New Zealand confirms Delhi Commonwealth Games participation

Published>Sat, Sep 25 10 12:28 PM

Auckland, Sep 25(ANI): The New Zealand Olympic Committee (NZOC) has agreed to continue with plans to send athletes for Delhi Commonwealth Games, which ends mounting speculation that New Zealand could withdraw from the event.

The build up to the October 3-14 Games has been marred by concerns around security, health and incomplete building work, which had delayed the arrival of Kiwi athletes to the Indian capital.

Addressing a conference in Auckland, NZOC President Mike Stanley said: "We plan to have the team in Delhi and we have our first athletes planning to be on the ground in Delhi on September 28."

"Unless there is some situation we can't effectively resolve, that's what we expect to happen. The NZOC board met this afternoon and was briefed on the situation. We gave it a lot of careful consideration," Stuff.co.nz quoted Stanley, as saying.

"The board has agreed that planning for the team to go to Delhi will continue and that we will monitor the situation ahead of athletes' arrivals next week. It is now up to the Games' organisers to provide satisfaction to the implementation of the Games plans," he added.

He also stressed that the NZOC would continue their ongoing assessment and liaison with the Delhi Commonwealth Games Organizing Committee.

"We are very conscious of our responsibility as a board. Athlete health and safety is our overriding concern," Stanley said.

"We feel for the athletes at this time. It is a time of uncertainty for them and we thank them for their understanding and their patience in this matter," he added. (ANI)

Source: Web Search

"I'm a better bowler than my statistics suggest": Mohammad Sami

Published>Sat, Sep 25 10 12:22 PM

Karachi, Sep 25 (ANI): Pakistan pace bowler Mohammad Sami, currently out of the national squad, has stated that if given an opportunity, he would prove that he was a better bowler than his statistics suggested.

"Sometimes statistics don't always tell the full story. I don't want to offer excuses, but those that have followed my career will appreciate that I have not had the best of luck. I am a better bowler than my statistics suggest and I will prove that in the coming months and years if given the opportunity," PakPassion.Net quoted Sami, as saying.

The 29-year-old pacer revealed that he was looking forward to the upcoming domestic season, and had also set himself the target of returning to the Pakistani test squad against South Africa.

"I've not taken much time off during the close season and have been working hard on my game at the Rashid Latif Cricket Academy, as well as training on my own... but I want to ensure that I am 100% ready when the new seasons starts. I am hopeful that the hard work will pay off and I can be given another chance for Pakistan," Sami said.

The 2011 World Cup is a target that is firmly in Sami's mind, and with bowlers Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Amir currently under suspension by the ICC after getting implicated in spot-fixing allegations, Pakistani selectors may once again have to consider taking him back to strengthen the team's bowling attack.

"Taking part in any World Cup is huge and something that players of all nations and abilities want to perform well in. The memory of the 2007 World Cup still haunts all of the squad... I want to put that terrible tournament behind me and to make the 2011 World Cup a success for Pakistan," he said.

Sami had made a sensational debut to his international career by taking eight wickets against New Zealand at Auckland, but later, with a bowling average of over 50, he struggled to hold down a regular place in the test and one day squads. (ANI)

Source: Web Search

Waqar stresses need for early 'player education' on how to avoid controversy

Published>Sat, Sep 25 10 12:08 PM

Karachi, Sep 25 (ANI): Pakistan cricket coach Waqar Younis has stressed the need of imparting education to young cricketers in avoiding controversy, after his embattled team arrived home from their England tour to a quiet reception in the home country.

Talking to reporters at Lahore airport, Younis said that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) needed to start educating players from the under-17 and under-19 age groups on how to conduct themselves after joining the senior national team, the Dawn reported.

"We need to educate our players on how to carry themselves, on how to avoid controversies and not get entangled with shady characters," he said.

In the wake of the spot-fixing allegations engulfing the visiting team, Younis noted that the England tour had been a testing and difficult one for the Pakistani side.

"It was not an easy tour at all in cricketing terms and also because of the off the field controversies. But we have learnt a lot from it," he said.

However, the former Test captain appreciated that the team had done well to win matches in difficult circumstances, but added that there was still a need for the selectors and coaching staff to reassess the team.

"Hopefully before our next series against South Africa we will know the fate of the three players and the situation would be clearer, but we need more young blood for the team," he added.

Pakistan is scheduled to play a test series against South Africa in the United Arab Emirates in October and November. (ANI)

Source: Web Search

Oz swimmer Callus 'ready to rock 'n' roll' at Delhi Commonwealth Games

Published>Sat, Sep 25 10 12:02 PM

Sydney, Sep 25(ANI): Australian swimmer Ashley Callus has said that though his team has been briefed "quite heavily" on the Delhi Commonwealth Games situation, he is 110 per cent ready to rock 'n' roll in them.

Members of the Australian swimming squad flew out to their training camp in Kuala Lumpur ahead of the Games' opening ceremony in eight days.

"There's excitement because I'm heading to my fourth Commonwealth Games, but there's also anxiousness to see what it's actually like over there," The Courier Mail quoted Callus, as saying.

"They keep us updated on the security issues and how the village is coming along . . . with this information everyone can make informed decisions," he added.

The 31-year-old sprint freestyle swimmer further said that at the moment he had "no qualms" about attending the event.

"Should any more information come to hand about the situation changing over there, then that could influence what happens," Callus said.

"For me, personally, (what is happening in Delhi) has not impacted on my motivation or want to go and compete. I am 110 per cent ready to rock 'n' roll," he added.

Callus had won a gold medal in the 4x100metre freestyle relay at the 2000 Sydney Olympics, silver at 2006 Melbourne Commonwealth Games and bronze at 2008 Beijing Olympics. (ANI)

Source: Web Search

"I'm a better bowler than my statistics suggest": Mohammad Sami

Published>Sat, Sep 25 10 11:58 AM

Karachi, Sep 25 (ANI): Pakistan pace bowler Mohammad Sami, currently out of the national squad, has stated that if given an opportunity, he would prove that he was a better bowler than his statistics suggested.

"Sometimes statistics don't always tell the full story. I don't want to offer excuses, but those that have followed my career will appreciate that I have not had the best of luck. I am a better bowler than my statistics suggest and I will prove that in the coming months and years if given the opportunity," PakPassion.Net quoted Sami, as saying.

The 29-year-old pacer revealed that he was looking forward to the upcoming domestic season, and had also set himself the target of returning to the Pakistani test squad against South Africa.

"I've not taken much time off during the close season and have been working hard on my game at the Rashid Latif Cricket Academy, as well as training on my own... but I want to ensure that I am 100% ready when the new seasons starts. I am hopeful that the hard work will pay off and I can be given another chance for Pakistan," Sami said.

The 2011 World Cup is a target that is firmly in Sami's mind, and with bowlers Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Amir currently under suspension by the ICC after getting implicated in spot-fixing allegations, Pakistani selectors may once again have to consider taking him back to strengthen the team's bowling attack.

"Taking part in any World Cup is huge and something that players of all nations and abilities want to perform well in. The memory of the 2007 World Cup still haunts all of the squad... I want to put that terrible tournament behind me and to make the 2011 World Cup a success for Pakistan," he said.

Sami had made a sensational debut to his international career by taking eight wickets against New Zealand at Auckland, but later, with a bowling average of over 50, he struggled to hold down a regular place in the test and one day squads. (ANI)

Source: Web Search

Waqar stresses need for early 'player education' on how to avoid controversy

Published>Sat, Sep 25 10 11:52 AM

Karachi, Sep 25 (ANI): Pakistan cricket coach Waqar Younis has stressed the need of imparting education to young cricketers in avoiding controversy, after his embattled team arrived home from their England tour to a quiet reception in the home country.

Talking to reporters at Lahore airport, Younis said that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) needed to start educating players from the under-17 and under-19 age groups on how to conduct themselves after joining the senior national team, the Dawn reported.

"We need to educate our players on how to carry themselves, on how to avoid controversies and not get entangled with shady characters," he said.

In the wake of the spot-fixing allegations engulfing the visiting team, Younis noted that the England tour had been a testing and difficult one for the Pakistani side.

"It was not an easy tour at all in cricketing terms and also because of the off the field controversies. But we have learnt a lot from it," he said.

However, the former Test captain appreciated that the team had done well to win matches in difficult circumstances, but added that there was still a need for the selectors and coaching staff to reassess the team.

"Hopefully before our next series against South Africa we will know the fate of the three players and the situation would be clearer, but we need more young blood for the team," he added.

Pakistan is scheduled to play a test series against South Africa in the United Arab Emirates in October and November. (ANI)

Source: Web Search

Commonwealth Games has become a laughing stock: Pawar

Published>Sat, Sep 25 10 11:46 AM

Pune (Maharashtra), Sep 25 (ANI): Union Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar has criticised Commonwealth Games Organising Committee Chairman Suresh Kalmadi for his poor management, saying the 2010 Games has become a laughing stock.

"Somebody told me that nowadays people are talking about only one thing in Delhi. I asked, 'what is it'. Then he replied, 'Commonwealth Games.' After that I said, 'this Games has become a joke," said Pawar, while addressing a public gathering here on Friday.

