Sehwag''s hamstring strain has Indian team worried

Published Sun, Jun 20 10 12:21 PM

Dambulla, Jun 20 (PTI) The Indian team management has its fingers crossed over the fitness of opener Virender Sehwag, who sustained a hamstring injury during the thrilling win over Pakistan in the Asia Cup here. The swashbuckling opener pulled his right hamstring in India''s pulsating one-ball-to-spare win over Pakistan. Sehwag was in pain during his his 30-ball stay at the wicket and was assisted by Suresh Raina as a runner. However, the team management is hopeful that Sehwag would recover in time for the matches against Sri Lanka, including the June 24 final. With there being no specialist opener in the reserves, India would have to promote either Virat Kohli or Rohit Sharma to open the innings in Sehwag''s absence. "He has pulled his hamstring. The physio has been taking care of him, But we will take a call on his fitness tomorrow," said team manager Ranjib Biswal. Biswal, however, said pacer Ashish Nehra, who was nursing back spasms, is completely fit now. "Nehra had back spasms during the first match. But he has recovered completely and should be ready for the games against Sri Lanka," said Biswal.

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Murray says he fears becoming Wimbledon champ

Published>Sun, Jun 20 10 12:17 PM

London, June 20 (ANI): British tennis star Andy Murray says the pressure to become Wimbledon champion has become so huge that he would rather concentrate his efforts on winning the U.S. Open.

Brit has won the Wimbledon men's singles title in 74 years. The last one to do so was Fred Perry.

Murray, who is currently seeded fourth in world rankings, says that he is scared he might not be able to cope with being crowned champion of the All England club.

"If I won Wimbledon I don't really want to think what would happen. It does change everything in your life; from being just a tennis player to being a huge, huge star and that's something that would be difficult to deal with. I'm sure for someone from another country it changes your life, but not in the same way it would if a Brit won. It would be very, very difficult," News of The World quotes Murray, as saying.

"I'd rather win the US Open. It's not that I don't like Wimbledon. On the contrary, but I have always had a preference for the US Open, which is the one I'd like to win as a priority. The fans in New York are different from those in London and elsewhere. Over there, there's a little touch of madness that I like," he adds.

Murray, 23, will take on the Czech Republic's Jan Hajek in his first match on Tuesday and has been handed a kind draw that should see him progress to the fourth round before a potential clash with Queen's Club winner Sam Querrey. (ANI)

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Serena Williams admits to having a temper on court

Published>Sun, Jun 20 10 11:57 AM

London, June 20 (ANI): Defending Wimbledon champion Serena Williams says she relishes getting angry on court - and has vowed to never curb her fiery temperament.

"I've always been a perfectionist and had a little temper and that's never going to change. That's exciting. That makes people want to watch, it's cool," News of The World quoted Serena, as saying.

She adds: "You can't change who you are. When I demolish a racket I like to see how many cracks there are - if there is one crack it's no good. If I need to destroy the racket I've got to go all the way. Sometimes there are three different cracks - that's a really good one."

Current world No 1 Serena is hoping to net her fourth Wimbledon title and a 13th Grand Slam.et the real target is to better Tiger Woods' tally of 14 majors before the year is out.

She added: "I always wanted to catch up with him but I couldn't remember how many Grand Slams I had so I asked on Twitter. They told me 12. Now I know.

"I would love to have five or six Wimbledons but I'll just do the best I can. I won't get too down if it doesn't happen. I had chances to get more but I screwed them up - it's my own fault." (ANI)

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Murray says he fears becoming Wimbledon champ

Published>Sun, Jun 20 10 11:51 AM

London, June 20 (ANI): British tennis star Andy Murray says the pressure to become Wimbledon champion has become so huge that he would rather concentrate his efforts on winning the U.S. Open.

Brit has won the Wimbledon men's singles title in 74 years. The last one to do so was Fred Perry.

Murray, who is currently seeded fourth in world rankings, says that he is scared he might not be able to cope with being crowned champion of the All England club.

"If I won Wimbledon I don't really want to think what would happen. It does change everything in your life; from being just a tennis player to being a huge, huge star and that's something that would be difficult to deal with. I'm sure for someone from another country it changes your life, but not in the same way it would if a Brit won. It would be very, very difficult," News of The World quotes Murray, as saying.

"I'd rather win the US Open. It's not that I don't like Wimbledon. On the contrary, but I have always had a preference for the US Open, which is the one I'd like to win as a priority. The fans in New York are different from those in London and elsewhere. Over there, there's a little touch of madness that I like," he adds.

Murray, 23, will take on the Czech Republic's Jan Hajek in his first match on Tuesday and has been handed a kind draw that should see him progress to the fourth round before a potential clash with Queen's Club winner Sam Querrey. (ANI)

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Spain confident defeat will spark reaction

Published>Sun, Jun 20 10 11:43 AM

Spain are optimistic that a shock 1-0 defeat by Switzerland in their Group H opener will stun the European champions into action for their second match against Honduras on Monday.

"The loss helps to show you that there are no easy matches, that every team at a World Cup will make it hard for you," defender Raul Albiol told a news conference on Saturday.

"The favourites are not winning," he added, in reference to defeats for France and Germany against Mexico and Serbia respectively and England's surprise draw with unfancied Algeria.

"If you look at past World Cups, we have often seen teams that start off losing go on to win the final."

Coach Vicente del Bosque was criticised by his predecessor Luis Aragones, among others, for fielding a cautious 4-5-1 formation against the Swiss.

He may switch to a more ambitious 4-4-2 lineup on Monday, with fit-again Fernando Torres partnering strike partner David Villa up front.

Spain dominated possession against the Swiss but failed to take their chances and suffered only their second defeat in 3-1/2 years following a 2-0 loss to the United States at the Confederations Cup in South Africa last June.

That defeat deprived them of a place in the final against Brazil but if they finish second in Group H they could play the five-times champions in the last 16.

MINIMAL CHANGES

Del Bosque, who is not known for making sweeping tactical changes, told As newspaper on Saturday if there were alterations to the starting 11 against Honduras they would be minimal.

"We have to reestablish ourselves, gain confidence and believe in what has given us so much success in the past," the 59-year-old said.

"We expect (Honduras) to close ranks but, on the other hand, they have to open up at some point and those spaces are what we have to take advantage of," he added.

"This team has had fabulous runs of form and now we are going for six wins. This is the message I have been sending to the players. There is no point in looking back only forwards."

"The positive side of this setback is that it's better to fail at the start than at the end," he added.

He may have been thinking of the 2006 World Cup in Germany when Spain won all three of their group matches, including a 4-0 thrashing of Ukraine in their first game, before losing to eventual runners-up France in the second round.

Honduras coach Reinaldo Rueda expects the wounded Spanish to come out fighting but said if his players work together they can cause another upset that would leave Spain's hopes of winning a first World Cup in tatters.

"These games (the Switzerland defeat) happen, just like they lost to the United States a year ago," Rueda said on Friday.

"They're the strongest squad in the world but we don't fear any one player," he added. "Collectively they are strong but if we work together we can overcome them. If we don't think we can win we may as well not play."

Source: Web Search

West Indies v South Africa - second test scoreboard

Published Sun, Jun 20 10 11:17 AM

Scoreboard after the second day of the second test between West Indies and South Africa at Basseterre, St Kitts on Saturday.

South Africa 1st innings

G. Smith b Roach 132

A. Petersen c Roach b Shillingford 52

H. Amla c Bravo b Shillingford 44

J. Kallis c Rampaul b Shillingford 110

AB de Villiers not out 135

A. Prince c Gayle b Benn 9

M. Boucher run out 17

D. Steyn not out 20

Extras (lb-5, w-2, nb-17) 24

Total (for 6 wickets - declared) 543

Did not bat: P. Harris, M. Morkel, L. Tsotsobe

Fall of wickets: 1-99 2-211 3-283 4-421 5-442 6-490

Bowling: K. Roach 22-4-72-1 (nb-12 w-1), R. Rampaul 18-4-65-0 (nb-1), S. Benn 30-3-124-1, D. Bravo 18-2-58-0 (w-1), S. Shillingford 52-4-193-3 (nb-4), N. Deonarine 3-0-20-0, B. Nash 4-0-6-0

West Indies first innings

C. Gayle not out 42

T. Dowlin c de Villiers b Morkel 10

N. Deonarine not out 33

Extras (nb-1) 1

Total (for 1 wicket) 86

Fall: 1-13

Bowling: D. Steyn 7.2-2-15-0, M. Morkel 6-0-29-1 (nb-1), L. Tsotsobe 4-0-19-0, P. Harris 6-0-23-0

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Italy develop complex about New Zealand's giraffes

Published>Sun, Jun 20 10 10:37 AM

Staring up at the stadium roof supports shaped like giraffes, Italy coach Marcello Lippi was reminded of the height complex which is gripping his camp before Sunday's clash with New Zealand.

The gulf in class between the world champions and 78th-ranked New Zealand ahead of their Group F match at Nelspruit's peculiarly-designed stadium should be obvious, but Italy are taking their usual cautious approach to extremes.

"Undoubtedly from a technical point of view we shouldn't fear them but we have to be wary of their physicality and their heading ability, they are all very tall," Lippi told a news conference on Saturday.

"It's a match where we will have to pay great attention to dead balls. The more we keep them away from around our box, the better. We have lots to lose, like getting through the group."

Italy captain Fabio Cannavaro, much smaller than an average centre back, was caught out by Antolin Alcaraz's header in Monday's opening 1-1 draw with Paraguay and all Italy players have talked about this week is New Zealand's height.

