EXCLUSIVE - Players put the knife in, says disappointed Els

Published>Mon, May 24 10 12:47 AM

Ernie Els has hit out at players who criticised his redesign of Wentworth's West Course this week, saying they had "put the knife" into him.

Wentworth owner Richard Caring, who spent 6.5 million pounds ($9.34 million) on the changes, had been "kicked in the teeth" by the players, Els told Reuters in an exclusive interview .

"If they had criticisms they could've handled it differently. That's the sad part of the whole week, a lot of the guys I've known for a very long time came out and basically put the knife in and I don't really appreciate that," Els said on Sunday.

The redesign left few of the 18 holes untouched and several players at the PGA Championship complained in the media about the changes, especially the new moat and elevated green at the 18th.

"There is going to be criticism with any new design but I really wasn't expecting the backlash I got," Els said. "I don't think anybody deserved it.

"If the people who made all those comments, especially the players, look back at what they said and what they achieved this week, it was all negative," said Els after finishing well down the field following a closing 72 for 287, three over par.

"The tour doesn't need it, the club doesn't need it, the owner who has put all this money in doesn't need it, I don't need it."

Caring acknowledged mistakes had been made with the redesign of the famous West Course and told reporters on Friday that he would take the blame.

"It's unfortunate he had to come out (and say that)," said Els. "He is the guy who spent 6.5 million pounds on the changes.

"Who on earth is going to spend that money to enhance a golf course on television and make the sponsor happy, make the players happy and then the players kick him in the teeth because they don't like a couple of holes?

CRITICAL COMMENTS

"For all this money we are playing for (a $5.63-million prize fund) we could be playing down the road...not come in here like a bunch of spoiled golfers," said the world number seven.

"This guy is enhancing the flagship event, the whole tour, and players come in and criticise that. That's amazing -- how must he feel?"

Els said he could not understand why some players had not spoken to him directly.

"Some players who made critical comments came to me, some players haven't come to me -- and I don't understand that."

The 40-year-old South African added: "Obviously the 18th didn't quite come out the way we wanted...but we didn't need a bunch of know-all people to criticise everything -- that is the disappointing part.

"These greens were only laid in November and December and we are now holding the biggest tournament on tour on these greens. I think it's a hell of a feat by the whole team."

Els said he would make some changes for the 2011 PGA Championship, particularly the eighth and 18th holes.

"Definitely 18. I can show you the plans I drew for it at the get-go," said Els. "I'd also like to make changes on eight, I don't like the heather on the mounds there.

"I'd even like to change the eighth green because that's another one I wanted lower.

"But for the rest I think it's unbelievable. The green superintendent Chris Kennedy has really got these bunkers almost the way we want them," added the triple major winner.

Source: Web Search

Somdev goes down fighting to Marco in French Open

Published Mon, May 24 10 12:19 AM

Paris, May 23 (PTI) Somdev Devvarman fought his heart out in his maiden French Open campaign before crashing out of the clay court Grand Slam event following a marathon five-set duel with higher ranked Marco Chiudinelli of Switzerland in the opening round here today. Somdev, who became the first Indian to make it to the singles main draw in 13 years, lost 3-6, 6-3, 3-6, 6-3, 3-6 in a gruelling three hours and 38 minute clash at the Roland Garros here. Somdev came back twice from a set down to ignite hopes of a win but a break conceded at the second game of the decider cooked his goose. The Indian started strongly making his world number 65 opponent toil for every point. Somdev got an early breakpoint and a chance to surge ahead after 1-1 but the Swiss fought back and won the third game of the opening set after exchange of a few deuce points. Somdev failed to maintain his tempo and was broken in the sixth game as Marco first took a 4-2 lead before pocketing the first set 6-3. However, the world number 109 Indian, who is known for his gutsy fightbacks, raised his game to several notches to take the second set 6-3. Somdev, who had beaten the same opponent in Dubai in February, broke the Swiss baseline player -- similar as him -- in the sixth game of the second set to take it and draw parity. In the third set, the Swiss big server, broke Somdev in the fourth game to take a 3-1 lead. The Guwahati-born Indian played some close games later on and was on the verge of breaking his opponent in the next game but failed to convert it and eventually lost the third set 3-6. But Somdev made yet another comeback in the fourth set, breaking his rival in the second and fourth game and barring a third game slip, held his serve till the end to win it 6-3 and level the match 2-2. Much was expected from Somdev in the decider but Marco stole the show when he broke the Indian in the second game and held his serve to take a 3-0 lead. Lagging 3-5, Somdev reeled off a couple of points and was 30-0 at one point in the ninth game of the decider but the Swiss came back strongly to eventually pocket the set and pour cold waters on India''s hopes.

Source: Web Search

Somdev crashes out of French Open in first round

Published>Mon, May 24 10 12:11 AM

Paris, May 23 (IANS) A fighting Somdev Devvarman crashed out of the French Open 3-6, 6-3, 3-6, 6-3, 3-6 in a marathon first round match against Switzerland's 65th-ranked Marco Chiudinelli here Sunday.

The 109th-ranked Indian and Chiudinelli were locked in a three-hour long battle before the Swiss evened his head-to-head meetings with Somdev. The Indian had beaten Chiudinelli in their only previous meeting in Dubai earlier this year.

Somdev Friday had become the first Indian in 13 years to qualify for the main draw at Roland Garros. Leander Paes was the last Indian to play in the men's singles here in 1997 and he lost in the second round to Magnus Norman.

Somdev's only previous Grand Slam entry was in the US Open last year where he lost to Germany's Philipp Kohlschreiber.

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Ribery signs contract extension with Bayern

Published>Mon, May 24 10 12:07 AM

French playmaker Franck Ribery has extended his Bayern Munich contract until 2015 to end months of speculation about his future, the losing Champions League finalists said on Sunday.

"We're delighted we've reached agreement on a contract extension with one of the world's best players," Bayern chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge told the Bundesliga club's website (www.fcbayern.t-com.de).

"That is a sign of the big goals the team has set for the coming years."

Bayern said the new deal was signed with the 27-year-old before they lost 2-0 in the Champions League final to Inter Milan on Saturday.

"I made five more years," the Frenchman told a 25,000-strong crowd at Munich's central Marienplatz square, speaking in broken German, as the team were welcomed home.

He was referring to the five years he is contracted to play for Bayern, including the one year left on his old contract.

German media reported his annual salary would be around 10 million euros ($12.5 million).

The France international, who joined Bayern in 2007 on a four-year deal, missed the match due to suspension after being sent off in the first leg of the semi-final against French side Olympique Lyon.