"Nowadays, I am hearing a story that due to severe criticism, the chief of the organising committee decided to commit suicide by hanging himself from the ceiling, but ironically the ceiling came down. May be the quality of ceiling was not good," he added.

Earlier on Thursday, Kalmadi said he was happy with the progress made in the Games Village as it got ready to welcome the first of the 7000 athletes and team officials who will reside there during the Commonwealth Games.

"As many as 121 Indian athletes and team officials from five disciplines and 17 Indian Para Sport athletes and team officials are slated to check into the Games Village this evening. I am sure that they will find the Village in good condition," Kalmadi said, having overseen the deployment of an extra workforce.

"I spent time at the Village this morning and am happy with the progress made by my team, with the support of Government agencies, in bringing up all 32 towers in the Village's Residential Zone to standards that would be acceptable to all our honoured visitors," he added.

Kalmadi further said no teams will pull out of the Games.

"We believe there will be no serious complaints anymore. And we believe that no teams will pull out of the Games. I am happy to note that we have already completed Delegation Registration Meetings with 21 teams. More will be completed in the coming days. I have met the Chefs de Missions and Team Managers from these teams," said Kalmadi.

"The training facilities, athletes dining hall and International Zone are all world class and the Residential Zone, especially some of the newer buildings, has had some problems because of the copious rain that Delhi has received this season. We are making good progress," he added.

Security concerns surrounding the Games have also been heightened in the wake of the shooting of two Taiwanese nationals travelling in a tourist bus outside New Delhi's Jama Masjid area on Sunday.

The record monsoon rains, an outbreak of dengue fever, allegations of corruption and late venue construction have all added to suspicion by athletes, their families and Games officials from participating countries.

The 12-day sporting extravaganza, which kicks off on October 3, is India"s biggest sporting event since the 1982 Asian Games in New Delhi. (ANI)

Source: Web Search

More and swift action required: England chef de mission

Published>Sat, Sep 25 10 11:38 AM

England's CWG officials are happy that redemption work at the Games Village has grown vigorously but maintained "more and swift action is required" before their second batch of athletes arrive on Sunday.

The first British batch, which had men's hockey and lawn bowls teams, arrived on Friday and was taken to hotel instead of Village, which is still being readied to host athletes.

Many participating nations had reserved their decision to send their teams to New Delhi in the wake of a disastrous run-up, in which the Village was termed as "filthy and unlivable", a tourist bus was attacked and construction delays mounted concerns.

England's chef de mission Craig Hunter said things have improved but a lot need to be done.

In the village, the level of activity continues to pick up and we are in a phase of looking at the detail, making sure that fire and safety equipment and procedures are in place and that the apartments are clean and safe," Hunter said.

"Our next wave of athletes arrives Sunday and a lot still needs to happen before then. More and swift action is required," Hunter was quoted as saying by the BBC.

Strong Commonwealth nations such as Australia, New Zealand, Scotland and Ireland have confirmed their participation.

Meanwhile, England's men hockey team visited the village yesterday and were reasonably satisfied with the facilities.

"It's nice to see it for ourselves. The flats are spacious - which is good for a major Games - but there are bits and pieces to be done to bring them up to standard," Captain Barry Middleton said.

"A couple of days will make a difference," he added.

Source: Web Search

New Zealand confirms participation in CWG

Published>Sat, Sep 25 10 10:48 AM

Auckland, Sep 25 (IANS) The New Zealand Olympic Committee has announced that its team would attend the Oct 3-14 Commonwealth Games in New Delhi.

The country's delegation, which looked into the situation at the Games' Village in New Delhi and also took stock of the safety measures for the athletes, gave its approval Friday night.

New Zealand had earlier said it would take a decision on participating in the CWG Saturday.

Commonwealth Games Federation president Mike Fennell Friday said that the conditions at the Games village had greatly improved but added that the clean-up work should continue urgently.

A New Zealand official had earlier said: 'Our responsibility is to ensure there is a safe environment for athletes to arrive in but we want the games to go ahead as do athletes who have trained for a long time.'

New Zealand road cyclist Greg Henderson Friday pulled out of the Commonwealth Games in Delhi, citing health and security fears.

New Zealand Prime Minister John Key had also said that he would support any athlete who decides not to participate in the Commonwealth Games.

The prime minister had stressed that it was up to the New Zealand Olympic Committee to decide whether or not to send a team.

Source: Web Search

Furyk and Donald in joint control at East Lake

Published>Sat, Sep 25 10 10:42 AM

Jim Furyk buried memories of his tournament disqualification four weeks ago by charging into a share of the lead with Britain's Luke Donald in the second round of the Tour Championship on Friday.

One stroke off the pace overnight, American Furyk fired a five-under-par 65 for an eight-under total of 132 in the final event of the PGA Tour's lucrative playoff series.

With FedExCup honours also on the line this week for the elite field of 30, Furyk recorded six birdies and a lone bogey to stay in the hunt for his third tour victory of the year.

Donald, joint leader with fellow Englishman Paul Casey and Australian Geoff Ogilvy after the opening round, remained at the top by carding a second successive 66 at a sun-baked East Lake Golf Club.

Ogilvy was alone at seven under after a topsy-turvy 67 while Casey slid back into a three-way tie for fifth at three under after a bogey-bogey-bogey finish gave him a 71.

Furyk, who was disqualified from the first of the four playoff events after sleeping late and missing his tee time for the Barclays pro-am, birdied three of the last eight holes to complete the lowest round of the week at East Lake.

"I'm very happy, tied for the lead and in great position for the weekend," the world number six told reporters. "The goal is to go out there tomorrow -- try to to shoot another round in the 60s and put myself in the hunt.

"I like the position of being a front runner and being in control a little bit and trying to keep pushing, make the other guys catch you rather than being the guy in the chase."

Furyk, Donald and Ogilvy have a comfortable cushion going into the third round over fourth-placed KJ Choi of South Korea who fired a 68 to lie four strokes off the pace.

DRIVER'S SEAT

"It puts the three of us in the driver's seat," Furyk said. "There is a lot of golf to be played but if we continue to play well, it'll narrow the margin for how many guys can catch up."

On another hot and humid day at East Lake where the greens were running fast and firm, the leaderboard fluctuated wildly as players' fortunes waxed and waned.

Early in the second round, Furyk, Casey, Donald and Ogilvy held a share of the lead before Furyk and Donald took charge in the late afternoon.

Furyk edged a stroke in front at seven under when he rolled in a 10-footer to birdie the par-four 14th.

A two-putt birdie at the par-five 15th doubled the American's lead before Ogilvy and Donald, playing in the final pairing, trimmed it to one when they also birdied 15.

Donald drained a 31-foot birdie putt at the 16th to draw level with Furyk at eight under before Ogilvy followed suit by knocking in a 15-footer at the same hole.

However the Australian faltered with a bogey at the 17th, where he took two strokes to reach the putting surface from behind the green to leave Furyk and Donald in overall control.

"I'm very happy with 66," said Donald, who is bidding for his third PGA Tour title but first since 2006. "It was another good day score-wise, and I'm in a great position. It was nice to build off a solid first round and continue that."

American world number two Phil Mickelson, who won last year's Tour Championship by a commanding three shots, was nine strokes off the lead after carding a 72.

Source: Web Search

It would be a mistake not to engage with India with respect: Anand Sharma

Published>Sat, Sep 25 10 10:18 AM

Toronto, Sep 25 (IANS) Lashing out at nations, particularly Australia, New Zealand, Canada and England, for criticizing India for its handling of the Commonwealth Games, Commerce Industry Minister Anand Sharma Friday warned that they may have a price to pay in terms of business opportunities in the emerging economy.

'It would be a mistake not to engage with India with respect. When it comes to business, who's loss would it be?' he told the media after meeting his Canadian counterpart Peter Van Loan in Ottawa.

Slamming the foreign media for 'running a campaign'' against India over its handling of the Games, the minister said, 'Dated and frozen images, exaggeration, trying to run down a country is not acceptable to us.''

A visibly angry Sharma said India is an emerging economic power as well as the largest democracy in the world and the Commonwealth.

He said, 'I can tell you we will host the Games and we will host them in a manner which is befitting.''

The minister said 'unprecedented rains and heavy floods even till now'' have played havoc with work at the Games' village. 'There is no major project anywhere which is concluded to perfection.''

Hitting out at those international athletes who have pulled out of the Games citing health and security reasons, Sharma said, 'Maybe either they are not confident of winning the medals or they will lose out.''

Earlier interacting with South Asian journalists in Toronto Thursday night, the minister said, 'I would like to request the media members for a fair and balance reporting. One sink picture and one dirty room picture. But there are many positives - tens of thousands of people have toiled getting stadiums (ready), building metro....but nothing gets reported.''

He added, 'Let me put it bluntly that tens of thousands of athletes will be coming and the Games will be successful.''

The minister said India carried out the preparations transparently and the country will live up to its ' tradition and culture (that) how hospitable we are - a guest is a god for us.''

Sharma is in Canada to meet his Canadian counterpart Peter Van Loan, business leaders and CEOs as part of the dialogue between the two countries to deepen their 'strategic partnership'' and triple bilateral trade to $15 billion in the next five years.

