Army personnel to assist in CWG security from mid-September

Wed, Aug 25 10 12:23 PM

New Delhi, Aug 25 (PTI) Over 1,000 personnel from specialised units of the Army are likely to be roped in for specific security-related duties during the upcoming Commonwealth Games here. Official sources said the Army personnel are scheduled to be deployed by September 15, a little more than a fortnight ahead of the start of the sporting extravaganza on October 3. The personnel would provide technical assistance related to intra-force communication, maintenance of jammers, decrypting suspecting signals besides providing other logistic support, they said. Sources said Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) teams of the Army will also be deployed during the Games. They said a solution is understood to have been finalised between the Urban and Defence Ministries related to free stay of Army men in the national capital following which special arrangements has been made near Palam from September 15 to October 20 for them. Earlier this month, the Urban Development Ministry has sought help from Defence Minister A K Antony to ensure that Army does not charge the Commonwealth Games Organising Committee for certain facilities provided by it during the mega event. The sporting extravaganza is scheduled between October 3-14 here. Sources said that Army personnel would liaison and help in maintaining security of different vital installations including top hotels and Games village, where foreign delegates and participants would be staying. They said personnel have been earmarked for withdrawing them from various units and preparations are underway to send them here. Over 70 countries are likely to participate in the sporting event. Delhi Police and central security agencies are striving hard to ensure fool-proof security for the event, which is being hosted by the country for the first time. About 175 companies(17,500 personnel) of Central paramilitary forces, 3,000 commandos, 100 anti sabotage teams, 200 dogs and 15 bomb disposal squads will be put in security for the Games.

Source: Published>

Tiger Woods' ex-wife 'rejects his lawyers' bids to gag her'

Published>Wed, Aug 25 10 12:17 PM

London, August 25 (ANI): Disgraced golfer Tiger Woods' ex-wife Elin Nordegren has apparently rejected his lawyers' bids to gag her.

Nordegren Elin, 30, had already called a camera crew to her Florida home last week to speak out about her split with the womanising golf star - and will have it broadcast.

"Elin is a strong, independent woman who has been badly wronged," the Sun quoted a pal as saying.

"It is not about money. She has turned down a host of offers. And she won't really dish the dirt. She wanted to show she will not be silenced.

"She wants people to see she's not allowing her husband's legal team to call all the shots," the pal revealed. (ANI)

Source: Web Search

Botha wants to lead South African ODI team after Smith

Wed, Aug 25 10 11:53 AM

Johannesburg, Aug 25 (PTI) South Africa''s new Twenty20 captain Johan Botha has his sights firmly set on taking over the ODI captaincy once Graeme Smith steps down after the World Cup next year. "I have three Twenty20 tournaments before the World Cup to prove myself and if all goes well, I will have an outstanding chance to take over then as well," Botha said. "I am looking forward very much to the challenge. It''s a huge privilege to take over from Graeme," he was quoted as saying by Afrikaans daily ''Beeld''. 28-year-old Botha was named Twenty20 captain after Smith was stepped down last week. Smith had said he would also quit ODI captaincy after the World Cup. All-rounder Botha stood in for an injured Smith in the ODI series in Australia last year and the Proteas notched up a historic win. "We were successful then and I am going to do my best to repeat that," Botha said, adding that he had enjoyed standing in for Smith. Although Botha has led the Proteas in eight ODI and five Twenty20 Internationals, he has had to fight for a place in the team for the last two seasons after he twice came under the scanner for bowling with suspect action. He was banned from bowling his ''doosra'' by the ICC last year.

Source: Published>

Rachel Uchitel 'wants to rekindle romance with Tiger Woods'

Published>Wed, Aug 25 10 11:47 AM

London, August 25 (ANI): The first woman to be accused of having an affair with Tiger Woods wants to rekindle a relationship with the golfer, according to reports.

Woods' divorce from Elin Nordegren, his wife of six years, was finalised this week.

According to TMZ, Rachel Uchitel has told a friend that she would "give up everything" to be with the sportsman again, reports the Telegraph.

"I feel horrible for him. He loved her but he was in love with me. I hope he remembers that was real and reaches out to me," she reportedly said.

Uchitel, 35, a New York nightclub promoter, was first linked to Woods by the National Enquirer magazine in November. (ANI)

Source: Web Search

Tiger Woods' ex-wife 'rejects his lawyers' bids to gag her'

Published>Wed, Aug 25 10 11:45 AM

London, August 25 (ANI): Disgraced golfer Tiger Woods' ex-wife Elin Nordegren has apparently rejected his lawyers' bids to gag her.

Nordegren Elin, 30, had already called a camera crew to her Florida home last week to speak out about her split with the womanising golf star - and will have it broadcast.

"Elin is a strong, independent woman who has been badly wronged," the Sun quoted a pal as saying.

"It is not about money. She has turned down a host of offers. And she won't really dish the dirt. She wanted to show she will not be silenced.

"She wants people to see she's not allowing her husband's legal team to call all the shots," the pal revealed. (ANI)

Source: Web Search

Indian men''s and women''s pairs storm into pre-quarters

Wed, Aug 25 10 11:27 AM

Paris, Aug 25 (PTI) Indian men''s and women''s doubles pairs steamrolled over their respective opponents to sail into the pre-quarterfinals of the World Badminton Championships here. The women''s doubles pair of Jwala Gutta and Ashwini Ponnappa, seeded 16th in the prestigious tournament, needed jut 18 minutes to thrash Ukrainians Maria Ulitina and Natalya Voytsekh 21-8 21-10 in their second round match. The Indian duo, who got a walkover in their opening round, will now take on six seeded Korean pair of Jung Eun Ha and Min Jung Kim in the pre-quarterfinals. The Korean duo had thrashed unseeded Swiss pair of Marion Gruber and Sabrina Jaquet 21-2 21-5 in another second round match. Jwala had also made it to the pre-quarterfinals of the mixed doubles event. Jwala and V Diju have beaten Malaysian pair of Peng Soon Chan and Liu Ying Goh 21-19, 21-8 in the second round. In the men''s doubles second round, the 15th seeded Indian duo of Rupesh Kumar and Sanave Thomas also scored a comfortable 21-14 21-16 win over South Africans Dorian Lance James and Willem Viljoen in just 23 minutes. In the pre-quarterfinals, they play eighth seeded Danish pair Lars Passke and Jonas Rasmussen who defeated Austrian duo of Daniel Grassmuck and Roman Zirnwald. Rupesh and Sanave were literally on fire as they never lost the lead. In the first game, after leading 10-8, both Rupesh and Sanave dominated the mid court with smashes and drop shots. If there were a few hiccups for the Indians in the second game, it was simply because of a few unforced errors. But they immediately made amends and finished off the game with some fine placements in the corners of the court. "It was a good display. I think we combined well and out thought the opponent with some good placements. In the second game, I think when we were leading 12-9, we kind of played a few loose shots but soon we checked it," Rupesh said after the match.

Source: Published>

Pakistan examine England's Ashes credentials

Published>Wed, Aug 25 10 09:17 AM

Pakistan should provide a further searching test of England's Ashes credentials in the final test starting on Thursday after twice exposing their batting at the Oval.

Lord's has replaced the Oval as the venue for the final test of the English summer this year with Pakistan on a roll after their four-wicket win in the third test.

Victory at Lord's would mean a share of the four-match series for Pakistan after they drew 1-1 with Australia, who begin their campaign to regain the Ashes in Brisbane on Nov. 25.

Pakistan will field what has evolved into the best-balanced attack in world cricket against a batting lineup with plenty to prove.

Mohammad Asif's late movement from a probing length has delighted the connoisseurs of swing and seam and evoked comparisons with Australian Terry Aldermann and New Zealand's Richard Hadlee, who both proved so deadly in English conditions.

His new ball partner Mohammad Amir, still only 18, combines high pace with reverse swing while a second left-armer Wahab Raiz displayed speed and disconcerting bounce in his debut at the Oval.

Off-spinner Saeed Ajmal completes the attack with a doosra which none of the English top order has consistently picked.

GUL BETTER

Pakistan received another boost on Tuesday with the news that pace bowler Umar Gul, who missed the Oval test with a hamstring injury, was likely to be available for selection.

Gul, who took five wickets in the first test against Australia at Lord's, had a full workout in the Lord's indoor nets.

England coach Andy Flower agreed that conditions in the first two tests, which his team won comfortably, made batting difficult for both sides. But he said the England lineup had underperformed in better conditions at the Oval.

"On a good Oval pitch, scores of 230 and 220 weren't good enough to win a test match and we need to produce better results, simple as that," Flower told reporters this week.

"Lord's should provide us with a very good opportunity to put things right and it is the responsibility of all of us to make sure that happens.

"At the Oval, although we won the toss and batted, they were still quite trying conditions.

