hoped for.

The Spaniard, like Webber, was also none too hopeful of beating Vettel and described the Red Bulls' performance so far as 'dominant and untouchable'.

"We know the track is difficult to overtake on," he said. "The start, the first corner, first lap will be 60 or 70 percent of the final result."

McLaren's championship leader Lewis Hamilton qualified in fifth place while world champion team mate Jenson Button, second overall and 14 points behind his fellow-Briton, qualified a disappointing 11th.

"Your target is always pole, but the Red Bulls are impossible to beat, they are 1.7 seconds ahead," Hamilton told television reporters.

"For Jenson and me, we just look at the onboard footage and laugh. I don't know what they (Red Bull) are doing but it's incredible."

Renault's Russian rookie Vitaly Petrov outqualified Polish team mate Robert Kubica for the first time this season, the two lining up seventh and eighth.

Seven-times world champion Michael Schumacher failed to make the top 10 for the fourth time in the last five races for Mercedes while team mate and fellow-German Nico Rosberg will start sixth.

Spain's Pedro de la Rosa, who had his career best result in Hungary when he finished second to Button in 2006, lines up ninth with German Nico Hulkenberg 10th for Williams.

Source: Web Search

Tiger Woods to participate in Dubai event

Published>Sat, Jul 31 10 11:07 PM

Dubai, July 31 (IANS/WAM) Ace golfer Tiger Woods has confirmed that he will compete in the 2011 Omega Dubai Desert Classic at the Emirates Golf Club here, the promoters and organisers of the event have announced.

Since making his first visit to Dubai in 2001, Woods has won the event twice in 2006 and 2008.

With 95 career wins under his belt since turning professional in 1996, Woods has top-four finishes in two of the three Major Championships this year and is looking forward to his Dubai trip from February 10-13, 2011.

'The level of competition has always been extremely high; so I know I'll have to play my best golf if I'm going to regain my title,' said the American.

--IANS/WAM

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Indian High Commission denies Kalmadi's claims on AM films recommendation

Published>Sat, Jul 31 10 10:37 PM

New Delhi, July 31 (ANI): The Indian High Commission on Saturday refuted Commonwealth Games organizing committee's chairman Suresh Kalmadi's claim that the Commission had recommended the London-based AM Films to CWG.

A private channel quoted the Indian High Commission in the United Kingdom as stating: "AM films not one of the firms we recommended to CWG."Raju Sebastian is too junior official to make a recommendation," the statement said and further added: "He may have recommended in personal capacity."

"Don't know the e-mail Kalmadi quoted is genuine or not," the High Commission was further quoted as saying.

Kalmadi has said that contact was made after "Indian High Commission's letter recommended Patel's firm to us.

"Contract to AM films after Indian High Commission recommended to us," Kalmadi was quoted by NDTV as saying .

During a news conference in New Delhi today, Kalmadi when asked who recommended AM Films to CWG Organising Committee, said: "I am telling you the British High Commission. They have said AM Car and AM Films are sister companies. Since they said one is ok, so both should be ok. There was a meeting of all the various heads of companies and all the people in London including the London authority, ambulance and fire brigade, along with out event managers. They said in that all the requirements like skills. In October Mayor of City Council, they insisted on visuals items, they asked fro safeguards, President OGF India was there. We took last minute decision."

He said the High Commission recommended a sister company, so we went with that

When asked that the Indian High Commission has denied recommending the name of AM Films, Kalmadi said: "There is no question of lying...........The High Commission letter was sent by Raju Sebastin on 13th Oct at 1.59pm. It has come from the High Commission and we have gone according to the High Commission." (ANI)

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Goa brighten semifinal chance; Karnataka ousted

Sat, Jul 31 10 10:27 PM

Kolkata, July 31 (PTI) Substitute Cavin Lobo struck twice as defending champions Goa blanked Punjab 3-0 and inched closer to the semi-final of the 64th National Football Championship for Santosh Trophy in a floodlight match at Yuba Bharati Krirangan here today. In the first match of the quarterfinal group A league, Services brought their campaign back with a 2-1 win over Karnataka. After two matches each, Goa now sit on top of the group A with six points, while Services have three points with Punjab slipped to third place as Karnataka made an exit with two losses on the trot. Again playing as a substitue in their second match, Lobo who was brought on in the 31st minute put Goa ahead in the 55th minute following a goalless first-half. He scored his second in the 88th minute while Branco Cardozo scored in the 90+6th minute to complete the rout. As a matter of fact, Lobo had scored the winner in their victory over Karnataka. Both teams started aggressively and missed chances in the first-half. Milagres Gonsalves'' right-footer sailed over the woodwork in Goa''s first opportunity while Punjab came close through Balraj Singh''s right footer but only to see it miss the target. But Lobo put the team ahead with a powerful rightfooter to the right of Punjab goalkeeper Paramjeet Singh. Lobo sealed the match in Goa''s favour scoring in the 90th minute before Branco Cardozo headed in a Nicolas Rodrigues flag-kick in the added time. Second consecutive defeat for Karnataka meant that they were out of the championship even as they have a match against Punjab left. (More) PTI TAP SUS SHN

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Patel still optimistic of getting money from BCCI

