Stephanie Rice "bursts into tears" while announcing withdrawal from 2010 CWG

Published>Fri, Aug 20 10 12:18 PM

Sydney, Aug 20 (ANI): A teary triple Olympic gold medallist Stephanie Rice on Friday announced her withdrawal from the Commonwealth Games due to a shoulder injury.

Swimming star Rice has been battling an inflamed right shoulder since winning three gold medals at the Beijing Olympics and had hoped to compete in at least three events in the current Pan Pacific Championships in California before heading for the Commonwealth Games in Delhi in October.

"Obviously it is a huge disappointment for me, I would have loved to have been there because Commonwealth Games comes around once every four years," the Sydney Morning Herald quoted Rice, as saying.

"I have to think of the bigger picture, which is the Olympics to be held in London in 2012," she added.

Rice had originally planned to swim in seven events at the PanPacs Swimming Championship, but had scaled down her schedule back to three because of her shoulder problem.

On Wednesday she swam her first race, the 50-metres butterfly, but failed to make the final. Later in the day, she made the painful decision to opt for arthroscopic surgery rather than competing in the Commonwealth Games.

Rice will undergo an operation soon and then embark on 12 weeks of rehabilitation.

"They have told me rehab is 12 weeks. I guess four weeks out of the water if surgery goes well. I will do cross-training to maintain my fitness while out of the pool," she said. (ANI)

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Butt clears way for Younis'' comeback

Fri, Aug 20 10 12:08 PM

Karachi, Aug 20 (PTI) After Mohammad Yousuf, former captain Younis Khan may join the Pakistan team in England after cricket board (PCB) chairman Ejaz Butt has cleared the way for the senior batsman''s return to the national side. According to sources in the selection committee, Butt has finally given his nod to consider Younis for the final Test against England at Lords and the subsequent one-day series that follows. "The board and selectors should be making an official announcement in next few days about Younis Khan. But if the tour selection committee and selectors in Pakistan agree then he might be flown to England to join the team for the fourth and final Test," one source said. He said Butt had given clearance to Younis after coming under increasing pressure from all quarters as to why the former captain was not being sent to England despite his excellent track record there. Another former skipper Yousuf was also called out of retirement earlier this month to join the team in England on the instructions of the PCB chief. Yousuf appeared in his first Test since February when he took the ground in the ongoing third match against England at the Oval. He also scored a solid 58 to justify his selection in the national team. Both Yousuf and Younis were banned for indefinite periods by PCB in March for indiscipline after the shambolic tour to Australia. Younis appealed against his ban but Yousuf decided to retire from international cricket in protest against the ban. Ironically, while Younis was ignored for selection despite the PCB appellate tribunal lifting his ban in June, Yousuf was called out of retirement to join the team after Pakistan lost the first two Tests to England. Butt had insisted that Younis would have to first apologise for the remarks he and his lawyer made against the board during the hearing which the right-hander simply refused to do. "Butt has changed his stance on Younis after the involvement of other parties and he is now keen to see Younis joining the team in England. The selectors have also been told to get in touch with the former captain," the source said. PTI Cor SSC

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India lose 0-1 to Portuguese club side

Fri, Aug 20 10 11:52 AM

Lisbon, Aug 20 (PTI) India football team went down 0-1 to Portuguese second division side Clube Desportivo de Mafra in their second practice match of the week at the Mafra ground here. Mafra striker Bonifacio scored the only goal of the match in the 52nd minute yesterday, to hand India only their second defeat in the two-month-long training-cum-competition tour of Portugal. Against Marfa, India coach Bob Houghton rested almost all the players who were part of the starting eleven in their convincing 3-1 win over Uniao Desportiva da Serra on Wednesday. India started off with Arindam Bhattacharya in the goal with Deepak Mondal as the right wing back. Mahesh Gawli and Govind Singh took guard of the heart of the defence, while N Mohanraj was given the responsibility of the left flank. The midfield comprised of Steven Dias (on the right), Climax Lawrence and Baldeep Singh (centre) and James Singh (left wing half) while Houghton fielded two new strikers in Mohammed Rafi and Sushil Kumar Singh. Determined not to give an edge, both the teams took a cautious approach which resulted in a goalless opening half. However, after the breather the visitors were taken aback by their opponents as Bonifacio found the back of Indian net in the 52nd minute. India had earlier defeated another second division side Uniao Desportiva da Serra 3-1 on Wednesday with striker Sunil Chettri scoring a double in the match.

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Lochte shines on stellar night for U.S. at Pan Pacs

Published>Fri, Aug 20 10 11:44 AM

World champion Ryan Lochte of the United States delivered the performance of the evening to win the men's 400 metres individual medley at the Pan Pacific Championships on Thursday.

With Michael Phelps having failed to qualify for the final earlier in the day, Lochte swam under world record time for the first two legs of the energy-sapping race before surging home in four minutes, 7.59 seconds.

Compatriot Tyler Clary touched second in 4:09.55 with Brazil's Thiago Pereira third in 4:12.09 at the William Woolett Jr. Aquatics Center.

Lochte, who clinched the world title last year in Rome where Phelps notably skipped the event, began the race with a storming display over the butterfly and backstroke legs before falling off the pace in the breaststroke.

"I just went out fast and tried to hold on for dear life," the 26-year-old told reporters on a night when the United States won seven of 10 finals.

"I'm just going out there, having fun and racing. Whatever the outcome is, I'll take it."

World record holder Phelps failed to qualify from his heat earlier on Thursday after competing in the event for the first time since the 2008 Olympics.

Although the multiple Olympic gold medallist was fourth-fastest in the morning heats, he was beaten by Lochte and Tyler. Only two swimmers from each country were allowed to compete in the eight-man final.

American Nathan Adrian won a close battle for the men's 100 freestyle, powering to the finish in a Pan Pac record time of 48.15 seconds, while compatriot Rebecca Soni produced the third fastest time ever in the women's 100 breaststroke.

"You're putting every ounce of effort you have into that last bit," said Adrian, who was in fourth place at the turn before surging to the front to clock the world's fastest time this year.

Canada's Brent Hayden was second in 48.19 with Brazil's world record holder Cesar Cielo third in 48.48.

"I did a good job of swimming my own race and not letting what everybody else was doing affect me," added Adrian. "It was time for me to step up internationally."

SCRAPED THROUGH

World champion Cesar, who scraped through into the final in lane eight after other countries had reached their two-man limit, led after the first 50 before being overhauled.

"I wasn't thinking about medals," the Brazilian said. "I didn't feel I deserved to be in the final.

Soni held off Australian veteran Liesel Jones in the women's breaststroke with a Pan Pac record time of 1:04.93.

Triple Olympic gold medallist Jones, who put on a strong late surge, was second in 1:05.66 with fellow Australian Sarah Katsoulis third in 1:07.04.

"I couldn't have asked for it to go better," a smiling Soni said. "After the turn, I knew we were right together so I just tried to look in my own lane and sprint to the end."

Japan's quadruple gold medallist Kosuke Kitajima won the men's 100 breaststroke with a time of 59.35 seconds, having also dipped under one minute in the morning heats.

"It was great I was able to swim two races today in under one minute," Kitajima said through an interpreter. "I have been living in LA since last April so I am really happy to win here."

American Natalie Coughlin triumphed in the women's 100 freestyle for a third successive time at the Pan Pacs while Australia's Sophie Edington stormed to victory in the women's 50 backstroke in a meet record time of 27.83 seconds.

The United States capped a highly successful night by winning the men's and women's 4x200 freestyle relays, both of them with Pan Pac record times.

Phelps gave the men's team a healthy lead of 1.46 seconds after the opening leg and Lochte stormed home in the anchor leg to give the United States an overall winning time of 7:03.84.

"For that race, you always want to get in open water," said Phelps. "I got as much space for those guys as I could. I just wanted to separate myself.

"This is our relay team from 2008 and we have always swum well together."

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Wozniacki gets help from dad, Clijsters cruises

Published>Fri, Aug 20 10 11:18 AM

World number two Caroline Wozniacki needed a little advice from dad but Kim Clijsters needed help from no one as she raced into the quarter-finals of the Montreal Cup on Thursday with a 6-2 6-1 demolition of Kaia Kanepi.

Clijsters, back on center court about 15 hours after a testing three-set win over American Bethanie Mattek-Sands, shrugged off the quick turnaround to see off 34th-ranked Kanepi in 55 minutes.

Wozniacki, who lost to Clijsters in last year's U.S. Open final, followed the Belgian onto Stade Uniprix but had to battle stubborn Italian Flavia Pennetta for over two hours before clinching a 4-6 6-3 6-1 victory.

With Pennetta dictating play, Wozniacki called for her coach and father Piotr late in the second set.

After a lively and animated lecture, the Dane returned to the court to wrap up the set then roared through the third, breaking the 15th seeded Italian three times to close out the match.

"He just told me, 'you're playing great but she is too, hang in there and keep your concentration up and don't think you've won the set because she can come back'," Wozniacki told reporters.

