Spectators who jeered Yuvraj released from detention

Wed, Aug 04 10 12:28 PM

Colombo, Aug 4 (PTI) The spectators, who were detained for jeering Indian batsman Yuvraj Singh at the oval stadium, have been released after being handed a warning by the police. The three fans, who called the out-of-favour Yuvraj a "water boy" were detained yesterday and released after a few hours by the police, the officials said but declined to comment on whether any further action was being contemplated against them. The three youngsters were detained by the police for taunting the Indian cricketer here yesterday when he was carrying drinks during the break after the tea session. An agitated Yuvraj gestured back and pointed one of his fingers even as the organisers tried to calm him down. The incident was repeated in the evening when Yuvraj, while returning from a practice session, was shouted at and again called a "water boy". A composed Yuvraj ignored the jeers this time and even obliged some autograph-seeking fans. Yuvraj subsequently complained to the Indian team management about the incident and manager Ranjib Biswal took up the issue with the local authorities. "The police was asked to intervene and the situation was brought under control. Yuvraj was not at fault, he did not try to provoke the crowd at all," Biswal said. When contacted Tony Perera, the CEO of the Tamil Union Cricket and Athletic Club at the Sara stadium where the Test match is being played, told PTI that the matter had been sorted out. "The issue is closed. We have additional security in those areas. We had meetings with the Indian cricket officials and the ICC''s Anti Corruption and Security Unit (ACSU) chief in this regard," Perera said. "We asked the spectators to just enjoy the match and cooperate in preventing any such incidents," he said.

Source: Published>

Cole was dumped because he would not follow orders

Published>Wed, Aug 04 10 11:52 AM

London, Aug.4 (ANI): England winger Joe Cole was dumped by Chelsea because he would not follow coach Carlo Ancelotti's orders.

According to The Sun, Ancelotti is now insisting that his recent signing Yossi Benayoun will do a better job in the Blues midfield than Liverpool new boy Cole.

He was quoted as saying: "Joe Cole is quicker than Benayoun but Yossi is better tactically. He understands what I tell him. Yossi is a very intelligent player. He knows everything about the game. Cole and Benayoun are different players and everyone has their own opinion, but we are happy to have Yossi here at Chelsea."

Benayoun, a 5.5-million-pounds signing from Liverpool, is due to make his Blues debut in Sunday's Community Shield game against Manchester United.

Chelsea also expect to tie up the signing of Brazilian World Cup star Ramires this week after agreeing an 18.3 million pound fee with Benfica last night. (ANI)

Source: Web Search

Aussie firm denies getting commission from CWG OC

Wed, Aug 04 10 11:06 AM

Melbourne, Aug 4 (PTI) An Australian company, which was hired to raise sponsorship for the Delhi Commonwealth Games, today denied receiving any commission from the event''s Organising Committee, claiming that it is yet to be paid for its services. According to reports in India, the Melbourne-based Sports Marketing and Management''s (SMAM) contract with the OC is under investigation by the Enforcement Directorate for payments worth millions of dollars but the company said the reports were "incorrect". "We have already beaten the record sponsorship revenue we gained for Melbourne (USD US85m) and that''s still going, but we have not received a single rupee (from Delhi) yet and there''s money overdue," SMAM head Mike Bushell told ''the Australian''. "(The claims) are disgraceful. I''m not sure what the agenda is," he added. "SMAM has always operated in full conformity with applicable laws and regulations and any insinuation about inappropriate or unlawful activities is completely unfounded and without substance," read a statement from the company. SMAM, which raised more than USD 110 million for the Australian Olympic Team, was hired in July 2007 to bring in sponsorships for the October 3 to 14 Delhi Games. However, there has been a complaint about the fireworks contract signed by another Australian company with the CWG OC. But Andrew Howard, the director of the Sydney firm Howard and Son Pyrotechnics, denied it and said the contract was above board. "There was nothing that could be in any way deemed inappropriate; it was completely transparent," he said. The Delhi Games OC is under severe media scrutiny over alleged corruption in the preparations of the event and there has already been a major furore over payments made to a UK-based firm for providing "services" during the Queen''s Baton Relay in London.

Source: Published>

OC officer Govt wants sacked has already quit

Published>Wed, Aug 04 10 10:48 AM

The man the Union Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports wants sacked from the Commonwealth Games Organising Committee (OC) for alleged irregularities during the Queen's Baton Relay inaugural in London last October had quit the committee a few months ago.

Sanjay Mohindroo, Deputy Director General of the Organising Committee who played a key role during the London launch, resigned "at least 2-3 months back" and has left the OC a huge bill - he has sought reimbursement of ?32,758.

From the ?440,000 sanctioned for the Queen's Baton Relay launch, the OC advanced ?127,930 to Mohindroo for transportation, accommodation and other expenses of the OC team that went to London. The team and delegates stayed at the St. James Court Hotel.

Sources said the OC now wants to downsize his reimbursement claim.

"Mr Mohindroo quit the Organising Committee at least 2-3 months back. I am not aware of what he was asking for or not asking. But as far as I know, we have not approved of it," said OC spokesperson Lalit Bhanot.

Despite repeated attempts, Mohindroo was not available for comment.

The Indian Express has a copy of the note in which Mohindroo sought reimbursement. He submitted bills of ?133,337.64 for transportation of the Queen's Baton launch team. Other miscellaneous expenses have been billed for ?26,910.

He was sanctioned an advance of ?127,930 by the OC. He first received ?65,000 and Joint Director General M Jeychandren transferred another ?59,323 to his account. He got a refund of ?2,907 from the Hotel Crowne Plaza and another ?700 from A M Car and Van Hire. In all, he received an advance of ?127,930.

Source: Web Search

Low scoring trumps Tiger talk in Firestone build-up

Published>Wed, Aug 04 10 08:16 AM

Tiger Woods has typically been the dominant talking point in the build-up to any PGA Tour event where he competes but amazingly he has been upstaged ahead of this week's WGC-Bridgestone Invitational.

Although the American world number one will be seeking a record eighth victory at one of his favourite venues, his bid for posterity has been totally overshadowed by the recent glut of low scoring on the U.S. circuit.

Two magical 59s have been recorded on the PGA Tour over the last month, along with a pair of 60s, and these feats have sparked widespread and animated debate among players, caddies, fans, officials and golf writers.

There was barely a mention of Woods at Firestone Country Club on Tuesday where eight players, including triple major winner Ernie Els and U.S. Open champion Graeme McDowell, held their pre-tournament news conferences.

"Two (59s) in the last three weeks, and before that (there were) only three in the lifetime of the PGA Tour," South African Els said.

"It's starting to look like the Nationwide Tour," he added with a broad grin, referring to the U.S. feeder circuit."

Australian Stuart Appleby fired an 11-under-par 59 to win the Greenbrier Classic on Sunday just three weeks after American Paul Goydos had posted the same score in the opening round of the John Deere Classic.

Prior to that, there had been only three previous 59s recorded on the PGA Tour with Al Geiberger doing so in 1977, Chip Beck in 1991 and David Duval in 1999.

While Els pointed out that soft course conditions had been a significant factor for the record-equalling scores by Goydos and Appleby, he was generous with his praise.

CAREER MILESTONE

"I don't care if you play it on a pitch-and-putt course, to shoot that kind of a number is a milestone in anybody's career, and you've got to give them credit," he said.

"And then we get to a beast like this, (Firestone). I would hate to see a 59 this week because then I'll know I'm playing a different game," he added with another grin.

The par-70 Firestone is a tough, tree-lined layout which generally bares its teeth with firm, fast-running greens.

"You have to make everything (putting-wise), and you can only do that basically on receptive greens," Appleby said of the recipe for shooting a 59. "None of these rounds (59s) are shot on firm greens, I can assure you of that."

Britain's McDowell, who shot a 59 while practising on his home Royal Portrush course a few weeks ago, agreed.

"I think a 59 is about putting," the Northern Irishman said. "You can only hit the golf ball so well. After that you've got to hole some putts.

"Out here (in the U.S.) the weather is so much more consistent and they can get the greens to a much, much higher standard than we're used to in Europe and Asia and other places. It's conditioning of golf courses."

While Firestone has generally presented a tough challenge over the years, Woods has proved to be its master with a record seven victories at the Bridgestone Invitational.

He shares the course record of 61 with Spaniard Jose Maria Olazabal and the American triumphed last year by four shots after closing with successive 65s.

"It's one of the best courses we play all year," said Woods, who is yet to win a PGA Tour title this season in seven starts. "Everything is right in front of you."

Woods is scheduled to tee off with British world number three Lee Westwood at 1350 local (1750 GMT) in Thursday's opening round at Firestone.

Source: Web Search

NBA - Heat to take centre stage on opening night against Celtics

Wed, Aug 04 10 07:56 AM

LeBron James and his new Miami Heat team mates Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh will be thrust into the spotlight on the opening night of the 2010-11 National Basketball Association (NBA) season when they visit the Boston Celtics, the NBA announced Tuesday.

