ICC has wherewithal to combat corruption, says ex-London police chief

Published>Sat, Sep 11 10 11:53 AM

London, Sep 11(ANI): Former Metropolitan Police Commissioner Lord Stevens has backed the International Cricket Council (ICC) to stamp out corruption which has been plaguing the game of cricket.

Stevens, who has headed a number of corruption inquiries in his career, said: "There are processes and best-practice which allow them (ICC) to do that."

"We shouldn't rely on the News of the World to do business which is in the public interest. We in sport, including the police, have a duty to ensure sports are clean," The BBC quoted Stevens, as saying.

British tabloid 'News of the World' has claimed that Pakistan cricketers Salman Butt, Mohammad Amir and Mohammad Asif were bribed by London-based agent Majeed Mazhar to bowl three 'no-balls' during the Lord's Test against England last month.

He also believes that a coordinated global approach would halt the activities of illegal betting syndicates.

"Worldwide there is a need for legislation that encompasses these kinds of activities, something similar to what we do on the anti-terrorist side of things. Unless we do that, the sports we love are under threat," Stevens said.Police organizations, including Interpol, should come along and have a kind of 'blue sky' thinking about how we can take sport forward. Talk is no good any longer, action is needed," he added. (ANI)

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Wayne Rooney hooker does a Sharon Stone

Published>Sat, Sep 11 10 11:07 AM

London, Sep 11 (ANI): Wayne Rooney's 1200-pound-a-night hooker Jenny Thompson has apparently sent her picture to friends in a saucy Sharon Stone-style pose.

It showed her crossing her legs provocatively while wearing a tiny white dress - as the actress did in the infamous X-rated Basic Instinct scene, reports the Sun.

The 21-year-old hooker - who has revealed how she bedded Wayne Rooney while wife Coleen was pregnant last year - also sent message-blasting pals who spoke out about her sordid antics.

But stars vice girl did not apologize for the Rooney scandal. (ANI)

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Bopanna-Qureshi peace message leaves Bryans choked

Sat, Sep 11 10 10:37 AM

New York, Sep 11 (PTI) They lost their maiden Grand Slam final but the Indo-Pakistani team of Rohan Bopanna and Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi scored an emotional winner by leaving even their opponents "choked" with their message of peace on the eve of the 9/11 terror attacks'' ninth anniversary. Bopanna and Qureshi, who managed to tug at heartstrings here with their message of ''Stop War and Start Tennis, lost 6-7 (5) 6-7 (4) to top-seeded American brothers Mike and Bob Bryan in the US Open men''s doubles final yesterday. Their message, however, had such emotional resonance that the Bryans said they would have been happy to root for their 16th seeded rivals had it not been a Grand Slam final. "We would have been rooting for them. Great guys. It''s great to see another marquee team out there. They''re gonna gather a lot of attention for doubles. They''re going to be spokesmen for doubles, which we love. I think this is gonna raise the profile," said Bob. "It choked me up. I could see him (Qureshi); he was quivering a little bit; he was very choked up. Just to give that message to everyone was very heartfelt. You know, even said before, he''s like, I''m gonna say something about Pakistan. I hope you don''t mind. I don''t want to steal your limelight. We said, That''s great," he added. Bopanna and Qureshi played the US Open final on the eve of the ninth anniversary 2001 terror attacks in New York and Washington which killed thousands. Just like the semifinals, the United Nations ambassadors from India (Hardeep Suri) and Pakistan (Abdullah H Haroon) sat together in the stands to cheer for the duo nicknamed the ''Indo-Pak Express''. Bopanna said both he and Qureshi were thankful to the two dignitaries for turning up at the match. "I mean we are just thankful they came out for us, they encouraged us and were very appreciative towards our efforts, they took time out to watch us in the Semis and the Finals and they sat together and cheered for us which is great, unfortunately we couldn''t win," said the Indian Davis Cupper. Bopanna and Qureshi also thanked fans from their respective countries for supporting them through their campaign. .

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Favourite Clijsters prepares for Zvonareva's best

Published>Sat, Sep 11 10 08:37 AM

If winning the U.S. Open ever came down to a popularity contest, Kim Clijsters would be roared to victory every time.

The Belgian mother charmed the New York crowds last year when she celebrated an unlikely victory by fooling around with her infant daughter Jada on the centre court.

Clijsters has won the hearts of the crowds again this year, despite reaching Saturday's final at the expense of the last American left standing in the singles draw, Venus Williams.

The 27-year-old came from behind to win 4-6 7-6 6-4 on Friday and will play Vera Zvonereva in the final after the Russian upset Denmark's Caroline Wozniacki 6-4 6-3. She is sure to be the

favourite both the oddsmakers and the spectators in the stands.

She was a finalist at the U.S. Open in 2004 then won the title in 2005. She missed the next three years, first through injury then after taking a break to start a family, before winning on her return in 2009.

Her winning streak now stands at 20 matches and the crowds have been lapping it up. It is as though her fairytale run to the title last year is being played out all over again.

The former world number one knows, however, that sentiment plays no part in professional tennis and her Russian opponent is dangerous, despite never having won a major title.

This year Zvonareva played her first grand slam final at Wimbledon and she has not dropped a set so far at Flushing Meadows. More worryingly for Clijsters, Zvonareva has won their last two clashes, both this year, after losing the first five.

SMART PLAYER

"She's a player who doesn't give you much, she's always there, hangs in there," Clijsters said.

"It's not that she has a game that's very unpredictable but what she does she does extremely well."

The seventh-seeded Zvonareva is not only one of the most improved players on the women's tour, she is also one of the smartest.

She combines her playing career with studying for a double degree and has learnt her lessons on the court as much as off it.

A year ago, she self-destructed in the quarter-finals in New York. This time, she has been a model of composure.

"As long as you know yourself and you know which emotions are good for you, which are bad, you can use it to your advantage," the 26-year-old said.

"I think that tennis is an emotional game and that you should show your emotions, because it shows that you are trying your best out there."

Although she has won their two most recent clashes, Zvonareva remains wary of the more experienced Clijsters.

"She's a great mover on the court. She has a lot of experience. She won here last year," Zvonareva said.

"It's going to be tough. We played a couple of matches in the past couple of months, but those matches are in the past."

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Gallas could make Tottenham debut as captain

Published>Sat, Sep 11 10 07:17 AM

France defender William Gallas is expected to make his debut for Tottenham Hotspur at West Bromwich Albion on Saturday and might even be handed the captain's armband for the Premier League clash.

The 33-year-old former Arsenal and Chelsea defender will become the first player to feature for all three London teams, having joined Spurs last month on a one-year deal after being released by the Gunners where he had been skipper.

"There's every chance I will play William Gallas on Saturday," manager Harry Redknapp told reporters at the Spurs training ground. "I'm considering making him captain."

The move would be controversial because the Tottenham fans are not quite sure what to make of the former Arsenal defender's decision to join the club from their north London rivals.

Spurs have, however, lost regular skipper Michael Dawson for up to two months after he strained ligaments on England duty while fellow central defender Ledley King is set to be rested ahead of the club's Champions League debut at Werder Bremen on Tuesday.

Asked whether club captain King would play on Saturday, Redknapp said: "It's a difficult decision. We might need his experience there (in Bremen) on Tuesday night."

That leaves Gallas, who has played 84 times for France, to partner Cameroon defender Sebastien Bassong in central defence.

"You don't play in teams that win championships, like he (Gallas) did at Chelsea, you don't play for your country as many times as he has ... unless you're a top player.

"He's got a bit of pace, he's a great defender, and he'll be a big asset. I think he'll be a great signing for us."

MENTAL STRENGTH

Redknapp believes Gallas has shown admirable mental strength by moving to White Hart Lane from the Emirates where he was stripped of the captaincy in 2008 when he criticised team mates.

"You have to be strong as a person to do that (leave Arsenal for Spurs). It's easy not to have done that," said Redknapp. "He could have gone off and played somewhere else."

Redknapp added that a player of Gallas's class would have cost between 8 and 10 million pounds ($12.33-15.41 million) in the transfer market and believes he has got a bargain.

"If you want a player who is a top centre-half to play in the Premier League, you have to pay that money," he said. "It was a no-brainer. He cost nothing. He's not on silly money."

Another of Tottenham's new signings, Netherlands playmaker Rafael van der Vaart, could also make his debut at Albion having joined from Real Madrid while Brazilian midfielder Sandro is available after finally moving from Internacional.

Carlo Cudicini is likely to deputise again for injured Brazilian goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes although Spurs have signed Croatia keeper Stipe Pletikosa on loan from Spartak Moscow.

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Clijsters and Zvonareva through to U.S. Open final

Published>Sat, Sep 11 10 06:57 AM

Kim Clijsters advanced to her fourth U.S. Open final after winning a titanic centre court battle against Venus Williams. A third title is now within her reach.