Clijsters, who has racked up seven straight wins on North American hardcourts, sent a menacing message to those eyeing her U.S. Open crown with a ruthless performance against Kanepi.

The fifth seed charged out of the blocks in both sets, breaking Kanepi at the first opportunity to take 3-0 leads and never allowing the Estonian a chance to get into the match.

Clijsters has a 21-2 record on hardcourts this season, including her current 13-match winning streak that stretches back to a victory in Miami earlier this spring.

"It's always nice to win a tournament and gradually feel your level improve," said Clijsters, who arrived in Montreal riding the momentum from a victory in Cincinnati.

"When you're down and able to fight back and win matches like last night it's something that is extremely important."

DEMENTIEVA OUSTED

Australia Open semi-finalist Zheng Jie of China delivered the shock of the day ending Elena Dementieva's title defence with a gritty 7-6 6-4 win over the fourth-seeded Russian.

French Open champion and sixth seed Francesca Schiavone of Italy advanced with a 6-4 6-3 win over Russian Dinara Safina.

In a rematch of the San Diego final two weeks ago, Svetlana Kuznetsova, the first Russian woman to win the U.S. Open when she triumphed in 2004, looked to be hitting her stride at the right time battling past seventh seed Agnieszka Radwanska of Poland 6-4 1-6 6-3.

Wimbledon finalist Vera Zvonareva also continued to find her touch on the hardcourts, the Russian eighth seed breezing into the last eight with a 6-3 6-3 win over Hungary's Agnes Szavay.

Tenth-seed Victoria Azarenka of Belarus advanced with 6-3 6-3 win over ninth seed China's Li Na, while France's Marion Bartoli stormed into her third hardcourt quarter-final in four weeks with a 6-0 6-1 thrashing of Czech Iveta Benesova.

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AITA denies players threatening pullout

Fri, Aug 20 10 11:06 AM

New Delhi, Aug. 20 -- The All India Tennis Association dismissed media reports that the star quartet of Mahesh Bhupathi, Leander Paes, Somdev Devvarman and Rohan Bopanna has threatened to pull out of the Commonwealth Games due to non-clearance of Davis Cup dues and lack of financial assistance for preparations. According to reports in certain sections of the media, the players wrote to AITA Secretary General Anil Khanna that if their dues were not cleared by September, they will not play in the October 3 to 14 Delhi Games. The letter was reportedly signed by Bhupathi, Paes, Somdev and Bopanna. However, Khanna rubbished the claim. "No player has threatened to pull out of Commonwealth Games. This is all wrong information. There is no issue as far as Davis Cup is concerned. All the dues are cleared. Even the dues of the last tie against Russia have been paid," Khanna said. "Players actually have written specifically that they are satisfied by the Davis Cup arrangements. As far as the assistance for the CWG is concerned, we are in talks with the Sports Ministry and the issue will be resolved soon," he added.

Source: Published>

Akhil lashes out at coach, management

Fri, Aug 20 10 10:52 AM

Patiala, Aug. 20 -- Boxer Akhil Kumar, a medal hope in the Games, is frustrated with the apathetic attitude of the management towards its players and warns it can affect their performance in the mega event. "I am very disappointed with the indifferent attitude of our management. A few days back, I was down with viral fever and I brought it to the notice of our chief coach. But he advised me to take medicines from a private doctor," Akhil told the media.

Chief coach G.S. Sandhu said he will speak to Akhil. "There are many things not under our control but we have to manage. I will again talk to Akhil regarding this matter," a visibly disturbed Sandhu said.

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Malinga worries India

Fri, Aug 20 10 10:46 AM

Dambulla, Aug. 19 -- Most cricket stadia in the sub-continent are tailor-made for batsmen. Especially, when it comes to limited-over formats. The Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium is an exception. Thanks to the soil, the track assists bowlers -seamers and spinners. This makes life difficult for batsmen, especially those from the sub-continent, who are not used to the moving ball. It's not a surprise that the venue has witnessed only two 300-plus totals in the 39 matches played here before Thursday's New Zealand versus Sri Lanka tie. Considering the movement and bounce that fast bowlers have been able to generate, Sri Lanka pace spearhead Lasith Malinga can rip through a side in no time. Not that Malinga, with his slinging action, requires assistance from the wicket to bowl his lethal yorkers, but if he has a wicket that aids his bowling, he can be even more dangerous, given the movement he generates both ways. Four India batsmen made the best of an optional nets session, by devising means of tackling the slinger. Even though the others preferred to rest on the last day of the three-day break, Dinesh Karthik, Suresh Raina, Saurabh Tiwary and all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja spent two hours at the practice facility on Thursday morning. Later, Pragyan Ojha, Munaf Patel along with coach Gary Kirsten and bowling coach Eric Simons joined them. The talking point of the session remained Malinga as Karthik, the opening bat, explained the unusual trajectory and movement of the ball once the round-arm bowler released it. After discussing it, Simons simulated Malinga's angle with his throw-downs to help the batsmen get used to the bowler's unusual action. To their advantage, they found a round-arm bowler among the local net bowlers. The seriousness of the Malinga factor ahead of India's tie against Sri Lanka on Sunday was underlined when the local paceman was asked to join the team's full-fledged preparatory session on Friday. With the conditions not favourable for India batsmen, it's not a surprise that lesser-experienced batsmen like Karthik, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have failed to make a mark in India's two matches so far. The trio has managed just 28 runs in five combined outings. But Virender Sehwag, who single-handedly helped India register their maiden victory against Sri Lanka on Monday, did not read too much into the trio's performance ahead of next year's World Cup. "Dambulla traditionally has been a bowlers' paradise rather than being a batsman-friendly wicket. So, for them it's a learning opportunity," said Sehwag.

Source: Published>

Rain makes an unexpected entry

Fri, Aug 20 10 10:22 AM

Dambulla, Aug. 19 -- The beauty of sports lies in statistics. For a cricket buff, Thursday was a day to keep track of queer statistics despite not a ball being bowled due to incessant rain at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium. The sun was blazing when Sri Lanka and New Zealand arrived at the ground for a crunch encounter of the tri-series and there was a buzz among the few fans that they were "going to witness history". It was the 1,000th one-day international to be played under floodlights. Irrespective of its significance, the number did specify that the format has come a long way since being referred to as 'pajama cricket' when the first floodlit ODI was played at Sydney 31 years ago. More history was in the making. Soon after the toss, which New Zealand skipper Ross Taylor won, and elected to bat, it started to pour in Dambulla, which is supposed to be a dry zone during this time of the year. After a half-hour break, around 3.30 pm, the rain gods were back in action and the game had to be postponed to Friday, the reserve day. This was the first match to be called off due to rain at this picturesque stadium, which was specifically constructed to avoid rain-interrupted ODIs. None of the 39 one-day internationals the stadium has hosted since joining the list of international venues in 2001 have been washed out. There is always a first time, isn't it?

Suraj Randiv, the off-spinner, who was suspended for Thursday's match after deliberately bowling the no-ball to deny Virender Sehwag a century on Monday, will still warm the bench.

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I am ready to play at any number for Mumbai Indians: Pollard

Fri, Aug 20 10 09:52 AM

Mumbai, Aug 20 (PTI) West Indian all-rounder Kieron Pollard, among the most devastating batsmen lower down the order in IPL 3, is prepared to bat at any number for Mumbai Indians (MI) in the upcoming Champions League Twenty20 (CLT20) in South Africa. "Where ever I am asked to go by the technical staff I would do so. I want to perform for my team, thats all," said Pollard late last night. In the third edition of the Indian Premier League, the Trinidadian used to come in at number seven or eight for MI and strike deadly late blows to take the match away from the opposition. He scored 213 runs off only 124 balls from 12 matches. He also hit a staggering 12 sixes and 19 fours (148 runs) that helped him maintain a superb strike rate of 171.77 at the end of the tournament where the Sachin Tendulkar-led MI finished runners-up to Mahendra Singh Dhoni''s Chennai Super Kings. Looking ahead to the CLT20, Pollard who is recovering from an eye injury said he had a doctor''s appointment later in the day. "I have a doctor''s appointment tomorrow and I''m confident I would be fit for the Champions League (commencing on September 10). The swelling has gone down a lot," he said. The genial giant, set to meet up with his MI teammates in Johannesburg after flying out with fellow-Trinidadian Dwayne Bravo on September 5, was upbeat about his IPL team''s chances in CLT20. "We have a good team with impressive young batsmen like Shikhar Dhiwan and Saurabh Tiwary. It all will boil down to how well we adapt to the conditions in South Africa, which will be bouncy and seaming, definitely different to Indian wickets. .

Source: Published>

Nadal and Murray labour into Cincinnati quarters

Published>Fri, Aug 20 10 09:38 AM

World number one Rafa Nadal battled back to defeat Frenchman Julien Benneteau 5-7 7-6 6-2 at the Cincinnati Masters Thursday while Britain's Andy Murray needed a final set tiebreak to beat Latvia's Ernests Gulbis.

