Diamonds for record-breaking Hong Kong athletes

Published>Fri, Aug 13 10 12:28 PM

Hong Kong, Aug 13 (IANS) Athletes from Hong Kong will receive a diamond worth 100,000 yuan ($14,770) if they break a world record at the Asian Games to be held in Guangzhou, China in November this year.

Breaking an Asian record would earn the athletes a diamond worth 50,000 yuan, the Shanghai Daily reported.

At the last Asian Games held in Doha four years ago, the only world records set were in weight-lifting and shooting.

Fang Daer, director of marketing for the organising committee, said that although dwarfed by the 20.5 billion yuan made by the marketing campaign for the 2008 Beijing Olympics, Guangzhou's revenue from its corporate partners was quite healthy.

The media has estimated that the final bill could come to more than 30 billion yuan.

Source: Web Search

India edge past Real Massama 1-0

Fri, Aug 13 10 12:22 PM

Lisbon, Aug 13 (PTI) Mohammad Rafi''s first-half strike saved India the blushes as they eked out a narrow 1-0 win over Portuguese football club Real Massama in their second practice match here. Almost all the players who played in Wednesday''s drawn encounter against Casa Pia AC were rested and yesterday''s playing XI included Arindam Bhattacharya in the goal and Deepak Mondal, Mahesh Gawli, NS Manju and N Mohanraj in the defence. James Singh, Baldeep Singh, Mehrajuddin Wadao and Clifford Miranda were the four mid-fielders, while Abhishek Yadav and Rafi paired up front once again. Rafi, who has been in fine form in all the practice matches, once again paved the way for the winning goal providing a perfect start to India''s proceedings. Abhishek Yadav essayed a pass to Rafi, which was neatly finished by the Churchill Brothers striker in the seventh minute. India tried hard to extend their lead but had to go for the breather with a precarious 1-0 lead. After the lemon break, four substitutions were made and Rafi and Abhishek Yadav were replaced by Baljit Sahni and Sushil Kumar Singh. Govin Singh replaced Clifford Miranda, which saw Manju shifting on the left flank as lift wing half. Baldeep Singh made way for Rakesh Masih in the midfield. After an engrossing second half, India held on to their one-goal advantage and come out victorious narrowly. The Indians are here as part of their preparatory plans for next year''s Asian Cup.

Source: Published>

Dumped and fuming Beckham vows to fight for his place in England squad

Published>Fri, Aug 13 10 12:08 PM

London, Aug.13 (ANI): A dumped and furious David Beckham last night vowed to fight his way back into the England football squad, shortly after team manager Fabio Capello said in a television interview that it was time for the winger to hang up his boots and let a younger player in.

The Italian later added that the 35-year-old former captain could play in a farewell friendly in November.

Becks, nicknamed Goldenballs, vowed: "I will fight my way back into the England team."

The LA Galaxy star was left feeling "disrespected, disappointed and dismayed" by the way he was axed on TV, The Sun reports.

Beckham - capped 115 times in 14 years - only learned he was being dropped after Capello's telly interview and later watched it at home in Los Angeles.

A friend said: "The fact is there should have been a call from the manager. Becks will not go quietly into the night."

In an interview recorded on Monday and shown before Wednesday night's 2-1 Wembley win against Hungary, Capello laughed as he said Becks was "a little too old" for the squad.

Quizzed after the match he added: "David knows that he has no future with the national team because we have to change. He will play one friendly to say bye bye." ecks was horrified to see the interview - and wife Victoria was said to be "disgusted".

Fellow football stars and veterans said that Capello should have informed him personally and earned some brownie points. (ANI)

Source: Web Search

Indonesians end row, will play world championships

Fri, Aug 13 10 11:56 AM

Indonesia's Olympic and former world champion doubles pairing Markis Kido and Hendra Setiawan have settled a row with their national badminton federation and confirmed they will play in the world championships in Paris.

The second-ranked duo threatened to boycott the Aug. 23-29 tournament this week after the Indonesian Badminton Association (PBSI) failed to enter them in the China Masters, part of the lucrative Super Series tour which the players said was a mandatory event for their sponsor.

The players had changed their minds after being assured they would be registered for the following Super Series tournament in Japan, Indonesian media said on Friday.

"We can accept the fact that we won't be able to play in China but we're glad that we'll be registered for the Japan Super Series," the Jakarta Globe quoted Markis as saying.

"We hope that's the end of the matter and we'll certainly play in Paris."

Source: Published>

Ronaldo becomes 1st non-American to win 10 millionth Facebook fan

Published>Fri, Aug 13 10 11:46 AM

London, August 13 (ANI): Cristiano Ronaldo has got his 10 millionth Facebook fan, which makes him the first non-American to win so many pals on the social website.

The Portuguese Real Madrid ace has got 6.5million fans more than David Beckham.

But Ronaldo, 25, trails far behind Lady Gaga, who has 15million "friends" - the most for a living celeb.

The closest British contender is football icon Becks with just over 3.5million. (ANI)

Source: Web Search

Olympian Erakovic in NZ tennis team for C''wealth Games

Fri, Aug 13 10 11:26 AM

Wellington, Aug 13 (PTI) Olympian Marina Erakovic was today named in New Zealand''s four-strong tennis team for the October 3 to 14 Commonwealth Games in Delhi. "Erakovic, with a current ranking of 114, has been named along with doubles partner Ellen Barry. The men''s combination of Jose (Rubin) Statham and Marcus Daniell was also named. All the players will also compete in singles at the Commonwealth Games," Tennis New Zealand said in a statement. Tennis will be played for the first time at Commonwealth Games. New Zealand Olympic Committee secretary general and team selector Barry Maister said the Kiwis have a good chance of winning a doubles medal at the event. "Doubles tennis in the Commonwealth Games environment is new and their performances are going to be hard to predict," he said. "In Davis Cup and Fed Cup contests, our tennis team members have all showed their great passion and commitment in representing New Zealand, and we know they will compete with distinction at the Commonwealth Games," added Steve Johns, CEO for Tennis New Zealand. Erakovic has a current world ranking of 362 in singles and 114 in doubles. Erakovic has won two doubles titles (ITF USD 75,000 and WTA USD 220,000) and was runner up in two (USD 50,000 and USD100,000) since November 2009. Erakovic represented New Zealand at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing. Davis Cup captain Marcel Vos will be the official team coach.

Source: Published>

CWG scam; UK firm sends Rs 90-lakh bill

Published>Fri, Aug 13 10 11:18 AM

The UK firm accused of receiving inflated payments from the organisers of the Commonwealth Games (CWG) has sent a bill to the Organising Committee of ?122,692 (Rs 89.52 lakh) as unpaid dues for services during the Queen's Baton Relay (QBR).

This email to top OC officials from Ashish Patel of AM Car & Van came as recently as August 2 right in the middle of the controversy that gripped the OC and prompted its chairman Suresh Kalmadi to deny any charges of wrongdoing.

Incidentally, on August 4, when Kalmadi said he was open to any probe, he made no mention of this note from AM Car & Van.

The email, senior officials admit, suggests discrepancies in payments made to AM Car & Van and its sister concern AM Films. A total of ?3.84 lakh was paid to these firm since October 2009.

Three OC officials have been either dismissed or suspended following allegations of "financial irregularities" in the AM deal as well as other controversies.

Scrutiny of all foreign exchange transactions made for the QBR have been handed over to the Enforcement Directorate.

Details of the OC's internal investigation have thrown up key details:

n Due to discrepancies in accounts and receipts, officials in New Delhi did not settle final accounts with AM Car and AM Films, Result: OC account books show ?3.84 lakh as "outstanding and unsettled."

n In August 2009, T S Darbari and Sanjay Mohindroo hired the services of AM Car & Van and notched up a bill for ?3,376 for their 6-day stay in London.

