Germany beat Australia, meet Argentina in hockey last four

Wed, Sep 08 10 08:37 AM

Germany beat Australia 1-0 in Pool A on Tuesday to reach the semi-finals of the women's hockey World Cup where they will meet hosts Argentina.

Favourites Netherlands, the reigning world and Olympic champions, face England in the other semi-final after making sure of first place in the pool with a 5-2 victory over Japan that gave them a 25-8 goals record in five matches.

The semi-finals are scheduled for Thursday.

Germany defender Tina Bachman scored the only goal from a 43rd-minute penalty corner in a tight final Pool A match.

The Australians qualified for the fifth-place decider against South Korea.

Maartje Paumen took her goals tally to 10 when she flicked in two penalty corners as the Dutch ran up a 5-0 lead before relaxing and allowing Japan's Kaori Chiba to score twice in two minutes in reply.

New Zealand scored three goals in 10 minutes, two by captain Kayla Sharland, midway through the second half to beat India 3-0 and avoid finishing bottom of the pool.

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Beaten Querrey annoyed by European domination

Published>Wed, Sep 08 10 07:37 AM

American Sam Querrey bowed out of the fourth-round of the U.S. Open on Tuesday and then said he was annoyed at the European domination on the men's tour.

The 20th seed fell 7-6 6-7 7-5 4-6 6-4 to Swiss Stanislas Wawrinka in the fourth round at Flushing Meadows, leaving no American men in the last eight for the second successive year.

When Andy Roddick dropped out of the world's top 10 at one stage last month, it marked the first time since the inception of the world rankings in 1973 that an American had not been included in the list.

Roddick is the only American man to have reached even the last eight of a grand-slam event in 2010, in Australia, and Querrey admitted it was not good enough.

"You (do) think about it - you guys tell me that every day I'm in here," Querrey told reporters. "I didn't feel any extra pressure or anything. I definitely wanted to win and keep the American men, keep the hope going. I was close.

"It's annoying that the Europeans are in the quarters every slam (but) we're trying."

Querrey battled for over four hours before falling to Wawrinka, who joined Roger Federer in the quarter-finals and marked the first time that two Swiss men have advanced to the last eight of a grand slam.

"We want to make the quarter-finals," Querrey said. "We're trying our best. I was very close but next year is another year and hopefully we have a few guys in the quarters."

Despite his defeat, Querrey has enjoyed the best year of his career with four ATP titles to his name.

At 22, the American said he felt he was on the verge of breaking through with a big run at a grand slam.

"The last two slams, Wimbledon and here, I made the round of 16 and have been close to getting into the quarter-finals," he said. "Hopefully I can keep that up in the slams. I think I can win that round of 16 match, and keep winning matches after that."

Querrey is part of the United States team that will travel to Colombia for a Davis Cup World Group playoff tie this month. The United States have won the Davis Cup 32 times, more than any other country, but must win in Colombia to stay in the elite 16-team top group.

"It's huge," Querrey admitted. "The U.S. is a World Group country so we need to win this to get back in the World Group next year. We don't want to be in Group B."

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First for Switzerland as Wawrinka edges Querrey

Published>Wed, Sep 08 10 07:27 AM

Stanislas Wawrinka ensured a first for Switzerland at the U.S. Open on Tuesday when he edged out big-serving American Sam Querrey 7-6 6-7 7-5 4-6 6-4 to reach the quarter-finals for the first time.

Wawrinka wrapped up a gruelling victory in four hours 28 minutes to join five-times champion Roger Federer in the last eight, the first time Switzerland has ever had two men in the quarter-finals of a grand-slam event.

"It's the first time for me (in the last eight) so for sure I'm happy with that," Wawrinka told reporters. "For Roger, he's always in the quarter-finals, but for me it's my first time so it's something important for my career."

Number 25 seed Wawrinka, who upset fourth seed Andy Murray in the previous round, took to the court with the right thigh that he injured against the Scot heavily wrapped.

But the wrap did not seem to affect his movement at all and he snatched the first-set tie-break 11-9 to move ahead.

Querrey, the last remaining American in the draw, then dropped his serve in the ninth game of the second set but Wawrinka squandered four set points and 20th seed Querrey took his chance, forcing another tie-break and winning it 7-5.

When he broke in the third game of the third set on his way to a 3-1 lead, Querrey looked like he might run away with the match but Wawrinka hit back well and broke in the 12th game to move ahead again.

But Querrey refused to give up and with the rallies getting longer and longer, he snatched the fourth set to level once more.

The deciding set was nip and tuck throughout but Wawrinka finally snatched the vital break, finishing off victory with a nice backhand volley to reach his first grand-slam quarter-final.

Wawrinka said he felt that he was the fitter player in the final set.

"The last four times he was really tired and it was really difficult for him," the Swiss said. "He changed his game because he was tired."

Wawrinka will now play Russian 12th seed Mikhail Youzhny for a place in the last four.

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Federer faces familiar foe in U.S. quarters

Published>Wed, Sep 08 10 06:57 AM

Roger Federer hopes a return to one of his favourite surfaces will help him avenge his only defeat to Robin Soderling when they clash in the quarter-finals of the U.S. Open on Wednesday.

Federer won his first 12 matches with the big-serving Swede but spoiled his perfect record when he lost to Soderling in the quarter-finals of this year's French Open.

The pair are again drawn to face each other in the final eight of a grand slam, and while the hardcourts at Flushing Meadows have traditionally favoured Federer, he remains wary after their last clash.

"I expect it to be really tough, especially now that he's gotten a taste of how to beat me," Federer said. "It's up to me to clean up my game and put in a good performance.

Federer was was denied his sixth straight U.S. Open title when he lost the final to Juan Martin del Potro last year but is in great form this time, winning his first four matches in straight sets.

Soderling has had to work a little harder, taken to five sets in the opening round and four in his last match, but holds no fears about playing the world number two.

"I played him so many times, I know his game and he knows mine," said Soderling. "I'm pretty sure how I need to play to have a chance to win but, you know, it's going to be extremely difficult if I play Roger."

The winner will play either Novak Djokovic or Gael Monfils in Saturday's semi-finals.

Djokovic, a finalist in New York three years ago, is the overwhelming favourite to advance after winning his last four matches against Monfils, the first Frenchman in a decade to reach the quarters of the U.S. Open.

But the Serbian, who was taken to five sets in his opening match, expects a tough workout from the 17th seeded Monfils, who has been in great form this year.

"We have a lot of respect for each other. We grew up together. We are from the same generation in juniors," Djokovic said. "We met a lot of times in the tournaments, so it's no secret in our games. I guess he's kind of flashy. If he starts playing well, he can beat anyone because he's so fast."

Denmark's Caroline Wozniacki, last year's runner-up, faces an unlikely opponent in Slovakia's Dominika Cilbulkova, the only unseeded player left in the championship.

Top seed Wozniacki has been the form player in the past month winning three lead-up events and not yet dropping a set in the tournament, coming through her first big test against Maria Sharapova with flying colours.

"I definitely feel I'm playing good tennis," Wozniacki said. "But I still feel I go out there and I need to fight for every point because nothing comes easy."

Wimbledon champion Vera Zvonareva is the last Russian woman left in the draw after her compatriots all fell by the wayside. She plays Estonia's Kaia Kanepi on Wednesday with both players bidding for their first semi-final appearance in New York.

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Methylhexaneamine? Vij, experts have answers

Published>Wed, Sep 08 10 06:07 AM

Shot-putter Saurabh Vij is still at a loss to explain why he tested positive for methylhexaneamine, a stimulant which was included in the World Anti-Doping Agency's prohibited list only from the start of this year.

Three days after he became one of the nine Commonwealth Games athletes to test positive, the Asian No.1 carriers along with him sachets of a geranium-based face pack, cooking oil, a can of deodorant. It forms part of his defense. This is because, Vij has been informed that methylhexaneamine is also found in geranium (a flower) oil, which is approved for use in foods, certain cosmetic products and massage oils.

Vij believes application of one of these external products led to him inadvertently consuming methylhexaneamine. Vij has been running from pillar to post to try and clear his name. He hasn't been able to train over the past three days. But with his A-Sample testing positive, Vij knows that chances of a negative result emerging from his B-Sample is slim.

But Vij tirelessly insists he is innocent.

"I have been using oil for face and body massage. The face pack that I use has geranium oil. Hence the urine samples have the traces of methylhexaneamine. If you don't believe me, you can go ask Dr Shila Jain, of the Dope Control Lab. She has confirmed that certain drugs can penetrate the skin and enter the blood stream when massage oils or face packs are used. I have undergone doping tests over the past 10 years and have never tested positive before this," Vij told The Indian Express on Tuesday.

