T20 match fixing common: Pak capt

Published>Fri, May 07 10 12:08 PM

What is widely being hinted at for the Indian Premier league was a reality in the Indian Cricket League, says a former Pakistani captain.

Former Pakistan captain Rashid Latif has been told that "a large number" of matches in the rebel Indian Cricket League (ICL) were fixed.

"I've personally been told by some ICL players that a large number of matches in that league were definitely fixed," Latif said.

"Even in the IPL (Indian Premier League), every now and again you watch a match and feel that there is something odd happening."

The governing body of Indian cricket dismissed Latif's allegations on Thursday when made aware of them by Reuters.

"BCCI rubbishes these allegations. We will not even react to this sort of allegation, It is totally rubbish," N. Srinivasan, Secretary of Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), said.

OUTSPOKEN CAMPAIGN

The unofficial ICL included a Twenty20 World Series tournament comprising mostly former international players.

Unlike the lucrative IPL Twenty20 series, it was not sanctioned by the International Cricket Council and most of its players were banned by their national boards.

The 2008-09 World Series was abandoned after the attacks in Mumbai in November 2008 and there have been no matches since.

Latif, 41, played 37 tests for Pakistan between 1992 and 2003 but is better known for his outspoken campaign against corruption in cricket.

He gave evidence to the inquiry held by Justice Malik Mohammad Qayyum into match-fixing after which Pakistan captain Salim Malik was banned for life in 2000.

Two other international captains, South Africa's Hansie Cronje and India's Mohammed Azharuddin, were also banned for life for match-fixing.

Latif said the amount of money available in Twenty20 cricket was damaging the game.

"There also is a worry that players are being paid so much, situations may arise where ultimately the result doesn't matter to them," he said in Wednesday's e-mail.

"These are not clubs who have discovered them or groomed them, these are clubs that simply pay them a lot of money. There is little loyalty.

"There are so many games in an IPL season -- with more to come with new franchises -- that the number of dead, irrelevant games will increase and this is where bookies thrive.

"Who knows what their reach is? If the owner of a franchise is approached and promised good money for his team to lose an irrelevant game, he tells his players to lose the game and they don't care because they get paid huge amounts anyway.

"The stake is so high who would blow the whistle? In any case the IPL was resistant to the presence of the anti-corruption unit at the first season of the IPL. Why?

"Cricket has been damaged before when too much money has floated around the game and it can be damaged again.

"Ultimately, in this kind of environment, where controls are loose, regulation is weak, there is enough money floating about to make people weaker and prone to looking the other way, it is not so difficult to see the dangers that are present. It would be foolish not to see them."

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Referee gets police protection on pitch from angry team

Published>Fri, May 07 10 11:48 AM

Police were needed to protect the match officials when Alianza Lima protested vehemently against a late Universidad de Chile equaliser that knocked the Peruvians out of the Libertadores Cup on Thursday.

Alianza were minutes away from qualification on the away goals rule, leading 2-1 at the Monumental in Santiago having lost the first leg at home in Lima 1-0 last week.

But a shot by Felipe Seymour two minutes into stoppage time was deflected off a defender past Alianza goalkeeper George Forsyth into the net to give The U a 2-2 draw and send them through instead 3-2 on aggregate.

Alianza were incensed because the linesman signalled for offside at first but after consultation with the referee Carlos Verase the goal was allowed to stand. The Peruvians argued that Chilean players in offside positions blocked Forsyth's vision, a view backed up by video replays.

The visiting team's Argentine coach Gustavo Costas was incensed while riot police formed a protective wall around the match officials in the middle of the pitch as Alianza players tried to argue with them.

Play was held up for more than a quarter of an hour before the referee resumed the match, playing out the remaining two minutes of stoppage time in a climate of hostility from the Monumental crowd towards the visitors.

FIRST CONTROVERSY

The only man sent off before play resumed was Costas when the referee might have had grounds for more dismissals even if the anger, pushing and shoving never boiled over into a free-for-all. The home players keep out of the argument.

Alianza, the better team on the night, were unlucky not to go through having scored twice through striker Jose Fernandez, his second goal coming in the 86th minute.

The Peruvians were fortunate, though, with Fernandez's first goal in the 25th minute, a header at the far post that Universidad de Chile's keeper Miguel Pinto palmed away without the ball appearing to have crossed the line but which the linesman ruled had gone in.

Eduardo Vargas scored the first equaliser just past the hour for the home side, who go on to meet Brazilian champions Flamengo in the quarter-finals next week. The two sides met in the group phase with the Chileans winning at home and drawing away.

Brazil's Internacional, South American champions in 2006, beat Argentina's Banfield 2-0 to go through on the away goals rule having lost the first leg 3-1 in Buenos Aires last week.

Inter now meet title holders Estudiantes, the only remaining Argentine side in the competition.

Libertad of Paraguay came from a goal down to beat Colombia's Once Caldas 2-1 in Asuncion with two goals from substitute striker Roberto Gamarra to go through by the same score on aggregate to meet Guadalajara of Mexico.

The other quarter-final is between Brazilian sides Cruzeiro, and Sao Paulo, who both qualified on Wednesday.

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Indian eves lose T20 WC opener against NZ

Published Fri, May 07 10 10:56 AM

Basseterre (St Kitts), May 7 (PTI) Mithali Raj stood out with a 36-ball 44 but the rest of the Indian batting collapsed like a house of cards as the team suffered an 11-run loss to New Zealand in its Group B opener of the Women''s World Twenty20 here. Diana David (4/27) wrecked havoc with her off-spin but New Zealand recovered from a mid-innings collapse to post a competitive 139 for eight from their 20 overs. India fells short of the target despite Mithali''s 44 and identical 28s from opener Sulakshana Naik and Amita Sharma as the Kiwi bowlers restricted them to 129 for eight. Sian Ruck (2/17) and Lucy Doolan (2/18) starred for New Zealand with the ball sharing four wickets between them. Earlier opting to bat, Suzie Bates scored a 30-ball 32 up the order and was ably supported by Nicola Browne (24), Rachel Priest (20) and Sara McGlashan (15) to take New Zealand to 139. Diana was the star performer for India with the ball, picking up four crucial Kiwi wickets for 24 runs. Reema Malhotra also chipped in with two wickets giving away 25 runs. However, the Indian batters could not replicate the bowlers'' success and six of them failed to even touch double figures. India will take on arch-rivals Pakistan in their next group match tomorrow, while New Zealand will be up against Sri Lanka.

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Paralympic athletes lash out at committee

Published>Fri, May 07 10 10:28 AM

New Delhi, May 7 -- It's rare that differently-abled athletes come out in the open to criticise their federation. But on Thursday, led by national table tennis champion, Pradeep Raj, a group of paralympic sportspersons vent their ire on the Bangalore-based Paralympic Committee of India (PCI) calling it "corrupt and apathetic". A day after HT published stories highlighting the plight of differently-abled athletes, Raj said the PCI's attitude towards sportspersons was "insulting". "The PCI members do not understand the needs of the disabled and do not pass on the funds to us," said Raj, adding that camps are organised without equipment and qualified coaches. Javed Habib, director, National Centre for Promotion of Employment for the Disabled, accused the PCI officials of colluding with the Sports Ministry and denying the sportspersons funds. "It's not that the funds are not provided. We have records that show more than Rs 13 crore were given to the PCI in the last three years. Yet, India has withdrawn from four of the 15 events marked for the disabled in the Commonwealth Games. The reason they give is they don't have funds to buy special wheelchairs used in some disciplines," said Habib.

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Playing for glory & survival

Published>Fri, May 07 10 10:18 AM

Lucknow, May 7 -- Amit Prabhakar and Rupinder Pal Singh will be the new faces in the Indian defence at the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup in Malaysia. When HT spoke to him after getting the call, Amit said, "It's going to be the biggest chance of my life. All eyes, especially my family's, are on me, and I have to live up to their expectations." It isn't surprising that among the first thoughts on Amit's mind are his family. His story could have been the script of a Bollywood movie, in fact, it probably has been. But this is no reel life melodrama. It is the very real story of innumerable Indian sportsmen. In a family headed by his mother, Kusum, 18-year-old Amit is the eldest of four siblings. When he was two, his father began working at the mess at the Guru Govind Singh Sports College, on the outskirts of the city. Since then, the family has been living in a small hut on the college campus. Amit's first hockey stick was a gift from one of the college coaches. His father dreamt that Amit would play for India, but today he isn't around to celebrate. He died of kidney failure last year because the family couldn't afford a transplant. Kusum is the sole breadwinner, earning Rs 1500 a month, doing odd jobs at the hostel mess. As a mother, she was worried about her son travelling to Malaysia. "How will he be able to travel in an aircraft? He has never been in an air-conditioned train," she asked. But Amit has other things on his mind. After proving his mettle for Air India and representing the country at the South Asian Games, his sights are set on making a name at the senior level. This is where the story changes tracks. For Amit and his family, the joy and honour of representing the country are countered by some practical considerations. The first question on his mother's mind has to do with survival. "Will he be earning more money? Will he be able to feed the family and get his sister married? I know he plays well, even though I haven't seen him. I hope he does his best, because our future depends on his success." His brother, Ajay, is proud, saying Amit deserved the spot on the basis of his showing at the South Asian Games, but he too echoes his mother's words, and knows that sport is the only way out of poverty.

