Poor field placements behind Hauritz' thrashing in India Test series: Dhoni

Published>Mon, Oct 18 10 11:52 AM

Sydney, Oct 18 (ANI): Indian skipper MS Dhoni has said that Australian spin bowler Nathan Hauritz may have done better in the Test series against India with shrewder field placings.

Dhoni in a way seconded Australian legend Shane Warne's criticism of Ponting's field placement for Hauritz during Test series against India. Hauritz struggled to make an impact during the two Tests, and was treated with outright contempt when it mattered most on the final days at Mohali and Bangalore.

Warne sent a series of Tweets during the fifth day of the second Test criticising the fields Ponting had set for off-spinner Hauritz, The Sydney Morning Herald reports.

"Indians are considered among the best players of spin bowling and at the same times the wickets we had in the Tests were not classic turning tracks," Dhoni said.

"So you didn't just need to bowl in the right areas, you had to bowl at the right pace and you have to back yourself with the right kind of field also," said Dhoni.

"So what I personally think is he did quite good in the series. It will be a good learning experience for him, but just to turn around and say this bowler didn't do well in this series would be wrong," he said.

"Our spinners have got the experience behind themselves to play in these kinds of conditions being a home team, most situations and most conditions favour them and they know exactly what to do," Dhoni said.

"And at times it is better off to just attack one side of the wicket so that you can take maybe one or two fielders out of the other side, and place them in a position where you can get the batsman out. It may not look very good from outside, but it really works, because it helps," he said. (ANI)

Source: Web Search

Comeback man Lee signs up with NZ T20 side

Mon, Oct 18 10 11:22 AM

Melbourne, Oct 18 (PTI) Australian pacer Brett Lee has signed up with a Wellington side for New Zealand''s domestic Twenty20 cricket competition after making an impressive comeback in the shorter format from six months of injury lay-off. Lee finally signed up with Wellington after months of negotiations and will play five matches for the team, missing half of their programme because of his state commitments with Australian side New South Wales. The 33-year-old pacer, who is trying to win back his spot in the Australian ODI and Twenty20 teams after six months on the sidelines due to an elbow injury, made his return for NSW in their one-day win over Western Australia yesterday. Cricket Wellington chief executive Gavin Larsen said Lee would debut for the province in the home match against Auckland on December 14. "It''s tremendous to have secured the services of Brett and his record speaks for itself," Larsen said. Lee, who is aiming to find a place in the Australian ODI squad for the 2011 World Cup, made an impressive comeback yesterday as he picked 2-37 off 11 overs in NSW''s five-wicket one-day victory over Western Australia at Hurstville Oval in Sydney. Aside from a brief five-over spell for Mosman recently, it was Lee''s first genuine hit-out since he played for the Kings XI Punjab in the IPL in April. At 33, Lee replaced some of his trademark speed and venom with variation and changes of pace and, after coming through the match unscathed, declared he was ready for Australia''s Twenty20 and one-day games against Sri Lanka. "I''m putting my hand up - simple as that. I''m fit, I''m playing and if they feel I''m ready then pick me - I''m keen to play," Lee said. "I wouldn''t have played today if I didn''t feel I was ready to play at this level," he was quoted as saying by ''Daily Telegraph''. Lee will get a chance to further push his claims for a national recall when NSW host Sri Lanka in a one-day tour match at the SCG on October 24, followed by a Twenty20 game on October 27. Lee retired from Test cricket in 2008 as the fourth most successful Australian bowler of all time with 310 wickets in 76 matches. He also has 324 one-day wickets from 186 matches, with his last one-day international being against India in October last year.

Source: Published>

Rooney tells Man United he wants out: Reports

Published>Mon, Oct 18 10 11:18 AM

Wayne Rooney has reportedly told Manchester United that he wants to leave the Premier League club, although the club said speculation that the star striker will be sold in the January transfer window was "nonsense."

Several British newspapers, including the 'Guardian' and 'Telegraph', reported on their websites that Rooney has fallen out with Manchester United Alex Ferguson since allegations surfaced about the player's private life last month. The reports said Rooney has told the club he will not sign a new contract, which could force United to sell the striker before he becomes a free agent.

The Sunday Mirror first reported on the alleged rift.

Rooney, who joined United from boyhood club Everton in 2004 for more than 25 million pounds (USD 40 million), has a contract with United until June 2012.

But while United chief executive David Gill said in July that he wanted Rooney to sign a new contract, that has yet to materialize.

United spokesman Phil Townsend said on Sunday that "to suggest Wayne Rooney will be sold in January is nonsense." However, he would not comment on whether a transfer would be sanctioned at the end of the season in May.

Rooney directly contradicted Ferguson in public on Tuesday when he told reporters after England's match against Montenegro that he hadn't been struggling with an ankle injury which the manager had cited as the reason he had missed previous club matches.

Rooney didn't play the first United game after he was alleged to have cheated on his wife with a prostitute, with Ferguson saying that he was sparing the player from abuse at former club Everton.

But he missed several more games in both the league and Champions League, which Ferguson said was because of an ankle injury.

Ferguson then fuelled talk of a rift with the 24-year-old Rooney by demoting him to the bench for Saturday's match against West Bromwich Albion.

And Rooney, who hasn't scored from open play since March, was ineffective when came on for last 20 minutes of the Premier League match that saw United squander a two-lead to draw 2-2.

Ferguson wasn't asked about Rooney's absence in broadcast interviews on Saturday and the 68-year-old Scot is the only Premier League manager who always refuses to attend post-match news conferences.

Ferguson, who has also cancelled all pre-match media conferences in recent weeks, will have to face reporters on Tuesday ahead of a Champions League match against Bursaspor due to UEFA rules.

Source: Web Search

Spain's Llorente on target again, Sevilla lose

Published>Mon, Oct 18 10 10:36 AM

Spain striker Fernando Llorente scored in Athletic Bilbao's 2-1 La Liga victory over struggling Real Zaragoza on Sunday to continue his prolific recent run.

In the late game, Sevilla surprisingly lost 2-0 at Sporting Gijon to end Gregorio Manzano's winning start at the helm of the Andalucian club.

The towering Llorente, in the Spain side for the injured Fernando Torres, netted three times in their recent Euro 2012 qualifiers to take his tally to seven goals in 12 games for the world and European champions.

Bilbao's Andoni Iraola had opened the scoring at San Mames after 11 minutes and Llorente doubled the lead with a trademark header.

Braulio pulled one back at the end for Zaragoza but their coach Jose Aurelio Gay remained under pressure as they slipped to the foot of the standings without a win this season.

Deportivo Coruna are the only other team in La Liga without a win and they wasted a gilt-edged opportunity at home to Osasuna when they were held 0-0 despite the visitors playing almost an hour with 10 men.

Sevilla missed the chance to keep pace with the leading clubs when Argentine Gaston Sangoy and Diego Castro scored to hand Sporting the points at the Molinon.

CRAFTY BACKHEEL

Manzano replaced Antonio Alvarez three weeks ago and won his first two games in charge against Borussia Dortmund and Atletico Madrid, but Sangoy's impressive header rocked them back after just six minutes.

Sporting captain Castro made it 2-0 with a crafty backheel soon after the break to leave Sevilla, who had given unsettled Brazil striker Luis Fabiano a rare start, seventh with 11 points.

Levante won the battle of the promoted sides by beating Real Sociedad 2-1 at home, Racing Santander beat Almeria 1-0 with a goal from Pedro Munitis, and a Luis Garcia penalty gave Espanyol a 1-0 win at Real Mallorca.

Real Madrid top the standings after seven matches with 17 points from seven games, after their 4-1 victory at Malaga on Saturday.

Champions Barcelona are one point behind after beating early pace-setters Valencia 2-1.

Villarreal, with 15 points, can take first place if they rack up their sixth straight victory at promoted Hercules on Monday.

Source: Web Search

Mourinho has Real purring in time for Milan clash

Published>Mon, Oct 18 10 09:22 AM

Jose Mourinho's Real Madrid are hitting their stride just in time for the first big test of the season, when fellow former European champions AC Milan visit in the Champions League on Tuesday.

The Portuguese coach was brought to Spain from Inter Milan after winning the European Cup last May, with success in Europe's elite club competition top of his list of priorities.

Unbeaten so far this season, Real have two wins from two to top Champions League Group G and can all but seal a place in the last 16 with a victory over Milan.

In La Liga, their 4-1 hammering of Malaga on Saturday left them top having scored more goals (16) and conceded fewer (3) than any other side.

"After seven league matches and without much time to work and improve, I am happy with the evolution and with the qualities the team are showing," Mourinho told reporters in Malaga.

"We defend quite well, we are compact, we have good ball possession. We probably have percentages of ball possession that my teams have never had before and we score goals."

After a goal-shy start to the campaign, Cristiano Ronaldo, Angel Di Maria, Mesut Ozil and Gonzalo Higuain finally clicked in front of goal with a 6-1 demolition of Deportivo Coruna and the convincing Malaga win.

Despite all that, Spain goalkeeper Iker Casillas warned that a showdown with the Italian giants was a completely different matter.

