Sharapova feels recent success can extend to U.S. Open

Published>Thu, Aug 26 10 12:17 PM

Maria Sharapova, who has shot back up the rankings after a shoulder injury that almost ended her career, feels she is hitting her stride and has a chance to capture her second U.S. Open title in four years.

After suffering a shoulder injury in 2008 that required surgery, the three-time grand slam winner spent several months on the sidelines and dropped as far as 126th in the rankings.

But Sharapova is now ranked 16th in the world heading into the Aug. 30-Sept. 12 tournament and said reaching the finals of two straight tournaments in recent weeks has convinced her she can snap a grand slam drought nearing three years.

"I feel like I'm getting there," Sharapova, who pulled out of the WTA tournament in Montreal last week with a heel injury, told Reuters.

"I've had great successful memories in New York as well as tough ones. Having to miss it two years ago because of my shoulder and then coming back last year with pressure ... well that wasn't easy."

Sharapova has not won a grand slam title since she triumphed at the Australian Open in 2008. Eight months after the victory, the 23-year-old had right shoulder surgery and was slow to find the form that once vaulted her to the number one ranking.

She lost in the August finals to Victoria Azarenka at the Stanford Classic and to defending U.S. Open champion Kim Clijsters at the Cincinnati Open but is heartened by recent victories over top players.

Until late July, Sharapova had not beaten a player this season ranked in the top 25, but in the past month has toppled world number six Elena Dementieva and two-time grand slam victor Svetlana Kuznetsova.

Sharapova is counting on her recent form to help erase the memories from last year's U.S. Open where she struggled with a reconstructed service motion and was upset by U.S. teenager Melanie Oudin in the third round.

She has done away with her abbreviated service motion and has been serving at pre-surgery speeds during recent tournaments where she has shown glimpses of her former self.

While Sharapova said Wimbledon is her favourite tournament, she is is looking forward to returning to the bright lights of New York for the U.S. Open, which she won in 2006.

"In New York it's all about the buzz, the craziness, the rivalries and the night matches," Sharapova said. "It's exhilarating. I want to perform my best at the Open and peak there."

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KP's return to form dependent on playing with a straight bat: Ex-coach Fletcher

Published>Thu, Aug 26 10 11:47 AM

London, Aug.26 (ANI): Former England cricket team coach Duncan Fletcher has said batsman Kevin Pietersen is at present struggling with his mental and technical approach, and this has contributed to his poor form over the past few months.

Recalling his association with the team, Fletcher said that when he first started working with England, it had a bad history of batting collapses.

"Back then a lot of the older players seemed to have a defeatist attitude. As soon two quick wickets went down, some of them would lapse into a 'here we go again" mentality'. But this is a young England team. They are not scarred like some players I used to work with. That makes it harder to diagnose what is going wrong," Fletcher writes in an article for The Guardian.

"Another key change I was able to make to guard against batting collapses was to strengthen the tail. But with Matt Prior, Graeme Swann and Stuart Broad at numbers seven, eight and nine, England have an excellent lower-order. Even James Anderson has improved enough to be used as a night watchman," he adds.

"I think the problems are largely psychological rather than technical, because all these players have made good runs under pressure in the past. It has to be about the team mentality. You need a calm atmosphere in the dressing room. You cannot afford to let a negative mind-set take hold, or the batsmen waiting to go in will catch the jitters. The management need to ensure that when things go bad the batsmen have simple, realistic goals," Fletcher further said.

Suggesting remedies, he said that when a batting team is struggling, it is essential to break targets down.

"Think about scoring five runs, not 50. The batsmen need to concentrate on how many runs they need to make in the next half hour, not by the end of the day. That's too far away. Look after the pennies, as the saying goes, and the pounds look after themselves," Fletcher writes.

He suggested that Kevin Pietersen's form needs a lot of work, both technically and mentally, to get him back scoring big runs.

"I think he is lacking first-class match practice. He will be working hard in the nets, but he needs to be out in the middle of a match, working on the mental approach to building an innings over a longer period of time. He has to appreciate that he is there to face as many balls as he can. He can afford to wait for a loose delivery to come along," Fletcher said.

He also said that losing the third Test at The Oval was not necessarily a bad thing.

"It will kill off any complacency that had crept into the team. But the key issue now is how they respond at Lord's," he concludes. (ANI)

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ECB chief Clarke may soon wield axe on counties to end cricket overkill

Published>Thu, Aug 26 10 11:45 AM

London, Aug.26 (ANI): England and Wales Cricket Board chairman Giles Clarke has warned that he may soon wield the axe on counties to end what he termed cricket overkill at the domestic level.

"We're looking at a reduction in the amount of domestic cricket. We can't play three games a week any more. Some tough decisions need to be made, and given the financial situation, next summer could be a dangerous time for the counties. Above all, we need a coherent schedule," Sky News quoted Clarke, as saying.

This will be heartening news for those long-suffering spectators who have complained about a bewildering fixtures list.t will also please the players themselves, although Clarke issued a warning for those expecting drastic cuts.

"If you reduce the amount of cricket, there will be redundancies. Those who call for less cricket need to understand this. That is the balancing act facing us. It's a stark choice," he said.

While the planned restructuring of the county game for next season will be debated by the ECB shortly, it seems plans to revive Test cricket with an inaugural world championship are now far advanced.

"I'm optimistic that it will happen," Clarke said. (ANI)

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Lanka ODIs: Some Oz Test stars to be rested to prepare for Ashes campaign

Published>Thu, Aug 26 10 11:23 AM

Sydney, Aug.26 (ANI): Several Australian Test stars may be rested from segments of a meaningless one-day series against Sri Lanka in November to give them extra first-class practice before the bumper Ashes campaign.

Australia arrives home from a Test and one-day series in India in late October, only to be confronted by three one-dayers and a Twenty20 match against Sri Lanka.

Cricket Australia yesterday released its inter-state draw that shows there is a window for Test stars to play in at least one - and in some cases two - Sheffield Shield games before the first Ashes Test in Brisbane starting on November 25, reports The Herald Sun.

While no decision has yet been made, it is believed the new selection panel which includes Greg Chappell may consider sending some Test players back to play for their states instead of the one-dayers against Sri Lanka.

Skipper Ricky Ponting has already voiced his concerns that the spinning and crumbling pitches Australia will play on in India are hardly the best preparation for the Ashes. (ANI)

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Deco inspires "Flu" to fifth consecutive away win

Thu, Aug 26 10 10:17 AM

Deco was inspirational as Fluminense beat Goias 3-0 to record their fifth away win in a row and open a five-point lead in the Brazilian championship on Wednesday.

The Former Chelsea and Portugal midfielder, who made his "Flu" debut in last weekend's 2-2 derby draw with Vasco da Gama, laid on the opening goal for striker Washington and began the move leading to the second by Emerson, both in the second half.

Midfielder Marquinhos scored the third in stoppage time as Fluminense went five points clear of second-placed Corinthians, 1-0 losers at Cruzeiro, with 36 points from 16 matches.

"I still have to improve but playing was important to get rhythm," said Brazilian-born Deco, who until Sunday had not played since his last match for Portugal in June at the World Cup.

"In the first half, Goias played well and caused us problems. In the second we passed the ball well and managed to win."

Third-placed Botafogo have 27 points after beating promoted Ceara 1-0, their fifth consecutive win under former South Africa coach Joel Santana.

Teenager Neymar converted one penalty and missed another as Santos beat Gremio 2-1 to go fourth with 24 points and a game in hand.

Source: Published>

Athletic Bilbao's Amorebieta called up by Venezuela

Thu, Aug 26 10 09:37 AM

Athletic Bilbao central defender Fernando Amorebieta, who played for Spain at junior level, has been included in Venezuela's squad for upcoming friendlies on Wednesday.

Coach Cesar Farias included the 25-year-old in a 23-man squad to face Colombia and Ecuador next month.

Amorebieta, born in Venezuela and raised in the Basque Country, has yet to reply to a private invitation sent several days earlier by the Venezuelan Football Federation (FVF).

"Some days ago he was sent a private call-up," FVF President Rafael Esquivel said in a statement.

"We are awaiting his reply in view of his own interest in wearing the Vinotinto (red wine) shirt and Farias's wish to have him in the team given his excellent sporting qualities."

Venezuela, preparing for next year's Copa America in Argentina, will play Colombia at home on Sept. 3 and Ecuador four days later.

Source: Published>

Sharapova feels recent success can extend to U.S. Open

Published>Thu, Aug 26 10 08:17 AM

Maria Sharapova, who has shot back up the rankings after a shoulder injury that almost ended her career, feels she is hitting her stride and has a chance to capture her second U.S. Open title in four years.

