Holder Querrey and Murray reach last four in LA

Published>Sat, Jul 31 10 12:17 PM

Second seed and champion Sam Querrey overcame an erratic serving display to reach the LA Open semi-finals with a nail-biting 6-2 3-6 7-6 victory over German veteran Rainer Schuettler on Friday.

The American smashed two rackets in frustration and trailed 4-5 in the deciding set but twice broke the German as his opponent served for the match before clinching the tiebreak 7-4 at the LA Tennis Center.

Querrey will next meet sixth seed Janko Tipsarevic after the Serb upset third-seeded Cypriot Marcos Baghdatis 6-3 7-5.

Top seed and British world number four Andy Murray survived two set points before booking his place in the semi-finals with a 7-6 6-1 win against Colombia's Alejandro Falla in the late match.

Seeking his first ATP title of the year and still showing signs of rust in his first tournament back since Wimbledon, Murray eased through the tiebreak 7-3 before crushing Falla in the second set.

In Saturday's semi-finals, the Scot will take on fourth-seeded Spaniard Feliciano Lopez, who beat American wildcard James Blake 3-6 7-6 6-4.

"It feels good," Murray said after wrapping up victory in one hour 37 minutes on the hardcourt surface. "It was a tricky match. Alejandro has been playing very well the last few months.

"I played well but those were difficult conditions," added Murray, who was a late wildcard entry after the withdrawal last week of second-ranked Novak Djokovic.

"It was pretty cool tonight and I hit a lot of balls in the net."

SORE JOINTS

Murray repeatedly clutched his right leg late in the match but said it was just "a little sore" on the joints after switching from the grass to the U.S. hardcourts.

Querrey, who needed three sets to beat South African qualifier Kevin Anderson in the previous round, raced through his opening set but lost the first three games of the second before the German levelled the match.

Both players held serve in the third set until the ninth game when Schuettler hit a searing backhand service return winner to earn his seventh breakpoint, which he converted when Querrey netted a forehand.

Serving for the match at 5-4, Schuettler failed to hold but he immediately broke back when a Querrey crosscourt backhand sailed wide.

Schuettler again failed to serve out the match, a flicked forehand ending up in the net for Querrey to force a tiebreak, which the American dominated with his booming first serve before sealing victory when a Schuettler backhand sailed long.

"I kind of got lucky to get through," the 22-year-old American said after the topsy-turvy two hour, 20 minutes match. "I was pretty frustrated the whole time but I then did a great job of playing the 5-4 and 6-5 games.

"My serve sucks right now," he added after recording 14 aces and nine double faults in bright sunshine.

"I just don't have that consistency of the knee bend and fluid motion. It's not as comfortable as it was at Queens and Wimbledon.

"It's getting better every day, though. When I needed it, I got it. I served well in that tiebreaker."

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Jagtap bows out of squash championship

Published>Sat, Jul 31 10 11:51 AM

Quito (Ecuador), July 31 (IANS) Aditya Jagtap, the lone Indian remaining in contention, went down to top seeded Amr Khaled Khalifa from Egypt in straight games in the quarterfinals at the World Junior squash championships here.

From the first point, Khalifa kept Jagtap pinned to the back corners Friday and did not give him an inch to play his strokes. Jagtap fought for every point and eventually went down 5-11, 2-11, 2-11.

The Indian boys will now be gearing up for the team championships which start Aug 2 at the same venue.

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PCB not to renew Jaffer''s contract as national selector

Sat, Jul 31 10 11:21 AM

Karachi, Jul 31 (PTI) Miffed with his behaviour, the Pakistan Cricket Board has decided against renewing the contract of former Test pacer Salim Jaffer as a national selection committee member. The PCB, apparently unhappy with his behaviour, has sent a letter informing him that his services were no longer required as a member of the selection committee after his contract expires today. "The order to release Jaffer as national selector has come directly from the board Chairman Ijaz Butt who was not happy with his behavior in recent times," a source in the board said. Jaffer upset the PCB Chairman and chief selector, Mohsin Khan last month when the touring squad for England was announced from Sri Lanka. Only Mohsin went to attend the meeting with the team captain Shahid Afridi, coach Waqar Younis, manager Yawar Saeed. Ijaz Butt also attended the meeting. Sources said after the touring squad was announced Jaffer had complained to a member of the PCB governing council that the other selectors were not consulted while finalising the squad. "Butt took offence to this as Mohsin''s claim was that he was in touch with his fellow selectors over the composition of the squad and had consulted them all the time," one source stated. When contacted, Mohsin again said that he had consulted his fellow selectors and if anyone was saying otherwise he was wrong. "Before going to Sri Lanka and throughout the meeting I consulted the selectors and informed them and took their view point. But in the end my argument was that since the captain runs the team his viewpoint must be given weight," Mohsin said. Jaffer has served as a member of the selection committee since 2007.

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Jagtap bows out of squash championship

Published>Sat, Jul 31 10 11:07 AM

Quito (Ecuador), July 31 (IANS) Aditya Jagtap, the lone Indian remaining in contention, went down to top seeded Amr Khaled Khalifa from Egypt in straight games in the quarterfinals at the World Junior squash championships here.

From the first point, Khalifa kept Jagtap pinned to the back corners Friday and did not give him an inch to play his strokes. Jagtap fought for every point and eventually went down 5-11, 2-11, 2-11.

The Indian boys will now be gearing up for the team championships which start Aug 2 at the same venue.

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Indian idol: Another high for shining Saina

Sat, Jul 31 10 10:47 AM

Mumbai, July 31 -- Saina Nehwal's growing stature in Indian sports received an official stamp with the 20-year-old being named for the prestigious Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award for the year 2008-09. The Arjuna Awards committee headed by former sprint queen, PT Usha, met in the national capital on Friday and recommended the name of the world number 2 shuttler for the highest award for sporting excellence in the country. Saina is also the second youngest player to win the laurel after 2008 Beijing Olympic gold medallist Abhinav Bindra, who won the award in 2001. The award, to be given away on August 29 by the President, Pratibha Patil, consists of a scroll of honour, medal and cash purse of Rs 7.5 lakh. Saina's coach and mentor Pullela Gopichand is the other badminton player to win the honour, which was instated in 1992. "I am really happy. It's unbelievable, a dream come true for me to get another within one year. National awards give you a lot of motivation and it definitely has inspired me to achieve bigger glories for my country," said Saina, who was won the Arjuna Award last year. Saina has been the flag bearer of Indian badminton for the last two years, recording many firsts in her fledging career. She became the first woman shuttler to reach the Olympic quarterfinals in 2008 and also won the world junior title and Commonwealth Youth Games gold medal in the same year. She continued her rise in 2009 winning the Indonesia Super Series and reaching the quarterfinals of the World Championship. "I have done well in the last two years and the three titles that I won recently have boosted my confidence. I am now preparing for the World Championship and I hope to win the title," said Saina, who is also one of the six brand ambassadors for the Commonwealth Games, to be held in New Delhi from October 3-14.

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Azarenka overcomes slow start to upset holder Bartoli

Sat, Jul 31 10 10:17 AM

Victoria Azarenka overcame a slow start to upset holder Marion Bartoli 3-6 6-3 6-3 in the quarter-finals of the Stanford Classic on Friday.

Top seed Samantha Stosur of Australia, however, managed to squeak through in a 7-5 3-6 6-3 victory over Yanina Wickmayer of Belgium.

While the fourth seeded Bartoli was seeded higher than the eighth-seeded Azarenka, the 20-year-old Belarussian had beaten the Frenchwoman in their three previous meetings so the outcome was not a surprise.

