Younis likely to return to national squad following Butt's nod

Published>Sat, Aug 21 10 12:22 PM

Lahore, Aug.21 (ANI): After an overstretched tussle with former captain Younis Khan, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Ijaz Butt has reportedly cleared the way for his inclusion in the national squad.

According to PCB insiders, Butt has given his green signal to consider Younis for selection for the fourth and final Test against England.

"The board and selectors should be making an official announcement in next few days about Younis. 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," The Daily Times quoted PCB sources, as saying.

Sources said that Butt has been under tremendous pressure from various quarters for not allowing selectors to pick the veteran batsman for the England tour despite him having a fairly good record there.

Both Younis and Mohammed Yousuf were slapped hefty fines and banned for an indefinite period by the PCB following the disastrous Australia tour earlier this year.

While Younis appealed against the ban in the PCB's appellate tribunal and subsequently got it removed, Yousuf decided to retire from international cricket in protest against the punishment.

However, the PCB chief later allowed Yousuf to be selected in the national squad, but insisted on an apology from Younis for remarks he and his lawyer made against the board during the appellate tribunal's hearing.

"Ijaz 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," sources added. (ANI)

Source: Web Search

Atwal continues on top, Jeev tied 10th at Wyndham Championship

Sat, Aug 21 10 12:06 PM

Greensboro (USA), Aug 21 (PTI) Arjun Atwal continued to rediscover his lost touch, carding a sparkling three-under 67 to be the joint leader while Jeev Milkha Singh (68) shared the 10th spot after the second round of the Wyndham Golf Championship here. The Orlando-based Atwal, who lost his PGA Tour card last month and is bidding to become the first Monday qualifier to win a tournament in 24 years, has a total of 12-under 128 along with American Brandt Snedeker (65) at the top of the leaderboard. "There''s no doubt. I''m going to definitely be thinking about winning," he said. "If I get into contention on Sunday on the back nine, I won''t be scared. Hopefully, my swing holds up and we''ll see what happens," he added. In red-hot form this week, Atwal played out a flawless front nine, picking up birdies on the third, fourth, eighth and ninth to be four-under at the turn. The back-nine was a slight disappointment as he stumbled to bogeys on the 10th and 14th before making some amends by sending down a birdie on the 15th hole. "I missed a couple of fairways today where, you know, kind of hard to get it on the green from there. That''s why I made a couple of bogeys. Other than that, I''m pretty happy with the way I played today," he said. "There''s a little bit of a breeze out there and it wasn''t like strong or anything but it was enough where it made you think and it was enough where could you miss these fairways off the tees if you didn''t judge the wind properly. "If you start missing these fairways it''s really hard to get it close to the hole. So the guy who drives it the best today, I mean even in the afternoon, will probably shoot a really low number," he said of the conditions here. Atwal, who played his way into the Wyndham field by sharing the first place in the qualifier at Forest Oaks, is not eligible to play in The Barclays or any of the other Playoffs events because his minor medical exemption ended when he fell short on the money list following the RBC Canadian Open. To earn back his PGA card for 2011, Atwal has to climb up the earnings lists on the PGA Tour and the Nationwide Tour. "My goal is to secure my job for next year. My caddy and I were talking about it, after my medical ran out on the Tour, I''m still exempt in Europe because I won in 2008. We could have gone and played in Europe. I didn''t want to do that. My main goal is to play here," he said. "So I''ve asked for sponsor''s invites in the Fall Series but I''m not getting any. So I''m going to Monday qualify every week and see how it goes. That''s my main goal is to play here," he added. The other Indian in fray, Jeev didn''t too badly for himself either and managed three birdies against a bogey for a total of eight-under 132.

Source: Published>

Sangakkara not guilty of breaching code of conduct: ICC

Published>Sat, Aug 21 10 11:22 AM

Dubai, Aug 21 (ANI): Sri Lanka captain Kumar Sangakkara has been found not guilty of breaching the ICC Code of Conduct during his side's ODI against New Zealand in Dambulla on Friday.

Sangakkara was charged with a Level 2 offence, contrary to clause 2.2.4 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players or Team Officials, which relates to "inappropriate and deliberate physical contact between players in the course of play".

The offence related to an exchange with New Zealand's off-spinner Nathan McCallum in the 26th over of Sri Lanka's innings. While turning for the second run, Sangakkara collided with the bowler who had his back towards the batsman.

Alan Hurst of the Emirates Elite Panel of ICC Match Referees, explaining his decision, said: "I looked at video footage of the incident from various angles and considered the detailed evidence of the umpires. I found that video evidence that was put forward by the player provided reasonable doubt as to whether the contact was deliberate". (ANI)

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Past passe, Gagan aims for the gold

Sat, Aug 21 10 11:16 AM

Lucknow, Aug. 21 -- Gagan Narang comes across as a sentimental man. But the ace shooter knows how to channelise the sentiments to his advantage, especially in the form of medals. Though dejected at being overlooked again for the Khel Ratna, Gagan believes he will "compel" people to realise his worth. "I will let my gun do the talking at the Delhi (Commonwealth) Games, and I know that one day everybody will realise my potential as a shooter," Gagan told HT. "At this stage, it doesn't matter, if I did or didn't get the award. I have put aside such memories aside and I am going to train for the Games. I have a lot of expectations and am working hard towards fulfilling them. I have a good track record and I will try and win as many medals as I can," said Gagan, who bagged four gold at the 2006 Commonwealth Games in Melbourne. Gagan, who won a bronze and an Olympic quota in Munich last month, confessed that his supporters - family, coaches and the federation - were firmly behind him. "Everyone told me to shoot to prove a point after I was dejected. Now, I want to win medals and glory for India. This will be bigger than any award," he said. Shifting focus to the London Olympics, Gagan said, "Winning a medal at the 2012 Games won't be easy, but my preparations are on track." Reminiscing how the family sold its only plot to purchase a rifle for him, the marksman remarked, "The incident is an inspiration to work hard. I spend 11-12 hours a day at the camp," adding, "I am thankful to the NRAI, which is doing its best for the shooters." While appreciating the support of sponsors like Sahara, Gagan spoke of the luck factor in a sportsman's career.

Source: Published>

Delhi will not see the baton relay

Sat, Aug 21 10 11:06 AM

New Delhi, Aug. 21 -- The Queen's Baton, which is travelling in grand processions in cities and towns across the country, will stay off the Capital's roads. The Group of Ministers (GoM) overseeing the Commonwealth Games preparations on Friday decided to keep the Queen's Baton off Delhi roads to minimise inconvenience to the general public. "Since a procession would involve blocking the road for a significant period of time, we thought it might be too much for the people to bear," a government source said. The Queen's Baton Relay 2010 Delhi, similar to the Olympic Torch Relay, is a relay around the world held ahead of the Games. It symbolises peace, harmony and brotherhood through sports. The official said the ministerial panel decided to receive the Baton at the Delhi-Gurgaon border at a grand function and take it to the Commonwealth Games Organising Committee headquarters for public display.

Source: Published>

Clijsters' U.S. Open cloudy after hip injury

Published>Sat, Aug 21 10 10:56 AM

An injured Kim Clijsters hobbled to a 2-6 6-3 6-2 quarter-final loss to Vera Zvonareva at the Montreal Cup on Friday, casting doubt on the Belgian's ability to defend her U.S. Open crown.

As Clijsters was being questioned later about her fitness, world number two Caroline Wozniacki - the player the Belgian beat last year to win the U.S. Open - was sending a message of her own by blasting her way into the semi-finals with a 6-3 6-2 win over French Open champion Francesca Schiavone of Italy.

The Dane had extra reason to smile after learning that she will likely be seeded number one at the U.S. Open after Serena Williams announced she would sit out the year's final grand slam while recovering from foot surgery.

"It's something special to be the first seed at a grand slam," Wozniacki told reporters. "But it doesn't really matter for me if I am first seed or second seed.

"It's just a number when you're on the court. I just want to beat every single one of the girls that are in my way, that will be my goal."

Wozniacki will next face in-form Russian Svetlana Kuznetsova, who booked her semi-final spot with a ruthless 6-1 6-3 win over China's Zheng Jie.

The first Russian woman to win the U.S. Open, Kuznetsova is also hitting her stride on the North American hardcourts, claiming her 13th career title in San Diego two weeks ago.

