'Devastated' Cairns exploring legal action against IPL

Deepak Jain>Wed, Jan 06 10 01:09 PM

Wellington, Jan 6 (ANI): Former New Zealand allrounder Chris Cairns, who is devastated after the Indian Premier League removed his name from the list of cricketers up for a player auction, is exploring legal action.

Cairns' London-based legal representative Andrew Fitch-Holland hit out today at media reports quoting IPL boss Lalit Modi as to the reasons behind Cairns' sudden removal from the auction list of 97 players.

A report on leading cricket website Cricinfo was removed, and Fitch-Holland said he would be seeking apologies and retractions after Modi's "defamatory remarks" were quoted elsewhere, Stuff.co.nz reports.

"Chris is appalled at the reckless way in which unsubstantiated gossip has been put into the media by a person holding such a position as Modi," Fitch-Holland said in a statement.

Fitch-Holland added Cairns, 39, was never the subject of any investigation or finding of misconduct during his short stint in the now-defunct Indian Cricket League (ICL).

The IPL themselves had instigated discussions with Cairns regarding his availability for their forthcoming tournament, Fitch-Holland said.

"Modi's comments and the subsequent publication of them by others have had an immediate and highly damaging effect on Chris' reputation and indeed on his future within the game," the statement said.

The statement didn't explain why Cairns name had been removed from the auction list as he sought to revive his career in the lucrative IPL.

Cairns was suspended from the rival ICL in October 2008 on what was described as "disciplinary grounds" after captaining the Chandigarh Lions in three matches.

His then-team-mate and former Indian international Dinesh Mongia was also suspended over alleged match fixing charges. (ANI)

Source: Web Search

England furious over ball tampering charges on Broad, Anderson

Deepak Jain>Wed, Jan 06 10 12:53 PM

England coach Andy Flower has said that he has been taken aback by the ball-tampering row which overshadowed day three of the third Test against South Africa in Cape Town.

Flower's comment came after the South African team raised their concerns over shots of fast bowler Stuart Broad treading on the ball with his spikes and James Anderson poking at it with his fingers at an early stage of the second innings.

"Over the years we have seen a lot of tall fast bowlers stop the ball with their boot, so I don't see anything sinister in it at all," The Telegraph quoted Flower, as saying.

The images can hardly be considered conclusive evidence of tampering, but the South African team alleged that the two bowlers were trying to alter the condition of the ball to aid reverse swing, one of England's most potent weapons.

The incident was made official by South Africa at the close of play, which ended with the host nation at 312 for two, 330 runs ahead of England with two days to play.

"We have raised our concerns with the match referee over the condition of the ball and we have left it to him to decide whether action is necessary," a South Africa spokesman said.

Meanwhile, England spokesman said: "We firmly rebut any accusations of ball tampering."

Source: Web Search

Powar struggle for Delhi as hosts tighten the noose

Deepak Jain Wed, Jan 06 10 12:49 PM

Mumbai, Jan. 6 -- Mumbai have almost assured themselves of a spot in the Ranji Trophy final. Off-spinner Ramesh Powar ensured that Delhi didn't get the crucial first innings lead with a five-wicket haul. In reply to the hosts' first innings total of 500, Delhi were bowled out for 211. Mumbai captain Wasim Jaffer refused to enforce the follow-on and his team was 123 for four in the second innings at the end of the third day of the semi-final. Mumbai, with a lead of 412, will have to play some silly cricket to lose this match from here and are most likely to meet Karnataka in the final. Mumbai's campaign this season had been affected by some insipid bowling. Barring one instance against Himachal Pradesh, they have been unable to bowl out the opposition twice. In the previous match against Haryana in Rohtak, it was Powar who got his team the crucial first innings lead with a four-wicket haul. And here at the Cricket Club of India on Tuesday, Powar continued with that form to bowl a devastating post-lunch spell. It was the first five-wicket haul for any Mumbai bowler this season and it came in a span of 24 balls. The deadly second spell read 5.3-3-9-5. Till then, Delhi were fighting at 188 for four but were bowled out in eight overs. Powar was introduced from the pavilion end in the 14th over of the day and proved largely ineffective in that spell of seven overs. He got all his wickets from the far end. Delhi lost overnight batsman Shikhar Dhawan early in the day but Rajat Bhatia and Gaurav Chabra hardly had any problem dealing with the Mumbai attack. It stayed that way until Jaffer decided to bring Powar back into the attack from the far end, almost an hour after lunch. The change in ends seemed to do the trick for Powar as he got the ball to turn and also extracted bounce with his tantalisingly flighted deliveries. In the 72nd over, Delhi skipper Rajat Bhatia tried to sweep Powar and missed the ball to see his stumps disturbed. This was the wicket Mumbai desperately wanted as he looked in sublime touch. The right-hander had hit Iqbal Abdulla for a couple of big sixes. Next batsman Bisht survived only two deliveries. The third one he faced was pitched on length, the batsman tried to defend. The ball turned in sharply to find the gap between bat and pad to hit the stumps. Powar had his two-wicket maiden. Romesh Powar came back in the next over to send back Pradeep Sangwan, who was surprised by the bounce and turn and spooned a catch to short leg. Abdulla then trapped the in-form Chabra in front of the wicket.

Last man Parvinder Awana could, at his best, get a thick outside edge, which was caught by Jaffer at second slip, ending the visitors' first innings and prompting celebrations among his teammates.

Source: Web Search

And the Somdev saga continues...

