'Back to best' Lee fires ODI comeback hopes

Published>Sat, Oct 30 10 12:22 PM

Sydney, Oct 30(ANI): Australian fast bowler Brett Lee put in an impressive domestic performance for New South Wales to suggest that a national one-day recall could be on the cards.

Lee, continuing his comeback after a six-month lay-off with an elbow injury, took 2-43 from nine overs to guide the Blues to a six-wicket win over Queensland Bulls on Friday.

The 33-year-old moved freely and bowled with genuine pace and grabbed the wickets of Lee Carseldine, who played-on, and Craig Philipson who was caught behind, News.com.au reports.

Lee has not played any ODI for Australia since October last year.

The Australian's career has been plagued by fitness problems, ranging from a side strain and elbow surgery to a broken thumb and a forearm injury.

Earlier, chairman of selectors Andrew Hilditch has said that Lee needs more cricket after a six-month layoff with an elbow injury.

Hilditch's comments come after Lee was not included in the national squad for next month's three-match series against Sri Lanka.

"It's not something he's particularly happy with, he thinks he's ready to go. But we still feel after a very long period off with injury, and then to come back on pretty limited preparation to what is really three one-day internationals in six days, I think is just a bit too much at this stage," Hilditch said.

The chairman of selectors however said that Lee remained "very much" in contention for the World Cup on the subcontinent in February.

"He's making really good progress and seems to be back bowling really well. We're hoping he'll be fully fit and roaring to go for the World Cup," Hilditch said. (ANI)

Source: Web Search

Oz players want cricket calendar changed for T20 Big Bash involvement

Published>Sat, Oct 30 10 12:08 PM

Sydney, Oct 30(ANI): The Australian Cricketers Association (ACA) has informed Cricket Australia that leading players want the cricket calendar for the month of January revamped in order to join the Twenty20 Big Bash tournament.

At the moment, Australia's ODI players have no chance of playing in the Twenty20 tournament until 2013 as they have ODI matches against England in January 2011 and a series against India in January 2012.

"The ACA believes it is critical to the appeal of the Big Bash competition that the involvement of Australian players is maximized," Fox Sports quoted a ACA submission to CA, as saying.

"This is also based on the assumption that the total workload of these players would not increase, i.e., Big Bash games would replace international games," he added.

ACA Chief Executive Paul Marsh claimed that the only way the new Big Bash could be highly successful was for all the best players to be available.

"Cricket Australia might have to bite the bullet and take some short-term pain for some long-term gain," Marsh said.

The tournament will have eight teams playing each other twice before a finals series.

NSW and Victoria will have two teams, and the other states one each. (ANI)

Source: Web Search

Oz IPL-style T20 teams' 30 million dollars price tag

Published>Sat, Oct 30 10 11:44 AM

Sydney, Oct 30(ANI): Australia's version of Indian Premier League-style Twenty20 franchises could be worth as much as 30 million dollars.

According to the Sydney Morning Herald, the franchises will be valued between 2.5 million to three million dollars a year for 10 years.

Investors would be allowed to own up to 33 per cent of a franchise in the eight-team tournament owned, controlled and managed by Cricket Australia.

"Some of the valuations that we have done recently on these interests put these teams immediately in the upper echelons of Australian sport, in terms of values of sporting teams," CA chief James Sutherland said.

"In an operational sense, we have done a huge amount of modeling going out 20 years and beyond that gives us a huge amount of confidence into how this competition is going to grow," he added.

Sutherland further said that player allocation would be based on ensuring teams had an "equal opportunity to attract talent".

The tournament will have eight teams playing each other twice before a finals series.

NSW and Victoria will have two teams, and the other states one each. (ANI)

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NBA - Heat rout Magic as "Big Three" inspire big win

Sat, Oct 30 10 10:56 AM

The much anticipated home debut of the Heat's "Big Three" exceeded expectations as Miami routed their interstate and divisional rival Orlando Magic 96-70.

The Heat dominated the second half defensively, limiting the Magic to just 25 points to turn a narrow six point halftime lead into a comfortable victory.

"The guys now can't go back on this," Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said. "They've showed me defensively what they're capable of."

Dwyane Wade led all scorers with 26 points, including 12 in the third quarter as the Heat took command of the game.

LeBron James had 15 points and seven assists and Chris Bosh had a double-double with 11 points and 10 rebounds. Forward Udonis Haslem had a double-double coming off the bench with 11 points and 11 rebounds.

"When me and Chris (Bosh) decided to join him (Wade), and even the rest of the guys, this is what we envisioned," said James.

"Is it going to be a 26-point win every night? No, it's the NBA and we know that, but the fans, they came out and the least we could do is play hard for them."

Dwight Howard scored 19 first half points for Orlando but fouled out midway through the fourth quarter without scoring in the second half to lead the Magic. The Magic starters combined for a meagre 37 points, and just seven in the second half.

"I think their defense was very good," Magic coach Stan Van Gundy said.

"I think that their length and the way that they got into the passing lanes made it tough for us to get good ball movement. Passing's a major problem with our team. It really is."

Source: Published>

Sachin''s bat fetches Rs 42 lakh at glittering sports auction

Sat, Oct 30 10 10:36 AM

Mumbai, Oct 30 (PTI) Indian batting icon Sachin Tendulkar''s willow fetched the highest bid of Rs 42 lakh at a glittering sports auction here that saw personal items donated by 25 top sportspersons from the country and overseas go under the hammer. The champion batsman had scored an unbeaten 163 against New Zealand at Christchurch last year, his fourth highest one day score, with this bat. Tied at second spot was the rifle used by India''s only individual Olympic gold medallist, shooter Abhinav Bindra, when creating history at the Beijing Games two years ago and the bat of Rahul Dravid, with which he had scored a century in each innings in the Kolkata Test of 2005 against Pakistan. Both were successfully bid for Rs 20 lakh. The bat signed by all team members of the 1983 World Cup winning team and donated by former India skipper Sunil Gavaskar''s willow went under the hammer for Rs 17.5 lakh. Anil Kumble''s jersey which he wore when he equalled Jim Laker''s ten-wicket in a Test innings record against Pakistan in New Delhi in 1999, and his Test cap that he wore between 2004 and 2006 went for Rs 11.5 lakh. Among the other items auctioned off were Swiss tennis legend Roger Federer''s shoes, a bat donated by 1983 World Cup winning skipper Kapil Dev with the autographs of all the team members and sports gear donated by Indian top racquet sports exponents - Shuttler Saina Nehwal and tennis player Sania Mirza. Doners Dravid, Kumble, tennis ace Leander Paes, national football captain Bhaichung Bhutia, 1974 hockey World Cup winning skipper Ajit Pal Singh, former hockey captain Viren Rasquinha and Bindra were present at the auction last night. (MORE) PTI SSR DK PM

Source: Published>

Pakistan needs good batsmen: former captains

Sat, Oct 30 10 10:22 AM

Karachi, Oct 30 (PTI) Pakistan''s continuing poor form against South Africa in the ongoing series in the UAE has drawn stinging criticism from former captains who feel the team desperately needs good batsmen. South Africa swept aside Pakistan by eight wickets in the first one-day international in Abu Dhabi yesterday after outclassing Shahid Afridi''s men in the two Twenty20 matches earlier in the week. "Definitely the batting is letting the bowlers down. The batting is just not good enough and they are not putting up enough runs for the bowlers to defend," former captain Asif Iqbal said. Iqbal also felt that Afridi''s poor form was having a negative on the team''s overall performance. "I think Shahid has to pick up his performance because he has to lead by example and it is the job of the team management and coach to motivate and lift the players in these circumstances," the former captain said. Despite the return of former captain Younus Khan to the team and his scoring a half century, Pakistan were bowled out for just 203 runs. Former captain Javed Miandad felt that the team needs to show more purpose and planning. "There is no purpose in the way they are approaching the matches. The batsmen are playing without a plan and that is why they are struggling to get big scores," he said Miandad said the players just need to learn the art of staying at the wicket and putting a high value on their wicket. Another former captain Aamir Sohail said he was disappointed with the role of the team''s coaching staff. "Where is the coaching/support staff. What is their job description?" he asked. "Nowadays in modern day cricket it is clear that the role of the support staff is very important and plays a big part in any team''s success of defeat. But in our team I don''t know what is happening the players are playing without any plan at all." Batting great Zaheer Abbas said the players need to realise that they are putting the future of cricket in Pakistan at stake with their shoddy performances. "We have been playing badly since last year and and with all these controversies people are now becoming disheartened. These constant changes in the team and the controversies outside the field are also affecting the team''s ability to play good solid and sensible cricket," Zaheer said. Former leg-spinner Abdul Qadir said it was unfortunate but the national team was not moving forward because of the strange policies of the cricket board. "South Africa is a top team but on a pitch which was good for batting and conditions were ideal for us and we even won the toss, how can you justify getting out for just 203 runs. They are problems in this team," he said.

Source: Published>

NBA - Heat rout Magic as "Big Three" inspire big debut win

Sat, Oct 30 10 09:36 AM

The much anticipated home debut of the Heat's "Big Three" exceeded expectations as Miami routed their interstate and divisional rival Orlando Magic 96-70.