"My family and I are delighted that we're staying in Munich. The club has become a big family for me," Ribery said in a statement. "I am very happy that I opted to continue working together with Bayern."

Real Madrid, Barcelona and Manchester United had reportedly shown interest in the player, who is expected to have a big role for France at the June 11-July 11 World Cup in South Africa.

Ribery, who almost signed for Real last year, had said in the past months he would like to play in Spain or England to challenge for the top European title.

Ribery decided to stay at Bayern following an extremely successful season under new coach Louis van Gaal, winning their domestic league and Cup double and unexpectedly reaching the Champions League final.

"We will do everything to be back in the final in the coming years," Rummenigge said after a convoy of cars carried the team into the city centre.

Source: Web Search

Gallas rolls over in dune buggy race

Published Sun, May 23 10 11:47 PM

France defender William Gallas rolled over while taking part in a dune buggy race at the team's World Cup training camp in the French Alps on Sunday.

Gallas got out of the buggy and waved to his team mates to indicate he had not been hurt in the crash, a Reuters photographer at the scene reported.

The defender escaped with just a graze on his left hand, a team spokesman said.

The former Arsenal skipper is recovering from a calf injury and has been back in training for several days, suggesting he will be fit to take part in the June 11-July 11 finals in South Africa.

France, in a week-long training camp at this scenic ski village, have been taking part in activities such as hiking up a glacier and an introduction to biathlon, a mixture of cross-country skiing and shooting.

Source: Web Search

Injury ends Gulbis's French Open hopes

Published>Sun, May 23 10 11:27 PM

Roland Garros proved a stride too far, literally, for Latvian dark horse Ernests Gulbis on Sunday as he was forced to retire with a hamstring injury after doing the splits against Frenchman Julien Benneteau.

The 23rd seed was already a set and 2-1 down when he inadvertently performed a gymnastics-type move in the corner while trying to recover from reaching a wide backhand.

He returned to the court after treatment but was clearly restricted and the 21-year-old, who beat world number one and defending French Open champion Roger Federer in Rome recently, threw in the towel trailing 6-4 6-2 1-0.

"When I returned a serve, 2-1, second set, I stretched my leg, my hamstrings, and I heard two cracks," Gulbis told reporters. "I don't know what is it. I'm going to get an MRI in hospital and check it. I hope it's nothing serious."

Gulbis, a player who has finally been delivering on his potential this year, said he hoped to be fit for the grasscourt season after an encouraging claycourt swing.

"I will try not to be pessimistic for the grass court season," he said. "Obviously I love grass. I love the tournaments there. There are not many tournaments. Queen's, Wimbledon, I really enjoy, I enjoy playing on grass."

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South Africa's Polokwane readies for football extravaganza

Published>Sun, May 23 10 10:07 PM

Polokwane, May 23 (IANS) South Africa's Polokwane city is abuzz with activities as it gears up to host eight matches of the FIFA World Cup starting in June in the country.

Deputy president Kgalema Motlanthe is impressed with the city's preparations for the World Cup.

Teams from France, Argentina, Paraguay and Mexico will play their matches at the city's Peter Mokaba Stadium.

Motlanthe, who chairs an inter-ministerial task group on the World Cup, Saturday visited the project sites to get a first hand information on the preparation, BuaNews reported.

The city infrastructure is being upgraded for the benefit of the visitors coming for the event.

A 'cultural village' is also being developed for the visitors.

Organisers said 10 different African countries would showcase their heritage and culture at the village. The aim is to strengthen ties among the African countries beyond the World Cup.

'I am highly impressed with what I've seen and I'm convinced Polokwane will produce excellent shows during this World Cup,' Motlanthe told reporters.

Thousands of visitors are expected in South Africa for the month-long event.

Source: Web Search

French Open women's singles first round results

Published Sun, May 23 10 09:47 PM

REUTERS - French Open women's singles first round results from Paris on Sunday (prefix denotes seeding, * new result).

* Johanna Larsson (Sweden) beat Anastasija Sevastova (Latvia) 6-2 6-2

* Yvonne Meusburger (Austria) beat Claire Feuerstein (France) 7-6(4) 6-3

* 30-Maria Kirilenko (Russia) beat Karolina Sprem (Croatia) 7-6(5) 6-4

Akgul Amanmuradova (Uzbekistan) beat 20-Maria Jose Martinez Sanchez (Spain) 6-2 6-4

14-Flavia Pennetta (Italy) beat Anne Keothavong (Britain) 6-2 6-2

15-Aravane Rezai (France) beat Heidi El Tabakh (Canada) 6-1 6-1

Gisela Dulko (Argentina) beat 10-Victoria Azarenka (Belarus) 6-1 6-2

Andrea Petkovic (Germany) beat Elena Vesnina (Russia) 4-6 6-1 6-4

Varvara Lepchenko (U.S.) beat Christina McHale (U.S.) 7-5 6-3

Chanelle Scheepers (South Africa) beat Mathilde Johansson (France) 6-2 6-4

6-Svetlana Kuznetsova (Russia) beat Sorana Cirstea (Romania) 6-3 6-1

26-Dominika Cibulkova (Slovakia) beat Ekaterina Ivanova (Russia) 6-2 6-0

Source: Web Search

I have good gut feeling - South Africa's Parreira

Published>Sun, May 23 10 09:27 PM

Coach Carlos Alberto Parreira said he had "a good feeling in the pit of my stomach" about South Africa's World Cup chances despite the host nation being among the lowest-ranked teams in the tournament.

Parreira said a recent 4-0 friendly win over Thailand and increased intensity in training had given him a positive feeling.

South Africa, drawn with France, Mexico and Uruguay in Group A, are seeking to avoid becoming the first World Cup hosts to fail to get past the first round of their tournament.

"My stomach tells me we are going to do well. I have a very positive feeling. Every time I see them (the players) train, they are looking better and better. Every day they spent together, you can see the improvement," he told a media briefing on Sunday.

South Africa play Bulgaria in Soweto on Monday as they continue their preparations for the opening World Cup game against Mexico in Johannesburg on June 11.

"The idea is to take it step-by-step but always go forward, never going backwards," Parreira said.

"We want to keep improving on every performance and then we should have the confidence that we are going to do well at the World Cup."

South Africa then face Colombia on Thursday and Parreira said he wanted another international on May 31 before his team's final warm-up game against Denmark on June 5 in Pretoria.

Source: Web Search

French Open men's singles first round results

Published Sun, May 23 10 09:07 PM

REUTERS - French Open men's singles first round results from Paris on Sunday (prefix denotes seeding, * new result).

