Hussey topples Dhoni from ODI batsman top spot

Published Mon, Feb 01 10 01:24 PM

Dubai, Feb 1 (PTI) Australian middle-order batsman Michael Hussey dethroned Indian captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni from the top spot in the ICC ODI batsmen chart updated today. Hussey, whose 46-ball 40 was instrumental in Australia''s win in the fifth ODI against Pakistan yesterday in Perth, has 825 rating points, three more than Dhoni who also had a good show in the recent tri-series in Bangladesh. Sachin Tendulkar (at seventh), who skipped the Bangladesh tri-series, and Virender Sehwag (at ninth) are the other Indian batsmen in the top 10 with 723 and 702 points respectively. Yuvraj Singh (12th), Gautam Gambhir (19th) and Suresh Raina (20th) make it to the top 20. Bangladesh tri-series top-scorer Virat Kohli is at 21st. Among the bowlers, off-spinner Harbhajan Singh is the only Indian in the top 10 at sixth. Pacer Zaheer Khan is the next highest ranked Indian at 21st. Meanwhile, India retained the second spot in the ODI team chart at 121 rating points, 12 adrift of leaders Australia who beat Pakistan 5-0 in the series concluded yesterday.

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PR model claims she had five-month affair with John Terry

Published>Mon, Feb 01 10 01:20 PM

London, Feb 1 (ANI): A 42-year-old promotions model Jayne has revealed that she had a five-month affair with Chelsea skipper John Terry, believing he was single.

"He has no respect for anyone - and has been getting away with it for years," the Mirror quoted Jayne as saying.

She had first met Terry in 1999 while working on a promotion for Legoland in Heathrow Airport.

"He was coming through with the Chelsea team. I didn't know who he was but we made eye contact and I liked him straight away," she said.

"He came up and said, 'You're lovely'. He told me he was single and said, 'You're beautiful. I've got to go out with you'. I was 32 and asked him how old he was. He said 24 (Terry was actually 20) and that he always wanted an older woman.

"I gave him my number and he came round when he got back to Britain and we made love.

"He was very attentive, loving and charming," she added.

Terry's lie about being single was blown apart after his wife Toni called up Jayne and confronted her about their affair.

"Toni said, 'Hi, is that Jayne Connery? You don't know me but I need to ask have you slept with John Terry?' She told me she was John's fiancee. I was gobsmacked," said Jayne.

"I said he had told me he was single and that we had slept together. I was mortified." Later the same day, Jayne got another call.

She said: "The voice said: 'Hi, I'm a friend of John Terry. You might get a call from a girl who claims to be his girlfriend. We want you to deny everything. We want you to say that you chased John, but that he rebuffed you. He had no dealings with you whatsoever."

Jayne decided she never wanted to see Terry again.

Then, the following year, Jayne became involved with England boss Sven-Goran Eriksson.

When the relationship became public in the wake of Eriksson's affair with Ulrika Jonsson, Terry worried that his affair with Jayne would be next in the headlines.

She says: "He told me, 'I have the best lawyers in the world. No one can touch me'. He was so arrogant."

Jayne also received a threatening call from a man.

"He told me someone would rearrange my face if I went to the papers about my relationship with John.

This week's revelations about Terry's latest affair and his squalid attempts to keep it out of the public arena have come as no surprise to Jayne. (ANI)

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John Terry's wife 'flies to Dubai with kids, wants divorce'

Published>Mon, Feb 01 10 01:10 PM

London, Feb 1 (ANI): England footballer John Terry's wife Toni has jetted to Dubai after telling him that she wants a divorce, it has emerged.

She flew to the Gulf state on Saturday night with three-year-old twins Georgie John and Summer Rose and her mum Sue Poole.

Friends said Toni was devastated by the news that the Chelsea star cheated on her with the girlfriend of his England team-mate Wayne Bridge.

To add to her woes, it also emerged that her husband arranged for the French lingerie model Vanessa Perroncel to have an abortion after getting her pregnant.

