Real Madrid to sign Jose Mourinho

Published>Thu, May 27 10 12:23 PM

Real Madrid will sign Jose Mourinho as its new coach as soon he negotiates an end to his contract with Inter Milan, Madrid president Florentino Perez said Wednesday.

Perez said the club had sacked Mourinho's predecessor, Manuel Pellegrini.

Neither Mourinho nor Pellegrini was present at a news conference at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium when Perez made the announcement.

"We consider that we are at the right moment to give the club new impetus and to go for one of the best coaches in the world, and we now have the opportunity to do so," Perez said.

Perez added that changing coaches was always a difficult decision, but Madrid's board had been unanimous in choosing Mourinho over Pellegrini, whom he thanked for his efforts, describing his work at the club as "impeccable."

"Everyone at the club is very enthusiastic to be able to count on one of the best coaches in the world, we think he is going to contribute a lot to our very important squad," Perez said.

Mourinho's move to Madrid was annonced days after he led Inter to the Champions League title in the Spanish capital on May 22, beating Bayern Munich in the final. His team also won the Italian league and cup double in the same season.

"Mourinho is what Real Madrid needs, he's going to win titles and Madrid lives off titles," said fan Cristobal Lamela outside the Bernabeu after hearing of the appointment.

Having enjoyed a successful spell coaching in England, Mourinho long ago announced his ambition to work in Spain and thus win trophies in another of Europe's major football leagues.

Speculation had hung over Pellegrini's future for much of last season and Portuguese-born Mourinho's name was frequently mentioned by local media as a likely replacement for the Chilean coach.

"I don't like Mourinho, I prefer Pellegrini because he is more thoughtful and more sincere, he's not so arrogant and then there's the style of play - Mourinho plays with 10 defenders," said fan Jesus Gomez outside the Bernabeu.

As the season drew to a close, Mourinho, who won the Italian league title in 2008-09, his first season with Inter, made his dislike of Italian football increasingly clear.

He told Sky Sports in March: "I am very happy at Inter; I am not happy with Italian football. Why? Because I don't like it and it doesn't like me."

Madrid appeared the logical destination for the Portuguese as he admitted he wanted to coach the club "one day."

Leading Inter to a Champions League semifinal victory against Madrid's archrival Barcelona before landing the trophy itself in the the Bernabeu stadium was the perfect way for Mourinho to persuade the club's management and fans that he was the right man for the job.

Madrid had been knocked out of the Champions League in the last 16 of the competition for the last six years and was desperate to be crowned European champion for a 10th time.

Mourinho, 47, was an unsuccessful player whose big break in coaching came when he was hired as an interpreter for English coach Bobby Robson at Lisbon side Sporting.

Robson took Mourinho with him to Porto and the his influence increased as he took on coaching responsibilities. The duo moved to Barcelona for the 1996-97 season and Mourinho remained at the club under Louis van Gaal following the Englishman's departure.

Back in Portugal, Mourinho failed to win titles during stints as a senior coach at Uniao Leiria and Benfica. That changed with his first full season at Benfica's rival Porto, where he won the league, Portuguese Cup and UEFA Cup in 2003.

The following season he led modest Porto to the league and Champions League titles, winning the final 3-0 against Monaco.

Billionaire Chelsea owner, Roman Abramovich, immediately hired the Setubal-born coach, who on arriving in London described himself as "a special one." The phrase stuck and he was subsequently nicknamed "The Special One" by the British press.

Abramovich's faith was repaid when Chelsea won the league for the first time in 50 years in 2005. Mourinho retained the title the following year and by the time he left the club early in the 2007-08 season after friction with the Russian owner, he had won all of English football's major domestic honors.

The only glaring gap in his resume was a failure to repeat the European success he had orchestrated at Porto, despite having a much more expensive and star-studded squad.

However, at Inter he has proved that early triumph was no fluke. Real Madrid is now betting on its new coach winning not only the league title in a fourth country, but also the third Champions League trophy of his career.

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Mandela-chosen 'Black Pavarotti' dies weeks before World Cup performance

Published>Thu, May 27 10 12:09 PM

Cape Town, May 27(ANI): A South African opera singer, dubbed 'Black Pavarotti' and chosen by Nelson Mandela to sing at next month's World Cup opening ceremony has died at age 34 of meningitis, his record label said.

Epic Records said that Siphiwo Ntshebe was preparing for rehearsals when he contracted meningitis last week and was admitted to a hospital in Port Elizabeth. He died on Tuesday.

Ntshebe, who studied at London's Royal College of Music between 2004 and 2007, was due to perform his new track 'Hope' at the opening ceremony in Johannesburg on June 11.

"Ntshebe's death was a tragedy for all those who believe in the power of music," BBC quoted Nick Raphael, Epic boss, as saying.

"He had a truly wondrous voice and his music was unique in its melodies and its messages of hope and compassion," he added.

Earlier, Mandela had previously praised him as "a young South African with so much talent that has, despite challenges of the past, chosen to work hard at a better future". (ANI)

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NBA - Magic stun Celtics to stay alive in series

Published Thu, May 27 10 11:47 AM

The Orlando Magic again staved off elimination in the Eastern Conference final with a commanding and occasionally physical 113-92 win against the Boston Celtics in Game Five on Wednesday.

Two days after beating the Celtics 96-92 in an overtime thriller in Boston to stay alive, the Magic delivered a confident display on their home court to trail 3-2 in the best-of-seven series.

Guard Jameer Nelson top scored for Orlando with 24 points while muscular center Dwight Howard weighed in with 21 points, along with 10 rebounds and five blocked shots.

Rasheed Wallace contributed 21 points to lead the way for Boston, who had appeared to have the series firmly in control after winning the first two games in Orlando.

Game Six is in Boston Friday when the Celtics need just one more win to advance to the NBA finals.

"It was our best offensive night of the series," Orlando coach Stan Van Gundy told reporters after his team had shot slightly better than 52 percent from the floor.

"Obviously in Game Six we will need to be even better at both ends. We have a huge, huge challenge in front of us but it's a challenge we worked hard to get to."

No NBA team has ever won a playoff series after losing the first three games but Nelson said the Magic were banking on pulling off a miracle through sheer self-belief.

MAKING HISTORY

"We just all believe," he added.

"We know we can do it one game at a time. We know we didn't play our best in the first three games, but that's behind us. We are trying to make history."

A difficult night for the Celtics became even worse when they lost starting center Kendrick Perkins shortly before the end of the first half when he was ejected after picking up two technical fouls, his sixth and seventh of the postseason.

Unless the league rescinds one of the technicals, Perkins will face a mandatory one-game suspension.

The Celtics raced 5-0 up early on before the Magic took control with a scintillating three-point display to lead 31-27 after the first quarter.

Guard JJ Redick and Mickael Pietrus each added a pair of three-pointers as Orlando charged 14 ahead midway through the second period before holding a 57-49 advantage by half-time.

The Celtics were also deprived of Perkins's replacement, Glen Davis, when he suffered concussion after being accidently struck by Howard's elbow just before the end of the third quarter.

Leading 84-75 going into the final period, the Magic steadily pulled even further away to keep alive their hopes of reaching the NBA finals for a second year in a row.

"They played a great game tonight," Celtics coach Doc Rivers said of the Magic. "They are a great team when they get a lead because then those threes (three-pointers) are easy. I never thought we applied any real pressure."

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'Will run naked if Argentina win Cup'

Published>Thu, May 27 10 10:37 AM

Diego Maradona has promised to run naked through the centre of Buenos Aires if Argentina win the World Cup. The Argentina coach made the promise during a radio show. The unpredictable Maradona was speaking a day after Argentina defeated Canada 5-0 on Monday in their final warm-up match before the World Cup.

"If we win the World Cup, I'll get naked and run around the Obelisk," he said, referring to the tall monument that marks the centre of the city and serves as its most famous landmark.

Maradona's response came after a reporter asked him in the interview what he would do if his team returned to Argentina with their third World Cup title.

In the same interview, Maradona said he had to explain to Lionel Messi why he did not play against Canada. Messi is the reigning FIFA player of the year, but sat out the match to protect him against any possible injury. "If something would have happened to you in that match, I'd have been shot - you know where," Maradona said he told Messi.

Argentina play in Group B, opening against Nigeria on June 12. The team also face Greece and South Korea.

No pressure, says Messi

Meanwhile, Messi has said he doesn't feel any pressure to deliver at the World Cup.

Messi heads to the tournament in South Africa having won a string of personal honours and titles with Barcelona, largely due to his extraordinary playmaking and scoring prowess. "I don't feel the pressure," Messi said. "The truth is I'm arriving in good shape. I have a strong desire to do as well as I can, as do my teammates. We want to give our best for Argentina and we hope things turn out well."

