Kambli announces retirement from first class cricket

Mumbai: Former India batsman Vinod Kambli on Friday announced his retirement from first class cricket, bringing to an end a long career that started way back in 1989.

"I wanted to play alongside Sachin (Tendulkar) for one last time, wanted to play in IPL but unfortunately that did not happen," the 39-year-old left-hander told reporters as tears rolled down his face.

"I had informed about my decision to retire to Sachin, my coaches and family members. They all wished me well. I have Sachin`s blessings," said the flamboyant cricketer, who shared a world record partnership of 664 runs with Tendulkar in school cricket in the 80s.

Kambli, who played his last Test when he was 24, rued that despite starting his career in Test cricket with a bang, it did not turn out to be a long one.

"I performed well in Test cricket but unfortunately I didn`t have a long career. I was the fastest to score 1,000 runs (in Tests for India). I thank the BCCI, Mumbai cricket for whatever they have given me," Kambli maintained.
"Till the last year, I was raring to go (in domestic cricket). I served Mumbai (cricket) for long, but the selectors ignored me. I`m disappointed," he said.

Kambli made his Test debut against England in 1993 two years after playing in his first ODI against Pakistan.

His last Test was against New Zealand in 1995 while the match against Sri Lanka at Sharjah in 2000 turned out to be his last ODI.

Kambli, who whacked the first ball he faced in first- class cricket for a six, said he wished to take up coaching and produce good cricketers.

Representing India, Mumbai, and South Africa`s Boland, he scored 9,964 runs, including 35 centuries, from 129 first- class matches at an average of 59.67.

In 17 Tests for India, he scored 1,084 runs at a phenomenal average of 54.20 with the help of four centuries.

Of the four centuries, three were scored in successive innings and two of them were double tons, with his highest being 224 against England in Mumbai in 1993.

Kambli also scored 2,477 runs in 104 ODIs, including two centuries, with the highest being 106.

Kambli, who had unsuccessfully contested the 2009Maharashtra Assembly elections and also dabbled in acting in between, had announced his retirement from international cricket in August 2009.

PTI

View the original article here

Pataudi was a dashing and daring captain: PM

New York: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has condoled the death of "legendary cricketer" Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi, "dashing and daring captain, who brought a new confidence to the Indian cricket scene."

In a message Manmohan Singh, who is in New York to attend the UN session, said: "Even after his playing days were over, he remained an iconic figure, an embodiment of poise and polish and a great advocate of sportsmanship."

"I join thousands of Tiger Pataudi`s admirers in conveying my heartfelt sympathies with Sharmila Tagore and other members of the family," the prime minister said.

IANS

View the original article here

Haddin quits T20 internationals, to focus on Tests, ODIs

Sydney: Australian wicketkeeper-batsman Brad Haddin has bid adieu to Twenty20 cricket to strengthen his grip on his berth in the Test and ODI sides.

According to a leading daily, Haddin announced on Thursday that he had retired from international Twenty20 cricket, but would continue to play the shortest form of the game with his Big Bash and Indian Premier League franchises.

Tim Paine is first in line to take over the gloves for the two-game Twenty20 series in South Africa starting on October 13, but the Tasmanian is still recovering from a finger fracture.

He is now in Brisbane with Tasmania. If Paine does not recover in time, Victoria`s Matthew Wade is likely to make his international debut.

Haddin, who will turn 34 next month, is in danger of losing his one-day spot should the new selection panel, which is yet to be appointed, decide to blood a younger gloveman, such as Paine, with an eye on the 2015 World Cup.

``I thoroughly enjoy Twenty20 cricket and have taken great pride from playing all three forms of the game for Australia. However, I feel the time is now right for me to concentrate on Test and ODI cricket. This decision has been made to prolong my effectiveness in these formats and provide me further time to prepare for the demands of ODI and Test cricket,” said Haddin.

``I remain extremely determined to play cricket for Australia and believe this decision will help achieve this,`` he added.

ANI

View the original article here

British press hails Pataudi

London: British press on Friday hailed late former cricket captain Mansur Ali Khan Pataudi not only as one of India`s most successful Test captains but also a leading batsmen, who managed to averaged 34 in Tests despite having lost his right eye in a car accident.

"The death of Pataudi has robbed cricket of one of its most popular and distinguished characters. Not only was Pataudi an inspirational captain of India, he was also a hugely talented strokeplayer who averaged 34 in Tests despite having lost his right eye in a car crash," the Daily Telegraph wrote.

The Times newspaper also praised Pataudi, who breathed his last yesterday after battling a lung infection for the past few weeks. He was 70.

"More than mere statistics, his importance was in instilling in his team the belief -- after years when it was regarded as one of the lesser Test countries -- that it could succeed," `The Times` wrote on Friday.

"He was adamant that India should play to its strengths, and in particular to make use of its unique talent in spin bowling. Playing three spinners, rare for any Test side, became the orthodoxy. Modest about his own ability, he saw his role as extracting the maximum for his best players by making them realise their true worth," the newspaper added.

Pataudi is survived by his wife, a son and two daughters.

PTI

View the original article here

PCB again asks Miandad to respond to show cause notice

Karachi: Javed Miandad is refusing to respond but that has not stopped the Pakistan Cricket Board from setting a fresh deadline for the former captain to reply to a show cause notice accusing him of breaching his employment contract with the PCB.

A PCB official confirmed that Miandad has been told to respond by Monday as he had yet to send his reply to the show cause notice sent to him earlier.

"We have told him that he should respond by the Monday to the notice as per the process. If he does not respond than we will see the next course of action," the official said.

The board issued the show cause notice to Miandad earlier this month for criticising its policies which was a violation of his employment contract with the PCB.

Miandad, who is employed as Director General (Cricket) since 2008 on a lucrative package, had said that after closely watching the working of the board he was convinced 90 per cent decisions were erroneous.

Relations between the PCB and Miandad are said to have got more tense after a meeting the Board`s chief patron Asif Zardari held with the sports fraternity in Karachi this week to discuss efforts to raise funds for the flood victims in Sindh.

"The board Chairman, Ejaz Butt is obviously not happy that Miandad during the meeting went against the policy of the board to have the National Twenty20 championship in Lahore and suggested that it be shifted to Karachi," one source said.

He said even after the meeting Miandad spoke to the media and repeated his demand that the Board move the tournament to Karachi which it was eventually done on the directives of the President.

Cricket analysts believe that Miandad fired his salvo against the PCB and its Chairman as he feels that Butt will not get an extension when his three-year tenure expires on October 8.

PTI

View the original article here

Barcelona`s Affellay gets injured during training

Madrid: Barcelona Football Club suffered another setback Thursday when midfielder Ibrahima Affellay injured his knee while training.

The Dutch international was taken for tests where it was confirmed he has broken the cruciate ligament in his left knee.

He will need an operation and will be out of action for at least six months. The injury is another problem for coach Pep Guardiola, who is already without Andres Iniesta and Alexis Sanchez with hamstring problems.

Sanchez will be out for around six weeks while Iniesta will miss the next month because of the injury he suffered in the Champions League against AC Milan.

The good news on the injury front is that Gerard Pique is available for this weekend`s game at home to Atletico Madrid. Pique has yet to play in the La Liga this season after damaging his thigh in the Spanish Supercup.

IANS

View the original article here

ECB condoles demise of Nawab of Pataudi

London: ECB Chairman Giles Clarke on Friday paid tribute to the former Indian Test captain, Mansur Ali Khan Pataudi, who died after a prolonged illness in New Delhi, saying the `Nawab` will be remembered as one of India`s greatest captains ever.

The ninth Nawab of Pataudi, who breathed his last yesterday, was educated in England and captained Oxford University and Sussex, besides playing for India in 46 Test matches between 1961 and 1975.

"The Nawab was a very talented batsman and fine cricketer who will be remembered as one of India`s greatest ever captains and he also made a significant contribution to the game as an administrator," Giles said.

"He will be much missed in cricketing circles both in this country and in India and we send our sympathies and condolences to his family," the chairman added.

The Nawab`s father -- the 8th Nawab, Iftikhar Ali Khan -- represented both England and India in Tests. And the family name lives on in the form of the Pataudi Trophy, which is currently held by England as winners of the recent Test series against India.

PTI

View the original article here

Thousands mourn as Tiger Pataudi laid to rest

New Delhi: Former Indian cricket captain Mansur Ali Khan Pataudi, who died of a lung ailment in Delhi yesterday, was laid to rest at his ancestral palace here today with thousands thronging the burial site to pay their last respects leading to chaotic scenes.

Pataudi, who was 70 when he breathed his last at the Sir Ganga Ram Hospital in Delhi, was buried next to the grave of his father, Iftikhar Ali Khan Pataudi -- the last ruling Nawab of Bhopal.

As distraught family members, bid final goodbye to the man who was fondly called 'Tiger', there was chaos at the Pataudi Palace's sprawling campus with close to 15,000 people converging at the burial site to catch a glimpse of the proceedings.

The huge police presence was hardly a deterrent as media and the gathered crowd jostled to be the closest to the grave even as the Pataudi family grieved in silence.

Pataudi's wife, yesteryears' Bollywood star Sharmila Tagore, looked calm and composed when she came on the palace balcony once along with other female family members.

Pataudi's son Saif Ali Khan, also a Bollywood actor, performed the last rites after offering Friday prayers. Saif's actress girlfriend Kareena Kapoor looked distraught along with Pataudi's daughters Soha and Saba, both of whom were inconsolable.

Kareena's elder sister and Bollywood actress Karisma also attended the funeral and was seen consoling Saif.