Azzurri fans would probably rather the focus was on how Italy's misfiring strikers are going to rip apart their prey at the gateway town for Kruger National Park, but confidence is so fragile that strong defence has been the watchword.

Midfielder Andrea Pirlo, who missed the Paraguay match, will again be on the sidelines because of a calf injury but may be able to make the final group game against Slovakia on Thursday.

"He is improving day by day. From Monday he will train with the group but I don't know what intensity he will be able to do it," Lippi said.

Gianluigi Buffon is also out with a herniated disc in his back but Lippi denied reports the goalkeeper's World Cup is over as Italy continue to believe he can return in the latter stages.

"He's trying to recover. He's getting better day by day and we haven't lost the hope of playing him," Lippi said.

Team doctors have been giving Buffon cortisone injections and a decision on whether he needs an operation on his back will only be made after the tournament.

Federico Marchetti, who came on for Buffon at halftime against Paraguay, will again deputise but Lippi refused to speculate on the rest of his team amid speculation Mauro Camoranesi could replace Claudio Marchisio in a 4-4-2 formation.

"If a team bemoans the loss of someone who isn't there it's the worst thing to do. We have other players who are good enough. But at the same time we try to get our top players back," Lippi concluded.

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Thongchai ace highlights flock of eagles at Pebble Beach

Published>Sun, Jun 20 10 10:17 AM

A flock of eagles were made early in Saturday's third round of the U.S. Open, highlighted by the first ace of the tournament at Pebble Beach by Thailand's Thongchai Jaidee.

Taking advantage of calm conditions ahead of lively winds forecast later in the day, Thongchai aimed left at the 181-yard par-three 5th and watched as his eight-iron shot kicked right and rolled into the hole to roars from the crowd.

It was the the 10th ace of Thongchai's career and first at a major championship.

"This will be a very good memory for me," Thongchai told reporters outside the scoring tent after he posted a round of three-over-par 74 for a 10-over 223 total.

Thongchai's ace underlined some great scoring opportunities for the early starters chasing a three-under-par target set by second-round leader Graeme McDowell.

Joining in the eagle parade were Davis Love, Canadian Mike Weir and Henrik Stenson of Sweden, who all registered eagles at the par-four fourth hole, where tee markers were moved up 40 paces to play at 290 yards.

Source: Web Search

Pakistan v India - Asia Cup - scoreboard

Published Sat, Jun 19 10 11:37 PM

Scoreboard at end of the Asia Cup match between Pakistan and India at Dambulla on Saturday.

India won by three wickets

Pakistan innings

S. Butt run out 74

I. Farhat c Sehwag b Harbhajan Singh 25

S. Malik b Khan 39

U. Akmal c Dhoni b Jadeja 21

U. Amin c Kohli b Harbhajan Singh 5

S. Afridi lbw b Kumar 32

K. Akmal c Raina b Kumar 51

A. Razzaq c Dhoni b Kumar 3

M. Aamer run out 3

S. Akhtar not out 3

S. Ajmal c Nehra b Khan 0

Extras (b-1, lb-5, w-4, nb-1) 11

Total (all out; 49.3 overs) 267

Fall of wickets: 1-71 2-144 3-146 4-159 5-196 6-219 7-227 8-247 9-265 10-267

Bowling: P. Kumar 10-1-53-3 (nb-1, w-2), A. Nehra 9-0-58-0, Z. Khan 9.3-0-41-2, Harbhajan Singh 8-0-47-2, V. Sehwag 3-0-19-0, R. Jadeja 10-0-43-1 (w-2)

India innings

G Gambhir b Saeed Ajmal 83

V. Sehwag c Kamran Akmal b Abdul Razzaq 10

V. Kohli b Saeed Ajmal 18

MS Dhoni b Shoaib Malik 56

R. Sharma lbw b Shahid Afridi 22

S. Raina run out (Kamran Akmal) 34

R. Jadeja b Saeed Ajmal 6

Harbhajan Singh not out 15

P. Kumar not out 3

Extras (lb 15, w 8, nb 1) 24

Total (7 wickets; 49.5 overs) 271

Did not bat: Z. Khan, A. Nehra

Fall of wickets 1-47 2-82 3-180 4-208 5-210 6-219 7-262

Bowling: S. Akhtar 10-0-57-0 (nb-1, w-2), M. Aamer 9.5-0-56-0 (w-3), A. Razzaq 5-0-18-1, S. Ajmal 10-0-56-3, S. Afridi 10-0-41-1 (w-1), Shoaib Malik 5-0-28-1 (w-1)

Source: Web Search

Scoreboard: India vs Pakistan, Asia Cup

Published>Sat, Jun 19 10 11:27 PM

Dambulla, June 19 (IANS) Scoreboard of match between India and Pakistan in the Asia Cup here Saturday.

Pakistan:

Salman Butt run out (Jadeja/Dhoni) 74

Imran Farhat c Sehwag b Harbhajan Singh 25

Shoaib Malik b Khan 39

Umar Akmal c Dhoni b Jadeja 21

Umar Amin c Kohli b Harbhajan Singh 5

Shahid Afridi lbw b Kumar 32

Kamran Akmal c Raina b Kumar 51

Abdul Razzaq c Dhoni b Kumar 3

Mohammad Aamer run out (Sharma) 3

Shoaib Akhtar not out 3

Saeed Ajmal c Nehra b Khan 0

Extras:(b-1, lb-5, w-4, nb-1) 11

Total:(all out in 49.3 overs) 267

Fall of wickets: 1-71 (Imran Farhat, 16.3 ov), 2-144 (Shoaib Malik, 28.6 ov), 3-146 (Salman Butt, 29.5 ov), 4-159 (Umar Amin, 32.4 ov), 5-196 (Umar Akmal, 37.3 ov), 6-219 (Shahid Afridi, 43.4 ov), 7-227 (Abdul Razzaq, 45.1 ov), 8-247 (Mohammad Aamer, 47.2 ov), 9-265 (Kamran Akmal, 48.3 ov), 10-267 (Saeed Ajmal, 49.3 ov)

Bowling:

Praveen Kumar 10 1 53 3

Ashish Nehra 9 0 58 0

Zaheer Khan 9.3 0 41 2

Harbhajan Singh 8 0 47 2

Virender Sehwag 3 0 19 0

Ravindra Jadeja 10 0 43 1

India:

Gautam Gambhir b Ajmal 83

Virender Sehwag c Akmal b Razzaq 10

Virat Kohli b Ajmal 18

Mahendra Singh Dhoni b Malik 56

Rohit Sharma lbw b Afridi 22

Suresh Raina run out(Akmal) 34

Ravindra Jadeja b Saeed Ajmal 6

Harbhajan Singh not out 15

Praveen Kumar not out 3

Extras: (lb-15, w-8, nb-1) 24

Total: (for seven wickets in 49.5 overs) 271

Fall of wickets: 1-47 (Sehwag, 10.2 overs), 2-82 (Kohli, 17.4), 3-180 (Gambhir, 35.4), 4-208 (Sharma, 41.2), 5-210 (Dhoni, 42.2), 6-219 (Jadeja, 45.1), 7-262 (Raina, 49.2)

Bowling:

Shoaib Akhtar 10 0 57 0

Mohammad Aamer 9.5 0 56 0

Abdul Razzaq 5 0 18 1

Saeed Ajmal 10 0 56 3

Shahid Afridi 10 0 41 1

Shoaib Malik 5 0 28 1

Toss: Pakistan, who chose to bat

Umpires: Billy Bowden (New Zealand) and Billy Doctrove (West Indies)

TV umpire: Sharfuddoula (Bangladesh)

Match referee: Andy Pycroft (Zimbabwe)

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Kallis moves to within one run of 35th test century

Published Sat, Jun 19 10 11:17 PM

Jacques Kallis moved to within a run of his 35th test century as South Africa continued to punish the West Indies' bowling on the second day of the second test on Saturday.

At lunch, South Africa were 398 for three with AB de Villiers a run short of his half-century.

The pair added 102 runs in the session with Kallis striking 10 fours and a six from his 203 balls. De Villiers scored 42 runs in the session with seven boundaries and a six.

The West Indies' bowlers continued to toil without success as both batsmen thumped boundaries on either side of the pitch.

Play began 15 minutes late because of rain.

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Anelka kicked out of World Cup for insults

Published>Sat, Jun 19 10 10:57 PM

Striker Nicolas Anelka was kicked out of France's World Cup squad on Saturday for insulting coach Raymond Domenech and refusing to apologise, the French Football Federation (FFF) said.

Anelka insulted Domenech in a crude manner at halftime of a 2-0 defeat by Mexico on Thursday in Polokwane.

"The comments made by Nicolas Anelka towards national coach Raymond Domenech are totally unacceptable for the French Football Federation, French soccer and the values they defend," the FFF said in a statement.

FFF president Jean-Pierre Escalettes decided to exclude the striker after Anelka, who was to leave France's base at Knysna, Western Cape, later on Saturday, said he would not apologise, the statement read.

Anelka's insults towards Domenech came after the coach had criticised the player's attitude on the pitch against Mexico before deciding to take him off for the second half.

The player reacted by saying he had words with Domenech but denied having said the foul-month comments attributed to him by French sports daily L'Equipe.

"I have a lot of respect for France and for all my team mates, I insist on that," Anelka was quoted as saying on the website of French daily France Soir (www.francesoir.fr).

"I wish to state that the words printed in the press were not my words," he added.

"I did have a heated conversation with the coach in the secrecy of the locker room, between the coach and myself, in front of my team mates and the staff. It should never had come out of the locker room."