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Critics won't budge Japan coach Okada

Published Thu, May 27 10 10:27 AM

Japan coach Takeshi Okada is planning no major changes to his World Cup-bound team despite coming under fire after a 2-0 defeat to South Korea earlier this week.

Frenchman Philippe Troussier, who led Japan to the last 16 as co-hosts of the 2002 World Cup, told Reuters on Tuesday that the team had a "stupid mentality", Okada was confused and recommended wholesale changes.

Okada, who said he had offered his resignation after the defeat in Saitama on Monday, said he was sticking to his plans after the squad's first training session at a training camp in Saas-Fee, Switzerland.

"I think this team is what it is," he told the Kyodo news agency.

"Sometimes you are going to have players injured or out of condition or unavailable or whatever but I have no intention of making any major changes to what we have been doing.

"I still think this is a team that is capable of going places. The most important thing is to keep repeating what we have been trying to do until now."

Next up for Japan is a friendly against England in Austria followed by their final warm-up match against Ivory Coast on June 4 back in Switzerland.

Japan play their Group E opener against Cameroon on June 14 and also face the Netherlands and Denmark in the first round of the June 11-July 11 tournament in South Africa.

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Finishing touches missing

Published>Thu, May 27 10 10:07 AM

New Delhi, May 27 -- The newly renovated RK Khanna Tennis Stadium is a fine sight from outside. Once inside, it doesn't take an expert to figure out that the venue is far from being complete. The stadium is hosting the Asian Junior Tennis Championships but the opinion is divided on its readiness to play host. Hindustan Times had earlier reported that the players were happy with the surfaces and facilities seemed to be top-notch. In this light, the words of Virendra Batra, the venue administrator, fall in place when he says, "As far as the playing facilities are concerned, the stadium is 90% complete. The 10% that remains is minor repair and finishing work." The difference in opinion stems from the attitude of the administrators towards the work that remains to be completed. A stroll through the venue reveals, as the pictures also show, parts of the new construction crumbling. The stairs, particularly those in the spectators' galleries in Courts I and II are the worst off (Pics 1 and 2). It is a relief for the organisers that the only people who use these steps are the two-dozen security personnel, and at times, the parents of the players. Had there been a sizeable crowd, the impact could have been worse. Moving on, another eyesore catches the eye. Around the floodlight mast at the corner of Court III, next to the spectators' gallery, is a large open ditch, which could cause grievous injuries to spectators. The same is the case with the debris lying all around the stadium. Walking towards the practice courts may not be an obstacle course, but the description isn't too far off the mark. The men's washroom near the media lounge was getting fitted with urinals on Wednesday. In the West, health and safety regulators would have probably cancelled the event, but in India, we have no such problems. Batra brushed aside the concerns, saying the shortcomings were minor. "It is like a car, if the indicators are not working, you can still drive."

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Meazza: The Italian who saw tomorrow

Published>Thu, May 27 10 09:37 AM

New Delhi, May 27 -- Twice a World Cup winner, Giuseppe Meazza could arguably be described as Italy's most successful international ever. Born in Milan in 1910, Meazza signed for Internazionale at the age of 17, and grew into one of the most complete, and feared strikers in the world. His trademark shuffle in one-on-one situations gave nightmares to opposition defenders and goalkeepers alike. In just his second season at Inter, Meazza scored 33 goals. In 1929-30, the first season of the Serie A, he finished top scorer with 31 goals in 33 games. He was Italy's most prolific scorer through the decade, and were it not for World War II, there is no doubt he would have gone on to score more. Meazza made his debut for the Azzuri in 1930, scoring twice against Switzerand. Against the strong Hungarian side of the 30s, he scored a hattrick.

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Rafa back on centre stage, Verdasco may face crowd

Published Thu, May 27 10 09:27 AM

Play on Court Philippe Chatrier will have a familiar feel on Thursday with Rafa Nadal and Justine Henin, holders of eight French Open singles crowns, bidding to move into the third round.

Nadal returns to the stadium where 12 months ago he suffered the only defeat of his Roland Garros career when he takes on Argentina's Horacio Zeballos in a match sure to be dominated by brutal baseline exchanges.

Henin, mobbed by eager children seeking autographs at Roland Garros on Wednesday, will hope her game is a little more fine-tuned after a rusty first round when she plays Klara Zakopalova of the Czech Republic.

Women's top seed Serena Williams, the 2002 champion, will be on Court Suzanne Lenglen where she takes on Germany's Julia Goerges for a place in the last 16.

Men's seeds Novak Djokovic and Andy Roddick also feature on the venue's second principal court.

Spain's Fernando Verdasco may not receive the warmest of welcomes from the French crowd when he takes on home hope Florent Serra on the main court.

The seventh seed hurled profanities at the Nice crowd when losing the final to Richard Gasquet on Saturday. He later issued an apology but the Roland Garros spectators will be firmly behind his opponent.

With rain curtailing much of Wednesday's play, several matches will be carried over including British fourth seed Andy Murray's second-round clash with Argentina's Juan Ignacio Chela.

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World watching, split on the cards

Published>Thu, May 27 10 08:47 AM

Mumbai, May 27 -- Former Australia PM John Howard's transition from politics to cricket might lead to a split in world cricket.

Bangladesh's board is expected to back Howard because of a reported directive from their government. No wonder then that the BCCI's vote will be decisive. "If the BCCI has to choose between SA and Australia, in this case, they will go with the former," a BCCI source said. Unless of course, there is some kind of political pressure.

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NBA - Defense the watchword for Sun-burnt Lakers in Game Five

Published>Thu, May 27 10 07:27 AM

Stung by successive away losses, the Lakers return to Los Angeles for Thursday's Game Five against the Phoenix Suns with improved defense a top priority in the best-of-seven Western Conference final.

The NBA champions were beaten 115-106 in Phoenix on Tuesday to leave the series tied at 2-2, having outplayed their smaller opponents at home in Los Angeles in the opening two games.

Although the Lakers briefly led by two points early in the fourth quarter of Game Four, their porous defense failed to hold a rampant late surge by the red-hot Suns.

"We didn't shut them down in the fourth, and that's the time we have to do it," Lakers head coach Phil Jackson told reporters. "Obviously we're disappointed.

"We outscored them from the field in both games (in Phoenix), shot better than they did. We did a lot of things very good and it still wasn't enough to win the game. We're struggling at the defensive end."

Kobe Bryant, who sparkled for the Lakers on Tuesday with 38 points and 10 assists, agreed.

"We lost a sense of urgency defensively," the 12-times All-Star guard said. "Offensively, we scored enough points. We've got to do a better job defensively, period."

In the last two games, the Suns have used a zone defense to stifle the Lakers, taking away their height advantage and forcing their opponents into long-distance shots.

SENSE OF URGENCY

"Our concentration was focused on how to attack the zone (defense)," Bryant said. "We've gotta go back (to Los Angeles) and be ready to play. We have to play with a sense of urgency and understand this team can beat us."

Seven-foot Spanish forward Pau Gasol, who was held to 15 points by the Suns on Tuesday, felt his team had to play intense basketball throughout Game Five to regain control of the series.

"We have to set the tone from the first second, and we play as hard as possible for 48 minutes," Gasol said. "We've got to understand they're a team who are dangerous, as they proved.

"Now we've got to go home and make sure we play as well as possible."

Jackson, who has won a record 10 NBA Championship rings with the Chicago Bulls and the Lakers, knows better than most how quickly playoff momentum can shift.

"This is what playoffs are about," he said. "If you can support yourself on the home court, you have a chance of going back and pulling an upset or winning the game, creating the momentum change.

"So we'll see what comes out on Thursday. It should be interesting."

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Mickelson eyes top ranking

Published Thu, May 27 10 05:47 AM

Phil Mickelson, eager to bury memories of last year, has every reason to look forward to this week's Colonial Invitational with the world number one ranking within fingertip reach.

Should the American left-hander win the PGA Tour event at Colonial Country Club on Sunday, he would take over at the top of the global pecking order from his compatriot Tiger Woods.

Mickelson has produced a glittering resume that includes four major victories and 38 PGA Tour titles but becoming world number one has remained tantalisingly elusive.

"It's something that we as golfers all strive to be recognised for -- as the best player," second-ranked Mickelson told reporters on the eve of Thursday's opening round at Colonial, a venue where he triumphed in 2000 and 2008.

"It would certainly mean a lot because I have not done that in my career. It would be an accomplishment I would look back on and be very proud of."

Woods, who has steadily dropped ranking points this year, is sidelined with a lingering neck injury and not expected to return to the circuit until at least next week for the Memorial tournament.

However, U.S. Masters champion Mickelson preferred not to be distracted by the rankings topic as he prepared to win another tournament on the world's most competitive circuit.

