Mcgrath, Hayden and Symonds were difficult to deal: Koertzen

Sat, Aug 28 10 12:17 PM

Melbourne, Aug 28 (PTI) In a scathing criticism of former Australian players, retired umpire Rudi Koertzen today said Glenn McGrath always ''moaned and whinged'' while Andrew Symonds and Matthew Hayden had to be policed closely in their playing days. The South African umpire, who stood in 108 Tests between between 1992 and 2010, said the trio was the most difficult to deal with in international cricket. Asked by website ''Cricket 365'', who was the toughest bowler he had to umpire, Koertzen said," Glenn McGrath, because of the way he acted on the field. He wasn''t one of the happiest guys. He always moaned and whinged. If he wasn''t getting wickets and the batsmen were hitting him for a few fours, he got a bit personal and upset." Koertzen though said he was "very fortunate to get on with probably 99 per cent of the players in world cricket," but not all. "There was always the odd individual who had to be babied all the time. You had to be like a policeman to them. A fielder like Matthew Hayden or Andrew Symonds, you always had to be alert when they were on the field because something was going to happen. "If you didn''t pick it up as soon as possible things were going to get out of hand," Koertzen was quoted as saying by the ''Australian''. The South African umpire retired last month after the second Test between Pakistan and England at Leeds.

Source: Published>

Benaud's former childhood home to be razed

Published>Sat, Aug 28 10 12:07 PM

Sydney, Aug.28 (ANI): New South Wales authorities have decided to raze the former childhood home of cricket legend Richie Benaud after four days of discussion on whether it should or should not be treated as a heritage site.

NSW Planning Minister Tony Kelly has rejected Parramatta City Council plea for an interim heritage order to protect the house from bulldozers, citing cultural significance, the Daily Telegraph reports.

"The minister has announced he won't be putting the interim heritage order on the house, they already have the paperwork for demolition," Lord Mayor Paul Garrard was quoted, as saying.

"The wider community will be devastated, Richie Benaud made a great contribution to cricket. There is a case here for cool heads to think about it. This decision very much supports the developers," he added.

It has been reported that town houses will be built on the site.

Deputy Lord Mayor Chiang Lim had earlier this week said there was no way the council could legally reject the new proposal on the grounds that it was a site of "cultural significance".

The Benauds had sold the home in 2003. (ANI)

Source: Web Search

Where's the captain's knock?

Published>Sat, Aug 28 10 11:53 AM

From the time he landed on Sri Lankan soil 50 days ago, Mahendra Singh Dhoni has been in the spotlight even when he hasn't been on field. When the Test series started, the media glare was on the newly-married skipper. If it was his wife cooking meals for Dhoni in the Tests, then it was horse riding lessons for the couple during the tri-series.

On the field, Dhoni's woes came into prominence when he had to keep with a swollen finger. Often he was seen wincing in pain during the Test series and there were doubts about whether he would keep in the tri-series as back-up Dinesh Karthik was added to the ranks.

But Dhoni didn't give up the big gloves. In the do-or-die game against New Zealand, he retrieved balls that escaped towards third-man, often beating the fielder in that area. His decision to field four-medium pacers and drop left-arm spinner Pragyan Ojha paid off in Wednesday's game.

Invariably, when India had a bad day in the field - which were quite a few, to say the least - it was the captain who made himself available to answer difficult questions. However, despite this constant limelight, Dhoni the batsman has been conspicuously missing.

He didn't turn many heads in the longer format, other than his 76 runs at the SSC. This knock however, was overshadowed by Sachin Tendulkar's double century, a century on debut by Suresh Raina and Virender Sehwag's 99. At the P Sara Oval in the third Test, he wasn't required to bat in the second innings after making 15 in the first.

Struggling for form

The ODI series has been no different. But to Dhoni's credit, he hasn't shifted the blame from himself for the team's batting collapses. Along with Dhoni, Sehwag too has stressed that not much should be read into the batting failures of the side - especially the youngsters - as the World Cup will be played on far more docile wickets than the ones prepared at Dambulla.

Yet, for all the downplaying of results so far, Dhoni will be keen to maintain his side's dominance against Sri Lanka. Simply put, in four visits to this country, Dhoni has never tasted defeat in a series or in a final against the Islanders. Results such as a 3-2 series win (2008), 4-1 (2009), the tri-series (2009) - which included New Zealand - and the Asia Cup (2010) holds the captain in good stead. Although the Lankans take great pride in dominating at home, they have always fallen short against the Dhoni-led side.

In 25 months, Dhoni has faced the Sri Lankans 25 times. But Saturday's final is bound to be a tricky affair, played in breezy conditions on a lively wicket and under not-so-bright lights.

Seventy three runs in four innings so far has been far a from brilliant performance for the No.1 ranked batsman in ODIs. But things could change pretty quickly. Perhaps a move up the order in the final could do the trick. Perhaps it might add the extra something that his batting has required for almost two months in the island country.

Source: Web Search

Bopanna-Qureshi stun Bhupathi-Mirnyi; eye 1st ATP title win

Sat, Aug 28 10 10:57 AM

New Haven (USA), Aug 28 (PTI) Continuing their red-hot form, Rohan Bopanna and Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi advanced to their third ATP Tour final of the season with an upset win over second seeds Mahesh Bhupathi and Max Mirnyi at the Pilot Pen Tennis tournament here. The unseeded Indo-Pak pair beat the Indo-Belarusian combo 6-4, 6-4 in the semifinals of the USD 663,750 hard court US Open series event. They will take on Wimbledon finalists Robert Lindstedt and Horia Tecau, who defeated Julian Knowle and Andy Ram 6-4, 6-3 in their semifinal. With this win Bopanna and Qureshi have earned themselves a chance to with their first ATP tour title together. They had reached the final of the France event in May and Casablanca in April earlier in the year. Bopanna also reached the Atlanta final early in the Olympus US Open Series with Kristof Vliegen.

Source: Published>

Luka clocks personal best in Diamond League

Sat, Aug 28 10 10:51 AM

New Delhi, Aug 28 (PTI) Promising Indian middle distance runner Tintu Luka ran her personal best of 2:00.79 to finish eighth in the 800m race in the final leg of the Diamond League series in Brussels, Belgium. Luka, the protege of legendary Indian athlete P T Usha, came up with a creditable performance in the race which was taken part by top international athletes late last night. The 19-year-old Kerala runner failed to run sub two minutes which her coach Usha was expecting but had the satisfaction of leading the 10-athlete filed till the 600m mark which she completed in 1:28.75. But she failed to preserve herself for the final stretch of 200m, allowing seven of her competitors ran past her to cross the finishing line. Olympic and world championships silver medallist Janeth Jepkosgei of Kenya, who is expected to be one of Luka''s opponents in the October 3-14 Coomwealth Games here, won the race in 1:58.82 while World Indoor and European champion Mariya Savinova of Russia finished second in 1:59.49. World champion South African caster Semenya, who has been named in the South Africa''s team for the Commonwealth Games, finished third with a timing of 1:59.65, her season''s best. Semenya was recently given the green signal by the IAAF to return to competitive running a year after her controversial gender test during the World Championships in Berlin in August last year. Luka had also the satisfaction of finishing ahead of Great Britain''s Jemma Simpson who finished ninth with a timing of 2:01.13. Another Briton and European championships bronze medallist, Jennifer Meadows, who had decided to skip the Commonwealth Games, finished fifth, clocking 1:59.93. Luka will next run in the VTB Continental Cup, formerly World Cup of Athletics, on Septemebr 4 in Split, Croatia. Top eight athletes, two from each of the four continental groupings -- Asia Pacific, Europe, Americas and Africa -- will take part in the top-flight event. She is the leading athlete in Asian this season. She had clocked her earlier personal best of 2:01.24 in the July 29-30 Asian All Star Athletics Meet in New Delhi, a test event of the Commonwealth Games.

Source: Published>

Sania enters US Open main draw

Sat, Aug 28 10 10:37 AM

New York, Aug 28 (PTI) Sania Mirza sealed a berth in the women''s singles main draw of the US Open with a hard earned win over Columbia''s Catalina Castano in the qualifying event. The unseeded Indian overcame a second set lapse to beat her rival 6-1 1-6 6-3 in the third and final round in one hour and 48 minutes here. Sania saved four beakpoints and broke Catalina twice to race to a opening set lead. However, Catalina fought her way back by winning the second set, cashing in on both the break chances that came her way. In the final set, Sania saved four breakpoints and broke Catalina twice to book herself a spot in the main draw. It was for the first time since her breakthrough year in 2005 at Australian Open that Sania had to go through qualifiers to compete in a Grand Slam. Sania''s best Slam performance came at US Open in 2005 when she made the pre-quarterfinals. A recurrent wrist injury and loss of form dented Sania''s ranking heavily as she is now languishing at 160. Somdev Devvarman will represent India''s challenge in the men''s singles after earning a direct entry into the last Grand Slam of the season.