* Julien Benneteau (France) beat 23-Ernests Gulbis (Latvia) 6-4 6-2 1-0 (Gulbis retired)

* 32-Guillermo Garcia-Lopez (Spain) beat Rainer Schuettler (Germany) 7-5 6-4 6-2

29-Albert Montanes (Spain) beat Stefano Galvani (Italy) 6-3 6-3 6-3

Fabio Fognini (Italy) beat Nicolas Massu (Chile) 6-1 3-6 2-6 6-3 6-3

5-Robin Soderling (Sweden) beat Laurent Recouderc (France) 6-0 6-2 6-3

11-Mikhail Youzhny (Russia) beat Michal Przysiezny (Poland) 6-1 6-0 6-4

Thiemo de Bakker (Netherlands) beat Olivier Patience (France) 6-4 5-7 6-4 6-3

Alejandro Falla (Colombia) beat Janko Tipsarevic (Serbia) 6-1 6-2 6-3

10-Marin Cilic (Croatia) beat Ricardo Mello (Brazil) 6-1 3-6 6-3 6-1

Source: Web Search

Hockey India's claims meaningless, says Gill

Published>Sun, May 23 10 08:57 PM

New Delhi, May 23 (IANS) K.P.S. Gill, president of the court-reinstated Indian Hockey Federation (IHF), Sunday trained his guns at Hockey India (HI) after the ad hoc body decided to go ahead with the election, and said whatever the HI does after the Delhi High Court order is 'meaningless.'

HI secretary general Narinder Batra, who Saturday told IANS that the court judgement would not in anyway affect HI's existence, reiterated his stand in a statement Sunday that the IHF was disaffiliated by the International Hockey Federation (FIH) in 2000.

Gill, disagreeing with Batra, said the IHF was never disaffiliated by the international body.

'It is completely wrong. The IHF was never disaffiliated by the FIH, only its name was changed to Indian Hockey Confederation (IHC),' Gill told IANS Sunday.

Asked about HI getting ready to hold the election, Gill said: 'Whatever they do is meaningless because there is something called the law of the land and it applies to everyone.'

'I am told that there are a number of court cases against HI across the country. They have also been de-recognised by the government.'

'Let us see what steps they take. We will do whatever is required,' Gill said when asked whether the IHF would take legal course if the HI went ahead with the election.

Batra had told IANS Saturday that decks have been cleared for HI election in June or early July and the election notice will be issued in four-five days.

He said the Delhi High Court's order to reinstate the IHF does not affect the functioning of the HI.

'IHF was disaffiliated by the FIH in 2000 and the IHC was formed consisting of both men and women units. This was necessary since the FIH had made it clear that if both units are not merged as per the IOC Charter, India would not be allowed to participate in international events,' Batra said.

'The IHC was disaffiliated by the FIH in 2008 and the HI took over from the IHC in 2009. As of today it is only the HI which has the affiliation of the IOA, AHF and FIH.,' Batra said.

'The court order has no bearing on HI status as it is recognised by the FIH after it disaffiliated the IHF,' Batra added.

'The judgment deals with the fact that while suspending/ disaffiliating the IHF, the IOA and the sports ministry did not follow the course of natural justice. This issue can be best clarified by the IOA and the sports ministry as to how they plan to follow the course of natural justice again.'

Source: Web Search

Collingwood out as Morgan gets Bangladesh call

Published>Sun, May 23 10 08:51 PM

Paul Collingwood has been ruled out of England's two-Test series against Bangladesh with a shoulder injury, it was announced on Sunday.

But batsman Eoin Morgan, who played in the side captained by Collingwood that last Sunday won the World Twenty20 final against Australia in Barbados, has been called up into a Test squad for the Bangladesh series opener, which starts at the Middlesex left-hander's Lord's home ground on Thursday.

Meanwhile England fast bowler Stuart Broad will miss the series in order to undergo a "strengthening programme".

Collingwood's absence has created room in the Test squad for 23-year-old former Ireland batsman Morgan, although South Africa-born Jonathan Trott also remains in contention.

Morgan's county colleague Steven Finn retains his place in the Test squad, the fast bowler having played in both of England's wins in Bangladesh two months ago.

Their fellow Middlesex team-mate Andrew Strauss returns to captain the side, having been rested from the Bangladesh tour and then missing the World Twenty20 as the opening batsman has opted out of that form of the game.

Alastair Cook, who captained the side in Bangladesh, is set to resume his opening partnership with Strauss.

As well as Collingwood and Broad, other players from England's victorious side in the Caribbean not selected for Lord's include openers Michael Lumb and wicketkeeper/batsman Craig Kieswetter, left-arm pace bowler Ryan Sidebottom, left-arm spinner Michael Yardy and all-rounder Luke Wright.

The four 'survivors' are Morgan, star batsman Kevin Pietersen, seamer Tim Bresnan and off-spinner Graeme Swann.

Paceman James Anderson, in the squad in the Caribbean but who didn't play, is in England's 12 for Lord's.

The second and final Test of this series gets underway at Old Trafford on June 4.

England first Test squad:

Andrew Strauss (capt), Alastair Cook, Ian Bell, Kevin Pietersen, Jonathan Trott, Eoin Morgan, Matt Prior (wkt), Graeme Swann, Tim Bresnan, James Anderson, Steven Finn, Ajmal Shahzad.

Source: Web Search

Fans staying away from FIFA World Cup

Published>Sun, May 23 10 07:37 PM

London, May 23 (IANS) With international fans staying away from the FIFA World Cup, local organisers in South Africa have been forced to revise their visitor estimates down from an initial 750,000 to 200,000.

The Guardian said that World Cup is set to be a major financial disappointment for the host nation South Africa, after it became clear that international fans have decided to stay away and their tickets are being sold cheaply to South Africans.

With less than three weeks before the kick-off, June 11, South Africa's revamped airports and spruced-up cities are staging an impressive show of readiness, but now it seems that there may be half a million fewer than expected in the Rainbow nation.

Airlines, hotels and guesthouses have slashed their prices and April 15 hundreds of thousands of cut-price match tickets went on sale in South Africa, in a bid to fill 3.2 million seats at 64 matches.

South Africa's organising committee chairman Danny Jordaan ruled out reports that the country's crime rate - 50 murders a day - had forced the international fans to stay away.

'When I went to London in March, the only problem people kept mentioning was the recession. The global recession has played a part in the low sales of tickets, but I also think fans are influenced by whether their country has a chance. I think we will see an influx for the last 16 matches. When you have big teams going into the quarter-finals and semi-finals, fans just cannot keep away,' Jordaan was quoted as saying by the daily.

