On the ball

Published>Sun, Jun 13 10 12:27 PM

India, June 12 -- India may be 133rd in world football rankings - behind Fiji, Faroe Islands, Sudan and Iceland - and fonder of another 11-a-side sport involving a ball. But every four years during the World Cup, two places in the country stir up a football frenzy comparable to that in Rio, Rome or Madrid: Kerala and West Bengal. This World Cup is no different. As the World Cup picks up momentum over the next month, India's two soccer-crazy spots are raring to cheer their outsourced heroes. The Footbongs Inside a shack that is the 108th ward office of the Trinamool Congress, a party worker is watching a Hindi film on TV. He turns around to say that he'll be watching the Korea-Greece, the Argentina-Nigeria and the England-USA World Cup games here later through the night. A banner proclaiming Mamata Banerjee's slogan 'Ma, maati, manush' (mother, soil, people) is behind him. Does he know the answer to the question that the whole of Kolkata is asking: 'Is Mamata supporting Brazil or Argentina?' Right next to the TMC structure is a two-storeyed government building with CPI(M) flags fluttering outside. There's a midday meal being served to children on the ground floor. But you don't have to be smart to know what purpose the TV set on the second floor will serve in the evenings. The wall adjoining the offices of these rival parties has been painted with a picture of Diego Maradona holding the 1986 World Cup trophy alongside a barely recognisable portrait of the Argentine star footballer and this year's big hope Lionel Messi. Just one word in English - 'Argintina' (sic) - marks this territory. On the other side of the road here at the eastern edge of Kolkata in Tiljola is the Netaji Sporting Club. Laltu Sharma, 23, a scraggly member and an Argentina supporter, points out that behind the wall, the TMC workers are organising a shamiana-ed dinner tonight to celebrate their victory in the recent municipal elections. "They waited till the World Cup started. One of them even coined the slogan, 'Ma, maati, Maradona!' The most precious object in the clubhouse this year has to be the Samsung LCD screen TV that has been placed at an altar-like spot. Suman Das, 24, Club Games Secretary, says it has been bought with club funds. Meanwhile, outside, Romesh, 21, an Argentina supporter, is tying a giant Argentina flag across the building front, dwarfing the smaller Brazilian already fluttering. When asked why he supports Brazil, his answer is straight and fast: "Brazil's a five-time World Cup champion, that's why." On the grassless, small muddy field in front of the club building, a match will be underway in a few minutes. "Brazil versus Argentina," says Romesh, "and Argentina will win." Across the city, inside the Raj-era building of Wellesley House is the office of Leisure Sports Management Pvt Ltd. Since the 1982 World Cup in Spain, Sabyasachi 'Benu-da' Dasgupta, Managing Director of the sports travel and management firm, has been facilitating hordes of Bengalis to watch football across the globe. He shows a garland of $ 400 World Cup final tickets. "This time we'll be sending 85-90 people to South Africa. Sixty per cent of those going are from Kolkata." One such lucky World Cupper is 48-year-old businessman Kangsha Koyal. This is his fourth World Cup. He poses wearing a tight Brazil jersey over his shiny black shirt with fellow-football fiend friend, 50-plus Pankaj Ghosh. Ghosh, a football coach with the sports council, is almost in tears as he describes being with Brazilian fans in a Marseille stadium watching a Brazil-Holland match. "I can't tell you the feeling of being there. I just can't," he says days before his fifth Cup trip. Both have somehow managed to save up the Rs 3 lakh for Leisure Sports Management's "full experience" - travel costs, stay, breakfast, watching games in stadia. "I'll just have a heavy breakfast every day," says Koyal while Ghosh says he'll eat cashew nuts and biscuits during his stay. So don't these two Bengali Brazil fanatics get asked why they spend so much money to watch foreign teams? "We are there to have India present in World Cups," says Ghosh. Who needs players when we have football-crazy Bengali World Cup fans? Kicks from Kozhikode Beach boys of Ninan Valappu in northern Kozhikode gambol in the monsoon-drenched tiny playground as small-time carpenter Fazal NV mulls over the prospects of 'his' team going back with FIFA laurels. Betting on Brazil made him lose his hard-earned Pulsar last time. He hopes to recover his loss this time. Fazal loves to answer to his new name - Fazal Ronaldo. He plans to tonsure his head, like his god - Cristiano Ronaldo. At a glance, you could be mistaken in thinking that the World Cup is really being held in Ninan Valappu, not in far off South Africa. Cheering fan clubs, towering cutouts, colourful headbands and flags of 32 countries aflutter - it's a month-long festival here. From wayside tea stalls to fish markets, lively soccer debates are on about the attacking game of Lionel Messi, the dribbling prowess of Wayne Rooni and the shooting power of Didier Drogba. When a group of fans vowed to do a Maradona (he promised recently he would run naked in Barcelona if his team makes it) in neighbouring Tirur (Malappuram district), Nainan Valappu was quick to act. "No processions at nights and no ugly betting," the Nainan Valappu Football Fans Association (NFFA) president, N.V. Subair, says. Founded in 1996, NFFA is in constant touch with FIFA. They are sent a copy of the new rules, brochures and miniatures. This little town even has a mini FIFA museum. "This time, FIFA sent us a gold key chain carrying its logo. We have displayed all our curios here," says Subair. Since last month, shops selling flags, shirts, headbands and souvenirs are doing brisk business in Ninan Valappu. Hair salons who are doing haircuts mimicking the soccer greats are doing roaring business. Leave alone jerseys, some frenzied fans even carry their logos in their inner wears. In the land of 'Sevens Football,' soccer is a unifying force. In Sevens Football, a specialty of the Malabar area, only seven players represent each side. Around 50 major Sevens tournaments are organised in Malappuram and Kozhikode districts every summer. Makeshift galleries and goalposts spring up on harvested rice fields. "Football is a passion here. Even a small boy has views on the prospects of each team," former India striker I M Vijayan, who regularly plays Sevens Football, explains. Vijayan was a soda seller in football galleries as a boy. He is planning to fly to South Africa to witness the final. As the soccer fever grips Ninan Valappu, the clerics are a worried lot. Upset with the thin attendance in Friday prayers, they had issued a fatwa during the last World Cup. This time, too, many religious outfits held a series of study classes to check the menace but have failed. "We are not against soccer. But at times, it takes demonic proportions. It should be contained," Salahuddin Faizi, spokesman of the Samsatha Kerala Sunni Students Federation, says.

"Nowhere else in the country will you see such fervour and spirit," says E Ahmed, Minister of State for Railways, who represents Malappuram in the Lok Sabha. It certainly looks that way.

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Garrigus overhauls Westwood to lead in Memphis

Published Sun, Jun 13 10 12:06 PM

American journeyman Robert Garrigus, who is still shrugging off a bout of food poisoning, upstaged his more illustrious rivals to take a two-shot lead in the third round of the St. Jude Classic on Saturday.

Two strokes off the pace overnight in the final PGA Tour event before next week's U.S. Open, Garrigus fired a sparkling four-under-par 66 on a sizzling hot day at the TPC Southwind.

He bogeyed the par-four last after pushing his tee shot into the right rough and missing the green with his approach, but retained overall control with an 11-under total of 199.

Garrigus, who has limited playing status on the PGA Tour this season and is seeking his first victory on the U.S. circuit, covered the back nine in four-under 31 after an eagle on the par-five 16th.

Swede Robert Karlsson, the European number one in 2008 who was sidelined four months last year because of an eye problem, chipped in for birdie from just off the 18th green for a 68 to lie second.

British world number three Lee Westwood, co-leader overnight, battled to a 71 and was a further stroke back at eight under with American Heath Slocum (66).

"I didn't know what anybody was doing behind me," Garrigus told reporters. "I was just concentrating on my game, which I should probably do tomorrow."

The 32-year-old, who has missed four cuts in seven PGA Tour starts this season, was especially delighted with his display after succumbing to food poisoning last week.

"I really didn't feel good the first three days here," said Garrigus, who pulled out of a U.S. Open sectional qualifier on Monday after just seven holes.

PAYING OFF

"I didn't have any energy, didn't have enough fluids. It was brutal but I got some good rest. I came out fresh and now it's paying off."

Westwood, hunting his first PGA Tour title since the 1998 New Orleans Classic, led overnight with American Garrett Willis but slipped back with two bogeys in the last five holes.

"I didn't play particularly well, and didn't hit the ball very well," the Englishman said after recording four bogeys and three birdies. "I wasn't in control of my swing that much. A 71 seems almost like a victory, really."

With Westwood and Willis each stumbling early in the third round, seven players had a share of the tournament lead before Garrigus took control after the turn.

He birdied the 11th and 12th to edge one ahead before rolling in a 20-footer down the hill at the par-four 15th to double his advantage.

At the par-five 16th, Garrigus struck a superb six-iron from 196 yards to five feet to set up his eagle and forge four strokes clear.

However, the American succumbed to a two-shot swing at the last where he bogeyed and his playing partner Karlsson birdied for his lead to be halved.

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Fiery Steyn, Morkel leave West Indies staring at defeat in Port of Spain Test

Published>Sun, Jun 13 10 11:36 AM

Port of Spain, Jun 13 (ANI): Devastating fast bowling from Dale Steyn and Morne Morkel has put South Africa in a commanding position against West Indies at the end of day three of the first Test at Queen's Park Oval in Port of Spain.

The new-ball pair shared nine wickets as West Indies were dismissed for 102, their lowest total against the South Africans.

Steyn took five wickets for 29 in his 14 overs, while Morkel chipped in with four wickets for 19 from 13 overs.

Morkel ran through the top order in a decisive opening spell, where he ripped out West Indies captain Chris Gayle, opening batsman Travis Dowlin and Brendan Nash in successive overs to leave the home team on 12 for three.