"But in the second innings there were no excuses whatsoever. We set up a brilliant platform through Alastair Cook and Jonathan Trott and we performed poorly after that. Any batting collapse is concerning and there have been too many of them."

Source: Web Search

Special One is Real key to ending Barca dominance

Published>Wed, Aug 25 10 08:47 AM

Jose Mourinho's arrival as Real Madrid coach could be the move that tips the balance of power in La Liga away from Barcelona and back to the Spanish capital.

The title is usually a straight race between the two traditional rivals, the ever-widening economic gap between them and the rest of the league a matter for on-going concern.

Real pushed out the financial boat to snare Mourinho, after his treble-winning exploits with Inter Milan last season, and have also spent 75 million euros ($94.58 million) on new players.

While Cristiano Ronaldo and Kaka were marquee signings in last year's 250 million euro reinforcement programme, this year's top acquisition is 'The Special One' Mourinho as a replacement for the trophy-less Manuel Pellegrini.

Six new players join him including Argentina's Angel Di Maria and German duo Sami Khedira and Mesut Ozil, the focus being on youngsters hungry to make a mark rather than established names.

Out have gone long-serving stalwarts Raul and Guti, breathing new life into the Bernabeu dressing room. The message is clear ... this is Mourinho's Madrid.

Last year Real finished three points behind Barca, defeats in the two 'clasicos' the main difference between the teams as they both established record points totals.

Mourinho, the master tactician, loves nothing better than to put one over his former club, as his successful Champions League semi-final against Barca showed last season.

As yet he has kept a low profile with the media and he has preached caution.

"Barca are a finished project, they can play with their eyes closed. Real Madrid aren't there yet," he told reporters. "Real need to establish a new way of playing football and a different philosophy."

RED-HOT FORM

Barca will not give up their title easily and fired a warning with a 4-0 pummelling of Sevilla on Saturday to win the Spanish Super Cup.

Coach Pep Guardiola rested his big guns for the first leg but Lionel Messi was in red-hot form as he netted a hat-trick in the return match.

Barca's preparations have been disrupted by a change in president, Sandro Rosell replacing Joan Laporta, concerns over the club's finances, and they have been clumsy in the transfer market especially with a failed bid to land Cesc Fabregas from Arsenal.

Spain striker David Villa's signing from Valencia for 40 million euros is money well spent but the exits of Thierry Henry, Dmytro Chygrynskiy, Rafael Marquez and Yaya Toure have yet to be fully addressed.

Guardiola has said he will rely on versatility within his squad and the youth system. That is fine as long as Messi and Xavi can avoid injury because Barca's squad looks thin.

The battle for the remaining two Champions League places is likely to be contested by Valencia, who finished 25 points adrift of Real in third spot last May, Atletico Madrid and Sevilla.

Europa League winners Atletico look to be the strongest of the three.

They have managed to hang on to leading strikers Diego Forlan and Sergio Aguero and have reinforced their Achilles heel, the defence, by signing Uruguay's Diego Godin and Brazilian full back Felipe Luis.

King's Cup holders Sevilla have also kept the core of their squad but the surprise failure to qualify for the Champions League group stage could spark a fire sale before the end of the transfer window.

Coach Antonio Alvarez has not convinced Sevilla fans, and much like Valencia's Unai Emery, will be in the spotlight early in the campaign if his team have a poor start.

Emery steered Valencia into the Champions League this season only to have his two leading players Villa and David Silva sold to finance the club's crippling debts. Their replacements have been brought in on a shoestring budget.

Source: Web Search

Defoe could face Young Boys, needs groin surgery

Wed, Aug 25 10 08:37 AM

Jermain Defoe could play in Tottenham Hotspur's Champions league playoff against Swiss club Young Boys on Wednesday despite being booked in for groin surgery that will rule him out of England's forthcoming Euro 2012 qualifiers.

The striker has been troubled with a groin problem since the World Cup finals in South Africa and aggravated it during the 3-2 first leg defeat by Young Boys in Switzerland last week.

Surgery could rule Defoe out for a month.

"It might only be half a game he can last now, but it's getting less each time -- the pain's getting worse," Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp was quoted by the BBC as saying.

"He wants to play and train all the time but he's got to have it done now. He can't go on like that.

"He's not trained a lot. When he has trained, he's been all right, he's been sticking goals in.

"But then he's had days off where he couldn't train and he's getting worse, he's getting worse all the time. Sixty minutes is about as much as he can last."

Tottenham will definitely be without Croatia midfielder Luca modric after he also strained his groin against Young Boys -- a match played on artifical grass.

The north London club, who like Young Boys are trying to qualify for the Champions League for the first time, hit back from 3-0 down in Berne to give themselves a fighting chance of reaching the lucrative group stage.

Redknapp hopes to have strikers Robbie Keane and Roman Pavlyuchenko, scorer of his side's second goal in Switzerland, available after they also missed Saturday's 2-1 Premier League win at Stoke City.

The weekend's Premier League fixtures are the last before an international interlude in which England face Bulgaria and Switzerland in their opening 2012 qualifiers.

Source: Published>

Special One is Real key to ending Barca dominance

Published>Wed, Aug 25 10 08:17 AM

Jose Mourinho's arrival as Real Madrid coach could be the move that tips the balance of power in La Liga away from Barcelona and back to the Spanish capital.

The title is usually a straight race between the two traditional rivals, the ever-widening economic gap between them and the rest of the league a matter for on-going concern.

Real pushed out the financial boat to snare Mourinho, after his treble-winning exploits with Inter Milan last season, and have also spent 75 million euros ($94.58 million) on new players.

While Cristiano Ronaldo and Kaka were marquee signings in last year's 250 million euro reinforcement programme, this year's top acquisition is 'The Special One' Mourinho as a replacement for the trophy-less Manuel Pellegrini.

Six new players join him including Argentina's Angel Di Maria and German duo Sami Khedira and Mesut Ozil, the focus being on youngsters hungry to make a mark rather than established names.

Out have gone long-serving stalwarts Raul and Guti, breathing new life into the Bernabeu dressing room. The message is clear ... this is Mourinho's Madrid.

Last year Real finished three points behind Barca, defeats in the two 'clasicos' the main difference between the teams as they both established record points totals.

Mourinho, the master tactician, loves nothing better than to put one over his former club, as his successful Champions League semi-final against Barca showed last season.

As yet he has kept a low profile with the media and he has preached caution.

"Barca are a finished project, they can play with their eyes closed. Real Madrid aren't there yet," he told reporters. "Real need to establish a new way of playing football and a different philosophy."

RED-HOT FORM

Barca will not give up their title easily and fired a warning with a 4-0 pummelling of Sevilla on Saturday to win the Spanish Super Cup.

Coach Pep Guardiola rested his big guns for the first leg but Lionel Messi was in red-hot form as he netted a hat-trick in the return match.

Barca's preparations have been disrupted by a change in president, Sandro Rosell replacing Joan Laporta, concerns over the club's finances, and they have been clumsy in the transfer market especially with a failed bid to land Cesc Fabregas from Arsenal.

Spain striker David Villa's signing from Valencia for 40 million euros is money well spent but the exits of Thierry Henry, Dmytro Chygrynskiy, Rafael Marquez and Yaya Toure have yet to be fully addressed.

Guardiola has said he will rely on versatility within his squad and the youth system. That is fine as long as Messi and Xavi can avoid injury because Barca's squad looks thin.

The battle for the remaining two Champions League places is likely to be contested by Valencia, who finished 25 points adrift of Real in third spot last May, Atletico Madrid and Sevilla.

Europa League winners Atletico look to be the strongest of the three.

They have managed to hang on to leading strikers Diego Forlan and Sergio Aguero and have reinforced their Achilles heel, the defence, by signing Uruguay's Diego Godin and Brazilian full back Felipe Luis.

King's Cup holders Sevilla have also kept the core of their squad but the surprise failure to qualify for the Champions League group stage could spark a fire sale before the end of the transfer window.

Coach Antonio Alvarez has not convinced Sevilla fans, and much like Valencia's Unai Emery, will be in the spotlight early in the campaign if his team have a poor start.

Emery steered Valencia into the Champions League this season only to have his two leading players Villa and David Silva sold to finance the club's crippling debts. Their replacements have been brought in on a shoestring budget.

Source: Web Search

Defoe could face Young Boys, needs groin surgery

Wed, Aug 25 10 06:19 AM

Jermain Defoe could play in Tottenham Hotspur's Champions league playoff against Swiss club Young Boys on Wednesday despite being booked in for groin surgery that will rule him out of England's forthcoming Euro 2012 qualifiers.

The striker has been troubled with a groin problem since the World Cup finals in South Africa and aggravated it during the 3-2 first leg defeat by Young Boys in Switzerland last week.

Surgery could rule Defoe out for a month.

"It might only be half a game he can last now, but it's getting less each time -- the pain's getting worse," Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp was quoted by the BBC as saying.

