McDowell ends European drought with US Open win

Published>Mon, Jun 21 10 11:51 AM

Britain's Graeme McDowell kept his composure in tough scoring conditions to end a 40-year title drought by Europeans at the U.S. Open with a gutsy one-shot victory on Sunday.

Three strokes behind American playing partner Dustin Johnson going into the final round, the Northern Irishman ground out a three-over-par 74 at a breezy Pebble Beach Golf Links.

Despite dropping three shots on the more difficult back nine as the ocean winds strengthened in the late afternoon, McDowell held his nerve with some of the game's biggest names close behind to finish at even-par 284.

The 30-year-old from Portrush calmly parred the final hole to clinch his maiden major title, and Europe's first U.S. Open since Briton Tony Jacklin won the 1970 edition at Hazeltine.

"It's so difficult to win a golf tournament, let alone a major," a beaming McDowell said greenside after kissing the silver trophy and then cradling it like a baby. "This thing feels amazing.

"I've dreamed of this all my life, two putts to win the U.S. Open. A few pints of Guinness will probably go down around now," he said of his fans back in Northern Ireland watching on television.

Frenchman Gregory Havret, who came through 36 holes of sectional qualifying last month to book his place at Pebble Beach, closed with a 72 to secure a surprise second place at one over in his first U.S. Open.

JOINT LEADER

Double U.S. Open champion Ernie Els of South Africa, briefly tied for the lead early on, was a further stroke back after a 73 with world number one Tiger Woods (75) and fellow American Phil Mickelson (73) joint fourth at three over.

Woods, bidding to win his first major title since his private life unravelled at the end of last year amid revelations of marital infidelities, dropped out of contention with five bogeys in the first 10 holes.

"I made three mental mistakes and it cost us a chance to win the U.S. Open," said the American who won the championship by a record 15 shots when it was last held here in 2000.

McDowell was hugged by his father Kenny after sealing victory on the 18th green, having posted the highest closing score by a U.S. Open champion since Andy North in 1985.

"I just can't believe how difficult this golf course was," said McDowell, who relished Pebble's links-course feel. "I kept my head down pretty much until when I bogeyed 10.

"I had a little peak at the leaderboard to see what was going on and no one was going crazy. I just tried to stay calm on the back nine and I really did. I did a great job of it."

Winner of the European Tour's Wales Open two weeks ago, McDowell took advantage of a nightmare start by Johnson to take control of the final round.

COMMANDING LEAD

Johnson, who had won the previous two PGA Tour events staged at Pebble Beach, began the day with a commanding three-stroke lead which he spectacularly threw away by dropping seven shots in six holes.

He triple-bogeyed the par-five second after taking three shots to escape thick fescue grass above a greenside bunker and double-bogeyed the third after a hooked tee shot led to a lost ball.

Two behind McDowell at that point, Johnson went on to bogey the par-four fourth after pushing his tee shot into the ocean as he slumped to an 82 for a share of eighth place at five-over 289.

McDowell, who made a series of clutch putts to save par on the front nine, picked up his only birdie of the day when he knocked in a 10-footer at the par-three fifth.

However he bogeyed the tricky ninth, the second hole in the stretch dubbed the "Cliffs of Doom," after finding a greenside bunker with his approach to reach the turn in level-par 35.

Although he also bogeyed the 10th, 14th and 17th, McDowell was given welcome breathing space when his closest challenger, Havret, also bogeyed the 17th to remain a stroke behind.

Havret narrowly missed a birdie putt from nine feet on the 18th green, and McDowell safely parred the hole after laying up with his third shot and two-putting.

"It has been a great week," said the Frenchman, whose world ranking rocketed from 395th to 104th with his runner-up finish. "Of course I'm a bit disappointed now because I've been so close to heaven."

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Wimbledon fights foxes, frost and pigeons for top lawns

Published>Mon, Jun 21 10 11:43 AM

Urinating vixens, greedy pigeons, May frost and idiosyncratic mowers are just a few of the problems facing Wimbledon's head groundsman in the run up to the world's most famous tennis championships.

Most tournaments, even if they once were played on grass, now use easier-to-manage hard or clay courts, but for Eddie Seaward the yearly cycle of growth and tending is part of the joy of his job, wildlife notwithstanding.

Foxes who roam freely round leafy and prosperous Wimbledon, in southwest London, are regular visitors to the All England Club, even seen creeping across the commentary boxes high on Centre Court. They are welcome as long as they keep off the grass.

"We put an electric fence round here and the showcourts most of the year," Seaward told Reuters as his staff and an army of cleaners and contractors busied themselves round the pristine green sward of Centre Court preparing for Roger Federer on Monday's opening day.

"It's the vixens that are the problem, if they urinate on the court it just kills the grass off," he added.

Centuries-old methods, in keeping with Wimbledon's love of tradition, are used to keep at bay the pigeons, who would otherwise gorge on newly sown seed.

"We have a hawk to scare off the pigeons. It flies three times a week and that deters them," he said. The falconer and his hawk are kept busy even during the championship fortnight so that the pigeons do not come back and bother players and crowd.

Seaward, chief groundsman since 1991 has delayed retirement to stay on until the 2012 Olympics, when Wimbledon will host the tennis tournament.

He has overseen changes from a grass mixture to a 100 percent rye grass which is tougher and helps to create a harder surface. Critics say the courts have slowed down, penalising the serve-and-volley aficionados, but Seaward, who constantly measures the courts' performance, says speed is unchanged.

What has altered is the height of the bounce.

"It's slightly less dense which allows more air movement through the grass and that helps the soil get harder quicker which means the ball bounces higher from day one," he said.

DIFFICULT YEAR

Players had a fraction of a second longer to reach a higher-bouncing ball, instead of having to catch it low off the ground, he explained.

"The bounce was lower because the ground was softer. That's the only difference."

The stoical Seaward and his 14 permanent staff have had a particularly difficult growing year. A sharp late frost in May when nothing would germinate meant they had to cover the courts with a membrane to create a greenhouse effect and warm the soil.

"Then it was hot and dry, then it got cold again so all the way along we've had to battle the weather this year -- but that's what we do, that's our job," Seaward, who has weather forecasts sent to him every hour, said.

As he stared across his unblemished court, the groundsman was sympathetic to the problems that Wembley Stadium in north London has been suffering with its much-criticised pitch, constantly churned up and needing renewal.

Wembley had to try to keep its turf in top condition the whole year, he said. It needed the ball to roll rather than bounce so it had a sandy rather than clay soil.

"I don't think you can compare them, it's like chalk and cheese," Seaward said. "We grow the grass at the right time of the year -- in the summer -- and we've got to have it in peak condition for only two weeks really."

To ensure top conditions and make sure the lawns look good too, Seaward allots each of his staff a court to mow with the same mower throughout the buildup and the tournament itself.

All machines were different, he explained, and all operators had their own way of mowing. If a different machine or cutter were used, the lines would not be perfect, the light and shade would not match and the court would look wrong.

"We want to get everything just right."

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Tons by Chanderpaul, Nash keep Proteas at bay in second Test

Published>Mon, Jun 21 10 11:07 AM

Basseterre (West Indies), June 21 (ANI): Middle order West Indian batsmen Shivnarine Chanderpaul and Brendan Nash scored contrasting hundreds to put the breaks on the advancing and dominating South Africans during the second Test being played here between the two sides.

Chanderpaul was undefeated on 151, while Nash made 114, as the West Indies reached 424 for the loss of four wickets in reply to South Africa's first innings total of 543 for six declared, at the close on the third day.

According to the Sydney Morning Herald, Chanderpaul and Nash had a partnership of 220 for the fourth wicket, thus helping the West Indies avoid a follow-on.

"We seem to feed off each other well," said Nash of Chanderpaul.

"We've had a few good partnerships in the previous Tests we've played. He (Chanderpaul) gives you the calm at the other end, like the rock in the foundation. That instills so much confidence in you at the other end," Nash added.

Chanderpaul got to his 22nd Test hundred from 188 balls, with a square drive for two off Dale Steyn, the same bowler that Nash pulled through square leg for the 12th of his 14 fours to reach his second Test hundred from 129 deliveries.

Fortune favoured South Africa in the final session, when Nash failed to beat A.B. de Villiers' direct hit from backward point.

Nash cut Lonwabo Tsotsobe and set off for a non-existent run. The ball bounced over the head of de Villiers, who leapt, grabbed the ball, and fired a throw, which found the batsman scrambling to regain his ground.

The left-hander also struck one six from 148 balls in close to 200 minutes of batting.

For the remainder of the day, Chanderpaul, whose 264-ball innings spanning close to six hours included 10 fours and one six, kept the South Africans at bay. (ANI)

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Karthik is stand-by player for injured Sehwag

Published Mon, Jun 21 10 10:51 AM

Dambulla, June 21 (PTI) India have flown in Dinesh Karthik as a stand-by player for injured Virender Sehwag as the visitors gear up for tomorrow''s last league match of the Asia Cup against Sri Lanka. The stumper batsman arrived here this morning as Sehwag pulled his right hamstring during the match against Pakistan and is a doubtful starter. "We flew in Karthik as a standby for Sehwag. But we will have to await the Asian Cricket Council''s clearance to play him in tomorrow''s match against Sri Lanka," said Team India manager Ranjib Biswal. If Sehwag is ruled out of the remainder of the Asia Cup, he will return home for treatment.

