Modi alone responsible for IPL fiasco: Pakistan cricket board

Published>Sat, Jan 30 10 12:59 PM

New Delhi, Jan 30 (IANS) Pakistan Cricket Board chief Ijaz Butt has squarely blamed the Indian Premier League (IPL) and its commissioner Lalit Modi for ignoring Pakistani players for the third season of India's Twenty20 league, but said it will not have any long term effect on sporting ties between the two countries.

'This (decision to keep out Pakistani players) has nothing to do with Indo-Pak relations in cricket. This is between IPL and us. They have made a mistake, whether purposefully we don't know. But I strongly feel it was a wrong decision on their part not to consider any of our boys,' Butt told CNN-IBN in an interview.

IPL franchise owners did not bid for Pakistani players during the auction for the IPL III, which has snowballed into a major spat between the two countries. In the latest move, the PCB has revoked its no objection certificates to players to participate in the IPL. This means that no Pakistani player will be able to play in IPL this year even if any Indian team seek their inclusion at a later stage.

Butt thinks 'the responsibility is solely with IPL and Lalit Modi'.

'IPL is giving statements against Pakistani players despite many people in Pakistan and India having asked us to move on. We still don't know any reason why has this not been entertained yet by IPL.'

The PCB chief also questioned Modi's 'motive' behind the controversy.

'You must ask Modi about the motive. Why he did this we don't understand. I don't think anybody in India or Pakistan understands this. I spoke to Modi in London during the T20 World Cup. He explained the reasons why the boys were not considered in South Africa (last year). I understood and then he assured me all would be playing in next IPL (IPL III).'

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Injured Manan not allowed to board plane

Published>Sat, Jan 30 10 12:53 PM

New Delhi, Jan. 29 -- Allrounder Manan Sharma, who was part of India's under-19 team that played the World Cup in New Zealand, could not make the journey home with the rest of the team on Friday. Manan, who suffered a broken thumb during India's penultimate match of the tournament, against England, had his hand in a cast, and the airline had apprehensions about allowing him to board with the cast intact. In long flights, like the 10-and-a-half hour Christchurch-Singapore journey, the routine practice is to split the cast, allowing some leeway for swelling that occurs due to water retention. When the team was due to board the aircraft, this was pointed out and there was insufficient time for the cast to be modified at the airport's medical facility. As a result, ICC staff accompanied Manan back to the city, and the cast was attended to. Manan, son of former Ranji stalwart Ajay Sharma, will now return home on Saturday. Speaking to the Hindustan Times, the PR Manager-India, Singapore Airlines, Deepa Sridhar said, "Singapore Airlines keeps the safety and well-being of its passengers in highest regard. We wanted to ensure that Manan Sharma, is not under any kind of discomfort during his flight back to India and, with the clear objective of his concern and safety, he was advised proper dressing before boarding the flight. He will be flying back to India with us tomorrow." Experts said that Manan should have informed the doctor who put the cast that he had to travel by air.

"Limb injuries are especially vulnerable because the arms and legs have to be kept raised, which is not always possible in a flight," he said.

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Leander makes 21st Slam final

Published>Sat, Jan 30 10 12:49 PM

Mumbai, Jan. 29 -- This is one story that keeps getting stranger as it unfolds. Leander Paes is 36 years old and has no business regularly figuring in the final stages of a Grand Slam. By now his forays into the last rounds should be few and far; they should be the final gasps of a great career coming to a close. Instead, the fellow notched up four Slam finals last year and two the year before - three of those ended with the trophy in his bag. On Friday he clawed his way into his 21st Slam final partnering Zimbabwe's Cara Black with a 6-7, 7-6 (5), 10-7 win against seventh seeded Lisa Raymond and Wesley Moodie. "It got tough out there. At one moment we were cruising at 5-2 in the first with two breaks in the bag and soon enough we were a set and 0-3 down in the second! "I just could not believe it as it was very similar to what happened in the Wimbledon final this year (Paes and Black blew away a 5-2 lead to cave in 5-7, 3-6)," Paes told HT after the match. The pair also squandered a match point at 5-3 when Paes did not put away a simple backhand volley. "I went for a bit too much as I tried to lob it over them. The ball landed out by the smallest possible margin." Down a set after being in command of it must have rankled. "That's the beauty of playing with Cara. She just does not know how to give up. Neither do I. So, we just dug in our heels and sure enough, the tide turned," said Paes. The partnership with Black is working well for Paes. "We have figured in four finals of the six slams that we have been partners.

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Comprehensive 'post-mortem' needed to find out reasons for Pak's Oz debacle: Qasim

Published>Sat, Jan 30 10 12:39 PM

Karachi, Jan.30 (ANI): Dejected over Pakistan's string of defeats Down Under, chief selector Iqbal Qasim has said that a comprehensive 'post-mortem' is needed to figure out the reasons for such a deplorable performance, and to prepare the team for the 2011 World Cup.

Qasim said Pakistan has some world-class players, but the current form of the team clearly suggests that they are not performing according to their potential.

"A post-mortem is needed because we have to find out the causes behind such a pathetic performance of our team in Australia," said Qasim.

"The reports from the team manager and coach will be very important. Then we will have to sit down with the captain and listen to his views. That will help us find what really went wrong in Australia," he added.

While the team management has its task cut out to prepare a formidable side for the 2011 World Cup, its immediate mission is to buckle up the team to defend its World T20 Championship scheduled to be held in May in the Caribbean.

Qasim is confident that the Shahid Afridi led T20 team will pocket the coveted title for the second consecutive time, but is more worried about the 2011 World Cup.

"Our Twenty20 team is pretty much in order. But the World Cup (2011) is a different matter. It won't be that easy to prepare a good team for it," The News quoted Qasim, as saying.

Coach Intikhab Alam has stressed on the need for including some young guns in the ODI squad, and seeing the way Pakistan's junior squad has performed in the under-19 World Cup, its almost certain that some of the junior's would get promotions into the senior squad.

"The national selection committee is open to all options. "The idea is to have a team that is capable of doing well in the World Cup and we will take all possible steps to make such a team," Qasim said. (ANI)

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Badrinath does it for South Zone

Published>Sat, Jan 30 10 12:29 PM

Indore, Jan. 29 -- There is a very thin line between confidence and overconfidence. S. Badrinath demonstrated it in ample measure as South Zone beat Central Zone by five wickets in the Duleep Trophy semifinal here on Friday. Resuming on 57 for one, a confident South came to bat on the final day but lost Abhinav Mukund (19) and A. Karthik (33) early to Pankaj Singh and Praveen Kumar respectively. That's where Central became overconfident and all their bowlers became ineffective. Manish Pandey (59) and skipper S. Badrinath (82) were crucial in stitching together a 108-run partnership for the fourth wicket. Pandey was especially harsh on Piyush Chawla and hit him to every corner of the park. Chawla proved costly in his very first over as he gave away 18 runs. Later, R. Ashwin (59) too hit him for three boundaries when the leggie bowled from the Media End. Though Pandey hit eight boundaries and a six in the 72 balls he faced, it was unfortunate to see him throw away his wicket to RP Singh, after settling down. R. Ashwin, who picked six wickets on the penultimate day, showed his talent with the bat scoring 59 off 44 balls and remaining unbeaten.

Mohammad Kaif, on the other hand, wished his spinner had clicked. "The first hour, when Praveen and Pankaj got wickets, was good. Had any of our spinners --Chawla or Jalaj -- picked three-four wickets, we would have won this match," he said.

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Mithun to play for BP XI only?

Published>Sat, Jan 30 10 12:25 PM

Kolkata, Jan. 29 -- Two rewards for the same accomplishment are perhaps as unusual as two punishments for the same offence. By a queer stroke of luck, Abhimanyu Mithun finds himself in the first category. A dream debut season in the Ranji Trophy has earned the Karnataka speedster not only a berth in the Board President's squad to take on South Africa, it has also pushed him into the squad for the first Test against the visitors. The decision defies logic because if Mithun - who is still an unknown commodity even in the domestic circuit - is to be unleashed against Graeme Smith's team in the Test match, why expose him against the same set of batsmen before that game? Common sense says it would reduce the bowler's surprise element and make him a known entity to the visiting batsmen. Usual war plan suggests when you have a special weapon, you hide it for as long as possible before the war so that you can catch the enemy unawares. So why isn't this strategy being followed when it comes to using Mithun? The answer is simple. He stands no chance of playing in the first Test. "Mithun is the fourth seamer in the Test squad and, at best, we will field two - Ishnat Sharma and Zaheer Khan.

So, on the face of it, even if it seems that it's double delight for Mithun, it's actually one. For now, he has to make do with how it feels like playing against a foreign team. For the real thing, he has to wait.

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Rooney is England's Maradona

Published>Sat, Jan 30 10 12:09 PM

London, Jan 30 (ANI): Manchester United ace striker Wayne Rooney is not the best player in the world at this moment, but his display against City confirmed to that he is the nearest thing to Diego Maradona these shores have ever produced, according to former great Terry Venables.