The other semi-final will pit Wimbledon finalist Zvonareva against Victoria Azarenka of Belarus, who moved on with a 6-2 7-6 win over Frenchwoman Marion Bartoli.

Zvonareva had looked headed for the exit rather than the semi-finals when Clijsters broke the eighth-seeded Russian at the first opportunity on her way easily taking the opening set.

But Clijsters hurt her hip in the second set and Zvonareva pounced, sweeping through nine straight games en route to her second victory over the Belgian in seven career matches.

Clijsters later played down the injury she described as tightness in her left hip, saying she will undergo an MRI next week to make sure it is nothing serious.

The Belgian made it clear she intends to be at Flushing Meadows to defend her title.

"Don't worry, there's no doubt in my mind (I will be at the U.S. Open)," Clijsters told reporters. "Maybe I will have to take precautions but a lot of girls these days play with tape to protect themselves.

"It doesn't mean you can't compete."

Despite being unable to chase down shots, the battling Belgian refused to retire and rallied from 5-0 down in the third before Zvonareva finished her off with a service break.

"I don't like to give up," said Clijsters, who also lost to Zvonareva in the Wimbledon quarter-finals.

"I was still able to move, I was still able to hit the ball so I didn't want to quit.

"I'm not blaming my injury. I also lost to her (Zvonareva) at Wimbledon where I was feeling totally fine."

Source: Web Search

Sangakkara found not guilty of breaching ICC Code of Conduct

Sat, Aug 21 10 10:26 AM

Dambulla, Aug 21 (PTI) The ICC today gave a clean chit to Kumar Sangakkara, who was involved in an unsavoury incident with New Zealand all-rounder Nathan McCullum during a tri-series match, saying the Sri Lanka captain was found not guilty of breaching the ICC Code of Conduct. Match referee Alan Hurst gave Sangakkara the benefit of doubt after watching video recording of the incident in which he had collided with McCullum, trying to ground his bat while taking a run during the washed out match in Dambulla, yesterday. "I looked at video footage of the incident from various angles and considered the detailed evidence of the umpires. I found that video evidence that was put forward by the player provided reasonable doubt as to whether the contact was deliberate," Hurst said. Sangakkara was charged with a Level 2 offence, contrary to clause 2.2.4 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players or Team Officials, which relates to "inappropriate and deliberate physical contact between players in the course of play," the game''s world body said in a release.

Source: Published>

Another team up in arms; tennis stars demand their dues

Sat, Aug 21 10 10:12 AM

Mumbai, Aug. 20 -- In a unique show of strength missing for over a decade, the Indian men's tennis team has decided to take on the All India Tennis Association (AITA) head on. The players, as is apparent from their mail to the federation, have not written to threaten a pullout from the Commonwealth Games or the Asian Games. However, the way things are shaping up it is an outcome that cannot be discounted. HT first reported (August 6 edition) that players were peeved at not having received any money, apart for R 27,000 to Mahesh Bhupathi, from the Commonwealth Games preparatory amount of R 21 crore sanctioned by the Union Cabinet. Nothing moved. Now, panicked by the media probe and player confrontation, the AITA and Sports Ministry babus are hastening to find a solution. However, the misleading statements stemming from AITA must stop. The federation secretary, Anil Khanna, has stated in a press release: "As far as Davis Cup is concerned, the players are fully satisfied about their dues having been received up to date." This is a blatant misrepresentation of facts. Davis Cup legend, Leander Paes, has definitely not received all the money that the federation owes him. Then, Khanna is not being entirely honest again when he says that players are certain to play. After all, he is aware that India's number one player, Somdev Devvarman, has repeatedly called him asking for support to help his fledging career. Khanna and gang have led him on a merry chase for more than a year now. India's number two singles player, Rohan Bopanna, is also not a great fan of AITA and has often spoken about the body's inept handling of money owed to players. The point is that the players are expected to give up four weeks of earnings on the ATP Tour, lose out on ranking points and then play for national pride while putting their own interests on the backburner. Khanna has promptly shifted the blame onto the Ministry for not having changed its rules to accommodate the unique needs of tennis players.

What's different this time around is that the players are united. That means that Paes and Bhupathi have temporarily forgotten their differences and decided to back the two singles players all the way. This time, it appears, Khanna will have to offer more than just slick promises to get the players to come around.

Source: Published>

New Zealand-Sri Lanka ODI once again abandoned due to rain

Published>Fri, Aug 20 10 10:36 PM

Dambulla, Aug 20 (IANS) The fourth One-Day International (ODI) match between New Zealand and Sri Lanka of the tri-nation One-day International (ODI) series again had to be abandoned due to heavy rains here Friday.

The match was shifted to Friday, the reserve day, after incessant rains immediately after the toss made play impossible Thursday. The teams will now share points.

Under overcast conditions in the morning, New Zealand won the toss and decided to field. The match proceeded without any hiccups till the 43.4th over before the skies opened up.

The covers had to be brought in with Sri Lanka at 203 for three, with Mahela Jayawardene batting on 59 off 72 balls and Chamara Silva on 41 off 57 balls.

Earlier, Tillakaratne Dilshan gave a quick start to the hosts with his 52-ball 44 with skipper Kumar Sangakarra chipping in with 40 runs off 59 balls.

For New Zealand, Scott Styris took two wickets for 36 in 10 overs and Daryl Tuffey one for 51 in eight overs.

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Sri Lanka v New Zealand, tri-series - no result

Fri, Aug 20 10 10:16 PM

The one-day tri-series match between Sri Lanka and New Zealand ended in a no-result after heavy rain on Friday. Both teams share the points.

Scores: 203-3 in 43.4 overs (M. Jayawardene 59 not out) v New Zealand

Source: Published>

Davids signs for Crystal Palace

Fri, Aug 20 10 10:06 PM

Former Ajax, AC Milan and Juventus midfielder Edgar Davids signed a pay-as-you-play deal with English Championship (second division) club Crystal Palace on Friday after being without a club for two years.

Palace confirmed on their website that the 37-year-old former Netherlands international had trained on Friday and would be with them for their match against Ipswich on Saturday.

"It is an exciting time for the football club and it's an exciting time for me," Davids said on the club's website (www.cpfc.co.uk). "I just want to enjoy football and show what I can do."

Davids made his name at Ajax where he won the Champions League and then continued his career in Serie A, first with AC Milan and more successfully with Juventus who he helped reach two Champions League finals.

After spells with Inter Milan and Barcelona Davids joined Tottenham Hotspur in 2005 before returning to his boyhood club Ajax.

Though clearly not the pugnacious midfield force he once was, Davids is a coup for Palace manager George Burley as he tries to steer the London club back into the top flight.

"We spoke to Edgar and had a meeting with him earlier in the week," Burley said on the Palace website.

"The boy felt enthusiasm and has been training with Ajax but now it's good to see us agree terms with him."

Source: Published>

Karting Nationals: Parth tops among seniors

Published>Fri, Aug 20 10 09:16 PM

Coimbatore, Aug 20 (IANS) Parth Ghorpade, Raj Bharath and Jehan Daruvala won the titles in the Senior, Junior and Micro Max categories respectively in the third round of the JK Tyre Rotax National Karting Championship here Friday.

Results:

Seniors (22 laps) - 1. Parth Ghorpade 14:33:943; 2. Mohit Ahuja 14:36:021; 3. Nikhil Kashyap 14:38:018.

Juniors (20 laps) - 1. Raj Bharath 13:20:777; 2. Arjun Maini 13:21:046; 3. Ameya Bafna 13:25:661.

Micro Max (7 laps) - 1. Jehan Daruvala 05:29:986; 2. Abhirath Shetty 05:30:139; 3. Kush Maini 05:30:381.

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Top tennis stars threaten CWG pullout, government blames AITA

Published>Fri, Aug 20 10 09:08 PM

New Delhi, Aug 20 (IANS) Top Indian tennis players Leander Paes, Mahesh Bhupathi, Somdev Devvarman and Rohan Bopanna have threatened to pull out of the Oct 3-14 Commonwealth Games over the non-payment of their dues. The sports ministry has held the All India Tennis Association (AITA) responsible for not submitting the requisite documents for reimbursement.

The players, in a signed letter to AITA, have asked for reimbursement of their dues, dating back to the 2008 Davis Cup, so that they can 'commit' themselves to the Commonwealth Games.