She is now considering hiring top divorce lawyer Fiona Shackleton in a bid to land half of Terry's massive fortune.

"Toni has simply had enough. She's had just about as much humiliation as she can bear. She has told John in no uncertain terms she wants a divorce," the Sun quoted a source as saying.

"They had a brief conversation and she said she was flying away. She is still feeling very raw and angry. Toni feels the best thing for both of them was for her to get some space and for him to concentrate on football and his career.

"She will take a break and do some thinking and decide what she wants to do when she gets back. John agreed but really he had no choice but to accept," the source added. (ANI)

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Oz fast bowlers will hammer England to reclaim Ashes: Gillespie

Published>Mon, Feb 01 10 12:50 PM

Sydney, Feb 1 (ANI): Former Australian fast bowler Jason Gillespie has said that Ricky Ponting's team will hammer England to reclaim the Ashes with a relentless pace arsenal comprising quality performers, all of whom are desperate to impress.

Gillespie was all praise for Australia's Test attack, which includes Mitchell Johnson, Doug Bollinger, Peter Siddle, Ben Hilfenhaus and Shane Watson.

"I have absolutely no doubt Australia will win the Ashes, I think this side is very good," Fox Sports quoted Gillespie, as saying.

"As a former quick, I am chuffed watching this - blokes coming in and bowling 145-150km/h," he added.

Gillespie further said that unheralded fast bowler Ryan Harris, who has become Australia's new one-day hit man, underlines the rock-solid back-up that the national team enjoys.

"Rhino has really surprised me. I have always known he could bowl low 140s, but gee-whiz he's bowling 150km/h. He is running in and hitting the track hard and has been fantastic," Gillespie said.

The 34-year-old also believes that Australia's pace stock has been facilitated by the rise of left-armer Bollinger.

"I told everyone bowlers of Doug's ilk are like gold. I have always been a big wrap for him since I faced him at state level. As a bowler who batted a bit, you always knew the guys you felt could have some success at the next level," Gillespie said. (ANI)

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Murray's tight underwear behind Australian Open defeat

Published>Mon, Feb 01 10 12:24 PM

London, Feb 1 (ANI): Australian Open finalist and World No.3 Andy Murray has said tight underwear may have played a part in his defeat in year's first grand slam.

He fought back tears, as he apologised to fans for losing to Roger Federer and missing out on Britain's first grand slam win for 74 years.

The 22-year-old revealed his cycling shorts had caused him some problems during the two hours and 41 minutes of tennis, the Daily Express reprots.

Asked whether he had picked up an injury after frequently rubbing his left hip, he said: "My hip is fine. It was just that the cycling shorts were too tight."

Despite some great tennis by Murray, Federer won his 16th title in straight sets.

Welling up with tears, Murray said: "I can cry like Roger, just a shame I can't play like him." (ANI)