Subsequently, on October 23-24, the OC made several payments to these AM companies. The first was a payment of ?2.38 lakh made to AM Car & Van of which the company asked the OC to transfer a little over 1 lakh pounds to the account of AM films.

n The OC also marked a second payment of ?1.46 lakh to AM Films around the same time.

n The OC provided credit cards to some officials when they visited London in connection with the QBR ceremonies after seeking RBI permission. These included Deputy Director General Sanjay Mohindroo and OSD M Jaichandran, both of whom were given credit limits of ?65,000.

Mohindroo reportedly said that a bulk of this limit was paid by him to AM Car/Films for their services and the ED is now looking at this money trail too.

Source: Web Search

Erratic Atwal tied 69th after Rd1 of Nationwide tourney

Fri, Aug 13 10 11:06 AM

Springfield (USA), Aug 13 (PTI) Aiming to reclaim his PGA card, Indian golfer Arjun Atwal teed off in only his fourth Nationwide Tour event this year and opened with an erratic two-under 70 to lay tied 69th at the Price Cutter Charity Championship here. Atwal lost his PGA card after failing to earn the requisite money this season, forcing him to go back to the Nationwide Tour to reclaim his place in the elite group. The Orlando-based Indian has to finish inside the top-25 of the Nationwide money list at the end of the season to win back the PGA card. He can also get back a place in the PGA Tour by winning three Nationwide tournaments this year, which would entitle him to an immediate promotion for the remainder of the year and for the following year. A 10th tee starter at the Highland Springs Country Club, Atwal sent down five birdies against three bogeys in a topsy-turvy round. After sinking in back-to-back birdies on the 11th and 12th, Atwal was pulled back by a bogey on the 14th hole but he made amends with another birdie-brace on the 17th and 18th to make the turn three-under. In the front-nine, Atwal managed to pick a stroke on the first hole but let it slip with bogeys on the seventh and eighth to round off a roller-coaster day. At the top of the leader-board, Americans Brandt Jobe and Kyle Thompson shared the lead with identical card of 63. PTI PM

Source: Published>

CWG scam; UK firm sends Rs 90-lakh bill

Published>Fri, Aug 13 10 10:48 AM

The UK firm accused of receiving inflated payments from the organisers of the Commonwealth Games (CWG) has sent a bill to the Organising Committee of ?122,692 (Rs 89.52 lakh) as unpaid dues for services during the Queen's Baton Relay (QBR).

This email to top OC officials from Ashish Patel of AM Car & Van came as recently as August 2 right in the middle of the controversy that gripped the OC and prompted its chairman Suresh Kalmadi to deny any charges of wrongdoing.

Incidentally, on August 4, when Kalmadi said he was open to any probe, he made no mention of this note from AM Car & Van.

The email, senior officials admit, suggests discrepancies in payments made to AM Car & Van and its sister concern AM Films. A total of ?3.84 lakh was paid to these firm since October 2009.

Three OC officials have been either dismissed or suspended following allegations of "financial irregularities" in the AM deal as well as other controversies.

Scrutiny of all foreign exchange transactions made for the QBR have been handed over to the Enforcement Directorate.

Details of the OC's internal investigation have thrown up key details:

n Due to discrepancies in accounts and receipts, officials in New Delhi did not settle final accounts with AM Car and AM Films, Result: OC account books show ?3.84 lakh as "outstanding and unsettled."

n In August 2009, T S Darbari and Sanjay Mohindroo hired the services of AM Car & Van and notched up a bill for ?3,376 for their 6-day stay in London.

Subsequently, on October 23-24, the OC made several payments to these AM companies. The first was a payment of ?2.38 lakh made to AM Car & Van of which the company asked the OC to transfer a little over 1 lakh pounds to the account of AM films.

n The OC also marked a second payment of ?1.46 lakh to AM Films around the same time.

n The OC provided credit cards to some officials when they visited London in connection with the QBR ceremonies after seeking RBI permission. These included Deputy Director General Sanjay Mohindroo and OSD M Jaichandran, both of whom were given credit limits of ?65,000.

Mohindroo reportedly said that a bulk of this limit was paid by him to AM Car/Films for their services and the ED is now looking at this money trail too.

Source: Web Search

Watson and Molinari share lead, Woods three back

Published>Fri, Aug 13 10 09:56 AM

The Tiger Woods show entered a more positive phase on Thursday but it was American Bubba Watson and Italian Francesco Molinari who took control at the U.S. PGA Championship in a fog-disrupted first round.

On a tough and breezy Whistling Straits layout demanding precision off the tee and plenty of patience, left-hander Watson and Molinari carded matching four-under-par 68s to set the pace in the year's final major.

American Ryan Moore briefly got to five under but bogeyed two of his last three holes playing into the wind for a 69 to finish level with compatriot Charles Howell III and Australian Jason Day.

Woods, whose world number one ranking is under threat following the worst PGA Tour performance of his career last week, appeared to be back on track as he opened with a 71.

Seventy-eight players in the field were yet to complete their rounds when play was suspended for the day in fading light after fog delayed the start of the tournament by more than three hours.

Among those still out on the course, South African Ernie Els and Americans Matt Kuchar and Nick Watney were at four under. Els and Kuchar, who holed out with a wedge to eagle the 13th, had completed 14 holes and Watney 11.

Although Woods lost ground after racing into a tie for the lead with three birdies in his first four holes, he was delighted to record only his third sub-par score in his last 17 rounds on the PGA Tour.

"It would have been very disappointing and frustrating to end up at even par as well as I played today," four-times champion Woods told reporters after mixing four birdies with three bogeys. "Everything was better.

"To shoot under par just feels like less than I should have shot for the way I played today and that's a good feeling. I felt like I had control of the ball for most of the day."

KEY PUTTS

While Woods erased the memories of his joint second-last finish and 18-over total at the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational on Sunday, Watson putted superbly and Molinari avoided trouble to take joint control.

"It was a great day," the long-hitting Watson said after a round featuring six birdies, two bogeys and several recoveries to save par. "My mental focus was really good and I just putted really well. I kept it going by making some putts.

"If I don't get up-and-down a couple times today, my momentum could shift and I could be mad the rest of the day. I just held it together, and I made some key putts that I needed to make."

Molinari, who tied for 10th in last year's PGA Championship at Hazeltine National, joined Watson at the top by making two birdies in his last three holes.

"I hit the ball quite well all day and basically just tried to stay out of trouble and get some birdies here and there when I had the chances," the 27-year-old said. "Everything went pretty much according to plan."

Although Woods and second-ranked Phil Mickelson both came into this week on a low note after poor finishes at the Bridgestone Invitational, Molinari accepts no major is ever easy to win.

"It's really, really hard to win a tournament like this," the Italian said.

"Obviously Tiger is going to get back to his standards and Phil is going to win more majors, so you just need to play really well and try to grab the occasion when you have it."

Former U.S. Open champion Jim Furyk, Britain's Martin Laird and Thailand's Thongchai Jaidee were among a group of seven bunched on 70.

Mickelson, who needs to finish no worse than joint fourth this week to have the chance to replace Woods as world number one for the first time, was at one under with seven holes left in the opening round.

Source: Web Search

Woman's touch brings fun back to Ivanovic's game

Published>Fri, Aug 13 10 09:36 AM

The female touch has brought a little more fun into the routine of former world number one Ana Ivanovic as she tries to claw her way back up the world rankings.

Ivanovic has slumped to 62nd in the world rankings having not won a tournament in nearly two years or appeared in a final since March 2009.

But the smile was on the Serb's face on Thursday after she confidently defeated Russia's Elena Vesnina 6-0 6-3 to book her spot in the quarter-finals of the Cincinnati Open.