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Saina clinches Singapore Open Super Series

Published>Mon, Jun 21 10 10:47 AM

Mumbai, June 20 -- Saina Nehwal (20) underlined her growing stature in world badminton with a comfortable 21-18, 21-15 win over giant killer Tzu Ying Tai of Chinese Taipei to win the Singapore Open and bag her second Super Series crown. "It's a great feeling to win back-to-back titles. It proves I have the endurance levels to play consistently at this level," said Nehwal, the only Indian woman to have achieved a world ranking of five.Nehwal, who won her maiden Grand Prix level title back in 2006, took just 32 minutes to wrap up the tie on Sunday despite an indifferent start that saw her opponent take a big lead in the opening game. But the world number 6 exploited the inexperience of Tai to not only recover from a 14-18 score line in the opening game, and soon achieved her second title in two weeks. Nehwal had won the India Open Grand Prix Gold tournament in Chennai last week. "It's a great feeling to win back-to-back titles. It proves I have the endurance levels to play consistently at this level," said Nehwal, the only Indian woman to have achieved a world ranking of five.

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Komorowski leads race to Polish presidency

Published>Mon, Jun 21 10 10:37 AM

Poland's acting head of state, Bronislaw Komorowski, won most votes in an election on Sunday that was forced by the death of President Lech Kaczynski in a plane crash, but faces a runoff vote against Kaczynski's twin.

Exit polls showed between 41 and 46 percent of Poles voted for Komorowski, the candidate of the ruling pro-business Civic Platform (PO), and up to 36 percent for Jaroslaw Kaczynski, head of the right-wing main opposition party Law and Justice (PiS).

Grzegorz Napieralski, candidate of the leftist SLD party, did better than expected with about 13 percent of the vote. But he and the other seven candidates now drop out of the race, leaving Komorowski and Kaczynski to contest the July 4 runoff.

The two men, both conservative Catholics but with differing styles and views on the euro, market reforms and Poland's place in Europe, are expected to court Napieralski's voters actively.

"Let's mobilise our forces for July 4," Komorowski told jubilant supporters at his campaign headquarters.

The president, though less powerful than the government, can veto laws, appoints many key officials and has a say in foreign and security policy.

Lech Kaczynski had angered Prime Minister Donald Tusk's economically liberal government by blocking some reforms.

Sunday's election, billed as the most unusual in Poland's 21-year post-communist history, was called after the death of Lech Kaczynski and 95 others, mostly top political and military officials, in a plane crash in Russia on April 10.

Komorowski became acting president on Kaczynski's death in his capacity as speaker of parliament.

"IRON ELECTORATE"

Political analysts cautioned against complacency in the Komorowski camp, noting that Kaczynski's core supporters are older, more disciplined and more likely to vote next month when many of PO's richer, younger voters will be on vacation.

"PiS has an iron electorate, while PO's is less determined and could ignore the second round. If that is the case, it is possible for Kaczynski to win," said Iwona Jakubowska-Branicka, a sociologist at Warsaw University.

A survey by SMG-KRC pollster conducted for TVN24 television on Sunday evening showed Komorowski winning 54 percent in the July 4 runoff vote against 39 percent for Kaczynski.

Financial markets would welcome a victory for Komorowski, a gently-spoken moderate, because he would be expected to work smoothly with the government as it tries to rein in a large budget deficit and to prepare Poland for eventual euro entry.

Kaczynski would probably use his presidential veto to block some reforms, though he has toned down his rhetoric and has said he will seek compromises if elected.

"Instead of harsh, improper and unjust words, we want to have meaningful dialogue," Kaczynski told his supporters after Sunday's exit polls confirmed a second round would be needed, in remarks possibly calculated to appeal to leftist voters.

Many on the left in Poland dislike Kaczynski's nationalistic, eurosceptic brand of conservatism.

"Grzegorz Napieralski is an obvious ally for Komorowski... But, of course, it's not certain the entire 13 percent (won by Napieralski) will transfer to Komorowski. He'll have to work for them," said Pawel Swieboda, head of the DemosEuropa think-tank.

Jaroslaw Kaczynski served as prime minister briefly from 2006 to 2007 when his nationalist views, particularly his deep suspicion of Germany and Russia, severely strained Poland's relations with its neighbours and with the European Union.

SYMPATHY

The April plane crash sparked an upsurge of sympathy for Jaroslaw, who was close to his brother. Some voters said they were voting for Kaczynski because they saw him as the champion of ordinary Poles against powerful elites.

"Kaczynski is the only choice ... He is for patriotism, culture and solidarity, not just big business," said Maria Derkacz, 63, a translator, casting her vote in Warsaw.

Tusk's government will be hoping that Poland's relatively strong performance during the global financial crisis will boost support for their candidate in the second round.

Poland was the only member of the 27-strong European Union to avoid recession last year when its economy expanded 1.8 percent. It is expected to grow about 3 percent in 2010.

Turnout on Sunday was 52 percent, slightly higher than in the last presidential election in 2005. About 30 million Poles out of a population of 38 million had been eligible to vote.

Authorities laid on special transport for voters in some regions badly affected by floods after heavy spring rains, but few seemed to take advantage of the help.

"The half an hour or so it would take me to go and vote are the equivalent of dozens of buckets of mud and slime I can remove from my house," one resident told TVN24 television.

The floods in May and early June killed at least 24 people, forced the evacuation of tens of thousands and caused billions of zlotys' worth of damage in southern and central Poland. (Additional reporting by Rob Strybel, Karolina Slowikowska and Chris Borowski; Writing by Gareth Jones, editing by Richard Meares)

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TN players dominate Summer Nationals

Published Sun, Jun 20 10 10:21 PM

Chennai, Jun 20 (PTI) The local players dominated in all the major events of the 41st Indian Summer Bridge Nationals championships here today. In the Agarwala Pairs event, local pair of S K Chari and D Vijay came out trumps with a tally of 92 ''imps'' in the 54 board finals to lift the trophy. Ariz Anklesaria and P V Vahalia of Ahmedabad came second with 77 and Sumit Mukherjee and Debabrata Majumder of Kolkata were third with 73 imps. In the Ranga & Company sponsored Consolation Pairs event, (for the Company sponsored prizes) V J Puranik and A J Puranik of Maharashtra turned out winners but here also, the Tamil Nadu pair of S N Subramanian and Kalyani Iswaran came in second. In the main event, the the TCS sponsored inter-state championships, Tamil Nadu represented by B Prabhakar, N R Kirubakara Moorthy, K R Venkataraman, R Krishnan, S Sunderram and P Sridhar seems to be well on the way to claim the trophy. With seven boards to go in the 56 board final against West Bengal (C V Rao, Badal Das, Shibnath Sarkar, Aloke Sadhu, Parthasarathi Mukherjee and Pranab Bardhan), Tamil Nadu has established a big lead of 55 imps and it seems unlikely that West Bengal will catch up.

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Italy held to shock draw by New Zealand

Published>Sun, Jun 20 10 10:17 PM

World champions Italy suffered an embarrassing 1-1 draw with underdogs New Zealand in their second World Cup Group F match on Sunday, a result which complicates their chances of progressing to the knockout stage.

New Zealand, ranked 78th in the world, took a shock lead on seven minutes after struggling Italy captain Fabio Cannavaro made a hash of trying to clear a free kick into the box and Shane Smeltz poked home.

Italy had talked all week about the difficulties an unchanged New Zealand would pose from dead balls but they did not deal with the danger even if there was a slight suspicion of offside.

Coach Marcello Lippi stationed himself at the edge of his technical area with a worried look and his team increased the tempo with Riccardo Montolivo striking the post from distance before they levelled on 29 minutes.

Daniele De Rossi tumbled in the box under pressure from Tommy Smith as a cross came over and Vincenzo Iaquinta calmly slotted in the debateable spotkick.

On a bright day in northeastern South Africa, where the giraffe-shaped stadium roof supports in Nelspruit glistened in the sun, Italy pushed for a second with Montolivo's fierce shot one of a number of efforts but they never looked convincing.

The holders employed a 4-4-2 formation from the start rather than the 4-2-3-1 from Monday's 1-1 draw with Paraguay and then threw on three attacking substitutes as darkness fell but New Zealand dealt with the threat reasonably comfortably.

Italy, who wore black armbands following the death of 1968 European Championship winner Roberto Rosato, meet Slovakia in their final group game on Thursday at Johannesburg's Ellis Park needing a handsome win to definitely progress.

Paraguay, New Zealand's next opponents on Thursday, beat Slovakia 2-0 earlier to top the group with four points while Italy and New Zealand have two.