Bartoli got off to a terrific start, powering her groundstrokes to the corners and gaining a 6-1, 3-1 lead.

But after Azarenka held in a difficult game to reach 3-2, the tide completely turned and she reeled off seven straight games with a heady and forceful attack.

Bartoli tried to regain control late in the third set, but Azarenka mixed deft drop shots with laser-like backhands and broke Bartoli to win the match on a forehand error.

Later, Bartoli told reporters that Azarenka's loud grunts distracted her.

"It's difficult to play against those kinds of players," Bartoli said. "It's fine to grunt sometimes when you make an effort, but sometimes it's just so loud.

"It's hard to focus on the other side of the net. But it's not something I can get bothered by, because otherwise I would lose my concentration so much.

"I just need to forget about it, but it's hard."

Azarenka said that she has been grunting since she began to play tennis and she is not the only player who can be distracting.

She said how Bartoli prepares herself to return serve can also be problematic.

"A lot of things can distract people," Azarenka said. "When someone is (shaking her racket up and down) when you are serving can also be distracting.

"I don't pay attention. That's the way I play and I cannot change it."

Azarenka will now face Stosur, who had to come back from an early break in the third set to repel the athletic Wickmayer.

"It was tough from the first game to the end," Stosur said. "I got a little flat in the second set.

"When I was down 2-0 down in the third, and I finally started to pick it up and stayed away from playing into her patterns."

Third seed Agnieszka Radwanska of Poland also moved ahead by dispatching Maria Kirilenko of Russia 7-5 6-0. She will play the winner of the match between second seed Elena Dementieva and fifth seed Maria Sharapova.

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Last-gasp goal gives Bengal a point

Sat, Jul 31 10 10:07 AM

Kolkata, July 30 -- Veteran Jayanta Sen's last-gasp goal ensured Bengal didn't suffer from opening blues in the latest edition of the Santosh Trophy. Sen struck two minutes from time to help salvage a point from their quarter-final league match against Delhi, at the Yuba Bharati Krirangan on Friday. Bengal skipper Snehasish Chakraborty had predicted a rough outing alright but he would have never imagined luck and, to a great extent, goalkeeper Pronoy Roy's parrying skills would deny them till almost the final whistle. Sen's strike somewhat salvaged the game for Bengal, who got everything right throughout the match but for the all-important goal. Bengal's experienced central midfield duo of Denson Devdas and Sen stamped their presence on the game with fine passing and kept possession efficiently. On the flanks, Snehasish and Subhas Chakraborty outran opposition at will, leaving the Delhi defence exposed. Strikers Tarif Ahmed and Robin Singh didn't have the best of starts though. Fifteen minutes into the first-half, Ahmed's lob over Roy went over the horizontal and this followed by another miss by Singh. But they did improve as the match progressed. Delhi were reliant on the few counterattacks they could muster amid Bengal's rampage. They took the lead from one such move when they were awarded a corner-kick near the end of the first-half. Bengal custodian Sandip Nandy fisted the kick but Tuishim Mashangva soared above the backline to head in a rebound cross from Vikash Rawat. Delhi's plan to sit back and protect the one-goal lead backfired as they conceded too much ground. Bengal attacked with purpose and came close to equalising a number of times. Singh came tantalisingly close but his strong left-footed drive was first feebly palmed by Roy and then ricocheted off the horizontal. Two minutes later, Roy warded off another strong piledriver, off Sen's left foot. But his next strike finally relieved Bengal of their misery. This time, it was a powerful grounder that finally beat Roy and forced Delhi to split points. Tamil Nadu win

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Short of drivers, OC needs extra helping hands

Sat, Jul 31 10 09:47 AM

New Delhi, July 30 -- They were supposed to help out in the preparations and also during sports events, but now, Commonwealth Games volunteers will also pitch in by ferrying athletes and Games officials. The Commonwealth Games Organising Committee (OC) is facing a shortage of drivers who can ferry athletes and officials from hotels to venues. Though the remuneration and perks are attractive, there is a dearth of drivers in the city. The OC will deploy 2,000 cars, provided by Tata Motors, during the games and needs about 3,000 drivers to work in shifts. Though the job of bringing in the drivers has been entrusted to Tata Motors, the OC has also pitched in to recruit drivers, with only two months left for the event. It is not unusual for volunteers, mainly students, to drive vehicles during the Games. There were 1,600 volunteer drivers at the 2002 CWG at Manchester and also at the 2006 Melbourne Games. "We will choose such volunteers who have the necessary skill sets to carry out this job," said Anil Chhikara, who is heading the transport project in OC. "The volunteers, however, will be only given soft duties to ferry people from point to point. They wouldn't be working in eight-hour-shifts, like the paid drivers."

Those who volunteer for this work will need to have a valid driver's license and undergo a test and training. The recruitment of these volunteer drivers will be conducted between August 1 and 5.

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Forlan in Kolkata on a three-day visit

Sat, Jul 31 10 09:17 AM

Kolkata, July 30 -- Diego Forlan, the Uruguay striker who won the golden ball in the 2010 World Cup, has come to Kolkata on a three day visit. Forlan who reached the city with his super model girlfriend Zaira Nara on Thursday, spent the day away from public glare. Forlan has come to the city on the invitation of a newly launched Bengali television channel. He is supposed to be present at a football match between Mohun Bagan XI and Challenger XI (a team formed as a part of a football reality show) at the Yuva Bharati Krirangan in Salt lake on August 1. Forlan scored five goals in the World Cup to win the golden ball. Forlan played a pivotal role in taking his country, a two-time champion of the World Cup, to the first semi finals in four decades. Down the years Kolkata has played host to a number of football greats starting with Pele in 1977. The ones to visit later were Zico, Ger Muller, Diego Maradona, Oliver Kahn, Branco, Romario, Lothar Mattehaus and Karl Heinz Rumminege.

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Second seed Querrey battles into last four in LA

Published>Sat, Jul 31 10 08:57 AM

Second seed and champion Sam Querrey overcame an erratic serving display to reach the LA Open semi-finals with a nail-biting 6-2 3-6 7-6 victory over German veteran Rainer Schuettler on Friday.

The 6-foot-6 American smashed two rackets in frustration and trailed 4-5 in the deciding set but twice broke the German as his opponent served for the match before clinching the tiebreak 7-4 at the LA Tennis Center.

Querrey, who beat Australian Carsten Ball in last year's final, will meet sixth seed Janko Tipsarevic in the last four, the Serb having upset third-seeded Cypriot Marcos Baghdatis 6-3 7-5.

In the third quarter-final of the day, Spanish left-hander Feliciano Lopez, the fourth seed, came from a set down to beat American wildcard James Blake 3-6 7-6 6-4.

"I kind of got lucky to get through," Querrey, 22, said courtside after a topsy-turvy match lasting two hours 20 minutes. "I was pretty frustrated the whole time but I then did a great job of playing the 5-4 and 6-5 games.

"My serve sucks right now," he added after recording 14 aces and nine double faults in bright sunshine. "I just don't have that consistency of the knee bend and fluid motion. It's not as comfortable as it was at Queens and Wimbledon.

"It's getting better every day, though. When I needed it, I got it. I served well in that tiebreaker."

Querrey, who needed three sets to beat South African qualifier Kevin Anderson in the previous round, raced through the opening set but lost the first three games of the second before the German levelled the match.

SEARING WINNER

Both players held serve in the third set until the ninth game when Schuettler hit a searing backhand service return winner to earn his seventh breakpoint, which he converted when Querrey netted a forehand.

