INTERVIEW - Legal battle gives Liverpool no excuses - Rush

Published>Fri, Oct 08 10 10:17 PM

Uncertainty over Liverpool's takeover is no excuse for the club's on-field troubles and they can still aim for a top-four finish despite lying in the relegation zone, all-time top scorer Ian Rush said on Friday.

While the Premier League club's board does legal battle with owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett, the proposed sale of the five-times European champions to New England Sports Ventures (NESV) hangs in the balance.

Fans have protested for months, saying the owners' lack of investment in new players -- because they are spending the money on debt interest payments instead -- has made the team unable to compete with the best.

"You can't keep on blaming the takeover for not getting results," Rush told Reuters in an interview at the Grassroots Football Summit in the grounds of Belfast's Stormont estate.

The 48-year-old, who scored 346 times for Liverpool in two spells at the club in 1980-87 and 1988-96 in their dominant era, said players should not be distracted by boardroom issues.

"You are paid to do your job on the pitch," he said, while outside the pavilion window teams of enthusiastic youngsters showed off their soccer skills.

Liverpool's chairman Martin Broughton said on Wednesday the board had accepted a 300-million-pound ($476.5-million) bid from NESV, owners of Major League Baseball's (MLB) Boston Red Sox.

Rush said he did not mind who the new owners were as long as they shared supporters' values.

"It has been dragging on... The most important thing is to get the club back to where it belongs," the Welshman, who is still involved in Liverpool's academy, said.

"As long as they are on the right lines with what the supporters think, with what they feel about the club, we are quite prepared to listen to anything that's right."

CONFIDENCE LACKING

With six points from seven games, fans have questioned whether manager Roy Hodgson is up to the job he took on in July following the departure of Rafa Benitez.

After Sunday's embarrassing 2-1 home defeat by promoted Blackpool some sections of the crowd chanted for the return of ex-manager and player Kenny Dalglish.

Rush said it was too early to talk about changing managers, even if his former boss -- who won eight league title at Anfield as a player and manager -- was "a fantastic manager".

"You've got to get behind the manager. He's only just started. Roy Hodgson is a great coach and a great person, Kenny would be the first to get behind him," he said.

"I don't think you can talk about Kenny taking over when people are in the job."

Dalglish himself, who was also at the conference, declined to discuss any Liverpool-related matters.

Rush said a lack of confidence was the root of Liverpool's poor league position, 18th in the 20-team table, and victory over local rivals Everton in their next match on Oct. 17 would be the tonic they needed.

"It's not where they want to be and I'm pretty certain they won't stay there for long," said Rush.

"They are only five points from the Champions League playoff (place), the season has only just started. I think a realistic target is qualifying for the Champions League."

For that to happen, the club could do with Spain striker Fernando Torres rediscovering his scoring touch after a miserable start to the season where he has looked sluggish and been hit by a groin injury.

"He just needs a goal. He's working hard and things are just not going for him," said Rush.

"He's got an injury which it looks like he's been playing with and that's the reason why. He's just got to get himself 100 percent fit. We'll see him scoring many goals, he's too much of a world-class player not to do that."

Source: Web Search

CWG: India firm in second spot with 20 medals, shooters reign continues

Published>Fri, Oct 08 10 09:51 PM

New Delhi, Oct 8 (ANI): Indian shooters continued their splendid performance on the fifth day of the XIXth Commonwealth Games here, thereby taking India's gold medal tally to twenty.

Ace shooter Omkar Singh won gold in 10m air pistol event here today. He had earlier on Wednesday won gold in 50metre Pistol event.

Earlier today, shooter Vijay Kumar won a gold for India in singles 25m rapid-fire pistol event.

Kumar shot 787.5, while India's Gurpreet Singh claimed bronze in the same event shooting 758.7.

Shooting ace Gagan Narang also picked up his third gold medal, and the second individual one, in the competition early in the afternoon.

Gagan Narang and Imram Hasan Khan won the gold in the 50 m rifle 3-position pair event.

After wrestler Alka Tomar bagged a gold medal in the 59-kg freestyle event, wrestler Anita won a gold for India in women's 67kg freestyle event here today.

