Oz athletes give thumbs up to Delhi Commonwealth Games on Twitter

Published>Sat, Oct 02 10 12:26 PM

New Delhi, Oct 2(ANI): Australian athletes for the Delhi Commonwealth Games have used social networking website Twitter to give the thumbs up to their accommodation and security in the Indian capital.

The build-up to the October 3-14 Games have been mired in controversy with the collapse of a footbridge, the shooting of two tourists and reports of filthy and unliveable conditions in the athletes' village.

Swimmer Ashley Delaney said that the condition of the village was improving.

"Each day the village has gotten better and better! I haven't seen a snake or a monkey yet..." Delaney tweeted.

He also described the security on the way to the main competition pool as impressive.

"We have a police escort take us there and back and we don't stop at all. It's actually pretty impressive!"

World champion cyclist Anna Meares said that the conditions are not that bad as reported in the national and international media.

"First day in Delhi over. Drive from airport was an eye opener. Few unfinished things and bit dusty, but all in all not too bad," The Age quoted Meares, as saying.

Australia has topped the gold and total medal tallies at the past five Commonwealths, and is expected to once again be the number one nation.

Swimming, track and field, field hockey and cycling are generally prolific medal-yielding sports for Australia, while the nation has high expectations in gymnastics, diving, netball, tennis and boxing. (ANI)

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Seebohm determined to be face of Oz swimming at Delhi CWG

Published>Sat, Oct 02 10 12:22 PM

New Delhi, Oct. 2 (ANI): With Australia's champion swimmer Stephanie Rice opting out of the XIXth Delhi Commonwealth Games owing to injury and surgery, Emily Seebohm has emerged as the potential face of Australian swimming at the event.

Seebohm said that she is ready to step out of Rice's lengthy shadow.

"I'm ready; just waiting for it now is the hardest thing," the Sydney Morning Herald quoted her, as saying.

Seebohm faces quality opposition across all six individual events and, to achieve what she most passionately wants, will need to step up another level.

What gives the Australian team, and particularly coach Matt Brown, confidence is that Seebohm, 18, has already shown this ability to rise with the class.

Beijing in 2008 was a notably exception, when the 16-year-old - whom Brown thought was a serious contender rather than a kid with potential - flopped in the 100 metres backstroke and missed the final.

Brown reckons his young charge was swallowed up by the enormity of the occasion.

"Everyone talked about the Olympics being the Olympics, and I think it became bigger than life. But it was a great experience for her, and I think she had to through that," he said.

Indeed, she fought straight back, and her lead-off swim in the relay would have been quick enough to place third in the 100m backstroke. Still, complete recovery took longer.

"It's really taken her two years to lose the Olympics monkey," Brown admitted.

In fact, the monkey had a name: Natalie Coughlin, who won the gold medal. In August, Seebohm had her chance to shake the monkey when the pair raced in the Pan Pacs in California.

"She lined up against Coughlin in her in heats, the final and the lead-off of the relay, and nailed her three times. I don't think that's going to be an issue for her again; she's moved on," Brown observed.

At the Pan Pacs, Seebohm went on to claim another gold with a decisive victory over world-record holder Ariana Kukors in the 200m individual medley. Now she's ready to continue her rise with an even fuller program in Delhi.

Those around her are convinced she can cope. (ANI)

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Atwal slides to tied 7th after Rd2 of Viking Classic

Sat, Oct 02 10 12:06 PM

Madison (USA), Oct 2 (PTI) Arjun Atwal let it slip in the back-nine as he carded an even-par 72 to slip to the tied seventh spot after the second round of the Viking Classic golf tournament here. Atwal, who was an overnight joint leader with an opening round 66, has a two-day total of four-under 138. off to a steady start, Atwal found a birdie on the seventh hole to make the turn one-under. On his way back, Atwal stumbled to bogeys in the 14th and 16th before a birdie on the 18th helped him avoid an over-par finish. The other Indian in fray, Jeev milkha Singh carded an eventful one-over 73 comprising three birdies, a bogey and a double bogey. Jeev occupied the tied 53rd position with a total of one-under 143. At the top, South African Brendon de Jonge and American Bill Haas carded second successive 66s to share the lead with totals of 12-under 132.

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Delhi CWG athletes call lodging at village "liveable" through Tweets

Published>Sat, Oct 02 10 11:56 AM

New Delhi, Oct 2 (ANI): With just one day to go for the Commonwealth Games to commence, some athletes who are at the venue in New Delhi are reportedly not satisfied with the lodging but they claimed that it is still "liveable".

According to the Sydney Morning Herald, South African swimmer Roland Schoeman has expressed his dissatisfaction on Tweeter not only about lodging but also with basic necessities like food and water.

"Day 1 of Delhi: 24hrs no air-conditioning, most of the night spent without electricity [no fan] 4am and still haven't slept. Not the best of starts," Schoeman tweeted.

English swim star Rebecca Addlington had similar problems, suggesting the last-minute rush continues. "I love that we're in the accommodation block right next to the building site and there still working at 11pm!"

Meanwhile, former world record-holder, Eamon Sullivan wrote: "First night in Delhi down. The apartments are ... Well, livable!" (ANI)

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Asif, Amir submit appeals against ICC suspension over spot-fixing claims

Published>Sat, Oct 02 10 11:52 AM

Lahore, Oct 2 (ANI): Mohammed Amir and Mohammed Asif, two of the three Pakistan players implicated in the spot-mixing scandal, have appealed against their provisional suspension by the International Cricket Council (ICC) under its anti-corruption code.

The third tainted player, Salman Butt, had already filed his appeal in this regard, and the ICC Chief Executive, Haroon Lorgat, had confirmed receiving it, saying that his formal appeal was evidence that the "time-consuming" probe was moving forward, The Nation reported.

"That in itself is good progress," he added.

Lorgat said that in his view, it would be very unfair to castigate the entire (Pakistan) team, or even the nation.

"I'm confident that we've followed the proper process and have an arguable case for those players to answer," he stated, adding, "These are a few individuals that need to be dealt with," he said.

Following fears looming over the forthcoming Commonwealth Games in Delhi, Lorgat said he was "very confident" of the ability of the Indian sub-continent to host the upcoming World Cup,

Meanwhile, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) will not provide any financial assistance to the tainted trio in their appeal against the ICC suspension.

An appeal hearing is expected to take place on October 28 and 29 as per the ICC's anti-corruption code of conduct for provisional suspensions, where 'it shall be the burden of the ACSU's general manager to establish: (a) that there is a strong, arguable case against the player on the charge(s) that have been made against him; and (b) that, in such circumstances, the integrity of the sport could be seriously undermined if a provisional suspension was not imposed against him." (ANI)

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IOC Prez reaches capital to attend CWG opening ceremony

Published>Sat, Oct 02 10 11:44 AM

New Delhi, October 2 (ANI): Jacques Rogge, the President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) arrived in New Delhi early on Saturday as a special invitee for the opening ceremony of the 2010 Commonwealth Games. Wife Anne, chief of staff Christophe de Kepper and around 20 other leading IOC officials are accompanying Rogge. The IOC chief would attend the opening ceremony on Sunday before leaving on Monday.

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Australian Netball star Gerrard wants to explore India

Sat, Oct 02 10 11:26 AM

Melbourne, Oct 2 (PTI) Just being confined to the Games Village due to security reasons is frustrating for Australian netball star Mo''onia Gerrard as she wants to go out and explore India. At first opportunity to get out of Village Gerrard would like to go and see Taj Mahal, a symbol of love and one of the seven wonders of the world. Australian athletes have been asked to stay at the Village as their Prime Minister Julia Gillard had warned of a terror threat to the Commonwealth Games. The 29-year-old Gerrard said though she understands the concerns behind the tough guidelines but was disappointed at not being able to experience the real India. "I''m kind of a person that likes to see things out of the box so to speak. I like to get amongst it but of course we can''t do that for security reasons. To not get to see anything outside of (the village) is definitely disappointing, but hopefully there''s an opportunity where we can see the Taj Mahal or something," she said. Gerrard said they are following the guidelines and would look to win gold, something that they have come here to do. "I wouldn''t say we''re trapped but we can''t really go outside and experience normal life," Gerrard was quoted as saying ''Sydney Morning Herald''. "But I''m just running with what the boss says and so be it, so we''re just here to win the gold medal and that''s what we''ll be aiming to do." PTI ATK AT

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Delhi is Currie''s last CWG assignment as Kiwi team boss

Sat, Oct 02 10 11:22 AM

Wellington, Oct 2 (PTI) New Zealand chef de mission Dave Currie has said that the Delhi multi-disciplinary sporting event, starting tomorrow will be his last Commonwealth Games as Kiwi team boss. Currie, who is leading the New Zealand team at its third Commonwealth Games since taking charge in Manchester in 2002, has said that 2012 London Olympics will be his last assignment. "This will almost certainly be my last Commonwealth Games," he was quoted as saying by the New Zealand media. "I''ve had an extraordinary run and London will almost certainly be my last Olympics as well. As much as you love it, it will be time for something else. "It''s been on my mind for a while. But when I get there I might pull a David Lange (when he was finishing as Prime Minister) and say I want to keep the job," he said. Currie, who also works as manager of New Zealand Cricket, said he had no regrets about his life as Kiwi chef de mission. "People ask me how I got here ... and I have no idea. I can join the dots backwards. However, I''m not prepared to go and have cups of coffee forever yet. I''m committed to London but not ready to retire to Raglan (his home town)," he added. Currie, who arrived in Delhi early for the Games, made international headlines by becoming one of the first foreign delegate to raise concerns about the Athletes Village, terming it "unliveable". But he said the Delhi experience has tested his passion for the job. "People tell me I do the job moderately well but it''s never easy. It''s times like this when you are tested that ''enjoy'' is the wrong word, but it''s probably why you do it - because it is hard. "One of Tenzing Norgay''s quotes is ''be great and make others great'' so the driver for me is to be the best we can be," Currie said.

