Pak bookies rake in cash on England match

Published>Thu, Sep 09 10 12:27 PM

In a tiny room overlooking a slum, four men work a dozen or so phones, struggling to keep up with calls from Pakistanis placing illegal bets on a cricket match in England.

Some phones are rigged to tape-recorders to ensure that gamblers do not renege on their wagers later on.

The men are small-time gangsters, but sit on the lower rungs of something much larger: an underworld betting industry that spans the cricket world and has been implicated in a match-fixing scandal engulfing Pakistan's national team.

While there is little by way of evidence, these Lahore bookmakers and others close to the trade say notorious Indian crimelord Dawood Ibrahim sits atop the global syndicate. The United States accuses Ibrahim of supporting al-Qaeda and funding attacks in India.

The bookmakers said fixing in the sport, especially in the Pakistani team, had been common for years.

Such is the variety of bets available on every aspect of the game - not just the outcome - a player can perform to order and not necessarily affect the result.

Knowing what will happen in any match can be extremely valuable information to gamblers and bookies.

"Almost each match is fixed in some department,"

said one of the bookies, who asked to be identified only as "PK." He added, however, that neither he nor his customers was aware of this information, suggesting scams on that scale went far higher up the syndicate.

"It goes right to the top," he said.

Business was brisk yesterday night, when Pakistan's disastrous tour of England hit a new low as Shahid Afridi's depleted lineup was bowled out for 89 - its worst total ever in a Twenty20 international - and ultimately lost by six wickets.

Test captain Salman Butt and bowlers Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Amir were suspended by the International Cricket Council last week for allegedly being involved in "spot fixing" after a British tabloid newspaper sting uncovered evidence that some players were being secretly paid to deliver no-balls at set times.

The invitation was given by the bookmakers to see them at work for Tuesday's match.

PK and his fellow bookie, "Amer," insisted that their real names not be used or their faces photographed or filmed because their work is illegal.

And this is despite warnings of a crackdown on illegal gambling by Pakistani authorities and the International Cricket Council.

Source: Web Search

Why can't Ind, Pak play together like Bopanna, Qureshi: Gill

Published>Thu, Sep 09 10 12:23 PM

Congratulating Rohan Bopanna and Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi for reaching the US Open men's doubles final, Sports Minister M S Gill today said the pair's success should lead to better sporting ties between India and Pakistan.

"I have one question for everyone. If Bopanna and Qureshi can play together, why cannot India and Pakistan?" he asked after congratulating the duo for reaching the finals of the season's last Grand Slam in New York.

Bopanna and Qureshi beat Argentines Eduardo Schwank and Horacio Zeballos 7-6 (5) 6-4 in the semifinals last night to set up a clash with top seeded American brothers Bob and Mike Bryan.

Gill said Bopanna and Qureshi, nicknamed the 'Indo-Pak Express', have shown great understanding on court to achieve success.

"I have been following the Bopanna-Qureshi combination in tennis doubles. They combine very well, have total understanding and are top doubles players in the world. Now they are in US Open finals and I pray for their win," he said in a congratulatory message.

"I am confident that would achieve the sub-continent dream finally," he added.

Source: Web Search

Wayne Rooney hooker's parents apologize to Coleen

Published>Thu, Sep 09 10 12:17 PM

London, Sep 09 (ANI): Parents of Wayne Rooney hooker Jenny Thompson has publicly apologized to the footballer's shattered wife Coleen.

Mortified dad Hamish, 55, issued the couple's "most sincere apologies" to the mum of one and her family after he and wife Dani cut short a holiday in Portugal and jetted home.

"This may sound somewhat hollow, but my wife and I would never condone what has or may have happened," the Sun quoted Thompson as saying.

Oil engineer also stressed that he had "absolutely no idea" their privately-educated daughter had been selling herself for sex - let alone to the married Manchester United superstar for 1,200 pounds a night.

The dad admitted: "The last few days have been extremely trying for us and our family."

But he stressed: "Jennifer is our daughter and we love her and we will deal with this matter as a family." (ANI)

Source: Web Search

Bopanna-Qureshi enter US Open doubles finals

Published>Thu, Sep 09 10 12:07 PM

New York, Sep 9(ANI): The Indo-Pak pair of Rohan Bopanna and Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi have reached the US Open men's doubles final at Flushing Meadows.

The duo defeated unseeded Argentine pair of Eduardo Schwank and Horacio Zeballos 7-6 (7-5) 6-4 on Wednesday, The Dawn reports.

It's the best showing for the 16th-seeded pair in a Grand Slam after a quarterfinal appearance at Wimbledon earlier this year.

Bopanna and Qureshi have competed together off and on since 2003, and their pairing started drawing notice this year after they launched their "Stop War, Start Tennis" campaign, with the slogan printed on their warmup jackets.

"Obviously, it feels like us doing well is getting the message across throughout the world and among all the Pakistanis and Indians," Qureshi said.

"I've always said if me and Rohan can get along so well on and off the court, there's no reason the Indians and Pakistanis can't get along with each other," he added.

Bopanna and Qureshi will now face Friday's final against Americans Bob and Mike Bryan, also straight-sets victors on Wednesday. (ANI)

Source: Web Search

Federer proves himself a man for all seasons

Published>Thu, Sep 09 10 11:57 AM

Let it sizzle, let it blow, let it chill.... whatever the weather, Roger Federer proved himself to be a master of the elements at the U.S. Open.

Federer coolly dismissed opponents in the early rounds when on-court temperatures topped 100 degrees Fahrenheit (38 Celcius) and on Wednesday, he warmed up his serve in the cold and wind to blow away Robin Soderling and reach the semi-finals.

"I see it as a challenge and I see it as an opportunity to play differently," the Swiss owner of a record 16 grand slam crowns said about playing through the wind.

"It's not easy, you know. It's cold. Everywhere it's blowing. You feel like it's blowing through your ears and into your eyes.

"But I think I used to dislike it so much that I'm on the other side now. I was able to turn it around and kind of take enjoyment out of playing in the wind, actually."

Federer also enjoyed the sweet taste of revenge in his 6-4 6-4 7-5 rout of Soderling, who had beaten him in the French Open quarter-finals earlier this year.

The 29-year-old Swiss sent down 18 aces against the Swede, who only registered two for himself.

"I guess I got a good service motion," Federer said by way of explanation. "To me, it doesn't affect my concentration.

"I think what I'm also very good at is also hit a good serve even though the ball toss is not in the right location anymore. I think that's something I was always able to do.

"I can serve to all different corners with either kick or flat or slice. I think that allows me to have a great variety of serves, first of all."

Federer thought of another advantage he holds. "My second serve is reliable, I don't panic or double fault so much. It's a huge weapon in conditions like this."

The Swiss went on to admit he was ready for almost anything.

"You know, I've played in such strong winds. I've practiced in such hot conditions. Whatever you throw at me, I can do it.

"I mean, obviously if it's snowing and tough, then it gets a bit different," he said. "I haven't had that yet, so I guess I would freak out when that starts happening."

Source: Web Search

Tainted Asif might take political asylum in Britain

Thu, Sep 09 10 11:45 AM

London, Sep 9 (PTI) Fearing a violent backlash in Pakistan for his alleged involvement in the spot-fixing scandal, pacer Mohammad Asif is considering taking political asylum in Britain. According to a report in ''The Daily Telegraph'', Asif, who is currently in England for investigations into the scam exposed by a British tabloid, had a 35-minute meeting with an immigration lawyer last Friday. "(Asif) said he feared the allegations of fixing certain events in a recent Test match against England could make him the target of dangerous criminal gangs linked to the illegal betting underworld," the newspaper reported. The cricketer reportedly asked the lawyer "if there was a way to stay in Britain and discussed the asylum process." "He didn''t say anything about asylum at first," said the lawyer. "He just said, ''What''s the way to stay?'' Then we told him there''s the student way - you can come here to study - or you can apply for a work permit. But then he asked about asylum," he added. Asif, along with Pakistan Test skipper Salman Butt and teen pacer Mohammad Aamir, has been interrogated by the Scotland Yard after it was alleged that the trio conspired to bowl no balls in the Lord''s Test against England after taking bribes from a bookie. The latest report said that Asif is waiting for "the results of investigations by Scotland Yard and the International Cricket Council, to which he expressed his innocence, before taking any asylum claim further." Immigration experts said Asif had a good chance of getting asylum if he can prove a considerable threat to his life. The lawyer, with whom Asif spoke, said the bowler looked "very anxious". "I think he''s just worried about the backlash at home, that''s what he told me," he said. "There''s been a lot of talk and there are undercover betting mafias with a lot of power - that seemed to be what he was worried about. "If he wants to go forward then we will see what we can do for him," he added.

