Kamran Akmal was ''Kami'' for bookie Majeed

Sun, Sep 05 10 12:23 PM

London, Sep 5 (PTI) Text messages retrieved from Mazhar Majeed''s mobile phone indicate his close ties with Pakistani wicketkeeper Kamran Akmal, who was nicknamed ''Kami'' by the alleged match-fixer. British tabloid ''The News of the World'', which has blown the lid off the betting scam that has led to the suspension of three Pakistani players, came out with more sensational details of the modus operandi of the alleged fixers. These include messages from Majeed''s mobile which are now under investigation by police. The newspaper has also uncovered new photographs showing the proximity between Majeed and the Pakistan squad. The snaps were taken at an Indian restaurant in Perth, Australia, on January 30, a day after Pakistan were beaten by 135 runs by the Aussies in a one-day international. The tour was a disaster for Pakistan. Apart from being whitewashed 5-0 in the one-day games, they lost the Test Series 3-0. The controversial second Test defeat led to close scrutiny of Akmal, who dropped a series of catches. A match-fixing probe into him was launched on February 26. A day later Majeed was texted from a British number. The message read: "Kamran Akmal has been accused of match fixing." A month later - on March 5 - another text to Majeed read: "Salam bro pls be careful if you are dealing with any financial matter with Kami I am sure you are aware he and one other player is very much into match fixing alegations." The messages exchanged between Mazhar and his brother Azhar might now help the police nab players who are involved in the corruption ring that has shaken the core of international cricket. One text from Azhar to Majeed on March 25 reads: "Let''s great f***g hold of cricket and squeeze everything we can from it." In reply to the text, Majeed said: "Exactly the attitude I wanted from you yesterday." A blizzard of messages sent to numbers around the world -- including America, India, Italy, Switzerland and the United Arab Emirates -- hold the key to unravelling the scandal. More PTI HSR PM MRM

Source: Published>

Pak batsman Hameed denies accusing teammates of match fixing

Published>Sun, Sep 05 10 12:17 PM

London, Sep.5 (ANI): Pakistan batsman Yasir Hameed has denied reports of having told an undercover journalist that his teammates were corrupt and had constantly fixed games.

British tabloid News of The World reported Hameed had "sensationally confirmed" its report last week that some Pakistan players had accepted money to fix aspects of the fourth Test match against England in London.

These allegations led to Pakistan Test captain Salman Butt and bowlers Mohammad Aamer and Mohammad Asif being charged by the International Cricket Council for corruption. Police also questioned them.

The tabloid said Hameed had told one of its reporters in a bar in Nottingham, central England, that some Pakistan players were fixing "almost every match".

"They've been caught. Only the ones that get caught are branded crooks. They were doing it (fixing) in almost every match. God knows what they were up to. Scotland Yard was after them for ages," NOTW quoted Hameed, as saying.

"It makes me angry because I'm playing my best and they are trying to lose," the 32-year-old added further.

However, on Sunday denied he had bad-mouthed his teammates to the media.

He said: "I have not given any interview to the News of the World or any newspaper. I can never think of blaming my teammates in match fixing. I have just told the team management that the newspaper is claiming I have given them an interview. This is not correct."

Hameed remains in England after playing in Pakistan's Tests series, despite not being picked for the limited-overs matches which start on Sunday.

He admitted going to a number of parties in Nottingham but insisted "there were no strangers." (ANI)

Source: Web Search

Spot fixing: Pak cricketers hit by 23 charges

Published>Sun, Sep 05 10 12:07 PM

London, Sep.5 (ANI): The three Pakistan players in the dock for spot fixing - Salman Butt, Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Aamir-have been hit with a staggering 23 charges after a News of the World (NOTW) undercover investigation.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) charges run to a massive six pages per player.

According to the NOTW, Butt had previously been warned five times about his duty to report illegal approaches before the latest betting scandal.

The three players and Majeed are the subject of a Scotland Yard investigation, with the Pakistan stars also facing the wrath of an ICC desperate to save their sport's battered reputation.

Test captain Butt and veteran bowler Asif both face life bans, although there is a growing sense among ICC top brass that 18-year-old Amir should be dealt with more leniently.

They have all been charged under Article 2 of the ICC's anti-corruption code, with Butt's charge sheet the longest of the three.

In total, the charges run to 18 pages, which were handed to the players on Thursday night after the ICC's Anti-Corruption and Security Unit swooped.

Meanwhile, Pakistan has insisted that nothing will stop them completing their tour of England, while England bosses will take a final decision this morning on the wisdom of carrying on. (ANI)

Source: Web Search

Woods plays bogey free first time in a year

Published>Sun, Sep 05 10 11:43 AM

New York, Sep.5 (ANI): Golfer Tiger Woods didn't hit a bad shot through six holes and played bogey-free for the first time in more than a year for a 6-under 65 in the Deutsche Bank Championship at the TPC Boston in Norton, Massachusetts.

Woods, who started in a tie for 87th, moved up to a tie for 29th and was seven shots behind with 36 holes to play.

"I had to shoot a good one if I was going to move on, and I was able to do that today (Saturday)," CBS News quoted Woods, as saying.

One day after Jason Day opened with a 63 in conditions so calm he might as well have been playing indoors, he found out quickly what he was up against Saturday in tree-shaking wind on the TPC at Boston. He hit a tee shot down the middle and found it in the right rough. He aimed his 9-iron 10 yards left of his target and saw it fly over the green.

Day got away with it by chipping in for birdie on his way to a 4-under 67 to share the lead with Brandt Snedeker, the second straight week the 22-year-old Australian has been a 36-hole leader in the FedEx Cup playoffs.

"It was a little tougher out there. "It wasn't as fun as yesterday, I'll tell you that much," Day was quoted, as saying.

Defending champion Steve Stricker made it through another round without a bogey and was at 9-under 133, while Phil Mickelson started hitting fairways and making putts and was in the group at 8-under 134 that included Ryder Cup hopeful Stewart Cink, Hunter Mahan, Zach Johnson and Andres Romero. (ANI)

Source: Web Search

Pakistan cricketers were fixing 'almost every match'

Published>Sun, Sep 05 10 11:07 AM

London, Sep 5 (IANS) Pakistan Test batsman Yasir Hameed reportedly told a British tabloid that his teammates have been fixing 'almost every match' and that he himself had refused bribes. However, he later denied his statements.