Serving for the match at 5-4, Schuettler failed to hold but he immediately broke back when a Querrey crosscourt backhand sailed wide.

Again Schuettler failed to serve out the match, a flicked forehand ending up in the net for the American to level at 6-6 and force a tiebreak.

Querrey, the only player to have won three ATP titles this year on different surfaces, dominated the tiebreak with his booming first serve, going 5-3 up before sealing the win when a Schuettler backhand sailed long.

Tipsarevic, wearing his trademark green-and-white prescription sunglasses, cruised through the first set against an out-of-sorts Baghdatis, a former world junior champion.

The Serb then squandered a 3-1 lead in the second before regaining control to record his first win against the Cypriot in three meetings.

"This week I'm playing good," said Tipsarevic, at number 46 ranked 20 spots below Baghdatis. "I'm playing against tough opponents and I haven't dropped a set yet."

Top seed and British world number four Andy Murray, seeking his first ATP title of the year, was scheduled to take on Colombian Alejandro Falla in Friday's late match.

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Briton Farah bidding for second track gold

Sat, Jul 31 10 08:17 AM

Britain's Mo Farah is going for a distance-running double at the European championships on Saturday when he bids to add the 5,000 metres gold to the 10,000 title he claimed on Tuesday.

The 27-year-old Somali-born athlete's main rival is likely to be local favourite Jesus Espana of Spain, in a re-run of the final at the 2006 edition when Farah had to settle for silver and Espana took gold.

In the heptathlon, Farah's British team mate Jessica Ennis is in a strong position to add the continental title to her gold at the world championships in Berlin last year.

The 24-year-old has a 110-point advantage over Ukraine's Nataliya Dobrynska with three of eight events left.

"I came here knowing it wouldn't be easy and they are pushing me all the way -- particularly Dobrynska," Ennis told the BBC on Friday after running a season-best 23.21 in the 200 metres.

"I'll just keep my fingers crossed," she added ahead of Saturday's long jump, javelin and 800 metres.

The day begins with the women's marathon at 0805 GMT, which this year ends in the centre of the Catalan capital instead of the traditional stadium finish.

In the men's events, there are finals in the pole vault (1600), shot put (1630), 800 metres (1735), javelin (1805) and 400 metres hurdles (1810).

The other women's finals are the triple jump (1710), 200 metres (1750) and 100 metres hurdles (1825).

Source: Published>

Sounders trade Swede Ljungberg to the Fire

Sat, Jul 31 10 07:17 AM

Former Sweden and Arsenal midfielder Freddie Ljungberg has been traded by the Seattle Sounders to the Chicago Fire, the Major League Soccer team said Friday.

Ljungberg, a 'designated player' under the same ruling that allowed LA Galaxy to sign David Beckham from Real Madrid, was sent to Chicago for a conditional selection in the 2011 or 2012 SuperDraft.

The 33-year-old Swede will join another designated player, Mexican international Nery Castillo, in Chicago.

"Freddie is an exceptional player, with world-class talent and we are thrilled to have him join the Chicago Fire," Chicago technical director Frank Klopas said in a statement.

"He is a player with an illustrious career and, as an attacking player, he will help us towards our goal of bringing the MLS Cup to Chicago."

Ljungberg, who played 75 times for his country, has not played for Seattle since July 4, having been sidelined by injury.

"I have been thinking long and hard about the next step in my career and I am extremely happy to become the newest member of the Chicago Fire," said the veteran Swede who joined the Sounders in October 2008.

Designated players are paid mainly outside of the team's salary cap.

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Overton takes control at the Greenbrier with a sizzling 62

Sat, Jul 31 10 06:57 AM

American Jeff Overton, bidding for his maiden PGA Tour title, charged into a commanding four-shot lead in the second round of the Greenbrier Classic at White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia on Friday.

A stroke off the pace overnight, Overton fired a flawless eight-under-par 62 to post a 14-under total of 126 on the Old White Course at The Greenbrier.

Helped by a run of four consecutive birdies around the turn, the 27-year-old ended a day of low scoring four ahead of compatriot and double PGA Tour winner Boo Weekley (63).

Double heart-transplant recipient Erik Compton, co-leader overnight, carded a 68 to lie five shots off the pace with fellow American Jimmy Walker (64).

Overton, who has recorded three top-three finishes in his last six PGA Tour starts, made a sizzling start with two birdies in the first three holes after teeing off at the par-four 10th.

He picked up further shots on 16, 17 and 18 to reach the turn in five-under 31 before stretching further ahead of the field with birdies at the first, fourth and fifth.

U.S. Ryder Cup player Weekley, who has struggled for form this season due to a shoulder injury, held the early lead at 10 under before being eclipsed by Overton late in the day.

"I'm actually feeling pretty good," Weekley told reporters after carding a blemish-free round featuring seven birdies. "At the John Deere (Classic), I started feeling a little better about my game.

"I've lost about 20 pounds of weight and kind of got my shoulder feeling a little better. I'm excited to play again. It feels like I can actually come out and compete and I don't have to take a bunch of Advil."

World number five Jim Furyk, bidding for his third PGA Tour victory of the year, returned a 65 to end the day in a nine-way tie for ninth place at seven under -- seven off the lead.

The cut fell at two-under 138 with former major winners Trevor Immelman of South Africa and Americans David Toms, Todd Hamilton and Lee Janzen among those missing out.

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Day after report, Sheila stonewalls, CVC clarifies

Published>Sat, Jul 31 10 05:53 AM

Under attack from several parties and agencies for the alleged irregularities in construction projects for the Commonwealth Games, Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit on Friday defended her government, claiming she was completely "unaware" about the findings of the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC).

"I will not comment on the CVC report. We do not have the report. We will take action when it has to be taken, when eventually we get the report. Everything will be taken into account, if there is any need," she said.

While claiming to be unaware of the report, she added that her government is "saving money on several projects rather than overspending". Dikshit also questioned the statements made by Commonwealth Games CEO Mike Hooper who had earlier in the day questioned the Games preparations. "Who is Michael Hooper, may I ask?...The Prime Minister has expressed confidence in the fact that the Games will be well conducted," Dikshit said.

CVC backtracks Meanwhile, by late Friday evening, the Central Vigilance Commission had put up a "clarification" regarding its earlier report on quality checks of Games-related projects. In its report put up on its website just 24 hours earlier, the CVC published the findings of its inspections where it said many of the projects inspected were below par and had artificially escalated costs.

In its clarification, the CVC said that its inspections were simply routine and not a raid on Games-specific projects. "Chief Technical Examiner's Organisation (CTEO) of the CVC, in a routine manner inspects the works of different organisations, when they have been tendered out and are in progress... In 2010, so far the CTEO has inspected 57 works in 42 organisations, including DMRC, NTPC, NPCIL, MCD, DJB, SJVNL, DFCCIL etc."

"The reports of the CTEO are sent to different organisations for remedial action, system improvement and to identify officials responsible, where a vigilance angle is suspected. Organisations respond to CTEO reports... in some cases advice is given for disciplinary action against officers when they are found responsible," the CVC statement read.

The CVC clarified that the CTEO report "is the first step" and should not be in any way taken for the final CVC report.

Will meet deadline: CMDikshit also claimed the construction debris will be cleared by August 10, clarifying that all "big" rubble will be cleared on time.

"Already 16,000 tonnes of debris have been removed from various sites," she said.

She also maintained the government will meet all deadlines and all streetscaping work will be completed by August 31. "We will finish one month in advance. The month of September will be kept aside exclusively to give finishing touches or to fill the gaps left due to coordination problems between various agencies," she said.