Sat, Jul 31 10 09:57 PM

New Delhi, Jul 31 (PTI) All India Football Federation President Praful Patel today said he is still optimistic of getting Rs 12.5 crore grant from the BCCI despite the Cricket Board deciding against it today. "They (BCCI) have some tax issues hence until they are sorted out they can''t give the money," Patel told PTI. Asked whether he was still optimistic of getting the money at a later date, Patel said, "Yes, of course." BCCI had last year promised to give Rs 25 crore to the AIFF as financial help towards the Indian football team''s preparations for the Asian Cup to be held in Doha in January next year. It has already given Rs 12.5 crore. But, the Cricket Board today decided against giving the remaining Rs 12.5 crore in its Working Committee meeting in Mumbai. "The money we have already given is given but we can''t pay the remainder because we no longer get concessions from the Income Tax Department," a Board official said after the meeting. India have qualified for the Asian Cup for the first time after 1984 after winning the AFC Challenge Cup on 2008. PTI PDS SHN

Source: Published>

Gul's all-round skills squeeze England

Published>Sat, Jul 31 10 09:37 PM

Umar Gul followed his exhilarating career-best innings to continue Pakistan's fightback with the ball, taking three wickets to reduce England to 120 for six at tea on day three of the first test on Saturday.

England still had the upper hand in the match at Trent Bridge with a lead that was worth 292 runs at the interval, but Pakistan had staged an impressive comeback having begun the day in danger of being defeated inside three days.

Matt Prior was 13 not out at the break with Graeme Swann on 14, as England looked to extend their lead to a seemingly unreachable score for the Pakistanis. Gul, after his 65 not out in the morning session, had taken three for 20 after a destructive spell of three for seven in 21 balls.

England slumped to 18 for two before lunch after captain Andrew Strauss (0) was caught in farcical circumstances when second slip Umar Akmal twice failed to hold on to his catch before his brother and wicketkeeper Kamran dived forward and got the ball.

Cook (12) flicked casually at an innocuous Asif delivery down the leg side and deflected an edge to keeper Akmal. Jonathan Trott (26) and Kevin Pietersen (22) then battled through tough batting conditions in the gloom, despite the presence of six floodlight towers, but the emergence of Gul saw off both batsmen.

Pietersen, without a test century now in 21 innings, was caught off the inside after a flying catch from the wicketkeeper Akmal. His patchy glove-work in the match and in recent series meant an element of surprise surrounded the wicket.

However, the next ball demonstrated Akmal's inconsistency when he dropped Paul Collingwood with an easier but still not simple catch diving to his right. Trott's two-hour innings of grit ended unfortunately when a short Gul ball kept low and bowled him. That was 66 for four.

Collingwood was unable to punish the tourists for their earlier lapse and was lbw to Gul for one in 19 balls. He discussed the potential of reviewing the wicket with Eoin Morgan but walked off, justifiably according to replays.

Morgan, whose first-innings 130 set up England's dominance, was run out for 17 after a mix-up with Prior.

Earlier, number nine batsman Gul entertained the capacity crowd with his 46-ball innings that contained eight boundaries and four sixes. He took 18 runs off Steven Finn in the second over of the day, with three fours and a six pulled over square leg. He repeated that stroke twice more.

Pakistan started the day needing eight runs to avoid the follow-on and they did that before being dismissed for 182.

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Narang shoots bronze in World C''ship, qualifies for 2012 Oly

Sat, Jul 31 10 09:07 PM

New Delhi, Jul 31 (PTI) World number two Gagan Narang became the first Indian to qualify for 2012 London Olympics after shooting bronze in the 10 metre air rifle event while compatriot Abhinav Bindra failed to qualify for final round in the 50th World Championship in Munich. Narang shot 597 (100, 100, 100, 99, 99, 99) to finish fifth in qualification round and make it to the final round. Narang was tied with three others on the same score of 597 in the qualification round on the opening day of the event. In the final round, Narang held on to his nerves to shoot a score of 102 which helped him bag bronze in a strong field of 128 shooters. However, Olympic gold medallist Abhinav Bindra finished a disappointing 25th in the qualification round. Bindra shot 593 (99, 99, 100, 99, 98, 98) to finish 25th and failed to qualify for the final round. Bindra had previously won gold in the last edition in 2006 at Zagreb. The third Indian shooter, Imran Hassan Khan finished 49th with a score of 590 (96, 98, 99, 98, 99, 100). The gold went to Italian Niccolo Campriani, who shot a total of 702.5 (599+103.5) while Hungarian Peter Sidi bagged the silver with 700.4 points (599+101.4). "Bindra finished on the podium of the last World Championship in 2006. I am happy that another Indian has made it to the medals here in Munich," said an elated Narang after winning bronze. "I have been struggling with the equipment in the last months, but now it''s ok. I am ready to go for the Games," Narang added. In the team event, the Indian trio of Narang, Bindra and Hassan Khan finished fourth with a combined score of 1780/1800. The gold went to China with a score of 1787, while Russia (1787) and Italy (1782) bagged silver and bronze respectively.