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Younis dumped, Gul returns to Pak team for England tour

Published Sun, Jun 20 10 09:57 PM

Karachi, Jun 20 (PTI) Former captain Younis Khan, whose indefinite ban was removed recently, was not picked by the selectors while fast bowler Umar Gul returned to the Pakistan Test and Twenty20 squads for the upcoming tour of England between June and September. Younis, who is presently in England playing for county team Surrey, was available for selection after having the ban removed by the appeal''s commissioner of the Pakistan Cricket Board earlier this year, but sources said PCB chief Ijaz Butt had refused to give clearance for his inclusion. "Butt is not happy with Younis mainly because the former captain first refused to apologise for some statements made by his lawyer during the hearing of his appeal and also because Younis has from the day since he was banned criticised the Board for its decision," one source said. Butt had said before leaving for Sri Lanka that Younis'' selection was not final as he had yet to get clearance from the governing council of the Board and from him to be eligible for selection after the removal of the ban. Butt had also inferred that Younis was not in form although the former captain in recent weeks has been among the runs for Surrey. The PCB also dropped fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar for the Tests in England but provided some relief by including him in the 15-member squad for the T20 Internationals against Australia and England. Batsman Faisal Iqbal was another surprising omission from the 17-member Test squad despite having done satisfactorily on the last Test tour to New Zealand and Australia. The Board and team management took a big gamble while announcing the squads from Dambulla as several new faces have been included in the side. The selectors have recalled Yasir Hameed, a stylish batsman who has not played since late 2007 besides Gul, who has recovered from a knee injury. Gul, who missed the T20 World Cup and the Asia Cup due to his injury, has been picked in both the squads while Yasir is picked in the Test side. The uncapped players in the Test squad include batsmen Umar Amin, Azhar Ali, pace bowlers Wahab Riaz and Tanvir Ahmed and reserve wicketkeeper Zulqarnain Haider. Test squad: Salman Butt, Imran Farhat, Yasir Hameed, Umar Amin, Azhar Ali, Umar Akmal, Shoaib Malik, Kamran Akmal, Shahid Afridi, Zulqarnain Haider, Muhammad Asif, Umar Gul, Muhammad Aamer, Wahab Riaz, Tanvir Ahmed, Danish Kaneria, Saeed Ajmal. T20 squad: Salman Butt, Shahzaib Hasan, Umar Amin, Umar Akmal, Shoaib Malik, Shahid Afridi, Kamran Akmal, Abdul Razzaq, Muhammad Aamir, Umar Gul, Shoaib Akhtar, Saeed Ajmal, Wahab Riaz, Abdul Rehman and Fawad Alam.

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Gangjee best Indian at tied 13th in Queen's Cup golf

Published>Sun, Jun 20 10 09:37 PM

Samui (Thailand), June 20 (IANS) Rahil Gangjee brought home his best card of the tournament and finished tied 13th, while Himmat Rai was tied 18th in the Queen's Cup golf tournament here Sunday.

Gangjee ended with a two-under 69 for an aggregate of two-under 282, which made him one of the three golfers finishing 13th and pocketing $ 4,518 each. Rai finished two shots behind, having carded one-under 70 in his final round.

Among others, Digvijay Singh (287) carded 69 to finish tied 30th, seven strokes ahead of fellow Indian Mandeo Pathania. Anirban Lahiri (296) finished tied 60th after going two-over 73.

The winner was Japan's Tetsuji Hiratsuka who claimed a superb second victory of the season after a heroic last-hole birdie.

The 38-year-old Hiratsuka drained a 12-foot putt at the par five 18th hole for a closing four-under 67 to edge out local hero Thaworn Wiratchant by a single shot after a pulsating final round at the Santiburi Samui Country Club.

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Sundar, Phung keep lead in Asian junior chess

Published>Sun, Jun 20 10 09:21 PM

Chennai, June 20 (IANS) It was status quo in the Asian Junior Chess championship as International Master M. Shyam Sundar of India (5.5 points) and Woman FIDE Master Vo Thi Kim Phung of Vietnam (6) nursed their lead in the boys and girls sections respectively, here Sunday.

India continued to maintain a stranglehold in the boys category with Mehar Chinna Reddy occupying second spot with five points followed by eight other home players in joint third place.

In contrast, Phung was followed by WFM Nakhbayeva Guliskhan of Kazakhstan with five points, ahead of India's defending champion and WIM Padmini Rout, Candidate Master Bhakti Kulkarni and untitled players R. Preethi and P. Michelle Catherina, all on 4.5.

Shyam Sundar scored a notable 41-move win over compatriot and fellow overnight leader IM Srinath in Queen's Gambit while Reddy continued with his giant-killing act as he defeated IM S. P. Sethuraman in 36 moves.

The results (6th round):

Boys: Narayanan Srinath 4.5 lost to Shyam Sundar M 5.5; Priyadharshan K 4.5 drew Vidit Santosh Gujrathi 4.5; Mehar Chinna Reddy 5 bt Sethuraman S P 4; Lalith Babu MR 4.5 bt Pascua Haridas 3.5; Anwesh Upadhyaya 4.5 bt Akkozov Berik 3.5; Krishna CRG 3.5 lost to Karthikeyan P 4.5; Das Sayantan 3.5 lost to Swayams Mishra 4.5; Lokesh P 4 drew Darini Pouria 4; Nitin S 4.5 bt Arun Karthik R 3.5; Narayanan K 4 drew Ashwin Jayaram IND 3.5; Adhiban B 4 bt Tan Weiliang (SIN) 3; Gagare Shardul 3.5 drew Swapnil S Dhopade 3.5; Debashis Das 4 bt Kathmale Sameer 3; Akash Iyer 3 lost to Shyam Nikil P 4; Rajesh VA 4 bt Karthikeyan Murali 3.

Girls: Vo Thi Kim Phung (VIE) 6 bt Hejazipour Mitra 4; Bhakti Kulkarni 4.5 drew Preethi R 4.5; Nakhbayeva Guliskhan (KAZ) 5 bt Pratyusha Bodda 4; Bharathi R 3.5 lost to Padmini Rout 4.5; Michelle Catherina P 4.5 bt Khademalsharieh Sarasadat (IRN) 3.5; Pon Nkrithika 3 lost to Cholleti Sahajasri 4; Saranya J 3.5 drew A Akshaya 3.5; Tay Li Jin Jeslin (SIN) 4 bt Afshar Niusha (IRN) 3; Harini S 3 lost to Sithalatchumi A 4; Mitali Madhukar Patil 3 lost to Lasya G 4; Alavi Homa (IRN) 3 lost to Nandhidhaa PV 3.5; Shetye Siddhali 3 drew Gagare Shalmali 3; Lakshmi Praneetha K 3 drew Bala Kannamma P 3; Sunyasakta Satpathy 3.5 bt Savetha CH 2.5; Mohana Priya J 3.5 bt Ivana Maria Furtado 2.5.

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Gerrard 'is gutted, but I'm making sure I'm there for him,' says wife

Published>Sun, Jun 20 10 09:07 PM

London, June 20(ANI): England skipper Steven Gerrard's wife Alex Curran has said that she is playing the role of a morale booster to the Three Lions' captain, who is gutted following a disastrous World Cup campaign so far.

England's opening Group C game against the US was a 1-1 draw, while their same game against Algeria, ranked 30th in the world, was a goalless draw.

"It's not my role as a wife to talk about how he played. It's my job to lift him up and make him feel positive. Hopefully, they can put it behind them. I've got everything crossed and I'm praying," Alex wrote in her article for News of The World.

"I think I'm staying in the UK for the moment, but if Steven phoned me and told me to get to South Africa, I'd be on the next plane out," she added.

She further said that it was awful hearing the team being booed after the game against Algeria on Friday.

"I understand people have paid thousands of pounds to travel to the World Cup. So, it is disappointing for those fans, but I think the booing was a shame. The fans need to get behind them," Alex said.

"It would give them a boost, and make them feel good rather than worse than they already do," she added.

Alex also said that she could not believe that a fan got into the dressing room after the game.

"It's very scary and I've been quite worried about it. I have no idea how someone would get past so much security on such a big night like that," she added.

England will now play their final group game on Wednesday. (ANI)

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Anelka sent home after dressing-room outburst against coach

Published>Sun, Jun 20 10 08:57 PM

Cape Town, June 20(ANI): France striker Nicolas Anelka has been kicked out of the World Cup for a foul-mouthed dressing-room outburst against his coach Raymond Domenech.

Anelka reportedly made obscene comments to Domenech at halftime during the 0-2 loss to Mexico on Thursday.

"Go and get f****d, you dirty son of a whore," News of The World quoted Anelka, as saying.

The Chelsea striker was sent home on Saturday by the French Football Federation's disciplinary commission.

Meanwhile, Domenech claims that he would have been happy for Anelka to stay with the France squad had he issued an apology.

Domenech insists he had no issue with the player venting his frustration, with France's performances on the field at the World Cup causing tension within the camp.

Once the striker refused to do so, Domenech believes that excluding him from the squad was the only option available to the French Football Federation. (ANI)

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Capello says may quit if England fails to enter WC knockouts

Published>Sun, Jun 20 10 08:51 PM

London, June 20 (ANI): Italian -born England coach Fabio Capello has said that he may consider quitting the post if the side fails to enter the round of 16 in this year's FIFA World Cup in South Africa.

Capello has said that he will take full responsibility if his side fails to qualify for the knockout stages.

And another debacle against Slovenia like Friday's goalless draw with Algeria could see him walk away from his six million-pound-a-year post.

Capello's release clause was removed before the World Cup after interest from Inter Milan.

General manager Franco Baldini is already considering his position with England.

Baldini has several offers to become technical director at leading European clubs and will make a decision after the World Cup.

According to News of The World, the England coach will give them a clean slate at training this morning and will address the players about Wednesday's must-win match.

He is determined to put things right, but he will consider his future if the unthinkable happens in Port Elizabeth. (ANI)

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'Bring on the Aussies', says Kieswetter after win over Scotland

Published>Sun, Jun 20 10 08:47 PM

Sydney June 20 (ANI): England's cricketer Craig Kieswetter is keen to take on the Australians after dismantling Scotland with 64-ball 69 in his fourth ODI.

