Sushil Kumar's gold brings cheer to tainted Indian wrestling

Published>Mon, Sep 13 10 12:27 PM

New Delhi, Sep 13 (IANS) Wrestler Sushil Kumar's historic World Championship gold finally brought some cheer to Indian wrestling at a time when six wrestlers tested positive for banned drugs ahead of the Oct 3-14 Commonwealth Games and brought taint upon the sport.

Sushil defeated Russian Gogaev to win the 66-kg freestyle title in Moscow Sunday to become the first Indian to win a world wrestling championship gold medal.

The 3-1 win in the title-bout also made the 27-year-old the first Indian grappler to bag Olympic and World Championship medals. Sushil, who won the bronze medal at the Beijing Olympics, also holds Asian and Commonwealth titles.

Sushil's gold comes after Ramesh Kumar broke India's medal drought in the World Championship by winning the bronze in the 74-kg category last year. Uday Chand (bronze in 1961), Bishambhar Singh (silver in 1967) and female wrestler Alka Tomar (bronze in 2006) are the other World Championship medallists from India.

Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) president G.S. Mander hailed Sushil's feat and said that the Delhi boy had proved his mettle at every level.

'This gold means a lot for Indian wrestling and it is a big feat for Sushil to be the World, Asian and Commonwealth champion at the same time,' Mander said.

Mander said the gold medal comes as a much-needed boost for the sport that has been tainted with drug abuse of wrestlers.

'This is a big relief for us. In the last few years the federation has worked hard to clean the sport, but suddenly the drug test of six wrestlers got us lot of negative publicity. Suhsil's gold medal is a welcome change for us,' he said.

WFI secretary and former Asian Games gold medallist Kartar Singh was also elated with Sushil performance.

'I am excited with his achievement. The country was expecting a gold from him and he didn't disappoint. I have spoken to him and he told me that it was all due to god's grace. The competition was very tough, especially the semi-final against the European champion was a difficult bout. I told him to give his best even against the fancied Russian wrestler (in the final) as such chances come very rarely in life,' Kartar said.

Kartar hoped that winning the Commonwealth Games gold will not be a difficult task for Sushil now.

Coach Satpal Singh, a 1982 Asian Games gold medallist, also showered praise on Sushil.

'He had prepared extremely well and it is not easy to win five straight bouts in day. But Sushil did it. Without any doubt he is the best wrestler India has ever produced. He is humble and sincere and that makes him what he is. I have always maintained that Sushil is destined for bigger things in life and now everybody will realise that his bronze at Olympics wasn't a fluke,' Singh said.

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NZ could pull out of Delhi Games over security concerns

Mon, Sep 13 10 12:19 PM

New Zealand were committed to competing at next month's Delhi Commonwealth Games but would have no hesitation pulling out if any security concerns were raised, team management said on Monday.

"Anyone suggesting that we are going to put our athletes at risk is mischievous," New Zealand Olympic Committee (NZOC) president Mike Stanley told reporters in Auckland.

"Right now, New Zealand is planning to be in Delhi. If things change and the New Zealand Government can't advise us that our athletes are secure in that environment, then we won't go."

Security issues at sporting events within the region have been hotly debated since an attack on Sri Lankan cricketers in Lahore, Pakistan last year, though Games organisers have promised a high level of security.

Seven New Zealand police officers would join a multinational contingent of more than 40 police from Canada, Australia, and Britain, who would also provide advice to team management and additional security for the Oct. 3-14 Games, Stanley said.

"We believe this is the best way to securing our team," he said. "We have a multinational approach which is well organised. We are confident it will provide our team with the advice it needs to make the most appropriate decisions."

Stanley said the security assessment would be ongoing and there was no deadline for a final decision on participation.

"That could be right up until the start of the Games and it will be monitored (throughout)," he added.

"It's just one of those things we have to be vigilant about and we have to take it on a day-by-day basis."

New Zealand's chef de mission Dave Currie leaves for Delhi on Tuesday to undertake a final inspection of facilities and security, with the first New Zealand athletes due in the Indian capital on Sept. 25.

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Ferguson warns Rooney against sexcapade repeat

Published>Mon, Sep 13 10 11:53 AM

London, Sep 13(ANI): Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson had reportedly opted to dump striker Wayne Rooney from the Premier League clash against Everton as a punishment designed to ram home his point: Never step out of line again.

During the post-match press conference, Ferguson insisted that he left Rooney out to save him from abuse by Everton fans.

However, it is believed that Ferguson has made it clear to Rooney that there must be no repeats.

"I don't think you should put it all on the crowd. The manager there knows what he's doing and I'm sure he did what he thought was right," The Sun quoted David Moyes, Everton manager, as saying.

"Maybe he was just making sure everybody realizes if you play for United you have to conduct yourself in a certain manner and the football club doesn't really care who you are," he added.

The Everton clash was supposed to be Rooney's first game in England since revelations about how he used 1,200 pounds-a-night prostitutes while his wife Coleen was pregnant with son Kai. (ANI)

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Sports chief still in dark over future with USATF

Published>Mon, Sep 13 10 11:45 AM

Embattled U.S. athletics chief Doug Logan is still awaiting word on his future with USA Track and Field (USATF) and told Reuters on Sunday he had "not a clue" when the agonising uncertainty would end.

"I have no idea," Logan said in a phone call from Indianapolis. "I met with them for an hour (on Saturday).

"I was able to speak my sentiments. There were a few questions and then they went to dinner," the former Major League Soccer (MLS) commissioner added.

Logan, USATF's CEO since July 2008, has drawn fire for his hands-on leadership and desire for change, and the governing body's board of directors met in executive session in Las Vegas on Saturday and Sunday to discuss whether to retain him.

His contract runs through 2013.

The board meeting continued on Sunday without Logan who has received strong backing from nine times Olympic champion Carl Lewis for his work.

"I have not a clue when they will make a decision," Logan said.

USATF president Stephanie Hightower did not return telephone calls or text messages seeking comment.

She said earlier in the week the board wanted to thoroughly discuss the matter and would not be rushed into a decision.

She would not confirm what the board was discussing, although Logan said he was to be the sole topic of the meeting.

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Fixers targetting kids in under-age cricket tourneys: May

Mon, Sep 13 10 11:27 AM

London, Sep 13 (PTI) International Players'' Union chief Tim May fears the betting mafia might be targetting children in under-age cricket tournaments to get them involved in corruption at the senior level. "We understand players are being increasingly targetted at under-age tournaments by the various elements that are floating around the game," May was quoted as saying by ''The Daily Mirror''. "We''re continually told that you''re in (involved in corruption) you can''t get out so it''s no surprise that young players are coming under pressure. "We regularly talk about the importance of player education among international players, but this has to filter down to those playing at domestic level and also at the various age groups underneath," he said. Pakistan''s 18-year-old pacer Mohammed Aamir, who is the youngest bowler to take 50 Test wickets, currently finds himself at the center of a spot-fixing row which has led to his suspension along with his Test skipper Salman Butt and fellow fast bowler Mohammad Asif. May said youngsters are vulnerable and it does not really matter whether they come from Pakistan or any other country. "It would be naive to think that this issue is confined to Pakistan. Recently we''ve seen reports of Bangladeshi players and Australian players coming out and saying they''ve been approached by bookmakers in the recent past. "This would appear to indicate that they''re not solely concerned with Pakistan players," he said. Head of the Professional Cricketers Association (PCA) Angus Porter echoed May''s views and said players have to be educated throughly on the matter. "We''re trying to educate young players of the risk that they run by not being careful of who they accept as friends on social networking sites and who they give access to personal and private information," he said. "This can then lead to the establishment of a relationship that might be innocent to begin with but then might involve certain favours. "There is a danger people can be led astray and led into bad habits. It would be wrong to be complacent," he added. PTI PM

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Santos player says hit by policeman in after-match brawl

Published>Mon, Sep 13 10 11:17 AM

A row involving Brazil teenager Neymar at Santos' match with Ceara on Sunday developed into a mass brawl in which team mate Marquinhos was struck in the ribs, allegedly by a policeman.

After the final whistle in Santos' 2-1 defeat at Ceara's Castelao ground in the Brazilian championship, Neymar became embroiled in an argument with home defender Joao Marcos, who had subjected him to some rough marking.

Players from both sides began fighting and police came onto the pitch to break them up with television replays showing Marquinhos being pushed by a policeman.

Marquinhos said the policeman hit him in the ribs with his truncheon although this was not visible in the replays. Television did show the policeman running away from the pitch.

"I was pulling Neymar (away from the fighting) and the cop gave it to me with his truncheon in my ribs," Marquinhos told reporters. "The police commander, who was nearby, saw that I was hit, as well as a reporter. Here's the mark in my ribs," he said indicating what appeared to be a bruise.

