West Indies struggling in final Test warm-up

cocktail of poor weather and poor form hit the West Indies' preparations for next week's first Test against England as the tourists finished the rain-hit opening day of their four-day match against England Lions on 76-4.

Chris Woakes did the damage, the Warwickshire seamer bolstering his burgeoning reputation with a return of 4-26 as the West Indies struggled to cope in conditions that gave the bowler every encouragement.

Just 3.1 overs had been possible in the morning session but that was enough time for Woakes to have Lendl Simmons caught behind trying to drive off the front foot.

Fellow opener Devon Smith went in similar fashion and Woakes went on to capture the wickets of stand-in captain Denesh Ramdin and the experienced Ramnaresh Sarwan.

The tourists had made four changes to their line-up following their rain-affected match against Essex earlier in the week.

Seamer Andrew Richardson, Narsingh Deonarine, Lionel Baker and Dale Richards dropped out.

They were replaced by Sarwan, Ramdin and left-arm spinner Sulieman Benn, while seamer Jerome Taylor was brought in for his first match of the tour after arriving from the Caribbean on Monday.

Soruce:http://www.cricbuzz.com/component/latest_cricket_news/

Tendulkar is the best: Warne

Never short of praise for Sachin Tendulkar, legendary Australian spinner Shane Warne says the Indian maestro is the best batsman he has played against for the way he handles expectations of a billion people and bad umpiring decisions.

Warne, who had named Tendulkar as the numero uno batsman of his era in his book 'Shane Warne's Century', said it was hard to pick between the Mumbai maestro and West Indian Brian Lara, and it was the overall conduct of the Indian which was the deciding factor.

"Over the years there have been a lot of wonderful batsmen, so it is pretty hard to pick between Brian Lara and Sachin Tendulkar," Warne said.

"But I think given the way Sachin handles everything and the expectations that he carries every single time that he walks out to bat, and the way he handles bad decisions and the way he just carries himself."

"I would have to say Sachin Tendulkar was the best batsman that I have played with in my 20 years of playing international cricket," he said at a function here.

Flanked by Graeme Smith and some other Rajasthan Royals players, Warne also spoke about his South African 'bunny'. "My biggest bunny, I suppose, would have to be Darryl Cullinan (South African). I was once asked who I would like to bowl to for a living. I said I would be a very rich man if I was to bowl to Cullinan," he said.

© PTI

Nadal breezes into third round of Rome Masters

ROME: World number one Rafael Nadal coasted into the third round of the Rome clay court Masters on Wednesday after breezing past home favourite Andreas Seppi 6-2, 6-3.

The Spanish top seed spent just 1hr 19min on court as he continued his unbeaten run on clay this season.

The victory over his world number 37 ranked opponent went some way to erasing memories from last year when Nadal fell at this stage as he lost 7-5, 6-1 to countryman and former world number one Juan Carlos Ferrero, although he was carrying a foot injury at the time.

That was his only defeat on clay last season, his only defeat in this tournament - which he won from 2005-07 - and one of only two defeats on clay in the last four seasons. The other was to Roger Federer in the Hamburg final in 2007.

He has lost only four times on clay over the last five seasons compiling an incredible 143-4 record with 23 titles on the surface during that period.

He was barely troubled in the first set and while Seppi hung in doggedly in the second, Nadal needed only a single break to seal it.

He got that courtesy of a delicate drop shot on break point in the eighth game and he followed that up at the start of the final game with a sublime backhand cross-court pass on the run and stretch after a Seppi drop shot that had looked good enough to win the point.

Thereafter Nadal easily served out the match.

He now has a 34-3 record for the season including 12-0 on clay and a 26 match unbeaten run on the dirt since that Ferrero encounter here last year.

He is looking for his fifth title of the year and third in Masters Series events. He currently sits joint second in the list of Masters tournament winners with Federer on 14, three behind Andre Agassi.

Source:TOI

Brasa likely to join Indian team for Asia Cup

BANGALORE: Spanish super coach Jose Brasa is likely to join the Indian hockey team for the Asia Cup in Kuantan, Malaysia next month. Brasa, who had to endure a longish period of negotiations with the central government, will take over as the national coach once the work visa is issued to him.

"Brasa's work permit has to be issued by the external affairs ministry," the sources said. "He has agreed to all terms and conditions and we are keen that he joins the team for the May 9-16 Asia Cup."

SOURCE:TOI

Djokovic beats Montanes at Rome Masters

ROME: Novak Djokovic overcame a lapse midway through the first set and started off the defense of his Rome Masters title by beating Albert Montanes 7 -6 (5), 6-0.

Djokovic, who needs to win the clay-court tournament again to hold on to the No. 3 ranking, wasted a 5-2 lead and was broken while serving for the first set at 5-3. After missing three straight forehands to fall behind 4-2 in the tiebreaker, the Serb slammed his racket onto the clay.

After the outburst, Djokovic regained his focus and won four straight points to take control of the tiebreaker, then cruised through the second set in 25 minutes.

Earlier this month, Djokovic lost to top-ranked Rafael Nadal in the final of another important clay-court tournament, the Monte Carlo Masters, where he was the only player to take a set from the Spaniard.

After Monte Carlo, Djokovic began working with Thomas Muster's old physical trainer, Gebhard Phil-Gritsch.

Before his match, Djokovic put on an impression of Italian entertainer Fiorello, walking onto the court with a gray wig. The match started late due to several rain delays at the Foro Italico and finished early Wednesday morning.

Earlier, Tommy Robredo rallied to beat two-time Grand Slam champion Marat Safin 2-6, 7-6 (5), 6-2 in the first round.

Safin was broken when he served for the match at 5-4 in the second set and the Russian didn't even bother to move when the 13th-seeded Robredo hit a returnable serve to close the match out.

"At the end of the third set, I knew that if I was tough mentally I could beat him," Robredo said. 'It was a great comeback."

The start of the match was delayed for nearly two hours by rain, then was interrupted a further 2 hours with Safin ahead 4-2 in the first set.

The 20th-ranked Safin dictated play at the start with his powerful groundstrokes, but began to make more mistakes as the match wore on, finishing with 39 unforced errors to Robredo's 38.

Safin led 36-27 in winners but the former top-ranked player has still not advanced past the third round this year.

Both players slipped and fell on occasion due to the slippery conditions.

