Sports: 09/28/10

Tuesday, September 28, 2010

Clijsters to skip China after mole removal

Wed, Sep 29 10 12:17 PM

U.S. Open champion Kim Clijsters will skip next month's China Open after having moles removed from her foot.

"I am very sorry to have to cancel for Beijing," Clijsters said on her website. "The operation had been planned for quite a while. However, the wound on my sole heals really bad. Therefore playing tennis is not possible."

The $4.5 million China Open runs from Oct. 2-10, and is headlined by Danish world number two Caroline Wozniacki and fourth-ranked Venus Williams.

Source: Published>

Oz issues fresh alert of "high risk of terrorist attack" during Delhi CWG

Published>Wed, Sep 29 10 11:37 AM

Canberra, Sept 29 (ANI): The Australian Department of Foreign Affairs has released a fresh alert saying there is a "high risk of terrorist attack" at the Delhi Common Wealth Games, which are scheduled to start from October 3.

The department issued this alert after the media reported that leaked top secret police documents reveal two extremist groups are planning to attack the Commonwealth Games.

"Australians in New Delhi should be aware that the Commonwealth Games will be held in a security environment where there is a high risk of terrorism," the Herald Sun quoted the statement, as saying.

It further said that police had intercepted some phone tapping intelligence indicating the groups are targeting 'foreign teams and officials'.

"We continue to receive reporting that terrorists plan to attack public places, including hotels and tourist locations, in New Delhi, Mumbai and other major cities," the statement reads.

Earlier, the Defence Minister Stephen Smith had said that new warnings of planned terror attacks in India added nothing to what is already known.

"The preliminary assessment is that it doesn't add to anything that we already know. Our travel advice for India has for some time been that there is a high risk of terrorist attack," News.com .au quoted Smith, as saying.

He also stated that there had been extensive government consultation with Australian athletes and sporting associations and that the team had been provided with all the information they needed to make their own judgements. (ANI)

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Five-star hotel chains assist in cleaning CWG village

Published>Wed, Sep 29 10 11:07 AM

New Delhi, Sep 29 (IANS) Bringing heavy duty equipment and expert staff, top five-star hotel chains, including the Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces, are helping in the last-minute massive clean-up drive at the Commonwealth Games Village, officials said.

The hotel chains have come in along with their large housekeeping departments to help in cleaning the rooms at the athlete's village for the Games beginning Oct 3. 'Heavy duty equipment have been moved in by five-star hotel chains,' a diplomatic source said here Tuesday.

'Several flats had 'pan' (betel nut) stains. It was difficult to remove them with normal cleaning detergents,' a CWG Organising Committee official said.

With all the teams set to arrive by Friday, officials are keeping their figures crossed and hoping that the village rooms will be ready before Friday. 'We hope that with the hotel chains helping out, the rooms will be soon cleaned up,' the official added.

The Games Village has faced a lot of criticism over the state of the residential zone - with photos of pan-stained bathrooms, muddy beddings and crumbling flats splashed all over the media.

It led to a massive outcry, after which the CWG Organising Committee along with the Delhi government had to finally scramble to get their act together for the cleaning up process.

The issue became further dire after diplomats of the Commonwealth nations got access to the residential zone over the last weekend.

While the flats for Australia, Canada and New Zealand were relatively better, Asian and African diplomats expressed worry over cleanliness and had given a deadline for completion of work.

Some 7,000 participants and officials from 71 countries and territories are expected to attend the Oct 3-14 Commonwealth Games -- India's biggest sporting event since the 1982 Asian Games.

Source: Web Search

Two Canadian athletes pull out of CWG

Wed, Sep 29 10 10:37 AM

Toronto, Sep 29 (PTI) The spate of withdrawals from the Delhi Commonwealth Games continued with Canadian diver Meaghan Benfeito and badminton player Alvin Lau becoming the latest to opt out of the event citing contrasting reasons. Canada will have a 400-strong presence in the October 3 to 14 Games which includes athletes, coaches and support staff. While Benfeito has pulled out because of a shoulder injury, the 25-year-old Lau has cited university commitments, the local media reported here. The duo joins archers Kevin Tataryn and Dietmar Trillus, who cited health and security fears, in the list of Canadian withdrawals from the Games. The 21-year-old Benfeito was to participate in two events -- the 10-metre platform and the 10-metre platform synchro -- with teammate Roseline Filion. Benfeito will be replaced by Rachel Kemp. "Meaghan''s withdrawal will definitely affect our medal potential in both the women''s 10m individual and 10m synchro events," Mitch Geller, the chief technical officer for Diving Canada, said in a statement. "However, Canada does boast incredible depth on women''s tower, and we are confident that Rachel will work hard to help maintain Canada''s reputation as a leading Commonwealth nation in diving. "We will still be aiming for nine diving medals, but achieving this goal will now be more challenging." Lau, who attends the University of British Columbia, will not be replaced in the badminton team. "It''s unfortunate that Alvin will be unable to attend the Commonwealth Games, but we understand the academic standards being enforced at UBC," said Kyle Hunter, Badminton Canada''s executive director. "We have made some adjustments to the pairings and our athletes are looking forward to competing in what is a very strong field." The first batch of Canadian athletes has already reached Delhi for the event.

