German footballer urges gay players to 'come out' and support homosexuality

Published>Fri, Nov 12 10 01:21 PM

London, Nov 12(ANI): Germany striker Mario Gomez has urged gay footballer to come out and support homosexuality in the sport.

Gomez has broken ranks with the German Football Federation and team-mates, who have warned that coming out could destroy a player's career.

However, Gomez, who has not revealed if he is gay, said that being honest about their sexuality would improve gay players' performance.

"They would play as if they had been liberated. Being gay should no longer be a taboo topic," the Guardian quoted Gomez, as saying.

The 25-year-old further said that there were plenty of role models in the rest of German society to give gay players the courage to come out.

"We've got a gay vice-chancellor [Guido Westerwelle], the Berlin mayor [Klaus Wowereit] is gay. So, professional footballers should own up to their preference," Gomez said.

The only German footballer to have come out and accept that he is gay is Marcus Urban, who told his teammates in 1997 and promptly ended his professional career. (ANI)

Source: Web Search

One-day specialist tag not helping transition to Test line-up: White

Published>Fri, Nov 12 10 12:51 PM

Sydney, Nov 12(ANI): Australian batsman Cameron White reckons that his development as a one-day cricketer is hampering his push for a Test recall.

"While you're away playing one-day cricket, other people who are in contention for other spots back home play and make runs for their Shield side," the Sydney Morning Herald quoted White, as saying.

"It probably doesn't help in terms of Test cricket, but plenty of people have made their transition from one-day cricket for Australia into the Test line-up," he added.

Since cementing a spot in Australia's ODI and Twenty20 sides in 2009, White has played only five Sheffield Shield games for the Victorian Bushrangers.

White's comments come despite national selector Greg Chappell's assurance that form on the world stage would be considered differently to that on the domestic front. (ANI)

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Ground to be named after Shane Warne

Published>Fri, Nov 12 10 12:47 PM

Sydney, Nov 12 (ANI): Australian bowling legend Shane Warne will get a ground named after him in Melbourne.

Melbourne's heritage-listed Junction Oval would be renamed the Shane Warne Oval under a proposed multi-million dollar renovation.

Almost 20 million dollars would be spent redeveloping the oval into a 5000-seat boutique stadium and indoor sports and training centre if a Labor government was re-elected, Victorian Premier John Brumby said on Friday.

A major part of the works would be providing a venue that could host first-class domestic cricket matches, The Sydney Morning Herald reports.

The picturesque Junction Oval (officially, the St Kilda Cricket Ground) is located in St Kilda, near Port Phillip Bay, and has a proud history that includes hosting Victorian Football League grand finals and Sheffield Shield cricket finals.

Naming the ground after the legendary Australian and Victorian cricketer Warne would also make sense as he once played for the St Kilda Cricket Club.

Warne said in a media release he was happy with the proposal.

"Today's commitment by the premier will not only ensure Victoria will be well represented in our national team but is great news for junior and community cricketers across Victoria," he said. (ANI)

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There's always next year, says Webber

Published>Fri, Nov 12 10 02:17 AM

Australian Mark Webber begged to differ with compatriot and Formula One great Jack Brabham on Thursday over his chances of ever winning the title if he failed to secure it this weekend.

Triple world champion Brabham said last month that he feared the Red Bull driver had blown his big chance and would not get another as good because of his age and the rise of hungry youngsters like team mate Sebastian Vettel.

Webber, 34 and with one year left on his contract, is eight points behind Ferrari's overall leader Fernando Alonso heading into a four-way title battle in Sunday's final round of the season.

The Australian has a good chance of success but he moved to soften the possible blow of failure by telling reporters it was not his last chance.

"I'm going to be here again next year," he said, appearing with his three rivals at a news conference.

"Of course the longer you drive, obviously, the odds are going in one direction. I'm not going to be around forever, I clearly understand that. These guys have more opportunities, of course.

"Hopefully I want to do it on Sunday, of course," continued the winner of four races this year.

"If it doesn't happen, I'll obviously have another crack next year. It doesn't change too much of my mentality, mate. I know that I've been very fortunate even to have a chance to get to this point."

Webber would be the first Australian champion since Alan Jones 30 years ago should he succeed on Sunday.

"I think you are going to be disappointed if it doesn't happen, initially," he said when asked how he would feel if the title went to someone else.

"There have still been a lot of positives this year. I don't think my odds were too good at the start of the year to be fighting for the championship. My odds are much shorter now, so I still have a good chance.

"I will deal with what happens on Sunday night after that."

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Spain's 'Clasico' set for a Monday to avoid poll

Fri, Nov 12 10 01:17 AM

Spain's eagerly-anticipated 'Clasico' between Barcelona and Real Madrid will be held on Monday Nov. 29 to avoid a clash with regional elections in Catalunya, the professional league (LFP) said on Thursday.

Champions Barca will host Real, who top the standings by a point from their arch-rivals after 10 games, for the match at the Nou Camp at 2000 GMT, the LFP said.

The decision had been taken to avoid "the security problems that the coincidence of the two events on the same weekend could cause," they added.

Last season's two 'Clasicos' were a key factor in deciding the outcome of a league totally dominated by Barca and Real and the same is likely to happen in this campaign.

Barca won both last term, edging the match at the Nou Camp 1-0 and winning 2-0 in Madrid, and pipped Real to the title by a record 99 points to 96. Valencia were third on 71 and Sevilla fourth on 63.

Manel Arroyo, a Barca director responsible for finance and marketing, told the club's television channel they would have liked the match to have been a day earlier on the Sunday but they understood the reasons for the decision and accepted it.

"We asked for it not to be on the Saturday and we would have preferred it to be on the Sunday but we understand that the schedules of the authorities, the security services and the television companies were chock full," he said.

Barca coach Pep Guardiola, now in his third season, has led his team to victory in all four 'Clasicos' since he took charge, including a 6-2 drubbing of Real at their Bernabeu stadium in May 2009, while Jose Mourinho will be experiencing his first as Real coach.

The return match at the Bernabeu is the weekend of April 16/17.

Source: Published>

PREVIEW - Buoyant India eye big medal haul at Asian Games

Published>Fri, Nov 12 10 12:37 AM

India are hoping to follow their impressive performance at the Commonwealth Games with another big medal haul at the Asian Games in Guangzhou but tougher competition awaits them in China.

India finished eighth in the medals table with 10 golds in the previous Asian Games in Doha four years ago and their second-place finish in Delhi will raise hopes of an improvement at the event which starts Friday.

"The performance in Delhi has raised our hopes for the upcoming Asian Games," Bhubaneswar Kalita, India's chef-de-mission at the Commonwealth Games, told reporters.

"These are the same athletes who would be in action in Guangzhou and we hope to perform well."

Indian athletes bagged 38 gold medals in Delhi to push England to third place in the medals tally and finish on a high after shambolic preparations threatened to turn the event into a national embarrassment.

But that creditable performance might have its flip-side with many athletes having to find peak form again less than one month later.

Shooting, boxing and wrestling are expected to bring home the bulk of the medals for India in the Nov. 12-27 Games, while kabaddi -- a form of tag which originated in South East Asia -- billiards and chess are also expected to add to the tally.

Gagan Narang, who won four gold medals in Delhi, will lead the shooting team.

The 27-year-old, a double world record holder in air rifle, should give India's medals tally an early boost.

Commonwealth Games gold medallist and women's badminton world number three Saina Nehwal is another hope but will have to overcome fierce competition from the Chinese.

The absence of Leander Paes, who is playing in the doubles at the ATP World Tour Finals in London, will make it tough for India to defend their two tennis gold medals -- from men's doubles and mixed doubles -- won in Doha.

The onus will fall on Somdev Devvarman and glamour girl Sania Mirza to win the singles events.

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Djokovic bows out, trio clinch ATP finals slots

Fri, Nov 12 10 12:19 AM

Holder Novak Djokovic was knocked out of the Paris Masters as Andy Roddick, Tomas Berdych and David Ferrer secured the final three places for the season-ending ATP finals on Thursday.

The trio grabbed the remaining spots after Spaniard Fernando Verdasco, who had to reach the Paris final to have a chance of qualifying for the London tournament featuring the world's leading eight players, lost 6-7 7-6 7-5 in the third round to local favourite Gael Monfils.

Roddick, Berdych and Ferrer, beaten 7-6 2-6 6-3 by Austrian Juergen Melzer on Thursday, join Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer, Djokovic, Andy Murray and Robin Soderling for the London showdown starting on Nov. 21.

Although he welcomed the opportunity to get more rest before heading to London, Serbian Djokovic was dealt a psychological blow before next month's Davis Cup final between Serbia and France as he lost 7-6 6-2 to inspired Frenchman Michael Llodra in the third round.

"I have to congratulate him because he played a perfect match," Djokovic told reporters.

"I returned well in the first set but every time I needed an important point, he came up with a huge serve or an incredible first volley."

Llodra saved two set points in the tie break, which he eventually won 8-6 with a superb backhand return. The Parisian carried the momentum into the second set, breaking twice to prevail on his first match point.

"It did not look too good in the tiebreak but I took risks," Llodra, who was supported by his son and his daughter, told a courtside interviewer.

Llodra will take on either Czech Berdych or Russian Nikolay Davydenko for a place in the last four.

