Lyon dump Real Madrid out of Champions League

Published>Thu, Mar 11 10 04:27 AM

Big-spending Real Madrid failed to qualify for the Champions League quarter-finals for the sixth straight season when Olympique Lyon dumped the Spaniards out 2-1 on aggregate on Wednesday.

Real's dream of winning a 10th European title at their Bernabeu stadium in May was shattered by Miralem Pjanic's 75th-minute strike, which secured a 1-1 draw for visiting Lyon in the last 16 second leg after Cristiano Ronaldo's goal in the sixth minute.

"You can say it's a great achievement. We escaped the worst possible scenario in first half... Hats off to the players who gave all they had tonight. We played a superb second half and I think we deserved it," Lyon coach Claude Puel told TFI channel.

Real president Florentino Perez spent close to a quarter of a billion euros ($340 million) in the summer in a bid to end the club's Champions League drought and their latest failure raises fresh questions about the future of coach Manuel Pellegrini.

Real went top of La Liga ahead of champions Barcelona on goal difference at the weekend but the domestic league is now their only chance of silverware this season.

Real midfielder and captain Guti said the club's exit from the competition was even more painful this year given that the final was in their own stadium and criticised some of his team mates for selfish play.

"We have to be more of a team and not play so much as individuals," he told Spanish television.

"We didn't come out and perform as we should have done," he added. "It's a shame and now we have to think about the league which is all we have left. All these years have been painful and this one too, much more."

A fired-up Real started the match strongly, winning the ball immediately from the Lyon kickoff, and goalkeeper Hugo Lloris has to sprint off his line to deny Kaka.

The rampant home side were ahead soon after.

Guti lofted the ball to Ronaldo, set to lead Portugal's attack at this summer's World Cup, and the competition's top scorer this season took his tally to seven with a low finish that flew between Lloris's legs.

Gonzalo Higuain came desperately close to a second in the 26th when he rounded Lloris and had the empty goal in his sights but his angled shot bounced away off the inside of the post.

Two minutes later the Argentina striker picked up a loose ball in the area and fired a shot toward the bottom corner but Lloris palmed the ball away with a superb fingertip save.

Real were far less dominant after the break and Lyon began to create chances of their own.

Substitute Maxime Gonalons headed narrowly over, Sidney Govou miscued an effort into the crowd from a good position and striker Lisandro Lopez stung the hands of goalkeeper Iker Casillas from distance.

Pjanic stunned the home fans when he picked up a loose ball in the Real area with 15 minutes left and hammered in a volley.

As Real poured forward and gaps opened up in their defence, Lopez and Cesar Delgado were both clean through on goal but failed to finish.

Tempers frayed at the end, substitute Raul and Lyon captain Cris clashing, and the final whistle was greeted with a mixture of stunned silence and subdued whistling from the Real fans and wild euphoria from the Lyon faithful high up in the stands.

Source: Web Search

Lyon dump Real Madrid out of Champions League

Published>Thu, Mar 11 10 04:26 AM

Big-spending Real Madrid failed to qualify for the Champions League quarter-finals for the sixth straight season when Olympique Lyon dumped the Spaniards out 2-1 on aggregate on Wednesday.

Real's dream of winning a 10th European title at their Bernabeu stadium in May was shattered by Miralem Pjanic's 75th-minute strike, which secured a 1-1 draw for visiting Lyon in the last 16 second leg after Cristiano Ronaldo's goal in the sixth minute.

"You can say it's a great achievement. We escaped the worst possible scenario in first half... Hats off to the players who gave all they had tonight. We played a superb second half and I think we deserved it," Lyon coach Claude Puel told TFI channel.

Real president Florentino Perez spent close to a quarter of a billion euros ($340 million) in the summer in a bid to end the club's Champions League drought and their latest failure raises fresh questions about the future of coach Manuel Pellegrini.

Real went top of La Liga ahead of champions Barcelona on goal difference at the weekend but the domestic league is now their only chance of silverware this season.

Real midfielder and captain Guti said the club's exit from the competition was even more painful this year given that the final was in their own stadium and criticised some of his team mates for selfish play.

"We have to be more of a team and not play so much as individuals," he told Spanish television.

"We didn't come out and perform as we should have done," he added. "It's a shame and now we have to think about the league which is all we have left. All these years have been painful and this one too, much more."

A fired-up Real started the match strongly, winning the ball immediately from the Lyon kickoff, and goalkeeper Hugo Lloris has to sprint off his line to deny Kaka.

The rampant home side were ahead soon after.

Guti lofted the ball to Ronaldo, set to lead Portugal's attack at this summer's World Cup, and the competition's top scorer this season took his tally to seven with a low finish that flew between Lloris's legs.

Gonzalo Higuain came desperately close to a second in the 26th when he rounded Lloris and had the empty goal in his sights but his angled shot bounced away off the inside of the post.

Two minutes later the Argentina striker picked up a loose ball in the area and fired a shot toward the bottom corner but Lloris palmed the ball away with a superb fingertip save.

Real were far less dominant after the break and Lyon began to create chances of their own.

Substitute Maxime Gonalons headed narrowly over, Sidney Govou miscued an effort into the crowd from a good position and striker Lisandro Lopez stung the hands of goalkeeper Iker Casillas from distance.

Pjanic stunned the home fans when he picked up a loose ball in the Real area with 15 minutes left and hammered in a volley.

As Real poured forward and gaps opened up in their defence, Lopez and Cesar Delgado were both clean through on goal but failed to finish.

Tempers frayed at the end, substitute Raul and Lyon captain Cris clashing, and the final whistle was greeted with a mixture of stunned silence and subdued whistling from the Real fans and wild euphoria from the Lyon faithful high up in the stands.

Source: Web Search

Windies seamers skittle Zimbabwe

Published Thu, Mar 11 10 03:48 AM

West Indies enjoyed a crushing 141 run victory over Zimbabwe to take a 2-1 lead in their five match one day series after dismissing the tourists for just 104 at Arnos Vale in St Vincent.

Seamers Darren Sammy and Kemar Roach ripped through the Zimbabwe batting line-up after a Shivnarine Chanderpaul half-century had helped West Indies to a solid 245 for nine from their allotted 50 overs.

Openers Chris Gayle (33) and Adrian Barath (35) gave the home side a steady start before Chanderpaul and Denesh Ramdin put on 65 for the third wicket and Dwayne Bravo led a late flurry to boost the total.

But the game was won with the pace of Roach (3-28) and the intelligent medium pace of Sammy (4-26) with Hamilton Masakadza (35) the only Zimbabwe batsman to establish himself.

Zimbabwe made a decent start and reached 51 inside 10 overs before the second wicket fell.

The tourists never recovered though from the loss of four wickets for seven runs with Sammy and Roach taking full advantage of a wicket which offered help to the seamers.

Sammy would have had five wickets had Gayle not dropped a relatively straightforward catch at slip, having earlier taken a superb one-handed grab to dismiss Greg Lamb off Roach.

"It was definitely a team effort and I am very happy with the result," said Gayle.

"Well done Darren Sammy, he could have got five wickets and it was my fault he didn't.

"I am sure Zimbabwe will come back hard at us on Friday and we shouldn't get carried away now."

The series concludes with games on Friday and Sunday and Zimbabwe skipper Prosper Utseya said he expected a better display.

"We just failed to bat properly, we thought we could chase that total but we didn't bat well. They made use of the conditions, they bowled in the right areas and deserved the win," he said.

Source: Web Search

Windies seamers skittle Zimbabwe

Published Thu, Mar 11 10 03:47 AM

West Indies enjoyed a crushing 141 run victory over Zimbabwe to take a 2-1 lead in their five match one day series after dismissing the tourists for just 104 at Arnos Vale in St Vincent.

Seamers Darren Sammy and Kemar Roach ripped through the Zimbabwe batting line-up after a Shivnarine Chanderpaul half-century had helped West Indies to a solid 245 for nine from their allotted 50 overs.

Openers Chris Gayle (33) and Adrian Barath (35) gave the home side a steady start before Chanderpaul and Denesh Ramdin put on 65 for the third wicket and Dwayne Bravo led a late flurry to boost the total.

But the game was won with the pace of Roach (3-28) and the intelligent medium pace of Sammy (4-26) with Hamilton Masakadza (35) the only Zimbabwe batsman to establish himself.

Zimbabwe made a decent start and reached 51 inside 10 overs before the second wicket fell.

The tourists never recovered though from the loss of four wickets for seven runs with Sammy and Roach taking full advantage of a wicket which offered help to the seamers.