In another sting operation by The News of the World, Hameed said that he had refused bribes worth 150,000 pounds from a corrupt bookmaker to throw matches and lost his own place in the squad that saw his career damaged as a result.

Hameed's revelations come after the British tabloid promised that last week that it would come with more news on the spot-fixing scandal involving three Pakistani players, captain Salman Butt, fast bowlers Mohammed Asif and Mohammed Aamer.

Hameed, who made a comeback in Test cricket after three years with the Oval Test against England last month, said that the Sydney Test in Australia earlier this year was rigged for 1.8 million pounds.

'They've been caught. Only the ones that get caught are branded crooks. They were doing it (fixing) in almost every match. God knows what they were up to. Scotland Yard was after them for ages,' the 32-year-old batsman said.

'It makes me angry because I'm playing my best and they are trying to lose. The guys that have got done have got themselves killed. They're gone - forget about them,' he said.

Hameed later denied giving any interview to The News of the World, that is owned by international media magnate Rupert Murdoch and is the Sunday sister paper of the popular The Sun tabloid.

'I can never think of blaming my teammates in match-fixing. I have just told the team management that the newspaper is claiming I have given them an interview. This is not correct,' he said.

In the sting operation, Hameed said that he became a victim of betting cartels' vengeance for refusing to fix games.

'It's because of all these wrong things that I was ousted, because I wouldn't get involved. If you sat here and said, 'I'm a bookie and I want you to fix the match tomorrow' - I've met lots of people like that in the past and I refused. They offered me handsome money. I could have come to see you in a Ferrari. They give you so much money that you can live out your dreams, buy a flash car,' Hameed told the undercover reporter.

Hameed said he was offered huge amounts of money -- up to 150,000 pounds.

'I wouldn't get involved. That's why I was out of the team for two years - two years! Now god has punished them. I played in the (Lord's) match. Even though I flopped, these guys have been caught out. Just look at my average. It's 38, 39 (runs scored per innings). Which player in the world has that average and is dropped? If I was playing for any other country, what would I be now? I'd be the team captain,' he said.

Hameed had a sensational start to his international career in 2003, scoring 170 runs in his first innings and another 105 in the second, against Bangladesh. In his first 30 One Day Internationals, he scored more runs than any other batsman. Despite that he has bounced in and out of the national team.

'The truth is I've never sold a match for Pakistan. I've always got by on legitimate money. I come from a middle-class hard-working family,' he said.

'The 150,000 pounds (paid to Majeed) was just (a deposit) to show what would happen on this ball, what would happen on the other ball. In the future, imagine how much money they would have made. Imagine how many pounds they would have made!' he said.

'He (Majeed) pays the players whatever the rate is. I think they get 20,000 pounds or 25,000 pounds for no balls. God knows what was the deal, I didn't ask.'

Hameed asked how Asif had been able to amass a big property portfolio.

'I'm having a house built and it's stopped halfway. I'm building it from legitimate money and work has stopped. Asif - how many matches has he played and how many have I played? I've played 80 matches and he's played around 50. He has four mansions. Where did they come from? He has just built a house in Italian style in Lahore. You go there and you will think you are in Italy - that's how good his house is,' Hameed said.

On skipper Butt, Hameed said: 'He's a nice guy basically. I don't know why he's gone like this because of money.'

Hameed also pointed out that the 2004 ICC Champion Trophy semi-final at the Rose Bowl in Southampton between Pakistan and West Indies was also rigged.

The West Indies won the match by seven wickets despite posting just 132 runs. Pakistan capitulated to 131 all out.

Source: Web Search

Spot-fixing scandal: ICC to appoint independent commissioner

Sun, Sep 05 10 09:51 AM

Betwa Sharma New York, Sep 5 (PTI) Maintaining that the three tainted Pakistani cricketers have not been punished in the spot- fixing scam, the ICC today said that an independent commissioner will be appointed to go into the whole issue and the players will be able to put their views before him. The International Cricket Council would appoint an independent commissioner to look into the charges and any action would be taken on recommendation of the appointed commissioner, ICC President Sharad Pawar said here. The players -- Salman Butt, Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Amir -- have a right to contest their provisional suspension and a further opportunity to defend the charges at a full hearing before an independent Anti-Corruption Tribunal in accordance with Article 5 of the code. "We have not punished anybody yet," Pawar told PTI. He noted that under the ICC anti-corruption rules, the suspected players needed to be notified and an investigation conducted. Pawar''s comments came close on the heels of Pakistan High Commissioner to the UK Wajid Shamsul Hasan terming the trio''s suspension as a "conspiracy" and blaming the ICC President for it. "We have to send a notice to that particular player but that notice is not a final decision. It is a means of giving him (player) an opportunity to explain his position," Pawar said. "This is not an action (the suspension), this is a sort of notice to them and an opportunity to explain," he said. "If he (the player) is not guilty then certainly he has the right to put his views," said Pawar, also India''s Agriculture Minister, who was here to inaugurate the North American unit of his Nationalist Congress Party. The Pakistani High Commissioner, earlier, tried to insinuate that Pawar may have had a hand in getting Butt, Asif and Amir suspended, claiming that ICC was trying to make Pakistan a "scapegoat" for its inefficiency. In a statement, ICC confirmed that the ''cash-for-no-ball'' accused "have been officially notified of the offences they are alleged to have committed and have been provisionally suspended pending a decision on those charges." (More) PTI BS KAB KIM VSC

Source: Published>

'Pak players fixing almost every match'

Sun, Sep 05 10 09:41 AM

London, Sep 5 (PTI) In a sensational twist to the spot-fixing scandal, former Pakistan opener Yasir Hameed today claimed that his teammates were involved in fixing "almost every match" even as a fourth touring Pakistani player is being investigated in the scam which continues to grow in proportion. Even before the dust could settle over the suspension of the tainted trio of Salman But, Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Aamir, British tabloid News of the World, came out with more explosive revellations which has plunged the game into a major crisis. Hameed told told the tabloid that he had been asked by a bookmaker to help fix a Test for 100,000 pound, but turned down the money and said his teammates were fixing almost every match. "They''ve been caught. Only the ones that get caught are branded crooks. They were doing it (fixing) in almost every match. God knows what they were up to. Scotland Yard was after them for ages", Hameed is quoted as saying in the sting interview which was released by the tabloid. But within a few hours after the videos of the interview was released, Hameed denied having given any such interview, saying he could never think of accusing his teammates of fixing matches. "I have told the team management that the newspaper is claiming that I have given them an interview. This is not correct. I deny it", he said. After the disclosure, Hameed could face disciplinary proceedings from the International Cricket Council (ICC) for violating its anti-corruption code of conduct which states that it is an offence if a player "fails to disclose to the Anti-Corruption and Security Unit (without undue delay) full details of any approaches ... that would amount to a breach of the anti-corruption code". The tabloid also said that it will reveal how the ICC was now probing a fourth Pakistan touring player over "match- rigging claims". It is not naming this player for legal reasons. "The three suspended Pakistan players face a staggering 23 ICC charges between them - each charge runs to six pages... Pakistan Test captain Salman Butt was warned five times about his responsibilities to report any irregular contact with outside agencies," it said. The tabloid said its print edition will publish the "entire investigation starting in January this year including printing the transcripts of every meeting, conversation, email and text exchange". More PTI PS MRM