Source: Web Search

Furyk and Donald in joint control at East Lake

Published>Sat, Sep 25 10 10:12 AM

Jim Furyk buried memories of his tournament disqualification four weeks ago by charging into a share of the lead with Britain's Luke Donald in the second round of the Tour Championship on Friday.

One stroke off the pace overnight, American Furyk fired a five-under-par 65 for an eight-under total of 132 in the final event of the PGA Tour's lucrative playoff series.

With FedExCup honours also on the line this week for the elite field of 30, Furyk recorded six birdies and a lone bogey to stay in the hunt for his third tour victory of the year.

Donald, joint leader with fellow Englishman Paul Casey and Australian Geoff Ogilvy after the opening round, remained at the top by carding a second successive 66 at a sun-baked East Lake Golf Club.

Ogilvy was alone at seven under after a topsy-turvy 67 while Casey slid back into a three-way tie for fifth at three under after a bogey-bogey-bogey finish gave him a 71.

Furyk, who was disqualified from the first of the four playoff events after sleeping late and missing his tee time for the Barclays pro-am, birdied three of the last eight holes to complete the lowest round of the week at East Lake.

"I'm very happy, tied for the lead and in great position for the weekend," the world number six told reporters. "The goal is to go out there tomorrow -- try to to shoot another round in the 60s and put myself in the hunt.

"I like the position of being a front runner and being in control a little bit and trying to keep pushing, make the other guys catch you rather than being the guy in the chase."

Furyk, Donald and Ogilvy have a comfortable cushion going into the third round over fourth-placed KJ Choi of South Korea who fired a 68 to lie four strokes off the pace.

DRIVER'S SEAT

"It puts the three of us in the driver's seat," Furyk said. "There is a lot of golf to be played but if we continue to play well, it'll narrow the margin for how many guys can catch up."

On another hot and humid day at East Lake where the greens were running fast and firm, the leaderboard fluctuated wildly as players' fortunes waxed and waned.

Early in the second round, Furyk, Casey, Donald and Ogilvy held a share of the lead before Furyk and Donald took charge in the late afternoon.

Furyk edged a stroke in front at seven under when he rolled in a 10-footer to birdie the par-four 14th.

A two-putt birdie at the par-five 15th doubled the American's lead before Ogilvy and Donald, playing in the final pairing, trimmed it to one when they also birdied 15.

Donald drained a 31-foot birdie putt at the 16th to draw level with Furyk at eight under before Ogilvy followed suit by knocking in a 15-footer at the same hole.

However the Australian faltered with a bogey at the 17th, where he took two strokes to reach the putting surface from behind the green to leave Furyk and Donald in overall control.

"I'm very happy with 66," said Donald, who is bidding for his third PGA Tour title but first since 2006. "It was another good day score-wise, and I'm in a great position. It was nice to build off a solid first round and continue that."

American world number two Phil Mickelson, who won last year's Tour Championship by a commanding three shots, was nine strokes off the lead after carding a 72.

Source: Web Search

Flawless Bhullar in joint lead in Japan

Published>Sat, Sep 25 10 10:08 AM

Kobe (Japan), Sep 25 (IANS) India's rising golf star Gaganjeet Bhullar was the only player who enjoyed a bogey-free opening round at the Asia-Pacific Panasonic Open Friday as a sparkling four-under-par 67 gave him the joint lead with Korean S.K. Ho and Japan's Shintaro Kai and Kazuhiko Hosokawa.

The 21-year-old Indian produced four birdies at the challenging par-71 Rokko Kokusai Golf Club's East course to earn a chance of winning a third Asian Tour victory.

Of the other three Indians in the field, S.S.P. Chowrasia shot 71 to be placed 31st, while Anirban Lahiri and C. Muniyappa with 74 each were 61st.

Ho and Hosokawa, both with eight career victories in Japan and playing on invites this week, repaid the faith of the sponsors with strong starts in the approximately $1.7 million event co-sanctioned by the Japan Golf Tour and Asian Tour.

Title holder Daisuke Maruyama and Australia's Marcus Fraser, who is second on the Asian Tour's Order of Merit, were amongst in the chasing pack with 68s on a day of tough scoring.

Japan's number one Ryo Ishikawa, who attracted a large gallery, battled to a 69 which included six birdies while current Asian Tour Order of Merit leader Noh Seung-yul of Korea returned a 70 in the tournament reduced to 54-holes after Thursday's cancellation due to poor weather.

Being the only man in the 132-man field to be blemish-free put a big smile on Bhular's face. His card included a brilliant run of three birdies on the trot from his third hole of the day (12 to 14 hole).

'It was quite a satisfying round because the layout is pretty tough, especially the rough. I stroked the ball really well and kept everything on the fairway. I just played sensibly and consistent golf,' said Bhullar.

Starting from the 10th, he picked up three straight shots from the 12th hole, thanks to some solid attacking play. 'I was a bit aggressive on those holes. I hit some brave shots,' he said.

'With 54 holes, it changes things a bit. At the end of the day, you still have to play well, whether it's 72 holes or 108 holes. Tomorrow will be very important. I'm playing early tomorrow, so let's see what happens.'

Source: Web Search

Furyk and Donald in joint control at East Lake

Published>Sat, Sep 25 10 10:02 AM

Jim Furyk buried memories of his tournament disqualification four weeks ago by charging into a share of the lead with Britain's Luke Donald in the second round of the Tour Championship on Friday.

One stroke off the pace overnight, American Furyk fired a five-under-par 65 for an eight-under total of 132 in the final event of the PGA Tour's lucrative playoff series.

With FedExCup honours also on the line this week for the elite field of 30, Furyk recorded six birdies and a lone bogey to stay in the hunt for his third tour victory of the year.

Donald, joint leader with fellow Englishman Paul Casey and Australian Geoff Ogilvy after the opening round, remained at the top by carding a second successive 66 at a sun-baked East Lake Golf Club.

Ogilvy was alone at seven under after a topsy-turvy 67 while Casey slid back into a three-way tie for fifth at three under after a bogey-bogey-bogey finish gave him a 71.

Furyk, who was disqualified from the first of the four playoff events after sleeping late and missing his tee time for the Barclays pro-am, birdied three of the last eight holes to complete the lowest round of the week at East Lake.

"I'm very happy, tied for the lead and in great position for the weekend," the world number six told reporters. "The goal is to go out there tomorrow -- try to to shoot another round in the 60s and put myself in the hunt.

"I like the position of being a front runner and being in control a little bit and trying to keep pushing, make the other guys catch you rather than being the guy in the chase."

Furyk, Donald and Ogilvy have a comfortable cushion going into the third round over fourth-placed KJ Choi of South Korea who fired a 68 to lie four strokes off the pace.

DRIVER'S SEAT

"It puts the three of us in the driver's seat," Furyk said. "There is a lot of golf to be played but if we continue to play well, it'll narrow the margin for how many guys can catch up."

On another hot and humid day at East Lake where the greens were running fast and firm, the leaderboard fluctuated wildly as players' fortunes waxed and waned.

Early in the second round, Furyk, Casey, Donald and Ogilvy held a share of the lead before Furyk and Donald took charge in the late afternoon.

Furyk edged a stroke in front at seven under when he rolled in a 10-footer to birdie the par-four 14th.

A two-putt birdie at the par-five 15th doubled the American's lead before Ogilvy and Donald, playing in the final pairing, trimmed it to one when they also birdied 15.

Donald drained a 31-foot birdie putt at the 16th to draw level with Furyk at eight under before Ogilvy followed suit by knocking in a 15-footer at the same hole.

However the Australian faltered with a bogey at the 17th, where he took two strokes to reach the putting surface from behind the green to leave Furyk and Donald in overall control.

"I'm very happy with 66," said Donald, who is bidding for his third PGA Tour title but first since 2006. "It was another good day score-wise, and I'm in a great position. It was nice to build off a solid first round and continue that."

American world number two Phil Mickelson, who won last year's Tour Championship by a commanding three shots, was nine strokes off the lead after carding a 72.

Source: Web Search

Flawless Bhullar in joint lead in Japan

Published>Sat, Sep 25 10 09:54 AM

Kobe (Japan), Sep 25 (IANS) India's rising golf star Gaganjeet Bhullar was the only player who enjoyed a bogey-free opening round at the Asia-Pacific Panasonic Open Friday as a sparkling four-under-par 67 gave him the joint lead with Korean S.K. Ho and Japan's Shintaro Kai and Kazuhiko Hosokawa.

The 21-year-old Indian produced four birdies at the challenging par-71 Rokko Kokusai Golf Club's East course to earn a chance of winning a third Asian Tour victory.

Of the other three Indians in the field, S.S.P. Chowrasia shot 71 to be placed 31st, while Anirban Lahiri and C. Muniyappa with 74 each were 61st.

Ho and Hosokawa, both with eight career victories in Japan and playing on invites this week, repaid the faith of the sponsors with strong starts in the approximately $1.7 million event co-sanctioned by the Japan Golf Tour and Asian Tour.