He blamed FIFA's rigid internet-based ticket sales system as a handicap to fans.

Despite the disappointment, Jordaan feels that the event will be a long-term asset.

'The new infrastructure, like the roads, the airport expansion programmes and the investment in telecoms, will be there after the World Cup and will help our economy to grow,' he said.

The country also remains divided, between those who believe there should be no price tag on the nation-building potential of hosting the World Cup and others who say that the 33 billon rand (three billion pounds) cost of preparing for the competition should have been spent on improving the lives of the poor.

The amount is approximately equal to the loan the World Bank gave South Africa last month to revamp its failing electricity supply system.

Source: Web Search

Collingwood out as Morgan gets Bangladesh call

Published>Sun, May 23 10 07:27 PM

Paul Collingwood has been ruled out of England's two-Test series against Bangladesh with a shoulder injury, it was announced on Sunday.

But batsman Eoin Morgan, who played in the side captained by Collingwood that last Sunday won the World Twenty20 final against Australia in Barbados, has been called up into a Test squad for the Bangladesh series opener, which starts at the Middlesex left-hander's Lord's home ground on Thursday.

Meanwhile England fast bowler Stuart Broad will miss the series in order to undergo a "strengthening programme".

Collingwood's absence has created room in the Test squad for 23-year-old former Ireland batsman Morgan, although South Africa-born Jonathan Trott also remains in contention.

Morgan's county colleague Steven Finn retains his place in the Test squad, the fast bowler having played in both of England's wins in Bangladesh two months ago.

Their fellow Middlesex team-mate Andrew Strauss returns to captain the side, having been rested from the Bangladesh tour and then missing the World Twenty20 as the opening batsman has opted out of that form of the game.

Alastair Cook, who captained the side in Bangladesh, is set to resume his opening partnership with Strauss.

As well as Collingwood and Broad, other players from England's victorious side in the Caribbean not selected for Lord's include openers Michael Lumb and wicketkeeper/batsman Craig Kieswetter, left-arm pace bowler Ryan Sidebottom, left-arm spinner Michael Yardy and all-rounder Luke Wright.

The four 'survivors' are Morgan, star batsman Kevin Pietersen, seamer Tim Bresnan and off-spinner Graeme Swann.

Paceman James Anderson, in the squad in the Caribbean but who didn't play, is in England's 12 for Lord's.

The second and final Test of this series gets underway at Old Trafford on June 4.

England first Test squad:

Andrew Strauss (capt), Alastair Cook, Ian Bell, Kevin Pietersen, Jonathan Trott, Eoin Morgan, Matt Prior (wkt), Graeme Swann, Tim Bresnan, James Anderson, Steven Finn, Ajmal Shahzad.

Source: Web Search

Akmal threatens to sue coaches over match-fixing allegations

Published>Sun, May 23 10 07:23 PM

Pakistan wicketkeeper Kamran Akmal has threatened to sue the team's former coaches Intikhab Alam and Aaquib Javed if they don't apologise for suggesting that he was involved in match-fixing during the disastrous tour of Australia.

Akmal said he wanted a public apology from Intikhab and Aaqib for raising suspicions about his performance on the tour earlier this year.

"I want an apology from them or else they should substantiate their claims that I deliberately left a run-out in the Sydney test. They must come up with evidence that I am linked with bookmakers," Kamran said.

The wicketkeeper-batsman made it clear that he was fed up trying to explain that he was not involved in match-fixing.

"I go out everyday and they are people passing comments on me. My family is deeply disturbed with these fresh allegations," he said.

Intikhab and Aaqib told a Pakistan Cricket Board inquiry committee that they had their suspicions about the performances of Kamran and all-rounder Rana Naved in Australia.

They specifically expressed suspicions about the performance of Kamran in the second Test in the lost Sydney during which the keeper dropped four catches and missed an easy run-out.

The video recordings of the former coaches caused an uproar and reignited the match-fixing issue and the ICC also stated it was examining Pakistan's dismal tour of Australia this year when they were whitewashed in the Test and one-day series.

Though PCB Chairman Ijaz Butt has made it clear that the inquiry into the Australian tour is a closed chapter and they found no evidence of match-fixing, Kamran who left on Saturday for a film shoot in London said he wanted an apology.

"If they don't apologise or don't substantiate their allegations I will go to court. I wanted to go to court earlier also against a media outlet but the PCB persuaded me against do so," he said.

"But this time since both Intikhab and Aaqib are PCB employees, when I return I will talk to the board Chairman about my intentions," he added.

Kamran said that he was surprised at the statements of both the former coaches.

"They remained coaches since last year and if they had suspicions about my performance in Sydney why did they pick me for the one-day series that followed," he stated.

Source: Web Search

Kuznetsova glad form falling into place in Paris

Published>Sun, May 23 10 07:07 PM

Svetlana Kuznetsova has endured a miserable start to the European claycourt season but somehow the Russian knew that come the defence of her French Open title everything would fall nicely into place.

The sixth seed recovered from a terrible start, losing the first three games, to kick off her Paris campaign with a 6-3 6-1 win over Romanian Sorana Cirstea on Sunday.

"It was surprising for me, because I felt I had been preparing and giving my best in practice, and I was not having as good results as I would have liked," Kuznetsova told reporters.

"But I knew this moment had to pass because I deserve better than that, and I worked harder than these results. I was just concerned about when it was going to pass."

Last season Kuznetsova, 24, compiled an imperious 17-3 claycourt record on the European swing before bursting through the pack to claim her second Grand Slam crown in Paris.

This time round her record was a paltry 1-3, losing her last three matches before arriving in Paris, and a fourth consecutive defeat on the slowest surface loomed when she dropped the first three games.

But she got her act together to see off the world number 34 on a sunsoaked centre court where close friend Amelie Mauresmo was watching from the stands.

She clinched nine games in a row after the shaky opening, wrapping it up on her second match point with a backhand passing shot.

Kuznetsova will face German Andrea Petkovic in the second round.

Source: Web Search

Cairns mulls suit against Modi for match fixing slur

Published>Sun, May 23 10 06:27 PM

Wellington, May 23 (IANS) Former New Zealand all-rounder Chris Cairns says he has taken the legal course against suspended Indian Premier Legal Commissioner Lalit Modi over allegations of match fixing.

Cairns was not allowed to participate in the IPL auction after he quit the rebel Indian Cricket League, with Modi claiming that the cricketer was involved in match-fixing during his ICL days.