AITA secretary general Anil Khanna, who a day before had denied reports of any revolt by the players, Friday admitted they had indeed written to him and hoped the issue will be resolved within a week's time.

'We have been bringing the issue to the government's notice for a long time. We also reminded the sports minister when he came to AITA on July 11 to support the elite players. But because of government's rules and audit procedures, we have not been able to meet with success,' Khanna added.

'The government is now siezed of the matter and we hope it will be sympathetic to the players and will find a solution. We have fantastic players who have always put the country before themselves. I am sure all our players will play for the Commonwealth Games and the Davis Cup,' he said.

As per the government scheme for the Games, each player is entitled to $115 per day (including boarding and lodging) for 75 days a year.

AITA has asked to increase allowance to 180-280 days in a year. The sports ministry, however, refused to accede to AITA's proposal, saying they are 'working under a scheme and cannot change the rules for tennis players'.

Sports ministry joint secretary Rahul Bhatnagar told IANS that AITA failed to produce the basic documents needed to reimburse the bills, causing the delay.

'We understand that players are very busy since they are constantly travelling on the circuit, but we need some basic documentation like hotel bills and flight tickets to reimburse the amount. The AITA asked us to pay a lump some amount, which is not possible,' he said.

'Since AITA will now be submitting the players' bills on Monday, we will ask our finance department to process the bills. The rest of the tennis players have been submitting their bills and getting the amount. We have been paying the money to 800 players from 17 disciplines, why would we have problem paying to the top tennis players? We will be more than happy to pay the amount,' Bhatnagar added.

Source: Web Search

Indian tennis stars threaten to pull out of CWG over non-payment of dues

Published>Fri, Aug 20 10 08:52 PM

New Delhi, Aug 20 (ANI): The top Indian tennis stars have threatened to pull out of the 2010 Commonwealth Games over non-payment of dues by the All India Tennis Association (AITA) and the Central Government.

The sporting fraternity seems to be backing the players on this, as they have lashed out at the AITA over the treatment meted out to the players.

The AITA on its part has, however, held Indian Olympic Association (IOA) and the Central Government responsible, saying they must look into the matter as far as payments for the Asian Games and Olympics are concerned.

It has been reported that top tennis players like Leander Paes, Mahesh Bhupathi, Somdev Devvarman and Rohan Bopanna have sent an ultimatum to the All India Tennis Association after their dues were left unpaid.

The Commonwealth Games 2010 is India's biggest sporting event since the 1982 Asian Games.

India is expecting about two million tourists in New Delhi for the Games, as well as about 10,000 athletes from 71 teams representing 54 Commonwealth member states. (ANI)

Source: Web Search

HQMC to host Inter-Services Chess Championship

Fri, Aug 20 10 08:36 PM

Nagpur, Aug 20 (PTI) The 6th Inter Services Chess Championship 2010 will be conducted from August 23 to 27 by the Headquarters Maintenance Command, Indian Air Force (HQMC) at their premises here in city. A total of four teams, Indian Army (Red), Indian Army (Green), Indian Navy and Indian Air Force would be participating. The championship is being conducted to select Services Chess Team to participate in the forthcoming National ''B'' Chess Championship scheduled to be held at Bhiwani,Haryana. In all 32 players would be taking part in the National Championship. Group Captain J Rajendra will lead the Air Force Team. Indian Air Force Team is the defending champion and aspire to retain the title for the record sixth time. The championship will be inaugurated on August 23 by Air Vice Marshal Ramesh Rai VM, Senior Air and Admin Staff Officer, Headquarters Maintenance Command, Indian Air Force, a release from Defence PRO said.

Source: Published>

British High Commission issues warning; CGE allays fears

Published>Fri, Aug 20 10 08:16 PM

London, Aug 20 (IANS) The British High Commission in India has issued a warning to the Commonwealth Games England (CGE) that they should not be surprised if there are bomb attacks elsewhere in India in the weeks leading up to the Oct 3-14 Games in New Delhi.

The Daily Telegraph, however, reported that CGE has written to the country's 17 Commonwealth sports associations to allay any fears about the danger of travelling to New Delhi in October as they have received positive feedback about the Indian security plan from the Metropolitan Police Specialist Protection Group.

'Whilst the current advice is that there is no specific threat to the Games, we will continue to keep channels of communication open with the relevant authorities, particularly the Delhi Organising Committee, who carry ultimate responsibility for security provision at Games-time,' CGE was quoted as saying by the daily.

'We are also aware that there continues to be a likelihood of pre-Games attacks on 'soft' targets, such as the Pune cafe bombing in February of this year, as part of a tactic to scare team members and to stop them attending.

'You may wish to inform your team members that they should expect this tactic to continue,' CGE said.

CGE has also warned team members that when they are off duty in New Delhi, they should visit only 'listed' tourist sites where there is an extra police presence and should avoid wearing team kit.

Craig Hunter, chef de mission of the England team, said the Metropolitan Police had been liaising closely with their Delhi counterparts and had advised that it was safe to travel to the Games, which open Oct 3.

'I attended a meeting yesterday with the Metropolitan Police and I came away from that meeting knowing that we are in a good position and there is no change in any advice or status and we will be going to the Games,' he was quoted as saying by the newspaper.

Source: Web Search

2007 Military Games'' entire spending unauthorised: CAG

Fri, Aug 20 10 08:06 PM

New Delhi, Aug 20 (PTI) Even as corruption allegations in the 2010 Commonwealth Games fly thick and fast, the 2007 Military World Games (MWG) organised by India has now come under the scanner of government auditors, who have raised questions over approval for the event''s entire expenditure. In its report to Parliament today, the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) said the Services Sports Control Board (SSCB) had organised the 4th edition of the MWG "without obtaining the approval of the competent authority for the entire expenditure" worth Rs 138 crore. India hosted the WMG, a multi-sport event for military men and women, in Hyderabad in 2007 and SSCB had made the proposal to host it in September 2003, which was given ''in principle'' approval by the Defence Ministry at an estimated cost of Rs 20.32 crore. In November 2005, the world military sports body had awarded the games to India and in June 2006, the Defence Ministry sanctioned Rs 40 crore for the MWG. In March 2007, the ministry also sanctioned Rs 10 crore for paying the Andhra Pradesh government for the facilities they would provide for the games and another Rs 19 crore were given by Defence PSUs in October 2007. "Projects exceeding Rs 100 crore require the approval of the Cabinet. Although the SSCB in January 2006 required funds in excess of Rs 100 crore for the conduct of WMG, a proposal omitting work services was put up to the Ministry for only Rs 40 crore. Interestingly, sanctions amounting to Rs 138 crore in total were issued for WMG," the report noted. It said the works services were sanctioned by according 37 piece-meal sanctions costing Rs 78 crore from 2006 onwards. The SSCB received Rs 4.76 crore for hosting extra contingents of world military sports body and this was diverted to non-public fund between September 2007 and June 2008. "The money received from sponsors totalling Rs 84 lakh was spent by SSCB without the sanction of the ministry. Unspent money to the tune of Rs 7.21 crore was not deposited into government account. The principal amount and the interest (Rs 28.14 lakh) is still held by SSCB in private banks with any authority," the report said. Noting that Rs 10 crore was paid to AP government in advance in July 2007 without any formal agreement for the services to be provided by it, it said this resulted in the government not furnishing any bills to the SSCB. "Audit also noticed that the electricity charges were estimated at the rate of Rs 16 per unit for 16 hours utilisation per day against a rate of Rs 6.30 per unit which is the commercial rate applicable in Andhra Pradesh," it said. The CAG slammed the Defence Ministry for failing to monitor the expenses incurred on MWG and the unspent amount not yet being credited to the government account.

Source: Published>

Astronomer Royal triumphs

Fri, Aug 20 10 07:52 PM

Chennai, Aug 20 (PTI) Astronomer Royal, ridden by C A Brisson, won the Palar Plate, the prime event of the races here today. The winner is trained by J Sebastian. Trainer Fahad Khan saddled two winners and jockey Saddam Iqbal rode as many winners. Three favourites obliged in a card of six events.

Source: Published>

Leader Atwal shoots record 61, Jeev lying third

Published>Fri, Aug 20 10 07:47 PM

Greensboro (US), Aug 20 (IANS) Indian golfers were to the fore as Arjun Atwal, coming into the field through the Monday qualifier, shot a tournament record nine-under 61 at the Sedgefield Country Club in the Wyndham Championship.

