Holloway keeps feet on ground after Blackpool rout

Published>Sun, Aug 15 10 01:06 AM

Blackpool manager Ian Holloway was keeping his feet firmly on the ground after watching his team launch their first top flight season for nearly 40 years in stunning fashion with a 4-0 win at Wigan Athletic on Saturday.

Even for a Victorian seaside town famous for its rollercoaster rides, few fans of the club could have dreamed of such an adrenaline rush on the opening day of the Premier League season which most observers believe will end in instant relegation for the Tangerines.

But frantic last-ditch trading secured five players this week and one of them, former West Ham United and Aston Villa frontman Marlon Harewood, scored twice in a victory that could have been even more emphatic.

"I didn't dream it would end like that," Holloway, who took the club into the top flight via a playoff victory over Cardiff City, told the BBC. "I had the opposite dream actually.

"Some of these boys only shipped up this week and I had to introduce everybody to each other. People were worried about us and what we had spent, but I don't think it's about what you spend. The boys have got fantastic spirit and we're going to need that by the end of the season.

"Things went our way today and that's absolutely terrific but we have to keep our feet on the ground because we have a long, long way to go to get enought points to stay up."

Harewood was joined at Blackpool this week by Manchester United defender Craig Cathcart and former France under-21 winger Elliot Grandin and all three made their debuts at Wigan.

"We had a disastrous summer to be honest, finding out where we are compared to everyody else," Holloway said. "Where we were last year and what we pay compared to everybody else wasn't going to give us a realistic chance if you look at it on paper."

Blackpool are away again next week, at Arsenal, when things could get a little tougher for Holloway and his players.

Source: Web Search

PM orders Delhi Games graft investigation

Published>Sun, Aug 15 10 12:56 AM

The prime minister ordered ministries on Saturday to investigate complaints of corruption and mismanagement in the preparations for October's Commonwealth Games.

The cost of the event, intended to showcase India's rising global clout in the footsteps of the Beijing Olympics, has risen more than 17.5 times over its first budget estimate and raised concerns some venues will not be ready.

The Central Vigilance Commission, the government's anti-corruption watchdog, has identified 16 projects where financial irregularities are suspected.

The main opposition Bharatiya Janata Party has seized on corruption allegations to try to tarnish the ruling Congress Party, already grappling with protests over price hikes and the prospect of a separatist uprising in Kashmir.

After meeting senior Games officials on Saturday, Manmohan Singh ordered investigations into the graft charges swirling around the Oct. 3-14 Games. His office said in a statement he would inspect some of the venues this month.

"The prime minister directed the concerned ministries to conduct thorough investigations into all the complaints that have been received of procedural and other irregularities," a statement issued by Singh's office said.

Graft is suspected in award of contracts, and in hiring or purchase of equipment such as air conditioners and treadmills and even toilet paper, Indian media have reported.

The prime minister's remarks are seen as a snub for Games organising committee chairman Suresh Kalmadi, who has distanced himself from the allegations, pointing out that construction work was being done by government agencies while the committee's role was confined to conducting the Games.

Three senior Delhi Commonwealth Games officials have already been suspended over financial irregularities.

"He (Singh) said that, in the run up to the Games, it was important to gain public confidence by instilling order and carrying out effective supervision of the preparation works," the statement said.

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Drogba fires Chelsea to crushing win over West Brom

Sun, Aug 15 10 12:36 AM

Champions Chelsea demolished West Bromwich Albion 6-0 on Saturday, shrugging off poor pre-season form to launch their Premier League campaign in style.

Didier Drogba grabbed a hat-trick and Florent Malouda scored twice as promoted West Brom, managed by former Chelsea midfielder Roberto di Matteo, were picked apart at Stamford Bridge.

Malouda put Carlo Ancelotti's side ahead after six minutes and Drogba doubled the lead with a free kick shortly before the interval.

The Ivory Coast striker grabbed his second after 55 minutes before Frank Lampard's clinical finish and another for Drogba with a deflected effort. Malouda completed the rout late on.

Chelsea have scored 21 goals in their last three home league games, having thumped Wigan Athletic 8-0 and and Stoke City 7-0 during their run-in to the title last season.

Source: Published>

Ivanovic retires hurt in Cincinnati semi-final

Sun, Aug 15 10 12:18 AM

A tearful Ana Ivanovic was forced to retire with an ankle injury early in the first set of her Cincinnati Open semi-final against Kim Clijsters on Saturday.

Ivanovic pulled up as she made a return and appeared to hurt her ankle. After receiving extensive treatment she returned to the court but was clearly in pain and was forced to retire.

Clijsters will face the winner of the all-Russian semi-final between Maria Sharapova and Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova.

Source: Published>

Woods safely makes the cut at PGA Championship

Published>Sun, Aug 15 10 12:14 AM

Tiger Woods birdied three of his last nine holes to survive the cut at the U.S. PGA Championship on Saturday and remain in contention to win the last major of the year.

Woods, one of 78 players who returned to the Whistling Straits course early to complete their second rounds, shot a two-under-par 70 to reach the halfway stage at three-under.

That left him in a tie for 21st place, five strokes behind overnight leader Matt Kuchar and four behind second-placed Nick Watney.

JB Holmes (66) and Jim Furyk (68) leapfrogged their way up the congested leaderboard into a tie for third place at six under, one clear of a group of 10 players that included Northern Ireland's Rory McIlroy and Fiji's Vijay Singh (66), a former two-time winner who was playing in the same group as Woods.

Woods has not won any tournament since returning to the game earlier this year in full media glare in the fall-out after revelations about his private life.

The American struggled for accuracy off the tee on Saturday but scrambled well to stay in the hunt.

"I'm not hitting it well here," Woods said. "(But) I'm putting well and I'm right in the ball game."

The winners of the last two majors, South Africa's British Open champion Louis Oosthuizen and Northern Ireland's U.S. Open winner Graeme McDowell, both missed the cut at one over along with last year's PGA winner, South Korean Yang Yong-eun.

More than six hours of play were lost on the first two days because of heavy morning fog but conditions were perfect on Saturday, allowing tournament officials to make up some lost time.

They announced that the third round would be played in groups of three and played off split tees to help get the tournament back on schedule for Sunday's final round.

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Happier Tiger returns to more familiar major territory

Published>Sat, Aug 14 10 11:36 PM

The fist pump was back, if a little restrained, and world number one Tiger Woods had a smile on his face after he moved ominously into contention at the U.S. PGA Championship on Saturday.

Although he bogeyed his first hole of the day after resuming the weather-delayed second round at Whistling Straits, he covered his back nine in three under for a two-under-par 70 to finish just five strokes off the halfway lead.

At his best, Woods was a master at clawing his way into major contention heading into the weekend and he will gladly accept his position after recording the worst PGA Tour finish of his career last week.

With a divorce from his Swedish wife Elin reportedly imminent, his game was in disarray at Firestone Country Club as he ended up second-last in the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational on Sunday, but Woods said his form on the greens was a big bonus.

"I'm not hitting it well here but I'm putting well and I'm right in the ball game," Woods told reporters after totalling only 25 putts in the second round, positioning himself to push on for his first major victory since the 2008 U.S. Open.

"There are some really tough pins, but there are some pretty accessible pins ... pins that you can be pretty aggressive at. You'll probably see some pretty good scores this afternoon."

BACK ON TRACK

Unlike the first two days of competition, Saturday dawned clear to give the world number one and company the best playing conditions of the week as they worked their way toward the tournament's midway point.

Woods, who has yet to win this season after his private life spectacularly unravelled at the end of last year amid revelations of marital infidelities, made a poor start when he bogeyed the par-three seventh.

Out in one-over 37, he got his round back on track with birdies at the 10th and 14th before picking up his third shot of the morning at the tricky par-three 17th where he hit a superb tee shot to seven feet.

He calmly sank the curling birdie putt and pumped his right fist in restrained celebration as the crowd packed around the green roared their approval.