Santos, who won the Paulista championship and Copa Brasil earlier in the season playing a scintillating style, have recently gone off the boil and are sixth in the standings with 31 points, 10 behind leaders Fluminense.

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Spot-fixing shadow over IPL II now, report talks of a list of 29

Published>Mon, Sep 13 10 10:57 AM

With the dust yet to settle on the spot-fixing controversy involving Pakistani players, The Sunday Times of London today reported that the International Cricketing Council (ICC) had prepared a secret dossier stating that 29 cricketers were under the scanner for "spot-fixing" during the second edition of IPL.

This list of players includes "some high-profile names, but none from England or Pakistan", The Sunday Times reported. Players of the two countries had stayed out of IPL II due to security concerns, also the reason for the tournament eventually moving to South Africa. According to the report, the list of 29 includes two Australians.

While there have been fears of the Indian Premier League matches coming under the influence of bookies, including those expressed by former chief of the ICC's Anti-Corruption and Security Unit (ACSU) Paul Condon, there has been no credible proof of involvement of players - most of whom earned more money playing in the IPL than they perhaps ever hoped.

Incidentally, the ACSU was not involved in the second edition of the IPL after talks between the BCCI and ICC broke down over fees to be paid to officers of the anti-corruption unit.

There was no clarification from the ICC after The Sunday Times report, which said the 29 were under the scanner of the ACSU, but top bosses at the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) questioned the allegations.

"I never got any report, nor have they informed me. This issue is completely untrue," BCCI Secretary N Srinivasan told The Indian Express. BCCI's Chief Administrative Officer Prof Ratnakar Shetty said: "I haven't heard of this."

Another top BCCI official accused "everyone" of wanting to drag the IPL into a spot-fixing scandal. "These reports are uncalled for. It seems everyone is hell bent on getting the IPL into the whole fixing muddle. If the ICC had such a dossier and suspected so many players of fixing matches, why didn't they inform the board for so long? I think it's nothing more than convenient timing," the official said.

Cricket Australia (CA) too said neither it nor the ICC had no knowledge of involvement of any Australian players. CA spokesperson Peter Young claimed the ICC had contacted them offering assurances it had no knowledge of improper conduct by Australian players. "It's news to us and it's news to the ICC," Young said.

After the first IPL in 2008, Condon had warned that "the IPL brings with it the biggest threat in terms of corruption in the game since the days of cricket in Sharjah".

In a presentation to the ICC Executive Board last year about IPL 2009, he had expressed concerns about the easy access people had to players.

The tournament had seen Bangalore Royal Challengers beat Deccan Chargers in the final. Both teams had finished at the bottom of the table in the inaugural edition of the IPL.

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US Open: Wet weather rains on Nadal's parade

Published>Mon, Sep 13 10 10:53 AM

Rafa Nadal will have to wait at least one more day for a chance to complete his collection of grand slam titles after persistent rain washed out Sunday's US Open men's final against Novak Djokovic.

For the third year in a row, the championship decider was postponed until Monday after foul weather ruined any chance of the match proceeding as scheduled.

Rain began falling less than two hours before the match was due to begin, forcing a halt to the women's doubles final that was nearing completion in Arthur Ashe Stadium.

About three and a half hours later, with no end in sight to the downpour, tournament officials decided to abandon play and reschedule the men's final at 4 p.m. (2000 GMT) on Monday.

Due to the continued uncertainty of the weather forecast for the remainder of the evening, and with the desire to be fair to the players and to our fans, the US Open men's single championship will be postponed until Monday, tournament organisers said in a statement.

More than 20,000 people who had tickets for the match were forced to make a retreat while the delay stalled Nadal's bid to capture the one grand slam title that has eluded him.

The Spaniard has already won the other three major titles during his career and a victory in New York would see him become just the seventh man to win all four grand slams.

The world number one was an overwhelming favourite to win the title after cruising into his first New York final without dropping a set.

But the delay gives an unexpected reprieve to Djokovic, who was left battling exhaustion after beating Roger Federer in a gruelling five-set semi-final on Saturday.

The extra day of rest will give the Serbian a chance to recover after he endured a sleepless night.

I was watching golf and trying to sleep but because of the adrenalin I couldn't. I was walking around killing time, he told local television. It's unfortunate rain stopped us but tomorrow is a new day. I will try to rest as much as I can and get some recovery.

I'm sure I will be fit to play my best tennis.

The postponement once again raised questions about why there is no roof over centre court at the US Open.

The centre courts at both the Australian Open and Wimbledon have retractable roofs while organisers of the French Open are in talks about covering up their main court.

But US Tennis Association officials have balked at the idea because of the cost of covering Arthur Ashe Stadium, the largest tennis stadium in the world.

It's technically complex and financially challenging, USTA spokesman Chris Widmaier told Reuters. At a cost of more than $150 million, do you spend that on a roof or continue to fund grassroots tennis programs in this country?

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CA denies Oz players'' involvement in IPL match-fixing report

Mon, Sep 13 10 10:37 AM

Melbourne, Sep 13 (PTI) Cricket Australia today refuted reports that two of its players were under the ICC''s scanner for suspected involvement in match-fixing during the Indian Premier League''s second season last year. CA''s rebuttal came after British newspaper ''The Times'' reported that of the 29 players cited by the ICC''s anti-corruption and security unit for suspected involvement in match or spot-fixing, it was "thought there are two Australians" on the list. The newspaper quoted an unnamed source as saying that "some betting patterns were very suspicious at IPL 2" which was held in South Africa last year. "We don''t have any knowledge of this. The ICC tells us they don''t have any knowledge either," CA chief spokesman Peter Young was quoted as saying by ''The Sydney Morning Herald''. Nineteen Australians played in the Twenty20 event last year and inaugural IPL champions'' Rajasthan Royals'' skipper-cum-coach Shane Warne said he is confident that the event was corruption-free. "In the time I have played in the IPL, I have never been approached or heard anything at the Royals regarding match-fixing," said Warne.

Source: Published>

Wounded Barca have Panathinaikos in their sights

Published>Mon, Sep 13 10 09:37 AM

Panathinaikos could be on the receiving end of a Champions League backlash from a wounded Barcelona on Tuesday after the La Liga giants were stunned 2-0 at fortress Nou Camp by unfancied Hercules at the weekend.

Barca host the Greek side for their opening Group D clash (1845 GMT) smarting from a first home defeat in the Spanish league since May 2009, one that defender Daniel Alves said had raised the hackles of coach Pep Guardiola's players.

"Winning is the only thing that matters at this club and when we don't win we get angry," the Brazilian said at a news conference on Sunday.

"Whatever team we're facing we're always motivated to win and Tuesday will be no different. We'll go out there with the same motivation but we hope that we show a bit more quality."

Barca were denied a second straight triumph in Europe's elite club competition when they lost out in last season's semi-finals to Jose Mourinho's Inter Milan, who went on to defeat Bayern Munich in the final at the Bernabeu.

With Portuguese Mourinho now at Barca's arch rivals Real Madrid, the Catalans will be keen to lay down a marker and kick their latest European campaign off with a convincing home win.

Guardiola's decision to rest World Cup-winners Xavi, Sergio Busquets, Pedro and Carles Puyol against Hercules backfired and even with Spain striker David Villa and Argentina forward Lionel Messi on the pitch the 2009 winners were worryingly toothless.

PAINFUL LESSON

However, Spain midfielder Andres Iniesta, scorer of the winning goal against Netherlands in the World Cup final in July, said the Barca players would learn from the defeat and move on.

"We play a lot of matches and we know that what counts is the day to day," he told reporters. "This was a lesson for us and that's that."

Back in the Champions League after an absence of one season, Panathinaikos warmed up for Tuesday's match with a 1-0 win at Aris Salonika that leaves them in third place after two matches.

Their best Champions League performance came in the 2001-02 season when they reached the last eight before losing to Barca.

France international Djibril Cisse, who helped Panathinaikos to a Greek league and cup double last season, scoring 29 goals in all competitions, netted the winner at Aris and will likely play as a lone striker at the Nou Camp.

Midfielder Lazaros Christodoulopoulos, striker Antonis Petropoulos and defenders Giorgos Seitaridis and Nikos Spiropoulos will not travel due to various injuries.

Former Liverpool midfielder Luis Garcia, who is not expected to start, returns to the the club where he was a youth trainee alongside Xavi, Puyol, Iniesta and goalkeeper Victor Valdes.

Danish side FC Copenhagen and Russia's Rubin Kazan complete Group D and play in Copenhagen also on Tuesday.

Probable teams:

Barcelona: 1-Victor Valdes; 2-Daniel Alves, 3-Gerard Pique, 5-Carles Puyol, 22-Eric Abidal; 16-Sergio Busquets, 6-Xavi, 8-Andres Iniesta; 10-Lionel Messi, 7-David Villa, 17-Pedro.

