‘2003 Davis Cup defeat to Hewitt was one of my toughest losses,’ says Federer

Melbourne, Sep 16 : Swiss tennis star Roger Federer insists that his 2003 Davis Cup failure against Lleyton Hewitt, having led by two sets and 5-2, was one of his “toughest losses”.
Federer’s comment comes after he failed to convert two match points in his US Open semi-final against Novak Djokovic that condemned the 16-time major winner to his first year in the past nine without a grand slam title.
“People might think Djokovic was tough, but it was nothing compared to the loss back in ‘03, just because I thought I should have won so bad. And today, I’m not 22 years old any more, I’m 30, so I take losses much easier,” the Age quoted Federer, as saying.
“But back then, it was a very tough loss for me. But still the atmosphere was incredible on Rod Laver Arena and it was a privilege to be part of such a great match and a great tie,” he added.

Continue Reading... Tags: Australia, Melbourne, Roger Federer, Tennis

Tired Bolt eyes world-leading time in Brussels

Brussels (Belgium) Sep 16: Jamaican sprint icon Usain Bolt finds himself in an unfamiliar position at the season-ending Diamond League meet here Friday, still trying to post the world's fastest time in 100 metres. The 25-year-old has not been at his best this season, with a time of 9.85 seconds earlier this week in Zurich being his fastest.
In that regard, he has played second fiddle to fellow Jamaican Asafa Powell whose 9.78 seconds at the Diamond League in Lausanne in June remains the world-leading time.
A tired Bolt said Thursday, however, that he still believed he could pull one of his trademark quick times out of the bag for Friday's Belgacom Memorial Van Damme meeting.
"I am really looking forward to this," the World record holder told reporters.
"I really want this world year best and I feel good. I think I have it in me to run the fastest time of the year."
Bolt will perhaps feel the need to push for the feat especially after his 100m nightmare at the World Championships in Daegu where he failed to defend his title after false starting in the event.
However, his field is unlikely to give him much competition, with only four runners having gone under 10 seconds this season.
Jamaican Nesta Carter (9.90) and Americans Justin Gatlin (9.95) and Travis Padgett (9.99) will provide most of the challenge for Bolt, who said he would be looking to improve Tuesday's outing Zurich.
"I am not entirely happy about that race. I did not feel good at the start, and for a few seconds lost my focus too," Bolt said.
Yohan Blake, the reigning 100 metres World champion, will seek to extend Jamaica's dominance in the 200 metres when he faces a nine-man field.
He will lock horns with the impressive American Walter Dix who has already run 19.70 seconds this season, and fellow Jamaican Nickel Ashmeade who is one of three in the race who have gone under 20 seconds this year.

Continue Reading... Tags: Belgium, Brussels, Usain Bolt

Davis Cup: Bopanna loses to Nishikori, India trail 0-2

Tokyo, Sep 16 : Rohan Bopanna lost 3-6, 2-6, 2-6 to Kei Nishikori in the second singles to leave India 0-2 against Japan on the first day of the Davis Cup World Group play-off here Friday. India's No. 1 Somdev Devvaraman had gone down 3-6, 4-6, 5-7 in the first singles.
The doubles match will be playec Saturda.

Continue Reading... Tags: Japan, Rohan Bopanna, Tennis, Tokyo

Afghanistan Cricket Board express concern over touring dengue-ridden Lahore

Lahore, Sept 16 : The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has expressed concern over the Afghan team scheduled visit to dengue-ridden Lahore to take part in Pakistan’s National Twenty20 Championship. The event, featuring 13 regional teams along with Afghanistan, is expected to attract a full house at the Gaddafi Stadium, situated in an area declared to be a risk for the deadly disease.
The Punjab Government has also declared an emergency situation to deal with the dengue menace that has affected over 4,000 in the province.
“It’s a concern not just for us but also for the other teams. We are getting updates through media reports and it appears that the situation is not good,” The Express Tribune quoted ACB Marketing and Media Director Tariq Naeem, as saying.
He suggested putting off the event, in case the situation in Lahore, where over 3,000 people have been infected with the deadly virus, remains the same.
“Obviously the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) itself is monitoring the situation very closely, but we will decide in a couple of days,” Naeem said.
“As far as what the situation is right now, I can only suggest postponing it in the best interest of the public and the players, but we will still wait for the hosts to make the final decision,” he added.
Meanwhile, the PCB has declined the Karachi City Cricket Association’s request to arrange for their practice sessions in Lahore.

Continue Reading... Tags: Cricket, Lahore, Pakistan

Boxing hero Mayweather, a softie and a realist at heart

London, Sep. 16 : He may be known as one of the world’s best boxers currently, but at heart, American pugilist Floyd Mayweather is a softie and a realist. He likes to switch off his sports-related ego, and would like nothing better than to be remembered for teaching his kids to be responsible and respectful human beings. Asked what he would like his legacy to be, the Daily Mail quoted Mayweather as saying: “My long-term ambition is to be remembered for teaching my sons and daughters to be respectful, responsible human beings.”
That may seem a touch ironic to those who have felt the rough edge of Mayweather’s tongue, but he explains: “Sometimes I contradict myself, but we all do. We’re only human,” adding with typical mischief: “Except, that I’m the king of the ring.”
Commenting on the fact of him throwing and waving around 100 dollar bills, Mayweather says: “I make money, but money doesn’t make my life. Yeah I’ve got a few Rolls-Royces, but whatever I earn, is there to be spent. It’s up to each person to choose how to live their life. Some like to be relaxed and quiet. Me, I’m fully energised and while I’m here for my one time on earth, I want to have fun.”
“You gotta make the most of every minute,” he adds.
That brings him back to his kids.
“If you want them to be really successful, you have to make sure they go at something from very early on. I played a bit of football and basketball, and yes, I could have been good at any sport. But I never lived more than a block from a boxing gym, and for that, I give thanks. That’s why I like my gyms to be dirty and scruffy. It’s part of what I am,” Mayweather says.
On rumors of a second marriage being round the corner, Mayweather says: “Maybe, I do like being settled with someone who doesn’t judge me, just supports me for what I am.”
This surprisingly romantic Mayweather is still in mode when he discusses his professional life after boxing.
The movie industry looms larger in his thinking than fight promoting, but when you ask him to name his favourite film it’s not Rocky or The Terminator.
“I love The Notebook. When you get old, what could be more beautiful than a man and a woman in love holding hands as they both die. That way, neither of you will ever be lonely,” he says.