Source: Published>

Spot-fixing saga takes sensational turn with fresh disclosures

Sun, Sep 05 10 09:27 AM

London, Sep 5 (PTI) In a sensational twist to the spot-fixing scandal, former Pakistan opener Yasir Hameed today claimed that his teammates were involved in fixing "almost every match" even as a fourth touring Pakistani player is being investigated in the scam which continues to grow in proportion. Even before the dust could settle over the suspension of the tainted trio of Salman But, Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Aamir, British tabloid News of the World, came out with more explosive revellations which has plunged the game into a major crisis. Hameed told told the tabloid that he had been asked by a bookmaker to help fix a Test for 100,000 pound, but turned down the money and said his teammates were fixing almost every match. "They''ve been caught. Only the ones that get caught are branded crooks. They were doing it (fixing) in almost every match. God knows what they were up to. Scotland Yard was after them for ages", Hameed is quoted as saying in the sting interview which was released by the tabloid. But within a few hours after the videos of the interview was released, Hameed denied having given any such interview, saying he could never think of accusing his teammates of fixing matches. "I have told the team management that the newspaper is claiming that I have given them an interview. This is not correct. I deny it", he said. After the disclosure, Hameed could face disciplinary proceedings from the International Cricket Council (ICC) for violating its anti-corruption code of conduct which states that it is an offence if a player "fails to disclose to the Anti-Corruption and Security Unit (without undue delay) full details of any approaches ... that would amount to a breach of the anti-corruption code". The tabloid also said that it will reveal how the ICC was now probing a fourth Pakistan touring player over "match- rigging claims". It is not naming this player for legal reasons. "The three suspended Pakistan players face a staggering 23 ICC charges between them - each charge runs to six pages... Pakistan Test captain Salman Butt was warned five times about his responsibilities to report any irregular contact with outside agencies," it said. The tabloid said its print edition will publish the "entire investigation starting in January this year including printing the transcripts of every meeting, conversation, email and text exchange". More PTI PS MRM

Source: Published>

Fourth Pakistan player being investigated - newspaper

Published>Sun, Sep 05 10 08:57 AM

A fourth Pakistan cricketer is being investigated by the International Cricket Council (ICC) over match-rigging claims, The News of the World newspaper said on Saturday.

In a statement the British tabloid said it would print a second series of revelations on Sunday including news of an investigation into a player who it did not identify.

"The News of the World is not naming this player for legal reasons," the statement said.

The ICC suspended test captain Salman Butt and pace bowlers Mohammad Amir and Mohammad Asif last Thursday under its anti-corruption code.

British metropolitan police have questioned the trio after The News of the World reported last Sunday that they had fixed incidents in the fourth test against England at Lord's.

Saturday's statement also said test opening batsman Yasir Hameed has claimed some of his team mates were fixing "almost every match".

"They were doing it (fixing) in almost every match. God knows what they were up to," he is quoted as saying.

"Scotland Yard was after them for ages. It makes me angry because I'm playing my best and they are trying to lose."

An ICC spokesman said the world governing body would not comment on the allegation that another player was being investigated.

"We don't comment on ongoing investigations," he said.

Pakistan tour manager Yawar Saeed was not immediately available for comment. A police spokesman said there were no new developments in their case.

Shahid Afridi, the Pakistan one-day captain, apologised on behalf of the team before Sunday's Twenty20 international against England in Cardiff.

"I think it is very bad news," Afridi told reporters.

"On behalf of these players, I know they are not in this series, but on behalf of these boys I want to say sorry to all cricket lovers and all the cricketing nations."

Source: Web Search

Pak opener Yasir Hameed ''confirms'' colleagues fix matches

Sun, Sep 05 10 07:27 AM

Prasun Sonwalkar London, Sep 5 (PTI) Pakistan Test opener Yasir Hameed has confirmed that his teammates fixed "almost every game" and claimed that he was dropped from the national team for two years because he did not go along with his corrupt colleagues. The British tabloid News of the World, which stirred international cricket with revelation of spot-fixing last weekend, today published a conversation between Hameed and its undercover reporter. It also published several more details of the spot- fixing saga. The tabloid reported that Hameed provided a "devastating insight into the shady world of betting scams" and added that he refused bribes of up to 150,000 pounds from a corrupt bookmaker to throw matches. Hameed claimed he lost his place in the team because of this refusal, while his corrupt colleagues reportedly splashed money on plush properties and expensive sports cars. He spoke to the tabloid in a Nottingham hotel, it said. "They''ve been caught. Only the ones that get caught are branded crooks. They were doing it (fixing) in almost every match. God knows what they were up to. Scotland Yard was after them for ages. "It makes me angry because I''m playing my best and they are trying to lose. The guys that have got done have got themselves killed. They''re gone - forget about them," Hameed said about the trio of Salman Butt, Mohammad Amer and Mohammad Asif. Hameed reportedly said pacer Mohammad Asif who has played around 50 matches has built four mansions. "Where did they come from? He has just built a house in Italian style in Lahore. You go there and you will think you are in Italy - that''s how good his house is." "It''s because of all these wrong things that I was outed, because I wouldn''t get involved," the Pakistan opener said. "If you sat here and said, ''I''m a bookie and I want you to fix the match tomorrow'' - I''ve met lots of people like that in the past and I refused. They offered me handsome money." "I could have come to see you in a Ferrari. They give you so much money that you can live out your dreams, buy a flash car. I''ve been offered huge amounts of money, up to 150,000 pounds," the cricketer said. (More) PTI PS

Source: Published>

Charlesworth empathises with Brasa

Published>Sun, Sep 05 10 07:21 AM

Indian hockey's former technical consultant Ric Charlesworth isn't surprised by the manner in which current coach Jose Brasa has been venting his frustration ahead of the Commonwealth Games.