The Heat dominated the second half defensively, limiting the Magic to just 25 points to turn a narrow six point halftime lead into a comfortable victory.

Dwyane Wade led all scorers with 26 points, including 12 in the third quarter as the Heat took command of the game.

LeBron James had 15 points and seven assists and Chris Bosh had a double-double with 11 points and 10 rebounds. Forward Udonis Haslem had a double-double coming off the bench with 11 points and 11 rebounds.

Dwight Howard scored 19 first half points for Orlando but fouled out midway through the fourth quarter without scoring in the second half to lead the Magic. The Magic starters combined for a meager 37 points, and just seven in the second half.

Source: Published>

Out of form, Chetan Anand pulls out of Asiad

Published>Sat, Oct 30 10 05:48 AM

Two years ago ? despite enjoying the best upswinging rally on the ranking charts of his career ? Chetan Anand had narrowly missed out of making the cut for the Beijing Olympics falling short in the ranking-numbers. A couple of tumultuous seasons on, Chetan Anand, only just clinging on to his top 20 slot now, will again watch another major event in China pass by ? this time pulling out after his form and fitness have taken a rough turn. Persistent ankle trouble after pulling a muscle has compelled India's top men's singles player to withdraw from the Asian Games, his coach SM Arif confirmed on Friday.

"His performance had gone down and as a result of his ankle problems he was playing only at 40-50 per cent of his capability. He couldn't train as well as he wished for the Commonwealth Games, and his domestic problems also meant he was playing well below par," the Hyderabad-based coach said.

Due to take on Thai Boonsak Ponsana in a tough opener at Guangzhou, Chetan has chosen to opt out ? his decision coming soon after his first-round exit from the Denmark Open Super Series. "We knew his preparation wasn't optimum for the Commonwealth Games, and he travelled to Europe only to shore up his rankings. But just travelling to Asian Games with incomplete preparation and merely as a tourist will be wrong. He's feeling down, and unless he is at a 100 per cent, it won't be right to carry on into such a big tournament," Arif added.

The coach has set a date for the Nationals at the turn of this year ? in a domestic tournament that has always boosted his confidence. "We'll focus a lot on on-court training now and very specific exercises. He should be at a 75 per cent in a month's time," the coach said. "If he can put his head down and focus on his game and fitness, he should be back."

'Domestic trouble has taken a toll'

Admitting that his domestic troubles and separation from wife Jwala Gutta had taken a toll, Arif added, "It's never easy for any of the individuals involved. And when Chetan is psychologically disturbed and not entirely happy, it affects his game a lot. But I also believe, that the game itself will be cathartic for him, and he will regain his confidence on the court better than anywhere else. We all want him to overcome from this loss of morale," he said, adding that the new season should herald brighter beginnings for the World No 20.

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Muntari ends goal drought to seal Inter win at Genoa

Sat, Oct 30 10 03:36 AM

Sulley Muntari came in from the cold and scored his first club goal in a year to hand injury-hit Inter Milan a battling 1-0 Serie A win at Genoa on Friday.

The champions moved up to second spot after nine matches pending the weekend games.

The Ghana midfielder has barely featured under new coach Rafael Benitez this term but after coming on for the injured Esteban Cambiasso, he unleashed a 25-metre drive on the stroke of halftime which goalkeeper Eduardo somehow let in.

The Portugal keeper redeemed himself slightly in the second half when denying Jonathan Biabiany's volley while Genoa's Luca Toni was a constant menace as the hosts missed several chances.

Inter moved a point behind leaders Lazio, who visit Palermo on Sunday (1130), and a point above AC Milan ahead of their home game with fifth-placed Juventus on Saturday (1845).

"It's a very important victory," Inter's injury-prone left back Davide Santon told Sky having filled in for the stricken Cristian Chivu.

"I'm also very happy for myself, finally I feel good and I've managed to finish a game. We suffered because of their intensity, it was tough."

Muntari stormed out of the San Siro after not even being named on the bench for the 0-0 draw with Juve earlier this month and his Inter future looked bleak.

His last goal for the club was Oct. 24 last year.

Inter's joy in one of Serie A's most intimidating stadiums, where Italy's Euro 2012 qualifier was abandoned earlier this month when Serbia fans rioted, was mitigated slightly by the early injury to Cambiasso and keeper Julio Cesar also going off.

The European champions travel to Tottenham Hotspur in the Champions League on Tuesday, the reason for Serie A's introduction of a Friday match, but they go to England with a busy treatment room.

Forwards Diego Milito and Goran Pandev were only fit enough for the bench in Genoa but will be pushing for starts at Spurs despite the decent form of young stand-ins Biabiany and Brazil's Coutinho.

Inter's resilience will have pleased Benitez given they were almost embarrassed by Tottenham last week when they won 4-3 having been 4-0 up, while they drew 1-1 at home to Sampdoria at the weekend after a patchy display.

Source: Published>

Cassano future unclear after Sampdoria take action

Sat, Oct 30 10 03:16 AM

Italy forward Antonio Cassano's future at Sampdoria was unclear on Friday after the Serie A side said they were taking disciplinary action against him for insulting club president Riccardo Garrone.

"Antonio Cassano was seriously offensive and lacked respect towards the president. Sampdoria announce that we have started disciplinary proceedings with the relevant authorities," the statement said.

Italian media, which said the clash came over Cassano's refusal to attend a charity dinner, took the statement to mean that the player would be thrown out of the first team squad.

The 28-year-old was constantly in trouble in the past but has matured markedly in the last two years and married in the close season and has a baby on the way.

His bad boy image following a series of pranks at ex-clubs AS Roma and Real Madrid led to former Italy coach Marcello Lippi exiling him from the national side but new boss Cesare Prandelli had installed Cassano as a key player in Euro 2012 qualifying.

Inter Milan have been long-term admirers of Cassano and are short of extra firepower while Juventus need guile upfront and could be tempted with a bid for the skilful attacker in January if his Samp career is over.

Source: Published>

Maradona turns 50 with Argentina on his mind

Published>Sat, Oct 30 10 02:56 AM

Diego Maradona turns 50 on Saturday, an anniversary some feared he might never reach, and after defying death he will not let the small matter of a sacking stand in the way of his next big goal.

Argentina's greatest player will spend his birthday far from the two things that have dominated his life -- soccer and being constantly in the public eye -- but they are not far from his mind.

Despite losing his job as coach of his beloved Argentina a few months ago, Maradona still dreams of returning to the helm and avenging the World Cup quarter-final defeat by Germany in June that cost him his job.

"I know I'll return to the national team some day, it's my destiny. I'm waiting," said Maradona, speaking to Sky Sports in an interview broadcast on Friday.

Having once been at death's door with a priest at his bedside and having suffered heart problems, obesity and drug addiction before defying doubters to get the Argentina job in 2008, it would be unwise to write off his chances of returning.

Carlos Bilardo, coach of the Argentina side that won the World Cup in Mexico in 1986, has played a major part in Maradona's life but even he would not venture an opinion on his former captain's future or chances of a comeback.

Bilardo has a part in the choice of Maradona's successor to lead Argentina to the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, though only to advise an Argentine Football Association (AFA) selection committee on the candidates.

"I propose and they choose," Bilardo, who is the AFA director of national teams, told Reuters of the selection committee meeting he will attend on Monday.

There is no indication that Maradona is on his list, but just as he was called on before to bail out the team when they were in crisis, as a player first ahead of the 1994 World Cup and then as coach two years ago, his supporters will push his case at the first real sign of failure.

TRUE GREAT

The stocky Maradona is not short of supporters, a mark of the respect he still commands on the basis of a playing career that marked him out as one of the game's true greats.

Some are in government and Maradona was at President Cristina Fernandez's side on Thursday as the country mourned the sudden death at 60 of her husband, former head of state Nestor Kirchner.

Former Boca Juniors and Argentina team mate and friend Claudio Caniggia said Maradona should never have lost the job in the first place.

"Obviously, there's pain. He still hopes for a chance, but he's well," Caniggia told the sports daily Ole.

"I'm sure inside himself he thinks he deserves to carry on. I think he deserved to."

Realistically, though, Maradona will have to wait some time before he can credibly be linked with the national coaching job again.

Among the main candidates for the post, Sergio Batista, Maradona's 1986 World Cup-winning team mate, enjoys a head start as the interim coach and the backing of AFA president Julio Grondona, while Alex Sabella of Estudiantes is also in the mix.

Whoever gets the job will have to prove his capacity when Argentina host the Copa America in July. Argentina lost the final to Brazil the last two times it was played in 2004 and 2007. It was also Argentina's last trophy way back in 1993.

A run of bad results could soon have Argentines once again overlooking Maradona's shortcomings and calling for his return.

His drug problems and lavish lifestyle were forgiven by a public who seek a return to the glory days that he inspired -- and they are still waiting for that.

Source: Web Search

Dementieva retires, Zvonareva beats Clijsters

Published>Sat, Oct 30 10 01:56 AM

Elena Dementieva lost 6-4 6-2 to Italy's Francesca Schiavone at the WTA Championships on Friday before stunning the crowd by announcing her retirement from tennis.