After suffering a shoulder injury in 2008 that required surgery, the three-time grand slam winner spent several months on the sidelines and dropped as far as 126th in the rankings.

But Sharapova is now ranked 16th in the world heading into the Aug. 30-Sept. 12 tournament and said reaching the finals of two straight tournaments in recent weeks has convinced her she can snap a grand slam drought nearing three years.

"I feel like I'm getting there," Sharapova, who pulled out of the WTA tournament in Montreal last week with a heel injury, told Reuters.

"I've had great successful memories in New York as well as tough ones. Having to miss it two years ago because of my shoulder and then coming back last year with pressure ... well that wasn't easy."

Sharapova has not won a grand slam since she triumphed at the Australian Open in 2009. Eight months after the victory, the 23-year-old had right shoulder surgery and was slow to find the form that once vaulted her to the number one ranking.

She lost in the August finals to Victoria Azarenka at the Stanford Classic and to defending U.S. Open champion Kim Clijsters at the Cincinnati Open but is heartened by recent victories over top players.

Until late July, Sharapova had not beaten a player this season ranked in the top 25, but in the past month has toppled world number six Elena Dementieva and two-time grand slam victor Svetlana Kuznetsova.

Sharapova is counting on her recent form to help erase the memories from last year's U.S. Open where she struggled with a reconstructed service motion and was upset by U.S. teenager Melanie Oudin in the third round.

She has done away with her abbreviated service motion and has been serving at pre-surgery speeds during recent tournaments where she has shown glimpses of her former self.

While Sharapova said Wimbledon is her favourite tournament, she is is looking forward to returning to the bright lights of New York for the U.S. Open, which she won in 2006.

"In New York it's all about the buzz, the craziness, the rivalries and the night matches," Sharapova said. "It's exhilarating. I want to perform my best at the Open and peak there."

Source: Web Search

Crouch hat-trick sees Tottenham break through

Published>Thu, Aug 26 10 05:17 AM

Peter Crouch struck a hat-trick to help Tottenham Hotspur complete a great comeback against Young Boys and reach the Champions League for the first time while Luis Suarez led Ajax Amsterdam back to the elite in a 2-1 win over Dynamo Kiev.

Tottenham's 4-0 win at White Hart Lane on Wednesday took them through 6-3 on aggregate -- a prospect that had looked highly unlikely when they trailed 3-0 after less than half an hour of last week's first match, which they eventually lost 3-2.

They were given a helping hand in a play-off second leg played in pouring rain when Jermain Defoe clearly used his arm to control the ball before firing a second goal that effectively put the game out of the Swiss team's reach.

Uruguay World Cup striker Suarez got the first goal as four-times European champions Ajax overcame Dynamo 3-2 on aggregate to reach the group stage for the first time since 2005-06 -- the last occasion their Ukrainian opponents failed to qualify.

Slovakian champions Zilina reached the group stage for the first time, beating Sparta Prague 1-0 thanks to a spectacular bicycle kick from Gambian Momodou Ceesay to complete a 3-0 aggregate win.

FC Copenhagen went through on away goals, beating Rosenborg Trondheim 1-0 for a 2-2 aggregate draw, and Auxerre beat nine-man Zenit St Petersburg 2-0 to qualify for the first time since 2002-03 with a 2-1 aggregate win.

Tottenham, who last appeared in Europe's top club competition in 1962, were ahead in the tie for the first time by the fifth minute as Crouch was left unmarked to head home.

The Defoe incident then killed off Young Boys as the England striker clearly used his upper arm before turning to score with a low shot off the post.

The officials' failure to spot the offence will raise questions over the effectiveness of the two extra linesmen behind the goals who are being used in the Champions League this season.

Crouch headed another from a corner just past the hour mark and completed his hat-trick with a 78th minute penalty.

"I always felt it was possible to get Spurs into the Champions League," said Spurs manager Harry Rednapp. "The club had underachieved for a long time.

"It was important we didn't waste the opportunity. We nearly did in Switzerland but we finished the job tonight."

Young Boys coach Vladimir Petkovic said: "It was difficult after the first goal and the second for me was the decisive moment."

In Amsterdam, Uruguay forward Suarez put the Dutch team ahead in the 43rd minute, latching on to Jan Vertonghen's deflected free-kick and rounding Maxym Koval to score from a narrow angle.

Morocco's Mounir El Hamdaoui scored the second for Martin Jol's team in the 75th minute but there was a tense finish after former AC Milan and Chelsea striker Andriy Shevchenko pulled one back with a penalty.

Zenit St Petersburg could not match a spirited challenge from Auxerre and had two players sent off in the second half.

The team from Burgundy, who had lost the first leg 1-0, scored early in each half, both from corners. The first was a superb header by defender Cedric Hengbart and the second an acrobatic volley by Poland striker Ireneusz Jelen.

Zenit, by far the wealthier club, had goalkeeper Vyacheslav Malafeev sent off for handling the ball outside the area and Tomas Hubocan for a second yellow card.

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Napoleon banned for using incorrect asthma inhaler

Thu, Aug 26 10 04:37 AM

Australia's Ryan Napoleon has been suspended from swimming for three months following a positive test for a banned substance after he was given the wrong asthma inhaler, Swimming Australia said on Thursday.

Napoleon will miss the Commonwealth Games in Delhi from Oct. 3-14 because of the ban. He had qualified for the 400 and 1500 metres freestyle events.

Swimming's world governing body FINA imposed the three-month ban following a hearing last week. The ban began on Aug. 20.

Napoleon, who has taken asthma medication for 20 years, was given an incorrectly labelled inhaler by a pharmacist. The inhaler contained the banned substance formoterol, Swimming Australia said.

"A mistake was made, and the FINA panel accepted that a mistake was made in the hearing," Napoleon said in a Swimming Australia statement. "But as an athlete I still understand that I have a responsibility to check all my medication thoroughly.

"It's extremely disappointing and something that I have been dealing with since April this year when I was first notified that there was an issue."

Source: Published>

Villa scores first for Barca as Ibrahimovic talks go on

Thu, Aug 26 10 03:57 AM

David Villa scored his first goal for Barcelona in a friendly against AC Milan on Wednesday, while behind the scenes the two clubs prepared to continue their negotiations over Barca striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

Barcelona won the Nou Camp friendly 3-1 on penalties after the game finished 1-1, with Villa's close-range effort cancelled out by a stunning strike from Filippo Inzaghi.

The Spanish champions start their title defence away to Racing Santander on Sunday and it is still unclear whether Ibrahimovic will be part of the squad.

Milan chief executive Adriano Galliani met Barca president Sandro Rosell and Ibrahimovic's agent earlier in the day and they will reconvene on Thursday for further talks.

"Negotiations will continue tomorrow," Spanish media quoted Galliani as telling the club's television station. "I have an appointment with Barca's president at midday.

"It is very complex, very difficult and very costly... At present, Barca are willing to sell (or loan) the player, he is willing to come to Milan but we are talking about a mountain of money in the middle of a crisis."

Villa, signed from Valencia before his heroics in Spain's World Cup triumph in South Africa, started up front alongside the Swede, despite the doubts about his future.

Ibrahimovic had a spectacular goal ruled out for offside in the first half and was substituted at the interval.

Villa stayed on and flicked in the opener at the near post after good work down the left from his fellow new arrival Adriano Correia.

Inzaghi levelled with a flying volley from distance in the 67th minute, and soon after former Barca favourite Ronaldinho was substituted to a standing ovation from a packed Nou Camp.

Reserve goalkeeper Jose Manuel Pinto who was the Barcelona hero at the end, saving three penalties in the shootout.

Source: Published>

We have a point to prove, says Strauss

Published>Thu, Aug 26 10 03:17 AM

England will undergo another searching examination at the hands of an increasingly potent Pakistan attack in the final test starting at Lord's on Thursday.

Pakistan, who drew 1-1 with Australia earlier in the season, can level the four-match series 2-2 if they win at Lord's after twice exposing the England batting in their third-test victory at the Oval last week.

England captain Andrew Strauss accepted on Wednesday his side was guilty of mistakes in the third test, and said he and his team mates "want to put those right this week".

"I think there is a really nice determined atmosphere about the group because we feel we may have a point to prove again, and that's a good state of mind to be in," Strauss told Sky television.

Inevitably, the series is being viewed in the context of England's Ashes defence starting in Brisbane on Nov. 25, although conditions in Australia will bear no resemblance to the autumnal weather predicted for Lord's in the last test of the summer.

England's priority will be to win at a venue where they have won or drawn nine consecutive tests since losing to Australia in 2005.