For the Prabhakar family, those hopes could well be realised.

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Clarke hints at bouncing India out of the contest

Published>Fri, May 07 10 09:58 AM

Bridgetown, May 6 -- After a vigorous practice session on Wednesday, limbs weary and faces beaten down by the harsh sun, India's players returned to their plush hotel in Barbados. Had they put on the television, they would have seen a fairly frightening sight. Australia, who they play on Friday, were cut down to 65 for 6 by some imaginative Bangladesh bowling. In typical fashion, Mike Hussey led the rescue, chipping, charging and driving with precision and good sense and Australia posted 141. They set about defending it with such fierce determination that Bangladesh, who briefly entertained thoughts of a big upset, were simply blown away., Two things stood out in Australia's win - wave after wave of express quick deliveries crashing down on the batsmen, and fielders making tough catches look easy and impossible ones possible. The combination of these aspects make India's job in their next match a daunting one. Given the history of some of India's top order struggling against well-directed, quick short-pitched bowling - so much so that Rahul Dravid was briefly recalled from the wilderness for an ODI series last year - you can be sure this mode of attack will feature prominently in Australia's plans. "I think our fast bowlers will bowl as much short stuff as they like, irrespective of what I say," said Aussie skipper Michael Clarke. "We batsmen certainly cop it in the nets. So, I would imagine we'd definitely see it in the game against India. We have pace up our sleeve and I'm certain we'll use it in these conditions." The conditions Clarke referred to were the much talked about Kensington Oval pitch. While it certainly isn't lightning quick, like some West Indian surfaces of old, the two matches on Wednesday - Australia v Bangladesh and South Africa v Afghanistan - showed that tall scores would be an exception rather than the rule. Tall fast bowlers will get a bit of extra bounce, and Australia have no shortage of members of that tribe. The good news for India is that the surface was also taking turn, and experienced spinners, the department in which India score most heavily in comparison to Australia, will come right into the picture. "I think spin's going to play a big part in this tournament - both how you play spin and bowl it," said Clarke.

With Friday's game being the one that could set the tournament for one half of the draw, there's a delicious sense of anticipation in the air.

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State to levy tax on IPL from next season

Published>Fri, May 07 10 09:22 AM

Mumbai, May 7 -- You may have to pay more to enjoy an Indian Premier League match in a stadium next season onwards. Two days after the Bombay High Court made remarks on the state government's reluctance to levy entertainment tax on Indian Premier League (IPL) matches, the state cabinet on Thursday decided to tax on the popular tournament in the next season. This means, spectators will probably end up shelling out more money for tickets to these matches because organisers usually pass on the burden of taxes to consumers. The cabinet on Thursday finally decided to levy entertainment tax between 15 and 25 per cent, on the tournament in 2011. "We have taken a decision to charge tax from the next season wherever it happens in the state," said Deputy Chief Minister Chhagan Bhujbal. Since the tax will be levied on the total revenue generated from ticket sales in its cabinet meeting in January, the burden will be passed on to spectators who purchase tickets. This is the second time the government is taking a decision to charge entertainment tax on the IPL. The first was taken in January, but the government made a U-turn on it. In January, Chief Minister Ashok Chavan had said, "IPL is more entertainment and business than sports. We are not taxing test matches."

Sources hinted that Nationalist Congress Party chief Sharad Pawar was not in favour of the decision since it would impact ticket sales and revenue earned by IPL.

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NBA playoff result

Published Fri, May 07 10 09:08 AM

REUTERS - NBA playoff result on Thursday (home team in CAPS).

ORLANDO 112 Atlanta 98

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Costly ankle injury days before Honduras squad named

Published Fri, May 07 10 08:48 AM

Honduras striker Carlo Costly's World Cup hopes were put in doubt when he injured his right ankle playing for his Romanian club Vaslui on Thursday.

Costly, who was injured playing against CFR Cluj, was expected to be named on Monday when Honduras coach Reinaldo Rueda announces his 23-man World Cup squad and a team spokesman said the striker should be fit for the June 11-July tournament.

"We know about the fracture Costly suffered and that he will be out for three weeks. That's a relief because early reports had us really worried," Honduras spokesman Edwin Banegas told Reuters.

Costly, who scored six goals in the qualifiers, is a key forward for Honduras along with Carlos Pavon and David Suazo, who is recovering from a leg muscle injury.

Rueda is not taking the option of naming a provisional 30-man squad on Monday. The deadline for the definitive squad is June 1.

Honduras face Chile, Spain and Switzerland in Group H at the finals in South Africa.

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No sign of resolution for Liverpool conundrum

Published>Fri, May 07 10 08:28 AM

Up for sale and saddled with debt, a squad in need of an overhaul and a manager that splits the club and its supporters -- Liverpool are a long way from their famous glory days.

Without a league title in 20 years and any trophy in the last four, Liverpool were expected to challenge for the Premier League this season and contend with Europe's Champions League elite.

Reality for the 18-times league champions is a likely seventh-place finish and Europa League soccer next season -- a competition they failed to win this year having suffered early Champions League elimination.

Outgoing American owners George Gillett and Tom Hicks have taken much of the criticism for recent failings after ladening the club with huge debts but manager Rafa Benitez has played a more significant part.

Over 100 players have passed through Anfield's revolving door during the Spaniard's six-year tenure with a reported 230 million pounds ($355.7 million) spent.

A miraculous 2005 Champions League win had earned him the loyalty of the Kop and while many on Merseyside still admire the 50-year-old others have lost optimism of repeated success.

Benitez may well have too. Italian side Juventus have been linked in the media with a move for him while in press conferences he has been reluctant to speak of his Liverpool future beyond this season.

"I have had massive offers over the last year and I decided to stay because of the fans," Benitez said recently.

"The fans are the main thing, the best thing, that the club has. For one year, I have been working very hard, trying to do my best, and we will see what happens in the future."

Juventus will not confirm or deny such stories but some of their players including goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon have praised the former Valencia man in recent weeks.

"His CV speaks for itself. He gives the impression of being a coach who can handle difficult situations, managerial situations," Buffon told Italy's Sky TV.

COSTLY DECISIONS

Liverpool's dilemma is that the close season may not be long enough to address a list of problems in time for a new campaign with Champions League soccer a minimum aim.

The club's sale, being overseen by new chairman Martin Broughton, could delay the four or five top class signings Benitez believes are necessary for improvement.

On Thursday, Hicks said it could take up to two years for any sale to complete, ending critical fans' hopes of a swift exit and a strong transfer kitty courtesy of new owners.

If Benitez does leave at the end of the season the club must appoint a successor before any rebuilding can start and in the meantime hold on to coveted players such a Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres.

Alternatively, if Benitez decides to stay put he will be expected to considerably improve the side.

His transfer successes have clearly been Torres, Javier Mascherano and Pepe Reina but the list of failures is much longer. Fernando Morientes, Jermaine Pennant, Ryan Babel, Andrea Dossena and Albert Riera were signed for a combined total of almost 40 million pounds and have all flopped.

Many others have hardly featured at all before being shown the exit.

Benitez's situation is somewhat unique. The Spaniard reportedly has four years remaining on his contract and Liverpool are unlikely to sanction a costly release by sacking him. Likewise any interested parties can expect to pay a big fee for his services.

Any Liverpool fans hoping for a straightforward British summer time pre-season should expect a cloud over Merseyside until this complicated conundrum concludes.

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Woods in happier mood, Holmes and Allenby lead

Published>Fri, May 07 10 08:08 AM

Tiger Woods buried the memories of his Quail Hollow nightmare last week while fellow American JB Holmes and Australian Robert Allenby took joint control of the Players Championship on Thursday.

World number one Woods, who missed the cut for only the sixth time as a professional at the Quail Hollow Championship, cut a very different figure at the TPC Sawgrass as he ground out a two-under-par 70.

The 14-times major winner recorded three birdies and a lone bogey in benign conditions to end an opening round of low-scoring four strokes behind the pacesetting Holmes and Allenby.

British world number four Lee Westwood was among a group of eight players bunched on 67 in a tie for third.

With the smile back on his face and a bit of swagger in his stride, Woods was on track for his first bogey-free display at Sawgrass in 13 appearances before he faltered at the last.

Despite bogeying the hole after pulling his tee shot left into water, he was overall satisfied with his start in the tournament widely considered the "fifth major" by the players.

"I was just grinding my way around," Woods told reporters. "I kind of placed my golf ball around the golf course. I felt good.

"I left a few shots out there and I didn't make any putts today at all," added the 34-year-old, who totalled 31 putts. "I had a few chances in there to make some putts, make some birdies, and I didn't really do it."

Having recently returned to golf after a self-imposed break of five months following revelations about extra-marital affairs, Woods felt he had received unfair criticism for his rusty form.

"Obviously I have had some bad days but I've played six competitive rounds in seven months and people need to be a little more realistic.

"It takes time to get into the rhythm of competing and it takes tournaments."