Source: Published>

With Bopanna by his side, Qureshi hopes to cheer up Pakistan

Thu, Sep 09 10 11:37 AM

New York, Sep 9 (PTI) Flood-ravaged and shamed by a betting scam involving its cricketers, Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi knows Pakistan has little to cheer about right now but he is confident of changing the mood back home for the better by lifting the US Open men''s doubles trophy with Indian partner Rohan Bopanna. "I can''t thank Rohan enough to be my partner and playing with me. I really feel very lucky to have a partner like him and a friend like him. Pakistan has been going through a lot for the last two or three years from all the terrorist attacks and the flooding now for the last few months and the cricket scandal, also," Qureshi said after he and Bopanna entered the finals of the season''s last Grand Slam where they will take on top seeds Bob and Mike Bryan. Qureshi is also in the mixed doubles final with Czech partner Kveta Peschke and he is hoping to lift both the the titles. "I''m just very happy and proud that I can send positive news back home and good news for people to cheer about. It''s just been an unbelievable journey, and I just hope I keep winning matches for Pakistan and can hopefully get either one of these titles or both titles back home. That would be great thing," he said. The pair, nicknamed ''The Indo-Pak Express'', were cheered by the UN ambassadors from their countries during the 7-6 (5) 6-4 semifinal win over Argentines Eduardo Schwank and Horacio Zeballos. Both the players said they were glad to have the two dignitaries applauding them in the stands. "...we are really glad that they came out and watched us play. It was pretty hard out there to come on them. We met them after our match, so, you know, really thankful to them that they came out, took some time and came out to watch us play today," he said. .

Source: Published>

Spot-fixing: Asif may seek 'asylum' in Britain fearing backlash in Pak

Published>Thu, Sep 09 10 11:17 AM

London, Sept 8 (ANI): Pakistan fast bowler Mohammad Asif, one of the three cricketers at the centre of the spot-fixing scandal, is mulling over making a claim for political asylum in Britain to avoid going back to his country, where fans are said to have acutely reacted to the allegations.

Asif feared not only violent backlash from cricket enthusiasts, but also that criminal gangs associated with the illegal betting underworld could target him because of the scandal.

"I think he's just worried about the backlash at home - that's what he told me. There's been a lot of talk and there are undercover betting mafias with a lot of power - that seemed to be what he was worried about," The Daily Telegraph quoted the solicitor from London firm, Malik and Malik, who had discussion with Asif, as saying.

He had a meeting with the immigration lawyer for over half an hour, and is said to have inquired about the ways of extending his stay in Britain, including the asylum process.

"He didn't say anything about asylum at first. He just said, 'what's the way to stay?' Then we told him there's the student way - you can come here to study - or you can apply for a work permit. But then he asked about asylum," the lawyer spoke on condition of anonymity.

The 27-year-old fast bowler insinuated that he would prefer to stay back and await the investigation report by Scotland Yard and the International Cricket Council (ICC) before taking the asylum claim further.

Immigration experts opined that Asif could hold a viable case if he succeeded in proving that there was a danger to his life in his home country and the authorities there were unable or unwilling to provide him protection.

Asif had asked an intermediary to fix a meeting with the lawyer in London last week, and the meeting was apparently held at a Pakistani restaurant in Southall, west London, on Friday. He came with an unidentified older person and was said to have looked "very anxious."

The Pakistan High Commission refused to comment on the issue and the Pakistani team manager said that he was unaware of Asif seeking asylum. (ANI)

Source: Web Search

Bopanna-Qureshi enter US Open doubles finals

Published>Thu, Sep 09 10 11:05 AM

New York, Sep 9 (PTI) There was no stopping the 'Indo-Pak Express' as Rohan Bopanna and Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi inched closer to their maiden Grand Slam title together by advancing to the US Open finals here.

Continuing with their message of 'Stop War, Start Tennis', 16th seeds Bopanna and Qureshi beat Argentines Eduardo Schwank and Horacio Zeballos 7-6 (5) 6-4 to set up a summit clash with top-seeded American brothers Bob and Mike Bryan in the finals.

"I mean, to win a Grand Slam you have to beat the best there is. That's what Aisam and me keep telling (each other)," Bopanna said after the win last night.

The Indo-Pak duo was cheered on from the stands by, among others, the United Nations ambassadors from their respective countries. India's ambassador Harpreet Suri and his Pakistan counterpart Abdullah H Haroon even met the two players after the match.

Source: Web Search

Bopanna-Qureshi enter US Open double's finals

Published>Thu, Sep 09 10 10:57 AM

New York, Sep 9 (PTI) There was no stopping the 'Indo-Pak Express' as Rohan Bopanna and Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi inched closer to their maiden Grand Slam title together by advancing to the US Open finals here.

Continuing with their message of 'Stop War, Start Tennis', 16th seeds Bopanna and Qureshi beat Argentines Eduardo Schwank and Horacio Zeballos 7-6 (5) 6-4 to set up a summit clash with top-seeded American brothers Bob and Mike Bryan in the finals.

"I mean, to win a Grand Slam you have to beat the best there is. That's what Aisam and me keep telling (each other)," Bopanna said after the win last night.

The Indo-Pak duo was cheered on from the stands by, among others, the United Nations ambassadors from their respective countries. India's ambassador Harpreet Suri and his Pakistan counterpart Abdullah H Haroon even met the two players after the match.

Source: Web Search

Federer breezes past Soderling into semi-finals

Published>Thu, Sep 09 10 10:37 AM

Roger Federer won a measure of revenge and a return to the U.S. Open semi-finals as he beat fifth-seeded Swede Robin Soderling 6-4 6-4 7-5 on Wednesday to book his place in the last four for a seventh successive time.

Federer, showing the all-round brilliance that has won him a record 16 grand slam titles, refused to let gusty winds at Arthur Ashe Stadium slow down his charge as he routed Soderling, who had eliminated him in the quarter-finals at this year's French Open.

The 29-year-old Swiss, whose string of five consecutive U.S. Open titles was snapped in last year's final, commanded his serve with power and precision through the adverse conditions to quash Soderling in just under two hours.

Federer demoralised the big-hitting Swede, who was runner-up at the last two French Opens, by firing in 18 aces, while Soderling could only muster two as he went down meekly on a cold, windy New York night.

The Swiss master said figuring out how to deal with conditions was simply part of his job description.

"I've practiced my serve my whole career," said Federer, who put 64 percent of his first serves in play and won 86 percent of them. "If I can't serve in the wind I've got a problem.

"You can wake me up at 2:00 in the morning or 4:00 in the morning I can hit serves. It's what we do."

RIGHT PLACE

Soderling, who lost his first 12 matches against Federer before beating him at Roland Garros, was full of praise for his opponent.

"He's a good wind player," the 26-year-old Soderling said. "He moves really well. He's always in the right place."

On Federer's serving, he said: "He was brushing the lines with his first serves which is not easy."

Soderling squandered some early chances to get ahead, letting three break points slip away in Federer's first service game and then another one before the second seed used a deft drop shot to break in the seventh game and served out the opening set.

Federer took the decisive break of the second set in the fifth game.

Soderling came alive in the third set, hitting out more powerfully and hustling around to engage the Swiss in rallies and broke for a 5-3 lead after three Federer errors.

But serving for the set, Soderling's big forehand let him down when he dumped two forehands into the net to give the break right back.

Federer then ran off the next three games, closing with a bullet ace out wide.

Next up for the second-seeded Federer will be third seed Novak Djokovic of Serbia, who beat France's Gael Monfils to advance. Federer beat Djokovic in the Flushing Meadows final in 2007 and in the semi-finals the last two years.

"He's obviously looking for that big breakthrough here in the Open, so it's going to be a tough one," Federer added.

Source: Web Search

Federer gains semi-finals and revenge at U.S. Open

Thu, Sep 09 10 10:27 AM

Roger Federer won a measure of revenge as he beat fifth-seeded Swede Robin Soderling 6-4 6-4 7-5 on Wednesday to reach the semi-finals of the U.S. Open for the seventh successive time.

Federer, showing the all-round brilliance that has won him a record 16 grand slam titles, refused to let gusty winds at Arthur Ashe centre court slow down his charge as he routed Soderling, who had eliminated him in the quarter-finals at this year's French Open.

The 29-year-old Swiss, whose string of five consecutive U.S. Open titles was snapped last year in the final, commanded his serve with precision through the adverse conditions to quash Soderling in just under two hours.

