Barca eight points clear, Filipe Luis injured

Published>Sun, Jan 24 10 01:29 PM

Madrid, Jan 24 (DPA) Barcelona confirmed their status as the best football team in the world with another high-quality display, thrashing lowly Valladolid 3-0 away.

The latest rout Saturday stretches their lead atop La Liga to eight points.

Barca have 49 points from 19 games. Real, who are at home to Malaga Sunday, have 41.

This is the fifth time in La Liga history that a team have reached the halfway point unbeaten, and the first time ever that Barca have done it.

Josep Guardiola's slick side have never looked in danger of defeat and have conceded just 10 goals, a new record at this stage of the season.

Guardiola, who announced Wednesday that he would continue for at least another season, said: 'It's not bad to be unbeaten for the first half of the season, but it is really just anecdotal. There are many games left to play.'

'The important thing,' he said, 'is that we continue to be aggressive, wanting to open things up and generate chances.'

Barca playmaker Andres Iniesta said: 'We have done our part. Now let's see what Madrid are going to do tomorrow.'

Lionel Messi and company could have scored more goals, had they not eased up in the second half.

Valladolid, who are fourth from bottom, made a spirited start only to be cruelly hit by two Barca sucker punches.

In the 21st minute, Dani Alves escaped down the right and centred for Xavi to make it 1-0 with a classy volley.

Just two minutes later, the indefatigable Alves broke free again and centred for Zlatan Ibrahimovic - but his cross accidentally drifted over goalkeeper Justo Villar for the second score.

The two quick goals knocked the stuffing out of Valladolid, who never threatened to turn the match around.

Barca enjoyed 70 per cent possession and could have scored five or six times in the second half. In the 55th minute, Ibrahimovic centred for Messi who made it 3-0 with his trusty left foot.

It was Messi's 15th league goal of the season and leaves him atop the scorers' chart, one goal ahead of Valencia's David Villa.

Later Saturday, Deportivo Coruna moved up to fourth by beating Athletic Bilbao 3-1 at home.

It was a bittersweet victory for Deportivo, because Brazilian left-back Filipe Luis badly broke his right leg while scoring the first goal. He was stretchered off in tears and will miss the rest of the season, as well as the World Cup finals for Brazil.

Fellow Brazilian Juca made it 2-0, and Pablo Alvarez sealed the win with a third goal after Deportivo defender Diego Colotto had scored an own goal.

Deportivo now have 34 points from 19 games, four less than third- place Valencia, who are at Tenerife Sunday.

Deportivo are one point above Mallorca and Sevilla, who now share fifth place.

Earlier Saturday, Sevilla halted their four-match losing streak by beating Almeria 1-0 at home on an early goal from Alvaro Negredo.

'We really needed to win today, but it was not an easy game at all,' Sevilla midfielder Renato said.

There was a large element of fortune in Sevilla's goal, which came after nine minutes. Almeria defender Wilmer Acasiete tried to play a back-pass to goalkeeper Diego Alves, but the ball held up in a watery patch, allowing Renato to set up Negredo to score.

Sevilla should have added to their lead but were foiled by the agile Alves.

The other good news for Sevilla was the return to action of Brazil striker Luis Fabiano after a two-month injury lay-off.

Source: Web Search

Alex Curran does a Lady GaGa with daring jacket

Published>Sun, Jan 24 10 01:09 PM

London, January 24 (ANI): WAG Alex Curran appeared to do a Lady GaGa when she stepped out sporting a heavily padded jacket.

The wife of ace England footballer Steven Gerrard was seen wearing the pads to a Liverpool hair and beauty salon.

"Not many people could pull off the look but she managed it," News of the World quoted an onlooker as saying.

The 27-year-old's jacket seemed to be reminiscent of the trend elevated by Lady GaGa who wrapped herself in a bizarre mirrored outfit at a New York gig.

But mum-of-two Curran was said to have played it down after matching the padded creation with a white top, jeans and Chanel handbag. (ANI)

Source: Web Search

I have not done anything wrong with Hughes, says Mancini

Published>Sun, Jan 24 10 12:55 PM

London, Jan 24 (ANI): Manchester City's new boss Roberto Mancini has admitted that he felt sorry for his predecessor Mark Hughes after his sacking the club, but insists he did not stab him in the back.

The Italian claimed he himself was the victim of a massive injustice when Jose Mourinho at Inter Milan replaced him after winning the Serie A title three years in a row.

Hughes had City in sixth place when he was sacked last month.

Mancini has since guided the team closer to the top four and has overseen the win over bitter rivals Manchester United in the first leg of the Carling Cup semi-final, News of the World reports.

"Of course I feel sorry for Mark. He is a very good coach who did well here at City. But this is part of our job and I'm sure he knows that. I haven't done anything wrong. I was called by some Manchester City directors and they offered me the job.

"I'm a professional coach and I said yes. Everybody would have done the same in my shoes. It's not difficult to imagine Mark's feeling because it's something I experienced when I was sacked after winning the third Scudetto in a row for Inter. It's a bitter feeling but you have to move on," Mancini said.

Mancini believes one of his first tasks has been to improve the team spirit of the most expensively assembled squad in the Premier League.

The former Italy international added: "We have many good and talented players in the squad but we need to improve our team spirit. At the moment the squad is too big. It becomes difficult to work with more than 24 players when you don't play in Europe." (ANI)

Source: Web Search

Fan frenzy forces Salman to skip marathon participation

Published Sun, Jan 24 10 12:41 PM

Jaipur, Jan 24 (PTI) In town to participate in a marathon to promote the city, Bollywood star Salman Khan had to beat a hasty retreat after frenzied fans mobbed him resulting in a police lathicharge. Salman flagged off the the 6.5 km long dream run in which thousands of Jaipurites participated but things became chaotic after fans tried to reach for him at the stage. The police had to resort to lathicharge to control the crowd. The resulting chaos forced the organisers to first escort Salman off the stage before he was whisked away in a car. the marathon (21km) was flagged off by the Rajasthan Home Minister Shanti Dhariwal and DGP Harish Chandra Meena in which around 1700 runners took part. Television actor Rajiv Khandelwal and State Tourism Minister Bina Kak were also present at the start point near Ramnivas garden from where the marathon and dream run began in the morning. Dream run finished at World Trade Park (WTP) covering a distance, while the marathon started from Ramnivas garden and the runners covered WTP, Tonk Road, Janpath, MI Road, Ajmeri Gate, Kishanpol Bazar, Tripolia Bazar, Johri Bazar, and Sanganer Gate. MP Mahesh Joshi, Jaipur Mayor Jyoti Khandelwal were among others presented there.

Source: Web Search

We were taken out of context on Yousuf: PCB

Published Sun, Jan 24 10 12:09 PM

Karachi, Jan 24 (PTI) Taken aback by the criticism that it has invited for stating that Muhammad Yousuf would be sacked as captain after the tour of Australia, the Pakistan Cricket Board now says the comments were taken out of context. "The news is totally out of context and the PCB Chairman Ejaz Butt has been quoted wrongly in this regard," the PCB media manager Nadeem Sarwar said. Butt was quoted as saying on a local television channel by a wire service that there would be a change of captaincy after the Australian tour and Yousuf was only appointed until the Australian tour. This has been criticised by former players, who described the timing as unusual and wrong since the team was still playing in Australia and was in the middle of a one-day series. Yousuf has been subdued and diplomatic in his reaction to the reports. "I don''t mind it. The board appointed me captain and they can change me, but I am enjoying this challenge and I think I have done a satisfactory job," Yousuf said. "It is always an honor to lead your country and I am enjoying this opportunity to be captain. There is no pressure on me and neither has it affected my batting form. "It is all fate, if they want to remove me I have no issues I will continue to play and enjoy my cricket. For me the biggest honor has always been to play for Pakistan and do well for the team," he added.

Source: Web Search

'Tiger Woods to bare all in front of wife'

Published>Sun, Jan 24 10 12:05 PM

London, Jan 24 (ANI): Shamed golfer Tiger Woods will tell his wife Elin all the details of his numerous extra-marital affairs as a part of his recovery at the rehab clinic where he's being treated for sex addiction, it has emerged.

According to reports, Elin has agreed to attend a week-long phase of his recovery programme early next month at the Gentle Path centre in Mississippi, reports The Daily Express.

The week includes "Disclosure Day" when the golfer will be forced to face his wife and admit every one of his affairs.

During her stay, Elin will also receive counselling.

The visit, pals believe, will give Woods his one and only chance to save his marriage and convince Elin he is truly sorry.

A source close to the couple told the Sunday Express: "To be brutally honest, I don't think Tiger would have ever gone there if Elin had said no to the family support sessions.

"He knows he has to convince her his womanising days are over and really mean it. Even then, she could still decide to go ahead and divorce him."

Woods checked into Gentle Path on December 30, his 35th birthday.

The source said: "He has definitely spoken several times with Elin on the phone. She is very, very wary of facing him in what is certain to be an emotion-shredding confession session.

"Elin doesn't know whether she'll ever be able to trust him, no matter what he says or does to convince her to stay." (ANI)

Source: Web Search

"Red hot" Rooney targets record haul for Manchester United

Published>Sun, Jan 24 10 11:55 AM

London, Jan 24(ANI): Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney has said that he is aiming to beat his record of 23 goals in one season after scoring all the goals in his club's 4-0 win over Hull.

Rooney's strikes pumped up the pressure on Premier League title rivals Chelsea and Arsenal, as United came back to the top of the table with a two point lead.

The 24-year-old also became the first player to score four times in a match at Old Trafford since Ruud van Nistelrooy against Sparta Prague in November 2004, he has now scored 19 goals this season.

