Afro-Asian bloc rejects John Howard''s bid for ICC presidency

Published Wed, Jun 30 10 12:27 PM

Melbourne, June 30 (PTI) Six leading cricket boards have signed a letter rejecting former Australian Premier John Howard''s candidature for the post of ICC vice-president, according to a media report here. Howard''s nomination was to be discussed at the ICC Executive Board meeting in Singapore from today. "While an official decision will not be reached until later today at the International Cricket Council''s executive board meeting in Singapore, the former Prime Minister was rejected overnight by the majority of Test-playing countries," a report in the Australian claimed. Howard needs seven of the 10 votes to become Vice President but could muster support from only Australia, New Zealand and England. It means that all the Asian nations -- India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh -- and South Africa have united to oppose Howard''s elevation to the post, effectively ending his hopes of becoming ICC President in 2012. "The letter also opposed Howard, who is in Singapore, addressing the executive board," the report adds. Howard was the joint candidate from Australia and New Zealand as per the rotational policy.

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Tiger Woods denies he has differences with long-term caddie Steve Williams

Published>Wed, Jun 30 10 12:07 PM

Washington, June 30 (ANI): World No.1 golfer Tiger Woods has rubbished speculation that he is having differences with his longtime caddie Steve Williams.

The rumours were sparked by Woods' comments after he finished fourth at the US Open at Pebble Beach, when he said: "We made three mental mistakes. The only thing it cost us was a chance to win the US Open."

According to Fox Sports, Woods was forced to deny rumors at a press conference ahead of his defence of the AT and T National tournament in Pennsylvania this weekend.

"There's no tension there, not at all," Woods said.

"You guys are reading way too much into it.

"I was asked what happened out there, and I made three mental mistakes - three mistakes I don't normally make.

"Do Stevie and I make mistakes on the golf course? Of course we do. We're not perfect. We made mistakes at the wrong time. It happens.

"Hopefully, that won't happen this week and we can win an event."

Woods and New Zealander Williams have worked together since 1999. (ANI)

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Howard fails in bid to become ICC VP over 'widespread opposition'

Published>Wed, Jun 30 10 11:23 AM

Sydney, June 30(ANI): Former Australian Prime Minister John Howard has reportedly failed in his bid to become the International Cricket Council (ICC) Vice-President.

The ICC executive board, currently meeting in Singapore, was expected to announce its official decision on Thursday, but it is believed that six of 10 Test-playing countries have rejected Howard's candidacy.

He required the support of at least seven nations to earn the job.

Howard's only supporters were Australia, New Zealand and England, reinforcing the power of the Afro-Asia vote in world cricket, The Australian reports.

Zimbabwe, which had been one of Howard's most vocal opponents, did not sign the letter.

Under a rotational five-region electoral process, Howard was the joint candidate from Australia and New Zealand.

The ICC Vice-President serves a two-year apprenticeship before becoming president of the game's organising body.

If elected, Howard would have been the top administrator of cricket in 2012.

Earlier, it was reported that South Africa and Sri Lanka were not keen for Howard to assume the role, while Zimbabwe was uncommitted.

The Indian board had not made its intentions public, but it was a given fact that whichever way they vote, the Pakistan and Bangladesh boards will follow.

Cricket Australia had told their Zimbabwean counterparts that if they do not support Howard's bid they would not host the bilateral A-series next year that would help the African nation re-enter top level Test cricket.

Howard's defeat leaves the future of the vacant vice-presidency uncertain, though the it is being said that former New Zealand board chairman Sir John Anderson might be put forward as a more acceptable candidate. (ANI)

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Spain beat Portugal in a thriller

Published>Wed, Jun 30 10 11:17 AM

A goal by striker David Villa earned Spain a 1-0 win over neighbors Portugal and a World Cup quarter-final place after an entertaining match on Tuesday in which the Portuguese also created several chances.

The alert Villa struck the winner after 63 minutes when he fired the ball into the net off the underside of the bar after his first effort was blocked by excellent goalkeeper Eduardo, having been set up by Xavi's clever back-heel in the area.

