Watson, Haddin got calls from bookie-linked gangster: Report

Tue, Aug 31 10 10:27 AM

Melbourne, Aug 31 (PTI) Australian cricketers Shane Watson and Brad Haddin were approached by a suspected Mumbai gangster, linked with bookmakers in India, during the tour of England last year, a media report claimed today. A report in the Sydney Morning Herald said Watson was approached in the bar of the team''s West London hotel, the Royal Kensington Garden, after the Lord''s Test, and Haddin was confronted during the World Twenty20 tournament last year. "Both players had immediately reported the approaches to the authorities and neither is suspected of any wrongdoing," the newspaper said. The report has come after spot-fixing allegations against several Pakistani cricketers, including captain Salman Butt, have shocked the world cricket. Mazhar Majeed, an alleged match fixer, claimed in a sting operation by a British tabloid that several Pakistani cricketers were involved in spot and match fixing. This led to Majeed''s arrest and investigation into the issue by the International Cricket Council and Scotland Yard. The London Police has already questioned pace duo of Mohammed Asif and Mohammad Aamer and stumper Kamran Akmal. During the fourth Test against England, which finished on Sunday, Asif and Aamer bowled no-balls at the exact moments predicted by Majeed to an undercover journalist, who paid him 150,000 pounds for the information. According to Sydney Morning Herald, Watson and Haddin were approached by the same man, who sought to procure information from other international cricketers and at least one member of the media during the World Twenty20 tournament in England. "Senior International Cricket Council sources described him as a Mumbai gangster with links to illegal bookmakers in India," the report said. "A Cricket Australia spokesman yesterday confirmed approaches had been made to two players during the tour of England, and to a CA official. Watson and Haddin declined to comment," the report added.

Source: Published>

Federer claims U.S. Open win with a flourish

Published>Tue, Aug 31 10 10:17 AM

Roger Federer served notice he was still a powerhouse at the U.S. Open and punctuated his performance with another sensational shot for the ages in a first-round rout over Argentine Brian Dabul Monday.

Federer, whose run of five successive U.S. titles was snapped last year in a five-set final against Argentine Juan Martin Del Potro, closed the opening day's action with a 6-1 6-4 6-2 victory on Arthur Ashe center court.

The Swiss maestro turned master showman when he reprised the between-the-legs winner he hit last year in the semi-finals against Serbia's Novak Djokovic with an equally spectacular between-the-legs winner that left Dabul stunned on the other side of the net late in the second set.

Federer threw his arms up in triumph while cheers rained down and fans showed their adulation by bowing to the 16-time major champion while Dabul applauded with his racket.

"I've only hit a few in my life and two on center court in night session play here in New York," the second-seeded Federer said in an on-court interview. "It's amazing to share this moment with you guys. Thanks for the ovation and I love it."

Federer raced back to retrieve a lob from left-hander Dabul and with his back to his opponent, stretched to reach it from well beyond the baseline and uncorked a rifle shot through his legs that rocketed deep into the backhand corner leaving the Argentine frozen in stunned appreciation.

The incredible shot highlighted a bravura performance by Federer, who improved to 16-0 under the lights at Arthur Ashe Stadium and guaranteed himself a spot in the ATP World Finals.

Federer blasted 18 aces to none for Dabul and cranked out 46 winners to his opponent's four.

"I've never lost night sessions. I feel very much at home here," said the 29-year-old Federer. "I always come out and played some good tennis here over the years. I've been in six straight finals.

"I would like to go there again this year. The path is long and rough, we'll see how it goes. I'm excited to be back and playing well."

The second-seeded Federer next plays Germany's Andreas Beck, who beat compatriot Michael Berrer in straight sets.

Source: Web Search

Sania crosses first hurdle, Somdev crashes out

Tue, Aug 31 10 10:07 AM

New York, Aug 31 (PTI) Sania Mirza won her fourth match on the trot to cruise to the second round of US Open but it was an early exit for Somdev Devvarman, who lost his opening round in the men''s singles event. Sania, who entered the women''s singles as a qualifier, scored an easy 6-3, 6-2 win over fellow qualifier Michelle Larcher de Brito of Portugal in the first-round match. Somdev, who earned a direct entry into a Grand Slam for the first time, went down fighting against the South Africa''s Kevin Anderson 3-6 4-6 3-6 in his first round in the men''s singles event. The defeat means that Somdev has not gone beyond the first round in Grand Slams this season. He had failed to qualify for the Australian Open and the Wimbledon and lost in the first round of the French Open. A second round appearance at the US Open last year remains his best performance in the Slams. It took Sania one hour and 17 minutes to dispatch her rival and set up a second round clash with Russian 20th seed Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova. "For me, the fact that I am still capable of going on court and winning four matches in a row gives me a lot of confidence that I still have the ability," the number one female Indian player said after her win. "I am just going to enjoy it. I was happy when I won the first round of the qualifiers and I am happy again today. I love playing here on the hardcourts in New York and always seem to do well here," she added. Sania was forced to go through the qualifers of Grand Slam for the first time since 2005 due to low ranking. Poor form and wrist injury dented her ranking heavily as she is languishing at 159 in world.

Source: Published>

Last survivor of 1930 FIFA World Cup dies

Published>Tue, Aug 31 10 09:47 AM

Buenos Aires, Aug 31 (IANS/EFE) Iconic Argentine football player Francisco Varallo, the last surviving participant of the first World Cup, died Monday at his home in Buenos Aires. He was 100.

Varallo was the youngest player in the Argentine national squad that lost to Uruguay by a score of 4-2 in the final of the first World Cup, played July 30, 1930, in Montevideo's Centenario stadium.

'The little cannon', as fans dubbed him, once held the all-time scoring record - 194 goals - with Boca Juniors, Argentina's most popular club. He was surpassed last year by veteran striker Martin Palermo.

'I remember clearly that final with Uruguay, which marked me forever,' Varallo had recalled in February, on the occasion of his 100th birthday. 'We had a great team, but some players weakened in the second half and we lost.'

'Everyone asks me about that match, in which I shouldn't have played because I was very young, I didn't have experience. Sometimes I prefer not to remember what happened in Montevideo,' he said.

Source: Web Search

Former champion Hewitt outlasted by Frenchman Mathieu

Published>Tue, Aug 31 10 08:17 AM

Former world number one Lleyton Hewitt suffered his earliest ever exit from the U.S. Open when he was edged out 6-3 6-4 5-7 4-6 6-1 by Frenchman Paul-Henri Mathieu in the first round on Monday.

The Australian, champion at Flushing Meadows in 2001 and seeded 32nd, showed typical grit to fight back from two sets down but Mathieu gathered himself to win the decider and clinch victory after three hours 39 minutes.

Hewitt, who had a second bout of hip surgery in January, looked down and out when Mathieu won the first two sets with a sparkling array of winners but the Australian hit back as the Frenchman's nerve faltered.

But Mathieu, who has dropped from a career-high ranking of 12 to 109 after a series of injuries, broke serve three times in the fifth set to clinch a dramatic victory.

Source: Web Search

Venus Williams wins opening night match at U.S. Open

Published>Tue, Aug 31 10 07:57 AM

Venus Williams showed some effects of a troublesome knee but displayed enough of her trademark power to beat Italian Roberta Vinci 6-4 6-1 in the opening night match of the U.S. Open on Monday.

Twice former champion Williams winced after landing on her left leg while striking a swinging forehand volley in the first set but the third-seeded American battled on in her first match since Wimbledon.

Williams, the top American in the draw since her sister and world number one Serena Williams did not enter the championship due to a foot injury, blasted in 10 aces under the lights on the Arthur Ashe Stadium centre court..

The 30-year-old Williams will next meet Canadian Rebecca Marino, who beat Ksenia Pervak of Russia in her first-round match.

Source: Web Search

Australia beat Japan 2-1, Dutch hammer India

Tue, Aug 31 10 07:17 AM

Australia were made to work hard for a 2-1 victory over Japan in their opening Pool A match at the women's World Cup on Monday.

Germany also had their work cut out to beat New Zealand 2-0 but Olympic and world champions Netherlands swept past India 7-1 on the second day of the tournament in Rosario.

A penalty corner after 14 minutes led to Cobie McGurk's opening goal for twice world champions Australia but possession kept changing hands in a tight match.

Captain Madonna Blyth put the Australians two up when she scored from open play with eight minutes remaining, but Japan bounced back within a minute with a goal by Kaori Chiba to keep the tension to the end.

Maartje Paumen scored the second hat-trick of the tournament in the second half against India after Argentina's Luciana Aymar had hit three in her team's 5-2 win over South Africa in Pool B on Sunday.

The Dutch quickly went ahead with Marilyn Agliotti's volley but India hit back in the 24th minute through Rani Rampal.