Source: Published>

Narang bags bronze; first Indian to qualify for London Olympics

Published>Sat, Jul 31 10 08:57 PM

New Delhi, July 31 (IANS) A day after he was overlooked for the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna, shooter Gagan Narang bagged the bronze in the 10 metre air rifle event at the World Championship in Munich and became the first Indian to qualify for the 2012 London Olympics.

World No.2 Narang shot 597 in the qualifying and 102 in the final round for a total of 699 to win the bronze. Olympic champion Abhinav Bindra finished a disappointing 25th and failed to qualify for the final round.

The gold went to Italian Niccolo Campriani, who shot a total of 702.5 (599 qualifying + 103.5 final) while Hungarian Peter Sidi bagged the silver with 700.4 points (599 qualifying + 101.4 final).

Narang said that he was disappointed after being left out for the third consecutive time for the Khel Ratna.

'I was really down after I was overlooked for the third consecutive time. This was a motivation for me to prove myself here at the World Championship. Now I want to know how long should I keep proving myself for the Khel Ratna,' Narang told IANS from Munich.

National coach Sunny Thomas feels that the bronze was a fitting reply to the awards selection committee, headed by P.T. Usha.

'Even before the start Narang told me that he was sad after being left out. I told him just to go and bag a medal and show the whole world that he deserves the Khel Ratna,' Thomas said.

Narang, who is now seen as India's best bet in the Commonwealth Games, shot the bronze in his pet 10m air rifle event at the Beijing World Cup and qualified for the World Championships.

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Goal against Germany my best in World Cup, says Forlan

Published>Sat, Jul 31 10 08:47 PM

Kolkata, July 31 (IANS) Uruguayan Diego Forlan, who bagged the golden ball as the best player of the recently concluded football World Cup, Saturday rated his goal against Germany in the third-fourth play-off as the best of his five strikes in the big event.

'My best goal in the World Cup is the one I scored against Germany. Every goal I scored was very nice as all of them meant something. They were all important games. Every time you score, you score for your country,' Forlan told a media conference here.

With Uruguay and Germany locked 1-1, Forlan scored a beauty of a goal following a cross from the right.

The 31-year-old Athletico Madrid striker let loose a lethal side volley on the run to put his side ahead 2-1.

However, later Germany struck two more to take the third spot.

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Organising committee will not accept incomplete stadiums, says Kalamdi

Published>Sat, Jul 31 10 08:37 PM

New Delhi, July 31 (IANS) Commonwealth Games organising committee chairman Suresh Kalmadi Saturday said the organising committee will start taking over venues from Sunday and will not accept any unfinisihed stadium.

Kalmadi said that the organising committee cannot be held responsible for the delay in the construction of venues for the Oct 3-14 Games.

'I reiterate that the organising committee has nothing to do with the infrastructure and construction projects. These pertain to Government agencies and venue owners and it would be very unfair to hold organising committee responsible for either the delays or the discrepancies. We will start taking over the venues from tomorrow and I assure you that we will not accept any incomplete stadiums,' said Kalmadi.

He also said that the organising committee's responsibility is to manage the Games and that they are not been involved in any tendering process for the construction of any stadia.

Kalmadi said the organising committee - which includes four officials of the level of Joint Secretary - functions in a transparent manner and follows a regulated procedure regarding all financial matters.

'Every proposal has to be passed by the finance committee, the finance sub-committee set up by the Group of Ministers and the organising committee's executive board,' he said.

Kalmadi also said that a recent report on the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) website by Chief Technical Examiners' Organisation on the infrastructure and construction projects had not named the organising committee.

'I am deeply hurt by the allegations against the organising committee. Our role is not to look after construction. My duty is to organise the games. In the CVC report, there is no mention of the organising committee. Every pie is accounted for.

'The campaign is very demoralising for athletes and officials who have been working day and night for many years now to make the Games a success. The need of the hour is to get on with the Games and be united to make this happen. Let not corruption be the only highlight. There are many positive things to write and talk about,' he said.

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34 riders for first round Indian national rally championship

Published>Sat, Jul 31 10 08:21 PM

Coimbatore, July 31 (IANS) The first round of the 2010 MAK Indian National Rally Championship for two-wheelers will be run here Sunday and, by all accounts, the event promises its share of thrills and spills with 34 entrants set to start.

Following the mandatory reconnaissance Saturday morning, the riders felt the going would be tough. The total distance of Special Stages is 77.82 km while the full rally distance, including the transport section, is 114.87 km.

Basically, there are two physical stages - Textool (11.7 km) and Premier (14.24 km) - that will be run thrice each in the same direction with two service breaks in between.

The first of the five rounds of the championship, promoted by IMG-Pro Sports Promotions, is being organised by Coimbatore Auto Sports Club (CASC) in association with Spitfire Motorsports. The other rounds will be run in Bangalore, Pune, Goa and Hyderabad.

Reigning national champion K.P. Aravind of TVS Racing is eager to begin the season on a winning note and the competition comes from his own stable.

'We are well-prepared and the bikes too have undergone some important changes. Last year, I had a tough time from my teammates and was able to clinch the issue only in the last leg. So I am looking forward to begin the season on the right note,' he said.

Team-mate and last year's winner here Pramod Joshua, is raring to go on his RTR 160.

'I love Coimbatore. I won here in 2008 and 2009 and am looking to begin with a hat-trick,' he said after a 'slippery recce'.