Ivanovic has never been one to show much disappointment at her defeats, but there is a distinctly fresh bounce in her step she credits to new physical fitness coach Marija Lojanica.

"It's been also a lot fun working out with a girl and just having fun and throwing in a dance or whatever. You know, just actually enjoying it," said Ivanovic. "She's a girl, so we can go shopping together, watch movies, do our nails. It just keeps your mind off tennis."

Lojanica, who works with the Serbian Fed Cup team, joined Ivanovic's staff following Wimbledon but the pair have known each other since the 2008 French Open winner was 13.

Ivanovic says she has undergone "huge progress" in her fitness and her morale has been lifted working with a woman.

"In the past I was with male coaches, and you do a job and go back to the room. I really like to read and it was sort of relaxing," she said.

"But then after all, you find you have spent all day in a room, and it gets kind of depressing. So it's good to go out and just do a fun girly stuff."

While that has meant eating popcorn at the cinema, the work with Lojanica has also brought benefits on the court.

"I'm much better physically at the moment, and I feel stronger on the court. So that puts me in better position to hit the ball, which then I can generate more power and hurt opponents more. So it's kind of a circle. It's all kind of connected," said Ivanovic.

"That's what I've been always saying in past few months. It was always this balance, my tennis, fitness, it was always, you know, playing catch up in some ways. But now I feel it's sort of all marrying together, and it's starting to work and click really well."

The 22-year-old from Belgrade is coached by Steffi Graf's former coach Heinz Gunthardt from Switzerland and believes she can get back to the very top of the rankings.

Ivanovic argues she is at least as good now as she was when she was the top rated player in the world.

"In some ways I am probably better, I think, because I'm being more aggressive than I was back then. I'm much more experienced than I was then," she said.

"When you're young and up and coming and you win lots of the matches, you definitely take things for granted. I definitely don't do that anymore.

"In some way I feel like I'm different player and more mature one. I think in the long run, I'm better."

Source: Web Search

Murray takes wild ride into Toronto quarters

Published>Fri, Aug 13 10 09:26 AM

Briton Andy Murray survived a rollercoaster ride into the quarter-finals of the Toronto Masters with a wild 6-2 0-6 6-3 win over Frenchman Gael Monfils on Thursday.

While the muscular Monfils was throwing his body across center court diving for shots, the fourth-seeded Murray was a pillar of calm, taking the swings in momentum in stride to move a step closer to a successful defense of his Canadian crown.

"It's fun to watch," Murray admitted to reporters. "He's very entertaining to watch, but diving on a hardcourt, unless it's a grand slam final, I don't know if it's worth the risk."

Murray's next opponent will be resurgent Argentine David Nalbandian, who is playing consistent tennis since returning from a hamstring injury that kept him out for two months.

Since returning last month in Davis Cup play, Nalbandian has been in inspired form reeling off a career best 11 straight wins, including a gritty 4-6 6-4 6-1 victory over Swede Robin Soderling earlier on Thursday.

Murray, who must reach Sunday's final to keep Soderling from claiming his number four ranking, has faced the tenacious Argentine twice before and lost both matches.

"He's very tough," said Murray. "He's a very, very good player, on his day, one of the best in the world and it's going to be tough."

Murray cannot afford any of the lapses in concentration against Nalbandian that he displayed against Monfils.

After racing to a 4-0 lead and easily taking the opening set, Murray disappeared in the second and let his French opponent back into the match.

But just as quickly as Murray unraveled in the second he was able to pull it back together in the third.

"You just move on from it," said Murray when asked about his second set disappearing act. "It's not something you sort of dwell on.

"That's the thing with tennis. At the end of the set, you can kind of regroup and start again and I managed to do that."

Source: Web Search

I'm no crybaby, says sobbing Watson

Published>Fri, Aug 13 10 09:16 AM

As one of the biggest hitters on the professional golf tour, Bubba Watson has rarely had to defend his manhood.

But after his emotions got the better of him and he broke down in tears at the U.S. PGA Championship on Thursday, the American jokingly pleaded his case.

"Hopefully you all don't think I'm a sissy," he told a news conference. "You know I do hit the ball a long way."

His gag drew a laugh from his audience and helped break the sombre mood after he candidly revealed the private torment he has endured in the past year.

Watson had previously revealed that his father was suffering with cancer but he said his wife, a former professional basketballer, had also had a serious health scare.

Last December, his wife was told by a doctor she had a cancerous tumour and it was not for another two months that further tests by a neurosurgeon showed the initial diagnosis was wrong.

"He said it was just an enlarged tumour, I mean an enlarged pituitary gland," Watson explained.

"It wasn't anything (unusual) for a girl six foot or taller, it's normal to have an enlarged pituitary gland.

"So the first doctor told us the wrong diagnosis, but we didn't know that at the time, so it was scary."

Watson said his father's illness and his wife's scare had heightened his emotions but had also helped him maintain a healthy perspective on golf.

He is one of the few professionals never to have had a lesson and has no intention of starting for fear it might take away some of his pure enjoyment of the game.

"I've never been tempted. The game comes natural to me. It's fun and I don't want to make it a job," he said.

"I do this because I love it. A few times over the years I've been angry and my wife has yelled at me a few times and said 'why are you angry, this is what you love to do'.

"If I get a lesson, that means it's a job and that means I think I'm not good enough anymore."

Watson, one of the few lefthanders on the tour and a player renowned for his improvisation, has found success with his unusual approach.

Earlier this year, he won his first PGA Tour title, dedicating the win to his parents. On Thursday, he charged to a share of the clubhouse lead at the U.S. PGA Championship at Whistling Straits, shooting four-under-par 68.

He was tied with Italy's Francesco Molinari, who also shot 68, and three other players who did not finish their first rounds because the start of play on the opening day was delayed by fog.

"It's a major championship, it would be an honour to win," he said.

"That's how I approach every golf tournament. I don't change the way I do anything. I still hit driver as much as I can and hopefully chip and get up and down and make putts."

Source: Web Search

Black Caps look to cross high hurdle

Published>Fri, Aug 13 10 08:48 AM

Not many critics gave New Zealand much of a chance when they arrived on these shores without their key players: skipper-inspiration Daniel Vettori and prolific keeper-batsman Brendon McCullum.

Although their massive 200 run victory over India may have helped in changing a few opinions, not everyone is a convert yet, mainly due to the lack of consistency shown by the Black Caps over the years.

New Zealand have experienced familiar highs before, only to go into a tailspin or hit a low. A case in point was their failure to not even make it to the last four at the World T20 in the West Indies, after reaching the final of the Champions Trophy in South Africa last year.

After inflicting a ruthless defeat over the Indians in Rangiri, Scott Styris ? who scored an invaluable 89 ? spoke about how the team didn't get enough respect since the likes of McCullum and Vettori were not touring with this Kiwi squad. But not many know about the preparations the young side has undergone for the series.

The harsh winter at home forced the New Zealanders to train at Darwin (in Australia), where it was hotter and more humid, to get acclimatised to the conditions in Dambulla. They played tour games against a Sri Lankan Board President's XI and a Sri Lanka A side, winning both of them.

The win also enabled New Zealand to go one point ahead of India to No. 2, their best ranking since January 2005. The fighting spirit and the ruthlessness was visible when Taylor and Styris added a record 190-run partnership after the side was reduced to 28 for three. The pacemen then used the spongy bounce the wicket provided to skittle out India for just 88.

Styris, Nathan McCullum and skipper Taylor all speak in one voice while reflecting on the desire to be the best side in the world. But for that to happen, consistency will remain the key.