The Heat and the Eastern Conference champion Celtics will kick off the new season as part of a mouthwatering doubleheader on Oct. 26, as Kobe Bryant and the Los Angeles Lakers begin their quest for a third straight title when they host the Houston Rockets in the second game.

NBA fans will get their first look at number one overall draft pick John Wall on Oct. 28 when the Washington Wizards visit the Orlando Magic at the newly opened Amway Centre after the NBA revealed its schedule of "marquee" games for the opening round and the Christmas Day and Martin Luther King Jnr Day holidays.

The Heat and the Lakers will square off at the Staples Centre in Los Angeles on Christmas Day while Orlando Magic host the Celtics in a repeat of last season's Eastern Conference final in another blockbuster day.

Interest in next season's schedule was given added interest after one of the most intensive free agency periods in the NBA which resulted in James, a two-time NBA Most Valuable Player, leaving the Cleveland Cavaliers to join fellow All-Stars Wade and Bosh in Miami.

The remainder of the 2010-11 NBA regular season schedule will be announced on Aug. 10, the NBA said.

Source: Published>

NBA - Guard House returns to Heat as free agent

Wed, Aug 04 10 06:38 AM

Free agent guard Eddie House, who spent last season with the Boston Celtics and New York Knicks, has returned to the Miami Heat where he began his 10-year NBA career, the team said on Tuesday.

House has averaged 7.6 points and 1.7 rebounds over his career with nine clubs, including the Heat during his first three seasons in the league.

The 32-year-old. who won an NBA championship with the Celtics in 2008, averaged seven points a game last year with Boston and New York.

Source: Published>

Marquez looking forward to titles not retirement

Wed, Aug 04 10 05:56 AM

New York Red Bulls' latest signing Rafael Marquez assured his paymasters and fans on Tuesday that he had come to the Big Apple to win titles and not quietly bring down the curtain on his career.

"I have not come here to finish my career; I am only 31 years old," the Mexico captain told reporters. "I have come to play and to win championships."

Marquez's arrival in New York completes a hat-trick of big-name signings by the Red Bulls. He will line up alongside Colombian Juan Pablo Angel and French forward Thierry Henry, who joined the team last month.

After spending the last seven years with Spanish club Barcelona operating mostly as defender, Marquez will move up to play a central midfield role but Red Bulls coach Hans Backe provided no timetable for his Major League Soccer debut.

"He will definitely be in central midfield with his distribution and his knowledge of the game and his vision, so definitely central midfield," said Backe. "Today we bring in experience, leadership and I could say quality, on the pitch.

"He will definitely make a difference on our midfield so I'm really a happy man today. About his shape, I have to talk to Rafael.

"He had his first session today after being on vacation after the World Cup so we haven't decided when he can play so far."

Source: Published>

Ruthless Bhalla storms into final

Published>Wed, Aug 04 10 05:22 AM

Playing a controlled game, defending champion Sameer Bhalla stormed into the final in the senior senior category with a 3-2 win over Aneesh Saini in the 24th Haryana State Billiards and Snooker Championship being played on Tuesday.

Bhalla claimed the first frame on the black ball before Saini claimed the next two frames with breaks of 41, 37 and 31 points. In the fourth frame, Saini was leading by 41 points before Bhalla clawed his way back into the match potting the red ball to make a break of 49 points and claim the frame. The fifth and final frame was won by Bhalla as he rallied his way into the final of the senior snooker category. Earlier in the quarter-final encounter, Sameer Bhalla ended the challenge of Karan Dheer with a 3-0 win. Karan Dheer made a fine start in the first frame as he made a break of 31 points before Bhalla potted the yellow ball and claimed the first frame. Bhalla then claimed the next two frames to make his way into the semi-final stage.

In the second semi-final encounter, Ankur Nanda scored a 3-1 win over Vishal Mor. Ankur claimed the first frame with a huge margin before Vishal claimed the second frame. In the third frame, Anand claimed the frame as he potted the black ball before claiming the fourth and final frame to book his place into the final.

In the senior billiards category, Himanshu Aggarwal shocked defending champion Anil Sharma with an emphatic 2-0 win to move into the final. Playing a fine game, Himanshu claimed the first frame with a 150-138 margin before claiming the second frame with a narrow margin of 150-141. In the second semi-final encounter, Sameer Bhalla scored a 2-0 win over Aman Goyal to book a berth in the final.

Source: Web Search

Swedish FA wants to use live TV to aid referees

Published>Wed, Aug 04 10 02:38 AM

The Swedish FA has asked its top clubs to consider allowing fourth officials to watch live television pictures to avoid the refereeing mistakes seen at the World Cup, chairman Lars-Ake Lagrell said on Tuesday.

Lagrell told Reuters he would like the officials to be able to watch the television pictures viewers see at home but ruled out introducing goalline technology and video replays.

He has presented the idea to Sweden's top-flight clubs and if they agree, the FA would then need to get approval from world soccer's governing body FIFA to implement the plan.

"We don't think that we will ever have them (goalline cameras) in football as it means too many breaks in play, studying film and so on," Lagrell said in an interview at the Swedish FA's headquarters.

"But we have seen another possibility that we can ask to be a trial country for, and that is to use the regular TV signal.

"We think that it (goalline technology) is a worse alternative than simply giving the fourth official the possibility to look at the TV pictures.

"With that (use of the live television pictures), you have a team of officials who referee the game exactly as it is today, but this way they get something to help them."

Swedish referee Martin Hansson was widely criticised for missing Thierry Henry's handball in the lead-up to a French goal that denied Ireland a place at this year's World Cup. Lagrell said this could have been avoided by watching the TV pictures.

"That particular problem could have been solved using this system," he said.

TRIAL PERIOD

More high-profile misses followed during the World Cup in South Africa, notably England midfielder Frank Lampard's goal against Germany that was well over the line but was not given.

The mistakes led FIFA president Sepp Blatter, for years a stubborn opponent of goalline technology, to say the file on the subject would need to be reopened.

Lagrell said the size of FIFA and the differing levels of technological advancement in its member countries meant reaching a consensus would be difficult.

"It's no coincidence that we're asking about this because we are one of the countries that have TV production crews at every match in the Allsvenskan (Sweden's top division)," he said.

"It wouldn't be possible in the Superettan (Sweden's second tier) as some games don't have TV cameras present.

He added that comparing soccer to sports like rugby, which has used technology for some time, did not help.

Lagrell is awaiting feedback on the idea from the clubs before he can go any further.

"If the clubs in question think that it's a good idea, then we're prepared to ask if we can have a trial period in this country for one or two years," he said.

"And if we're not allowed, we have made an effort to fix it (the mistakes) and that's that."

Source: Web Search

AIK fined over Champions League crowd trouble

Wed, Aug 04 10 12:26 AM

Swedish club AIK have been fined for crowd trouble at their Champions League qualifying tie at home to Norway's Rosenborg Trondheim last week, European soccer's governing body UEFA said Tuesday.

UEFA's disciplinary committee handed out a 15,000 euros ($19,838) fine following the disturbances at the Rasunda stadium during last Wednesday's third qualifying round, first leg tie, won 1-0 by the visitors.

"Proceedings were opened by UEFA against AIK for crowd disturbances, throwing of missiles and the improper conduct of supporters towards Rosenborg fans and Swedish police," UEFA said.

Source: Published>

Modi asks why attendence of BCCI secretary not recorded

Wed, Aug 04 10 12:22 AM

Mumbai, Aug 3 (PTI) Suspended IPL Commissioner Lalit Modi today sought clarification from the Cricket Board as to why the attendance of its secretary N Srinivasan had "not been recorded" despite him being present during the Disciplinary Committee meetings on July 16 and 27. "We fail to understand why the BCCI continues to be allergic to admitting and accepting, plain and simple, that Mr N Srinivasan attended the hearing held on 27th July, 2010," Modi said in a letter to BCCI Chief Administrative Officer Ratnakar Shetty. "In your letter dated 29/07/2010, you state ''apart from people who signed their attendance, there were other individuals who were assisting in the disciplinary process''. We understand this to mean that the BCCI regards Mr Srinivasan''s presence at the hearing as being ''assisting in the disciplinary process''," he said. "Mr Srinivasan is the Secretary of the BCCI and not a member of support/secretariat staff employed for the meeting. We are therefore perplexed at what ''assisting in the disciplinary process'' involves. We are equally at a loss as to why the presence of such a person ''assisting in the disciplinary process'' should not be recorded," Modi said in the letter.

Source: Published>

Gatlin wins heat in first race after four-year ban

Wed, Aug 04 10 12:16 AM

U.S. sprinter Justin Gatlin easily won his 100 metres heat on Tuesday in his first competitive race after a four-year doping ban with a time of 10.34 seconds.