HEAVY CRITICISM

The 31-year-old Anelka, who has scored 14 goals in 71 internationals, had faced heavy criticism from the French media for dismal displays in warm-up games and in the team's opening 0-0 draw with Uruguay.

Domenech had still kept faith in him and left Thierry Henry, France's record scorer with 51 goals from 122 appearances, out of his starting lineup for France's two matches so far.

By insulting Domenech, Anelka emulated former French enfant terrible Eric Cantona, who had called national team coach Henri Michel a "scumbag" in 1988 and did not play for France for months as a result.

French sports minister Roselyne Bachelot reacted to the Anelka incident by urging the France players to show dignity.

"The very high pressure weighing on Les Bleus does not authorise any form of slip-up," Bachelot said in a statement.

"The players must keep in mind that they're wearing France's colours and are considered as role models by many youngsters. This obliges them to show restraint and dignity."

Former France striker Just Fontaine, who scored a record 13 goals at the 1958 World Cup, had asked for Anelka to be sanctioned straight away.

"What's happening to the France team is moronic, deplorable and pitiful," Fontaine told Reuters.

"Anelka must be kicked out."

Source: Web Search

Sharath Kamal storms into Indian Open semis

Published>Sat, Jun 19 10 10:47 PM

New Delhi, June 19 (IANS) Top Indian paddler Sharath Kamal stormed into the semifinals of the ITTF Indian Open Pro Tour with a 8-11, 11-5, 11-7, 7-11, 11-8, 12-10 victory over Young Sik Jung of South Korea at the Yamuna Sports Complex here Saturday.

Sharath Kamal will now take on World No. 15 Dimitrij Ovtcharov of Germany Sunday.

Ning Gao of Singapore defeated Belgian Jean-Michel Saive to set up the other semi-final clash with Hyun Deok Seo of South Korea, who beat Sang Su Lee, also of Korea.

Sharath Kamal's run, however, was cut short in the men's doubles as he and Subhajit Saha went down to Sang Su Lee and Seo of South Korea 7-11, 7-11, 8-11, 12-10, 11-13, thus ending India's campaign in all other events.

The Korean pair will now play Ning Gao and Zi Yang of Singapore, who beat Huang Sheng-Sheng and Wu Chih-Chi of Chinese Taipei in the final of the men's doubles.

In the women's doubles, I-Ching Cheng and Yi-Hua Huang of Korea will face Li Jiao and Li Jie of the Netherlands in the final on Sunday.

Kenji Matsudaira of Japan defeated Chen Chien An of Taipei 11-4, 14-16, 11-5, 11-6, 11-7 to win the under-21 boys singles title. Yu Mengyu of Singapore beat Kasumi Ishikawa to lift the girls' singles title.

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Anelka kicked out of French team over insult: Reports

Published>Sat, Jun 19 10 10:37 PM

Knysna (South Africa), June 19 (DPA) Nicolas Anelka did not take part in Saturday training with the French World Cup squad amid reports that he has been kicked out of the team and sent home.

Citing the French football federation, news reports said that Chelsea forward Anelka, 31, was expelled for insulting coach Raymond Domenech during half-time of Thursday's 0-2 defeat against Mexico.

Canal Plus television in France said that Anelka will return home Sunday and will have to appear before a federation disciplinary body.

Source: Web Search

England beat Scotland by seven wickets - ODI - result

Published Sat, Jun 19 10 10:17 PM

REUTERS - England beat Scotland by seven wickets in a one-day international in Edinburgh on Saturday.

Scores: Scotland 211 all out in 49.5 overs (Kyle Coetzer 51) v England 213-3 in 33.4 overs (Andrew Strauss 61, Craig Kieswetter 73).

Source: Web Search

Sharath Kamal storms into semis of Indian Open TT

Published Sat, Jun 19 10 09:57 PM

New Delhi, Jun 19 (PTI) Top seed Indian Achanta Sharath Kamal laboured to the semifinals of men''s singles event of the NCC Indian Open ITTF Pro Tour tournament with a hard earned win over Young Sik Jung of Korea here today. Sharath defeated Sik Jung 11-8 5-11 7-11 11-7 8-11 10-12 in the quarterfinal at the Yamuna Sports Complex here. He now meets tournament top seed Dimitrij Ovtcharov of Germany in the semis to be played tomorrow. Earlier Sharath made it to the quarterfinals defeating German peddler Patrick Baum 13-11 11-13 11-7 8-11 8-11 11-5 11-9 in a close finish. In the men''s doubles, Sharath and Subhajit Saha defeated countrymen Harmeet Desai and Devesh Karia 11-8 11-8 5-11 10-12 11-4 11-8 to secue a berth in the semifinals. They now meet the Korean pair of Sang Su Lee and Hyun Deok Seo who too defeated their countrymen Young Sik Jung and Min Seok Kim 12-10 11-5 10-12 11-9 11-9. In the other important semifinal clash, Ning Gao and Zi Yang of Singapore will face Chinese Taipei''s Sheng-Sheng Huang and Chih-Chi Wu. In the women''s singles event, Yi-Hua Huang of Chinese Taipei defeated Singapore''s Beibei Sun in straights sets 11-7 11-6 11-6 11-9 to enter the last-four stage. The other semifinals entrant is Mengyu Yu of Singapore who defeated Mi Soon Kang of Korea in straight sets 11-6 11-7 11-7 17-15. The tournament is being considered a test event for Commonwealth Games here in October. Over 100 players from 13 nations are participating in the five-day event.

Source: Web Search

Bolt to miss Commonwealth Games says coach

Published Sat, Jun 19 10 09:37 PM

Jamaican triple Olympic champion Usain Bolt will not compete in the New Delhi Commonwealth Games from Oct 3-14 because they are too late in the year, coach Glen Mills told Reuters on Saturday.

"It was not part of our schedule," Mills told Reuters by telephone.

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Dutchman Michel van den Heuvel appointed Pakistan hockey coach

Published Sat, Jun 19 10 08:51 PM

Karachi, June 19 (PTI) Pakistan Hockey Federation today announced the appointment of Dutchman Michel van den Heuvel as its national team coach in a bid to revive the fortunes of the game following a dismal show in the World Cup earlier this year. The PHF said it had got approval from the Federal Sports Ministry to hire van Den Heuvel till the 2012 London Olympics. The federation also announced that Olympian Manzoor Junior would be the manager of the senior team that embarks on a European tour next month to prepare for the Commonwealth and Asian Games. Heuvel will join the training camp of Pakistan team on June 21 at Hockey Club of Pakistan Stadium here. Huevel, who was the coach of the bronze-winning the Netherlands team in the World Cup in New Delhi earlier this year, was among the three candidates shortlisted by the PHF. He will be Pakistan''s third foreign coach, after fellow Dutchmen Hans Jorritsma and Roelant Oltmans, who were appointed in 1994 and in 2000 respectively. Media reports have said that Heuvel will be paid a whooping 1.6 million rupees a month, an amount that has already raised eyebrows in the Pakistan hockey community. PHF Secretary Muhammad Asif Bajwa said that the decision to appoint Heuvel was taken after serious deliberation and to revive fortunes of the national team. "We have taken this decision in the best interest of the game," he said. Bajwa made it clear that the Dutch coach didn''t have any problem working in Pakistan and security issues had been discussed with him in detail before he agreed to take up the assignment.

Source: Web Search

'Himalayan Odyssey' bike rally kicks off from New Delhi

Published>Sat, Jun 19 10 08:37 PM

New Delhi, June 19(ANI): Sixty enthusiastic motorcyclists set out on the first leg of the Himalayan Odyssey 2010, from here on Saturday.

The seventh edition of the Himalayan Odyssey was flagged off by the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Royal Enfield Motorcycles, R.L. Ravichandran.

The bike rally will test the endurance of the participants on the hilly terrain of Ladakh in Jammu and Kashmir.

The Odyssey offers the best way to the 'Enfield' bike lovers from different parts of the country to put their wheels, hearts and spirits together, to experience the mighty Himalayan mountain ranges from the saddles of their motorbikes.

The 15-day adventure ride will traverse about 2560 kilometres through some of the roughest terrains, breathtaking corners, and highest mountain passes in the world.

"There will definitely be a lot of challenges, like traversing the bike through ice and snow. Water levels will be there so it will be exciting to cross the water bodies," said Praveen Sathe, one of the participants.

Going beyond the Khardung La pass, the world's highest motorable road, into Nubra valley, which is situated 10,000 feet above sea level, this bike rally promises to be the toughest, highest and most thrilling ride above sea level.

"I am thrilled. I have just learnt to ride a bike just two months ago and you can imagine my thrill and excitement, how much it will be there inside. I wanted to do this so badly, but never in my life I could dream of coming here today that too for Himalayan Odyssey," said Asha, a biker from Bangalore.

The bikers will re-converge in the national capital on July 3.

While safety is the main concern, the basic pre-requisite for participation is that the bikers have to be physically fit, although medical help always remains with the bikers during their journey.

The Himalayan Odyssey is an annual event organized by the Royal Enfield Motorcycles. (ANI)

Source: Web Search

Manohar recuses from disciplinary proceedings against Modi

Published Sat, Jun 19 10 08:07 PM

Mumbai, Jun 19 (PTI) Giving in to Lalit Modi''s demand, BCCI president Shashank Manohar has recused himself from the three-man disciplinary committee constituted to conduct a hearing against the suspended IPL commissioner, according to BCCI sources. The Board''s Special General Meeting convened here on July 3 to discuss Modi''s replies to the three show cause notices issued to him would choose a new member to replace Manohar in the disciplinary proceedings, it was learnt. The other two members of the committee are Arun Jaitley and Chirayu Amin, both vice-presidents of the Board. Amin is also the interim chairman of the IPL. Modi''s legal counsel Mehmood Abdi had hit out at the complete silence from both Manohar and BCCI secretary N Srinivasan over the suspended IPL chief''s demand that both these Board bigwigs recuse themselves from future disciplinary proceedings against him. "In the interest of justice and fairplay it is incumbent upon Srinivasan to totally exclude himself. The BCCI President (Manohar) may consider recusing himself from all proceedings involving Mr Modi in present and future," Abdi had said on June 16.