From the cricketing fraternity, former captain Kapil Dev and Ajay Jadeja came with the family from Delhi this morning when Pataudi's body was brought here.

Also present was former captain and coach Anshuman Gaekwad along with santoor maestro Amjad Ali Khan.

The funeral procession of Pataudi began from his home in Delhi with several celebrities paying their last respects.

The body of the former captain, who would forever be remembered for leading India to their maiden Test series triumph abroad, was brought to his Vasant Vihar residence early this morning.

Among those who came to pay their last respects in Delhi were Pakistan High Commissioner Shahid Malik with his wife and Punjab Cricket Association chief I S Bindra.

Delhi Chief Minister Shiela Dikshit, and BJP leader Arun Jaitley also paid their respects to Pataudi, who led India in 40 of the 46 Test matches he played.

Hundreds had gathered outside the Pataudi residence in Delhi also including numerous mediapersons, who even got into an argument with the policemen over the coverage.

Former Haryana Chief Minister O P Chautala also came to pay his respects but the procession had left for Pataudi by that time.

Pataudi, regarded as one of India's finest captains, scored 2793 runs in 46 Tests at an average of 35 and made six centuries, the biggest of which was an unbeaten 203 against England in Delhi in 1964.

Pataudi, who lost his right eye because of an accident, played 46 Tests between 1961 and 1975 and was arguably India's greatest captain. He was given the leadership in his fourth Test, when he was 21, in Barbados in 1962, because the regular captain Nari Contractor was in hospital after getting hit on the head by Charlie Griffith.

Pataudi, who was also known for his amazing sense of humour, was the youngest Test captain, a record that stood until 2004. He also captained Sussex and Oxford University.

Under Pataudi's captaincy, India won nine Tests but it was he who instilled the belief in the team that it could win international matches.

PTI

View the original article here

Bradley and Dufner once again flourish in Atlanta surrounds

Atlanta: Something in the Atlanta air certainly suits Keegan Bradley and Jason Dufner as the two Americans surged into contention for the Tour Championship on Thursday a month after vying for the PGA Championship.

Bradley, who claimed his first major title at nearby Atlanta Athletic Club, took control of the PGA Tour`s final FedExCup playoff event by shooting a sparkling six-under-par 64 in the opening round at East Lake Golf Club.

Journeyman Dufner, beaten by Bradley after three extra holes at last month`s PGA Championship, opened with a 66 to share second place at East Lake with fellow American Chez Reavie and British world number one Luke Donald.

"It`s really cool," a beaming Bradley told reporters after charging to the top of the leaderboard with seven birdies and a lone bogey at the par-four eighth. "Jason was playing right in front of me today, and I hope I get to play with him (this week). He`s a good guy and it would be a lot of fun."

Dufner, who has yet to win on the PGA Tour, agreed.

"Hopefully we`ll be paired together tomorrow," said the 34-year-old from Cleveland, whose career highlights include two wins on the second-tier Nationwide Tour.

"That would be a little interesting, I guess. Maybe some thoughts here or there will come back and forth (from the PGA Championship).

Bradley, who won his first PGA Tour title in a playoff at the Byron Nelson Championship in May, could not pinpoint exactly why the Atlanta area seemed to ignite his game.

"I don`t know," the slender 25-year-old said. "I really like the golf courses here and I also really like the grass that we play on.

"These courses are very similar ... but it`s the exact same grass and on the greens. I grew up on bentgrass, but it seems like I`m way more comfortable out here for whatever reason.

"The greens here are immaculate, and they`re identical to Atlanta Athletic Club. We both liked the look of that course."

Regardless of how cool it would be to play together this week at East Lake, Dufner said he and Bradley were much more concerned with trying to win the tournament and clinch the season-long FedExCup with its $10 million bonus.

"Both of us are more focused on what in the future is going on," Dufner added. "He`s got a chance to possibly play in the Presidents Cup (team competition) and he`s got a chance to obviously win this tournament.

"I`m kind of in the same boat. Both of us will be more focused on tomorrow`s round than on what happened a month or five weeks ago."

Bureau Report

View the original article here

Depleted Mumbai take on CSK`s might in CLT20 opener

Chennai: Sans talismanic skipper Sachin Tendulkar and some other key players, a depleted Mumbai Indians will face title-holders Chennai Super Kings in their tough lung-opener of the Champions League Twenty20 in Chennai on Saturday.

Apart from Tendulkar, who is nursing a toe injury, Mumbai will also be without Rohit Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav, Ali Murtaza, Munaf Patel and Dhawal Kulkarni.

To be led by Harbhajan Singh in Tendulkar`s absence, Mumbai have been allowed five foreign players instead of the stipulated four due to the injury crisis in the team.

The injured have been replaced by Andrew Symonds, Dilhara Fernando, R Sathish, Sarul Kanwar and Abu Nechim.

They face an unbeaten-at-home Chennai Super Kings, who are not just defending champions but also the winners of this season`s IPL title.

The only key player that the Mahendra Singh Dhoni-led team will miss is New Zealand pacer Tim Southee.

Chennai will enjoy the home advantage for almost the entire tournament as they are playing all their group matches here while the semifinals and the final are also scheduled in the city only.

In all counts, Mumbai will find it tough to contain Chennai`s batting line-up which features, apart from Dhoni, some steady customers such as Michael Hussey and IPL find S Anirudha who can change the pace of the game.

Chennai`s bowling too looks solid with pacers such as Doug Bollinger and Albie Morkel. The spin department features the sprightly R Ashwin and Suraj Randiv.

PTI

View the original article here

Warriors win toss, elect to field

Bangalore: Warriors won the toss and elected to field in their Champions League Twenty20 match against Royal Challengers Bangalore on Friday.

The Teams:

Royal Challengers Bangalore: Chris Gayle, Mayank Agarwal, Virat Kohli, AB de Villiers, Mohammad Kaif, Saurabh Tiwary, Daniel Vettori (capt), Abhimanyu Mithun, J Syed Mohammad, Dirk Nannes, Sreenath Aravind

Warriors: Ashwell Prince, Colin Ingram, JT Smuts, Mark Boucher, Johan Botha (capt), Craig Thyssen, Justin Kreusch, Nicky Boje, Lonwabo Tsotsobe, Rusty Theron, Wayne Parnell.

PTI

View the original article here

Azhar to campaign against superbikes?

Zeenews Sports Bureau

New Delhi: Former Indian captain Mohammad Azahruddin is reportedly considering joining an NGO for a campaign targeted at discouraging the youngsters from riding superbikes.

It was a superbike gifted by him on the occasion of Eid that claimed the life of his younger son Ayazuddin and nephew on September 11 in Hyderabad.

Azhar’s nephew, Ajmal died few hours after the accident while Ayazuddin succumbed to the injuries five days later.

According to the sources close to Azhar’s family, his relatives have been constantly insisting him to be the face of a campaign that would discourage the use of superbikes by youngsters. He may join hands with a group of social activists or an NGO for the cause. Azhar’s headache may start at home when he might face resistance to convince his elder son Asaduddin to give up his own superbike.

View the original article here

Tendulkar, Dravid not match winners: Shoaib Akhtar

New Delhi: Former Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar has taken a dig at veteran Indian batsmen Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid, saying the two are not match winners.

In his autobiography `Controversially Yours`, Akhtar goes onto say that he intimidated master blaster Tendulkar with his delivery during the Faisalabad Test.

"I bowled (Sachin) a particularly fast ball which he, to my amazement didn`t even touch. He walked away! That was the first time I saw him walk away from me that, too, on the slow track at Faisalabad," Akhtar wrote.

"I think players like Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid weren`t exactly match winners to start with, nor did they know the art of finishing the game."

Akhtar has also alleged that he was cheated by Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan and former Indian Premier League chairman Lalit Modi.

"Shah Rukh and I talked about my not being happy with the money settled on me. Shahrukh and Modi got me to agree. I should have never listened to Modi and Shah Rukh," he said.

Akhtar, who retired after the 2011 World Cup, also admitted to ball tampering and feels it should be legalised.

"Everyone tampers with the ball. I did so too. Tampering should be legalised."

Akhtar also claimed that his career was hampered by legendary Pakistani pacer Wasim Akram.

"Wasim Akram threatened to walk out with half the team if I was included in the team. General Tauqir Zia (the then PCB chief) backed Shoaib against Wasim," he wrote.

IANS

View the original article here

Afridi`s retirement has become a joke: Akram

New Delhi: Shahid Afridi`s desire to come out of exodus once again and represent the national team has not gone down well with former Pakistan cricket captain Wasim Akram, who termed the maverick all-rounder`s retirement from the game "a joke".

Afridi, who announced his retirement earlier this year after differences with the team management, recently expressed his desire to make a comeback after head coach Waqar Younis` tenure came to end with the conclusion of the Zimbabwe tour.

But Akram slammed such whimsical tactics of the all-rounder and said Afridi should make up his mind "once and for all" about his retirement.

"Shahid Afridi is making things too complicated for the Pakistan Cricket Board. Cricket is a team game and not an individual sport. You have to treat the interests of the team and the management above your individual preferences. So I think Afridi should decide once and for all whether he wants to retire or not," Akram said.

"His (Afridi`s) retirement has become a joke now. You can`t play cricket on your own terms.”

"You will have difference with your coaches, with your chairman and with your colleagues but it should not show in your outlook. At the end of the day you are representing your nation -- Pakistan," the legendary left-arm pacer told reporters.

Incidentally, after being appointed Test captain in 2010 Afridi quit after just one match, citing lack of form and inability to play the longer version of the game.