Though TVS Racing is the only works team, riders from Zen Rallying, VMW Racing, Speed Racing and Vepsam Racing, are all vying for the top honours in various classes.

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Kapur, Chowrasia crash out of Irish Open

Published>Sat, Jul 31 10 08:07 PM

Killarney (Ireland), July 31 (IANS) Indian golfer Shiv Kapur was unable to build on his first round and crashed out of the European Tour's 3 Irish Open golf here.

Also missing the cut was S.S.P. Chowrasia (78) in the second round here Friday.

Kapur totalled two-over 144, while Chowrasia had an aggregate of 11-over 153, way below the cut which came at 142.

Kapur, who was tied 25th on the first day, was three-over after six holes with a bogey and double bogey. A birdie on the seventh saw him turn in two-over. On the back-nine Kapur stumbled to three bogeys against just a lone birdie.

Chowrasia after the opening round 75 had five double bogeys against just a couple of birdies on another disastrous day.

England's Ross Fisher sank six consecutive birdies in his 10-under 61, grabbed the lead with a total of 12-under 130. Italian Francesco Molinari (66) followed him a couple of strokes behind in the second spot.

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Chennai marathon on Aug 29

Sat, Jul 31 10 07:51 PM

Chennai, Jul 31 (PTI) The third edition of the ''Chennai Marathon'', carrying a total prize money of Rs 19 lakh, will be held here on August 29, organisers said today. "This year''s marathon run will have a theme, "My City, My Pride" aimed at inspiring residents to do their bit for their metropolis," said Kanimozhi, Rajya Sabha MP and patron of ''Tamil Maiyam'', organising the event. "It may range from better civic conditions to better health of people. The theme is to inspire the people of Chennai to do their bit for the city," she said. Many celebrities including vocalists and sportspersons have promised to sponsor and train children of ''GiveLife'', the beneficiary NGO, in areas of their expertise. Some of the celebrities were vocalists Bombay Jayashree and Sudha Raghunathan, Hockey Olympian Md Riaz and football player Raman Vijayan. The top three winners in the 21 km half marathon will take home Rs three lakh, Rs two lakh and Rs one lakh, respectively, in both men''s and women''s categories, she said. In the previous edition, about 6000 persons participated in the 21 km run.

Source: Published>

Real Madrid fans divided about Germany's Khedira

Published>Sat, Jul 31 10 04:21 PM

Madrid, July 31 (DPA) Fans of Spanish giants Real Madrid are divided about the signing of German international Sami Khedira, to judge by an online poll published by sports daily Marca Saturday.

The club directors expected it to be a popular signing because it resumes Real's tradition of having a German midfielder in the team's engine room, and also because of the relatively modest transfer fee.

Madrid is paying Vfb Stuttgart around 12 million euros (15.65 dollars) for the 23 year-old, partly because his contract with the German club was due to expire in 2011.

Marca asked its readers whether they approve of the signing, and only 53.8 per cent of the 22,391 readers who had responded by Saturday voted 'yes', with 46.2 per cent opting for 'no.'

The explanation for this could be that the fans are used to big- name 'Galactico' signings, like Cristiano Ronaldo, Kaka and Karim Benzema, all of whom arrived to huge fanfare and fan euphoria last summer, with the Estadio Bernabeu packed to welcome them.

This summer new coach Jose Mourinho has insisted on the club buying younger, less flamboyant players - who also happen to be cheaper. So far, the club has spent around 60 million euros on youngsters Sergio Canales, Pedro Leon, Angel Di Maria and now Khedira.

As usual, Real are the biggest spenders in Europe so far, but this year's outlay pales into comparison to the 265 million euros they splashed out last summer on eight new players.

AS, the rival daily to Marca, pointed out that Khedira 'has a bright future' and 'was very impressive in the World Cup' for Germany.

AS said that 'German players have always been successful' at Real, citing the prior examples of goalkeeper Bodo Illgner (1998 Champions Cup), and 1970s midfielders Uli Stielike, Paul Breitner and Guenter Netzer, who helped Real to several Liga titles.

Now that they have signed Khedira, Real is expected to go after fellow German Mesut Oezil of Werder Bremen, another youngster who impressed at the World Cup in South Africa.

Mourinho, however, seems more interested in shoring up the defence, with Inter Milan right-back Maicon and Chelsea veteran Ricardo Carvalho.

Khedira was due to fly to the Spanish capital Saturday for medical checks and then sign a five-year contract.

In another move away from the 'Galactico' era, no official presentation to the fans has been planned. Instead, Khedira will fly out to Los Angeles on Sunday to join Real's summer tour of the United States.

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UK rowers seeks to break 114-year-old N. Atlantic crossing record

Published>Sat, Jul 31 10 03:57 PM

London, July 31 (ANI): A British-led rowing team is attempting to break a 114-year-old record for crossing the North Atlantic from New York to the Isles of Scilly.

The four men are on course to cross the finishing line at St Mary's Harbour after 44 days at sea - beating the existing 55-day record, the Daily Express reports.

Norwegian fisherman George Harbo and Frank Samuelson, set off from America in an open rowing boat on June 6 1896, arriving in the Scilly Isles on August 1.