Third seed Roger Federer, coming off a runner-up finish in Toronto last week, enjoyed a free pass into the quarter-finals after his opponent pulled out of their match with an injury.

The top-ranked American, Andy Roddick, produced one of his better performances in some time to overcome Swedish fifth-seed Robin Soderling.

Nadal, who struggled to find his rhythm against a confident Benneteau, lost the first set and was then forced to save match point in the second.

With his French opponent struggling physically in the final set, Nadal showed his excellent fitness and cruised to victory and booked his spot in the quarter-finals.

Next up for Nadal is Cypriot Marcos Baghdatis who pulled off an impressive victory over Czech Tomas Berdych.

Murray also looked far from his best in the opening set against an occasionally inspired but often erratic Gulbis.

But Murray fought back in the second with the Latvian missing out on break point in the third game and hurling his racket to the ground three times before it was disfigured.

Gulbis had another good chance to get control of the match when he had break point in the eighth game of the third set but skied a shot high into the air and Murray held to make it 4-4.

With both players looking tired in the early afternoon heat another decisive moment went against Gulbis when, at 3-1 down, he had a straightforward smash opportunity but was dazzled by the sun and could only tap the ball into the net.

Murray gathered himself and won 4-6 6-3 7-6, setting up a quarter-finals match with American Mardy Fish.

Federer, who could set up a repeat of last week's Toronto final with Murray, sauntered into the last eight despite not having played a single set of tennis.

Less than 24 hours after his previous opponent retired hurt while trailing 5-2 in the first set, Federer's third-round opponent Philipp Kohlschreiber of Germany pulled out with a shoulder injury.

Since the Swiss maestro also had a bye in the first round, he will be well rested when he faces Nikolay Davydenko -- a three-set winner over Spaniard David Ferrer.

In a match that featured two big servers, Roddick squeaked by Soderling 6-4 6-7 7-6 to set up a match with Serb Novak Djokovic on Friday.

After taking the opening set, Roddick came up short in a thrilling second set tiebreak during which he criticised the umpire for allowing what he considered a late challenge from Soderling. Roddick looked close to losing his temper but kept his composure and went on to take the match.

Djokovic dominated his first set against Argentine David Nalbandian, winning 6-1, but then looked a little short of breath as he laboured in the heat, winning the second on a tiebreak.

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MPCA election: Scindia camp clarifies issues raised by rivals

Thu, Aug 19 10 10:40 PM

Indore, Aug 19 (PTI) Amid reports of keen tussle between Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia and state minister Kailash Vijaywargiya for post of Madhya Pradesh Cricket Association President, persons close to the former today came out with a statement clarifying issues raised by their opponents. The contest between the two is likely to be held on August 22, the day the annual general meeting of the association has been convened. MPCA Chairman M K Bhargava and Secretary Sanjay Jagdale, who were considered close to Scindia, today issued a statement without naming Vijaywargiya that confusion was being spread unnecessarily about neglect of Indore. The statement denied that in order to give more importance to Gwalior, the group led by Scindia was neglecting Indore. The Vijaywargiya camp has challenged the leadership of Scindia alleging that he was favouring Gwalior. Scindia has all along got elected unopposed in the MPCA and if there is no last minute compromise reached between the two camps, he would need to contest the election. Bhargava and Jagdale also highlighted that when there was a shortage of funds for the construction of Usha Raje Cricket Stadium at Indore, Scindia persuaded GAIL to donate Rs one crore for it and arranged Rs 88 lakh more from his friends. .

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Kalmadi claims government appointed officers at his behest

Published>Thu, Aug 19 10 10:22 PM

New Delhi, Aug 19 (IANS) Commonwealth Games Organising Committee (CGOC) chairman Suresh Kalmadi Thursday said the government had appointed 11 top bureaucrats to oversee the last phase of work for the mega event at the request of the organising committee and there was no 'take over' of the Games.

'We are in the final phase for the Commonwealth Games. We requested the prime minister and the cabinet secretary to give us 10 government officers. They have come at our request and they will co-ordinate. They have not come to take over the organising committee as reported in some sections of the media. The media is saying that my wings have been clipped, probably because I was a fighter pilot,' said Kalmadi at a press conference.

The officials, of the rank of additional secretary and joint secretary, were named by the Cabinet Secretariat and given charge of one stadium, a government spokesman said.

The officers are Subodh Kumar (additional secretary, Department of Telecommunication), S.R. Rao (additional secretary, Department of Information Techonolgy), R.C. Mishra (additional secretary, Ministry of Urban Development), Amarjeet Singh (executive director, Janasankhya Sthirata Kosh, Ministry of Health), J.S. Deepak (joint secretary, Ministry of Commerce), Rohit Nandan (joint secretary, Ministry of Civil Aviation), Shashi Shekar (OSD, Power Trading Corporation Ltd), Taradatt (joint secretary, Cabinet Secretariat), Gopal Krishna (secretary, Sports Authority of India), Rajeev Kapoor (joint secretary, Department of Personnel and Training) and Injeti Srinivas (joint secretary, Ministry of Sports).

The newly appointed officials will report directly to Cabinet Secretary K.M. Chandrasekhar, the spokesman said.

Deepak will be in charge of the sprawling Commonwealth Games village coming up on the banks of the Yamuna river. The Indira Gandhi stadium will be overseen by Misra and the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in the city's heart which will host the opening and closing ceremonies by Rao.

The appointments came on a day when United Progressive Alliance (UPA) chief Sonia Gandhi made it plain that the October 3-14 Games were 'a matter of national pride and efforts should be made to hold them successfully'.

Thursday's move followed widespread reports of corruption and delays in the preparations for the Games, prompting Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to meet ministers and officials Saturday to review the works.

Earlier Thursday, Commonwealth Games Federation president Mike Fennell met Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit for about 30 minutes to discuss issues related to the Games and infrastructure development.

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India face Australia, New Zealand in World Cup warm-up matches

Thu, Aug 19 10 10:08 PM

Dubai, Aug 19 (PTI) India will take on defending champions Australia and New Zealand in Bangalore and Chennai respectively in the warm-up matches of the Cricket World Cup, International Cricket Council said today. With just six months to go before the first ball of the 2011 Cricket World Cup is bowled, the ICC today announced the schedule of warm-up matches. The 14 warm-up matches will be played across Bangladesh, India and Sri Lanka from February 12-18 with Bangalore, Chennai, Chittagong, Colombo, Dhaka, Nagpur and Pallekele (Sri Lanka) acting as host cities. The warm-up matches, with each of the 14 competing sides playing two ties, will kick off with New Zealand taking on Ireland in Nagpur on February 12. However, none of these matches will carry official ODI status, the ICC said. ICC President Sharad Pawar hoped the mega-event will turn out to be the most successful one. "The start of ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 is exactly six months away. Let there be no doubt whatsoever that the ICC, along with the three co-hosts, will ensure that the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 is the best of all the World Cups staged so far," Pawar said. India play four-time and reigning world champions Australia on February 13 in Bangalore, before facing New Zealand in Chennai on February 16. Muttiah Muralitharan, Sri Lanka''s legendary off-spinner, who played an important role during his team''s 1996 triumph, hoped his country will win the World Cup next year. "I''m hoping victory in next year''s World Cup will not only strengthen our future as a cricketing nation but will also help us produce more world-class cricketers who will go on to entertain the world with their flare, talent, charisma and prowess," he said. Schedule of Warm-up matches: Feb 12: New Zealand v Ireland (d/n), Nagpur; Zimbabwe v South Africa (d/n), Chennai; West Indies v Kenya (d), Colombo; Sri Lanka v the Netherlands (d), Pallekele; Bangladesh v Canada (d/n), Chittagong. Feb 13: India v Australia (d/n), Bangalore. Feb 15: Australia v South Africa (d/n), Bangalore; Ireland v Zimbabwe (d), Nagpur; Kenya v the Netherlands (d), Pallekele; Bangladesh v Pakistan (d/n), Dhaka. Feb 16: India v New Zealand (d/n), Chennai; Sri Lanka v West Indies (d), Colombo; England v Canada (d), Dhaka. Feb 18: England v Pakistan (d/n), Dhaka.

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Accelerate work at Games Village: CGF chief Fennell

Published>Thu, Aug 19 10 09:28 PM

New Delhi, Aug 19 (IANS) Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) president Mike Fennell feels that work at the Commonwealth Games Village needs to be accelerated so that it can be completed by the time the athletes and officials start arriving well in advance for the Oct 3-14 Games.

The Jamaican, who was here for a two-day tour to inspect the venues and the operational issues, said that lot of work has to be done to clear the rubbish and construction waste at all the venues and the Village.

Fennell pointed out that some work at the dining room and the kitchen were behind schedule.

'We feel that some of the rooms in the buildings could have been better, but nevertheless they are good. The work at the dining room and the kitchen are behind schedule and large amount of detailing needs to be done. We don't have time left. The building alone doesn't make the Village. It is the management that all together that makes the Village,' he said.

Fennell was happy with assurances given to him on uninterrupted power and water supply.