His next retirement episode came just after leading Pakistan to the semi-final of the 2011 World Cup.

After the World Cup, Afridi was replaced as captain by Misbah-ul-Haq and in protest he announced his conditional retirement, citing differences with coach Waqar.

PTI

View the original article here

FIFA bans Iraq from playing at home

Kuala Lumpur: Iraq will have to play all their home qualifiers for the 2014 World Cup and next year`s London Olympics at a neutral venue due to fears over security, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) said on Friday.

In a letter sent to the Iraq Football Association, FIFA raised concerns over security conditions and a breach of safety regulations their qualifier with Jordan earlier this month, according to an AFC statement.

The letter added that the country will have to nominate a neutral ground in Asia for the World Cup qualifying matches by Oct. 1 and the 2012 Olympic qualifiers by Oct. 3.

The venue must not be one of the countries where Iraq is scheduled to play qualifiers, however.

Iraq, ranked 109 in the FIFA world rankings, lost 2-0 to Jordan on Sept. 2 at the Franso Hariri Stadium, which appeared well over capacity and suffered a power cut during the match.

The gulf nation are currently placed third in Group A of the Asian qualifiers for the 2014 World Cup alongside Jordan, China and Singapore.

Bureau Report

View the original article here

Maradona loses cool and kicks out at fan in Dubai

Dubai: Diego Maradona, whose latest role in a turbulent career is coaching the United Arab Emirates club side Al-Wasl, was under scrutiny on Friday after kicking out at a fan in Dubai.

A video posted on YouTube showed Argentina`s 1986 World Cup winning captain attempting to pose for a pre-match photo-shoot in front of a banner hanging on the wire mesh separating fans from the pitch.

After shooing away some over-enthusiastic supporters who tried to approach him, Maradona appeared to grow annoyed at a fan who persistently lifted the banner from behind.

Eventually he kicked the fan`s hand away with a touch that was light but, in an Arab culture that holds feet to be dirty, could have caused offence.

Maradona apologised to the fan according to local media. Al- Wasl went on to win the game against promoted Emirates 3-0 in the second round of the Etisalat Cup.

"I am emotional, this is my nature. I`ve always been like this as a player and coach. Sometimes I feel like I`m a player of al-Wasl," he was quoted as saying in a sports website.

Maradona, one of the world`s greatest ever players, has often endured problems on and off the pitch, including arrests, suspensions and spells in rehab.

He joined al-Wasl earlier this year after losing his job as Argentina`s national coach when they were beaten 4-0 by Germany in the quarter finals of the World Cup last year.

Bureau Report

View the original article here

Shoaib`s book draws mixed reactions in Pakistan cricket circle

Karachi: Shoaib Akhtar`s autobiography titled `Controversially Yours` has drawn mixed reactions in the Pakistani cricket circles, with some former Test players insisting that he had to add spice and controversy to make it a bestseller.

"Look if there is no controversy a autobiography does not sell and it is understandable he is aware of this," said former captain Aamir Sohail.

Sohail said it would be unfair to pass any judgement on the book without reading it detail, and hoped the revelations made by Shoaib didn`t land him into trouble.

Former captain, Asif Iqbal was disappointed that Pakistan cricket was once again in the limelight for the wrong reasons.

"It is unfortunate that all these things have been said in his book but I guess having retired from he is now planning for a secure financial future," the former captain said.

Former captain and wicketkeeper, Rashid Latif said that Shoaib`s decision to launch the book in India and bring out the controversies in the Indian media was commercially planned to make it a success.

"A lot of things he has said are true, some of his observations are also spot on but I guess he is going to make a lot of people unhappy.

"But no doubt even after retirement he remains one of our most enigmatic and controversial players," Latif said.

"The unfortunate part is once again Pakistan cricket will be discussed for its negative things rather than achievements."

Former pacer, Sarfaraz Nawaz said he was not surprised by the revelations.

"As far as his talk about Wasim Akram trying to derail his career is concerned I can vouch that even when he was playing he had told me personally that he didn`t know why Wasim was after him and bent on destroying his career," Nawaz said.

Salman Ahmed, who runs a sports management company and represented Shoaib during his first stint in the Indian Premier League, was however skeptical about the allegations that Shah Rukh Khan and Lalit Modi had cheated the pacer.

"I don`t believe this about Shah Rukh because I was present at a meeting at his home in Mumbai where he told Shoaib that he was like a brother to him and was even free to stay at his home. I know for a fact that Shah Rukh supported and cared a lot for Shoaib so I don`t know where this cheating issue has come up from."

Salman, however, admitted that he knew for a fact that Shoaib got involved in some controversies during his first stint in the IPL which, if they had come out at that time, he would have been forced to take retirement.

"I can understand him using the big names in India to sell his book but he should be careful about saying too much as it could backfire on him," Salman said. He also disclosed that the fast bowler had kept on negotiating with the banned Indian Cricket League while he was also in talks with the IPL.

"He wanted a price tag of one million dollars but because of his controversial nature no franchise was willing to pay that much and eventually he fetched a lower pirce from Kolkatta Knight Riders."

Former chairman of the PCB, Tauqir Zia dismissed Shoaib`s talk about Akram trying to destroy his career.

"Look Wasim retired in 2003 and Shoaib just this year. If Wasim had wanted him out of the team I don`t think Shoaib would have played that much. There have always been problems between players but I think the comments about Wasim are unfair."

Tauqir also had no doubt that many of the revelations by Shoaib were a gimmick to sell his book.

Former captain, Moin Khan said he was upset by many of the things that Shoaib had said in his book.

"I have not read the full book yet so I don`t know the exact details but I know one thing his comments about Wasim are grossly unfair and unjust and Wasim was one player who everyone looked up to and who guided the youngsters."

PTI

View the original article here

Akhtar targets Sachin; admits to ball tampering in his memoir

Zeenews Sports Bureau

New Delhi: Controversial former Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar created a stir by claiming that master batsman Sachin Tendulkar is not a match-winner and was scared of him.

In his just-published autobiography "Controversially Yours", the temparamental Pakistan speedster has accused Tendulkar of being scared to face his scorching pace on a slow Faisalabad track.

"....Vivian Richards, Ricky Ponting, Brian Lara and the likes of them are great batsmen who dominated with the bat and were truly match-winners. Initially, when I bowled against Sachin, I found these qualities missing. He might have had more runs and records, he lacked the ability to finish the game," he said in the book, to be formally launched here this evening.

Akhar in his book also singled out former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram saying that the left-arm pacer tried to destroy his career. He cited an example where Akram threatened to pull out of the team with half the side if Shoaib found a place in the team.

About his IPL experience Shoaib also slammed KKR owner and Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan and the then IPL chairman Lalit Modi alleging that they cheated on him. He said that they got him to agree to something which he still regrets.

But the most sensational aspect of his controversial book is the chapter where he admitted that he tampered with the cricket ball in number of times. He claimed that it’s not just him but everyone does it.

As a solution he suggested that ball tampering should be legalised in the larger interest of the game.

"What went in our favour was that Sachin was suffering from tennis elbow! This severely handicapped the great batsman. We managed to psychologically browbeat him.

"We bounced the ball at him and were able to unnerve him. I returned to the dressing room that first day with the knowledge that Sachin was not comfortable facing fast and rising ball. He was distinctly uncomfortable against me. That was enough to build on", he said.

With PTI inputs

View the original article here

Almost all Pakistani pacers tampered with ball, admits Shoaib

New Delhi: Controversial Pakistani speedster Shoaib Akhtar has created a flutter by openly admitting that he, along with all his contemporaries in the team, have regularly indulged in ball-tampering.

Pakistan fast bowlers over generations have always been under scanner for ball-tampering whenever they have got the ball to swing more than usual but Akhtar is the first to admit that he indulged in the malpractice, which is banned in international cricket.

"Almost all Pakistani fast bowlers have tampered with the ball. I may be the first one to openly admit to it but everybody is doing it," the maverick fast bowler has revealed in his just-published autobiography "Controversially Yours."

"To be honest, every team in the world tampers with the ball. We probably started it but today koi team doodh ki dhooli nahin hain. No team is innocent and virtually every fast bowler does it. That is the only way to survive because the wickets are so slow.

Akhtar, who was twice suspended by ICC for ball tampering during his career, defends the speed merchants for indulging in this illegal cricketing activity.

"After years of not allowing bouncers, in 2001, the ICC ruled that only one would be allowed per over. The pitches are dead and slow and made to order for batting. It`s the bowlers who are curtailed. It`s like giving match practice to people. We are hit all over the ground," he lamented in his book.

In his tell-all book, Akhtar cited examples of how he had indulged in doctoring the ball during his playing career. It was in a three-nation tournament in Sri Lanka after 2003 World Cup, the bowler recalled an incident in Dambulla while playing against New Zealand.

"I remember it being very hot and humid in Dambulla and as is customary with the pitches of the sub-continent, it was an awfully slow track. We were playing New Zealand, we needed results. Out of desperation, I began fussing with the ball. Yes, for those of you who want to know, I did tamper with the ball in that match. And yes I know it's against the rules and not something to be proud of?? I apologised for it," Akhtar wrote.

Not only this, Akhtar was candid in admitting that he has "tampered with the ball on many occasions."

"I have tampered with the ball on many occasions. Have been warned several times and even being caught twice ?? Dambulla was one such instance. I was suspended for a match and fined 75 per cent of the match fees," he said in the book.

But Akhtar also confessed that it had slowly become a habit.

"I can't seem to help it. I have got to do something with the ball. I know this will make a big noise but I won't lie about it."