Woods found trouble off the tee at the par-four 18th but, from an awkward stance in a bunker, he shaped a five-wood on to the front of the green to set up a two-putt par.

"I couldn't build a stance...so I went in and tried to play it and I pulled it off," he said of the second shot.

The game's leading player now has two more rounds to go as he seeks to pull off a fifth victory at the PGA Championship, and his first tournament win anywhere since the Australian Masters in November.

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Woods safely makes the cut at PGA Championship

Published>Sat, Aug 14 10 10:56 PM

Tiger Woods birdied three of his last nine holes to survive the cut at the U.S. PGA Championship on Saturday and remain in contention to win the last major of the year.

Woods, one of 78 players who returned to the Whistling Straits course early to complete their second rounds, shot a two-under-par 70 to reach the halfway stage at three-under.

That left him in a tie for 21st place, five strokes behind overnight leader Matt Kuchar and four behind second-placed Nick Watney.

JB Holmes (66) and Jim Furyk (68) leapfrogged their way up the congested leaderboard into a tie for third place at six under, one clear of a group of 10 players that included Northern Ireland's Rory McIlroy and Fiji's Vijay Singh (66), a former two-time winner who was playing in the same group as Woods.

Woods has not won any tournament since returning to the game earlier this year in full media glare in the fall-out after revelations about his private life.

The American struggled for accuracy off the tee on Saturday but scrambled well to stay in the hunt.

"I'm not hitting it well here," Woods said. "(But) I'm putting well and I'm right in the ball game."

The winners of the last two majors, South Africa's British Open champion Louis Oosthuizen and Northern Ireland's U.S. Open winner Graeme McDowell, both missed the cut at one over along with last year's PGA winner, South Korean Yang Yong-eun.

More than six hours of play were lost on the first two days because of heavy morning fog but conditions were perfect on Saturday, allowing tournament officials to make up some lost time.

They announced that the third round would be played in groups of three and played off split tees to help get the tournament back on schedule for Sunday's final round.

Source: Web Search

Vishnu Prasanna beats Vorobiov in Negroponte Open Chess

Sat, Aug 14 10 10:38 PM

From Our Chess Correspondent Chalkida (Greece), Aug 14 (PTI) International Master in the making, India''s Vishnu Prasanna crushed Grandmaster Evgeny Vorobiov of Russia in the fifth round of the first Negroponte International Open Chess tournament here. After beating Grandmaster Stelios Halkias of Greece, this was Prasanna''s second GM scalp in a row and the Indian now stands an excellent chance of making his maiden Grandmaster norm. Prasanna also currently shares the third spot in the tournament along with compatriot, former world junior champion Abhijeet Gupta on 4.5 points each. Zaven Andriasian of Armenia and Suat Atalik of Turkey maintained their all-win record in the tournament and defeated Greek Athanasios Mastrovasilis and American Robert Hess respectively to share the lead on five points each from as many games. Meanwhile, Grandmasters Sandipan Chanda, Surya Shekhar Ganguly, D Harika and M Shyam Sundar were among those who have four points each and share the fifth spot along with 17 others. Prasanna overshadowed the accomplishment of Shyam Sundar, who also had a prize catch in the fifth round in the form of Grandmaster Nidjaz Mamedov of Azerbaijan. Playing the white side of a Sicilian Scheveningen Prasanna proved better armed than his much higher ranked opponent Vorobiov. Once the Russian was caught in a tactical melee he was in for major surprise when Prasanna sacrificed his Bishop to sweep all but one black pawn from the board. With his queen doing the most of the damage, Prasanna had not troubles in getting the full point in 40 moves. Shyam Sundar won with black against Mamedov. It was a French defence game wherein Mamedov opted for the Tarrasch variation and was caught in a thematic exchange sacrifice. Shyam slowly worked with his initiative and squeezed in the full point when Mamedov erred further and lost his extra material. Abhijeet also scored a fine victory over Inga Charkhalashvili of Georgia who played the black side of a Catalan opening. Abhijeet got a slight advantage out of the opening and it was a clinical display that helped him add to his overnigth score. Among other Indians in the fray, Harika defeated local hopeful Kleanthis Vafiathis while Tania Sachdev, Sahaj Grover and Vaibhav Suri also ended on the winning side. Soumya Swaminathan, the 2009 world junior girls'' champion lost to GM Elshan Moradiabadi of Iran and Grandmaster Deepan Chakkravarthy was held to a draw by Greek Sotirios Malikentzos. Karma Pandya misplayed a better position and signed peace deal with International Master Angela Borsuk of Israel. MORE PTI Corr DB

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English Premier League results

Sat, Aug 14 10 10:16 PM

REUTERS - English Premier League results on Saturday.

Aston Villa 3 West Ham United 0

Blackburn Rovers 1 Everton 0

Bolton Wanderers 0 Fulham 0

Sunderland 2 Birmingham City 2

Tottenham Hotspur 0 Manchester City 0

Wigan Athletic 0 Blackpool 4

Wolverhampton Wanderers 2 Stoke City 1

Playing on Saturday (GMT):

Chelsea v West Bromwich Albion (1630)

Playing on Sunday (GMT)

Liverpool v Arsenal (1500)

Playing on Monday (GMT)

Manchester United v Newcastle United (1900)

Source: Published>

Saina, Laxman, Narang participate in QBR

Sat, Aug 14 10 09:52 PM

Hyderabad, Aug 14 (PTI) Ace shuttler Saina Nehwal, shooter Gagan Narang and India cricketer VVS Laxman were among several sportspersons who were the part of the Queen''s Baton Relay that arrived here today. The QBR, which entered the state capital this afternoon, was given a rousing reception at the Shamshabad International airport near here after it arrived from Raipur. The Baton was taken in a convoy to Kotla Vijaya Bhaskara Reddy (KVBR) Indoor Stadium in Yousufguda, where Andhra Pradesh Governor ESL Narasimhan formally flagged-off the Relay in the state by handing over the Baton to world number two woman shuttler Saina amid thunderous applause. Home Minister Sabitha Indra Reddy and Sports Minister Komatireddy Venkata Reddy were also present on the occasion. Later hundreds of schoolchildren, sportspersons and common public, who gathered at the KVBR Stadium holding the tri-colour, participated in the Relay while many others cheered the sportspersons. The sportspersons, including Laxman and Narang, passed on the baton to each other during the relay from KVBR Stadium to People''s Plaza. "Finally the QBR is in Hyderabad. I am also preparing for the Commonwealth Games and there is responsibility on me to perform well. I hope to give the best and win a medal at the event," Saina said. Laxman hoped that the QBR will enjoy grand success in the state. (More) PTI VVK DB

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PM to visit CWG venues, wants irregularities be investigated

Published>Sat, Aug 14 10 09:38 PM

New Delhi, Aug.14 (ANI): Stating that he would personally visit selected venues of the Commonwealth Games in the last week of August, Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh on Saturday odered thorough investigations into complaints of CWG related irregularities.

The PM today held a high-level meeting to review the preparations for the Commonwealth Games.

He directed the concerned Ministries to conduct thorough investigations into all the complaints that have been received of procedural and other irregularities.

Dr. Singh said that those found guilty should face severe and exemplary punishment.

The Cabinet, however, will be briefed on the state of preparations on a weekly basis.

He said that the public has a right to know the facts and the Group of Ministers will ensure that timely and authentic information on the state of preparations and in particular on the remaining tasks at hand is released to the public.(ANI)

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Bagan to call Okwy for trials under POA quota

Sat, Aug 14 10 09:26 PM

Kolkata, Aug 14 (PTI) Mohun Bagan today announced that they would call Africa-born Australian central defender Okwy Okonkwo Diamondstar for trials. Presently playing for Australian''s Western Knights Soccer Club, Okwy will be the fourth foreigner under the POA (player of Asian Origin) quota in Bagan for the 2010-2011 season, club General Secretary Anjan Mitra said. Okwy is coming on next Monday. The Aussie club is currently playing in Football West State League Premier Division in Perth, Western Australia. The team is placed second in the 2010 League. The other three foreigners of Bagan are Jose Barretto, Edeh Chidi and Muritala Ali.