Now, the Artemis North Atlantic Rowing Challenge team, which includes skipper Leven Brown, 37, from Edinburgh; Ray Carroll, 33, from Galway; Don Lennox, 41, from Bellshill, Glasgow, and Livar Nysted, 39, from the Faroe Islands, aiming to improve on that record.

During their two months at sea, the team has already battled ten-metre waves, a bout of food poisoning and narrowly avoided crashing into fishing boats in 35 knot winds.

They managed to set a new 24-hour record of 118 miles on July 14, previously held at 117 miles by Brown and his team in 'La Mondiale' on the Trade Winds route on January 3, 2008.

The four hope to raise thousands of pounds for charity through their rowing efforts, with money donated going to The National Autistic Society, Help for Heroes, Jigsaw and Aware. (ANI)

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Ex-Oz PM Howard peeved over being passed over for ICC VP nomination

Published>Sat, Jul 31 10 03:53 PM

Canberra (Australia), July 31 (ANI): Former Australian Prime Minister John Howard has reiterated his disappointment over being passed over for the nomination of vice-president of the International Cricket Council (ICC).

Cricket Australia (CA) abandoned its campaign to have Howard take the job, which would have eventually led to him becoming ICC president in 2012, during a special board telephone hook-up on Friday.

In an odd and confusing statement, CA reaffirmed that Howard remained the best candidate to become vice-president for a two-year term, then president from 2012, but supported New Zealand Cricket chairman Alan Isaac as the regional nomination.

""I remain passionate about cricket in Australia and around the world," the China Daily quoted Howard as telling The Weekend Australian on Friday night.

"The board is disappointed and most concerned by the ICC executive board's lack of support of his nomination and regards it as completely unacceptable that no reason has been provided as to why he has not been accepted," the CA told The Australian.

"In the circumstances, the CA board is not prepared to nominate any other candidate for the role. The CA board accepts that the New Zealand nominee, Alan Isaac, is eminently qualified to fill the role of ICC vice-president and president, and given the stance of the ICC executive board with the nomination of Howard, will support his name being forwarded to the ICC for ratification," it said further.

Howard's hopes of gaining cricket's top job were dashed by a bizarre backroom rejection from the ICC's dominate Afro-Asia bloc at last month's annual meeting in Singapore.

This was despite passionate pleas from Isaac and Clarke to the other eight presidents and chairman of the 10 so-called Test-playing countries which make up the ICC board.

In the end, only Australia, New Zealand and England supported Howard; the Afro-Asia bloc signed a letter outside the annual meeting opposing Howard's nomination before refusing to have a formal vote. (ANI)

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BCCI turns down Kalmadi's request of Rs.1 bn for CWG

Published>Sat, Jul 31 10 03:17 PM

Mumbai, July 31 (IANS) After allegations of financial irregularities, the Commonwealth Games organising committee received yet another set-back Saturday after the Indian cricket board turned down its request to become its lead partner for the Games by donating Rs.1 billion ($20 million).

The working committee of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) at a meeting here decided to turn down the request of organising committee president Suresh Kalmadi.

BCCI secretary N. Srinivasan refused to spell out the reason behind the decision but another member of the working committee told IANS that the board can not accept everybody's request.

'This was not possible. It was a huge amount and we are not in a position to accept everybody's demand,' the official said.

Meanwhile, the working committee also approved the candidature of Alan Isaac, chairman of New Zealand Cricket, for the post of International Cricket Council (ICC) vice-president.

The committee also decided to seek the services of Vece Paes, a hockey Olympian, as its anti-doping officer.

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8 junior cagers get scholarship from IMG Basketball Academy

Sat, Jul 31 10 03:07 PM

New Delhi, Jul 31 (PTI) Eight sub-junior level cagers from the country have been selected for a scholarship in the IMG Basketball Academy at Bradenton, Florida in the United States. Coaches from the IMG Basketball Academy selected the eight youngsters out of 50 players after spending two days with them. The selected players for the scholarship include four girls -- Pooja Ambistha, A Kavita, Soumya Babbar, Barkha Sonkar -- and four boys -- Sanjeev Kumar, Dinesh Mishra, Satnam Singh and Ashiv Jain. All the selected eight are currently at training camp in Bhopal. Basketball Federation of India (BFI) said they anticipate the players to leave the country on August 28, in time for the start of the academic semester at the IMG Academy on September 1. The players will be accompanied on the trip by Ravishankar Pathanjali as chaperone. "As a former tennis player himself, who went to college in the US, Pathanjali is well suited to this role. He will be supported by the full network of world class coaching and pastoral staff at the Academies," a BFI statement said. All travel, accommodation and tuition costs will be borne by IMG Reliance.