"He wants to play and train all the time but he's got to have it done now. He can't go on like that.

"He's not trained a lot. When he has trained, he's been all right, he's been sticking goals in.

"But then he's had days off where he couldn't train and he's getting worse, he's getting worse all the time. Sixty minutes is about as much as he can last."

Tottenham will definitely be without Croatia midfielder Luca modric after he also strained his groin against Young Boys -- a match played on artifical grass.

The north London club, who like Young Boys are trying to qualify for the Champions League for the first time, hit back from 3-0 down in Berne to give themselves a fighting chance of reaching the lucrative group stage.

Redknapp hopes to have strikers Robbie Keane and Roman Pavlyuchenko, scorer of his side's second goal in Switzerland, available after they also missed Saturday's 2-1 Premier League win at Stoke City.

The weekend's Premier League fixtures are the last before an international interlude in which England face Bulgaria and Switzerland in their opening 2012 qualifiers.

Source: Published>

Police search for referee after player knifed to death

Wed, Aug 25 10 05:37 AM

Police in northeastern Brazil are searching for a referee after a player was stabbed to death during an amateur soccer match in Barreira in Ceara state.

A spokesman for the Ceara military police said referee Francisco Chaves had killed 35-year-old Jose da Silva and injured his brother Francisco in a fight, after whistling for a foul against the visiting Boa-Fe (good faith) team from Redencao (redemption), and then fled the scene.

Major Marcos Paulo said Francisco da Silva kicked the referee after he blew up for the foul near the Boa-Fe penalty area, sparking the fight, and Jose da Silva went to his brother's aid only to be stabbed in the chest and killed.

"Because it was an amateur game, there was no policing so the referee fled after the crime," Paulo said.

"We've already made some searches for him and received information that he might hand himself in today but for now he's a fugitive."

Francisco da Silva was in hospital with knife wounds in his ribs.

Local media said the dead man, Jose da Silva, was a security guard in Redencao.

Source: Published>

Blackpool knocked out of League Cup by MK Dons

Wed, Aug 25 10 05:17 AM

Blackpool suffered a shock defeat at MK Dons in the League Cup second round on Tuesday while West Ham United and Wigan Athletic recorded morale-boosting victories against lower league opposition.

Hammered 6-0 at Arsenal on Saturday having marked their return to the top flight the week before with a 4-0 win at Wigan, Blackpool lost 4-3 to League One (third division) MK Dons after extra time.

After two Premier League defeats and with matches against Manchester United and Chelsea coming up soon, Avram Grant enjoyed his first victory in charge of West Ham.

Scott Parker scored with virtually the last kick to earn a 1-0 home win over League Two Oxford United.

Wigan, reeling after conceding 10 goals in their opening two Premier League games, overcame Hartlepool United of League One 3-0 thanks to Jordi Gomez, Victor Moses and an own goal.

There were no other top-flight casualties, with Wolverhampton Wanderers scoring late in extra-time to beat League Two Southend United 2-1.

Bolton Wanderers, West Bromwich Albion, Sunderland, Stoke City and Blackburn Rovers also went through.

Holders Manchester United and the other Premier League clubs competing in European competition are automatically through to the third round.

Lewis Guy was the match-winner for MK Dons after Blackpool had battled back from 3-1 down to force extra-time.

Source: Published>

Johnson has no regrets about PGA, sees major title ahead

Published>Wed, Aug 25 10 04:57 AM

Dustin Johnson said he would dust himself off and try all over again after winning a major amount of sympathy and confidence following his bittersweet PGA Championship this month.

Johnson was poised to join a three-way playoff at Whistling Straits when he walked off the last green until informed he had been handed a two-stroke penalty for grounding his club in a sand hazard on the 72nd hole of the championship.

The long-hitting, 26-year-old from South Carolina had hit his tee shot well beyond the ropes right of the fairway and, with spectators crowded around his ball, he thought his wayward drive had settled on trampled down dirt.

"The PGA was just an unfortunate situation," Johnson told reporters on Tuesday ahead of this week's Barclays tournament, the opening event of the U.S. PGA Tour's FedExCup playoffs.

"It wasn't hard to get over, because there's a lot of good things that I can take out of that week. I played really well coming down the stretch, making birdies when I needed to. So there's nothing bad that I can take from that week."

Johnson said the shock of missing out on the playoff won by Germany's Martin Kaymer over American Bubba Watson was eased by the outpouring of sympathy and support he received, and a restful week spent fishing.

"I've had a lot of good phone calls and a lot of good text messages from my peers and friends," he said. "And so I'm very happy the way I've handled it and the way it's been received."

OPEN LESSONS

Johnson also came frustratingly close to notching his first major victory at the U.S. Open at Pebble Beach, where he held a three-stroke lead going into the final round before shooting 82, but he believes a major triumph is just a matter of time.

"There's nothing that I can really get down on myself about that (PGA) week, because I did everything that I wanted to do," said Johnson. "I had a chance to win coming down the stretch on Sunday. I played well coming down the stretch.

"If I keep playing like I'm playing, there's no doubt that I think that I'm going to be contending in a lot of majors. I think and I believe in myself that I can get it done."

Johnson chalked up his mistake to a learning experience, like the one at Pebble Beach.

"I was very patient. I need to be patient," he said about his demeanour at the PGA. "I took things from the U.S. Open and used them during the final round of the PGA.

"And it worked. And I was there with a chance to win."

Source: Web Search

Wozniacki earns top seeding for U.S. Open

Wed, Aug 25 10 03:17 AM

Denmark's Caroline Wozniacki was named top seed of a grand slam tournament for the first time on Tuesday for the U.S. Open starting next Monday.

Wozniacki earned the seeding after a foot injury forced American Serena Williams to pull out of the Flushing Meadows tournament.

The 20-year-old Dane, the world number two behind Williams, has won three titles including a victory earlier this week at the Montreal Cup.

Defending U.S. Open champion Kim Clijsters was named second seed, followed by two-times U.S. champion Venus Williams, Serbia's Jelena Jankovic and Australian Samantha Stosur.

In addition to Clijsters and Venus Williams, former U.S. Open champions seeded at the Aug. 30-Sept. 12 tournament are number 11 Svetlana Kuznetsova and 14 Maria Sharapova.

Francesca Schiavone, the 2010 French Open champion, is seeded sixth.

Serena Williams, who won the Australian Open and Wimbledon this year, pulled out of the U.S. Open last week so she could recover from surgery on her foot after she cut it on broken glass at a restaurant in July.

Source: Published>

Brown reaches deal with Bobcats and reunites with Jordan

Wed, Aug 25 10 02:37 AM

The Charlotte Bobcats have signed center Kwame Brown, reuniting the former first overall draft pick with team owner and Hall of Famer Michael Jordan, the Bobcats said on Tuesday.

Jordan, then a Washington Wizards executive, had made Brown the number one NBA draft pick in 2001. But Brown never lived up to his potential as a top pick and was traded in 2005.

After stints with the Los Angeles Lakers, Memphis Grizzlies and Detroit Pistons, the 28-year-old will get another chance to play for Jordan, who is the Bobcats' majority owner.

Brown averaged 3.3 points and 3.7 rebounds with the Pistons last season, well off the career-highs he set in each category in the 2003-04 season when he averaged 10.9 points and 7.4 rebounds while playing for the Wizards.

Source: Published>

Wildcards are almost impossible to pick, says Montgomerie

Wed, Aug 25 10 01:57 AM

European Ryder Cup captain Colin Montgomerie believes it will be almost impossible to choose his three wildcards on Sunday.

The top nine players in the points table after the final round of this week's Johnnie Walker Championship in Scotland will automatically make the team for the Oct. 1-3 match against the United States at Celtic Manor in Wales.

Montgomerie will then complete his 12-man lineup with three wildcard selections and his job has been made more difficult by Padraig Harrington, Luke Donald, Paul Casey and Justin Rose electing to play in the United States this week.

"This isn't difficult, it's more or less impossible," Europe's captain told Sky Sports News on Tuesday. "It is most unfortunate I am going to have to leave out world stars.

"I am going to have to leave out players that feel they can help the European Tour cause."

Triple major winner Harrington, world number nine Casey, 10th-ranked Donald and number 22 Rose are all outside the top nine in the Ryder Cup points table.

"It is a bit like (England soccer manager) Fabio Capello having to leave out (Arsenal winger) Theo Walcott I suppose," added Montgomerie. "He could only take 23 (to the World Cup in June), I can only take 12.

"I wish I could take 20, I really do, because 20 deserve their spots this year. They have played great, the standard on tour has been the best it's ever been.

"This has been the hardest team to make of any Ryder Cup team I have been involved with," said Montgomerie who made the first of eight playing appearances in the biennial team event in 1991. "I cannot please everybody on Sunday night."