SURPRISINGLY CALM

On a surprisingly calm day at Sawgrass where the greens were receptive and the average score of 71.103 was the lowest for the first round in 17 years, Holmes took advantage to set the early pace.

"It was a fun day, one of those rounds where everything was going pretty good," the long-hitting American said after firing a flawless six-birdie 66.

"I wasn't in too much trouble at any point ... one of those rounds where it's not easy but it kind of felt pretty easy."

Allenby moved one stroke ahead of Holmes with seven birdies in his first 13 holes before he ran up a three-putt bogey at the par-three eighth, his penultimate hole.

"I played well all day, drove it well and hit my irons well into the greens," said Allenby, a four-times winner on the PGA Tour.

"I was a bit unlucky with my tee shot on eight ... I just left myself an impossible putt. But overall I'm very happy."

U.S. Masters champion Phil Mickelson, who could take over as world number one for the first time if he wins this week and Woods finishes outside the top five, matched his long-time rival by carding a 70.

"Shooting 70 today isn't the round that you want," Mickelson said after recording four birdies and two bogeys.

"There wasn't much wind, the greens were receptive and there were a lot of low scores.

"The reason I think this was a good day for me is I just didn't have it ... and yet I was able to shoot a couple under par. If I can come out tomorrow, get hot and shoot something in the mid-60s, I can get back in the tournament."

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Singh flourishes at sunny Sawgrass as back pain eases

Published>Fri, May 07 10 07:08 AM

Soaring temperatures gave Vijay Singh reason to smile at the Players Championship on Thursday as the lingering back problems that have plagued him this season became a distant memory.

The former world number one, who has withdrawn from three of his last five PGA Tour events, moved into contention by shooting a three-under-par 69 in the opening round.

"This hot weather is doing the back a lot of good," Fijian Singh told reporters after ending a muggy day at the TPC Sawgrass three strokes off the pace. "I've had no problems for a week now. I think it's going to be okay."

Singh, in pursuit of his 35th title on the U.S. circuit, soared up the leaderboard with a sizzling four-birdie run from the par-three third where he coolly rolled in a 28-footer.

"It felt really good," the 47-year-old said. "I haven't done that for a while. It was disappointing that I didn't make birdie on the last hole, but I'll take a three under any day."

Renowned for his workaholic approach to practice, Singh said he had been forced to stay patient while being sidelined from the game for three weeks.

"When you have an injury like mine, you just cannot do anything. It's the worst kind of injury because it paralyses you all over," said the three-times major winner.

"It was back spasms so you cannot have any therapy. I just relaxed and let it rest. I had a lot of painkillers in me and muscle relaxers and that kind of thing just to release the muscles. But it's good now."

Asked what he had done to alleviate the boredom when he was unable to practise, Singh replied: "I try to walk a lot, you know. Just try to do a lot of other things besides hitting balls because you can't do it.

"You just try to make do with time and do other things. Go to the beach, look at the ocean and watch guys play golf."

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FEATURE - Tee for two as Irish twins reach for the cup

Published>Fri, May 07 10 06:48 AM

A painful accident six years ago proved a lucky break for identical twins Leona and Lisa Maguire and paved the way for the Irish teenagers to become the most exciting prospects in women's golf.

Next month, in Boston, the 15-year-olds will become the youngest players to represent Britain and Ireland against the United States in the Curtis Cup -- the most prestigious team event in women's amateur golf.

For those in the know it is no surprise.

After all, since they were first given a pitcher and a putter as nine-year-olds the Maguires have taken the junior and amateur ranks by storm, stacking the shelves in the family home in Ballyconnell with silverware.

Only Michelle Wie has played in the Curtis Cup at a younger age, making her debut as a 14-year-old, and the progress of the Maguire twins is already drawing comparisons with the American whose much-hyped professional career has yet to catch fire.

A better benchmark would be Rory McIlroy, the Northern Ireland whizzkid who last week became the first player to win a PGA Tour event before his 21st birthday since Tiger Woods.

Like McIlroy, who turned professional at 18, the Maguires are in no hurry although they both dream of the day when they battle each other down the 18th for a major.

The Maguires' golfing journey began in unlikely circumstances in 2004 when both swam competitively. Lisa broke her elbow in a fall and as part of her rehabilitation her father Declan took her and her sister to the local golf course.

Immediately they were hooked and he liked what he saw.

PROFESSIONAL GOLF

Just a year later they played in the Junior Masters in La Manga in Spain with Lisa winning and Leona finishing as runner-up. The following year at the under-12 world championships at Pinehurst, North Carolina, Lisa won by five shots with rounds of 68, 68 and 65 with Leona a very creditable third.

As 12-year-olds, the pair got their first taste of professional golf when they were invited to play at the Northern Ireland Open -- both of them narrowly missing the cut. Even McIlroy did not play his first European PGA Tour event until he was 17.

"To play at 12 in a Ladies European Tour event was incredible," their coach Shane O'Grady, who has polished their natural talent, told Reuters.

"I teach a lot of good players because that's my speciality as a provincial coach with the Irish Union. When they came to me as 10-year-olds they were already playing off 20 handicaps.

"After a couple of sessions I realised the difference was their dedication. I hadn't seen that before in kids that age."

Being twins, a natural rivalry has developed between Lisa and Leona who practise together and could play foursomes in the Curtis Cup. While fiercely competitive, they also give each other great support, especially when playing dad.

"That can get quite serious," Leona said. "He still thinks he knows what to do but family pride is at stake. We normally win but he gets a few shots now. We don't want dad to have the bragging rights for too long."

"With Lisa and I, when we are playing tournaments we are rivals but if I can't win I want her to bring the trophy home to the house and it's the same for her. The goal is to turn pro and play the LPGA Tour and battle each other for majors."

SHARED HONOURS

They are closely matched and share the honours between them, with Leona winning the French Under 21 Amateur tournament for the last two years. From June 11 to 13, however, it is all about the team.

"We were over the moon when we found out we were in the Curtis Cup team," Leona said. "It's a great honour and a privilege and the pinnacle of women's amateur golf. I'm delighted and relieved that all the hard work paid off."

Leona said Padraig Harrington's success in winning three majors had been a huge motivation for her and Lisa, who both took part in the opening ceremony at the Ryder Cup at the K Club in 2006 when they also met Woods and Sergio Garcia.

"(Harrington) is a huge role model for myself and Lisa," she said. "What he has achieved over the past few years is phenomenal.

"He was pleased that we still go to school and told us that the discipline we had for sitting exams at school would be the one that takes us through into professional golf."

The Maguires, with Declan and mother Breda, both teachers, and eight-year-old brother Odhran, have become used to six weeks on the road every summer. It is very much a family adventure and an expensive one at that.

"Yeah, we've mortgaged the house a couple of times but we want to give them the best chance," Breda said. "It's amazing where we've come from and their dream is to play professionally but that won't happen now...they are far too young.

"They are quietly confident and very dedicated but also like the normal things that girls like. Michelle Wie's situation was very different but people have their own reasons. I certainly would never voice my opinion about other people's children."

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Woods in happier mood, Holmes and Allenby lead

Published>Fri, May 07 10 06:28 AM

Tiger Woods buried the memories of his Quail Hollow nightmare last week while fellow American JB Holmes and Australian Robert Allenby took joint control of the Players Championship on Thursday.

World number one Woods, who missed the cut for only the sixth time as a professional at the Quail Hollow Championship, cut a very different figure at the TPC Sawgrass as he ground out a two-under-par 70.

The 14-times major winner recorded three birdies and a lone bogey to end an opening round of low-scoring four strokes behind the pacesetting Holmes and Allenby.

With the smile back on his face and a bit of swagger in his stride, Woods was on track for his first bogey-free display at Sawgrass in 13 appearances before he faltered at the last.

Despite bogeying the hole after pulling his tee shot left into water, he was overall satisfied with his start in the tournament widely considered the "fifth major" by the players.

"I was just grinding my way around," Woods told reporters. "I kind of placed my golf ball around the golf course. I felt good.

"I left a few shots out there and I didn't make any putts today at all," added the 34-year-old, who totalled 31 putts. "I had a few chances in there to make some putts, make some birdies, and I didn't really do it."

Having recently returned to golf after a self-imposed break of five months following revelations about extra-marital affairs, Woods felt he had received unfair criticism for his rusty form.

"Obviously I have had some bad days but I've played six competitive rounds in seven months and people need to be a little more realistic.

"It takes time to get into the rhythm of competing and it takes tournaments."

SURPRISINGLY CALM

On a surprisingly calm day at Sawgrass where the greens were receptive, the long-hitting Holmes took advantage to set the early pace.

"It was a fun day, one of those rounds where everything was going pretty good," the 28-year-old said after firing a flawless six-birdie 66.

"I wasn't in too much trouble at any point ... one of those rounds where it's not easy but it kind of felt pretty easy."

Allenby moved one stroke ahead of Holmes with seven birdies in his first 13 holes before he ran up a three-putt bogey at the par-three eighth, his penultimate hole.

"I played well all day, drove it well and hit my irons well into the greens," said Allenby, a four-times winner on the PGA Tour.