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Indian eves ground third seeds Ukraine in Chess Olympiad

Wed, Sep 29 10 09:37 AM

From Our Chess Correspondent Khanty Mansiysk (Russia), Sep 29 (PTI) Indian girls rose to the joint second spot after upstaging third seeds Ukraine in the 29th Chess Olympiad here. The victory was special on more than a few counts as it put the Indian girls in joint second spot with Russia emerging as the sole leader with a perfect 14/14 score. It will be India versus Russia one in next round. The Indian girls who are missing the services of Koneru Humpy, benefited from top rated D Harika''s assault against Kateryna Lahno to come out trumps in the key encounter. Harika defeated Lahno in a keen contest while the other girls held their own to propel India to the joint second spot with four matches still to come in the Olympiad. Meanwhile, in the open section, the Indian men let slip a certain victory against Czech Republic. While mainstay Sasikiran came good against David Navara to post a brilliant win, Surya Shekhar Ganguly lost on the third board to concede a much needed parity to the Czech team. The other two games ended in draws. While Russia one reigns supreme in the women''s section, it is Ukraine on top in the open and past the half-way stage it is only going to be tougher as the days progress.

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2 more athletes pull out, but 400-strong Canadian team coming

Published>Wed, Sep 29 10 08:37 AM

Toronto, Sep 29 (IANS) Two more Canadian athletes Tuesday pulled out of the Commonwealth Games starting in New Delhi Oct 3.

Woman diver Meaghan Benfeito cited a shoulder injury and badminton player Alvin Lau school commitments as the reasons to pull out of the event.

They join archers Kevin Tataryn and Dietmar Trillus who withdrew from the Games last week, citing health and security concerns.

After initial reservations about conditions at the athlete's village, Canada is sending a contingent of about 400 athletes, trainers and other staff to the Games.

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Radio ban at world championships out of tune, say riders

Published>Wed, Sep 29 10 07:57 AM

Time trial world champion Fabian Cancellara and Road World Championship holder Cadel Evans have queried cycling authorities for banning riders and their teams from using radio during the world championships starting in Australia on Wednesday.

Swiss rider Cancellara said the International Cycling Union's (UCI) ban had raised safety concerns given riders had become used to getting team information about potential road hazards during races.

"Rules are rules and that is how it is. But I still think it is wrong," local media on Wednesday quoted Cancellara as saying.

"We are in 2010. We are not in 1996 or 1960 or whatever. The radios are here not to get riders information that they have to breathe, to pedal, to push the pedals.

"For me, the most important thing is the safety reason. When there's something happening, when something is coming on the road, you have to get information. Whether it is a crash..."

Cancellara will bid for a record fourth time trial world title on Thursday before joining Evans and an elite field in the road world championship race on Sunday.

Evans said the ban for the Sept. 29 - Oct. 3 world championships would be a jolt for riders who had been using them on the professional tour all year.

"I am just abiding by the rules, I don't make them," he said.

"But it is a bit strange for everyone. Normally such a dramatic rule change is eased into. Whereas, to race all year with radios and then 'boom', no radio, it's a big change and (there is) a lot that we have got to adjust to."

The UCI last year voted to phase out the use of radio earpieces in the professional peloton by 2012, concerned that the technology was eroding the spontaneity and tactics of bike racing.

The ban, already in place for under-23 and junior cycling tours, was extended to the world championships and elite men's and women's Class Two events in the UCI's international calendar in a notice issued in November last year.

It will be extended to include all major races, including the Tour de France, from next year, the UCI has said.

A UCI spokesman said the ban was to ensure races were held in the right 'spirit' and that riders' concerns about safety were unfounded.

"It's so that the races aren't decided and played by people sitting in a car," the spokesman told Reuters by telephone.

"We would like to restore the spirit of the racing. You are the rider, you have to decide based on your instincts, you have decide by yourself what you have to do, whether to attack or not.

"We are doing our very best to ensure safety for every race ... Safety is not just about hearing devices, it's about good signage on the course, good commissaire work on the course, so we have other means to guarantee the security of the races."

Source: Web Search

Slice of Italy for Manavjit

Published>Wed, Sep 29 10 06:39 AM

The blinkers are firmly strapped on for former trap World Champion Manavjit Singh Sandhu, who is desperately trying to regain lost form in distant Italy ? far away from the bedlam of the Commonwealth Games back home. Sandhu has shut himself out in the run-up to the Games, after having struggled of late in what was once labeled his Midas-touch event.

And in a bid to recover some of that lost form that won him the big prize at the 2006 World Championship, Sandhu has been training hard in Masari, 70 km from Bologna, Italy, in seclusion.

Sandhu, the 2006 World Champion, had finished a shocking 68th at the Munich World Championships in August and followed that with a disappointing 11th place out of 13 shooters at the ISSF finals in Izmir, Turkey.

Following a strict regimen designed by shotgun coach Marcello Dradi, Sandhu is training under the watchful eyes of Sera fino Castelliano, who has previously helped many Indians, including Ronjan Singh Sodhi in the past.

"He has switched off his phone and is at peace near Bologna, where he doesn't need to think about driving his car through traffic or other mundane things that one needs to do daily here. All he has to do is train out there. In fact he is sleeping at the range itself!" coach Dradi said.

The shooter sought seclusion after lows closely followed on the heels of his highs this season. Sandhu started the year in supreme form topping the Commonwealth Shooting Championship in February ahead of Vella and also setting the record at the meet with 146 hits. But the 33-year-old last tasted success trapping gold at the World Cup in Mexico. Since then he has been struggling for confidence as form deserted him ? the Munich slide compounded by his inability to qualify for the finals at Izmir a month later.

