Pawar promises stern action against guilty, denies India role

Thu, Sep 16 10 06:13 PM

New Delhi, Sep 16 (PTI) The ICC today warned of stern action against players found guilty in the spot-fixing scandal and dismissed suggestions of an India hand in the whole episode which has rocked the cricket world. ICC president Sharad Pawar, who had an hour-long meeting with PCB chairman Ijaz Butt at his residence here, indicated that Scotland Yard''s probe against the three Pakistani cricketers implicated in the scandal would be over soon. Pawar vowed that the ICC would "maintain the sanctity of the game" and for that it would "never tolerate any nonsense or corruption in the game of cricket". "ICC wants to maintain the sanctity of the game and all member countries, including PCB, are assisting in preserving it. PCB is not a separate entity, it is also a part of the ICC," Pawar told reporters after the meeting which was shrouded in mystery. Butt''s surprise arrival in Delhi and his meeting with Pawar came amid intense speculation that he was under pressure from certain quarters in the PCB to seek leniency for the accused players. Butt, however, denied that he any such agenda and said the PCB had no tolerance for corruption and would provide all cooperation to the ICC and the investigative agencies. "As far as we are concerned, there is no tolerance at all," Butt said. Pawar said that the ICC would not jump into any conclusion till the probe is complete. "Till Scotland Yard probe is complete how can we comment" But if anything is established we will take strong stand. Without information we should not jump into any conclusion," Pawar said. "Prima facie there are some allegations and we have suspended the players on the basis of that. Scotland Yard has permitted them to go back to Pakistan and PCB has also promised to make them available to the investigators if and when required." "A major investigation agency is carrying out the probe and that will not take long. PCB or ICC will not interfere in the process," the ICC chief added. .

Source: Published>

Pawar maintains ICC stance against corruption

Published>Thu, Sep 16 10 06:03 PM

The International Cricket Council is committed to maintaining the sanctity of the game and will strive to root out corruption, ICC President Sharad Pawar said on Thursday.

Pawar told reporters after a meeting with Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Ijaz Butt at his New Delhi residence that the ICC had the support of all the national boards in its efforts to clean up the game.

Pawar's comments come after three Pakistani cricketers -- Salman Butt, Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Amir -- were provisionally suspended amid accusations of spot-fixing.

"If someone has done anything wrong in cricket the ICC, and that includes the Pakistan board, will never tolerate any nonsense or any corruption in the game," said Pawar.

"We try to maintain the sanctity of cricket and in this process... every board, including Pakistan, is fully supporting ICC."

"Scotland Yard is in the process of investigating the entire episode. When the investigation is complete and suppose something is established, (there will be) no question whether ICC or the Pakistani board will take strong, ruthless action," Pawar said.

A fourth Pakistani player, bowler Wahab Riaz, has been questioned by British Police while his suspended colleagues have returned home on the condition that they would be available for further questioning.

Butt said the PCB did not ask for leniency for teenage pacer Amir.

"No demand has been given (to ICC seeking leniency). Everything depends on if anything is found against the player. As far as we are concerned, no tolerance at all."

During the meeting, Butt also requested Pawar, a former Indian cricket board chief and the country's Agriculture Minister, to help resume cricketing ties between the neighbours.

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Pak diplomat accuses PCB over spot-fixing issue

Thu, Sep 16 10 05:43 PM

Karachi, Sep 16 (PTI) Pakistan''s High Commissioner to Britain has blamed the Cricket Board here for mishandling the spot-fixing issue involving three Pakistani players and keeping the mission diplomats in dark on laws relating to betting scam. High Commissioner Wajid Shamsul Hasan wrote a letter of complaint to Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari, who is also the patron of the PCB, criticising the top management of staying away from the trouble while the way forward was none other than a diplomatic solution. "The PCB''s management has not guided the High Commission at any point and kept the diplomats unaware about the laws of ICC relating to alleged match-fixing," Hasan wrote in his two-page letter. "The whole cricket board''s management stayed away from the trouble while the way forward was none other than a diplomatic solution, which worked and resolved the matter to a large extent," Pakistan''s leading English daily ''The Dawn'' quoted Hasan as saying. Pakistan''s tour of England has been overshadowed by allegations of a betting scam. The claims, published in a British tabloid, led to the suspension of Pakistan Test captain Salman Butt and bowlers Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Aamir by the International Cricket Council. Hasan also informed the president that the PCB officials accompanying the team squarely failed to maintain discipline. "Despite the fact that several of the senior PCB officials were accompanying the national squad, they could not maintain discipline," he said. According to the newspaper, PCB chairman Ijaz Butt, chief operations officer Wasim Bari and several other officials were with the squad when the British media revealed the alleged spot-fixing scandal involving the three cricketers.

Source: Published>

Desperate Mumbai face Guyana in must-win game

Published>Thu, Sep 16 10 05:37 PM

Stunned by two back-to-back defeats, Sachin Tendulkar-led Mumbai Indians will be desperate to find their winning ways when they take on a low-profile Guyana in a Champions League Group B match here on Thursday.

The IPL runner-up side had a forgettable start in the show-piece event as they first went down to Lions by just nine runs in the tournament-opener and then fell prey to South Australia, who comprehensively beat them by five wickets on Tuesday.