Next up for the second-seeded Federer will be third seed Novak Djokovic of Serbia, who beat France's Gael Monfils to advance. Federer beat Djokovic in the Flushing Meadows final in 2007 and in the semi-finals the last two years.

Source: Published>

Barca, Real and Chelsea eye Inter's crown

Published>Thu, Sep 09 10 10:17 AM

European champions Inter Milan will rewrite the record books and claim a place among the greats if they retain the Champions League trophy this season.

Huge obstacles stand in their way, of course, from Spain's Barcelona and Real Madrid, England's Chelsea, Manchester United and Arsenal, last season's runners-up Bayern Munich and their arch-rivals AC Milan.

Europe's leading bookmakers have almost all ignored Inter's claims and installed Barcelona as favourites to repeat their 2009 success with Real Madrid and Chelsea also heavily backed.

But Inter's new manager Rafa Benitez won the competition in 2005 with Liverpool and would like nothing better than to restore his reputation as one of Europe's shrewdest coaches.

If Benitez leads them to victory at Wembley Stadium on May 28, they would emulate their own back-to-back successes of 1964 and 1965 and take huge delight in becoming the first club to do so since AC Milan triumphed in 1989 and 1990.

But no side has remained European champions after changing a winning manager since Bayern Munich lifted the trophy under Udo Lattek in 1974 and Dettmar Cramer in 1975.

That is the challenge facing Benitez who replaced Jose Mourinho when the Portuguese decamped to Real Madrid after securing last season's triumph over Bayern to make Inter European champions for the first time for 45 years.

Mourinho may have got up the noses of the Italian soccer establishment but he gave Inter a winning mentality in Europe after decades of under-achievement in the world's premier club competition.

DIFFERENT STYLE

Inter have decided to stick with the same ageing squad, minus striker Mario Balotelli, leaving fans worried the lack of investment will harm their chances.

Inter face Tottenham Hotspur and Twente Enschede as well as Werder Bremen in the group stage but will need to improve their early season form which has been patchy.

Among those threatening Inter's ambitions are Barcelona, eager to make up for last season's semi-final loss to the Italians, and a rejuvenated Real Madrid under Mourinho.

The canny Mourinho's arrival at the Bernabeu has raised hopes the club can end a lengthy drought in Europe's elite club competition.

The nine-times continental champions have failed to make the quarter-finals for the past six seasons, a galling statistic for big-spending president Florentino Perez.

The construction magnate returned to the club before the 2009-10 campaign pledging to restore former glories but even an outlay of a quarter of a billion euros ($319 million) on players including Cristiano Ronaldo and Kaka failed to yield a trophy.

Real have spent wisely, bringing in Germany midfielders Sami Khedira and Mesut Ozil, Argentina winger Angel Di Maria and teenage midfielder Sergio Canales.

But Pep Guardiola's Barca side have added prolific Spain striker David Villa, combative Argentina midfielder Javier Mascherano and versatile Brazilian defender Adriano Correia.

EFFECTIVE TEAM

Mourinho, a former assistant coach at the Nou Camp, got the better of Guardiola last season but it will be hard to mould the Real squad into an effective team in his first campaign.

If he does he will become the first man to lift the European Cup with three different clubs following his initial triumph with Porto in 2004.

Real are also in a tricky group, pitted against old rivals AC Milan, Ajax Amsterdam and Auxerre of France.

Barca, by contrast, are the finished article, boasting eight Spain internationals, including World Cup winners Villa, Xavi and Andres Iniesta, and should progress comfortably from a group with Rubin Kazan, Panathinaikos and FC Copenhagen.

EXCITING ARRIVAL

Chelsea, who played outstanding football to claim the English double last season, have won their first three league games with a 14-0 goal tally and have recruited exciting midfielder Ramires from Benfica and Israel's Yossi Benayoun.

Manchester United can never be ruled out especially if Wayne Rooney puts his off-field problems out of his mind and reproduces the scoring form he showed for most of last season.

Arsenal have failed to win a trophy for five seasons but usually do well in Europe.

Manager Arsene Wenger's best piece of transfer business was keeping Cesc Fabregas at the Emirates, boosting the chances of a London side lifting the European Cup for the first time.

With three London teams competing, the first time one city has provided three sides in the competition, and the final taking place in their home city, there is even more incentive than usual for them to go all the way.

Source: Web Search

FACTBOX - Champions League records 1992-2010

Thu, Sep 09 10 08:37 AM

Champions League records from 1992-2010 ahead of the 2010-2011 season:

Most titles: AC Milan/Real Madrid 3

Most finals: AC Milan 6

Most semi-finals: AC Milan/Barcelona 7

Most appearances: Manchester United 16

Source: Published>

Wozniacki cuts through wind to reach semi-finals

Published>Thu, Sep 09 10 08:27 AM

Caroline Wozniacki stayed on course for a return to the U.S. Open final, fighting near gale-force winds and big forehands from diminutive Dominika Cibulkova of Slovakia on Wednesday to reach the semi-finals.

The top-seeded Dane, who breezed through the first four rounds losing just 10 games, navigated the challenges for a 6-2 7-5 victory that set up a semi-finals match with seventh-seeded Russian Vera Zvonareva, the Wimbledon runner-up.

With winds gusting to 33 mph (53 kph) whipping across the Arthur Ashe centre court, causing the net to flutter, napkins to blow on the court and service tosses to swerve away, Wozniacki broke the Slovak in the 11th game of the second set and held serve to close out the blustery 105-minute match.

"It felt like playing in a hurricane or something," said 20-year-old Wozniacki, who began the match with her hair pulled back and tied in a pony tail, but ended up braiding it to keep her blond locks from blowing around her face. "But it's the same for both players and I'm so happy to get through."

The wind wreaked havoc with serve and groundstrokes alike, with Cibulkova once tossing the ball four times before finally being able to hit the ball. Another time she was aiming for deuce court and sent her serve wide of the ad court.

Wozniacki hit one serve that bounced about five metres short of the net and bounced over.

Both players hit numerous groundstrokes off their racket frames, making improvisation and guessing at the strength of the wind a vital part of the match.

Cibulkova had a harder time adjusting at the start and dropped her serve the first three times in the opening set.

In the second set, the 5-foot 3-inch (1.61 metres) Slovak began finding the range with her booming forehand and registered 15 winners off that weapon in the match.

Yet after holding a break point that would have sent the second set to a tiebreaker, Cibulkova sailed a forehand well beyond the baseline to go down to defeat.

Wozniacki, winner of four tournaments this year, could make a significant breakthrough should she get past Zvonareva on Friday and win Saturday's final.

The Dane is looking for her first grand slam title, with a victory fattening her bank account by $2.7 million, including a $1 million bonus for winning the U.S. Open Series this summer, and lifting her to the world number one ranking.

Friday's other semi-final will pit defending champion Kim Clijsters of Belgium, the second seed, against third-seeded American Venus Williams.

Source: Web Search

Monfils blown off court by high winds at U.S. Open

Published>Thu, Sep 09 10 08:17 AM

Gael Monfils was blown off court at the U.S. Open on Wednesday as powerful gusts knocked his game off course and the Frenchman out of the tournament.

Monfils was bidding to become the second Frenchman in the Open era to reach a semi-final in New York when he met Novak Djokovic in the quarter-final.

But the number 17 seed failed to emulate Cedric Pioline's achievement at Flushing Meadows and blamed winds that dramatically changed direction and swirled through the Arthur Ashe Stadium for his exit from the tournament.

"The thing is that with the wind you can really find my weakness - for me, it's really hard to play with wind," said the Frenchman after his 7-6 6-1 6-2 defeat.

"I'm very physical and speedy. Sometimes for me it was very frustrating ... as I cannot use any skill. I can just try to push the ball and deal with it. But I think at that time the talent for play in the wind, I don't have that yet."

Djokovic handled the high winds better than Monfils, who had dominated the early exchanges but struggled with his serve and shot selection in the final two sets.

Afterwards, the 24-year-old admitted he had never known a windier contest during his six years on the men's tour.

"That windy? Never," he said. "I know when it's a little windy I get in trouble but wind like this for me is tough. I have a big swing and, as you can see, my adjustment is not that good sometimes."

Monfils was cheered on by New York Red Bulls striker Thierry Henry in his box during the two-hour, 24-minute contest and admitted he was disappointed not to put on a better show for his countryman.

"We've been close friends for a long time now," he said. "Now he's in New York so hopefully he enjoyed the game or maybe not after that."