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Indian eves out of medal contention

Sat, Oct 02 10 10:56 AM

From Our Chess Correspondent Khanty Mansiysk (Russia), Oct 2 (PTI) Leaving out Tania Sachdev proved a costly mistake as India''s medal hopes went up in smoke when its women''s team lost to second seed China in the 10th and penultimate round of the Chess Olympiad here. As Tania, who was rested for the tie, did not play, Eesha Karavade and S Meenakshi lost on the second and third boards while D Harika and Nisha Mohota managed draws. The Indian eves slipped to joint seventh spot as a result and even a last round victory against USA would not guarantee a medal now. Meanwhile, Russia have assured themselves a gold medal with one round to spare, defeating Bulgaria 4-0. This has, by far been the best performance by the Russian that won its 10th match on the trot and nearest rivals China is four points behind the leaders. Ukraine, Georgia, Russia two and Poland share the third spot on 15 points each and its going to be a close contest for the remaining two medals. In the open section being organised simultaneously, the Indian men cruised to a fine 3-1 victory over Switzerland thanks to victories by Krishnan Sasikiran and Surya Shekhar Ganguly on the first and third board respectively. While P Harikrishna and G N Gopal settled for draws, the victory took the team to a respectable joint 13th spot on 13 points. At the top of the tables the keen tussles continued and Ukraine defeated France by a huge 3.5-0.5 margin to retain the top slot on 18 points. Russia also had a good day beating the Chinese by a minimal margin and that ensured they remained within striking distance of the leaders on 17 points. Israel defeated USA 3-1 to stake their claim for a medal. On 16 points now, Israel meets Ukraine in the final round. The Indian strategy to omit Tania Sachdev did not come good as it elevated Eesha to the second board wherein she had to meet Ju Wenjun. Playing white on the top board, Harika was her usual, solid, self and drew without much ado against higher rated Yifan Hou. More PTI Corr AT

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PCB Chairman and officials to be grilled at meeting

Sat, Oct 02 10 10:52 AM

Karachi, Oct 2 (PTI) The National Assembly Standing Committee on Sports has summoned the Pakistan Cricket Board Chairman along with the national team coaches, manager and the chief selector for a hearing on October 11 to discuss the disastrous England tour. "The hearing is being held to review the performance of the team in England, the controversies that took place in England and the way the Pakistan Board has handled things so far," Iqbal Muhammad Ali, Chairman of the Committee, said. He said the committee has also summoned the legal advisor of the board Tafazzul Rizvi along with the Board Chairman Ijaz Butt, manager Yawar Saeed, coaches Waqar Younis, Aaqib Javed and Ijaz Ahmed and chief selector Mohsin Khan. "The committee wants to know the reasons for the shoddy performances and also how the Pakistan team got entangled into such serious controversies. We also want to know the reason for Butt''s statement against the England board and his U turn and to review the selection process," he said. Iqbal said the committee members were concerned over the continued refusal of the board to recall former captain Younis Khan to the team. "We want to know the reason for why Younis is being constantly ignored when all the other players who were disciplined after the Australian tour have been brought back into the team. "We want to ask the Chairman to explain what crime has Younis committed that he (Butt) is not willing to give clearance to the selectors to pick Younis. Iqbal said he personally felt that it was time after the controversial tour to England for the Board to bring back Younis as Test captain for the upcoming series against South Africa. "He is the best choice to lead Pakistan." Iqbal also said that the committee members wanted to review the performance of manager Saeed who has now stepped down. "We want to be absolutely sure that in future the board appoints a manager who is very strict and disciplined and will not tolerate the sort of things that took place in England and led to the spot fixing allegations against us that have damaged the image of Pakistan cricket," he said. He said the committee also wanted to know the future plans of the Board in different areas and what was going to happen to the three suspended players, Salman Butt, Muhammad Aamir and Muhammad Asif.

Source: Published>

Zaheer was talking to Laxman and not Ponting: Harbhajan

Sat, Oct 02 10 10:36 AM

Mohali, Oct 2 (PTI) Seeking to clear air over the altercation paceman Zaheer Khan had with Ricky Ponting, India off-spinner Harbhajan Singh today said the whole issue was a misunderstanding on part of the Australian captain. Harbhajan said Zaheer''s remarks were not directed at Ponting as the paceman was just talking about the rival skipper with teammate VVS Laxman. "I was not there when the incident happened. But a teammate told me that Zaheer was telling Laxman that ''Ponting is getting old''. Ponting thought it was directed at him and he came back asking what did he exactly say?," Harbhajan told official broadcasters before the start of the second day''s play today. Ponting had heated exchange with Zaheer after being run out on the opening day of the first Test here. Shane Watson pushed the fourth ball of the 42nd over towards mid-wicket and called Ponting, who was batting on 71, for a quick single. Before the Australian skipper could make his ground, Suresh Raina''s throw hit the stumps. Ponting was walking back towards the pavilion when he turned back after hearing some comments from Zaheer. With the Indian players standing in a pack, Ponting walked back towards them pointing the bat at them when umpire Billy Bowden intervened and sent the Aussie skipper back to the pavillion. Harbhajan, who was involved in the infamous monkeygate scandal with Andrew Symonds, said he was ''lucky'' for not being around when the incident happened. "I was having a drink at the other side. I only came to know about it later. But these things happen in cricket but I believe for both teams playing good cricket is the priority," he said. The off-spinner also expressed surprise about the nature of Mohali wicket which is low and slow in nature.

Source: Published>

PCB Chairman and officials to be grilled at meeting

Sat, Oct 02 10 10:06 AM

Karachi, Oct 2 (PTI) The National Assembly Standing Committee on Sports has summoned the Pakistan Cricket Board Chairman along with the national team coaches, manager and the chief selector for a hearing on October 11 to discuss the disastrous England tour. "The hearing is being held to review the performance of the team in England, the controversies that took place in England and the way the Pakistan Board has handled things so far," Iqbal Muhammad Ali, Chairman of the Committee, said. He said the committee has also summoned the legal advisor of the board Tafazzul Rizvi along with the Board Chairman Ijaz Butt, manager Yawar Saeed, coaches Waqar Younis, Aaqib Javed and Ijaz Ahmed and chief selector Mohsin Khan. "The committee wants to know the reasons for the shoddy performances and also how the Pakistan team got entangled into such serious controversies. We also want to know the reason for Butt''s statement against the England board and his U turn and to review the selection process," he said. Iqbal said the committee members were concerned over the continued refusal of the board to recall former captain Younis Khan to the team. "We want to know the reason for why Younis is being constantly ignored when all the other players who were disciplined after the Australian tour have been brought back into the team. "We want to ask the Chairman to explain what crime has Younis committed that he (Butt) is not willing to give clearance to the selectors to pick Younis. Iqbal said he personally felt that it was time after the controversial tour to England for the Board to bring back Younis as Test captain for the upcoming series against South Africa. "He is the best choice to lead Pakistan." Iqbal also said that the committee members wanted to review the performance of manager Saeed who has now stepped down. "We want to be absolutely sure that in future the board appoints a manager who is very strict and disciplined and will not tolerate the sort of things that took place in England and led to the spot fixing allegations against us that have damaged the image of Pakistan cricket," he said. He said the committee also wanted to know the future plans of the Board in different areas and what was going to happen to the three suspended players, Salman Butt, Muhammad Aamir and Muhammad Asif.

Source: Published>

De Jonge and Haas share halfway lead at Viking Classic

Sat, Oct 02 10 07:36 AM

Zimbabwe's Brendon de Jonge and Bill Haas of the United States shot 66 on Friday to share the second round lead in the Viking Classic at Madison County, Mississippi.

The pair, among six joint leaders from the opening round, reached the halfway stage at Annandale Golf Club on 12-under par 132 as they chase their first wins on the PGA Tour.

American Michael Allen, also chasing his maiden win on the PGA Tour 26 years after he turned professional, also fired a 66.

He ended the day three shots behind the leaders and tied with Australian Nathan Green, who carded a 69. Another eight players were within a further three strokes on a jammed leaderboard.

De Jonge played in the morning when the conditions were perfect for low scoring, making six birdies without dropping a shot.

"Obviously, being first out was a big advantage as well. It was fun. It was a good round," he said.

