Tour celebrates 100 years of punishing Pyrenees

Tue, Jul 20 10 08:37 AM

The first riders to climb the Pyrenees on the Tour de France 100 years ago called the organisers 'criminals' and this year's peloton may start to feel the same during Tuesday's punishing 16th stage.

Since the day in 1910 when Octave Lapize was the first at the top of the Tourmalet, the Pyrenees have become a tradition of the Tour and Tuesday's stage is seen by many as the hardest of this year's race.

The bunch will ride the 2,110-metres Tourmalet summit for the 76th time in a 199.5-km stage that includes the four climbs featured on the course of a ride between Perpignan and Bagneres-de-Luchon in 1910.

The Peyresourde, Aspin, Tourmalet and Aubisque mountain passes remain as tough as they were a century ago and the celebration will be a painful one for many riders.

Luxembourg's Andy Schleck, who lost his yellow jersey to defending champion Alberto Contador in the 15th stage and trails by eight seconds, has vowed to take his revenge and is expected to go on the attack.

Source: Published>

FIFA begins inspection for 2018-2022 World Cups

Published>Tue, Jul 20 10 07:37 AM

Tokyo, July 20 (IANS) A FIFA inspection committee has started a visit to the 12 countries vying to host the World Cup in 2018 and 2022.

The visit to Japan Monday marks the start of a long tour to evaluate countries, which will conclude in Qatar in September, after the other seven candidates are visited and evaluated, Prensa Latina reported.

Each city will be visited for at least for four days and the work of the FIFA commission is to see if they are really ready, and evaluate the conditions of their sites, facilities, infrastructure and other aspects.

The commission is headed by Chilean Soccer Federation president Harold Mayne Nicholls.

A new stadium will be built in Osaka - provisionally called Osaka Ecology Stadium - with a capacity for 83,000 people, and it could be the site of the 2022 World Cup's opening and final matches if Japan is finally elected as the host.

Australia, South Korea, Qatar, the US and Japan are the candidates for the 2022 World Cup, while Britain, the US, Russia, Australia, Belgium/Holland (dual candidature) and Spain/Portugal are bidding for 2018.

Spain/Portugal will be evaluated Aug 30-Sep 2, the US Sep 6-9, and Qatar Sep 13-17.

The final decision will be made Dec 2 in Zurich, Switzerland.

Source: Web Search

Chain slip just part of the game, say former riders

Published>Tue, Jul 20 10 06:17 AM

It might have appeared terribly unjust, but Alberto Contador's pilfering of the yellow jersey after Tour de France rival Andy Schleck suffered a mechanical failure was all too familiar for cycling's old guard.

Saxo Bank rider Schleck attacked defending champion Contador in the ascent to the Port de Bales, but a chain slip allowed the Spaniard to gain 39 seconds and take an eight-second lead after Monday's 187.5-km 15th stage.

"I cannot change the situation even if I'm mad," Schleck told reporters. "Of course I wouldn't have minded to throw my bike into the fence and just hit someone but you've got to keep yourself under control in situations like this."

Crashes and mechanical failures have been part of Tour folklore as early as 1919, when yellow jersey-holder Eugene Christophe lost the Tour to Belgian Firmin Lambot after being robbed of some 70 minutes due to a broken bike.

The same Christophe all but lost the Tour six years earlier, when riding second overall, he was forced to repair his bike on his own in a local forge not far from where Luxembourg's Schleck saw his chain fall off.

Schleck said Contador and other riders who profited from his misfortune would not win any "fair play prize" on offer, but former riders were quick to bring him back down to earth.

"At my time, when others had mechanical problems, we would just attack," said Laurent Fignon, a Tour winner in 1983 and 1984.

"In the heat of the race and in the finale, you can't say to Contador -- 'hey, wait for Andy'," added former Belgian professional rider Johan Bruyneel, who groomed Contador to his first two tour triumphs.

"Andy didn't wait for Contador on the cobblestones either, I guess."

In the third stage, Schleck took advantage of his brother Frank's crash to go off in the wheel of team mate Fabian Cancellara and Contador lost over a minute in the process.

Frenchman Jean-Francois Bernard, third in the 1987 Tour de France, was even harsher.

"I would have given Contador a rollicking if he had waited for Schleck. That's the race," said Bernard, a pundit for daily L'Equipe's website (www.lequipe.fr).

Source: Web Search

Ministry vs national federation, this time on hockey field

Published>Tue, Jul 20 10 05:37 AM

The Sport Ministry is once again on a collision course with a sports federation. After the Badminton Association of India (BAI), Hockey India (HI) too is all set defy the Ministry's guidelines that put a cap on the age and tenure of office bearers.

The 83-year-old HI president Vidya Stokes, while disregarding Sports Ministry's guideline that put an age limit of 70 on sports officials, made it clear on Monday that she will contest the national hockey body's election on July 28.

Stokes has written to the returning officer this regard. "We are not in agreement as we are a society formed under the Society's Registration Act, 1860 and hence having our own constitution and election guidelines," she said. Stokes also warned of legal action in case of government interference in the election process.

Meanwhile, in a related development the government observer, SK Mendiratta, in letter to the Returning Officer, Justice RC Chopra, said that the No-Objection Certificate (NOC) given by the ministry for the elections was conditional on the federation accepting the government guidelines on elections to NSFs. The letter states clearly, though the tenure limitations do not apply in this case, the age restrictions will have to be observed.

"Obviously, the restrictions relating to number of terms of office would not apply in the case of the present election, this being the first election of office bearers of Hockey India...The age restrictions with regard to the President, Secretary General and Treasurer shall be applicable in relation to the present elections," Mendiratta wrote.

Though the returning officer was unavailable for comments, sources close to him said that any decision will only be taken during the scrutiny of nominations on Tuesday morning. "The government observer will also be there, as will be representatives from the candidates and most of the candidates themselves. Justice Chopra will decide only then," a source said.

In case Stokes is disqualified, it will pave the way for former India captain and Olympian Pargat Singh to be the president. When contacted, Pargat remained non-committal. "We will have to wait and see what the returning officer decides tomorrow. If he decides to reject the nomination, then we will see what next," he said.

If elected, Pargat would be the first sportsman to take charge of the sport.

If HI decides to go ahead with elections disregarding the government guidelines, it may further complicate matters for the sport, already struggling with two governing bodies (IHF and HI). In which case, violating the ministry's directions may affect HI's chances to retaining administrative powers.

Source: Web Search

Brazil boosts spending to speed up World Cup works

Tue, Jul 20 10 03:57 AM

The Brazilian government announced measures on Monday to speed up preparations to host the soccer World Cup in 2014, boosting spending and cutting red tape for public works projects.

The move follows growing concern in recent weeks, including by the soccer world governing body FIFA, that preparations for the sporting event were seriously delayed.

The debate put the spotlight on numerous obstacles to investment in Brazil's fast-growing economy and angered President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, who has been touting the tournament as an accomplishment of his government ahead of October's presidential election.

Brazil will also host the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.

In a signing ceremony arranged at short notice, Lula pledged 5.5 billion reais ($3.1 billion) to revamp airports in the 12 cities that will host the soccer tournament.

He also lifted restrictions on the ability of cities to raise debt to pay for infrastructure such as roads, stadiums and trains.

Lula, who called some of the concerns senseless, said the latest measures would avoid problems Brazil had with funding the 2007 Pan-American Games in Rio de Janeiro.

The federal government also donated real estate and earmarked 740 million reais on Monday to allow seven cities, including Rio de Janeiro, to overhaul their ports and facilitate docking of large cruise ships.

"Certainly it will be an alternative to the lack of hotels," said Pedro Brito, the ports minister.

Lula blamed the Sao Paulo state government, which until April was run by the opposition presidential candidate Jose Serra, for failing to provide an adequate stadium to host the World Cup.

"Frankly, I can't imagine a World Cup in Brazil without Sao Paulo as one of the corners for athletes to play ball," Lula said during the ceremony in the capital Brasilia.

Source: Published>

Tampa Bay acquires Gagne in trade with Flyers

Tue, Jul 20 10 02:57 AM

The Tampa Bay Lightning strengthened their offense Monday by acquiring 40-goal scorer Simon Gagne in a trade with the Philadelphia Flyers.

The Lightning sent defenseman Matt Walker and a 2011 fourth-round draft pick to Philadelphia in return, the team said.

"With his combination of speed and skill we are excited to have him with us," Tampa Bay general manager Steve Yzerman.