Steyn joined him to dismiss Shivnarine Chanderpaul (26) and Narsingh Deonarine (29) to end a flourishing fourth wicket stand of 59, and trigger a dramatic collapse from 3-71 to 9-75 in the space of 28 balls, The Age reports.

With a lead of 250, South African skipper Graeme Smith had the option to enforce a follow-on, but he opted to bat again.

Smith later ended the day unbeaten on 77, as South Africa closed on 155-2 at stumps with a massive lead of 405.

He will resume day four along with Jacques Kallis (40 not out). The duo has put together an unfinished stand of 76 for the third wicket.

Brief Scorecard: South Africa 1st Innings-352 all out (Boucher 69, de Villiers 68, Benn 5-120)

West Indies 1st Innings--102 (Deonarine 29, Steyn 5-29, Morkel 4-19)

South Africa 2nd Innings--- 155 for 2 (Smith 79 (not out), Kallis 40 (not out)) (ANI)

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Minister & family stay with Pak players during NCA camp

Published Sun, Jun 13 10 11:27 AM

Lahore, Jun 14 (PTI) Pakistani players practicing at the National Cricket Academy here for this month''s Asia Cup were left "grumbling" when the country''s Sports Minister and his family were allowed to stay with them at the NCA to attend a wedding reception. Pakistan''s Sports Minister Ijaz Jakhrani and his family reportedly stayed at the PCB academy during the period the national camp of the Pakistani players was being held for the Asia Cup. "Ijaz Butt, the Chairman of the board apparently gave permission for Jakhrani''s family to stay at the academy apparently to score points as he is under immense pressure these days from government quarters," one source said. "The problem occurred when the minister''s family stayed at the academy at the same time the Pakistani players were housed there for the coaching camp and some of them were found grumbling at being disturbed by the minister''s family members from time to time," the source added. Jahkrani had also gone to the West Indies for the Twenty20 World Cup on PCB expenses. The source said while the PCB had barred the media from covering the national coaching camp sessions, the minister''s family was seen roaming around the Gaddafi stadium ground while the training was going on. "Cricket has never become so politicised as it is now and Butt is clearly doing everything to ensure he keeps his bosses in the government happy," the source said. PCB official Nadeem Sarwar told the media that he had no knowledge of the minister or his family staying at the national academy.

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Pak''s frozen cricket ties with India sadden Miandad on B''day

Published Sun, Jun 13 10 11:22 AM

Lahore, Jun 13 (PTI) Pakistan''s former captain and coach Javed Miandad was a sad man on his 53rd birthday as he lamented the frozen bilateral cricket ties with India. Miandad celebrated his 53rd birthday yesterday hoping to see the resumption of cricket ties with India which snapped after the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks. "I feel sad today that Pakistan cricket is facing a situation where teams don''t want to come to our country because of security issues. Worse bilateral cricket ties with India are again frozen," Miandad said in an interview. Miandad hoped that whenever international cricket resumed in Pakistan, India would be the first to tour the country. "We need to play more often against each other it keeps the sport alive in both countries and boosts world cricket." Miandad said apart from winning the 1992 World Cup, his most memorable career moments pertained to matches involving India. He recalled the 1976/77 and 2004 series against India in Pakistan as his most memorable. "In both cases India toured Pakistan after a gap of many years and the huge interest in the series was out of this world." The veteran of 124 Tests, who had three separate terms as national team coach, also hoped that the problems being faced by Pakistan cricket would be resolved soon. "There is so much passion for the sport in Pakistan that at times it is tragic that we are facing a situation where we can''t play international cricket on our own grounds. But the cricket world is supporting us and hopefully things will normalise soon," he said. "Cricket in the subcontinent has a great cricket heritage and I find it hard to believe that right now they are also no bilateral cricket ties between Pakistan and India," he said, Miandad is presently working as director general of cricket in the Pakistan Cricket Board.

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Looking forward to clash against India in Asia Cup: Afridi

Published Sun, Jun 13 10 10:52 AM

Karachi, Jun 13 (PTI) The Pakistan cricket squad left for Colombo to take part in the Asia Cup with captain Shahid Afridi saying that the match against India would be the highlight of the event. "The guys are already looking forward to that match and I am sure we will give our best to beat India," he said. Afridi also insisted that he would not allow anyone to indulge in intrigues or politics in the team. "I will not tolerate anyone trying to create intrigues or indiscipline in the team and we have made this clear to all players," he said. Pacer Muhammad Asif couldn''t leave with the rest of the squad via Dubai for Colombo because of the travel ban on him enforced by the Dubai authorities due to his 2008 drug detention case. Asif will reach Colombo separately on another flight via Abu Dhabi. Afridi said he was hopeful of good results in the Asia Cup. "We have all trained really hard and we see the Asia Cup as the first part of our preparations for the 2011 World Cup so this is a important tournament for us," he said. Afridi, who will also lead the team on the Test tour to England, said Pakistan didn''t have a very impressive record in the Asia Cup having won it just once (2000) in 10 editions. "I don''t want to make tall claims but I think our team is capable of beating anyone on its day if we play like a unit and to our full potential and as captain it is my job to push the players to give their best," he said. The Pakistan skipper admitted that Pakistan cricket had been struggling since the World Twenty20 Cup win in England last year and needed a big victory. "The team also realises that it needs to win a big event like the Asia Cup to put us back on the winning track. We need to do well in the tournament to boost our confidence ahead of the tough England tour," he stated.

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Spl first-aid kiosks at 23 Metro stations during Games

Published Sun, Jun 13 10 09:56 AM

New Delhi, Jun 13 (PTI) Come Commonwealth Games, 23 Metro stations in the national capital, especially those close to stadia, will have special first-aid kiosks to provide medical services to commuters. The kiosks at the stations, which the DMRC expects will have higher footfalls during the nearly fortnight-long sporting extravaganza, will have four qualified ''First Aiders'' to provide medical assistance to commuters. Almost all the 12 Games venues have Metro connectivity and the stations close to the stadia will have the ''Special First Aid kiosks''. The DMRC has tied up with St John Ambulance Brigade for the purpose. Besides first aid, other basic medical facilities such as blood pressure and temperature check-up arrangements and general medicines will also be provided, a DMRC spokesman said. "While the first-aid professionals will be from the St John Ambulance Brigade, the medicines and other related equipment will be provided by DMRC," he said. Besides, the Customer Relation Associates (CRA) at all Metro stations are being given detailed training on first-aid. "Even in the Metro stations, where the ''Special First Aid kiosks'' won''t be available, the Metro staff will be in a position to help the commuters," he said. The station staff has also been provided a detailed list of the hospitals near their stations so that they can take the commuters there in case of an emergency. The ''Special First Aid kiosks'' will be available at stations like Rajiv Chowk, Central Secretariat, Udyog Bhawan, Qutub Minar, Kashmere Gate, Rithala, Patel Chowk, R K Ashram, Chandni Chowk, Netaji Subhas Place, Model Town, Pitampura, Akshardham, Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Jangpura, Pragati Maidan, Indraprastha, Tuglakabad, AIIMS, INA, Hauz Khas, Anand Vihar and Vishwavidyalaya. While the JLN and Jangpura stations will be close to Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Pragati Maidan and Central Secretariat stations are near Major Dyan Chand National Stadium. While commuters and sports lovers can alight at Indraprastha and reach Indira Gandhi Sports complex, Tuglakabad station is close to Dr Karni Singh Shooting Range and AIIMS station will be close to R K Tennis complex. INA Station is close to Thyagraj Sports Complex while Siri Fort Sports Complex is near Hauz Khas, Talkatora is near Patel Chowk and R K Ashram Marg, while Yamuna Sports Complex is close to Anand Vihar station. Passengers can alight at Viswavidhalaya to reach Delhi University, Central Secretariat for Central Vista and Patel Chowk for SP Mukherji Marg Swimming Pool.

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Heaslip suspended for 5 weeks, RGU

Published Sun, Jun 13 10 09:06 AM

WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) Ireland backrower Jamie Heaslip has been suspended for five weeks for kneeing All Blacks captain Richie McCaw during Saturday's one-off rugby test at New Plymouth. Heaslip was sent off in the 15th minute of the match by English referee Wayne Barnes, who saw the Irish player's knee make contact with McCaw's head at a ruck. New Zealand won the match 66-28. Heaslip admitted twice striking McCaw when he appeared at a hearing Sunday in front of International Rugby Board judicial officer Michael Cashman of Australia. He denied making deliberate contact with McCaw's head. Cashman heard submissions from Heaslip and his legal representative before imposing a five-week suspension.

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Wins for Argentina, South Korea as US hold England to draw

Published>Sun, Jun 13 10 05:36 AM

Johannesburg, June 13 (DPA) Fancied England were held to a 1-1 draw by underdogs the United States Saturday as Argentina and South Korea chalked up victories on the second day of the World Cup.

England began briskly, with captain Steven Gerrard putting them ahead after just 4 minutes, but a goalkeeping blunder by Robert Green allowed Clint Dempsey to grab a 40th minute equalizer for the US.

Goalkeeping woes have plagued the English squad in recent years and it was no exception Saturday when manager Fabio Capello selected West Ham's Green in place of David James.

Green appeared to have a harmless looking long-distance shot from Dempsey safely under control, but the ball somehow managed to squirm out of his hands and roll over the line.

England failed to live up to their role as Group C favourites after Gerrard's early goal in front of a crowd of 38,600 at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium in Rustenburg.

Frank Lampard worked the ball across to veteran striker Emile Heskey, who justified his place in the line-up with an intelligent pass to Gerrard, who right-footed the ball home from near the penalty spot.