The CM also gave detailed excuses for delays in various projects that are yet to be completed, blaming the delay on clearance from various agencies. "The Barapullah Nallah was earlier designed to be totally underground. Later the project was shelved completely because of the DUAC's objection and now it is being constructed as an elevated corridor," she said. She, however, added that the PWD is confident of completing the project well before time in order to have sufficient time for test and trial.

The Uttar Pradesh Link Road also started late because of the delay in the acquisition of land, she said.

Project sheet24 flyovers 3 stadiums 1,070 km ? lane strengthening and widening 31 foot overbridges 450 km ? upgraded streetlighting 150 km ? improved signanges 1 power plant 1 sewage treatment plant 1 water treatment plant 1 bus-parking lot for more than 1,000 buses

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NBA - Wizards re-sign free agent swingman Howard

Sat, Jul 31 10 05:37 AM

The Washington Wizards have re-signed free agent Josh Howard, a former All-Star swingman who joined the team late last season.

The 30-year-old has averaged 15.3 points and six rebounds over seven seasons with the Wizards and Dallas Mavericks.

Howard, who was acquired in a trade in February with Dallas, played only four games with the Wizards before suffering a season-ending knee injury.

"We were impressed with Josh's versatility, how well he fit in with our team and his attitude and work ethic both before and after his unfortunate knee injury," Wizards general manager Ernie Grunfeld said in a statement on Friday.

Terms were not disclosed, but the Washington Post said Howard signed a one-year incentive-laden contract worth about $4 million.

Source: Published>

'Wrong' Borlee brother wins European 400 title

Published>Sat, Jul 31 10 05:17 AM

A Borlee brother won the 400 metres title at the European championships on Friday although not the one everyone had expected.

Belgian Kevin Borlee, who at the start of the week tipped his twin Jonathan to be a medal contender, stole the show -- and the gold -- from his sibling with victory in 45.08.

Britons Michael Bingham and Martyn Rooney finished second and third.

Jonathan, who had lowered his national record to 44.71 in the semis, finished in seventh but was quick to congratulate Kevin on the track with a brotherly hug.

"I'm disappointed for myself. My legs didn't respond today. I was a little bit tired but Kevin did the job so it's really great," Jonathon told reporters.

"I told him he did a really good job. He ran a very good race. Condition-wise it wasn't great."

Kevin went off quickly and appeared to be paying the price when he faded on the final bend but the 22-year-old found a second wind and surged through the field, crossing the line with a grimace from the effort.

"I am disappointed for Jonathan, he deserved to be on the podium, said Kevin, five minutes younger than his brother.

"Before the race I talked to Jonathan. He said the one who's going to win the race is going to be focused on his own race, so it's a little bit because of him that I won today," he told a news conference.

Athletics is a family affair for the Borlees.

The twins, who plan to run in the 4x400 relay, are trained by their father Jacques, a former international 400 metres runner, and older sister Olivia finished sixth in her 200 semi at the Olympic stadium on Friday.

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'Jersey Shore' star Snooki arrested for bad conduct

Sat, Jul 31 10 03:57 AM

U.S. President Barack Obama has not heard of Snooki, but New Jersey police certainly have after arresting the "Jersey Shore" reality television star on Friday.

Snooki, whose real name is Nicole Polizzi, 22, was arrested for disorderly conduct while filming the hit TV series on Friday afternoon, Seaside Heights Borough Administrator John Camera told The Star-Ledger newspaper.

"She was being very disorderly on the beach, bothering other patrons there," Camera said.

Seaside Heights police were not immediately available for comment.

Celebrity news website TMZ showed photos of Snooki in handcuffs. It also showed photos of the petite star drinking Coca Cola out of a beer bong earlier on Friday.

Snooki is currently filming the third season of "Jersey Shore" in Seaside Heights with seven other Italian-Americans cast members, including gym rat Mike "The Situation" Sorrentino, who all live together in a house for the summer.

The second season of MTV's "Jersey Shore," which was filmed in Miami, premiered on Thursday to a series record 5.3 million total viewers, more than three times the number who tuned in for the first season's premiere.

"Jersey Shore" gave MTV the best season premiere of a show since the season two launch of "The Osbournes" in 2002.

The program debuted in December 2009, and the cast members' use of "guido" and "guidette" -- long-considered slurs for working class Italian-Americans -- their late-night boozing and sexually-charged escapades have won fans and been criticized by some as stereotyping young Italian-Americans.

Earlier this week New Jersey's governor Chris Christie said the cast and show gave a "negative" impression of New Jersey.

Obama appeared on "The View" talk show on Thursday and said he had not heard of Snooki when asked a question about the reality television star.

"President Obama ... love to tan in the rose garden :) ... I'll teach you how to fist pump!" Snooki tweeted on Friday.

Source: Published>

Scintillating 61 puts Fisher in charge in Ireland

Published>Sat, Jul 31 10 03:19 AM

Britain's Ross Fisher improved his chances of securing a debut Ryder Cup spot when he grabbed control of the Irish Open on Friday with a scintillating second round 10-under-par 61.

The 29-year-old broke the Killarney club course record by three shots as he surged to 12-under 130, three strokes clear of the field.

Last year's World Matchplay champion also threatened to record the first 59 on the European Tour as he ran up six successive birdies from the third hole and four in a row from the 11th.

He fell short of the magic mark, however, after missing chances over the closing holes.

"It was pretty flawless golf," the Englishman told reporters. "After a solid start I caught fire.

"It was a shame the run had to end on the ninth but then I got into another great patch. I gave myself four good looks at birdies at the last four holes but didn't make them and had to be satisfied with a 61."

Fisher improved his career-best round by two strokes and provided the platform for his fourth European Tour title.

Victory on Sunday would also move Fisher into Europe's nine automatic qualifying spots for this year's Ryder Cup, a place he could cement with good results at the WGC Invitational in Ohio and the U.S. PGA Championship next month.

"This is the start of three really important weeks for me with the Ryder Cup coming up," Fisher said. "This (61) gives me a lot of confidence knowing I can make a lot of birdies."

Fisher's blistering round was the first he has played with new caddie Phil 'Wobbly' Morbey, who was alongside Ian Woosnam for Ryder Cup matches and the Welshman's 1991 U.S. Masters victory.

"Wobbly's been on tour for 30 years, he is so experienced and he's giving me so much self-belief," added Fisher.

Italy's Francesco Molinari drew up to second place with a 66.

Molinari, who is hoping brother Edoardo can force his way into Europe's Ryder Cup team so they can reform their 2009 World Cup winning partnership, would virtually seal his place in Colin Montgomerie's team for Celtic Manor with victory in Ireland.

Three-times major winner Padraig Harrington, just one of Europe's high profile players still not assured of a Ryder Cup place, carded a 67 to be in a large group in third place five strokes behind Fisher.

A 68 also put tournament favourite Rory McIlroy in that pack. Darren Clarke (70) is a further stroke back.

U.S. Open champion Graeme McDowell birdied the last for a 72 to make the level-par cut. Justin Rose, another still outside the Ryder Cup fold, returned a 68 to also make it on the cut line.

Source: Web Search

Khedira joins Real Madrid from Stuttgart

Sat, Jul 31 10 02:38 AM

Germany midfielder Sami Khedira, who played a major part in Germany's progress to the World Cup semi-finals, is joining Real Madrid from VfB Stuttgart on a five-year deal, the clubs said on Friday.

The 23-year-old, who has a German mother and a Tunisian father, cost the La Liga giants 12 million euros ($15.7 million), according to Spanish media reports.