In the White Group, Vera Zvonareva beat Kim Clijsters 6-4 7-5 while Victoria Azarenka beat Jelena Jankovic 6-4 6-1 to round out the group stage of competition.

The 29-year-old Dementieva, making her 10th appearance at the prestigious tournament, blinked away tears as she thanked her fans around the world and paid tribute to her mother Vera for her support throughout her career.

"I would like to thank all the people around the world for supporting me," the Russian told the crowd as her mother and fellow competitors wiped away tears at the Khalifa Tennis Complex in the Qatari capital.

"I'm so emotional and it's so hard to say goodbye."

Dementieva and Schiavone had already been eliminated from the Maroon Group after Caroline Wozniacki and Sam Stosur sealed semi-final spots a day earlier, but with year-end ranking points and $100,000 on offer for the win neither player lacked motivation.

French Open champion Schiavone, making her singles debut at the $4.55 million season-ending tournament, suffered an early break but hit back immediately and moved into a 4-2 lead.

Dementieva broke in the seventh and then levelled at 4-4 but the 30-year-old Schiavone regained the momentum and skipped with delight after sealing the set 6-4.

The Italian upped the tempo in the second set and quickly got the measure of Dementieva's serve and wrapped it up 6-2.

World number two Zvonareva maintained her perfect record in the White Group with an impressive straight sets victory over Belgian Clijsters.

The Russian, who moments before the match bade an emotional farewell to Dementieva, was the only player to go through the group stage unbeaten and will play Wozniacki in the semi-finals on Saturday. Clijsters will play Stosur for a place in the final.

Zvonareva said Wozniacki would present a tough challenge.

"Caroline is a great player. She's No. 1 in the world," the Russian added.

"I know if I play my best tennis I can beat anyone on the other side of the net. But I know it's not easy to produce your best tennis every day."

In the day's last match, Azarenka of Belarus proved too strong for Serb Jankovic, who was the only player to lose all three of her group games.

Source: Web Search

Advani out of World Pro Billiards C''ship; Geet in semis

Sat, Oct 30 10 01:22 AM

Leeds, Oct 29 (PTI) Pankaj Advani''s hopes of winning the World Professional Billiards title for the second consecutive time went up in smoke after compatriot Dhruv Sitwala registered a hard fought 723-608 win over the reigning champion in the quarterfinals of the event here today. Advani, who had last year created history by becoming the second Indian, after Geet Sethi, to win the elusive World Pro title, suffered an unexpected defeat at the hands of Sitwala, who compiled three century breaks (118, 109 and 161) in his 32 visits to the table to reign supreme at the green baize. Advani, on the other hand, failed to score even a single century break during his two hour stay at the table with his highest break accounting for 91. Dhruv played very confidently and with consistency. He went ahead 360 points when only 30 minutes left in the clock. Advani, known for his strong comeback, tried hard to cover the lead but fall short on a break of 184 and lost by 115 points when clock alarmed and failed to defend his title. Yesterday, on the second day of the event, the 25-year-old Bangalorean Advani notched up his third straight victory in Group A after brushing aside the challenge of compatriot Devendra Joshi 818-469 to advance to the last-eight stage at the Northern Snooker Centre. Earlier, in the final group battle to decide the pool winner from Group A, Advani had defeated team-mate Saurav Kothari 965-457 in 21 visits to the table with the help of three century breaks. In the other quarterfinal of the day, five-time winner Geet Sethi, making his 19th appearance at the event, scored an emphatic 959-445 win over Singapore''s Peter Gilchrist to sail into the semifinals of the event where he is expected to meet Advani''s tormentor Sitwala. Sethi came out with two century breaks including one accounting for 267 in his 35 visits to the table while Gilchrist managed to score none. Sethi had confirmed his berth for knockouts. With an all-win record in his Group B. Other two Indians in the quarterfinal stage are Saurav Kothari, who will be up against David Causier of England, and Rupesh Shah, pitted against nine-time champion and title favourite England''s Mike Russell.

Source: Published>

Nigeria ban fully lifted, Bosnia under threat

Published>Sat, Oct 30 10 01:16 AM

Nigeria's ban from international soccer has been fully lifted after court actions against members of the federation were dropped, soccer's governing body FIFA said on Friday.

However, Bosnia could face suspension in April if the country's FA does not change its statutes.

Nigeria was banned at the start of the month over political interference in the sport but the suspension was provisionally lifted four days later after FIFA was told that court cases against the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) would be dropped.

"The executive committee decided to lift the suspension on the NFF after receiving confirmation that the court actions against elected members of the NFF had ceased and that they could now work without hindrance," said FIFA in a statement.

The suspension was the latest chapter in the chaotic administration of Nigerian soccer which sees national team coaches hired and fired with astonishing regularity and continual in-fighting among directors and politicians.

FIFA had previously threatened to suspend Nigeria after the World Cup because President Goodluck Jonathan, angry at their first-round exit, ordered the team's withdrawal from international soccer for the next two years.

Jonathan reversed his decision after the federation agreed to disband the team and amid appeals from Nigerians including former leaders.

Bosnia's federation was given until March 31 to bring its statutes into line with FIFA's "or face automatic suspension and the establishment of an interim committee."

Source: Web Search

Olympic champion Dementieva announces retirement

Published>Sat, Oct 30 10 12:56 AM

Elena Dementieva, who won gold at the 2008 Olympic Games, called time on her 12-year tennis career on Friday and said it felt like the "end of the world."

The 29-year-old Russian stunned the crowd at the WTA Championships by announcing her retirement from the middle of the court at the Khalifa Tennis Complex after losing her final group game to Francesca Schiavone.

Dementieva won 16 Tour titles and finished runner-up at the 2004 French and U.S. Opens, reaching a career-high of third in the world rankings in 2009 and earning more than $14 million in prize-money.

As Kim Clijsters, Vera Zvonareva and other competitors at the season-ending tournament stood side-by-side wiping away tears, Dementieva thanked her fans and paid tribute to her mother and coach Vera.

"I would like to thank all the people around the world for supporting me," Dementieva told the crowd. "I'm so emotional and it's so hard to say goodbye."

Her compatriot Zvonareva took the microphone and thanked Dementieva for her contribution to sport back home.

"Russia is proud of you," said Zvonareva. "You have done so much not only for Russian tennis but for sport in Russia. You have been an inspiration, a role model for kids growing up."

BIG CHANGE

Dementieva, making her 10th appearance at the prestigious year-end competition, won two of the first three tournaments this season but struggled with a calf injury that saw her miss Wimbledon.

She suffered losses to Schiavone and world number one Caroline Wosniacki in the Maroon Group in Doha but gave a vintage performance to defeat Sam Stosur on Thursday, which made her decision to retire all the more surprising.

"Right now I feel like it's the end of the world because I really like to play," she told a media conference.

"I always wanted to leave this sport with a passion for it. I never wanted to wait until my ranking dropped and I'm not going to be able to go to the main draw."

Dementieva said she made the decision to retire at the start of the season and that at 29 she had to explore new avenues.

"I think I'm ready for the big change in my life," she said, adding that she would continue to study at university in Moscow.

"It's going to be a completely different life for me. Tennis has been such a big part of my life and always will be."

A proud competitor for Russia in the Fed Cup and at the Olympic Games, Dementieva said winning the gold medal in Beijing was the pinnacle of her career.

"I'm sure I'm going to remember myself as Olympic champion. That's the best thing that could ever happen in my career," she said. "That was the biggest goal and I'm so proud of that moment."

Source: Web Search

World number one aspirant Kaymer just makes cut

Sat, Oct 30 10 12:36 AM

Martin Kaymer has a huge task on his hands this weekend if the young German is to take over Tiger Woods's top spot in the world.

Kaymer needs to finish in the top two in the Andalucia Masters on Sunday night but the 25-year-old from Dusseldorf trails leader Graeme McDowell by 11 shots at the halfway stage and second placed Gareth Maybin by nine.

A wayward three-over-par 74 by Kaymer left him struggling just to make the cut by one shot on 146, four-over, while his playing partner McDowell produced an exhilarating 67 to lie seven-under after Friday's second round.

McDowell has to make up more than a million euro on Kaymer on Europe's money-list with just five events to go and the U.S. Open champion could whittle off a massive chunk of that deficit this week.

His splendid return of four-under-par for the back nine propelled the Northern Irish Ryder Cup hero not only past his compatriot Maybin but gave a master-class to watching Kaymer.

Shots like McDowell's stunning approach to just three inches on the 14th were not in U.S. PGA champion Kaymer's locker.

Kaymer will have to find his range at the Valderrama course which in 2007 launched his remarkable climb to world number three, if he is to have any chance of preventing Lee Westwood taking over at the summit from Woods.

A series of missed greens and three bogeys in the last five holes, which included a missed three-foot putt on the last, was nothing like the form Kaymer showed when triumphing at Pebble Beach in August.

Westwood, at home resting an injured calf, will become world number one if Kaymer does not achieve his top-two goal on Sunday.