Gatlin, the 2004 Olympic sprint champion was running at the KuldLiiga meeting in Rakvere, north-east Estonia as he starts his comeback aiming for the Olympic Games in London in 2012.

The American has not run a competitive race since June 2006 after being banned because of a positive test for the male sex hormone testosterone and its precursors.

The 28-year-old regained his eligibility to compete in July, but he was expected to have difficulty finding races even after the ban ended because of a Euro Meetings recommendation not to invite athletes who bring dispute to the sport.

However, the organisers of the Estonian meetings, which are not members of the Euro group, welcomed Gatlin's participation.

Source: Published>

Modi asks why attendence of BCCI secretary not recorded

Wed, Aug 04 10 12:10 AM

Mumbai, Aug 3 (PTI) Suspended IPL Commissioner Lalit Modi today sought clarification from the Cricket Board as to why the attendance of its secretary N Srinivasan had "not been recorded" despite him being present during the Disciplinary Committee meetings on July 16 and 27. "We fail to understand why the BCCI continues to be allergic to admitting and accepting, plain and simple, that Mr N Srinivasan attended the hearing held on 27th July, 2010," Modi said in a letter to BCCI Chief Administrative Officer Ratnakar Shetty. "In your letter dated 29/07/2010, you state ''apart from people who signed their attendance, there were other individuals who were assisting in the disciplinary process''. We understand this to mean that the BCCI regards Mr Srinivasan''s presence at the hearing as being ''assisting in the disciplinary process''," he said. "Mr Srinivasan is the Secretary of the BCCI and not a member of support/secretariat staff employed for the meeting. We are therefore perplexed at what ''assisting in the disciplinary process'' involves. We are equally at a loss as to why the presence of such a person ''assisting in the disciplinary process'' should not be recorded," Modi said in the letter.

Source: Published>

Schumacher was almost disqualified, says Warwick

Published>Wed, Aug 04 10 12:08 AM

Michael Schumacher would have been disqualified from Sunday's Hungarian Grand Prix if his risky move on Rubens Barrichello had been earlier in the race, steward Derek Warwick said on Tuesday.

Warwick, a retired Formula One racer acting as the drivers' representative on the four-man stewards panel at the Hungaroring, told BBC radio that the seven-times world champion should have been shown a black flag for almost driving the Brazilian into the pit lane wall.

Instead the former Ferrari ace, making a comeback with Mercedes after three years out and at the age of 41, was handed a 10-place penalty on the starting grid for his favourite Belgian Grand Prix at Spa-Francorchamps this month.

"Throwing a black flag would have shown a better example to our young drivers," said Warwick, who overlapped with Schumacher in Formula One for one season in 1993 when the Briton drove for the Footwork team.

"But by the time we got the video evidence we ran out of time and we had to do it retrospectively."

Barrichello, who skimmed the wall at 300 kph and then had to chop across the pitlane exit and on to the rough before passing Schumacher for 10th place, said it had been the most dangerous manoeuvre against him he had experienced in nearly 300 grands prix.

Schumacher made a rare apology to his former Ferrari team mate on Monday.

NO OPTION

"We interviewed Rubens and Michael and it was kind of disappointing how Michael handled it, and we had no option but to give him a 10-place penalty," said Warwick, whose brother was killed in a racing accident.

"We felt a 10-place penalty is a big penalty to carry for Spa," added the 55-year-old.

"It kind of puts him out of the race at Spa and hopefully he will learn from that and remember that the new stewards will not tolerate that driving."

Schumacher, winner of a record 91 races, has struggled to get back to where he left off and his driving has been criticised by others already this season.

So much so, that British bookmakers William Hill offered odds of 10-1 after Hungary of Schumacher getting a ban this season for dangerous driving.

They said in a statement that they had also cut the odds on him quitting before the next race from 50-1 to 33-1 following a number of bets.

In 12 races, the German has yet to stand on the podium and his form has been disappointing and erratic. He has also been overshadowed by young German team mate Nico Rosberg.

Mercedes GP team boss Ross Brawn, who defended Schumacher's actions against Barrichello, has placed much of the blame on the tyres which have changed significantly since the German last raced.

"I don't think Michael has quite worked out how to get the best from these tyres," he told reporters in Hungary.

"I also don't think they reward an aggressive style. Michael's talents are an aggressive-style car that is on the edge of stability and controlling it there. I don't think these tyres reward such an approach."

Source: Web Search

Image of Games can''t be damaged by corruption charges: Fennell

Tue, Aug 03 10 11:28 PM

New Delhi, Aug 3 (PTI) The embattled Commonwealth Games Organisers today received a strong rebuke from CGF chief Michael Fennell who said that the image of the Games "could not be damaged by corruption charges". "We cannot allow the Games'' image to be damaged by these allegations. I think we want to have good Games but we need to clarify these (allegations) and ensure that there is full investigation and full transparency," Fennell said in his first reaction to the corruption allegations on Games'' organisers. "We will ask for a full report on what has been alleged and we want an urgent report. I understand an urgent meeting of the executive board of the OC has been called and I will be visiting Delhi on August 18. I myself would be wanting to look at all these things because we cannot have the Games damaged by these allegations," he added. Asked if he would want an inquiry by the CGF, he said," No. We don''t support, neither do we feel that corruption should be or ought to be a part of any Games or events such as these. But we are not familiar with the facts and that is a matter for Indian authorities to sort out. "I am monitoring all the aspects very carefully and it does cause quite a lot of concern because we don''t want to have corruption whatsoever. It is something which is very disturbing and do feel that the matter needs urgent attention by Indian authorities," he told NDTV from Jamaica. On CGF Chief Executive Officer Mike Hooper writing a letter to the OC after the corruption scandal broke out, he said, "We had asked for some clarification of the news reports but we have not had any response from the OC." Caught in a web of corruption charges, Commonwealth Games Organisers today formed a three-member panel to probe the allegations of irregular financial transactions. The panel comprises of Jarnail Singh, OC Chief Executive Officer, G C Chaturvedi, Special Director General- Finance, and Gurjyot Kaur, Chief Vigilance Officer.

Source: Published>

Schumacher was almost disqualified, says Warwick

Published>Tue, Aug 03 10 11:18 PM

Michael Schumacher would have been disqualified from Sunday's Hungarian Grand Prix if his risky move on Rubens Barrichello had been earlier in the race, steward Derek Warwick said on Tuesday.

Warwick, a retired Formula One racer acting as the drivers' representative on the four-man stewards panel at the Hungaroring, told BBC radio that the seven-times world champion should have been shown a black flag for almost driving the Brazilian into the pit lane wall.

Instead the former Ferrari ace, making a comeback with Mercedes after three years out and at the age of 41, was handed a 10-place penalty on the starting grid for his favourite Belgian Grand Prix at Spa-Francorchamps this month.

"Throwing a black flag would have shown a better example to our young drivers," said Warwick, who overlapped with Schumacher in Formula One for one season in 1993 when the Briton drove for the Footwork team.

"But by the time we got the video evidence we ran out of time and we had to do it retrospectively."

Barrichello, who skimmed the wall at 300 kph and then had to chop across the pitlane exit and on to the rough before passing Schumacher for 10th place, said it had been the most dangerous manoeuvre against him he had experienced in nearly 300 grands prix.

Schumacher made a rare apology to his former Ferrari team mate on Monday.

NO OPTION

"We interviewed Rubens and Michael and it was kind of disappointing how Michael handled it, and we had no option but to give him a 10-place penalty," said Warwick, whose brother was killed in a racing accident.

"We felt a 10-place penalty is a big penalty to carry for Spa," added the 55-year-old.

"It kind of puts him out of the race at Spa and hopefully he will learn from that and remember that the new stewards will not tolerate that driving."

Schumacher, winner of a record 91 races, has struggled to get back to where he left off and his driving has been criticised by others already this season.

So much so, that British bookmakers William Hill offered odds of 10-1 after Hungary of Schumacher getting a ban this season for dangerous driving.

They said in a statement that they had also cut the odds on him quitting before the next race from 50-1 to 33-1 following a number of bets.

In 12 races, the German has yet to stand on the podium and his form has been disappointing and erratic. He has also been overshadowed by young German team mate Nico Rosberg.

Mercedes GP team boss Ross Brawn, who defended Schumacher's actions against Barrichello, has placed much of the blame on the tyres which have changed significantly since the German last raced.

"I don't think Michael has quite worked out how to get the best from these tyres," he told reporters in Hungary.

"I also don't think they reward an aggressive style. Michael's talents are an aggressive-style car that is on the edge of stability and controlling it there. I don't think these tyres reward such an approach."

Source: Web Search

Plane crash victim named Pakistan's Best Woman Footballer

Published>Tue, Aug 03 10 10:38 PM

Karachi, Aug 3 (IANS) A 19-year-old girl from Karachi, who was one of the victims of last month's plane crash on the outskirts of Islamabad, was Tuesday posthumously named Pakistan's Best Woman Footballer of the year.