Gagne had played his entire 664-game NHL career with the Flyers, recording 259 goals, including 47 game-winners, and a total of 524 points.

"I'm very excited right now," twice NHL All Star Gagne told reporters. "I'm looking at this opportunity as a new challenge and a new start."

Gagne has reached the playoffs in nine of his 11 seasons, scoring 32 goals and posting 47 points from 90 career postseason games.

The 30-year-old Quebec native shined in Philadelphia's march to the Stanley Cup Finals last season, recording nine goals and 12 points in 19 games.

Source: Published>

Roger Hayden to replace De Puniet at Laguna Seca

Tue, Jul 20 10 02:01 AM

American Roger Lee Hayden, younger brother of 2006 MotoGP world champion Nicky, will stand in for injured Frenchman Randy de Puniet at this weekend's U.S. Grand Prix, the LCR Honda team said on Monday.

De Puniet broke the tibia and fibula in his left leg at the German Grand Prix at Sachsenring and had surgery on Sunday night.

The team said the 29-year-old Frenchman had a titanium rod inserted in his leg and will leave hospital on Tuesday.

"They say that I need six weeks recovery period to start racing again but I will try my best to be back in Brno," the rider said, referring to the Czech Grand Prix on Aug. 15.

Yamaha's world champion Valentino Rossi made his race return at the weekend, finishing fourth, just six weeks after breaking his leg.

Hayden knows the Laguna Seca circuit well and raced there in MotoGP for Kawasaki in 2007, finishing seventh.

Source: Published>

Mumbai beat Haryana to end title drought

Tue, Jul 20 10 12:15 AM

Bhopal, July 18 -- It was a dream come true for three-time champions Mumbai on Sunday. They outplayed spirited Haryana 3-2 to win the 63rd Senior National Men's Hockey Championship for the Rangaswamy Cup here. Mumbai, who had their last national title in 1989, dominated the proceedings in the first half, but Haryana forwards launched a series of attacks. The back line, combining skipper Conroy Remedios, Sumeet Topno and Gursev Singh wasn't at its best on Sunday, and they were let off the hook only because Haryana squandered a few good chances. Alden D'Souza put Mumbai ahead with a great goal that was created by Laxman Rao. Rao trapped a long ball from midfield, before putting it through to the unmarked D'Souza, whose reverse hit almost from an almost impossible angle, was a worthy opener and had the crowd on its feet. The goal, however, didn't dampen the spirit of Haryana, and in the very next minute they managed their first penalty corner. But, Surendra Kumar's hit went just wide of the goalpost. Gursev Singh, later named player of the tournament, extended the lead for Mumbai in the 42nd minute, converting a penalty corner, but two minutes later Munish Rana reduced the margin for Haryana, with a superb solo effort. The game was heading for an exciting final few minutes. Haryana came back stronger than ever, pushing Mumbai onto the back foot. A confident Hansraj made no mistake in converting his team's second penalty corner to make it 2-3 in the next minute.

Mumbai held on though, and Alden D'Souza's brace gave his team the trophy, and him the man of the match award.

Source: Published>

Employ Review System and then try to perfect it

Tue, Jul 20 10 12:11 AM

India, July 18 -- The ball hits the edge of the bat before crashing into pad. The fielding team appeals vociferously and the umpire adjudges the batsman out. Haven't we seen such inaccurate judgments being pronounced often? They are far from being an aberration and the argument is that the umpires are humans and can err too. Point taken, but what happens next depends on that single decision the captains took ahead of the series. For example, if you happen to be involved in a series where the Umpire Decision Review System (UDRS) is not being used, you must make your way back to the pavilion without even breaking a frown. For a frown or shake of the head might be considered 'showing dissent' and could attract a summons from the match referee or even a fine. But if the UDRS was in use, you could make T-sign and the matter would be referred to the Third Umpire, if your team hasn't already exhausted three unsuccessful challenges. India and Sri Lanka were the first two teams to experiment with the UDRS two years ago. Since then, both teams have taken radically different approaches. While Kumar Sangakarra believes that the UDRS should be mandatory, MS Dhoni believes that there's no point in using it till it's foolproof. Evidently, these reactions are based on their experiences. While Mahela Jayawardene (then captain) got it right almost every single time, his counterpart, Anil Kumble, got it wrong more often than not. But isn't it inappropriate to blame the system for not getting your judgement right? The reason the Indians struggled the first time UDRS was brought into play, was because Kumble was at mid-on or mid-off which isn't ideal to make a call. And hence he had to rely on Dinesh Karthik for inputs, who, unfortunately, got it wrong and so did Kumble. Jayawardene was always at slip, had a better view, and hence had the leeway of calling correctly. I'm not saying this system is absolutely correct but does that mean you refuse to use it till it's perfect? We all remember the infamous Sydney test between India and Australia. Without going into the murky details the issues began with Andrew Symonds not being given out off Ishant Sharma when it was visible to everyone except the umpire that he'd nicked it. Had there been the UDRS, the matter would have been settled then and there, and perhaps matters wouldn't have escalated. Yes, there's a lot that can be done in the current UDRS, like giving the third-umpire more power and responsibility. He should be given the right to inform the on-field umpires immediately if an error is committed. The idea is not to undermine the role of the on-field umpire but to empower him to make the right decisions.

Source: Published>

Mumbai beat Haryana to end title drought

Mon, Jul 19 10 11:51 PM

Bhopal, July 18 -- It was a dream come true for three-time champions Mumbai on Sunday. They outplayed spirited Haryana 3-2 to win the 63rd Senior National Men's Hockey Championship for the Rangaswamy Cup here. Mumbai, who had their last national title in 1989, dominated the proceedings in the first half, but Haryana forwards launched a series of attacks. The back line, combining skipper Conroy Remedios, Sumeet Topno and Gursev Singh wasn't at its best on Sunday, and they were let off the hook only because Haryana squandered a few good chances. Alden D'Souza put Mumbai ahead with a great goal that was created by Laxman Rao. Rao trapped a long ball from midfield, before putting it through to the unmarked D'Souza, whose reverse hit almost from an almost impossible angle, was a worthy opener and had the crowd on its feet. The goal, however, didn't dampen the spirit of Haryana, and in the very next minute they managed their first penalty corner. But, Surendra Kumar's hit went just wide of the goalpost. Gursev Singh, later named player of the tournament, extended the lead for Mumbai in the 42nd minute, converting a penalty corner, but two minutes later Munish Rana reduced the margin for Haryana, with a superb solo effort. The game was heading for an exciting final few minutes. Haryana came back stronger than ever, pushing Mumbai onto the back foot. A confident Hansraj made no mistake in converting his team's second penalty corner to make it 2-3 in the next minute.

Mumbai held on though, and Alden D'Souza's brace gave his team the trophy, and him the man of the match award.

Source: Published>

Santosh Trophy: Maharashtra, Karnataka to meet in prequarters

Published>Mon, Jul 19 10 11:49 PM

Kolkata, July 19 (IANS) Maharashtra and Karnataka finished atop their clusters Monday to settle for a last 16 clash in the 64th Santosh Trophy national soccer competition here.

Three time champions Maharashta outplayed Tripura 4-1 at Vidyasagar stadium in Barasat to finish their cluster-II engagements with an all-win record.

Maharashtra called the shots from the start and rode on a double strike by K. Anees, whike Darren Caldeira and Surojit Bose scored once apiece. Tripura got a late reducer through Kiran Chetri.

Karnataka spanked Jharkhand 6-1 at the Howrah Municipal Corporation Stadium after the ultimate losers put up a strong fight in the initial minutes.

Xavier Vijay put Karnataka in the lead but Jharkhand soon cancelled it through Ravindra Singh in the cluster-I tie. Karnataka regained the lead with R.C. Prakash finding the target in the closing moments of the opening session.

As the match wore on, Karnataka's stranglehold increased and they struck at will. Ngurneilal slotted twice while J. Murali and J.Sathish Kumar scored solitary strikes.

Another cluster-II match at Khardah saw Andhra Pradesh get the better of Chandigarh 2-1.

Source: Web Search

Shoaib Malik to replace Afridi

Published>Mon, Jul 19 10 11:23 PM

Former skipper Shoaib Malik is set to replace Shahid Afridi in Pakistan playing eleven for the second Test against Australia at Headingley, which is also likely to see the return of off-spinner Saeed Ajmal.

Sources said Pakistan will make two changes in the playing XI that lost to Australia by 150 runs in the first Test at Lord's.