'I'm currently an interested bystander,' Cairns was quoted as saying in the New Zealand Herald Sunday.

'We are still trying to have Modi served with papers. We're going through that process in India but it takes time to get through the court system. We're waiting for him, though.'

'If he decides to go to the UK, we'll have him served there but it is so difficult to know his movements - especially with all the turmoil he's embroiled in. It's frustrating but we've initiated the process and just have to wait,' Cairns said.

The irony is that Modi, the founder of the IPL empire estimated, is fighting allegations of financial irregularities.

'We will continue to pursue justice but at the moment he's also going through a process which needs to reach its conclusion before any judgement is passed.'

'We need to go through the proper channels to find out what to do next. I'm as interested as anybody to see how this pans out,' said Cairns.

He said that he lost a vital opportunity to play for IPL.

'The opportunity is gone now. I'm finished. There was that one window of opportunity in the IPL when I was asked to put my name forward but I'm 40 in three weeks (June 13) so reality dictates, even though a return was a romantic notion.'

Source: Web Search

Strauss back to resume England captaincy

Published>Sun, May 23 10 06:09 PM

London, may 23(ANI): England's Test skipper Andrew Strauss will resume the captaincy against Bangladesh at Lord's on Thursday after watching the Paul Collingwood-lead team to Twenty20 World Cup glory in his absence.

Strauss said that he and coach Andy Flower both want to prevent a repeat of what followed England's 2005 Ashes win, when too much celebrating led to a dramatic dip in form.

"Players can get carried away, as we have seen in the past, but I'd be very surprised if it happened to this group of players. I think a healthy dose of realism is important while at the same time taking huge confidence out of what has been achieved in the T20," News of The World quoted Strauss, as saying.

"But let's not fool ourselves. In all forms of the game there is improvement we can make. Certainly in Test cricket if we want to be the best team in the world we need to make a lot of improvements," he added.

Strauss' would be making a comeback over four months' absence, but he remains convinced that he was right to take a break before a hectic year of cricket that culminates in the Ashes.

"The break was very, very important. I feel refreshed and excited about coming back into the England team. Ultimately, it was done for long-term reasons," Strauss said.

"It was done with the Ashes and next year's World Cup in mind. I don't know how the players will react but if there's a problem, we'll cross that bridge when we come to it," he added. (ANI)

Source: Web Search

Shoaib Malik's appeal against ban adjourned till next week

Published>Sun, May 23 10 05:17 PM

Lahore, May 23 (ANI): Pakistan's former cricket captain Shoaib Malik's appeal against one-year ban and hefty fine has been adjourned until next week by a retired judge.

"Malik's lawyer completed his arguments and the lawyer for the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) wanted time for some legal matters so the appeal has been adjourned for May 29," Irfan Qadir, the one-man arbitrator, said.

Rana Navedul Hasan appeal was adjourned until June 19 after his lawyer filed two more appeals and wanted to know constitutional points about the inquiry, Qadir said.

Former captain Younus Khan's appeal has already been adjourned for May 29, the Daily Times reports.

The PCB banned Malik and Naved for one year on charges of indiscipline during Pakistan's disastrous tour of Australia.

Both were also fined Rs two million. Younus and another former captain, Mohammad Yousuf, were banned indefinitely as a "result of infighting in the team".

Pakistan's Twenty20 captain Shahid Afridi, Kamran Akmal and Umar Akmal were heavily fined and kept on a six-month probation.

The penalties followed an investigation into Pakistan's tour of Australia, where they lost all three Tests, five one-day and a Twenty20 international. Except Yousuf, who retired in protest, all six players appealed.

Appeals by Afridi, Kamran and Umar will be heard later. (ANI)

Source: Web Search

Akmal threatens to sue Intikhab, Aaqib over match fixing claims

Published>Sun, May 23 10 05:11 PM

Karachi, May 23 (ANI): Pakistani wicketkeeper Kamran Akmal has threatened to sue former coaches Intikhab Alam and Aaqib Javed for defamation unless they apologise for suggesting his performance in Australia may have been linked to bookmakers.

Akmal said on Saturday Alam and Javed should substantiate their allegations or make a public apology to him.

"I am fed up with these allegations. My family is disturbed. I go out and people hoot me and I am mentally disturbed. I want to clear this unwarranted stigma with my name," a foreign news agency quoted him, as saying.

"I want an apology from these people. I will be speaking to the chairman of the board about this, as they are employees of the board. If they don't apologise I intend to go to court in my personal capacity," he added.

Intikhab Alam and Aaqib Javed's statements caused uproar in Pakistan when video recordings of the inquiry committee proceedings were leaked to a television channel this week. (ANI)

Source: Web Search

Shoaib Malik's appeal against ban adjourned till next week

Published>Sun, May 23 10 05:07 PM

Lahore, May 23 (ANI): Pakistan's former cricket captain Shoaib Malik's appeal against one-year ban and hefty fine has been adjourned until next week by a retired judge.

"Malik's lawyer completed his arguments and the lawyer for the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) wanted time for some legal matters so the appeal has been adjourned for May 29," Irfan Qadir, the one-man arbitrator, said.

Rana Navedul Hasan appeal was adjourned until June 19 after his lawyer filed two more appeals and wanted to know constitutional points about the inquiry, Qadir said.

Former captain Younus Khan's appeal has already been adjourned for May 29, the Daily Times reports.

The PCB banned Malik and Naved for one year on charges of indiscipline during Pakistan's disastrous tour of Australia.

Both were also fined Rs two million. Younus and another former captain, Mohammad Yousuf, were banned indefinitely as a "result of infighting in the team".

Pakistan's Twenty20 captain Shahid Afridi, Kamran Akmal and Umar Akmal were heavily fined and kept on a six-month probation.

The penalties followed an investigation into Pakistan's tour of Australia, where they lost all three Tests, five one-day and a Twenty20 international. Except Yousuf, who retired in protest, all six players appealed.

Appeals by Afridi, Kamran and Umar will be heard later. (ANI)

Source: Web Search

Murray will not be 2010 French Open champion, says Becker

Published>Sun, May 23 10 04:23 PM

Paris, May 23(ANI): Former German tennis player Boris Becker insists that despite British tennis champion Andy Murray made the quarter-finals at French Open last season, he is still regarded as vulnerable on the terracotta courts.

"Clay just isn't his surface yet," The Telegraph quoted Becker, as saying.

"Even though Murray has made improvements during the clay-court season - he had no confidence in his game when he lost his opening match in Monte Carlo, but he won a match in Rome, and he was a quarter-finalist in Madrid - he is still some way off being a challenger on the surface.