Source: Published>

Luka clocks personal best in Diamond League

Sat, Aug 28 10 10:07 AM

New Delhi, Aug 28 (PTI) Promising Indian middle distance runner Tintu Luka ran her personal best of 2:00.79 to finish eighth in the 800m race in the final leg of the Diamond League series in Brussels, Belgium. Luka, the protege of legendary Indian athlete P T Usha, came up with a creditable performance in the race which was taken part by top international athletes late last night. The 19-year-old Kerala runner failed to run sub two minutes which her coach Usha was expecting but had the satisfaction of leading the 10-athlete filed till the 600m mark which she completed in 1:28.75. But she failed to preserve herself for the final stretch of 200m, allowing seven of her competitors ran past her to cross the finishing line. Olympic and world championships silver medallist Janeth Jepkosgei of Kenya, who is expected to be one of Luka''s opponents in the October 3-14 Coomwealth Games here, won the race in 1:58.82 while World Indoor and European champion Mariya Savinova of Russia finished second in 1:59.49. World champion South African caster Semenya, who has been named in the South Africa''s team for the Commonwealth Games, finished third with a timing of 1:59.65, her season''s best. Semenya was recently given the green signal by the IAAF to return to competitive running a year after her controversial gender test during the World Championships in Berlin in August last year. Luka had also the satisfaction of finishing ahead of Great Britain''s Jemma Simpson who finished ninth with a timing of 2:01.13. Another Briton and European championships bronze medallist, Jennifer Meadows, who had decided to skip the Commonwealth Games, finished fifth, clocking 1:59.93. Luka will next run in the VTB Continental Cup, formerly World Cup of Athletics, on Septemebr 4 in Split, Croatia. Top eight athletes, two from each of the four continental groupings -- Asia Pacific, Europe, Americas and Africa -- will take part in the top-flight event. She is the leading athlete in Asian this season. She had clocked her earlier personal best of 2:01.24 in the July 29-30 Asian All Star Athletics Meet in New Delhi, a test event of the Commonwealth Games.

Source: Published>

Wozniacki maintains good form ahead of U.S. Open

Sat, Aug 28 10 08:57 AM

World number two Caroline Wozniacki battled into the final of the New Haven Open with a 1-6 6-3 7-6 win over Russia's Elena Dementieva on Friday as the Dane targets a third hardcourt title in four weeks.

Wozniacki, who will be the top seed at the U.S. Open next week, was late arriving in New Haven after playing a semi-final and final at the rain-hit event in Montreal on Monday and appeared out to struggle in the opening set.

The Dane recovered to win the second set but needed to dig deep in the third to keep her New Haven title defence alive.

With Dementieva serving to stay in the match at 6-5, Wozniacki had triple break point only to watch the Russian sweep the next five points to force a tiebreak, which she recovered to win 7-5 on her first match point.

Wozniacki can head to Flushing Meadows riding the momentum from claiming back-to-back titles with a victory over Nadia Petrova in Saturday's final.

The eighth seeded Russian rallied for a 2-6 6-2 6-2 win over compatriot Maria Kirilenko, who was bothered by a sore back that required treatment during the match.

Petrova dropped her serve twice in the opening set but would not be broken again reaching her 20th career final.

"When Maria called for the physio, those couple of minutes did very well for me," Petrova, told the WTA's official website (www.sonyericssonwtatour.com.). "I saw she was struggling and believed I could come back and win.

"I cut down on my mistakes and focused a lot on my serve."

The men's final will have ninth seed Sergiy Stakhovsky of the Ukraine taking on Uzbekistan's Denis Istomin.

Stakhovsky did not face a break point as he advanced with a tidy 6-3 6-4 win over the Netherlands Thiemo de Bakker.

Istomin, who is coached by his mother, battled past Serbia's Viktor Troicki 7-6 3-6 6-2 to reach Saturday's final where he will try to become the first player from Uzbekistan to win an ATP Tour title.

Source: Published>

Stop infighting, pick best hockey teams, says SC

Sat, Aug 28 10 06:53 AM

"Much ado about nothing," was the Supreme Court's reaction to a two-hour war of words among four sports bodies to decide which of them will field the country's national hockey teams for the Commonwealth Games. Justice R Raveendran made the remark after hearing the Sports Authority of India (SAI), Hockey India (HI), Indian Olympic Association (IOA) and Indian Hockey Federation (IHF), exasperated after realising that the same team of players, coaches and selectors were being fought over. "We do hope that what is relevant and important at this point is that the best teams India can put forward play in the Commonwealth Games, and not the internal squabbling among you," the Bench observed.

The responsibility to host the teams finally fell on HI in its capacity as the body affiliated to the International Hockey Federation (FIH). The IOA will work as the apex body during the Games, the court ordered.

Solicitor General Gopal Subramanium, appearing for SAI, protested HI's candidature to run the teams, claiming that SAI had got former players Zafar Iqbal and Ajit Pal Singh to groom the players.

HI counsel and senior advocate Mukul Rohtagi claimed the two as "our coaches." IOA lawyer Indu Malhotra said her's was an "umbrella" organisation with no expertise in hockey but was in court to field for HI. "This is for the first time I am hearing the Government of India say HI has no role in CWG," Malhotra said.

The IHF lawyer immediately protested, saying the IOA had sent teams to international events in 1975, 1988, 2000, 2004. The IHF, however, agreed that it did not want to sponsor the national teams at this time.

"If you cannot send a team, we will hear you at leisure," the Bench said. Deciding on a joint venture between HI and IOA, the Bench, also comprising Justice HL Gokhale, said in its order: "HI claims to be the national federation for hockey. IHF says it is not affiliated, and so not in a position to field a team. SAI wants IOA to field the teams. We find this a case of much ado about nothing. We accordingly direct as interim means that IOA and HI to field the Indian mean's and women's hockey teams in the Commonwealth Games". Justice Raveendran was later heard instructing his court master: "Please list after the Games". He also requested the lawyers to "please not come here anymore on this thing".

Source: Published>

Beaten Semenya has hopes of finding speed

Published>Sat, Aug 28 10 05:17 AM

World 800 metres champion Caster Semenya set her best time of the season, one minute 59.65 seconds, to finish third on her Diamond League debut and said she had hopes of going faster as she put a troubled year behind her.

The 19-year-old South African had to sit out of competition for 11 months after her astonishing gold-medal performance at last August's Berlin world championships while controversial gender tests were completed.

Semenya was cleared to race again last month and made her return in a couple of low-key races in Finland before appearing in Berlin, the site of her world title win, last weekend and breaking two minutes for victory.

"One minute 57 would be a good time for this year," Semenya told reporters after her first defeat of the season on Friday.

"I will be better with more races so I can run faster. No competition, no run fast," she added with a smile.

Semenya sprang to prominence last year with her rapid improvement over 800 metres and won the world title in 1:55.45 -- the fastest time of 2009.

Included in South Africa's squad for the Commonwealth Games in October, Semenya took the cautious approach in Brussels, running the first lap at the back of the pack.

She moved up the field on the outside in the final 200 but could not match the speed of former world champion Janeth Jepkosgei of Kenya and European gold medallist Mariya Savinova, who was second.

"I wasn't expecting to run fast like that," she said. "I'm happy with the time."

Source: Web Search

'It's a last minute patch up job to get the event going'

Published>Sat, Aug 28 10 04:37 AM

As Boria Majumdar and Nalin Mehta set out to unravel the layers of the Commonwealth Games 2010, they zeroed down on the title 'Sellotape Legacy' with "some degree of disappointment." They were "absolutely convinced that from here on what India can best achieve at the Games will be a Sellotape Legacy? it's a last minute patch up job to get the event going." They reveal how "there should have been one person with the sole authority of taking decisions, as was in the 1982 Asiad.

Rajiv Gandhi, for good or bad, could take calls as multiple decision makers are catastrophic for the Games." Majumdar and Mehta get candid with Sukalp Sharma on their research, experience, revelations, and all that has gone into their latest offering?Sellotape Legacy: Delhi and the Commonwealth Games.

You mentioned how sporting events "are about cities and nations and their places in the world." So, how would you rate the Commonwealth Games and Delhi?

As we have argued in the book the Games could surely have played a part in securing for India a place in the list of nations, which have played host to mega events. It is a well established strategy?use sport to position a nation in the world parliament of nations. China used Beijing to establish itself as the world's premier sporting power, beating the US was, for example, the real aim and the real intent was world supremacy. Given the state of affairs prevalent in Delhi, India will need a miracle to achieve this goal.

The Games, post-decolonisation, were used by countries like India as platforms for international political issues, apartheid in South Africa being the most prominent. But post-apartheid, are the Games just a burden of legacy and tradition?

The Games are dismissed by many as a posthumous celebration of a long-forgotten Empire. Others have played up their potential to revive Indian sport, offering rosy visions of an assembly line of Indian sportsmen and women turning us, overnight, into the next China. At their heart, the Commonwealth Games are about the politics of development and the raging ambitions of a rising India that so animate the middle classes and many decision makers in this country. The notion of projecting the capital city as a shining beacon of India's global power play has always been at the heart of Delhi's bid for the Commonwealth Games. And this is not entirely unfounded as we have seen with mega events across the world. From that standpoint, it is not just a burden of legacy and tradition.

You elaborate on how the Games can be used as a threshold to enter a new era of sporting culture. Is there still any realistic hope that CWG 2010 would usher that culture in India?