"I will probably try to downplay it typically," the 39-year-old said. "To accomplish that, I can't focus on that. I still need to go out and play like the number one player in the world, so I've got some work to do."

BREAST CANCER

Mickelson was not prepared to reflect on his life 12 months ago when he suspended his tour campaign indefinitely after his wife Amy was diagnosed with breast cancer.

He had been scheduled to defend his title at Colonial last year but that was instantly taken off the agenda as family matters and his wife's health became the top priority.

"I don't really want to go back there," Mickelson said. "We are a year down the road. That was a tough time, and I'm happy that we are further down the road now."

American world number four Steve Stricker, who triumphed at Colonial last year in Mickelson's absence, was delighted to see his compatriot back.

"He is almost the defending champion as well this week," said Stricker, who won last year's title by beating fellow American Steve Marino and South African Tim Clark in a playoff.

"I thought it was the greatest feelgood story in golf when he (Mickelson) won at the Masters (in April), and seeing Amy there. I think he is going to be tough to beat here too."

Apart from Mickelson and Stricker, three other members of the world's top 10 are competing this week -- fifth-ranked Jim Furyk, Ian Poulter (sixth) and Paul Casey (eighth).

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Bagan seek action against 'errant' Chirag Utd players

Published>Thu, May 27 10 04:49 AM

Mohun Bagan on Wednesday demanded the Indian Football Association (IFA) to take strong disciplinary action against Chirag United players for manhandling referee Minangshu Bhattacharya during their Calcutta Football League (CFL) Premier Division title decider yesterday.

The IFA has called a CFL sub-committee meeting on Friday to take the decision on the errant players.

"We are awaiting manager's report and called a meeting. We will discuss everything there," IFA secretary Utpal Ganguli said.

In his letter to the state association, Mohun Bagan general secretary Anjan Mitra wrote: "The manner in which the referee was manhandled openly was shameless and deplorable. We request you to take up this matter on a priority basis and give exemplary punishment to the offenders of yesterday's match which will act as a deterrent and help preserve the spirit of the game."

It all began after the referee yesterday awarded a controversial penalty in favour of Bagan, triggering violent protest in the Chirag United camp as the players pushed and shoved the referee. If Eduardo Chacon (Du) slapped the referee, Denson Devadas planted a cynical peck on Bhattacharya's forehead after receiving a red-card as the ground resembled a battlefield with police force getting into action to restore sanity.

Chirag have demanded a replay of the match that was won by Bagan with Edeh Chidi scoring the winner from the spot. Chirag had needed a draw to clinch the local league which would have scripted a history of sorts in the CFL.

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Debutant Valbuena secures France win

Published>Thu, May 27 10 03:47 AM

Mathieu Valbuena celebrated his first cap by giving a new-look France side a 2-1 win over Costa Rica in a World Cup warm-up on Wednesday.

Winger Valbuena took advantage of fine work by midfielder Abou Diaby to score the winner seven minutes from time for the former world and European champions, playing in a 4-3-3 formation instead of the usual 4-2-3-1.

Midfielder Carlos Hernandez surprised France keeper Steve Mandanda with a low angled shot from the edge of the box to put Costa Rica ahead on 11 minutes.

France, who played neat football but looked shaky in defence, struck back 11 minutes later with an own goal by defender Douglas Sequeira and they dominated the second half.

During warm-up, the players wore tee-shirts saying "Pour Lass" (For Lass) in a message to midfielder Lassana Diarra, who was ruled out of the World Cup by illness on Saturday.

Coach Raymond Domenech, who has faced heavy criticism since his side's Euro 2008 flop, left captain Thierry Henry on the bench, bringing on the Barcelona forward for the second half.

One piece of good news for Domenech during the game in the northern French mining town of Lens was that centre back William Gallas, doubtful for the World Cup because of a sore calf, played the first half without any problems.

France, who needed Henry's infamous handball to qualify for the World Cup through a playoff at the expense of Ireland, looked in control for most of the game but need more to suggest they can make an impact in the June 11-July 11 finals.

They had to wait for Valbuena to come on and show his class with an angled shot from the edge of the box to seal victory.

Just back from a week-long training camp in the French Alps, France now cross the Mediterranean sea to play Tunisia before meeting China in the French Indian Ocean island of Reunion.

They then head for South Africa, where they face the hosts, Mexico and Uruguay in Group A.

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Kuznetsova survives then takes aim at teenagers

Published>Thu, May 27 10 03:27 AM

Reigning champion Svetlana Kuznetsova accused the new generation of players of not showing enough respect on Wednesday after narrowly avoiding an early exit from the French Open.

The Russian sixth seed held on by her fingernails against 22-year-old German Andrea Petkovic, saving four match points before claiming a 4-6 7-5 6-4 victory on Court One.

Afterwards the 24-year-old double grand slam champion took a swipe at the teenagers trying to dislodge the likes of herself, the Williams sisters and Kim Clijsters in the rankings.

"You know what I think?" Kuznetsova told reporters when asked why only one teenager was ranked in the world's top 25. "All the teenagers, they come or their parents or their agents or someone or they think they're so good.

"I don't see them respecting the other players like we did when we came here.

"I was respecting -- I played Kim Clijsters. For me, it was huge. I played Justine Henin, and you're like wow! They're big. You have respect. You want to be like them.

"(They) come and they see themselves equal and it's not like that, you know. These girls have done so much for tennis.

"Also I don't see them physically and mentally as prepared."

Kuznetsova battled grimly to turn around the match against Petkovic when all seemed lost with the German serving at 5-4, 40-0 having won the first set.

Petkovic suddenly went to pieces on the match points and a relieved Kuznetsova scraped into the third round where she faces fellow Russian Maria Kirilenko.

"At 40-0 down I was thinking, I really want to be here. This is really what I want most. The one thing in the world I want is to be here right now," she said.

"I saw that she got tight and then I thought, okay, I have to take my chances."

Kuznetsova also wobbled serving at 5-3 in the decider as Petkovic broke back but she sealed victory on her fourth match point in the next game when her opponent drilled a backhand over the baseline.

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Cohen warns England fullbacks to defend first

Published>Thu, May 27 10 03:07 AM

When George Cohen, a 1966 World Cup winner and rated as England's best-ever right back, says the country's incumbent fullbacks need to concentrate on defending first and foremost it is worth taking notice.

Cohen, voted the best player to wear his country's number two shirt, is as excited as anyone about this year's tournament in South Africa but is concerned that the men vying to follow him and left back Ray Wilson into the Hall of Fame are missing some of the basics.

"Ashley Cole has really developed, you need to see him against a proper winger to appreciate how good he is and how he has become a very good fullback," Cohen told Reuters in an interview.

"But there is a big gap between him and the ability of anyone else coming through.

"I watch a lot of these players and they need to play as fullbacks, they have to know how to defend properly. That remains their primary job.

"On the right Glen Johnson is a very good distributor and crosser of the ball but for me he doesn't know how to defend very well. He really does need to understand that he is a fullback and defender first."

Cohen was something of a trailblazer in the 1966 team having displaced former captain Jimmy Armfield. Alf Ramsey plotted a course to glory with his narrow-operating side but in fact Cohen, with his constant overlaps, ensured that the "wingless wonders" actually had a regular wide option.

"Bombing upfield is all well and good," he says, "as long as you get the ball.

"The problem is if the fullback goes forward and loses the ball - the defence is usually very stretched. They have to go on to the ball with the play in front of them but lots of times these days I see fullbacks disappearing up past the halfway line and expecting a very good ball to get to them. That means they have to wait and control it and they haven't got time.

"I know people are playing narrower now and that gives more room for fullbacks to get on the outside but Fabio Capello is becoming more defensive and might play five across the middle so the emphasis really is on the fullbacks to defend."

Cohen, who spent his entire club career at Fulham, is unconvinced by Jamie Carragher as cover and pronounced himself bemused by the Liverpool man's decision, now rescinded, to retire from international football.

"Carragher is not a fullback any more, he's lost his pace - but he's an outstanding centre back," said the 70-year-old.

"I don't really understand people who retire themselves. There is nothing quite like playing for your country so that is a bit beyond my comprehension. I would just say 'sorry son, if you don't want to play, goodbye.'"

Cohen said he liked Michael Dawson as a back-up to John Terry and Rio Ferdinand but would not risk Ledley King.

"We've got enough there, there is no point in taking King," he said. "He could aggravate that injury in the first game - that's what happened with Bryan Robson a few years ago - so I wouldn't take him."

James Milner's crossing earns the Aston Villa man a place on the left midfield in Cohen's England team while Peter Crouch is his choice to accompany Wayne Rooney up front.