Peter Hanson, who climbed to eighth in the points table after last Sunday's win at the Czech Open, criticised the Johnnie Walker absentees.

"If you really want to make the team...you should be here and playing," said the Swede after arriving at Gleneagles.

Source: Published>

Pitch problems force AEK Athens to move Dundee game

Wed, Aug 25 10 12:19 AM

Pitch problems have forced AEK Athens to move Thursday's second leg of their Europa League playoff tie against Dundee United from their Olympic Stadium to a smaller ground, the club said on Tuesday.

UEFA officials had ruled that the playing surface at the Olympic Stadium was unacceptable. Greece has experienced a long hot and dry spell and AEK have had problems with the watering system at their ground.

AEK, who lead 1-0 after the first leg, will now host the Scottish Cup winners at the Nea Smyrni Stadium used by Super League side Panionios, which holds 11,500 fans, a decision which sparked protests from AEK fans.

Source: Published>

INTERVIEW - Psychology key for Brazil in 2014 says Parreira

Published>Wed, Aug 25 10 12:15 AM

Brazil will need to prepare psychologically for the huge pressure they will face as World Cup hosts in 2014, when a second failure on home soil is simply not an option, former coach Carlos Alberto Parreira said.

Parreira, who steered Brazil to their fourth world title in 1994 after a 24-year drought, felt the weight of expectation himself and told Reuters it would be worse in four years' time.

The 67-year-old knows the size of the task facing Brazil, who were shocked by Uruguay in the deciding match of their previous home finals in 1950.

"We'll be coming from two defeats in the 2006 and 2010 Cups and you can be sure the pressure will be very big on the national team. It will be a huge responsibility," Parreira said in an interview.

"We've already lost one World Cup at home and we can't lose a second one at home, we can't allow that to happen," said Parreira, who is in line to take on a role in new coach Mano Menezes's technical staff.

"That's going to put gigantic pressure (on the players) and, as well as technical preparation, we'll have to have a very big psychological preparation."

Such concern has already been voiced by Menezes, who said after his appointment as Dunga's successor last month that he plans to have a psychologist working alongside him.

Parreira added the buildup to 2014 would be harder with Brazil going through a radical renewal of the team and knowing that by then they will have gone 12 years without winning the title.

"After two failures a renewal is almost mandatory for the coach. A new cycle always opens when you lose," said Parreira, who is resting at home after coaching South Africa at their World Cup.

NEW HOPES

Parreira, in charge again when Brazil lost their 2006 quarter-final to France in Germany, was encouraged by Menezes's debut in a friendly against United States in New Jersey last month which Brazil won 2-0.

With youngsters like Neymar, Paulo Henrique Ganso and Alexandre Pato, the team played the attacking football fans and media demanded of Dunga's side that lost to Netherlands in this year's quarter-finals.

"I liked the new faces, the new players. We don't lack quality. Brazil is the best country for a renewal.

"Now we have to give those lads a run-in and experience before the Cup," Parreira said, adding there was room for 2010 World Cup players like Kaka, Robinho, Daniel Alves, Ramires and Thiago Silva.

Another problem will be the lack of competitive matches for Brazil who, as World Cup hosts, will not take part in the South American qualifiers.

Despite difficulties like taking the team to high altitude venues in Bolivia and Ecuador and bringing a large majority of squad members all the way back from Europe, Parreira said the marathon qualifying campaign was essential for team building.

"At first I was against the qualifiers because of the difficulties and toll they took. Later I changed my mind and realised they were essential," he said.

Without the qualifiers, the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) will have to take full advantage of opportunities like the Copa America in Argentina next year and the Confederations Cup in Brazil in 2013, he said.

"The CBF will have to prepare a good list of friendlies with strong opponents until 2014. It's important to play more (matches) in Brazil and for that the CBF will have to work hard and negotiate a lot. They have to already feel the climate."

Source: Web Search

Bradley says he is interested in Aston Villa job

Tue, Aug 24 10 11:57 PM

United States coach Bob Bradley said on Tuesday he wanted to work in the Premier League and would be interested in managing Aston Villa.

Bradley's name has been on a list of possible candidates to take over since Martin O'Neill quit days before the start of the Premier League season.

"I would love to have a discussion and hear more," the 52-year-old American said in an interview with Sky Sports News.

Bradley, who steered the U.S. to the second round at the World Cup finals in South Africa, said he was keen to test himself in the Premier League, calling it the best league in the world.

"The possibility of working in the Premier League at some point would be a goal for sure," he said.

However, he said there had been no contact from Villa or the club's American owner Randy Lerner.

"Everyone knows that for the moment Kevin MacDonald is the caretaker manager and the first step is for a decision to be made with him. He's a good man," Bradley said.

"As a manager the first thing you always want to have is respect for other managers.

"I know the reputation Kevin MacDonald has within the club and first things first, (there needs to be a) decision in terms of his future.

"Aston Villa is a tremendous club. They have such a strong following, so that would be a club that I think anyone would have an interest in."

MacDonald, thrust into the Villa Park hot seat, began with a 3-0 defeat of West Ham United and a 1-1 draw with Rapid Vienna in the Europa League but Villa suffered a 6-0 hammering by promoted Newcastle United on Sunday.

Bradley, whose son Michael plays in Germany with Borussia Moenchengladbach, has never coached outside the U.S.

"I feel I have the ability to work in Europe and it's something I'd like to do in my career," he said. "I'm excited about that possibility whenever it comes and wherever it comes."

No American has ever managed in the top flight of English football.

Source: Published>

INTERVIEW - Psychology key for Brazil in 2014 says Parreira

Published>Tue, Aug 24 10 11:37 PM

Brazil will need to prepare psychologically for the huge pressure they will face as World Cup hosts in 2014, when a second failure on home soil is simply not an option, former coach Carlos Alberto Parreira said.

Parreira, who steered Brazil to their fourth world title in 1994 after a 24-year drought, felt the weight of expectation himself and told Reuters it would be worse in four years' time.

The 67-year-old knows the size of the task facing Brazil, who were shocked by Uruguay in the deciding match of their previous home finals in 1950.

"We'll be coming from two defeats in the 2006 and 2010 Cups and you can be sure the pressure will be very big on the national team. It will be a huge responsibility," Parreira said in an interview.

"We've already lost one World Cup at home and we can't lose a second one at home, we can't allow that to happen," said Parreira, who is in line to take on a role in new coach Mano Menezes's technical staff.

"That's going to put gigantic pressure (on the players) and, as well as technical preparation, we'll have to have a very big psychological preparation."

Such concern has already been voiced by Menezes, who said after his appointment as Dunga's successor last month that he plans to have a psychologist working alongside him.

Parreira added the buildup to 2014 would be harder with Brazil going through a radical renewal of the team and knowing that by then they will have gone 12 years without winning the title.

"After two failures a renewal is almost mandatory for the coach. A new cycle always opens when you lose," said Parreira, who is resting at home after coaching South Africa at their World Cup.

NEW HOPES

Parreira, in charge again when Brazil lost their 2006 quarter-final to France in Germany, was encouraged by Menezes's debut in a friendly against United States in New Jersey last month which Brazil won 2-0.

With youngsters like Neymar, Paulo Henrique Ganso and Alexandre Pato, the team played the attacking football fans and media demanded of Dunga's side that lost to Netherlands in this year's quarter-finals.

"I liked the new faces, the new players. We don't lack quality. Brazil is the best country for a renewal.

"Now we have to give those lads a run-in and experience before the Cup," Parreira said, adding there was room for 2010 World Cup players like Kaka, Robinho, Daniel Alves, Ramires and Thiago Silva.

Another problem will be the lack of competitive matches for Brazil who, as World Cup hosts, will not take part in the South American qualifiers.

Despite difficulties like taking the team to high altitude venues in Bolivia and Ecuador and bringing a large majority of squad members all the way back from Europe, Parreira said the marathon qualifying campaign was essential for team building.

"At first I was against the qualifiers because of the difficulties and toll they took. Later I changed my mind and realised they were essential," he said.

Without the qualifiers, the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) will have to take full advantage of opportunities like the Copa America in Argentina next year and the Confederations Cup in Brazil in 2013, he said.

"The CBF will have to prepare a good list of friendlies with strong opponents until 2014. It's important to play more (matches) in Brazil and for that the CBF will have to work hard and negotiate a lot. They have to already feel the climate."

Source: Web Search

Santoso joins Hidayat in world championship round two

Tue, Aug 24 10 11:17 PM

Indonesia's Simon Santoso joined compatriot and ex-titleholder Taufik Hidayat in the second round of the world badminton championships on Tuesday.

Santoso's 21-11 21-17 victory over Poland's Przemyslaw Wacha was all the more welcome as Indonesia's challenge has been weakened by the absence of sixth seed Sony Dwi Kuncoro.

Kuncoro, beaten finalist in 2007 and dangerous when fit, is suffering from a recurrence of a back injury, handing a second-round berth to unseeded Israeli Misha Zilberman.