He is the fourth reinforcement for new Real coach Jose Mourinho following the purchase of Argentina winger Angel Di Maria and Spanish midfielders Sergio Canales and Pedro Leon.

Mourinho was hired to replace Manuel Pellegrini at the end of last season's trophyless campaign and the club are seeking to end the two-season reign of arch-rivals Barcelona as Spanish champions and win a first Champions League title since 2002.

Khedira made his international debut in a friendly against South Africa last September and was not expected to feature in Germany's World Cup team but was given his chance following the injury that kept captain Michael Ballack out of the tournament.

He formed an impressive partnership with Bastian Schweinsteiger as Germany finished third. He has 12 caps and scored his first international goal in the World Cup third-place playoff against Uruguay.

VfB, where Khedira made his professional debut in 2006, said they were sorry to see him go.

"One is always extremely unhappy to let go a player who dictates the game and is easily identified with, such as Sami Khedira," said Stuttgart's sporting director Fred Bobic.

"On the other hand, we were able to fulfil Sami's wishes of furthering his career at Real. We wish him all the success with his new challenge."

Source: Published>

Queiroz inquiry to be completed by mid-August

Published>Sat, Jul 31 10 02:18 AM

The Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) will by mid-August conclude an inquiry into allegations that coach Carlos Queiroz insulted Portuguese anti-doping agents before the World Cup, it said on Friday.

Earlier this month, the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) opened an inquiry after an initial report said Queiroz had insulted anti-doping doctors during their surprise visit to the World Cup training camp in May.

"The disciplinary committee wants to hear the national coach on the matter, which has not been possible until now as he is overseas," the FPF said in a statement after a board meeting.

"The intention is to complete the process by mid-August. Due to the urgent nature of the matter, the committee has already met with five witnesses," it added.

According to local media reports, the episode could cost Queiroz his job following Portugal's disappointing second-round exit to eventual winners Spain in South Africa.

Former Real Madrid coach Queiroz has two years of his contract to run with the national team.

In comments broadcast by RTP TV channel earlier on Friday, Queiroz said the inquiry had been handled incorrectly, adding he had "been the victim of a public lynching ... on matters about which I have not even been heard".

Queiroz did not directly refer to the possibility of being fired but said he would lodge a complaint with world soccer's governing body FIFA if there were irregularities in the probe.

The coach added he was confident that he still had the backing of FPF president Gilberto Madail because he acted only to safeguard the team's interest.

Source: Web Search

Review technology has a few rough edges, says Butt

Published>Sat, Jul 31 10 01:38 AM

Pakistan captain Salman Butt alluded to a hole in the Decision Review System on Friday after his team mate Azhar Ali chose not to refer his dismissal when he appeared to be not out against England.

Ali was out after being caught by wicketkeeper Matt Prior off the bowling of James Anderson for 14, although replays clearly showed the ball flicking the pocket of his trousers and seemingly not striking any part of his bat.

Butt revealed that Ali did edge the ball and said there was a blind spot on the televisual aid 'Hotspot' that did not show edges when the ball struck any plastic covering on the willow bats.

Ali's was one of 15 wickets that fell on day two of the first test at Trent Bridge, as Pakistan slumped to 147 for nine at stumps in reply to England's 354. Pakistan require a further eight runs to avoid being asked to follow-on.

"Obviously, we wanted (Ali) to be out there batting for long, but he edged it and if he is out he is out -- you can't do anything," Butt told reporters.

"He knew he was out so there was no point taking the referral. If you are found out on the big screen it doesn't look nice.

"This technology, like Hawk-Eye, is not 100 percent (accurate). When the ball hits the sticker (plastic covering) on the side (of the bat) it doesn't leave a mark. It has happened before.

"It was very honest of Azhar Ali -- good sportsmanship."

Although both teams have used the DRS previously, it has never been used in England prior to this series.

Pakistan experienced problems with Hotspot on their tour of Australia this year, when Michael Clarke twice was heard by fielders to have edged the ball yet the televisual aid did not reveal an edge, Butt added.

England are also working out how to best use the new referral system but, as pace bowler James Anderson noted, they have enjoyed success with it so far.

"It's trickier than it seems, and something we're having to get used to," he said. "We've probably not used it as well as we could in the past. But I think we've used it pretty well so far in this game."

Source: Web Search

Anderson and Finn rip through Pakistan in test

Published>Sat, Jul 31 10 01:16 AM

England fast bowler James Anderson celebrated his 28th birthday by taking five for 49 as Pakistan slumped to 147 for nine before bad light ended play on day two of the first test at Trent Bridge on Friday.

The umpires led the players off the field at 1612 GMT despite the ground's six floodlight towers shining down on the field. Pakistan trailed England's first innings total by 207 runs and needed eight more to avoid the follow-on.

Umar Gul was 30 not out from 29 balls and last man Mohammad Asif is yet to score.

Anderson used the cloud cover to swing the ball against the Pakistan batsmen, while 21-year-old paceman Steven Finn performed impressively with three for 20.

"I thought (Finn) bowled fantastically well," Anderson told reporters. "(He) did exactly what we talked about before we went out there. He uses his height, bangs the pitch and is very consistent -- always asking questions of the batsmen."

Salman Butt, the Pakistan captain said: "Anderson was the one who made it happen today. He was the stand-out man. Not many bowlers in the world can swing the ball both ways with that much control."

Butt said that England's bowling attack is "better than Australia's" in the kind of overcast conditions that favoured the home side on Friday.

Pakistan, seeking to avenge a 3-0 series loss in England in 2006, have a tough task to survive with the pitch and overhead conditions encouraging the spinners and quicker bowlers.

But Anderson said a decision on enforcing the follow-on would have to wait.

"It's something we have to weigh up tomorrow," he said. "There's a lot to take into consideration -- the freshness of the bowlers, which is pretty good at the moment, conditions in the morning.

"But first and foremost, we've got to get another wicket."

The sold-out crowd witnessed 15 wickets for 170 runs in a pulsating day in which ball dominated bat.

England had earlier lost their last six wickets for 17 runs but still posted a competitive first-innings total of 354.

Eoin Morgan made 130 and Paul Collingwood 82, while Asif claimed five for 77 with some accurate outswing bowling.

Pakistan started badly by losing their most dependable batsman, Butt, before lunch, caught behind off Anderson for one. Then, in a bizarre period, they lost five wickets for 15 runs, collapsing to 47 for six.

ANGRY FARHAT

Left-hander Imran Farhat (19) was bowled by a near-perfect Anderson delivery that swung into him only to straighten off the pitch. Farhat smashed his bat into the ground in anger but better players would have struggled to combat such a ball.

Umar Amin (2), in his third test, continued to struggle in the elite arena, and edged Finn to Graeme Swann at second slip.

Azhar Ali (14), also in his third test, was given out caught behind off Anderson but replays showed the ball missed his bat and flicked the pocket of his trousers.

With two referrals in hand, it was surprising Azhar did not ask for a review of his dismissal having had a mid-pitch discussion with partner Umar Akmal. Pakistan still had those reviews in place by stumps.

Umar Akmal was also caught by Swann off Finn, while his brother Kamran lasted just two balls before he edged a wider Finn delivery to Collingwood at third slip for a duck.

Top-scorer Shoaib Malik (38) and the prodigious 18-year-old bowler Mohammad Aamer scrapped for every run in their seventh-wicket stand of 58, and ensured Pakistan surpassed their lowest test total of 87 against England at Lord's in 1954.