The only person left standing in her way is Russia's Vera Zvonareva, who upset the tournament's number one seed Caroline Wozniacki 6-4 6-3 on Friday to reach her first singles final in New York.

Clijsters had to work much harder to earn her place in Saturday's final but got there in the end, defeating the former world number one 4-6 7-6 6-4 after they slugged it out for almost two and a half hours.

A year ago, Clijsters provided one of the great fairytale stories of modern tennis when she returned to the game after dropping out to start a family. This year is not so much a storybook as a sequel.

"Obviously it means a lot to be in the final and to give myself a chance to defend my title from last year," she said.

"It's a great opportunity."

Williams had her chance to win the match but her serve, the fastest in women's tennis, let her down when she needed it most and Clijsters seized her opportunity.

Williams captured the second of her U.S. Open titles in 2001 when she was the number one player in the world but has made the final only once since, eight years ago.

At 30, time could be running out for her to win again even though she has no thoughts of retirement.

"I'm gonna keep playing," she said. "At this point I'm striking the ball well, so there is no end in sight at the moment."

The Williams sisters have tormented and terrorised their opponents for over a decade but Clijsters does not fear them.

A year ago, the Belgian mother beat both Venus and Serena to win her second U.S. Open title, four years after her first. This time, she only needed to beat the older of the American siblings.

"Obviously, beating Venus here last year and this year, it's a good feeling," Clijsters said.

"Today was probably one of the best matches that I've played throughout the tournament.

"I was able to raise my level and that's probably what I'm most pleased about, I was able to win a close match like this."

DAZZLING FORM

Wozniacki was a surprise runner-up in New York last year but the only surprise this time was that she did not make the final again.

The 20-year-old Dane had been in dazzling form over the last two months, winning three lead-up tournaments and sailing through to the semis without dropping a set before coming unstuck against the older and more experienced Zvonareva.

"It's always disappointing when you lose a match but I just need to learn from this," Wozniacki said.

"I made it to the semi-finals of the U.S. Open and when I look back on this tournament I can be proud of what I've achieved."

The seventh-seeded Zvonareva has been one of the most improved players in the women's game over the last two seasons, making her first grand slam semi-final in Australia last year then her first final at Wimbledon in July.

"I always believe I can beat anyone on the other side of the net if I'm able to play my best tennis," Zvonareva said.

"I know I'm not gonna play perfect tennis all the time, like most of the players, but that's what we are all trying to do."

The American twins Mike and Bob Bryan clinched their ninth grand slam title with a 7-6 7-6 victory over Rohan Bopanna and Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi in the men's doubles final, leaving them just two shy of the record of Australians Mark Woodforde and Todd Woodbridge.

But it was the runners-up, an unlikely pairing from India and Pakistan, who charmed the centre court crowd, including their respective ambassadors to the U.S. who sat side-by-side in the stands watching the match.

"It's just a match and it's just a game," Mike Bryan said afterwards. "A lot of people in Pakistan don't have homes and are out on the street.

"What these guys are doing bringing India and Pakistan together is very special. It shows that sport can bring people together."

The men's singles semi-finals will be played on Saturday afternoon ahead of the women's final, with world number one Rafa Nadal facing Mikhail Youzhny and five-time U.S. Open champion

Roger Federer meeting Novak Djokovic.

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Zvonareva gives little away en route to U.S. Open final

Published>Sat, Sep 11 10 06:37 AM

Vera Zvonareva once caused a prison riot and, offering reporters a rare glimpse into her life off the tennis court, admitted she would love to have dinner with Matt Damon.

On the court, the Russian made a splash by knocking out number one seed Caroline Wozniacki 6-4 6-3 in the semi-finals of the U.S. Open Friday.

When playing, she wears her heart on her sleeve, regularly showing her emotions but, outside of tennis, she gives little away.

On Friday, she was all smiles at Arthur Ashe Stadium, a far cry from a year ago in New York when she suffered a very public breakdown after losing to Italy's Flavia Pennetta.

She smashed racquets, ripped bandages off her leg and burst into tears after the defeat.

Regardless of the result in Saturday's final against defending champion Kim Clijsters, she promised to once more show her emotions.

"I play with passion but I leave it on the court," said Zvonareva, who celebrated her 26th birthday on Tuesday.

"Off the court, I'm very calm and just not that emotional at all. Tennis is an emotional game but, as long as you know which emotions are good for you, which are bad, you can use it to your advantage."

In her post-match news conferences during the U.S. Open fortnight, she has been reserved in her comments, giving little away about Zvonareva the person.

She allowed her defences down for a short while after the Wozniacki match to admit that Damon would be her ideal dinner date before turning red with embarrassment.

But when pushed on other subjects such as last year's dramatic exit at the U.S. Open, she has dismissed it by saying it is "something that was in the past."

Similarly she has refused to dwell on her only previous grand slam final at this year's Wimbledon when she was blown off court by Serena Williams.

It was during this year's Wimbledon that a riot broke out at a young offenders institute in Kent, England, when prison guards refused to let inmates watch Zvonareva's quarter-final against Clijsters.

It remains to be seen whether Zvonareva, who is currently studying international economic relations, forces a repeat of her own personal riot from the 2009 U.S. Open in the final.

"I'm just trying to do my best - sometimes I'm happy, sometimes I'm not, sometimes I have to be hard on myself, sometimes I have to pump myself up, sometimes I have to say, 'Okay, it's time to relax,'" she said.

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France defender Gallas set to make Tottenham debut

Published>Sat, Sep 11 10 06:19 AM

France defender William Gallas is expected to make his debut for Tottenham Hotspur at West Bromwich Albion on Saturday.

The former Arsenal and Chelsea defender will become the first player to feature for all three London teams, having joined Spurs last month after being released by the Gunners.

"There's every chance I will play William Gallas on Saturday," Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp told reporters at the club's training ground.

Spurs have lost captain Michael Dawson for up to two months after he strained ankle and knee ligaments on England duty while fellow central defender Ledley King is set to be rested ahead of the club's Champions League debut at Werder Bremen on Tuesday.

Asked whether King would play on Saturday, Redknapp said: "It's a difficult decision. We might need his experience there (in Bremen) on Tuesday night."

That leaves Gallas in line to partner Cameroon defender Sebastien Bassong at the heart of the defence.

"You don't play in teams that win championships, like he (Gallas) did at Chelsea, you don't play for your country as many times as he has ... unless you're a top player.

"He's got a bit of pace, he's a great defender, and he'll be a big asset. I think he'll be a great signing for us."

Spurs are also without England striker Jermain Defoe for three months after he had surgery on Thursday to repair torn ankle ligaments but Peter Crouch is fit after a back problem.

Another of Tottenham's new signings, Netherlands playmaker Rafael van der Vaart, could also make his debut at Albion having joined from Real Madrid while Brazilian midfielder Sandro is available after finally moving from Internacional.

Carlo Cudicini is likely to deputise once again for injured Brazilian goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes although Spurs have signed Croatia keeper Stipe Pletikosa on loan from Spartak Moscow.

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In Guyana colours, cricket's rare 'Chinaman'

Published>Sat, Sep 11 10 05:47 AM

Till now, the only real Chinese connection with cricket has been the term used to describe left-arm wrist spinners ? commonly referred to as 'chinamen'. Legend has it that the expression was coined in 1933, when the Englishman Walter Robbins, after being dismissed by the former West Indian spinner Ellis Chong, a cricketer of Chinese origin, is said to have exclaimed, "Imagine being bowled by a ... Chinaman!"

Over 75 years later, with his distinctive name and looks, Guyana's Jonathan Foo might well become the second 'Chinaman' to be launched internationally ? at the Champions League T20, presently under way in South Africa.

And yet, his Chinese origin is exactly what the 19-year-old right-hand batsman from Berbice doesn't like to talk much about.

"My friends keep teasing me about being Chinese all the time, but I keep telling them that I am Indian because I take more after my mother," says Foo, who was born to Derek, of Chinese descent, and Mary Chinsammy, whose ancestors hailed from India.

So, does the description "half-Guyanese, half-Indian with a Chinese name" sit well with him? "That's perfect," he says in an unmistakable Caribbean accent, and adds, "But my two sisters, who are younger to me, have managed to find a middle ground."

Foo's paternal grandparents hailed from China, while his father was born in Guyana. But growing up in a village where Indians were the majority, and the fact that he was always close to his mother, have ensured that the slightly-built cricketer has always remained an Indian at heart.

"My father was the only Chinese guy in the whole village. He used to play a little bit of cricket himself but was never too keen a follower before I took up the sport," says Foo, who has so far played four T20 games for Guyana in the regional competition.

His grandparents, who are now settled in New York and visit once every six months, remain illiterate about Foo's beloved sport, despite the teenager's many attempts to educate them.