"Some don't like Crouch but he's very tidy, he scores goals and can knock them down to Rooney," said Cohen. "They read each other very well and I think he's a dangerous player to have up front as well as a good defender at the set piece."

TITLE CONTENDERS

Cohen sees parralels in current boss Capello and Ramsey and expects England to mount a serious challenge.

"They've got a great draw, there's no doubt about that. After the group stage it could open up and if they can't get past America, Algeria and Slovenia then they should go back to subbuteo," he said.

"I've really enjoyed looking at how Capello is trying to put his team together. I think the players understand what they need to do under him - they know what is required, just as it was under Alf and they know if they don't perform they are out."

Cohen's regular stroll down memory lane has been aided this year by his role as an ambassador for online directory 192.com's campaign to reunite fans from English soccer's greatest day.

"You could cut the atmosphere with a knife. It was fantastic," Cohen said of that July day 44 years ago. "Hopefully we can revive that incredible feeling this time around."

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Mourinho looms large as Real ditch Pellegrini

Published>Thu, May 27 10 02:47 AM

Jose Mourinho was poised to become Real Madrid coach on Wednesday after the Spanish giants sacked Manuel Pellegrini.

Following weeks of frantic media speculation, the La Liga giants ditched Chilean Pellegrini in favour of the flamboyant Mourinho, who led Inter Milan to the Champions League title and Italian league and cup double last season.

Real president Florentino Perez told a news conference in the bowels of the Bernabeu stadium, scene of Inter's Champions League triumph last weekend, that the 47-year-old Portuguese would join Real once his contract termination had been agreed.

"I am ready to admit to some mistakes but the hiring of Mourinho, one of the world's best coaches, is an opportunity that this Real Madrid, who always fight for excellence, could not afford to miss," Perez said.

"We are absolutely convinced that we need a fresh impulse and that a coach like Mourinho can be the person to take charge of the squad for the next few years.

"Madrid bets on stability but stability for the fans is winning and being leaders. Stability is not about keeping on a coach."

Perez said he hoped to complete the deal for Mourinho soon, adding that he had not yet spoken to the former Porto and Chelsea coach about potential additions to the squad.

ROCK SOLID

Mourinho, the self-styled "Special One", made no secret of his desire to take over at Real after becoming only the third coach to win the European Cup with two different teams having triumphed with Porto in 2004.

"Few have the privilege of winning it," he said after Inter beat Bayern Munich 2-0 to seal their first European Cup in 45 years.

"I can win a third, a fourth, a fifth time but I don't think the feelings will be different," he said.

Mourinho built Inter into a compact team with a rock-solid defence and a deadly counter-attack but was criticised for playing too defensively, a tactic that will not go down well at Real where the emphasis is on flair and entertainment.

He will work under the demanding management trio of Perez, director general Jorge Valdano and sporting director Miguel Pardeza but made it clear this week that he would be the one calling the shots.

"The president is not the one who wins, he's not the one who plays and nor does he decide who is in the team and who is on the bench," Mourinho told Marca sports daily.

SPECTACULAR PROJECT

Pellegrini left Villarreal to join Real last June, becoming the cornerstone of Perez's big-money bid to bring trophies back to the Bernabeu.

The construction magnate invested a quarter of a billion euros ($307 million) in players, including a record 94 million on Portuguese forward Cristiano Ronaldo, and vowed to build a "spectacular sporting project" to put the club back at the forefront of European and world football.

Pellegrini was charged with rebuilding the nine-times European champions and making them into a team capable of challenging Barcelona while entertaining a hugely demanding and impatient fan base.

But they were dumped out of the Champions League by Olympique Lyon at the last-16 stage, humiliated by third-tier Alorcon in the King's Cup and ended the season three points behind La Liga champions Barca.

Pellegrini endured a sustained campaign in the Madrid-based sports press to unseat him, always maintaining the educated calm and courtesy that earned him the nickname "The Engineer".

"We thought it through a lot and it's not just the fact that we didn't win any titles," Perez said.

"We believe that it's the right moment to give a fresh boost and bet on one of the best coaches in the world."

Source: Web Search

Catwalk for Venus, cakewalk for Federer in Paris

Published>Thu, May 27 10 02:27 AM

Venus Williams and her dress were centre of attention at Roland Garros on Wednesday but Roger Federer once again proved his tennis needs no added frills as both players moved smoothly into the French Open third round.

Williams, the women's second seed, overpowered tricky Spaniard Arantxa Parra Santonja 6-2 6-4 wearing a risque outfit more appropriate for the nearby Moulin Rouge cabaret.

Federer, the mens's defending champion, relied on his racket to provide the "Ooh la la" moments on Court Phillipe Chatrier during a rain-hit 7-6 6-2 6-4 win over Alejandro Falla.

On a day disrupted by frequent heavy showers after three days of hot sunshine, 2009 women's champion Svetlana Kuznetsova also moved forward in the draw, but only after saving four match points against Germany's Andrea Petkovic on Court One.

Caroline Wozniacki suffered no such dramas, the third seed beating Italy's Tathiana Garbin 6-3 6-1.

Play finally ended for the day at 10pm local time with France's Gael Monfils locked at 5-5 in the fifth set against Italy's Fabio Fognini who was docked a point at 4-4 after arguing furiously with the umpire that it was too dark to continue playing.

Nearly 10 hours earlier the 29-year-old Williams struck the ball beautifully against Santonja but it was not just her power game that had a sparse mid-morning crowd buzzing.

Once again, she strode on court wearing a revealing lacy black corset which at times threatened to reveal a little more than she wanted, particularly as Wednesday was Children's Day at Roland Garros and many of the crowd were school age.

After completing an impressive victory to move a step closer to a possible repeat of her 2002 final here against sister Serena, Venus described her latest creation as an illusion.

Her form so far here has been anything but and she looks in the mood to challenge for a title that has never threatened since losing to sister Serena in the 2002 final.

Having dispatched wily Swiss Patty Schnyder in the first round, the seven-times grand slam champion was again in dominant form against the unorthodox Santonja who plays double-handed on both wings and is especially tricky on clay.

After fending off a break point in her first service game she took command, coming through in an hour and 35 minutes.

"She definitely kept me on my toes," Venus told reporters in reply to one of the few questions about the match itself.

"Overall, today I just thought I played the bigger points, especially on my serve, I played those really well, and I think that was key."

SARTORIAL ELEGANCE

Asked to explain the outfit that she designed especially for Roland Garros and which also requires her to wear flesh-coloured underwear, Venus was happy to oblige.

"It's really about the illusion," she said. "The illusion of just having bare skin is definitely a lot more beautiful."

Federer's sartorial elegance at Wimbledon is well-known but really nothing can top the grace and elegance of his tennis.

That was the case again on Wednesday against Falla although initially he did struggle with his timing -- shanking several unforced errors off his frame as his south American opponent made all the early running.

Federer, without a title since the Australian Open, had managed just three points on Falla's serve in the first 11 games but when he needed to find another gear he did, breaking his opponent when in trouble at 6-5 down before winning a tiebreak.

Twice the players were forced off by rain that interrupted the schedule all day but Federer kept his game together and suffered no further alarms.

"I think he really pushed me to come up with something special, which I couldn't do in the first set," Federer told reporters. "I definitely got a little bit lucky to get out of that one.

Robin Soderling, Federer's victim in last year's final, is looming as a quarter-final opponent this year and the Swede was the most impressive player in second-round action on Wednesday, demolishing American Taylor Dent 6-0 6-1 6-1 in 71 minutes.

Eigth seed Jo-Wilfried Tsonga also reached the third round with a straight-sets win over fellow Frenchman Josselin Ouanna while Marin Cilic of Croatia continued to impress, beating Daniel Gimeno-Traver of Spain 6-3 7-6 6-2.

Kuznetsova looked to be joining Dinara Safina, the fellow Russian she beat in last year's final, out of the tournament when Petkovic served as 5-4, 40-0 in the second set.

However, the 22-year-old German tightened up badly to let Kuznetsova off the hook and the paid the price as the sixth seed finally found some form to win 4-6 7-5 6-4.

Source: Web Search

South Africa games moved from Jamaica due to violence

Published Thu, May 27 10 02:07 AM

The violent situation in Jamaica has led cricket authorities to move a one-day international and the first test against South Africa to Trinidad, the West Indies Cricket Board said on Wednesday.

The fifth one-day international on June 3 and the opening test from June 10, both scheduled for Sabina Park in the Jamaican capital Kingston, will now be held at the Queen's Park Oval in Port of Spain, Trinidad.

Kingston has suffered four days of violence with security forces fighting armed supporters of a fugitive alleged drug lord in clashes that have killed nearly 50 people.