Not only about his own antics but Akhtar also revealed the secret of an unnamed Pakistan cricketer who actually changed a ball in order to get more reverse swing going.

"I won't name him but one Pakistani cricketer actually switched the ball in the umpires' pocket with one that reversed like crazy. Umpires usually keep the ball in their coat pockets and then hang their coat up for lunch. That was when the transfer occurred. After this incident, they now leave their coats in a locked room."

Akhtar then gives a detailed account of how one can doctor the ball and asked ICC to atleast legalise scruffing the seam with nails!

"There are so many ways to prepare the ball; It's not just a matter of scratching it. I have used my boot nails and zip of my back pocket. Many bowlers, use vaseline or gum on the ball. The only way to stop this is for the ICC to ensure that at least some pitches are prepared in favour of bowlers."

"That would make the game less one-sided and more balanced. The game, especially now, has become very unequal and only favours the batsman ?? if you bowl a no-ball, the batsman gets a free-hit; bouncers have been curtailed; and a bowler can't even touch his hair before picking up the ball", he wrote.

"They have restricted us so mercilessly, that I find it very difficult to feel entirely guilty about ball tampering."

He further added, "Since, we can't seem to stop doing it, may be it's not a bad idea to legalise it and set rules for it. After all, it's still an art to use that ball. You need the pace and skill. Not everyone can do it. Perhaps some manipulation of the ball, like scratching it with your nails could be legally allowed. I know I am going to get it in the neck for saying all this."

PTI

View the original article here

We are placed in a tough group: Fleming

Chennai: Chennai Super Kings coach Stephen Fleming on Friday said that it won`t be a cakewalk for his side to defend their Champions League Twenty20 title as they have been placed in a tough group in this edition of the tournament.

Title holders CSK have been clubbed alongside fellow IPL side Mumbai Indians, 2009 champions New South Wales, South Africa`s Cape Cobras and Trinidad and Tobago from the West Indies in Group A.

And Fleming said the Mahendra Singh Dhoni-led side will have to play as a unit to give them any chance of registering back-to-back titles.

"Looking at the two groups obviously, we are in a strong one. We are playing our opening match against Mumbai. On paper, I also find New South Wales a pretty formidable team. Most of the teams are good on paper," he said on the eve of their tournament opener against Mumbai Indians here tomorrow.

"Team philosophy works for us. But with the quality of competition and the teams in our group, it is going to be tough to win the tournament," he added.

Asked whether the possibility of winning back-to-back titles would act as a motivation for his players going into the tournament, he said, "Not exactly. I think it is for the coach to keep the boys focused on their job. But you always play a tournament to win it. It is our desire to keep doing well in the tournament. The players are proud to represent CSK and there is already a nice unity among them."

With a new pitch on offer at the M Chidambaram stadium, the former New Zealand skipper said his team`s success will also depend on how quickly they get accustomed to the wicket.

"We need to make our assessments fast and then adapt our game according to the condition. The nature of the surface has changed completely and adjusting to it will be one of our biggest challenges. But we have the balance and ability to adjust our game and be competitive," he insisted.

Fleming was also not concerned with the fact that he got very little time to prepare the team for the tournament as most of the Chennai players have assembled in batches.

"It is the same. It is nice to welcome the players again in the group. The boys were excited to be together again. And we also had a very good practice session today," he said.

Meanwhile, Mike Hussey said that along with fellow opener Murali Vijay he is hoping to provide good starts to CSK`s innings, which according to him has been the team`s mantra both in CLT20 as well as IPL.

"The real strength of CSK has been to get off to good starts and then keep wickets in hand for other batsmen like Dhoni and Morkel to come in and take advantage. It is very important for us to get off to a good start, to set the platform for a big score," the Australian batsman said.

He also said that he shares a good chemistry with Vijay.

"I think we (me and Vijay) complement each other quite well. We are probably still quite new as an opening pair but we are getting better day by day. We also get along very well off the field," Hussey said.

PTI

View the original article here

Aleksandrov inches closer to title

Mumbai: Belarussian Grand Master Aleksej Aleksandrov inched closer to title in the fourth Mayor`s Cup International Chess Tournament on Friday when he overcame India`s M S Thejkumar in the ninth and penultimate round to widen his lead by one point.

Top seed Aleksandrov subdued a fighting IM Thejkumar in 54 moves. Now he needs just a draw in his final round match on Saturday to clinch his maiden title in the tournament, organised by Venus Chess Academy at the Goregaon Sports Club here.

The victory boosted the points tally of title-favourite Aleksandrov (ELO 2618) to nine, one better than second seeded Ukrainian GM Martyn Kravtsiv, who got the better of Marat Dzhumaev of Uzbekistan in 38 moves.

Seven players were tied with 7.5 points each going into the final day.

The game between Aleksandrov and Thejkumar (ELO 2450) saw the two players exchanging pieces at regular intervals leading to a bishop and knight end-game after 35 moves with both having equal chance.

But Thejkumar missed a chance of wresting the initiative and his rival captured a pawn that allowed him two passed pawns leading the Indian to call it quits.

On the second board GM Kravtsiv (ELO 2583) opted for Spanish opening against GM Dzhumaev (ELO 2492) who replied with Jaenisch Defence. Kravtsiv prevented his rival from castling and kept Dzhumaev`s king in the centre.

This led to an attacking game with both playing for victory. On the 29th move Dzhumaev captured a rival pawn with his rook, a blunder, to give a decisive advantage to his opponent.

In another game, Indian GM Deep Sengupta (ELO 2572) agreed for a quick draw with compatriot GM Neelotpal Das (ELO 2458) in 18 moves.

Top 10 results: IM M S Thejkumar (2450, IND) 7.5 lost to GM Aleksej Aleksandrov (2618, BLR) 9; GM Martyn Kravtsiv (2583, UKR) 8 beat GM Marat Dzhumaev (2492, UZB) 7; GM Deep Sengupta (2572, IND) 7.5 drew GM Neelotpal Das (2458, IND) 7.5; IM Shyam Nikil (2418, IND) 7.5 drew GM Abhijit Kunte (2528, IND) 7.5; IM Anwesh Upadhyaya (2408, IND) 7 drew GM Andrei Deviatkin (2580, RUS) 7; IM S Nitin (2387, IND) 7 drew GM Nikolai Chadaev (2564, RUS) 7; GM S P Sethuraman (2529, IND) 7 drew IM Swapnil S Dhopade (2411, IND) 7; GM Ziaur Rahman (2528, BAN) 7.5 beat IM Rahul Sangma (2385, IND) 6.5; IM K Rathnakaran (2386, 7.5) beat GM Enamul Hossain (2481, BAN) 6.5; GM Deepan Chakkravarthy (2470, IND) 7 drew IM Debashis Das (2375, IND) 7.

PTI

View the original article here

PCB ask Waqar Younis to comeback

Lahore: PCB Chairman Ijaz Butt has said that outgoing coach Waqar Younis was welcome to come back and serve Pakistan cricket after regaining good health and solving personal problems.

The offer came at a farewell arranged for the former Pakistan captain, who stepped down as head coach after the Zimbabwe tour owing to health and personal reasons.

Younis, who returns to his Sydney home early Friday morning after ending his contract with the Board, got a lot of praise from those gathered at the farewell including captain Misbah-ul-Haq and the PCB chief.

Butt termed the resignation of Younis as a setback for the Pakistan cricket team.

"He did an excellent job with the team as coach and obviously his resignation is a setback to our plans. I just hope he is able to resolve his health and other issues soon and is welcome to come back to serve Pakistan cricket anytime," the PCB chief said.

Pakistan is hunting for a new coach to replace Younis with no shortlist of candidates finalised as yet although the national team plays Sri Lanka in the UAE next month.

Younis, in an emotional speech, said if he had any options he would not have preferred to leave the job.

"If it had not been absolutely necessary for me to go and resolve my health issues I would not have left the team now because it has done wonderfully well and it has been a great experience working with these players and it is a hard decision to leave now," Younis said.

Insisting that he was sad on leaving his coaching position midway through his contract period, Younis said the players had cooperated a lot with him rebuilding the side and they were on the right track.

"I am ready to do anything for Pakistan cricket and hopefully once my issues are resolved I will love to become active again in some way," he added.

The former fast bowler is said to be suffering from a liver ailment for which doctors in Sydney have advised him a long term treatment and rehabilitation process under their direct supervision.

Intikhab Alam who worked with Waqar as manager in the national team said he had seen from close how dedicated Younis was to his job.

"He has achieved a lot as a player, commentator and now coach. It is disappointing to see him go at this time when we have some tough series coming up but we all pray he will soon be able to get back to normal life," Intikhab said.

The farewell function was attended by the Pakistan team players and PCB officials with the former coach being presented with special mementos on the occasion at the National Cricket Academy.

PTI

View the original article here

I won`t need to undergo ankle surgery, assures Ishant

New Delhi: Indian paceman Ishant Sharma is confident that he would not require surgery to recover from an ankle injury, which had forced him to miss the One-day series during the recently concluded fateful England tour.

The tall but skinny bowler has been undergoing a rehabilitation programme at the National Cricket Academy in Bangalore.

"Though I`m yet to bowl with full run-up, but my rehab is progressing well. I will start bowling at full pace soon. Thanks to my rehab program, I am sure I won`t need surgery," Ishant said.

Ishant spearheaded India`s attack in England in the absence of senior pro Zaheer Khan.

The gangly fast bowler is confident that India would be able to avenge their defeat against England when they will host England soon.

