Muniyappa goes back to old ways for Indian Open title defence

Fri, Nov 26 10 01:22 PM

New Delhi, Nov 26 (PTI) Out of form he might be but Indian golfer C Muniyappa remains confident of successfully defending the Hero Honda Indian Open title as he claims to have done away with the damaging changes he made to his game after winning the trophy last year. Muniyappa secured a dream victory a year ago when he defeated Korea''s Lee Sung in a play-off to win the USD 1.25 million event but since securing his Asian Tour breakthrough, he has not been able to reproduce his winning form. The 33-year-old will face a star-studded field at the Delhi Golf Club from December 2-5, which includes former Asian number ones Jeev Milkha Singh, Jyoti Randhawa and Arjun Atwal, who became the first Indian to triumph on the US PGA Tour this year. Muniyappa admitted he has struggled all season after changing his swing in an effort to make improvements to his game following his memorable triumph. "After winning, I tried to change my golf swing to make it better but it went bad. I think it was a wrong move as I''ve got a natural swing. I am slowly going back to my old ways and it feels a bit better now," said Muniyappa, who ranks a lowly 130th in the Order of Merit this season. "I wanted to get to the next level but I was too quick in doing so. I want to get back to my old game and not think too much about the technical aspects when I''m playing in tournaments." A former caddie who once earned one rupee a day on the golf course in his home town in Bangalore, Muniyappa transformed his life with four glorious days of golf by winning a cheque of USD 198,125. "Last year, I was hitting it so well," recalled Muniyappa. "My mind was very calm that week but this season, I''ve been putting pressure on myself. People expect me to play better after my win and I was putting pressure on myself to perform and I have played badly. "Everybody dreams of winning the Hero Honda Indian Open. It was my dream as well and I managed to do it last year. I hope to put up a good title defence although it will be a big challenge," he added. While he won last year at the DLF Golf and Country Club, Muniyappa enjoys competing at the Delhi Golf Club. "It''s a really good course. You need to hit it straight and one bad shot would mean trouble. You have to be patient to play well there," he said. Other top names in the event include former champion Thaworn Wiratchant of Thailand and this season''s winners Peter Karmis of South Africa, Siddikur of Bangladesh and Rikard Karlberg of Sweden, who triumphed at the SAIL Open earlier this year at the Delhi Golf Club. Irish star Paul McGinley and Sweden''s Daniel Chopra will also be in the elite field next week.

Source: Published>

Rooney says he never contemplated joining Manchester City

Published>Fri, Nov 26 10 01:06 PM

London, Nov 26(ANI): Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney insists that he never considered joining Manchester City when he threatened to quit the Red Devils last month.

Rooney had said that he wanted to leave United because of the club's lack of clout in attracting more top players, but he changed his mind when the club offered him a five-year deal that made him the best-paid player in their history.

"Everyone is saying that I was definitely going to Man City. Believe me, if I had gone it wouldn't have been in England," the Sun quoted Rooney, as saying.

When asked if leaving United would have been the biggest mistake of his football life, the 25-year-old said: "Yes, of course. You see so many players leave this club and not do so well so I am just delighted I have stayed."

Rooney's comment comes after he marked his first United start for two months by scoring the decisive penalty that saw them beat Rangers 1-0 to qualify for the Champions League's knockout stages. (ANI)

Source: Web Search

Rain washes out morning of Sri Lanka v Windies

Fri, Nov 26 10 12:46 PM

Reuters - Rain washed out the morning session's play of the fourth day in the second test between Sri Lanka and West Indies on Friday.

The ground was under cover and with steady rain falling the chances of any play for the day looked remote.

West Indies were 165-5 in reply to Sri Lanka's first innings of 387-9 declared.

The first test at Galle ended in a draw.

Source: Published>

Top Australian entrepreneur detained in China over 'embezzlement' charges

Published>Fri, Nov 26 10 12:36 PM

Guangzhou (China), Nov 26(ANI): A leading Australian businessmen in China has been detained in Guangzhou on suspicion of embezzlement after a reported dispute with his Chinese business partner.

Guangzhou police have not laid charges against the man, Matthew Ng, or revealed their reasons for holding him. His application for bail has been rejected.

Matthew is the Chief Executive of Et-China, a leading travel services group.

The company is based in the tax haven of Jersey and listed on the AIM stock exchange in London and has a joint venture with China's biggest airline, the state-owned China Southern.

A statement by Matthew's company said that the 44-year-old was picked up on November 16, and is now being questioned in relation to allegations of asset embezzlement.

The travel agency firm added that the Guangzhou police force is currently holding the businessman in custody as an inquiry on the alleged incident gets underway.

"At present, Et-China has no further information about the cause of his detention. As far as Et-China is aware . . . Matthew Ng has not been charged with any offence," the Herald Sun quoted statement, as saying.

The case follows the arrest and subsequent conviction earlier this year of four employees of mining giant Rio Tinto for bribery and infringing trade secrets.

The case raised worries over the vulnerability of employees of foreign companies to often selective enforcement of the country's vague state secrets and corruption laws.

Australian citizen Stern Hu, who at the time was in charge of Rio Tinto's troubled iron ore price negotiations with China was sentenced in April to 10 years in prison while three colleagues were imprisoned for seven to 14 years. (ANI)

Source: Web Search

Bell defends England's decision to bat first in Ashes opener

Published>Fri, Nov 26 10 12:22 PM

Brisbane, Nov 26(ANI): England middle-order batsman Ian Bell has defended his team's decision to bat first in the ongoing opening Ashes Test in Brisbane, saying that it was "not a million miles away from par".

England were undone by a Peter Siddle's six-wicket haul including a hat-trick on the first day, which restricted the visitors to 260 in the first innings.

"We are certainly under par, but credit to Siddle, it was a fantastic spell. The ball swung around, but it was the right decision to bat first," the BBC quoted Bell, as saying.

"It's a better day than we had last time we were here. The guys are still in good spirits, we know what we need to do and the guys are ready for it," he added.

The 28-year-old also believes that his team can battle their way back into the Test with their bowling.

"The ball swung around all day, which is unusual in Australia, and if we have the same conditions we back our guys to put it in the right places," Bell said.

England had lost the 2006 Ashes Test at the Gabba, when the home side amassed 346-3 on day one and went on to win by 277 runs, their first victory in a 5-0 series whitewash. (ANI)

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Oz fans disappointed over millionaire Becks refusal to wave to them

Published>Fri, Nov 26 10 12:06 PM

Sydney, Nov.26 (ANI): Football fans in Sydney are reportedly miffed that As David Beckham, one of the world's most highly paid footballers, refused to wave to them while enjoying a glass of cold beer on the Newcastle cafe strip last night.

"You'd think a little wave wouldn't be too hard, wouldn't you," the Sydney Morning Herald quoted Lisa, a fan who was the first to arrive at the Newcastle Airport fence at 9.30 a.m. to greet Beckham and his L A Galaxy team mates for their match against the Newcastle Jets tomorrow.

She added: "I came here to see Becks because he's a good footballer, and because I can't see him on Saturday because my work Christmas party is on, but I would have liked a wave."

An unshaven Beckham, however, chose to enjoy his beer at the Newcastle cafe Goldbergs last night. (ANI)

Source: Web Search

Grappler Suman to fight for bronze in 63kg freestyle event

Fri, Nov 26 10 11:36 AM

Guangzhou, Nov 26 (PTI) Indian women grappler Suman Kundu is in with a chance to bag the country''s fourth bronze medal in wrestling as she will fight it out in the third-fourth place play-off bout, after losing in the semifinals of the 63kg freestyle category in the Asian Games here today. However, overall it turned out to be another disappointing day for India on the mat as two other wrestlers in fray -- Geeta and Gursharanpreet Kaur -- crashed out in the quarterfinals of the 55kg and 72kg freestyle event, respectively. Suman started her day on a impressive note, defeating Thi Quyen Luong of Vietnam 3-1 in the first round and then got the better of Nestan Kiiazova of Kyrgyzstan with identical scoreline to enter the semifinals, where she lost out to Nasanburmaa Ochirbat of Mongolia 0-3. Suman now has an opportunity to make up for her mistake when she takes the mat in the bronze medal bout later in the final day of the wrestling competitions at the Huagong Gymnasium. In the 55kg style, Geeta defeated South Korea''s Jieun Um 3-1 in her opening bout before going down to Yon Hui Pak of North Korea by same margin in the quarterfinal. Gursharanpreet, however, turned out to be an easy customer for Guzel Manyurova of Kazakhstan as she tamed the Indian 5-0 in the quarterfinals of the eight-competitor 72kg field.

