India loses to Sri Lanka by 6 wickets at Harare

Published>Sat, Jun 05 10 09:52 PM

Harare, June 5 (ANI): Team India lost to Sri Lanka by six-wicket in the 5th match of Zimbabwe Triangular Series here on Saturday.

The Indian side set a respectable target of 268 runs for Sri Lanka in 50 overs.

The highest scorers from the Indian side were Kohli at 68 runs and Yusuf with 44 runs.

However, Sri Lanka managed to surpass India's target by scoring 270 runs in 48.2 overs with six wickets to spare.

For his spectacular batting performance, Dinesh Chandimal was adjudged Man of the Match. During the presentation ceremony he said: "I am very happy with my batting performance. Good pitch, and I played my normal game."

While the Sri Lankan skipper Tillakaratne Dilshan said: "I said in the morning, we want to finish it off today. our players did really well. We kept the pressure up through the fielding, keeping the fielders up. I told the players we needed to improve the fielding, and they did a really good job in the field, stopping goo shots, taking difficult catches. Really happy with Cahndimal's batting, playing so well in his second game."

Having been unsuccessfull to win the match, Team India skipper Suresh Raina chose to put the blame on his bowlers, particularly for failing to take advantage of the new ball during the match.

"I am not happy at all. Al the credit goes to Sri Lanka, they batted really well, especially Dinesh. We didn't bowl well, especially with the new ball. Ashwin bowled well, and he batted well too. We haven't been good throughout the tournament," Cricinfo quoted Raina as saying during the presentation ceremony. (ANI)

Source: Web Search

Inspired Schiavone beats Stosur to win French Open

Published>Sat, Jun 05 10 09:48 PM

An inspired Francesca Schiavone became the first Italian woman to win a grand slam singles title on Saturday when she beat Australia's Samantha Stosur in the final of the French Open.

Schiavone, who before this week had never been beyond the last eight of a major, tamed Stosur's greater power to win 6-4 7-6. She completed victory after one hour and 38 minutes when Stosur's mishit backhand flew into the crowd.

Both women were making their grand slam final debuts but it was the 29-year-old Schiavone who seized her chance, hustling and harrying Stosur with some tremendous attacking tennis.

After dropping the first set Stosur moved 4-1 ahead in the second but the tenacious Schiavone stormed back to take the set into a tiebreak and moved 6-2 ahead with a superb drop volley.

Taking deep breaths to control her excitement, Schiavone needed only one match point to become Italy's first grand slam champion since Adriano Panatta won the men's singles here in 1976. She is also the oldest woman to win her first grand slam title since Ann Jones won Wimbledon in 1969.

As the realisation of her achievement hit home she collapsed on to her back before kissing the Court Philippe Chatrier Court surface and then climbing into the stands where she was swallowed in the embraces of her entourage.

"I haven't prepared anything because when I prepare things they never happen," an emotional Schiavone told the crowd as she collected the trophy from former French Open champion Mary Pierce.

"But I felt amazing today, I (felt) like a champion. I am really, really happy. Thank you everybody."

With temperatures approaching 30 degrees Celsius, Stosur began well, holding her first two service games to love but Schiavone was equally solid behind her own serve, mixing up her groundstrokes to good effect.

The variety of the Italian's game meant Stosur, 26, was unable to get her feet set to unleash the forehand that had helped her to victories over four-times champion Justine Henin, world number one Serena Williams and Jelena Jankovic.

Stosur battled to hold serve from 0-30 in the fifth game, while Schiavone had to fight hard to hold off the Australian in the next game, although she did not face break point.

The next two games went with serve but at 4-4, two poor mistakes from Stosur and then a bold approach from the Italian handed her three break points.

Stosur saved the first two, the second with the help of a fortunate net cord, but then sent down her first double fault to hand the Italian the chance to serve out the set.

A brilliant backhand return helped Stosur save the first set point but two points later she dumped a nervy backhand in the net to give Schiavone the advantage.

Stosur saved two break points and hold serve in the third game of the second set and then finally broke the Italian's serve to move into a 4-1 lead as the cries of "Aussie, Aussie, Aussie" rung out from some of teh Australians in the crowd.

Schiavone held serve in the next game to get her teeth back into the set and Stosur faltered again, firing an easy forehand wide to put her opponent back on serve at 3-4.

Both players were making more mistakes than usual at that stage but neither threatened the other on serve and a tiebreak was almost inevitable.

The first four points went with serve but Schiavone got the first mini-break with a backhand pass to lead 3-2 and from there she never looked back.

A superb angled backhand volley gave her match point and when Stosur framed a backhand into the stands the celebrations could begin in earnest.

Pre-match favourite Stosur, struggling to hold back the tears, was gracious in defeat as she missed out on becoming the first Australian woman to win a grand slam singles title since Evonne Goolagong at Wimbldon in 1980.

"First of all, Franc, well done," the Australian seventh seed, said. "You played very well today, you had a great tournament and good luck for the rest of the year."

She also thanked her mum, dad and two brothers who had flown halfway around the world to watch the biggest day of her career.

Source: Web Search

We were unconvincing throughout the tournament: Raina

Published Sat, Jun 05 10 09:22 PM

Harare, Jun 5 (PTI) His captaincy debut ending in a debacle, India skipper Suresh Raina today conceded that the team looked unconvincing throughout the cricket tri-series. In charge of a young team, Raina lost his first match as a captain against Zimbabwe and the side crashed out of the tournament after suffering three defeats in four matches. "We haven''t looked good throughout the tournament," Raina said after India''s six-wicket defeat to Sri Lanka here. Talking about today''s match, Raina felt the bowlers let down the team. "I am not happy at all. We scored around 270 but we didn''t bowl well, especially with the new ball. R Ashwin bowled well, and he batted well too," he said. "All credit goes to Sri Lanka, they batted really well, especially (centurion) Dinesh (Chandimal)," he added. Sri Lankan captain Tillakaratne Dilshan was happy to have sealed a place in the final with one match to spare. "I said in the morning, we want to finish it off today. our players did really well. We kept the pressure up through the fielding, keeping the fielders up," Dilshan said. "I told the players we needed to improve the fielding, and they did a really good job in the field, stopping good shots, taking difficult catches. I''m really happy with Chandimal''s batting, playing so well in his second game," he said.

Source: Web Search

Scoreboard: India vs Sri Lanka, ODI tri-series

Published>Sat, Jun 05 10 09:18 PM

Harare, June 5 (IANS) Scoreboard of ODI tri-series match betweeen India and Sri Lanka here Saturday.

India:

Dinesh Karthik c & b Perera 27

Naman Ojha lbw b Kulasekara 1

Virat Kohli c Mendis b Thushara 68

Yusuf Pathan c Perera b Randiv 44

Rohit Sharma b Randiv 32

Suresh Raina c Kapugedera b Dilshan 19

Ravindra Jadeja run out (Dilshan) 19

R Ashwin c & b Thushara 38

Pankaj Singh not out 3

Ashok Dinda c Kapugedera b Thushara 0

Pragyan Ojha not out 5

Extras: (b-3, lb-2, w-6, nb-1) 12

Total: (for nine wickets in 50 overs) 268

Fall of wickets: 1-7 (NV Ojha, 2.6 ov), 2-41 (Karthik, 9.5 ov), 3-125 (Pathan, 23.6 ov), 4-171 (Kohli, 34.2 ov), 5-187 (Sharma, 37.1 ov), 6-204 (Raina, 41.1 ov), 7-255 (Jadeja, 48.2 ov), 8-259 (Ashwin, 48.4 ov), 9-259 (Dinda, 48.5 ov)

Bowling:

Nuwan Kulasekara 9 1 47 1

Thilan Thushara 9 1 57 3

Thissara Perera 4 0 33 1

Ajantha Mendis 10 0 54 0

Jeevan Mendis 6 0 29 0

Suraj Randiv 10 1 38 2

Tillakaratne Dilshan 2 0 5 1

Sri Lanka:

Upul Tharanga c Kohli b Ashwin 27

Tillakaratne Dilshan c Pathan b Dinda 21

Dinesh Chandimal st Naman b Ashwin 111

Chamara Kapugedera c Pankaj Singh b PP Ojha 42

Ajantha Mendis not out 35

Thilan Samaraweera not out 28

Extras: (lb-4, w-1, nb-1) 6

Total: (for four wickets in 48.2 overs) 270

Fall of wickets: 1-29 (Dilshan, 5.2 overs), 2-81 (Tharanga, 14.5), 3-195 (Kapugedera, 36.4), 4-215 (Chandimal, 40.6)

Bowling:

Pankaj Singh 7 0 45 0

Ashok Dinda 7.2 0 42 1

R Ashwin 10 0 50 2

Pragyan Ojha 10 0 43 1

Ravindra Jadeja 10 0 54 0

Yusuf Pathan 4 0 32 0

Toss: Sri Lanka, who chose to field

Umpires: Rudy Koertzen (South Africa) and Russell Tiffin

Match referee: Jeff Crowe (New Zealand)

Source: Web Search

Italy's Schiavone makes history to win French Open

Published>Sat, Jun 05 10 09:08 PM

Paris, June 5 (DPA) Francesca Schiavone made history for Italy as she defeated Australian Samantha Stosur 6-4, 7-6 (7-2) to win the French Open Saturday.

