No patch up between Modi and BCCI, apex court told

Published>Wed, Oct 27 10 11:26 AM

New Delhi, Oct 27 (IANS) The Supreme Court was Wednesday informed that efforts for a patch up between former Indian Premier League (IPL) commissioner Lalit Modi and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) have failed.

Modi's counsel Ram Jethmalani told the apex court that attempts for a settlement, despite the best efforts, did not succeed.

The matter was adjourned and will come up for hearing Nov 11.

Modi is facing an inquiry for alleged financial irregularities in the IPL when he was at the helm of affairs.

Source: Web Search

Proteas ease past Pakistan in Abu Dhabi T20 match

Published>Wed, Oct 27 10 11:08 AM

Abu Dhabi (UAE), Oct.27 (ANI): South Africa has clinched victory over Pakistan in a Twenty20 international clash in Abu Dhabi.

Pakistan slumped to a dismal six-wicket defeat in the match.

Pacer Lonwabo Tsotsobe and off-spinner Johan Botha took three wickets apiece to help South Africa to victory and a 1-0 lead in the two-match series, Fox Sports reports.

Tsotsobe, with a career-best 3-16, and skipper Botha (3-31) led a spirited South Africa bowling to restrict Pakistan to a paltry 119 at the Abu Dhabi Stadium in a match that will see proceeds go to flood victims in Pakistan.

Jean-Paul Duminy hit an elegant 41 while Colin Ingram remained unbeaten with 46 as South Africa reached the target after losing three early wickets for 26.

Shoaib Akhtar gave Pakistan some hope with the quick wickets of opener Loots Bosman and AB de Villiers in the third over.

Ingram hit two towering sixes and four boundaries during his 38-ball knock, while Duminy hit five boundaries as the two dominated the Pakistan bowling which initially looked threatening.

Earlier, Tsotsobe and off-spinner Botha bowled tightly to derail Pakistan, who won the toss and batted on a flat pitch.

Misbah-ul-Haq, recalled after being axed following the World Twenty20 in May, top scored with 27 with a six and two boundaries.

Skipper Shahid Afridi hit a rapid seven-ball 25 before he became one of Botha's three victims.

Pakistan's home series has been shifted to United Arab Emirates due to security fears back home.

The two teams meet in a second Twenty20 before playing the first of two one-day internationals and the second Test in Abu Dhabi. Dubai will stage the last three one-day and the first Test. (ANI)

Source: Web Search

Man City boss Mancini may raise a stink over Barry's booze gulp

Published>Wed, Oct 27 10 10:38 AM

London, Oct. 27 (ANI): Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini, who recently barred players from boozing, is expected to be "furious", after receiving reports that club and England ace Gareth Barry was gulping from a liqueur bottle in front of cheering Man City team-mates at a student party.

rry, Shay Given, Joe Hart and Adam Johnson were invited to the do on Monday after a night out in St Andrews, Scotland, The Sun reports.

One student said: "They were drinking and signing autographs for everyone." The players, on a golf trip after the Blues' 3-0 defeat to Arsenal on Sunday, left at 2.30 a.m.

The club refused to comment. (ANI)

Source: Web Search

Sharapova confirmed for Auckland tournament

Wed, Oct 27 10 07:56 AM

Former world number one Maria Sharapova will fine tune her Australian Open preparations with her first appearance at the Auckland Classic, organisers said on Wednesday.

The world number 17, who won two tournaments and made three other finals in 2010, joins champion Yanina Wickmayer of Belgium as confirmed entrants for the Jan. 3-8 event, which serves as a warm-up to the Australian Open from Jan. 17-30.

The 23-year-old, who won Wimbledon in 2004, the U.S. Open in 2006 and the Australian Open in 2008, has been hampered by injury over the past two seasons but organisers expected her to be a huge drawcard for the tournament in central Auckland.

"Having Maria come to the ... Classic is a major boost to the tournament and to the sport," said tournament director Richard Palmer. "Her popularity is huge and she will be one of the leading players at the (tournament) in 2011."

Source: Published>

FACTBOX - F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone

Wed, Oct 27 10 06:18 AM

REUTERS - Facts about Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone who is 80 on Thursday.

* BEGINNINGS:

-- Born near Bungay in Suffolk, eastern England, his father was a Lowestoft fisherman.

-- He built up a motorcycle spares business and then went into business with Fred Compton to form the Compton & Ecclestone motorcycle dealership.

-- In 1957 he bought the struggling F1 team Connaught and attempted to qualify himself for the British Grand Prix. He also went into management, managing Welsh driver Stuart Lewis-Evans, but when his driver died after crashing at the Moroccan Grand Prix, Ecclestone abandoned the sport.

-- He later returned as manager to Jochen Rindt, whose death at Monza in 1970 made him the sport's only posthumous champion.

-- Quitting again after that fatality, he returned in 1972 when he bought the Brabham team, and watched it became a winning force with drivers such as Niki Lauda and Nelson Piquet.

* FORMULA ONE:

-- He founded the Formula One Constructors Association (FOCA) and with the help of his lawyer and friend Max Mosley began to gain control of the sport's management and finances.

-- He united the teams and secured global TV rights, setting up Formula One Promotions and Administration (FOPA).

* POLITICS:

-- In November 1997 it was revealed that Ecclestone had given the Labour Party one million pounds ($1.59 million). The government later decided to exempt Formula One from a proposed ban on tobacco sponsorship. Labour gave the money back.

* PERSONAL:

-- In March 2009 his divorce from Croatian wife Slavica, now 52, was finalised ending a 26-year association with the ex-model who towered above him. The couple have two daughters.

-- In January 2010, Ecclestone became part of a bid to buy the struggling Swedish carmaker Saab but small Dutch luxury carmaker Spyker clinched a last-minute deal.

-- His 2011 calendar will stretch the season to a record 20 races, with the addition of the Indian Grand Prix.

-- Ecclestone has an estimated 1.37 billion pounds ($2.18 billion) fortune, according to the latest Sunday Times Rich List.

-- Earlier this month, he attended the signing in Sochi with Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin of a seven-year deal for Russia to host a grand prix from 2014.

Source: Published>

Mourinho happy despite Madrid's draw at Murcia

Published>Wed, Oct 27 10 04:36 AM

Coach Jose Mourinho was happy despite Real Madrid being held to a 0-0 draw at Segunda B (third tier) Real Murcia in a King's Cup last 32, first leg on Tuesday.

Elsewhere, a weakened Barcelona were comfortable 2-0 winners at third-tier Ceuta with Maxwell and Pedro netting first-half goals.

La Liga leaders Madrid were keen to avoid a repetition of last year's shock exit to Segunda B Alcorcon, who dumped Manuel Pellegrini's team out at the same stage 4-1 on aggregate.

The attitude of former coach Pellegrini's side was questioned after their 4-0 first-leg defeat and in the build-up to Tuesday's game Mourinho warned a repeat performance would see players dropped for good.

"There was no 'Alcorcon shock'. We played a serious game and the result, bearing in mind it is a knockout competition, is good," the Portuguese told reporters.

"I would sign for the same in every Champions League away leg. With the attitude I saw tonight it won't be a problem to reach the next stage. I'm sure we'll win the second leg."

Mourinho fielded a changed side at the Nueva Condomina but still included the likes of Iker Casillas and Cristiano Ronaldo and they dominated against Murcia, who like Madrid are unbeaten this season and top their league.

France striker Karim Benzema was given a rare start in place of Gonzalo Higuain.

Mourinho had challenged Benzema to prove his worth but he was substituted on the hour after an ineffective display.

"It's clear some players haven't had a great game but everyone has tried and I'll go with that," said the coach.

The other 14 ties are being played on Wednesday and Thursday, with the return legs due the week commencing Nov. 8.

Source: Web Search

Fernandez looks to home boost for U.S. Fed Cup hopes

Published>Wed, Oct 27 10 03:56 AM

United States Fed Cup captain Mary Joe Fernandez is banking on home court advantage being a significant factor when her under-strength team take on holders Italy in next week's final in San Diego.

With her top two players Serena and Venus Williams ruled out by injury, Fernandez has chosen Melanie Oudin, Bethanie Mattek-Sands, Coco Vandeweghe and Liezel Huber for the best-of-five match series.

Oudin, Mattek-Sands and Huber, the world's top-ranked doubles player, have been ever-present for the U.S. in Fed Cup play this season while teenager Vandeweghe earned a surprise call-up on Tuesday.

"I am very excited (for us) to be in the final once again and to be at home, that's huge, playing on a surface that the team prefers," Fernandez said on a conference call before announcing her team.

"Last year, being away in Italy and playing on the slow red clay, was definitely more of a challenge. We've played a lot of our ties away and to be able to host the final for the first time in 10 years is quite a thrill."

Under Fernandez's captaincy, the U.S. have reached a second successive final but they were whitewashed 4-0 by Italy in Reggio Calabria last year when the Williams sisters were also absent.

"It's disappointing because the whole team was really looking forward to having both Venus and Serena on the team," Fernandez said. "And being at home, it gives you even more of an advantage. It's tough but you have to deal with it."