"I kept it out of trouble most of the day. You never want to say it's an easy round. I felt like it could have been a couple better but I'll take 66 any time."

Haas has yet to drop a shot in the tournament, following up his four birdies and an eagle from the first day with another six birdies.

"I've just put myself in position to make birdies and not make bogeys," Haas said. "There's easy holes out there, and there's hard holes. You've got to make sure you par those hard holes."

Allen, 51, has won four titles in his professional career, including the 1989 Scottish Open and the 2009 Senior PGA Championship, but has never won on the PGA Tour in more than 350 tournament appearances.

He has twice finished second and third three times but said he had not given up hope of a breakthrough.

"I've never won out here but I've always believed," he said.

"That's one of the main reasons I play. I play to make a living. I love doing what I'm doing out here.

"This is a great challenge. This could be a fun weekend, I hope -- looking forward to it."

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Mercury rises on opening day after Zak, Ponting spat

Published>Sat, Oct 02 10 06:52 AM

An India vs Australia is never complete until a few words are exchanged out in the middle. Whether it was Harbhajan Singh back in '98, Michael Slater in '01 or the infamous Symonds-was-called-monkey row in 2008, the tongue wagging invariably ends up in the match referee's cabin, and as the talking point of the series. It looks like the trend is bound to continue, as the mid-pitch banter heated up not long after the players lined up on the field. Even before stumps was called on the first day's play of the first Test match in Mohali, the Indians chalked up the black marks in the code-of-conduct logs.

For once, it was Team India who initiated the war of words, and Aussie skipper Ricky Ponting bore the brunt first up. On Friday, after being run out for 71, Ponting wasn't amused by the comments directed at him from Zaheer Khan, who was part of the customary Indian huddle. Ponting angrily pointed his bat at the left-arm pacer and exchanged verbal volleys, even as umpire Billy Bowden quickly intervened and sorted things out. A visibly irate Ponting made his way back to the pavilion.

Both teams quickly brushed off the exchanges as usual banter on the field, while there was no word from match referee Chris Broad either. The incident, however, has put a little more intensity to a series that has been unusually quiet in the lead-up.

"When two highly competitive teams play each other, these things are bound to happen. Like the Australians, we too play a tough brand of cricket and sometimes, words are exchanged. You like to play hard and the banter is just part-and-parcel of it," Pragyan Ojha reasoned. Shane Watson though, backed his captain and insisted that Zaheer was the one to initiate the talk. "I have seen the footage, Zaheer came out of the huddle and said something which escalated the confrontation after Ricky was run out.

On the eve of the match, Ponting had indicated his desire to play the game in the right spirit. "I think it's the responsibility of both teams. It is important for international cricket that this series is played in the right spirit. You've got to expect that it's going to be a fierce contest because you've got two very good teams playing, but both teams will understand that they can't overstep the line. Around the world, there's enough negative publicity for cricket at the moment and we have to do the best we can in this series to ensure that people want to watch the game again. There's no doubt that things have been tarnished a bit the last few weeks," Ponting had said.

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'Sabotaged' Zico quits Flamengo after 4 months

Published>Sat, Oct 02 10 06:18 AM

Former Brazil captain Zico has quit as director of Flamengo after only four months, blaming "cowardly fueds" within the country's most popular club for making life impossible.

The shock departure of Flamengo's biggest idol highlights the crisis at the Brazilian champions, under their third coach of the year and languishing in 15th place, three points above the relegation zone.

About 100 fans held a demonstration outside Flamengo's Rio headquarters with banners in support of Zico, who accused rival members within the club of sabotaging his work.

One fans was held in custody by police after throwing a rocket at the Flamengo gates, media reported.

"It's not possible to do what I want with Flamengo," said Zico, who is considered one of Brazil's greatest players and was executive director of football at the club.

"I've noticed that my presence has not been favourable and has caused discontent among a lot of people," Zico added in a statement posted on his website (www.ziconarede.com.br) on Friday. "It's not possible for me to continue."

Before Friday's practice, held behind closed doors, Zico visited Flamengo's training grounds to say goodbye to the players and club president Patricia Amorim.

He left his beloved club without speaking to reporters but Patricia summed up the squad's feelings.

"My heart's broken. Our project for the future has been set back, now we need to stabilise the present," she told reporters. "He is big and strong, that's why he's Zico."

POPULAR RETURN

Zico, whose return to Flamengo this year was greeted by fans as a great signing, said his opponents had been criticising his sons to get at him.

"I've been unfairly attacked, mainly via my sons, who have not been involved at any time, and this goes against the values and concepts I learned with my father.

"I can't allow this cowardly feud to continue using my family.

"Today, my grandson Antonio was born but Flamengo died in my heart," added Zico, who coached Japan at the 2006 World Cup and led Fenerbahce to the Champions League quarter-finals in 2008.

During Zico's short return to the club, Rogerio Lourenco was sacked as coach and replaced by former Brazil midfielder Silas, who himself is now in danger of being fired.

The team, with only one win in their last 12 matches, face Botafogo in their Rio derby on Saturday and anything other than a victory could seal Silas's fate.

Zico is the most popular player the club has produced, having played in a golden generation which won three Brazilian championship titles, the South American Libertadores Cup and the World Club Cup.

Flamengo claim to have 25 million supporters in Brazil but the club is notorious for its political in-fighting as well as the enormous pressure placed on coaches and players.

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Ryder Cup elementary for Watson, says Goydos

Published>Sat, Oct 02 10 05:16 AM

Thrown in the deep end with fellow U.S. rookie Jeff Overton, Bubba Watson took to Ryder Cup golf like a duck to water at Celtic Manor on Friday.

The 31-year-old from Baghdad, Florida gelled perfectly with Overton and when bad light curtailed a rain-ruined opening day in south Wales they were one up on experienced Europeans Padraig Harrington and Luke Donald after eight holes.

Despite Watson admitting he was "scared to death" when teeing off in driving rain as thousands of partisan home fans produced a soccer-like atmosphere on the opening hole, he played like a seasoned Cup campaigner.

Paul Goydos, one of American skipper Corey Pavin's assistants, was not surprised.

Asked how well Watson and 27-year-old Overton had handled the occasion, he suggested both were future major champions.

"They did pretty well I would say," Goydos, a journeyman of the U.S. PGA Tour, told Reuters as he walked down the ninth fairway.

"You call these guys rookies? Give me a break. They are not rookies in the old sense, these guys can be major champions.

"Would you call Rory McIlroy a rookie? These guys play like this on the PGA Tour every week so I'm not surprised they are performing like this, not at all," added Goydos.

"Okay, it's a different environment maybe to what they are used to with all the crowd involvement. But hey, they love it, it's a fun environment to play golf."

Watson, who birdied the par-five second hole after Overton had sunk a huge 40-foot putt on the first, was rock solid and vindicated Pavin's decision to leave experienced Jim Furyk out of the opening fourballs.

"It was just a joy," said Watson, who used his distinctive pink-shafted driver to good effect at the U.S. PGA Championship in August as he was narrowly beaten in a playoff by Germany's Martin Kaymer.

"You know, you hear about soccer matches or football matches over here, and the people chanting and cheering, I guess like our NFL. To hear it first hand and be there on the first tee, it was pretty exciting," he told reporters.

"They had some good songs going. But when I saw Overton hitting the first shot and saw USA on his back, that's when it hit me we are in the Ryder Cup.

"I think it showed we can play and even though we are rookies and both scared to death, it made it fun for us."

Overton certainly enjoyed his moment of magic on the first where he rolled in his monster putt from off the green.

"It was probably the most unbelievable shot of my life," he said. "It was so nerve wracking just to be playing the first hole, let alone hole it from nowhere.

"It was just so mentally draining out there all day, and then to start the day like that was just awesome."

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Rooney could return for England before United

Sat, Oct 02 10 04:16 AM

Wayne Rooney should be available for England's Euro 2012 qualifier against Montenegro on Oct. 12, Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson said on Friday.

The Scot told local radio station Key 103 that, although the striker was eager to make an immediate comeback, Rooney's ankle injury needed time to heal and the striker would miss United's trip to Sunderland in the Premier League on Saturday.

"Wayne trained yesterday and wants to play tomorrow of course," said Ferguson. "But I've got to take the view that this ankle injury has been niggling for quite a while and he has kept on playing with it. Now we have identified that, we have to be dead sure we are doing the right thing for him.

"He has been playing with the injury for a while and that tells you he is not doing himself proper justice. I think in another week he will be fine," said the United manager.

"Obviously, we don't play next week, but the England game is a week on Tuesday, so that's another 10 days. It really is up to Fabio (Capello) if he wants to play him."

Ferguson told reporters in Spain on Tuesday that Rooney would be out of action for up to three weeks after injuring the ankle in the 2-2 draw at Bolton Wanderers last Sunday.

The player scored his first international goal for almost a year earlier last month when England beat Switzerland 3-1. They have maximum points in Group G.

United's next match following this weekend is against West Bromwich Albion at Old Trafford four days after England's home game against Montenegro.

"The problem with the lad is that he is too willing to play with injuries," said Ferguson. "It is a great trait to have in any footballer.