The 29-year-old from Milan is the first Italian woman to lift a Grand Slam trophy and is the first Italian player overall to play a Grand Slam final since Adriano Panatta won Paris in 1976.

Schiavone dominated on the clay against the seventh-seeded Stosur, who reached the semi-finals a year ago.

Schiavone, seeded 17th, rallied from 4-1 down in the second set and triumphed on the first of four match point in the tie breaker. Stosur couldn't handle a return, which she mis-hit wide to hand over the win in 1 hour 38 minutes.

Schiavone kissed the clay and the then ran up into the stands for a group hug with her friends and supporters.

The best previous result at Roland Garros by an Italian woman was in 1954 Roland Garros when Silvia Lazzarino lost a semi-final against Maureen Connolly.

The Italian will rise to a number six ranking acording to the WTA, taking over as top Italian. Schiavone was playing the event for the tenth time.

Source: Web Search

Dawson arrives at England camp to replace injured captain

Published>Sat, Jun 05 10 08:48 PM

Johannesburg, June 5 (DPA) Tottenham defender Michael Dawson arrived in the England World Cup camp in South Africa Saturday as a replacement for injured captain Rio Ferdinand, saying he was ready to 'take his chance'.

The 26-year-old was planning to go on holiday when he received the call Friday after Ferdinand suffered knee ligament damage in a training session.

'It's a crazy game and things can change in a split second,' said Dawson, who missed out on a place in Fabio Capello's original 23-man squad.

'One minute I'm trying to arrange my holiday, then I get a call asking if I was on holiday because Rio had pulled out of training.

'I said no and then I was just waiting by the phone before getting a call saying I would be picked up in an hour. It's been a crazy day.

Dawson, who enjoyed a superb season as Tottenham finished fourth in the English Premier League, said he had huge sympathy for Ferdinand but that he would be working hard to get in the side for England's first match, against the United States, on June 12.

'For Rio to get injured, there would be no worse feeling for him as a player,' Dawson said. 'To miss the biggest tournament in the world as the captain, I feel for him.

'I missed the Carling Cup final in 2008 and there was nothing anyone could have said to me that could have made me feel any better. For Rio, the feeling will be the same, but it's a chance for me now.

'I've not had time to think about it but I've had call after call with people wishing me good luck.

'I know all the lads through having been with them for two weeks so I'll just be going out there and training as normal.

'I was planning to watch the first game of the tournament with my friends and family, but now I'm going to be there for real.

'I'll be going out there still having not yet won a senior cap, so where better place to get one if that was to happen. But I'll just go there and train like I do every day at Spurs and we'll have to see what happens.

'It's great to have four other Spurs lads out there as well.'

Liverpool's Steven Gerrard will captain England at the World Cup in Ferdinand's absence.

Source: Web Search

India crash out of tri-series after loss against Lanka

Published Sat, Jun 05 10 08:38 PM

Harare, Jun 5 (PTI) A sloppy India crashed out of the cricket tri-series after Sri Lanka, riding on Dinesh Chandimal''s maiden century, thumped them by six wickets in a crucial one dayer here today. Tottering on the brink of disaster after their back-to-back defeat against Zimbabwe, India badly needed to win this match with a big margin to keep alive their final hopes but they could not pull off a repeat performance of their previous encounter with the Lankans and went down with 1.4 overs to spare. Chandimal''s (111) 118-ball knock, which included six fours and five sixes, knocked the stuffing out of India''s feeble bowling attack as Sri Lanka cruised to 270 for four in 48.2 overs. Monday''s Sri Lanka-Zimbabawe match is now rendered inconsequential and they would meet again in Wednesday''s final at the same venue. Earlier put into bat, India had posted 268 for nine with Virat Kohli (68), Yusuf Pathan (44) and R Ashwin (38) scoring bulk of the runs. Desperate for a win, India effected three changes in the squad -- bringing in the uncapped trio of Naman Ojha, Pankaj Singh and R Ashwin while leaving out Murali Vijay, Umesh Yadav and Amit Mishra -- but the win remained elusive. Sri Lanka''s chase got off to a brisk start with Tillakaratne Dilshan (21) looking in his element before he fell to Ashok Dinda in the sixth over. Chandimal joined Upul Tharanga (27) in the middle and looked quite at ease against the Indian attack. Even after Tharanga fell to R Ashwin, Chandimal continued the good work in company of Chamara Kapugedera (42). He used his feet well against the spinners and never allowed the Indian bowlers to dictate terms. Chandimal smote Pankaj Singh over mid-on, greeted Pragyan Ojha with a six and twice hit Ashwin out of the ground. Ashwin eventually had Chandimal stumped in the 41st over but by then, the writing was clear on the wall for India. Jeevan Mendis (35) and Thilan Samaraweera (28) completed for the formality for the Sri Lankans with consummate ease. PTI AY MRM

Source: Web Search

Sri Lanka beat India by six wickets, enter final

Published Sat, Jun 05 10 08:36 PM

Harare, Jun 5 (PTI) Sri Lanka defeated India by six wickets to set up a final clash with hosts Zimbabwe in the tri-nation cricket one-day series at the Harare Sports Club here today. Brief Scores: India: 268 for nine in 50 overs (Virat Kohli 68, Yusuf Pathan 44; Thilan Thushara 3/57, Suraj Randiv 2/38) Sri Lanka: 270 for four in 48.2 overs (Dinesh Chandimal 111, Chamara Kapugedera 42; R Ashwin 2/50).

Source: Web Search

Chennai to host India-Brazil Davis Cup tie

Published>Sat, Jun 05 10 08:18 PM

New Delhi, June 5 (IANS) Chennai will host the Davis Cup World Group play-off between India and Brazil September 17-19.

The All India Tennis Association (AITA) in a statement Saturday said the decision had been taken after consultations with the players and Davis Cup non-playing captain S.P. Misra.

Misra said the fast hard courts at the SDAT Tennis Stadium will suit the game of their two singles players -- Somdev Devvarman and Rohan Bopanna.

'Our No.1 player Somdev has performed extremely well there. He reached the final of the Chennai Open last year. The court and the environment suit our players. Even Bopanna's game suits the fast paced courts there,' Misra told IANS.

With the stadium at the Delhi Lawn Tennis Association (DLTA), a Commonwealth Games venue, supposed to be ready by this month, many were tipping the capital to host the tie. But Misra said with new stadium still having some 'teething' problems, Chennai was thought be an ideal venue.

Chennai was also the venue for India's third round match against Australia last year. But the 28-time champions pulled out citing security concerns, this despite International Tennis Federation rejection of an appeal to move the May tie. India were declared the winner and they went to beat South Africa 4-1 in the Davis Cup World Group-play off at Johannesburg to enter the elite World Group for the first time in 11 years.

They, however, lost 2-3 to Russia in the World Group first round in Moscow.

India and Brazil have met twice so far with a 1-1 head-to-head record.

In 1966, India, comprising Ramanathan Krishnan, Jaideep Mukerjea, Misra, and late Premjit Lall had beaten Brazil 3-2 at Calcutta in the inter-zonal final to reach the Challenge round against Australia.

In 1991, Brazil beat India 4-1 at home.

India have finished runner-up on three occassion, in 1966, 1974 and 1987, but is yet to lift the Cup.

On the other hand, Brazil, after gaining a bye in the opening round, whitewashed Uruguay 5-0 in the Americas Zone Group I second round in Bauru.

Brazil is a two-time semi-finalist, having reached the last four in 1992 and 2000. Prior to the creation of the World Group in 1981, it reached the interzonal final in 1966 and 1971.

Source: Web Search

Henry will be spending much time on bench

Published>Sat, Jun 05 10 08:08 PM

London, June 5 (IANS) French striker Thierry Henry finds himself out of favour with coach Raymond Domenech and faces more time on the bench in South Africa during the football World Cup.

Henry, a former captain, has been France's most prolific scorer with 51 goals from 121 caps. He started on the bench in all three warm-up games and is expected to do the same at the World Cup finals for the 1998 winners and 2006 finalists.

The 32-year-old, who has been pushed on the fringes at Barcelona and is in the twilight of his career, said he had no problems with having lost his place up front to Nicolas Anelka.