Source: Published>

India told the world that a new SA had been born: Majola

Fri, Nov 26 10 11:22 AM

Johannesburg, Nov 26 (PTI) Cricket South Africa (CSA) chief executive Gerald Majola citied how Indian people lined the streets of Calcutta in 1991 to welcome the South Africa team as it undertook its first tour of the country, while announcing his plans for a double-header special match and concert in Durban early next year. "The tens of thousands of Indians who lined the streets of Calcutta in 1991 to welcome the South Africa team as it undertook its first tour of the country was a signal from India to the world that a new South Africa had been born and should be welcomed by all," said Majola. Majola also announced that CSA would honour the first ever South African team to tour India back in 1991. "When Clive Rice''s team landed by chartered aircraft at Dum Dum Airport in the-then Calcutta, thousands of Indians were there to greet them with garlands of flowers. "The route to Calcutta was lined by tens of thousands of Indians, cheering and throwing flowers at the team cavalcade. When the first ODI took place a few days later at the famous Eden Gardens, the 100,000-seater was packed to the rafters," Majola added. Majola said the match at the 60,000 Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban, specially built for the recent FIFA World Cup 2010, would see the two countries vying for the trophy named after veteran South African Indian sports administrator Krish Mackerdhuj. "(He) was a pioneer of unity in South African cricket and of the first tour to India," Majola said. The match will see special awards for Sachin Tendulkar and Makhaya Ntini, who will call it a day after that game. Tendulkar is the only remaining Indian player in the side that played against South Africa both at home and away. After the match, there will be a concert in which Bollywood stars Shahrukh Khan, Priyanka Chopra, and others will join leading local artists in the New Age Friendship Concert. Both the match and the concert will mark the arrival of the first indentured Indian labourers by boat in Durban on 16 November 1860.

Source: Published>

Organisers plan warm send-off for Asian Games athletes

Fri, Nov 26 10 11:16 AM

S S Ramaswamy Guangzhou, Nov 26 (PTI) After mesmerising the audience with a unique opening ceremony at the Haixinsha Island, the Asian Games organisers are planning to give the participating athletes a fitting send off with a two-hour closing ceremony at the same venue here tomorrow. There will be an Indian touch to the closing with Mumbai-based playback singer Ravi K Tripathi performing at the ceremony. Asian pop star and actor Rain (Jung Ji-Hoon) will also render three songs. Eight songs have been picked for the ceremony, representing the eastern, western, southern, northern and central parts of the continent, said music director Bian Liunian. "Combined with Chinese songs, they will become an integrated performance. We want to show that it is time for Asia, it is the sky of Asia, those are songs of Asia," he explained. As in the opening, the closing of the Games will also involve the water bodies and the ceremony would commence with a giant chandelier emerging from the deep-water area of the stage with a sail-shaped red curtain on screens behind. The organisers also plan to use the cauldron, which was lit at the venue at the opening ceremony, together with the chandelier on the stage and the big screens shaped like sails. "Never before have we seen a cauldron in the middle of a stage. We will make use of this cauldron and make the stage a special one together with the chandelier and the big screens shaped like sails," said chief script writer of the ceremony Han Chunqi. "We want people to regard the closing ceremony as a warm, romantic and dream-like serenade," he added. "To make a difference from the opening ceremony, we want to create the biggest opera house (of a 1,500-strong chorus) between heaven and earth," said chief stage designer Miao Peiru. "These people will not only sing but also do some dramatic performances," he added.

Source: Published>

Tendulkar, Shahrukh, Priyanka for a single ticket

Fri, Nov 26 10 11:06 AM

Johannesburg, Nov 25 (PTI) People of South Africa who are huge fans of legendary cricketer Sachin Tendulkar as well as Bollywood superstar Shahrukh Khan and actress Priyanka Chopra, will now be able to see them all under one roof. Cricket South Africa (CSA) yesterday announced special plans for such fans in Durban as it decided to honour Tendulkar and Makhaya Ntini, the first Black international star since South Africa''s return to international cricket. The two will be honoured at the historic Standard Bank International Pro20 match at the Moses Mabhida stadium in Durban on 9 January, 2011, which will be the cherry on the top of a year of celebrations to mark the 150th anniversary of the arrival of the first indentured Indian labourers to South Africa in the city on 16 November, 1860. The two teams will battle it out for the inaugural Krish Mackerdhuj Trophy, named after a veteran South African Indian sports administrator. The match will be followed by the New Age Friendship Celebration Concert, teaming up leading local artists with Bollywood heavyweights Shahrukh, Anil Kapoor, Shahid Kapoor and Priyanka Chopra. Fans of Shahrukh who were unable to see him perform during his previous shows in the country due to high ticket prices, will now be able to watch him as well as other Hindi Film industry stars perform at the concert for the same price! CSA CEO Gerald Majola said: "This match will be a singular commemoration of the close relationship between South Africa and India in cricket, cultural and commercial links going back over decades. "Sachin is the only remaining playing member of the Indian team that played the first match against South Africa after our unity, the first team to tour South Africa and now he is here again to celebrate with us this historic match. "Makhaya and Sachin represent all that is best in this great game of cricket, and we are honoured to bring this tribute to both of them at this anniversary of the roots that bind South Africa and India." The organisers of the show, New Age is the latest newspaper group in South Africa, started up by the Gupta family with links to the Times of India. "A limited number of tickets at R100 have been made available for the historic event. These tickets are aimed at the local community in Durban, and will be sold to previously disadvantaged communities with interest in cricket. As such, these tickets will only be sold through local cricket clubs affiliated to the KwaZulu Natal Cricket Union," Majola said. The match will be part of the Indian tour to South Africa starting in December that includes a five-match One Day International series and a three-match Castle Test series. PTI FH CM

Source: Published>

Organisers plan warm send-off for Asian Games athletes

Fri, Nov 26 10 10:52 AM

S S Ramaswamy Guangzhou, Nov 26 (PTI) After mesmerising the audience with a unique opening ceremony at the Haixinsha Island, the Asian Games organisers are planning to give the participating athletes a fitting send off with a two-hour closing ceremony at the same venue here tomorrow. There will be an Indian touch to the closing with Mumbai-based playback singer Ravi K Tripathi performing at the ceremony. Asian pop star and actor Rain (Jung Ji-Hoon) will also render three songs. Eight songs have been picked for the ceremony, representing the eastern, western, southern, northern and central parts of the continent, said music director Bian Liunian. "Combined with Chinese songs, they will become an integrated performance. We want to show that it is time for Asia, it is the sky of Asia, those are songs of Asia," he explained. As in the opening, the closing of the Games will also involve the water bodies and the ceremony would commence with a giant chandelier emerging from the deep-water area of the stage with a sail-shaped red curtain on screens behind. The organisers also plan to use the cauldron, which was lit at the venue at the opening ceremony, together with the chandelier on the stage and the big screens shaped like sails. "Never before have we seen a cauldron in the middle of a stage. We will make use of this cauldron and make the stage a special one together with the chandelier and the big screens shaped like sails," said chief script writer of the ceremony Han Chunqi. "We want people to regard the closing ceremony as a warm, romantic and dream-like serenade," he added. "To make a difference from the opening ceremony, we want to create the biggest opera house (of a 1,500-strong chorus) between heaven and earth," said chief stage designer Miao Peiru. "These people will not only sing but also do some dramatic performances," he added.

Source: Published>

Rain delays play on fourth day of Sri Lanka-WIndies test

Fri, Nov 26 10 10:46 AM

Rain delayed the start of play on the fourth day of the second test between Sri Lanka and West Indies at R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on Friday.

West Indies were 165 for five wickets in reply to Sri Lanka's first innings of 387 for nine declared.

Source: Published>

Vikas''s a good actor, says bitter Chinese boxer

Fri, Nov 26 10 10:36 AM

Guangzhou, Nov 26 (PTI) Bitter after his narrow loss to Vikas Krishan in the Asian Games final, Chinese boxer Qing Hu called him "a good actor" but the Indian teen hit back saying the home favourite repeatedly threw under-the-belt punches in their bout. Defending champion Hu slammed the referee and Vikas saying he had not been defeated by the Indian but by the two-point penalty that he was handed in the second round of yesterday''s lightweight 60kg final for striking a below-the-belt blow. "I was leading in the first round with three points and I was penalised for a foul which I never committed. I hit my opponent below the belt but not the crotch. The referee gave my opponent two points after this as my opponent was a good actor. I was not defeated by my opponent but I was defeated by the referee," he claimed. Hu also accused his 18-year-old rival of being too evasive and defensive in the final three minutes of the bout which he lost 4-5. "In the last round my opponent was inactive and not fighting. The referee should also have warned him but he didn''t. "But I am happy with my performance and in my opinion I am the champion. Lodging a protest over the referee''s decision is useless as I am satisfied with my performance," he said. Vikas, a world youth champion champion and a bronze-medallist at the inaugural Youth Olympics in Singapore, shot back, saying the Chinese was constantly going below the waistline in his attacks and should have been warned more. "I am a boxer, not an actor. When he throws under-the-belt punches, he knows that he threw under-the-belt punches and so did the referee," Vikas said when asked about Hu''s accusation after his appeals to the referee for low shots.

Source: Published>

Asian Games wrestling: Suman Kundu to fight for bronze

Published>Fri, Nov 26 10 10:26 AM

Guangzhou, Nov 26 (IANS) India's Suman Kundu lost to Nasanburm Ochirbat of Mongolia 0-3 in the semifinal of the women's 63-kg freestyle wrestling at the Asian Games here Friday.