Parity was short-lived, though, as goals from Ellen Hoog and Kim Lammers gave Netherlands a 3-1 lead at halftime.

In the second half, Paumen scored from two penalty corners either side of a penalty stroke and Lammers hit her second from the top of the circle.

Germany took a quarter of an hour to break down New Zealand's resistance with a fine goal by Celine Wilde who tipped the ball in off the right post from open play.

Two minutes later Tina Bachmann increased the Germans' lead from a penalty corner but that was the only one out of eight they converted.

New Zealand exerted increasing pressure during a scoreless second half in which Anita Punt came closest when her shot hit the post in the 52nd minute with no-one near enough to take the rebound.

Source: Published>

Nadal and Wozniacki get set to start U.S. Open campaigns

Tue, Aug 31 10 06:37 AM

Spain's Rafa Nadal and Caroline Wozniacki of Denmark, the top seeds at the U.S. Open, will open their tournament's during Tuesday's night session while Briton Andy Murray will have to cool his heels for another day.

World number one Nadal will begin his quest to win the one grand slam title that has eluded him when he faces Russia's Teymuraz Gabashvili inside Arthur Ashe Stadium.

Wozniaki, riding the crest of a wave after reaching the final at Flushing Meadows last year and winning three lead-up events this month, starts her campaign against American wildcard recipient Chelsey Gullickson.

"I know who I'm playing and I think I've played her in the juniors but I haven't really thought about tactics or anything yet," Wozniacki said.

Serbia's Novak Djokovic and Jelena Jankovic, both former finalists in New York, will join Russia's Maria Sharapova in the daytime centre court program.

Jelena Jankovic faces Romania's Simona Halep while Djokovic tackles his countryman Viktor Troicki. Sharapova, the champion in 2006 starting to get back to her best after a shoulder problem, plays Australia's Jarmila Groth first up.

Fourth seed Murray is not due to play his opening match until Wednesday. His first round opponent is Lukas Lacko of Slovakia, ranked 71st in the world.

Source: Published>

Azarenka advances after early U.S. Open stumble

Published>Tue, Aug 31 10 06:17 AM

Victoria Azarenka stumbled in the second set of her opening match at the U.S. Open on Monday but answered with a strong final set to defeat Romania's Monica Niculescu 6-0 5-7 6-1.

Belarussian Azarenka wrapped up the first set in 30 minutes as Niculescu had no answer for her hefty backhand.

But the Romanian finally found her game in the second set to level the match, but it proved only a temporary respite for the qualifier.

Azarenka, who prepared for the match by practising with four-time U.S. Open winner John McEnroe on Saturday, raised her game in the third set.

Showing no signs of the shoulder complaint that forced her to pull out of the San Diego Open earlier this month, the number-10 seed raced through the final set in just 31 minutes.

The 21-year-old is hotly tipped for a strong run at Flushing Meadows after reaching the last four of her final U.S. Open warm-up event in Montreal.

Source: Web Search

If cricket fans lose their trust in players who would watch the game then?

Published>Tue, Aug 31 10 05:47 AM

Ahead of the 2011 World Cup, the controversy surrounding the alleged match-fixing by Pakistani players, has become the focal point of the cricketing world. With names like Mohammed Amir and Mohammed Asif under the scanner, the issue threatens to gain gigantic proportions. Newsline gauges the mood on the issue.

Desh Prem Azad-Cricket coach and Dronacharya awardee"The match-fixing revelations have brought disgrace to the sport. The saving grace is that no Indian player is involved in the racket. I strongly support the idea of punishing the guilty players. An exemplary punishment should be announced for the guilty players. Such acts bring a bad name to the game and raise questions on the integrity of players. There was no recorded proof earlier, but now the Scotland Yard has proper footage to expose the players and their bad deeds. They should be taught a lesson."

Ravinder Chadha ? Former Indian cricket team physiotherapist"It is shameful that such allegations have come to the fore. It is high time that the Pakistan Cricket Board takes stern action against such cricketers. In India when certain players were found to be involved in match-fixing, they were handed life bans. The PCB should take some cue from the BCCI. The cricketers are highly paid today. There is no question of them resorting to such cheap methods."

Deepinder Singh Chabra ? Secretary, Leaders in Cricket Club"It is pathetic that Pakistani cricketers have been indulging in match-fixing since the days of Salim Malik in the 90's. And PCB has not been able to put a full stop to the malpractice. How could Salman Butt, who was made captain just recently, even think of doing such a thing? He should be sacked immediately. It is hurting for fans to see their heroes do such things."

Col. Arvinder Singh ? Head of cricket operations, Kings XI Punjab"Match-fixing is a curse which has been haunting the game for over 15 years now. In the time when cricket is commercially growing as a sport globally, such revelations can damage the game's reputation. If cricket fans lose their trust in players then who would watch the game? The Pakistani fans must feel cheated. Strict action should be taken by the PCB."

Harpreet Kaur ? Medium pace bowler, Chandigarh team"I used to admire Mohammed Amir for his bowling skills. I am taken aback by his involvement in the match-fixing scandal. I will no more like Amir. I am hurt as a fan and a cricketer. The cricketers should realise that they are idols and role models for aspiring players. It's like selling your country."

Harish Sharma, cricket coach and Himachal Ranji Trophy player"I strongly advocate that such ill-doings should be nipped in the bud. It is very dangerous for the game and its popularity. It is surprising they were not caught earlier. They deserve a life ban so that a correct message is given out to fellow cricketers and teammates."

Source: Web Search

Soderling advances after early U.S. Open test

Published>Tue, Aug 31 10 05:37 AM

Robin Soderling avoided becoming the first big-name casualty of the U.S. Open as the fifth seed secured a 7-5 6-3 6-7 5-7 6-4 first-round victory over Andreas Haider-Maurer on Monday.

Soderling, a quarter-finalist at Flushing Meadows last year, looked a shadow of the player that knocked out Roger Federer en route to June's French Open final.

During the match, he hit 74 unforced errors and struggled with his serve, managing eight aces to the Austrian qualifier's tally of 34. But Soderling insisted he was confident of strong run in New York.

"I feel pretty good physically and I had almost four hours of practice so it was not so bad," he said. "But I'm really happy with the way I've been playing in the big tournaments for the last year and a half, two years. I think I have shown that I can go very deep in every grand slam."

Soderling, cheered on by a vocal group of supporters wearing Swedish soccer shirts, had his opening service game of the match broken by grand-slam debutant Haider-Maurer.

He broke back to take the first set and looked set to win in straight sets but failed to convert a series of match points in the 10th game of the third set.

"I was very close to winning in three sets with three or four match points which is what I wanted to do," said the 26-year-old. "And of course it's better to win in three sets than in five."

Haider-Maurer, ranked 214th in the world and on his first visit to American soil, was unfazed in what was his first match against a top-10 player as he wrapped up the third-set tiebreak 7-2.

The Austrian's powerful serve and his heavy hitting unsettled Soderling in the fourth set, which looked to be heading to another tiebreak.

But serving 5-6 down and facing a break point, Soderling hit an easy smash into the net to take the match to a decider.

Soderling's superior experience and fitness showed almost immediately as he broke his opponent's serve at the first attempt before comfortably rounding off the match.

Source: Web Search

Forlan double keeps the party going for Atletico

Tue, Aug 31 10 05:17 AM

Diego Forlan scored twice as Atletico Madrid beat Sporting Gijon 4-0 in their opening game of the La Liga season on Monday, adding fuel to the festive atmosphere among fans at the club.

The Europa League holders overcame Inter Milan 2-0 to lift the European Super Cup for the first time on Friday, and the trophy was paraded around a packed Calderon before the kickoff.

Midfielder Jurado opened the scoring after 10 minutes in what appears to have been his last game for the club before joining Schalke 04.

"Football is like this. Irresistible offers arrive for players and clubs. It's a wise decision on his part and a good one for the club," Atletico coach Quique Sanchez Flores told reporters.

Uruguay striker Forlan, who was named player of the World Cup in South Africa, netted a goal in each half, the first after a mazy run from Sergio Aguero.

Portuguese midfielder Simao wrapped up the win with a superb curling shot in the last minute.

Atletico will be celebrating their European Super Cup victory with an open-topped bus tour through the Spanish capital on Tuesday.