Serena pulled out of the Fed Cup final last week after re-injuring her right foot from over-training while Venus was forced to end her season earlier this month due to a nagging knee injury.

Fernandez accepts her team will face a daunting challenge at the San Diego Sports Arena from Nov. 6-7 against Italy, who are in the final for the fourth time in five years.

Italy are expected to be led by French Open champion Francesca Schiavone, the world number six, with 23rd-ranked Flavia Pennetta, Sara Errani and Roberta Vinci also in the line-up.

"We're definitely underdogs," said Fernandez. "Their whole team has experience. Schiavone, winning the French Open this year, is playing the best tennis of her career.

"Pennetta, even though her ranking has dropped a bit, knows how to win matches. She's got an all-court game and is in the doubles championship right now in Doha. And Vinci and Errani are tough as well. They really complement each other well."

World number 60 Bethanie Mattek-Sands will be the top-ranked U.S. player in San Diego with Melanie Oudin 68th and 18-year-old Vandeweghe a lowly 115th.

The U.S. lead all nations with 17 Fed Cup titles, the last coming in 2000 when the Americans defeated Spain 5-0.

Source: Web Search

Ndaw goal puts St Etienne in League Cup quarter-finals

Wed, Oct 27 10 03:36 AM

Senegalese midfielder Guirane Ndaw scored the only goal to guide St Etienne into the French League Cup quarter-finals with a 1-0 home win over Girondins Bordeaux on Tuesday.

Elsewhere, Valenciennes and Montpellier ended Ligue 2 participation by beating Boulogne 4-0 and AC Ajaccio 2-0 respectively.

Monaco, in Ligue 1's relegation zone, had something to cheer as they defeated Lorient 5-3 on penalties after the game ended 1-1 following extra-time.

St Etienne, without in-form striker Dimitri Payet through suspension, took only 11 minutes to break through.

Ndaw collected an Emmanuel Riviere cross from the right and curled a fine shot into the top corner.

Bordeaux, who lacked power in midfield in the absence of banned captain Alou Diarra, twice came close to a late equaliser when goalkeeper Jeremie Janot saved well from Jaroslav Plasil and Jussie.

On Wednesday, holders Olympique Marseille visit third division En Avant Guingamp while Olympique Lyon host Paris St Germain.

The draw for the quarter-finals will be made after Wednesday's games.

Source: Published>

IOC urges FIFA to act over vote-selling claims

Published>Wed, Oct 27 10 02:56 AM

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has urged FIFA to introduce reforms that could rid the organisation of corruption in the wake of the vote-selling allegations that have rocked soccer.

More than a decade after the IOC was plunged into crisis following revelations about the awarding of the 2002 Winter Games to Salt Lake City, FIFA is facing similar allegations of vote-selling and unethical behaviour in the bidding for the 2018 and 2022 World Cups.

Two FIFA executive committee members have already been suspended and two of the bid candidates are being investigated over allegations of collusion, prompting cries of foul and calls for an independent investigation.

IOC president Jacques Rogge said on Sunday he had been in contact with Sepp Blatter, president of soccer's governing body FIFA, since the revelations were made public and supported his decision to launch a probe.

"I had a discussion with Mr Blatter," Rogge told reporters on Tuesday at the end of an IOC executive board meeting in Acapulco.

"He was so kind to call me when the whole issue emerged and he kept me informed about what he had done and the decision that had been taken by FIFA. I encouraged him to do exactly what he has done and to try to clean out as much as possible."

IOC REFORMS

The IOC introduced several reforms after the Salt Lake affair, the biggest Olympic corruption scandal.

The reforms included a ban on members visiting cities bidding for the Games while 10 members were forced to leave the organisation for breaking rules on accepting gifts.

"I think the IOC took the right conclusions on something that was very unpleasant," Rogge said.

"I think we did everything we could and I'm sure the IOC came out of the crisis as a better and more transparent organisation and I hope that will also be the case for my friends in sport (FIFA)."

Despite the IOC's actions to stop unethical behaviour, Rogge said it was naive to think any organisation could not be corrupted by individuals.

"I believe the rules we have put in place definitely protect us as much as possible because you can never say never in life because cheating is imbedded in human nature," Rogge said.

"Sometimes I get the question, 'Will doping ever completely disappear?', and I say 'no this is impossible'.

"Today I am saying we are very vigilant, we have strict rules and I believe this protects us as much as possible but you can never say never."

Source: Web Search

Lowly Real Murcia hold Real Madrid in King's Cup

Wed, Oct 27 10 02:38 AM

Real Murcia, from Spain's Segunda B (third tier), held La Liga leaders Real Madrid to a 0-0 draw in a King's Cup last 32 first leg on Tuesday.

Madrid coach Jose Mourinho fielded a changed side at the Nueva Condomina but still included the likes of Iker Casillas and Cristiano Ronaldo to make sure there was no repeat of last season's 4-0 humbling against third-tier Alcorcon.

The visitors, making their first appearance in the competition this season, dominated but were unable to unlock a Murcia side, who like Real, are unbeaten this year.

The return leg at the Bernabeu is scheduled for Nov. 8.

Later on Tuesday, Barcelona were visiting Segunda B's Ceuta. The other 14 first-round matches are being played on Wednesday and Thursday.

Source: Published>

Muster beaten on ATP return after 11 years

Wed, Oct 27 10 02:16 AM

Former world number one Thomas Muster lost in straight sets to a fellow Austrian little more than half his age as he returned to the ATP circuit on Tuesday after an 11-year absence.

Andreas Haider-Maurer, 23, won the first-round tie 6-2 7-6 in front of a crowd of around 8,000 at the Vienna Open and wildcard entry Muster received a standing ovation at the end.

Haider-Maurer, ranked 157th in the world, cruised through the first set after twice breaking serve.

His 43-year-old opponent, who enjoyed an iron-man reputation during his heyday and won the French Open in 1995, then produced a gritty performance as he saved four break points to take the second set to a tiebreak.

"It was a great atmosphere ... it's awesome to be back playing," said Muster. "It's all been worthwhile, all the practice.

"I probably could have won that second set but the main thing is that there's no pain, I'm fit and I know I can play long matches.

"I also know I could have played a better match today, that comes with playing matches and building confidence and we'll see in the future," added Muster.

Ranked 974th in the world, the Austrian veteran began his comeback earlier this year on the Challenger Tour and has managed one win in seven outings, against Borut Puc in Slovenia last month.

Muster, who first played in Vienna 26 years ago, became the first over-40 player to compete in the main draw of an ATP tournament since Jimmy Connors in 1996.

Source: Published>

Wolfsburg advance, Koblenz score stunning 50-metre goal

Wed, Oct 27 10 01:58 AM

VfL Wolfsburg eased into the German Cup third round with a 3-1 win at fifth division Victoria Hamburg on Tuesday while Koblenz ousted Hertha Berlin 2-1 helped by a stunning goal from 50 metres.

Wolfsburg took an early lead in the one-legged tie through Slovak Peter Pekarik's header after 17 minutes.

Bundesliga club Wolfsburg had to wait another 35 minutes for their second goal when Brazil international Josue slotted home from inside the box.

Marcel Schaefer added another to seal victory before the hosts pulled one back.

Third division Koblenz's Michael Stahl will long remember this day after he gave them the lead over Hertha Berlin with a shot from inside his own half which sailed over goalkeeper Marco Sejna.

Koblenz won 2-1, inflicting the first defeat of the season on second division leaders Hertha, previously the only unbeaten team in the German professional leagues.

Cologne enjoyed some respite from their troubled Bundesliga season when they beat second division 1860 Munich 3-0 to advance.

Champions Bayern Munich host Werder Bremen in a repeat of last season's final later on Tuesday.

Source: Published>

Wozniacki, Zvonareva make flying starts in Doha

Published>Wed, Oct 27 10 01:38 AM

Caroline Wozniacki crushed Elena Dementieva 6-1 6-1 at the WTA Championships on Tuesday to serve up a timely reminder to critics of her world number one ranking.

Wozniacki blasted away from the baseline while Russian Dementieva could offer little in return, the Dane wrapping up the Maroon Group opener in 53 minutes at the Khalifa Tennis Complex.

In the White Group, world number two Vera Zvonareva powered past a lethargic Jelena Jankovic 6-3 6-0 to keep alive her slender hopes of grabbing the year-end number one spot from Wozniacki.

In the day's last match, Australian Sam Stosur beat Francesca Schiavone to gain a measure of revenge for her defeat in the French Open final in June.

Italy's Schiavone had raced to a 4-0 lead in the first set but Stosur battled back to win 6-4 6-4.

"A very nice start, definitely," Wozniacki said in a media conference after brushing aside Dementieva.

"I'm very happy to be through this first match. It's always tough to start a new tournament. Against Elena, we have had so many tough matches in the past. It's nice to get this one."

Wozniacki has come under fire after reaching the pinnacle of women's tennis without winning a grand slam, and the absence of number three Serena Williams from the prestigious $4.55 million tournament has done little to quieten the critics.

But the 20-year-old looked every inch the world's top player on Tuesday, picking off the Russian's curious windmill-style serves and dominating her own service games with a relentless mix of pressure and power.

