India suffer first defeat in Portugal training tour

Fri, Aug 06 10 12:27 PM

New Delhi, Aug 6 (PTI) Indian national football team succumbed to its first defeat during the ongoing two-month training tour of Portugal after it went down 0-1 to a local third division side Sintrense in the fourth practice match at Lisbon. Bob Houghton''s boys conceded the only goal of the match in the 40th minute and were unable to find an equaliser thereafter at the Sporting Clube Academy training ground at Lisbon yesterday. Once again Houghton started with Abhishek Yadav and Mohammed Rafi as the two strikers up front but the duo found it difficult to get going and were also let down by the midfield. Like previous three games, Houghton made several changes at the breather with as many as nine substitutions taking place. Goalkeeper Subrata Paul and winger Clifford Miranda were the only two players to complete the 90 minutes. After the change of ends, India came out attacking in search of an equaliser but failed to find the back of the rival net. The visitor''s best effort came in the 65th minute through Baljit Sahni, whose powerful shot rattled the crossbar. India had earlier beaten Portuguese third division sides Desportivo das Caldas (4-1) and Desportivo Monsanto (6-2) in their first two practice matches during the first half of their tour at Vieria de Leiria, a small town between Lisbon and Porto. The Indians then shifted their base to the training centre of the Sporting Clube Academy from August 1 for another another one-month training. They started the second phase of their training tour on a positive note, beating Portuguese second division side Atletico Clube 1-0 in their third practice game. The Indian squad will be strengthened by the return of captain Bhaichung Bhutia, who will be back after treating his thyroid problem in Kolkata, and Sunil Chhetri who has been released by his Major League Soccer club Kanasas City Wizards. PTI SSC

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Father evasive on Jwala Gutta divorce

Published>Fri, Aug 06 10 12:17 PM

Leading badminton player of 'mixed doubles' Jwala Gutta, who has kept the grapevine buzzing with her alleged link-up with former cricket skipper Mohammed Azharuddin, will reportedly file for divorce from her husband Chetan Anand - another top badminton player in the 'singles' category.

Jwala's father Kranti Gutta told Indian Express Online: "I am neither confirming nor denying the news. Chetan is playing a tournament in Lucknow at the moment and I would not like to comment on this now. Let him finish the tournament and then they will make an announcement on what is going on."

The 26-year-old shuttler is among the top ten doubles players in the world. Her husband Chetan is not much behind either - at the 13th slot in world rankings.

The rumours about Jwala's dalliance with the former cricketer-turned-politician started soon after he stood for the post of president of the Badminton Association of India. He often visited the courts where she trained, sources said. Azhar's bid for the top post was, however, aborted as he backed out before the election.

It is understood Azhar's wife of 14 years Sangeeta Bijlani, for whom he left his first wife, has moved out of the family home and shifted base to Mumbai.

Repeated calls to Jwala Gutta elicited no response.

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Lampard laments 'bad timing' of friendly against Hungary ahead of PL kickoff

Published>Fri, Aug 06 10 12:07 PM

London, Aug 6(ANI): England and Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard insists that next Wednesday's friendly against Hungary is an unwanted distraction just three days before the Premier League kick-off.

Lampard acknowledged that the friendly is important as England begin preparations for the 2012 European Championships qualification campaign, but said that the timing was not convenient for clubs.

"It's obviously not an ideal situation. I've only been back in pre-season training for a week and a half and a lot of clubs are having the same problems with their World Cup players," The Sun quoted Lampard, as saying.

"All the teams want to get players fit for the start of the season, but England also need to prepare for the European Championship qualifying games."

"Right now I'm just excited to be back at Chelsea, but the Hungary match has always been there on the calendar so as a professional playing for your country you go and you play," he added.