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SPORT-RACE

Published Sat, Jun 19 10 07:57 PM

Bangalore, Jun 19 (PTI) Following are the results of 11th day race held here today. 1st race : The Camineto Plate - (Div II) - 1100 M. A Move to Remember ( M/S Warren Singh and Rupam Das) 56 P Mani first Morova Goodtime 54.5 Imran Chisty second Balmoral Castle 54.5 A Ashhad Asbar third Good Shot 56 R Umesh fourth Not run :- Royal Nature Rest all ran Won by: 2-1/4 Ls, 1-3/4 Ls and 5 Ls Time : One minute 08.80 seconds Tote : Rs 327 for win, Rs 28, Rs 13 and Rs 11 for places Winner trained by : Warren Singh Favourite : Balmoral Castle Forecast : Rs 608 Quinella : Rs 292 SHP : Rs 29 Trin : 70 pct Rs 1914 : 30 pct Rs 820. .

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FIFA condemn England security breach

Published>Sat, Jun 19 10 07:37 PM

FIFA said it was "totally unacceptable" that an angry fan was able to breach security and burst into England's dressing room after their goalless draw with Algeria.

The English Football Association made an official complaint to the world governing body after a supporter was allowed to get so close to star players such as Wayne Rooney and Steven Gerrard at the end of the match in Cape Town.

"It is totally unacceptable for FIFA that a fan can find his way to the dressing room of any team in any FIFA competition," FIFA spokesman Nicolas Maingot told journalists at the briefing.

"This has been discussed this morning at the daily security meeting of the local organisers, police and FIFA. Security will be tight to ensure it will never happen again," he added.

The lone fan was quickly ejected from the dressing room after yesterday's match at the Green Point Stadium and no-one was injured.

But the incident was all the more sensitive given that Britain's Princes William and Harry are said to have visited the players in the dressing room earlier in the evening.

Jermaine Craig, a spokesman for the local organisers, told journalists: "The security level was the same as at all FIFA events."

He said police were still investigating what happened and confirmed the fan was out of the dressing room at the Green Point stadium within seconds of entering, but he was not arrested and he was allowed to leave the stadium.

England were booed off the field by many of their thousands of supporters in the stadium following the woeful draw which left them needing to beat Slovenia next week to be sure of staying in the competition.

There was further controversy for England when star striker Rooney, who endured another disappointing performance, appeared unhappy with the reaction of England fans.

As he headed for the tunnel, a television camera showed him saying: "It's nice to see your own fans booing you."

Around 25,000 England supporters were in Cape Town for the match, many drinking heavily in bars before and after the game.

The FA will want to ensure security is watertight when England head to Port Elizabeth for Wednesday's do-or-die encounter with Slovenia.

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Pakistan set India 268 for victory

Published Sat, Jun 19 10 07:27 PM

Dambulla (Sri Lanka), Jun 19 (PTI) Salman Butt (74) and Kamran Akmal (51) made contrasting half centuries before India made a remarkable comeback to bowl out Pakistan for 267 in the Asia Cup cricket tournament here today. Butt was involved in two substantial partnerships at the start of the innings -- first a 71-run opening stand with Imran Farhat (25) and then shared 73 runs with Shoaib Malik (39) -- before three quick wickets in the middle overs put brakes on the Pakistani scoring. Praveen Kumar (3/53), Zaheer Khan (2/41) and Harbhajan Singh (2/47) was the pick of the Indian bowlers, sharing eight wickets between them at the Rangiri International stadium. Opting to bat in the do-or-die match, Pakistan were crusing at the 144 for one in the 29th over and looked good to make a total in excess of 290 before Indian bowlers scalped three wickets in just 17 balls to storm back into the game. The wickets slowly but assuredly tightened the noose around the Pakistan middle-order, who failed to get going on a slow and low Dambulla wicket. Pakistan got off to a solid start with Butt and Indian Cricket League-returnee Imran Farhat posting 71 runs for the first wicket. The openers were right on top of the Indian attack when Harbhajan produced the much-needed breakthrough, having comebackman Farhat smartly snaffled by Virender Sehwag at the first slip. But from there on India had to wait for 13 overs for another wicket as Butt and former captain Shoaib Malik, who is returning to the national team after three months following the removal of his 12-month ban, batted with rare aplomb to set the platform for a big total. The duo rotated the strike to upset the line of the spinners and occasionally scored a boundary to keep the score card ticking. But just as Pakistan began to assert themselves in the middle, left-arm pacer Zaheer Khan went through Mali''s defence to give India the breakthrough. To add to Pakistan''s dismay, Butt followed suit in the next over. He fell to a spectacular piece of fielding from Ranvindra Jadeja on his follow through. .

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Danny Boyle plans 'epic and intimate' 2012 London Olympics opening ceremony

Published>Sat, Jun 19 10 07:07 PM

London, June 19(ANI): Oscar-winning British film director Danny Boyle, who will be overseeing the opening ceremony of the London 2012 Olympics, has set out his vision for an "epic and intimate" launch event.

Boyle said that the ceremony would be "full of spectacle and marvel", and would feature pop and rock music from Britain's greatest musical acts.

The 53-year-old was announced as the artistic director of the opening ceremony last week, and will head up a creative team that also includes film-maker Stephen Daldry.

"Music has to play a big part in the ceremony. For such a small country, we have the most extraordinary tradition of music, and people look to Britain as a beacon of music," The Telegraph quoted Boyle, as saying.

"It's a big thing for young people, and the promise of the games was to bring sport and a sense of inspiration to young people. I hope one of the ways we'll be able to do that is through music," he added.

He further said that British films would also play a part in the opening ceremony, which will take place at the 80,000-capacity Olympic Stadium in Stratford, London, on July 27, 2012.

"You think maybe there should be some bits of British films in the ceremony, and there are some wonderful iconic British films that you could use - Chariots of Fire would be the most obvious one for obvious reasons, but just because Stephen and I are involved in film, I don't think it should be a movie-themed thing," Boyle said. (ANI)

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Asian Junior chess: Srinath, Shyam Sundar share lead

Published>Sat, Jun 19 10 06:57 PM

Chennai, June 19 (IANS) Overnight leader N. Srinath drew his match with Anwesh Upadhya and had to be content with sharing the lead with M. Shyam Sundar on 4.5 points after five rounds of the Asian Junior chess championship here Saturday.

Meanwhile, Mehar Chinna Reddy upset defending champion IM Ashwin Jayaram in just 32 moves of a King's Indian game.

In the girls section, WFM Vo Thi Kim Phung of Vietnam broke clear of the field to lead with five points after defeating overnight joint leader Pratyusha Bodda in a Sicilian Rossolimo game.

WFM Bharathi, playing white, did well to stand firm against WFM Nakhbayeva Guliskhan of Kazakhstan to force a draw after 32 moves.

The results (Fifth round): Vidit Santosh Gujrathi 4 drew Narayanan Srinath 4.5; Shyam Sundar M 4.5 bt Anwesh Upadhyaya 3.5; Sethuraman SP 4 bt Lalith Babu MR 3.5; Mehar Chinna Reddy CH 4 bt Ashwin Jayaram 3; Priyadharshan K 4 bt Debashis Das 3; Darini Pouria (Iran) 3.5 drew Narayanan K 3.5; Krishna CRG 3.5 drew Nitin S 3.5; Lokesh P 3.5 drew Adhiban B 3; Karthikeyan P 3.5 bt Sai Krishna GV 2.5; Swayams Mishra 3.5 bt Shamsi Mohammad Hossein (Iran) 2.5; Shyam Nikil P 3 drew Gagare Shardul 3; Abhishek Kelkar 2.5 lost to Pascua Haridas (PHI) 3.5; Akkozov Berik (KAZ) 3.5 bt Shreyans K Shah 2.5; Das Sayantan 3.5 bt Saravana Krishnan P 2.5; Arun Karthik R 3.5 bt Harihara Sudan M 2.5.

Girls: Pratyusha Bodda 4 lost to Vo Thi Kim Phung (VIE) 5; Bharathi R 3.5 drew Nakhbayeva Guliskhan (KAZ) 4; Bhakti Kulkarni 4 bt Tay Li Jin Jeslin (SIN) 3; Hejazipour Mitra (Iran) 4 bt Harini S 3; Preethi R 4 bt Pon Nkrithika 3; Padmini Rout 3.5 bt Cholleti SahajaSri 3; Khademalsharieh Sarasadat (Iran) 3.5 bt Salini R 2.5; Michelle Catherina P 3.5 bt Lakshmi Praneetha K 2.5; A Akshaya 3 drew Mitali Madhukar Patil 3; Gagare Shalmali 2.5 drew Lasya G 3; Aparajita Gochhikar ; 2 lost to Saranya J 3; Bernales Christy Lamiel (PHI) 2 lost to Alavi Homa (Iran) 3; Bala Kannamma P 2.5 drew Mohana Priya J 2.5; Nandhidhaa PV 2.5 drew Shetye Siddhali 2.5; Kotepalli Sai Nirupama 2.5 drew Premanath Dinushki (SRI) 2.5.