POWER BUTTON

Wozniacki whizzed through the first set, Dementieva bewildered by the Dane's shot-making skills and her own inability to keep the ball in play.

The second set proved just as painful for the Russian, who is making her 10th appearance at the WTA Championships.

Wozniacki painted the lines with pinpoint passing shots and pressed the power button when Dementieva tried to trade blows from the baseline.

The Russian admitted her gameplan of bringing Wozniacki to the net with drop shots had backfired.

"I think I wanted to take her from the comfort zone. She's feeling very solid at the baseline," said the 29-year-old Dementieva.

"For sure it was not a very good selection of shots to do it every single point. I just feel like I was not focused on the game today."

Earlier, Russian Zvonareva, decked out in host Qatar's colours of maroon and white, had much more verve and zip than her struggling Serbian opponent, who offered only fleeting resistance before capitulating in the second set to lose 6-3 6-0.

Jankovic had exited her two previous tournaments in the second round citing ill health and was clearly under the weather.

"I think it's very difficult for most of the players to show their best tennis in the first match," Zvonareva said.

"Maybe I didn't show my best tennis today. I had a few unforced errors in that first set, but I think overall I played really well.

"I think it was very good performance from me and it just feels an amazing to win my first match at the Championships."

Source: Web Search

Muster beaten on ATP return after 11 years

Wed, Oct 27 10 12:58 AM

Former world number one Thomas Muster lost in straight sets to a fellow Austrian little more than half his age as he returned to the ATP circuit after an 11-year absence on Tuesday.

Andreas Haider-Maurer, 23, beat Muster 6-2 7-6(5) in front of a crowd of around 8,000 at the Vienna Open. Muster got a standing ovation after losing the first-round tie.

Haider-Maurer cruised through the first set but 43-year-old Muster, who enjoyed an iron-man reputation during his heyday, produced a gritty performance as he took the second set to a tiebreak.

Muster, French Open champion in 1995, was given a wild card entry. Currently ranked 974th, Muster began his comeback earlier this year on the Challenger Tour and has managed one win in seven outings, against Borut Puc in Slovenia last month.

Muster became the first over-40 player to compete in the main draw of an ATP tournament since Jimmy Connors in the 1990s.

Source: Published>

Wozniacki, Zvonareva make flying starts in Doha

Published>Wed, Oct 27 10 12:20 AM

Caroline Wozniacki crushed Elena Dementieva 6-1 6-1 at the WTA Championships on Tuesday to serve up a timely reminder to critics of her world number one ranking.

Wozniacki was in a different world at times, blasting away from the baseline while Russian Dementieva could offer little in return. The Dane wrapped up the Maroon Group opener in 53 minutes at the Khalifa Tennis Complex.

In the White Group opener, world number two Vera Zvonareva powered past a lethargic Jelena Jankovic 6-3 6-0 to keep alive her slender hopes of grabbing the year-end number one spot from Wozniacki.

Wozniacki has come under fire for reaching the pinnacle of women's tennis without winning a grand slam and the absence of number three Serena Williams from the prestigious $4.55 million tournament has done nothing to quieten the critics.

But the 20-year-old looked every inch the world's top player on Tuesday, picking off the Russian's curious windmill-style serves and dominating her own service games.

Wozniacki whizzed through the first set in 25 minutes, Dementieva bewildered by the Dane's shot-making skills and her own inability to keep the ball in play.

The second set proved just as painful for the Russian, who is making her 10th appearance at the WTA Championships, as the relentless Wozniacki finished off the match in less than an hour.

UNDER THE WEATHER

Russian Zvonareva, decked out in host Qatar's colours of maroon and white, had much more verve and zip than her struggling Serbian opponent, who offered only fleeting resistance before capitulating in the second set to lose 6-3 6-0.

Jankovic had exited her two previous tournaments in the second round citing ill health and was clearly under the weather.

"I think it's very difficult for most of the players to show their best tennis in the first match," Zvonareva said.

"Maybe I didn't show my best tennis today. I had a few unforced errors in that first set, but I think overall I played really well.

"I think it was very good performance from me and it just feels an amazing to win my first match at the Championships."

French Open champion Francesca Schiavone plays Sam Stosur in the last match of the evening.

Source: Web Search

Record 84 international players on NBA opening night rosters

Wed, Oct 27 10 12:18 AM

A record 84 foreign born players from 38 countries and territories will be on opening night rosters when the NBA tips off a new season on Tuesday.

The 84 international players just pips the previous record of 83, from the opening night in the 2006-07 campaign.

The small increase is a continuation of the steady rise of foreign players in the NBA. A decade ago, the rosters featured 45 international players from 28 countries and territories.

Only two of the league's 30 teams will be without at least one foreign player on opening night while the Toronto Raptors will have the most international flair with six foreign players.

The Dallas Mavericks and Utah Jazz will both field five international players while eight teams have four.

One of North America's most diverse and multi-cultural cities, the Raptors' players hail from six different countries, Australia, Brazil, Italy, Lithuania, Nigeria and Spain.

France provided the most players with 11 followed by Turkey with five and Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Serbia, and Spain each with four.

At the end of last season, the NBA featured 79 international players from 35 countries and territories on team rosters.

Source: Published>

Zimbabwe chief fired over unauthorised matches

Published>Tue, Oct 26 10 11:58 PM

The Zimbabwe Football Association's (ZIFA) chief executive was fired on Tuesday after being found guilty of sending the national team to play unauthorised matches in Asia last year.

ZIFA legal adviser Ralph Maganga told Reuters that Henrietta Rushwaya had been found guilty by the association's disciplinary body on charges of "conduct inconsistent with her duties, mismanagement and insubordination".

Rushwaya, who was suspended in July on suspicion of fixing matches in the Malaysia tournament, responded by referring all questions to her lawyer who said he would comment on her sacking "later".

The chief executive was found guilty of requesting a loan of $103,000 from Zimbabwe's sports commission, money which is now unaccounted for, Maganga said in a telephone interview.

ZIFA said Rushwaya accepted the matches against Thailand, Syria and a Malaysian club without the permission of its board or the country's sports commission, who must authorise foreign trips by Zimbabwe teams.

Rushwaya also allowed former Zimbabwe champions Monomotapa to go to Malaysia last year masquerading as the national team.

"She even gave them national team kit," Maganga said.

"The possibility of criminal charges is now a matter for the ZIFA board to decide but there are allegations that border on criminality which need to be looked at."

Both these tours are suspected of being set up by betting syndicates, said a report by the Forum for African Investigative Reporters last month.

Zimbabwe's decision to sack Rushwaya comes in the wake of a probe by soccer's governing body FIFA into a fake Togo team playing a friendly in Bahrain in August.

Source: Web Search

Record 84 international players on NBA opening night rosters

Tue, Oct 26 10 11:38 PM

A record 84 foreign born players from 38 countries and territories will be on opening night rosters when the NBA tips off a new season on Tuesday.

The 84 international players just pips the previous record of 83, from the opening night in the 2006-07 campaign.

The small increase is a continuation of the steady rise of foreign players in the NBA. A decade ago, the rosters featured 45 international players from 28 countries and territories.

Only two of the league's 30 teams will be without at least one foreign player on opening night while the Toronto Raptors will have the most international flair with six foreign players.

The Dallas Mavericks and Utah Jazz will both field five international players while eight teams have four.

One of North America's most diverse and multi-cultural cities, the Raptors' players hail from six different countries, Australia, Brazil, Italy, Lithuania, Nigeria and Spain.

France provided the most players with 11 followed by Turkey with five and Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Serbia, and Spain each with four.

At the end of last season, the NBA featured 79 international players from 35 countries and territories on team rosters.

Source: Published>

Zvonareva torches tired Jankovic in Doha

Published>Tue, Oct 26 10 10:36 PM

Vera Zvonareva powered past a lethargic Jelena Jankovic in the opening game of the WTA Championships on Tuesday, keeping her hopes alive of grabbing the world number one spot from Caroline Wozniacki.

Russian Zvonareva, decked out in host Qatar's colours of maroon and white, had much more verve and zip than her struggling Serbian opponent, who offered only fleeting resistance in the first set before capitulating in the second, losing 6-3 6-0.

Jankovic had exited her two previous tournaments in the second round citing ill health, and was clearly under the weather against the world number two in the White Group opener at the Khalifa Tennis Complex.

Leading 4-2 in the first set, Zvonareva ran the legs off Jankovic in the seventh game, though the Serbian fought off several break points to eventually hold serve.

That would prove a temporary reprieve, however, as Jankovic would fail to win another game, Zvonareva winning the next eight in a row to wrap up the match in style.

In the maroon group, world number one Wozniacki is taking on Elena Dementieva while French Open champion Francesca Schiavone plays Sam Stosur in the evening's final match.