"It's good to be top. We are doing our job and piling the pressure on other teams. It's the first time I've scored four times in a professional football match and of course it's a great feeling. To score in one Premier League game is a great feeling. I'm really proud of the achievement, it's something special," News of the World quoted Rooney, as saying.

"I'm confident of beating my best season at United and I'll be disappointed if I don't because I've still got hopefully another 20 games to play. I won't be happy if I don't get more than 23. The difference this season is that I've consciously been getting in the box more and trying to put myself in goalscoring situations," he added.

Talking about the goal glut, manager Sir Alex Ferguson claimed that Rooney has become the "main man" at Old Trafford.

"He's the main man - there's no doubt about that. He will beat his record of 23 goals in a season and this is great encouragement for him. It's the first time he's scored four times and it's very pleasing because he's in such great goal scoring form. He's always been a striker, but he wanted to improve his record in front of goal. He has developed and he is seldom left out," Ferguson said.

"He had good movement with Michael Owen, they had good hunger and there was some good combinations between them. We are top and that is significant. Our opponents have games in hand, but we are in the right place," he added. (ANI)

Source: Web Search

United go top after four-goal Rooney sinks Hull

Published>Sun, Jan 24 10 10:29 AM

Champions Manchester United went top of the Premier League for the first time since October after a four-goal blitz by Wayne Rooney earned a 4-0 home victory over Hull City on Saturday.

United moved above Chelsea and Arsenal, who are in FA Cup fourth-round action this weekend, with 50 points from 23 games.

Arsenal have 48 from 22 matches while Chelsea are also on 48 having played two games fewer than United.

Rio Ferdinand returned to the centre of United's defence after being sidelined by a back injury since a 2-0 defeat by Liverpool in October but was relatively untroubled as the hosts dominated third from bottom Hull.

It was the first time Rooney had scored four goals in a match in his senior career, with three of them coming late on as Hull's resistance crumbled.

"Wayne Rooney was the undoubted highlight of the match," manager Alex Ferguson told MUTV. "It's the first time that he's scored four goals for us. That is very pleasing and he is in excellent goalscoring form at the moment.

"He'll beat his previous best (season) tally of 23 goals, I'm sure of that. He's in excellent form. It's only encouraging for Wayne because he's wanted to develop himself as a scorer."

While Rooney took his league tally for the season to 19, Ferguson also praised Michael Owen who started alongside Rooney for just the fourth time since joining from Newcastle United.

"I thought he did well today alongside Michael Owen. There was good movement and hunger. They did well," Ferguson said.

Rooney took just eight minutes to put United ahead, pouncing on a rebound after Boaz Myhill failed to hold a shot from midfielder Paul Scholes.

United were not totally convincing until the final 10 minutes when Rooney caught fire. His second was a fierce drive after being set up by Darron Gibson. He sealed his hat-trick with a header from Nani's cross and rounded off his one-man demolition of Hull with a classy fourth.

Source: Web Search

Roma sink free-falling Juventus with late goal

Published>Sun, Jan 24 10 10:09 AM

John Arne Riise scored a last-gasp goal to earn AS Roma a 2-1 comeback win over free-falling Juventus in Serie A on Saturday and give Claudio Ranieri a sweet return to his former club.

The Norwegian nodded in a David Pizarro cross in stoppage time after a Francesco Totti penalty had cancelled out Alessandro Del Piero's fine opener for hosts Juve in the 51st minute.

The Turin side were down to 10 men when Roma scored the winner after goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon was sent off in the 83rd minute for charging out of his area and fouling Riise.

The win saw Roma tighten their grip on third place with 38 points from 21 games, eight behind leaders Inter Milan, who face second-placed AC Milan in Sunday's high stakes derby.

Juve are five points further back in fifth after a sixth loss in eight league games deepened the troubles of coach Ciro Ferrara, who replaced Ranieri just before the end of last season.

"The victory was important because Juventus want to stay in the race for Champions League qualification and us winning puts them several points behind us. I'm not looking for revenge," Ranieri told Sky television.

RECENT WOES

The hosts had shown signs of recovering from recent woes, with Mohamed Sissoko's return from duty with Mali at the African Nations Cup strengthening their midfield.

They had the better of the first half but Amauri, Nicola Legrottaglie and Del Piero failed to nod home inviting balls into the area.

However, Del Piero did put them in front with a left-footed diagonal volley, after the ball ballooned off a defender, to score his first league goal of an injury-hampered campaign.

Totti, who replaced a limping Luca Toni in the fourth minute to make his first appearance following a month-long injury layoff, levelled after Fabio Grosso blocked Rodrigo Taddei in the area before Riise landed the killer blow.

"It's a difficult period, there's no use hiding it," Ferrara said. "Sometimes our defeats have been deserved, others not, but at this point we are a long way behind.

"I think the squad has the strength, character and personality to come out of this all together. In moments like these you have to be strong men and they are."

A section of Turin's Stadio Olimpico was closed during the match because of racist chanting by Juventus's ultra fans in an Italian Cup tie last week.

Earlier, strugglers Catania thumped Parma 3-0 at home to move up a place to stand third-from-bottom.

Giuseppe Mascara headed the Sicilians in front after 15 minutes shortly before missing a penalty and Jorge Martinez and Takayuki Morimoto then sealed victory with second-half goals.

Source: Web Search

Bangladesh win toss, elect to bat

Published Sun, Jan 24 10 09:25 AM

Mirpur, Jan 24 (PTI) Bangladesh captain Shakib Al Hasan won the toss and elected to bat first in the second and final cricket Test against India here today. India, who won the first Test by 113 runs in Chittagong, made four changes to their side. Regular captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni came in for Dinesh Karthik after recovering from his back strain, while Pragyan Ojha replaced Amit Mishra. Murali Vijay was brought into the side in place of the an injured VVS Laxman. Spin spearhead Harbhajan Singh also came back after recovering from his stiff neck. S Sreesanth was left out as he is nursing a thigh strain. For Bangladesh, Junaid Siddique replaced Shahriar Nafees. Teams: India: Mahendra Singh (c), Virender Sehwag, Gautam Gambhir, Rahul Dravid, Sachin Tendulkar, Murali Vijay, Yuvraj Singh, Harbhajan Singh, Ishant Sharma, Zaheer Khan, Pragyan Ojha. Bangladesh: Shakib Al Hasan (c), Imrul Kayes, Tamim Iqbal, Junaid Siddique, Mohammad Ashraful, Raqibul Hasan, Mahmudullah, Mushfiqur Rahim, Shafiul Islam, Shahadat Hossain, Rubel Hossain.

Source: Web Search

Fallah triggers Cadence win

Published>Sun, Jan 24 10 08:29 AM

PYC Hindu Gymkhana, Secretary XI emerge victorious in senior one-day knockout tourney

Cadence Cricket Academy, PYC Hindu Gymkhana and Secretary XI registered victories on the first day of the Senior One-day Knockout tournament.

At the Deccan Gymkhana, Samad Fallah's five-wicket haul helped Cadence bundle out Raigad District Cricket Association for a meager 133 in 31 overs. Cadence won by nine wickets in just 17.4 overs, with unbeaten half centuries by Abhijeet Salvi (56 n.o) and Nikhil Paradkar (61 n.o.).

PYC, on the other hand, emerged victorious over Jalgaon in a nail-biting encounter that went right down to the wire. Having been bowled out for 130, PYC had to rely on their bowling attack, which performed brilliantly to restrict Jalgaon to 128. Deepak Shilamkar and Kunal Marathe grabbed four wickets, while Rohit Karanjkar scalped the remaining two.

The highest-scoring match of the day was played between Income Tax, Pune and Secretary XI at the Poona Club Grounds. Income Tax batted first and finished with a commendable total of 255/9 in 50 overs. Mandar Degde's 90 runs and 53 from Sangram Bagul were instrumental in helping them reach the target.

Secretary XI, however, had a batting line-up that was more than up to the task, with several batsmen chipping in to overhaul the target in 47.1 overs. Sunil Yadav, Solomon Chopade and Kedar Jadhav scoring 59, 56 and 46 respectively to reach 256/6, winning the match by 4 wickets.

Results

Raigad

133 all out in31.3 overs

Akshay Darekar 60

Bowling: Samad Fallah 5/32, Digambar Waghmare 2/12, Chirag Khurana 2/20

Cadence

137/1 in 17.4 overs. Abhijeet Salvi 56*, Nikhil Paradkar 61*

Cadence won by 9 wickets

PYC

130 all out in 46.4 overs. Kaustubh Patil 47*, Aakash Benali 31

Bowling: Sachin Chaudhary 3/12, Dhaval Hemnani 3/12

Jalgaon

128 all out in 33.1 overs. Vijay Lohar 31, Sushant Jadhav 30

Bowling: Deepak Shilamkar 4/36, Kunal Marathe 4/11, Rohit Karanjkar 2/33

PYC won by 2 runs

Income Tax

255/9 in 50 overs. Ajinkya Joshi 22, Sangram Bagul 53, Mandar Dedge 90,Nilesh Khilare 30

Bowling: Anupam Sanklecha 3/59, Ranjit Chavan 3/58, Aditya Dole 2/33

Secretary XI

256/6 in 47.1 overs. Rohan Bhosale 32, Sunil Yadhav 59, Soloman Chopade 56, Kedar Jadhav 46, Vishal Bhilare 22, Ranjit Chavan 30

Bowling: Ajinkya Joshi 2/48

Secretary XI won by 4 wickets

Source: Web Search

City lad Goldy follows in idol's footsteps

Published>Sun, Jan 24 10 07:59 AM

Set to make international debut in South Asian Games

When young Harjit Singh 'Goldy' joined Chandigarh Hockey Academy in 2002, his goal was to follow in the footsteps of his idol Baljit Singh ? an established goalkeeper after having made his international debut at the juniors' four-nation tournament in Poland in 2000. As Baljeet, the regular goalkeeper for Team India before an injury halted his progress, recuperates at home, Harjit is set to become the second goalkeeper from Chandigarh ? the first is Baljeet ? to represent India when he makes his international debut in the 11th South Asian Games to be held at Dhaka from January 29 to February 9.