Deepak Jain Wed, Jan 06 10 12:39 PM

Chennai, Jan. 5 -- The Somdev Devvarman story keeps getting better in Chennai. Unlike last year, when he did not have much to lose, the 24-year-old came into the tournament with the burden of crowd expectations and defending his 150 ranking points this week. But once he had shaken off the early nerves, Somdev didn't let any of that matter. He stayed on par with one of the most experienced sluggers on tour, Rainer Schuettler, before dismissing the 85th ranked German 7-5, 6-2 in the first round at the Chennai Open on Tuesday evening. He will run into Serbian fourth seed Janko Tipsarevic in the next round on Wednesday. Trained and chiselled at the University of Virginia, the Indian is in touch with the times. Solidity and athleticism rule the age of hard courts, and Somdev is learning both. His first round match against Schuettler wasn't overwhelming, neither was the German's challenge. A regular visitor to India, Schuettler failed to get any rhythm and was beaten by a man with legs almost ten years younger than his own. The German only tried to mix things up and come to the net towards the end as a last resort, and was able to disconcert Somdev. But he had left a little too much for a little too late. A finalist here in 2009, Somdev did not get off to the best of starts, slipping 0-2 and 2-5 in the first set. But he came back to win seven straight games and pushed the German farther away from the finish line.

With Schuettler off his game, Somdev could still stick to his limitations and wriggle out of the match.

Source: Web Search

Somdev stuns Schuettler

Deepak Jain>Wed, Jan 06 10 11:59 AM

Two completely different sets of fans were planning to take over the Nungambakkam stadium on Tuesday. The first, with Viking helmets and blue-yellow flags in support of Sweden's top seed Robin Soderling had rehearsed their synchronised chants to perfection, but their yells wound down to a whimper as their man crashed out in the opening round.

The second band, wearing t-shirts that spelled out S-O-M-D-E-V, gathered their strength as Somdev Devvarman, growing in confidence with every fist-pump, rallied from 5-2 down against his favoured opponent Rainer Schuettler to win 7-5 6-2.

Ranked 85, the German got a headstart with an early break, and even though the Indian broke back immediately, all signs pointed to the road ahead being littered with obstacles. When Schuettler got another break in the sixth and then increased his lead to 5-2, there was absolutely no indication of what was to follow - a run of seven consecutive games in Somdev's favour. Scheuttler lost his forehand sense, Somdev began slamming winners down the line, across the court, and everywhere but within his rival's reach.

He took the first set 7-5, a situation that was unimaginable to everyone except maybe the Indian himself just a few games ago, and right at the beginning of the second, denied Schuettler an opportunity to stage a comeback, breaking him in the first game. A lob sailing over the 33-year-old on break point, landing right on the line as he continued staring at the ball.

The double break looked like just a matter of time, considering the errors the veteran was making, and it duly arrived, with Somdev's ripping crosscourt forehand making it 4-1. The 24-year-old sealed it in the eighth game with a backhand which the German gave up on. "I kept telling myself to hit simple shots, make the points shorter. I knew I have the ability. When I was a break down in the first, I knew it was just a single break and I could come back," said Somdev. Next up for him is fourth seed Janko Tipsarevic, ranked 38th in the world and armed with a fierce serve.

Early exit for Soderling

Soderling did everything wrong in his opening set against 100th-ranked Robby Ginepri, and except for a brief period in the second, that trend continued right till the end of his 6-4 7-5 loss. He was tight on his backhand, the forehand often landed long , and Ginepri sensed his chance and poured in the aggression. "Everything went wrong today, I didn't feel comfortable at all. I haven't felt this bad on a tennis court in a long time," Soderling later said.

Rohan, Prakash lose

Stanislas Wawrinka looked determined to make his India visit last longer than the first round this year, and he did just that after a quick 6-1 6-4 victory over Indian wild card Rohan Bopanna. Prakash Amritraj also fell to the serve of American Michael Russell earlier in the day, losing 6-3 6-1 to the world No. 83.

Source: Web Search

Thilan's ton wins it for Lanka

Deepak Jain>Wed, Jan 06 10 11:57 AM

India and Sri Lanka have faced each other so often in the recent past that matches featuring them have started seeming like reruns. The teams have played each other in three bilateral series over the past 18 months, apart from a tri-series in Lanka ahead of the Champions Trophy last year and, apart from Sreesanth and a few new faces in the Lankan outfit, most players - even the likes of Virat Kohli and Suraj Randiv - are quite familiar with the members in the opposition.

In fact, as Sri Lanka seemed to lose their way in pursuit of their target of 280 after looking comfortable for a major part of the chase, the game seemed to be heading towards a predictable finish as well - with the Lankans choking in the end. That was when 20-year-old Thissara Perera - playing his third ODI - decided to announce himself on the big stage. Walking into bat with 54 required off 39 balls, the left-hander smashed an unbeaten 15-ball 36 to finish the job and give Sri Lanka a five-wicket win with two overs to spare.

At the other end, Thilan Samaraweera, who despite his terrific record in Tests has struggled to replicate that form in the ODI format, was the unlikely hero, scoring his second ton - an unbeaten 106-ball 105 - to guide the pursuit to perfection. While Samaraweera and Sangakkara were involved in their 122-run third-wicket stand, Sri Lanka were in complete control of their chase - just as they were at Rajkot. The Lankan skipper fell to a loose shot for 60, while Thilana Kandamby and Suraj Randiv too fell in quick succession, leaving Perera to blast his team home in the end.

Fiery start

The Indian innings earlier began with the now customary flourish, as Virender Sehwag ensuring India scored at more than a run-a-ball, striking Chanaka Welegedara for a boundary off the second delivery he faced in his innings before hitting Suranga Lakmal for three fours on the trot. The seventh over provided a few entertaining moments, when Welegedara had Sehwag caught behind off a no-ball, and provided the Indian opener with two free-hit opportunities. The tall Lankan left-arm paceman, who earlier bowled Gautam Gambhir for eight, ended the disastrous 10-ball over on a happy note though, getting rid off Virat Kohli. He followed up by bringing the Sehwag show to a premature end in his next over, and for the first time in the match, it seemed like the script was being altered.

Mahendra Singh Dhoni who came in with India at 71 for three in 8.4 overs began slowly, nudging singles and looking to rebuild the innings. He managed to do that in Yuvraj Singh's company - the left-hander striking a fluent 84-ball 74 - but fell just when he looked to go from restorer to aggressor, Perera came into the attack. Perera, who had opened the bowling in his first two ODIs, wasn't brought onto bowl till the 32nd over but he didn't take long to make an impact, first getting Dhoni caught-behind for 37, before accounting for Yuvraj in his third over.