Source: Published>

U.S. Open women's singles first round results

Tue, Aug 31 10 04:37 AM

REUTERS - U.S. Open women's singles first round results from New York on Monday (prefix denotes seeding, * new result)

* 32-Tsvetana Pironkova (Bulgaria) beat Renata Voracova (Czech Republic) 6-3 6-4

* Sybille Bammer (Austria) beat Zuzana Ondraskova (Czech Republic) 7-5 6-0

* 24-Daniela Hantuchova (Slovakia) beat Dinara Safina (Russia) 6-3 6-4

* Agnes Szavay (Hungary) beat Sandra Zahlavova (Czech Republic) 6-0 6-2

* Sania Mirza (India) beat Michelle Larcher de Brito (Portugal) 6-3 6-2

* Anastasia Rodionova (Australia) beat Bojana Jovanovski (Serbia) 7-5 6-4

* 27-Petra Kvitova (Czech Republic) beat Lucie Hradecka (Czech Republic) 6-4 7-5

* 16-Shahar Peer (Israel) beat Jelena Kostanic Tosic (Croatia) 6-4 7-5

Sally Peers (Australia) beat Aleksandra Wozniak (Canada) 6-0 6-1

2-Kim Clijsters (Belgium) beat Greta Arn (Hungary) 6-0 7-5

Gisela Dulko (Argentina) beat Angelique Kerber (Germany) 6-3 6-1

Mandy Minella (Luxembourg) beat Polona Hercog (Slovenia) 6-4 7-5

20-Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova (Russia) beat Kristina Barrois (Germany) 6-4 6-1

Sara Errani (Italy) beat Tathiana Garbin (Italy) 7-6(4) 7-5

29-Alona Bondarenko (Ukraine) beat Vera Dushevina (Russia) 6-0 5-7 6-4

Maria Elena Camerin (Italy) beat Sophie Ferguson (Australia) 6-4 6-0

28-Alisa Kleybanova (Russia) beat Johanna Larsson (Sweden) 7-6(4) 6-2

12-Elena Dementieva (Russia) beat Olga Govortsova (Belarus) 6-1 6-2

Elena Baltacha (Britain) beat Petra Martic (Croatia) 6-2 6-2

Melanie Oudin (U.S.) beat Olga Savchuk (Ukraine) 6-3 6-0

6-Francesca Schiavone (Italy) beat Ayumi Morita (Japan) 6-1 6-0

Source: Published>

Roddick celebrates birthday with U.S. Open romp

Published>Tue, Aug 31 10 04:17 AM

Andy Roddick celebrated his 28th birthday by romping past France's Stephane Robert 6-3 6-2 6-2 in his first-round match at the U.S. Open on Monday.

Ninth-seeded Roddick, the 2003 U.S. Open winner, made an emphatic start on a hot, sunny day despite struggling with an energy-sapping illness this season.

The top-ranked American finished the 102-minute match in familiar fashion, when his sizzling serve on his first match point was returned long by the 30-year-old French journeyman, playing for the first time on Arthur Ashe center court.

"I was happy." Roddick told the Arthur Ashe center court crowd about his form and brisk victory. "Conditions are a little tricky out there. The wind blows a little out there."

Roddick served just eight aces, but registered 19 other service winners to ease the way to victory against the light-serving Robert, who had 69 of his 75 serves returned.

The American said he was trying to recapture the form that made him one of the hottest hardcourt players in the world back in March, when he won in Miami after beating Rafa Nadal in the semi-finals and Czech Tomas Berdych in the final, and reached the final at Indian Wells.

"It's just a matter of being solid and serving a high first-serve percentage," said Roddick, who pounded in 68 percent of his opening salvos on Monday. "I was playing a lot of clean tennis (then). I have to tighten it up a little bit."

Roddick will next meet the winner between Janko Tipsarevic of Serbia and Belgian Olivier Rochus.

Source: Web Search

Goalshy Inter held at Bologna in opener

Tue, Aug 31 10 03:57 AM

Inter Milan's Serie A title defence began with a frustrating 0-0 draw at managerless Bologna on Monday when scant options on the bench again undermined Rafa Benitez's new side.

The European champions have decided to stick with the players who secured an unprecedented Italian treble last term but the lack of a replacement for sold forward Mario Balotelli could haunt Inter with just a day left in the transfer window.

"It's clear we are lacking a bit of freshness and physicality. I'm happy with the character and reaction we showed in the second half," former Liverpool coach Benitez told Sky TV.

"Let's see if we do can do some late transfer business and if not wait until January."

Inter looked a touch off the pace as they had done in Friday's European Super Cup defeat by Atletico Madrid although Wesley Sneijder threatened with three free kicks.

Samuel Eto'o clipped the bar from substitute Coutinho's cross in an improved second half but Inter fans will be worried by the start and the lack of reinforcements for an ageing squad.

Their fears will have intensified after AC Milan signed their former hero Zlatan Ibrahimovic and battered Lecce 4-0 in their first game on Sunday.

Striker Diego Milito, the key to Inter's imperious success under Jose Mourinho last term, was again totally anonymous and Bologna almost took advantage by stealing the win.

The hosts, perennial strugglers, had gone into the game without a coach after the astonishing decision to sack Franco Colomba on the eve of their Serie A opener and leave youth team boss Paolo Magnani in temporary charge.

Last season's runners-up AS Roma also drew 0-0 with promoted Cesena on Saturday while Juventus, much-changed after last term's seventh place finish, lost 1-0 at Bari in their first match on Sunday.

Source: Published>

Soderling advances after early U.S. Open test

Published>Tue, Aug 31 10 03:37 AM

Robin Soderling avoided becoming the first big-name casualty of the U.S. Open as the fifth seed secured a 7-5 6-3 6-7 5-7 6-4 first-round victory over Andreas Haider-Maurer on Monday.

Soderling, a quarter-finalist at Flushing Meadows last year, had his opening service game of the match broken by the Austrian qualifier.

The Swede, cheered on by a vocal group of supporters wearing Swedish soccer shirts, broke back to take the first set and looked set to win in straight sets but failed to convert a series of match points in the 10th game of the third set.

Haider-Maurer, in his grand slam debut, forced a tiebreak during which Soderling looked a shadow of the player that knocked out Roger Federer en route June's French Open final.

Haider-Maurer, ranked 214th in the world and on his first visit to American soil, was unfazed in what was his first match against a top-10 player as he wrapped up the tiebreak 7-2.

The Austrian's powerful serve - he recorded 34 aces in the match - and his heavy hitting unsettled Soderling in the fourth set, which looked to be heading to another tiebreak.

But serving 5-6 down and facing a break point, Soderling hit an easy smash into the net to take the match to a decider.

Soderling's superior experience and fitness showed almost immediately as he broke his opponent's serve at the first attempt before comfortably rounding off the match.

Source: Web Search

French striker Trezeguet joins promoted Hercules

Tue, Aug 31 10 03:17 AM

French World Cup winner David Trezeguet has agreed a two-year contract with promoted Hercules, the Spanish club said on their website (www.herculescf.es) on Monday.

The 32-year-old striker was released from his contract with Juventus on Saturday after 10 years in Turin and moves to his wife's hometown of Alicante.

He will train with the team on Tuesday morning before taking a medical and will have an official presentation in the evening.

"I wanted to play in Spain, I consider it an important step in my career," Trezeguet told reporters earlier in the day.

"My principle objective is to play, to prove my abilities here, and to bring my experience to a team that wants to grow."

Trezeguet won the World Cup with France in 1998 and famously scored the golden goal winner for his country in the final at Euro 2000.

Source: Published>

Mascherano prepared for bench time at Barca

Tue, Aug 31 10 02:57 AM

Competing with three world champions for a place in the Barcelona midfield did not deter Javier Mascherano from sealing his move from Liverpool to Barcelona on Monday.

The Argentina midfielder will have to vie for playing time with Spain trio Xavi, Sergio Busquets and Andres Iniesta at the heart of Pep Guardiola's side, after signing a four-year contract with the Spanish champions.

"It would be stupid to think I would come here and be playing every game," Mascherano said at his presentation in the Nou Camp.

"You have to respect the people who are already doing well and who have won everything. In the positions I play in, there are three world champions.

"It will be a honour to be able learn from them and to grow with them."

Barca's sporting vice-president Josep Maria Bartomeu said the player had taken a pay cut to help complete the move, and said Mascherano's arrival would be their last of the current transfer window.

The 26-year-old passed a medical earlier in the day before signing his contract, which has a buy-out clause of 90 million euros.

Spanish media reported he moved for around 22 million euros.

Mascherano became Barca's third acquisition of the summer after Spain striker David Villa and Brazilian full back Adriano Correia, and he helps fill the gap left by Yaya Toure's departure to Manchester City.

Source: Published>

Corruption report expected in two to three days

Published>Tue, Aug 31 10 02:17 AM

The International Cricket Council's (ICC) anti-corruption unit has been asked to submit a report within the next three days on an investigation into alleged corruption within the Pakistan team.

British police have confiscated the mobile phones of test captain Salman Butt and pace bowlers Mohammad Amir and Mohammad Asif after a newspaper report alleging players had been bribed to fix incidents in the fourth test against England.