England beat Scotland with more than 16 overs to spare. The fifth ODI between England and Australia on Tuesday would be an interesting game to watch, as the Australians are still reeling from an Ashes loss last summer and a World Twenty20 final defeat last month.

"The Twenty20 final will give us a lot of confidence. It's nice to get runs and for the openers to score sets us in good stead for the Aussies," News of the World quoted Kieswetter as saying. (ANI)

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Gerrard 'is gutted, but I'm making sure I'm there for him,' says wife

Published>Sun, Jun 20 10 08:37 PM

London, June 20(ANI): England skipper Steven Gerrard's wife Alex Curran has said that she is playing the role of a morale booster to the Three Lions' captain, who is gutted following a disastrous World Cup campaign so far.

England's opening Group C game against the US was a 1-1 draw, while their same game against Algeria, ranked 30th in the world, was a goalless draw.

"It's not my role as a wife to talk about how he played. It's my job to lift him up and make him feel positive. Hopefully, they can put it behind them. I've got everything crossed and I'm praying," Alex wrote in her article for News of The World.

"I think I'm staying in the UK for the moment, but if Steven phoned me and told me to get to South Africa, I'd be on the next plane out," she added.

She further said that it was awful hearing the team being booed after the game against Algeria on Friday.

"I understand people have paid thousands of pounds to travel to the World Cup. So, it is disappointing for those fans, but I think the booing was a shame. The fans need to get behind them," Alex said.

"It would give them a boost, and make them feel good rather than worse than they already do," she added.

Alex also said that she could not believe that a fan got into the dressing room after the game.

"It's very scary and I've been quite worried about it. I have no idea how someone would get past so much security on such a big night like that," she added.

England will now play their final group game on Wednesday. (ANI)

Source: Web Search

Chandigarh in the semis of National Junior Football Champ

Published Sun, Jun 20 10 08:21 PM

Kolkata, Jun 20 (PTI) Chandigarh stormed into the semi-final of the National Junior Football Championship for Dr B C Roy Trophy with a 2-0 upset win over last year''s runners-up Orissa at the Yuba Bharati Krirangan here today. In another quarterfinal league match of the day, hosts Bengal rode on a four-goal effort by T Lalnunpuia to keep their hopes alive with a 4-2 win over Manipur at the Mohun Bagan ground. Chandigarh have now placed themselves on the top of the group B standings with six points from two matches, while Bengal are on second spot with four points. Orissa have one point while Manipur are yet to open their account. One match is left for each team and the top two teams will make the last four knock-out round. Chandigarh took an early lead after being awarded a penalty in their favour early into the start. Akashdeep Singh converted from the spot in the sixth minute to give Chandigarh an early lead. He also struck the second goal two minutes before the regulation time. Lalnunpuia, who had scored nine goals in their thumping 27-0 win over Puducherry earlier, struck in the ninth, 14th, 53rd and 62nd minute to complete the rout. Manipur scored twice in the second-half to reduce the margin. For Manipur, Ashok Singh converted a penalty in the 48th minute, while Y Jetlee Singh found the back of the net in the 57th minute.

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Factory test causes boom heard at World Cup stadium

Published Sun, Jun 20 10 08:17 PM

A blast was heard across Johannesburg on Sunday followed by a plume of smoke, visible from the Soccer City where World Cup matches are being played, but South African police said it was a routine test.

The loud boom heard by Reuters reporters was caused by testing at an explosives factory in the western suburbs of Johannesburg, some distance from the stadium, police spokesman Eugene Opperman said.

"It was controlled explosion ... They are a registered company so they are allowed to do their own business and testing," he told Reuters.

No match was underway at the Soccer City when the boom was heard shortly after midday, although Brazil is due to face Ivory Coast at 1830 GMT.

Police added in a statement there had been no injuries or damage from the explosion.

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OC may use CGF boss'' influence to secure Bolt for Delhi Games

Published Sun, Jun 20 10 07:57 PM

New Delhi, Jun 20 (PTI) Still optimistic of Usain Bolt''s participation, the Organising Committee (OC) of the 2010 Commonwealth Games today said if required, it would seek CGF President Mike Fennell''s intervention to ensure the sprint superstar''s presence in the October 3-14 event. Triple Olympic and world champion sprinter Bolt''s coach Glen Mills yesterday said Games here are not part of the Jamaican''s schedule and comes at a time when he would be doing his base training for next year''s world championships. OC secretary Lalit Bhanot, however, said that they are still hoping that Bolt will compete in the mega sporting event here. "We don''t have any official communication from Jamaican NOC on whether Bolt will participate or not but we believe he will take part in the Games," Bhanot told PTI. "More than 150 athletes from Jamaica will take part in the Games. Jamaican National Olympic Committee has sent the number of athletes and they will send the list of the athletes by September 3 cut off date. Before that we would not know anything," he added. Bhanot said OC could even explore the possibility of using the good offices of Commonwealth Games Federation chief Mike Fennell, who is also Jamaican Olympic Association president, to ensure Bolt''s participation in the Games. "Of course, we will definitely look into the option of requesting Mr Fennell to help us in regard to Bolt''s participation," said Bhanot, who is also Indian Olympic Association General Secretary. He, however, denied any talk of OC giving any appearance fee on Bolt for his participation. "There is no question of giving appearance fee," he said. PTI PDS AY

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Paraguay outclass tame Slovakia in Group F

Published>Sun, Jun 20 10 07:47 PM

Bloemfontein, June 20 (DPA) Paraguay outclassed a tame Slovakia 2-0 Sunday to score their first victory in the footbal World Cup and keep alive their hopes of reaching the knock-out stage.

Midfielder Enrique Vera opened the scoring in the first half and Cristian Riveros settled the match four minutes from time in front of a crowd of 26,600 at Bloemfontein's Free State Stadium.

The victory lifted the South Americans to the top of Group F, ahead of Thursday afternoon's other game in the group between New Zealand and defending champions Italy.

Source: Web Search

SPORT-RACE

Published Sun, Jun 20 10 07:21 PM

Bangalore, Jun 20 (PTI) Following are the results of the 12th day races held here today. 1st race : The Paddiwick Plate - 1200 M. Skyliner (Dr and Mrs Vijay Mallya rep. Utd Rac & B''Stk Breeders Ltd.''s) 54.5 J G Sampson first Con Artiste 54.5 Y S Srinath second Montedoro 56 B L Paswan third Spark of Desire 54.5 R Rupesh fourth All ran Won by: 3-1/4 Ls, 1-1/4 Ls and 3/4 Ls Time : One minute: 14.4 seconds Tote : Rs 38 for win, Rs 13, Rs 11 and Rs 26 for places Winner trained by : J S Dhariwal Favourite : Con Artiste Forecast : Rs 53 Quinella : Rs 28 SHP : Rs 43 Trin : 70 pct Rs 168 : 30 pct Rs 108. .

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Lorenzo romps to lonely British MotoGP win

Published Sun, Jun 20 10 07:17 PM

Spain's Jorge Lorenzo won the British MotoGP race from pole position for Yamaha on Sunday to extend his championship lead to 37 points.

The 23-year-old was in a class of his own, winning by a hefty 6.743 seconds for his third victory in five starts this season.

The absence of his injured world champion team mate Valentino Rossi was keenly felt, with Lorenzo so far ahead of the rest by the midpoint that the television cameras focused largely on the battle for second place.

Italian Andrea Dovizioso, last year's race winner at Donington Park, took the runner-up slot ahead of American Ben Spies on the podium for the non-works Yamaha Tech3 team.

Lorenzo now has 115 points to Dovizioso's 78.

Spaniard Dani Pedrosa, who had been second in the championship but crashed in qualifying, finished eighth and dropped to third overall with 73 points.

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Syham Sundar, Vo Thi Kim Phung maintain lead

Published Sun, Jun 20 10 06:53 PM

Chennai, Jun 20 (PTI) International Master M Shyam Sundar of India and Woman FIDE Master Vo Thi Kim Phung of Vietnam maintained their overnight lead at the end of the sixth round of the Asian Junior Chess Championships here today. In the Open category, Shyam Sundar is the sole leader with 5.5 points while Mehar Chinna Reddy is in second spot with 5 points. Eight other Indian players -- IMs Vidit Santosh Gujrathi, M R Lalith Babu, N Srinath, P Karthikeyan and K Priyadarshan, FM Nitin and untitled players Anwesh Upadhyaya and Swayams Mishra are in joint third place with 4.5 points apiece. In the girls section, WFM Vo Thi Kim Phung of Vietnam is the sole leader with six points followed by yet another foreigner, WFM Nakhbayeva Guliskhan of Kazakhstan. Third place is shared by four Indian players, defending champion and WIM Padmini Rout, Candidate Master Bhakti Kulkarni and untitled players R Preethi and P Michelle Catherina with 4.5 points each. In the sixth round, the two overnight leaders IMs N Srinath and M Shyam Sundar took on each other. Shyam Sundar played black side of a classical Queens Gambit exchange variation. Srinath chose to castle on the opposite wing. Shyamsundar quickly launched play against the White king by sacrificing his rook pawn. Before white could launch an attack, Shyam initiated a flurry of tactics and won two pawns and a piece to force Srinath''s resignation in 41 moves. On the second table, IM K Priyadarshan faced Sicilian Classical variation of IM Vidit Santosh Gujrathi. Priyadarshan played solid chess and though Vidit had two Bishops against a Bishop and Knight of Priyadarshan, both could not make any headway and a draw was agreed upon after 77 moves. Giant killer Mehar Chinna Reddy defeated IM S P Sethuraman in 36 moves. Mehar handled the Colle System and soon gained the initiative early. He handled the position in fine fashion to romp home in 36 moves. Vo Thi Kim Phung enjoys a one point lead over her rivals and looks poised to win her maiden Asian title along with the title of Woman International Master. Today she was lucky to win against WFM Hejazipour Mitra of Iran. Kim Phung, playing white, wasted some moves in the Torre opening to hand over comfortable play to Hejazipour Mitra. Mitra won an exchange and in a advantageous position, penetrated deep into her opponents territory with her major pieces, leaving her king barely exposed. Kim was alert to the situation and was threatening a perpetual check, when Mitra unwisely avoided it. She lost a whole Rook in the process and had to admit defeat in 56 moves. (MORE) PTI COR APR SHN