The pair of Suresh Raina and Ravindra Jadeja then added 65 runs between them, before Welegedara returned to pick up the first five-wicket haul of his ODI career. Harbhajan Singh brought some uniqueness into the contest with the comical manner of his dismissal - attempting to hit a full toss wide outside off-stump towards the on-side, he managed only to hit it to point.

India, who had looked on their way to cross the 300-run mark, fell well short, with the left-arm pace duo of Thilan Thushara and Welegedara ensuring that only 18 runs were scored off the last five overs for the loss of four wickets. In the end, the last five overs of both innings had proved to be the deciding factor.

Source: Web Search

Brisbane International men's singles results

Deepak Jain Wed, Jan 06 10 11:29 AM

REUTERS - Brisbane International men's second round results on Wednesday (prefix denotes seeding; * indicates new result)

* 2-Radek Stepanek (Czech Republic) beat Oleksandr Dolgopolov Jr. (Ukraine) 5-7 7-6(4) 6-2

James Blake (U.S.) beat Marc Gicquel (France) 6-3 3-6 7-6(8)

Source: Web Search

CJ orders inquiry into financial mismanagement of PCB

Deepak Jain Wed, Jan 06 10 11:09 AM

Karachi, Jan 6 (PTI) A fresh problem awaits Pakistan Cricket Board after the nation''s Chief Justice (CJ), Chaudhary Iftikhar Muhammad has directed the National Accountability Bureau to hold an independent inquiry into the allegations of financial mismanagement against the PCB. Disposing off an application filed by a PCB employee Razaullah Khan, who had pleaded to the Chief Justice to take sue motto notice of the financial irregularities unearthed by the Auditor General of Pakistan in an audit of the board accounts between 2003 and 2008, Iftikhar Chaudhary asked the NAB to hold an inquiry into the matter. Razaullah, an old cricket administrator, pointed out in his application that although the Auditor General had raised serious objections in his audit report and even though Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani had issued a directive for an inquiry into the allegations, nothing has been done about the matter till now. In a special audit conducted at the request of the sports ministry, former PCB chairmans Tauqir Zia, Shaharyar Khan and Nasim Ashraf were found to be involved in irregular expenditures of millions of rupees. "The case be forwarded to the NAB chairman for disposal," the Chief Justice ordered on Monday while taking suo motu notice of the applicant''s complaint. The public accounts committee of the has already held a hearing into the audit report which was attended by present PCB chairman Ejaz Butt.

Source: Web Search

Israel's Peer progresses despite Auckland protests

Deepak Jain Wed, Jan 06 10 10:53 AM

Chanting protestors interrupted Shahar Peer's second round match at the Auckland Classic on Wednesday before the Israeli advanced to the quarter-finals with a 6-1 6-0 victory over Slovakia's Magdalena Rybarikova.

One of the small group of people, who are protesting against Israel's treatment of Palestinians and have called on Peer to withdraw from the event, was arrested, local media reported.

The 22-year-old Peer was the subject of similar protests outside the Auckland Tennis Centre last year and on Tuesday.

"I think it was really bad, yesterday was a bit better," Peer told reporters. "Today was much more louder.

"I guess those people know exactly where to stand so that we can hear them well and it was continual, it didn't stop."

Officials stopped the match after Peer took the first set and discussed for 15 minutes whether or not to continue.

Peer was adamant she wanted to keep playing and subsequently ran out an easy winner as a visibly distracted Rybarikova's resistance collapsed.

"It did encourage me," Peer added. "Like yesterday, when I was hearing that (protests), it made me play better to prove I can also play with the noise.

"They're doing what they want. Everyone can do whatever they want, as long as I'm winning I don't care."

Rybarikova admitted the protests had effected her.

"I have to say it was tough to play during the protest," she said. "I lost the first set because I was not concentrating. I was thinking about that and not my tennis."

Peer will now meet Maria Kirilenko in Thursday's quarter-finals on centre court after the Russian beat Estonia's Kaia Kanepi 6-2 6-3.

Top seeded Italian Flavia Pennetta, who was first up on centre court on Wednesday, also advanced to the last eight with a 6-2 6-2 victory over Spain's Carla Suarez Navarro and will meet Dominika Cibulkova

The Slovak upset seventh seeded Frenchwoman Aravane Rezai 6-3 6-4.

Italian fourth seed Francesca Schiavone, who beat India's Sania Mirza 6-0 6-3, will meet the unseeded Alize Cornet after the Frenchwoman thrashed sixth seed Elena Vesnina, last year's beaten finalist, 6-1 6-1. Belgian third seed Yanina Wickmayer continued her return to the game after having a drug ban overturned with an easy win over Romania's Ioana Olaru and will meet either Japanese veteran Kimiko Date Krumm or French fifth seed Virginie Razzano.

Source: Web Search

Sarfaraz should replace erratic Kamran in Tests: Sohail

Deepak Jain Wed, Jan 06 10 10:39 AM

Karachi, Jan 6 (PTI) Former Pakistan captain Aamir Sohail believes it is time for wicketkeeper Kamran Akmal to give away his Test place to young Sarfaraz Ahmed and restrict himself to playing only one-day internationals and Twenty20 cricket. Sohail was visibly upset after Kamran, who is the vice-captain in the ongoing Test tour of Australia, dropped three easy caught behind chances of leg spinner Danish Kaneria''s bowling and also missed a run out opportunity yesterday on the third day of the second Test in Sydney. Kamran was also not in the best of batting form in Australia. "There is no doubt about the fact that Kamran is in the team because of his added batting prowess and not purely for his keeping abilities alone," Sohail said. "It would be better for Pakistan cricket if Sarfaraz plays the Tests and Kamran is asked to focus on the one-day internationals and T20 matches because of his experience and superior batting abilities," the former left-handed opener said. .