Tour manager Yawar Saeed said the trio plus wicketkeeper Kamran Akmal had been questioned by police at the team's London hotel.

ICC president Sahrad Pawar told reporters on Monday the issue had been discussed in a teleconference which included the head of the council's Anti-Corruption and Security Unit Ravi Sawani, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Ijaz Butt and his English counterpart Giles Clarke.

"We at the ICC are waiting for definite information from the PCB and our own anti-corruption unit. We hope to get something in the next two to three days' time and that information would lead to appropriate action, if required," he said.

ICC chief executive Haroon Lorgat said in a statement anti-corruption officials were assisting London metropolitan police with their separate criminal investigation.

"Make no mistake, once the process is complete, if any players are found to be guilty, the ICC will ensure that the appropriate punishment is handed out. We will not tolerate corruption in this great game," Lorgat said.

DONKEYS PELTED

On Monday the police said they had released on bail a 35-year-old man who had been arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to defraud bookmakers following the report in The News of the World newspaper.

According to the report Mazhar Majeed, an agent who claimed to represent 10 Pakistan players including Butt, said Amir and Asif had bowled three no-balls between them by pre-arrangement in the fourth test against England which finished on Sunday.

Despite the growing criticism against Butt, Asif and Amir, former Pakistan captain Imran Khan said the trio should be given a fair hearing.

"I think justice demands that these players be given a chance to defend themselves and clear themselves. It is unfair to assume these players are guilty," Imran told reporters in Islamabad.

Pawar ruled out the possibility of Pakistan cutting short their tour of England.

"It is the desire of the ICC and the cricket boards of England and Pakistan that the game should continue," he said.

The team arrived in Taunton in west England on Monday where they will play a warm-up game against Somerset on Thursday before starting a seven-match one-day series against England from Sunday.

A source in the team told Reuters Pakistan could release any player who was under investigation. The one-day team is led by Shahid Afridi who was scheduled to have talks with Butt and manager Yawar Saeed on Monday.

"The meeting on Monday is important because obviously some players in the squad who are not under investigation are feeling uncomfortable with the whole situation leading up to the one-day series," said the source, who declined to identified.

"The prospect of releasing the players who are under investigation from the one-day squad and replacing them is under consideration and will be discussed at the meeting."

The newspaper report also cast doubt on the second test between Pakistan and Australia in Sydney this year when Australia made a remarkable comeback to win by 36 runs after overcoming a 206-run first-innings deficit.

The scandal has outraged cricket fans in Pakistan where protestors in Lahore slapped donkeys with shoes and pelted them with rotten tomatoes on Monday.

Protesters led a procession of donkeys with the names of the players accused of taking bribes stuck on the foreheads of the animals.

"These players have let us and the country down. We are already facing so many problems because of the floods and terrorism and they took away our one source of happiness," one protestor told a television channel.

Source: Web Search

Give the accused fair chance to explain, pleads Imran

Tue, Aug 31 10 01:57 AM

Karachi, Aug 30 (PTI) Pakistan''s former cricket captain Imran Khan today pleaded for the cricketers accused in the spot-fixing controversy in England to be given a fair chance to clear their names, but said if the allegations came out true it would be a "big setback". "I think the initial impact of this new fixing scandal has shocked all of us but I think in all fairness it would be injustice to brand these players as fixers without first giving them a fair chance to defend themselves," Khan said. "I would like to see them given a fair chance to give their side of the story before we reach conclusions," the former cricketer turned politician said. Imran was also clear that if the players were found guilty of accepting bribes then they should not be spared and given strong punishment. "But first let''s be clear about this whole thing because it is not fair to jump to conclusions". Imran had no doubt that if the allegations against the players were proved true it would be a great tragedy for Pakistan cricket. "It would be a big setback because we will lose many of our match winners and that definitely would be a big shock to our cricket," he added. The former captain who led Pakistan to victory in the 1992 World Cup also feared that if there was truth in the fresh fixing allegations it would have a negative impact on cricket on the whole. "It would be difficult to draw in crowds and make people believe it was a fair cricket match being played anywhere in the world," he said. Ironically today another former captain and great, Javed Miandad urged the Pakistan board to call back the players from England who have been accused of fixing.

Source: Published>

FACTBOX - Reaction to Pakistan's spot-fixing allegations

Tue, Aug 31 10 01:51 AM

REUTERS - Pakistan cricket has come under the spotlight after a newspaper report alleging players had been bribed to bowl pre-determined no-balls in the fourth test against England.

British police have confiscated the mobile phones of test captain Salman Butt and pace bowlers Mohammad Amir and Mohammad Asif as part of the investigation.

Following is some reaction:

Pakistan Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani: "It has caused us to bow our heads in shame."

ICC chief executive Haroon Lorgat: "Make no mistake, once the process is complete, if any players are found to be guilty, the ICC will ensure that the appropriate punishment is handed out. We will not tolerate corruption in this great game," Lorgat said.

Pakistan federal interior minister Rehman Malik: "These are serious allegations and if we find any player guilty of the charges against him we will take severe action the player(s)," he said.

Former Pakistan captain Imran Khan: "I think there is a need to send out a message to youngsters...that crime does not pay. These allegations against our players... I hope they are not true but if any player is found guilty he should be made an example for future generations of Pakistani cricketers."

Former Pakistan captain and coach Javed Miandad: "Regardless of whether the allegations against the players are proven or not, the truth is Pakistan cricket has been badly hurt by this scandal."

England captain Andrew Strauss: "If someone is found categorically guilty, then the only way for me is for that person not to be able to play international cricket again. Cricket is in the headlines not just for the wrong reasons but for the worst of reasons.

"There have been many rumours in the past and, hopefully, this time we are in a situation where things can be proved one way or another. If that leads to a cleaner sport, it can only be a good thing."

Australia captain Ricky Ponting: "As a cricketer everything I have seen so far has been quite shocking to tell the truth."

Cricket Australia chief executive James Sutherland: "The reports from the UK are most disturbing and we look forward to the outcome of rigorous investigation by the UK authorities as well as by the ICC. We have no knowledge of the current allegations but by their very nature, they demonstrate the absolute importance of world cricket maintaining its vigilance in relation to anti-corruption."

Former test umpire Dickie Bird: "World cricket has been brought to its knees with all these allegations. If these allegations are found to be true and these players are found guilty then this game is in a serious mess, a serious mess.

"I think the one day internationals next week should be cancelled. And this young feller, Amir, he's only 18-years of age. The world would have been his oyster. He had everything going for him, he'd have made a lot of money out of commercials, TV, what-have-you and now that lad, if he's found guilty, I'm afraid will be banned from the game."

Former Indian captain Saurav Ganguly: "We have to wait and see till the investigation ends. But if it is true then very stern action has to be taken.

Former India cricketer Arun Lal: "I am very saddened by the fact that these things keep happening to the game of cricket. I am waiting for the investigations to end and hope that the reports are proved wrong."

A Pakistani cricket fan: "These players have let us and the country down. We are already facing so many problems because of the floods and terrorism and they took away our one source of happiness," one protestor told a television channel.

Source: Published>

Younis notice to News of the World over Majeed connection

Tue, Aug 31 10 01:37 AM

Karachi, Aug 30 (PTI) Pakistan''s former captain Younis Khan has sent a legal notice to the British tabloid which had alleged that he had also signed brothers Mazhar and Azhar Majeed, who act as agents for several Pakistani cricketers. Reliable sources close to Younis told PTI, the former captain instructed his lawyer, Ahmed Qayyum to issue the notice to ''News of the World'' for publishing a report which said that Azhar and Mazhar were the agents of Younis. The source said Younis was one of the few Pakistani players who had refused to sign Azhar and Majeed as agents for them in England. Mazhar Majeed is at the centre of a new match-fixing scandal and was arrested and later released on bail for trying to defraud bookmakers. Mazhar claimed that he had paid bribes to some Pakistani players, including captain Salman Butt, for spot fixing in the fourth Test against England at Lords. Mazhar''s claims have set off a major investigation by the ICC and the Scotland Yard into fixing allegations. "Yes the notice has been sent and in it Younis has demanded that the newspaper publish a denial and also pay damages of USD 10,000 pounds towards the flood relief fund for the millions of Pakistanis displaced by the floods," the source said. "The brothers approached Pakistani players to sign them on during the 2006 tour and Younis refused," the source added. The brothers are believed to have formalised their relations with members of the Pakistan squad on the 2006 tour and, though it remains unclear whether any official agreement was signed, over a number of years Azhar and Mazhar have handled various sponsorship and marketing contracts for the players in the UK. Younis stepped down as captain of the Pakistan side last November after an ODI series loss to New Zealand, claiming that he no longer had control over his players. He was called up for the ODI series in Australia where he played under Mohammad Yousuf''s leadership. Soon after the series he was punished by a PCB inquiry committee which ruled that he would not be picked for future Pakistan squads for an indefinite period of time. Younis appealed against the decision when it was referred back to the PCB by a tribunal. It has remained there, however, reportedly due to personal differences between PCB chairman Ijaz Butt and Younis. Despite calls by a number of ex-players, Younis has not returned either to the Test or ODI side since the Australia series.