Source: Published>

Isaac wants window for IPL in FTP

Sat, Jul 31 10 02:51 PM

Melbourne, Jul 31 (PTI) Australia and New Zealand''s new pick for the ICC vice-President''s post Alan Isaac has advocated the need for a window for the Indian Premier League in the international calendar to ease off pressure on the Future Tours Program. Isaac, who replaced former Australian Prime Minister John Howard as Australia and New Zealand''s joint candidate for the post, said it was important to acknowledge IPL''s influence on the international calendar. "The Future Tours Program has to allow the IPL, because unless it is accommodated we will end up with more challenges," Isaac told the ''Sydney Morning Herald''. "There will be more pressure put around the scheduling of ICC events (such as World Cups and the Champions Trophy), and those ICC events are so critical to members because of the revenue generated. "It has to be worked into the Future Tours Program because there is a demand and an interest. The players seem to like it, and there is more money coming into the game. The sub-committee work is being done on that basis (that the IPL will be part of the FTP)," he added. Isaac''s nomination would have to be ratified by the ICC''s executive committee before he takes over. Once appointed, Isaac said he would look to improve the ICC''s image but rejected suggestions that financial powerhouse India acted like a bully. "I think one of the most important things is that we work to enhance the reputation of the ICC," Isaac said. "The media are quite critical of it, sometimes justifiably, and lots of decisions it makes get criticised. Each member around the table has got their own issues and agendas, I understand that, it is about leading everyone in a common direction. "There is no doubt (India) are powerful, that is a matter of fact. When the ICC sells its commercial rights a lot of that comes from India, that is the commercial reality and we have got to recognise that. The Indian officials I have dealt with in my 20 months at the ICC have been really good to work with, there are no issues at all," he added.

Source: Published>

Delays should not lead to panic before CWG: Sheila

Published>Sat, Jul 31 10 02:37 PM

New Delhi, July 31 (ANI): Conceding that there have been delays prior to the upcoming Commonwealth Games, Delhi chief Sheila Dikshit said these should not lead to panic.

She said this after a cabinet meeting at New Delhi on Friday and assured that the national capital would witness the best ever games.

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Button vows to quit Formula One if team orders are brought back

Published>Sat, Jul 31 10 02:07 PM

London, July 31 (ANI): World motor racing champion Jenson Button has vowed to quit Formula One if team orders are brought back.

Button said that he would walk away from his eight million pound deal over the issue that has split the sport.

The Sun quoted him as saying: "I'd not be interested in racing in F1 if, from the first race, you knew there was the possibility of being a No 1 or No 2 driver. What's the point?

"One of the biggest buzzes in F1 is fighting your team-mate and, for me, fighting a world champion is such a buzz. If I suddenly realised he didn't have the same equipment as me, or I was being favoured, I wouldn't be happy. I would think we'd all been cheated," he added.

He said: "You're here to win, to be the best. And you should have equal opportunity to the next guy that's driving the same car. (ANI)

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nderson says his fiver did make for a good birthday celebration

Published>Sat, Jul 31 10 01:53 PM

Trent Bridge (Nottingham, UK), July 31 (ANI): England fast bowler James Anderson at present looks the best swing bowler in the world, and he said that his five wickets for 49 runs against Pakistan in the first Test between the two sides being played here, did make for a good birthday celebration with his team mates.

Anderson, who has taken 22 wickets in four matches at Trent Bridge, said: "This ground has been good to me. Certain grounds do tend to swing every time you come and this is one of them.

"It did make for a good birthday. Every time I take five wickets [this was his ninth such haul] I feel fantastic. I haven't really been down on myself. I've felt like I've been bowling pretty well, I've just not been getting the wickets," the Daily Express further quoted him, as saying.

"Sometimes you go through patches just not getting the wickets you think you deserve. Hopefully now I can give a big push in this series," he said

Anderson was also full of praise for Steve Finn.

"I thought Steve bowled fantastically well. The good thing about him is that he uses his height and bangs the ball into the pitch," Anderson said.

Replying to England's 354, Pakistan were precariously placed at 147 for the loss of nine wickets. The visitors are still seven runs away from avoiding a follow-on. (ANI)

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Indian origin Ponzi king dupes investors of 115 million pounds

Published>Sat, Jul 31 10 01:47 PM

London, July 31 (ANI): An Indian origin businessman has been charged for spearheading Britain's biggest Ponzi fraud, cheating investors, including a former England cricketer, of 115-million-pounds.

According to the Daily Express, Kautilya Nandan Pruthi's victims include former England cricketer Darren Gough, singer Jerome Flynn and other celebrities.

Gough is a former winner of TV's Strictly Come Dancing talent contest.

Cricket star Kevin Pietersen was approached to take part in the scheme but decided not to.

Pruthi, 39, who ran Business Consulting International, was arrested in July last year with two other men.

The move followed a painstaking investigation by the City of London Police.

Luxury cars inc-luding two Ferraris, two Bentleys, a Lamborghini, a Rolls-Royce and a Maserati were seized. Another million pounds worth of assets, including jewellery and watches, as well as 250,000 pounds cash, has also been seized.

BCI was run from rented offices in Knightsbridge, central London, and had around 600 clients on its books.

The Crown Prosecution Service central fraud group announced charges against Pruthi yesterday.

They include 22 counts of fraud, five of obtaining a money transfer by deception, and unauthorised financial activity. He is also accused of money laundering by "concealing, disguising, converting, transferring and removing criminal property contrary to the Proceeds of Crime Act, 2002".

The charges relate to his alleged activities between August 25, 2005, and June 10, 2009.

