Gill happy as hockey crisis is resolved

Deepak Jain Wed, Jan 13 10 06:38 PM

Chennai, Jan 13 (PTI) Sports Minister M S Gill expressed his happiness after the player-administrator crisis plaguing Indian hockey was resolved today. "I have been watching the situation that prevailed for the last four days. I am happy that the players'' issues have been resolved," Gill told reporters at the airport here. "Players have understood that the ad hoc committee to run Indian hockey was set up by the IOA for a temporary period. The Hockey India (HI) elections are due on February 7. As the ad hoc committee cannot take any long term decisions, all issues raised by the players will be given due consideration by the new body which will be in place by February first week. We will try and arrive at long term decisions to the satisfaction of the players," Gill said. He said the players would attend their regular training sessions from tomorrow and "bring about the best results in the national interest starting from their first match against Pakistan on Feb 28. I had inspected the Delhi stadium and its facilities for the World Cup yesterday. It is one of the best in the world." Gill was on his way to Puducherry for a meeting relating to his Ministry.

Source: Web Search

Cong asks Sports ministry to play more proactive role

Deepak Jain Wed, Jan 13 10 06:28 PM

New Delhi, Jan 13 (PTI) Congress today asked the Sports ministry to play a more proactive role and engage in dialogue with various hockey federations in the backdrop of the crisis in Indian hockey where the players resorted to strike, threatening the country''s preparations for the World Cup. "It is the responsibility of the Sports ministry to talk to all the hockey federations and play a more proactive role so that such incidents are not repeated," party spokesman Manish Tewari told reporters here. Describing it as a "sad controversy" when the Hockey World Cup and Commonwealth Games are to be held in the country this year, he expressed satisfaction that the matter has been sorted out. Tewari said hockey was linked to the emotions of several generations and recalled the past glory of India in the sport, including winning six Olympic golds in a row from 1928 and subsequently another two gold medals and also the World Cup in 1975. "The Sports ministry should take the issue seriously and talk to the sports federation to ensure that the players do not go on strike," he said. The spokesman said if India wins medals in the games, it is due to the efforts of the players and "more priority and importance" should be given to them. Asked about lack of training facilities for players in Delhi as all stadiums are closed for renovation, Tewari said the players were undertaking training in various places like NIS Patiala, Bangalore and other places.

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PREVIEW - Els looks to Waialae for return to winning ways

Deepak Jain Wed, Jan 13 10 06:18 PM

After failing to win anywhere in the world last year, Ernie Els has decided to focus his playing schedule on the U.S. PGA Tour for the next six months, starting with this week's Sony Open.

South African Els is a double champion at the palm-fringed Waialae Country Club and has long cherished Hawaii as a happy hunting ground to kick-start his season.

"Waialae Country Club is a golf course I've played many, many times over the years and with that familiarity comes a fair amount of comfort," Els said in the build-up to Thursday's opening round.

"Hawaii has always been a good place to start the year for me. I've played some great golf here, winning three tournaments in the space of 12 months not so long ago.

"Well, it doesn't seem that long ago but in actual fact it was 2003-04. It's probably about time I updated that with some new entries ... who knows, maybe this week?"

Els, a winner of more than 60 tournaments worldwide, clinched the PGA Tour's season-opening Mercedes Championship in January 2003, along with the Sony Open the following week.

He went on to retain his Sony Open crown in 2004 and has always enjoyed the challenge presented by Waialae's small greens and fickle winds.

"It's also quite a narrow course," Els, popularly known as the Big Easy, said on his official website (http://www.ernieels.com) of the venue for the first full-field event of the PGA Tour season.

OCEAN BREEZES

"Combine that with the ocean breezes and you really have to get your golf ball under control to score well. I'm obviously looking forward to it."

A three-times major champion who has been a regular member of the world's top 10 for the last decade-and-a-half, Els is now ranked a relatively low 17th after a winless 2009 campaign.

In a bid to raise his golfing stock, the popular South African will focus on the PGA Tour for the first half of the season.

"Taking everything into account, I felt that it was the right thing to do for my golf," said the 40-year-old, whose home is now based in West Palm Beach, Florida.

"And it limits my travelling for the first three or four months of the year, which is something I'm keen to do wherever possible. After a nice long break, I'm raring to go."

Els faces a strong field at Waialae where former world number one and 2005 champion Vijay Singh is also making his first appearance of the season.