Chelsea will play West Brom in the Premier League opener on August 14. (ANI)

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Hockey gets a penalty Stokes: 83-year-old takes the hot seat

Fri, Aug 06 10 11:47 AM

New Delhi, Aug. 5 -- Hockey India successfully conducted its elections in the capital on Thursday. Not allowed to officially announce the results as per Supreme Court directives, it was learnt that 83-year-old Vidya Stokes of Hockey Himachal thumped her opponent in former national player Pargat Singh (Hockey Punjab) by a margin of 41 votes to 21 for the post of president. This despite strict government guidelines barring candidates above the age of 70 to contest for posts in national federations. Stokes will, however remain the interim President till the apex court gives its final verdict. A detailed hearing is scheduled for August 19. Stokes's candidature was under a cloud of controversy due to herexceeding stipulated age-limit by as many as 13 years. Her nomination was only accepted after HI secretary general Narinder Batra clarified out rightly that the interim body, registered under the Societies Act, was not obligated to follow government guidelines. Batra had further said that HI did not require government assistance or funding, a claim that was challenged by 45-year-old Pargat vehemently. This eventually led to HI being de-recognised by the sports ministry late on Thursday (see box). The result itself though brought a smile in the Stokes camp. "It's a great opportunity for me. Hockey needs 'upliftment' in the country and people have chosen me for my honesty and hard work during my association with Women Hockey in India," Stokes told HT after the polls. Interestingly Stokes, whose association with hockey dates back to the late 80's, has had ample opportunities before, to 'uplift' the national sport and yet it remains in shambles for various off-field reasons. Recently, some members of the women's national team rebelled against Stokes over payment of monitory dues. Her role as the President of the interim body, in the hockey sex scandal that broke out last month was only that of a de-jure authority. Under such prevailing conditions, Olympian Pargat Singh challenged her authority in the body. The 45-year-old ex-fullback and Arjuna awardee was responsible for uniting different factions of hockey under the banner of Hockey Punjab, not surprising as he has been an open critic of hockey administration and administrators in the country. On Thursday though, Pargat was evidently disappointed. "I will take the result in my stride. But there has been a lot of groupism that has existed, which I targeted. It is likely to go on now, and so will my fight against it," he said. And a fight it will be as almost all the big winners in the poll belong to Stokes's faction. Narinder Batra (Hockey Jammu & Kashmir) defeated Gunjum Haider (Hockey Andhra) by 27 votes to retain his post as secretary general while Haider, who was running for the post of treasurer as well, lost out to Mushtaque Ahmed (Hockey Bihar) 45 votes to 17. Thankfully though, these members are well within the age limit and are more likely to contribute effectively before they reach theirsunset years. Panel to probe sexual harassment charges In the wake of charges of sexual harassment in the women's hockey team, the Sports Ministry formed a five-member committee, headed by director Sarada Ali Khan, to investigate the charges levelled against former coach Maharaj Krishan Kaushik. Director Deepika Kachhal will work in the committee as the special counsellor. The committee also includes deputy secretary Thanglemlian and private secretary Padma

Bulbul Das, advocate and member in-charge law and legislation, is also in the committee along with Delhi Commission for Women member Yasmin Khan.

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Button eyeing another podium finish in London triathlon

Published>Fri, Aug 06 10 11:45 AM

London, Aug 6(ANI): Reigning Formula One champion Jenson Button is looking forward to get back on the podium at this weekend's Challenger World London Triathlon.

Button is participating in the event in which he had finished second in his age group last year.

"I've been competing in triathlon for a few years now to keep me in shape for driving," The Sun quoted Button, as saying.

"I enjoy the pain, the training. It's very peaceful - like it is in the car," he added.

The 30-year-old will join Olympic Gold medallist Rebecca Romero and star athlete Cassie Patton in the race.he Olympic distance is a 1500metre swim, 40kilometre bike ride and 10kilometre run.

Button had finished the race last year in an incredible 2hours and seven minutes, with pro athletes coming in just under two hours.