Pruthi will appear at City of London Magistrates' Court on September 3. (ANI)

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Pak Sports Ministry says no request by PCB to clear Sri Lankan team terror attack report

Published>Sat, Jul 31 10 01:37 PM

Lahore, July 31(ANI): The Pakistan Sports Ministry has said that it has not received any report from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) over last year's terror attack on the Sri Lankan team in Lahore.

"As far as I know they had sent us a report on the sad incident, but that was sometime back and it was for our information. After that they have not approached us to get clearance from other ministries to send the report to the ICC," The Daily Times quoted a Sports Ministry official, as saying.

The official also said that it was their responsibility to forward any query or request from the PCB to other ministries including the Interior and Foreign Affairs ministries.

"It is true that the PCB requires permission from some ministries before it can send the official inquiry report to anyone, but our ministry has not got any such request as yet," he added.

The PCB spokesman Nadeem Sarwar had earlier said that the board was awaiting clearance from the government before sending the report to the International Cricket Council (ICC).

"It was a judicial inquiry and we require permission from the government to dispatch the report to ICC," Sarwar had said.

Sarwar had also slammed accusations that the PCB was dragging its feet in the bid to restore international matches to the country.

"ICC is the supreme cricket body and together we are trying our best to see international teams returning to Pakistan in the near future," he said.

Leading cricket teams have refused to visit Pakistan following the 2009 attack on the team in Lahore, which killed eight people, as well as injuring seven Sri Lankan players and their assistant coach.

The security situation has forced Pakistan to hold its 'home' series against Australia and England in England.

In the last two years, Pakistan 'home' games have also been staged in the United Arab Emirates and New Zealand.

Pakistan, which was due to co-host the 2011 World Cup, was also stripped of its matches following the attack on the Sri Lankan team.

Pakistan was supposed to hold 14 matches, including one semi-final. Eight of Pakistan's matches have been awarded to India, four to Sri Lanka and two to Bangladesh. (ANI)

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N. Korean football coach sacked, could be executed

Published>Sat, Jul 31 10 01:17 PM

London, July 31 (ANI): North Korea World Cup coach Kim Jong-hun has been sacked, publicly ridiculed, expelled from the Worker's Party and made a construction labourer after his team failed to do well in South Africa.

He has also been accused of betraying General Kim Jong-un, the shadowy son of North Korea's leader, Kim Jong-il, raising fears that he could be executed.

According to the Daily Express, in recent months, North Korea has executed two top officials - one who oversaw a disastrous currency revaluation and another who was in charge of diplomatic talks with South Korea.

The North Korea team was initially praised for their spirited display in their opening group game against Brazil, when they lost 2-1.

On the back of that performance, the despotic leadership took the unprecedented step of broadcasting live the team's second group game against Portugal.

But they were left stunned when the team lost 7-0.

Commentary of the second half - when the North Koreans conceded six of the goals - stopped and the match went unreported in the next day's newspapers.

They finished their campaign with a 3-0 defeat by the Ivory Coast.

On their return home, the squad were forced to stand for six hours on a stage at the People's Palace of Culture while an audience of 400 party officials, athletes and students reprimanded and ridiculed them. (ANI)

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Brazilian goalie charged with ex-girlfriend's murder

Published>Sat, Jul 31 10 01:07 PM

London, July 31 (ANI): Brazilian goalkeeper Bruno Souza has been charged with the murder of his 25-year-old ex-girlfriend Eliza Samudio. He reportedly fathered her four-month-old baby.

According to The Telegraph, Samudio's body is yet to be found, but the police has wrapped up an initial phase of their investigation by saying that Souza masterminded her murder.

Police in the Brazilian state of Minas Gerais said Souza, who plays for Rio de Janeiro's Flamengo team, was also charged with kidnapping, hiding the body, forming a criminal gang and corrupting minors.

"Forensic police will prove that Eliza is dead," the officer in charge of the investigation, Edson Moreira, was quoted, as saying.

He added that inquiries are continuing to bolster evidence and attempts to find the body.

Seven other people, including an ex-policeman suspected of carrying out the premeditated murder on Souza's orders, have also been charged. Souza's wife was among them.

Samudio disappeared last month after being taken to Souza's second residence near the southern city of Belo Horizonte.

It is believed that Samudio had been demanding child support. The baby was found in the care of Souza's wife, the paper states.

Souza has been suspended from Flamengo, Brazil's most popular club, which he once captained. (ANI)

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ICC VP nominee Isaac may win Asian vote for supporting IPL window creation in FTP

Published>Sat, Jul 31 10 12:37 PM

Sydney, July 31 (ANI): Cricket Australia and New Zealand Cricket's nominee for the ICC vice-presidency, Alan Isaac, has come out in support of creating windows for the Indian Premier League (IPL) in the Future Tours Program (FTP), which could improve his chances of securing the post with the help of the Asian Bloc.

According to the Sydney Morning Herald, the biggest issue facing the game is the overcrowding of the Future Tours Program (FTP), with the influx of domestic leagues like the IPL squeezing an international calendar already packed with three forms of cricket.

An ICC sub-committee is remodelling the FTP to leave holes for the IPL and Champions Twenty20 League, both multimillion-dollar tournaments that feature the world's best players.

"The Future Tours Program has to allow the IPL, because unless it is accommodated we will end up with more challenges," Isaac told the SMH last night.

