Problems in past, full speed ahead for Castroneves

Published>Sat, May 29 10 03:47 AM

Helio Castroneves arrived at the Indianapolis 500 last year trying to put legal troubles behind him, but this weekend the charismatic Brazilian comes to the Brickyard looking to join an elite group.

In nearly a century of racing at the famed speedway, only three men -- A.J. Foyt, Al Unser Sr. and Rick Mears -- have finished the 500 on Victory Lane four times, and a win on Sunday for Castroneves would make him the first non-American to join that exclusive club.

"For me, Rick and A.J., they're the gods of racing, the legends. I'm so honoured to have this opportunity," said Castroneves, who will launch his bid for a fourth 500 bid from the pole. "To be compared with those guys, if I'm able to accomplish what I want, it will be a dream come true."

A year ago the Brazilian's career appeared in jeopardy.

He had been forced to step out of the cockpit and turn over his seat in the Penske Dallara to Australian Will Power while he battled tax evasion charges that could have landed him in prison for six years if convicted.

But just weeks before the Indy, Castroneves was cleared of the charges and he celebrated his return to the Brickyard with a third 500 win, thanking his team for "giving my life back" as he chugged from the traditional bottle of milk.

With the darkest chapter in Castroneves's life closed, the bubbly Brazilian known to race fans as 'Spiderman' for scaling the fences surrounding the track after a victory is now focused on the task at hand.

The 35-year-old driver's biggest challenges on Sunday are likely to come from team mate and Indy Car series leader Will Power, who will line up alongside him in row one, and Briton Dario Franchitti, who will try to give his team owner Chip Ganassi a special place in the motor-racing record books.

Roger Penske and Ganassi are the only two owners to win America's two biggest motor sports races but no one has claimed the 500 double in the same year.

"I don't look at it in terms of winning the two races in one year," said Ganassi, who won the Daytona 500 in February with Jamie McMurray. "It would be a huge thing but right now my focus is to beat this guy (Penske) next to me.

FOUR WOMEN

The 94th running of the Indy 500 will include a record four women among the 33-car field.

Brazil's Ana Beatriz produced the best qualifying effort among the women putting her car on the outside of row seven.

She was followed closely by 21-year-old Swiss rookie Simona de Silvestro, who will start on the inside of row eight just ahead of American Danica Patrick, the only woman to ever win an Indy Car race.

The poor qualifying effort added to what has been a disappointing season for Patrick, the only woman to lead a lap in the 500 and who has traditionally produced some of her best results the sprawling speedway.

Sarah Fisher will start from near the back in row 10.

"Coming (to Indy), I thought it would for sure would be good and it hasn't been," said Patrick, who recorded the best ever result by a woman in an Indy 500 with her third place finish last year. "I'm trying not to think about that.

"I need to focus on each day and move along because when I look back on this season it makes me disappointed."

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NBA - Zero to hero in three seconds for Lakers' Artest

Published>Sat, May 29 10 03:27 AM

Grizzled veteran Phil Jackson has seen it all as a player and coach in the NBA but even he was dumbfounded by Ron Artest's stunning turnaround from zero to hero for the Los Angeles Lakers.

Artest had missed two ill-advised three-pointers in the last minute of Thursday's Game Five against the Phoenix Suns before he sank the winning basket as time expired to leave the Lakers one victory away from the NBA finals.

"He has an uncanny knack of doing things, and sometimes it just works out," Lakers coach Jackson told reporters after the NBA champions scraped past the Suns 103-101 to take a 3-2 lead in the best-of-seven Western Conference finals.

"He just has a knack of being around crucial plays."

Asked if he had ever witnessed such a sudden and dramatic change in fortune for a player, the 64-year-old Jackson replied: "No, I have not. I'm still recovering.

"We had a little session with Ron after the ball game. A lot of hugs, and then a lot of discussion."

Artest had struggled with his shooting all night at the Staples Center, making only one-of-eight from the field before his buzzer-beating heroics thwarted a gripping Suns fightback.

Phoenix had rallied from an 18-point deficit to trail by just three in the final minute when Artest missed consecutive open shots from beyond the arc, the second of them when the Lakers should have been running down the clock.

Jason Richardson banked in a game-tying three-pointer with 3.5 seconds left for the Suns and Jackson immediately called a 20-second timeout.

KEY PLAY

"I don't know why I left him in the game," Jackson said of his decision to allow Artest back on court for the final possession. "I actually questioned it myself when I put him out there on the floor, and there he was. Made the key play."

Jackson's final play was set up for Kobe Bryant to go for the winning shot but his attempt from long range came up short. Artest slipped in to beat Richardson to the rebound and he scored with an awkward layup to send the crowd into a frenzy.

"I thought Kobe got fouled on the shot so I just kind of figured it was going to be short," said Artest, who was mobbed by his jubilant team mates after making what he called the biggest shot of his career.

"I missed a lot of layups during the regular season. I'm just staying with it, just trying to play my part and see what happens."

Artest, effectively traded to the Lakers from the Houston Rockets last July for three-point specialist Trevor Ariza, has struggled to fit in with the Los Angeles offense this season.

"I'm a better player than my numbers are speaking of right now but there's a new system for me," he said. "I'm trying to somehow make it work for the team."

His buzzer-beating basket certainly worked for the Lakers on Thursday night and they can reach the NBA Finals for a third year in a row if they beat the Suns in Phoenix in Game Six on Saturday.

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Inter upset as Mourinho steals limelight in finest hour

Published>Sat, May 29 10 03:07 AM

Inter Milan should be basking in the glory of a record-breaking season but instead the manner of Jose Mourinho's departure has left a nasty taste in the mouth.

A first Champions League triumph since 1965 and an unprecedented Italian treble have been overshadowed by Mourinho's unashamed desire to join Real Madrid and his verbal volleys against what he saw as the cynical Italian game.

The outspoken Portuguese all but announced he was leaving for Real when Inter were still celebrating on the pitch after their 2-0 European Cup final win over Bayern Munich last Saturday.

Winning the most-coveted of trophies at Real's Santiago Bernabeu stadium only served to increase the drama which envelopes the brash former Chelsea coach, leading fans around the world to love him and hate him in equal measure.

Inter president Massimo Moratti, who on Friday agreed a compensation deal to allow Mourinho to join Real, had very little time to enjoy his team's stunning achievements.

"Certainly his timing was not great," Moratti, who sees England coach Fabio Capello and Fulham boss Roy Hodgson as potential replacements, told reporters.

"Both for him and the fans, he could have opted for a course of action a little different."

Mourinho cried when Inter wrapped up a fifth straight Serie A title on the final day of the season against Siena and the waterworks from the usually cool coach were also on full power after the Bayern game.

He has spoken often of his attachment to the Inter team and fans, despite his hatred of the Italian media and soccer establishment, but his swift departure was not a surprise given he did the same thing when leaving Porto for Chelsea in 2004 following their European Cup success.

Despite not managing to fully appreciate his club's moment of glory because of Mourinho, Moratti would not have swapped his coach for the world given what they have achieved.

The club president knew he was signing a livewire when Mourinho rolled up two years ago.

"He worked hard, seriously, with all his soul and he won so much. This situation does not ruin at all my esteem and friendliness towards him as a person. The door is always open," Moratti added.