Also taking part is American world number three Steve Stricker, plus all of last year's major winners -- Argentina's Angel Cabrera (Masters), Americans Lucas Glover (U.S. Open) and Stewart Cink (British Open) and South Korean Yang Yong-eun (PGA Championship).

American Zach Johnson, the 2007 Masters champion, defends the title he won by two shots at Waialae last year.

Source: Web Search

Former cricketer Vinod Kambli to become father

Deepak Jain Wed, Jan 13 10 06:08 PM

Mumbai, Jan 13 (PTI) Former cricketer-turned-reality TV star Vinod Kambli and wife Andrea are expecting their first child in June this year. "Vinod is overjoyed and I am sure he will be a wonderful father," People magazine quoted Andrea, who is four months pregnant, as saying. The couple, who married in 2006 after a two-year courtship, are hoping for a "boy, who will be a brat like Vinod," though the mother-to-be feels that it will be a girl. "The feeling of watching the baby grow inside me in the sonography was very moving," she said. The 38-year-old player, who unsuccessfully contested the 2009 Assembly elections, grabbed headlines when he participated in reality shows like ''Bigg Boss 3'' and ''Sach Ka Saamna''.

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Sehwag crosses 7000-run mark in ODI

Deepak Jain Wed, Jan 13 10 05:54 PM

Mirpur (Bangladesh), Jan 13 (PTI) Dashing opener Virender Sehwag today became the sixth Indian batsman to score 7000 ODI runs during his 27-ball 42 in the tri-nation cricket series final against Sri Lanka here today. Sehwag crossed the milestone when he reached six in 213th innings in his 219th match. He is the fourth fastest Indian to have reached the milestone. Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly, Rahul Dravid, Mohammad Azharuddin and Yuvraj Singh are the other Indian batsmen who have more than 7000 runs in the format. Ganguly took 174 innings to reach his 7000 ODI runs while Tendulkar, Dravid, Yuvraj and Azharuddin needed 189, 204, 215 and 233 innings, respectively. Sehwag, who has 12 hundreds and 25 fifties to his credit in the 50-over format, has also scored 6248 runs from 72 Test matches.

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Hockey crisis resolved, players to resume practice

Deepak Jain>Wed, Jan 13 10 05:48 PM

The crisis in Indian hockey was on Wednesday resolved with Indian Olympic Association President Suresh Kalmadi brokering a compromise deal between the game's administrators and the striking players, who have been promised an immediate disbursement of Rs one crore.

Kalmadi, who flew in here this morning to hold negotiations with the protesting players, said that a full settlement has been reached and "everybody is happy about it".

"Hockey has been our national game. It can never be a national shame. It will be our national pride. The players all feel that they want to bring up Indian hockey. I assured them of full support," Kalmadi told a press conference after his meeting with the players.

Kalmadi, who is also Chairman of the 2010 Commonwealth Games, said that the Rs one crore given by sponsors Sahara India will be disbursed among the players within a week and all other issues would be settled in due course of time.

The settlement of the crisis, which has dogged Indian hockey for the last five days, paves the way for the players to rejoin the World Cup preparatory camp from tomorrow.

Kalmadi also said that a Players' Welfare Development Fund will be created and former Indian captain Dhanraj Pillay who also played a key role in resolving the crisis has been put in charge.

Kalmadi also made it clear that no player will be targeted in future for boycotting the camp. "No player will be targeted. They have done it within the decorum. I will also tell the next HI president to agree to the players' demand."

He said that various state governments like Punjab, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh have promised financial support to the players, while some other corporate houses have also assured monetary help.

"In view of all this we have also decided to form another committee to look into the finances. This committee will be chaired by Hockey India president and will also include representatives from the IOA and players like Zafar Iqbal, Ajit Pal Singh, MP Ganesh and Pillay.

Kalmadi also said that a number of Bollywood personalities such as Shahrukh Khan, Amitabh Bachchan, Salma Agha have expressed concern about the developments.

"I would request them to hold shows and concerts so that more funds can be generated for the players. I would also request Subhash Ghai to help. This money will not only help the current players but also the old hockey players who are in dire need," Kalmadi said.

Kalmadi said the players have given him a list of their emands and they wanted a commitment on the graded payment system and solutions to sum up their demands before the World Cup.