Vij will find it difficult to wriggle out of this predicament because under WADA's dope code this stimulant is a non-therapeutic substance and a non-specified substance. It means excuses for inadvertent consumption will not be entertained.

Though methylhexaneamine has been used as a nasal decongestant, it is more popular in some countries as a party pill because it increases heart rate and metabolism, leading to a surge of energy in short bursts.

Those who are in the know of designer steroids and performance enhancing drugs are rather amused how nine Indian athletes ? a shot putter, two swimmers and six wrestlers?- tested positive for methylhexaneamine

Dr Vece Paes, the hockey Olympian, who specialises in sports medicine told this paper that methylhexaneamine has an effect on the human body which can be compared to revving up the engine of a car. "It pumps up the metabolism rate and increases the heart rate. But it can have an adverse effect on athletes because when they perform their heart rate is already high. So methylhexaneamine can make their heart rate reach dangerous levels and it can lead to major cardiac problems. It can be called as a heart stimulant. This is a rather new drug in terms of athletes returning positive tests," Dr Paes said.

Incidentally, last year five Jamaican runners, including women's Commonwealth Games champion Sheri-Ann Brooks tested positive for methylhexaneamine. This was before the stimulant was included in WADA's undated prohibited list.

Dr PSM Chandran, director (sports medicine) of the Sports Authority of India believes that the athletes who tested positive for the stimulant probably didn't realise it had been included in WADA's banned list from January 1, 2010.

"Methylhexaneamine increases alertness, delays fatigue and can help in fat loss. This is why probably it was found in a shot-putter, swimmers and wrestlers. My personal guess is that athletes have been using this stimulant even before it was banned but didn't realise that WADA had updated their list," Chandran said.

Vij believes that officials and coaches in India haven't done enough to educate athletes about the rather comprehensive list of banned steroids and stimulants, which can be confusing to the layman. "We must be told that banned stimulants could also be part of cosmetics and oils. How am I to know all this. All I know is to train hard."

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France end winless run as big guns hit target

Published>Wed, Sep 08 10 05:57 AM

Two late goals from Karim Benzema and Florent Malouda gave France their first win in six competitive matches and kick-started their Euro 2012 qualifying campaign when they beat Bosnia 2-0 on Tuesday.

Traditional powerhouses Italy, Germany, England and World Cup runners-up Netherlands all maintained their perfect starts with the goals flowing as they seek to seal their places in the finals in Poland and Ukraine in 2012.

Italy crushed Faroe Islands 5-0, Germany blasted Azerbaijan, managed by former West Germany's World Cup winner Berti Vogts, 6-1, England won 3-1 in Switzerland and the Dutch saw off Finland 2-1 with Klaas-Jan Huntelaar scoring both their goals.

Sweden also hit the goal trail with a 6-0 win over San Marino but Portugal, struggling without suspended coach Carlos Queiroz and the injured Cristiano Ronaldo, continued to stumble.

After drawing 4-4 with Cyprus in their opening qualifier on Friday, Portugal crashed to a 1-0 defeat against Norway in Oslo and they are now second-bottom of Group H ahead of traditional no-hopers Iceland who were beaten 1-0 by Denmark.

There was a thriller in Istanbul where Turkey and Belgium traded the lead before the Turks won 3-2 to maintain their perfect start in Group A.

There were few shocks on the second major night of European Championship qualifiers which brought to a close the first double-header of the campaign following Friday's opening games.

But Russia were stunned in Moscow where Slovakia secured a 1-0 victory thanks to a first-half goal from Miroslav Stoch.

Liechtenstein also came within seconds of a rare competitive point against Scotland at Hampden Park where they took the lead through skipper Mario Frick early in the second half.

Scotland, facing one of the worst results in their long international history, salvaged their respect and all three points with a 97th minute winner from Stephen McManus who headed home a corner in the last few seconds of stoppage time.

FIRST VICTORY

One man who has already suffered a damaging home defeat in this campaign is new France coach Laurent Blanc, whose team compounded their World Cup failure with a shocking 1-0 home defeat to Belarus in Group D on Friday.

They went to Bosnia desperate for their first victory in a competitive match since beating Ireland in the first leg of their World Cup playoff last November.

France appeared to be heading for a draw in Sarajevo until Benzema scored with a magical strike after 72 minutes and Florent Malouda secured the points six minutes later with their second goal.

Former World champions Italy, whose World Cup also ended in a group stage exit like France, struggled to win their opening qualifier in Estonia on Friday but had no problems on Tuesday.

Five players got on the scoresheet against the Faroe Islands in Florence -- Alberto Gilardino (11th minute), Daniele De Rossi (22), Antonio Cassano (27), Fabio Quagliarella (80) and Andrea Pirlo (89).

Germany were also in no mood to show mercy to outclassed opponents and one of their great soccer heroes Vogts, who is now in charge of Azerbaijan.

Miroslav Klose scored twice to take his tally to 55 goals for Germany in his 103rd international, while Lukas Podolski showed a welcome return to form as Germany went top of Group A on goal difference ahead of Turkey.

England, also seeking redemption after a poor World Cup, followed up last week's 4-0 win over Bulgaria in London with an excellent 3-1 victory over Switzerland in Basle.

Wayne Rooney, who has had stoires about his private life splashed all over the tabloids in Britain, scored England's opener and his first goal for his country for a year.

Adam Johnson and Darren Bent, with his first England goal, adding the others against the Swiss who finished with 10 men following the second half dismissal of Stephan Lichsteiner.

Bulgaria, who lost to England on Friday, were defeated again, going down 1-0 at home to Montenegro with coach Stanimir Stoilov becoming the first coaching casualty of the campaign by resigning immediately after the game.

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New Argentina crush world champions Spain 4-1

Published>Wed, Sep 08 10 05:37 AM

Carlos Tevez laid on two goals and scored a third as Argentina beat world champions Spain 4-1 in a friendly at the Monumental on Tuesday.

Argentina, rebuilding after World Cup coach Diego Maradona was let go, scored two early goals in the space of three minutes.

Lionel Messi, appearing marginally offside, chipped brilliantly over Pepe Reina from a through ball by Carlos Tevez, who minutes earlier shot just wide in Argentina's first attack.

Gonzalo Higuain scored the second from a narrow angle after being put through by Tevez, again justifying coach Sergio Batista's decision to field him in a three-man strike force, and rounding Reina.

The goalkeeper was at fault with the third just past the half hour. He slipped going to kick a back pass by Alvaro Arbeloa and the busy Tevez was rewarded for a trademark chase by just beating Reina to the ball to scoop it in close to the near post.

Fernando Llorente pulled one back from fellow substitute Pedro's square ball into the middle of the box with six minutes remaining before Serio Aguero headed a stoppage-time fourth for Argentina.

"Argentina played very well, we have to recognise that," Spain coach Vicente del Bosque told a news conference.

"It's beneficial to the squad to know how to play the weak teams like Liechtenstein and also the big ones."

"I think Argentina had a lot of merit in preventing (the crowd) from seeing the Spain we saw in the World Cup," his oppositite number Batista said.

Spain, who started with three second string players in the back four, were not allowed to settle comfortably into the close passing game that helped them win the World Cup in South Africa in July.

They came more into their own towards the end of the first half.

VILLA CHANCES

When the score was still 2-0, a David Villa free kick hit the angle of post and bar and Argentina had another narrow escape five minutes before the interval.

Again Villa, looking to equal Raul's Spanish record of 44 goals, took a free kick aimed to Sergio Romero's left. The shot took a slight deflection on Javier Mascherano at the edge of the wall and beat the diving Romero but hit the post. Gabriel Heinze then blocked Silva's effort from the rebound.

Spain, having made a number of halftime substitutions, almost pulled one back early in the second half when Fernando Llorente headed wide from Jesus Navas's right cross.

Argentina, crushed 4-0 by Germany in the World Cup quarter-finals, benefited from the return of Esteban Cambiasso in midfield although the success story in that department was Ever Banegas.

Banegas, who like Cambiasso missed the World Cup, was everywhere in midfield supplying the forwards after helping Mascherano with the ball winning for a team that did not need to depend excessively on Messi.

Messi showed where his importance to Argentina lies just past the hour, having been quiet since the resumption. He weaved his way through the defence from the right to pass to the left where substitute Angel Di Maria scored, but the goal was ruled out for offside.