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Slovakia face Paraguay with Italy on their minds

Published>Sat, Jun 19 10 06:47 PM

Bloemfontein, June 19 (DPA) Slovakia are desperate to win Sunday's clash with Paraguay in Bloemfontein's Free State Stadium because their last Group F game is against Italy.

Both teams go into the game level on points but Paraguay play outsiders New Zealand in their last match while Slovakia face the current World champions.

Paraguay earned praise for their 1-1 draw with Italy, in which they took a first half lead through Man of the Match Antolin Alcaraz.

Slovakia, in contrast, were heavily criticised by their own national press after they failed to beat New Zealand. The Slovaks have since vowed to overcome what was branded by one newspaper back home as their 'moment of shame'.

'Against Paraguay it will be a completely different game,' defender Martin Skrtel said. 'We have to learn from our mistakes,' the Liverpool player added, referring to the defensive lapse that led to Kiwi Winston Reid's headed goal.

Slovakia expect Skrtel to show the solidity he displays in his English Premier League performances while the team will count on Napoli midfielder Marek Hamsik delivering the creative input.

They are also hoping that Slovakia's top scorer in the World Cup qualifiers, Stanislav Sestak, of Bochum, will find the target.

For their part Paraguay have rejected suggestions that they will fall for the temptation of sitting back and then seeking to strike on the break, safe in the knowledge that the Slovaks face the greater pressure to win.

'We won't play for a draw,' Paraguay's Argentinian coach Gerardo Martino said ahead of the Bloemfontein match.

Martino had good reason to be satisfied with the result against Italy, but he must be concerned about their ability to mount consistent attacks.

In Cape Town Paraguay managed just one shot on target against the Italians' five.

The match in Bloemfontein marks the first-ever encounter between Paraguay and Slovakia, but many of the players will be familiar with each other from playing in Germany's Bundesliga.

Three Paraguayans play for clubs in Germany's top flight. Strikers Lucas Barrios and Nelson Valdez are at Borussia Dortmund and midfielder Jonathan Santana plays for Wolfsburg. Before his move Machester City forward Roque Santa Cruz played for Bayern Munich.

Besides Sestak, the four other Slovak Bundesliga-based players include forward Erik Jendrisek from Kaiserslautern as well as defenders, Jan Durica from Hannover 96, Radoslav Zabavnik from Mainz 05 and Peter Pekarik from Wolfsburg.

In Bloemfontein, both teams have one player who picked up a yellow card in their previous matches: Victor Caceres for Paraguay and Zdenko Strba for Slovakia.

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Srinath, Shyam Sundar in joint lead at end of 5th round

Published Sat, Jun 19 10 06:37 PM

Chennai, June 19 (PTI) International Masters N Srinath and M Shyam Sundar of India led the table with 4.5 points each at the end of the fifth round of the Asian Junior Chess championship here today. Overnight leader Srinath was held to a draw by IM Vidit Santosh Gujrathi in 26 moves in a Queens Indian game. On the second table, Shyam Sundar faced the famous Berlin Wall employed by Anwesh Upadhyaya of India. Shyam Sundar displayed a fine understanding of the nuances of the position and played a fine central pawn sacrifice on his 13th move. He did not hurry to get back the pawn and opted for a double rook ending. Anwesh, playing black, had to exchange one pair of rooks to avoid immediate trouble. But, Shyam was sharp and looked deeper into the position to exchange the remaining rooks to set up a simple winning pawn endgame in 36 moves. On the third table, IM S P Sethuraman faced the Caro Kann defence opted by his opponent and fellow IM M R Lalith Babu. Lalith has so far not managed to defeat Sethuraman even once and this time was no better for him as he went down to his bete-noire in 46 moves. In a major upset of the day, Mehar Chinna Reddy put it across defending champion IM Ashwin Jayaram. In a Kings Indian game, Mehar handled the white powerfully. Mehar sacrificed a couple of pawns and made a beautiful knight sortie on his 21st move. He created a dangerous passer on sixth rank. Good tactics saw him win a piece and he duly converted the advantage to a win in 32 moves. .

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Brazil seek quick progress as Ivory Coast bank on Drogba

Published>Sat, Jun 19 10 06:27 PM

Johannesburg, June 19 (DPA) Brazil could book their place in the last 16 with a victory over Ivory Coast but will have to raise their game against the Africans following a tepid 2-1 win over North Korea in the football World Cup.

Sven Goran Eriksson's side will be a truer test of whether the Brazilians have what it takes to claim a sixth World Cup title.

Ivory Coast captain Didier Drogba is thought likely to return to the starting line-up for Sunday's Group G match at Soccer City, Johannesburg after coming off the bench in the opening draw with Portugal.

Brazil, meanwhile, are likely to be unchanged from the side that defeated North Korea.

Brazil have won all five of their previous meetings with African sides at World Cups without conceding a goal, and victory over Ivory Coast would ensure progress from the group with a game to spare.

Following their goalless draw with Portugal, Ivory Coast need at least to avoid defeat to keep their hopes alive before playing North Korea in their final match.

'If we defend well, we should be able to get a good result,' Ivory Coast defender Emmanuel Eboue said.

'Every player feels very, very well and we've got confidence in ourselves,' Eboue said. 'If Drogba plays, it will be very great for us.'

Drogba, who played 25 minutes against Portugal with his fractured elbow in a protective cast, has trained all week and Eriksson indicated he would start.

'Do not be surprised if Drogba starts the next game against Brazil,' said Eriksson.

'He made a valuable contribution when he was on the pitch against Portugal. He is an important player in the team and his health has improved markedly.'

Brazil's trio of Inter Milan players - keeper Julio Cesar, centre-back Lucio and right-back Maicon - know what it takes to snuff out Drogba after limiting his opportunities when Inter sent Chelsea out of the Champions League last season.

Drogba's frustration boiled over in the second leg when he was sent off in the 87th minute for a foul on Thiago Motta.

'Drogba didn't do much in the first leg because Lucio had a marvellous game and practically marked him out of the game,' said Julio Cesar.

'In the second leg he also had few opportunities and he was sent off in the end.'

But the keeper added: 'It will be a difficult game because Ivory Coast are a very physical team and we will have to be very careful with their counter-attacks.'

Brazil striker Nilmar said the selecao would be going for victory to secure an early place in the last 16.

'We gained confidence with the first victory and we need another one now to guarantee a place in the next round,' he said.

'We can do it in advance, so we need to try to go for it.'

Eriksson, meanwhile, remains quietly confident his side can upset the Brazilians.

'It is going to be a difficult game, but looking at what we did against Portugal, we are capable of creating a surprise,' he said.

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Injured Ghana captain Mensah and Vorsah miss out

Published>Sat, Jun 19 10 06:17 PM

Injuries to defensive duo John Mensah and Isaac Vorsah have forced Ghana's coach to make changes to his starting lineup for their second World Cup game against Australia on Saturday in Rustenburg in Group D.

Mensah, who captained Ghana in their 1-0 win against Serbia, picked up a knock in a pre-match training session on Friday and has been replaced by Jonathan Mensah, a 19-year-old hard-tackling centre back.

Ghana's Serbian coach Milovan Rajevac had told reporters on Friday that both Mensah and fellow-defender Isaac Vorsah, who is also injured, were doubtful for the game.

He did not specify the nature of the injuries.

Lee Addy will come in for Vorsah.

Apart from those two changes, the Serbian trainer has named an almost unchanged squad that beat Serbia in their opening game, Ghana FA website (www.ghahafa.org) said.

Richard Kingson will captain the side with John Pantsil and Hans Sarpei as full-backs.

Anthony Annan and newcomer Kevin-Prince Boateng have been entrusted with the midfield holding role while Dede Ayew and Prince Tagoe roam the flanks.

Asamoah Gyan will play up front while Kwadwo Asamoah will operate behind him.

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Rana''s hearing adjourned; asked to approach PCB for leniency

Published Sat, Jun 19 10 06:07 PM

Lahore, Jun 19 (PTI) PCB-appointed appeals'' commissioner Justice Irfan Qadir today adjourned Rana Naved''s hearing to June 26 and had asked the banned all-rounder to approach the board for a review of his 12-month suspension and fine imposed on him for indiscipline during this year''s Australia tour. PCB legal advisor Talib Rizvi confirmed that Justice Qadir, who was looking into the appeals of the players banned or fined in March, had told Rana he should approach the board and ask them to review the penalties imposed on him. "Since the board has reviewed the bans and fines on the other players as well, the appeal''s commissioner said Rana''s case can also be reconsidered by the board," Rizvi said. Rizvi explained that other players have also approached PCB chairman Ejaz Butt for a reconsideration of their sanctions and the appeal''s commissioner lifting the sanctions on his recommendation. "That is why Rana has been told to approach the PCB chairman. He has been given one week to see if the board reconsiders his case as well," Rizvi said. "The board didn''t come under any political pressure. The PCB chairman had asked for the removal of their bans because he believes the players have learnt their lessons and have assured they will not indulge in indiscipline again," he added. Rana, who came all the way from England to attend today''s hearing at the National Cricket Academy here, remained confident of getting due justice after the appeal''s commissioner had adjourned the hearing to next week. "When the other players have had their sanctions removed, I am sure the board will also reconsider my ban and fine because I want to play for Pakistan again," he said. PCB had imposed an indefinite ban on former captains Mohammad Yousuf and Younis Khan and 12-month bans and fine of two million rupees each on Shoaib Malik and Rana besides penalising Shahid Afridi, Kamran and Umar Akmal for their wrong-doings in Australia. However, recently the appeal''s commissioner had removed Malik and Younis'' ban and also reduced the fines of three million and two million rupees each on the Akmal brothers, Besides, the PCB chief himself had removed the three million rupees fine on Afridi, who has now been made the national team captain for all three formats of the game. PTI Cor SSC

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English FA complains to FIFA over security breach

Published Sat, Jun 19 10 05:47 PM

Cape Town, June 19 -- The English Football Association has complained to FIFA after a fan furious at his team's 0-0 draw with Algeria managed to barge into the England dressing room to confront players. England fans booed their side after Friday evening's Group C draw at Cape Town's Green Point stadium, but one supporter's anger carried him through layers of FIFA security - something that infuriated the FA. "It's not our security people's fault, they do a sterling job wherever they go," the FA's Communications Director Adrian Bevington said. "I'm sure FIFA will accept responsibility for this and we have to make sure it doesn't happen again." Media reports in England claimed that the fan confronted David Beckham - travelling with the squad despite injury - before being hustled out by stewards. The FA would only say that heated comments were directed at the under-performing England squad. The security breach came shortly after British royals, Princes William and Harry, left the dressing room. Tensions were high after England's second insipid draw in a row, which leaves them needing victory against Slovenia Wednesday to ensure qualification. Striker Wayne Rooney, who has failed to find any kind of form in the tournament so far, blasted the fans who chose to vocalise their disappointment.