Suman, who defeated Thi Quyen Luong (3-1) of Vietnam and Nestan Kiiazova (3-1) of Kazakhstan in the earlier rounds, will now fight for the bronze later in the day.

In the 55-kg category, Geeta defeated Jieun Um of South Korea 3-1, but lost to North Korean Yon Hui Pak (1-3) in the quarterfinal.

Another Indian, Gursharan Kaur, crashed out in the opening round, going down to Guzel Manyurova of Kazakhstan 0-5 in the 72-kg category.

Source: Web Search

Indian boxers impress AIBA chief

Fri, Nov 26 10 10:06 AM

S S Ramaswamy Guangzhou, Nov 26 (PTI) Indian pugilists'' fantastic Asian Games performance has caught the eye of International Boxing Association chief Ching Kuo-Wu, who feels they are as good as their counterparts from traditional powerhouses such as Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan. "The standard of boxing in both men''s and women''s competitions is quite high. I am really glad to see boxers'' skills, especially China, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan and India, who have the strongest boxers at these Games," the AIBA President said. "I must say the standard of women''s boxing was not less than the men''s competition. Women''s boxing is more popular now than ever and some 120 AIBA affiliates are practicing it, which is quite encouraging," Wu said. India''s teen sensation and world youth champion Vikas Krishan upstaged China''s defending champion Qing Hu 5-4 last night at the Foshan Gymnasium to provide the country its first gold in 12 years after Dingko Singh at the 1998 Bangkok Asian Games. The other medal winners for India going into the final day are Dinesh Kumar (81kg, silver), who lost to the 2006 Doha Games middleweight (75kg) champion Elshod Rasulov of Uzbekistan in last night''s final. The bronze medals have been won by 48kg women''s world champion M C Mary Kom in the 51kg weight category, Suranjoy Singh (men''s 52kg), Paramjeet Singh Samota (men''s +91kg) and Kavita Goyat (women''s 75kg). Wu said women''s boxing has a long way to go as there are cultural barriers for it to prosper in some countries. "AIBA has been encouraging its affiliated national federations to overcome such cultural barriers so that women''s boxing can become popular and its standard can also be raised," he commented. Wu says he foresees the boxers from Asia challenging Europe''s domination. "Asia is a big force in boxing at the international level but its standard is not like Europe. The only way for Asia to end European domination is to work hard," he said.

Source: Published>

Laudrup testament to passion of Spain's Clasico

Published>Fri, Nov 26 10 08:26 AM

Michael Laudrup knows from bitter personal experience all about the passionate intensity and even hatred stirred up by Spain's 'Clasico' between his former clubs Barcelona and Real Madrid.

With the La Liga giants clashing in the Catalan capital on Monday, the Dane told Reuters of the hostile reception he got on his return to the Nou Camp after he switched to Real in the mid-1990s and why the game is a unique contest in global soccer.

An athletic 46, with thick brown hair and striking blue eyes, Laudrup said he never expected the animosity that greeted him at Barca's giant arena in May 1995, when Real had a chance to wrap up the title in the lair of their enemy.

"This is the first game in my career where something from the outside had an influence on my play," Laudrup said in an interview in his office after leading a training session with Real Mallorca, the La Liga club he now coaches.

"Every time I got the ball it sounded like 100,000 people whistling. I thought, well, I've been here for five years and I've done so many things for them and they for me and I expected a few whistles but I never thought it would be so heavy."

Real lost 1-0, the goal scored by the man who is now Laudrup's assistant at Mallorca, Miguel Angel Nadal, uncle of tennis world number one and Mallorca native Rafa Nadal.

They wrapped up the title the next week and Laudrup said he will always remember the words of Real's then coach Argentine Jorge Valdano, who is the club's current director general.

"After the match I was a little sad, I was a little angry, I was a little bit of everything because I could understand it but then I couldn't," Laudrup said.

"Valdano just said to me: 'I realised today how much they loved you here'.

"The more they love you the more they hate you, especially when you come back with Real Madrid.

"Nowadays I don't have any problem. There are always going to be five or 10 or 20 Ultras (radical fans) who will never forgive me but I can live with that."

TABLES TURNED

Laudrup, who was known as "Michelino" while at Barcelona, is uniquely placed to comment on the significance of Monday's 'Clasico', having played for both clubs and coached in several countries including Denmark, Russia and Spain.

He also played alongside current Barca coach Pep Guardiola in Johan Cruyff's 'Dream Team', which won the European Cup in 1992 and swept to four straight La Liga titles from 1991-1994.

One of his finest moments with Barca was their 5-0 thrashing of Real at the Nou Camp in January 1994 and he helped the Madrid club turn the tables at their Bernabeu stadium almost exactly a year later with a 5-0 success of their own.

Unlike most other city derbies or matches between top clubs in other countries, Spain's 'Clasico' is loaded with significance on several different levels, Laudrup said.

As well as the football rivalry, the Catalans have a proud regional identity set against central government in Madrid. The resentment is fuelled by constant sniping between newspapers, radio stations and television broadcasters loyal to either camp.

"You have to know a little bit about the Spanish story to understand the rivalry," Laudrup said.

"I think right now these are the two best teams in the world," he added.

"But even in previous seasons this game has always been so special, not just because of the 90,000 in the stadium or the millions of Spaniards watching on TV but because it's a game that is watched around the whole world.

"So it means that also outside Spain it's something very, very special."

SLIGHT FAVOURITE

Frederiksberg-born Laudrup also played for Juventus in the Turin derby against Torino and for Lazio against city rivals Roma but said neither those games, the Milan derby nor Celtic v Rangers or Galatasaray-Fenerbahce compared to the 'Clasico'.

"They all have these big, big matches but I think Real Madrid-Barcelona is different."

As for Monday's match, Laudrup said the home team, in this case Barcelona, would always be the slight favourite.

Barca would probably see more of the ball but Real had dangerous players who could cause damage on the counter-attack, he said, adding that he hadn't yet decided where to watch the game, which kicks off at 2000 GMT.

Asked if his sympathies were with Barcelona or Real, he was sensibly non-committal.

"If you are talking only about football my five years (in Barcelona) were the most important in my career and they treated me very well in Catalunya.

"Madrid also treated me fantastically even though I was one of the reasons (when I was at Barca) why they didn't win anything for a long time, and I will never forget that.

"So I cannot choose. I would not choose."

Source: Web Search

I would have gone abroad if I had left United - Rooney

Fri, Nov 26 10 08:06 AM

Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney has said he would have moved overseas and had no intention of joining Manchester City if he had decided to leave the Old Trafford club before signing a new contract.

"Everyone is saying I was definitely going to join Manchester City," he was quoted as saying by the United website (www.manutd.com) on Friday. "Believe me, if I'd have gone it wouldn't have been to another club in England."

Rooney said last month he wanted to quit United because of the club's lack of clout in attracting more top players but he changed his mind and signed a lucrative five-year contract.

He attributed his change of heart to Alex Ferguson's powers of persuasion with the manager saying the England striker now understood "what a great club Manchester United is".

Rooney believes it would have been a mistake to leave United, telling reporters after scoring in Wednesday's 1-0 win at Rangers in the Champions League: "Could it have been the biggest mistake I ever made? Yes, of course.

"We've seen many players leave the club and not do so well, so I am delighted I have stayed. I'm committed to this club and making it successful.

Rooney also said sorry to the United fans who gave him a mixed reception when he came on against Wigan Athletic last Saturday on his first appearance since his threat to leave.

"I feel like I have apologised to the fans but everyone keeps saying I haven't. If that's the case, I apologise for my side of things," he said.

Rooney has struggled with an ankle injury this season but showed his mental strength in his first start since September against Rangers to help United reach the knockout round.

"People are saying how bad I have been playing but I don't think I have played enough games for my form to have been a disaster," he said.

"I have come through patches before when I haven't played well and I know 100 percent I will come through this one.

"I'm mentally strong, I'm confident and I think I can get back to the standard of last season."

Source: Published>

Bombardier says C-Series on track, Global growing

Published>Fri, Nov 26 10 07:26 AM

Bombardier Inc said on Thursday that production of its new C-Series airliner is on track and that it is pleased with the progress that United Technologies unit Pratt and Whitney is making on the plane's engine.

Earlier on Thursday, Qatar Airways Chief Executive Akbar Al Baker said he was concerned with Bombardier's progress on the C-Series 110- to 145-seat regional jets, which are scheduled to enter service in 2013. He said he was particularly concerned about development of the plane's engine.

Philippe Poutissou, Bombardier's vice-president, marketing, commercial aircraft, said that Pratt and Whitney is currently testing the first fully representative C-Series engine at its Florida facilities.

"We are quite pleased with the progress the engine's making," Poutissou told Reuters at Bombardier's Toronto manufacturing facilities. "Of course it's critical that we have an engine available when we're ready with the airframe."

Al Baker, whose company was close to placing a C-Series order at the Farnborough Air Show in England in July, also said that he was unhappy with delays involving Boeing's 787 Dreamliner program and told reporters in Paris that he may shift extra business to Airbus .