Sammy would have had five wickets had Gayle not dropped a relatively straightforward catch at slip, having earlier taken a superb one-handed grab to dismiss Greg Lamb off Roach.

"It was definitely a team effort and I am very happy with the result," said Gayle.

"Well done Darren Sammy, he could have got five wickets and it was my fault he didn't.

"I am sure Zimbabwe will come back hard at us on Friday and we shouldn't get carried away now."

The series concludes with games on Friday and Sunday and Zimbabwe skipper Prosper Utseya said he expected a better display.

"We just failed to bat properly, we thought we could chase that total but we didn't bat well. They made use of the conditions, they bowled in the right areas and deserved the win," he said.

Source: Web Search

Marion Jones starts new career in basketball

Published>Thu, Mar 11 10 03:28 AM

Tulsa (Oklahoma), March 11 (DPA) Disgraced sprinter Marion Jones signed a free-agent contract Wednesday to play basketball in the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) with the Tulsa Shock.

The 34-year-old was stripped of the 100m, 200m, 4x400m Olympic gold medals she won at Sydney as well as her 4x100m and long jump bronze medals after admitting in 2007 that she was using forbidden doping substances at the time of the Games in 2000, as part of the Balco lab scandal.

Jones, who announced last November that she intended making a sporting comeback in basketball, played the sport in college for North Carolina and won a national college championship with the Tar Heels in 1994.

'The WNBA players are the greatest womens basketball players in the world. I welcome my chance to play alongside them,' Jones said at a press conference in Tulsa.

In 2008, Jones spent nearly six months in prison after pleading guilty to perjury after admitted lying to federal investigators about her use of performance-enhancing drugs.

Source: Web Search

Marion Jones starts new career in basketball

Published>Thu, Mar 11 10 03:27 AM

Tulsa (Oklahoma), March 11 (DPA) Disgraced sprinter Marion Jones signed a free-agent contract Wednesday to play basketball in the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) with the Tulsa Shock.

The 34-year-old was stripped of the 100m, 200m, 4x400m Olympic gold medals she won at Sydney as well as her 4x100m and long jump bronze medals after admitting in 2007 that she was using forbidden doping substances at the time of the Games in 2000, as part of the Balco lab scandal.

Jones, who announced last November that she intended making a sporting comeback in basketball, played the sport in college for North Carolina and won a national college championship with the Tar Heels in 1994.

'The WNBA players are the greatest womens basketball players in the world. I welcome my chance to play alongside them,' Jones said at a press conference in Tulsa.

In 2008, Jones spent nearly six months in prison after pleading guilty to perjury after admitted lying to federal investigators about her use of performance-enhancing drugs.

Source: Web Search

English side Chester City wound up by High Court

Published Thu, Mar 11 10 02:46 AM

Debt-ridden English minor league side Chester City were wound up by the High Court on Wednesday, the Press Association reported.

The 126-year-old club had been expelled from the Football Conference (fifth division) last month for failure to pay taxes of 26,125 pounds ($38,970) and without any court representation their fate was inevitable.

Chester were formed in 1885 and reached the League Cup semi-finals in 1975. They were a Football League club until their relegation to the Conference 10 years ago.

They won promotion back to League Two in 2004 but were relegated again last season. Their record in this season's Conference has been expunged.

Also in court on Wednesday were Championship (second division) club Cardiff City and League One (third division) Southend United but both clubs avoided winding-up orders.

Cardiff have 56 days to pay off arrears of about 1.9 million pounds and Southend have a shorter timeframe to settle debts of 411,000 pounds.

The most high profile English club facing serious financial problems are Premier League Portsmouth who last month went into administration with debts of almost 80 million pounds.

Source: Web Search

English side Chester City wound up by High Court

Published Thu, Mar 11 10 02:46 AM

Debt-ridden English minor league side Chester City were wound up by the High Court on Wednesday, the Press Association reported.

The 126-year-old club had been expelled from the Football Conference (fifth division) last month for failure to pay taxes of 26,125 pounds ($38,970) and without any court representation their fate was inevitable.

Chester were formed in 1885 and reached the League Cup semi-finals in 1975. They were a Football League club until their relegation to the Conference 10 years ago.

They won promotion back to League Two in 2004 but were relegated again last season. Their record in this season's Conference has been expunged.

Also in court on Wednesday were Championship (second division) club Cardiff City and League One (third division) Southend United but both clubs avoided winding-up orders.

Cardiff have 56 days to pay off arrears of about 1.9 million pounds and Southend have a shorter timeframe to settle debts of 411,000 pounds.

The most high profile English club facing serious financial problems are Premier League Portsmouth who last month went into administration with debts of almost 80 million pounds.

Source: Web Search

Portsmouth axe 85 jobs

Published Thu, Mar 11 10 02:26 AM

Premier League Portsmouth will complete their fixtures this season, administrator Andrew Andronikou said on Wednesday after announcing that 85 jobs were being axed at the debt-laden club.

"In line with financial restructuring of the club, we have unfortunately had to make 85 employees redundant," Andronikou said in a statement on the club's website (www.portsmouthfc.co.uk).

"I would like to reiterate the fact the club will fulfil its fixture list this season and will begin the new season in August 2010."

No players were among the redundancies.

Portsmouth are due back in the High Court next week as revenue and customs officers have questioned the process with which they went into voluntary administration last month -- a move that prevented them being wound up.

The south coast club, who are bottom of the league and have debts of around 78 million pounds ($116.4 million), became the first Premier League club to enter administration last month.

Source: Web Search

Portsmouth axe 85 jobs

Published Thu, Mar 11 10 02:26 AM

Premier League Portsmouth will complete their fixtures this season, administrator Andrew Andronikou said on Wednesday after announcing that 85 jobs were being axed at the debt-laden club.

"In line with financial restructuring of the club, we have unfortunately had to make 85 employees redundant," Andronikou said in a statement on the club's website (www.portsmouthfc.co.uk).

"I would like to reiterate the fact the club will fulfil its fixture list this season and will begin the new season in August 2010."

No players were among the redundancies.

Portsmouth are due back in the High Court next week as revenue and customs officers have questioned the process with which they went into voluntary administration last month -- a move that prevented them being wound up.

The south coast club, who are bottom of the league and have debts of around 78 million pounds ($116.4 million), became the first Premier League club to enter administration last month.

Source: Web Search

Marion Jones to play in WNBA

Published Thu, Mar 11 10 01:06 AM

Disgraced Olympic sprinter Marion Jones signed a contract on Wednesday to play with the WNBA's Tulsa Shock in a bid to revive her athletic career.

The WNBA marks a second chance for Jones, who was stripped of five Olympic medals for using performance-enhancing drugs and sent to prison for lying about her steroid use, which ended her track career.

"I'm extremely excited to join the team and the WNBA," Jones said in a statement on the WNBA website (www.wnba.com). "After a lot of thought, I realized this is a great fit for me because of coach Richardson's uptempo style of play."

Jones attended the University of North Carolina on a basketball scholarship, where she played point guard and helped lead the Tar Heels to a 92-10 record over three seasons and a national championship in 1994.

Drafted by the Phoenix Mercury in the third round of 2003 WNBA draft, Jones still ranks fifth on North Carolina's career assist list, third in steals and seventh in blocks.

Jones is sure to bring some badly needed attention to the WNBA and Shock coach Nolan Richardson said he is confident the 34-year-old former-sprint queen will be able to rediscover her college form.

"Watching her go through drills, I saw a player who's perfect for our system," said Richardson. "The one thing I do know is she can run, and any player on my team who wants to be successful needs to be able to run."

Jones won three golds and two bronzes for the United States at the 2000 Sydney Olympics, where she was the golden girl and smiling face of the Games. But she was sentenced to six months in jail in January 2008 for lying to federal prosecutors about using performance-enhancing drugs.

"She made some ill-advised decisions in the past, but everyone deserves a second chance to excel at something they love," said Shock president Steve Swetoha. "The city of Tulsa gave a struggling franchise from Detroit a second chance, and I'm confident it will do the same for Marion."

Source: Web Search

Marion Jones to play in WNBA

Published Thu, Mar 11 10 01:06 AM

Disgraced Olympic sprinter Marion Jones signed a contract on Wednesday to play with the WNBA's Tulsa Shock in a bid to revive her athletic career.

The WNBA marks a second chance for Jones, who was stripped of five Olympic medals for using performance-enhancing drugs and sent to prison for lying about her steroid use, which ended her track career.