"They keep asking if I have ever seen another Chinese cricketer," he says. "And then they insist that I should rather be cooking in a Chinese restaurant!"

It was Andy and Michael Chinsammy, Foo's maternal uncles, who shaped his cricketing career ? taking the boy along for their practice sessions, and providing him with cricket gear at the beginning of his career.

"Both of them played first-class cricket for Guyana, and Under-19 for the West Indies. They used to wake me up at 5.30 in the morning and drag me to the ground. I used to hate waking up that early and they took me along for six or seven years straight. It is paying dividends now," says Foo, who has had the privilege of playing with his childhood idol and fellow Guyanese Carl Hooper for the same club, Albion, back home.

But it isn't just his Chinese ancestry that makes Foo a special youngster. After Foo made headlines during the regional T20 tournament in the West Indies with his big hitting and fielding, Guyana skipper Ramnaresh Sarwan declared he could be the next Kieron Pollard ? the star of the last Champions League.

But Foo doesn't want to put pressure on himself right now. And he says playing Test cricket for the West Indies is his ultimate goal.

"There has been a lot of talk about me being the next Pollard. But I don't want to stick to just T20. Test cricket is what I am dreaming of."

But is Foo looking forward to becoming the first player of Chinese descent to play in the IPL in the near future? "Oh yes," he says. "Everyone wants to play in the IPL. One good tournament here, and who knows."

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A bad day at the office costly for Wozniacki

Published>Sat, Sep 11 10 03:37 AM

Top-seeded Caroline Wozniacki chalked up her U.S. Open semi-finals loss Friday to Russia's Vera Zvonareva as a bad day at the office -- one that may have cost her the number one ranking and a million-dollar bonus.

The 20-year-old Dane, who had breezed through five straight-set wins while dropping just 17 games, fell 6-4 6-3 in 85 minutes on a windy Arthur Ashe Stadium centre court.

"She played a really good game, definitely," Wozniacki said after her 13-match winning streak was halted. "She was not missing a lot. She was going for her shots.

"Most things were going in. I had chances, and I don't know, I made some mistakes today that I usually don't do.

"Yeah, it was a tough day for me in the office."

Wozniacki was working on a second successive trip to the Open finals after finishing runner-up in 2009 to Belgian Kim Clijsters.

A triumph at Flushing Meadows this year would have given her a first grand slam title, the world number one ranking and a $1 million bonus for winning the U.S. Open series with her wins in Montreal and New Haven leading up to the grand slam.

"I was really trying. I was really trying to move my legs even more, trying to get into this rhythm where I could lead in this game," Wozniacki said.

"But she was really strong today and she played really well."

Wozniacki, who wins by grinding down opponents with her steady groundstrokes, was outsteadied Friday by the Russian. She made 31 unforced errors in the match, 20 of them coming from her forehand.

The Dane denied she felt tired after an arduous season in which she captured a tour-leading four titles.

"I'm actually not feeling too tired, to be honest with you," Wozniacki said. "I wouldn't have minded playing one more match."

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Woods' hopes of reaching Tour Championship fading

Published>Sat, Sep 11 10 02:37 AM

Tiger Woods' hopes of qualifying for the season-ending Tour Championship continued to fade on Friday as the world number one slipped further down the BMW Championship leaderboard after carding a one-over-par 72.

For the second consecutive day a struggling Woods failed to break par on a Cog Hill layout he once owned, winning five times including his last PGA Tour triumph a year ago.

Woods, who posted 22-under to lift the BMW title in 2007, reached the halfway mark on Friday on three-over 145.

Despite his struggles, Woods has refused to wave the white flag on his chances of a top-five finish at the BMW and qualifying for the Tour Championship's elite 30-man field.

But if the world number one hopes to tee it up in Atlanta in two weeks's time, he will have to quickly find the magical form that has deserted him in the aftermath of his divorce and a swing overhaul that remains a work in progress.

"I made nothing today," Woods told reporters. "That pretty much sums it up. I hit the ball a hell of a lot better than my score indicates. I had a lot of putts inside 15-feet and I think I made one there on the last hole and that was it.

"I just haven't made a lot of putts out there this week."

While much of his game has gone missing, Woods has not lost his competitive fire, delivering when forced to produce a result each week to keep advancing through the FedEx Cup playoffs.

He began the Deutsche Bank Championship anchored near the bottom of the leaderboard after going four-over through his opening six holes but finished the weekend closer to the top in a tie for 11th allowing him to enter the BMW.

Playing the back nine first on a sunny late summer morning at Cog Hill, Woods looked ready to make a charge by going two-under after eight holes.

But that is as good as it got for Woods, his rally fizzling out with bogeys at the 18th and third followed by a double-bogey at the fifth before he signed off with a birdie at the last.

"I'm just trying to post good numbers, hit good shots, and place the ball accordingly on the correct side of the fairways, correct side of the greens, and go from there," added Woods.

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Fast India F1 circuit to test drivers

Published>Sat, Sep 11 10 01:57 AM

The circuit for next year's Indian Grand Prix will test the drivers, organisers of the Formula One race said on Friday.

The 5.14 km track with 16 corners and a variety of elevations would not be easy to master, Mark Hughes, vice president (operations) of Jaypee Sports International (JPSI), which is building the track near New Delhi, told reporters.

"It will be one of the fastest circuits and will be a great challenge for the drivers," Hughes said of the circuit which will host the Indian Grand Prix on Oct. 30 next year.

"It was a flat land and we moved some four million cubic tons of earth to bring in elevation which can be up to 14 metres. The drivers are all excited."

Hughes said inputs of some of the Formula One teams, which he would not name, were incorporated while designing the track.

"The initial design was shared with some teams who put it in their simulator and the drivers gave a positive feedback.

"Based on that, we made changes to some corners and sent it back to them to try it on simulator. They told us it was a very good track."

"So far, (Hispania driver) Karun Chandhok has visited the track but over the next 12 months, we will invite some other Formula One drivers. (Force India chairman) Vijay (Mallya) is interested too as it would be their home track."

The Indian Grand Prix is subject to homologation but Hughes was confident that the facility would pass the final inspection by the International Automobile Federation (FIA) next year.

"The homologation process will start in May. The FIA has approved the initial design and in May, they would come to see if the track matches the design or needs minor tweaking.

"If they suggest minor changes, it may take 4-5 weeks and homologation in that case would be over in July."

Boris Lazaric, who is in charge of the construction work, said the facility would accommodate 100,000-plus spectators.

"The main grandstand will house 20,000, the temporary grandstands will accommodate 70,000, while another 5000-6000 can sit in the pit building.

"Besides, there will be three natural grandstands, which are basically hillocks where people can sit and watch."

JPSI Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Sameer Gaur said tickets would be affordable.

"We are also looking at options of how we can make best use of the facility outside the race dates. It will not be limited to Formula One for sure. We are in touch with other motorsports bodies and companies to see if we can utilise the track for those events," Gaur said.

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Bopanna-Qureshi end runner-up at US Open

Sat, Sep 11 10 01:37 AM

New York, Sep 10 (PTI) Guning for their first Grand Slam title, Rohan Bopanna and Aisam-ul-Haq fought their hearts out but had to be content with a runners-up trophy at the US Open as the Indo-Pak Express lost the men''s doubles final 6-7(6) 6-7 (3) to Americans top seeds Mike and Bob Bryan here today. Bopanna and Qureshi, 16th seeds, did not look like a team playing their first ever Grand Slam final as they made the world number one pair work hard for points and played enthralling tennis for more than one-and-a-half hours. It was nevertheless a dream run for the two players as for the first time an Indian and a Pakistani player combined to reach the final of a Grand Slam event. They might have failed to win a title but Bopanna and Qureshi were successful in sending the message loud and clear that sport can help dissolve the boundaries and India and Pakistan can watch, play and earn glory together. They wore the t-shirts with slogan -- stop war start tennis -- to send the message of peace in the two countries, at loggerheads since the partition days. For Bryan brothers, it was their second Grand Slam title of the season and also a revenge victory, having lost the Washington quarter-finals to the Indo-Pak team. For the Bryan brothers, this title was their ninth men''s doubles crown. MORE PTI AT ATK

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Tendulkar''s 69 in vain, Lions stuns Mumbai Indians by 9 runs