Bombardier launched its C-Series development program in 2008. Poutissou said that the company, the world's No. 3 civil plane maker, has given itself enough time to get the project right, adding that Boeing had pushed ahead too rapidly with its 787 project.

"If you look at our program schedule ... we actually didn't try and do an ambitious four-year development as they did on the 787 Dreamliner, and are now suffering from the fact that they have not been able to meet that commitment."

DEMAND FOR GLOBAL BUSINESS JET LINE STRONG

Bombardier is the world's biggest business jet maker, and the company said it plans to ramp up production of its top-of-the-line Global business jets in the next two years.

Simon Roberts, vice-president and general manager of the Toronto plant, said that demand for the large, high-end, business jets remained strong throughout the downturn.

"Our backlog is growing and we're actually increasing our production rates in March of next year, and we're also looking at further increases in the following year," he said.

A spokesman for the company later said that Bombardier prefers to give specific production guidance when it releases its quarterly results. Bombardier's third-quarter results are expected next Thursday.

An increase in Global production means more manpower will be needed at the Toronto plant, Roberts said, but he said he didn't know how high the headcount would go. There are currently about 4,000 employees on site.

Last month, the company unveiled plans for the newest additions to the Global family, the Global 7000 and the Global 8000, which will feature the largest cabins and fly the farthest of any business jets on the market.

Roberts said the company plans to invest $1.7 billion to $1.8 billion on the development and production of the new jets, which feature newly developed wings and an all new power plant.

COMMERCIAL AIRCRAFT DEMAND SLOWLY REBOUNDING

The company also makes its 70-seat Q-400 turboprop regional airliner at the Toronto site.

Bombardier has had to cut production in recent years on its CRJ regional jets, built near Montreal, but demand for turboprops has been steady, largely due to their fuel economy.

Roberts said that the market for regional commercial airliners was slowly coming back after a rough ride through the recession, when air travel fell drastically and many airlines were forced to cancel aircraft orders.

"Air travel in 2010 so far is back up to the levels of 2008, when demand peaked. So we have lost essentially two years of growth," he said.

He also pointed to third quarter results for North American airlines, which have been positive and which he said should eventually lead to a resurgence in orders.

"We believe (demand) is coming back, but not coming back as quickly as we would have liked."

Source: Web Search

Forget politics, World Cup is about football - Lineker

Published>Fri, Nov 26 10 06:26 AM

Top footballers would enjoy playing in a World Cup in England more than anywhere else because of the modern stadiums, the climate and the crowds, former England international Gary Lineker said on Friday.

Those reasons outweigh all the political ones added Lineker, an ambassador for the England bid committee hoping to stage the 2018 World Cup in the country for the first time since 1966.sss

He has a friendship with UEFA president Michel Platini, one of the 22 men on the FIFA executive committee who will decide next Thursday on the destinations of the 2018 and 2022 finals, and said he would use his influence to persuade as many men as possible to vote for England.

"I will go along the lines of: what would be the best thing for football?" Lineker told reporters on Thursday.

"If you ask the players where they wanted to play the World Cup in 2018, they would want to play it in this country. A lot of World Cups suffer because of the conditions -- we would have perfect conditions.

"Our weather is not great but it is for football. We don't have to deal with heat and altitude. We have perfect playing conditions, great pitches and great stadiums which players love to play in.

"Why do you think so many of the world's top players come here to play ? It's not just because of the financial aspect, it's also because they get such a buzz playing here.

"So despite the legacy, and the huge profits a World Cup can generate for FIFA, for football, this would be the place to have a great World Cup and have a great show."

THREE IRON

Lineker said he would speak to Platini, who like Lineker was at his peak as a player in the 1980s, and urge him to vote for England.

"I hope to see him in Zurich. I know him very well, I speak to him on the phone," said the former striker turned TV presenter. "

"The last time I played golf with him he lost his temper and smashed a three iron against a tree -- it was a surreal sight," he laughed before adding, "but I'd give him a shot if he gave us a vote for the World Cup."

England manager Fabio Capello, who, like Lineker, is backing the bid, said at a media briefing that he would also use his relationships with key FIFA members to try and influence their decision.

"I know a lot of people," said Capello, "I started to play professionally when I was 18 and now I am 64. I know a lot of people and I look forward to meeting them."

Capello said it was also important that FIFA did not forget the traditional powerbases of world soccer and it was time they awarded the finals to England.

"Sometimes it's about promoting new countries but I also think you have to remember the history of countries," said the Italian.

"The World Cup in South Africa was really important to start important things in South Africa, not just football events.

"But also you have to remember something about history -- Italy is important having won the World Cup four times. But England is the home of football and for this reason you have to consider this."

England's bid has been on something of a roller-coaster ride for the last 18 months and has recently been buffeted by newspaper allegations of corruption by FIFA executive members.

However, Capello believes it has a fighting chance against its rivals Russia and joint bidders Spain/Portugal and Netherlands/Belgium.

"It's the best country to host the World Cup -- simple. The stadiums are fantastic, the passion of the fans is unlike anywhere else. This is the country where football was born and is absolutely the best country to host it."

Source: Web Search

Federer and Murray keep it simple to reach semis

Published>Fri, Nov 26 10 05:26 AM

Roger Federer and Andy Murray avoided the need for fiddly mathematics on Thursday as they both produced dominant displays to qualify for the semi-finals of the ATP World Tour Finals.

World number two Federer topped Group B with a classy 7-6 6-3 victory over Sweden's Robin Soderling in front of another near-capacity crowd at the 17,500-seat O2 Arena before Murray joined him as runner-up by beating David Ferrer 6-2 6-2.

Federer's three victories mean the 16-times grand slam champion is two wins away from a record-equalling fifth title at the year-end showpiece and a $1.6 million jackpot for winning the tournament undefeated.

They will learn who they meet in Saturday's semi-finals on Friday when Group A concludes with undefeated world number one Rafael Nadal taking on Czech Tomas Berdych and Novak Djokovic up against winless Andy Roddick.

"So far it's been good," the 29-year-old Federer told reporters after following up impressive wins against Ferrer and Murray by beating Soderling, the man who stopped him in his tracks in the quarter-finals of the French Open this year.

"I won against top 10 players in straight sets. That's going to make me feel obviously awfully good for the weekend. But I hope I can keep it up. The tournament's not over yet. This is really when it starts for me."

Federer and Murray were in the same group in London last year when calculators were needed to work out the top two places and Murray missed out by a game to Juan Martin del Potro.

Mercifully it proved simpler this time with Federer gaining the solitary set he required to progress from Group B courtesy of a crucial error of judgement by Soderling.

Leading 6-5 in the tiebreak Federer found himself pinned in the corner by a meaty Soderling forehand and could only float back a defensive backhand which looked ripe for the picking.

However, Soderling elected to leave it, thinking the ball was heading out. To his horror it landed on the sideline.

Federer in full flow hardly needs Lady Luck on his side but he got another slice of fortune in the first game of the second set when he challenged a Soderling winner on break point down.

The thumping "heartbeat" sound effect reverberated around the darkened O2 Arena as the fans and players waited for Hawkeye's video verdict which revealed that Soderling's effort had missed by a fraction.

That proved the end of Soderling's challenge and his hopes of reaching the semi-finals.

"I think against a player like Roger you need to have a little bit of luck to win," Soderling told reporters. "I definitely didn't have the luck on my side today."

Federer's victory meant Murray knew the scenarios before walking out on court against Ferrer.

Needing to win just one set to finish runner-up, the Briton gave his fans some anxious moments when he lost the first two games against a fired-up opponent before waking up and reeling off the next six.

Murray claimed victory in little more than an hour and was much sharper than he was during a lacklustre defeat by Federer on Tuesday, although he was quick to play down his chances of winning the title, especially if Nadal awaits in the semis.

"I'll try and win. But I'm not sure I've got a whole lot of chance if I play against him," Murray, who will move back above Soderling to fourth in the rankings, told reporters.

Source: Web Search

Brasilia still hoping to stage 2014 World Cup opener

Fri, Nov 26 10 04:46 AM

Brasilia has hit back at suggestions Sao Paulo will host the opening game of the 2014 World Cup, quoting a letter from soccer's world governing body FIFA which says the contest is still open.

"We have all the technical attributes and we are meeting all of FIFA's demands," said Federal District governor Rogerio Rosso on his administration's website (www.agenciabrasilia.gov.df.br).

"We are going to keep working to bring the opening of the tournament to Brasilia."

Earlier this month, local organising committee president Ricardo Teixeira said he had "absolute certainty" Sao Paulo would host the opening match. However, Rosso published a letter sent by FIFA secretary general Jerome Valcke.

"Regarding the selection of the opening match venue, we certainly appreciate your concerns," it said. "Please be assured that no final decisions have been taken.

"It is worth clarifying, however, that the decision of the opening match venue will ultimately be taken by the local organising committee (LOC).

"We are confident that all key considerations will be factored before a final decision is reached."

The Brazilian capital will stage its matches at a remodelled version of the Mane Garrincha stadium, with a capacity of 70,000.