"The shoes would pick up so much clay that it was like ice skating," Robredo said. "There was no grip at all."

Robredo leads the tour with 17 wins on clay this year. He won clay-court titles in February in Costa do Sauipe, Brazil, and Buenos Aires, Argentina, and is coming off a quarterfinal appearance in Barcelona, Spain.

Robredo will next face Philipp Kohlschreiber of Germany, who also came back from a set down, eliminating Simone Bolelli of Italy 4-6, 6-1, 6-0.

Andreas Seppi of Italy eliminated Sam Querrey of the United States 3-6, 6-4, 6-3, while 28th-ranked Mardy Fish, the last American in the draw, defeated Igor Andreev of Russia 6-3, 4-6, 7-6 (2).

Andy Roddick is taking a break from the tour after getting married, and 14th-seeded James Blake was eliminated in straight sets by Romanian qualifier Victor Crivoi on Monday.

Seppi will next face three-time Rome champion Nadal, while Fish will play sixth-seeded Fernando Verdasco.

Two matches on outer courts were suspended due to darkness. Florent Serra of France led 16th-seeded Radek Stepanek 6-5 in the first set and Paul-Henri Mathieu of France led 11th-seeded David Ferrer 6-3, 0-1.

Andy Murray's match against Argentine qualifier Juan Monaco was postponed until Wednesday.

The Rome Masters is a key clay-court warmup for the French Open, which starts May 25.
sOURCE:TOI

Collingwood wants Twenty20 captaincy

LONDON (Reuters) - Paul Collingwood wants to captain England at this year's Twenty20 World Cup even though he is not considered good enough for a starting place in his Indian Premier League (IPL) team.

Collingwood is favourite to lead hosts England after test and one-day skipper Andrew Strauss was left out of the squad for the June 5-21 tournament.

"Yes, I am interested. It would be an exciting challenge to lead England in a tournament on home soil," he wrote in the Daily Telegraph on Tuesday.

"But I am still waiting to hear, just like the other players. The squad is due to be announced on Friday, so I am sure everything will be tied up by then."

The second edition of the lucrative IPL was switched to South Africa due to security concerns and logistical issues surrounding the ongoing Indian general elections and Collingwood has mixed emotions over his team's performance so far.

"I have enough to think about out here in South Africa. The good news is that my fellow Delhi Daredevils have given us a 100 percent record in the Indian Premier League after three games.

"The bad news is that I've not been in the starting XI yet, and only an injury to one of the four first-choice overseas players is likely to change that.

"AB de Villiers and Tillakeratne Dilshan are both among the leading run-scorers, while the bowlers, Daniel Vettori and Dirk Nannes, have been on the money too."

England have struggled in the one day game for many years and despite inventing the Twenty20 format, have quickly fallen behind in that area too.

Having Collingwood and England team mates such as former captain Kevin Pietersen playing in the IPL should, in theory, improve their understanding of the game ahead of the World Cup.

"Twenty20 may seem like a frantic game but I have yet to see anyone in the Daredevils lose their composure, even when a couple of early wickets have gone down," Collingwood said.

"It's so important not to panic. The same point was proven by Ravi Bopara when he scored a match-winning 84 for Punjab Kings XI on Friday.

"I think he is only just beginning to discover what he is capable of as a batsman.

"He stayed calm and timed his surge very well. That sort of experience is invaluable because it teaches you what sort of target you are capable of chasing -- and often it is higher than you realised."

Source:http://www.cricbuzz.com/component/latest_cricket_news/Story/13474/collingwood-wants-twenty20-captaincy/

Sandeep to lead 18-man squad in Asia Cup

NEW DELHI: Sandeep Singh will lead a 18-man squad as India defend their Asia Cup hockey title in Kuantan, Malaysia, from May 9.


There were four changes to the side that won the Azlan Shah Cup earlier this month. Ignace Tirkey, Sarwanjit Singh, Bharat Chhikara and Shivendra Singh have been replaced by V Raghunath, Vikram Pillay, Rajpal Singh and Hari Prasad. Shivendra, who has been recovering from a shoulder injury, has been put on the stand-by list.

India will attempt to lift the Asia Cup title for the third time after having won it in 2003 (Kuala Lumpur) and 2007 (Chennai).

The winner of the Asia Cup will get an automatic entry to the 2010 World Cup in New Delhi.

Squad:

Goalkeepers: Baljit Singh, Adrian D'Souza

Full Backs: Sandeep Singh (captain), Dilip Tirkey, V.Raghunath

Midfielders: Gurbaj Singh, Sardar Singh, Ajitesh Roy, Vikram Pillay, Prabodh Tirkey, V.S.Vinaya

Forwards: Tushar Khandker, Rajpal Singh, Prabhjot Singh, S.V.Sunil, Arjun Halappa, Hari Prasad, Gurvinder Singh Chandi

Standbyes: P.R.Sreejesh, Sarwanjit Singh, Bharat Chhikara, Shivendra Singh

PooL A: South Korea, Japan, Malaysia and Sri Lanka

POOL B: India, Pakistan, China, Bangladesh

Fixture (India's matches):

May 9: India vs. Bangladesh; May 10: India vs. Pakistan; May 12: India vs. China; May 14: semi-finals; May 16: Final

Source:http://sports.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Sandeep-to-lead-18-man-squad-in-Asia-Cup/articleshow/4448787.cms

Jeev rises to 36, Randhawa slips to 113 in golf rankings

NEW DELHI: Jeev Milkha Singh rose a place to 36th in the latest golf rankings but missing the cut in the Ballantine's Championship cost Jyoti Randhawa three places as the lanky pro slipped to 113rd.

Randhawa missed the cut at the Ballantine Championship, co-sanctioned by European and Asian Tours, with a below-par two-day total of 149 to slip from his previous week's 110th place.

However, Jeev, who took a break last week after missing the cut in Verizon Heritage on the PGA Tour, moved one placed up the ladder.

Among other Indians, Arjun Atwal is placed 244th, while SSP Chowrasia is ranked 358 in the official ranking.

Source:http://sports.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Jeev-rises-Randhawa-slips-in-rankings-/articleshow/4454830.cms

Bolt thinks he can lower 100m record to 9.4 seconds

BOSTON: Jamaican Usain Bolt has his sights set on smashing his already electrifying 100 metres world record, the triple Olympic champion said on Sunday.