Title holder Daisuke Maruyama and Australia's Marcus Fraser, who is second on the Asian Tour's Order of Merit, were amongst in the chasing pack with 68s on a day of tough scoring.

Japan's number one Ryo Ishikawa, who attracted a large gallery, battled to a 69 which included six birdies while current Asian Tour Order of Merit leader Noh Seung-yul of Korea returned a 70 in the tournament reduced to 54-holes after Thursday's cancellation due to poor weather.

Being the only man in the 132-man field to be blemish-free put a big smile on Bhular's face. His card included a brilliant run of three birdies on the trot from his third hole of the day (12 to 14 hole).

'It was quite a satisfying round because the layout is pretty tough, especially the rough. I stroked the ball really well and kept everything on the fairway. I just played sensibly and consistent golf,' said Bhullar.

Starting from the 10th, he picked up three straight shots from the 12th hole, thanks to some solid attacking play. 'I was a bit aggressive on those holes. I hit some brave shots,' he said.

'With 54 holes, it changes things a bit. At the end of the day, you still have to play well, whether it's 72 holes or 108 holes. Tomorrow will be very important. I'm playing early tomorrow, so let's see what happens.'

Source: Web Search

Furyk and Donald in joint control at East Lake

Published>Sat, Sep 25 10 09:48 AM

Jim Furyk buried memories of his tournament disqualification four weeks ago by charging into a share of the lead with Britain's Luke Donald in the second round of the Tour Championship on Friday.

One stroke off the pace overnight, American Furyk fired a five-under-par 65 for an eight-under total of 132 in the final event of the PGA Tour's lucrative playoff series.

With FedExCup honours also on the line this week for the elite field of 30, Furyk recorded six birdies and a lone bogey to stay in the hunt for his third tour victory of the year.

Donald, joint leader with fellow Englishman Paul Casey and Australian Geoff Ogilvy after the opening round, remained at the top by carding a second successive 66 at a sun-baked East Lake Golf Club.

Ogilvy was alone at seven under after a topsy-turvy 67 while Casey slid back into a three-way tie for fifth at three under after a bogey-bogey-bogey finish gave him a 71.

Furyk, who was disqualified from the first of the four playoff events after sleeping late and missing his tee time for the Barclays pro-am, birdied three of the last eight holes to complete the lowest round of the week at East Lake.

"I'm very happy, tied for the lead and in great position for the weekend," the world number six told reporters. "The goal is to go out there tomorrow -- try to to shoot another round in the 60s and put myself in the hunt.

"I like the position of being a front runner and being in control a little bit and trying to keep pushing, make the other guys catch you rather than being the guy in the chase."

Furyk, Donald and Ogilvy have a comfortable cushion going into the third round over fourth-placed KJ Choi of South Korea who fired a 68 to lie four strokes off the pace.

DRIVER'S SEAT

"It puts the three of us in the driver's seat," Furyk said. "There is a lot of golf to be played but if we continue to play well, it'll narrow the margin for how many guys can catch up."

On another hot and humid day at East Lake where the greens were running fast and firm, the leaderboard fluctuated wildly as players' fortunes waxed and waned.

Early in the second round, Furyk, Casey, Donald and Ogilvy held a share of the lead before Furyk and Donald took charge in the late afternoon.

Furyk edged a stroke in front at seven under when he rolled in a 10-footer to birdie the par-four 14th.

A two-putt birdie at the par-five 15th doubled the American's lead before Ogilvy and Donald, playing in the final pairing, trimmed it to one when they also birdied 15.

Donald drained a 31-foot birdie putt at the 16th to draw level with Furyk at eight under before Ogilvy followed suit by knocking in a 15-footer at the same hole.

However the Australian faltered with a bogey at the 17th, where he took two strokes to reach the putting surface from behind the green to leave Furyk and Donald in overall control.

"I'm very happy with 66," said Donald, who is bidding for his third PGA Tour title but first since 2006. "It was another good day score-wise, and I'm in a great position. It was nice to build off a solid first round and continue that."

American world number two Phil Mickelson, who won last year's Tour Championship by a commanding three shots, was nine strokes off the lead after carding a 72.

Source: Web Search

Flawless Bhullar in joint lead in Japan

Published>Sat, Sep 25 10 09:18 AM

Kobe (Japan), Sep 25 (IANS) India's rising golf star Gaganjeet Bhullar was the only player who enjoyed a bogey-free opening round at the Asia-Pacific Panasonic Open Friday as a sparkling four-under-par 67 gave him the joint lead with Korean S.K. Ho and Japan's Shintaro Kai and Kazuhiko Hosokawa.

The 21-year-old Indian produced four birdies at the challenging par-71 Rokko Kokusai Golf Club's East course to earn a chance of winning a third Asian Tour victory.

Of the other three Indians in the field, S.S.P. Chowrasia shot 71 to be placed 31st, while Anirban Lahiri and C. Muniyappa with 74 each were 61st.

Ho and Hosokawa, both with eight career victories in Japan and playing on invites this week, repaid the faith of the sponsors with strong starts in the approximately $1.7 million event co-sanctioned by the Japan Golf Tour and Asian Tour.

Title holder Daisuke Maruyama and Australia's Marcus Fraser, who is second on the Asian Tour's Order of Merit, were amongst in the chasing pack with 68s on a day of tough scoring.

Japan's number one Ryo Ishikawa, who attracted a large gallery, battled to a 69 which included six birdies while current Asian Tour Order of Merit leader Noh Seung-yul of Korea returned a 70 in the tournament reduced to 54-holes after Thursday's cancellation due to poor weather.

Being the only man in the 132-man field to be blemish-free put a big smile on Bhular's face. His card included a brilliant run of three birdies on the trot from his third hole of the day (12 to 14 hole).

'It was quite a satisfying round because the layout is pretty tough, especially the rough. I stroked the ball really well and kept everything on the fairway. I just played sensibly and consistent golf,' said Bhullar.

Starting from the 10th, he picked up three straight shots from the 12th hole, thanks to some solid attacking play. 'I was a bit aggressive on those holes. I hit some brave shots,' he said.

'With 54 holes, it changes things a bit. At the end of the day, you still have to play well, whether it's 72 holes or 108 holes. Tomorrow will be very important. I'm playing early tomorrow, so let's see what happens.'

Source: Web Search

Dhoni praises Raina after CSK''s win

Sat, Sep 25 10 03:56 AM

Durban, Sep 24 (PTI) After entering the Champions League Twenty20 final, Chennai Super Kings captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni today praised Suresh Raina for his breezy unbeaten 48-ball 94 against Royal Challengers Bangalore in semifinal. "Raina''s batting made it look so easy. Bangalore got a blow when they lost (Dale) Steyn. Raw pace would have made a difference - Raina cashed in and good support from (Murali) Vijay and (Michael) Hussey," Dhoni said after the match. "Raina has the kind of talent where he can take it away once he is set. The use of the new ball was important. (Doug) Bollinger normally does not bowl up, uses the short balls," he added. Dhoni also said the wicket, though sodden, was playable. "Once you get in, it is a good wicket to bat, so we needed early wickets and it worked," he said. Asked about their preparation for the final, Dhoni said, "Well of course, there are some rough ends to be corrected, finals will be exciting." Meanwhile, his RCB counterpart Anil Kumble was quite disappointed. "Too many runs on the board, then Steyn got injured, and then Virat (Kohli) also got injured. Things did not go our way. One catch, if the fielder (Rahul Dravid) had taken Raina''s catch things could have been different," he said. "We needed a good chance while chasing, but it did not happen. It''s been a fantastic time with this side," he added. Raina, the Man of the Match, said, "Great feeling to be in the finals. I knew it was 17 overs, I knew they will come hard with me, so I decided to go for the loose balls. We hope to do the double - IPL and CLT20." PTI DB

Source: Published>

CSK beat RCB by 52 runs, enter CLT20 final

Sat, Sep 25 10 03:32 AM

Durban, Sep 24 (PTI) Chennai Super Kings entered final of the Champions League Twenty20 after beating Royal Challengers Bangalore by 52 runs in a rain-interrupted semifinal here today. The match was reduced to a 17-over-a-side affair after rain interrupted the play for over two-and-half hours. Brief score: Chennai Super Kings: 174 for 4 in 17 overs (Suresh Raina 94 n.o., Murali Vijay 41; R Vinay Kumar 2/28). Royal Challengers Bangalore: 123 all out in 16.2 overs (Manish Pandey 52; Doug Bollinger 3/27, Muttiah Muralitharan 2/38).