"We would give England a taste of their own medicine," the Delhi bowler told News Channel `Aaj-Tak`.

India were whitewashed 0-4 in Test series and 0-3 in the five-match One-day series as several key players suffered injuries during the nightmarish tour of England.

India not only surrendered their number one Test rank but also slipped to number five in ODIs.

PTI

View the original article here

Underdogs Cobras aim to upset young New South Wales side

Chennai: Underdogs Cape Cobras will aim to rock the boat of a young New South Wales team when they clash in their Group A match of the Champions League T20 in Chennai on Saturday.

Cobras have two former Champions League T20 titlists -- Chennai Super Kings and New South Wales -- in their pool and captain Justin Kemp has admitted that his team is not as fancied as the others.

"The other teams have players, who have done exceptionally well in the last few years. But we`re confident and if can play good cricket and able to put up a good performance, it would be a great opportunity for a lot of young guys as well as the older ones," Kemp had said.

However, Cobras enjoy the advantage of having a clutch of experienced campaigners to rely on, including speed demon Dale Steyn, allrounder J P Duminy, the supremely gifted Herchelle Gibbs, English batsman Owais Shah and Kemp himself.

The South Africa-based unit also has good spin options in Robin Peterson (left-arm orthodox), Duminy (offbreak), Justin Ontong (offbreak) and 19-year-old Michael Rippon (chinaman).

Former champions New South Wales, back in the competition after a hiatus of one year, are basically a young side with a few experienced players in their ranks.

Skippered by battle-hardened Australian opener Simon Katich, the team finished second in the KFC Twenty20 Big Bash to qualify directly for the group stages.

The Australian side`s trump card will be Shane Watson, the burly allrounder with whom Katich used to open the batting for his country.

PTI

View the original article here

Ferrari need to charge out of grid next year: Alonso

Singapore: Ferrari need to burst from the blocks next year to inject some much-needed rivalry into Formula One after a 2011 season which has turned into a one-man show starring Sebastian Vettel, Fernando Alonso has said.

Red Bull`s Vettel can wrap up the drivers` championship this Sunday at the Singapore Grand Prix with five races to spare and with it, replace Spaniard Alonso`s record as the youngest double-champion.

"Unfortunately this year is nearly gone, the championship will be in Red Bull hands," Alonso told reporters at a Ferrari party in Singapore.

"We need to focus on next year; we need to be competitive from the first race of 2012.

"We are confident, we are Ferrari so we need to be competitive. We have the people, talented people, good designers, good engineers.”

"This year has been too easy for him (Vettel) probably, because now six races before the end of the season he has the chance to win mathematically the championship, so I expect next year much more competition."

Alonso is second in the standings with 172 points behind Vettel on 284, but can delay the German`s coronation with a solid drive in Singapore. Vettel needs a lead of at least 125 points after Sunday`s race to sew up the title.

"I think everybody wants to see the championship finish in the last race, which was the case in the last (few) years," Alonso`s team mate Felipe Massa added.

"But they have a very good car and Seb (Vettel) did a very good job. Sure it`s not nice for us or the spectators to see that, but he did a good job as well.

"I hope we have a good car next year so we can fight with them, fight for the championship and win it."

Bureau Report

View the original article here

Hernandez ready for surprise Man United return

Manchester: Manchester United striker Javier Hernandez is in line for a surprise return to action when the Premier League leaders visit Stoke City on Saturday, manager Alex Ferguson said.

The Mexican goal-poacher had been facing two weeks out with a bruised shin after what Ferguson branded a "shocking" tackle by Chelsea defender Ashley Cole in last Sunday`s 3-1 win over the London side.

"It`s quite surprising, Hernandez trained yesterday," Ferguson told a news conference on Friday.

"He is very lucky. At the time he had no feeling in the leg, there was a numbness there, we thought there may have been some nerve damage ... but he`s trained very well and he`s available for tomorrow."

Hernandez is likely to resume his potent partnership with Wayne Rooney, who has scored in all five of United`s league games and notched nine goals including two hat-tricks.

United are the only team still with a 100 percent record in the league, topping the table with 15 points. They are two points ahead of neighbours Manchester City and a further three ahead of Chelsea.

Ferguson expected a tough trip to last year`s FA Cup finalists Stoke, who held Chelsea to a 0-0 draw in their opening game of the season.

"The progress Stoke have made over the last few years is phenomenal," Ferguson said. "European football now -- who would have thought that a few years ago?”

"When you see that Chelsea have gone there and drawn and Liverpool have gone there and lost you can see what a difficult job it is."

Bureau Report

View the original article here

Saina storms into Japan Open semis

New Delhi: Ace Indian shuttler Saina Nehwal entered the semifinals of Japan Open Super Series badminton tournament in Tokyo after dispatching Singapore`s Juan Gu in straight games in just half an hour on Friday.

The fourth-seeded Indian defeated Juan 21-17 21-13 to make the last-four stage, where she will take on Germany`s Juliane Schenk.

Saina was facing Juan after almost three years and the Indian dominated her world number 23 rival just the way she did in 2008.

Saina opened a massive 18-9 lead and it all seemed like a stroll in the park but Juan fought back for a while to reduce the gap to 19-17.

But the Indian was unruffled by the fightback and clinched the opening game by notching up three successive points after that.

Saina`s domination only increased in the second game and she relied on her trademark smashes to clinch the issue with ease.

The 21-year-old Hyderabadi has a good chance of reaching the finals as well, as she has a good one-on-one record against Schenk.

The two have faced each other seven times so far with Saina emerging winner on five occasions. They last played against each other in the 2010 Hong Kong Open with Saina emerging the winner.

PTI

View the original article here

Parthiv Patel to lead Rest of India in Irani Cup match

Mumbai: Diminutive wicket-keeper Parthiv Patel was on Friday named as captain of Rest of India for the Irani Cup cricket match against Ranji Champions, Rajasthan.

BCCI`s All India Senior Selection Committee met at the Cricket Centre to pick a 15-member squad for the five-day match, starting October 1 in Jaipur.

Delhi batsman Shikhar Dhawan was named Patel`s deputy and Ajinkya Rahane, who did well in the recently-concluded England tour, also made it to the squad.

Madhya Pradesh`s Jalaj Saxena, meanwhile, is the surprise inclusion.

Ishank Jaggi, who was named in the original squad, is unavailable due to injury and has been replaced by C Gautham.

Squad: Parthiv Patel (Capt), Shikhar Dhawan, Abhinav Mukund, Ajinkya Rahane, Manish Pandey, Ravindra Jadeja, Mandeep Singh, Pragyan Ojha, Rahul Sharma, Umesh Yadav, Varun Aaron, Prashant Parmeshwaran, Pawan Suyal, Jalaj Saxena and C Gautham.

PTI

View the original article here

Pak cricket is run on ad-hoc basis: Imran Khan

London: Former Pakistan cricket captain turned politician Imran Khan has said that cricket in Pakistan is run on an ad-hoc basis and the reason behind it is that the Chairman of the Cricket Board is appointed and liked by the President of Pakistan, which according to him is the only qualification of the Chairman.

"The aim should be to make Pakistan cricket an institution - this is what needs to be done. Cricket in Pakistan is run on an ad-hoc basis and the reason why it`s ad-hoc is because the Chairman of the Cricket Board is appointed by the President of Pakistan and the only qualification of the Chairman is that the President of Pakistan likes him,” a website quoted Khan, as saying.

“The Chairman is no longer accountable to anyone as long as the team keeps winning. If the team is winning, the Chairman can then claim that he`s succeeding and if the team loses then he changes the captain and that is why we get so many frequent changes in captaincy. Pakistan cricket needs to be democratic and it should have elected Associations and no place for sponsors. No sponsors should be able to field their team. This only happens in Pakistan, nowhere else does this happen," he added.

The legendary all-rounder and captain of the 1992 World Cup winning team and a veteran of 273 matches for Pakistan; made his comments during a visit to the UK.

ANI

View the original article here

Honesty and concentration key to my success: Umpire Aleem Dar

Karachi: Pakistan`s Aleem Dar, who was adjudged the best umpire for the third year running by the International Cricket Council (ICC), says the secret of his success is his honesty and his concentration on the game.

"It is a hard job for an umpire, particularly when technology is also at work," Aleem was quoted as saying by Pakistan media.

He said the award was not only an honour for him, but also for the entire nation.

Aleem said all efforts should be made to bring international cricket back to Pakistan as the lack of it on security grounds has damaged the game within the country.

"Without international cricket, it is difficult to produce talented players and umpires," he said.

Aleem appealed to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to introduce a central contract system for the umpires like in other cricket-playing nations.

Aleem has officiated in 67 Tests, 146 one-dayers and 18 Twenty20 matches.

He said that along with right decisions, the report of captains also mattered a lot.

"The captains of most of the teams trust me and report about me positively. These things also matter a lot in officiating confidently and coming up with right decisions," he said.

He said top teams of the world always wish to have him as an umpire "and that`s a great honour for me".

"Top-ranking teams like Australia, England and South Africa want me to umpire their matches and they have trust in me," he said.

IANS

View the original article here

Vishwanath credits Pataudi for his career

Bangalore: Stylish former Test batsman Gundappa R. Vishwanath Thursday credited Mansur Ali Khan Pataudi for his cricketing career during the late `60s and the `70s.

"It was a privilege and honour to have played under Pataudi those years. I was fortunate to be inspired and guided by him. I owe my cricketing career to him," Vishwanath said.

Recalling his long association with the former Test captain, Vishwanath said Tiger had an uncanny ability to spot talent and was instrumental in his selection to play against Australia in the 1969 home series.