"I was very happy with the second place last year in my category, but I guess that means I will have to win this time," Button said.Nothing like putting pressure on yourself is there?" he added. (ANI)

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Noria wins gold, equals record

Fri, Aug 06 10 11:21 AM

Chandigarh, Aug. 6 -- After Gagan Narang became the first Indian athlete to grab an Olympic quota for the 2012 London Olympics, his bronze in the ongoing 50th World Championship at Munich, fellow shooter Asher Noria equalled the junior world record to clinch the junior double trap title at the Championship on Thursday. The 17-year-old from Hyderabad equalled the six-year-old record of Maltese William Chetcuti (146/150) to finish atop the podium. Noria shot rounds of 49, 49 and 48. Alessandro Chianese (141) of Italy and American Ian Rupert (138) won silver and bronze, respectively.

Sodhi finished 17th in the overall standings after shooting a score of 139 (42, 48, 49).

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Top contenders get zilch

Fri, Aug 06 10 11:17 AM

New Delhi, Aug. 6 -- Three years ago, the Union Cabinet sanctioned an amount of Rs 21 crore to help prepare India's tennis challenge in the Commonwealth Games. Out of this amount, India's leading Grand Slam winner Leander Paes has got zilch, the other veteran player Mahesh Bhupathi has got all of Rs 27,000 and Rohan Bopanna and Somdev Devvarman - our main singles players - have got nothing. A total of 5.21 crore has been paid out by the Sports Ministry so far and this money has largely gone towards salaries of some coaches and other personnel far removed from the top players. "I have been submitting my plane tickets, hotel bills and other expense details to the AITA (All India Tennis Association for years). There is just no money flowing back," says Bhupathi. "I have now got a mail to submit last year's Wimbledon bills again. I am ignoring it for I already sent them before." Bhupathi has actually got one of his employees looking after all the correspondence required to claim his money. "I have got no money at all from this scheme and I am not wasting my time thinking about it anymore," says Paes. Meanwhile the AITA and the Sports Ministry are busy playing ping-pong. The federation's secretary, Anil Khanna, says, "We are concerned that our elite players have not got the support money they deserve. The ones who will get us medals are the ones who need to benefit from this scheme." Rahul Bhatnagar of the Sports Ministry has his own take: "We have not got a single bill pending with us. We have been telling AITA again and again that they have to submit the basic documents before government money can be released, while they want us to give lump sums without any papers." The Ministry prefers that tickets be booked through Balmer Lawrie and Co - the government travel agency. Tennis players hop around the globe and their precise itinerary depends upon how long they last in a tournament. They can't book tickets in advance. The bureaucrats want hotel and food bills before sanctioning the allotted $100 to 125 allowance for a total of 75 days of international competition that rules allow for. Our tennis players are abroad competing for over 200 days and wonder why they can't be reimbursed even for their coaching bills which are the easiest to process. "If the top four men players and Sania Mirza do not benefit under present rules, it's only correct that the Ministry should adjust its rules keeping in mind the needs of tennis," asserts Khanna. "There are fundamental financial rules in dealing with government money. They can't be changed. AITA has to be more active in this and help its players," rebuts Bhatnagar. "For years I have been hearing the Ministry say that tennis players are rich and don't need money. They can't be expected to accommodate our needs. Of course, when they need medals, they always come looking for us," says Bhupathi.

Everybody is busy playing file-file and somewhere the rightful money of the players is draining down that hole.

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With no cash to pay fine, lifters may not take part

Fri, Aug 06 10 11:07 AM

Chandigarh, Aug. 6 -- Under normal circumstances, India would be looking at weightlifting, one of only five sports that have produced individual Olympic medalists for the country, as a happy hunting ground for medals in the first ever Commonwealth Games on home soil. But it's entirely possible the October mega-event will feature no Indian lifters at all. The Indian Weightlifting Federation (IWF) was banned from entering international competition in 2009, after five lifters tested positive for banned substances. The IWF was later informed they could reenter international competition by paying a fine of $500,000 (R 2.3 crores) to the International Weightlifting Federation. But the IWF only had enough in its coffers to pay 125,000 US dollars (R58 lakhs).

If the fine doesn't get paid on time, the lifters will not compete at the Delhi Games.