'I have been assured that there will be back-up for power. We also have to maintain high standards of food hygiene. We are going to have a standard operating procedure in place for testing the food standards,' he said.

Fennell was also concerned at the detailed work left at all the venues.

'This has been accepted by organising committee as well. Cleaning of the venues have to be done with great urgency. This is of great importance because to a large extent this will determine the image of the Games. The landscaping work has to be done urgently,' he said.

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Nominees for FPAI Awards announced

Thu, Aug 19 10 09:22 PM

Kolkata, Aug 19 (PTI) Brazilian striker Edmar Figuera and Nigerian midfielder Ogba Kalu Nnanna were among those nominated today for the ''Fans Player of the Year 2010'' by the Football Players'' Association of India (FPAI). Also nominated were the Indian trio of Subrata Paul, Anthony Pereira and Mohammad Rafi with the award to go to the player securing the maximum number of votes at the FPAI Awards night to be held in New Delhi on September 12, a release quoting FPAI secretary Jehan Mehta said. The voting lines will remain open till September 10. Last year, India forward Sunil Chhetri pipped Mohun Bagan''s Brazilian striker Jose Ramirez Barreto for the award. AFC president Mohammed Bin Hammam is likely to be the chief guest at the FPAI Awards night. India''s number one goalkeeper Paul and Figuera were instrumental in Pune FC''s third-place finish in the I-League 2009-10. Kalu who played a key role in Churchill Brothers triumph in 2008-09, has switched allegiance to I-League holders Dempo SC. Up and coming Indian forward Rafi scored 14 goals for Mahindra United last season and is now with Churchill Brothers after his former club was disbanded. India winger Pereira, known for his pace and clinical crosses, is an integral member of the I-League champions Dempo.

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Pakistan 215-5 v England 233, third test, day two, tea

Thu, Aug 19 10 09:18 PM

Pakistan were 215 for five wickets in reply to England's first innings total of 233 at tea on the second day of the third test at the Oval on Thursday.

Scores: England 233 (M. Prior 84 not out; Wahab Riaz 5-63) v

Pakistan 215-5 (Mohammad Yousuf 56)

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Kalmadi insists govt hasn''t clipped wings

Thu, Aug 19 10 09:08 PM

New Delhi, Aug 19 (PTI) Rejecting suggestions that the government has clipped his wings by appointing a committee of bureaucrats, Commonwealth Games Organising Committee''s embattled Chairman Suresh Kalmadi today insisted that he is still the boss and the panel was instituted on his request. Reacting sharply to suggestions that government committee''s appointment has virtually stripped him of his authority. "There have been news reports that 10 government officers have come but they have been appointed at our request. The OC requested Prime Minister Manmohan Singh that the final stage of the Games has come and we need government officers," Kalmadi told PTI. "They have come to coordinate, they are going to support us. Everytime you say Kalmadi''s wings are being clipped. Let me tell you I am a former pilot," the Indian Olympic Association chief remarked sarcastically. "To put the finishing touches to the arrangement, we need the support of the government. At this stage, it is very crucial that we get all the work done in time and therefore we need senior officers from the government so that the coordination work is done quickly. This arrangement will only help us complete the task," he added. Kalmadi, however, acknowledged the Games preparations remain a work in progress with just 45 days to go. "We are in the final lap in the run up to the Games. There are just 27 days left for athletes to arrive at the Games Village and 45 days left for the opening ceremony," he said in a press conference alongside Commonwealth Games Federation chief Mike Fennel;l, who was here on an inspection trip. "This is short time and we have to do a lot of work. Prime Minister has said in his speech that we have to celebrate the Games as a national festival and I want to assure that the OC is going to do it''s best to live up to this dream," he said. "I would like to thank Mr Fennell and the CGF for all the support he has been giving since the beginning of the Games. They have given us full support. We promise to give a good Games. "We have taken over the venues and all are venue teams have gone to the venues. We have got venue commanders in place I will be going to see the venues after two days," he said. Kalmadi said the catering contract has been finalised and the details would be out within a few days. "The catering contract has been finalised and the final look has also been finalised," he said.

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Top riders for K-1000 Rally

Published>Thu, Aug 19 10 08:46 PM

Bangalore, Aug 19 (IANS) The Karnataka-1000, the second round of the MAK Indian National Rally Championship (INRC) for two-wheelers will be held Sunday at Siddhalaghatta, near here.

After a successful season opener at Coimbatore, which saw a record entries of over 40 bikes, the Bangalore leg too is bound to provide exciting thrills as the 'Big Daddies' are set to make their mark in K-1000.

'Some Bullet fans have approached us showing interest to rally these big bikes and we are expecting to make arrangements and five of these biggie would be seen in action,' said Praneeth Peruman, who set the technically daunting but fast track, about 140 km, from the city.

The second of the five rounds of the MAK INRC for Motorcycles will be organised by the Karnataka Motor Sports Club (KMSC) under the aegis of Federation of Motor Sports Clubs of India (FMSCI), the governing body for the sport in the country.

Riders from Team TVS Racing, who have dominated the two-wheeler section for long will continue to be strong contenders. Reigning National champion Arvind KP, along with the Pramod Joshua, who began the season with a bang, winning the Coimbatore leg, will be among the top contenders.

The rally will have two Special Stages of 10.92 km and 8.95 km, and they will be run four times each in the same direction with service breaks in between. The total distance of Special Stage rallying will be 79.48 km.

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Fraser doesn''t know enough about Delhi: CGF chief Fennell

Thu, Aug 19 10 08:38 PM

New Delhi, Aug 19 (PTI) Commonwealth Games Federation President Michael Fennell today downplayed Dawn Fraser''s fears of a Munich-like terror attack during the CWG here, saying the Australian swimming legend was not sufficiently informed to make such a statement. "It has been dealt with by the Australian Commonwealth Games Association. We should respect freedom of speech but I think she is not sufficiently informed to make such a statement," Fennell said at a press conference after ending his two-day inspection of venues of the controversy-marred Games. Fraser today called on athletes to boycott the Commonwealth Games fearing a Munich Olympics like terror attack during the Delhi mega event. "The Indians are telling us that security will be right. But they''ve also been telling us for months that their stadiums are ready to go too and quite obviously they''re not," Fraser, winner of eight Olympic medals, said. "I would hate to see another Munich but, with things getting worse and worse, I have grave concerns. I know the Australian Commonwealth Games Association is doing everything it can with security, but what''s at the other end of the tunnel?" she asked. Australian Commonwealth Games Association was prompt to reject her apprehensions and said that the Indian capital would be safe and secure. "I don''t think Dawn''s been to Delhi recently and I don''t think she has the information we have, if she did I don''t think she would have made the comments she did," ACGA Chief Executive Perry Crosswhite said. "We believe at this stage, it will be safe and it will be secure. My personal view is that the Commonwealth Games is not going to be a target, because most of the nations in the Commonwealth are developing nations, we have all religions and we have all political systems," he added. During the 1972 Munich Olympics, 11 Israeli athletes, coaches and officials were taken hostage and killed by Palestinian terrorists.

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IOA mourns demise of Ashoke Ghosh

Thu, Aug 19 10 08:22 PM

New Delhi, Aug 19 (PTI) Indian Olympic Association today mourned the death of its former top official Ashoke Ghosh who breathed his last at wee hours today at his home in Kolkata after a heart attack. In a condolence message to the bereaved family, IOA Secretary General Randhir Singh described Ghosh as an able sports administrator whose contribution to the Olympic Movement will be remembered. "We mourn the sad demise of Mr Asoke Ghosh, an able Sports Administrator whose contribution to the Olympic Movement will always be remembered, left for his heavenly abode today," the message said. "He was former Vice-President and Treasurer of Indian Olympic Association and was also the President of Bengal Olympic Association and Kho-Kho Federation of India besides Secretary of the All India Football Federation. "I on my own behalf and on behalf of Indian Olympic Association pray that may his noble soul rest in peace. At this hour of grief, we stand with the bereaved family and pray that may almighty grant them courage to bear the irreparable loss," Randhir said. According to family sources, Ghosh had a severe chest pain at around 2 am and breathed his last before he could be rushed to hospital. Ghosh was 78 and is survived by wife, son and daughter. PTI PDS

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CGF president Fennell concerned with corruption charges

Published>Thu, Aug 19 10 08:18 PM

New Delhi, Aug 19 (IANS) Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) president Mike Fennell Thursday expressed concern over the mounting charges of corruption against the Commonwealth Games Organising Committee (CGOC) but was fairly happy with the venues and the Games Village after his two-day whirlwind tour to inspect the national capital's preparedness for the Oct 3-14 Games.

Fennell said that the CGF doesn't want to be associated with any corrupt practices and the Indian authorities should investigate all the charges.

'Recently there were lot of reports on corruption. The CGF is concerned with all these reports and we want the Indian authorities to look into these allegations so that we come out clean,' he said.