Sat, Sep 11 10 01:27 AM

Saumojyoti Singha Choudhury Johannesburg, Sep 10 (PTI) Sachin Tendulkar''s blistering 42-ball 69 went in vain as Lions stunned Mumbai Indians by nine runs in the opening Group B match of the second edition of Champions League twenty20 tournament here today. Tendulkar starred in a 83-run opening stand with Shikhar Dhawan (32) to raise hopes of a successful runchase but Shane Burger''s two-wicket burst stole the show. Put into bat, the Lions rode on opener Jonathan Vandiar (71) and middle-order batsman Neil McKenzie (56) to post a challenging 186 for five. The local team then returned to restrict the IPL III runners up team to 177 for six to complete a stunning win at the New Wanderers Stadium here. Chasing 187 to win, Mumbai Indians made a rollicking start and reached the fifty in the seventh over as boundaries came thick and fast. Tendulkar was at his fluent best early on as the Mumbaikar picked up boundaries at will and with Dhawan by his side, the two sent the bowlers for a leather hunt. Tendulkar hit Frylinck for couple of fours in his first two overs and then sent Aaron Phangiso for back-to-back fours in the eighth over. Dhawan (32) also matched with Tendulkar and hit Ethan O''Reilly for a couple of boundaries before sending Shane Burger out of the park in the fifth over. He picked up his second six in the 10th over, when he smashed Phangiso over wide long-on but an attempted reverse-sweep cost him his wicket. A few balls later a brilliant piece of fielding by skipper Petersen ended newman Ambati Rayudu''s innings in the 11th over. Tendulkar and JP Duminy then tried to stem the rot and forged a 42-run partnership but the former was soon clean bowled by Shane Burger to deal a huge blow to the visitors. Trying to make room for himself, Tendulkar saw his woods disturbed by a Shane Burger delivery as MI slipped to 131 for three in 14.3 overs. Burger struck again 15 balls later to remove Kieron Pollard as Mumbai Indians innings faltered and they lost the plot completely in the end. .

Source: Published>

Rooneys appeal for privacy at "painful" time

Sat, Sep 11 10 01:17 AM

England footballer Wayne Rooney and his wife Coleen appealed to the media for privacy on Friday and said a week of speculation about their marriage had been "extremely painful".

The 24-year-old Manchester United striker and his television presenter wife have faced intense scrutiny since a tabloid newspaper ran a story about their private life last Sunday.

"The last six days have been extremely painful for us and for our families," the couple said in a statement. "It is impossible for us, as it would be for any family, to attempt to resolve any issues in the current media glare and against the backdrop of so many inaccurate and intrusive stories.

"We would therefore ask that the media now respects our privacy and the right of our family to discuss these matters in private."

Rooney and his wife, also 24, met when they were still at school and married in June 2008. They have a 10-month-old boy called Kai.

Rooney, who joined Manchester United in 2004 from Everton, scored in an international match against Switzerland on Tuesday and is due to play against his old club on Saturday.

Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson told a news conference on Friday that he would not discuss the player's private life.

Source: Published>

Lions beat Mumbai Indians by 9 runs

Sat, Sep 11 10 12:57 AM

Johannesburg, Sep 10 (PTI) Local team Lions beat Mumbai Indians by nine runs in the opening match of the Champions League twenty20 tournament played at New Wanderers Stadium here today. Brief Score: Lions: 186 for five in 20 overs (Jonathan Vandiar 71, Neil Mckenzie 56; Lasith Malinga 3/33) Mumbai Indians: 177 for six in 20 overs (Sachin Tendulkar 69, Shikar Dhawan 32; Shane Burger 2/33).

Source: Published>

Bopanna-Qureshi go down fighting in US Open final

Published>Sat, Sep 11 10 12:53 AM

New York, Sep 10 (IANS) India's Rohan Bopanna and Pakistan's Aisam-Ul-Haq Qureshi failed to clinch their maiden Grand Slam title losing 7-6 (5), 7-6(4) to top seeds Mike and Bob Bryan in the US Open tennis men's doubles final here Friday.

It was Bryan brothers' ninth Grand Slam doubles title.

Source: Web Search

Bopanna-Qureshi end runner-up at US Open

Sat, Sep 11 10 12:27 AM

New York, Sep 10 (PTI) Guning for their first Grand Slam title, Rohan Bopanna and Aisam-ul-Haq fought their hearts out but had to be content with a runners-up trophy at the US Open as the Indo-Pak Express lost the men''s doubles final 6-7(6) 6-7 (3) to Americans top seeds Mike and Bob Bryan here today. Bopanna and Qureshi, 16th seeds, did not look like a team playing their first ever Grand Slam final as they made the world number one pair work hard for points and played enthralling tennis for more than one-and-a-half hours. It was nevertheless a dream run for the two players as for the first time an Indian and a Pakistani player combined to reach the final of a Grand Slam event. They might have failed to win a title but Bopanna and Qureshi were successful in sending the message loud and clear that sport can help dissolve the boundaries and India and Pakistan can watch, play and earn glory. They wore the t-shirts with slogan -- stop war start tennis -- to send the message of peace in the two countries, at loggerheads since the partition days. For Bryan brothers, it was their second Grand Slam title of the season and also a revenge victory, having lost the Washington quarter-finals to the Indo-Pak team. For the Bryan brothers, this title was their ninth men''s doubles crown. MORE PTI AT ATK

Source: Published>

Bopanna-Qureshi go down fighting in US Open final

Published>Sat, Sep 11 10 12:11 AM

New York, Sep 10 (IANS) India's Rohan Bopanna and Pakistan's Aisam-Ul-Haq Qureshi failed to clinch their maiden Grand Slam title losing 7-6 (5), 7-6(4) to top seeds Mike and Bob Bryan in the US Open tennis men's doubles final here Friday.

It was Bryan brothers' ninth Grand Slam doubles title.

Source: Web Search

England beat Pakistan by 24 runs in first ODI

Fri, Sep 10 10 11:57 PM

England beat Pakistan by 24 runs in the first one-day international on Friday.

Scores: England 274 for six (41 overs); Pakistan 250 for nine (41 overs).

Source: Published>

Vandiar, McKenzie guide Lions to 187 against Mumbai Indians

Fri, Sep 10 10 11:27 PM

Johannesburg, Sep 10 (PTI) Jonathan Vandiar and Neil McKenzie smashed blistering half-centuries as Lions posted a challenging 186 for five against Mumbai Indians in the opening Group B match of the second edition of Champions League twenty20 tournament here today. Vandiar cracked a 48-ball 71 at the top to set the tone for the innings, while McKenzie blasted a whirlwind 30-ball 56 down the order to power Lions across the 150-mark. Electing to bat first, Alviro Petersen and Jonathan Vandiar started off on a positive note but a terrible mix up between the two helped Mumbai Indians scalp the first Lions wicket in the fourth over. Cameron then joined Vandiar and brought his first four when he smashed Lasith Malinga over mid-on. But he couldn''t stay longer as going for a big shot off Ali Murtaza he was caught by Zaheer Khan at mid-on. VB van Jaarsveld and Vandiar then joined hands and brought up the fifty in the eight over. Vandiar stepped on the gas and smashed Harbhajan Singh for a four at point, before blasting Zaheer Khan for successive boundaries in the eighth over. The opener then hammered J P Duminy over long-on for his first six of the day in the next over. Jaarsveld tried to give support at the other end and picked up ones and twos but Malinga send him packing in the 11th over. Looking to launch Malinga out of the park, Jaarsveld scooped it high in the sky only to be caught by McLaren as Lions reduced to 81 for three. Vandiar then brought up the hundred for the Lions with a single in the 13th over, before sending Rajagopal Sathish over extra cover to bring his fifty in the next over. He continued his blitzkrieg and blasted Pollard for a four before clobbering Malinga over midwicket to pick up another six in the 17th over. But another attempt for a big shot drew curtains on his innings as he tossed one straight to Tendulkar who pouched it without fuss. Malinga struck again in the last ball, removing Robert Frylinck (1). Neil McKenzie then took the onus on himself and stepped on the acceleration and clubbed Murtaza for consecutive fours in the next over. McKenzie also blasted Malinga over midwicket and took some cheeky singles and twos, courtesy some poor fielding by Mumbai Indians. In the 20th over, the South African clobbered Zaheer for a six and brought up another four as Lions posted a challenging total on board.

Source: Published>

Milan were favourites in Istanbul too, goads Benitez

Fri, Sep 10 10 11:17 PM

Inter Milan coach Rafael Benitez has hit back at speculation big-spending AC Milan may now be stronger than last season's treble winners, reminding the Rossoneri about his hand in one of their darkest ever days.

Benitez was Liverpool boss in the 2005 European Cup final when the Premier League side came back from 3-0 down to draw 3-3 and win the Istanbul final on penalties.

"Football has changed a bit. This week I have heard it said that the Rossoneri are favourites to win everything," a smirking Benitez, who succeeded new Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho at Inter in the close season, told a news conference.

"They said the same in Istanbul when I faced the Rossoneri with Liverpool. They said it until the end of the first half of that match, but then something changed."

A lacklustre Inter drew 0-0 at Bologna in the first game of their Serie A title defence before the international break robbed Benitez of time to work with his players.