"I think I could definitely go faster, 9.5," Bolt, whose record is 9.69 seconds, said.

"I think I could go 9.4, but I think the world stops at 9.4."

For 2009, Bolt, who broke the 100 and 200 metres world records and helped Jamaica to the 4x100 metres relay record at the Beijing Olympics last year, hopes to win similar titles at the world championships in Berlin in August.

But his ambitions do not stop there.

"I want to be a legend in sports," the 22-year-old told reporters earlier at a news conference.

"I want to just keep the level of competition high ... so when I face the media every year, they will say Usain was the only guy to, ever, every season be on top -- that's my aim."

He brushed aside recent comments from British sprinter Dwain Chambers that he could be Bolt's key challenger in Berlin.

"As soon as you start focusing on one person, then you start losing," said Bolt.

"If I focus on beating Asafa (Powell), what about Tyson Gay?

"The only thing I have fear of is getting injured. I don't fear people."

The sprinter's traditionally fearless approach to his diet, however, has been curtailed by coach Glen Mills.

The pre-race chicken nuggets he downed in Beijing will take a back seat to more wholesome fare such as pasta and potatoes, Bolt said.

"I'm an only child of my mom," Bolt said with a sheepish grin. "If I don't have to worry about something, I don't."

Source:http://sports.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/

Irfan powers Kings XI win over Royals

Cape Town, April 26: All-rounder Irfan Pathan struck a valuable 39 and then picked up two crucial wickets to fashion Kings XI Punjab’s convincing 27-run victory over Rajasthan Royals in the Indian Premier League match here today.

Riding on a 51-ball 60 by Kumar Sangakkara and an equally important 33-ball 39 by Irfan, Kings XI Punjab first posted a modest 139 for six after electing to bat first and then restricted the Rajasthan Royals at 112 for seven in the stipulated 20 overs.

Chasing 140 to win, Rajasthan Royals lost half their side within seven overs for 36 runs, thanks to a disciplined piece of bowling by pacers, Irfan (2/26) and Yusuf Abdulla (3/21) and leg-spinner Piyush Chawla (2/22).

Irfan started the proceeding, striking twice in his very first over, removing openers — Swapnil Asnodkar (3) and Graeme Smith (2) — to leave the Rajasthan Royal struggling at nine for two in two overs.

Abdulla then followed Irfan’s footsteps and dealt two more severe blows when he had Rob Quiney (7) and Dimitry Mascarenhas (4) back into the pavillion in his second over.
New man Yusuf Pathan (10) tried to break the shackles and hammered two fours in the fourth and sixth bowl off Irfan’s second over. But he too perished at short fine leg off Piyush Chawla in the 6.4 over.

Double finish for Force India in Bahrain Grand Prix

Sakhir, April 26: Force India today achieved its modest target of a double finish in the Bahrain Grand Prix with Giancarlo Fisichella bringing home his car in 15th position, followed by teammate Adrian Sutil.

Starting 17th on the grid, Fisichella gained four places from his starting position on the first lap and had graduated to 12th by his first pit stop on lap 15.
The Italian then moved up to 10th and by the midpoint of the race was racing with Renault and McLaren cars.

The Italian, however, had increasing discomfort in the closing stages of the race with his seat and he finished the race 15th.

Sutil had a strong race from 19th on the grid and the German was 11th by his late first stop, thanks to an aggressive strategy.

Australia will not travel to India for Davis Cup tie

MELBOURNE: Australia will not send its Davis Cup team to India for next month's tie because of security concerns, Tennis Australia (TA) said on Satur day, knowing the country could now face a year-long ban and substantial fine.

Australia can't justify Davis Cup pull out: Gill

TA had appealed the International Tennis Federation's (ITF) decision to keep the May 8-10 Asia/Oceania group I tie in Chennai, citing security concerns.

The ITF on Friday, however, rejected the appeal and upheld the decision of the Davis Cup committee to keep the tie in the southern Indian city, which is considered by Indian authorities to be a safe destination.

The ITF had based its original decision to keep the tie in India after a review by its security consultants.

"The ITF decision has left us with no other option," Tennis Australia president Geoff Pollard said in a statement.

"We cannot send the team. It is extremely disappointing.

"It would be irresponsible of us to send our players into an area of such high risk. Davis Cup is very important to us but some things are more important than tennis."

Security in the sub-continent has been called into question following the ambush of the Sri Lanka cricket team's bus in Lahore, Pakistan, last month.

The incident triggered concern that sport could become a target for more attacks in south Asia. India also remains nervous after Islamist militants killed more than 150 people in a three-day attack in Mumbai in November.

The Indian cricket board moved the Indian Premier League (IPL) Twenty20 league to South Africa after the government said providing security would be a problem due to clash of dates with the general election.

Davis Cup captain John Fitzgerald said he was angry with the ITF's decision and pointed to events surrounding the election that suggested security forces were being stretched.

"It is just irresponsible. Surely some thought must be given to the players' safety," Fitzgerald said.

"I believe they say the election is not a cause for concern, the IPL moving is not relevant and that an ATP tournament held in January shows it is safe to play in Chennai.

"So what about the fact that dozens of people are being killed along the campaign trail of the election? A train was hijacked this week, but that does not alter their thoughts? Did the IPL move for no reason?

"This decision makes no sense. We have worked so hard to get back in to World Group contention, to have it snatched away like this is gut wrenching."

Under Davis Cup rules, TA now could be banned from the competition for 12 months and face a substantial fine.

Three weeks ago the ITF banned the city of Malmo from hosting future Davis Cup ties for five years and fined Swedish tennis officials $25,000 after the host nation decided to stage the World Group tie against Israel behind closed doors.

Soruce:http://sports.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/4447027.cms

Davis Cup completely safe in India: Chidambaram

NEW DELHI: Union Home Minister P Chidambaram on Saturday assured that the Davis Cup tie between Australia and India in Chennai will be "completely safe" while also promising a fool-proof security for the May 8-10 event.

Australia will not travel to India for Davis Cup tie
Australia can't justify Davis Cup pull out: Gill
No comparison between IPL and Davis Cup: Cricket board

Reacting to Australia's withdrawal from the Asia-Oceania Group I tie, citing security concerns and describing India as "area of high risk", the Home Ministry issued a statement, making it clear that Davis Cup was a small affair to be safely conducted in India during election time.