The two consecutive defeats has put the Mumbai team on the brink of an early elimination and it will now need an inspired effort from Tendulkar and his men to bounce back.

Their performance have only showed a downward graph and although Tendulkar tried his best to lead from the front, he is yet to instill the confidence among his teammates.

After a breezy 62-ball 69 in the first match, Tendulkar failed to deliver yesterday while the so-called strong batting order of Mumbai failed to provide much resistance against the South Australia attack.

Although Guyana bowling department does not have any big names, Mumbai batting order, including South African J P Duminy and hard-hitting West Indian Kieron Pollard, have to show more consistency tomorrow and in their coming encounters as well.

Young batsman Sourav Tiwary cracked a brilliant 44 off 36 balls on Tuesday and the team would expect another good knock from the talented Jharkhand guy on Thursday.

In bowling department Mumbai's new-ball pair of Zaheer Khan and Sri Lankan Lasith Malinga have to live upto expectation.

Zaheer scalped one wicket in the last match but was too expensive, while his India teammate and seasoned off-spinner Harbhajan Singh also proved quite ineffective against South Australia.

Guyana have also lost their campaign-opener to another IPL side Royal Challenger Bangalore by nine wickets and will find Mumbai Indians a tough nut to crack.

Skipper Ramnaresh Sarwan is the only big name in their batting line-up which somehow managed to cross 100-run mark against RCB's mighty bowling attack.

But Mumbai is unlikely to take the West Indian side lightly because the players like Christopher Barnwell, who helped Guyana to cross 100-run mark with a 54-ball 30, and Sewnarine Chattergoon are capable of changing the equation of any match just in a few overs.

But support from the lower-middle order including Esuan Crandon, Jonathan Foo and Derwin Christian will also play crucial role.

Except Crandon, no Guyana bowler could bag wicket in their last match and this time too Mumbai batsmen should not find it difficult to counter their bowling attack.

Source: Web Search

SC corners BCCI for IPL 'conflict of interest'

Published>Thu, Sep 16 10 05:33 PM

The Supreme Court today put some searching questions to Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on permitting its Secretary N Srinivasan to bid for Chennai Super Kings, a franchise of IPL championship, as there appeared to be a "conflict of interest."

A Bench of Justices J M Panchal and Gyan Sudha Mishra, during the arguments, said Srinivasan, being a key member of BCCI, should have ideally suspended his association with the Board before bidding for the franchise, which he had successfully won.

"An amendment has been brought and there seems to be a conflict of interest. Can a person be a judge of his own case? "I am hearing the matter relating to the controversy. But can I participate in the bidding of IPL teams tomorrow?" Justice Sudha, speaking for the Bench, asked Attorney General G E Vahanvathi who appeared for the Board.

The apex court posed the query during the day-long hearing of the petition of former BCCI president A C Muthiah challenging the amendment made by the Board in its regulations to allow administrators to bid for franchises in IPL and T-20 tournaments.

The Bench said Muthiah, who was at that time the Treasurer of the Board, should have got his membership suspended as he definitely had a stake in the IPL tourney.

"You introduce an amendment where the IPL will be an exception. You are a prominent industrialist holding a key position in the Board and have a stake in the bidding.

"In order to avoid suspicion and be above board, you should have got your membership suspended," the Bench said.

The apex court brushed aside the Attorney General's argument that Muthiah, being a former BCCI President, had no locus standi in challenging the amendment. The Bench, quoting BCCI rules, said it was under an obligation to inquire into any complaints made against its members.

"It is your duty to look into the complaint. Otherwise, why should Muthiah has to come to the court?

"One of your own rule says there should be no conflict of interest. BCCI clause provides that in the event of any complaint of violation of rules, you should conduct an inquiry. Why did you not do it?, the Bench said.

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Chris Broad's wife committed suicide after failing battle with nerve disease

Published>Thu, Sep 16 10 05:27 PM

London, Sep 16(ANI): Former England cricketer Chris Broad's wife, Michelle, had killed herself after battling with a crippling neurological disease, a coroner has ruled.

Michelle had seen her health deteriorate after being diagnosed with motor neurone disease in 2009.

The devastating illness meant that she could not swallow properly and was increasingly reliant on her wheelchair.

She was found collapsed at her home in West Bridgford on July 6 by husband Chris.

Michelle was taken to Queen's Medical Centre by ambulance, but died the next day.

Recording a verdict of suicide at Nottingham Coroner's Court, coroner Dr. Nigel Chapman said: "Clearly she had made a lot of plans. There are a lot of letters. This was well planned and well laid out."

Speaking after the inquest, Broad said that his wife only began to struggle with the neurological illness in the last few months of her life.

"Up until that time she had as normal a life as possible. Fortunately she didn't struggle for long," The Nation quoted Broad, as saying.

Broad also said that he had no idea that his wife planned to take her own life.

"That was the first I knew. It was of her choosing. She was very clear about that," he added. (ANI)

Source: Web Search

SC corners BCCI for IPL 'conflict of interest'

Published>Thu, Sep 16 10 05:23 PM

The Supreme Court today put some searching questions to Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on permitting its Secretary N Srinivasan to bid for Chennai Super Kings, a franchise of IPL championship, as there appeared to be a "conflict of interest."