"I think that even though he can win some matches in Paris, he's not going to be the French Open champion. I would be very surprised if Murray wins in Paris," he added.

A six-time Grand Slam singles champion, Becker further said that Murray must win a few rounds in Paris if he has to prepare for a successful English grass-court season, starting with next month's Wimbledon.He has to turn the motor back on, and realise that Wimbledon starts for him at the French Open. If he can win some matches in Paris, that's going to help in London," Becker said.

"This year, he has been struggling on hard courts, his best surface, as well as on clay courts. He needs to win some matches in Paris and have a decent French Open if he is to consider himself to be back," he added. (ANI)

Source: Web Search

Xian wins Nilgiris Gold Cup

Published Sun, May 23 10 04:07 PM

Udhagamandalam, May 23 (PTI): Xian, ridden by S Kabthar and trained by R Foley, won the Nilgiris Gold cup -Div I, the main event of the races here today. Trainers Foley and B Suresh saddled five and two winners each, while jockey Rupa rode two winners. Five favourites obliged in a card of nine events.

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Amla, de Villiers hit tons as SA beat Windies

Published>Sun, May 23 10 03:37 PM

Hashim Amla and AB de Villiers scored hundreds as South Africa defeated West Indies by 66 runs in their rain-affected one-day international.

Amla anchored the top half of the South African batting with 102 from 109 balls, and de Villiers kept the momentum going with the same score from 101 balls, as the Proteas, put in to bat, reached 280 for seven from their rain-reduced 48 overs on a slow Vivian Richards Cricket Ground pitch on Saturday.

South Africa then dismissed West Indies, who had been set a Duckworth/Lewis target of 288, for 215 in 44.1 overs to clinch a 1-0 lead in the five-match series, which continues on Monday at this venue.

Morne Morkel was the most successful South African bowler with three wickets for 40 runs from eight overs, while Dale Steyn, Ryan McLaren, and Johan Botha collected two wickets apiece.

"We want to play well, and we want to win this series," said South Africa captain Graeme Smith.

"We want to have a very successful tour of the Caribbean.

I have said this a number of times. We have a lot of bouncing back to do, following the Twenty20 World Cup, and we want to do it well."

"This is just the first match, and the matches are very close together, so recovery is going to be important to us being successful."

West Indies captain Chris Gayle, whose 45 from 39 balls was the home team's top score, felt let down by the batting again.

"It's one of those things that we can't seem to catch a break with our batting, so we will have to go back to the drawing board," said Gayle.

"We are not going to give-up. We know that we are not playing good cricket now."

Steyn set West Indies back early, when he had Andre Fletcher caught at slip for four in the third over.

South Africa were put on the defensive, however, when Gayle gave West Indies a typically flourishing start.

Ryan McLaren had Dwayne Bravo caught behind for 15, and Morkel had Gayle caught in the deep to leave West Indies 69 for three in the 13th over.

The South Africans then saw Ramnaresh Sarwan make 38, and left-handed compatriot Narsingh Deonarine get 26 to stage a recovery with a stand of 61 for the fourth wicket.

Botha made the breakthrough in the 27th over, when Deonarine top-edged a sweep, and was caught at backward square leg, and Morkel bowled Sarwan, as West Indies slipped to 140 for five.

Kieron Pollard joined Denesh Ramdin, and they put on 52 for the sixth wicket.

Steyn returned for another spell, and bowled Ramdin for 17, when the batsman chopped on, and West Indies lost their last five wickets for 23 runs from 35 deliveries.

Amla, later named man-of-the-match, reached his second ODI hundred from 106 balls, when he steered a short, rising delivery from Pollard to third man for a single in the 33rd over.

De Villiers later reached his seventh ODI hundred from 99 balls, when he dragged a delivery from Ravi Rampaul through mid-on for a single in the 44th over.

They added 129 for the third wicket, after play started half-hour later than scheduled, and a near half-hour stoppage for rain further marred the match.

Amla put on 53 for the first wicket with Smith either side of the rain break before the Proteas' captain edged a flat-footed drive, and was caught behind for 18 in the seventh over off Bravo, who also had Jacques Kallis caught at third man for one to leave South Africa 57 for two.

After de Villiers added 54 for the fourth wicket with left-hander JP Duminy, South Africa lost four wickets for 40 runs from the last 41 deliveries of their innings.

Bravo was the most successful West Indies bowler with three wickets for 40 runs.

Source: Web Search

Gerrard says 2010 World Cup can be his last

Published>Sun, May 23 10 03:27 PM

London, May 23(ANI): England footballer Steven Gerrard has said that that he will take stock on his international career after next month's World Cup in South Africa.

"My thinking is to make the most of this World Cup because it could be my last. I turn 30 in a week and you never know what will happen down the line," News of The World quoted Gerrard, as saying.

"I've never considered finishing for England, but a lot of the players are coming to an age where they will have three or four weeks' holiday after the World Cup to consider their next move," he added.

The midfielder also believes that a lot depends on how well his team does in the tournament and what the manager might be thinking.

"When you get to 30, it's an age where I would consider, internationally, what I am going to do moving forward and also what I have achieved. I don't want to step out of this level of football if we haven't achieved something,"

"If we do really well, it might influence my thinking, but I haven't given it much thought. I'm guessing this could be my last World Cup. With the standard of players behind me, I wonder whether I would be good enough to hold down a place in the 23," he added. (ANI)

Source: Web Search

Capello taking no chances with injured Rooney

Published>Sun, May 23 10 03:23 PM

London, May 23(ANI): England manager Fabio Capello is taking no chances with ace striker Wayne Rooney, who is still having treatment on his injured right ankle.

Capello had him working on strengthening exercises in Austria last week for "reinforcement" work on the damaged ligaments.

According to reports, Rooney will play some part in Monday's friendly with Mexico at Wembley.

"I can leave some players out, but Rooney always wants to play.

If I tell him no, he says 'I want to play!', 'I want to train!' 'why you substitute me, I want to score!'," News of The World quoted Capello, as saying.

"It is good because he is an example to the other players, he is positive to be around," he added.

Rooney had injured his ankle ligaments in Manchester United's Champions League game against Bayern Munich and aggravated it during United's Premier League derby victory over Manchester City.

England are taking no chances with his ankle and are using a vigorous stretching exercises to make sure he is totally fit for the World Cup opener in 19 days' time. (ANI)

Source: Web Search

Lewis Hamilton charged for bad driving

Published>Sun, May 23 10 03:07 PM

Sydney, May 23 (DPA) Police charged British Formula One ace Lewis Hamilton for 'over-exuberant' driving near the Melbourne circuit where the Australian Grand Prix was held in March, media reports said Sunday.