"Davis Cup is one match, one visiting team, one venue, one small stadium, three days. India and the event are completely safe. Fool-proof security can and will be provided," a Home Ministry release quoted Chidambaram as saying.

Australian Davis Cup captain John Fitzgerald denounced the ITF decision to reject Tennis Australia's plea to shift the match and go ahead with it in India, pointing out the Indian Premier League Twenty20 cricket tournament was not moved to South Africa for no reason.

"It is just irresponsible. Surely some thought must be given to the players' safety. I believe they (ITF) say the election is not a cause for concern, the IPL moving is not relevant and that an ATP tournament held in January shows it is safe to play in Chennai... Did the IPL move for no reason? This decision makes no sense," Fitzgerald said in a statement.

Tennis Australia President Geoff Pollard said in a statement "We asked for the tie to be moved because we have major security concerns for the players, particularly during the (Indian) election. It would be irresponsible of us to send our players into an area of such high risk."

Source:http://sports.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Davis-Cup-safe-in-India-Home-Minister/articleshow/4448401.cms

Yuki enters semi-finals of BHEL Futures ITF

NEW DELHI: Yuki Bhambri came up with his best performance in an International Tennis Federation (ITF) event on Thursday, entering the $15,000 BHEL Futures semi-finals, at the DLTA complex.

The 16-year-old Indian wildcard, who never crossed the quarter-finals stage, overcame an indifferent start to get the measure of 24-year-old Rohan Gajjar, 6-4, 6-4, in their first meeting.

Both players have a big serve and a potent forehand to back up. So, it all boiled down to the errors and Yuki committed fewer mistakes than his opponent.

The junior Australian Open champion was broken early in the first set, but he broke back immediatley. He then broke Gajjar again in the ninth game before finally serving out the set.

In the second set, the Delhi youngster affected the decisive break in the seventh game of the second set with a whipping forehand winner followed by brilliant pass.

A clever drop in the tenth game brought up two match points for Yuki and he sealed the set and match as Gajjar netted a return.

Yuki, however, wasn't satisfied with his performance.

"I committed a few errors. I got broken in the second game. It was a little windy out there and it was difficult to control the light-weight balls, but then a win is a win," said Yuki, who has not dropped a set so far.

"I guess both Rohan and I enjoyed playing against each other. We play similar kind of tennis, so we both were trying to attack the other's backhand. I have been trying to bring variety in my shots besides working to perfect my volleys. Today, thankfully, I played them well."

Yuki next plays Japanese Masato Hatanaka who upset seventh-seeded Sean Thornley of England, 7-6(6), 6-1.

In another quarter-final match, fifth-seeded Vishnu Vardhan upset third-seeded Goran Tosic of Montenegro with a 6-2, 7-5 win and next plays top-seeded Raven Klaasen of South Africa who beat American Adam El Mithdawy, 6-4, 7-6(4).

sOURCE:http://sports.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/

Rajasthan Royals pip Knight Riders via 'Super Over' drama

Cape Town, Apr 23 (PTI) Newlands Stadium witnessed intense drama as Rajasthan Royals pipped Kolkata Knight Riders via 'Super Over' in an edge-of-the-seat thriller in the Indian Premier League here today.

Put into bat, Rajasthan Royals had earlier managed 150 for six, a total they owed largely to Yusuf Pathan (42) even though it was Abhishek Raut (21 not out) who provided the late charge for them.

Chasing a victory target of 151, Chris Gayle (41) sizzled at the top while Sourav Ganguly (46) too shone as the Knight Riders managed exactly 150 for eight in their allotted 20 overs.

In the 'Super Over', Knight Riders managed 15 runs off Kamran Khan's over with Chris Gayle scoring 13 off it before being dismissed in the final ball.

In reply, Rajasthan Royals scored 18 off Ajantha Mendis' first four balls with Yusuf Pathan hitting 6,2,6 and 4 to seal the win.

Earlier defending the modest total, Royals captain Shane Warne sprung a surprise by opening the attack with Yusuf Pathan but it was his former Hampshire mate Dimitry Mascarenhas who drew first blood by removing a struggling Brendon McCullum (3). PTI

Boss Domenicali reveals Ferrari fear

BAHRAIN, April 23: Ferrari boss Stefano Domenicali fears further “suffering” this weekend could result in a piece of unwanted history.

For the first time since 1981 Ferrari have failed to score a point in the opening three grands prix of the season as mistakes combined with mechanical failures have undermined the performances of Felipe Massa and Kimi Raikkonen.

But never in their illustrious past has the Prancing Horse started a year without a point from the first four races and that is the frightening prospect that hangs over the team in Bahrain.
Like their bitter rivals McLaren, Ferrari have not made the most of the new regulations, although their cause was hampered last year as they ploughed time and resources into the title fight.

That has led to them starting off on the wrong foot this season and a changing of the guard at the head of the pack, yet, unlike McLaren, they have not taken a noticeable step forward.

That is likely to happen at the Spanish Grand Prix early next month as a new aero package, combined with the now renowned double-decker diffuser, will be in evidence.

But for this weekend at the Sakhir circuit, Domenicali is warning the team’s ardent followers to expect more pain, with little gain.

Vijay wins silver at ISSF World Cup

NEW DELHI: Commonwealth Games Champion Vijay Kumar won the silver medal in 25 m rapid-fire pistol event at the ISSF World Cup at Beijing on Wednesday

He fired a brilliant 780.4 which included 581 in the qualifying round and an excellent score of 199.4 in the finals. Vijay missed the gold by just 0.1 point.

Keith Sanderson of USA bagged the gold medal scoring 780.5 (584+196.5) and Akiyama Teruyoshi of Japan won the bronze with 777.5 (579+198.5) points.

Yuki beats Moriya to enter ITF quarters

NEW DELHI: Indian wildcard Yuki Bhambri beat Japanese Hiroki Moriya for the third successive time in two years, outclassing the fourth-seed 6-2, 6-2, to enter the quarter-finals of the $15,000 International Tennis Federation (ITF) men's Futures at the DLTA complex on Wednesday.

The junior Australian Open champion had beaten Moriya at the 2007 Asia-Oceania championship and in the prestigious Osaka Mayor Cup final last year.

