Withdrawal not because of incriminating evidence: Asif

Sat, Oct 23 10 09:07 PM

Karachi, Oct 23 (PTI) Pakistan fast bowler Mohammad Asif today clarified that he had withdrawn his appeal to lift the provisional suspension as he got the documents late from the ICC and not because there was incriminating evidence against him in the spot fixing scandal. Asif said further steps in the matter will be taken after his lawyers go through the details of the documents provided by the sport''s world governing body. Asif surprised the cricket world yesterday by withdrawing his challenge to the ICC suspension, which was due to be heard later this month in Doha, Qatar. "I simply decided to withdraw my appeal for now because we got the complete documents relating to the matter late from the ICC and my lawyers want to make a proper and detailed case to the allegations and suspension," Asif said. "I have not given up my intentions of challenging these allegations against me. I am innocent and I have done nothing wrong. We will file a detailed explanation not only against the suspension but the spot fixing allegations too. The reports (incriminating evidence against him) are untrue. We made the decision because the lawyers need more time to contest the case," the pacer added. Asif, who got married recently, returned from London after meeting with his lawyers. The ICC announced yesterday that Asif had withdrawn his challenge to the provisional suspension imposed on him on September 2 pending determination of the charges brought against him under the ICC''s Anti-Corruption Code. Asif, fellow pace bowler Muhammad Aamir and Test captain Salman Butt were banned from playing by the ICC for allegedly agreeing to bowl deliberate no balls in the fourth Test against England in August. Aamir and Butt are still appealing their bans. "I have got married recently and I am starting a new life. The advise I got was that not to rush things and take time in dealing with these issues," he said. "I am confident I will make a comeback to Pakistan cricket. It has given me a lot," the pacer said. The ICC also announced that following Asif''s withdrawal, the hearing of the appeals of Butt and Aamir would now be held in Dubai on the same dates of October 30 and 31st. The hearing was first scheduled in Doha because Asif is banned from entering the UAE state of Dubai as he was arrested and kept in detention for 19-days at the Dubai airport in 2008 for possession of Marijuana. Although no criminal charges were brought against him, he was barred from entering Dubai.

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Nobody should be allowed to sell the country: Kapil

Sat, Oct 23 10 08:51 PM

Ludhiana, Oct 23 (PTI) Expressing concern over increasing incidents of corruption and fixing in cricket, former India captain Kapil Dev feels stringent laws should be formulated to stop anyone from selling the country. "Nobody should be allowed to sell the country," Kapil said talking to mediapersons after inaugurating a Golf Academy at Mulanpur near here. Kapil said he was pained to hear all such developments and such cases should be handed over to fast-courts so that the guilty could be exposed and brought to the book at the earliest.

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ICC happy with PCB''s initial response on anti-corruption

Sat, Oct 23 10 08:47 PM

Dubai, Oct 23 (PTI) International Cricket Council today expressed satisfaction by the initial response from Pakistan Cricket Board after the threat to impose sanctions if it did not take robust anti-corruption measures to clean up cricket. ICC chief executive Haroon Lorgat said after a meeting of the members of Pakistan Task Team via teleconference call that the world body was satisfied by the PCB''s reponse. "We are encouraged by the excellent progress reported and also the willingness of PCB to embrace ICC recommendations. However, we can never be complacent nor distracted in our determination to tackle corruption," Lorgat said in a statement. "The ICC Task Team was mindful of the challenges faced by PCB and is committed to support Pakistan playing international cricket, but recognised the importance of rooting out corruption from the sport. It also fully endorsed the stated policy of zero-tolerance towards corruption in order to ensure the integrity of cricket," he said. ICC Director Giles Clarke, as chairman of the PTT, was joined by members of the task team as well as PCB chairman Ijaz Butt and PCB Senior General Manager Cricket Operations (International), Subhan Ahmed, and advised the members of the additional responsibilities of the group following the ICC Board meeting. These include raising awareness of anti-corruption issues among international players, particularly those from Pakistan'' to support Pakistan cricket in the urgent development and delivery of anti-corruption policies, processes and education; to support PCB in reviewing its structures and making reforms necessary to restore confidence in the administration of the game in Pakistan and to protect the integrity of international cricket by enforcing the stated zero-tolerance approach. The PTT received an update on the agreed measures that the PCB has already started to introduce. The task team meeting reminded the PCB of its agreement to encourage all its players to come forward and disclose to the Anti-Corruption and Safety Unit any relevant information which will be treated as strictly confidential. Pakistan Task Team chairman Clarke said, "The task team urged everyone to support the PCB to reform its cricket and governance models and the important role Ijaz Butt has to play in this regard. An independent board would help it to regain its glory and ensure long-term success." PCB chairman Butt said, "We are grateful to the ICC for its advice and support in these challenging times. Rest assured that Pakistan cricket has no tolerance for any players or officials who are found to be corrupt and will make the tough decisions necessary." .