He opened up a two-shot lead while fellow Indian, Jeev Milkha Singh brought in a six-under 64 to be tied third here Thursday.

Atwal, who lost his Tour card last month and had to come through the Monday qualifier, matched a two-year tournament record in the final tournament before the Playoffs for the FedExCup.

Brandt Snedeker shot a 63. Jeev Milkha, John Rollins, Kevin Streelman, Lucas Glover, Boo Weekley and David Toms were at 64 on an occasionally wet day when the greens were soft.

Atwal started his bogey-free round on the back nine, made the turn at 4 under and birdied three of his final four holes, sinking a seven-foot putt on No. 9 to round off the day. He also had a chip-in birdie on the par-4 sixth. His big day also included a rare birdie on the tough 18th hole, which saw just 10 birdies but 54 bogeys during the day.

Jeev, who also started on the tenth, birdied six of the last 12 holes, including a hat-trick from third to fifth. He birdied 16th, 17th, third, fourth, fifth and eighth and had no bogeys.

Atwal, who was sixth at the same tournament in 2004, when it was held at the Forest Oaks Country Club, shared the first place in the qualifiers by shooting 67. No Monday qualifier has won a PGA Tour tournament since Fred Wadsworth did it at the 1986 Southern Open.

'You get used to making a lot of birdies in the Monday qualifier -- otherwise you won't make it,' Atwal said. 'I kind of continued that today.'

'I didn't really expect a 61 today,' Atwal said. 'I was expecting to play well, because I've been swinging the club nicely, but 61 is pretty special. There was no wind, the greens were soft - all you had to do was hit fairways and it was go from there. I saw some of the scoring from the morning and even though it was raining, those guys were still taking it deep, so I knew the course was playing pretty easy.'

Atwal, who injured his shoulder while lifting weights last year, played on a minor medical exemption. He then lost his card this year as he came up short on the money list in the eight starts he was allowed.

Atwal will not be eligible for the Playoffs even if he wins. But he can claim his card for 2011 with a victory -- either in Greensboro or a Fall Series tournament -- or a climb up the money lists of the PGA TOUR or Nationwide Tour.

'I prefer to win,' Atwal said with a laugh. 'If I win, I'll go take a month off.'

Source: Web Search

Weightlifting federation lashes out at ministry, IOA

Published>Fri, Aug 20 10 07:26 PM

New Delhi, Aug 20 (IANS) Indian Weightlifting Federation (IWLF) secretary-general Sahdev Yadav Friday lashed out at the government and Indian Olympic Association (IOA) for being indifferent in helping them raise the $500,000 fine to the International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) as a doping sanction.

The IWLF had paid $125,000 of the amount and had been pinning their hopes on the sports ministry and IOA to bail them out of the crisis. But as time for the Aug 31 deadline is running out, so are their hopes.

Both Indian Olympic Association (IOA) and the sports ministry have refused any financial help to IWLF to repay the fine.

The sports ministry had asked IOA to resolve the issue immediately, but the IOA said that it can't help the IWLF financially as it would be seen as 'abetment to doping'.

If IWFL fails to meet the deadline, India will be barred from competing in any international event including Oct 3-14 Commonwealth Games and the subsequent Asian Games in November.

Yadav wonders why they have been allotted budget for Commonwealth Games training if the players won't be able to compete at the Games.

'We have been sending letters to Sports Ministry and the IOA for help from three months but have got no reply. We have even asked them to give us a loan, which we will pay in due course but to no avail. The players are training hard and are happy with the facilities but their morale is down. They don't know whether they will be able to compete in the Games where they have been targeting 14 medals,' Yadav told IANS.

'All the sponsors have backed out thanks to the irresponsible media reporting. We somehow have collected a little over a crore (of rupees) for the fine but even that will go waste if we do not get help from IOA or government. What was the point of players working so hard?'

The sports ministry has refused to pay the amount because it is supporting a dope-free sport through its own National Anti Doping Agency (NADA) and doesn't want to be seen in a bad light.

In another reminder to the IOA Friday, the sports ministry's joint secretary Injeti Srinivas said that it is the 'primary obligation' of IOA and Commonwealth Games Organising Committee to ensure that all teams participate in the Games.

'This matter also came up for discussions during the meeting of Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) president and chief executive and you had with the Union Sports Minister on Aug 19, 2010 in which the minister had observed that the penalty imposed was prohibitive and far beyond the capacity of the IWLF,' said Srinivas.

'It is the primary obligation of the IOA as a National Olympic Committee (NOC) and the Organising Committee of the Commonwealth Games to ensure that the Indian teams participate in all sports disciplines and all events. We request you to kindly take up the matter urgently with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) for substantial reduction of the penalty amount and re-scheduling the payment,' he added.

Source: Web Search

Reddy asks Army not to charge facilities provided for Games

Fri, Aug 20 10 07:22 PM

New Delhi, Aug 20 (PTI) The Urban Development Ministry has sought the assistance of Defence Minister A K Antony to ensure the Army does not charge the Organising Committee for certain facilities provided by it during the Commonwealth Games. OC chairman Suresh Kalmadi said the chairman of the Group of Ministers for CWG Jaipal Reddy has written a letter to A K Antony requesting him to ask the Army not to charge for certain facilities it was providing during the Games, scheduled to begin in October. "... So they have agreed to do somethings free of charge, for some, they will charge," said Kalmadi. It is learnt that in his letter, Urban Development Minister Reddy has requested Antony that the Army should not charge the Organising Committee (OC) for allowances for the officers and jawans who are on duty for the sporting event. Reddy has also sought waiving off charges for Army facilities being used by artists for the Opening Ceremony -- places where they will practice and stay. When contacted, Reddy, however, said though he had written the letter he did not remember the contents. "I did write to the Defence Minister not to charge for certain things. Those details I am unable to recall," he said. Kalmadi said, "We have asked for the support of Army and it has been good enough to lend us support throughout the baton relay, for opening and closing ceremony. They are giving us lot of personnel and we are very happy with it." PTI ARU NAB

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AITA confirms players threat, hope ministry will resolve issue

Fri, Aug 20 10 06:52 PM

New Delhi, Aug 20 (PTI) A day after vehemently denying that India''s top tennis players have threatened to pull out of the Commonwealth Games due to non-payment of dues, the AITA was today left red faced when it came to light that four elite players had indeed given the threat. The men''s team for CWG -- Leander Paes, Mahesh Bhupathi Somdev Devvarman and Rohan Bopanna -- wrote a signed letter to All India Tennis Association that if they were not paid the dues by next month "none of them will be available for the Games in October". Except for a minimal payment to Bhupathi, no player has received a single penny for their CWG preparations. AITA Secretary General Anil Khanna, who had yesterday denied any such development of a possible boycott, today admitted to it and said talks with the Sports Ministry were on and the matter will be resolved within a week. "The government is sensitive towards the players and I am hoping that within a week a solution will be reached," Khanna told PTI. Khanna had a meeting with the Sports Ministry officials today but did not divulge the details. However he said that progress has been made on the issue and that all the players will be available for the Games. According to the letter Khanna wrote to the players, the AITA has asked Sports Ministry to release USD 17,250 each to all four men''s players and Sania Mirza for their preparations. The sum is for two years and the payment is in accordance with the players'' entitlement of USD 115 per day for 75 days in a year for CWG preparations as per the government rules. The AITA was pressing that the allowance for tennis players should be for a minimum of 180 days and a maximum of 280 days in a year. The government though has refused the proposal reportedly saying that they cannot change rules for tennis players. The government wanted the players to produce their hotel bills, air-tickets and other expenses in original which is quite tough for the players as they travel extensively and are not keen to go through cumbersome government procedures. "We suggested to the Govt that since we have proof of players playing in international tennis, we should not ask for bills as that is a very difficult exercise and since players are carrying their support staff, they are in any case spending a large amount of money out of their pockets," Khanna said in his explanation to the players. Apart from the CWG dues, the players have also complained in their letter about delay in clearance of dues for the Asian Games and Olympics and also want support staff for CWG like Davis Cup. Khanna said AITA had no role in clearing those dues as the money for those tournaments has to be cleared by Indian Olympic Association and they can just talk on behalf of the players with the relevant authorities. The players made it clear in their letter that no dues were pending from AITA as far as Davis Cup ties were concerned.