Portugal right back Ricardo Costa was sent off in the 90th for catching Spain defender Joan Capdevila in the face with an elbow as the pair tussled on the edge of the area.

Spain, the European champions, will meet Paraguay, who earlier won a penalty shootout against Japan after a 0-0 draw, in the last eight at Ellis Park on Saturday.

"We felt comfortable but you have to be careful because things can change quickly," said coach Vicente del Bosque. "We know we're working well, we want to create a bit of history."

Portugal coach Carlos Queiroz added: "Spain were much more effective moving the ball around. We were looking for chances on the counter-attack. We had our chances -- we just didn't score.

"We showed ambition and desire to win but it just wasn't possible. We'll have to come back stronger.

STRONG START

Spain had started the Iberian clash stronger, dominating possession in the early moments, with forwards Fernando Torres and Villa forcing Eduardo to palm away three long distance efforts from the left wing in the first seven minutes.

Portugal right back Ricardo Costa composed himself after a torrid start but his side were still unable to keep possession. The Spanish, however, did not make use of their control, rarely able to send a decent ball into the box.

Portugal's first chance came in the 20th minute. After good play from lively left back Fabio Coentrao, Tiago's drive was punched high by Iker Casillas and the Spain keeper did well to beat the tall Hugo Almeida to the ball as it came down.

Portugal winger Cristiano Ronaldo had been lively, though mostly ineffective, but nearly scored a stunning goal with a fierce, swerving free kick from almost 40 meters that hit a confounded Casillas in the chest and arms and flew to safety.

Portugal almost went ahead five minutes after halftime, Almeida winning some space on the left and attempting to feed the incoming Ronaldo, but his cross deflected off Carles Puyol's knee and flew inches wide of the Spanish post.

Torres was not providing the sort of menace expected of him, and he was replaced in the 58th minute by Fernando Llorente, who took only two minutes to create danger, his flying header from a Sergio Ramos cross kept out by Eduardo.

Spain came close once more moments later when Villa sent a curling shot just wide, but the lethal striker was not to be denied and he grabbed his fourth goal of the tournament -- to become joint top scorer -- with his next effort.

Portugal failed to respond immediately and almost suffered again after 70 minutes when Ramos beat Coentrao and fired a low diagonal shot that was tipped for a corner by Eduardo.

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Full list of World Cup quarter-finalists

Published>Wed, Jun 30 10 10:57 AM

Johannesburg, June 30 (DPA) List of teams that have qualified for the quarter-finals of the World Cup:

Uruguay

Ghana

Germany

Argentina

Holland

Brazil

Paraguay

Spain

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Technology-shy FIFA loses out when it comes to fair play

Published>Wed, Jun 30 10 10:47 AM

FIFA's refusal over the years to use technology to help decide on close calls has left soccer isolated in major international sport, clinging to the idea that human error is somehow preferable to computer-backed truth.

While other sports have happily embraced the use of video replays or infrared systems to review goals and other close calls, earlier this year soccer's governing body ruled out the use of any such system for the foreseeable future.

The issue came into sharper focus than ever after decisions, shown by instant replays to be incorrect beyond any reasonable doubt, altered the balance of Sunday's two World Cup second round matches.

First it was a shot from Frank Lampard that clattered against the German crossbar and bounced down well over the line when England, chasing a comeback, were 2-1 down. Germany, clearly rattled at the time, went on to win 4-1.

In the later game at Soccer City, Mexico had been enjoying the better of the game against Argentina when Carlos Tevez scored from a clearly offside position, setting Diego Maradona's side on their way to a 3-1 win.

Tracking the ball

Tennis and cricket are among the sports to have happily introduced infrared systems to track the ball, while rugby, NBA basketball and American football use video replays.

The current debate in MLB baseball is not whether the limited use of video to check questionable home runs should be scrapped but rather expanded to cover the sort of mistake that denied Armando Galarraga a perfect game.