BALANCED ATTACK

The weather throughout the current series has favoured the bowlers, and Pakistan's attack looks at the moment to be the best balanced in world cricket.

Captain Salman Butt said they named an unchanged team for the match as fast bowler Umar Gul, who took five wickets in the first test against Australia at Lord's, failed to regain his fitness following a hamstring injury.

"We don't want to change a winning combination. We are looking forward to further improving our performance in the fourth test," Butt told Pakistan's Geo Super channel.

"It is a good chance to put England under pressure from the start."

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 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 Riaz, displayed speed and disconcerting bounce in his debut at the Oval.

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

Strauss said England had made a concerted effort to address their batting problems.

"It was disappointing the way we played at the Oval, there were mistakes we made as a batting unit," he said.

"You do have to put it into context and the context has been that some of the wickets have been hard to bat on, the Oval probably less so.

"We sat down and chatted about it and I think it's a case of bringing the game back to its simplest form, and that is backing your game plan, reacting well to the conditions and what the bowlers are doing, and earning the right to get on top of the opposition bowling."

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Saddened Woods says divorce made it tough to compete

Published>Thu, Aug 26 10 01:57 AM

Tiger Woods said on Wednesday the break-up of his marriage was far more difficult for him than he had let on and that the fallout from his string of infidelities had poisoned his golf game.

Woods, speaking to reporters for the first time since his divorce this week from his Swedish wife Elin Nordegren, also said he hopes he has learned to become a better person.

The 34-year-old world number one, who has failed to win in nine starts this year, told reporters outside the clubhouse at Ridgewood Country Club that he felt no sense of relief.

"I don't think that's the word. I think it's just more sadness," Woods said after a five-hour Pro-Am round in the rain ahead of Thursday's first round of the Barclays tournament.

"I don't think you ever go into a marriage looking to get divorced. That's the thing. That's why it is sad.

"My actions certainly led us to this decision. And I've certainly made a lot of errors in my life and that's something I'm going to have to live with."

Woods said arranging the divorce was a painful process even if he managed to keep his composure when questioned about the state of his marriage at every event he played this year.

"It was a lot more difficult than I was letting on," said Woods.

After ending a self-imposed, five-month absence from golf while he underwent counseling and tried to repair his marriage, Woods tied for fourth at the U.S. Masters and two months later repeated that result at June's U.S. Open at Pebble Beach.

After that, his game spiraled downward, culminating in the worst four-round performance of his PGA Tour career at the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational earlier this month.

Asked if he had considered stepping away after his return, Woods said: "We've been going through that the entire year."

On whether there were tournaments where he felt that all the distractions and questions were too difficult, Woods said: "There were a few tournaments like that, yeah. Most of the summer was like that."

Despite the personal turmoil and losing up to $35 million in sponsorship deals following the scandal, Woods said he still did not consider 2010 to be a lost year.

"I don't look at it like that. Every year you have to find the positives," said Woods. "Even though there are a lot of negatives I think that's actually a good thing, because I learned a lot about myself and how I could become a better person."

Woods said he bore no hard feelings toward Nordegren, with whom he has two young children.

"I wish her the best in everything," he said. "You know, it's a sad time in our lives. And we're looking forward to ... how we can help our kids the best way we possibly can. And that's the most important thing."

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Hidayat and Gade survive scares

Published>Thu, Aug 26 10 01:17 AM

Ex-world and Olympic champion Taufik Hidayat survived a second round scare at the world badminton championships on Wednesday, dropping the opening game before beating Yu Hsin Hsieh of Taiwan 19-21 21-19 21-9.

Second seed Peter Gade of Denmark also struggled before seeing off South Korea's Shon Wan-ho 25-23 7-21 21-18.

Hidayat's victory was an important one for Indonesia who lost out when Simon Santoso, seeded eight, had to pull out of his match with a back injury.

The blow follows the absence of sixth seeded Indonesian Sony Dwi Kuncoro who withdrew before the tournament started, also with a back injury.

Hidayat, Olympic champion in 2004, told reporters: "I felt under pressure in the first set but I was more assured in the second."

But the Indonesian had to fight hard later in the second when Hsieh came back to win five points in a row to make it 19-19.

"He scared me but I knew then I just had to win it," Hidayat said.

"Although it is my second match here, I still have some problem getting adjusted to the court conditions.

Lin Dan of China, bidding to win the world title for a record fourth time in succession, trailed 6-1 in the second set against unseeded Swede Henri Hurskainen before restoring order to win 21-13 21-15.

World number one Lee Chong Wei negotiated a potentially tricky clash with Malaysian compatriot Muhammad Hafiz Hashim, a former All England champion, running out a comfortable 21-16 21-16 winner.

There was a fright in the women's singles for India's second seed Saina Nehwal playing her first match in the tournament after a first-round bye.

Nehwal dropped the first set against unseeded Taiwanese Hsiao Huan Chen before regaining control to win 20-22 21-15 21-8 in 47 minutes.

"It was not easy getting into gear as the last I played on this courts was on Sunday. So the three-day wait was bound to affect me in some ways," Nehwal said.

A near capacity crowd of around 4,000 gave huge home support to France's Chinese-born woman player Pi Hongyan.

The fifth seed duly obliged with an easy 21-8 21-8 success over unseeded Elena Prus from Ukraine.

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Ex-wife of Tiger Woods breaks silence

Published>Thu, Aug 26 10 12:57 AM

The now ex-wife of Tiger Woods has broken the silence she maintained through the torrid sex scandal that engulfed their marriage, saying she has been through "hell."

Elin Nordegren spoke to People magazine in an interview published on Wednesday, two days after she and Woods issued a statement confirming their divorce, which had been widely anticipated for months after his public confession of infidelity.

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Liverpool without Gerrard and Torres for Turkish trip

Thu, Aug 26 10 12:19 AM

Liverpool will be without key duo Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres for Thursday's Europa League playoff second leg away to Trabzonspor.

Liverpool manager Roy Hodgson, whose side take a 1-0 first leg lead to Turkey, will not risk playing Spain striker Torres in a third successive match given his recent injury problems, while captain Gerrard has a back problem.

"Steven Gerrard unfortunately has had a recurrence of the back problem which he gets from time to time. Hopefully it won't stop him playing on Sunday (against West Bromwich Albion)," Hodgson told the club website (www.liverpoolfc.tv).

Hodgson will also be without defender Daniel Agger, who suffered a concussion in the Premier League game against Arsenal earlier this month, and attacking midfielder Maxi Rodriguez, who is struggling with gastroenteritis.

Source: Published>

India v New Zealand - Tri-series scoreboard

Thu, Aug 26 10 12:11 AM

Scoreboard at the end of the one-day tri-series match between India and New Zealand in Dambulla on Wednesday.

India beat New Zealand by 105 runs.

India innings

D. Karthik c Hopkins b Mills 0

V. Sehwag c Watling b McCullum 110

V. Kohli c Hopkins b Southee 8

Y. Singh c Hopkins b McKay 6

S. Raina c Williamson b Southee 1

M.S. Dhoni c Hopkins b McCullum 38

R. Jadeja c Taylor b Southee 17

P. Kumar c Mills b Southee 6

A. Nehra c&b McCullum 0

I. Sharma not out 8

M. Patel c McKay b Mills 7

Extras: (b-1, lb-5, nb-2, w-14) 22

Total: (all out; 46.3 overs) 223

Fall of wickets: 1-0 2-27 3-61 4-66 5-173 6-199 7-199 8-207 9-207 10-223

Bowling: Mills 8.3-1-42-2 (w-1, nb-2), Southee 10-2-49-4 (w-3), McKay 8-1-31-1 (w-4), Styris 6-0-37-0 (w-2), McCullum 10-0-35-3 (w-1), Williamson 4-0-23-0 (w-3).

New Zealand innings

B.J. Watling b Nehra 2

M. Guptill lbw b Kumar 0

R. Taylor c Dhoni b Kumar 8

G. Elliott lbw b Patel 11

S. Styris b Kumar 1

K. Williamson b Sharma 13

G. Hopkins lbw b Patel 0

N. McCullum c Karthik b Patel 5

K. Mills c Kumar b Nehra 52

T. Southee c Kumar b Jadeja 10

A. McKay not out 3

Extras: (lb-5, w-8) 13

Total: (all out; 30.1 overs) 118

Fall of wickets: 1-1 2-6 3-14 4-22 5-41 6-42 7-52 8-53 9-80

10-118

Bowling: Kumar 8-2-34-3 (w-2), Nehra 6.1-1-10-2 (w-3), Patel 7-1-21-3 (w-3), Sharma 6-1-27-1, Jadeja 3-0-21-1.