"I'm extremely excited to join the team and the WNBA," Jones said in a statement on the WNBA website (www.wnba.com). "After a lot of thought, I realized this is a great fit for me because of coach Richardson's uptempo style of play."

Jones attended the University of North Carolina on a basketball scholarship, where she played point guard and helped lead the Tar Heels to a 92-10 record over three seasons and a national championship in 1994.

Drafted by the Phoenix Mercury in the third round of 2003 WNBA draft, Jones still ranks fifth on North Carolina's career assist list, third in steals and seventh in blocks.

Jones is sure to bring some badly needed attention to the WNBA and Shock coach Nolan Richardson said he is confident the 34-year-old former-sprint queen will be able to rediscover her college form.

"Watching her go through drills, I saw a player who's perfect for our system," said Richardson. "The one thing I do know is she can run, and any player on my team who wants to be successful needs to be able to run."

Jones won three golds and two bronzes for the United States at the 2000 Sydney Olympics, where she was the golden girl and smiling face of the Games. But she was sentenced to six months in jail in January 2008 for lying to federal prosecutors about using performance-enhancing drugs.

"She made some ill-advised decisions in the past, but everyone deserves a second chance to excel at something they love," said Shock president Steve Swetoha. "The city of Tulsa gave a struggling franchise from Detroit a second chance, and I'm confident it will do the same for Marion."

Source: Web Search

Voigt eying for last ride on the Champs Elysees

Published>Thu, Mar 11 10 12:56 AM

Less than eight months after an horrific crash on the Tour de France, Jens Voigt is already looking ahead to this year's race.

The 38-year-old German, who suffered a cheekbone fracture and a concussion when he fell in the descent from the Col du Petit St Bernard last July, snatched the Paris-Nice race's yellow jersey on Wednesday.

But it was not an easy journey for the experienced Saxo Bank rider.

"At the Tour Down Under, I was not in good shape," he told reporters after Wednesday's third stage on the Paris-Nice race.

"I then went to training in Mallorca with the Schleck brothers (Andy and Frank) and took part in the Trophy of Mallorca."

Voigt showed he was back to business when he took fourth place overall in the Ruta del Sol and on Wednesday, he was not far from winning the third stage of Paris-Nice.

"After the last climb, I was really on the edge. Alberto (Contador) wanted me to help him in the final kilometres but I was really exhausted," said Voigt, the oldest rider in the race.

The German was fourth in a stage won by Slovakia's Peter Sagan, who at 20 is the youngest man in the field.

"He could be my son," said Voigt.

"Really, I think they should have a distinctive grey jersey for riders over 35."

Retirement is now looming for Voigt but the German wants to ride the Champs Elysees on his bike once more before leaving the peloton.

"I do not want to leave it after that stupid crash," he said.

"I want to see the Champs Elysees, say thank you and goodbye to the Tour de France."

This year's Tour would be Voigt's 13th, three shy of Dutchman Joop Zoetemelk's record of 16 participations.

Source: Web Search

Voigt eying for last ride on the Champs Elysees

Published>Thu, Mar 11 10 12:56 AM

Less than eight months after an horrific crash on the Tour de France, Jens Voigt is already looking ahead to this year's race.

The 38-year-old German, who suffered a cheekbone fracture and a concussion when he fell in the descent from the Col du Petit St Bernard last July, snatched the Paris-Nice race's yellow jersey on Wednesday.

But it was not an easy journey for the experienced Saxo Bank rider.

"At the Tour Down Under, I was not in good shape," he told reporters after Wednesday's third stage on the Paris-Nice race.

"I then went to training in Mallorca with the Schleck brothers (Andy and Frank) and took part in the Trophy of Mallorca."

Voigt showed he was back to business when he took fourth place overall in the Ruta del Sol and on Wednesday, he was not far from winning the third stage of Paris-Nice.

"After the last climb, I was really on the edge. Alberto (Contador) wanted me to help him in the final kilometres but I was really exhausted," said Voigt, the oldest rider in the race.

The German was fourth in a stage won by Slovakia's Peter Sagan, who at 20 is the youngest man in the field.

"He could be my son," said Voigt.

"Really, I think they should have a distinctive grey jersey for riders over 35."

Retirement is now looming for Voigt but the German wants to ride the Champs Elysees on his bike once more before leaving the peloton.

"I do not want to leave it after that stupid crash," he said.

"I want to see the Champs Elysees, say thank you and goodbye to the Tour de France."

This year's Tour would be Voigt's 13th, three shy of Dutchman Joop Zoetemelk's record of 16 participations.

Source: Web Search

Bangladesh's Raqibul announces surprise retirement

Published Thu, Mar 11 10 12:12 AM

Batsman Raqibul Hasan threw the Bangladesh team into disarray on Wednesday after announcing his international retirement just two days before the start of the first test against England.

The middle order batsman handed manager Shafiqul Haque a letter in the afternoon after a practice session before flying out of Chittagong, where first test between Bangladesh and England will begin on Friday.

"We have got a letter from Raqibul saying he has retired from all forms of international cricket. He did not mention any reason," Bangladesh Cricket Board spokesman Jalal Yunus said.

Raqibul, 22, was dropped from the one-dayers but made his way back into the side for test series with an unbeaten century and a fifty in a three-day warm-up match against the tourists.

He was not immediately available for comment.

Source: Web Search

Bangladesh's Raqibul announces surprise retirement

Published Thu, Mar 11 10 12:12 AM

Batsman Raqibul Hasan threw the Bangladesh team into disarray on Wednesday after announcing his international retirement just two days before the start of the first test against England.

The middle order batsman handed manager Shafiqul Haque a letter in the afternoon after a practice session before flying out of Chittagong, where first test between Bangladesh and England will begin on Friday.

"We have got a letter from Raqibul saying he has retired from all forms of international cricket. He did not mention any reason," Bangladesh Cricket Board spokesman Jalal Yunus said.

Raqibul, 22, was dropped from the one-dayers but made his way back into the side for test series with an unbeaten century and a fifty in a three-day warm-up match against the tourists.

He was not immediately available for comment.

Source: Web Search

ANALYSIS - Dream on United fans, Glazers don't have to sell

Published>Thu, Mar 11 10 12:06 AM

Manchester United fans hoping another group can buy the Premier League champions from the Glazers can stop dreaming, said analysts and bankers.

They stressed the American family does not need to sell one of the world's most valuable sports clubs despite heavy debts.

As the Glazers' spokesman told Reuters on Wednesday: "Manchester United is not for sale".

Fans and a group of investors called the 'Red Knights' who are pushing for a change in ownership are, they said, forgetting one thing -- despite debts of 716.5 million pounds ($1.07 billion) the Glazer family does not need to sell the club.

"It's a group of fans," one U.S. banker, who asked not to be identified, said of the Red Knights group that includes former English Football League chairman Keith Harris.

"You can't do a hostile takeover of a privately held enterprise, so what are they talking about? Why would the Glazers sell?" the banker said, calling the idea a "fantasyland".

The Glazers, who also own the Tampa Bay Buccaneers National Football League team, bought United in 2005 for about 790 million pounds despite opposition from debt-wary fans.

The Red Knights said this month they were looking into a possible bid for the Old Trafford club that Forbes magazine last year valued at $1.87 billion.

WON'T OVERPAY

The investor group, which also includes Goldman Sachs chief economist Jim O'Neill, has pledged up to 1.5 billion pounds in its bid, according to the London Times, but the Red Knights said it would not overpay.

While the Glazers have stayed mum on a possible deal, United chief executive David Gill said last week the Glazers would not bow to pressure to force them out.

A U.S. banker working on the sale of English Championship (second division) club Sheffield Wednesday agreed.

"There's nothing forcing them to entertain selling," Robert Tillis, CEO of Inner Circle Sports said of the Glazers. "They're long-term holders. They've said that pretty consistently."

Those who know the family said the speculation swirls because the Glazers are so tight-lipped, a strong family trait.

"Their history is buy and hold," said Marc Ganis, president of Chicago-based sports consulting firm Sportcorp Ltd. "Now, it may be buy and refinance and hold, and then look at refinancing again... but they retain their assets. They don't flip them.

'FORESEEABLE FUTURE'

"I have every expectation they're going to keep Manchester United not just for the foreseeable future, but perhaps into the next generation of family members," he added.

The Glazers, who have owned the Buccaneers since January 1995, launched a bond issue last month to raise 500 million pounds in a bid to realign United's debts, which Gill has called easily sustainable.

For fans thinking a local owner would fare better, Ganis and several bankers said buyers would face the same pressure because they would have to purchase the club at a higher price than the Glazers paid and probably use debt to finance a deal.