The 16-year-old Indian played near flawless tennis, serving sharp, hitting his forehand fluently and moving fluidly on court. With the Delhi youngster in such form there was hardly anything that the Japanese could have done.

To make matters worse, Moriya committed quite a few unforced errors to lose his serve in the third and fifth games of the first set. He could have lost the set in the seventh game itself but for his saving three set-points to hold serve. Yuki then served out the set to love.

Things didn't get any better for Moriya in the second set as he dropped serve twice more, in the third and the fifth game, to close the match in 57 minutes.

Yuki, fresh from his stint at Florida with the Nick Bollettieri Academy, however, said he didn't expect the win to be so easy.

"I was expecting a tough fight. Moriya is someone who is a rhythm player, slugging it out from the baseline. But I did not allow him to settle," said Yuki, who rushed after the match to take his Class X exam from the open school.

"I have been serving well and that takes a lot of pressure off me. Now I don't get flustered even if I am a couple of points down as I know I can always bank on my serve. I have also tried to develop my forehand as a weapon. I am consciously going for my shots as on a hard court you cannot go for long rallies."

Yuki next plays eighth-seeded Rohan Gajjar, who rallied to beat national champion Ranjeeth Virali-Murugesan 4-6, 6-3, 6-2 in another pre-quarter-final clash.

"I have a good chance in the tournament. I expect a tough match tomorrow against Rohan. With the second seed out, the draw is open. If I can pull it off against Rohan, then I can have a shot at the title," Yuki said.

In another pre-quarter-final match, Vishnu Vardhan showed the door to Vivek Shokeen with a 6-3, 6-4 win.

Meanwhile, it was curtains for Purav Raja, who went down 2-6, 4-6, to American Adam El Mithdawy and, Vijay Kannan, who stretched seventh seed Sean Thornley of England to three sets before losing 3-6, 6-3, 4-6.

Soruce:http://sports.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Yuki-beats-Moriya-to-enter-ITF-quarters/articleshow/4435974.cms

A T20 match at the Himalayas, Tenzing vs Hillary

LONDON: Cricket touched a new high with a few mountaineers playing a Twenty20 match just above the base camp of the world's highest peak — the Mount Everest — to raise 250,000 pounds for charity.

The two teams, Tenzing and Hillary, named after the first two men to climb the Everest, played the game at 16,945 ft.

Team Tenzing were led by Haydn Main, 29, a lawyer from South London but it was Team Hillary, skippered by a New Zealand Glen Lowis, that won by 36 runs.

Both sides took 15 players for the game, besides the medical staff and groundsmen, all of whom made the nine-day trek to reach the pitch.

Both sides celebrated their feat with a giant bottle of champagne and several cups of tea. They raised 250,000 pounds through the game for Lord' Taverners and the Himalayan Trust UK.

The match was played on a pitch on the Gorak Shep plateau in Nepal, Richard Kirtley, the expedition leader told 'The Times'.

"I assumed they must use it as a pitch. So I asked a few of the locals, but no one had ever thought about doing it," he said.

Source:http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/

Mohun Bagan humiliated 0-6 by Al Kuwait, out of AFC Cup

New Delhi, Apr 22 (PTI) Mohun Bagan's horrendous run in the AFC Cup continued with a 0-6 humiliation at the hands Al Kuwait in a Group D league match in Kuwait City.

Mohun Bagan are now out of contention for a last 16 berth having lost all their three earlier matches. They still have two games at hand -- away tie against Al Widdat of Jordan on May 5 and home match against Al Karamah of Syria on May 19.

Al Kuwait are on top of Group D with 10 points from four matches followed by Al Wihdat and Al Karamah on seven and six points respectively.

Two top teams from each of eight groups will make it to the pre-quarterfinal knock-out phase of the tournament, Asia's second tier club competition.

Al Kuwait completely dominated the match taking 4-0 lead by the half time and Mohun Bagan, though without talismanic striker and captain Baichung Bhutia and key central defender Peter Odafe due to injuries, had to defend their citadel for most part of the match last night.

Syrian midfielder Jehad Al Hussien was the star of the Kuwaiti side pumping in a hat-trick (ninth, 22nd, 72nd minutes). Captain Faraj Laheeb (34th, 39th) and Jarah Al Ataiqi's (78th) were the other goal scorers for the home side.

NS Manju had a nightmarish day at Bagan defence conceding a spot kick and then scoring an own goal to play a big role in the abject surrender of the Kolkata side.

PTI

Dinara Safina is the new tennis queen, without glamour

MADRID: Dinara Safina made tennis history for herself and her family when she officially climbed to the world No.1 position in the women's rankings on Monday.

Safina, 22, is at the top for the first time. Her brother Marat Safin led the men's rankings for nine weeks in 2000, making them the first brother-sister act to be number one in the singles rankings.

"I didn't know about that until recently. I was told that we are the first family. That is a huge honour, and I am proud of my brother, he has achieved everything in tennis," Safina said.

Safin is playing in the dusk of his career far from the top of the rankings at age 29, but Safina rejects all criticism that he could have done better over the years than the 2000 US Open and 2005 Australian Open title.

"I think he has achieved a lot," said Safina, adding: "My brother was always my idol."

Successful brothers and sisters are rare in sport.

Zimbabwe's Cara and Byron Black got to the tennis doubles rankings top, there are the skiing acts of Hanni and Andreas Wenzel of Liechtenstein and Janica and Ivica Kostelic of Croatia, and US athletics greats Jackie Joyner-Kersee and AL Joyner both won Olympic gold medals.

Safina's career has seen a remarkable turnaround in the past year.

Ranked just inside the top 20, Safina was on the verge of quitting the sport after poor results in early 2008, but then got her act together with four 2008 titles and her first big finals at the French Open and the Olympics.

She also made the January 2009 decider of the Australian Open, losing a showdown for the trophy and the world number one position to American Serena Williams.

Safina attributes the rise to coach Zeljko Krajan, who, she said, made her see tennis in a "positive" way.

It has not gone unnoticed that Safina - like Serb Jelena Jankovic last year - is now top without having won a Grand Slam, but she swiftly dismissed any criticism.

"I can win every one of the remaining three Grand Slams of the year. Every one!" she said.

Safina is the 19th number one overall since the rankings were introduced in 1975 as the race for the top has become very tight in recent months with several changes.