Just like Llodra, big-serving Roddick was also favoured by the Bercy sports hall's super fast court to secure his ticket for London with a 6-3 7-6 defeat of Latvia's Ernests Gulbis.

"It's certainly an accomplishment every year. I think it's an honour to qualify once and then each time I think kind of you realise how tough it actually is," Roddick told reporters.

He next faces fourth seeded Soderling, a 7-6 6-3 winner against Swiss Stanislas Wawrinka, for a place in the semi-finals.

Source: Published>

Sachin always told me to get a Test century: Harbhajan

Thu, Nov 11 10 11:21 PM

Dubai, Nov 11 (PTI) Indian off-spinner Harbhajan Singh today attributed his maiden Test century against New Zealand in the first match to the constant motivation given by senior batsman Sachin Tendulkar. The 30-year-old Harbhajan said he never dreamt of scoring a Test hundred but Tendulkar always had faith in him and asked him to get a century. "I never dreamed that I would receive a man of the match award as a batsman and definitely not in Test cricket! I am really happy that my century helped us to draw the game, which is all that mattered," Harbhajan told this week''s ICC Cricket World audio show. "VVS Laxman gave me some good advice telling me not to play on the rise as the wicket was very slow, which was great advice as it meant I went on to score my century. "Sachin Tendulkar is a great motivator for all of us whether he is out in the field or in the dressing room. He always told me I should be going out and scoring a Test century so I wanted to show him that my maiden Test century was for him," said Harbhajan, who had signal to Tendulkar in the dressing room when he scored his century. Harbhajan scored 69 and 115 to guide India to a draw against the Black Caps in the first Test of the three-match series.

Source: Published>

Security beefed up in Hyderabad ahead of second Test

Thu, Nov 11 10 11:17 PM

Hyderabad, Nov 11 (PTI) The Cyberabad Police have beefed up security at the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium here, which is venue for the second Test match between India and New Zealand, scheduled to begin from tomorrow. Ahead of the match, the police has also imposed traffic restrictions around the stadium which will be in place for five days from November 12 to 16. According to Cyberabad Police Commissioner S Prabhakar Reddy, "Police has made elaborate bandobust arrangements for smooth conduct of the match. Entry to the stadium is by tickets and passes only. On all roads leading to the stadium there will be law and order, security and traffic component." Security arrangements at the stadium have been tightened and as many as 1,000 policemen including six IPS officials, 15 ACPs and 25 Inspectors will be deployed for the five days, sources said. The Commissioner told reporters that traffic restrictions/diversions will be enforced between 0830 am to 0930 am and 0400 pm to 0500 pm on each day during the match. The spectators have been requested not to bring cell-phones, hand-bags, food items, cameras or any other audio-video equipments, water bottles, match boxes, lighters and anything which can be used as missile, Reddy said. They have also been asked not to enter the cricket play ground and trespassers have been warned of arrest and punishment as per law, he added.

Source: Published>

India lose 0-2 to Iraq

Thu, Nov 11 10 11:07 PM

Sharjah, Nov 11 (PTI) India conceded an early penalty and let in another goal in the second session to suffer a 0-2 defeat against Asian champions Iraq in their first international friendly match of the month here today. Iraq, who did not field a few of their regular key players, dominated the match and India were left to defend for most part of the match. Bob Houghton''s men also lacked sting in the upfront with the absence of key strike duo of regular captain Bhaichung Bhutia, who is yet to attain full fitness, and Sunil Chhetri who suffered an ankle injury a few days back. Abhishek Yadav and Sushil Kumar began at the upfront and the former was later substituted by Mohammed Rafi. India conceded a penalty in the 16th minute and Mustafa Kareem beat Indian goalkeeper Subrata Paul, who otherwise had a superb match with some fine saves. Mahdi Kareem then found the target in the 66th minute to take the game away from India. The match is part of India''s preparations for the next year''s January 7-29 Asian Cup in Doha, Qatar. India play Kuwait on November 14 in Abu Dhabi and UAE on Novemeber 18 in Dubai. Indian Team: Subrata Pal, Surkumar Singh (84th Deepak Kumar Mondal), Gouramangi Singh, Anwar, Syed Rahim Nabi (14th, Mahesh Gawli), Steven Dias (72nd Renedy Singh), Climax Lawrence, Rakesh Masih (82nd Baldeep Singh), Anthony Pereira, Abhishek Yadav (26th Mohammed Rafi), Sushil Kumar Singh. PTI PDS ATK

Source: Published>

Security beefed up in Hyderabad ahead of second Test

Thu, Nov 11 10 10:51 PM

Hyderabad, Nov 11 (PTI) The Cyberabad Police have beefed up security at the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium here, which is venue for the second Test match between India and New Zealand, scheduled to begin from tomorrow. Ahead of the match, the police has also imposed traffic restrictions around the stadium which will be in place for five days from November 12 to 16. According to Cyberabad Police Commissioner S Prabhakar Reddy, "Police has made elaborate bandobust arrangements for smooth conduct of the match. Entry to the stadium is by tickets and passes only. On all roads leading to the stadium there will be law and order, security and traffic component." Security arrangements at the stadium have been tightened and as many as 1,000 policemen including six IPS officials, 15 ACPs and 25 Inspectors will be deployed for the five days, sources said. The Commissioner told reporters that traffic restrictions/diversions will be enforced between 0830 am to 0930 am and 0400 pm to 0500 pm on each day during the match. The spectators have been requested not to bring cell-phones, hand-bags, food items, cameras or any other audio-video equipments, water bottles, match boxes, lighters and anything which can be used as missile, Reddy said. They have also been asked not to enter the cricket play ground and trespassers have been warned of arrest and punishment as per law, he added.

Source: Published>

Bhupathi-Mirnyi in second round of Paris Masters

Published>Thu, Nov 11 10 10:37 PM

Paris, Nov 11 (IANS) India's Mahesh Bhupathi and Max Mirnyi of Belarus defeated Israel's Jonathan Erlich and Michael Kohlmann of Germany 3-6, 6-1, 10-5 to move into the quarter-finals of the Paris Masters here Friday.

The sixth seeds won their second round match in an hour and nine minutes. Bhupathi and Mirnyi, who are looking to qualify for the season-ending World Tour Finals, will next take on second-seeded Daniel Nestor of Canada and Nenad Zimonjic of Serbia.

India's Leander Paes and Lukas Dlouhy of Czech Republic are already in the quarter-finals.

Also, India's Rohan Bopanna and Pakistan's Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi face Mark Knowles of Bahamas and Andy Ram of Israel in the second round.

Source: Web Search

Ranji Trophy: Railways tottering at 164/8 against Assam

Published>Thu, Nov 11 10 10:21 PM

New Delhi, Nov 11 (IANS) Railways bowled out Assam for 187 but were themselves tottering at 164/8 in the first innings on the second day of the Ranji Trophy Elite division here Thursday.

Resuming at 174 for seven, Assam folded up adding only 13 runs with Sanjay Bangar (3-21) claiming two wickets.

Railways, however, were in deep trouble after being reduced to 33 for four with pacers Dhiraj Goswami (4-43) and Ranjitkumar Mali (2-21) scything through the top order. T.P. Singh ressurrected Railways innings briefly, scoring 41.

At stumps, Kulamani Parida (30) and Jai Prakash Yadav (30) were battling to gain the crucial first innings lead.

At Chennai, Delhi seized the initiative and held the upper hand as they pegged Tamil Nadu to 122 for five at stumps on the second day.

Tamil Nadu, who did well in the morning by dismissing Delhi (overnight 258 for three) for 318, were themselves in deep trouble after losing wickets at regular intervals as 17-year-old left-arm spinner Vikas Mishra picked up three for 22.

The hosts were off to a poor start, losing in-form opener Abhinav Mukund in the very second over. Later, Tamil Nadu suffered a mini collapse as Mishra struck.

Standing tall amidst the ruins was the experienced Subramaniam Badrinath who was unbeaten on 45 at stumps and much of Tamil Nadu hopes on the morrow rest on the former captain.

Badrinath and night watchman Chandrasekar Ganapathy (14 not out) added 40 runs for the sixth wicket to guide Tamil Nadu from a precarious 82 for five to 122 at close.

Earlier, centurion Virat Kohli's dismissal brought about a swift end to the Delhi innings as off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin came away with five wickets. In a spell of 8.1 overs, Ashwin grabbed four wickets as Delhi collapsed from 295 for three to 318 all out.