Source: Published>

Except for Sehwag, our batsmen are struggling: Dhoni

Thu, Aug 26 10 12:07 AM

Dambulla, Aug 25 (PTI) India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni today said barring Virender Sehwag his batting department was having a tough time in the ongoing cricket tri-series in Sri Lanka. The Indians might have booked their place in Saturday''s final against Sri Lanka after beating New Zealand by 105 runs in a must-win match today, but Dhoni seemed concerned about his side''s batting line-up, which yet again failed. Sehwag top-scored for India today with a 93-ball 110 to and Dhoni said apart from the dashing opener none of his batsman have got their footing right in the lively Rangagiri Dambulla wicket. "He (Sehwag) is the only batsman who seems to be middling the ball. But besides him, the whole team is struggling," Dhoni told reporters. "It was really good to bat with him (Sehwag). Sehwag has always done well in crucial situation. In the previous game too he scored 99 and this century was big too," he said. Besides Sehwag, Dhoni (38) and Ravindra Jadeja (17) were the only two batsmen to reach double figures as the Indian middle order comprising Yuvraj Singh, Suresh Raina and Virat Kohli struggled once again, accumulating only 15 runs between them. Dhoni praised his bowlers for their continued impressive display in the series. "The bowlers did a good job for us. Praveen (Kumar) is a swing bowler and so we give him the new ball. He has good control over his swing. Ashish (Nehra) is usually good. Munaf also did a good job today," Dhoni said. Sehwag, however, did not blame the youngsters and said even he took some innings to settle down early in his career. "We can''t blame the young batsman for fishing outside the off stump. Everybody is tempted to play shots. Even I took a few innings to settle down in my career," he said. Electing to bat, India were all out for 223 and the bowlers backed them superbly as they shot out the Kiwis for 118 in 30.1 overs to take the Dhoni''s men to the finals. Man-of-the-match Sehwag, said he was disappointed to get out after doing all the hard work. "Today was a much better wicket to bat on. I felt really disappointed when I got out because I could have taken us through to 270 or more. It is pleasing if centuries lead to victories," he said. "I was feeling pain in my back and wanted to take the help of the phsyio. The umpires asked me if I can wait for an over but I got out," he added. Sehwag said Saturday''s final would be a good match and hoped India would do well. "India always does well in do or die situation. We performed badly against Sri Lanka and it is now our turn to do well in the finals. I''m looking forward to the Sri Lanka match," he said. .

Source: Published>

India v New Zealand - Tri-series scoreboard

Wed, Aug 25 10 11:37 PM

Scoreboard at the end of the one-day tri-series match between India and New Zealand in Dambulla on Wednesday.

India beat New Zealand by 105 runs.

India innings

D. Karthik c Hopkins b Mills 0

V. Sehwag c Watling b McCullum 110

V. Kohli c Hopkins b Southee 8

Y. Singh c Hopkins b McKay 6

S. Raina c Williamson b Southee 1

M.S. Dhoni c Hopkins b McCullum 38

R. Jadeja c Taylor b Southee 17

P. Kumar c Mills b Southee 6

A. Nehra c&b McCullum 0

I. Sharma not out 8

M. Patel c McKay b Mills 7

Extras: (b-1, lb-5, nb-2, w-14) 22

Total: (all out; 46.3 overs) 223

Fall of wickets: 1-0 2-27 3-61 4-66 5-173 6-199 7-199 8-207 9-207 10-223

Bowling: Mills 8.3-1-42-2 (w-1, nb-2), Southee 10-2-49-4 (w-3), McKay 8-1-31-1 (w-4), Styris 6-0-37-0 (w-2), McCullum 10-0-35-3 (w-1), Williamson 4-0-23-0 (w-3).

New Zealand innings

B.J. Watling b Nehra 2

M. Guptill lbw b Kumar 0

R. Taylor c Dhoni b Kumar 8

G. Elliott lbw b Patel 11

S. Styris b Kumar 1

K. Williamson b Sharma 13

G. Hopkins lbw b Patel 0

N. McCullum c Karthik b Patel 5

K. Mills c Kumar b Nehra 52

T. Southee c Kumar b Jadeja 10

A. McKay not out 3

Extras: (lb-5, w-8) 13

Total: (all out; 30.1 overs) 118

Fall of wickets: 1-1 2-6 3-14 4-22 5-41 6-42 7-52 8-53 9-80

10-118

Bowling: Kumar 8-2-34-3 (w-2), Nehra 6.1-1-10-2 (w-3), Patel 7-1-21-3 (w-3), Sharma 6-1-27-1, Jadeja 3-0-21-1.

Source: Published>

India beat New Zealand to make tri-series final

Published>Wed, Aug 25 10 11:23 PM

Dambulla, Aug 25 (IANS) India booked a place in the final of the tri-nation series after defeating New Zealand by 105 runs in the sixth one-day international match at the Rangiri International Stadium here Wednesday.

With the win India moved onto 10 points from their four matches and will face Sri Lanka, who have 11 points, in Saturday's final.

Virender Sehwag smashed a 93-ball 110, his 13th ODI century, that lifted India from a precarious 66 for four to 223 all out in 46.3 overs.

In reply, New Zealand were all out for 118 runs in 30.1 overs with fast bowler Kyle Mills emerging as the top scorer with 52 runs.

India's medium pacer Praveen Kumar grabbed three early wickets and Munaf Patel bagged three for 21 as New Zealand slumped from 22 for four in the ninth over to 53 for eight in the 23rd over.

Mills then came up with an entertaining half century, but it couldn't save New Zealand from getting bowled out for their lowest ODI score against India.

Early in the day, New Zealand paceman Southee (4-49) and off-spinner Nathan McCullum (3-35) did well to reduce India to 66 for four.

Dinesh Karthik, Virat Kohli, Yuvraj Singh and Suresh Raina all failed to get to double-figures, but Sehwag and captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni (38) shared a 107-run stand for the fifth wicket to take India to 223.

Source: Web Search

Except for Sehwag, our batsmen are struggling: Dhoni

Wed, Aug 25 10 11:07 PM

Dambulla, Aug 25 (PTI) India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni today said barring Virender Sehwag his batting department was having a tough time in the ongoing cricket tri-series in Sri Lanka. The Indians might have booked their place in Saturday''s final against Sri Lanka after beating New Zealand by 105 runs in a must-win match today, but Dhoni seemed concerned about his side''s batting line-up, which yet again failed. Sehwag top-scored for India today with a 93-ball 110 to and Dhoni said apart from the dashing opener none of his batsman have got their footing right in the lively Rangagiri Dambulla wicket. "He (Sehwag) is the only batsman who seems to be middling the ball. But besides him, the whole team is struggling," Dhoni told reporters. "It was really good to bat with him (Sehwag). Sehwag has always done well in crucial situation. In the previous game too he scored 99 and this century was big too," he said. Besides Sehwag, Dhoni (38) and Ravindra Jadeja (17) were the only two batsmen to reach double figures as the Indian middle order comprising Yuvraj Singh, Suresh Raina and Virat Kohli struggled once again, accumulating only 15 runs between them. Dhoni praised his bowlers for their continued impressive display in the series. "The bowlers did a good job for us. Praveen (Kumar) is a swing bowler and so we give him the new ball. He has good control over his swing. Ashish (Nehra) is usually good. Munaf also did a good job today," Dhoni said. Sehwag, however, did not blame the youngsters and said even he took some innings to settle down early in his career. "We can''t blame the young batsman for fishing outside the off stump. Everybody is tempted to play shots. Even I took a few innings to settle down in my career," he said. Electing to bat, India were all out for 223 and the bowlers backed them superbly as they shot out the Kiwis for 118 in 30.1 overs to take the Dhoni''s men to the finals. Man-of-the-match Sehwag, said he was disappointed to get out after doing all the hard work. "Today was a much better wicket to bat on. I felt really disappointed when I got out because I could have taken us through to 270 or more. It is pleasing if centuries lead to victories," he said. "I was feeling pain in my back and wanted to take the help of the phsyio. The umpires asked me if I can wait for an over but I got out," he added. Sehwag said Saturday''s final would be a good match and hoped India would do well. "India always does well in do or die situation. We performed badly against Sri Lanka and it is now our turn to do well in the finals. I''m looking forward to the Sri Lanka match," he said. .

Source: Published>

Sehwag century steers India into tri-series final

Wed, Aug 25 10 10:57 PM

Virender Sehwag smashed 110 off 93 balls to carry India to the final of the one-day tri-nation final with a comprehensive 105-run win over New Zealand on Wednesday.