"There are many girls in the top 10 who play well. In the past there were only a few, the others were only average," said Safina.

Safina is the second Russian atop the rankings, but considers herself far from the glamour of the other top-ranked star, Maria Sharapova.

"We are totally different, you can't compare us at all," she said. "We are both fighters, we don't like losing."

After all, for Safina only the on-court performance counts, not the latest designer dress.

"I have no favourite brand and no favourite designer. I simply wear clothes that suit me. I just want to feel good," she said.

That is definitely the case on court and the top ranking adds to the good feeling of the hard-hitting baseliner.

"I am only interested in tennis at the moment, I want to concentrate entirely on that. When you realise a dream (of being number one) it is unbelievable and difficult to explain. I want to be the best in everything I do," she said.

Source:http://sports.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Dinara-Safina-is-the-new-tennis-queen/articleshow/4425998.cms

Sania Mirza rises in WTA rankings

NEW DELHI: Her poor singles form notwithstanding, Indian tennis ace Sania Mirza rose seven places to 93rd spot in the WTA rankings issued on Monday.


Sania, who crashed out in the second round of the Family Circle Cup last week, has 692 ranking points.

In doubles, however, Sania has dropped to 60 th with 1696 points.

In the ATP rankings, Leander Paes gained a spot to fifth with 6980 points, while Mahesh Bhupathi remained static at ninth with 5795 points.

Source:http://sports.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Sania-Mirza-rises-in-WTA-rankings/articleshow/4424988.cms

India's T20 team doesn't need me, says Tendulkar

CAPE TOWN: A lazy Sunday morning, the first hurdle crossed, and Sachin Tendulkar was in the mood. He had come down to for a commercial event in the team hotel and with a handful of media persons around, Tendulkar seemed to be opening his heart out.

Going back to his childhood days when he used to pick his own fantasy team with Sunil Gavaskar and Viv Richards as certainties, to why he is not playing international T20 cricket, Tendulkar was ready to play every ball.

Times Blog: Warney, call back Kaif

After so many years of international cricket, is there a special feeling after showing the world, along with Rahul Dravid, that T20 cricket can also be played in a different vein? Sachin agreed, but only to a certain extent.

"This was probably my most satisfying T20 innings. But neither me, nor Rahul, have anything more to prove to the world.

We play just for the love of it," Tendulkar said with a smile hanging on his lips.

"All my life, I have played according to the situation. Yesterday, on a difficult wicket, the team wanted me to buckle down and bat through and I did just that," Tendulkar said, talking about his unbeaten 59 that won Mumbai Indians the opener against Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s Team Chennai.

Probably, his son Arjun was more excited about the innings than the man himself. "Arjun was saying quite a few things...he was actually excited," Sachin joked.

Had he been 25, Tendulkar would surely have liked to play international T20 cricket, but not now, not anymore.

"I backed out of 2007 T20 World Cup because my body was not 100 per cent. I just didn’t want to be a burden on the team," he said.

But now that he is in such great form, why is he so adamant about not playing the T20 World Cup? "No point. This Indian team has gelled quite beautifully as a unit and there’s no need why I should be playing T20 cricket," Tendulkar added.

Not that Tendulkar dislikes the T20 format, but there’s something about it which can’t make him take it too seriously. Not that he would say it in as many words, but Tendulkar made it clear that technique doesn’t really matter too much in T20 cricket.

"If you play some of the T20 shots in Test cricket, you’ll be sitting there in the dressing-room for the next two days. But here you get runs for the same shot."

Source:http://ipl.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Indias-T20-team-doesnt-need-me-Tendulkar/articleshow/4422377.cms

Aussies rise to No. 2 spot with 47-run win

Johannesburg: Australia regained their world number two ranking with a comfortable 47-run win over South Africa in the fifth and final one-day international at the Wanderers Stadium on Friday.

Australia took advantage of being given first use of an excellent batting pitch by South African captain Graeme Smith, making 303 for seven despite a mid-innings stumble.

Despite a second wicket stand of 104 between Herschelle Gibbs and Jacques Kallis, South Africa fell steadily behind the asking rate and wickets fell at regular intervals after Gibbs was out for 82

The series win meant that South Africa retained their world number one ranking. Australia briefly slipped to third behind India after losing the fourth match in Port Elizabeth on Monday but returned to the number two spot with their consolation win.

South Africa won the series 3-2 following a 4-1 series win in Australia earlier in the series. The two teams shared the honours in two Test series, with South Africa winning 2-1 in Australia and the Australians reversing the result in South Africa.

"It's a good way to finish," said Australian captain Ricky Ponting."We were pretty disappointed with the way we played over the last few games so to bounce back today is a good thing for the group. It's been a really tough few months of cricket."

Smith said he was happy with the overall results. "It's been a terrific summer for South African cricket," he said.

Brad Haddin and Michael Clarke gave Australia a flying start when they put on 127 off 116 balls for the first wicket.Haddin hit 62 off 64 balls and Clarke 66 off 69 as they put together their second successive century partnership. But they were out in quick succession.

Ponting (40) and Callum Ferguson (41) added 54 for the third wicket before Australia again struggled against South Africa's slow bowlers. Left-arm spinner Roelof van der Merwe took two for 44 and off-spinner JP Duminy made up for the absence of Johan Botha by bowling a full quota of ten overs and taking three for 48. He also held three catches, one off his own bowling.

Gibbs and captain Graeme Smith put on 46 for the first wicket for South Africa before Gibbs and Kallis (64) put the hosts in a winning position.But Gibbs missed a sweep against man of the match, off-spinner Nathan Hauritz, and South Africa found themselves on a slide when Kallis drove at a wide ball from left-arm seam bowler Nathan Bracken.

Ben Laughlin held a remarkable catch to dismiss South African danger man Albie Morkel on the midwicket boundary, leaping high and maintaining his balance to land inside the rope.

South Africa called for the batting power play in the next over and with the first delivery Laughlin bowled man of the series AB de Villiers for 38 to make victory for Australia almost certain.

Source:http://cricketnext.in.com/news/aussies-rise-to-no-2-spot-with-47run-win/40045-13-1.html

Djokovic reaches semi-finals at Monte Carlo

MONACO: Third-seeded Novak Djokovic reached the semi-finals of the Monte Carlo Masters for the second consecutive year by beating No. 7 Fernando Verdasco of Spain 6-2, 4-6, 6-3 on Friday.