Source: Published>

Queen's Baton reaches Hyderabad

Published>Sat, Aug 14 10 09:06 PM

Hyderabad, Aug 14 (IANS) The Queen's Baton for the 2010 Commonwealth Games (CWG) reached this Andhra Pradesh capital Saturday to a rousing reception.

A.K. Parida, principal secretary to Andhra Pradesh government, sports, received the Baton at the Shamshabad International airport from authorities of Raipur.

Officials of Andhra Pradesh Olympics Association, various sports bodies and sportspersons were present to receive the Baton.

The Baton was then taken to Kotla Vijaya Bhaskara Reddy (KVBR) Indoor Stadium in Yousufguda where Andhra Pradesh Governor E.S.L. Narasimhan handed it over to badminton ace Saina Nehwal to formally flag off the relay.

Cricket star V.V.S. Laxman was among a galaxy of sportspersons, Arjuna and Dronacharya awardees and Olympians who carried the baton to People's Plaza on the banks of Hussain Sagar Lake in the heart of the city. The relay passed through Ameerpet, Khairtabad and Necklace Road to reach People's Plaza.

Ace shooter Gagan Narang, who was the last baton bearer, handed it over to Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister K. Rosaiah.

Heavy rains marred the main official function held at People's Plaza. The Baton will be kept at K.V.B.R. Indoor Stadium Sunday for public display before being taken to Visakhapatnam.

The Baton will also be taken to Vijayawada and Tirupati towns in the state.

Source: Web Search

Hart heroics save City in opener at Spurs

Published>Sat, Aug 14 10 08:56 PM

Manchester City unleashed around 70 million pounds worth of signings as the Premier League kicked off on Saturday but it was Joe Hart, a keeper who cost nothing, who earned them a point in a 0-0 draw at Tottenham Hotspur.

Hart, who played for England against Hungary on Wednesday, made six superb saves to keep City in the game before halftime. His team mates finally woke up to give Tottenham a contest after the interval.

In the end a draw was just about a fair result as City shaded the second half and both sides showed enough to suggest they will be serious contenders to finish in the top four, and possibly even in the mix for the title.

Chelsea, who won the league and FA Cup double, begin their season later at home to West Bromwich Albion while Manchester United, runners-up last season, must wait until Monday to open their campaign against Newcastle United.

Tottenham and City were involved in an absorbing scrap for fourth place last season, a fight Tottenham finally won thanks to a 1-0 win at Eastlands in May.

Harry Redknapp's side were the more cohesive unit on Saturday as they clicked straight into their old rhythm. They could have been out of sight before halftime as Roberto Mancini's rich side played the opening half at half pace.

City, who have spent more than 100 million pounds ($156 million) in the transfer market since finishing fifth last season, gave debuts to Yaya Toure, David Silva and Aleksandar Kolarov, but it was Hart who kept them in the game.

As late as Friday, Mancini said he had not decided whether Hart or Shay Given would start the season in goal for City. The Italian's eventual decision proved fully justified as Hart denied a rampant Tottenham in the first half.

His first reflex save to block Jermain Defoe's close-range volley was superb and minutes later he tumbled to his right to save a dipping volley from Tom Huddlestone.

CITY'S BIG NAMES STRUGGLE

With City's big names struggling to make an impact, Hart again produced heroics to claw away Benoit Assou Ekotto's deflected shot.

On the half hour mark Hart was finally beaten but Gareth Bale's skidding shot thumped the base of the post and Aaron Lennon's follow-up was blocked by Vincent Kompany.

Mancini grimaced on the touchline as his expensive side spluttered on the lush green turf. Whatever he told them at halftime had an impact and they were greatly improved in the second half.

Almost immediately Shaun Wright Phillips was sent clear by a scooped pass from Yaya Toure, but he was denied by a goal-saving tackle by Assou-Ekotto.

Wright Phillips made way for England winger Adam Johnson midway through the second half while Redknapp switched his strikers with Defoe and Peter Crouch replaced by Robbie Keane and Roman Pavlyuchenko.

Johnson made an immediate impact, bamboozling two Spurs defenders before the ball broke for City's workaholic skipper Carlos Tevez whose shot was deflected just wide.

Pavyluchenko tested Hart with two low drives but Gareth Bale wasted the best chance of the game when he scuffed a shot wide with the goal gaping late on.

Later on Saturday Blackpool make their Premier league bow at Wigan Athletic, their first top flight match since 1971, while Aston Villa, stunned by the resignation of manager Martin O'Neill earlier this week, host West Ham United.

Source: Web Search

National wrestling coach rubbishes charges levelled by Sonika

Published>Sat, Aug 14 10 08:16 PM

New Delhi, Aug 14 (IANS) National wrestling coach P.R. Sondhi Saturday said woman wrestler Sonika Kaliraman was given an opportunity to prove her mettle and secure selection for the Oct 3-14 Commonwealth Games despite her failing to attend the national camp in Patiala, but she could not make it.

Sonika, daughter of renowned wrestler Chandgi Ram, had moved Delhi High Court questioning the selection procedure for woman grapplers, but her plea was rejected.

Rubbishing all allegations levelled by Sonika against the selection committee, Sondhi said the 26-year-old wrestler did not attend the national camp in February in Patiala and thus she did not qualify for the trials.

Sondhi went on to add that keeping in mind her past record, Sonika was given another chance, pitting her against Babita Kumari and Gursharanpreet Kaur and she could beat neither.

'She needed to defeat them but she failed to do so. And so we didn't select her,' Sondhi told IANS from Patiala.

Sondhi said the bouts were witnessed by two project officers from the Sports Authority of India (SAI) and that ruled out any wrongdoing by the federation.

On Sonika's demand for open trials to select the team, Sondhi said it is not practical as that would make the selection procedure unwieldy.

'Sonika demanded open trials, but that is not practicable. It would be impossible to take everyone into consideration. Open trials would mean allowing all and sundry for selection and that is not feasible,' said Sondhi.

Sondhi admitted that Sonika had done the country proud in the past but selection rules cannot be changed to suit an individual.

Source: Web Search

PM convenes meeting to solve CWG issues

Published>Sat, Aug 14 10 08:08 PM

New Delhi, Aug 14 (ANI): Following controversies over preparedness for the Commonwealth Games, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Saturday called a meeting with concerned ministers to take account of the preparations for the mega event to be held here in October.

The meeting was held at the Prime Minister's residence and Sports Ministers M S Gill, Urban Development Minister Jaipal Reddy, Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit, Commonwealth Games Organising Committee chairman Suresh Kalmadi and some top government officials were present at the meeting. Cabinet Secretary KM Chandrasekhar also attended the meeting.

According to the sources the Organising Committee of the CWG will report to an oversight panel headed by Sports Minister MS Gill.

Today's meet was a follow up of the earlier meeting in which Congress' top brass, including party chief Sonia Gandhi and Prime Minister, deliberated on the matter to ensure that CWG goes smoothly. (ANI)

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Spaniard Pedrosa edges out Lorenzo for Czech pole

Sat, Aug 14 10 07:56 PM

Spaniard Dani Pedrosa denied MotoGP championship leader Jorge Lorenzo his sixth straight pole by clocking the fastest lap in qualifying for Sunday's Czech Grand Prix.

The 24-year-old Honda rider, who trails compatriot Lorenzo by 72 points in the standings, secured the top spot with a best lap of one minute 56.508 seconds at the 5.4-km Brno circuit.

American Ben Spies will start from second position after a best lap of one minute 56.846 seconds on his Yamaha.

Lorenzo crashed his Yamaha in the final minutes of qualifying and will aim for his seventh victory of the season from third spot.

Teammate and MotoGP world champion Valentino Rossi also crashed in the final minutes and will start from fifth position in his third race back after a broken leg kept him out for four races.