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Wintryquest

Published>Mon, Feb 01 10 12:20 PM

India, Jan. 30 -- Striding along in the second hour of the morning's trek, your muscles have loosened up, the speedier circulation is carrying more oxygen to your brain and, as you inhale the crisp mountain air, your head and body feel wonderfully clear and full of energy. The brown earth trail, peppered with grey boulders, snakes through a patch of dark green conifers. In the silence among the trees, a brook splutters, awakening a childhood memory of Minnehaha ("laughing water") in The Song of Hiawatha. Above, perfect snow cones daubed with golden sunlight parade on the skyline. Beyond the trees, the trail meanders into a meadow of springy turf, sprinkled with red, yellow, magenta, and white flowers nodding in the breeze. The sun spreads a mantle of warmth on your back and you pause beside a rock, luxuriating in the beauty of summer in the Himalaya. Did you picture heaven? Now picture this. Your torso is trussed up in six layers of warm fabrics, your hands are encased in gloves topped with mittens, a fleece cap is pulled low over your forehead and your neck gaiter up till your lips, as you desperately try to cover every possible inch of your face. Yet the cold air stabs at your nose and cheeks as you hunch, with muscles stiffened in the battle against the cold. Surrounding you is snow - blankets, mounds and columns of it. Source of Ganges This trek follows the Bhagirathi upstream to the source of Ganga in Garhwal Himalayas. From Gangotri, you travel across pine forests and meadows to reach the multi-hued Chaturangi glacier. Chopta-Tungnath Chopta is located just beyond Rudra-prayag on the Gopeshwar-Ukhimath road. The trek ends at the Chandrasila summit that affords the most beautiful view of Nanda Devi, Trishul and Chaukham. Dodital The crystal blue water of the Dodital lake (north of Uttarakashi) is home to rare species of fish like the Himalayan Golden Trout, and dense oak, pine and deodar forests surround it. Har ki Doon Har ki Doon lies in the foothills of the Western Himalayas, at the base of Fateh Parvat. The surrounding forests are part of the Govind Wildlife National Park. The trek starts at Taluka, near Dehradun. Pindari Glacier This trek in the Kumaon Himalayas, starts at Song, moving along the banks of the Pindari and winds up at the glacier that has distinctive patches of lush greenery on a stark white landscape. Bedni Bugyal One of the larger bugyals (meadows) in Uttaranchal, Bedni is also a major station on the Nanda Raj Jaat Yatra, a ritual procession held every 12 years. The trek starts at Mundoli (240 km from Haridwar). Singalila The trek to Sandakphu, the loftiest peak of the Singalila Range, starts near Darjeeling. The region has more than 600 varieties of orchids, the most to be found in a single geographical area in the world. You take a step, trying to grind the heel of your boot into the rock-hard snow underfoot. The trail slopes upward ever so slightly and, unable to dig in sufficiently, your boot slips a few inches back on the frozen surface. You take another step, only to slide back a few inches again. The exertion makes you breathe faster but you must avoid panting with your mouth open. You stop to rest, drawing in the icy air through the nostrils to warm it before it hits your lungs. You look around, but there is not an iota of comfort to be drawn from this hostile land. You resume the macabre stepping and sliding dance. If this enchanting scenario appeals to you, as seems the case with a growing tribe of Indian trekkers - the foreigners have been at it for years, but they have a reputation for masochism to live up to - then welcome to winter trekking. Something about the challenge posed by snow and wintry heights seems to strike a chord with adventure seekers. Then there's the fact that some treks are only possible in the extreme cold (like the Chadar) and some far prettier (the Singalila or the Chopta) at this time of the year. However, though it is possible to go straight from your desk job to a strenuous walk in the Himalaya during the summer, it's unwise to do this for a winter trek. So here's how you can prepare. Prepare your body and mind The body has to work extra hard to acclimatise to altitude on a winter trek because it is coping with extreme cold. So get it used to the exertion of walking uphill and downhill with a moderate load, well before the trek. Walk a lot and include stair-climbing in your daily routine. Jogging is not essential but, along with gym work, will be useful if you have the time and inclination to get very fit ahead of the trek. On rest days, play a sport. For a winter trek, you must gain weight so that the body has surplus fat it can burn to generate warmth. A couple of kilos above your normal weight will be enough. To gain weight, your intake of carbohydrates must exceed requirement. The body will use what it requires as fuel and store the surplus as fat. If you are doing an exercise regimen to prepare for the trek, you will be using more carbohydrates than normal, so hike your intake to cover this. Many people think that a "putting on weight diet" is a licence to eat anything. It is not. Do not eat large quantities of Western junk food or Indian fast food which is deep-fried. Steer clear of bad cholesterol. You cannot afford to have clogged arteries in conditions of extreme cold.