Sehwag stood tall as wickets fell around him, smacking 16 fours and a six to take India to a total of 223 after they had lost their first four wickets for 66 runs having chosen to bat first.

Source: Published>

We have to stick as a unit: Salman Butt

Published>Wed, Aug 25 10 10:37 PM

London, Aug 25 (IANS) Buoyed by a surprising four-wicket win in the third Test at The Oval, Pakistan will push for an unlikely series-levelling victory in the four-Test series finale getting underway here at Lord's Thursday.

Pakistan captain Salman Butt said that his young team can beat England provided it played to its potential.

'The main thing is to stick as a unit,' said Salman. 'We've experienced different situations on this tour and have learnt that there is no need to go very high or very low,' he said referring to Pakistan's big defeats in three Tests and two surprising wins on this current tour against Australia and England.

'Two very good victories and two losses, away from home and against top sides is a very good record. Nobody expected us to win but my team has shown character by beating both Australia and England,' Salman added.

Andrew Strauss, his England counterpart, declared that his team will go all out for a win to seal the series it is leading 2-1.

'We desperately want to win this series. Having gone 2-0 up we want to finish them off. There is a nice determined atmosphere. We feel we maybe have a point to prove and that's a good state of mind to be in,' he added.

Strauss, who has been unimpressive with the bat in this series, hopes to find his form at Lord's.

'I would like to score more runs than I have in this series,' said the left-handed opener.

'The key is cash in after settling out there,' stressed Strauss, who hasn't scored a century since hitting a superb 161 on July 16 in the Ashes Test against Australia here at Lord's.

'I've always played well at Lord's,' he said adding that one must not read too much into the fact that he hasn't played a big knock all this summer. 'It's one of those things,' he said. 'I haven't reached three figures but I've made some useful contributions.'

Source: Web Search

India registers thumping win over Kiwis, play Lanka in finals

Published>Wed, Aug 25 10 10:17 PM

Dambulla, Aug 25 (ANI): India beat New Zealand by 105 runs in the ODI played at the Rangiri International stadium here on Wednesday with the help of Virender Sehwag's 13th ODI century and a blistering performance by the pacers to enter the tri-series final to be played against Sri Lanka on Sunday.

Sehwag slammed a swashbuckling century as India recovered from early jolts to post 223 in their must-win cricket tri-series match against New Zealand

Sehwag (110) notched up his 13th ODI century to give the Indian innings a respectable total after being at a precarious 66 for four at one stage on a tricky pitch here.

Chasing a modest target of 224, the Kiwis were all out for 118 in 30.1overs. India pacers Munaf Patel and Praveen Kumar claimed three wickets each in this win. (ANI)

Source: Web Search

CGOC announces launch of tickets at outlets

Published>Wed, Aug 25 10 09:47 PM

New Delhi, Aug 25 (IANS) The Commonwealth Games Organising Committee (CGOC) finally announced the sale of tickets at outlets for spectators with less than 40 days to go for the Games. The launch of tickets was earlier scheduled for Aug 1.

The sale of online tickets had started June 4.

Lalit Bhanot, secretary general of CGOC, dismissed reports that there are not enough tickets for the opening and closing ceremonies for the common man.

He said that 60,000 tickets for the opening and closing ceremonies are meant for the common man.

The cheapest tickets cost Rs.1,000 while the other denominations are Rs.5,000, Rs.25,000 and Rs.50,000.

Around 30 retail outlets are opened in Delhi/NCR of Hero Honda, Central Bank of India, IRCTC, STC Branch for the sale of tickets. People who have already bought tickets can redeem their vouchers against actual tickets at the various outlets across Delhi and NCR.

The tickets would also ensure free transportation for spectators in Delhi Metro and buses run by Delhi Transport Corporation on the day of the event.

The CGOC has also reserved 0.5 percent of the total inventory for disabled spectators.

They can purchase their tickets from the IRCTC outlets or through the call centre.

The tickets have been printed at the India Security Press which also prints currency notes the Government of India. To protect them from being counterfeited, the tickets have been printed on the same paper used for printing currency.

'We are expecting the overall sale of tickets to be around 17 lakh. The ticket sales have been good so far and all the tickets will be made available for the public,' said Bhanot.

Source: Web Search

India crush New Zealand by 105 runs, enter final

Published>Wed, Aug 25 10 09:37 PM

Dambulla, Aug 25 (IANS) India entered the final of the One-day International (ODI) tri-nation series with a 105-run victory over New Zealand here Wednesday.

India, in a must-win match, were all out for 223 in 46.3 overs with Virender Sehwag slamming a 93-ball 110.

In reply, New Zealand were bundled out for 118 in 30.1 overs.

For India, Munaf Patel took three for 21 and Praveen Kumar three for 34.

Source: Web Search

AEK Athens to play Dundee United at home of Olympiakos

Wed, Aug 25 10 09:19 PM

AEK Athens will play their Europa League tie against Dundee United at the home of Olympiakos in a second switch of venue after rival Panionios fans dug up the pitch at their team's stadium, where the match had been scheduled.

AEK supporters will not be allowed into the Georgios Karaiskakis stadium on Thursday because of fears of clashes between AEK and Olympiakos fans.

The second leg of the playoff against Dundee United was originally due to take place at AEK's Olympic stadium, but was moved to Panionios because the playing surface was deemed to be unacceptable.

However, Panionios fans angry at the switch accessed the Nea Smyrni Stadium on Tuesday night and, using spades and other gardening tools, dug up the pitch.

AEK were forced to find another venue, and confirmed on Wednesday the game would go ahead at the home of Olympiakos.

The Greek side leads 1-0 from the first leg in Scotland.

Media reports said approximately 600 Dundee United fans were travelling to the game, and they will be allowed into the Georgios Karaiskakis stadium.

Source: Published>

Sitwala in World Billiards Championship quarters

Published>Wed, Aug 25 10 09:07 PM

Pune, Aug 25 (IANS) India's Dhruv Sitwala entered the quarterfinals of the World Billiards Championship (Time Format) here Wednesday at the PYC Hindu Gymkhana.

Riding on a triple century break, Sitwala defeated former world champion Peter Gilchrist 1039-942. This was the key match of the day with Sitwala playing his third league match -- he scored breaks of 331, 198, 162 and 146 and held on to the slender lead in a match where he had just 15 visits to the table.

Singapore-based Gilchrist put up a stiff fight and reeled out a break of 408 and 257 and he was on the table on his 16th visit when the clock signalled time out.

With two wins from Tuesday, and a match to go against Min Hu Baek, Gilchrist should make it as second player from the group to the quarterfinals.

Defending champion Pankaj Advani and eight-time world champion Geet Sethi also won their second league matches. Geet beat Tao Hoon Jung of Korea 1950-249 as he scored two five-tons and three centuries in compiling the maximum points during any three-hour match at the world championship.

Advani defeated Aidan Murray of Ireland 1175-598 with a double ton and two centuries, but Ashok Shandilya again lived dangerously before winning against Myanmarese Na Thway Oo 641-613.

Earlier in the day, Kyaw Oo, who once was Asian runner-up, defeated in-form Bhaskar Balachandra 1001-522 scoring three centuries and a double century. Devendra Joshi lost to Englishman Mike Russell who collated another seven-ton break when he produced 753.

Russell had a double ton worth 243 and three centuries as he won 1644-671 while Joshi could manage just one century.