The 31-year-old Italian, last year's Czech winner, is set to announce who he will race for in 2011 on Sunday.

Source: Published>

Modi re-elected president of Nagaur district association

Sat, Aug 14 10 07:38 PM

Mumbai, Aug 14 (PTI) Suspended IPL chairman Lalit Modi, facing a Cricket Board-constituted probe into alleged irregularities in conducting the T20 League, was re-elected today as president of Nagaur District Cricket Association for the third consecutive term. Modi was re-elected along with other office bearers at the elections held under the supervision of retired district and sessions judge M R Farooqui, said Modi''s legal counsel Mehmood Abdi in a media release. Rajender Singh Nandhu and Nasruddin Nagauri were elected as secretary and the treasurer respectively, the release said. Representatives of the state government and the district sports officer were present during the elections as observers along with a representative of the Rajasthan Sport Council, according to Abdi. Saying some disgruntled elements were claiming that a parallel body has been formed in the Nagaur District Cricket Association, Abdi said as per the Rajasthan Sports Act, 2005, there can be only one district association. "Any other person or body other than the authorised sports association claim to be the sport association of a given district will invite penal provisions as under the Sports Act it is an offence to unauthroisedly claim to be a sports association," he said. "In today''s election all the affiliated primary sports bodies affiliated with the district cricket association and duly recognized by Registrar of Cooperative Societies and the Rajasthan Cricket Association were represented," he said. (More) PTI SSR VKV SHN

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OC officials visit CWG venues to check preparation

Sat, Aug 14 10 07:22 PM

New Delhi, Aug 14 (PTI) Top Organising Committee officials are visiting the various Commonwealth Games venues to take stock of the preparation and check delays in the construction work. The Games Organising Committee chairman Suresh Kalmadi, vice-chairman Randhir Singh and secretary general Lalit Bhanot visited the Talkatora Indoor Stadium, Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium, Jawaharal Nehru Stadium complex, Siri Fort Sports Complex, Dr Karni Singh Shooting Ranges, Indira Gandhi Sports Complex and Yamuna Sports Complex in the last four days and seemed satisfied with the facilities. The visits were also undertaken to ensure the presence of entire team of venue operations at the stadiums comprising of the various Functional Areas. "You have been charged with the task of making these facilities really world class," Kalmadi told the Venue Operations team in JLN stadium complex. "The successful delivery of the Games is in our hands and the Organising Committee completely depends on you to ensure that all the planning is actualised," Kalmadi said. The vice-chairman and the secretary general stressed to various agencies present at the venues that there was no luxury of any delays now and that work assigned to them must be carried out within the given timelines. They also had a small briefing session with the team present at the venue, consisting of the venue owners, the OC staff as well as other agencies working at the venue and seemed satisfied with the facilities. "Given the levels of commitment and passion that I see, I am confident the teams will deliver. There is no room for complacency," Singh said. The top brass felt that the stadiums are generally ready in all respects, especially the Fields of Play. However, some issues requiring immediate attention are clearing and cleaning of the area outside the venue, landscaping, and cabling. "I believe that the issues will be resolved by August 16," Singh said. The employees of the OC were told that now the delivery of the Games depended completely on their level of performance while executing the tasks assigned to them at the stadiums as this would determine how well the Games would be conducted. The visits of OC officials commenced with the Talkatora Stadium for Boxing on August 10. The next venue reviewed was the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium for Hockey. On August 11, Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium Complex was inspected which consisted of reviews of the Weightlifting venue, the Athletics venue as well as the Lawn Bowls venue. PTI SHN

Source: Published>

Wenger signs new deal, says heart with Arsenal

Published>Sat, Aug 14 10 07:16 PM

Arsene Wenger has pledged his future to Arsenal, signing a three-year contract extension that will keep him at the north London Premier League club until the end of the 2013/14 season.

"My heart belongs to Arsenal and my desire is to see this team win silverware," the Frenchman told Arsenal's website (www.arsenal.com) on Saturday.

"My commitment and drive are as strong and fresh as ever. I feel my personal position is that I am as motivated as ever, if not more," he said ahead of his team's opening league match of the season away to Liverpool on Sunday.

"I have the trust from my board and hopefully of the fans as well and also from the players," added the 60-year-old, who will be embarking on his 15th campaign in charge.

Earlier this month Wenger told the British Observer newspaper that "if I extend my contract, it means I will finish my career at club level at Arsenal."

As the club's longest serving manager, he has won three Premier League titles and led them through an undefeated league season, but is under pressure from some fans after five campaigns without a trophy.

"I feel that we have not won for a few years now and it is important to get back to winning trophies.

"We maintained the club at the top level but we want to get to the next step, to win trophies and to win the title and the Champions League of course," Wenger said.

ARSENAL FLAIR

Wenger steered Arsenal to the Champions League final in 2006 where they lost to Barcelona, and their last trophy was the 2005 FA Cup, the fourth of the Frenchman's reign.

He won the FA Cup and League Double in his first full season, then in 2003-04 his "Invincibles" side finished the League season unbeaten.

Since then Wenger has set about constructing a team renowned for its flair and attacking style as well as promoting youth but so far they have lacked big successes.

Spain midfielder Cesc Fabregas, captain at just 23, recently committed to Arsenal after speculation he would move to Barcelona.

Playmaker Fabregas will be central to the club's hopes this year and Wenger believes success is near.

"Trust me, they are ready to deliver," he said, a view shared by chairman Peter Hill-Wood.

"The exciting and compelling football we play under his stewardship is admired the world over. We believe the young, exciting team he has nurtured over the past five years will reward his and the fans' patience with silverware," Hill-Wood told the website.

Source: Web Search

Delhi 2010 top brass visits competition venues

Published>Sat, Aug 14 10 06:52 PM

New Delhi, Aug.14 (ANI): Organising Committee Commonwealth Games 2010 Delhi Vice-Chairman Randhir Singh and Secretary General Dr. Lalit K Bhanot have been visiting the competition venues over the past four days to review the state of readiness of various stadia and to address issues reported by the media about the delay in construction work at various venues.

Organising Committee Chairman Suresh Kalmadi led the visit to the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium Complex.

The Organising Committee top brass ensured that the entire venue operations team, comprising of various functional areas, started the process of carrying out the work required for the delivery of the games.

"You have been charged with the task of making these facilities really world class," Kalmadi told the venue operations team in Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium Complex.

"The successful delivery of the Games is in our hands and the Organising Committee completely depends on you to ensure that all the planning is actualised," he added.

Randhir Singh told the team present at the venues - including venue owners and other agencies - that there was no luxury of any delays now and that work assigned must be carried out within the given timelines.

"Given the levels of commitment and passion that I see, I am confident the teams will deliver. There is no room for complacency," he said.

The top brass felt that the stadiums are generally ready in all respects, especially the fields of play. However some issues requiring immediate attention are clearing and cleaning of the area outside the venue, landscaping, cabling.

"I believe that the issues will be resolved by August 16," Randhir Singh said.

The top brass has visited Talkatora Indoor Stadium, Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium, Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium Complex, Siri Fort Sports Complex, Dr. Karni Singh Shooting Ranges, Indira Gandhi Sports Complex and Yamuna Sports Complex.

It held a briefing for the team so that they could highlight issues and remedial action be suggested on the spot. (ANI)

Source: Web Search

Pakistan Badminton Federation implicated in 'fake players illegal immigration' scam

Published>Sat, Aug 14 10 06:22 PM

Karachi, Aug 14(ANI): The Pakistan Badminton Federation (PBF) has been accused of issuing permission on the organization's letterheads for sending fake players abroad.

It is alleged that certain PBF officials were involved in facilitating illegal immigration by showing a number of people as badminton players for visa issuance.

According to The Nation, many of those people did not return home with the team.

Meanwhile, the PBF's special general body convened a meeting in Islamabad to discuss the issue.