McDowell had sympathy for Kaymer, telling reporters: "Martin has not had his best two days, but he is a world-class player and there are still two rounds to go.

"I am just concentrating on controlling my own game and I will just keep doing what I'm doing for the next couple of days."

Maybin's 68 gives the Ulsterman chance to thwart his friend McDowell, and claim his maiden European Tour title. He is two strokes better than third-placed Swede Niclas Fasth (66).

Source: Published>

Nigeria ban fully lifted, Bosnia under threat

Published>Sat, Oct 30 10 12:18 AM

Nigeria's ban from international soccer has been fully lifted after court actions against members of the federation were dropped, soccer's governing body FIFA said on Friday.

However, Bosnia could face suspension in April if the country's FA does not change its statutes.

Nigeria was banned at the start of the month over political interference in the sport but the suspension was provisionally lifted four days later after FIFA was told that court cases against the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) would be dropped.

"The executive committee decided to lift the suspension on the NFF after receiving confirmation that the court actions against elected members of the NFF had ceased and that they could now work without hindrance," said FIFA in a statement.

The suspension was the latest chapter in the chaotic administration of Nigerian soccer which sees national team coaches hired and fired with astonishing regularity and continual in-fighting among directors and politicians.

FIFA had previously threatened to suspend Nigeria after the World Cup because President Goodluck Jonathan, angry at their first-round exit, ordered the team's withdrawal from international soccer for the next two years.

Jonathan reversed his decision after the federation agreed to disband the team and amid appeals from Nigerians including former leaders.

Bosnia's federation was given until March 31 to bring its statutes into line with FIFA's "or face automatic suspension and the establishment of an interim committee."

Source: Web Search

Olympic champion Dementieva announces retirement

Published>Sat, Oct 30 10 12:14 AM

Russian Elena Dementieva, who won gold at the 2008 Olympic Games, announced her retirement from tennis at the WTA Championships on Thursday.

The 29-year-old, who won 16 Tour titles and was runner-up in two Grand Slams, made the surprise announcement at the Khalifa Tennis Complex in Qatar after losing in straight sets to Francesca Schiavone.

"I would like to thank all the people around the world for supporting me," Dementieva told the crowd as her mother and several players at the season-ending tournament wiped away tears. "I'm so emotional and it's so hard to say goodbye."

Her compatriot Vera Zvonareva took the microphone and thanked Dementieva for her contribution to sport back home.

"Russia is proud of you," said Zvonareva. "You have done so much not only for Russian tennis but for sport in Russia. You have been an inspiration, a role model for kids growing up."

Dementieva, making her 10th appearance at the prestigious year-end tournament, reached a career-high ranking of third last year and won more than $14 million in prize money.

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World number one aspirant Kaymer struggling

Fri, Oct 29 10 11:56 PM

Martin Kaymer has a huge task on his hands this weekend if the young German is to take over Tiger Woods's top spot in the world.

Kaymer needs to finish in the top two in the Andalucia Masters on Sunday night but the 25-year-old from Dusseldorf trails leader Graeme McDowell by 11 shots at the halfway stage and second placed Gareth Maybin by nine.

A wayward three-over-par 74 by Kaymer left him struggling just to make the cut on 146, four-over, while his playing partner McDowell produced an exhilarating 67 to lie seven-under after Friday's second round.

McDowell has to make up more than a million euro on Kaymer on Europe's money-list with just five events to go and the U.S. Open champion could whittle off a massive chunk of that deficit this week.

His splendid return of four-under-par for the back nine propelled the Northern Irish Ryder Cup hero not only past his compatriot Maybin but gave a master-class to watching Kaymer.

Shots like McDowell's stunning approach to just three inches on the 14th were not in U.S. PGA champion Kaymer's locker.

Kaymer will have to find his range at the Valderrama course which in 2007 launched his remarkable climb to world number three, if he is to have any chance of preventing Lee Westwood taking over at the summit from Woods.

A series of missed greens and three bogeys in the last five holes, which included a missed three-foot putt on the last, was nothing like the form Kaymer showed when triumphing at Pebble Beach in August.

Westwood, at home resting an injured calf, will become world number one if Kaymer does not achieve his top-two goal on Sunday.

Source: Published>

Olympic champion Dementieva announces retirement

Published>Fri, Oct 29 10 10:56 PM

Russian Elena Dementieva, who won gold at the 2008 Olympic Games, announced her retirement from tennis at the WTA Championships on Thursday.

The 29-year-old, who won 16 Tour titles and was runner-up in two Grand Slams, made the surprise announcement at the Khalifa Tennis Complex in Qatar after losing in straight sets to Francesca Schiavone.

"I would like to thank all the people around the world for supporting me," Dementieva told the crowd as her mother and several players at the season-ending tournament wiped away tears. "I'm so emotional and it's so hard to say goodbye."

Her compatriot Vera Zvonareva took the microphone and thanked Dementieva for her contribution to sport back home.

"Russia is proud of you," said Zvonareva. "You have done so much not only for Russian tennis but for sport in Russia. You have been an inspiration, a role model for kids growing up."

Dementieva, making her 10th appearance at the prestigious year-end tournament, reached a career-high ranking of third last year and won more than $14 million in prize money.

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Russia's Dementieva announces retirement

Fri, Oct 29 10 10:38 PM

Russia's Elena Dementieva announced her retirement from tennis on Friday, after losing in straight sets to Francesca Schiavone at the WTA Championships.

The 29-year-old won the gold medal at the 2008 Beijing Olympics and was making her 10th appearance at the season-ending tournament.

Source: Published>

Many important matches to be played before World Cup: Sachin Tendulkar

Published>Fri, Oct 29 10 09:52 PM

New Delhi, Oct.29 (ANI): Playing down the hype surrounding the forthcoming World Cup, Master Blaster Sachin Tendulkar on Friday said that there are several key matches for the team to focus on before the global event.

"I think before that (World Cup) there are many important crickets to be played and that is our focus. Once we get closer to it (World Cup) then we will start thinking in that direction right now," said Tendulkar.

"Obviously there are few other important matches and that is our focus. After that we will focus on big tournament, and then we will focus on (World Cup)," he added.

Tendulkar, responding to a media query, said that though he uses social networking sites but only when he feels like.

"I am not on facebook, but I do tweet but only when I feel like. I am not like others, I don't tweet a lot, though I know that through it I can respond to my well wishers but my good wishes are always with them for all their supports and I appreciate them. But I only tweet when I feel like," said Tendulkar.

India is going to play three Test series against New Zealand, commencing on November 4 in Ahmedabad. (ANI)

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England start favourites for Ashes, says Gilchrist

Published>Fri, Oct 29 10 09:46 PM

London,Oct 29 (IANS) Former Australian wicketkeeper-batsman Adam Gilchrist Friday picked England as favourites to win the Ashes series against arch-rivals Australia, starting Nov 25.

Gilchrist, one of the most explosive batsmen of the last decade, said the English look like a team oozing with confidence and have an upper hand in the five-Test series.

'I see a very confident, compact England unit about to arrive. England should start favourites as they are the most composed group at the moment and seem to have confidence about each other. That will serve them well on that first morning.' Gilchrist told the BBC Radio.

'But either team could win it. I agree with (England captain) Andrew Strauss. I think you can hardly split the top four or five teams in world cricket at the moment.'

'There is no dominant team in cricket at the moment. On any given day, one can beat the other,' he said.

On Austaralia's current form, Gilchrist said: 'Australia have a tremendous home record and have been particularly strong over the last 15-20 years. The West Indies did well in the 1980s and early '90s but since then it has been a bit bare for the touring teams.'

'Australia play the conditions well and (captain) Ricky Ponting plays particularly well in home conditions. There is going to be a lot of weight on his shoulders if they are to be successful and I suspect he will be up for it too,' Gilchrist said.

'But there is uncertainty about what their best 11 is when everyone is fully fit. The bowling has suffered a great deal of disruption and that makes it difficult.'

'The spin bowling position has always been under question since Shane Warne left. Nathan Hauritz has tried his best and received great support from the selectors and that will be another contentious issue as the series hots up,' said Gilchrist.

The Aussies went back home winless from the India tour and Gilchrist said the recent defeats have hit the team's confidence.

'The team have taken a blow in confidence with a series of negative results and I think we are realising we do not like losing. We took it for granted that we were winning so often. But it is a new period in Australian cricket and there is no need to talk about the previous group,' he said.

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Delhi ready for CWG probe, says Dikshit

Published>Fri, Oct 29 10 09:38 PM

New Delhi, Oct 29 (IANS) The Delhi government was ready for probe by the investigating agencies into irregularities in the preparations for the recently-concluded Commonwealth Games, Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit said here Friday.

The Delhi government was one of the agencies besides the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) and the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC), involved in preparations for the Oct 3-14 mega sporting event.

In run-up to the Games, the city government took up 77 projects. But with various agencies starting investigations, the Delhi government wants only 26 projects to be probed.

'We are ready for it,' Dikshit said to a query as to whether the government was prepared for the probe.

However, she evaded a question whether the government will allow scrutiny of all the 77 projects or only 26.