Almost impossible. And that's why we feel the pinch even more. It is time we spare a thought for our athletes. Except the handful of stars who have made the grade in terms of sponsorship, the majority of India's athletes have looked at the Commonwealth Games for years now as their moment under the sun. They have prepared under adverse conditions, strived day in and out to stand up for the country and trained with little incentives on offer. Athletes from the North East, who came out in huge numbers to support the Queen's baton relay when it made its way there, serve as evidence as to why we need to take the Games seriously. They, ones hardly spoken about amidst all talk of modernity and super power status, need the Games more than anyone else. It is India's final crack at having some kind of a sporting culture, failing which the sordid tale of Indian sport will face the desperate need for an epitaph.

Do you have apprehensions that the book might have a very short shelf life post-October 14? Why did you not wait until the end of the games to provide a complete overview?from history to build-up to the event itself?

Not at all. It will have a very long shelf life. You will always want to know the Delhi story?how did it all happen, what went wrong, where could we have improved, what was the real story from start to finish and this is the only book that documents the challenge over the last six years. The other four chapters will always stand the test of time- the story of the Games' origins, apartheid, Nehru and the Commonwealth etc. can make it to any book on the Commonwealth Games. We are delighted to be able to launch the book now when it is all so relevant.

How difficult was it to research for this book as it deals with a lot of areas from nitty-gritties of Delhi 2010 to the origin, development, and the politics of the Games? What would you consider your "wow" moment while researching?

Very difficult. There's no ready archive as you realise. We had to create our own archive, read pages of primary material?we have read almost 30 years of the sports pages of Toronto Star for example to understand the origin of the Games. There are many wow moments and it is extremely difficult to identify one. But if you insist I'd say to be able to reconstruct the story of the Games origins was extremely satisfying.

Source: Web Search

Fulham sign Mexico defender Salcido

Sat, Aug 28 10 03:57 AM

Experienced Mexico defender Carlos Salcido joined Fulham for an undisclosed fee from Dutch club PSV Eindhoven on Friday.

"It has always been an ambition to play in England in the Premier League," Salcido told the club's website (www.fulhamfc.com) after signing a three-year deal.

"The season has already started so I know I need to work hard with the manager (Mark Hughes) and the team to make sure that I settle quickly."

Salcido, who began his career with Guadalajara, was part of Mexico's 2006 and 2010 World Cup squads.

Source: Published>

Semenya beaten in Brussels, Gay wins

Published>Sat, Aug 28 10 03:37 AM

World 800 metres champion Caster Semenya finished third on her Diamond League debut in Brussels on Friday after a troubled season and in-form sprinter Tyson Gay notched up another win.

Gay, who had been due to face world-record holder Usain Bolt and Asafa Powell over the 100 metres only for the Jamaican pair to pull out injured, was made to work for his victory.

The American did not get the best start but delighted the sell-out crowd by coming through late to beat Nesta Carter of Jamaica in 9.79 seconds, 0.01 outside his world-leading time set in London two weeks ago.

Former world champion Gay, who inflicted a first 100 metres final defeat on Bolt in two years in Stockholm earlier this month and also defeated Powell this season, won the Diamond League trophy for the event.

"I'm not disappointed," Gay told reporters when asked about being denied the chance of going head-to-head with both his rivals.

"I'm a guy who wants to see my competitors healthy. I wish them the best of luck," added the 28-year-old who has himself been troubled by a groin problem this year.

"I'm sad for the fans as they were really looking forward to it."

South African Semenya, who was cleared to compete again last month after controversial gender tests had put her career on hold since she won the world title in August 2009, ran her best time of the season with one minute 59.65 seconds for third behind Kenya's Janeth Jepkosgei.

CAUTIOUS APPROACH

It was only the fourth race of the year, and first defeat, for the 19-year-old who was selected for South Africa's squad on Wednesday for the Commonwealth Games in October, and she appeared to take a cautious approach, spending the first lap at the back.

Semenya, running wide, moved up the field in the final 200 but could not match the speed of former world champion Jepkosgei and European gold medallist Mariya Savinova, who was second.

"She ran a little bit faster than in Berlin (1:59.90) and it was a very competitive race," Semenya's coach Michael Seme said.

"If everything is going well, Caster will compete at the Commonwealth Games."

Kenyan David Rudisha followed up his world record in Berlin five days ago with a victory over Abubaker Kaki Khamis in the men's 800 to take the Diamond League title.

Rudisha's winning time of 1:43.50 was more than two seconds slower than his world-record 1:41.09. Third at the bell, the 21-year-old moved to the front and coolly shrugged off the challenge of Sudan's Kaki in the home straight for victory.

Allyson Felix added the 200 metres Diamond League title to the 400 she won in Zurich last week.

The American, who has plans to run both distances at next year's world championships and the 2012 Olympics, came off the bend just ahead of compatriot Shalonda Solomon and calmly maintained her position to the line for victory in 22.61 seconds.

Reese Hoffa got a second successive Diamond League shot put victory over fellow American Christian Cantwell with a meeting record of 22.16 metres on his final attempt.

Cantwell, whose defeat to Hoffa in London two weeks ago was his first in 21 meetings, briefly held the lead after throwing 21.62 on the last round only for his compatriot, next in the circle, to better it.

World and European champion Blanka Vlasic maintained her domination of the high jump, clearing two metres to end her Diamond League season unbeaten.

Source: Web Search

Semenya beaten in Brussels but in form Gay wins again

Published>Sat, Aug 28 10 02:01 AM

World 800 metres champion Caster Semenya finished third on her Diamond League debut on Friday after a troubled season and in-form sprinter Tyson Gay notched up another win.

Gay, who had been due to face world-record holder Usain Bolt and Asafa Powell over the 100 metres only for the Jamaican pair to pull out injured, was made to work for his victory.

The American did not get the best start but came through late to beat Nesta Carter of Jamaica in 9.79 seconds, 0.01 outside his world-leading time set in London two weeks ago.

South African Semenya, who was cleared to compete again last month after controversial gender tests had put her career on hold since she won the world title in August 2009, ran a season's best one minute 59.65 seconds for third behind Kenya's Janeth Jepkosgei.

It was only the fourth race of the year, and first defeat, for the 19-year-old who was selected for South Africa's squad on Wednesday for the Commonwealth Games in October, and she appeared to take a cautious approach, running the first lap at the back.

Semenya, running wide, slowly moved up the field in the final 200 but could not match the speed of former world champion Jepkosgei and European gold medallist Mariya Savinova, who was second.

"She ran a little bit faster than in Berlin (1:59.90) and it was a very competitive race," Semenya's coach Michael Seme said.

"If everything is going well, Caster will compete at the Commonwealth Games."

Allyson Felix, competing in Brussels for the first time, added the 200 metres Diamond League title to the 400 she won in Zurich last week.

The American, who has plans to run both distances at next year's world championships and the 2012 Olympics, came off the bend just ahead of compatriot Shalonda Solomon and calmly maintained her position to the line for victory in 22.61 seconds.

Reese Hoffa got a second successive Diamond League shot put victory over fellow American Christian Cantwell with a meeting record of 22.16 metres on his final attempt.

Cantwell, whose defeat to Hoffa in London two weeks ago was his first in 21 meetings, briefly held the lead after throwing 21.62 on the last round only for his compatriot, next in the circle, to better it.

European champion Mahiedine Mekhissi Benabbad had the sell-out crowd on their feet early in the meeting when the Frenchman beat Kenya's Diamond League champion Paul Kipsiele Koech in the 3,000 steeplechase in a personal best time of eight minutes 2.52 seconds.

Source: Web Search

League suspends three players a total of eight games

Sat, Aug 28 10 01:17 AM

The NBA suspended three of its players without pay, including rookie of the year Tyreke Evans, a combined eight games for separate incidents that involve the league's drug policy and driving infractions.

Indiana Pacers guard Brandon Rush, a first-round draft pick in 2008 who averaged 9.4 points a game last season, received a five-game suspension for violating terms of the NBA's anti-drug program, the league said in a statement on Friday.

Kenny Hasbrouck of the Miami Heat was suspended two games after he pled guilty to driving while intoxicated in the state of New York.

Sacramento Kings guard Evans, coming off a season where he averaged 20.1 points per game, received a one-game suspension for pleading no contest to reckless driving in California.

The NBA said the suspensions will begin with the first game of the regular season the players are able to play.

Source: Published>

Trott and Broad save England with record stand

Published>Sat, Aug 28 10 12:57 AM

Jonathan Trott and Stuart Broad hit centuries at Lord's on Friday to save England with a record eighth-wicket stand after Pakistan fast bowler Mohammad Amir had blown away the early batting in the fourth and final test.

Trott batted all day to reach 149 not out, adding 244 with Broad (125 not out) to lead England to 346 for seven in their first innings at the close of the second day.

Broad, in an innings of genuine quality, scored his maiden test century and the first by an England number eight since John Murray against West Indies in 1966.

His partnership with Broad is an England record for the eighth wicket against Pakistan, and the second highest against any country.