"I have given them assurances, they are satisfied," he added.

The players were also present at the press conference and when asked whether the any written assurance was given to them, senior player Deepak Thakur said, "Mr Kalmadi is present here as the IOA president and we have no reason to disbelieve him.

"Within one week our dues will be given. Mr Kalmadi has assured us that the new HI body will be looking into our demands. All we wanted is a secured future. We don't want to remain insecure," Thakur said.

When Kalmadi was asked whether he was willing to give a written undertaking, he shot back, "There is no question of a written assurance. I am here as the IOA president and it is my responsibility to ensure that the players get their dues."

"We have no doubt on the integrity of the players. We have also no doubt of the integrity of Mattoo (HI president). He is a highly efficient administrator. We now want to move on," he said.

That the crisis would be resolved today had become quite apparent in the morning itself, when team sponsor Sahara India decided to release Rs one crore immediately to be distributed only among the striking players.

"In the genuine interest of the national hockey players, Sahara India Pariwar has decided to pay immediately Rs one Crore in suspense account to Hockey India, only for distribution to the players so that they can peacefully and happily practice and play for the country," Sahara said in a statement.

Source: Web Search

Road show in Johannesburg promotes 2010 Commonwealth Games

Deepak Jain>Wed, Jan 13 10 05:38 PM

New Delhi, Jan 13 (IANS) In an effort to promote the 2010 Commonwealth Games which will take place in Delhi Oct 3-14, the ministry of tourism organised a road show in Johannesburg coinciding with the relay of the Queen's baton there.

The event which took place Tuesday saw 10 double-decker buses with images of the Incredible India campaign being flagged off by the South African Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, M. Mashabane and the Consul General of India, Vikram Doraiswamy, along with T.S. Darbari, joint director general of the Commonwealth Games Organising Committee.

While the event was followed by presentations of the Incredible India campaign and the Commonwealth Games with a generous dose of Indian music and dance, the main highlight of the evening was a dinner in which cuisine representing various regions of India were laid out.

More than 200 people belonging to a cross-section of the African travel and trade industry attended the event.

Source: Web Search

Pillay happy to see players'' unity

Deepak Jain Wed, Jan 13 10 05:28 PM

Pune, Jan 13 (PTI) After playing an important role in brokering the truce between Hockey India and the striking campers, former captain Dhanraj Pillay feels the positive thing which came out of the entire episode is the unity among the players. The five-day long crisis was today resolved after Indian Olympic Association President Suresh Kalmadi, in presence of Pillay, brokered a compromise deal wherein the striking players were promised an immediate disbursement of Rs one crore, offered by team sponsor Sahara. "I am very happy that a solution has been reached and the players are returning to training tomorrow. I am also happy that their legitimate demands were being met. I think every player understood that they have to prepare for the World Cup," Pillay told reporters here today. "I am happy as a player this is the first time all the 22 players came together and fought for their right and future generation," he said. The former striker said Kalmadi''s assurance was more than enough for the players, who have stalled the World Cup preparatory camp here in protest against the delay in payment of their pending financial dues and incentives. "What the players wanted was some assurance and Mr Kalmadi ensured them that they will talk to the Hockey India people and distribute the Rs one crore offered by Sahara among the players as soon as possible," Pillay said. "Mr Kalmadi also assured them that their other demands will be put before the new Hockey India, set to be elected on February 7," he added.

Source: Web Search

Hockey crisis blows over, national camp to resume Thursday

Deepak Jain>Wed, Jan 13 10 05:18 PM

Pune/New Delhi, Jan 13 (IANS) India's hockey crisis was over Wednesday and the players will be back in the World Cup camp Thursday. The players ended their boycott after Indian Olympic Association (IOA) president Suresh Kalmadi promised them immediate monetary relief and also agreed to consider their other demands.

Kalamdi rushed to the Balewadi Sports Complex here Wednesday morning after talks between Hockey India (HI) officials and players failed to break the deadlock over the payment dispute Tuesday.

Sponsors Sahara also took a big step to end the impasse by deciding to immediately release Rs.10 million for 'distribution' among the players.

Kalmadi assured the rebelling players, who were present when he addressed the media, that all their demands would be met.

'Hockey is our national game, not national shame. It has to be our national pride. I agree with most of their demands and I assure them full support,' he said.