Sir Alex Ferguson hailed Rooney's display in Manchester United's Carling Cup semi-final victory against rivals City on Wednesday as "world class".

The Red Devils boss was right that Rooney is a cut above everyone on the park, Venables said.

"The way he took the game to City merely underlined what most of us have known for a while: He is a genuine world-class performer. But after his latest match winning display, I realise I cannot keep the genie in the bottle any longer... Rooney is our Maradona," The Sun quoted him, as saying.

Venables said just like Maradona, Rooney is a talisman to those who play with him at United and increasingly more so, England.

Cristiano Ronaldo's 80 million pounds world-record switch to Real Madrid has allowed Rooney to flourish even more at Old Trafford.

He is managing to lift players around him in the same way Maradona did at Argentinos Juniors, Boca Juniors and Napoli - not to mention at international level with Argentina.

"Great - and I mean truly great players - have a knack of inspiring and bringing out the best in those alongside them. On numerous occasions Maradona was able to haul his teams and team-mates to greater heights.

"Often his presence was enough to inspire those around him and deflate those against him. When that was not enough, he relied on outstanding skills, technique and goals. That is what Rooney is doing now. He has become the biggest player at the biggest club in the world," Venables said.

Like Maradona, he knows where the target is and like the Argy legend, he can score all types of goals," he added. (ANI)

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No shortcuts for more testosterone

Published>Sat, Jan 30 10 11:54 AM

New Delhi, Jan. 30 -- Please suggest some exercises to boost my testosterone level. I go to the gym regularly: I run on the treadmill for 15 to 20 minutes at an average speed of 11.5 km per hour and lift heavy weights - Vivek Testosterone is a naturally occurring hormone in both men and women, though men produce higher quantities of it. The only way to artificially increase your testosterone level is by taking supplements such as steroids and the Human Growth Hormone (HGH), or through testosterone patches. But not only are these illegal in competitive sport, they also interfere with the normal functioning of the body. Instead, look to naturally increase testosterone levels through exercise and diet. There is some proof that testosterone levels improve with high intensity (rather than long duration) exercise and certain forms of resistance training. More than 20 per cent of the exercise should be above 80 per cent of your anaerobic threshold. So you're probably doing the correct thing already. When it comes to exercise, you need to have a structured plan. Aim to use multiple muscle groups to the maximum level of intensity within each exercise i.e. use them to failure. But you can't do this unless you have a periodised plan, as training to exhaustion in every session will just lead to overtraining and reverse any gains you might achieve. The key exercises are those that engage multiple joints and therefore involve the largest number of muscles. These include free weight squats, dead lifts, the bench press, power cleans, snatches etc.

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Wolfsburg concede late 1-1 in Hamburg under new coach

Published>Sat, Jan 30 10 10:19 AM

Hamburg, Jan 30 (DPA) Piotr Trochowski struck in injury time as SV Hamburg drew 1-1 with VfL Wolfsburg Friday night to leave the Bundesliga champions winless in 10 games.

The substitute Trochowski got a deserved equaliser with a blasting freekick on the last play of the match as new Wolfsburg coach Lorenz-Guenther Koestner was denied a perfect debut after taking over from the sacked Armin Veh on Monday.

Bosnian striker Edin Dzeko had given Wolfsburg the lead with his ninth goal of the season in the first half in driving snowfall. But Wolfsburg were eventually denied a first win since they beat Hoffenheim Nov 7.

Wolfsburg remained 10th with 25 points and Hamburg are fifth on 34.

Wolfsburg got an early chance from Dzeko before their fragile defence was lucky three times in 120 seconds. Mladen Petric's freekick sailed inches wide, Andre Lenz saved from Marcell Jansen's header and Marcus Berg's header was scraped off the goal line.

Dzeko's class then provided Wolfsburg's 1-0 lead in the 34th when the striker chested a deep pass, wrong-footed central defender Joris Mathijsen and curled home into the far left corner.

David Rozehnal was denied by the crossbar as Hamburg had enough chances to reverse matters in the second half before the late equaliser. The poor finishing only added to the anticipation that newly hired star striker Ruud van Nistelrooy is soon fit to make his debut.

The result left neither side happy.

'If you get an equaliser in the last minute it is extremely bitter,' said Koestner.

Petric also named the result 'bitter' for Hamburg, saying 'we had enough chances to win the match'.

Wolfsburg failed to get some badly needed morale as they now face the league top three of Bayer Leverkusen, Bayern Munich and Schalke in the next games.

Leverkusen (41 points) host lowly SC Freiburg on Sunday. The scheduling allows Munich (39) to move to the top again for at least 24 hours if they beat promoted Mainz on Saturday.

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American Points and Japan's Imada set Torrey pace

Published>Sat, Jan 30 10 08:09 AM

Little-known American DA Points took advantage of another calm, sunny day at Torrey Pines to charge into a tie for the lead in Friday's second round of the San Diego Open.

Despite playing on the more difficult and longer South Course, Points recorded five birdies and an eagle three at the sixth on the way to a flawless, seven-under-par 65.

The 33-year-old covered his homeward nine in five under for an 11-under total of 133 to finish level with Japan's Ryuji Imada, who carded a 68 on the South layout.

Australian Michael Sim eagled the par-five 18th on the easier North Course for a best-of-the-week 62 to lie two strokes off the pace with PGA Tour rookie Matt Every (70).

Tournament favourite and three-times champion Phil Mickelson fired a 67 on the North layout to share 10th place at seven under, two shots better than South African Ernie Els, after a 69 on the North.

Points, seeking his maiden PGA Tour title, was delighted to flourish at a venue where he has always felt at home.

"I've played this course a lot more than I've played the other one and I feel pretty comfortable out here," he told reporters after totalling only 25 putts.

"The main thing here is obviously just making putts and driving the fairway and those are two things that I've done the last two rounds, especially today I made a lot of putts.

"My iron game isn't quite as sharp as I would love it to be but certainly making putts is always a good way to make up for a little bit of a sloppy iron game."

GOOD IRONS

Imada, whose only victory on the PGA Tour came at the 2008 AT&T Classic, was also pleased to fare well on the brutal 7,698-yard South layout.

"I'm very happy," said the 33-year-old, who has not made a bogey this week. "It did play a little easier today without the wind and the warm weather but 68 on that golf course is a great round.

"My irons have been really good. I've hit a lot of greens and my putts from long range have been really good as far as judging the distances."

Mickelson, playing his first tournament of the year, covered his outward nine in three under before losing a bit of momentum around the turn.

"I missed putts on one, three and four and I thought I had made all of those," the three-times major winner said of his 10th, 12th and 13th holes. "That may have taken a little momentum out.

"Afterwards I didn't have very many birdie putts but I was able to make all the tough par putts and kind of salvage the round."

The cut fell at two-under 142 with 2004 champion John Daly, U.S. Ryder Cup player Chad Campbell and Australians Jason Day and Stuart Appleby among those missing out.

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McCarron accuses Mickelson of cheating, Daly plans to quit

Published>Sat, Jan 30 10 07:09 AM

Emotions ran high at the San Diego Open on Friday when Phil Mickelson was accused of cheating by fellow American Scott McCarron and double major winner John Daly said he was quitting the game.

World number two Mickelson was criticised by McCarron for exploiting a loophole in golf's new groove rules by using a 20-year-old Ping wedge and fan-favourite Daly told the Golf Channel he was finished after missing the second-round cut.

McCarron, who also missed the cut at Torrey Pines on Friday, said Mickelson was "taking an unfair advantage of the rules".

In an interview with the Golf Channel, he added: "Golf is a gentleman's game and most of us out here on the PGA Tour don't think it's the right thing to do."

Although McCarron backed off on again using the word 'cheat', he had told Friday's San Francisco Chronicle: "It's cheating and I'm appalled Phil has put it in play.

"All those guys should be ashamed of themselves for doing that. As one of our premier players, (Mickelson) should be one of the guys who steps up and says this is wrong."

As of Jan. 1, new rules relating to club-face grooves were implemented at the top level after research found modern configurations could allow players to generate almost as much spin with irons from the rough as from the fairway.

All clubs, with the exception of drivers and putters, have been affected by the change which limits groove volume and groove-edge sharpness, effectively replacing U-grooves with V-grooves.

SQUARE GROOVES

McCarron took exception to the Ping-Eye 2 wedge used by Mickelson, a club with square grooves which is legal because of a lawsuit won by its manufacturer over the United States Golf Association (USGA) in 1990.

Mickelson agreed with McCarron's overall stance but took exception at how his compatriot had made his point.

"I totally agree with him (McCarron)," Mickelson told reporters after shooting a five-under-par 67 in the second round. "I think it's a ridiculous rule.

"But it's not up to me or any other player to interpret what the interpretation of the rule is or the spirit of the rule. All my clubs are approved for play, and I take that very seriously not to violate any rule.