A Bench of Justices J M Panchal and Gyan Sudha Mishra, during the arguments, said Srinivasan, being a key member of BCCI, should have ideally suspended his association with the Board before bidding for the franchise, which he had successfully won.

"An amendment has been brought and there seems to be a conflict of interest. Can a person be a judge of his own case? "I am hearing the matter relating to the controversy. But can I participate in the bidding of IPL teams tomorrow?" Justice Sudha, speaking for the Bench, asked Attorney General G E Vahanvathi who appeared for the Board.

The apex court posed the query during the day-long hearing of the petition of former BCCI president A C Muthiah challenging the amendment made by the Board in its regulations to allow administrators to bid for franchises in IPL and T-20 tournaments.

The Bench said Muthiah, who was at that time the Treasurer of the Board, should have got his membership suspended as he definitely had a stake in the IPL tourney.

"You introduce an amendment where the IPL will be an exception. You are a prominent industrialist holding a key position in the Board and have a stake in the bidding.

"In order to avoid suspicion and be above board, you should have got your membership suspended," the Bench said.

The apex court brushed aside the Attorney General's argument that Muthiah, being a former BCCI President, had no locus standi in challenging the amendment. The Bench, quoting BCCI rules, said it was under an obligation to inquire into any complaints made against its members.

"It is your duty to look into the complaint. Otherwise, why should Muthiah has to come to the court?

"One of your own rule says there should be no conflict of interest. BCCI clause provides that in the event of any complaint of violation of rules, you should conduct an inquiry. Why did you not do it?, the Bench said.

Source: Web Search

Hosts India start favourites to retain title

Thu, Sep 16 10 05:11 PM

Kolkata, Sept 16 (PTI) Buoyed by their historic bronze finish in the Asian Cup (Iran) last month, reigning champions India start as firm favourites in the third Asian senior men''s volleyball championship (central zone) beginning at Netaji Indoor courts tomorrow. India, who had won the title in the last edition of the meet held at Islamabad in 2007, will open their campaign against Kazakhstan in the four-nation meet tomorrow evening. Top contenders Iran have sent a second string side to be led by Arash Sadeghiani as their top side is preparing for the World Championship to be held in Italy (September 24-October 10), that makes the task easier for the hosts country. "This is a great opportunity to beat them (Iran) here. We definitely have a bright chance of defending the title. The boys are together for quite sometime now. We won a bronze in the Asian Cup after 24 years and after that we had a successful Europe tour (Poland and Slovania) for over a fortnight," captain and universal Sanjay Kumar told PTI on the eve of their opener. India were narrowly beaten by Iran 3-2 in the semis to miss a final berth, but they returned with a bronze after thrashing Chinese Taipei 3-0 in the third place play-off. Not the skipper of the Indian side, Sanjay Kumar, however, had a memorable outing winning the ''Best Scorer'' award. Sanjay said this tournament would take them in the right direction for the upcoming Asian Games to be held in Guangzhou in China in November. .

Source: Published>

SC corners BCCI for IPL 'conflict of interest'

Published>Thu, Sep 16 10 04:57 PM

The Supreme Court today put some searching questions to Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on permitting its Secretary N Srinivasan to bid for Chennai Super Kings, a franchise of IPL championship, as there appeared to be a "conflict of interest."

A Bench of Justices J M Panchal and Gyan Sudha Mishra, during the arguments, said Srinivasan, being a key member of BCCI, should have ideally suspended his association with the Board before bidding for the franchise, which he had successfully won.

"An amendment has been brought and there seems to be a conflict of interest. Can a person be a judge of his own case? "I am hearing the matter relating to the controversy. But can I participate in the bidding of IPL teams tomorrow?" Justice Sudha, speaking for the Bench, asked Attorney General G E Vahanvathi who appeared for the Board.

The apex court posed the query during the day-long hearing of the petition of former BCCI president A C Muthiah challenging the amendment made by the Board in its regulations to allow administrators to bid for franchises in IPL and T-20 tournaments.

The Bench said Muthiah, who was at that time the Treasurer of the Board, should have got his membership suspended as he definitely had a stake in the IPL tourney.

"You introduce an amendment where the IPL will be an exception. You are a prominent industrialist holding a key position in the Board and have a stake in the bidding.

"In order to avoid suspicion and be above board, you should have got your membership suspended," the Bench said.

The apex court brushed aside the Attorney General's argument that Muthiah, being a former BCCI President, had no locus standi in challenging the amendment. The Bench, quoting BCCI rules, said it was under an obligation to inquire into any complaints made against its members.

"It is your duty to look into the complaint. Otherwise, why should Muthiah has to come to the court?

"One of your own rule says there should be no conflict of interest. BCCI clause provides that in the event of any complaint of violation of rules, you should conduct an inquiry. Why did you not do it?, the Bench said.