Brief scores:

At Mumbai, Bengal vs Mumbai: Mumbai 621/8 declared (Ajinkya Rahane 110, Rohit Sharma not out 200, Wasim Jaffer 73; Manoj Tiwary 2-68, Saurashish Lahiri 2-128) Bengal 28/1 (Shreevats Goswami batting 15, Aavishkar Salvi 1-2)

At Surat, Saurashtra vs Gujarat: Saurashtra 262 all out (Jaydev Shah 94; Ishwar Choudhary 4-58, Salil Yadav 2-64) Gujarat 20/1 (PK Panchal batting 6, Salil Yadav batting 5)

At Rohtak, Haryana vs Baroda: Haryana 127 all out. Baroda 470 all out (Yusuf Pathan 195, Connor Williams 114; Joginder Sharma 3-45) Haryana 38/0 (Nitin Saini batting 27, Rahul Dewan batting 2)

At Mohali, Punjab vs Karnataka: Punjab 243 all out, Karnataka 346/6 (Robin Uthappa 149; Navdeep Sidhu 2-86)

At Delhi, Assam vs Railways: Assam 187 all out (Amol Muzumdar 44, Tarjinder Singh 43; Murali Kartik 4-56, Sanjay Bangar 3-21), Railways 164/8 (TP Singh 41; Dhiraj Goswami 4-43, Ranjitkumar Mali 2-21)

At Chennai, Tamil Nadu vs Delhi: Delhi 318 all out (Virat Kohli 139, Mithun Manhas not out 41; Ravichandran Ashwin 5-94), Tamil Nadu 122/5 (Subramaniam Badrinath batting 45, Vikas Mishra 3-22)

At Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh vs Orissa: Uttar Pradesh 403 all out (Eklavya Dwivedi 83, Piyush Chawla 79, Alok Chandra Sahoo 4-100, Debasis Mohanty 3-37) Orissa 0/0.

Source: Web Search

Maharashtra plans to build Formula 1 Racing Track

Thu, Nov 11 10 10:07 PM

Mumbai, Nov 11 (PTI) Maharashtra government has invited bids from consultants for setting up a ''Formula 1 Racing Track'' in the state. Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation which has been entrusted with the job of putting up the track has invited bids from consultancy firms in this regard. Bids are to be submitted by December 23 and may be opened on the same day, according to the tender document on the website of the corporation. The consultants should be able to complete the work in six months, it said. As per the tender, the consultant submitting the bid should have completed an assignment of giving consultancy services for at least one racing track, should have experience in designing race circuits or other sporting facility on a similar scale and should have knowledge of F1 Racing and other forms of Formula racing around the world. The tender does not indicate the possible location of the racing track but according to reports it is expected to come up along the Mumbai-Pune expressway.

Source: Published>

Pathan hits 195, Baroda in command against Haryana

Thu, Nov 11 10 09:51 PM

Rohtak, Nov 11 (PTI) Yusuf Pathan slammed a whirlwind 138-ball 195 as Baroda posted a huge first innings total of 470 against Haryana on the second day of the Ranji Trophy Super League Group B match here today. Pathan, who had joined Williams (114) at 88 for two yesterday, put up a 279-run partnership with the opener to take his team to a commanding position. Pathan blasted 19 fours and 10 sixes in his scintillating innings to take Baroda across the 350-run mark before being cleaned up by Nitin Saini in the 86th over. After getting all out for a paltry 127 in their first innings, Haryana were on 38/0 in 19 overs in their second essay with N Saini (27) and R Dewan (9) at the crease at the draw of stumps, still trailling by 305 runs at the Bansi Lal Cricket Stadium here. Earlier, Williams played the role of the sheet-anchor and his patient 316-ball 114-run innings, which was bejewelled with 13 boundaries, allowed Pathan to play his aggressive brand of cricket. R K Solani (41) and Swapnil Singh (24) were other contributors. Among the bowlers, Joginder Sharma took three wickets giving away 45 runs, while AH Hooda and Dhruv Singh scalped two each for Haryana.

Source: Published>

Adnan Akmal''s selection ahead of Sarfaraz raises eyebrows

Thu, Nov 11 10 09:21 PM

Karachi, Nov 11 (PTI) The Pakistan selection committee''s decision to replace wicketkeeper Zulqarnain Haider with Adnan Akmal, instead of more talented Sarfaraz Ahmed, has come as a huge surprise. Sarfaraz Ahmed, who represented Pakistan in the Hobart Test in Australia and has also played ODIs, is considered among the top three keepers in Pakistan in line to play for the national team after Kamran and Haider. However, chief selector Mohsin Khan, was not willing to talk on why they had picked Adnan ahead of Sarfaraz. But sources in the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) claimed that since Sarfaraz was playing for the Pakistan A team in the West Indies, there were logistical issues in flying him in time to join the team in Dubai for the first Test. Adnan, the younger brother of Pakistan cricketers -- Kamran and Umar, left today for Dubai to join the national team for the two Test series against South Africa starting from Friday. The former national selector and Test player, Salim Jaffer said he found Board''s decision surprising since in the past players had been called up from the Pakistan A team while touring some other country to join the senior team in case of an emergency. "It happened recently when Muhammad Irfan was called from Sri Lanka to join the team in England," said Jaffer. The selection of Adnan has raised eyebrows more because a section of the media has long suspected Kamran of being allegedly linked to bookmakers. "It is strange that when Kamran is out of favour with the selectors, his brother has been called up to replace him in the Test team. In fact, the mysterious circumstances in which Zulqarnain was forced to flee the team hotel in Dubai and fly to London also raises questions," one former player said. Haider disappeared from the team hotel on Monday to emerge in London where he has claimed asylum on grounds that his life is under threat from match-fixers. Kamran, who is in Karachi playing in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy matches, understandably was not willing to speak on any controversial issue but said he was happy to see his brother getting a national call. "It is a big honour for our family now that three of us have got a chance to play for Pakistan," he said. He also said Adnan like Umar was quite capable and had the temperament to adjust to Test cricket. Adnan himself said before leaving for Dubai that he was confident and was feeling no pressure. "I have had a good domestic season and I am confident I can adjust quickly in the team and not let my teammates down," Adnan had said.

Source: Published>

Indian football gets its first theme song

Published>Thu, Nov 11 10 09:17 PM

Kolkata, Nov 11 (IANS) Indian football's first theme music video was launched here Thursday and will be used during the charity match between East Bengal All Star and Bayern Munich F.C All Star Nov 17.

The charity match will be for the development of the street children living in the city. The fund raised by selling tickets for the charity match will be used in imparting education, better health and hygiene facilities and economic independence to the children.

'We always tell others to help people who are under privileged than us but as we grow up we tend to forget the saying and instead of helping those people we ignore them,' said East Bengal general secretary Kalyan Mazumdar.

'As we think about this the realisation dawns on us that they are deprived of a better life not because of their fault but for the society who force them to live the way they are instead of helping them, and this is not only a fusion of football and music but it is a fusion of all aspects of life.'

German Vice Consul Andres Fischboeck said the fund-raising game enables his country to be part of the great cause.

'Sports is an excellent way in which different cultures can come together and mingle among themselves. The love for football in West Bengal is extraordinary and being part of the charity match will also provide us a chance to be part of a noble cause,' he said.

Source: Web Search

Ishwar shines as Gujarat bowl out Saurashtra for 262

Thu, Nov 11 10 09:07 PM

Surat, Nov 11 (PTI) Iswar Choudhary snapped four wickets as Gujarat bundled out Saurashtra for 262 in their first innings on the second day of the Ranji Trophy Super League Group A match here today. Choudhary took wickets of BM Chuhan (41), RA Jadeja (13), RV Dhurv (15) and JD Unadkat (0), giving away 58 runs in his 19.3 overs. Gujarat were 20 for one in their reply with PK Panchal (6) and SG Yadav (0) at the crease at the draw of stumps at Lalabhai Contractor Stadium here. After the first day was washed off without a ball being bowled, Saurashtra started their innings shakily as they lost opener CR Pathak in the fourth over but other opener Chauhan and SH Kotak (25) added 52 runs to stabilise the innings. A run out engineered by AM Makda resulted in Kotak making his way back to the pavillion and soon newman Jadeja was also sent packing by Choudhary. Chauhan was then caught behind and wicketkeeper SD Jogiyani (39) also lost his wicket which meant Saurashtra had lost half their side for 223 in 66 overs. J N Shah scored an aggressive 94 studded with eleven fours and three sixes but once he was gone, it was just a matter of time for Saurashtra to fold. In reply, Gujarat lost JD Desai (9) in the fifth over before ending the day at 20 for one in six overs.

Source: Published>

Bhupathi-Mirnyi in quarter-finals of Paris Masters

Thu, Nov 11 10 08:51 PM

Paris, Nov 11 (PTI) Mahesh Bhupathi and Max Mirnyi kept themselves in hunt for a place in the World Tour Finals by reaching the quarter-finals of the Paris Masters with a come-from-behind win here today. The sixth seeds beat Jonathan Erlich and M Kohlmann 3-6 6-1 10-5 in one hour and nine minutes in the second round of the euro 2,750,000 ATP event. They will next face second seeds Daniel Nestor of Canada and Nenad Zimonjic of Serbia. Leander Paes and Lukas Dlouhy, who have already qualified for the season-ending finale in London, are also in the quarter-finals. Rohan Bopanna and Aisam-ul-haq Qureshi are also striving to qualify for the World Tour finals.

Source: Published>

Dhoni wants better on-field umpiring

Published>Thu, Nov 11 10 08:37 PM

Hyderabad, Nov 11 (IANS) Shaken by umpiring howlers in the first Test against New Zealand, Indian captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni Thursday advocated strong measures to improve on-filed umpiring.

Dhoni said it was important to improve the quality of on-field umpiring rather than depend on the Umpiring Decision Review System.

Dhoni said if the umpiring continues to be bad, India, too, will have to accept the UDRS.

'If they keep on committing the kind of mistakes they are making, whether we are willing or not willing, we'll have to go with the review system.