Malik will replace Afridi, who has announced retirement from Test cricket, while Saeed Ajmal is likely to come in place of Danish Kaneria, they said.

Malik has apparently convinced the team management that he can still contribute to the side after being axed from the first Test squad following his lack of seriousness in practice sessions.

"We know that he (Malik) did not play any cricket in between the Lord's and Headingley so his form has got nothing to do with his selection. We have achieved what we wanted to and since he has scored fifty in the last Test he has played, he would be there in the team," according to 'The News'.

Pakistan suffered a humiliating 150-run defeat against Australia in the opening Test last week and Malik's inclusion will bolster the batting as he is the seniormost players in absence of Mohammad Yousuf and Younus Khan.

Source: Web Search

Schleck's chain malfunction hands Contador lead

Published>Mon, Jul 19 10 11:17 PM

A chain malfunction in the last climb of the 187.5-kms 15th stage derailed Andy Schleck's Tour de France chances and allowed rival Alberto Contador to grab the yellow jersey on Monday.

Overnight Tour leader Schleck had just started to attack defending champion Contador on the gruelling Port de Bales climb, 25 kms from the finish line in Bagneres de Luchon, when he was stopped short as his chain came off.

Contador, who was 31 seconds behind Schleck at the start of the ride in Pamiers, capitalised on the Luxembourg rider's misfortune and surged ahead in the race for the final victory.

The stage victory was claimed by France's Thomas Voeckler, who had been part of an early breakaway.

Joining forces with third-placed Samuel Sanchez and fourth-placed Denis Menchov of Russia, Contador reached the summit of the Port de Bales with a 27-second lead over Schleck, whose yellow jersey was then hanging by a thread.

The Saxo Bank team leader, who has a poor record while riding downhill, lost more time in the descent to cross the line 39 seconds behind the 2007 and 2009 Tour winner.

Contador now leads Schleck by eight seconds in the overall standings with two more gruelling stages in the Pyrenees to go.

Sanchez lies third, two minutes behind, with Menchov fourth.

FAIR PLAY

"The race is not finished and I will take my revenge in the next few days," Schleck said.

Contador was criticised by some people for his decision to capitalise on his rival's misfortune and Schleck added: "These guys don't get the first prize for fair play today."

The Spaniard, who was booed on the podium, said he was unaware that his rival had suffered technical problems.

"When I launched my attack, I was not aware of the incident. When I was told about it, we had a solid lead and we were going full gas," he said.

Contador was among the riders who waited for Schleck when he crashed in the second stage to Spa.

The day's honours went to French champion Voeckler, who was the first rider to win a Tour stage with the tricolour jersey in 16 years.

"To win a stage with the blue, white and red jersey is just extraordinary," Voeckler said.

With five stage victories, French riders have achieved their best collective performance in the Tour since 1997.

The battle between Contador and Schleck will resume on Tuesday with arguably the hardest stage in the Pyrenees over 199.5-kms to Pau with four classic passes, Peyresourde, Aspin, Tourmalet and Aubisque.

Source: Web Search

Schleck vows to regain yellow jersey after losing chain

Published>Mon, Jul 19 10 10:57 PM

Andy Schleck vowed to take revenge over Alberto Contador after finishing behind the defending champion following a mechanical problem in Monday's 15th stage.

The Saxo Bank rider started the day with the race leader's yellow jersey but his chain jumped off shortly after he launched an attack near the end of the 19.3-km ascent to the Port de Bales.

He was passed by Contador, who eventually gained 39 seconds after riding flat out with fellow Spaniard Samuel Sanchez and Russian Denis Menchov to take the yellow jersey by eight seconds.

The Luxembourg rider said he felt Contador and the other riders should have waited.

"I was feeling very good and I had a mechanical problem, I lost time, it happens, I won't cry, I lost the jersey but it's not over," Schleck told reporters. "My stomach is full of anger and I will take my revenge."

"It's not really nice but what can I say," added Schleck, who said Contador, Menchov and Sanchez would not win the "fair play prize" for their move.

The Schleck controversy was top of the Twitter worldwide trending.

"It's not over, the Tour is just starting, it motivates me for the Tourmalet (Thursday's stage with a mountain top finish).

"I don't think I would have wanted to take the jersey in such fashion," the Luxmebourg rider said,

Contador, who waited for Schleck when he crashed in the second stage to Spa, said he did not see the incident.

"I was told there was an incident but when I attacked I was not aware of it," the 27-year-old rider told reporters.

"When I got the word it had happened, it was too late, we already had gained a lot of time."

"Fair play or not, it's hard to tell," said Schleck's Saxo Bank manager Bjarne Riis. "He (Contador) waited a bit at the beginning, then, I don't know. Too bad."

Source: Web Search

Schleck's chain malfunction hands Contador lead

Published>Mon, Jul 19 10 10:37 PM

Champion Alberto Contador grabbed the Tour de France's yellow jersey on Monday after a chain malfunction slowed down Luxembourg's Andy Schleck in the last ascent of the 15th stage.

French champion Thomas Voeckler powered to a solo victory in the 187.5-km mountain trek from Pamiers.

Schleck started the day with the yellow jersey on his shoulders but crossed the line 39 seconds behind Spaniard Contador.

He now trails the twice Tour champion by eight seconds, according to provisional results.

Schleck attacked some three kilometres from the top but his chain came off and Contador went off along with Spain's Samuel Sanchez and Russian Denis Menchov, starting the descent with a 27-second advantage.

Last year's runner-up Schleck went flat out during the descent but could not stop Contador from overtaking him in the overall standings.

Source: Web Search

Pendleton joins Hoy in ditching Commonwealth Games

Mon, Jul 19 10 10:17 PM

World and Olympic champion Victoria Pendleton became the latest British athlete to withdraw from this year's Commonwealth Games on Monday in favour of the European Championships, which carry Olympic qualifying points.

"It's a no-brainer, points for Olympics qualification are on offer," the 29-year-old, who won Commonwealth gold in Melbourne, Australia four years ago, told the BBC.

"Unfortunately you are not going to jeopardise going to the London (2012) Olympics, so we have to go to the Europeans."

The clash of the two events has already forced quadruple Olympic gold medallist Chris Hoy to withdraw from the Commonwealths in Delhi in October.

The new European championships do not yet have a confirmed date or venue but, following changes to the Olympic programme that will limit the number of riders to one from each country per event and the number of European teams allowed to race in the team sprint, they have become an essential qualifier.

"It's really unfortunate we can't do both competitions," Pendleton added.

Source: Published>

''Tendulkar Opus'' to have iconic player''s blood in it

Mon, Jul 19 10 09:51 PM

London, July 19 (PTI) The publishers of Sachin Tendulkar''s autobiography ''Tendulkar Opus'' has decided to come out with a special edition of the book which will have the iconic batsman''s blood on the signature page. The "blood edition" of Tendulkar''s autobiography, which will have pictures of his family not published earlier and thoughts about his career, will be released in February next year to coincide with the Cricket World Cup in the sub-continent. The book, which will have 852 pages edged in gold leaf, will be sold at a whopping USD 75,000. Only 10 copies of the book, which will weigh 37kg and measure half a metre square, will come out. All the 10 copies have, however, been pre-ordered. "The signature page will be mixed with Sachin''s blood -- mixed into the paper pulp so it''s a red resin. It is what it is -- you will have Sachin''s blood on the page," publisher Kraken Media''s chief executive Karl Fowler was quoted as saying in ''The Guardian''. "It''s not everyone''s cup of tea, it''s not to everyone''s taste and some may think it''s a bit weird. But the key thing here is that Sachin Tendulkar to millions of people is a religious icon. And we thought how, in a publishing form, can you get as close to your god as possible?" said Fowler. "We''re publishing next February, in time for the cricket World Cup, which is being held in India. It''s perfect timing. He''s never done an autobiography before and has a great story to tell." Apart from his blood, Tendulkar has also been asked for a sample of his saliva which would be used to create his DNA profile and would be printed on a two-metre gatefold in the book. "What you''ll be looking at is his genetic makeup," Fowler said. All proceeds from the sale of the 10 copies will go to Tendulkar''s charitable foundation to help build a school in Mumbai. Kraken will also publish around 1,000 copies of a cheaper edition of the autobiography at USD 2,000-3,000. Signed by Tendulkar, this edition will also be a half-metre square in size and will contain around 75 per cent previously unpublished material about the cricketing star, as well as his DNA profile - but not his blood. Kraken Media is also releasing a USD 200-300 smaller edition of the book. PTI ATK PDS

Source: Published>

Malay Muslims asked not wear football jerseys with images of crosses, devils

Published>Mon, Jul 19 10 09:07 PM

Kuala Lumpur, Jul 19 (ANI): Johor Religious Council adviser Nooh Gadot has said that wearing football jerseys displaying images of crosses, liquor brands and devils were forbidden in Islam.