'There's a logic in football. Over the past four months, I have not played that much. There's a player in front of me and that's Nico. I accept that,' Henry was quoted as saying by the Daily Telegraph.

After Lassana Diarra was ruled out of the World Cup by illness, Domenech decided to field just one holding midfielder instead of two and go for a bolder 4-3-3 formation, a move many fans had been waiting years for.

Whether that will be enough for France, who were to reach their World Cup base at Knysna on Saturday, to recapture their old form remains doubtful.

A French renaissance was far from obvious after they slumped to a 0-1 defeat by China on the French Indian Ocean island of Reunion in their final warm-up on Friday.

Domenech, however, saw positive signs.

'I think we are improving,' he told reporters, judging that France had played better than in a 2-1 win over Costa Rica and a 1-1 draw in Tunisia.

'I'm not saying it was perfect, but it was better. Having lost will force us to be more careful, more inspired and to work harder.'

Source: Web Search

SPORT-RACE

Published Sat, Jun 05 10 07:22 PM

Bangalore, Jun 5 (PTI) Following are the results of seventh day races held here today. 1st race: Southern Regent Trophy-1400 M. Astounding Gallop (S T Shivaprasad) 56 Imran Chisty first Recharged 56 T S Jodha second Matias 54.5 B Mahesh third Allez Vite 56 J G Sampson fourth All ran Won by: Dist, 3/4 L and 2 Ls Time : One minute, 30.23 seconds Tote : Rs 12 for win. Rs 10, Rs 22 and Rs 30 for places Winner trained by : Arjun Mangal''r Favourite : Astounding Gallop Forecast : Rs 61 Quinella : Rs 44 SHP : Rs 66 Trin : 70 pct Rs 238 : 30 pct Rs 126..

Source: Web Search

Ganguly to root for Brazil in FIFA World Cup

Published Sat, Jun 05 10 06:52 PM

Kolkata, Jun 5 (PTI) Sourav Ganguly''s love for football is no secret and the former India captain will root for Brazil in the FIFA World Cup when he goes to South Africa to watch semifinals and final. "It''s the biggest sporting extravaganza and I am really looking forward to watching the World Cup. I will see the semifinals and final," Ganguly told reporters on the sidelines of a programme here. Though an avid Brazilian supporter, Ganguly said England side too stand a good chance to win the Cup since their last triumph in 1966. "England too have a bright chance this time since their Cup victory in 1966. Argentina and Spain are equally good. It will be really competitive," Ganguly, who had initially taken up football before switching to cricket, said. Asked about his favourite players, Ganguly named Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Kaka Didier, Drogba and Rio Fredinand. "I can stay awake the whole night watching them. They are too good." On the raging controversy over BCCI''s decision not to send national cricket team to the Asian Games, Ganguly said, "I am sure they would have given thought before taking such a decision." PTI TAP PC SHN

Source: Web Search

Delhi 2010 marks World Environment Day with Green Transport rally

Published>Sat, Jun 05 10 06:38 PM

New Delhi, June 5 (ANI): On the occasion of the World Environment Day, the Organising Committee Commonwealth Games 2010 Delhi along with the Department of Environment, GNCTD, organised a Sustainable Transport Rally which included bicycles, electric cars and electric bikes.

The Organising Committee Commonwealth Games 2010 Delhi released the Green Games monthly e-newsletter and the Department of Environment, GNCTD, also released its 2010 State of the Environment Report.

There were more than 200 participants and the rally proceeded in two batches. The first batch was a Cycle Rally that was flagged off from the Organising Committee headquarters by Shera, the Games mascot. Special DG Sudhir Mittal was also present at the flagging off. The second batch was a rally of electric cars and electric bikes flagged off by the Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit from her residence.

Both the rallies converged at the NDMC Commonwealth Garden located at Africa Avenue for ceremonial plantation. Present during the occasion along with the Chief Minister were Director General, TERI, and Chairman, IPCC Dr. R. K. Pachuari, Minister of Health and Family Welfare Kiran Walia, Chairman, NDMC Parimal Rai, Director General, OC CWG Delhi 2010, V. K. Verma and other dignitaries who also addressed the audience on the occasion.

Verma reiterated OC's initiative and commitment towards making Delhi 2010 the first ever Green Commonwealth Games. He also appreciated the Delhi government's initiatives towards sustainable transport.

Dikshit emphasised and appealed to the citizens of Delhi to make the city green and clean. She said "While Delhi has achieved the status of a green city in India it has also got international recognition as of the greenest cities in the world. It is now time for Delhi to also become a clean city." (ANI)

Source: Web Search

Rossi fractures shin bone in training crash

Published>Sat, Jun 05 10 06:28 PM

Mugello (Italy), June 5 (DPA) Moto GP world champion Valentino Rossi fractured his shin bone in the final practice session for the Italian Grand Prix Saturday.

'Valentino Rossi has suffered a displaced and exposed fracture of his right tibia after crashing in practice for the Italian Grand Prix in Mugello this morning,' his Yamaha team said in a statement.

Rossi, 31, crashed in chicane on the Mugello circuit where he was seeking a 10th win on Sunday. He will now miss a race for the first time in his career over an injury.

Rossi was due to undergo surgery later Saturday in Florence and it remained unclear how long he will be sidelined. Rossi was lyingsecond in the 2010 standings with 61 points, with Spanish team-mate Jorge Lorenzo first on 70 points.

Source: Web Search

Drogba undergoes suergery to salvage World Cup hopes

Published>Sat, Jun 05 10 06:18 PM

London, June 5 (IANS) Ivory Coast captain Didier Drogba underwent surgery Friday night to repair his broken elbow in his bid to salvage his football World Cup hopes.

Drogba suffered the injury during a friendly game against Japan in Switzerland. A wave of dismay swept across Ivorian football when the forward was helped off the pitch in distress in the 19th minute of match following a clash with the opposing defender Tulio, off whom a Drogba free-kick had earlier deflected to give Ivory Coast the lead.

Drogba was taken to hospital in Sion, Switzerland, where the Ivorians have been undergoing altitude training.

'He may have an operation, but he is not out. He got a bad injury, a bone close to the elbow is broken, but he is going to a specialist and we will take it from there. We will wait until tomorrow evening. The doctors they can't say any more than that,' Ivory Coast manager, Sven-Goran Eriksson, was quoted as saying by The Guradian.

Drogba earlier informed French journalists that the injury would prevent him from playing in the World Cup but later retracted that and said an operation could salvage his hopes.

'He's not at all out of the World Cup. He can still play,' said a spokesman of Ivorian Football Federation.

Tulio, who was born in Brazil, spoke of his regret about the incident and said there had been no intent to cause harm.

'It was a very physical game for both sides, and unfortunately that injury happened,' he said. 'Drogba and I ran into each other while chasing a loose ball and, in fact, I got there first. He bounced off me and I could see it was something bad happened when he started screaming in pain. But everybody at the stadium saw I did not mean to hurt him. These things happen in football and I just hope Drogba recovers in time for the World Cup.

'I am not this kind of player and would never have gone over the top, especially in a friendly match so close to the World Cup. They were also getting physical on us, but nothing nasty. It's just a shame this happened.'

When told that Drogba may not play in South Africa, Tulio exclaimed: 'Oh, God. This is unfortunate. I feel really sorry for him and his team.'

Eriksson said that the match had been a robust encounter but exonerated the Japanese of any wrongdoing.

'It's a physical game and the Japan player did not want to hurt Didier. It was a competitive match and it got physical at some points, but there was nothing bad,' he said.

Source: Web Search

Tevez credits 'walking around naked' in room for sharp-shooting skills!

Published>Sat, Jun 05 10 06:12 PM

Cape Town, June 5(ANI): Argentina striker Carlos Tevez has been given his own hotel room at the national team's World Cup training camp in South Africa due to his habit of strutting around naked.

Tevez is the sole member of the squad to get this facility, as all the others are on sharing basis.

"It is for personal reasons. I am used to concentrating before matches on my own. There are a few little things that seem stupid, but that is the way I am," The Sun quoted Tevez, as saying.

"If I'm sleeping in my room I don't like it if someone switches on the TV. Besides, I like to walk around naked," he added. (ANI)

Source: Web Search

Amla achieves career-best fourth position

Published>Sat, Jun 05 10 06:08 PM

Dubai, June 5 (ANI): South Africa opener Hashim Amla has claimed a career-best fourth position to date in the Reliance Mobile ICC Player Rankings for ODI batsmen after stellar performances in the five-ODI series against the West Indies which concluded on Thursday.

Amla, who had started the series in 25th position, has climbed 21 places after scores of 102, 92, 34, 129 and 45 to now share the fourth spot with India's Sachin Tendulkar.

The 27-year-old from Durban had entered the last three matches of the series in 12th position and jumped eight places after scoring 208 runs. A series aggregate of 402 runs also earned him the player of the series award.