Panathinaikos: 30-Alexandros Tzorvas; 22-Stergos Marinos, 4-Jean Alain Boumsong, 3-Josu Sarriegi, 24-Loukas Vintra; 29-Kostas Katsouranis, 15-Gilberto Silva; 26-Giorgos Karagounis, 11-Sebastian Leto; 7-Sotiris Ninis; 9-Djibril Cisse.

Referee: Nicola Rizzoli (Italy)

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Boy's U.S. Open winner Sock a perfect fit for Djokovic

Published>Mon, Sep 13 10 09:21 AM

Jack Sock became the first American since Andy Roddick ten years ago to win the boys' title at the U.S. Open on Sunday and could yet play a role in deciding the winner of the men's final.

Sock has twice played with Novak Djokovic on the practice courts at Flushing Meadows, most recently on Saturday ahead of the Serbian's epic five-set semi-final victory against Roger Federer.

Following that match and his Open triumph, Sock revealed Djokovic's coaching team thanked him for his part in the shock win over Roger Federer in Saturday's semi-final.

"I was happy for him as he's playing very well, that was a great win for him," said Sock, who turns 18 later this month. "I didn't see him after the match yesterday but I saw his coaches and they said 'great job, way to go.'"

Unseeded Sock, who is still in school and brought homework with him to New York, dropped the first set in the all-American showdown with Denis Kudla before winning 3-6 6-2 6-2.

Sock later played down the expectations of the American media and public, who have already tagged him as one of the game's next great players.

"I'm practising hard and working hard and I hope to be in the American tennis spotlight and hopefully I can get to that level one day but I just don't know," said the teenager.

The girls' final was a far more one-sided affair as Daria Gavrilova comfortably beat fellow Russian and close friend Yulia Putintseva 6-3 6-2.

The pair first played each other eight years ago and train together at the Mouratoglou Tennis Academy on the outskirts of Paris that has helped produce the likes of Marcos Baghdatis and Paul-Henri Mathieu.

Gavrilova's win marked a remarkable year for the number one seed, who won gold last month at the Youth Olympics and intends to focus more heavily on the professional ranks next season.

"I slept so bad during the night. I woke up like 10 times and I was thinking - I think I played like in my dreams my match like 10 times," she said before admitting that she had not always come out on top in her dreams.

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Tottenham's Modric cleared to travel to Bremen

Mon, Sep 13 10 09:17 AM

Tottenham Hotspur's Croatia midfielder Luka Modric has been given the all-clear to travel to Werder Bremen for the London club's Champions league debut on Tuesday after fears he had been seriously injured.

Modric scored in the 1-1 draw at West Bromwich Albion in the Premier League on Saturday but limped off before halftime. He left the ground on crutches after taking a knock to the fibula he fractured last season, an injury which kept him out for three months.

However, a statement from Tottenham on Sunday said the 25-year-old would travel with the squad for the Group A match after x-rays came back clear.

The club added on their website (www.tottenhamhotspur.com) that the playmaker would "continue to be monitored prior to being made available for selection on Tuesday."

Spurs are playing in the European Cup for the first time since 1962 having qualified through the playoffs.

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Fulham striker Zamora has successful leg surgery

Mon, Sep 13 10 08:37 AM

Fulham's England striker Bobby Zamora has had successful surgery on his broken leg, the Premier League club said on Sunday.

The 29-year-old suffered the injury during Saturday's 2-1 league win over Wolverhampton Wanderers at Craven Cottage.

"The operation was viewed as successful by the surgeon and the fracture to the fibula was repaired, ligament damage was also discovered and repaired during the operation," the club said in a statement on their website (www.fulhamfc.com).

Fulham manager Mark Hughes said Zamora, who signed a new four-year contract with the west London team on Friday, would be ruled out for at least four months.

Source: Published>

Sushil creates history, this time with a gold at Worlds

Published>Mon, Sep 13 10 06:53 AM

It took an Indian wrestler over 41 World Championships and 59 years to win a gold. When Sushil Kumar achieved what has looked like an impossible dream for Indian wrestling, he was relieved more than anything else.

Having created history by winning India's first ever gold at the World Wrestling championships ? the toughest competition in the sport, and only the second in terms of worldwide appeal to the Olympics ? Sushil, a bronze-medal winner at the Beijing Games, hardly had a moment to celebrate. He was whisked away for a mandatory dope test.

But soon he was back on the phone. He was dying to talk to people back in India, especially those who helped him reach the pinnacle of the sport once again in a span of little over two years. Sushil had been working towards this moment for the past one year; since he lost out on a medal in the World Championships in 2009. In the same year compatriot Ramesh Kumar stepped into the spotlight after winning a bronze.

"I was expecting it," he told The Indian Express from Moscow soon after the final. "It wasn't easy, but I was confident. I had been working on this for the past one year. It hurt to lose out on a medal back then, more so since I was very confident. But a few silly mistakes kept me out of the podium. I was determined to make it this time around," he said.

Sushil outwitted Russian grappler Alan Gogaev 3-1 in the final of the 66 kg freestyle category, with two crucial points in the first round and one in the second. Only the second Indian Olympic medalist in wrestling, Sushil got a bye in the first round, then beat Akritidis of Greece, Martin Sebastian of Germany and Buyan Jav of Mongolia en route to the final. In the semifinals, he edged out Jabrayil Hasanov of Azerbaijan 4-3.

Ramphal, his coach of many years, was over the moon. "Nothing can be better than this. This is much, much bigger than anything else," he said. Asked if this would be ideal preparation for the Commonwealth Games, Ramphal said, "Commonwealth ka medal toh bahut chhota hai iske samne (Commonwealth medal is too small in front of this)."

National coach Jagmender Singh said that with the hard work Sushil had been putting in, it was not a surprise. "He is among the top four in the world in his category and between them, anyone can win on a given day. We were confident of Sushil winning a medal. But the gold is a huge achievement," he said.

Sushil himself, though, hardly had time to think. "I cannot speak much now. I have to give my sample for dope testing. They will not wait," he said.

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Rain pushes back US Open men's final

Published>Mon, Sep 13 10 06:17 AM

New York, Sep 13 (DPA) Rain wrecked what had been a near-perfect fortnight at the US Open, with the final between Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic postponed until Monday.

The scheduling setback marks the third year in succession that the men's final has been unable to be contested on the Sunday. In 2008 Roger Federer beat Andy Murray, while in 2009 the Swiss lost in a fifth set to Argentine Juan Del Potro.

Officials announced Sunday evening that the end of the women's doubles final will start at 2.55 p.m. (1855 GMT) with the men's final due to start at 2000 GMT.

The delay can only prove beneficial to Djokovic after the Serb fought for nearly four hours Saturday to defeat five-time winner Federer in five sets. No matter how he fares in his 22nd meeting with the Spanish world number one, the 23-year-old will return to second in the standings.

The rain drama will boost calls for the cash-rich American federation to open up and pay the tens of millions of dollars required for a roof. The shame factor could eventually work to this end, with the Australian Open set to have three covered courts and Wimbledon putting a roof on Centre Court in 2009.

Nadal was delayed in his quest to complete a career Grand Slam, with the US Open the only major missing from his resume.

Nadal stands 14-7 over Djokovic, who won the 2008 Australian Open. The Spaniard is also aiming to become the first man since Rod Laver in 1969 to win three consecutive Slams after claiming repeat trophies in 2010 at Roland Garros (his fifth) and Wimbledon (second).

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Perfect, all-round show for us: Kumble

Mon, Sep 13 10 12:57 AM

Centurion, Sep 12 (PTI) Royal Challengers Bangalore skipper Anil Kumble today described his side''s nine-wicket crushing of underdogs Guyana in their opening Champions League Twenty20 match here as a "perfect game" with his players coming up with an all-round show. "It was a perfect game. We came up with an all-round show. The bowlers did a great job to restrict Guyana to 103 and then the batsmen finished off the match in style. It is good feeling that we have started the tournament with a win," Kumble said after RCB''s nine-wicket victory. He said once the Guyana top-order, including captain Ramnaresh Sarwan, were out cheaply, his players knew they had a chance to restrict the opposition to a small total. "The first couple of overs were critical. Once Sarwan was out cheaply, the pressure was on them. When we chased the thought was always there to end the match fast (to boost the net run-rate], but you needed solid platform too. Rahul and Kallis did just that for Robin to be able to tee off," he said. "The players got enough time at the middle and I am hoping that we would do well in the coming matches," he added. Guyana captain Ramnaresh Sarwan admitted that once his side put up just 100-odd runs they knew it won''t be enough against a star-studded RCB side. "We did not put enough runs on the board. We lost early wickets and that put the pressure on us. There was not just enough runs to defend," he said. "But majority of the players have never played in these conditions, and it is a learning experience. But we really need to learn fast," he added. Man of the Match Jacques Kallis was happy that he could play a big role in his side''s win after coming off from an injury. "I am coming back from a back injury, so I couldn''t put too much work in the lead-up to the tournament. I am happy with my performance," he said. "The team has got fantastic preparation in lead-up to the tournament. Credit should go to coach Ray (Jennings). We got good nets, good net bowlers." PTI PDS

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Strauss ton lifts England to victory over Pakistan

Mon, Sep 13 10 12:37 AM

Andrew Strauss delivered the perfect riposte to those questioning his place in England's one-day team with a polished 126 to help his side to a four-wicket win over Pakistan in Leeds on Sunday.