Djokovic broke Verdasco, the Australian Open semi-finalist, in the sixth game of the deciding set and closed out the match on serve.

Djokovic, who reached the semi-finals of the French Open on clay last year, will meet either No. 13 Stanislas Wawrinka or German qualifier Andreas Beck in the last four.

Earlier, top-ranked Rafael Nadal stretched his winning streak at the Monte Carlo Masters to 24 matches by beating Nicolas Lapentti of Ecuador 6-3, 6-0 in the third round. The match had been suspended Thursday due to heavy rain, with Lapentti up 1-0 in the first set.

Nadal was to play a second match on Friday, facing Ivan Ljubicic in the quarterfinals. Ljubicic beat Simone Bolelli of Italy 7-5, 7-6 (2).

Each time Nadal has won the Monte Carlo title he has gone on to capture the French Open. The Spaniard has won 18 straight matches on clay since losing to Juan Carlos Ferrero in the second round of the Rome Masters in May 2008.

Fourth-seeded Andy Murray overcame a poor start to beat Fabio Fognini of Italy 7-6 (11), 6-4 to reach a quarterfinal on clay for the first time in his career.

The match was split over two days after rain halted Thursday's play at the start of the second set with Murray leading 1-0 and Fognini serving at 40-40.

Murray had never advanced past the third round on clay. Murray was playing the eighth-seeded Nikolay Davydenko of Russia later Friday. Davydenko beat No. 12 David Nalbandian of Argentina 6-4, 5-7, 6-3.

Source:http://sports.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/

Chennai confirmed as Davis Cup venue

LONDON: The International Tennis Federation says the Davis Cup match between India and Australia will take place in Chennai as originally planned despite security concerns voiced by the visitors.

The second-round tie in Asia-Oceania Group 1 will take place on 8-10 May.

In a statement released the Davis Cup Web site, the ITF said Chennai was approved by the Davis Cup Committee following "a positive report from the ITF's security consultants."

Australian tennis officials had sought a change of venue amid heightened concerns about security for sports events on the Indian sub continent, following a terror attack on the Sri Lanka cricket team in Lahore, Pakistan last month.

Source:http://sports.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/

Hamburg ousts Man City to reach UEFA Cup semis

MANCHESTER, April 17 (AP): Hamburg eliminated Manchester City to reach the UEFA Cup semifinals, surviving a 2-1 loss in England to advance 4-3 on aggregate.

Hamburg held a 3-1 lead after the first leg in Germany, and Paolo Guerrero extended the advantage by scoring after 12 minutes. But Elano responded four minutes later from the penalty spot and Felipe Caicedo scored City’s second in the 50th yesterday.

Elano had a free kick hit the woodwork in each half, as City couldn’t score the third goal needed to force the match into extra time.

Paes-Dlouhy enter Rolex Masters quarterfinal

New Delhi, Apr 16 (PTI) Leander Paes and his partner Lukas Dlouhy entered the quarterfinals of the euro 2,750,000 Monte-Carlo Rolex Masters in Monaco, defeating unseeded Spaniard duo of Albert Montanes and Tommy Robredo in a match tie-breaker.

The third seed Indo-Czech pair had to stretch themselves to the limit to beat Montanes and Robredo 2-6 7-6(5) 10-8 in the third round.

Paes and Dlouhy will next face seventh seeds Julian Knowle of Austria and Andy Ram of Israel.

Knowle-Ram combination defeated Simon Aspelin of Sweden and South African Wesley Moodie 7-6(3) 6-2 in another third round encounter.
PTI

Sania falters at Venus hurdle in Family Circle Cup

Charleston, Apr 16 (PTI) Sania Mirza put up a spirited challenge against multiple Grand Slam winner and second seed Venus Williams before going down in a tough three-setter in the second round of the USD one million WTA Family Circle Cup here.

The Indian ace, fresh after her doubles title win at a Florida WTA event last week, fought valiantly against Venus but ran out of steam as the world number five American used her experience to pocket the encounter 1-6 6-3 2-6.

The match, however, started on an expected note with Venus coming out all guns blazing against Sania. The American won nine of the first 11 games to race on to a 6-1, 3-1 lead.

Down by a set and break in the second, Sania made a remarkable comeback into the match with the help of her monstrous forehand.

She took seven of the next nine games to win the second set 6-3 and then take a 2-1 in the third.
PTI

Sports Minister flays Dhoni, Harbhajan's casualness

New Delhi, Apr 16 (PTI) Sports Minister MS Gill today flayed the 'casualness' of Indian cricket captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni and Harbhajan Singh for skipping the Padma Shri function and said the Ministry would soon issue a circular to ensure that sportspersons treat national awards with utmost respect.

Dhoni and his India teammate Harbhajan were conspicuous by their absence at the Rashtrapati Bhavan ceremony where they were expected to accept the Padma Shri awards from President Pratibha Patil.

Even though reports claimed the duo gave it a miss because of their commercial pre-occupations, Harbhajan cited family commitment as the reason for skipping the event.

The Sports Minister, however, was not convinced and even though he refused to name the duo, Gill said he would not brook such casualness by anyone.

"To be selected for such a national honour and then getting the opportunity of receiving it from the President of India is a rare good fortune and must be treated with greatest respect. I certainly don't approve of any casualness in anyone's approach," Gill told PTI.

And to ensure it does not happen again, the Ministry would issue a new circular soon, he said.
PTI

Sania Mirza books meeting with Venus in Charleston

CHARLESTON: Sania Mirza booked a second-round clash with second-seeded Venus Williams on Tuesday with a straight-sets victory in the one million-dollar Family Circle Cup.

Sania Mirza beat Sesil Karatantcheva of Kazakhstan 6-4, 6-4 to line up the marquee meeting with Williams, who will be launching her campaign on Wednesday afternoon after enjoying a first-round bye.

Top-seeded Russian Elena Dementieva, who rose to a career-high ranking of number three in the world last week, reached the third round with a dominant 6-0, 6-2 victory over American Julie Ditty.

"I don't feel any pressure being the number one seed here," Dementieva said. "Tonight was a good start to the tournament for me. I had never played Julie before so I really didn't want her to get into the match. It's easy to lose your concentration. I really stayed focused tonight."