"I've been talking with Dick Rugge of the USGA and talking to the (PGA Tour) commissioner and explaining behind closed doors how ridiculous all this is. I don't agree with the way he (McCarron) carried on about it, but that's his choice."

Later on Friday, the PGA Tour said in a statement: "We have been aware... the pre-1990 clubs would be allowed and that there was the potential that some players might choose to use them. We will monitor this situation as we move forward."

Shortly before Mickelson completed his round on the North Course, Daly signed for a 71 on the same layout before telling the Golf Channel: "I'm done... with golf.

"I just can't do it any more. I'm tired of embarrassing myself. I can't keep taking spots from guys out here playing this bad."

Daly, who has missed his first two PGA Tour cuts of the year, has played on sponsor's exemptions since losing his past champion category after the 2007 season.

He has not won on the U.S. circuit since the 2004 Buick Invitational.

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Hughes named Canada flag-bearer for Vancouver Games

Published>Sat, Jan 30 10 06:49 AM

Speed skater Clara Hughes, the only Canadian to win medals at both the Summer and Winter Games, has been selected to carry her country's flag into the opening ceremonies of next month's 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics.

A five-time Olympian with five medals, Hughes will defend the 5,000 metres title she won at the Turin Games, where she also took a silver in the team pursuit.

The 37-year-old Winnipeg native was also a bronze medallist in the 5,000m at the 2002 at Salt Lake City Olympics and won bronze medals in cycling's road race and time trial at the 1996 Atlanta Summer Games.

Hughes, who speaks both of Canada's official languages English and French, is equally admired for her humanitarian work, donating $10,000 to the Right to Play after her gold medal victory in Turin.

The opening ceremonies, the first for a Winter Games to be staged indoors, are scheduled for BC Place on Feb. 12.

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Ali Bacher signatory for CAB blood donation camp

Published>Sat, Jan 30 10 06:26 AM

To commemorate Sir Frank Worrell's gesture of donating blood to injured Indian skipper Nari Contractor at Barbados in 1962, the CAB will celebrate this year's Frank Worrell Day by organising a blood donation camp on its foundation day on February 3.

This time round, Dr Ali Bacher has volunteered to sign the certificates for the donors. Last year, Mike Brearley was the signatory for the annual event.

On India's 1962 West Indies tour, Contractor was hit on the head off a Charlie Griffith snorter at Barbados. The Indian captain needed a considerable amount of blood for survival. His Windies counterpart Sir Frank took the initiative and players of both the teams donated blood for Contractor.

To pay tribute to Sir Frank for his gesture, the CAB has been organising a blood donation camp at the Eden Gardens routinely every year since 1981, recalled CAB joint-secretary Biswarup Dey on Friday on the sidelines of the announcement at Eden.

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American Points and Japan's Imada share early Torrey lead

Published>Sat, Jan 30 10 06:09 AM

Little-known American DA Points took advantage of another calm day at Torrey Pines to charge into an early share of the second-round lead at the San Diego Open on Friday.

Despite playing on the more difficult and longer South Course, Points recorded five birdies and an eagle three at the sixth on the way to a flawless, seven-under-par 65.

The 33-year-old covered his homeward nine in five under for an 11-under total of 133 to finish level with Japan's Ryuji Imada, who carded a 68 on the South layout.

Australian Michael Sim eagled the par-five 18th on the easier North Course for a best-of-the-week 62 to lie two strokes off the pace with PGA Tour rookie Matt Every (70).

Three-times major winner Ernie Els, making his second appearance of the season on the U.S. circuit, was at five under after carding a 69 on the North.

Points, seeking his maiden PGA Tour title, was delighted to flourish at a venue where he has always felt at home.

"I've played this course a lot more than I've played the other one and I feel pretty comfortable out here," he told reporters after totalling only 25 putts.

MAKING PUTTS

"The main thing here is obviously just making putts and driving the fairway and those are two things that I've done the last two rounds, especially today I made a lot of putts.

"My iron game isn't quite as sharp as I would love it to be but certainly making putts is always a good way to make up for a little bit of a sloppy iron game."

Imada, whose only victory on the PGA Tour came at the 2008 AT&T Classic, was also pleased to fare well on the brutal 7,698-yard South layout.

"I'm very happy," the 33-year-old said. "It did play a little easier today without the wind and the warm weather but 68 on that golf course is a great round.

"My irons have been really good. I've hit a lot of greens and my putts from long range have been really good as far as judging the distances."

Tournament favourite and three-times champion Phil Mickelson, who opened with a 70 on the South, was among the late starters on Friday.

The cut was projected to fall at two-under 142 with 2004 champion John Daly among those likely to miss out.

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America's Cup match to go ahead next month

Published Sat, Jan 30 10 05:29 AM

The 33rd America's Cup will take place from Feb. 8 after the New York Supreme Court said on Friday it would not hear before the match a complaint from BMW Oracle over the origin of sails to be used by holders Alinghi.

The holders issued a statement saying Justice Kornreich of the New York Supreme Court informed the competitors -- Societe Nautique de Geneve's (SNG) Alinghi and Golden Gate Yacht Club's (GGYC) BMW Oracle -- of her decision in a teleconference.

"This means the 33rd America's Cup is free to proceed as ordered by previous New York rulings," said Alinghi. The race is scheduled to take place in Valencia, Spain.

BMW Oracle asked the court to decide if Swiss-based Alinghi, who sail under the colours of SNG, were allowed to defend the title with sails made in the United States.

The Deed of Gift race rules say competitors' yachts must be constructed in the country they represent.

EXCELLENT NEWS

Alinghi contested the claim, saying their sails were made in Switzerland, and that sails were outside the original definition of what constitutes the yacht or vessel.

The holders also accused BMW Oracle, who sail under the GGYC colours, of having a French-designed yacht as part of the Swiss team's defence in the long-running legal battle.

"This is excellent news," said Alinghi team president, Swiss entrepreneur Ernesto Bertarelli.

"We are delighted BMW Oracle's attempts to disqualify Alinghi and to win the America's Cup in court have been denied.

"We look forward to meeting them on the start line here in Valencia on Feb. 8 to race for the Cup -- something they can no longer try to avoid."

GGYC spokesman Tom Ehman acknowledged it was unlikely a hearing on the "constructed-in-country" issue would take place before the match due to the court's busy schedule.

"It's unfortunate the legality of Alinghi's American-made sails probably will not be decided before the match," he said in a statement. "However, it will be decided eventually."

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Late Trochowski goal denies champions Wolfsburg

Published Sat, Jan 30 10 05:09 AM

Substitute Piotr Trochowski scored a spectacular stoppage-time equaliser to earn Hamburg SV a 1-1 home draw with champions VfL Wolfsburg on Friday.

Bosnian striker Edin Dzeko gave the visitors the lead with a curling shot from the edge of the box in the 34th minute before Trochowski fired in a 25-metre free kick with the last touch of the match.

Hamburg remain fifth on 35 points from 20 matches while Wolfsburg, still looking for their first win since early November, are 10th.

Second-placed Bayern Munich, two points behind Bayer Leverkusen, could go top on Saturday when they host Mainz.

Leverkusen, undefeated in the league this season, take on Freiburg on Sunday.

Wolfsburg, led by interim coach Lorenz-Guenther Koestner after this week's sacking of Armin Veh, went close after five minutes when Brazilian Grafite curled a cross into the box and Dzeko just failed to convert.

Dzeko and Christian Gentner went close again before Hamburg's Markus Berg was denied by keeper Andre Lenz from close range and Mladen Petric sent a 20-metre free kick against the post.

Striker Dzeko then broke the deadlock when he controlled a deep cross with his chest, turned quickly and floated a left-footed shot past keeper Frank Rost for his ninth league goal of the season.

Hamburg attacked in the second half and hit the woodwork eight minutes after the restart when David Rozehnal headed an Eljero Elia corner against the bar.

Wolfsburg, who have now gone eight matches without victory, must have thought they had won after Hamburg squandered several more opportunities but Trochowski, who came on in the 78th minute, saved the day.

Hamburg's new signing, Dutch striker Ruud van Nistelrooy, watched from the stands.

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Late Trochowski goal rescues draw for Hamburg

Published Sat, Jan 30 10 03:49 AM

Substitute Piotr Trochowski scored a spectacular stoppage-time equaliser to earn Hamburg SV a 1-1 home draw with champions VfL Wolfsburg on Friday.

Bosnian striker Edin Dzeko gave the visitors the lead with a curling shot from the edge of the box in the 35th minute before Trochowski fired in a 25-metre free kick with the last touch of the match.

Hamburg remain fifth on 35 points from 20 matches while Wolfsburg, still looking for their first win since early November, are 10th.

Second-placed Bayern Munich, two points behind Bayer Leverkusen, could go top on Saturday when they host Mainz.

Leverkusen, undefeated in the league this season, take on Freiburg on Sunday.

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Former world champion gymnast Dos Santos suspended

Published Sat, Jan 30 10 03:29 AM

Former world champion Daiane Dos Santos has been suspended for five months for a doping offence, the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) said in a statement on Friday.