On the trek, snack constantly. Supplement the usual chocolates, lozenges and nutrition bars with cheese, nuts, gajak and gurpatti. Get the right gear The good part is that thermals with wicking away property (instead of absorbing moisture, the fabric transports it to the outside, from where it eventually evaporates) are now available in India. However, if the layers you wear above that are not breathable, the purpose will be defeated. For a moderate winter trek, take two sweaters, a fleece jacket, windproof-cum-waterproof Gore Tex outer jacket, fleece cap, windstopper gloves, mittens and fleece pants. For an extreme trek, add a balaclava, neck gaiter, down jacket and insulated trousers. Carry only nylon and fleece socks - at least six or seven pairs. Insulated winter trekking boots and gaiters are essential. A sleeping bag certified for - 25deg Celsius, a liner and a mountaineering-quality mat are advisable. Take along two thermos water bottles of 1-litre capacity. Trekking poles for treacherous terrain and a pee bottle are optional but helpful items. Stick some tape on the pee bottle so that you can distinguish it by touch in the dark.

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Woods' 'mistress' Uchitel celebrates 35th b'day - with pals, police escort

Published>Mon, Feb 01 10 12:10 PM

New York, Feb 1 (ANI): Tiger Woods' alleged mistress Rachel Uchitel recently celebrated her birthday in West Palm Beach, Fla..

According to sources, Uchitel, the first one of a bevy, celebrated her 35th birthday by partying it up early Saturday, reports The New York Daily News.

She sipped champagne, chain-smoked and had a blast with several gal pals at the French bistro Pistache until 3:20 a.m., Radaronline.com reported.

After the party was over, a full police escort reportedly led Uchitel away from the venue. The move left several revelers clueless. (ANI)

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I will not repeat "the mad thing": Afridi

Published Mon, Feb 01 10 11:40 AM

Karachi, Feb 1 (PTI) A repentant Pakistan all-rounder Shahid Afridi tendered an unconditional apology to the country and the cricket world after being penalised by the ICC for ball tampering, saying he would not repeat the "mad thing" again in future. Afridi, who was caught on television biting into the ball during the final overs of the Australian innings in the fifth ODI in Perth and was slapped two Twenty20 International ban, said he was sorry for having caused embarrassment to his countrymen and fans. "I really don''t know what happened to me that made me do such a mad thing. It was not right and I apologize for my actions to everyone," he said. Afridi was charged with an article 2.2.9 offence of the ICC Code of Conduct which relates to ''changing the condition of the ball in breach of Law 42.3 of the Laws of Cricket''. He will miss Pakistan''s next two Twenty20 Internationals against the same opponents on Friday in Melbourne and against England in Dubai on February 19. "What happened was very unfortunate and should not have happened. I have learnt from my mistake and will not repeat it again," Afridi said. "Maybe I lost my cool because our team had not done well in Australia and finally close to a win. But my intentions were just to help the bowlers but I chose the wrong way to do it," he added.

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Superb Man Utd humble Arsenal

Published>Mon, Feb 01 10 11:34 AM

Champions Manchester United delivered a devastating statement of Premier League title intent by beating rivals Arsenal 3-1 at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday.

United produced a superb attacking display, taking the lead when Nani's cross was turned into his own net by goalkeeper Manuel Almunia after 33 minutes before Wayne Rooney started and finished a stunning counter-attack before halftime.

Park Ji-sung got the third seven minutes after the interval and Arsenal had only the minor consolation of Thomas Vermaelen's deflected volley 10 minutes from time.

"We delivered a completely off-the-mark performance and that's why we were well beaten," Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger said.

"We gave them too much room, we were naive and that's why we have to stick together and produce a much better performance next Sunday when we go to Chelsea."

Chelsea, who won 2-1 with a late goal at Burnley on Saturday, top the standings on 54 points, one ahead of United and five clear of Arsenal. Chelsea have a game in hand on both rivals and play it against Hull City in midweek.

Arsenal went into the United match full of confidence after a 10-game unbeaten run and both sides showed total commitment to attack.

Arsenal's Andrei Arshavin escaped three times down the left but finished poorly on each occasion while Nani looked highly dangerous down the United right.

It was the Portuguese winger who made the breakthrough with a brilliant piece of trickery to get past three Arsenal defenders and when he hoisted over a deep cross, Almunia, trying to turn it over the bar, only flapped it into the net.