At the Olympics, freeze-frames help decide places on the track, Formula One motor racing uses video and technical analysis to make calls long after the race is over, often affecting the results, and the list of sports embracing technology goes on and on.

By no means do all World Cup players support the idea of using video evidence or other technology with some believing that luck evens itself out over time.

Germany midfielder Sami Khedira, who played in the England game, told a news conference: "We are quite happy the way it is because in the long run these things get balanced out. It's all part of the game and part of the emotion."

Plenty of people involved in the sport would clearly welcome it, however, including Khedira's team mate Miroslav Klose. "If technological solutions are there they should be used," Klose said. "I'm not talking about TV evidence. I'm more talking about a chip in the ball or goal-line cameras. You see it in tennis and other sports, why not football?"

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Big stars line up with Vijender, Akhil for Delhi franchise

Published>Wed, Jun 30 10 10:37 AM

Home-grown stars Vijender Singh and Akhil Kumar will be joined by international heavyweights like World Championship silver medallist Roman Kapitonenko of Ukraine and Olympic bronze winner Bahodirjon Sultonov and Beijing Olympics semi-finalist Abdelhafid Benchabla of Algeria, in the Indian team for the World Series of Boxing this November.

Kapitonenko and Sultonov were among the nine international boxers that the team signed up at an auction held in London on Monday night.

The Delhi franchise has already signed up five Indians - Olympic bronze medallist Vijender Singh, Commonwealth games gold medallist Akhil Kumar, Commonwealth champions Jai Bhagwan and Dinesh Kumar and Olympic quarter-finalist Jitender Kumar -for the professional-style event scheduled to start from November 19.

The International Boxer Draft allowed the 12 WSB teams to select from a pool of 175 boxers from 64 countries to complete their squads of national boxers. Under WSB rules, each team must comprise a minimum of three foreign boxers in the five weight classes (54kg, 61kg, 73kg, 85kg, 91+kg).

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Oranje samba on Friday

Published>Wed, Jun 30 10 10:17 AM

Johannesburg, June 30 -- With clinical efficiency, Brazil dismantled Chile to cruise into the quarter-finals where The Netherlands lie in wait. For neutrals, that should be a lip-smacking tie in Port Elizabeth; one that would be well worth calling an early start to the weekend on Friday. For Brazil, it could be the tallest hurdle ahead of the final if Dunga's team continue to mean business. There's been very little dazzle in Brazil's game so far. Maybe they have saved that for the Oranje boys. The rights to samba soccer have been bought by Argentina, their attacking flair making Brazil look staid in comparison. But if Diego Maradona's men have mesmerised their way into the quarter-finals, those under Dunga have been cold, calculating and ruthless. Brazil have also been famously predictable. Everyone knows about the central midfielders who protect the backline, about why Kaka, Robinho and Luis Fabiano must be denied space and the havoc wingbacks Michel Bastos and Maicon can cause. Dunga has even been able to add Dani Alves to the mix. Before they started against North Korea, the world knew their starting line-up. Yet, for most part of four matches, teams have been clueless trying to stop them. Ahead of Monday's night game against Chile here, Marvin van de Flierdt, a German journalist, said the same about Arjen Robben. All teams know Robben will either go for the top left or the bottom right corner when he is the range, but how useful has that knowledge been, De Flierdt asked. As against Spain, Chile swarmed around Brazil, sometimes with five frontline players. As against them, they trailed 0-2 at the break. As upholders of attacking football, Chile entertained all right, but while they went home, Brazil counter-attacked into the quarter-final. Smart teams pick their fights. Chile didn't. With five Brazilians behind the ball when they didn't have possession, Chile impressed till their front third. It wasn't till the 75th minute that Julio Cesar was really needed; making a reflex save with both hands after the impressive Humberto Suazo turned Lucio the wrong way and fired from close. By then, the quarter-final in Port Elizabeth had been set up. Maicon's corner-kick was headed home by centre half Juan, whose partnership with Lucio is integral to the way Dunga's Brazil play. Drawing an unequal triangle, the attacking trio of Robinho, Kaka and Luis Fabiano then created their second goal of the tournament and Brazil's second on the night. That was the first time Chile felt gobsmacked. Robinho's elegant placement following Ramires's strong run down the middle was the second. In a team which does little without purpose, Robinho's showboating sometimes makes him seem like a profligate among the parsimonious. But then, he scored one goal, set up another and was adjudged Man of the Match. The camaraderie on show at Ellis Park though seemed straight out of Argentina. There were hugs, high fives and huddles where men in thick overcoats jumped with joy in the technical area each time Brazil scored. Robinho and Ramires even broke through photographers to hand slap mates warming up behind the boundary. This squad too smells of team spirit.