Source: Web Search

Punj Lloyd Inter School Squash C''ship launched

Wed, Aug 25 10 08:57 PM

Chennai, Aug 25 (PTI) The Punj Lloyd All-India Inter School Squash Championship to be played across four zones in the country was launched here today at the Indian Squash Academy. Part of the Punj Lloyd Squash Masters-2010 in association with Squash Rackets Federation of India, the championship aims at promoting the sport at the grassroot level. South Zone Tournament for school students drawn from Karnataka, Goa and Tamil Nadu will be played at the Academy here from Aug 26 to 29 for boys and from September 2 to 5 for girls. The Championship will be played in individual and team categories in the age group of under 11, 13, 15 and 17. Winners in each category of every zone would be invited to New Delhi to play the inter-zonal finals in a pre-event of the Punj Lloyd PSA and WISPA Masters- 2010 in December and also get a chance to enhance their skills with squash clinics from world''s leading players. Speaking on this initiative, India''s highest-ever ranked squash player and currently world number 26, Saurav Ghosal said: "With initiatives like Punj Lloyd Squash Masters, the younger generation from schools and universities will get an opportunity to play Squash at a national level." "I am glad that Punj Lloyd has adopted a hands-on approach to develop the sport at grassroots levels as this is the key to breed a better future for the sport in India," he said. The School Squash Championship will be followed by Punj Lloyd All India Inter University Squash Championship for universities across India, the Punj Lloyd Defence Services Challenge for the armed forces and their training establishments as well as the Punj Lloyd Corporate-Club Challenge for clubs and corporate houses in New Delhi and Mumbai. Top 32 players would compete in the USD 192,500 prize money Punj Lloyd PSA Masters tournament in New Delhi this December, while top 16 available international players would participate in the USD 36,500 WISPA Masters. Speaking on the PSA and WISPA Masters events, Srivatsan Subramaniam, SRFI Secretary said: "Punj Lloyd''s commitment to promote Squash in India will ensure the much needed boost to the game. We commend Punj Lloyd for promoting Squash and bringing an event of international stature to India, thus exposing our young talent to the world''s best." PTI RE RC SHN

Source: Published>

Kapil for Indo-Pak cricket match to raise flood relief fund

Wed, Aug 25 10 08:51 PM

Islamabad, Aug 25 (PTI) Former Indian captain Kapil Dev has endorsed the idea of a cricket match between Pakistan and India to raise funds for flood-affected people in Pakistan. "I would like to see an Indo-Pakistan match for the purpose of raising funds for the flood victims," he told a TV news channel. Expressing grief and sorrow at the loss of lives and property in the devastating floods that have swept Pakistan, he said, "It''s a huge calamity and to help the affected people, Pakistan and India should ideally play either in Pakistan or India". "If that is not possible, then a neutral venue is also an option for both the (cricket) boards," said Kapil Dev. He said he would talk to Indian cricket board officials soon about the proposed flood relief match. "I would like to see an Indo-Pak match for this purpose in the near future and in this regard, I will have a word with BCCI officials," he said. Pakistan Cricket Board Chairman Ijaz Butt has already said that the board is keen on organising an India-Pakistan match to raise funds for the 20 million people affected by the floods.

Source: Published>

Saina in third round of world badminton

Published>Wed, Aug 25 10 08:47 PM

Paris, Aug 25 (IANS) India' Saina Nehwal squashed a strong challenge from Chinese Taipei's Chen Hsiao Huan to enter the third round of World Badminton Championships here Wednesday.

World Number 2 and second seeded Saina, who got a bye in the first round, lost the first game before fighting her way for a 20-22, 21-15, 21-8 win in 47 minutes against 65th-ranked Chen.

'It was not easy getting into the gear as the last I played on this court was on Sunday. So, the three-day wait was bound to affect me in some ways,' Saina said.

'All due respect to my opponent though who made me work hard for the win.'

Saina will next meet the winner of the match between Malaysian Mew Choo Wong and Ella Diehl of Russia, seeded 13th.

Saina was not the only top player who struggled at the Pierre de Coubertin Stadium Wednesday. Indonesian Taufik Hidayat was on the brink of exit before rallying to book his place in the third round of men's singles.

Taufik, seeded No. 5, dug into his reserves to overcome a tenacious Hsieh Yu Hsin of Chinese Taipei 19-21, 21-19, 21-9. The fact that he was the sole Indonesian left in the fray, following Simon Santoso's decision to pull out of the second round due to a lower back injury, added more pressure on Taufik to deliver.

'Although it is my second match here, I still have some problem getting adjusted to the court conditions,' said Taufik.

'But I was never worried as I knew I could win. Now I have to prepare for the next match and recover fast.'

Chinese ace Lin Dan though had no such problems as he carved out a 21-13, 21-15 win over Finland's Henri Hurskainen. He will most likely play against his counterpart Bao Chunlai who is expected to overcome the challenge of David Snider in a later match.

Dan and Bao Chunlai have had 23 meetings in the past with Dan winning 18 of them.

'We both know each others game and it will be close,' said Dan on his anticipated clash against Chunlai.

'It was a good workout for me today and I am looking towards the later stages of the tournament with renewed confidence.'

Also booking his place in the third round in the men's singles was Vietnam's Nguyen Tien Minh who defeated Raul Must of Estonia, 21-14,21-10 in 42 minutes.

Nguyen will take on either South Korea's Park Sung Hwan or Russia's Vladimir Ivanov in the third round.

'I have beaten him before but that means nothing now. It is the result of our match tomorrow that matters,' said Nguyen.

'It will be close no doubt, but my target is to make the last eight and you can expect me to run for every shot.

Indonesia suffered another setback in the women's singles when Adrianti Firdasari was beaten by Korea's Kim Moon Hi 13-21, 21-15, 21-18.

Source: Web Search

Jharkhand sub-junior basketball c''ship from Aug 27

Wed, Aug 25 10 08:37 PM

Jamshedpur, Aug 25 (PTI) Tenth sub-junior Jharkhand state Basketball championship will be played at JRD Sports complex here from August 27 to 30. "Eight girls and 12 boys teams from Ranchi, Dhanbad, Ramgarh, Bokaro, Bokaro Sports Association, Hazaribagh, Saraikela-Kharswan, West Singhbhum, Tata Steel Basketball Training Centre, Urban Services (Tata Steel) and Jamshedpur will vie for top honour during the four-day championship," said Harbhajan Singh, Secretary of Jharkhand Basketball Association. Based on the performance during the championship, Singh said Jharkhand team (Boys and Girls) will be selected for the 37th Sub-junior National Basketball Championship slated to be held at Kangra (Himachal Pradesh) from September 24 to 30.

Source: Published>

Bindra, Narang among top shooters likely to be in CWG squad

Wed, Aug 25 10 08:23 PM

New Delhi, Aug 25 (PTI) Olympic gold medallist Abhinav Bindra and World Championship bronze-winner Gagan Narang are expected to be among the top shooters to be picked for the Delhi Commonwealth Games in the NRAI''s selection committee meeting on September 1. The trials for the October 3 to 14 event are set to start on Friday but top names are expected to make the cut whatever the results be, sources in the National Rifles Association of India told PTI. "Their reputation precedes them. Their world rankings and international records are such that current form hardly matters," said national coach Sunny Thomas. Former world champion Bindra, who became India''s first individual Olympic gold medallist in 2008 by clinching the top honours in the 10m air rifle event in Beijing, had a rather disappointing outing at this year''s World Championships, finishing 25th in the qualifiers. Narang had a better time at the event, clinching the 10m air rifle bronze to become the first Indian to qualify for the 2012 London Olympics. "People like Abhinav, Samaresh Jung (pistol) and Manavjit Sandhu (trap) are almost certain to make it. They are the biggest names we have, they cannot be left out although the number of events they compete may vary," the sources said. One name that might miss out on competing in at least his pet 50m rifle prone event is defending Commonwealth Games bronze medallist Sanjeev Rajput. "I am not too sure about him. There is a remote chance he may make it but may have to forego his pet event," the source revealed. Thomas said the current system of selection through trials has its share of problems because some shooters are at a disadvantage but insisted that every system has its flaws. "It''s not a perfect system but then which is. I think we will have a points-based system of selection from next year and that should be better then this," he said.

Source: Published>

Boxer Thapa wins silver at Youth Olympics

Published>Wed, Aug 25 10 08:17 PM

Singapore, Aug 25 (IANS) Indian boxer Shiva Thapa had to rest content with a silver at the inaugural Youth Olympic Games as he went down to Cuban Ramirez Robeisy Eloy 2-5 in the 54 kg weight category.

Shiva, who won India's eighth medal in the competition, conceded one point at the end of round one.

The Cuban added three more points to his tally in the next round to stay ahead 4-2. In the third Round, Eloy consolidated the lead to win the gold.

In women's 10 metre air rifle, Neha Milind Sapte finished seventh.

Source: Web Search

"Dishonor to chess champ Anand a matter of regret': Opposition

Published>Wed, Aug 25 10 07:57 PM

New Delhi, Aug 25 (ANI): The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led Opposition on Wednesday expressed unhappiness over the dishonor meted out to world chess champion Vishwanathan Anand over reports that the Union Human Resource and Development (HRD) Ministry questioned his nationality status.

"It was a matter of regret that questions have been raised over the nationality of Anand, who has been the first recipient of the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna award," said BJP leader Shahnawaz Hussain raising the issue in the House during the Zero Hour.

"it was no way to treat icons like Anand who have been honoured with civilian awards like Padmashree for bringing laurels to the county time and again," he added.

Union HRD Minister Kapil Sibal, however, on Tuesday citing 'procedural delay' in clearing the conferment of an honorary doctorate on Anand apologised to him saying his ministry never questioned his nationality.