The US side slowly recovered from the shock and gradually came back into the game.

England rallied late in the second half but were thwarted by US goalkeeper Tim Howard, whose string of spectacular saves denied England another goal and earned him the man-of-the-match award.

Meanwhile, in Group B Argentina got off to a winning start by beating Nigeria 1-0 but it is South Korea who top the group after their 2-0 victory over Greece.

Diego Maradona took charge of his first ever World Cup match and despite seeing Gabriel Heinze put his team ahead in the sixth minute he was made to sweat for the points at Johannesburg's Ellis Park Stadium.

Maradona's last World Cup match as a player had also been against Nigeria in the 1994 finals. It ended with a 2-1 win but came just before his expulsion from the tournament for a drug offence.

Wearing a slick dark gray suit the 49-year-old's return was a happy one which ended with him hugging his players after a victory that would have been much more comfortable had it not been for FIFA man-of-the-match Vincent Enyeama.

The Nigeria goalkeeper could do nothing about Heinze's first half header but he kept out Leo Messi with an inspired display foiling the Barcelona striker on numerous occasions.

'It's my best ever game and it has come against the best player in the world,' said Enyeama whose superb performance even left his team with a chance of a late equalizer.

Maradona, who hugged his players after the match, promised that things would get better for the South Americans.

'Of course, when you begin World Cup by winning the first match, it means we will be more relaxed for the next game,' he said. 'We produced some very interesting attacking play but suffered a bit because we could not convert all our chances.'

Kalu Uche and Yakube Ayegbeni both missed chances in the closing stages as Argentina counted down the clock. Argentina now face South Korea next Thursday in a game which could decide who tops Group B.

That position is currently South Korea's after they comfortably brushed aside Greece with a 2-0 victory.

Fifa man-of-the-match Park Ji Sung was inspirational for Huh Jung Moo's team scoring the second goal after Lee Jung Soo hit the opener.

Just 31,500 supporters turned up at Port Elizabeth's Nelson Mandela Bay 42,486 seater stadium but they were thrilled by South Korea's attacking football.

'Everyone was impressive,' said South Korea coach Huh. His Greek counterpart Otto Rehhagel admitted: 'Our opponents took their chances and we didn't.' He must now lift his players for their match against Nigeria Thursday.

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Robben joins Dutch squad but won't play against Denmark

Published>Sun, Jun 13 10 05:22 AM

Johannesburg, June 13 (DPA) Arjen Robben joined the Dutch soccer World Cup squad in South Africa Saturday after recovering from a hamstring injury.

But coach Bert van Marwijk reiterated that he did not want to take risks with the classy Bayern Munich winger and would not be fielding him Monday against Denmark.

He did not want to say exactly when Robben would play, with the other Dutch group games June 19 against Japan and June 24 against Cameroon.

'We're going to take it easy with him,' van Marwijk told broadcaster NOS. 'He has just trained once and played for 40 minutes in the last three weeks'.

Robben, 26, underwent five days of intensive treatment with his physiotherapist, Dick van Toorn, after limping out of a tune-up match against Hungary Saturday which left his World Cup participation in serious doubt.

He had final tests Friday and left that day for South Africa.

'It wasn't easy. I had a love-hate relationship with Dick. But I knew what I was torturing myself for,' Robben said Friday evening in Amsterdam before departing for South Africa.

'My condition won't be a problem. I'll mainly have to get acclimated to the altitude in Johannesburg,' the Dutch daily De Telegraaf quoted him as saying.

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Liuzzi sizzles, both Force India cars in Q3

Published Sun, Jun 13 10 12:20 AM

Montreal, Jun 12 (PTI) Vitantonio Liuzzi shrugged off his recent setbacks and will start tomorrow''s Canadian Grand Prix sixth on the grid, while teammate Adrian Sutil will start ninth after both the Force India cars made it to the third qualifying session (Q3) here today. Lone Indian driver Karun Chandhok will begin last on the grid, having suffered a gearbox problem that cost him the morning practice session. McLaren''s Lewis Hamilton finally put an end to Red Bull domination and snatched the pole position beating Mark Webber. Meanwhile, it was a memorable day for Liuzzi, who reverted back to old chassis after complaining of grip problems in his recent races. The Italian, whose job was rumoured to be on the line, broke into Q3 along with teammate Sutil and his best of 1:17.086 was enough to finish ahead of Felipe Massa''s Ferrari at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve. Sutil''s best of 1:16.495 had him in the ninth place, sandwiched between Renault''s Robert Kubica and Mercedes'' Nico Rosberg.

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Federer and Hewitt to meet in Halle final

Published>Sun, Jun 13 10 12:18 AM

Halle, Germany, June 12 (DPA) Top seed Roger Federer moved within one victory of a sixth title at the Halle grass court tournament when he beat local hope Philipp Petzschner 7-6 (7-3), 6-4 in the semi-finals Saturday.

Federer prevailed in 91 minutes and in the final meets Australian veteran Lleyton Hewitt, who also beat a German, Benjamin Becker, 6-7 (4-7), 7-6 (7-3), 6-2.

The Swiss Federer has not lost a match in Halle since the 2002 semi-finals, lifting the trophy every year he played here (2003-2006, 2008) for a win streak of currently 29.

Federer has won the last 15 matches against Hewitt for an overall 17-7 lead.

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ICC praises Zimbabwe for improved international performance

Published Sun, Jun 13 10 12:14 AM

Harare, Jun 12 (PTI) A spirited Zimbabwe have humbled India twice in the recent tri-nation cricket series enroute to the final of the event and the International Cricket Council today praised the country for their notable improvement in performance. ICC President David Morgan and Chief Executive Haroon Lorgat arrived here to meet with directors of Zimbabwe Cricket as part of their ongoing process of information sharing and during the meeting both of them lavished praise. "We congratulate Zimbabwe on its improvements and successes for recent on-field performances. This is my third visit to Zimbabwe and I take great pleasure in the number of smiling faces around Zimbabwe Cricket. It is very comforting for the ICC to observe the improvement and success of the Zimbabwe team in recent months," Morgan said. "It is also very good from an ICC perspective to see former players returning to the squad and also taking up support roles around the team. The recent results have been a good story for the Zimbabwe cricket team and the ICC is pleased to have played a part in that progress," he added. The hosts had put up good performance in the series, also involving Sri Lanka, and entered the final, where they went down to the islanders by nine wickets, but the showing was enough to earn the ICC praise. Morgan and Lorgat also discussed the issues facing the ICC, its strategies and operations as well as key challenges for the world cricket. It was the ICC''s latest such meeting with the members, an ICC release said. After the meeting, Lorgat said, "We are delighted at the energy and enthusiasm with which Zimbabwe Cricket embraced the ICC task team report and recommendations required to develop a sustainable and successful domestic and international structure. "Domestic cricket is the key to producing successful international players and I believe that the franchise system which has been introduced in Zimbabwe is an important step in the right direction." "We are developing a strong and competitive domestic competition as a result of the ICC task team''s recommendations and we are now looking to make a gradual return to the Test cricket sometime after the 2011 World Cup," said Peter Chingoka, chairman of the the Zimbabwe Cricket. "We will look to engage in the early stage of our return with countries like Bangladesh at home in Harare. We hope that the return to the Test cricket will continue the growth and development of people playing cricket in Zimbabwe as we aim to make cricket the number one sport in Zimbabwe within the next five years," he added.

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Ali, Epton top in Dakshin Dare Rally

Published>Sun, Jun 13 10 12:06 AM

Ernakulam, June 12 (IANS) The Australian team of Niaz Ali and co-driver Kim Epton emerged winners of the second edition of the Maruti Suzuki Dakshin Dare Rally here Saturday, clocking four hours, 51:00 minutes.

The winner of Maruti Suzuki Raid-de-Himalaya and Desert Storm, Suresh (co-driver Ashwin Naik) in a Maruti Suzuki Gypsy secured the second spot. The Manali-based team gave a scare to the Australian team who were in a Grand Vitara, when they won the third leg, but fell back on fourth and fifth days to end up with 4:66:04.

Shafiq Ur Rehman of Chikmangalur, who drove a Maruti Suzuki Gypsy with co-driver George, won the third spot on podium with a final timing of 5:10:39.

In the motor bikes segment, M.S. Ravindra from Bangalore, riding a RTR 160, completed a start-to-finish win with an overall timing of 4:58:06, while Nataraj from Kanakapura, also on a RTR 160, came very close second with 4:59:53 followed by Uday Kumar (Shaolin) with 5:15:58.

Though cars from many national and international manufacturers participated, the top three podium finishes of the Ultimate category in the four-wheeler segment were all Maruti Suzuki models.

Shashank Srivastava, chief general manager (Marketing) Maruti Suzuki, said: 'This is an occasion for us to thank all the participants and congratulate them for delivering on our promise of testing the nerve and grit of all participants and their machines.

'Besides, they also provided excitement to motorsports lover and helped in promoting controlled and safe driving habits. It was very encouraging to see the response from South India in support of Maruti Suzuki Dakshin Dare and we are thankful to the motorsports lovers here.'

The Maruti Suzuki Dakshin Dare traversed through a multitude of dense forests, including Mysore, coffee and tea estates in Coorg and Munnar, multiple hairpin bends in Ooty, the Kundha stretch, through the windmills of Coimbatore and finally culminated here, covering a total of 1800 kms over five days.