Source: Web Search

Fortune favours Federer before Falla rout

Published>Thu, May 27 10 01:47 AM

Roger Federer does not usually need Lady Luck to smile on him but the Swiss maestro accepted he had been a touch fortunate to escape with such a straightforward second-round win over Alejandro Falla on Wednesday.

The 7-6 6-2 6-4 victory was eventually a comfortable one but the reigning champion struggled to make early inroads on the Colombian's service, Falla conceding just three points until misfiring when serving for the set at 6-5 in the opener.

Once Federer raised his game to take the opening set tiebreak 7-4, it was plain sailing for the world number one as Falla's level dropped.

"I think he really pushed me to come up with something special, which I couldn't do in the first set. I definitely got a little bit lucky to get out of that one," Federer told a news conference.

"I thought the first set was good from both sides. Maybe we had a lot of unforced errors, but rallies were long and we were neutralising each other.

"I never really got a chance to get into his service games, only until really I was able to break him at 6-5."

After a frustrating hour or so when two rain breaks ruined the momentum of the match, Federer upped his game and treated a crowd dominated by the excitable cheers of local schoolchildren to a feast of stroke-making as he came through in two hours.

Federer said his game plan picked up after the rain breaks following words of shrewd advice from coach Severin Luthi.

"It was a matter of quickly changing shirt and getting a chance to speak to your coach and coming up with the proper game plan depending on the scoreline.

"I think that helped me, actually, because after that I played a good set. He gave me some good advice, and obviously the second rain delay was actually quite comfortable because I was up two sets to love."

He will now play German qualifier Julian Reister for a place in the last 16.

"I think I've only warmed up with him once in Hamburg a couple years ago. Obviously I don't remember how he plays."

Source: Web Search

Mourinho poised as Real sack Pellegrini

Published>Thu, May 27 10 01:27 AM

Real Madrid were poised to appoint Jose Mourinho as their coach after the Spanish giants sacked Manuel Pellegrini on Wednesday.

Following weeks of frantic media speculation, Real ditched Chilean Pellegrini in favour of the flamboyant Mourinho, who led Inter Milan to the Champions League title and the Italian league and cup double last season.

President Florentino Perez told a packed news conference in the bowels of the Bernabeu stadium that the 47-year-old Portuguese would join Real once the club had agreed with Inter on terminating his contract.

"I am ready to admit to some mistakes but the hiring of Mourinho, one of the world's best coaches, is an opportunity that this Real Madrid, which always fights for excellence, could not afford to miss," Perez said.

"We are absolutely convinced that we need a fresh impulse and that a coach like Mourinho can be the person to take charge of the squad for the next few years," he added.

"Madrid bets on stability but stability for the fans is winning and being leaders. Stability is not about keeping on a coach."

Construction magnate Perez said he hoped to complete the deal for Mourinho soon, adding that he had not yet spoken to the former Porto and Chelsea coach about potential additions to the squad.

SPECTACULAR PROJECT

Pellegrini left Villarreal to join Real last June, becoming the cornerstone of Perez's big-money bid to bring trophies back to the Bernabeu.

Perez invested a quarter of a billion euros ($307 million) in players, including a record 94 million on Portuguese forward Cristiano Ronaldo, and vowed to build a "spectacular sporting project" to put the club back at the forefront of European and world football.

Pellegrini was charged with rebuilding the nine-times European champions and making them into a team capable of challenging Barcelona while entertaining a hugely demanding and impatient fan base.

But Real were dumped out of the Champions League by Olympique Lyon at the last-16 stage, humiliated by third-tier Alorcon in the King's Cup and ended the season three points behind La Liga champions Barca.

"We thought it through a lot and it's not just the fact that we didn't win any titles," Perez said.

"We believe that it's the right moment to give a fresh boost and bet on one of the best coaches in the world."

Mourinho said earlier on Wednesday it would be "impossible" for him to stay at Inter.

Source: Web Search

CORRECTED - Real sack Pellegrini, poised to appoint Mourinho

Published>Thu, May 27 10 01:07 AM

Real Madrid have sacked coach Manuel Pellegrini and will appoint Jose Mourinho to replace him once they have reached agreement with Inter Milan about ending his contract with the Serie A club.

"I am ready to admit to some mistakes but the hiring of Jose Mourinho, one of the world's best coaches, is an opportunity that this Real Madrid, which always fights for excellence, could not afford to miss," Real president Florentino Perez told a news conference on Wednesday.

"We are absolutely convinced that we need a fresh impulse and that a coach like Mourinho can be the person to take charge of the squad for the next few years," he added.

Pellegrini left Villarreal to join Real last June and become the cornerstone of Perez's big-money bid to bring trophies back to the Bernabeu.

The construction magnate invested a quarter of a billion euros ($307 million) in players, including a record 94 million on Portuguese forward Cristiano Ronaldo.

Pellegrini was charged with rebuilding the nine-times European champions and making them into a team capable of challenging Barcelona while entertaining a hugely demanding and impatient fan base.

But Real were dumped out of the Champions League by Olympique Lyon, humiliated by third-tier Alorcon in the King's Cup and ended the season three points behind La Liga champions Barca.

Portuguese Mourinho has made no secret of his wish to coach Real and will join the La Liga giants having led Inter to three major trophies last season, the Champions League and Italian league and cup double.

The former Porto and Chelsea coach said on Wednesday that it would be "impossible" for him to stay at Inter.

Source: Web Search

Wozniacki breezes into French Open third round

Published Thu, May 27 10 12:47 AM

Dane Caroline Wozniacki eased into the third round of the French Open with a 6-3 6-1 victory over Italy's Tathiana Garbin on Wednesday.

Third seed Wozniacki was rarely troubled on Court Suzanne Lenglen by the world number 56 and relied on her forehand to break five times in a one-sided contest.

She wrapped up the win after 68 minutes when Garbin fired a forehand long.

Wozniacki will next face Romanian 31st seed Alexandra Dulgheru for a place in the fourth round.

Source: Web Search

French No. 1 should play when he wants - Tsonga

Published>Thu, May 27 10 12:27 AM

Jo-Wilfried Tsonga urged French Open organisers to extend him the same kind of courtesy granted to Britain's Andy Murray at Wimbledon after his preparations were upset by unexpectedly playing a day early.

Tsonga, seeded eighth in Paris, asked organisers if he could start his Roland Garros campaign either on Monday or Tuesday but his request was turned down and the burly right-hander made his bow on Sunday's low-key opening-day programme.

"We are in France. I'm French. I'm French number one. I would have thought it was legitimate for me to be listened to, that I would be given a choice. They should listen to me when I wanted to play or start," Tsonga told reporters after his 6-0 6-1 6-4 second-round win over compatriot Josselin Ouanna on Wesnesday.

"I had asked not to play on a Sunday because I had practised in such a way that I thought I wanted to play on a Monday or Tuesday, to be totally fit.

"But they imposed it on me. If you're world No. 80 and you're not that important in the hierarchy, if I can say, loads of things are imposed on you in this case.

"What really bothered me is that, you know, if you look at (Andy) Murray, if he decides on a day or hour at Wimbledon, nobody is going to impose anything on him."

Tournament director Gilbert Ysern told Reuters: "We take care of the players. We listen to them but it does not mean that we obey them.

"We cannot imagine to kick off the tournament without any top name or without one of the best French players.

"Richard (Gasquet) had just played in the Nice Open final while Jo had not played all week."

Fellow Frenchman Gasquet also had his request to play on Monday or Tuesday denied by organisers and played his first-round match against Briton Murray just two days after beating Fernando Verdasco in the Nice Open final.

Gasquet won the first two sets in dazzling fashion before running out of steam, bowing out after a five-set battle.

"24 hours (of recuperation), it's important. It would have made a difference but I knew I could play either on Monday or Tuesday," said Gasquet.

"I needed some luck. I did not get any."

That kind of bad luck would not strike Roger Federer or other top names in the sport, according to Tsonga.

"For Federer in his country it's the same," he said.

"In the U.S. I suppose it's the same thing for the best American players."

"I expected a bit more from the organisers."

Source: Web Search

Real Madrid sack coach Pellegrini, to appoint Mourinho

Published Thu, May 27 10 12:13 AM

Real Madrid have sacked coach Manuel Pellegrini and will appoint Jose Mourinho to replace him once they have reached agreement with Inter Milan about ending his contract with the Serie A club.

Real president Florentino Perez made the announcement at a news conference on Wednesday following a meeting of the club's board.

"We are convinced that we need a fresh impulse and we are convinced that Jose Mourinho is the right person to take on the job," Perez said.

Source: Web Search

Arroyo hangs on in mountains as Giro triumph nears

Published Thu, May 27 10 12:05 AM

Giro d'Italia leader David Arroyo of Spain is beginning to dream of his first major success after again keeping pace with the bigger names on the hairpin bends of the Dolomites on Wednesday.