"He has agreed to accept the degree at a date convenient to him. The degree could have been conferred on Tuesday evening but for Anand's prior commitments," said Sibal.

The University of Hyderabad had on Tuesday denied Anand an honorary doctorate after the HRD Ministry said that it is confused about whether he is an Indian or a Spanish citizen.

The university had decided to award Anand an honorary doctorate in 2009 and had formally forwarded the proposal to the ministry recently.

Since all foreign awardees require approval from the Ministry of External Affairs, the HRD ministry raised citizenship queries, as Anand lives with his wife in Spain. (ANI)

Source: Web Search

Star pullouts will not affect CWG : Kalmadi

Published>Wed, Aug 25 10 07:53 PM

New Delhi, Aug 25 (ANI): Commonwealth Games Organising Committee Chairman Suresh Kalmadi has said the star pullouts will not affect the 2010 Games, adding that there will plenty of action in the upcoming mega event.

"There will be plenty of world champions in action and those who have withdrawn have done so because of injury. A clear picture of the list of athletes would emerge only on September 3 when the countries would have to submit the entries by name," said Kalmadi.

"Usain Bolt has not gone in the last four five events because he was not well. Whether anybody will come or not will be known only on September 3 when the countries will give their entries by name. Entry by general category has been going on," he added, when asked whether the pullouts of crowd-pullers were a concern for the Organising Committee.

Kalmadi further said the preparations had gone off peacefully in the last few years.

Earlier on Tuesday, Kalmadi made it clear that he would not quit despite the charges of corruption levelled against him with regard to the 2010 Games, asserting that he was still the boss.

Kalmadi said he has taken up the challenge of delivering a very good 2010 Games, and that there was no question of him resigning as he had done nothing wrong.

"Yes. Organising the Games is my responsibility. I am continuing with it," said Kalmadi, when asked whether he was still the boss after the Government set up an empowered committee of bureaucrats to look into the functioning of the 2010 Games.

"Group of Ministers was there. The committee of secretaries under Cabinet Secretary was always there. The Prime Minister had a meeting and he has asked all these committees to get more active and give more support. I am getting more support from government and I am the OC chairman," he added.

The 2010 Commonwealth Games, which kicks off on October 3 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

No information from NADA on evading dope test by athletes: AFI

Wed, Aug 25 10 07:27 PM

Patiala, Aug 25 (PTI) The Athletic Federation of India (AFI) today said that they did not received any information from National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) regarding evading of dope test by four athletes. "We have not received any communication from NADA officials that some athletes had evaded the dope test," AFI''s officiating secretary Ravinder Chaudhary told PTI. "Action is only initiated against the athletes if any report comes from NADA," he added. Chaudhary also denied that four athletes had skipped the dope test in the camp. "None of our athletes missed the test and we haven''t taken action against anyone," he said. According to reports, four athletes had gone missing when dope testing team arrived here to take samples. The report alleged that the top athletes, who skipped the mandatory test for banned substances and were quietly thrown out of a training camp, were allowed by sports officials to surreptitiously continue their training. They even competed in the inter-state meet - the final selection trials for the Games - held earlier this month, the report said. The athletes are part of the Commonwealth Games core group at the Netaji Subhas National Institute of Sports here. Meanwhile, the chairman of medical and anti-doping commission of Indian Olympics Association Dr. Manmohan Singh, said if at all these athletes had evaded the dope test, action should be taken against them. On other hand, if NADA had not taken samples of these athletes than they (athletes) are innocent, he added.

Source: Published>

495 Indian sports persons to compete at CWG

Wed, Aug 25 10 07:21 PM

New Delhi, Aug 25 (PTI) A huge contingent of 495 Indian athletes will compete for 829 medals at the upcoming Commonwealth Games, to be held from October 3-14 here. These sportspersons would be short-listed by the end of this month from 838 core probables, undergoing training at various SAI and Non-SAI centres. Core Indian probables, including 353, women in 17+1 (Para-Sports) disciplines have been training under the scheme "Preparations of Indian Teams for CWG 2010". A total number of 176 camps have been conducted till date and 150+ foreign visits/exposures have also been organised since August 2008. The government in June 2008 had approved, for the first-time ever in India, a scheme with an outlay of Rs 678 crore to prepare Indian sportspersons for the mega event. Initially, 1140 sportspersons from 17 disciplines were selected as core probables, and imparted intensive training. After evaluating outcomes of the training inputs, core probables were pruned down to 838.

Source: Published>

Akmal hopeful of regaining form with bat

Published>Wed, Aug 25 10 07:17 PM

London, Aug 25 (IANS) Pakistan's embattled wicketkeeper Kamran Akmal is hoping to regain his batting form after getting help from teammate Mohammad Yousuf ahead of the final Test against England at Lord's Thursday.

Akmal scored just 10 in his first outing at The Oval and then fell for a duck in the second innings as Pakistan faced some anxious moments before reaching a four-wicket triumph.

Akmal, 28, is now getting help from senior batsman Yousuf and Ijaz Ahmed, the team's batting coach.

'There have been some technical issues with both bat and the gloves. I have been looking at the batting issues with Ijaz Ahmed and more recently with Mohammad Yousuf,' said Akmal, who has scored just 84 runs in the four Tests he has played during the current tour at a poor average of 10.4.

Zulqarnain Haider, the young wicketkeeper, who replaced Akmal for the second Test in Birmingham, scored more (88) in one innings.

Akmal, who has scored 2,634 runs from 52 Tests at 31.35, has got three ducks in his last four innings. But the Lahore-born player hoped that he would strike form at Lord's just like Alastair Cook, the England opener, did at The Oval where he scored a hundred.

'All players suffer a bad spell in their career with the bat. Take a look at Alastair Cook who has been struggling with the bat of late, but he has bounced back with a century at the Oval. I will look at the way he has fought back with the bat as an inspiration and hope that I can do the same at Lords,' Akmal said.

Akmal said missing the Edgbaston Test turned out to be a blessing in disguise for him.

'Missing the match at Edgbaston gave me the opportunity to assess my game and it was the perfect time for some reflection. Alec Stewart provided me with some tips on my wicketkeeping and I have been implementing Alec's ideas and thoughts.

'In addition to Alec Stewart's help, Paul Farbrace and Wasim Bari have also provided me with some advice and guidance on a couple of technical issues. I've taken on board all of the advice that has been given to me and it definitely paid dividends at the Oval,' he told pakpassion.net.

Akmal, 28, said Mohammad Yousuf's return has made a world of a difference for Pakistan.

'Yousuf's introduction to the squad has made a huge difference to everyone's morale and belief. He's such an experienced campaigner and his calmness really rubs off on the rest of us. Amir is in great form and Wahab Riaz bowled very well on debut. We'll give it our best shot at Lords and I hope that we can level the series.'

Akmal also praised skipper Salman Butt's leadership skills.

'Salman is doing a good job. He came into the job under difficult circumstances, but has really done a good job. He's very approachable and is getting the best out of the boys. He's only a young guy, but he's leading the team very well against good opposition.'

Source: Web Search

495 Indian sports persons to compete at CWG

Wed, Aug 25 10 07:07 PM

New Delhi, Aug 25 (PTI) A huge contingent of 495 Indian athletes will compete for 829 medals at the upcoming Commonwealth Games, to be held from October 3-14 here. These sportspersons would be short-listed by the end of this month from 838 core probables, undergoing training at various SAI and Non-SAI centres. Core Indian probables, including 353, women in 17+1 (Para-Sports) disciplines have been training under the scheme "Preparations of Indian Teams for CWG 2010". A total number of 176 camps have been conducted till date and 150+ foreign visits/exposures have also been organised since August 2008. The government in June 2008 had approved, for the first-time ever in India, a scheme with an outlay of Rs 678 crore to prepare Indian sportspersons for the mega event. Initially, 1140 sportspersons from 17 disciplines were selected as core probables, and imparted intensive training. After evaluating outcomes of the training inputs, core probables were pruned down to 838.

Source: Published>

India 223 all out v New Zealand - Tri Series

Wed, Aug 25 10 07:03 PM

India were all out for 223 after choosing to bat first against New Zealand in the sixth match of the one-day tri-series on Wednesday.

Scores: India 223 in 46.3 overs (V. Sehwag 110; T. Southee 4-49) v New Zealand.

Source: Published>

1,000 armed forces personnel to be deployed during CWG

Published>Wed, Aug 25 10 06:47 PM

New Delhi, Aug 25 (ANI): Over a thousand armed forces personnel from specialised units are likely to be deployed for the 2010 Commonwealth Games, which kicks off on October 3.

"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," said Defence Ministry sources.