"It is as if Muslims are worshipping and exalting the symbols of other religions. Islam does not compromise on this matter, regardless of whether it is worn for fun, fashion or sport," he said.

Perak Mufti Harussani Zakaria agreed with Nooh and said although Islam did not forbid its followers from participating in sports or dressing up, it has to be done within the boundaries of Islamic law, The Star reports.

Among the football teams whose crests carry images of the cross are Brazil, Portugal, Serbia, Barcelona and Norway, while Manchester United carries the "Red Devil" slogan on its team crest. (ANI)

Source: Web Search

World Racing Conference

Mon, Jul 19 10 08:51 PM

Hyderabad, Jul 19 (PTI) A twenty-minute clip on ''the history of Indian horse racing'' will be presented for the first time during the international racing conference to be held in Paris on October 4. Hyderabad Race Club Chairman R Surender Reddy, who will be representing India at the conference along with chairman at other race clubs in the country, told newsmen here tonight. He said that all the racing countries in the world including Russia and China will be attending the conference. PTI COR VRK

Source: Published>

Russia striker Bukharov joins big-spenders Zenit

Mon, Jul 19 10 08:37 PM

Russia striker Alexander Bukharov has joined big-spenders Zenit St Petersburg from Russian champions Rubin Kazan, Zenit said on Monday.

Zenit said on their website (www.fc-zenit.ru) that the big striker had signed a four-year contract.

The transfer fee was not disclosed but Russian media put the deal at around 12 million euros ($15.57 million).

Bukharov, 25, had been at Rubin since 2004, helping them to two Russian league titles in the past two seasons.

Zenit, backed by Russian energy giant Gazprom and coached by Italian Luciano Spalletti, were looking to add extra muscle to their attack ahead of their European campaign.

The Russians, who lifted the UEFA Cup in 2008, face Romania's Unirea Urziceni in the Champions League third qualifying round later this month.

Source: Published>

Chandigarh doctor going to Lanka with special gift for Murali

Mon, Jul 19 10 08:21 PM

Chandigarh, July 19 (PTI) A city-based doctor, who has been invited by Muttiah Muralitharan to witness his farewell Test against India, today said he was overwhelmed by the gesture of the Sri Lankan spinner. Muralitharan has invited Mandeep Singh Dhillon, HOD of the orthopedics department of the Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research to witness his swansong Test. "It''s a great honour which he has given me. I am eagerly looking forward to meeting him," Dhillon, also a former consultant of the Lankan team, told PTI. Dhillon who will fly to Lanka tomorrow said he is taking along a gift for the ace spinner. "It''s a personal gift, which I would not like to disclose." Dhillon, who is a specialist in the sports injury management, was working as consultant in the Island nation when the spinner''s manager Kushil Gunasekara asked him to look into his case after chucking allegations were levelled against the bowler. The PGIMER doctor had designed the special brace for Muralitharan when his case was presented to the ICC in 2003-04. He was later cleared when the off-spinner testified with the brace on his arm. The doctor, who had also treated Muralitharan''s shoulder, said he was in regular touch with the ace spinner for the last few years.

Source: Published>

ONGC through to Murugappa hockey semifinals

Published>Mon, Jul 19 10 07:57 PM

Chennai, July 19 (IANS) Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) became the first team to enter the semifinals of the 86th All-India MCC-Murugappa hockey tournament when they notched up their third consecutive win with a 3-2 decision against Namdhari XI in pool A here Monday.

With nine points from three outings, ONGC confirmed their progress to the knockout stage while Namdhari are virtually out of contention with just one point from three games.

Starring in ONGC's victory was penalty corner ace Diwakar Ram who came up with two conversions in the 34th and 40th minutes after Bikas Toppo put the team ahead in the 12th.

The Namdhari team, although well-drilled, repeatedly broke down in the striking zone, but troubled their more experienced opponents. Harpreet Singh converted a 23rd minute penalty corner and in the 62nd, Gurbhej Singh did likewise in the 62nd to keep Namdhari in the hunt.

However, ONGC managed to keep possession in the dying stages to run out winners.

Earlier, veteran Deepak Thakur rolled back the years with three goals as Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOC) slammed Punjab National Bank (PNB) 6-3 for their second win in pool B.

Penalty corner specialist Ramachandra Raghunath came good with a conversion and fellow-India star Prabhjot Singh contributed two goals for IOCL. PNB marked their presence late in the game with a three-goal strike through Satpal Singh (2) and Jatinder Saroha.

IOC, winners of the Chief Minister's Cup in Bangalore recently, have won both their matches while PNB suffered their first reverse in two outings.

Meanwhile, the Indian Railways, courtesy a last minute equaliser, drew 4-4 with Army XI who today were a composed lot but without the suspended Sunil Ekka. The former India player was thrown out of the tournament after he struck umpire Surya Prakash on the head Sunday night during the game against ONGC, who eventually won 4-1.

The pool A match swung from one end to the other, as did the fortunes. Army struck first in the 22nd minute through veteran Ignace Tirkey, but the Railways hit back with a double strike in the 30th and 39th minutes through Innocent Kullu and Chinglen Sana.

The last quarter witnessed hectic action as Army scored thrice in a 10-minute spell with Reniel Singh (57th, 67th) and Jerome Kujur (61st) for a 4-3 lead. With less than a minute left for the final hooter, Chenappa found the boards for Railways.

The draw put both Army and Indian Railways on par with four points after three and two matches respectively.

Source: Web Search

Architects Hopkins to design new cricket stadium in Kochi

Mon, Jul 19 10 07:51 PM

Kozhikode, Jul 19 (PTI) London-based world renowned architects Hopkins has been given the task of designing the international standard 50,000 capacity cricket stadium at Edakochi in Kochi, a top official of Kerala Cricket Association said today. "The work on the stadium, to come up on an area of 23 acres of picturesque land with water frontage of about 400 metres, is expected to begin soon," KCA Secretary T C Mathew told PTI. The stadium will have a practice stadium, indoor practice area, international quality turf wickets with facilities for conducting day/night matches and Test matches, he said. Mathew said the renovation work at Jawaharlal Nehru International stadium in Kochi, the venue of ODI match between India and Australia on October 17, was fast progressing and the stadium is expected to be fully ready by September. "The turf was being relaid, while the work on the roofing had already been completed. All the old chairs had been replaced with new ones," he said. Besides the India-Australia ODI, a cricket feast awaits Keralites with a string of inter-state first class matches, including three Ranji trophy matches, slated to be played in the state this season. In the three months between October 17 to December 21, Kerala will host to about 25 first class cricket matches, Mathew said. Kochi''s Jawaharlal Nehru stadium will be the venue for Kerala''s home Ranji Trophy matches against Jammu and Kashmir, (Nov 10-13), Vidarbha (Nov 17-20) and Maharashtra (Dec 1 to 4). Thiruvananthapuram''s LNCP, Palakkad''s Fort Maidan, Kozhikode''s NIT, Perinthalmanna''s Angadipuram stadiums will be the venues for other first class matches.

Source: Published>

Khedira denies agreeing to deal with Real Madrid

Published>Mon, Jul 19 10 07:47 PM

Stuttgart, July 19 (DPA) VfB Stuttgart midfielder Sami Khedira has refuted Spanish media reports linking him with a move to Real Madrid.

'There is no agreement with Real,' the 23-year-old told Monday's edition of Kicker magazine. 'No decision has been made about what I'm going to do.'

Khedira's contract with Stuttgart runs until 2011 but Spanish media reported that he has agreed a contract with Real that would keep him at the Madrid club until 2015.

The Germany international admitted that he had an 'honest and open discussion' with Stuttgart coach Christian Gross about his future.

'We will sit down and have further discussions when I return from my holidays,' he said.