Continue Reading... Tags: Boxing, Floyd Mayweather Jr, London, United Kingdom

Webber admits Schumacher "pushed boundaries" during Italian Formula One Grand Prix

Brussels, Sept 16 : Formula One driver Mark Webber has claimed that Michael Schumacher was "pushing the boundaries" with his driving style while taking on Leiws Hamilton at the Italian Formula One Grand Prix.
Comparing the incidents between Hamilton and Schumacher, as well as another between Sebastian Vettel and Fernando Alonso, Webber said: "It was a unique fight between Michael and Lewis because the McLaren was running up against the rev limiter, so Michael had a speed advantage on the straights.”
"He could position his car very cutely to try to keep him out. There were a few times when Michael returned to the normal line having defended. That''s the point of interest because it''s not what most drivers understand to be acceptable. One incident in particular stood out - out of the second chicane and into Lesmo, when Lewis had a clear run and Michael went across to defend and then came back again. Moving that many times was pushing the boundaries," Fox New quoted him, as saying.
The Mercedes driver appeared to make moves to block Hamilton, and was criticized for his actions by many, including Jenson Button and Martin Brundle.

Continue Reading... Tags: Belgium, Brussels, Formula One Racing, Mark Webber

Pak’s ''''risky'''' decision to rest key pacers for Zimbabwe tour paid off: Mohsin

Karachi, Sept 16 : Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chief Selector Mohsin Khan has said that the decision to rest fast bowlers Umer Gul and Wahab Riaz and inject new talent, including fast bowler Aizaz Cheema and leg-spinner Yasir Shah, into the team for the Zimbabwe tour has paid dividends. The team, featuring new faces, whitewashed Zimbabwe in the three-match one-dayers after winning the one-off Test.
Mohsin felt exonerated since it never was an easy task to attain such results against a resurgent Zimbabwe, who were enjoying an excellent run after defeating Bangladesh.
“If I’ll say I was not afraid that the decision would bounce, I’d be wrong. There were some fears because we took a risk, but they were taken with honesty in the team interest,” The Express Tribune quoted Mohsin, as saying.
“We wanted to test new faces to form a back-up pool, which is my prime objective since I took over as the chief selector,” he pointed out, adding, “Today, I can say we have back-up of players in nearly every department.”
Talking about the chance they took over a tricky opposition, Mohsin said, “We never took Zimbabwe as weak opponents, but at some point, we had to take chances to give new players opportunities ahead of the tough series against Sri Lanka and England.”
Mohsin said that the tour has so far been successful for Pakistan, adding that the team''''s “splendid performance” against Zimbabwe “deserves applause”.
The chief selector, however, warned the team of complacency in the Twenty20s, noting that Zimbabwe had the ability to bounce back.
“It [Twenty20 series] will be a different ball game,” he said. “The Pakistan team would have to work hard to beat the hosts because in this format, any team can win.”

Continue Reading... Tags: Cricket, Karachi, Mohsin Khan, Pakistan

Cook upset at Twenty20 skipper snub

Cardiff (Wales), Sep. 16 : England one-day captain Alastair Cook has admiited to being upset over Graeme Swann being made the national team’s stand-in Twenty20 captain, as he wanted the job himself to go with his permanent leadership of the 50-over team.
Speaking before today''s final one-dayer against India in Cardiff, The Sun quoted Cook, as saying: "I was disappointed — you are when your name''s in the hat and it doesn''t go your way. I think part of the reason was that the selectors did not want to disturb the opening partnership of Craig Kieswetter and Alex Hales.”
"It''s disappointing but you can''t overly worry about selection. It has given a chance to Graeme and he''ll do a good job. He thinks about the game when he is bowling so it should be quite easy for him against West Indies,” he added.
"I don''t know if he''ll be an orthodox or adventurous captain but he''ll probably try a few things," Cook said of Swann.

Continue Reading... Tags: Alastair Cook, Cricket, United Kingdom, Wales

Ponting could move down order as Marsh keeps place for third Test against Lanka

Colombo, Sep. 16  : Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting is likely to come down in the batting order in the third Test against Sri Lanka to allow Shaun Marsh to continue batting at NO. 3 following his outstanding debut century in the second Test at Kandy. According to the Courier Mail, Marsh has kept his place in the team for the third Test, starting in Colombo today but Usman Khawaja has been dropped to make way for Ponting, who returns following the birth of his second child.
Paceman Ryan Harris was overlooked because of a slight hamstring strain and has been replaced by Peter Siddle.
Marsh''s flawless, seven-hour 141 batting at No. 3 means Australia should leave the 28-year-old at first drop as an investment for the future as well as the present.
Ponting, 36, is widely regarded as Australia''s greatest batsman after Bradman but he has not been a success at No. 3 for more than two years.
He has made just one century in 21 Tests since scoring 150 at Cardiff during the first Test of the 2009 Ashes series.
That was a double hundred against Pakistan in Hobart 20 months ago, when he was dropped - hooking to fine leg - before he had scored .
Hindered by significant injuries during the past two seasons, Ponting has averaged 27.6 in 11 Tests since that Hobart innings.
At the end of last summer''s dismal Ashes series, Ponting openly discussed moving down the order, as former greats such as Viv Richards and Allan Border did towards the end of their careers.
Australian team: Shane Watson, Phil Hughes, Ricky Ponting, Michael Clarke (c), Mike Hussey, Shaun Marsh, Brad Haddin, Mitchell Johnson, Peter Siddle, Trent Copeland, Nathan Lyon.