The Red Knights have said any new ownership would "put the club on sound financial footing".

Nevertheless, the Glazers have their supporters in the United States, where they led the Buccaneers to a 2003 Super Bowl championship although the NFL team has hit lean times in the last several years.

The Glazers are also appreciated for their support of charitable causes in the Tampa area, where a children's museum sporting the family name is due to open later this year.

"These are folks that have made a lot of roots in the community," said Rob Higgins, executive director of the Tampa Bay Sports Commission, which promotes amateur sports activities and received a $2 million commitment from the Glazers.

Analysts said selling United would likely be the last choice for the Glazers.

"This is a primo property," said Robert Boland, professor of sports management at New York University. "You don't want to sell them if you can (help it)."

Source: Web Search

ANALYSIS - Dream on United fans, Glazers don't have to sell

Published>Thu, Mar 11 10 12:06 AM

Manchester United fans hoping another group can buy the Premier League champions from the Glazers can stop dreaming, said analysts and bankers.

They stressed the American family does not need to sell one of the world's most valuable sports clubs despite heavy debts.

As the Glazers' spokesman told Reuters on Wednesday: "Manchester United is not for sale".

Fans and a group of investors called the 'Red Knights' who are pushing for a change in ownership are, they said, forgetting one thing -- despite debts of 716.5 million pounds ($1.07 billion) the Glazer family does not need to sell the club.

"It's a group of fans," one U.S. banker, who asked not to be identified, said of the Red Knights group that includes former English Football League chairman Keith Harris.

"You can't do a hostile takeover of a privately held enterprise, so what are they talking about? Why would the Glazers sell?" the banker said, calling the idea a "fantasyland".

The Glazers, who also own the Tampa Bay Buccaneers National Football League team, bought United in 2005 for about 790 million pounds despite opposition from debt-wary fans.

The Red Knights said this month they were looking into a possible bid for the Old Trafford club that Forbes magazine last year valued at $1.87 billion.

WON'T OVERPAY

The investor group, which also includes Goldman Sachs chief economist Jim O'Neill, has pledged up to 1.5 billion pounds in its bid, according to the London Times, but the Red Knights said it would not overpay.

While the Glazers have stayed mum on a possible deal, United chief executive David Gill said last week the Glazers would not bow to pressure to force them out.

A U.S. banker working on the sale of English Championship (second division) club Sheffield Wednesday agreed.

"There's nothing forcing them to entertain selling," Robert Tillis, CEO of Inner Circle Sports said of the Glazers. "They're long-term holders. They've said that pretty consistently."

Those who know the family said the speculation swirls because the Glazers are so tight-lipped, a strong family trait.

"Their history is buy and hold," said Marc Ganis, president of Chicago-based sports consulting firm Sportcorp Ltd. "Now, it may be buy and refinance and hold, and then look at refinancing again... but they retain their assets. They don't flip them.

'FORESEEABLE FUTURE'

"I have every expectation they're going to keep Manchester United not just for the foreseeable future, but perhaps into the next generation of family members," he added.

The Glazers, who have owned the Buccaneers since January 1995, launched a bond issue last month to raise 500 million pounds in a bid to realign United's debts, which Gill has called easily sustainable.

For fans thinking a local owner would fare better, Ganis and several bankers said buyers would face the same pressure because they would have to purchase the club at a higher price than the Glazers paid and probably use debt to finance a deal.

The Red Knights have said any new ownership would "put the club on sound financial footing".

Nevertheless, the Glazers have their supporters in the United States, where they led the Buccaneers to a 2003 Super Bowl championship although the NFL team has hit lean times in the last several years.

The Glazers are also appreciated for their support of charitable causes in the Tampa area, where a children's museum sporting the family name is due to open later this year.

"These are folks that have made a lot of roots in the community," said Rob Higgins, executive director of the Tampa Bay Sports Commission, which promotes amateur sports activities and received a $2 million commitment from the Glazers.

Analysts said selling United would likely be the last choice for the Glazers.

"This is a primo property," said Robert Boland, professor of sports management at New York University. "You don't want to sell them if you can (help it)."

Source: Web Search

Bangladesh's Raqibul announces surprise retirement

Published Wed, Mar 10 10 11:26 PM

Batsman Raqibul Hasan threw the Bangladesh team into disarray on Wednesday after announcing his international retirement just two days before the start of the first test against England.

The middle order batsman handed manager Shafiqul Haque a letter in the afternoon after a practice session before flying out of Chittagong, where first test between Bangladesh and England will begin on Friday.

"We have got a letter from Raqibul saying he has retired from all forms of international cricket. He did not mention any reason," Bangladesh Cricket Board spokesman Jalal Yunus said.

Raqibul, 22, was dropped from the one-dayers but made his way back into the side for test series with an unbeaten century and a fifty in a three-day warm-up match against the tourists.

He was not immediately available for comment.

Source: Web Search

Bangladesh's Raqibul announces surprise retirement

Published Wed, Mar 10 10 11:26 PM

Batsman Raqibul Hasan threw the Bangladesh team into disarray on Wednesday after announcing his international retirement just two days before the start of the first test against England.

The middle order batsman handed manager Shafiqul Haque a letter in the afternoon after a practice session before flying out of Chittagong, where first test between Bangladesh and England will begin on Friday.

"We have got a letter from Raqibul saying he has retired from all forms of international cricket. He did not mention any reason," Bangladesh Cricket Board spokesman Jalal Yunus said.

Raqibul, 22, was dropped from the one-dayers but made his way back into the side for test series with an unbeaten century and a fifty in a three-day warm-up match against the tourists.

He was not immediately available for comment.

Source: Web Search

ANALYSIS - Dream on United fans, Glazers don't have to sell

Published>Wed, Mar 10 10 11:06 PM

Manchester United fans hoping another group can buy the Premier League champions from the Glazers can stop dreaming, said analysts and bankers.

They stressed the American family does not need to sell one of the world's most valuable sports clubs despite heavy debts.

As the Glazers' spokesman told Reuters on Wednesday: "Manchester United is not for sale".

Fans and a group of investors called the 'Red Knights' who are pushing for a change in ownership are, they said, forgetting one thing -- despite debts of 716.5 million pounds ($1.07 billion) the Glazer family does not need to sell the club.

"It's a group of fans," one U.S. banker, who asked not to be identified, said of the Red Knights group that includes former English Football League chairman Keith Harris.

"You can't do a hostile takeover of a privately held enterprise, so what are they talking about? Why would the Glazers sell?" the banker said, calling the idea a "fantasyland".

The Glazers, who also own the Tampa Bay Buccaneers National Football League team, bought United in 2005 for about 790 million pounds despite opposition from debt-wary fans.

The Red Knights said this month they were looking into a possible bid for the Old Trafford club that Forbes magazine last year valued at $1.87 billion.

WON'T OVERPAY

The investor group, which also includes Goldman Sachs chief economist Jim O'Neill, has pledged up to 1.5 billion pounds in its bid, according to the London Times, but the Red Knights said it would not overpay.

While the Glazers have stayed mum on a possible deal, United chief executive David Gill said last week the Glazers would not bow to pressure to force them out.

A U.S. banker working on the sale of English Championship (second division) club Sheffield Wednesday agreed.

"There's nothing forcing them to entertain selling," Robert Tillis, CEO of Inner Circle Sports said of the Glazers. "They're long-term holders. They've said that pretty consistently."

Those who know the family said the speculation swirls because the Glazers are so tight-lipped, a strong family trait.

"Their history is buy and hold," said Marc Ganis, president of Chicago-based sports consulting firm Sportcorp Ltd. "Now, it may be buy and refinance and hold, and then look at refinancing again... but they retain their assets. They don't flip them.

'FORESEEABLE FUTURE'

"I have every expectation they're going to keep Manchester United not just for the foreseeable future, but perhaps into the next generation of family members," he added.

The Glazers, who have owned the Buccaneers since January 1995, launched a bond issue last month to raise 500 million pounds in a bid to realign United's debts, which Gill has called easily sustainable.

For fans thinking a local owner would fare better, Ganis and several bankers said buyers would face the same pressure because they would have to purchase the club at a higher price than the Glazers paid and probably use debt to finance a deal.

The Red Knights have said any new ownership would "put the club on sound financial footing".

Nevertheless, the Glazers have their supporters in the United States, where they led the Buccaneers to a 2003 Super Bowl championship although the NFL team has hit lean times in the last several years.