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CSK beat RCB by 51 runs, enter CLT20 final

Sat, Sep 25 10 03:22 AM

Durban, Sep 24 (PTI) Suresh Raina''s unbeaten 48-ball 94, followed by a clinical bowling display helped Chennai Super Kings beat Royal Challengers Bangalore by 51 runs and qualify for the Champions League Twenty20 final, here today. Opting to bat, Chennai rode on an 81-run second-wicket partnership between Raina and Murali Vijay to post an imposing 174 for four after a long rain-interruption reduced the match to a 17-over-a-side affair. Vijay also made a 32-ball 41. The Indian Premier League champions then came out with a disciplined bowling performance and restricted Bangalore to 123 in 16.2 overs as Manish Pandey''s fighting 52 off 44 balls went in vain. Paceman Doug Bollinger scalped three wickets for 27 runs, while Sri Lankan spin wizard Muttiah Muralitharan bagged two for 38. Chennai thus became the first Indian Premier League side to enter the summit stage of the show-piece event and now take on the winner of the second semifinal between South Australia and Warriors. Chasing 175 to win, Bangalore were off to a wobbly start as they lost two quick wickets in the form of experienced Rahul Dravid (0) and Robin Uthappa (4) in the second and third over respectively. Dravid''s mistimed drive off left-arm pacer Bollinger went aloft and Albie Morkel tumbled forward to pouch a nice catch. Morkel then struck in the next over when he got some away movements. Uthappa came forward half-heartedly and finally gave an easy catch to Vijay. RCB''s New Zealander import Ross Taylor then decided to take an attacking strategy and cracked a superb four off Bollinger in the fourth over, but the bowler took revenge in the very next ball. Taylor went for an ambitious pull on backfoot but failed to connect it properly and Vijay took another easy catch. Virat Kohli (14) then returned to the dugout leaving RCB struggling at 37 for four. Kohli tried to flick from the leg stump but played the Lakshmipathy Balaji slower a bit early and Ravichandran Ashwin took a diving catch at midwicket. Cameron White (13) and Dillon du Preez (1) also failed to give company for long to Pandey, who was waging a solitary battle on the other end. Pandey cracked four fours and two sixes before Bollinger bowled him out in the 14th over. After his departure, Chennai did not have much trouble to skittle out Bangalore. .

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Schumacher happy with first foray into darkness

Published>Sat, Sep 25 10 03:18 AM

Michael Schumacher had his first drive round the Singapore street circuit under floodlights and pronounced the experience a success.

"It has been a lot of fun driving this track today, even in the dark," the seven-times world champion, who came out of a three-year retirement at the start of the year, told reporters after completing his practice session.

"It is the first time driving here in Singapore for me and I was curious to experience how it would be and I have to say that I liked it.

"I had heard that the track is quite bumpy but I didn't find that it was too much, just in one sector," the 41-year-old German added.

"The rest is pretty good and exciting."

Source: Web Search

CSK beat RCB by 52 runs, enter CLT20 final

Sat, Sep 25 10 02:58 AM

Durban, Sep 24 (PTI) Chennai Super Kings entered final of the Champions League Twenty20 after beating Royal Challengers Bangalore by 52 runs in a rain-interrupted semifinal here today. The match was reduced to a 17-over-a-side affair after rain interrupted the play for over two-and-half hours. Brief score: Chennai Super Kings: 174 for 4 in 17 overs (Suresh Raina 94 n.o., Murali Vijay 41; R Vinay Kumar 2/28). Royal Challengers Bangalore: 123 all out in 16.2 overs (Manish Pandey 52; Doug Bollinger 3/27, Muttiah Muralitharan 2/38).

Source: Published>

Schumacher happy with first foray into darkness

Published>Sat, Sep 25 10 02:38 AM

Michael Schumacher had his first drive round the Singapore street circuit under floodlights and pronounced the experience a success.

"It has been a lot of fun driving this track today, even in the dark," the seven-times world champion, who came out of a three-year retirement at the start of the year, told reporters after completing his practice session.

"It is the first time driving here in Singapore for me and I was curious to experience how it would be and I have to say that I liked it.

"I had heard that the track is quite bumpy but I didn't find that it was too much, just in one sector," the 41-year-old German added.

"The rest is pretty good and exciting."

Source: Web Search

Northern Ireland give green light to Delhi Games

Sat, Sep 25 10 02:28 AM

Northern Ireland followed England, Wales and Scotland on Friday in giving their athletes approval to travel to the Commonwealth Games in Delhi.

After days of negative publicity over the poor state of the athletes' village and fears over health and security issues, Northern Ireland's Commonwealth Games Council said they were satisfied conditions had improved sufficiently.

"Board members of the Northern Ireland Commonwealth Games Council (NICGC) met this evening and endorsed the team's attendance at the 2010 Delhi Games," a statement said.

"This decision was based upon the most recent information supplied by the Council's representatives in India together with their recommendation.

"There are ongoing concerns regarding the condition of some of the infrastructure but it is acknowledged that progress has been made over the last few days.

"These developments have allowed our representatives to take up residence within the allotted accommodation block."

The statement said they had been given assurances by local organisers that the athletes' village would be ready when the Northern Ireland team arrive on Tuesday.

"Based upon these assurances, the Council is pleased to endorse the decision that the team will depart for Delhi as planned," it said.

Reports of an outbreak of dengue fever in Delhi after heavy rains that have flooded parts of the athletes' village and the collapse of an access bridge had raised serious concerns about the Games with several high-profile athletes pulling out.

English and Welsh athletes have already begun arriving in India after their initially-concerned officials gave the go-ahead while Scotland also declared earlier on Friday that they were satisfied.

Source: Published>

Harrington avoids embarrassing exit in Ryder Cup warm-up

Published>Sat, Sep 25 10 02:18 AM

European Ryder Cup player Padraig Harrington avoided embarrassment by just managing to make the halfway cut at the Vivendi Cup on Friday.

The Irishman recovered from a triple bogey at the 12th with three birdies over the last six holes for a two-over par 74 on the Retz course, leaving him two-under at Golf de Joyevnal.

The world No. 22 is 11 shots behind England's John Parry (67) and former Ryder Cup team member Jarmo Sandelin of Sweden (66) who share the lead at 13-under par.

Parry finished with a pair of birdies while Sandelin, a member of the losing 1999 European Ryder Cup team, was helped by a purple patch on the front nine that included a birdie at five, an eagle at six and another a birdie at the seventh.

Four players -- South Africa's George Coetzee (66), Australia's Richard Green (66), England's James Morrison (68) and French rookie Julien Guerrier (69) -- are in second place three behind the leaders at 10-under par.

Harrington is the only European Ryder Cup player competing in France after Sweden's Peter Hanson withdrew through illness before the start of play on Thursday.

The Irishman added the French tournament to his schedule in a last minute decision after being knocked-out of the Tour Championship being held in Atlanta.

The triple major winner also turned his back on competing in this week's Irish PGA Championship, an event he won three times in succession from 2007.

Harrington mixed five birdies with two bogeys, a fifth hole double-bogey and the triple bogey at the par four 12th on Friday when he first drove out-of-bounds and then found water in front of the green with his third shot.

But birdies at 13, 16 and 17 saved Harrington from missing the cut for a third event in succession on the European Tour.

"It wasn't great as I had a couple of early three-putts again," he said. "I found the greens slow today and got in between clubs on the 12th and you can't afford that."

Source: Web Search

Slippery Singapore streets pose challenge - Button

Published>Sat, Sep 25 10 01:38 AM

McLaren's Jenson Button kept the flying Red Bulls in his sights in free practice for the Singapore Grand Prix on Friday although the world champion took his time to get to grips with a slippery street circuit.

The previous two Singapore Grands Prix have stayed dry but heavy afternoon showers soaked the track on Friday and forecasts for the weekend suggest the weather could be an issue for Formula One's only night race.

Button, third fastest behind Red Bull pair Sebastian Vettel and Mark Webber, needs a good result in the city-state to keep alive his chances of successfully defending his title.

With only five races remaining, the Briton is 22 points behind championship leader Webber.

"We saw today that, after it rains, the track doesn't dry very quickly and a lot of water comes up through the circuit," Button told reporters.

"It's difficult to see which parts of the track are wet because of the glare. Hopefully, we won't have any more rain this weekend because wet conditions aren't the nicest to drive in.

"I don't know where our pace is, the Red Bulls look crazy quick, but we won't know until tomorrow."

McLaren team boss Martin Whitmarsh said the effect of the afternoon rain had been an eye-opener.

"This afternoon's shower showed, for the first time, that this circuit is likely to be very challenging in the wet. The track doesn't dry out very rapidly and, as we saw this evening, certain parts of the track don't drain very efficiently.

"That meant some corners were still damp long after the rest of the track had dried. Coupled with the fact that visibility under the strip lighting makes it hard for the drivers to see where the circuit is drying, a race in wet conditions could be extremely challenging."

Button's team mate Lewis Hamilton was optimistic McLaren could close the gap on Red Bull by Sunday's race.

"We're reasonably close, we're competitive. There's more time for us to find tomorrow so I'm optimistic," he said.

"The Red Bulls definitely aren't unbeatable here. They're very quick in the second and third sectors, so we'll have to work hard to try to make up time there, but I'm pretty confident we can do it."

Source: Web Search

Former champion Waterfield pulls out of Delhi Games

Sat, Sep 25 10 01:32 AM

Former Commonwealth Games diving champion Peter Waterfield is the latest British athlete to withdraw from the troubled Delhi Games.

The England team confirmed on Friday that the 29-year-old had pull out over safety and health fears.

"It has been a very difficult decision to make and I have thought long and hard about it," Waterfield, who won the 10m platform gold in Manchester in 2002 and was a silver medallist at the Athens Olympics, said in a statement.