Malik's 53-ball innings ended when he edged Anderson to Andrew Strauss at first slip, catching the ball at the second attempt. Aamer followed in Anderson's next over, a third slip catch for Swann.

When Gul, whose pulled six over square leg off Anderson roused the Pakistan fans briefly, added 39 in 44 balls with Danish Kaneria, it seemed as though Pakistan would avoid the follow-on. Then Kaneria was bowled by Stuart Broad.

In the first session on Friday, Asif added to his wicket the previous day with four English scalps -- all leg before wicket -- that included centurion Morgan and Collingwood.

Source: Web Search

Lemaitre completes European sprint double

Published>Sat, Jul 31 10 12:38 AM

Christophe Lemaitre became the first Frenchman to complete a sprint double at the European championships when he clocked 20.37 to claim victory in the 200 metres on Friday.

Britain's Christian Malcolm was second in 20.38 and France's Martial Mbandjock finished third to add to his bronze from the 100.

Lemaitre had complained of tiredness in the 200 heats following his victory in Tuesday's 100 final and was in fifth as the runners entered the straight, way behind leader Malcolm.

But as the crowd leapt to their feet roaring support, he somehow found another gear in the last 30 metres and screaming overhauled Malcolm with a lunge at the line.

"On the curve, I tried to do everything I could to go as fast as possible and just resist to those coming from behind," Lemaitre, a former world junior champion at 200, told French television

"I gambled everything on the final stretch. It was really difficult because technically I was not that good. I fought until the end."

It was Lemaitre's sixth race unbeaten at the championships and his toughest victory.

The 20-year-old from Annecy threw himself to the floor and beat the bright blue track with his hand.

Malcolm said: "I feel a bit frustrated because I was so close," adding that he thought Lemaitre was a fantastic talent.

Lemaitre s also planning to compete in the 4x100 relay.

Portugal's Francis Obikwelu won both European sprint titles in Gothenburg four years ago.

Source: Web Search

European championships men's 110m hurdles final result

Sat, Jul 31 10 12:22 AM

REUTERS - European championships men's 110m hurdles final result from Barcelona on Friday

1. Andy Turner (Britain) 13.28secs

2. Garfield Darien (France) 13.34

3. Daniel Kiss (Hungary) 13.39

4. Dimitri Bascou (France) 13.41

5. Artur Noga (Poland) 13.44

6. Petr Svoboda (Czech Republic) 13.57

7. Marcel van der Westen (Netherlands) 13.58

8. Alexander John (Germany) 13.71

Source: Published>

CWG organising committee refutes charges of financial irregularities

Published>Fri, Jul 30 10 11:38 PM

New Delhi, July 30 (IANS) The organising committee of the Commonwealth Games Friday night dismissed reports of financial irregularities made by a TV news channel, and said they have followed due diligence in making all payments during the launch of the Queen's Baton Relay in London last year.

The Times Now channel reported that the British government has launched an investigation into alleged dubious money transfers to a UK company after a letter written by the Commonwealth Games Organising Committee to the Revenue and Customs Department of United Kingdom came into focus.

The channel claimed thousands of pounds had been transferred to a small time company in the UK contracted to the organising committee with proper contract and permission.

The organising committee of the Commonwealth Games refuted the allegations saying that they have not received any official communication in this regard.

In a statement, organising committee secretary general Lalit Bhanot said: 'We have followed due diligence in making all payments, getting the clearances from the executive board and from Reserve Bank of India for incurring the expenditure in foreign currency.'

Bhanot said that all remittances happened against this clearance.

'In response to an e-mail from the Organising Committee Commonwealth Games 2010, the High Commission of India in London recommended AM Car & Van Ltd. as one of the official vendors for cars. The payments were made as per the High Commission rates,' said Bhanot.

Indian High Commission had written to the sports ministry over the allegations of transfer of money to one AM Films UK Ltd from the organising committee during the launch of the Queen's Baton Relay in London in October last year.

Bhanot said that payments worth 238,093.56 pounds were made to AM Car & Van Hire Ltd and 146,868.80 pounds was made to AM Films UK Ltd. on Oct 24 for hiring mobile video screens.

'This was made after Metropolitan Police insisted that we provide the mobile video screens at the venue of the function. The accounts were settled before the Organising Committee Commonwealth Games 2010 Delhi left London. The allegation that Organising Committee Commonwealth Games 2010 Delhi makes payments of 25,000 pounds every month to AM Films UK Ltd is baseless and incorrect,' Bhanot said.

Bhanot went on to add the organising committee has sought a VAT refund of 61,419.78 pounds from the British government. 'This shows that we have nothing to hide,' he said.

Source: Web Search

Commonwealth Games hit by yet another controversy

Fri, Jul 30 10 11:08 PM

London/New Delhi, July 30 (PTI) A major scam hit the Commonwealth Games today with allegations being made that a substantial sum of money was transferred to a little known U K company from the Games Organising Committee (OC) about which the British Government has raised questions. Television channels reported that over 4.50 lakh pounds were transferred through a British bank to the A M Films company, said to be a one man show, which was also receiving 25,000 pounds a month. ''Times Now'' quoted documents to show that the entire deal came to light when the OC asked for a VAT refund of 14,000 pounds in March this year for the payments made to the British company. The channel quoted a letter of the British Revenue and Customs Department to the Indian High Commission stating that there was no written contract between the CWG and A M Films and that no tendering procedure has been followed and there was no paper work regarding the contract. The OC is reported to have made a payment of nearly 2.5 lakh pounds for video equipment purchase while A M Films has claimed that it provided services of car hire, makeshift toilets, barriers and electricity. Indian High Commission sources said the information provided by the UK authorities had been forwarded to the Sports Ministry for follow up action. "The UK authorities had referred some matter regarding A M Films to us. We passed on the information to the Indian government. The matter is now with the Indian government", the sources told PTI. In Delhi, Cabinet Secretary K M Chandrashekhar has conveyed concern over the charges as well as delay in preparations to the Organising Committee of the mega sporting event in October this year. Chandrashekhar held a review meeting today which was attended by secretaries of agencies concerned, including officials of the CWG Organising Committee, Youth and Sports Ministry, Urban Development Ministry and Tourism Ministry. His remarks come close on the heels of the Central Vigilance Commission asking its officers to re-examine all the tenders and procurement process related to the projects. Enforcement Directorate sources in Delhi said the agency was probing the issue. The company was involved in the arrangements for the Queen''s Baton Relay when it started its journey from London with a function outside the Buckingham Palace. Late in the night, the OC refuted the allegations about financial irregularities with relation to the launch of the QBR in London on Octobr 29 last year. "We must point out that we have not recieved any official communication in this regard," it said in a statement. More PTI HSR MRM VMN VMN

Source: Published>

Santosh Trophy: Bengal finish 1-1 with Delhi

Published>Fri, Jul 30 10 10:38 PM

Kolkata, July 30 (IANS) Twenty nine-time champions Bengal avoided the ignominy of a defeat with a late strike to finish 1-1 with an in-form Delhi in a quarter final B group game of the 64th Santosh Trophy here Friday.

Medio Jayanta Sen struck two minutes from the final whistle to restore parity for the hosts at the Salt Lake stadium.

Earlier, striker Tuishim Mashangva put the visitors ahead in the 40th minute.

The day's other Group B quarter final tie saw Tamil Nadu get past Mizoram 2-0 with C. Sabeeth and R. Rajesh finding the target.

Delhi, who have been in sparkling form in the tournament, displayed solid defending, thwarting the substantial number of raids carried out by the hosts thorough the match.

Bengal switched to an attack mode from the initial minutes but failed to convert the chances that came their way.