SNUFFED OUT

The second goal was a classic as United snuffed out an Arsenal attack in their own penalty box and broke.

Rooney turned the ball into the path of Nani before sprinting 70 metres to collect the return and sweep it in first time.

It was the 100th Premier League goal of the 24-year-old England striker's career and came just over seven years after he opened his account for Everton against Arsenal when he was 16.

United's third was another long-range break and hesitant defending allowed Park to travel from halfway before calmly slotting his first goal of the season.

Vermaelen's goal led to a brief flurry but United held out quite comfortably and Arsene Wenger's side must bounce back immediately at Chelsea.

"We need to deliver a special performance at Stamford Bridge next Sunday before we can even start thinking about winning the game," Wenger said.

United manager Alex Ferguson said he would be hoping Arsenal found their form against Chelsea.

"Arsenal are not out of it, I hope that Arsenal go to Stamford Bridge and batter them," he told Sky Sports.

Ferguson had special praise for the "unbelievable Rooney."

"He was the key player for us and they could just could not handle him. He was a really great player today," he said.

In Sunday's other game, Emmanuel Adebayor marked his return from Togo's traumatic time at the African Nations Cup with the opening goal in Manchester City's 2-0 win over bottom club Portsmouth at Eastlands.

Vincent Kompany headed the second as City won without breaking sweat to close on Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur in the battle for fourth place.

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Ponting hits 55 as Australia sweep ODI series 5-0

Published>Mon, Feb 01 10 11:30 AM

Australia were made to fight every inch for their two-wicket win on Sunday to complete a 5-0 series whitewash of Pakistan at Perth. Having bowled out Pakistan for 212, it was left to Michael Hussey to steer them home with an unbeaten 40. After Clint McKay set the tone with 4 for 35, there was a welcome return to form for Ricky Ponting, whose 55 gave Australia the early initiative.

Pakistan began their defence of a modest total by taking three wickets, but Ponting's presence at the half-way mark meant the balance was safely tilted Australia's way. Defending a low total, Pakistan's only chance was to bowl Australia out. But despite taking three wickets, Ponting's presence at the crease gave Australia the edge.

Pakistan's Umar Akmal took charge of rebuilding the innings with 67 after the top order struggled. Fawad Alam was left to carry on whatever momentum Pakistan had achieved through Umar's resistance, and he played his part with 63 runs.

Brief scores: Pakistan 212 all out in 49.3 overs (U Akmal 67, F Alam 63; McKay 4/35) vs Australia 213/8 in 49.2) R Ponting 55, M Hussey 40 not out; Naved 2/55, Afridi 2/31)

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Superb Man Utd humble Arsenal

Published>Mon, Feb 01 10 11:24 AM

Champions Manchester United delivered a devastating statement of Premier League title intent by beating rivals Arsenal 3-1 at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday.

United produced a superb attacking display, taking the lead when Nani's cross was turned into his own net by goalkeeper Manuel Almunia after 33 minutes before Wayne Rooney started and finished a stunning counter-attack before halftime.

Park Ji-sung got the third seven minutes after the interval and Arsenal had only the minor consolation of Thomas Vermaelen's deflected volley 10 minutes from time.

"We delivered a completely off-the-mark performance and that's why we were well beaten," Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger said.

"We gave them too much room, we were naive and that's why we have to stick together and produce a much better performance next Sunday when we go to Chelsea."

Chelsea, who won 2-1 with a late goal at Burnley on Saturday, top the standings on 54 points, one ahead of United and five clear of Arsenal. Chelsea have a game in hand on both rivals and play it against Hull City in midweek.

Arsenal went into the United match full of confidence after a 10-game unbeaten run and both sides showed total commitment to attack.

Arsenal's Andrei Arshavin escaped three times down the left but finished poorly on each occasion while Nani looked highly dangerous down the United right.

It was the Portuguese winger who made the breakthrough with a brilliant piece of trickery to get past three Arsenal defenders and when he hoisted over a deep cross, Almunia, trying to turn it over the bar, only flapped it into the net.