"Madrid v Milan is a classic European encounter. All rivals are tough but this is perhaps our first big test of the year," Real's captain told reporters.

INJURY DOUBTS

Milan have a win and a draw from their first two group games but travel to Madrid after a 3-1 win at home to Chievo that left them vying for the top spot in Serie A with Inter and Lazio.

They have injury doubts over centre back Thiago Silva, courted by Real in the close season, after the Brazilian suffered an ankle injury on Saturday.

Goalkeeper Christian Abbiati also suffered a knock in the game but is expected to be fit while captain Massimo Ambrosini is still out.

Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri, a former Cagliari boss largely unheard of outside Italy when he was appointed in the close season, is relishing the big game.

"You prepare completely separately for a match like the one against Madrid. We will be ready for Tuesday," he told reporters.

"For Thiago we'll see, but if he can't make it whoever goes on the field will do well all the same."

Brazil's Alexandre Pato, who scored twice at the Bernabeu in a 3-2 Champions League win last season, scored another brace against Chievo on Saturday.

He was set up both times by strike partner Zlatan Ibrahimovic, before giving way for former Real winger Robinho to register his first Milan goal near the end.

Teams (probable):

Real Madrid: 1-Iker Casillas; 4-Sergio Ramos, 2-Ricardo Carvalho, 3-Pepe, 12-Marcelo; 14-Xabi Alonso, 24-Sami Khedira; 7-Cristiano Ronaldo, 23-Mesut Ozil, 22-Angel Di Maria; 20-Gonzalo Higuain

AC Milan: 32-Christian Abbiati; 19-Gianluca Zambrotta, 25-Daniele Bonera, 13-Alessandro Nesta, 77-Luca Antonini; 8-Gennaro Gattuso, 21-Andrea Pirlo, 10-Clarence Seedorf; 80-Ronaldinho; 7-Alexandre Pato, 11-Zlatan Ibrahimovic

Source: Web Search

Sammy replaces Gayle as West Indies captain

Mon, Oct 18 10 08:56 AM

Darren Sammy was handed the task of rebuilding the fortunes of the once-mighty West Indies team when he was named as the new captain on Sunday.

Jamaican Chris Gayle had been in charge of the side since 2007 but after team slid to seventh in the test rankings and eighth in the one-day standings, the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) decided to change the leadership.

"Chris Gayle led the West Indies during a challenging period and the board thanks him for stepping up then," WICB chief executive Ernest Hilaire said in a statement.

"But it is now time to pass the mantle on as the West Indies rebuilds."

Selection committee chairman Clyde Butts added: "We are at the dawn of a new era in West Indies cricket and we have entrusted the challenging job of captaincy to Darren Sammy because it is believed that he has demonstrated the attributes of a leader of this diverse group of men."

The 26-year-old Sammy has played eight tests, 43 one-dayers and 19 Twenty20 internationals and will hope to help West Indies recapture the form that brought them 11 successive test wins during the 1980s.

The fast bowler's first task will be to lead the side during a six-week tour of Sri Lanka which begins on Nov. 15.

"Being appointed West Indies captain is an honour and distinction which I will treat with the highest regard and dignity," Sammy, who hails from St Lucia, said.

"I have always given my all when I prepare and play for the West Indies and nothing will change now. I know this will be a difficult challenge and I will take the torch from Chris and hold it high as we forge ahead."

Brendan Nash was named as vice-captain.

Squad for Sri Lanka test series: Darren Sammy (captain), Brendan Nash (vice captain), Chris Gayle, Adrian Barath, Carlton Baugh Jr, Sulieman Benn, Darren Bravo, Dwayne Bravo, Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Nelon Pascal, Kemar Roach, Andre Russell, Shane Shillingford, Devon Smith, Devon Thomas

Source: Published>

Golf Championship from October 25

Published>Mon, Oct 18 10 06:38 AM

Chandigarh Golf Club will organise the second tournament in the Chandigarh Golf Club Junior Golf Championship series on October 25. The first tournament in the series was played on September 27 and a total of five tournaments will be played during the series. The tournament is open to junior golfers aged between 6-18 years with a total of four categories namely below ten years (Category D), 11-12 years (Category C), 13-15 years (Category B) and 16-18 years (Category A).

"The tournament will be played on a Gross basis. This is the second tournament of the series and it will be played in four categories. Chandigarh Golf Club wants to promote junior golf and that's why we started this series. The overall prize for the Player of the Series in each category will be calculated on the points gained through the season. Players need to play at least three tournaments to be eligible for the prizes," said Capt. GS Ghuman, Chairman, CGC Tournaments, while addressing a press conference at Chandigarh Golf Club.

Each participant will also be given a participation certificate and a prize distribution ceremony will also be held after each competition. "We have sent invites to 40 golf clubs in India and we expect a response from cities like Ludhiana, Jalandhar, Amritsar, Kapurthala, Patiala, Ambala, New Delhi and Mumbai. All this clubs are interested in sending their players and we are expecting a tough competition in the series," said Ajay Gujral, joint director of Chandigarh Golf Club Academy. With more than 100 young golfers expected to take part in the championship, Chandigarh will see a lot of competition.

Officials are expecting a tough competition. "Chandigarh Golf Club is keen to promote junior golf and we are organising these tournaments for that purpose. We are targeting 2016 Olympics as we want to train young golfers for that. Chandigarh has seen the emergence of golfers like Jeev Milkha Singh and we want more and more young golfers to perform well," said HS Kang, captain of CGC. Interested players can give their names to Chandigarh Golf Club office by October 22.

Source: Web Search

CAG audit of Games Village to start from Oct 28

Published>Mon, Oct 18 10 02:52 AM

The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) will start the audit work of Commonwealth Games Village from October 28 to probe allegations of financial irregularities.

Official sources said the CAG will also audit the accounts of Delhi Development Authority (DDA) and the expenditure incurred for building residential complexes inside the Village in addition to the alleged undue favours given to Emaar MGF for its construction.

The audit process by CAG teams began in the middle of August. However, later it was halted in view of the Games. CAG will submit its report in the Parliament session next month.

Source: Web Search

Barca's Xavi still struggling with injury

Mon, Oct 18 10 12:37 AM

Spain midfielder Xavi said he was still struggling through injury after returning to action for Barcelona in La Liga on Saturday.

The diminutive playmaker withdrew from the Spain squad for their recent Euro 2012 qualifiers and after two weeks working to overcome pain in his Achilles tendons he set up both goals as Barca came back to beat Valencia 2-1.

"I'm well but they still bother me. I hope to get over it soon," Xavi told the club's television station BarcaTV on Sunday.

"I started well against (against Valencia) but as the minutes passed I could feel the strain on my tendons. It's a battle I have but thanks to the doctors and physios who look after me I'm sure I'll get over it soon."

Xavi was substituted after 77 minutes at the Nou Camp.

"He isn't ready to play every three days," coach Pep Guardiola said.

Barca host Champions League Group D leaders FC Copenhagen on Wednesday.

Source: Published>

Green comes from seven behind to win in Portugal

Mon, Oct 18 10 12:20 AM

Australian Richard Green overcame a seven-shot deficit following the third round to win the Portugal Masters on Sunday by two strokes.

Lefthander Green benefited from an error-strewn final round by overnight leader Pablo Martin of Spain to chalk up his third European Tour title, closing with a seven-under-par 65 for an 18-under 270 total.

Martin led by three strokes going into the final round and was four ahead after five holes.

However, a dramatic collapse by the Spaniard started with a double-bogey on the seventh after he hooked into water and his game quickly unravelled as he dropped down the leader board to finish tied in sixth place after carding a 75 on Sunday.

Ryder Cup player Francesco Molinari also surged through the field, compiling his second 62 of the week. The Italian grabbed a share of second place with Swede Robert Karlsson (67), Spain's Gonzalo Fernandez-Castano (68) and Dutchman Joost Luiten (69).

Green dropped two shots in the last three holes but that failed to derail his charge to the title after sinking 11 birdies in the final round.

"I felt I needed the best round of golf I could play," Green told reporters after pocketing $689,000. "I had 64 in my mind at the start and I thought I was going to do better than that when I got to nine-under.

"It was strange finish but it was enough."

Green admitted his victory had not been as exhilarating as when he overcame compatriot Greg Norman and Briton Ian Woosnam in their pomp in a playoff to prevail in Dubai 13 years ago but added: "A win's a win."

Source: Published>

Green comes from seven behind to triumph in Portugal

Mon, Oct 18 10 12:16 AM

Australian Richard Green overcame a seven-shot deficit following the third round to win the Portugal Masters on Sunday by two strokes.

Lefthander Green benefited from an error-strewn final round by overnight leader Pablo Martin of Spain to chalk up his third European Tour title, closing with a seven-under-par 65 for an 18-under 270 total.

Source: Published>

Rennes stretch lead with draw as St Etienne lose

Sun, Oct 17 10 11:56 PM

Unbeaten Stade Rennes extended their Ligue 1 lead despite being held to a goalless draw at troubled Racing Lens on Sunday.