Source: Web Search

Karnataka, Maharashtra in pre-quarterfinals of Santosh Trophy

Mon, Jul 19 10 07:37 PM

Kolkata, July 19 (PTI) Karnataka and Maharashtra cruised into the pre-quarterfinals from cluster I and II respectively in the 64th Senior National Football Championship for Santosh Trophy here today. Karnataka drubbed Jharkhand 6-1 at the Howrah Stadium while Maharashtra downed Tripura 4-1 at the Barasat Stadium to qualify for the last-16 stage. In an inconsequential cluster II match at the Khardah Stadium, Andhra Pradesh beat Chandigarh 2-1 but both teams had already bowed out with Maharashtra making the next stage from their group. Ruling the roost right from the start, Karnataka took the lead in the 31st minute but within three minutes, Jharkhand made a spirited comeback through Ravindra Singh to make it 1-1. At the stroke of the half-time, RC Prakash helped Karnataka regain the lead, while second-half saw a flurry of goals with Ngurneilal scoring twice. Soon after the changeover, J Murali struck while J Satish Kumar made it 4-1 for Karnataka in the 72nd minute. Ngurneilal scored two back-to-back goals in the 73rd and 88th minutes to complete the rout for Karnataka. Maharashtra drew first blood through Darren Caldeira in the 11th minute, while Surajit Bose converted a penalty in the 19th minute to make it 2-0 inside the first-half. In the second-half, Anees Koraliyadam scored in the 48th and 62nd minutes for Maharashtra to complete the thrashing. In the inconsequential cluster II match, Duty Kumar Mahato (21st) and W Vijay Kumar (58th) scored for Andhra Pradesh while Chandigarh reduced the margin through Harkeet Singh in the 81st minute.

Source: Published>

Rain washes out second day's play of first Sri Lanka-India Test

Published>Mon, Jul 19 10 07:09 PM

Galle (Sri Lanka), July 19 (IANS) Heavy rains washed out the second day's play in the first cricket Test between India and Sri Lanka here Monday.

Incessant overnight rains had left the outfield soggy at the Galle International Stadium with no play possible before lunch. The conditions further worsened following a thunderstorm.

The umpires were scheduled to inspect at 2.30 pm but relentless rain erased any chances of beginning the play though a brief spell of sunshine did raise some hope.

The start of play on the opening day Sunday was delayed by 30 minutes and it was called off because of bad light with 22 overs still to be bowled. The overcast conditions are likely to truncate the five-day Test.

Sri Lanka, batting first, were 256 for two when play was halted on day one, with Tharanga Paranavitana batting on 110 and Mahela Jayawardene eight.

Source: Web Search

Van Gaal to spend two more years at Bayern Munich

Published>Mon, Jul 19 10 06:57 PM

Munich, July 19 (DPA) Louis van Gaal wants to spend at most two more seasons at Bayern Munich before looking to coach a national team.

The Dutchman, who led Bayern to a league and cup double as well as the final of the Champions League last season, has a contract until June 30, 2011 but won't discuss a possible one-year extension until the end of the upcoming season.

'My contract ends next year and I am not going to sign a new one before then,' van Gaal told Monday's edition of Kicker magazine.

'I want to coach a country where I can win something. That could be Germany, Spain, Argentina so perhaps I'll stay here for an extra year until 2012 and then take over as coach of a country.'

The 58-year-old had been touted as a potential successor to Germany coach Joachim Loew and admitted that he really should consider leaving Bayern now if he wanted to have a coaching position for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

'Now is the time when national team coaches are being appointed,' he said.

Source: Web Search

Rain washes out 2nd day's play in India-SL Test

Published>Mon, Jul 19 10 06:37 PM

Unrelenting rain played spoilsport as the second day of the first cricket Test between India and Sri Lanka was called off without a single ball being bowled here on Monday.

Sri Lanka remained on their overnight score of 256 for two and the washout has now greatly diminished the prospects of a result in Muttiah Muralitharan's swansong Test.

The outfield was already wet due to overnight showers and things only got worse due to more rain this morning.

The brief appearance made by the sun in the afternoon, which prompted the ground staff to take off the covers, turned out to be a false dawn as it started pouring soon after, leaving the match officials with no choice but to call off the day's proceedings at about 1500 hrs (local Time).

It is monsoon season in Sri Lanka right now and the weatherman has predicted overcast conditions for all five days of the match.

The Test has risen in profile as veteran Sri Lankan off-spinner Muralitharan is set to bid adieu to his 18-year-old career at the end of it but rains gods are threatening to play spoilsport.

The Lankans have dominated whatever little play has been possible so far. Captain Kumar Sangakkara and Tharanga Paranavitana struck centuries on the opening day as Sri Lanka laid the foundation for a mammoth first innings against a lacklustre India.

Sangakkara (103) notched up his 22nd century while Paranavitana (110 batting) scored his maiden ton, exposing India's bowling failities to pile up 256 for two on a rain-truncated first day.

Electing to bat, the Sri Lankan batsmen capitalised on easy batting conditions at the Galle International Stadium to take control of the match.

It has been a miserable outing so far for the Indians with a depleted bowling attack struggling to make any impact on the Sri Lankan batsmen who scored at a brisk pace under overcast conditions.

India removed Sangakkara early in the final session, when he holed out to Sachin Tendulkar off part-timer Virender Sehwag. Tillakaratne Dilshan (25) was the only other Sri Lankan batsman to lose his wicket when he was dismissed by Abhimanyu Mithun.

Sangaakkara's 103 came from 145 balls with the help of 12 fours and it was his fourth century against India. He also went past West Indian Gordon Greenidge and Englishman Colin Cowdrey to become the 23rd most prolific batsman.

The Indian attack without strike bowler Zaheer Khan and S Sreesanth due to injuries, was at the receiving end of a solid Sri Lankan batting display and went wicketless in the whole of the extended second session.

Source: Web Search

England spinner Swann charged with drink driving

Mon, Jul 19 10 06:21 PM

London, July 19 (PTI) England off-spinner Graeme Swann was charged with drink driving in Nottingham last month, the police said today. Swann, currently ranked the third in ICC Test bowlers'' chart, was stopped near his home in the West Bridgford area of Nottingham, central England, on April 2 and charged for the offence on June 8. The 31-year-old will appear before magistrates in Nottingham on August 16. Swann has been charged with "driving a motor vehicle when his alcohol level was above the limit," a Nottinghamshire Police spokeswoman said. Swann established himself in the England Test side in 2007 and has become the first choice spin bowler. He was a key player of the Ashes winning side of 2009. In May, Swann was named England''s cricketer of the year. He was also named the Man of the Series on England''s last two tours, to South Africa and Bangladesh.

Source: Published>

Murali invites Indian medic to Test farewell

Published>Mon, Jul 19 10 06:17 PM

Veteran off-spinner Muttiah Muralitharan has invited Indian orthopaedic surgeon and former medical consultant to the Sri Lankan team Mandeep Singh Dhillon to witness his swansong Test against India here.

Dhillon, who assisted Muralitharan in clearing his controversial bowling action, is among the several close friends who have been invited by the spin wizard to attend the special ceremony marking the end of his Test career on the final day of the ongoing Test here.

Dhillon had designed the special brace for Muralitharan when his case was presented to the ICC in 2003-04 after chucking allegations.

Doubts about Muralitharan's bowling action were cleared when the off-spinner testified with the brace on his arm.

"After moving to Apollo Hospital in Colombo in January 2003, I was associated with the Sri Lankan Cricket team for two-and-a half years as a Sports Injury consultant and my services were sought to verify Muralitharan's bowling action," Dhillon said.

"Muralitharan gets extra movement at his shoulder arm and also at his wrist, which gives impression that he chucks the bowl. It may be an illusion of a flex," the 'Daily Mirror' newspaper quoted the doctor as saying from Chandigarh.

"I would not say this (extra movements at shoulder and wrist) is a blessing or deformity but it is by his birth and is the reason for his bowling action doubts. But with the brace, which was prepared for him, proved that it not giving him any benefit and hence his action is undoubtedly clean," Dhillon added.

The doctor said he would only attend the last four days of the match due to his prior engagements.

"I will attend last four-day play of his farewell Test."

Dhillon has a special interest in arthroscopy, joint replacement and foot and ankle problems, as well as sports related problems and has performed several arthroscopic procedures and joint replacements.