Continue Reading... Tags: Colombo, Cricket, Ricky Ponting, Sri Lanka

It would be lovely to finish with a win,’ says Dravid

Cardiff (Wales), Sep. 16 : Rahul Dravid, “The Wall” of Indian cricket and a former skipper of the national side, has said that he would like to end his one-day international career on a winning note in Cardiff on Friday. Dravid acknowledged the appreciation he had earned in his 15-year long career, and said that a win would be special.
“I think that I have got enough respect and enough recognition for what I’ve done, and to be honest, I’d like to end off with a win. It would be lovely for India, and you know we’ve had a tough tour,” he said.
“It would be lovely to finish with a win. Irrespective of what I get, it will be great if we can finish off with a win tomorrow and I hope that we’ll play some of the best cricket,” he added.
“I thought we played some very good cricket at Lord’s the other day and some terrific performances, just that, unfortunately, we couldn’t get over the line. But hopefully, we can do that tomorrow,” Dravid said.
Dravid said that his long career spanning over 300 games has made him a versatile player, one who could captain or keep wickets, and bat at different positions.
Known for his temperament as a Test batsman, he said that playing one-dayers had helped him to strengthen his technique in the longer format of the game.
Dravid said that India’s tour of England has been disappointing and the sense of defeat would remain in spite of the accolades he received personally for his batting.
“Obviously, the Test series was bittersweet. You know, there was a lot of satisfaction of playing against a tough attack and scoring runs, but obviously, it’s been a disappointing tour for us, so that sense will always remain. But yeah, I’m fully humbled by some of the, you know, some of the nice things, good things that have been said about me over the last few weeks,” he added.
Dravid also said that monitoring one’s fitness and approaching the game with a sense of enthusiasm and discipline was the key to a long career. He said that since he was still playing Test cricket, it did not actually feel like he was retiring.
He also said that while England had had a fantastic series at home, however it would be difficult for them to replicate similar performances during their India tour in October.
“Yeah, obviously. I mean, there’s no doubt about it that when England comes to India in October for the five one-dayers, it’ll be different conditions they will be playing in, and so that’ll be a challenge for them. I mean, obviously, they have proved to be a good side in these conditions. It makes for very good cricket, and like I said, I think they’ve got a good team. They’ve got the potential to do well in the subcontinent, but it’s not easy. It’s not easy to come to India and do well in those conditions,” Dravid said.
Widely touted as one of India’s greatest ever Test batsman, Dravid stood out as the lone success story in India’s 4-0 Test series loss to England, aggregating 461 runs with three centuries at an average of nearly 77 that won him praise from all quarters.
India trail England 2-0 in the ODI series, and are seeking to salvage some pride in the last leg of a dismal tour where they have not won a single game.

Continue Reading... Tags: Cricket, Rahul Dravid

Cook seeks to end series with India on a high

Cardiff (Wales), Sep. 16 (ANI): England cricket captain Alastair Cook has said that his side would try to seal the ongoing ODI series against India with a win in the final game, in Cardiff on Friday. Cook said his side’s approach has not changed and they are concentrating on one game at a time, and practicing hard for the last match.
“Yeah, no change really, it’s another game to try and win for England and, the way we’ve practiced over the last two days, we’ve been very proud of that. We’re a very young side trying to make progress and this is another game on that step,” he said.
Cook said that a lot of improvements are needed in the English team to make them an effective side. He said he was fortunate as a captain to have taken the right decisions at the right time, and said that he was enjoying leading the side.
“Yeah, it’s been a good start. I’m very happy at the way the lads are taking to me as captain. They all pour into the ideas and as I said, it’s going to take a while for these things we want to work on, to get to the standard we want,” he said.
Cook said that while the ODI series has seen some keen contests between the two teams, it was England’s exceptional performance in the Test series that gave them the winning momentum.
Cook was also all praise for Rahul Dravid, who will retire from the ODI format after Friday’s game.
“Yeah, he’s scored 10,000 runs in both forms of the game and is a stalwart of Indian cricket. He’s a fantastic player who’s managed to adapt his game to every surface. He is an all-time great and a fantastic player,” Cook said.
England lead the ODI series against India 2-0, seeking to end the series unbeaten after winning the Test series 4-0, and also winning the solitary Twenty20 game between the two sides.

Continue Reading... Tags: Alastair Cook, Cricket, London

Giggs’ sis-in-law ex-lover spotted lingerie shopping following boob job

London, Sept 16 : Ryan Giggs’ sister-in-law and alleged long-term lover, Natasha, who has been keeping low profile since being caught up in the Manchester United star’s sex scandals, was spotted lingerie shopping in Manchester recently. The 28-year-old visited Agent Provocateur in the city''s centre where she had a wander round and checked out the expensive underwear, reports the Daily Mail.
Wearing a plain white vest top and tight fitting grey jeans, Natasha was the height of casual glamour, topping off her outfit with a pair of black ankle boots.
Carrying her pale denim jacket in her hand, Natasha strolled around while speaking on her mobile phone before heading into the luxury lingerie store.
She then perused the various displays before picking up a bra for herself.
The former estate agent recently went under the knife to boost her bust from a modest 30A to a curvy 30F from the six-figure sum she pocketed by selling her claims of an eight-year fling with Ryan, and is said to be delighted with the results.
“Natasha has never felt confident about her boobs,” a source told the Daily Star.
“She’s a slim size eight and felt they were one part of her body she really disliked.
“Now she can’t wait to show them off in a bikini. She’s on the prowl for a man and has someone in her sights,” the source added.

Continue Reading... Tags: Football, Ryan Giggs, United Kingdom, Wales

Warne eyeing Oz Twenty20 Big Bash comeback

Melbourne, Sep 16 : Former Australian leg-spinner Shane Warne has confirmed that he is considering coming out of retirement to play in Australia’s Twenty20 Big Bash League. Warne had retired from all forms of cricket in May following the end of the Indian Premier League (IPL).
The 41-year-old, however, said that he was balancing family and business responsibilities before deciding if he could commit to the Twenty20 tournament.
“Re Big Bash - yes keen to be with a team, play a few games - help off field and help the younger players learn the game - could be fun!” stuff. co. nz quoted the leg-spinner, as tweeting.
“My number one priority is my children and everything works around that. But if all things fall into place re scheduling etc big bash - yes!” he added.
The Big Bash has been revamped for the 2011-2012 season, changing from a six-team tournament into an eight-team event.
It was earlier reported that The Melbourne Renegades and Melbourne Stars had approached Warne, while one of two Sydney teams have also reached out.