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INTERVIEW - Johnson says no rival to give Bolt a jolt

Published>Sat, May 29 10 02:07 AM

Ben Johnson, the disgraced former sprinter who was banned from competition in 1993 for using steroids, said athletics is fortunate to have Usain Bolt but the sport lacks the kind of rivalries that marked his time in the spotlight.

Johnson, who waged a memorable rivalry with American Carl Lewis during his prime, said Olympic and world champion Bolt is capable of running even farther away from the pack and could lower his 100 meters world record of 9.58 seconds to 9.4.

"Track and field has not the excitement like there used to be anymore. The excitement is gone," Johnson told Reuters in Harlem on Thursday after participating in a sports symposium.

"We know Bolt is going to win all the time."

Bolt has electrified the sprint scene since setting the 100 metres world record two years ago in New York, registering an Olympic and world record triple in the 100, 200 and 4x100 relay at the 2008 Olympics, and lowering the current 100m standard at last year's world championships in Berlin.

Johnson was clocked at a world record 9.79 seconds when he beat Lewis for gold at the 1988 Seoul Olympics before he tested positive for steroids at the Games and had his medal and record stripped away in a startling plunge from prominence.

"Carl Lewis and I were a big rivalry," Johnson, 48, said.

"We didn't like each other. But Carl Lewis brought the best out in me and I brought the best out in Carl Lewis. Carl Lewis and Ben Johnson was like Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier back in the '70s boxing."

Johnson, banned from competing for life in 1993 after a second positive doping test, now helps train young sprinters in Toronto. The Jamaican-born Johnson does not attend top track events but said he noticed that Bolt has room to improve.

"From what I've seen on the replays, I think if he can work on the first 10 metres on his start -- he doesn't have to work on the 30 and 40 -- just get the reaction, he can run a 9.4."

Before the symposium on the future of Jamaican athletics, Johnson, still looking fit in a dark dress suit with his familiar shaved head and sad eyes, told a news conference that his autobiography "Seoul to Soul" would reveal new evidence of sabotage related to his positive dope test.

Saying he was "singled out" as a doping cheat and "wrongfully convicted", Johnson defended his prowess as a sprinter and said his use of steroids only served to allow him to train harder, not to run faster.

"Usain Bolt and I come from different generations," he said. "When I was running, I was running 9.79 on a slow track. Now technology has changed and he is running 9.5. So things have changed over the years.

"I'm not saying he is not good. He is great. And it's good for Jamaica and it's good for all the kids in Jamaica to say I want to be a part of that."

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Real secure Mourinho as coach after Inter deal

Published>Sat, May 29 10 01:47 AM

Real Madrid will present Jose Mourinho as their coach on Monday after agreeing an undisclosed compensation deal with Inter Milan, the Spanish club said on Friday.

Inter president Massimo Moratti and his Real counterpart Florentino Perez met to thrash out details of the package that will free Mourinho to leave and join the nine-times European champions after a treble-winning season in Italy.

While Spanish and Italian media reported that Inter would receive eight million euros ($9.80 million), a statement from the Italian champions said: "Real will eventually have to pay all the clause in the contract."

Inter added that exchange of players could form part of the deal.

Mourinho led Inter to three trophies last season, culminating in their Champions League final victory over Bayern Munich at Real's Bernabeu Stadium.

Real turned to him after sacking Manuel Pellegrini this week following a season with no trophies for a team that had 250 million euros spent on it last summer.

"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 at the time.

The move for Mourinho marks a change in direction for Perez, who has preferred to invest money in the world's best players rather than high-profile coaches in the past.

STRONG MAN

"(We looked to Mourinho) for his prestige, for the personality he has, for his great ability to absorb the pressure and for the leadership Madrid needs," Perez's right-hand man Jorge Valdano said in a radio interview earlier on Friday.

"We lacked a strong man in a moment of transition like this."

Real tripped up in the big games last season, losing in the 'clasicos' against Barcelona and in the Champions League first knockout round against Olympique Lyon.

Mourinho, 47, has a reputation as a motivator, is a great tactician and is strong enough to ride out the inevitable ups and downs of managing a side under the local media's microscope.

With Porto he won the UEFA Cup and the European Cup in 2004, and he won back-to-back league titles with Chelsea before moving to Italy.

He will be expected to get the most out of compatriot Cristiano Ronaldo but is likely to demand more of a say in planning at the club.

Pellegrini spoke of being isolated from the decision-making process when it came to planning the team, and Jose Antonio Camacho walked out on the club in 2004 complaining of interference in team affairs from above.

Spanish media have already speculated that Real will move back into the transfer market, with Inter's Brazilian fullback Maicon and Benfica's Argentine winger Angel Di Maria among the names linked with the club.

Source: Web Search

Federer to leave friendship aside against Wawrinka

Published>Sat, May 29 10 01:07 AM

No-one knows the importance of a killer instinct in tennis more than Roger Federer, but even the Swiss maestro accepts it will be tough to keep his feelings in check when he faces great friend Stanislas Wawrinka on Sunday.

The Olympic doubles champions and practice partners face each other across the net for the first time in a grand slam, and with Wawrinka boasting a rare clay victory over the world number one Federer knows he faces a formidable foe.

"We know it's going to be a tough match, so I'm very happy about this challenge, because he's a great player. I'll have to play great tennis, also," the top seed said after swatting aside German qualifier Julian Reister 6-4 6-0 6-4 on Friday.

Federer has throughout his career been something of a mentor for Wawrinka, at 25 three years his junior, offering him advice in the early stages of their friendship.

Yet Wawrinka, who won doubles gold alongside Federer for Switzerland in Beijing two years ago, scored a three-set win on clay in Monte Carlo last year and will likewise forget their friendship for what promises to be a captivating fourth-round battle.

"I'm not his coach, but at the beginning it's like giving tips and advice. I saw him growing, and he had many problems with the indoors before on the hard or quick surfaces.

"I saw how he developed on these surfaces. It's always very interesting to see how he can continue and make progress. He's no longer asking for tips, which is a good sign."

Like Federer, the softly spoken Wawrinka has yet to lose a set in his current Roland Garros campaign, and has reached the last 16 for the first time in Paris.

"I've never played against him during a grand slam, so that's a bit of a difference," Federer said. "He's really fit, and we have the same physical trainer. We know what we do."

Wawrinka needed no reminding of the influence Federer had had on his career.

"When I was young and I arrived on the tour, he was already top 10. Because of him, I have a gold medal in my house, so I'm very happy for that," said Wawrinka after dispatching Italian Fabio Fognini in straight sets on Friday.

"It's never easy because he's really a good friend. We know each other so well, so it's never easy to play him, especially here in French Open.

"But then when you go on court you try to do your job."

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England v Bangladesh - first test scoreboard

Published Sat, May 29 10 12:47 AM

Scoreboard at the close of the second day of the first test between England and Bangladesh at Lord's, London on Friday.