'Some of their demands are short-term while others are broad based for which I will have to talk to the sports ministry and the elected HI. Most important thing for everyone is that players should focus on the World Cup and I am sure that we will win a medal,' Kalmadi added.

India forward Deepak Thakur said Kalmadi has promised to clear a part of their dues in a week's time besides taking up the issue of a graded payment system for the players with the elected HI next month.

'He (Kalmadi) has assured us that our demands will be met. Their key demand, the graded payment to secure our future, should be taken up with the new set-up before the World Cup,' he said.

Kalmadi said some positives have come out of the crisis that will go a long way in setting up a benchmark for all Olympic sports in the country.

'We have so many corporates coming up to back the players and it is a good sign. Sahara has pledged Rs.10 million,' he said.

Kalmadi also said a Hockey Players Fund would be created under the chairmanship of HI president. The committee will also have five-six players on board, including former India captain Dhanraj Pillay, who was with Kalmadi during the meeeting with the players.

Sahara India in it statement said: 'In the interest of the national hockey players, Sahara India Pariwar has decided to pay immediately Rs.1 crore in suspense account to Hockey India, only for distribution to the players so that they can return to practice and play for the country.

'Sahara has also paid Rs.77 lakh in December as advance for the quarter of January 15 to April 14. Sahara will go through the past accounts of Hockey India and shall take suitable decision on the amount,' the statement said.

Source: Web Search

Somdev and Prakash advance, Yuki ousted

Deepak Jain Wed, Jan 13 10 05:08 PM

Melbourne, Jan 13 (PTI) Somdev Devvarman and Prakash Amritraj began their Australian Open qualifying campaign with contrasting wins but it was end of the road for Yuki Bhambri here today. Somdev, seeded 27, made short work of local teen James Duckworth 6-2 6-1 in the first round of the men''s singles qualifying draw. In contrast, Amritraj came from behind to beat Germany''s Andre Begemann 4-6 6-1 6-3 to advance to the second round. However, Yuki Bhambri frittered away a strong start to lose his opening encounter 6-3 3-6 3-6 to Jan Minar of Czech Republic. Somdev will next take on Germany''s Tobias Kamke while Amritraj will clash with French 25th seed Edouard Roger-Vasselin. The main draw competition will begin from Monday.

Source: Web Search

Hockey crisis blows over, national camp to resume Thursday

Deepak Jain>Wed, Jan 13 10 04:58 PM

Pune/New Delhi, Jan 13 (IANS) India's hockey crisis was over Wednesday and the players will be back in the World Cup camp Thursday. The players ended their boycott after Indian Olympic Association (IOA) president Suresh Kalmadi promised them immediate monetary relief and also agreed to consider their other demands.

Kalamdi rushed to the Balewadi Sports Complex here Wednesday morning after talks between Hockey India (HI) officials and players failed to break the deadlock over the payment dispute Tuesday.

Sponsors Sahara also took a big step to end the impasse by deciding to immediately release Rs.10 million for 'distribution' among the players.

Kalmadi assured the rebelling players, who were present when he addressed the media, that all their demands would be met.

'Hockey is our national game, not national shame. It has to be our national pride. I agree with most of their demands and I assure them full support,' he said.

'Some of their demands are short-term while others are broad based for which I will have to talk to the sports ministry and the elected HI. Most important thing for everyone is that players should focus on the World Cup and I am sure that we will win a medal,' Kalmadi added.

India forward Deepak Thakur said Kalmadi has promised to clear a part of their dues in a week's time besides taking up the issue of a graded payment system for the players with the elected HI next month.

'He (Kalmadi) has assured us that our demands will be met. Their key demand, the graded payment to secure our future, should be taken up with the new set-up before the World Cup,' he said.

Kalmadi said some positives have come out of the crisis that will go a long way in setting up a benchmark for all Olympic sports in the country.

'We have so many corporates coming up to back the players and it is a good sign. Sahara has pledged Rs.10 million,' he said.

Kalmadi also said a Hockey Players Fund would be created under the chairmanship of HI president. The committee will also have five-six players on board, including former India captain Dhanraj Pillay, who was with Kalmadi during the meeeting with the players.

Sahara India in it statement said: 'In the interest of the national hockey players, Sahara India Pariwar has decided to pay immediately Rs.1 crore in suspense account to Hockey India, only for distribution to the players so that they can return to practice and play for the country.