On Saturday, Brasa alleged that the Sports Authority of India (SAI) was lying about the salary and facilities it was giving to him. "SAI has claimed that they are paying me Rs7 lakh per month as well as family accommodation, which is a lie. I am getting Rs 4.2 lakhs per month that means 7000 euros," Brasa said.

"Even the club coaches in Europe get better than this. As far as family accommodation is concerned, I am not using their four-star hotel facilities. In fact, I am saving their money, approximately Rs 3 lakh per month," the Spaniard said.

Meanwhile, Charlesworth told The Indian Express via email on Friday: "There are similarities between the situation of Jose (Brasa) and myself. It is a pattern."

Like Brasa, right from the start Charlesworth, current Australian coach, too had issues relating to payment of salary, being kept away from selection meetings and contractual issues with the federation.

Although Charlesworth admitted to all these similarities, he chose not to comment on these issues.

"I'm not commenting on this till the Commonwealth Games are out of the way," Charlesworth added.

Completely miffed with the system, Brasa said he does not want to continue beyond November 30, when his contract expires.

"I definitely would not like to continue in the same situation. My contract is expiring on November 30 and that's it. I am sure authorities here will not be keen to renew my offer," he said.

Source: Web Search

Pak opener claims colleagues fixing ''almost every match''

Sun, Sep 05 10 06:37 AM

Prasun Sonwalkar London, Sep 5 (PTI) Pakistan opener Yasir Hameed has reportedly claimed that his teammates were allegedly involved in fixing "almost every match", even before the dust is yet to settle over the allegations of spot-fixing against three fellow players during the team''s tour in England. This is among the new revelations made by British tabloid News of the World, whose disclosures last weekend rocked international cricket over allegations of spot-fixing involving large sums of money. Hameed also reportedly claimed that he had been asked by a bookmaker to help fix a Test for 100,000 pound, but turned down the money. After the disclosure, Hameed could face disciplinary proceedings from the International Cricket Council (ICC) for violating its anti-corruption code of conduct which states that it is an offence if a player "fails to disclose to the Anti-Corruption and Security Unit (without undue delay) full details of any approaches ... that would amount to a breach of the anti-corruption code". Three Pakistan cricketers Mohammad Amir, Mohammad Asif and Salman Butt -- have faced police investigation for allegedly delivering no-balls at pre-determined stages of the recent Lord''s Test at the behest of bookie Mazhar Majeed. The tabloid adds that it will be revealed how the ICC was now probing a fourth Pakistan touring player over "match- rigging claims". It is not naming this player for legal reasons. "The three suspended Pakistan players face a staggering 23 ICC charges between them - each charge runs to six pages... Pakistan Captain Salman Butt was warned five times about his responsibilities to report any irregular contact with outside agencies." The tabloid said its print edition will publish the "entire investigation starting in January this year including printing the transcripts of every meeting, conversation, email and text exchange". The ICC was investigating a fourth Pakistan player, who has not yet been named, over match-rigging claims, it said. The newspaper published details of the spot-fixing claims last weekend which led Pakistan test captain Salman Butt and bowlers Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Amir to face police and ICC investigations. Hameed reportedly told the tabloid: "They''ve been caught. Only the ones that get caught are branded crooks. They were doing it [fixing] in almost every match. God knows what they were up to. Scotland Yard was after them for ages. It makes me angry because I''m playing my best and they are trying to lose." The print edition is today expected to carry reports that investigators recovered between 10,000 and 15,000 pounds of marked bank bills from Butt''s hotel room.

Source: Published>

Fourth Pakistan player being probed in spot-fixing scandal

Sun, Sep 05 10 02:07 AM

London, Sept 4 (PTI) A fourth Pakistani player was being probed by the International Cricket Council (ICC) in connection with a betting scam that has rocked the cricket world, a media report claimed today. The News of The World said the ICC, which has already charged tainted Pakistani trio of Salman Butt, Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Aamir under its anti-corruption code, is probing a fourth player over "match-rigging" claims. In a statement ahead of its publication tomorrow, the tabloid said it was "not naming this player for legal reasons". Meanwhile, the tabloid quoted Pakistan''s batsman Yasir Hameed as saying that his teammates were fixing "almost every match". He said: "They''ve been caught. Only the ones that get caught are branded crooks. "They were doing it (fixing) in almost every match. God knows what they were up to. Scotland Yard was after them for ages. "It makes me angry because I''m playing my best and they are trying to lose." The three suspended Pakistan players face a staggering 23 ICC charges between them - each charge runs to six pages. PTI ZH

Source: Published>

Kanepi blows by Jankovic and into final 16

Published>Sun, Sep 05 10 12:37 AM

Jelena Jankovic's U.S. Open hopes were literally blown away on Saturday when she was beaten 6-2 7-6 by Kaia Kanepi of Estonia in a windy third round at Flushing Meadows.

The fourth-seeded Jankovic was unable to control her serve and groundstrokes in the gusting winds inside Arthur Ashe Stadium as Kanepi held her game together to reach the last 16 in New York for the first time.

"The conditions were really, really tough," former world number one Jankovic said. "I had a really hard time hitting the balls and obviously they were going all over the place.

One point, when Jankovic hit the edge of her frame with a serve and the ball shot straight up in the air and into the stands, summed up her problems.

By contrast, the 25-year-old Kanepi, who has climbed more than 100 places in the rankings since May thanks largely to a quarter-final run at Wimbledon, looked confident.

After dominating the first set, she broke the Jankovic serve to lead 5-3 in the second only to falter and allow Jankovic back into the match.

The Serbian then broke to lead 6-5 and serve for the set but crumbled as Kanepi broke back and then played an almost flawless tiebreak to win it 7-1 and seal victory.

Kanepi said the conditions were not the only factor in dropping her serve at 5-3.

"I don't think it was because of the wind, I think it was because of the head," she said. "In these situations, most of us start to think too much."

At the end of 2009, Kanepi lost in the first round in 11 straight tournaments, prompting her to change her game a little, to good effect.

"I am trying to be more patient and not try to finish the point so quickly," she said.

"Before I could play very well one day and next day I would hit everything out. I changed that a bit and I think confidence is much higher because of good wins."

Kanepi now plays either Belgian 15th seed Yanina Wickmayer or Patty Schnyder of Switzerland.