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ICC praises Zimbabwe for improved international performance

Published Sat, Jun 12 10 11:37 PM

Harare, Jun 12 (PTI) A spirited Zimbabwe have humbled India twice in the recent tri-nation cricket series enroute to the final of the event and the International Cricket Council today praised the country for their notable improvement in performance. ICC President David Morgan and Chief Executive Haroon Lorgat arrived here to meet with directors of Zimbabwe Cricket as part of their ongoing process of information sharing and during the meeting both of them lavished praise. "We congratulate Zimbabwe on its improvements and successes for recent on-field performances. This is my third visit to Zimbabwe and I take great pleasure in the number of smiling faces around Zimbabwe Cricket. It is very comforting for the ICC to observe the improvement and success of the Zimbabwe team in recent months," Morgan said. "It is also very good from an ICC perspective to see former players returning to the squad and also taking up support roles around the team. The recent results have been a good story for the Zimbabwe cricket team and the ICC is pleased to have played a part in that progress," he added. The hosts had put up good performance in the series, also involving Sri Lanka, and entered the final, where they went down to the islanders by nine wickets, but the showing was enough to earn the ICC praise. Morgan and Lorgat also discussed the issues facing the ICC, its strategies and operations as well as key challenges for the world cricket. It was the ICC''s latest such meeting with the members, an ICC release said. After the meeting, Lorgat said, "We are delighted at the energy and enthusiasm with which Zimbabwe Cricket embraced the ICC task team report and recommendations required to develop a sustainable and successful domestic and international structure. "Domestic cricket is the key to producing successful international players and I believe that the franchise system which has been introduced in Zimbabwe is an important step in the right direction." "We are developing a strong and competitive domestic competition as a result of the ICC task team''s recommendations and we are now looking to make a gradual return to the Test cricket sometime after the 2011 World Cup," said Peter Chingoka, chairman of the the Zimbabwe Cricket. "We will look to engage in the early stage of our return with countries like Bangladesh at home in Harare. We hope that the return to the Test cricket will continue the growth and development of people playing cricket in Zimbabwe as we aim to make cricket the number one sport in Zimbabwe within the next five years," he added.

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Federer and Hewitt to meet in Halle final

Published>Sat, Jun 12 10 11:06 PM

Halle, Germany, June 12 (DPA) Top seed Roger Federer moved within one victory of a sixth title at the Halle grass court tournament when he beat local hope Philipp Petzschner 7-6 (7-3), 6-4 in the semi-finals Saturday.

Federer prevailed in 91 minutes and in the final meets Australian veteran Lleyton Hewitt, who also beat a German, Benjamin Becker, 6-7 (4-7), 7-6 (7-3), 6-2.

The Swiss Federer has not lost a match in Halle since the 2002 semi-finals, lifting the trophy every year he played here (2003-2006, 2008) for a win streak of currently 29.

Federer has won the last 15 matches against Hewitt for an overall 17-7 lead.

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Saina enters singles final, Chetan crashes out

Published Sat, Jun 12 10 10:56 PM

Chennai, Jun 12 (PTI) Ace Indian shuttler Saina Nehwal defeated Indonesian Aprilia Yuswandari 21-17 21-11 to set up a women''s singles summit-clash with second seed Mew Choo Wong of Malaysia at the Yonex-Sunrise Indian Open Grand Prix badminton tournament here today. The top seed Indian started the match on an attacking note and continued her rhythm throughout the encounter, while in the other semifinal Wong got the better of Linda Weni Fanetri of Indonesia 22-20 21-17. Meanwhile, another Indian, top seed Chetan Anand crashed out of the men''s singles as unseeded Indonesian Alamsyah Yunus pulled off a 21-16 12-21 13-21 upset in the semifinal. Chetan, in fact, gifted away the match which was well within his grip but credit also goes to a crafty Yunus, who shifted the gear fast to rattle the Indian in the second and third games. Seventh seed RMV Guru Dutt, however, overcame Kashyap Parupalli 21-6 17-21 21-15 in an all-Indian semifinal and now plays Yunus in the men''s singles final. A disappointed Chetan after the semifinal admitted that he allowed his rival to claw his way back into the match. "I was moving well in the first game and controlled the net. In the second, he kept me in the back court and as I slowed down, he drew me to the net, where I was catching the shuttle far too low. He was also retrieving extremely well and has a very good overhead stroke," Chetan said. "I feel happy because I played well. He (Chetan) preferred to communicate in gestures that seemed faster than his game that was constructed around long rallies and retrievals," Yunus said. .

Source: Web Search

FIFA World Cup fever grips football lovers in India

Published>Sat, Jun 12 10 10:52 PM

Bangalore/Kolkata, June 12 (ANI): As football lovers around the world are feeling joyous over the start of the FIFA World Cup 2010 in South Africa, the football fever has started to grip Indians as well.

In Bangalore, football lovers beyond age celebrated world's biggest football event at Gautampura, a locality in Bangalore.

The residents of this locality World Cup football is major festival that comes once in four years. So, they prefer celebrating it in a grand way.

The residents have established a huge statue of football player Edison Arantes do Nascimentobest known by his nickname 'Pele' on the square of Gauthampura.

But this year they have set up a big football and a football shoe of 12 feet height by the side of the statue.

The entire locality is the fan of Brazil team and the other teams they favour are Argentina and England.

"Favourite team in this locality is Brazil only and some England fans are also there. So we go for Brazil only," said Kamal Pasha, a soccer fan.

In Kolkata, where many of the local youngsters literally view football as their second religion, has been gripped with World Cup football mania.

People thronged shopping malls to watch football matches on giant television screens.

"World cup is actually beginning today (June, 11), so I am here with couple of friends of mine to watch the match here on the big screen right here. So, really enjoying the match today. We have Mexico and South Africa playing. The matches are really exciting from the beginning. Lots of chances. Really exciting match," said Adideb Mukherjee, a soccer fan.

India, ranked 133rd in the world, has never come close to qualifying for the World Cup, but that does not seem to have dampened fans' enthusiasm for the month-long tournament.

The event will see 32 countries fighting it out for the title of World Champions. (ANI)

Source: Web Search

Heinze''s early strike guides Argentina to victory over Nigeria

Published Sat, Jun 12 10 10:46 PM

Fakir Hassen Johannesburg, Jun 12 (PTI) Gabriel Heinze scored early in the first half as two-time champions Argentina started their 2010 World Cup campaign in style with a 1-0 win over Nigeria in a Group B clash at the Elis Park stadium here today. Lionel Messi sparkled in the entire 90 minutes with his deft footworks and lovely run-ins but Nigerian custodian Vincent Enyeama prevented him from scoring after defender Heinze broke the deadlock in the sixth minute. Argentina created numerous scoring chances and dominated Nigeria throughout the match but Heinze''s early strike was enough for Diego Maradona''s boys to secure the full three points. Even though the Argentines controlled the proceedings they failed to find the second goal against Nigeria although they threatened on more than one occasion in the second half. Argentina started the proceedings on an attacking note as Messi looked in irresistible form and threatened to run away with the match from the Nigerians. If it was not for some acrobatic saves from goalkeeper Enyeama, Nigeria could have been down by at least four to five goals in the opening half. Magical Messi lived up to his reputation and proved why he was the world''s best player, bringing out numerous saves from the Nigerian custodian in the first session. Gonzalo Higuain was guilty of wasting at least two clear scoring chances, one of which came as early as in the fifth minute with Messi setting up the opportunity after dodging past three defenders, but Higuain''s shot was tipped away by an alert Enyeama for a corner, resulting in the goal. Left-back Gabriel Heize powerfully headed home from a Sebastian Veron''s corner after he was left unmarked by the Nigerian defence, which send the Argentina fans and coach Maradona into wild celebration. Nigeria too had their chances but poor finishing did them in. .

Source: Web Search

Messi shines, Argentina beat Nigeria

Published>Sat, Jun 12 10 10:26 PM

Johannesburg, June 12 (DPA) Argentina lived up to their status as serious contenders for the 2010 World Cup title when they defeated African hopefuls Nigeria 1-0 Saturday in Diego Maradona's successful return to football's biggest stage, this time as a coach.

In a Group B encounter at Ellis Park Stadium, Gabriel Heinze scored the only goal of the game in the sixth minute for Argentina. The South Americans dominated much of the play but failed to grab a second goal and sweat out the tight victory.

Argentina are atop the group along with South Korea with three points while Nigeria and Greece have zero points after their first matches.

Nigeria hope to bounce back from the loss in their second group match against fellow opening match losers Greece. Argentina square off with South Korea, with both games scheduled for June 17.

Maradona returned to the World Cup for the first time since the 1994 finals in the US, where he played his final World Cup match -- Argentina's 2-1 victory over Nigeria in the second match of the first round.

That was the first of three encounters between the two sides, with Argentina beating Nigeria 1-0 in their first match of the 2002 World Cup. And by winning Saturday in South Africa, the South Americans improved to 3-0 all time against Nigeria in World Cup action.

Following the win at USA 1994, Maradona was unceremoniously expelled from the rest of the tournament for a drug offence. But the 49-year-old's return Saturday was much more appealing, including a slick dark gray suit.

The Super Eagles of Nigeria's Swedish coach Lars Lagerback - decked out in a Nigerian green track suit - were clearly missing the creative services of injured Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel. At the other end, Argentina's shining star Lionel Messi offered football fans everything they were hoping from the Barcelona superstar - save for a goal to top it all off.

Much of that was thanks to Man of the Match Nigerian keeper Vincent Enyeama.

In front of a crowd of 56,000, the South American giants were dangerously close to grabbing the lead in their second push forward after four minutes. Messi streaked past the Nigerian interior defence and found an open Gonzalo Higuain. But the Real Madrid striker shot wide left from the edge of the box.

Maradona's men marched forward again in the sixth minute and only a superb save by keeper Enyeama on Messi's left foot shot from just outside the box kept the game scoreless.