France's Damien Monier of Cofidis took the 17th stage for his first professional win after a late breakaway on a steep but manageable finish.

He collapsed to the ground in relief after crossing the line ahead of Danilo Hondo and Steven Kruijswijk.

Pink jersey leader Arroyo was well behind in the main pack but importantly lost no more time to second-placed Ivan Basso, who had cut his advantage in the previous two stages.

The Giro ends with a time trial in Verona on Sunday and Arroyo still holds a two minutes 27 seconds lead over Italy's Basso.

"Now we can start to dream," Caisse d'Epargne rider Arroyo told reporters.

The 30-year-old, whose biggest achievement to date was a stage win on the 2008 Tour of Spain, has led for four stages in this Giro having finished 11th overall last May.

This year's race was first dominated by crashes in the opening sections in the Netherlands before the peloton split in two after a sudden mass breakaway on a rainy 11th stage to L'Aquila, turning the Giro on its head and leaving behind favourites such as Alexandre Vinokourov.

The unpredictability of the race is giving 2006 winner Basso renewed hope of catching Arroyo.

"This Giro has seen incredible fluctuations. The most important thing is to race with the right attitude," Liquigas rider Basso said.

Richie Porte remains third overall with fellow Australian and world champion Cadel Evans fourth and not totally out of the picture following the 173km route from Brunico to Peio Terme.

Thursday's 156km 18th stage comes down from Italy's northern mountains to the city of Brescia.

Source: Web Search

London's final venue dispute resolved after stand-off

Published>Wed, May 26 10 11:47 PM

Badminton and rhythmic gymnastics have agreed to use Wembley Arena during the 2012 London Olympics, the last venue to be resolved after a long-running stand-off with organisers over travel and accommodation plans.

Organisers, who had proposed the two sports be relocated to the existing arena to keep costs down during the longest and deepest economic downturn in decades, welcomed the agreement, describing it as "sensible".

"This is an important milestone in London 2012's planning for the Games," Denis Oswald, chairman of the IOC's coordination commission, said.

"With the venue for badminton and rhythmic gymnastics confirmed, LOCOG will be able to advance full steam ahead with its planning."

The two sports' bodies had resisted a proposed switch from a new temporary venue at Greenwich near the Olympic Park in east London. They had argued Wembley, situated in north west London, would add to travel time and damage the athletes' performance.

Boxing had already refused such a move on similar lines.

The IOC, which had pressed London Olympic organisers to resolve the issue by March 2009, had sanctioned the switch because of the "exceptional circumstances" of the recesssion.

But it has taken until now for the Badminton World Federation and the Federation Internationale de Gymnastique to agree to the move after reassurance that training facilities and accommodation would be found near the arena, making travel time less critical.

The world badminton championships will be held at Wembley Arena in August 2011.

The Wembley deal is expected to save London Olympic organisers about 30 million pounds ($43.18 million), a cost-cutting measure that will be welcomed by organisers.

The overall budget has already spiralled from an initial estimate of 2.4 billion pounds to 9.3 billion pounds ($13.39 billion).

They were told this week they would have to find another 27 million pounds ($38.86 million) of savings as part of attempts by the new Conservative/Liberal Democrat coalition government to tackle the country's record budget deficit.

"I welcome the BWF's and FIG's decisions. It is sensible during these difficult economic times to make use of an existing and well established facility," Hugh Robertson, minister for sport and Olympics, said.

BWF President Kang Young Joong said Wembley Arena had a long history of hosting badminton events and "we look forward to seeing great badminton being played there again".

Source: Web Search

Arroyo hangs on in mountains as Giro triumph nears

Published Wed, May 26 10 11:07 PM

Giro d'Italia leader David Arroyo of Spain is beginning to dream of his first major success after again keeping pace with the bigger names on the hairpin bends of the Dolomites on Wednesday.

France's Damien Monier of Cofidis took the 17th stage for his first professional win after a late breakaway on a steep but manageable finish.

He collapsed to the ground in relief after crossing the line ahead of Danilo Hondo and Steven Kruijswijk.

Pink jersey leader Arroyo was well behind in the main pack but importantly lost no more time to second-placed Ivan Basso, who had cut his advantage in the previous two stages.

The Giro ends with a time trial in Verona on Sunday and Arroyo still holds a two minutes 27 seconds lead over Italy's Basso.

"Now we can start to dream," Caisse d'Epargne rider Arroyo told reporters.

The 30-year-old, whose biggest achievement to date was a stage win on the 2008 Tour of Spain, has led for four stages in this Giro having finished 11th overall last May.

This year's race was first dominated by crashes in the opening sections in the Netherlands before the peloton split in two after a sudden mass breakaway on a rainy 11th stage to L'Aquila, turning the Giro on its head and leaving behind favourites such as Alexandre Vinokourov.

The unpredictability of the race is giving 2006 winner Basso renewed hope of catching Arroyo.

"This Giro has seen incredible fluctuations. The most important thing is to race with the right attitude," Liquigas rider Basso said.

Richie Porte remains third overall with fellow Australian and world champion Cadel Evans fourth and not totally out of the picture following the 173km route from Brunico to Peio Terme.

Thursday's 156km 18th stage comes down from Italy's northern mountains to the city of Brescia.

Source: Web Search

Counterfeiters cost World Cup suppliers millions

Published Wed, May 26 10 10:47 PM

Fake World Cup souvenirs are costing FIFA's official suppliers millions of dollars in lost sales, an anti-counterfeit organisation said on Wednesday.

Fake shirts, flags and other souvenirs are available on South Africa's streets--often sold by traders at traffic lights.

South Africans have been encouraged to buy national team shirts to wear on special "Football Fridays" but many complain bitterly about the high cost of official Adidas jerseys. Copies sold by hawkers are popular.

"Despite efforts to clamp down on counterfeit goods coming mainly from China and other Asian countries, fake jerseys and other merchandise for national teams will be costing bonafide suppliers millions of dollars in lost revenue," the International Authentication Association (IAA) said in a statement.

The association was established to lead the fight against counterfeiting and represents many global brands.

South African customs officials and police have found large stashes of fake goods at Johannesburg airport and elsewhere, including $2.5 million worth of national team shirts.

IAA chairman Jim Rittenburg said many top sports brands were being hit hard by cheap imitations.

"The problem of fake goods at this ... World Cup is a big concern," he said.

"We are urging all those involved in the fight against counterfeiting, from anti piracy and law enforcement agencies to official suppliers to review their security plans."

Source: Web Search

Indian businessman approached player for match fixing: Report

Published>Wed, May 26 10 09:57 PM

In a shocking revelation, a seasoned English county player on Wednesday claimed that an Indian businessman had approached him to fix one-day domestic matches, a development, which sent alarms in the cricket fraternity.

A report in The Daily Telegraph said a player, who has more than 10 years' experience in English cricket was told by the Indian businessman to quote "his own price" and that "things are already happening in county cricket".

The player, who remains anonymous, has reported the incident to authorities and the Professional Cricketers' Association (PCA) would be contacting the ICC's Anti-Corruption and Security Unit (ACU) on the player's behalf, the report said.

"They basically told me I could name my price for providing them with knowledge of the result of the game and they made me believe other counties are already involved," the player was quoted as saying in the report.

The matches in question could be those of Friends Provident Twenty20 Cup, which starts next week with more than 30 matches televised live overseas, it added.

The player was left with the perception that if he did not take the money then somebody else would.

"Their line of communication with me was that other people were already involved. I don't know if they were just telling me that to persuade me to get involved or whether it was serious. The idea was that I would take the offer into the dressing room to get the others to agree," he said.

"My worry with this is that there will be a situation where two of the smaller counties play against each other in a televised game and they could come to an agreement and make about five times their salary from one match.

"This problem is a lot more serious than people think. Others could be out there naming their own price. It is a scary thought," he said.

PCA legal director Ian Smith is working with ACU to make the process of reporting approaches from bookies foolproof.

"The PCA are determined to work with the ACU to develop a workable protocol that allows players to come forward with confidence," Smith said.

"We recognise that it is for the good of the game that players fulfill their duty to report approaches. We are aware of the concerns players might have over these issues and we will work with ACU to address those."

This incident came to light at a time when police are investigating two Essex players for alleged spot fixing during last season's Pro40 match between Essex and Durham.

Essex's Pakistani spinner Danish Kaneria and pacer Mervyn Westfield were arrested but they are out on bail now.

Writing in the same paper, former England captain Michael Vaughan said he believes this is not a one-off incident and he asked all cricketers to report such approaches and protect the credibility of county cricket.

"By speaking out I hope this player will shame others - and I am sure more players have been approached - into also going public.