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Sailesh dominates in JK Tyre National Racing

Published>Sun, Jun 20 10 06:37 PM

Chennai, June 20 (IANS) Sailesh Bolisetti, the 21-year old from Visakhapatnam, gave further evidence of his talent in saloon car racing with a splendid double in the first round of the 13th JK Tyre National Racing Championship here Sunday.

Unlike most in his age group, Sailesh prefers touring cars to formula racing and having won the opening round of the Volkswagen Polo Cup championship in Pune last month, the youngster delivered yet another top result this afternoon.

Sporting the livery of RAD Racing, managed by former national champion Radha Selvaraj, Sailesh was in a league of his own as he powered his way through the corners with the ease of a veteran, though he has only completed two full racing seasons.

'I took to racing only after completing my studies and I decided on touring car racing to formula cars because I feel more comfortable in the vehicle. My aim is to win the Polo Cup championship and race abroad. My ultimate goal is to participate in the Le Mans series,' the modest youngster told IANS.

As well as Sailesh drove, veteran M. Sivaramakrishnan, struggling with an ill-handling Esteem that was patched together overnight following a major flip in qualifying session yesterday, came up with a fine performance to finish fifth in the first race and fourth in the second.

Another notable drive came from Siddharth Kishore of Performance Racing who had a fourth and second in the two races despite gear-box issues.

Meanwhile, action in the Formula LGB Swift was along predictable lines though the two races had different winners in Ameya Walavalkar of TVS Girling and team-mate Akhil Devaraj.

Ameya, an experienced karter, won the first race quite comfortably, but spun in the very second lap of the second race to lose track position, while Devaraj forged ahead to take the honours.

In the first race, S. Narendran of TVS Girling, who had finished third, was docked 30 seconds penalty and slid to seventh spot following a successful protest by Goutham Parekh for 'pushing' at Turn 3 of the sixth lap. Ajay Kini (Wallace Sports), who had finished fourth, was thus elevated to third spot.

Results:

Saloon Cars (Race 1 - 10 laps): Sailesh Bolisetti (RAD Racing) 1 (20mins, 52.0secs); B Vijaykumar (Prime Racing) 2 (21:12.8); Vidya Prakash (Prime Racing) 3 (21:14.8). Race 2 -- Sailesh Bolisetti (RAD Racing) 1 (20:52.339); Siddharth Kishore (Performance Racing) 2 (21:25.814); Raj Virdhan (Prime Racing) 3 (21:29.922).

Formula LGB Swift (Race 1 - 10 laps): Ameya Walavalkar (TVS Girling) 1 (20:04.621); Gokul Krishna (Mars Racing) 2 (20:13,329); Ajay Kini 3 (20:14.459). Race 2 - Akhil Devarag (TVS Girling) 1 (20:02.910); Ajay Kini (Wallace Sports) 2 (20:18.153); Goutham Parekh (Wallace Sports) 3 (20:18.232).

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Schweinsteiger on spot for Germany after Podolski miss

Published>Sun, Jun 20 10 06:17 PM

Erasmia (South Africa), June 20 (DPA) Bastian Schweinsteiger will take Germany's next penalty at the World Cup after Lukas Podolski failed from the spot against Serbia, coach Joachim Loew has indicated.

Loew said he was considering who should take the penalties and 'it could well be that Schweinsteiger takes the next one.'

The Bayern Munich midfielder scored twice from the spot in Germany's 3-1 pre-World Cup friendly match against Bosnia-Herzegovina.

Podolski's shot was saved by Serbia keeper Vladimir Stojkovic in the 1-0 Group D defeat Friday in Port Elizabeth.

However, the Cologne player had scored the last four times from the penalty spot for Germany, including one in the shoot-out with Argentina in the quarter-finals of the 2006 World Cup.

Loew did not intervene after the penalty was awarded against Serbia, leaving it up to the two designated penalty takers to decide between them who would take the spot kick.

'Both are very sure penalty takers. I want players who take on responsibility. Lukas took the responsibility and that was good. He didn't score, and that was bad luck,' Loew said.

The coach gathered all his 23 players, assistant coaches and fitness staff for a team talk lasting more than five minutes before a training Sunday at the team's base near Pretoria.

Germany will probably need to beat group leaders Ghana Wednesday in Johannesburg to reach the last 16, although a draw might be enough depending on the outcome of the game between Australia and Serbia.

Source: Web Search

Srinivasan re-elected TNCA president

Published>Sun, Jun 20 10 06:07 PM

Chennai, June 20 (IANS) Cricket Board secretary N. Srinivasan was unanimously re-elected president of the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association at its 80th Annual General Meeting, here Sunday.

There were few surprises as K.S. Viswanathan also retained the key post of secretary unopposed.

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Shoaib Akhtar not ready for Test return: Afridi

Published Sun, Jun 20 10 05:57 PM

Karachi, Jun 20 (PTI) Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi does not think fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar is ready for a comeback to Test cricket. Afridi said in his ''Captain''s Corner'' show on Geo television after the Asia Cup defeat to India last night that he didn''t think Shoaib could play Tests. "I don''t think he is ready despite his comeback in this tournament. I think his fitness will be tested in Test matches," Afridi said. Pakistani selectors are due to announce on Sunday the touring squad for the limited over matches and Test matches in England. Shoaib played his first international matches in 14 months time in the Asia Cup, taking three against Sri Lanka and going wicketless against India. He looked to be struggling with his match fitness. Afridi said the good news that Umar Gul was fit again and would be available for the tour to England. Afridi said he was disappointed at the two close defeats in the tournament to Sri Lanka and India. "We should have won both matches particularly the one against India. The total of 267 was such that I always felt that our bowling could defend it properly. But we missed vital chances and our fielding was not up to the mark," Afridi said. "I know I am smiling right now but inside it is very disappointing the way we lost to India after having the match in our grip," he said. Afridi said that he had not made a mistake by giving Mohammad Aamer the final over against India. "It was a calculated decision, unfortunately things didn''t go our way. I thought (Gautam) Gambhir, (MS) Dhoni and (Suresh) Raina all played great knocks in pressure circumstances," he said. Afridi said he had told his team mates that there would be no place for those who didn''t perform consistently. "This is the national team and we all know we are professionals and expected to perform. If a player is not performing, no matter who he is he will be out," Afridi said. The Pakistan skipper said that he or the coach could only advise and guide the players but not play for them. "Everyone is in the team because he deserves to be there but it is his responsibility to ensure he stays there with his performances," he said. Afridi said he was satisfied with the attitude of senior player and former captain Shoaib Malik which he said had improved a lot. "I am happy because the boys did support me a lot and we showed unity. We lost both matches but they were close ones and we need to sort out this issue of not being able to finish off matches successfully," he said.

Source: Web Search

Netherlands ambitious despite debate over poor play

Published>Sun, Jun 20 10 05:47 PM

Durban, June 20 (DPA) The Netherlands became the first team to reach the second round of the World Cup: that's a fact, and while they were to some extent lucky they must have done something right to get there.

'It's really difficult to win a game here in the World Cup. We did it twice, so we're happy,' said midfielder Rafael van der Vaart.

But early qualification will not cause them to let up.

'We want to win everything, and I think with this team we can do it,' Van der Vaart said Saturday in Durban after the match against Japan.

'We want to win all our games,' Dutch captain Giovanni van Bronckhorst agreed.

By late Saturday, 20 teams had played two matches in South Africa, and only the Dutch had qualified for the Round of 16. However, mistakes from their Group E rivals were key in the Netherlands' wins against Denmark and Japan, and in both cases the Oranje failed to shine.

At home, fans and reporters alike debated on the level of play in the national team, after a less-than-impressive performance against Denmark and a match against Japan that many saw as boring. In South Africa they have so far shown little of the creative play that has traditionally characterized the Dutch.

But players were not bothered.

'I think we can play much better, but at the moment we don't need to play our best,' van der Vaart noted.

Van der Vaart, van Bronckhorst and Dirk Kuyt commended the squad for its ball control, concentration and patience in waiting for chances. And above all for its ability to make the most of those chances, for not conceding any goals and for winning their matches.

'For us the most important thing is to win the game,' striker Kuyt stressed.

On Thursday, the Netherlands are set to play already-eliminated Cameroon in Cape Town. Dutch coach Bert van Marwijk admitted that he might make changes in a game where the only thing at stake is whether the Oranje will be first or second in Group E.