Continue Reading... Tags: Australia, Melbourne, Shane Warne

Juan Mata backs ‘misfiring’ Torres to score big in 2011-12 season

London, Sep 16 : Chelsea midfielder Juan Mata has predicted that his teammate Fernando Torres will prove his goal-scoring prowess has not faded when they face Manchester United at Old Trafford on Sunday. “I believe Fernando is still the same player he was before - nothing has changed. He is a great player who has demonstrated he can score lot of goals,” the Daily Mirror quoted Mata, as saying.
“Everybody goes through phases when it doesn’t happen for them and that is what Fernando is doing now. But this will be his season. It’s just a question of time,” he added.
Torres has scored just one goal in 21 games since his 50 million pound move from Liverpool in January.
Earlier, Chelsea manager Andre Villas-Boas had said that he was willing to axe Torres from his starting line-up should the striker continue to misfire.

Continue Reading... Tags: Football, Juan Mata, London

Campbell terms lack of black managers in Brit football as embarrassing

London, Sep 16 : Former England defender Sol Campbell reckons that the woefully-low number of black managers in British football leagues is ‘embarrassing’. Campbell describes football as “institutionalized” in attitudes towards black managers, and said that owners and officials need to change.
“A lot of successful black footballers have been put off. Why are the opportunities not there? What is the difference between a successful black player and a successful white player? To me, there is no difference apart from perceptions,” the Daily Mirror quoted Campbell, as saying.
“If you look at the careers, there should be half non-white players (managing) in the league. It’s embarrassing. It really is,” he added.
The 36-year-old, who is looking at becoming a manager in the top flight after his own playing career comes to an end, further hopes that he can help pave the way for a new generation of black managers.
He also pointed out how Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger paved the way for other foreign coaches in the Premier League.
“After you start, all of a sudden it becomes the norm. Then you look back and think ‘What were we doing 10 years ago? What was going on?” Campbell said.
“It’s like the smoking ban. Not so long ago, you could smoke on an aeroplane. Now you wouldn’t dream of it. You say, ‘What were we thinking?’ With Arsene, how many foreign managers are there in the Premier League now? It’s the norm now,” he added.

Continue Reading... Tags: Football, Sol Campbell, United Kingdom

McCullum ‘feels sorry’ for Oz spinners trying to replace Warne

Auckland, Sep 16 : New Zealand wicketkeeper-batsman Brendon McCullum says that he feels sorry for Australian spinners trying to fill-in the boots of retired great Shane Warne. “I feel sorry for whoever it is who steps into that (spinner’s) role (for Australia). I feel sorry for Haury (Nathan Hauritz) that his run came to an abrupt end,” stuff. co. nz quoted McCullum, as saying.
“Shane Warne... he was the greatest spinner the game has ever seen so to follow that is always going to be tough. I guess they will find a way to develop another one somewhere along the line,” he added.
Cricket Australia has used 11 spin bowling options since Warne’s retirement in 2007.
Nathan Lyon, who made his debut in the ongoing Test series in Sri Lanka, is the latest spinner to join the list.

Continue Reading... Tags: Auckland, Brendon McCullum, Cricket, New Zealand

Davis Cup: Sugita stuns Somdev to put Japan ahead

Tokyo, Sep 16 : Yuichi Sugita produced an amazing mix of scintillating power and precision to outwit India's No. 1 Somdev Devvarman 6-3,6-4,7-5 and give Japan a 1-0 lead on the opening day of their Davis Cup World Group play-off here Friday. Rohan Bopanna will be playing the second singles against Japan No. 1 Kei Nishikori to try and put India on an even keel.
Sugita, the lowest ranked among the Japanese team at 175, was the surprise pick for the opening singles, but the youngster vindicated his captain Eiji Takeuchi's confidence.
Egged on by a sizeable crowd in hot conditions, the 22-year-old not only lived up to his promise by stunning a the Indian who is a Tour regular and ranked 65th but in fact, reduced the contest into a one-sided affair.
Sugita, who had lost to the Indian in their only previous meeting at the Aptos Challenger last year, served with purpose and was not broken even once over the two and a half hour battle. Astonishingly, he won all critical games at love. The only time his serve came under pressure was in the fourth game of the first set when he was down 30-40 but wriggled out with ease.
Sugita, who celebrates his 23rd birthday Sunday, pounced aggressively on the returns. He was clearly an ace up against the Indian, anticipating well and unleashing his well-directed grounstrokes, especially the forehand shots, that invariably left the Indian stranded at the baseline.
The sheer pace and depth of the Sugita's strokes forced Somdev helplessly pushing his returns short for the Japanese to hit winners unerringly.
Somdev also struggled with his first serve and hi shoulder seemed to trouble him. He took a medical time-out in the third game of the third set and again needed treatment during the changeover before the last game of the match.
Sugita, too, suffered cramps in the third set but stuck it out to see the match through.
The Japanese needed just a break each in the three sets to make sure that there is no coming back by the Indian.
Sugita had early breaks in the first two sets to go 3-1 up. He hardly allowed any room for Somdev to extend the rallies. His punishing his forehand gave him quick opportunities to finish off the points. Somdev did try to shift gears by attacking Japanese's forehand and also came to the net, but Sugita was simply irrepressible. He confidently went for the lines and produced some breathtaking angles to keep up the pressure.
Somdev did put up a fight in the third set but in the eleventh game at 15-30, Sugita produced two stunning forehand winners to earn a break point. A shanked forehand return from the Indian gave him the break and Sugita served out the match without losing a point.