The Brittany side, on 19 points from nine games, now lead second-placed St Etienne by two points after Les Verts slumped to a 2-1 defeat at Nice.

Paris St Germain are third, four points off the pace, following a 2-0 win at Toulouse on Saturday.

Rennes, who had the best chances in the first half at Stade Felix Bollaert, were lucky to avoid defeat when keeper Nicolas Douchez superbly parried away a Razak Boukari header from close range eight minutes from time.

They finished with 10 men after Tonga Hamed Doumbia was shown a straight red card for a violent tackle only four minutes after coming off the bench.

"It's a good draw. We were better in the first half but we relaxed too much after the break", Rennes midfielder Yann Mvila told the French TV channel Foot Plus.

"We had to stop losing, three points would have been better but in our situation, one point is fine," Lens captain Eric Chelle said.

Lens still lie second from bottom in the standings.

St Etienne also played with 10 men for almost 70 minutes after striker Gonzalo Bergessio was sent off in the 22nd minute for a rough tackle.

France striker Dimitri Payet, the league's top striker, netted his eighth from the penalty spot in the 11th minute. Nice, however, piled the pressure after the break with Anthony Mounier equalising two minutes into the second half with a volley into the far post.

Midfielder Chaouki Ben Saada made it two in the 67th minute with a powerful shot from just inside the box.

Later on Sunday, unbeaten Lille travel to improving Olympique Lyon (1900).

Source: Published>

Green comes from seven behind to triumph in Portugal

Sun, Oct 17 10 11:37 PM

Australian Richard Green overcame a seven-shot deficit following the third round to win the Portugal Masters on Sunday by two strokes.

Lefthander Green benefited from an error-strewn final round by overnight leader Pablo Martin of Spain to chalk up his third European Tour title, closing with a seven-under-par 65 for an 18-under 270 total.

Source: Published>

Blatter orders FIFA to probe vote-selling claims

Published>Sun, Oct 17 10 11:16 PM

FIFA president Sepp Blatter appealed to his executive committee members to stay silent as he launched an immediate investigation into alleged vote-selling ahead of the decision on the 2018 and 2022 World Cup hosts.

Blatter took the unusual step of issuing an open letter to members of the executive committee on Sunday, telling them a report in Britain's Sunday Times newspaper had created a "very negative impact" on soccer's governing body.

The report said Nigeria's Amos Adamu had been filmed asking for money for a personal project and that Oceania Football Confederation president Reynald Temarii from Tahiti wanted money for a sports academy.

FIFA is due to announce on Dec. 2 in Zurich which countries will host the two World Cups with the 24-strong executive committee deciding both venues on a majority vote.

"I am sorry to have to inform you of a very unpleasant situation which has developed in relation to an article published today in the Sunday Times, entitled 'World Cup votes for sale'," Blatter wrote at www.fifa.com.

"The information in the article has created a very negative impact on FIFA and on the bidding process for the 2018 and 2022 World Cups."

He added: "I will keep you duly informed of any further developments. In the meantime, I would like to ask you to refrain from making any public comments on this matter."

That request came after Chuck Blazer, the United States representative on the executive committee, told Reuters that the decision on hosts for the next two World Cups was unlikely to be delayed.

"The Ethics Committee will address these issues directly and it should not take them very long to ascertain all the facts," Blazer, speaking in a telephone interview from New York, told Reuters.

"The date of December 2 was chosen specifically ahead of the 'political season' of congresses and elections, and I see no reason why this would be delayed."

The investigation comes after the Sunday Times said its reporters, working undercover, posed as lobbyists for a consortium of American private companies.

VOTING PROCEDURE

Blazer told Reuters: "I cannot comment on these cases individually of course, but what I will say is up to now I have met with five different bidding committees and in some cases visited their countries -- England, Russia, Belgium/Holland, Japan and the United States.

"All the bidders I have met have been totally professional in their presentations, not alluding to any other types of benefits and I think that needs to be said.

"They were simply trying to offer the best World Cup proposals.

"I don't think people should get the wrong impression of the FIFA process either. On the contrary, it was not as if journalists have been monitoring a bid that seemed dubious in any way, but they have created a scam, a trap.

"However, it is up to FIFA individuals to be vigilant at all times.

"I do not think there is anything wrong with the voting procedure. We have come to expect it to be carried out morally and ethically based on good judgement and on what has been presented by a bidding committee.

"By having a small body decide where the World Cup will be held, you also can identify the people responsible for choosing the World Cup venue -- the executive committee -- because they are the same people responsible for making it work."

The decision will be made by the 24-man executive committee, although a source close to the executive, who asked not to be named, said both Adamu and Temarii could find themselves suspended or off the committee by then if the claims against them were substantiated.

"FIFA will not allow anyone or anything to damage the reputation of the voting procedure and it could be that 22 men might make the decision, not 24," the source said.

England and Russia are bidding for the 2018 finals along with joint bids from Spain/Portugal and Belgium/Netherlands.

The candidates for 2022 are the United States, Japan, South Korea, Qatar and Australia.

Source: Web Search

Vucetich leaves De la Torre as sole runner for Mexico job

Published>Sun, Oct 17 10 10:56 PM

Monterrey coach Victor Vucetich said on Sunday he was dropping his national team candidacy, leaving Toluca trainer Jose Manuel de la Torre as the sole official candidate for the vacancy.

Vucetich, speaking after his side maintained the Mexican Championship's only unbeaten record with a 2-0 win over Torre's Toluca, told reporters: "Late (Friday) night was when I decided definitely to step aside.

"The motives for taking this action are personal and more than anything family."

Toluca's De la Torre is now expected to be announced as Mexico coach on Monday with the remit of steering his country to the 2014 World Cup in Brazil amid a conflict between national team players and the Mexico Football Federation (FMF) management.

"I think he is the strongest candidate there is, I wish him the best of success, I think he will fit perfectly in the national team," Vucetich told Televisa.

De la Torre's brother Nestor resigned in midweek from the job of national teams director after players revolted against sanctions he imposed on team members who held an unauthorised late-night party following a September friendly.

Mexico have been under interim coaches for friendlies since the World Cup in South Africa where they were eliminated in the second round by Argentina and Javier Aguirre quit more than three months ago.

Speaking ahead of Monday's decision, De la Torre told reporters: "If I was not ready I'd have quit (the race) already but let's wait for the federation to make it official."

CLEAR LEAD

The victory by Vucetich's Monterrey left them four points clear at the top of Group One of the Apertura championship with 26 points from 12 matches. Santos Laguna, beaten 3-0 at home by runaway Group Three leaders Cruz Azul, are second.

The 18 teams play each other once in the round-robin phase of the championship regardless of which of the three groups they are in. The top two in each group plus the next two best-placed teams go into the knockout phase.

Group Two is led by San Luis, who have 19 points after their 3-2 win over Queretaro, with Toluca two points behind in second place and America hovering a point further back before their visit to Puebla on Sunday.

Cruz Azul, with 28 points in Group Three, are 12 clear of second-placed Chiapas, who were away to Pumas UNAM on Sunday.

Concacaf Champions League title holders Pachuca, fourth in Group Two, were held 1-1 at home by Morelia, whose defender Juan Carlos Reyes saved a penalty after taking over in goal following the dismissal of their Colombian keeper Miguel Calero.

Source: Web Search

Everton beat Liverpool in front of new owners

Sun, Oct 17 10 10:37 PM

Liverpool's new American era began in failure on Sunday in front of their latest owners with a 2-0 loss to Merseyside rivals Everton that sent them second from bottom of the Premier League.

John W Henry and Tom Werner were at Goodison Park to see Tim Cahill and Mikel Arteta score in the 34th and 50th minutes, condemning the five-times European champions to their fourth defeat from eight games this season.

Fernando Torres went closest for the visitors when his first-half header was turned over the bar by Everton keeper Tim Howard but Liverpool offered little else.

They slipped one place in the table on goal difference, level on six points with Wolverhampton Wanderers and bottom-placed West Ham United.

Chelsea stayed top of the league after their 0-0 draw at Aston Villa on Saturday. Second-placed Arsenal closed the gap with a 2-1 win at home to Birmingham City, and Manchester United lost ground after a 2-2 draw with West Bromwich Albion at Old Trafford.

HODGSON UNDER PRESSURE

Henry's New England Sports Ventures, owners of the Boston Red Sox baseball team, completed a takeover of the Premier League club on Friday after contentious legal battles with the previous U.S. owners, Tom Hicks and George Gillett.

The jubilant scenes in London on Friday concluded one of the most dramatic weeks in the 118-year history of Liverpool, one of England's most famous and successful clubs.

Fans welcomed Henry and NESV after becoming increasingly outraged at Hicks and Gillett's stewardship and fearful the club was weighed down by unsustainable debt.

Yet the euphoria of the takeover battle did not carry over to the pitch.

Everton supporters taunted their counterparts with chants of "Going down" after the defeat that left Liverpool 19th in the table, their lowest position in the history in the premier league.