'I will keep in mind how fit my players are, and perhaps I may keep in mind the cards,' he said, referring to the the fact that three of their stars are on yellow cards.

As they move on in the World Cup, they are set to clash with one of the top two teams in Group F, perhaps even defending world champions Italy.

But the Dutch still feel confident.

'No problem, I like Italy,' van der Vaart said with a smile.

And of course, their chances increase if, as expected, Arjen Robben returns. The superstar winger was back in training after a hamstring injury, and he was expected to start seeing action in the knock-out rounds.

'We want to play a great tournament,' Kuyt stressed. 'We want to play as good as we can, and we want to advance as far as we can.'

Van Marwijk said the Dutch 'came here to win a prize, to become world champions,' but is realistic about their chances. 'That's far from straightforward and easy.'

Source: Web Search

White, Hussey guide Aussies' to five-wicket win against Middlesex

Published>Sun, Jun 20 10 05:41 PM

London, June 20(ANI): Australian batsmen Cameron White and Michael Hussey powered the Aussies to a five-wicket triumph over Middlesex at Lord's in their final warm-up fixture before the NatWest Series.

Chasing 274 for victory, Australia had slumped to 64-4 in the 11th over before the pair saved the day to guide the team to 277-5 with 13 to spare.

Australian openers Tim Paine (10), Shane Watson (24) captain Ricky Ponting (17) and Michael Clarke (0) were the batsmen dismissed during a calamitous start to the run chase.

White (106 off 120 balls) and Hussey (72 not out off 99 balls) added a match-winning 176 for the fifth wicket, The Sydney Morning Herald reports.

The 26-year-old Victorian right-hander hit eight fours and a six to reach his maiden hundred at Lord's.

Earlier, Middlesex skipper Adam Gilchrist won the toss and decided to bat first.

The Middlesex score was built around an elegant 92 from Owais Shah, who hopes the knock may remind England's selectors of his quality.

Apart from fast bowler Doug Bollinger, who took three for 24, the Australian attack struggled and leaked 90 runs in the final 10 overs, including 16 in the last over.

Australia begins the five-match one-day series against England at the Rose Bowl on Tuesday. (ANI)

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Selector Merv Hughes is in a fix over his part time occupations

Published>Sun, Jun 20 10 05:37 PM

Sydney June 20, (ANI): Former Australian cricketer Merv Hughes is in a fix whether to opt for Cricket Australia's new full-time position of national selector or not.

Marv's main worry is the announcement of the Australian Cricket Association that says that one of the four spots on the panel would be transformed into a full-time job, which means he would have to give up his other occupation as a leader of overseas tour groups.

"I really enjoy what I do and I see it as a privilege working with this team, as I have done for the past four and a half years," The Sunday Age quoted him as saying.

"To hear about the advent of a full-time selector and not to be told is disappointing about what it would entail. I can roll the dice by applying for that job or roll the dice by not applying for it. That is something I have got to weigh up," he added.

Meanwhile, the Chairman of the National Selection Panel (NSP) Andrew Hilditch is contracted until the end of next year's World Cup while Hughes, Jamie Cox and David Boon are free to apply provided they surrender their other roles to take on the new full-time position.

"In the past I have copped a lot of criticism for combining the two [selection and tour groups], but during the Ashes last year when I was selector on duty I didn't have a tour group here ... "Obviously it's not ideal as far as Cricket Australia is concerned.'' said Hughes.

The former Test fast bowler, who is the selector on duty with the limited-overs team in the UK, is reluctant to choose between the roles. However, he is keen to apply for the new position if he gets more information on the matter. (ANI)

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Spain must bounce back against Honduras

Published>Sun, Jun 20 10 05:17 PM

Johannesburg, July 20 (DPA) When the World Cup draw was made in Cape Town last December, most Spanish fans had their side's second Group H game against Honduras chalked down as the match where La Roja would book their place in the knockout stages.

After going down 0-1 to Ottmar Hitzfeld's Switzerland in their opening game, Spain, the European Champions find themselves in the uncomfortable position of needing a victory against Honduras at Ellis Park Monday to get their World Cup campaign back on track.

With Chile also winning their opener against the Central Americans, Spain boss Vicente del Bosque is aware that even a win could leave his team looking at finishing second in the group and facing a potential round of 16 clash against Brazil.

But the idea of taking anything for granted, including a win against the world's 38th ranked team Honduras, has been firmly banished from the Spanish squad in the wake of Switzerland's first ever victory against the Iberians.

Instead it is back to basics for Spain, starting with a limited Honduras side that, on paper at least, should pose no problems for the pre-tournament favourites.

At least del Bosque can count on a fully fit Fernando Torres in Johannesburg. The Liverpool striker came off the bench midway during the second half against the Swiss and is now ready to play a full 90 minutes after showing he has recovered from his knee surgery.

'We are all ready to take to the pitch and give everything,' said Torres, who promised that Spain wouldn't panic and abandon their methodical passing style of play as they had already overcome more difficult situations in the past.

Offensive midfielder David Silva is likely to be the one to lose out if Torres starts alongside David Villa up front but the 26-year-old striker said at a press conference Saturday in Potchefstroom that the team's style, if not the system, would remain the same.

'It doesn't matter if we play 4-3-3, 4-4-2 or something else, we'll stick to our style of play. We always want the ball and, if possible, to hem the opponent in their own half,' he said.

'We can't get nervous if we don't score an early goal,' Torres added.

Defeat would see outsiders Honduras eliminated if Switzerland and Chile draw their Monday encounter in Port Elizabeth.

Despite losing playmaker Julio Cesar de Leon to injury before the tournament even started, coach Reinaldo Rueda remained upbeat, saying Switzerland's heroics had give Honduras hope of making it to the next round.

The Colombian is likely to start with David Suazo on his own up front after the Genoa forward recovered from injury and could make several changes from the side that lost 1-0 to Chile in their opening match after complaining that certain players were unable to put in the necessary performances.

Rueda's one major concern is that he believes Spain will be even more focused on putting on a show after their poor start.

'As one of the favourites and after losing their first game, Spain will be even more determined,' he said.

'We cannot think it will be an easy game. For me, the opposite is the case. It will be more difficult.'

Source: Web Search

Srinivasan re-elected TNCA President

Published Sun, Jun 20 10 05:07 PM

Chennai, Jun 20 (PTI) N Srinivasan and K S Viswanathan were today unanimously elected President and Secretary of the Tamil Nadu Cricket Assiciation for 2010-11. The 80th Annual General Meeting of the association also elected six vice-presidents and members of executive committee, a TNCA release said. V P Narasimhan is the Treasurer while Dr G Natarajan and R S Ramasaamy were elected Joint Secretary and Assistant Secretary respectively.

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Grandfather Sikh wins British athletics award

Published>Sun, Jun 20 10 04:47 PM

Leicester, June 20 (IANS) A grandfather from Punjab and a popular athlete of the Midlands in England has won two medals at the annual event of the British Masters Athletic Federation in Leicester.

Jhalman Singh, 72, won a silver medal in the long jump and a bronze medal in the shot putt. This is on top of the pentathlon gold he won in the 70-75-year-old category at a Masters event in Oxford last month.

A retired engineer, he lives in Sutton Coldfield, Birmingham, and is currently training for another county competition in August, reports the Birmingham Mail.

Jhalman, who has represented the Royal Sutton Coldfield Athletics Club, started athletics in 1952 and has won a host of medals during his career.

He has won awards off the sports field too, for his social and community activities. He was received a Parliamentary award in 2007 at the House of Commons for promoting Punjabi culture in Britain. Last year he was crowned the first Midlands Sikh Sports Personality of the Year.

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Pakistan Olympic Association chief to hand over Queen''s Baton

Published Sun, Jun 20 10 04:21 PM

Chandigarh, Jun 20 (PTI) Pakistan Olympic Association President, Lt Gen Syed Arif Hassan will hand over the Queen''s Baton Relay for the 2010 Commonwealth Games to his Indian counterpart Suresh Kalmadi on June 25 at the Attari-Wagah border near Amritsar. "Gen Hassan will hand over the Baton to IOA chief Suresh Kalmadi at the Attari-Wagah border in the morning. We are expecting some top international and national sportspersons to participate in the gala reception that has been planned on the arrival of the baton," IOA Joint Secretary and Punjab government appointed Nodal Officer for the programme to receive the Baton, Raja Sidhu told PTI today. The baton for the Games was launched by Queen Elizabeth II from Buckingham Palace in London October 29 last year in presence of Indian President Pratibha Devisingh Patil at a formal ceremony. The baton would have covered 1,70,000 km and travelled through 70 Commonwealth nations before it reaches India. The baton will pass through various cities of Punjab before moving to other states. The Games are scheduled to be held in New Delhi from October 3 to 14. Over 10,000 athletes and officials from 71 Commonwealth Games Associations (CGAs) will participate in the 12-days of sporting extravaganza. "The Baton is to travel over 20,000 km in India covering all the states and Union Territories before it reaches Delhi on September 30," Sidhu, who is also Secretary General of the Punjab Olympic Association, said. He said the Central Government will also release a postage stamp at Attari border dedicated to the Games. Giving details of the elaborate function that was planned in Amritsar when the Baton arrives, he said, "though Olympic gold medalist Abhinav Bindra may not be available on that day when the baton arrives, we are expecting four-times World Boxing champion Mary Kom and some of our top atheletes to be present there." .