"In the past, players have laughed off these kinds of approaches but now they must reveal the danger the game is facing. Its credibility is at stake," Vaughan said.

"This is further evidence that as far as the fixers are concerned, our game is ripe for corruption. That was always going to be the case as soon as county cricket was beamed abroad, which increased its exposure," he added.

Source: Web Search

Lance Armstrong to take part in Tour of Luxembourg

Published Wed, May 26 10 08:47 PM

Seven-times Tour de France champion Lance Armstrong will continue his preparations for the world's greatest race by taking part in the Tour of Luxembourg next week, his RadioShack team said on Wednesday.

The American, who crashed out of the Tour of California last week, featured in an eight-man squad unveiled by Radioshack as he is looking to get more racing days ahead of the Tour.

Armstrong's season has been hampered by illness and last week's crash.

The 38-year-old Texan sustained facial injury when he crashed during the fifth stage of the Tour of California.

The Tour of Luxembourg runs from June 2-6.

Source: Web Search

No one can doubt my integrity, says Srinivasan

Published>Wed, May 26 10 08:37 PM

New Delhi, May 26 (IANS) Replying to the virtual charge sheet served on him by suspended Indian Premier League (IPL) chief Lalit Modi, Indian cricket board secretary N.Srinivasan said Wednesday that his inetgrity is tight, and slammed Modi for conducting the affairs of the board in public.

Speaking to IANS from Chennai, Srinivasan said: 'Mr.Modi has a habit of conducting the affairs of board in public. He is leaking information to the press. I cannot respond to all his allgetions in public. Nobody can question my integrity.'

Asked if he would take any steps after Modi levelled some serious charges against him, Srinivasan said: 'I cannot discuss these issues in the media. We have showcaused him and he has to come out clean.'

Modi Tuesday came up with startling claims of serious misuse of power by Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) president Shashank Manohar and Srinivasan, pointing out their culpability in a number of decisions, which he alleged were illegal and fradulent.

Modi asked Manohar and Srinivasan to recuse themselves from all proceeding regarding the showcause notice to him and to constitute an independent panel to adjudicate as they were party to all the decisions as IPL Governing Council members.

Srinivasan, however, said that he cannot stay away from the proceedings. 'I'm afraid I cannot,' he said.

Modi in his 14-page letter pointed out how Manohar was solely invovled in some decisions, for which the BCCI notice has levelled charges against him.

He pointed out that the controversial decision to scrap the initial opening of tenders was taken by Manohar and it was he who went out of his way to entertain former minister of state for external affairs Shashi Tharoor and accept the Kochi bid much after the lapse of deadline.

Modi's charges against Srinivasan were much more serious. He accused the BCCI secretary of manipulating the minutes of the board meetings, players' auction for the IPL third edition and the appointment of umpires in the second IPL in South Africa to help his team, Chennai Super Kings, misusing his office as the board secretary.

On the players' apology to the board for a pub brawl in St.Lucia during the World Twenty20 in the West Indies, Srinivasan said: 'This is the internal matter of the board and I can't discuss it with the media.'

Source: Web Search

I don't have any marriage plans right now: Harbhajan

Published>Wed, May 26 10 08:27 PM

Kolkata, May 26 (IANS) Despite rumours about his link up with and impending marriage to model-turned-actor Geeta Basra, cricketer Harbhajan Singh Wednesday said he had no plans to tie the knot now.

'I don't have any plans for marriage right now,' Harbhajan told reporters here.

Harbhajan said rather than marrying, he was more keen on doing well in the 2011 World Cup being jointly hosted by India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh.

'Right now, my focus is on the 2011 World Cup,' said the Jalandhar-based cricketer.

Though there has been no official confirmation from either of them, much has been reported in the media about Harbhajan and Geeta's closeness of late.

Geeta has admitted that she knows Harbhajan well, but claimed they are just good friends.

To a wicked question from a scribe whether he was making his comment with a hand on 'Geeta', Harbhajan blushed and said with a smile: 'No'.

Source: Web Search

Bhajji backs Brazil for the 2010 FIFA World Cup

Published>Wed, May 26 10 08:07 PM

Kolkata, May 26 (IANS) Indian offie Harbhajan Singh considers Latin American soccer powerhouse Brazil as his favourite team in the coming World Cup in South Africa.

'I don't follow soccer too much. But I think Brazil is a very good team. Brazil is my favourite,' the turbanator told reporters on the sidelines of a promotional event in the city Wednesday.

Thirty-two top nations are vying for honours in the FIFA World Cup to be played in various South African cities between June 11 and July 11.

Harbhajan also wished luck to his team mates who will lock horns with hosts Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka in a one-day tri series followed by Twenty20s.

'They are all good players and all of them are talented. I wish them all the best,' said Harbhajan.

The Suresh Raina-led second-string Indian squad is on way to Harare via Johannesburg.

India begin their campaign in the tri series May 28 against the hosts at Bulawayo and then play Sri Lanka May 30 at the same venue.

India's next two games are in Harare -- against Zimbabwe June 3 and Sri Lanka June 5.

The tri-series final is slated to be held June 9 in Harare.

Source: Web Search

I feel honored to lead the team for Zimbabwe tour: Raina

Published>Wed, May 26 10 07:37 PM

Mumbai, May 26 (ANI):Addressing a news conference in Mumbai on Tuesday just before the team's departure, Indian cricketer Suresh Raina expressed his happiness to be the stand-in captain for the Zimbabwe tournament.Raina seemed charged up to lead a fairly young Indian squad keeping in mind tips given by Dhoni.He also sounded confident of a good performance at the series.

Source: Web Search

INTERVIEW - Garcia lifts gloom at last, eyes Ryder Cup spot

Published>Wed, May 26 10 07:27 PM

Struggling former world number two Sergio Garcia believes he has turned the corner after a miserable run of form and feels he has enough time to earn a place in Europe's Ryder Cup team to face the United States.

"It feels like my game is getting better," Garcia told Reuters, "and the good thing is we still have three months to go (before October's Celtic Manor Ryder Cup match).

"I feel more comfortable that my game is coming around. I'm starting to shoot some good rounds. Unfortunately, I haven't been able to put four together."

The 30-year-old Spaniard, languishing at 32nd on the world rankings after a barren 15-month spell, had been so down on his performances that he said he would not even accept a wild card if Europe's captain Colin Montgomerie had to make his picks now.

However, on Wednesday on the eve of the Madrid Masters, Garcia, one of the few players to have amassed 4-1/2 points out of five in a Ryder Cup match, was more positive.

His optimism was matched by his main coach, Englishman Peter Cowen, that Garcia can raise his game and climb into Europe's automatic nine Ryder Cup places from his current berth of 17th.

ALARM BELLS

Garcia explained why his game had fallen apart so badly.

"I've always been a good ball striker and I'm not going to lie, I've been struggling with that. And when that happens alarm sirens go off, because that's my strength.

"But I've done some good work with my dad (his other coach) and Pete Cowen and I'm feeling a lot happier."

Garcia said his personal life -- he had a much-publicised split with girlfriend Morgan Lee Norman, Greg Norman's daughter, last year -- had not helped his frame of mind either.

"A couple of things here and there off the course haven't helped," Garcia said. "But there are three months to go. Let's see if I can make the team without needing the pick anyway."

Coach Cowen said the Spaniard had turned the corner, telling Reuters: "There was definitely a lack of stability in his right shoulder and he found himself manipulating his shots. It has been a case of getting all the right muscles working.

"But you know, Sergio just needs nurturing. We all know the huge talent he has and he has just got to dip into it again."

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Can Bafana Bafana keep host streak alive?

Published>Wed, May 26 10 07:07 PM

Johannesburg, May 26 (DPA) Every host nation of the previous 18 World Cups has advanced past the first round. That streak is in serious peril as South Africa face a paramount task of even gathering a point at the 2010 World Cup.

Bafana Bafana have one of the most successful coaches in World Cup history in Brazilian Carlos Albert Parreira, Brazil's 1994 cup-winning coach who is at the World Cup for the sixth time with his fifth different nation.

The South Africans also have upwards of 70,000 fans tooting vuvuzelas live in the stadium at each game as well as tens of millions rooting for them on the streets and in their homes.

But, unfortunately they also face the daunting Group A with matches against World Cup veterans such as Mexico, two-time world champions Uruguay and 1998 winners and 2006 finalists France.

'This group is very tough. By chance, the first World Cup was played 80 years ago in Uruguay. And Uruguay, Mexico and France all played in it... So they are in the business for 80 years. People forget about this sometimes,' said Parreira.

'Of course the World Cup means a lot. We have a big responsibility for the country. The country who hosts the World Cup always wants to do well. I am not thinking about what happens if the team doesn't advance from the first round. I'm not going to place this on my players' shoulders. This (a host nation not reaching the second stage) will happen one day. We just have to do our best.'