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Four telecom companies in race for BCCI series sponsorship

Thu, Aug 19 10 07:52 PM

Mumbai, Aug 19 (PTI) Four corporate houses from the telecom sector are in the race for bagging the series sponsorship rights of the Cricket Board. Telecom service providers Airtel and Idea Cellular, along with handset manufacturers Karbonn Mobile and MicroMax, are in the fray for securing the series sponsorship rights for the period 2010-2013, BCCI secretary N Srinivasan said in a media release today. These four had submitted the bids before 5pm today from the ten corporates who had picked up the Invitation To Tender from the BCCI (costing Rs 2 lakh), Srinivasan said. The financial bids will be opened at the Board''s marketing committee meeting at its headquarters here tomorrow, he added. The Board had issued the tenders on August 11 for sponsorship of Tests, ODIs and Twenty20 Internationals in India and featuring the hosts for 31 months beginning this September. The reserve price has been fixed as Rs two crore per match, according to BCCI''s CAO Prof Ratnakar Shetty. The Board has debarred agencies, including those engaged in audio-video production services of live cricket, from participating in the bidding or representing any corporate entity in the process.

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NZ-SL match called off due to rain, to re-play tomorrow

Thu, Aug 19 10 07:38 PM

T V Sriram Dambulla (Sri Lanka), Aug 19 (PTI) The tri-series cricket match between New Zealand and Sri Lanka was called off without a ball being bowled due to persistent rain here today. The match will have a fresh start tomorrow which has been kept as a reserve day. There will also be a fresh toss, the organisers said. Heavy rain lashed the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium when the match was just about to start at 2:30pm local time and after New Zealand captain Ross Taylor won the toss and elected to bat. Anticipating rain, the groundstaff had kept most of the ground, including the pitch, under covers and there was a ray of hope for a truncated match after the downpour stopped for a while at around 4pm local time. But the heavens opened up again and with rain persisting the umpires called off the match at around 6.20pm. The umpires had earlier kept 8.15pm as the cut off time but seeing that there was no sign of rain abetting, they called off the match. At the end of the first half of the tri-series, New Zealand and India are on five points with one win each from two matches and a bonus point. Sri Lanka are on four points after their opening match win over New Zealand though they did not get a bonus point from that victory. Sri Lanka took the field at the backdrop of off-spinner Suraj Randiv being banned by their Cricket Board for bowling a no-ball in the last delivery of their match against India on Monday to deny Virender Sehwag a century. A six-member committee of Sri Lanka Cricket headed by its chief D S de Silva also docked senior batsman Tillakaratne Dilshan off his entire match fee after local media reported that he suggested Randiv to bowl the no-ball. Captain Kumar Sangakkara was also warned to ensure that such incidents do not happen in future. India won that match by six wickets but Sehwag was left stranded at 99 though he hit the no-ball for a six. After the match, Sehwag slammed Randiv for deliberately bowling a no-ball. Randiv later apologised to Sehwag and the Sri Lanka Cricket officials did the same to Indian team management which declared the episode a "closed chapter". The Indian Cricket Board also made it clear that it would not pursue the case any further.

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Public Enterprises Min asks PSUS to withhold CWG sponsorship

Thu, Aug 19 10 06:58 PM

New Delhi, Aug 19 (PTI) In what could be a severe jolt to the crisis-ridden Commonwealth Games, the Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh today said his ministry has asked PSUs to hold back sponsorship money totalling up to Rs 260 crore for the event. "We have already asked PSUs to hold on. Instructions were issued by DPE secretary to hold on (to) the funds," Deshmukh told PTI. As such, NTPC and PowerGrid have already held back their funds, while most of the big corporate entities have shied away from the Games. He said earlier the ministry had said that if the PSUs wanted to contribute they could. "(But )after this controversy now I think no PSU is going to contribute," he added. The comments come within hours of Congress President Sonia Gandhi telling her party MPs that "it (Games) was a matter of national pride and efforts should be made to hold them successfully." At the same time, she said that those found guilty of corruption in works related to the Games should be punished after the event. The ministry''s direction to PSUs to withhold sponsorship funds about 10 days coincided with numerous instances of financial irregularities revealed by Central Vigilance Commission and the Comptroller and Auditor General of India. Asked if the step taken by NTPC and PowerGrid is in the right direction, Deshmukh said, "Yes". Already NTPC and PowerGrid have decided to hold back Rs 40 crore sponsorship money out of a combined committed sum of Rs 60 crore for the event. NTPC, which has already given Rs 20 crore in February out of the committed Rs 50 crore sponsorship deal, is also asking for an audit by a government appointed agency for the sum it has paid to the CWG organising committee. The Board of the state-run power producer at its meeting on Wednesday decided to withdraw any further sponsorship for the Games to be held here during October 3-14 this year. "Yes, we have decided to stop it (sponsorship) further," NTPC Chairman and Managing Director R S Sharma said when asked to comment on the firm''s sponsorship in the wake of numerous reports of financial irregularities in the CWG organising committee. Another power public sector unit PowerGrid Corporation, which had committed to sponsor Rs 10 crore for the event, has also taken a U-turn. "Yes, we have decided not to give any money for the Commonwealth Games," PowerGrid CMD S K Chaturvedi said. Central Bank of India has already contributed Rs 50 crore to the Games, while the Indian Railways made a budgetary provision of Rs 100 crore but was reported to be rethinking its stand after reports of Australian sports marketing firm SMAM receiving commissions. State-run carrier Air India had also committed Rs 50 crore for the CWG, which are to come mainly in the form of services. Corruption allegations against the CWG organising committee erupted with a Central Vigilance Commission report pointing out financial bungling in handing of construction and other contracts of the Games last month. Earlier this month, three official of the CWG organising committee, T S Darbari (joint director general), Sanjay Mahindroo (deputy-director general) and M Jeychgandran (treasurer), were sacked, along with the Australian firm SMAM. PTI RK MEG RKL

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Injured Henin won't return until 2011

Published>Thu, Aug 19 10 06:48 PM

Brussels, Aug 19 (DPA) Seven-time Grand Slam champion Justine Henin confirmed that she will miss the rest of the season as an elbow injury suffered during a fall at Wimbledon is healing slower than expected.

'I took several medical examinations and it is going in the right direction,' said the seven-time Grand Slam champion, Wednesday. 'But it is still a slow recovery, so I need to be patient again until the end of 2010.'

The one-time number one said on her website that she could only resume training in two months.

Henin fell during her Wimbledon quarter-final against compatriot Kim Clijsters, finishing the match in pain.

She is due back on court at the Hopman Cup mixed team event in Perth, Western Australia from Jan 1 and will team with compatriot Steve Darcis in the eight-nation field.

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Modi has to appear in court in broadcast right issue: MSM

Thu, Aug 19 10 06:38 PM

Mumbai, Aug 19 (PTI) Indian Premier League broadcast right-holder MSM Satellite, Singapore said its dispute with WSG Mauritius can be sorted out only in an Indian court which will have to summon suspended IPL commissioner Lalit Modi as a witness. MSM, which has entered into a fresh agreement with BCCI for media rights license for IPL, has alleged that WSG accepted facilitation fee for transfer of rights when it did not possess any rights. MSM had paid Rs 125 crore to WSG for the IPL broadcast rights in the subcontinent, but later the Cricket Board said that WSG did not possess these rights. Last week, Justice Roshan Dalvi of Bombay High Court accepted WSG''s plea that the dispute should be taken to international arbitration forum at Singapore -- as per the original agreement between MSM and WSG. But MSM, which has filed a suit here claiming back the money paid to WSG, does not want arbitration and has now filed appeal before a division bench. "This can be sorted out only in a civil court. We will need to examine BCCI officials and Lalit Modi in the case. An arbitrator has no powers to summon witnesses," said senior counsel Dushyant Dave. "This is a case of fruad ... WSG sold us something which it did not have," Dave said, adding that in such a situation arbitration was not the remedy. .