That was shortlived as the Albiceste emphatically went ahead on the ensuing corner. As Juan Veron struck the corner from the right side, Argentine defender Heinze got away from his marker Victor Obinna for a powerful diving header from just left of the penalty spot. Nigerian defender Chidi Odiah on the line got his head on the ball but could not stop the goal - Heinze's first World Cup goal and third for Argentina.

The Super Eagles struggled to convert the final pass on their attacks and really challenge the South American defence.

Higuain again had a superb opportunity in the 21st minute being fed by Carlos Tevez into the right side of the area. But Nigeria's keeper from Hapoel Tel Aviv fended away Higuain's attempt from seven yards.

Nigeria's first chance came seven minutes later though Chinedu Obasi sent his left foot shot wide of the far right post.

The Argentines continued their march forward and nearly doubled their advantage eight minutes from time. Messi's fine attempt towards the far left post sailed just wide though.

The teams were unchanged out of the locker room. And the direction of play remained the same as well, namely the Argentina attack towards Enyeama's goal.

Messi's deflection attempt of Veron's cross four minutes after the re-start went just wide left.

Nigeria began to grab more of action around the hour mark but lacked the offensive touch to knot the game.

Maradona, however, looked on in disbelief as his men continually left chances unused, including Messi's shot just inches left of the post on a four-on-two counter-attack at the 65-minute mark. And he was stopped from near range again by Enyeama with nine minutes remaining.

Argentina also appeared to have drawn a penalty shortly thereafter as Sani Kaita took down Maxi Rodriguez in the area. But German referee Wolfgang Stark did not blow his whistle.

Argentina fans were kept holding their breath and Kalu Uche attempt from 12 yards went just over the crossbar in the 82nd minute.

And Yakube Ayegbeni missed just high four minutes later as Nigeria smelled blood. But Argentina held on.

Source: Web Search

Heinze''s early strike guides Argentina to victory over Nigeria

Published Sat, Jun 12 10 10:22 PM

Fakir Hassen Johannesburg, Jun 12 (PTI) Gabriel Heinze scored early in the first half as two-time champions Argentina started their 2010 World Cup campaign in style with a 1-0 win over Nigeria in a Group B clash at the Elis Park stadium here today. Lionel Messi sparkled in the entire 90 minutes with his deft footworks and lovely run-ins but Nigerian custodian Vincent Enyeama prevented him from scoring after defender Heinze broke the deadlock in the sixth minute. Argentina created numerous scoring chances and dominated Nigeria throughout the match but Heinze''s early strike was enough for Diego Maradona''s boys to secure the full three points. Even though the Argentines controlled the proceedings they failed to find the second goal against Nigeria although they threatened on more than one occasion in the second half. Argentina started the proceedings on an attacking note as Messi looked in irresistible form and threatened to run away with the match from the Nigerians. If it was not for some acrobatic saves from goalkeeper Enyeama, Nigeria could have been down by at least four to five goals in the opening half. Magical Messi lived up to his reputation and proved why he was the world''s best player, bringing out numerous saves from the Nigerian custodian in the first session. Gonzalo Higuain was guilty of wasting at least two clear scoring chances, one of which came as early as in the fifth minute with Messi setting up the opportunity after dodging past three defenders, but Higuain''s shot was tipped away by an alert Enyeama for a corner, resulting in the goal. Left-back Gabriel Heize powerfully headed home from a Sebastian Veron''s corner after he was left unmarked by the Nigerian defence, which send the Argentina fans and coach Maradona into wild celebration. Nigeria too had their chances but poor finishing did them in. .

Source: Web Search

FIFA World Cup fever grips football lovers in India

Published>Sat, Jun 12 10 10:06 PM

Bangalore/Kolkata, June 12 (ANI): As football lovers around the world are feeling joyous over the start of the FIFA World Cup 2010 in South Africa, the football fever has started to grip Indians as well.

In Bangalore, football lovers beyond age celebrated world's biggest football event at Gautampura, a locality in Bangalore.

The residents of this locality World Cup football is major festival that comes once in four years. So, they prefer celebrating it in a grand way.

The residents have established a huge statue of football player Edison Arantes do Nascimentobest known by his nickname 'Pele' on the square of Gauthampura.

But this year they have set up a big football and a football shoe of 12 feet height by the side of the statue.

The entire locality is the fan of Brazil team and the other teams they favour are Argentina and England.

"Favourite team in this locality is Brazil only and some England fans are also there. So we go for Brazil only," said Kamal Pasha, a soccer fan.

In Kolkata, where many of the local youngsters literally view football as their second religion, has been gripped with World Cup football mania.

People thronged shopping malls to watch football matches on giant television screens.

"World cup is actually beginning today (June, 11), so I am here with couple of friends of mine to watch the match here on the big screen right here. So, really enjoying the match today. We have Mexico and South Africa playing. The matches are really exciting from the beginning. Lots of chances. Really exciting match," said Adideb Mukherjee, a soccer fan.

India, ranked 133rd in the world, has never come close to qualifying for the World Cup, but that does not seem to have dampened fans' enthusiasm for the month-long tournament.

The event will see 32 countries fighting it out for the title of World Champions. (ANI)

Source: Web Search

Ghana's Serbian coach Rajevac swaps loyalty

Published>Sat, Jun 12 10 09:36 PM

Pretoria, June 12 (DPA) Ghana's Serbian head coach Milovan Rajevac hopes to remain a hero in the West African nation by leading the Black Stars to victory over his native country in Sunday's football World Cup Group D opener.

There have been fears where Rajevac's loyalties may lay when Ghana and Serbia clash at the Loftus Versfeld Stadium. But the Cajetina native, who became a national hero when he guided Ghana to their second consecutive World Cup with two rounds of qualification matches to spare, has insisted he will be professional come Sunday.

'There are some suggestions that I may not be fully committed to beating Serbia. That is complete nonsense. I can understand the passion, but they should think again because I am not here to give away matches,' insisted the man they fondly call 'Milo' in Ghana.

There were even local media reports that Rajevac's plush home in Serbia was demolished in what some see as an intimidation tactic by his native country. But the coach has since denied the story, while the Ghana Football Association (GFA) have backed him to do 'a professional job'.

At the 1974 World Cup in Germany, Zaire (now DR Congo) were hammered 9-0 by Yugoslavia with some suggesting that the Yugoslav coach of the African Leopards, Blagoja Vidinic, threw away the game to favour his home land.

Rajevac is the third Serbian coach in Ghana national team history and is being asked to at least equal the record achieved by compatriot Ratomir Djukovic, who took the Black Stars to the Round of 16 in Germany four years ago.

With Germany and Australia also drawn in a tough first round Group D, Ghana cannot afford to drop points against a Serbian side who topped a qualifying group that included France, Romania and Austria.

Ghana will have their work cut out for them on Sunday in the absence of injured Chelsea star midfielder Michael Essien. In addition, there remains concerns over the fitness of Italy-based stars Sulley Muntari and Kwadwo Asamoah as well as the experienced Stephen Appiah.

However, the country's hopes are now on Kevin Prince Boateng to seize his chance and shine in central midfield after he switched his international allegiance from Germany and made his debut earlier this month against Latvia.

The 23-year-old midfielder has proved himself on the big stage as he helped his troubled club Portsmouth reach the English FA Cup final this season. South Africa 2010 is therefore a shop window for him to showcase his undoubted talent to prospective buyers.

The White Eagles of Serbia already have their own stars in Manchester United no-nonsense defender Nemanja Vidic, Inter's Dejan Stankovic and Nikola Zigic of Valencia. And under the tutelage of former Atletico Madrid coach Radomir Antic the Serbs are set to consign to the history books a dismal outing at the last World Cup.

Talented Serbia were shocked 0-1 by World Cup minnows New Zealand in the build-up to this tournament. But they have since bounced back to beat Cameroon 4-3 in another warm-up match.

'We believe we are capable of qualifying from this group. We know it won't be easy and we face some tough opponents, but we want to continue our form from the qualifiers and show that we can take on any team in the world,' said striker Zigic.

And at least one Ghanaian is wary of the danger the Serbs' pose.

'Everyone is talking about Germany and Australia, but I'm scared of Serbia because they are aggressive and technically good,' warned Stephen Appiah.

Source: Web Search

Team India beats Zimbabwe by six wickets in Harare

Published>Sat, Jun 12 10 09:26 PM

Harare (Zimbabwe), June 12 (ANI): Team India on Saturday registered its first win of the tour by beating host Zimbabwe by six wickets in the T20I Series at the Harare Sports Club.

Zimbabwe came out all bats blazing, losing too many wickets early, and let spinners dominate proceedings after that.

Zimbabwe were 41 for 2 after four overs when spin was introduced, but Pragyan Ojha, R Ashwin and Piyush Chawla did to Zimbabwe what their spinners were used to doing to others.

That the slow bowlers went for 57 in 14 overs among them, and that there was a spell of 59 deliveries without a boundary, underlined Zimbabwe's trouble.

Ojha also registered the most economical Twenty20 figures for India.

Chamu Chibhabha, surprised India with four fours and a six off the first 18 balls he played, but Chawla's googly dismissed him in the 11th over.

Zimbabwe made a hectic start with Chibhabha and Brendan Taylor getting stuck into the medium-pacers despite the loss of Hamilton Masakadza in the first over.

Chasing a modest 112 to win, India overhauled the target with five overs to spare with Yusuf Pathan (36) and Virat Kohli (27) finishing off the game for the visitors.

Earlier, Indian bowlers showed discipline and restricted Zimbabwe to a meagre 111 for nine at Harare Sports Club.

Paceman R Vinay Kumar (3/24) was the most successful bowler with three wickets while Ashok Dinda (2/27) and Pragyan Ojha (2/11) accounted for two victims apiece.