"He's finally won over the crowd, that's good for the image he gives of us in the world," said defender Martin Demichelis referring to criticism at home that Messi does not play as well for Argentina as Barcelona.

From another Spain free kick Santi Cazorla had a shot tipped onto the bar by Romero, one of several chances that went begging for Spain who dominated possession in the second half.

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First for Switzerland as Wawrinka edges Querrey

Published>Wed, Sep 08 10 04:37 AM

Stanislas Wawrinka ensured a first for Switzerland at the U.S. Open on Tuesday when he edged out big-serving American Sam Querrey 7-6 6-7 7-5 4-6 6-4 to reach the quarter-finals for the first time.

Wawrinka wrapped up a gruelling victory in four hours 28 minutes to join five-times champion Roger Federer in the last eight, the first time two Switzerland has ever had two men in the quarter-finals of a grand-slam event.

"He is a great player and to beat him in five sets is crazy for me," Wawrinka said in a courtside interview. "I was trying to fight for every point and keep playing aggressively. I am very happy with this win."

Number 25 seed Wawrinka, who upset fourth seed Andy Murray in the previous round, took to the court with the right thigh that he injured against the Scot heavily wrapped.

But the wrap did not seem to affect his movement at all and he snatched the first-set tie-break 11-9 to move ahead.

Querrey, the last remaining American in the draw, then dropped his serve in the ninth game of the second set but Wawrinka squandered four set points and 20th seed Querrey took his chance, forcing another tie-break and winning it 7-5.

When he broke in the third game of the third set on his way to a 3-1 lead, Querrey looked like he might run away with the match but Wawrinka hit back well and broke in the 12th game to move ahead again.

But Querrey refused to give up and with the rallies getting longer, he snatched the fourth set to level once more.

The deciding set was nip and tuck throughout but Wawrinka finally snatched the vital break, finishing off victory with a nice backhand volley to reach his first grand-slam quarter-final.

Wawrinka will now play Russian 12th seed Mikhail Youzhny for a place in the last four.

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Magnificent Scola sends Argentina through

Wed, Sep 08 10 04:17 AM

Forward Luis Scola steered Argentina into the world championship quarter-finals with a breathtaking individual performance in a 93-89 victory over traditional rivals Brazil on Tuesday.

Scola, who as a 10-year-old boy mopped the court during timeouts at the 1990 world championship in his country, poured in 37 points and grabbed nine rebounds in a rip-roaring contest against the Brazilians.

Argentina, the 2004 Olympic champions, will face Lithuania for a place in the last four after the east European giants were made to work hard for a 78-67 win over China.

Scola of the Houston Rockets scored 10 of Argentina's last 12 in a dramatic finish after the lead had changed hands time and again, sending the Argentine fans in the Sinan Erdem dome into raptures.

"It was an amazing basketball game and I almost wish I could have watched it from the outside", said Scola, the tournament's top scorer averaging 30.3 points per game.

"I would love it if three or four players on our team would score between 15 and 20 points rather than two guys scoring 30 each, because we have a lot of players who can step up.

"But I know my team will be looking for me at crunch time because we are missing several regular starters in this tournament and I am delighted I made all those crucial shots tonight, on another day I might have missed."

Carlos Delfino added 20 points for the winners, including four three-pointers, while Marcelo Huertas scored 32 and Leandro Barbosa chipped in 20 at the other end.

LITHUANIA FIGHTBACK

Lithuania were given a huge scare after falling behind 16-5 early on against an improving Chinese team.

Forward Linas Kleiza led the fightback with 30 points, shooting an impressive 14 of 20 from the field, as the Lithuanians went on a 14-1 run to take a 62-49 lead in the third quarter.

The Chinese, whose guard Liu Wei scored 21 points, cut the deficit to 66-60 at the start of the fourth period but like Scola against the Brazilians, Kleiza stepped up at crunch time with a series of unanswered jump-shots.

"We came out sleeping while China came out hard, they had nothing to lose and played a very good game," Kleiza said.

"They played the kind of basketball that reminds of the NBA," said Kleiza, who has joined the Toronto Raptors from Greek side Olympiakos -- where he enjoyed an excellent season after a four-year spell with the Denver Nuggets.

"This Lithuania side is not a Kleiza team; a lot of guys here have different roles and my role is to score, we have a good mix and I am happy to be a part of it," he said.

Holders Spain take on dark horses Serbia and hosts Turkey play Slovenia in the opening two quarter-finals on Wednesday, while tournament favourites the U.S. clash with Russia and Lithuania meet Argentina on Thursday.

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Benzema magic helps France bounce back in Bosnia

Wed, Sep 08 10 03:37 AM

Two late goals helped France recover from a woeful start to Euro 2012 qualifying with a 2-0 win in Bosnia on Tuesday.

Les Bleus, on the receiving end of a shock 1-0 home defeat by Belarus on Friday, went in front with a magical goal from Karim Benzema in the 72nd minute.

The striker collected the ball with his back to goal, rolled it with the sole of his boot and turned swiftly to squeeze past two defenders before scoring with an angled, left-foot shot.

Winger Florent Malouda made it 2-0 after 78 minutes, giving much-needed hope to new coach Laurent Blanc who is trying to rebuild the team after their poor World Cup showing in June.

Malouda was then substituted by Blaise Matuidi with 10 minutes to go, allowing the St Etienne midfielder to win his first cap.

Bosnia, who beat Luxembourg 3-0 on Friday, could face sanctions after a flare landed on the pitch nine minutes from time.

Captain Emir Spahic picked up a microphone to ask the fans to calm down and the game resumed after a short break.

Bosnia rarely threatened but came close to scoring on 65 minutes when a superb free kick from midfielder Miralem Pjanic was well saved by goalkeeper Hugo Lloris.

Benzema, 22, back in the team after being overlooked for the World Cup in South Africa, showed his class throughout and nearly made it 3-0 with a superb volley that went just wide in added time.

Source: Published>

England v Pakistan Twenty20 scoreboard

Wed, Sep 08 10 02:37 AM

Scoreboard in the second and final Twenty20 international between England and Pakistan in Cardiff on Tuesday.

England beat Pakistan by six wickets to win the series 2-0.

Pakistan innings

Kamran Akmal c Swann b Bresnan 11

Shahzaib Hasan c Davies b Broad 3

Mohammad Yousuf c Bopara b Bresnan 4

Umar Akmal b Swann 17

Shahid Afridi c Morgan b Broad 2

Mohammad Hafeez run out 14

Abdul Razzaq c Yardy b Sidebottom 11

Fawad Alam c Davies b Swann 0

Umar Gul c Bopara b Sidebottom 16

Shoaib Akhtar b Bresnan 4

Saeed Ajmal not out 0

Extras (lb-2 w-5) 7

Total (all out, 18.4 overs) 89

Fall of wickets: 1-11 2-18 3-20 4-22 5-44 6-55 7-56 8-85 9-85 10-89.

Bowling: Sidebottom 3-0-22-2, Bresnan 3.4-0-10-3, Broad 4-0-18-2, Yardy 4-0-10-0, Swann 4-0-27-2.

England innings

C.Kieswetter run out 16

S.Davies c Umar Akmal b Akhtar 9

R.Bopara lbw b Afridi 12

P.Collingwood c Hafeez b Ajmal 21

E. Morgan not out 18

M.Yardy not out 6

Extras (b-4 lb-2 w-1 nb-1) 8

Total (for four wickets, 14 overs) 90

Fall of wickets: 1-26 2-26 3-57 4-63.

Did not bat: L.Wright, T.Bresnan, S.Broad, G.Swann, R.Sidebottom.

Bowling: Akhtar 4-1-18-1, Gul 2-0-23-0, Ajmal 3-0-13-1, Afridi 3-0-15-1, Hafeez 2-0-15-0.

Source: Published>

England beat Pakistan by six wickets to win T20 series

Wed, Sep 08 10 01:57 AM

England beat Pakistan by six wickets in the second Twenty20 international in Cardiff on Tuesday to win the series 2-0.

Scores: Pakistan 89 all out (18.4 overs); England for 90 for four (14 overs).

Source: Published>

Youzhny overpowers Robredo to reach U.S. Open last eight

Published>Wed, Sep 08 10 01:37 AM

Number 12 seed Mikhail Youzhny of Russia reached the fourth grand slam quarter-final of his career with a convincing 7-5 6-2 4-6 6-4 victory over Spain's Tommy Robredo at the U.S. Open on Tuesday.