The European champions, who decided not to buy in the transfer window against Benitez's wishes, host Udinese in Serie A on Saturday when right back Maicon is again an injury doubt.

Milan also play on Saturday because of next week's Champions League commitments but coach Massimiliano Allegri doubted he would play both new forwards Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Robinho from the start at promoted Cesena.

"Ibrahimovic is fit and will play from the first minute," he said of the Swede who will lead his three-man attack. "Robinho could be a substitute for Ronaldinho or Alexandre Pato."

Both coaches were trying to get on with business as normal despite Serie A players announcing a strike on Friday for a fortnight's time in a collective contract dispute.

Source: Published>

Lions set 187 for Mumbai Indians to win

Fri, Sep 10 10 11:07 PM

Johannesburg, Sep 10 (PTI) Put into bat, Lions scored a challenging 186 for five against Mumbai Indians in the opening match of the Champions League twenty20 tournament played at New Wanderers Stadium here today. Brief Score: Lions: 186 for five in 20 overs (Jonathan Vandiar 71, Neil Mckenzie 56; Lasith Malinga 3/33).

Source: Published>

Liuzzi seventh at first practice session

Fri, Sep 10 10 10:57 PM

Monza (Italy), Sep 10 (PTI) Force India''s Vitantonio Liuzzi clocked 1:24.512 seconds in his 19 laps to finish seventh at the opening practice session of the Italian Grand Prix here today. Liuzzi evaluated the F-Duct and ran both with and without it during the day as he featured in both the first and second practice sessions today. The Italian driver clocked 1:24.380 seconds in his 36 laps to take the 12th spot in the timesheet of the second practice session. Adrian Sutil, who did not participate in the first session, joined Liuzzi in the second and was 11th after timing 1:24.181 seconds in his 35 laps. Paul di Resta, who replaced Sutil for the first session, completed his first ever lap of Monza, taking the 12th spot after clocking 1:24.923 in his 23 laps. "Overall the afternoon went well for me. We did some general tests with balance and wing levels. The balance was OK, but we still not at the pace that I was hoping for and looking for. But anyway tomorrow should be a good day for us," Sutil said after the session. Liuzzi was also satisfied with the performance. "It was a very good Friday. We did a lot of work, especially in FP1, to understand and take a decision on the F-Duct, to see if it was a benefit or not. In the afternoon we concentrated mainly on tyre work. "Overall I think the car balance is not quite right, we still have to work a bit on braking and handling. But we have got a clear picture for tomorrow, and we''ve tried all the different situations, with and without fuel, with and without the F-Duct," he said. "The others have made a step forward compared to last year, so its not going to be an easy race, but were confident that we can score some good points," he added. Test and reserve driver Paul di Resta said, "Its the first time I have driven here, and Monza is clearly quite a special track. One side of the track is very open, and then you are in the middle of the forest in the other part! Its also different because its all high speed, and all braking. "Its also the first time I have driven the car in low downforce trim. Its a bit of a shock because the braking stability is not there, and braking areas are longer." "I played myself in and I didn''t want to flat spot a tyre or anything, because the circuit was going to improve at the end of the session. I think its quite promising so far. As usual I would love to have gone out in the second session, but at least its another track I have learned!" he added.

Source: Published>

Anti doping panel to hear cases Sep 22

Published>Fri, Sep 10 10 09:57 PM

New Delhi, Sep 10 (IANS) Six wrestlers, two swimmers and two athletes, who tested positive for banned drug methylhexanamine, will face the anti-doping disciplinary panel for a hearing Sep 22.

Wrestlers -- Arjuna awardee Rajiv Tomar (120kg), Sumit (74kg), Mausam Khatri 96kg) and woman wrestler Gursharanpreet Kaur (72 kg), swimmers Richa Mishra and Jyotsna Pansari, and shot putter Saurabh Vij and discus thrower Akash Antil were part of the Indian team for the Oct 3-14 Games.

Rahul Mann (60kg) and Joginder Singh (55 kg) were the other two wrestlers.

The hearing of netball player Megha Chaudhary, a Commonwealth Games probable, who tested positive for steroids, will be Sep 20.

The B-samples of these players have also returned positive and they now face the panel headed by retired sessions judge Dinesh Dayal.

Amar Muralidharan was the third swimmer to be tested positive for methylhexanamine, but he is not part of the Commonwealth Games squad. He, however, Friday asked for his B-samples to be sent for testing.

National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) had asked for a quick hearing keeping in mind the upcoming Commonwealth Games.

Source: Web Search

Sahaj, Girish, Shardul jointly lead after Rd 9

Fri, Sep 10 10 09:53 PM

New Delhi, Sep 10 (PTI) Both overnight leaders Sahaj Grover and Girish Koushik settled for draw while Maharashtra''s Shardul Gagare outplayed Antonio Viani in 62 moves to join the duo at the top after ninth round of National Sub-junior Chess Championship here today. The trio now have 7.5 points apiece as the contest for the national crown heated up. On the first board, local hope, IM Sahaj Grover drew with Ashraf Mohammed of Orissa from a game arising out of Winawer variation of the French defence. Sahaj was unable to penetrate into opponent''s camp and agreed for a draw in 19 moves. Former Under-10 world champion, Karnataka''s Girish Koushik faced a stiff challenge from World Under-12 silver medallist Murali Karthikeyan of Tamil Nadu. Girish opted out for a rarely played variation of the Guioco Piano. Girish was defensive throughout and later his offensive moves were thwarted by Murali to end up in a draw in 66 moves. In the Girls section, P V Nandhidhaa beat J Saranya of Tamil Nadu to extend her lead by 1.5 points. On the top board, Nandhidhaa playing the black pieces of the Sicilian defence did well into the endgame. Saranya seeing the advantage fading sacrificed a knight which was unsound and the game ended in 41 moves. Nandhidhaa now has 8.5 points. Two more stages remaining in the 11-round swiss system championship, a release said. Important Results (Round 9): Open: Mohammad Ashraf of Orissa (7) drew with IM Sahaj Grover of Delhi (7.5); Karthikeyan Murali of Tamil Nadu (7) drew with Girish A Kaushik of Karnataka (7.5); Antonio Viani D''cunha of Karnataka (6.5) lost to Gagare Shardul of Maharastra (7.5); Sahoo Utkal Ranjan of Orissa (6.5) drew with Nishvin J of Tamil Nadu (6.5); Pratik Patil of Maharastra (6) lost to Anurag Mhamal of Goa (7); Prince Bajaj of Delhi (7) beat Narayanan S L of Kerala (6); Shashaank D S of Tamil Nadu (7) beat Shubham Lakudkar of Maharastra (6); Mugil Jayavel of Tamil Nadu (6) lost to Sidhant Mohapatra of Orissa (7); Das Sayantan of West Bengal (6.5) beat Varun V of Andhra Pradesh (5.5); Ganesh R of Tamil Nadu (5.5) lost to G Akash of Tamil Nadu (6.5). Girls'': Saranya J of Tamil Nadu (6) lost to Nandhidhaa PV of Tamil Nadu(8.5); Sunyasakta Satpathy of Orissa (7) drew with Pratyusha Bodda of Andhra Pradesh (7); Bala Kannamma P of Tamil Nadu (7) beat Michelle Catherina P of Tamil Nadu (6); Rathore Sonakshi of Rajasthan (7) beat Arunima Kalra of Delhi (6); Agnihotri Ghosh of West Bengal (7) beat Lasya G of Andhra Pradesh (6); Shweta Gole of Maharastra (6.5) beat Vanessa D''souza of Karnataka (5.5); Madhurima Shekhar of Delhi (5.5) lost to Srija Seshadri of Tamil Nadu (6.5); Anjana Krishna S of Kerala (6) beat Janu V of Tamil Nadu (5.5); Priyanka Kumari of Jharkhand (5) lost to Varshini V of Tamil Nadu (6); Hema Priya N of Tamil Nadu (6) beat Aarudhra Ganesh of Tamil Nadu. PTI DB

Source: Published>

Delhi Games will see the biggest participation

Published>Fri, Sep 10 10 09:37 PM

New Delhi, Sep 10 (IANS) The 2010 Commonwealth Games will see around 7,000 athletes and team officials from 71 nations and territories descending on New Delhi, making it the biggest turnout in the Games history.

There were 5,766 athletes and team officials in attendance in Melbourne.

'Delhi 2010 is set to become the largest ever Commonwealth Games and we are confident that the Games will be conducted smoothly,' said Commonwealth Games Organising Committee (CGOC) secretary Lalit Bhanot.

Bhanot said the figure is likely to go up as more athletes may still be included.

'This number is likely to go up as the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) has a policy for accepting late entries and there are many requests.'

'The exact number of athletes will be known only when the Delegation Registration Meetings (DRM) are held between Sep 16 and Oct 2. Until this process is complete, the Organising Committee is not allowed by the CGF to reveal the names of the individual athletes,' he said.