Source: Web Search

Luka sets new national record in women''s 800 m race in Croatia

Sun, Sep 05 10 12:27 AM

New Delhi, Sept 4 (PTI) Tintu Luka today shattered 15-year-old women''s 800m national record as she ran 1:59.17 to finish a creditable fifth in the VTB Continental Cup in Split, Croatia. Luka, who was representing Asia Pacific in the top-flight competition which was earlier known as the World Cup of athletics, bettered the earlier national record of 1:59.85 which was in the name of Shiny Wilson since 1995. Wilson''s 800m record was one of the oldest in Indian athletics before it was shattered by Luka today. Only eight athletes took part in the race in Croatia -- season''s top two each from four continental groupings of Asia Pacific, Americas, Africa and Europe. Luka, a protege of legendary athlete P T Usha, was the leading athlete in Asia this season. This was also Luka''s first sub two minute performance in her career, bettering her earlier personal best of 2:00.79 which she set while finishing eighth in the final leg of the Diamond League series in Brussels, Belgium on September 24. Janeth Jepkosgei Busienei of Kenya, representing Africa, won the race in 1:57.88, while Kenia Sinclair of Jamaica (representing Americas) was second in 1:58.16. Mariya Savinova of Russia (representing Europe) was third in 1:58.27 while Jennifer Meadows of Great Britain, who was also representing Europe, was fourth in 1:58.88.

Source: Published>

Tiger hits back with second round 65

Published>Sun, Sep 05 10 12:19 AM

Tiger Woods ensured he would make the halfway cut at the Deutsche Bank Championship with a six-under 65 in Saturday's second round.

After an opening 72 the world number one knew he needed a low score to maintain his involvement in the remainder of the FedExCup series.

Woods responded in style, shrugging off a stiff morning breeze at the Boston TPC to compile a bogey-free round.

"I hit it really good today," the American told reporters after finishing with a five-under tally of 137. "I missed a few but the only bad putt I hit was at 16.

"Other than that I really rolled it well. I just felt better today, more energetic and ready to go.

"It was a clean card and could have been a little lower. I had to shoot a good one if I was going to move on today and I did that," added Woods.

The 14-times major winner came into this week's tournament, the second of four playoff events, ranked 65th on the FedExCup points list.

Only the top 70 here advance to next week's BMW Championship outside Chicago and Woods had to make the cut to have any chance of progressing.

He is still not completely safe, needing to finish around 50th on Monday to qualify.

Woods, who announced his long-expected divorce from wife Elin last week, has yet to win this season.

Fellow countryman Brandt Snedeker was the early clubhouse leader after a 64 gave him a 12-under 130 total, two strokes better than Briton Luke Donald (67).

First-round leaders Jason Day of Australia and American Zach Johnson, who shot opening 63s, were late starters.

Source: Web Search

Kanepi knocks Jankovic out of U.S. Open

Sun, Sep 05 10 12:15 AM

Jelena Jankovic's U.S. Open hopes were literally blown away on Saturday when she was beaten 6-2 7-6 by Kaia Kanepi of Estonia in the third round qat Flushing Meadows.

The fourth seeded Jankovic was unable to control her serve and groundstrokes in the gusting winds on centre court, as Kanepi held her game together to reach the last 16 in New York for the first time.

Kanepi has been one of the biggest improvers on the women's professional tour this year, rising more than 100 places in the rankings since May.

She reached the quarter-finals at the French Open and Wimbledon and won her first WTA event at Palermo shortly after.

After dominating the first set, Kanepi opened the door for Jankovic to make a comeback when she failed to serve out the match. Jankovic then had the chance to force the match into a deciding third set but the former world number one's own serve let her down and Kanepi wrapped it up in the tiebreak.

She now plays either Belgian 15th seed Yanina Wickmayer or Patty Schnyder of Switzerland.

Source: Published>

Japan beat Paraguay 1-0 for World Cup payback

Published>Sat, Sep 04 10 11:37 PM

Japan went some way to avenging their World Cup exit this year by beating Paraguay 1-0 thanks to a second-half Shinji Kagawa goal on Saturday.

With new Japan coach Alberto Zaccheroni watching from the stands, Kagawa's clinical 64th-minute finish proved the difference in front of 65,000 fans in Yokohama.

"The movement was excellent," Italian Zaccheroni told reporters. "I saw Japan at the World Cup and they were as good as I expected. Let's hope it continues when I coach them."

Kagawa added: "We lost to them at the World Cup so it's good that we got some payback. It was nice to score in front of the new coach."

Paraguay had beaten the Blue Samurai on penalties in the last 16 of the World Cup in South Africa after a scoreless 120 minutes and Saturday's encounter had a similar feel until Kagawa broke the deadlock.

Defender Yuichi Komano, whose missed penalty cost Japan a place in the World Cup quarter-finals, earned the biggest cheer of the night when he came off the bench in the 89th minute.

Paraguay almost equalised three minutes after Kagawa's strike, Luca Barrios -- Kagawa's Dortmund team mate -- superbly denied by Japan goalkeeper Eiji Kawashima after breaking clear.

Japan play Guatemala in Osaka on Tuesday when Zaccheroni will also be watching from the stands as he waits for his work permit to come through.

Source: Web Search

Kanepi knocks Jankovic out of U.S. Open

Sat, Sep 04 10 11:17 PM

Jelena Jankovic's U.S. Open hopes were literally blown away on Saturday when she was beaten 6-2 7-6 by Kaia Kanepi of Estonia in the third round qat Flushing Meadows.

The fourth seeded Jankovic was unable to control her serve and groundstrokes in the gusting winds on centre court, as Kanepi held her game together to reach the last 16 in New York for the first time.

Kanepi has been one of the biggest improvers on the women's professional tour this year, rising more than 100 places in the rankings since May.

She reached the quarter-finals at the French Open and Wimbledon and won her first WTA event at Palermo shortly after.

After dominating the first set, Kanepi opened the door for Jankovic to make a comeback when she failed to serve out the match. Jankovic then had the chance to force the match into a deciding third set but the former world number one's own serve let her down and Kanepi wrapped it up in the tiebreak.

She now plays either Belgian 15th seed Yanina Wickmayer or Patty Schnyder of Switzerland.

Source: Published>

Jimenez still on top despite concentration lapse

Sat, Sep 04 10 10:57 PM

Miguel Angel Jimenez kept his three-shot overnight advantage after the third round of the European Masters on Saturday despite a momentary lapse of concentration which cost him a stroke.