The 2008 world champion was charged with 'intentionally losing control of a vehicle' when he did burnouts and fishtails in a borrowed Mercedes on a public road.

'What I did was silly and I want to apologise for it,' the 25-year-old said at the time.

In 2007, Hamilton had his licence suspended for a month after being caught speeding on a motorway in France.

A court date was set for Aug 24 in Melbourne, but it is not known whether Hamilton is obliged to be present.

A court appearance in Australia would clash with preparations for the Belgian Grand Prix Aug 29.

Source: Web Search

Archery Association of India to plan more events before Asiad

Published>Sun, May 23 10 02:37 PM

New Delhi, May 23(ANI): While speaking to the media persons in New Delhi on Saturday V K Malhotra, President of Archery Association of India said that there will be more tourneys and events so as to give a competitive edge for Indian archers prior to the ensuing Asian Games to be held in China.He mentioned that apart from the senior,junior and the sub-junior championship there would a mini and Federation Cup,so as to accommodate all the participants from across the country.

Source: Web Search

Mourinho to quit Inter Milan for 'record' 40 million pound Real Madrid deal

Published>Sun, May 23 10 01:37 PM

Madrid, May 23(ANI): Inter Milan boss Jose Mourinho has agreed to become Real Madrid's new manager after guiding the Italian side to a historic Treble of Serie A, Coppa Italia and Champions League wins.

Mourinho coached Inter Milan to a stunning 2-0 victory over Bayern Munich at Madrid's Santiago Bernabeu stadium to win the Champions League title, and became the third man in history to win it with two clubs.

"I want to become the only coach to win the Champions League with three different clubs," The Times Online quoted Mourinho, as saying.

"I believe my target now is to win another championship that I've never won and win Champions League with third club and then come back to England. Everybody knows that English football is my passion and I will go back to England once," he added.

Mourinho, who won the cup with Porto in 2004, joins Ernst Happel and Ottmar Hitzfeld in earning that remarkable accolade.

According to reports, he will sign a 40 million pound four-year deal, the highest salary ever paid to a football manager.

A contract will also provide a 14.5 million compensation for Inter Milan, which would constitute a record "transfer fee" for a manager. (ANI)

Source: Web Search

Milito helps Inter end 45-year wait for Europe's top prize

Published>Sun, May 23 10 01:27 PM

Madrid, May 23 (DPA) A goal in each half by Argentina striker Diego Milito helped Inter Milan overcome Bayern Munich 2-0 in the Champions League final Saturday in Madrid's Bernabeu stadium and end the Italian club's 45-year wait for Europe's top club title.

Coach Jose Mourinho may have dominated the build-up to this year's final - not least because of what looks like his impending move to Real Madrid - but Milito stole the show on the pitch with two clinical finishes to help Inter become the first Italian club to register the treble of domestic league, cup and Champions League.

'I cannot explain how I feel,' said Milito, who also scored in all three Champions League knockout rounds as well as netting the winner in the Italian Cup final against AS Roma.

'It's a joy I have never experienced before. It is great for the club. It is a unique sensation. This is football. I'm very happy. I always fought. I always tried to give my maximum.'

Bayern were going for a treble themselves, but without the suspended Franck Ribery were overly reliant on Arjen Robben and were unable to break a resolute Inter defence down.

Bayern coach Louis van Gaal said Ribery's absence made a huge difference. 'It is always easy to say after a defeat that Ribery was missing.

'We also played without Ribery against Lyon and Juventus and half the season. I don't think it is respectful to the other players to point out the players that are missing.

'But in a team with this style we need a creative player and Franck is a creative player and we missed him.'

Mourinho, meanwhile, joins Ernst Happel (Feyenoord and SV Hamburg) and Ottmar Hitzfeld (Borussia Dortmund and Munich) as the only coach to have won the European Cup/Champions League with two different clubs.

The Portuguese cried at the final whistle and certainly acted like he was saying farewell to Inter, but said in the press conference after the game, that he was the coach of the Seria A club and not Real. 'I am very, very proud to be coach of Inter.

'If I become coach of Real, would be because they are a huge club. They want to win. They are like Inter, they want to win not only at home, they also want to win in Europe.'

However, when he was asked directly when he was going to speak to Real Madrid president Florentino Perez, he said Monday.

He also confirmed that there were discussions going on between clubs. 'But I don't know my next project yet,' he said.

Inter president Massimo Moratti noted his coach's emotional response to the victory.

'I hope it was not a sense of guilt,' he noted wryly before adding that repeating the feat of his late father Angelo, who steered Inter from 1955 to 1968 was a magical feeling.

'It's a beautiful thing and I hope it remains in the heart of everyone as it did 45 years ago. We won a great cup and the team deserved it very much. Tonight we have to celebrate, then we'll see.'

Although the Nerazzuri started the stronger, Bayern displayed the resilience that has been their trademark this season and slowly began to settle with Robben nearly finding Ivica Olic at the near post after 10 minutes.

Inter had to wait until the 18th minute for their first goal threat when a Wesley Sneijder free-kick took a slight deflection but Hans-Joerg Butt pushed the ball away to safety.

Despite having the edge in terms of possession, van Gaal was left fuming in the 35th minute when his side fell behind to a simple route-one effort from Inter.

Goalkeeper Julio Cesar's long goal-kick was steered into the path of Sneijder by Milito, who latched on to the Dutchman's return ball before clipping the ball over the advancing Butt to make it 1-0.

Samuel Eto'o nearly made his way through the Bayern defence two minutes later but Martin Demichelis managed to clear the danger while three minutes before the break Milito set up Sneijder, but the Dutchman fired straight at the approaching Butt.

In an electric start to the second half, Thomas Mueller nearly levelled matters when found by Olic in the box, but Bayern's best chance of the match came to nothing as the midfielder's weak strike was easily dealt with by Julio Cesar.

A minute later, Goran Pandev's curling effort from the edge of the area was turned away by Butt as Inter almost caught the German champions out on the break.

Hamit Altintop's shot hit the side netting on 53 minutes as Inter began to sit back, while nine minutes later Robben whipped in a fierce free-kick from the left that broke to Mueller, but his shot was headed clear by Esteban Cambiasso.

Julio Cesar was called into action once again on 65 minutes when he managed to claw away a Robben shot that looked destined for the top corner as Inter continued to play a dangerous defensive game.