Source: Web Search

ITF security consultant reviews Pakistan''s security scenario

Tue, Oct 26 10 10:28 PM

Karachi, Oct 26 (PTI) A security consultant of the International Tennis Federation (ITF) has visited Pakistan to inspect the security situation in the country, reigniting hopes of the strife-torn nation hosting international events. Ian Todd, a top security consultant was in Lahore this week to meet with PTF and security officials and also visited some venues. "He came down to inspect some venues and get an overall picture of the security conditions in the country. The fact that the ITF has sent a security expert indicates they are looking at having international events in Pakistan," Rao Iftikhar, the secretary of the Punjab Tennis Association said. He said Todd had visited tennis centres in Lahore which was a main venue for hosting international events. "Pakistan tennis has suffered a lot because of the fact that the ITF has moved away several Davis Cup ties that were to be held in Pakistan," he said. "We have asked the ITF to look into this issue because we can''t afford to not host international events for long now. It is necessary for the promotion of the sport in Pakistan," he said. Todd also met with the Pakistan Tennis Federation President Dilawar Abbas who said Pakistan was hopeful of hosting ties soon. Tennis is a fast growing sport in Pakistan after the exploits of Aisam-ul-Haq and after Indian star, Sania Mirza got married to Pakistani cricketer Shoaib Maliik. There has been growing interest in tennis after Aisam teamed up with India''s Rohan Bopanna to do well on the international circuit doubles events. Aisam became a household name after he reached the finals of the men''s double in the grand slam US Open. The ITF has since last year moved away Pakistan''s ''home'' Davis Cup Asia-Oceania group two ties against Oman, Phillipines, Hong Kong and New Zealand to neutral venues and these countries. The ITF shifted the ties after security concerns expressed by Pakistan''s opponents over the scheduling of their matches in Lahore and Islamabad. In July this year, Pakistan was forced to go and play in New Zealand after the Kiwis refused to play in Pakistan. The PTF has also filed a compensation claim with the ITF for USD 100,000 for the ties being shifted from Pakistan and Abbas said that case was also under consideration by the ITF. PTI Cor ATK

Source: Published>

Blackburn set for 46mln sale to Venkys

Published>Tue, Oct 26 10 10:18 PM

Blackburn Rovers hope the sale of the club to Indian conglomerate Venkys will be completed in November with the investors expecting to seal a 46 million pound ($73.04 million) deal for the Premier League side.

"Both parties are hopeful that the transaction will be completed in November." Rovers chairman John Williams said in a statement on the club's website (www.rovers.co.uk) on Tuesday.

"A series of meetings, including discussions with the Premier League, have followed an extensive due diligence process."

Venkys' chief Anuradha J Desai added: "We expect to be the first Indian company to acquire a Premier League team and we are particularly delighted that the team is Blackburn Rovers, with whom we believe we have many shared values and ambitions."

Joint managing director B Venkatesh Rao said Venkys were prepared to invest beyond the purchase of the club.

"It's a 46 million (pound) deal. We have to pump in some more money but I don't want to get into the details now," Rao told CNBC-TV18 channel on Tuesday.

"We are not here to compete with anybody. It's one of the very prestigious, very old clubs and it's well-run... we are very positive. Let us start a new chapter."

RIVAL INTEREST

The V.H Group, of which Venkateshwara Hatcheries P Ltd is the flagship company, specialises in poultry farming and claims to be the "largest fully integrated poultry group in Asia".

Its diversified businesses interests include food processing, animal healthcare and pharmaceuticals.

The website of the Pune-headquartered company said its valuation was $300 million.

Blackburn, managed by Sam Allardyce, are fourth from bottom in the league -- one place above the relegation zone -- with nine points from as many games.

Last week Allardyce had backed new investment for the 1995 Premier League champions, who were put up for sale by the Jack Walker Trust three years ago.

"The club has been up for sale for some time and new investment would be most welcome," Allardyce said on Friday.

"It would seem that things are progressing and maybe we are getting closer to a decision."

In September, investment company Western Gulf Advisory (WGA) said that they were conducting due diligence on Rovers. A WGA spokesperson told Reuters in an email on Tuesday they were still interested in purchasing the club but "did not wish to comment on the current developments".

Source: Web Search

Anand crushes Wang Yue, back in contention

Tue, Oct 26 10 10:08 PM

From Our Chess Correspondent Nanjing (China), Oct 26 (PTI) World Champion Viswanathan Anand struck back with vengeance and outclassed Wang Yue of China with black pieces in the sixth round of the Pearl Spring Chess tournament here. With his second win apart from a loss and three draw, the Indian ace moved within striking distance of the top honour with four rounds still to come in this super tournament being played on a double round-robin basis between six players. Anand was the lone winner on the day when the other two games ended in draws. Etienne Bacrot of France played out an easy draw with Magnus Carlsen of Norway, while Vugar Gashimov of Azerbaijan also did not give many chances to former world champion Veselin Topalov of Bulgaria and signed peace. Carlsen remained in sole lead on 4.5 points from his six outings in the tournament following a draw with Bacrot, who inched himself up to four points and remained just a half point behind the leader. Anand remained sole third but the difference is what matters from the previous round as the Indian ace is now just a half point behind second placed Bacrot and only one point behind Carlsen. Gashimov took his tally to 2.5 points after drawing with Topalov and remains fourth, while Topalov is now clear fifth on the standings on two points, a half point ahead of Wang Yue. Anand played a gem of a game to beat the local hopeful. Up against a Catalan opening, Anand went for a topical set up and did not find any difficulty in retaining the dynamic balance he was looking for. Wang Yue went for an early trade of queens, after which Anand found a nice stroke to win a pawn after an inaccuracy by the Chinese and the resulting endgame just needed precise technique. Anand remained in command for the remainder of the game to force resignation after 51 moves. Carlsen went for the Queen''s Indian against Bacrot and could not really find real chances. Bacrot is going through the tournament of his life and he probably did not want to spoil it with risking anything against the World number one. The Queens got traded on move 12 and Carlsen had to defend with his twin knights against two Bishops in the ensuing endgame. However, there were no real chances as the postmortem showed and the game was drawn after 48 moves. .

Source: Published>

PCB consults lawyers over defamation case against tabloid

Tue, Oct 26 10 09:52 PM

Karachi, Oct 26 (PTI) The Pakistan Cricket Board has consulted lawyers in London to file a possible defamation case against British tabloid ''The Sun'' for defaming the Pakistani players. PCB''s legal advisor Tafazzul Rizvi confirmed to PTI today that he had held talks with some English law firms over the possible defamation suit. "We have been considering doing this for a while now because we think the way the newspaper tried to slander our players they have a case to answer," he said. The International Cricket Council, acting on apparent evidence and leads provided by the newspaper, investigated the third one-dayer between Pakistan and England played at the Oval, England in September. Pakistan won the match but ''The Sun'' had reported that it had information about inconsistent scoring patterns in the Pakistan innings and that something fishy had gone in the match. The ICC earlier this month had said that it had found no evidence of corruption in the ODI. Rizvi said Pakistan cricket''s image had been damaged by the newspaper story and the players had also been slandered and hurt. "The PCB is seriously now looking at going for legal action against newspapers and individuals, who make slanderous statements against our players without any concrete evidence. "We are looking at filing defamation suits to stop this trend of defaming Pakistan cricket on basis of hearsay and allegations," he said. Rizvi said the PCB had considered legal action from day one. "With ICC now having cleared the match of any wrongdoing, we have a strong case to claim damages," he added. Spot fixing allegations dogged the Pakistan team on their troubled tour to England with three players -- Salman Butt, Muhammad Asif and Muhammad Aamir -- being suspended by the ICC after the allegations came out following the fourth Test against England at the Lord''s. Butt and Aamir have appealed against their suspensions by the ICC and their hearings are up in Dubai later this week. Rizvi also made it clear that the PCB was not extending any support in any way to the three players in their fight to clear their names. "They are doing everything themselves," he said. The Pakistan team selected for the series against South Africa in the United Arab Emirates, starting this week had to sign a strict code of conduct before leaving for the tour. PTI Corr DB

Source: Published>

Saha eyes Asiad medal

Tue, Oct 26 10 09:48 PM

Kolkata, Oct 26 (PTI) Having earned India the first ever table tennis gold in Commonwealth Games, Subhajit Saha now has his eyes firm on the next month''s Asian Games. The North Bengal lad, who paired up with Achanta Sharath Kamal for the doubles gold at the Delhi 2010, said they were confident ahead of the XVI Asiad in Guangzhou. "The Asian Games will surely be a tougher task being pitted against top paddling nations like China, Korea, Japan and Taiwan. We will give it our best shot and are really looking forward to the challenge," he said. Upbeat of the paddlers prospects at the Asian Games, Saha said, "The Commonwealth Games turned out to be tougher than we had expected. The competition was stiff, but we did manage to pull off a good show," the 28-year-old said. Saha said they would leave for a camp in Patiala on November 3. Saha and Sharath Kamal beat Singapore''s Gao Ning and Yang in a high-octane final to win India the first Commonwealth Games gold medal. Saha was talking on the sidelines of a felicitation ceremony organised by East Bengal in association with Vibgyor Group for 11 Delhi Games medalists from the state. Saha was present along with fellow mates Poulami Ghatak, Soumyadip Roy, Mouma Das and archery gold medallist Rahul Banerjee. Mouma, who won the doubles bronze with Poulami, hailed East Bengal for the initiative and said, "This is for the first time we are being felicitated by East Bengal. I''m sure it will motivate the upcoming players. We are really confident after our success in Commonwealth Games. We are looking forward to do well in the Asian Games." At the Delhi Games, India had won five medals in table tennis -- men''s doubles gold, women''s team silver, three bronze medals in men''s singles, women''s doubles and men''s team events. The Asian Games will be held from November 12-27.