The meeting agreed to suspend PBF Senior Vice President Naqi Mohsin and Secretary Aamir Hayat Rokri, and carry out an enquiry with the support of the Pakistan Olympic Association (POA) and the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB).

A committee has been set up and given six weeks to look into the allegations.

Further action would be taken after the committee submits its report. (ANI)

Source: Web Search

Joshna, Deepika are not aware of any Games allowance

Published>Sat, Aug 14 10 06:16 PM

New Delhi, Aug 14 (IANS) India's top squash players Joshna Chinnappa and Deepika Pallikal say they are yet to receive the allowance of Rs.950 a day, which the core probables training for the Commonwealth Games are entitled to, while the federation insists that it has disbursed the amount.

The core probables are given the allowance for diet, overheads (out of pocket) and food supplements.

The Squash Rackets Federation of India (SRFI) said the Rs.3.16 crore grant from the sports ministry has been released for the training of core probables. Totally, Rs 9.27 crore has been budgeted for the squash team's preparation for the Oct 3-14 Commonwealth Games.

Both Joshna and Deepika told IANS that SRFI had not told them about the allowance, though they said they have been paid to train and play overseas.

'I am fortunate that I have my base in Chennai. I get most of what I ask from the federation. They have been really supportive in that regard. But I was not aware of my daily allowance. Nobody from the federation informed me,' Joshna said.

Deepika, world number 34, concurred with her teammate.

'I did not know that we are entitled to a daily allowance until IANS brought it to our notice,' she said.

Cyrus Poncha, the national coach, speaking for SRFI, said all the players have been paid the money.

'Every rupee received from the government has been given to the players. We follow a very transparent system here,' Poncha said.

Joshna and Deepika will spearhead India's challenge in the squash event and are hopeful of getting a medal for the country.

India has never won a medal in Squash at the Games.

'We have the best chance of winning a medal in the doubles event. We recently won a tournament in Manchester. The preparation has been good so far. I will be playing tournaments in Hong Kong and Egypt in the runup to the Games,' said world number 35 Joshna.

Deepika, who is currently playing in Australia, is confident of doing well in the doubles and mixed doubles events -- she is pairing world number 26 Saurav Ghosal in the latter.

'Getting a medal in singles seems tough with the kind of competition we have. All the top squash countries are part of the Commonwealth. But we have a good chance of a medal in the doubles.

When asked about missing the home advantage at the squash event in Delhi, Deepika said: 'We are mostly training abroad. But we will be training at the venue in Delhi ten days before the competition starts. That should be enough to acclimatise ourselves.'

Source: Web Search

Sania-Monica go down in quarterfinals at Cincinnati

Published>Sat, Aug 14 10 06:06 PM

Cincinnati, Aug 14 (IANS) India's Sania Mirza and Monica Niculescu of Romania went down in the doubles quarterfinals of the $2,000,000 Western and Southern Financial Group Women's Open tennis.

Sania and Niculescu lost 2-6, 5-7 to Victoria Azarenka of Belarus and Maria Kirikenko of Russia here Friday. The Indo-Romanian pair had stunned Wimbledon champions Vania King and Yaroslava Shvedova of Kazakhstan in the second round.

Azarenka and Kirilenko now face second seeds Gisela Dulko of Argentina and Flavia Pennetta of Italy in the semifinals.

Source: Web Search

Man City will be title contenders in three weeks: Mancini

Published>Sat, Aug 14 10 05:38 PM

Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini believes that he can turn his star-studded squad into Premier League title contenders in three weeks.

Manchester City has spent around 100 million pounds this summer to get new players like Inter Milan striker Mario Balotelli, David Silva, Yaya Toure, Jerome Boateng and Aleksander Kolarov to Eastlands for the new season.

Mancini's sixth summer signing is likely to be James Milner.

"Can we win the title? Why not? We know Manchester United and Chelsea are the top. If we work well in the next two or three weeks we can have a chance," The Sun quoted Mancini, as saying.

"I am happy with my squad but we need to work together for at least two weeks because we haven't been able to do that for the last month. The new players arrived a week ago and then went for an international game.

"Look at the game at Tottenham, it's difficult because they will play the same team as last year. Our team will be different. We need time - but not two months. Just two or three weeks to work together is all we need to be a very good team," he said.

Mancini ridiculed suggestions that he is trying to change too much too quickly at City, who finished fifth last.

Source: Web Search

Queen''s Baton for CWG received in Hyderabad

Sat, Aug 14 10 04:52 PM

Hyderabad, Aug 14 (PTI) The Queen''s Baton for the 2010 Commonwealth Games (CWG) reached here this afternoon to a rousing reception. The Baton, received from Raipur authorities, was handed over to the officials of Andhra Pradesh Olympic Association, at the Shamshabad International airport. "We are feeling proud and happy. We will make Queen''s Baton Relay a grand success. We extend a grand welcome to the baton team. Hyderabad city will celebrate the relay today and tomorrow," an organiser told reporters. The Baton then proceeded towards Kotla Vijaya Bhaskara Reddy (KVBR) Indoor Stadium in Yousufguda via the P V Narasimha Rao Expressway in a convoy of vehicles. It will be handed over to the first bearer -- World No 2 badminton player Saina Nehwal by Andhra Pradesh Governor ESL Narasimhan, who will flag off the relay at the Indoor Stadium. The Baton is scheduled to reach the People''s Plaza by 6 pm where the official ceremony will be held and ace shooter Gagan Narang will be the last baton bearer, who will hand it over to Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister K Rosaiah. The Queen''s Baton will be kept for public display at the KVBR Stadium and the team will leave for Visakhapatnam tomorrow by 11.45 am.

Source: Published>

Kiwi Olympic body to consider CWG participation after September 12

Published>Sat, Aug 14 10 04:38 PM

Wellington, Aug.14 (ANI): Mid-September could turn out to be crunch time for the New Zealand Olympic Committee, as it would have to then decide on whether the country will compete in the Commonwealth Games in New Delhi from October 3-14.

With reports coming out of India suggesting that the Games are enmeshed in a cesspool of corruption and financial irregularity, a September 12 security assessment by a large group of Kiwi officials in Delhi may emerge as a make or break situation for them.

An NZOC spokesperson last night confirmed that New Zealand security officials had seen "broad police security plans around the Games, and they are in accordance with best international practice.

"Now we're looking forward to September to test the systems and their operational capability," the New Zealand Herald quoted the spokesperson, as saying further.

If at that time India cannot convince security experts from a range of nations that the Games are in good hands, it will significantly heighten concerns for athletes' safety.

Athletes' Federation boss Rob Nichol said that "hand on heart" he could not say whether New Zealand would send a team.

"The biggest mistake we can make right now is forcing ourselves into a position where we have to make a decision," Nichol said.

"There will come a point in the future where hard decisions will have to be made about whether it is go or no go. But at this stage it is premature to be focusing on those decisions.

"We've NZFA not been furnished with a copy of the Delhi police plan for the Games so I cannot put my hand on heart and say I know what's going to be completed yet.

"The best thing we can do is to plan as if they are going to go ahead."

And if a country such as Canada, Australia or the British representatives - countries with whom New Zealand is closely aligned - decided to withdraw from the Games, would the NZOC follow suit?

"It would be a significant red flag," said NZOC president Mike Stanley last night.

"We would want to talk with them very carefully as to their reasoning. We'd want to understand that and we would reflect on our position."

The Athletes' Federation - formed out of the existing players' associations of rugby, cricket, netball, hockey and soccer - met NZOC and Government officials on Thursday, where they outlined three major security concerns:

A lack of dedicated New Zealand security personnel embedded in the team.

Potential corruption of the accreditation process.

The potential for attacks on athletes and officials in transit on Delhi's roads.

"We don't want to be alarmist, but we've got to be thorough. We believe we need more people embedded with the team," a federation spokesman said.

Stanley said Thursday's meeting was "constructive, both in tone and content" and confirmed the suggestion of getting more security personnel engaged within the team was "helpful, and we are looking into it now".