During India's chase, big-hitting Pathan and youngster Kohli shared an unbeaten 64-run stand for the fifth wicket to rescue India from a precarious 48 for 4.

Pathan's 23-ball knock contained two fours and three sixes while Kohli faced 22 balls with three fours and a six.

Yusuf Pathan was adjudged Man of the Match for his knock of 37 off 24 balls.

"It was a good win. I was clear about going for my shots. Not a good wicket to bat, very slow. I just decided to play my shots, it came off," said Yusuf Pathan at the presentation ceremony. (ANI)

Source: Web Search

Verma expected to be re-elected BAI president

Published>Sat, Jun 12 10 09:16 PM

Chennai, June 12 (IANS) V.K. Verma's reign as the president of the Badminton Association of India (BAI) is likely to continue as he is expected to be re-elected at Sunday's annual general meeting (AGM) here.

The only point of interest is whether former India cricket captain Mohd. Azharuddin would contest against him at all and if so, it will expose the division within the BAI as he would have to be proposed and seconded by two delegates attending the AGM.

Even if there is a division, it is because of government controlled units which have been instructed to back Azharuddin.

Traditionally, Indian sports federations tend to avoid a contest for the key posts in a bid to project an unified face, and by all accounts, the BAI would be happier should Verma is re-elected unanimously.

Verma Saturday presented a very confident picture hinting that Azharuddin was unlikely to garner much support from among the 34 delegates who have a total of 65 votes among them.

In a major boost for Verma, the Hyderabad High Court threw out Azharuddin's plea for a stay order on the elections that will now go ahead as scheduled.

BAI vice-president Ashok Bajaj opined that Verma enjoyed popularity among the affiliated units following inflow of revenue into the federation's coffers. So much so that Verma even declared that the BAI would now be financially independent of the government and thus outside the purview of the guidelines that require him to step down having completed over two terms.

'Verma has sufficient backing within the BAI and I feel that Azharuddin, if he contests, will not get much support,' insisted Bajaj, who felt that Azharuddin's credentials, tarnished by the life ban in the wake of match-fixing allegations, put a question mark on his credibility.

On the eve of the AGM, the re-election was the only topic of interest that was doing rounds as otherwise, the proceedings are expected to be routine.

The ministry has appointed Deepika Kacchal to attend the AGM as the government observer.

Source: Web Search

Sania progresses in Eastbourne WTA event qualifiers

Published Sat, Jun 12 10 09:06 PM

Eastbourne, Jun 12 (PTI) Sania Mirza began her Aegon International qualifying campaign with a straight-set win over Mariana Duque Marino of Colombia here today. The eighth seed Indian carved out a 6-4 6-4 win over her unseeded opponent in one hour and nine minutes. Playing her second tournament post marriage, Sania saved five breakpoints and broke her rival twice in both the sets to progress to the second round. She next faces local wild card Jocelyn Rae, who beat Russia''s Nina Bratchikova 7-6(4) 6-2 in her first round match of the USD 600,000 grass court event, which is a build up tournament for the Wimbledon. Sania had last week crashed out of the Birmingham WTA event in the second round.

Source: Web Search

Indian Open: Anand knocked out, Saina reaches final

Published>Sat, Jun 12 10 08:46 PM

Chennai, June 12 (IANS) Unheralded Indonesian Alamsyah Yunus accepted the unexpected offerings to knock out top seed Chetan Anand of India 16-21, 21-12, 21-13, to enter the final of the Yonex-Sunrise India Open Grand Prix badminton tournament here Saturday.

The crafty 23-year old Yunus slowed down the pace to unsettle the 19th ranked Anand, who increasingly grew despondent to virtually gift the match that lasted 51 tedious minutes but enlivened by a noisy crowd that rooted for the Indian.

In Sunday's final, Yunus takes on seventh seed Guru Sai Dutt, who put out third seeded compatriot Parupalli Kashyap 21-6, 17-21, 21-15, in a close clash.

Later, top seed and World No.6 Saina Nehwal outclassed Indonesia's Aprilia Yuswandari 21-17, 21-11 in the women's singles semi-finals and set up a title clash with second seed Mew Choo Wong of Malaysia who got past Linda Weni Fanetri of Indonesia 22-20, 21-17.

Yunus, ranked 125, said: 'I feel happy and I played well.' He preferred to communicate in gestures that seemed faster than his game that was constructed around long rallies and retrievals.

Anand admitted that he was far too anxious to close the match after winning the first game and committed numerous unforced errors in the second and third during which Yunus opened up sizeable leads and sat on them.

'I was moving well in the first game and controlled the net. In the second, he kept me in the backcourt and as I slowed down, he drew me to the net where I was catching the shuttle far too low. He was also retrieving extremely well and besides, he has a very good overhead stroke,' reflected Anand.

Coming out of a two-month break owing to injury and hence lack of match fitness, Anand pointed out that it was another factor that contributed to his downfall today.

'At my best, I would have won the match fairly comfortably. I think, it will take me another couple of tournaments for my fitness to improve,' he added.

The stop-start match did little to help Anand to get into any sort of rhythm. 'That's the way he plays and there is not much you can do,' he said, but clarified that he was not distracted by the confusion over the dress code when the chair umpire first disallowed any change in colour of the fresh top that Anand wanted to wear at the start of the third game, but subsequently relented.

'I was not aware of the rule that you have to wear the same colour shirt throughout the match. I wanted to change my top (black with sleeves) but it was of different colour (blue and sleeveless). But that was not an issue at all,' Anand said.

The results (all semi-finals, prefix denotes seeding):

Men's singles: Alamsyah Yunus (INA) bt 1-Chetan Anand (IND) 16-21, 21-12, 21-13; 7-RMV Gurusaidutt (IND) bt 3-Kashyap Parupalli (IND) 21-6, 17-21, 21-15.

Women's singles: 2-Mew Choo Wong (MAS) bt Linda Weni Fanetri (INA) 22-20, 21-17; 1-Saina Nehwal (IND) bt Aprilia Yuswandari (INA) 21-17, 21-11.

Men's doubles: 1-Mohd Fairuzizuan/Mohd Zarky (MAS) bt Chayut Triyachart/Danny Bawa Chrisnanta (SIN) 21-8, 21-17; 2-Rupesh Kumar/Sanave Thomas (IND) bt Afiat Yuis Wirawan/Rendy Sugiarto (INA) 21-9, 18-21, 24-22.

Women's doubles: 1-Lei Yao/Shinta Mulia Sari (SIN) bt Della Destiara Haris/Suci Rizki Andini (INA) 21-16, 21-17; 2-Jwala Gutta/Ashwini Ponnappa (IND) bt Keshya Nurvita Hanadia/Komala Dewi (INA) 21-12, 21-18.

Mixed doubles: 1-Diju Vilayanti/Jwala Gutta (IND) bt 4-Muhammad Rijal/Debby Susanto 21-7, 21-10; Chayut Triyachart/Lei Yao (SIN) bt Ricky Widanto/Jenna Gozalli (INA) 17-21, 21-16, 21-13.

Source: Web Search

Italy's Gennaro Gattuso to retire from international football

Published>Sat, Jun 12 10 08:37 PM

Cape Town, June 12 (IANS) Italian midfielder Gennaro Gattuso said Saturday that he would retire from international football after the World Cup.

The decision of the veteran AC Milan player comes just two days before Italy start the defence of their World Cup trophy against Paraguay here. He also expressed his ambition to one day become Italy coach.

'I'm turning 33 and given the position I play in it's only right to move over for those with more gas,' Gattuso was quoted as saying by The Daily Telegraph Saturday.

'After that my dream is to go to the World Cup as Italy coach.'

The 2010 World Cup here will be Gattuso's third World Cup. He was an integral member of the side that defeated France in the final four years ago and also appeared for his country as Italy reached the quarter finals in 1998 and second round in 2002.

However, in the current side, Gattuso is no longer a guaranteed starter but the 32-year-old still insists he deserves his place in the squad.

'I've had a hard season (with injuries) and I know it wasn't brilliant but Lippi has given me the chance to be here,' Gattuso said.

'If I have a regret (this season) it's that I played when I was injured but you all know what I'm like, I played and I paid for it (in terms of form and availability). But that doesn't mean that I'm finished. I've still got the desire and the determination and I hope to show it. And even if they ask me to carry the water, I'll do it.'

Gattuso also criticised the excessively tight security in South Africa, saying it was a detraction.

'The World Cup atmosphere is always great but the one thing I don't like is that every time you want to go somewhere, not just us but you (journalists) too, you have to have a police escort,' he said.

'That's not the World Cup, the World Cup is supposed to be about joy. Even if you want to go down to the shopping mall you have to have a police escort, that's a bit annoying but otherwise everything else is great.'

Source: Web Search

South Korea beat Greece in Group B opener

Published>Sat, Jun 12 10 08:26 PM

Port Elizabeth, June 12 (DPA) South Korea comfortably brushed aside Greece 2-0 in the World Cup Group B opening game here Saturday.

Captain Park Ji Sung was an inspiration for the team, driving it on from the midfield and scoring the second goal with a fine individual effort after a mistake by Loukas Vyntra.

One-third of the seats were empty in the Port Elizabeth stadium for the match.

South Korea were unbeaten in qualifying and there were no surprises in their line-up with the Manchester United midfielder alongside Celtic's Ki Sung Yueng in midfield and Bolton striker Lee Chung Yong in attack.

Greek coach Otto Rehhagel was taking charge of the team for the 100th time but it was his first ever World Cup match and he handed Georgios Karagounis his 85th cap in midfield and surprisingly left out Liverpool defender Sotiris Kyrgiakos.