Manager Roy Hodgson was given a vote of confidence by Henry before Sunday's match, but the defeat is certain to focus further attention on the Englishman's future.

"I don't feel it to be a crisis. The way we played today -- I don't think anyone would believe that's the level of football a team in the bottom three or four would play," Hodgson told Sky Sports.

"On the other hand, there's six points from eight games and that's a very, very poor return. We do need to start winning and climbing up that table soon, and until we do so I daresay the word 'crisis' will be bandied around.

"The new owners making it clear I'm the right man to do the job. You're always happy to hear that but whether that's changed after today, I don't know."

DETERMINED RUN

The home side pressed from the kickoff and went close twice in almost identical fashion in the first quarter of an hour. Defender Phil Jagielka fired a left-foot shot over the bar after 12 minutes and two minutes later his defensive partner Sylvain Distin missed the target from a similar position inside the area.

The breakthrough came from a determined run down the right by Everton's right-back, Seamus Coleman.

The Irishman surged into the area, committing defenders, and after his cross took a slight deflection off Paul Konchesky, the ball sat up for an onrushing Cahill, and the Australian drilled his finish high into Jose Reina's net.

Within five minutes of the start of the second half, Everton doubled their lead.

Liverpool failed to deal adequately with a corner, Sotiros Kyrgiakos's clearance falling to an unmarked Arteta, whose right-foot shot from the edge of the area swerved viciously and left Reina clutching at air.

Liverpool raised themselves late on, but it was more in hope than expectation.

Steven Gerrard delivered an inviting cross for Torres at the back post, but it was nicked away by a defender at the last momnent, and four minutes later Howard was alert to deny Torres's right-foot shot inside the area.

Source: Published>

Amla and de Villiers' centuries flatten Zimbabwe

Sun, Oct 17 10 09:56 PM

A second successive century from Hashim Amla took South Africa to a resounding eight wicket victory over Zimbabwe on Sunday and secured the three-match series with a game to spare.

Amla, who scored 110 in the first match in Bloemfontein on Friday, played with immaculate discipline and controlled aggression to make an identical total from 103 deliveries with a dozen boundaries.

It was Amla's fourth century in his last seven one-day innings, which include a knock of 92.

AB de Villiers, the International Cricket Council's one-day cricketer of the year, did his best to stay in the limelight with a dazzling, unbeaten century of his own.

De Viliers stroked 101 from only 72 deliveries with five fours and five sixes, the last of which took him from 95 to 101, to make light work of reaching a respectable target of 269 with 11 overs to spare.

Zimbabwe lost wickets regularly after choosing to bat first and were indebted to wicketkeeper Tatenda Taibu's 78 for their eventual total after six players made good starts before falling with scores between 19 and 32.

Seamer Juan Theron bowled full and straight with clever changes of pace to return figures of five for 44 in his second international and win the man-of-the-match award.

The final match will be played in Benoni on Friday.

Source: Published>

Kalmadi hits back at Dikshit, OC would not be scapegoats any

Sun, Oct 17 10 09:36 PM

more New Delhi, Oct 17 (PTI) Open war broke out between leading lights of the Commonwealth Games with Suresh Kalmadi hitting back at Delhi Chief Minister Shiela Dikshit today declaring he would not want the Organising Committee, which he chaired, to be the "scapegoats any more." Kalmadi''s ire was prompted by Dikshit''s comments to PTI yesterday that the "suspicion" of corruption in the just concluded mega sporting event is on the Games Organising Committee(OC). The "real corruption seems to be with regard to the money given as loans (to the OC)", she said. Central government had given loans to the tune of Rs 1,600 crore. Slamming Dikshit, a beleaguered Kalmadi, said her aspersions on corruption in the OC were "most disappointing and uncalled for" and that she must indulge in self-reflection on corruption in her own departments. In a hard-hitting statement, Kalmadi said that keeping quiet should not be interpreted as a "sign of weakness". "But, on Dussehra day, I owe it to the Organising Committee that we speak out. We don''t want to be the scapegoats anymore," he said. "Delhi Chief Minister Mrs. Shiela Dikshits aspersions on corruption in the Organising Committee Commonwealth Games 2010 Delhi are most disappointing and uncalled for. It is not right to deflect and point fingers at others when she must indulge in self-reflection on corruption in her own departments," Kalmadi said. He said the OC has already welcomed the Prime Minister''s decision to set up a probe panel and hoped that the Terms of Reference of the Shunglu Committee will include not just the scope of work undertaken by the OC at a budget of Rs 1,620 crore but also the Rs 16,000 spent by the Delhi Government. "She has said that the ways of the OC are mysterious whereas the Commonwealth Games chief Mr. Michael Fennell declared the conduct of the Games as exceptional and successful," said Kalmadi. Kalmadi, a senior Congress leader, finds himself increasingly isolated within his own Party after being snubbed by Prime Minister and party president Sonia Gandhi. Both did not invite Kalmadi while felicitating the Commonwealth Games medal winners. "Despite a series of attacks in the run up to the Games, I was quiet as I wanted the Games to succeed. Keeping quiet should not be interpreted as a sign of weakness. Nor should patience be seen as a sign of guilt. It was more important to focus on the task of conducting the Games well," he said. Kalmadi said that transparency and accountability remain the watch words in the Organising Committee. "We are confident that the guilty will not be spared irrespective of which agency they belong to," he said. Kalmadi also criticised Dikshit for taking credit for getting the Games Village ready in time. "The Games have succeeded because of the efforts of Team India, including a large number of people and agencies and not any individual. Dikshit''s attempt to take credit for getting the Games Village ready in time does not fit with the team concept. The Lieutenant Governor of Delhi and the OC, who were preparing the Village for over two years, co-ordinated the work of a number of agencies to ensure that it was entirely ready to welcome the athletes," he said.

Source: Published>

No need to quit my post: Hooper

Sun, Oct 17 10 08:56 PM

Wellington, Oct 17 (PTI) Commonwealth Games Federation chief executive Mike Hooper today said he had done all he could to make the Delhi Games a success and any talk of his standing down from his post was "silly". Hooper received criticism even from New Zealand Olympic Committee president Mike Stanley for his perceived inaction in the lead-up to the Games but was adamant that he has done his job. "That is a silly question. It is my job and I''ve done it well, despite what others might think. It was my role to point out and highlight things (that needed improvement) and I did it consistently," Hooper said. Hooper, who spent three years at the Indian capital, said he was upset by people burning his effigies. "The burning of the effigy upset me but let''s put that into context. It was based on a totally false premise. I am alleged to have made certain remarks about the population of India which I didn''t. It was scurrilous reporting," he was quoted as saying by ''New Zealand Herald''. Despite the controversial lead-up, Hooper said the athletes were not affected. "I''m pleased with how it panned out ... we got the village, catering and transport right for them (athletes). You''d have to say the venues got there in the end too. It was reassuring to see so many happy smiling faces at the closing ceremony," he said. Hooper said Delhi has a much-improved infrastructure legacy as a result of the Games. Questions have been raised about the future of the Games but Hooper said that with 71 members, the CGF justifies its existence. "People mistakenly compare it to the Olympics, which is unrealistic and inappropriate. They are specifically designed for Commonwealth countries and are not trying to compete (with Olympics)." PTI PDS AT

Source: Published>

Kalmadi, Dikshit row over CWG is to divert probe: BJP

Sun, Oct 17 10 08:26 PM

New Delhi, Oct 17 (PTI) BJP today said trading of charges and counter-charges between Commonwealth Games Organising committee chief Suresh Kalmadi and Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit over reports of corruption in various CWG projects was an attempt to divert and confuse the investigation. The "public spat" between Kalmadi and Dikshit is an attempt to confuse and divert the investigation. "They are blaming each other but both are responsible for the mismanagement, delays and corruption," BJP spokesperson Prakash Javadekar told PTI. He alleged that Kalmadi''s statement that he will resign only if the Prime Minister and UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi ask him to do is "akin to Telecom Minister A Raja''s statement in his defence of 2G spectrum charges that he has acted on the advice of the Prime Minister at every stage." The BJP warned that along with the 2G spectrum scam, corruption in the Commonwealth Games will prove to be the "nemesis of the UPA government". Javadekar said, "Kalmadi is doing exactly the same as Raja by holding everybody else responsible for the mess." PTI RC AMI