Source: Web Search

Auckland Classic women's singles results

Deepak Jain Wed, Jan 06 10 09:53 AM

REUTERS - Auckland Classic women's singles second round on Wednesday (prefix denotes seeding; * indicates new result)

* Dominika Cibulkova (Slovakia) beat 7-Aravane Rezai (France) 6-3 6-4

* Alize Cornet (France) beat 6-Elena Vesnina (Russia) 6-1 6-1

* Maria Kirilenko (Russia) beat Kaia Kanepi (Estonia) 6-2 6-3

* 4-Francesca Schiavone (Italy) beat Sania Mirza (India) 6-0 6-3

3-Yanina Wickmayer (Belgium) beat Ioana Raluca Olaru (Romania) 6-2 6-2

1-Flavia Pennetta (Italy) beat Carla Suarez Navarro (Spain) 6-2 6-2

Shahar Peer (Israel) beat Magdalena Rybarikova (Slovakia) 6-16-0

Source: Web Search

Tiger's hold on top spot could be in jeopardy, says Ogilvy

Deepak Jain>Wed, Jan 06 10 09:47 AM

The self-imposed absence of Tiger Woods from the PGA Tour could pave the way for someone else to take over as world number one this year, according to Australian Geoff Ogilvy.

Woods, who has topped the rankings for the last 239 weeks, announced last month he was taking an indefinite break from the game in the wake of revelations about his personal life.

"It's an interesting time right now," Ogilvy told reporters on Tuesday while preparing for his title defence at this week's SBS Championship on the Hawaiian island of Maui.

"Number one in the world might be up for realistic grabs this year, depending on how it all takes shape.

"Even if he does come back (this year), I imagine it will be a very limited schedule. Even if he comes back and wins, nobody knows what's going to happen.

"A lot of guys will be thinking here is my year," added the 14th-ranked Australian who climbed to a career-high third in 2008.

American Woods, who has been world number one for a total of 581 weeks in his career, has given no timetable for his likely return to competition.

The 14-times major champion was plunged into a media storm after suffering minor injuries in a bizarre early morning car crash outside his Florida home on Nov. 27 and he has been in hiding since admitting he had cheated on his wife.

Ogilvy, a six-times winner on the PGA Tour who clinched his first major title at the 2006 U.S. Open, believes he is one of the players capable of replacing Woods at the pinnacle of the game.

"I am definitely one of those guys," the 32-year-old said. "When I play my best, I can play with anyone.

"I have had periods that are a bit inconsistent where I can't compete with anyone at all, or I just play average and I have to get rid of those periods.

"My good periods are great but the players who get to the top two or three in the world stay there and play well. They do well when they're not playing their best.

"I think I am more capable and I think I get better most years. So I think it's definitely feasible."

Source: Web Search

Prolific Bieler returns home with Racing Club

Deepak Jain Wed, Jan 06 10 09:19 AM

Argentine striker Claudio Bieler, who helped Ecuador's LDU Quito win South America's top two club trophies in the last two years, is joining Racing Club in his home country, a club official said.

Bieler, little known in Argentina before he won the Libertadores Cup in 2008 and the Copa Sudamericana in 2009 with LDU, would sign a contract with Racing on Tuesday, club vice-president Pablo Podesta told La Red radio station.

The 25-year-old striker, who scored 22 goals for LDU in the Ecuadorean championship last season and was top marksman in the Sudamericana with a tally of eight, helped Colo Colo win the Chilean league title in 2007.

Racing, who are also looking to sign international striker Jackson Martinez of Colombian champions Independiente Medellin, finished 16th in the Argentine Apertura championship last month.

Source: Web Search

South Africa take 74-run lead after dismissing England

Deepak Jain>Tue, Jan 05 10 06:30 PM

South Africa led by 74 runs with nine second innings wickets in hand at lunch on the third day of the third test against England after dismissing the tourists for 273 earlier on Tuesday.

The hosts had reached 56 for one at the break with captain Graeme Smith 22 not out and Hashim Amla on 14. England had claimed the wicket of Ashwell Prince, who was trapped lbw by off-spinner Graeme Swann for 15.

England, replying to South Africa's first innings total of 291, resumed on 241 for seven on Tuesday morning but Morne Morkel claimed two wickets in the first over -- his fourth and fifth of the innings -- to reduce them to 241 for nine.

Swann gloved a superb lifter angled into the body to first slip to be caught for five, and Jimmy Anderson steered the next delivery to the same place for a duck, Smith taking both catches.

England were still trailing by 50 runs and the situation called for some brave strokeplay, which wicketkeeper Matt Prior provided with a punchy 76 off 118 balls.

He managed to protect last man Graham Onions for nearly half-an-hour as 32 runs were added, leaving just an 18-run first innings gap between the two sides.

Prior's run-spree was eventually stopped six overs into the day when he tried to get a Dale Steyn bouncer away for a single but could only bottom-edge the ball into his stumps. Onions finished on four not out.

Steyn, nowhere near his best in the second test in Durban last week after returning from a hamstring injury, was much-improved in taking four for 74 in 22 overs, but Morkel was even more effective with five for 75 in his 22 overs.

South African openers Prince and Smith had no real alarms against the new ball, but Prince fell to Swann's seventh delivery when he played for more turn and was struck low down on the front pad.

There was no doubt the ball would have gone on to hit the stumps and the left-hander failed to get the decision overturned on review.

Source: Web Search

India score 279 for 9 against Sri Lanka

Deepak Jain Tue, Jan 05 10 06:23 PM

Mirpur (Bangladesh), Jan 5 (PTI) Put into bat, India posted 279 for nine against Sri Lanka in the second match of the Idea Cup tri-nation cricket tournament at Sher-e-Bangla Stadium here today. Brief score: India: 279 for 9 in 50 overs (Yuvraj Singh 74, Virender Sehwag 47; Chanaka Welegedara 5/66, Thissara Perera 2/27). PTI DB

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Tendulkar returns for Bangladesh test series

Deepak Jain Tue, Jan 05 10 06:09 PM

India named Sachin Tendulkar in the squad for this month's two-test series against Bangladesh after the batsman had opted out of the ongoing triangular one-day series involving Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.