Source: Web Search

Stokes'' HI president candidature under scrutiny

Mon, Jul 19 10 06:07 PM

New Delhi, Jul 19 (PTI) Vidya Stokes'' candidature for Hockey India president''s post is set to come under scanner as Sports Ministry today made it clear that the "No Objection" given to the July 28 polls was conditional on abiding the recent age limitation guidelines of the government. The government, however, clarified that the guideline pertaining to tenure limitation would not apply in the July 28 elections as it is the first poll of office bearers of Hockey India. "As the conditional ''No Objection'' to HI for conducting elections has been given by Sports Ministry to the fulfillment of policy guidelines, it now becomes incumbent on HI to duly observe and implement them in the current elections of office bearers," government observer S K Mendiratta said in a letter to Returning Officer, Justice R C Chopra. "The age restriction with regard to the President, Secretary General and Treasurer shall be applicable in relation to the present elections," Mendirrata said in the letter, a copy of which has also been sent to HI secretary general Narinder Batra, Sports Ministry joint secretary Injeti Srinivas and FIH observer Antonio von Ondarza. Stokes, who earlier held the post of Indian Women''s Hockey Federation, is above 70 now. Former India captain Pargat Singh has also filed nominations for the HI president''s post. "Obviously, the restriction relating to number of terms of office would not apply in the case of the present election, this being the first election of office bearers of Hockey India," Mendiratta said. The government observer also said that age declarations of the candidates running for posts of Hockey India president, secretary and treasurer will be thoroughly checked during the scrutiny of nominations tomorrow. "Declarations from the candidates with regarding to their age qualification, as is applicable in relation to the offices of President, Secretary General and Treasurer, which is maximum of 70 years will be relevant at the time of scrutiny of nominations scheduled to be held tomorrow the 20th July, 2010," Mendiratta wrote in the letter.

Source: Published>

Murali invites Indian medic to Test farewell

Published>Mon, Jul 19 10 05:57 PM

Veteran off-spinner Muttiah Muralitharan has invited Indian orthopaedic surgeon and former medical consultant to the Sri Lankan team Mandeep Singh Dhillon to witness his swansong Test against India here.

Dhillon, who assisted Muralitharan in clearing his controversial bowling action, is among the several close friends who have been invited by the spin wizard to attend the special ceremony marking the end of his Test career on the final day of the ongoing Test here.

Dhillon had designed the special brace for Muralitharan when his case was presented to the ICC in 2003-04 after chucking allegations.

Doubts about Muralitharan's bowling action were cleared when the off-spinner testified with the brace on his arm.

"After moving to Apollo Hospital in Colombo in January 2003, I was associated with the Sri Lankan Cricket team for two-and-a half years as a Sports Injury consultant and my services were sought to verify Muralitharan's bowling action," Dhillon said.

"Muralitharan gets extra movement at his shoulder arm and also at his wrist, which gives impression that he chucks the bowl. It may be an illusion of a flex," the 'Daily Mirror' newspaper quoted the doctor as saying from Chandigarh.

"I would not say this (extra movements at shoulder and wrist) is a blessing or deformity but it is by his birth and is the reason for his bowling action doubts. But with the brace, which was prepared for him, proved that it not giving him any benefit and hence his action is undoubtedly clean," Dhillon added.

The doctor said he would only attend the last four days of the match due to his prior engagements.

"I will attend last four-day play of his farewell Test."

Dhillon has a special interest in arthroscopy, joint replacement and foot and ankle problems, as well as sports related problems and has performed several arthroscopic procedures and joint replacements.

Source: Web Search

Australia calls McKay as cover up for injured Hilfenhaus

Published>Mon, Jul 19 10 05:37 PM

Sydney, Jul 19 (ANI): Australia has called pacer Clint McKay as a spare bowler due to Ben Hilfenhaus' shoulder injury ahead of the second Test against Pakistan.

Hilfenhaus injured his left shoulder diving for a ball on the fourth and final day of Australia's 150-run opening Test win at Lord's on Friday.

South Australian fast bowler Peter George is set to make his Test debut in the match starting on Wednesday at Headingley if Hilfenhaus is unable to play, tall.

A team spokesman said that Hilfenhaus' shoulder was showing signs of improvement.

"(Team physiotherapist) Alex Kountouris has been working with Ben Hilfenhaus for the past 24 hours, he reported he has a sore shoulder from the incident in the Test match but that he was a bit better this morning," the spokesman said.

"Clint McKay is being brought in as a cover player and he will arrive here tonight as a precaution. Ben has travelled up with us and is improving, but the selectors felt it was appropriate to call up Clint," The Sydney Morning Herald quoted him, as saying.

McKay has been playing for English county side Yorkshire since finishing up his duties with the Australia one-day side in their recent 3-2 series loss to England. (ANI)

Source: Web Search

Jones' 'Father of the Year' award revoked

Published>Mon, Jul 19 10 05:17 PM

Melbourne, July 19 (IANS) Former Australian cricketer Dean Jones' 2007 Father of the Year award was revoked following his admission that he had an affair for nine years with Sydney flight attendant Kerri-Anne Hamilton and has had a child with her but who he has never seen.

Father of the Year Council president Don Parsons said the decision had been made because of Jones', 49, open admission.

'From now on, 2007 will simply show as blank - that's our attitude,' Parsons was quoted as saying in the Herald Sun.

'To take off and have a love child, and that he hasn't even seen the child, we are somewhat rocked by it. What sort of fathering is that?'

He said it was the first time the council had encountered such a problem.

'These awards have been made since 1956 and we have never had to revoke one,' Parsons said. 'But we have no hesitation in revoking it.

'Father of the Year should mean that you're in a happy relationship, your children love you, and you love them. We're not a bunch of old fuddy-duddies, but there's an image to being Father of the Year, and he's stepped outside it.'

The council had bestowed the honour on Jones to mark his work with the Bone Marrow Institute, as well as for being a good father.

Jones's mistress is believed to have sold her story to A Current Affair and in an interview with the programme says she still loves the former Australian cricket legend, and that she didn't know he was married when the affair began.

Jones has been married to wife Jane for 24 years and has two daughters with her, Phoebe, 19, and Isabella, 14.

Source: Web Search

Nadal continues to top tennis rankings

Published>Mon, Jul 19 10 05:07 PM

Berlin, July 19 (DPA) Rafael Nadal of Spain continues to lead the latest ATP tennis rankings issued Monday.

In an unchanged top 10, the French Open and Wimbledon champion has 10,745 points, followed by Novak Djokovic of Serbia on 6,905 and former number one Roger Federer of Switzerland with 6,885 points.

ATP top 10 as of July 19 (previous ranking in parenthesis):

1. (1) Rafael Nadal, Spain, 10,745 points

2. (2) Novak Djokovic, Serbia, 6,905

3. (3) Roger Federer, Switzerland, 6,885

4. (4) Andy Murray, Britain, 5,155

5. (5) Robin Soderling, Sweden, 4,835

6. (6) Nikolay Davydenko, Russia, 4,740

7. (7) Juan Martin del Potro, Argentina, 4,270

8. (8) Tomas Berdych, Czech Republic, 3,780

9. (9) Andy Roddick, United States, 3,490

10. (10) Fernando Verdasco, Spain, 3,475

Source: Web Search

Armstrong denies role in 300K dollars plot on false news on LeMond

Published>Mon, Jul 19 10 04:53 PM

New York, July 19 (ANI): Seven-time Tour de France champion Lance Armstrong has denied a claim by three-time Tour de France champion Greg LeMond that Armstrong tried to pay someone 300,000 dollars to say LeMond used the banned endurance-boosting drug EPO.

LeMond, who was served with a grand jury subpoena last week, told a reporter from the German newspaper Sueddeutsche Zeitung that Armstrong tried to implicate him in drug use because he perceived LeMond as an enemy for suspecting Armstrong of doping.

The New York Daily News quoted Armstrong as saying that he was aware of the accusation and dismissed it as just another episode in a long-running feud between the two men.

"That's absolutely nonsense - $300,000?" Armstrong said. "Come on. I know (about the report). But he says a lot."

Armstrong and the leadership of his storied cycling teams are the focus of a federal grand jury's inquiry into possible drug and fraud crimes. (ANI)

Source: Web Search

India scrape past France 4-3 in first hockey Test

Published>Mon, Jul 19 10 04:27 PM

New Delhi, July 19 (IANS) India fought their way to a 4-3 victory over France in the first hockey Test at the French National Institute of Sport and Physical Education (INSEP) in Paris.

According to information received here, India who led 2-1 at half time struck goals through Tushar Khandker (5th minute), Sandeep Singh (12th, 65th min) and Rajpal Singh (69th min) while Fredric Soyez scored a hat trick for France in the 6th, 51st and 68th minutes Sunday.

India took the lead in the third minute but Dharamvir Singh fumbled inside the circle.

But Indian skipper Rajpal, fed by an overhead pass by Sandeep, darted along the backline and passed to Khandker, who beat French goalkeeper Mathias Dierckems.