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All Whites happy with spoiler role against Italy

Published>Sat, Jun 19 10 05:37 PM

Nelspruit (South Africa), June 19 (DPA) When the draw for the World Cup football finals was made, the probable scenario ahead of Sunday's Group F match between Italy and New Zealand was clear.

Italy would arrive in the town near the world renowned Kruger Park with three points from their opening game against Paraguay, while the All Whites would arrive licking their wounds after losing to Slovakia.

That was the probable scenario.

In reality, they are on equal terms, with Italy held 1-1 by Paraguay and the All Whites fighting to the same result against Slovakia.

'Look, I am sure everybody in the group thought they would get three points out of New Zealand and maybe the Slovakia result will change Italy's thinking a small bit,' said New Zealand coach Ricki Herbert.

The coach, who was a member of the New Zealand squad the only previous time they qualified for the finals in 1982, said he was now looking to go even further.

'I think the beauty of it and great for the country is that no matter what happens against Italy, we're still not out of it,' he said.

Herbert could play his vice captain Tim Brown, who arrived in South Africa earlier this week after undergoing surgery to an injured shoulder. Herbert though said that he would wait and see.

'You know what players are like. They want to step out tomorrow but Tim is realistic. I am not going to put any pressure on him. If he's positive and comfortable around selection time, he will be considered.'

But while Herbert can go into the match knowing that he has already achieved more than most New Zealand football fans had hoped for, his Italian counterpart Marcello Lippi is facing a nightmare.

The reigning champions struggled against Paraguay and it was only a defensive error that gifted the Azzurri their equaliser.

Lippi will have to start the game without the highly-rated Gianluca Buffon, as well as Andrea Pirlo.

'I feel the confidence of my team-mates and I plan to enjoy the game. I am calm and ready to help the team,' said Cagliari goalkeeper Federico Marchetti, who is expected to take the place of Buffon.

For him the prospect of losing the game is unthinkable.

'What would happen if we lost? I am not thinking about that. I think only about winning,' said Marchetti.

Danielle De Rossi, who scored Italy's goal against Paraguay, said that they would not underestimate the New Zealand side.

'In the World Cup you no longer get games that finish 5-0 or 6-0. Not qualifying for the second round would be a complete failure. It would be like New Zealand going out in the first round of the rugby World Cup.

'Our superior technical skills should see us win. However we need to take them and the challenge they offer seriously. We can't discount the qualities they offer,' De Rossi said.

Italy probably has good reason to take their opponent's seriously. In a friendly in Pretoria last year ahead of the Confederations Cup, New Zealand led twice before Italy rallied to win 4-2.

Lippi and his team would be more than happy to take such a score from the Mbombela Stadium Sunday.

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Tiger Woods' sex scandals cost him $25m in endorsement deals

Published>Sat, Jun 19 10 05:21 PM

New York, June 19 (ANI): Tiger Woods' sex scandal has cost his agency IMG 4.6 million dollars, according to sources.

This means the disgraced golfer likely lost up to 25 million dollars in endorsement deals last year.

Woods pulled in 64 million dollars from endorsements last year and he pocketed most of the cash before the Thanksgiving car wreck that totaled his pristine image.

Woods' affairs cost him deals with Accenture, AT and T and Gatorade.

"He's still doing pretty well," the New York Daily News quoted a source said as saying.

And Woods' management company IMG is also in no danger of going broke.

The agency made a profit of 85.3 million dollars last year, according to CNBC, which first reported the company's losses. (ANI)

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Narendran, Karthi Krishan grab pole for JK Tyre Championship

Published Sat, Jun 19 10 05:07 PM

Chennai, Jun 19 (PTI) TVS Girling''s S Narendran and Karthi Krishna today grabbed pole positions followed by Bangalore based Ajay Kini of Wallace Sports in the qualifying session of Formula Swift category of the 13th JK Tyre National Championship starting here tomorrow. The duo drove excellently, clocking 1 min 56.527 seconds and 1:57.820 secs. In the qualifying event for Indian Super Saloon race, Sailesh Bolisetti, an engineering student from Vishakapatanam representing Ram''s Racing, took the pole position. Bolisetti, winner of first leg of Polo Cup in May in Pune, clocked 2 min 02.594 seconds, while Raj Virdhan, a Coimbatore-based industrialist, took second spot (2:04.306 secs). Siddarth Kishore of Performance Racing was third (2:05.026 secs). City-based veteran driver Sivaramakrishnan flipped his car on Turn-4, damaging it badly. But the former champion was confident his car would be ready in time for tomorrow''s race. Representing Moto Rev India Racing Team, he messed up his chances in the qualifying in the very first lap. Customised 1300 CC Maruti Esteem Suzuki engines mounted on bodywork by LG Sports, which was to make its debut tomorrow has been cancelled and postponed to next month in Coimbatore. A press release from Akbar Ebrahim of LG Sports said the running of Formula Rolon ''Suzuki Race'' in round one has been postponed as ''there has been component failure that led to the scoring and damaging of the camshaft and oil journals''. "In addition, it has also been noticed there is a lot of intermittency in the ignition coil causing premature failures, which could affect the performance," he said, adding failures in all engines were detected last night after detailed inspections. .

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Free kick expert Maradona leads by example

Published>Sat, Jun 19 10 04:57 PM

Nobody in Argentina's World Cup camp, not even Lionel Messi, takes a better free kick than Diego Maradona.

When he organises a hit-the-crossbar competition, it only lasts a few seconds because he bounces the ball off the target first time then walks away laughing.

Maradona is a hands on coach, almost inside his players' minds, encouraging and cajoling during training.

He has thrived at the World Cup, first as player now as coach, his past of drug abuse and near death apparently well behind him.

The 49-year-old was the main man putting reserve goalkeepers Mariano Andujar and Diego Pozo through intense practice at free kicks while the players involved in Thursday's 4-1 win over South Korea in their second Group B match rested.

A wide-eyed press corps watched as Maradona, who has a limp in his left leg, delivered sweetly weighted left-footed shots to either top corner.

Even an ordinary save was met with loud praise from the 1986 World Cup-winning captain.

Maradona talks of his 23 "wild cats" fighting to get on the pitch at the World Cup. Watching training, it is obvious they are not empty words. He keeps all 23, even third keeper Pozo, on their toes.

The constant "good, well done, more" that brought criticism during the qualifiers because it seemed that was all he was good at, is a small part of his powers of motivation.

'MARADONA PLAYS'

However much an Argentina player might lift his game in the light blue and white stripes, his confidence levels appear to peak when he is being encouraged and advised by Maradona.

Daniel Arcucci, co-writer of Maradona's autobiography "Yo, el Diego" (I, Diego), aptly headlined a recent article in La Nacion: "In his own way, Maradona is playing".

In the post-match news conference at Soccer City after Argentina topped the group with six points, Maradona said: "My show of affection towards my players is my way of thanking them for the job done.

"We've made a sensational group... if one has to say something, they say it. We're constantly having meetings.

"We talk things through and reach agreements. We believe that to come to a consensus is better than to punish, than a fine. Talking we resolve matters."

Captain Javier Mascherano told reporters on Friday: "Diego comes to embrace us but just as he does so in front of the cameras he's the same when there are no cameras and that's what's important."

An Argentina set-up full of internal squabbles may have been a correct interpretation of the state of affairs during the qualifiers when Maradona's team flirted with failure.

Harmony now appears to be carrying Argentina on a wave of success and the young -- and spoilt according to his mother Celia -- Messi is thriving.

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Formula Rolon misfires in National Racing Championship

Published>Sat, Jun 19 10 04:47 PM

Chennai, June 19 (IANS) The 13th JK Tyre National Racing Championship started off on the wrong tyre, as it were, with the new-look Formula Rolon races being postponed due to a 'major component' failure, here Saturday.

The Formula Rolon, fitted with 1300cc Maruti Esteem engine, had its first test run last evening and three of the 13 cars packed up due to engine seizure. Subsequently, the organisers, on inspection of the engines, decided postponed the two races scheduled for the weekend.

According to a press release from Akbar Ebrahim of LG Sports Ltd, who have developed the cars, in view of the difference in performance levels of the Formula Rolon cars, it was decided to withdraw the vehicles from round one of the championship.

'There has been a component failure which was detected last night after detailed inspections of all engines post the free practice sessions. This had led to the scoring and damaging of the cam shaft cups and oil journals.