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Organising Committee Commonwealth Games finalises catering services for Delhi 2010

Published>Fri, Aug 20 10 06:38 PM

New Delhi, Aug.20 (ANI): The Organising Committee, Commonwealth Games Delhi 2010 has finalized the contracts for the catering services for the October 3-14 Games.

The catering for the lounges has been divided into total of eight clusters. Two clusters have been awarded to Graviss Hospitality Pvt. Ltd. for Rs. 5.94 crore, while IRCTC has got the contract for Rs. 1.70 crore for one cluster and remaining five have been awarded to Seven Seas Pvt. Ltd. for Rs. 6.29 crore.

Food packets for Organising Committee workforce, volunteers and security personnel will be taken care of by AFP Manufacturing Pvt. Ltd. at a cost of Rs. 8.75 crores.

To ensure high quality and hygiene, the Organising Committee has proactively engaged TQS Global Manufacturing Systems and TUVSUD, South Asia for Food Safety and Audit. The firm will supervise and ensure safety audit checks for the entire food, production and distribution process including the kitchen distribution mechanism. This contract was worth Rs. 88.24 lakh.

All the catering contracts have been awarded to the lowest bidder in respective categories.

The catering for the Games Village has already been awarded to an Australian firm Delaware North, which has the Taj SATS as its consortium partner. The kitchen at the Village is under installation and will be functional by the first week of September. (ANI)

Source: Web Search

Rain stops play in tri-nation ODI series between SL and NZ

Fri, Aug 20 10 06:22 PM

Dambulla, Aug 20 (PTI) Rain stopped play in the tri-series one-day international between Sri Lanka and New Zealand here today. Put into bat, Sri Lanka were 203 for three in 43.4 overs when heavens opened up to stop play at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium here. The fourth match of the triangular series between the two nations was called off without a ball being bowled due to incessant rains yesterday, forcing the organisers to have a re-match today. Brief Score: Sri Lanka: 203/3 in 43.4 overs (Mehala Jayawardene 59, Chamara Silva 41; Scott Styris 2/36).

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England 233 & 110-2 v Pakistan 308, third test - lunch

Fri, Aug 20 10 06:16 PM

England were 110 for two wickets in their second innings at lunch on the third day of the third test against Pakistan at the Oval on Friday.

Scores: England 233 (M. Prior 84 not out; Wahab Riaz 5-63) & 110-2 (A. Cook 76 not out) v Pakistan 308 (Mohammad Yousuf 56, Azhar Ali 92)

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Archer Seema loses in pre-quarterfinals in Youth Olympics

Fri, Aug 20 10 05:58 PM

Singapore, Aug 20 (PTI) Indian woman archer Seema Verma lost 1-3 to Zoe Gobbels of Belgium in the pre-quarterfinals of the archery individual event in the inaugural Youth Olympics Games here today. Archery was the only event in which an Indian participated on the sixth day of the Games today and it turned out to be a disappointing affair for Seema, who could manage just one score of 10, against Gobbels'' four 10s. Seema had defeated Sorsa Tanja of Finland 6-0 in the 1/16 elimination round. Kwak Ye Ji of Korea won the gold, while Chinese Taipei''s Tan Ya-Ting bagged the silver medal at Kallang field here. India have so far won two silver and a bronze medal and are assured of another silver with Yuki Bhambri reaching the final in tennis. Wrestler Pooja Dhanda had bagged a silver in women''s 60kg freestyle while Kadian Satyawart fetched a bronze in men''s 100kg freestyle. HS Prannoy settled for a silver in the badminton event yesterday. 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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Jenson Button back with girlfriend Jessica Michibata

Published>Fri, Aug 20 10 05:38 PM

London, Aug 20 (ANI): British Formula One driver Jenson Button has reunited with his lingerie model girlfriend Jessica Michibata.

Button, 30, was seen keeping a firm grip on his girlfriend as they strolled down to the beach in St Tropez, the Sun reported.

The couple had in May decided to split after Button found the commute to her Tokyo home too much of a chore.

But after the two got back together, they appeared closer than ever as they relaxed in the French resort on August 18. (ANI)

Source: Web Search

Baseballer Clemens indicted for lying about steroid use

Published>Fri, Aug 20 10 05:18 PM

Washington, Aug 20 (DPA) Former star baseball pitcher Roger Clemens was indicted by a grand jury Thursday on charges that he lied before a congressional panel about his alleged steroid use.

Clemens was indicted by a district court in Washington, more than two years after he testified before the US Congress that he never took performance-enhancing drugs.

Brian McNamee, a former trainer, testified before the same congressional panel that he injected Clemens dozens of times between 1998 and 2001 with steroids and human growth hormone.

Clemens, who retired in 2007, was indicted by the grand jury on six counts of perjury and making false statements before the Congress. The 2008 hearing came as the Congress worked to clean up a sport that had been sullied by reports of dozens of players engaging in doping.

Clemens was considered one of baseball's greatest ever pitchers, playing for the Boston Red Sox, Toronto Blue Jays, New York Yankees and Houston Astros over a career that spanned more than two decades.

Source: Web Search

Sharath loses in doubles of China Open table tennis

Published>Fri, Aug 20 10 05:08 PM

Suzhou (China), Aug 20 (IANS) India's challenge ended at the China Open Table Tennis Friday with Sharat Kamal losing his doubles pre-quarterfinal match.

Sharath and his Swedish partner Par Gerell lost to the German pair of Patrick Baum and Bastian Steger 11-8, 9-11, 7-11, 11-9, 11-13, 5-11. Sharath had a new partner in Gerell as his usual partner compatriot Subhajit Saha could not play due to injury.

The Indian-Swede pair was very much in contention when the match was tied at 2-2. But they could not match the pace of the Germans and lost the next two games.

Sharath, a world number 39, lost his first round singles match Thursday to his doubles partner Gerell.

The team will now travel to Zhengding for a month-long training camp ahead of the Commonwealth Games.

Source: Web Search

IPL fails to take any decision on number of matches in 2011

Fri, Aug 20 10 04:52 PM

Mumbai, Aug 20 (PTI) The Indian Premier League Governing Council today did not take any decision regarding the number of matches to be held in the expanded season IV in 2011 when ten teams would be in the fray. "We discussed the IPL accounts. After that there was a (BCCI) finance committee meeting," said Cricket Board secretary N Srinivasan to reporters here. According to BCCI sources the Board has suffered a deficit of Rs 39 crore for 2009-10 season after deducting an amount of Rs 202 crore distributed to 25 state associations and each association was likely to get at least Rs 6 crore. "The expenses had mounted due to IPL (II) being held in South Africa. A total amount of Rs 83 crore was spent," they said. IPL vice chairman Niranjan Shah also confirmed that nothing else was discussed barring the accounts at today''s meeting while adding another meeting of the Council is to be held in the first week of September. "Nothing else other than IPL accounts was discussed (at the GC) meeting. There would be another meeting in the first week of September," Shah said. Shah also said no proposal was tabled at the meeting about the number of matches in IPL IV. In the run-up to today''s meeting top IPL sources had said that the full compliment of 94 matches, going by the existing format, was not possible to be held and a figure of 73 or 74 matches was being planned. (More) PTI VKV SSR AMA ATK

Source: Published>

India lose 0-1 to Mafra on Portugal tour

Published>Fri, Aug 20 10 04:38 PM

Lisbon, Aug 20 (IANS) The Indian football team went down 0-1 to second division Portuguese side Clube Desportivo de Mafra in their practice match at the Mafra ground here.

The only goal of the match Thursday was scored by Mafra striker Bonifacio in the 52nd minute. It was India's second defeat in the two-month-long training-cum-competition tour of Portugal.

In the match, coach Bob Houghton rested almost all the players, who played in India's convincing 3-1 win over Uniao Desportiva da Serra Wednesday.

India started off with Arindam Bhattacharya in the goal, Deepak Mondal as the right wing back, Mahesh Gawli and Govind Singh as central defenders and N. Mohanraj on the left flank.

In the midfield, Steven Dias was on the right, Climax Lawrence and Baldeep Singh at the centre and James Singh on the left. Houghton fielded two new strikers in Mohammed Rafi and Sushil Kumar Singh.

Both the teams took a cautious approach which resulted in a goalless opening half.