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Indian business tycoon eyes Beckham after Blackburn takeover

Thu, Aug 19 10 06:28 PM

London, Aug 19 (PTI) Indian business tycoon Ahsan Ali Syed wants to take star footballer David Beckham if he completes his proposed takeover of English Premier League club Blackburn Rovers. Bahrain-based Syed is talking to Rovers'' chiefs for about a 300 million pounds (USD 468 million) takeover and he plans to launch an 80 million pounds (USD 125 million) spending spree on new players once the deal is finalised. "I was 26 when I started following the Premier League. I used to like Blackburn back then and also used to follow Manchester United''s fortunes because of David Beckham," he was quoted as saying by ''Daily Mail''. Los Angeles Galaxy midfielder Beckham has not played for an English club since he left Manchester United seven years ago and Syed feels he was the ideal player to lift the profile of Blackburn Rovers. "If my finances allow and his intentions are positive then I would love to take Beckham," he said. Representatives of Syed''s investment firm Western Gulf Advisory last week opened talks with the Ewood Park Club which said the negotiations cordial and productive. Blackburn manager Sam Allardyce said a takeover of the club could bring "great success" to Ewood Park, but has already vowed he will not take players on large transfer budget. "I have to persuade the new owners -- if it happens -- that we have got to do it relatively slowly. You try and do it as quick as you possibly can, but you want to do it by making sure we sign the quality of player at the right price. "Even though we might have millions and millions to spend, we still have to negotiate the right price and not over-spend for a player that is not worth the money," he said. PTI PDS ATK

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Yuki in tennis final in Youth Olympic Games

Thu, Aug 19 10 06:08 PM

Singapore, Aug 19 (PTI) Yuki Bhambri pulled off an upset victory to storm into the final of the tennis event but the hoopsters and swimmers came up with disappointing performances on a mixed day for the Indians in the inaugural Youth Olympic Games here today. Yuki stunned second seeded Damir Dzumhur of Bosnia and Herzegovina 6-3, 4-6, 6-2 in the boys'' singles semifinal at Kallang Tennis Centre on the fifth day of the Games to at least assure India of another silver. In the summit clash, the sixth-seeded Indian will take on Juan Sebastian Gomez of Colombia who beat Victor Baluda of Russia 6-1, 3-6, 7-5 in the other semifinal. Yuki had yesterday braved cramps to get the better of Ireland''s John Morrissey in the quarterfinals. Wrestlers had won two medals for India. Pooja Dhanda had bagged a silver in women''s 60kg freestyle while Kadian Satyawart fetched a bronze in men''s 100kg freestyle. Shuttler H S Prannoy is also assured of at least a silver after stunning top seed Kang Ji Wook of Korea in the singles semifinal yesterday. He, however, will have to wait longer in his quest for a gold medal as his final match against Pisit Poodchalat of Thailand has been rescheduled. The other Indian who impressed today was Durgesh Kumar who won the boys 400m race heat number two with an effort of 52.20sec to qualify for the final round. In basketball, Indian boys lost to New Zealand 12-17 in a Group A preliminary round match. In swimming, Aaron Agnel D''Souza finished fifth in boys 100m freestyle second semifinal with a timing of 51.49sec. He had qualified for the semifinals after finishing fourth in the heat number five. In women''s 100m butterfly, Arhatha Magavi finished a disappointing eighth in heat number four. India fielded 32 competitors in the inaugural edition of the Games which is meant for athletes in the age group of 14 to 18.

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Rice to battle shoulder injury for Delhi CWG participation

Thu, Aug 19 10 05:58 PM

Melbourne, Aug 19 (PTI) Australia''s Olympic champion swimmer Stephanie Rice will battle through the pain of a shoulder injury to compete in the Delhi Commonwealth Games this October. The 22-year-old will undergo a shoulder surgery after the Delhi Games. "I''m not allowed to have any more (injections) because it starts to impact your shoulder and make it weaker anyway. Surgery is looking very possible at this point in time and I''m obviously just trying to put it off," Rice said. But Rice plans to compete in Delhi before undergoing a surgery to be fit in time for the national trials for the 2012 London Olympics. "It is only a clean out, it''s not a reconstruction," Rice was quoted as saying by ''The Sydney Morning Herald''. "They say four weeks out of the water and a 12-week rehab, so it''s not that bad, but I want to do it as soon as possible (after the Commonwealth Games) to give myself the right amount of time to prepare," she said. Rice picked up the injury while competing in the ongoing Pan-Pacific Championships. "That could be my meet done, but at the same time I hope it isn''t because it is so much fun to be here and race," Rice said. The triple Beijing Olympic gold medallist has had seven cortisone injections in the shoulder - three more than what doctors recommend.

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Railway funds for CWG after ascertaining credentials: Mamata

Thu, Aug 19 10 05:08 PM

New Delhi, Aug 19 (PTI) With allegations of corruption plaguing the Commonwealth Games (CWG), Railway Minister Mamata Banerjee today said Rs 100 crore promised by her ministry for the event would be given only after ascertaining "credentials" of the expenditure. "This is an important issue. Rs 100 crore was promised in the Railway Budget. But we have not yet worked out the modalities of how the funds should be given for CWG. We will give it only after verifying the credentials of the games'' expenditure," Banerjee told the Lok Sabha. Intervening during a debate on the Supplementary Demands for Grants for her ministry, she said the commitment of Rs 100 crore had been made by her in the Railway Budget presented in February. She was responding to questions raised by Harin Pathak (BJP) on the prudence of apportioning railway funds for the CWG in the wake of allegations of corruption in the CWG preparations coming to the fore in the recent days. Pathak, who initiated the debate, said though the CWG was a matter of pride for the country and its dignity was at stake to hold the event successfully, complaints of misuse of funds had raised questions over why Railway money should go to the games. Noting that some PSUs were withdrawing their sponsorship for the CWG and lakhs of crores were to be spent for the games, he said the allegations had raised suspicions that funds were being diverted to the coffers of some individuals. "Since the PSUs are withdrawing sponsorships, the CWG organising committee has identified Railways, State Bank of India and Air India to get the funds for the games. The allegations of corruption has raised suspicion that the funds meant for the games are diverted for personal gain," he said. Pathak said though Banerjee was "most-wanted" in West Bengal and the state was "waiting" for her, but as Railway Minister she should focus on the work in Delhi too. Pointing out that Banerjee had promised a white paper on the financial state of the Railways after her predecessor Lalu Prasad had declared it had Rs 90,000 crore surplus, Pathak said the Minister had now informed that the surplus funds was only Rs 39,500 crore. "I now want to know where did the balance Rs 50,000 crore go? This is not a small amount. Prasad went about delivering lectures to IIT students and toured the world to give lessons in management. Two different ministers of the same government are contradicting each other. What is the truth, we want to know," he said.

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Black Caps to continue bat first policy

Published>Thu, Aug 19 10 04:52 PM

Dambulla (Sri Lanka), Aug.19 (ANI): The Black Caps will look to bat first if they win the toss against Sri Lanka tonight.

According to the New Zealand Herald, the Kiwis batted first in both matches so far, resulting in a comprehensive first up win over India followed by a loss to Sri Lanka.

Vice-captain Kyle Mills says the conditions in Sri Lanka are very conducive to batting first. (ANI)

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CGF chief Fennel meets Delhi CM Dikshit

Published>Thu, Aug 19 10 04:48 PM

New Delhi, Aug 19 (ANI): Commonwealth Games Federation President Michael Fennell met Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit on Thursday morning, and is believed to have reviewed the preparations for the October 2010 Commonwealth Games.

Fennell, who inspected various venues on Wednesday, refused to comment on whether he was pleased with the progress or was still worried about whether it would all come together in time.

He is scheduled to hold a press briefing later this evening.

Meanwhile, Dikshit said she is confident that the preparations are on track and that the monsoon was not a cause for worry.

"No it (monsoon) does not worry me because if there was lot of flooding in Delhi it could worry us, but fortunately, so far, God willing, this rain is very good for Delhi because it is this rain which gives us the underground water and lasts us throughout the year," said Disksit.

"There will always be worries till the Commonwealth Games are over. There is always a sense of great tension and nervousness. Till the Games are over, we will not be able to rest in peace. That is there. But day by day, we are getting more confident and things will be alright," she added.

Fennel also visited the shooting ranges here this morning.

He is expected to meet Union Sports Minister M S Gill and Union Urban Development Minister S Jaipal Reddy later in the day, besides meeting Organising Committee Chairman Suresh Kalmadi in the evening.

Earlier on Wednesday, against the backdrop of a spate of controversies surrounding the Delhi Commonwealth Games, Fennell visited a few stadiums to inspect the facilities and take stock of the progress made in completing all the work at the venues.

Fennell began his inspection tour with the net-ball venue Thyagaraj Stadium in South Delhi and then went straight to the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, the venue for the opening and closing ceremonies.

Fennell, who is accompanied by CEO Mike Hooper, also visited Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium, Indira Gandhi Stadium and the Games Village.

He is also expected to meet government officials to get an update on security for the 2010 Games beginning on October 3.

The arrival of Fennel against the backdrop of a spate of controversies surrounding the Delhi Commonwealth Games is looked upon keenly especially after a few participating nations raised doubts about security issues during the mega event.

Earlier on Monday, Organising Committee Vice-Chairman Randhir Singh assured that all the stadiums are in top-class shape and will be ready within a week.