"I was a bit unlucky with my tee shot on eight ... I just left myself an impossible putt. But overall I'm very happy."

U.S. Masters champion Phil Mickelson, who could replace Woods as world number one for the first time if he wins this week, matched his long-time rival by carding a 70.

"Shooting 70 today isn't the round that you want," Mickelson said after recording four birdies and two bogeys.

"There wasn't much wind, the greens were receptive and there were a lot of low scores.

"The reason I think this was a good day for me is I just didn't have it ... and yet I was able to shoot a couple under par. If I can come out tomorrow, get hot and shoot something in the mid-60s, I can get back in the tournament."

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Semi-finalists spotted in St Soldier Soccer Trophy

Published>Fri, May 07 10 05:48 AM

Semi-finalists have been spotted in the Chandigarh State Football Championship Under-16 for St Soldier Trophy being played at the Saint Soldier International School ground in Sector 28 on Thursday. St John High School will face St Kabir School, at 9 a.m. and hosts St Soldier International will challenge St Joseph's School, Sector 44. Both semi-finals will be played on Friday. Sterling performance by agile goalkeeper Gautam steered St Kabir School into the semi-final as they eliminated the challenge of Stepping Stone School, Sector 37 by an aggregate 4-2 margin after sharing two goals in the regulation period in the quarter-final encounter. St Kabir School forged ahead in the third minute through Yuvraj while Stepping Stone neutralised the the lead in the Lokesh who scored a fine goal in the 39th minute. With a view to resolving the deadlock, the organisers applied the tie-breaker rule. In the tie-breaker session, Digvijay, Sanchit and Yuvraj Singh converted their penalties. Only Shivam muffed his try. Only Gautam of Stepping Stone School could convert his spot kick. Lokesh, Sahil and Kshitij found St Kabir custodian Gautam a stonewall.

When it look all over for Mount Carmel, Sector 47, Deepak David produced a fine goal in the 51st minute to place his team at par with St Joseph's School, Sector 44. Earlier, in the 16th minute agile Deskyong had given St Joseph's the lead with a curling direct kick. In the tie-breaker, St Joseph's just managed to pip their rivals with an aggregate 6-5 margin. St Joseph's scorers in the tie-breaker were Rishab, Nikhil, Deskyong, Akshit and Pankaj. For Mount Carmel, Jatin, Deepak, Amanbir and Saurab converted the penalties. Hosts St Soldier and St John's recorded facile victories over their respective opponents. St John's blanked St Xavier's School, Sector 44 by 3-0.

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Morkel mauls Kiwis as South Africa triumph

Published>Fri, May 07 10 04:28 AM

Albie Morkel smashed 40 from 18 balls to help South Africa beat New Zealand by 13 runs in their opening Super Eight game at the Twenty20 World Cup on Thursday.

Morkel, dropped from the one-day team due to his poor batting form, inspired South Africa to make 62 off the last five overs and pile up an impressive total of 170 for four.

It was a good display from the Proteas who, while unfancied before the tournament, have shown they have all the elements needed for success.

A partnership of 72 between Morkel and AB de Villiers (47 not out) was crucial in taking the South Africans to a big total with Morkel smashing three sixes off one over from Tim Southee.

"We played smart cricket, Albie made the most of his opportunity and his partnership with AB was probably the turning point. We controlled the game pretty well, except for some sloppiness in the final five overs. Now we have a big game against England coming up on Saturday," Smith said.

"Every game in this competition is crucial. We have been searching for the right combination after a little bit of a rusty start to this tournament," he added.

Openers Jacques Kallis and Smith got the Springboks off to a rapid start, rattling up 40 inside five overs before Smith was caught by Martin Guptill off Southee for 14.

AVERAAGE TOTAL

Herschelle Gibbs made 30 but it was Morkel's magnificent hitting that made the difference between an average total and the daunting targe3t they set Daniel Vettori's side.

In response, New Zealand never really got into a strong rhythm and were only 39 for one after their six powerplay overs with a restricted field.

After losing opener Brendon McCullum in the first over to a spectacular diving catch from Gibbs off Morne Morkel, Jesse Ryder (33) and Martin Guptill (18) put on a 44-run partnership at a run-rate of just 6.6 per over.

That put pressure on the middle order who failed to fire and although Nathan McCullum made a spirited 26 from 17 balls it was too late to mount a real challenge.

"You need to be inch-perfect with guys like Morkel hitting at the death, but we were a little off. We need guys at the top to play 40-50 balls to have a chance of chasing down this target," New Zealand skipper Daniel Vettori said.

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Albie Morkel sparkles in South Africa's victory over Black Caps

Published>Fri, May 07 10 03:48 AM

Bridgetown (Barbados), May 7 (IANS) South Africa marched to an impressive 13-run win over New Zealand in their first Super Eights match of the World Twenty20 at Kensington Oval here.

South African all-rounder Albie Morkel made the difference Thursday as he blazed away to 40 off 18 balls with five sixes and along with AB de Villiers (47 not out) carried his team to an imposing 170 for four. In reply, New Zealand ambled to 157 for seven in their 20 overs.

South African bowlers Johan Botha (2-23), Charl Langeveldt (2-39) and Morne Morkel (2-27) then combined to stifle the Black Caps' chase.

The New Zealand innings suffered from lack of partnerships and none of their batsmen showed the willingness to dig their heals with the exception of Jesse Ryder.

Ryder's 33 came in 28 balls with two fours and as many sixes.

Earlier, deciding to bat, South Africa made a promising start with openers Jacques Kallis (31) and skipper Graeme Smith (14) rustling up 40 runs inside five overs. But Smith was soon caught by Martin Guptill off Tim Southee (1-39) and three overs later Kallis joined him in the dug out.

Herschelle Gibbs made 30 off 24 balls with two fours and a six but it was Morkel who lifted South Africa from a parlous looking state as runs dried up.

The lanky South African, who came after Gibbs' dismissal, joined hands with De Villers and the two walloped 72 runs for the fourth wicket, with last five overs of the South African innings producing 62 runs.

Morkel feasted on the low full tosses from the New Zealand bowlers and three of his five sixes came off Southee's over which went for 21 runs.

De Villiers on the other hand took the role of a second foil when Morkel went berserk. The 26-year-old played with controlled aggression to carry his bat till the end. His 39 balls innings included two sixes and a four.

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Indian eves lose T20 WC opener against NZ

Published Fri, May 07 10 03:28 AM

Basseterre (St Kitts), May 7 (PTI) Mithali Raj''s 36-ball 44 and Diana David''s four-wicket haul went in vain as India suffered a 11-run loss against New Zealand in their Group B opener of the Women''s World Twenty20 here today. Diana (4/27) wreaked havoc with her off-spinners but New Zealand recovered from a mid-innings collapse to post a competitive 139 for eight from their 20 overs. Chasing the target, India rode on Mithali Raj''s 44 and identical 28s from opener Sulakshana Naik and Amita Sharma to keep themselves in the hunt but eventually it was not enough to romp home as the Kiwi bowlers restricted them to 129 for eight. Sian Ruck (2/17) and Lucy Doolan (2/18) starred for New Zealand with the ball sharing four wickets between them. Earlier opting to bat, Suzie Bates scored a 30-ball 32 up the order and was ably supported by Nicola Browne (24), Rachel Priest (20) and Sara McGlashan (15) to take New Zealand to 139. Diana was the star performer for India with the ball, picking up four crucial Kiwi wickets for 24 runs. Reema Malhotra also chipped in with two wickets giving away 25 runs. Indian eves will take on arch-rivals Pakistan in their next group match on Saturday, while New Zealand will be up against Sri Lanka.

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Morkel mauls Kiwis as South Africa triumph

Published>Fri, May 07 10 03:06 AM

Albie Morkel smashed 40 from 18 balls to help South Africa beat New Zealand by 13 runs in their opening Super Eight game at the Twenty20 World Cup on Thursday.

Morkel, dropped from the South African one-day team due to his poor batting form, inspired his team to make 62 off the last five overs and pile up an impressive total of 170 for four.

A partnership of 72 between Morkel and AB de Villiers (47 not out) was crucial in taking the South Africans to a big total with Morkel smashing three sixes off one over from Tim Southee.

In response, New Zealand never really settled although there were useful contributions from Jesse Ryder (33) and Nathan McCullum (26).

Source: Web Search

South Africa beat New Zealand in Super Eights

Published>Fri, May 07 10 02:48 AM

Bridgetown, (Barbados) May 7 (IANS) South Africa defeated New Zealand by 13 runs in the Super Eights of the World Twenty20 here.

Set to chase a winning target of 171 runs, New Zealand finished at 157 for seven in 20 overs.

For New Zealand, Jesse Ryder was the top scorer with 33 runs while Nathan McCullum contributed an unbeaten 26.

Charl Langeveldt, Morne Morkel and Johan Botha took two wickets each.

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Senna calls for two-tier qualifying in Monaco

Published>Fri, May 07 10 02:28 AM

Formula One's new teams should qualify among themselves at next week's Monaco Grand Prix so as not to pose a danger to other drivers, Brazilian rookie Bruno Senna suggested on Thursday.