India, the top ranked team in the official ICC test rankings, will play test matches in Chittagong (Jan. 17-21) and in Mirpur (Jan. 24-28).

India: Mahendra Singh Dhoni (captain), Virender Sehwag, Gautam Gambhir, Rahul Dravid, Sachin Tendulkar, Vangipurappu Laxman, Yuvraj Singh, Harbhajan Singh, Zaheer Khan, Shanthakumaran Sreesanth, Amit Mishra, Pragyan Ojha, Ishant Sharma, Murali Vijay, Dinesh Karthik, Sudeep Tyagi.

Source: Web Search

INTERVIEW - Ozaki's Asia eye another European scalp

Deepak Jain>Tue, Jan 05 10 05:49 PM

Asia are determined to retain the Royal Trophy after a shock victory over Europe last year proved Asian golfers were a force to be reckoned with, says captain Naomichi Ozaki.

Ozaki ended a run of two straight defeats to lead Asia to a stunning 10-6 win last time, a victory he says his team can replicate.

"I want to defend the title, I want each of my players to play well for the team and if we do that, we can show the world that Asian golf is getting stronger and stronger," he told Reuters on Tuesday.

"We want to prove it and make this happen. My experience on the winning team has given me confidence, I know what to do and I have my strategy."

Ozaki has recalled five players, including young Japanese phenomenon Ryo Ishikawa, U.S. PGA player Charlie Wi of South Korea and Thai duo Prayad Marksaeng and Thongchai Jaidee, who were the only players to win all their matches last year.

He said his pairings will be based on national lines, with Indian, Thai and Japanese playing together. Wi and former Asian Tour champion Liang Wenchong of China are likely to link up.

Ozaki said stealing the title from a team that had won five of the last seven Ryder Cups was a huge achievement for Asian golf and his players had their hearts set on winning again.

"That week was one of the greatest I have every experienced," said Ozaki, who hinted he would give up the captaincy after Asia were thrashed by Europe in 2007.

WINNING MENTALITY

"All members of the Asian team had the motivation to win. We've never won a tournament before and their mentality was very strong. It was the most exciting moment of my career, to share this happiness with the players.

"I think the players felt the same way. I want to see the same thing happen, I think we can do it," he said.

Ozaki, who enjoyed 32 wins on the Japan Tour as a player, said he was not intimidated by his European counterpart, Colin Montgomerie, who is widely regarded as one of the Ryder Cup's best performers.

The charismatic 53-year-old said Montgomerie could get more than he bargained for by opting to both play for and captain a side in a matchplay contest where tactics and astute judgement can make all the difference.

"Everyone knows Monty is a great player, he has won so many tournaments and it will be first time for him to be a captain, and at the Ryder Cup," he said.

"But a playing captain will be difficult, you have to focus on your team and focus on the play. I'm not sure how he will be able to do that, it will be difficult for Monty."

The Royal Trophy takes place at the Amata Spring Country Club in Chonburi, east of Bangkok, from Jan. 8-10.

Source: Web Search

Tight security for tri-series

Deepak Jain Tue, Jan 05 10 05:29 PM

Mirpur, Jan 5 (PTI) In view of Lahore terror incident in March last year, Sri Lanka cricketers have come here for the tri-nation series along with their own security experts, a top Bangladesh board official said today. Bangladesh Cricket Board home tours organising secretary Ahmed Sajjadul Alam told PTI that tight security has been provided to both the visiting Sri Lankan and Indian sides and the plan has also been approved by the International Cricket Council. "Tight security is being provided to both Indian and Sri Lankan sides at the team hotel and the venue at Sher-e-Bangla Stadium. Both the teams are happy with the security cover and we have also given the security plan to the ICC," Alam said. "But for obvious reasons, the Sri Lankans have come here along with their security experts," he added. A tight security cover has been thrown at the stadium with Bangladesh police and paramilitary forces personnel manning the venue, while the players were accompanied by the Rapid Action Battalion -- Bangladesh''s elite anti-terrorism and anti-crime force. A large posse of RAB personnel were present at the stadium when the Indian players had their practice session yesterday. Sniffer dogs and bomb disposal squad were also in tow at the main entry point to the ground. .

Source: Web Search

Cole found guilty of speeding in his flash Lamborghini

Deepak Jain>Tue, Jan 05 10 05:09 PM

London, Jan 5 (ANI): Ace Chelsea left back Ashley Cole has been found guilty of speeding after he raced along a road at more than twice the speed limit in his flash Lamborghini.

Officers who caught the England star for doing 104mph in his super car in a 50mph limit told magistrates that they had seen no evidence of photographers behind him.

When pulled over by a marked patrol car moments later Cole said: "Can't you do anything about these idiots that keep chasing me," The Sun reports.

But on finding Cole guilty, magistrates' chairwoman Judith Jewell said: "We find that we were convinced enough by the evidence given that he was travelling at 104mph."

The sentencing was adjourned until the end of the month so that Cole could be present as he chose not to attend his trial at Kingston-upon-Thames Magistrates' Court.

Jewell warned that Cole may be banned from driving after travelling more than double the speed limit in Kingston, Surrey. (ANI)

Source: Web Search

Pak Sports Ministry to now have overriding say in 'scam-hit' PCB affairs

Deepak Jain>Tue, Jan 05 10 04:53 PM

Islamabad, Jan. 5 (ANI): After remaining a mere observer for many years, Pakistan's Sports Ministry has finally secured a decisive role in the Pakistan Cricket Board's policy-making process under the new draft constitution.

Despite some board official's reservation over the issue, the PCB's top brass, led by Chairman Ijaz Butt gave a consensus agreement to the Sports Ministry on all the 16 clauses of the draft constitution.

"Under article 6(2) of the draft constitution, the chairman cricket board can be directed to exercise and perform all such powers and functions as may be necessary for the efficient administration and functioning of the affairs of the PCB," The Dawn quoted Sports Minister Aijaz Hussain Jakhrani as saying after heading the five-hour meeting.

"The Sports Ministry's two recommended nominees, approved by the Patron PCB, President Asif Zardari, will regularly sit in the Executive Council (EC) which was earlier known as the Governing Board," he added.