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In-form Goa ready for Bengal

Fri, Aug 06 10 10:47 AM

Kolkata, Aug. 6 -- Blame Bengal for prematurely bumping into defending champions Goa but coach Shabbir Ali is not assuming anything. "We didn't play consistently, so we have to face them. Bengal have to play like Bengal to get out of this," said the former Santosh Trophy winner. Winning Wednesday's match despite trailing 0-1 meant Tamil Nadu got away with what looks like an easier match, against Punjab in the second of Friday's semi-final double-header. Punjab, notwithstanding the 0-3 trouncing from Goa in their quarter-final league match, are in flowing form and would fancy their chances against the previous edition semi-finalists. "Barring the loss against Goa, our boys have gradually improved and performed and delivered under pressure, so that's not a worry," said Punjab coach Jagir Singh, under whom they had won the title twice, in 2006 and 2008. With strikers Balwant Singh and ex-Chirag player Parveen Kumar hitting the right notes, Tamil Nadu's defence will be tested. Tamil Nadu, however, will be relying heavily on impressive striker P. Riju. Mariano Gomes' Goa have been in ruthless form here. On a high after packing off Services 4-0 in their last quarter-final league match, the defending champions have hardly put a foot wrong. But what's troubling Gomes most is the experience in the Bengal midfield. "Jayanta Sen and Snehasish Chakraborty are the players to watch out for," Gomes said. While Sen and Denson Devdas have been key to Bengal's midfield dominance, the skipper has had a good tournament, firing well-directed crosses from the left-flank. Gomes' taking note of that means Bengal would surely want a back up in case Chakraborty is negated. Goa will, however, miss left-back Fulganco Cardozo, who received a second booking against Services. "We have enough options on the reserve bench," Gomes said. Ali, on the other hand, is facing a crisis upfront after Shankar Oraon was stretchered out of Wednesday's match. Scans have revealed a muscle injury and hence Ali will have to fall back on the first-match pair of Tarif Ahmed and TFA recruit Robin Singh. Nilendra Dewan hasn't played enough to merit a start but considering the lack of chemistry between Ahmed and Singh against Delhi, Ali may have second thoughts.

Watching Snehasish and Co. take turns at goalies Abhra Mondal and Sandip Nandy from the penalty spot showed that last year's runners-up are at least trying not to repeat their mistakes.

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A celebration of women's cricket

Fri, Aug 06 10 10:37 AM

New Delhi, Aug. 5 -- The 'Viceregal Room' of a five-star hotel played host to a unique function on Thursday evening. A docu-drama, by director Sunil Yash Kalra's titled Poor Cousins of Million Dollar Babies celebrating the triumphs of, and problems facing, women's cricket in India, was previewed by an eclectic gathering. While producer Bava Mahdoom missed the launch, his brother K. Mahdoom welcomed the chief guests which included Minister of State Jyotiraditya Scindia, Rani Mukherjee and writer Jaideep Sahni of Chak De India fame. Famed Indian women's cricketer Anjum Chopra, one of the two protagonists of the film (the other being team-captain Jhulan Goswami, who was unable to make it to the event), was also present The seven-minute preview of the documentary brought locker-room footage of the Indian women's team from Lord's, Eden Gardens and Melbourne Cricket Ground in addition to clips of their top performances in various tournaments. "This is a self-financed project which I have been working on for four years with Anjum and the girls. It is not a commercial venture but a goodwill gesture to bring to light the achievements and hardships faced by the women's team," Kalra told HT. Chopra was enthusiastic about the documentary as well. "What we lack most in comparison to the men's team, even more than the monetary aspect, is the appreciation," she said. Chopra also said that their scenario was different from women cricketers abroad. "A lot of us are absored into corporates. However, in England and Australia they are provided definite employment. I would not say we're badly placed, but the situation wavers." Questions from the audience were entertained. These ranged from corporate social responsibility to commercial viability of similar movies. Six-time Olympian Raja Randhir Singh made an appearance as well and lamented India's decision not to field a women's cricket team at this year's Asian Games in China.