Source: Web Search

Muralitharan eager to play 2011 WC to help Lanka repeat 1996 success

Published>Fri, Aug 20 10 04:22 PM

Lahore, Aug.20 (ANI): Legendary Sri Lankan off-spinner Muttiah Muralitharan has expressed his desire of playing in the 2011 World Cup to help his country repeat the success of 1996.

Muralitharan, who retired from Test cricket earlier this month but is available for one dayers, said winning the 2011 World Cup would boost the future of the game in Sri Lanka.

"I am 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," The Daily Times quoted Muralitharan, as saying.he leading Test wicket taker also equated his 800-wicket feat in the oldest version of the game to the island nation's 1996 World Cup triumph.

"Obviously winning the tournament in the Indian subcontinent in 1996 is something I rate as highly as my 800 Test wickets and reaching the final in the West Indies three years ago was also by no means a small achievement," said Murali.

Meanwhile, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced the schedule for the warm-up games ahead of 2011 World Cup.

All the 14 teams would play two games each from February 12 to 18 before the tournament commences on February 19.

Warm-up matches schedule:

February 12: New Zealand v Ireland in Nagpur, Zimbabwe v South Africa in Chennai, West Indies v Kenya in Colombo, Sri Lanka v Netherlands in Pallekele, Bangladesh v Canada in Chittagong February 13: India v Australia in Bengaluru.

February 15: Australia v South Africa in Bengaluru, Ireland v Zimbabwe in Nagpur, Kenya v Netherlands in Pallekele, Bangladesh v Pakistan in Dhaka

February 16: India v New Zealand in Chennai, Sri Lanka v West Indies in Colombo, England v Canada in Dhaka

February 18: England v Pakistan in Dhaka. (ANI)

Source: Web Search

Pak Senate Committee recommends removal of PCB chief over inappropriate remarks

Published>Fri, Aug 20 10 04:08 PM

Islamabad, Aug 20(ANI): Pakistan's Senate Committee on Privileges has recommended to President and Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) patron, Asif Ali Zardari, to remove PCB Chairman Ijaz Butt on charges that he maligned and questioned the credibility of some of its members on sports.

Senator Tahir Mashadi, who heads the privileges committee, said that the committee gave its recommendations after finding Butt guilty in the two privilege motions moved by the senators.

"The PCB chairman asked for more time to look into the allegations levelled against him. But the PCB chief was given enough time to explain his position which he could not," The Daily Times quoted Mashidi, as saying.

"The committee found Ijaz guilty of breaching the privilege of the parliament and its members," he added.

He further said that the recommendations of the committee would be forwarded to Zardari for Butt's removal from his office through Sports Minister Ijaz Hussain Jakhrani.

In the first privilege motion, the PCB chief in February last year said in a statement that he was not answerable to the Parliament as the President is the patron and he was only answerable to him.

The second privilege motion was moved by Senator Haroon Khan and Senator Tariq Azeem, in which both the senators were of the view that Butt on an occasion passed derogatory remarks not only against them, but also against the whole parliament.

Mashadi had earlier said that the PCB chief would be given a fair opportunity to defend himself.

"He will be questioned on why he tried to malign and question the credibility of some senators in the media," Mashadi had said.

"If he is able to prove that he didn't breach the privileges of the Senators fine, but if he can't do this then he will be censured, a recommendation will be sent to the President and Prime Minister to remove him immediately and we will also move a privilege motion against him in the Senate," he added.

He further pointed out that it was not the first time that Butt was facing such charges.

Last year, some Senators had moved a privilege motion against him, but the matter was brushed under the carpet. (ANI)

Source: Web Search

Aussie tennis star Woodbridge 'smells a rat' in Federer ad stunt video

Published>Fri, Aug 20 10 03:48 PM

Sydney, Aug 20 (ANI): Australian Tennis star Todd Woodbridge said he doubted the authenticity of the recent ad stunt video featuring Roger Federer.

The video shows Federer knock a bottle off the head of a crewmember with his serve.

Federer is staying mum but Woodbridge told this website that although the clip was "fantastic", he questioned whether it was real or not.

"I think it was very Roger. I like seeing him and how he reacts away from a real tennis court like that. But what I would say is that I know he's good, but is he that good?" the Sydney Morning Herald quoted Woodbridge as saying.

"The reason I say that is that I remember many years ago Mark Woodforde and I doing a piece for 60 minutes with Mike Carlton and we had to set up a shot where we needed to be at this corner of a clay court to hit the mark exactly perfect," he said.

"And I promise you we didn't do it in the first take nor the second take. But he pulled it off twice in a row? So my question is: I'm one of Roger's biggest fans and in my view I think he is the greatest tennis player of all time - no matter what - but that [YouTube clip] exceeds even my expectations," Woodbridge added.

Federer said that the serve was real for sure.

"I don't do it that much, but, yeah, it was shot in one piece and it was ... the guy took a chance. It worked out. I'm happy," he said.

Later, when talking about the clip again, Federer said he had "done it before" but was again asked if the clip showed a real action and he said, "Not saying that. A magician doesn't tell how his tricks work, so ..."

However, Woodbridge is such a great fan he said he would be ready to give Federer the 'benefit of the doubt'. (ANI)

Source: Web Search

England name women''s hockey squad for Delhi CWG

Fri, Aug 20 10 03:22 PM

London, Aug 20 (PTI) Hoping to better the bronze medal-winning performance fours years ago in Melbourne, England has named a 16-member women''s hockey squad for the upcoming Delhi Commonwealth Games. England already has two Commonwealth Games silver medals (1998 and 2002) and won a bronze in 2006 since hockey''s introduction in the Games and the English eves will be hoping to make it four medals in a row during the October 3-14 mega-event. Defenders Kate Walsh, captain four years ago, Helen Richardson, Chloe Rogers, Beth Storry and Alex Danson are the only survivors in the team from the bronze medal winning side in Melbourne. The team also has Charlotte Craddock, who, at 17, became the youngest-ever female hockey Olympian when she was selected in the England squad for the 2008 Beijing Olympics. England, however, had to drop two players from its World Cup squad starting later this month in Rosario, Argentina. England Hockey head coach Danny Kerry said, "This has been a tough selection demonstrating the growing depth of the squad. We need to follow up our bronze medal in the Champions'' Trophy last month with a strong performance in the World Cup and then step up again for the Commonwealth Games. This squad has the quality to handle the challenge." Craig Hunter, England''s Chef de Mission for the Delhi Games said, "We welcome the England women''s hockey players into the squad and wish them every success, first in Argentina and then in their final preparations for Delhi." The English eves have been grouped alongside New Zealand, Canada, South Africa and Trinidad and Tobago in Pool B while Pool B consists of defending champions Australia, hosts India, Pakistan, Malaysia and Scotland. England women''s hockey squad: Ashleigh Ball, Charlotte Craddock, Christie Cullen, Alex Danson, Susie Gilbert, Hannah Macleod, Helen Richardson, Chloe Rogers, Natalie Seymour, Beth Storry, Georgina Twigg, Laura Unsworth, Kate Walsh, Sally Walton, Nicola White, Kerry Williams.

Source: Published>

Thunder center Krstic arrested after brawl in Greece

Published>Fri, Aug 20 10 03:18 PM

Serbian basketball player Nenad Krstic has been arrested for his role in a mass brawl that caused a game against Greece to be abandoned, Greek police said on Friday.

The 27-year-old, who plays for the NBA's Oklahoma City Thunder, was reported to have hit Yiannis Bourousis as the Greek player tired to break up a fight during their Acropolis Tournament game at the Olympic Indoor Hall on Thursday.

Krstic was arrested for an "infraction against the law of sports violence," according to police, and is expected to be sentenced later on Friday.

Greece forward Kostas Tsartsaris later apologised for the ugly incident.

"Sorry to everyone from all over the world who attended the game because these images are not in keeping with the Olympic spirit," he told reporters.