Talking to Newsline over phone from Lucknow, Harjit said, "Baljit paaji is my guru and he is always there to guide me and rectify my faults. In fact, I am in touch with all the senior players from Chandigarh and Punjab but I am closest to him. I used to be in awe of him whenever we watched him practice at the Sector-42 Sports Complex in Chandigarh. Ever since I saw him play, I knew I had to become a goalkeeper."

However, it wasn't until his selection for the senior national camp in November 2009 for their preparation for the 2010 World Cup at Pune that Harjit thought of wearing the national jersey. "I just tried to give my best during the camp and even when we were laid off for a month, I spent time with my coach Jasbir Singh Bajwa at the Sector-42 stadium and worked on my game. I am glad my coach's and my parents' faith have paid off. If it weren't for their support, I would have never come this far," said the 20-year-old.

When Harjit was once again called for the senior camp in last week of December 2009 in Lucknow, it had his mentor Baljit all excited.

"He reminds me of myself as his playing style is just like mine. I have seen him grow and always knew he would make it to the Indian team one day. He has worked hard on his game and I am happy for him," said Baljeet.

Another CHA player, Dharamveer Singh, will also take part in the tournament though he had earlier represented India in the seven-match test series in Canada last year. Apart from India, the other teams participating in the event are Bangladesh, Pakistan, Nepal and Sri Lanka.

"For a while, there were not any players from Chandigarh in the national team. I am glad Harjit and Dharamveer will represent Chandigarh, which despite being a small town has always churned out quality players," Baljit added.

If his family stood by him providing support and inspiration, coach Bajwa knew the boy was special after his performances in SN Vohra Hockey Tournament for U-14 in 2007 (he was adjudged the best goalkeeper) and All India National School Games Under-17 and Under-19 (two gold medals and a silver).

"He is a keen learner and a treat to watch in action. He has an acrobatic body which helps him in making important saves," Bajwa said.

Source: Web Search

Fallah triggers Cadence win

Published>Sun, Jan 24 10 06:25 AM

PYC Hindu Gymkhana, Secretary XI emerge victorious in senior one-day knockout tourney

Cadence Cricket Academy, PYC Hindu Gymkhana and Secretary XI registered victories on the first day of the Senior One-day Knockout tournament.

At the Deccan Gymkhana, Samad Fallah's five-wicket haul helped Cadence bundle out Raigad District Cricket Association for a meager 133 in 31 overs. Cadence won by nine wickets in just 17.4 overs, with unbeaten half centuries by Abhijeet Salvi (56 n.o) and Nikhil Paradkar (61 n.o.).

PYC, on the other hand, emerged victorious over Jalgaon in a nail-biting encounter that went right down to the wire. Having been bowled out for 130, PYC had to rely on their bowling attack, which performed brilliantly to restrict Jalgaon to 128. Deepak Shilamkar and Kunal Marathe grabbed four wickets, while Rohit Karanjkar scalped the remaining two.

The highest-scoring match of the day was played between Income Tax, Pune and Secretary XI at the Poona Club Grounds. Income Tax batted first and finished with a commendable total of 255/9 in 50 overs. Mandar Degde's 90 runs and 53 from Sangram Bagul were instrumental in helping them reach the target.

Secretary XI, however, had a batting line-up that was more than up to the task, with several batsmen chipping in to overhaul the target in 47.1 overs. Sunil Yadav, Solomon Chopade and Kedar Jadhav scoring 59, 56 and 46 respectively to reach 256/6, winning the match by 4 wickets.

Results

Raigad

133 all out in31.3 overs

Akshay Darekar 60

Bowling: Samad Fallah 5/32, Digambar Waghmare 2/12, Chirag Khurana 2/20

Cadence

137/1 in 17.4 overs. Abhijeet Salvi 56*, Nikhil Paradkar 61*

Cadence won by 9 wickets

PYC

130 all out in 46.4 overs. Kaustubh Patil 47*, Aakash Benali 31

Bowling: Sachin Chaudhary 3/12, Dhaval Hemnani 3/12

Jalgaon

128 all out in 33.1 overs. Vijay Lohar 31, Sushant Jadhav 30

Bowling: Deepak Shilamkar 4/36, Kunal Marathe 4/11, Rohit Karanjkar 2/33

PYC won by 2 runs

Income Tax

255/9 in 50 overs. Ajinkya Joshi 22, Sangram Bagul 53, Mandar Dedge 90,Nilesh Khilare 30

Bowling: Anupam Sanklecha 3/59, Ranjit Chavan 3/58, Aditya Dole 2/33

Secretary XI

256/6 in 47.1 overs. Rohan Bhosale 32, Sunil Yadhav 59, Soloman Chopade 56, Kedar Jadhav 46, Vishal Bhilare 22, Ranjit Chavan 30

Bowling: Ajinkya Joshi 2/48

Secretary XI won by 4 wickets

Source: Web Search

Full open door could be must for hotels to earn tax breaks

Published>Sun, Jan 24 10 02:09 AM

Major hospitality chains planning to open properties in the national capital region (NCR) before the Commonwealth Games in October could lose out on the five-year tax holiday benefit if they are not able to throw open the entire room inventory before the sporting extravaganza.

According to tourism secretary Sujit Banerjee, the ministry would oppose full tax holiday to companies not closing projects on time. "How can hotels open partially and yet get the tax-holiday. They will have to come to us for registration and classification, and we will not allow such a thing," Banerjee told FE.

A host of hospitality majors?domestic and foreign?including the Taj Group, InterContinental, Hilton, Starwood Hotels and Resorts (Westin) have projects in the pipeline, which are slated for launch before the Commonwealth Games. While InterContinental group plans to open its Crowne Plaza in New Delhi before the Games, its two other properties would be operational in 2010 but not necessarily before the event.

"By opening partially, hotels will not only gain the benefit of the five-year tax holiday (except for five-star properties which are outside the ambit of the scheme), but will also get their licences fast as the ministry is under immense pressure to get the required rooms ready," said a hospitality consultant on the condition of anonymity. The tourism ministry is also pushing for an extension of the tax-holiday till July 2010 from the earlier March deadline as reported by FE earlier.

According to market estimates, only 50% of the total proposed room inventory will be ready before the Games. Though some hotel majors maintain they will launch full operations of their properties, sector analysts and experts are of the opinion that ground realities are different and as projects are met with delays, owners are planning to go for only partial openings.

This could come as a rude shock to the tourism ministry, which is struggling hard to put together a list of 40,000 hotel rooms in the NCR (required to host one lakh tourists expected for the Games). However, according to the ministry data accessed by FE, out of the 10,420 rooms in the definite category, over 4,400 rooms are still to come up.

Of these, 11,000 are rooms in guest houses, 5,500 in DDA apartments and 3,000 out of the bed-and-breakfast scheme. There are around 10,000 rooms which are part of the existing room inventory in the region. Out of the 10,400 rooms that were supposed to come up before the Games, 5,980 are completed and the rest are still to come up.

The slowdown has hit the hospitality industry hard. While revenues nosedived, credit crunch impaired the launch of new projects. Getting licences (some 130-odd) is the most tedious part of setting up a hotel in the country.

Source: Web Search

FA Cup holders Chelsea win but Burnley go out

Published>Sat, Jan 23 10 11:49 PM

Holders Chelsea booked their place in the FA Cup fifth round with a 2-0 victory at Preston North End on Saturday while Premier League Burnley suffered a surprise 1-0 defeat at second-tier Reading.

Premier League Wigan Athletic escaped with a 2-2 draw at League Two (fourth division) Notts County after trailing 2-0 and Wolverhampton Wanderers needed a late equaliser to draw 2-2 at home to Championship (second division) Crystal Palace.

Fulham had some tricky moments before winning 3-1 at Accrington Stanley while League Cup finalists Aston Villa had to work hard to advance with a 3-2 defeat of third-tier Brighton and Hove Albion at Villa Park.

Birmingham City stretched their unbeaten run in all competitions to 15 with an impressive 2-1 win at Everton and in another all top-flight clash Portsmouth guaranteed some much-needed income with a 2-1 home victory over Sunderland.

Five-times winners Chelsea took the lead when Nicolas Anelka shot powerfully past keeper Andy Lonergan in the 36th minute before doubling their advantage when Daniel Sturridge finished from close range two minutes after the restart.

OPEN GOAL

Championship side Preston, who are managed by Darren Ferguson, son of Manchester United boss Alex, missed a gilt-edged chance when Darren Carter shot over an open goal in the first half.

"We found it hard in the first half but that's what the FA Cup is all about," Chelsea captain John Terry told ITV.

"It's been an amazing day. When you come to grounds like this it's what the Cup is all about, smaller clubs giving their all."

Championship strugglers Reading, who beat Liverpool at Anfield in the previous round, secured another big scalp with an 88th-minute goal from Gylfi Sigurdsson.

Two sides battling for promotion back to the Premier League met at the Hawthorns where West Bromwich Albion beat Championship leaders Newcastle United 4-2.

After two successive Premier League defeats by Arsenal, Owen Coyle enjoyed his first victory as Bolton Wanderers manager when his side beat Championship team Sheffield United 2-0 at the Reebok Stadium.

In a late kickoff League One Leeds United will hope to follow-up their third-round victory at Manchester United when they play eight-times FA Cup winners Tottenham Hotspur at White Hart Lane.