Earlier this month, Chief Secretary Rakesh Mehta held a meeting with the Delhi government, MCD and NDMC officials and asked the officials to cooperate with the probe agencies.

The Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) and the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) are probing irregularities in projects of the Public Works Department (PWD) as well as tourism, transport and health departments during preparations of the mega event.

The city government spent around Rs.16,500 crore to create and spruce up the capital's infrastructure for the Games.

The high-level Shunglu Committee was appointed by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Oct 15 to look into the allegations of corruption in Commonwealth Games. It has been asked to submit its report within three months.

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Brazil recall Ronaldinho for Argentina friendly

Published>Fri, Oct 29 10 09:16 PM

Ronaldinho was recalled by Brazil for the first time in 18 months on Friday for their friendly against Argentina in Qatar next month.

The gifted AC Milan forward, who helped Brazil win the World Cup in 2002, was overlooked by former coach Dunga for this year's finals in South Africa.

"He's in good form, he's a figurehead who will add value to the Brazil team," coach Mano Menezes said when he named his 23-man squad to face arch-rivals Argentina in Doha on Nov. 17.

"The Ronaldinho we want is the one we learnt to enjoy watching," he told a news conference. Ronaldinho last played for Brazil in a World Cup qualifier against Peru in April 2009.

With the 30-year-old Ronaldinho's return, Menezes is looking to reproduce the AC Milan attack by fielding him alongside club mates Alexandre Pato and Robinho, one of the few survivors from Dunga's squad.

"The build-up into attack is a sector where we need to evolve...at Milan, he plays more in the middle, with three players behind him and two in front. It's what I'm considering for positioning in the national team." Menezes said.

Ronaldinho has a thigh injury and is set to miss Milan's home game with Juventus on Saturday but he should return for Wednesday's Champions League match against Real Madrid.

He has lost most of the pace he had at Barcelona and struggles to beat defenders with his old trademark shimmy but he can still produce a world-class pass.

NEYMAR RECALL

Menezes also recalled Neymar, who he dropped for friendlies earlier in October for disciplinary reasons after the Santos teenager had scored in a 2-0 win over the United States in an impressive debut in August.

He said talks with the youngster, who behaved badly towards opponents, team mates and the former Santos coach, were good and he deserved to be in the squad on talent.

Brazil, hosts of the next World Cup in 2014, expect to face an Argentina side with a stronger midfield than last year when Dunga's team won a World Cup qualifier 3-1 in Rosario, Menezes said.

"The Argentina we saw against Spain have a strong midfield and get into the box in force. We won't do like Spain and expose ourselves to counter-attacks," he said of the world champions' 4-1 defeat in Buenos Aires in a friendly in August.

Squad:

Goalkeepers: Victor (Gremio), Jefferson (Botafogo), Neto (Atletico-Paranaense)

Defenders: Daniel Alves (Barcelona), Andre Santos (Fenerbahce), Rafael (Manchester United), Adriano Correia (Barcelona), Alex Costa (Chelsea), David Luiz (Benfica), Rever (Atletico-Mineiro), Thiago Silva (AC Milan)

Midfielders: Elias, Jucilei (both Corinthians), Douglas (Gremio), Lucas (Liverpool), Philippe Coutinho (Inter Milan), Ronaldinho (AC Milan), Ramires (Chelsea), Sandro (Tottenham Hotspur)

Forwards: Alexandre Pato, Robinho (both AC Milan), Neymar (Santos), Andre (Dynamo Kiev)

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Archers eye three medals in Asian Games

Fri, Oct 29 10 09:06 PM

Kolkata, Oct 29 (PTI) Indian archers were hoping to strike three medals in the Asian Games, but were getting a bit tired by the plethora of felicitations after their success at the Commonwealth Games. While Rahul Banerjee, who got an individual gold and team bronze in Delhi 2010, told PTI that archers were aiming at three medals at Guangzhou event, which would be tough in the presence of world champions Korea. Cold and windy weather condition will also be a challenge for the Indians, the trio of Dola Banerjee, Rahul and Deepika Kumari had a common opinion. They feel that they were getting distracted by the felicitation programmes and promotional events after their Delhi success. Deepika, who made a golden double in Delhi, was felicitated by an NGO at the Sports Authority of India Eastern Centre today. "Every day I''m getting felicitated by various organisations, which is hindering my regular practice and routine. The Asiad will be really tough and I''m practising hard," Deepika said. The brother-sister duo of Dola and Rahul were felicitated yesterday by the Kolkata Municipal Corporation, the third after the Games. "There is hardly any time left for the Asian Games. We have to attend the felicitation programmes in the middle of practice," double Olympian Dola, who got a team gold and individual bronze in Delhi, told PTI. Rahul said with the competition starting on November 19 and the archers leaving for Guangzhou on November 13, they would get a few days there to acclimatise. The Indian archers bagged three gold, one silver and four bronze medals at the Commonwealth Games in recurve and compound sections. However, the compound section will not feature in the Asian Games. India will field the same Commonwealth Games squad in Guangzhou with Mangal Singh Champia and Rimil Biruly being additions as the fourth members.

Source: Published>

Rajasthan Royal''s petition to come up after Diwali

Fri, Oct 29 10 08:52 PM

Mumbai, Oct 29 (PTI) Indian Premier League franchisee Rajasthan Royal''s petition against the BCCI''s decision to terminate its contract will now come up after Diwali vacation. The case was listed for hearing before High Court today, but yesterday, both the parties sought adjournment beyond Diwali vacation, a RR''s spokesperson said. The IPL franchisee has sought a stay to the termination of the contract. The case will now be heard on November 15.

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PCB resumes search for batting coach

Fri, Oct 29 10 08:36 PM

Karachi, Oct 29 (PTI) The Pakistan Cricket Board has resumed its hunt for a specialist coach for national team''s batting department, which of late has put up some inconsistent batting display in all three forms of the sport. Sources in the Board confirmed that PCB Chairman Ijaz Butt had given his approval to finding and hiring a suitable batting coach. "Butt has said that the batting coach can also be from a foreign country and for this purpose Chief Operating Officer Wasim Bari has been given the task of negotiating with some suitable candidates," the source said. Pakistan, in the past has never had a permanent batting coach although they have hired consultants for this purpose. Former England opener Geoffrey Boycott had worked as a batting consultant for a few days with the team in Pakistan. With the 2011 World Cup round the corner, frail and inconsistent batting performances against all oppositions has made the PCB worried. The source said that the batting coach would be appointed specifically keeping the World Cup in mind. "The Waugh (Steve and Mark) brothers of Australia are under consideration to work with the players and prepare them for the World Cup," the source said, adding, "but nothing is final as yet." The source was not aware if the PCB had made any contact with the Waugh brothers as yet. He said, locally also, some candidates were under consideration. However, Butt was not very keen on having a local coach although former captains and batting greats Javed Miandad, Zaheer Abbas and Saeed Anwar have expressed their interest in working with the players. Presently the Pakistan team is being coached by Waqar Younis, a former fast bowler, while the assistant coach is also a former Test bowler, Aaqib Javed.

Source: Published>

Keralite bowler finds place in TN Ranji squad

Fri, Oct 29 10 08:22 PM

Kochi, Oct 29 (PTI) Young fast bowler Sunil Sam from Kerala has been included in the Tamil Nadu Ranji Trophy squad that will play the elite division league matches this season. Sunil, who hails from Kollam, is a trainee of MRF Pace Foundation and was also the first reserve of Chennai under-22 team last year. He has also participated in net sessions for Indian Premier League side Chennai Super Kings, a Kerala Cricket Association release said today. Association Secretary T C Mathew congratulated Sunil for finding a place in the Ranji squad.

Source: Published>

Italy given 3-0 win after Genoa riot - Italian FA

Fri, Oct 29 10 08:16 PM

UEFA awarded Italy a 3-0 win and told Serbia they must play at least one match behind closed doors following the riot at a Euro 2012 qualifier in Genoa, Italy's FA said on Friday.

A UEFA spokeswoman said the verdicts were not official but the Italian FA issued a statement outlining the measures UEFA's disciplinary committee had taken.

Serbia's one-match crowd ban comes with the suspended threat of a second game.

Italy were also hit with a suspended sentence of one game behind closed doors after crowd violence forced the abandonment of the game on Oct. 12.

Media reports also said fines were part of the verdict.

The match in Genoa was abandoned after six minutes when masked Serbian fans threw flares on to the pitch and at Italian supporters having climbed up a perimeter fence and cut a hole in netting meant to prevent objects being thrown.

The kick-off had already been delayed for 35 minutes due to crowd trouble, which followed Serbia goalkeeper Vladimir Stojkovic pulling out of the game having been threatened by his own fans because of a domestic club dispute.

Away fans, who had made political gestures in the ground and tried to smash a perspex barrier to get into the home end, also clashed with police after the abandonment and there were 17 arrests.

The Serbian Football Association criticised Italian policing and asked for a replay while their Italian counterparts said it was for UEFA to decide on the issue while admitting there was a breakdown in intelligence between the two nations.