Bhanot said there are many World, Olympic, Commonwealth Games and continental champions among the participants.

'We are sure that the paying spectators and the TV audiences across the world will enjoy watching these athletes perform in the world class facilities created here.

'We are confident that the athletes in 17 disciplines and four para sport events (150 athletes) will like the facilities here and deliver very good performance. They will also enjoy living in the Games Village, built to accommodate 7,200 people,' he said.

India will field the biggest contingent of more than 600 athletes and team officials while Botswana will be the smallest with less than five athletes and officials.

Many nations are sending their largest contingents to a Commonwealth Games outside their home nations.

With a 220-strong contingent, South Africa will be the biggest team from Africa.

India's neighbours Pakistan and Sri Lanka will send contingents of around 125 each. Australia (550), England (525), Canada (400), New Zealand (325), Malaysia (325), Scotland (300) and Wales (240) are the top seven countries in terms of contingent-size.

Source: Web Search

Sahaj, Girish, Shardul jointly lead after Rd 9

Fri, Sep 10 10 09:21 PM

New Delhi, Sep 10 (PTI) Both overnight leaders Sahaj Grover and Girish Koushik settled for draw while Maharashtra''s Shardul Gagare outplayed Antonio Viani in 62 moves to join the duo at the top after ninth round of National Sub-junior Chess Championship here today. The trio now have 7.5 points apiece as the contest for the national crown heated up. On the first board, local hope, IM Sahaj Grover drew with Ashraf Mohammed of Orissa from a game arising out of Winawer variation of the French defence. Sahaj was unable to penetrate into opponent''s camp and agreed for a draw in 19 moves. Former Under-10 world champion, Karnataka''s Girish Koushik faced a stiff challenge from World Under-12 silver medallist Murali Karthikeyan of Tamil Nadu. Girish opted out for a rarely played variation of the Guioco Piano. Girish was defensive throughout and later his offensive moves were thwarted by Murali to end up in a draw in 66 moves. In the Girls section, P V Nandhidhaa beat J Saranya of Tamil Nadu to extend her lead by 1.5 points. On the top board, Nandhidhaa playing the black pieces of the Sicilian defence did well into the endgame. Saranya seeing the advantage fading sacrificed a knight which was unsound and the game ended in 41 moves. Nandhidhaa now has 8.5 points. Two more stages remaining in the 11-round swiss system championship, a release said. Important Results (Round 9): Open: Mohammad Ashraf of Orissa (7) drew with IM Sahaj Grover of Delhi (7.5); Karthikeyan Murali of Tamil Nadu (7) drew with Girish A Kaushik of Karnataka (7.5); Antonio Viani D''cunha of Karnataka (6.5) lost to Gagare Shardul of Maharastra (7.5); Sahoo Utkal Ranjan of Orissa (6.5) drew with Nishvin J of Tamil Nadu (6.5); Pratik Patil of Maharastra (6) lost to Anurag Mhamal of Goa (7); Prince Bajaj of Delhi (7) beat Narayanan S L of Kerala (6); Shashaank D S of Tamil Nadu (7) beat Shubham Lakudkar of Maharastra (6); Mugil Jayavel of Tamil Nadu (6) lost to Sidhant Mohapatra of Orissa (7); Das Sayantan of West Bengal (6.5) beat Varun V of Andhra Pradesh (5.5); Ganesh R of Tamil Nadu (5.5) lost to G Akash of Tamil Nadu (6.5). Girls'': Saranya J of Tamil Nadu (6) lost to Nandhidhaa PV of Tamil Nadu(8.5); Sunyasakta Satpathy of Orissa (7) drew with Pratyusha Bodda of Andhra Pradesh (7); Bala Kannamma P of Tamil Nadu (7) beat Michelle Catherina P of Tamil Nadu (6); Rathore Sonakshi of Rajasthan (7) beat Arunima Kalra of Delhi (6); Agnihotri Ghosh of West Bengal (7) beat Lasya G of Andhra Pradesh (6); Shweta Gole of Maharastra (6.5) beat Vanessa D''souza of Karnataka (5.5); Madhurima Shekhar of Delhi (5.5) lost to Srija Seshadri of Tamil Nadu (6.5); Anjana Krishna S of Kerala (6) beat Janu V of Tamil Nadu (5.5); Priyanka Kumari of Jharkhand (5) lost to Varshini V of Tamil Nadu (6); Hema Priya N of Tamil Nadu (6) beat Aarudhra Ganesh of Tamil Nadu. PTI DB

Source: Published>

Team orders would shorten my F1 career, says Button

Published>Fri, Sep 10 10 09:17 PM

World champion Jenson Button has warned that legalising 'team orders' in Formula One would hasten his departure from the sport.

"It will definitely shorten my career in Formula One," the McLaren driver told Reuters at the Italian Grand Prix when asked how he would feel if such manipulation of drivers, currently banned, became accepted.

Team orders have been the talk of the paddock after Ferrari, preparing for their home race on Sunday, escaped any sporting sanction for orchestrating their one-two finish at the German Grand Prix in July so Fernando Alonso could win.

Ferrari were fined $100,000 by stewards after Brazilian Felipe Massa moved aside for his team mate while leading the race and after receiving radio messages telling him the Spaniard was faster.

The governing International Automobile Federation (FIA) said this week that the rule banning "team orders which interfere with a race result" since 2002 would be reviewed by the F1 Sporting Working Group.

"I don't understand it really. Since I've raced in Formula One, team orders haven't helped me or hindered me," said Button.

"It's not in this team's interests to have team orders because they want both drivers to be positive, and competitive, and to have a good relationship and for there to be a good atmosphere within the team.

"I don't know if it would ever happen, but if the regulation changes so you can have team orders then it will be very strange. It does change Formula One."

Asked directly whether he would quit, Button replied:

"I will be racing for the next year or so in F1, and I will enjoy it, but it does change your views of the sport a little bit if it ever happened.

"It's a very different way of going racing. If you look at German touring cars for example, they have two manufacturers and after the first three or four races it seems they all get behind one car.

"It would be a strange sport to be involved with if that's the case. I still hope it won't happen. If we want to see good racing then the way it is the best way. We shouldn't have team orders."

Source: Web Search

No country has expressed dengue fears: Bhanot

Published>Fri, Sep 10 10 08:47 PM

New Delhi, Sep 10 (IANS) Commonwealth Games Organising Committee secretary general Lalit Bhanot Friday allayed fears of athletes pulling out of the Oct 3-14 Games because of dengue in the national capital, categorically stating that that no country has expressed apprehensions about the mosquito-borne disease.

Bhanot said the government is taking all possible precautions to tackle the situation brought about by the unusually heavy monsoon.

'We have not received any letter from any of the participating nations expressing any fear on dengue.'

'We are in touch with the Delhi government, NDMC, MCD, and they are taking all possible steps to bring the situation under control. There is nothing unusual about it. This is the monsoon season and every year there are dengue cases during this time.

'The government has initiated special measures to contain the spread of dengue and I am sure that things will improve by the end of this month,' Bhanot said.

Dengue cases have been on the rise in the city, taking the tally to 1,652 Friday. The civic authorities admitted this was the worst outbreak of the disease in the megapolis in five years. A total of 72 new cases were reported in the city Friday.

Australia has issued an advisory to its citizens about the dengue in Delhi, though they have announced the biggest contingent of 550, surpassed only hosts India.

England, who are sending a contingent 525, have asked its athletes to take precautions like wearing long-sleeve tops, trousers and issued with deet (repellent) sprays for protection.

Bhanot said there was no contingency plan for the opening ceremony because of the incessant rains.

'I have seen so many Games, in Beijing, Seoul, Doha where there was rain on the first day. We have our programme ready for the opening ceremony and we will go ahead with it.'