Of the shooting events, the trap field is the most competitive with Australian duo of Michael Diamond and Adam Vella leading the world charts ? this daunting task forcing the Indian marksman to further tunnel his vision. "He's away from all the media glare. We have tough competition in trap with Diamond and Vella in the field.

He wanted to be away from distractions, so he's in Italy training. He'll be back here soon," said Dradi.

Diamond is a two-time Olympics gold medallist from Atlanta and Sydney and is ranked sixth in the world at present. Vella had won a bronze at Athens Olympics and is ranked ninth, a rung above the 33-year-old marksman.

Coach Dradi, though, remains unflinching in his support. "We are talking about a world champion here. He has already won a gold in the World Cup this year. The last thing that he wants right now is to be asked questions about his chances and form," the Italian stressed.

"He left for Italy after competing at the Turkey meet. He wanted to sort out a few issues," Manavjit's father Gurbir Singh Sandhu pointed out.

Source: Web Search

It took too long for me to come clean - Landis

Wed, Sep 29 10 05:37 AM

Floyd Landis took too long to come clean about his doping offences, local media on Wednesday quoted the disgraced drug cheat as saying.

Landis, who was stripped of his 2006 Tour de France title after a positive drug test, spent four years and more than $1 million, much of it raised from fans, protesting his innocence before confessing to doping offences in May.

The 34-year-old American's confession was also accompanied by accusations of cheating against his former team mates, including Lance Armstrong, that sparked a United States federal investigation into alleged doping.

"I made the judgment, probably the wrong judgment, that I wouldn't be believed if I told what I knew about cycling," the Herald-Sun daily quoted the former Postal Service rider as saying.

"It was easy to rationalise the cheating, telling yourself you weren't hurting anybody. If I could accomplish one goal it would be to change that thinking," he said.

Landis was speaking at a conference focusing on doping in the port city of Geelong, near Melbourne, ahead of the road world championships that open in the same city on Wednesday.

The American's invitation angered the world championships' organising committee, who withdrew their backing for the conference and accused it of providing a 'soapbox' for the drug cheat to sling mud.

Landis did not comment on his accusations against Armstrong and other riders, citing the ongoing federal investigation.

Record seven-times Tour de France champion Armstrong, who has never failed a drug test, has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing and says his accuser has no credibility.

The road world championships will be held in Geelong from Sept. 29 to Oct. 3.

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Shakhtar use experience to expose Braga

Wed, Sep 29 10 04:57 AM

A clinical Shakthar Donetsk took full advantage of their Champions League experience to overcome newcomers Braga 3-0 in their Group H clash on Tuesday.

"We showed more experience in international competition. We were very organised and took our goals with merit," Shakhtar coach Mircae Lucescu said.

Braga, who had already sampled the rigours of the Champions League when they were thumped 6-0 by a rampant Arsenal in their debut in the tournament's group stage this month, were this time outdone by Shakhtar's patient and efficient approach.

The Portuguese started strongly and almost made the perfect start when Moises's header was cleared off the line by Razvan Rat in the third minute.

Shakhtar enjoyed plenty of possession but looked slow and failed to threaten, allowing Braga to use their speed on the counter-attack.

Winger Alan put Leandro Salino through on the half-hour and the midfielder forced Pyatov to make a fine block with his foot.

Moments before halftime, striker Matheus led a counter-attack after a Shakhtar corner, racing down the right wing to set up Salino, who wasted another fine chance by placing his shot just wide.

The Ukranian champions, who lifted the UEFA Cup in 2009, took advantage of Braga's inexperience to catch them on the break themselves in the second half.

"I knew Braga was going to take more risks in the second half and give us more space to counter attack," Lucescu said.

Striker Luiz Adriano opened the scoring with the Ukrainian champions' first effort on target, firing in a diagonal shot from inside the box on 56 minutes after a clever pass from his compatriot Douglas Costa.

Braga pushed forward for an equaliser and almost scored five minutes later when Matheus's bicycle kick was palmed away by Andriy Pyatov, who reacted quickly again moments later to block Paulo Cesar's powerful drive.

"At 1-0, yes, the lack of experience weighed on my team. Suffering a goal that way, the team went looking for the equaliser in a disorganised, anxious way and you could see some inexperience," Braga coach Domingos Paciencia said.

Shaktar's Brazilian duo combined again smoothly in the 72nd minute to add their second, with Costa again feeding Adriano in the box. The winger then crowned a fine display by converting an injury-time penalty.

Braga, who knocked out Celtic and Sevilla in the qualifying rounds, face an uphill struggle in the group after Arsenal also kept their 100 percent record by beating Partizan Belgrade 3-1.

"This game was very important, maybe even decisive for us," Paciencia added.

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Chelsea expose gulf in class with Marseille

Published>Wed, Sep 29 10 04:37 AM

Premier League Chelsea exposed a gulf in class when they defeated French champions Olympique Marseille 2-0 at Stamford Bridge in the Champions League group stage on Tuesday.

Chelsea's superiority was so great in a one-sided Group F match, especially in the first half, that the match was over as a contest long before halftime even though they failed to add to John Terry's and Nicolas Anelka's goals scored inside the first 28 minutes.

Marseille manager Didier Deschamps, a former Chelsea favourite and an FA Cup winner with the Blues in 2000, marvelled at Chelsea's performance afterwards, saying he believed they were one of the favourites to win this season's competition, despite a recent mini-slump domestically.