Source: Published>

Clijsters tested in opening win at U.S. Open

Published>Tue, Aug 31 10 01:17 AM

Defending champion Kim Clijsters of Belgium overcame a second-set scare to defeat Greta Arn of Hungary 6-0 7-5 in the first round of the U.S. Open on Monday.

Clijsters sailed through an 18-minute opening set on a sun-kissed Arthur Ashe centre court but fell behind 4-0 in the second set before roaring back to seize command.

The second-seeded Belgian ran off 12 straight points to pull within 4-3 and then broke in the 10th game and again in the last game to close out the match.

It was the 15th successive Open win for Clijsters, who last year claimed an inspirational triumph in her return to grand slam tennis after taking two years off to start a family.

Clijsters began her current win streak by winning the 2005 U.S. championship, but missed the next year's tournament due to a wrist injury and then stepped away from the tennis circuit.

The 27-year-old Belgian treated the big centre court crowd to a near-perfect opening set at Flushing Meadows.

Committing only two unforced errors on her crackling groundstrokes, Clijsters was rolling along until 104th-ranked Arn began finding the range on her serve, and errors crept into the defending champion's game.

Clijsters sprayed four faulty forehands and three backhand errors in the second set but found her form in time to avoid a third set.

After Clijsters charged out to a 0-40 lead for triple match point in the 12th game, Arn dug deep and won the next two points before the Belgian ripped a backhand down the line to complete her victory.

Clijsters, who has won three tournaments this year, next meets Australian qualifier Sally Peers, who advanced with a 6-0 6-1 victory over Canada's Aleksandra Wozniak.

Source: Web Search

Mascherano completes move to Barca on four-year contract

Tue, Aug 31 10 12:57 AM

Argentina midfielder Javier Mascherano completed his move from Liverpool to Barcelona on a four-year contract, the Spanish champions said on Monday.

The 26-year-old, who was signed for around 22 million euros according to local media, becomes Barca's third signing after Spain striker David Villa and Brazilian full back Adriano Correia.

Source: Published>

Veena told me she managed 7 Pakistan Pak cricketers: Dixit

Tue, Aug 31 10 12:37 AM

London, Aug 30 (PTI) An Indian photographer Dheeraj Dixit today alleged that it was popular Pakistani actress Veena Malik who had approached him with a claim she managed seven Pakistani cricketers with her and could strike a deal for fixing matches with their help. Dixit said that during a telephonic conversation, Veena, estranged girl friend of Pakistani paceman Md Asif, told "me that she is "managing" seven Pakistani players. She did not name the players but told me that if you want we can do a big deal. I''ve results. That time, 2-3 matches with Australia had taken place and more were in the offing". "During that time, she told me if I had any big businessman from India who wanted to earn a lot of money in a night, then I can introduce him to her", Dixit told Indian TV channels. Veena, in her interview to a Pakistani TV channel, alleged Dixit was a bookie whom Asif had paid for spot-fixing during matches. Dixit, however, denied the charge and said Veena had called him over phone when he was on a tour of Dhaka in January this year. "She told me Pakistan was already on that tour and all the matches are fixed there", Dixit claimed. He claimed he never met Veena and "can''t even identify her if she comes in front of me".

Source: Published>

Gilbert takes stage win and overall lead in Spain

Published>Tue, Aug 31 10 12:21 AM

A ferocious late surge by Classics specialist Philippe Gilbert netted the Belgian a solo win in the Tour of Spain third stage on Monday and his first lead in a major Tour.

Gilbert took off 900 metres from the steep uphill finish in Malaga's Gibralfaro Castle to claim the day's victory.

Second behind the Omega Pharma-Lotto rider was Spain's Joaquim Rodriguez, three seconds back, with Spaniard Igor Anton in third, 13 seconds behind.

Best-known as a one-day rider, Gilbert told reporters the final two kilometre finish climb was similar to the finale of the Netherlands' top one-day race, the Amstel Gold Race Classic, which he won this April.

"I came to check out the climb this morning and I could see it was very like the Amstel finish," he said.

"I think knowing every corner and slight change of gradient on such on a short but difficult ascent made all the difference today.

"I came here for a stage win, but getting the leader's jersey of a big Tour for the first time in my career is a huge added bonus.

"I was close in the Tour de France back in 2007 and once in the Tour of Italy, but today's the first time it happened."

After overnight leader Mark Cavendish was dropped on the first climb of the day, the peloton kept up a fast pace along Malaga's coastline behind seven breakaways.

Gilbert himself was dropped on the day's one big challenge, the 16 kilometre Puerto de Leon, but regained contact for the finale.

"I knew the last three kilometres of the big climb were the steepest so I eased back before making a really fast descent and rejoining the bunch," he said.

"Once I was there and we'd caught the break, I was in my element."

While Cavendish finished over 25 minutes down, Tour de France runner-up Andy Schleck of Luxembourg lost over 14 minutes and is now out of overall contention.

"Andy just didn't have the legs today, he's not comfortable in all this heat," Schleck's sports director Bradley McGee told Reuters.

"There's no point in pushing him, Andy's only here to help (brother Frank Schleck of Saxo Bank, ninth overall) and we'll keep him tucked under wraps for now."

The Tour of Spain finishes on Sept. 19 in Madrid.

For Related News, Double Click on one of these codes:

[S] [PSC] [RNP] [DNP] [PSP] [EMK] [CYCL] [BE] [SPO] [ES] [GEN] [EUROP] [EUROPE] [EZC] [WEU] [LEN] [RTRS]

Monday, 30 August 2010 23:39:02

Source: Web Search

Four Pak players may be suspended: Report, Pawar talks of

Mon, Aug 30 10 11:37 PM

ruthless actions London/Mumbai, Aug 30 (PTI) Top officials of ICC and PCB are understood to be considering suspending four Pakistan players including Captain Salman Butt from the rest of the England tour in the wake of the match fixing scandal, a media report said tonight. The move came even as ICC President Sharad Pawar said the world''s cricket governing body will take "ruthless actions" if any player is found guilty in the scandal in the Lord''s Test match. The officials of the International Cricket Council and the Pakistan Cricket Board are understood to be considering short-term measures against the accused Pakistan players and this includes suspending trio Mohammad Aamer, Mohammad Asif, Kamran Akmal and captain Salman Butt from the rest of their tour of England, Daily Mail reported on its "Mail Online" service. Pakistan are due to face England in two Twenty20 matches and then five NatWest Series matches over the next three weeks. ICC president Sharad Pawar has ruled out taking action until after the police investigation but later added "If, unfortunately, there is a truth (in the allegations) then ruthless actions will be taken," he told reporters in Mumbai. "I am absolutely confident that both boards - English and Pakistani - will never encourage or protect anybody who has done a wrong thing," he added. PTI

Source: Published>

ICC promises "prompt, decisive action" against guilty players

Mon, Aug 30 10 11:07 PM

London, Aug 30 (PTI) The International Cricket Council today promised that "prompt and decisive action" will be taken against Pakistani players if they are found guilty of ''spot-fixing'' in the fourth Test against England here. The ICC has not yet suspended any of Pakistani players after the scandal broke out yesterday but made it clear that the world body will not be lenient on any cricketer found guilty. "The integrity of the game is of paramount importance. Prompt and decisive action will be taken against those who seek to harm it," ICC chief executive Haroon Lorgat said in a statement after meeting the top brass of Pakistan and England cricket here. "However, the facts must first be established through a thorough investigation and it is important to respect the right of due process when addressing serious allegations of this sort. "Make no mistake - once the process is complete, if any players are found to be guilty, the ICC will ensure that the appropriate punishment is handed out. We will not tolerate corruption in this great game. ICC, ECB and PCB are committed to a zero-tolerance approach to corruption in cricket," he said in the statement. Lorgat said ICC''s Anti-corruption and Security Unit has already started investigation into the allegations. "All allegations of betting irregularities or fixing of matches or incidents within matches are investigated thoroughly by ICC''s internationally respected anti-corruption and security unit and this case is no different. "Currently, senior ACSU investigators are in the United Kingdom conducting inquiries into the allegations directed at some Pakistan players during the recently concluded Test against England at Lord''s," said Lorgat. He said the investigation has the full support and co-operation of both the ECB and PCB and ACSU officials were assisting London''s Metropolitan Police in their criminal investigation. "Led by Sir Ronnie Flanagan, the ACSU is the most respected and experienced such unit in world sport and it has at its disposal a robust and far-reaching anti-corruption code that all ICC members support and are bound by," Lorgat said. PTI PDS

Source: Published>

Rousing reception accorded to QBR

Mon, Aug 30 10 10:51 PM

Kozhikode, Aug 30 (PTI) The Queen''s Baton Relay (QBR) of the Commonwealth Games was accorded a rousing reception when it arrived here today. The baton was received by Kerala Industries minister Elamaram Kareem and Forest minister Binoy Viswom at Ramanattukara in the district. Government officials, a large number of yesteryear sportspersons, students and sports council officials attended the function. A large number of people including women had assembled on the roadside to have a glimpse of the QBR. Later, it was handed over to renowned coach O M Nambiar and was taken to the city by former international footballer Sethumadhavan. Later the baton was taken to the neighbouring district of Wayanad.