The leaderboard briefly recorded a four-under 67 and an 18-under 195 total for a four-shot advantage over Ryder Cup team mate Edoardo Molinari of Italy.

However, before he signed his card Jimenez called an extra shot on himself at the 10th, changing his total to 17-under and his score to 68, three ahead of Molinari and four better than Italian teenager Matteo Manassero and Britain's Steve Webster.

"I just wasn't thinking, I accidentally picked my ball up on the 10th because I was near a sprinkler head," the Spaniard told reporters.

"I said to myself 'what are you doing, you have to check if you can get relief first? I put it back in its correct place. So I gave myself a bogey on the 10th, a one-shot penalty"

The 46-year-old veteran from Malaga knew it was going to be hard to get anywhere near the scintillating 61 he fired the previous day when lowering the Crans-sur-Sierre course record by a stroke.

"It's always difficult to follow a score like that because it looks like nothing is happening," said Jimenez. "But I played very good, especially the first nine holes."

TREBLE ATTEMPT

A 15-foot birdie putt on the last at least cancelled out his aberration on the 10th. Now Jimenez, on his 22nd successive visit to Crans where he has finished second twice, is on course to be the first European Tour player to collect three wins this season.

Molinari is bidding for the same feat and European captain Colin Montgomerie's Ryder Cup wildcard pick is somehow staying on Jimenez's shoulder despite his mammoth effort last week to win the Johnnie Walker Championship in Scotland.

His only dropped shot of the week, and his first since the 14th at Gleneagles in the final round, meant he had to settle for a 68 on Saturday.

"The front nine was flawless golf but on the back nine, especially after making bogey on 13, I felt tired all of a sudden," said the Italian.

"I wasn't playing well and I was lucky to make some pars."

Manassero (69) is on track for the top-five finish that will earn the 17-year-old full tour playing rights next season.

Webster's 64 drew the Englishman through the field as he attempts to better his 109th place on the money-list to try to earn a spot in the big-money finale to the season, the Dubai World Championship.

Amateur Nino Bertasio continued Italy's golden run by carding a 66 to lie tied seventh on nine-under.

Source: Published>

England's injured Dawson out for up to two months

Sat, Sep 04 10 10:37 PM

England centre back Michael Dawson will be out for up to two months after suffering knee and ankle injuries during Friday's 4-0 Euro 2012 qualifying win over Bulgaria.

"Michael Dawson has sprained his left medial knee ligament and one of his left ankle ligaments," his club said on their website (www.tottenhamhotspur.com) after a scan on Saturday.

"The defender has been withdrawn from the England squad and is expected to be out of action for six to eight weeks."

With regular centre backs Rio Ferdinand and John Terry also injured, Phil Jagielka looks a certain starter in Tuesday's qualifier in Switzerland where he will be partnered by Gary Cahill, who made his debut as Dawson's replacement on Friday, or Matthew Upson.

Source: Published>

Gopichand Academy to host badminton tournament for corporates

Sat, Sep 04 10 09:57 PM

Hyderabad, Sep 4 (PTI) The Pullela Gopichand Nimmagadda Foundation Badminton Academy will organise a badminton tournament ''Let''s Shuttle'' - exclusively for corporates from September 17-19 here. ''Let''s Shuttle'' is a tournament to raise funds to upgrade infrastructure and train badminton champions for the country, national chief coach P Gopichand said at a press conference. "It''s an attempt to achieve the objective of creating future champions by popularising the sport and creating consciousness on health and fitness," he said. ''Let''s Shuttle'', which is brainchild of the former All England Badminton Champion, is designed to inculcate fitness among corporate executives and the tournament would comprise an element of fun too and it will feature competitions in unique game formats like ''Bring it On!'' (Triples) and will have doubles, mixed doubles, executive doubles (senior management) and women''s doubles game formats, Gopichand said. "There is a huge opportunity for the corporates to play sports especially in Hyderabad. And we want them (corporates) to experience it, because its a beautiful concept. I hope more and more corporates will participate," he said. "Whatever funds we raise from this tournament, we will distribute it among the players through scholarships which will be in terms of subsidy and free coaching," he added. (More) PTI VVK DB

Source: Published>

Tainted Pak cricketers admit having received money from bookie Majeed, says PCB

Published>Sat, Sep 04 10 09:51 PM

Islamabad, Sep.4 (ANI): The three Pakistani cricketers under the scanner for spot-fixing, have admitted before the Scotland Yard inquiry that the British currency recovered from their hotel rooms was actually given to them by bookie Mazhar Majeed.

The trio -- Captain Salman Butt and pacers Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Aamer-has maintained that the money was given to them on account of sponsorship contracts that they had signed with different commercial organisations, GEO TV reported on Saturday.

The players, however, have claimed that Majeed was working as their agent to secure sponsorship deals but they did not know that he was a bookie.

The trio appeared before the Scotland Yard inquiry in London on Friday.

the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) legal advisor, Tafazzul Rizvi confirmed that the players had given this statement.

"They denied that this money was given to them for spot-fixing like bowling no-balls etc. The players also showed their written contracts for these sponsorship deals to the police. That is why they were allowed to go without any charge," Rizvi pointed out.

Rizvi said he was not trying to defend the players but only giving the information he had from the investigation process.

"The players choose their agents on their own and the board has nothing to do with it," he stressed.

Pakistan Cricket Board legal advisor Tafazzul Rizvi told private TV channels that the three players also showed a copy of their sponsorship contracts to London police, which they signed with Majeed. The players were later released without any criminal charges.

Responding to reports that the players were asked to remain away from Majeed before the England tour, Rizvi said the board gave out a set of instructions to players before every tour and there was nothing specific about it this time round.

"The players have contested the allegation and also volunteered themselves for police investigations," Rizvi said.

He rubbished the reports that captain Salman Butt had taken the money from Majeed allegedly to arrange dowry of his sister.

"He does not have to do that," Rizvi said.

Asked whether the players would contest the allegations within a 14-day period, Rizvi said they had to decide and defend themselves.

"As per rules, the PCB can monitor the situation and a board representative can be present through this process, but the players will have to challenge it on their own," he said.