"I have had many players over the years who might have had injuries but weren't prepared to miss a game because of them.

"But with the speed and number of games you have these days, fitness levels are really important."

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U.S. edge ahead after rain ruins opening day

Published>Sat, Oct 02 10 03:16 AM

The United States, inspired by a sizzling birdie run from Stewart Cink, came from behind to seize control in Friday's unfinished fourball matches after the Ryder Cup was severely disrupted by torrential rain.

Play was suspended for more than seven hours at a waterlogged Celtic Manor before the Americans ended a frustrating day for the players and fans by leading in two of the four encounters and trailing in one.

They were all square in the third match out, where Ian Poulter holed a 25-foot birdie putt for Europe at the par-three 10th before play ended for the day in the gathering gloom.

"That was very important," European captain Colin Montgomerie said of Poulter's putt. "It was a fantastic effort and that will give us momentum we need to carry forward into a very busy day tomorrow."

Organisers of the biennial team competition have already amended the format in a bid to make up for lost time after the first suspension of play since 1997.

A revamped second session on Saturday will feature six foursomes while a new extended third session will comprise two foursomes and four fourball encounters - both involving all 12 players.

Friday's appalling weather did, however, prompt debate over whether the Ryder Cup should be played as late as October.

"It was a tough day at the start and I was obviously pleased with the way the U.S. team came back and performed this afternoon," skipper Corey Pavin said. "I was very proud of the guys."

The Americans had trailed in three of the four games when play was suspended in driving rain during the morning before Cink sparked a stirring fightback on the resumption.

The 2009 British Open champion, accidentally overlooked by Pavin in Thursday's opening ceremony introductions, was the day's outstanding player, holing a series of lengthy putts as he and rookie Matt Kuchar went two up on Northern Irishmen Rory McIlroy and Graeme McDowell after 11 holes.

The U.S. duo had trailed by one after four but Cink, who drained a 40-footer at the par-three third, rolled in further birdie putts from 60 feet at the fifth, 25 feet at the seventh and 10 feet at the 10th.

RED-HOT FORM

"He made some nice putts and just got it going," Pavin said of Cink's red-hot form on the greens. "That's how you do well in the Ryder Cup is you make putts. Maybe it will spread to the other guys, too."

Cink, making his fifth Ryder Cup appearance, was elated after recording five birdies in 11 holes.

"When your ball is going into the hole it feels great, especially in the Ryder Cup," he said. "It was fun. I played really well, I really did."

In the bottom match, U.S. rookies Jeff Overton and Bubba Watson got off to a fast birdie-birdie start and were one up on Luke Donald and Padraig Harrington after eight holes.

World number one Tiger Woods and Steve Stricker led British duo Poulter and Ross Fisher one up after nine holes before Poulter's birdie at the 10th squared the match.

Europe led the top encounter where third-ranked Lee Westwood and U.S. PGA champion Martin Kaymer were one up on Phil Mickelson and Dustin Johnson after 12 holes.

Westwood and Kaymer had gone three up after six before Mickelson and Johnson clawed their way back to trail by one.

"Dustin and Phil were always going to be tricky to compete against," Westwood said. "The big hitters have made the most of the two par-fives that we have just played and it's going to be a tight match."

More than 40 percent of the average monthly rainfall for October has fallen at Celtic Manor in less than 24 hours but relatively dry weather is forecast for Saturday.

This year's Ryder Cup was the first to be staged in October since the 1983 edition at Palm Beach Gardens in Florida, sparking criticism about the timing of the PGA Tour's recent FedExCup series.

"The European Tour is coming under a lot of pressure from the American tour," former European Ryder Cup captain Bernard Gallacher told BBC Five Live.

"It has taken five weeks to play the FedEx Cup and that is the problem. We should have been playing this Ryder Cup two or three weeks ago. It would really help the European weather that's for sure."

Source: Web Search

First cut is not the deepest for relieved Pavin

Published>Sat, Oct 02 10 02:36 AM

Rod Stewart once sang about the first cut being the deepest and U.S. Ryder Cup captain Corey Pavin breathed a sigh of relief after a format change by officials meant no one could be axed from his team on Saturday.

After heavy rain wiped out more than seven hours of play on Friday's opening day, organisers decided to alter the schedule by squeezing four pairs sessions into three.

The second session at Celtic Manor will now comprise six foursomes and the third will contain two foursomes and four fourballs. That means none of the 24 players can be left out of the remaining pairs matches.

"I feel this makes it a lot easier," Pavin told reporters after his team ended the unfinished four opening fourballs by leading in two matches and trailing in one.

"Sitting four guys out is very brutal to do as a captain. It's nice now that all of the guys are going out.

"I'm pleased the solution was thought of by very smart people, other than myself, because I'm not a smart person."

Pavin also said the new schedule would be welcomed by the rain-lashed spectators at the Twenty Ten course in south Wales.

"It's going to be tremendous for the fans," he said. "They are going to have six matches to watch on the golf course, as opposed to four.

"It's going to be quite a treat for the people who come out to watch it and for the people who watch on TV."

COMPLETE AGREEMENT

Pavin added that he and European skipper Colin Montgomerie were in complete agreement over the changes.

"It allows the Ryder Cup to hopefully finish (as planned) on Sunday, weather permitting," said the U.S. captain.

"There's going to be a lot of golf to watch the next two days... I think it's a very good idea."

Pavin praised the patience of the spectators who waited all day for the two teams to return to the course after play was suspended at 0942 local time (0842 GMT).

"The fans were great," he said. "I was delighted we could at least get out and play some golf because that was a long time to be standing around and waiting."

Pavin also acclaimed the day's outstanding performer, Stewart Cink.

The 2009 British Open champion reeled off five birdies as he and Matt Kuchar went two up on Northern Irishmen Rory McIlroy and Graeme McDowell after 11 holes.

"He (Cink) made some nice putts, he made some long ones and just got it going," said Pavin. "I saw him make two of them out there.

"The way you do well in the Ryder Cup is to make putts. Maybe it will spread to the other guys too."

Source: Web Search

Europe lifted by Poulter's 'shot in the dark', says Monty

Published>Sat, Oct 02 10 02:16 AM

Colin Montgomerie welcomed the format change to the weekend's remaining Ryder Cup action as a "brilliant solution" and said that Ian Poulter's sensational late putt on Friday night gave the Europeans a much-needed lift.

After losing more than seven hours' play to heavy rain and a waterlogged course, officials, trying desperately to avoid the event running over to Monday, came up with an ingenious new format where four pairs sessions will be squeezed into three.

The main effect of the change is that, after the opening fourballs are completed on Saturday morning, all 12 players on both sides will play two more pairs matches and none will be rested.

Then, if the weather holds at Celtic Manor on Sunday, the singles will begin around lunchtime with the traditional 28-point total unchanged.

"This new timetable is very, very good. This is a brilliant option," Montgomerie told reporters.

"It gives an opportunity for everybody to play golf and it's good for me. It was very difficult to get my team down to 12, if not eight, and now I don't have to. Everybody plays and we still have 28 matches."

No longer faced with the always thorny issue of which four players to leave out of a pairs sessions, Montgomerie must now turn his attention to managing the logistics of what will be two very busy, tiring and somewhat confusing days.

"It will be tough on us all, because only one person is giving advice -- me," he said of the challenge of keeping tabs on so many matches. "I'll have fourballs finishing and foursomes starting. I'll have people all over the place.

"But I'm happy. I think I have more of a foursomes team than a fourball team, and I am very confident and remain so."

FLYING START

Europe had got off to a flying start in driving rain and were up in three matches and down in one when officials suspended play almost two hours after Dustin Johnson had got the competition under way.

The United States, however, hit back strongly after the action resumed and had reversed the situation to be up in three and down in one with the fourth match still live.

That was the third encounter, where Tiger Woods and Steve Stricker had just birdied the previous two holes to go one up on Britons Ian Poulter and and Ross Fisher.

Poulter, however, defied the gloom to drain his second long putt of the day and level the match to leave the U.S. leading in two and down in one with the other all square.

"It was very important," Montgomerie told a news conference. "I was there on the 10th green with him and to hole that putt, it was very, very dark. It was well beyond the time we would have been playing stroke-play events.

"He asked me if he could stop, I told him he could but, at the same time, he thought: 'okay, I'll do this and gave the team momentum if I hole it' and he definitely did that.

"What a roar went up, it must have been 25 feet and a fantastic effort. That will give us momentum we need to carry forward into a very, very busy day tomorrow."

Saturday's action will begin with a putt another European opted not to take in the fading light. Luke Donald, faced with a six-footer to square his match with Padraig Harrington against U.S. rookies Bubba Watson and Jeff Overton, seemed all set to take it on before deciding to sleep on it.

"Tomorrow is going to be fresh greens and it was getting dark so I didn't feel comfortable taking it," Donald explained."

Source: Web Search

Capello misses Molinaris but gives Monty full backing

Published>Sat, Oct 02 10 01:56 AM

Keen golfer Fabio Capello joined the muddy masses at Celtic Manor on Friday to lend his support to Europe's Ryder Cup captain Colin Montgomerie.