France levelled when Soyez encashed on a defensive lapse by Sarvanjit Singh and Danish Mujtaba and beat goalkeeper Bharat Chetri to his left.

However, in the 12th minute, India's got its first penalty corner and Sandeep was swift to put India 2-1 ahead.

Soyes scored their second goal in the second half and restored parity.

But India nosed ahead to a 3-2 lead when Sandeep successfully converted the second penalty corner.

France fought back to find the equaliser three minutes through a penalty corner and Soyez flicked the ball past Chetri to score his hat trick.

With match delicately balanced, Rajpal struck the match winner for India when he slammed home a cross by Gurbaj Singh.

Source: Web Search

Rain washes out second day''s play in India-Sri Lanka Test

Mon, Jul 19 10 04:23 PM

T V Sriram Galle (Sri Lanka), Jul 19 (PTI) Unrelenting rain played spoilsport as the second day of the first cricket Test between India and Sri Lanka was called off without a single ball being bowled here today. Sri Lanka remained on their overnight score of 256 for two and the washout has now greatly diminished the prospects of a result in Muttiah Muralitharan''s swansong Test. The outfield was already wet due to overnight showers and things only got worse due to more rain this morning. The brief appearance made by the sun in the afternoon, which prompted the ground staff to take off the covers, turned out to be a false dawn as it started pouring soon after, leaving the match officials with no choice but to call off the day''s proceedings at about 1500 hrs (local Time). It is monsoon season in Sri Lanka right now and the weatherman has predicted overcast conditions for all five days of the match. The Test has risen in profile as veteran Sri Lankan off-spinner Muralitharan is set to bid adieu to his 18-year-old career at the end of it but rains gods are threatening to play spoilsport. The Lankans have dominated whatever little play has been possible so far. Captain Kumar Sangakkara and Tharanga Paranavitana struck centuries on the opening day as Sri Lanka laid the foundation for a mammoth first innings against a lacklustre India. Sangakkara (103) notched up his 22nd century while Paranavitana (110 batting) scored his maiden ton, exposing India''s bowling failities to pile up 256 for two on a rain-truncated first day. Electing to bat, the Sri Lankan batsmen capitalised on easy batting conditions at the Galle International Stadium to take control of the match. It has been a miserable outing so far for the Indians with a depleted bowling attack struggling to make any impact on the Sri Lankan batsmen who scored at a brisk pace under overcast conditions. India removed Sangakkara early in the final session, when he holed out to Sachin Tendulkar off part-timer Virender Sehwag. Tillakaratne Dilshan (25) was the only other Sri Lankan batsman to lose his wicket when he was dismissed by Abhimanyu Mithun. Sangaakkara''s 103 came from 145 balls with the help of 12 fours and it was his fourth century against India. He also went past West Indian Gordon Greenidge and Englishman Colin Cowdrey to become the 23rd most prolific batsman. The Indian attack without strike bowler Zaheer Khan and S Sreesanth due to injuries, was at the receiving end of a solid Sri Lankan batting display and went wicketless in the whole of the extended second session.

Source: Published>

Hussey says Oz players motivated to perform due to Ashes lure

Published>Mon, Jul 19 10 04:07 PM

Leeds (UK), July 19 (ANI): Australian middle-order batsman Michael Hussey has said the lure of playing in the Ashes series, starting November 25 in Brisbane, has helped ensure that players in the current squad will have their minds on the job in the match against Pakistan starting here on Wednesday.

"There is still so much motivation because one it is a Test match for Australia and two, we are getting closer and closer to the Ashes series as well," The Age quoted Hussey, as saying.

"I know all the guys want to be part of that Ashes series so everyone wants to perform in every Test match leading up to that to make sure they are on that team sheet in late November," he added.

Following the Headingley clash, Australia have two more Tests in India in October before selectors choose the squad they hope will regain the Ashes.

Australia's Test batting lineup looks pretty settled at the moment with No.6 Marcus North's surprising return of 6-55 with his spinners at Lord's on Friday aiding his bid to keep his place in the side.

However bowling spots remain up for grabs.

In the pace department, Mitchell Johnson is probably the only quick guaranteed a spot with Doug Bollinger, Ben Hilfenhaus and Ryan Harris fighting it out for two positions with the returning Peter Siddle not out of the picture.

With Hilfenhaus struggling to shake off a shoulder injury, uncapped South Australian Peter George could be handed the chance to throw his hat in the ring on debut this week.

The spin situation is becoming interesting.

With off-spinner Nathan Hauritz sidelined with a foot injury, leg spinner Steve Smith is doing his best to present himself as Australia's No.1 spinner.

Smith, 21, took 3-51 in the second innings at Lord's after not being tossed the ball in the opening innings as Pakistan's batsmen failed to complete 41 overs.

The youngster bowled with increasing confidence late in the match and selectors could be faced with a tough call in four months' time. (ANI)

Source: Web Search

St Andrews 'Road' hole a roaring success, says R&A

Published>Mon, Jul 19 10 03:57 PM

The 17th 'Road' hole at St Andrews lived up to its billing as the 'toughest par-four in championship golf' with organisers backing the decision to add an extra 40 yards to the challenge.

Much of the drama of the 150th anniversary British Open was played out on the 495-yard hole which provided the most difficult test of the week with a stroke average of 4.66.

"I think the 17th tee has been a great success, in terms of stiffening the test of that hole," Peter Dawson, chief executive of the Royal and Ancient organisers, told a news conference on Monday.

"I said at the beginning of the week we were hoping the road (at the back of the green) might come more back into play and by gosh it did. The player comment by and large has been very positive."

Former Open champion Sandy Lyle hit one drive on to the roof of the Old Course Hotel while Spain's Miguel Angel Jimenez had the crowds purring on Saturday night with an audacious chip punched deliberately against the back wall by the road, arcing the ball back over his shoulder and on to the putting surface.

It had not been an unqualified success though, with Dawson saying he thought the rough to the left of the fairway had been allowed to become too deep.

"I do agree with (Northern Ireland's) Graeme (McDowell) about the rough," Dawson said.

He spoke as workmen dismantled the huge scaffolding supporting the scoreboard and stands, and as club golfers teed off on the first hole just yards from the 18th green where on Sunday Louis Oosthuizen secured his crushing seven-stroke Open victory.

"I would have liked it a little bit thinner but it grew very rapidly in the weeks before the championship having been pretty much how we wanted it two or three weeks ago," Dawson said.

He said enough was enough though and there was no plan to make it an even sterner test when the Open returns to St Andrews, probably in 2015.

"I think we could go back lots of yards but I don't think that would be appropriate. We have no even embryonic plans for lengthening the course any further."

Source: Web Search

Second day''s play in India-Sri Lanka Test washed out

Mon, Jul 19 10 03:37 PM

Galle (Sri Lanka), Jul 19 (PTI) The second day''s play in the first cricket Test between India and Sri Lanka was today called off without a ball being bowled due to persistent rain here. Brief Score: Sri Lanka 1st Innings: 256 for two in 68 overs (Tharanga Paranavitana 110 batting, Kumar Sangakkar 103, Abhimanyu Mithun 1/41).

Source: Published>

GFA adopts new constitution

Mon, Jul 19 10 02:53 PM

Panaji, Jul 19 (PTI) The Goa Football Association (GFA) became the first state association of the All India Football Federation (AIFF) to adopt its statutes on the principles of FIFA Standard Statutes. The changes to the existing constitution were approved at an Extraordinary General Meeting held yesterday. Under the new constitution, the executive committee will consist of an elected president, two elected vice-presidents, one from north and from south district each. There will be seven executive members in the North consisting of four from Bardez and three from Ilhas. In the South, four will come from Salcete and the remaining three from Marmugao Voting will be on zonal basis. While club representatives from the north will vote for Bardez and Ilhas zone members, Salcete and Marmugao will have to count on votes from the south zone. The amended constitution comes into ''immediate effect''. There will also be two nominated members, one an inactive referee who had attained at least class one and one women member representing women''s football. The term of the executive committee will be for four years. The existing executive committee will continue to function till fresh elections are held. According to the general body, it must be held on or before October 31. (MORE) PTI MCS RRN PM