A B de Villiers, who was the second most successful run-getter in the series, has consolidated his third position and is now just two ratings points behind India's Mahendra Singh Dhoni who has lost his top position to Australia's Michael Hussey after deciding to skip on the ongoing triangular series in Zimbabwe. A player loses half a percent of his ratings points for every match he misses and, as such, Dhoni has already lost 12 ratings points.

However, South Africa skipper Graeme Smith and Jacques Kallis have failed to retain their positions.

Smith, who scored 119 runs in the series, has dropped out of the top 10 in 12th position after starting the series in eighth position while Kallis has slipped one place to eighth spot after scoring 225 runs in the series.

For the West Indies, Chris Gayle and Ramnaresh Sarwan have slipped to sixth and 28th positions respectively, while Shivnarine Chanderpaul has retained his ninth position after scoring 157 runs in the series.

After a successful ODI series, Amla will now be chasing India opener Virender Sehwag's number-one position in the Reliance Mobile ICC Player Rankings for Test batsmen when the three-Test series starts in Port of Spain from Thursday 10 June.

Amla is in second place and trails Sehwag by 21 ratings points. A good performance in Port of Spain could potentially put him ahead of the Indian to give South Africa top positions in the batting, bowling and all-rounders' table. Dale Steyn and Jacques Kallis lead the field in the Test bowlers and all-rounders' categories.

In the Reliance Mobile ICC Player Rankings for ODI bowlers, South Africa's Dale Steyn has climbed three places to sixth spot after claiming four wickets in three matches.

Morne Morkel, who was the most successful bowler in the series with 13 wickets, has rocketed 13 places to occupy his highest position to date, 26th, while the West Indies' Kieron Pollard, who took 11 wickets, has also jumped 13 places to sit in 78th position.

However, South Africa off-spinner Johan Botha has dropped four places to 18th position after managing only four wickets in five matches.

In the Reliance Mobile ICC Player Rankings for all-rounders, South Africa's Jacques Kallis has climbed two places to third spot after bagging three wickets besides scoring 225 runs.

In the Reliance Mobile ICC ODI Championship, South Africa has joined India on 119 ratings points but is ranked third when the ratings are calculated beyond the decimal point. However, if India loses to Sri Lanka in Harare on Saturday, India will drop behind South Africa in third position on 118 ratings points.

In contrast, India's victory over Sri Lanka in Harare will put it on 120 ratings points - one ahead of South Africa. (ANI)

Source: Web Search

I stand vindicated, says relieved Younus

Published Sat, Jun 05 10 05:52 PM

Karachi, Jun 5 (PTI) Former Pakistan captain Younus Khan today said he feels vindicated after the lifting of the indefinite ban on him and is even open to captaining the side again if the opportunity comes. Younus, who is presently in London playing for English county side Surrey, said he was happy with the decision of the appeals'' tribunal of the Pakistan Cricket Board. "I am very relieved, since this ban was imposed on me, I was disturbed and under pressure. No player likes to be told he is a troublemaker or indisciplined," Younus told PTI in an interview. "I am glad, the ban is now gone and my stand has been vindicated. I have said all along that I am innocent," he said. On the issue of captaincy, Younus said he had no issues with it and just wanted to play for Pakistan . "It is not that I have completely ruled out captaining the team again., If ever such a opportunity comes I will consider it," he added. Younus said he was unfazed at not being picked in the Asia Cup squad that was announced on Thursday since resolving the ban issue was more important for him. "I am always available for Pakistan and whenever the selectors want me I will be there for the team," Younus said. The former captain, who has played 63 Tests and 202 one-dayers and also led Pakistan to the Twenty20 World Cup title last year in England, said he was keen to revive his career. "I am presently playing in England to prepare for the coming tour. I am now used to the conditions here and ready if the selectors pick me for the test and one-day series," Younus stated. The 32-year old was among seven players who were either banned or fined last March by the PCB for indiscipline on the troubled tour of Australia. Younus'' lawyer Ahmed Qayyum told reporters in Lahore that his client had taken a principled stand on the ban and won his case. "The thing is that the appeals judge removed the ban without any conditions. He didn''t even impose a fine on Younus which shows his stand was correct," he said.

Source: Web Search

Modi asked Amin to join Pune bid: Manohar

Published>Sat, Jun 05 10 05:28 PM

Mumbai, June 5 (IANS) Indian cricket board president Shashank Manohar Saturday charged Lalit Modi, the suspended Indian Premier League (IPL) chairman, with inviting interim IPL chief Chirayu Amin to join the consortium that made a failed bid for the league's Pune franchise.

Modi had defended Sharad Pawar, former president of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), saying he had no direct or indirect involvement in the Pune bid, and alleged that Amin, a board vice president, was part of the consortium that had failed to win the bid.

Reacting to this, Manohar said Modi was trying to tarnish the image of the Board and its members.

Manohar said that it was Modi, who asked the Pune-based company, City Corporation through Ajay Shirke, the Maharashtra Cricket Association (MCA) president, to contact Amin and requested him to be a part of the consortium.

Manohar said: 'When the Pune franchisee approached Mr. Amin to join their consortium, he informed them that he might join them by making an investment of upto 10 percent. Mr. Amin had then given me a letter with a copy to the honorary secretary, informing that he has been approached by the prospective Pune franchisee. In his letter he clearly states that should City Corporation Ltd win the bid, he would then formally approach the board for a sanction to invest in the consortium. The letter itself makes it very clear that it was a proposal with a pre-condition attached - that Mr Amin would seek a formal sanction only in case the bid succeeds.'

Amin in the letter dated March 17 said: 'Please note if they suceed, I will communicate to you for formal sanction of BCCI before investing into the venture.'

Manohar pointed out that the board and the Governing Council would have needed to consider Amin's case only if the consortium was successful.

'First and foremost, Mr. Amin's letter was not for asking permission to bid. It is clear that the claim of Mr. Modi that Mr. Amin was a bidder is misleading and is only to malign the image of the Board and it members,' Manohar said.

Source: Web Search

Kohli''s sedate 68 guides India to 268 for nine

Published Sat, Jun 05 10 04:52 PM

Harare, Jun 5 (PTI) Virat Kohli''s sedate half-century guided India to a competitive 268 for nine against Sri Lanka in a must-win match of the ODI cricket tri-series here today. Kohli curbed his aggressive instinct to score a 95-ball 68 on the low and slow Harare Sports Club wicket and shared a crucial 84-run third-wicket stand with Yusuf Pathan (44) to take India beyond the 250 mark. Kohli''s innings was a struggle from the word go as he found boundaries hard to come by and dealt mostly in singles and twos. But he did not give up and displayed immense patience during his 95-ball stay, evident from the fact that he found the fence only five times in the entire innings. Yusuf, on the other hand, provided the acceleration from the other end with a brisk 41-ball innings during which he struck six fours and a huge six. However, the Indian openers continued their poor run as Dinesh Karthik (27) and debutant Naman Ojha (1) failed to give the team a good start. In-form Rohit Sharma (32 off 40), captain Suresh Raina (19) and Ravindra Jadeja (19) all got starts but failed to capitalise, giving away their wickets tamely. Another debutant R Ashwin sparkled down the order with a 32-ball 38 during which he struck four boundaries and a six. Left-arm pacer Thilan Thushara was the pick of the Sri Lankan bowlers with figures of three for 57 from his nine overs while off-spinner Suraj Randiv picked up two crucial wickets for 38 from his quota of 10 overs.

Source: Web Search

India set Sri Lanka 269-run target

Published>Sat, Jun 05 10 04:48 PM

Harare, June 5 (IANS) India scored 268 for nine in their 50 overs against Sri Lanka in the One-day International series here Saturday.

Virat Kohli top scored with 68 and Yusuf Pathan made 44 after India were put in to bat.

For Sri Lanka, Thilan Thushara took three for 57.

Source: Web Search

England World Cup squad put on 'Dr Death's' super carb diet

Published>Sat, Jun 05 10 04:42 PM

London, June 5 (ANI): Food prepared by Chef Tim De'Ath will be provided to England's football stars during this year's FIFA World Cup.

Jocularly referred to as Dr. Death, Tim will put the players on a special super-carb diet to combat the effects of altitude, and hopefully, give them the edge over their rivals.

Fabio Capello picked Tim after the England boss heard about his work with Premiership club West Ham, The Mirror reports.

Steak, chicken and fish will be on the menu as the stars plough through 5,000 carbs a day.