Senna, nephew of the late triple world champion Ayrton who was a multiple winner on the streets of the Mediterranean principality, said he would raise the issue at a drivers' meeting on Friday at the Spanish Grand Prix.

The all-new teams -- Hispania, Virgin Racing and Lotus -- are several seconds slower than the established ones and would be expected to fill the slots at the back of the grid under normal conditions.

"We have to discuss this with (race director) Charlie (Whiting), how are we going to do it," Senna told reporters in the ageing Hispania (HRT) motorhome that previously belonged to now-defunct Jordan and Super Aguri.

"It's not a bad idea to be honest if they take maybe six or eight cars from the group of the... slowest cars and then the other guys go in a different qualifying session, it will probably be a good idea for both," he added.

"We don't want someone much faster than us coming to overtake us, and they don't want to be every lap getting someone slower.

"This is something that I am just making up right now. I am going to suggest this to them and see what they think, it's up to the (governing) FIA," added Senna.

"The eight slowest from the aggregate of the practice sessions could be a good indicator."

Other drivers, with quick and slow cars, backed the idea.

"I would think that somehow the FIA should think to split us," said Lotus's Italian Jarno Trulli. "I don't know how to approach it but I think 24 cars on track (in Monaco) is going to be hard. It's really going to be hard."

Renault's Robert Kubica said qualifying would certainly be even more of a challenge in the tight streets where overtaking is barely possible.

"This year with three teams who are at a much slower pace, it will be much more difficult," the Pole told reporters.

"I have been racing in Monaco before with split qualifying and there are some advantages and some disadvantages, but for sure we will need some solutions.

"On the other hand, it will be very difficult to get everybody happy with one solution, so I think it is a bit of a difficult topic."

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Serena dusts off rust to power into Rome semis

Published>Fri, May 07 10 02:06 AM

Serena Williams showed little ill-effect from her long layoff with a knee injury as she powered into the semi-finals of the Italian Open on Thursday.

The American world number one, playing her first tournament since winning January's Australian Open, produced a display of power and panache to dispatch Russian Maria Kirilenko 6-1 6-4.

Serena, the 2002 Italian Open champion, was in control from the off, rattling the Russian by standing short on her serve and pouncing on any weak balls to drill home winning returns.

Her own serve was fearsome, zipping down at over 190kph on several occasions, and she notched seven aces.

Serena also showed she was in good physical shape, racing to the net to recover drop shots and tip them back for winners, as with the point that clinched the first set.

The only blot was that she allowed herself to be broken in the sixth game of the second set.

Serena conceded she had been rusty in her earlier games at this week's tournament, an important warmer for this month's French Open, but had promised to be "sexy" in the quarters and said she was satisfied that she had kept her word.

"Yeah, I think so," she told a news conference when asked if she considered the performance sexy enough. "It was fast and hot and sweaty."

Fourth seed Venus, the 1999 champion who is also returning from injury, faces twice former champion Jelena Jankovic of Serbia in her quarter-final later on Thursday.

Former French Open champion Ana Ivanovic gave another indication that she might be regaining the form that lifted her to the top of the world rankings two years ago, brushing past Russian 14th seed Nadia Petrova 6-2 7-5

The Serb, who has fallen to 58th in the rankings, had claimed her first wins over top 10 opponents in 18 months this week by beating Elena Dementieva and Victoria Azarenka on the way to the last four.

"This tournament and the victories I have had this week mean a lot to me because I have put in so much work, not only in the last months but also the last year, and it was just not happening," said the Serb.

"I just needed to get some more momentum and start playing matches because that is what I have been lacking for so long. Now I am just so happy to be back on track."

She will now be up against unseeded Spaniard Maria Jose Martinez Sanchez, a 7-6 6-4 victor over Czech Lucie Safarova.

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Anand misses chance, draws ninth game in World C''ship

Published Fri, May 07 10 01:28 AM

Sofia (Bulgaria, May 7 (PTI) World champion Viswanathan Anand missed out on a chance to score a crucial victory and had to settle for a draw against challenger Veselin Topalov of Bulgaria in the ninth game of the world chess championship now underway here. Anand and Topalov are locked at 4.5-4.5 score with just three more encounters remaining in the 12-game affair. Anand, who blundered a drawn position in the eighth game, came back strongly to threaten to post his third victory in the match. He got Topalov in the opening phase of the game but did not find the best manoeuvres to retain his advantage. For the first time in the match, Anand allowed Topalov the Nimzo Indian defense. So far, all the games had been fought in the Catalan opening and Anand had attained two victories with that besides two draws. However, following the seventh game when Anand last played white in this match, the pundits had been predicting another change in Anand''s guard as Topalov had reached a comfortable position and this was what precisely happened. Anand went for the Classical system, and opening that had been played for ages at all levels and the players followed on known theory till the 17th move. The Indian was the first to show his new idea while Topalov treaded cautiously in the opening phase of the game. As a result, the Bulgarian had consumed close to 50 minutes by the time the new move was played by Anand. The ''Novelty'' was in fact a knight retreat to which Topalov replied confidently but only a few moves later Anand was fighting for the initiative after parting his queens for two rooks. The Bulgarian took an adventurous tour of his queen on the queen side to get some counter play and the stage was set for a spectacular finish. Anand played his 38th move confidently but when Topalov came up with his next move the Indian missed out on his best manoeuvre to cause maximum troubles to his opponent. As it happened in the game, Topalov crawled back in quick time and even after sacrificing his last remaining minor piece the local hero was still in the game, thanks to his double passed pawns on the queen side. The game continued for a long time thereafter even though the outcome was hardly in any doubt. The longest game of the match so far was drawn after 83 moves. With three games to come, it is advantage Topalov as he has two white games remaining.

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South Africa set New Zealand 171-run target

Published>Fri, May 07 10 12:58 AM

Bridgetown (Barbados), May 7 (IANS) South Africa scored 170 for four against New Zealand in a Super Eights match of the World Twenty20 here Thursday.

South Africa's total was boosted by 18-ball 40 of Albie Morkel and AB de Villiers' unbeaten 47 from 39 balls.

For New Zealand, Jacob Oram (1-22), Nathan McCullum (1-35) and Tim Southee (1-39) took a wicket each.

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SA set NZ 171 for victory

Published Fri, May 07 10 12:52 AM

Bridgetown (Barbados), May 7 (PTI) South Africa made a competitive 170 for four against New Zealand in a Group E Super Eight stage match of the Twenty20 cricket World Cup here today. Brief Scores: South Africa: 170 for four in 20 overs (AB de Villiers 47 not out, Albie Morkel 40; Jacob Oram 1/22).

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Pietersen punishes sloppy Pakistan

Published>Fri, May 07 10 12:48 AM

A fine unbeaten 73 from Kevin Pietersen led England to a comfortable six-wicket victory over Pakistan in their opening Super Eight game at the Twenty20 World Cup on Thursday.

With plenty of English support watching in the Barbados sunshine, Paul Collingwood's team had little trouble in surpassing Pakistan's total of 147 with three balls to spare.

"Let's not get too carried away, but we're delighted with the win and to get some points on the board," Collingwood told reporters.

Pakistan made a bright start, reaching 50 inside seven overs, but their momentum was lost after the introduction of spin with Graeme Swann picking up the vital wicket of opener Salman Butt, who had made 34 off 26 balls.

Slow left-armer Michael Yardy took two wickets but the second major breakthrough wicket came when Pietersen made a superb running catch in the deep to get rid of Umar Akmal who had reached 30 in 25 balls.

SUICIDAL RUN

Pakistan's troubles were partially self-inflicted, skipper Shahid Afridi getting himself out attempting a suicidal run from his first ball.

Afridi's day was to get substantially worse, however, when his team took the field.

England's South African-born opening pair of Michael Lumb and Craig Kieswetter put on 44 for the first wicket.

Kieswetter was dropped in the first over by Ajmal who spilled the same batsman again before giving Lumb a life.

Lumb (25) went in the sixth over, spinner Ajmal redeeming himself partially as he lured the England batsman down the track for a stumping but Pietersen was in the mood for a match-winning display.

At first with Kieswetter (25) and then in a 60-run partnership with Collingwood (16), Pietersen struck the ball with power and intent.

Strutting around the crease, hampered only for a short while by a sore ankle after he struck his own foot, Pietersen made 73 from 52 balls, including eight fours and two sixes, to steer England home comfortably.

There were unnecessary nerves at the very end, the departures of Collingwood and Eoin Morgan leaving Luke Wright looking edgy even though the target had become a formality.

Pakistan even missed a golden chance to run out Pietersen in the 19th over but he finished unbeaten and took the man of the match award.

"We need one more victory and hopefully we can get to a semi-final," Pietersen said.

"The more you play, the better you get. Twenty20 cricket is serious business now," he said.

Afridi was left to ponder the many errors made by his team.

"You can't afford to miss opportunities and had we taken the opportunities the match could have turned out differently," he said.

New Zealand and South Africa are the other teams in Group E with the top two going through to the semi-finals.

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Scoreboard: Pakistan vs England, World Twenty20

Published>Thu, May 06 10 11:56 PM

Bridgetown (Barbados), May 6 (IANS) Scoreboard of a Super Eights match between Pakistan and England in the World Twenty20 here Thursday.