Source: Published>

Kalmadi hits back at Dikshit, OC would not be scapegoats any

Sun, Oct 17 10 08:22 PM

more New Delhi, Oct 17 (PTI) Open war broke out between leading lights of the Commonwealth Games with Suresh Kalmadi hitting back at Delhi Chief Minister Shiela Dikshit today declaring he would not want the Organising Committee, which he chaired, to be the "scapegoats any more." Kalmadi''s ire was promoted by Dikshit''s comments to PTI yesterday that the "suspicion" of corruption in the just concluded mega sporting event is on the Games Organising Committee(OC). The "real corruption seems to be with regard to the money given as loans (to the OC)", she said. Central government had given loans to the tune of Rs 1,600 crore. Slamming Dikshit, a beleaguered Kalmadi, said her aspersions on corruption in the OC were "most disappointing and uncalled for" and that she must indulge in self-reflection on corruption in her own departments. In a hard-hitting statement, Kalmadi said that keeping quiet should not be interpreted as a "sign of weakness". "But, on Dussehra day, I owe it to the Organising Committee that we speak out. We don''t want to be the scapegoats anymore," he said. "Delhi Chief Minister Mrs. Shiela Dikshits aspersions on corruption in the Organising Committee Commonwealth Games 2010 Delhi are most disappointing and uncalled for. It is not right to deflect and point fingers at others when she must indulge in self-reflection on corruption in her own departments," Kalmadi said. He said the OC has already welcomed the Prime Minister''s decision to set up a probe panel and hoped that the Terms of Reference of the Shunglu Committee will include not just the scope of work undertaken by the OC at a budget of Rs 1,620 crore but also the Rs 16,000 spent by the Delhi Government. "She has said that the ways of the OC are mysterious whereas the Commonwealth Games chief Mr. Michael Fennell declared the conduct of the Games as exceptional and successful," said Kalmadi. Kalmadi, a senior Congress leader, finds himself increasingly isolated within his own Party after being snubbed by Prime Minister and party president Sonia Gandhi. Both did not invite Kalmadi while felicitating the Commonwealth Games medal winners. "Despite a series of attacks in the run up to the Games, I was quiet as I wanted the Games to succeed. Keeping quiet should not be interpreted as a sign of weakness. Nor should patience be seen as a sign of guilt. It was more important to focus on the task of conducting the Games well," he said. Kalmadi said that transparency and accountability remain the watch words in the Organising Committee. "We are confident that the guilty will not be spared irrespective of which agency they belong to," he said. Kalmadi also criticised Dikshit for taking credit for getting the Games Village ready in time. "The Games have succeeded because of the efforts of Team India, including a large number of people and agencies and not any individual. Dikshit''s attempt to take credit for getting the Games Village ready in time does not fit with the team concept. The Lieutenant Governor of Delhi and the OC, who were preparing the Village for over two years, co-ordinated the work of a number of agencies to ensure that it was entirely ready to welcome the athletes," he said.

Source: Published>

Spartak playmaker Alex to miss Chelsea clash

Sun, Oct 17 10 07:56 PM

Spartak Moscow playmaker Alex will miss Tuesday's Champions League match against Chelsea with a thigh injury, the Russian Premier League club said on Sunday.

"Medical tests, which were done on Saturday, revealed a minor tear," Spartak coach Valery Karpin told local media.

"He'll need about seven to 10 days to recover."

The Brazil international was substituted at halftime in Friday's 3-0 league win over Alania Vladikavkaz shortly after scoring Spartak's second goal.

Alex's withdrawal has added to Spartak's mounting injury worries ahead of the top-of-the-table Group F clash against the English champions in Moscow.

The Muscovites could also miss leading striker, Alex's compatriot Welliton, who is yet to recover from a pulled thigh muscle, and Ireland winger Aiden McGeady, who did not play against Alania because of a leg injury.

Source: Published>

Kalmadi hits back, says Dikshit should look at her own depts.

Sun, Oct 17 10 06:46 PM

New Delhi, Oct 17 (PTI) Embattled Organising Committee Chairman Suresh Kalmadi today hit back at the Delhi Chief Minister Shiela Dikshit, saying her aspersions on corruption in the OC were "most disappointing and uncalled for" and that she must indulge in self-reflection on corruption in her own departments. In a hard-hitting statement a day after Dikshit pointed fingers on the OC for alleged corruption, Kalmadi said that keeping quiet should not be interpreted as a sign of weakness and the OC would not want to be the "scapegoats" any more. "Delhi Chief Minister Mrs. Shiela Dikshits aspersions on corruption in the Organising Committee Commonwealth Games 2010 Delhi are most disappointing and uncalled for. It is not right to deflect and point fingers at others when she must indulge in self-reflection on corruption in her own departments," Kalmadi said. "She has said that the ways of the OC are mysterious whereas the Commonwealth Games chief Mr. Michael Fennell declared the conduct of the Games as exceptional and successful," said Kalmadi, who finds himself increasingly isolated within his own Congress Party after being snubbed by Prime Minister and party president Sonia Gandhi. Both did not invite Kalmadi while felicitating the Commonwealth Games medal winners. Kalmadi said that the OC has already welcomed the Prime Minister''s decision to set up a probe panel and hoped that the Terms of Reference of the Shunglu Committee will include not just the scope of work undertaken by the OC at a budget of Rs 1620 crore but also the Rs 16,000 spent by the Delhi Government. "Despite a series of attacks in the run up to the Games, I was quiet as I wanted the Games to succeed. Keeping quiet should not be interpreted as a sign of weakness. Nor should patience be seen as a sign of guilt. It was more important to focus on the task of conducting the Games well," Kalmadi said. MORE PTI MRM PDS

Source: Published>

22 more CWG works under CVC scanner

Sun, Oct 17 10 06:36 PM

Ashwini Shrivastava New Delhi, Oct 17 (PTI) Widening its probe, the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) is looking into at least 22 more Commonwealth Games-related construction and procurement works carried out by different government agencies here for alleged financial irregularities. Besides, the CVC has found alleged misuse of official position by Raj Kumar Sacheti, Joint Director General of Commonwealth Games, who is considered a close aide of Organising Committee Chairman Suresh Kalmadi. According to the information received in response to an RTI application, out of the total of 22 projects, a highest of six were being carried out by Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, four by Delhi Development Authority, three by Organising Committee and two each by Municipal Corporation of Delhi, Central Public Works Department, Government of Delhi. One work each relating to Department of Commerce, Indian Meteorogical Department and New Delhi Municipal Council is also being probed, the reply said. An analysis by Chief Technical Examination Wing of CVC earlier found alleged financial and administrative irregularities in 16 construction and procurement projects. Six of them were done by PWD, three by MCD, two each by CPWD, DDA, NDMC and one by RITES, a Government of India Enterprise, the CVC report said. The expansion of the probe by the CVC came even as it directed all agencies concerned to submit their reports by the month-end. Official sources said a reminder has recently been issued to Central Public Works Department (CPWD), Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), Delhi Development Authority (DDA) and Public Works Department (PWD) in this regard. The move came after Central Vigilance Commissioner P J Thomas objected to the "lackadaisical approach" and continuous delay by agencies in submitting replies to the queries raised by the anti-corruption watchdog, they said. A senior CVC official said that based on their replies, the CVC will give its findings or final report to a committee formed by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh headed by former Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India V K Shungloo. As per the RTI information, it has been found out that some of the agencies are sitting on the clarification or delaying their replies asked by CVC on corruption charges since January this year. "Complaint regarding misuse of official position and corruption by Raj Kumar Sacheti, Joint Director General of Commonwealth Games, 2010; factual report awaited from the CVO, Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports," the CVC said. In a related move, both the Income Tax Department and Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) have also tightened the noose around all the agencies for alleged irregularities. The Income Tax department has collected documents pertaining to tenders and award of contracts for its "two pronged" probe into the finances of the Games. The I-T department''s second line of probe will go into deductions under the Tax Deducted at Source (TDS) category which the Organising Committee of the Games is expected to cut from the salaries of professionals hired by it like event managers, anchors and other officials. .

Source: Published>

Kalmadi hits back, says Dikshit should look at her own depts.

Sun, Oct 17 10 06:26 PM

New Delhi, Oct 17 (PTI) Embattled Organising Committee Chairman Suresh Kalmadi today hit back at the Delhi Chief Minister Shiela Dikshit, saying her aspersions on corruption in the OC were "most disappointing and uncalled for" and that she must indulge in self-reflection on corruption in her own departments. In a hard-hitting statement a day after Dikshit pointed fingers on the OC for alleged corruption, Kalmadi said that keeping quiet should not be interpreted as a sign of weakness and the OC would not want to be the "scapegoats" any more. "Delhi Chief Minister Mrs. Shiela Dikshits aspersions on corruption in the Organising Committee Commonwealth Games 2010 Delhi are most disappointing and uncalled for. It is not right to deflect and point fingers at others when she must indulge in self-reflection on corruption in her own departments," Kalmadi said. "She has said that the ways of the OC are mysterious whereas the Commonwealth Games chief Mr. Michael Fennell declared the conduct of the Games as exceptional and successful," said Kalmadi, who finds himself increasingly isolated within his own Congress Party after being snubbed by Prime Minister and party president Sonia Gandhi. Both did not invite Kalmadi while felicitating the Commonwealth Games medal winners. Kalmadi said that the OC has already welcomed the Prime Minister''s decision to set up a probe panel and hoped that the Terms of Reference of the Shunglu Committee will include not just the scope of work undertaken by the OC at a budget of Rs 1620 crore but also the Rs 16,000 spent by the Delhi Government. "Despite a series of attacks in the run up to the Games, I was quiet as I wanted the Games to succeed. Keeping quiet should not be interpreted as a sign of weakness. Nor should patience be seen as a sign of guilt. It was more important to focus on the task of conducting the Games well," Kalmadi said. MORE PTI MRM PDS

Source: Published>

New Liverpool owners in town for debut derby

Sun, Oct 17 10 06:16 PM

Liverpool's new owners John W Henry and Tom Werner changed their minds and decided to attend Sunday's local derby away to Everton after originally saying they would wait for a home match.