Youzhny, a semi-finalist at Flushing Meadows in 2006, successfully landed 62 percent of his first serves and blasted 50 winners to win the fourth-round encounter.

After dropping the first two sets, Robredo forced his way back into the match with a solitary break in the third set. But he did not have the consistency to challenge his 28-year-old opponent as the match wore on.

Robredo was one of five Spaniards in action in the men's singles draw on day nine of the tournament.

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Woods gets the nod for next month's Ryder Cup

Published>Wed, Sep 08 10 12:37 AM

Despite a tumultuous year on and off the course for Tiger Woods, the world number one will have one more chance for golfing glory after being named Tuesday as one of four wildcard picks for next month's Ryder Cup.

Woods, who failed to gain automatic selection for the biennial team competition after struggling to find his form for much of this year, was selected by U.S. Captain Corey Pavin to compete in his sixth Ryder Cup.

"It's great to be a part of this team," Woods told a news conference at the New York Stock Exchange via telephone after Pavin announced his picks to round out the 12-man team.

"I'm honoured to be selected and head over to Wales to represent the United States in the Ryder Cup."

Woods, winless this season after 11 starts on the PGA Tour, has begun to show signs he is regaining his form with a tie for 12th at The Barclays and tying for 11th at the Deutsche Bank Championship -- the first two events of the FedExCup playoffs.

"There are signs my game has been coming around working with Sean (swing coach Foley)," the 34-year-old Woods said.

"I'm hitting some better shots. Things are starting to transition there, and I feel like my game is not very far away and that makes it a lot easier going into a pressure-packed environment like that knowing that my game is coming around."

Revelations of Woods's sordid string of infidelities led to a self-imposed five-month exile from the golf circuit and led to his divorce last month.

"A couple of months ago I was trying to make the team on points, but I didn't," noted Woods, who has a 10-13-2 record in Ryder Cup action. "The last two events I played, I played much better and here we are. I think my game is not that far away.

"Whether I was a person who was picked or a person who earned their way on the squad, it doesn't change the overall goal, it's still the same. That's to go over there and win."

Pavin was asked if he had any doubts about Woods, whose struggles included a rare missed cut and the worst PGA Tour performance of his career at Firestone Country Club, where he closed with a 77 for an 18-over-par total, his highest 72-hole aggregate.

"What I was trying to do was just try not to form any opinions until almost this weekend," Pavin said.

"I didn't want to burden myself with over-thinking this, so I just waited and waited and waited. Obviously I was pleased to see him playing better, certainly.

"Did I ever have any doubt? I didn't think about it very much. I just waited to see how he was going to play."

The U.S. will take on the European team at the Celtic Manor resort in Wales from Oct 1-3.

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United States Ryder Cup player profiles

Wed, Sep 08 10 12:19 AM

Brief profiles of the 12 players who will represent holders the United States against Europe in the Ryder Cup at Celtic Manor, Wales, from Oct. 1-3.

Phil Mickelson

Age: 40

World ranking: 2

PGA Tour victories: 38

Major victories: 4

Previous Ryder Cups: 7 teams (1995, 1997, 1999, 2002, 2004, 2006, 2008)

Ryder Cup record (wins-losses-halves): 10-14-6

Possesses a brilliant short game and utilises great imagination to scramble out of danger when tee shots go awry. The left-hander has won four majors, starting with his breakthrough at the 2004 U.S. Masters, and clinched his third Green Jacket at Augusta National in April.

- -

Hunter Mahan

Age: 28

World ranking: 13

PGA Tour victories: 3

Major victories: 0

Previous Ryder Cups: 1 (2008)

Ryder Cup record: 2-0-3

Secured his place on the U.S. team by winning last month's WGC-Bridgestone Invitational, the biggest victory of his career. Has represented the U.S. in two Presidents Cups. A brilliant amateur before turning professional in 2003, he enjoys team golf and is capable of shooting very low scores.

- -

Bubba Watson

Age: 31

World ranking: 25

PGA Tour victories: 1

Major victories: 0

Previous Ryder Cups: 0

Self-coached and one of the longest hitters in the game, he secured his spot on the U.S. team for the first time by finishing second at last month's PGA Championship. Won his maiden PGA Tour title at the Travelers Championship in June and has long desired to play in the Ryder Cup.

- -

Jim Furyk

Age: 40

World ranking: 5

PGA Tour victories: 15

Major victories: 1

Previous Ryder Cups: 6 (1997, 1999, 2002, 2004, 2006, 2008)

Ryder Cup record: 8-13-2

A straight-shooter despite an unorthodox, loopy swing. Also a gifted putter, who captured his first major at the 2003 U.S. Open. A veteran of six Presidents Cups, he dovetails effectively with any partner in team golf and has won twice on the PGA Tour this season.

- -

Steve Stricker

Age: 43

World ranking: 4

PGA Tour victories: 9

Major victories: 0

Previous Ryder Cups: 1 (2008)

Ryder Cup record: 0-2-1

Regarded as one of the best putters in the game, he has played in the last three Presidents Cups, gelling superbly with Tiger Woods at Harding Park last year. Biggest victory came at the 2001 WGC-Accenture Match Play Championship. Has triumphed twice on the 2010 PGA Tour.

- -

Dustin Johnson

Age: 26

World ranking: 24

PGA Tour victories: 3

Major victories: 0

Previous Ryder Cups: 0

One of the longest hitters in the game, he booked his place on the U.S. team by tying for fifth at last month's PGA Championship. Won the PGA Tour's Pebble Beach Pro-Am earlier this year and led the U.S. Open in June at the same venue by three shots going into the final round before falling back.

- -

Jeff Overton

Age: 27

World ranking: 47

PGA Tour victories: 0

Major victories: 0

Previous Ryder Cups: 0

Has produced consistent form on the 2010 PGA Tour with six top-six finishes, including three runner-up spots. Turned professional in 2005 after representing the U.S. amateurs in that year's Walker Cup and secured the winning point in the last-day singles.

- -

Matt Kuchar

Age: 32

World ranking: 11

PGA Tour victories: 3

Major victories: 0

Previous Ryder Cups: 0

A brilliant amateur who won the 1997 U.S. championship before turning professional in 2000. Claimed his first PGA Tour title at the 2002 Honda Classic but endured several lean years before regaining form during 2007. Has flourished this season with 10 top-10s on the U.S. circuit, including the biggest victory of his career at last month's Barclays tournament.

- -

Tiger Woods

Age: 34

World ranking: 1

PGA Tour victories: 71

Major victories: 14

Previous Ryder Cup teams: 5 (1997, 1999, 2002, 2004, 2006)

Ryder Cup record: 10-13-2

Best player of this era and perhaps of all-time but has struggled for form this season after his private life unravelled at the end of last year amid revelations of marital infidelities. Yet to win in 2010 but has upped his game in recent weeks. Acknowledged to have one of the best golfing "minds".

- -

Zach Johnson

Age: 34

World ranking: 17

PGA Tour victories: 7

Major victories: 1

Previous Ryder Cups: 1 (2006)

Ryder Cup record: 1-2-1

A rock-steady player who is highly regarded by his peers, he has played in two Presidents Cups and one Ryder Cup. Claimed his first major victory at the 2007 U.S. Masters and won his seventh PGA Tour title at the Colonial tournament in May.

- -

Stewart Cink

Age: 37

World ranking: 35

PGA Tour victories: 6

Major victories: 1

Previous Ryder Cups: 4 (2002, 2004, 2006, 2008)

Ryder Cup record: 4-7-4

A veteran of four Presidents Cups, Cink is considered a safe pair of hands in team golf. Biggest victory of his career came at the 2009 British Open where he beat fellow American Tom Watson in a four-hole playoff. Has not won on the PGA Tour this season but has produced encouraging form in recent weeks.

- -

Rickie Fowler

Age: 21

World ranking: 33

PGA Tour victories: 0

Major victories: 0

Previous Ryder Cups: 0

One of the most exciting young talents in the game, he has produced two runner-up finishes in his rookie season on the PGA Tour this year. Was unbeaten in four matches as an amateur at the 2009 Walker Cup and has always exuded great confidence in his own abilities.

Source: Published>

Schleck and O'Grady thrown out of race by team

Published>Wed, Sep 08 10 12:15 AM

Twice Tour de France runner-up Andy Schleck was thrown off the Tour of Spain on Tuesday for breaking team rules.

The Luxembourg rider was lying 77th overall before Tuesday's 10th stage. Australian colleague Stuart O'Grady was also sent home by Saxo Bank team manager Bjarne Riis.