Continue Reading... Tags: Japan, Tennis, Tokyo, Yuichi Sugita

Hammam turns to Arbitration Court after FIFA rejects appeal

Zurich, Sep 16, :  The fall-out from the Caribbean Football Union (CFU) cash-for-votes scandal seems set to continue after football's world governing body, FIFA, on Thursday rejected former executive committee member Mohamed bin Hammam's appeal against a life ban. In a statement, FIFA said its Appeals Committee had upheld a July decision to ban bin Hammam over corruption charges.
"The appeal made by Mohammed bin Hammam has been rejected and the decision of the FIFA Ethics Committee confirmed," the statement said.
"The sanction of being banned from taking part in any kind of football-related activity (administrative, sports or any other) at national and international level for life has therefore been maintained."
A statement from bin Hammam's lawyers said the Qatari would now appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
Bin Hammam, along with former FIFA strongman Jack Warner, were accused of offering CFU members cash bribes of $40 000 at a meeting in Trinidad and Tobago in May, ahead of the June 1 FIFA presidential election where Bin Hammam was a candidate.
Both officials were suspended pending a formal investigation but Warner, a powerful FIFA vice-president and head of CONCACAF and CFU at the time, resigned in June at the height of the allegations.
FIFA subsequently dropped all charges against him and discontinued investigations.
Bin Hammam withdrew his candidacy, leaving the incumbent Sepp Blatter to be re-elected for a fourth successive term, but said he would fight the bribery charges.

Continue Reading... Tags: Football, Switzerland, Zurich

Flintoff marooned in Oz jungle for Discovery Channel’s ‘Alone In The Wild’

London, Sept 16 : Andrew “Freddie” Flintoff and Jason Gardiner have starred in Discovery Channel’s new series ‘Alone In The Wild’. The 33-year-old former cricketer and the 39-year-old choreographer were marooned alone in the lush jungles of Australia for the series starting next month.
“I was speaking to the psychologist before I left and she asked if I was afraid of making a fool of myself in public. I said, ‘You obviously haven’t done your homework on me,” the Daily Express quoted Flintoff as saying.
According to Day and Night, the ‘Dancing On Ice’ judge Gardiner is said to have had a “life-defining” experience from his time in Belize.
“I realised just how reliant we are on technology,” Gardiner said.
“Now from 8pm every night my mobile is off and I don’t go on the computer and I figure if I lose out on a job because I didn’t answer my phone it wasn’t meant to be,” he added.

Continue Reading... Tags: Andrew Flintoff, Cricket, London, United Kingdom

People envy me because I''m rich, handsome, a great player: Ronaldo

London, Sept 16  : Cristiano Ronaldo appears to be too proud of his possessions, including his looks, with reports saying that the Portuguese footballer claimed that people are the "jealous" of his rich and lavish lifestyle.
"People are envious of me because I''m rich, handsome and a great player. There''s no other explanation," the New York Daily News quoted Ronaldo, as saying following his team''s 1-0 Champions League win over Dinamo Zagreb on Wednesday.
His arrogant comments come in response to a reporter''s questions about the insults Ronaldo was subjected to throughout the game.
During a Euro 2012 qualifier last week, fans shouted "Messi, Messi" (as in Lionel Messi, Ronaldo''s archrival and the world''s greatest soccer player) every time the Portuguese international touched the ball.
Ronaldo also commented on match referee Oddvar Moen and his colleagues.
"The refs say they protect the talented players. When I play, nobody protects me. Others, you can''t touch them, but me, you can hit me with a stick. I don''t get it," he added.

Continue Reading... Tags: Cristiano Ronaldo, Football, London, United Kingdom

Steven Gerrard’s heavily pregnant wife ‘excited’ for 3rd baby

London, Sept 16 : Alex Gerrard, who feels huge as she waits to give birth to her third child, has revealed that she is really “excited” to welcome the new addition to the family. The 28-year-old wife of Liverpool ace Steven Gerrard revealed in OK! magazine column that she’s planning to keep a unique name for her to-be-born child.
“I like the name Mel B chose for her daughter, Madison - although it’s quite common in Liverpool so I don’t think I’d choose it,” the Daily Mail quoted her as saying.
“I’m really excited - it’s only two months to go until the birth but I feel huge,” she added.

Continue Reading... Tags: Football, London, Steven Gerrard, United Kingdom

India wasted talented Aaron in England, says Akram

New Delhi, Sep 15   Former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram feels that India wasted young express fast bowler Varun Aaron by not playing him in the One-Day Internationals against England. "It is foolish to fly in a deserving youngster and then ask him to carry drinks to the field or bowl at the nets. India have done just that with Varun Aaron. The young bowler has been wasted in England," Akram wrote in his column in Mobile ESPN.
"I had congratulated the Indian selectors when they picked Aaron as Ishant Sharma's replacement. The young boy was the right choice as he had done well on the Emerging Players' tour in Australia and deserved to be part of the Indian dressing room on a difficult tour of England. But the Indian team management made a mess by not blooding Aaron in conditions that were tailor-made for the quickie," said Akram.
The legendary fast bowler said had he been the captain he would have rather blooded Aaron in England because the seaming conditions are ideal for him.
"It will be silly to give Aaron a start on Indian wickets. On placid tracks where he will get little support, two bad matches in the start of his career can destroy him. In my book, Aaron has a future and India can ill afford to ruin him because the current pace attack is not in good shape and the future doesn't look bright. I was expecting to see Aaron play the ODIs. This raises questions about the communication between the selectors and the team management," he said.
Akram also said that Ajinkya Rahane and Parthiv Patel have done well for themselves.
"I would like to see them playing for India in home conditions. Having done quite well on difficult English wickets, both deserve an opportunity when England tour India after the Champions League T20. Rahane and Patel should not be used as plug-in players. Ironically, players who have done well for India in the England series are turning out to be the substitutes! Ravindra Jadeja is another case in point," he said.