Henry's New England Sports Ventures, owners of the Boston Red Sox, completed a takeover of the Premier League club on Friday.

Henry said at the time that he and NESV chairman Werner would wait and have their first experience with supporters at Anfield, Liverpool's home stadium.

"We're football fans and we're here to root on the team and hopefully let the focus be on the pitch," Werner told Sky television at Goodison Park on Sunday.

"I know this is a very important game. It's a very exciting day for both teams and I want to take in the experience."

Liverpool head into the game in the relegation zone with just six points from seven games -- the same as Everton who sit a place above them in 17th.

Source: Published>

Bangladesh stays in ninth place, New Zealand slips behind Pak

Sun, Oct 17 10 06:07 PM

Dubai, Oct 17 (PTI) The shocking 0-4 drubbing at the hands of Bangladesh today pushed New Zealand to the seventh spot behind Pakistan in the latest ICC one-day rankings issued here. On the other hand, the upset series triumph helped Bangladesh earn 13 rating points but the team remained ninth alongside the West Indies. Bangladesh are still placed behind the Caribbean side when the ratings are calculated beyond the decimal point. The West Indies have 67.06 ratings points while Bangladesh have 66.68 ratings points. Bangladesh had started the series on 53 ratings point. New Zealand has plummeted to 96 ratings points after starting the series on 112. Bangladesh next hosts Zimbabwe in a five-match ODI series from 1-15 December and can aim the number-eight position as the West Indies will play five ODIs against Sri Lanka from December 9. Meanwhile, the abandonment of the first ODI between India and Australia in Kochi today has given South Africa a chance to briefly move into second place on the championship table. For this to happen, they will have to beat Zimbabwe in the second ODI in Potchefstroom. However, if they lose the match, the Proteas will drop to as low as fifth one point behind fourth-placed England. PTI AT PM

Source: Published>

Murray rolls to Shanghai title at Federer's expense

Published>Sun, Oct 17 10 05:52 PM

Shanghai, Oct 17 (DPA) Andy Murray won the Shanghai Masters Sunday as he stunned Swiss Roger Federer 6-3, 6-2 to get his season back in the groove after months of poor form.

The world number four Scot was unstoppable in the quick defeat lasting less than 90 minutes.

The victory was a repeat of Murray's Masters win against Federer in Toronto in August and improved the 23-year-old's record against the Swiss to 8-5.

'I had a great week and played some of my best tennis,' said Murray. 'I had to play great to have a chance against Roger. But I was able to do that today.'

Federer had a miserable day all around at the Qi Zhong centre, committing 30 unforced errors and failing on all six of his break points. Murray broke four times and completely dominated the contest with 20 winners.

Nevertheless, Federer will move back to second in the rankings behind Rafael Nadal after defeating Novak Djokovic in the semi-finals. The Swiss saved a match point in the final game but took the loss on a return long.

'I know how tough it is to win these Masters titles,' said Federer, who missed his chance to level on the all-time record of 18 Masters shields with Nadal. 'It's not easy, Andy had a great effort.

'I had some chances but I couldn't break through. He played great and didn't give me much.

'He made me work hard, I couldn't find many great shots, he was too good. But I still had a good week and beat some good players,' he said after defeating Robin Soderling in the quarter-finals and Djokovic in a dominating semi-final Saturday.

Source: Web Search

ED likely to book Modi under anti-money laundering act

Sun, Oct 17 10 05:32 PM

New Delhi, Oct 17 (PTI) Enforcement Directorate is likely to book former IPL chairman Lalit Modi under the stringent Prevention of Money Laundering Act, which gives the Directorate the power to arrest and attach properties. Official sources said the game changer for ED, which is probing Modi under the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA), was the FIR filed by BCCI secretary N Srinivasan. The ED is studying the FIR, filed for alleged misappropriation of funds to the tune of Rs 470 crore, to find out whether the provisions can be used for booking Modi under the PMLA, they said. Modi has been facing heat from the ED in the recent past. The Directorate had first issued a Blue Notice through the Interpol against Modi for alleged "serious contraventions" of the foreign exchange law in connection with the IPL. It later wrote to the Mumbai Passport Office asking the officials to revoke his passport. To top it all, the ED has also issued a Look Out Notice against Modi. The circular empowers police and other enforcement agencies at immigration check points to detain the individual who has been flagged, and immediately inform the issuing agency -- ED in this case -- about the detention. Modi, however, has said that he always cooperated with the Enforcement Directorate and that he is ready to appear before it personally in London or through video-conferencing, something that ED is not inclined to do. "We reiterate that we have complete faith in the process of law and we are ready and willing to render all co-operation to any investigating agency whatsoever," Mehmood Abdi, General Counsel for Modi had said. "As far as filing of a complaint at Chennai by Mr Srinivasan is concerned, we have not seen a copy of such complaint. Therefore, we are not in a position to comment upon the same and does the Chennai Police have the territorial jurisdiction to entertain such a complaint and register an FIR and investigate the matter," he said.

Source: Published>

Murray thrashes Federer to lift Shanghai title

Published>Sun, Oct 17 10 05:16 PM

Britain's world number four Andy Murray romped to a 6-3 6-2 win over Switzerland's Roger Federer to claim the Shanghai Masters title on Sunday.

The 23-year-old Scot was in impeccable form throughout the one hour 25 minute contest, breaking the third seed's serve four times to dismantle the 16 time grand slam champion and claim his second Masters title of the season.

"I have had a great week and played some of my best tennis, which I had to, to beat Roger," Murray said at the trophy presentation of an event where he did not lose a set.

The contest was the third meeting in a final between the pair this season with Murray losing at the Australian Open at the start of the year before gaining some revenge at the Toronto Masters in August.

Federer appeared to run out of steam in the second set as Murray repeatedly sent the 29-year-old scurrying from side-to-side with an array of pinpoint cross-court winners.

"Andy didn't give me many chances to pull off the really big shots today," Federer said.

Source: Web Search

Fans disappointed as Kochi ODI called off

Published>Sun, Oct 17 10 04:53 PM

Kochi, October 17 (ANI):Rain leaves thousands of cricket enthusiasts disappointed as the first ODI between India and Australia was abandoned in Kochi on Sunday.Incessant rains for the last few days resulted in a wet outfield and fresh downpour in the morning,forced match referee Chris Broad to abandon the match.Fans of both Indian and Australian cricket teams had thronged the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in the city early in the morning.

Source: Web Search

Swann apologizes to South African fans for his slur on Twitter

Published>Sun, Oct 17 10 04:46 PM

Sydney, Oct 17 (ANI): England spinner Graeme Swann has had to apologise for a Twitter message in which he referred to South African fans as "Dutchmen".

Swann's tweets should be a highlight of the Ashes series but blogs in South Africa lit up with angry response after the spinner posted: "South Africa vs Zimbabwe on TV. Not exactly a sellout crowd. There's more ice pops in my freezer than Dutchmen in the ground."

But Swann quickly followed with this Twitter message: "Oh sorry my South African friends. I forgot about your sense of humour issues. My apologies."

The Sydney Morning Herald reports that angry fans didn't considered his apology and lambasted him online, many of whom called him "a drunken idiot". (ANI)

Source: Web Search

Teen boxer revealed as Aussie athlete sent back early from CWG

Sun, Oct 17 10 04:22 PM

Melbourne, Oct 17 (PTI) Teenage boxer Damien Hooper has been revealed as the Australian athlete sent back home early from the Delhi Commonwealth Games for alleged indiscipline. Hooper is a middleweight (75kg) Youth World Championships silver-medallist who was ousted at the quarterfinal stage of the Delhi event. "Australia''s best amateur boxer was sent home early from the Delhi Commonwealth Games after an alleged indiscretion in front of an official. Gold medal favourite Damien Hooper, 18, who competed in the middleweight division but lost in the quarter-finals, was sent back to Australia a week early over the incident, a senior boxing official confirmed," the ''Sunday Mail'' reported. The official did not disclose what exactly Hooper did to be sent home midway through the event but there are reports that he dropped his pants in front of an official after his quarterfinal loss. When contacted, Hooper, who hails from Queensland, refused to comment, merely stating that, "I''m happy to talk about boxing, but nothing else. Please don''t ask me to comment about anything else." Boxing Queensland''s Allen Nicolson defended Hooper and said a minor indiscretion should not result in any major damage to the boxer''s career. "Perhaps he did step out of line in some way ... but it was a little mistake," Nicolson said. "I know the kid, and it''s not the type of thing you would expect him to do. Kids do all that dropping their daks but because it''s India, it''s considered trouble. "He could have been going to the loo. At 18, he''s not exactly a dirty old man. Damien, don''t worry about it. You won''t go to prison for it." Australia topped the overall medal tally but had a disappointing boxing campaign failing to fetch a single medal after all their 10 boxers were ousted by the quarterfinal stage. "I can honestly say we''ve had a very bad Commonwealth Games in terms of boxing. I''m sure all the boxers would have been in a very depressed state after the boxing. Damien was only just beaten," Nicolson said.