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Asian games medallist Chandgi Ram passes away

Published>Wed, Jun 30 10 09:37 AM

New Delhi, June 30 -- Renowned wrestler Chandgi Ram, who won gold in the 1970 Asian Games, passed away on Tuesday morning following a cardiac arrest. The 72-year-old, popularly known as Master Chandgi Ram, was born on November 9, 1937 in Sisai village in Hisar district of Haryana. Chandgi Ram, the recipient of Arjuna and Padma Shri awards, served as Additional Director of Sports in Haryana and was conferred the titles of Hind Kesari, Bharat Kesari, Bharat Bhim, Rustom-e-Hind and Maha Bharat Kesari. Chandgi Ram's crowning glory came when he won gold in the 100kg category in the 1970 Asian Games in Bangkok. Two years later, he represented India in the 1972 Olympic Games at Munich.

"The world of wrestling and, in fact, Indian sport will be poorer by Master Chandgi Ram's absence," he added.

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Sorry boys, says FIFA

Published>Wed, Jun 30 10 09:31 AM

Johannesburg, June 29 -- This World Cup's been about apologies. Thierry Henry put his hand up and said sorry after helping France qualify and when they exited, Flourent Malouda sounded contrite. Coming from Switzerland, Sepp Blatter knows French but the FIFA president told the media in English that he has apologised to the English and Mexican football associations. Following Sunday's refereeing gaffes, the media had turned on the heat and after Nicalos Maingot, a FIFA communications official, had stonewalled questions saying he didn't have the authority to comment, Blatter met the media here on Tuesday. "The only thing I can do is yesterday I have spoken to the two federations (England and Mexico) directly concerned by the referees' mistakes. "I have expressed to them apologies and I understand they are not happy and that people are criticising," Blatter said. Blatter'00s apologies are as famous as some of the famous refereeing gaffes or goalkeeping howlers. After the 2006 finals, he apologised to Australia for the penalty through which Italy knocked them out but backtracked saying he was misquoted. With Jerome Valcke by his side, Blatter overruled the FIFA general-secretary's saying that the debate on using goalline technology won't be opened. Valcke though had spoken before Sunday's double disaster. "It is obvious that after the experience so far in this World Cup, it would be nonsense to not re-open the file of technology at the business meeting of the International FA Board in July. "We will naturally take on board the discussion on technology and have first opportunity in July at the business meeting. Personally, I deplore it when you see evident referee mistakes but it's not the end of a competition or the end of football, this can happen." The International Football Association Board (IFAB), which decides on the rules of the game, had in March decided against further experimentation with goal-line technology. The IFAB comprises football associations of England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland and FIFA. FIFA has four votes to one each for the British associations which means no rule can be passed if FIFA objects. Accepting that "something has to be changed", Blatter also spoke of a new initiative to improve refereeing standards but didn't elaborate.

The comment comes after reports that the former chairman Jean-Pierre Escalettes and coach Raymond Domenech would have to appear before a parliamentary committee.