During his visit to New Delhi in March, Fennel expressed optimism that Delhi will put up a first-class show as host of the XIX Commonwealth Games, and said he was satisfied with the preparations the 2010 Games. (ANI)

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Fraser calls for Delhi CWG boycott, ACGA rejects it

Thu, Aug 19 10 04:38 PM

Melbourne, Aug 19 (PTI) Fearing Munich Olympics like terror attack in the Delhi Commonwealth Games, swimming legend Dawn Fraser today called on athletes to boycott the event but the Australian Commonwealth Games Association rejected her apprehensions insisting that the Indian capital would be safe and secure. Fraser has called on the Aussie athletes to consider boycotting the October 3 to 14 Games as there could be terror attacks like the Munich Olympics there. Winner of eight Olympic medals and holder of several world records, the 73-year-old Fraser said she does not believe in India''s security promises. "The Indians are telling us that security will be right. But they''ve also been telling us for months that their stadiums are ready to go too and quite obviously they''re not," Fraser told ''Courier Mail''. "I would hate to see another Munich but, with things getting worse and worse, I have grave concerns. I know the Australian Commonwealth Games Association is doing everything it can with security, but what''s at the other end of the tunnel?," she asked. But ACGA Chief Executive Perry Crosswhite downplayed her fears and said the former swimmer is far removed from what is actually happening in Delhi. "I don''t think Dawn''s been to Delhi recently and I don''t think she has the information we have, if she did I don''t think she would have made the comments she did," he said. "We believe at this stage, it will be safe and it will be secure. My personal view is that the Commonwealth Games is not going to be a target, because most of the nations in the Commonwealth are developing nations, we have all religions and we have all political systems," he added. During the 1972 Munich Olympics, 11 Israeli athletes, coaches and officials were taken hostage and killed by Palestinian terrorists. Fraser said it is hard to believe the assurances given by the Indian organisers in the wake of repeatedly missed deadlines on venue completion. "So they can''t get a hockey venue right, yet they''re still expecting everyone to trust them and turn up when they say it''s all going to be OK," Fraser said. Fraser is not the only former Aussie athlete to have fears about the Delhi Games. Athletics stalwart Raelene Boyle, who won two Olympic silvers in Munich, went a step further and said Delhi should not have been awarded the Games. "That''s the bottom line. Regarding security, it certainly provides a precarious situation so it''s really up to individuals whether they go," Boyle said. "But they''re young athletes who wait their whole lives for this - they''ll go." PTI PM MRM

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Ronaldo considers early retirement

Published>Thu, Aug 19 10 04:26 PM

Sao Paulo, Aug 19 (DPA) Brazilian striker Ronaldo has said that he would consider ending his career in December and not - as originally planned - next year.

After a lengthy injury lay-off, the two-time world champion who holds the record for the most number of goals scored in the World Cup with 15, said that it was not an easy decision to make.

'I have spent my whole life in football. But I will continue to give it my all to make sure that I can at least make it until the end of the year,' he told Globo TV, Wednesday. 'Thereafter I will decide.'

Ronaldo, who at the beginning of the year, extended his career with Corinthians until 2011 said that he could not say when he would retire. 'But one day I will play a game and then simply say that was it.'

He has not played since May 9, but has started training again and is hoping to play on Aug 29, although he is over-weight. 'I need to lose weight, find my rhythm and then hope that I feel fine.'

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'Politics' played biggest role in 2006 Pak-England Oval Test controversy: Hair

Published>Thu, Aug 19 10 04:22 PM

London, Aug.19 (ANI): With Pakistan and England returning to The Oval for the third Test for the first time after the 2006 fiasco, former Australian umpire Darell Hair has said that "politics" played the biggest role in the abandonment of the infamous match four years ago.

On field umpires Hair and his West Indian counterpart Billy Doctrove had awarded the match to England after Pakistan captain Inzamam-ul-Haq- refused to take his team on to the field following tea on the fourth day after having been penalised for ball tampering.

The decision was disputed by the MCC and in 2009 the ICC reversed it back to an England victory.

Hair, who appeared on the BBC Radio's Test Match Special programme, blamed both Pakistani and ECB officials for the mess four years ago.

"We played on until tea, so, I suppose you could say by playing on the players accepted what happened. It wasn't until they got back into the dressing room that politics got involved," The Dawn quoted Hair, as saying.

Hair was removed from the International Cricket Council (ICC) Elite Panel of umpires after the match, but returned to Test umpiring during the two match series between England and New Zealand in 2008 before quitting to take up umpire coaching roles in Australia.

Responding to allegations that the decision to award the match to England was his alone, Hair said Doctrove played an equal part in whatever happened.

"He played an equal part. I'd like to see any tape of me frogmarching Billy around," he said. (ANI)

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7 world champions in Aussie cycling squad for Delhi CWG

Thu, Aug 19 10 04:08 PM

Melbourne, Aug 19 (PTI) Seven world champions are part of cycling powerhouse Australia''s 27-strong team, announced today for the October Commonwealth Games in Delhi. The 2004 Olympic and reigning Commonwealth Games champion Anna Meares, and defending men''s road race champion Mathew Hayman are in the squad. Australia finished on top in the cycling medals tally the last time around with six gold, two silver and two bronze medals. For the track event, world champions Ashlee Ankudinoff (teams pursuit), Kaarle McCulloch (team sprint), Meares (500m time trial and team sprint), Josephine Tomic (teams pursuit), Jack Bobridge (teams pursuit), Michael Hepburn (teams pursuit), and three-time champion at this year''s world titles Cameron Meyer (teams pursuit, points race and madison) have been pencilled into the squad. 18-year-old world junior 3000m record holder Dale Parker is the youngest member of the men''s team. At 27, two-time world cup keirin silver medallist Jason Niblett will be the oldest track cyclist in the squad. Australian Commonwealth Games Association CEO Perry Crosswhite said the cycling team will again be expected to return with a bagful of medals. "The weight of seven current world champions is huge and the recent performances of the Australian track team will mean we enter the Delhi Commonwealth Games in a strong position and as a feared unit by competing nations," Crosswhite was quoted as saying by ''The Australian''. "We know the nation loves to watch Anna Meares compete in the Australian colours and we hope she can add to her already full set of Commonwealth Games medals," he added. The team: Australia - Men''s Track: Daniel Ellis, Jason Niblett, Shane Perkins, Scott Sunderland, Jack Bobridge, Michael Freiberg, Michael Hepburn, Cameron Meyer, Travis Meyer, Dale Parker. Men''s Road: Allan Davis, Mathew Hayman, Richie Porte, Mark Renshaw, Chris Sutton. Women''s Track: Kaarle McCulloch, Anna Meares, Emily Rosemond, Ashlee Ankudinoff, Megan Dunn, Belinda Goss, Josephine Tomic. Women''s Road: Ruth Corset, Rochelle Gilmore, Chloe Hosking, Carly Light, Alexis Rhodes.

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France striker Remy set to join Marseille

Thu, Aug 19 10 03:58 PM

France striker Loic Remy is joining Olympique Marseille from Ligue 1 rivals Nice, the French champions said on Thursday.

The player was to have a medical later in the day before signing a contract, Marseille said in a statement on their website (www.om.net).

Marseille, who have lost their first two matches in the new season, desperately needed a striker since Senegal forward Mamadou Niang, last season's top Ligue 1 scorer with 18 goals, left them for Fenerbahce.

Remy, 23, has won two caps for France. He started at Olympique Lyon and left them for Racing Lens in 2007 before moving to Nice the following year. He scored 14 goals in Ligue 1 for Nice last season.

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NZ-SL match delayed due to rain

Thu, Aug 19 10 03:38 PM

Dambulla (Sri Lanka), Aug 19 (PTI) Start of the tri-nation cricket series match between New Zealand and Sri Lanka was delayed due to heavy rain here today. After New Zealand captain Ross Taylor won the toss and elected to bat, the downpour prevented the match from starting at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium.

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Dikshit, Reddy assure Fennell on Games projects

Published>Thu, Aug 19 10 03:08 PM

New Delhi, Aug 19 (IANS) Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) president Mike Fennell Thursday met Delhi Chief Minister Shiela Dikshit and Urban Development Minister S. Jaipal Reddy to discuss the progress of the Games projects.

A ministry source said Fennell inquired about some of the delayed projects on which Reddy assured him that work will be completed within the deadline. He met the minister for about 40 minutes at his office.

Earlier in the day, Fennell met Dikshit for around 30 minutes from 9 a.m. at her residence, during which the two discussed several Games projects.

According to sources, Fennell was satisfied with the answers given by Reddy and Dikshit.

The CGF president is on a two-day visit to Delhi to monitor the preparedness for the mega sporting event.

The organising committee has set Aug 25 as the deadline when all the venues will be fully completed. The Games Village will be thrown open for athletes from Sep 16.

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Taylor wins toss, NZ to bat against SL

Thu, Aug 19 10 02:58 PM

Dambulla (Sri Lanka), Aug 19 (PTI) New Zealand captain Ross Taylor won the toss and elected to bat against Sri Lanka in their tri-nation ODI cricket series match here today. Teams: Sri Lanka: Kumar Sangakkara (capt), Tillakaratne Dilshan, Upul Tharanga, Mahela Jayawardene, Angelo Mathews, Chamara Silva, Chamara Kapugedera, Nuwan Kulasekara, Ajantha Mendis, Rangana Herath, Lasith Malinga. New Zealand: Ross Taylor (capt), Peter Ingram, B J Watling, Kane Williamson, Scott Styris, Jacob Oram, Gareth Hopkins, Nathan McCullum, Kyle Mills, Daryl Tuffey, Grant Elliott.

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PCB boss Butt responsible for demise of Pak cricket: Malik

Published>Thu, Aug 19 10 02:38 PM

Lahore, Aug.19 (ANI): Holding Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Ijaz Butt responsible for the current pathetic situation of the sport in the country, former Test cricketer Aamir Malik has said the game is dying at the grassroots and club levels due to the board's negligence.