Source: Published>

Swann can turn Ashes series in England's favour: Lee

Published>Sun, Oct 17 10 04:07 PM

London, Oct 17 (ANI): Australian fast bowler Bret Lee, who was one of England's chief tormentors when they suffered the humiliation of being whitewashed by Australia on their last tour Down Under, feels off-spinner Graeme Swann could turn the Ashes series in England's favour.

"Swann and Nathan Hauritz have revamped off-spin bowling in world cricket. We have recently struggled against spin, so he will play a huge role for England. If the wickets have some turn, he could come into his own and dominate the series," The Daily Express quoted Lee, as saying.

"Not having Freddie Flintoff there will provide a chance for some of their bowlers to stand up. Swann could be the key, and if we start poorly against him he could be the difference," he added.

Bret Lee said the result of the next month's Ashes series would be determined on the performance of the English batsmen against the Australian bowling attack.

"Anything is possible! But looking at the sides, I think we'll see a pretty evenly contested series. How England handle the pressure of the Aussie bowling attack will determine the result," he added.

Further talking about Australian skipper Ricky Ponting, who might probably lead his side for the last time in an Ashes series, Lee said: Obviously every Test captain wants to win an Ashes series and that will be a high priority for Ricky.

"He is a world-class player and when he leads from the front he is at his best. This will be a massive series for Ricky," he added.

Lee claimed that he is very comfortable with his decision to retire from Test cricket.

" I am the world's worst watcher of cricket, so you won't see me getting frustrated. I will miss the new ball, and the buzz and excitement of a Test match. I am comfortable with my decision to retire from Test cricket," said Lee.

"And after so many successful memories it will be nice to see our next generation of players win us an Ashes series," he added. (ANI)

Source: Web Search

Shooters make city of Coimbatore proud

Sun, Oct 17 10 03:56 PM

Coimbatore, Oct 17 (PTI) Two shooters from Coimbatore -- Omkar Singh and Harpreet Singh made the city proud after winning five gold medals and a silver medal for the country in the recently concluded Commonwealth Games at New Delhi. Omkar Singh won as many as three gold medals -- 50m free pistol, 100m air pistol singles and 100m air pistol double, while he also bagged a silver in 50m air pistol doubles category. Another one from the same city, Harpreet Singh won a gold in 25m centre fire pistol in singles and doubles. Both Omkar and Harpreet, who are working in IAF here, returned to the city yesterday along with coach Sanjay Tatti and were given a warm welcome at the airport by District Collector P Umanath and top IAF officials.

Source: Published>

Misbah's performance crucial for upcoming South Africa series: Waqar

Published>Sun, Oct 17 10 03:36 PM

Lahore, Oct 17 (ANI): Pakistan cricket coach Waqar Younis has said that the performance of new Test captain, Misbahul Haq, will be important in the forthcoming series against South Africa in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Former Test skipper Waqar also noted that Misbah had the experience of captaining at the domestic level, the Daily Times reported.

"That will help him, but more than that I think his individual performance will matter a lot for him and the team," he added.

The Pakistan coach had made it clear at the hearing of the National Assembly's Standing Committee on Sports this week that he was not consulted by the PCB over the appointment of Misbah as Test captain.

He said that Salman Butt, who is currently under provisional suspension by the International Cricket Council (ICC) over spot-fixing allegations, had done a good job as Test captain on the recent tour to England.

"He (Salman) will be missed in the coming series," the coach added.

Waqar pointed out that Pakistan would have the benefit over South Africa in the upcoming series, as the conditions in the UAE were similar to those at home.

"That is an edge for us but South Africa remain a very dangerous and experienced side and it will be a big challenge for our players," he added.

Waqar, who will supervise a conditioning camp in Lahore to prepare his team for the full series, said he had opted for a short camp keeping in mind that the players had been playing a lot of cricket, and he did not want them fatigued before the important series.

He also said that Pakistan would depend a lot on their spinners in the coming Test series because of the conditions, adding that it was good to have three quality spinners in the line-up.

The selectors have picked leg spinners Danish Kaneria, Abdul Rehman and off-spinner Saeed Ajmal for the two Tests. (ANI)

Source: Web Search

India boxers'' CWG show outstanding: AIBA

Sun, Oct 17 10 03:22 PM

New Delhi, Oct 17 (PTI) The International Boxing Association (AIBA) has lavished praise on Indian pugilists for their unprecedented haul of three gold and four bronze medals at the just-concluded Commonwealth Games, saying the performance was "absolutely outstanding". AIBA President Ching-Kuo Wu, who was in the Indian capital during the Games to witness the boxing competition, said he was impressed with what he saw of India both inside and outside the ring. "It was very pleasant to see that the performance from the Indian boxers was absolutely outstanding," Dr Wu said in a letter of appreciation to the Indian Boxing Federation. Suranjoy Singh (52kg), Manoj Kumar (64kg) and Paramjeet Samota (+91kg) were the gold-medallists for India, while star attraction Vijender Singh (75kg), Amandeep Singh (49kg), Jai Bhagwan (60kg) and Dilbag Singh (69kg) had to be content with bronze medals after losing in the semifinals. This was India''s best-ever medal haul at the Games, two better then the previous edition in Melbourne where the country fetched just one gold. Dr Wu also lauded the organisation of the Games, the build-up to which had been marred by various controversies. "I would like to congratulate you that the Commonwealth Games in India is now ended with success. I was very impressed by the preparation for the boxing competitions and the venue which was professionally equipped," he said. "I would also like to extend my most sincere appreciation for the hard work and effort from the people who have involved in the preparation works with you. I must also say that the volunteers were indeed one of the most valuable contributors to the success of this event," he added. The AIBA boss said the turnout of fans at the boxing venue was also impressive. Boxing was one of the hit events at the Games with all days of the competition being sellout in the 2700-capacity Talkatora Stadium. "I could really feel the passion from the people in India and their determination for hosting such exciting games," he said. "Thank you once again for delivering a successful event and all the arrangement and warm hospitality extended to me during my stay. I sincerely wish you every success in your endeavour," he added.

Source: Published>

PCB should clean up mess: Zaheer Abbas

Published>Sun, Oct 17 10 03:16 PM

Karachi, Oct 17 (ANI): The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is doing one blunder after another, thus taking the national cricket to the edge of a disaster, former captain Zaheer Abbas has said.

"I was surprised to hear Ijaz giving a very controversial statement about the English Cricket Board (ECB) which he should've avoided," the Daily Times quoted Zaheer, as saying, referring to PCB chairman Ijaz Butt's "England match-throwing comment."

Earlier, Butt had claimed that the England team was involved in match-fixing during the third one-day international against Pakistan last month. His remarks had created a furore in the cricket world, following which Butt had to offer his unconditional apology to the ECB.

Commenting on the International Cricket Council (ICC) announcement after its Executive Board meeting in Dubai, Zaheer said, "The ICC wrote a pinching and insulting letter to PCB, telling the board to get its act together."

"It is an insult for Pakistan and its citizens," he added.

Taking serious note of the continuing decline in the governance of cricket in Pakistan, the ICC had given out a clear message to the PCB that it should either buck up and sort out the game's administration within a month or be ready to face the consequences, potentially in the form of sanctions. (ANI)

Source: Web Search

India boxers'' CWG show outstanding: AIBA

Sun, Oct 17 10 02:36 PM

New Delhi, Oct 17 (PTI) The International Boxing Association (AIBA) has lavished praise on Indian pugilists for their unprecedented haul of three gold and four bronze medals at the just-concluded Commonwealth Games, saying the performance was "absolutely outstanding". AIBA President Ching-Kuo Wu, who was in the Indian capital during the Games to witness the boxing competition, said he was impressed with what he saw of India both inside and outside the ring. "It was very pleasant to see that the performance from the Indian boxers was absolutely outstanding," Dr Wu said in a letter of appreciation to the Indian Boxing Federation. Suranjoy Singh (52kg), Manoj Kumar (64kg) and Paramjeet Samota (+91kg) were the gold-medallists for India, while star attraction Vijender Singh (75kg), Amandeep Singh (49kg), Jai Bhagwan (60kg) and Dilbag Singh (69kg) had to be content with bronze medals after losing in the semifinals. This was India''s best-ever medal haul at the Games, two better then the previous edition in Melbourne where the country fetched just one gold. Dr Wu also lauded the organisation of the Games, the build-up to which had been marred by various controversies. "I would like to congratulate you that the Commonwealth Games in India is now ended with success. I was very impressed by the preparation for the boxing competitions and the venue which was professionally equipped," he said. "I would also like to extend my most sincere appreciation for the hard work and effort from the people who have involved in the preparation works with you. I must also say that the volunteers were indeed one of the most valuable contributors to the success of this event," he added. The AIBA boss said the turnout of fans at the boxing venue was also impressive. Boxing was one of the hit events at the Games with all days of the competition being sellout in the 2700-capacity Talkatora Stadium. "I could really feel the passion from the people in India and their determination for hosting such exciting games," he said. "Thank you once again for delivering a successful event and all the arrangement and warm hospitality extended to me during my stay. I sincerely wish you every success in your endeavour," he added.