After Pakistan, hopeless in the Twenty/20 internationals, had scored a testing 294 for eight, England were always close to their near six an over target as they moved 2-0 up in the five-match series.

Captain Strauss was the backbone and though it proved a nervous finale after the opener departed with 47 runs still needed, Michael Yardy and Tim Bresnan brought England home with three balls to spare.

Despite the defeat Pakistan will have been pleased with their display, not least in the field where they were much improved.

They also produced one of their best batting displays of their long tour of England after winning the toss on a rare sunny morning in Leeds.

Kamran Akmal (74) and Mohammad Hafeez (43) built an opening stand of 122 in 23 overs with Akmal in particular punishing some loose England bowling with a slew of boundaries.

The assault was maintained by Mohammad Yousuf (46) and Asad Shafi, a late call-up for the tour who hit 50 from 57 balls, including one mighty straight six off spinner Graeme Swann, as England did not help their own cause with some poor fielding.

England set about the chase confidently and opener Steven Davis, who hit 87 in the first match of the series, started powerfully again with 26 off 21 balls before being caught behind off Shoaib Akhtar.

Strauss took up the mantle, bringing up his 50 with a big six off left-arm spinner Shahid Afridi and going along untroubled with Jonathan Trott until the number three was run out for 53 attempting an impossible single.

Strauss, dropped on 25 and lucky to escape an appeal for a catch behind the wicket, otherwise looked comfortable until he fell lbw trying to sweep Saeed Ajmal.

The wicket came after England had gone into their shell, the rate creeping up to 8.5 needed, and when big hitters Eoin Morgan and Ravi Bopara each fell for 16 it set up a tense last few overs.

However, Yardy (13 not out) and Bresnan (10 not out) kept their nerve to bring England home for a victory that lifted them to second, behind Australia, in the world one-day rankings.

"When you are chasing 290-odd you need one guy to bat the majority of the innings so the partnership with Trotty set things up pretty well and we just needed a decent finish," Strauss told Sky Sports.

"I'm enjoying playing with a bit more freedom at the moment. There is a lot of confidence in the group and it's at the moment it#'s good fun."

The third match of the series is a day-nighter at The Oval on Friday.

Source: Published>

RCB crush Guyana by nine wkts in CLT20

Mon, Sep 13 10 12:23 AM

Centurion, Sep 12 (PTI) Jacques Kallis starred with an all-round performance as Royal Challengers Bangalore crushed underdogs Guyana by nine wickets in their opening Champions League Twenty20 match here today. Kallis captured three wickets for 16 to play a big role in RCB skittling out Guyana for a paltry 103 after captain Anil Kumble put the opposition in and later smashed an unbeaten 43 to help his side overhaul the target with more than seven overs remaining at SuperSport Park here. Veteran batsman Rahul Dravid, who opened the innings with Kallis, contributed 33 as RCB scored 106 in 12.2 overs to start their campaign on a winning note. Kallis remained not out on 43 from 32 balls with the help of four fours and a six while Dravid, the only RCB batsman dismissed today, hit three fours in his 34-ball innings. One-down Robin Uthappa chipped in with an eight-ball cameo of 25 not out which he made with the help of two fours and an equal number of sixes. The Guyana bowlers, lacking in international exposure, failed to make any impact against the top class RCB batsmen who scored runs almost at will. With a meager total of 104 to chase, Kallis and Dravid did not take much risk with too many shots before Uthappa ended the match in a flash by taking 21 runs in the 12th over with the help of two sixes and a four off Christopher Barnwell. Uthappa hit the winning runs -- a four -- in the 13th over to overhaul the target. Earlier, Kallis led a disciplined RCB bowling attack with three wickets, including two in three balls, as they shot out Guyana for 103. Kallis claimed Guyana captain Ramnaresh Sarwan''s (7) crucial wicket early in the innings before scalping two batsmen in the 16th over after Kumble elected to field after winning the toss. Kallis (3/16) was ably supported by Kumble, Praveen Kumar and Nayan Joshi by chipping in with a wicket each as RCB bowlers tied down the Guyanese batsmen, most of whom lacking in international exposure, all through the innings. Barnwell top-scored with a 35-ball 30 while the next highest scorer was opener Sewnarine Chattergoon with an 18. Kumble''s decision to bowl first was proved right by his pacers Dale Steyn and Kumar as the pace duo tied down Guyana batsmen with the help of some early swing. .

Source: Published>

Kapur drops to 11th, Jeev 26th in KLM Open

Published>Mon, Sep 13 10 12:13 AM

Hilversum (The Netherlands), Sep 12 (IANS) Shiv Kapur and Jeev Milkha Singh faltered on the final day Sunday and ended way down tied 11th and tied 26th as Martin Kaymer won the KLM Open with a ruthless display of precision golf.

Kaymer, who was playing his first event since winning the US PGA Championship, totalled 14 under par for the week as he won by four strokes.

Kapur, who was in contention even after three rounds, shot a one-over 71, as did Jeev and dropped down. Jeev had been in the top five on the first two days.

Kapur had four bogeys and three birdies, while Jeev had two bogeys and one birdie on the final day.

After birdieing the last two holes of his third round to lead by one, Kaymer quickly extended the lead over playing partners Fabrizio Zanotti and Christian Nilsson to three.

Paraguayan Zanotti and Swede Nilsson both dropped a shot at the first, and when the 25 year old birdied the second, Kaymer began to dominate the proceedings.

An unerring display of accuracy saw him make 17 greens in regulation - his display leaving the rest of the field needing something special to mount a challenge that never seriously materialised.

Zanotti and Nilsson shared second on 10-under, while Open Championship winner Louis Oosthuizen, who made the cut on the mark, moved through the field with a 65 to join David Horsey, Jose Manuel Lara and Gonzalo Fernandez-Castano to share the fourth on

nine-under.

Kaymer's triumph was the fifth victory in a row by a member of Europe's Ryder Cup Team.

Kaymer's second successive victory takes him almost euros 500,000 clear of Northern Ireland's Graeme McDowell - Europe's other current major champion - at the top of The Race to Dubai.

He also joins another cup teammate, Miguel Angel Jimenez, as a three-time winner this season.

Kaymer's triumph at Whistling Straits last month started the amazing run of success by Colin Montgomerie's men.

Peter Hanson won a week later at the Czech Open, then Edoardo Molinari in the Johnnie Walker Championship and Jimenez last week at the Omega European Masters.

Kaymer's only mistake on the final day was a bogey at the short tenth, but he had gone to the turn at 33 to be three clear and a birdie two holes later widened the gap again.

Zanotti and Nilsson produced performances that will ensure they keep their European Tour cards for the next season, having gone into the event precariously placed on The Race to Dubai.

Francesco Molinari and Ross Fisher were the other two Ryder Cup players in the field and they finished eighth and 11th respectively.

Source: Web Search

Hamilton suffers another Monza nightmare

Published>Mon, Sep 13 10 12:07 AM

Lewis Hamilton suffered another Monza nightmare on Sunday when he went out of the Italian Grand Prix without completing a lap and lost his championship lead.

The McLaren driver banged wheels with Ferrari's Brazilian Felipe Massa at the Della Roggia chicane while challenging for third place, breaking the McLaren's front right suspension.

Massa's Ferrari was undamaged and he went on to finish third, with team mate Fernando Alonso winning and McLaren's Jenson Button runner-up after leading more than half the race.

Hamilton dropped to second overall, five points behind Australian Mark Webber who finished the race in sixth place.

The top five drivers are now separated by just 24 points -- less than the reward for a single win -- with five races remaining in what is shaping up to be the closest fought title battle in decades.

"The championship is not over, but it's days like this and mistakes like I made today that lose world championships," said Hamilton. "I only have myself to blame.

"It's one of those days, just in the wrong place at the wrong time. There's nothing else I could do about it really. I got a good start but don't know what I was thinking," he told reporters.

GOOD CHANCE

Hamilton, the 2008 world champion, started in fifth place and with a good chance of being able to stretch his three-point lead over Webber.