SNUFFED OUT

The second goal was a classic as United snuffed out an Arsenal attack in their own penalty box and broke.

Rooney turned the ball into the path of Nani before sprinting 70 metres to collect the return and sweep it in first time.

It was the 100th Premier League goal of the 24-year-old England striker's career and came just over seven years after he opened his account for Everton against Arsenal when he was 16.

United's third was another long-range break and hesitant defending allowed Park to travel from halfway before calmly slotting his first goal of the season.

Vermaelen's goal led to a brief flurry but United held out quite comfortably and Arsene Wenger's side must bounce back immediately at Chelsea.

"We need to deliver a special performance at Stamford Bridge next Sunday before we can even start thinking about winning the game," Wenger said.

United manager Alex Ferguson said he would be hoping Arsenal found their form against Chelsea.

"Arsenal are not out of it, I hope that Arsenal go to Stamford Bridge and batter them," he told Sky Sports.

Ferguson had special praise for the "unbelievable Rooney."

"He was the key player for us and they could just could not handle him. He was a really great player today," he said.

In Sunday's other game, Emmanuel Adebayor marked his return from Togo's traumatic time at the African Nations Cup with the opening goal in Manchester City's 2-0 win over bottom club Portsmouth at Eastlands.

Vincent Kompany headed the second as City won without breaking sweat to close on Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur in the battle for fourth place.

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'Wife to remain with Tiger Woods for four more years to claim 250m pounds'

Published>Mon, Feb 01 10 11:10 AM

London, February 1 (ANI): Tiger Woods' wife Elin Nordegren is reportedly drawing plans to remain with her cheating husband for four more years so that she can claim a slice of 250 million pounds from his pie of wealth.

The mum-of-two, who tied the knot with the ace golfer in 2004, has purportedly been advised by her legal team to stay married to the star for 10 years to ensure she gets half of his 500 million pound fortune.

"She's prepared to stick with it if that's what it takes to get what she deserves," the Sun quoted a friend as saying.

"She's going through the motions of trying to work things out, but has said there's no chance. She's a woman scorned and will do what it takes to hit him where it hurts," the pal added.

Woods reportedly checked into a rehabilitation centre in Mississippi for sexual addiction after confessing infidelity and withdrawing from professional golf for an indefinite period. (ANI)

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Karate wonder kid from Kerala

Published Mon, Feb 01 10 10:30 AM

T K Kesavan Kochi, Feb 1 (PTI) At five, she just looks like any other tiny tot, but Varsha Vinod is already on top of the world, having become the youngest-ever to get a karate black belt. The wonder kid from Kerala started practising the chops and kicks of the martial art three years ago when children of her age were busy playing. A Class I student of Taxila English Medium School at Purakkad in neighbouring Alappuzha, Varsha has become a celebrity after her achievement. She is now sought by many organisations and clubs in Kerala to demonstrate karate, her father and sensei Vinod Viswanathan, who runs the Ko-In-Chi Academy of Martial Arts at Amabalapuzha in Alappuzha District, told PTI. "Varsha, who idolises martial art veteran Bruce Lee, has extraordinary talent and has been showing her interest in this sport from the tender age of two. Seeing her interest, I started taking her regularly to the academy," he said. Once her talent became evident during preliminary training, he started imparting advanced karate techniques. At the age of four, Varsha was a brown belt holder, the first degree in Karate, and was awarded the black belt, the tenth karate grade, last year, he said. .

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Kobe jumper lifts Lakers to victory over Celtics

Published Mon, Feb 01 10 10:10 AM

Kobe Bryant made amends for a poor shooting game by sinking a spectacular game-winning jumper as the Los Angeles Lakers edged the Boston Celtics 90-89 on Sunday.

Bryant drilled a difficult 15-footer with 7.3 seconds left despite the close attendance of Ray Allen, who then went on to miss a three-point attempt as time expired to ensure the Lakers (37-11) took a satisfying win over their long-time rivals.