The 26-year-old Brazilian, world champion in the floor exercise in 2003, tested positive in an out of competition check last July and the FIG said the ban would start immediately.

Dos Santos can appeal to the FIG tribunal or the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) within 21 days of notification.

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INTERVIEW - World Cup safety fears over-played, says Els

Published>Sat, Jan 30 10 02:49 AM

Concerns over safety at the World Cup in South Africa have been over-played, according to former world number one golfer Ernie Els.

Several media reports have slammed the host country's high levels of crime but Els, one of South Africa's best-known sporting figures, felt security had improved considerably in the last decade.

"There are always safety concerns in any country but I don't believe it's to the point where it was (in South Africa) 10 years ago," Els told Reuters at the PGA Tour's San Diego Open on Friday.

"Ten years ago I would have been a little bit worried but I believe South Africans are standing together now and I think it's going to be one of the best ever (soccer World Cups).

"I was in South Africa for a month's holiday in December and for the first time since the changeover really, I felt the positive vibe," added the globe-trotting Els, a keen sports fan who also has homes in United States and Britain.

"I feel that black people, white people, Afrikaans speakers, English speakers, Xhosa speakers, everyone ... we have all become a nation now. It's just the spirit of the country right now. I've never seen it better.

VIOLENT CRIME

"It's almost a generation now since the (democratic) elections in 1994 so South Africa has come a long way and people realise how big economically this World Cup is going to be for the country."

South Africa has one of the highest rates of violent crime, with 50 murders a day, more than the U.S. which has six times the population. More than 40,000 police are being mobilised to protect the World Cup tournament.

Els, a three-times major champion who has won more than 60 tournaments worldwide, felt spectators at June's soccer spectacular would be impressed by South Africa's infrastructure.

"The venues and the stadiums are unbelievable and all the airports have been redone," the 40-year-old said.

"Rugby is our number one sport for the whites but I think some of the rugby supporters don't know the scale of the football World Cup. This is almost as big as the Olympics.

"A lot of South Africans will be surprised by the mass of people coming down there. The only problem is the World Cup is being played in the winter so people aren't going to really see South Africa in all its glory," Els added with a smile.

Source: Web Search

New coach Zaccheroni hopes to be more than Juve stop-gap

Published Sat, Jan 30 10 01:09 AM

Alberto Zaccheroni wants to be more than a stop-gap coach after being put in charge by Juventus until the end of the season, he said on Friday.

Italian media say Zaccheroni has been appointed as a 'ferryman' to steady the ship while the club line up a long-term replacement, with the favourite being Liverpool coach Rafa Benitez.

"I accepted this job with great enthusiasm," the former AC Milan, Lazio and Inter Milan boss told a news conference after replacing the sacked Ciro Ferrara.

"I'm proud to be here. Being the coach of Juventus is the best there is. I've signed a contract until June 30 but my aim is to put the (club) managers in a difficult situation."

After dropping to sixth in Serie A, 16 points behind leaders Inter, Zaccheroni said his "minimum goal" was to take the Turin side back into the Champions League qualification zone.

They are five points behind third-placed AS Roma, who are in the final automatic slot, and four behind Napoli in fourth, good for a place in the preliminary rounds.

Zaccheroni said he was confident his new players were up to the job.

GREAT DETERMINATION

"I'm starting out with great determination and I'll try to transmit this to the lads," said Zaccheroni who has not worked since an unsuccessful spell at Juve's city rivals Torino ended three years ago.

"If the lads become convinced we can reach our goals we'll go a long way. There's a lot of talent here. I'll ask the squad to give me all this talent."

He said the club were right to "turn a (new) leaf" while conceding Ferrara had been hampered by a long series of injuries to important players such as David Trezeguet, Mauro Camoranesi and Vincenzo Iaquinta.

The poor form of Brazilians Diego and Felipe Melo, who arrived in the close season in big-money deals, has also been a factor and Zaccheroni has ideas on how to solve this.

"I'll try to intervene at the technical and tactical level but at the moment the main issue is psychological," said Zaccheroni who won the league with Milan in 1999.

"Diego and Felipe Melo's performances are linked to those of the team. The problem is collective."

President Jean Claude Blanc said Ferrara would stay with Juventus in a role yet to be decided.

Zaccheroni's first match in charge is at home to his former club Lazio on Sunday (1945 GMT).

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BRIEF - Barca to choose Laporta successor in June 13 poll

Published Sat, Jan 30 10 12:49 AM

Barcelona plan to hold a presidential election on June 13 to replace the outgoing Joan Laporta, the European champions said on Friday.

The 47-year-old lawyer, whose second term comes to an end in June, has presided over one of the most successful periods in the club's history since taking the helm in 2003, during which time they have won three La Liga titles and two European Cups.

"The electoral process will not affect the team's progress," Laporta told a news conference. "The decision will be confirmed when the election is officially called at the end of April."

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McLaren seek lift with new F1 car

Published>Sat, Jan 30 10 12:29 AM

McLaren committed a rare lapse on Friday moments after declaring themselves better prepared than ever for the Formula One season ahead.

Team principal Martin Whitmarsh disclosed that the sleek new MP4-25 car, considerably longer than last year's, had posed an unexpected headache when they tried to move it around the factory.

"This car was finished last night, we went to put it in the lifts within our building which are designed for cars and it wouldn't fit in. It was too long and we hadn't realised," he said. An alternative exit was used instead.

The new car is more elongated to accomodate aerodynamic developments and a fuel tank whose capacity has doubled in size due to the ban on refuelling.

McLaren kept the rear diffuser, a part that caused considerable controversy last year when a double-decker version was introduced by eventual champions Brawn, covered up and away from prying eyes.

"We are being a little but coy or discreet with the double-diffuser," said Whitmarsh of a detail that teams have already agreed to ban for 2011.

McLaren started last year full of confidence, with the number one on their car after Lewis Hamilton's championship success.

Their optimism was deflated at the first test, when it became apparent that the Mercedes-powered car was well off the pace, and it took them half a season before Hamilton could again top the podium.

BETTER PREPARED

Fellow-Briton Jenson Button has brought the number one to the team this season after moving from Brawn and McLaren believed that they would not repeat the failings of 2009.

"We have prepared for this season more comprehensively than ever before," said Whitmarsh.

Hamilton was encouraged by what he saw: "The car looks so much different, completely different, and I feel so proud as I have had some input into it," he said. "I am sure it will handle completely differently to last year's car.

"We have been working on this car for quite some time now. The guys are working flat out trying to build components, develop and improve the downforce and aero efficiency."

Whitmarsh recognised that there could still be nasty surprises in store.

"We know how hard we have worked and prepared this year. You never know of course whether you have missed something," he told reporters.

"There are a number of things on this car that I have never seen on a Formula One car so I find that heartening.

"But there might be a few things (on other cars), just as the double-diffuser was for us last year, that we have never seen before. So you can never be absolutely confident.

"I hope that the season isn't won or lost in the testing or first few races," he added, referring to Button's success in winning six of the first seven races last year in a Brawn that enjoyed an early technical advantage.

Test driver Gary Paffett will give the new car its first run in Valencia on Monday.

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Women''s hockey players receive dues from ministry

Published Fri, Jan 29 10 10:39 PM

Bhopal, Jan 29 (PTI) Protesting Indian women hockey players finally received their financial dues from the Sport Ministry here today. The Director Sports, Government of India, Deepika Kachhal reached the Sports Authority of India (SAI) Regional Centre here to distribute cheques to the women players, who have been sporting black bands in protest against th non-payment of their longstanding dues. All the 41 players got a cheque of Rs 2.30 lakh each from the Sports Ministry on the occasion, chief coach M K Kaushik told PTI. Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan had donated Rs 1 crore to the Sports Ministry for providing financial assistance to the players.