"We were dominated both physically and technically, there was a huge gulf in class between the two sides," Deschamps told reporters.

"Chelsea had a very effective first half and we lacked a bit of aggression. Although we did better in the second half, you have to say they could easily have scored a third.

"I am a realist. We came here full of ambition, and full of hope, and despite the fact they had some of their main players missing they were still full of internationals.

"We were vastly inferior in the first half at least and Chelsea remain one of the favourites to be champions of Europe. They were so solid and efficient."

Marseille could have done with the kind of industrious midfield graft that Deschamps was famous for in his pomp.

Instead, their midfield was overrun by Chelsea's with Michael Essien the dominant force, helping Chelsea to take a stranglehold on the game after Terry scored with a deft flick from a Gael Kakuta corner after seven minutes.

They effectively sealed the points when Anelka scored with a 28th-minute penalty.

ANCELOTTI DELIGHT

Underpinning every attack was an inspired Florent Malouda, who tormented the Marseille defence with his jinking runs and invention. French youngster Kakuta also terrorised his compatriots with a glittering performance on the other flank.

Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti, happy for his side to avoid a third successive defeat after losses to Newcastle United and Manchester City in the past week, was delighted.

"It was an important result after those two defeats, which we can now forget about," he told reporters.

"Now we have six points, we are top of the group and have a good chance of finishing first.

"But it was not an easy game because I think Marseille played well and created a lot of chances.

"The second half was difficult, we played well defensively but could do better in possession, but we had a lot of chances in the second half. We hit the post twice. It was a good game."

Despite missing Didier Drogba, suspended against his former club, and the injured Frank Lampard and Salomon Kalou, Chelsea could have had an even more emphatic victory as both Alex and Essien hit the post with long-range efforts in the second half.

Anelka, booed by the French fans still clearly miffed at his antics at the World Cup when he was sent home early from South Africa, stroked his penalty past stranded goalkeeper Steve Mandanda.

Ancelotti saw nothing wrong with Anelka's almost casual stroll up to the spot.

"He was not concerned by the French fans booing him. He is always calm, always peaceful and the main thing was -- he scored."

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Milan's Ibrahimovic seals draw at old club Ajax

Wed, Sep 29 10 04:17 AM

Not even a minor injury could rob Zlatan Ibrahimovic of the limelight on his return to Ajax Amsterdam but his trademark strike could only seal a 1-1 draw for enigmatic AC Milan in Champions League Group G on Tuesday.

The tall Swede, who first came to prominence when he played at Ajax between 2001 and 2004, reminded the home fans of why four top clubs have worked so hard to sign him since his time as a raw and unpredictable youngster in the Netherlands.

Ibrahimovic was carrying a knock after receiving an early kick but refused to even contemplate coming off and struck a 37th-minute equaliser to cancel out Mounir El Hamdaoui's opener.

Clarence Seedorf, another Ajax old boy who won the Champions League with the Dutch club before going on to lift the trophy with Real Madrid and Milan, was influential throughout the game having been preferred to the rested Ronaldinho.

The Dutchman dinked over a neat pass for Ibrahimovic who controlled superbly before smashing an awkwardly bouncing ball into the net from close range despite Ajax appeals for offside.

Former Inter Milan striker Ibrahimovic, who signed for Milan from Barcelona on an initial loan in August, has now scored five goals for his new side including his brace in the 2-0 win at home to Auxerre in their group opener.

"We've taken one point, we could have taken three as we had lots of chances but a point away is always good," Ibrahimovic, fast becoming a Milan talisman, told Sky TV.

"I'm playing with a lot of confidence and I want to continue. Clarence gave me a great pass, he played really well."

INCONSISTENT START

Massimiliano Allegri's decision to leave out Ronaldinho raised eyebrows but Milan's habitually inconsistent start to the campaign led to the new coach tinkering with his 4-3-3 formation slightly with Seedorf often dropping back to make a 4-4-2.

"No one gives you anything these days, we saw that again tonight," said the 34-year-old Seedorf, who was cheered by the whole Amsterdam Arena when he was substituted late on.

"It's been nice to return to the club where I started."

While Ibrahimovic and Seedorf are Ajax's past, Luis Suarez is very much their present with the Uruguay World Cup striker again a constant menace.

He showed great skill to ghost past Alessandro Nesta and square the ball for El Hamdaoui to blast the hosts ahead on 23 minutes and had other chances of his own.

Ajax coach Martin Jol will be glad of the point after his side lost their opener to Real Madrid, who beat Auxerre in their second game to top the group with Milan two points behind.

Jol will also know the hosts were lucky at the end when Kevin-Prince Boateng's effort was saved by Maarten Stekelenburg while the visitors were angered by the referee asking for a free kick to be retaken despite Filippo Inzaghi being clear on goal.

Milan, for whom Robinho disappointed, next visit Real on Oct. 19 in their third group outing when Ajax host Auxerre.

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Chidambaram briefed on Games preparations, security

Published>Wed, Sep 29 10 03:47 AM

New Delhi, Sep 29 (IANS) Home Minister P. Chidambaram was Tuesday evening briefed by Delhi's Lieutenant Governor Tejendra Khanna about the steps being taken to improve the condition at the 'filthy' Games Village and also the security measures put in place for the Commonwealth Games.

According to a government official, the overall preparations at the Games Village, constructed by the Delhi Development Authority of which Khanna is a chairman, was discussed during the meeting.

Chidambaram also asked the L-G to visit the Games Village to oversee the preparations there.