Pakistan:

Kamran Akmal c Kieswetter b Broad 15

Salman Butt c Collingwood b Swann 34

Mohammad Hafeez c Broad b Yardy 18

Umar Akmal c Pietersen b Sidebottom 30

Shahid Afridi run out (Wright/Kieswetter) 0

Misbah-ul-Haq b Yardy 13

Abdul Razzaq c Bresnan b Sidebottom 10

Fawad Alam c Kieswetter b Broad 1

Mohammad Aamer c Yardy b Bresnan 3

Saeed Ajmal not out 13

Mohammad Asif not out 0

Extras: (b-1, w-7, nb-2) 10

Total: (for nien wickets in 20 overs) 147

Fall of wickets: 1-31 (Kamran Akmal, 4.5 overs), 2-71 (Salman Butt, 9.2), 3-77 (Mohammad Hafeez, 10.3), 4-77 (Shahid Afridi, 10.4), 5-102 (Misbah-ul-Haq, 14.6), 6-118 (Umar Akmal, 16.4), 7-120 (Fawad Alam, 17.2), 8-132 (Abdul Razzaq, 18.6), 9-132 (Mohammad Aamer, 19.1)

Bowling:

Ryan Sidebottom 3 0 28 2

Tim Bresnan 4 0 36 1

Stuart Broad 4 0 25 2

Michael Yardy 4 0 19 2

Graeme Swann 4 0 28 1

Paul Collingwood 1 0 10 0

England:

Michael Lumb st Kamran Akmal b Saeed Ajmal 25

Craig Kieswetter c Umar Akmal b Abdul Razzaq 25

Kevin Pietersen not out 70

Paul Collingwood c Umar Akmal b Shahid Afridi 16

Eoin Morgan b Saeed Ajmal 5

Luke Wright not out 1

Extras: (lb-3, w-3) 6

Total: (for four wickets in 19.3 overs) 148

Fall of wickets: 1-44 (Lumb, 5.4 overs), 2-65 (Kieswetter, 8.1), 3-125 (Collingwood, 15.6), 4-140 (Morgan, 17.6)

Bowling:

Abdul Razzaq 3 0 22 1

Mohammad Asif 4 0 43 0

Mohammad Aamer 4 0 25 0

Saeed Ajmal 3.3 0 15 2

Mohammad Hafeez 1 0 12 0

Shahid Afridi 4 0 28 1

Toss: England, who chose to field

Umpires: Billy Bowden (New Zealand) and Rudi Koertzen (South Africa)

TV umpire: Simon Taufel (Australia)

Match referee: Alan Hurst (Australia)

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Pietersen''s half-century guides England to easy win

Published Thu, May 06 10 11:52 PM

Joseph Hoover Bridgetown (Barbados), May 6 (PTI) England hardly strained a sinew as Kevin Pietersen''s sizzling unbeaten 70 powered them to a clinical six-wicket victory over defending champions Pakistan in a Group E Super Stage match of the Twenty20 cricket World Cup here today. England showed exemplary discipline with their battery of bowlers restricting Pakistan to a modest 147 for nine, which was clearly a below-par score at the Kensington Oval track. When they returned to chase, England got off to a good start and then Pietersen took the onus on himself to see the side through with a 52-ball knock studded with seven fours and two sixes. Pakistan, on the other hand, helped England''s cause by grassing as many as four catches with Saeed Ajmal spilling three alone as their opponents overwhelmed the target with three balls to spare. Identical knocks of 25 by opener Michael Lumb and Craig Kieswetter set the tone for England''s chase. Paul Collingwood (16) and Eoin Morgan (5) could not make their presence count but Pietersen stood like a rock and scored almost at will to ensure England never lost their way. Earlier, Pakistan rode on cameos from Salman Butt (34) and Umar Akmal (30) to post a modest 149 for nine. Put into bat, Pakistan could never really break loose in the face of the exemplary discipline showed by the England bowlers, especially Michael Yardy (2/19) and Stuart Broad (2/25) who sent down eight tidy overs between themselves. The opening pair of Butt and Kamran Akmal (15) put 31 runs on board before Broad drew first blood in the fifth over when Kieswetter collected Akmal''s top-edge behind the stumps. Butt added 40 runs with Mohammad Hafeez (18) before Pakistan suffered a mini-collapse, losing three quick wickets for just six runs and reeling at 77 for four. Butt fell to Graeme Swann after his 26-ball knock, Yardy removed Hafeez and captain Shahid Afridi faced just one ball before running himself out in pursuit of a non-existent single. Umar Akmal and Misbah-ul-Haq (13) tried to revive the innings but Yardy struck again, castling Misbah. Akmal did not find any support from the lower order and perished in the 17th over when Kevin Pietersen took an excellent catch to give Ryan Sidebottom first of his two scalps.

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Scoreboard: Pakistan vs England, World Twenty20

Published>Thu, May 06 10 11:36 PM

Bridgetown (Barbados), May 6 (IANS) Scoreboard of a Super Eights match between Pakistan and England in the World Twenty20 here Thursday.

Pakistan:

Kamran Akmal c Kieswetter b Broad 15

Salman Butt c Collingwood b Swann 34

Mohammad Hafeez c Broad b Yardy 18

Umar Akmal c Pietersen b Sidebottom 30

Shahid Afridi run out (Wright/Kieswetter) 0

Misbah-ul-Haq b Yardy 13

Abdul Razzaq c Bresnan b Sidebottom 10

Fawad Alam c Kieswetter b Broad 1

Mohammad Aamer c Yardy b Bresnan 3

Saeed Ajmal not out 13

Mohammad Asif not out 0

Extras: (b-1, w-7, nb-2) 10

Total: (for nien wickets in 20 overs) 147

Fall of wickets: 1-31 (Kamran Akmal, 4.5 overs), 2-71 (Salman Butt, 9.2), 3-77 (Mohammad Hafeez, 10.3), 4-77 (Shahid Afridi, 10.4), 5-102 (Misbah-ul-Haq, 14.6), 6-118 (Umar Akmal, 16.4), 7-120 (Fawad Alam, 17.2), 8-132 (Abdul Razzaq, 18.6), 9-132 (Mohammad Aamer, 19.1)

Bowling:

Ryan Sidebottom 3 0 28 2

Tim Bresnan 4 0 36 1

Stuart Broad 4 0 25 2

Michael Yardy 4 0 19 2

Graeme Swann 4 0 28 1

Paul Collingwood 1 0 10 0

England:

Michael Lumb st Kamran Akmal b Saeed Ajmal 25

Craig Kieswetter c Umar Akmal b Abdul Razzaq 25

Kevin Pietersen not out 70

Paul Collingwood c Umar Akmal b Shahid Afridi 16

Eoin Morgan b Saeed Ajmal 5

Luke Wright not out 1

Extras: (lb-3, w-3) 6

Total: (for four wickets in 19.3 overs) 148

Fall of wickets: 1-44 (Lumb, 5.4 overs), 2-65 (Kieswetter, 8.1), 3-125 (Collingwood, 15.6), 4-140 (Morgan, 17.6)

Bowling:

Abdul Razzaq 3 0 22 1

Mohammad Asif 4 0 43 0

Mohammad Aamer 4 0 25 0

Saeed Ajmal 3.3 0 15 2

Mohammad Hafeez 1 0 12 0

Shahid Afridi 4 0 28 1

Toss: England, who chose to field

Umpires: Billy Bowden (New Zealand) and Rudi Koertzen (South Africa)

TV umpire: Simon Taufel (Australia)

Match referee: Alan Hurst (Australia)

Source: Web Search

Belarus FA fine Dynamo Minsk $82,000 for Nazi banner

Published Thu, May 06 10 11:28 PM

Dynamo Minsk were handed a record $82,000 fine by the Belarus FA on Thursday after the club's fans displayed a Nazi banner in a league match last week.

Dynamo fans raised a banner dedicated to Adolf Hitler's deputy Rudolf Hess during the game against Vitebsk on April 28.

"It has brought shame not only to Belarus football but to the entire nation," the country's FA disciplinary chief Vladimir Vitushko told reporters after slapping Dynamo with a 245 million roubles ($82,000) fine, the biggest in Belarus soccer.

Vitushko said he did not know who was behind the action.

Dynamo, the country's most popular club with seven league titles who finished second last year, said they would appeal.

The banner read: "Your life is an example of loyalty for us", and had a portrait of Hess on it with his date of birth and death. It was intended to celebrate the 116th birthday of Hess, who died in prison in west Berlin aged 93 in 1987.

The fans' action has outraged many people in the former Soviet republic, coming just days before the country is due commemorate the 65th anniversary of the Nazi Germany's defeat in World War Two.

Source: Web Search

England beat Pakistan in Super Eights

Published>Thu, May 06 10 11:08 PM

Barbados, May 6 (IANS) England beat Pakistan by six wickets in the Super Eights of the World Twenty20 here Thursday.

Set a target of 148 runs, England completed the run chase with three balls to spare. Kevin Pietersen was the top scorer with an unbeaten 70 runs while Michael Lumb and Craig Kieswetter contributed 25 runs each.