Source: Web Search

Indian archers aim a rich medal haul on home turf at CWG

Thu, Sep 16 10 04:51 PM

Tapan Mohanta Kolkata, Sep 16 (PTI) With World Champions Korea and formidable China not part of the competition, India would look to put up a dominating show when archery is re-introduced in the New Commonwealth Games, next month. After making a debut in the Brisbane edition in 1982, archery will feature only for the second time in the Games, with hosts being a strong contenders. With senior archers such as Olympians Tarundeep Rai and Dola Banerjee and cadet world champion Deepika Kumari, Indian squad is a blend of experience and youth. Jayanta Talukdar and Rahul Banerjee make a strong men''s recurve side with Rai, who has made the cut at the expense of Beijing Olympian Mangal Singh Champia. The trio is high on confidence especially after their gold medal triumph in the World Cup Stage 4 in Shanghai with a record 224 score, highest so far by the men''s side. In all, 24 medals are up for grabs but India''s best bet is the recurve bow event. Chief coach Limba Ram said out of eight gold medals on offer in this event, the hosts have a chance to win at least six of them in both men''s and women''s categories. "We have a strong side with a lot of experience. With home conditions, we should get at least six gold medals with top places in men''s and women''s recurve section," Chief coach Limba Ram told PTI. "We have been preparing for the CWG and Asian Games for last two years. There were no exposure trips but our archers have done really well at the different legs of the World Cup and the Asian GPs." The only Indian to win a World Cup Grand Final (Dubai, 2007), Banerjee will lead the charge of the women''s side. She said the fact that they will up against some teams, whom they have already beaten this year, gives them the confidence of doing well. "Everything is going in the right direction for us. In the initial round at the World Cup, we beat England who will again compete us at the CWG. We also beat Asian Games competitors China (in the semis). "Also we had our best score so far, so the confidence is sky-high. We are not at all worried and confident of clinching both the (individual and team) gold medals," Banerjee told PTI. The men''s side had earlier this year won the silver and gold medals at the World Cup Stage 1 (Porec, May 4-8) and Stage 2 (Antalya, June 7-11) respectively. More PTI TAP AT

Source: Published>

Ancelotti hails Anelka's display in Chelsea's Champions League opener

Published>Thu, Sep 16 10 04:41 PM

London, Sep 16(ANI): Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti has said striker Nicolas Anelka was the key to his side's 4-1 win over MSK Zilina in their Champions League group game.

Anelka set up Michael Essien's 13th-minute opener before scoring twice himself.

"Nicolas was the key to this win. He created space, had chances and played a fantastic game. He can play the position in front but sometimes we use him out wide and sometimes he plays in the middle," The Sun quoted Ancelotti, as saying.

"But, no matter where he plays, he shows the same skills. Every Champions League game is tough to play. We started very well in the first half and played some fantastic football but the second half was different."

"After the break, Zilina put more pressure on our defence, but the back four had a good match," he added.

Ancelotti was also happy with the defensive performance.

"Every game in the Champions League is hard to play. We started very well in the first half, we played fantastic football, the second half was different," Ancelotti said.

"Zilina put more pressure on our defence. The back four did a good match," he added. (ANI)

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Tests should detect hematide this year - AFLD advisor

Thu, Sep 16 10 04:37 PM

Doping tests should be able to detect hematide, the latest form of banned blood-booster erythropoietin (EPO), before the end of the year, a scientific advisor to the French Anti-Doping Agency (AFLD) said on Thursday.

"Hematide is a form of EPO that I believe is being widely used," Michel Rieu told a media conference at AFLD headquarters.

"The World Anti-Doping Agency first had to come to an agreement with the laboratory (developing hematide) so that the molecule can be provided to the (anti-doping) laboratories so that a testing method could be implemented."

The two laboratories involved were the Lausanne (Switzerland) and Chatenay-Malabry (France), he added.

"There is a very good chance that hematide will be detectable this year," he said.

Hematide is a synthetic peptide which is not protein based and is therefore more stable. It does not need to be cooled down to five degrees Celsius but can be stored at room temperature.

Source: Published>

Davis Cup: Bopanna plays Bellucci, Somdev takes on Mello

Published>Thu, Sep 16 10 04:33 PM

Chennai, Sep 16 (IANS) Brazil's non-playing captain Joao Zwetsch could barely hide his grin that grew bigger as the draw for the Davis Cup World Group playoff tie against India was announced here Thursday.

In Friday's first singles, Brazil No.1 Tomaz Bellucci, World ranked 27, plays Rohan Bopanna while their second-ranked Ricardo Mello comes up against the highest-ranked Indian, Somdev Devvarman in the second singles.

In Saturday's doubles, the experienced and long-time Indian combination of Leander Paes and Mahesh Bhupathi will take on Bruno Soares and Marcelo Mello. In the reverse singles, Somdev opens against Bellucci followed by the contest between Mello and Bopanna.

Zwetsch dismissed speculation about his spontaneous reaction after Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi drew the lots offered to him by chief referee Javier Moreno at a traditional function on the centre court of the SDAT Stadium.

'I always smile,' he quipped, but on a serious note, said: 'I do not think draw or ranking makes any difference. Davis Cup is all about emotional feelings. The atmosphere and pressure is very different as you carry the pride of playing for the country. It is going to be a tough and very close tie. I also do not agree that on ranking anybody can be termed as favourite.'