Celtic striker Georgios Samaras started up front alongside Angelos Charisteas but both were taken off in the second half after disappointing displays.

Greece had the first chance, forcing a corner on three minutes but Georgios Karagounis's kick was put over the bar by Vassilios Torosidis.

South Korea soon got into their stride and they were ahead on seven minutes. Ki sent over a free-kick just in front of the corner flag and after the taking the slightest of touches off of Kostas Katsouranis's head, Lee Jung Soo arrived unmarked to make it 1-0.

Greece forced a corner looking for a quick reply but Jung Sung Ryong palmed away from under his bar and immediately launched another quick South Korean counter-attack.

South Korea almost made it two but Torosidis tackled Lee Chung Yong just as he shaped to shoot and the New Zealand referee Michael Hester waved away appeals for a penalty.

On 28 minutes South Korea should have doubled their lead when Park Ji Sung split the Greek defence with a pass to Park Chu Young. The striker honed in on Alexandros Tzorvas but the keeper saved with his legs to concede the corner.

The Greeks were looking shaky at the back with keeper Tzorvas furious with his defenders who looked like conceding every time the opposition attacked.

Park Chu Young shot from distance with South Korea's last chance of the first half and for Greece Theofanis Gekas almost took advantage after South Korean keeper Jung spilled a swerving long-shot from distance.

Eight minutes into the second half Park Ji Sung caught Loukas Vyntra napping on the ball and he raced clear to score a glorious second past Tzorvas who now had yet more reason to lambast his defence.

Greek coach Rehhagel had already made one change bringing on Christos Patsatzoglou for Giorgos Karagounis at the start of the second half but the second South Korean goal saw him use his last two changes.

Samaras was replaced by Dimitris Salpingidis and Pantelis Kapetanos came on for Angelos Charisteas.

That did little to wake up the Greeks and South Korea came close to scoring a third when on 64 minutes Cha Du Ri crossed and Park Chu-Young's header was turned just over.

Rehhagel's changes almost had their desired effect when first Kapetanos blazed over on 70 minutes and then fellow substitute Salpingidis also went close.

With four minutes left Tzorvas had to get down sharply to his left to save from Lee Chung Young as South Korea so nearly made Greece's dismal start to the World Cup even more embarrassing.

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Indian bowls team hopeful of making it to Sydney

Published>Sat, Jun 12 10 08:22 PM

New Delhi, June 12 (IANS) The Indian lawn bowls team, which was denied visas by the Australian High Commission, is still hopeful of making it to Sydney for a practice session ahead of the October 2-14 Commonwealth Games.

Lawn Bowls Federation of India president Sunaina Kumari said Saturday that the external affairs and sports ministries have sprung into action after the team was denied visas and clearance is expected by Monday.

'We submitted all the letters needed from the government, the federation and the IOA. They then asked for the bank statements of the players. Most of our players are from Jharkhand and are from humble backgrounds. The people at the Australian High Commission said their bank balances are insufficient and they cannot be issued visas. And we were surprised. We were like 'What are your intentions'?' Sunaina Kumari told IANS.

'Our coach (Richard Gale), who is an Australian, was also furious. We had taken him along to push our case but the people at the high commission remained defiant. He was absolutely shocked.

'Our teams before have gone to Malaysia and China. The team even has been gone for the World Cup in Australia and they faced no such issues.

'Now, with the sports ministry and the external affairs ministry rallying round, everything should hopefully be sorted out by Monday,' Sunaina Kumari said.

The bowls team, aged 14-54, were invited to play at the St Johns Park Bowling Club in western Sydney and were scheduled to arrive there Saturday.

'Four times they've changed their date,' the bowls manager at the club, Paul Girdler was quoted as saying in the Sydney Morning Herald. 'They were going to be here for a month, playing every day against the state and even the Australian team.'

Girdler said there was nothing dubious about the team. 'They are a new lawn bowling country, he said. 'India is an untapped area in the game.'

The Australian bowls team is considered as the world's best and is among eight nations competing in the Commonwealth Games.

Australia has been in the news for all the wrong reasons after several recent attacks on Indian students in Melbourne and Sydney.

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India finally beat Zimbabwe, win 1st T20 by six wickets

Published Sat, Jun 12 10 08:07 PM

Harare, June 12 (PTI) India overcame a shaky start to register their first win over Zimbabwe on the current tour as they beat the hosts by six wickets in the first Twenty20 International cricket match here today. Chasing a modest 112 to win, India overhauled the target with five overs to spare with Yusuf Pathan (36) and Virat Kohli (27) finishing off the game for the visitors, who were shocked by the African minnows twice in the one-day tri-series. Earlier, shaking off the tri-series rust, Indian bowlers showed discipline and restricted Zimbabwe to a meagre 111 for nine at Harare Sports Club here today. Paceman R Vinay Kumar (3/24) was the most successful bowler with three wickets while Ashok Dinda (2/27) and Pragyan Ojha (2/11) accounted for two victims apiece. During India''s chase, big-hitting Pathan and youngster Kohli shared an unbeaten 64-run stand for the fifth wicket to rescue India from a precarious 48 for 4. Pathan''s 23-ball knock contained two fours and three sixes while Kohli faced 22 balls with three fours and a six. India, like their opponents, began poorly as they lost openers -- Murali Vijay (5) and Naman Ojha (2) to paceman Chris Mpofu by the third over. Skipper Suresh Raina (28) played a good hand in the middle order to re-build the innings with Rohit Sharma (10). However, both of them returned to the dug out in the eighth over with spinner Ray Price (2/24) getting rid of them in the eighth over. It became jittery for India but Pathan and Kohli ensured that their side do not end up facing more humiliation. Earlier, Chamu Chibhabha (40) and Craig Ervine (30) stood tall amid ruins for the hosts, as their middle and lower order collapsed after a sound start. Opting to field, Vinay Kumar gave India a perfect start and landed the first blow to the hosts as early as in the fourth ball of the match when he got rid of Hamilton Masakadza (1), caught by skipper Suresh Raina at extra cover. Vinay was hit for a four and two sixes in his next over by Chibhabha and Brendan Taylor (15) but the paceman got his revenge when he caught the latter plumb in front of the wicket in the last ball of the same over. .

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India beat Zimbabwe by six wickets

Published Sat, Jun 12 10 07:52 PM

Harare, Jun 12 (PTI) India defeated Zimbabwe by six wickets in the first Twenty20 International here today. Brief Scores: Zimbabwe: 111 for nine in 20 overs (Chamu Chibhabha 40, Craig Ervine 30; R Vinay Kumar 3/24, Pragyan Ojha 2/11). India: 112 for four in 15 overs (Yusuf Pathan 36 not out, Suresh Raina 28, Virat Kohli 27 not out; Chris Mpofu 2/31, Raymond Price 2/24).

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South Korea beat Greece in Group B opener

Published>Sat, Jun 12 10 07:36 PM

Port Elizabeth, June 12 (DPA) South Korea beat Greece 2-0 in the opening game of the World Cup Group B in Port Elizabeth Saturday.

Lee Jung Soo made it 1-0 on seven minutes, scoring from a Ki Sung Yueng free-kick and Park Ji Sung made it two, seven minutes into the second half against a lacklustre Greek side.

Later in Group B, Argentina will play Nigeria in Ellis Park Johannesburg.

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South Korea get off to flying start

Published>Sat, Jun 12 10 07:27 PM

South Korea made an explosive start to their World Cup campaign with a fluent 2-0 win over Greece in their Group B opener on Saturday.

Goals from Lee Jung-soo and captain Park-Ji-sung early in each half gave South Korea only their second World Cup win on foreign soil and left Greece with a massive task to advance from a group that includes Nigeria and Argentina.

The Koreans defended solidly against the ariel threat of the taller Greek players, who bombarded their opponents with lofted passes that yielded few chances for a country that has lost every World Cup game they have played in.

The 2004 European champions struggled against a torrent of South Korean attacks, with European-based duo Cha Du-ri and Park Chu-young proving a handful for the Greek defence.

However, Greece started brightly and could have gone ahead in the third minute when Vassilis Torosidis steered Giorgos Karagounis's corner past the post.

South Korea, unbeaten in qualifying, always looked dangerous though and punished Greece with slick counter-attacking and neat passing play that left their opponents outnumbered at the back.

They snatched the lead in the seventh minute when Lee Young-pyo's corner drifted past four defenders into the path of Lee Jung-soo, who steered the ball into the net to spark frenzied celebrations from thousands of travelling Korean fans.

Greece battled to get back into the game but were caught off guard as the three-times Asian champions piled on the pressure and had two penalty appeals turned down.

Park Chu-young looked certain to double their lead near the half-hour mark when Park Ji-sung's incisive pass put him clean through on goal, only for his shot to clip goalkeeper Alexandros Tzorvas and spiral over the bar.

Park Ji-sung, uncharacteristically quiet in the first half, burst into life after the break and doubled South Korea's lead in the 52nd minute to deal a killer blow to Greece.