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Australia will continue domination to win Lanka Test series: Harris

Colombo, Sep 15: Australian fast bowler Ryan Harris is confident that his team will beat Sri Lanka in the Colombo Test, which starts tomorrow, to win the three-match series. Australia had to settle for a draw in the rain-hit second Test in Kandy despite dominating the game, meaning that they head into the final match with a 1-0 lead.
"I think we're batting well. We've been bowling well as a group. I know the guys who haven't been playing have been in the nets every day working their butts off, they're ready to go if they're needed," Fox Sports quoted Harris, as saying.
"Disappointing where we've just come from in Kandy, but I think, particularly as a bowling group, we've put Sri Lanka under pressure and tied down their runs. In those periods we've taken wickets to keep the pressure on them so pretty confident we can continue that," he added.
Harris, however, has been ruled out of the match due to a hamstring strain.
The 31-year-old had been the bowler of the series, with 11 wickets at an average of 15.
Australian team: Shane Watson, Phil Hughes, Ricky Ponting, Michael Clarke (captain), Mike Hussey, Shaun Marsh, Brad Haddin, Mitchell Johnson, Peter Siddle, Trent Copeland and Nathan Lyon.

Continue Reading... Tags: Colombo, Cricket, Ryan Harris, Sri Lanka

My emotions got the best of me, says Serena Williams on US Open rants

London, Sept 15 : Serena Williams, who was seen ranting at the chair umpire during US Open final recently, has finally opened up in defense of her remarks. The tennis ace was spotted in a rather demure look in the front row of Vera Wang’s Spring 2012 showcase at New York Fashion Week, following which she revealed that her emotions did get the best of her during the outburst.
“My emotions did get the best of me this past weekend when I disagreed with the umpire,” the Daily Mail quoted her as tweeting.
“It has been a long road to get back to the US Open this year, and I am thankful to have had such a great two weeks in New York,” she added.
She, however, refused to apologise for the tirade.

Continue Reading... Tags: London, Serena Williams, Tennis, United Kingdom

Mancini blames 'nerves' for City's unimpressive Champions League debut

London, Sep 15   Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini has blamed "nerves" as his team drew 1-1 with Napoli in their Champions League debut. The Italian, who was watched by his father Aldo Wednesday night at the Etihad Stadium, hoped that his team can be better in the next match against Bayern Munich.
"We can do better in Munich. Bayern Munich are a fantastic team but we have a team that can win everywhere," Mancini was quoted as saying by The Daily Telegraph.
On the match against the Italian outfit, Mancini said: "We lost a stupid goal; a team like us cannot concede a goal like that. It was a first (game) for us and in the end I'm happy."
"Before the game we were so nervous. All the players wanted to win and, probably, all the players wanted to score. But it's important for us to play simple football," he said.

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Meet glamorous Carolyn Still – the youngest ever CEO of English football club

London, Sept 15  : A 29-year-old glamorous blonde is causing a stir in the male-dominated world of football by becoming the youngest ever CEO after being appointed to the board of Mansfield Town. Carolyn Still, a politics graduate, who already had a knowledge of business acquired in the cutthroat fashion industry, said that she would draw on her fashion past to improve the fortunes of the club.
“Working in that industry I’ve absorbed a lot of useful information,” the Daily Mail quoted her as saying.
“Strategies can be utilised from fashion to football. It’s business at the end of the day.
“It’s a great privilege for me to be offered the chance to lead this football club,’ said Miss Still on her appointment. ‘I intend to add vibrancy and fresh ideas to our approach off the field,” she added.

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Dravid gears up for his ODI swan song at Cardiff

Cardiff, Sep 15  Former captain Rahul Dravid is all set to bid adieu to One-Day Internationals and India hope to end their nightmarish English summer on a winning note at the final match here Friday. The Indian team will be looking to give a fitting farewell to Dravid and this perhaps is the only motivation for the crest-fallen team, which suffered a whitewash in the Test series and have already lost the five-match ODI 3-0.
"The Wall", the nickname Dravid does not like, was in great form in the Tests but after selectors picked him up after a gap of two years he decided to end his ODI career after the England series.
Before the England series, Dravid last played in the tri-series at Sri Lanka and the ICC Champions Trophy in South Africa in 2009. He was earlier dropped from the squad in 2007.
In his last Twenty20 match last month, Dravid made a 33-ball 23 but still couldn't see India win. In the ODI series, he has averaged 55 runs in the first four games and now surely wants to go out with a bang.
It is a coincidence that Dravid will be ending his ODI career in England, from where he started his legendary career spanning 15 years.
In 343 matches, Dravid has scored 10,820 runs, averaging 39.06 and at a strike-rate of 71.16. He also has 196 catches and 14 stumpings that made him a true selfless player. Only Sachin Tendulkar (18,111) and Sourav Ganguly
(11,363) are ahead of him as leading run scorers in one-dayers.
But it has not been an easy ride for the former India captain. He made his maiden hundred (107) at Chennai's M. A. Chidambaram Stadium in the Independence Cup match against Pakistan in 1997 but it was completely overshadowed by Saeed Anwar's 194.
He emerged a strong player after the 1999 World Cup. He smashed 145 against Sri Lanka in the 1999 World Cup game at Taunton and along with Ganguly (183), was involved in a 318-run second-wicket partnership.
As skipper, he had to see the humiliation of India being knocked out of the 2007 World Cup in the West Indies. Though he gave up his captaincy, he never lost his dignity.

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Amir Khan calls Mayweather a ‘chicken’

London, September 15 : British Muslim world light-welterweight champion Amir Khan has called American rival Floyd Mayweather a ‘chicken’ as Mayweather has repeatedly backed off from fighting him. Khan has been trying his best to persuade Mayweather for a face off but for reasons unknown Mayweather has been avoiding it for sometime.
Khan will be defending his WBA and IBF world titles in December against Lamont Petersen but is anxious to fight Mayweather, who at one point of time also avoided Manny Pacquiao.
So much so that Khan has been quoted calling Mayweather a ‘chicken’. “All Floyd does is pick fights that he knows he will win. I thought world championship boxing was about proving who is the best but if he keeps turning his back on me how can he still say he is the best?”, he added.
He further said, “I will fight anyone put in front of me but there seems to be a lot of boxers who talk a good fight but when push comes to shove they won''t get in the ring with me.”
Although Mayweather will be facing WBC welterweight champion Victor Ortiz in Las Vegas on Saturday, it seems very unlikely that he would face Khan anytime soon.
This will be Mayweather’s 40 straight unbeaten bout.