'At the same time there should be strong measures to improve the standard of umpiring,' Dhoni said on the eve of the second Test against New Zealand here Friday.

In the first Test at Ahmedabad, V.V.S Laxman and Zaheer Khan were adjudged lbw off successive deliveries with the ball hitting the pad after brushing the bat. Umpire Steve Davis failed to detect the inside edges.

Laxman, who along with Harbhajan Singh pulled India out of trouble in the second innings, missed a deserved century.

'You have two umpires who are supposed to take good decisions on the field. If you see Laxman's decision (in Ahmedabad), I don't know what to say about it,' Dhoni said.

'The umpires have too much pressure about the over-rate. The players' behaviour on the field, the logos and everything apart from giving decisions - that's the most important part.

Source: Web Search

Smith not ready to replace Hauritz as Australia's No 1 Test spinner" Muralidaran

Published>Thu, Nov 11 10 08:21 PM

Melbourne, Nov 11 (ANI): Spin legend Muttiah Muralidaran has said that all-rounder Steve Smith is not ready to replace under-pressure Nathan Hauritz as Australia's Test spinner.

Hauritz's position in the Test team came under renewed scrutiny when he was attacked by Victoria batsman David Hussey in the Sheffield Shield match at SCG, returning figures of 0-57 from nine overs.

Muralidaran, the greatest wicket taker in Test history, said that Australian selectors had to keep their faith in Hauritz, amid calls for Smith to make his Ashes debut.

"Smith does not have much control and he must learn more about bowling spin before he plays Test cricket again," FOX Sports quoted him, as saying.

"There are many things he must learn. He is not good for Test cricket at the moment. I don't think Smith would do any better than Hauritz," he said.

"I know Hauritz did not bowl well in India but lots of spinners have struggled there against Indian batsmen, who play spin very well. Hauritz should play in the Ashes," he said. (ANI)

Source: Web Search

Asian Games to kick-off with water-themed ceremony

Published>Thu, Nov 11 10 08:17 PM

Guangzhou, Nov 11 (IANS) China is looking to outdo the grand opening spectacle of the Beijing Olympics by taking the opening ceremony of the 16th Asian Games to a river front on a picturesque island here Friday.

The opening promises to be a breathtaking ceremony, the first-of-its-kind. It will not be held at any stadium, but on the Haixinsha Island along the Pearl River running through the city of Guangzhou. The entire city will be part of the ceremony.

'The Pearl River will be used as the stage and the entire city as the background,' said He Jiqing, director of ceremonies and cultural events at the organising committee.

The ceremony, showcasing the Southern Chinese culture and the water-theme, will integrate the cultures of China and Asia.

The organisers, however, have kept the name of the final torchbearer a closely guarded secret. They are also tight-lipped about how the Asian Games cauldron will be lighted, Xinhua reported.

'The idea to stage the Asian Games opening ceremony out of a stadium for the first time was put forward in 2008,' said Jiqing.

'This change of venue for the opening ceremony is a breakthrough in the history of large-scale, international sports events as Haixinsha is not an enclosed venue, but an open space with unlimited extension of time and space. This is a revolutionary breakthrough of Guangzhou.'

'It is a city around water, which has bred the distinguishing regional culture of Guangzhou,' he said.

Jiqing chose not to disclose the cost of the ceremony but said: 'We are going to host the ceremony in a pragmatic, cost-effective manner.'

On who will be the final torchbearer, he said: 'The torch-lighting moment has always been a top secret and most important moment in large multi-discipline events.'

'We have carefully planned the torch lighting and it will bring you a pleasant surprise. As for who will light the flame, you will find out when the time comes.'

The Nov 12-27 Games will be the largest edition ever, featuring 9,704 athletes and 4,750 officials from 45 countries and regions in a record 42 sporting disciplines.

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Dhoni expects bat to dominate second test

Published>Thu, Nov 11 10 08:07 PM

Judging by his past experience of the Rajiv Gandhi Stadium, India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni expects bat to dominate ball in the second test against New Zealand starting Friday.

The latest addition to the list of test venues, as the five-day game returns to Hyderabad after a 22-year hiatus, is not expected to provide the kind of result-friendly pitch that India would prefer after having drawn the series opener.

"We have played some one-dayers and IPL (Indian Premier League) matches here and found the pitch to be on the flat side with some bounce, which enables batsmen to score freely," Dhoni said Thursday.

The first test of the three-match series ended in a draw at

Ahmedabad, where India needed a rearguard action by V.V.S. Laxman and a century from bowler Harbhajan Singh in the second innings to resist a looming defeat.

Dhoni said he would like to be more attacking but the team was not contemplating going in with an extra bowler.

"I would like the luxury of playing five bowlers, but then you have to consider what your best side is. We like to rely on part-time bowlers to supplement the four regular bowlers," said

Dhoni, who was not panicking about his side's habit of lax second

innings.

"We realize that there have been instances of us not doing well in the second innings, but there is no reason why we can't do well in the second innings when we can do so well in the first," he said.

The India skipper also backed out-of-form opener Gautam Gambhir - 86 runs in his past 10 innings -- saying his place in the side was not yet at risk despite the claims of Murali Vijay, who scored a century in the final test against Australia last month as replacement for the injured Gambhir.

"With Gambhir it is a the pressure of performance rather than the fear of failure," Dhoni said. "He has set a high benchmark for himself and others like Murali will have to wait for some time."

Dhoni also put pressure upon the umpires, after questionable decisions in the first test.

"Everyone saw Laxman's decision in the first test. Strong measures have to be taken to improve the standard of umpiring," Dhoni said in reference to Steve Davis's lbw decision when replays showed a clear inside edge off Laxman's bat when he was just nine runs shy of a century in the second innings.

New Zealand skipper Daniel Vettori urged his team to "maintain the high standards" after the strong showing in the first test.

"We need to back up our performance in the first match with another one here. We are trying to win a game but I have to concede that taking 20 wickets is never easy in India," Vettori said after a practice session Thursday.

"The wicket is reasonably flat but with probably a touch more pace than at Ahmedabad."

India started the series as a strong favorite against its eighth-ranked opponent but was surprised by a resurgent New Zealand in the series opener. The third and final test will be held in Nagpur next week.

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Lightning storm hits Singapore Open, Rd 1 suspended midway

Thu, Nov 11 10 07:51 PM

Singapore, Nov 11 (PTI) Jyoti Randhawa was among the seven Indian golfers who managed to complete their rounds, carding a two-under 69 before darkness led to suspension of play in the opening round of the USD six million Barclays Singapore here today. Randhawa picked up three birdies and an eagle against three bogeys at the Tanjong Course to be tied for the 56th spot with 108 golfers yet to finish their rounds after four hours were lost due to a lightning storm. The European and Asian Tour co-sanctioned event is being played on two courses the Serapong and Tanjong on the first two rounds while the final two rounds will be played on the Serapong course. C Muniyappa was the highest-placed Indian at tied 37th after being three-under at the 12th hole of the Serapong Course. The Indian Open champion''s card -- studded with three birdies -- is blemish-free so far. SSP Chowrasia was two-under at the 11th hole, sharing the 56th position with Randhawa, Gaganjeet Bhullar, who was at the sixth hole, and Jeev Milkha Singh, stuck at the 10th hole. Ashok Kumar was tied 84th with a one-under 71 and sharing the position with him were Digvijay Singh, Rahil Gangjee and Anirban Lahiri who were yet to complete their rounds. The high-profile duo of Arjun Atwal and Shiv Kapur were even-par. While Atwal was at the eighth hole when play was suspended, Kapur had completed 11 in his round. Veteran Gaurav Ghei, meanwhile, returned a one-over 72 to lay in the bottom half of the leaderboard with the first-round positions yet to be decided. Kim Bi-o of Korea and Chris Wood of England fired matching eight-under 63s to open up a one stroke lead over Japanese Shigeki Maruyama at the Sentosa Golf Club.

Source: Published>

Cricket board promotes Raina to Grade A demoting Yuvraj

Published>Thu, Nov 11 10 07:37 PM

New Delhi, Nov 11 (IANS) Yuvraj Singh has been dropped from Grade A in the central contracts of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and Suresh Raina promoted to the top grade.

Yuvraj, who has run into poor form and injuries, has been out of the national team for a while now. The dashing left-hander had a disappointing 2010, starting with the World Twenty20 in the West Indies. He was dropped for the Asia Cup but returned to the Tests in Sri Lanka in July-August. After scoring a fifty in the first innings of the first Test, he missed the second with viral fever and his replacement Raina grabbed the opportunity scoring a century on debut. With Raina cementing his place in the side, Yuvraj has gone back to domestic cricket to try and regain his form.

Virat Kohli, Murali Vijay and Pragyan Ojha have been rewarded for their good performances and they have been promoted to Grade B, while Rohit Sharma has been dropped to Grade C.

Pacers R.P. Singh and Munaf Patel, who were earlier in Grade B, have been excluded altogether from the contracts. Joining them is Dinesh Karthik, who has been in and out of the national squad as second wicketkeeper and opening batsman.

Karnataka seamers Abhimanyu Mithun and R.Vinay Kumar, who made it to the national side with impressive showing in domestic cricket, have made the cut and are in Grade C.