Highlighting another powerful change agreed by the PCB top brass, Jakhrani said: "The board can constitute committees for tendering of contracts, bidding broadcasts rights of cricket matches/series, acquisition and disposal of moveable/immovable assets. However, a federal government nominee will be part of these committees."

"The PCB can formulate its own financial, administrative, procurement and service (human resource) rules but they need to approved from the Sports Ministry," he added.

Earlier, in the wake of surfacing of financial irregularities in PCB, the Pakistan government was urged to ensure transparency in the financial and administrative affairs of PCB.

The draft constitution would be sent to the Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani for approval and he would send it back to the ministry, and the ministry would forward the draft constitution to the President. (ANI)

Source: Web Search

Nigeria hand Hoffenheim's Obasi Nations Cup berth

Deepak Jain Tue, Jan 05 10 04:49 PM

Germany-based striker Chinedu Obasi has been called up to replace Michael Eneramo in Nigeria's African Nations Cup squad, team officials said on Tuesday.

Obasi, 23, had been left out of the original 23-man squad named by Nigerian coach Shaibu Amodu at the weekend after Obafemi Martins passed a late fitness test.

Amodu had a change of mind after the deadline for the submission of his squad and requested permission to include the Hoffenheim player in place of Eneramo, the Nigerian Football Federation said.

Nations Cup regulations normally allow teams to make changes to their squads up to seven days before their opening game of the competition.

Nigeria play defending champions Egypt in their Group C opener in Benguela, Angola on Jan. 12.

Source: Web Search

Pak Sports Ministry to now have overriding say in 'scam-hit' PCB affairs

Deepak Jain>Tue, Jan 05 10 04:39 PM

Islamabad, Jan. 5 (ANI): After remaining a mere observer for many years, Pakistan's Sports Ministry has finally secured a decisive role in the Pakistan Cricket Board's policy-making process under the new draft constitution.

Despite some board official's reservation over the issue, the PCB's top brass, led by Chairman Ijaz Butt gave a consensus agreement to the Sports Ministry on all the 16 clauses of the draft constitution.

"Under article 6(2) of the draft constitution, the chairman cricket board can be directed to exercise and perform all such powers and functions as may be necessary for the efficient administration and functioning of the affairs of the PCB," The Dawn quoted Sports Minister Aijaz Hussain Jakhrani as saying after heading the five-hour meeting.

"The Sports Ministry's two recommended nominees, approved by the Patron PCB, President Asif Zardari, will regularly sit in the Executive Council (EC) which was earlier known as the Governing Board," he added.

Highlighting another powerful change agreed by the PCB top brass, Jakhrani said: "The board can constitute committees for tendering of contracts, bidding broadcasts rights of cricket matches/series, acquisition and disposal of moveable/immovable assets. However, a federal government nominee will be part of these committees."

"The PCB can formulate its own financial, administrative, procurement and service (human resource) rules but they need to approved from the Sports Ministry," he added.

Earlier, in the wake of surfacing of financial irregularities in PCB, the Pakistan government was urged to ensure transparency in the financial and administrative affairs of PCB.

The draft constitution would be sent to the Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani for approval and he would send it back to the ministry, and the ministry would forward the draft constitution to the President. (ANI)

Source: Web Search

Nigeria hand Hoffenheim's Obasi Nations Cup berth

Deepak Jain Tue, Jan 05 10 04:29 PM

Germany-based striker Chinedu Obasi has been called up to replace Michael Eneramo in Nigeria's African Nations Cup squad, team officials said on Tuesday.

Obasi, 23, had been left out of the original 23-man squad named by Nigerian coach Shaibu Amodu at the weekend after Obafemi Martins passed a late fitness test.

Amodu had a change of mind after the deadline for the submission of his squad and requested permission to include the Hoffenheim player in place of Eneramo, the Nigerian Football Federation said.

Nations Cup regulations normally allow teams to make changes to their squads up to seven days before their opening game of the competition.

Nigeria play defending champions Egypt in their Group C opener in Benguela, Angola on Jan. 12.

Source: Web Search

No need to push the panic button: Kalmadi

Deepak Jain>Tue, Jan 05 10 04:09 PM

Delhi's Chief Minister is nervous about the hosting of Commonwealth Games in the capital but the event's Organising Committee head Suresh Kalmadi assures that all is well with the preparations despite umpteen delays.

In an interview, Kalmadi claimed that Delhi will host the Games more successfully than Manchester (2002) and Melbourne (2006).

"There is no need to push the panic button. We are going to have the best ever Commonwealth Games. I would like to assure the entire country that all the pending work would be completed within the set deadlines. The Delhi Games would be better than Melbourne and Manchester," Kalmadi, who is also the President of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), said.

Delhi chief minister Sheila Dikshit had recently created a flutter by saying that she was nervous about the preparation and was praying to god for a successful Commonwealth Games. Kalmadi, however, brushed aside the concerns.

"That you have to ask her. From my side I can assure, we won't let you down. We are working harder collectively towards achieving our goal," he said.

The under-fire OC chief, who has faced all-round criticism for delays in construction work at the Games' venues and some public relations gaffes, said the success of the event would also reflect in India's performance.

"When I say that Delhi will host the most successful Games, it includes our performance and not just the organisational capacity", Kalmadi said.

"I hope that we will be in top four. Central government has alloted Rs 678 crore for training which is a huge amount. The preparations are on the right track and we are hoping for the best results," he assured.

Coordinating the functioning of multiple agencies involved in the preparations is a massive task but Kalmadi insists that the challenge has been met successfully.

"I have got a good team and I call it Team India which includes the central government, the Delhi government, sports ministry and of course the IOA. We enjoy full support of the Commonwealth Games Federation," he said.

The public spat with the Commonwealth Games Federation CEO Mike Hooper notwithstanding, Kalmadi said he was on good terms with the CGF, rejecting suggestions that the bitter war of words in the past couple of months has had any impact on preparations.