The England party has packed:

6 bottles Tabasco sauce

24 bottles peri-peri sauce

12 tubes wasabi paste

25 bottles sweet chilli sauce

10 bottles English mustard

30 packs seaweed sheets

25 bags pine nuts

30 bags dried apricots

30 packs custard

30 packs vegetable stock cubes

200 organic chocolate bars

30 bags herbal teas

10 packs risotto rice

5 litres olive oil

24 bars jam

15 bottles brown sauce

10 bottles balsamic vinegar (ANI)

Source: Web Search

World Cup travelers to crime-hit South Africa spending 4000 rands/day on bodyguards

Published>Sat, Jun 05 10 04:38 PM

Johannesburg, June 5(ANI): Spooked by South Africa's crime rate, tourists and foreign businessmen visiting the country ahead of the football World Cup are spending 2000 to 4000 rands a day on bodyguards.

According to reports, depending on the level of risk, the clients can also get a man or a woman carrying a nine-millimetre gun.

"We have brought in 45 contractors who are being assigned to different projects, but we might have to recruit more," Sport24 quoted Kyle Condon, owner of D and K Management Consultants, as saying.

"We have increased our revenues and our turnover by about three-fold thanks to the World Cup," he added.

Condon said that many of the bodyguards are former soldiers or police, and they are trained in marksmanship, emergency driving, first-aid and fastidious planning.

"It's not about jumping in front of bullets. That's for movies with Kevin Costner. What we do: we plan your life for you during your stay. We are a kind of personal assistant," Condon said.

South Africa has one of the world's highest crime rates, with an average 50 killings a day.

Talking about the state of affairs in South Africa, Gareth Newham, a researcher with the Institute for Security Studies, said: "Crime in South Africa generally increased from 1994 to 2003-2004.

"Since then crime has dropped by 24 percent, but certain categories of crime have increased like house robberies, business robberies and car hijacking, and those crimes cause a lot of fear," he added. (ANI)

Source: Web Search

India post 268 for 9 against Sri Lanka

Published Sat, Jun 05 10 04:28 PM

Harare, Jun 5 (PTI) India made 268 for nine against Sri Lanka in a cricket tri-series one-dayer here today. Brief Scores: India: 268 for nine in 50 overs (Virat Kohli 68, Yusuf Pathan 44; Thilan Thushara 3/57, Suraj Randiv 2/38).

Source: Web Search

Top stars skip Indian Open badminton

Published>Sat, Jun 05 10 04:18 PM

Chennai, June 5 (IANS) The rather courageous move of the Tamil Nadu Badminton Association (TNBA) to host the $150,000 Yonex-Sunrise Indian Open Grand Prix here seems to have backfired as No.6 Saina Nehwal is the only top-10 entry in the five-day event commencing June 8.

Ashok Bajaj, the TNBA secretary and also the vice-president of the Badminton Association of India (BAI), did not mince words in expressing his disappointment at the poor response for the tournament during a media briefing here Friday night.

'I was shocked to see the draw. I pointed this out to the BAI, but I was informed that in view of two back-to-back Super Series events to follow the Indian Open, and offering more prize-money besides ranking points, players decided to opt out of our tournament,' said Bajaj.

Echoing the views, BAI joint secretary Punnaiah Choudary, pointed out that 2010 was a busy year and the Indian Open was a casualty as the top players had chosen their tournaments.

'We could not get any other dates in view of the packed calendar. The Thomas Cup and Uber Cup competitions were in May, followed by two Super Series events in Singapore and Indonesia later this month, the World championship in August, the Commonwealth Games (October) and the Asian Games (November). So, I think, the top players decided to drop the Indian Open from their schedule,' he said.

The Indian Open, a Level-3 event, offers ranking points ranging from 25 (first round) to 5,000 (winner) as against 40 to 9,200 that a player receives in the Super Series ($200,000).

Consequently, India's top guns, Chetan Anand, ranked No.19, and Saina Nehwal, are the top seeds in the men's and women's singles, respectively, while the three paired events have a sprinkling of foreign entries, none in the top-10 category.

Also in the men's singles draw is Malaysia's 2003 All-England champion, Muhammad Hafiz Hashim who is ranked 21st and his presence provides a touch of respectability to the 64-player field.

In the women's singles, the only worthy opponent for Saina is Malaysia's Mew Choo Wong who is ranked 22nd and is seeded second.

Apart from the top Indian players, a few from Malaysia, Indonesia, Egypt and Singapore have confirmed their participation.

The seedings (singles):

Men: Chetan Anand (India) 1; Muhammad Hafiz Hashim (Malaysia) 2; P Kashyap (India) 3; Arvind Bhat (India) 4; Anup Sridhar (India) 5; Anand Pawar (India) 6; RMV Guru Sai Dutt (India) 7; Ajay Jayaram (India) 8.

Women: Saina Nehwal (India) 1; Mew Choo Wong (Malaysia) 2; Aditi Mutatkar (India) 3; Maja Tvrdy (rpt Tvrdy) (Slovenia) 4; Fu-Sin Mingtian (Singapore) 5; Sayali Gokhale (India) 6; Trupti Murugunde (India) 7; Jiayuan Chen (Singapore) 8.

Source: Web Search

Set-pieces Japan's Achilles heel at World Cup

Published>Sat, Jun 05 10 04:16 PM

London, June 5 (IANS) As Japan gears up for the football World Cup, pundits feel that set-pieces are its Achilles' heel.

The Daily Telegraph reported that Japanese commentators lamented their national team's 'physical shortcomings' after their 0-2 defeat to the Ivory Coast but coach Takeshi Okada remains upbeat.

The Japanese were beaten by the much-fancied Ivory Coast Friday in Sion, Switzerland, marking the first time they have suffered four straight defeats in 12 years.

Japan play the Netherlands, Denmark and Cameroon in World Cup Group E while Ivory Coast face Brazil, North Korea and Portugal in Group G.

The result comes in the wake of humiliating losses to a second-string Serbia and South Korea - and a 1-2 defeat to England in which they conceded two own goals.

Both goals Friday came from free kicks and Japan were bombarded by long balls behind their defenders as the Ivory Coast created a series of chances.

Sports Hochi said Japan coach Takeshi Okada was cluless about team's continuing problems with set pieces and Okada hit back by revealing that exposing his players to such tactics ahead of the World Cup was all part of his plan.

'I deliberately chose to play top teams to toughen the players up for the World Cup,' Okada told Japanese media.

'The confidence of the players has taken a bit of a knock maybe,' added the 53-year-old.

'But we're a team and I trust the players to pull together and produce something extra at the World Cup. Clearly we need to score goals. To do that we need to take a few more risks,' he said.

Japan Football Association (JFA) president Motoaki Inukai added his weight to the argument by ordering Japan to take their medicine ahead of the team's World Cup opener against Cameroon on June 14.

'It was a good test timing-wise to play Ivory Coast before the Cameroon game,' Inukai said. 'But what was worrying was that the players looked frightened.'

Former Japan coach Zico, who ended with one draw and two defeats at the 2006 World Cup in Germany, had predicted that Japan would face an uphill battle making up for their lack of physical stature.

'Japan will face a lot of long crosses from behind whenever they play a team which has a height advantage,' the Brazilian legend said.

Source: Web Search

Dawson still in a daze over Ferdinand replacement for World Cup

Published>Sat, Jun 05 10 03:58 PM

London, June 5(ANI): England defender Michael Dawson was still in a daze when he jetted off to South Africa after being drafted in the World Cup team as a replacement for injured captain Rio Ferdinand.

Three days ago, Dawson was planning a holiday after being left out of England manager Fabio Capello's 23-man squad for the tournament.

"It's a crazy game and things can change in a split second. One minute I'm trying to arrange a holiday, then I get a call asking if I was on holiday because Rio had pulled out of training," The Sun quoted Dawson, as saying.

"I said 'no' and then I was just waiting by the phone, before I got a call saying I would be picked up in an hour. It's been a crazy day," he added.

Though the 26-year-was thrilled by his inclusion, he still spared a thought for Ferdinand, whose dreams of lifting the World Cup trophy were shattered by the injury.

"For Rio to get injured, there would be no worse feeling for him as a player. To miss the biggest tournament in the world as the captain, I feel for him. I missed the Carling Cup final in 2008 and there was nothing anyone could have said to me that could have made me feel any better," Dawson said.

"For Rio, the feeling will be the same, but it's a chance for me now. I've not had time to think about it, but I've had call after call with people wishing me good luck," he added. (ANI)

Source: Web Search

French cricketers plan to outclass Brits at their own game

Published>Sat, Jun 05 10 03:48 PM

London, June 5 (ANI): France is planning to outdo the English at the most quintessentially British game there is -- cricket and with a view to achieve this they have set up cricket 'primary schools' where students will learn the finer points of the game like coup d'iquerre (the square cut), la balle courbie vers l'extirieur (the outswinger) and a triumphant cry of et alors (howzat).