Santoso, seeded eight, told the Badminton World Federation website (www.internationalbadminton.org/): "It's unfortunate Sony is not around but we still have Taufik to count on."

Hidayat, Athens Olympics gold-medal winner, next meets Taiwan's Yu Hsin Hsieh, world-ranked 24. Santoso plays another Taiwanese, Hsuan Yi Hsueh, ranked 55.

Second seed Peter Gade of Denmark enjoyed a comfortable 21-10 21-7 win over unseeded Brazilian Daniel Paiola in the first round on Tuesday. China's Chen Jin, seeded four, eased past Finland's Ville Lang 21-14 21-14.

In the women's singles, top seed Wang Yihan of China won her second-round game against unseeded Thai Porntip Buranaprasertsuk 21-12 21-19.

Denmark's Tine Baun, twice an All England champion as Tine Rasmussen, beat Belgium's Tan Lianne 21-10 21-11.

India's great hope, second seed Saina Nehwal, plays her second-round match against Taiwan's Hsiao Huan Chen on Wednesday.

Source: Published>

It is disappointing but want to move on: Anand

Tue, Aug 24 10 10:57 PM

New Delhi, Aug 24 (PTI) World Chess Champion Grandmaster Viswanathan Anand today termed the controversy over his nationality as disappointing but said he does not want to stretch the issue too far and would prefer to move on. "When the whole thing came about it was disappointing but I think by now I understand that these are bureaucratic things which happen and you can see the funny side of it. The silver lining is that people now know that I am really an Indian completely," Anand told TV channels. Anand today found himself embroiled in a row after the University of Hyderabad delayed its plan to confer an honorary doctorate on him following questions raised by the Union Human Resources Development Ministry over his nationality. "I have often trained in Spain but I never gave away my citizenship. That''s always been clear. So I don''t really know why this came up especially after we clarified the matter," he said. "I don''t want to analyse this too much. The mistake happened, the minister has apologised. I think we should leave it at that. I think we should move on," he added. The four-time world champion Indian said he decided to decline the doctorate for now simply because he was busy and wanted to have a proper ceremony. "I accepted the minister''s apology. There was no issue in that. It was just that the day was simply filled up. "Actually the main reason I came to Hyderabad was for this simultaneous chess game. I had to focus on my commitments here and then it looked like it would be a rushed ceremony so I thought we should do it properly sometime later. So, I will accept the doctorate in due course of time," Anand said. PTI ATK PDS

Source: Published>

Sports Ministry asks CWG Organising Committee to grant Rs 1.75 crore to IWLF

Published>Tue, Aug 24 10 10:47 PM

New Delhi, Aug 24 (ANI): New Delhi, Aug 24 (ANI): The Sports Ministry on Tuesday asked the Commonwealth Games Organising Committee to release Rs 1.75 crore interest-free loan to the Indian Weightlifting Federation (IWLF) so that it can pay $3,75,000 fine to the International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) as a doping sanction before the deadline of August 31.

Expressing unhappiness that the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has not taken steps to intervene with IWF to reduce the fine so that Indian weightlifters can participate in the 2010 Games, the Ministry wrote a letter to the Commonwealth Games Organising Committee saying Rs 1.75 crore amount be paid against the approved budget of Rs 25 crore for development of sports under the Joint Marketing Agreement as provided under clause 261 of the Host City Contract of Commonwealth Games.

"The ministry directs the Organising Committee of Commonwealth Games to release Rs 1.75 crore to Indian Weightlifting Federation directly as interest free loan with a moratorium of one year," said the letter signed by Joint Secretary Injeti Srinivas.

"The release shall be made against the budget provided under the Joint Marketing Agreement. The repayment of the loan to IOA may be separately determined between IWF and IOA in due course," the letter added.

The IWLF had earlier 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. (ANI)

Source: Web Search

Services team champion in artistic event of Fed Cup Gymnastic

Tue, Aug 24 10 10:27 PM

New Delhi, Aug 24 (PTI) Services Sports Control Board won team championship in the artistic event of the Federation Cup Gymnastics Championships here today. Services collected 230.7 points, followed by Uttar Pradesh (230.1 points) and Punjab (216.9) at the second and third places respectively at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium. M Shinoi of Services with 78.4 points was declared all-round champion while Vikas Bhatia (76.5 points) and Aditya Singh Rana (75.5), both of UP, were second and third respectively. Results: Team Championships; 1. SSCB: 230.7; 2. UP: 230.1 points; 3: Punjab 216.9 points. All-round Champion: 1. M Shinoi (SSCB) 78.4; 2. Vikas Bhatia (UP) 76.5 points; 3. Aditya Singh Rana (UP) 75.5 points.

Source: Published>

Home Secretary takes stock of CWG security measures

Tue, Aug 24 10 10:23 PM

New Delhi, Aug 24 (PTI) A high-level meeting was today held to take stock of the security measures being put in place for the upcoming Commonwealth Games amidst rising concerns over the delay in construction of Games related venues. The meeting, chaired by Home Secretary G K Pillai, was attended by representatives of all concerned paramilitary forces and of Central security agencies. It was held to keep tab on the security arrangements for the sporting extravaganza scheduled between October 3-14 here. Over one lakh security personnel including those from Delhi police will be deployed for the security of the Games. Government sources said the security agencies are "concerned" about the delay in construction of stadiums and other facilities as it was hampering putting in place a tamper proof security mechanism. They said, in an ideal situation, all the 63 venues to be used for the Games should have been ''locked-down'' by August one for the security agencies to carry out anti-sabotage checks. In a ''lock-down'', the entire venue is completely sanitised by security agencies and is sealed after a thorough check of each room available. The only time when the seals are taken off is when the CWG officials or players enter these areas. "But, because of the delay in construction, the lock-down deadline has been extended. Now it will happen in a phased manner, which means as and when a venue gets completed the lock-down will be done," a source said. Security agencies expect September to be a very busy period as final touches to all security related matters including transportation of officials and players from airport to hotel, the Games village and stadiums will have to be fine tuned. Moreover, integration of CCTV cameras and other software, carrying out anti-cyber security threat drills among others have also to be carried out. Army personnel will be put on standby, whereas, during the Games, Air Force and BSF helicopters would be pressed into service. Sources said Chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) teams of the Army will also be deployed during the Games.

Source: Published>

Sports Ministry asks CWG Organising Committee to grant Rs 1.75 crore to IWLF

Published>Tue, Aug 24 10 10:17 PM

New Delhi, Aug 24 (ANI): New Delhi, Aug 24 (ANI): The Sports Ministry on Tuesday asked the Commonwealth Games Organising Committee to release Rs 1.75 crore interest-free loan to the Indian Weightlifting Federation (IWLF) so that it can pay $3,75,000 fine to the International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) as a doping sanction before the deadline of August 31.

Expressing unhappiness that the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has not taken steps to intervene with IWF to reduce the fine so that Indian weightlifters can participate in the 2010 Games, the Ministry wrote a letter to the Commonwealth Games Organising Committee saying Rs 1.75 crore amount be paid against the approved budget of Rs 25 crore for development of sports under the Joint Marketing Agreement as provided under clause 261 of the Host City Contract of Commonwealth Games.

"The ministry directs the Organising Committee of Commonwealth Games to release Rs 1.75 crore to Indian Weightlifting Federation directly as interest free loan with a moratorium of one year," said the letter signed by Joint Secretary Injeti Srinivas.

"The release shall be made against the budget provided under the Joint Marketing Agreement. The repayment of the loan to IOA may be separately determined between IWF and IOA in due course," the letter added.

The IWLF had earlier 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. (ANI)

Source: Web Search

Sejwal bags two gold, Poncha settles for silver

Tue, Aug 24 10 10:07 PM

Jaipur, Aug 24 (PTI) Rising swimmer Sandeep Sejwal stole the limelight as he grabbed two gold and set an individual meet record in 200m breast stroke on the opening day of the 64th Senior National Swimming Championships here today. Sandeep grabbed his first gold of the day after his Railways team won the 4x100m medley relay with a new national record timing of 4:00.55 secs. Sejwal bettered the Delhi Commonwealth Games qualifying mark of 2:19.09 in 200m breast stroke. He improved his own record of 2:18.85 set in 2006 by clocking 2:17.92 today. Puneet Rana of Haryana and Aditya Roshan of Karnataka grabbed second and third places clocking 2:21.06 and 2:35.53 respectively. But the shock result of the day was Karnataka swimmer Rohit Havaldar piping favourite and statemate Rehan Poncha for the 200m back stroke gold. Poncha clocked 2:09.94 while Havaldar timed 2:09.22 to clinch the gold. The bronze medal went to Praveen Tokas who timed 2:08.92 sec. In the last event of the day, Veerdhawal Khade of Maharashtra showed his prowess by clinching gold in men''s butterfly in 25.03sec. Tarun Tokas of Railways (26.39) and Arjun Murlidharan of Maharashtra (26.39) won silver and bronze respectively. Other Results: Women''s 200m Breast Stroke: M Raghvi (TN) 2:48.32; Poorva Shetye (Mah) 2:50.58; Priyanka Priyadarshini (Delhi) 2:51.39 Women''s 200m Back Stroke: Ananya Panigrahi (Mah) 2:28.29; Fariha Zaman (Karna) 2:33.75; Charu Mishra (Police) 2:34.12 Women''s 50m Butterfly: Jyotsna Pansare (Mah) 0:29.35; Talasha Prabhu (Goa) 0:29.59; Shubha C (Karna) 0.29.79.