England innings

A. Strauss b Mahmudullah 83

A. Cook lbw b Shahadat Hossain 7

J. Trott c Kayes b Shahadat 226

K. Pietersen b Shakib Al Hasan 18

I. Bell b Rubel Hossain 17

E. Morgan c Mushfiqur Rahim b Shahadat Hossain 44

M. Prior run out 16

T. Bresnan c Siddique b Shahadat Hossain 25

G. Swann c Rubel b Shakib 22

J. Anderson b Shahadat Hossain 13

S. Finn not out 3

Extras (lb-10, 13-nb, 8-w) 31

Total (all out; 125 overs) 505

Fall of wickets: 1-7 2-188 3-227 4-258 5-370 6-400 7-463 8-478

9-498 10-505

Bowling: Shahadat 28-3-98-5, Robiul 22-2-107-0, Shakib

27-3-109-2, Rubel 23-0-109-1, Mahmudullah 23-3-59-1, Ashraful

2-0-13-0.

Bangladesh innings

T. Iqbal run out 55

I. Kayes c Strauss b Finn 43

J. Siddique not out 53

J. Islam not out 16

Extras (lb-1, w-3, nb-1) 5

Total (2 wickets; 53 overs) 172

Fall of wickets: 1-88 2-134

Bowling: Anderson 16-2-52-0, Bresnan 15-2-65-0, Finn

12-4-39-1, Swann 10-6-15-0

Still to bat: Ashraful, Shakib, Rahim, Mahmudullah,

Shahadat, Robiul, Rubel.

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Real secure Mourinho as coach after Inter deal

Published>Fri, May 28 10 11:47 PM

Real Madrid will present Jose Mourinho as their coach on Monday after agreeing an undisclosed compensation deal with Inter Milan, the Spanish club said on Friday.

The two club presidents met in Milan to thrash out details of the package that will free Mourinho to leave Inter and join the nine-times European champions after a treble-winning season in Italy.

Inter gave no details of the deal between their president Massimo Moratti and his Real counterpart Florentino Perez but Spanish and Italian media reported that Inter would receive eight million euros ($9.80 million).

Mourinho led Inter to three trophies last season, culminating in their Champions League final victory over Bayern Munich at Real's Bernabeu Stadium.

Real turned to him after sacking Manuel Pellegrini this week following a season with no trophies for a team that had 250 million euros spent on it last summer.

"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 at the time.

The move for Mourinho marks a change in direction for Perez, who has preferred to invest money in the world's best players rather than high-profile coaches in the past.

STRONG MAN

"(We looked to Mourinho) for his prestige, for the personality he has, for his great ability to absorb the pressure and for the leadership Madrid needs," Perez's right-hand man Jorge Valdano said in a radio interview earlier on Friday.

"We lacked a strong man in a moment of transition like this."

Real tripped up in the big games last season, losing in the 'clasicos' against Barcelona and in the Champions League first knockout round against Olympique Lyon.

Mourinho, 47, has a reputation as a motivator, is a great tactician and is strong enough to ride out the inevitable ups and downs of managing a side under the local media's microscope.

With Porto he won the UEFA Cup and the European Cup in 2004, and he won back-to-back league titles with Chelsea before moving to Italy.

He will be expected to get the most out of compatriot Cristiano Ronaldo but is likely to demand more of a say in planning at the club.

Pellegrini spoke of being isolated from the decision-making process when it came to planning the team, and Jose Antonio Camacho walked out on the club in 2004 complaining of interference in team affairs from above.

Spanish media have already speculated that Real will move back into the transfer market, with Inter's Brazilian fullback Maicon and Benfica's Argentine winger Angel Di Maria among the names linked with the club.

Source: Web Search

FACTBOX - New Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho

Published Fri, May 28 10 11:07 PM

REUTERS - Factbox on Jose Mourinho who will be presented as Real Madrid coach on Monday:

* Born Jan. 26, 1963 in Setubal, Portugal.

FROM MODEST BEGINNINGS

* Following a modest playing career, accepts job in 1992 as interpreter for former England manager Bobby Robson at Sporting Lisbon, taking over as assistant coach from 1994-1996.

* Moves with Robson to Barcelona in 1996 and helps them to win the King's Cup, Super Cup and European Cup Winners' Cup.

* Takes first job as fully-fledged coach at Benfica in 2000 but falls out with club president and quits.

PORTO GLORY

* Wins UEFA Cup and domestic Cup double in first full season in charge of Portuguese club Porto in 2003.

* One year later wins second successive league title and Porto become European champions with 3-0 win over Monaco in the Champions League final. Announces intention to leave after the match and is appointed coach of Chelsea on a three-year contract.

LONDON CALLING

* Leads Chelsea to their first English league title for 50 years in 2005.

* Chelsea retain Premier League title in 2006.

* In 2007, guides Chelsea to second-place finish behind Manchester United in Premier League and loses to Liverpool in Champions League semi-finals. They win the FA Cup and League Cup.

* After a slow start to the 2007-08 season Chelsea announce Mourinho's departure on Sept. 20 after a breakdown of relations with the club.

* Rules himself out of the England job in December.

ITALIAN JOB

* June 2 2008. Appointed coach of Italian champions Inter Milan, replacing Roberto Mancini.

* Shocks Italy with his outspoken style on his way to winning the Serie A title in his debut season, ruffling the feathers of rival coaches and of Catania chief executive Pietro Lo Monaco, who said the Portuguese risked "having his teeth smashed" after one row.

* Gives his side a stronger collective identity after swapping forward Zlatan Ibrahimovic, upon whom the team had become over-reliant, for Samuel Eto'o with Barcelona, thus enabling Inter to regain their status as a major European power after a series of disappointments in the Champions League.

* Ends Inter's 45-year wait for their third European crown by completing a Champions League/Serie A/Italian Cup treble in 2010.

PASTURES NEW

* Quits Inter in a widely expected move, having complained he was unhappy in Italy following a series of run-ins with the country's football establishment.

* Confirmed as new Real Madrid coach after the Spanish club agree a compensation package with Inter.

Source: Web Search

Hockey India convenes its General Council meeting

Published>Fri, May 28 10 10:37 PM

New Delhi, May 28 (IANS) Hockey India (HI), which claims to be the sole governing body of the sport in the country despite the Delhi High Court decision of reinstating the Indian Hockey Federation (IHF), Friday convened its Special General Council Meeting here June 14.

HI is planning to hold its elections before July 5 and has also got support from the International Hockey Federation (FIH), though the sports ministry has asked it not to go ahead with the polls without consulation with the government in view of the court order.

A HI statement said Friday that ratification of affiliation granted to various units will be one of the issues on the agenda of the meeting.

HI, in a communication to all its member units, asked one male and one female representatives each from the affliated associations to attend the meeting.

HI also asked the affiliated units to give the names of their representatives by June 11.

'From state/UT, one male and one female representative and from Institutional Board only one member (either gender) have to come for the Special General Council Meeting and they should carry photo ID,' said HI secretary general Narinder Batra in the letter issued to the affiliated units.

'All states which have legal cases going on should carry their case file, all upto date orders and also a legal opinion from a lawyer about their present status,' it said.

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Sunkara upsets top seed in Asian Juniors

Published>Fri, May 28 10 10:23 PM

New Delhi, May 28 (IANS) Rishika Sunkara, the lone Indian girl in the fray, shocked Japanese top seed Eri Hozumi 7-6(2), 6-0 to cruise into the semifinals of the Asian Junior Tennis Championships here Friday.