Contrary the popular belief of French disdain for the game, France Cricket, the country's national cricket body, is serious about its pursuits and its chairman Tony Banton claims that there are many promising players that will emerge from France in years to come.

"We have several buds which we are nurturing," The Times quoted Banton as saying.

France's cricket renaissance is a result of the increased settlement of Britons, Pakistanis, Indians, West Indians, Bangladeshis and Sri Lankans in the country. These emigrants form a sound and devoted base of cricket lovers that has resulted in heightened awareness about the game.

The newcomers are responsible for forming 42 clubs but the sport is also attracting Gallic interest for almost the first time since 1900, when a French side was beaten by England in the Paris Olympic Games final, the paper reports.

France has a national side, which plays in the European second division, and 1,200 registered players - a number that is rising by about 10 per cent a year, according to Adrien Geille, the general manager of France Cricket. About 40 per cent of the players are French. "Our goal is to have a semi- professional tournament by 2015," Geille told The Times.

The efforts are being strengthened by the support of French primary schools who have introduced a variation (plastic bats and balls) of the game as part of their sports curriculum.

Moreover, in case France's new coaches struggle to understand the 42 laws and five appendices published by the MCC, France Cricket has translated them and published them on its website for the first time.

Thus it is that the wicket-keeper is now officially known as le guardien de guichet and lbw as jdg (jambe devant guichet).

In the French version of the gentleman's game, the aim of this traditional game is for the bowler to hit the legs of the batsman with an underarm delivery. There is only one batsman, whose sole aim is to stay "in" for as long as possible by shielding his or her legs with the bat.

In some versions of the game, runs can be scored by passing the bat completely around the body until the ball has been fielded.

Batsmen (or women, for that matter) can move their feet only after they have hit the ball - if they miss, they must stay rooted to the spot and defend their legs as best they can. (ANI)

Source: Web Search

Rooney one of the greatest players of current generation: Messi

Published>Sat, Jun 05 10 03:38 PM

Cape Town, June 5(ANI): Argentine striker Leo Messi believes that his England counterpart Wayne Rooney is among the greatest footballers playing at the moment.

"I think Wayne is a great, great player, not just for what he did this year. For many years now he's been showing that he's one of the greatest players of his generation and year by year he's improving and becoming stronger," The Sun quoted Messi, as saying.

"He's the complete player. Very good with the ball at his feet, he has huge strength and scores goals. I think he makes his rivals fear him. In the Premier League and in the Champions League with Manchester United and also with England."

"Any defender that comes up against Rooney has a lot of respect for him because of everything he has achieved," he added.

The 22-year-old, who is the FIFA World Player of the Year and favourite to retain the title after another phenomenal season with Barcelona, also hailed the Manchester United star as his biggest rival for the award.

"It could be that whoever of us two wins the competition will become the World Player of the Year. In a tournament of this magnitude any player can gain a lot of points. I think of Fabio Cannavaro who won the World Cup with Italy and then won every individual award," Messi said.

"So I think if one of us wins the World Cup, he will have an even bigger chance," he added. (ANI)

Source: Web Search

Ban on Younus Khan lifted

Published>Sat, Jun 05 10 03:22 PM

Continuing his clemency spree, Pakistan Cricket Board arbitrator Justice (retd) Irfan Qadir lifted the indefinite ban on former captain Younus Khan.

After a hearing at the national cricket academy in Lahore, the retired justice said that there was no ground for the ban on Younus.

"The ban was an open handed judgement from the board's inquiry committee. It didn't follow the proper procedure while banning Younis," Qadir told the media.

He said if the board wanted, it can issue a fresh showcause notice to Younus and give him a proper chance to defend himself.

Qadir last week had also lifted the ban on another former captain Shoaib Malik and removed the Rs three million fine slapped on captain Shahid Afridi. He also halved the fines on the Akmal brothers -- Kamran and Umar.

"It is a big victory for Younis, he is very happy because his stand has been vindicated today," Younus' lawyer Ahmed Qayyum said.

"We have been saying all along that the ban is

unjustified and my client has done nothing wrong," Qayyum

said.

"If the board does send us a showcause notice we will deal with it when it comes," he added.

The PCB had imposed indefinite bans on Younus and Mohammad Yousuf and 12-month bans on Shoaib Malik and all-rounder Rana Naved on basis of a probe into the team's shambolic tour of Australia early this year where the players were involved in infighting.

The board, on recommendations of its inquiry committee that conducted the probe, also heavily fined Afridi and the Akmal brothers for indiscipline and misconduct.

Yousuf, who led Pakistan in Australia, announced his retirement after the ban but the others all appealed their penalties.

Qadir also said that the board should review the ban on Yousuf and talk to him.

"I would also ask Yousuf to put aside his personal grievances and get in touch with the board so this stigma can be removed," he said.

Younus who is presently playing in England was not picked in the 15-member squad announced for the Asia Cup on Thursday although the selectors picked Malik.

Rana Naved whose hearing is due on June 15 is the only player now left whose ban and fine of two million rupees are yet to be reviewed or removed.

Source: Web Search

Rookie Fowler grabs Memorial lead; Tiger makes cut

Published>Sat, Jun 05 10 03:08 PM

American Rickie Fowler fired a six-under-par 66 to grab a three-shot lead at the Memorial tournament on Friday, while world number one Tiger Woods comfortably made the cut.

The 21-year-old PGA Tour rookie shot a bogey-free round that included four birdies and an eagle on the par-five 15th. His 13-under 131 through two rounds tied the 36-hole tournament record.

He will head into the weekend at Muirfield Village with a three-shot lead over Britain's Justin Rose. Americans Tim Petrovic and Jim Furyk were two shots back of the lead, while U.S. Masters champion Phil Mickelson was seven shots back.

"The few times I have been in contention over the last eight months or so since I turned pro, this is by far the best I've felt," Fowler told reporters.

"The game feels good, putter's working a bit, so we're having some fun. It's all about learning, and being in contention as much as possible can only help."

Rose, who had a share of the first-round lead after playing in ideal conditions, had to play the second round in blustery afternoon conditions. He more than offset a pair of bogeys with five birdies.

"I was probably more pleased with today's three-under than yesterday's seven-under. Yesterday was benign and I played well," said Rose. "Today there were a lot of challenges. Every shot was a grind. I didn't hit it as good today but there was quite a swirling wind on the back nine."

Unlike on Thursday when Woods he failed to birdie any of the four par-fives, he played the same holes in three-under on Friday with three birdies and a par.

For Woods, who failed to make the cut at the Quail Hollow Championship in April, his three-under-par round of 69 kept him five strokes clear of missing the cut.

Playing in just his fourth tournament of the year, Woods said if not for some near misses he could be closer than the 10 shots off the pace he is now

"I hit more good shots than yesterday and really putted well today. I had five lip-outs, so it could have been a pretty good number," said Woods.

Woods, in his first tournament since being sidelined with a neck injury and only his fourth since allegations of marital infidelities last year convinced him to take a self-imposed break, pointed out the lack of playing time he has had compared to his competitors.

"Here we are in June and I'm at the point most guys are beginning of the year ... So it's just one of those things where the more good shots I hit, keep building, and it's a process."

Source: Web Search

Ban on Younus lifted

Published Sat, Jun 05 10 02:22 PM

Lahore, Jun 5 (PTI) Continuing his clemency spree, Pakistan Cricket Board arbitrator Justice (retd) Irfan Qadir today lifted the indefinite ban on former captain Younus Khan. After a hearing at the national cricket academy here, the retired justice said that there was no ground for the ban on Younus. "The ban was an open handed judgement from the board''s inquiry committee. It didn''t follow the proper procedure while banning Younis," Qadir told the media. He said if the board wanted, it can issue a fresh showcause notice to Younus and give him a proper chance to defend himself. Qadir last week had also lifted the ban on another former captain Shoaib Malik and removed the Rs three million fine slapped on captain Shahid Afridi. He also halved the fines on the Akmal brothers -- Kamran and Umar. "It is a big victory for Younis, he is very happy because his stand has been vindicated today," Younus'' lawyer Ahmed Qayyum said. "We have been saying all along that the ban is unjustified and my client has done nothing wrong," Qayyum said. "If the board does send us a showcause notice we will deal with it when it comes," he added. The PCB had imposed indefinite bans on Younus and Mohammad Yousuf and 12-month bans on Shoaib Malik and all-rounder Rana Naved on basis of a probe into the team''s shambolic tour of Australia early this year where the players were involved in infighting. The board, on recommendations of its inquiry committee that conducted the probe, also heavily fined Afridi and the Akmal brothers for indiscipline and misconduct. Yousuf, who led Pakistan in Australia, announced his retirement after the ban but the others all appealed their penalties. Qadir also said that the board should review the ban on Yousuf and talk to him. "I would also ask Yousuf to put aside his personal grievances and get in touch with the board so this stigma can be removed," he said. Younus who is presently playing in England was not picked in the 15-member squad announced for the Asia Cup on Thursday although the selectors picked Malik. Rana Naved whose hearing is due on June 15 is the only player now left whose ban and fine of two million rupees are yet to be reviewed or removed.