He chased a poorly weighted square ball from Avraam Papadopoulos, eluded two defenders and coolly slotted the ball into the corner from inside the area to clinch the points. (Editing by Ken Ferris)

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SPORT-RACES

Published Sat, Jun 12 10 07:22 PM

Bangalore, June 12 (PTI) Following are the results of the Ninth day''s races held here today. First Race: Red Divine Plate- 1100 m Spark of Silver (Berjis Minoo Desai) 54.5 R Rupesh first War Artist 56 Khurshad Alam second Brianna Ramandeep 54.5 S Bal third Scarlet Knight 56 Mohammed Shoaib fourth All ran Won by: 3-1/2 ls, One L and 3/4 Ls Time : One minute: 12.72 seconds Tote : Rs 25 for win. Rs 13, Rs 25 and Rs 29 for places Winner trained by : Prasanna Kumar Favourite :Spark of Silver Forecast : Rs 244 Quinella : Rs 136 SHP : Rs 84 Trin : 70 pct Rs 948 : 30 pct Rs 524.(MORE)PTI CORR MAS

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India halt Zimbabwe to 111 for nine

Published Sat, Jun 12 10 06:52 PM

Harare, June 12 (PTI) Shaking off the tri-series rust, Indian bowlers showed discipline and restricted Zimbabwe to a meagre 111 for nine in the first Twenty20 international at Harare Sports Club here today. India, who had their reputation at stake after the mauling in the tri-series, gave them a chance to redeem their pride with their bowlers -- pacers as well as spinners -- at last coming to the party. Paceman R Vinay Kumar (3/24) was the most successful bowler with three wickets while Ashok Dinda (2/27) and Pragyan Ojha (2/11) accounted for two victims apiece. For the hosts, Chamu Chibhabha (40) and Craig Ervine (30) stood tall amid ruins as their middle and lower order collapsed after a sound start. Opting to field, Vinay Kumar gave India the perfect start and landed the first blow to the hosts as early as in the fourth ball of the match when he got rid of Hamilton Masakadza (1), caught by skipper Suresh Raina in extra cover. Vinay Kumar was hit for a four and two sixes in his next over by Chibhabha and Brendan Taylor (15) but the paceman got his revenge when he caught the latter plumb in front of the wicket in the last ball of the same over. Despite two setbacks, the hosts were off to a flier with Dinda and Vinay Kumar leaking 41 runs off the first four overs. With runs flowing freely from the pacers, Raina introduced R Ashwin into the attack as early as in the sixth over and the off-spinner responded instantly with the wicket of Tatenda Taibu (4), who found Rohit Sharma at mid-on while attempting a big shot. After the early onslaught, runs were difficult to come by with Raina pressing into service another spinner -- Pragyan Ojha, but Chibhabha, somehow, managed to find the odd boundary. With spinners ruling the roost in the low and slow Harare Sports Ground pitch, Raina got tempted to use more of slow bowlers and the decision paid off well with Piyush Chawla trapping dangerous-looking Chibhabha, whose entertained with five fours and a six during his 30-ball stay. Ojha then dismissed rival skipper Elton Chigumbura (3) and Greg Lamb (0) in space of three deliveries to leave the hosts gasping at 81 for six. Dinda then did an Ojha by scalping Ervine and Raymond Price in the penultimate over of the innings.

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Slovakia's Stoch can sleep easy over knee and club

Published>Sat, Jun 12 10 06:46 PM

Slovakia midfielder Miroslav Stoch had a scan on his knee on Saturday and was confident he would shake off the training ground injury in time for their opening World Cup match against New Zealand on Tuesday.

"The doctors said it is not serious and in two or three days I should be fit," he told Reuters after training separately from the rest of the squad at their central Pretoria base because of the knock he picked up on Friday.

"Today I had an MRI, hopefully the result will be good and I will train soon and play on Tuesday."

The 20-year-old, sporting red strapping on his left knee, can also sleep easy over his decision to sign a deal to move to Turkish club Fenerbahce before the World Cup rather than wait to see if he caught the eye of a more glamorous club.

"I wanted to be sure before the World Cup, because you never know what can happen. I didn't want to be worrying," he said about his decision on Thursday to move from Chelsea, where he made just five substitute appearances in four years.

"I decided with my agent that it would be better for me to know where I'm going to play next season. We wanted to do this before the World Cup so now I can concentrate just on the national team."

Stoch, who was swung around by his arms and legs by his mischievous coaches, will avoid being pulled this way and that by clubs ready to pounce on previously little known players who make their mark on the international stage.

The shortest member of the Slovakia squad, at 1.68 metres, Stoch is a key member of the team and enjoyed an excellent season on loan at Twente Enschede, helping them win the Dutch championship this year.

Slovakia are appearing in their first World Cup finals as an independent nation and have been drawn in Group F with world champions Italy and Paraguay as well as New Zealand.

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Giant screens for Kolkata soccer fans

Published>Sat, Jun 12 10 06:36 PM

Kolkata, June 12 (IANS) With the World Cup soccer kicking off in South Africa, the West Bengal government has began installing giant screens across the state to give sports buffs of the football crazy state a chance to view the action live.

'Around 400 giant screens will be set up across the state to enable people watch the matches. Our aim is to cover all the blocks, with special stress on the backward ones,' a sports department official said.

In the metropolis, where the soccer mania is already visible, giant screens will come up at major crossings.

Among the crossings are Gariahat, Shyambazar, Moulali, Park Circus, Ballygunge and Esplanade.

The screens are being taken on rent from private agencies, the official said.

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India restrict Zimbabwe to 111/9 in 1st T20

Published Sat, Jun 12 10 06:27 PM

Harare, Jun 12 (PTI) India restricted Zimbabwe to 111 foe nine in the first of the two Twenty20 Internationals here today. Brief Scores: Zimbabwe: 111 for nine in 20 overs (Chamu Chibhabha 40, Craig Ervine 30; R Vinay Kumar 3/24, Pragyan Ojha 2/11). PTI SSC

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Bose does a Gill, says won''t contest HI election

Published Sat, Jun 12 10 06:22 PM

New Delhi, Jun 12 (PTI) Following in the footsteps of IHF chief KPS Gill, Indian Women Hockey Federation secretary Amrit Bose too today backed the government''s contentious tenure limitation guidelines and made it clear that she will not contest the much-awaited elections of the national body. "I am not contesting the election because we (IWHF) have accepted the government guidelines ( on tenure limitation). I will now play a mentor role and will groom the younger generation," Bose said after the IWHF''s Special General Meeting here. After reinstatement of IHF, Gill, who ruled Indian hockey for nearly 15 years, had last week supported the Sports Ministry''s decision to fix the tenure of presidents of Indian Olympic Association and National Sports Federations at 12 years with or without break and said he will not contest Hockey India polls. According to the ministry regulations, the secretary generals and the treasurers'' tenure was fixed at eight years at a stretch. The guidelines also advocate a retirement age of 70 years. Bose, meanwhile, claimed that today''s meeting was attended by a two-third majority and only six states -- Himachal Pradesh, Assam, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Maharashtra and Jammu & Kashmir -- gave it a miss. She said they had also formed a five-member sub-committee to chalk out the modalities of the merger with IHF. "21 states out of 31 attended today''s Special General Meeting. Apart from them, three states in Jharkhand, Bengal and Tripura had sent their solidarity letter with us," the IWHF secretary said. "In the meeting we discussed the merger of state associations. We formed a five-member committee which will initiate dialogues with IHF very shortly to formulate and make policies of merger of the two federations at the national level and later at the state level. "We will be making sure that elections are held at the earliest so that a democratic body is formed," Bose said. Bose criticised IOA and Hockey India''s handling of the game in the last two years and informed that the IWHF has decide to conduct the nationals in August-September this year. "For the last two years, everyday Hockey India members kept on changing. No minutes of the meetings were circulated to anybody. Hockey India failed to conducted the nationals in the last two years. "I had written to IOA president (Suresh Kalmadi) in May 2009, saying that the procedures followed by them was undemocratic and then voluntarily walked out of Hockey India," she said. More PTI SSC AT

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Germany youngsters seek to impress against Australia

Published>Sat, Jun 12 10 06:16 PM

Durban, June 12 (DPA) A young German national team will seek to overcome Sunday the absence of captain Michael Ballack when they make their debut in Group D of the 2010 World Cup football against Australia in Durban.

Germany's youngest team in over seven decades have an average age of around 25 in their likely starting line-up, while their Australian rivals at Moses Mabidha Stadium are on average over 30, in many cases veterans of the 2006 World Cup.

'They all want to show what they can do,' Germany coach Joachim Loew said of his youths.

Loew, 50, who led Germany to the final in Euro 2008, is ambitious for the ongoing global event.

'In a tournament, the goal is always to win every match,' he stressed.

Australia are expected to put up a defensive side in an effort to nip that effort at the bud. And they will most likely rely on Everton midfielder Tim Cahill to make a difference up front, as he did at Germany 2006.

Loew will have a comfortable pick from his current squad, since all players were fit by Saturday. Earlier, injuries prevented both Ballack and first-choice keeper Rene Adler from playing in South Africa at all.

History may weigh in on the relatively-warm Durban night. And that would hardly benefit the Socceroos.

While Germany have won three editions of the World Cup (1954, 1974 and 1990), Australia remain a humble player in the global football scene.

The Socceroos have taken part in fewer World Cups than Germany have won: in 1974 they could not get past the group stage, while in 2006 they could only make it to the second round. In their first World Cup participation, in fact, Australia were beaten by both West Germany and East Germany.

But of course football is full of surprises.

And Australia nearly pulled off a big one at Germany 2006, losing 1-0 to eventual champions Italy in the Round of 16 on a controversial penalty scored five minutes into injury time.

And it remains to be seen whether Germany's youngsters can impose their individual hierarchy and the weight of their country's football history Sunday in Durban.

The Europeans' manager Oliver Bierhoff noted that all that would need to be confirmed on the pitch, and that this might not prove so easy.

'Now comes the moment of truth. We now have to show how we can perform,' Bierhoff said Saturday. 'The opening match in particular is a hard task for our young team.'

On paper, Germany are better than their rivals, and German captain Philipp Lahm, a veteran at 26, thinks they have the stuff to back that up on the pitch.

'Of all the national teams I have played in so far, this is the team that has the most quality,' Lahm warned.

And that is quite a warning: Lahm came third in the 2006 World Cup and was runner-up in the Euro 2008.

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