Italian officials said they were not aware that Serbia fans posed a risk despite a long history of hooliganism there.

UEFA's disciplinary committee heard from the referee and delegations from both countries before deciding on sanctions which could have ranged from a slap on the wrist to being kicked out of the competition.

Both associations have three days to appeal.

"If we had intervened, we risked a catastrophe," Italian soccer federation director general Antonello Valentini told reporters in Nyon when asked why riot police had not entered the away end.

"We will await the reasons for the verdict before deciding on a possible appeal."

Source: Published>

Anand held by Gashimov; Carlsen claims title

Fri, Oct 29 10 08:08 PM

From Our Chess Correspondent Nanjing (China), Oct 29 (PTI) World Champion Viswanathan Anand was held to a draw by Vugar Gashimov of Azerbaijan in the ninth and penultimate round of the Pearl Spring Chess tournament here. Meanwhile, Magnus Carlsen of Norway outplayed former world champion Veselin Topalov of Bulgaria to claim the title and also the winner''s cheque of Rs 50 lakh with one round still to come in the six-players double round-robin event. For Anand it was the second draw with Gashimov in the tournament and this time the Indian ace had an easy time with his black pieces. The other game of the day between Etienne Bacrot of France and Wang Yue of also ended in a draw. With just one round to come, Carlsen has an unassailable lead of 1.5 points with 6.5 points in his bag now. Anand and Bacrot continued to share the second spot on five points each, while Gashimov moved up in standings to be sole fourth now on four points. Topalov stands fifth on 3.5 points and Wang is in the cellar on three points now. While the race for the title is over, Anand and Bacrot will meet for the decider of the second place in the final round. Carlsen is set to play with Gashimov, while Wang will take on Topalov. It was in the fifth round that Anand had met Gashimov. Then the world champion was reeling from a blunder in the previous game against Bacrot and had allowed an easy escape to the Azeri player, who played back. Today, playing black, Anand was not troubled much either. The flavour for the Indian against the King pawn opening has been the Berlin defense and he stuck to his guns while Gashimov tried to find some play in one of the side variations. As it happened in the game, the pieces changed hands at regular intervals and Anand was never in any trouble. The players reached a drawn queen and pawns endgame and signed peace in 42 moves. .

Source: Published>

Only a win would compensate for last time's 0-5 rout: Strauss

Published>Fri, Oct 29 10 07:52 PM

London, Oct 29 (IANS) The England cricket team Friday left for the away Ashes series against Australia and captain Andrew Strauss said only a series win would wipe out the bad memories of the 0-5 whitewash the last time they toured Down Under.

The team will first arrive in Perth where they are scheduled to play the first warm-up game against Western Australia Nov 7.

Before the departure, Strauss said the Australian team at home is always a tough side to beat and the atmosphere on the field has always been intense.

'Until the end of fifth Test the two teams will be at war with each other,' said Strauss.

'There is no point being too friendly with the opposition. Our task is to go out there and try to beat them,' he said.

England Cricket managing director Hugh Morris acknowledged that the Australian tour is always a challenge but is confident of his team retaining the Ashes.

'It is going to be a big challenge. All teams that go to Australia find it tough,' Morris said.

The Ashes started in 1877 and Morris said, 'Every time we play Australia, it is very, very competitive.'

'It will not be a war but a very, very competitive series,' he said.

Captain Strauss said only a win could compensate for the last time's humiliating 0-5 whitewash in the away series.

'The only time that 0-5 loss will be wiped out of the record books is if we go out there and win this time, so that is our challenge,' Strauss said.

England won the last Ashes series at home 2-1.

'You are only remembered if you are a winner and that is what we are out there to do,' Strauss summed up.

The first Test starts Nov 25 in Brisbane.

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Liverpool to compete with top clubs for players - Hodgson

Published>Fri, Oct 29 10 07:38 PM

Liverpool want to compete with Barcelona, Real Madrid and Inter Milan for top quality reinforcements in the January transfer window, manager Roy Hodgson said on Friday.

Liverpool have suffered a poor start to the season that has left them marooned in the relegation zone with just two wins from nine Premier League games.

The club's ambitions in the transfer market were limited under previous owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett, but following the conclusion of a protracted takeover battle, Hodgson is hopeful he will be able to able to strengthen his squad when the window re-opens.

"If we want the right quality, we have got to be prepared to pay the right price," Hodgson told the club's website (liverpoolfc.tv) on Friday.

"The owners know that perfectly well. We have got to make certain that if we go out and spend 20 million pounds ($31.84 million), we are getting a 20 million player.

"We want to be attracting the players that Barcelona, Real Madrid and Inter are chasing. It would be nice to think that we can shop at a high level."

Liverpool's poor form on the pitch was overshadowed in the early stages of the campaign by the boardroom wrangle that culminated in their takeover by New England Sports Ventures.

The change of ownership, however, has failed to end speculation in British media that high-profile players like striker Fernando Torres and goalkeeper Pepe Reina could be leaving Anfield.

The new owners, however, have hinted that top players will not be allowed to leave.

"I can reassure our supporters that we have no intention of allowing the team to be weakened going forward," NESV principal owner John Henry said on Friday.

Source: Web Search

Karnataka beat Kerala to score their third straight win

Fri, Oct 29 10 07:22 PM

Margao, Oct 29 (PTI) Rohit More and Suchit C scalped three wickets each as Karnataka beat Kerala by 45 runs in the South Zone U-19 Vinu Mankad Trophy match to collect five points, including one bonus point, here today. It was third consecutive win for Karnataka, who scored a modest 206 for eight and then bundled out Kerala for 161 in 43.3 overs at Nehru Stadium. Openers Sachindra K (31) and Samarth (43) gave a good start, putting on 49 runs before Sachindra K was caught by Ajay off the bowling of Sally Samson. A dramatic middle order collapse followed as Karnataka lost six wickets for 90 runs before H Gopal, who remained not out on 42, bailed them out along with Liyan Khan (25) sharing 52 runs for the seventh wicket. Ahmed Fardin was the most successful bowler for Kerala who two wickets while Abhijit Mohan, Sally Samson, Vinu Monoharan and Rahul Dev took one wicket each. Kerala found the going tough as they failed to counter Rohit More and Suchit C. More PTI MCS AMA AT

Source: Published>

Gebrselassie to run in 2011 Tokyo Marathon

Fri, Oct 29 10 07:16 PM

World record holder Haile Gebrselassie will take part in next year's Tokyo Marathon, organisers said on Friday.

The 37-year-old Ethiopian, who clocked the world's quickest time of two hours, three minutes and 59 seconds in Berlin two years ago, heads the field of invitees for the Feb. 27 race.

Gebrselassie, who also has held the world records at 10,000 and 5,000 metres, last competed in Japan at the 2006 Fukuoka marathon.

This year's Tokyo Marathon was won by Masakazu Fujiwara in a pedestrian 2:12:19 amid tsunami warnings following a massive earthquake in Chile.

Source: Published>

Force India drivers confident of good show in Brazilian GP

Fri, Oct 29 10 07:06 PM

Sao Paulo, Oct 29 (PTI) Force India driver Adrian Sutil is hoping that five place grid-penalty imposed on him would not stop him from putting up a good show at upcoming Brazilian Grand Prix and he will be able to win back his ninth position in the drivers championship. Sutil is also keen to see that Force India maintains its sixth position in the constructor''s championship with only two races remaining in the season. Vitantonio Liuzzi is also keen to go with momentum after his best race-result at Korean Grand Prix, where he finished sixth. Team principal Vijay Mallya is confident that low downforce track at Interlagos circuit would help his drivers shine in the penultimate November 5-7 race. "I love going to South America as I have some heritage there on my father''s side and the atmosphere at the track is really something special. Last year I was third on the grid but we know going into the event that it won''t be possible this season as we have the penalty from the Korean GP. "I''m very motivated to get over the penalty and get back ninth position in the drivers'' championship and of course to do everything I can to help the team get to sixth in the constructors," Sutil said. Italian Liuzzi is upbeat about the race after a morale boosting result in Korea. "We showed again (in Korea) that when conditions are tough we can be in the game. For me it was really important to show we are back in business and the first thing I said on the radio to my engineers was the luck had to turn one day, sooner or later. "Fortunately we were able to show that when things are going right, we are there, and we are fast, and we are ready to do great things. It''s good to see this, and we hopefully can have the same kind of result in the next few races," he said. Mallya was extremely confident about the car and drivers'' ability to get some more points from Brazil. "We''re bringing some small aero updates again and a couple of mechanical changes to tease everything we can out of the car. We felt that we didn''t get the maximum potential from the car in qualifying in Korea, so we''ll try to improve on that in Brazil to set us up for a better race. "It''s really the final push so we''re putting all our heads together to get everything we can," Mallya said.

Source: Published>

Barca keeper Pinto gets CL ban after tricks fool striker

Fri, Oct 29 10 06:56 PM

Confusing an FC Copenhagen player into believing he was offside when clear through on goal earned Barcelona's Jose Manuel Pinto a two-match Champions League ban from UEFA on Friday.