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Mikel to miss out on Chelsea League and FA Cup finale

Published Thu, May 06 10 10:52 PM

Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel will miss the Premier League season finale and FA Cup final against Portsmouth after having minor knee surgery.

The 23-year-old Nigerian international was injured in the match against Bolton Wanderers last month, the club said on their website (www.chelseafc.com) on Thursday.

Leaders Chelsea could be chasing a Double against Portsmouth at Wembley on May 15 if they beat Wigan Athletic and secure the league title on Sunday.

Source: Web Search

Umesh Yadav to replace injured Praveen Kumar

Published Thu, May 06 10 10:22 PM

Bridgetown (Barbados), May 6 (PTI) Unheralded Vidarbha pacer Umesh Yadav will fly to West Indies tomorrow to replace Praveen Kumar, who was today ruled out of the ongoing Twenty20 World Cup due to a side strain. "Praveen Kumar has sustained a side strain and has been ruled out of the ICC World T20 2010, as a result. The All-India Senior Selection Committee has picked Umesh Yadav as his replacement," the BCCI secretary N Srinivasan said in a statement. Praveen, who had played both the group matches against Afghanistan and South Africa, had sustained the injury during a practice session at the 3Ws Oval and the Indian team management sent him for an MRI which revealed a a tear in abdomen muscle. Interestingly, Yadav was not part of the pool of 30 probables and he now needs a nod from the tournament''s technical committee, which is expected to be a formality. PTI JH SSC

Source: Web Search

Mikel to miss out on Chelsea League and FA Cup finale

Published Thu, May 06 10 10:08 PM

Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel will miss the Premier League season finale and FA Cup final against Portsmouth after having minor knee surgery.

The 23-year-old Nigerian international was injured in the match against Bolton Wanderers last month, the club said on their website (www.chelseafc.com) on Thursday.

Leaders Chelsea could be chasing a Double against Portsmouth at Wembley on May 15 if they beat Wigan Athletic and secure the league title on Sunday.

Source: Web Search

India rally to draw 1-1 with China in Azlan Shah hockey

Published>Thu, May 06 10 09:32 PM

Ipoh (Malaysia), May 6 (IANS) Ravi Pal Singh struck a last-minute goal as defending champions India drew level 1-1 with China in their opening match of Azlan Shah Cup hockey tournament here Thursday.

Sun Tianjun put China ahead in the 13th minute before India stepped up the attack. But India failed to convert their chances and wasted five penalty corners. Ravi took advantage of a goalmouth scramble barely 17 seconds before the hooter to score the equaliser.

India will next play arch rivals Pakistan Friday.

In another match, Pakistan, too, found the equaliser in the dying minutes to hold home team Malaysia 3-3.

For Malaysia Hafifihafiz Hanafi struck twice while Amin Rahim scored one goal. Pakistan, who got their act together in the second half, scored through Shafaquat Rasool and in the final seconds by Irfan Muhammad.

Korea proved too good for Egypt, registering a 6-0 victory.

Results:

China 1 (Sun Tunjian) drew with India 1 (Ravi Pal)

Korea 6 (Hyun Nam Woo (3), Kim Young Jin, Lee Nam Young, Yu Wio Suk) beat Egypt 0

Malaysia 3 (Hafifihafiz Hanafi (2), Amin Rahim) drew with Pakistan 3 (Rasool Hafquat, Ifran Muhammad, Zubhair Mohammad))

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Pakistan score 147/9 against England

Published>Thu, May 06 10 09:08 PM

Bridgetown (Barbados), May 6 (IANS) Pakistan scored 147 for nine from 20 overs against England in the first Super Eight match of the World Twenty20 at Kensington Oval here Thursday.

Pakistan's Salman Butt top scored with 34 while Umar Akmal made 30.

Ryan Sidebottom (2-28), Stuart Broad (2-25) and Michael Yardy (2-19) were the main wicket-takers.

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Good all round display by Bhadkar, Pandey

Published Thu, May 06 10 08:52 PM

Panaji, May 6 (PTI) Abhishekh Bhadkar put up a fine all round display, scoring 45 and capturing two wickets for 10 runs, to help South Zone beat defending champions West Zone by 26 runs on the opening day of JK Bose T20 tournament for sports journalists at the Panjim Gymkhana here today. In another league match played at the Sports Authority of Goa ground, Campal, North beat East by 41 runs with Dharmendra Pandey (21 and 3-10) playing a key role in North''s victory. The tournament was inaugurated by V M Prabhu Desai, Executive Director Sports Authority of Goa. In his inaugural address to the scribes, Desai hoped for continued support of the media as Goa was set to host the National Games in 2011, Asian Beach Games in 2013 and the World Portuguese Games. "We hope for the support of media. I am surprised by the smart turnout here for the cricket matches," he said. Scores: North Zone 119 for 9 (Vijay Kumar 24, Dharmendra Pandey 21; P Chakravarty 3 for 26, Arup Chatterjee 3 for 24, Alok Chaturvedi 2 for 16) bt East Zone 72 (Santosh Suri 3 for 8, D Pandey 3 for 10, Rakesh Thapliyal 2 for 20). South Zone 163 for 4 (Satish Viswanathan 41, R Kaushik 35, Abhishek Bhadkar 45) bt West Zone 137 for 7 (Bhadkar 2 for 10).

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Ministry has no business questioning my integrity: Randhir

Published>Thu, May 06 10 08:48 PM

New Delhi, May 6 (IANS) Indian Olympic Association (IOA) secretary general Randhir Singh Thursday trained his guns at the Sports Ministry for launching a 'personal attack' on him for approaching the International Olympic Committee (IOC) on the issue of limiting the tenure of officials of national sports bodies.

Randhir Singh, the lone IOC member from India, said as an independent observer of the apex body it was his duty to inform it about the developments in the country's sports affairs.

The champion shooter also said the sports ministry has issued the notification without proper 'understanding and awareness' of the Olympic Charter.

While welcoming the ministry's move to send its official to the IOC to explain its viewpoint, Randhir Singh said it should have been done before the notification was issued.

'It is good that they are sending someone to IOC headquarters to get a better understanding of the Charter because it is becoming an embarrassment for the country. I wish the ministry had done it before issuing the notification.'

On the ministry calling his being an independent member of the IOC as well as secretary general of the IOA a conflict of interest, he said he did not need the government's permission to write to the IOC. If anything, the ministry should have consulted him as the IOC member from India before issuing the guidelines, he observed.

'As a member of the IOC from India, it is my duty to keep the world body posted of the developments as well as try and evolve a mechanism to resolve the issue arising out of the ill-timed government guidelines.'

'I can also pose the same question to the ministry that they should have consulted the IOC member in India before issuing the guidelines without consulting anyone,' Randhir Singh said without mincing words.

In a letter, IOC's National Olympic Committee (NOC) relations director Pere Miro hinted that the world body will not hesitate to impose sanctions on its Indian affiliate if there is too much government interference in the functioning of the federations which, under the Olympic Charter, need to be autonomous.

Later, the ministry accused Randhir Singh of having a 'conflict of interests on the issue in view of his 23-year-long continuous tenure as IOA secretary general and also an independent member from India on the IOC'.

Randhir Singh hit back at the sports ministry saying his credentials were 'too well known in the sports world' and released his CV as he addressed the news conference with the motif of five Olympic rings as the backdrop.

'The ministry has no business to question my integrity and credibility as a sportsperson, sports administrator and member of the IOC, least of all the conflict of interest because of my position as secretary general of the IOA. In sports circles the world over people will vouch for my honesty in whatever I have done all these years, particularly to promote sports in India.

'I have personal relations with the sports minister (M.S. Gill). He is a family member to me and I have praised his good moves like providing pension to former sports persons.

'I am hurt with such a personal attack. It is unfortunate, unfounded and absolutely unwarranted.

'I have no vested interest. I have served the country as a shooter and as a sports administrator and it will not bother me if I walk out of it. But as long as I am an IOC member, I will do my duty with dedication.

'It is an attack on the integrity of a person who has dedicated his life to sports,' said Randhir Singh, who is an Asian Games gold medallist and participated in six Olympic Games.

Randhir Singh also said that the ministry's criticism about IOC not seeking any inputs from the government is totally uncalled for.

'The Olympic Charter makes it amply clear about the autonomy and tenure issues. The ministry is in possession of the charter and has conveniently ignored what it states on these issues.'

He said the ministry should focus on completion of Commonwealth Games venues as pointed out by the Coordination Commission instead of wasting energies on things like guidelines.