Source: Web Search

Wozniacki fights through to semi-finals at U.S. Open

Published>Thu, Sep 09 10 07:37 AM

Caroline Wozniacki stayed on course for a return to the U.S. Open final, fighting near gale-force winds and big forehands from diminutive Dominika Cibulkova of Slovakia on Wednesday to reach the semi-finals.

The top-seeded Dane, who breezed through the first four rounds losing just 10 games, navigated the challenges for a 6-2 7-5 victory that set up a semi-finals match with seventh-seeded Russian Vera Zvonareva.

With winds gusting to 33 mph (53 kph) whipping across the Arthur Ashe centre court, causing the net to flutter, napkins to blow on the court and service tosses to swerve away, Wozniacki broke the Slovak in the 11th game of the second set and held serve to close out a testing 105-minute match.

The other semi-final will pit defending champion Kim Clijsters of Belgium, the second seed, against third-seeded American Venus Williams.

Source: Web Search

Monfils blown off court by high winds at U.S. Open

Published>Thu, Sep 09 10 07:07 AM

Gael Monfils was blown off court at the U.S. Open on Wednesday as powerful gusts knocked his game off course and the Frenchman out of the tournament.

Monfils was bidding to become the second Frenchman in the Open era to reach a semi-final in New York when he met Novak Djokovic in the quarter-final.

But the number 17 seed failed to emulate Cedric Pioline's achievement at Flushing Meadows and blamed winds that dramatically changed direction and swirled through the Arthur Ashe Stadium for his exit from the tournament.

"The thing is that with the wind you can really find my weakness - for me, it's really hard to play with wind," said the Frenchman after his 7-6 6-1 6-2 defeat.

"I'm very physical and speedy. Sometimes for me it was very frustrating ... as I cannot use any skill. I can just try to push the ball and deal with it. But I think at that time the talent for play in the wind, I don't have that yet."

Djokovic handled the high winds better than Monfils, who had dominated the early exchanges but struggled with his serve and shot selection in the final two sets.

Afterwards, the 24-year-old admitted he had never known a windier contest during his six years on the men's tour.

"That windy? Never," he said. "I know when it's a little windy I get in trouble but wind like this for me is tough. I have a big swing and, as you can see, my adjustment is not that good sometimes."

Monfils was cheered on by New York Red Bulls striker Thierry Henry in his box during the two-hour, 24-minute contest and admitted he was disappointed not to put on a better show for his countryman.

"We've been close friends for a long time now," he said. "Now he's in New York so hopefully he enjoyed the game or maybe not after that."

Source: Web Search

Thai fans make their presence felt

Published>Thu, Sep 09 10 06:37 AM

When Bhaichung Bhutia was brought down at the edge of the box in the last minute, Ambedkar Stadium went up as one shouting "penalty". Almost everyone that is. In one corner of the stands, seventeen voices shouted in unison "nooo".

The seventeen are led by 26-year-old "Bandit" Aroman ? a man on a mission. The Bangkok native is trying his best to outshout the sizable Indian contingent that India manager Bob Houghton believes is one of the forces that make the team so strong at this venue. Its no small undertaking, considering many in the several thousand strong Indian section are armed with the booming vuvuzelas.

The seventeen ultimately have the last laugh as Thailand breached Fortress Ambedkar to win 2-1.

Standing in the far right corner of the stadium directly across the Thailand dugout, the band seems indistinguishable from the sizable North-Eastern section of the crowd down to the spiked hair, french beards,and heavy metal T-shirts.

It's only their allegiance that sets them apart. The seventeen are all students of Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) who have taken the day off to cheer their team. Bandit is himself a Phd student in Asian studies. "There are around 100 Thai students at AMU and all of us are football fans. We even have our own soccer team ? Jaran Maeluleem over there," he said while pointing down at the red and white T shirts he had custom made for the team.

"Not all of us could come to Delhi. But the national team won't come to India every day so the seventeen of us decided to hire a bus. It was a six-hour trip but worth it. You could say we are representing all the Thai people " he said with a smile.

Singing and dancing for nearly two hours in the pouring rain in the uncovered stands, 20-year old Nurudin is perhaps the most passionate. Draped in a soaking wet red, white and blue Thailand flag, he shouts words of encouragement. "Chai Yan Yan (be cool, be cool)" he shouts at Samana Natthaphong as he watches the Thai midfielder struggle to get past a spirited Indian defence.

The trip included a bit of subterfuge as well. Food was not allowed inside the stadium and the players, most of them Muslim, were fasting. "We had to smuggle the food inside and we broke our Roza during the halftime," said Bandit with a big grin.

Nurudin the flag wearer reveals there are divisions within the Thai cheering contingent. They are divided on the basis of club support in the Thai Premier division. "My favourite club in is Muangthong United. In fact, most of us are Muangthong fans. Ideally, we would prefer to cheer our own club players, but today we don't care as long as they are on our (Thailand) side," he said.

The player of the moment for them is striker Winothai Teerathep, who scored the opening goal. "Back home he plays for BEC Tero Sasana. So he is the enemy. But today he is our hero."

Indeed, Winothai is so happy about their support that after the Thai team has gone about doing their wai to the crowd, he comes back and performs the traditional Thai greeting of folding hands and bowing. He then comes up and poses for photographs. "This is something that would never happen back in Thailand, there is no way we could get this close to a footballer. It's an amazing feeling."

Any plans to continue celebrations are brought to an abrupt halt as a policeman asks them to leave. The small group, still giddy with the excitement of win, does not complain. They have to leave immediately as if they have to be in time for classes the next day.

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Bishop's School branches to clash in interschool football final

Published>Thu, Sep 09 10 06:23 AM

It rained goals for the Bishop's School in the semifinals of theSouthern Command Invitational Interschool Football Tournament, with both their branches from Camp and Kalyaninagar each smashing in fivegoals in their respective matches at the Jeejeebhoy Ground of the Bishop's School, Camp today.

In the first semifinal, the Bishop's School Camp received contributions from its entire offensive line, with as many as five players scoring goals to help them rout the Anglo Urdu Boys High School 5-0.

Chinmay Nagrecha and Tenzing Wangden placed Bishop's firmly in the drivers seat with goals in the early moments of the match, scoring in the 12th and 14th minute respectively. Zane Young then netted in the 29th, followed by a strike from Arthur Vieyra in the 35th which gave them a 4-0 lead before halftime.

Amar Jaboury rounded off the whitewash in the second half, scoring in the 59th minute to book his team a place in the final. Their counterparts, the Bishops Co-Ed School, Kalyaninagar also produced a solid team effort to thrash the Dastur Junior College 5-1. Striker Himanshu Sharma drew first blood for Bishops in the 14th minute and Abhiroop Gupta doubled the lead in the 28th. JonathanYoung's shot found the back of the net just three minutes later to make it 3-0 as Bishops pulled further away from their opponents.

Dastur did manage to regroup after halftime, and pulled one back in the 47th minute through Akshay Chavan. However, the Bishops forwards were simply too strong, and thoroughly outplayed them on the counterattack to score twice more before the full-time whistle. Arunav Chakraborty and Gaurav Gupta found the net in the 53rd and 61st minute respectively to cap off a fine performance and a convincing one-sided semifinal victory.

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Djokovic into fourth straight U.S. Open semi

Published>Thu, Sep 09 10 05:57 AM

Serbia's Novak Djokovic defied high, swirling winds to reach the semi-finals of the U.S. Open for the fourth consecutive year with a convincing 7-6 6-1 6-2 victory over Gael Monfils on Wednesday.

There were high expectations for the a match that featured two of the most watchable players in the men's draw, and while both showcased glimpses of their crowd-pleasing shotmaking, the windy conditions wreaked havoc on their play.

Routine ball tosses were blown off course, the pair's towels were at times strewn across the side of the court and serves were slowed to 110 mph (177 kph) as the gusts increased in the latter stages of the match.

"These are the worst conditions so far in this tournament," Djokovic said in a courtside interview after the match. "But I was really focused when I needed to be and I'm just so happy to come through in straight sets."

France's Monfils, cheered on by countryman and New York Red Bulls striker Thierry Henry, jumped ahead 4-2 in the opening set after breaking the number three seed's serve.

But Djokovic, who had never lost to his French opponent in four previous meetings, broke back two games later and showed beautiful variation to dominate the subsequent tiebreak 7-2.

As the wind was increasingly whipped up inside Arthur Ashe Stadium, both players struggled to hold serve.

Djokovic, cheered on by a very vocal group of Serbian fans, did well to concede just one break while Monfils failed to hold a single service game in the second set, which was far tighter than the 6-1 score suggested.

