South Africa admits violent protests can cloud World Cup

Published>Fri, Mar 26 10 12:11 PM

London, Mar. 26 (ANI): Even as South Africa gears up to host World Cup this summer, its government has acknowledged the possibility of violent protests breaking out during this year's football carnival.

With poor sections of the country demanding access to basic services, South Africa has been rattled by escalating township protests over the last month.

"Obviously we are concerned. The violent and destructive nature of some of the protests is unacceptable," The Telegraph quoted Themba Masek, a government spokesman, as saying.

"We do not want to see these demonstrations, especially during the World Cup, when the country's attention and focus should be to be the best host ever," he added.

Shootings, arson and stone pelting during the recent demonstrations have prompted the government to raise the security levels ahead of the June 11 World Cup.

But on Thursday, the head of the South African Army Chief to announce a security shake-up in the face of escalating violence.

Lieutenant General Solly Shoke told a press conference in Pretoria that the military would take over responsibility for border patrols on April 1 in order to free police officers for fighting crime.

"We are ready to help where needed with the World Cup. All army leave has been cancelled over this period. We will be on high alert," Lt Gen Shoke told reporters

"This World Cup is not about security. It's about enjoyment. People must be allowed to come here and enjoy the soccer," he assured. (ANI)

Source: Web Search

Fans to vote on MoM at Football WC games

Published>Fri, Mar 26 10 11:19 AM

Fans from across the globe rather than FIFA officials will determine the man-of-the-match awards at this year's World Cup in South Africa.

The technical study group of world soccer's governing body have until now selected the best player from each game, but for the first time it will be left to online and mobile text voting.

The innovation is part of a digital media push unveiled on Friday by World Cup sponsor Anheuser-Busch InBev, the world's larger beer company and brewer of Budweiser, whose name is attached to the man-of-the-match awards.

Through promotions, fans will be chosen to present the trophies to players at the 64 matches.

The brewing group are also behind "Bud House", a Big Brother style show bringing 32 fans from each of the qualifying nations under one roof in Cape Town.

At the start of the tournament, the 16 female and 16 male participants will sleep in rooms based on the World Cup group phase pools. The two fans of the finalists will get tickets for the match.

Organisers expect up to 450,000 foreign fans in South Africa for the month-long tournament which starts on June 11, while tens of thousands of local supporters are expected to watch games at fan parks across the country.

Source: Web Search

Indian masters could hold the aces

Published>Fri, Mar 26 10 10:49 AM

New Delhi, March 25 -- The field at the SAIL Open may boast of 29 Asian Tour winners, including defending champion Chapchai Nirat, but the tight fairways of the Delhi Golf Club can be trusted to test their craft. After scorching the Classic Golf Resort with a world record 32-under-par 256, the long-hitter has expressed the intent to go one better. But if the affable Thai were to pull it off, he would have to play out of his skin. At least, that is the feeling amongst those who've experienced the course and its hazards over the years. "If Chapchai does shoot 33-under, I'll be the first to shake hands with him," Jyoti Randhawa said a few days back. On Thursday, Gaurav Ghei, bred on the greens of this historic venue, concurred. "I'll take off 20 strokes off that," he said during a media interaction. The veteran pro felt the going wasn't going to be easy. "The rough is just enough to give the players a headache and with the fairways hard and the wind playing a hand, the winning score should be in the range of 15-under," he said. Young gun Himmat Rai emphasised on keeping the "driver and putter in play". "The key will be to hit it straight and whoever putts well will be rewarded." Be it Randhawa, who was crowned the Indian Open champion here more than once, or SSP Chowrasia getting past a world-class field to corner the tri-sanctioned Emaar MGF Indian Masters two years ago, the DGC is a happy hunting ground for the home contingent.

Source: Web Search

Jadeja presents case, verdict likely today

Published>Fri, Mar 26 10 10:23 AM

Mumbai, March 25 -- Instead of wearing the gold and blue jersey of the Rajasthan Royals, all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja arrived at the Cricket Centre, the BCCI headquarters, in formal clothing. The Saurashtra youngster hasn't been able to join his 'original' team as the IPL governing council banned him for a year for negotiating a better contract with the Mumbai Indians bypassing the Royals. On Thursday, Jadeja meant business. He presented his case to BCCI vice-president, Arun Jaitley, and IPL chief operating officer, Sundar Raman, at a hearing that lasted more than three hours. While Sean Morris, chief executive officer, represented the Royals, Mumbai Indians, accused of "attempting to poach" Jadeja, were represented by Nikhil Meswani, executive director, Reliance Industries Limited. While IPL officials remained tight-lipped about the verdict, it has learnt that the final decision will be announced on Friday. It won't be surprising if Jadeja's ban is reduced to seven matches and MI walk away with a caution.

Source: Web Search

Fans to vote on man of the match at World Cup games

Published Fri, Mar 26 10 10:09 AM

Fans from across the globe rather than FIFA officials will determine the man-of-the-match awards at this year's World Cup in South Africa.

The technical study group of world soccer's governing body have until now selected the best player from each game, but for the first time it will be left to online and mobile text voting.

The innovation is part of a digital media push unveiled on Friday by World Cup sponsor Anheuser-Busch InBev, the world's larger beer company and brewer of Budweiser, whose name is attached to the man-of-the-match awards.

Through promotions, fans will be chosen to present the trophies to players at the 64 matches.

The brewing group are also behind "Bud House", a Big Brother style show bringing 32 fans from each of the qualifying nations under one roof in Cape Town.

At the start of the tournament, the 16 female and 16 male participants will sleep in rooms based on the World Cup group phase pools. The two fans of the finalists will get tickets for the match.

Organisers expect up to 450,000 foreign fans in South Africa for the month-long tournament which starts on June 11, while tens of thousands of local supporters are expected to watch games at fan parks across the country.

Source: Web Search

Shiv Kapur shoots one-over, Chowrasia further down

Published>Fri, Mar 26 10 10:07 AM

Malaga (Spain), March 26 (IANS) Shiv Kapur made a modest start with a one-over 71 despite a stumble at the end in the first round of the European Tour event Open de Andalucia de Golf in Malaga Thursday.

His compatriot and fellow Indian, SSP Chowrasia, meanwhile, staggered at the finish dropping five shots in three holes for a 74 that left him struggling to make the cut.

Kapur was tied 70th and Chowrasia was way down in 125th as the cut looked likely at par or one-over.

Former Open Championship winner Paul Lawrie and defending champion Soren Kjeldsen share the lead after the first round.

The pair shot five under par 65s at Parador de Malaga Golf to be a stroke ahead of seven players - England's Phillip Archer, Welshman Bradley Dredge, New Zealander Mark Brown, Dutchman Joost Luiten, Spaniard Ignacio Garrido, Argentina's Daniel Vancsik and France's former British amateur champion Julien Guerrier.

Source: Web Search