During an interview with Deustsche Welle Radio, Aamir accused the PCB of ruining the game at the domestic level and added that it was one of the prime reasons why the national team was struggling in England.

"This is the reason why Pakistan team is struggling. The present Pakistan team has no quality batsman apart from Mohammad Yousuf and the national selectors have no choice other than selecting incompetent batsmen for Test cricket," The Daily Times quoted Aamir, as saying.

Aamir, who scored back-to-back Test centuries against India during the 1989 series, blamed Butt for the mismanagement and the crisis facing the game in the country.

"When a head of any organisation have all the powers and money like Ijaz (Butt) is enjoying than there is no excuse for consistent failures," he said.

Commenting on Pakistan's continuous dismal performance in England, Aamir said that in the absence of players like Mohammad Yousuf and Younis Khan it was nothing surprising.

Without naming ShoaibMalik and Shahid Afridi, the former batsman termed their selection in the Test squad as a big joke.

"The selection committee included those players in the Test team, who became batsman after starting their career as spin bowlers, so one could only expect failure. It is a big joke for Pakistan cricket," Aamir said. (ANI)

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CWG medal winners from Chhattisgarh to be rewarded

Published>Thu, Aug 19 10 02:28 PM

Raipur, Aug 19 (IANS) Sportspersons from Chhattisgarh who win gold medals at the Commonwealth Games will be awarded a cash prize of Rs.8 lakh each, it was announced Thursday.

'Players belonging to Chhattisgarh will get Rs.8 lakh as award money from the state government if he or she strikes gold at the Games,' an official statement quoted Chief Minister Raman Singh as saying.

Singh, who is also the chairman of Chhattisgarh Olympic Association, said the players hailing from the state will get Rs.6 lakh each for winning silver medals and Rs.4 lakh each for winning bronze medals for the country.

Singh said a 5 acre plot has been identified for the office building of the Chhattisgarh Olympic Association in the upcoming Naya Raipur area, which will replace Raipur as the state capital.

'The office building will be ready for the association by 2013 as the state is scheduled to host the 37th National Games during the same year,' the release added.

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

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BCCI dismayed over Sehwag century controversy

Published>Thu, Aug 19 10 02:18 PM

Chennai /New Delhi, August, (ANI): Miffed over the no-ball controversy that denied Virender Sehwag his 13th One-Day International century during August 16 match between India and hosts Sri Lanka played in Dambulla, Kris Srikkanth, chairman of the selection committee on Wednesday said that the Sri Lankan players flouted the spirit of the game. The BCCI, however, said it has little say in the matter. It may be recalled that needing just one run for a win, Sehwag hit Sri Lankan spinner Suraj Randiv for a six with the final delivery of the match but was denied a century after the umpire signalled a no-ball.

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Former AIFF Secretary Ashoke Ghosh dies

Thu, Aug 19 10 01:58 PM

Kolkata, Aug 19 (PTI) Former All India Football Federation Secretary Ashoke Ghosh died of a massive heart attack at his residence here in the wee hours of today. Ghosh was 78 and is survived by wife, son and daughter. According to family sources, Ghosh had a severe chest pain at around 2 am and breathed his last before he could be rushed to hospital. Instrumental in organising the Nehru Cup in 1982, Ghosh was a very popular figure in the sporting fraternity. Regarded as one of the greatest sports administrators, Ghosh was also at the helm of Bengal Olympic Association (BOA) for two decades (1984-2004), besides holding several important portfolios in various social and sports associations during the last 40 years. He was last holding the vice-President''s post of the BOA. Ghosh, who represented the Town Club, was with the state football association (IFA) and AIFF for eight years (1980-88), an eventful tenure during which he was instrumental in successful organisation of the Nehru Cup where the Uruguay side took part. "He brought India into world football map by organising the Nehru Cup. He was also instrumental in bringing the South Asian Games (formerly SAF) to Kolkata in 1987. "He also organised the State Games in 1999. He was a true gentleman, sportsperson and did not belong to any political party," BOA Secretary Kamlesh Chatterjee told PTI. Ghosh was also a former committee member of the Cricket Association of Bengal.

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Fraser fears a Munich in Delhi, urges Oz athletes to skip CWG

Thu, Aug 19 10 01:52 PM

Melbourne, Aug 19 (PTI) Fearing a Munich Olympics like terror attack in India, legendary Australian swimmer Dawn Fraser today called on the athletes of her country to consider boycotting the upcoming Commonwealth Games in Delhi. Winner of eight Olympic medals and holder of several world records, the 73-year-old Fraser said she does not believe in India''s security promises. "The Indians are telling us that security will be right. But they''ve also been telling us for months that their stadiums are ready to go too and quite obviously they''re not," Fraser told ''Courier Mail''. "I know Australia has never boycotted a Commonwealth or Olympic Games, but we''re simply being told too many lies. There are now too many question marks for our officials not to consider it. "I would hate to see another Munich but, with things getting worse and worse, I have grave concerns. I know the Australian Commonwealth Games Association is doing everything it can with security, but what''s at the other end of the tunnel?," she asked. During the 1972 Munich Olympics, 11 Israeli athletes, coaches and officials were taken hostage and killed by Palestinian terrorists. Fraser said it is hard to believe the assurances given by the Indian organisers in the wake of repeatedly missed deadlines on venue completion. "So they can''t get a hockey venue right, yet they''re still expecting everyone to trust them and turn up when they say it''s all going to be OK," Fraser said. Athletics stalwart Raelene Boyle, who won two Olympic silvers in Munich, went a step further and said Delhi should not have been awarded the Games. "That''s the bottom line. Regarding security, it certainly provides a precarious situation so it''s really up to individuals whether they go," Boyle said. "But they''re young athletes who wait their whole lives for this - they''ll go." PTI AT PM

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Chettori double gives India 3-1 win over Portugese club side

Thu, Aug 19 10 01:38 PM

Lisbon, Aug 19 (PTI) Sunil Chettri scored twice as India thrashed Portuguese second division side Uniao Desportiva da Serra 3-1 in their first practice match of the week at the Pope John Paul II stadium, Fatima here. Sushil Kumar Singh struck the third goal for India, while Uniao Desportiva da Serra midfielder Pedro managed the sole scoring strike for the hosts. India started off impressively and made numerous inroads in the opponent citadel. Their hard work finally paid off in the 35th minute with Kansas City Wizards striker Chettri heading in Anthony Pereira''s cross from the left flank. India successfully held their one goal advantage and went for the breather with a 1-0 lead. India made three changes prior to the start of second session, Clifford Miranda came in for Steven Dias, while Mehrajuddin Wadoo made his way in the midfield replacing Climax Lawrence. Abhishek Yadav joined Chettri up front replacing Mohammed Rafi but barely a couple of minutes into the second half, the Mumbai FC striker suffered a knee injury and was replaced by Sushil Kumar Singh. India gave away the lead in the 56th minute conceding a spot kick, on which Pedro made no mistake to bring the hosts back in to the match. Chettri was soon in thick of things again and completed his brace heading in Sushil Kumar Singh''s cross in the 75th minute to put India back in front, while five minutes later Sushil registered his name on the score-sheet heading in James Singh''s flag-kick to seal an impressive victory for the side. PTI PM AT

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Fraser fears a Munich in Delhi, urges Oz athletes to skip CWG

Thu, Aug 19 10 01:22 PM

Melbourne, Aug 19 (PTI) Fearing a Munich Olympics like terror attack in India, legendary Australian swimmer Dawn Fraser today called on the athletes of her country to consider boycotting the upcoming Commonwealth Games in Delhi. Winner of eight Olympic medals and holder of several world records, the 73-year-old Fraser said she does not believe in India''s security promises. "The Indians are telling us that security will be right. But they''ve also been telling us for months that their stadiums are ready to go too and quite obviously they''re not," Fraser told ''Courier Mail''. "I know Australia has never boycotted a Commonwealth or Olympic Games, but we''re simply being told too many lies. There are now too many question marks for our officials not to consider it. "I would hate to see another Munich but, with things getting worse and worse, I have grave concerns. I know the Australian Commonwealth Games Association is doing everything it can with security, but what''s at the other end of the tunnel?," she asked. During the 1972 Munich Olympics, 11 Israeli athletes, coaches and officials were taken hostage and killed by Palestinian terrorists. Fraser said it is hard to believe the assurances given by the Indian organisers in the wake of repeatedly missed deadlines on venue completion. "So they can''t get a hockey venue right, yet they''re still expecting everyone to trust them and turn up when they say it''s all going to be OK," Fraser said. Athletics stalwart Raelene Boyle, who won two Olympic silvers in Munich, went a step further and said Delhi should not have been awarded the Games. "That''s the bottom line. Regarding security, it certainly provides a precarious situation so it''s really up to individuals whether they go," Boyle said. "But they''re young athletes who wait their whole lives for this - they''ll go." PTI AT PM

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