Seventh-seeded Sunkara now plays another Japanese Miho Kowase, seeded ninth, who took out last week ITF junior winner and fourth seed Zi Yang 5-7, 6-2, 6-1.

A see-saw first set had rapid break of serves and unforced errors from both Sunkara and Hozumi. Sunkara had a chance to serve out the set in the 12th game but the Japanese broke her serve to enforce the tie-break, where the Indian prevailed.

A disprited Hozumi's errors only mounted in the second set and Sunkara wasted no time in taking the set in a jiffy and along with it the match.

A jubiliant Sunkara admitted that she needs to work on her serve.

'I am happy the way I played though my serve was not consistent, especially my second serve and she (Hozumi) exploited that. Also, my backhand which is usually the strong point in my game was erratic. It was important for me to win the tie-break and that gave me the confidence in the second set. She also was making a lot of unforced errors and that made things easy for me,' said Sunkara, who is coached by Aditya Sachdeva.

In the boys' singles, sixth-seeded Vaidik Munshaw was the lone Indian to enter the semifinals when he beat compatriot Mansingh Athare 6-2, 6-3.

Fifth-seeded Indian Ronit Singh Bisht gave up the fight midway to go down 3-6, 0-6 to China's Bowen Ouyang. Ouyang plays Munshaw next.

Results:

Girls' singles: Rishika Sunkara (IND)[7] beat Eri Hozumi (JPN) [1] 7-6 (2), 6-0; Miho Kowase (JPN) [9] beat Zi Yang (CHN) [4] 5-7, 6-2, 6-1; Lin Zhu (CHN) [5] beat Miyu Kato (JPN) [3] 6-3, 6-2; Ran Tian (CHN) [2] beat Sabina Sharipova (UZB) [8] 4-6, 7-5, 6-1.

Boys' singles: Bowen Ouyang (CHN) [2] beat Ronit Singh Bisht (IND) [5] 6-3, 6-0; Warit Sornbutnark (THA) [8] beat Sai Kartik Nakireddi (IND) [4] 6-2, 6-1; Vaidik Munshaw (IND) [6] beat Mansingh Athare (IND) 6-2, 6-3; Chuhan Wang (CHN) [1] beat Rakshay Thakkar (IND) [9] 6-4, 6-1.

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SAfrica faces more protests ahead of the World Cup

Published>Fri, May 28 10 10:09 PM

The ruling ANC party dismissed threats of a national strike during the World Cup, but a fresh stoppage loomed after a miner's union said 3,000 workers would down tools at diamond producer De Beers.

The African National Congress' Secretary General Gwede Mantashe said the party did not expect any strikes during the world's premier sporting event.

Labour federation COSATU, a powerful ally of the ruling African National Congress with nearly 2 million members, has said it may strike during the World Cup over sharp power price hikes if authorities fail to lower the tariffs.

Any strike could disrupt services and embarrass President Jacob Zuma's government which is hosting the first World Cup ever held on the continent.

"We take that in good faith that there will not be any strikes during (the) World Cup," Mantashe told a news briefing in London.

A fresh strike loomed after the National Union of Mineworkers -- the country's biggest union -- said 3,000 workers at De Beers, in which Anglo American Plc has a stake, would strike over pay from Sunday.

De Beers, the world's largest diamond producer, said the wage talks were still ongoing and the union's call for a strike was premature.

A three week transport strike over wages at South African logistics group Transnet, which ended on Thursday, caused a huge backlog of cargo at ports, which the company said would take up to two months to clear after workers returned to work on Friday.

The strike disrupted railways and ports in Africa's largest economy, denting exports of metals, coal, cars, fruit and wine to Europe and Asia as well as imports of vehicle parts, fuel and equipment meant for the World Cup two weeks to the event.

The work stoppage also took a toll on the mining, transport and manufacturing industries and hurt fresh produce exporters.

Analysts said South Africa could lose some contracts to other markets and job cuts were likely to follow.

Economists have criticised unions for using the World Cup to squeeze pay hikes far above inflation of 5.1 percent, and said the transport strike may have cost South Africa 7 billion rand ($914.3 million) in lost production and sales.

Earlier this week, the NUM called off a strike at Eskom after the state-owned firm obtained a last-minute court order declaring the planned industrial action illegal.

Transnet said its operations at the ports were running as normal on Friday, but it would take weeks and in some cases months to get its units to pre-strike operational levels.

"To get our rail systems operating at the tempo that we did before the strike, it would take us two to three months because of the imbalances in our fleet," said Pradeep Maharaj, Transnet's HR Executive.

The coal industry relies heavily on Transnet for bringing coal to the port and the industry said it was unlikely exports this year would reach a planned 65 million tonnes.

Global miners with operations in South Africa, including Anglo American Plc, Xstrata and the world's top steelmaker ArcelorMittal have yet to cancel a force majeure on the supply of iron ore, ferrochrome, coal and steel which resulted from the strike.

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England 456-6 v Bangladesh - lunch, 2nd day 1st test

Published Fri, May 28 10 06:09 PM

England were 456 for six at lunch on the second day of the first test against Bangladesh at Lord's on Friday.

Scores: England 456-6 (Andrew Strauss 83, Jonathan Trott 217 not out) v Bangladesh.

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S.Africa's ANC expects no strikes during World Cup

Published>Fri, May 28 10 05:47 PM

South Africa's ruling African National Congress does not expect its labour ally COSATU to embark on strike action during the soccer World Cup, ANC Secretary-General Gwede Mantashe said on Friday.

COSATU said this week it may strike over power price increases during the month-long World Cup, action which could affect the event and embarrass President Jacob Zuma's government.

"Our understanding is COSATU has made it clear over and over they are not intending to strike. We take that in good faith that there will not be any strikes during (the) World Cup," Mantashe told a news briefing in London.

South African transport workers on Thursday ended a three-week strike which disrupted railways and ports in Africa's biggest economy.

Economists and the central bank have criticised recent strikes saying unions are trying to hold the government and state enterprises to ransom by staging strikes close to the World Cup, to squeeze pay hikes above inflation of 5.1 percent.

Mantashe said South Africa is fully prepared for the June 11-July 11 World Cup.

"We will host the best World Cup ever. People who come to the World Cup will feel the warmth and generosity of the South African people. We want to send this message despite all that is reported in the papers."

Matashe reiterated that the nationalisation of South Africa's mines is not ANC policy, despite efforts by outspoken ANC Youth League leader Julius Malema to push for mines to be taken over by the state.

"At this point of time there is no policy in the ANC that says we will nationalise mines. We emphasise that Malema is president of the youth league but (he) is not dictating the policy of the ANC," Mantashe said.

Malema said earlier this week that nationalisation of the mines was being discussed by the ANC's decision-making National Executive Committee.

Although the influence of mining on South Africa's gross domestic product has declined, particularly as gold reserves become exhausted, the sector remains one of the country's major employers.