"We have better understanding now. Some differences always occur before every major event, it happened in Melbourne also. But it did not affect the preparations. Now I have full support of Hooper and other CGF officials," he said. The Commonwealth Games Coordination Committee recently made some unflattering comments about the city's preparations but Kalmadi says the Co-Com has been given comprehensive assurances by the Sports Ministry.

Source: Web Search

Second seed Li crashes out amid Peer security scare

Deepak Jain>Tue, Jan 05 10 03:49 PM

Auckland, Jan 5 (DPA) Second seed Li Na crashed out Tuesday from the ASB Classic in a shock start to her season, with Estonian Kaia Kanepi producing a 6-1, 6-3 victory over the Chinese.

Three other seeds advanced as number four Italian Francesca Schiavone beat Stephanie Cohen-Aloro of France 6-2, 6-3, fifth-seeded Frenchwoman Virginie Razzano ousted Monica Niculescu of Romania 7-5, 6-4 and sixth-seeded Russian Elena Vesnina defeated Italy's Alberta Brianti 6-1, 6-4.

'I could do nothing on her serve,' said the 15th ranked Li. 'She was hitting the ball so hard, and controlled every point. Today was not my day.'

Li had won their previous meeting at the Beijing Olympics in 2008.

'I am satisfied,' said the 61st-ranked winner Kanepi. 'I had only a few bad games, I was mentally stronger today and never gave up.'

Peer ignored the drama of a forced evacuation due to an unattended bag found during a noisy demonstration against her presence outside the gates.

Protestors were chanting about Israeli treatment of Palestinians.

The player ignored the pressure to claim a 7-5, 6-3 first-round win over Slovenian Polona Hercog.

'I am back, I like this tournament,' said Peer. 'It's a shame somebody thinks it's my fault that there are problems in the world. Even though, I won.'

India's Sania Mirza defeated Swiss youngster Stefanie Voegele 5-7, 6-1, 7-5 in a two-hour struggle.

Source: Web Search

Liverpool hopes to rope in Argentine ace Maxi Rodriguez

Deepak Jain>Tue, Jan 05 10 03:39 PM

London, Jan 5 (ANI): Liverpool hopes to complete a deal to bring Argentine ace Maxi Rodriguez to Anfield in the next 48 hours.

The Atletico Madrid midfielder has been told that he can go after falling out of favour.

And last night, Rodriguez's agent Jurgen Milewski admitted a move is close to being finalised.

"I can say the chances of a transfer are high," The Sun quoted Milewski, as saying.

Atletico would like the Reds to sign Rodriguez, 29, on a permanent basis for a knock down price as he can leave for nothing in the summer when his contract expires.

But Liverpool wants to take the star on loan for the rest of the season with a view to signing him if he is a success. (ANI)

Source: Web Search

Button aims to keep his No 1 status for as long as possible

Deepak Jain>Tue, Jan 05 10 03:23 PM

Reigning Formula One world champion Jenson Button has said that his new year resolution is to keep his number one status in the 2010 season.

Button said that he was extremely positive and more motivated than ever after having officially begun work at his new team on January 1.

The 29-year-old has signed a seven million pound-a-year deal with McLaren after being snubbed by Brawn GP's new owners Mercedes. He will join Hamilton, who had won the championship crown in 2008.

"My aim is to keep the number one on my car for as long as possible, but it is a little early to start talking about the world championship," The Telegraph quoted Button, as saying.

"Having no testing until the first week of February is something of a mixed blessing - it gives me the time to really get to know the guys at Vodafone McLaren Mercedes, and to properly integrate myself into the team - which I am absolutely committed to doing - but, equally, it's another month without any running in the car - and getting miles under my belt will be crucial ahead of the first race," he added.

Meanwhile, McLaren will launch their new car, the MP4-25, later this month ahead of the first pre-season test in Valencia on February 1.

Source: Web Search

Fox newsman irks Buddhists by advising Tiger Woods to embrace Christianity

Deepak Jain>Tue, Jan 05 10 03:11 PM

New York, Jan 5 (ANI): Fox newsman Brit Hume has angered Buddhists after saying that he wants Tiger Woods to convert to Christianity.

Speaking on Fox News Sunday, he said that the beleaguered golfer should embrace Christianity because in his opinion Buddhism leaves no place for the "redemption" Tiger needs.

"Whether he can recover as a person I think is a very open question, and it's a tragic situation with him," the New York Daily News quoted Hume as saying.

"The extent to which he can recover seems to me depends on his faith. He is said to be a Buddhist. I don't think that faith offers the kind of forgiveness and redemption that is offered by the Christian faith," added Hume.

Hume said his message to Tiger would be, "Tiger, turn to the Christian faith and you can make a total recovery and be a great example to the world.'"

However, Hume's opinion did not really go down well with the Buddhists.

"I don't like to point out other's faults, but given the record, I would think Christians would show a little more humility about offering advice to the sexually wayward," wrote Barbara O'Brien on her Buddhism.about.com blog. (ANI)

Source: Web Search

Dilshan ton powers Lanka to 7-wkt win

Deepak Jain>Tue, Jan 05 10 02:49 PM

By the time the Indian team packed up their practice session on Monday morning, they had a large posse of star-struck locals waiting desperately to catch a glimpse of them. But the mood soon seemed to shift towards more important matters, as the locals started heading into the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium armed with Bangladeshi arm-bands, scarves, bandanas and flags.

There was to be little joy for the passionate Bangladeshi fans there though, with the home team succumbing to a comprehensive seven-wicket loss against the Sri Lankans in a drab, one-sided tournament opener.?

Unequal battle

There were few moments during the contest that Bangladesh looked to be in the same league as their opponents, but the gulf in class was evident once Tillakaratne Dilshan got going.

Earlier, Bangladesh lost four quick wickets before Mohammad Ashraful guided them to a total of 260 with a 94-ball 75.

Naeem Islam came on at the end of the innings and provided the only real flash of entertainment, hitting two consecutive sixes of Suranga Lakmal and remaining unbeaten on 22 off nine balls.