The investigation into the alleged spot-fixing scandal started following a report in the tabloid News of the World that the players bowled deliberate no-balls in the Lord's Test match after taking money from a book-maker. (ANI)

Source: Web Search

30 days to go for CWG, but Indians yet to get their cycles

Sat, Sep 04 10 09:27 PM

Patiala, Sep 4 (PTI) With just 30 days to go for the Commonwealth Games in New Delhi, the cyclists of the Indian team are yet to get their all important equipment. The decks have been cleared for the import of 40 high quality cycles which will be arriving here in 10 days - barely few weeks before the Games, a senior functionary of the Cycling Federation of India said here today. CFI President Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa told PTI that here that three years ago the Federation gave a list of equipment required for the cycling event to the Sports Ministry. "I have written letters to the Prime Minister and received the sigh of relief when I heard that the orders of 40 cycles were placed", said Dhindsa. The CWG steering committee also approved the import of 88 high quality cycles a year ago, said Dhindsa. The Ministry has released the funds to Sports Authority of India (SAI), the sole body on importing all the sports equipment and materials. Asked why the Federation did not import cycles on its own, Dhindsa explained, "We cannot do anything on our own. The Sports Ministry and SAI only can import equipment." Sources said that sports ministry had released funds to SAI which passed the responsibility to the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) to import the cycles. The IOA got the permission to import cycles last month. The Indian Olympic Association has made it clear to the Ministry that it won''t take the blame if cycles could not be imported on time as it was given the responsibility at a short notice, sources said. Dhindsa said no IOA official was willing to import the cycles without following the procedure laid down by Central Vigilance Commission, Comptroller and Auditor General and the other watchdogs. He, however, lamented the role of Ministry in the delay of import of cycles. "We have asked for 88 cycles and now only 40 will be imported." PTI Corr/AKA GS DB

Source: Published>

Afridi apologises to cricket lovers for fixing scandal

Sat, Sep 04 10 09:21 PM

Cardiff (UK), Sep 4 (PTI) Pakistan one-day captain Shahid Afridi today apologised to the cricket lovers on behalf of the team for the recent spot-fixing scandal, which has rocked the international cricket. "I think this is a very bad news. On behalf of these boys - I know they are not in this series - I want to say sorry to all the cricket lovers and all the cricketing nations," Afridi told reporters on the eve of the first Twenty20 here. Pakistan will take on England in the first T20 tomorrow. "These two Twenty20s and five ODIs (against England) are a big challenge for me as a captain. The coach (Waqar Younis) and I have told the boys not to talk about this (spot-fixing) issue. It is none of our business and we are here to play cricket. "The boys know that. They want to win and motivate themselves - and as a captain, that is what I want," he added. Pakistan will take on England in the first T20 here tomorrow. Pakistan cricket found itself in a crisis after British tabloid ''The News of the World'' broke the story about an alleged nexus between three players - captain Salman Butt and pacer duo of Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Aamir - and a bookie Mazhar Majeed. Majeed, an agent for some Pakistan players, allegedly paid USD 230,000 for bowling no-balls in the Lord''s Test. Afridi said that he had also noticed Majeed "travelling with some of the team guys, in Australia and the West Indies. "I saw him on the tours and I didn''t know anything about it," the all-rounder said. "I''ve told the boys don''t read the newspaper tomorrow - just focus on cricket. I know the people (in Pakistan) are very upset and it is very disappointing. But we all love cricket. "We want to play good cricket and positive cricket. If we can do that, maybe then when we go back home things will settle down," he added. Meanwhile, England T20 skipper Paul Collingwood said that the cricketers should be more vigilant in future in order to stop such fixing scandal from taking place. "There''s always been rumours but gradually as things come out it may be up to the players to tell the authorities if they think something is going on," Collingwood said. "Not just the players but commentators, umpires, all of us, we''ve all got a job to do in the end to get rid of all this. Sunday was one of the saddest days in my career... I don''t really what to have that feeling on a cricket pitch ever again," he added. But Collingwood also claimed that they are fully focussed on the game and not thinking about the scandal. "The players are definitely 100 per cent focused on the cricket that is coming up tomorrow and Tuesday," he said. Both the T20 matches will be held here.

Source: Published>

Saina apologises for terming 2010 CWG preparations 'not upto the mark'

Published>Sat, Sep 04 10 08:51 PM

Hyderabad, Sep.4 (ANI): Ace Indian shuttler and brand ambassador of the 2010 Commonwealth Games, Saina Nehwal on Saturday evening regretted for describing preparations for the Commonwealth Games 2010 "not being up to the mark in comparison to the games held in Melobourne and Beijing on previous occasions."

Talking to mediapersons in Hyderbad in the evening, Saina said: "I am one of the good sports persons of the country and I want to do well in front of my home crowd and I am very proud that the Commonwealth Games are being held in India."

The shuttler added that she had participated in the stadiums in Delhi during the Asian badminton Championship and had a good time playing there.

"I denied the reports because I was a little disappointed after making the comments. It is not good on my part to say it as lots of people follow me," she said.

Earlier in the day, talking to reporters in Hyderabad on the sidelines of a function, Nehwal said: "Looking at the stadiums and looking at the progress, I don't really think we are capable of holding such big tournaments because you know, I have seen many Games like the Commonwealth Games in Melbourne (in 2006) and Olympic Games in Beijing (in 2008). Compared to that it is not up to the mark. But I am sure that before 3rd of October it will be ready, and you know, people will like it. But with the comparisons of those games, things are not up to the mark."

On the controversies plaguing the Games, she said that it was common in India when such tournaments are held.

"It happens when such big tournaments are held in India, such controversies are there with the sports, but then, we can't do anything. We just have to prepare and be ready for the tournament," she added.

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, which will be held from October 3 to 14.

For this mega event, the Sports Ministry has spent an additional sum of 300 million rupees to upgrade and renovate the hostels of the Delhi University, as a measure of accommodation for the Games tourist.