The evening came to an end with the launch of the film's poster. Much had been scrutinised, but as Kalra had stated at the start of the show, "much more needs to be done, but tonight is a celebration." It definitely was.

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Kaka has knee surgery, out for up to four months

Fri, Aug 06 10 08:57 AM

Real Madrid midfielder Kaka has undergone an operation on his left knee and could be ruled out for four months, his surgeon said on Thursday.

The Spanish club said earlier on their website that Kaka had suspected meniscus damage and might need surgery.

He was examined in Belgium by knee and sports injury specialist Marc Martens, who carried out a half-hour arthroscopic operation on Thursday morning.

"He needs around four months to come back to play," Martens told Reuters Television. "But I am optimistic, normally he should play a hundred percent.

"He was pretty nervous because for him it was a difficult moment in his career to decide to go for surgery or not.

"Finally he came to realise himself that it was the only way to help him ... there was no alternative ... (In) the last months he felt that the pain was increasing and he felt that finally he couldn't perform anymore on the field."

Brazilian Kaka, who has been plagued by injuries over the past year but recovered to play in the World Cup in South Africa, had left Real's pre-season training camp in California to fly to Belgium.

"He's a very popular player among his team mates and also a very good player but we want him at 100 percent so that he is happy," coach Jose Mourinho told a news conference in San Francisco after Real beat Club America 3-2 in a friendly.

"If we have to lose him for a while it won't be a drama," the Portuguese added. "We have other players and that's that."

Kaka, 28, joined Real from AC Milan in 2009 for a fee of around 65 million euros ($85.3 million). He made 25 league appearances last season, scoring eight goals.

Real play a friendly against Major League Soccer (MLS) club LA Galaxy on Saturday in Los Angeles.

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Playing partners Mickelson, McIlroy flourish at Firestone

Published>Fri, Aug 06 10 08:05 AM

Playing partners Phil Mickelson and Rory McIlroy formed their own mutual admiration society as they charged into contention at the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational on Thursday.

World number two Mickelson fired an opening round four-under-par 66 and eighth-ranked McIlroy began with a 68, both of them recovering from untidy starts with sparkling runs after the turn.

"We fed off each other on the back nine," Northern Irishman McIlroy told reporters after coming home in three-under 32. "Phil played a couple of great shots and chipped in on the sixth hole, which was one of the best shots I've seen all year.

"He struggled early on but had a great finish. He's a great player and that's what great players do. They hang in there and make a score out of something that wasn't necessarily there."

American left-hander Mickelson holed out with a lob wedge from 50 feet right of the green at the par-four sixth as he covered his first nine holes in a sizzling five-under 30.

The four-times major winner, who clinched his first World Golf Championships title at last year's WGC-CA Championship in Miami, said he always relished McIlroy's company despite their age difference.

"I do enjoy playing with Rory," the 40-year-old added. "He's fun, he's interesting and he's a smart guy so we always have intelligent conversation."

Both players are installing state-of-the-art practice facilities at their respective homes, and this was among the various topics they discussed together at Firestone Country Club on Thursday.

"He's really got a great demeanour, always upbeat and great to be around, not to mention his talent," said Masters champion Mickelson. "We get to play together again tomorrow."

McIlroy shot a course record 10-under 62 to win his maiden PGA Tour title at the Quail Hollow Championship in May and Mickelson has become an unabashed fan of the 21-year-old's game.

"I look at the guys today who are young, in their teens and 20s -- Rory McIlroy, Rickie Fowler and Ryo Ishikawa and some of these other young kids," Mickelson said.

"Their ball striking is so superior to where myself or other players of my age were at when we were in our teens and 20s. Their ball striking is just extremely impressive."

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Butt searching for 'experience' to counter England's aggression in second Test

Published>Thu, Aug 05 10 01:28 PM

London, Aug.5 (ANI): Following the stunning batting collapse in both the innings of the first Test against England, Pakistan skipper Salman Butt has hinted at some changes in the squad for the second Test at Edgbaston starting Friday (tomorrow), saying some 'experience' was needed to match the mighty hosts.