However, for all his attempts to deflect undue attention on his team, the fact remains that Bellucci, only 22, has had a fairly decent run on the tour to get to No.27, while Bopanna, essentially a doubles specialist, is at 479.

India's non-playing captain S.P. Misra pointed out that Bopanna had beaten higher ranked Rik de Voest as also Somdev who had packed off Izak van der Merwe exactly a year ago in South Africa, defeating the hosts 4-1 at the same stage of the tournament.

The 30-year-old Bopanna, fresh from playing the doubles final of the US Open last week, said: 'I haven't played Bellucci earlier, but I will go out there and give my best.'

The posturing and statements aside, Bellucci has had some excellent results with wins over several top-20 players in the lead up to the Davis Cup tie and more importantly, he is keen to make up for the loss against Uruguay last year.

While a 1-0 lead for Brazil Friday is expected, India's chances hinge on Somdev pulling it off against Mello who is ranked 75. The 25-year old Somdev broke into top-100 for the first time last month, but has since slipped to 113.

The centre court here holds happy memories for Somdev who did his schooling in this city. In the 2009 Chennai Open, Somdev made it to the final and he is hoping to play as well, if not better Friday.

'I have had some good results in the recent months and I hope to continue that way,' said Somdev, who last month made a direct entry to the US Open, but lost in the first round.

Mello, the 29-year old from Campinas, touched a high of 50 five years ago, but slipped badly thereafter before getting back into the top-100 in April this year. His only ATP tour title was in 2004 on the hard courts of Delray Beach. As such, he could still prove to be a handful for Devvarman.

Both teams felt the hot and humid conditions would not influence the outcome of the tie, but Paes made a significant remark about the superior fitness and power of the Brazilians.

'The Brazilians are extremely fit and train hard, besides being quite powerful. We cannot take them lightly, but again, in Davis Cup all that matters is for you to take the chances that come your way,' said Paes.

A lot would also rest on Paes-Bhupathi, who these days comes together only during representative ties. The last time the two veterans got together was against Russia in the World Group first round last year and won the doubles match, but India went down 2-3.

'It was one of the finest doubles matches ever played by Leander and Mahesh. They were simply outstanding,' gushed forth Misra recalling the match against the Russian pair of Teimuraz Gabashvli and Igor Kunitsyn who went down in straight sets.

The India pair Saturday will have to replicate that performance if only to keep the team afloat and take it into the third day with a chance to win the tie.

As Zwetsch said, the tie is open and it could boil down to keeping one's nerves to pull through.

Source: Web Search

Dikshit announces Rs.15 lakh reward for Sushil Kumar

Published>Thu, Sep 16 10 04:27 PM

New Delhi, Sep 16 (IANS) Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit Thursday announced a cash reward of Rs.15 lakh for Sushil Kumar, the first Indian wrestler to win a gold medal at a World Wrestling Championship.

In a message, Dikshit termed Sushil a true Delhiite who brought pride to the entire country by winning the world championship.

Sushil, 27, beat Russia's Gogaev Alan 3-1 in the final round of the 66 kg category at the World Wrestling Championship in Moscow Sunday night.

An assistant commercial manager in Indian Railways, he is at present posted in the Northern Railway.

Congratulating the ace wrestler, Dikshit said India now 'expects' more from him in the Oct 3-14 Commonwealth Games and other international sporting events.

'The Delhi government feels elated in congratulating and honouring Sushil who struggled hard to achieve excellence in the field,' she added.

In 2008, Sushil won a bronze medal at the Beijing Olympics.

Source: Web Search

Unprecedented security would ensure safe Delhi CWG: Hooper

Published>Thu, Sep 16 10 04:23 PM

Sydney, Sep 16(ANI): Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) chief executive, Mike Hooper, insists that unprecedented security would ensure a safe Delhi Commonwealth Games.

In spite of widespread concerns in the build-up to the October 3-14 Games, Hooper said: "I honestly do, hand on heart, believe that we will have a safe and secure environment in and around the Games venues."

"From everything I have known from living here for three years, coming here for seven years, there is certainly no diminution of the commitment given by the government of India, the Delhi government and Delhi police to deliver a safe and secure environment," he added.

Hooper further said that a four-layered security operation would be carried out during the Games to give paramount importance to the safety of athletes and spectators

"Security is of paramount importance and we cannot compromise and I don't believe anyone is compromising," The News quoted Hooper, as saying.

Earlier, the Australian Government had warned of a high risk of a terrorist attack during the Games in New Delhi, while several New Zealand sports bodies had threatened to pull out citing security concerns. (ANI)