"Though Tiger was from North and I was from South and played against each other in Ranji Trophy and Duleep Trophy tournaments many times, he insisted on my inclusion in the Test team to play against Australia," Vishwanath said.

Vishwanth struck a brilliant century on debut in second innings after getting out for a duck in the first innings in the Kanpur Test against Australia in the 1969 series.

"It`s all over for me. I can`t imagine that our Tiger is no more. It`s a saddest day in my life. It was because of him that I played for India much earlier than I would have otherwise. I learnt a lot from him. He was a rare captain and a great human being," an emotional Vishwanath recounted.

Reminiscing Tiger`s valuable tips to teammates and upcoming players, the right-hand batsman said Pataudi was a great inspiration and guiding force for a generation of cricketers in those days when Tests were the only form of the game.

"I was surprised that he had a special liking towards me though I was shy and reserved. He used to exhort me to be positive and play by instinct. I owe my debut century also to him as I was disheartened by getting out for zero in the first innings during the Kanpur Test," Vishwanath said.

Former offie Erapalli Prasanna, who played a number of Tests under Tiger`s captaincy, said he could not believe that Pataudi was no more.

"Pataudi was a friend, philosopher and guide to me. I met him for the first time in Hyderabad after I was selected to play for the President`s XI," he said.

Recounting his cricketing days when he played with Pataudi in a number of home and away series along with B.S. Chandrashekar, Bishen Singh Bedi and S. Venkataraman, who constituted the great Indian spin quartet during the sixties and seventies, Prasanna said Tiger had changed the complexion of Indian cricket.

"Indian cricket was fortunate to have a great player like Tiger who laid the foundation for the growth of the game and made it popular," Prasanna said.=

Incidentally, Prasanna met Tiger in London recently when the Nawab of Indian cricket gave away the Pataudi Trophy to England, which beat India 4-0 in the Test series.

Pataudi died in Delhi Thursday after battling a lung infection for about a month. He was 70.

IANS

View the original article here

Jeev 8th, Anirban 29th in Asia-Pacific Panasonic golf

Shiga Prefecture (Japan): Jeev Milkha Singh and Anirban Lahiri brought in the good news for the Indian contingent even as four others missed the midway cut in the Asia-Pacific Panasonic Open on Friday.

Jeev (69), a four-time winner in Japan, was lying tied eighth, while Anirban Lahiri (69), two-over after first round, added a two-under 69 to make the cut in tied 29th place.

The cut came at three-over as SSP Chowrasia (74-72) missed the cut by one. Manav Jaini (74-75) and Jyoti Randhawa (71-78) missed the cut by seven shots, while Shiv Kapur (77-74) missed it by 11. Sujjan Singh shot 77 and 76.

Jeev, after making up for his slow start on the first day said, "It was windy out there and it was difficult to judge the distance because of the wind but I want to thank my caddy (Janet) for doing a great job today. I hit the ball really well today and I`m glad I`ve managed to put myself in good position."

The six-time winner on Asian Tour and who finished fourth last week in Macau Open, added, "I look forward to the weekend as I can continue to work on my game and make it better. I think my driving was much better today as compared to yesterday. I`ll just stay patient and calm and try to manage myself well on the golf course out there over the weekend. I think that`s the key to winning."

Korea`s SK Ho battled his way back into contention by posting a bogey free five-under-par 66 to take the second round lead.

PTI

View the original article here

Two support races for maiden Indian Grand Prix

New Delhi: The Buddh International Circuit will host two support races -- the JK Asia Series and the Delhi Championship with MRF -- before the inaugural Formula One Indian Grand Prix on October 30.

The organisers released the race calender on Friday according to which the first practice session for the race will be held at 1000hrs on October 28 and the second at 1400hrs on the same day.

The third and final practice session will take place at 1100hrs on October 29, three hours before the crucial qualifying session.

The 60-lap race will start at 1500hrs on Sunday, the October 30.

The Delhi championship and the JK Asia series will have two races, one each on Saturday and Sunday.

"We are thrilled to be hosting the first ever F1 Grand Prix in India and intend to make this the most compelling race of the year. The excitement, about the race and the circuit, has built up considerably and our aim is to make this a complete and memorable experience for all our guests," Sameer Gaur, MD and CEO of JPSI said through a press release.

PTI

View the original article here

How Vettel can take the title in Singapore Grand Prix

Singapore: Sebastian Vettel will retain the Formula One drivers` world championship title this weekend if he finishes the Singapore Grand Prix with a lead of at least 125 points over the chasing pack.

To clinch his second title, Vettel must increase his lead over closest rival Fernando Alonso from 112 points to 125 and enlarge his 117-point lead over Jenson Button and Mark Webber to the same margin.

If Alonso finishes on the podium, in any position, or if Vettel is beaten by any of his rivals, the championship will not be won in Singapore.

He also has to keep his 126 points lead ahead of Lewis Hamilton, or at worst not let it slip by more than one point.

There are a number of scenarios in which the German driver can clinch his second title including if he wins and Alonso finishes outside the top three -- and both Button and Webber fail to grab second spot.

In the current standings, Vettel has 284 points (and has won eight races), Alonso has 172 (one win) while Button (two wins) and Webber (no wins) have 167. Hamilton (two wins) has 158 points.

The points system is: win - 25 points, second 18, third 15, fourth 12, fifth 10, sixth - eight, seventh - six, eighth - four, ninth - two and 10th one point.

After Singapore there are five races remaining.

Bureau Report

View the original article here

UK holds 1st Olympic safety exercises since riots

London: British authorities are holding their first major planning exercise for the 2012 London Olympics since riots in the capital last month forced police to reassess their security plans for the games.

The government`s emergency committee, known as COBRA, started a three-day exercise yesterday to simulate responses to potential crises during the Olympics, detective chief superintendent Alaric Bonthron of the Metropolitan Police said.

"We are going through the whole gamut from food poisoning to terrorism through to heat waves and rail disruption," he said in an interview.

"We have to understand how we manage the games in those situations. This is the first major one since the riots."

The unrest flared in early August after an initially peaceful protest in London over the fatal shooting of a man by police turned violent.

Thousands of rioters rampaged through London and other major cities, burning and looting shops and buildings as police struggled to contain the country`s worst unrest since the 1980s.

"We are still reviewing everything post-riots to make sure we have learned the lessons," Bonthron said.

London was already preparing a massive security operation for the Olympics, but most of the attention had been on the threat of international terrorism until the outbreak of spontaneous unrest, which led to thousands of arrests.

"We recognise we didn`t always get it right during the rioting," Bonthron said at an Olympics planning conference.

"We are reassessing plans in light of what happened during the riots to make sure the resources we have ... match the risk."

About 12,000 police officers will be on duty each day of the July 27-August 12 games, which have a security budget of 475 million pounds (USD 732 million).

The latest in a series of security exercises, which ends on Friday, allows the police, government and games organizers to test how their infrastructure could cope with an emergency during the Olympics.

"It`s a simulation where people go through and exercise and test communications, test what sort of responses we need, what sort of information flows we would need ... to make sure everyone understand their games-time roles," Bonthron said.

PTI

View the original article here

Below my dignity to react to Shoaib’s comment: Sachin

New Delhi: Retaliating to the comment made by Shoaib Akhtar, Sachin Tendulkar has stated, "it is below my dignity to react to Shoaib’s comment".

Shoaib, in his autobiography, “Controversially Yours”, had taken a dig at the master blaster stating that Sachin was scared to face him and he is not a born match winner. He has made many other such startling revelations in his book.

Akhtar goes onto say that he intimidated master blaster Tendulkar with his delivery during the Faisalabad Test.

"I bowled (Sachin) a particularly fast ball which he, to my amazement didn`t even touch. He walked away! That was the first time I saw him walk away from me that, too, on the slow track at Faisalabad," Akhtar wrote.

"I think players like Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid weren`t exactly match winners to start with, nor did they know the art of finishing the game."

Akhar in his book also singled out former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram saying that the left-arm pacer tried to destroy his career. He cited an example where Akram threatened to pull out of the team with half the side if Shoaib found a place in the team.

About his IPL experience Shoaib also slammed KKR owner and Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan and the then IPL chairman Lalit Modi alleging that they cheated on him. He said that they got him to agree to something which he still regrets.

Bureau Report

View the original article here

Oz golf legend Greg Norman offers counselling to troubled Tiger Woods

London: Aussie legend Greg Norman has revealed that he would love to offer counselling to troubled Tiger Woods, after insisting that he had helped Bill Clinton through his personal problems.

The 56-year-old ‘Great White Shark’, who is now on his third marriage after divorcing tennis star Chris Evert in 2009, believes that his experiences could help the American superstar.

“I’d love to talk to Tiger about it, guy to guy,” he said.

“The president of the United States [Bill Clinton], when he came to my house, wanted to talk to me guy to guy.”

“We all put our ­underpants on the same way, one leg at a time. So we sit down and have a chat until two o’clock in the morning,” he added.

Bureau Report

View the original article here

Ronaldinho, Neymar handed triple Brazil chance

Rio de Janeiro: Brazil coach Mano Menezes has handed Ronaldinho and highly-rated Neymar a triple chance to stamp their claims as the 2014 World Cup hosts prepare to face bitter rivals Argentina as well as Mexico and Costa Rica.

Brazil will tackle Argentina in Belem on September 28 after their first meeting in the continent`s Superclasico ended 0-0 last week.

Menezes has called-up players who ply their trade in South America for that game while for the friendlies with Costa Rica, on October 7, and Mexico, four days later; he was able to summon the cream of his European-based talent.