Incidentally, Sri Lanka can take the No. 2 position if they win all their group matches, while New Zealand need to win against Sri Lanka to retain the spot. In that context, Friday's game will provide New Zealand with the opportunity to prove that their form doesn't always oscillate between brilliant and ordinary.

Sri Lanka, like India, will have a few weary players in their ranks after the three-Test series. Lasith Malinga, the unorthodox fast bowler, will be one of them. He didn't bowl as much as he would have liked on the final day of the third Test. All-rounder Jacob Oram is suffering from a stiff hamstring and the New Zealanders are hoping he is fit on match day.

If Malinga and Ajantha Mendis play, it will be a different challenge. "They are unique bowlers in their own right. We'll watch them hard, you have to respect them. A few of us have never faced them so it will be a big challenge," Taylor said.

The New Zealand medium-pacers may not get as much help from the wicket with a layer of grass shaved off. Taylor said the side was not getting carried away with their big win. "Take away the 200-run margin. We were just happy with the victory. We had trained hard leading into the tri-series. It was nice when you put the hard work in and get the results. We don't want to get too carried away."

Source: Web Search

'Collective responsibility of Kalmadi-led executive board cannot be ignored'

Published>Thu, Aug 12 10 08:23 PM

New Delhi, Aug.12 (ANI): Director General of Commonwealth Games Organising Committee (CGOC) V K Verma contended on Thursday that the collective responsibilities of the Suresh Kalmadi-led Executive Board could not be brushed aside.

"All the major decisions have been taken by the Executive Board, of which Mr Kalmadi is the Chairman, not single handedly by Mr Kalmadi. All the major contracts whether its Max, Maxxam, SMAM (Sports Marketing and Management) or whatever, they have all gone through the Executive Board and not by Kalmadi," said V K Verma.

He further blamed two suspended top functionaries, Joint Director General T S Darbari and Deputy Director General Sanjay Mohindroo for the entire alleged money trail during the Queen's Baton Relay launch in London.

Meanwhile, Lalit Bhanot, Secretary General of Commonwealth Games Organising Committee said that the task has been given to the company Fast Track after terminating the Melbourne-based Sports Marketing and Management (SMAM).

He noted SMAM had not kept up the obligation and above all Fast Track was more experienced and competent.

"As far as the CAG (Comptroller and Auditor General of India) report is concerned, they have raised the issue of SMAM, we have terminated it because they had failed to achieve the targets. And the other thing they are saying is that we have lost revenue, because we never gave it to SMAM who gave the offer of 12.5 percent, whereas the Fast Track gave up to 15 percent," said Lalit Bhanot, Secretary General, Commonwealth Games Organising Committee.

"Let me tell you that Fast Track is a well-known company in this field. So we have to ensure that the company which has the experience of doing it at Melbourne and other Commonwealth Games and they are specialised in this, so I think it was very wise step," he added.

Bhanot further added that the company Fast Track had actually doubled their profits.

The CAG (Comptroller and Auditor General of India) in a report projecting a loss of 24.6 million rupees said that while choosing the consultant for the broadcasting rights for upcoming Commonwealth Games, Fast Track Sales Ltd, there was no technical evaluation of the bidders.

The Central Vigilance Commission had alleged irregularities in several Commonwealth Games related-works being carried out by civic and construction agencies.

India is expecting about two million tourists in New Delhi for the Games, as well as about 10,000 athletes from 71 teams representing 54 Commonwealth member states which will be held from October 3 to 14 in New Delhi.

The 12-day extravaganza will be India's and Delhi's biggest sporting event since the 1982 Asian Games. (ANI)

Source: Web Search

Fog delays start of PGA Championship at Whistling Straits

Published>Thu, Aug 12 10 07:57 PM

Thick fog delayed the start of the 92nd U.S. PGA Championship at Whistling Straits on Thursday with conditions expected to remain overcast for the rest of the day.

Americans Bo Van Pelt, Scott Hebert and Vaughn Taylor were scheduled to tee off from the par-four first at 0700 local (1200 GMT) but that time was likely to be pushed back by at least an hour.

"Once the fog has lifted and it is clear to play, the first starting time will be 30 minutes following that time," officials said.

Four-times champion Tiger Woods, who has failed to win this season in eight appearances on the PGA Tour, had been set to start from the 10th hole at 0820 (1320).

The American, hunting his 15th major title but first since the 2008 U.S. Open, has been grouped with holder Yang Yong-eun and 2004 champion Vijay Singh of Fiji for the first two rounds.

South Korean Yang became Asia's first male major winner at Hazeltine National last year after spectacularly overhauling Woods in the final round to claim the title by three shots.

U.S. Masters champion Phil Mickelson had been scheduled to tee off from the first at 1335 (1835) with Britain's U.S. Open winner Graeme McDowell and British Open champion Louis Oosthuizen of South Africa.

In other high-profile groupings, 2008 champion Padraig Harrington of Ireland has been drawn with former winners Davis Love III and John Daly while American world number four Steve Stricker will play with Australian Adam Scott and Northern Ireland's Rory McIlroy.

The PGA Championship has, in recent years, enjoyed the strongest field of the four majors and 97 of the world's top 100 players are chasing the season's final grand slam title this week.

Source: Web Search

Oram a doubtful starter tomorrow: Taylor

Thu, Aug 12 10 07:47 PM

Dambulla (SL), Aug 12 (PTI) New Zealand all-rounder Jacob Oram has developed a tight hamstring and will be a doubtful starter for tomorrow''s ODI tri-series match against Sri Lanka, Black Caps skipper Ross Taylor said here today. "We have a little bit of a niggle with Jacob Oram, just a tight hamstring. Hopefully he can recover well tonight, we''ll see how he goes tomorrow," Taylor told reporters. "He''s an outstanding bowler for us, top 10 in the one-day rankings, if we were to lose him, it will be a huge loss but it will be an opportunity for whoever comes in," he added. Another important player of the team, B J Watling was ruled out of New Zealand''s record 200-run win over India due to a stomach bug and skipper Taylor is hopeful that the opener will be able to make his ODI debut tomorrow. "BJ (Watling) is not quite 100 per cent. When you being struck down for a couple of days, you are going to be a bit off the weather, another night''s sleep tonight, hopefully he wakes up feeling better than he did today," Taylor said. Speaking about their spectacular win over India, Taylor said fatigue could be a reason behind India''s 200-run defeat as they had little time to rest after the gruelling three-Test series against Sri Lanka. "I''m sure a lot of their players who played in the Test series will be a little bit tired. They have played three-Test series over three and a half weeks or so is tough," he said. "The same goes for Sri Lanka, they have had 2-3 day extra rest than the Indians, they might be a little more refreshed, it''s still pretty hot and we''re still getting used to it as well," he added. Taylor also refused to get carried away by their mammoth win over India and said they will have to put in their best effort again tomorrow to beat the hosts. "I don''t want to get carried away, it was one victory and the team played well, Sri Lanka are difficult in their home conditions and we have to come out with the same attitude and the same intent in the next game," Taylor said. Asked about Sri Lanka''s strike bowlers Lasith Malinga and Ajantha Mendis, Taylor said it would be a big challenge to face them for his young team. "They are unique bowlers in their own right. We''ll watch them hard, you have to respect them but at the same time you have to play the ball on its merits. Few of them have never faced them so it will be a big challenge," he said. Taylor also heaped praise on Roger Mortimer, who has recently been roped in as the performance director of New Zealand Cricket. "Roger Mortimer has come in with a big sporting background, he has worked a lot with athletes in New Zealand who have gone on to win Olympic gold medals. We have Roger who looks after some of the cricketing stuff and he''s been really good. I''m sure a lot of the success we''ve had in recent times will have to be put down to Roger," he said.