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Indian men''s team in semis, eves top group

Published Thu, May 06 10 08:38 PM

Chennai, May 6 (PTI) Indian men''s team breezed into the semifinals while Joshna Chinappa exacted a personal revenge on higher seeded Rebeca Chiu as the Indian eves, already in the last four, thumped Hong Kong 3-1 to top Group B in the Asian Squash Championship here today. Chinappa and her teammates will now meet Korea in the semifinal. Beaten by Rebeca in the individual event a few days ago, Joshna today settled score with a 11-4, 11-7, 4-11, 11-7 victory that came in 25 minutes. Joshna was at her best today and not only played her shots deeper but was also deceptive in her shots close to the front wall. She retrieved well and some of her picks of returns were top class. After she had tamed Rebeca, teammate Dipika Pallikal defeated Annie Au 11-6, 11-4,11-8 in 33 minutes even though compatriot Anaka Alakamony went down to highly ranked Joey Chan 11-3, 6-11,8-11, 5-11 in 35 minutes. The Indian women''s team has a fair chance of making the final as Korea is sixth seeded here and the hosts women have a better rating than their rivals. Malaysia take on Hong Kong in the other semifinal tomorrow. Indian men''s team, spearheaded by Saurav Ghosal, also made sure of their progress to the last four. India, after defeating China 2-0 in their last league match this morning, beat a fighting Korea with an identical margin in the quarterfinals in the evening. Ghosal quelled the challenge of Korea''s top player Max Lee 11-7, 12-10, 11-6 in 35 minutes after Harinder Pal Singh Sandhu had put India in the lead with a clear 14-12, 11-2,11-7 win over Dick Lau. India has a tough task ahead in their semifinal against defending champions Malaysia tomorrow, while Pakistan take on Kuwait in the other match.

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India to begin Asia Cup campaign against Bangladesh

Published Thu, May 06 10 08:36 PM

Colombo, May 6 (PTI) India will begin their Asia Cup campaign against Bangladesh on June 16th at Dambulla. Defending champions, Sri Lanka, will play hosts to the 10th edition of the Asia Cup to be played from June 15 to 24. Other team participating in the biennial event includes Pakistan. Tournament opener will be played between Sri Lanka and Pakistan on June 15th. India will play arch-rivals Pakistan on June 19th and Sri Lanka on June 22nd in their other league fixture. As per the schedule released by the Sri Lankan Cricket board (SLC), six matches will be played in the league phase before the final on June 24th at Dambulla. Next day has been marked as a reserve day. Sri Lanka had won the title in 2008 defeating India in the final when the tournament was held in Pakistan. India have won the tournament four times while Pakistan have won once. Schedule: 15th June 2010 Sri Lanka Vs Pakistan Dambulla 16th June 2010 India Vs Bangladesh Dambulla 17th June 2010 Reserve Day Dambulla 18th June 2010 Sri Lanka Vs Bangladesh Dambulla 19th June 2010 Pakistan Vs India Dambulla 20th June 2010 Reserve Day Dambulla 21st June 2010 Pakistan Vs Bangladesh Dambulla 22nd June 2010 India Vs Sri Lanka Dambulla 23rd June 2010 Reserve Day Dambulla 24th June 2010 Final Dambulla 25th June 2010 Reserve Day Dambulla. PTI TVS SHN

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Scribes give thumbs up for Gill''s move

Published Thu, May 06 10 08:28 PM

Panaji, May 6 (PTI) A majority of scribes who have assembled here for a five-day sports journalists'' convention today gave a big thumbs up to the decision of the Union Sports Ministry to limit the tenure of sports administrators, who - in turn - have revolted against the move. To an opinion poll "Do you agree with Sports Minister, M S Gill''s move to limit tenures of National federation heads?", over 99 per cent of the 70-odd journalists from 16 States attending the convention said "yes". Less than one per cent said that they did not agree with the move. The opinion poll was the second to be done at the 34th convention of the Sports Journalists Federation of India in as many days. On the opening day yesterday, 94 per cent voted in the affirmative to the query "Will the Indian Premier League continue to flourish even in the absence of the now suspended Lalit Modi".

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AIFF has no choice but to renew Houghton's contract

Published>Thu, May 06 10 08:18 PM

New Delhi, May 6 (IANS) With key India players headed by skipper Bhaichung Bhutia publicly supporting chief coach Bob Houghton, the All India Football Federation (AIFF) can do little except reject the Englishman's resignation and extend his tenure beyond the Asian Cup in January.

The AIFF executive committee is meeting here Friday to assess the situation following Houghton's resignation in a huff after he learnt that AIFF secretary-general Alberto Colaco had sounded an agent in Malaysia to find a new coach for the national team.

Some influential executive committee members, who feel that the issue has been handled rather unprofessionally, are also unhappy at the way the AIFF top brass allowed Mahindra United to disband its team without making an attempt to prevent it.

They say both these developments could not have happened at a more inopportune time than now when the Asian Cup is barely eight months away.

'Instead of helping the national team prepare for the Asia Cup, in which India are clubbed with strong regional sides Australia, South Korea and Bahrain, the AIFF management is busy digging trenches behind Houghton,' said a senior executive committee member, not wanting to be named.

Houghton was livid when he spoke to IANS from his base in Cape Town Monday to confirm that he had indeed resigned. He sounded hurt that the AIFF was looking for his successor after he expressed his willingness to renew his contract for at least two more years after the present one expires in January.

AIFF chief and Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel asked him to reconsider his decision and invited him to sort out the problem face to face instead of through emails and telephonic conversations.

Patel held informal discussions with the executive members on the eve of the meeting in a bid to smoothen the ruffled feathers as some of them made no secret of their dislike for Colaco for the way he has been running the federation despite being secretary general for a decade.

'I think Mr. Patel should fix responsibility for the ham-handed manner in which the Houghton issue was handled and a lot of questions need to be answered at the meeting,' said the official.

'The AIFF is going through one of its worst phases. Someone should be held responsible for the way things have happened, first the Mahindra bombshell and then the Houghton howler,' he added.

'Colaco will have to explain why teams are unhappy and want to close shop as he is the chairman of the I-League. Some other teams are threatening to go the Mahindra way and the trend has to be bucked. Then, why was Houghton's contract renewal kept in abeyance when he was willing to extend it? Who authorised Colaco to look for another coach?' the official said.

Even former players have come out in support of Houghton, saying Houghton should not be allowed to go before the Asia Cup and, in fact, he should be given a fresh contract.

Olympian S.S.Hakeem said: 'Pandit Nehru once said that technical manpower in a nation counts much more than gold, silver and money, and Rahim saab (legendary coach) used to say let football be handled by footballers.'

'Without going into the achievements of Houghton, I should say that the coach is the most important part of the system. For me, Houghton's biggest achievement is not India winning back-to-back Nehru Cup titles, but taking the team to the Asian Cup finals.'

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Injured Praveen Kumar to return home

Published Thu, May 06 10 07:52 PM

Bridgetown (Barbados), May 6 (PTI) India will miss the service of seam bowler Praveen Kumar, who was today ruled out of the ongoing Twenty20 World Cup because of an abdominal muscle tear. Praveen had sustained the injury during a practice session at the 3Ws Oval and the Indian team management sent him for an MRI which revealed a a tear in abdomen muscle. Praveen, who had played both the group matches against Afghanistan and South Africa, will return home today. The BCCI is to announce a replacement for the injured bowler soon. Karnataka''s R Vinay Kumar, who bagged 53 wicket in the domestic season and did well for Royal Challengers Bangalore in the Indian Premier league, could take Praveen''s slot in the eleven.

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England opt to field against Pakistan

Published>Thu, May 06 10 07:38 PM

Bridgetown (Barbados), May 6 (IANS) England captain Paul Collingwood won the toss and opted to field against Pakistan in the first match of the Super Eight stage of the World Twenty20 at the Kennsington Oval here Thursday.

Teams:

Pakistan: Salman Butt, Kamran Akmal (wicketkeeper), Shahid Afridi (captain), Abdul Razzaq, Misbah-ul-Haq, Mohammad Hafeez, Umar Akmal, Fawad Alam, Mohammad Asif, Mohammad Aamer, Saeed Ajmal.

England: Michael Lumb, Craig Kieswetter (wicketkeeper), Kevin Pietersen, Paul Collingwood (captain), Eoin Morgan, Luke Wright, Michael Yardy, Tim Bresnan, Graeme Swann, Stuart Broad, Ryan Sidebottom.

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Cricket journalist Martin-Jenkins new MCC president

Published>Thu, May 06 10 07:28 PM

London, May 6 (IANS) British journalist Christopher Martin-Jenkins has been appointed the new president of the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC).

Martin-Jenkins will begin his one-year term October 1 when he takes over from former Sussex captain and Old Etonian John Barclay.

'Christopher has a wealth of cricket knowledge and a very strong connection to the sport; quite simply, he loves the game,' Barclay was quoted as saying here.

'Working within the world of cricket for over 40 years, he is, I believe, ideally placed to serve as MCC president. He could be described as the 'voice of cricket' - when CMJ appears on the radio, he makes you feel that all is right with the world.'

'Following in the footsteps of former professionals such as Mike Brearley, Derek Underwood and myself, I think it's nice to have a bit of variety in the role.'

During his career, Martin-Jenkins has been the cricket correspondent of the BBC and the Daily Telegraph and The Times newspapers. He was also the editor of the Cricketer magazine.

By tradition, each president of MCC nominates his own successor.

Although it is more than 40 years since it ceased to run English cricket, MCC still has worldwide responsibility for the game's Laws or rules and it also owns Lord's, in north-west London, arguably cricket's most famous ground.

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