Source: Web Search

Playing against India before Ashes good preparation: Katich

Fri, Aug 20 10 03:08 PM

Melbourne, Aug 20 (PTI) Australia captain Ricky Ponting might consider it less than ideal but senior batsman Simon Katich feels playing a Test series in India could actually be good preparation for the Ashes. "There''s no ideal situation and you have to get used to it as a player, so we''ve got to adapt as quickly as possible," he said. "We''re playing Test cricket, so if that''s not going to be a good enough preparation for us to play a tough series against England, then I don''t know what is," Katich told ''Australian Associated Press''. The five-Test Ashes series begins on November 25 in Brisbane and Australia will play two Tests against India in October. Ponting is not too happy with the timing of the India series as he feels playing on the spin-friendly Indian wickets would hamper the team''s Ashes preparations. The 34-year-old Katich, however, expressed concerns about Australia''s frequent batting collapses and said the problem could cost the team dearly during the Ashes. "Being brutally honest, it''s still been a problem because it''s happened a couple of times since the Ashes last year," Katich said. "Until we can actually rectify that in a match, that''s going to be still hanging over our heads, and unfortunately you can''t replicate it in the nets. As much as you try, it''s got to happen in test matches when the pressure is on," he added.

Source: Published>

Taylor wins toss, NZ to field against SL

Fri, Aug 20 10 03:06 PM

Dambulla (Sri Lanka), Aug 20 (PTI) New Zealand captain Ross Taylor won the toss and elected to bowl first 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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C''wealth Games England rules out terror threat to Delhi CWG

Fri, Aug 20 10 02:52 PM

London, Aug 20 (PTI) Commonwealth Games England (CGE) has ruled out any specific terror threat to the Delhi event in October but has warned of attacks on "soft targets" in India to scare away athletes before the sporting extravaganza. According to a report in ''The Daily Telegraph'', CGE has written to England''s 17 Commonwealth sports federations after "receiving positive feedback about the Indian security plan from the Metropolitan Police Specialist Protection Group." But it has still asked the athletes to be on guard during their stay in Delhi. "Whilst the current advice is that there is no specific threat to the Games, we will continue to keep channels of communication open with the relevant authorities, particularly the Delhi Organising Committee, who carry ultimate responsibility for security provision at Games-time," CGE said. "We are also aware that there continues to be a likelihood of pre-Games attacks on ''soft'' targets, such as the Pune cafe bombing in February of this year, as part of a tactic to scare team members and to stop them attending," the statement read. The CGE has told athletes to only visit designated tourist hot-spots and not explore too much. "You may wish to inform your team members that they should expect this tactic to continue," it said. CGE is responsible for preparation and participation of England team in the event.

Source: Published>

Youth Olympics should limit cost to hosts, says IOC

Published>Fri, Aug 20 10 02:48 PM

Singapore, Aug 20 (DPA) The vice president of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Friday warned against making excessive financial demands on hosts of the Youth Olympic Games, after costs for the inaugural event in Singapore went more than three times over budget.

The financial requirements of the games should not limit future host candidates 'to the same relatively small, exclusive circle of (developed) countries capable of holding Olympic Games,' Thomas Bach said in Singapore.

'A country which is able to organize Olympic Games should therefore not be considered as a host for Youth Olympic Games,' he said.

Costs for the Singapore Youth Olympics skyrocketed in the run-up to the Games, prompting local critics to call the event 'a waste of money'.

Originally estimated at 104 million Singapore dollars ($76 million), the budget was now expected to reach 387 million Singapore dollars, the government said.

However, it maintained that the Youth Olympics would leave a legacy of newly constructed or refurbished sport facilities, benefiting all Singaporeans.

Bach said the IOC had no objections if a host nation used the Youth Olympics as an occasion to improve its sports infrastructure and institutions with its own money.

But the IOC had to stick to its policy that it did not demand new facilities like stadiums and an athletes' village for the Youth Games, he said.

'This cannot be a decision criterion,' Bach said.

The German vice president of the IOC said he was thrilled by the Singapore Games, which kicked off on Saturday and are set to run until August 26.

The concept of the Youth Olympics, combining competitions in 26 sports with an educational programme for the 3,600 participating athletes aged 14 to 18, had 'worked out magnificently,' Bach said.

New formats, including 3-on-3 basketball and a triathlon mixed team relay, had been popular with both athletes and spectators, he said.

If this success was picked up by international sports unions, Bach said, there might also be changes in the Olympic programme.

Source: Web Search

''Bulletproof'' Dani Samuels ready for Delhi CWG

Fri, Aug 20 10 02:08 PM

Melbourne, Aug 20 (PTI) The "chaos and drama" around the Delhi Commonwealth Games does not make Australia''s world champion discus thrower Dani Samuels jittery as she claims to have seen it elsewhere as well and considers herself tough enough to compete in even leaking stadiums. "...no matter how the roads, tourist hotspots or garden beds look around Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium come October, my only concern is throwing well enough to win a Commonwealth Games gold inside it. It''s what my entire training program has been geared towards these past 12 months," Samuel wrote in a column for ''The Daily Telegraph''. "(It) doesn''t mean I''m not up to speed on all of the dramas plaguing these 2010 Commonwealth Games. But put simply, I believe 100 per cent in the security measures we have protecting this team. Believe that, if the safety of every Australian athlete cannot be ensured come October, none of us will be going anywhere," the 23-year-old, who is the youngest ever female world champion in discus throw, said. Samuels said she has been reading the negative reports that have appeared about the October 3 to 14 Games but is ready for any challenge that might come up in Delhi. "As for Delhi stadiums lagging, leaking and falling apart? Bulletproof. Suggestions of Aussie boycotts? Bulletproof. And the fact no one can even find Shera the Games mascot? Yes, bulletproof," she quipped. "Being ''bulletproof'' is watching an excited Moroccan official remove the plastic cover from perhaps the only weights bench in his city. Shrugging when I ask about the missing barbell. Shrugging again on the whereabouts of any weights. "Just smiling excitedly and motioning that yes, yes, yes, I can now begin my workout," she recalled. "Being bulletproof is also doing cardio in a Swedish hotel corridor. Arriving in Paris to discover there isn''t a throwing cage anywhere. And heading out for competition at the World Youth Championships as an official dusts off the concrete circle with a giant palm leaf," Samuels revealed. Samuels said she would not complain about facilities as all host cities have their problems. "All these events - and the catchphrase my coach Denis Knowles is forever using to combat them - is exactly how I''m staying focused among all the chaos and rubble that comprise what is increasingly being dubbed the Shame Games," she said. "Which is why, after reading the latest negative newspaper headline, I toss the sports section aside to focus solely on those things I can control. Like making sure every powerclean done inside the gym is explosive, finishing with me right up on my toes," she added.

Source: Published>

Anand, Krishnan to welcome Queen's Baton Relay in Chennai

Published>Fri, Aug 20 10 01:48 PM

New Delhi, Aug.20 (ANI): Some of the top names in India sports will welcome the Queen's Baton Relay for the XIX Commonwealth Games 2010 Delhi, which reaches Chennai on August 20 from the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

Among those who will participate in the relay include current and four time world chess champion Vishwanathan Anand, tennis legend Ramesh Krishnan, former Asian Games 800m gold medalist Shiny Wilson, squash ace Joshna Chinappa and former Indian hockey captain Mohammad Riaz.

Also to be seen with the baton will be hockey player Vijay Philips, Arjuna and Dronacharya Awardee G. Sreedharan, athlete Gyaneshwaran and former champion swimmers Sebastian Xavier and Wilson Cherian.

Hundreds of sportspersons and sports lovers are also expected to participate in the event.

The baton will travel to Puducherry on August 21 before touching Thanjavur, Rameshwaram, Madurai and Kanyakumari, then reaching Kerala on August 26 before coming back to Tamil Nadu to visit Wellington and Ootacamund before it heads for Karnataka on September 1.

The Chennai leg would mark the 56th day of the 100 day relay. The South India leg of the relay commenced last week in Hyderabad and travelled through Andhra Pradesh, touching Vishakapatnam, Vijaywada and Tirupati before moving on to Port Blair in the Andaman Islands.

The Queen's Baton Relay has seen widespread participation from former and current athletes and sportspersons apart from a lot of enthusiasm from all walks of society including the youth, students, celebrities and the political spectrum. (ANI)

Source: Web Search

Bharti Airtel to sponsor home cricket series

Fri, Aug 20 10 01:38 PM

Top telecoms firm Bharti Airtel has won the rights to sponsor all cricket series played in India until 2013 and will pay $700,000 per match, a cricket board official said on Friday.

"Bharti Airtel has won the series sponsorship rights for the period of 2010-2013 with a bid amount of 33.3 million rupees per test/ODI/T20 International," Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Secretary, N Srinivasan, said in a terse statement.