Source: Published>

Mancini prefers Manchester City players womanizing than drinking

Published>Sun, Oct 17 10 02:22 PM

London, Oct 17(ANI): Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini has said that he advises his players to indulge in womanizing than drinking.

Mancini's comment comes after goalkeeper Joe Hart was pictured dancing on a bar in Puerto Banus last week before joining up with the national squad.

"I do not understand players drinking until they are drunk. We do not have that culture in Italy. We would prefer to go off with a woman," the Guardian quoted Mancini, as saying.

"That's what I liked to do after a match, and I tell my players now it is better that they go with a woman than drink," he added.

Mancini further said that the post-match drinking culture in England is something that he wants to discourage.

"I know it is part of the English culture to drink after a game. When I first went to Leicester we went straight to the pub after training and drank I don't know how many beers," Mancini said.

"When you are young you feel you can do what you like, and maybe in your early twenties you can recover easily, but when you are 28 or 29 you begin to pay the price," he added. (ANI)

Source: Web Search

PCB should clean up mess: Zaheer Abbas

Published>Sun, Oct 17 10 02:16 PM

Karachi, Oct 17 (ANI): The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is doing one blunder after another, thus taking the national cricket to the edge of a disaster, former captain Zaheer Abbas has said.

"I was surprised to hear Ijaz giving a very controversial statement about the English Cricket Board (ECB) which he should've avoided," the Daily Times quoted Zaheer, as saying, referring to PCB chairman Ijaz Butt's "England match-throwing comment."

Earlier, Butt had claimed that the England team was involved in match-fixing during the third one-day international against Pakistan last month. His remarks had created a furore in the cricket world, following which Butt had to offer his unconditional apology to the ECB.

Commenting on the International Cricket Council (ICC) announcement after its Executive Board meeting in Dubai, Zaheer said, "The ICC wrote a pinching and insulting letter to PCB, telling the board to get its act together."

"It is an insult for Pakistan and its citizens," he added.

Taking serious note of the continuing decline in the governance of cricket in Pakistan, the ICC had given out a clear message to the PCB that it should either buck up and sort out the game's administration within a month or be ready to face the consequences, potentially in the form of sanctions. (ANI)

Source: Web Search

Mancini prefers Manchester City players womanizing than drinking

Published>Sun, Oct 17 10 01:56 PM

London, Oct 17(ANI): Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini has said that he advises his players to indulge in womanizing than drinking.

Mancini's comment comes after goalkeeper Joe Hart was pictured dancing on a bar in Puerto Banus last week before joining up with the national squad.

"I do not understand players drinking until they are drunk. We do not have that culture in Italy. We would prefer to go off with a woman," the Guardian quoted Mancini, as saying.

"That's what I liked to do after a match, and I tell my players now it is better that they go with a woman than drink," he added.

Mancini further said that the post-match drinking culture in England is something that he wants to discourage.

"I know it is part of the English culture to drink after a game. When I first went to Leicester we went straight to the pub after training and drank I don't know how many beers," Mancini said.

"When you are young you feel you can do what you like, and maybe in your early twenties you can recover easily, but when you are 28 or 29 you begin to pay the price," he added. (ANI)

Source: Web Search

Ancelotti fancies succeeding Capello as England manager

Published>Sun, Oct 17 10 01:52 PM

London, Oct 17(ANI): Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti has revealed that he would be willing to succeed England manager Fabio Capello in future.

Capello, whose position has come under increased scrutiny after Tuesday's 0-0 draw against Montenegro, is contracted until after the Euro 2012.

When asked if he is eyeing the England manager's job after achieving all his domestic ambitions, Ancelotti said: "Why not?"

"I would like to do it in the future, to have this kind of experience. I have never been the coach of a national team. To manage the national team and manage a club is different," the Telegraph quoted Ancelotti, as saying.

"I don't know if Harry Redknapp is agreeing. Redknapp doesn't like foreign coaches for the national team, but if you ask me, I say Why not?" he added.

Concerning the appointment of a foreign manager and the language barriers that may come with it, Ancelotti said: Language is very important, but it is not the most important thing."

"Football has an international language. Technically, it is very easy to speak to the players. But it's more difficult to motivate them in a different language, to show emotion when you speak. You need to learn quickly," he added. (ANI)

Source: Web Search

2018, 2022 World Cup bidding process in turmoil over FIFA officials' vote-selling scam

Published>Sun, Oct 17 10 01:47 PM

London, Oct 17(ANI): The bidding process for the 2018 and 2022 football World Cups has been thrown into turmoil after two senior FIFA officials were accused of offering to sell their votes in the contest in return for cash.

The allegations centre on Oceania Football Confederation President Reynald Temarii and FIFA executive committee member Amos Adamu.

The duo is in the 24-member committee that would vote to decide the destination of the 2018 and 2022 World Cups on December 2 in Zurich.

Temarii is accused of demanding around 1.5 million pounds from undercover journalists in order to build a sports academy, while Adamu was videotaped asking for around 500,000 pounds for a "personal project", the Telegraph reports.

The reporters were posing as lobbyists for a consortium of American companies purporting to help bring the World Cup back to the United States. No money changed hands.

Bidding countries, officials and national football associations are strictly prohibited from arranging deals in exchange for votes under FIFA rules.

Meanwhile, FIFA has launched a probe into the bribery sting.

"FIFA has already requested to receive all of the information and documents related to this matter, and is awaiting to receive this material," the governing body said in a statement.

"In any case, FIFA will immediately analyze the material available and only once this analysis has concluded will FIFA be able to decide on any potential next steps," it added.

England and Russia are competing for the 2018 World Cup along with joint bids by Belgium-Holland and Spain-Portugal.

The U.S. is bidding for 2022 with Australia, Japan, South Korea and Qatar. (ANI)

Source: Web Search

Ferguson unfazed by talks of captaining Aussies

Published>Sun, Oct 17 10 01:26 PM

Sydney, Oct 17 (ANI): Callum Ferguson, who has been tipped as Australian Test captain-in-waiting, tries to resists the hype over the debate that rages around the leadership credentials of Ricky Ponting.

Ponting and chief selector Andrew Hilditch have identified Ferguson as a certain prospect for Australia's middle order, but recently talks have moved towards his potential as a skipper.

Ferguson, 25, is already South Australia's vice-captain and is gaining strong support without a Test to his name.

"I don't think anyone in Australia would say they didn't want to captain Australia, that would be the highest honour as a cricketer you could possibly get," The Sydney Morning Herald quoted Ferguson, as saying.

"It's a big call though, to label someone as 'this guy is going to captain Australia'. The fact of the matter at the moment is that I haven't played Test cricket at all yet.

"I just desperately want to get my baggy green first and see where we go from there. My goal is try to get into Test cricket first. Everyone is allowed their opinion, it's nice when people say things like that. They're kind words and I definitely appreciate them," he said.

His assuredness, ability and easy personality have made him a favourite among the team's hierarchy, while commentators rave about his batting.

"I try not to think about that stuff too much, we've got a good bunch of blokes at the Redbacks and in the Australian team, when you are playing for those teams you're just filling a role and doing your job for the team," Ferguson said. (ANI)

Source: Web Search

2018, 2022 World Cup bidding process in turmoil over FIFA officials' vote-selling scam

Published>Sun, Oct 17 10 01:22 PM

London, Oct 17(ANI): The bidding process for the 2018 and 2022 football World Cups has been thrown into turmoil after two senior FIFA officials were accused of offering to sell their votes in the contest in return for cash.

The allegations centre on Oceania Football Confederation President Reynald Temarii and FIFA executive committee member Amos Adamu.

The duo is in the 24-member committee that would vote to decide the destination of the 2018 and 2022 World Cups on December 2 in Zurich.

Temarii is accused of demanding around 1.5 million pounds from undercover journalists in order to build a sports academy, while Adamu was videotaped asking for around 500,000 pounds for a "personal project", the Telegraph reports.

The reporters were posing as lobbyists for a consortium of American companies purporting to help bring the World Cup back to the United States. No money changed hands.

Bidding countries, officials and national football associations are strictly prohibited from arranging deals in exchange for votes under FIFA rules.

Meanwhile, FIFA has launched a probe into the bribery sting.

"FIFA has already requested to receive all of the information and documents related to this matter, and is awaiting to receive this material," the governing body said in a statement.

"In any case, FIFA will immediately analyze the material available and only once this analysis has concluded will FIFA be able to decide on any potential next steps," it added.

England and Russia are competing for the 2018 World Cup along with joint bids by Belgium-Holland and Spain-Portugal.

The U.S. is bidding for 2022 with Australia, Japan, South Korea and Qatar. (ANI)

Source: Web Search