Source: Published>

Home Secretary takes stock of CWG security measures

Tue, Aug 24 10 09:57 PM

New Delhi, Aug 24 (PTI) A high-level meeting was today held to take stock of the security measures being put in place for the upcoming Commonwealth Games amidst rising concerns over the delay in construction of Games related venues. The meeting, chaired by Home Secretary G K Pillai, was attended by representatives of all concerned paramilitary forces and of Central security agencies. It was held to keep tab on the security arrangements for the sporting extravaganza scheduled between October 3-14 here. Over one lakh security personnel including those from Delhi police will be deployed for the security of the Games. Government sources said the security agencies are "concerned" about the delay in construction of stadiums and other facilities as it was hampering putting in place a tamper proof security mechanism. They said, in an ideal situation, all the 63 venues to be used for the Games should have been ''locked-down'' by August one for the security agencies to carry out anti-sabotage checks. In a ''lock-down'', the entire venue is completely sanitised by security agencies and is sealed after a thorough check of each room available. The only time when the seals are taken off is when the CWG officials or players enter these areas. "But, because of the delay in construction, the lock-down deadline has been extended. Now it will happen in a phased manner, which means as and when a venue gets completed the lock-down will be done," a source said. Security agencies expect September to be a very busy period as final touches to all security related matters including transportation of officials and players from airport to hotel, the Games village and stadiums will have to be fine tuned. Moreover, integration of CCTV cameras and other software, carrying out anti-cyber security threat drills among others have also to be carried out. Army personnel will be put on standby, whereas, during the Games, Air Force and BSF helicopters would be pressed into service. Sources said Chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) teams of the Army will also be deployed during the Games.

Source: Published>

Advani, Sethi win in time format

Published>Tue, Aug 24 10 09:37 PM

Pune, Aug 24 (IANS) Pankaj Advani and Geet Sethi started afresh after their loss in the point-format with a win each in the time-format of the International Billiards and Snooker Federation (IBSF) World Billiards Championships here Tuesday.

Defending Champion Advani had earlier suffered a 0-6 loss to Mike Russell of England in the final of the point-format Monday.

Advani left the loss behind as he defeated Nay Thway Oo of Myanmar 1481-636 in his only match of the day. Geet Sethi also started his campaign with a 1309-724 victory over Kyaw Oo of Myanmar 1309-724.

In other matches, Mike Russell was at his splendind best a day after he won the world crown in the point format. He beat Indian Rupesh Shah 1269-856 in the first match and later thrashed Chul Ho Hwang of Korea 1339-195.

Bhaskar Balachandra, Ashok Shandilya and Devendra Joshi were the other Indians to win their opening day matches.

Results:

Morning session:

1. Nay Thway Oo (Mya) bt Phil Mumford (Eng) 812-696

2. Ashok Shandilya (Ind) bt Aidan Murray (Irl) 806-447

3. Kyaw Oo (Mya) bt Alok Kumar (Ind) 1188-595

4. Bhaskar Balachandra (Ind) bt Tae Hoon Jung (Kor) 1043-335

5. Peter Gilchrist (Sin) bt Billy Bousfield (Eng) 1364-619

6. Dhruv Sitwala (Ind) bt Min Hu Baek (Kor) 1135-394

7. Devendra Joshi (Ind) bt Chul Ho Hwang (Kor) 1515-349

8. Mike Russell (Eng) bt Rupesh Shah (Ind) 1269-856

Afternoon session:

1. Devendra Joshi (Ind) bt Abdul Omar (Sri) 1364-410

2. Mike Russell (Ind) bt Chul Ho Hwang (Kor) 1339-195

3. Peter Gilchrist (Sin) bt Gary Oliver (Nzl) 1568-497

4. Dhruv Sitwala (Ind) bt Billy Bousfield (Eng) 1088-547

5. Geet Sethi (Ind) bt Kyaw Oo (Mya) 1309-724

6. Bhaskar Balachandra (Ind) bt Alok Kumar (Ind) 838-759

7. Pankaj Advani (Ind) bt Nay Thway Oo (Mya) 1481-636

8. Ashok Shandilya (Ind) bt Phil Mumford (Eng) 744-707

Source: Web Search

Flintoff says he hopes to make 20-20 comeback for Queensland

Published>Tue, Aug 24 10 09:07 PM

London, Aug.24 (ANI): England all-rounder Andrew Flintoff is hoping to make his comeback from knee surgery in Twenty20 for Queensland in January.

The former Test all-rounder, who has not played since September, said: "I'm still getting a few twinges in the knee and can't move as well as I'd like to."

According to The Sun, Flintoff's comeback comment comes almost three weeks after the Queensland Bulls confirmed that they are hopeful of securing the England all-rounder for this season's KFC Twenty20 Big Bash in spite of his latest knee injury.

Queensland Cricket Chief Executive Officer Graham Dixon had said then that the Bulls would still keenly monitor Flintoff's progress, and hoped that he would be fit to join the team at the end of the year.

"We are that he is continuing his rehabilitation with Lancashire and are acutely aware that this will be his priority for the immediate future. We know that Andrew has been the object of some interest from a number of states, including us, and that he has publicly expressed a desire to play in the Big Bash," said Dixon.

"But at the moment, he is still working on his recovery. We"re encouraged by the progress of our talks at this point in time, and will continue to keep the lines of communication open with his management team," he added.

Australian cricketer Andrew Symonds has already committed to join the Bulls.

The 2010-2011 KFC Twenty20 Big Bash will begin on December 30, and every game will be broadcast live on Fox Sports. (ANI)

Source: Web Search

Pak hockey squad named for Holland Tour

Tue, Aug 24 10 08:53 PM

Lahore, Aug 24 (PTI) The Pakistan Hockey Federation today announced a 19-member squad for the Holland tour to be played from September 1 to 20. The team will play seven practice matches against Poland, France, Belgium and Holland. They will also play a match against the Netherlands to raise funds for the flood victims in Pakistan. The PHF had earlier announced that it would be holding the national training camp for the Commonwealth Games and Asian Games in Holland next month but faced with strong criticism over the decision to locate the camp outside Pakistan. The federation later decided to convert the camp into a training tour. The players include Imran Shah, Zeeshan Ashraf, Muhammad Imran, Kashif Javed, Waseem Ahmad, Muhammad Rashid, Waqas Sharif, Rehan Butt, Shakeel Abbasi, Muhammad Rizwan, Muhammad Irfan, Muhammad Tauseeq, Muhammad Omer Bhutta, Shafqat Rasool, Abdul Haseem Khan, Fareed Ahmad, Muhammad Zubair, Waqas Akbar and Imran Butt. The players have already undergone ten days intensive physical training at an Army base in Abbotabad. "Clearly the Pakistan federation officials are keen to wipe away the memories of the World Cup earlier this year in New Delhi when they go to play in the Commonwealth Games in the Indian capital," a PHF official said.

Source: Published>

Boxer Vikas wins bronze in Youth Olympics

Tue, Aug 24 10 08:37 PM

Singapore, Aug 24 (PTI) Boxer Vikas Krishan today won a bronze medal for India after his Mexican rival Daniel Echeverria was disqualified midway into the men''s 60kg class third-place play-off in the Youth Olympic Games here today. Krishan was leading 15-3 when Daniel started hitting him below the belt in the third round and was disqualified. The world youth champion Indian was leading from the very start. He was leading 6-1 after the first round and 12-2 up after the second round. Vikas had taken three points in the third round before his opponent started hitting below his belt. "It was a easy win. I wasn''t too aggressive. I was leading 15-3 when in frustration, he started hitting me below the belt and was disqualified," Vikas told PTI. In the only other sport in which Indians competed today, the table tennis players won once and lost twice in their Group E mixed team league matches. The Indians defeated Sri Lanka 3-0 but lost to Hong Kong and Thailand 0-3 and 1-2 respectively. With the bronze from Vikas, Indian medal tally swelled to seven -- five silver and two bronze. The five Indian silver winners are Pooja Dhanda (women''s 60kg freestyle wrestling), Durgesh Kumar Pal (boys 400m Hurdles), H S Prannoy (badminton) and Arjun (discus throw) and Yuki Bhambri (tennis). Kadian Satyawart (men''s 100kg freestyle wrestling) was the other Indian who won a bronze. Tomorrow, boxer Shiv Thapa will take on Cuban Robeisy Eloy Ramirez in the bantam weight final.