"There will be more pressure put around the scheduling of ICC events [such as World Cups and the Champions Trophy], and those ICC events are so critical to members because of the revenue generated. It has to be worked into the Future Tours Program because there is a demand and an interest. The players seem to like it, and there is more money coming into the game," he added.

Isaac, who assumes the ICC presidency in 2012, also supports the creation of a Test championship series, and hopes at the end of his tenure, all international cricket matches have context and happily co-exist with lucrative domestic leagues.

The IPL is seen as the biggest threat to international cricket, with a growing belief players are cutting their careers short to chase the big money on offer.

With so much cricket being played, there has predictably been clashes and many international players have expressed disappointment at missing out because they must play for their countries.

In some instances, players have stretched their participation in the IPL to a ridiculous degree, flying to another country the day before an international series.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India, which owns the IPL and reaps enormous financial reward from it, has strongly lobbied for the creation of a window in the FTP and now have an ally in Isaac, who is expected to be officially endorsed by the ICC in coming days.

Cricket Australia board members refused to put forward another nominee yesterday, still seething over the treatment of Howard.

To date, it has not received any official explanation for the snubbing of the former Australian prime minister, but it is widely known African nations were opposed because of his previous political stance against Zimbabwe, while India did not want someone of his stature overseeing their operations.

Isaac, 58, said the belief India ruled the game with an iron fist is not correct, although he conceded the ICC has a major image problem which he hopes to fix.

"I think one of the most important things is that we work to enhance the reputation of the ICC," Isaac said.

"There is no doubt [India] are powerful, that is a matter of fact. When the ICC sells its commercial rights a lot of that comes from India, that is the commercial reality and we have got to recognise that. The Indian officials I have dealt with in my 20 months at the ICC have been really good to work with, there are no issues at all," Issac said. (ANI)

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Holder Querrey and Murray reach last four in LA

Published>Sat, Jul 31 10 12:17 PM

Second seed and champion Sam Querrey overcame an erratic serving display to reach the LA Open semi-finals with a nail-biting 6-2 3-6 7-6 victory over German veteran Rainer Schuettler on Friday.

The American smashed two rackets in frustration and trailed 4-5 in the deciding set but twice broke the German as his opponent served for the match before clinching the tiebreak 7-4 at the LA Tennis Center.

Querrey will next meet sixth seed Janko Tipsarevic after the Serb upset third-seeded Cypriot Marcos Baghdatis 6-3 7-5.

Top seed and British world number four Andy Murray survived two set points before booking his place in the semi-finals with a 7-6 6-1 win against Colombia's Alejandro Falla in the late match.

Seeking his first ATP title of the year and still showing signs of rust in his first tournament back since Wimbledon, Murray eased through the tiebreak 7-3 before crushing Falla in the second set.

In Saturday's semi-finals, the Scot will take on fourth-seeded Spaniard Feliciano Lopez, who beat American wildcard James Blake 3-6 7-6 6-4.

"It feels good," Murray said after wrapping up victory in one hour 37 minutes on the hardcourt surface. "It was a tricky match. Alejandro has been playing very well the last few months.

"I played well but those were difficult conditions," added Murray, who was a late wildcard entry after the withdrawal last week of second-ranked Novak Djokovic.

"It was pretty cool tonight and I hit a lot of balls in the net."

SORE JOINTS

Murray repeatedly clutched his right leg late in the match but said it was just "a little sore" on the joints after switching from the grass to the U.S. hardcourts.

Querrey, who needed three sets to beat South African qualifier Kevin Anderson in the previous round, raced through his opening set but lost the first three games of the second before the German levelled the match.

Both players held serve in the third set until the ninth game when Schuettler hit a searing backhand service return winner to earn his seventh breakpoint, which he converted when Querrey netted a forehand.

Serving for the match at 5-4, Schuettler failed to hold but he immediately broke back when a Querrey crosscourt backhand sailed wide.

Schuettler again failed to serve out the match, a flicked forehand ending up in the net for Querrey to force a tiebreak, which the American dominated with his booming first serve before sealing victory when a Schuettler backhand sailed long.

"I kind of got lucky to get through," the 22-year-old American said after the topsy-turvy two hour, 20 minutes match. "I was pretty frustrated the whole time but I then did a great job of playing the 5-4 and 6-5 games.

"My serve sucks right now," he added after recording 14 aces and nine double faults in bright sunshine.

"I just don't have that consistency of the knee bend and fluid motion. It's not as comfortable as it was at Queens and Wimbledon.

"It's getting better every day, though. When I needed it, I got it. I served well in that tiebreaker."

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Jagtap bows out of squash championship

Published>Sat, Jul 31 10 11:51 AM

Quito (Ecuador), July 31 (IANS) Aditya Jagtap, the lone Indian remaining in contention, went down to top seeded Amr Khaled Khalifa from Egypt in straight games in the quarterfinals at the World Junior squash championships here.

From the first point, Khalifa kept Jagtap pinned to the back corners Friday and did not give him an inch to play his strokes. Jagtap fought for every point and eventually went down 5-11, 2-11, 2-11.

The Indian boys will now be gearing up for the team championships which start Aug 2 at the same venue.

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