"My family and I share concerns over safety and illness and as a family we have made the decision together. I'm very disappointed because I feel in the best form of my life."

England's team began travelling on Thursday after team chiefs decided that local organisers in Delhi had made improvements to conditions at the athletes' village which had been widely condemned by many of the competing nations.

Several of the England's leading gold medal hopes have pulled out, including triple jump world champion Phillips Idowu and Olympic 400 metres gold medallist Christine Ohuruogu.

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CLT20 semifinal between CSK and RCB resumes

Sat, Sep 25 10 12:32 AM

Durban, Sep 24 (PTI) The Champions League Twenty20 semifinal was made a 17-over affair when the play resumed after a two-hour-and-36-minute delay at a sodden Kingsmead ground here today. Earlier, the match had to be stopped due to heavy rain. Opting to bat, Chennai were 15 without loss in 2.5 overs, with Murali Vijay (11 n.o.) and Michael Hussey (4 n.o.) on the crease, when rain started and the players ran for cover. PTI DB

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Lewis pulls out, Aussie cyclists still unsure about Delhi CWG

Sat, Sep 25 10 12:18 AM

Melbourne, Sep 24 (PTI) Three-time gold medallist relay runner Tamsyn Lewis has pulled out of the Commonwealth Games citing injury, even as star Australian cyclists Mark Renshaw and Mathew Hayman are still undecided about travelling to Delhi due to sanitation and security issues. The 32-year-old Lewis said her performance was not up to the mark as she is suffering from a tendinitis problem in her knee and did not want to risk long-term damage by participating in what would have been her fifth Commonwealth Games. "This is a very difficult decision but I am desperate to compete at the World Championships next year and in London in 2012 and so that''s the big picture for me," said Lewis, who was hoping to defend Australia''s gold medal in the 4x400m women''s relay. "It''s not about security and hygiene but my times are about two seconds slower than my best and I want the best for the relay team and I would hamper our prospects," said Lewis, who informed Athletics Australia last night about her decision. While she has made her decision, defending champion in cycling road race Mathew Hayman and team-mate Mark Renshaw are still apprehensive about their participation in the crisis-hit Delhi Games. Hayman said his family is worried about his safety and he would take a decision only after the road World Championships in Geelong, which ends on October 3, the opening day of the Games. Hayman, who won the gold medal at the Melbourne Games four years ago, is part of the five-man road team scheduled to participate in Delhi on October 10, seven days after the Games starts. "At this stage I haven''t withdrawn ... but I''ve got some concerns about going," Hayman was quoted as saying in the ''Herald Sun''. "I was reading things about extra security and talk about sniper helicopters (following the race for protection) but it''s not really the place you want to be. "Hiding in buses and getting to and from a race like that doesn''t sound like fun." The cycling event of the Commonwealth Games has already been hit by star pull outs with British quartet of Geraint Thomas, Peter Kennaugh, Ian Stannard and Ben Swift today opting out of the October 3-14 mega-event, citing fears of santination problems in the Athletes Village and security issues. "Last week after the shootings - I''ve got a lovely wife and family and friends that have expressed concern about me going," said Hayman. "(But) on the other hand I always love representing my country. It''s a tough call," said the 32-year-old. MORE PTI ATK SSC

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Indian men bow to Russia, eves go down to Bulgaria

Fri, Sep 24 10 11:32 PM

From Our Chess Correspondent Khanty Mansiysk (Russia), Sep 24 (PTI) Krishnan Sasikiran and Surya Shekhar Ganguly suffered defeats at the hands of their respective opponents as the Indian men''s team went down to favourites Russia''s second team in the fourth round of the 39th chess Olympiad here. Hosts Russia have, incidentally, fielded five teams this time and their second side proved stronger for the Indians with white pieces, while on the remaining two boards they achieved drawn results to ensure a handsome victory. Sasikiran was on the receiving end against Ian Nepomniachtchi while Ganguly went down to Nikita Vituigov. The draws for India came on the second and fourth board with Harikrishna signing peace against Evgeny Alekseev and G N Gopal splitting points with Evgeny Tomashevsky. With as many as 14 leaders before the start of the fourth round, the Indian men are likely to slip quite far from the joint leader status. The biggest upset of the Olympiad in an individual result, thus far, was caused by Baadur Jobava of Georgia who got the better of world number one Norwegian Magnus Carlsen in startling fashion. Meanwhile, more bad news was in store for the Indian contingent as the Indian eves also lost fighting against their Bulgarian counterparts by a 1.5-2.5 margin. While the last three boards ended in draws, D Harika found her nemesis in former world champion Antoaneta Stefanova. Tania Sachdev had some chances to get the upper hand against Margarita Voiska but the later was quite alert in finding her resources. The only real chance to equalise came on board four wherein S Meenakshi had suitable compensation for her lost queen but in the end this game too petered out to a drawn result. On the other board Eesha Karavade''s extra pawn did not come in handy. Indian Results after Round 4: Men: Ian nepomniachtchi beat Krishnan Sasikiran; P Harikrishna drew with Dmitry Jakovenko; Nikita Vituigov beat Surya Shekhar Ganguly; G N Gopal drew with Evgeny Tomashevsky. Women: Antoaneta Stefanova beat D Harika; Tania Sachdev drew with Margarita Voiska; Adriana Nikolova drew with Eesha Karavade; Iva Videmova drew with S Meenakshi.

Source: Published>

Lewis pulls out, Aussie cyclists still unsure about Delhi CWG

Fri, Sep 24 10 11:28 PM

Melbourne, Sep 24 (PTI) Three-time gold medallist relay runner Tamsyn Lewis has pulled out of the Commonwealth Games citing injury, even as star Australian cyclists Mark Renshaw and Mathew Hayman are still undecided about travelling to Delhi due to sanitation and security issues. The 32-year-old Lewis said her performance was not up to the mark as she is suffering from a tendinitis problem in her knee and did not want to risk long-term damage by participating in what would have been her fifth Commonwealth Games. "This is a very difficult decision but I am desperate to compete at the World Championships next year and in London in 2012 and so that''s the big picture for me," said Lewis, who was hoping to defend Australia''s gold medal in the 4x400m women''s relay. "It''s not about security and hygiene but my times are about two seconds slower than my best and I want the best for the relay team and I would hamper our prospects," said Lewis, who informed Athletics Australia last night about her decision. While she has made her decision, defending champion in cycling road race Mathew Hayman and team-mate Mark Renshaw are still apprehensive about their participation in the crisis-hit Delhi Games. Hayman said his family is worried about his safety and he would take a decision only after the road World Championships in Geelong, which ends on October 3, the opening day of the Games. Hayman, who won the gold medal at the Melbourne Games four years ago, is part of the five-man road team scheduled to participate in Delhi on October 10, seven days after the Games starts. "At this stage I haven''t withdrawn ... but I''ve got some concerns about going," Hayman was quoted as saying in the ''Herald Sun''. "I was reading things about extra security and talk about sniper helicopters (following the race for protection) but it''s not really the place you want to be. "Hiding in buses and getting to and from a race like that doesn''t sound like fun." The cycling event of the Commonwealth Games has already been hit by star pull outs with British quartet of Geraint Thomas, Peter Kennaugh, Ian Stannard and Ben Swift today opting out of the October 3-14 mega-event, citing fears of santination problems in the Athletes Village and security issues. "Last week after the shootings - I''ve got a lovely wife and family and friends that have expressed concern about me going," said Hayman. "(But) on the other hand I always love representing my country. It''s a tough call," said the 32-year-old. MORE PTI ATK SSC

Source: Published>

Lajong FC draw with Salgaocar

Fri, Sep 24 10 11:02 PM

Cuttack, Sep 24 (PTI) Lajong FC and Salgaocar of Goa drew 2-2 to share the points in a keenly contested Group D match of the 32nd Federation Cup quarter-final match at the Barabati Stadium here today. Having lost to fancied Mohan Bagan in their previous clash on Wednesday, a desperate Shillong FC took early lead in the match but failed to capitalise on it after the interval. Aided by a gem of supply from winger, B L Lalthemphara neatly scored a header to romp home the early goal at the 13th minute igniting jubilation in the stadium. Salgaocar launched counter-attack to restore parity dominating the opposition citadel repeatedly but the Lajong stoppers frustrated opposition strikers throughout the first half. Salgaocar captain Luciano Sobraosa penetrated Shillong defence in the 63rd minute and scored the equaliser with a powerful hit. Salgaocar was eager to consolidate its position by registering a second consecutive win while Shillong badly needed a win. With the clock getting nearer to the hooter, Shillong stunned Salgaocar at the 86th minute with a goal by Boithang Hoakip taking 2-1 lead. However, Shillong''s joy was shortlived as a spirited Salgaocar came from behind to level the score two minutes later. With today''s draw, Salgaocar and Shillong got one point each. Salgaocar have four points from two outings having beaten Mumbai FC 2-0 on Wednesday, while Shillong have got only one point from as many matches. Shillong had lost to Mohan Bagan 0-1 in their first match of the tournament on Wednesday.