Source: Published>

India beat France 4-3 in hockey Test

Mon, Jul 19 10 02:23 PM

New Delhi, Jul 19 (PTI) Ace drag-flicker Sandeep Singh continued his red-hot form and struck twice as India defeated France 4-3 in the keenly-contested first hockey Test at the National Institute of Sport and Expert Performance (INSEP) in Paris. India struck goals through Sandeep, who converted two penalty corners in the 12th and 65th minute, Tushar Khandker (5th) and captain Rajpal Singh (69th), while Fredric Soyez scored a hat trick (6th, 51st and 68th) for France in the first game of the three-match series yesterday. High on confidence after their 2-0 series win over Belgium last week, the Indians began aggressively and nearly took the lead in the third minute but for Dharamvir Singh, who fumbled inside the circle. But two minutes later, India surged ahead when Khandker sailed the ball into the net past French goalkeeper Mathias Dierckems after he was set up by Rajpal. France retaliated back a minute later and drew parity when Soyez encashed on a defensive lapse by Sarvanjit Singh and Danish Mujtaba to put the ball into the net past Indian goalkeeper Bharat Chetri. The Indians, however, were not pegged back by the French goal as they continued to attack. The visitors missed a few good scoring chances with Mandip Antil, Amir Khan and Dharamvir guilty of shooting wide off the target. India got its lead back in the 12th minute through Sandeep, who sounded the board with a fierce drag-flick from the team''s first penalty corner, earned after Amir was blocked inside the circle by French defender Thibaunt Blondel. After the change of ends, France played full court in search of the equaliser but the Indian backline of Gurbaj Singh, Bharat Chikara and Dhananjay Mahadik stood tall to foil their attempts. However, a brilliant Soyes made it 2-2 for the hosts in the 51st minute after wrong footing Sandeep. It was roller-coaster of a match which saw pendulum swinging from one side to the another till the very last minute. With five minutes from the end, India took the lead again after Sandeep converted his and the team''s second set piece of the day, only to see France claw its way back into the match through Soyez, who scored his hat-trick in the 68th minute from a shot corner But Rajpal broke the hearts of the home team when he found the match winner seconds from the hooter.

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Erratic Jeev ends tied 55th at Reno-Tahoe Open

Mon, Jul 19 10 02:07 PM

Reno (USA), Jul 19 (PTI) Jeev Milkha Singh dropped six bogeys in a wretched front nine to return his worst card of the week -- a five-over 75 -- and sign off a disappointing tied 55th in the Reno-Tahoe Open golf tournament here. The seasoned Indian ended his campaign with a total of five-over 293. The 10th tee starter began well by striking a birdie on the 11th but that was to be the lone bright spot in his card. One-under at the turn, Jeev was undone by a string of dropped shot starting on the first hole itself. He stumbled to five more bogeys -- on the third, fourth, sixth, eighth and ninth to round off a disappointing day. American Matt Bettencourt (68) clinched the title with a total of 11-under 277, while his compatriot Bob Heintz (69) finished a stroke adrift at the second spot.

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Pakistan team will bounce back in Headingley Test: Waqar

Published>Mon, Jul 19 10 01:37 PM

London, July 19(ANI): Pakistan coach Waqar Younis is confident that his team will bounce in the second Test match against Australia, starting at Headingley from Wednesday.

Waqar said that a couple of solid innings at Lord's could have changed the course of the series.

"There is a very thin line between win and loss and I still believe that with a bit of better luck and grabbing opportunities we could have nullified 150 runs deficit," The News quoted Waqar, as saying.

"We have got players who can seriously challenge Australia and those who have failed to make their mark in the first Test will hopefully give their best at Headingley," he added.

Waqar further praised the outgoing skipper Shahid Afridi, saying that he took over the captaincy when there was no other suitable option.

"I think he has done his job and filled that gap. He successfully played his role as a captain," he added.

He also has high hopes from the new captain Salman Butt, and said: "He is the coolest of the players in the team and knows well what to do and what not to. I think he would be a successful captain as he has all the qualities to do justice with his position." (ANI)

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North, Watson Lords performance shows depth of Oz Test attack: Ponting

Published>Mon, Jul 19 10 01:27 PM

London, July 19 (ANI): Australian cricket captain Ricky Ponting is of the view that the bowling performance of all-rounders Marcus North and Shane Watson in the recently concluded Lords Test against Pakistan, highlights the increasing versatility of the squad's bowling attack in the run-up to this year's Ashes series.

Watson claimed five wickets in the first Pakistani innings for about 40 runs, while North chipped in with a match winning six-wicket haul in the second. Pakistan lost the Test by 150 runs on the fourth day.

"Things are coming together nicely. Without being silly, we've all got one eye on stuff that's happening later in the year and these steps this week have been good ones in the right direction as far as keeping on improving our Test cricket," the Sydney Morning Herald quoted Ponting, as saying.

"We've got a few more Tests to play yet, but things are going well for us. The encouraging sign for us is having that depth, so if injuries or form or whatever plays a part, we know we've got a real good core group of players that are going to lead Australia forward in all forms of the game," Ponting added.

North is the fourth member of Australia's top six to have picked up a five-wicket bag in Test cricket, joining Watson (5-40), Simon Katich and Michael Clarke.

"I certainly don't think that I'm a No.1 spinner or anything like that, but I feel comfortable in the role I can play for Australia," North said.

"I feel that given the ball I can contribute, I'm not just there as a spare part. I feel I can genuinely be a wicket-taking option and complement the other bowlers around me," he added.

With Steve Smith in the line-up, Australia boasts the ultimate in variety in its spinning ranks.

The young New South Welshman bowls leg-spin, North is an off-spinner while Clarke (left-arm finger spinner) and Katich (left-arm wrist spinner) complete the set.

On the quick bowlers, Ponting said they must show more patience in the second and final Test at Headingley, starting Wednesday.

"I really think it was a fact of both those guys really trying too hard knowing the conditions offered quite a bit for the faster bowlers," he said. (ANI)

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Is golf is giving up on Tiger Woods?

Published>Mon, Jul 19 10 01:21 PM

London, July 19 (ANI): Tiger Woods is in grave danger of becoming just another golfer, and he realizes it.

After yet another false start at the British Open, Woods admitted: "That has been the story of my week. As soon as I got something going, I would somehow find a way to stop the momentum."

"I knew the start I needed and, after pulling back two shots on the first three, I needed to keep it going. But that didn't happen," The Sun quoted him, as saying.

"I drove the ball great all week but, other than the first day, I did not putt well at all. You just can't expect to win tournaments if you three-putt nine or 10 times. No one can win doing that. So I have to clean that up before I tee it up again," he added.

People within the game are starting to question whether Woods' career will ever recover from the self-inflicted wounds.

It was once assumed it was only a matter of time before Tiger overtook Jack Nicklaus' record of 18 major titles. Yet that is no longer such a formality, as Woods wonders where his next big win is coming from.

For the first time in his professional career, he has not landed a single event all season and the last of his 14 majors came more than two years ago.

Despite all his problems, Woods is still the biggest draw in golf and clinging to his world No 1 spot.

If anything, recent events have only added to his legend and, while he may no longer be unassailable, a multi-million dollar industry depends on his presence at these events. (ANI)

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Ex-Liverpool boss blames Rooney for England's WC loss

Published>Mon, Jul 19 10 01:07 PM

London, July 19 (ANI): Ex-Liverpool boss Gerard Houllier has blamed Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney for England's shocking World Cup performance.

Fabio Capello's side crashed out of the tournament with a 4-1 drubbing at the hands of Germany in the second round.

"Probably the key to understanding why England didn't perform at the World Cup is that the top players didn't do as well as we could expect them to," The Sun quoted the French coach, as saying.e added: "I'm thinking mainly about Wayne Rooney. He's an outstanding player but whether he was tired or wasn't in good shape I don't know. If Rooney, who for me is a top player and finisher, had scored a few more goals maybe..."

"England was also unlucky because of the goal that was disallowed against Germany. It was a good goal," he said. (ANI)

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Rain delays second day's play in Galle Test

Published>Mon, Jul 19 10 12:57 PM

Galle, July 19 (IANS) Continuous rains delayed the start of the second day's play in the first Test match between India and Sri Lanka here Monday.

The heavy overnight rains left the outfield soggy, forcing a late start for the second successive day. The start of play on the opening day Sunday was delayed by 30 minutes and it was called off because of bad light with 22 overs still to be bowled.

Curator Jayananda Warnaweera said play could begin only after lunch. The overcast conditions are likely to truncate the five-day Test.

Sri Lanka, batting first, were 256 for two wickets when play was halted on day one, with Tharanga Paranavitana batting on 110 and Mahela Jayawardene eight.

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