Continue Reading... Tags: Amir Khan, Boxing, London, United Kingdom

Surprised Ojha not playing Test cricket: Surrey manager

London, Sep 13   Surrey manager Chris Adams is surprised that Pragyan Ojha has been left out of the Indian cricket Test squad and predicts that the left-arm spinner would play 100 tests for the country, Ojha took six for 42 in Surrey's innings-and-126-run victory over Derbyshire in three days at The Oval. The win promoted the county to LV County Championship Division One. Ojha finished with match figures of 10 for 90 to spearhead Surrey's drive towards their fourth successive championship win.
Surrey were surprised when they were able to secure Ojha's services following a call-up to India's squad for The Oval Test.
"It's not for me to comment on India's selections but I'm amazed he's not playing Test cricket," Adams was quoted as saying in espncricinfo.
"I strongly believe he will play 100 Tests for India, from what I've seen. I may be hitting high, but he's a wonderful bowler with wonderful skills. I expect him in the next six months to break into the India team and be a permanent fixture."
Ojha has proved to be the signing of the season, taking 24 wickets at 12.95 runs each as Surrey have wrested a top-two spot with four successive championship victories.

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It does not feel like I'm finishing: Dravid

Cardiff, Sep 15 : Former India cricket captain Rahul Dravid, who will be retiring from one-day internationals after the fifth ODI here Friday, said hard work in the shorter format of the game helped him to excel in Tests.
"It does not feel like I'm finishing. I will still be doing the same things I have been doing in the last two and a half years. But I have had to work harder on my one-day cricket than in Tests," said Dravid, who will be playing his 344th ODI, on the eve of the match here.
Dravid, who will be ending his 15-year-old ODI career, said he does not dread quitting.
"After such a long period of playing cricket, you don't dread the day you will quit. You will recognise that when the time comes, you would have to move on. Retiring wouldn't make much of a change in my life," he said.
"The Test series against West Indies is coming up. There will be a few days off, then it is back to fitness and practice. Nothing would really change. Nothing is going to be different from tomorrow onwards," he said.
On the feeling of retiring, Dravid said: "When you are away from home, you don't get a sense how it's been like. My wife did mention there are very nice things written about me back home. I feel humbled about the things being said and written about me in last few weeks."
Dravid, who is the seventh highest ODI scorer with 10,820 runs, said that when he started playing, he wasn't considered suitable for ODI cricket but he worked hard to score more than 10,000 runs.
"When I started playing, I wasn't recognised as a one-day player. There was a lot more learning I had to do. I was dropped in the middle of my career, had to learn some lessons, and it helped free up my Test cricket as well. I ended up playing over 300 games for India," he said.
"It gives me a lot of satisfaction (to reflect) that I had a good Test and one-day career. At one stage, I probably wouldn't have thought so myself. In many ways, it has been a very pleasing and satisfying career," he said.
Asked whether batting at various positions and keeping wickets helped him to become an all-round cricketer, Dravid said: "I have played in various positions, kept wickets, opened, batted at number three and five. It helped improve my versatility, being challenged to do different things, different positions, learn new skills, batting at 5-6, and facing different bowlers. Keeping and then batting as well as batting and then keeping helped me grow as a person and as a cricketer."
Asked if he was asked to lead the side in his final ODI, Dravid said: "I don't think I would lead the side. M. S. Dhoni has led the side well. I have got enough respect and recognition for what I have done. It would be lovely to win though (tomorrow), irrespective of what happens."
"We were very good at Lord's, unfortunately, we couldn't get over the line. Hopefully we can do so here tomorrow," he said.
Dravid said after he was dropped from the ODI side, he found it difficult to adjust to Test cricket.
"Initially I found it difficult. I was used to playing continuously all the time. There were gaps as big as six months. When it was the off-season in Indian domestic circuit, I found it difficult. Going straight into Tests with no side games was a challenge for me. I had to learn to adjust to it, get fitter and work harder. It helped, and I was also able to iron out a few flaws in my game, as well as spend time with my family."
Dravid said making the final in the 2003 World Cup was one of the highs of his career and leading the team to a first round exit in the 2007 World Cup was the lowest.
"Reaching the 2003 World Cup finals and getting so close was a high. Then watching India win the World Cup this year was extremely satisfying. I watched Kapil Dev lift the trophy as a 10-year-old, and now towards the end of my career, seeing another Indian team do it and realizing you have been a part of that journey has been satisfying," he said.
"Captaining the team in the 2007 World Cup was a big disappointment. I think we had a team which could have done better, but then we lost to Bangladesh and missed out," he rued.
Dravid said that England, who humiliated India in the summer, are yet not ready to be compared along with the great Australian and the West Indies.
"There's no doubt when England comes to India in October, they would find different conditions. That would be a challenge for them. They have proved to be a good side in their home conditions. They have got the potential but it's not easy," said Dravid.
"It's unfair to compare them with the Australians and West Indies of the past. They were consistent for a long period of time and in various conditions. West Indies won in India and Australia in 2004. England need to go to various countries and win, in South Africa and in India," he said.

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Kolkata football coaches lament lack of infrastructure

Kolkata, Sep 15    The coaches of city based I-League teams Thursday criticised the newly laid artificial grass at the Salt Lake Stadium and regretted that lack of football infrastructure in the country was retarding the growth of the game.
"I am really surprised. How can anyone lay such grass at an important stadium like that? Because of unfamiliarity with the pitch, the players are vulnerable to injuries. It is very unfortunate that there is no other ground in the city where high level matches can be played," said Nasir Ahemed, one of the coaches of the Mohammedan Sporting club.
East Bengal manager Sapan Bal also rued the lack of infrastructure and said the players often had to skip practice because of non-availability of grounds.
"Leave aside the clubs, even the All India Football Federation (AIFF) does not have a ground of its own, though they continue to control the games. But there is nothing to be done. Like bad roads and power failure, we are now accustomed to such things," said Bal.
Prayag United's coach Sanjay Sen said the turf at the Salt Lake Stadium was a cause of concern for him and the players.
"When it was being laid, we thought it would be good for the game. But it seems it has done more harm than good. Players often complain about injuries. But we have nothing to do. As a coach, it's my duty to take the team out and play - no matter what."
The coaches who addressed the media before the start of the main round of the Federation Cup Saturday conceded that the scheduling of the matches was physically taxing for the players.
The champion club of the Federation Cup gets a chance to compete in the continental level in Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Cup.