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I don''t regret two missed golds: Narang

Sat, Oct 23 10 08:37 PM

Hyderabad, Oct 23 (PTI) Ace Indian marksman Gagan Narang, who claimed four golds in Delhi Commonwealth Games, today said he does not regret missing the chance to complete his quota of six yellow metals in the October 3-14 mega-event. "I am happy with the four medals that I won and there are no regrets over the two others that I lost," Narang told reporters after his arrival at the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport here. The 27-year-old won golds in pairs and individual events of 10 metre air rifle and 50 metre rifle three positions in Delhi Games. Narang needed to win two more events in rifle prone to meet his target of six golds but the ace shooter missed out, including one in men''s 50 metre prone position section. "It is a great feeling to win four medals. It was a record three at Melbourne and now a record four at Delhi. So I am happy with my performance," said the shooter, while displaying the medals. Narang, an Indian Airlines employee, returned to a warm welcome in the city as his family and friends, besides scores of fans, were present at the airport.

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Houghton's alleged racial slur may kick up a 'storm'

Published>Sat, Oct 23 10 08:07 PM

New Delhi, Oct 23 (IANS) National football coach Bob Houghton's alleged racial abuse of an Indian referee is likely to kick up a 'storm' at the Annual General Meeting (AGM)of the All India Football Federation (AIFF) next month.

Houghton reportedly hurled racial abuses at the fourth referee during India's friendly with Yemen in Pune Oct 13. The referee is said to have lodged a written complaint to the match commissioner who in turn has forwarded it to AIFF.

'The issue will create a storm at the AGM, but before that the executive committee will deal with the matter,' an AIFF source told IANS.

However, with the Asian Cup in Doha in January, the Englishman is likely to be let off with a mild rap on his knuckles.

'Houghton is lucky, in view of the upcoming Asian Cup, he will get away with a mere warning. The British coach's future will, however, hinge on the team's performance in the tournament,' the source said.

Generally, any racial remark by officials, players, referees and spectators can invite severe punishment under the disciplinary code.

AFC's Article 56 of its disciplinary code is clear.

'Anyone who publicly disparages, discriminates against or denigrates someone in a defamatory manner on account of race, colour, language, religion or ethnic origin will be subjected to match suspension for at least five matches at every level. The body will also impose a ban on his/her entering the confines of any stadium and a fine of at least $5,000. If the perpetrator is an official, the fine will be at least $10,000.'