"The personnel deployed would provide technical assistance related to intra-force communication, maintenance of jammers, decrypting suspecting signals, besides providing other logistical support," they added.

There are reports that chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) teams of the Army will also be deployed for the mega-event.

It has been reported that a solution with regard to the free stay of army personnel has been finalised between the Urban Development and Defence Ministries, and special arrangements are being made near Palam for their stay.

The 2010 Commonwealth Games 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

Queen''s Baton Relay to reach Kerala tomorrow

Wed, Aug 25 10 06:41 PM

Thiruvananthapuram, Aug 25 (PTI) The Queen''s Baton Relay of the Commonwealh Games to be held in New Delhi from October 3-14 would reach here from Kanyakumari tomorrow. Kerala Sports Minister M Vijayakumar and state Sports Council President T P Dasan and Olympian Suresh Babu would receive the QBR when it enters Kaliyikkavila at Kerala border. The Baton run would end at the Chandrasekharan Nair stadium, where the baton would be brought by Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna winner K M Beenamol and state Sports Secretary U K S Chauhan, Dasan told reporters here today. The QBR would leave for Kochi on its way to Lakshadweep on August 27. The QBR would be in Kochi on August 28 and it would leave for Thrissur on August 30. QBR would leave Kozhikode for its journey to Ootty via Wyanad and Sylthan Bathery on August 31.

Source: Published>

Taufik, Lin Dan reach prequarters in World Championship

Wed, Aug 25 10 06:23 PM

Paris, Aug 25 (PTI) Former World and Olympic champion Taufik Hidayat of Indonesia came back from the brink of defeat to book a place in the prequarterfinals of the World Championships here today. The fifth seed Indonesian, dug into his reserves to overcome a tenacious Hsieh Yu Hsin of Chinese Taipei 19-21, 21-19,21-9 at the Pierre de Coubertin Stadium here. The fact that he was the sole Indonesian left in the fray, following Simon Santoso''s decision to pull out of the second round due to a lower back injury, added more pressure on Taufik to deliver. Taufik was left trailing 16-20 in the first set and though he staged a late rally to reduce the deficit to 19-20, he sent the shuttle out on the baseline to hand the first game to Hsieh. And he was on the verge of exit as Hsieh fought back from 16-19 to draw level, but a line call in favour of Taufik assured the match went into a decider. And Taufik had no difficulty in the third. "Although it is my second match here, I still have problem getting adjusted to the court conditions," said Taufik. "But I was never worried as I knew I could win. Now I have to prepare for the next match and recover fast," he added. Chinese ace Lin Dan, however, had no such problems as he carved out a 21-13, 21-15 win over Finland''s Henri Hurskainen. He will most likely play against his counterpart Bao Chunlai who is expected to overcome the challenge of David Snider in a later match. Lin Dan and Bao Chunlai have met 23 times in the past with Lin Dan winning 18 of the encounters. "We both know each others game and it will be close," said Lin Dan on his anticipated clash against Chunlai. "It was a good workout for me today and I am looking towards the later stages of the tournament with renewed confidence," he said. Also booking his place in the third round in the men''s singles was Vietnam''s Nguyen Tien Minh, who defeated Raul Must of Estonia 21-14,21-10 in 42 minutes. Nguyen will take on either South Korea''s Park Sung Hwan or Russia''s Vladimir Ivanov in the third round. "I have beaten him before but that means nothing now. It is the result of our match tomorrow that matters," said Nguyen. "It will be close no doubt, but my target is to make the last eight and you can expect me to run for every shot," he added. Nguyen is also looking at a good outing in the Asian Games after his first round exit in Doha four years ago where he was beaten by Simon Santoso. "Making the quarterfinals here will no doubt give me the added confidence going into the Asian Games this November," he said.

Source: Published>

Bolt inks 6 m pound Puma deal

Published>Wed, Aug 25 10 06:07 PM

London, Aug.25 (ANI): Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt has signed the biggest-ever deal for an athletics star.

The 100m world record holder has signed a Puma contract worth a reported six million pounds a year, a similar sum to Cristiano Ronaldo's deal at Nike.

According to The Sun, it is a six-fold increase for Bolt, 24.

He said: "They've been by my side since the start." (ANI)

Source: Web Search

England must bat to win Lord's Test against Pak: Botham

Published>Wed, Aug 25 10 05:47 PM

London, Aug 25 (ANI): Cricket legend Ian Botham has said England must put their batting collapses behind them, when they take on Pakistan in the fourth Test from Thursday at Lord's.

"England have got stability in selection for the fourth Test running - now I want to see the batsmen offer the same in the middle order. If we lose five wickets in a session out in Australia, nine times out of 10 that Test match will be a gone," The Mirror quoted Botham as saying.

"England have to nip this weakness in the bud and deliver a complete batting display that will give them heart and confidence, and send a final message Down Under that 20 wickets will be hard to come by for Mitchell Johnson and Co," he added.

Botham further said he expects a good show from England at Lord's.

"The selectors might have had one question answered emphatically by Alastair Cook, but I'm afraid there are one or two more being asked of the rest," said Botham.

"Kevin Pietersen, Paul Collingwood and to an extent, Eoin Morgan, all need a score under their belts - not to cement their place in the side, but to win a match for England and show what they are picked for," he added.

England coach Andy Flower has said both Pietersen and Collingwood have high standards, but are not quite living up to it at the moment. (ANI)

Source: Web Search

FIFA dismiss North Korea witchhunt claims

Published>Wed, Aug 25 10 05:37 PM

FIFA has dismissed allegations that North Korea's coach and players were punished for losing all three of their games at this year's World Cup.

Asian media reported the side had been publicly shamed after returning from South Africa having conceded 12 goals in the first round.

Soccer's governing body FIFA insisted it was business as usual for North Korea and that no such witchhunt had taken place.

"The (North Korean) FA assures FIFA that Mr Kim Jong-hun, head coach of the national team, and all the other members of the national team are training as usual," FIFA said in a statement.

"The association also indicates that there were no sanctions to the coach and that the reports on this matter were baseless.

"With all of the information at hand, and having checked all of its sources, FIFA has decided to close the matter."

North Korea lost 2-1 to Brazil, were humiliated 7-0 by Portugal and easily beaten 3-0 by Ivory Coast at the World Cup.

Radio Free Asia and South Korean media claimed Kim and his team were forced onto a stage at the People's Palace of Culture in front of 400 government officials, students and journalists.

Reports said the players were subjected to six hours of criticism for their performance at the World Cup, their first appearance since 1966.

ELECTION FAIR

FIFA added that an election for the president of the North Korea FA was also considered to be within its rules.

"The (North Korean) FA clarified that the election of the president of the association held on 19 June was held in accordance with the statutes of the association and were not affected by any result of the team at the World Cup," said FIFA.

"At the time of the election the team had only played one match against Brazil and had shown a good level of play."

North Korea were also involved in controversy during the qualifiers, especially during four clashes with neighbours South Korea.

After they refused to play the South's national anthem or raise its flag for a qualifiers in Pyongyang, FIFA had to move the matches to Shanghai to avoid a full-scale diplomatic row.

North Korea protested to FIFA that their players' food had been tampered with and that the referee had been biased following a 1-0 defeat to South Korea in April 2009.

"The match thus turned into a theatre of plot-breeding and swindling," the North said in a statement.

Source: Web Search

Fawad Alam eager to cement place in Pak team for 2011 World Cup

Published>Wed, Aug 25 10 05:17 PM

London, Aug.25 (ANI): Pakistan left-hand batsman Fawad Alam, who believes that he has the ability to transform himself into a genuine all rounder, has said he is looking forward to cement his place in the one-day team ahead of the 2011 World Cup.

Alam, who has been named in Pakistan's 16-man squad for the upcoming five match series against England, said he is still awaiting a proper chance to prove his talent.

"I feel I can become a genuine all-rounder. I only need to be given a proper chance to prove myself and I am sure I can deliver," Alam told PakPassion.net.

Alam, who bowls slow left-arm orthodox, said he is aware of the challenge and would deliver his best during the one-day series to win the faith of the selectors.

"The World Cup isn't too far away now and with series against England, South Africa and New Zealand prior to the premier one day competition, I know that I have to deliver and that the competition for places is intense. I have faith in my ability though and hope that the selectors give me the opportunity to deliver," he said.

"It's time to ensure that I perform well whenever I am given the opportunity, as preparations for the World Cup are now in full swing," said Alam, who has played 17 ODIs for Pakistan, averaging an impressive 40.87.

He last played an ODI in January this year, against Australia in Perth. (ANI)

Source: Web Search