Source: Published>

Naved meets PCB chief, hopes for leniency

Fri, Sep 24 10 10:52 PM

Lahore, Sep 24 (PTI) Banned Pakistan all-rounder Rana today met with PCB chairman Ijaz Butt and expressed optimism of returning back to the national team after the board chief had assured him of a fair and transparent look into his matter. "I am happy and satisfied with the way the meeting went, the chairman gave me a patient and sympathetic hearing and assured me he would look into my appeal against the ban and fine," Naved told reporters after the meeting at the Gaddafi stadium here. Naved was among the seven players banned or fined by the Pakistan Cricket Board on grounds of indiscipline and misconduct during the disastrous tour to Australia early this year. Five of the seven players, however, have had their bans and fines overturned by an appellate tribunal appointed by the PCB and have returned to the national team. Only former captain Younis Khan, who also had an indefinite ban removed by the appellate tribunal, and Naved are still to make a comeback to the national team. Naved said that he was hopeful of hearing some good news soon. "I am confident that the chairman will also look into my appeal and grant me reprieve by removing my ban, the same way he did with the other players," he said. "I am 32 and I am keen to play the next World Cup and I want to make a strong comeback to the team this year," Naved added. The all-rounder, who has played 9 Tests and 74 ODIs for Pakistan, said he had conveyed his apology to the PCB chairman for any issue on the Australian tour. PCB legal adviser Talib Rizvi said the board chairman had the authority to pardon Naved and remove the ban. "The appellate tribunal set up to hear the appeals of the players had advised Naved to meet with the board chairman and plead his case. This has been done and now the tribunal will give a fresh date for hearing his appeal again," Rizvi said. However, Rizvi refused to give any time-frame for Naved''s ban removal. "Don''t forget every palyer''s case is different, so I don''t know how the chairman looks at Naved''s case," he said. PTI Cor SSC

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Lajong FC draw with Salgaocar

Fri, Sep 24 10 10:42 PM

Cuttack, Sep 24 (PTI) Lajong FC and Salgaocar of Goa drew 2-2 to share the points in a keenly contested Group D match of the 32nd Federation Cup quarter-final match at the Barabati Stadium here today. Having lost to fancied Mohan Bagan in their previous clash on Wednesday, a desperate Shillong FC took early lead in the match but failed to capitalise on it after the interval. Aided by a gem of supply from winger, B L Lalthemphara neatly scored a header to romp home the early goal at the 13th minute igniting jubilation in the stadium. Salgaocar launched counter-attack to restore parity dominating the opposition citadel repeatedly but the Lajong stoppers frustrated opposition strikers throughout the first half. Salgaocar captain Luciano Sobraosa penetrated Shillong defence in the 63rd minute and scored the equaliser with a powerful hit. Salgaocar was eager to consolidate its position by registering a second consecutive win while Shillong badly needed a win. With the clock getting nearer to the hooter, Shillong stunned Salgaocar at the 86th minute with a goal by Boithang Hoakip taking 2-1 lead. However, Shillong''s joy was shortlived as a spirited Salgaocar came from behind to level the score two minutes later. With today''s draw, Salgaocar and Shillong got one point each. Salgaocar have four points from two outings having beaten Mumbai FC 2-0 on Wednesday, while Shillong have got only one point from as many matches. Shillong had lost to Mohan Bagan 0-1 in their first match of the tournament on Wednesday.

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Naved says he is hopeful that ban will be lifted

Fri, Sep 24 10 10:18 PM

Pakistani all-rounder Rana Naved said he was hopeful that his 12-month ban from cricket could be lifted after a meeting with cricket board chairman Ijaz Butt on Friday.

Naved was among seven players banned or fined by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) after the shambolic tour to Australia early this year, on the grounds of indiscipline and misconduct. Five have had their punishments overturned on appeal.

"I have had a good meeting with the board chairman and he has assured me he will look sympathetically at my appeal against the ban," Naved, 32, told Reuters.

"I want to come back and play in the 2011 World Cup. I am very hopeful that the board, like it did with the other players, will accept my apology," added Naved, who has played nine tests and 74 one-day internationals.

PCB lawyer Talib Rizvi said the appeal tribunal would hear Naved's case on a date to be announced on Saturday.

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Athletes arrive for Commonwealth Games, but future in doubt

Published>Fri, Sep 24 10 10:08 PM

The first batch of athletes arrived in India for the Commonwealth Games on Friday, opting to stay at a hotel instead of unfinished, filthy accommodation as the future of the showcase event hung in the balance.

Forty-seven members of the English men's hockey and lawn bowl teams will stay at a hotel until at least Saturday before moving to the athletes village which, along with a bridge collapse and a suspected militant attack on two foreign visitors, has thrown the Games into crisis.

Home Minister Palaniappan Chidambaram told CNN construction and cleaning at the venues would be completed on Friday and at the Games Village on Saturday, following which security agencies would take over the sites.

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As athletes begin arriving, CWG finally on track

Published>Fri, Sep 24 10 09:48 PM

New Delhi, Sep 24 (IANS) The controversy-hit 19th Commonwealth Games here Oct 3-14 are finally on the home stretch, despite some more pullouts by star athletes, and Australia, which hosted the previous edition, even questioning why the Games are being held in India.

After days marked by doubts and uncertainty, England's first batch of 47 officials and athletes, including the hockey and lawn bowls teams, arrived in New Delhi Friday. The full contingent of 551 athletes will arrive in the next few days, officials said.

For the Organising Committee, there was much to cheer as Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) president Mike Fennell said Friday he was pleased with the confirmations of Australia, England and Wales to participate in the Games.

'I am certainly pleased to arrive in Delhi with the news that Australia has moved into the Village to get ready for the arrival of their athletes, and with the confirmation late yesterday that England and Wales will be on their way to Delhi shortly,' said Fennell, who came here Thursday to review the progress.

'Already so many athletes from around the Commonwealth have started their journey to Delhi,' said Fennell, who is taking stock of the Games Village Saturday.

On Friday, Fennell also met Cabinet Secretary K.M. Chandrashekhar, who is in overall charge of the preparations for the Games. He had sought an appointment with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, but this was declined.

Fennell said he has learned considerable progress was made in the Games Village, where conditions had earlier in the week been described as 'filthy and unlivable'.

'The briefing I received from my CEO, Mike Hooper, last night, was that considerable improvements have been made within the Village, with further significant resources deployed by Delhi Chief Minister, Mrs. Dikshit, to make good what was a concerning situation,' Fennell said.

As part of the cleanup operations, around 100 stray dogs have been rounded up from the Village and other Games venues by the capital's civic authority in coordination with an NGO, an official said Friday.

According to Fennell, 'we must ensure that a suitable environment is provided to ensure the welfare of the athletes and their support staff.

'It is vital that all remedial work that has already started continues with the greatest urgency'.

Even so, the England team was lodged in a five-star hotel and not in the Games Village. As frenetic efforts were on to clean up the village, England chef de mission Craig Hunter said they would wait until it was ready.

'We will set up our athletes in local hotels,' Hunter was quoted as saying by The Daily Telegraph.

'We do not want to move them in one day and then have to move them out again. We want them to get over their jet lag and then move in when it (the Village) is ready.'

The hockey players and lawn bowls team landed on a day when four world-class British cyclists and one from New Zealand pulled out of the Games -- the largest sporting event India is hosting since 1982 Asian Games.

Englishmen Ben Swift and Ian Stannard and Pete Kennaugh of Isle of Man said they would give the Games a miss.

'It is a massive disappointment first and foremost but with the hygiene and the risk of getting ill, it was a massive risk,' The Guardian quoted Thomas as saying by.

Greg Henderson from New Zealand also decided not to attend citing issues like the conditions at the village and dengue, reports said.

Earlier, world champion discus thrower Dani Samuels and two Canadian archers withdrew from the Games after severely criticising the athletes accommodation.

To add to the many voices questioning India's preparations for the global event, Australian Olympic Committee John Coates said India 'shouldn't have been awarded the (Commonwealth) Games'.

'In hindsight, no, they shouldn't have been awarded the Games,' AAP quoted Coates as saying.

The previous Commonwealth Games were held in Melbourne in 2006.

In all this, there were words of praise too.

Canadian officials, who Wednesday delayed the departure of their athletes for New Delhi, expressed satisfaction with progress being made at the Village and expected the event to take place as scheduled.

Canadian athletes are now scheduled to begin arriving in Delhi Sunday, reports from Toronto said.

If the progress is sustained, the Commonwealth Games will be held without any further setbacks, a TV channel quoted Scott Stevenson, director of Sport for Commonwealth Games Canada, as saying.

Stevenson, who is here, said Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit has brought 'a change in the culture of preparations' by bringing in her own staff, including engineers, to manage the project.

Andrew Pipe, president of Commonwealth Games Canada, also welcomed the intervention of Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh who held an emergency meeting with Sports Minister M.S. Gill, Urban Development Minister S. Jaipal Reddy and seniors officials Thursday to fix the problems.

New Zealand, which has been scathing in its criticism, also decided to attend the Games, ending days of speculation following concerns of hygiene and security, announced New Zealand Olympic Committee (NZOC) president Mike Stanley and secretary-general Barry Maister.