The Glazers are also appreciated for their support of charitable causes in the Tampa area, where a children's museum sporting the family name is due to open later this year.

"These are folks that have made a lot of roots in the community," said Rob Higgins, executive director of the Tampa Bay Sports Commission, which promotes amateur sports activities and received a $2 million commitment from the Glazers.

Analysts said selling United would likely be the last choice for the Glazers.

"This is a primo property," said Robert Boland, professor of sports management at New York University. "You don't want to sell them if you can (help it)."

Source: Web Search

ANALYSIS - Dream on United fans, Glazers don't have to sell

Published>Wed, Mar 10 10 11:06 PM

Manchester United fans hoping another group can buy the Premier League champions from the Glazers can stop dreaming, said analysts and bankers.

They stressed the American family does not need to sell one of the world's most valuable sports clubs despite heavy debts.

As the Glazers' spokesman told Reuters on Wednesday: "Manchester United is not for sale".

Fans and a group of investors called the 'Red Knights' who are pushing for a change in ownership are, they said, forgetting one thing -- despite debts of 716.5 million pounds ($1.07 billion) the Glazer family does not need to sell the club.

"It's a group of fans," one U.S. banker, who asked not to be identified, said of the Red Knights group that includes former English Football League chairman Keith Harris.

"You can't do a hostile takeover of a privately held enterprise, so what are they talking about? Why would the Glazers sell?" the banker said, calling the idea a "fantasyland".

The Glazers, who also own the Tampa Bay Buccaneers National Football League team, bought United in 2005 for about 790 million pounds despite opposition from debt-wary fans.

The Red Knights said this month they were looking into a possible bid for the Old Trafford club that Forbes magazine last year valued at $1.87 billion.

WON'T OVERPAY

The investor group, which also includes Goldman Sachs chief economist Jim O'Neill, has pledged up to 1.5 billion pounds in its bid, according to the London Times, but the Red Knights said it would not overpay.

While the Glazers have stayed mum on a possible deal, United chief executive David Gill said last week the Glazers would not bow to pressure to force them out.

A U.S. banker working on the sale of English Championship (second division) club Sheffield Wednesday agreed.

"There's nothing forcing them to entertain selling," Robert Tillis, CEO of Inner Circle Sports said of the Glazers. "They're long-term holders. They've said that pretty consistently."

Those who know the family said the speculation swirls because the Glazers are so tight-lipped, a strong family trait.

"Their history is buy and hold," said Marc Ganis, president of Chicago-based sports consulting firm Sportcorp Ltd. "Now, it may be buy and refinance and hold, and then look at refinancing again... but they retain their assets. They don't flip them.

'FORESEEABLE FUTURE'

"I have every expectation they're going to keep Manchester United not just for the foreseeable future, but perhaps into the next generation of family members," he added.

The Glazers, who have owned the Buccaneers since January 1995, launched a bond issue last month to raise 500 million pounds in a bid to realign United's debts, which Gill has called easily sustainable.

For fans thinking a local owner would fare better, Ganis and several bankers said buyers would face the same pressure because they would have to purchase the club at a higher price than the Glazers paid and probably use debt to finance a deal.

The Red Knights have said any new ownership would "put the club on sound financial footing".

Nevertheless, the Glazers have their supporters in the United States, where they led the Buccaneers to a 2003 Super Bowl championship although the NFL team has hit lean times in the last several years.

The Glazers are also appreciated for their support of charitable causes in the Tampa area, where a children's museum sporting the family name is due to open later this year.

"These are folks that have made a lot of roots in the community," said Rob Higgins, executive director of the Tampa Bay Sports Commission, which promotes amateur sports activities and received a $2 million commitment from the Glazers.

Analysts said selling United would likely be the last choice for the Glazers.

"This is a primo property," said Robert Boland, professor of sports management at New York University. "You don't want to sell them if you can (help it)."

Source: Web Search

Umpire Taufel crosses 150th ODI milestone

Published Wed, Mar 10 10 10:52 PM

Dubai, Mar 10 (PTI) Australian Simon Taufel today joined the exclusive club of five umpires who have officiated in 150 or more ODIs during the West Indies-Zimbabwe match in St Vincent. Taufel, 39, made his international debut on January 13, 1999 in a match between Australia and Sri Lanka in Sydney and since then has gone on to become one of the game''s most respected officials, also standing in 61 Tests so far. A member of the Emirates Elite Panel of ICC Umpires for seven years, he stood in the 2003 and 2007 ICC Cricket World Cups and was named Umpire of the Year at the LG ICC Awards in 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008. Taufel has also stood in such high-profile events as the Champions Trophy, World Twenty20 and Super Series Test between Australia and the ICC World XI in Sydney in 2005. "I feel very fortunate to be doing something I really love within our great sport. I am lucky to have such a great support team behind me, led by my wife and family. "Umpiring is essentially a mental exercise. It''s about being mentally fit and keeping at top of my game. There is a strong team aspect to umpiring and am grateful to my umpiring colleagues for their support over the years," he said. "I am thankful for opportunities provided by Cricket New South Wales, Cricket Australia and ICC. For me umpiring is about giving back to the sport rather than milestone." Other umpires in 150-ODI club: Rudi Koertzen (204); Steve Bucknor (181); David Shepherd (172); Daryl Harper (161). PTI PDS

Source: Web Search

Umpire Taufel crosses 150th ODI milestone

Published Wed, Mar 10 10 10:52 PM

Dubai, Mar 10 (PTI) Australian Simon Taufel today joined the exclusive club of five umpires who have officiated in 150 or more ODIs during the West Indies-Zimbabwe match in St Vincent. Taufel, 39, made his international debut on January 13, 1999 in a match between Australia and Sri Lanka in Sydney and since then has gone on to become one of the game''s most respected officials, also standing in 61 Tests so far. A member of the Emirates Elite Panel of ICC Umpires for seven years, he stood in the 2003 and 2007 ICC Cricket World Cups and was named Umpire of the Year at the LG ICC Awards in 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008. Taufel has also stood in such high-profile events as the Champions Trophy, World Twenty20 and Super Series Test between Australia and the ICC World XI in Sydney in 2005. "I feel very fortunate to be doing something I really love within our great sport. I am lucky to have such a great support team behind me, led by my wife and family. "Umpiring is essentially a mental exercise. It''s about being mentally fit and keeping at top of my game. There is a strong team aspect to umpiring and am grateful to my umpiring colleagues for their support over the years," he said. "I am thankful for opportunities provided by Cricket New South Wales, Cricket Australia and ICC. For me umpiring is about giving back to the sport rather than milestone." Other umpires in 150-ODI club: Rudi Koertzen (204); Steve Bucknor (181); David Shepherd (172); Daryl Harper (161). PTI PDS

Source: Web Search

Harrington to celebrate St Patrick's Day with Obama

Published>Wed, Mar 10 10 10:46 PM

Two-times British Open winner Padraig Harrington will be a guest of U.S president Barack Obama at the White House St Patrick's Day party next week, the Irish golfer told reporters on Wednesday.

"I got an invite to go to the St Patrick's Day celebrations at the White House, I won't say it's perfectly convenient, but it's worked out obviously as I'm in the States," said Harrington, who will be playing at a tournament near Tampa in Florida next week.

"I can fly up and come back down in the same day and meet the President - it's very nice," said the 38-year-old.

Dubliner Harrington, ranked 13th in the world and in the States for this week's WGC-CA Championship at Doral, said he was hoping to get a chance to evaluate the president at close range.

"I'm looking forward to it. It's something different. You know, obviously President Obama is one of the most charismatic people of the world, one of the most powerful people in the world; you want to meet these people and see what they are like and get your own judgment on things.

"You can tell a lot when you meet somebody, so I'm looking forward to that and plus, I've never been to the White House."

Source: Web Search

Harrington to celebrate St Patrick's Day with Obama

Published>Wed, Mar 10 10 10:46 PM

Two-times British Open winner Padraig Harrington will be a guest of U.S president Barack Obama at the White House St Patrick's Day party next week, the Irish golfer told reporters on Wednesday.

"I got an invite to go to the St Patrick's Day celebrations at the White House, I won't say it's perfectly convenient, but it's worked out obviously as I'm in the States," said Harrington, who will be playing at a tournament near Tampa in Florida next week.

"I can fly up and come back down in the same day and meet the President - it's very nice," said the 38-year-old.

Dubliner Harrington, ranked 13th in the world and in the States for this week's WGC-CA Championship at Doral, said he was hoping to get a chance to evaluate the president at close range.