Source: Web Search

Merchant, Mehta in final of Alumni Club snooker

Published>Sat, Jan 23 10 11:39 PM

Chennai, Jan 23 (IANS) In a battle of veterans and two former Asian champions, Yasin Merchant recovered brilliantly to turn back a 0-3 deficit for a 5-4 win against Alok Kumar to enter the final of the Alumni Club All-India invitational snooker tournament here Saturday.

The 42-year old Merchant takes on fellow-Mumbaikar Aditya Mehta, who blanked Girish Rajasekar 5-0 in the other semi-final. The last time the two met in a final here was in July when Mehta won 6-2.

It was Alok all the way in the opening three frames that he took comfortably with typical safety play while Merchant struggled to get his bearings.

With Alok jumping to a 3-0 lead, it looked curtains for Merchant, but the Mumbai-based businessman came up with four stunning breaks of 62, 56, 60 and 73 in consecutive frames to snatch a 4-3 advantage.

It was a near-vintage Merchant as he got into a fine rhythm and the breaks flowed fluently each time Alok left him on.

However, in the eighth frame, it was Alok who capitalized on an early opening to post a break of 51 to level at 4-4.

Both were understandably cautious at the start of the decider before Alok seized an opening to construct a break of 45 before missing a centre-pocket pink. That eventually proved to be decisive as Merchant clawed his way back into the contest that ended when he potted the colours to pink in different visits.

Earlier, the 24-year old Mehta for whom Chennai is proving to be a happy hunting ground, having won both the previous prize-money tournaments here, was in total control from the start to wrap up the match in quick time.

Rajasekar appeared rather subdued and facing an opponent at the top of his game, could offer little by way of challenge as Mehta won in a canter.

The results (semi-finals):

Yasin Merchant (Mah) bt Alok Kumar (ONGC) 5-4 (25-95, 21-71, 36-52, 68-0, 68-3, 73-36, 88-3, 25-70, 61-49); Aditya Mehta (PSPB) bt Girish Rajasekar (Railways) 5-0 (71-34, 62-16, 64-22, 55-48, 52-34).

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Bayern go top after Robben settles thriller

Published Sat, Jan 23 10 11:29 PM

Bayern Munich climbed to the top of the Bundesliga on Saturday after an Arjen Robben goal 12 minutes from time secured a thrilling 3-2 win at Werder Bremen.

Outstanding Dutch winger Robben scored with a spectacular free kick three minutes after Hugo Almeida had levelled for Bremen.

Bayern, who extended their winning streak to eight matches in all competitions, have 39 points from 19 games.

One point behind are Bayer Leverkusen and Schalke 04, who squandered a 2-0 lead to draw 2-2 at VfL Bochum.

Schalke wasted their chance to go top when Vahid Hashemian (82 minutes) and Stanislav Sestak (stoppage time) cancelled out first-half strikes by Vicente Sanchez and Kevin Kuranyi.

Undefeated Leverkusen can retake the lead when they travel to Hoffenheim on Sunday.

Bayern dominated throughout and hit the post after only three minutes through Robben, who went on to terrorise the Bremen defence, before Ivica Olic was denied by home keeper Tim Wiese.

The hosts, badly missing virus-hit striker Claudio Pizarro, took an unexpected lead on 10 minutes when Marko Marin sent Aaron Hunt into the box with a perfect pass and the striker fired an unstoppable left-foot shot into the top corner.

Bayern levelled 15 minutes later when Mario Gomez let a Bastian Schweinsteiger pass go through his legs for Thomas Mueller to score from 12 metres.

Olic made amends for his earlier miss when he tapped in a Philipp Lahm cross in the 35th and rampant Bayern should have added a third just before the break when Robben missed an open goal.

The visitors, who brought on playmaker Franck Ribery as a substitute after being out injured for three months, squandered a host of chances and were punished when Portuguese Almeida equalised for Bremen in the 75th.

Robben, though, had the last laugh when he whipped a fantastic free kick into the top corner.

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English FA Cup fourth round results

Published Sat, Jan 23 10 11:09 PM

REUTERS - English FA Cup fourth round results on Saturday (Premier League unless stated, numerals denote division).

Preston North End (II) 0 Chelsea 2

Reading (II) 1 Burnley 0

Aston Villa 3 Brighton & Hove Albion (III) 2

Bolton Wanderers 2 Sheffield United (II) 0

Derby County (II) 1 Doncaster Rovers (II) 0

Everton 1 Birmingham City 2

Wolverhampton Wanderers 2 Crystal Palace (II) 2

Cardiff City (II) 4 Leicester City (II) 2

Southampton (III) 2 Ipswich Town (II) 1

West Bromwich Albion (II) 4 Newcastle United (II) 2

Portsmouth 2 Sunderland 1

Accrington Stanley (IV) 1 Fulham 3

Notts County (IV) 2 Wigan Athletic 2

Playing later on Saturday (GMT)

Tottenham Hotspur v Leeds United (III) (1715)

Playing on Sunday (GMT)

Stoke City v Arsenal (1330)

Scunthorpe United (II) v Manchester City (1600)

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Rani, Savita to receive grants from GoSports Foundation

Published Sat, Jan 23 10 10:55 PM

Bangalore, Jan 23 (PTI) Financial help continues to pour on the country''s women hockey players as the GoSports Foundation today announced a monthly grant of Rs 4000 each for two members of the national team -- Rani Rampal and Savita Poonia. "The grant, which will award 15-year-old Rani Rampal and 19-year-old Savita Poonia a monthly amount of Rs 4000 each, is a testament to the girls'' perseverance and determination to succeed against all odds," a release said today. Forward Rampal, daughter of a cart puller, was the top scorer and adjudged the Young Player of the Tournament at the Champion''s Challenge trophy held in Kazan, Russia last year. The Haryana girl also played a pivotal role in the team winning silver medal at the Asia Cup in last November. "I am very happy with the good news. It will help me buy better shoes and kit to improve my game. I will also use this assistance for my education," Rampal said. Her statemate goalkeeper Poonia said, "I am thrilled to receive this support and fund. It will help me achieve my goals and has created within me an even greater desire to succeed." National women''s coach M K Kaushik also hailed the move. "Rani and Savita are young and upcoming players with great skills and great character for the game. They are the future of the country and need to be nurtured well," he said. (More) PTI DB

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Merchant to play Mehta in All-India Snooker final

Published Sat, Jan 23 10 10:25 PM

Chennai, Jan 23 (PTI) In a fight for supremacy between two former Asian champions veteran Yasin Merchant came from 0-3 down position to beat Alok Kumar 5-4 and enter final of the Alumni Club All-India Invitational Snooker tournament here today. The 42-year-old Mumbai cueist, Merchant now plays his state-mate and defending champion Aditya Mehta who thrashed Girish Rajasekar with a 5-0 verdict in the other semifinal, in a repeat-match of last year. Adopting safety play, Kumar made a clean sweep of the first three games but Merchant, after the initial hiccups, came back strongly and won the encounter. Earlier, the 24-year-old Mehta, playing at his favourite city, was in his elements throughout the match and did not face any difficulty in measuring his means for an easy win. Results (semifinals): Yasin Merchant (Mah) bt Alok Kumar (ONGC) 5-4 (25-95, 21-71, 36-52, 68-0, 68-3, 73-36, 88-3, 25-70, 61-49); Aditya Mehta (PSPB) bt Girish Rajasekar (Railways) 5-0 (71-34, 62-16, 64-22, 55-48, 52-34).

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Gill to dedicate remodelled Maj.Dhyan Chand stadium to Hockey lovers on Sunday

Published>Sat, Jan 23 10 10:09 PM

New Delhi, Jan.23 (ANI): Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Dr MS Gill will dedicate the remodelled and reconstructed Major Dhyan Chand stadium to the Hockey lovers across the globe at a simple function held here on Sunday (Jan.24).

It's the first stadium to be open among Commonwealth Games Venues in the Capital.

The new look stadium, spread over 37 acres, has been completely renovated and upgraded for the XIX Commonwealth Games at a total cost of Rs.262 crores and will be the venue for Hockey. Before the Commonwealth Games, the Stadium will be proud venue for XII Hockey World Cup to be held from 28th February to 13th March, 2010.

As per the sports facilities, this Stadium has three synthetic hockey pitches (two conform to international match standard and third is practice pitch). New poly grass turfs have been laid on all pitches and are fitted with new sprinkler systems.

The main field has a capacity to seat about 16200 spectators and has a floor area of about 17500 sq. Mtr. The second pitch outside the main arena has 900 permanent seats and with a provision of 1600 temporary seats.

Two competitive pitches are flood lit with foldable flood light towers ( Hinged Mast Lights) which will provide 2200 lux illumination during the competition held in artificial light. This will enable high definition transmission .The mast lights can be raised up to 30 metres and can be brought down to 12 metres after the event. The Stadium has state-of-the-art sound system with required acoustic effects and also two score boards on right and left flanks overlooking the spectators'areas. oth the pitches are equipped with state-of-the-art facilities for the players like change rooms, relaxing lounges and spacious VVIP lounge.

The stadium is centrally air-conditioned and fitted with lifts, barrier free provisions for athletes and spectators who are physically challenged. There are separate lounges for VIPs, Games family and media.

The Stadium has got power supply from two grids with a backup based on generator sets and battery uninterrupted power supply to ensure that power the power failure never disrupts the games. The stadium has a two -tier underground parking facility for 350 cars in addition to open parking area.

The entire stadium will be under electronic surveillance through fixed and PTZ cameras connected to central control room, which will have integrated network for connecting various facilities, to meet the operational requirement of various tournaments, said a Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports.

Built in 1933 as an amphitheatre, Maj. Dhyan Chand National Stadium was originally named as Irwin amphitheatre. It was renovated for First Asian Games held in 1951 and also for the 1982 Asian Games.