After that, Djokovic marked himself as a serious contender for Sunday's title when he wrapped up the final set in dominant fashion in 37 minutes to set up a last-four encounter with the winner of the Roger Federer and Robin Soderling match later on Wednesday. (

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Calm Zvonareva winning the battle against inner demons

Published>Thu, Sep 09 10 05:37 AM

If Robert Louis Stevenson had ever seen Russia's Vera Zvonareva play, we might never have heard of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde.

One year after suffering a very public meltdown at the U.S. Open, the softly-spoken but temperamental Russian reached the semi-finals in New York for the first time with a 6-3 7-5 win over Estonia's Kaia Kanepi on Wednesday.

The emotional side of Zvonareva was on display at Flushing Meadows last year when she had a meltdown during a third-round match against Italy's Flavia Pennetta.

Her emotions were in check on Wednesday as got by Kanepi in strong winds at Flushing Meadows, but the Russian, who reached her first grand slam final at Wimbledon this year, said keeping her emotions in check was never a simple task.

"I think sometimes you should get angry with yourself," Zvonareva said after setting up a clash with top seed Caroline Wozniacki or unseeded Slovakian Dominika Cibulkova. "Sometimes you should pump yourself up. But you have to always be out there and trying not to get frustrated against anybody."

At last year's U.S. Open, Zvonareva smashed rackets, hit herself in the head and slammed her leg in rage as she missed six match points and eventually lost to Pennetta.

Video of the match became something of a YouTube classic but Zvonareva said that she is a better player in part because of what happened against the Italian.

"There is something to learn about from every match you play," she said. "So there are probably things that have made me more a experienced player at the moment."

Zvonareva, who combines her tennis with studying for a second degree in international economic relations, said reaching the final at Wimbledon simply confirmed her belief.

"I don't question myself," she said. "I always believed in myself. I'm just going out there and trying my best in every match. It's been working pretty good for me so far."

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Serbia stun Spain as Turkey crush Slovenia

Thu, Sep 09 10 05:17 AM

World championship hosts Turkey and dark horses Serbia advanced to the semi-finals in contrasting fashion after both teams produced scintillating performances to beat their rivals.

An audacious three-pointer by guard Milos Teodosic from nine metres with three second remaining handed Serbia a 92-89 win over holders Spain, while Turkey blew away Slovenia 95-68 to send a passionate home crowd into raptures.

The two sides will meet on Saturday for a berth in the final while the winners of Thursday's quarter-final doubleheader, featuring the U.S. v Russia and Lithuania v Argentina, clash in the other semi, also on Saturday.

Teodosic, who was suspended for the opening two games after a brawl with Greek rivals in a pre-tournament friendly, made amends for his patchy form with a killer blow after Spain had rallied from an eight-point deficit.

Having struggled with his long range-shooting throughout the tournament, Teodosic sank the game-winning shot with a Spanish defender in his face after Serbia almost lost possession.

The win also gave Serbia sweet revenge for last year's emphatic defeat to the Spaniards in the European championship final and their coach Dusan Ivkovic said the players deserved all the credit for their hard work and team spirit.

"The glory belongs to the players. It was easily our best match here, we have improved considerably in only a year and I am just happy to have been in charge of this great group for the past three years," he told Serbian television.

His counterpart Sergio Scariolo was graceful in defeat and heaped praised on Teodosic.

"We didn't foul him to retrieve possession because if you believe in your defence, your defence will be there for the last shot," he told a news conference.

"It took a nine-metre shot to beat us and Teodosic really shot it from downtown after he was well defended until the last moment. It was a great shot and he is a great player."

Forwards Novica Velickovic and Marko Keselj led Serbia with 17 points each, Nemanja Bjelica added 14 while Teodosic, who made only two of his eight three-point efforts, finished with 12 and eight assists.

PERFECT STORM

The Turks stretched their unbeaten record to 7-0 after tidal waves of three-pointers, fast breaks and offensive rebounds swept away the Slovenians, who took an early 10-6 lead.

Turkey replied with a 21-4 run, their advantage soared to 71-43 at the end of the third quarter and they finished with their foot on the gas pedal, having grabbed 27 offensive boards and sunk 10 shots behind the arc from 17 attempts.

Their forward Ersan Ilyasova, wearing a mask to protect a facial injury, had 19 points after hitting three three-pointers from four attempts and four of his team mates provided the support with double scoring digits.

"We have achieved a historic success with an impeccable performance," Turkey's Serbian coach Bogdan Tanjevic told a news conference after steering his team to a maiden semi-final berth in their third world championship appearance.

"We face a truly great rival for a berth in the grand final and I dare not think about a medal yet because the ladder is getting steeper and you have to climb it one step at a time."

Turkey enjoyed their only podium finish in any major event when they won the silver at the 2001 European championship on home soil.

Source: Published>

Team mate poses unusual problems for Nadal

Published>Thu, Sep 09 10 04:57 AM

Long before the first ball was struck at this year's U.S. Open, most tennis fans were pretty sure a Spanish left-hander would reach the men's semi-finals.

And they were right. The forecasters were vindicated even before the quarter-finals were played, but it may not be the man everyone was thinking of since two Spanish lefthanders have been drawn to face each other.

Rafa Nadal, the world number one, is through and playing some of the best tennis of his life but faces an opponent that could be the closest thing to a mirror image of himself in Fernando Verdasco, the eighth seed.

The pair are great friends who teamed up to help their country win the Davis Cup last year and know each other's games so well that there are no surprises for either of them.

Nadal is the overwhelming favourite to win Thursday night's clash at Arthur Ashe Stadium after succeeding in each of their 10 previous clashes but is no sure thing if their last meeting on a hardcourt is any guide.

That was in the semi-finals of the Australian Open last year, which Nadal won in a five-set struggle that lasted over five hours before going on to capture the title.

"He has all the shots and he's playing very well," Nadal said. "It's gonna be a very interesting match. I have to play aggressive to play well."

Nadal has never won the U.S. Open but looks to have his best chance this year. The top seed is in great form, winning his first four matches without dropping a single service game.

Verdasco has done it the hard way. Only one of his four wins came in straight sets and two went the distance, including his epic fourth-round clash with 10th seed David Ferrer that was decided by a fifth set tiebreak he said he hopes will bring him confidence for the Nadal match.

"Everybody knows that he's number one in the world, he's great player," said Verdasco. "My record is not good against him. But I will keep trying and keep fighting to make the first time here."

Thursday's other quarter-final, to be played on centre court during the afternoon, involves two unlikely opponents, Russia's Mikhael Youzhny and Switzerland's Stanislas Wawrinka.

Youzhny, seeded 12th, is the favourite after reaching the semi-finals at Flushing Meadows four years ago while Wawrinka, seeded 25th, is playing in his first grand slam quarter-final.

Wawrinka, who teamed up with Roger Federer to win a gold medal in doubles at the Beijing Olympics, pulled off the biggest upset of the championship when he beat Andy Murray in the third round but it took a toll on his body.

He followed up with a gruelling five set win over Sam Querrey in the fourth round but has been struggling with a leg injury, raising concerns about his fitness heading into his clash with Youzhny.

"It's gonna be difficult for me. I will see how I'm gonna be with my leg and how I can rest for Thursday, but I will be focused more on myself than him," Wawrinka said.

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Ferrari escape further penalty over orders

Published>Thu, Sep 09 10 03:37 AM

Formula One's governing body upheld a $100,000 fine for Ferrari on Wednesday but kept alive Fernando Alonso's hopes of a third title after deciding to impose no further sanctions for the use of banned 'team orders'.

Race stewards had handed the $100,000 fine to the Italian glamour team after the German Grand Prix at Hockenheim in July when Ferrari were found to have ordered Felipe Massa to allow Fernando Alonso victory in a one-two finish.

That decision was referred to the International Automobile Federation (FIA)'s world motor sport council for consideration, with the threat of sanctions that could hit the team and drivers hard.

In the end, after a hearing in Paris that lasted some three hours, the governing body decided to review the rule that outlaws such orders and allow Ferrari to compete in their home Italian Grand Prix at Monza this weekend with a cloud lifted from over them.

The decision was announced by the governing body in a brief statement nearly three hours after the meeting had ended and with reporters pacing the pavement outside with increasing frustration after a wet afternoon.

While sure to dismay those who had hoped for a firm response to the manipulation of races, it would have delighted those who feel such orders have always been a part of the sport.

"After an in-depth analysis of all reports, statements and documents submitted the judging body has decided to confirm the stewards' decision of the $100,000 fine for infringing article 39.1 of the sporting regulations and to impose the payment of the costs incurred by the FIA," the FIA said in their statement.