Tarif Ahmed had rival goalkeeper Pronoy Roy at his mercy but his shot ballooned over, much to the chagrin of the Bengal camp. A little later, Tarif set up Robin Singh, who failed to take a prompt shot and the chance went abegging.

The visitors went ahead against the run of play, capitalising on a Bengal defensive lapse. Left unguarded by the Bengal central defenders, the dangerous Mashangva let go a snap header into the net by following up a Vikas Rawat cross.

Bengal missed more chances in the second session, while Delhi custodian Roy also brought off two fine saves.

The hosts looked desperate for the equalizer as time wore on, and finally managed to make the scoreline 1-1 in the 88th minute as Jayanta netted with a firm right footer.

Source: Web Search

2010 CWG on track : Sheila Dikshit

Published>Fri, Jul 30 10 10:08 PM

New Delhi, July 30 (ANI): Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit on Friday said the 2010 Commonwealth Games were very much on track and that there was no need to panic.

"The work is going on and I will take care of it as Chief Minister. There is no need to panic. I believe these will be the best ever Games. The way we are going, we will be able to save money rather than overspend," said Dikshit.

She, however, refused to comment on allegations of corruption in the Games and reports that the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) found alleged irregularities in several Commonwealth Games related works being carried out by civic and construction agencies.

The 2010 Commonwealth Games in New Delhi is being touted as the biggest international sporting event to be hosted by India since the 1982 Delhi Asian Games.

Its success is being seen as the first step for India to bid for bigger events. (ANI)

Source: Web Search

Naidu congratulates Saina on being awarded Khel Ratna

Fri, Jul 30 10 09:52 PM

Hyderabad, Jul 30 (PTI) Telugu Desam Party President N Chandrababu Naidu has congratulated ace shuttler Saina Nehwal, who was today selected for the prestigious Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna award, the country''s highest sporting honour. Naidu talked to Saina over phone and complimented her for the achievement. "I wish you win many such laurels in future and bring honour to the country and Andhra Pradesh," Naidu told Saina. National sports awards (Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna, Arjuna and Dhyan Chand) selection committee headed by P T Usha met in Delhi today and decided to bestow the Khel Ratna on her after considering the shuttler''s brilliant performance in the last one year. The World number two Indian has been in red-hot form in the recent past. She had reached the semifinal of the All England Super Series in March before winning three successive international titles in June.

Source: Published>

Paulose strikes gold after two years at Asian All Star Athletics

Published>Fri, Jul 30 10 09:48 PM

New Delhi, July 30 (IANS) India's middle distance runner Sinimol Paulose bagged an international gold medal after two years, winning the women's 1500 metres while Juana Murmu registered her personal best to win the gold in women's 400 metre hurdles on the second and final day of the Asian All Stars Athletics Meet here Friday.

Indians once again dominated the proceedings in the depleted field.

Paulose, who has been struggling with form and fitness off late, won gold with a timing of 4:19.00 seconds, leaving behind Ekaterina Tunguskova (4:26.01secs) of Uzbekistan and Javeri Leila Ebrahimimo (4:34.11secs) of Iran.

The 26-year-old's last gold in any international meet also came in the Asian All Star meet in Bhopal.

'I am very happy to win a gold medal after such a long time. I needed this motivation to do good in the upcoming events like Commonwealth and Asian Games,' Paulose told IANS.

Paulose, whose personal best is 4:10 secs which came in 2006, said she is looking forward to get the qualifying mark for the Commonwealth Games at the Inter State meet in Patiala.

'I have to clock around 4:08 for the qualification. I have put in lot of hard work and if I continue to perform like this I will reach my peak during the Commonwealth and Asian Games.'

'I am at my best shape now and I can win a medal in the Commonwealth Games,' she said.

Murmu bagged the gold with a timing of 57.39 secs, surpassing her previous best of 59.89 secs, which she achieved this year in Federation Cup in May in Ranchi.

The Orissa girl, however, has to clock 56.00 secs to qualify for the Commonwealth Games.

'I am very happy with my performance today. The competition was good and I achieved me personal best. I am training hard and I am confident of a good show. I will try to reach the qualifying mark in the Inter State competition in Patiala,' she said.

Natalya Asanova (59.17secs) of Uzbekistan and Thi Bac Nguyen (1:00:64secs) of Vietnam won the silver and bronze respectively.

In men's 400 metre hurdles, Joseph Abraham, who was recommended for the Arjuna Award Friday, won silver (50.87secs). Takayuki Koike (50.08secs) of Japan won the gold and A. Thomas Avin (50.89secs) of India took the bronze.

'I think when I heard the news that I will get the Arjuna, I got excited and it showed on my performance. The track was fast and I had to slow down towards the end,' said Abraham.

Another strong medal contender in Commonwealth and Asian Games, men's triple jumper Renjith Maheswary won gold with a leap of 16.74 metres, while the silver and bronze went to Kazakhstan's Ektov Yevgenily (16.69m) and Roman Valiyev (16.67m).

Maheswary said he is not giving much importance to this result as he came unprepared in the competition.

'The focus of my training is Commonwealth and Asian Games. In between I took some time off for this competition. A medal in the Commonwealth Games and Asian Games is well within my reach. I have to jump around 17.40 for a medal in Commonwealth Games and my target is 17.50. I think I can do it. I am participating in teh World Cup after this and some other tournaments as well,' Maheswary told IANS.

In women's discus throw, Krishna Poonia won gold with a throw of 60.93m while Harwant Kaur (58.73m) and Seema Antil (54.21m) got the silver and bronze medals.

In men's shot put, Om Prakash finished at the top of podium with a throw of 19.74m. Saurab Vij (19.09m) and Amin Abrahim Paul (18.65m) came second and third respectively.

'I am training in Finland. My season's best in 19.80 and personal best 19.20. I am not at my peak. I was moving good today, but I could not release the shot put properly. The ring is new and it is but slippery. I am hoping to stick around 20.50 to get a medal in Commonwealth Games,' Prakash said.

In men's 5000 metres, India took the first two spots -- Sandeep Bantham (14:15.50secs) and Ajay Kumar Patel (14.17.72secs). Agus Prayogo (14.22.60secs) of Indonesia won the bronze.

Shehan Sdaruwan Abepitiage of Sri Lanka won the men's 100 metre race, clocking 10.49secs. Hong Kong's Chiho Tusi (10.50secs) and Chun Ho Lai (10.63secs) won the silver and bronze medals.

In women's 100 metre, Guzel Khubbieva of Uzbekistan won gold with a timing of 11.63secs, followed by Maki Wada of Japan (11.87secs) and Yulia Gavrilova (11.91secs).

In women's high jump, Nadiya Dusanova of Uzbekistan won the gold with a leap of 1.95m while Anna Ustinova (1.93m) of Kazakhstan and Svetlana Radzivil (1.88m) of Uzbekistan came second and third.

In men's 1500 metre, Chaminda Indika Wijekoon of Sri Lanka (3:43.88secs) won gold. Artyom Kossininov (3.44.97secs) of Kazakhstan took silver while India's Chaitoli Hamza (3:48.03secs) got the silver.