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Qualifier Tahira Bhatti enters semi-finals

Published Fri, May 28 10 05:27 PM

Mumbai, May 28 (PTI) Continuing her superb run, qualifier Tahira Bhatti of Delhi stormed into the under-16 girls singles semi-finals of the fourth Ramesh Desai Memorial All India ranking tennis tournament, outclassing ninth seed Ambika Pande in straight sets here today. Tahira, who will meet Maharashtra''s second seed Rutuja Bhosale for a place in the final, dumped Ambika, ranked 27th in the country, 6-1 6-0. Tahira had ousted third seed C Sai Samhita of Tamil Nadu and 13th seed D Mahitha of Andhra Pradesh in earlier rounds. The other semi-final would pit top seed Teertha Iska of Andhra Pradesh and fourth seed Snehadevi Reddy of Maharashtra. (More) PTI SSR DK SSC

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France's No.1 Tsonga demands Roland Garros respect

Published>Fri, May 28 10 05:07 PM

Paris, May 28 (DPA) French number one Jo-Wilfried Tsonga his stomped his foot in the clay, saying he wants some respect at Roland Garros when it comes to scheduling his matches.

With the mini-crisis of putting four-time winner Rafael Nadal on secondary showcourt Suzanne Lenglen for his opening match now over, Tsonga is asking for some consideration from organisers.

That scenario was more and more unlikely as officials rushed Friday to make up for dozens of matches lost to rain the day before, cramming the French Open with a full slate of play on 16 of 19 available courts.

Tsonga had asked before the tournament for a later first-round start, which he did not receive. 'Frankly, I was a bit disappointed because I was playing on a Sunday,' said the eighth seed.

'I had asked not to play on a Sunday, absolutely, because I had practiced 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.'

He then lashed out: 'Today, we're in France. I'm French. I'm the French number one. If you look at (Andy) Murray, if he decides on a day or a time schedule at Wimbledon, nobody is going to impose anything on him.'

'For (Roger) Federer, in his country it's the same. And in the US, I suppose it's the same thing for the best American players. I think that Lleyton (Hewitt) probably plays in the sun during the Australian Open because he loves the sun and other opponents don't like the sun.'

Tsonga got over his sulk to reach the third round in the bid to become the first home player to win the title since Yannick Noah in 1983.

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Murray feigns interest on Queen at Wimbledon

Paris: Andy Murray will become the second major player this season to play in front of British royalty when Queen Elizabeth attends his match at Wimbledon on the first Thursday of the fortnight.

While Scot Murray has never expressed much sentiment on the royals, the fourth seed at the French Open said he's open to the new experience.

But Murray struggled to come up with the relevance of the visit to tennis. 'I think they're good for the country, that's all I can say, to be honest. I don't really know a whole lot about the history of it, unfortunately, but I certainly have nothing against the royal family,' said the Scot who once joked that he would support 'anyone but England' at the 2006 World Cup.

The Queen last visited the All England club in 1977 when Virginia Wade conveniently won the women's title - the last major British singles success at the event.

'It's just a little bit different, playing in front of the Queen, but I'm not trying to be disrespectful... once you get on the court, it's not like you're focused purely on the match.'

'Prince William came to the Australian Open this year (and attended a Roger Federer match), so it would be nice if she comes along.'

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Beckham has been fantastic for me, says starry-eyed Walcott

Published>Fri, May 28 10 04:57 PM

London, May 28(ANI): LONDON - England striker Theo Walcott has said that David Beckham's guidance and advice can mould him into a World Cup winner.

Beckham is part of England's backroom team after his Achilles injury forced him out of next month's tournament in South Africa.

"He's been fantastic for me. He gives you that extra boost. Just having one of the best crossers of a ball around to give you advice can only help," The Sun quoted Walcott, as saying.

The 21-year-old, who idolised Beckham as a young player, further expressed disappointment that Beckham will not be playing his second World Cup on the trot.

"It's a shame his injuries mean he won't have a chance to play in a last World Cup and he is a big miss," he added.

Talking about his own performance in Monday's friendly 3-1 victory over Mexico, Walcott said he was satisfied, and insisted that the key is to keep the momentum going.

"Now it is vital that I focus on the training camp in Austria leading up to the Japan game and not look too far ahead, as there is still a lot of work to do," he added. (ANI)

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India, S. Africa, Zimbabwe move to stop Howard's ICC bid just isn't cricket: Roebuck

Published>Fri, May 28 10 04:53 PM

Sydney, May 28 (ANI): Noted cricket columnist Peter Roebuck has said the cricket boards of Australia and New Zealand should not succumb to what he calls a "reprehensible campaign under way behind the scenes at the International Cricket Council" to block former Australian Prime Minister John Howard's nomination as deputy president of the game's governing body.

In a syndicated column for the Sydney Morning Herald, Roebuck admits that while he preferred New Zealand's Sir John Anderson over Howard for the post, Howard's nomination was legitimately put forward by the boards of the two countries.

Squarely accusing the cricket boards of India, South Africa and Zimbabwe for leading the campaign to prevent Antipodean Howard from taking up his position, Roebuck says: "Their reasons are different and mostly false."

"India says that it does not want another politician to become involved in the game, let alone one as contentious as Howard. India's real reason is that they fear Howard's strength and skills and resent his high-handed conduct in the ongoing debate about uranium exports. After decades watching the West run the game, they intend to retain complete control. No less pertinently, they have always been backed by the Zimbabweans and now return the favour," he adds.

He says that under the customs of the ICC, the other directors are duty bound to accept Howard.

"Instead, they have worked themselves into a fluster of fake indignation. In reality they are scared of Howard. After all, he might call them to account. There are plenty of reasons to object to the former prime minister, none to block his path," Roebuck adds.

"Make no mistake, the case against Howard is as dishonest, as it is inconsistent.

A board that welcomed Percy Sonn, who declared the 2003 Zimbabwe election free and fair though he knew it was a lie, thereby condemning Zimbabweans to years of torment; a board that accepted Ray Mali, whose co-operation with the apartheid government was exposed by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission; a board that listens to Peter Chingoka and Ozias Bute, apologists for evil in Zimbabwe, is poorly placed to turn its back on Jack the Ripper, let alone a former PM and cricket fanatic," he says.

"The overriding fact is Howard was properly chosen by the responsible boards and the ICC is duty bound to accept him.

Anything else flies in the face of the very rules introduced precisely to stop these sorts of disputes arising, let alone escalating. The conduct of the South African, Indian and Zimbabwe cricket boards shows them in the worst possible light," he concludes. (ANI)

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Americans chasing an African repeat

Published>Fri, May 28 10 04:47 PM

Washington, May 28 (DPA) The United States have established themselves as top dogs in their CONCACAF zone, and coach Bob Bradley is eager to turn recent gains into success on the biggest stage this summer in South Africa.

A disappointing group stage exit from the World Cup in Germany four years ago is fresh in the mind, but fresher still is the Stars and Stripes surprise run to the final of the Confederations Cup, also in South Africa, last summer.

This summer marks the USs 10th World Cup appearance and their fifth in succession. Their best finish since a semi-final place at the inaugural finals in 1930 came in 2002 when they bested Portugal to graduate the group stage, and then edged old regional rivals Mexico before losing out to eventual finalists Germany in the last 16.

That accomplishment was arguably eclipsed last June when the North Americans overcame a slow start to reach the final a first for an American mens side in global competition at the World Cup warm-up.

Along the way they beat African champions Egypt and snapped a 35-game unbeaten run for Spain, the European champions and world number-ones, before being going down in the final against Brazil.

The runners-up finish has raised the teams confidence and international profile, but their inability to hold the 2-0 lead they gained before half-time against the Brazilians still haunts.