Source: Published>

Women's hockey team for Commonwealth Games announced

Published>Mon, Aug 30 10 10:47 PM

New Delhi, Aug 30 (IANS) The Indian women's hockey team for the Commonwealth Games was announced here Monday. Surinder Kaur was named captain of the side.

'The team was selected after the trials conducted at Patiala in the presence of Hockey India selectors Balbir Singh and Sita Mehta besides government nominees Roopa Saini, Ajitpal Singh and Zafar Iqbal,' Hockey India said in a statement.

Squad:

Defenders: Binita Toppo, Subhadra Pradhan, Joydeep Kaur

Midfielders: Asunta Lakra, Kirandeep Kaur, Mukta Prava Barla, Deepika Thakur, Ritu Rani

Forwards: Surinder Kaur (captain), Saba Anjum, Rani Rampal, Jasjeet Kaur Handa, Thokcham Chanchan Devi, Poonam Rani

Goalkeepers: Dipika Murty, Etimarpu Rajani.

Source: Web Search

HP to explore possibilities of setting up Sports Authority: CM

Mon, Aug 30 10 10:27 PM

Shimla, Aug 30 (PTI) Himachal Pradesh government would explore possibilities of constituting HP Sports Authority under the chairmanship of chief minister to oversee sports promotion activities down to village-level. Stating this at the state sports council meeting, chief minister Prem Kumar Dhumal said that the departmental authorities would study memorandum in different states to constitue such authority. After the constitution of the said authority, the body, the sports council would be merged into it, he added. Dhumal said with a view to retaining the sports talent in the state, three per cent reservation was being provided to them in government jobs and so far 256 outstanding sportspersons had been given employment in different departments. He said that various sports associations would now be getting enhanced grant-in-aid which would be Rs 75,000 to "A" category, Rs 50,000 to "B" category and Rs 35,000 to "C" category instead of existing grants of Rs 50,000, Rs 35,000 and Rs 25,000 respectively. Dhumal said that with the enhanced financial assistance, sports activities would get boost at all levels and the department of youth services and sports would be associating the HP Cricket Association to recruit more coaches in different games, especially in cricket to polish more sports talents in the state.

Source: Published>

PCB to take action after British police investigation is over: Sharad Pawar

Published>Mon, Aug 30 10 10:07 PM

Mumbai, Aug.30 (ANI): International Cricket Council (ICC) President Sharad Pawar on Monday said that the Pakistani Cricket Board (PCB) would be able to take appropriate action in the spot-fixing scandal only after the investigation is completed by the British police.

Commenting on the latest spot fixing allegations against a few Pakistani cricketers, Pawar here today said: "British police are in the process of investigation. They have not completed investigation; neither they have called any player for interrogation till today."

He said: "Unless and until, the process of investigation is complete and we get even the Prima facie report, it will be difficult for the Pakistan board to take appropriate actions."

Pawar mentioned that the President of PCB has sent a confidential report to the Prime Minister and President of Pakistan and they are expecting some actions to be taken.

"As per our information, from Pakistan Cricket Control Board's President, he himself has inquired and prepared a confidential report, which has been sent to the President of Pakistan and Prime Minister of Pakistan and of course he is expecting some guidance from the country's leadership," added Sharad Pawar.

The " News of the World" tabloid from London has named four Pakistani players and three others of being involved in a spot-fixing racket.

The tabloid alleged that a Pakistani man Mazhar Majeed had paid bribes to the players to bowl no-balls and wides in the series and Lords test.

The tabloid claimed that it has video evidence confirming involvement of the players which it had shared with Scotland Yard triggering off the investigations into the fixing racket. (ANI)

Source: Web Search

PCB asks legal advisor to stay back in London

Mon, Aug 30 10 09:37 PM

Karachi, Aug 30 (PTI) Apparently to tackle any legal issue which might crop up in the ''spot-fixing'' allegations, Pakistan Cricket Board today asked its legal advisor Tafazzul Rizvi to stay put in London. "I had come to London for some other work but now I have been instructed to look into this case as well," Rizvi said from London. Rizvi said so far the Scotland Yard has filed no charges against any Pakistan player but they had been subjected to a lengthy questioning session. "The players remain innocent until proven guilty and right now we are just talking about allegations. The credibility of the person making such serious accusations has also to be taken into consideration as well," Rizvi said. Meanwhile, a former legal advisor of the Board Ali Waseem Sajjad said from what he has been hearing it seemed London police have "some evidence on basis of which they have questioned the players in England". "It is very difficult to prove match-fixing has taken place but this time I think the police have some evidence on basis of which they have questioned our players in England. That is why they have preferred to let the issue come out in the media so openly," said Sajjad, who is the son of well known politician and former Senate Chairman Waseem Sajjad. "Given the environment prevailing in the Pakistan team and the circumstances leading up to this fixing controversy I think the ICC and PCB will suspend the players before the start of the one-day series. I think the players are in for a tough time unless the Board gives them legal assistance," he said. Sajjad pointed out that even Interior Minister Rehman Malik had indicated to the media that there was some evidence against the players who are accused of taking bribes from bookie Mazhar Majeed to do ''spot-fixing'' at Lord''s Test against England.

Source: Published>

Gavaskar for exemplary punishment in ''spot-fixing'' allegations

Mon, Aug 30 10 09:27 PM

New Delhi, Aug 30 (PTI) Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar today joined the chorus of international cricket fraternity in asking for exemplary punishment on Pakistani players if found guilty of ''spot-fixing'' but advised for a thorough probe before coming into conclusions. "If the allegations are conclusively proved with enough evidence then action need to be taken so that this thing is not repeated. Whoever is indulging in this should be punished. If it is proved that the no balls were deliberate and induced by money, then yes, they should be punished," Gavaskar said. "But I like a lot more proof before making a conclusion. The quick bowlers sometimes try to attack batsmen with their deliveries and overstep. "If you go by the incidence of the arrest, then it''s some evidence. But a detailed probe must be carried out to find out what he had said and what was actually done by the bowlers. It could be just a co-incidence also," Gavaskar told NDTV. World cricket was rocked by a scandal yesterday when reports of ''spot-fixing'' emerged against Pakistan captain Salman Butt, pacers Mohammad Asif, Mohammad Aamir and four other players, which led to the arrest of a bookie in London and questioning of the players by Scotland Yard.

Source: Published>

ANALYSIS - Hamilton and Webber make the break

Published>Mon, Aug 30 10 09:17 PM

Red Bull boss Christian Horner dubbed race-winner Lewis Hamilton the luckiest man in Belgium on Sunday, but Mark Webber could equally have claimed the accolade.

The pair were certainly among the happiest.

While Red Bull's rugged Australian ceded the lead in the Formula One championship to his McLaren rival, second place was a big result for Webber on a day when three other title contenders failed to score.

Hamilton has the upper hand, and the man with the iron grip will not let go easily, but Webber staked his claim to be the main adversary and has shown he will be a tough nut to crack.

Only three points separate the pair, almost nothing in a scoring system that gives 25 for a win, with six races left.

More significantly, team mate Sebastian Vettel is 28 points adrift of Webber after taking out McLaren's world champion Jenson Button while they were second and third in the race.

Button is 35 points off Hamilton's lead and Ferrari's Fernando Alonso, who also retired from the race, 41.

The Belgian breakaway could prove a defining moment in the title chase, even if nobody was willing to call it as a two-man race just yet.

"You've seen in the last few races how quickly things can change," said Hamilton.

"Clearly for me, my closest rival in the championship is Mark in terms of points but I still think the championship is open."

LADY LUCK

Hamilton, the 2008 world champion, was fortunate that he only brushed the tyre wall when he skidded across the gravel on the slippery circuit while leading late in the race.