Source: Published>

IHF and IWHF form joint body, to hold election in October

Published>Thu, Aug 12 10 07:27 PM

New Delhi, Aug 12 (IANS) K.P.S Gill-led Indian Hockey Federation (IHF) and Indian Women's Hockey Federation (IWHF) Thursday 'unanimously' resolved to merge, a move that will strengthen their claims to be the sole body for running the sport in the country.

The IHF and IWHF held their general body meetings and initiated the merger process by passing resolutions approving the merger. The merger will be formalised at the next meeting Sep. 9, making necessary amendments to then IHF constitution.

The sports ministry, which de-recognised Hockey India (HI) and re-recognised IHF, sent its observer for the meeting. The International Hockey Federation (FIH) has disapproved the ministry's decision to de-recognise HI, which held its election Aug 5.

Many members who were present during the HI election Aug 5 were part of the meeting.

IHF president Gill said they will hold the election in October.

'The Special General Meeting was preceded by the executive committee meetings of the two federations. You can see some of the members whom you may have missed seeing in the hockey circles in the last couple of years,' Gill told reporters.

'The main decision was to merge IWHF with IHF. IHF accepted the resolution passed by IWHF for the merger. To formalise the merger the IHF has to make certain amendments to its constitution. Once the amendments are carried out at the Sep 9 meeting, we can go ahead with the election by the first week of October.

'We have to give 21 day notice under the societies act and then amend the constitution.'

Gill said till the time the election take place, the executive boards will jointly function and manage the affairs.

IWHF secretary general Amrit Bose said it it was a fruitful meeting.

'Now that the two general houses approved the merger, the IHF will run both the men's and women's hockey. Of the 33 IWHF units, 30 attended the meeting. IHF has 45 units and majority were present in the meeting.

'In the new executive board the ratio of men and women officials will be 60:40. The ratio is decided on the strength of the men and women.'

Asked whether former player and Hockey Punjab general secretary Pargat Singh, who lost the HI election, is with IHF, Bose said: 'He is with us. He met Gill yesterday and was scheduled to attend today's meeting, but could not make it because of preoccupation. We will also involve the former players in the elected federation. We will bring about an amendment to this effect.

Asked as to who would select the national team for international assignments like the Women's World Cup and Commonwealth Games till the election, Bose said: 'The national team selected does not represent the IHF or HI, it represents India. HI in any case has declared itself a private body, it is a club.

The ministry has already written to the FIH that the Indian Olympic Association or the sports ministry should be allowed to select the team till an elected IHF is in place.

Source: Web Search

Sports psychologist says Woods going through emotional let down

Published>Thu, Aug 12 10 07:07 PM

Haven (Wisconsin, US), Aug.12 (ANI): A sports psychologist has said Tiger Woods is experiencing an "emotional letdown" that may take months of recovery.

"Tiger has always said when he's inside the ropes he can block out everything outside the ropes. But I think what we're seeing now is the emotional stress that he's under...the imminent divorce and with the kids' separation...I think it's taking a huge toll," the New York Daily News quoted Steinberg, as saying.

According to the sports psychologist, death of a loved one is the No. 1 stress anyone can endure, followed by divorce.

"I think what's going on is he's under this immense stress and he doesn't appreciate it," Steinberg said.

"The biggest thing to buffer stress is a support system, and his support system has broken down. Basically he's emotionally crumbling. He's imploding and that's what we're seeing on the golf course."

During his press conference on Tuesday, Woods acknowledged the difference between the period after the death of his father Earl in 2006 and the domestic turmoil brought on by his widespread infidelity.

"Off the golf course, it's been a lot more difficult. A lot of things have gone on, but in both instances it's about attaining balance and finding equilibrium, and that's certainly something that I've been trying to do," Woods was quoted, as saying.

Steinberg also feels that Woods was prepared for the death of his father, who was ill for some time but that he was blind-sided by the scandal. (ANI)

Source: Web Search

Capello stumbles on but patience is wearing thin

Published>Thu, Aug 12 10 06:57 PM

Two sublime Steven Gerrard goals silenced the Wembley boo boys on Wednesday and averted another humiliation for England coach Fabio Capello but the impression remains the Italian is now damaged goods.

Before the World Cup in June, Capello's stock had never been higher. Now he is in danger of becoming a laughing stock.

While the performance of several young guns and Gerrard's inspirational display in a 2-1 victory over a limited Hungary side lifted the mood after England's limp World Cup performance, there was a distinct lack of goodwill towards the coach.

In the space of a few months the experienced Italian has stumbled from one mishap to another -- stripping away the veneer of authority he once exerted over the players and Britain's tenacious football writers.

His casual announcement on Wednesday that David Beckham no longer has any use to the England squad brought stinging media criticism.

Not so much because of the logic of his decision but the fact the former skipper and England's most-capped outfield player had not been contacted before a recorded interview was aired.

It was no way to treat one of the country's greatest servants and a true ambassador for English football, and underlined the view Capello is out of touch with the nation he represents.

His perfunctory treatment of Beckham was just the latest gaffe by Capello, whose rudimentary grasp of the English language often leaves reporters scratching their heads.

When he named his squad for the Hungary friendly it included goalkeeper Paul Robinson and defender Wes Brown, both of whom immediately retired from international football.

With David James and Robert Green, his World Cup choices, already omitted Capello was left to pluck two unheralded goalkeepers from obscurity.

Before the World Cup in South Africa he attempted unsuccessfully to lure Paul Scholes out of international retirement and continued playing Emile Heskey up front despite the striker failing to get a starting place at Aston Villa.

CAPELLO INDEX

His ill-fated involvement with the Capello Index, an online player rating system for the World Cup which he later tried to distance himself from, also smacked of naivety for a coach of his experience.

In some ways Capello cannot win.

Earlier in his reign as England manager he was accused of having an angry demeanour in the technical area and of treating the players like children.

His lack of inter-action with the squad was blamed by some for the fear factor that sucked the belief out of some of the country's best players in South Africa.

On Wednesday Capello injected some young players and even changed his 4-4-2 system for a more fluid set-up but sat expressionless for most of the 90 minutes.

He did not even raise a smile when Gerrard produced two superb second-half goals despite the passionate celebrations of the Liverpool player.

At the World Cup Capello seemed at a loss to explain the poor form of his players while there were murmurings of dissent from former captain John Terry, Joe Cole and James and much talk of boredom and disharmony in the camp.

For a coach with a dazzling CV in club football his tactics have also been called into question, from his unimaginative like-for-like substitutions to his inability to release the shackles from the likes of Gerrard and Wayne Rooney.

There was a glimpse of new shoots of recovery on Wednesday as Capello began the task of preparing England for the Euro 2012 qualification process but he no longer seems to enjoy the support of the media.

When that happens the end is not usually too far away as the likes of Glenn Hoddle, Steve McClaren and Sven-Goran Eriksson will testify.

England face Bulgaria in their first Euro 2012 qualifier on Sept. 3 at Wembley when Capello can ill afford any more slip-ups, on or off the field.

Source: Web Search

Fog delays start of PGA Championship at Whistling Straits

Published>Thu, Aug 12 10 06:47 PM

Thick fog delayed the start of the 92nd U.S. PGA Championship at Whistling Straits on Thursday with conditions expected to remain overcast for the rest of the day.

Americans Bo Van Pelt, Scott Hebert and Vaughn Taylor were scheduled to tee off from the par-four first at 0700 local (1200 GMT) but that time was likely to be pushed back by at least an hour.

"Once the fog has lifted and it is clear to play, the first starting time will be 30 minutes following that time," officials said.

Four-times champion Tiger Woods, who has failed to win this season in eight appearances on the PGA Tour, had been set to start from the 10th hole at 0820 (1320).