Source: Published>

Salim Malik wants his life ban lifted

Tue, Oct 26 10 09:38 PM

Karachi, Oct 26 (PTI) Former captain Salim Malik wants the Pakistan Cricket Board and International Cricket Council to officially remove the life ban on him that was imposed in 2000 for his alleged involvement in match fixing. Malik told PTI on Tuesday that a civil court on the orders of the Supreme Court had deemed the ban illegal and cleared him but until now the ICC and PCB had not officially announced he was free of any life ban. "It has been a torturous last seven years for me as I have spent lot of money and time in fighting my case to get justice. I now want everyone to know I am not serving any life ban," Malik, who played 103 Tests and 283 one-day internationals, said. His lawyer, Shahid Karim explained that Malik had first filed a petition against the life ban in the lower court but it refused to give his client a hearing. "My client then went to the Supreme Court which directed the civil court to hear the case and give a judgement. The lower court in its judgement has said that the life ban on Malik was illegal and we have also sent a copy of this to the PCB," Karim said. Malik said sometime back the PCB chairman Ijaz Butt had even called him for a meeting and offered him a coaching job at the national cricket academy. "But one day after that when I went to collect the letter he told me the board couldn''t appoint me since my case was with the International Cricket Council," Malik said. The former batsman said he was keen to now renew his ties with cricket and clear his name and now wanted the PCB and ICC to clear his name. "The judgement says that the ban was never imposed on me because the PCB sent me a notice saying why they were considering a life ban on recommendations of the inquiry committee but they never got back to me," he said. Malik said he had suffered a lot since the ban was announced on the recommendations of the Justice Malik Qayyum inquiry committee. "I want my name cleared now. Why was only I made the scapegoat. I want justice. I have a court order and it should be upheld," he said. Malik and other Pakistani players were investigated and questioned during the nearly 18-month long inquiry carried out by the Qayyum commission. Malik claimed that the inquiry itself was full of holes and Qayyum had admitted he didn''t have sufficient evidence to charge anyone. "Qayyum himself has now been accused of corruption and wrong doing so how can his report be given credence by the board," Malik questioned.

Source: Published>

Asif is confident of playing in World Cup despite suspension

Tue, Oct 26 10 09:22 PM

Karachi, Oct 26 (PTI) Pakistan''s controversial fast bowler Muhammad Asif is confident of playing in the 2011 World Cup despite the pending allegations of spot-fixing and the International Cricket Council''s suspension. Asif today said he was confident that he would get cleared of all allegations and suspensions by the time the World Cup was played in India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. "I optimistically see myself playing in the World Cup despite all the recent problems. That is why I am training regularly and keeping myself very fit," said Asif, who also got married in late September. The pacer, who was provisionally suspended by the ICC anti-corruption unit on September 2 in the wake of spot-fixing allegations, said, "Playing in the World Cup remains and I am keen to play in the coming tournament and I am confident I can successfully get these allegations and suspensions removed." Asif surprised the cricket world last week by withdrawing his appeal against the provisional suspension by the ICC which had already scheduled a hearing in Doha later this month. But Asif maintained he wanted to not only challenge the suspension but also the spot fixing allegations against him. "We are going for a full hearing into the spot fixing allegations against me and this suspension which I think the ICC has ratify in December or remove it if they can''t confirm the charges against me," he said. He indicated that the ICC had also charged him with intentionally bowling a no-ball in the fourth test against England at Lords. "The no-ball was part of a tactic to upset the batsmen, I don''t think it is such a big allegation," he added. Asif said he was happy that his fans, family and friends were behind him and that is why he intended to challenge the spot fixing allegations and suspensions properly at one time soon. Scotland Yard is investigating spot fixing allegations against the three Pakistani cricketers but have so far not given any public statement on the issue or on their findings as yet. All three players are barred from playing at any level because of their suspensions and even the PCB stopped them from training at the National cricket academy because of ICC rules. Asif said he was not bothered by the PCB decision as they had done what had to be done according to the ICC rules and regulations. "They did the right thing because of this suspension. I can go and practice and train anywhere including my club ground so it is not okay with me," he said.

Source: Published>

Younus didn''t apologise to Butt to get into team: Rizvi

Tue, Oct 26 10 09:18 PM

Karachi, Oct 26 (PTI) Former captain Younus Khan did not tender any written apology to PCB chairman Izah Butt in Lahore last week to pave his way back into the national squad, board legal advisor Tafazzul Rizvi said. Younus, one of the four players excluded from team since their disastrous Australia tour, was drafted in the squad for the ODI series against South Africa after he gave a written undertaking that in future he will strictly follow the code of conduct and follow all team regulations. But Rizvi said Younus didn''t give any written apology to the Pakistan Cricket Board chairman. "No I would not say that Younis gave any written apology to the board but he did sign an undertaking that in future as a member of the national team he would strictly abide by the code of conduct and discipline," Tafazzul Rizvi said. The controversy over whether Younis had apologised to the PCB was raised today when on a popular talk show on Geo Super, former Pakistan captain, Rashid Latif said he knew for a fact that Younus did not apologise to the board for his actions. "If he was going to apologise he would have done it eight months back. If Tafazzul Rizvi or PCB has any written apology from Younus I challenge them to show it to the people and I will publicly apologise to them for my words," Latif said. "I know that when Younus went to meet with the board Chairman he was told to sign an apology statement but he made it clear he would not apologise as he had done nothing wrong," Latif said. Younus was added to the national squad for the full series against South Africa last week after a long awaited meeting with PCB chief Ijaz Butt in Lahore. The meeting took place after Butt had refused to give clearance to the national selectors to pick Younus in the team over some issues. Butt''s contention remained that Younus should first meet with the board and clarify some disciplinary issues even though the appellate tribunal of the board in July had removed an indefinite ban from the former captain. Younus and six other players were either banned or fined by the board in March after a probe into the team''s poor performance in Australia earlier in the year. All players except Yousuf appealed their bans and fines. Rizvi said that the board dealt with every player''s case differently and as far as Younus was concerned he had given a written undertaking he would abide by the code of conduct in future. "Younus himself has said in the media that he had a very constructive and positive meeting with the board Chairman. I don''t think this is an issue now at all the case is closed," he said. Younus came in for come criticism after the PCB''s legal advisors claimed that during his meeting with Butt, the former captain had apologised for his actions in the past.

Source: Published>

Injured Katich avoids surgery, eyes Ashes

Tue, Oct 26 10 09:08 PM

London, Oct 26 (PTI) Opening batsman Simon Katich, who fractured his thumb during Australia''s recent tour of India, has decided against immediate surgery to make himself available for next month''s Ashes duty. Scans have revealed a fracture and ligament damage, but the batsman is hoping to be fit before the first Ashes Test in Brisbane from November 25. "The specialist said there was no point having surgery because I''d be out for some time so we just have to see how it settles down," Katich told the ''Australian''. "It definitely hindered me during the first Test in Mohali. I felt like I was batting one-handed. It felt better in the second Test but the big problem was it affected my preparation. I had to stop hitting balls," he added. Katich has enjoyed a rich form since his return as an opener two and a half years ago as he has scored 2,831 runs in 31 Tests at an average of 52.48. Meanwhile, Australia fast bowler Mitchell Johnson said he wants to make up for his poor performance in the last Ashes and is eyeing to encash on the home advantage this time around. "Over there I definitely built it up in my mind. It was a huge deal for me, like any young guy coming through. But look, I think I''ve learned that lesson now. "I''ve experienced that and now I''ve adjusted to the pressures of, I guess, being a leader of the attack as well. So I''m looking forward to this series, it''s something I''m very excited about," Johnson was quoted as saying by the ''The Guardian''. He also made it clear that they are thinking about nothing but wrest the urn from England. "We want to win, that''s for sure. We want to win the series and we''re in our backyard now, we''ve got the wickets that we enjoy. There''s been a lot of talk already, that build-up started pretty early on, so we''re all ready and keen to go," Johnson said.