"If that barrier had been one metre closer, he'd have been sitting watching the rest of the race from there but you've got to ride your luck sometimes," said Horner.

Hamilton's skill shone through the rain while Webber, despite a nightmare start that sent him from pole to sixth place on the first lap, was ultimately rewarded for doing everything right in the ever-changing conditions.

The Australian is in the form of his life, making the most of every opportunity that comes his way. He was favoured by the weather in qualifying and helped by the errors of others in the race.

Vettel's blunder was a big bonus and Webber cashed in further when Poland's Robert Kubica made a mess of his pitstop and lost second place for Renault.

"Mark drove an excellent race," said Horner. "He kept it together at a track that we always expected before coming here was going to be McLaren territory. To come away with a second place is very, very valuable points for him.

"In all honesty, we didn't expect to be in the lead at the top of the hill anyway with the horsepower deficit that we have," he added.

Horner said the next race at Monza, the Italian Grand Prix that ranks as the fastest on the calendar, was likely to be Red Bull's toughest of the season.

"If we can get through Monza in a similar situation, then hopefully we are coming back to tracks that know will suit our package," he said.

Webber will have to keep Hamilton in his sights but the pressure will be on Vettel, now seriously in danger of being forced into a supporting role after three races without scoring.

Button equally needs to take points off Hamilton, no easy feat, to stay in the mix.

Then come Ferrari, nursing their wounds once again as they prepare for their home race.

"The situation in both championships is certainly more difficult but it is still not impossible for us to reach our targets," team boss Stefano Domenicali said.

"For those with short memories, I remember that three years ago we found ourselves in a much worse situation and we all know how it went," he added, referring to Kimi Raikkonen snatching the 2007 title from Hamilton in the last race by a single point.

Source: Web Search

Dhoni offers prayers at Deori temple near Ranchi

Published>Mon, Aug 30 10 08:53 PM

Ranchi, Aug 30 (ANI): Indian cricket skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni visited the vintage Devi temple known as Deori here on Monday and sought blessings of the divine along with his newly wed wife Sakshi and other family members.

This was Dhoni's first visit to the ancient Deori temple in Tamar near Ranchi after his recent wedding.

His visit to the temple has earned immense importance with reports coming in that whenever his performance in the game declines he visits this temple located around 65 kilometres from Ranch city.

Scores of fans and media personnel followed the couple.

"Dhoni has come to the temple for the first time after his wedding to offer prayers to the Goddess. Whenever he comes to Ranchi, he surely visits this temple seeking blessings of the Goddess," said Manoj Panda, Priest, Deori Temple.

"Today he came along with his wife Sakshi, father Paan Singh and other family members and after performing the essential rituals, he went back," he added.

Dhoni is presently in his hometown after the Sri Lanka tri- series, which India lost by 75 runs in the final. By G S Ojha (ANI)

Source: Web Search

Pak players face life threat from militants over match fixing allegations: Experts

Published>Mon, Aug 30 10 08:47 PM

London, Aug 30 (ANI): Pakistani cricketers, who are allegedly involved in match fixing scandal, fear for their lives amid warnings that militants have put a price on their heads, according to security experts.

Reacting angrily to the match-fixing allegations, fans greeted the Pakistan cricket team with boos, jeers and pelted the team bus with rotten tomatoes as they used the stadium's back gate after crashing to a humiliating defeat by England.

Cricket agent Mazhar Majeed was arrested on Saturday on suspicion of conspiracy to defraud bookmakers over an alleged betting scam involving the Pakistan national team.

The News of the World claimed that it paid Majeed for advance details of when three no balls would be played in the latest Lord's Test, which England won.

Police also questioned three Pakistan players over the alleged scam and detectives confiscated mobile phones of Mohammad Amir, Mohammad Asif and Pakistan's captain Salman Butt.

Security experts say the team could be the target of a backlash from fans after match-fixing allegations, and fear the boos and cheers the squad got in London yesterday is nothing compared to what could be in store for them in Pakistan, where their lives could be on the line, the Daily Star reports.

One security expert warned: "There are worries it's not going to be safe for the team to go back. Millions of people here have been looking to them for relief from the devastating floods. People were weeping with joy when they won the last Test. But that has disappeared now and the happiness has turned to anger."

Security around the team was beefed up yesterday after allegations that players in the team would throw a match for a fee. (ANI)

Source: Web Search

'Lord's Test betting scam' allegations 'rubbish': Majeed

Published>Mon, Aug 30 10 08:37 PM

London, Aug 30(ANI): The brother and business partner of London-based Mazhar Majeed, the alleged man behind a 150,000-pound match-fixing scandal involving the Pakistan team, insists that the allegations are "just rubbish."

Mazhar was secretly filmed by a British tabloid accepting 150,000 pounds to make sure that three 'no-balls' were bowled by Pakistan fast bowlers Mohammad Aamer and Mohammad Asif at certain times during the Lord's Test match against England.

"I found it not laughable, because you don't laugh at things like that, but I thought it was just rubbish," The Daily Times quoted Azhar Majeed, as saying.

"I saw the video of Mazhar sitting there counting out money on the table. They are alleging it was for matchfixing ... I have absolutely no idea about it whatsoever," he added.

Speaking about his brother's arrest, Azhar said: "I'm extremely worried. Nothing like this has ever happened to us. Ever. I have no idea as to what happened and what's led to him counting out that money."

The 35-year-old, who was arrested on Saturday, has been bailed to appear before police at a future date.

According to News of The World, three no-balls were delivered exactly as Majeed described during the secretly filmed meeting on the night before the Test at Lord's.

Video footage apparently shows the cricket agent counting out 150,000 pounds given to him by investigators posing as businessmen.

The allegations have caused shockwaves across the cricket world, with suggestions that dozens of other matches may have been "fixed". (ANI)

Source: Web Search

People come out with donkeys to protest fixing scandal

Mon, Aug 30 10 08:21 PM

Lahore, Aug 30 (PTI) In an innovative way to cry down Pakistani players'' alleged involvement in the match-fixing scandal, which has rocked the international cricket, a small band of protesters staged a demonstration by coming out with donkeys on the main road here today. The protesters, including children, came out with donkeys each of which had a piece of paper stuck on its forehead with names of accused players and some officials as demonstrators slapped it with shoes and also pelted with rotten vegetables. "This is our way of protesting against such corrupt cricketers and officials. "We want to bring to the notice of the government that they need to punish those who have brought a bad name to the country and made a fool of the millions who pray for the success of the national team all the time," Ahmed Draz, one of the protester, said. The protesters also carried placards against the players including captain Salman Butt, wicketkeeper Kamran Akmal and officials and chanted slogans urging punishment for them. Anger has risen in Pakistan since the fresh match-fixing scandal broke out yesterday with former players and people from all walks of life urging bans and other penalties for the guilty. They are also asking for sacking of the Pakistan Cricket Board Chairman Ijaz Butt and his team of officials. This anger was also witnessed at Lord''s yesterday. When Pakistan team bus reached there for the fourth Test Pakistanis settled in London threw rotten tomatoes and eggs at the bus and chanted slogans against the players and officials. "This reaction is understandable after all the players and officials in England have already let the nation down by getting themselves involved in such a controversy in the first place," said Ishtiaq Ahmed, a civil lawyer. Ishtiaq today filed a petition in the Lahore High Court urging the court to file treason charges against the players accused of spot fixing. "I want treason charges against them because they acted against the constitution of the country by betraying the country, an example needs to be made of them," he said. He also said that his case will be heard by the Court tomorrow and in the petition he had also pointed out that betraying one''s national team amounted to treason. "The authorities should seize all assets of these players and put them on trial," he added.

Source: Published>

ICC rules out Pakistan abandoning England tour

Published>Mon, Aug 30 10 08:17 PM

International Cricket Council (ICC) President Sharad Pawar has ruled out the possibility of the Pakistan team abandoning their tour of England following allegations of spot fixing.

"It is the desire of the ICC and the cricket boards of England and Pakistan that the game should continue," he told reporters on Monday.

Pakistan test captain Salman Butt, fast bowlers Mohammad Amir and Mohammad Asif and wicketkeeper Kamran Akmal were questioned by police at the team's hotel in London following a report in a Sunday newspaper that players had been bribed to fix incidents during the fourth test against England at Lord's.

The allegations centred on three no-balls from Amir and Asif which The News of the World newspaper said had been bowled by pre-arrangement.

ENGLISH COUNTERPART

Pawar and other ICC officials, including the head of council's Anti-Corruption and Security Unit (ACSU) Ravi Sawani, discussed the issue with Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Ijaz Butt and his English counterpart Giles Clarke.

After the teleconference, Pawar said ACSU had been asked to submit a report in the next couple of days.