The American, hunting his 15th major title but first since the 2008 U.S. Open, has been grouped with holder Yang Yong-eun and 2004 champion Vijay Singh of Fiji for the first two rounds.

South Korean Yang became Asia's first male major winner at Hazeltine National last year after spectacularly overhauling Woods in the final round to claim the title by three shots.

U.S. Masters champion Phil Mickelson had been scheduled to tee off from the first at 1335 (1835) with Britain's U.S. Open winner Graeme McDowell and British Open champion Louis Oosthuizen of South Africa.

In other high-profile groupings, 2008 champion Padraig Harrington of Ireland has been drawn with former winners Davis Love III and John Daly while American world number four Steve Stricker will play with Australian Adam Scott and Northern Ireland's Rory McIlroy.

The PGA Championship has, in recent years, enjoyed the strongest field of the four majors and 97 of the world's top 100 players are chasing the season's final grand slam title this week.

Source: Web Search

Sharmila wins title for second week running

Published>Thu, Aug 12 10 06:27 PM

Bangalore, Aug 12 (IANS) Sharmila Nicollet stamped her authority for the second week in a row as she annexed the Hero Honda KGA Women's Golf title here Thursday.

The local girl, who won the title by 14 shots last week was 13 shots clear this week as she took a clear lead in the Order of Merit race on the Hero Honda Women's Professional Golf Tour.

Sharmila was for the first time this week matched by someone, as her card of 74 was the same as Saaniya Sharma, who was second. Sharmila ended the three-round event at three-over 239, while Saaniya was 16-over 232.

Rani Sonti, another local and a teaching professional, was third at 18-over 234 with a final round of 75. Nalini Singh Siwach (77) was fourth at 19-over 236.

Talking of her play on the final day, winner, Sharmila said, 'Putting let me down today, I played with no pressure but I was a bit too aggressive. The greens were very tricky, fast and challenging. It's nice to win second time at my hometown.'

Nikita Arjun was the top amateur. She tied for overall sixth.

'Today's game taught me about the need to be mentally tough. I had a good round except for 1 hole. Overall, it has been a good experience playing along with the pros and learning from them certain nuances of the game,' Nikita said.

The third leg of the Tour will be held at ITC, Gurgaon from Sep 14.

Source: Web Search

Touring Pakistan team likely to undergo changes in England

Thu, Aug 12 10 05:51 PM

Karachi, Aug 12 (PTI) The touring Pakistan squad may undergo some big changes during the remaining part of their tour as pressure grows on PCB, national selectors and team management for the string of defeats in England. Chief selector Mohsin Khan told PTI that he would be meeting PCB chief Ejaz Butt in the next two days in which future strategies for the team would be discussed. "It will be an important meeting as we have to discuss the future tours of the Pakistan team as well as the performances on the ongoing tour of England," Mohsin told PTI. Pakistan team has a packed international calendar until 2011 World Cup with a Test and one-day series scheduled against South Africa in the UAE shortly after the conclusion of the England tour and then a full tour to New Zealand in the winter. Mohsin said the selectors had got a good chance to closely assess the performances of new and senior players in the tests held so far in England. "The Chairman has given us full support so far in selection matters so I want to discuss the future plans with him for his approval," Mohsin added. Sources aware of the developments told PTI that the chief selector and other selectors were not happy with the way the team management including the tour selectors had managed things so far in England. "The selectors are surprised at the decision to neither play Yasir Hameed in the four Tests so far despite the frequent batting collapses as well as the decision to not push Muhammad Yousuf to play the second Test against England although his presence was requested on urgent basis to bolster the batting line up," one source said. The source said that the selectors also wanted to get a clear policy from the board on the future of former captain, Younus Khan. "They are keen to get Younus back into the team but now want the board to be clear about it as well. So far the board has not given any rational reason for keeping Younus out of the team after having now also invited Yousuf to join the team," he said. Another source said that the chief selector would discuss with the PCB Chairman the possibility of bolstering the team in England as well as the composition of the side for the one-day series that follows in September. "There is also the matter of the board announcing the appointment of a new selector in place of Salim Jaffer whose contract was not renewed by the board after it expired on July 31st," the source added.

Source: Published>

Andy Murray's girlfriend Kim Sears 'pays her own bill on dates'

Published>Thu, Aug 12 10 05:47 PM

London, Aug 12 (ANI): Tennis ace Andy Murray's girlfriend Kim Sears is one girl of principles- she insists on paying her own way on their dates.

She's been working for 8 pound an hour at a Brighton clothes shop since finishing her degree.

"Kim always pays her share when they eat out," the Sun quoted a source as saying.

Kim, who quit her job to pursue a career in the arts, split with Andy last November citing his obsession with games consoles.

The pair rekindled their love in time for Wimbledon, and Kim cheered Andy to the semi-finals where he lost to Rafa Nadal. (ANI)

Source: Web Search

Somdev enters, exits Toronto Masters

Thu, Aug 12 10 05:37 PM

Toronto, Aug 12 (PTI) Mahesh Bhupathi is the lone Indian survivor at the ATP Rogers Cup as Somdev Devvarman, Leander Paes and Rohan Bopanna crashed out of the Masters Series event following defeats in their respective draws. Somdev entered the singles event as a lucky loser after Fernando Gonzalez pulled out but lost his first round to world number 18 Gael Monfils 6-7 (7) 3-6 after a gallant fight. Third seeded Paes and Czech Lukas Dlouhy, who had got a bye in the first round, lost 1-6 6-7 (6) to French pair of Julien Benneteau and Michael Llodra. Bopanna and his American partner Eric Butorac lost their first round 6-3 3-6 5-10 to Frantisek Cermak of Czech republic and Michal Mertinak of Slovakia. Bhupathi and his Belarusian partner Max Mirnyi, seeded fourth, are into the second round after getting a bye.

Source: Published>

Andy Murray's girlfriend Kim Sears 'pays her own bill on dates'

Published>Thu, Aug 12 10 05:23 PM

London, Aug 12 (ANI): Tennis ace Andy Murray's girlfriend Kim Sears is one girl of principles- she insists on paying her own way on their dates.

She's been working for 8 pound an hour at a Brighton clothes shop since finishing her degree.

"Kim always pays her share when they eat out," the Sun quoted a source as saying.

Kim, who quit her job to pursue a career in the arts, split with Andy last November citing his obsession with games consoles.

The pair rekindled their love in time for Wimbledon, and Kim cheered Andy to the semi-finals where he lost to Rafa Nadal. (ANI)

Source: Web Search

Tiger Woods' 'mistress' to perform during PGA Tournament

Published>Thu, Aug 12 10 05:17 PM

Milwaukee, August 12 (ANI): Tiger Woods' alleged mistress Joslyn James is all set to perform here during PGA Tournament.

James, a former porn star and stripper, is performing at Silk Gentlemen's Club.

James calls herself "the 11th hole," referring to herself as the 11th of Wood's alleged lovers to go public.

She claims she is not following Woods around the country, but that clubs keep booking her when he is in town.

"They kind of have either a golf situation or he's competing at a tournament nearby," Wisn.com quoted James as saying.

James said that she would be performing her signature routine while in Milwaukee, wearing a green jacket symbolizing the Masters tournament, which Woods has won four times.

"I think it's my funnest show because it kind of sets me free and kind of lets me let go of him and move on like I have."

James said her affair with Woods lasted three years and resulted in two pregnancies, a miscarriage and an abortion. She said they were in love.

"Some of the other girls said they were paid to be with him or they were allowed to have other boyfriends or whatever. Tiger wasn't having any of that with me. I stopped doing adult films. I didn't see anybody else but him."

James claimed their love affair ended when the scandal broke. She's not surprised Woods is golfing poorly.

"It's called karma," James added.

James' show opens at Silk and runs through the end of the PGA tournament on Sunday.