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Bacrot shocks Anand in Pearl Spring Chess

Sat, Oct 23 10 07:51 PM

From Our Chess Correspondent Nanjing (China), Oct 23 (PTI) World Champion Viswanathan Anand suffered a shock defeat at the hands of Etienne Bacrot of France in the fourth round of the Pearl Spring Chess tournament here. Just when he was sitting pretty with a black-piece win against arch-rival Veselin Topalov of Bulgaria, Anand was in for the biggest surprise of this season as Bacrot, once the youngest Grandmaster in the world, played energetically to catch the Indian ace off guard and score one of the biggest wins of his career. Meanwhile, Magnus Carlsen of Norway salvaged some anxious moments and finally played out a draw with Vugar Gashimov of Azerbaijan, while in the other game of the day Topalov too could not make any headway and had to split the points with Wang Yue of China. With six rounds to come in this six-player double round robin tournament, Carlsen took his tally to three points and he is now followed by Bacrot a half point behind. Anand now stands sole third on two points while Topalov, Wang Yue and Gashimov are sharing the fourth spot on 1.5 points apiece. It turned out to be a tough day for Anand in the Slav defence game wherein the Indian went for a well-analysed piece sacrifice variation. As is typical of the opening, Anand got four pawns in exchange for his piece, but the nature of black pawns remained fragile. To Bacrot''s credit, he went for a relatively less played system, which should have been equal but Anand was caught off-guard in the exchanges that took place intermittently leading to a two pawn deficit for the Indian. Technically, things were not easy but Bacrot did not let the opportunity slip and won in 46 moves. Carlsen was also made to sweat for once. Playing white, Gashimov was seen pressing for an advantage in the middle game arising out of a Breyer variation in the Ruy Lopez that Carlsen has been frequenting these days. After a methodical king side pressure, Gashimov shifted his gaze on the other flank and successfully weakened a couple of black pawns. Carlsen had to part with a pawn and he finally secured the half point with some perfect defence. The longest game of the day lasted 76 moves. MORE PTI Corr DB

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Tottenham held at home by Everton

Sat, Oct 23 10 07:37 PM

Tottenham Hotspur wasted the chance to bolster their top-four ambitions in the Premier League on Saturday when they were held to a 1-1 draw at home by Everton.

Dutch midfielder Rafael van der Vaart scored his fifth goal in seven appearances for Tottenham with an unmissable tap-in after 20 minutes after Everton had taken the lead when Leighton Baines curled a free kick past Heurelho Gomes.

The draw lifted Tottenham into third place with 15 points from nine games but they remained two behind Manchester City and four behind leaders Chelsea. City play Arsenal on Sunday while Chelsea host Wolverhampton Wanderers later on Saturday.

Tottenham, beaten 4-3 by Inter Milan in the Champions League on Wednesday, were the brighter side in the first half and should have reached halftime in front but Peter Crouch wasted a couple of good opportunities for the home side.

Neither side did enough to take all three points after the break although Tottenham did have the better chances with Crouch again guilty of some sloppy finishing.

After a slow start to the season mid-table Everton stretched their unbeaten league run to four games.

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East Bengal beat KMS 5-2 in Kolkata Premier League

Sat, Oct 23 10 07:21 PM

Kolkata, Oct 23 (PTI) Former champions East Bengal continued with their brilliant form and beat Kalighat Milan Samity (KMS) 5-2 in a Sahara Kolkata Premier Football League match at Yuba Bharati Krirangan here today. Though East Bengal have won all their matches in this league so far and have collected 30 points after 10 games, their defence proved vulnerable at the beginning and conceded an early goal in today''s match. Trailing by a goal by Prosenjit Neogi of KMS, who headed home in the sixth minute, East Bengal took some time to settle down before pumping in three goals within a span of six minutes to return to victory path. KMS, the bottom side of the 17-team CFL, which has so far collected 12 points from 10 outings, cracked the defence once and shook thrice as former JCT defenders Gurwinder Singh and Sunil Kumar had a terrible time to check Christopher and Abinav Pal''s combination. Christopher was adjudged Man of the Match. East Bengal had to wait for about 40 minutes before a breakthrough came from Nigerian Penn Orji, whose score took him to eight goals, one behind Mohun Bagan''s Edeh Chidi. The victory proved East Bengal an invincible side this season so far recording 15 straight wins, including five in the Federation Cup. While Penn Orji, who scored a lone goal for EB in the previous game against Tollygunge Agragami, slotted home a cross from captain Sanju Pradhan in the 39th minute and Robin Singh struck twice. Winger Robin Singh''s first goal came from penalty when he was tripped by A Majumder in the 43rd minute and his second goal-double came from a stinging left footer off a Tolgay Ozbay pass into the stoppage time. Soon after the changeover Australian recruit Ozbay scored the fourth goal for East Bengal within five minutes and his brace came after KMS to reduce the margin. Tolgay, who led East Bengal in the Federation Cup, struck home from Penn Orji''s cross to give his side 5-2 win which will definitely boost the morale before their departure for New Delhi to play in Durand Cup. KMS, before conceding the fifth goal, however, reversed the trend when their Nigerian striker Christopher reduced the difference from penalty. Referee Kali Shankar Banerjee whistled for a spot kick when EB''s defender Sunil Kumar handled the ball inside the dreaded zone. Lanky Christopher, who troubled East Bengal defence on three occasions in the first half in absence of Uga Okpara, converted the spot kick to beat Jayanta Paul on his left. PTI CORR NIK DB