"I was thinking about last year when I had a chance to win a game in regulation but missed it. I wanted to make up for that," Bryant told reporters after L.A. beat Boston for the third time in a row since losing to the Celtics in the 2008 NBA Finals.

"The fans are very knowledgeable here and it's always a great place to get a win."

Bryant finished with 19 points and six assists despite 8-for-20 shooting and Andrew Bynum added 19 and 11 boards as Los Angeles captured its fourth straight win.

In a marquee matchup between the last two NBA champions, the Celtics recovered from an early deficit and looked poised to prevail when they led by 11 with less than nine minutes remaining.

DRY SPELL

However, the home team suffered a dry spell that allowed the Lakers to inch closer and the visitors pulled within one on Ron Artest's drive with 45 seconds remaining.

Artest then drew an offensive foul on Paul Pierce to set up his team's final possession.

Rajon Rondo led the way with 21 points and 12 assists for a struggling Boston (29-16), who have suffered six defeats in eight games.

Injuries and an aging roster have been of concern for the Celtics, who have compiled a mediocre 13-8 home record this season.

The Lakers took the life out of the TD Garden in the first where Bynum had 12 points for the hot-shooting visitors, who took a 30-19 advantage, before Rondo sparked a Boston comeback.

The newly named All-Star point guard scored nine in the second and the Celtics seized the momentum with a 30-10 turnaround to grab a 49-40 advantage with 3:01 left before the half.

"We came back with some energy from our bench who gave us a lift and we stuck with it and kept fighting," Rondo said.

"No matter what are offense does we have to come down and play defense."

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American Crane ends title drought in San Diego

Published>Mon, Feb 01 10 09:50 AM

American Ben Crane sank three lengthy birdie putts on his way to clinching a first PGA Tour title in more than four years with a one-shot victory at the San Diego Open on Sunday.

Crane overhauled third-round leader Ryuji Imada of Japan with three birdies in the first five holes and survived a nervy finish at Torrey Pines to card a two-under-par 70 for a 13-under total of 275.

The 33-year-old missed a three-footer to bogey the 17th but he parred the last on the brutal South Course to earn his first win on the U.S. circuit since the 2005 Milwaukee Championship.

"I was working so hard with my caddie coming down the last few holes just to not get involved in the score and outcome and all that," Crane told reporters after earning the winner's cheque for $954,000.

"It was a grind but I'm very thankful I came out on top. It's really cool to know I'm going in the right direction."

Australian Mark Leishman, the 2009 PGA Tour rookie of the year, birdied two of the last three holes for a 68 and a tie for second with compatriot Michael Sim (71) and American Brandt Snedeker (69).

South African Ernie Els was a further stroke back after closing with a 69 but the expected last-day charge by three-times champion Phil Mickelson failed to materialise.

The American world number two, making his first tournament appearance of the year, bogeyed the first three holes en route to a 73 and 19th place at eight under.

"I was really excited about playing, maybe I was a little over-anxious," Mickelson said. "I got off to a terrible start and throughout the round I didn't get much out of it."

SUPERB APPROACH

Crane began another sun-kissed day on the California coastline two strokes behind the pacesetting Imada and he recorded his first birdie at the par-four second where he struck a superb approach to three feet.

At the tricky third, he benefited from a two-shot swing to move one ahead of Imada, a lead which he never relinquished.

Crane rolled in a 45-foot birdie putt up the hill while his Japanese playing partner bogeyed after three-putting from long range.

Two holes later, the American picked up his third shot, ramming in a 22-footer and pumping his right fist in celebration after the ball disappeared into the cup.

Out in a flawless three-under 33, Crane drained a 48-footer at the par-three 11th to keep his closest challengers at bay.

"I made two putts today that you certainly never expect to make," he said of his two birdies from more than 40 feet. "I was not trying to make those putts, I was just trying to put a good stroke on it, and they happened to go in."

Crane collected his first bogey of the round at the par-five 13th, where he three-putted from 14 feet, and also stumbled at the par-four 17th when he pushed his short par putt wide of the left edge of the cup.