The hosts, 2-1 up in the series, were reduced to 47 for five in the morning session after resuming on 39 for one. Only 12.3 overs were bowled on Thursday

Eighteen-year-old Amir picked up six for 73 in 23 outstanding overs. He took four wickets in eight balls without conceding a run from the Pavilion end, dismissing Alastair Cook (10) and Kevin Pietersen (0) caught behind from consecutive deliveries.

Paul Collingwood was then trapped lbw for a duck and Eoin Morgan was smartly caught at second slip by Yasir Hameed, also without scoring.

It was the first time the England number four, five and six had failed to score in a test innings.

Amir became the youngest player to capture 50 test wickets when Matt Prior was caught behind for 22 from the fourth delivery after lunch.

Graeme Swann was then caught in the gully by Azhar Ali off Amir for yet another duck.

MEMORABLE PARTNERSHIP

England, on 102 for seven, were in danger of succumbing for fewer runs than their previous lowest score of 130 against Pakistan.

Instead Trott and Broad combined in a memorable partnership which flourished as the Pakistan bowlers tired and the sun finally broke through to sap any remaining moisture from the pitch.

Trott moved confidently on to the front foot to drive through the covers and the mid-wicket area while Broad played like a top-order batsman.

He flicked Amir for a six over square-leg and played the shot of the day with a blazing off-drive from the same bowler.

Trott, who scored 226 in the Lord's test against Bangladesh this year, reached his century, courtesy of overthrows which raced to the boundary, in five minutes short of five hours with 13 fours.

Broad surpassed his previous highest test score of 76 and moved serenely to his hundred from 159 balls with nine

Source: Web Search

Lin Dan and Chong Wei exit world championship

Published>Sat, Aug 28 10 12:37 AM

Malaysia's world number one Lee Chong Wei exited the world badminton championships on Friday, beaten 21-15 11-21 21-12 in the quarter-finals by former world and Olympic champion Taufik Hidayat.

Less than an hour later, in another big surprise, titleholder Lin Dan succumbed 21-13 21-13 to 13th-seeded South Korean Park Sung-hwan.

Lin won the world title in 2006, 2007 and 2009 and the Olympic gold medal in Beijing in 2008 when there was no world championship.

Park told a media conference: "I've gone to the next level in badminton with this result."

Lin would only say: "I made too many mistakes and paid a heavy price for it."

The run of upsets continued when India's Saina Nehwal, seeded two in the women's singles, lost 21-8 21-14 to Chinese sixth seed Wang Shixian.

"I was trying to be more quick around the net but somehow my movement was very, very slow and I was feeling too tired today," said Nehwal.

There was disappointment too for the home crowd when Chinese-born Pi Hongyan, who plays for France, lost 21-13 21-15 to third seed Wang Xin of China.

Chong Wei's defeat continued his poor record at world championships and Olympic level but confirmed Hidayat's renaissance after he had slipped in the rankings in recent years.

The Malaysian top seed went into the match on a high after some fine displays in earlier rounds and with a 9-5 career head-to-head against his fifth-seeded Indonesian opponent.

However, a nervy start handed Hidayat the advantage with Chong Wei's touch at the net unusually suspect. He rallied a little from 9-15 to 12-15 but after that it was Hidayat's game.

RARE ERROR

Chong Wei was more of his old self in the second set but nerves returned in the third. Hesitancy round the net was compounded by a service fault, a rare error in badminton.

He led 8-5 and 10-8 but once Hidayat squared at 12-12 it was downhill all the way for the unhappy Malaysian.

Malaysia have never won a gold medal at a world championships since the tournament was inaugurated in 1977.

Chong Wei's cause on Friday was not helped by a back problem sustained on Thursday.

"It's quite painful," he told reporters. "I felt better when I woke up this morning but I pulled it again during the match."

Modest Hidayat, 29, put his win down to luck, saying: "I feel good both physically and mentally.

"Chong Wei wants the world championship because he's never got the big title, only the Super Series and the All England. But he's still young and can wait until next year."

In Saturday's semi-finals, Hidayat meets Park and second seed Peter Gade of Denmark plays China's Chen Jin, seeded four.

Gade beat Japan's Kazushi Yamada 21-19 21-12 and Chen came from behind to defeat Hsuan Yi Hsueh of Taiwan 22-24 21-5 21-13.

Malaysia still have a chance of gold thanks to their top-seeded pair in the men's doubles, Koo Kien Keat and Tan Boon Heong.

They battled past seventh-seeded South Koreans Jung Jae-sung and Lee Yong-dae 23-25 21-13 21-14 to reach Saturday's semi-finals.

Source: Web Search

Woods shares early second round lead at Barclays

Published>Sat, Aug 28 10 12:21 AM

Tiger Woods picked up where he left off with a birdie on his second hole to retain a share of the lead early in the second round of the Barclays tournament on Friday.

Woods, whose six-under-par 65 earned him a share of the lead after the first round, drained a four-foot birdie at the 475-yard par-four 11th to move to seven under par.

Kevin Streelman, who also started from the 10th hole, had a blistering second nine to complete an eight-under-par 63 that put him in the clubhouse on seven-under 135.

Streelman, who just missed out of joining a playoff the last time the Barclays was held at Ridgewood Country Club, made four birdies in a row from his 12th hole and rolled in an 11-foot birdie at the last to cap off a brilliant round.

One stroke away was fellow-American Stewart Cink, who posted a 69 for a two-round total of 136.

In the clubhouse another shot back on five-under-par 137 were Australian Adam Scott (71), Ireland's Padraig Harrington (68) and Americans Ben Crane (70), Tim Petrovic (69) and Webb Simpson (65).

Simpson birdied five of his last six holes to surge into contention at the opening event of the FedExCup playoffs.

The 121-man field was playing the ball down after being allowed to lift, clean and place on Thursday due to soggy conditions after heavy rain earlier in the week.

World number two Phil Mickelson was unable to take advantage of the receptive greens and looked likely to miss the cut after shooting 74 for a four-over-par total of 146.

However, Mickelson was assured of qualifying for the next tournament in the four-event playoffs, the Deutsche Bank Championship in Boston, based on being fourth in the standings entering the tournament.

The Barclays cut, to include the top 70 and ties, was projected to come at level par 142.

Source: Web Search

Juve sell Diego to Wolfsburg, take Quagliarella

Sat, Aug 28 10 12:15 AM

Fallen giants Juventus sold playmaker Diego to VfL Wolfsburg on Friday for much less than the fee they paid for him last year and quickly replaced the Brazilian with Napoli striker Fabio Quagliarella.

"Juventus announce an agreement has been finalised with VfL Wolfsburg for the sale of Diego for 15.5 million euros ($19.7 million)," the Italian club said in a statement.

Wolfsburg, the 2008-09 Bundesliga champions who, like Juve, are rebuilding under new coach Steve McClaren having limped in eighth last season, said Diego's contract would run until 2014.

Juve finished seventh in Serie A last term and new coach Luigi Del Neri had previously said Diego was going to count as one of his four 'strikers' this season.

The 25-year-old failed to shine in his year in Turin after signing from Werder Bremen for 24.5 million euros.

Juve decided to cash in and quickly made Quagliarella their eighth major pre-season signing, with time ticking down in the August transfer window.

"Juventus announce a deal with Napoli to loan Fabio Quagliarella with the right to sign him permanently at the end of the season," the Italians said.

EARLY DEBUT

The 27-year-old may face Bari in the club's Serie A opener on Sunday, given strikers Amauri and Vincenzo Iaquinta are injured.

Quagliarella will cost 15 million euros if bought outright.

Udinese forward Antonio Di Natale snubbed a move to Juve on Thursday so attention quickly turned to Quagliarella, one of the few Italy players to come out of a dismal World Cup with any credit after his fine goal in the defeat by Slovakia.

He said it was a dream when he joined hometown club Napoli from Udinese last year and went on to hit 11 league goals.

After being left out of Napoli's Europa League win over Elfsborg on Thursday he told angry fans: "Sometimes you have to think with your head not your heart".

Napoli are unlikely to replace him having already bought Uruguay World Cup striker Edinson Cavani from Palermo.

Media reports have also said Juve are close to selling forward David Trezeguet to Spanish top-flight team Hercules.

Source: Published>

Lin Dan and Chong Wei exit world championship

Published>Fri, Aug 27 10 11:57 PM

Malaysia's world number one Lee Chong Wei exited the world badminton championships on Friday, beaten 21-15 11-21 21-12 in the quarter-finals by former world and Olympic champion Taufik Hidayat.

Less than an hour later, in another big surprise, titleholder Lin Dan succumbed 21-13 21-13 to 13th-seeded South Korean Park Sung-hwan.

Lin won the world title in 2006, 2007 and 2009 and the Olympic gold medal in Beijing in 2008 when there was no world championship.

Park told a media conference: "I've gone to the next level in badminton with this result."

Lin would only say: "I made too many mistakes and paid a heavy price for it."

The run of upsets continued when India's Saina Nehwal, seeded two in the women's singles, lost 21-8 21-14 to Chinese sixth seed Wang Shixian.

"I was trying to be more quick around the net but somehow my movement was very, very slow and I was feeling too tired today," said Nehwal.