The England manager had hoped to watch fellow Italians Edoardo and Francesco Molinari make their debuts in golf's blue riband team event but ended up following Arsenal fan Ian Poulter and Ross Fisher against Tiger Woods and Steve Stricker.

Hovering beside the fifth tee when play finally resumed after a seven-hour rain suspension, Capello called out to Montgomerie, offered a thumbs up, and then shook the Scot by the hand wishing him "good luck".

"I think it's a little the same, more like football the Ryder Cup with the team more important," Capello told Reuters before cheering as Poulter speared a tee-shot down the middle of the fairway.

"This passion here is fantastic. It's very different situation for golf, with everybody shouting for Europe, for the team. It's like a football atmosphere."

Asked if he had any advice for Montgomerie, Capello said he was sure the Scot had everything under control.

"I like to shoot some golf balls," said Capello, who plays regularly and is reportedly a single-handicapper.

"But I'm just a fan here. I'm sure Colin Montgomerie knows exactly what to do with his players. He's doing a great job."

"I'm enjoying being here at my first Ryder Cup," added the 64-year-old who was with his wife Laura. "I'm very happy that the Molinari brothers are playing and a shame that they did not get to play today but I wished them good luck."

Capello was helped underneath the ropes by course marshalls and marched off to follow the Poulter match down the sixth fairway, but not before he was heckled over England's poor performance at the World Cup finals.

"You should have made (David) Beckham captain Fabio," shouted one fan in a heavy Welsh accent, while another said he hoped his golf was "better than his football."

"Make Poulter captain" offered another fan, which at least drew a grim from the former Milan and Real Madrid coach.

Source: Web Search

U.S. holders on top after rain ruins opening day

Published>Sat, Oct 02 10 01:36 AM

The United States holders, inspired by a blistering run from Stewart Cink, came from behind to seize control in Friday's unfinished fourball matches after the 38th Ryder Cup was severely disrupted by torrential rain.

Play was suspended for more than seven hours at a waterlogged Celtic Manor before the Americans ended a frustrating day for the players and fans by leading in two of the four encounters and trailing in one.

They were all square in the third match out, where Ian Poulter holed a 20-foot birdie putt for Europe at the par-three 10th before play ended for the day in the gathering gloom.

"That was very important," European captain Colin Montgomerie told reporters of Poulter's putt. "It was a fantastic effort and that will give us momentum we need to carry forward into a very busy day tomorrow."

Organisers of the biennial team competition have already amended the format in a bid to make up for lost time after the first suspension of play since the 1997 edition at Valderrama, Spain.

A revamped second session on Saturday will feature six foursomes involving all 12 players while a new extended third session will comprise two foursomes and four fourball encounters.

"It was a tough start with the weather and I was obviously pleased with the way the U.S. team came back and performed this afternoon," skipper Corey Pavin said.

The Americans had trailed in three of the four games when play was suspended in driving rain during the morning before Cink sparked a stirring fightback on the resumption.

OUTSTANDING PLAYER

The 2009 British Open champion was the outstanding player, holing a series of lengthy putts as he and rookie Matt Kuchar went two up on Northern Irishmen Rory McIlroy and Graeme McDowell after 11 holes.

The U.S. duo had trailed by one after four holes but Cink, who drained a 40-footer at the par-three third, rolled in further birdie putts from 60 feet at the fifth, 25 feet at the seventh and 10 feet at the 10th.

In the bottom match, U.S. rookies Jeff Overton and Bubba Watson were one up on Luke Donald and Padraig Harrington after eight holes.

World number one Tiger Woods and Steve Stricker led British duo Poulter and Ross Fisher one up after nine holes before Poulter's birdie at the 10th squared the match.

Europe were in control in the top encounter where third-ranked Lee Westwood and U.S. PGA champion Martin Kaymer were one up on Phil Mickelson and Dustin Johnson after 12 holes.

More than 40 percent of the average monthly rainfall for September and October has fallen at Celtic Manor in less than 24 hours but relatively dry weather is forecast for Saturday.

Source: Web Search

Maleeva makes winning return after five-year absence

Sat, Oct 02 10 12:36 AM

Magdalena Maleeva returned to competitive tennis after a five-year absence and won the Bulgarian championship in style on Friday.

The youngest sister of the Maleeva dynasty beat Izabela Shinikova 6-4 6-4 in the final in the southern town of Plovdiv.

"I had a great desire to compete once again and I'm happy with my participation here," the 35-year-old told Bulgarian state television. "But I don't think I achieved something special as some of the top names were missing."

Maleeva, who reached a career-high ranking of fourth in the world in 1996, clinched her first Bulgarian title at the age of 13 in 1988 to become the youngest winner. She won 10 WTA titles before retiring in 2005.

Her sisters Manuela and Katerina were ranked in the top six in the world in the 1980s and 1990s.

Source: Published>

Team Origin rule out America's Cup challenge

Published>Sat, Oct 02 10 12:16 AM

Britain's Team Origin will not challenge for the next America's Cup scheduled for 2013 because it is "neither viable commercially" nor an "attractive sporting contest", the team said on Friday.

Founder Keith Mills, the businessman who helped London win the 2012 Olympic Games and who established Team Origin in 2007, said he would not submit a challenge and will decide the team's future over the "next couple of months".

Team Origin are skippered by Britain's three-time Olympic gold medallist Ben Ainslie.

"After three years of waiting in the wings to enter a British team in the America's Cup I am bitterly disappointed that we will not be competing," Mills said.

"However, the format and timetable decided by the Defender, BMW Oracle, is simply not viable for Team Origin.

"We have assembled an outstanding team, led by Grant Simmer and Ben Ainslie, and I am personally very sorry that they won't now get the chance to race for a British team in the next America's Cup."

The 34th edition of the America's Cup will be sailed using wingsail catamarans in a rejigged format announced last month. The event has been traditionally been competed in monohulls.

"Having now had a chance to analyse the race format, the proposed fixed wing catamaran boat, the timetable, rules and costs, Sir Keith has concluded that the 34th America's Cup is neither viable commercially, nor an attractive sporting contest for Team Origin," a Team Origin statement said.

BMW Oracle, owned by U.S. software mogul Larry Ellison, beat Switzerland's Alinghi in February in the 33rd edition in Valencia after years of legal wrangling which resulted in a "deed of gift" head-to-head contest between the pair, rather than a multi-challenger event.

Source: Web Search

HC stays Hockey Federation''s proposed meet

Fri, Oct 01 10 11:36 PM

Patna, Oct 1 (PTI) Patna High Court today stayed till further order the Annual General Meeting of the Indian Hockey Federation which was scheduled to take place in New Delhi on October 3. Justice S N Husain passed the order on a petition filed by Bihar Hockey Association General secretary S Ezaz Husain. Alleging that he was not invited to attend the AGM despite being a BHA representative, the petitioner has sought a stay on the proposed AGM in New Delhi on Sunday to elect its new office bearers. The court has ordered issuance of notices to Federation President K P S gill, Acting General Secretary Charanjit Singh Raheja and another office bearer Danish Hayat Khan to explain their position to the objections raised by his client within a week.

Source: Published>

Prince Charles to leave for Delhi tomorrow

Fri, Oct 01 10 11:26 PM

London, Oct 1 (PTI) Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall will leave for Delhi tomorrow on a three-day visit to declare open the Commonwealth Games. Earlier this year, Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II, asked the Prince to represent her at the opening of the Commonwealth Games here. In addition, the Prince will spend time with athletes from a broad cross-section of Commonwealth countries. Given the importance of relations between India and the United Kingdom, and following Prime Minister David Cameron''s visit, the government has asked their Royal Highnesses to support British interests by adding a short programme of engagements to their attendance at the Games. Given the short time available and the distances involved in travel around India, their Royal Highnesses will build on the success of their visit in 2006 with a series of events in Delhi, Punjab and Rajasthan, where they will see recent progress in the fields of bilateral trade and investment promotion, education, military cooperation, protection of the environment and youth entrepreneurship. With bilateral trade standing at 11 billion per year and Indian investment in the UK worth about 9 billion, the Prince will meet senior business leaders to support continued growth of this area of Britain''s economy. The Prince has visited India on many occasions and has placed great emphasis on supporting and encouraging the British Indian origin community for more than 30 years, most recently establishing his British Asian Trust in 2007. With the Duchess, he will take the opportunity to celebrate growing co-operation between the two countries. Events in Delhi, Chandigarh and Jodhpur will focus on different aspects of climate change and help build partnerships between the private, public and NGO sectors in the field.

Source: Published>

INTERVIEW - Contador calls for doping rules to be changed

Published>Fri, Oct 01 10 10:56 PM

Tour de France champion Alberto Contador on Friday called for anti-doping regulations to be revised after his positive test for a banned anabolic agent, saying the whole system was in question.

The 27-year-old Spaniard told Reuters: "the system is in doubt and should be changed."

"There has to be a limit set for substances like clenbuterol so that quantities as tiny as those found in my body due to contaminated food do not count as a positive."

The International Cycling Union (UCI) said on Thursday Contador had been provisionally suspended after a positive test for a very small concentration of the banned anabolic agent.