Source: Web Search

Chiragh Kumar shoots 71 to post maiden professional win

Fri, Sep 10 10 08:27 PM

Gurgaon, Sep 10 (PTI) Chiragh Kumar of Delhi won his maiden professional title carding a tenacious 71 in the final round of the PGTI Players Championship here today. Chiragh totaled 10-under 278 for the tournament at the Golden Greens Golf and Country Club here. Mukesh Kumar of Mhow and Bangalore''s R Srinivas shared the second place after carding 74 and 72 respectively in the final round to end with identical totals of seven-under 281. Ashok Kumar finished fourth at five-under 283, while Vinod Kumar was a further stroke behind in fifth place. Sujjan Singh''s 69 was the best round of the day and helped him finish in tied eighth at even-par 288. Chiragh put up a resolute performance on an overcast day that witnessed just eight-under par scores to post his breakthrough win on the Aircel PGTI. The 26-year-old had his task cut out at the start of the round as he was tied for the lead along with the old warhorse Mukesh Kumar, the winner of 11 titles on the Aircel PGTI. Chiragh made a steady start as he made eight pars and a birdie on the front nine. The Delhi golfer produced an extraordinary tee shot on the par-three eighth which hit the flag and set up an easy birdie. Mukesh at the same time was a little inconsistent as he made three birdies, a bogey and a double bogey to be level par for the day at the turn. Chiragh hung in there on the back nine with some great driving and fantastic iron-play. The bogey on the 13th was a minor setback for Chiragh since Mukesh got back to the top of the leaderboard at the end of the 15th hole, thanks to three birdies that negated the effect of his double bogey on the 14th. Mukesh then started missing fairways and dropped bogeys on the last three holes, while Chiragh raised his game in time to birdie the final hole and bag his first professional title. The 2006 Asian Games silver medalist sealed it with the help of an amazing third shot on the 18th that landed within three feet of the pin. "It feels great to win my first title. The victory is yet to sink in. I was concentrating on playing to the best of my ability through the day and did not think too much about winning or losing," said Chiragh, who has climbed from 30th position to 11th place in the Rolex Rankings, still headed by Mukesh.

Source: Published>

SPORT-RACE

Fri, Sep 10 10 08:23 PM

Mysore, Sept 10 (PTI) Following are the results of the Eighth day''s races held here today. 1st race: The S Hajee Memorial Plate - 1200 M. Heat Haze (Manjri Horse Breed''s Farm Pvt Ltd) 62.5 Srinath first Maratha Conqueror 60.5 R Ravi second Gazellier 62.5 S John third Faustian 57.5 Tauseef Ahmed fourth Not Run:- A Game To Remember Rest all ran Won By : 3-3/4 Ls, 2-3/4 Ls and 5 Ls Time : One minute : 15.40 Seconds Tote : Rs 19 for win, Rs 12, Rs 37 and Rs 12 for places Favourite : Heat Haze Winner Trained by : Byramji R R Forecast: Rs 133 Quinella : Rs 138 SHP : Rs 134 Trin : 70 pct Rs 219 30 pct Rs 46. .

Source: Published>

Kapur lying second at KLM Open, Jeev fifth

Published>Fri, Sep 10 10 08:07 PM

Hilversum (The Netherlands), Sep 10 (IANS) Indian Shiv Kapur added a steady two-under 68 to go with is first round six-under 64 from the first round to move to eight-under 132 for two rounds at the KLM Open here Friday.

The 28-year-old Kapur, who has been going through a lean patch after losing a lay-off at the South African Open last December is now in a position to have a shy at his maiden European Tour title.

Giving the leaderboard a strong Indian touch was Jeev Milkha Singh, already a three-time European Tour winner, who shot second five-under 65 to move to six-under 134 after his first round of 69.

Jyoti Randhawa had rounds of 74 and 68 to be two-over 142 and was in danger of missing the cut.

The second round was still in progress.

Kapur had a round of three birdies and a solitary bogey at the Hilversumsche Golf Club. Having started patiently with seven consecutive pars, the former Asian Tour rookie of the year hit his approach to 12 feet at the eighth for his first birdie.

He collected two more, at the 12th and 17th, with his only dropped shot coming at the par three 15th. Kapur was level at the top with overnight leader Nicolas Colsaerts.

The big-hitting Belgian was among the afternoon wave of players and played his first eight holes in level par.

One behind in the clubhouse on seven under were former Open Champion Todd Hamilton - playing in Europe after losing his playing card on the US PGA Tour - and Swede Christian Nilsson.

Hamilton, a Major Champion at Royal Troon in 2004 but now 545th in the Official World Golf Ranking, had four birdies and a bogey in his round of 67.

Former Saint Omer Open winner Nilsson's 65 included an eagle at the 484 yard par five 12th.

The group tied for fifth included golf's most recent Major winner - Martin Kaymer continuing to impress on his return to the game after his US PGA Championship heroics with a second consecutive 67.

At six-under was home favourite Joost Luiten - second here in 2007 - who made a brilliant birdie at the sixth when, having found trouble off the tee, hacked out sideways onto the fairway and holed his approach, the ball spinning eight feet from the back of the green into the cup.

England's Danny Willett, in-form Australian Brett Rumford and Jeev were also in the clubhouse with 134 halfway totals.

Source: Web Search

Dicky Rutnagur gets Lifetime Achievement Award from IJA

Fri, Sep 10 10 07:53 PM

London, Sept 10 (PTI) London-based veteran Indian sports journalist Dicky Rutnagur has received a ''Lifetime Achievement Award'' from the Indian Journalists'' Association for his outstanding contribution to sports journalism. Leading NRI entrepreneurs S P Hinduja and G P Hinduja, Chairman and President respectively of the Hinduja Group presented the trophy to Dicky at a gala dinner at the prestigious Grosvenor House here last night. "I will always treasure this award as one of the high points of my life. I am really overwhelmed and I am deeply grateful to the IJA for this recognition," Rutnagur, who wrote for the Hindustan Times in India and the Daily Telegraph in the UK, said after receiving the award. The occasion was graced by Britain''s Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills Dr Vince Cable, India''s High Commissioner to the UK, Nalin Surie, the only Indian-origin minister in the British government, Shailesh Vara, among others. Dr Vince Cable, in his key-note address, referred to the "extra-ordinary transformation" India has been going through in recent years, lifting hundreds of millions of people out of poverty. "It is an extra-ordinary, political, economical and technological transformation," said Dr Cable, whose first wife hailed from Goa. He also acknowledged the contributions being made to Britain by Indian entrepreneurs, professionals, academics, cricketers and journalists.

Source: Published>

Bhullar zooms to tied 2nd in weather-hit Singapore Classic

Fri, Sep 10 10 07:23 PM

Singapore, Sep 10 (PTI) Rising Indian golfer Gaganjeet Bhullar brightened up a gloomy day with a brilliant five-under 65 to grab a share of the second spot in the weather-disrupted second round of the USD 400,000 Handa Singapore Classic here today. Bhullar''s 65, which included six birdies and an eagle against just one bogey, took his total to 12-under 132, six strokes behind leader Peter Karmis (63) of South Africa. Among other Indians in fray, SSP Chowrasia also carded a seven-under 65 and was a stroke adrift of Bhullar at tied sixth. With darkness leading to an early end to the proceedings, 19 players were left with incomplete second rounds. The play was delayed for two hours earlier in the morning due to lightning and Bhullar said it was not easy to acclimatise to the course and the conditions. "To be honest it wasn''t easy out there. It was raining and we had a two-hour delay after nine holes. I tried not to break the concentration and the tempo but I have been hitting and putting very well," he said. "We finished nine holes before the rain suspension and it was quite a shaky start in the beginning but after a while I started to get used to the weather and putting greens. Rain delays usually break your concentration but you have to remain focussed on your game," he added. "I have always hit the ball well but it has been my short game that has been letting me down. But my putting is good now." Chowrasia, who struck eight birdies against just one bogey on the final hole, said it was a relief to sign a low card after weeks of indifferent form on the European Tour and credited the rediscovered form to his new putter. More PTI PM AT

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EPL giants Chelsea eye Indian market

Fri, Sep 10 10 06:23 PM

New Delhi, Sep 10, (PTI) In a boost for Indian football, premier league giants Chelsea Football Club today said they are closely watching the Indian market to find like-minded corporate partners. "We want to enter the Indian market with grassroots level engagement. Chelsea FC does not want to come to India just to play a match as we are committed to development of football in this country," Ben Wells, Club''s head of marketing, said while speaking at the International Football Arena (IFA) round-table here today. The gathering discussed at length the ways to increase awareness level across India to make football viable for investments, merchandising and international partnering. National team coach Bob Houghton said "in order to develop and train our team, it is imperative that we infuse technical knowhow from international teams and not from international clubs. We also need to consolidate our existing calendar of tournaments to make the same more competitive." "India''s immediate aim is to be in the top 10 teams in Asia. The football association in tandem with various partners are working towards training and development of the current Indian team and the junior team," said All India Football Federation (AIFF) general secretary Alberto Colaco.

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Limbless French man to swim English Channel next week

Published>Fri, Sep 10 10 06:07 PM

London, Sept.10 (ANI): A limbless man, Philippe Croizon, has said that he will attempt to swim the English Channel next week.

The Frenchman lost his limbs in an accident 16 years ago and has only taught himself to swim in the last two years.

According to The Telegraph, he will attempt to become the first limbless person to swim the Channel - a distance of 21 miles.

Croizon, 42, will be fitted with prosthetic legs with flippers attached and a snorkel for the challenge.

He is expecting to take up to 24 hours, at a speed of 1.8 miles per hour, to complete it and will take regular one-minute breaks to eat and drink.