There was disappointment too for the home crowd when Chinese-born Pi Hongyan, who plays for France, lost 21-13 21-15 to third seed Wang Xin of China.

Chong Wei's defeat continued his poor record at world championships and Olympic level but confirmed Hidayat's renaissance after he had slipped in the rankings in recent years.

The Malaysian top seed went into the match on a high after some fine displays in earlier rounds and with a 9-5 career head-to-head against his fifth-seeded Indonesian opponent.

However, a nervy start handed Hidayat the advantage with Chong Wei's touch at the net unusually suspect. He rallied a little from 9-15 to 12-15 but after that it was Hidayat's game.

RARE ERROR

Chong Wei was more of his old self in the second set but nerves returned in the third. Hesitancy round the net was compounded by a service fault, a rare error in badminton.

He led 8-5 and 10-8 but once Hidayat squared at 12-12 it was downhill all the way for the unhappy Malaysian.

Malaysia have never won a gold medal at a world championships since the tournament was inaugurated in 1977.

Chong Wei's cause on Friday was not helped by a back problem sustained on Thursday.

"It's quite painful," he told reporters. "I felt better when I woke up this morning but I pulled it again during the match."

Modest Hidayat, 29, put his win down to luck, saying: "I feel good both physically and mentally.

"Chong Wei wants the world championship because he's never got the big title, only the Super Series and the All England. But he's still young and can wait until next year."

In Saturday's semi-finals, Hidayat meets Park and second seed Peter Gade of Denmark plays China's Chen Jin, seeded four.

Gade beat Japan's Kazushi Yamada 21-19 21-12 and Chen came from behind to defeat Hsuan Yi Hsueh of Taiwan 22-24 21-5 21-13.

Malaysia still have a chance of gold thanks to their top-seeded pair in the men's doubles, Koo Kien Keat and Tan Boon Heong.

They battled past seventh-seeded South Koreans Jung Jae-sung and Lee Yong-dae 23-25 21-13 21-14 to reach Saturday's semi-finals.

Source: Web Search

Juve sell Diego to Wolfsburg, take Quagliarella

Fri, Aug 27 10 11:37 PM

Fallen giants Juventus sold playmaker Diego to VfL Wolfsburg on Friday for much less than the fee they paid for him last year and quickly replaced the Brazilian with Napoli striker Fabio Quagliarella.

"Juventus announce an agreement has been finalised with VfL Wolfsburg for the sale of Diego for 15.5 million euros ($19.7 million)," the Italian club said in a statement.

Wolfsburg, the 2008-09 Bundesliga champions who, like Juve, are rebuilding under new coach Steve McClaren having limped in eighth last season, said Diego's contract would run until 2014.

Juve finished seventh in Serie A last term and new coach Luigi Del Neri had previously said Diego was going to count as one of his four 'strikers' this season.

The 25-year-old failed to shine in his year in Turin after signing from Werder Bremen for 24.5 million euros.

Juve decided to cash in and quickly made Quagliarella their eighth major pre-season signing, with time ticking down in the August transfer window.

"Juventus announce a deal with Napoli to loan Fabio Quagliarella with the right to sign him permanently at the end of the season," the Italians said.

EARLY DEBUT

The 27-year-old may face Bari in the club's Serie A opener on Sunday, given strikers Amauri and Vincenzo Iaquinta are injured.

Quagliarella will cost 15 million euros if bought outright.

Udinese forward Antonio Di Natale snubbed a move to Juve on Thursday so attention quickly turned to Quagliarella, one of the few Italy players to come out of a dismal World Cup with any credit after his fine goal in the defeat by Slovakia.

He said it was a dream when he joined hometown club Napoli from Udinese last year and went on to hit 11 league goals.

After being left out of Napoli's Europa League win over Elfsborg on Thursday he told angry fans: "Sometimes you have to think with your head not your heart".

Napoli are unlikely to replace him having already bought Uruguay World Cup striker Edinson Cavani from Palermo.

Media reports have also said Juve are close to selling forward David Trezeguet to Spanish top-flight team Hercules.

Source: Published>

Top seeds from Maharashtra in girls u-14 semifinal

Fri, Aug 27 10 10:53 PM

Chennai, Aug 27 (PTI) All the top four seeds -- three from Maharashtra and Simran Kaur Sethi of Delhi -- in the Under-14 girls section entered the semifinals of Adidas-MCC AITA National Junior Hard Court tennis championship here today. Sneha Devi Reddy, Druthi Venugopal and Rithuja Bhosle and Sethi scored easy victories over their respective rivals to book their places in the last four. In the boys under-18 category, fifth seeded Fateh Deep Singh caused a minor upset disposing of third seed P.Vignesh of Tamil Nadu 10-6. Punjabs Fatesh Deep joined Delhis Sumit Nagal and Sahil Deshmukh (Maha) in the semi final grade. In the girls under-18 section, qualifier Eetee Mehta of Gujarat defeated fellow qualifier Aksahra Iska of Andhra Pradesh 10-4 to progress to the semifinal. Others to make the grade are top seeded Aishwarya Agarwal (MP), second seed Sharmada Balu (Karna) and Sharan fourth seed Sanchana Paul (TN). Results of quarterfinal Matches: Boys Singles: Under-14: Sumit Nagal (DEL) bt Naveen Anand (HAR) 10-8, Fateh Deep Singh (PB) bt P.Vignesh (TN) 10-6, Sahil Deshmukh (MAH) bt Shailenar Boneface (HAR) 10-1. Girls Singles-Under 18: Aishwarya Agarwal (MP) bt Prarthana Thombre (MAH) 10-9(4), Eetee Metha (GUJ) bt Aksahra Iska (AP) 10-4, Sharan Sanchana Paul (TN) bt Ankita Bhatia (DL) 10-2, Sharmada Balu (KAR) bt Bhavishetty Sowjanya (AP) 10-5. Girls Singles-Under 14: Sneha Devi Reddy (MAH) bt Jasmine Kaur Bajaj(DL) 10-6, Druthi Venugopal (MAH) bt Prabhuthi Singhania (MAH) 10-6, Simran Kaur Sethi (DL) bt Akshara Iska (AP) 10-2 and Rithuja Bhosle (MAH) bt D.Mahitha (AP) 10-2. PTI RE VS BS

Source: Published>

Nadal aims to complete changing of the guard

Published>Fri, Aug 27 10 10:37 PM

Rafa Nadal lacks one item to complete the changing of the guard in world tennis and the Spaniard could sew that up during his visit to New York City for the U.S. Open.

Top-seeded Nadal has overtaken Roger Federer as world number one and major championship favourite, and shown he can cut it on the grass by winning his second Wimbledon this year.

Now the stage is set for the heavy-hitting Mallorcan to lift the one major missing from his collection and prove he is a man for all seasons and courts by adding to his five French, two Wimbledons and Australian title for a career grand slam.

But Nadal, 24, has never reached the final of the bruising hardcourt test in Flushing Meadows, too often worn out by the last grand slam of the season to thrive on the fast, rubberised concrete courts that have tested his troublesome knees.

Fit, well rested, hungry and armed with an improved volley to better shorten points, the left-hander looks poised for a breakthrough that could sweetly come in an Arthur Ashe Stadium finale against the second-seeded Federer.

"I am perfect mentally," French and Wimbledon champion Nadal, winner of five events this year, said when he started his hardcourt buildup this month for an assault on the Open.

However, 29-year-old Federer is not about to hand the keys to New York over to Nadal without a fight.

The Swiss master, whose string of five successive U.S. Open titles ended in a five-set loss to Juan Martin Del Potro of Argentina in last year's final, revved his engines for another Flushing Meadows campaign by winning the run-up event in Cincinnati after reaching the final in Toronto.

"Unfortunately we hardly ever get a chance to play here in the States where conditions maybe suit me more," Federer told reporters about getting a chance to cut into Nadal's 14-7 career head-to-head lead over him.

The men's tournament at the National Tennis Center, of course, is not a two-man affair.

Third seed Novak Djokovic of Serbia looms as a possible semi-finals hurdle for Federer, while fourth-seeded, in-form Briton Andy Murray could block Nadal's path to the final.

"I guess the top four have the best shot again, naturally," said 2010 Australian Open winner Federer, who will be gunning to extend his record to 16 grand slam crowns.

Del Potro will not be on hand to defend due to a wrist injury, but competition should be intense on the men's side.

"We can all play really well on the hardcourts. Murray has proven himself, so has Djokovic and so has Rafa. He's won the Australian Open," noted Federer. "Maybe the U.S. Open is a bit faster, so you figure Rafa will struggle a bit more."

While Djokovic has been battling health issues that might slow him down at the Open, Murray should have an added bounce to his step after beating Nadal and Federer to win in Toronto.

Murray, 23, is striving to become the first Briton to claim a grand slam crown since Fred Perry won the 1936 U.S. title.

Two other players banging on the grand slam door are Robin Soderling of Sweden and Czech Tomas Berdych.

Fifth-seeded Soderling knocked out defending champions Federer and Nadal in the last two French Opens, while seventh seed Berdych was a Wimbledon finalist after reaching the French semi-finals.