In a damaging day for cycling's already battered image, the Tour of Spain runner up Ezequiel Mosquera and his Xacobeo team mate David Garcia Da Pena were also suspended for suspected doping.

Contador categorically denied rumours of a possible blood transfusion during the Tour.

"If they want to test every sample I've given in the Tour, as many different laboratories as they want, or if they want to freeze it for three or five years until other future tests are scientifically validated and then check it, they can do it," he said. "I have nothing to hide."

Responding to comments by WADA (World Anti-Doping Agency) director-general David Howman that there is no threshold for a positive dope test for clenbuterol, Contador said:

"There should be... the norms have to evolve, just as they have done for other substances like caffeine, where they changed the regulations because they realised they weren't right.

"In the case of clenbuterol, positives should be positives because of the quantity found, with a specific limit, not because of the substance itself."

Contador repeated that the presence of clenbuterol in his system, in an amount 40 times less than the minimum required for authorised anti-doping labs to be able to detect, was due to contaminated meat containing minute traces of the substance.

"It just can't be that positives for contaminated food stuff like mine are placed in the same category as a standard positive for doping," he said.

"What I want is for all of these doubts and suspicions, even the slightest ones, to be cleared up completely and permanently," he added.

Contador said he was suffering mentally because of the stress of the allegations.

"I feel like I'm at rock bottom. I feel really let down. I'm fighting against these accusations 24 hours of each day."

"Right now I'm in a place I never imagined I would be, and it's not good," he said

Source: Web Search

Wilshere ready to become England regular, says Wenger

Fri, Oct 01 10 10:36 PM

Arsenal's teen midfielder Jack Wilshere can expect to be a regular in the England senior squad sooner rather than later, his club manager Arsene Wenger said on Friday.

"It is not down to me but I select him for my first team and that means he is good enough because all my players are internationals," said Wenger, whose side travel to Premier League champions Chelsea on Sunday.

"But I am convinced he will be called up for the senior national team, if it's not this time it will be next," he told reporters. "It is only a question of time. He's playing very well."

Wilshere, still only 18, earned his first senior international cap as a substitute in a friendly against Hungary in August. He became Arsenal's youngest league player two years ago.

He has been called up to the Under-21 squad for next week's European Championship playoff against Romania but could miss the second leg to join the senior team for their Euro 2012 qualifier against Montenegro on Oct. 12.

The creative midfielder has enjoyed an outstanding start to the league season, appearing in seven of Arsenal's nine games so far, after spending time on loan at Bolton Wanderers last term.

Source: Published>

It''s like winning a legal case: Dalmiya

Fri, Oct 01 10 10:26 PM

Kolkata, October 1 (PTI) Welcoming the BCCI''s decision to withdraw the fund embezzlement case against him, Cricket Association of Bengal president Jagmohan Dalmiya today said it was like winning a legal case and the doors were "open" for him now. Talking to reporters at the CAB, the 70-year-old fromer ICC president appeared relieved and said he would be open if the Board wants any help from him. "This is nothing like moral victory. Its like winning a legal case. I''m happy that BCCI have revoked all allegations against me. I will be happy to help the BCCI if need be," Dalmiya said. Asked whether this would mean that the decks are cleared for his re-entry into the Board administration, the former cricket czar said there could be such a possibility. "Now the doors are open. There are possibilities," said the former BCCI chief. Elated at his CAB office-bearers making an entry in IPL committee, Dalmiya said: "I could have been there in the committee, but I''m happy that my colleagues have been included. I''m sure they will work properly." Meanwhile, Sujan Mukherjee of the Calcutta Customs formally took over as the joint secretary of CAB after the special general meeting. Mukherjee replaces late Arun Kumar Mitra. The new committee will sit for a meeting on Monday to discuss the future plans. A former ICC, ACC and BCCI president, Dalmiya faced a prolonged court battle with the Board for alleged embezzlement of 1996 World Cup funds. The Dalmiya-BCCI stand-off started in 2004, when his casting vote helped Ranbir Singh Mahendra beat Sharad Pawar in an acrimonious election. Later, when Pawar came to power, Dalmiya was expelled from BCCI meetings and an FIR was filed against him in 2006, accusing him of embezzling the 1996 World Cup funds, which forced him to step down as CAB president. After a year-long legal battle, Dalmiya was allowed to contest elections again and he won back the CAB presidency by an overwhelming margin in 2008. According to Police charges, Dalmiya misused Rs 2.90 crore from a bank account meant for the 1996 World Cup. Except for a 19-month hiatus, Dalmiya has been at the helm of CAB since 1993. The former BCCI chief stepped down from the CAB post after being slapped with a ban by the Pawar-ruled Board, before returning to power in 2008 by defeating then president Prasun Mukherjee.

Source: Published>

Oz sports minister frisked at Village, but happy with security

Published>Fri, Oct 01 10 10:16 PM

New Delhi, Oct 1 (IANS) Despite being frisked at the Commonwealth Games Village Friday, Australian Sports Minister Mark Arbib, instead of making a fuss, praised the strict security measures in place.

Arbib's car was refused entry to the Village as it did not have the necessary accreditation. He was only allowed inside after being frisked thoroughly.

Arbib took it in good spirit and said it was 'good thing.'

'Security is very tight and even I had trouble getting in. It means the Indian authorities are taking things very, very seriously. That's probably a good thing. I got frisked, which is good,' he said.

Arbib also said that the Australian athletes are happy with the facilities at the Games Village.

'The feedback I got was overwhelmingly positive. The athletes are very positive about the arrangements and about the training facilities. There are some issues about finishes in terms of venues and particularly in some of sleeping quarters. But overall the athletes were happy,' he said.

Source: Web Search

Delhi CWG the biggest ever: OC

Published>Fri, Oct 01 10 10:06 PM

New Delhi, Oct 1 (IANS) The Commonwealth Games beginning Sunday will be biggest ever with 6,700 athletes and officials participating, the organisers announced Friday.

'After the completion of the Delegation Registration Meetings, we can say that more than 6,700 athletes and team officials will be taking part in Delhi 2010,' Organising Committee secretary general Lalit Bhanot said.

'We are pleased that Delhi 2010 will be the biggest ever Commonwealth Games,' he said in a statement.

Bhanot said sportspersons and officials from all 71 nations and territories of the Commonwealth will take part in the Games.

'More than 5,800 athletes and officials have already arrived in Delhi. With more arrivals scheduled in the coming days, Delhi 2010 is well on the way to becoming the biggest in history,' Bhanot said.

The 2006 Melbourne Commonwealth Games saw the participation of 5,766 athletes and officials, he said.

'We are now looking forward to the successful and smooth delivery of the Games,' Bhanot said.

Source: Web Search

Dwyer sends SOS to wife for new kit

Fri, Oct 01 10 09:56 PM

Melbourne, Oct 1 (PTI) Veteran Australian hockey player Jamie Dwyer has sent an SOS to his wife back home to immediately send him a bag of playing kit after his gears got stuck in Singapore airport on way to Delhi for the upcoming Commonwealth Games starting Sunday. Dwyer landed in Delhi on Wednesday night with the Kookaburas in search of their fourth consecutive gold medal since hockey''s introduction in the Games in 1998. But after landing here, the striker found out that his playing kit has not arrived and has been practising by borrowing gears from his teammates. "I have asked my wife in Australia to send me some things, sticks and shoes, and I hope I get something one way or another," the two-time world player of the year was quoted as saying by ''The Australian'' newspaper. Dwyer was hoping that his gears would arrive before Australia''s opening match against Scotland on October 6, failing which it might affect his performance. "It has a different weight and balance point to others," he said.

Source: Published>

Premier League roundup - Arsenal rule out Fabregas

Fri, Oct 01 10 09:52 PM

Brief news from the Premier League before this weekend's matches (times GMT):

* Arsenal have ruled out captain Cesc Fabregas, goalkeeper Manuel Almunia and defender Kieran Gibbs for their trip to Chelsea on Sunday (1500).

Spain midfielder Fabregas has been out with a hamstring injury since the 1-1 draw with Sunderland on Sept. 18 and had been considered 50-50 for the game at Stamford Bridge.

"Fabregas is not fit to play in this one and nor is Almunia," manager Arsene Wenger told reporters.

"We lost Gibbs as well on Tuesday night with a calf problem and he is out of the England squad as well. He is out for two to three weeks."

* Striker Wayne Rooney will miss Manchester United's trip to Sunderland on Saturday (1400 GMT) after failing to recover from an ankle injury.

"Wayne trained yesterday (Thursday) and wants to play of course," manager Alex Ferguson said on Friday.

"But I've got to take the view that this ankle injury has been niggling for quite a while and (he) has kept on playing with it. Now we have identified that, we have to be dead sure we are doing the right thing for him."

* Chelsea hope to have Frank Lampard back in action after the forthcoming Euro 2012 qualifiers, assistant manager Ray Wilkins told reporters on Friday.

"He's recovered from the hernia but in the meantime while he was training to get back he's just got a slight groin strain and it's just given him more problems than he anticipated," Wilkins said.

"I think after the international break we'd expect to see Frank there or thereabouts."