"I had a good start and gained a position, I was up to fourth. In a realistic world I should perhaps have stayed there for a while," said the 25-year-old Briton.

"I put my car up the inside and tried to get third at the second corner -- it was obviously a little bit too much.

"I'm very disappointed in myself and sorry for the team. I've really got to try to collect my thoughts and move on to the next race and try and help the team score as many points as I can."

Hamilton's retirement was his second in three races, although he won the previous race in Belgium, and second in succession in Italy.

The Briton qualified on pole at Monza last year but crashed out on the last lap while running in third place."

"To come away with no points when you are fighting for a championship is quite tough and quite disappointing," said team principal Martin Whitmarsh.

"He's looked at it, we've looked at it. Inevitably in the cool light of day... you wish you hadn't done some things.

"But that is what a great racing driver has to do. He has to take risks and go out there and push.

"On this occasion it didn't come off. A few centimetres to the left or right and it would have been okay."

Source: Web Search

Rafi is best Indian footballer, Odafe foreigner of the year

Published>Sun, Sep 12 10 11:47 PM

New Delhi, Sep 12 (IANS) Churchill Brothers striker Mohammed Rafi was adjudged the best Indian footballer, while his teammate Odafe Onyeka Okolie of Nigeria was crowned the best foreign footballer at the star-studded Football Players Association of India (FPAI) Awards here Sunday.

Dempo's Jaoquim Abranches was named to the young player's award and his coach Armando Colaco was the best coach. National team goalkeeper Subrata Paul, who plays for Pune FC, won the fans' player award.

Dempo's Anthony Pereira was nominated the fittest player of the year by his national teammates.

India captain Baichung Bhutia, Dipak Mondal and Sunil Chettri were also felicitated during the ceremony.

Bhaichung played his 100th match last year while Chettri is the first Indian to play in the Major League Soccer (MLS) in the US and Mondal got the Arjuna Award this year.

Players from 14 I-league teams voted through secret ballot to choose the winners in all the categories except the fans' player award that was completed through online voting.

'I am thrilled. I never expected this honour. This is also a huge challenge for me, to live up to the expectations of my peers. I hope I will be able to don the Indian colours with great success and serve my country well,' said Rafi.

An emotional Paul said: 'I am at a loss for words. I don't know what to say. I thank the countless football fans for making me the best player of their choice. I feel proud and humbled at this moment.'

Bhutia, the FPAI president, said he was grateful to everyone for supporting Indian football.

'Let us put our best foot forward to take Indian football to greater heights. I am especially grateful to our Sports Minister M.S.Gill and AIFF President Praful Patel for finding time to be a part of this occasion,' he said.

Bollywood actors John Abraham, Rahul Bose and Nandana Sen were present at the award along with Gill and Asian Football Confederation (AFC) president Mohammad Bin Hammam.

Source: Web Search

Rafi named FPAI Player of the Year award

Sun, Sep 12 10 11:37 PM

New Delhi, Sep 12 (PTI) Churchill Brothers striker Mohammad Rafi was today named Indian Player of the Year in the Football Players Association of India awards night here. Dempo''s Joaquim Abranches was declared Young Player of the Year while another Churchill player Odafe Okolie was named the Foreign Player of the Year. Dempo''s Anthony Pereira was named Fittest Player of the Year. Pune FC and India goalkeeper Subrata Paul was chosen as the Fan Player of the Year while Dempo''s Armando Colaco won the Coach of the Year award at a glittering function attended by Asian Football Confederation President Mohammed bin Hammam. All India Football Federation President Praful Patel, other top AIFF officials, national team players and chief coach Bob Houghton were also present on the occasion. Bollywood actors and football enthusiasts John Abraham and Rahul Bose were also present. "I thank all my team-mates for helping me win this award," Rafi said. Houghton said the biggest strength of Indian football team is its unity and praised FPAI President Bhaichung Bhutia for his leadership qualities. "Indian football''s biggest strength is its team unity. Bhaichung is Indian football icon but he is just like one of the members when he is with the team," he said.

Source: Published>

Mohunn Bagan draws with Chirag Sahara Kolkata Football League

Sun, Sep 12 10 11:27 PM

Kolkata, Sep 12 (PTI) Defending champion Mohun Bagan played out a 2-2 draw with Chirag in a sea-saw battle, helping arch rivals East Bengal to be at the top of the table in the Sahara Premier Kolkata Football League here today. Nigerian Edeh Chidi, who limped out of ground for musle injury minutes before the water break, missed a penalty shot in the 33rd minute and that dented Bagan''s chances to garner full points. Referee Rathin Mukherjee signalled for spot kick when Chirag United''s defender and captain Arnab Mondal handled an aerial ball from Snehashish Chakraborty. The green-maroon broke the wall immediately after kick off as Subair Muritala Ali shot home (1-0) finding a defensive lapses of Chirag United, who levelled score by Munna Mollick''s goal in the 8th minute (1-1). Playing the season''s first big match at Yuba Bharati Krirangan before some thousands of football fans, Mohun Bagan, desperate to win the game to be at par with East Bengal in the race, mounted attack soon after breather but goal was illusive due to wayward shots from Muritala Ali, who missed at least two rosy chances. Mohun Bagan, who already lost a game to Aryan, went into the lead for second time by a header from Brazilian Jose Ramirez Barreto in the 60th minute who capitalised a right cross from medio Kingshuk Debnath (2-1). .

Source: Published>

Sushil Kumar wins gold at World Championship

Sun, Sep 12 10 11:21 PM

Moscow, Sep 12 (PTI) Sushil Kumar today created history by becoming the first Indian wrestler to win a gold medal at the World Championships, here today. Sushil was only the second Indian to win an Olympic medal when he grabbed a bronze at Beijing Games in 2008. The Haryana grappler overcame Russia''s Gogaev Alan 3-1 in the final to clinch the gold. He had defeated Azerbaijan''s Hasanov Jabrayil in the semifinal of the free style 66kg category event. After getting a bye in the first round, he beat Akritidis of Greece, Martin Sebastian of Germany and Buyan Jav of Mongolia en route to the final. All other Indian contenders had crashed out before the finals in the championship.

Source: Published>

Rebel BCA elects office bearers

Sun, Sep 12 10 11:07 PM

Patna, Sep 12 (PTI) The rebel Bihar Cricket Association (BCA), despite not being recognised by the BCCI, today elected its office-bearers with Vinod Kumar Singh as the President and Ajay Narayan Sharma as General Secretary. The BCCI had recognised the Lalu Prasad Yadav-led BCA as its associated member and also invited its convenor and state RJD Chief Abdul Bari Siddiqui to attend the AGM on September 29 in Mumbai. After the election held at a posh hotel here this afternoon, the rebel group leaders claimed they were the ''real'' BCA. While Sharma and Singh were elected unopposed to their posts, Ravi Shankar Singh was elected treasurer. Meanwhile, Mritunjay Tiwary, president of the Bihar Players Association and member of the adhoc committee of the Lalu led BCA, said Sharma and Singh had been expelled from the BCA committee.

Source: Published>

Davis Cup: Somdev hopes for strong showing

Published>Sun, Sep 12 10 10:57 PM

Chennai, Sept 12 (IANS) It is another homecoming of sorts for Somdev Devvarman, who spent his formative years in this city before hitting the road as a tennis professional, as he knocked the balls about in preparation for the Davis Cup World Group playoff tie against Brazil at the weekend.

'I grew up in Chennai; this is home for me, I lived five minutes from the stadium. Been here a 100 times, really good to see old coaches with whom I share a good relationship,' he said after a practice session on the outside courts of the SDAT Stadium, the venue of the tie and also the ATP Chennai Open that is usually held in the first week of January.

If the authorities thought the Chennai heat would put the Brazilians at a disadvantage, then they were off the mark as the weather has cooled down considerably in the wake of recent rains.

Commenting on the choice of venue, Somdev said: 'It is not hot as it is likely to be. I thought it will be pretty hot and everyone is comfortable with the surface (the hard court).'

Typically, Somdev put on a brave front and shrugged off the fact that the Indians would be up against two Brazilians who are higher ranked in singles and both are left-handers.

'(Thomas) Bellucci is 28 ranked and Ricardo Mello is 81. We have to practice and prepare hard. Whether they are leftie or righties, it does not bother us and it is not a particularly huge cause for concern,' he said.

'I know what to expect from these Brazilians. They have the strength in rankings. We have to be on top of our game to beat them. The first serve percentage has to be improved,' he added.

Somdev, who broke into the top-100 this year, said he enjoyed the best summer of his career and gained in experience by playing a lot of higher ranked players. Also, he qualified for the French Open and lost in the first round of the US Open.

'It's the best summer that I have had so far. I have played a lot of higher ranked players this season, which improves my confidence,' he said.