Initially, 10 firms had shown an interest in the right but eventually only four -- Bharti , Idea Cellular , Karbonn Mobile and MicroMax -- submitted bids on Thursday.

The marketing committee of the BCCI, the world's richest cricket board, opened the bids in Mumbai on Friday and awarded the rights to Bharti Airtel.

World Sports Group is the current holder of the rights.

BCCI chief administrative officer Ratnakar Shetty was earlier quoted in the media as saying the cricket board had set a reserve price of 20 million rupees per match.

Source: Published>

Becks' sis weeps in court for jailed lover

Published>Fri, Aug 20 10 01:08 PM

London, August 20 (ANI): Lynne, David Beckham's sister, wept in court after her violent boyfriend was jailed for harassing his former partner.

Kevin Briggs, 37, was given five months for bombarding his ex with foul-mouthed calls four days after being freed from prison. He had been jailed for breaching a court order warning him to stay away from charity worker Lisa Gilbey.

After hearing mum-of-three Lynne, 38, of Romford, Essex, defended her boyfriend.

"There's a lot of nasty things said about Kevin but none of it's true. I'm not going to see him for months," the Sun quoted Lynne as saying.

During the hearing at East London's Snaresbrook Crown Court, Briggs admitted breaching a restraining order.

Judge Tudor Owen told him: "You have a proven history of violence, threats and disobedience to court orders." (ANI)

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ICC Cricket World Cup warm-up fixture schedule announced

Published>Fri, Aug 20 10 12:52 PM

Dubai, Aug.20 (ANI): With just six months to go before the first ball of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 is bowled, the ICC has announced the schedule of warm-up matches.

The 14 warm-up matches will be played across the three host countries from February 12 to 18, 2011 with Bengaluru, Chennai, Chittagong, Colombo, Dhaka, Nagpur and Pallekele acting as host cities.

Each of the 14 competing sides will play two warm-up matches with four-time and reigning world champion Australia taking on India and South Africa on February 13 and 15 in Bengaluru.

Sri Lanka, the 1996 winner and one of the co-hosts, will go head to head with the Netherlands and the West Indies on February 12 and 16 in Pallekele and Colombo respectively.

The 1992 world champion Pakistan meets Bangladesh and England in Dhaka on February 15 and 18.

ICC President Sharad Pawar believes that next year's event will turn out to be the most successful one.

"Today means that the start of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 is exactly six months away," he said. "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.

Meanwhile, Bangladesh opener Tamim Iqbal can't wait for February 19, when his side will take on 1983 world champion India in the tournament opener.

"This will be my second ICC Cricket World Cup but definitely the one I am longing for. In front of our own fans, families and friends we have the opportunity to make the country proud and deep inside every Bangladesh cricketer is a burning desire to excel," said the left-hander who was part of the side which upset India by five wickets in its ICC Cricket World Cup 2007 opener in Port of Spain.

Tamim said: "There is no other competition like the ICC Cricket World Cup and it is knocking at our door. Bangladesh will be the centre of the cricket world six months from now and I am excited like anyone. Just imagine what it is like for the kids aspiring to be cricketers?

He added: "The legacy of this ICC Cricket World Cup will be ours to cherish and my message to the public is to make every moment memorable and share your enjoyment with others. You may not get another chance."

Sri Lanka's legendary off-spinner Muttiah Muralidaran not only rated his world record 800 Test wickets as high as being a World Cup winner but also credited the 1996 glory for transforming him into a better cricketer.

"Obviously winning the tournament in the Indian sub-continent in 1996 is something I rate as highly as my 800 Test wickets and reaching the final in the West Indies three years ago was also by no means a small achievement," he said.

"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 aded.

Meanwhile, to commemorate the "six month months to go" milestone, the ICC announced that several exciting ticket packages are available from August 19, 2010 on its website iccevents.yahoo.com.

The packages are available in three major themes - Follow Your Team, wherein customers will be able to buy all group match tickets for their favorite team with a single click; Love Your City, which allows the user to see all the group matches in their city; and Be a Great Host, where customers can buy certain group match tickets to all the guest country matches to cheer and make the guest countries feel at home.

The following is the schedule of warm-up matches (in line with previous ICC events none of these matches will carry official ODI status):

Saturday 12 Feb - New Zealand v Ireland (d/n), Nagpur

Saturday 12 Feb - Zimbabwe v South Africa (d/n), Chennai

Saturday 12 Feb - West Indies v Kenya (d), Colombo

Saturday 12 Feb - Sri Lanka v the Netherlands (d), Pallekele

Saturday 12 Feb - Bangladesh v Canada (d/n), Chittagong

Sunday 13 Feb - India v Australia (d/n), Bengaluru

Tuesday 15 Feb - Australia v South Africa (d/n), Bengaluru

Tuesday 15 Feb - Ireland v Zimbabwe (d), Nagpur

Tuesday 15 Feb - Kenya v the Netherlands (d), Pallekele

Tuesday 15 Feb - Bangladesh v Pakistan (d/n), Dhaka

Wednesday 16 Feb - India v New Zealand (d/n), Chennai

Wednesday 16 Feb - Sri Lanka v West Indies (d), Colombo

Wednesday 16 Feb - England v Canada (d), Dhaka

Friday 18 Feb - England v Pakistan (d/n), Dhaka (ANI)

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Lorgat believes subcontinent has 'great expectation' ahead of ICC Cricket World Cup 2011

Published>Fri, Aug 20 10 12:46 PM

Dubai, Aug.20 (ANI): International Cricket Council (ICC) CEO Haroon Lorgat has revealed his excitement ahead of the start of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011, and, says that plans for the tournament are on track.

"I have no doubt that people across the subcontinent probably can't wait for the next 180 days to pass by quickly. There must be great expectation for this event. After all, it is nation v nation and it is the ultimate contest," says Lorgat while speaking about the six-month countdown to the opening game between Bangladesh and India in Dhaka on 19 February.

"Tickets are in big, big demand and we certainly won't be able to provide enough seating capacity for all the crowds that will want to come to those matches.

"The passion and the fervor of people in the sub continent does help keep us excited as well," he says.

Lorgat believes that preparations for the tournament are progressing well ahead of the tournament which runs from February 19 to April 2 and will be hosted in Bangladesh, India and Sri Lanka.

"In all honesty, we are running quite well in terms of our preparations. There is always something that will challenge us, as that is the nature of making these mega events succeed, but so far so good.

"We have got a lot of good people in place and the preparations are going according to plan and apart from what would typically always be a challenge in putting these big events together, there is nothing major that troubles me today."

Meanwhile, Bangladesh star Shakib-Al-Hasan predicts that his team will do well in the tournament and is confident that the event will be greatly enjoyed by the people living in his country.

"All the boys are really positive about the World Cup because it will be held in Bangladesh and we are focusing on doing well," he says.

"I think all the Bangladeshi people will have a very good time during the World Cup."

Newly appointed West Indies coach Ottis Gibson also shares his excitement at his side playing in front of the cricket-crazy sub continent spectators. He says: "The one thing I am sure is there will be passionate crowds. I think most of the grounds will be full even when the host teams aren't playing.

"The fans just love cricket and they will come out and support whoever is playing which will be good for the teams on the day." (ANI)

Source: Web Search

England spinner Swann included in ICC Cricketer of the Year category

Published>Fri, Aug 20 10 12:38 PM

Dubai, Aug.20 (ANI): The International Cricket Council (ICC) on Thursday announced that England's off-spinner Graeme Swann has been included in the ICC Cricketer of the Year category at the LG ICC Awards which will take place at a glittering ceremony in Bengaluru, India, on October 6.

Clive Lloyd, who headed the selection panel, which included former international players Angus Fraser of England, Matthew Hayden of Australia, Ravi Shastri of India and Zimbabwe's Duncan Fletcher, said: "It was a genuine oversight on the part of the committee as Graeme fully deserved to be nominated in this category.

"Graeme, during the voting period, produced some very strong performances which puts him alongside the other top performers. On behalf of the selection panel, I apologise for this oversight."

During the voting period, which was from August 24, 2009 to August 10, 2010, Swann took 49 wickets, including six five-wicket hauls in an innings and one 10-wicket haul in a match.

The 31-year-old, who was also a member of England's ICC World Twenty20 2010 winning squad, also took 28 ODIs wickets at an average of 23.28 with an economy rate of 4.46 during the qualification period, an ICC release said. (ANI)

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