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Dhruti and Sneha won Girls Under-16 doubles title

Published Fri, Jan 29 10 10:10 PM

Kolkata, Jan 29 (PTI) Third seeded Dhruti Venugopal of Karnataka and Sneha Devi Reddy of Maharashtra won the Girl''s doubles under-16 title defeating Amrita Mukherjee and Anandrita Deb of Bengal 6-2 6-3 in the final of the AITA Junior Tennis Super Series here today. The boy''s doubles under-14 title went to P Vignesh Prabhu of Tamil Nadu and Sahil Deshmukh of Maharashtra who got the better of Delhi pair Pranav Malhotra and Garvit Batra 6-3,6-4. Basil L Khuma of Delhi and T S Jude Raymond of Andhra Pradesh defeated Karan Salwan of Delhi and Fatehdeep Singh of Punjab 7-5,6-4 in under-16 boy''s doubles. Wild card and top seed Amrita Mukherjee reached the finals of the under-16 girls'' singles, beating third seed Rutuja Bhosale of Maharashtra 7-6(7-5),6-2. She will face Ambika Pande of Tamil Nadu who defeated fourth seeded Sneha Devi Reddy of Maharashtra 4-6,6-3,6-3. PTI COR RG AY

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Viva Kerala beat Air India 2-1

Published Fri, Jan 29 10 09:53 PM

Kozhikode, Jan 29 (PTI) A last minute long ranger by Viva Kerala Captain M P Sakeer helped the hosts register a 2-1 win over Air India in a crucial ONGC I League match at the Corporation Stadium grounds here this evening. The home team wasted numerous chances after the scores were level and it was captain Sakeer, adjudged man of the match, who hit a long ranger in the 87th minute for a crucial win in the last encounter of the second leg home ground match here. The first goal for Viva Kerala was struck by V K Shibin Lal in the 22nd minute, capitalising on the flaws by the Air India, who dominated all through the second half. Air India levelled in the 59th minute after Ndubuisi Opara pushed the ball in after a scramble for the ball by the teams. Viva Kerala men, especially striker Reuben Senyo, failed to put away good passes. With today''s win, Viva Kerala earned 11 points while Air Air India have eight points. The third leg of the home ground match for Viva Kerala team will be held here in March, officials here said. The match was scheduled to be held yesterday but was put off to this evening after lighting at the stadium failed. PTI NK APR APR AY

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Randhawa, Shiv hang on but Chowrasia misses cut in Doha

Published Fri, Jan 29 10 08:39 PM

Doha, Jan 29 (PTI) Jyoti Randhawa returned a sub-par card while Shiv Kapur also made the cut but it was end of all roads for compatriot SSP Chowrasia in the Qatar Masters golf tournament here today. After a poor opening round of 77, Randhawa produced a vastly improved three-under 69 today to join Shiv, who carded 72 today, at the 56th place and barely squeezed themselves inside the cut line set at two-over 146. After his opening round of 75, Chowrasia also needed a better show but the Kolkata pro stuttered to six-over 78 to crash out. Australian Brett Rumford (135) fired six-under 66 to grab the lead with overnight leader Bradley Dredge (69) following from just one shot behind. His back again wall, Randhawa stared at an early exit after a poor front nine which left him two-over at the turn. The lanky Indian pro redeemed himself with five birdies in his flawless back nine to sneak inside the cut line. Shiv, a 10th tee starter, also looked in trouble and was one-over after 15 holes before the seventh hole birdie saved his bacon.

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The SAG Opening Ceremony impresses Gill

Published Fri, Jan 29 10 08:23 PM

Dhaka, Jan 29 (PTI) Impressed with the way Bangladesh conducted the opening ceremony of the South Asian Games today, Sports Minister M S Gill today said India could learn a few things from it for the ensuing Commonwealth Games back home. Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today declared open the Games, which Gill termed as South Asia''s "Olympics". Thousands of school students and Army men participated in the gala ceremony which glimpsed the culture and heritage of the national "It''s not easy task to bring more than 10,000 school children, youth to put up such a show. There is something we can learn from this ahead of the opening of the Commonwealth Games on October 3," Gill, who was part of the dignitaries, said after the ceremony. "Bangladesh proved its ability to organise such a big sporting event in such a massive way. It also gave me an idea how the opening ceremony is held," he added. Gill also called for expansion of sporting relations between India and Bangladesh. "I am very happy to be here. It''s South Asia''s Olympics. The competition is held among eight neighbouring countries in a very friendly manner. "In terms of bilateral relationship in sport, there is much we can do together. We have an extensive coaching system in place with SAI centres in Kolkata, Patiala and other places. "We have sport college and academies and can expand sporting relations," he said.

Source: Web Search

PCB cancels NOCs for Pak players for IPL

Published>Fri, Jan 29 10 07:39 PM

In an apparent retaliation to the snub at the Indian Premier League (IPL) auction, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Friday revoked all the No Objection Certificates (NOCs) issued to its players for participation in the third edition of Twenty20 event.

The decision effectively means that no Pakistani cricketer can now take part in this season's IPL even if the franchises want to rope them in as substitutes. A statement from the board said all the NOC's issued to players for IPL-III stand revoked.

"In future, if any player receives an invitation for participation in IPL events, PCB will decide the matter on a case to case basis after consulting relevant government authorities," the statement said.

The announcement comes on the same day that the Indian hardline party Shiv Sena said it would not allow Pakistani players to play in the IPL and IPL commissioner Lalit Modi also said that no franchise could pick Pakistani players without his knowledge and approval.

All the 11 Pakistani players, including star all-rounder Shahid Afridi went unsold in the January 29 auction in Mumbai, prompting angry reaction in Pakistan.

The auction fiasco threatened to snowball into a diplomatic row between the two countries with top ministers also being drawn into the controversy.

Source: Web Search

MRF International Challenge series begins Saturday

Published>Fri, Jan 29 10 07:29 PM

Chennai, Jan 29 (IANS) It will be a challenge for most in more ways than one as MRF International Challenge series gets under way here Saturday, when first of the six rounds spread over three consecutive weekends will be run.

While the races would be held in six categories - the home-grown Formula 1600, 600cc Superbikes, 165cc (Group B and D), 115cc Underbone, Super Saloons (cc to weight) and Race Star - the showpiece would be the single-seater that MRF manufactured locally and is powered by Ford engine.

The only foreign component are the five British riders who will astride the Superbikes besides a lone Sri Lankan, Pasinndu Peiris, in F-1600 whose grid is filled up with Indian drivers who were chosen on the basis of their racing credentials in the 16-24 age group.

The lone exception is the 34-year old Rally ace Arjun Balu who has been entered as a 'guest driver' in a late bid to fill up the grid where a race seat costs Rs.Two lakh per round, something beyond most Indian drivers.

Speaking to IANS after the practice session Friday, Welsh champion David Jones said: 'The track is a bit bumpy and a mix of slow and fast. Some of the corners, especially the long right-hander at the back, are quite tricky as there are no braking marks on the track. Otherwise, I am quite happy with the track conditions.'

The other attraction in the Superbikes category is Dilip Rogger, undoubtedly India's best rider and he will be seen in action on a Honda CBR after a long absence owing to injury.

The F1600 drivers too had their first feel of the 150bhp cars most of which received top marks, though a few glitches do persist. Balu, who last drove a track race in a single-seater in 1999 when he won six of the eight rounds, had a narrow escape as the nose cone flew off while he was on full throttle through the fast, first corner.

'I was going flat in fifth gear when the nose came off just before I hit the apex of the curve. It flew over my head and I was lucky it didn't strike me,' said Balu who was the quickest Friday as per unofficial timings, doing a one minute, 44.2 seconds lap around the 3.717-km circuit.

Ashwin Sundar, the national single-seater champion, was pleased as punch with his car. 'It is fun to drive this and I found it very responsive. Of course, it is much quicker than the Formula Rolon by a good six to seven seconds. I am confident of going even quicker once I get used to the car,' he said.

The track itself was receiving a fresh coat of paint besides a temporary spectator gallery along the main straight as big time racing returns to Chennai after a lapse of 11 years.

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Agassi recalls his love for the Australian Open

Published>Fri, Jan 29 10 07:09 PM

Melbourne, Jan.29 (ANI): Four-time Australian Open champion Andre Agassi hasn't forgotten his days of dominating the event.

In his controversial autobiography "Open", Agassi says that his biggest regret was not contesting the Australian Open until 1995, when he won the first of a modern-era best of four titles.

"I can't imagine why I've waited so long. I like the surface, the venue - the heat. Having grown up in Vegas, I don't feel the heat the way the other players do, and the defining characteristic of the Australian Open is the unholy temperature," he writes in his book.

"I also enjoy the Australian people, and they apparently enjoy me," he adds.

Agassi's 2001 Open experience expands on his love for Australia.

"I feel good when we land. I do love this place. I must have been an Aborigine in another life. I always feel at home here. I always enjoy walking into Rod Laver Arena, playing under Laver's name. I batter my way to the semis and face Rafter again. We play three hours of hammer-and-tong tennis, filled with endless I-grunt-you-grunt-rallies. He's ahead, two sets to one. Then he withers. The Australian heat. We're both drenched in sweat, but he's cramping. I win the next two sets."

Then, almost inevitably, he wins the final for a third title in Melbourne.

Agassi is also full of praise for his last coach Darren Cahill and reveals how he begged the South Australian to coach him after Brad Gilbert decided to move on.

"I've always liked Darren. I like his easygoing style. I find his Aussie accent soothing. It almost puts me to sleep ... now I dial him and tell him I've parted with Brad. I ask if he has any interest in the job. He says he's flattered, but he's on the verge of signing to coach Safin. He'll think about it, though, and get back to me. No problem, I say. Take your time," Agassi recalls.

"I call him back in half an hour. I ask him: What the hell is there to think about? You can't coach Safin. He's a loose cannon. You've got to work with me. It feels right. I promise you, Darren, I have game left. I'm not done. I'm focused - I just need someone to help me keep the focus. Okay, he says, laughing. Ok, mate. He never once mentions money."