We cant be happy just to have reached the final,' said LA Galaxy star Landon Donovan, the USAs top player and all-time leading scorer. If we want to get better we have to demand more of ourselves.'

While Donovan, who had a successful loan spell with English Premier League outfit Everton this season, will lead the line in his withdrawn attacking role, there are question marks next to a few of the influential Americans who shone so brightly at the Confederations Cup.

Hulking defender Oguchi Onyewu, signed by AC Milan after the event, is likely to miss out on the party with a knee injury sustained near the end of the USAs qualifying campaign, where they

finished top of the heap.

Charlie Davies, the attacking revelation of last years tournament, could be a shock inclusion in the side, as he is recovering from serious injuries sustained in a car wreck last October.

Clint Dempsey battled niggling injuries all season while his side Fulham performed well in both England and the UEFA Europa League, but the attacker is likely to be fit for the finals, as are qualifying top scorer Jozy Altidore, Michael Bradley - the coachs son and Bundesliga standout - and Everton goalkeeper Tim Howard.

Bradleys men open with European powerhouses England in a replay of one of the most memorable upsets in World Cup history when the USA beat their former colonisers in a group stage game at the 1950 finals in Brazil.

The other combatants in Group C are Algeria, surprise conquerors of Egypt in African qualifying, and Slovenia, making the USA a good bet to book one of the top two spots along with the English and move on to the knockout stages.

The coach: Originally hired as caretaker boss after the sacking of Bruce Arena in 2006, Bob Bradleys rampaging start forced the American FA to give up their hunt for a big-name foreign manager and settle with the former university and Major League Soccer coach.

The move proved inspired as the no-nonsense tactician led the Americans to first place in qualifying for South Africa 2010 and to silver at the 2009 Confederations Cup. Later in 2009, he was roundly criticised for naming an experimental line-up at the CONCACAF Gold Cup the regions biennial championship where his side were thrashed 5-0 by Mexico in the final in New York.

The star: Landon Donovan emerged on the scene at the 1999 U-17 World Cup in New Zealand, where he picked up the tournaments best player gong. Hes been the poster boy for American football since. In the following years, he had his struggles abroad with clubs in Germany, but he has maintained his position in the advanced attacking midfield role of the USA national team, where he combines brilliantly with the likes of Clint Dempsey and Jozy Altidore.

Donovan, who had a positive loan spell with Everton this year but currently plies his trade with hometown side LA Galaxy, is the USAs all-time top scorer. And despite being criticised for going missing in the fires of big games, the six-time US Player of the Year is the architect of most meaningful US attacks.

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Algeria ready for a return to the spotlight

Published>Fri, May 28 10 04:27 PM

Algiers, May 28 (DPA) After 24 years away from the World Cup finals, Algeria are long shots to make an impact in South Africa this summer. But some top-drawer victories in their recent history combined with a nothing-to-lose attitude might spur the Desert Foxes to a surprise in a manageable Group C against England, the United States and Slovenia.

Reaching the first African finals was hard work for the Algerians, who completed perhaps the most dramatic path to footballs showpiece event.

Losses in two of their first three qualifying matches left them neck deep in the second African group stage, and only an 87th-minute equaliser by Gambia against Senegal on the final match day saw Algeria top the table by a single point.

In the final round of qualifying, they landed in a group with more heralded North African rivals Egypt. An early 3-1 win over the Pharaohs gave them poll position of the group, but a 2-0 defeat in Cairo in the final round of matches left the two sides in a literal dead heat.

Against the odds, the Foxes held their nerve and resisted the Egyptians 1-0 in an intense qualifying play-off held in Sudan with defender Antar Yahia the goal-scoring hero.

Riots followed in both countries, but the Algerians had proved to the continent they were worthy representatives.

Just six weeks later, the 1990 African champions again had their fair share of drama at the Africa Cup of Nations in Angola. Stunned by Malawi 3-0 in their opening match, they recovered to reach the knockout rounds where they met heavily fancied Ivory Coast.

A 3-2 come-from-behind victory over the Elephants, which included an equalizer in injury time of the second half, saw them into the semi-final.

However, they were on the wrong side of the Pharaohs' revenge in the last four, falling to a shambolic 4-0 drubbing while having three players sent off.

Experienced coach Rabah Saadane, who has led Algeria on five separate occasions including a stint during their peak years in the mid-1980s, knows that such losses of composure will be fatal to their chances at the World Cup.

Saadane and some of his senior players have been trying to downplay expectations for the finals this summer, pointing out rightly that the side lack much top-level experience.

Just the experience playing at a World Cup will be great for us,' said Glasgow Rangers Madjid Bougherra, who forms a solid central defensive partnership with goal-scoring hero Antar Yahia of VfL Bochum.

'We may not be favourites in our group, but we have nothing to lose and anything can happen once you are there,' he said.

Bougherra and Yahia look to keep things tight at the back for Portsmouths Nadir Belhadj, who raids forward from his left back spot.

Captain Yazid Mansouri is the engine of the midfield, while VfL Wolfsburgs Karim Ziani and Borussia Monchengladbachs Karim Matmour can be dangerous on the counter attack.

Sienas Abdelkader Ghezzal has become the number one focal point in attack, however, 35-year-old Rafik Saifi still offers a dynamic option up front.

The coach: Known affectionately as `the Sheikh', Rabah Saadane will be the only African coach at the World Cup finals. The 64-year-old has been involved with the Foxes since the early 1980s, leading the team on five separate occasions.

He was an assistant when the side won two matches at Spain '82 but were unfortunate to go out at the group stage after Germany and Austria conspired to draw.

He led the team himself at Mexico '86, where an opening group that included Brazil and Spain was always going to prove too strong. Saadane most recently took over the team in 2007 after they failed to reach the 2008 Cup of Nations. He also has had club success, winning the African Champions League with Raja Casablanca.

The star: Although Karim Ziani struggled to get regular playing time this season at his German club VfL Wolfsburg and is being linked with a move away, he is sure to be a key figure for the Foxes this summer. Nimble and energetic, the diminutive midfielder is not afraid to win the ball and then launch attacks himself. His direct running and accurate crossing have become invaluable for a side that can struggle to build forward momentum.

In qualifying, he was joint-top in both appearances and goals, and he was hailed as Algerias best player at the Cup of Nations earlier this year. The France-born players cross set up Antar Yahia for the header that beat Egypt and sent the Foxes into the World Cup.

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Capello warns team against over relying on Rooney for World Cup glory

Published>Fri, May 28 10 04:23 PM

London, May 28(ANI): England manager Fabio Capello has warned his team against relying too much on striker Wayne Rooney for winning them the World Cup in South Africa.

Rooney is being hailed as the one-man marvel who will bring home the Cup for England after he grabbed 34 goals in all competitions for Manchester United this season.

However, Capello insists that if England wants to mount a successful challenge then the whole team will have to play out of their skin.

"I do not believe that one player can make all the difference, even if he's as important as Rooney, who gets everyone behind him, leads them and pulls them into action," The Daily Star quoted Capello, as saying.

"It is the team which wins, particularly in a World Cup. The most important thing is the group, the spirit of togetherness," he added.