"I acknowledge I have broken a rule of the team by going out for a drink after dinner and for that reason Bjarne has decided to send myself and Stuart O'Grady home," pre-race favourite Schleck told Cycling News.

"I'm responsible for my actions and even though I think it is too harsh a decision, I respect Bjarne is the boss and he needs to do what he thinks is best."

Riis said Schleck did not follow the rules and had to take responsibility for that.

"It doesn't matter if it was one drink or 10, or if he was out until five in the morning ... rules are made to be kept," Riis told reporters after stage 10. "That's how it's got to be."

TOO HARSH

When told Schleck had said the decision was too harsh, Riis replied: "He can say what he likes, it's what I had to do.

"I'm not here to give any explanations or further details. What actually happened will stay between us."

Riis said losing a top climber like Schleck on the eve of a major Pyrenean stage was a pity.

"We're all professionals, I have to be responsible for the team overall. When you do something in this life you have to assume the consequences," he added.

Riis said there was no plan for additional punishments for Schleck and O'Grady.

Frank Schleck remains in the race, lying 13th overall. He and his brother Andy have been linked in the media to a new team based in Luxembourg for 2011.

The Tour of Spain, which finishes on Sept. 19 in Madrid, was led by home rider Joaquim Rodriguez after stage 10.

Source: Web Search

CORRECTED - Woods and rookie Fowler selected for Ryder Cup

Published>Tue, Sep 07 10 11:57 PM

Source: Web Search

Woods and rookie Fowler selected for Ryder Cup

Published>Tue, Sep 07 10 11:17 PM

United States captain Corey Pavin named Tiger Woods, Zach Johnson, Stewart Cink and Rickie Fowler Tuesday as his four wildcard selections for the Ryder Cup against Europe next month in Wales.

Woods, Johnson, Cink and PGA Tour rookie Fowler join automatic choices Phil Mickelson, Hunter Mahan, Bubba Watson, Jim Furyk, Steve Stricker, Dustin Johnson, Jeff Overton and Matt Kuchar on the 12-man American team.

The selection of Woods had been widely expected, with the world number one having improved his form in recent weeks after struggling for much of this season while grappling with highly publicised personal issues off the course.

"It's great to be a part of this team," 14-times major winner Woods said via telephone after Pavin announced his four picks on the seventh floor of the New York Stock Exchange. "I am honoured to be selected.

"A couple of months ago I was trying to make the team on points, but I didn't. The last two events I played, I played much better and here we are. I think my game is not that far away."

Woods, winless this season after 11 starts on the PGA Tour, will be making his sixth appearance in the biennial competition as the U.S. side tries to win for the first time on foreign soil in 17 years.

"Tiger is one of 12 players on the team, and is as important as any other player," said Pavin, who was flanked by his assistant captains Davis Love III, Tom Lehman and Paul Goydos for the news conference with the golden Ryder Cup perched on a wooden table in front of the dais.

"The objective here is to have 12 players that make up Team USA, having to go out there with one goal in mind, and that's try to win the Ryder Cup in Wales."

WOODS DOUBTS

Asked whether he had any doubts that Woods would make the team, Pavin replied: "I didn't think about it very much. I was just waiting and watching.

"I was hoping that he would qualify on points. He didn't. And then I just waited to see how he was going to play."

The selections of 2009 British Open champion Cink, a veteran of the last four Ryder Cups, and 2007 Masters winner Johnson had also been widely expected.

"I'm thrilled and excited beyond belief," said Johnson, who will be making his second Ryder Cup appearance and is the only one of Pavin's picks to win a tournament his year. "Having your nation's flag on your sleeve makes it that much more special."

The choice of 21-year-old Tour rookie Fowler came as a surprise.

"He's deserving," Pavin said of the richly talented prospect who has been a PGA Tour runner-up twice this year. "It just came down to feelings. I have a gut feeling about Rickie. That's the way I went."

Fowler was delighted.

"It was hard to sleep last night but this is awesome to be selected," he said. "I have to thank Corey for giving me the opportunity to go over there, being a young player. It is a pretty special opportunity."

"I think he can handle it," Pavin said about the pressure of playing overseas in the Cup. "I think he's a very mature young man. He's got a very steady head on his shoulders."

Californian Fowler, distinctive on the U.S. tour with his long hair and colorful clothing, said he thought he could contribute to the mix.

"I hope to bring a little bit of colour to the team, some youth to the team," said Fowler, the second youngest player to compete in the competition behind Horton Smith in 1929. "Help get them pumped up a little bit and get guys fired up."

Holders the U.S. take on Colin Montgomerie's European team at the Celtic Manor resort from Oct 1-3.

Source: Web Search

CVC examining CWG construction works of over Rs 2400 crore

Tue, Sep 07 10 10:37 PM

New Delhi, Sep 7 (PTI) The Central Vigilance Commission is examining 16 construction works having estimated cost of over Rs 2,450 crore for the Commonwealth Games. The Commission in an RTI reply to activist S C Agarwal said Chief Technical Examination Officer (CTEO) of the Commission has conducted "intensive examination" of 16 works related to Commonwealth Games but added they were done in a routine manner. Besides number of complaints of alleged corruption have been received by it which are under different stages of investigations, the Commission said. The estimated cost of the work examined by the CTEO is Rs 2477.22 crore, the reply said. Some major works examined by the anti-corruption watchdog include much criticised Barapulla Nala connecting Sarai Kale Khan with main venue Jawahar Lal Nehru Stadium, construction work at Rajaram Kohli Marg, Flyover at Naraina T point among others. The Commission said it has received number of complaints including one against A K Jain, Chief Engineer CPWD for alleged irregularity in the tendering process for LED display board meant for MCD National Stadium. The CVC said the complaints include alleged irregularities in construction of Siri Fort stadium, purchase of air-conditioners for DDA flats, construction of road under bridge in Seva Nagar, street lighting in the national capital done by MCD in which CBI report is awaited and construction of bus shelters. The CVC has informed the Delhi Government that it would "not pursue" the matter further in the purchase of "secure communication network" for the Games. "In addition, complaints regarding purchase of Medical Equipment for Commonwealth Games, selection of tainted project officers for CWG, proposal for production of Vehicle Graphics, standees, banners and signages for Queen''s Baton Relay, 2010 Delhi have been sent to GNCTD for necessary action at their end," the reply from CVC said.

Source: Published>

Woods and rookie Fowler selected for Ryder Cup

Tue, Sep 07 10 10:17 PM

United States captain Corey Pavin named Tiger Woods, Zach Johnson, Stewart Cink and Rickie Fowler on Tuesday as his four wildcard selections for the Ryder Cup against Europe next month.

Woods, Johnson, Cink and PGA Tour rookie Fowler join automatic choices Phil Mickelson, Hunter Mahan, Bubba Watson, Jim Furyk, Steve Stricker, Dustin Johnson, Jeff Overton and Matt Kuchar on the 12-man American team.

The selection of Woods had been widely expected, with the world number one having improved his form in recent weeks after struggling for much of this season.

"It's great to be a part of this team," 14-times major winner Woods said via telephone after Pavin had announced his four picks on the seventh floor of the New York Stock Exchange. "I am honoured to be selected.

"A couple of months ago I was trying to make the team on points, but I didn't. The last two events I played, I played much better and here we are. I think my game is not that far away."

Woods, who is winless this season after 11 starts on the PGA Tour, will be making his sixth appearance in the biennial competition.

"Tiger is one of 12 players on the team, and is as important as any other player," said Pavin, who was flanked by his assistant captains Davis Love III, Tom Lehman and Paul Goydos for the news conference.

"The objective here is to have 12 players that make up Team USA, having to go out there with one goal in mind, and that's try to win the Ryder Cup in Wales.

WOODS DOUBTS

Asked whether he had any doubts that Woods would make the team, Pavin replied: "I didn't think about it very much. I was just waiting and watching.

"I was hoping that he would qualify on points. He didn't. And then I just waited to see how he was going to play."

The selections of 2009 British Open champion Cink, a veteran of the last four Ryder Cups, and 2007 Masters winner Johnson had also been widely expected.

However the choice of 21-year-old Tour rookie Fowler, who has yet to win in his debut season on the U.S. circuit, came as a surprise.

"He's deserving," Pavin said of the richly talented prospect who has been a PGA Tour runner-up twice this year. "There's a lot of guys who are deserving.

"It just came down to feelings. I have a gut feeling about Rickie. That's the way I went."

Fowler was delighted to gain selection.