He said the accreditation process is "consistent with what happens at other Games".

Stanley said developments were monitored on a "day-by-day" basis. (ANI)

Source: Web Search

Abramovich angers Chelsea players by scrapping their bonuses

Published>Sat, Aug 14 10 04:08 PM

London, Aug 14 (ANI): Chelsea's owner Roman Abramovich has angered his players by scrapping and slashing the squad's bonuses ahead of the start of the new season today.

"The players are furious and there is a huge row going on behind the scenes. They're champions and are rewarded with a pay cut - it's hardly a great way to motivate them," a Chelsea insider said.

"It was a big shock and they're not happy. Now they're going into the season under a cloud," The Sun quoted the insider, as saying.

Chelsea players, who face West Brom in Premier League opener on Saturday, were communicated the news at a meeting with director Eugene Tenebaum and chief executive Ron Gourlay.

They were told that Abramovich has done away with all appearance bonuses and cash tied to performances and results.

The only bonuses that team will get will be for winning the Champions League, Premier League, FA Cup or Carling Cup.

"They thought it was it was just a normal pre-season meeting. But instead they were told it was all change and most of the bonuses they'd enjoyed had been scrapped or reduced," a source said. (ANI)

Source: Web Search

Unhappy with pitch, Dhoni walks out of practice session

Sat, Aug 14 10 03:56 PM

Dambulla (Sri Lanka), Aug 14 (PTI) Miffed with the practice pitch at the Rangini Dambulla Stadium here, a furious Indian skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni today walked out of a practice session after Dinesh Karthik injured his hand due to the uneven bounce of the track. The three-hour training session ahead of India''s second tri-series clash against Sri Lanka on August 16 witnessed some drama after Karthik was rendered a doubtful starter for the match due to the hand injury he picked up while practicing. Indian manager Ranjib Biswal said players did have some problem while facing good-length bouncing deliveries. But denied that Karthik or any other player got injured. "Facilities for practice at the stadium are good but the pitch is not ideal for practicing. We had some problem with the pitch," Biswal said. Biswal said barring pacer Ashish Nehra, everyone attended the practice session. However, he did not reveal the reason behind Nehra''s absence. "We will again have a practice session tomorrow at the same time. There will be no briefing today," he said before leaving for the hotel. India lost the lung-opener by a massive 200 runs against a depleted New Zealand team.

Source: Published>

PM calls meeting of ministers on CWG

Published>Sat, Aug 14 10 03:38 PM

New Delhi, Aug 14 (IANS) A day after the Congress core committee met to discuss the controversy-hit Commonwealth Games (CWG), Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has called a meeting here of the concerned ministers, including Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit, Saturday evening.

Official sources said that Manmohan Singh will meet Sports Minister M.S. Gill and Urban Development Minister S. Jaipal Reddy regarding smooth conduct of the Games, just 50 days away. The prime minister will have a separate meeting with Dikshit too.

The decision by Manmohan Singh to meet the ministers comes on the heels of the Congress core committee meeting Friday evening, which deputed the prime minister to conduct further deliberations for successful conduct of the Games.

The preparations for the Oct 3-14 Games have attracted adverse media coverage for the delays in construction works and alleged corrupt deals by the organising committee, which is led by Member of Parliament Suresh Kalmadi.

Kalmadi has denied the charges and said he was ready for scrutiny. Opposition parties led by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Left have called for Kalmadi's resignation and an explanation by the prime minister on the floor of parliament.

Congress circles have been indicating that the party is disinclined to replace Kalmadi before the Games. However, the Congress core committee is understood to have suggested to Manmohan Singh to evolve ways to do the 'damage control' and ensure smooth conduct of the CWG, being held in India for the first time.

A suggestion that Cabinet Secretary K.M. Chandrasekhar be tasked to coordinate the preparations in the remaining period to the CWG is also being considered by the prime minister, sources said.

Source: Web Search

I am not a gold-digger, says Vanessa Perroncel

Published>Sat, Aug 14 10 03:22 PM

London, August 14 (ANI): Vanessa Perroncel has vowed to clear her name from the scandal that surrounded her and John Terry.

"We have never fallen out. Yes, times have been difficult but we don't need any more of this," the Daily Star quoted her as saying.

Devastated Perroncel, 33 also said that she is no Rebecca Loos, who 33, claimed she had an affair with football legend David Beckham, 35, and sold her story in 2004.

She also revealed her upset at the public criticism she has endured for the past seven months, despite repeated denials that she and Terry ever had an affair.

"I have not taken a penny from anyone. I was not paid for anything and I have never sold my story," she said.

"I have been offered millions in total, I have had so many work offers but I am no Rebecca Loos and I never will be. I am not milking this. I am no gold-digger."

She also revealed that she is keen to find work to support her three-year-old son.

"Why should I crawl under a rock? I have done nothing wrong."

"I am a good person and I get no credit for not selling out. Yes, I was offered the jungle and I was offered a lot of money but I will not do it."

"I have always told the truth and I just now want to be able to do what I do."

"Now I just want to clear my name," she added. (ANI)

Source: Web Search

Mexcian player, team doctor handed doping bans

Sat, Aug 14 10 03:18 PM

A player and team doctor from a Mexican second division side have been handed doping bans, the Mexican Football Federation said on Friday.

Jose Antonio Garcia of Pumas Morelos will serve a six-month ban retroactive from April 24 after testing positive for a banned stimulant.

Team doctor Armando Ramadan was suspended for a year from Friday as the man responsible for the players' fitness.

Source: Published>

Ferguson determined to end Chelsea's Premier League reign at top

Published>Sat, Aug 14 10 02:52 PM

London, Aug 14 (ANI): Ahead of the start of the new Premier League season, Manchester United boss Alex Ferguson has admitted that he is determined to bring an end to Chelsea's reign at the top.

Chelsea won the crown last time around by denying Manchester United a fourth straight title.

Ferguson feels Chelsea will be the team to beat again this year, and said that Everton can emerge as a dark horse this season.

"My thoughts are not on the top four because we have to think about how we're going to win the league. You have to think that Chelsea, after winning it last season, are favourites," The Sun quoted Ferguson, s saying.

"You normally think the team that won it last year have to be knocked off their perch and they're in that position at the moment," he said.

"They will look at, as I would do, how they can stay there. Hopefully us and any one of the other clubs could easily be challenging."

Ferguson tipped Everton and his friend David Moyes to emerge as serious contenders for the Premier League title this time around.

"The interesting thing is Everton. They have all their players back. The first half of last season was a nightmare for them, injuries to the likes of Mikel Arteta and Phil Jagielka, they were big losses. Now all of these players are fit they could be an interesting prospect," Ferguson said. (ANI)

Source: Web Search

Recalled Yousuf shines in rain-hit tour match against Worcestershire

Published>Sat, Aug 14 10 02:38 PM

London, Aug 14(ANI): Pakistan middle-order batsman Mohammad Yousuf boosted his chances of a Test comeback with an impressive unbeaten 40 on the rain-hit opening day of the two-day tour match against Worcestershire.

Only 28.1 overs of play was possible in the day, during which Pakistan scored 112 for two.

The 35-year-old made the most of his chance, playing several typically aggressive strokes, including eight fours in his innings of 54 deliveries.

"Yousuf has been working hard for the last week or so. He is stronger and his reputation is at stake now. He is a world-class cricketer and we want him to bat for a long time," The Daily Times quoted Shafqat Rana, Pakistan associate manager, as saying.

Pakistan opening batsman Yasir Hameed, who is also attempting to secure a place in the Test squad, failed to impress after being dismissed for 27.

Yousuf was recalled for the second Test at Edgbaston to bolster the batting line-up following Pakistan's first-Test defeat at Trent Bridge.

However, he opted to sit out of the Test, as he had landed in England on the eve of the match.

The veteran has not played for his country since January after being banned indefinitely following the winter tour to Australia.