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The Men who messed it up

Published Wed, Jun 30 10 09:07 AM

India, June 29 -- The World Cup has been full of on-field controversies. We take a look at the instances that created furore and even changed the outcome of the matches. Lampard strikes, it bounces back Great strike from the England midfielder that beat Neuer in the German goal, and even on first viewing, clearly crossed the line. The goal would have levelled scores at 2-2, and may have made a difference to the result, but referee Jorge Larriono turned away protests by the England players. England went onto lose 1-4. I don't know why, but it's not a goal Koman Coulibaly was the worst among referees. Among his bloopers was a goal that he disallowed for an unexplained infraction. The goal would've given USA a win over Slovenia. After all, Tevez is a man of god Argentine Carlos Tevez's goal, from a position where he was offside by about 6 feet, led to scuffles & protests. Replays in the stadium made Mexican players angry. The goal stood. Red to Cahill when yellow was fine Marco Rodriguez sent off Aussie Tim Cahill for a reckless challenge, in what seemed to be a move designed to get more attention & TV time than a simple yellow would have allowed.

Khalil Al Ghamdi sent off Switzerland's Valon Behrami midway through the first half of their match against Chile for an elbow. He also flashed 9 yellow cards, pretty much killing the flow of the game.

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Chicken farmer's son not scared ahead of Djokovic clash

Published>Wed, Jun 30 10 08:37 AM

After clipping the wings of the last year's runner-up, Taiwanese chicken farmer's son Lu Yen-hsun faces Novak Djokovic on Wednesday seeking a place in the Wimbledon semi-finals.

Lu, who also goes by the name of "Randy", provided the championships with their biggest shock when he tamed Andy Roddick's brutal serve and became the first Asian man to reach a grand slam quarter-final since 1995.

The 26-year-old, who entertained journalists with a news conference punctuated with anecdotes about chasing chickens around his father's farm, is ranked 82 in the world.

"I know the next opponent is Djokovic," Lu said. "I don't know how far I can play. I cannot tell you. But I can tell you if I have a chance to step on the court, I will fight to the end."

Lu is an unfamiliar name in an otherwise predictable quarter-final line-up which includes the four top seeds.

Champion Roger Federer hit top form in his straight sets demolition of Juergen Melzer and now faces Tomas Berdych while Rafa Nadal's match against the hard-hitting Robin Soderling is an intriguing repeat of the French Open final.

Briton Andy Murray, who has not dropped a set so far in the tournament, takes on Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, the second Frenchman he has faced after beating Gilles Simon in round three. Murray believes an enthusiatic Centre Court crowd could give him an edge.

"He's very exciting to watch," Murray said. "I'm sure there will be some great shots played in the match.

"All the time when you play on Centre Court, obviously it does change a bit depending on what round, but the support's always great. The crowd's always into it when the British guys are playing.

"I'm sure the match against Tsonga won't be any different. Hopefully I can perform well."

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Japan fans crushed but grateful for surprise run

Published Wed, Jun 30 10 08:25 AM

Japanese soccer fans were crushed with their team's penalty shoot-out loss to Paraguay but grateful for the Blue Samurai's surprise run to reach the knockout round of the World Cup.

"I'm very disappointed, but I thank our team who let us hope and dream," 27-year-old Ryosuke Takashita said at a Tokyo sports bar, where more than 500 fans cheered their national team throughout the scoreless 120 minutes.

The second-round match at Ellis Park ended goalless after extra time and the South Americans netted a perfect five penalties while Japan's Yuichi Komano hit the bar with his team's third shot.

"At the beginning of the World Cup, nobody, even us, expected much from them, but they advanced to the second round to delight us," 24-year-old supporter Fumiya Inaba told Reuters.

"I want to say thank you to them."

Japan, who carried the hopes of Asia as the region's sole remaining team, reached the tournament's knockout round for only the second time and the first on foreign soil.

Although their running into space repeatedly stretched the Paraguay defence, they were unable to reprise the flowing attacks that had torn Denmark apart in their group decider.

"The Japanese players were not as agile as they were in previous games. But the way they courageously battled with Paraguay until the bitter end deserves the nickname Blue Samurai," the Yomiuri newspaper wrote.

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