"I'm looking forward to it. It's something different. You know, obviously President Obama is one of the most charismatic people of the world, one of the most powerful people in the world; you want to meet these people and see what they are like and get your own judgment on things.

"You can tell a lot when you meet somebody, so I'm looking forward to that and plus, I've never been to the White House."

Source: Web Search

Top U.S. sprinter Williams withdraws from worlds

Published>Wed, Mar 10 10 10:26 PM

American world indoor sprint favourite Ivory Williams has withdrawn from this weekend's IAAF championships citing personal reasons, a team spokeswoman said on Wednesday.

"He is not in Doha and has withdrawn for personal reasons," USA Track & Field spokeswoman Vicky Oddi told Reuters.

She would not elaborate on why Williams had pulled out of the championships, which begin on Friday.

The 24-year-old former world junior champion ran the fastest 60 metres time in the world this season, 6.49 seconds, to win the American indoor championships on Feb. 28.

He had been expected to clash with British European champion Dwain Chambers for the world title.

Source: Web Search

Top U.S. sprinter Williams withdraws from worlds

Published>Wed, Mar 10 10 10:26 PM

American world indoor sprint favourite Ivory Williams has withdrawn from this weekend's IAAF championships citing personal reasons, a team spokeswoman said on Wednesday.

"He is not in Doha and has withdrawn for personal reasons," USA Track & Field spokeswoman Vicky Oddi told Reuters.

She would not elaborate on why Williams had pulled out of the championships, which begin on Friday.

The 24-year-old former world junior champion ran the fastest 60 metres time in the world this season, 6.49 seconds, to win the American indoor championships on Feb. 28.

He had been expected to clash with British European champion Dwain Chambers for the world title.

Source: Web Search

Tanveer advised 4-month rest after surgery

Published Wed, Mar 10 10 10:18 PM

Karachi, Mar 10 (PTI) Pacer Sohail Tanveer, who was not included in Pakistan''s Twenty20 World Cup preliminary list due to a knee injury, has been advised four-month rest after a successful surgery in Australia, the PCB said today. The Pakistan cricket Board said that the left-arm pacer had undergone a successful knee operation in Australia under the supervision of a well known surgeon, Dr Young. "The operation was successful but Tanveer has been advised four months rest and rehabilitation period before he can resume playing cricket," the board said. He will miss Pakistan''s tour of England from June to September. Tanveer, who came into prominence during 2007 Twenty20 World Cup in South Africa and in the inaugural IPL season where he was the highest wicket-taker of the tournament, has been struggling with the knee injury for the last few months. The injury also forced him to cancel a lucrative contract last December with Australian state side Victoria for the Big Bash T20 tournament. The 25-year-old was not included in the preliminary list of 30 players for the Twenty20 World Cup by the PCB because of his injury. Tanveer has played two Tests, 31 one-day internationals and 15 Twenty20 matches for Pakistan, his last international appearance being against New Zealand in Dubai last November. PTI PDS

Source: Web Search

Tanveer advised 4-month rest after surgery

Published Wed, Mar 10 10 10:16 PM

Karachi, Mar 10 (PTI) Pacer Sohail Tanveer, who was not included in Pakistan''s Twenty20 World Cup preliminary list due to a knee injury, has been advised four-month rest after a successful surgery in Australia, the PCB said today. The Pakistan cricket Board said that the left-arm pacer had undergone a successful knee operation in Australia under the supervision of a well known surgeon, Dr Young. "The operation was successful but Tanveer has been advised four months rest and rehabilitation period before he can resume playing cricket," the board said. He will miss Pakistan''s tour of England from June to September. Tanveer, who came into prominence during 2007 Twenty20 World Cup in South Africa and in the inaugural IPL season where he was the highest wicket-taker of the tournament, has been struggling with the knee injury for the last few months. The injury also forced him to cancel a lucrative contract last December with Australian state side Victoria for the Big Bash T20 tournament. The 25-year-old was not included in the preliminary list of 30 players for the Twenty20 World Cup by the PCB because of his injury. Tanveer has played two Tests, 31 one-day internationals and 15 Twenty20 matches for Pakistan, his last international appearance being against New Zealand in Dubai last November. PTI PDS

Source: Web Search

Asif has given part of money he owed to me: Veena Malik

Published Wed, Mar 10 10 09:58 PM

Lahore, Mar 10 (PTI) Popular actress and model Veena Malik, who had an affair with Muhammad Asif, today claimed that the pacer made an attempt to reconcile with her by paying some of the money he owed to her. Asif met Veena here and handed over a bank draft of 3.4 million rupees to her after she claimed he owed her millions of rupees. According to Veena, she had given the money to Asif during the time he was serving a 12-month ban for a positive dope test and also had his contract with Delhi Daredevils terminated. "He has handed me a bank draft of 3.4 million rupees and promised to pay the remaining amount in two weeks time," Veena said. "I hope he does that because he still owes me around 12 million rupees which I gave to him on different occasions when he was facing a hard time," she said. Veena made her claim for her money after Asif last week got married with a girl of his family''s choice after a well publicised affair with the model. "I hope he pays back the money on time if not then I have no option but to go to court," Veena said. She said Asif had promised to pay her back once he got back into the Pakistan team after his ban ends.

Source: Web Search

Asif has given part of money he owed to me: Veena Malik

Published Wed, Mar 10 10 09:56 PM

Lahore, Mar 10 (PTI) Popular actress and model Veena Malik, who had an affair with Muhammad Asif, today claimed that the pacer made an attempt to reconcile with her by paying some of the money he owed to her. Asif met Veena here and handed over a bank draft of 3.4 million rupees to her after she claimed he owed her millions of rupees. According to Veena, she had given the money to Asif during the time he was serving a 12-month ban for a positive dope test and also had his contract with Delhi Daredevils terminated. "He has handed me a bank draft of 3.4 million rupees and promised to pay the remaining amount in two weeks time," Veena said. "I hope he does that because he still owes me around 12 million rupees which I gave to him on different occasions when he was facing a hard time," she said. Veena made her claim for her money after Asif last week got married with a girl of his family''s choice after a well publicised affair with the model. "I hope he pays back the money on time if not then I have no option but to go to court," Veena said. She said Asif had promised to pay her back once he got back into the Pakistan team after his ban ends.

Source: Web Search

Arsenal can win Champions League: Bendtner

Published>Wed, Mar 10 10 09:46 PM

London, Mar.10 (ANI): Danish striker Nicklas Bendtner believes Arsenal can win the Champions League after scoring his first ever hattrick last night.

The Mirror quoted Bendtner, whose stunning treble destroyed Porto, as saying: "This will give us a lot of confidence. We want to win the Champions League. It's something we haven't done."

Delighted Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger also paid tribute to Bendtner after his team's brilliant win completed their first ever comeback from an away leg defeat in the Champions League.

Wenger said: "Football can change very quickly in three days, it goes quickly up and quickly down. It shows you he's not lost his confidence, he came back with focus and the same belief. It's one of his strengths."

Wenger insisted his team could also rule Europe after their amazing victory - and the Arsenal manager says he is ready to face Chelsea or Manchester United in the quarterfinals. (ANI)

Source: Web Search

Arsenal can win Champions League: Bendtner

Published>Wed, Mar 10 10 09:46 PM

London, Mar.10 (ANI): Danish striker Nicklas Bendtner believes Arsenal can win the Champions League after scoring his first ever hattrick last night.

The Mirror quoted Bendtner, whose stunning treble destroyed Porto, as saying: "This will give us a lot of confidence. We want to win the Champions League. It's something we haven't done."

Delighted Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger also paid tribute to Bendtner after his team's brilliant win completed their first ever comeback from an away leg defeat in the Champions League.

Wenger said: "Football can change very quickly in three days, it goes quickly up and quickly down. It shows you he's not lost his confidence, he came back with focus and the same belief. It's one of his strengths."

Wenger insisted his team could also rule Europe after their amazing victory - and the Arsenal manager says he is ready to face Chelsea or Manchester United in the quarterfinals. (ANI)

Source: Web Search

It's splitsville for Michael Clarke, Lara Bingle?

Published>Wed, Mar 10 10 09:22 PM

Melbourne, March 10 (ANI): Australian cricketer Michael Clarke and glamour model Lara Bingle have reportedly parted ways.

A Current Affair reports that the pair had been on rocky ground ince Bingle's nude photo scandal, reports News.com.au

Bingle has been at the centre of controversy since a photo of her taken by ex-boyfriend Brendan Fevola few years ago was published in a magazine last week.