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China Masters: Saina, Jwala-Diju in quarters

New Delhi, Sep 15    India's badminton star Saina Nehwal overcame mid-match jitters to eke out a stiff 21-11, 18-21, 27-25 victory over Japan's Ayane Kurihara and entered the women's singles quarterfinals of the China Masters Super Series badminton tournament in Changzhou Thursday.
It took fifth-seeded Indian one hour and 12 minutes to stave off the challenge of the unseeded Japanese girl.
Saina next plays top seed Yihan Wang of China Friday.
In the mixed doubles, the Indian pair of Jwala Gutta and V. Diju also reached the quarterfinals. They defeated South Korea's Yong Dae Lee and Jung Eun Ha 21-19, 21-17.
They now play Robert Blair of Scotland and Gabrielle White of England.
In the men's singles, Parupalli Kashyap went down in straight sets to Peter Gade of Germany 18-21, 15-21 in the second round.
In the men's doubles, Rupesh Kumar and Sanave Thomas also lost in the second round 13-21, 9-21 to fourth seeds Sung Hyun Ko and Yeon Seong Yoo of Korea.

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Davis Cup semifinals: Nadal plays Gasquet, Djokovic against Nalbandian

Corboda (Spain), Sep 15   World No. 2 Rafael Nadal will play the opening singles for Spain in the Davis Cup semifinal against France here Friday.
Nadal will play Richard Gasquet while Spain's second singles player David Ferrer takes on Gilles Simon in the second singles match.
Nadal, who has already practised twice in Cordoba, described himself as just fit enough" to play after returning from New York.
Spain are favourites to win the tie and will be looking to reach the final for the third time in four years.
France captain Guy Forget reserved his top-ranked player Jo-Wilfried Tsonga for Saturday's doubles with Michael Llodra against Spain's pair of Fernando Verdasco and Feliciano Lopez.
Nadal will play Simon while Ferrer takes on Gasquet in the reverse singles Sunday.
Spain, who have not lost at home since 1999, were without Nadal when they were beaten 0-5 by France last year in World Group quarterfinals.
In the other semifinal, US Open champion Novak Djokovic will play the opening singles match for Serbia against David Nalbandian of Argentina.
In the second singles, Janko Tipsarevic will face Juan Martin del Potro.
Djokovic, however, was not present for Thursday's draw at the Belgrade Arena and is expected to join the team later.
"We're still waiting for Novak to arrive from New York," Victor Troicki, who is in reserves, said. "We'll see how he feels. If he's not that great, I'll be definitely ready to play the first match against Nalbandian. Last year I found out three hours before the match that I would play, but this time I'm aware that he might not play if he's not right."
In Saturday's doubles, Janko Tipsarevic and Nenad Zimonjic will take on Juan Monaco and Juan Ignacio Chela.
Davis Cup semifinal draw:
(Spain vs France) Friday: R1: Rafael Nadal (ESP) vs Richard Gasquet (FRA) R2: David Ferrer (ESP) vs Gilles Simon (FRA)
Saturday: R3: Feliciano Lopez / Fernando Verdasco (ESP) v Michael Llodra / Jo-Wilfried Tsonga (FRA)
Sunday: R4: Rafael Nadal (ESP) vs Gilles Simon (FRA) R5: David Ferrer (ESP) vs Richard Gasquet (FRA)
(Serbia vs Argentina) Friday: R1: Novak Djokovic (SRB) vs David Nalbandian (ARG) R2: Janko Tipsarevic (SRB) vs Juan Martin del Potro (ARG)
Saturday: R3: Janko Tipsarevic / Nenad Zimonjic (SRB) vs Juan Ignacio Chela / Juan Monaco (ARG)
Sunday: R4: Novak Djokovic (SRB) vs Juan Martin del Potro (ARG) R5: Janko Tipsarevic (SRB) vs David Nalbandian.

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England eye clean sweep against India in one-dayer

We're going to have to play at the top of our game to try to win, and finish the summer on a high as a one-day team: Alastair Cook.
England captain Alastair Cook is hoping to complete a miserable tour for India on Friday by wrapping up a 3-0 one-day series victory over the tourists.
India are yet to taste victory over England this summer, having been whitewashed 4-0 in the Test series and trailing 2-0 ahead of Friday’s final one-dayer in Cardiff.
However India came agonisingly close to pipping England at Lord’s last weekend, and Cook remains wary of the threat posed by the wounded tourists heading into the match.
“The last two games have been very close, and have shown what a talented side India are,” Cook said.
“We’re going to have to play at the top of our game to try to win, and finish the summer on a high as a one-day team.”
Cook however is satisfied with England’s form in his first season in charge as skipper of the limited overs side, which also included a 3-2 series win over Sri Lanka.
“It’s been a good start, and I’m very happy with the way the lads have taken to me as captain and bought into the ideas,” Cook said.
“I’m very happy with winning both series. We know how tough it’s going to be in the next two months or so (in a return series in India), but this side has always responded well to challenges.”
Cook also believes England’s one-day squad can improve.
“We are a very young side trying to make progress,” he said. “The exciting thing is I don’t think we’ve played as well as we can.
“We have been put under pressure in this series, but have still won the games. That is very encouraging.
Meanwhile Cook paid tribute to India batsman Rahul Dravid, who will be playing his 344th and final one-day game.
“He’s scored 10,000 runs in both forms of the game. He’s managed to adapt his game to every surface,” Cook said. “He is an all-time great.”

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