The Games Village has drawn flak from some officials of the participating nations for being 'filthy'.

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''CWG will be off to a flying start once Rahman starts singing''

Wed, Sep 29 10 03:37 AM

Betwa Sharma New York, Sep 28 (PTI) There may be delays and lapses in preparation for the Commonwealth Games, but External Affairs Minister S M Krishna says the troubled event will be "off to a flying start" when A R Rahman starts singing the welcome song on October three. Speaking at the Asia Society here, Krishna assured the world community that the Games would be a success and hoped that the athletes will be satisfied with the preparations. "This much I can assure you as an Indian and as a minister of the external affairs of India that on OCtober 3 when (Oscar-winning music composer) A R Rahman starts with his welcome orchestra, I think we will be off to a flying start," Krishna said in response to a volley of questions on the Games. The Games will be inaugurated on Sunday at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi. Krishna also admitted there have been some lapses in a sense. "We did not anticipate that the monsoons will be so prolonged and so heavy and as a result of that the preparations got delayed but the news that is coming out of New Delhi in the last two days that things are improving," he said. "The athletes have started coming to New Delhi and they will be very pleased with the arrangements," he said. Krishna, who is in New York for attending the opening session at the General Assembly, has responded to several queries by the Indian and foreign media about the problems associated with the games. Several comparisons have been made to India''s failure to get it act together when China pulled off the Olympics and South Africa managed the Football World Cup earlier this year. "This has been said about every international athletic event before it starts...questions are always asked and doubts are always expressed... the ultimate proof is eating of the pudding," Krishna said. "I am going to be back here again next year and then you can put to me this question how well we conducted the Commonwealth Games," the External Affairs Minister said. PTI BS

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Mexico players threaten boycott after party punishments

Wed, Sep 29 10 02:57 AM

Mexico players led by World Cup captain Rafael Marquez have threatened to boycott the national team after being punished for holding an unauthorised party.

In a letter to Mexican Football Federation (FMF) senior officials, the players said they objected to the way the announcement of the sanctions had been handled by national teams director Nestor de la Torre.

"We are not refusing to adhere strictly to the regulations, but (object) to the exaggerated and avid desire for recognition of this character (De la Torre)," said the letter, published in local media on Tuesday.

The players said they did not want to be called up again until they and the team directors could agree on conduct and procedures.

The FMF banned Carlos Vela and Efrain Juarez for six months for their part in the late-night party at their hotel after a friendly win against Colombia in Monterrey earlier this month.

Another 11 players, including Marquez, Giovani dos Santos and Javier Hernandez, were fined 50,000 pesos ($3,900) each.

De la Torre, who denied media reports that prostitutes had been invited to the party, said the FMF would reply to the players' letter but he did not say when.

Forward Cuauhtemoc Blanco, a veteran of three World Cups, made a stinging attack on De la Torre over the weekend.

"No-one likes Nestor de la Torre... I hope all my World Cup team mates say what I'm saying, that they don't like Nestor de la Torre," Blanco told reporters at an autograph signing session.

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''CWG will be off to a flying start once Rahman starts singing''

Wed, Sep 29 10 02:31 AM

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"Rubber wall" Woods plays it straight on Ryder return

Published>Wed, Sep 29 10 01:57 AM

Tiger Woods was back on the defensive on Tuesday as the world number one stonewalled his way through an excruciating news conference ahead of his Ryder Cup return.

On the back of an extraordinary year on and off the course and having missed the 2008 edition through injury, Woods gave the impression of a man who would rather have been anywhere else than facing the world's media who packed the interview room to overflowing.

Former England soccer boss Sven-Goran Eriksson earned the nickname "rubber wall" from the Italian media during his days as a Serie A club coach, thanks to his ability to absorb their questions without giving anything back.

Woods, never the most forthcoming interviewee even in his pomp, was on similar form after his practice round alongside Hunter Mahan.

After the tearful apologies and promises of a new approach to life "within the rules" after the revelations of numerous affairs that led to divorce from wife Elin, Woods was in no mood for another dousing.

After dealing with a few gentle opening questions on the condition of the course and the warmth of the Welsh welcome, Woods was soon asked the questions on everybody's mind.

'Is this an emotionally more difficult week for you because of the prominent role the wives tend to play at the Ryder Cup,' the American was asked.

"I think it's a great week. We are all looking forward to it," said Woods.

'Have you sensed any change in the players, the wives' relationships towards you? Have they been supportive or have you sensed a cooling in that relationship?', was another question.

"No," said Woods. "We are here as a team. We're here to win the Ryder Cup."

PROFESSIONAL CAREER

Another questioner tried with 'Given what you've been through this year, how important would a U.S. win be for you personally?'

"It would be great to get a win and I'm looking forward to getting out there and contributing and hopefully get some points and hopefully we can get this thing done," countered Woods.

His form this year has been the worst of his professional career, with wayward driving and un-Tiger-like putting failures.

Woods failed to qualify for the money-spinning FedExCup series and needed a wildcard selection by captain Corey Pavin to make the U.S. Ryder Cup team.

He retreated into his comfort zone when discussing the importance of "understanding the fixes", his shadow swings, his "reps" and how important the "lines and numbers" would be this week, but put up the barriers again when confronted with the bigger picture.

Asked if he felt he had to justify his wildcard, he said: "Well, I just need to go out there and play".

Pressed for his reaction to Europe's Rory McIlroy saying he would like to play against him in the singles, he said "Me, too."