The stadium is situated in the heart of the city, a central line extending from President House to Yamuna passing through the middle of the Stadium and is spread over a total area of 37 acres. (ANI)

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Hockey India election deferred

Published Sat, Jan 23 10 09:39 PM

New Delhi, Jan 23 (PTI) The Hockey India election scheduled for February 7 and which has already generated a lot of controversies was today deferred yet again because of a stay order from the Rajasthan High Court. The office bearers of Hockey India met today for an emergency meeting and decided to put off the election till a final decision is taken by the Rajasthan High Court. The election which has already been postponed a couple of times was to be held before February 28-March 13 Hockey World Cup here next month, but the latest legal development is bound to delay it further. "Hockey India referred the matter to Returning Officer GS Mander along with copy of the said order and Minutes. The Returning Officer after taking legal advice has directed Hockey India to defer the elections till the final decision is taken by the Rajasthan High Court, because the entire electoral college of Hockey India has been stayed," a HI statement said. "Hockey India has received an order from the High Court of Judicature for Rajasthan, Jaipur Bench, passed by Justice RS Chauhan. The Court has stayed the operation of the Minutes of the Meeting dated 11th January, 2010 in which 30 States / Union Territories and 4 Institutional / Boards were granted affiliation," it added. .

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D Byramji lifts Indian Champion Cup

Published Sat, Jan 23 10 09:11 PM

Kolkata, Jan 23 (PTI) D Byramji trained Echoes of Light confidently ridden by C Alford, lifted the Indian Champion Cup (Grade I) the feature event of the races here today. It was set in a record time of two minute 03.892 secnds, overhandling Aperitivo and Rasadais (Dead Heat) 2006 record of two minute 4.12 seconds. The winner is owned by Deepak Khaitan representing Som Stud Farm Pvt Ltd. Lt Gen V K Singh presented the trophy to the winner in the Parade ring. Thundering Hooves (P Kamalesh up) from the Camp of Arti Doctor, claimed the Aperitivo Cup and the Lt Gen Jameel Mahmood Memorial Trophy was won by Adriano (C Alford as tide) for Schooler Vijay Singh, the other two important events of the day. The fact that favourites failed to deliver the goods in all the five legs of the jackpot poll. 70 per cent of the amounting to Rs 313278/- was carried over to a later day. PTI COR PC DKC

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Anand draws for sixth time, Abhijit wins in Group C

Published>Sat, Jan 23 10 08:49 PM

Wijk Aan Zee (The Netherlands), Jan 23 (IANS) Viswanathan Anand played a sixth successive draw in the Corus Grandmasters chess tournament, this time against Magnus Carlsen, the prodigy who leads the World ratings.

The only Indian to win was Abhijit Gupta in Group C, where he is placed third. He beat Daniele Vocaturo. Pentala Harikrishna drew his game, while Parimarjan Negi and Sowmya Swaminthan lost their games here Friday.

In Group A, Alexei Shirov failed to improve on Viktor Korchnoy's record for the longest winning streak in the Corus tournament when he settled for a draw with white in Friday's sixth round against Nigel Short. Korchnoy started with an 8-out-of-8 series to win the 1968 edition of the annual chess event at Wijk-aan-Zee for a final score of 12 out of 15.

Halfway through the 13-round tournament, the Spanish GM remained on top of the A-Group standings, 1.5 points ahead of the world's highest rated player, Carlsen of Norway, and three other competitors sharing the second spot.

The Carlsen-Anand chess fans hoped for a game that would be a 'clash of the titans'. But they were disappointed. Playing black, the Norwegian boy-wonder picked a tame line from the Sicilian Dragon and then accepted Anand's offer of a draw after a mere 19 moves and less than half-an-hour of play.

In Group B, Parimarjan Negi suffered his first loss, going down to Erwin L'Ami of Holland in 35 moves of an English counter game. Harikrishna drew with Varuzhan Akobian in a marathon 86 moves of Modern defence.

In Group C, Abhijit Gupta scored a good win over Daniele Vocaturo of Italy to take his four points and move to third place. Sowmya continued to struggle as she lost to Robin van Kampen. Sowmya has half a point in six games.

'I tried,' said Anand, who has so far produced only draws in this year's competition. 'But Carlsen's choice of opening was a surprise. I had prepared for sharp lines only. I went for the repetition at the end. I would have been worse if I hadn't.'

Two other runners-up, Vassili Ivanchuk and Hikaru Nakamura, played each other and were equally quick to sign the peace. Vladimir Kramnik joined the runners-up on the strength of a well-played victory in 56 moves from a King's Indian against Loek van Wely. The 500-euro prize for the best game of the day was awarded to Cuba's Leinier Dominguez, who downed Holland's Sergei Tiviakov in 38 moves from a Catalan.

Jan Smeets drew in 25 moves with black from a Petroff Defence against Sergei Karjakin of Russia. In the final A-Group game of the round, Peter Leko beat Fabiano Caruana in a Ruy Lopez with white.

The 250 euros for the best game in Group B once again went to Dutch champion Anish Giri, who remained in first place after defeating Finland's Tomi Nyback in 37 moves with black from a Slav Defence.

In Group C, the award of 100 euros was awarded to Stefan Kuipers. The 20-year-old Dutchman overcame Mariya Muzychuk of the Ukraine in 47 moves with black from an unusual Sicilian Defence.

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Royal Perth take lead after first round

Published>Sat, Jan 23 10 08:25 PM

Kolkata, Jan 23 (IANS) Former international hockey star Bruce Shannahan took to golf because of the similarities in the two sports. Not only did he fall in love with the game but also made it a point to excel as he displayed some good golfing skills to lead his team Royal Perth Golf Club to the top at the end of the first round Saturday of the Vodafone Royals Trophy.

Royal Perth were tied for the lead with Royal Montreal Golf Club at 40 points after the first round at the Royal Calcutta Golf Club.

Breathing down the leaders' neck were the home team RCGC `B' at 39 points and Royal Melbourne Golf Club at 38 points. In the first round that was played on an eclectic stableford format, the better stableford score of the partners on each of the respective holes was chosen to arrive at the team total. Apart from Bruce, who is the captain of the club, Royal Perth GC included Francis James Bryant.

Also sharing the limelight were the husband-wife duo of Ravi and Binnie Mehra representing Royal Montreal. RCGC `B' represented by Aditya Khaitan and Laxman Singh while Royal Melbourne GC was represented by Stephen and Margie Lilley.

In the individual event played for the Vodafone Invitational Trophy, Noel Britto of IBM Bangalore emerged as the winner with 35 points pipping Aditya Khaitan on a countback.

The Bangalore duo of Ramneek Bakshi and Anees Ahmed bagged the team honours at 41 points.

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German Kaymer hits the front in Abu Dhabi

Published>Sat, Jan 23 10 08:09 PM

Germany's Martin Kaymer is on course to win his second Abu Dhabi Championship after taking a one-stroke lead in Saturday's third round.

Kaymer, who won the title two years ago, fired his third successive five-under-par 67 to finish on 201, 15 under.

British pair Ian Poulter and Rory McIlroy shared second place on 202 after matching 67s while Swede Peter Hanson (70) was fourth on 203.

The 25-year-old Kaymer is seeking the fifth European Tour title of his career.

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American Express Bangladesh Open starts from Monday

Published Sat, Jan 23 10 07:39 PM

Dhaka, Jan 23 (PTI) PGTI regulars Rahil Gangjee and Shamim Khan will lead Indian challenge at the season-opening American Express Bangladesh Open golf tournament beginning at the Kurmitola Golf Club here from Monday. The tournament, which carries a total prize purse of Rs 20 lakh and marks Aircel-PGTI''s return to Bangladesh, will start with the Pro-Am scheduled on Monday. The tournament hosted in association with the Bangladesh Golf Federation will feature top professionals of the South Asian region. Bangladesh''s challenge will be led by Mohd Siddikur Rahman, a three-time winner on the Aircel-PGTI and Mohd Shahid Khan, while other impressive names in the line-up include Vijay Kumar, Digvijay Singh, Harendra Gupta, Kunal Bhasin and Vishal Singh.

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Sporting face uphill task against Dempo

Published Sat, Jan 23 10 07:25 PM

Panaji, Jan 23 (PTI) Sporting Clube de Goa will have some tough tasks in hand when they take on a confident Dempo, who are eyeing nothing less than full points to climb on top of the tally, in their 11th round I-League match at the Nehru Stadium in Margao tomorrow. Dempo, who drew with Chirag United in their last match, saw them lose the top position and will require full points against Sporting to return at the top. They are now one point behind table-toppers Mahindra United and Mohun Bagan who are tied on 20 points each. Sporting have improved their performance but are now the only team without a win in the tournament. Although they have put up spirited performance against the top teams but failed to find the elusive win and are lying at the bottom of the tally with five points from nine outings. The goalless draw against defending champion Churchill Brothers in their last match will give them confidence. Sporting will miss their defender Mathew Gonsalves, who got injured in their last tie against Churchill Brothers, as Chandrashekar Chinta will replace him in tomorrow''s match. MORE PTI MCS VRK DB

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Wozniacki ousts Peer to reach fourth round

Published>Sat, Jan 23 10 07:11 PM

Danish teenager Caroline Wozniacki rubber-stamped her grand slam credentials on Saturday with a 6-4 6-0 thrashing of Israel's Shahar Peer in the third round of the Australian Open.

The 19-year-old stormed into the world's top five after a dream run last year, lifting three titles and making the U.S. Open final, and is clearly enjoying the centre court attention.

"Definitely I'm more experienced than I was just one year ago," fourth seed Wozniacki told reporters after wiping 29th seed Peer off the court in 77 minutes.

"I've got a lot of matches under my belt so it's a great feeling.