The tour of England still has two Tests, two Twenty20s and three ODI. (ANI)

Source: Web Search

England has the right cards to win Ashes Down Under

Published>Sat, Aug 14 10 02:26 PM

Melbourne, Aug. 14 (ANI): Most sports bookmakers and rank-and-file cricket fans are of the view that England won't be pushovers or hopeless in their quest to win The Ashes Down Under this year.

England haven't held the urn aloft in Australia since Mike Gatting's men enjoyed a famous 2-1 series victory in 1986-87, and according to Fox Sports, that should be a huge motivation for the Poms.

The current England side is made of stern stuff, and has made giant strides since it won the Ashes last year, and has enormous belief compared to the sides that have been lambs to the slaughter in Australia for 20 years.

It is just over 18 months since the two Andys, captain Strauss and coach Flower, took over the side and they are now unrecognisable from the rabble they once were.

With the Ashes countdown to hit the 100-day mark next week, key factors have emerged about how England is going about constructing its Ashes onslaught.

In the first instance, the team's preparation, use of technology and innovation has been a huge highlight. They have invested heavily in funky new-age methods under coach Flower, who is looking outside the square for any slight edge.

Batsmen will be able to prepare for facing any Australian bowler by using the innovative pro-batter machine that features a video wall, which mimics any bowler in the world. England's batsmen have also been bombarded with noise as they bat in the practice nets, helping them to concentrate under any conditions.

Flower has varied England's training methods - even heating up an indoor practice facility to 30C so medical staff could identify the players who could cramp in Australian conditions.

Unlike Australia's so-called bowling guru Troy Cooley, new England bowling coach David Saker, the former Victorian, does not worry about biomechanics, preferring to come up with bowling strategies to outwit batsmen.

There is a new self-belief in the squad. England have lost only two of their past 17 Tests and have taken down Australia at home and South Africa away. More importantly, they have shown a new fighting spirit that has enabled them to get out of tight scrapes, including the first Ashes Test in Cardiff last year when all looked lost until England's tailenders somehow hung on.

England really does believe they can beat any opposition in any conditions.

The English are refreshed and rejuvenated with hugely impressive young weapons in 21-year-old quick Steven Finn and 23-year-old Irish batsman Eoin Morgan, whereas the Australians are a side stacked with ageing warriors (Simon Katich, Mike Hussey and Ricky Ponting) and will field almost the same side as the one that lost the Ashes last year.

Finn already has 27 wickets in six Tests. Morgan, already has a century after four Tests, and can take a session away from Australia with his attacking and audacious stroke play. Rising fast bowler Stuart Broad is better a year on since the 2009 Ashes.

The England dressing room is now far more tight knit. Strauss and Flower have fostered a new sense of togetherness and this new-look England side will fight for each other in the trenches. They don't know when they are beaten.

By being the current holders of The Ashes, England effectively has a half-Test advantage over Australia, which could prove crucial. The English only need to draw the series to retain the urn. (ANI)

Source: Web Search

Kaneria cleared by ECB to play for Essex

Published>Sat, Aug 14 10 02:22 PM

Islamabad, Aug 14(ANI): Pakistan leg-spinner Danish Kaneria has been cleared by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) to return to Essex in time for today's Friends Provident Twenty20 semi-final against Hampshire at the Rose Bowl.

Kaneria will now join West Indies all-rounder Dwayne Bravo to be the club's two overseas players.

"It is obviously great news that Danish will be available for finals day, we are all delighted to welcome him back," The Daily Times quoted Paul Grayson, Essex coach, as saying.

"He is a top-class performer in Twenty20 cricket and is a match-winner in his own right. He knows us and we know him well and his record is outstanding across all formats of the game," he added.

The 29-year-old will remain with the county for the remainder of the summer, unless he is called back into Pakistan's touring party.

Kaneria's registration from the county championship was earlier suspended by the ECB following a match fixing scandal.

The ECB had sent letters to both Kaneria and his Essex teammate fast bowler Mervyn Westfield which stated that they would remain suspended from their county team until the police investigates their alleged involvement in match fixing.

Both cricketers were arrested last month and interviewed at Brentwood police station about alleged irregularities during a Pro-40 League game against Durham last September.

However, neither of them have been charged and are out on bail until September 15. (ANI)

Source: Web Search

Commonwealth Express arrives in Secunderabad

Published>Sat, Aug 14 10 02:16 PM

Hyderabad, Aug 14 (IANS) The Commonwealth Express (CWG) train reached Secunderabad railway station here Saturday to coincide with the arrival of the Queen's Baton Relay later in the day.

The train, which will remain at the station till Aug 16, aims to spread the spirit of the Games and motivate youth across the country to participate in various sports.

Large numbers of enthusiasts went around the exhibition train comprising 11 coaches. While five coaches feature rare CWG memorabilia, the remaining six are devoted to showcasing Information and Communication Technology (ICT).

It highlights the significance of ICT as a major force of change impacting virtually every sphere of life from industry, health and education to ecology and disaster forecast.

According to the department of Information Technology, the train has been designed to create awareness among people about the evolution of ICT in the country.

It also throws light on business opportunities for people under public-private partnership initiatives of the department.

Secunderabad, which is the twin city of Hyderabad, is the 26th stop-over for the train, which was flagged off from Delhi June 24.

During its 101-day journey, the special train will chug through 21 states and three union territories, stopping at 49 major stations before returning to Delhi Oct 2.

The Commonwealth Games are scheduled to be held Oct 3-14 in Delhi.

Source: Web Search

WADA to launch Play True Generation Programme at Youth Games

Sat, Aug 14 10 01:52 PM

Mumbai, Aug 14 (PTI) World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) is to launch its Play True Generation Programme, that was trialled two years ago at Pune, at the first Youth Olympic Games that opens today in Singapore. The programme, piloted at the 2008 Commonwealth Youth Games in Pune, challenges young athletes to be a generation of clean athletes and would be located at the heart of the Youth Games Village, a media release said today. "The Play True Generation Programme will be a unique experience for WADA and the young athletes attending these Games," said WADA Director General David Howman. "This is our future generation of champions and sports leaders, and these young people will one day be at the forefront of the fight against doping in sport. The YOG is an excellent forum for engaging them in spreading the message of clean sport when they return home," he added. Just as its Athlete Outreach Programme is a staple of Olympic and Paralympic Games Villages, WADA''s Play True Generation Centre, located in the Games Village Square, would be a place for athletes, coaches and entourage to learn more about anti-doping in a relaxed, fun environment. For many athletes, Youth Olympics would be their first experience with doping control. Discussing anti-doping issues and the Play True Generation Centre is set to be a place where athletes feel comfortable to ask questions and associate anti-doping with a positive experience, the release said. (More) PTI SSR DK SHN

Source: Published>

Man City will be Premier League title contenders in three weeks: Mancini

Published>Sat, Aug 14 10 01:38 PM

London, Aug 14 (ANI): Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini believes that he can turn his star-studded squad into Premier League title contenders in three weeks.

Manchester City has spent around 100 million pounds this summer to get new players like Inter Milan striker Mario Balotelli, David Silva, Yaya Toure, Jerome Boateng and Aleksander Kolarov to Eastlands for the new season.

Mancini's sixth summer signing is likely to be James Milner.

"Can we win the title? Why not? We know Manchester United and Chelsea are the top. If we work well in the next two or three weeks we can have a chance," The Sun quoted Mancini, as saying.

"I am happy with my squad but we need to work together for at least two weeks because we haven't been able to do that for the last month. The new players arrived a week ago and then went for an international game.

"Look at the game at Tottenham, it's difficult because they will play the same team as last year. Our team will be different. We need time - but not two months. Just two or three weeks to work together is all we need to be a very good team," he said.

Mancini ridiculed suggestions that he is trying to change too much too quickly at City, who finished fifth last. (ANI)

Source: Web Search

CWG finale: Bengal miffed as OC refuses to pay for troupe

Published>Sat, Aug 14 10 01:22 PM

The West Bengal government is extremely cut up with the Commonwealth Games authorities for refusing to pay for the Santhali dance troupe that will perform at the event's closing ceremony in Delhi.