Source: Web Search

'It's every manager's dream to manage Liverpool': Eriksson

Published>Sat, Jun 05 10 02:18 PM

London, June 5(ANI): Former England manager Sven-Goran Eriksson has made himself a contender for the vacant managerial position at Liverpool by confessing that it would be a dream job for him.

"I have been a Liverpool fan all of my life. I never mentioned it when I was in charge of England because I didn't think it was fair," The Sun quoted Eriksson, as saying.

"I was shocked when I discovered Rafa Benitez had left. Would I want to be the manager of Liverpool? It is every manager's dream to manage Liverpool," he added.

The 62-year-old, who is currently coaching Ivory Coast at the World Cup, further revealed that he began following the Reds as a boy in Sweden.

"My father was also a Liverpool supporter and every Saturday we would watch an English match on television. It was the highlight of the week. Liverpool matches were televised quite regularly and we would cheer them on," Eriksson said.

He also said that Liverpool will always hold a special place in his heart.

"They have always been my team and nothing has changed. When I was starting out in coaching I was invited to Liverpool to see how they did things. Joe Fagan was the manager at the time," Eriksson said.

"I remember him showing me around Anfield and taking me into their legendary boot room. It was such a privilege and an honour for me to be invited in there. I will never forget that moment," he added. (ANI)

Source: Web Search

'Miffed' Miandad livid over being ignored for team selection

Published>Sat, Jun 05 10 02:08 PM

Islamabad, Jun.5 (ANI): One can not keep former Pakistan skipper Javed Miandad out of the news for long, as the current Director General Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has now criticised the selectors for not consulting him before deciding on the final 15 for the forthcoming Asia Cup in Sri Lanka.

Miandad is upset over being ignored by the selection committee, and said that he should have been asked for his feedback before the team for the June 15-24 quadrangular one-day tournament was picked.

Miandad said he had spent some crucial time with budding cricketers at the summer camp and a couple of them deserved place in the senior squad.

"I have spent my entire life serving the game in different capacities and it is the country and national interest that is of utmost important for me. I had been deputed with the up and coming cricketers and I worked hard with them. Considering that, I think I was in a position to give some really helpful input to the selectors. Sadly no selector contacted or even consulted me," a disappointed Miandad said.

Raising questions over the selection procedure, Miandad said had he been a selector he would have definitely asked all concerned persons for their feedback.

"One could well imagine the selection process adopted for the team's selection.A coach who was running the training camp was not even asked to share his experience. Had I been the selector of the team, I would have taken the feedback of all those who had worked on the probables," The News quoted Miandad, as saying.

"I believe that I was in a position to show the selectors the real potential of a player," he added. (ANI)

Source: Web Search

Randhawa misses cut at Celtic Manor Open

Published Sat, Jun 05 10 01:52 PM

Newport (Wales), Jun 5 (PTI) Indian golfer Jyoti Randhawa turned in a disastrous six-over 77 in the second round to miss the cut at the Celtic Manor Wales Open here. The Delhi golfer signed off with a total of seven-over 149 in the European Tour event. Randhawa started with a birdie on the first hole but it all went downhill thereafter and the bogeys on the fourth, fifth and eighth had him two-over at the end of the front nine. The back-nine was even more disappointing as he dropped four strokes and failed to nail a single birdie. At the top, German Marcel Siem (67) and Australia''s Andrew Dodt (70) were tied for the lead at six-under 136. Dane Thomas Bjorn (68) was a stroke adrift of the leading duo at the third place.

Source: Web Search

Gun no more after flight

Published>Sat, Jun 05 10 01:28 PM

New Delhi, June 5 -- In the most crucial year for Indian sports persons, ace rifle shooter Joydeep Karmakar has been dealt a crushing blow. After disembarking off the Lufthansa flight, on his return from the US, where he participated in the World Cup at Fort Benning, he found his gun damaged beyond repair. "When I opened the gun case at the Delhi airport on June 3, I found the gun broken into two. With the trials for the World Championships, Commonwealth and Asian Games just a week away in Pune, I don't know what to do," said the desperate rifle-prone shooter from Kolkata, who recently won the World Cup silver at Sydney and is the country's best bet in the Commonwealth Games in his category. "The gun case has definitely been mishandled by the airline. A heavy weight was probably put on it," said the Asian and national record holder. "I am also upset at the way I was treated when I tried to lodge a complaint. The staff tried to avoid me and kept passing the buck. But I persisted. A senior Lufthansa official even said: 'Go back to Kolkata and lodge a complaint with the customer care there'." "I called them up on Thursday but they said their system was being upgraded. A new gun would cost me nearly $4,500 (Rs 2.10 lakh) but a customer care official whom I contacted in Delhi said the airline would not pay more than euro 1,200 (Rs 68,000) and that too after approval. He then started using aviation jargon, which I didn't understand."

Lufthansa official Ketika Manohar told HT that it regretted the inconvenience caused to Karmarkar. "The airline is carrying out the necessary investigation. The full satisfaction of its customers is of utmost importance for Lufthansa. But it will take some time to find out and validate all the facts."

Source: Web Search

'Confident' Stosur chases dream to join Oz legends for French Open honour

Published>Sat, Jun 05 10 01:18 PM

Paris, June 5(ANI): French Open finalist Samantha Stosur is poised to realize the dream of joining five-time champion Margaret Court, dual winner Lesley Turner Bowrey and Evonne Goolagong-Cawley as the only other Australian woman to claim the singles honours in Paris.

"It is very special, I have never watched them play, but I have seen little clips of footage here and there," Fox Sports quoted Stosur, as saying.

"Evonne was a Fed Cup captain when I was involved in the team when I was very young; she has been a great role model and our last great player pretty much."

"Evonne and Margaret, they are pretty big shoes to fill, but if I can be that last player to have won a Grand Slam that would be unbelievable," she added.

The 26-year-old has stormed into her first Grand Slam final after victories over four-time champion Justine Henin, World No. 1 Serena Williams and former World No. 1 Jelena Jankovic.

"I've beaten all those, so why can't I win one more? If I can win here, then I think it would be fantastic for me and fantastic for Australian tennis as a whole and it would give a huge boost to women's tennis," Stosur said.

Stosur would also become the first Australian to win a Major title since Lleyton Hewitt won at Wimbledon in 2002. (ANI)

Source: Web Search

'Synthetic strings' behind Stosur's 'manly power' at French Open?

Published>Sat, Jun 05 10 01:08 PM

Paris, June 5(ANI): Australian tennis ace Samantha Stosur's decision to emulate claycourt maestro Rafael Nadal's unorthodox stringing system is believed to be the reason behind the claims that 'she plays like a man'.

Stosur, who has stormed into the French Open final, has been using the same Babolat synthetic string as the four-time Roland Garros champion Nadal.

Several tennis legends, including Pat Rafter and Andre Agassi, have said that the synthetic string enables players to hit the ball higher and deeper with a faster ball rotation, meaning balls which often look to be sailing long land near the baseline.

Even Stosur, who is already a powerful striker of the ball with great physical endurance, confirmed that the synthetic string for her equates to even more power, control and success.

"As soon as I hit with it I liked it. For sure, I think it helps me playing with spin. I think anyone who plays with spin can get a lot out of these synthetic strings," The Daily Telegraph quoted Stosur, as saying.

Earlier, after a hammering from Stosur in the semi final, World No. 4 Jelena Jankovic had said: "To be honest, she [Stosur] almost has the game of a man. That's what it feels like. When I look at how the men play, she has kind of a similar strength." (ANI)

Source: Web Search

Sri Lanka opt to field against India

Published Sat, Jun 05 10 12:52 PM

Harare, Jun 5 (PTI) Sri Lanka won the toss and elected to field against India in the tri-series one-dayer here today. Teams: India: Suresh Raina (capt), Dinesh Karthik, Naman Ojha, Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Yusuf Pathan, Ravindra Jadeja, R Ashwin, Ashok Dinda, Pragyan Ojha, Pankaj Singh. Sri Lanka: Tillakaratne Dilshan (capt), Upul Tharanga, Chamara Kapugedera, Thilan Samaraweera, Dinesh Chandimal, Ajantha Mendis, Jeevan Mendis, Nuwan Kulasekara, Suraj Randiv, Thissara Perera, Thilan Thushara.

Source: Web Search

Penpix of Mexico squad

Published Sat, Jun 05 10 12:48 PM

Penpix of Mexico's 23-man squad for the World Cup in South Africa:

1-Oscar Perez (Chiapas). Goalkeeper. Born Feb. 1 1973. Caps: 52.