Another youngster Cheteshwar Pujara, who scored an impressive half-century against Australia in his debut Test, has also been included in Grade C.

The board has also reduced the total number of contracted players from 41 to 24 and scrapped Grade D. However, there has been sizeable increase in the pay packages.

The annual retainer has been increased from Rs. 60 lakh to Rs. 1 crore ($135,594 to $225,990) for Grade A and from Rs 40 lakh to Rs. 50 lakh ($90,396 to $112,995) for Grade B. For Grade C, the amount remains Rs. 25 lakhs ($56,498).

The match fee for a player in the Test eleven is Rs. 7 lakhs, for ODI Rs. 4 lakhs and Rs. 2 lakhs in Twenty20. The match fee for non-playing squad members will be 50 per cent of the fee.

If a non-contracted player is selected to play for team India, he will be given a pro-rata contract in the 'C' Grade.

Grade A: Sachin Tendulkar, Mahendra Singh Dhoni, Gautam Gambhir, Virender Sehwag, Rahul Dravid, V. V. S. Laxman, Suresh Raina, Harbhajan Singh, Zaheer Khan

Grade B: Yuvraj Singh, Ishant Sharma, Ashish Nehra, Praveen Kumar, Virat Kohli, Murali Vijay, Pragyan Ojha

Grade C: S Sreesanth, Amit Mishra, R. Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, Cheteshwar Pujara, Ravindra Jadeja, Abhimanyu Mithun, Vinay Kumar

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Davis fires 65 to lead by two-strokes on day one of India Open

Thu, Nov 11 10 07:21 PM

Gurgaon, Nov 11 (PTI) England''s veteran golfer Laura Davies fired a sizzling seven-under 65 to take a two-shot lead on the opening round of the USD 300,000 Hero Honda Women''s Indian Open here today. Having had to go through the agony of being in the hotel for three days without her golf equipment, the Englishwoman only got news that her golf bag arrived about 9am this morning. "I had to rush to the airport this morning before my tee-off and again make a frantic appeal as the airport authorities did not want to release the bag which arrived from China without signing. The golf officials spoke to the airport people and got my bag released," she said. Back to the DLF Club, Davies said once she got hold of her golf bag, her mood changed for the better and "there you are I played well - seven birdies and without dropping a stroke." Asked about the Henderson Money List, Davies said, "Well, that''s why I''m here - to win and narrow the gap with Lee-Anne (Pace) and then go for the flnal fling in Dubai to decide who gets to win the most money and the bonus that comes with it." Davies said she wants to take her victory tally to 79 with a win at the DLF country and golf club. "I''ve won 78 now. I going for the 79th here and possibly make it 80 at the Eur500,000 Omega Dubai Ladies Masters in Dubai from Dec 8-11 at the Emirates Golf Club." Davies'' birdies came on the first, seventh, eighth, ninth, 10th, 15th and 18th holes. "I played as if nothing eventful had happened to me in India, but the two little girls - defending champion Pornanong Phatlum (72) and local star Sharmila Nicolette (78) kept me good company. They have vast potential. I can see that in them," she said. Two shots behind and in joint second place are unheralded Australian Rebecca Flood who is loooking for a sponsor to help her compete in Dubai and Thailand''s Phol-Uayporn Praewnapa who recorded identical 67. Rebecca ''flooded'' her card with eight birdies but dropped three. "I need to get a good result to help me find a sponsor and end my year on a good note. Did a lot of good putts and that gave me the confidence. I was hitting well," she said. Praewnapa said she hopes this in not going to be a flash in the pan. "Many think it was a luck effort by me, but I think it is my talent as I have put in a lot of hard work," she said. Swede professional Louise Friberg surprised herself by firing a four-under 68 to sit on sole fourth spot, while two players -- Money leader Pace and Italy''s Veronica Zorzi are in fifth place. "It''s only the first round and I hope to perform better tomorrow and in the final round to make it out of reach for Laura (Davies)," said Pace. Among Indians, none of the golfers could bring home an under-par card with Vaishvi Sinha top scoring with a one-over 73 for tied 26th place on day one.

Source: Published>

Kerala take first innings lead, rain interrupt play

Thu, Nov 11 10 07:07 PM

Perinthalmanna (Kerala), Nov 11 (PTI) Riding on opener V A Jagadeesh''s unbeaten 98, Kerala managed to take the first innings lead against Jammu and Kashmir on the second day of their Ranji Trophy plate league match here today. In reply to J&K''s first innings score of 173, Kerala reached 184 for one in their first innings before rain shortened day two''s play. Jagadeesh not only scored an unbeaten 98 but also shared an unbroken 159-run second wicket stand with stand-in-captain Robert Fernandez (65 not out) to take his team to a comfortable position. Resuming at their overnight score of 19 for no loss, Kerala lost opener A M Hegde (16), who could only add five runs to his previous day''s score of 11, early. Other overnight batsman in Jagadeesh, who resumed at a personal score of 8, however went on to hit a 147-ball unbeaten 98 runs studded with 15 fours and a six. Fernandez, who is captaining the side in this match in the absence of regular skipper Raiphy Vincent Gomes, ably supported Jagadeesh, as he struck eight boundaries, facing 151 balls to remain unbeaten on 65 at the end of the day. Fernandez and Jagadeesh played slowly but steadily and did not face much problems in negotiating the J&K bowlers. Brief scores: JK, 1st Innings: 173 Kerala, 1st Innings: 184 for 1 (V A Jagadeesh 98 not out, Robert Fernandez not out 65, A Nabi 1/53).

Source: Published>

Roddick sees off Gulbis in Paris, closes in on ATP finals

Thu, Nov 11 10 06:17 PM

Andy Roddick took a big step towards the season-ending ATP finals when he beat Latvia's Ernests Gulbis 6-3 7-6 to reach the Paris Masters quarter-finals on Thursday.

The result meant that Austrian Juergen Melzer, who could only have booked a place in the London showdown if he won the title and Roddick failed to progress beyond the third round, is out of the race.

Only Spain's Fernando Verdasco still has an outside chance of denying eight-seed Roddick his place in London.

Roddick got off to a flying start, opening a 2-0 lead and comfortably holding serve to bag the first set.

Gulbis proved more consistent in the second set but bowed out when he netted a routine forehand to lose the tiebreak 10-8 after saving three match points.

Roddick next faces either Swede Robin Soderling, the fourth seed, or Switzerland's Stanislas Wawrinka.

Source: Published>

Umpiring standard going down, UDRS could be last option: Dhoni

Thu, Nov 11 10 06:07 PM

Hyderabad, Nov 11 (PTI) A staunch critic of the Decision Review System, Indian skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni today did a volte-face and backed the controversial innovation saying that it would have to be used if the standard of umpiring keeps going down. The Indians were at the receiving end of some contentious umpiring calls in the opening Test against New Zealand in Ahmedabad, the most noticeable being VVS Laxman''s doubtful LBW dismissal just nine runs short of a hundred. Dhoni was critical of the standard of umpiring and called for some strong measures to check the mistakes. "The standard of umpiring has gone down and we need to have strong measures to improve that," Dhoni said. Dhoni, before the first Test, had expressed his unwillingness to support the system, saying he would not back it unless it is proved to be 100 per cent accurate. But today, while referring to Laxman''s dismissal in the first Test at Motera, Dhoni said, "if the umpires continue to make wrong decisions, then it (ICC) would be left with no option but to go for the UDRS." "But, as I have said earlier, I am not going to buy a life jacket that doesn''t come with a warranty," Dhoni reiterated. "At times you tend to make mistakes. The umpires are also most of the time thinking about over rates and player behaviour," he added. It must be noted that the Indian Cricket Board (BCCI) and many in the national team are not in favour of implementing the referral system ever since their failed experiment during the tour of Sri Lanka in 2008. Dashing opener Virender Sehwag has been the only exception. The International Cricket Council (ICC) has been trying in vain to convince the BCCI to implement the system during all international matches in the country.

Source: Published>

Rpting after correction in para six

Thu, Nov 11 10 05:51 PM

Some guys need to pick themselves up: Vettori Hyderabad, Nov 11 (PTI) Their confidence has got a boost after the opening Test draw but New Zealand skipper Daniel Vettori today said some members of his team still need to "pick themselves up" against the formidable Indian team in the second Test starting here tomorrow. "We have to not just maintain but improve on our performance in the first Test. There are still some guys who need to pick themselves up," Vettori said. "In the first Test Chris Martin came in and gave us a great chance and then India made a fightback," he added. New Zealand came into the series as underdogs and were not given much of a chance after the 0-4 drubbing they got at the hands of Bangladesh in an ODI series last month. But the nation, which is known to punch above its weight, produced a trademark fighting show in the opening Test in Ahmedabad to snatch a draw. New Zealand, in fact, had India on the mat on the final day and were on the verge of scripting a memorable win, but VVS Laxman''s gritty knock of 91 and Harbhajan Singh''s (115) maiden century saved the day for the hosts. While praising the formidable Indian batting line-up, Vettori said playing on flat tracks has helped Mahendra Singh Dhoni''s men transform into a bunch of world-beaters. "What India has done is to prepare flat wickets and that has helped the team play better and become more competitive all round the world," Vettori said. "It''s always a big challenge to take 20 wickets against the formidable India line-up," the Kiwi said. Asked about the positives that the Kiwis took from the Ahmedabad Test, Vettori said the focus is now firmly on the upcoming match. "One Test match doesn''t really matter and we will be judged on the basis of our performance here," he said. Asked about the composition and the wicket Vettori said, "It looks a little bit flat but we are hoping it would offer some assistance to the bowlers. It will offer some pace I think. "We will have another look and then see the combination," he said. Asked about the team''s chances in the second Test, Vettori said, "We are trying to win a game and that is the reason we are here." PTI AH PM

Source: Published>

FI driver Chandhok in talks with Force India for 2011 season

Published>Thu, Nov 11 10 05:37 PM

New Delhi, Nov 11 (IANS) Indian Formula One driver Karun Chandhok's top priority is to race in the 2011 season and for that he is negotiating with four FI teams for a permanent driver's spot, including the Vijay Mallya-owned Force India.