New Zealand Prime Minister John Key added in Wellington that he would go to New Delhi based on the information he has received so far from Delhi.

'Yeah, if I could pick my own sport, yeah I would go,' Key was quoted as saying by the New Zealand Herald.

'It's very unlikely that New Zealand would pull out on its own. If we are likely to not send our team, then it will be because a large number of like-minded countries form the same view.'

Some 7,000 participants and officials from 71 countries and territories are expected to attend the Games.

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Delhi govt promises clean towers in Games Village by tomorrow

Fri, Sep 24 10 09:38 PM

New Delhi, Sep 24 (PTI) Tasked by Prime Minister''s Office to clean up the mess at the much-criticised Games Village, Delhi Government tonight said it will complete cleaning-up operation in all the 34 towers in the complex by tomorrow morning. "We have already completed 90 per cent of the work. Everything will be in order by tomorrow morning," a top official of the Delhi Government told PTI. Amid strong criticism by the international delegates who dubbed the Village as "filthy and uninhabitable", PMO on Wednesday night had directed Delhi Government to take control of the complex from Delhi Development Authority. Yesterday, the city government, taking control of cleaning, house-keeping and overall maintenance of the complex, deployed a workforce of 1,500 people including professionals from five star hotels. "We were asked by Prime Minister''s Office to take control of the Village and we have already set up a proper mechanism to ensure best possible international standard of hygiene and cleanliness in the Village. We have appointed 80 supervisors from five star hotels to take care of the house-keeping," the official said. Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit, who spent over six hours today at the Village overseeing the cleaning exercise, said the sanitary condition at the residential areas of the Village has improved a lot from the state of affairs a couple of days back. Dikshit, along with Chief Secretary Rakesh Mehta and several top officials, personally monitored the clean up exercise yesterday also at the village. The city government has appointed 40 DANICS (Delhi, Nicobar and Andaman Island Civil Service) officers in the Games Village to look after maintenance related issues. "We are confident that all the athletes and officials will be satisfied with all the facilities and services at the Village complex. We are working day and night to complete every thing by tomorrow morning," the official said. Commonwealth Games Federation chief Mike Fennell today inspected the Village and said "considerable improvements" have been made. Earlier at a Cabinet meeting, Dikshit made all her cabinet colleagues in-charge of select areas of the capital, directing them to oversee infrastructure preparedness and ensure corrective measures are taken wherever required. PTI MPB

Source: Published>

Yuki gets wild card for Malaysian Open

Fri, Sep 24 10 09:32 PM

Kuala Lumpur, Sep 24 (PTI) Youth Olympics silver medallist Yuki Bhambri has been awarded a wild card entry into next week''s Malaysian Open, an ATP 250 event. Yuki is coming into the event after back-to-back first round defeats at Challenger events in Bangkok and Astana. Yuki has been struggling with injuries this season and would look to improve his record on the tour. A semifinal appearance at an ITF Futures event in May remains his best performance this season. Yuki will also play in the doubles event of the USD 850,000 hard court event.

Source: Published>

As athletes begin arriving, CWG finally on track

Published>Fri, Sep 24 10 09:28 PM

New Delhi, Sep 24 (IANS) The controversy-hit 19th Commonwealth Games here Oct 3-14 are finally on the home stretch, despite some more pullouts by star athletes, and Australia, which hosted the previous edition, even questioning why the Games are being held in India.

After days marked by doubts and uncertainty, England's first batch of 47 officials and athletes, including the hockey and lawn bowls teams, arrived in New Delhi Friday. The full contingent of 551 athletes will arrive in the next few days, officials said.

For the Organising Committee, there was much to cheer as Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) president Mike Fennell said Friday he was pleased with the confirmations of Australia, England and Wales to participate in the Games.

'I am certainly pleased to arrive in Delhi with the news that Australia has moved into the Village to get ready for the arrival of their athletes, and with the confirmation late yesterday that England and Wales will be on their way to Delhi shortly,' said Fennell, who came here Thursday to review the progress.

'Already so many athletes from around the Commonwealth have started their journey to Delhi,' said Fennell, who is taking stock of the Games Village Saturday.

On Friday, Fennell also met Cabinet Secretary K.M. Chandrashekhar, who is in overall charge of the preparations for the Games. He had sought an appointment with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, but this was declined.

Fennell said he has learned considerable progress was made in the Games Village, where conditions had earlier in the week been described as 'filthy and unlivable'.

'The briefing I received from my CEO, Mike Hooper, last night, was that considerable improvements have been made within the Village, with further significant resources deployed by Delhi Chief Minister, Mrs. Dikshit, to make good what was a concerning situation,' Fennell said.

As part of the cleanup operations, around 100 stray dogs have been rounded up from the Village and other Games venues by the capital's civic authority in coordination with an NGO, an official said Friday.

According to Fennell, 'we must ensure that a suitable environment is provided to ensure the welfare of the athletes and their support staff.

'It is vital that all remedial work that has already started continues with the greatest urgency'.

Even so, the England team was lodged in a five-star hotel and not in the Games Village. As frenetic efforts were on to clean up the village, England chef de mission Craig Hunter said they would wait until it was ready.

'We will set up our athletes in local hotels,' Hunter was quoted as saying by The Daily Telegraph.

'We do not want to move them in one day and then have to move them out again. We want them to get over their jet lag and then move in when it (the Village) is ready.'

The hockey players and lawn bowls team landed on a day when four world-class British cyclists and one from New Zealand pulled out of the Games -- the largest sporting event India is hosting since 1982 Asian Games.

Englishmen Ben Swift and Ian Stannard and Pete Kennaugh of Isle of Man said they would give the Games a miss.

'It is a massive disappointment first and foremost but with the hygiene and the risk of getting ill, it was a massive risk,' The Guardian quoted Thomas as saying by.

Greg Henderson from New Zealand also decided not to attend citing issues like the conditions at the village and dengue, reports said.

Earlier, world champion discus thrower Dani Samuels and two Canadian archers withdrew from the Games after severely criticising the athletes accommodation.

To add to the many voices questioning India's preparations for the global event, Australian Olympic Committee John Coates said India 'shouldn't have been awarded the (Commonwealth) Games'.

'In hindsight, no, they shouldn't have been awarded the Games,' AAP quoted Coates as saying.

The previous Commonwealth Games were held in Melbourne in 2006.

In all this, there were words of praise too.

Canadian officials, who Wednesday delayed the departure of their athletes for New Delhi, expressed satisfaction with progress being made at the Village and expected the event to take place as scheduled.

Canadian athletes are now scheduled to begin arriving in Delhi Sunday, reports from Toronto said.

If the progress is sustained, the Commonwealth Games will be held without any further setbacks, a TV channel quoted Scott Stevenson, director of Sport for Commonwealth Games Canada, as saying.

Stevenson, who is here, said Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit has brought 'a change in the culture of preparations' by bringing in her own staff, including engineers, to manage the project.

Andrew Pipe, president of Commonwealth Games Canada, also welcomed the intervention of Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh who held an emergency meeting with Sports Minister M.S. Gill, Urban Development Minister S. Jaipal Reddy and seniors officials Thursday to fix the problems.

New Zealand, which has been scathing in its criticism, also decided to attend the Games, ending days of speculation following concerns of hygiene and security, announced New Zealand Olympic Committee (NZOC) president Mike Stanley and secretary-general Barry Maister.

New Zealand Prime Minister John Key added in Wellington that he would go to New Delhi based on the information he has received so far from Delhi.

'Yeah, if I could pick my own sport, yeah I would go,' Key was quoted as saying by the New Zealand Herald.

'It's very unlikely that New Zealand would pull out on its own. If we are likely to not send our team, then it will be because a large number of like-minded countries form the same view.'

Some 7,000 participants and officials from 71 countries and territories are expected to attend the Games.

Source: Web Search

Hunter impressed with Games Village

Fri, Sep 24 10 09:18 PM

New Delhi, Sep 24 (PTI) Impressed with the Commonwealth Games Village here, England chef de mission Craig Hunter today gave a thumbs up to the arrangements and said India is gearing up for an excellent event from October 3-14. "Its a great Commonwealth Games Village. The venues are absolutely world-class. We are looking at getting the rest of the team out there and have a great Commonwealth Games," Hunter told PTI. Hunter visited the Games Village after the first batch of English athletes, including their hockey and lawn bowl squads, arrived in the capital today. The athletes opted to go to hotels instead of the Games Village as their living area is yet to be ready. They are expected to move into the Village by Monday.

Source: Published>

Yuki gets wild card for Malaysian Open

Fri, Sep 24 10 08:54 PM

Kuala Lumpur, Sep 24 (PTI) Youth Olympics silver medallist Yuki Bhambri has been awarded a wild card entry into next week''s Malaysian Open, an ATP 250 event. Yuki is coming into the event after back-to-back first round defeats at Challenger events in Bangkok and Astana. Yuki has been struggling with injuries this season and would look to improve his record on the tour. A semifinal appearance at an ITF Futures event in May remains his best performance this season. Yuki will also play in the doubles event of the USD 850,000 hard court event.

Source: Published>