'Would you like to elaborate?', asked the reporter. "No," replied Woods.

Someone else asked if there were any particular European players he relished playing against but Woods was in no mood to run through anything from the past.

"I think just anybody, really," he said. "When you get out there in singles your responsibility as a player is to try and get that one point."

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Semenya pulls out of Commonwealth Games with back injury

Wed, Sep 29 10 01:37 AM

Caster Semenya, the women's 800 metres world champion, has withdrawn from the Commonwealth Games because of a back injury dealing the event another blow, South Africa's Olympic body announced on Tuesday.

The 19-year-old, cleared to compete again in July after controversial gender tests had put her career on hold since she won the world title in August 2009, has suffered serious lower back pain and been uncomfortable in her last few races.

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Form book is against United in Spain, says Ferguson

Published>Wed, Sep 29 10 12:57 AM

Manchester United will have to rip up the form book if they are to claim victory at Valencia in Champions League Group C on Wednesday, according to the English club's manager, Alex Ferguson.

United, who will be missing injured striker Wayne Rooney, have won just one of 18 away games against Spanish opponents, with eight draws and nine defeats, and failed to score on their last three trips to the Iberian nation.

"It's always the hardest place for us to go if you give me that statistic," Ferguson said at a news conference at Valencia's Mestalla stadium on Tuesday.

"The standard of Spanish football has always been very, very good. It's a difficult place to win, there's no doubt about that.

"That's the great thing about the European Cup. You always get to play against fantastic teams in Spain, Italy and Germany. That's what makes it such a great tournament."

Valencia, Champions League runners-up in 2000 and 2001, have made a bright start to their La Liga and European campaigns.

They top the domestic standings after five matches, ahead of Barcelona and Real Madrid, and thumped Turkish champions Bursaspor 4-0 in their opening Champions League group match.

United floundered to a 0-0 draw at home to Rangers on their European debut this season and were held 2-2 at Bolton Wanders in the Premier League at the weekend.

"Valencia's home record over the years has been very good and we respect that," Ferguson said.

"They're very strong defensively and they don't surrender anything easily.

"Hopefully we can impose ourselves tomorrow the way we know we can."

The 68-year-old Ferguson said he would delay his decision on whether to include Rio Ferdinand in his starting lineup against Valencia until Wednesday.

The central defender is returning from a knee injury and played against Rangers but missed the Bolton trip.

"He's much fitter now but probably needs another game or so," Ferguson said, adding that he had no complaints about the recent performances of Jonny Evans and Nemanja Vidic.

"It's a decision I'll take tomorrow about whether he (Ferdinand) starts or not but we're looking forward to having him back."

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Rooney out for up to three weeks - Ferguson

Tue, Sep 28 10 11:37 PM

Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney will be out of action for up to three weeks, his manager Alex Ferguson said on Tuesday.

Rooney injured the ankle in the 2-2 Premier League draw at Bolton Wanderers on Sunday and will miss Wednesday's Champions League Group C clash at Valencia and the Premier League match at Sunderland on Saturday.

"Two to three weeks maybe it depends," Ferguson told a news conference at Valencia's Mestalla stadium when asked how long Rooney would be out.

"He's a strong lad and he's done quite well in recovering from injury in the past," he added.

England international Rooney had a disappointing World Cup in South Africa and has yet to rediscover his best club form following widely-publicised allegations about his private life.

Asked how the latest injury setback was affecting the player's state of mind, Ferguson said: "Nobody likes to be injured. I think he'd rather be out here playing with us but he's not. There's nothing you can do about it."

Rooney is also likely to miss England's Euro 2012 qualifier against Montenegro on Oct. 12.

United midfielder Paul Scholes has a calf injury and Ferguson said he should return to action in around 10 days.

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Athletes can participate in CWG after suspension lifted: WADA

Published>Tue, Sep 28 10 11:21 PM

New Delhi, Sep 28 (IANS) The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) Tuesday clarified that the athletes who had tested positive for methylhexnamine can participate in the Commonwealth Games as the provisional suspension has been lifted following the shifting of the drug from the non-specified to the specified category.

Twelve Indian athletes tested positive, out of which seven were part of the Games team. They were provisionally suspended but once WADA shifted methylhexanamine from non-specified to specified category, the suspension was lifted by National Anti Doping Agency (NADA).

The hearing of the athletes by the three-member anti-doping panel ended without any conclusion Monday. NADA said their next hearing will now take place Oct 21.

'As advised by WADA, the Anti Doping Disciplinary Panel took notice of this change in status and in its hearing of the cases, withdrew the provisional suspension imposed by NADA on these athletes. However, the panel is still hearing the cases on merits for final decision,' NADA director-general Rahula Bhatnagar said in a press statement.

Bhatnagar said they sought WADA's clarification regarding the provisional suspension of the athletes and their participation in the Commonwealth Games.

'WADA has indicated in their clarification that if the provisional suspension has been lifted, the athletes are not suspended anymore. Therefore, provided they meet the requirements set by the Commonwealth Games, they see no impediment to their participation.

'Further according to WADA, the process would benefit from an expedited hearing prior to the beginning of the Games, which would clarify the situation.'

Wrestlers Rajiv Tomar, Mausam Khatri, Sumit and Gursharanpreet Kaur, shot putter Shaurabh Vij's, swimmers Richa Misra and Jyotsana Pansare were in the Commonwealth Games squad but were provisionally suspended.