"The judging body has also acknowledged that article 39.1 should be reviewed and has decided to refer this question to the Formula One sporting working group."

TITLE HOPES

Double champion Alonso, who was not present at the hearing at the FIA's Place de la Concorde headquarters, could have seen his title hopes disappear had the FIA decided to strip him and the team of the points won in Germany.

The Spaniard is fifth in the standings and 41 points behind leader Lewis Hamilton of McLaren with six races remaining.

Ferrari, who would have had a one-two finish at Hockenheim even without the banned team orders being invoked, are third overall and 80 points adrift of leaders Red Bull.

The team noted the decision taken by the FIA, whose president is former Ferrari boss Jean Todt, and expressed their

appreciation of the proposal to review the rules.

"Now, all the team's efforts will be focussed on the next event on track," they added in a statement.

The hearing, attended by Ferrari team boss Stefano Domenicali and F1's commercial supremo Bernie Ecclestone, was as much about the very nature of the sport as one single offence.

It was also the first big test since Todt, who was boss at Ferrari in 2002 when that team triggered worldwide outrage and the ban on team orders by ordering Brazilian Rubens Barrichello to let Michael Schumacher win that year's Austrian Grand Prix, took the helm of the FIA from Max Mosley.

Mosley had said last month that Ferrari should receive a stiff punishment with points deducted from both team and drivers.

Source: Web Search

Pietersen to seek Ashes lift in South Africa

Thu, Sep 09 10 03:17 AM

England's Kevin Pietersen is set to play for South African franchise the Kwa-Zulu Natal (KZN) Dolphins in October in a bid to find his form before the Ashes tour later this year.

Pietersen has requested permission to join the provincial side and is seeking clearance from Cricket South Africa to play two four-day matches from Oct. 7-17, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) said in a statement on Wednesday.

"I'm extremely keen to get as much cricket as possible under my belt before a challenging and exciting winter," South African-born Pietersen said in the statement.

"My sole focus is to continue playing a leading role for England and joining Natal is the perfect opportunity to prepare in excellent conditions immediately before the Ashes.

"These two matches would enable me to work on my game against the Kookaburra ball in Southern hemisphere conditions which is the ideal preparation for Australia."

Pietersen, who made his first-class debut for the Durban-based Dolphins during the 1997-98 season before relocating to England, will not be paid for his time with the side, a KZN cricket official, who did not wish to be identified, told Reuters.

"Kevin will play two SuperSport Series matches for us," the official said. "It is a win-win situation because we are not paying him anything and he gets to prepare for the Ashes."

Pietersen was dropped by England for the Twenty20 internationals and one-dayers against Pakistan because the selectors felt he would benefit from playing as much cricket as possible.

The 30-year-old right-hander, part of the Twenty20 World Cup-winning side this year and voted player of that tournament, was fined an undisclosed sum this week after posting a message on Twitter, which contained an expletive, announcing he had been dropped.

Pietersen has passed fifty for England just once this season and the last of his 16 test centuries was scored against West Indies in March, 2009.

"We're very pleased Kevin is seeking to get some more high quality cricket in at a crucial period before the Ashes," England coach Andy Flower said.

"Kevin's commitment and desire to work on his batting and play a significant part in a successful England team is unquestioned and this proposed arrangement with Natal, initiated by Kevin himself, further underlines that."

The Ashes series in Australia starts in November.

Source: Published>

Ferrari escape further penalty over orders

Published>Thu, Sep 09 10 01:17 AM

Formula One's governing body (FIA) upheld a $100,000 fine for Ferrari but will impose no further sanction following the team orders controversy, the FIA said on Wednesday.

Race stewards handed the $100,000 fine to Ferrari after the German Grand Prix at Hockenheim in July when the team was found to have ordered Felipe Massa to allow Fernando Alonso to win.

"After an in-depth analysis of all reports, statements and documents submitted the judging body has decided to confirm the stewards' decision of the $100,000 fine for infringing article 39.1 of the sporting regulations and to impose the payment of the costs incurred by the FIA," the FIA said in a statement.

"The judging body has also acknowledged that article 39.1 should be reviewed and has decided to refer this question to the Formula One sporting working group."

The verdict would have come as a huge relief for Alonso, whose title hopes could have been ended if FIA had opted to punish the Spaniard who lies fifth in the standings and 41 points behind leader Lewis Hamilton of McLaren.

Ferrari, who would have had a one-two finish at Hockenheim even without the banned team orders being invoked, are third overall and 80 points adrift of leaders Red Bull.

They will be able to compete in Sunday's Italian Grand Prix at Monza, their home race.

The hearing was as much about the very nature of the sport as one single offence and the outcome will be controversial.

There are those who argue that team orders should be legalised since they have been part of Formula One since the championship started in 1950 and have never really gone away.

Others say rules must be respected and to encourage overt manipulation of results would be a betrayal of the spirit of fair competition.

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Belgian rider provisionally suspended over doping case

Published>Thu, Sep 09 10 12:37 AM

Belgian Roy Sentjens has been provisionally suspended over a possible doping case, cycling's world governing body (UCI) said on Wednesday.

UCI said in a statement that Sentjens, who was competing in the Tour of Spain with the Milram team, had returned an "adverse analytical finding" in an out-of competition 'A' test for the banned blood-booster EPO.

"The provisional suspension remains in force until a hearing panel convened by the Belgian Cycling Federation determines whether Mr Sentjens has committed an anti-doping rule violation," the statement added.

The 29-year-old was 49th in the overall Tour of Spain standings after stage 11.

A professional since 2002, Sentjens's most notable win was the Kuurne-Brussels-Kuurne one-day Classic in 2003.

Source: Web Search

Serbia stun holders Spain to reach semi-finals

Wed, Sep 08 10 11:57 PM

World championship dark horses Serbia upset holders Spain to reach the semi-finals on Wednesday with a heart-stopping 92-89 win secured by Milos Teodosic's three-pointer three seconds from time.

Teodosic, who otherwise had a poor shooting day, launched the winning shot with a Spanish defender in his face to send his team mates and a handful of Serbia fans into raptures.

"This is a fantastic win and we hope it's not our last, we now have to come down to earth quickly and prepare for the semi-final," Teodosic, who finished the game with 12 points and eight assists, told Serbian television.

"I didn't have a good game by my standards but I kind of made up for it with the final shot; it was a team effort and we wouldn't be here now if everyone hadn't performed," he said.

The Serbians, emphatically beaten by Spain in last year's European championship final, raced into a 23-13 lead in the first quarter and appeared set to avoid the late drama after leading 86-78 with four minutes left.

But the resilient Spaniards, led by Barcelona guard Juan Carlos Navarro who was the game's top scorer with 27 points, drew level with tight defence and several fast breaks.

With time running out and Serbia's last possession falling apart, Teodosic struck from nine metres and Spain, looking for a three-pointer to force overtime, lost the ball in the final three seconds.

"It was a mentally and physically exhausting battle, I feel great and I have to thank my team mates for playing their hearts out to make this happen," Serbia captain Nenad Krstic said.

Serbia will meet on Saturday either hosts Turkey or Balkan rivals Slovenia, who play later on Wednesday, for a place in Sunday's final.

Tournament favourites the U.S. play Russia and Lithuania take on Argentina in the other two quarter-finals on Thursday.

Source: Published>

Raid-de-Himalaya Rally from October 10

Wed, Sep 08 10 11:27 PM

Shimla, Sep 8 (PTI) A record number of 175 teams will participate in the 12th Raid-de-Himalaya, 2010 to be held from October 10-15. The six day long rally would be flagged off from Peter Hoff here and culminate at Manali on October 15, traversing 2500km, passing through Nalagarh, Solan, Manali and high altitude tribal areas of Kaza, Keylong, Sarchu. The Raid-de-Himalaya rally is being organised by the Department of Youth Services and Sports in collaboration with Federation of Motor Sports Club of India and Himalaya Motor Sports. 175 teams, including Teams like Thundervolt led by driver Suresh Rana, W+K Team led by driver Sunny Sidhu, champion of Moghul Rally and team of the Indian Army are also participating in the mega-event. In the X-treme Motorcycle category, Team Contiger of Austria has fielded six Motorcycle entrants, which also include woman biker Klaudia Honeder. Team W+K Racing''s Jonah Street, who was a Dakar 2010 top ten finisher was also participating in the event. V C Pharka, Principal Secretary (Youth services and Sports) said that foolproof safety and other arrangements would be made to make the rally a big success and directed all the concerned Departments to provide every possible assistance. The rally will concentrate in Spiti tribal area, known as cold deserts, for the most part driving past rough, bumpy and dusty roads around Kaza to provide scenic backdrops to this International Event. Due to the ongoing relief operations of the Army and the Administration in cloudburst hit area of Leh, the Rally would skip Leh and Laddakh area and culminate at Manali, Pharka added. The Himalayan Motorsport Association, the organisers of this event would contribute towards flood relief in cash and kind once the event concludes.