"It was hard to sleep last night but this is awesome to be selected," he said. "I have to thank Corey for giving me the opportunity to go over there, being a young player, it is a pretty special opportunity."

Holders the U.S. take on Colin Montgomerie's European team at the Celtic Manor resort in Wales from Oct 1-3.

Source: Published>

Cash award for medal winners at CWG, Asian Games doubled

Published>Tue, Sep 07 10 10:07 PM

New Delhi, Sep 7 (IANS) The sports ministry Tuesday doubled the cash award for medal winners at the Commonwealth Games and the Asian Games.

A gold medallist will now get Rs.20 lakh while silver medallists will be awarded Rs.10 lakh. The bronze medal winners will take home Rs.6 lakh.

Sports minister M.S. Gill made this announcement at the Conference of State Ministers for Youth Affairs and Sports held here Tuesday.

Gill appreciated the efforts made by states in the implementation of Panchayat Yuva Krida Aur Khel Abhiyan (PYKKA).

The State Sports Ministers unanimously resolved that there was an urgent need for enacting a National Sports Act for promoting good governance practices in the National Sports Federations (NSF), including professional management, financial accountability and good electoral practices.

They also recommended the setting up of a National Sports Dispute Redressal Tribunal to ensure speedy resolution of sports disputes, including player's grievances. It was noted that a large number of countries have sports legislation in place to regulate the activities of sports federations and facilitate proper sports development.

The Minister appreciated the innovative work done by the Madhya Pradesh government in setting up several professionally managed sports academies for which they have been awarded Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puraskar for 2010.

He announced that from now onwards one award will be earmarked for the best performing state in sports development.

Gill also said that efforts are on to add over one lakh rural youth clubs to the present number of three lakh.

He announced that a National Youth Festival will be held at Udaipur form Jan 12-16 and the ministry will provide a grant of Rs 2 crore to Rajasthan for the conduct of youth festival.

Source: Web Search

Pybus slams ICC for its inability to act against match-fixing

Tue, Sep 07 10 09:51 PM

Karachi, Sep 7 (PTI) Pakistan''s former foreign coach, Richard Pybus has criticised the ICC''s anti corruption unit over its inability to act against match-fixers and blamed it for the spot-fixing scandal in England that led to the suspension of three Pakistani players. "I am not sure about it (match-fixing) being wide-spread. I mean this story by the News of the World in England has brought to light the laxity in the way ICC is administrating security and corruption unit around cricket," Pybus told a TV Channel here. The Pakistan team is in the midst of a betting scam, where fast bowlers Mohammad Amir and Mohammad Asif were alleged to have bowled pre-arranged no-balls in the Lord''s Test against England. Pybus who was coach of the national team in 2003 World Cup and also worked as a consultant with them in the 1999 edition said there was a need for the cricket boards and the ICC to work in close coordination and impose tight watchfulness over the players. "The ICC and local cricket board around the world should have the same type of vigilance as it was in the early 2000 where it was impossible for the bookies to approach players. "Like the ICC, every cricket board should also form a separate committee to keep an eye on the players and on those they come in contact with," he said. Pybus hoped that the Pakistani players would be eventually cleared of any wrong doing. "Pakistan cricket really does not need such scandals particularly after they played good cricket against Australia and England and I was very exited about the progress the side was making. "Initially when I heard, I got disappointed really. I am hoping that the stories come out unfounded and that these guys have been set up in some sort of a video fix," he said. The former coach said that the ICC should adopt a "zero-tolerance" approach towards such activities and firm punishment should be handed out to those found guilty. "I think the ICC needs to move away from an approach which is being prevalent and create an environment to make it difficult as possible for match fixing." "I don''t think cricket is different from any other business, if an accountant commits fraud he ends up in jail therefore if someone found guilty of match fixing he should be dealt with severely," Pybus said.

Source: Published>

Nigeria charges fired soccer chiefs with corruption

Tue, Sep 07 10 09:37 PM

Four former top Nigerian soccer officials were charged with corruption on Tuesday, two months after being sacked following the national team's poor showing at the World Cup in South Africa.

Former football federation head Sani Abdullahi and the three other officials are accused of mismanaging Nigeria's 900 million naira ($6 million) World Cup funds and spending $250,000 to charter a faulty aircraft to fly the national team from London to South Africa ahead of the finals in June.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) told the court the ex-officials also paid $800,000 in allowances to 220 delegates to the World Cup when only 49 were approved.

They also paid $400,000 to stage a friendly against Colombia in London shortly before the finals and incurred a $125,000 fine over a failed hotel deal in South Africa, the EFCC said.

All four pleaded not guilty to the 10-count charges preferred against them and asked the federal high court in the capital Abuja for bail.

Abdullahi, Amanze Uchegbulam, Bolaji Ojo-Oba and Taiwo Ogunjobi were rearrested on Monday, after they were first detained for questioning in July when their passports were seized following their sacking.

President Goodluck Jonathan initially banned the Super Eagles from international competition for two years after they failed to qualify from the group stages of the World Cup finals.

He later rescinded the decision, saying he had taken into consideration the views of ordinary Nigerians who appealed to him on his Facebook page, although there was also considerable pressure from soccer world governing body FIFA.

Source: Published>

FIA not investigating into spot-fixing scam: report

Tue, Sep 07 10 09:23 PM

Islamabad, Sep 7 (PTI) The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) is not conducting any investigation into the spot-fixing scam involving Pakistani cricketers as the organisation has a "limited mandate", an official said today. An official of the FIA told state-run APP news agency that the "government has not ordered the agency to conduct any inquiry into the scam". Referring to a news item published in a section of press, the official said the FIA is not carrying out any probe into the scam and described the report as "concocted and contrary to the facts". The FIA "will be interacting with the Scotland Yard as a routine cooperation and coordination in such police matters", the unnamed official was quoted as saying. Interior Minister Rehman Malik recently said an FIA team would be sent to Britain to liaise with Scotland Yard if permission is granted by British authorities for the team to travel to that country. Pakistan''s cricket team has been rocked by allegations by the British tabloid ''News of the World'' that bowlers Mohammad Aamir and Mohammad Asif delivered three deliberate no-balls in a recent Test against England in line with the predictions of alleged fixer Mazhar Majeed. Majeed allegedly received 150,000 pounds from the tabloid''s undercover reporters posing as members of a gambling cartel.

Source: Published>

India shouldn''t lose heart for Aus, Korea grouping: Robson

Tue, Sep 07 10 09:17 PM

New Delhi, Sep 7 (PTI) Former England and Manchester United captain Bryan Robson today advised Indian football team not to lose heart at being clubbed with Australia and South Korea in next year''s Asian Cup but to "take up the challenge" to compete with the best in the continent. Robson, who is here as coach of Thailand who will play an international friendly against India tomorrow, said it was an excellent chance for India to show that they can compete at the highest level. "Your team is pitted against two sides which no country would want to be grouped together. But India should show that they can compete at the top level, against the best in Asia," Robson said at the pre-match press conference. "It is an excellent chance for India to be able to compete at the Asian Cup," he added. He said the All India Football Federation has given national coach Bob Houghton the right platform to prepare for the Asian Cup. "I think the Indian FA has given Bob (Houghton) a great chance to get his side organised for the 2011 Asian Cup," Robson said. The legendary midfielder, who had coached four English Premier League sides before taking the reigns of Thailand national team, praised Indian striker Sunil Chhetri for his fine show in the first international friendly in Bangkok which his side won 1-0. "You have a very good striker (Chhetri). But when playing with strong opponents you should not waste chances. I have been telling to my players that good players should kill matches when they get chances," he said, referring to Chhetri''s effort just before half time which hit the crossbar in Bangkok. "India are are compact, disciplined and we found it very difficult to break them down. The goalkeeper (Subrata Paul) was very good, he made some outstanding saves," Robson said. "It is going to a tight game tomorrow and the side who takes the chances will win," he said. Robson had come here with only five senior national side players with some of the first team players left out due to AFC Cup engagements. Star striker Sarayoot Chaikumdee, who scored the winning goal in Bangkok, has been left out as well as key midfielder Datsakorn Thonglao and defender Panupong Wongsa who captained the side in the first match. "National team players are released for club engagements. Thai League champion Muathong has about nine national team players. We had to release some of them for AFC Cup quarterfinal match," Robson explained.