"We discussed it in detail but one thing is there, British police are in the process of investigation. They have not completed the investigation, they have not called any player for interrogation either.

"So unless the investigation is complete and we get a prima facie report, it will be difficult for the Pakistan board to take appropriate action.

"The PCB president himself has inquired and prepared a confidential report which he sent to the president and prime minister of Pakistan. He is expecting some guidance from the country's leadership.

"We at the ICC are waiting for definite information from the PCB and our own anti-corruption unit. We hope to get something in the next two to three days time and that information would lead to appropriate action, if required."

Earlier on Monday, Pawar told a news conference in Mumbai the sport's governing body would be ruthless if any player was found guilty of spot fixing.

"If, unfortunately, there is a truth (in the allegations) then ruthless actions will be taken," he said.

"I am absolutely confident that both boards -- English and Pakistani -- will never encourage or protect anybody who has done a wrong thing."

Pakistan are due to play two Twenty20 matches and five one-day internationals against England, who won the test series 3-1.

Source: Web Search

Delhi Police fully prepared for CWG, says Dadwal

Published>Mon, Aug 30 10 08:07 PM

New Delhi, Aug 30 (ANI): Delhi Police Commissioner Yudhbir Singh Dadwal on Monday said the police is fully prepared and positioned for the 2010 Commonwealth Games, which kicks off on October 3.

"See, as far as we are concerned, I have repeatedly stated that we are fully prepared for any sort of challenge. Delhi Police is trained, ready and positioned for the Games. All the practices and trails would be completed on time before the Games," said Dadwal.

"I think everything is in perfect condition. As far as the training is concerned, mock exercises are concerned, everything is in track, I am quite satisfied," he added.

It was earlier reported that over a thousand armed forces personnel from specialised units are likely to be deployed for the upcoming mega-event.

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

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

Yeligeti''s heroics help Mumbai win Buchi Babu trophy

Mon, Aug 30 10 07:51 PM

Chennai, Aug 30 (PTI) Vikrant Yeligeti produced a devastating spell of spin bowling to scalp five wickets as Mumbai claimed the glittering Buchi Babu Memorial Trophy, inflicting an 87 run defeat on Punjab XI at the MA Chidambaram stadium here today. Needing 285 for a win, Punjab were shot out for 197 in 70.2 overs. Taruwar Kohli, who made a fine 65 (148b, 7x4), top scored for Punjab and added 77 runs for the fourth wicket in 32.2 overs with Viswas Kholi. Kholi made 42 (121b, 2 X 4). Perry Goel chipped in with 35. Yeligeti claimed all five wickets in his second spell, which read 5.20315. Medium pacers Murtuza Hussain (2 for 41) and Saurabh Netravalkar (2 for 13) each took a brace of wickets.

Source: Published>

Yuvraj to rediscover form soon: Muralitharan

Mon, Aug 30 10 07:37 PM

Chennai, Aug 30 (PTI) Middle-order batsman Yuvraj Singh will soon rediscover his touch and play an important role for India in the next year''s World Cup in the sub-continent, feels legendary Sri Lankan spinner Muttiah Muralitharan. "Yuvraj is a great batsman. All cricketers go through bad phases. I think, the media has to be careful in criticising him. This has put a lot of pressure on him and he is reacting (affecting his batting)," Muralitharan said here today. "But he will certainly make an impact at the 2011 World Cup," he added. Muralitharan was speaking on the sidelines of a function, where he was felicitated for becoming the first cricketer to scalp 800 Test wickets. In the just concluded tri-nation ODI series in Sri Lanka, Yuvraj had averaged only 18.75, having scored 75 runs in four matches with 38 as his highest score.

Source: Published>

ODI series to go on, action after police report: Pawar

Mon, Aug 30 10 07:09 PM

Mumbai, Aug 30 (PTI) The ICC today said the Twenty20 and ODI series between Pakistan and England will go on as per schedule and "appropriate" action on ''spot-fixing'' allegations against Pakistani cricketers will be taken after the completion of investigation by London police. "It is the desire of the ICC, England and Pakistan that the game is continued," Pawar said after a teleconference with top ICC officials, PCB Chairman Ejaz Butt and ECB chairman Giles Clarke. Pakistan and England square off in two Twenty20 Internationals (September 5 and 7) before playing five ODIs from September 10-22. Pawar said besides the London police, Anti-Corruption Unit of the ICC is also preparing a report. The world body will take action after studying both the investigations and a report from the PCB. "I had a detailed discussion with Giles Clarke, Ejaz Butt, ICC vice-president Alan Issac, CEO Haroon Lorgat, anti-corruption wing in-charge Ravi Sawani and a few officials of ICC. We discussed in depth the Pakistani players'' issue. One thing is that the British Police have not completed their investigation. Neither any player has been interrogated," he said. "Until and unless the British authorities complete investigation, which we hope will be done in two-three days, and establish there is prima facie case it is difficult for the PCB to take appropriate action," he said. "ICC is waiting for the British police to complete investigation. ACSU is also looking into the details. It is also preparing a report in 2-3 days. The report by British Police and ACSU will give us a proper picture. This information we hope will lead us to take appropriate action if required," he added. Pawar said PCB chief Butt will submit a confidential report to Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari regarding the ''spot-fixing'' allegations. "As per our information, PCB president is preparing a confidential report which will be submitted to the President and Prime Minster. He wants guidance from the country''s leadership," said Pawar. More PTI SSR PDS MRM

Source: Published>

India's greatest sports heroes

Published>Mon, Aug 30 10 07:03 PM

You could call them mere players in a game. But to do so would ignore the power that India's greatest athletes have to inspire generation after generation with their deeds, both on and off the field. At the topmost stratum of the nation's sports pantheon are athletes who were trailblazers; athletes who didn't let uncharted territory derail their ambitions; athletes who lived and played with dignity, commanding both fear and respect.

At a time when money was not the prize, and the glory of seeing the Indian national colors fly was enough to fill both heart and stomach, these champions of pride and perseverance embodied routinely the spirit that most struggle ever to summon. Fresh from forgotten memories, we present them to you here, the five greatest sports heroes in Indian history.

Milkha Singh, athlete

He was called 'the flying Sikh.' Pride of Punjab. Pride of the Sikhs. Pride of India. He did what no Indian did at the time. He ran - as a profession. Singh is on this list for gold medals won in the Asian Games in 1958 and 1962. But he's also here for the medal he narrowly missed in the 1960 Rome Olympics, a race in which he finished faster than the standing world record. At a time without byzantine 25th-century shoe technology, Singh ran barefoot for most of his career.

Prakash Padukone, badminton

They called him 'The Gentle Tiger,' though his opposition post-1971 would likely object to the moniker; it was at about that time that Padukone dramatically augmented the aggressiveness of his game. But he always moved with a ballerina's grace on the court, and when he lifted the All England Championships cup in 1980, he put India in the same league with the game's superpowers. Mild mannered, dignified, focused and still actively paying back the sport he loves, Padukone can still be seen gliding gingerly on the court at his Bangalore sports academy, playing against youngsters who look on in awe and admiration.

Kapil Dev, cricket

It's probably the most widely circulated image in Indian cricket history. Kapil Dev, at Lords, that overcast English evening in 1983, holding the World Cup aloft. He was India's first true pace bowler. He bowled injury free, when bowlers today have a tough time lasting a series without a niggle. As national team captain Dev codified the phrase "Kapil's Devils" in sporting lore. And he did it when no one gave a lanky lad from Haryana a chance, retiring as the highest wicket taker ever, anywhere and one of the best cricketing all rounders of all time.

Vishwanathan Anand, chess

Anand doesn't just look like a scientist, he prepares for his game like one. He has decimated former champions with the precision of a physicist dismantling an atomic bomb, blowing the likes of Kasparov, Karpov and Kramnik out of the water. World champion, grandmaster, Arjuna awardee, Chess Oscar winner, padma shri, padma bhushan, padma vibhushan and a global ambassador to the brainy sport. He may live his life in black and white, but Anand's achievements are a brilliant rainbow on India's sports horizon.

Sunil Gavaskar, cricket

Gavaskar batted in an era when the dangerous West Indian pace quartet was at peak ferocity. He didn't wear the protective helmets of today, he didn't have modern day umpires ruling a no ball for more than one bouncer per over. His opening partners changed dozens of times throughout his career, but the captain always held up his end. He was the first man to cross the unthinkable milestone of 10,000 runs in test cricket and surpassed Sir Don's record for test centuries. He did it all seemingly without breaking a sweat and smiling, always, all the way to the commentary booth where he now sits. Sachin Tendulkar, by his own admission, grew up idolizing Gavaskar, and would undoubtedly rate him higher than himself.

By Gaurav Kapur

Source: Web Search