Brasilia is sometimes used to host international matches but is something of a backwater in soccer terms and the city does not currently have a team in the Brazilian first division.

SPRAWLING SUBURBS

Confusion has surrounded Sao Paulo's participation in the World Cup since June when the LOC dropped plans to use the Morumbi stadium after the city failed to provide financial guarantees for the cost of its renovation.

Since then, hopes have been pinned on the planned new Corinthians stadium in the sprawling eastern suburbs of the city. The club, one of the biggest in Brazil, announced in September that it would build a 48,000 capacity-stadium.

However, FIFA demands a capacity of at least 65,000 for a stadium to stage the opening World Cup match, which would increase the cost and has become the subject of negotiations between the club and organising committee.

Another worry is that Corinthians have said their stadium would only be finished by the end of 2013 -- too late for the Confederations Cup which is held one year before the World Cup and is used as a dress rehearsal.

Brazil was elected unopposed in 2007 to host the tournament earmarked for South America by FIFA under a short-lived rotation system which also took this year's World Cup to Africa.

The country faces a huge job to improve its creaking stadiums and transport system while urban violence and social problems are also concerns.

At least 30 people have been killed in the last five days in Rio de Janeiro in battles between police and slum-based drug gangs.

This month's Brazilian Grand Prix in Sao Paulo was marred by attempted armed attacks on world champion Jenson Button and a group of team engineers.

Source: Published>

Slice of luck helps sublime Federer into semis

Published>Fri, Nov 26 10 03:26 AM

Roger Federer rarely requires luck but he enjoyed a helpful slice of that precious commodity as he reached the semi-finals of the ATP World Tour Finals on Thursday with a 7-6 6-3 victory over Sweden's Robin Soderling.

The arithmetic of Group B at the eight-man tournament meant unbeaten Federer only needed a set against Soderling to become the first player into the last four and he achieved that when his opponent's judgement error gifted him the opening tiebreak.

Soderling, who can now head for a rest in Monte Carlo after being eliminated, had pinned Federer into the corner with a powerful forehand at 5-6 but instead of simply volleying away the Swiss's floaty backhand he elected to leave it.

To his horror it did not drift long but caught the sideline.

"It was just one of those kind of floater balls," Federer, whose game looks in great shape, explained. "It wasn't a slice. Wasn't a topspin. The problem is you doubt yourself for a second... it's the worst feeling in the world when you leave a shot like that, you have a split second to decide, and then see it go in. I got lucky on that shot."

"Unfortunate for him but I should have maybe closed the set out earlier. It would have been interesting to see what would have happened at 6-6."

Federer's next stroke of luck came on his serve at break point down in the opening game of the second set when Soderling fired what appeared to be forehand winner. The 16-times grand slam champion promptly challenged the call.

VIDEO VERDICT

The thumping "pulse" sound effect reverberated around the darkened O2 Arena as the fans and players waited for Hawkeye's video verdict and again Lady Luck favoured Federer as Soderling's effort was shown to have missed by a fraction.

"Against a player like Roger you need to have a little bit of luck to win," Soderling said. "I definitely didn't have the luck on my side today. I'm not saying I would have won but those two points were really big and I needed both of them."

Federer, whose only blip in 15 previous match-ups with the world number four had been in the quarter-finals of this year's French Open, had plenty in reserve and he treated the fans to some sublime shot-making as he closed it out in 88 minutes.

In the eighth game of the second set he reached break point with a forehand winner after sending Soderling side to side across the baseline with a barrage of spin and he converted it with a dipping backhand that his opponent scuffed into the net.

Minutes later the players were shaking hands with world number two Federer confirmed as Group B winner and still on track for the $1.6 million jackpot for an undefeated champion.

"I'm happy I was able to come out today and play a good, tough, solid match against a player who I thought was in good shape," Federer, who can match Ivan Lendl and Pete Sampras by winning the season-ender for fifth time, said.

"I purposely didn't want to know the calculations before today's match. Losing is never a solution to trying to win a tournament. That's why I'm happy that all three matches, straight sets, no wasted energy. I'm playing really well.

"But the tournament's not over yet. This is really when it starts for me," added Federer, who was knocked out in the semi-finals by Nikolay Davydenko last year.

Source: Web Search

Karlsson's dynamic charge puts him on top in Dubai

Published>Fri, Nov 26 10 02:06 AM

Robert Karlsson whipped up a desert storm when a spectacular back-nine charge fired him to a pace-setting seven-under-par 65 in the Dubai World Championship first round on Thursday.

The Swede reeled off four birdies and an eagle in a whirlwind eight holes from the 10th before a late lapse in which he dropped his third stroke of the day at the par-five 18th.

Karlsson was one shot ahead of South Korean teenager Noh Seung-yul (66) and two in front of German Martin Kaymer (67), who took complete control of his European Tour money-list battle with Britain's Graeme McDowell (72).

Kaymer, who led second-placed McDowell by 290,000 euros ($386,100) going into the final event of the season having made 3,283,930 euros so far, dominated his playing partner from the moment he holed a seven-iron from 192 yards for an unlikely eagle two at the third.

McDowell needs to win the event to be sure of overtaking Kaymer in the tour's order of merit -- the Race to Dubai -- which is based on prize money earned during 2010.

At stake is a bonus prize of $1.5 million for the European Tour's top earner.

The man who tops the Dubai World Championship itself will pocket 910,000 euros ($1.22 million).

"This is the most important week of my career so far and I'm very happy with that good start," U.S. PGA champion Kaymer told reporters on a hot and steamy day in the Gulf.

"I was trying to avoid thinking about his game too much but it's very difficult. Of course you get dragged away once in a while but that start really helped."

Karlsson was making his first competitive appearance at the $7.5 million tournament and enjoyed a memorable debut, going within a stroke of Lee Westwood's course record 64 set in 2009.

"I didn't know that much about the course except I know there were a lot of low scores last year," said the 41-year-old.

"I think it's one of those courses when if you're playing well it's easy to get close because the surfaces sort of feed the ball into the pins. When I missed, though, it was difficult to save myself."

Karlsson had four birdies and two bogeys in an outward 34 before he really caught fire on the inward stretch.

He birdied the 10th and 12th and eagled the 14th when his 110-yard wedge shot took one bounce and went straight into the cup.

HEALTH STRUGGLE

Karlsson rolled in birdie putts of 20 and 18 feet at the 16th and 17th but found trouble off the tee at the last and failed to save par from 15 feet.

The former Ryder Cup player, like fellow Swede Henrik Stenson, has struggled with his health in recent times.

Karlsson was sidelined last year for several months after suffering from blurred vision caused by fluid behind the retina in his left eye.

The 2008 European money-list winner was also struck down by glandular fever this season.

"I feel pretty comfortable with where I am. There's no blindness at the moment or any other diseases so things are good," added Karlsson with a laugh.

Spain's Sergio Garcia was tied for fifth place on 69, one behind Thailand's Thongchai Jaidee, after finishing with a dazzling birdie hat-trick.

Charl Schwartzel recorded a hole-in-one on the way to a 69, the South African's seven-iron landing five feet short before going on to trickle into the cup at the 186-yard sixth.

He responded with a big smile before high-fiving his caddie and playing partner Miguel Angel Jimenez of Spain (70).

World number one Westwood and fellow Briton Ian Poulter also returned 69s.

"I played really solidly," said Westwood who is competing in only his second tournament in seven weeks because of a long-term leg injury. "It should have really been 66, 65 -- my iron shots were pretty good."

Source: Web Search

UEFA to investigate Real Madrid red cards

Published>Fri, Nov 26 10 01:06 AM

UEFA is to investigate allegations that two Real Madrid players got themselves deliberately sent off in a Champions League match against Ajax Amsterdam.

The European governing body said on Thursday that Sergio Ramos and Xabi Alonso would both be investigated for possible "improper conduct" along with coach Jose Mourinho and team mates Iker Casillas and Jerzy Dudek.

Ramos and Alonso were both dismissed late in Tuesday's 4-0 win away to Ajax Amsterdam after picking up second yellow cards for time-wasting.

The sendings-off mean they would serve automatic one-match suspensions in the final group game against Auxerre, which is a dead match for Real with the Spanish club already assured of first place in Group G and qualification for the last 16.

Both players had accumulated two yellow cards in the group stage before they were sent off and a further yellow card in a subsequent game would have meant a one-match suspension during the knockout stage.

A UEFA spokesman said that they would now start the knockout stage with one yellow card each against their names as the cards picked up before the Ajax game would still stand.

Spanish media reports said the players were acting on instructions from Mourinho. They said the message was passed by reserve goalkeeper Dudek during a conversation with first choice keeper Casillas.

Spanish television has repeatedly replayed a moment during the match when the pair were seen talking with their hands over the mouths. Mourinho was also filmed with his hand over his mouth.

"There's no need to keep talking about this," Ramos told Real's website (www.realmadrid.com). "It's something which has been forgotten.

"It's time to turn over the page and think about the Clasico (match against Barcelona). I don't fear any sanction because I don't believe that I've done anything illegal."

A Real Madrid spokesman said any response to the UEFA investigation would be posted on the official website.