Source: Web Search

India take on Brazil in a World Group play-off tie

Thu, Sep 16 10 04:17 PM

R Eswar Chennai, Sep 16 (PTI) India will look to exploit a favourable surface, weather conditions and form of its players to reclaim a berth in the Davis Cup World Group as the hosts take on formidable Brazil in the play-off tie here from tomorrow. India came to this tie after losing the World Group first round to Russia in March this year while Brazil whitewashed Uruguay 5-0 in the Americas Zone group I semifinals in May. India have tasted success consistently in the Asia-Oceania Group and went on to break the World Group jinx after 11 years following a win over South Africa in 2009. Brazil, a clay court specialist nation, last played in World Group in 2003 against Sweden and have been trying ever since to make it to the elite club. September has been an unlucky month in the last few years for them as they lost to Ecuador, Croatia, Austria and Sweden in the play-off ties. Traditionally India have chosen grass courts to host a Davis Cup tie but due to liking of Somdev Devvarman, its best singles players currently, it preferred hard courts for the tie, first at home in two years. The last time India hosted a tie on a non-grass surface was in 1979 when it played against Australia on clay. Comparing the two sides ranking wise, India do not have a single top-100 player with Somdev being the best at 113 and Rohan Bopanna a distant 479 but the doubles team Leander Paes and Mahesh Bhupathi is undoubtedly a class apart, unbeaten in the last 23 ties. Paes will, infact, mark 20 years in the Davis Cup circuit when he takes the court on Saturday. Brazil boast world number 27 Thomaz Belluci and 75th ranked Ricardo Mello and also have a solid doubles team in Bruno Soares and Marcelo Melo, who are ranked 16th. Yet, a few things go in favour of India as its players, specially Somdev, have done exceedingly well on hard courts to turn the ties in his team''s favour while Brazil have not won a Davis Cup tie on hard court since 1991 and have played on the surface just eight times in its 62-year history. The rankings may show a wide gulf between the players of the two nations, but Somdev and Bopanna have time and again proved their disdain for them. Bopanna, despite concentrating more on doubles, has done well in Davis Cup singles of late. In India''s WG play-off win over South Africa, Bopanna had played an important role by beating Rik De Voest. In the lost tie against Russia, the only singles win came from Bopanna when he beat Teimuraz Gabashvili. His confidence, after a historic performance at the just concluded US Open will also be sky high. Somdev on his day can beat any player in the world, hence despite having superiorly ranked players, Brazil will face a tough job. Adding to their disadvantage would be the hot and humid conditions here. In the end, it will be an intense tie in which both teams will go with equal chances to win. The losing team will play its respective Zone in 2011.

Source: Published>

Jersey Shore girls 'want Rooney'

Published>Thu, Sep 16 10 04:09 PM

London, Sep 16 (ANI): Jersey Shore girls want a piece of love-rat Wayne Rooney despite his tarnished image.

Snooki and Sammi Sweetheart said: "We want Roo."

The stars of the MTV hit show at the Chateau Marmont in LA expressed their desire to get hooked with the star who cheated on wife Coleen with a prostitute.

"He looks like Shrek, but I don't care. He's a soccer player. Heeeeeey. I'm not getting married so I can play around," the Mirror quoted Sammi as saying.

Snooki said: "He ain't no Beckham but I'll take him. He's been a naughty boy, but I'll keep him in check. Real talk for real." (ANI)

Source: Web Search

Milan nurse injuries after Auxerre win

Published>Thu, Sep 16 10 03:57 PM

AC Milan got more than they bargained for in the Champions League on Wednesday, with a tougher-than-expected game against Auxerre and injuries hampering plans for Saturday's Serie A visit of Catania (1845 GMT).

Milan were woeful for an hour against the French side in their Group G opener before new striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic burst to life with two goals in three minutes to give them a 2-0 win.

The patchy performance followed last weekend's shock 2-0 league defeat at promoted Cesena and new boss Massimiliano Allegri wants the team to show more verve having mainly pinged pointless long balls forward during Wednesday's first half.

"It will be a very difficult game (against Catania) and because of this we need to recover our energy and physical force as quickly as possible," he told reporters.

Captain Massimo Ambrosini limped off early against Auxerre with a heavy leg knock while striker Alexandre Pato was substituted with a muscle twinge and left back Luca Antonini was also injured.

None of the problems seem serious, Allegri said, but he could be without the trio for the third Serie A outing of the term against a Catania side packed with lively South Americans.

Ambrosini's early exit allowed substitute midfielder Kevin Prince Boateng the chance to shine on Wednesday and he is likely to keep his place. Defender Thiago Silva should also return after injury.

Champions Inter Milan had their own travails in Europe in midweek, drawing 2-2 at Twente Enschede, as they began the defence of their Champions League title in unconvincing fashion.

Next up is a trip to Palermo on Sunday (1300) where the intimidating crowd always makes life uncomfortable for visiting teams, even if their own side look toothless this term without injured striker Fabrizio Miccoli and the departed Edinson Cavani.

Inter look poised to be without forward Goran Pandev for around 10 days after his injury against Twente turned out not to be as bad as first feared but his absence will probably force a change in tactics for coach Rafael Benitez.

A switch to 4-3-1-2 from 4-2-3-1 is likely, pushing in-form forward Samuel Eto'o closer to goal and lifting the burden off the struggling Diego Milito.

Chievo, the only side with a maximum six points in Serie A, host promoted Brescia on Sunday, while Juventus search for their first win at Udinese.

Source: Web Search

Foreign media gets sneak preview of Commonwealth Games stadiums

Published>Thu, Sep 16 10 03:47 PM

New Delhi, Sep 16 (ANI): The organizers of the Commonwealth Games took the foreign media on an exciting tour of the main stadiums prepared for the sporting extravaganza in New Delhi.