For the clash with Argentina, Porto Algre`s Leandro Damiao has been forced to pull out through a thigh injury.

Menezes will be without Robinho, Pato and Paulo Henrique Ganso for the matches with Costa Rica and Mexico while Porto striker Kleber gets a first-time call-up.

Neymar of Santos and Ronaldinho, now playing at Flamengo, have been selected for all three meetings.

Brazil squads for three friendly internationals -- against Argentina (Sept 28), Costa Rica (Oct 7) and Mexico (Oct 11):

v Argentina:

Goalkeepers: Jefferson (Botafogo), Rafael (Santos).

Defenders: Danilo (Santos), Mario Fernandes (Gremio), Bruno Cortes (Botafogo), Kleber (Internacional), Dede (Vasco), Rever (Atletico-MG), Emerson (Coritiba).

Midfielders: Ralf (Corinthians), Paulinho (Corinthians), Casemiro (Sao Paulo), Romulo (Vasco), Lucas (Sao Paulo), Oscar (Internacional), Diego Souza (Vasco), Elkeson (Botafogo).

Attackers: Ronaldinho (Flamengo), Neymar (Santos), Fred (Fluminense), Borges (Santos).

v Costa Rica and Mexico:

Goalkeepers: Julio Cesar (Inter Milan/ITA), Jefferson (Botafogo), Neto (Fiorentina/ITA).

Defenders: Daniel Alves (Barcelona/ESP), Fabio (Manchester United/ENG), Marcelo (Real Madrid/ESP), Adriano (Barcelona/ESP), Rever (Atlético-MG), Thiago Silva (AC Milan/ITA), David Luiz (Chelsea/ENG), Dede (Vasco).

Midfielder: Lucas Leiva (Liverpool/ENG), Fernandinho (Shakhtar Donetsk/UKR), Sandro (Tottenham/ENG), Luiz Gustavo (Bayern Munich/GER), Lucas (Sao Paulo), Elias (Sporting Lisbon/POR), Oscar (Internacional), Hernanes (Lazio/ITA).

Attackers: Ronaldinho (Flamengo), Hulk (Porto/POR), Jonas (Valencia/ESP), Neymar (Santos), Kleber (Porto), Fred (Fluminense).

Bureau Report

View the original article here

Tiger may quit if form slump goes on: Gallacher

London: Former European Ryder Cup captain Bernard Gallacher has questioned Tiger Woods`s golfing desire and believes the 14-times major winner could quit unless he quickly reverses his alarming slide down the rankings.

Woods is without a victory for almost two years and has slumped from first to 49th in the world in just 10 months while trying to rebuild his golf swing and private life following the break-up of his marriage.

The 35-year-old American failed to qualify for the PGA Tour`s money-spinning FedExCup playoffs and is not due to compete again until next month`s Frys.com Open in California, a U.S. Fall Series tournament.

"I can see a possibility of Tiger packing it in," Gallacher told Reuters in an interview. "I can see him getting to the point where he is fed up.

"If he doesn`t feel like he can win majors any more then he might just pack it in and concentrate on his foundation and try to redeem himself to the public by doing good work for his foundation.

"If he is outside the top 50 and doesn`t qualify for World Golf Championship (WGC) events and the FedExCup he might say, `I`m hitting my head up against the wall and might not bother`," added Gallacher.

The 62-year-old Scot, who was Ryder Cup captain in 1991, 1993 and 1995, said Woods was "not competing properly" any more.

"He is going into majors and WGC events without having played for two or three weeks leading up to them, thereby not getting into the competitive swing, and before he knows it he has missed the cut," said Gallacher.

"Now he`s playing in tournaments he doesn`t really want to play in. He`s going to play in the Fall Series in order to try and find his game," said ambassador Gallacher ahead of next week`s Nespresso Trophy amateur event at Archerfield Links in Scotland.

"Whether he`s got the desire any more, I don`t know."

Gallacher, a tough Ryder Cup competitor in his playing days who also won 10 European Tour titles, doubts that Woods can break Jack Nicklaus`s record of 18 major victories.

"I`ve got huge respect for Jack and he thinks Tiger will come back (to form) and has a good chance of beating his record," said the Scot. "Frankly I think it`s 30-70 against him getting back to the level he was at.”

"With all the distractions and problems he`s had from his personal life, and also from not competing as much, the landscape has changed. There are a lot of young players around now so I would say it`s doubtful he can reach those levels again."

Gallacher said the slide in Woods`s game was particularly evident on and around the greens.

"He is more wild off the tee but crucially he`s not holing the putts he used to," he explained. "That`s the important thing.

"You reach an age in golf where you don`t hole everything all the time. The other reason Tiger used to be different from everyone else, apart from the fact he was good up to the greens, was that he was fantastic around the greens.

"If he missed the greens he would definitely get up and down or he could hole a crucial putt at the right time. He is not as good around the greens now."

Bureau Report

View the original article here

Kambli hits out at Shoaib Akhtar over Sachin claim

Mumbai: Former India cricketer Vinod Kambli on Friday lashed out at retired Pakistani pacer Shoaib Akhtar for claiming that iconic Indian batsman and his long time buddy Sachin Tendulkar was afraid of his bowling.

"Sachin was never scared of Shoaib or anyone. The way he plays his cricket and has scored the highest runs (in Tests and ODIs)...No one is close to him and no one can speak about him like that," Kambli told reporters here after announcing his retirement from first-class cricket.

In a lighter vein, the left-hander, who shared a world-record 664-run partnership with Tendulkar in school- level cricket in 1980s, said, "He feared only my bowling."

Akhtar has claimed in his recently released biography, `Controversially Yours`, that Tendulkar was afraid of facing him.

Kambli also refuted allegations that he had accused Tendulkar of not helping him in times of need, while taking part in TV reality show `Sach ka Saamna` two years back.

"We have a very good friendship since 25 years."

The 39-year-old, who represented India in 17 Tests scoring 1,084 runs at an average of 54.20 besides 2,477 runs in 104 ODIs, said though he wanted to play alongside Tendulkar for one last time and also in the Indian Premier League (IPL), but that could not happen.

"Till the last year, I was raring to go. My fans wanted me to play even in the IPL. If Sachin is fit at this age, why can`t I be?

"I served Mumbai (cricket) for long, but the selectors ignored me. I`m disappointed," he said, getting emotional.

"I performed well in Test cricket but unfortunately I didn't have a long career. I was the fastest to score 1,000 runs (in Tests for India). I thank the BCCI, Mumbai cricket for whatever they have given me," Kambli maintained.

Kambli said his tears during India's loss in the 1996 World Cup semi-final against Sri Lanka at the Eden Gardens, Kolkata were real and he had cried for the nation.

"The emotions that came out during the 1996 World Cup were true. I cried for the nation. I thought seriously that we had the talent to win that World Cup. We were in a strong position and then we faltered."

Kambli, who has also played first-class cricket for South African team Boland, said he had informed about his decision to retire to Tendulkar, along with his coaches and family member, and he has wished him well.

He said he wished to take up coaching and produce good cricketers.

Kambli has scored 9,964 runs, including 35 centuries, from 129 first-class matches with an average of 59.67.

PTI

View the original article here

Tired Federer to skip Shanghai Masters

London: World number three Roger Federer has pulled out of next month`s Shanghai Masters to rest and recover after a gruelling summer, the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) said on Friday.

"After consultation with my team, I`ve unfortunately decided to pull out of the Shanghai Masters in order to take some necessary time to rest and recuperate after a long summer," the Swiss maestro was quoted as saying on the ATP website (www.atpworldtour.com).

"I have some nagging injuries that I need to address and I look forward to returning to the ATP World Tour as soon as possible."

The 16-times grand slam champion suffered a five-set loss to U.S. Open champion Novak Djokovic in the semi-finals at Flushing Meadows before arriving in Australia to aid Switzerland`s return to the Davis Cup World Group.

"I have very fond memories of Shanghai so I will miss this amazing tournament and all my loyal Chinese fans, but I look forward to returning to China next fall," said Federer.

Bureau Report

View the original article here

Australia`s `Thorpedo` targets return at Singapore

Singapore: Five-time Olympic gold medallist Ian Thorpe will swim his first international meeting in five years when he returns to the pool at the World Cup in Singapore in November, Swimming Australia said on Friday.

Thorpe, who announced his comeback in February after retiring in 2006, will compete in all three Asian legs of the World Cup series, in Singapore (Nov. 4-5), Beijing (Nov. 8-9) and Tokyo (Nov. 12-13) as he ramps up his campaign to qualify for next year`s London Olympics.

"I`m excited about being part of an Australian swim team again after all these years," the 28-year-old said in a statement.

"The reality for me is I`m now at the next stage of my preparation and getting ready to race competitively, and I`m really looking forward to catching up with everyone in Singapore."

Thorpe, set to target the relays and the 100 and 200 metres freestyle at the Olympics, would also be joined in Singapore by fellow comeback kid and multiple Olympic champion Libby Trickett, Swimming Australia (SA) said.

Trickett, who won a gold at the 2004 Athens Olympics and two more at Beijing in 2008, came out of a short retirement in September last year but missed out on a place in Australia`s 4x100m freestyle relay team for the Shanghai world championships.

"These meets will provide them with their first opportunity to race internationally and officially start their race preparation for next year`s Australian Championships and Olympic selection trials in Adelaide," said SA head coach Leigh Nugent.

"I know both athletes have been working hard since making their intentions clear about returning to the competition pool."