Anita defeated Canadian M. Buydens 4-1.

Wrestler Alka Tomar had earlier won a gold medal in the 59-kg freestyle event defeating Canadian wrestler Tonya Verbeek 3-2.

India women's archery team also won gold today beating in the final of the Recurve Team event.

The team comprising of Dola Banerjee, Dipika Kumri and Bombayala Devi won by a point to give India its 15th gold. (ANI)

Source: Web Search

Vijender clinches win to enter CWG Quarters

Published>Fri, Oct 08 10 09:48 PM

World number one Vijender Singh (75kg) enthralled with a convincing win in just about five minutes to enter the quarterfinals along with Asian silver-medallist Jai Bhagwan (60kg) and Dilbag Singh (69kg) on yet another superb day for the Indians in the boxing competition of the Commonwealth Games here today.

The Olympic and World Championship bronze medallist didn't just bring in commoners to Talkatora, he also pulled in celebrity guests in Congress MP Rahul Gandhi and Olympic silver-medallist shooter Rajyavardhan Rathore as he pummelled Kenya's Dick Ombaka in less than two rounds to make the last-eight stage where he will take on Namibia's Elias Nashivela.

The 24-year-old Haryana-boxer, who won a gold medal at this year's Commonwealth Championships, was his usual cautious self to start with but once he got a measure of his opponent's game, Vijender was simply unstoppable launching a flurry of straight punches and body blows to unsettle Ombaka.

"I knew it would be a sell-out turnout for me and when I walked in, it was quite intimidating to see so many people. Mr Rahul Gandhi was there in the audience, so it was obviously very special," Vijender, who was also watched by CGF CEO Mike Hooper, Organising Committee Secretary General Lalit Bhanot among others, said after the bout.

"When so many people have so many expectations from you, you are obviously scared of disappointing them and that feeling does creep in on such big occasions but I am glad that I gave a good account of myself," he added.

Vijender's imposing frame tilted the bout in his favour against Ombaka, who seemed confused about whether to go on the offensive or wait for the Indian to make the first attack.

The crowd-favourite took full advantage of the Kenyan's lack of strategy and landed some telling straight blows, one of which even downed Ombaka prompting a countout.

Barely a minute into the second round and the beating became just too much to take for the African, leaving the referee with no choice but to award the bout to Vijender, bringing the full-to-capacity Talkatora to its feet.

"My height was a major advantage. I gauged him in the opening round because it is important to know what your opponent has in mind. I have a tougher bout next up and this win has given me a lot of confidence for that," he said.

Earlier today, Asian silver-medallist Jai Bhagwan (60kg) became the fourth Indian boxer to book a berth in the Commonwealth Games quarterfinals after defeating Tanzania's Nasser Mafuru 11-2 here today.

Jai joined Amandeep Singh (49kg), Suranjoy Singh (52kg) and Manoj Kumar, who won their pre-quarterfinal bouts yesterday, in the last-eight stage.

The lanky 24-year-old from Haryana found it hard to deal with an energetic Mafuru's offence in the opening round but gradually sneaked ahead as the bout progressed.

Leading 3-1 in the opening round, Jai, a gold-medallist at this year's Commonwealth Championships, defended stoutly and relied mostly on counter-punching to fetch the points.

With the home crowd egging him on, Jai gained in confidence even as Mafuru began to lose his cool.

In fact, the Tanzanian was cautioned for using his fist in the final round which only widened the margin of his defeat.

"My height worked to my advantage. His energy was remarkable and I had to be on my guard all the time to avoid getting hit," said Jai.

Dilbag's was the last bout of the afternoon session and the unorthodox nine-time national champion made his often wild swings count by notching up an 11--3 triumph over Trinidad's Aaron Prince.

The 29-year-old, considered a veteran in the national boxing circles, is just one win away from bagging perhaps the biggest medal of his career.

"From the way Dilbag fights, he comes across slightly naive but he has the power in his punches," said national coach Gurbax Singh Sandhu.