Capello also backed Rooney to improve his international performance during the tournament. The striker has scored just once in his last seven internationals including a blank against Mexico on Monday.

"Yes, Rooney has not scored lately, but all he does in training gives me the maximum comfort, because he has recovered 100 per cent. I've always told him to play more central. He has all the qualities of a top goalscorer," Capello said.

"Before, he always helped his team-mates, running everywhere, and in so doing he was spending a lot of energy. Now that he keeps more in front of goal he's fresher and sharper, so he scores more," he added. (ANI)

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PCB does a u-turn, says it never banned Yousuf, Younus

Published Fri, May 28 10 04:17 PM

Karachi, May 28 (PTI) In a volte-face, the Pakistan Cricket Board today claimed that former skippers Muhammad Yousuf and Younus Khan were never banned and can be brought back to the side anytime. PCB legal advisor Tafazzul Rizvi said the Chairman of the board Ijaz Butt had the authority to include Younus in the team when he wanted. "It is a wrong impression that the inquiry committee had placed a life ban on both players. There was no ban we had recommended that they not be selected for the national team for the time being and be monitored," he said. "Since they are not banned like Shoaib Malik and Rana Naved for a definite period they can be restored to the national team anytime the board Chairman wishes as he enjoys wide ranging powers as the Chairman and chief executive of the board," Rizvi said. While Yousuf has retired from international cricket and is adamant he will not change his decision for the time being, Younus has appealed against his ban. Six players including Younus, Malik and Rana have lodged appeals and the hearing of Malik and Younus is due to be held on Saturday. Ahmed Qayyum, the lawyer for Younus Khan, said there was nothing against his client on basis of which the board had banned him from playing for Pakistan. "My client is innocent and has a very strong case. Tomorrow at the hearing I am going to again repeat to the judge to allow the media to cover our hearing as we have nothing to hide," Qayyum said. He said he would also insist on cross examining the members of the inquiry committee although the judge had initially ruled this out. "I don''t think the legal advisor of the board Mr. Talib Rizvi who is representing the inquiry committee in the appeal hearings would be able to satisfy our queries. I will be asking the judge to have the inquiry committee members appear in person for the hearings." PTI COR PM

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Lawyer expects Modi''s 2nd reply to be less voluminous

Published Fri, May 28 10 04:07 PM

Mumbai, May 28 (PTI) Suspended IPL Commissioner Lalit Modi will meet the May 31 deadline for replying to the second BCCI show cause notice and it''s expected to be less voluminous than his staggering 15000-page reply to the first notice, his legal advisor Mehmood Abdi said here today. Modi has responded to the first show cause notice over allegations of murky financial deals in the IPL and bid-rigging with a voluminous reply on May 15. Abdi said Modi is now on course to meet the May 31 deadline for replying to the second show cause notice served on him for his alleged acts that are "detrimental to world cricket". "We intend to meet the deadline for replying to the second show cause notice as we did for the first," Abdi told PTI. "The volume of the reply depends on the issues raised. I don''t think the reply would be as voluminous (as the first). We will try to satisfy the Board (with the reply)," Abdi said. Modi sought and obtained a 10-day breather for replying to the second show cause notice from the Board. He was issued the notice on May 6 on the basis of an e-mail received from England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) chairman Giles Clarke. (MORE) PTI SSR VRK AY

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India assured of eight medals in Asian Women''s Boxing

Published Fri, May 28 10 03:37 PM

New Delhi, May 28 (PTI) India''s assured medal tally swelled to eight on a bitter-sweet day which saw former World Championship silver medallist N Usha suffering a shock quarterfinal defeat in the Asian Women''s Boxing Championship in Astana, Kazakhstan. Priyanka Chaudhary (54kg) clinched it by the smallest of margins against Minova Ayako of Japan after fighting out a tense quarter-final bout, yesterday. Priyanka was tied 1-1 with Ayako in the opening round. She nosed ahead to 2-1 in the second round but Ayako fought back to make it 3-3 at the end of the regulation four rounds. The Indian was declared winner after accepted individual scores put her 7-5 ahead of her rival. Pavitra (57kg), on the other hand, had no trouble getting past another Japanese Kugimiya Tomoko 11-2. The Indian led all through the bout and was never troubled by her rival. But there was disappointment to follow in the light weight 60kg category in which Usha was knocked out. Usha was expected to have it easy against Chorieva of Tajikistan, a country which is participating for the first time in the event. After the opening two minutes ended 0-0, Usha was on the backfoot in the second round with Chorieva taking a 2-0 lead. She came back to make it 3-3 in the third round and the two were tied 4-4 for most part of the final round as well. But with 20 seconds left on the clock, Chorieva landed a scoring punch to leave the Indian camp stunned. "It was not expected. Usha was the hands down favourite but just a few seconds before the end, she lost the bout. It''s very disappointing," said Indian Boxing Federation Secretary General P K Muralidharan Raja, who is in Astana as a technical delegate. Earlier, four-time world champion M C Mary Kom (46kg), L Sarita Devi (51kg), Sonam Yadav (75kg) fought their way to the semis, while Kavita Goyat (69kg), Aswathi Mol (81kg) and Kavita Chahal (+81kg) got byes into the last-four stage. India has sent an 11-strong team for the event, which has 16 countries in participation.

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OCA takes exception to Sports Ministry's remarks on Randhir Singh

Published>Fri, May 28 10 02:47 PM

New Delhi, May 28 (IANS) The Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) has taken serious exception to the Sports Ministry questioning the credibility of its secretary general Randhir Singh, saying that such personal attacks are not acceptable.

The sports i had charged Randhir Singh, who is also the secretary general of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), of influencing the OCA and International Olympic Committee (IOC) taking advantage of his dual role on the issue of tenure and age limit of the office-bearers of sports bodies.

'I am extremely dismayed at contents of the above referred letter. Mr. Randhir Singh is the secretary general of OCA for last two decades and his knowledge, wisdom and commitment to the Olympic Movement has been exemplary,' Husain Al-Musallam, OCA director general, said in his reply to the sports minister M.S. Gill Thursday.

'He (Randhir Singh) has always strived to maintain a fine balance between the various arms of the Olympic Movement and has acted as a bridge between the NOCs of Asia, OCA and international sporting organisations. Therefore any such attack on him personally will not be accepted and entertained by the OCA.'

Reiterating its stand on the need to respect the autonomy of National Olympic Committees (NOCs), the OCA said any 'interference in the autonomy or independent functioning of the NOC or National Sports Federations will not be accepted by the OCA and may result in strict penalties as per the OCA constitution.'

'The OCA has always advocated that the autonomy of the NOC as well as the NSFs is of prime importance. However, we have always maintained that a strong and harmonious relationship should be maintained with the governmental organisations in order to carry out sports development work in the respective countries.

'I would, therefore, strongly recommend that the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports should take all the local sports organisations into confidence and work as one team for the development of sports,' the OCA director general said.

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Tiger Woods' wife now 'plans trip to China'

Published>Fri, May 28 10 02:07 PM

Washington, May 28 (ANI): Tiger Woods' estranged wife Elin is planning a trip to China, sources say.

The Swedish beauty has been traveling more often in the recent past, seemingly, to stay away from her love-rat husband.

Elin apparently leaves her kids at Woods' home whenever she goes on a trip.