Source: Published>

Younus didn''t apologise to Butt to get into team: Rizvi

Tue, Oct 26 10 08:52 PM

Karachi, Oct 26 (PTI) Former captain Younus Khan did not tender any written apology to PCB chairman Izah Butt in Lahore last week to pave his way back into the national squad, board legal advisor Tafazzul Rizvi said. Younus, one of the four players excluded from team since their disastrous Australia tour, was drafted in the squad for the ODI series against South Africa after he gave a written undertaking that in future he will strictly follow the code of conduct and follow all team regulations. But Rizvi said Younus didn''t give any written apology to the Pakistan Cricket Board chairman. "No I would not say that Younis gave any written apology to the board but he did sign an undertaking that in future as a member of the national team he would strictly abide by the code of conduct and discipline," Tafazzul Rizvi said. The controversy over whether Younis had apologised to the PCB was raised today when on a popular talk show on Geo Super, former Pakistan captain, Rashid Latif said he knew for a fact that Younus did not apologise to the board for his actions. "If he was going to apologise he would have done it eight months back. If Tafazzul Rizvi or PCB has any written apology from Younus I challenge them to show it to the people and I will publicly apologise to them for my words," Latif said. "I know that when Younus went to meet with the board Chairman he was told to sign an apology statement but he made it clear he would not apologise as he had done nothing wrong," Latif said. Younus was added to the national squad for the full series against South Africa last week after a long awaited meeting with PCB chief Ijaz Butt in Lahore. The meeting took place after Butt had refused to give clearance to the national selectors to pick Younus in the team over some issues. Butt''s contention remained that Younus should first meet with the board and clarify some disciplinary issues even though the appellate tribunal of the board in July had removed an indefinite ban from the former captain. Younus and six other players were either banned or fined by the board in March after a probe into the team''s poor performance in Australia earlier in the year. All players except Yousuf appealed their bans and fines. Rizvi said that the board dealt with every player''s case differently and as far as Younus was concerned he had given a written undertaking he would abide by the code of conduct in future. "Younus himself has said in the media that he had a very constructive and positive meeting with the board Chairman. I don''t think this is an issue now at all the case is closed," he said. Younus came in for come criticism after the PCB''s legal advisors claimed that during his meeting with Butt, the former captain had apologised for his actions in the past.

Source: Published>

CWG medals winners get laptops from East Bengal

Published>Tue, Oct 26 10 08:38 PM

Kolkata, Oct 26 (IANS) Commonwealth Games medal winners from West Bengal were Tuesday presented laptops and watches by East Bengal club at a felicitation programme here.

Table tennis players Subhojit Saha, Mouma Das, Poulami Ghatak and Soumyadip Roy and archer Rahul Banerjee attended the function held at a hotel.

Archer Dola Banerjee, tennis star Leander Paes, hockey player Bharat Chettri, wightlifter Sukhen Dey, athlete Rahamatulla Molla and disabled swimmer Prashant Karmakar did not turn up and were represented by their relatives.

Those who attended were draped in the East Bengal colours of red and yellow. East Bengal officials feted their football team for their triumph in the Federation Cup.

Source: Web Search

England lodge complaint against Russian chief

Published>Tue, Oct 26 10 08:18 PM

England's 2018 World Cup bid team lodged a formal complaint with FIFA on Tuesday against the chief of rivals Russia who later offered to apologise to them for the "misunderstanding" over critical comments attributed to him.

An England bid spokesman confirmed a complaint had been made to soccer's world governing body and that it referred specifically to comments made by Russian 2018 bid chief Alexei Sorokin, rather than the Russian bid as a whole.

Sorokin's comments appeared in the local Sport-Express paper in which he spoke of London's high crime rate and levels of alcohol consumption.

FIFA's rules forbid competing nations to make any comments about rival bidders.

Sorokin told Reuters on Tuesday that Russian officials could send a formal letter to FIFA and the English bid if necessary to explain themselves.

"I can only apologise for this misunderstanding," he said.

"We have the tapes of the interview and I know for a fact that I didn't break any rules.

"I did not try to hurt or discredit our bid rivals, there was no malice intended, I'm 100 percent sure of that."

'REALLY SORRY'

Sorokin was quoted as saying in the newspaper earlier this month: "It's no secret that London has the highest crime rate when compared with other European cities, and the highest level of alcohol consumption among young people."

"I am really sorry that because of several interpretations my interview was distorted," Sorokin told Reuters on Tuesday.

"In the interview I used London's problems as an example. Such things are part of life in any big city.

"If you're talking specifically about my interview in the Sport-Express and what the British media made out of it, I must say my words have been distorted in three different stages, creating all the fuss," he said.

"First, people in the Sport-Express had interpreted some of my comments in a vague way, not exactly what I was trying to express.

"Second, much of it was lost in translation from Russian into English and then, the rest was made up by the English journalists themselves," he added. "Because of all these things the final content came out in a wrong way."

The incident follows an investigation into newspaper claims that two FIFA executive board members were offered to sell their votes ahead of the decision on the 2018 and 2022 World Cup hosts.

FIFA are also investigating claims of collusion and vote-swapping between rival nations for the 2018 and 2022 bids.

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

The United States, Japan, South Korea, Qatar and Australia are the candidates for the 2022 tournament. FIFA will announce the winning bids on Dec. 2 in Zurich.

Source: Web Search

Five-day state shooting championship from tomorrow

Tue, Oct 26 10 07:52 PM

Coimbatore, Oct 26 (PTI) Around 300 shooters from various clubs in Tamil Nadu would participate in the 36th State Shooting Championship for rifle and pistol events, beginning here from tomorrow. The five-day championship would be the qualifying event for the G V Mavalankar shooting competition at Guwahati next month, which in turn would be the qualifying competition for the national championship, said C Sylendra Babu, president of Coimbatore Rifle Club. The tournament will have 12 events in 10 metre Air Rifle, Air Pistol and 50 meter free pistol, 50 meter rifle and 25 meter, and will be held under the auspices of Tamil Nadu Shooting Association, he said. "Participants include 60 women shooters in three categories. Top national level shooters like N Shanmugam, J S Venkatachalapathi, N B Vignesh Krishna, S Praveena, Ankita Singh, Sumeet Singhvi and Geetha Shankar have confirmed their entries," Babu said. "The buzz would be great as two Naval officers from Coimbatore -- Harpreet Singh and Omkar Singh -- recently won medals in the Commonwealth Games. The enthusiasm is there for this sport," Babu said.

Source: Published>

Delhi beat Tripura by innings and 130 runs

Tue, Oct 26 10 07:38 PM

New Delhi, Oct 26 (PTI) Milind Kumar and Sunny Sehrawat struck useful half centuries while Varun Sood shone with the ball as Delhi beat Tripura by an innings and 130 runs in the under-22 Col. C K Nayadu Trophy here today. After piling 334 in reply to Tripura''s first-innings total of 75, Delhi bowled out Tripura for just 129 in their second essay, with Sood taking five wickets for 18 runs. Earlier in the day, Suman and Sehrawat laid the foundation for Delhi''s victory by scoring 84 and 71 runs, respectively. Brief scores: Tripura 1st innings: 75 all Delhi 1st innings: 334 all out in 91 overs (Milind Kumar 84, Sunny Sehrawat 71, Rahul Yadav 42; Amit Gauande 3\53). Tripura 2nd innings: 129 all out in 33.4 overs (Gourav Bhatiya 52; Varun Sood 5\18, Sunny Sehrawat 3\40).

Source: Published>

Shunglu committee to begin probe soon on CWG scam

Tue, Oct 26 10 07:22 PM

New Delhi, Oct 26 (PTI) Armed with sweeping powers, the committee headed by former Comptroller and Auditor General V K Shunglu will soon begin its probe into alleged financial irregularities in different Commonwealth Games projects. Official sources said a blue-print will be finalised before this week by the Committee for its probe. It is likely that one or two new members may be inducted into the committee which is expected to submit its report within three months. "The Terms of Reference (ToR) are wide and comprehensive. We will go in to every aspect of the complaints (related to the scam)," Shunglu, who heads the committee, told PTI. "The committee will arrive at a logical conclusion on the probe and submit its report within the stipulated time of three months," he said. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh had on October 15 appointed the high-level committee to be headed by Shunglu. The Prime Minister''s Office has yesterday announced 10-point ToR for the Shunglu panel to investigate the weaknesses in management, alleged misappropriation, irregularities and wrongdoing in the conduct of the Games held here between October 3-14. The committee has powers to summon officials, confiscate papers and inspect Games venues and Organising Committee offices. According to the PMO, the Committee will have as its second member Shantanu Consul, Secretary, Department of Personnel and Training, after his retirement on October 31. The CVC, CAG, Enforcement Directorate and the Income Tax Department are carrying out their respective probes into the alleged financial and administrative irregularities by the Games Organising Committee, Municipal Corporation of Delhi, Delhi Development Authority, New Delhi Municipal Council, Central Public Works Department and Ministry of Sports among others. In reply to an RTI application filed by PTI, the CVC has given details of 22 projects executed by different government agencies where financial discrepancies have been detected.

Source: Published>

Pietersen can contribute a lot in Ashes, says Flower

Published>Tue, Oct 26 10 07:08 PM

London, Oct 26 (IANS) England coach Andy Flower feels that Kevin Pietersen can make a big contribution to the team in the upcoming Ashes series against Australia.

'I expect great things from Kevin. He is a very fine player and is very motivated to do well for England. He wants to make a big contribution and this is a great stage on which to do it,' Flower was quoted as saying in The Guardian.

'He could have taken the month off after quite a hectic 18 months but he did not, he wanted to go out and score some good runs and be as ready as he can,' Flower said of Pietersen, who is not in his best of form.

Flower also wants the team to feel that 'there is nothing to be afraid of in Australia'.