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Bhajji six seals the deal in fiery clash

Published>Sun, Jun 20 10 04:07 PM

Dambulla, June 19 -- Pakistan-India matches are often called war minus the shooting, and though the rhetoric has been toned down recently, there was no shortage of aggression as India pulled of a stunning win with one ball to spare in Dambulla. Chasing 268, India start well, with Gautam Gambhir (83), anchoring the innings. But if the first half of the chase was about reliability, the grandstand finish was provided by the volatile Harbhajan Singh, who refused to take a backward step. The stage was set in the 47th over when Harbhajan - with 36 needed from 24 - clattered Shoaib Akhtar for a sweetly-timed six over wide long-on. The unhappy fast bowler replied a couple of overs later, giving Harbhajan an earful after the lower-order batsman played and missed at a bouncer. Umpire Billy Doctrove intervened to separate the pair, but not before a heated exchange. With India losing wickets, and their way in the chase, 7 runs were needed from Mohammad Aamer's last over. With Suresh Raina (34) run out off the second ball, a couple and a single pinched, three runs were required off the last two balls when Harbhajan drilled a length ball into the stands over midwicket. Game in the bag, Harbhajan let out a full-throated roar, remembering to tur to Shoaib at third-man to let him know exactly what he felt. Full of grace as ever, the fast bowler shot Harbhajan the V-sign, a clear indication of just how much the match meant to both teams. At a time when the future of ODI cricket itself is under threat, India and Pakistan had once again produced a thriller. But it did not seem that way when Shahid Afridi won chose to bat first on a sluggish pitch.

India's chase got off to a most inauspicious start when Virender Sehwag suffered a hip injury and summoned a runner. He wasn't to last long and only Gambhir's intense vigil (83) kept India in the hunt. Dhoni strung together a useful 54, but when India slumped to 219 for 6, Pakistan were back in the game. It was then that Harbhajan did his thing.

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Downcast Eto'o bemoans missed opportunity

Published>Sun, Jun 20 10 03:57 PM

A despondent Cameroon captain Samuel Eto'o said his side, the highest ranked African team at the World Cup, had missed a great opportunity to do something special after they exited the continent's first World Cup.

Cameroon lost 2-1 to Denmark on Saturday night despite taking an early lead and playing some excellent soccer, leaving them to fight just for pride in their last match against the Netherlands on June 24.

The side, African soccer's most experienced challengers playing in their sixth World Cup, will also face some tricky questions when they return home after their campaign became marred by a row between senior players and coach Paul Le Guen.

"This was a great opportunity to do something big but it wasn't to be," Eto'o told reporters, minutes after the game. "God is the only one who rules in this moment and he wanted it to turn out like this."

The Indomitable Lions played fast, entertaining and attractive football against the Danes in Pretoria's Loftus Versfeld stadium and they went ahead after 10 minutes with an Eto'o opener.

But they lacked the killer touch from there on and failed to convert any of their many chances, falling behind to goals from Nicklas Bendtner and Dennis Rommedahl. Their players fell to the ground in shock after the final whistle blew.

The performance, however, was a marked improvement from their first match, which they lost 1-0 to Japan, after coach Le Guen reshuffled his line up following complaints from his senior players.

Frenchman Le Guen said he had no regrets over his selections for the two games and said he had no intention of resigning.

"All teams are difficult to manage," he said. "It's a great job, even in this case, it's a great job."

Le Guen, who had earlier challenged his players to show some of the "lion spirit" they were always talking about, said his side had shown the right attitude throughout the match and added he hoped they would reproduce that against the Dutch.

"Whilst my contract is running I'll do my very best for the Cameroonian football federation," he said. "I hope they will defend the national colours of the team."

He said repeatedly that qualifying for the World Cup had been an achievement in itself but that is unlikely to be good enough for a side which reached the quarter-finals in 1990 and symbolised the dynamism and excitement of African soccer.

Source: Web Search

Chile seek to dodge Swiss slip-up

Published>Sun, Jun 20 10 03:37 PM

The thought of Chile against Switzerland as a top-of-the-table clash in the same group as World Cup favourites Spain would have been inconceivable only a few days ago.

But both teams are in the unlikely position of joint Group H leaders after the Swiss stunned the Spaniards 1-0 and Chile beat Honduras by the same scoreline to seal their first win at a World Cup in 48 years.

Although far from a mouth-watering matchup, Monday's encounter has taken on added significance that might just be enough to wake sleepy Port Elizabeth from its World Cup snooze.

The defeats for Spain and Honduras, who meet later on Monday in Johannesburg, means a win for either Switzerland or Chile would give them one foot in the next round. The winning side may be able to advance with a defeat in their final game.

Chile's last win in the finals until their 1-0 win over Honduras had come in the 3rd/4th place playoff as hosts in 1962. They had since qualified for the World Cup four times but failed to win any group matches.

Both sides have vowed not to get ahead of themselves and expect the match to be a physical encounter fought more in the air than on the ground.

Chile's players will try to break down a tight Swiss defence and a packed midfield and avoid falling into the same trap as Spain, who dominated their match but lost out to a goal against the run of play.

SWISS SPOILERS

"We definitely have to be careful because with very little possession the Swiss still managed to beat Spain," defender Gary Medel said.

"We know that we have to be much more mobile than the Spanish, to create some space, to open up their defence, which looks very closed."

Midfielder Ismael Fuentes added: "They were waiting for a mistake from Spain and they scored. We know they're a very physical team, and we've been training for that."

Chile's leading striker Humberto Suazo is likely to return from a hamstring injury to lead a three-man attack. Suazo has played only 45 minutes of competitive soccer since late April and he would likely replace playmaker Jorge Valdivia.

Doubts remain over whether Valdivia is fit to play after he picked up a minor injury against Honduras. Team officials expect him to recover, although Valdivia's wife said otherwise and told Chilean television he would likely miss Monday's game.

Switzerland's coach Ottmar Hitzfeld believes his team are the underdogs against Chile, a match he said would be mentally tougher than their win over Spain.

He described Chile's attack-minded players as "fantastic" and said his team would defend tightly and restrict the movement of a free-flowing side that finished ahead of strongly favoured Argentina in qualifying.

"We have to play with a cool head and not give Chile chances," Hitzfeld said. "If we lose our heads, we don't stand a chance."

Striker Alex Frei and midfielder Valon Behrami, who missed the first game due to injuries, have resumed training and were both fully fit, although it was not certain top striker Frei would start in the game," he said.

Source: Web Search

Tiger looks his old self, but still behind Dustin Johnson

Published>Sun, Jun 20 10 03:27 PM

Pebble Beach (California), June 20 (IANS) If it was Tiger Woods of the old, it was also Dustin Johnson of the old. Except that the man named first has 14 Majors including the last US Open at Pebble Beach won by a margin of 15 shots in 2000. But Johnson has the last two titles at AT&T National Pro-Am, a tournament in which two rounds are played here.

They will not be going head-to-head, but doubtless they will keep an eye on each other, as Johnson goes out with Graeme McDowell and Woods with Gregory Havret.

Johnson took the lead with 66, but before he did that Woods had shot his 66 with eight birdies, including three in the last three holes, and at one-under 212 he is third and five shots behind leader Johnson.

Johnson's 66 gave him a three-shot lead ahead of overnight leader, Graeme McDowell (71).

The young and the old were also there as Ryo Ishikawa was tied seventh at even par 213 and Tom Watson, who made the cut right on the line is tied 16th at seven-over 220.

Asian flag bearer K.J. Choi got the start he wanted at the third round of the US Open. But the finish let him down this time.

Woods, beginning the day in tied 25th place, stunned the field and admiring spectators with his own 66, just as Mickelson had done on Friday. Woods, birdie-less on first day, had a 66 that included eight birdies, the most ever by him in a single round at the US Open, which he has won three times in the past.

But it was Johnson, who was in lead by the end, as he also shot a 66. The longest hitter on the board was also the best in greens in regulation and it showed in the scores.

The 60-year-old Tom Watson who came in for the weekend right on the cutline shot a 70 and moved to tied 16th. Watson is now six-over 219.

Johnson, who played a practice rounds with Woods, is now five clear of the World No.1 and three ahead of second placed overnight leader Graeme McDowell (71) at 210. A further two shots behind was Woods, who by his admission had done better than planned. Woods was aiming to be even par for the tournament, but he is at one-under.

Johnson said: 'I just try to stay within myself. I can control what I do. I can't control what the weather does, I can't control what anybody else does. So as long as I stay focused and worry about what I'm doing and not what anyone else is doing, then I seem to do pretty well.'

His plans include staying 'Aggressive'. 'I will be aggressive as my usual self,' shot back Johnson. Plans for the evening before the final round, 'Eat, TV and sleep,' he says. That has worked for him at last two AT&T National Pro-Am. No reason why it should not do so now.

Johnson's highlights included driving the par-4 fourth to within six feet for an eagle. Then he birdied the sixth and seventh, before dropping a shot on ninth. He added a birdie on 11th but also dropped a shot on 13th. Then he closed with birdies on 17th and 18th. On the 18th, he reached the green with a second shot from the rough with a 6-iron.