Despite finding the right rough off the tee at the par-five last, Crane laid up in two on the way to a regulation five and a one-stroke victory.

Australian Robert Allenby made a strong bid for his fifth PGA Tour win with five birdies in the first 13 holes but he fell out of second place by losing five shots in four holes.

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China's Ho-Pin Tung steps up with Renault

Published>Mon, Feb 01 10 09:29 AM

Ho-Pin Tung broke new ground with Renault on Sunday when be became the first Chinese driver to be named in a Formula One team line-up.

The Dutch-born 27-year-old, already the first Chinese national to drive a grand prix car, will be Renault's official third (reserve) driver this season.

Tung will also be racing in the GP2 support series with the DAMS team in Renault colours.

"This step will be the breakthrough I think in terms of media attention, of interest," he told Reuters at the launch of the new Renault F1 car.

"I will be the first Chinese guy ever who is officially part of a Formula One team and that's going to be a big thing, I think.

"It's a very nice thing. China has had a race since 2004 but never had a Chinese involvement within a team. Now they have, and I'm really looking forward to it."

Tung first tested with Williams in December 2003 after winning that year's Asian Formula BMW series, and again with Renault late last year.

He is managed by Gravity Sport Management, owned by Genii capital who recently bought a large stake in the Renault team, and had been linked to a possible race drive.

"As a driver you always want to race but in the end this is a fantastic opportunity," he said. "To be officially third driver is already a big thing. I am showing the world I am on the threshold of Formula One.

"I hope to gain as much experience as I can and gain a race drive in the near future."

Asked whether he might get a chance to drive in Friday practice in this year's Chinese Grand Prix in Shanghai, Tung said he would certainly be there.

"Never say no but for the moment that's not the case," he said of the possibility of a home track appearance.

Team principal Eric Boullier said it was unlikely to happen, given limited testing opportunities, but it depended on how the team performed.

"Depending on where we are standing on the grid, we can allow then a little bit more flexibility with our third drivers," he said.

Source: Web Search

Shooting venue opened, Games panel chief Kalmadi out of range

Published>Mon, Feb 01 10 09:28 AM

Now, game to get ready for eventDisappointed by the slow progress of preparations for the Commonwealth Games? Fume not, for you can now join in and help, at least in the virtual world.

A new online game that is fast catching on among gamers helps one "gear up to prepare for the prestigious event and show the world that Delhi is the best choice for this huge event." called 'Delhi Games 2010', the game is available on koffii.com, involves the player building roads to stadiums and Metro stations, besides providing security, before the Games organising committee comes along for inspection.

The game has been divided into various levels ? the introductory level involves making roads within a stipulated time, after which the player moves forward to build other things. "The roads in Delhi are in a pathetic state, so new roads have to be built. Set the ball rolling by constructing world-class roads and pave the way for a mind-blowing event," it says.

The game says: Be a step ahead and show how competent you are!"

Criticised for ignoring the Commonwealth Games organising committee in the January 24 inauguration of the National Stadium, the Sports ministry invited Suresh Kalmadi to the unveiling of the Karni Singh shooting range on Sunday but the committee chairman skipped the event.

Kalmadi cited prior commitments in Pune, and though committee vice-chairman Randhir Singh attended the ceremony, he made it clear that he was here as a former marksman. "I am not here to represent the organising committee," he told reporters. "I got an invitation as a former shooter."

Kalmadi, on his part, issued a statement from Pune in which he expressed happiness at the completion of the range and said his preoccupation kept him away. "As a dedicated Member of Parliament, I have to be committed to my work beyond all else," Kalmadi said.

"I am happy and proud that world-class sports infrastructure is being opened well in time for the Commonwealth Games. I was at the opening of the Ludlow Castle training centre for wrestling the other day and must say that my heart swelled with pride at the facilities on offer to the athletes," Kalmadi said in the statement.

The Sports ministry earlier drew flak for not inviting Games organising committee members when the National Stadium ? venue of hockey events ? was inaugurated on January 24.

Source: Web Search