'In addition, it has also bee noticed that there is a lot of imtermittancy in the Ignition coil which caused three premature failures on three engines,' the release said.

Meanwhile, the title sponsors, JK Tyre have compensated all the drivers of the Formula Rolon cars with free flight tickets for the next round scheduled to be held in Coimbatore July 17-18, the release added.

The postponement of the premier class programme took the gloss off the weekend races that will have competitions in the LGB Formula Swift and Touring Car categories.

In the qualifying session this afternoon, Sailesh Bolisetti of RAD Racing and winner of the first round of the Volkswagen Polo Cup last month, topped the time charts in the Super Saloon class clocking two minutes, 02.594 seconds while in the Formula Swift class, S. Narendran of TVS Girling team was the quickest in 1:56.527.

Veteran saloon car racer M Sivaramakrishnan caused a buzz when he flipped his car on Turn 4, but escaped unhurt and said his car would be repaired in time for the races Sunday.

The results (qualifying session):

Formula LGB Swift: S Narendran (TVS Girling) 1 (1min, 56.527secs); Ajay Kini (Wallace Sports) 2 (1:57.983); Ameya Walavalkar (TVS Girling) 3 (1:58.019).

Indian Super Saloon: Sailesh Bolisetti (RAD Racing) 1 (2:02.594); Raj Virdhan (Prime Racing) 2 (2:04.306); Siddharth Kishore (Performance Racing) 3 (2:05.026).

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Button says his performances should shut up his critics

Published>Sat, Jun 19 10 04:41 PM

London, Jun 19 (ANI): Formula One Champion Jenson Button has asked his critics to go silent, as he has proved them wrong.

He said that his second place in this year's championship justifies his decision to quit Brawn for McLaren.

Button is just three points behind teammate Lewis Hamilton, The Sun reports.

Button said: "I know there were some people who were openly questioning the decision and my motivation for moving. But I think I've shown that it was the right move."

"One of the motivating factors was being able to watch - from the outside - how much performance the team was able to bring to last year's car, transforming it from a back-marker into a race winner," he said.

Hamilton on the other hand will be chasing a hat-trick of wins in the European Grand Prix in Valencia knowing he faces a battle holding on to his title lead.

He said: "It's great to be leading the world championship, but F1 is so competitive. You really can't take anything for granted at this level. I'm the fifth leader of the championship so far this year, so it's not easy to stay on top. (ANI)

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Nadal to be Murray's likely semi-final opponent at Wimbledon

Published>Sat, Jun 19 10 04:37 PM

London, Jun 19 (ANI): British No.1 Andy Murray has received a decent draw at Wimbledon, with World No.2 Rafa Nadal being his likely semi-final opponent.

The world No. 4 faces the Czech Republic's Jan Hajek in the first round on Tuesday.

After that, Murray could face Finn Jarkko Nieminen in the second round, 26th seed Gilles Simon of France in the third, Queen's Club winner Sam Querrey in the fourth and Spaniard Fernando Verdasco in the quarterfinals, The Sun reports.

Nadal, who missed last year's Wimbledon with a knee injury, is Murray's likely semi-final opponent.

Yet Nadal is in a difficult quarter that includes American James Blake, rising Latvian star Ernests Gulbis, big-serving John Isner and World No.6 Robin Soderling.

The only other Britisher in the men's draw, Jamie Baker, faces German Andreas Beck. (ANI)

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Denmark still sweating on Bendtner's fitness

Published>Sat, Jun 19 10 04:27 PM

Pretoria, June 19 (DPA) Denmark have admitted they are still sweating on the fitness of Arsenal striker Nicklas Bendtner ahead of their crucial World Cup football Group E match against Cameroon in Pretoria.

Denmark coach, Morten Olsen, disclosed the 22-year-old Bendtner, who has been battling a groin injury for several weeks, is still not sure of starting Saturday's match.

'Bendtner was not 100 per cent against the Netherlands. He played only 60 minutes as he could not complete the 90 minutes. It is a miracle that he is able to last that long. He now has to train every other day, but we can live with that,' said Olsen.

'He is important for us, but he's also part of a team. If he can't play, we will have to play a different way. We have won matches without him.'

Olsen refused to discuss the fitness concerns over his most experienced player, striker Jon Dahl Tomasson, while insisting that the full 23-man squad trained at the Loftus Stadium in Pretoria Friday night 'some more than others'.

'We have many injuries. This makes the work a little more difficult,' lamented Olsen.

The Denmark coach also disclosed that after their opening day loss to the Netherlands he expects to get a result against Cameroon, who also lost their first match in the competition.

'The tournament is now a bit more open with more possibilities and so Cameroon and Denmark have to take something out of this game,' he said.

'Even though we lost our first game, we took away some positives and we hope to improve.'

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Cameroon hit by infighting, Denmark with injuries

Published>Sat, Jun 19 10 04:23 PM

Cameroon's World Cup campaign is in danger of imploding after senior players asked coach Paul Le Guen to reconsider his team selection for their Group E match against Denmark on Saturday.

Cameroon lost 1-0 to Japan and Denmark were beaten 2-0 by the Netherlands in their opening games on Monday and both sides desperately need a win at Pretoria's Loftus Versfeld stadium to have a realistic hope of making the second round.

Cameroon's players are especially unhappy because Frenchman Le Guen omitted seasoned campaigners like defender Rigobert Song and Geremi and midfielder Alexandre Song from the Japan game.

"What we have seen in recent games, which we think is unfortunate, is that many young fresh players have been introduced into the team at the expense of experienced ones," midfielder Achille Emana said.

Cameroon were expected to do well, but their chances now hang by a thread. Emana said the young players had been asked to do too much.

"They cannot withstand the sort of pressure that comes with playing in big tournaments such as the World Cup," he noted. "That is why we are appealing to the coach to review the lineup for Saturday's game against Denmark."

Including Monday's defeat, Cameroon have gone eight matches without a win and key striker Samuel Eto'o told reporters on Monday they needed to keep the faith.

"We played a good match from the beginning to the end. The Japanese had only one chance and they scored. We can't make any more errors and now we have to win against Denmark."

Despite losing their opener to the Netherlands, Denmark are ready to capitalise on Cameroon's woes.

Although naturally down after losing, goalkeeper Thomas Sorensen said the mood in their camp had remained upbeat.

"I think that is one of the good things about our team. We have a great team spirit - that's what has carried us through. One defeat is not going to bring us down."

Denmark have never lost to an African side at the World Cup, but they are struggling with injuries and strikers Jon Dahl Tomasson (thigh) and Mikkel Beckmann (toe) have had to train alone.

The Danes have not scored in their last three matches and coach Morten Olsen will be hoping striker Nicklas Bendtner, who played for just over an hour against the Dutch despite a groin problem, will be fit.

Young defender Simon Kjaer (knee) and midfielder Daniel Jensen (Achilles) have trained with the team but they are also suffering with nagging injuries.

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Gilchrist still world-class batsman, says Ponting

Published>Sat, Jun 19 10 04:17 PM

Melbourne, Jun 19 (ANI): Ahead of Australia's match against Middlesex, captain Ricky Ponting has said that retired wicketkeeper Adam Gilchrist is still a world-class batsman capable of destroying high-quality attacks.

The game against Middlesex is Australia's last warm-up match before taking on England in the first of five one-day internationals in Southampton on Tuesday.

Ponting said he was bracing for a destructive performance from Gilchrist, who is captaining the English county side Middlesex.

Gilchrist, who retired from international cricket in early 2008, still plays the shortest form of the game and smashed a 47-ball century against Kent in England's domestic Twenty20 competition last week.

"Gilly's just one of those guys with an unbelievable eye and an unbelievable ability to come out and strike the ball," The Age quoted Ponting, as saying.

"Hopefully he has one of those first or second-ball ducks tomorrow and doesn't stay around for too long," he said.

Ponting said he had no doubt Gilchrist could still be a force on the world stage had he not retired to spend more time with his family.

"When you feel that you're not playing as well as you'd like to play, you have to go the extra yard sometimes to get that back," he said.

"I know he said at the time when he retired that he felt he didn't have it in him to push himself as hard as he needed to play at his best and that's the reason he retired when he did," Ponting added. (ANI)

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Ex-British boxing ace among Muslim protesters who abused troops

Published>Sat, Jun 19 10 04:07 PM

London, June 19(ANI): Former British boxing champion Anthony Small was among the group of protesters who screamed abuses at troops returning from Afghanistan.

Small, who now calls himself Abdul Haqq, joined a 50-strong group of demonstrators calling themselves Muslims Against Crusades during the march through Barking, East London, on Tuesday.

The group chanted "Murderers!" and "Baby killers!", and waved placards saying "British Soldiers Go To Hell" at the 1st Battalion Royal Anglian Regiment.

After the incident, the 28-year-old ex-Commonwealth light middleweight title holder has also been dropped by his manager Frank Warren, who branded him "a disgrace".

"I don't want anything to do with him. What he's doing just fans the flames," The Sun quoted Warren, as saying.

Meanwhile, Charlene Byrne, whose partner was killed while the regiment served in Afghanistan, said: "It's disgusting that extremists hijacked this parade."

Small, however, refused to apologize and vowed to do the same again.

"I'm a Muslim first and a boxer second. These people are killing my brothers and sisters," Small said.