Chandhok, who drove for the Hispania F1 team for the first 10 races of the current season, said his main objective next season will be to race even in a slower car rather than being a test driver for top teams like Red Bull and Ferrari.

The Chennai-based driver Thursday again reaffirmed his stand on getting behind the wheels for the next season.

'I am a racer and nothing gives me more satisfaction than being out there competing on the track,' said Chandhok on the sideline of the launch Amaron Karting Challenge 3.

'I fly to Abu Dhabi tonight and will be talking to four teams for next season's contract and yes Force India is one of them. I am in regular touch with Vijay.

'I am also in talks with my present team Hispania. I hope to seal the deal by the end of December,' he said.

The second Indian to drive a F1 car after Narain Karthikeyan believes his stint with the Hispania will help him get a driver's spot for the next F1 calendar.

Chandok failed to score a point but was impressive in the races he competed in, crossing the chequered flag in eight out of 10 occasions.

'I have experienced what it likes to be in a FI car and that should give me an advantage over dozens of GP2 drivers in grabbing three-four seats available for 2011.

'I am satisfied with the way I raced in the opportunities I got. Hispania was not the fastest of cars but it was expected since they debut this year like me,' he said.

The current F1 title is going down to wire witih four drivers - Fernando Alosno (Ferrari), Sebastian Vettel (Redbull), Mark Webber (Redbull) and Lewis Hamilton (Mclaren) - in hunt at the season finale in Abu Dhabi Sunday. And when asked about his favourite for lifting the crown, Chandok picked Webber over leader Alonso.

'Mark is a dear friend and I want him to win. Sebastian is young and he will get many more opportunities in the future. It will be great if Mark can pull it off late into his career,' he wished.

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Chris Cairns gets green signal to sue Lalit Modi

Thu, Nov 11 10 05:21 PM

London, Nov 11 (PTI) Former New Zealand cricket captain Chris Cairns has been given a green signal by a court here to sue former chairman of the Indian Premier League (IPL) Lalit Modi for posting a message on Twitter about dropping the Kiwi cricketer from the IPL auction earlier this year. Modi had said on his twitter page that Cairns was being withdrawn from the auction due to a match-fixing taint. In the message Modi rejected Cairns'' submission to join IPL auction intimating that he had been sacked from rebel Indian Cricket League (ICL) because of match-fixing. Cairns, however, denied the charges and said that he left the Chandigarh Lions (ICL team he used to play for) because of fitness problems after damaging his knees while completing a 1,000km walk for a charity. The Twitter message was removed after 16 hours but Cairns, who retired from Test cricket in 2004, claimed that the damage had been already done. Justice Tugendhat at the High Court here rejected a call yesterday from Modi for the case to be halted. The Court heard evidence from an expert on Modi''s behalf who estimated there were only 35 readers of the tweet while evidence for Cairns put it at about 100. According to a report in The Times, Andrew Caldecott, QC, representing Cairns, said the post was "sensational".

Source: Published>

Expectations are high from Indian athletes at Asian Games

Published>Thu, Nov 11 10 05:07 PM

Guangzhou (China), Nov 11 (IANS) After a stupendous performance at the Commonwealth Games last month, expectations will be high from Indian athletes at the Asian Games starting here Friday.

Indian athletes are riding high after a historic second place finish at the New Delhi Commonwealth Games, where they won 101 medals, including 38 gold medals. But replicating the success at Asian Games will be tough.

India's best at any Asian Games was in the inaugural event in 1951 in New Delhi, when they finished second with 29 medals, including 15 gold. In the last edition four years ago in Doha, India topped the 50-medal mark only the second time but finished eighth with 54 medals, 10 of which were gold.

At Guangzhou, India would majorly depend upon shooting, wrestling and athletics for medals.

At the Commonwealth Games, India shooters bagged 30 medals, including 14 gold, while wrestlers won 19, including 10 gold. India had a surprisingly good haul from the track and field, winning two gold in a haul of 12 medals.

All eyes will be on Olympic shooting champion Abhinav Bindra, who gave India its maiden individual gold medal at the Beijing OLympics Games two years back. Bindra along with compatriot and world No.4 Gagan Narang will contest with Chinese rivals Zhu Qinan and Wang Tao as India will be looking to challenge China's domination in Asian shooting.

National shooting coach Sunny Thomas feels it will be difficult for the Indians to repeat the Commonwealth Games performance.

'It would be unfair to expect the shooters to perform in Guangzhou as well as they did in the New Delhi Games. Then the level of competition will be much higher in China, considering the presence of heavyweights like China, Japan and South Korea. One should not expect the medal count to be anywhere near that of the Commonwealth Games,' said Thomas.

Wrestling coach Hargobind Singh knows that the presence of traditional powerhouse like Iran will make it tough. In the Doha Asian Games, India won six medals in wrestling -- one silver and five bronze medals.

'We would be aiming to maintain our performance and win at least six medals. Though a lot would depend on the draw because the world's top wrestlers would be there at the Asian Games. In almost every category, there are two world championships medallists. In some categories there are even three. Countries like Iran, South Korea, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan are the world's best in wrestling,' he said.

Lamenting the absence of World Champion Sushil Kumar, who pulled out with a shoulder injury, Hargobind said: 'We surely missed one gold as Sushil Kumar will not be there. But I can say this is a better team than the one at Doha. The good thing about this team is that every wrestler is a medal prospect. We will be competing in all the 18 categories and we just hope that the draw is in our favour.'

There was an unprecedented medal haul in athletics as well, but to put it in perspective the performances would not compare favourably with the best in the region.

However, the women's 4x400m relay team, which won the gold at Doha, and triple jumper Renjith Maheswary are the best contenders for gold. The women's relay team, which won the gold at the Commonwealth Games, with a timing of 3:27.77 stands out in Asia. Bronze medallist Renjith's 17.07 m is the best mark by an Asian this season.

Discus thrower Krishna Poonia's 61.51 metre, that fetched her the Commonwealth gold, has been bettered by 20 other women in the world this season (her season's best, 63.69 m, recorded in the US, ranks 10th).

Krishna said that she has not lost focus after winning the gold.

'Peaking thrice in a three months time is very tough. First I had to do for the Asian All Stars, then for the Commonwealth Games and now for the Asian Games. But I have not lost focus and started practicing from the very next day,' she said.

In tennis, sans Leander Paes, India will find it hard to defend the mixed doubles and the men's doubles gold medals they won four years ago. Paes and Mahesh Bhupathi won the men's doubles gold while Paes and Sania Mirza won the mixed doubles event.

This time Paes has decided to skip the Asian Games as he has qualified for the World Tour Finals in London and even Bhupathi is yet to confirm his participation as he is trying to book his London berth. Sania Mirza and Somdev Devvarman will keep India's hope alive in the singles.

In badminton, Commonwealth Games singles champion Saina Newhal would be eyeing a medal. But for that she will have to match the strength of her powerful Chinese opponents.

'It will be a tough challenge and I will give my best,' said the world No.3.

The men's hockey team will be on a high after winning a surprise silver in the Commonwealth Games but coach Jose Brasa knows that it will be a tough task to make a podium finish. 'We need to work on our penalty-corners and also tighten our defence,' he said.

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Dethroned Button says will keep fighting to be F1 champion again

Published>Thu, Nov 11 10 04:47 PM

London, Nov 11 (ANI): Ace Formula One driver Jenson Button has said that he will be a champion again soon after shrugging off the loss of his crown.

Button knows he is assured of his place in the history books and is confident he can enjoy more glory before he quits the sport.

"The race in Brazil was my last day as reigning champion. But it won't be my last as a champion. I will always be a world champion whatever happens in the rest of my career," The Sun quoted Button, as saying.

"I am not worried about what it will feel like now I am not champion any more," he said.

Button, who will see his successor crowned in Abu Dhabi on Sunday, insisted he wants another crown.

"I'll always keep fighting. It is not that I am not hungry any more. That is definitely not the case. I definitely want to fight for another world championship and most of this year I have been fighting," he said.