Source: Web Search

Guilty would be brought to book: Gill

Fri, Jul 30 10 09:38 PM

New Delhi, Jul 30 (PTI) With corruption charges making headlines ahead of the forthcoming Commonwealth Games, Sports Minister MS Gill today said if anyone is found guilty he would be definitely brought to book. "Yes, that is our duty...the basic duty. Me and the officers are working together...of course (they would be punished, if any)," Gill said. The Sports Minister also said that it is the duty of the authorities concerned to reply the queries of the countrymen regarding the allegations of corruptions related to various Games projects. "If that is so then there are authorities to answer. There is the Ministry of Urban Development and authorities of the Delhi government... We have major stadia and in future if anything short is found or in an RTI anybody asks, it is on the Organising Committee, the IOA and all sports federations, people must answer," Gill said. "And if links are attached to the Sports Ministry we are responsible, I don''t have any problem," he added. Foul practices in the issuance of various Games projects came to light recently after the Central Vigilance Commission had asked the CBI to register a corruption case against some MCD officials in connection with irregularities in a tender issued worth several crores. "If there is any complete report, you look at it and try to act and answer on it. Those happen to relate as they come to me like the stadia or the work with the SAI and CPWD, of course we would act in a hurry. But those involved, the DDA and the Delhi government, those they have to look into it," Gill told CNN-IBN. Gill also lamented the delay made in the start of the construction work for the Games even as various authorities are fighting against time to complete the infrastructure for the October 3-14 sporting extravaganza to be held here. He said had the construction work been started eight years ago when the country won the bid for the quadrennial event, by now India would have been ready to host the Games. "From 2003 its almost eight years. We could have built all these staff twice and thrice over. We should have started earlier, what else can I say," Gill said as the authorities are struggling to get the National capital ready for the Games with little over 60 days to go. .

Source: Published>

Kenya's Rudisha roars to fastest 800m on home soil

Published>Fri, Jul 30 10 09:18 PM

Kenya's David Rudisha retained the African Championships 800 metres title in the fastest time ever run in the athletics-mad country but remained guarded about attacking Wilson Kipketer's world record soon.

"I had planned to run 1 min 41sec this year which I did in Belgium. Today I ran 1:42.84 so I want to run another 1:41, probably in Rieti (Sept 1), and just enjoy myself by running fast in the rest of the season," said Rudisha.

"But I don't want to talk about a world record now," added the 21-year-old son of Daniel Rudisha, who won 4x400m Olympics silver in Mexico City on 1968.

Kipketer's record stands at 1:41.11.

Rudisha, whose previous personal best was 1:42.01 established last September, ran 1:41.51 on July 10 in Belgium to become only the fourth man in history to run under 1:42.

He became the second fastest 800m man in history as he moved past Sebastian Coe (1:41.73) and Joaquim Cruz (1:41.77) on the all-time list.

Rudisha led a clean sweep of the 800m medals in Nairobi on Friday with 2007 world champion Alfred Kirwa second and Jackson Kivuva third.

Kirwa said he would be moving to 1,500m early next year and would concentrate on the race in 2012.

Two-time World 800m indoor champion Abubaker Kaki of Sudan opted against competing in the 800m in Nairobi because he had never run before at that altitutde.

In other races, Kenya's Olympic champion Nancy Jebet Lagat dethroned Ethiopia's Gelete Burka in the 1,500m. The Ethiopian took second place.

Another Kenyan Richard Mateelong also retained the 3,000m steeplechase title with world champion Ezekiel Kemboi relegated to second place.

Kemboi reiterated his resolve to switch to the marathon after next year's World Championships in Daegu, South Korea.

Source: Web Search

Chandigarh girl to represent India in World shooting

Fri, Jul 30 10 08:52 PM

Chandigarh, Jul 30 (PTI) City girl Meera Kumari of has been selected to participate in junior World Shooting Championship at Munich in Germany. A native of Bihar, Meera is a cadet of 01 Chandigarh girls Bn, NCC and is leaving the city for Germany tonight, a defence spokesman said here today. A renowned shooter of NCC Directorate of Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pardesh, Meera had participated in many national competitions conducted by the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI). She had won a gold medal (team) in prone position and team silver in three positions at the 51st National Championship in 2008. She also won individual silver medal (prone position) in the 52 National Championship and team gold (prone), team silver in three positions and individual bronze (prone) in the 53rd National Shooting Championship.

Source: Published>

Foolproof security for 2010 CWG: Delhi Police Special Commissioner

Published>Fri, Jul 30 10 08:38 PM

New Delhi, July 30 (ANI): The Special Commissioner of Delhi Police (Administration), Neeraj Kumar, on Friday said there would be full proof security for the 2010 Commonwealth Games.

"Security arrangements are being made in right direction and during the (Commonwealth) Games the security will be fool proof. In this meeting, totally 105 members participated from 19 countries," said Kumar after a meeting with the representatives of the participating countries to review the security during the mega event.

"Till today, we have not received any specific threat. But keeping in mind the security conditions in the world and especially in south Asia, all precautions have been taken," he added.

Representatives of 105 members from 19 countries participated in the discussions during the second International Security Administrators Conference.

The 2010 Commonwealth Games in New Delhi is being touted as the biggest international sporting event to be hosted by India since the 1982 Delhi Asian Games.

Its success is being seen as the first step for India to bid for bigger events. (ANI)

Source: Web Search

Here's why Tiger Woods' mistress left and returned to Celebrity Rehab

Published>Fri, Jul 30 10 07:52 PM

Washington, July 30 (ANI): The reason behind professional golfer Tiger Woods' mistress Rachel Uchitel leaving and returning to Celebrity Rehab has been revealed.

Uchitel had, as per a source close to her, left the Pasadena Recovery Center, where the show is taped, because "the demons from her past became too much to deal with".

And the reason she returned was because "she realized that she is part of a group and the group needs to know they can count on her for their sobriety".She did this [TV show] to show people who she is. She feels that then if they hate her, she's okay with that," People magazine quoted the source as saying.

"But she's not okay with them creating a character for her to play and represent. She's not the things people say. She wants a chance to prove that.

"She's trying to focus on what's going on there and take rehab seriously.

"It's very hard stuff dealing with past trauma. Being forced to look at it hurts," the source added.

A source close to the show said Uchitel wasn't gone long from the production.

"It was like she walked out and came back," the source said. (ANI)

Source: Web Search

Stunning 61 puts Fisher in charge of Irish Open

Published>Fri, Jul 30 10 07:38 PM

Englishman Ross Fisher took control of the Irish Open early on Friday with a scintillating second round 10-under-par 61.

The 29-year-old improved his chances of a Ryder Cup debut by breaking the Killarney club course record by three shots as he surged to 12-under 130, five strokes clear of the field.

Last year's World Matchplay champion also threatened to record the first 59 on the European Tour as he ran up six successive birdies from the third hole and four in a row from the 11th.

He fell short of the magic mark, however, after missing chances in the closing holes.

"It was pretty flawless golf," Fisher told reporters. "After a solid start I caught fire.

"It was a shame the run had to end on the ninth but then I got into another great patch. I gave myself four good looks at birdies at the last four holes but didn't make them, and had to be satisfied with a 61."

Fisher bettered his career-best round by two strokes and provided the platform for his fourth European Tour title.

Victory on Sunday would also move Fisher into Europe's nine automatic qualifying spots for this year's Ryder Cup, a place he could cement with success at the WGC Invitational in Ohio and the U.S. PGA Championship next month.

"This is the start of three really important weeks for me with the Ryder Cup coming up," Fisher said. "And this (61) gives me a lot of confidence knowing I can make a lot of birdies."

Three-times major winner Padraig Harrington, another hoping to qualify for the European team, carded a 67 on Friday to share early second place.

Denmark's Anders Hansen (68), Spaniard Gonzalo Fernandez-Castano (69), South Korea's Noh Seung-yul (69), Australian Brett Rumford (69) and Northern Irishman Michael Hoey (69) were also five shots behind Fisher.

Source: Web Search