Butt said that some more experienced players should in included in the team to give it a more 'solid look.'

"I have some changes in my mind. I think some experience is required to match England on their favourite home ground. What we want is to play with the best possible strength to counter the home team's aggression," The News quoted Butt, as saying.

Butt, however, added that it was important to continue giving youngsters more exposure in order to prepare them for future.

"These youngsters need experience and unless and until you continue with them you can't make them reliable for future international cricket. But, at the same time we will try to play the best available combination," said Butt.

When asked that whether adding 'experience' to the final eleven for the second Test means that former skipper Mohammed Yousuf and opener Yasir Hameed would be included in the team, the Pakistan skipper refused to reveal his cards.

"Yousuf is due to reach here on Thursday (today). We don't know whether he is willing to play in the second Test or needs some practice. Still I have couple of changes in my mind but until and unless you get a clear picture of what sort of combination you will have at your disposal, you can't make a final plan," Butt said.

After having suffered a humiliating 354 defeat in the first Test in Nottingham inside four days, Butt is certainly looking to play a squad which could counter Andrew Strauss' hostile attack more effectively, and he pointed out that any decision regarding picking up the players for the second match would depend on inputs from the team management, particularly from coach Waqar Younis.

"I think the input of coaches, mainly from head coach Waqar Younis, will be very important. It is only after the team meeting on Thursday, we will be in a position to say something," Butt said. (ANI)

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Hughes eyeing Oz Test return through Hampshire stint

Published>Thu, Aug 05 10 01:22 PM

Sydney, Aug 5(ANI): Australian opening batsman Phillip Hughes is hoping that his stint with Hampshire will help him regain a place in the Test team ahead of the tour of India and the Ashes.

After a successful domestic season, Hughes was almost certain to be included for the tour of England to face Pakistan, but he was ruled out for three months after dislocating his shoulder during a boxing training session.

The 21-year-old will join Hampshire this month, and will be available for a match against Lancashire on 31 August.

"I had surgery on my left shoulder about three months ago and the rehab has been fantastic and the shoulder feels good," The Sydney Morning Herald quoted Hughes, as saying.

"It has been a frustrating little period for me, watching my mates play in England, but everything is on track now to getting back in the centre and playing some good, hard, cricket," he added.

Hughes said that he will not be using boxing training any more, and denied that the injury would change his technique.

"I have always done boxing training and I love it. Maybe I will continue it again one day, but just not yet," Hughes said.

"I will continue to bat how I have always batted. I have tinkered with a few things, but I don't want to change my natural game," he added.

Hughes burst on to the international scene with two hundreds in his second Test, against South Africa in March last year, but was dropped after two Tests of the subsequent Ashes series in England due to his inability to cope with England's pace attack. (ANI)

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Indian sides told to turn pro or face the boot

Thu, Aug 05 10 01:18 PM

Indian League (IL) soccer clubs face expulsion from local and regional competitions unless they comply with Asian Football Confederation (AFC) rules.

The AFC wants to restrict the Asian Champions League to professional teams from next year while IL officials are also seeking to follow the same route with its 14 clubs.

On Thursday, the region's governing body said IL clubs must meet the requisite standards and that Asian officials would conduct inspections before a Dec. 31 deadline.

"AFC will inform them about their shortcomings in (a) workshop on Nov. 2," All Indian Football Federation general secretary Alberto Colaco told the AFC website (the-afc.com).

"They will review and inspect the clubs again after the deadline. The clubs who don't meet the criteria will not be allowed to play in the 2012 edition of the I-League."

In addition to ordering clubs to conform to the rules regarding participation, the AFC also asked them to ensure IL players were not part of state league teams.

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Irish cancer-survivor on epic 7,000-mile journey round the world in gyrocopter

Published>Thu, Aug 05 10 01:08 PM

Kuala Lumpur, Aug 5(ANI): Irishman Norman Surplus, who survived bowel cancer in 2003, is on an ambitious adventure of attempting to circumnavigate the globe in a gyrocopter.