Known as the 'Maradona of Pakistan women's football' among her peers, Misha Dawood lost her life along with over 150 others when an Airblue Airbus crashed in the Margalla Hills July 28.

Misha was going to Islamabad from Karachi to join her teammates to participate in a domestic football tournament.

Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) President Faisal Saleh Hayat announced the National Women's Championship will institute a special 'Misha Dawood Trophy' for the best footballer of the event in her memory.

'It will be known as the 'Misha Dawood Trophy' from now onwards in the annual National Women's Championship,' said the PFF chief.

'It's difficult to think that Misha is no more in the playing arena and it is a big disappointment for her colleagues and women football family,' he added.

Misha, born August 21, 1990 in Lahore, rose to prominence two years ago when she scored a hat-trick against Sindh in the inaugural National Women's Football Club Championship at the Colony Sports Stadium at Malir Town in Karachi.

A second-year student at the University of California, Berkeley, Misha was an emerging footballer.

'She was probably one of the most brilliant humans I've known ever known. She knew exactly how to make you laugh no matter what. That was the best thing about her,' said Mariam Laghari, a club-mate of Misha.

Source: Web Search

I had no say in Yousuf recall: Salman Butt

Tue, Aug 03 10 10:22 PM

Karachi, Aug 3 (PTI) Pakistan captain Salman Butt today disclosed that he was kept in dark when the decision to recall senior batsman Muhammad Yousuf for the remaining Tests in England was taken. Butt said that since he has just taken over captaincy, it was the Cricket Board and the selectors who took the decision to call up Yousuf to the national team. "I took over the captaincy few days back in emergency conditions. It were the selectors and team management that decided to call up Yousuf. I had no direct say in the matter. But obviously in future I will have my say in important decisions," Butt told ''Geo Super'' channel from Birmingham. Salman Butt''s claim, however, contradicted Pakistan Cricket Board''s statement yesterday stated that PCB Chairman Ijaz Butt met the tour selection committee comprising team manager, coach and captain and a decision was made on the inclusion of certain players in the squad. "Chairman PCB contacted Chief Selector Mohsin Khan on telephone and after his consent the changes were announced. Therefore the reports alleging differences on selection are without merit," the statement had said. Salman Butt who took over as Test captain after the retirement of Shahid Afridi after the first Test against Australia last month. Commenting on the recall of Yousuf, Butt said that he generally felt that whenever a senior player joined the team it was beneficial for the younger players and the team. "I don''t want to get into controversies but it is a fact that whether it is Younis or Yousuf, senior players have their own role to play because of their experience," he said. On the prospects of Yousuf playing the second Test against England starting on Friday, Butt said this was for Yousuf to decide himself. "When he joins the team he is the best person to judge himself whether he is physically and mentally ready for a Test comeback. He would know best what to do. We will then decide accordingly what team to play in the match," said the left-handed opener Butt, however, made it clear that he had a lot of faith in the young players and pointed out that they needed time to settle down in international cricket. "I have been saying that we have a good team and it has capacity to perform well. We need to work out batting and fielding issues the bowlers have been doing well so far on the tour and that is a positive sign for us," he said.

Source: Published>

Negi starts as third seed in World Junior Chess Championship

Tue, Aug 03 10 10:16 PM

From Our Chess Correspondent Chotowa (Poland), Aug 3 (PTI) World''s second youngest Grandmaster Parimarjan Negi starts as the third seed and India''s best bet in the World Junior Chess Championship that gets underway here. The top seed of the event is Grandmaster Dmitry Andreikin of Russia while Jon Ludvig Hammer of Norway is the second seed. The 17-year-old Negi, who was selected for Arjuna award, finished last in the just concluded Young Grandmasters tournament that was a part of the Biel Chess Classics. Negi obviously would like to forget the Biel tournament that was his worst ever since he became a Grandmaster in 2006 and would want to look ahead in the World Junior Championship which he missed last year. In 2008, Negi had finished second to compatriot Abhijeet Gupta and that should gave him the confidence here. He can look forward to be the fourth Indian after Viswanathan Anand in 1987, P Harikrishna in 2004 and Abhijeet to win this coveted title. As usual it is a very strong field with the likes of Ilya Nyzhnyk of Ukraine and Eltaj Safarli of Azerbaijan present. Nyzhnyk especially is a player to watch out for the future. After Negi, India''s best hope is Sethuraman who is in roaring form. After finishing third in a strong Czech Open tournament at Pardubice, the Indian came directly to Poland where he will also be vying for a Grandmaster norm. Alongside the open championship, the girls'' championship will also be held. Soumya Swaminathan will not be defending the title this time and Padmini Rout starts as the highest rated Indian in the fray. Anna Muzychuk of Slovenia starts as a huge favourite with her high 2527 ELO rating. It looks like a straight fight for the title between Deysi Cori of Peru and Anna. Both look a cut above the rest with higher ELO ratings.

Source: Published>

Yousuf set for England but unlikely to play 2nd Test

Tue, Aug 03 10 10:06 PM

Karachi, Aug 3 (PTI) Senior batsman Muhammad Yousuf is expected to join Pakistan cricket team in England tomorrow but is unlikely to play in the second Test starting on Friday as his visa application will at least take three days to process. Sources in the British high commission told PTI that they received the working visa application for Yousuf today and the process will take time. "It is an urgent case but even if we process the visa application urgently it will take two to three days atleast," one source said. He said it was highly unlikely that Yousuf''s visa could be issued before Thursday. Yousuf, a former Pakistan captain, kept a low profile yesterday avoiding speaking to the media. The senior batsman, who has played 88 Tests and 283 one-day internationals, was called back from retirement to join the team after Pakistan lost the first Test against England by a whopping 354 runs in Nottingham. The touring management have also called up left arm spinner, Reza Hasan for the test series. Sources in the Pakistan team said if Yousuf was unable to reach on time, it was most likely that Yasir Hameed would be included in the side instead of Umar Amin while Shoaib Malik would retain his place. The selectors have faced criticism for not picking Younus Khan and Muhammad Yousuf in the first place for the Test series in England. Meanwhile Pakistan tour manager Yawar Saeed has rubbished reports that captain Salman Butt and head coach Waqar Younis were not taken into confidence regarding Yousuf''s call-up. "This is totally untrue all decisions taken after the first Test were taken after taking Butt and Waqar into confidence. Chairman of PCB Ijaz Butt spoke to the touring selection committee consisting of Salman, Waqar and myself we all agreed on Yousuf and Raza''s inclusion and Danish Kaneria''s omission from the squad," Yawar told a television channel. PTI COR ATK

Source: Published>

Flintoff not available for Chennai in Champions League T20

Tue, Aug 03 10 09:58 PM

London, Aug 3 (PTI) England star Andrew Flintoff is unlikely to be available for Chennai Super Kings'' campaign in next month''s Champions League Twenty20 as his county side Lancashire today said he will not play any competitive cricket due to his troubled knee. Flintoff, who had two knee operations on his troubled knee in the past 12 months, was due to make his comeback this week after spending a year on the sidelines. However, the bulky all-rounder pulled out of the three-day match starting today for Lancashire''s second team against Yorkshire in Crosby, Liverpool. "Following consultation with Andrew Flintoff, Andy Williams (Flintoff''s surgeon) and our own medical team, Lancashire County Cricket Club have today confirmed Flintoff will not be returning to competitive cricket for the remainder of the 2010 season," Lancashire said in a statement. "Whist Andrew has made significant progress, the combined opinion is that he is not quite ready for a return to cricket. He will continue his rehabilitation into the winter months and we will constantly monitor and review his progress so that he is better equipped for a return to action," Lancashire Cricket Director Mike Watkinson said. 32-year-old Flintoff, who has retired from Test cricket, has not played since a major operation on his right knee in August last year and he underwent further surgery in January. The latest setback also raises doubts over whether Flintoff will be available for England''s one-day squad for the winter tour of Australia.

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Angry Bayern blame Dutch as Robben injured

Tue, Aug 03 10 09:38 PM

Angry Bayern Munich accused the Netherlands of allowing Arjen Robben to play at the World Cup with an injury after announcing the striker would miss the first two months of the Bundesliga season on Tuesday.

Bayern said on their web site (www.fcbayern.t-home.de) that a routine pre-season exam had shown that Robben had a torn muscle in his left thigh, adding he had suffered the injury shortly before the World Cup.

Robben played throughout the World Cup campaign, helping the Dutch reach the final where they lost 1-0 to Spain after extra-time.

"This is a severe injury," club doctor Hans-Wilhelm Mueller-Wohlfahrt told the club's web site (www.fcbayern.t-home.de).

"I find it irresponsible that this injury has not been precisely diagnosed and that they have let Arjen play."

Robben was quoted as saying: "It's a shock for me to get a diagnosis like this on my return. I'm very disappointed, this absence is bitter for me and for the time."