Source: Published>

Cricketers not guilty until proven: PCB chief

Published>Wed, Sep 08 10 11:17 PM

Islamabad, Sep 8 (IANS) Despite questioning them for over nine hours, the Scotland Yard could not press any charges against three Pakistani cricketers accused of spot-fixing and they cannot be held guilty 'unless something is proved', Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Ijaz Butt said Wednesday.

Three Pakistani cricketers - captain Salman Butt and pacers Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Aamer - are being investigated on charges of spot-fixing during the Lords Test match.

Wicket-keeper Kamran Akmal and Salman Butt have also been served notices on the Asia Cup match against Sri Lanka.

'Nobody can be held guilty unless something is proved,' Butt told the media after his return from London at Lahore's Quaid-i-Azam international airport, amidst booing by the general public gathered there.

Butt said the International Cricket Council (ICC) had replied to a letter by the PCB and 'the board is not planning to sue anybody on the match-fixing scandal at this stage'.

'The ICC has only suspended the three players temporarily and all of them will individually respond to these notices,' he said.

He urged the fans to disregard all the rumours and wait for the investigation to complete.

'We cannot take any action against the players before anything is proved,' he said, adding that there was no need for the PCB to initiate any parallel probe.

'The allegations have been leveled by a newspaper only,' he said while referring to the sting operation by the News of the World.

'Such things are part of the game and there is no big deal about it,' he said before being escorted to his vehicle by police, who were there to protect him from the wrath of angry slogan-chanting fans.

Source: Web Search

Hayden calls for eradication of corrupt practices in cricket

Wed, Sep 08 10 11:07 PM

Melbourne, Sep 8 (PTI) Former Australian opening batsman Matthew Hayden has called on the cricket fraternity to resolve in order to weed out the corrupt practices like match-fixing from the game. "If governments can''t control illegal gambling then what chance has a small organisation like the ICC got of making an impact on the global footprint of gambling. "The only way that you can build integrity into the sport is if players and administrators make the choice to reject corruption and choose integrity," Hayden told The Australian. "There is no other way. The decision has to be made by those in the trenches and those on the front line because there is not enough resources to do anything different," the left-hander added. International cricket has been rocked by a spot fixing scandal with Pakistan captain Salman Butt and pacer duo of Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Aamir''s roles in the recent Lord''s Test against England coming under investigation by the Scotland Yard and ICC. The ICC has also sent an official notice to Pakistan wicketkeeper Kamran Akmal telling him that he is under probe for allegedly fixing the Sydney Test.

Source: Published>

Aerostat for CWG opening ceremony unveiled

Published>Wed, Sep 08 10 11:01 PM

New Delhi, Sep 8 (IANS) The aerostat, or helium-balloon, touted to be the star attraction at the opening ceremony of the Oct 3-14 Commonwealth Games was unveiled amidst heavy rain at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium Wednesday.

The aerostat, worth Rs.40 crore, is 80m by 40m and 12m high. It was raised to a level of 10m above the base Wednesday and will be raised to its maximum height of 30m in the next two days.

Organising Committee chairman Suresh Kalmadi said the aerostat will be able withstand the rains, which has obstructed preparations for the Games.

'The aerostat is no ordinary balloon but a piece of technology, piece of art. Even during rains, it stands tall with no problems at all,' Kalamadi said in a press release.

The aerostat will be multi-purpose, with video content being projected on it, which will include animation and graphics and will be synchronised with the events that will take place during the opening ceremony.

The projection will be high-resolution and multi-dimensional. Some of the live events will also be projected on the aerostat. The aerostat will lift scenic elements and create dramatic effects.

'The USP of this aerostat is that it is used for projection in 360 degrees so every person in the stadium can view the entire effect of the aerostat,' Viraf Sarkari, director of Wizcraft International Entertainment, said.

There will be light fixtures with mirrors which will be fixed on the belly of the balloon and this will emit a warm glow.

Competition Manager for Athletics, C. K. Valson, said the athletic track at the stadium has received Class 1 certification, making it the first one in India to receive it and among the very few in Asia.

He said the ongoing rains would not affect the track and that it has been covered completely. He said he expected new records to be made on this track.

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ICC pitch consultant inspects Motera stadium for 2011 WC

Wed, Sep 08 10 10:51 PM

Ahmedabad, Sep 8 (PTI) ICC pitch consultant Andy Atkinson today inspected the Sardar Patel stadium at Motera here for its preparedness for the Test match between India and New Zealand in November and for the Cricket World Cup in 2011. Atkinson arrived in the city this afternoon and examined the Gujarat Cricket Association (GCA) owned stadium. According to GCA secretary Rajesh Patel, Atkinson was happy with the arrangements at the stadium. "Atkinson inspected the outfield, pitch and other parts of the stadium. He was happy with the arrangements. He even appreciated our efforts as the stadium was flooded during heavy rains last month," Patel told PTI. Atkinson was apprised of the ground conditions by Patel as well as the pitch curator Dhiraj Parsana. Sardar Patel stadium is venue for three matches (in Feb-Mar 2011) during the 2011 World Cup including a quarter final match. The stadium is also scheduled to host the first Test match between India and New Zealand between November 4-8. More PTI PB PD AMA AT

Source: Published>

Pakistan prays for Aisam's victory in US Open

Published>Wed, Sep 08 10 10:47 PM

Islamabad, Sep 8 (IANS) Millions of Pakistani fans will be praying for Aisam-ul-Haq to win the US Open mixed doubles finals, so that they have at least something to cheer about on the eve of Eid-ul-Fitr that has otherwise been marred by floods and a cricket scandal.

Aisam, partnering Kveta Peschke of the Czech Republic, became the first Pakistani player Wednesday to reach the finals of any grand slam tournament.

Partnering India's Rohan Bopanna, Aisam also reached the semi-finals of the men's doubles.

Talking to a Pakistani TV channel here Wednesday, Aisam said he was eager to perform well in the biggest match of his career.

'I know that the people back home will be hoping for me to clinch this win and I want to give them this happiness,' he said.

'I am feeling confident about my chances in this clash,' he said just a few hours before the title clash, adding that his job was not yet finished.

'It's about time the authorities give proper recognition to tennis and other sports so that laurels could be achieved for the country,' he said.

Sports other than cricket have remained neglected in Pakistan and players have often complained of step-motherly treatment.

Aisam belongs to a family that has been pursuing different sports and is credited with helping him make a professional career in tennis. His mother, Nosheen Ahtisham, has herself been an amateur tennis player in Pakistan.

Talking to the media, Nosheen said she was definitely nervous ahead of her son's title clash. 'But I am confident that he has the ability to do it,' she said.

Aisam's father, Ahtisham-ul-Haq, said the glory achieved by Aisam was a result of the entire nation's prayers. 'He needs all the prayers and luck for the final again.'

Aisam's coach Rasheed Malik said his protege had the talent and the capacity to go on and win the title.

'I have coached him for 10 years and feel proud of his accomplishments,' he said and hoped that Aisam would also be able to replicate his performance in the singles events in the future.

Aisam's sister, Shiza Qureshi, while talking about her brother, said: 'He has been great so far and I am sure that he'll win.'

The road to the final was the result of Aisam's hard work and dedication to the sport, she said with a beaming smile.

Source: Web Search

We played well but Thais capitalised on the chances: Houghton

Wed, Sep 08 10 10:41 PM

New Delhi, Sep 8 (PTI) National football team coach Bob Houghton was gracious in defeat after his side went down to Thailand 1-2 in their second international football friendly match here today. "They deserved to win. They played better in the first match but it was pretty equal tonight. The performance of our boys was commendable, they kept working hard but I am disappointed that we did not take our chances," Houghton told the post-match press conference. "We attacked more tonight, our counter attacks were also better and we looked more dangerous but they capitalised on the chances. The boys were very good in the air and Climax (Lawrence) especially, was much better compared to Saturday''s match," he added. Bhaichung Bhutia, suffering from a recurring thyroid problem, was brought on in the 70th minute and Houghton said that was pre planned and had nothing to do with the fact that India were trailing at that point. "We always knew that Bhaichung would play at least 20 to 25 minutes," Houghton said. Seemingly pleased with Bhutia''s performance, Houghton said, "He keeps the ball in the opponent''s penalty area and gives a different dimension and it rubs on to the other boys." Meanwhile, Houghton''s counterpart Brian Robson felt both the sides created chances but Thailand were better when it came to converting them. The former England and Manchester United legend was quite pleased with the performance of his young players. "I am delighted with our young players. He (Dechmitr Wichaya) is only 19 and he has got great stamina and ability with the ball. Mentally if he keeps his ground, he will be much better in future," Robson said. On India''s game, Robson said, "They caused a lot of problems defensively but our attack did well. "India attacked a little more tonight, probably to please their fans, but that left more space for us to go for counter attacks." "India looked good at playing little passes in the midfield and that caused us a lot of problems. They will be able to trouble a lot of good opponents this way," Robson added. Despite heavy rains lashing the Ambedkar Stadium turf prior to the match, the pitch, according to Robson, was not bad. "It was quite firm, the players could pass the ball and it zipped off the ground," the Englishman said.