An "X" factor at the noisy National Tennis Center that houses the year's final slam could come from home crowd favorites including 2003 winner Andy Roddick (seeded ninth), John Isner (18), Mardy Fish (19) and Sam Querrey (20).

Source: Web Search

Boxer Lakra doubtful for Delhi CWG

Fri, Aug 27 10 10:23 PM

Jamshedpur, Aug 27 (PTI) Commonwealth championship bronze medal winning boxer Anthresh Lalit Lakra is doubtful for the upcoming Commonwealth Games because of a ligament injury, which he sustained at the conditioning camp in Patiala a few months ago. "I had suffered an injury in the knee during the conditioning camp for CWG at Patiala four months ago and not fully fit," Lakra, who won a bronze in 2005 Commonwealth Championship, told PTI here today. Asked whether he could be in shape to be in the ring for the October 3-14 quadrennial event in Delhi, Lakra said, "I am not certain as the doctor told me I need a couple of months to regain my full fitness." "I left the camp about two months ago after informing the concerned authorities. I am undergoing treatment at Mumbai and am not sure whether I will be fit by the time CWG begins," added Lakra, who also has a bronze in 2008 World championships. Lakra, an officer in the Indian Navy posted at Mumbai, had won a bronze medal in the Commonwealth Championship in 57 kg weight category boxing event in England. "Yes, I have already intimated it to the officials of the Indian Boxing Federation as well as my employers," he said when asked whether the injury was in the knowledge of the concerned officials.

Source: Published>

City tell unhappy Robinho, Adebayor to stay professional

Published>Fri, Aug 27 10 10:17 PM

Robinho and Emmanuel Adebayor, who are both unhappy and could leave Manchester City, need to remain professional and honour their contracts, the club's football administrator, Brian Marwood, said on Friday.

Robinho, who joined City for a British transfer record fee of 32.5 million pounds ($50.41 million) two years ago, and Adebayor, who signed from Arsenal for 25 million pounds last year, face uncertain futures at Eastlands.

Robinho spent six months of last season on loan at Santos in his native Brazil and said he wanted to stay there, but the club could not afford to buy him.

Adebayor is unhappy after starting the first two league matches of the new season on the bench.

Marwood told reporters after the Europa League draw here that there had been no developments on possible moves for either player, and that both would be included in City's 25-man Premier League squad if they are still at the club when the transfer deadline expires on Tuesday.

Adebayor threatened to leave City on Friday rather than spend the season out of the starting lineup, while Robinho's future at the club remains uncertain after he turned down a move to Turkish side Fenerbahce.

Marwood said: "There's no further update on Robinho -- there are a couple of clubs that have shown an interest but nothing has developed.

"If he stays beyond the deadline he will be part of the 25."

Marwood said he was not aware of Adebayor's remarks but added both players were obliged to honour their contracts.

"We are no different to any club -- they have signed contracts and made a commitment to the football club until both parties decide that they won't be at the club any longer," Marwood said.

"They have to remain professional, they have a contract and they have certain obligations to the football club."

Adebayor has started both of City's Europa League matches this season but could be on the bench when City visit Sunderland on Sunday.

Adebayor told Talksport radio: "The season is going to be very long and very difficult for myself. I'm a footballer and have to keep going and not give up. I need to keep fighting for myself and enjoying my football.

"If you're in a team and you're not playing, and there is a team that comes in for me, then I will definitely be on my way out because I'm a footballer and I love playing.

"So if I don't have a chance to play here there will be a lot of chance to play somewhere else. If they (Manchester City) force you out then you always have to follow your destiny."

Source: Web Search

Mohun Bagan-East Bengal to meet on Oct 9

Fri, Aug 27 10 10:07 PM

Kolkata, Aug 27 (PTI) Traditional rivals Mohun Bagan and East Bengal will lock horns for the first time this season in the Sahara Calcutta Football League (Premier Division) match on October 9 at the Yuba Bharati Krirangan here. The league, which started on August 17, will span over a period of three months with the last match being on November 17, the Indian Football Association (West Bengal) said while announcing the full fixture. Reigning champions Mohun Bagan will open their campaign against Tollygunge Agragami on September 1, while last season''s runners-up Chirag United SC will face Railway FC in their first match on August 30. East Bengal will take on Mohammaden AC in their opening encounter on August 31. The league has 17 Premier Division clubs of Kolkata vying for top honours. A total of 136 matches will be played across seven venues. Chirag will have Vidyasagar Krirangan in Barasat as their home venue, while Mohammedan Sporting will play their first three matches at YBK before moving base to their home ground. Mohun Bagan and East Bengal will play on their respective home grounds. The matches involving the top four Kolkata clubs will be held at YBK.

Source: Published>

Supreme Court permits Hockey India to pick CWG teams

Published>Fri, Aug 27 10 09:57 PM

New Delhi, Aug 27 (IANS) The Supreme Court Friday permitted the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) and Hockey India (HI) to select and field the men's and women's hockey teams for the Oct 3-14 Commonwealth Games.

'There is much ado about nothing', said the court, pointing to the contentions being raised by the sports ministry and Hockey India.

The court's observation came while taking note of HI's submission that 27 players have been short-listed and were being trained by coaches at Pune and that a selection committee of eminent hockey players Zafar Iqbal, Ajit Pal Singh, Govinda and Balbir Singh will pick the final squad.

The court was told that the selection team, coaches and the all expanses of the players was being bourn by the Sports Authority of India (SAI).

Taking note of the fact that the world over, even coaches were involved in the selection of teams, the court said that the coaches of the men's and women's hockey teams too would be involved in the process.

'It is unfortunate that we have to decide something which should have been decided by the sports authorities', said an apex court bench of Justice R.V. Raveendran and Justice H.L. Gokhale.

Solicitor General Gopal Subramanium, while contesting the claim of the HI to sponsor the team, said that the format of international sporting events and Olympic events was not valid for the Commonwealth Games as its federation was dealing with sporting activities.

The issue was clinched in the favour of HI after the Indian Hockey Federation said that it was not affiliated to the FIH world governing body and thus could not sponsor the team.

The IOA, which was being sponsored by the sports ministry, said that it was just an apex body and depended on national sports federation for organizing events. It said that it would require HI for sponsoring the hockey team.

The court said that if the IOA wanted to have any additional members on the selection committee then it could nominate them.

Source: Web Search

Saina crashes out of World Badminton quarters

Published>Fri, Aug 27 10 09:37 PM

Paris, Aug 27 (IANS) India's Saina Nehwal crashed out of the World Badminton Championships losing 8-21, 14-21 to Chinese Shixian Wang in the quarterfinals at the Pierre de Coubertin stadium here Friday.

With Saina's fall it was the end of the road for India as the ninth-seeded mixed doubles pair of Jwala Gutta and V. Diju also went down to 12th-seeded Korean Sung Hyun Ko, seeded 12th, 16-21, 19-21.

Saina, who had been in a terrific form this season with three back-to-back titles including two Super Series crown, found the going tough against Wang in the 34-minute contest.

In the first game, Saina and Wang were levelled at 6-6 before the Chinese took eight points in a row to take it beyond the Indian's reach. A rattled Saina could take only two more points as Wang finished the game in a jiffy.

In the second game, Saina was again under pressure as Wang opened up a comfortable 8-2 lead. She consolidated her position even as Saina tried to fight back. It proved to be futile as the gap was too much for Saina to cover.

In the mixed doubles, it became apparent mid-way through the first game when Diju clutched his lower back that movement at the back court was painful for him. Still he managed to earn points but the errors piled on.

'It was a struggle,' said Jwala. 'We knew we were in a strong position having beaten the same team before but with Diju struggling it was difficult to maintain a set momentum.'

'We knew we were the better team and it is very difficult to come to terms with this loss. Right after the match, Diju had to be rushed to the massage centre and I hope he recovers fast.'

It was also curtains for the men's doubles combination of Rupesh Kumar and Sanave Thomas, who lost to Denmark's Lars Paaske and Jonas Rasmussen 16-21, 16-21 in the pre-quarters Thursday.

On a day of major upsets, World No 1 Lee Chong Wei and three-times champion Lin Dan tumbled out of the men's singles.

Chong Wei lost 21-15, 11-21, 21-12 to Indonesian ace Taufik Hidayat in the quarter finals.

Chinese hotshot Dan suffered a rude shock after he lost 21-13, 21-13 to Park Sung Hwan of Korea.

'Perhaps it's not my luck to win the World Championship title,' said a dejected Chong Wei.

'I don't know what else to say. Maybe it's not my day.'

Chong Wei later admitted he was suffering from a back problem which he picked up after his round 3 match against England's Rajiv Ouseph a day earlier.

'I never faced such a situation before but my back is rather swollen and my movements are quite restricted. That's why I didn't jump much and played more at the net.'

Taufik, meanwhile, admitted he was still in disbelief after chalking the victory against his long time buddy.

'I can't believe it,' said Taufik.

'It was a tough game. Chong Wei's fitness levels are really good but my concentration was better. That was the winning factor.

'I still believe that Chong Wei and Lin Dan (of China) are still the two best players out there. I prefer to take one match at a time before setting my sights far ahead. Let's see what happens in the semi final.'