Bureau Report

View the original article here

I`ve a few names in mind for Australia coach`s post: Watson

Chennai: Dashing opener Shane Watson has a few candidates in mind for the vacant Australia coach`s post even as the nation`s Cricket Board (CA) is desperately searching for a suitable candidate for the job following Tim Nielsen`s sudden resignation.

CA is scrambling to find a replacement for Nielsen before Australia leave for South Africa tour in less than three weeks time.

Senior batsman Watson, however, said that he knows a few people who can take up the challenge but refrained from disclosing their names.

"I got a few people in mind who I think will do a brilliant job and have got exactly what the team needs but I am not going to single out any individual because I`ll get myself in trouble," he said.

"I can`t really say exact names but there`s no doubt that there is a big opportunity in Australian cricket at the moment...it is an exciting phase.

"Obviously, we haven`t had the greatest couple of years, especially in Test cricket but if we get the perfect person for the job, we can turnaround things," added Watson, who is here to play in the Champions League Twenty20.

The Australia vice-captain, who will represent NSW against Cape Cobras in the Twenty20 event tomorrow, said although he didn`t have a successful Test series in Sri Lanka recently, especially with the bat, it would have little bearing on his performance in this tournament.

"I`ve played a lot in the subcontinent, especially in India and had quite a bit of success here. I`ve played in Chennai as well and (had) some good performances here," Watson insisted.

"This is my first T20 game for NSW and I am excited. I`ve watched the Champions League for the last few years. Hopefully, we can have a very successful campaign."

The all-rounder was also confident that NSW, who has fielded a relatively young and inexperienced team in the tournament, would do a great job in the event.

"We`re very lucky to have a lot of young talents coming through as well as some experienced guys like Stuart Clarke, Simon Katich and myself. I think its a brilliant mix," Watson said.

"NSW continue to produce outstanding young players and some of these young guys like Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Pat Cummins, Phil Hughes and David Warner are very, very talented," he added.

PTI

View the original article here

PCB distances itself from Akhtar`s controversial book

Lahore: The PCB has distanced itself from Pakistan cricket`s enfant terrible Shoaib Akhtar, who hit the headlines on Friday for his controversial autobiography, saying the retired pacer was no longer associated with the board and was free to do whatever he wants.

In his autobiography, "Controversially Yours", which was released in New Delhi today, apart from slamming the PCB, Akhtar has also questioned the abilities of two of cricket`s greatest batsmen -- Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid.

Even though the PCB preferred to stay clear of the controversy, it said that being a former Pakistan cricketer Akhtar should atleast "behave rationally".

"Shoaib (Akhtar) is a retired player so we have no say on what he does. We have not seen or read the book as yet so we don`t know what the real facts are," PCB chief operating officer said Subhan Ahmad.

"But obviously, some of the things he said today are a bit surprising but the fact also is that Shoaib is no longer employed by the board and is free to do whatever he wants. But having played for the country we would except him to behave rationally," he added.

In his autobiography, Akhtar had claimed that Tendulkar and Dravid, who have scored 56,000 runs between them in Tests and ODIs, don`t know "the art of finishing the game".

He also criticised the PCB in the book and held the board responsible for all the ills in Pakistan cricket.

In the book, Akhtar has also insisted that action should be taken against PCB for ignoring the match-fixing scandal.

"He has a right to his opinion but if we find anything slanderous in the book about the board we will decide our future course of action," the PCB official said.

"As far as the fixing controversy is concerned I think our actions speak for themselves. As far as the ball tampering issue is concerned the board for the last few years had already taken stringent measures to deal with this problem in domestic cricket," Ahmad said.

The PCB official said every player had a right to write his autobiography but hoped it would not damage the image of Pakistan cricket.

Akhtar had announced his retirement from international cricket during the this year`s ICC World Cup.

PTI

View the original article here

Joint leader Himmat close to maiden win at ISPS Handa Classic

Singapore: Indian golfer Himmat Rai sparkled with a bogey-free four-under 66 amid blustery conditions to keep a share of the lead and inch closer to his maiden Asian Tour title after the third round of the ISPS Handa Singapore Classic on Saturday.

The 24-year-old Indian, widely tipped as one of the promising stars on the circuit, braved the winds which were so strong on the 18th that players even felt that play could have been stopped or called off.

Himmat, has had rounds of 68, 66 and 66 to total 10-under 200. He has been bogey-free for the last 30 holes now and is tied for lead with Adilson Da Silva of Brazil (65).

The duo was two clear of last year`s runner-up Jbe Kruger (65) and Finland`s Kalle Samooja, who held a share of the lead with Rai after two rounds.

Experienced Thaworn Wiratchant, looking for his 13th Asian Tour win, shot an even-par 70 and dropped to tied sixth at six-under 204.

Of the other Indians who have made the cut, Anirban Lahiri (70), Abhishek Jha (67) and Vinod Kumar (67) were all tied 30th at one-under 209, while Sujjan Singh (70) and Ashok Kumar (70) were tied at 50th at one-over and Mandeo Pathania (73) was four-over 214 in tied 63rd place.

Himmat at nine-under was two behind Da Silva at the 17th tee.

But the young Indian birdied the 17th and moved to 10-under, and then on 18th, the Brazilian playing one group ahead, bogeyed the 18th to fall to 10-under.

Himmat stared at a 20-footer for par to stay in lead and he sank that putt to ensure he was right up there.

After Da Silva dropped a bogey on the challenging 501-yard 18th hole where the players were struggling to reach the green, Rai, chasing a first Asian Tour victory, drained a 20-footer par save to ensure he stayed level with the experienced Brazilian.

"It was tremendous. As a professional golfer, you must know every shot counts out here. I was mentally prepared for that putt," said Rai, who fired birdies on the second, ninth, 11th and 17th holes.

His best finish on Tour was in 2009 at the Iskandar Johor Open in Malaysia where he also led into the last day and the young Indian hopes to learn from that experience.

"I`m confident what I can control which is my routine. Experience is really important. I`ve got some experience on the Asian Tour playing with the lead. It will definitely help me and I will make a good effort to stick to my processes," said Rai, who is currently 67th on the Order of Merit with one top-10.

Da Silva produced a superb third round five-under 65. The 39-year-old Da Silva, a nine-time winner in South Africa including last weekend, was magnificent at the Orchid Country Club, shooting seven birdies against two bogeys.

Da Silva`s show included a monster birdie putt off the 14th green to give himself a chance of winning a title in his Asian Tour debut season.

South African Jbe Kruger, runner-up here last year and the highest ranked player in the field, charged into contention at the USD 300,000 Asian Tour event with a 65, highlighted by an inward 29 to lie two back alongside Finnish rookie Kalle Samooja, who carded a 68.

A 67 pushed young Korean Baek Seuk-hyun into fifth place on 203 while veteran Thai Thaworn Wiratchant struggled in the winds for an even par 70 to lie a further shot back with South Africa`s Tjaart van der Walt and Englishman Miles Tunnicliff.

The final round tee times have been brought forward on Sunday morning, with the leaders starting at 9.20am due to an expected evening thunderstorm.

Kruger, with three top-10s this year, has been knocking on the door for a first title in Asia and five birdies on his back nine put him in prime position. But he knows Rai and Da Silva will be dangerous on Sunday.

PTI

First Published: Saturday, September 10, 2011, 15:16

Thank for your comment. Your comment will be seen by our moderator..!

View the original article here

Shoe problem for India ahead of the final against Pakistan

Ordos (China): The India hockey team is facing an acute shortage of shoes ahead of the summit clash against Pakistan in the Asian Champions Trophy on Sunday as most of the players have only one pair of shoes for warm-up sessions as well as for matches.

Manjit Kullu, the left half back in the Indian team, has been playing with warm-up shoes in the tournament after his only pair of hockey turf shoes had split into two.

Playing with warm-up shoes is akin to running on ice wearing normal shoes and Manjit is lucky that he has not injured himself till now.

The other Indian player who is without turf shoes is Harpreet Singh. The turf is slippery here at Ordos and both the players are at constant risk of slipping, which can cause serious injury to them.

Both Manjit and Harpreet have just made it to the senior national team and it is difficult for them to afford shoes as a good pair costs around Rs 5,000 to Rs 7,000.

Sources in the team say that the pair provided by the Sports Authority of India are not of good quality and so they don`t last long. On an average, a player uses 3-4 pairs every year.

PTI

First Published: Saturday, September 10, 2011, 14:52

Thank for your comment. Your comment will be seen by our moderator..!

View the original article here

Indians win three more medals in Asian Junior Weightlifting

New Delhi: India added three more medals with Vikas Thakur winning a silver and two bronze in men`s 77kg category on the second day of Asian Junior Weightlifting Championships at Pattaya, Thailand on Saturday.

Vikas won a silver in snatch with a effort of 133kg while he had to settle for a bronze each in clean and jerk (151kg) and total lift (284kg).

Somboon Suchat of Thailand ran away with three gold with efforts of 135kg, 170kg and 305kg in snatch, clean and jerk and total lift respectively.

With Saturday`s three medals, India`s tally in Asian Junior Weightlifting Championships has swelled to seven with one silver and six bronze.

India had won four bronze medals on the opening day on Friday with Sanjita Chanu winning three in women`s 48kg and Yukar Sibi bagging another in men`s 62kg.

India are being represented by 15 lifters, including seven women, in the Asian Junior Weightlifting Championships.

It had won nine silver medals in the Asian Youth Weightlifting Championship which preceded the junior event.

PTI

First Published: Saturday, September 10, 2011, 18:14

Thank for your comment. Your comment will be seen by our moderator..!

View the original article here