"Elin has the nannies take the kids to Tiger's house. She used to drive them and go in the house. Not anymore. She's been great about sharing the kids, but she doesn't go near Tiger," Radaronline quoted a source as saying.

The insider added: "She's become fully independent now. She's built her own life."

Elin recently traveled to Sweden with her children. Also, she visited South Florida to watch a tennis tournament, and took a nearly week-long trip to Arizona. (ANI)

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Afridi doesn''t want Malik back: Sources

Published Fri, May 28 10 01:53 PM

Karachi, May 28 (PTI) Shoaib Malik may be in the list of probables for Asia Cup but sources say Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi is not keen to have him back as he fears the all-rounder would create disharmony in the side. Malik is in the shortlist of 35 probables for the Asia Cup and the tour to England but Afridi is among those who don''t want Malik back. "There are others as well including some selectors and board officials who feel that it would be better for the team if Malik is kept out for the moment," one source disclosed. He said Afridi did not push for Malik''s inclusion like he did for Muhammad Yousuf and Younis Khan. "Afridi''s reaction is natural considering that he knows well that Malik can be a very negative influence on the team when things don''t go according to his liking," the source said. Malik emerged as the main villain during the probe by the Pakistan Cricket Board inquiry into the troubled Australian tour with former coach, Intikhab Alam, Afridi, Younis, Yousuf and others blaming him for spoiling the team atmosphere. Former manager Abdul Raquib, Intikhab and Yousuf openly blamed him for creating disharmony in the team. During the inquiry committee hearings, the team officials also confirmed that they wanted to send Malik back from New Zealand but the then skipper Yousuf let him stay as the team needed his experience. Malik, who recently got married to Indian tennis star Sania Mirza, was banned for 12-months and fined Rs two million by the inquiry committee but he has appealed against the punishment. In his defence, Malik has said that he had no cause to create disharmony in the team as he was no longer interested in the captaincy and only wanted to play.

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Despite tough passage to WC, Argentina will be a major force in SA

Published Fri, May 28 10 01:47 PM

Buenos Aires, May 27 -- Argentina's camp for the 2010 World Cup will bring together two of the biggest figures in their footballing psyche: coach Diego Maradona and Barcelona gem Lionel Messi. Maradona, who led the team to the World Cup trophy in an awe-inspiring manner in 1986, is hoping that the 22-year-old forward can repeat history and assume the mantle as the greatest player in the world in style. However, its not all sunshine for Argentina, as the side suffered mightily to qualify for the finals in South Africa. The 'Albiceleste' are world powers, to be sure, but the most recent of their world crowns came when Maradona famously lifted the trophy in Mexico City. The man himself came under the fire after Argentina's preliminary campaign, which was an unqualified disaster. Picking up only 28 points and eight wins from their 18 games, they scraped into the finals as the last automatic qualifier from the region, behind moderate powers like Paraguay and Chile. It took Martin Palermo's goal in stoppage time of the second-to-last game against Peru to book their passage directly and avoid the ignominy of a play-off with Costa Rica. From the bench, Maradona looked a pale shadow of his dazzling on-field majesty, using more than 80 players over the course of the qualifying campaign and suffering the indignity of a 6-1 loss to minnows Bolivia in La Paz. Only his beloved status in his native country kept him from the sack. Having used so many players, Maradona, and his co-coach Carlos Bilardo, never cemented a cohesive unit, or a reliable formation. Troubles aside, Maradona has at his disposal several of the hottest attacking properties in world football right now. It was not just the number but the quality of many of Messi's goals for Barcelona this season that set chins wagging. With an embarrassment of riches, Maradona can call on Real Madrid's Gonzalo Higuain, Manchester City ace Carlos Tevez or Inter Milan target man Diego Milito to bolster Messi. Despite a few glaring holes throughout the team, notably prematurely retired playmaker Juan Roman Riquelme, Maradona is flush with talent. Bayern's Martin Demichelis and Gabriel Milito marshal the defence. Liverpool man and Argentine captain Javier Mascherano, as well as Fernando Gago and veterans Javier Zanetti and Esteban Cambiasso are options for the middle of the park. Argentina, despite their well-documented problems during the qualifying phase, must still be considered favourites in a competitive Group B, where they line up against Nigeria, South Korea and shock Euro 2004 champions Greece. In the long run what really matters is not what the pundits say but how well you do during that month," says Mascherano, who is likely to add the steel in midfield. Spain and Brazil look a cut above the rest because they've both won trophies in the last couple of years, but experience tells me that the World Cup is won by the team that improves through the tournament, not necessarily the one who plays the best," he added. THE COACH - DIEGO MARADONA Diego Maradona hardly needs introduction. As a player, he rivals Pele as the greatest of all time, guiding Argentina to a world crown in 1986 and another final four years later, while winning countless accolades with long-time club side Napoli. An idol in Argentine culture, his appointment as national team coach in late 2008 was a surprise as he had never coached a major team before, and his much-publicised problems with drugs and alcohol seemed to make him an unlikely candidate for the country's top footballing job. However, he led the side with some difficulty to South Africa, where he hopes to add to his trophy cabinet, from the bench this time. THE STAR - LIONEL MESSI At just 22, Lionel Messi has achieved nearly all there is to achieve in world football, apart from winning the World Cup. In the 2008/2009 season, his Barcelona won all six trophies on offer, including the Champions League, La Liga and the Club World Cup, before challenging on all fronts again this past term and winning another La Liga title.

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Paes-Dlouhy advance to second round

Published>Fri, May 28 10 01:37 PM

Paris, May 28 (IANS) India's Leander Paes and Lukas Dlouhy of the Czech Republic advanced to the doubles second round with a hard fought victory over Sweden's Johan Brunstrom and Jean-Julien Rojer of Netherland Antilles in the French Open.

Defending champions Paes and Dlouhy, seeded third, battled past Brunstrom and Rojer 6-3, 6-7 (6), 7-5 in a rain-affected contest that lasted over two hours Thursday.

The Indo-Czech pair will next meet the winner of the match between German Philipp Marx/Slovak Igor Zelenay and Swiss Yves Allegro/German Andreas Beck.

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Jenson Button splits from model girlfriend

Published>Fri, May 28 10 01:27 PM

London, May 28 (ANI): British Formula One driver Jenson Button has split from his lingerie model girlfriend Jessica Michibata as he found maintaining a long-distance relationship too difficult to handle.

Button, 30, who has been dating Michibata, 25, for 18 months, called it quits just after the Monaco Grand Prix, after he found the regular return commutes to visit her in Tokyo too much.

"Jenson had a great time with Jessica and it looked like things were moving in the right direction. But the logistics took their toll," the Sun quoted a source as saying.

"With her living in Tokyo and him all around the world to races it has been very tough. She was constantly flying out to meet him.

"And whenever there was a race in her part of the world he'd fit a visit to Tokyo into his schedule. But it's impossible to maintain that in the long term.

"Just over a week ago Jenson reluctantly decided that his racing must be his main priority.

"He was forced to make the unpleasant decision to split to focus on his racing. There is no one else involved," the source revealed.

With Michibata wanting to remain in Tokyo, it has not been very easy for Button.

"Jenson is single again. He and Jessica have gone their separate ways," his spokesman confirmed on May 27. (ANI)

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