After helping Agassi become, at 33 in 2003, the oldest-ever world No.1, Cahill remained with the eight-times major winner until the very end of his career in 2006.

Given his love for all things Australian, Agassi probably enjoyed the symmetry of that, too. (ANI)

Source: Web Search

Anand's lucky win

Published Fri, Jan 29 10 06:55 PM

Wijk Aan Zee, Jan. 28 -- World champion Viswanathan Anand ended his long chain of draws with a lucky victory over Spaniard Alexei Shirov in the tenth round of the 'A' group of the Corus chess tournament here. Having drawn the first nine games, Anand tried hard to be back on his winning ways but missed a simple tactic which might have seen him on the receiving end. However, Shirov missed the opportunity at the fag end of the first time control and landed in a lost position which the Indian ace converted without much ado.

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Brilliant Federer sweeps into Australian final

Published>Fri, Jan 29 10 06:49 PM

Roger Federer provided a masterful demonstration of his incredible talent and insatiable desire to win by overwhelming Jo-Wilfried Tsonga 6-2 6-3 6-2 on Friday and join Andy Murray in the final of the Australian Open.

The world number one was at his brilliant best as he outclassed his French opponent to wrap up a lop-sided victory in under 90 minutes at Melbourne Park.

"I'm very happy. You've always got to deal with how your opponent plays. Sometimes he plays like you want, sometimes not," a relaxed Federer said.

"It's nice going through like this but I already know the next match won't be this way."

Federer beat Murray in the 2008 U.S. Open final but the Scotsman has been the form player over the past fortnight. However Federer's imperious display could give him a couple of sleepless nights before Sunday's final.

"I know he'd like to win the first for British tennis in... what is it...like 150,000 years?" Federer joked in a courtside interview.

"The poor guy has to go through those moments over and over again. He's done tremendously. We match up well. I'm looking forward to the final."

Federer has already won the Australian Open three times, in 2004, 2006 and 2007, and is now through to his fifth final after losing an epic five-set clash with Rafa Nadal last year.

BREAKING RECORDS

The Swiss is also through to his 22nd grand slam final, more than any other man in history, and his eighth in a row. A victory over Murray will provide the 28-year-old with his 16th grand slam, extending yet another of his own records.

"I feel a need for myself that I spent three weeks here and I don't want to just give away a match," Federer said.

"So I will make sure I will make it as hard, as tough as possible for my opponent.

"I hope I can play another good match. I'm really where I want to be. Being back in a grand slam final is always an amazing thrill for me."

Growing in confidence with every match after a slow start to the championship, Federer showed no mercy against a weary Tsonga, who had won his two previous matches in five sets.

He broke Tsonga's erratic serve once to win the opening set then twice more in each of the next two while comfortably holding each of his service games.

"I thought he did really well in those five set matches and I expected him to come out here and be really athletic the way we know him," Federer said.

"Maybe he was mentally more fatigued than physically."

Tsonga, who reached the Australian Open final two years ago but has yet to win a grand slam, did not get a single break point on the Swiss master's serve.

SUBDUED TSONGA

The 10th seed had been bouncing around with all the energy of a schoolboy when he beat Novak Djokovic in the semi-finals but was left deflated after his loss to Federer.

"It was tough to play against him today," he said. "He took the ball earlier than me and he was just better than me. He was really good, and that's it."

Earlier, Serena Williams warmed up for her singles final against Justine Henin on Saturday by teaming up with her sister Venus Williams to successfully defend their doubles crown.

The Americans beat Zimbabwe's Cara Black and American Liezel Huber to claim their 11th grand slam doubles title.

"It always feels good to be that I'm gonna go home with at least one title," Serena said.

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Badrinath, Ashwin guide South to Duleep final

Published Fri, Jan 29 10 06:23 PM

Indore, Jan 29 (PTI) S Badrinath celebrated his India call-up with a fluent 82, while Manish Pandey and R Ashwin also struck half-centuries as South Zone thumped Central Zone by five wickets to sail into the final of the Duleep Trophy here today. Chasing 291 runs for victory, South lost both their overnight batsmen -- Arun Karthik (33) and Abhinav Mukund (19) -- early to slump to 72 for three which put the match on razor''s edge. Badrinath, named in the Indian squad for the first Test against South Africa next month, led from the front while Pandey (59) and Ashwin (59 not out), who shone both with the ball and bat in the match, chipped in with sparkling fifties as South Zone coasted to 293 for five in 70.2 overs. They will take on West Zone in the final, which begins on February 2 in Hyderabad. Skipper Badrinath topscored for South with a 116-ball knock that had 13 fours and a six. Manish Pandey, who struck 52 in the first innings, hit his second fifty of the match with the help of eight fours and a six. However, it was Ashwin who was the undisputed star of the match, hitting back-to-back half-centuries and taking six crucial wickets in Central Zone''s second innings that tilted the balance in South''s favour.

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Australia, Pakistan eyeing for record in U-19 World Cup

Published>Fri, Jan 29 10 06:19 PM

Christchurch, Jan 29 (IANS) Australia and Pakistan will vie to become the first country to win the junior cricket World Cup thrice when they clash in the final at Burt Sutcliffe Oval here Saturday.

Australia won the trophy in 1988 and in 2002 while Pakistan won back-to-back titles in 2004 and 2006. Australia's victories came in its own backyard and in New Zealand while Pakistan won the events in Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.

However, it is Pakistan which leads the head-to-head clash 4-2.

The fourth-seeded Pakistan is yet to lose a match in the tournament, having won all its three group stage matches before overpowering defending champion India by two wickets in a thrilling quarter-final and the West Indies in the semi-final by four wickets.

In contrast, sixth-seeded Australia lost its group stage match by two wickets in a high-scoring thriller in Queenstown before ending the challenge of Sri Lanka in the semi-final by two wickets.

Looking forward to the final, Pakistan captain Azeem Ghumman said: 'The team is feeling good and confident. We came into the tournament convinced that we could do well.

'We have been together as a team now for a long time and this is a big factor in the way we have gelled as a team.

'The important thing for us is that we have to get through the first 10 or 15 overs. We have been relying heavily on our middle-order so we are just asking our top-order batsmen to stay there. If we can get through the first 10 overs, then we can build a good score.

Australian captain Mitchell Marsh hoped his side would stick to the basics. 'If we can go out there Saturday and do the basics better than Pakistan, then things might go our way.'

'Obviously, Pakistan has a fairly good batting line-up and a few good spinners, so we'll be looking to counter them. We've got full respect for Pakistan and in the final anything can happen, so we're just looking forward to it.'

Teams:

Australia (from): Mitchell Marsh (captain), Tim Armstrong, Tom Beaton, Nick Buchanan, Jackson Coleman, Luke Doran, Ben Dougall, Jason Floros, Josh Hazlewood, Alex Keath, Nic Maddinson, Alister McDermott, Kane Richardson, Tom Triffitt, Adam Zampa.

Pakistan (from): Azeem Ghumman (captain), Abdul Ameer, Ahmad Shahzad, Ahsan Ali, Anop Ravi, Fayyaz Butt, Hammad Azam, Muhammad Babar Azam, Muhammad Naeem, Muhammad Waqas, Rameez Aziz, Raza Hasan, Sarmad Bhatti, Shahzaib Ahmed, Usman Qadir.

Umpires: Richard Kettleborough, Kumar Dharmsena, Brian Jerling (third), Norman Malcolm (fourth).

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India are among the favourites to win hockey WC: Charlesworth

Published>Fri, Jan 29 10 06:15 PM

Australian hockey legend Ric Charlesworth feels going by the tradition India are one of the strong contenders to lift the hockey World Cup to be held here from February 28-March 13.

"I believe, there are at least half a dozen team who are capable of winning the tournament. I underestimate no team. But when you look at the history of such tournaments, the home team always do very well," the former India technical director, who left the country under acrimonious circumstances, he said.

A five-time Olympian, Charlesworth was appointed as the technical director to Indian hockey team in 2008 but several issues ranging from slow decision making process to pending financial issues forced him to resign.

But Charlesworth said he has put his past behind and doesn't have any bitter feeling as he prepares to visit India again during the megaevent, this time donning that hat of coach of title favourites Australia.

"I have always enjoyed India. I was disappointed that I was not able to fulfill the role with the Indian team, but I do not have any bitter feeling about my stay in the country. I have always liked India," he said.

He also rubbished any security concerns during the World Cup.

Source: Web Search

Fedex reaches final after demolishing Tsonga

Published>Fri, Jan 29 10 06:09 PM

Roger Federer was at his imperious best on Friday, demolishing world number 10 Jo-Wilfried Tsonga 6-2 6-3 6-2 to advance to the Australian Open final.

The world number one will meet Britain's Andy Murray in Sunday's final in a rematch of the 2008 U.S. Open final, which Federer won.

Federer, who was never troubled by the athletic Tsonga, advanced to his eighth successive grand slam final and 22nd in his career. He has won 15 of the previous 21.