As regards expectations and pressures of a Davis Cup tie that is to be played on home courts, Somdev said: 'We have to be mentally prepared playing for country. I will try as hard as I can and make use of the home advantage. As for doubles, both Leander (Paes) and Mahesh (Bhupathi) are capable of handling any type of pressure.'

When asked about pairing up with Rohan Bopanna for the next month's Commonwealth Games, Somdev said that although he would like to partner him, his focus was on the singles.

'Bops (Bopanna) has been doing well with Quereshi (of Pakistan) or whoever he has been playing with. But right now we are playing in our own ways. Presently I am concentrating on the singles, but I would love to team up with him sometime (in doubles).'

Source: Web Search

Redbacks beat Lions by 11 runs in CLT20

Published>Sun, Sep 12 10 10:37 PM

Captain Michael Klinger smashed a blistering 78 as he led South Australia Redbacks to an 11-run victory over Highveld Lions in a Champions League Twenty20 match here today.

Klinger led from the front with a strokeful 48-ball innings which had six fours and five sixes in it to take his side to 178 for six after they struggled on a lively SuperSport park pitch.

He got an able ally in Callum Ferguson, who scored a 27-ball 47 with seven fours and the duo shared 97 runs from just 57 balls for the third wicket after the Redbacks were put into bat.

Highveld Lions, who stunned Mumbai Indians in their opening match on Friday, were on course of their chase of a stiff target of 179 as they raised 90 for three at the halfway mark before they lost way later.

Source: Web Search

Advani to clash with Vatnani in finals of Ntnl Snooker Ch''ship

Sun, Sep 12 10 10:27 PM

Pune, Sep 12 (PTI) Pankaj Advani and Lucky Vatnani set up the summit clash of the National Snooker championship against each other after scoring identical 5-1 wins over their respective semifinal opponents here today. Advani outplayed Kamal Chawla (136(136)-01, 89(42,43)-30, 57-69, 136(47,74)-00, 77(74)-02, 68(57)-63(62)) while Vatani defeated Aditya Mehta (59-16, 63-42, 59(52)-16, 05-80(67), 70(40)-61(53), 76(37)-63(57)) at the PYC Hindu Gymkhana here. The final will be played on Monday. Meanwhile, National Billiards Champion Alok Kumar finished fifth after accounting for I H Manudev 2-0 (66-20, 65-64).

Source: Published>

Barca won't be distracted by Hercules loss, says Alves

Sun, Sep 12 10 10:17 PM

Barcelona will not let Saturday's shock 2-0 defeat by promoted Hercules derail their bid for a third successive La Liga title, defender Daniel Alves said on Sunday.

Paraguay striker Nelson Valdez netted either side of halftime for the tiny Alicante-based club to seal one of the biggest upsets of recent seasons and inflict the first home defeat on Pep Guardiola's side since May 2009.

Alves, whom Guardiola left out of his starting XI along with World Cup-winners Xavi, Sergio Busquets, Pedro and Carles Puyol, noted that Barca's most successful season, in 2008-09, had also started badly.

They lost their opening La Liga match 1-0 at Numancia and drew their second 1-1 at home to Racing Santander before going on to seal an unprecedented treble of Spanish league and cup and European Champions League.

"We shouldn't get angry and lose heart," Brazilian Alves told a post-training news conference.

"It's not about how you start but how you finish.

"There was a lot of criticism at the beginning of the club's most successful year ever and it ended very well. Hopefully we won't ultimately need these points we have dropped now."

Barca lost only once on their way to setting a record points tally last season, going down 2-1 at Atletico Madrid, whom they play in the Spanish capital next Sunday.

Alves put Saturday's reverse down to a bad day at the office and said it was better to get defeats out of the way early in the campaign.

Barca were not about to change their playing philosophy of trying to win and entertain at the same time, he added.

"We have our way of doing things and we are not thinking of tinkering with it," he said.

"It's not just a matter of scoring a goal and getting the points but playing to win and enjoy ourselves."

Source: Published>

Mainz keep perfect league record with Kaiserslautern win

Sun, Sep 12 10 09:57 PM

Mainz 05 battled back from a goal down to beat promoted Kaiserslautern 2-1 on Sunday and move into second place on goal difference behind Hoffenheim with their third win in three Bundesliga matches.

Croatian striker Srdjan Lakic scored his fourth goal of the season to put the visitors into the lead after 20 minutes, picking up a deep ball to race clear and flick in from the edge of the box.

A lapse of concentration by dominant Kaiserslautern midway through the second half allowed Mainz to battle back and equalise through Niko Bungert in the 71st minute from close range before Andre Schuerrle's slightly deflected shot two minutes later handed them the three points.

Kaiserslautern, who had won both of their previous matches, drop to fifth place on six points.

Champions Bayern Munich stuttered to a 0-0 draw against Werder Bremen on Saturday to remain in 11th place on four points.

Mainz have nine points, the same as Hoffenheim who gave Champions League participants Schalke 04, last season's runners-up, their third successive defeat on Friday.

Source: Published>

Mary Kom reaches quarterfinal of world boxing

Published>Sun, Sep 12 10 09:37 PM

Bridgetown, Sep 11 (IANS) India's M.C.Mary Kom reached the quarterfinals of the women's world boxing championship, beating Australia's Jenny Smith in the 48-kg category here Sunday.

The score was 9-0 in Mary Kom's favor when the referee stopped the contest (RSC) at the end of the first round.

Four-time world champion Mary Kom will next meet 25 year-old Lynsey Holdaway of Wales.

Former World champion Laishram Sarita Devi defeated Alexandra Kuleshova of Russia 11-8 in a pulsating contest of the 51 kg category Sunday.

India had an unlucky day as far as the other three boxers were concerned.

In the 64 kg category, Pratibha Jakhar lost to Jackson Cashmere of the US by RSC when the score was 7-2 in favour of the American boxer.

In the 69 kg class, Kavita Goyat lost to Andrea Strohmayer of Germany 4-7.

In the 75 kg category, Aswathy Mol lost to Inna Sagaydakovskaya of Russia 1-5.

Source: Web Search

RCB win toss, to bowl

Sun, Sep 12 10 09:27 PM

Centurion, Sep 12 (PTI) Royal Challengers Bangalore captain Anil Kumble won the toss and elected to field in their Champions League Twenty20 match against Guyana here today. The Teams: Royal Challengers Bangalore: Anil Kumble (captain), Rahul Dravid, Jacques Kallis, Robin Uthappa (wk), Ross Taylor, Cameron White, Virat Kohli, B Akhil, Praveen Kumar, Dale Steyn, ND Doshi. Guyana: Ramnaresh Sarwan (captain), S Chattergoon, TM Dowlin, N Deonarine, CD Barnwell, RT Crandon, JA Foo, DO Christian (wk), LJ Cush, EA Crandon, D Bishoo.

Source: Published>

Kapur ends tied 11th at KLM Open

Sun, Sep 12 10 09:17 PM

Hilversum (The Netherlands), Sep 12 (PTI) Indian golfer Shiv Kapur turned in a topsy-turvy one-over 71 in the final round to sign off tied 11th in the KLM Open here today. Kapur, who was overnight tied fourth, ended his campaign with a total of seven-under 273. The Delhi-pro struck three birdies against four bogeys in a roller-coaster round. Making a disappointing start, Kapur stumbled to bogeys on the second and fifth hole but made the turn one-over after picking up a birdie on the eighth hole. The back-nine was more eventful and he had two bogeys sandwiched between the birdies on the 11th and the 17th hole. The other Indian in fray, Jeev Milkha Singh carded a second successive one-over 71 to end with a total of four-under 276. Jeev finished tied 27th on the leaderboard after managing just one birdie against a couple of bogeys in the final round. PTI PM AT

Source: Published>

BJP President Nitin Gadkari felicitates Tejaswini Sawant

Sun, Sep 12 10 09:07 PM

Nagpur, Sep 12 (PTI) Tejaswini Sawant, the first Indian woman shooter to clinch a gold medal at the World Championships, was felicitated by BJP President Nitin Gadkari here. Gadkari presented a purse of Rs five lakh to Sawant, who shot a world-record equalling score of 597 (100,100,100,99,99,99) in the 50m Rifle Prone event to finish on top, at a function here yesterday. Speaking on the occasion, Sawant called on the organisers to motivate sportspersons for enhancing their performances ahead of major sports events like Commonwealth Games and Olympics. She disapproved negative criticism of the Commonwealth Games saying that with just 20 days left, every one should concentrate on the event and performances.

Source: Published>

South Australia make 178/6 against

Sun, Sep 12 10 07:03 PM

Centurion, Sep 12 (PTI) Put in to bat first, South Australia Redbacks made 178 for six in their 20 overs in a Champions League Twenty20 match against Highveld Lions here today. Brief Score: South Australia Redbacks 178 for 6 in 20 overs (Michael Klinger 78, Callum Ferguson 47, Robert Frylinck 1/38).