Also, in the men's doubles, Xu Chen-Guo Zhendong ended former world champions Lars Paaske-Jonas Rasmussen of Denmark's campaign with a 21-16, 23-21 win.

Source: Web Search

Advani, Sethi knocked knocked out of World Billiards Championships

Published>Fri, Aug 27 10 09:17 PM

Pune, Aug 27 (IANS) India's Pankaj Advani and Geet Sethi were knocked out from the semi-finals of the International Billiards and Snooker Federation (IBSF) World Billiards Championships here Friday.

Mike Rusell of England got the better of defending champion Advani with the scoreline of 1417-1300 in his favour.

The Indian was behind by 600 points in the first session but closed the gap in the second with breaks of 231, 255, 185 and 317. It did not prove to be enough as the Englishmen recorded a break of 308 at the end to close out the match. Advani had earlier lost to Russell 0-6 in the final of the point format.

Sethi lost to Peter Gilchrist of Singapore 1668-1022 in the first semi-final. Sethi was leading by 387 points at one point but Gilchrist kept his composure to fire a break of 597 to eventually win the match.

Mike Russell will play England-born Peter Gilchrist in the final.

Results:

Semi-finals:

Peter Gilchrist (Sin) beat Geet Sethi (Ind) 1668 (87, 610, 247, 67, 454, 57)-1022 (65, 135, 170, 103, 63, 143, 53)

Mike Russell (Eng) beat Pankaj Advani (Ind) 1417 (62, 334, 186, 177, 125, 308)-1300 (231, 255, 185, 317, 81).

Source: Web Search

SC allows IOA, HI to field Indian hockey team for CWG

Published>Fri, Aug 27 10 09:07 PM

New Delhi,August 27 (ANI): The Supreme Court today allowed the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) and Hockey India (HI) to field the men's and women's teams in the upcoming Commonwealth Games.The order was passed after Hockey India's rival Indian Hockey Federation admitted that it was not affiliated to the International Hockey Federation (FIH) Indian Olympic Association also said that it recognizes only Hockey India as the National Federation.

Source: Web Search

All CWG works to be over before its commencement on Oct 3: CM

Fri, Aug 27 10 08:57 PM

New Delhi, Aug 27 (PTI) With just 36 days left for Commonwealth Games and incessant rains delaying key projects, Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit today refused to spell any deadline for their completion and only said all works will be over before commencement of the event on October 3. Dikshit''s comment came just four days ahead of expiry of the "final deadline of August 31", set by her last month, to complete all the works linked to the event, including the key Barapullah Nallah elevated road project which will link Games Village with the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium. "It has been raining very heavily which has affected our works. If rain stops and sun comes out then we should be able to complete all the work by September 10. Otherwise we will have to extend the deadline," she told reporters after inaugurating a parking facility near JLN Stadium. "But we are confident by grace of God we will be able to finish everything before October 3," she said. The Chief Minister also took potshots at the media for the negative publicity about the Games and said "things are being exaggerated." "I do not know why it is being done. It is not an event of any party. It is an event of the whole country. The pride of the country is associated with it," she said. The Chief Minister said the deadline for removal of debris across the city has also been extended to September 10 instead of August 31. Officials said out of the 34 major projects undertaken by Delhi Government to enhance the city''s infrastructure, 15 are yet to be completed. Giving an account of various projects being developed by the city government to augment city infrastructure ahead of the sporting event, she said "Delhi will wear a different look when the Games begin." She said the Barapullah Nallah elevated road will be extended to INA market which will provide a direct link from East Delhi to South Delhi. The parking facility, also an important Games project, has been constructed at a cost of Rs 304 crore by the MCD by covering Kushak and Sunheri Nallah near the stadium. Dikshit described it as a permanent infrastructure for Delhi though it has been specially constructed to provide ample parking facility during the Games. It will have parking capacity for 820 low floor buses. Delhi Mayor P R Sawhney said the construction of the parking lot was a challenging assignment. He said 10,000 jhuggis were to be relocated to develop it and the project also involved shifting of huge number of pipelines of various utilities including DJB, MTNL and BSES. .

Source: Published>

Bhullar best Indian after first round at Gleneagles

Published>Fri, Aug 27 10 08:47 PM

Perthshire (Scotland), Aug 27 (IANS) A bogey on his final hole in the first round was the lone blemish for Gaganjeet Bhullar, playing in his first tournament of the year in Europe, as he shot a three-under 69 at the Johnnie Walker Championship at Gleneagles.

Bhullar, who received a special invite for the event, was the best of the five Indians on view in the first round. Bhullar, who started from the tenth, shot four birdies in his first 10 holes and then parred the rest till the ninth, his final hole for the day. He was tied 19th Thursday.

Jyoti Randhawa shot a two-under 70 and his line mistake came on the ninth, where he bogeyed. Jeev Milkha Singh, despite a double bogey on his final hole, also the ninth, carded a one-under 71. Shiv Kapur with three birdies on the back nine of the course, had seven bogeys, including six on the front stretch of the course, for a card of 76. SSP Chowrasia shot 77.

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Mumbai, Punjab enter final of Buchi Babu cricket

Published>Fri, Aug 27 10 08:37 PM

Chennai, Aug 27 (IANS) Mumbai and Punjab entered the final of the Buchi Babu Memorial All-India cricket tournament here Friday, defeating Karnataka and Kerala, respectively.

Mumbai made light of the target to rout Karnataka by nine wickets. Karnataka had made 265 for nine in 90 overs, but the Mumbai pair of Sushant Marathe (141 not out, 5 x 6, 7 x 4) and Kaushtab Pawar (101 not out, 2 x 6, 10 x 4) put on 243 runs for the unbroken second wicket to carry their side to a comfortable win.

In the other semi-final, Punjab made 257 for nine and then dismissed Kerala for 204 with leg-spinner Rahul Sharma claiming six for 58.

Brief scores:

Karnataka 265 for 9 in 90 overs (KL Rahul 39, Stuart Binny 50, C Raghu 52, Abrar Khazi 40 not out, Abhishek Nair 5-65) lost to Mumbai 266/1 in 80.3 overs (Sushant Marathe 141 not out, Kaustab Pawar 101 not out).

Punjab 257 for 9 in 90 overs (Karan Goel 79, Mandeep Singh 33, Rahul Sharma 69 not out, Ramesh 3-43) beat Kerala 204 all out in 79.3 overs (Sambasiva Sharma 33, Rohan Prem 39, Rizwan 39, Sunil Thomas 45, Rahul Sharma 6-58).

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Sutil second fastest in FP2

Fri, Aug 27 10 08:23 PM

Spa-Francorchamps (Belgium), Aug 27 (PTI) Force India''s Adrian Sutil sizzled in the rain-soaked Spa circuit to post the second fastest time in the second free practice session ahead of Sunday''s Belgian Grand Prix here today. The German clocked 1:49.157 seconds in his 17 laps in the second session of the day which was marred by extreme weather conditions. Sutil''s team-mate Vitantonio Liuzzi was 15th on the timesheet after the Italian posted 1:51.520 secs on the clock. Ferrari''s Fernando Alonso was the quickest of the day with a timing of 1:49.032 secs, while Sutil''s close mate Lewis Hamilton of McLaren-Mercedes set the third fastest time. Renault''s Robert Kubica was fourth fastest, followed by Felipe Massa of Ferrari. Championship leader Mark Webber struggled in the wet conditions to be 18th on the time sheet. Earlier, in the opening practice session Sutil set the fifth quickest time while Liuzzi was 15th. Alonso also topped the opening free practice session in the morning which was greeted by heavy rains and a cloudy sky. PTI SSC DB

Source: Published>

Mumbai sets up title clash with Punjab

Fri, Aug 27 10 07:53 PM

Chennai, Aug 27 (PTI) Sushant Marathe and Kaushtab Pawar slammed unbeaten centuries to help Mumbai score a nine-wicket win over Karnataka and set up a title clash with Punjab in the Buchi Babu Memorial Cricket tournament here today. Marathe hit 141 (230 b, 7x4, 5x6), while Pawar cracked 101 (10x4, 2x6). Chasing 266 in 90 overs, opener Marathe and Pawar proved to be a bundle of confidence as they achieved the target in just 80.3 overs. The two added 243 runs in 71.2 overs for the unfinished second wicket. In another match, Punjab, who made 257 for nine yesterday, managed to inflict a 53-run defeat over Kerala, thanks to a superb display by leg spinner Rahul Sharma, who claimed six for 58 (23.3-5-58-6). For Kerala, Sambasiva Sharma (33) and Rohan Prem (39) put on 72 runs in 29.2 overs for the second wicket and Rizwan (39) and Sunil Thomas (45) made 69 runs between them for the eighth wicket. After a day''s rest tomorrow, Mumabi and Punjab will clash in the final on Aug 29. Brief scores: Karnataka 265/9 in 90 overs lost to Mumbai 266/1 in 80.3 overs (Sushant Marathe 141 not out, Kaustab Pawar 101 not out) and Punjab 257/9 IN 90 overs beat Kerala 204 all out in 79.3 Overs (Sambasiva Sharma 33, Rohan Prem 39 Rizwan 39, Sunil Thomas 45, Bharat Loomba 2/34 and Rahul Sharma 6/58).