Parreira did not have a qualifying campaign to get his team ready for the World Cup, putting them through a series of friendly matches instead. The 67-year-old Brazilian also held two extended training camps in Brazil and Germany in March and April with his South Africa-based players. His goal was to form the shape of the team and then his overseas players would fit in.

Parreira's men have shown they have talent and can play competitive football when spurred on by the home crowd. At the 2009 Confederations Cup, they narrowly lost to Brazil in the semi-finals and to Spain in the game for third place.

The coach knows his team will be young and rather small and he will rely on a quick passing-oriented game, which he feels suits his players best.

The key to Bafana Bafana's showing in South Africa 2010 may be the performance of the nation's prize player Steven Pienaar of Everton, especially since the country's most successful striker Benni McCarthy will come to the World Cup with a lack of game experience since he has been out of favour at West Ham United.

South Africa have a storied sports past, especially in rugby but also by winning the 1996 Africa Cup of Nations. But Bafana Bafana will have a hard time reaching the minimum goal of getting beyond the first round.

THE COACH - CARLOS ALBERTO PARREIRA

Apart from winning the 1994 World Cup with Brazil, Carlos Alberto Parreira is best remembered for being in charge of four different countries at the World Cup (Kuwait, 1982; United Arab Emirates, 1990; Brazil, 1994 and 2006; and Saudi Arabia, 1998). Only Bora Milutinovic has one more country in his resume.

The well-travelled 67-year-old coach, who has had stints in several Middle Eastern countries, as well as Turkey, came under criticism during his earlier tenure with the South African team and in April 2008 resigned, citing his wife's health problems the reason.

He was brought back when the South African Football Association parted ways with his successor Joel Santana.

THE STAR - STEVEN PIENAAR

Steven Pienaar is probably as close as South Africa gets to having an international star. The 28-year-old Johannesburg-born midfielder is a regular in the Premier League with his club Everton and has been linked with a move to a bigger club.

He started playing for the School of Excellence before signing his first professional contract with Ajax Cape Town. After impressing for the Ajax Amsterdam feeder club, he was brought to the Netherlands, where he played an important part in helping the Dutch club win the league in 2002 and 2004.

A less spectacular move to Borussia Dortmund followed. He was then sent to Everton on loan, before making the move permanent.

Source: Web Search

Afridi looking to put Pakistan team back on track

Published>Wed, May 26 10 06:27 PM

Karachi, May 26 (IANS) Pakistan's new Test and one-day captain, Shahid Afridi wants to root out indiscipline and infighting among his teammates in a bid to put the country's under-achieving cricket team back on track.

Afridi said Wednesday he came out of self-imposed Test exile for the sake of Pakistan cricket and will make all efforts to lift the team out of the prevailing crisis.

'My main task is to make a good team out of this talented bunch of players,' he stressed. 'I also want to promote unity and harmony among the boys because that's the only way to get the best out of them,' Afridi was quoted as saying in 'The News'.

Pakistan cricket was rocked by a major controversy when the players got involved in a lot of mud-slinging during a probe conducted by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) in the aftermath of a catastrophic tour of Australia that concluded last February.

Several leading players accused each other of indiscipline during the proceedings of the probe committee after which seven of the country's leading cricketers were slapped with strict penalties.

Afridi, 30, said as Pakistan's new captain he would crack down on such negative behaviour.

'I will not tolerate any sort of conspiracies in my team,' he said. 'I will encourage the boys to discuss their problems openly and I will ask them to bury their differences. When we leave on a tour I will ask them to leave all their problems behind and just focus on giving their best for the country.'

Afridi, who will be leading Pakistan in next month's Asia Cup and more importantly during the challenging tour of England, made it clear that it will be a demanding task.

'It's a very tough task. I haven't played Test cricket for quite some time but will have to lead the team from the front on the tour of England.

'To play against Australia and England in English conditions would need a lot of guts. But I am hopeful that the boys will rise to the challenge.'

Afridi, however, was quick to warn his fans against raising their expectations.

'We are good in limited-overs cricket but will take time to settle down in Tests and we need to be patient.'

However, Afridi is hopeful that a likely return of experienced players like Younis Khan and Shoaib Akhtar will boost the team's chances in the Asia Cup and in England where his team will play back-to-back series against Australia and the hosts from July to September.

'Younis is coming back, Shoaib is coming back and that's going to help me a lot.'

Afridi is also optimistic that a few youngsters whom Pakistan are likely to include for the two assignments will also shine in Sri Lanka and in England.

'Almost as important as senior players are the newcomers because they hold the key to our team's future,' he said. 'We are planning to try out a few youngsters in the forthcoming events and I'm hopeful that they will not disappoint us.'

Afridi played the last of his 26 Tests almost four years back in Manchester and his critics doubt his chances of making a successful comeback in Tests.

'I will focus on my batting and my bowling because that's the way I can contribute properly in Tests. It won't be easy but I'm mentally prepared to take up this challenge for the sake of the team.'

Source: Web Search

Serena Williams, Common 'part ways'

Published>Wed, May 26 10 06:23 PM

New York, May 26 (ANI): Tennis star Serena Williams and rapper/actor Common have parted ways, sources say.

According to In Touch magazine, the pair split after two years of courtship.

A source said the two "just grew apart."

The two were spotted together at the April premiere of the film "Date Night" in New York, reports the New York Post.

However, Common attended the recent premiere of his new movie, 'Just Wright' with his mother. (ANI)

Source: Web Search

INTERVIEW - Kingson waits and sweats over Ghana call

Published>Wed, May 26 10 06:09 PM

With most of his Wigan team-mates already long gone after an energetic end-of-season training session, Richard Kingson walks forlornly from the treatment room towards his car. The Ghana goalkeeper is unsure whether he has a World Cup to look forward to.

Kingson, who will be 32 next month, has not played a competitive match since injuring his thigh at the African Cup of Nations in January when he captained Ghana to the final.

As soon as that healed he injured his shoulder, which he says is now "getting better".

He would normally be Ghana's number one goalkeeper but these are not normal circumstances.

The amiable, quietly-spoken international is hoping he can be in South Africa to face Germany, Serbia and Australia in the group matches, but it may depend on how much faith coach Milovan Rajevac has in Kingson and his fitness.

'REALLY TOUGH'

Kingson was at least included in the initial 30-man squad on May 7, before that list is reduced to 23 players on June 1. Chelsea's Michael Essien is another hoping to be fit in time after a lengthy lay-off.

"Things have been really tough this season as I have not been playing which is difficult for a professional," Kingson told Reuters at Wigan's training ground.

"I should have started training earlier but the shoulder injury has meant that I have had to go very slowly.

"Now I am improving and I expect to be fully fit for the World Cup. I still expect to be Ghana's number one -- I am okay and working hard."

Kingson is an important figure for Ghana and is their most capped player in the squad with 75 appearances.

That is ahead of higher profile players such as Essien (51 caps), Inter Milan's Sulley Muntari (52) and defenders John Mensah (62) and John Pantsil (58).

He was voted the reserve goalkeeper in the All-Star Team at both the 2008 and 2010 African Cup of Nations tournaments. He also has previous World Cup experience and he believes this should help his cause in making it to the Finals.

"The coach has rung me to ask me how I'm doing and I told him," Kingson said. "There is nothing I can do about my lack of football. Now the (English) season is over, I have to concentrate on the World Cup.

"There is nothing for me to show or prove as I was there last time in 2006 in Germany and everyone saw me. I have no doubts about my ability or my fitness."

It is handy Kingson has self-belief for he has needed it with the tough three years he has had in England at Wigan, and Birmingham City beforehand -- playing just four league games.

In an attack on departing manager Steve Bruce and the quality of his signings, then Birmingham co-owner David Sullivan labelled Kingson "a complete waste of space".

Kingson replied with dignity. The goalkeeper's Wigan contract expires at the end of this month and he does not yet know where his future lies.

Previously, Kingson played in Turkey for the best part of a decade and represented six clubs. He even adopted Turkish citizenship and a local name of Faruk Gursoy.

He may not be sure about his long-term future but he knows where he wants to play his immediate football -- South Africa, and in Ghana's first group match against Serbia on June 13 -- Kingson's birthday.

"The World Cup is a special event for us to enjoy and it will be very special to have this tournament in Africa," Kingson added.

"The Cup of Nations is always colourful and different from the European Championships or the World Cup, but everyone wants to play in the World Cup.

"We are confident about getting through the group because we now have the experience of a World Cup.

"Last time everyone was wondering what it was going to be like because it was our first one but after the opening match against Italy, we relaxed and played our normal game and gained a lot of confidence.

"From then until now, the team has played at a high level, so we are feeling good."

Source: Web Search