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Sohail Abbas hoping for a successful comeback

Published>Sat, Oct 23 10 07:17 PM

Karachi, Oct 23 (IANS) A day after being recalled to the national hockey team, Pakistan's short corner specialist Sohail Abbas is hoping to make a successful comeback at next month's Asian Games in Guangzhou, China.

'I am always ready to play for Pakistan,' Sohail said when asked whether he was ready to make yet another international comeback after spending several months on the sidelines.

'I am fit and have been training while I was out of the team,' he told The news Saturday.

Sohail was axed from the national team after Pakistan flopped miserably and finished last in the 2010 World Cup in March.

Following the debacle, Sohail was singled out as one of the biggest failures of the World Cup and was not considered for the team when the country's hockey chiefs began making plans for two back-to-back events - the Commonwealth Games and the Asian Games.

However, they were forced to recall Sohail after Pakistan slumped to a disappointing sixth-place finish in the Commonwealth Games, suffering defeats at the hands of arch-rivals India and South Africa in New Delhi earlier this month.

Sohail said it is his greatest desire to help Pakistan win a major title before saying goodbye to the game.

'It is something that is very much on my mind,' he said referring to the fact that during his illustrious career Pakistan have never won a major international title. 'It would be great if Pakistan win the Asian Games because it will fill a big void.'

The drag-flicker is now part of the 25-man preliminary squad which will begin training for the Asian Games in Islamabad from Oct 25.

Hockey officials said the experienced Sohail, who is regarded among the world's best short corner specialists, will have to prove his form and fitness during the camp and national trials early next month to earn a place in the Asian Games squad.

Sohail said he will try to give his best during the camp. 'My form is good and I will try to give my best,' he said.

Pakistan's critics might reject the former Asian Games champions as too poor to win the title but Sohail believes that the Greenshirts can prove to be the surprise package of the Guangzhou Games.

'It is not a bad side but what we need is to give our best. We have to play well to win titles.'

Sohail has a particularly good track record against India and Pakistan will be banking on him to beat the old rivals in a much-awaited clash between the two Asian giants Nov 20 in Guangzhou.

India have beaten Pakistan in their last two high-profile clashes and would be looking for a third consecutive win over their neighbours.

Sohail said that if given a chance to play in the Asian Games, he will not be focusing on any particular team.

'We have to work hard against all teams because that is the only way we can go all the way,' he said.

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'Retired' O'Brien tipped for New Zealand comeback

Published>Sat, Oct 23 10 07:07 PM

Auckland, Oct 23(ANI): New Zealand captain Daniel Vettori has kept all doors open for fast bowler Iain O'Brien to come out of retirement and be a part of the national squad.

In December 2009, O'Brien had announced his decision to retire from international cricket to spend more time with his wife in England.

"We've stayed in touch. We'd love to have him back, fitness and form permitting. It would be good to have him back in the mix," the New Zealand Herald quoted Vettori, as saying.