"They come back to this country and parade medals they've won by killing. A man is not a man unless he stands up for what he believes in," he added. (ANI)

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Gangjee tied 22nd after Rd 3 of Queen''s Cup

Published Sat, Jun 19 10 03:51 PM

Samui (Thailand), Jun 19 (PTI) Rahil Gangjee remained the highest placed Indian at tied 22nd after carding a one-under 70 in the third round of the Queen''s Cup golf tournament here today. Gangjee struck three birdies against a double bogey to total 213 after three rounds. Himmat Rai was a stroke behind Gangjee after returning a roller-coaster even-par 71, which comprised five birdies, three bogeys and a double bogey. Digvijay Singh was further down at tied 45th after a one-over 72 today left him five-over overall. Anirban Lahiri''s six-over 77 took his three-total to 10-over, leaving him tied 65th on the leaderboard. Another Indian, Mandeo Pathania was a shot behind Lahiri after turning in a six-over 77. Filipino Juvic Pagunsan (69) and Thai Prayad Marksaeng shared the lead at eight-under.

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Saina in line for second Super Series title in Singapore

Published Sat, Jun 19 10 03:37 PM

Singapore, June 19 (PTI) Ace Indian shuttler Saina Nehwal is in line for a second Super Series title after scoring a come-from-behind victory over Lan Lu of China in the semifinals of the Singapore Open here today. The top-seeded Indian, currently ranked sixth in the world, rallied from a game down to beat her fourth-seeded opponent 8-21 21-17 21-8 in 49 minutes to storm into the final of the tournament at the Singapore Indoor Stadium. Saina, who bagged her maiden Super Series title in June last year by winning the Indonesian Open, will meet qualifier Tzu Ying Tai of Chinese Taipei in the summit clash tomorrow. Tai defeated Youn Joo Bae of Korea 21-16 21-18 in the other semifinal today. In men''s singles, however, India''s Parupalli Kashyap lost to seventh seed Indonesian Sony Kuncoro 19-21 20-22 in a hard-fought semifinal match that lasted 48 minutes.

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Afridi wins toss, Pakistan to bat

Published Sat, Jun 19 10 03:07 PM

Dambulla, June 19 (PTI) Pakistan skipper Shahid Afridi won the toss and opted to bat against India in Asia Cup cricket One-day tournament at Rangiri Dambulla International stadium here today. There is no change in the Indian team that won the opener against Bangladesh while Pakistan brought in spinner Saeed Ajmal replacing paceman Mohammad Asif. Shahzaib Hasan has also been dropped for Imran Farhat. Teams: India: M S Dhoni (C), Virender Sehwag, Gautam Gambhir, Suresh Raina, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Ravindra Jadeja, Harbhajan Singh, Praveen Kumar, Zaheer Khan and Ashish Nehra. Pakistan: Shahid Afridi (c), Salamn Butt, Imran Farhat, Shoaib Malik, Umar Akmal, Kamran Akmal, Abdul Razzaq, Shoaib Akhtar, Umar Amin, Mohammad Aamer and Saeed Ajmal.

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Akram sees many positives for Pakistan in Asia Cup loss against Sri Lanka

Published>Sat, Jun 19 10 03:01 PM

Islamabad, Jun.19 (ANI): After numerous controversies that the national cricket team has witnessed in recent times, things seem to be changing for the better, which was evident from the spirited performance of the players in the match against hosts Sri Lanka in the Asia Cup, believes former Pakistan skipper Wasim Akram.

Akram highlighted that even though Pakistan lost the opening game of the Asia Cup, there were many positives that emerged from the loss.

"I can see a few positives. Skipper Shahid Afridi's 76-ball 109 run against Sri Lanka in the Asia Cup opener probably hints at good things to come. After a long time, I saw Afridi playing a responsible innings. Even if it came in a losing cause, the knock was full of character," The Daily Times quoted Akram, as saying.

The former left-arm fast bowler said that Afridi's innings would put confidence in both the selectors and other players that they have a captain who can lead by example.

Commenting on maverick speedster Shoaib Akhtar, who returned to the international stage after a long lay-off in the Dambulla one-day international, Akram said he is happy to see that Akhtar has proved his critics wrong through his performance.

The Rawalpindi Express bowled intelligently to complete his quota of 10 overs, bagging 3 wickets in the match, but didn't looklike the same Akhtar who used to torment even the world's best batsmen with his ferocious pace and bounce.

"The 35-year-old pacer not only justified the trust laid on him by the captain but also won the hearts of many of his fans. But as coach Waqar Younis pointed out, this is not the best we have seen of him. Akhtar has to be fit and consistent and that will help the team," Akram said.

However, he was not all that impressed from the two young batsmen, Shahzaib Hasan and Umar Amin, who made their debut in the match.

"I must admit that opener Shahzaib Hasan did not impress me. I saw him in the 2009 Twenty20 World Cup and felt the 20-year-old needed a little more time," Akram said. (ANI)

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Little consensus over CA's 'blurred T20 vision' proposed one-day format

Published>Sat, Jun 19 10 02:57 PM

Sydney, Jun 19 (ANI): Opinion over Cricket Australia's radical plan to change the 50-over ODI format is divided, as a debate rages about the best way to revive a format most people accept is ailing, with little consensus at present.

Cricket Australia had proposed a new 40-over competition, in which teams would bat for two innings of 20 overs each, and has planned the change for the domestic limited overs format next summer.

Victorian coach Greg Shipperd worries that, in their haste for reform, administrators might simply create a blurry vision of Twenty20.

"Basically what has been proposed is a blurred vision of T20 and I think that is dangerous. I thought it was a good marketing tool that we have three distinct forms of the game, but these are personal views, The Sydney Morning Herald quoted him, as saying.

Keith Bradshaw, the Australian chief executive of the Marylebone Cricket Club and member of the International Cricket Council committee that recommends changes at global level, congratulated Cricket Australia for undertaking a much-needed review, but expressed caution about moving to 40 overs per team format.

"I applaud their innovation. I definitely think one-day cricket needs some cosmetic surgery, probably not quite heart and lung surgery yet, but definitely some cosmetic surgery," he said.

Channel Nine wants each team to have 20 wickets rather than 10, so viewers can watch the most explosive players bat twice, and former Australian captain Ian Chappell called on influential broadcasters to come clean about their intentions.

"If you do what some are suggesting in Australia, have 10 wickets for both [innings] then to me it means two things - you are either trying to get more Twenty20 cricket or you are trying to get rid of the 50-over game," Chappell said to Cricinfo.

CA will spend the next month showing players the research behind its proposal, after captain Ricky Ponting and the player union demanded greater consultation. (ANI)

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Akram sees many positives for Pakistan in Asia Cup loss against Sri Lanka

Published>Sat, Jun 19 10 02:37 PM

Islamabad, Jun.19 (ANI): After numerous controversies that the national cricket team has witnessed in recent times, things seem to be changing for the better, which was evident from the spirited performance of the players in the match against hosts Sri Lanka in the Asia Cup, believes former Pakistan skipper Wasim Akram.

Akram highlighted that even though Pakistan lost the opening game of the Asia Cup, there were many positives that emerged from the loss.

"I can see a few positives. Skipper Shahid Afridi's 76-ball 109 run against Sri Lanka in the Asia Cup opener probably hints at good things to come. After a long time, I saw Afridi playing a responsible innings. Even if it came in a losing cause, the knock was full of character," The Daily Times quoted Akram, as saying.

The former left-arm fast bowler said that Afridi's innings would put confidence in both the selectors and other players that they have a captain who can lead by example.

Commenting on maverick speedster Shoaib Akhtar, who returned to the international stage after a long lay-off in the Dambulla one-day international, Akram said he is happy to see that Akhtar has proved his critics wrong through his performance.

The Rawalpindi Express bowled intelligently to complete his quota of 10 overs, bagging 3 wickets in the match, but didn't looklike the same Akhtar who used to torment even the world's best batsmen with his ferocious pace and bounce.

"The 35-year-old pacer not only justified the trust laid on him by the captain but also won the hearts of many of his fans. But as coach Waqar Younis pointed out, this is not the best we have seen of him. Akhtar has to be fit and consistent and that will help the team," Akram said.

However, he was not all that impressed from the two young batsmen, Shahzaib Hasan and Umar Amin, who made their debut in the match.

"I must admit that opener Shahzaib Hasan did not impress me. I saw him in the 2009 Twenty20 World Cup and felt the 20-year-old needed a little more time," Akram said. (ANI)

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Pujara''s double ton takes India ''A'' to 543/8 decl

Published Sat, Jun 19 10 02:07 PM

Surrey, Jun 19 (PTI) Skipper Cheteshwar Pujara starred with an unbeaten double hundred as India ''A'' made a mammoth 543 for eight in the fist innings before dealing an early blow to the West Indies ''A'' on the second day of their four-day match here. The Caribbeans were 12 for one at the draw of stumps with Omar Philips (9) and Andrew Fletcher (0) holding the fort after Kraig Brathwaite (3) was dismissed early in the innings. Earlier, West Indies ''A'' struggled to keep in check the run flow with Pujara leading the assault with 34 fours and a six in his 355-ball 208. Such was India''s dominance that number nine batsman Jaskaran Singh managed to notch up a 90-ball 58. Vice-captain Wriddhiman Saha''s 129-ball 62 was another notable contribution in the Indian total. Eventually Saha became one of the five wickets that pacer Andre Russell picked up on an otherwise disappointing day for the West Indian bowlers. After being hammered by the Indian batsmen, the dispirited West Indians could not manage much of an encouraging start and lost a wicket early in the innings. Brathwaite was dismissed by Jaidev Unadkat, who had him plumb in front of the wicket. Brief Score: India ''A'' 1st Innings: 543 for 8 decl in 147 overs (Cheteshwar Pujara 208 not out, Wriddhiman Saha 62, Andre Russell 5/97) West Indies ''A'' 1st Innings: 12 for 1 in 7 overs.

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