Dilbag will now face Botswana's Moabi Mothiba who defeated Godfrey Mumba of Zambia 7-1.

Indian boxers are so far unbeaten in the competition and tomorrow, Manpreet Singh (91kg), Dinesh Kumar (81kg) and defending champion Akhil Kumar (56kg) will fight their pre-quarterfinal bouts, while Amandeep (49kg) and Suranjoy Singh (52kg) will fight for a semifinal berth, which would assure them of at least a bronze in the competition.

Source: Web Search

Rahul Gandhi turns up at Talkatora to cheer Vijender

Published>Fri, Oct 08 10 09:17 PM

He has himself learnt boxing from a Dronacharya awardee and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi on Friday showed his love for the sport by turning up to watch the opening Commonwealth Games bout of Olympic bronze medallist and world number one Vijender Singh here at the Talkatora Stadium.

The Gandhi scion came with his brother-in-law Robert Vadera to witness the evening session of the pre-quarterfinals held today and stayed for more than an hour.

As Vijender walked in to the arena in front of a sell-out crowd, he acknowledged the Congress General Secretary by waving at him.

"It was very special to have Rahul ji here. Somebody of his stature coming to support boxing is a big thing for us. I am glad to have won in front of him," said the World Championship bronze-medallist.

During the bout, one of Vijender's powerful straight blows downed his Kenyan rival Dick Ombaka and the Haryana-lad once again turned and waved to the stands where Gandhi was sitting.

Gandhi clapped occassionally to appreciate a good punch.

The Congress General Secretary has learnt boxing from none other than former national coach O P Bhardwaj, who was also present at the stadium.

Apart from Gandhi, Olympic silver-medallist shooter Rajyavardhan Rathore, Commonwealth Games Federation CEO Mike Hooper, Organising Committee Secretary General lalit Bhanot and International Boxing Association President Ching-Kuo Wu were among the high-profile spectators who turned up at the packed Talkatora on Friday.

Source: Web Search

CWG wrestling: Indian women win two golds, one silver

Published>Fri, Oct 08 10 09:07 PM

New Delhi, Oct 8 (IANS) Adding to India's glory in the Commonwealth Games, women wrestlers Alka Tomer and Anita won gold medals in freestyle wrestling amidst cries of 'Bharat Mata Ki Jai' in the jam-packed KD Yadav wrestling stadium in the Indira Gandhi Sports Complex here Friday.

Tomar won the gold in the 59kg category defeating Canadian Tonya Verbeek 3-2. Anita made it two in a row winning the 67kg category 4-1. Her opponent was also a Canadian, Megan Buydens.

In all, India have three golds, two silvers and one bronze in freestyle women wrestling, an event that debuted at the Delhi Games.

Tomar said she was nervous performing in front of her relatives and friends.

'I have no words to express my happiness. Today I have accomplished my goal for which I have been working very hard for the last two years. The environment in the stadium was thrilling and it's good to see that we have so many fans,' said Tomar.

'I was under pressure during the final match. My family members and relatives were sitting before me and I did not want to disappoint them.'

Tomar had earlier won a bronze medal at 2006 World Championships and gold at 2005 Commonwealth Championships.

The bronze medal in the 59kg category was won by Nigerian wrestler Tega Tosin Richard who defeated Louisa Bernadette Salmon of England, 5-0.

Anita, who had also won bronze medal at the 2005 Commonwealth Championships, called it the best performance till date.

'I am very happy, this is the best performance of my wrestling career. Earlier, I had won bronze medal in the Asian Championship. Today, I only followed the basics that my coach has taught me and attacked the Canadian wrestler whenever she went on the back-foot.

'Wrestling is one of the most popular sport in India and I am confident that it will be included in Glasgow Commonwealth Games in 2014,' said Anita, who hails from Dhanimahu village in Bhiwani district and is posted as head constable in Haryana police.

Nigerian grappler I. Iheanacho, who had beaten MC Manus of Scotland 7-0, won the bronze in the 67kg category.

In the 51kg category, Indian wrestler Babita Kumari, who was a strong contender for gold, had to rest content with a silver. Her sister Geeta had won gold in the 55kg freestyle Thursday.