Source: Published>

Pillai regains National Snooker title

Tue, Sep 07 10 09:07 PM

Pune, Sep 7 (PTI) India''s number one female cueist Vidya Pillai has regained the national snooker title after scoring a convincing victory over defending champion Meenal Thakur here. Tamil Nadu''s Pillai won the best of seven frames final 4-2 in a little over three and half hours encounter at PYC Hindu Gymkhana. The four-time champion Pillai, who lost the crown last year, defeated Maharashtra''s Thakur 48-38 36-72 32-55 62-50 72-11 78-10 in the ladies summit clash. Meenal''s sister Anuja Chandra finished third, defeating Arantxa Sanchis 23-31 59-32 52-43 in the play-off match. The first three frames of the summit clash lacked the thrill of a final as both players garnered points at slow pace. Pillai won the first 48-38 while Thakur won the subsequent two frames 72-36, 55-32. In the fourth frame, Pillai found her lost focus and scored a break of 25 and 19 to open up a lead of 55-0. After that she added seven more points to her score and Thakur conceded the frame at 62-15. In the fifth and sixth frames, the Chennai lady displayed fine potting skills by occupying the cue table for most of the time. She opened up a 44-11 lead in the fifth thanks to a 27 point break and sealed the sixth frame with another 22 break. In the men''s snooker qualifying rounds, Shyam Jagtiani, R Girish and Pushpinder Singh won their respective first round league encounters. Pushpinder trounced Manish Jain 3-0, while Jagtiani outplayed J Varun Kumar 3-1. Raj Kumar managed to scrap past Vijay Goel 3-2.

Source: Published>

Tiger Woods gets the nod for Ryder Cup

Tue, Sep 07 10 08:57 PM

Tiger Woods was named as one of four wildcard picks for next month's Ryder Cup by United States captain Corey Pavin on Tuesday.

The American world number one, who failed to gain automatic selection for the biennial team competition after struggling for form for much of this year, was selected by Pavin to compete in his sixth Ryder Cup.

Holders the U.S. take on Colin Montgomerie's European team at the Celtic Manor resort in Wales from Oct 1-3.

Source: Published>

PCB stubborn, should have suspended tainted trio first: Mani

Tue, Sep 07 10 08:21 PM

Karachi, Sep 7 (PTI) Former International Cricket Council President Ehsan Mani today lashed out at Pakistan Cricket Board for taking a "stubborn" stance when the ''spot-fixing'' allegations first came out and said it should have promptly suspended the tainted players. Mani said that International Cricket Council had to take the decision of suspending Salman Butt, Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Aamir after the PCB insisted on playing them in the one-day series in England. "The PCB was stubborn after the spot-fixing and betting allegations came to surface and were adamant the players will play the one-day series even after they were named as suspects. The ICC could not tolerate this and suspended them," Mani said. "It is unfortunate that the PCB did not realise the graveness of the situation when the allegations first came out. The PCB itself should have first suspended the players. but they did not. ICC had no choice but to step in," Mani told Radio Deutsche Welle (Voice of Germany) in an interview in Lahore. "To keep the inquiry within its ambit and save itself from further embarrassment the PCB should have suspended the players and taken up its own investigation. Now because of its unprofessional and careless attitude the spot-fixing scandal is out of its control and neither does it have any control over players it pays handsomely," he added. Mani pointed out that the PCB knew the ICC had the authority to suspend the players and also noted that the world body had got directly involved because of the poor track record of the PCB in disciplining and penalising its cricketers. The former ICC chief said he feared that the careers of the three suspended players could end prematurely. He said the ICC had been asking and reminding its member boards constantly to keep a watch on their players and to educate them on how to avoid corruption in the game. "Unfortunately here also the PCB failed to do anything and the result is that Pakistan cricket might lose a outstanding young talent like Aamir," he said.

Source: Published>

ICC toothless in handling corruption in cricket, says Latif

Published>Tue, Sep 07 10 02:27 PM

Karachi, Sep 7(ANI): Former Pakistan captain Rashid Latif has questioned the International Cricket Council (ICC)'s ability of handling corruption in the game, and said that tougher laws were needed to counter the menace.

"The ICC is not making tougher laws and that's why their role is questionable," The Age quoted Latif, as saying.

"I also doubt the sincerity of cricket boards and the ICC to put a lid on this wrongdoing," he added.

Latif said that the Anti-Corruption and Security Unit (ACSU) set up by the governing body had also failed to serve the purpose.

"These ex-policemen (ACSU officials) may have been very good in their field, but cricket is a different ball game altogether and only a cricketer can see an irregularity during a match," Latif said.

"(The ACSU) does not have the right to conduct raids or arrest people, what they only do is to ask players to avoid suspicious people. All in all, the unit is toothless, as their recourses are limited," he added.

He also called for new rules in one-day and Twenty20 cricket to minimize fixing.

"In my opinion, power plays in limited-over matches encourage spot-fixing, so there is a need to change the laws. I proposed changes in the rules some years back, but the ICC did not pay attention to them," he added. (ANI)

Source: Web Search

US Open: Ultra consistent Djokovic, a familiar foe for Federer

Published>Tue, Sep 07 10 02:23 PM

New York, Sept. 7 (ANI): Should Swiss tennis great Roger Federer survive the quarter final threat posed by Swede Robin Soderling, he would, in all likelihood, meet up with either another familiar foe in Novak Djokovic or the talented and unpredictable Frenchman Gael Monfils in the semi-finals.

The ultra-consistent Serb Djokovic has now reached the final eight at 13 of the past 15 majors and says he's couldn't be happier with where he's at.

"It's a very encouraging fact at this stage of the tournament that I'm raising my game and feeling more comfortable on the court," The Sun quoted Djokovic, as saying.

Djokovic, though, remains ever wary of Monfils, his generational rival who has been promising big things for several years now without ever delivering at the slams.

Former world No.1 Jim Courier challenged Monfils to finally stand up and be counted after the 24-year-old took out countryman Richard Gasquet 6-4 7-5 7-5.

"This guy is the best pure athlete tennis has ever seen," Courier said of Monfils.

"Monfils, if you look at the top 40, he's the guy that's under-achieved in his career. Two career titles to date at 24 years of age and he's been in the top 20 for the last three years.

Djokovic said: "If he starts playing well, he can beat anyone because he's so fast and so athletic and strong that he can get a lot of balls back." (ANI)

Source: Web Search

No leniency for those who fail the dope test: Malhotra

Published>Tue, Sep 07 10 02:17 PM

Indian Olympic Association vice-president Vijay Kumar Malhotra on Tuesday said the Sports Ministry should immediately initiate a high-level inquiry to find out the culprits who are responsible for sports persons failing dope tests.

Malhotra, who is also the president of General Association of National Sports Federations (GANSF), said apart from sports persons, coaches, doctors and officials of Sports Authority of India (SAI) should also be investigated.

"Earlier also many sports persons failed dope test but action has not been taken against anyone. There should be a zero tolerance for those who test positive," Malhotra said in a statement.

"It is a very serious matter that 12 sports persons- six wrestlers, three swimmers, two athletes and one net-ball player- have tested positive a month before the Commonwealth games.

"The GANSF wants that not only the involved sports persons but their coaches, doctors and SAI officials should also be punished if found guilty," he said.

Malhotra said in 2002 Manchester and 2006 Melbourne Commonwealth Games India had "performed well but couple of sports persons failed the test in these games and brought disgrace to the nation".

"The country has already paid hefty sum of fine for the misdeeds of few Weightlifters. We have paid over Rs 5 crore to get the ban lifted from the Weightlifting Federation of India (WFI) so that lifters can take part in the Games," he said.

He said that IOA should issue a clear and stern warning to the sports persons that they will be banned for life if they test positive.

"The coaches, doctors and officials should also be told in no uncertain terms that they will also have to face the consequences if their players fail the test.

Malhotra said sports fans in the country are disgusted with the daily reports of players failing the dope tests.

"We are being watched by the various International Sports Federations and any indiscretion on the part of Indian players or officials will only bring disrepute to the country," he said.

Source: Web Search

Australia's Stosur welcomes prime-time promotion at US Open

Published>Tue, Sep 07 10 01:57 PM

New York, Sept.7 (ANI): Australian tennis star Samantha Stosur has welcomed her promotion to top billing for her marquee US Open quarter-final with defending champion Kim Clijsters.

Stosur and Clijsters have relegated American superstar Venus Williams from the prime-time TV slot and will slug it out in the feature night match at Arthur Ashe Stadium on Tuesday.

The Age quoted Australia's world No.6 Stosur as saying that she felt justice had been served after she'd been involved in the latest-finishing women's singles match in US Open history on Sunday, an epic three-set triumph over Elena Dementieva.