The PGA did not return a request for comment from Tiger Woods. (ANI)

Source: Web Search

Blanc sees bright side of losing debut for France

Published>Thu, Aug 12 10 02:57 PM

Laurent Blanc has only just started the rebuilding process for a France side suffering the effects of a dismal World Cup campaign, yet the former defender saw plenty of cause for optimism despite losing his first game in charge.

Fielding an experimental line-up featuring not one member of the squad that failed to reach the second round in South Africa, France looked nervy in defence in Wednesday's 2-1 friendly defeat to Norway but showed plenty of enthusiasm and lively movement.

"We had a lot of things to do and little time to do it," said Blanc, who has taken over the coaching duties from the controversial Raymond Domenech with a mission to restore the 1998 World Cup winner's pride and reputation.

"We needed to put into place a playing system and a new philosophy and we needed to be competitive," said the former Bordeaux coach, who took plenty of risks by fielding six uncapped players in his starting line-up. "We nearly made it."

Some of the players who boycotted a World Cup training session in June after striker Nicolas Anelka was sent home for insulting Domenech should be back for Euro 2012 qualifiers against Belarus and Bosnia early next month.

Wednesday's match, however, proved relevant for several players who could well feature in Blanc's future plans, notably playmaker Samir Nasri and midfielder Hatem Ben Arfa, who capped a skillful display with a great goal.

"What I can tell you is some of the players you saw tonight will play on September 3 (against Belarus)," said Blanc, who also witnessed convincing performances from central defender Philippe Mexes, his new captain, and young midfielder Yann Mvila.

COSTLY MISTAKES

France, who made several costly mistakes in defence, looked naive at times and were clumsy in front of goal, have a long way to go to recapture their place among the world's elite.

But there is room for hope for their fans, notably because the internal squabbling and scandals that were all too evident in the Domenech era seem to have disappeared already.

"It was a different spirit, a different mentality," said Mexes, who had a difficult relationship with Domenech and was rarely picked. "We hardly knew each other and after three days, we had the impression that we had been together for two weeks."

The biggest difference from the Domenech days, Mexes said, was a more open atmosphere with permanent discussion.

"There is more dialogue with the coach, with the staff, with everybody," he said. "Everybody is talking."

Mexes did not enjoy the result but realised there was not much to play for against Norway other than needing to start a new adventure and get rid of a miserable atmosphere that had marred the team for years.

"We had lots of fun," he said. "I'm both disappointed (by the result) and very happy."

Source: Web Search

Top three from World Cup held to draw

Published>Thu, Aug 12 10 02:37 PM

Berlin, Aug 12 (DPA) The top three World Cup finishers were all held to draws in friendly international football matches played Wednesday.

David Villa scored an equaliser for world champions Spain two minutes into injury time to level Javier Hernandez's first half lead for Mexico in Mexico City.

Villa, who has just joined Barcelona, spared Vicente Del Bosque's side a first defeat in a friendly since November 2006.

Runners up Netherlands, meanwhile, were held in Ukraine, while Germany drew 2-2 in Denmark.

Only Uruguay, who finished fourth in South Africa, managed to win, when they beat Angola 2-0 in Lisbon through goals from Edinson Cavani and Italian-based Abel Hernandez.

Argentina, who were knocked out at the quarter-final stage at the World Cup won 1-0 in Ireland, while Sweden beat Scotland 3-0. England, who also did not live up to expectations at the finals in South Africa beat Hungary 2-1.

In the Wembley Stadium captain Steven Gerrard struck twice as the hosts came from behind to win.

Looking for a morale-boosting win after a miserable World Cup campaign, England fell behind to a Phil Jagielka own goal in the second half, before Gerrard turned the game with two goals in the space of four minutes.

New French coach Laurent Blanc did not get the start he was hoping for as the Les Bleus, which in effect was a reserve side as Blanc did not pick any of the 23 players from the disastrous World Cup campaign, lost 2-1 in Norway.

Hatem Ben Arfa gave the French side the lead in Oslo three minutes after the restart, but Erik Huseklepp levelled matters just three minutes later.

The Brann striker added to France's misery in the 71st minute with the winner.

In Dublin, Angel Di Maria scored a controversial winner for Argentina in the 20th minute as interim coach Sergio Batista saw his side hold on to hard-earned win.

The Real Madrid winger looked offside as he lobbed over Shay Given after being fed by Gonzalo Higuain, but the referee allowed the goal to stand.

For their match against the Ukraine, Dutch coach Bert van Marwijk called up just one player from his World Cup squad, but saw his side take the lead in the 72nd minute after a long-range effort from Theo Janssen crashed against the bar. The rebound came to midfielder Jeremain Lens who made no mistake.

Their lead lasted just two minutes though as Alexander Aliev equalised with a well-taken free-kick.

In Stockholm Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who was returning to the Swedish side after changing his mind about retiring, gave the hosts an ideal start with a fourth minute goal.

Emir Bajrami added a second six minutes from the break with a lob over the Scottish goalkeeper and Ola Toivonen scored with a header in the 56th minute.

Sweden could have scored even more goals, but goalkeeper Alan McGregor, who came back into the side after a 16-month lay-off for a disciplinary infringement, pulled off a number of good saves to deny the hosts.

In Copenhagen, Denmark came from two goals down to draw 2-2 with Germany.

Goals by Mario Gomez and Patrick Helmes gave Germany a two-goal lead, but Dennis Rommedahl, who was earning his 100th cap and Mads Junker equalized for the home side.

Euro 2012 co-hosts Poland were stunned 3-0 at home by Cameroon, who disappointed at the World Cup finals in South Africa and are currently without a coach.

Inter Milan striker Samuel Eto'o scored in the 30th and 52nd minute, with Vincent Aboubakar scoring his side's third five minutes from the end to give the West Africans a good win.

In other matches Russia beat Bulgaria 1-0, while Lithuania lost 2- 0 at home to Belarus. Iran scored a 3-1 victory in Armenia and Finland beat Belgium 1-0.

The Czech Republic enjoyed a high-scoring 4-1 victory against Latvia, while Wales also ran in the goals in their 5-1 victory against Luxembourg.

Turkey beat Romania 2-0, while Switzerland and Greece both won 1-0 away, with the Swiss beating Austria, while Greece won in Serbia.

Source: Web Search

Federer tells Murray that time without coach could be beneficial

Published>Thu, Aug 12 10 02:07 PM

London, Aug.12 (ANI): Grand Slam champion Roger Federer has reportedly told British tennis star Andy Murray that not having a coach could be positively beneficial.

Murray has been without a coach for almost three weeks, since parting company with Miles Maclagan.

Federer, who won his 210th Masters match on Tuesday by beating Juan Ignacio Chela 7-6, 6-3, has only just started a new coaching relationship with Paul Annacone, the former mentor to both Pete Sampras and Tim Henman.

Federer says he spent a long without a coach at his side that he now feels confident enough to try something different and experiment a little.

"I became No.1 in the world having no coach, really. I went through a period of time, which was very interesting almost at the peak. I didn't have a management company, nor did I have a coach. I thought that was a great learning experience for me and that's why I think I'm super stable today, regardless if I do have all the stuff around me," the Daily Express quoted him, as saying.

"Today, I like it that I have that power to take decisions on a tennis court and also off court and that's something I'm very happy I went through," he added.

"That's why, it's just a learning process in the beginning and you have to feel with what you're comfortable with. And sometimes smaller is bigger and sometimes bigger is better. It depends on how you feel and where you are in your career and your stage of your life," Federer said. (ANI)

Source: Web Search

'Saeed Ajmal can be a match-winner with little variation,' says ex-Pak spinner

Published>Thu, Aug 12 10 01:57 PM

Karachi, Aug 12(ANI): Former Pakistan cricketer Tauseef Ahmed reckons that off-spinner Saeed Ajmal has the capability to become a match-winner if he works on certain aspects of his game.