Cristian Chivu was replaced by Dejan Stankovic shortly afterwards, having struggled for long periods against Robben, but with 20 minutes remaining Milito struck the killer blow with his second goal of the game and sixth goal of this season's Champions League campaign.

Milito beautifully controlled Eto'o's pass before ghosting past Daniel van Buyten and calmly slotting the ball past Butt to make it 2-0.

Milito was given a deserved standing ovation when replaced by Marco Materazzi in added time as Inter fans celebrated their third Champions League triumph after distant successes in 1964 and 1965.

'I am very happy for the president. He deserves this. The club deserves it,' said Milito.

Source: Web Search

Why soccer is more popular in Europe than US

Published>Sun, May 23 10 01:17 PM

Washington, May 23 (ANI): With the FIFA World Cup soccer tournament beginning on June 11 in South Africa, the question as to why the game is not so popular in the United States arises.

Stephan Schindler, PhD, professor and chair of Germanic languages and literatures in Arts and Sciences, who has taught courses on the global culture of soccer, says that several reasons exist for this phenomenon.

"In the United States, football, basketball, baseball and ice hockey compete with each other and it is difficult for soccer to gain any momentum in this crowded sport space," Schindler, also professor of comparative literature and of film and media studies, both in Arts and Sciences, said.

He said the moment soccer became known as a working class sport, around 1910, it was associated with labour unions and even socialism and thus was unacceptable for many Americans.

"Although there is enough corporate sponsorship available, and although many young Americans play soccer, there is not the kind of local identification with a team that drives European soccer," Schindler said.

"For an American audience, soccer might be considered boring because of its low scoring and there aren't many statistics available for individual players, compared to baseball, for example. In soccer, the team counts more than the individual player," he explained.

While popular support for soccer has remained stagnant in this country, the game has exploded as a worldwide attraction.

"I think the game is so popular because the rules are simple, one only needs a ball to play and games can be played with any formation of players, from two to dozens," Schindler said.

Also, in Europe especially, soccer teams enjoy incredibly loyal local support.

"Soccer in Europe has almost a religious following," Schindler said.

"The sport is organized into club teams that belong to a neighbourhood and teams represent value systems or local identification," Schindler stated.

For example, the Glasgow Rangers are considered Protestant, while the Glasgow Celtics are Irish Catholics. Real Madrid represents the rule of the house of Castile, while the FC Barcelona team stands for the repressed Catalan minority.

"When these clubs play each other more than just soccer is on the line," Schindler explained.

"Fans of all ages and gender follow the victories and defeats of their teams throughout the year. Entire communities can experience collective depression after a defeat of their team," he said.

This same alliance is repeated on the national level.

"After Germany defeated the Netherlands at the 1974 FIFA World Cup, the entire Dutch nation fell into deep depression which left a scar that was only overcome when the Dutch team defeated the German team at the 1988 European championship," Schindler added. (ANI)

Source: Web Search

Cairns still trying to clear his name from ICL match fixing allegations

Published>Sun, May 23 10 01:11 PM

Jakarta, May 23(ANI): Former New Zealand all-rounder Chris Cairns has said that he is still struggling to clear his name and bring former Indian Premier League (IPL) commissioner Lalit Modi to court over match-fixing allegations in the Indian Cricket League (ICL).

The irony is that Modi faces allegations himself these days after being accused of a range of misdemeanours from rigging financial bids to betting and bribery.

"I'm currently an interested bystander. We are still trying to have Modi served with papers. We're going through that process in India, but it takes time to get through the court system. We're waiting for him, though," The New Zealand Herald quoted Cairns, as saying.

"If he decides to go to the UK we'll have him served there, but it is so difficult to know his movements - especially with all the turmoil he's embroiled in. It's frustrating, but we've initiated the process and just have to wait," he added.

Cairns is aiming to issue proceedings and force Modi to produce evidence justifying the claims that prevented the all-rounder being part of the IPL auction in January.

The newly-wed 39-year-old will return to Dubai soon to pursue his fledgling career in the diamond industry.

"Cricket's not part of my life at the moment. It'd be great to help out in a New Zealand capacity one day, but because of what has happened I'm a bit of a poisoned chalice, really," Cairns said.

"I'm a realist though and I'm not going to put people in a compromising position. Once this situation with Modi is sorted out I'm more than happy to help," he added. (ANI)

Source: Web Search

Why soccer is more popular in Europe than US

Published>Sun, May 23 10 01:07 PM

Washington, May 23 (ANI): With the FIFA World Cup soccer tournament beginning on June 11 in South Africa, the question as to why the game is not so popular in the United States arises.

Stephan Schindler, PhD, professor and chair of Germanic languages and literatures in Arts and Sciences, who has taught courses on the global culture of soccer, says that several reasons exist for this phenomenon.

"In the United States, football, basketball, baseball and ice hockey compete with each other and it is difficult for soccer to gain any momentum in this crowded sport space," Schindler, also professor of comparative literature and of film and media studies, both in Arts and Sciences, said.

He said the moment soccer became known as a working class sport, around 1910, it was associated with labour unions and even socialism and thus was unacceptable for many Americans.

"Although there is enough corporate sponsorship available, and although many young Americans play soccer, there is not the kind of local identification with a team that drives European soccer," Schindler said.

"For an American audience, soccer might be considered boring because of its low scoring and there aren't many statistics available for individual players, compared to baseball, for example. In soccer, the team counts more than the individual player," he explained.

While popular support for soccer has remained stagnant in this country, the game has exploded as a worldwide attraction.

"I think the game is so popular because the rules are simple, one only needs a ball to play and games can be played with any formation of players, from two to dozens," Schindler said.

Also, in Europe especially, soccer teams enjoy incredibly loyal local support.

"Soccer in Europe has almost a religious following," Schindler said.

"The sport is organized into club teams that belong to a neighbourhood and teams represent value systems or local identification," Schindler stated.

For example, the Glasgow Rangers are considered Protestant, while the Glasgow Celtics are Irish Catholics. Real Madrid represents the rule of the house of Castile, while the FC Barcelona team stands for the repressed Catalan minority.

"When these clubs play each other more than just soccer is on the line," Schindler explained.

"Fans of all ages and gender follow the victories and defeats of their teams throughout the year. Entire communities can experience collective depression after a defeat of their team," he said.

This same alliance is repeated on the national level.

"After Germany defeated the Netherlands at the 1974 FIFA World Cup, the entire Dutch nation fell into deep depression which left a scar that was only overcome when the Dutch team defeated the German team at the 1988 European championship," Schindler added. (ANI)

Source: Web Search