Wilkins also expects to have Yossi Benayoun, Jose Bosingwa and Salomon Kalou available for the trip to Aston Villa on Oct. 16.

* Liverpool manager Roy Hodgson is facing a left back dilemma ahead of Sunday's match against Blackpool at Anfield (1400).

Paul Konchesky, Fabio Aurelio and Daniel Agger were already nursing injuries before youngster Martin Kelly hurt his knee in Thursday's goalless Europa League draw with Utrecht.

"Kelly has got a slight problem with his knee so that could be another left back out for us," Hodgson told the club's website (www.liverpoolfc.tv). "I don't know how bad that is so we'll have to wait and see."

* Tottenham Hotspur manager Harry Redknapp is playing a waiting game on the fitness of captain Ledley King ahead of Saturday's match against Aston Villa (1400).

The defender played the full 90 minutes of Wednesday's Champions League victory over Twente Enschede.

"We should know by the end of training whether or not Ledley will be available," Redknapp told reporters on Friday.

"Other than that we're not too bad, we've the same players out as we had on Wednesday. William Gallas isn't ready and neither is Younes Kaboul and the longer-term injuries are still out."

Source: Published>

Indian shotgun shooters gearing up for tough competition

Published>Fri, Oct 01 10 09:38 PM

New Delhi, Oct 1 (IANS) With the refurbished Karni Singh Shooting Range set to produce high scores with its unrestricted views and lush green surroundings, the Indian shotgun shooters feel the fight for medals at the Oct 3-14 Commonwealth Games here would be tough.

Double trap shooter Ronjan Sodhi, a world No.3, told IANS that the shotgun range has a clear view and that makes sighting of the clay birds easier in the competition.

'It is certainly going to be a tough competition for us because it will be a high-scoring event. We have a clear view at the shotgun range, with lot of greenery in the background, and that will help the shooters to spot the clay birds easily,' said Sodhi, a world record holder.

He said it would not be easy for India to repeat their feat of winning 74 medals as they did in the Commonwealth Shooting Championships earlier this year.

'This time we will face some tough fight from the British and Australian shooters. All the teams are at their full strength, so it won't be easy for us. But we are ready for it,' he said.

Sodhi also pointed out that the range had undergone several minor changes since the test event, and is one of the world's best. The venue, overlooking the Aravalli ranges, was the first stadium to host a test event for the Commonwealth Games.

The heavy green cover has added to the beauty of the range, which was built for the 1982 Asian Games.

Junior world champion double trap shooter Asher Noria, while demonstrating his skills at the refurbished range, said clear visibility at the open range will be an advantage for the shooters.

'I feel the range for the trap, double trap and skeet is one of the best in the world. There were some small bushes in the range and they were hindering a clear vision of the clay birds. But now they have been cut and we have a clear view and it becomes easier for us. The percentage of missed chances will come down and it will be a high scoring event,' said Noria.

Trap shooter Mansher Singh, the first Indian marksman to win a gold medal at the Commonwealth Games, said the presence of Australian duo Michael Diamond and Adam Vella would spice up the contest.

World no. 8 Diamond is a two time Olympic champion (1996, 2000), while world no. 5 Vella is 2004 Athens Games silver medallist.

'Vella and Diamond are world class shooters. But we have also done well consistently. Manavjit (Sandhu) is also in good form. It will be a tough contest in the trap event,' said Mansher.

Source: Web Search

Need to get a big partnership going tomorrow: Watson

Fri, Oct 01 10 09:26 PM

Mohali, Oct 1 (PTI) Australian opener Shane Watson, who struck a brilliant century against India on the first day of the opening Test here today, said the visitors will need a big partnership tomorrow to put the pressure back on the hosts. "I think it (game) is evenly poised. From here on it depends on how we set it up tomorrow and key thing would be to get a partnership going," Watson told reporters here at the end of day''s play. After India made a strong comeback in the final session by taking quick wickets, Watson stressed the need for a big partnership. "We need a big partnership and score as many runs as possible, otherwise India could have the advantage" he said. Watson felt the departure of pacer Ishant Sharma due to a knee problem halfway into the day''s play, put more pressure on India''s other bowlers. The opener also praised India''s bowlers, especially Zaheer Khan, for putting the brakes on Australia''s scoring by taking some quick wickets late in the day. "Unfortunately, scoring rate was not what I would have liked and things slowed up after loss of wickets," he said, adding, "Indian bowlers did very well and you''ve got to give them the credit." "Zaheer is a very, very skillful bowler, who has this great ability to reverse swing the ball," he said. Asked to compare today''s knock with his first Test ton, the Aussie all-rounder rated this one higher as "it came on different conditions". "My goal has been to bat through the day in Test cricket and scoring runs by playing the balls on their merit," Watson said. On the track, he said "it was a bit of a surprise" as the wicket played a bit slow unlike traditional Mohali wickets. On missed catches -- Virender Sehwag dropped the Australian on the second ball of the match -- Watson said he was lucky and that encouraged him to make the most of it. The opener also rued Ricky Ponting''s dismissal at a time when he was looking good for a big one. "That was unfortunate" he said of his skipper''s dismissal.

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Ace woman boxer Sarita Devi threatens to give up Arjuna Award

Published>Fri, Oct 01 10 08:52 PM

New Delhi, Oct.1 (ANI): Ace woman boxer Laishram Sarita Devi staged a silent protest outside the residence of Union Sports Minister M.S. Gill. on Friday demanding a retrial of the Asian Games' selection procedure for boxing, and said that she wanted to return the prestigious Arjuna Award if a fair retrial is not conducted.

Sarita Devi remained outside the residence of Union Sports Minister M.S. Gill and refused to move till she met the minister.

Devi said she wanted a trial with more transparency, and said that officials of the Indian Boxing Federation (IBF) had conspired against her to keep her name off the list.

"Whatever that has happened with me is wrong. He assured me that he will solve my issues within one week, and I fully trust him, and I think he will resolve my problem," said Devi.

"I asked him to re-conduct the trial. I am not saying that I will get selected in the Asian Games. I just want that the fights should be conducted in front of everybody and whosoever is better will be selected," she added.

Devi even named IBF General Secretary Muralidharan Raja as having conspired against her.

"This is like a big conspiracy which actually happened with me. I got selected in the one-month early trials and after that the trial was again conducted in Talkatora Stadium in which nobody was allowed," said Devi.

"They conducted the trial without knowing anybody and also did scoring, but didn't show the score to anybody. They deliberately conducted the conspiracy so as to push me out of the team, especially Muralidharan," she added.

Meanwhile, M.S. Gill said he had asked his ministry officials to investigate the matter and promised the boxer justice.

"If somebody is having problem in the selection procedure like Sarita Devi has said -she came to me and I listened to her carefully, and I have asked my officials to check this matter because we try our best that fair selection should be there, as per me and the government," said Gill.

Sarita Devi, a seven-times gold medallist in various international women's boxing tournaments was honoured with the Arjuna Award in 2009. (ANI)

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Nearly 70 percent polling in Chhattisgarh assembly by-poll

Published>Fri, Oct 01 10 08:46 PM

Raipur, Oct 1 (IANS) Nearly 70 percent polling was recorded Friday in the Bhatgaon assembly constituency by-election in Chhattisgarh's Surguja district, according to preliminary reports.

The polling was peaceful except minor disruptions at a few polling centres, election officials said.

A total of 233 polling booths were set up for roughly 175,000 voters in the constituency which is considered prestigious for the state's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) that won the seat comfortably in the last polls in November 2008.

The BJP, which has 47 seats in a 90-member state assembly, is desperate to retain the seat which fell vacant following the death of its sitting legislator Ravi Shankar Tripathi, 55, in a car crash in April.

The saffron party has fielded the late leader's wife Rajni Tripathi while the Congress has picked U.S. Singhdeo of the erstwhile royal family of Surguja as its candidate.

An election official said the final polling figure could surge to 78 percent after reports from all polling centres are compiled.

Reports from interiors of the constituency, some 400 km from Raipur, said women came out in larger numbers than males to cast their votes.

Chief Minister Raman Singh announced that the BJP was fighting the election on the issue of development. The Congress, meanwhile, was seeking votes against a government that was 'mired in corruption and scandals' since it came to power in December 2003 dislodging the Ajit Jogi-led Congress regime.

The Congress has 39 members in the state assembly and needs to wrest the seat from the BJP to narrow the margin with the ruling party as by-election for one more seat - Balod - in Durg district is set to be held soon following the death of the BJP's sitting legislator Madanlal Sahu late in August.

The election result for Bhatgaon seat will be announced Oct 4.

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Haryana offers Sushil DSP post

Fri, Oct 01 10 08:26 PM

Rohtak, Oct 1 (PTI) Haryana government today offered the post of Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) to world champion wrestler Sushil Kumar. The offer was announced by Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda at a function held here to honour Olympian Sushil, his Guru Satpal and coach Yashvir Singh by presenting them with mementoes and shawls. Sushil won the gold medal in World Wrestling Championship in Moscow recently.