Club president Karl-Heinz Rummenigge was also upset.

"Naturally, Bayern Munich are angry," he said. "Once again, we as a club must pay the bill after a player has been severely injured with his national team."

Source: Published>

Tejas Bakre in sole lead in Kavala International open chess

Tue, Aug 03 10 09:18 PM

Kavala (Greece), Aug 3 (PTI) Grandmaster Tejas Bakre shot into sole lead defeating GM Nikolov Momchil of Bulgaria in the fourth round of the Kavala International open chess tournament here today. With his fourth victory from as many games, Bakre is now trailed by four players, a half point behind, while the Indian trio of GM Abhijeet Gupta, GM norm holder Sahaj Grover and Vishnu Prasanna are in the pack of three pointers. Bakre was again the pick of the Indians and the dynamics that he is displaying are exemplary so far. Playing the white side of a Siclian Najdorf, Bakre''s early opening gamble paid off as Momchil was not very well prepared. Getting an advantage after weakening black in the center, Bakre continued to put pressure and scored another impressive victory. "The things that I am doing seem to be working well for now but it is a very strong tournament and there are still five games left," said a cautious Bakre, while answering a question on his expectations after a roaring start. On another good day for the Indians here, former under-10 world champion Sahaj Grover defeated Grandmaster Dmitry Svetushkin of Moldova to keep himself in running for his second GM norm. Gover was a bit lucky in his victory as Svetushkin played for a win and was outplayed from a position wherein he could have forced the draw through perpetual checks. Abhijeet Gupta did well to hold top seed Gabriel Sargissian of Armenia. Up against a Grunfeld defense, Sargissian could not stake his claim for a worthwhile advantage as Abhijeet neutralized white''s initiative in quick time. Following the trade of queens in the middle game the result of the game was never in doubt. Vishnu Prasanna continued with his dream run and held second seed GM Eduardas Rozentalis to a creditable draw. Playing solidly right from the word go with white pieces, Vishnu continued his unbeaten run in the event and is now very close to attaining an International Master norm. Former world junior girls'' champion D Harika came back in reckoning with a thumping victory over N Galopoulos of Greece. Harika did not have to do much with her black pieces after Galopoulos erred in the middle game. International Master Tania Sachdev also secured a victory at the expense of Ioannis Aftsoglou. The Czech Benoni move by the Greek only landed him in problems in the middle game and after trading a few pieces Tania knocked down two pawns to ensure her second victory in the tournament. .

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Rajasthan HC puts restrains on Verma and Sinha

Tue, Aug 03 10 09:08 PM

New Delhi, Aug 3 (PTI) The Rajasthan High Court has restrained Badminton Association of India president VK Verma from taking any decision as head of the sports body without its prior permission till the next hearing on August 17. After hearing a writ petition filed by BAI general secretary Vijai Sinha against Verma, the High Court passed an order putting restrictions on both the parties. "VK Verma, President, BAI shall not take any decision nor shall enter into any contract or arrangement, by whatever name called, that might create financial liability or burden on BAI without specific permission of this Court," the court order read. The court has also asked both Verma and Sinha not to perform any duties which deals with the composition of the BAI without seeking permission from it and also asked them to stay away from taking any coercive action against any members. "General Secretary Vijai Sinha and VK Verma shall not implement any decision dealing with the present composition of BAI without specific permission of this Court. They shall not take any coercive measure or action against the members and affiliates of BAI," the order added. Verma and Sinha have been at loggerheads over the functioning of BAI and they took their fight to the court with the latter filing a writ petition before the Rajasthan High Court alleging Verma of unauthorisedly and unlawfully occupying the post of BAI President. Verma welcomed the judgment and said the decision was fine as it doesn''t restrain the functioning of BAI as many would like to interpret. "I welcome the judgment in the sense that the functioning of BAI and president has not been restrained even though the petition had quoted some guidelines," Verma told PTI. "In the BAI all decisions are taken after considering majority voting of the executive members through emails. So the High Court''s decision is fine because it does not affect the working of BAI," he said. Asked about his reaction to the court''s judgment, Sinha said, "I welcome the decision and since the matter is in the court of law I don''t want to comment right now." Meanwhile, Verma said a five member committee has been set up to investigate the financial irregularities by Sinha and the panel will come up with a decision before the executive meeting on August 13. "The panel will be looking at the allegations of Sinha certifying airlines ticket for payment in the name of a person called Dhyani, which was found to be fictitious. The airlines confirmed this to us in writing," he said. "If there is any substantial evidence against Sinha, we will approach the court and with their consent we will take disciplinary actions against him," he added. .

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Peev to miss Euro qualifiers v England and Montenegro

Tue, Aug 03 10 08:58 PM

Bulgaria midfielder Georgi Peev will miss the opening Euro 2012 qualifiers against England and Montenegro in September as he will undergo a hernia operation this week.

The 31-year-old Amkar Perm midfielder will also not feature in Bulgaria's friendly against Russia in Moscow on Aug. 11.

"I've had a big desire to play against Russia and in the qualifiers but I'll need to rest for at least one month after the surgery before returning to training," the former Dynamo Kiev winger, capped 42 times for Bulgaria, told reporters.

It was another blow for coach Stanimir Stoilov, who has an uphill task in trying to qualify Bulgaria for the Euro 2012 finals as keeper Dimitar Ivankov and striker Dimitar Berbatov quit the national team earlier this year.

Bulgaria have also been drawn with Switzerland and Wales in Group G with the first matches scheduled for Sept. 3 when they visit England.

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Punjab beat Karnataka 5-1 in Santosh Trophy

Tue, Aug 03 10 08:38 PM

Kolkata, Aug 3 (PTI) Punjab thrashed Karnataka 5-1 in their last quarter-final league match of 64th National Football Championship for Santosh Trophy at Yuba Bharati Krirangan here today. Gurpreet Singh (4th and 5th) and Parveen Kumar (65th and 90+3rd) struck twice each, while substitute Rohit Kumar swelled Punjab''s tally in the 87th minute. R C Prakash scored the solitary goal for Karnataka in the 42nd minute as their campaign ended with three losses on the trot. Gurpreet gave Punjab a dream start with back to back goals to give their side a 2-0 lead by the fifth minute. Gurpreet opened account in the fourth minute scoring from the top of the box with a powerful rightfooter that was way beyond Karnataka goalkeeper Nagendra''s reach. A minute later, a defensive lapse by Karnataka cost them heavily with Gurpreet converting from the centre of the box. Punjab almost made it 3-0 in the 31st minute but Randeep Singh proved to be unlucky with his strike hitting the far post. .

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Indian bowlers have not disgraced themselves: Law

Tue, Aug 03 10 08:22 PM

T V Sriram Colombo, Aug 3 (PTI) Sri Lanka assistant coach Stuart Law was all praise for the Indian attack for their gritty effort today but said the home team has more balance in their bowling department to take 20 wickets and win the third cricket Test here. "The way Ishant and Abhimanyu Mithun bowled, they haven''t disgraced themselves one bit. They keep running in and they keep trying, taken the responsibility in whole series. There was not much time between the matches and maybe fatigue is starting to set in. But I thought they bowled pretty well for very little reward," Law said after the first day''s play which Sri Lanka ended on 294 for four. With Lasith Malinga back in the playing eleven after missing out the second Test due to an injury, Law, said the Lankans has more balance in their bowling attack compared to the visitors. "We have correct balance to get 20 wickets. It''s similar kind of an attack we had in Galle. Two different spinners from that Test Match. With Lasith Malinga back in the line up, it''s not so much the wicket he needs, he needs to turn up and get his variations spot on. If he does that, it''ll be handful," he said. "Welegedara has had a few problems with his wrist and swinging the ball. He''s starting to get back to his form. Angelo Mathews, if the wicket has little bit of assistance for the seamers, can be hard to bat against. We''ve got a very balanced attack. It''s not very heavy on spin or heavy on seam," he added. The Australian rued giving away two wickets to the Indians but said his side would look to pile up runs and press for a win. "We gifted India two wickets today. The boys have beaten themselves upstairs in the dressing room. Kumar Sangakarra still feels hurt for getting out the way he did. Dilshan gifted his wicket before lunch break. It would have been a nice lunch had we gone on 102 for one," Law said. "But overall, I am very happy with the way things went for us and hopefully this will set us up for a big first innings total. This pitch looks like an even contest between bat and ball. It''s going to be a more of a test for the skills of the batsmen. The bowlers will come into it." .

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Sangakkara takes Sri Lanka to a strong position

Published>Tue, Aug 03 10 08:08 PM

Colombo, Aug 3 (IANS) Skipper Kumar Sangakkara struck a valuable 75 as Sri Lanka made 293 for four in the first innings at the close of the first day's play against India in the third and final cricket Test on a day when Sachin Tendulkar became the most capped player in Test history here Tuesday.