The 12-day sporting extravaganza will be India's biggest sporting event since the 1982 Asian Games in New Delhi. (ANI)

Source: Web Search

Spot-fixing not confined to Pakistan cricket: Imran

Sat, Sep 04 10 08:37 PM

Karachi, Sep 4 (PTI) Pakistan''s former captain, Imran Khan fears that the menace of spot-fixing in cricket could be a much more malignant problem then it is being perceived to be after the allegations and suspension of three Pakistani players in England. Imran said in a television interview that he believed that spot-fixing/betting might be going on uninterrupted in many countries and was not just a problem confined to Pakistan cricket. Test captain, Salman Butt and new ball bowlers, Muhammad Asif and Muhammad Aamir are under suspension by the International Cricket Council after a British tabloid, the "News of the World" last week claimed that the players'' agent Mazhar Majeed had paid bribes to the trio to do spot-fixing in the Lord''s Test against England. Imran said that the ICC and other cricket authorities needed to carry out a thorough investigation into the matter in the world of cricket. "I still fear that there is no way to stop this problem of betting and spot fixing. How can anyone tell that something is wrong if a batsman plays a maiden over or if a bowler bowls a no-ball," the cricketer-turned-politician said. He pointed out that even in the present case, it was not the ICC anti-corruption and security unit that had unearthed the case, but it came to the fore because of the media. "We really don''t know the scale of this problem at the moment. There are only allegations against our players but one thing I know is that if Scotland Yard is involved then they will reach a fair conclusion," he said. Imran said that in 1994 when the match fixing accusations first broke out in Pakistan, he had gone to the PCB office in Gaddafi stadium and told the officials to take exemplary action against the players alleged to have indulged in match-fixing. "I told them this is the time to root out this disease. I think that perhaps if at that time the board had taken decisive action we would never have seen this problem emerge again in our cricket," he said. Imran, however, also made the point that bookmakers and betting in cricket was nothing new and had been going on for years now. "And the trail always leads to India because the real betting mafia operates out of Mumbai. I remember when we used to tour India we used to hear a lot of about how players had been approached by bookmakers to fix matches," he said. He also recalled how in 1988 during a tournament in Sharjah, a bookie had called him up late night and informed him that four of his players had been brought by bookies and would underperform in next day''s final. "I just went out next day and warned the team I was keeping a close watch on them and if I even suspected someone had not given his best he would not only never play for Pakistan again but be put behind bars," he said.

Source: Published>

Athletes fail to turn up; wrestlers B result on Monday

Published>Sat, Sep 04 10 08:17 PM

New Delhi, Sep 4 (IANS) Six wrestlers, including Arjuna Award winner Rajeev Tomar, Saturday appeared before the doping commission of the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) for tests of their B samples while the two athletes failed to turn up.

NADA director general Rahul Bhatnagar told IANS that the results of the six wrestlers' samples will come out Monday.

'Today the B samples were opened in front of the wrestlers and they were present during the test as well. The results will be available by Monday. But surprisingly the two athletes didn't turn up without informing us,' said Bhatnagar.

Six wrestlers had tested positive in the tests conducted during the trials in Patiala. Four of them, including three-time national champion, Tomar (120kg) were part of the Commonwealth Games squad and have been replaced.

Sumit (74kg), Mausam Khatri (96kg) and Gursharanpreet Kaur (72kg) were also part of the squad.

Rahul Mann (60kg) and Joginder (120kg) are the other two wrestlers who tested positive for banned substance, methylhexanamine, which is used as a stimulant.

Bhatnagar said that the two athletes, shotputter Sourabh Vij, who was in the Commonwealth Games squad, and discus thrower Akash Antil have a week's time to appear before the doping commission.

'Even if they don't turn up, on the eighth day we will open their B samples in front of independent witnesses,' said Bhatnagar.

Source: Web Search

Car rally celebrates 30-day countdown to CWG

Sat, Sep 04 10 08:07 PM

New Delhi, Sep 4 (PTI) Around 100 families took part in a glittering 10th Family Fun Car Rally, which marked the 30-day countdown to the Delhi Commonwealth Games, here today. Filled with great zeal and fervour, the families along with their children came out in colourful attires to take part in the Rally which was flagged off by Organising Committee chairman Suresh Kalmadi, from the Commonwealth Games headquarters. The theme of the decoration was ''Sports'' and in order to make the rally even more fascinating, the participants decorated their cars in sync with the theme and dressed themselves like sportspersons. Speaking on the occasion, Purnima Pendse, ADG Ceremonies, Organising Committee, said, "the rally encouraged families in Delhi to showcase their fervour and enthusiasm towards the Games in an exquisite way." Meanwhile, Rajeev Jain, Managing Director, Rashi Entertainment says, "We thought of extending our annual event property of Family Fun Car Rally that takes place in various cities of India, by collaborating with the Organising Committee, CWG, making it the most exciting and memorable Car Rally experience for the participants and the host city of the Games." PTI CM SHN

Source: Published>

India to play Namibia on Sep 15

Sat, Sep 04 10 07:51 PM

New Delhi, Sep 4 (PTI) The Indian national football team will play Namibia in an international friendly on September 15 at the Ambedkar Stadium here. Ranked 115 in the FIFA rankings, Namibia will be India''s second international assignment since last year''s Nehru Cup, after the friendly against Thailand. National coach Bob Houghton had earlier opposed the idea of playing against African nations like Namibia and Gambia as India have been grouped with Australia, South Korea and Bahrain in the 2011 Asian Cup, all non-African countries. The Briton was more in favour of playing against South Asian countries and local sides in West Asian nations but his proposal had been promptly rejected by the All India Football Federation (AIFF), who claimed that the friendlies were arranged after consultation with Houghton. For the Indians though, playing against an unknown opponent with a completely different style of play, would be a difficult test.

Source: Published>

Saina retracts critical remark on Commonwealth Games preparedness

Published>Sat, Sep 04 10 07:37 PM

Hyderabad, Sep 4 (IANS) India's badminton star Saina Nehwal retracted and regretted her stunning remarks that the country was not yet ready to host mega sporting events like the Commonwealth Games.

'Looking at the stadiums and progress I don't really think we are capable of holding such big tournaments,' said Saina, who is a brand ambassador of the New Delhi Commonwealth Games.

'I have seen many Games like Melbourne Commonwealth Games and Olympics in China. Compared to that, it is not up to the mark. But I am sure (that) before Oct 3, it will be ready and people will like it.'

Within minutes the World Number 3 realised that she had committed a faux pas and, in a phone-in to television channels, profusely apologised for her shocking statement.

'I am sorry for whatever I said. I did not mean it. The Commonwealth Games will be a huge success.

'I want to do well in front of my home crowd. I am very proud that the Commonwealth Games are being held in India. I am a little disappointed after making these comments. It is not right on my part to say it as lots of people follow me,' she said.

Saina also said that India will win a whole lot of medals at the Games.

'The players are all preparing hard and have done well in major international events in the run-up to the Games. The archers won a gold in the World Cup. It is a good sign. We will see a lot of sportspersons winning medals for India.'

Source: Web Search