She is suing him for distributing the photo, taken on a phone camera, showing Bingle in the shower. (ANI)

Source: Web Search

It's splitsville for Michael Clarke, Lara Bingle?

Published>Wed, Mar 10 10 09:22 PM

Melbourne, March 10 (ANI): Australian cricketer Michael Clarke and glamour model Lara Bingle have reportedly parted ways.

A Current Affair reports that the pair had been on rocky ground ince Bingle's nude photo scandal, reports News.com.au

Bingle has been at the centre of controversy since a photo of her taken by ex-boyfriend Brendan Fevola few years ago was published in a magazine last week.

She is suing him for distributing the photo, taken on a phone camera, showing Bingle in the shower. (ANI)

Source: Web Search

India contributing a large chunk of FIH revenue

Published>Wed, Mar 10 10 08:56 PM

New Delhi, March 10 (IANS) India may no longer be a hockey power, but it is the largest revenue grosser for world hockey.

The International Hockey Federation (FIH) Thursday said countries like India and the Netherlands which contribute a major chunk of FIH revenues would be allocated top tournaments.

'India's contribution in revenue is over 50 per cent more than second-placed the Netherlands,' Steven Morris, the marketing manager of the world body, said in a presentation here Wednesday.

'In countries like Pakistan, Spain, China, Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, South Africa, Singapore and the Middle East, it is difficult to sell hockey on television.'

'The FIH strategy is to allocate top events to top countries which get us higher revenues,' Morris added.

He said the television viewership of the the Feb 28 India-Pakistan match was as high as that seen in the India-Sri Lanka One-Day International cricket games last year.

Morris said India is a crucial partner in the world body's efforts to lift the profile of hockey.

'It is a challenge to administrators how to market hockey in India. Commercially, India is a huge market for hockey and the World Cup is a big success. India will have to be an integral part of any future FIH plans,' he said.

Source: Web Search

India contributing a large chunk of FIH revenue

Published>Wed, Mar 10 10 08:56 PM

New Delhi, March 10 (IANS) India may no longer be a hockey power, but it is the largest revenue grosser for world hockey.

The International Hockey Federation (FIH) Thursday said countries like India and the Netherlands which contribute a major chunk of FIH revenues would be allocated top tournaments.

'India's contribution in revenue is over 50 per cent more than second-placed the Netherlands,' Steven Morris, the marketing manager of the world body, said in a presentation here Wednesday.

'In countries like Pakistan, Spain, China, Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, South Africa, Singapore and the Middle East, it is difficult to sell hockey on television.'

'The FIH strategy is to allocate top events to top countries which get us higher revenues,' Morris added.

He said the television viewership of the the Feb 28 India-Pakistan match was as high as that seen in the India-Sri Lanka One-Day International cricket games last year.

Morris said India is a crucial partner in the world body's efforts to lift the profile of hockey.

'It is a challenge to administrators how to market hockey in India. Commercially, India is a huge market for hockey and the World Cup is a big success. India will have to be an integral part of any future FIH plans,' he said.

Source: Web Search

Vijay Kumar ahead by two strokes in Mewat golf

Published>Wed, Mar 10 10 08:36 PM

Mewat (Haryana), March 10 (IANS) Vijay Kumar of Lucknow carded a five-under 67 on the opening day of the Solaris Chemtech Open Golf Championship 2010 to establish a two stroke lead over Kolkata golfers S.S.P. Chowrasia and Rafick Ali Mollah here Wednesday.

Vijay's bogey-free 67 was the highlight of round one at the serene Classic Golf Resort. The 41-year-old birdied the 15th and 18th holes courtesy of two excellent approach shots from 80 yards that landed within eight feet and five feet of the pins respectively.

The par three second saw the 2002 Indian Open champion sink a mammoth 25 feet putt for yet another birdie. He followed that up with another birdie on the very next hole where he came up with an outstanding chip that stopped a few inches from the hole.

The second shot on the seventh was the icing on the cake for Vijay since it left him with a two and a half feet putt for his last birdie of the day.

Vijay said: 'I hit it close on most of the holes today and therefore earned as many as five birdies. I have been working on my hitting and my swing alignment of late and that seems to have paid off today.

'My body was getting a little stiff while hitting during recent events. But I managed to eliminate that problem today.'

Chowrasia and Mollah were tied second with three under 69. While Chowrasia's round featured three birdies, Mollah made five birdies against two bogeys in round one.

Sujjan Singh, the winner at Panchkula last week, Arshpreet Thind from the Classic Golf Resort, Mohd Siddikur Rahman, Sanjay Kumar, Vivek Bhandari, R. Srinivas, Raj Randhawa and Rudresh Sharma were all in tied fourth place at two under 70.

Source: Web Search

Vijay Kumar ahead by two strokes in Mewat golf

Published>Wed, Mar 10 10 08:36 PM

Mewat (Haryana), March 10 (IANS) Vijay Kumar of Lucknow carded a five-under 67 on the opening day of the Solaris Chemtech Open Golf Championship 2010 to establish a two stroke lead over Kolkata golfers S.S.P. Chowrasia and Rafick Ali Mollah here Wednesday.

Vijay's bogey-free 67 was the highlight of round one at the serene Classic Golf Resort. The 41-year-old birdied the 15th and 18th holes courtesy of two excellent approach shots from 80 yards that landed within eight feet and five feet of the pins respectively.

The par three second saw the 2002 Indian Open champion sink a mammoth 25 feet putt for yet another birdie. He followed that up with another birdie on the very next hole where he came up with an outstanding chip that stopped a few inches from the hole.

The second shot on the seventh was the icing on the cake for Vijay since it left him with a two and a half feet putt for his last birdie of the day.

Vijay said: 'I hit it close on most of the holes today and therefore earned as many as five birdies. I have been working on my hitting and my swing alignment of late and that seems to have paid off today.

'My body was getting a little stiff while hitting during recent events. But I managed to eliminate that problem today.'

Chowrasia and Mollah were tied second with three under 69. While Chowrasia's round featured three birdies, Mollah made five birdies against two bogeys in round one.

Sujjan Singh, the winner at Panchkula last week, Arshpreet Thind from the Classic Golf Resort, Mohd Siddikur Rahman, Sanjay Kumar, Vivek Bhandari, R. Srinivas, Raj Randhawa and Rudresh Sharma were all in tied fourth place at two under 70.

Source: Web Search

India dominates semifinals field in archery test event

Published Wed, Mar 10 10 08:28 PM

New Delhi, Mar 10 (PTI) Indian archers set up semifinal clashes mostly among themselves after dominant performances on the second day in the six-day invitational archery test event for Commonwealth Games here today. The semi-finals that begin from tomorrow see an India dominated field in the men''s and women''s individual recurve category. In the men''s recurve, the Indian trio of Tarundeep, Rahul Banerjee and Kapil will be joined by the lone Malaysian Sian Chu as they fight it out tomorrow for the finals on March 12. It''s a similar story for the women archers as the semi-finals tomorrow will see an all-Indian field in the individual women recurve category. Sushma, who beat English archer Louise by a set today, will meet Deepika Kumari in the first semi-finals, while team mates Pranitha and Chekrovolu will fight it out in the second semi-final for a place in the finals. The men''s team recurve event will see India take on England tomorrow in the first semi-finals. In the second semi-finals tomorrow, Scotland meets Malaysia. India and Malaysia had already moved to semi-finals from the qualification round while England and Scotland reached the semi-finals after defeating Wales and Jersey respectively. In the women''s team recurve semifinals, Indian team face Singapore, followed by Wales fighting it out with Malaysia. The men''s individual compound category is also dominated by Indians. Malaysian MZ Mahazan is the lone non-Indian semi-finalist. .

Source: Web Search

India dominates semifinals field in archery test event

Published Wed, Mar 10 10 08:26 PM

New Delhi, Mar 10 (PTI) Indian archers set up semifinal clashes mostly among themselves after dominant performances on the second day in the six-day invitational archery test event for Commonwealth Games here today. The semi-finals that begin from tomorrow see an India dominated field in the men''s and women''s individual recurve category. In the men''s recurve, the Indian trio of Tarundeep, Rahul Banerjee and Kapil will be joined by the lone Malaysian Sian Chu as they fight it out tomorrow for the finals on March 12. It''s a similar story for the women archers as the semi-finals tomorrow will see an all-Indian field in the individual women recurve category. Sushma, who beat English archer Louise by a set today, will meet Deepika Kumari in the first semi-finals, while team mates Pranitha and Chekrovolu will fight it out in the second semi-final for a place in the finals. The men''s team recurve event will see India take on England tomorrow in the first semi-finals. In the second semi-finals tomorrow, Scotland meets Malaysia. India and Malaysia had already moved to semi-finals from the qualification round while England and Scotland reached the semi-finals after defeating Wales and Jersey respectively. In the women''s team recurve semifinals, Indian team face Singapore, followed by Wales fighting it out with Malaysia. The men''s individual compound category is also dominated by Indians. Malaysian MZ Mahazan is the lone non-Indian semi-finalist. .