Two years ago, UEFA fined Olympique Lyon players Cris and Juninho 15,000 euros ($20,090) and 10,000 euros ($13,390) respectively for getting deliberately booked during a Champions League match against Fiorentina.

UEFA's disciplinary panel decided that the pair had committed deliberate fouls in order to serve a one-match suspension during their team's meaningless final group stage match against Baye 1919819853

Source: Web Search

Slice of luck helps sublime Federer into semis

Published>Fri, Nov 26 10 12:46 AM

Roger Federer rarely requires luck but he enjoyed a helpful slice of that precious commodity as he reached the semi-finals of the ATP World Tour Finals on Thursday with a 7-6 6-3 victory over Sweden's Robin Soderling.

The arithmetic of Group B at the eight-man tournament meant unbeaten Federer only needed a set against Soderling to become the first player into the last four and he achieved that when his opponent's judgement error gifted him the opening tiebreak.

Soderling, who can now head for the for a rest in Monte Carlo after being eliminated, had pinned Federer into the corner with a powerful forehand at 5-6 but instead of simply volleying away the Swiss's floaty backhand he elected to leave it.

To his horror it did not drift long but caught the sideline.

"It was just one of those kind of floater balls," Federer, whose game looks in great shape, explained. "It wasn't a slice. Wasn't a topspin. The problem is you doubt yourself for a second... it's the worst feeling in the world when you leave a shot like that, you have a split second to decide, and then see it go in. I got lucky on that shot."

"Unfortunate for him but I should have maybe closed the set out earlier. It would have been interesting to see what would have happened at 6-6."

Federer's next stroke of luck came on his serve at break point down in the opening game of the second set when Soderling fired what appeared to be forehand winner. The 16-times grand slam champion promptly challenged the call.

VIDEO VERDICT

The thumping "pulse" sound effect reverberated around the darkened O2 Arena as the fans and players waited for Hawkeye's video verdict and again Lady Luck favoured Federer as Soderling's effort was shown to have missed by a fraction.

"Against a player like Roger you need to have a little bit of luck to win," Soderling said. "I definitely didn't have the luck on my side today. I'm not saying I would have won but those two points were really big and I needed both of them."

Federer, whose only blip in 15 previous match-ups with the world number four had been in the quarter-finals of this year's French Open, had plenty in reserve and he treated the fans to some sublime shot-making as he closed it out in 88 minutes.

In the eighth game of the second set he reached break point with a forehand winner after sending Soderling side to side across the baseline with a barrage of spin and he converted it with a dipping backhand that his opponent scuffed into the net.

Minutes later the players were shaking hands with world number two Federer confirmed as Group B winner and still on track for the $1.6 million jackpot for an undefeated champion.

"I'm happy I was able to come out today and play a good, tough, solid match against a player who I thought was in good shape," Federer, who can match Ivan Lendl and Pete Sampras by winning the season-ender for fifth time, said.

"I purposely didn't want to know the calculations before today's match. Losing is never a solution to trying to win a tournament. That's why I'm happy that all three matches, straight sets, no wasted energy. I'm playing really well."

Federer's victory was also good news for Britain's Andy Murray, who should also qualify for the semi-finals unless he loses heavily to Spain's David Ferrer later on Thursday.

Source: Web Search

It''s witch-hunt, I did nothing wrong: Lalit Modi

Thu, Nov 25 10 11:22 PM

New Delhi, Nov 25 (PTI) Suspended IPL chairman Lalit Modi tonight said his ouster as the IPL boss was part of a witch-hunt by people who are "jealous of his success" and that he will return to India only when he is convinced of his security. In his first major interview since his unceremonious exit, Modi defended himself of any wrong doing and said his family and friends had invested in IPL teams only because nobody else was convinced with the concept. In the lengthy interview, Modi spoke of how people with vested interest in the BCCI tried to pull him down and how he had spent money from his own pocket to make the IPL a huge success. "I can very clearly tell you that I have not pocketed any money from the IPL. I created something out of nothing. The BCCI had benefited, will benefit in the next ten years in excess of USD 2 billion. This is something of an initiative that I took on my own, as an honorary member and I did not do it for myself, and the benefit 100 per cent accrued to the BCCI," Modi said. "What I did is absolutely by the book. Currently whatever is on is like a witch hunt and you know I''d rather not comment on it. "There''s a lot of jealousy all around, and it was more than meets the eye, it''s not only about the IPL, it''s about the running of the BCCI, there are vested groups out there trying to take control, and there is more to it, but I''d rather not get into that right now," he added. The combative Modi, who has been out of the country ever since his removal as IPL chairman, said that his security advisors have instructed him not to return to India because of death threat. "I will return to India as and when I feel secure. My security agencies have advised me that it''s not appropriate time currently to go back till the security situation smoothens out. And the Indian police have continuously told me yes, that the threat perception continues to be there and as and when I feel comfortable with that factor I would go back," he said. Modi also made it clear that he had never intended to get former Minister of States for external affairs Sashi Tharoor sacked but had only wanted to bring the truth out. "It wasn''t intended to embarrass anybody. It was the intention of that to get the truth out there, it wasn''t intended to ridicule, embarrass a minister or the government. "I''m sorry that it happened, but at the end of the day you''ve got to understand that the events leading to Kochi are still sub judice. I wouldn''t like to at this point in time actually get into the nitty gritties and the details of what actually happened," he said. .

Source: Published>

Federer through to semi-finals at Tour finale

Published>Thu, Nov 25 10 11:08 PM

Roger Federer produced some exhibition tennis to beat Robin Soderling 7-6 6-3 on Thursday and become the first player through to the semi-finals of the ATP World Tour Finals.

The Swiss world number two, bidding for a record-equalling fifth title at the lucrative season-ending tournament, squandered a break of serve in the first set as Soderling forced a tiebreak but was always in control of the Group B clash.

Federer got lucky on set point when Soderling elected to leave a backhand that floated on to the line but he required no help from the Swede to close out the match.

He broke in the eighth game of the second set with a couple of classy points and completed his 15th victory in 16 encounters with Soderling in 88 minutes.

"It's the worst feeling in the world when you leave a shot like that, you have a split second to decide, and then see it go in," Federer said of his lob winner at 6-5 in the tiebreak. "I got lucky on that shot and overall played a good match."

Federer's third consecutive round robin victory was also good news for Britain's Andy Murray, who should also qualify for the semi-finals unless he loses heavily to Spain's David Ferrer later on Thursday.

Soderling, who finished his group matches with one victory against Ferrer, could still hypothetically qualify for the semis although he looked resigned to an early flight home as Federer turned on the style in the O2 Arena.

Source: Web Search

CBI has not summoned me back home: Kalmadi

Thu, Nov 25 10 10:52 PM

Guangzhou, Nov 25 (PTI) Under scanner Commonwealth Games Organising Committee chairman Suresh Kalmadi today refused to talk about the Queen Baton Relay''s controversy, which resulted in the arrest of three of his close aides, and said he has not been summoned by the CBI back home in India. "No, I have not been summoned," was the prompt reply from Kalmadi, who is in Guangzhou for the Asian Games. When asked whether he has been asked by the CBI to come back to India, Kalmadi said, "No, No, No (smiling)." Kalmadi''s aides - T S Darbari, Sanjay Mahendroo and M Jayachandran -- were arrested for alleged financial irregularities during the organisation of the Relay in London last year and are presently in CBI custody, pending investigation. While Darbari and Mahendroo have been in CBI custody since their arrest on November 15, Jayachandran was arrested on the November 20. When asked about his whereabouts, the OC chairman told reporters, "I am here for the closing ceremony. I have been in Monaco and I have been in China (for the last one week)." Refusing to talk about the arrest of his three aides in India, Kalmadi said, "We will talk about this in Delhi. Let''s talk about athletics here." PTI SHN CM

Source: Published>

Six nation expedition traces Brahmaputra's course

Published>Thu, Nov 25 10 10:26 PM

Kolkata, Nov 25 (IANS) A six-nation rafting-cum-trekking expedition has successfully covered 3,000 km from the source of the river Brahmaputra in Tibet to its delta in the Bay of Bengal.

The 14-member team - comprising seven Indians, one Swiss, three Czechs, a new Zealander, an American and a German - took part in the first ever exploration on foot and by using inflatable boats of the river that flows through three nations - China, India and Bangladesh.

'The aim of our expedition is to focus worldwide attention on riverine ecology as also the livelihood and culture of the people living near the river banks,' said Swiss team leader Andy Leeman, after reaching the city in three inflated boats alongside the 13 other members of the contingent Thursday. The team arrived here from Bangladesh after the 55-day expedition.

The long journey started Oct 1 from the source of Brahmaputra near Mount Kailash in Tibet.

In the first stage, the team passed through southern Tibet Plateau where the Yarlung Tsangpo (Sky River) has its origin in the Chemayung-Dung glacier. The river then goes past the 7,782-m Mount Namche Barwa and flows into the Yarlung Tsangpo Grand Canyon - the world's longest and deepest gorge.

The team members trekked on high altitude and rafted down some of the most punishable rapids as they covered the first phase of the expedition.