Woods, who won a whopping 15 shots at this course in 2000, started the day seven off the lead. He was then two-over for the day after the first three holes. Then he began his imperious march, with eight birdies over the next 15 holes. That included here in a row from fourth to sixth and then again from 16th to 18th.

On the last two holes it looked the Tiger Woods of the old. On the 17th, he read perfectly the curling putt on the green for a birdie and then cracked a second shot from just behind the two trees and around the Cypress on the right side of the fairway on the 18th hole. Woods hit the green and settled to about 12 feet for an eagle attempt.

However, he left that attempt a bit short, and admitted, 'I didn't want to go three feet past and it just died there short.' He tapped in for a birdie and a round of 66.

'I just kept telling myself it's a process,' said Woods, whose 66 is the lowest round since his return to golf in April. 'You just gotta hang in there, and I did that.'

Source: Web Search

Asset list reveals Afghan president earns $525 a month

Published>Sun, Jun 20 10 03:17 PM

Afghan president Hamid Karzai earns just $525 a month, has less than $20,000 in the bank and owns no land or property, according to a declaration of his assets on Sunday by an anti-graft body.

Although his modest remuneration is five times the national average, it contrasts sharply with salaries of leaders in the West, where U.S. President Barack Obama and British Prime Minister David Cameron rake in around $400,000 a year.

Karzai's assets were published by the High Office for Oversight and anti-Corruption Commission as part of a decree aimed at providing greater transparency among officials.

Although the Taliban insurgency remains the greatest threat to Afghanistan's stability, graft at almost every level of society remains a major complaint of ordinary Afghans and anyone doing business with the country.

Afghan blog: http://blogs.reuters.com/afghanistan/

The anti-graft body is registering the assets of at least 2,000 officials -- including ministers, members of parliament, senior military and police officers and provincial leaders -- and will start publishing them this week.

"This covers assets held by officials, their wives and children below the age of 18," Mohammad Yasin Usmani, the commission's chief, told Reuters on Sunday.

Any official found to have withheld information risked prosecution, he said.

Senior current and former Afghan officials -- including two of Karzai's deputies -- are believed to own buildings and assets worth tens of millions of dollars -- at home and abroad.

Some have also been involved in major contracts awarded by foreign forces, and police have been questioning 17 current and ex-ministers on suspicions of graft.

ACKNOWLEDGED PROBLEM

While Karzai has acknowledged a corruption problem, he says it is exaggerated by Western media and insists the biggest source of graft is poor oversight of billions of dollars in aid contracts that dwarf Afghanistan's budget.

U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates conceded in March that Washington needed to do more to clean up its contracting procedures.

The declaration of assets, signed by Karzai, said he earned $525 a month and had 15,635 euros ($18,762) and $134 in cash two Commerzbank accounts in Germany.

While it listed no land or property, it said Karzai -- who is married to a stay-at-home physician and has a young son -- had jewellery and other valuables worth $11,036.

The list makes no mention of assets held by Karzai's brothers and other relatives -- several of whom run businesses at home and abroad.

Source: Web Search

Danes send Cameroon packing, Dutch into last 16

Published>Sun, Jun 20 10 02:47 PM

Cameroon became the first team to be knocked out of the World Cup after a 2-1 defeat to Denmark today, a result which also ensured Group E leaders Holland became the first country to reach the last 16.

The defeat, their second in a row, completed a miserable tournament for the under-performing Indomitable Lions, who also lost to Japan in their opening game.

Today's result leaves Japan, who earlier lost 1-0 to the Netherlands, to take on Denmark in Rustenberg next Thursday for the runners-up spot in the pool and a place in the knockout round.

Cameroon scored first when Samuel Eto'o coolly shot into the corner of the net after 10 minutes, but Arsenal's Nicklas Bendtner struck back for the Danes, converting a cross in the 33rd minute.

Dennis Rommedahl gave Denmark the lead, curling a neat finish around Cameroon 'keeper Hamidou Souleymanou on 61 minutes.

On seven minutes, Rommedahl had a great chance to open the scoring as Christian Poulsen played him in behind the defence, despite a hint of offside, but the Ajax star blazed his shot high and wide.

Three minutes later, though, Poulsen was at fault when he played a blind pass that Pierre Webo intercepted before crossing for Eto'o, restored to a central striking role, to blast home.

Former Chelsea winger Jesper Gronkjaer had two chances in quick succession but his curler from distance was deflected behind and then he fluffed a far-post header from the resulting corner.

Denmark were starting to exert control and Cameroon goalkeeper Hamidou Souleymanou had to be alert to dash out and block at the feet of Tomasson.

And they got the equaliser they deserved on 33 minutes as Rommedahl got behind Benoit Assou-Ekotto to latch onto Daniel Agger's long crossfield ball before crossing for Bendtner to slide home.

In a thrilling end to the half Alexandre Song made a goal-saving block to deny Tomasson before Eto'o clattered the post and Achilles Emana burst through only to chip into goalkeeper Thomas Sorensen's hands.

Sorensen had to come to Denmark's rescue straight after the restart when he tipped over a Stephane Mbia header.

On the hour mark Webo had a chance on the turn but his shot bundled into Sorensen's arms.

Denmark then went straight up the other end and Rommedahl cut inside substitute Jean II Makoun far too easily before curling a left-footer beyond Souleymanou.

Makoun could have made amends but skied his shot from 12 yards when teed up by Eto'o but Souleymanou then kept the Lions in the game with a crucial point blank save from Tomasson.

Sorensen made a brilliant one-handed save to deny Emana an equaliser, Vincent Aboubacar's goalbound shot deflected off Poulsen's head and over and Mohamadou Idrissou's header just cleared the crossbar in a frantic finale.

Source: Web Search

Saina clinches Singapore Open Super Series

Published Sun, Jun 20 10 02:07 PM

Singapore, Jun 20 (PTI) Indian badminton ace Saina Nehwal put behind a nervy start to clinch the second Super Series title of her career by winning the Singapore Open with a straight-game triumph over qualifier Tzu Ying Tai in the finals here today. Top seed Saina took just 33 minutes to beat Chinese Taipei''s Tai 21-18 21-15 at the Singapore Indoor Stadium here. The world number six, who was the lone Indian left if fray after others crashed out by the semifinal stage, had bagged her maiden Super Series title in June last year when she claimed the top honours at the Indonesian Open. "I never expected to reach the finals as there were two good Chinese players in the draw but I believed in myself and got the result I wanted," the jubilant 20-year-old said. The in-form Saina came here after winning the India Open Grand Prix Gold title only last week. "The Indian Open gave me the confidence to play well here," she said. In a match that was a close affair to start with, Saina was locked 18-18 with her rival after trailing 8-14 at one stage. But Saina clinched the opening game with seven smash winners to show against her rival''s three. In the second game, Saina displayed a better net game and outwitted her rival in rallies to emerge triumphant. Saina said she kept gaining in confidence as the match progressed. "I was nervous at the start of the match but I maintained my strategy of playing more rallies," she said. "I was down 8-14 in the first game but I just told myself that ''play your best and give your 100 per cent''. I think that really worked well for me," she added. Saina said her opponent, despite being a mere qualifier, had some tricks to unsettle her. "She defeated a few good players in the run-up to the finals. She was in good rhythm and her strokes were falling well. At the starting, I wasn''t comfortable with her game. She had some tricky shots," she said. But as the minutes ticked by, Saina said she got a hang of her rival''s strategy. "Slowly, I studied her game. I was down and very nervous that I would lose the match but I had spirit to fight it out," she said.

Source: Web Search

S. Africa wants to exit from FIFA World Cup with heads held high

Published>Sun, Jun 20 10 01:57 PM

Johannesburg, June 20 (ANI): Mid-fielder Teko Modise has said South Africa's priority will now be to exit from the FIFA World Cup with their heads held high rather than hope for an unlikely qualification to the last 16.

According to Sports24.co.za, Bafana Bafana are on the brink of elimination after picking up a solitary point from their opening two Group A games.

They must now beat France on Tuesday and hope that Uruguay do not play out a draw with Mexico, while there would also need to be a considerable swing in terms of goal difference.

It quoted Modise as saying: "Qualification is not in our hands. It depends on the other results in our group. So, for us, the priority is rather about honour." (ANI)

Source: Web Search

FIFA WC: Rooney branded England's "preening prima donna"

Published>Sun, Jun 20 10 01:51 PM

London, June 20 (ANI): Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney has been branded a "preening prima donna" who expects the side to be built around him and blames everyone else when things go wrong.

According to News of The World, England insiders in South Africa believe he is acting like a spoilt brat over his outburst at booing fans after the 0-0 flop against Algeria.

Rooney has issued a statement through the FA about his comments: "I am as passionate about the England team as anyone. Last night, on reflection I said things in the heat of the moment that came out of frustration of both our performance and the result."e added: "For my part I apologise for any offence caused by my actions at the end of the game."

But his apology will only go some of the way to easing resentment in the camp.

Our source said: "Unless Rooney changes his attitude, there is a danger it will continue to fester among his team mates who believe he has been over-indulged."

A senior England source said simmering tensions within the England camp are being blamed on the player's ego.Wayne came into the competition placed on the same podium as Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo and thought he could eclipse them," he said.

"He believes the team should be built around him. And that's what Capello has attempted to do, even though it's meant Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard playing in a system that doesn't suit them. But he's done nothing to justify his billing.

Instead, he's been strutting around like a preening prima donna and having a go at the fans he's letting down so badly." (ANI)

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