"I feel good out there and I feel like every time I step on the big courts I enjoy being there ... I know how it feels. I'm just going in there in my own bubble and I know what I have to do."

Against Peer, who made the final of the Hobart International in the leadup to the Australian Open, Wozniacki's bubble appeared set to burst as the Israeli raced away to a 2-0 lead.

But the Dane struck a vein of rich serving form to wrap up the first set, then raced to 5-0 in the second before Peer offered some belated resistance.

The Israeli saved match points then prised two break points from Wozniacki but the Dane saved them both and sealed the match with a forehand volley.

Wozniacki's next opponent Li Na, who defeated Slovakia's Daniela Hantuchova to advance, is likely to be a more testing opponent for the Dane who also made the fourth round at Melbourne Park in her debut appearance in 2008.

The Chinese 16th seed came back from a set down to overhaul the Dane at the Sydney International in their last meeting.

"I just think I need to keep steady and be a little bit aggressive," Wozniacki said.

"She can't be the one dictating the game because then she's dangerous and playing really heavy balls. (It's) just important for me to keep her moving."

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Wozniacki ousts Peer to reach fourth round

Published>Sat, Jan 23 10 07:12 PM

Danish teenager Caroline Wozniacki rubber-stamped her grand slam credentials on Saturday with a 6-4 6-0 thrashing of Israel's Shahar Peer in the third round of the Australian Open.

The 19-year-old stormed into the world's top five after a dream run last year, lifting three titles and making the U.S. Open final, and is clearly enjoying the centre court attention.

"Definitely I'm more experienced than I was just one year ago," fourth seed Wozniacki told reporters after wiping 29th seed Peer off the court in 77 minutes.

"I've got a lot of matches under my belt so it's a great feeling.

"I feel good out there and I feel like every time I step on the big courts I enjoy being there ... I know how it feels. I'm just going in there in my own bubble and I know what I have to do."

Against Peer, who made the final of the Hobart International in the leadup to the Australian Open, Wozniacki's bubble appeared set to burst as the Israeli raced away to a 2-0 lead.

But the Dane struck a vein of rich serving form to wrap up the first set, then raced to 5-0 in the second before Peer offered some belated resistance.

The Israeli saved match points then prised two break points from Wozniacki but the Dane saved them both and sealed the match with a forehand volley.

Wozniacki's next opponent Li Na, who defeated Slovakia's Daniela Hantuchova to advance, is likely to be a more testing opponent for the Dane who also made the fourth round at Melbourne Park in her debut appearance in 2008.

The Chinese 16th seed came back from a set down to overhaul the Dane at the Sydney International in their last meeting.

"I just think I need to keep steady and be a little bit aggressive," Wozniacki said.

"She can't be the one dictating the game because then she's dangerous and playing really heavy balls. (It's) just important for me to keep her moving."

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Tsonga feels at home on Melbourne courts

Published Sat, Jan 23 10 06:51 PM

Jo-Wilfried Tsonga has been left to fly the French flag alone heading into the second week of the singles draw at the Australian Open, but he is not concerned.

The hardcourts at Melbourne Park have provided him with his most success at grand slams.

While his best result is the fourth round at each of Roland Garros, Wimbledon and the U.S. Open, he made the Australian Open final in 2008 and quarter-finals last year.

The 24-year-old also relishes playing on the showcourts in Rod Laver Arena and the adjacent Hisense Arena.

"I like tennis like this... It's better to play in front of, you know, 10,000 people than two people... somewhere in the bush," he said with a typical Gallic shrug of his shoulders and smile.

"So of course it's good for me. I enjoy, you know, every moment, every match, every point I play on this court," he added after beating 18th seed Tommy Haas 6-4 3-6 6-1 7-5 in the third round on Saturday.

"I'm pleased I didn't play a fifth set. It was good for me to win in four sets, because I save a bit of energy," he said.

Tsonga believes the second week of the year's opening grand slam is a fresh start for everyone involved.

"I think I will be dangerous. A new tournament begins, you know, and it's gonna be the second week. I know I have my chance, and I will try to take it."

Tsonga will meet Spain's Nicolas Almagro in the fourth round on Monday.

"He's a dangerous player. A bit the same profile as Tommy Haas," Tsonga said. "Maybe he puts more spin on his ball, but he's really dangerous.

"He can hit the ball very hard from everywhere on the court, you know, and is a good player."

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Tsonga feels at home on Melbourne courts

Published Sat, Jan 23 10 06:52 PM

Jo-Wilfried Tsonga has been left to fly the French flag alone heading into the second week of the singles draw at the Australian Open, but he is not concerned.

The hardcourts at Melbourne Park have provided him with his most success at grand slams.

While his best result is the fourth round at each of Roland Garros, Wimbledon and the U.S. Open, he made the Australian Open final in 2008 and quarter-finals last year.

The 24-year-old also relishes playing on the showcourts in Rod Laver Arena and the adjacent Hisense Arena.

"I like tennis like this... It's better to play in front of, you know, 10,000 people than two people... somewhere in the bush," he said with a typical Gallic shrug of his shoulders and smile.

"So of course it's good for me. I enjoy, you know, every moment, every match, every point I play on this court," he added after beating 18th seed Tommy Haas 6-4 3-6 6-1 7-5 in the third round on Saturday.

"I'm pleased I didn't play a fifth set. It was good for me to win in four sets, because I save a bit of energy," he said.

Tsonga believes the second week of the year's opening grand slam is a fresh start for everyone involved.

"I think I will be dangerous. A new tournament begins, you know, and it's gonna be the second week. I know I have my chance, and I will try to take it."

Tsonga will meet Spain's Nicolas Almagro in the fourth round on Monday.

"He's a dangerous player. A bit the same profile as Tommy Haas," Tsonga said. "Maybe he puts more spin on his ball, but he's really dangerous.

"He can hit the ball very hard from everywhere on the court, you know, and is a good player."

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Seeds advance as injuries mount up in Australia

Published>Sat, Jan 23 10 06:12 PM

Normal service resumed at the Australian Open on Saturday. Roger Federer and Serena Williams outclassed their opponents to book their places in the second week and Lleyton Hewitt gave Australians hope of an overdue local champion by pounding his.

The only place busier than the Rod Laver Arena was the casualty ward. Three players, including the 2006 runner-up Marcos Baghdatis, succumbed to injury as the first grand slam of the year lived up to its reputation as a test of survival as much as skill.

The packed centre court was heaving with anticipation when Baghdatis and Hewitt prepared to lock horns. Their last match, two years ago, had been an epic that did not finish 0434, but this one ended in a whimper.

Hewitt won the opening set 6-0 and was leading 4-2 in the second when Baghdatis quit, unable to continue because of a shoulder injury.

Earlier, Austria's Stefan Koubek retired after one set of his match against Spain's Fernando Verdasco after being drained by the effects of a mystery virus.

Russia's Mikhail Youzhny withdrew before the start of play because of a wrist problem, handing Poland's Lukasz Kubot a free ride into the next stage.

MASTERFUL FEDERER

Of the third round matches that went the full distance, all went according to the script even after Nadia Petrova had given hope to the would-be giantkillers still left in the tournament when she upset Kim Clijsters on Friday.

Federer, his confidence growing with each match, provided a masterful display against Spain's Albert Montanes, winning 6-3 6-4 6-4 to extend his incredible record of making it to the last 16 of every grand slam since the 2004 French Open.

"I don't want to say I'm playing the best tennis of my life, because I haven't had to so far," the world number one said.

"I feel like I'm obviously fresh and ready to take on the bigger names."

Serena Williams also turned in her best performance of the week, trouncing Spain's Carla Suarez Navarro 6-0 6-3 to remain on track to defend the title she won for the fourth time last year.

"I felt like I played okay," the American said. "I still feel like I can do better."

Her older sister Venus had a tougher time but still managed to carve out a 6-1 7-6 win over Australia's Casey Dellacqua. The Australian Open has not been a happy hunting ground for Venus though she has never given up hope of winning it one day.

"Who's ever satisfied? The people that have retired," she said. "The people still on tour, we're not satisfied. I think that's definitely my attitude."

BUILDING MOMENTUM

Serbia's Novak Djokovic showed he was building the kind of momentum that carried him to the 2008 title, giving up just four games in a 6-1 6-1 6-2 demolition of Uzbekistan's Denis Istomin.

"At some stage in the tournament you want to have a straight sets win, an easy win, so you can get fast off the court and try to save all the energy as much as you can for the upcoming challenges, which are obviously gonna be more difficult," Djokovic said.

"So it was good to have the match like this."

Nikolay Davydenko is also impressing those who tipped the Russian as a dark horse for the title after he eased to a routine 6-0 6-3 6-4 victory over Argentina's Juan Monaco.

Denmark's Caroline Wozniacki continued to slide quietly through the women's draw, beating Israel's Shahar Peer 6-4 6-0 and will play Li Na, one of two Chinese women through to the last 16.

While Hewitt's abbreviated match against Baghdatis may have been a letdown for the organisers they can at least take some comfort in knowing his win has set up a blockbuster clash on Monday with Federer.

"You play for those moments, to play against the best players -- Roger is that," Hewitt said.

"This is what motivates you. If you can't get up for these matches, you shouldn't be playing the game."

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Seeds advance as injuries mount up in Australia

Published>Sat, Jan 23 10 06:09 PM

Normal service resumed at the Australian Open on Saturday. Roger Federer and Serena Williams outclassed their opponents to book their places in the second week and Lleyton Hewitt gave Australians hope of an overdue local champion by pounding his.

The only place busier than the Rod Laver Arena was the casualty ward. Three players, including the 2006 runner-up Marcos Baghdatis, succumbed to injury as the first grand slam of the year lived up to its reputation as a test of survival as much as skill.