In the second phase, the expedition team started their rafting on the river in Assam and reached Bangladesh as they traversed through the waters on the Bay of Bengal.

Source: Web Search

It''s witch-hunt, I did nothing wrong: Lalit Lodi

Thu, Nov 25 10 10:22 PM

New Delhi, Nov 25 (PTI) Putting up a stout defence, sacked BCCI administrator Lalit Modi today denied any wrongdoing during his role as IPL commissioner and called the charges against him as witch-hunt. Modi said he did not rig any of the IPL bids, did not make money out of IPL and that BCCI was aware of all his actions. Modi, in an interview to You Tube, said he actually spent from his own pocket during his tenure and never took any money from the Indian cricket Board for his job. Modi, said he would return to India whenever he is convinced that he is safe in the country. Modi said he was sorry that his tweets led to Shashi Tharoor''s sacking but did not regret tweeting. He said whetever he did during the Kochi bid process, he did it for the benefit of the investors. More PTI AT

Source: Published>

Malik pushes his case with three successive tons

Thu, Nov 25 10 10:06 PM

Lahore, Nov 25 (PTI) Former Pakistan captain Shoaib Malik has pushed himself into a strong position to win a recall to the national team for the upcoming tour to New Zealand after scoring his third successive hundred in the country''s premier domestic tournament, the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy. Malik, who had scored a double-century in the previous round of matches, made 102 in the first innings against Sialkot while playing for PIA and then smashed another 156 in the second innings, today. "Oh yes I am in great form and I think my batting is driven by the fact that I want to wear the Pakistan cap again and get back into the team," Malik said. The allrounder was axed from the national team after the Test series in England and was also not considered for the series against South Africa. But with his current batting form, Malik has strongly reminded the selectors of his talent. "The Quaid Trophy has provided me a great platform to get back into form and remind the selectors that I still have lot of cricket left in me to offer to the national team," Malik said. He admitted that his visit to China to be with his wife, the Indian tennis star, Sania Mirza during the Eid holidays had also refreshed him and made him more hungry for runs. "Scoring two centuries in a match is something I always wanted to achieve and I am happy I have done it today," Malik said. The national selectors are due to announce the squad for the tour of New Zealand later this week with the Pakistan team also slated to return home from the UAE later tonight after drawing the Test series against South Africa. The New Zealand tour is schedule to start next month. The selectors, meanwhile, are also given the task of announcing the preliminary squad for the 2011 World Cup by December 19.

Source: Published>

Latif admits it was tough to see Pakistan lose

Thu, Nov 25 10 09:52 PM

Karachi, Nov 25 (PTI) Pakistan''s former captain and wicketkeeper Rashid Latif, who is now the coach of the Afghanistan team, didn''t join in the celebrations after his side upset Pakistan in the semifinal of the Asian Games T20 cricket tournament. Rashid had predicted before the match that his boys would overcome fancied Pakistan in the semifinal match. "I am happy that my players have lived up to my expectations and reached the final of the T20 competition but as a Pakistani I am also feeling the same way like other Pakistanis on seeing the Pakistan team lose the semifinal," Rashid said. The former captain said that being a former Pakistani player it was always difficult to see Pakistan lose in any match. "But now I am a professional coach and my first priority is to ensure that Afghanistan does well whether it is against Pakistan or any other team," he said. Rashid said that he was delighted at Afghanistan''s victory and was pretty sure that they would beat Pakistan, who are coached by former Test opener, Sadiq Muhammad. "The team has some exciting young players and they click very well as a team. I think the training camp we set up in Jalalabad for the Asian Games has helped us a lot," he added. Rashid said that he was proud that Afghan President, Hamid Karzai had called up the team to congratulate them for the semifinal win and wish them luck for the final. "Such gestures give the team a lot of boost and want us to do better. I am sure that if Afghanistan is given a chance to play Test cricket they will improve rapidly and be among the top teams in the world soon," he said. Pakistan sent a depleted side to the Asian Games as its senior team was busy playing against South Africa in the UAE and the second string players had gone to West Indies for an official tour. But Rashid said that despite everything it was a big step forward for the Afghanistan team to reach the cricket final and be in a position to win the gold medal. "I know how important it would be for Afghanistan as a country if the team can win the gold medal," he added. PTI Cor CM

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Indian men and women out of race for gold

Thu, Nov 25 10 09:46 PM

Guangzhou, Nov 25 (PTI) India''s men and women chess teams'' gold medal hopes went up in smoke after suffering defeats here today but their bronze medal chances are still alive. Second seed men''s team suffered a shock 1.5-2.5 defeat at the hands of Philippines in the eighth round while the women lost by the same margin to Uzbekistan at the International Chess Centre. Some of the Filipinos had left the auditorium after having finished their games and when they returned to get an update on the tie, they were stunned after learning about the upset win over India. India actually took the upper hand when P Harikrishna shocked Wesley So in 20 moves after a two hour, 20-minute battle. But So''s other teammates stood up to be counted and his country won a stunner. A defensive K Sasikiran, down to his single bishop and one pawn after a relentless attack down the middle by Filipino opponent Antonio Rogelio Jr, resigned while Surya Sekhar Ganguly drew his encounter against John Paul Gomez before G N Gopal was decisively beaten by Eugene Torre. In the other important match, China defeated Iran with one win and three draws. In the womens section, India lost to Uzbekistan 2.5-1.5 D Harika, individual bronze medalist, scored the lone victory for India against Nafisa Muminova, Tania Sachdev drew with Olga Sabirova but the other two Indian players Nisha Mohota and Eeesha Karavade lost to Uzbek rivals Nodira Nodirjanova and Yulduz Hamrakulova respectively. China will play Uzbekistan in the women''s gold medal clash.

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Pakistan''s hockey gold sparks off countrywide celebrations

Thu, Nov 25 10 09:36 PM

Karachi, Nov 25 (PTI) Pakistan''s first major hockey title in 16-years and their first Asian Games gold medal after 20 years has sparked off countrywide celebrations with former Olympians, government officials and the public singing praises for the national team players. Pakistan''s Asian Games final match against Malaysia was watched by thousands of people in offices, marketplaces and parks where giant screens were installed to telecast the match. The 2-0 victory was greeted by loud cheers, dancing and distribution of sweets in many parts of the country. The federal sports minister, Aijaz Hussain Jahrani and the President of the Pakistan Hockey Federation, Qasim Zia described the win as the life saver for hockey in the country. "We had said all along that our target is the Asian Games. After the World Cup and Commonwealth Games there was despondency but we had said we will win the Asian Games title," said Qasim Zia, a former Olympian. He also said that the Pakistani players deserved a lot of credit and praise for winning the final, while pointing out that hockey required such a major victory to boost its standing in Pakistan and also to reignite interest of the people in the national game. He said Pakistan had played well against the three other Asian giants -- India, South Korea and Malaysia and deserved to win. "We lost to India but were not humiliated and that I think was a stepping stone to this title," he said. Jakhrani announced that the team would be given a hero''s welcome when it return home on Saturday morning from China. "The players and officials who have brought this title for Pakistan will be rewarded by the government with cash awards and other facilities," he added. He said hockey needed a big title win and now Pakistan hockey is on the right path. .

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Indian men and women out of race for gold

Thu, Nov 25 10 09:22 PM

Guangzhou, Nov 25 (PTI) India''s men and women chess teams'' gold medal hopes went up in smoke after suffering defeats here today but their bronze medal chances are still alive. Second seed men''s team suffered a shock 1.5-2.5 defeat at the hands of Philippines in the eighth round while the women lost by the same margin to Uzbekistan at the International Chess Centre. Some of the Filipinos had left the auditorium after having finished their games and when they returned to get an update on the tie, they were stunned after learning about the upset win over India. India actually took the upper hand when P Harikrishna shocked Wesley So in 20 moves after a two hour, 20-minute battle. But So''s other teammates stood up to be counted and his country won a stunner. A defensive K Sasikiran, down to his single bishop and one pawn after a relentless attack down the middle by Filipino opponent Antonio Rogelio Jr, resigned while Surya Sekhar Ganguly drew his encounter against John Paul Gomez before G N Gopal was decisively beaten by Eugene Torre. In the other important match, China defeated Iran with one win and three draws. In the womens section, India lost to Uzbekistan 2.5-1.5 D Harika, individual bronze medalist, scored the lone victory for India against Nafisa Muminova, Tania Sachdev drew with Olga Sabirova but the other two Indian players Nisha Mohota and Eeesha Karavade lost to Uzbek rivals Nodira Nodirjanova and Yulduz Hamrakulova respectively. China will play Uzbekistan in the women''s gold medal clash.