'Sahara has also paid Rs.77 lakh in December as advance for the quarter of January 15 to April 14. Sahara will go through the past accounts of Hockey India and shall take suitable decision on the amount,' the statement said.

Source: Web Search

Moroccan El Moutawakel heads Rio Olympics 2016 inspection team

Deepak Jain Wed, Jan 13 10 04:28 PM

Moroccan Nawal El Moutawakel has been chosen to lead an International Olympic Committee team monitoring preparations for the Rio de Janeiro 2016 Olympic Games, the IOC said on Wednesday.

The former Olympic champion will head a 17-member panel that also includes Ukrainian Sergey Bubka, Australian John Coates and Richard Carrion from Puerto Rico.

Rio was a surprise winner over Chicago, Tokyo and Madrid for the right to host the 2016 Games at IOC elections last October.

"Having chaired the evaluation committee for the 2016 Games, I have first-hand knowledge of the many strengths that Rio and Brazil have to offer, and together we will strive to showcase that to the world in six years' time," El Moutawakel said in a statement.

El Moutawakel won the women's 400m hurdles at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics and is a former Moroccan Youth and Sports minister, making her the perfect choice for the job, IOC president Jacques Rogge said.

"As an Olympic gold medallist and chair of the IOC Evaluation Committee for the last two Olympiads, she knows the Games inside and out is well-acquainted with the Rio organisers," Rogge said.

Source: Web Search

Johnson will leave behind Akram: Younis

Deepak Jain>Wed, Jan 13 10 04:10 PM

Hobart, Jan. 13 (ANI): Former Pakistani fast bowler Waqar Younis has predicted that Aussie bower Mitchell Johnson will eventually leave Wasim Akram behind to become Test cricket's most successful left-arm fast bowler.

Waqar said he had "no doubt" that the Australian strike weapon would exceed Wasim's 414 wickets before his Test career was over.

Johnson, 28, has taken 142 Test wickets from 31 Tests at 51.88 - superior to Wasim's career strike rate of 54.65.

"Nobody is better than Wasim but I have no doubt that if Johnson stays fit he will take more than 400 Test wickets, maybe a fair bit more. Johnson's record is superb and I think it shows he will have a great Test career," The Dawn quoted Younis, as saying.

"He is probably at his best right now but there is no reason he can't play for another five or six years, which will means he will take a lot of Test wickets," he added.

Johnson needs only 45 wickets to beat Alan Davison as Australia's most successful left-arm quick.

He will then have only Wasim and fellow left-armers Sri Lankan Chaminda Vaas (355) and Indian quick Zaheer Khan (220) ahead of him.

Johnson recovered from almost being dropped during last year's Ashes series to be the world's best-performed pacer with 63 Test wickets in 2009.

"I've played 30 games and some of the guys coming through now have only played a few so I feel that's my responsibility to speak to those guys about conditions and the guys that we are playing against," Johnson said. (ANI)

Source: Web Search

Hobart International women's singles results

Deepak Jain Wed, Jan 13 10 03:48 PM

REUTERS - Hobart International women's singles second round results on Wednesday (prefix denotes seeding, * new result).

* 2-Shahar Peer (Israel) beat Jelena Dokic (Australia) 6-2 6-2

Sara Errani (Italy) beat 3-Kateryna Bondarenko (Ukraine) 7-6(8) 6-4

5-Carla Suarez Navarro (Spain) beat Alicia Molik (Australia) 7-6(3) 3-6 6-3

Kirsten Flipkens (Belgium) beat 6-Aleksandra Wozniak (Canada) 7-5 6-2

Source: Web Search

Pak keeper Kamran Akmal under fire for issuing 'irresponsible statements'

Deepak Jain>Wed, Jan 13 10 03:38 PM

Lahore, Jan. 13 (ANI): Pakistan's dropped wicketkeeper Kamran Akmal has come under fire for stating that he would play the final Test against Australia in Hobart even when the PCB selectors had rushed in young Sarfraz Ahmed to Australia as his replacement.

"Akmal's statement just shows what is going on in the Pakistan team right now. The whole nation does not want him to play after his poor performance in the Sydney Test and yet he is insisting he will play, saying the management and players also supporting him," the Daily Times quoted ex Pakistani captain Rashid Latif, as saying.