The Danish club had made a formal complaint to European soccer's governing body over the incident which occurred in the 26th minute of their 2-0 defeat at the Nou Camp on Oct. 20.

Copenhagen's Brazilian striker Cesar Santin had the chance to break clear, with the score 1-0 to Barca at the time, but gave up chasing the ball believing he was offside.

In video replays, it is possible to see reserve goalkeeper Pinto waving his arm to indicate the move has been ruled out, and after he has cleared the ball, grinning towards the bench and pointing at himself.

Santin later accused Pinto of simulating the referee's whistle to put him off.

The Spanish champions said in a statement they would appeal the decision, but are likely to have first-choice keeper Victor Valdes back for their next outing in any case.

Pinto, 34, was making his Champions League debut for Barca after Valdes dropped out of the squad with an illness earlier in the day of the Copenhagen game.

Source: Published>

Phadkar XI, Manjrekar XI score convincing victories

Fri, Oct 29 10 06:08 PM

Mumbai, Oct 29 (PTI) Akarshit Gomel struck a defiant ton but failed to prevent his team Khandu Rangnekar XI from going down to Dattu Phadkar XI by five wickets in their first round league match of the 25th Sportstar Trophy Mumbai Cricket Association Under-19 selection trial tournament here today. Gomel, who leading his side, stayed put for a little over six hours, faced 283 balls and struck 12 fours and a six. But his team, trailing by 178 runs on the first innings, were shot out for 255 in the second innings. After a shaky start, Phadkar XI reached the target in the last ball of the 22nd over to gain five points from the match. In the second league match, 11-time champion Vijay Manjrekar XI scored a resounding eight-wicket win over Vijay Merchant XI to gain five points. Left arm spinner Aditya Dhumal and off-spinner Pratik Gawli shared six wickets equally with Dhumal taking his tally of wickets to eight in the match. Brief scores: Khandu Rangnekar XI: 121 and 255 in 92.2 overs (Akarshit Gomel 124 n.o., P Prabhu 40, R Sharma 38; Mairaj Khan 3/63) lost to Dattu Phadkar XI: 299 and 80/5. Vijay Merchant XI: 191 and 144 (Akhil Rajput 35, Neelkanth Parab 44; Aditya Dhumal 3/33, Pratik Gawli 3/31) lost to Vijay Manjrekar XI: 277 and 61/2 (Akhil Herwadkar 38 n.o.).

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Butt, Aamir leave for ICC hearing in Dubai

Fri, Oct 29 10 05:52 PM

Karachi, Oct 29 (PTI) Pakistan''s tainted duo of Salman Butt and Muhammad Aamir, along with their lawyers, today left for Dubai with the hopes of having the provisional suspensions removed at the two-day ICC hearing commencing from tomorrow. The duo told media at the Lahore airport that they were innocent of the spot-fixing charges against them and confident that they would be vindicated at the hearing, to be chaired by Michael Beloff QC at the ICC Headquarters. "Our lawyers are very experienced and professional people and they have told us our suspensions could be removed at this hearing itself," Butt said. Butt said that he was hopeful of having his suspension removed because there was nothing against him or his teammates. "Our lawyers have prepared well and studied this case closely and we are hopeful that we will get positive result," he said. Butt, who led the national team in the Test series in England, and pacers Aamir and Muhammad Asif were suspended by the ICC in early September after British tabloid ''News of the World'' carried out a sting operation. According to the story, the players'' agent Mazhar Majeed had on video confirmed that he had paid bribes to them to bowl deliberate noballs in the fourth Test against England at the Lord''s. The trio appealed against their suspensions with the ICC but surprisingly Asif last week decided to withdraw his appeal insisting he didn''t get complete documents from the ICC on time and his lawyers had told him to instead lodge a full appeal against the fixing allegations against him. Scotland Yard is also investigating the allegations made by Mazhar about spot-fixing. However, Butt felt that Mazhar had exaggerated a lot of things in his statement to the tabloid and wondered how could one give so much credibility to the tabloid itself. Left-arm pacer Aamir said that he had always insisted he and his teammates were innocent. "Whatever anyone has said about us we are innocent and we have done nothing wrong. That is why I am confident that these suspensions would be removed at this hearing itself," he said. "There is nothing incriminating against us and we will have these suspensions lifted soon," Aamir added. The pacer said he was ready to make a quick comeback to the national team for the series against South Africa if the suspensions were removed this weekend. "Playing for Pakistan is everything for me and I have also told the Pakistan Cricket Board and our team management that I want to play as soon as the suspension is removed," he said.

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Afridi has to give results, says Malik

Published>Fri, Oct 29 10 05:46 PM

New Delhi, Oct 29 (IANS) Former Pakistan skipper Shoaib Malik feels Shahid Afridi has to deliver as a captain and make the most of the opportunity that has been given to him by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).

'I always supported him and believe he has the experience to do well but he will have to deliver positive results and grab the opportunity that was given to him to lead the country,' Malik was quoted as saying by ESPNSTAR.com.

Malik hopes for a chance to represent Pakistan in the World Cup and said he has the faith Afridi.

'It is a dream for every cricketer to play for one's country in the World Cup and I believe I am still good enough to represent Pakistan for many more years. I will be delighted to get the opportunity. In order to perform, it is very important to have the unstinted faith of the captain,' he said.

Asked about Pakistan's chances in the World Cup, Malik said: 'We have a talented bunch of players and the Pakistani team can never be written off, particularly in one-day cricket. Pakistan has had a very strong batting line-up but at the moment, the batsmen are struggling to translate talent into performance at the highest level.

'Recently, we have not had the benefit of playing too much cricket on the placid wickets, which are generally found in the sub-continent. Our bowlers have performed better in the prevailing conditions that have favoured them more in countries like England.'

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Webber has blown chances of first F1 championship title: Sir Jack Brabham

Published>Fri, Oct 29 10 05:38 PM

London, Oct 29(ANI): Triple Formula One world champion Sir Jack Brabham has said that Red Bull's Mark Webber has blown his chances of winning this year's title, and will never get another opportunity.

Brabham is a big supporter of Webber, and is anxious for him to break Australia's 30-year drought since Alan Jones' 1980 championship.

"That would be fantastic, it would mean a lot to me and it would mean a lot to Australia, but unfortunately I think his real opportunity has been blown last weekend," the Sun quoted Brabham, as saying.

"I'm really there behind him in the hope that he gets there, but if he doesn't do it this year I don't think he ever will, personally. He was there with a (14) points lead so now he's back in the grid and that's going to make it very, very difficult," he added.

Webber had crashed out of Sunday's Korean Grand Prix.

The 84-year-old further said that Webber is a very good driver, but makes mistakes, which would probably cost him the championship.

"He's battled for years because he hasn't had the bloody car and this is the first year you could say he's competitive and he's been out there and he's almost as good as Vettel," Brabham said.

Webber is 21 points behind championship leader Fernando Alonso with only two races remaining. (ANI)

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Anand, Humpy opt out of Asian Games

Fri, Oct 29 10 03:06 PM

New Delhi, Oct 29 (PTI) World chess champion Viswanathan Anand will not be available for next month''s Asian Games in China due to prior commitments, officials said today. With the top woman player Koneru Humpy also opting out of the mega event, the Indian squad will be same that played in the Olympiad last month. Humpy had won two gold medals including one in the team event in the last edition in Doha while Anand was absent there as well. Both the players have already told the All India Chess Federation that they will not be available for the November 12-27 Games. "AICF Secretary had approached Anand to play in the Asian Games. But he said he will not be available," Delhi Chess Association President Bharat Singh Chauhan, who has been named team manager of the 10-member squad said. Medals will be up for grabs in the team events for men and women apart from the two individual rapid events. The Team: Men: K Sasikiran, P Hari Krishna, Surya Shekhar Ganguly, G N Gopal and B Adhiban. Women: D Harika, Tania Sachdev, Eesha Karavade, S Meenakshi and Nisha Mohota. Coaches: Lev Psakhis and Oleg Romanishin; Manager: Bharat Singh Chauhan.

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DDCA Jt Secy Jain meets King of Bhutan

Fri, Oct 29 10 02:52 PM

New Delhi, Oct 29 (PTI) DDCA Joint Secretary Ravi Jain today met with King of Bhutan Jigme Namgyal Wangchuk and presented him a cricket bat which had Sachin Tendulkar''s signature on it. Jain invited the King to witness the 2011 World Cup matches in Delhi. The King, in turn, invited Jain to visit Bhutan to give suggestions for the improvement of cricket there. During the talk, the King said in Bhutan the women''s cricket team is much stronger than the men''s.

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Waugh predicts Australia will win Ashes, but warns under-performing seniors

Published>Fri, Oct 29 10 02:46 PM

Sydney, Oct 29 (IANS) Former Test captain Steve Waugh has predicted that Australia will win the Ashes but warned the under-performing senior players not to take their place for granted in the national team.

Asked if young players should be introduced in big series, Waugh said: 'I don't see why not. Just because it's an Ashes series doesn't make it any different from any other series. You've got to put your best 11 players on the park irrespective of age or experience.'