"Me or Elena, whoever won that one, was in a pretty bad position to play Kim, who played first on Sunday," Stosur told AAP after a light hitting session on Monday.

"I think it's only fair that at least I was allowed as much as rest as possible after my match to try and back up," she added.

After saving four match points against Dementieva to become the first Australian woman to make the quarter-finals at Flushing Meadows since Wendy Turnbull 26 years ago, Stosur said she'd be free-rolling against Clijsters.

The Belgian is once again title favourite after extending her winning streak in New York to 18 matches with an emphatic 6-2 6-1 fourth-round defeat of Ana Ivanovic.

"Obviously she's a great player and I've played a great tournament so far and now I get the second seed," Stosur said.

"I'm just going to go out and enjoy it and it's matches like last night that are really fun to play and you just want to keep playing matches like that. Against Kim, if we can play our best tennis, I'm sure it will be a good one," she added. (ANI)

Source: Web Search

Gerrard backs pal Rooney to get over his off-field problems

Published>Tue, Sep 07 10 01:51 PM

London, Sept.7 (ANI): England skipper Steven Gerrard has come out in support of striker Wayne Rooney after having emerged from his own nightmare last year.

The Liverpool midfielder, who leads England against Switzerland tonight, said: "Incredibly enough, I played some of my best football when I was going through my court case.

According to The Sun, in those six months, Gerrard lost just three of the 24 games he played for Liverpool and England, winning 17 of them. He scored 13 times in that spell as Liverpool finished second in the Premier League.

He is now hoping that adversity will work for Rooney as well.

The key, he said, was for Rooney to separate his on-field and off-field lives.

"If you have an issue off the pitch, you're in a situation where you have to park it. And then get on with the rest of your life. But this is where football sometimes can be a great release. Once the game starts, you're focused on what happens on the pitch - not what's going on off it," Gerrard said.

He added: "I'm sure that's what will happen with Wayne as soon as the referee blows his whistle."

Of Rooney' state of mind, Gerrard said: "Well, I don't think he's going to need a slap on the back from me - especially after the way he played against Bulgaria. Round the hotel and in training, he seems fine, the same as normal. Then again, only time will tell." (ANI)

Source: Web Search

ICC orders Butt, Akmal to hand over mobile records during Asia Cup

Published>Tue, Sep 07 10 01:47 PM

London, Sep 7(ANI): The International Cricket Council (ICC) has reportedly ordered Pakistan captain Salman Butt and wicketkeeper Kamran Akmal to hand over their mobile telephone records for investigation into possible spot-fixing during the Asia Cup in June.

Butt and Akmal were contacted by the ICC's Anti-Corruption Unit (ACU) after suspicions arose during the tournament in Sri Lanka.

The demand came in a letter, dated August 21, which was sent to the two players before details of the News of the World expose surrounding the 'no-ball' scandal in the Lord's Test against England.

The ACU expect the full cooperation of both players, but have yet to receive a response from the Pakistan camp, The Daily Mail reports.

The news will dismay the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) and players, who had made it clear that they were not prepared to play Pakistan in the ODI series if the players accused of corruption were still in the opposing line-up.

Butt has been suspended over allegation of involvement in the Lord's Test 'spot-fixing' scandal, but Akmal is part of the team scheduled to play the second Twenty20 match in Cardiff tonight. (ANI)

Source: Web Search

Gerrard backs pal Rooney to get over his off-field problems

Published>Tue, Sep 07 10 01:41 PM

London, Sept.7 (ANI): England skipper Steven Gerrard has come out in support of striker Wayne Rooney after having emerged from his own nightmare last year.

The Liverpool midfielder, who leads England against Switzerland tonight, said: "Incredibly enough, I played some of my best football when I was going through my court case.

According to The Sun, in those six months, Gerrard lost just three of the 24 games he played for Liverpool and England, winning 17 of them. He scored 13 times in that spell as Liverpool finished second in the Premier League.

He is now hoping that adversity will work for Rooney as well.

The key, he said, was for Rooney to separate his on-field and off-field lives.

"If you have an issue off the pitch, you're in a situation where you have to park it. And then get on with the rest of your life. But this is where football sometimes can be a great release. Once the game starts, you're focused on what happens on the pitch - not what's going on off it," Gerrard said.

He added: "I'm sure that's what will happen with Wayne as soon as the referee blows his whistle."

Of Rooney' state of mind, Gerrard said: "Well, I don't think he's going to need a slap on the back from me - especially after the way he played against Bulgaria. Round the hotel and in training, he seems fine, the same as normal. Then again, only time will tell." (ANI)

Source: Web Search

Australia's Stosur welcomes prime-time promotion at US Open

Published>Tue, Sep 07 10 01:37 PM

New York, Sept.7 (ANI): Australian tennis star Samantha Stosur has welcomed her promotion to top billing for her marquee US Open quarter-final with defending champion Kim Clijsters.

Stosur and Clijsters have relegated American superstar Venus Williams from the prime-time TV slot and will slug it out in the feature night match at Arthur Ashe Stadium on Tuesday.

The Age quoted Australia's world No.6 Stosur as saying that she felt justice had been served after she'd been involved in the latest-finishing women's singles match in US Open history on Sunday, an epic three-set triumph over Elena Dementieva.

"Me or Elena, whoever won that one, was in a pretty bad position to play Kim, who played first on Sunday," Stosur told AAP after a light hitting session on Monday.

"I think it's only fair that at least I was allowed as much as rest as possible after my match to try and back up," she added.

After saving four match points against Dementieva to become the first Australian woman to make the quarter-finals at Flushing Meadows since Wendy Turnbull 26 years ago, Stosur said she'd be free-rolling against Clijsters.

The Belgian is once again title favourite after extending her winning streak in New York to 18 matches with an emphatic 6-2 6-1 fourth-round defeat of Ana Ivanovic.

"Obviously she's a great player and I've played a great tournament so far and now I get the second seed," Stosur said.

"I'm just going to go out and enjoy it and it's matches like last night that are really fun to play and you just want to keep playing matches like that. Against Kim, if we can play our best tennis, I'm sure it will be a good one," she added. (ANI)

Source: Web Search

What turned churchgoing Jennifer Thompson into Rooney hooker?

Published>Tue, Sep 07 10 01:07 PM

London, Sep 07 (ANI): Jennifer Thompson, the hooker who bedded Wayne Rooney, led a sheltered existence protected by her parents and three brothers before turning into a prostitute.

The trouble with the churchgoing teenager began when the family returned to Britain from Qatar and set up home in Heaton, Bolton.

As she entered adolescence she found it increasingly difficult to adjust to life in Britain.

Friends say that by 15, Jennifer was a 'wild child', constantly out on the town getting drunk.

The friend said that Jennifer had always wanted to be with footballers and would regale classmates with stories about how they would sleep with her and then, when they woke the next morning, throw money at her and tell her to make her own way home.

"She never seemed to mind. There was no hint of remorse or regret. She was a party animal and was regularly in hospital getting her stomach pumped after drinking too much," the Daily Mail quoted a friend as saying.

By her final year at school, Jennifer was a fully-fledged prostitute, another friend said.

'She decided she wanted to become a WAG and started to hang out with Bolton Wanderers players," the friend added. (ANI)

Source: Web Search

Pak official says Aamer should not get age benefit in 'spot-fixing' probe

Published>Tue, Sep 07 10 12:37 PM

Cardiff, Sept 7 (ANI): Mohammad Aamer should not get any benefit of age, if the 18-year old is proved guilty of spot-fixing, Pakistan Cricket Board's associate manager, Shafqat Rana said.

"I think it should be the same with everybody, if he breaks the law," The News quoted Rana, as saying.

When asked whether teenager Aamer's age should be taken into consideration, he replied, "It doesn't matter," adding that the Pakistani cricket fans wanted everything in the best spirit of the gentlemen's game.

Rana was talking to reporters at Sophia Gardens, where the second Pakistan vs England Twenty20 international is scheduled today.

Interestingly, Rana's views clash with International Cricket Council (ICC) chief executive Haroon Lorgat who, just a day before had said, "In my own honest personal view, yes I would think age would come into account in these matters.

Meanwhile, Rana appreciated a reported investigation into the cricket team's finances by the country's tax authorities in the aftermath of the spot-fixing scandal.

Pakistan's one-day captain, Shahid Afridi also welcomed the move, saying, "It should be done and it's good for cricket."

ICC had hit the three Pakistan players in the dock for spot fixing -Salman Butt, Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Aamir-with a staggering 23 charges. (ANI)

Source: Web Search