"I don't understand what is happening in Pakistan cricket. The board and selectors have sent another keeper to Australia to apparently play him in the third Test and the team management is still insisting Akmal will play," Latif added.

It is being said that Akmal's younger brother Umar has feigned injury in order to be excluded from the team in solidarity with his sibling.

Akmal dropped four important catches and missed a run out in the Sydney Test which Pakistan having dominated for three days but still lost by 36 runs to hand Australia the three-match series 0-2.

Former captain Aamir Sohail insisted that Akmal needs rest from international cricket, and must understand that he would only damage his career by giving away such statements.

"It is not about one player or the team. Here the issue is about Pakistan and no player should be bigger than the country or team. If Akmal is not in form he must side out and give Sarfraz a chance," Sohail said.

"This is a clear example of players power trying to override the board decisions," he added. (ANI)

Source: Web Search

Smooth sailing for Serena in Sydney

Deepak Jain>Wed, Jan 13 10 03:28 PM

Serena Williams continued her smooth lead up to next week's Australian Open with a 6-2 6-2 win over Vera Dushevina at the Sydney International on Wednesday.

Playing her second match in 24 hours after a two-month recess, the world number one could hardly have been more dominant as she cruised to victory in just over an hour at the Olympic tennis centre.

"It was really windy out there, but it's good to have a good result in the wind," Williams said.

"I definitely don't think I played my best, but that's comforting to know that today wasn't my best.

"I'm just doing the best that I can now to get there. Hopefully I have long way to go, which I think is always good."

Williams' opponent in Thursday's semi-finals is Frenchwoman Aravane Rezai, who defeated Italian Flavia Pennetta 6-3 6-0.

Victoria Azarenka of Belarus booked her spot in the semi-finals with a 2-6 6-2 7-5 win over Slovakia's Dominika Cibulkova, her third three-setter in as many days.

She will play the winner of Wednesday's last quarter-final between last year's Australian Open runner-up Dinara Safina and her fellow Russian Elena Dementieva, the defending Sydney champion.

Australia's Lleyton Hewitt, chasing his fifth title in Sydney, is the only seeded player through to the last eight of the men's draw after a day of surprise results.

Hewitt sealed his passage in emphatic fashion with a 6-0 6-2 victory over Italian Andreas Seppi to advance to a quarter-final meeting with Marcos Baghdatis of Cyprus.

"It was perfect today," Hewitt said. "If he was gonna win a point, he had to play a bloody good point to get past me."

"I'M BACK"

Baghdatis, the 2006 Australian Open finalist who has struggled with injuries in the last year, upset Serbia sixth seed Viktor Troicki 7-5 6-3.

"It's been tough but now I'm back," Baghdatis said. "I'm in the top 50 and I think I'm hungry and want more and more. That's pretty positive."

The second seed, Czech Tomas Berdych, fell to Australian wildcard Peter Luczak 1-6 6-4 6-2 and the eighth seed Benjamin Becker of Germany lost to France's Richard Gasquet 6-2 7-6.

The third seed, Swiss Stanislas Wawrinka, withdrew before his match against Frenchman Julien Benneteau with a neck problem.

The last time Hewitt played Baghdatis was at the Australian Open two years ago in a titanic match that did not finish until 4.34am, the latest finish in grand slam history.

"I would have wanted to wipe it out of my memory box if I'd lost the match in five sets," Hewitt said.

"But obviously winning an epic match in your home grand slam, yeah, stuff like that always stays in the back of your mind."

Source: Web Search

Hockey India extends deadline by another 48 hours

Deepak Jain>Wed, Jan 13 10 03:08 PM

Pune, January 13 (ANI): India's hockey crisis deepened as Hockey India, after failing to resolve the outstanding payments issue at a meet on Tuesday, served a fresh 48-hour ultimatum to the striking players to resume training or get axed from the World Cup squad. Hockey India officials blamed the players of being greedy and putting money before the country. International Hockey Federation also backed Hockey India, calling the players' demands unacceptable.

Source: Web Search

Tiger Woods reports in sex rehab centre

Deepak Jain>Wed, Jan 13 10 02:54 PM

Golf superstar Tiger Woods is reported to have checked into an sex rehabilitation centre at Arizona for treatment. People magazine reported that Woods, 34, is believed to have joined The Meadows, a clinic which specialises in substance abuse and compulsive disorders such as gambling or sex addiction, around New Year for a period of five weeks.