Source: Published>

Daman welcomes Queen''s Baton Relay

Sun, Sep 12 10 06:57 PM

Daman, Sep 12 (PTI) After completing 100 days and covering nearly 1,90,000 kilometres, the Queen''s Baton Relay for next month''s Commonwealth Games arrived in Daman today amid much fanfare. The baton, which arrived from Maharashtra, was welcomed at the Bamanpuja check post by a huge crowd. Commonwealth Games convenor Alka Lamba handed over the baton to Daman Diu and DNH administrator Satyagopal, who in turn gave it to Member of Parliament Lalubhai Patel and other public representatives. In her address, Lamba said that the relay, telecast live in all Indian states, has covered nearly 1,90,000 kms. "There is message on the golden strip which would be read during the inauguration ceremony. The relay covers more than 200 kms per day," she said. Satyagopal said that the relay has glorified Daman and Silvassa. "School children stood holding flags in their hands to welcome the relay and Balbhavan Children welcomed the relay by performing cultural programme of local Portuguese dance," Satyagopal said. Later, the relay left for Gujarat via Silvassa, Vapi and Surat.

Source: Published>

Hamilton crashes out of Italian GP

Published>Sun, Sep 12 10 06:37 PM

Lewis Hamilton's Formula One title hopes suffered a setback when he crashed out of Sunday's Italian Grand Prix without completing a lap.

The championship leader banged wheels with Ferrari's Brazilian Felipe Massa at the Della Roggia chicane, breaking the McLaren's front right suspension and sending the car into the gravel trap.

Massa's Ferrari appeared undamaged and he continued in third place, riding shotgun behind Spanish team mate Fernando Alonso and McLaren's world champion and early race leader Jenson Button.

Hamilton, the 2008 world champion, started in fifth place and had hoped to stretch his three-point lead over Red Bull's Australian Mark Webber with five races remaining after Italy.

Instead, Webber was on course to snatch back the overall lead from the 25-year-old.

Hamilton's retirement was his second in three races, although he won the previous race in Belgium, and second in succession in Italy.

The Briton qualified on pole at Monza last year but crashed out on the last lap while running in third place.

After Sunday's misfortune, which appeared to be largely his own fault, Hamilton stalked back to the team motorhome in the paddock without removing his yellow helmet or speaking to reporters.

Source: Web Search

Vettori, McCullum return to New Zealand squad

Sun, Sep 12 10 06:27 PM

Wellington, Sep 12 (PTI) After missing last month''s tri-series in Sri Lanka for family reasons, skipper Daniel Vettori and Brendon McCullum returned to the New Zealand squad for the tour of Bangladesh next month. The team includes one new cap - fast bowler Hamish Bennett - while batsman Martin Guptill, included in the New Zealand A squad for a series against Zimbabwe, has been dropped from the senior team. "Hamish Bennett has been included in the squad on the back of a solid NZA tour and multiple successful domestic seasons. He is an exciting fast bowler and we are sure he will make the most of this opportunity," said selector Mark Greatbatch. "As we develop depth for the coming 12 months and narrow our focus on the world cup next February, it''s important that we give players the opportunity to stake their claims for future selection." All-rounder Scott Styris has been left out of the squad owing to injury while Jesse Ryder returned after an extended injury break. On a "last chance" warning for his off-field behaviour, Ryder missed last month''s tri-series in Sri Lanka because of an elbow injury. New Zealand Cricket (NZC) issued a warning to Ryder after the batsman was involved in a drunken incident during a trip with his indoor cricket team last month. The Kiwis will play one warm-up game followed by five one-dayers in Bangladesh. The Squad: Daniel Vettori (Captain), Hamish Bennett, Grant Elliott, Brendon McCullum, Nathan McCullum, Andy McKay, Kyle Mills, Jesse Ryder, Aaron Redmond, Tim Southee, Shanan Stewart, Ross Taylor, Daryl Tuffey, BJ Watling, Kane Williamson.

Source: Published>

Ballack out for six weeks with shinbone fracture

Published>Sun, Sep 12 10 06:17 PM

Bayer Leverkusen captain Michael Ballack will be out for six weeks after fracturing his shinbone in Saturday's 2-2 draw with Hanover 96, the Bundesliga club said on Sunday.

The Germany captain, who missed the World Cup and has not played for his country since injuring his ankle in May, was diagnosed with the fracture on Sunday morning following a scan.

Leverkusen coach Jupp Heynckes had initially said after the game it may have been a ligament injury but a scan on Sunday revealed the full extent of the injury.

"Ballack is expected to be out for six weeks," the club said on its website (www.bayer04.de). "He picked up the injury on his left leg during a one-on-one battle in the match against Hanover."

The 33-year-old had not been included in the Germany squad for the two Euro 2012 qualifiers earlier this month due to a lack of match practice.

He will now also miss the second batch of qualifiers in October, with a return to the national team now looking more unlikely than ever.

Germany won this month's qualifiers against Belgium and Azerbaijan with Bastian Schweinsteiger and Sami Khedira taking over Ballack's holding midfield role as they had successfully done at the World Cup in South Africa two months ago.

Source: Web Search

I was never approached by bookies: Vaas

Sun, Sep 12 10 05:57 PM

Colombo, Sep 12 (PTI) Former Sri Lankan seamer Chaminda Vaas said he was never approached by any bookmaker during his 16-year-old International cricketing career. "During my career that spanned sixteen years, I was never approached by any match fixers and I even was aware of such an occurrence only during the latter stages," Vaas told the Sunday Times. "But, very honestly I have to say that if any one is approached he must first ask himself whether it is the right choice that he is making and turn to the one who you believe in and ask the same question again," Vaas said. The Scotland Yard and the ICC is running a parallel probe on suspended Pakistan trio -- Test captain Salman Butt and pacers Mohammad Aamir and Mohammad Asif -- for spot-fixing allegations during the Lord''s Test. Vaas, who played in 111 Tests and 322 ODIs and bagged 355 Test wickets and 400 ODIs scalps respectively, said players should refrain from getting into match fixing and report any such incident immediately to the authorities. "I find it not worth. What you make illegally is a short gain it will not take you anywhere, it is with great difficulty that one makes the grade to represent your country and that is an honour isn''t that enough," the fast bowler said. "They also must think of other players who have missed the bus even if they were as good as you in whatever skill. Even if you are approached the path is very clear go to the authorities and report the matter and then the matter is off your hands it is as easy as that," Vaas said.

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Barcelona has more football fans than anyone in Europe: Report

Published>Sun, Sep 12 10 05:47 PM

London, Sep 12(ANI): A new study has found that Spanish football club Barcelona has more supporters than any other football team in Europe.

According to the study by Sport Market, Barcelona has 57.8 million fans throughout the continent, an increase of 13.7 million on a similar study carried out in 2009.

Barcelona's nearest rival is Real Madrid, which has 31.3 million followers.

The study said that Madrid has lost 10 million supporters because of its failure to win any tournament in the past two years, Xinhua news agency reports.

Manchester United is third in the list with 30.6 million fans, followed by Chelsea with 21.4 million fans and Bayern Munich with 20.7 million. (ANI)

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England cricketer Afzaal under police protection after betting syndicate threat

Published>Sun, Sep 12 10 05:37 PM

London, Sep 12(ANI): England batsman Usman Afzaal is reportedly under Nottingham police protection after being targeted by a betting syndicate.

cording to News of the World, Afzaal is being guarded at a "safe house" after a gang posing as cops rifled through his three-storey family home waving a fake warrant in July.

The left-handed batsman's brother Kamran is said to have received an anonymous blackmail call shortly after the incident.

It warned that he had just 24 hours to arrange 100,000 pounds or his family would be reported to the International Cricket Council (ICC)'s anti-corruption squad.

It is believed that the gang involved may have links to an illegal gambling ring run by an Indian bookmaker.

The family had to flee their house after the threat.

"They have gone. They have been under police protective custody for a couple of months and have moved out," a neighbour said. (ANI)

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Bhullar, Chowrasia, Lahiri end tied 8th in Singapore Classic

Sun, Sep 12 10 04:53 PM

Singapore, Sep 12 (PTI) The Indian trio of Gaganjeet Bhullar, SSP Chowrasia and Anirban Lahiri signed off a creditable tied eighth after returning contrasting cards in the final round of the USD 400,000 Handa Singapore Classic golf tournament here today. Lahiri was among those who carded the day''s best card of six-under 66, Bhullar failed to break par for the first time this week by returning a 72, while Chowrasia managed a modest two-under 70. The trio ended the event with totals of 14-under 274. Lahiri''s was best performance of the day. In a blemishfree front-nine, Lahiri opened with a birdie and picked up three more strokes to make the turn four-under. On his way back, Lahiri picked up birdies on the 10th, 15th and 16th before a dropped shot on the final hole prevented him from finishing higher up the order. Bhullar, who was placed tied fourth overnight, managed five birdies against an equal number of bogeys in a rollercoaster round. Chowrasia, meanwhile, stroked in four birdies against a couple of bogeys. Among other Indians in fray, C Muniyappa (75) and Vikrant Chopra (73) signed off tied 65th with totals of three-under 285.