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Martina Navratilova says she's cancer free

Published>Fri, Oct 01 10 08:22 PM

Washington, Oct 1 (ANI): Tennis champ Martina Navratilova has revealed that she's cancer free.

Six months after revealing that she had breast cancer, Navratilova has good news about her health.

"I am cancer-free," People Magazine quoted her as saying.

"Technically I was cancer free after the lumpectomy in March.

"But then I had radiation to make sure that it killed any cancer cells that were still hovering about," she said.

Navratilova, who was diagnosed with a non-invasive form of breast cancer called ductal carcinoma, underwent six weeks of grueling radiation treatment.

"Surgery was easy but the radiation was trickier. It was six weeks of really low energy. Radiation just sucks your energy like a vampire, day by day," she said.

"Even when it was over, it took it a long time to get my energy back up.But now I feel as good as new. I have an excellent prognosis, and I'm really doing well," she added. (ANI)

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'Married' Andre Nel exposed as 'love cheat' by London girlfriend

Published>Fri, Oct 01 10 08:16 PM

London, Oct 1(ANI): South African fast bowler Andre Nel has been exposed as a love cheat after his girlfriend in London found that he was married with a child on the way.

According to the Telegraph, Nel was reaching the end of his six-month contract with Surrey when he met Jelena Kultiasova at a nightclub in London.

Kultiasova revealed that the 33-year-old had chased her after they exchanged numbers at the celebrity nightclub Movida on September 3.

"He called me that night to see if I got home okay. The following day he went to play golf with his friends but he kept calling and texting me to meet him that night, so we did and went back to his place," the newspaper quoted Kultiasova, as saying.

She said that Nel, who has returned to South Africa, had promised to return to England in six months, and continued to call her up to six times a day.

"He said he wanted to spend every second he could with me to win me over, and he always backed his words with actions," she added.

Kultiasova further said that she had confronted Nel after she found out on the Internet that he was married.

"He said the marriage is on and off, though they live together. I told him then that I wasn't going to get myself involved in this situation and we were done," she said.

When confronted by South Africa's Times newspaper, Nel admitted the affair, and said: "Yes, we did have sex twice, or three times, possibly - and that's it, honestly." "I have told my wife. She is very angry, but this is an issue I need to sort out on my own as quietly as possible," he added. (ANI)

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Man U's defensive horrors are a thing of the past: Rio Ferdinand

Published>Fri, Oct 01 10 08:08 PM

London, Oct.1 (ANI): Manchester United's defensive horrors are a thing of the past, believes Rio Ferdinand after the club registered a a famous Champions League win in Valencia.

After shipping nine goals in six league games, Ferdinand believes this result now means the team are ready to be mean again.

"This result is definitely a confidence boost. It has been well documented we have let points slip in recent games and you do get nervous when you're on a run like that. But against Valencia, I thought we dealt with it well as a team. The platform for any successful team is to defend well and keep clean sheets," The Sun quoted Ferdinand, as saying.

"It is about the whole team working hard and doing their jobs," he added.

"It is down to the players to communicate all the way through the team and try to apply what the manager wants us to do," he said.

Manchester United face Sunderland next, and Ferdinand says that he is just happy to be playing top-flight football. (ANI)

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Evans' world title defence inspired by ill coach

Published>Fri, Oct 01 10 02:16 PM

Road cycling world champion Cadel Evans paid tribute to his ill coach Aldo Sassi on Thursday, saying the Italian's courage had inspired him to keep competing rather than end his season after breaking his arm.

The Australian fractured his arm in a crash during the eighth stage at the Tour de France in July on the same day he took the race leader's yellow jersey. He struggled thereafter to finish 26th overall.

"I had a broken arm and I was out... Most people go on a holiday, I was going every day to the physiotherapist in August," Evans told reporters.

"First you've got to win (the world title), but (he's) certainly the motivation -- most of the people in my season would have stopped their season after the Tour," Evans told reporters.

"For those who don't know, there are four untreatable tumours in the upper part of his (Sassi's) brain and just for him to make the trip out to here was something.

"I want to fight it to the end while Aldo is still around with us and give it everything I've got, as he's given to my career since we've started working together.

"His situation has certainly pushed me a lot further than I would have otherwise gone this year."

HOME-TOWN HERO

Evans will bid to become the sixth rider to register back-to-back world titles on Sunday in the port city of Geelong, on a circuit a short training ride away from his Australian residence of Barwon Heads.

A win by the home-town hero would be a satisfying finish for organisers of the world championships, which have been overshadowed by the suspension of Tour de France champion Alberto Contador for a positive drug test.

Stage specialist Evans has played down his chances, however, and said the challenging 262.7 km course is more suited to European contenders, which include Belgian Philippe Gilbert and Spain's triple world champion Oscar Freire.

Unlike last year, Evans missed this month's Tour of Spain, a warmup used as a platform for the last nine world champions, instead riding in one-day events in Belgium.

"The Vuelta (Tour of Spain) is normally the way to win the worlds but I'm the odd one out," he said.

"The races I had in Belgium were good, and they were pretty suitable races for here... similar conditions, similar weather conditions, similar types of climbs and they all went pretty well."

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Man U veteran Giggs asks Rooney to toughen up

Published>Fri, Oct 01 10 02:08 PM

London, Oct.1 (ANI): Manchester United veteran Ryan Giggs has told ace striker Wayne Rooney to toughen up quickly.

The Sun quoted Giggs, as saying: "When I was younger - 17, 18 or 19 - everything was going brilliantly. Then you hit a bit of bad form and they want to know who you are going out with, about your family history. I've had it a few times. It's not nice. You don't like it at the time but you get thick skin and it helps you in the long run."

Former Liverpool and England great Kevin Keegan laid into Rooney last weekend for his lacklustre performance in the 2-2 draw at Bolton and for trying to gain publicity by selling his wedding photographs.

Out-of-form Rooney is also fighting to save his marriage after revelations about romps with a prostitute.

"It doesn't matter whether you sell your wedding photos or not. The pressure footballers are under both on and off the pitch has got bigger. If he didn't sell his wedding photos, I think people would still be giving him stick," Giggs said.iggs was a tabloid star of the 90s when he broke into the United team and had high-profile relationships with the likes of TV presenter Dani Behr. But the married father of two believes what he faced is nothing compared to what Rooney is now up against.

Officially Rooney is out with an ankle injury but manager Alex Ferguson admitted last week the player had been suffering from the attention he is receiving.

Giggs is backing Rooney to bounce back from not scoring in open play since last March and being continually hampered by an ankle problem. (ANI)

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Redemption time for Pakistan hockey team

Published>Fri, Oct 01 10 01:56 PM

New Delhi, Oct 1 (IANS) When Pakistan take on Scotland in their Commonwealth Games men's hockey opener Oct 5, they will need to shake off the ghosts of their horrible outing in the World Cup this year.

It was here, also at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium, eight months ago that Pakistan succumbed to their worst performance in the World Cup, finishing with a wooden spoon.

What followed was high drama as the entire squad announced retirement taking responsibility for the humiliation. Coach Shahid Ali Khan and the entire selection panel were sacked.

Since then the players have come back to the national team. And a new coach, Dutchman Michel van den Heuvel, who guided Holland to the World Cup bronze, took over.

Pakistan, who won the silver in the Melbourne Commonwealth Games four years ago, will have a lot to prove.

Much will depend on the experience of Waseem Ahmad, Rehan Butt, Shakeel Abbasi and captain Zeeshan Ashraf, all part of the World Cup team, to motivate the youngsters.

Butt admits it will be difficult to forget what happened in the World Cup.

'Yes, we will be conscious of the fact that we fared so poorly here. The controversy that followed is a thing of the past and we have moved on. But the only way we can completely erase that frightful memory is by putting up a good performance in the Commonwealth Games,' Butt told IANS.

'We told everyone then that we were not such a bad team. We cannot finish last and we still believe that. We have to prove it here,' said the star forward.

'As an experienced pro, our job is to make the youngsters feel at ease and soak the pressure of big matches.'

Butt said the team had improved a lot under the new coach but the Oct 3-14 Commonwealth Games would be the real test.

'We performed well in our European tour. We beat Holland. It has given us a lot of confidence. The coach has worked a lot on different aspects of our game. This will be the first tournament in which he will guide us and we hope everything falls in place.

'We will give our best in every match. This will also serve as a preparation for the Asian Games (at Guangzhou, China) in November,' Butt said.

The infusion of some fresh legs has been a positive development. 'Now it is a good mixture of youngsters and senior players,' Abbasi told IANS.

'Also, now the approach is to fight till the end. We can't afford to relax at any stage.

'We have high hopes from players like Mohammad Imran, Shafqat Rasool and Muhammad Tauseeq. They are quite promising and we hope that they come good here.

'Imran has been doing well in drag flicking and has close to 100 goals now. He has not made us feel the absence of Sohail Abbas.'

The big match against India will be a battle of nerves but forwards Butt and Abassi say they are ready.

'It was a packed stadium here last time and we know it will be the same this time. India and Pakistan matches are a treat for every hockey lover. We are excited and looking forward to take on India,' says Abassi.

India outplayed Pakistan 4-1 in the World Cup opener Feb 28.

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