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Eng-Pak relation will be normalised soon, hopes Afridi

Tue, Sep 28 10 11:07 PM

Karachi, Sep 28 (PTI) Pakistan ODI skipper Shahid Afridi has expressed hope that relations between the Pakistan and England cricket boards would soon be normalised. "The Pakistan board should try to take steps to normalise relations with the ECB because Pakistan cricket needs the support of other nations at this stage," Afridi told Geo Super channel. He pointed out that the options of playing at neutral venues for Pakistan were limited and England was a viable neutral venue for the Pakistan cricket team. His comments came on the day PCB Chairman, Ijaz Butt and legal advisor, Tafazzul Rizvi left for London on a visit which is being seen as significant by many people. Butt and Rizvi are due to meet with the law firm appointed by the board in London to discuss the reply to be sent to the ECB and English players who have demanded an unconditional apology and compensation from Butt for making a statement in which he indirectly said English players were involved in fixing matches. The duo are also due to meet with Scotland Yard officials investigating into spot fixing allegations against three Pakistani players, Salman Butt, Muhammad Asif and Muhammad Aamir. Afridi said he hoped the dispute between the PCB and ECB would be resolved amicably soon. "If our relations with ECB don''t improve the options available to us to play at neutral venues would be reduced and this is not good for us," Afridi said. "I think in existing circumstances when Pakistan cricket is going through tough times we should make the best use of the best available neutral venues available to us," he stated. Afridi, however, said the players were happy that the PCB had taken a strong stand for them and was keen to protect their interests. "But at the same time we would also like to see the PCB have good relations with ECB," he said. Ijaz Butt has largely come under fire for his comments on English players with many former test captains questioning the timing of Butt''s remarks and the wisdom behind making such allegations. "If at all Butt has evidence of English players wrong doing he should have gone to the ICC and ECB and shared the information with them instead of directly making such a statement," former captain, Asif Iqbal said.

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3 Indian mens teams qualify for Beach Volleyball main draw

Tue, Sep 28 10 10:53 PM

Chennai, Sept 28 (PTI) Three Indian men''s teams today qualified for the main draw of the SRM Cup-FIVB Chennai Challenger Beach Volleyball Championship here. The three teams are Mohan P and John M Pradeep, Shasi and Raju and Siva and Dhamu. The 32 team mens draw will comprise 24 direct entries and eight qualifying teams, while the 24 squad womens event will have 20 direct entries and three qualifiers. In a qualifying tie, Mohan and Pradeep played the toughest three-set game against Fijis Raratabu Aisake and Elliot Qilu (of the Drifters team) to sail into the main draw. The Indian women, however, found the conditions (including the two-piece bikini dress code) too hot to handle. The demolition of M S Swapna and R Anitha in the centre court by the athletic Kazhak pair of Issayeva Lyudmilla and Rakhmatulina Inna exposed the gap between the two teams. The Kazhaks, however, met their Waterloo in Malayasias Shun Thing Beh and Teck Hua Luk. Our girls lack stamina as they are more used to the six-team volleyball. They practice beach volleyball only a month before a major tournament and that is not sufficient, Indian coach Rathi, a former beach volleyball player, opined. At the outset, we are hindered by the dress code. It is not possible for us culturally to accept the FIVB norm of playing in a two-piece bikini. So we are confined to playing regular volleyball, whereas the foreigners train specifically for beach volleyball, she explained. The Malaysian pair that knocked out the Kazhaks was really excited at making the main draw. We are happy that we are assured of some prize money. We want to play in Indonesia, China and Thailand ahead of the Asian Games, Shun Thing and Teck Hua said. Results: Qualifiers: Women: Second round: Karla Borger and Britta Buthe (Ger) beat Sagari Gunasinghe and W W Sujeewa 21-12, 21-13. Heather Hughes and Michelle Moriaty (USA) beat Ana Maria Vidal Bouza and Maria Jose Corral Bouza (Spn) 21-14, 21-16, Joanna Papageorgiou and Christina Roubanis (Gre) beat Ashya Basam A Roselin J Christy (Ind) 21-5, 21-8. Shun Thing Beh and Teck Hua Luk (Mas) Issayeva Lyudmilla and Rakhmatulina Inna (Kaz) 23-21, 13-21, 15-9. Men: Second round: Shasi and Raju (Ind) beat Sara-Saravanan (Ind) 21-14, 21-13. Chong Long and Rafi (Mas) beat Keawwonsai and Prigbangkhem (Tha) 21-16, 21-11. Mohan and John (Ind) beat Raratabu-Drifters (Fij) 23-21, 14-21, 15-11. Siva and Dhamu (Ind) beat Ray and Michael (Hkg) 21-14, 21-7. R Naeini and R Raouf (Ira) beat Anurak and Cheamnithurakan (Tha) 21-9, 21-17. Perera and Rathnapala (SL) beat Karukhin Samoshkin (Rus) 21-18, 14-21, 17-15. P Farrokhi and A Salagh (Ira) beat Okasha and Atta (Egy) 21-17, 21-16.

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Expectation in the air as Tiger prowls Celtic Manor

Published>Tue, Sep 28 10 10:33 PM

The enchanting Usk Valley, just across the River Severn, is steeped in Welsh mystery and legend and as mist rolled off the hills on Tuesday it looked ripe for a new chapter in its rich folklore.

Roman legionnaires once patrolled the area and King Arthur is said to have held court in the nearby village of Caerleon but at the Celtic Manor resort the world's best golfers took centre stage as the 38th edition of the Ryder Cup loomed.