Source: Published>

Saina to take on Chinese dominance at World Badminton

Published>Tue, Aug 24 10 08:27 PM

Paris, Aug 24 (IANS) India's star shuttler Saina Nehwal will challenge Chinese supremacy in the game when she begins her campaign in the World Badminton Championships against Hsiao Huan Chen of Chinese Taipei (Taiwan) at the Pierre de Coubertin stadium here Wednesday.

World No.2 and second seeded Saina, who got a bye in the first round like World No.65 Chen, has defeated her twice, but she is not leaving anything to chance.

'Reputations will take a backseat and you have to be at your best in every match to move up.

'World rankings, too, don't matter. Personally, I would love to be the world champion and still be World No.2 rather than being World No.1 and not be the champion,' Saina was quoted as saying on the Badminton World Federation website.

Saina, 20, would be high on confidence given the kind of form she has been this season. The mere fact that she is seeded second behind Wang Yihan of China speaks volumes for her consistency.

The 20-year-old has shown the world that the Chinese are not invincible. Since her 2008 Beijing Olympics quarter-final appearance, Saina has been scaling peaks and is clearly the most feared opponent by the Chinese.

Saina's best performance in a World Championship from three previous appearances was her quarter-final appearance where she lost to second-seeded Lin Wang of China in front of the home crowd in Hyderabad last year. But Saina had hardly got time to fully recover from the chicken pox she suffered barely a week before the tournament.

The Indian this season has reached the semi-final of the All England and the quarter-final of the Malaysian Open, before winning three back-to-back tournaments, including two Super Series events -- Indian Open Grand Prix, Singapore Open and Indonesian Open.

'Definitely, all these things mean more pressure and bigger expectations. Naturally I will try my best to keep away from these factors. Well, to be a world champion you have to face all these challenges,' said Saina, the only Indian to win three Super Series events.

Saina, the former World junior champion, knows she needs to respect every opponent at this level.

'I cannot say one player or another is a major threat for me. This is a championship where anything can happen.'

'But again, what matters is once you enter the court is how well you play on the given day, for your past achievements will not help you any way,' said Saina, who won India's highest sporting honour, the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award this year.

'Let me tell you honestly that the preparations are a real grind. Gopi Sir (Pullela Gopi Chand, India's chief national coach) is ensuring that I should not be found wanting in the mega event in any aspect.'

Gopichand believes Saina is one of the hot favourites for the title.

'There is a very little scope for improvement in Saina's game. She is a vastly improved player now, say from what she was even eight months ago,' he said.

Source: Web Search

Ministry directive on OC brightens lifters'' CWG participation

Tue, Aug 24 10 08:17 PM

New Delhi, Aug 24 (PTI) The prospect of Indian lifters taking part in Commonwealth Games brightened today with the Sports Ministry directing the CWG Organising Committee to immediately release Rs 1.75 crore loan to the national weightlifting body for paying the USD 3,75,000 fine to its parent international federation. On a day IOA President Suresh Kalmadi ruled out giving money to pay the doping fine, Sports Ministry wrote a letter to CWG OC directing it to release an interest-free loan out of Rs 25 crore under Joint Marketing Agreement provided under clause 261 of the Host City Contract of Commonwealth Games. "The Ministry directs the Organising Committee of Commonwealth Games to release Rs 1.75 crore to Indian Weightlifting Federation directly as interest free loan with a moratorium of one year. The release shall be made against the budget provided under the Joint Marketing Agreement. The repayment of the loan to IOA may be separately determined between IWF and IOA in due course," the letter signed by joint secretary Injeti Srinivas said. "Since the last date for submitting entries for participation in CWG is fast approaching, the loan may be disbursed immediately pending all formalities. Loan of Rs 1.75 crore being given to IWF is not to be utilised by it toward payment of fine USD 31,000 on individual weightlifters found guilty," said the letter addressed to CWG OC Chief Executive Officer Jarnail Singh. If the IWF does not pay the doping fine of USD 3,75,000 and an additional USD 31,000 for individual fines and ''B'' sample testing charges by August 31, Indian lifters will be barred from taking part in the Commonwealth Games. IWF President Birendra Prasad Baishya thanked the government for its intervention, saying that he expects "the problem will be solved". CWG OC Secretary General and spokesperson Lalit Bhanot told PTI that Ministry''s directive will be taken up for consideration. "I can''t say whether we will agree to what the Ministry says but we will definitely consider it," he said. Earlier in the day, Kalmadi ruled out giving any monetary assistance to IWF because it related to doping but said he will facilitate in raising the money from "outside sources". He also said that IOA would ask the International Weightlifting Federation to reduce the fine as it was imposing "a fantastic amount". "It is a dope thing. And we can''t give money for dope. There is International Olympic Council (which will disapprove it). We can''t pay money for dope charges," Kalmadi, also CWG OC chairman, told PTI. .

Source: Published>

Cologne's Mohamad gets three-match ban for red card

Tue, Aug 24 10 07:57 PM

Cologne defender Youssef Mohamad was suspended for three league games on Tuesday after being sent off with a straight red card in the second minute of their season opener against Kaiserslautern on Saturday.

The Lebanese defender was red carded following a hard tackle on Erwin Hoffer 87 seconds into the game that newly promoted Kaiserslautern won 3-1.

The 30-year-old has 24 hours to lodge an appeal, the German soccer federation said.

Source: Published>

Whatever happened with Anand is disappointing, says Bindra

Published>Tue, Aug 24 10 07:37 PM

New Delhi, Aug 24 (IANS) India's sole individual Olympic gold medallist shooter Abhinav Bindra said Tuesday the way world chess champion and Grandmaster Vishwanathan Anand was treated by the human resource development ministry was unfortunate and shouldn't have happened.

'I don't know the whole thing, but I can say that Anand is a great sportsperson. What has happened is disappointing because he is a big hero and should get his dues. He should be respected,' Bindra told reporters on the sidelines of a programme here to launch the volunteers' uniform for the Delhi Commonwealth Games.

The controversy over Anand, who is based in Spain, began after human resource development ministry officials asked for confirmation of Anand's citizenship before the University of Hyderabad could confer the doctorate on the chess star at the ongoing International Congress of Mathematicians (ICM).

Bindra also reminded the media to concentrate on the athletes for the Oct 3-14 Games as they are the most important stake holders in the Games.

'I started as a 15-year-old in the 1998 Kuala Lumpur Commonwealth Games and now I am proud brand ambassador of the Games. I am here to make one point. Athletes are the most important stakeholders. Everything is happening for the athletes. Not much attention has been paid to the athletes. I ask the media to focus on them,' Bindra said.

'I have seen first class effort made to get the Games to Delhi. Through you all, I urge the people to rally behind the Games. We will rise to the occasion,' he said.

Commonwealth Games Organising Committee (CGOC) chairman Suresh Kalmadi, who was present at the occasion, said the six brand ambassadors chosen for the Commonwealth Games will be promoting the Games not just in Delhi but also across the country.

'Our six brand ambassadors will meet the young people of the city to promote the games. They will also take part in the advertising of the Games whenever they get time off from their training,' said Kalmadi

Apart from Bindra, the other brand ambassadors are Vijender Singh, Saina Nehwal, M.C. Mary Kom, Samresh Jung and Sushil Kumar.

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Zimbabwe offer to tour Pak to raise funds for flood victims

Tue, Aug 24 10 06:53 PM

Karachi, Aug 24 (PTI) International cricket may soon return to Pakistan following Zimbabwe''s offer to visit the country to play fund-raisers for the millions affected by the devastating floods. After New Zealand''s refusal to visit the trouble-torn country to help raise funds for flood victims, Zimbabwe Cricket chairman Peter Chingoka has handed a ray of hope by indicating that his players are ready and willing to play in Pakistan before the 2011 World Cup. Chingoka said his board would do everything possible to help restore cricketing ties in a country where no international cricket has taken place since March 2009, following the terror attack on the touring Sri Lankan side. "The main purpose to visit Pakistan is to raise funds for the millions of flood victims. We also want to play our role in helping resume international cricket in Pakistan," Chingoka told the "Geo Super" channel last night. The International Cricket Council (ICC) presently does not allow Zimbabwe to play Test matches but they can feature in one-day internationals and T20 matches. Chingoka said the ZCU has spoken to its players about playing in Pakistan and is also in touch with the ICC and other boards on the prospects of touring Pakistan. "Pakistan has always been supportive of Zimbabwe cricket and we want to do our bit in reducing the sufferings of the millions displaced in the floods in Pakistan," Chingoka stated. Meanwhile, the Pakistan Cricket Board has said that it was looking into when a tour by Zimbabwe could be scheduled because of the packed calender of their national team. Pakistan plays a full Test and ODI series against South Africa in Abu Dhabi and Dubai in October-November, soon after the end of the current tour to England in late September. Then they travel to New Zealand for the second time in two years to play two Tests, six ODIs and three T20s. That tour ends on February 5 and the World Cup begins exactly two weeks later. Chingoka said both boards were in touch with each other to chalk out a time frame for the proposed tour. "Both boards are trying to hold a series soon and it may take place before the World Cup 2011," he said.