"He should be out by Valentine's Day or thereabouts," a source told the entertainment magazine.

Everyone at the clinic is asked to wear a coloured nametag that corresponds to their addiction, according to entertainment website X17,

"He has been there for a few days since his handlers forced him to enter the programme. They feel that if he blames his cheating on addiction, the public will forgive him," sources told X17.

"Tiger wants to get back on top. He agreed to put golfing on hold so he could show the world how badly he feels about what he's done and to prove that he wants to correct the problems that led to his infidelity," the source said.

The reports surface in the midst of speculations of whereabouts of Woods, who has disappeared after a scandal revealing his extramarital affairs exploded following an accident outside his Florida mansion on November 27 last year.

Rumour mill has produced several theories about the champion golfer's location, including hiding on his yacht, being spotted at Palm Beach, and cosmetic surgery to repair a broken tooth following a serious fight with his wife Elin.

Meanwhile, a batch of bootleg Gatorade with "fake" labels depicting a picture of Woods and his wife Elin Nordegren with the word "unfaithful" had appeared in Denver stores. The Pepsico-owned energy drinks company, however, said that the labels were fake and had not been issued by them.

A study by the University of California has found that sponsors of the golf superstar have lost somewhere between USD 5 to 12 billion after the controversy.

Source: Web Search

Obama, golfers talk shop and putt

Deepak Jain>Wed, Jan 13 10 02:48 PM

Washington, Jan.13 (ANI): Golfers Natalie Gulbis and Paula Creamer met with US President Barack Obama, took a photo with him and gave him a putter.

According to Politico, the 12 U.S. Ladies Professional Golf Association team members met with President Obama. He practiced swinging a golf club left-handed, they said, noting that he'll be able to save five strokes.

One teammate, wearing four-inch heels, admitted that the president was shorter than she expected. Another lamented that she didn't have a chance to text or call friends because security took her phone.

And Obama revealed to the golfers a historic moment in his presidency: He made his first birdie on his recent vacation in Hawaii.

Paula Creamer, one of the golfers, said the team was shocked that he made the birdie with a two-iron - a club that most golfers don't even use because it's difficult to hit with, instead favoring clubs that are half wood and half iron.

"We were all like, 'Wow,' " said Creamer, who met with George W. Bush in 2005 and 2007.

Gulbis, said Obama asked the golfers how to get his daughters interested in the sport - to which they replied that he should bring them to an LPGA tournament.

Before their 15-minute photo op, the team toured the White House, the Capitol and the Senate floor, and were allowed a special view of Washington from the balcony outside House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's office.

They also had a celebratory dinner. (ANI)

Source: Web Search

Rosewell asks Hewitt, Tomic to smoke peace pipe

Deepak Jain>Wed, Jan 13 10 02:38 PM

Melbourne, Jan 13 (ANI): One of the most respected figures in Australian tennis, Ken Rosewall, has asked Lleyton Hewitt and Bernard Tomic to make peace when they arrive at Melbourne Park for the Australian Open.

Hewitt plays Italian Andreas Seppi in his first match of the Sydney International on Ken Rosewall Arena today.

Hewitt, Australia's best player in a decade, and Tomic, one of the nation's brightest hopes, are at loggerheads in the lead-up to the Australian Open.

Tomic's father, John, accused Hewitt of racism at the weekend after the former No.1 declare that Bernard Tomic was unworthy of Davis Cup selection.

Rosewall, renowned as a gentleman of the game who played in an era when Australia's success stemmed to a large degree from camaraderie, hoped Hewitt and Tomic could end their spat as soon as possible.

"I don't think anything like that would have happened in the past. I don't really understand the whole story behind it but I think it would be for the benefit of Australian tennis if they could shake hands and everyone could get along," Rosewall said.

"Of course, there's the possibility they could be opponents in Melbourne, but I think they still need to make a start at coming together," The Sydney Morning Herald quoted him, as saying.

"You'd think at some stage they might even become Davis Cup teammates so you don't want any bad feelings from people on the same side. I suppose part of being a younger player is to learn by some of the little mistakes you're always going to make along the way. I'd like to see them try to work it out," he added. (ANI)

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Pak drops Akmal, three others for Hobart test

Deepak Jain>Wed, Jan 13 10 02:24 PM

Islamabad, Jan. 13 (ANI): In a bid to avoid a series clean sweep by Australia, Pakistan has dropped vice-captain Kamran Akmal and three others from its squad going for the Hobart test.