Croizan lost his limbs after suffering an electric shock at his home in Saint-Remy-sur-Creuse in west France. (ANI)

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Jenson Button leads opening Italian GP practice

Published>Fri, Sep 10 10 05:53 PM

Jenson Button was fastest in the opening practice session for the Italian Grand Prix, and McLaren and Red Bull lived up to the favorites billing while Ferrari lagged behind.

Button's lap of 1 minute, 23.693 seconds in his McLaren was one-tenth of a second faster than Red Bull counterpart Sebastian Vettel. Overall Formula One leader Lewis Hamilton was third for McLaren.

Mark Webber of Red Bull was sixth, and Ferrari pair Fernando Alonso and Felipe Massa were eighth and ninth, respectively. Alonso was nearly nine-tenths off the pace.

Hamilton leads Webber by three points going into Sunday's race, while third-place Vettel is 31 points behind the leader. Vettel, Button and Alonso are separated by only 10 points.

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FIA inspection of India's Formula One track a mere formality: Hughes

Published>Fri, Sep 10 10 05:47 PM

New Delhi, Sep. 10 (ANI): Vice President-Operations, Jaypee Sports International (JPSI) Mark Hughes here on Friday said that the inspection of Formula One race track in Greater Noida would be conducted by the International Automobile Federation (FIA), in May next year, and should be seen as just a formality.

Hughes said the ongoing construction work is being carried out as per the guidelines set by the FIA and the inspection team could suggest minor changes in the circuit.

He also informed that the 5.14 kilometers long track with sixteen turns would pose a great challenge to racers.

"From the first turn to the third, the track goes up 14 meters, which will give a challenge to drivers. While, turns ten and eleven are very fast corners and cars will move at 200 kilometers per hour in these corners," said Hughes

Boris Lazaric, Chief Operating Officer, JPSI- Construction said the stands are made in such a way that the spectators will feel as if they are in the race.

"On one side of the track we'll have four storey building and on the other we'll have six storey building, these building are very near the race track, so, the spectators will have feeling as if they are in the track sitting with Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari," said Lazaric

Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of JPSI Sameer Gaur said the company is hoping to open a racing school and academy.

"Keeping youngsters in mind, we are planning to open a school and academy, so that youths can come forward in racing," said Gaur.

He also informed that the Jaypee Group is looking forward to conducting Moto GP races and other exciting Indian games at the same place where the Formula One event will take place.

"We have to use this track 365 days. Formula One is just for seven to 10 days. And along with Moto GP we will bring truck racing and various different events, Indian events. But as of now, our primary focus is to take out India's first successful Formula One race," said Gaur.

The 2011 F1 season will start on the 13th March with the Bahrain Grand Prix and will conclude on the November 27 with the Brazilian Grand Prix. The Indian F1 Grand Prix is scheduled for October 30, 2011. By Mandar Chitre (ANI)

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Cricket will recover from match fixing, other controversies: Strauss

Published>Fri, Sep 10 10 05:37 PM

London, Sept.10 (ANI): England captain Andrew Strauss has said that he is not concerned about the future of cricket, and believes the match fixing scam involving Pakistani players, will not cause irreversible damage to the sport.

"I don't worry for the future of the game of cricket. It has survived many controversies over the years and will continue to do so. I do recognize the importance of ironing out any of these allegations, because ultimately they are a cancer that can spread and devalue the game," Sky Sports quoted Strauss, as saying.

He added: "I think the ICC are doing a very good job in making sure these problems are minimised - and as players, we have a responsibility to help them out in that."

"Despite whatever allegations have been out there, I still maintain that cricket generally is a very clean sport and that two teams are playing to beat the other 100 per cent. If I can allay fears, I think there is no chance in my mind that these games coming up will not be played in that spirit," he said. (ANI)

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FIA inspection of India's Formula One track a mere formality: Hughes

Published>Fri, Sep 10 10 05:27 PM

New Delhi, Sep. 10 (ANI): Vice President-Operations, Jaypee Sports International (JPSI) Mark Hughes here on Friday said that the inspection of Formula One race track in Greater Noida would be conducted by the International Automobile Federation (FIA), in May next year, and should be seen as just a formality.

Hughes said the ongoing construction work is being carried out as per the guidelines set by the FIA and the inspection team could suggest minor changes in the circuit.

He also informed that the 5.14 kilometers long track with sixteen turns would pose a great challenge to racers.

"From the first turn to the third, the track goes up 14 meters, which will give a challenge to drivers. While, turns ten and eleven are very fast corners and cars will move at 200 kilometers per hour in these corners," said Hughes

Boris Lazaric, Chief Operating Officer, JPSI- Construction said the stands are made in such a way that the spectators will feel as if they are in the race.

"On one side of the track we'll have four storey building and on the other we'll have six storey building, these building are very near the race track, so, the spectators will have feeling as if they are in the track sitting with Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari," said Lazaric

Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of JPSI Sameer Gaur said the company is hoping to open a racing school and academy.

"Keeping youngsters in mind, we are planning to open a school and academy, so that youths can come forward in racing," said Gaur.

He also informed that the Jaypee Group is looking forward to conducting Moto GP races and other exciting Indian games at the same place where the Formula One event will take place.

"We have to use this track 365 days. Formula One is just for seven to 10 days. And along with Moto GP we will bring truck racing and various different events, Indian events. But as of now, our primary focus is to take out India's first successful Formula One race," said Gaur.

The 2011 F1 season will start on the 13th March with the Bahrain Grand Prix and will conclude on the November 27 with the Brazilian Grand Prix. The Indian F1 Grand Prix is scheduled for October 30, 2011. By Mandar Chitre (ANI)

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Cricket South Africa approve Pietersen's return KwaZulu Natal Dolphins

Published>Fri, Sep 10 10 05:07 PM

Johannesburg (S. Africa), Sept.10 (ANI): Cricket South Africa has given the all clear to Kevin Pietersen to play two matches for the KwaZulu Natal Dolphins in an effort to regain form for the forthcoming Ashes series Down Under.

Pietersen will play in the Dolphins' first-class matches against the Warriors (Oct 7-10) and Titans (Oct 14-17), Sky Sports reports.

The Pietermaritzburg-born batsman started his career with the Dolphins, making his first-class debut for them in 1997 before leaving to pursue his career in England. He progressed to international level in 2004 but after a recent run of poor form was dropped for the first time by his adopted country for their T20 and one-day series against Pakistan.

Pietersen, who has not scored an international century for 18 months, is currently on loan at Surrey where he is playing the final two fixtures of the LV County Championship season.

Dolphins chief executive Jesse Chellan confirmed Pietersen will not be paid by the franchise.

"It is a two-game arrangement because that's the window he is available for. He has other commitments thereafter," said Chellan.

"He's a world-class player so his expertise on the field of play will be very valuable. We've got a very young squad here, and last year, we released a lot of senior players, so the team is very young," Chellan added.

"Nine out of the 10 players that we have recruited, the average age is 19, so we're hoping he will influence them in a positive manner in terms of confidence and self-belief," he said. (ANI)

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SLC confirms Fernando approached by bookies

Fri, Sep 10 10 05:03 PM

Colombo, Sep 10 (PTI) Sri Lanka Cricket has said that fast bowler Dilhara Fernando last year reported to the team management about a "suspicious approach" by alleged bookies but he was never under the ICC''s scanner for any wrongdoing. A report in ''The Island'' said that officers from ICC''s Anti-Corruption and Security Unit were here for an inquiry either early this year or late last year and a former manager of the national cricket team had functioned as a translator for Fernando in the inquiry. "Officers from ICC''s ACSU were in Colombo for an inquiry either early this year or late last year and Fernando had to be helped by a translator. A former manager of the national cricket team had functioned as the translator helping the inquiry. Fernando was under ICC investigations for almost two years now," the newspaper had said quoting unnamed sources. Denying this, the SLC said Fernando was subjected to a "regulation interview" when he voluntarily disclosed the approach by an alleged bookie to the ICC officials, who came here to gather information about the Lahore terror attack on Sri Lankan players last year. "The ICC ACSU has not brought such an issue to attention of SLC and it is unfair that such accusations are directed at our players without verifying the facts. In May 2009, the ICC''s ACSU travelled to Sri Lanka to interview Sri Lanka''s cricketers with regard to the Lahore terrorist attack on the Sri Lanka team bus. "During their visit to Sri Lanka, Dilhara Fernando voluntarily reported a suspicious approach to the team management and it was immediately referred to the ICC ACSU who in turned carried out a regulation interview with Dilhara," the SLC statement said. "The interviewing of players after the reporting of suspicious approaches is standard practice and above-mentioned cricketer followed the correct protocol. The ACSU then followed normal protocol and launched an investigation," it said. "We can confirm that no further information has been provided to us with regard to this incident or player that necessitates any action or raises any concern," it added. PTI PDS PM

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