The first stop on the media tour was the Dhyanchand Stadium, where the field hockey competition would be held.

Former Indian hockey captain and currently the administrator for the Dhyanchand Stadium, Zafar Iqbal said the stadium was set to impress the visitors and players from abroad alike.

"It has a capacity of about 19,000 people. We are privileged to have three-tier parking below this ground for 400 cars. Also, there are flood lights," Iqbal said.

Organisers said environmental conservation was one of the driving forces behind their planning and execution of the games infrastructure and Thyagraj stadium, the venue for the netball event.

"The stadium is a fully green stadium. It is the only fully green stadium in the world. In that respect, it has a rain-harvesting roof, it has a gas turbine that controls the electricity and air-conditioning," said Carmel Wright, competition manager of netball.

Last minute finishing touches were still being given to the main showpiece stadium - the Jawaharlal Nehru stadium which would host the opening and the closing ceremonies.

Suresh Kalmadi, chairman of Organising Committee, said Delhi was ready to put up a spectacular show.

"The Games will be very good. Everything has been done on time. There are still 20 days to go and everything will be fine. In spite of heavy rains, everything was done on time. We were confident since the beginning that things will be done on time and now you can see that everything is in place," he added.

India is expecting about two million visitors in New Delhi for the Games, and about 10,000 athletes from 71 teams representing 54 Commonwealth member states.

The 12-day sporting extravaganza, which will be held from October 3 to 14, will be India's biggest sporting event since the 1982 Asian Games in New Delhi. (ANI)

Source: Web Search

India take on Brazil in a World Group play-off tie

Thu, Sep 16 10 03:37 PM

R Eswar Chennai, Sep 16 (PTI) India will look to exploit a favourable surface, weather conditions and form of its players to reclaim a berth in the Davis Cup World Group as the hosts take on formidable Brazil in the play-off tie here from tomorrow. India came to this tie after losing the World Group first round to Russia in March this year while Brazil whitewashed Uruguay 5-0 in the Americas Zone group I semifinals in May. India have tasted success consistently in the Asia-Oceania Group and went on to break the World Group jinx after 11 years following a win over South Africa in 2009. Brazil, a clay court specialist nation, last played in World Group in 2003 against Sweden and have been trying ever since to make it to the elite club. September has been an unlucky month in the last few years for them as they lost to Ecuador, Croatia, Austria and Sweden in the play-off ties. Traditionally India have chosen grass courts to host a Davis Cup tie but due to liking of Somdev Devvarman, its best singles players currently, it preferred hard courts for the tie, first at home in two years. The last time India hosted a tie on a non-grass surface was in 1979 when it played against Australia on clay. Comparing the two sides ranking wise, India do not have a single top-100 player with Somdev being the best at 113 and Rohan Bopanna a distant 479 but the doubles team Leander Paes and Mahesh Bhupathi is undoubtedly a class apart, unbeaten in the last 23 ties. Paes will, infact, mark 20 years in the Davis Cup circuit when he takes the court on Saturday. Brazil boast world number 27 Thomaz Belluci and 75th ranked Ricardo Mello and also have a solid doubles team in Bruno Soares and Marcelo Melo, who are ranked 16th. Yet, a few things go in favour of India as its players, specially Somdev, have done exceedingly well on hard courts to turn the ties in his team''s favour while Brazil have not won a Davis Cup tie on hard court since 1991 and have played on the surface just eight times in its 62-year history. The rankings may show a wide gulf between the players of the two nations, but Somdev and Bopanna have time and again proved their disdain for them. Bopanna, despite concentrating more on doubles, has done well in Davis Cup singles of late. In India''s WG play-off win over South Africa, Bopanna had played an important role by beating Rik De Voest. In the lost tie against Russia, the only singles win came from Bopanna when he beat Teimuraz Gabashvili. His confidence, after a historic performance at the just concluded US Open will also be sky high. Somdev on his day can beat any player in the world, hence despite having superiorly ranked players, Brazil will face a tough job. Adding to their disadvantage would be the hot and humid conditions here. In the end, it will be an intense tie in which both teams will go with equal chances to win. The losing team will play its respective Zone in 2011.

Source: Published>

Foreign media gets sneak preview of Commonwealth Games stadiums

Published>Thu, Sep 16 10 03:33 PM

New Delhi, Sep 16 (ANI): The organizers of the Commonwealth Games took the foreign media on an exciting tour of the main stadiums prepared for the sporting extravaganza in New Delhi.

The first stop on the media tour was the Dhyanchand Stadium, where the field hockey competition would be held.

Former Indian hockey captain and currently the administrator for the Dhyanchand Stadium, Zafar Iqbal said the stadium was set to impress the visitors and players from abroad alike.

"It has a capacity of about 19,000 people. We are privileged to have three-tier parking below this ground for 400 cars. Also, there are flood lights," Iqbal said.

Organisers said environmental conservation was one of the driving forces behind their planning and execution of the games infrastructure and Thyagraj stadium, the venue for the netball event.

"The stadium is a fully green stadium. It is the only fully green stadium in the world. In that respect, it has a rain-harvesting roof, it has a gas turbine that controls the electricity and air-conditioning," said Carmel Wright, competition manager of netball.