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Vikas ends India''s gold drought in Asiad boxing

Thu, Nov 25 10 09:16 PM

S S Ramaswamy Guangzhou, Nov 25 (PTI) Teen sensation Vikas Krishnan ended Indian boxing''s 12-year-old gold medal drought in the Asian Games by winning the lightweight (60kg) title against crowd favourite and defending champion Qing Hu of China. However, another Indian Dinesh Kumar (81kg) settled for the silver after losing in the finals here today. The World Youth Champion clinched the lightweight 60kg crown by outplaying 2006 Doha champion Hu 5-4 in the final in front of a hostile crowd at the Fushan Gymnasium, here today to give India its first gold from the boxing ring after Dingko Singh''s bantamweight title in 1998 at Bangkok. After winning the yellow metal, the 18-year-old Vikas dedicated it to his coaches. "I dedicate this gold medal to my coaches. This is my first major international tournament and I am extremely happy and proud to win the gold," said the teen sensation from Haryana after his upset win over the Chinese gold medal favourite. Vikas, in fact, accused Hu of fighting dirty by hitting him below the belt twice in the fight which was low on action as the Indian decided to play defensive. "He twice hit me below the belt and the referee punished him only on the second occasion by awarding me two points. I ignored the support of the crowd for the Chinese boxer," Vikas said. Vikas, who also won the Youth Olympics gold medal in Singapore in August, said, "It was a dream come true for me. I am happy to know that (first Indian to win a gold in boxing after Dingko in 1998), but I will be happier if I manage to win a medal at the 2012 Olympics in London," he said. "I was successful in both defence and counter. My plan really worked and I am happy about that," he added. He also said one his coaches had called him from home before the fight and "his words of encouragement gave me a lot of confidence". "I got goose-bumps when the national anthem was played," he added. Vikas kept a shell guard which ultimately proved impregnable for his rival. With scores tied 1-1 at the end of the first three minutes, Hu pushed and hit Vikas below the belt out of sheer frustration in the second round and was handed a warning which cost him crucial two points. The warning ultimately proved decisive as the two boxers could manage just one scoring punch each in the final round, which was just enough for Vikas to repeat Dingko''s feat. While Vikas took the gold, Dinesh Kumar (81kg) was beaten to the yellow metal by his opponent, defending champion Elshod Rasulov of Uzbekistan and lost 4-10. (More) PTI SSR CM

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Mohun Bagan to help Assam footballers

Thu, Nov 25 10 09:08 PM

Kolkata, Nov 25 (PTI) Mohun Bagan today signed an MoU with the Assam Football Association and pledged to help in the overall growth and development of the sport in the north eastern state. As part of the MoU, the city giants will groom young talented footballers of Assam on recommendation of their state association. "The young talents will be given proper training in the club''s football academy. The club will send their technical experts to AFA to guide them in coaching camps of the state teams. The club will also conduct workshops, seminars and courses," Mohun Bagan said in a release. AFA on its part will extend all possible help to the club in their participation in the exhibition and invitation tournaments in Assam. "AFA will also assist the club in the recruitment of talented footballers of the north eastern state to the academies and Teams of the Club from time to time," said the release.

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Indian women spikers finish ninth in Volleyball in Asiad

Thu, Nov 25 10 08:52 PM

Guangzhou, Nov 25 (PTI) Indian women spikers spanked Maldives in straight sets in the 9-10 placement round to sign off at the ninth place in the women volleyball competition of the Asian Games at the Guangwai Gymnasium here today. Indian eves didn''t give any chance to their rivals and completed a 25-4 25-5 25-7 thrashing of Maldives in a 53-minute match here. Priyanka Bora, who hit six aces, was the best scorer for India. She also had nine spikes and came up with two kill blocks to help her team. The women team registered only one win in the preliminary rounds and it came against Maldives. They lost to Chinese Taipei, North Korea, Japan and Kazakhstan in the preliminary round. India''s men''s team will play China for the fifth and sixth positions tomorrow.

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Barcelona to test Real revival in 'Clasico'

Published>Thu, Nov 25 10 08:46 PM

Short-term revival or a shift in the balance of power? Monday's Nou Camp 'Clasico' (2000 GMT) will be a first true test of Real Madrid's resurgence under Jose Mourinho, a man with a gift for rattling nerves at his old club.

Seven months ago, Mourinho ended Barcelona's Champions League campaign when his Inter Milan team held on to complete a semi-final victory over the then holders before going on to lift the trophy at Madrid's Santiago Bernabeu stadium.

The colourful Portuguese was immediately hired by Real with a mission to re-establish the club as Spain's pre-eminent power and the results so far have been spectacular.

Unbeaten in all competitions, Real lead La Liga having won 10 and drawn two but Barca remain just a point behind. After a relatively slow start they looked close to their brilliant best in an 8-0 win away to Almeria last weekend.

Pep Guardiola's side followed that up by thumping Panathinaikos 3-0 in the Champions League to secure a place in the last 16 as group winners. They have scored 33 goals in their 12 league games, conceding just eight.

Real, who swept aside Ajax Amsterdam 4-0 on Tuesday with a double from La Liga top scorer Cristiano Ronaldo, have netted 33 league goals and conceded only six under Mourinho, who got his big break as a translator for Bobby Robson during the Briton's stint as Barcelona coach before going on to win the Champions League with Porto and Inter.

It is still early in the season, of course, but a game that will be watched by millions worldwide could have a huge bearing on a title battle that was only ever going to involve two teams.

Real failed to win the league last season mainly because they lost both games to Barca, stretching their losing streak against Guardiola's team to four.

WORLD'S BEST

Monday's game will match up not only two of the game's most influential coaches, but also the world's two best players.

Former World Player of the Year Ronaldo has put together an incredible run of goals for Real since the start of October, scoring 17 in 12 matches.

Current World Player Lionel Messi is also on a hot streak. Barca's Argentina forward scored his sixth goal of this season's Champions League in Athens and has 13 league goals, one short of Ronaldo.

The assertion by Barca midfielder Xavi that his side are the favourites is backed up by the bookmakers' odds, which just favour a home victory.

"It's an important match and we are favourites because we are playing at home," Xavi told reporters in Athens. "We are playing well and on good form."

However, Ronaldo said the arrival of Mourinho and players including Mesut Ozil and Ricardo Carvalho had revolutionised the side.

"The 'Clasico' will be very interesting because Madrid this year is completely different than last year," said Ronaldo, who became the world's most expensive player when he joined from Manchester United at the end of the 2008-09 season.

"We are in a good moment and we believe in ourselves so I think we're going to win there," the Portuguese added, in an interview with Castrol Football (www.castrolfootball.com).

DISTANT THIRD

Real have more creativity in the middle thanks to German international Ozil, while the experienced Carvalho, another Portuguese, has brought a solidity to the back line.

At his news conference after the win in Athens, Guardiola, who has won all four "Clasicos" since he took charge, said he was looking forward to the Real match.

"We know it will be an intense game, a nice one to play, and that the excitement will be there," he added. "Of course there is still a lot left in the season afterwards."

Villarreal, a distant third place, eight points behind Real, will try to avoid falling further behind when they play at struggling Real Zaragoza on Saturday (1700).

Valencia, in fifth, host Almeria, with their new coach Jose Luis Oltra, on Sunday (2000) while Atletico Madrid, in sixth, entertain fourth-placed Espanyol on Saturday (2100).

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Paes-Bhupathi likely to play in Chennai Open

Thu, Nov 25 10 08:22 PM

Chennai, Nov 25 (PTI) India''s most successful tennis pair, Leander Paes and Mahesh Bhupathi are likely to come together for the ATP Chennai Open in the run-up to their appearance in the Australian Open 2011. Chennai Open, to be held here from January 3-9, would certainly be a good outing for the duo ahead of the crucial Australian Open, which is scheduled to take place the very next week in Melbourne. "They would be obviously be wanting to play at the Chennai Open as the Australian Open would be played the very next week," IMG South Asia MD Ravi Krishnan told reporters. Bhupathi had earlier announced that he would be pairing with Paes in the Australian Open, the lone Grand Slam that had eluded them. "Leander and Mahesh have decided to play in Australian Open. We will welcome them with open arms to play in the Chennai Open preceding the Australian Open. We do not want to confirm for hundred per cent but Rohan Bopanna and Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi of Pakistan have confirmed their participation," Ravi Krishnan said. Lee-Hesh, who would be pairing up for the first time in nine years in a grand slam during Australian Open next year, had parted ways in ATP and grand slam tournaments, but continued to play together for India in Davis Cup matches and quadrennial games. In September, the duo had won the doubles tie for India against Brazil here and played their part in putting the country back in Davis Cup World Group. Presently, Peas and Bhupathi are playing with different partners in the London Masters tournament. Going by their current form and recent successes, one can expect a lot of fireworks if Paes and Bhupathi play in Chennai Open. Paes (37) and Bhupathi (36) provided the home crowd huge excitement in the Chennai Open during 1997-99 when they won the doubles title for three consecutive years. They also won the doubles crown at the same venue in 2002. The two formed a formidable partnership in the late 90s and steadily climbed the ladder in doubles rankings to become a strong combine as they won three Grand Slam titles. Paes, ranked 5, has bagged a career 12 Grand Slam titles, while Bhupathi, ranked 6, has won 11. For some unspecified reasons, the duo took to different ways in 2002. Like their joining together in 2004 at Toronto Open in preparation for the Athens Olympics, Paes and Bhupathi reunited in Thailand Open last month but lost in the first round.

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