Following Akmals' ouster, young wicketkeeper Sarfraz Ahmed will make his debut in the third Test starting from Thursday.

The Sydney Morning Herald quoted Pakistani manager Adbul Raquib, as saying that the four-man selection panel voted unanimously to drop Akmal after his dreadful second Test display at the SCG.

Former captain Shoaib Malik and Khurram Manzoor will be replacing struggling batsmen Faisal Iqbal and Misbah-ul-Haq, while pacer Mohammad Aamer is replacing Mohammad Sami.

Pakistan: Mohammad Yousuf (capt), Imran Farhat, Salman Butt, Khurram Manzoor, Umar Akmal, Shoaib Malik, Sarfraz Ahmed, Mohammad Aamer, Umar Gul, Mohammed Asif, Danish Kaneria, Faisal Iqbal (12th man). (ANI)

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Hockey sponsor Sahara pitches in to end deadlock

Deepak Jain>Wed, Jan 13 10 02:08 PM

New Delhi, Jan 13 (IANS) Indian hockey team's sponsor Sahara has decided to release Rs.1 crore immediately in an effort to end the impasse between the players and Hockey India (HI). The impasse triggered by a pay dispute is threatening India's participation in the World Cup which it is hosting next month.

Sahara India said in a statement that the money is being released for 'distribution' among the players.

'In the interest of the national hockey players, Sahara India Pariwar has decided to pay immediately Rs.1 crore in suspense account to Hockey India, only for distribution to the players so that they can return to practice and play for the country,' Abhijit Sarkar, head of corporate communications, said in the statement.

'Sahara has also paid Rs.77 lakh in December as advance for the quarter of January 15 to April 14. Sahara will go through the past accounts of Hockey India and shall take suitable decision for this amount,' the statement said.

The probables for next month's World Cup have boycotted the national camp in Pune, protesting against the non-payment of their dues.

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Lanka wins toss, to field first in final

Deepak Jain>Wed, Jan 13 10 01:54 PM

Sri Lankan skipper Kumar Sangakkara won the toss and invited India to bat in the final of the cricket one day tri-series at Sher-e-Bangla Stadium here on Wednesday.

Sri Lanka have made one change to their team, replacing Suranga Lakmal with Nuwan Kulasekara. India have made three changes to their squad, bringing in Virender Sehwag, Harbhajan Singh and Zaheer Khan in place of Dinesh Karthik, Amit Mishra and Sudeep Tyagi.

Teams:

India: Gautam Gambhir, Virender Sehwag, Virat Kohli, Yuvraj Singh, Mahendra Singh Dhoni, Suresh Raina, Ravindra Jadeja, Harbhajan Singh, S Sreesanth, Ashish Nehra, Zaheer Khan.

Sri Lanka: Upul Tharanga, Tillakaratne Dilshan, Kumar Sangakkara, Mahela Jayawardene, Thilan Samaraweera, Thilina Kandamby, Thissara Perera, Suraj Randiv, Nuwan Kulasekara, Thilan Thushara, Chanaka Welegedara.

Match referee: AJ Pycroft (Zimbabwe).

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Woods' absence to hit TV ratings: Jeev

Deepak Jain>Wed, Jan 13 10 01:38 PM

New Delhi, Jan. 12 -- Jeev Milkha Singh's name will be taken in the same breath as greats like Gary Player, Phil Mickelson and Ernie Els. Reason: They now share a common platform as Callaway Golf brand ambassadors. Announcing the commencement of its India operations, George Fellows, president and chief executive officer, said the top ranked Indian's feats were in sync with the company's "innovative spirit". The world No. 55 was quick to return the compliment. Adjusting the cap bearing the company's crest, he smiled, "I've been waiting for this for years." Recounting his fondness for Callaway clubs, Jeev said, "I won the Bank Austria GolfOpen last year with these and went on to win two more."

Reacting to reports that team-mate Gaganjeet Bhullar was nervous playing alongside him, Jeev said, "I would have behaved in the same way had I been in his place. He is just 21 and a phenomenal talent. He will go places." Terming golf as the "fastest growing sport in the country", Jeev advocated the need for public courses. "There is just one in the country, to take golf to the masses we need many more."

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