A Javier Aguirre favourite having already kept goal for the coach at the 2002 World Cup. He was number two at France '98. A short man for a keeper at 1.71 metres, he has excellent reflexes and is a good jumper, which has earned him the nickname "Conejo" (rabbit).

13-Guillermo Ochoa (America). Goalkeeper. Born July 13 1985. Caps: 37.

Looked set for the number one spot until recent errors with his club and the national team cast his place into doubt. Agile jumper good at cutting out crosses.

23-Luis Ernesto Michel (Guadalajara). Goalkeeper. Born July 21 1979. Caps: 4.

Has come into consideration recently after his fine performances for his club, has very good reflexes covering shots from close range.

4-Rafael Marquez. (Barcelona). Defender. Born Feb. 13 1979. Caps: 91. Goals: 10.

Leader of the defence going to his third finals, with a fine right foot he can deliver accurate long balls to attackers. His 11 years of European football have honed his technique and reading of the game as age has slowed him. Prone to injury.

5-Ricardo Osorio. (VfB Stuttgart). Defender. Born March 30 1980. Caps: 76. Goals: 1.

Fast left back going to his second finals with good defensive skills and positioning, who also goes forward well although he occupies the same flank as midfielder Andres Guardado who has similar attacking qualities.

2-Francisco Rodriguez. (PSV Eindhoven). Born Oct. 20 1981. Caps: 48. Goals: 1.

Tall centre back measuring almost two metres, good in the air though less skilful on the ground, he complements Marquez in the middle of the back four and is dangerous coming up for corners. Another 2006 veteran.

3-Carlos Salcido. (PSV Eindhoven). Born April 2 1980. Caps: 73. Goals: 6.

Nicknamed "Sasa", a former forward with good attacking skills, who will be vying with Osorio for a place in the starting line-up, and a tough marker who was in the 2006 squad. As a youth he tried three times to enter the U.S. illegally but was caught and deported each time, finally giving up and returning to his native Guadalajara where he worked in factories and carpentry shops until he became a professional footballer.

15-Hector Moreno. (AZ Alkmaar). Defender. Born Jan. 17 1988. Caps: 10.

A young central defender who has worked his way up from the Mexico team that won the under-17 world championship in Peru in 2005. His path into the starting side is now blocked by the Marquez-Rodriguez partnership.

12-Paul Aguilar. (Pachuca). Defender. Born March 6 1986. Caps: 10. Goals: 2.

Right back who made his Mexico debut three years ago but won a place in the squad despite not playing in any of the CONCACAF qualifiers.

16-Efrain Juarez. (Pumas UNAM). Defender. Born Feb. 22 1988. Caps: 19.

Another under-17 world title winner vying for the right back berth who can also double as a ball-winning midfielder.

19-Jonny Magallon. (Guadalajara). Defender. Born Nov. 21 1981. Caps: 53. Goals: 3.

A competitor for one of the positions in central defence, he has been a regular squad member since his 2007 debut and his good ball technique and control with both feet could earn him a starting place at his first finals.

20-Jorge Torres Nilo. (Tigres UANL). Defender. Born Jan. 16 1988. Caps: 8.

Left back competing with European exiles Osorio and Salcido for a piece of the action in South Africa.

18-Andres Guardado. (Deportivo Coruna). Midfielder. Born Sept. 28 1986. Caps: 56. Goals: 8.

The "Little Prince" is a skilled and fast left wing good at crosses with a strong left-footed shot from distance, but he is prone to injury.

6-Gerardo Torrado. (Cruz Azul). Midfielder. Born April 30 1979. Caps: 114. Goals: 6.

Nicknamed "Borrego" (lamb) for his curly hair. A tough midfield enforcer and distributor with an accurate pass and good positioning going to his third finals. An Aguirre favourite.

8-Israel Castro. (Pumas UNAM). Midfielder. Born Dec. 20 1980. Caps: 31. Goals: 1.

An ideal partner for Torrado in the ball-winning department in midfield where the pair have a good understanding, making them likely starters in the tournament's opening match against the host country.

7-Pablo Barrera. (Pumas UNAM). Forward. Born June 21 1987. Caps: 21. Goals: 3.

His chief weapon is running round the defence on the right wing and cutting back from the goalline into the middle to unleash strong, accurate shots.

21-Adolfo Bautista. (Guadalajara). Forward. Born May 15 1979. Caps: 37. Goals: 11.

A potential match-winner who can settle a game with a moment of genius, he is going to his first finals after missing the cut in 2002 and 2006.

10-Cuauhtemoc Blanco. (Veracruz). Forward. Born Jan. 17 1973. Caps: 118. Goals: 38.

"Temo" is a genius with outstanding technique although he has slowed with age. Allowed to roam without a fixed position, he is capable of settling a match with a brilliant movement.

Playing in the Mexican second division but going to his third finals after being overlooked by former coach Ricardo La Volpe for Germany 2006 and briefly retiring during Sven-Goran Eriksson's tenure before the return last year of Aguirre. Married to actress Rosana Najera, he features in the celebrity media and has a television programme, "The Cuauhtemoc Hour".

22-Alberto Medina. (Guadalajara). Forward. Born May 29 1983. Caps: 56. Goals: 6.

Fast attacker nicknamed "Deer" who can play on either wing and delivers good crosses but is an erratic finisher.

14-Javier Hernandez. (Manchester United). Forward. Born June 1 1988. Caps: 12. Goals: 7.

Mexico's big hope who recently transferred from Guadalajara to United after his sudden emergence this year with 10 goals in the Clausura championship.

A sharp-witted penalty box predator. Nicknamed "Chicharito" after his stocky father "Chicharo" (a small, round, green vegetable), who played for hosts Mexico at the 1986 World Cup. His grandfather Tomas Balcazar played at the 1954 finals.

9-Guillermo Franco. (West Ham United). Forward. Born Nov. 3 1976. Caps: 21. Goals: 7.

Argentine-born former Villarreal striker who became a naturalised Mexican. He is going to his second finals with the prospect of winning a place in an attacking partnership with Hernandez which might mean displacing Blanco.

11-Carlos Vela. (Arsenal). Forward. Born March 1 1989: 28. Goals: 9.

Outstanding, Golden Boot winner at the 2005 under-17 world championship won by Mexico, fast and good at rounding defenders.

17-Giovani Dos Santos. (Tottenham Hotspur). Forward. Born May 11 1989. Caps: 26. Goals: 5.

Skilled, generally right-sided, deep-lying forward regarded as Blanco's successor. He earned a move from Barcelona to Tottenham Hotspur but has been on loan to Galatasaray where he has linked up with former Barca coach Frank Rijkaard.

Source: Web Search

Malik vows to be a team-man

Published Sat, Jun 05 10 12:38 PM

Karachi, Jun 5 (PTI) Considered a ''negative influence'' on the Pakistan team not so long ago, all-rounder Shoaib Malik has vowed to dispel apprehension about his attitude during this month''s Asia Cup and the Test tour of England after that. Malik was surprisingly picked in the Asia Cup squad on Thursday just a few days after the appeal''s judge of the Pakistan Cricket Board removed a one-year ban on him. "I know I can still give a lot to the team and I have assured the board and the captain and coach that I will give them full support and be part of their plans for the team," Malik said. "I aim to make my presence felt with my performances and with my behaviour. I also want to put the controversies and incidents of the past behind me and play a more positive role in the team," he added. The ban on Malik was imposed in March after an inquiry committee that probed into the team''s poor performances in Australia early this year found that Malik was responsible for creating disharmony in the team. It also emerged during the inquiry committee proceedings that the manager and coach during the tours to New Zealand and Australia had wanted to send Malik back because of his ''negative'' presence in the touring squad but were convinced by former captain Muhammad Yousuf not to do this. Yousuf, current captain Shahid Afridi and the manager and coach spoke very negatively about Malik and described him as a negative character. Well placed sources said that Afridi was initially not in favour of having Malik in his team even after the lifting of the ban. But a common friend convinced Afridi to give Malik another chance to revive his career. "Afridi has been told that Malik will cooperate with him all the way and transform himself into a complete team man," one source said. Afridi, who has backed Malik''s inclusion in the 15-man touring party, said he believes the former captain has learnt his lessons after getting slapped with a one-year ban. He rejected the impression that Malik was picked for the Asia Cup because of pressure from various influential quarters. "I don''t take any pressure from anyone. The thing is that Shoaib Malik is a talented cricketer and there is no doubt about it. The team needs him. But I''ve told him clearly that ''I''m supporting you and I need your support for the sake of the team''," said Afridi. "Malik has assured me of his complete support. He sounded really serious about making a successful international return and wants to help me in my efforts to put the team back on track," he added.

Source: Web Search