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Rooney 'regretted cheating on wife'

Published>Sun, Sep 12 10 04:37 PM

London, Sept 12 (AN): Wayne Rooney apparently regretted after cheating on his pregnant wife with two prostitutes, it has been revealed.

The multi-millionaire footballer fought back tears as he sat on the edge of the bed in a 300-pound a-night room in Salford's exclusive five-star Lowry Hotel last July, reports the Daily Star.

The disgraced Manchester United star allegedly told the hookers: "Why the hell did I do that? I wouldn't be bothered if she was just my girlfriend. But she's my wife and she's pregnant with my kid. What am I doing?"

And 23-year-old brunette Helen also expressed remorse for having sex with the footballer saying she wished it had never happened, apologizing to Rooney's heartbroken wife Coleen.

"I'm sorry sorry for all the hurt that you've been put through. It was a mistake. I can't apologise enough. I'm sorry," she said. (ANI)

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Prostitute says sorry for sex with Rooney

Published>Sun, Sep 12 10 03:57 PM

London, Sep 12 (IANS) One of the prostitutes involved in three-in-a-bed sex with English footballer Wayne Rooney appologised Sunday, saying 'it was a mistake'.

Helen Wood, a 23-year-old single mother, issued a dramatic apology to Rooney's wife, saying: 'I wish this had never -happened', the Daily Mirror reported.

Breaking her silence for the first time, Helen revealed how the Manchester United striker had sex with her and her fellow prostitute Jennifer Thompson together, then - riddled with guilt - asked her: 'Why the hell did I do that?'

'I feel really s*** -already,' the panicking soccer icon had said after cheating on her wife Coleen who was then five-months pregnant.

'I wouldn't be -bothered if she was just my girlfriend. But she's my wife and she's pregnant with my kid. What am I doing,' the 24-year-old Rooney asked Helen and Thompson.

The prostitute, addressing Coleen, said: 'I'm so sorry for all the hurt that you've been put through. It was a mistake. I can't apologise enough. I'm sorry.'

Recalling her meeting with Rooney at the five-star Lowry Hotel in Salford last July, Helen said: 'Jennifer began to perform a sex act on him. As she did it, she looked across the room at me and winked. She paused and made sure Wayne was watching and then beckoned me over with her finger.'

Rooney, however appeared nervous and -uncomfortable, recalls Helen.

'I lay down alongside him and we both began to perform a sex act on him. But he didn't say a word or even touch us. He never said a thing. Jennifer then had sex with him using a condom which she had with her.

'Afterwards, he started scratching his head again. Jennifer and I both sat back on either edge of the bed. He sat up and swivelled on to the edge of the bed next to me and that's when he started speaking about how bad he felt.

'He said, 'I'm begging you two not to say anything. It will ruin my marriage if it gets out. Having a kid means everything to me'. He was welling up, like it was dawning on him how much he had to lose.'

Helen says she has decided to speak out to combat a torrent of lies about the threesome.

'I'm not proud of what I did,' she said. 'But I was a working girl trying to make money and give my child a better life. As for Jennifer, she and -Rooney probably deserve each other. It's Coleen I feel sorry for. And me.'

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Central govt should have been more involved in CWG: Buta Singh

Sun, Sep 12 10 03:53 PM

New Delhi, Sep 12 (PTI) Former Home Minister Buta Singh, who headed the Special Organising Committee for the 1982 Asian Games, feels this year''s Commonwealth Games would not have had to grapple with so many controversies had the central government been more involved in preparations. "We could have done better than the 1982 Asian Games. Just reading the report on the preparations of that time would have been enough to avoid the current situation. Like the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, the central government should have been more involved in the build-up to the Commonwealth Games," Singh told ''PTI-Bhasha''. The October 3 to 14 Commonwealth Games have been marred by construction delays and allegations of widescale corruption and Singh felt it was avoidable. "The government has woken up late in this case. I wonder why nobody thought of getting Rahul Gandhi involved in the preparations like his father Rajiv did in the 1982," he said. Recalling his stint in the Special Organising Committee, Singh said India managed to put on a grand show due to the personal initiatives taken by the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. "Indira ji gave us cabinet-level authority and our decisions were final and never challenged by anyone. We had dynamic people like Arun Nehru and Arun Singh in the panel and Rajiv ji led the preparations," he said. India bagged the hosting rights of the Asiad in 1977 but the then Prime Minister Chaudhary Charan Singh refused to host the event citing paucity of funds. The Games preparations were completed within 16 months after Indira returned to power. On the other hand, the CWG preparations are still to be completed despite the fact that the organisers won the bid seven years ago. "Our committee had army officials who were very punctual. We brought up eight stadiums in 16 months and repaired 10 others. The Sports Ministry and the Indian Olympic Associaton had better coordination. Not a single corruption allegation came up against us," he said.

Source: Published>

England not to be neutral venue for Pakistan

Published>Sun, Sep 12 10 03:27 PM

London, Sep 12 (IANS) Pakistan might have to pay a heavy price for the spot-fixing scandal as England will not serve as a neutral venue for Pakistan again next summer, a media report said Sunday.

The Daily Telegraph reported that the situation has been complicated by the fact that the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) chairman Giles Clarke is also the head of the International Cricket Council's new Pakistan Task Group.

Clarke looked with disdain while handing the Man of the Series award to Mohammed Aamer, one of the three Pakistani crickters suspended by the International Cricket Council (ICC) for spot-fixing, showing ECB's new, less-enthusiastic attitude towards Pakistan.

The ECB was enthusaistic for Pakistan to use England as their second home since teams refused to visit the strife torn country due to security reasons.

Pakistan's two-Test series against Australia flopped at Headingley in terms of crowd numbers, instead of being the commercial success the ECB had hoped for. Then, the spot-fixing allegations and the suspension of three of Pakistan's top players dispelled thoughts of inviting Pakistan back to England in a hurry.

For 2011 Clarke's aspiration had been to stage a neutral Test and one-day series here between Pakistan and India, which would have drawn the crowds, at least for the limited-overs games. They would have served to help sustain England's over-supply of international venues.

But, even if India's government had allowed its national team to resume bilateral series against Pakistan - at present they can only play against each other in ICC tournaments like the World Cup. But India have a packed season till next summer.

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Fabio furious over sudden reappearance of 'Capello Index' site

Published>Sun, Sep 12 10 03:17 PM

London, Sep 12(ANI): England manager Fabio Capello and the Football Association (FA) face fresh embarrassment after ratings for the Three Lions' players during the disastrous World Cup campaign suddenly reappeared on the Capello Index site.

According to News of the World, Capello has finally decided to take action against his former business partner, who is behind the website.

Ratings for Premier League matches are also still being listed, despite initial assurances that they would not appear on the site.

"Fabio is extremely upset and angry about this. His personal lawyers met with those from the FA four days ago and they have jointly decided they have no other option, but to go before a judge and have the index removed," a source close to Capello said.

"This latest move to have the England players' World Cup ratings put back on the site is totally unacceptable. They were also asked to refrain from marking Premier League players because it puts Fabio in an extremely uncomfortable position as England manager," the source added. (ANI)

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Chelsea owner Abramovich not obsessed with Champions League: Ancelotti

Published>Sun, Sep 12 10 03:07 PM

London, Sep 12(ANI): Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti has said that the club's billionaire owner Roman Abramovich is not obsessed with winning the Champions League, but he wants "to win everything".

"I speak with Roman a lot, but he is not obsessed with the Champions League. He wants to win everything, but he's not desperate. I don't have pressure from outside. I want to put myself under pressure because I want to win," News of the World quoted Ancelotti, as saying.

"He wants a team with a clear identity and we have created that. The normal step for players in this situation is to think about winning the Champions League."

"The players have reached the semi-final five times and one final. They deserve it, but only if you do it better than others," he added.

Ancelotti further said that as a manager he does not think that the Champions League is more important than the Premier League.

"Both are very important. Last season we won the PL. We don't want to say the Premier League is not very important - we would like to win it again. But the normal step is to do things better than we did last season in the Champions League. We went out too early," Ancelotti said.

"Our aim is to improve our type of play, to have more continuity to do better and to stay involved," he added. (ANI)

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