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Malik dropped, Yousuf retained in Pak one-day squad

Tue, Aug 24 10 06:37 PM

Lahore, Aug 24 (PTI) Shoaib Malik was dropped but another former captain Mohd Yousuf was today retained by Pakistan''s national selectors in a 16-member squad for the one-day series against England. Younus Khan was once again ignored for the series of two Twenty20 matches and five one-day internationals being held next month against England. Chief selector Mohsin Khan claimed at a press conference that the board had not given clearance to select Younus. "There are also fitness issues with him. Unless we don''t get clearance we can''t consider him," he said. But while the selectors ignored Younus once again, they have retained former captain Muhammad Yousuf for the one-day series and also included five new players in the ODI squad including fast bowler, Shoaib Akhtar, all-rounders Abdul Razzaq, Muhammad Hafeez and Fawad Alam and opener Shahzaib Hasan. The selectors have released Malik, pacer Tanveer Ahmed, opener Imran Farhat and Umar Amin from the Test squad currently touring England. Pakistan''s one-day squad Shahid Afridi also said he had spoken to the PCB Chairman Ijaz Butt about Younus Khan but didn''t get a positive response. "Obviously we have to pick from the players available to us and we also have to keep in mind that with the 2011 World Cup coming up we need to identify our shortlist of 20 to 22 nucleus of players," he said. The PCB banned or fined seven players in March including Younus for indiscipline on the tour to Australia early this year. Yousuf, who was also banned for an indefinite period, announced his retirement from international cricket but is now back in the squad after being called out of retirement in the middle of the Test series in England. He made a successful comeback to the Test team at the Oval scoring 56 and 33 runs and Mohsin Khan said he had been retained in the one-day squad as he brought stability to the team. The appellate tribunal of the PCB removed the ban from Younus in March but the PCB has said that a case is still pending against Younus and he has to first approach the board to be cleared for selection. Afridi said Pakistan''s one-day squad is more balanced and experienced and would definitely put a good fight against England. Pakistan one-day squad: Shahid Afridi (Capt), Salman Butt, Shahzaib Hasan, Azhar Ali, Muhammad Yousuf, Muhammad Hafeez, Umar Akmal, Kamran Akmal, Abdul Razzaq, Fawad Alam, Muhammad Aamir, Muhammad Asif, Umar Gul, Wahab Riaz, Shoaib Akhtar and Saeed Ajmal.

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Younus ignored but Akhtar recalled for England ODIs

Tue, Aug 24 10 06:21 PM

Former captain Younus Khan was again ignored by Pakistani selectors but fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar was recalled to the 16-man squad for next month's one day series against England.

Although Younus had an indefinite ban for ill-discipline overturned earlier this year, chief selector Mohsin Khan said the board had not yet cleared him for selection.

"We can only select a player who is cleared by the board and who is 100 percent fit, both are issues with Younus," he said.

Pakistan will play two T20 matches and five one-day internationals in England from Sept. 5.

Squad:

Shahid Afridi (Capt), Salman Butt, Shahzaib Hasan, Azhar Ali, Muhammad Yousuf, Muhammad Hafeez, Umar Akmal, Kamran Akmal, Abdul Razzaq, Fawad Alam, Muhammad Aamir, Muhammad Asif, Umar Gul, Wahab Riaz, Shoaib Akhtar and Saeed Ajmal.

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Anand's nationality questioned, Sibal apologises

Published>Tue, Aug 24 10 05:53 PM

New Delhi, Aug 24 (IANS) In a major embarrassment, world chess champion Viswanathan Anand's nationality was questioned by the human resource development ministry, preventing him from receiving an honorary doctorate from the centrally-run University of Hyderabad Tuesday.

Human Resource Development Minister Kapil Sibal intervened and apologised to the chess genius. He blamed the lapse on 'procedural issues'. An acutely embarrassed uiniversity too said sorry to Anand.

Anand, who is the first Asian to win the World Chess Championship title, was to be awarded an honorary doctorate along with renowned mathematician David Mumford of Harvard University at a function in Hyderabad Tuesday.

The honour was, however, deferred as the proposal was not cleared by the government on time. HRD ministry officials demanded confirmation of Anand's citizenship before the University of Hyderabad could confer the doctorate on him at the International Congress for Mathematicians. Anand is currently living in Spain.

Coming to the rescue, Sibal called up Anand personally and apologised and also said they were prepared to confer the honorary doctorate degree on him Tuesday.

'I personally called up Viswanathan Anand at his hotel. I told him that we are sorry for what has transpired. As far as we are concerned, we were ready to give him the honorary doctorate today (Tuesday) evening itself,' Sibal told reporters.

'But Anand indicated that this may be a problem. I said we are ready to award the degree any day it is convenient and he kindly agreed,' said Sibal.

However, even after the minister's intervention clearing the proposal, the head of the mathematics department in University of Hyderabad, Rajat Tandon, told reporters that the degree could not be conferred Tuesday as this could not be done in a hurry.

'Such things cannot be done in a hurry, we will give him an honorary degree, but some other time,' an apologetic Tandon said.

Tandon said in the morning the HRD officials had asked for proof of Anand's Indian citizenship and a copy of his passport was faxed to them.

While the organisers blamed the incident on the bureaucracy, HRD Minister Kapil Sibal blamed it on 'procedural issues'.

'We cleared the proposal on May 22, but there are procedural delays,' he said, adding 'the issue has been resolved'.

Hailing from Tamil Nadu, Anand has made Spain his second home but he continues to hold an Indian passport.

'The proposals from citizens of other countries are scrutinized by the external affairs ministry. But with Anand there is no confusion. Even if Indian citizens settle abroad they should be conferred such honours,' Sibal said.

Anand's wife, Aruna, said: 'I am not sure where the issue started. However, a sportsman of Anand's calibre shouldn't be upset, because he has seen a lot in his career.'

'We are happy that the matter has come to an end,' she told Times Now channel on phone after Sibal called.

The champion, however, remained cool about the whole incident and was quoted as saying that he was there to play in the championship with the mathematicians.

'I am here to play with the mathematicians, so leave all that,' he said.

Anand was to play chess with 40 mathematicians in Hyderabad where the International Congress of Mathematicians is going on.

Source: Web Search

Need a spark of brilliance in batting: Dhoni

Tue, Aug 24 10 05:37 PM

T V Sriram Dambulla (Sri Lanka), Aug 24 (PTI) Indian skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni today defended his woefully out-of-form batsmen, saying he team just needs one individual spark of brilliance for the entire line-up to click in the must-win tri-series match against New Zealand. "You want one batsman to play a big innings in all games, whichever the batsman may be, especially on these kind of wickets. It can be termed as individual brilliance because you have one batsman batting through and the others batting around him," Dhoni said in a pre-match press conference. "It''s more about the mindset because in one-day cricket you''re so used to going after and hitting the bowlers right from the first delivery. It''s not only in the sub-continent, throughout the world you see wickets are a lot flatter now, especially for the one-dayers," he explained. "If you talk about the batting collapses, it''s happened twice in three games. But if it is said that this is the batting strength of our side, I won''t agree with that. One thing we can''t deny is that we have had two batting failures and we have to rectify the problem, get on the wicket and try to score some runs," he added. Dhoni said the key to success on the pitches here is to play steadily for at least 20 overs before cutting loose. "To give respect to the bowlers for the first 10 overs, and the next 40 overs is yours. This is one of those venues where you have to prolong the respect for bowlers by another 10 overs. If you don''t lose too many wickets for 20 overs, then you can really dictate the bowlers and can have your own game plan set after that," he said. The crushing previous defeats to New Zealand (by 200 runs) and Sri Lankan (by eight wickets) have been hard to take, admitted Dhoni but insisted that the team can recover. "As a team, we are disappointed about it. But if you see, all the matches have been one-sided, which suggests if you lose too many wickets early, there is a big batting collapse. We have seen it happen throughout the tournament," he said. "The batsmen are trying to work out their plans as to what needs to be done. They are not getting out to rash shots. They are trying to battle through and there are times when you can''t do that. That''s what happened in the last two games when we had batting collapses. So at the end of the day, when you are in the middle, you just have to find a way as to how you can get the runs because the pressure keeps on mounting," he added. More PTI TVS PM MRM

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