As part of his 7,000-mile journey round the world, he has reached Malaysia - the 15th country on the way of his epic journey.

The 47-year-old had been earlier stalled in Thailand for 13 weeks after high winds forced him to ditch the gyrocopter into a lake.

Norman set off on the adventure from Ireland on March 22. Since then he has flown over the plains of Europe, the coasts of the Mediterranean, the deserts of the Middle East and the jungles of South-East Asia.

He will continue his journey to the Philippines, Taiwan, Japan and Russia before crossing the Bering Sea into North America.

Surplus' expedition is aimed at increasing awareness about bowel cancer, and to inspire and encourage patients to stay positive throughout their ordeal.

He is also trying to raise 5,000 pounds for a charity organisation, Bowel Cancer UK.

He also claims said there is an environmental slant to his feat, as he hopes to raise awareness about autogyros as fuel-efficient vehicles.

"An autogyro uses one-third of the fuel a helicopter needs. And they are used in many applications such as crop dusting and police and border patrols," The Star quoted Surplus, as saying. (ANI)

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Kleybanova stuns tentative Jankovic in San Diego

Published>Thu, Aug 05 10 12:58 PM

Russia's Alisa Kleybanova overcame a sluggish start to upset top seeded Serb Jelena Jankovic 7-5 6-2 in the second round of the San Diego Classic on Wednesday.

The powerful Kleybanova fell into a 0-4 hole in the first set before recovering to take down world number two Jankovic, who lacked mobility and accuracy against her taller opponent.

Jankovic injured her left ankle at a tournament in Slovenia two weeks ago and admitted that she had yet to return to full fitness.

"I had some fear moving because I was afraid I would twist it again," Jankovic said. "I'm not confident where I have to move side to side and play an intense match."

Since starting the year by winning her first WTA title in Kuala Lumpur, the 21-year-old Kleybanova has struggled with injuries and form and this tournament marks only the third time this season that the Russian has reached a quarter-final.

"She's always a great runner and (hitting) a winner against someone else isn't always a winner against her," Kleybanova said after improving her record to 3-2 against Jankovic.

"But if I'm playing my best, my ball is fast enough to make winners against her. She was actually moving pretty well today."

Kleybanova was joined in the last eight by second seeded Samantha Stosur of Australia, who recorded a 6-4 6-4 win over American teenager Melanie Oudin.

SEEDS ADVANCE

Two other seeds also advanced as number four Agnieszka Radwanska of Poland thrashed former world number one Dinara Safina 6-1 6-3 and seventh seed Shahar Peer of Israel overcame Yaroslava Shvedova of Kazakhstan 7-5 6-4.

Stosur used a her high-hopping kick serve and big forehand to subdue Oudin, who had the crowd on her side but could not get near her opponent's serve.

The Australian was able to attack Oudin's weak second serve and shortened rallies by frequently charging the net and knocking volleys.

""She runs a lot of balls down and gets a lot back so if you can get give her less time, you have a better chance of winning the points," Stosur said.

The consistent Radwanska skipped her way past Safina, who littered the court with unforced errors.

Three-times grand slam finalist Safina had won just her second match in four months on Tuesday but against Radwanska, the Russian was often wild off the ground.

"I was more consistent and she was making some easy mistakes," said Radwanska, who had lost her previous two meetings against Safina. "The courts are not playing very fast so I was able to mix it up."

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India 282/4 at lunch

Thu, Aug 05 10 12:52 PM

Colombo, Aug 5 (PTI) India were 282 for four in their first innings at lunch on the third day in reply to Sri Lanka''s 425 all out in the third and final cricket Test here today. VVS Laxman and Suresh Raina were at the crease at the lunch break on 42 and 39 respectively. Brief Scores: Sri Lanka 1st Innings: 425 all out India 1st Innings: 282 for four in 64 overs (Virender Sehwag 109, Lasith Malinga 2/72).

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