Thilan Samaraweera was batting on 65 and Angelo Matthews on 26 when poor light stopped play at the P. Sara Oval.

Tendulkar, who turned out for his 169th Test, surpassed the record of former Australia captain Steve Waugh.

After winning the toss and opting to bat, the Sri Lankan middle order guided them to a safe total as India are looking to win the match and level the series.

The wicket helped both the Indian seamers and the spinners, but a solid display of batting from the hosts took them to a strong position before bad light brought an early end to play.

It was a crucial innings from Sangakkara and with Tillekaratne Dilshan (41), he added 87 runs for the second wicket and then stitched a 55-run stand for the third wicket with Mahela Jayawardene (56).

The Sri Lankan captain smashed five fours and two sixes but lack of discretion cost him his wicket. He perished to a poor shot off left-arm spinner Pragyan Ojha, who along with leg-spinner Amit Mishra, led the bulk of the Indian bowling attack in the second session.

India struck early when opener Tharanga Paranavitana (8) edged the last ball of Ishant Sharma's second over to wicketkeeper Mahendra Singh Dhoni. After a crucial 87-run stand with Sangakkara, Dilshan was also run out by an athletic Murali Vijay.

Sri Lanka then made a strong reply after lunch with Sangakkara reaching his 33rd fifty with a single off Ojha. The 32-year-old missed his century when he stepped out to an Ojha delivery and gave a simple catch to Virender Sehwag at long-on.

Sangakkara got a life on 23 when Suresh Raina messed up an easy chance at third slip off a Abhimanyu Mithun delivery. It was a straightforward catch for V.V.S. Laxman at second slip but Raina lunged out in front of him and failed to hold on.

Source: Web Search

Krishna's tough talk led to CWG probe

Published>Tue, Aug 03 10 07:58 PM

New Delhi, Aug 3 (IANS) When Commonwealth Games Organizing Committee (OC) chairman Suresh Kalmadi came to meet him Tuesday morning, External Affairs Minister S.M. Krishna confronted him with original e-mails that were allegedly doctored to claim that a London-based firm was hired after a recommendation by an official of the Indian High Commission in London, reliable sources said.

Krishna showed Kalmadi mails that the latter used to claim that AM Films was paid for providing services, which was recommended by the high commission, and told him that they were different from the mails from the high commission, indicating that the mails were tampered with, the sources said, who spoke strictly on the condition of anonymity, told IANS.

Kalmadi had cited an e-mail by a junior official of the mission in support of his claim.

The high commission has sent a report to the external affairs ministry and clarified that it had not recommended the company for the OC during the Queen Baton's Relay in October. The report indicated that the mails cited by Kalmadi were doctored to make a case, the sources said.

These sources also said that the OC officials had made enquiries about hotel tariffs in London and not about car rentals which was required for the Baton Relay.

The High Commission also maintained that the official, Raju Sebastian, who reportedly introduced London-based firm AM Films, owned by Asish Patel, to the OC, was not authorized to do so.

Sources in the high commission said Sebastian initially did not recall having sent such a mail, prompting the commission officials to call for all the e-mails to ascertain the specific e-mail addresses from which correspondence was sent to the OC.

The OC is understood to have paid AM Films, an Indian-owned firm, over 450,000 pounds for services during the Queen's Baton Relay function in London last October, allegedly without following proper procedures and paper work.

It was only after some tough talking from Krishna and an uproar in parliament over 'corrupt deals' involving Commonwealth Games that the OC, at the behest of Kalmadi, ordered a probe in the afternoon and formed a three-member panel to probe the allegations of wrongdoing.

Opposition party members in the Rajya Sabha also fulminated against the alleged diversion of funds meant for Scheduled Castes towards Commonwealth Games expenditure.

OC secretary-general Lalit Bhanot announced that the three-member committee will comprise Jarnail Singh, chief executive of organising committee, G.C. Chaturvedi, special director general finance and Gurjyot Kaur, chief vigilance officer of the organising committee and will also deal with the UK-based company.

'The organising committee has taken serious note of the issue. The three-member committee will look into the issue of money being paid for Queens Baton Relay in London and the controversy over the letter from the Indian High Commission.

Source: Web Search

MCD says most Games projects to be over by Aug 20

Tue, Aug 03 10 07:52 PM

New Delhi, Aug 3 (PTI) After missing several deadlines, the MCD today said most projects implemented by it for the Commonwealth Games are likely to be completed by August 20. The status of various projects was reviewed at a meeting of MCD Works Committee presided over by its Chairman and BJP councillor Jagdish Mamgain, who expressed unhappiness with contractors over the delay. "CWG projects are likely to be completed by August 20. Repeated delay and failure in completion of works by contractors is being taken seriously. Illegal road digging was also a matter of concern, which was raised in the meeting," Mamgain said. According to him, parking facilities in the vicinity of Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium and at training venue DPS R K Puram School are likely to be completed by August 10. Work on approach roads of Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Thyagraj Stadium, R K Khanna Stadium, Dr Karni Singh Shooting Range and Chattharshal Stadium are in progress and is likely to completed by August 31. Upgrading works on roads and lanes around hotels and guest houses in Paharganj, Karol Bagh and City Zones are also likely to be completed till August-end. Out of 808 waterless urinals in different zones, construction of 445 is in progress and is likely to be completed by August 30. A total of 206 urinals have already been completed, Mamgain said. Several councillors expressed unhappiness over functioning of contractors. "They try to grab more and more contracts and then delay the works," they complained. Mamgain directed the Engineering Department to fine contractors responsible for delays and if required, blacklist them. The MCD had earlier set June 30 as the deadline for the projects but missed it. Afterwards, the civic body had said all works will be over by July 31, but failed to keep that promise too.

Source: Published>

Ojha relishes bounce and turn of pitch

Tue, Aug 03 10 07:08 PM

T V Sriram Colombo, Aug 3 (PTI) After coming a cropper in the first two matches, left-arm spinner Pragyan Ojha rediscovered some of his lost touch on the opening day of third Test against Sri Lanka today and he attributed it to the bounce and turn that the wicket was offering. Ojha picked up a couple of wickets today as India did reasonably well to restrict Sri Lanka to 293 for four on the first day. "Because it (the wicket) bounces and turn, it really excited me and I thought if I don''t do anything silly and I do my basics right and keep it there, I think I will get my reward," Ojha said after the day''s play which ended early because of bad light. But Ojha had his problems with the run-up, sending down four no balls. "I think it was a problem for me initially. I took the wrong run-up and changed my run-up. Then it was alright and after that I was doing better," he said. Asked if he prefers bowling with SG balls to Kookaburra, Ojha said, "SG (ball) does something. Throughout the day it does something. Kookaburra after initial 20 overs, when the seam gets older, I think it does not do as much as SG does. "I feel there is a difference between SG and Kookaburra. But I don''t think that is something which I should think about. I just focus on what you have to do with the things that are available to me," he added. Ojha conceded that absence of injured Zaheer Khan and Harbhajan Singh has weakened the bowling attack but felt it was an opportunity for players like him to make a mark. "Obviously senior players like Zaheer Khan and Harbhajan, we obviously need them. But as an individual this is the best opportunity to prove yourself when you know the ball is given to you and the team expects and the whole country expects. "If you deliver that is the best thing to happen in life. And once you are playing for your country I think you should look up to such challenges," he said. On whether the team should have gone in with three seamers, Ojha said, "It is totally on coach and the management they have to decide. what the team should be." PTI TVS PM PDS

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Tour champion Contador joins Saxo Bank team

Tue, Aug 03 10 06:58 PM

Tour de France champion Alberto Contador has joined Denmark's Saxo Bank team on a two-year contract, team manager Bjarne Riis said on Tuesday.

"I am proud and honoured that I am able to introduce Alberto Contador to our team next year," Riis told a news conference. "It is an impossible opportunity that has occurred and that we are able to realise."

"I am proud to be able to attract the world's best to a Danish cycling team," added Riis.

Spaniard Contador announced last week he would not renew his contract with Kazakh-funded Astana who he joined in 2008.

"I think I've chosen the best option and I'm confident that Riis will build a great team in 2011," Contador said in a statement.

Contador won his third Tour de France title last month, finishing the three-week race 39 seconds ahead of Saxo Bank team leader Andy Schleck.

Riis said he was convinced that Contador's full potential is yet to be seen and added that he has great ambitions for the Spanish rider.

"It is obvious that we are going for the Tour de France, but Alberto told me a while ago that his ambition is to win all the three major tours in one year," Riis said.

STAGE RACES

Italy's Giro d'Italia and Spain's Vuelta a Espana are the other two major stage races in cycling.

"I am not sure it will be next year but one of the following years it is our ambition -- and I believe it can be done," Riis said.

Luxembourg rider Schleck, also runner-up to Contador in 2009, and his brother Frank have said they will leave Team Saxo Bank at the end of the season.

Riis declined to say whether other new riders would follow Contador into the Saxo team.