'I'm never a big believer of picking players by age. It's more the passion, your form and whether you're the right person for the job. You want 11 players there with passion who are playing really good cricket. If there are 11 guys over 30, fair enough. If there are 11 guys under 20, fair enough,' Waugh, Australia's most successful Test captain, was quoted as saying by The Age Friday.

Australia suffered a 0-2 Test series loss in India and slipped to World No.5. Australian bowlers failed to take 20 wickets in either Test against India but Waugh, a veteran of 168 Test matches, says at home pacers will be on top form.

'We've got some great young bowlers. There's (19-year-old Josh) Hazlewood, there's (20-year-old James) Pattison from Victoria and then of course you've got Ryan Harris and (Peter) Siddle outside the side. There's no shortage of quality quicks around,' said Waugh, who captained Australia to 41 Test victories - including eight out of nine Ashes Tests.

Defending much-criticised captain Ricky Ponting, Waugh said: 'With criticism, you've just got to look at it and see whether you can get something constructive from those comments. If you can learn by it that's a positive, if you think it was unjustified then move on. I know as a former captain that you get the pats on the back when you're winning, and when you lose you don't know what you're doing. You can't please everyone as captain... It's about having the respect of the team. That's your number one priority, if he's got that then I don't think he should worry too much about.'

On Australia's chances, Waugh said: 'I think (a 5-0 prediction) is a bit ambitious this time around. I've watched (England) over the last couple of years and they're a good unit. They play very well together, they're hard to beat, they've got a good team spirit, they're well led and I think they'll fancy their chances of beating Australia.'

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Ashley 'chases Cheryl Cole look-alike'

Published>Fri, Oct 29 10 02:36 PM

London, Oct 29 (ANI): It looks like Ashley Cole is eager to get a replacement for ex-wife Cheryl - and he may have found one by channel surfing on TV.

Canadian actress Jessica Lowndes, who stars in US teen show 90210, caught the Chelsea star's eye during a string of telly appearances over the past week.

The actress is in the UK promoting her singing career and has been a guest on one of Ashley's favorite shows, 'Soccer AM'.

"Ashley saw her on TV and liked what he saw. He has connections in the industry and wanted to get in touch. You can see why he likes her - she looks like Cheryl," the Sun quoted a source as saying.he actress is six years younger than Chezza but can definitely be classed as a look-alike.

Whether Ashley will be able to charm Jessica remains to be seen - he'll struggle convincing her he's boyfriend material. (ANI)

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UAE offers to stage Pak's upcoming 'home series' against Sri Lanka and England

Published>Fri, Oct 29 10 02:26 PM

Karachi, Oct 29 (ANI): A top official of the Emirates Cricket Board has offered Pakistan the chance of staging more of their home matches in the UAE before international cricket resumes in the troubled country.

Emirates Cricket Board Chief Executive Dilawar Mani said that he had offered Pakistan the chance to stage their series against Sri Lanka in the UAE next year, and then host England a year later, the Daily Times reported.

"We don't want to be seen as opportunists, but since Pakistan are unable to stage their cricket at home, we want them to decide on their series against Sri Lanka and England before time so that we can prepare," said Mani.

He also said he would meet with Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Ijaz Butt to decide on the future games.

"Abu Dhabi has come a long way in the last ten years as we have entered into an agreement with the MCC (Marylbourne Cricket Club) who staged the English season opener here earlier this year which was great," Mani added.

He also noted that the Abu Dhabi Cricket Stadium was fast catching the attention of international teams.

"Abu Dhabi will stage ICC shield match between UAE and Namibia in December this year and then ICC Second Division cricket league next year, so we have been getting enough cricket and besides that we want Pakistan to play here regularly," he said, adding, "English County teams are regularly using the Abu Dhabi Stadium for season warm-ups."

Pakistan were forced to play their 'home series' in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), as New Zealand and England had refused to tour them over security fears. Currently Pakistan is playing South Africa in a series shifted in the UAE.

Pakistan has become a virtual 'no go' zone for international cricket after terrorists' attacks on the Sri Lankan team in Lahore last year which left seven players and an official injured besides killing eight people.

Following the attacks, the International Cricket Council (ICC) had also stripped Pakistan of their share of World Cup 2011 matches. (ANI)

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Ashes series: England quick Anderson says he's no one-trick pony

Published>Fri, Oct 29 10 02:22 PM

London, Oct. 29 (ANI): England fast bowler James Anderson has said that he is not a one-trick pony and is poised to prove his versatility with the ball against Australia in the Ashes next month.

The 28-year-old collected five wickets at 82.60 during the last Ashes series in Australia. He has taken 52 wickets at 43.84 from 19 Tests away from England compared to 136 wickets at 27.13 in 33 matches on home soil.

"I want to be the No.1 bowler in the world, so to do that I have to be able to bowl in different conditions and to take wickets," the Sydney Morning Herald quoted him as telling AAP.

He added: "I think I have improved a hell of a lot in the last two years and I have learnt various skills." (ANI)

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Hughes loses his place in Australia''s selection panel

Fri, Oct 29 10 02:06 PM

Melbourne, Oct 29 (PTI) Cricket Australia today axed former fast bowler Merv Hughes from its national selection panel, which has been reduced to a four-member body. The decision was taken at Cricket Australia''s Board of Directors meeting here. Chairman Andrew Hilditch, David Boon, Greg Chappell and Jamie Cox will continue in the panel. "During today''s meeting in Melbourne, the Board reaffirmed its belief that four selectors was the most appropriate size for the NSP especially now that Australian cricket has a full-time National Talent Manager (Chappell). "After feedback from NSP Chairman Andrew Hilditch during today''s meeting, the Board unanimously decided that David Boon, Jamie Cox and Greg Chappell were the best people to join him on the four-member NSP," Cricket Australia CEO James Sutherland said in a statement. "Andrew was clear in his assessment that Merv had been a good selector and a strong contributor around the selection table, but that Cox, Boon and Chappell were the better options to continue on the NSP. "Unfortunately this means that Merv is no longer a member of the NSP. Merv has provided valuable input and expertise to the NSP during the past five years and Cricket Australia thanks him for his contribution during this time," the release added.

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Neil Maxwell man behind securing Indian funding for Oz IPL-style T20 tournament

Published>Fri, Oct 29 10 01:38 PM

Sydney, Oct 29(ANI): Former New South Wales all-rounder Neil Maxwell has emerged as the mastermind behind Australia's version of a Indian Premier League (IPL)-style Twenty20 tournament.

According to Fox Sports, Maxwell has been secretly working on the tournament for the past 18 months, and is the man responsible for securing over 60 million dollars in corporate support from Indian investors.

The 43-year-old's involvement in the tournament scheduled for 2012 began in early 2009, when he held talks with New South Wales and Victorian cricket administrators.

He has since been to India 'half a dozen times' to pursue rich Indian investors to buy shares in shares in Twenty20 franchises of NSW and Victoria.

When asked about his contribution in the tournament, Maxwell said: "Cricket Australia is currently in discussions about the concept and the future of the game, and it's up to the board to decide what happens next."

Maxwell is also the agent of Australian players including Michael Hussey, Brett Lee and Marcus North.

The tournament will have eight teams playing each other twice before a finals series.

NSW and Victoria will have two teams, and the other states one each. (ANI)

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No backlash of Greatbatch lashing on players for India tour

Fri, Oct 29 10 01:22 PM

Wellington, Oct 29 e(PTI) The stinging comments from coach Mark Greatbatch on the players after New Zealand''s humiliating ODI whitewash in Bangladesh were expected and there will be no backlash of that on the team which leaves for India tomorrow for a full series, players'' association head Heath Mills said. Greatbatch slammed his players, saying they "aren''t as good as they think they are" following the 0-4 ODI series defeat in Bangladesh and that some of the batsmen had inflated opinions about their abilities. Mills said he had not received any player reaction to Greatbatch''s comments but he felt they would take it on the chin. "Paddy (Greatbatch) is an emotional guy, he cares passionately about New Zealand and the Black Caps and I know he is as gutted as anyone else at the results in Bangladesh," Mills said. "It''s been a difficult time and a lot of people have been rightly upset about the performance. There is always going to be some harsh words spoken, so I think everyone''s got to focus on being constructive and getting the job done in India and getting the team back performing where it can," Mills was quoted as saying by ''Dominion Post''. Greatbatch, who is the New Zealand batting coach, did not single out anyone but the comments appeared to be directed at the top order batsmen. "It was inexcusable to lose 4-0 to Bangladesh. When you play badly like that you''ve got to front up. It''s very devastating. We played like dicks, really, and I suppose there''s one positive thing, we''ve got a chance next week to actually put it right," Greatbatch had said. "I think some aren''t good enough. I think some think they are better than they are and the third one, I think, is the mind," he said. New Zealand''s Test squad has little time to prepare in India, with no warmup match before the first of three Tests starting in Ahmedabad on Thursday. Former international and now commentator Craig McMillan said warm-up game should have been included when the tour was arranged. "You can have four days of nets but it''s not the same as batting in the middle and playing in a game situation. They''re going to be up against it, no doubt about that," McMillan said.

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