"It was just the last few races that screwed me really. But it is something I love - fighting it out at the front with the best drivers in the world. It is a nice feeling to be a part of that," Button said. (ANI)

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Dhoni bats for UDRS

Thu, Nov 11 10 04:37 PM

Hyderabad, Nov 11 (PTI) Keeping in mind the frequent umpiring errors during international cricket matches, India skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni today batted for the implementation of the contentious and the much-debated Umpire Decision Review System (UDRS). The Indian captain has also called for stricter measures so as to improve the standard of umpiring. "The standard of umpiring has gone down and we need to have strong measures to improve that," Dhoni said. It must be mentioned that Dhoni had earlier, before the first Test, expressed his unwillingness to support the system. But today, while referring to V V S Laxman''s dismissal in the first Test at Motera, he said that if the umpires continue to make wrong decisions, then it (ICC) would be left with no option but to go for the UDRS. "But, as I have said earlier, I am not going to buy a life jacket that doesn''t come with a warranty," Dhoni reiterated. "At times you tend to make mistakes. The umpires are also most of the time thinking about over rates and player behaviour," Dhoni said. It must be noted that the Indian Cricket Board (BCCI) and many in the national team are not in favour of implementing the referral system ever since their failed experiment during the tour of Sri Lanka in 2008. Virender Sehwag has been the only exception as the dashing India opener had earlier expressed his willingness for the UDRS. The International Cricket Council (ICC) has been trying in vain to convince the BCCI to implement the system during all international matches in the country. But they now might have to rethink their approach to the referral system.

Source: Published>

Gazza may be jailed for drunk driving

Published>Thu, Nov 11 10 04:17 PM

London, Nov.11 (ANI): Former England football star Paul Gascoigne is likely to be jailed after he admitted driving while more than four times the legal limit.

The 43-year-old will be sentenced at Newcastle Magistrates' Court, where last month he admitted drink-driving, the Daily Star reports.

After hearing the midfielder was found to have 142mg of alcohol in 100ml of breath - the limit is 35mg - District Judge Stephen Earl warned Gascoigne all options "up to and including a custodial sentence" were open.

A sentence of 12 weeks could be appropriate, the judge said at the last hearing, before adjourning the case for probation service reports.

The former Newcastle United, Spurs, Lazio, Rangers, Middlesbrough and Everton player was caught driving an MG car erratically by police in Jesmond, Newcastle, on October 8 at 2.45pm.

A separate drink-drive charge, which Gascoigne denies, will be eard at a later date at Northallerton Magistrates' Court. (ANI)

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Umpire Decision Review System helping in overcoming umpiring errors: ICC

Published>Thu, Nov 11 10 04:07 PM

Dubai, Nov 11(ANI): International Cricket Council (ICC) General Manager Cricket David Richardson has backed the Umpire Decision Review System (UDRS), saying that it has brought significant improvements in overcoming umpiring errors in international matches.

"We think the UDRS has eased out pressure on the on-field umpires, nine out of ten teams are in favour of it," the News quoted Richardson, as saying.

"In 23 Tests since October 2009, 84 possible on-field umpiring errors were recorded and 57 were corrected (by UDRS), which has lifted the correct decision percentage from 92.04 percent to 97.68 which is significant," he added.

The former South African wicketkeeper further said that the ICC was holding meetings with the Board for Cricket Control in India (BCCI) to convince them about the technology.

"India feel they don't trust the accuracy of the technology and its also very expensive, but the ICC is always talking and trying to convince them of the use of technology," Richardson said.

"It is better to have a life vest than nothing," he added.

Richardson's comments come after Indian skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni criticized the technology, saying that it may not be hundred percent accurate.

"I have mixed opinion on the UDRS. It is not something that gives cent percent results. It is not always correct. It is like I have to buy a life jacket, but it does not come with a warranty," Dhoni had said.

The ICC had launched UDRS in November 2009, allowing players to challenge on-field umpires' decisions and refer them to the third umpire.

Teams are given two opportunities per innings to contest an on-field decision, losing a challenge for an unsuccessful review. (ANI)

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ICC launches online initiative to connect fans to World Cup

Thu, Nov 11 10 03:57 PM

Dubai, Nov 11 (PTI) With less than 100 days to go for the ICC World Cup, top cricketers are urging their supporters to send in good luck messages through twitter and other online media to inspire and cheer their favourite teams. Fans from across the globe are being asked to send in messages that will be posted on the dressing room walls of their favourite teams at the tournament, the International Cricket Council (ICC) stated today. "The concept has already proved to be very popular with players and supporters at the ICC World Twenty20 2010." Sri Lanka captain Kumar Sangakkara has led the call of leading players taking part at the event to encourage fans to send in messages. "The ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 promises to be the biggest sports event ever to be played in Sri Lanka and I am very excited about having the chance to play in front of our people at this tournament," Sangakkara said. "I hope that our fans will take the time to send in good luck messages to the team because when we sit in the dressing room on a match day we will know that there are Sri Lanka fans living all around the world wanting us to do well." England''s Paul Collingwood, who captained the side to victory in the Caribbean earlier this year at the ICC World Twenty20, admitted that messages from supporters did make a difference to players in the dressing room. "It was a great inspiration for the team to have good luck messages from our supporters on our dressing room wall during the ICC World Twenty20 2010," Collingwood said. "England is very lucky to have some of the most passionate travelling cricket supporters in the world and we hope that we will have some great support in the stands for our matches at the ICC Cricket World Cup." Bangladesh''s Mashrafe Mortaza, on the other hand, is keen to know that supporters will be backing his side. "We are all really excited about having the chance to play on home soil in the ICC Cricket World Cup and we are confident of doing well. The recent series win over New Zealand shows that we are capable of beating top quality opposition on a regular basis," Mashrafe Mortaza said. "In Dhaka and Chittagong we know that we will have thousands of supporters cheering us on and I hope that our fans will want to inspire us in the dressing room as well by sending in some good luck messages," the all-rounder added. Supporters have been asked to send in their messages @cricketicc on Twitter, stating which team they are directed towards. The messages can be posted by November 25 and should not be more than 140 characters. The fans can also mail their wishes to yourview@icc-cricket.com.

Source: Published>

Millionaire England footie captain Ferdinand is a secret bargain hunter

Published>Thu, Nov 11 10 03:47 PM

London, Nov.11 (ANI): Manchester United star Rio Ferdinand has revealed that he is a secret bargain hunter.

The 150,000-pound-a-week England captain's favourite shopping destination is the cut-price Afflecks Palace in Manchester city centre.

The Daily Star quoted Rio, 32, as saying: "I've got a lot of second-hand clothes, like jackets and shirts, from Afflecks Palace." (ANI)

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Dhoni backs out-of-form Gambhir

Thu, Nov 11 10 03:21 PM

Hyderabad, Nov 11 (PTI) India skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni today backed Gautam Gambhir saying the struggling opener is a class player and would soon come out of his lean phase that has plagued his career for a while now. Dhoni said that it''s the fear of performance and not the fear of failure that has been troubling Gambhir of late. "He has set high benchmarks for himself but is going through a phase where the fear of performance and the not the fear of failure is troubling him," Dhoni said after the hosts wrapped up their final training session on the eve of the second Test at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium here. "He is a solid cricketer and works very hard. He will come good sooner or later," the India skipper added. While backing Gambhir to retain one of the opening slots, Dhoni also indicated that man-in-the-waiting, Murali Vijay, will have to wait for some more time before finding a permanent place in the XI. "He (Gambhir) is our best bet for the opening slot. Vijay has been doing well, as we have seen, but he will have to wait for some more time," Dhoni told reporters here. About his own form with the willow, Dhoni said that he has been getting the starts but need to covert the those into big scores. "I am getting the starts but need to convert them into 50s and 100s," he said. Asked about Suresh Raina and Cheteshwar Pujara, the latest entry into the side, Dhoni acknowledged that both are talented and are doing well. "But let''s not comment after just one match," he added. MORE PTI AH CM

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Mitchell Johnson to play club cricket to regain form

Published>Thu, Nov 11 10 03:17 PM

Sydney, Nov 11 (ANI): To regain his form ahead of the Ashes series, Australian pacer Mitchell Johnson will play first grade cricket for Western Australia side Wanneroo on Saturday before linking back up with the Warriors for their Sheffield Shield match.

Johnson has struggled to bowl at his best since returning from India last month, claiming just one wicket at a cost of 128 runs over the three one-dayers against Sri Lanka.

"I'm not getting the results I would probably like in the wicket column. But I don't feel like I'm out of form. I guess you look at the last game against Sri Lanka on Sunday and I felt really good," Johnson said on Thursday.

"I was speaking to Brad Haddin, we normally talk to each other about how things are going for each other, and he just said go out there and bowl fast, and that's what I did and he said I looked really good," The Sydney Morning Herald quoted him, as saying.

"I don't feel like I'm out of form, I just feel a little bit off the mark. Hopefully I've got it right for the Ashes. The last time I played grade cricket, I was in Brisbane maybe four years ago," he said.