The Swiss maestro never gave his French opponent a sniff, using a clever variation of deft touches, angles and change of pace as he raced past the 2008 Australian Open finalist in 88 minutes.

Source: Web Search

Smiling Button and Hamilton unveil new McLaren

Published>Fri, Jan 29 10 05:49 PM

Formula One world champions Jenson Button and Lewis Hamilton appeared together as team mates for the first time on Friday to show off the new McLaren that they will use to fight each other this season.

Button, who won the 2009 championship with Brawn GP, now reborn as Mercedes, looked happy and relaxed as he stood alongside the sport's youngest champion, the 2008 winner who turned 25 this month.

"We need to start forgetting about last year...and looking to the future. And this is the future," said 30-year-old Button, lifting the covers off the sleek silver and red MP4-25 car with his number one on it.

Asked to comment on his new team mate, Hamilton grinned as Button whispered something.

"He says be nice," he said, giving the older Briton a friendly hug.

"I won my first ever championship on John (Button)'s engines," he said, referring to his team mate's father. "I always wanted to follow in Jenson's footsteps.

"I'm really looking forward to working with him for the rest of the year and years to come."

Speaking at the headquarters of title sponsor Vodafone, McLaren team principal Martin Whitmarsh quoted Alexander Graham Bell, the inventor of the telephone, in saying "preparation is the key to success."

"We have prepared for this season more comprehensively than ever before," he declared.

McLaren are the first team to have the two most recent title-holders together in their line-up and the first with two champions since they had Alain Prost and the late Ayrton Senna were paired in a notoriously acrimonious 1989 partnership.

"Both drivers are clearly winners and want to win again this year," said Whitmarsh. "We expect an exciting season within our team."

In a nod to Mercedes, who will still provide McLaren's engines for the long term despite taking over Brawn, Whitmarsh added: "We know we must be at our best to beat the works team."

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West Zone enters Duleep Trophy final

Published Fri, Jan 29 10 05:39 PM

Rajkot, Jan 29 (PTI) As expected, West Zone breezed into the final of the Duleep Trophy on the basis of their huge 475-run first innings lead after their semi-final match against North Zone ended in a tame draw here today. Resuming at their overnight score of 56 for one, West Zone declared their second innings at 345 for seven, a few overs before the start of the mandatory overs. The only highlight of the day was centuries by Cheteshwar Pujara and Rohit Sharma. The duo, who got together after the quick dismissal of Parthiv Patel (31) and skipper Wasim Jaffer (6) this morning, added 172 runs for the fourth wicket. Pujara, promoted to open the innings, made 110 runs from 171 balls with the help of 16 fours. Sharma was more aggressive of the two, scoring 116 runs off 129 balls. His knock was studded with five sixes and 11 fours. All-rounder Ravindra Jadeja, too, chipped in with a useful knock of 56. For North Zone, Vikas Mishra was the pick off the bowlers with figures of 4-96, while Parvindar Awana, Rajat Bhatia and Ravi Inder Singh shared a wicket each. After amassing a mammoth 769 runs in the first innings, West Zone bundled out the visitors for 294. However, they chose not to enforce the follow-on and opted for batting practice instead.

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Wrestling training venue for Commonwealth Games inaugurated

Published>Fri, Jan 29 10 05:19 PM

New Delhi, Jan 29 (IANS) Days after the first venue for the Commonwealth Games (CWG) was inaugurated, Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit Friday inaugurated the Ludlow Castle wrestling training centre - the first built by the state government.

'The inauguration marks the completion of first Commonwealth Games venue being constructed by the Delhi government. The wrestlers of the national capital now have a great training facility,' Dikshit said in her address after the inauguration.

'Once the Games are over, it will be very useful for children too. By next month, Thyagraj stadium, which is built using latest technology, will also be completed,' she added.

The centre is the second venue for the games to be completed. Sports Minister M.S.Gill Sunday opened the revamped Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium, the first Commonwealth Games venue to be ready.

Though the government had sanctioned Rs.20 crore (Rs.200 million) for the Ludlow Castle project, it was completed at a cost of Rs.13 crore (Rs.130 million) in 11 months. Earlier on the place was a badminton hall, which was demolished for the construction of wrestling training centre.

The centre has two floors. The ground floor has various facilities like restrooms, gym, cafeteria, physiotherapy centres, doping control centre, changing rooms, sauna bath and a medical centre. The first floor has a training hall which can accommodate six mats at a time.

The venue is centrally air conditioned with power back up facility.

CWG Organising Committee Chairman Suresh Kalmadi, Delhi Education Minister Arvinder Singh Lovely and Public Works Department Minister Rajkumar Chauhan were also present on the occasion.

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Inzamam eager to help Pakistan cricket

Published>Fri, Jan 29 10 04:59 PM

Karachi, Jan 29 (IANS) Former Pakistan captain Inzamam-ul-Haq has expressed his willingness to work with the national cricket team as a batting coach to improve their dipping performance.

However, Inzamam has made it clear that he would accept such a role on his own terms and conditions.

Inzamam, one of Pakistan's most successful batsmen, said the national team needs the services of experts to work on its batting and fielding.

Pakistan has flopped miserably on its ongoing tour of Australia, having lost the Test series 3-0. The tourists are also trailing in the five-match one-day series against the Aussies after losing the first three One-day Internationals.

Inzamam said Pakistan will be ready for next year's World Cup only if the cricket board starts taking long-term measures.

He pointed out the short time appointment of Mohammad Yousuf as captain the key reason behind Pakistan's poor showing in Australia.

'If the players are told that their captain is just there for a single series, then most of them will not take him seriously. They will not give their best under him. That is what has happened with Yousuf. I believe that the PCB should have given him a long-term stint,' said Inzamam, who retired after leading Pakistan to a disastrous first-round exit from the 2007 World Cup in the Caribbean.

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Paes-Black in final of Oz Open mixed doubles

Published Fri, Jan 29 10 04:53 PM

Melbourne, Jan 29 (PTI) Leander Paes earned a chance to equal the record for most Grand Slam title wins by an Indian after reaching the final of the Australian Open mixed doubles event with partner Cara Black, following a hard fought semifinal win here today. The top seeded Indo-Zimbawean pair came from behind to edge past seventh seeds Lisa Raymond and Wesley Moodie 6-7 7-6 (5) 10-7 at Melbourne Park. After losing the first set, Paes and Black were trailing 2-4 in the second set but their tenacity paid as they were successful in stretching the match to a Super Tie-breaker. American Raymond and South African Davis Cupper Moody pushed the top seeds to limit but could not stop them from going into the title clash. Paes and Black will take on 10th seeds Ekaterina Makarova of Russia and Jaroslav Levinsky of Czechoslovakia, who beat seventh seeds Flavia Pennetta of Italy and Marcelo Melo of Brazil 6-0 4-6 10-8 in their semifinal match. Paes has so far won 10 Grand Slam titles, including six men''s doubles trophies. Paes'' estranged partner Mahesh Bhupathi has won the highest number of Grand Slam of titles -- 11 -- for India with seven mixed doubles and four men''s doubles trophies. Paes won the mixed doubles title at the Australian Open in 2003 with Czech-American legend Martina Navratilova and finished runner-up the following year.

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Chouhan hands over Rs.73 lakh to women's hockey team

Published>Fri, Jan 29 10 04:39 PM

Bhopal, Jan 29 (IANS) Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan gave Rs.73 lakh to the women's hockey players who are protesting here against Hockey India (HI) for the non-payment of their dues.

Chouhan handed cheques of Rs.1 lakh each to 18 players and five officials and coaches at a dinner hosted at his official residence Thursday.

He also gave an additional Rs.50 lakh to captain Surinder Kaur for clearing outstanding dues of other players.

Chouhan had given Rs.1 crore earlier to the Union Sports Ministry for distribution to the players, but that money is still to reach them.

'When I came to know that the players have not got the money, I immediately told the officials to prepare the cheques and invited them for a dinner,' said Chouhan.

The players have been peacefully protesting at the national camp here by wearing black arm bands. The senior players in the team have pitched in with money to help their needy teammates. They have opened a bank account for the purpose.

Chouhan told the players that the state government would provide all facilities to them.

Chouhan said the 'Madhya Pradesh government was only trying to rectify Hockey India's mistake of not rewarding the national women's team for their splendid performance in the Asia Cup'.

Chouhan also said that Obaidullah Khan gold cup hockey tournament would be played in Bhopal in March. It could be an international event in the near future. He announced prize money of Rs.5 lakh for the winners of the tournament while Rs.3 lakh and Rs.2 lakh would respectively go to the second and third placed teams.

Former hockey players Inamur Rehman, Jalaluddin Rizvi, Samir Daad, Mohammed Yusuf, Gauhar Nazib, Jafaruddin and Ajijuddin were also honoured on the occasion.

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Serena warms up by winning Melbourne doubles

Published>Fri, Jan 29 10 04:29 PM

Serena Williams completed one half of an Australian Open double when she and older sister Venus Williams won the women's doubles title on Friday.