Source: Published>

PCB chairman hooted by cricket fans at airport

Wed, Sep 08 10 10:27 PM

Lahore, Sep 8 (PTI) Pakistan Cricket Board Chairman Ijaz Butt was today hooted and jeered by angry fans when the veteran administrator landed in the country for the first time since the spot-fixing scandal shocked the world cricket. As soon as Butt came out of the airport terminal, fans raised slogan against him and shouted ''Shame Shame'', expressing their anger over the alleged betting scam which hit the image of the country globally. Butt, who was in London since the expose, was his usual secretive and defensive self, refusing to give out any new details on the ongoing investigations into the scandal involving Test captain Salman Butt and pace bowlers Mohammad Aamir and Muhammed Asif. But he did say that if any player is found guilty of fixing matches, he would be dealt with severely. "Right now the PCB can''t take any action against the players because the ICC anti-corruption unit is carrying out an inquiry into this matter. But if any player is found guilty he will not be spared," he said. "Even the police interrogated them for nine hours but let them go without pressing any charges. So we are also waiting for the ICC and Scotland Yard to come up with their findings into this matter," he added. Butt said the PCB had filed detailed replies to the charge-sheets issued to the players by the ICC but the the world governing body wanted the players to respond themselves. "We had given the ICC a detailed reply to the charge-sheets sent to the players but the ICC said the players themselves must answer the charge-sheet," he said. Butt was evasive when asked about reports that the ICC was also investigating the Sydney Test between Pakistan and Australia. "I think we shouldn''t be talking about such old issues we need to focus on this current problem and hope it is resolved soon," he added.

Source: Published>

Unimpressive India go down 1-2 to Thailand in football friendly

Published>Wed, Sep 08 10 10:07 PM

New Delhi, Sep 8 (IANS) An unimpressive India went down 1-2 to a young Thailand side in the return leg of a friendly international football match at the Ambedkar Stadium here on a rainy Wednesday.

Even an indisposed Bhaichung Bhutia, who took the field in the 70th minute, could not save India from losing their second match to Thailand. Indian had lost 0-1 in the first leg in Bangkok, Saturday.

Winothai Teerathap and Keawsombat Keerati were on target for Thailand, mostly comprising under-23 players, in the 49th and the 65th minute while N.P. Pradeep scored from the goalmouth melee for India's solitary goal in the 61st minute.

After an unimpressive performance by strikers Mohammad Rafi and Sunil Chettri in the first half, chief coach Bob Houghton had no other option but to bring on Bhutia, who is recuperating from his thyroid problems and was doubtful to feature in any international till the end of this month.

The Indian captain changed the tempo of the match in the last 20 minutes much to the joy of some seven thousand spectators, who braved heavy downpour to support the home team.

Bhutia nearly scored the equaliser for India in the injury time with his attempted bicycle kick and was denied a penalty in the dying minutes of the game after he was brought down in the box by Suttinun Phukom.

Indian referee Pratap Singh was not convinced that Bhutia was fouled and decided against giving the spot-kick. A furious Bhutia calmed down after he was shown a yellow card for over protesting.

Thailand took the lead from a counterattack when an unmarked Teerathap ran from the centre and lobbed it past goalkeeper Subrata Paul in the 47th minute. Pradeep scored the equaliser from a rebound after Chettri's header was saved by goalkeeper Kawin Thamasatchanan. Keerati scored the winner in the 65th minute after he headed in a rebound from the post.

It was an expected scoreline, and India in fact were lucky to end the fist half goalless. Had it not been for the heroics of Paul and some luck, Thailand would have taken a 3-0 lead before the breather.

In the first half, there was hardly any co-ordination between Rafi and Chettri. Churchill Brothers striker Rafi hardly showed the intent for a challenge to snatch the ball from the Thai defenders while Kansas City striker Chettri just could not find his bearings right.

Rafi wasted the first chance that came India's way in the 17th minute when he raced into the box after latching on to a through pass from the centre and shot wide.

Paul was at his best with acrobatic saves and got praise from Thai coach and England legend Bryan Robson.

Source: Web Search

Advani, Merchant start with comfortable wins

Wed, Sep 08 10 09:57 PM

Pune, Sep 8 (PTI) Pankaj Advani and Yasin Merchant began their campaigns at the National Snooker Championships with comfortable wins over their respective rivals at D Y Patil Vidyapeeth here today. Advani outplayed Simranjeet Singh 3-1 (72-29, 70-18, 54-56, 75-40) in group A while Merchant beat Arun Chhabra 3-0 (69-15, 56-10, 85-09) in group D. National sub-junior Champion Dhvaj Haria also began with 3-1 win over Subrat Das (60-01, 72-13, 32-77, 57-29). In an interesting tie, Mizoram player R Lalrinsanga scored a 3-2 win over Faisal Khan even after forfeiting the first frame due to late arrival for his match. Lalrinsnaga lost the second frame 26-71 to go down 0-2 before making a solid come back an taking the next three frames 65-05, 78(60)-39, 55-49) to score an remarkable win. Following are the results. Group A: Pankaj Advani beat Simranjeet Singh :: 3-1 (72-29, 70-18, 54-56, 75-40) Vijay Nichhani beat Rishabh Jain :: 3-1 (91-35, 77-57, 00-27, 83-36) Group B: Sourav Kothari beat Shantanu Bandekar :: 3-0 (one frame awarded for dress code delay, 65-36, 134-03) Neeraj Kumar beat Rajat Khaneja :: 3-2 (68-48, 82-50, 36-57, 48-58, 69-13) Group C: Shivam Arora beat Anuj Bhargava :: 3-0 (61-31, 63-29, 70-52) Kamal Chawla beat Subhashis Goswami :: 3-0 (81-10, 75-05, 77-16). More PTI AT

Source: Published>

Hleb to miss Liverpool clash with leg injury

Wed, Sep 08 10 09:47 PM

Birmingham City midfielder Aleksandr Hleb will miss Sunday's Premier League match against Liverpool with a leg injury he sustained while playing for his country in a Euro 2012 qualifier.

The Belarus captain was substituted midway through the second half of Tuesday's Group D match against Romania.

"His injury is not too serious but Hleb said to me that he definitely would be unable to play on Sunday," Belarus coach Bernd Stange told local media.

"He should be able to return to action sometime next week. He just needs some rest and have some physiotherapy to be 100 percent healthy."

Hleb joined Birmingham on a one-year loan deal last month after a disappointing spell at Barcelona.

Source: Published>

ICC chargesheeted Butt and Akmal after rejecting their replies

Wed, Sep 08 10 09:37 PM

Karachi, Sep 8 (PTI) The International Cricket Council charge-sheeted Test captain Salman Butt and stumper batsman Kamran Akmal after getting unsatisfactory replies on the show cause notices served on them last month, media reports said here today. A report in the ''Dawn'' said the two players were served the notices on August 21, the day Pakistan won the Oval Test against England. The PCB, though, ignored the notices and went onto announce special victory bonuses for the players and the team management. Sources told PTI that the ICC was tipped off about the suspicious activities of the two players after the T20 World Cup in the West Indies and the governing body also had some information on the conversations between them and the alleged bookie Mazhar Majeed. The report said both Salman and Akmal were asked to reply to notice within 14 days, asking them to provide their mobile phone numbers which they used during the World T20 besides some other information. After finding their replies unsatisfactory, the ICC sent charge-sheets to the two players and were delivered at their personal addresses and not through the PCB. The report quoting sources said although the PCB had some reports about the suspicious activities of Akmal, it was unaware about the activities of Butt, who was elevated to the post of Test captain after Shahid Afridi quit job. More PTI Corr AT

Source: Published>