"I remember it quite well. I was at our home ground. It was actually a nice, fast week so it was quite exciting for me. (I'm) looking forward to this weekend. Get a bit more bowling in before a big Ashes series," Johnson added. (ANI)

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Indians aim to clip Kiwi wings as Tests return to Hyderabad

Thu, Nov 11 10 03:07 PM

Abhishek Hore Hyderabad, Nov 11 (PTI) The narrow escape in the first Test was hardly the kind of start India wanted against a depleted New Zealand and the hosts would be determined to notch up a convincing win against their spirited rivals in the second cricket Test starting here tomorrow. Stung by criticism after a draw in the first Test, India would look to approach the second Test to be held at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium with hope and belief that they would live up to the reputation of being the top Test side. This is going to be a landmark match for VVS Laxman, who will be playing his first Test in front of his home crowd, as the longer version of the game returns to the city after a gap of 22 years. It has been a long wait for the veteran of over 100 Tests, who has played against all Test nations and at almost every venue around the world during his 14-year-long career. A sense of anticipation, that Sachin Tendulkar would get to his 50 Test hundreds in this match, also prevailed at the stadium a day ahead of the match. But the master, as is always the case, was his usual self -- calm and composed. "He is preparing the same way. He is very calm and composed and there is no anxiety as far as Sachin is concerned," said India skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni. After the twists and turns in the Ahmedabad match where Laxman and Harbhajan Singh''s maiden Test century saved India the blushes, the hosts look determined to wrest the initiative from Daniel Vettori''s side, and giving fillip to those thoughts was Dhoni. "They are a good side but we are well prepared, and the wicket also looks good, it looks a little on the flatter side and that should allow the batsmen to play their strokes freely," Dhoni said. The wicket, which has hosted three one-day internationals and quite a few Twenty20 and IPL matches since 2005, has a reputation for producing high-scoring matches. The last time it hosted an ODI, in November 2009, Tendulkar smashed a memorable 175 and nearly guided India to an improbable win against Ricky Ponting''s Australia. Another good news from the India camp is that there are no injury worries and the playing XI that was there in the first Test, is likely to be retained. There were few worries for India before the first match - mainly the form of Gautam Gambhir and Rahul Dravid and the spin duo of Harbhajan Singh and Pragyan Ojha. While Dravid broke the shackles with a ton in the first innings, Gambhir''s poor run continued and the opener would look to make the most of friendly batting conditions here. More PTI AH PM MRM

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Tendulkar named ambassador for World Cup 2011

Thu, Nov 11 10 02:51 PM

Dubai, Nov 11 (PTI) Iconic Indian batsman Sachin Tendulkar, who is set to become only the second player in the history of cricket to play six ODI World Cups, was today named the official ambassador of the event to be held in the sub-continent next year. Tendulkar will be called upon to promote and support a variety of ICC initiatives for the tournament, which is the third biggest sporting event in the world and will take place in Bangladesh, India and Sri Lanka from February 19 to April 2 next year, the ICC said in a statement. "There are just 100 days to go and I am really looking forward to playing in another Cricket World Cup," said Tendulkar, who will join Pakistan''s Javed Miandad as the only other player to take part in six World Cups. "In terms of limited-overs cricket, the ICC Cricket World Cup is the highest level you can play so it is always a thrill to take part in such an important and widely followed event. "The fact that the 2011 event will be staged here in the sub-continent makes it even more special for me and I am keen to ensure we play well. As a team we would be doing everything we can to win the world cup on home soil," he added. ICC Chief Executive Haroon Lorgat said the governing body was lucky to get the support of a player of Tendulkar''s stature. "We are very lucky to have such an extraordinary player as Sachin supporting our flagship event. "I don''t think any other player has inspired a nation like he has and the respect and affection he enjoys goes way beyond his native India. Many other athletes and sports fans around the globe admire what he consistently achieves and what he does for cricket," Lorgat said. Throughout his two-decade long career, Tendulkar has inspired millions of cricket lovers around the world with his skill, temperament and love for the game. Since making his debut for India in 1989 at the tender age of 16, he has scored more international runs than anyone else in history while also adhering faithfully to the spirit of cricket. Tendulkar has scored 14,292 runs in 172 Tests, while amassing 17,598 in 442 ODIs.

Source: Published>

India''s bid for 2019 Asian Games still on: Randhir Singh

Thu, Nov 11 10 02:37 PM

S S Ramaswamy Guangzhou, Nov 11 (PTI) Contrary to what has been depicted, India''s bid for the 2019 Asian Games was still on and the Indian Olympic Association was in the process of sending a bid document to the Olympic Council of Asia in time to meet the February, 2011 deadline, IOA secretary-general Randhir Singh said here today. Talking to reporters after attending India''s flag-hoisting ceremony at the Games Village, Randhir said that already the government had the blue print of the bid submitted to it for the 2014 Games that ultimately went to South Korean city of Incheon and only the escalation of the costs needed to be penciled in. Randhir, who is also the secretary-general of OCA, said the 2019 Games hosts would be decided in July next year in Tokyo by the OCA''s General Assembly which meets here tomorrow and on November 13 to decide on the host cities for the next Asian Indoor Games and Asian Beach Games. "The 2014 bid details are with the government. It has already been cleared by the cabinet and does not need any more approval. All that is needed is to factor in the escalation of cost from 2014 to 2019 which can be done by the government''s financial authorities better than us," said Randhir. The government authorities have asked for the detailed bid documents from the IOA to study them after last month''s Delhi Commonwealth Games was marred by cost over-runs, corruption charges and delayed and filthy construction of the Games Village. Randhir said he has already secured details about the cost that Guangzhou has incurred in hosting the Asian Games here which will to start tomorrow with the Opening Ceremony. "I would be getting the document from the Guangzhou organisers and would be sending them across to the government. The organisers here are expected to rake in USD 450 million after spending USD 420 million. I am only talking about hosting of the Games and not other infrastructure development," he said. According to Randhir, most of the infrastructure if India''s bid is successful for the 2019 Games is already there in Delhi and only two new stadiums needed to be added to the list that were used during the Commonwealth Games. "We already have a modern airport and the metro is also there which are two of the essential things to host the Games. We need to build only two new stadiums," he said. Randhir also said that the OCA has already decided to cut down on the number of events from 42 in the current Games to 35 from the 2014 Games. "We have nine years to prepare for the Games (if India get to host them)," he added.

Source: Published>

Harris stakes claim for first Ashes Test berth

Published>Thu, Nov 11 10 02:21 PM

Sydney, Nov 11 (ANI): Australian pacer Ryan Harris, who is making a return from injury, has staked a claim for a first Ashes Test call-up taking 5-72 in a domestic fixture.

Queensland dismissed Tasmania for 196 in the Sheffield Shield match with the help of Harris' five wickets haul.

Harris, returning from a knee injury, first took the wicket of Cosgrove then knocked out Tim Paine for just four, when the Tasmania keeper was caught in the slips trying to drive on the up.

Harris aggravated the knee injury while taking 5-42 in his Brisbane grade cricket return with Toombul in September.

Harris, 31, visited Melbourne surgeon David Young in early October fearing his right knee almost devoid of cartilage meant retirement was on the cards, with confinement to limited-overs ranks the next option.

But he has undergone a series of Synvisc injections into the knee - providing critical, artificial padding in the joint. The procedure extended retired Adelaide Crows AFL legend Andrew McLeod"s career by up to five years, Fox Sports reports. (ANI)

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ICC working with PCB and Haider to probe 'fixing death threat' incident: Lorgat

Published>Thu, Nov 11 10 02:17 PM

Dubai, Nov 11(ANI): The International Cricket Council (ICC) Chief Executive Haroon Lorgat has said that the governing body is helping the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to probe the Zulqarnain Haider incident.

Haider had disappeared from his team's hotel in Dubai before the start of the fifth and final ODI against South Africa on Monday.

The 24-year-old later emerged in London, where he claimed that he had received death threats from bookmakers when he refused to fix the final two matches of the series.

The player had not even discussed his plans with any of his team officials or fellow teammates.

"We have met with the player and we are engaged in following up with the PCB," the Daily Times quoted Lorgat, as saying.

"Clearly this is in the first instance a team matter for Pakistan cricket, but the ICC is willing to provide assistance to the PCB and the player. We understand his plight if reports are indeed true," he added.

Lorgat also said that the ICC would support the PCB for a "clean up" of Pakistan cricket.

"We are very sympathetic to the issues that Pakistan cricket is challenged by and we are providing all the support we possibly can and will continue to do so," Lorgat said. (ANI)

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Harry Potter wants a break for the Ashes

Published>Thu, Nov 11 10 02:07 PM

Melbourne, Nov 11 (ANI): Harry Potter star Daniel Radcliffe is dreaming of spending Christmas in Australia so that he can watch England win the Ashes.

"We are going to beat you. I'm convinced. This is the best chance we've had in 40-50 years," News.com.au quoted Radcliffe as telling the Herald Sun.

"There's a slim chance I might come out this Christmas for the Ashes. I really would like to, but I don't know if that's going to happen," he added.

The 21-year-old actor and his parents own a home in Melbourne where they have holidayed several times in the decade since Radcliffe became an instant movie star by playing junior wizard Harry Potter.

"I haven't been able to go to it for ages. But anyone else I know who goes out to Melbourne, it's just like, 'Yeah, use the flat, clean it'," Radcliffe said.

If he doesn't make it to Melbourne, his busy post-Potter schedule will be to blame.

"I'm doing 7 1/2 hours of singing a week and nine hours of dance in preparation, so I don't know if I'll get out there (to Australia)," the actor said.

"But I would love to, again, because I do miss it, I miss Australia very much. I do, actually. I have such a good time over there, always, whenever I go, particularly in Melbourne. I'll be back, definitely," he added (ANI)

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