Serena heads into Saturday's singles final against Justine Henin in Melbourne on a winning note after defending her doubles crown with a 6-4 6-3 victory over Zimbabwe's Cara Black and American Liezel Huber at Rod Laver Arena.

The win gave them their 11th grand slam doubles championship and their fourth at Melbourne Park -- and also preserved their perfect record in grand slam finals.

"I guess I was really focused and my serve was really working today," Venus told reporters after not conceding a single service break.

"They played really like a team and were really coming into the net and just doing everything right. So Serena and I just had to work together."

The Williams sisters overcame a sluggish start to win a break at 3-3 in the first set, then sealed it on the third set point when Black netted.

They then carried the momentum into the second, winning an early service break before calmly serving out the match.

COMEDY ENDING

Although sharp at the net and a model of cooperation throughout, their triumph had a touch of comedy at the end, when Venus was unaware that they had won the match.

After breaking Huber's serve to seal the match, she was set to ready herself for the next game.

"I actually didn't know the score. I thought that it was 5-2. I really don't know how I lost track," she said. "I thought '(Serena's) really happy about this break! I thought, 'Wow, I've never seen her this happy. But I'll go with it.'"

Serena, whose legs have been heavily strapped throughout the tournament, appeared on court with her wrist taped, but brushed off concerns about her fitness ahead of her clash with Henin.

"I fell the other day a couple times in my match, so, yeah, I'm just adding to the list," she said.

The second-seeded Williams sisters snapped a 13-match winning streak for Black and Huber, who won the Sydney and Auckland titles in the lead-up to Melbourne Park.

The Williams sisters have now beaten the top-ranked pair in all three of their meetings, including the U.S. Open final last year. They hold an astonishing 16-1 record in finals overall, their only loss dating back to 1999 at San Diego.

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Dravid operated for injured jaw, advised rest

Published>Fri, Jan 29 10 04:19 PM

Bangalore, Jan 29 (IANS) Star batsman Rahul Dravid Friday had minor corrective surgery on his left cheek bone, injured during the second cricket test against Bangladesh in Mirpur.

'It was a minor surgery to fix the left cheek bone where he had suffered a fracture. The surgery took between 45 minutes to an hour,' S. Ballal, medical director of Manipal Hospital here where the surgery was conducted, told IANS.

'Dravid is doing fine after the surgery and hopefully will be discharged late Friday,' he added.

Dravid can resume normal activities in two days but has been advised to stay away from cricket or any contact sports for three weeks, he said.

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Madhya Pradesh CM clears dues of women hockey players

Published>Fri, Jan 29 10 04:09 PM

Bhopal, Jan 29(ANI): Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan has handed over an additional cheque of Rs 50 lakh to the national women's hockey team.

Chauhan had earlier handed over a cheque worth Rs one crore to the Union Sports Ministry for clearing the dues of hockey players and promoting the game, but as that money is yet to reach the players, the chief minister handed over the cheque directly to the players.

The players have been waging a battle against discrimination meted out to them by Hockey India, by wearing black bands.

Hockey India president Vidya Stokes had on January 19 said that the women's team will not get any money due to lack of funds. This had angered the players and they protested by wearing black bands.

Thanking the minister for his support, the team assured Chauhan that they would definitely try to improve the team's world ranking.

"Even if people give one rupee, it is valuable to us as it is to support us, respect us. Just like the coach of 'Chak de India' supported the team and encouraged it to win the world, similarly Shivraj Chauhanji is supporting us and has been encouraging us to do well in the world cup. We have assured him that we will definitely do well and improve our world ranking," said Surinder Kaur, a senior player of the women hockey team. (ANI)

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PREVIEW - Williams and Henin to renew fierce rivalry

Published>Fri, Jan 29 10 03:49 PM

Saturday's Australian Open showdown between Serena Williams and Justine Henin is more than a dream final between defending champion and comeback queen.

It marks the re-birth of one of the fiercest rivalries in modern tennis on a stage where the stakes could not be higher.

Despite a long rivalry stretching back over a decade, Saturday's clash is their first meeting in a grand slam final.

"I think it'll be a defining match for both of us," said world number one Williams.

The pair have played each other 13 times with Williams winning seven and Henin six and both have held the number one ranking.

Their individual records already show they are two of the greatest players the game has seen. Williams has won 11 grand slam titles and Henin seven.

Williams has pocketed almost $30 million in prize money and the Belgian around $20 million.

In many ways, the pair could hardly be any different -- Williams is an imposing figure who uses her incredible physique and supreme confidence to overpower her opponents.

Henin is smaller, quietly spoken but possesses brilliant technique.

They also bear striking similarities, driven by their fierce determination to succeed.

The players clashed at the 2003 French Open when Williams accused the Belgian of lying after she refused to allow her to replay a contentious point.

They have not exactly kissed and made up but Henin said they had resolved their differences and buried the past.

"It's far away now, it's a long time," the 27-year-old said. "We exchanged a few words here...so I'm sure there's no problem about that between the two of us.

"We both want to win. We both respect the fact that the other gave a lot to the game and that's very good."

WILLIAMS FAVOURITE

Williams is the favourite to win the Melbourne Park final. She has already won the Australian Open four times and warmed up for the event by teaming up with her sister Venus to successfully defend the doubles title on Friday.

The 28-year-old struggled to win her quarter-final against Victoria Azarenka and then her semi with Li Na, but fought her way out of trouble each time and is relishing the prospect of facing her old sparring partner.

"I definitely think of her as a rival. We bring out the best game in each other," Williams said. "We both just play our hearts out. That's what creates a good rivalry."

Their rivalry was put on hold for two years after Henin quit the sport in 2008, fed up with the relentless grind of playing, training and travel.

She only made her comeback this month and has exceeded her wildest expectations by reaching the final.

The odds may be stacked against her but she has not given up hope of winning after her fellow Belgian Kim Clijsters won last year's U.S. Open when she too was in the early stages of a comeback.

Henin won the Australian Open in 2004 and was runner-up to Amelie Mauresmo in 2006 when she threw in the towel because she was feeling ill.

"It's a special occasion but I see it as an opportunity to play the number one player in the world in a grand slam final," said Henin. "It's more than a dream for me. It's a perfect challenge and I love this kind of situation.

"The one who will want it more will win probably. I know I'll have to be aggressive generally and use my qualities. I have the determination and the ambition, of course."

Source: Web Search

Tailofthetiger.com offers Tiger Woods mistresses' face golf balls!

Published>Fri, Jan 29 10 03:11 PM

Washington, Jan 29 (ANI): Tiger Woods' mistresses have now had their faces stamped on golf balls available for sale at a website.

The set of balls titled "The Mistress Collection," can be bought at Tailofthetiger.com, reports Fox News.

Every woman, with whom the ace golfer is believed to have had a fling, has her face's likeness on a golf ball.

The balls come in two types of sets, one is for and the other for golfers. (ANI)

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China eyes winter 'breakthrough' in Vancouver

Published>Fri, Jan 29 10 02:49 PM

Beijing, Jan 29 (DPA) China hopes its largest ever winter Olympic sports team will achieve a breakthrough next month in Vancouver and make progress towards emulating the success of the nation's summer Olympians, state media said Friday.

China will send 91 athletes plus 91 coaches and officials to Vancouver, after sending 76 competitors to the previous games in Turin in 2006.

China won two gold, four silver and five bronze medals in Turin, including its first gold medal in skiing.

In Vancouver, the Chinese team will compete in 49 of the 86 disciplines in 15 sports.

'We hope that our athletes could make a breakthrough in Vancouver and surpass the previous games' results,' Zhao Yinggang, the head of China's winter Olympics team, was quoted as saying at a ceremony to announce the athletes.

Among China's top medal hopes are defending women's short-track speed skating champion Wang Meng and men's freestyle aerial skier Han Xiaopeng, who also won gold in Turin.

China's men's and women's curling teams will appear at a winter Olympics for the first time, and its women's ice hockey team returns after missing the 2006 event.

'The participation of those team events is of great significance for the whole delegation,' the official China Daily newspaper quoted Zhao as saying Thursday.

He said China's winter Olympic athletes still had a long way to go to reach the level of the summer Olympians, who topped the medals table at the 2008 games in Beijing.

'We started taking part in winter sports much later and we faced great obstacles,' Zhao said.

'We are working hard on narrowing the gap between China's winter and summer sports,' he said.

The Chinese athletes for Vancouver have an average age of just over 24 and about two-thirds of them will make their Winter Olympic debuts there.

The team includes figure-skating pair Shen Xue and Zhao Hongbo, who have returned to competition to take part in their fourth winter Olympics.

'The only reason for our coming back is to win the Olympic gold,' said Zhao, 37, who is the oldest athlete in the team.

'It will be our last Winter Olympics, so we will try our best,' Zhao was quoted as saying.

Women's short-track speed skater Yang Yang won China's first two winter Olympic golds in Salt Lake City in 2002.

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