He wants the players to get out of their hotel rooms and away from their computers, dartboards and card games and enjoy the country and the culture.

'This should be one of the highlights of people's cricketing careers, to go on an Ashes tour of Australia. They should be looking forward to enjoying it,' Flower said.

'That means enjoying the challenges that you face on the field and also seeing another country, another culture, meeting new people.'

Source: Web Search

Ex-selectors backing Pak against SA in 'home-like' UAE conditions

Published>Tue, Oct 26 10 07:06 PM

Karachi, Oct 26 (ANI): The Pakistan cricket team would have an edge over their South African counterparts in the series opener due to favourable weather conditions, the pitch and the crowd, former Pakistani selectors have said.

"Pakistan would have an edge over South Africa as the team have some good players for the T20 format. They would certainly have a home-ground like advantage such as weather, low pitches and especially the crowd," The News quoted former selector Salahuddin Sallu, as saying.

"I think the team should leave behind all the scandals that has haunted them. They should concentrate on the matches. They should know that that their good performance in Dubai and Abu Dhabi would serve as atonement," he added.

He, however, acknowledged that the team would miss the tainted trio- Mohammad Amir, Mohammad Asif and Salman Butt- as well as former skipper Shoaib Malik during the 'home' series.

"Certainly they were among the top players of the country and the captain would certainly will not be having the players, who his recent predecessors had. Shoaib Malik is also not there," said Sallu.

Former Pakistani spin legend and an ex-selector, Abdul Qadir said that while both the teams seemed to be equally poised, the home-like conditions would favour Pakistan.

"It is difficult to foretell who ought to be a better side tomorrow. The South Africans have recently thrashed Zimbabwe.

However, weather, pitch and the crowd would certainly be favouring Pakistan," Qadir said. (ANI)

Source: Web Search

Ex-selectors backing Pak against SA in 'home-like' UAE conditions

Published>Tue, Oct 26 10 07:04 PM

Karachi, Oct 26 (ANI): The Pakistan cricket team would have an edge over their South African counterparts in the series opener due to favourable weather conditions, the pitch and the crowd, former Pakistani selectors have said.

"Pakistan would have an edge over South Africa as the team have some good players for the T20 format. They would certainly have a home-ground like advantage such as weather, low pitches and especially the crowd," The News quoted former selector Salahuddin Sallu, as saying.

"I think the team should leave behind all the scandals that has haunted them. They should concentrate on the matches. They should know that that their good performance in Dubai and Abu Dhabi would serve as atonement," he added.

He, however, acknowledged that the team would miss the tainted trio- Mohammad Amir, Mohammad Asif and Salman Butt- as well as former skipper Shoaib Malik during the 'home' series.

"Certainly they were among the top players of the country and the captain would certainly will not be having the players, who his recent predecessors had. Shoaib Malik is also not there," said Sallu.

Former Pakistani spin legend and an ex-selector, Abdul Qadir said that while both the teams seemed to be equally poised, the home-like conditions would favour Pakistan.

"It is difficult to foretell who ought to be a better side tomorrow. The South Africans have recently thrashed Zimbabwe.

However, weather, pitch and the crowd would certainly be favouring Pakistan," Qadir said. (ANI)

Source: Web Search

Ex-selectors backing Pak against SA in 'home-like' UAE conditions

Published>Tue, Oct 26 10 07:02 PM

Karachi, Oct 26 (ANI): The Pakistan cricket team would have an edge over their South African counterparts in the series opener due to favourable weather conditions, the pitch and the crowd, former Pakistani selectors have said.

"Pakistan would have an edge over South Africa as the team have some good players for the T20 format. They would certainly have a home-ground like advantage such as weather, low pitches and especially the crowd," The News quoted former selector Salahuddin Sallu, as saying.

"I think the team should leave behind all the scandals that has haunted them. They should concentrate on the matches. They should know that that their good performance in Dubai and Abu Dhabi would serve as atonement," he added.

He, however, acknowledged that the team would miss the tainted trio- Mohammad Amir, Mohammad Asif and Salman Butt- as well as former skipper Shoaib Malik during the 'home' series.

"Certainly they were among the top players of the country and the captain would certainly will not be having the players, who his recent predecessors had. Shoaib Malik is also not there," said Sallu.

Former Pakistani spin legend and an ex-selector, Abdul Qadir said that while both the teams seemed to be equally poised, the home-like conditions would favour Pakistan.

"It is difficult to foretell who ought to be a better side tomorrow. The South Africans have recently thrashed Zimbabwe.

However, weather, pitch and the crowd would certainly be favouring Pakistan," Qadir said. (ANI)

Source: Web Search

Ex-selectors backing Pak against SA in 'home-like' UAE conditions

Published>Tue, Oct 26 10 07:00 PM

Karachi, Oct 26 (ANI): The Pakistan cricket team would have an edge over their South African counterparts in the series opener due to favourable weather conditions, the pitch and the crowd, former Pakistani selectors have said.

"Pakistan would have an edge over South Africa as the team have some good players for the T20 format. They would certainly have a home-ground like advantage such as weather, low pitches and especially the crowd," The News quoted former selector Salahuddin Sallu, as saying.

"I think the team should leave behind all the scandals that has haunted them. They should concentrate on the matches. They should know that that their good performance in Dubai and Abu Dhabi would serve as atonement," he added.

He, however, acknowledged that the team would miss the tainted trio- Mohammad Amir, Mohammad Asif and Salman Butt- as well as former skipper Shoaib Malik during the 'home' series.

"Certainly they were among the top players of the country and the captain would certainly will not be having the players, who his recent predecessors had. Shoaib Malik is also not there," said Sallu.

Former Pakistani spin legend and an ex-selector, Abdul Qadir said that while both the teams seemed to be equally poised, the home-like conditions would favour Pakistan.

"It is difficult to foretell who ought to be a better side tomorrow. The South Africans have recently thrashed Zimbabwe.

However, weather, pitch and the crowd would certainly be favouring Pakistan," Qadir said. (ANI)

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Ex-selectors backing Pak against SA in 'home-like' UAE conditions

Published>Tue, Oct 26 10 06:58 PM

Karachi, Oct 26 (ANI): The Pakistan cricket team would have an edge over their South African counterparts in the series opener due to favourable weather conditions, the pitch and the crowd, former Pakistani selectors have said.

"Pakistan would have an edge over South Africa as the team have some good players for the T20 format. They would certainly have a home-ground like advantage such as weather, low pitches and especially the crowd," The News quoted former selector Salahuddin Sallu, as saying.

"I think the team should leave behind all the scandals that has haunted them. They should concentrate on the matches. They should know that that their good performance in Dubai and Abu Dhabi would serve as atonement," he added.

He, however, acknowledged that the team would miss the tainted trio- Mohammad Amir, Mohammad Asif and Salman Butt- as well as former skipper Shoaib Malik during the 'home' series.

"Certainly they were among the top players of the country and the captain would certainly will not be having the players, who his recent predecessors had. Shoaib Malik is also not there," said Sallu.

Former Pakistani spin legend and an ex-selector, Abdul Qadir said that while both the teams seemed to be equally poised, the home-like conditions would favour Pakistan.

"It is difficult to foretell who ought to be a better side tomorrow. The South Africans have recently thrashed Zimbabwe.

However, weather, pitch and the crowd would certainly be favouring Pakistan," Qadir said. (ANI)

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Ex-selectors backing Pak against SA in 'home-like' UAE conditions

Published>Tue, Oct 26 10 06:56 PM

Karachi, Oct 26 (ANI): The Pakistan cricket team would have an edge over their South African counterparts in the series opener due to favourable weather conditions, the pitch and the crowd, former Pakistani selectors have said.

"Pakistan would have an edge over South Africa as the team have some good players for the T20 format. They would certainly have a home-ground like advantage such as weather, low pitches and especially the crowd," The News quoted former selector Salahuddin Sallu, as saying.

"I think the team should leave behind all the scandals that has haunted them. They should concentrate on the matches. They should know that that their good performance in Dubai and Abu Dhabi would serve as atonement," he added.

He, however, acknowledged that the team would miss the tainted trio- Mohammad Amir, Mohammad Asif and Salman Butt- as well as former skipper Shoaib Malik during the 'home' series.

"Certainly they were among the top players of the country and the captain would certainly will not be having the players, who his recent predecessors had. Shoaib Malik is also not there," said Sallu.

Former Pakistani spin legend and an ex-selector, Abdul Qadir said that while both the teams seemed to be equally poised, the home-like conditions would favour Pakistan.

"It is difficult to foretell who ought to be a better side tomorrow. The South Africans have recently thrashed Zimbabwe.

However, weather, pitch and the crowd would certainly be favouring Pakistan," Qadir said. (ANI)

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Baking soda boosts athletic performance: Study

Published>Tue, Oct 26 10 06:38 PM

Washington, Oct 26 (ANI): A study has found that dietary supplementation with sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) on the morning of a tennis match allows athletes to maintain their edge.

A randomized, controlled trial found that those players who received the supplement showed no decline in skilled tennis performance after a simulated match.

Chen-Kang Chang from the National Taiwan College of Physical Education, Taiwan, worked with a team of researchers to carry out the study.