Nearly a month ago, the Games managers in a letter to the state government asked for a 50-member team to perform the dance. It has sent a similar missive to other states for cultural teams that would add colour to the closing ceremony.

But they will not pay for the troupe's expenses, a state official said. He told Express Online: "The organisers are spending crores of money on other things but they won't pay us a single paisa for the team. We will foot the bill for everything - from train fare to food and stay. The most difficult thing is to arrange for their week-long stay."

He also said some states have written to the CWG authorities demanding money as a prerequisite of sending their artistes.

Minister of State for Information and Culture Saumendranath Bera, however, said it was a good opportunity for artistes to showcase Bengal's tribal art on an international stage. Bera said: "It is true we are not getting any money. But at the same time, our artistes are getting the opportunity. It will be good exposure."

Source: Web Search

PCB planning fresh showcause notice to Younus

Published>Sat, Aug 14 10 12:58 PM

The Pakistan Cricket Board is planning to issue a fresh showcause notice to Younus Khan for alleged indiscipline but the senior batsman's legal team has asserted that such a move would be "criminal".

Lawyer Ahmed Qayyum, who has represented Younus in his appeal against the indefinite ban imposed on him by the PCB in March, said if the board issued a fresh notice to his client, it would be a crime.

"Issuing a fresh show cause notice to Younus would be a violation of article 13 of the constitution as no one can be punished for the same offence twice," Qayyum said.

He said his client has already been punished for indiscipline.

"The board has already punished him for the so-called misconduct and indiscipline. So, constitutionally he can't be punished again for the same offence. The board would commit a crime by giving him a fresh notice.

"It is strange that now even though his ban has been lifted the board is not willing to consider him for the national team despite the crisis in England," Qayyum said.

Younus has himself kept a very low profile and avoided talking to the media on his case since returning from England.

Though the appellate tribunal lifted the ban on him in June, the PCB and its selectors did not consider Younus for the England tour despite strong criticism and demands from cricket circles that Younus deserved to be in the side.

The PCB has threatened to issue a notice to Qayyum for making disparaging remarks against them and said Younus himself has not bothered to contact the board with regards to his case as yet.

Tafazzul Rizvi, the legal advisor of the board rejected the claims made by Qayyum stating that there would be no violation of the constitution if Younus was issued a fresh notice.

"Younus Khan's case does not count as double jeopardy as he has not been penalized as yet since his ban was removed by the appellate tribunal," Rizvi said.

Source: Web Search

Brazil midfielder Ramires completes Chelsea move

Published>Sat, Aug 14 10 12:52 PM

Chelsea signed Brazilian international midfielder Ramires on Friday but their pursuit of his compatriot Neymar is not going quite as smoothly.

Ramires, who helped Benfica to the Portuguese title last season, will bolster a Chelsea squad which has been stripped of experienced midfielders Deco, Michael Ballack and Joe Cole since the Blues completed the Premier League and FA Cup double.

"Every player in the world would love to play for Chelsea and it's a great opportunity that was given to me, I will give my best to repay this chance, and I am very happy," the 23-year-old, who agreed a four-year deal after passing a medical, told Chelsea's website.

The fee was in the region of 17 million pounds ($26.50 million), British media said.

"He's a fantastic player, he's a fantastic midfielder. He's very young, he will be the future of the Brazilian national team and, I hope, he will be the future of Chelsea," Chelsea coach Carlo Ancelotti told reporters.

Rio-born Ramires made his debut for Brazil in 2009 and appeared in four of his country's five matches in South Africa but was suspended for the quarter-final defeat by the Netherlands.

Chelsea could find themselves in hot water over Neymar after his club Santos threatened to report them to FIFA for speaking to the player directly.

Ancelotti said he had not been involved in the situation.

"I don't know nothing about this. All I can say about Neymar is he's a fantastic player. He's not a Chelsea player now and it's difficult for me to speak about this.

"What happens after I'm not interested, I can say only about his technical quality. We are interested in all the young players who come through in all the world. Neymar is one of these. But this doesn't mean we have to buy this player."

NOT WORRIED

Chelsea have been unimpressive in their pre-season matches and were well beaten by Manchester United 3-1 in the Community Shield at Wembley Stadium on Sunday.

But Ancelotti said there were reasons for that and he was not unduly worried as several of his key players are returning to fitness, although midfielder Frank Lampard is a worry ahead of Saturday's opening game against West Bromwich Albion.

"(Goalkeeper Petr) Cech is ready, Alex is ready but (Jose) Bosingwa is out again. He's doing individual training. We had some problems with the international matches, not all the players are ready to play.

"We have to have a check with (Frank) Lampard because he had a problem with his ankle. We have to do a check and then we decide if he is ready or not. Petr Cech will start. We are ready to defend the title.

"We have a fantastic motivation to try and win again. We said last year with the victory in the Premier League and FA Cup we had the possibility to open a new cycle and we want to do that.

"It's in our minds to do our best. We know the other teams will work harder to beat us but we are ready to fight, we are ready if it's possible to improve -- to improve our quality, our personality, our courage.

"The other teams are improving quickly and we have to be ready."

Ancelotti, whose men should collect their first three points of the season when they face promoted West Bromwich Albion at Stamford Bridge in Saturday's evening kickoff, said he expected Manchester United to be their major threat again, but the gap between them and the rest was closing.

"I think so. Manchester has quality, tradition, history. But we have to pay attention to the other teams. Arsenal have bought a fantastic striker in (Marouane) Chamakh.

"Liverpool arrive with a new manager and will be a strong opponent and Manchester City we also have to look at - they bought a lot of good players. They have to build a team and maybe also Man City can be involved in the title."

Source: Web Search

One-in-four Premier League footballers' falls are actually 'dives'

Published>Sat, Aug 14 10 12:46 PM

London, Aug 14 (ANI): Nearly a quarter of English Premier League footballers who fall down after being tackled are actually diving, according to a research.

Football statistics firm Opta conducted the research, which was unveiled as the new Premier League season kicks off today.

The study found that on average there are eight dives in every match. And only one player in ten who rolls around in apparent agony is substituted because he is actually too hurt to play on, The Sun reports.

On an average 52 seconds are spent by players per game moaning at the referee. Last season they were shown a total of 168 yellow cards for diving, dissent or swearing.

Backing the findings, former top-flight referee Jeff Winter hit out at cheating, argumentative players who make match officials' jobs virtually impossible.

Signaling out ex-Manchester United striker Cristiano Ronaldo as being the worst offender for winning free kicks, Jeff said: "To hear that one in four falls is a dive is alarming. Players should be ashamed."

The research was commissioned by shaving firm Gillette, which said it was shocked at the scale of Premier League cheating. (ANI)

Source: Web Search

'Threatened' Capello plotted Becks' public retirement plan 'to put him in his place'

Published>Sat, Aug 14 10 12:38 PM

London, Aug 14 (ANI): The decision by England coach Fabio Capello to publicly announce ace midfielder David Beckham's retirement from international football is being termed as a step by the Italian to "put him (Beckham) in his place."

Capello told aides he was angry that the player was even considered as a possible future coach of England while he was being criticized for the Three Lions' World Cup flop.

After the World Cup, Facebook pages emerged demanding Becks take over. The midfielder even got odds of 16/1 to take the job if Capello was sacked, The Sun reports.

Sources close to the England camp revealed Capello had been "agitated and prickly" about the coverage. eckham, who missed the World Cup with a torn Achilles tendon, has now told pals he wondered whether Capello's termination of his England career during a TV interview on Wednesday night was designed to "show everyone who's boss".

A source close to Beckham said: "It is becoming the wider feeling among the England camp that Capello's decision to behave in this way was almost settling a score."

This is not the first time that differences have cropped up between the two. Capello as Real Madrid boss in 2007 vowed Beckham would never play for the club again, but later made a U-turn. (ANI)

Source: Web Search