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Bans are a bit harsh for poor performance: Pollock

Published Wed, Mar 10 10 08:22 PM

Abu Dhabi, Mar 10 (PTI) Former South African skipper Shaun Pollock today said if poor performance was criteria for handing out bans to Pakistani cricketers then the punishment is a "bit harsh". The PCB today invoked indefinite bans on Mohammed Yousuf and Younus Khan and also imposed one-year bans on Shoaib Malik and Rana Naved-ul-Hasan on the recommendations of the inquiry committee which probed their flop show Down Under. The Akmal brothers Kamran and Umar and Shahid Afridi were put under observation and imposed heavy fines. "I don''t know. If that''s the reason that they lost in Australia so they are banned then its a bit too harsh. Elevens players make a team and they all have to perform. I don''t know what the review system is but its not easy to comment when you don''t know the truth is," said a shocked Pollock, when informed about the ban. Talking about his IPL side Mumbai Indians, Pollock said Sachin Tendulkar''s show with the bat would be crucial to their fortunes in the Twenty20 tournament, beginning Friday. "I think Mumbai will need him to play well. Here is a guy so great so you would obviously want him to bat 20 overs and steers the ship through. If he can get some scores he can get the team to some wins in some matches," said the former all-rounder. More PTI ATK AT

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Bans are a bit harsh for poor performance: Pollock

Published Wed, Mar 10 10 08:22 PM

Abu Dhabi, Mar 10 (PTI) Former South African skipper Shaun Pollock today said if poor performance was criteria for handing out bans to Pakistani cricketers then the punishment is a "bit harsh". The PCB today invoked indefinite bans on Mohammed Yousuf and Younus Khan and also imposed one-year bans on Shoaib Malik and Rana Naved-ul-Hasan on the recommendations of the inquiry committee which probed their flop show Down Under. The Akmal brothers Kamran and Umar and Shahid Afridi were put under observation and imposed heavy fines. "I don''t know. If that''s the reason that they lost in Australia so they are banned then its a bit too harsh. Elevens players make a team and they all have to perform. I don''t know what the review system is but its not easy to comment when you don''t know the truth is," said a shocked Pollock, when informed about the ban. Talking about his IPL side Mumbai Indians, Pollock said Sachin Tendulkar''s show with the bat would be crucial to their fortunes in the Twenty20 tournament, beginning Friday. "I think Mumbai will need him to play well. Here is a guy so great so you would obviously want him to bat 20 overs and steers the ship through. If he can get some scores he can get the team to some wins in some matches," said the former all-rounder. More PTI ATK AT

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Gangjee four off the lead at British Open qualifiers

Published>Wed, Mar 10 10 08:08 PM

Kuala Lumpur, March 10 (IANS) Rahil Gangjee, fresh from a top-10 finish at the Malaysian Open last week, shot a two-under 70, that placed him tied seventh and in with a chance to grab one of the four tickets to the British Open Championship International Final Qualifying - Asia here Wednesday.

Korea's rising star Noh Seung-yul maintained his red-hot form to share the opening round lead with Danny Chia of Malaysia on six-under-par 66.

Among other Indians, Gaganjeet Bhullar shot a 73 and was tied 22nd, while Anirban Lahiri and Himmat Rai with 76 each were way behind in 49th place. C Muniyappa carded a 84.

The 18-year-old Noh, winner of the Maybank Malaysian Open Sunday, shot an eagle and seven birdies against a bogey and a double bogey at the Saujana Golf and Country Club to put himself in prime position for one of four tickets available to the British Open in July.

Chia, who has won once on the Asian Tour, carded a flawless round highlighted by six birdies to boost his hopes of a third appearance in the world's oldest Major.

For the first time in the IFQ, the leaders will play together in the second round, with Chia and Noh slated to tee off in lead pairing.

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Gangjee four off the lead at British Open qualifiers

Published>Wed, Mar 10 10 08:08 PM

Kuala Lumpur, March 10 (IANS) Rahil Gangjee, fresh from a top-10 finish at the Malaysian Open last week, shot a two-under 70, that placed him tied seventh and in with a chance to grab one of the four tickets to the British Open Championship International Final Qualifying - Asia here Wednesday.

Korea's rising star Noh Seung-yul maintained his red-hot form to share the opening round lead with Danny Chia of Malaysia on six-under-par 66.

Among other Indians, Gaganjeet Bhullar shot a 73 and was tied 22nd, while Anirban Lahiri and Himmat Rai with 76 each were way behind in 49th place. C Muniyappa carded a 84.

The 18-year-old Noh, winner of the Maybank Malaysian Open Sunday, shot an eagle and seven birdies against a bogey and a double bogey at the Saujana Golf and Country Club to put himself in prime position for one of four tickets available to the British Open in July.

Chia, who has won once on the Asian Tour, carded a flawless round highlighted by six birdies to boost his hopes of a third appearance in the world's oldest Major.

For the first time in the IFQ, the leaders will play together in the second round, with Chia and Noh slated to tee off in lead pairing.

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Pakistan opts out of C''wealth Boxing C''ship

Published Wed, Mar 10 10 07:26 PM

New Delhi, Mar 10 (PTI) Pakistan has joined Australia, Canada and Ghana in pulling out of the fifth Commonwealth Boxing Championships starting here March 12. Pakistan, which was to send a full-fledged 10-member team for the event, could not get the requisite clearance to travel to India from the country''s interior ministry. "Pakistan is not coming, they didn''t get the government clearance," an Indian Boxing Federation official said. Earlier, Australia and Canada had pulled out of the championships citing previous commitments, while Ghana backed out at the 11th hour on Monday. With these pullouts, the size of the field has come down to 17 countries with defending champions England, Canada, Mauritius boasting of strong teams. India, featuring Olympic and World Championship bronze medallist Vijender Singh (75kg) and Commonwealth Games gold medallist Akhil Kumar, will be a favourite at the event. PTI PM PDS

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Pakistan opts out of C''wealth Boxing C''ship

Published Wed, Mar 10 10 07:26 PM

New Delhi, Mar 10 (PTI) Pakistan has joined Australia, Canada and Ghana in pulling out of the fifth Commonwealth Boxing Championships starting here March 12. Pakistan, which was to send a full-fledged 10-member team for the event, could not get the requisite clearance to travel to India from the country''s interior ministry. "Pakistan is not coming, they didn''t get the government clearance," an Indian Boxing Federation official said. Earlier, Australia and Canada had pulled out of the championships citing previous commitments, while Ghana backed out at the 11th hour on Monday. With these pullouts, the size of the field has come down to 17 countries with defending champions England, Canada, Mauritius boasting of strong teams. India, featuring Olympic and World Championship bronze medallist Vijender Singh (75kg) and Commonwealth Games gold medallist Akhil Kumar, will be a favourite at the event. PTI PM PDS

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Bayern striker Gomez sidelined for up to three weeks

Published Wed, Mar 10 10 07:08 PM

Bayern Munich striker Mario Gomez will be out for up to three weeks after tearing a calf muscle in Tuesday's Champions League game at Fiorentina, the club said.

Gomez suffered the injury in the first half of the 3-2 defeat that saw the Germans reach the quarter-finals on away goals.

"He will be out for two to three weeks," the Bundesliga leaders said in a statement on Wednesday.

Germany international Gomez should be fit for the first leg of the Champions League quarter-finals on March 30 or 31, it added.

Bayern are also missing injured defenders Martin Demichelis and Diego Contento.

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Bayern striker Gomez sidelined for up to three weeks

Published Wed, Mar 10 10 07:08 PM

Bayern Munich striker Mario Gomez will be out for up to three weeks after tearing a calf muscle in Tuesday's Champions League game at Fiorentina, the club said.

Gomez suffered the injury in the first half of the 3-2 defeat that saw the Germans reach the quarter-finals on away goals.

"He will be out for two to three weeks," the Bundesliga leaders said in a statement on Wednesday.

Germany international Gomez should be fit for the first leg of the Champions League quarter-finals on March 30 or 31, it added.

Bayern are also missing injured defenders Martin Demichelis and Diego Contento.

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