The fast bowler's decision to retire had prompted English club Middlesex to sign him as their overseas player for the 2010 season.

However, an eligibility complication has raised the possibility of the Wellington bowler returning to New Zealand.

According to Middlesex Chief Executive Vinny Codrington, an issue with the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has proved "problematic", leaving O'Brien in "an extremely difficult position contractually".

In his 22 tests, O'Brien took 73 wickets at 33.27, but was the national team's most reliable seamer in his final season by taking 38 wickets in his last 10 Tests. (ANI)

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SPORT-RACE

Sat, Oct 23 10 07:03 PM

Mysore, Oct 23 (PTI) Following are the results of 19th day race held here today. 1st race : Setia Teknologi Cup -- (Div.II) - 1400 M. Chronicle (Mr.& Mrs.M.M.Annaiah & Mr.Shamil Muthanna) 60 Nausad Alam first Sher Dil 56 S Johan second Appolonaire 56 M Prabhakaran third Blue Thunder 58 A Ashhad Asbar fourth All ran Won by: 2Ls, 2-1/2Ls and 3-1/2Ls Time : One minute, 27.20 seconds Tote : Rs 18 for win. Rs 12, Rs 15 and Rs 26 for places Winner trained by : Tharun Thimmaiah M A Favourite : Chronicle Forecast : Rs 37 Quinella : Rs 37 SHP : Rs 32 Trin : 70 pct Rs 115 : 30 pct Rs 67..

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Meeting reviews security arrangement for World Cup

Sat, Oct 23 10 06:53 PM

Mumbai, Oct 23 (PTI) A meeting to review the security arrangements for the forthcoming limited overs World Cup, to be co-hosted by India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh was held here today. BCCI President Shashank Manohar, World Cup 2011 Tournament Director Prof Ratnakar Shetty and Tournament Director World Cup Secretariat, Sri Lanka, Suraj Dandeniya were among those who attended the meeting. The meeting was held to finalise some issues regarding security for the quadrennial event, a member present at the meeting said.

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Brit boxer Hatton set to evade legal action over 'white powder' snaps

Published>Sat, Oct 23 10 05:51 PM

London, Oct 23(ANI): British boxing champion Ricky Hatton will not face legal action over snaps of him snorting a white powder after police said that they have no evidence to prove the powder as an illegal substance.

Hatton was filmed sniffing the substance at Bowdon Hotel in Altrincham following which police were investigating allegations that it was the Class A illegal drug cocaine.

According to reports, investigating officers have interviewed the ex-world champ, but he told them that he could not recall what the powder was.

It was thought that the 32-year-old would be given a police caution, but now officers will take no further action, the Sun reports.atton had checked into a rehabilitation clinic after the images were published.

He had claimed that he was battling depression and alcohol problems.

In light of the events, the British Boxing Board of Control had revoked three of Hatton's boxing licenses, but allowed him to keep promoting the sport in the country. (ANI)

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It''s been a tough tour, concedes Clarke

Sat, Oct 23 10 05:23 PM

Margao, Oct 23 (PTI) Desperate to sign off a disastrous tour on a high in the rain-threatened third ODI against India tomorrow, Australia captain Michael Clarke today said his team remains a confident unit despite failing to register a single win so far on a "tough" trip. Trailing the hosts 0-1, the Aussies could lose their first ODI series in India in over two decades if they lose tomorrow''s match or if it is washed out. The Aussies have already been handed a 0-2 drubbing in the Test series. Clarke said he is hopeful that the weather would hold up. "I hope the sun comes out. We came to the ground yesterday. The pitch looked really good, (but) the ground was a little bit wet. Hoping the rain goes away and there''s sunshine and we get a full game tomorrow," Clarke said in the pre-match press conference here. "All the boys are looking forward to tomorrow''s match. It''s obvious we have to win the game to square the series," he added. As if to answer the Australians'' wish, the rains stopped in the afternoon and both the teams were able to practice at the ground which had been covered. The sun also came out from behind the clouds as the teams had a stint at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium. "Tomorrow is an important game for us. All the boys would like to have a win and draw the series. All are disappointed we did not win the other night. I thought we played pretty well. All the guys are focused on tomorrow''s game," he said. Clarke, who scored a century in the second ODI only to see India chase down Australia''s imposing target of 290, said though the tour had not gone as the team wanted, they would like to end it on a high with a victory. "It has been a tough tour. We have not got the results we would have liked, in the one one-day match as well as the Test series. We are looking forward to win the match tomorrow, draw series. I think we have one more night in bed before our flight (home). Hope the sun comes out and we have a match tomorrow." .