Babita was outclassed by Nigerian wrestler Ifeoma Christiana Nwoye 7-4.

'I lost because of my own mistake. I would work hard in future,' said Babita struggling to hold back her tears.

Canadian wrestler Jessica Macdonald won bronze.

Source: Web Search

CWG shooting: Indians continue to dominate, win two more gold

Published>Fri, Oct 08 10 08:57 PM

New Delhi, Oct 8 (IANS) Gagan Narang and Imran Hasan Khan won the eighth shooting gold for India, in the 50 metres rifle three position pairs event, while Armyman Vijay Kumar added another winning the men's 25 metre rapid fire pistol event at the Commonwealth Games here Friday.

Another Armyman Gurpreet Singh won the bronze in the 25 metre rapid fire pistol at the Karni Singh Shooting Range. Vijay and Gurpreet had won the gold medal in the pairs event here Thursday.

Gagan, world No.3, shot a total of 1,167 (prone 397, standing 385, kneeling 385) while Imran had a total of 1,158 (prone 395, standing 381, kneeling 382) as India won the gold with a total of 2,325. The earlier Games record of 2,300 was held by Canadian duo Michael Dion and Wayne Sorensen at the Victoria Games in 1994.

England and Scotland were tied for the second place with 2,308 points but the former won the silver on the basis of 105 perfect 10s while Scotland had to settle for the bronze with 104 perfect 10s.

England duo James Huckle and Kenny Parr shot a total of 2,308. Huckle shot 1,158 (prone 391, standing 383, kneeling 384) while Parr had a total of 1,150 (prone 391, standing 375, kneeling 384). Scotland's Jonathan Hammond totalled 1,160 (prone 398, standing 371, kneeling 391) while Neil Stirton shot 1148 (prone 395, standing 372, kneeling 381).

In the men's 25 metre rapid fire pistol, Vijay broke his own Games record set in Melbourne to win the ninth gold medal, the country's ninth. Vijay shot a total of 787.5 (583 in qualifying, 204.5 in final) and bettered the Games record of 778.2 that he set four years ago in Melbourne.

The silver went to Malaysia's Hasli Izwan Hasan Amir with a score of 760.3 (576 in qualifying, 184.3 in final) and Gurpreet settled for the bronze with a score of 758.7 (569 qualifying, 189.7 final).

Vijay said he was happy to win the gold by breaking his own Games record.

'It always feels special, because this is the second time I have broken the Games record and that too by winning the gold medal. I am grateful to the Army, who have provided me all the help,' he said.

Asked which medal was special, individual or pairs, Vijay said: 'The individual, obviously.'

Despite winning the bronze, Gurpreet was unhappy with his performance.

'I am extremely unhappy with my scores. I expected to put up a better showing. Now I am looking forward to my next events,' he said.

In the women's trap pairs, India's Shreyasi Singh (45) and Seema Tomar (44) finished fifth with a total of 89 while Australian duo Laetisha Scanlan (48) and Stacy Roiall (45) bagged the gold with a Games record of 93. The previous Games record of 90 was also held by Australian pair Nessa Jenkins and Diane Reeves.

England's pair Abbey Burton (46) and Anita North (45) took the silver with a total of 91 while Canada got the bronze with Sue Nattrass (46) and Cynthia Meyer (44) shooting a total of 90.

Source: Web Search

Omkar Singh wins 20th gold for India at Delhi CWG

Published>Fri, Oct 08 10 08:52 PM

New Delhi, Oct 8 (ANI): Ace shooter Omkar Singh won a 20th gold for India on the fifth day of the XIXth Commonwealth Games in 10m air pistol event here today.

Omkar Singh had earlier on Wednesday won gold in 50metre Pistol event.

Earlier today, shooter Vijay Kumar won the 17th gold for India in singles 25m rapid-fire pistol event.

Kumar's compatriot Gurpreet Singh won bronze in the same event.

Shooting ace Gagan Narang also picked up his third gold medal, and the second individual one, in the competition early in the afternoon. (ANI)

Source: Web Search