The biennial match between the top dozen players in Europe and the United States begins on Friday and as the players set off for their first practice rounds on Tuesday there was already a palpable sense of expectation in the air.

World number one Tiger Woods, immaculate in his red team pullover, prowled the fourth fairway as drizzle made way for bright sunshine and fans poured in to catch a glimpse of the American who, despite recent personal problems, is still revered wherever he pitches up.

Woods, enjoying a knockabout fourball with team mates Hunter Mahan, Zach Johnson and Steve Stricker, appeared relaxed as he pinged putts and chips from a deep swale to the side of the fourth green, occasionally taking in the scene around him.

Europe's players, kitted out in diamond-patterned grey jumpers, began their practice rounds at the 11th hole and received huge applause from the crowds enjoying superb vantage points on a Twenty Ten course tailor-made for the Ryder Cup.

Young Northern Irishman Rory McIlroy could not stop smiling as he and playing partner Graeme McDowell went through their paces with Italian brothers Edoardo and Francesco Molinari.

Ian Poulter and three-times major winner Padraig Harrington were both in Europe's final practice fourball of the morning, attracting hordes of autograph hunters beside the 18th green.

So leisurely was their fourball that at one stage a caddie's mobile phone rang and after a quick chat he looked across to an inquiring Luke Donald and joked "that was the skipper on the phone, he's wondering what we're up to. Better get a move on".

One blonde American woman said she was quite taken by Poulter, one of the sport's most colourful characters.

"I think he's really cool," Katie Gilliam from Kentucky told Reuters as she soaked up the atmosphere with husband Conner alongside the pristine fourth fairway.

"Of course I want the Americans to win but most of all we are just so glad to be here and so glad Tiger is playing because we bought tickets for Valhalla to see him (in 2008) and he blew out his knee and wasn't there."

Some European fans from London were more partisan, although they said the American players would not be subjected to any over the top heckling.

"I think we're pretty fair over here," said Shane Cooley, attending his first Ryder Cup.

"But I'll tell you what, I think we'll have this sewn up by Saturday afternoon. We've got a great side."

Hundreds of blue-jacketed marshalls welcomed the crowds, many of them veterans of past Ryder Cup clashes.

They may not be getting paid but according to 67-year-old David Branson, all the way from Washington DC, he would not want to be anywhere else.

"This is the greatest golf event in the world," he said. "The banter and the atmosphere will be like nothing else in golf, it's gonna be like a soccer game."

Back behind the first tee an enormous tented village has sprung up where fans can eat in Uncle Sam's Burger Bar or taste some local delicacies at the Welsh Pantry.

The bars were already doing brisk business while the merchandising stores stocked a vast array of Ryder Cup-branded gear, memorabilia and golfing gizmos.

Sales of rainwear will be booming over the next few days as bad weather heads in from the Atlantic but rain or shine, Celtic Manor looks set to witness a spectacular feast of golf.

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England Ashes squad visit Dachau camp on 'bonding trip'

Tue, Sep 28 10 10:17 PM

England's Ashes squad ended a five-day 'bonding trip' to southern Germany on Tuesday with a visit to a former Nazi concentration camp, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) said.

The players and management travelled to the memorial site at the Dachau camp where more than 40,000 people died from 1933 to 1945.

"Following our trip to Flanders last year, this was an opportunity for the players to spend time away from the cricketing environment, learn more about the wider world and develop ourselves both individually and collectively," captain Andrew Strauss said in a statement.

"It was a tough but rewarding five days and I know every player has gained greater insight into themselves, their own team environment and environments outside cricket."

The ECB said the 'development camp', near Nuremburg, presented players with a range of mental and physical challenges.

"The team also learned more about leadership, how to make difficult decisions under pressure and the factors that make teams successful," the statement added.

England travel to Australia on Oct. 29, with the first test of the five match Ashes series starting in Brisbane on Nov. 25.

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Now, a theme song composed by C'weatlh Games volunteers

Published>Tue, Sep 28 10 10:13 PM

New Delhi, Sep.28 (ANI): A theme song for the upcoming Commonwealth Games was released here on Tuesday.

The latest composition has been an endeavour of a section of volunteers appointed for the Commonwealth Games, who have a musical bent of mind.

The song, titled 'Delhi United In Spirit... In Action', has been composed by students from Manav Rachna International University (MRIU).

While releasing the lyrical and rhythmic endeavour of MRIU, Organising Committee chief Suresh Kalmadi admitted that there have been 'too many' theme songs for the mega event.

It may be noted that Oscar winning music composer A.R.Rahman has created the main theme song for the opening ceremony of the upcoming Commonwealth Games to be held between October 3 to 14.

However, while talking about the importance of volunteers for any such mega event, Kalmadi said that the onus of the Games' success lies on the groups of volunteers since they are the 'face and grace' of the Games.

'Delhi United', the volunteer programme for the Games comprises students from various universities located in and around the national capital.

"This song is very good. As a volunteer it is giving a lot of encouragement. We are the volunteers. We are the part of Delhi United (a volunteer programme), so whatever we are doing is for our nation and Delhi... So I can just say that Delhi Come out and play. This is the best ever Commonwealth Games which is going to be held in Delhi. This is an opportunity we will not get before seven years," said Vishal, a volunteer.(ANI)

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Expectation in the air as Tiger prowls Celtic Manor

Published>Tue, Sep 28 10 10:03 PM