"We found that sodium bicarbonate supplementation can prevent the fatigue-induced decline in skilled tennis performance seen during matches," Chang said.

"The service and forehand ground stroke consistency was maintained after a simulated match in the bicarbonate trial. On the other hand, these consistency scores were decreased after the match in the placebo trial," he said.

The nine players in the study were randomly assigned to receive either bicarbonate or placebo drinks. They then took part in a tennis skills test before and after a simulated match.

The skills test measured the accuracy and consistency of service and forehand and backhand ground stroke to both sides of the court.

The finding was reported in BioMed Central's open access Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition. (ANI)

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Death threats forces Lalit Modi to call ED to London

Published>Tue, Oct 26 10 06:20 PM

Former IPL Chairman Lalit Modi has offered to make himself available in London for interrogation by Enforcement Directorate and said he would bear the expenses of ED personnel travelling to the British capital to question him for alleged FEMA violations by IPL franchises.

"Its nothing new and from day one we have been saying that he's willing to be interrogated. Now Modi is willing to bear the cost of ED's appropriately authorised Commission to interrogate him in the Indian High Commission in London," Abdi said on Tuesday.

Maintaining that the Modi camp was fully co-operating in the investigations, Abdi said such an action was permissible under section 131 of the Income Tax Act.

"The ED authorities can appoint a Commission to take statement and collect information. It's not anything new and is permissible under the law," he said.

"The offer is that he will be available for questioning for as many days as they want in London. The other alternative is through video conferencing," Abdi said.

"The only reason for all these is because Modi faced a threat to his life in India, which is known to the Mumbai police".

The ED has already issued a Blue Notice - an international alert to law enforcement agencies to obtain information about a person's identity and activities - against Modi in its probe into the finances of the Twenty20 league.

Modi, who was suspended as IPL Chairman by the BCCI in April, is facing charges ranging from financial irregularities to rigging bids, proxy holdings and kickbacks in broadcast deals.

He is also facing an internal BCCI probe from a three-member disciplinary panel headed by Chirayu Amin, with Arun Jaitley and Jyotiraditya Scindia being the other two members.

BCCI Secretary N Srinivasan has also filed a complaint with the Chennai Police earlier this month against Modi alleging criminal misappropriation of funds to the tune of Rs 470 crore on issues including media rights and free commercial rights.

The Chennai Police has registered a case against Modi and six others under different sections of IPC including criminal conspiracy, criminal breach of trust, falsification of accounts and cheating.

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Life as a player begins - again - at 56 for Pudishev

Tue, Oct 26 10 05:58 PM

Yuri Pudishev, Dynamo Brest's assistant coach, gave his team an on-field example of how it should be done when he made a late appearance in a Belarus League match at the grand old age of 56.

The substitute midfielder could not prevent his team losing 2-0 to leaders BATE Borisov on Monday but he still became the oldest player to appear in the eastern European country's professional league.

In fact, Pudishev has made something of a habit of late cameos. He came out of "retirement" two years ago in the Belarussian Cup for MTZ-RIPO and even helped set up a goal.

"I don't think that Pudishev's appearance was a clown act," Dynamo coach Yuri Puntus told local media after the final whistle on Monday.

The Belarussian Football Federation's official web site (www.bff.by) even named Pudishev Dynamo's man of the match.

"I'll be glad if someone can assist him to get in the Guinness Book of Records," Puntus added.

Pudishev was a decent player in his prime, winning the old Soviet Union championship with Dynamo Minsk in 1982 and he also played for Dynamo Moscow.

Dynamo Brest currently stand seventh in the Belarus League.

According to statisticians, the oldest player to play in a professional game was Mexican Salvador Reyes who was 71 when he kicked off for Chivas against Pumas in January 2008.

Reyes only appeared as an honourary gesture by his club and was taken off after a couple of minutes.

Source: Published>

Six giant Panda to welcome visitors

Tue, Oct 26 10 05:52 PM

Beijing, Oct 26 (PTI) Six Giant Pandas will be welcoming visitors from home and abroad at the Guangzhou city during the next month''s Asian Games event scheduled for November 11 to 27. Six Giant Pandas will be sent to Guangzhou City, capital of Guangdong Province, from southwest China''s Sichuan Province to support the Asian Games next month. The Pandas were all born last year at the China Wolong Giant Panda Research Center in Sichuan. They will arrive at Guangzhou''s Panyu-Xiangjiang Safari Park later this week, Xinhua newsagency reported. The Pandas together would welcome visitors from home and abroad during the Asian Games, scheduled for November 11 to 27, said Dong Guixin, general director of the Panyu- Xiangjiang Safari Park.

Source: Published>

Arsenal shouldn't get carried away by successful stint so far: Fabregas

Published>Tue, Oct 26 10 05:46 PM

London, Oct 26(ANI): Arsenal skipper Cesc Fabregas insists that the club should not go overboard despite a successful Premier League campaign so far.

Arsenal is currently second in the championship table, just five points behind reigning champions Chelsea.

"It's still early in the season. After every win it's easy to say, 'Oh, you are more mature' and this and that. But it's just one more game, so let's not get carried away. We just want to play against Newcastle [in the Carling Cup tomorrow] now. That's it," the Daily Express quoted Fabregas, as saying.

Fabregas further said that the 3-0 victory against Manchester City was crucial for their title bid.

"It was a very important win because we are back on track and it was against one of our rivals at the top. It is nice to go to Manchester City and win," Fabregas said.

"We have always found Manchester City difficult opponents but this time we did really well and played some fantastic football. We enjoyed it on the pitch and, hopefully, the fans enjoyed it as well," he added.

The win at Eastlands was the first time Arsenal have beaten any of the Premier League's current top four - Chelsea, Manchester United and City - in 10 attempts. (ANI)

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Waqar eyeing successful South Africa, New Zealand series for World Cup boost

Published>Tue, Oct 26 10 05:38 PM

Abu Dhabi, Oct 26(ANI): Pakistan coach Waqar Younis has urged his team to get back to its winning ways as they begin the build-up to next year's World Cup.

"We haven't won anything recently and after a chaotic England tour things are becoming clearer, so if we win against South Africa and then on the New Zealand tour it will be a good build-up for the World Cup," the Dawn quoted Waqar, as saying.

Pakistan is scheduled to play two Twenty20 matches, a five-match ODI series and two Tests against South Africa in the United Arab Emirates before touring New Zealand.

Waqar further said that he hoped the three players involved in the spot-fixing scandal would be available for the World Cup.

"I hope they (three suspended players) are available to play, but at this point of time we can only hope because they are three key players and it's never easy to lose your key players," Waqar said.

"Asif and Aamer had been progressing very well but if they are not available we have replacements in mind and they will step in, like we have three good spinners who will come handy in the World Cup held in the sub-continent," he added.

Pakistan Test skipper Salman Butt, Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Amir were alleged to be involved in bowling pre-planned 'no-balls' during their recent Test against England at Lord's.

The players will now go through an ICC hearing over the unspecified charges contained in the governing body's code of conduct.

According to reports, the hearing is expected to take place on October 28 in London. (ANI)

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Devendra Bundela to lead Madhya Pradesh in Ranji trophy

Tue, Oct 26 10 05:22 PM

Indore, Oct 26 (PTI) Right-hand batsman Devendra Bundela will lead the Madhya Pradesh team in the Ranji Trophy cricket tournament this season. Madhya Pradesh will take on Goa in the Plate Group A match to be played at Indore from November 1-4, Madhya Pradesh Cricket Association (MPCA) officials said here today. The 15-member squad: Devendra Bundela (Capt), Naman Ojha, Jalaj Saxena, Mohnish Mishra, Abbas Ali, Anand Singh, Harpreet Singh Bhatia, Murtaza Ali, T Sudhindra, Amarjeet Singh, Anand Rajan, Ishwar Pandey, Ankit Sharma, Asif Ali and Zafar Ali. PTI HWP MAS CM

Source: Published>

Ex-England star blasts 'greedy' Rooney for treating Man U with disrespect

Published>Tue, Oct 26 10 05:18 PM

London, Oct 26(ANI): Former England midfielder Matt Le Tissier has labeled Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney 'greedy' for treating his club with contempt.

In a dramatic change of events, Rooney - who wanted to leave United last week - performed an incredible U-turn over his future by signing a new five-year contract.

Le Tiss said that loyalty hardly exists in football and players are more interested in their pay packets than glory.

"It is amazing isn't it? He said he wanted to win trophies, then gets offered more money and wants to stay. Had United not been millions in debt, Sir Alex could have called his bluff. But Rooney is the club's most valuable asset, so United had to do something about it," the Sun quoted Le Tissier, as saying.

"They needed him on a long-term deal. If he wants to go next year, then he can for a price. He has shown United disrespect. Then again this is a boy at Everton who said 'once a Blue, always a Blue'," he added.

Rooney, who was previously on 90,000 pounds per week, is now understood to be earning a basic salary in excess of 150,000 pounds per week.

The 25-year-old is now the highest-paid player at United, overtaking defender Rio Ferdinand. (ANI)

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