Tillakaratne Dilshan then began the year in similar vein to the last, scoring his sixth ton--104 off 122 balls. But while his ton ensured that the Lankans ended up comfortable winners, Dilshan ended up injuring his groin in the process, and unfortunately is most likely to miss Sri Lanka's game against India on Tuesday.

Source: Web Search

Boycott prescribes Feng Shui for Owen to realise his World Cup dreams!

Deepak Jain>Tue, Jan 05 10 02:13 PM

London, Jan 5 (ANI): Former England opener and lifelong Manchester United fan Geoff Boycott wants ace football striker Michael Owen to use legendary powers of the ancient Chinese art in order to rescue his 2010 World Cup dreams.

Owen is struggling to make the plane to South Africa but cricket legend Boycott reckons he has the answer to the striker's problems-Feng Shui!

"Michael is struggling with his scoring and obviously wants to get back in the England team for the World Cup finals in South Africa. So I wrote to him a while back urging him to give it a go. If he is not interested, fine, I've not a problem with that," The Sun quoted Boycott, as saying.

"I am only trying to help and if it helps him find his scoring boots again, then great. Everyone has won. He hasn't replied yet. But if he does, I will put him in touch with some experts in Feng Shui and see where that takes him.

"People who don't know anything about it say it is rubbish. But all I can say is it worked for me and that is the only thing that mattered. When I was very ill, I had a Chinese expert come round to my house and he said do this and do that," he said.

"We did it and I am here now, still talking. I am alive and, at the time, I wasn't sure that would be the case. He turned the pillows and beds around so they faced the right way and told me to run the taps every now and again so there is running water going through the house. I believe in it," Boycott added.

Feng Shui expert Eddie Lui said: "I really think I could help Michael. I can make him do better." (ANI)

Source: Web Search

Ferguson set to axe seven flop Man U players for crucial tie against City

Deepak Jain>Tue, Jan 05 10 02:09 PM

London, Jan 5 (ANI): Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson is ready to axe seven flop players including big stars Dimitar Berbatov and Gary Neville for the Carling Cup semifinal match against bitter rivals Manchester City tomorrow.

Anderson, Gabriel Obertan, Danny Welbeck, Darron Gibson and Fabio could also be ditched.

Old Trafford boss Ferguson was left stunned by Sunday's FA Cup loss to Leeds, The Sun reports.

His No.2 Mike Phelan said: "We will start to think a little bit differently with our selection for Wednesday.

"I don't think we did ourselves justice against Leeds in certain departments of the field. We had players out there who play for Manchester United and they did not perform as expected of them," he said.

Ferguson had virtually selected his team to make the short journey to Eastlands, but the 1-0 defeat by Leeds has forced him to think again.

Phelan insisted they expected the XI put out against the League One side to be comfortably good enough to win.

"We either go experienced, or we go youth. This time we picked a bit of a mixture and it didn't work," Phelan said.

"This is a major blow. We need to progress in this cup. We need to be in finals of cup competitions like this. To go out at the stage we have is unacceptable really," he added.

Centre-back Nemanja Vidic is likely to miss the City clash after pulling out of the Leeds game with a trapped nerve. (ANI)

Source: Web Search

Injury-ravaged Lee to reflect on his future after 12 weeks

Deepak Jain>Tue, Jan 05 10 01:49 PM

Recuperating from the "most painful" surgery of his career, Australia's injury-ravaged pacer Brett Lee says he will take a call on his future in the next 10 to 12 weeks.

The 33-year-old, who is currently nursing an elbow injury, said he remains optimistic about his international career but the final decision will boil down to how his elbow responds to the treatment in the next couple of months.

The injury-plagued speedster, who has played 76 Tests, said he is focusing on his recovery right now and doesn't want to think about what might happen in the next few months.

"It's about a 16-week injury with ligament damage and there was a couple of bone spurs in there that were taken out. It's a pretty decent operation. I've had 12 now and this has probably been the worst, the most painful. This is the second I've had on my elbow, but I'm pretty positive," Lee told 'Channel Nine'.

"I'm not going to make any calls about what the future holds but we will wait and see. I would love to hopefully get to the Twenty20 World Cup and then just reassess after that. But it all comes down to how the elbow feels, and if it pulls up OK in the next 10 to 12 weeks, I'll see how it goes," he said.

Lee insisted that he still has a lot to offer on the cricket field but will have to assess his level of motivation in the wake of alarmingly frequent injury breakdowns.

"There is a heap more cricket left in me yet and I haven't certainly given up at this point in time, but it's a matter of seeing how everything pulls up and seeing how hungry I still am in about 10 or 12 weeks," he said.

In his decade long career so far, Lee has endured injuries to his ankle, which required four operations in all, ribs and elbow among others.

The affable bowler has bounced back each time but has not been able to sustain any injury-free run for long.

However, despite the punishment his body has taken, Lee has time and again refused to cut down on his speed.

Source: Web Search

Rachel Uchitel a 'celeb whore', says Tiger Woods' scandal whistleblower

Deepak Jain>Tue, Jan 05 10 01:39 PM

Washington, January 05 (ANI): The woman who exposed Tiger Woods' affair with Rachel Uchitel has alleged that the New York based VIP hostess is a "celebrity whore."

Ashley Samson even plans to sue Uchitel for "trashing her name."

"She told me 'I'm having an affair with Tiger Woods and we're in love,'" Fox News quoted her as telling Radar Online.

Samson claims that Uchitel revealed about her affair with the golfer, while on a trip to Spain together.

Samson said: "She told me that she was in love with him and he was in love with her and that they were going to be together forever.

"I heard them on the phone telling each other 'I miss you so much' and 'I love you so much.'

"I've been offered lots of money to deny my story but I chose not to take the money because the truth is the truth. My life is hell now ... she has managed to make my life hell.

"I have been attached by fans of Tiger Woods and friends of mine even ... basically upset because she has made me out to look like the bad guy when in fact, he's the one that was cheating on his wife."

Woods has taken indefinite break from professional golf after the exposure of his sexcapades. (ANI)

Source: Web Search