Saxo Bank will remain a co-sponsor of the team, which has also enrolled U.S. software group SunGard as a co-sponsor.

The announcement reversed a January decision by Saxo Bank to drop its sponsorship of the cycling team at the end of 2010.

"The team will be called Saxo Bank-SunGard Professional Cycling Team," Saxo Bank said in a statement.

"With these two companies committed to the team, we have a solid financial foundation for the future," Riis said.

Riis won the Tour de France in 1996 but in 2007 he admitted using banned drugs.

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Scoreboard: India vs. Sri Lanka, Day 1, Third Test

Published>Tue, Aug 03 10 06:38 PM

Colombo, Aug 3 (IANS) Scoreboard at the close of the opening day's play in the third and final cricket Test between Sri Lanka and India here Tuesday.

Sri Lanka first innings:

Tharanga Paranavitana c Dhoni b Sharma 8

Tillekaratne Dilshan run out (Vijay/Dhoni) 41

Kumar Sangakkara c Sehwag b Ojha 75

Mahela Jayawardene lbw Ojha 56

Thilan Samaraweera batting 65

Angelo Mathews batting 26

Extras (b 4, lb 2, w 2, nb 14) 22

Total (for four wickets in 86.5 overs) 293

Fall of wickets: 1-15 (Paranavitana, 3.6 overs), 2-102 (Dilshan, 24.3), 3-157 (Sangakkara, 42.4), 4-241 (Jayawardene, 72.6)

Bowling:

Abhimanyu Mithun 17.5-2-57

Ishant Sharma 15-4-49-1

Amit Mishra 25-1-99-0

Pragyan Ojha 26-2-78-2

Virender Sehwag 3-0-4-0

Toss: Sri Lanka won the toss and opted to bat

Umpires: Simon Taufel (Australia) and Rod Tucker (Australia)

TV umpire: Kumara Dharmasena

Match referee: Andy Pycroft (Zimbabwe)

Source: Web Search

Uproar in Parl over alleged diversion of SC/ST funds to CWG

Tue, Aug 03 10 06:08 PM

New Delhi, Aug 3 (PTI) BSP, BJP and the Left parties today created uproar in Parliament over allegations of diversion of funds for SC/ST schemes to Commonwealth Games projects and demanded a Parliamentary probe into it. The members of these parties forced three adjournments in the Rajya Sabha before lunch, alleging that the CWG projects were witnessing "loot" of public money. The least that the government can do is to ensure that funds meant for SC/STs were not diverted. In the Lok Sabha too, BSP members disrupted the proceedings briefly. As soon as Rajya Sabha met for the day, BSP members were on their feet referring to an RTI reply which reportedly showed that the Delhi government diverted Rs 744 crore from Special Component Plan for SC/ST to Games projects. The members, wanting an immediate discussion on the issue, created pandemonium which led to three adjournments. The Chair, finally allowed a brief debate on the issue in post-lunch sitting. Raising the matter, BSP leader Satish Chandra Mishra demanded that a Parliamentary committee should be set up to probe the allegations of fund diversion. Describing the Congress governments at the Centre and Delhi as "anti-dalit", he said, "There is 2.4 million SC population in Delhi. Instead of providing civic infrastructure and other facilities for them, it was spent on a 14-day event. This is shameful." Mishra said the funds were diverted flouting guidelines of the Planning Commission and the National Development Council. Venkaiah Naidu (BJP) termed the diversion of funds given under constitutional provisions as "atrocious" which was "unacceptable". His colleague S S Ahluwalia said there was a "ghapla (bungling)" in the CWG projects. Brinda Karat (CPI-M) said even labourers, mostly SC/STs, were being exploited by the contractors. Janardan Dwivedi (Congress) requested the government to come out with a response but took a dig at the BSP saying there should be a separate debate on who has done what for the dalits. D Raja (CPI), Rajneeti Prasad (RJD) and Mahendra Mohan (SP) too termed it as serious and wanted action. Responding to members'' concern, Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs, Prithviraj Chavan agreed that the matter was serious and he would ascertain the facts from the Delhi Government and report back to the House next week. In the Lok Sabha, Parliamentary Affairs Minister P K Bansal refuted the charges saying no diversion of funds has taken place.

Source: Published>

Another chance of appeal in case of tech failure in DRS: ICC

Tue, Aug 03 10 05:58 PM

Dubai, Aug 3 (PTI) The ICC today said that in case of a technological failure during referrals under the Decision Review System, the team which has made the appeal would get another chance. The decision was taken after an enquiry by Code of Conduct Commissioner Advocate Brent Lockie and Cricket Committee Chairman Clive Lloyd, who recommended that in the event of a technology failure the protocol for reinstatement should be clarified. The appealing team, however, will not get another chance in case of inconclusive evidence. "... this matter has been separately addressed by the ICC Cricket Committee who recommended that there should be a reinstatement of a referral should there be equipment failure but not in situations where the evidence is inconclusive," the ICC said in a statement. "This recommendation from the ICC Cricket Committee was adopted by the ICC Executive Board at their June meeting in Singapore," it added. The report also made a series of other recommendations which include that the best possible equipment should be made available to the third umpire; a single feed of sound and pictures should be controlled and standardised if multiple broadcasters are covering a match and that a comprehensive training programme should be devised for all those directly involved in the DRS. "I am grateful to Advocate Lockie and Mr Lloyd for their thorough review and helpful recommendations as we strive to continually enhance the DRS," Haroon Lorgat, ICC Chief Executive, said. "Many of these recommendations had already been identified as necessary at the ICC DRS workshop which was held in Dubai in March. The ICC Cricket Committee also made recommendations, which cover some of the areas highlighted in the report and these have been approved by the ICC Executive Board," David Richardson, ICC General Manager (Cricket), said. PTI PM PDS

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Sri Lanka 293/4 at stumps

Tue, Aug 03 10 05:52 PM

Colombo, Aug 3 (PTI) Electing to bat, Sri Lanka were 293 for four in their first innings at draw of stumps on the opening day of the third and final cricket Test against India here today. Brief Score: Sri Lanka 1st Innings: 293 for four in 86.5 overs (Kumar Sangakkara 75 batting, Mahela Jayawardene 56, Thilan Samaraweera 65 batting, Pragyan Ojha 2/78).

Source: Published>

Can't finish flats before Games: Engineers

Published>Tue, Aug 03 10 05:38 PM

With only 61 days left for the Commonwealth Games to kick off, the Delhi Development Authority's (DDA) engineers have decided that "there is no way" they can finish work on the 2,000 flats in Vasant Kunj.

The flats were to be furnished by the Indian Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC) and converted into three-star accommodation for tourists, Games delegates and volunteers. ITDC was get the flats by March 2010.

It is now August, and the All DDA Engineers' Association (ADEA) has said they cannot finish the work in time. In a letter reportedly sent to the Union Minister of Urban Development, the Delhi Lieutenant-Governor and DDA vice-chairman, the ADEA has written, "DDA engineers working on Vasant Kunj Commonwealth Games flats held a meeting on July 29 and decided not to bow before the administrative pressure to finish the work within a month. By doing so, all engineering specification and code shall be ignored. It will take at least four to six months to complete the flats." The AEDA is an elected union comprising 2,100 engineers who work for the authority.

AEDA general secretary Param Yadav told Newsline, "A hundred engineers are working on the project now, and the consensus is that we cannot possibly finish the work by next month."

Asked why the engineers were raising this issue now, so close to the Games, he said, "We tried to raise the issue earlier. Our Chief Engineer P K Nanda brought it up with the authority, and he was shifted out from the project. The same thing happened to our engineering member A K Bajaj." While Bajaj confirmed that he was shifted from the project, he said his tenure was anyway ending on August 31.

Despite repeated attempts, the DDA refused to make an official statement on the issue. However, senior officials said they were confident the project would be completed on time. "It is a prestigious project, and we are entirely committed to its completion. At this stage, work will continue as planned," an official involved with the project said.

Asked whether the engineers would strive to complete work if the government provided some incentive, Yadav told Newsline: "Even if we are paid 10 months' salary, we will be unable to complete the work."