Tauseef said that Ajmal would be a better bowler if he masters the art of spinning the ball regularly into the right-handers.

"At the moment Saeed relies heavily on doosra, but if he could be more dangerous if he begins working on using the index and middle fingers to impart spin on the ball from outside the off-stump," The Dawn quoted Ahmed, as saying.

"Presently, Saeed uses his third finger to bowl off-spin which itself is a remarkable thing because generally one doesn't bowl in this manner. But there is always room for improvement, and I'm sure Saeed will work harder to achieve that," he added.

He even rated Ajmal as a better bowler than England off-spinner Graeme Swann, who took a career-best 6-65 in Pakistan's second innings of the Edgbaston Test.

"Comparatively speaking, I regard Saeed a better bowler than Swann because he bowls the 'doosra' which is a potentially a wicket-taking ball. However, Swann has a great loop that enables him to become more effective and his track record proves that," he said.

In his six Test matches, the 32-year-old has claimed 27 wickets at an average of 42.28. (ANI)

Source: Web Search

Golfer Montgomerie wins gagging order against tabloid story on private life

Published>Thu, Aug 12 10 01:53 PM

London, Aug.12 (ANI): Golfer Colin Montgomerie has become the latest sportsman to prevent the publication of a story about his private life.

The 47-year-old approached the High Court to stop a national newspaper from publishing a report about him causing hurt to his wife of two years Gaynor Knowles by seeing an ex-girlfriend.

According to The Telegraph, Mr. Justice Eady granted the injunction relating to Montgomerie last month, preventing a tabloid newspaper from publishing the story.

The matter was subsequently resolved out of court and there is no suggestion of any truth in the allegations.

Montgomerie, who is Europe's captain for the Ryder Cup in Wales in October, was at a press conference with his American counterpart in Wisconsin on Wednesday.

"I know a lot of you are having a lot of fun right now at my expense. I apologise for this, that you have to bring this up, but at the same time no further comments from myself on that matter," he was quoted, as saying.

He added: "I'm here to talk about the Ryder Cup. So please, no further questions on anything regarding my private life. By definition, that is private." (ANI)

Source: Web Search

IPL muscles flexing leaves White open to disclosing Victorian mates drawbacks

Published>Thu, Aug 12 10 01:47 PM

Sydney, Aug.12 (ANI): Australian all-rounder Cameron White is facing a major dilemma of sorts when he takes part in next month's Champions League in South Africa as a member of the Bangalore Royal Challengers squad, which is owned by liquor baron Vijay Mallya.

Widely regarded as Australia's best Twenty20 player, White may be forced to reveal key secrets and drawbacks of his first class side Victoria when both face each other in the competition.

A clause gives Indian Premier League (IPL) teams first rights to players for the Champions League, and this benefits the powerful Indian franchise owners.

White, who captains Victoria during the Australian domestic season, is therefore, in a difficult position of not knowing how many Victorian secrets he would need to divulge when representing Royal Challengers Bangalore.

The Sydney Morning Herald quoted Cricket Victoria CEO Tony Dodemaide, as saying there would be a discussion to remove it when Cricket Australia's memorandum of understanding for next season's contracts came up.

Asked if he expected White to dish up secrets of the highly successful Victorian Twenty20 system and weaknesses of his team mates to Bangalore, Dodemaide told SMH: "I would expect him to do what is required, but I think his heart and soul is with Victoria."

Victoria is not scheduled to play Bangalore in the group matches of the tournament, to be held in South Africa from September 10, but could square up in the finals - the winner's purse is three million American dollars.

Victoria has received 200,000 dollars from Bangalore for White, but Dodemaide said: "We would have loved to have Cameron. We are disappointed, as is Cameron. He has been our leader for some years, and will continue to be our leader for years to come." (ANI)

Source: Web Search

Pakistan decides against flying in replacement for injured Gul

Published>Thu, Aug 12 10 01:23 PM

Karachi, Aug 12(ANI): The Pakistan team has decided against calling up a replacement bowler for fast bowler Umar Gul who pulled out of the Test series against England due to a hamstring injury.

Pakistan is currently 2-0 down in the four-match series, but team manager Yawar Saeed insisted that there would be no replacement for the injured fast bowler.

"We have two back up pace bowlers Tanvir Ahmed and Wahab Riaz in the touring squad and either one of them can replace Gul for the remaining Tests," The Daily Times quoted Saeed, as saying.

He stressed that Ahmed and Riaz have been with the team since the start of the tour, and were ready to replace Gul whenever required.

"The tour selectors will decide who will play, but for now we are not asking for a replacement as Gul is also due to have another scan on August 18," he added.

Gul picked up the injury when running in to bowl during the second Test at Edgbaston, and was withdrawn from action to undergo a scan.

He will sit out the third Test at The Oval, starting August 18, and the fourth and final Test at Lord's. (ANI)

Source: Web Search

Impossible for PCB working under Butt to restore international matches: Mani

Published>Thu, Aug 12 10 01:07 PM

Islamabad, Aug 12(ANI): Former International Cricket Council (ICC) President Ehsan Mani has said that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) would not be able to restore international matches in the country under the chairmanship of Ijaz Butt.

"There's a possibility of an international XI touring Pakistan within one year, but it's impossible for the present board working under Ijaz to fully revive international cricket in Pakistan," The Daily Times quoted Mani, as saying.

Leading cricket teams have refused to visit Pakistan following the 2009 attack on the Sri Lanka national cricket team in Lahore, which killed eight people, as well as injuring seven Sri Lankan players and their assistant coach.

Mani further said that nothing could be done until the PCB submits a report on the Lahore attack to the International Cricket Council (ICC).

"Until this report is handed over to the ICC, revival of international cricket in Pakistan is impossible," he added.

He also stressed that the PCB officials should be accountable and provide complete independence to run the affairs.

"If the board is run like it is nowadays, it will affect the team's performance. There is lot of confusion in the decision making of the PCB which is also damaging country's image," Mani said.

Earlier, PCB spokesman Nadeem Sarwar had said that the board has sought the government's approval to forward the high-level review over the terror attack to the ICC.

A panel of Lahore High Court judges have compiled the report.

"It was a judicial inquiry and we require permission from the government to dispatch the report to ICC," Sarwar had said.

In the last two years, Pakistan 'home' games have also been staged in the United Arab Emirates and New Zealand.

Pakistan, which was due to co-host the 2011 World Cup, was also stripped of its matches following the attack on the Sri Lankan team.

Pakistan was supposed to hold 14 matches, including one semi-final. Eight of Pakistan's matches have been awarded to India, four to Sri Lanka and two to Bangladesh. (ANI)

Source: Web Search

Abbey Clancy 'to forgive fiance Peter Crouch'

Published>Thu, Aug 12 10 12:53 PM

London, August (ANI): Abbey Clancy will forgive fiance Peter Crouch following a conversation with her mum, her pals have claimed.

Abbey, 24, flew to see her mother Karen in Majorca after Crouch's fling with an Algerian hooker was revealed.

Karen has been counselling her distraught daughter for 48 hours. Abbey admitted she still loves Crouch, 29 - and wants him back.

"This is a real battle between her heart and her head. Her head is saying leave him but in her heart she wants to stay with him," the Sun quoted one of her pals as saying.

"She's a very emotional person so it looks like her heart will win. If she does, he has to be the luckiest man on the planet," the pal added.

But Abbey is worried hooker Monica Mint, 19, who Crouch bedded during a stag do in Madrid last month, may have further revelations. (ANI)

Source: Web Search