Source: Published>

Brasa's fallout with Hockey India is over Prabhjot's recall

Published>Fri, Aug 27 10 07:47 PM

New Delhi, Aug 27 (IANS) India's chief hockey coach Jose Brasa is unhappy for not having a free hand in the selection of the national team and it stems from Hockey India's (HI) rejection of the Spaniard's request to include senior player Prabhjot Singh in the ongoing national camp in Pune for the Oct 3-14 Commonwealth Games.

Brasa reportedly lashed out at HI and his employers Sports Authority of India (SAI) for not allowing him to select the team as is the trend in most countries.

The Spaniard's repeated requests to call back Prabhjot to the camp has fallen on the deaf ears of HI. Brasa had sent two e-mails to HI secretary-general Narinder Batra to drive home the point.

'I would like to let you know that I want Mr. Prabhjot Singh to be called to join the camp at Balewadi, as soon as possible. I kindly ask you do the needful to get Prabhjot Singh back in the camp,' Brasa wrote to Batra in the e-mail Aug 20, a copy of which is with IANS.

Brasa sent another email a day later, saying that the team management is also in favour of Prabhjot's inclusion in the squad.

'I sent you yesterday an e-mail saying that I agree to call Prabjot Singh to the camp. Today early morning in the meeting of our coaching staff, all coaches, physical trainer, doctor, physio, everybody agreed to call Prabjot Singh back to the camp. Please, I kindly ask you to do the needful to get Prabjot Singh here in Pune as soon as possible,' Brasa wrote.

The 30-year-old Prabhjot, a senior member in the Indian team, was dropped from the squad after India's poor performance in the World Cup at home.

India finished eighth in the tournament and senior players like Prabhjot, Deepak Thakur, who were seen as the faces of the revolt against HI on the issue of pending payments, and Sandeep Singh were dropped from the squad.

Though Sandeep was later recalled, Prabhjot and Deepak were not fortunate enough.

Brasa had been vocal in his demand of getting a free hand in the selection of the team.

HI sources told IANS that till the World Cup, Brasa got all the players he wanted but after a poor World Cup performance, he was clearly told that he will have to work with the team given by the selection committee.

'Earlier, the selection committee used to pick players of Brasa's choice. It is only after India's poor performance in the World Cup that the selection committee was asked by the federation to build a team for the future,' a source said.

It is also understood that the coaching staff was divided over the issue of recalling Prabhjot as some felt it would set a wrong precedent.

Prabhjot, when contacted, said he has been performing well in the domestic tournaments and was bewildered at being overlooked.

'I was the top scorer in the Bangalore league and later in the Chief Minister's Gold Cup. My performance in the German league and Muruguppa Cup was also good. So, why am I being overlooked for the national team?' Prabhjot asked.

Meanwhile, Brasa has been gagged by the Sports Authority of India (SAI), which issued a new diktat barring the head coaches from talking to the media.

'I have received an e-mail Thursday forbidding me from talking to media. It said that all the head coaches have been asked to concentrate on coaching for the Commonwealth Games,' Brasa told IANS.

Asked when the Indian team would arrive here for the Games' preparations, Brasa said: 'That's a million-dollar question. I want the team to practice there (New Delhi) from tomorrow. I also want to know when we will practise at the venue.'

Source: Web Search

SPORT-RACE

Fri, Aug 27 10 07:23 PM

Mysore, Aug 27 (PTI) Following are the results of Fourth day races held here today. 1st race: Hemavathi Plate - 1600 M. Spark of Galaxy (P Arun Kumar) 59.5 S John first Hamsafar 50.5 Vinod Shinde second Black Super Star 61 N Rajesh third Star of Stars 59 S Zervan fourth All Ran Won By : 6-1/4Ls, 4-1/2Ls and 3/4Ls Time : One minute, 45.74 seconds Tote : Rs 24 for win. Rs 13, Rs 16 and Rs 60 for places Favourite : Spark of Galaxy Winner Trained by : Pradeep Annaiah K Forecast: Rs 74 Quinella : Rs 34 SHP : Rs 44 Trin : 70 pct Rs 830 30 pct Rs 520. .

Source: Published>

High Hopes

Published>Fri, Aug 27 10 07:17 PM

Corruption, delays, overspend, civic mess, egg on the national face, it all seems to be so very Indian and so very acceptable, at least that's what the Mood of the Nation reflects.

Suresh Kalmadi and Co. can find some solace in the fact that a majority of respondents believe that the Commonwealth Games will be a success, but with a cautionary note: it's probably more to do with the unique Indian art of 'jugaad', or band-aid solutions, than any vote of confidence in the Organising Committee, or Disorganising Committee, as many prefer to call it.

What's more surprising is that Delhi, the unfortunate receptacle of the construction chaos, gives it a solid thumbs up, with 57 per cent predicting success. West Bengal is among the two states-Madhya Pradesh is the other-that raises the red flag but overall it's a positive vote, one that believes that Shera can actually change its stripes.

Most think that the Games will be a success because of the unique Indian 'jugaad' and not because of Kalmadi and his colleagues.

There is, however, a rude reality check for Kalmadi and his colleagues: the majority view is that India's poor sports record and performance is primarily because of its sports administrators. Hardly a revelation but across the board, with solitary exceptions, respondents believe that the Government's sports policies are less to blame than the games administrators play.

Maybe the medal haul at the Commonwealth Games may belie that belief but don't hold your breath. Nor should Lalit Modi. The poll shows that a majority of respondents believe he is the villain of the IPL piece rather than the innocent victim he is portraying himself as. In very few states is there a dominant view that he is a casualty of cricket politics, suggesting that his innings has come to a close.

- Who is your role model?

APJ Abdul Kalam -

19% Amitabh Bachchan

10% Sachin Tendulkar

10% Anil Ambani

6% Kiran Bedi

All figures in per cent

Rest: Don't know/Can't say

- What do you think of Lalit Modi?

The villan of IPL - 32%

Avictim of politics - 21

- Will the 2010 Games be a success in India?

Yes - 37

No - 12

- Who is to blame for India's poor record in sports?

The Government - 25

Sports officials - 44

All figures in per centRest: Don't know/Can't say

India's poor performance in sports is being blamed on sports administrators, not on the Government's policies.

Dilip Bobb

Reproduced From India Today. ? 2010. LMIL. All rights reserved.

Follow us on Twitter!

Source: Web Search

Star Academy wins Farid Sait Memorial Cup

Fri, Aug 27 10 07:07 PM

Chennai, Aug 27 (PTI) ''Star Academy'', ridden by jockey C Umesh and trained by R Karthik, won the Farid Sait Memorial Cup, the chief event of the races held here today. The winner is owned by S A Kumar. Trainers R Karthik and Fahad Khan saddled two winners each. Jockeys C Umesh and Saddam Iqbal rode three and two winners respectively. Two favourites obliged in a card of six events.

Source: Published>

High Hopes

Published>Fri, Aug 27 10 06:53 PM

Corruption, delays, overspend, civic mess, egg on the national face, it all seems to be so very Indian and so very acceptable, at least that's what the Mood of the Nation reflects.

Suresh Kalmadi and Co. can find some solace in the fact that a majority of respondents believe that the Commonwealth Games will be a success, but with a cautionary note: it's probably more to do with the unique Indian art of 'jugaad', or band-aid solutions, than any vote of confidence in the Organising Committee, or Disorganising Committee, as many prefer to call it.

What's more surprising is that Delhi, the unfortunate receptacle of the construction chaos, gives it a solid thumbs up, with 57 per cent predicting success. West Bengal is among the two states-Madhya Pradesh is the other-that raises the red flag but overall it's a positive vote, one that believes that Shera can actually change its stripes.

Most think that the Games will be a success because of the unique Indian 'jugaad' and not because of Kalmadi and his colleagues.

There is, however, a rude reality check for Kalmadi and his colleagues: the majority view is that India's poor sports record and performance is primarily because of its sports administrators. Hardly a revelation but across the board, with solitary exceptions, respondents believe that the Government's sports policies are less to blame than the games administrators play.

Maybe the medal haul at the Commonwealth Games may belie that belief but don't hold your breath. Nor should Lalit Modi. The poll shows that a majority of respondents believe he is the villain of the IPL piece rather than the innocent victim he is portraying himself as. In very few states is there a dominant view that he is a casualty of cricket politics, suggesting that his innings has come to a close.

- Who is your role model?

APJ Abdul Kalam -

19% Amitabh Bachchan

10% Sachin Tendulkar

10% Anil Ambani

6% Kiran Bedi

All figures in per cent

Rest: Don't know/Can't say

- What do you think of Lalit Modi?

The villan of IPL - 32%

Avictim of politics - 21

- Will the 2010 Games be a success in India?

Yes - 37

No - 12

- Who is to blame for India's poor record in sports?

The Government - 25

Sports officials - 44

All figures in per centRest: Don't know/Can't say

India's poor performance in sports is being blamed on sports administrators, not on the Government's policies.

Dilip Bobb

Reproduced From India Today. ? 2010. LMIL. All rights reserved.

Follow us on Twitter!

Source: Web Search