The packed centre court was heaving with anticipation when Baghdatis and Hewitt prepared to lock horns. Their last match, two years ago, had been an epic that did not finish 0434, but this one ended in a whimper.

Hewitt won the opening set 6-0 and was leading 4-2 in the second when Baghdatis quit, unable to continue because of a shoulder injury.

Earlier, Austria's Stefan Koubek retired after one set of his match against Spain's Fernando Verdasco after being drained by the effects of a mystery virus.

Russia's Mikhail Youzhny withdrew before the start of play because of a wrist problem, handing Poland's Lukasz Kubot a free ride into the next stage.

MASTERFUL FEDERER

Of the third round matches that went the full distance, all went according to the script even after Nadia Petrova had given hope to the would-be giantkillers still left in the tournament when she upset Kim Clijsters on Friday.

Federer, his confidence growing with each match, provided a masterful display against Spain's Albert Montanes, winning 6-3 6-4 6-4 to extend his incredible record of making it to the last 16 of every grand slam since the 2004 French Open.

"I don't want to say I'm playing the best tennis of my life, because I haven't had to so far," the world number one said.

"I feel like I'm obviously fresh and ready to take on the bigger names."

Serena Williams also turned in her best performance of the week, trouncing Spain's Carla Suarez Navarro 6-0 6-3 to remain on track to defend the title she won for the fourth time last year.

"I felt like I played okay," the American said. "I still feel like I can do better."

Her older sister Venus had a tougher time but still managed to carve out a 6-1 7-6 win over Australia's Casey Dellacqua. The Australian Open has not been a happy hunting ground for Venus though she has never given up hope of winning it one day.

"Who's ever satisfied? The people that have retired," she said. "The people still on tour, we're not satisfied. I think that's definitely my attitude."

BUILDING MOMENTUM

Serbia's Novak Djokovic showed he was building the kind of momentum that carried him to the 2008 title, giving up just four games in a 6-1 6-1 6-2 demolition of Uzbekistan's Denis Istomin.

"At some stage in the tournament you want to have a straight sets win, an easy win, so you can get fast off the court and try to save all the energy as much as you can for the upcoming challenges, which are obviously gonna be more difficult," Djokovic said.

"So it was good to have the match like this."

Nikolay Davydenko is also impressing those who tipped the Russian as a dark horse for the title after he eased to a routine 6-0 6-3 6-4 victory over Argentina's Juan Monaco.

Denmark's Caroline Wozniacki continued to slide quietly through the women's draw, beating Israel's Shahar Peer 6-4 6-0 and will play Li Na, one of two Chinese women through to the last 16.

While Hewitt's abbreviated match against Baghdatis may have been a letdown for the organisers they can at least take some comfort in knowing his win has set up a blockbuster clash on Monday with Federer.

"You play for those moments, to play against the best players -- Roger is that," Hewitt said.

"This is what motivates you. If you can't get up for these matches, you shouldn't be playing the game."

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Baghdatis shoulder collapse gives Hewitt quick victory

Published>Sat, Jan 23 10 05:52 PM

Melbourne, Jan 23 (DPA) Roger Federer takes a 14-match win streak against Lleyton Hewitt into their fourth-round showdown at the Australian Open.

Australia's Hewitt set up the high-voltage encounter as his match with Marcos Baghdatis fizzled out after just 54 minutes when the 2006 finalist from Cyprus could not continue due to a shoulder injury. The hard luck handed Hewitt a 6-0, 4-2 victory.

Federer was on fire - his lethal form starting to peak nicely - as he strolled to his 50th win at the event, overwhelming Spain's Albert Montanes 6-3, 6-4, 6-4 for a place in the fourth round.

Hewitt and Baghdatis had played a marathon five sets two years ago at the same stage, with the contest ending at 4.34 a.m., the latest finish in Grand Slam history.

Their Saturday meeting was tame by comparison, with the Cypriot off the boil from the start.

'He said he was feeling his shoulder on serve,' said Hewitt, the 2005 Melbourne finalist. 'He's a tough competitor who won in Sydney last week.

'I learned a lot from playing him there. I lost to him and really wanted to turn it around.

'This is the best I've it with the ball in a long time, I just want to keep just going forward. I'd like to get one back on Roger - he's still human.

'Roger's been a great player for a number of years and he's always been tough for me,' said Hewitt, whose last win in the series came at Davis Cup semi-final in Melbourne in 2003.

Federer won his match on the day his twin daughters Charlene Riva and Myla Rose turned six-months-old.

'I don't think we celebrate six-month birthdays for babies,' said the proud father and world number one player. 'But if you put their ages together, they are one now ... maybe we can have a little cake with one candle.'

The three-time winner is on the march to retrieve title honours after losing a tight final one year ago to Rafael Nadal. Victory over the 32nd-ranked Montanes nudged Federer's career mark at Melbourne Park to 50 wins and seven losses.

'I dominated from my side with serve, which allowed me then to take chances on the return,' said the winner of a 'pretty straightforward match.'

'It was tough to play. He was playing tough from the baseline and making it hard for me. I'm happy with the match and was able to serve it out, so it was good.

'So far it's been great. I'm happy the way I'm feeling. Obviously you'll elevate your game gradually as the opponents get harder.'

There was another easy victory for third seed and 2008 champion Novak Djokovic, who crushed Denis Istomin of Uzbekistan 6-1, 6-1, 6-2.

It was an identical story for in form Nikolay Davydenko, through to the last 16 with the loss of just seven games, as he put out Argentine Juan Monaco 6-0, 6-3, 6-4.

'It's difficult to say why it's happening. Maybe it's good. I was concentrating much better,' said the Russian, who improved his current winning streak to a dozen matches.

Two men went through without much opposition, Pole Lukasz Kubot advancing to his best-ever Grand Slam showing when Russian Mikhail Youzhny had to quit before their start with a wrist injury.

Spanish ninth-seed Fernando Verdasco required a mere 23-minute effort before Australian Stefan Koubek stopped trailing 6-1 after feeling ill with fever.

Women's seeds had it sweet, with both Williams sisters advancing with minimal effort.

Holder Serena handed Spain's Carla Suarez Navarro 6-0, 6-3 defeat while Venus put paid to Aussie hopes as she defeated Casey Dellacqua 6-1, 7-6(4).

Seventh-seed Victoria Azarenka of Belarus defeated Italian Tathiana Garbin 6-0, 6-2.

Russian ninth-seed Vera Zvonareva beat Argentine Gisela Dulko 6-1, 7-5 while 13th seed Samantha Stosur kept Australian hopes alive as she defeated Alberta Brianti of Italy 6-4, 6-1.

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Baghdatis shoulder collapse gives Hewitt quick victory

Published>Sat, Jan 23 10 05:49 PM

Melbourne, Jan 23 (DPA) Roger Federer takes a 14-match win streak against Lleyton Hewitt into their fourth-round showdown at the Australian Open.

Australia's Hewitt set up the high-voltage encounter as his match with Marcos Baghdatis fizzled out after just 54 minutes when the 2006 finalist from Cyprus could not continue due to a shoulder injury. The hard luck handed Hewitt a 6-0, 4-2 victory.

Federer was on fire - his lethal form starting to peak nicely - as he strolled to his 50th win at the event, overwhelming Spain's Albert Montanes 6-3, 6-4, 6-4 for a place in the fourth round.

Hewitt and Baghdatis had played a marathon five sets two years ago at the same stage, with the contest ending at 4.34 a.m., the latest finish in Grand Slam history.

Their Saturday meeting was tame by comparison, with the Cypriot off the boil from the start.

'He said he was feeling his shoulder on serve,' said Hewitt, the 2005 Melbourne finalist. 'He's a tough competitor who won in Sydney last week.

'I learned a lot from playing him there. I lost to him and really wanted to turn it around.

'This is the best I've it with the ball in a long time, I just want to keep just going forward. I'd like to get one back on Roger - he's still human.

'Roger's been a great player for a number of years and he's always been tough for me,' said Hewitt, whose last win in the series came at Davis Cup semi-final in Melbourne in 2003.

Federer won his match on the day his twin daughters Charlene Riva and Myla Rose turned six-months-old.

'I don't think we celebrate six-month birthdays for babies,' said the proud father and world number one player. 'But if you put their ages together, they are one now ... maybe we can have a little cake with one candle.'

The three-time winner is on the march to retrieve title honours after losing a tight final one year ago to Rafael Nadal. Victory over the 32nd-ranked Montanes nudged Federer's career mark at Melbourne Park to 50 wins and seven losses.

'I dominated from my side with serve, which allowed me then to take chances on the return,' said the winner of a 'pretty straightforward match.'

'It was tough to play. He was playing tough from the baseline and making it hard for me. I'm happy with the match and was able to serve it out, so it was good.

'So far it's been great. I'm happy the way I'm feeling. Obviously you'll elevate your game gradually as the opponents get harder.'

There was another easy victory for third seed and 2008 champion Novak Djokovic, who crushed Denis Istomin of Uzbekistan 6-1, 6-1, 6-2.

It was an identical story for in form Nikolay Davydenko, through to the last 16 with the loss of just seven games, as he put out Argentine Juan Monaco 6-0, 6-3, 6-4.

'It's difficult to say why it's happening. Maybe it's good. I was concentrating much better,' said the Russian, who improved his current winning streak to a dozen matches.

Two men went through without much opposition, Pole Lukasz Kubot advancing to his best-ever Grand Slam showing when Russian Mikhail Youzhny had to quit before their start with a wrist injury.

Spanish ninth-seed Fernando Verdasco required a mere 23-minute effort before Australian Stefan Koubek stopped trailing 6-1 after feeling ill with fever.

Women's seeds had it sweet, with both Williams sisters advancing with minimal effort.