Last minute finishing touches were still being given to the main showpiece stadium - the Jawaharlal Nehru stadium which would host the opening and the closing ceremonies.

Suresh Kalmadi, chairman of Organising Committee, said Delhi was ready to put up a spectacular show.

"The Games will be very good. Everything has been done on time. There are still 20 days to go and everything will be fine. In spite of heavy rains, everything was done on time. We were confident since the beginning that things will be done on time and now you can see that everything is in place," he added.

India is expecting about two million visitors in New Delhi for the Games, and about 10,000 athletes from 71 teams representing 54 Commonwealth member states.

The 12-day sporting extravaganza, which will be held from October 3 to 14, will be India's biggest sporting event since the 1982 Asian Games in New Delhi. (ANI)

Source: Web Search

India take on Brazil in a World Group play-off tie

Thu, Sep 16 10 03:29 PM

R Eswar Chennai, Sep 16 (PTI) India will look to exploit a favourable surface, weather conditions and form of its players to reclaim a berth in the Davis Cup World Group as the hosts take on formidable Brazil in the play-off tie here from tomorrow. India came to this tie after losing the World Group first round to Russia in March this year while Brazil whitewashed Uruguay 5-0 in the Americas Zone group I semifinals in May. India have tasted success consistently in the Asia-Oceania Group and went on to break the World Group jinx after 11 years following a win over South Africa in 2009. Brazil, a clay court specialist nation, last played in World Group in 2003 against Sweden and have been trying ever since to make it to the elite club. September has been an unlucky month in the last few years for them as they lost to Ecuador, Croatia, Austria and Sweden in the play-off ties. Traditionally India have chosen grass courts to host a Davis Cup tie but due to liking of Somdev Devvarman, its best singles players currently, it preferred hard courts for the tie, first at home in two years. The last time India hosted a tie on a non-grass surface was in 1979 when it played against Australia on clay. Comparing the two sides ranking wise, India do not have a single top-100 player with Somdev being the best at 113 and Rohan Bopanna a distant 479 but the doubles team Leander Paes and Mahesh Bhupathi is undoubtedly a class apart, unbeaten in the last 23 ties. Paes will, infact, mark 20 years in the Davis Cup circuit when he takes the court on Saturday. Brazil boast world number 27 Thomaz Belluci and 75th ranked Ricardo Mello and also have a solid doubles team in Bruno Soares and Marcelo Melo, who are ranked 16th. Yet, a few things go in favour of India as its players, specially Somdev, have done exceedingly well on hard courts to turn the ties in his team''s favour while Brazil have not won a Davis Cup tie on hard court since 1991 and have played on the surface just eight times in its 62-year history. The rankings may show a wide gulf between the players of the two nations, but Somdev and Bopanna have time and again proved their disdain for them. Bopanna, despite concentrating more on doubles, has done well in Davis Cup singles of late. In India''s WG play-off win over South Africa, Bopanna had played an important role by beating Rik De Voest. In the lost tie against Russia, the only singles win came from Bopanna when he beat Teimuraz Gabashvili. His confidence, after a historic performance at the just concluded US Open will also be sky high. Somdev on his day can beat any player in the world, hence despite having superiorly ranked players, Brazil will face a tough job. Adding to their disadvantage would be the hot and humid conditions here. In the end, it will be an intense tie in which both teams will go with equal chances to win. The losing team will play its respective Zone in 2011.

Source: Published>

Miandad suggests way to reform trouble-stricken PCB to Zardari

Published>Thu, Sep 16 10 03:25 PM

Islamabad, Sept 16 (ANI): Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) director general Javed Miandad has been pushing for radical reforms in the board, including enhanced powers for himself, and has conveyed his suggestions to Pakistan President Asif Zardari in this regard.

"After Javed was given a patient hearing by the President, the former captain conveyed some suggestions to improve the way the board is governing cricket affairs in the country," the Daily Times quoted a source, as saying.

"Miandad has asked for enhanced powers and also to have a direct say in purely cricket issues like selection and team affairs, he disclosed, adding that Javed also "spoke to President Zardari about the continued sidelining of a talented and experienced player like Younus Khan."

The source further revealed that Zardari then directed a senior bureaucrat to meet Butt and tell him clearly that certain recommendations and suggestions made by Miandad must be implemented. "This senior bureaucrat from the Presidency also met with Ijaz in Lahore a few days back and conveyed to him clearly what the President wanted done," the source said, adding that Butt assured him that the suggestions made by Miandad would be implemented on an immediate basis.

But after Butt left for London, no suggestions were implemented, except one, which was a 15 percent salary hike of all board employees below the rank of general manager or manager in the board, which Butt immediately implemented and signed, informed the source.

He said Miandad was now waiting to see how Ijaz would handle the instructions, as he was confident that if this time Butt would not implement the directives coming from the Presidency, he would be sacked by Zardari.

Butt, who has been facing scathing criticism from all quarters for the way he has handled the spot-fixing scandal or allowed things to get out of hand in the team, has also been blamed for interfering in purely cricket and team matters, something which no chairman had done in the past. (ANI)

Source: Web Search