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No regrets over missing two medals: Gagan Narang

Published>Sat, Oct 23 10 12:57 PM

Hyderabad, Oct 23 (IANS) Ace shooter Gagan Narang, who won four gold medals at the Delhi Commonwealth Games (CWG), returned home to a warm welcome here Saturday and said he had no regrets over missing two more medals.

'I am happy with the four that I won and there are no regrets over the two that I lost,' Narang told reporters at the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport after his return.

'It is a great feeling to win four medals. It was a record three at Melbourne and now a record four at Delhi,' the 27-year-old said while proudly displaying his medals.

Narang, a double world record holder, won four gold medals in the pairs and individual events of 10 metre air rifle and 50 metre three positions at the Delhi CWG. He, however, missed two medals, including the one in the 50 metre prone position.

The World No.3 feels he will get more opportunities to improve his performance in upcoming events like the Asian Games and World Cup finals.

Narang returned to a warm welcome from family, friends and fans. Narang's mother hugged him while his well-wishers garlanded him.

Narang is an Indian Airlines executive who hails from Haryana but is settled here. He said he was happy to equal his world record with a perfect 600 in the 10 metre air rifle individual event.

The ace shooter will be richer by Rs.40 lakh as the Andhra Pradesh government has announced cash prizes worth Rs.10 lakh, Rs.7.5 lakh and Rs.5 lakh to gold, silver and bronze medal winners respectively. And Narang has four golds.

Andhra Pradesh has contributed six gold, eight silver and five bronze medals to the country's tally.

Badminton stars Saina Nehwal and Jwala Gutta are the other gold medallists from the state.

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Indian trio misses cut at Castello Masters

Sat, Oct 23 10 12:51 PM

Castellon (Spain), Oct 23 (PTI) The Indian trio of Jyoti Randhawa, SSP Chowrasia and Shiv Kapur turned in disappointing over-par cards in the second round to miss the cut at the Castello Masters golf tournament here. Overnight tied 22nd, Jyoti Randhawa carded a horrendous six-over 77 to end his campaign with a total of four-over 146, three strokes below the cutline. Randhawa managed just one birdie against seven bogeys. Similar was the story of SSP Chowrasia, who was anyways in danger of missing the cut after a first-round 74. The Kolkata-pro''s four-over 75, which was marred by three bogeys and a double bogey against just one birdie, had him seven-over 149 overall. Shiv Kapur, meanwhile, had a topsy-turvy day as he stroked in four birdies against three bogeys and a double bogey to sign a card of one-over 72. Kapur lay second from bottom with a total of eight-over 150. At the top of the leaderboard, Peter Hedblom led the pack with a nine-under 133 after returning a seven-under 64 in the second round.

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Vettel on pole in South Korea, Webber second

Sat, Oct 23 10 12:37 PM

Sebastian Vettel took pole position for the inaugural South Korean Grand Prix on Saturday with Red Bull team mate and championship leader Mark Webber alongside on the front row.

Ferrari's Fernando Alonso and McLaren's Lewis Hamilton will line up together on the second row of the grid in third and fourth places respectively. McLaren's world champion Jenson Button, the fifth title contender who is 31 points adrift of Webber, qualified only seventh.

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