Holder Serena handed Spain's Carla Suarez Navarro 6-0, 6-3 defeat while Venus put paid to Aussie hopes as she defeated Casey Dellacqua 6-1, 7-6(4).

Seventh-seed Victoria Azarenka of Belarus defeated Italian Tathiana Garbin 6-0, 6-2.

Russian ninth-seed Vera Zvonareva beat Argentine Gisela Dulko 6-1, 7-5 while 13th seed Samantha Stosur kept Australian hopes alive as she defeated Alberta Brianti of Italy 6-4, 6-1.

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Wozniacki thrashes Peer to reach last 16 in Melbourne

Published Sat, Jan 23 10 05:32 PM

Fourth seed Caroline Wozniacki advanced to the fourth round of the Australian Open after blitzing Israel's Shahar Peer 6-4 6-0 on Saturday.

Peer, runner-up at the Hobart International in the lead-up to Melbourne Park, bolted out of the blocks to take a 2-0 lead but soon crumbled as the Dane lifted her intensity.

The Israeli waited until trailing 5-0 in the second set to offer token resistance, saving match points and prising two break points on Wozniacki's serve.

But the Dane saved them both and sealed the match with a forehand volley to win in 77 minutes.

"She started off really well, she was playing aggressively ... I just kept hanging in there and the crowd supported me all the way," Wozniacki said in a courtside interview.

She next faces China's Li Na for a place in the quarter-finals.

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Wozniacki thrashes Peer to reach last 16 in Melbourne

Published Sat, Jan 23 10 05:29 PM

Fourth seed Caroline Wozniacki advanced to the fourth round of the Australian Open after blitzing Israel's Shahar Peer 6-4 6-0 on Saturday.

Peer, runner-up at the Hobart International in the lead-up to Melbourne Park, bolted out of the blocks to take a 2-0 lead but soon crumbled as the Dane lifted her intensity.

The Israeli waited until trailing 5-0 in the second set to offer token resistance, saving match points and prising two break points on Wozniacki's serve.

But the Dane saved them both and sealed the match with a forehand volley to win in 77 minutes.

"She started off really well, she was playing aggressively ... I just kept hanging in there and the crowd supported me all the way," Wozniacki said in a courtside interview.

She next faces China's Li Na for a place in the quarter-finals.

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Indians are welcome in Australia: Brett Lee

Published Sat, Jan 23 10 05:09 PM

Melbourne, Jan 23 (PTI) The spate of attacks on Indians living here has saddened Australian pacer Brett Lee, who says people from India would always be welcome Down Under despite the recent happenings. "I just want to make it very clear to the Indian public that we as Australians love India the country but also love the Indian students and Indian people in general coming out to Australia and to let them know that they are so welcome," Lee said. "I''m very saddened by what happened. (But) We welcome Indians from any age group whether it is connected to studying or as a tourist. We accept them with open arms," he told ''Cricinfo.'' The fast bowler, who is immensely popular in India and has even acted in a Bollywood movie besides singing a duet with legendary singer Asha Bhonsle, is currently nursing an elbow injury, sustained last year. Lee said he was using the time away from cricket to enjoy life with his young son Preston Charles. He also met Britain''s Prince William at the Australian Open earlier this week. "The opportunity to mix with royalty was an amazing experience. He is a wonderful guy," Lee said.

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Indians are welcome in Australia: Brett Lee

Published Sat, Jan 23 10 05:12 PM

Melbourne, Jan 23 (PTI) The spate of attacks on Indians living here has saddened Australian pacer Brett Lee, who says people from India would always be welcome Down Under despite the recent happenings. "I just want to make it very clear to the Indian public that we as Australians love India the country but also love the Indian students and Indian people in general coming out to Australia and to let them know that they are so welcome," Lee said. "I''m very saddened by what happened. (But) We welcome Indians from any age group whether it is connected to studying or as a tourist. We accept them with open arms," he told ''Cricinfo.'' The fast bowler, who is immensely popular in India and has even acted in a Bollywood movie besides singing a duet with legendary singer Asha Bhonsle, is currently nursing an elbow injury, sustained last year. Lee said he was using the time away from cricket to enjoy life with his young son Preston Charles. He also met Britain''s Prince William at the Australian Open earlier this week. "The opportunity to mix with royalty was an amazing experience. He is a wonderful guy," Lee said.

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Hewitt fancies his chances of beating Federer in Australian Open tie

Published>Sat, Jan 23 10 04:59 PM

Melbourne, Jan 23(ANI): Australian tennis star Lleyton Hewitt fancies that he can beat top seed and 15-time Grand Slam champion Roger Federer after booking an Australian Open showdown on Monday.

Hewitt had an unexpectedly easy third-round win over Marcos Baghdatis on Saturday, when the Cypriot retired with a shoulder injury.

The 28-year-old is now desperate to snap a nagging seven-year, where he has had a 14-match losing streak against his long-time rival.

"We're all human out there, even the bloke I play next is human and I'd like to get one back on him," The Sydney Morning Herald quoted Hewitt, as saying.

"Roger's a great player, there's no doubt about that, but we played at the US Open in the third round (last year) and I took a set there and it ended up being four tight sets. So, I'll take some confidence from that. My ball-striking was fantastic tonight and, if I go out playing like that, I'll give myself a chance," he added.

Hewitt does have a record of winning seven of his first nine pro meetings with Federer, but hasn't beaten his one-time doubles partner since famously rallying from two sets down in Australia's Davis Cup semi-final triumph at Melbourne Park in 2003.

Federer has produced an efficient display on serve to comfortably progress with a straight sets win over Spain's Albert Montanes. He broke Montanes once in each set and did not allow the 31st seed a single break point en route to a 6-3, 6-4, 6-4 victory. (ANI)

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Hewitt fancies his chances of beating Federer in Australian Open tie

Published>Sat, Jan 23 10 04:55 PM

Melbourne, Jan 23(ANI): Australian tennis star Lleyton Hewitt fancies that he can beat top seed and 15-time Grand Slam champion Roger Federer after booking an Australian Open showdown on Monday.

Hewitt had an unexpectedly easy third-round win over Marcos Baghdatis on Saturday, when the Cypriot retired with a shoulder injury.

The 28-year-old is now desperate to snap a nagging seven-year, where he has had a 14-match losing streak against his long-time rival.

"We're all human out there, even the bloke I play next is human and I'd like to get one back on him," The Sydney Morning Herald quoted Hewitt, as saying.

"Roger's a great player, there's no doubt about that, but we played at the US Open in the third round (last year) and I took a set there and it ended up being four tight sets. So, I'll take some confidence from that. My ball-striking was fantastic tonight and, if I go out playing like that, I'll give myself a chance," he added.

Hewitt does have a record of winning seven of his first nine pro meetings with Federer, but hasn't beaten his one-time doubles partner since famously rallying from two sets down in Australia's Davis Cup semi-final triumph at Melbourne Park in 2003.

Federer has produced an efficient display on serve to comfortably progress with a straight sets win over Spain's Albert Montanes. He broke Montanes once in each set and did not allow the 31st seed a single break point en route to a 6-3, 6-4, 6-4 victory. (ANI)

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Dhoni refuses to take Bangladesh lightly

Published>Sat, Jan 23 10 04:49 PM

After Virender Sehwag's deriding statement against the host side, regular skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni on Saturday switched to damage control mode saying they will not take Bangladesh lightly in the second Test, beginning tomorrow.

Sehwag, who led the team in the first Test in absence of Dhoni, was blunt while saying that the Bangladesh was an "ordinary" side which cannot bowl India twice.

Asked whether Bangladesh can beat India in second Test, Dhoni said, "That is why they are playing. You should not take any side lightly in international cricket. At the end of the day it was the 10 balls that matters. There is no good reason why they (Bangladesh) should not take 20 wickets."

"If any side does not think that they can win, what is the point of playing. We don't think of losing and we always want to win. But we have lost matches against some good sides. So, anything can happen in cricket," he said at the pre-match press conference.

Dhoni however, said his side dominated the first Test match till the end after their batting collapse in their first innings.

"After the fourth day, frankly speaking everybody knew Bangladesh cannot win. Either We would win or the match could be a draw. Their bowlers did reasonably well in the first Test but they were supposed to that as an international side," he said.

Dhoni also said that Sehwag and Gautam Gambhir were gradually growing into world's best opening pair.

"There can be arguments on this but I feel that Viru (Sehwag) and Guati (Gambhir) are shaping up as the best opening pair in the world. They have given strong starts many a times. That is very important in Test matches in sub-continental pitches," he said.

"They have left-right combination and rotate the strike and singles are very important in Test cricket. They are different players but complement each other. "Sehwag would try to hit early to put pressure on the bowlers. Gambhir would wait for a while though he would play shot if the ball comes at his areas. If Sehwag fires pressure is reduced on Gambhir," he said.

With his 116 in Chittagong in the first match, Gambhir became only the fourth cricketer in the world to have scored five tons in five consecutive Tests and Dhoni said if the spunky opener gets another hundred it would be a memorable moment for the team.

"I hope Gauti scores a century and that would be a proud moment for himself and for the team," he said.

Dhoni did not reveal the team composition for tomorrow's match but said he himself and off-spinner Harbhajan Singh are fit to play while VVS Laxman has been ruled out.

Dhoni also refused to divulge the details of the talk of some of senior Indian cricketers giving some financial help to national hockey players, saying, "That is confidential. I can't say anything."

Asked whether Bangladesh players lacked commitment from what he had seen them play in one-dayers and Test cricket, Dhoni said, "I don't think that there was lack of commitment."

"In one-dayers you can play your shots and think of scoring from every ball. But Test cricket is different. You have to hang on for periods of difficult time, remain at the crease for three-four hours to put up a good score for your bowlers to defend. It is about some two-three players toiling to score big," he added.

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