Source: Web Search

ICC rejects ECB''s complaint against DRS

Tue, Aug 03 10 05:08 PM

Dubai, Aug 3 (PTI) The ICC today rejected the England and Wales Cricket Board''s complaint on the controversial usage of the Decision Review System in a January Test against South Africa, insisting that there was no evidence to suggest any flouting of rules. England complained after television umpire Daryl Harper did not overturn a not out decision against South Africa skipper Graeme Smith. Smith had appeared to edge a ball to the wicketkeeper but was not given out by the umpire - a decision which was upheld after a referral. England claimed that Harper had not turned up the volume on his replay monitor, so he missed what they claimed was an audible nick. But ICC dismissed English complaints after an enquiry by its Code of Conduct Commissioner Advocate Brent Lockie and Clive Lloyd (Chairman, ICC Cricket Committee). "The independent enquiry was convened by the ICC Chief Executive following a formal complaint by the ECB that relevant DRS procedures and protocols were not followed by the third umpire during the fourth Test match in Johannesburg. The findings of the Lockie/Lloyd enquiry found no evidence to support the complaint," the ICC said in a statement. The enquiry was conduced to determine whether "correct procedures and protocols" were followed by Harper in the decisions involving, apart from Smith, Alistair Cook and Graeme Swann/AB de Villiers. The enquiry was also asked to make recommendations for improvement of the DRS, if appropriate, including the right of reinstatement of a review where technology fails. Elaborating on the most contentious of all -- Harper''s decision to rule Smith not out -- the ICC said, "No ''nick'' or edge sound came through to Mr Harper on any of the replays shown to him and there was no deflection or change of seam position on the ball as it passed the bat." "Any suggestion that Mr Harper had somehow failed to ''turn up the sound'' in order to hear the edge is both manifestly wrong and entirely unfair. The volume control had been set by technicians, and they did not operate or adjust the volume control during the entire series. "However, differing sounds were heard on the footage of the various broadcasters, namely SABC, Supersport and Sky. The enquiry concluded that it was most likely that the actual sound feed coming through to the third umpire''s room was lost at the crucial time," the statement added.

Source: Published>

Ashish Patel banned till 2017 by Registrar of Companies

Tue, Aug 03 10 05:04 PM

London, Aug 3 (PTI) Ashish Patel, whose company is involved in controversial dealing with the Commonwealth Games Organising Committee, is already under a ban order by the Registrar of Companies here. As per information given by the UK Registrar of Companies, he has been disqualified as a Director from March 17, 2010 to March 16, 2017. The RoC has cited Section 7 of the Company Directors Disqualification Act, 1986 for barring Patel. The section particularly deals with disqualification procedures and reasons for a director of an insolvent firm. Patel is in the news after his firms -- AM Cars and Vans and AM Films -- were allegedly paid 2.45 lakh pounds for its "services" during the baton relay last year but Commonwealth Games Organising Committee chairperson Suresh Kalmadi in India has denied any wrong doings. The dealings have come under the scanner here with the revenue enforcement agencies investigating for any foul play. Back in India, the Enforcement Directorate, which deals with foreign exchange violation and money laundering, is also investigating the case. The controversy comes just days before the beginning of the mega sporting extravaganza scheduled to begin from October 3 in New Delhi.

Source: Published>

Sports Ministry asks Kalmadi to sack two OC aides

Published>Tue, Aug 03 10 02:47 PM

Under-fire Commonwealth Games Organising Committee chairman Suresh Kalmadi's cup of woes is brimming over with the Sports Ministry now putting him under pressure by asking him to sack two of his close aides in the Organising Committee.

In a letter to Kalmadi, Sports Secretary Sindhushree Khullar has asked for the removal of T S Darbari (OC joint Director General) and Dr Sanjay Mohindroo (OC Deputy Director General) after their names figured in the investigations into "alleged irregularities" into services provided during the Queen's Baton Relay in London.

"With the Games just two months away, matters such as the UK payments and alleged customs inquiry against Darbari raise questions of probity and integrity of officers in the OC," Khullar wrote in the letter written on August 1.

"They tarnish the image of the Games and adversely affect its credibility... I would strongly advise you that the above two officers should be immediately relieved of all their duties in the OC and the government informed accordingly," she said.

In fact, the Ministry had first written such a letter to OC in February itself when Darbari's alleged customs violations were first reported in the newspapers.

The Ministry sought Darbari's removal from the OC's revenue and marketing units but Kalmadi, at that time, shot back saying that nothing had been proved against him.

The latest scandal is about alleged irregular payments to a little-known UK firm for its "services" during the Queen's Baton Relay and Darbari's name has cropped up here as well.

"This matter has been referred to the Government by the HM Revenue and Customs Department of the UK, through the Indian High Commission in London," the Ministry wrote.

Kalmadi has been in the line of fire for a few weeks after numerous media reports highlighting rampant corruption in the Games' preparations started coming out. Adding to his woes, the Central Vigilance Commission also pointed out financial wrongdoings in the construction work carried out for the October 3 to 14 event.

Source: Web Search

Horror Hungarian finish have left F1 title hopes "hanging by a thread": Hamilton

Published>Tue, Aug 03 10 02:37 PM

London, Aug 3(ANI): British Formula One ace Lewis Hamilton has admitted that his championship title hopes are "hanging by a thread" following McLaren's shocking Hungarian Grand Prix result.

The race was McLaren's worst of the year, with Hamilton retiring with a gearbox failure, and Button finishing eighth.

The 25-year-old, now four points behind Red Bull's Mark Webber in the drivers standing, said the remaining seven races "are going to be hard".

"We're hanging on by a thin thread at the moment. If Red Bull continue with the pace they have, then we really don't have huge hope," The Sun quoted Hamilton, as saying.

"At this stage of the season, to be so far off and to have a non-finish like I did, whilst we are still in the hunt for the championship, it's obviously serious."It's a case of having to pull together everything we have, in terms of resources of the team, the knowledge we all have, and to be the most united we have ever been," he added.

The next race is the Belgium Grand Prix on August 29. (ANI)

Source: Web Search

Sri Lanka fight back after initial jolt

Published>Tue, Aug 03 10 02:23 PM

India dismissed both the openers in the first session even as Sri Lanka fared decently to reach 102 for two at lunch on the opening day of the third and final cricket Test here today.

Tillakaratne Dilshan (41) was run out at the stroke of lunch while Tharanga Paranavitana (8) became a victim of young pacer Ishant Sharma early in the innings.

Skipper Kumar Sangakkara, dropped on 23, was batting on 48 and will resume the innings with a new partner at P Sara Oval.

It could have been different for India had Suresh Raina, preffered over Yuvraj Singh, not dropped Sangakkara off Abimanyu Mithun.

The Karnataka pacer, bowling around the wicket, induced an edge which flew in the slip cordon straight to second slip VVS Laxman but Raina lunged on the chance from the left and in utter confusion the opportunity was lost.

The young Indian pace duo did a much better job, with the track being a little helpful in morning conditions.

Ishant bowled fast, troubled batsmen and got the wicket of Paranavitana, who edged one to Dhoni behind the wicket as early as in the fourth over of the innings.

Unlike the first two Tests, Ishant and Mithun did succeed initially to contain the batsmen but once the Lankans got their eye in they were at their usual best.

Dilshan smashed Ishant for two cracking boundaries and Kumar Sangakkara hit Amit Mishra, who came in for injured Harbhajan Singh, for a four and a six to break the shackles.

Together they raised a 87-run stand, which ended with a brilliant piece of work by Murali Vijay in the close fielding position.

Dilshan pushed one off Pragyan Ojha and left his crease anticipating that Vijay, at silly point, will not be able to stop the ball.

But a full stretched Vijay succeeded in clutching the ball and threw it towards Dhoni, who took off the bails in no time and left Dilshan bamboozled.

Dilshan hit four fours in his 70-ball knock while Sangakkara faced 65 balls and helped himself with four fours and a six.

Earlier, Dhoni lost his third successive toss and India were forced to bowl in batting friendly conditions.

Source: Web Search

China guarantees overseas media rights to cover Asian Games

Published>Tue, Aug 03 10 02:07 PM

Beijing, August 3 (ANI): China has guaranteed that overseas media will be given freedom to cover the 16th Asian Games scheduled for Nov 12-27 and the 2010 Guangzhou Asian Para Games for disabled Asian athletes in december.

"Overseas reporters will be free to interview athletes, coaches, officials and residents if they abide by relevant Chinese laws and rules and the regulations of the Olympic Council of Asia during the upcoming Asian Games," China daily quoted Xu Ruisheng, deputy mayor of Guangzhou and executive deputy director of the organizing committee of the 16th Asian Games, as saying.

The Chinese government adopted a more relaxed regulation on overseas media on Jan 1, 2007, lifting many restrictions on journalists' reportage during the 2008 Beijing Olympics. The regulation was formalized in October 2008, making it easier for overseas journalists to conduct interviews.

A total of 10,000 journalists, including more than 3,000 from overseas, are expected to cover the Guangzhou event this year.

An employee from the Guangzhou bureau of Japan's Nikkei Inc said the local government has provided "plenty of help" to foreign media in the past months.

"They have provided me with enough materials and pointers for interviews in the past days, and the service is good," the employee told China Daily.

Ruisheng also said that relevant departments will "seriously consider the applications for rally and protest in line with laws, regulations and relevant procedures".

He urged rally and protest organizers to apply for approvals before they hold mass protests.

Late last year, the organizing committee promised to set up special protest zones in the city's Panyu district, where the Asian Games Town (AGT) is located, for protesters to air their grievances during the Games. (ANI)

Source: Web Search