Third-seeded Vera Zvonareva and number four Nadia Petrova, both of Russia, also reached the third round, as did sixth-seeded Marion Bartoli of France and seventh-seeded Slovakian Dominika Cibulkova.

Zvonareva cruised past Paraguay's Rossana de los Rios 6-3, 6-2.

"I felt pretty good for my first match of the year on clay," said Zvonareva, a finalist here last year. "I didn't expect myself to play my best, and it was a bit of a struggle at times because of the wind, but it was pretty good."

Fourth-seeded Petrova beat Austrian Patricia Mayr 6-1, 2-6, 6-2, Bartoli defeated Anastasija Sevastova of Latvia 6-1, 6-3 and Cibulkova downed Austrian Tamira Paszek 6-4, 6-0.

Source:http://sports.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Sania-books-meeting-with-Venus/articleshow/4403034.cms

Federer advances to 3rd round at Monte Carlo Masters

MONACO: Roger Federer made a successful season debut on clay Wednesday, beating Andreas Seppi of Italy 6-4, 6-4 on Wednesday to reach the third round of the Monte Carlo Masters.

Federer wobbled briefly when serving for the match, going 30-40 down. But the second-ranked player got a reprieve when Seppi's return bounced out and Federer clinched the match when another Seppi return sailed long. It was Federer's first match since getting married last weekend.

"I am very happy to have won my first match on clay," said Federer, who can equal Pete Sampras for 14 major titles if wins the French Open for the first time. "It takes some time to adjust to the surface, the rebounds and the sliding."

Federer's win sets up a match Thursday against the 13th-seeded Stanislas Wawrinka - his doubles partner at the Beijing Olympics - who outlasted Martin Vassallo Arguello of Argentina 2-6, 7-5, 6-2.

Later, top-ranked Rafael Nadal began his bid for a fifth straight Monte Carlo title with a match against Juan Ignacio Chela of Argentina.

Federer saved two break points in a patchy first set but clinically took his first chance on Seppi's serve in the ninth game to move 5-4 ahead. He took the opening set with a crisp backhand down the line.

The Swiss star, who married his longtime girlfriend Mirka Vavrinec in a small ceremony in his hometown of Basel on Saturday, broke Seppi in the opening game of the second set with another clinical backhand pass.

Federer has beaten Seppi three times this year and improved to 5-0 overall without dropping a set against the big-serving Italian player.

In other second-round matches Wednesday, there were straight-sets wins for the seventh-seeded Fernando Verdasco of Spain, No. 8 Nikolay Davydenko of Russia, Simone Bolelli of Italy, and Albert Montanes of Spain.

Verdasco eased past Philipp Kohlschreiber of Germany 6-3, 6-4; Daydenko beat Ivo Karlovic of Croatia 6-4, 6-3; Bolelli beat Janko Tipsarevic of Serbia 7-5, 6-3, and Montanes beat Jean-Rene Lisnard of Monaco 6-2, 6-4.

Source:http://sports.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Federer-advances-to-3rd-round-at-Monte-Carlo/articleshow/4406113.cms

Rajasthan Royals axe Mohammad Kaif

NEW DELHI: The Rajasthan Royals, which won last year's inaugural Indian Premier League (IPL) Twenty20 tournament, has axed former Test player and Uttar Pradesh captain Mohammad Kaif and seven other players from the squad that will do duty in the second edition.

They will now fly back to India. Kaif was purchased for a hefty $675,000 US at the auction last year, but didn't have much of a role during the victorious campaign.

Kaif had played all the matches last year, but could manage only 176 runs at an average of just 16. He didn't make a single half century, largely because he was shunted lower down the order. The 28-year-old Kaif has played 13 Tests and 125 One-dayers for India so far, reports said.

Source:http://ipl.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Rajasthan-Royals-axe-Mohammad-Kaif/articleshow/4405762.cms

Dempo, E Bengal to vie for fourth spot in I-League

Kolkata, Apr 15 (PTI) With the title out of their reach, defending champions Dempo SC and East Bengal will aim for the fourth spot in the ONGC I-League standings, locking horns at the Vidyasagar Krirangan here tomorrow.

But a positive result for the Goans will help them gain confidence when they take on Bahrain outfit Muharraq in the AFC Cup on April 21.

Occupying the pole position in Group E with seven points from three matches, Dempo are in line for a pre-quarterfinal berth in that championship.

Obviously, Armando Colaco's boys have AFC as the priority and would look to count the positives by winning against East Bengal ahead of their international outing in Goa.

With their ace striker Ranty Martins and midfielder Roberto Mendis Silva ruled out of the AFC Cup match due to double bookings, Colaco said they have to be vigilant in their last league match.

"I've told the boys to play their natural game but at the same time they should not do anything silly so that our side gets depleted in the AFC Cup home match," said Colaco who is expected to field a full side against the red-and-gold brigade.

PTI

Gagan Narang wins gold, fetches his second World Cup medal

New Delhi, Apr 15 (PTI) Gagan Narang today became first Indian ever to win two medals in a single ISSF World Cup when he claimed gold in the men's 50 metre rifle 3 position in Chongwon, Korea.

Narang, who earlier won the bronze in his pet 10 meter air rifle event, shot 1166 in the qualification round and 98 in the finals to aggregate maximum 1264 points.

The Hyderabad marksman, who reached the finals of all three events he participated here, is also the first Indian to climb the podium in the 50 mt range, according to the National Rifle Association of India.

He had narrowly missed a medal in the free rifle prone event.

Among other Indians in the fray, Sanjeev Rajput finished sixth with 1258.7 (1160+98.7) while Sushil Ghalay failed to make the finals, ending up 11th with qualification round scores of 1155.

The silver and bronze medals respectively went to Jinseop Han of Korea for his effort of 1261.9 (1165+96.9) and Alexei Kamenski of Russia for garnering 1261.7 (1167+94.7) points.
PTI

Azlan Shah win a small step in right direction

NEW DELHI: The Azlan Shah Cup victory is a small step in the right direction and the real test is how well can India perform at the New Delhi 2010 World Cup and the subsequent Commonwealth Games. That's how the hockey selectors and former players see the triumph at Ipoh where India won the Cup after an interval of 13 years.

Former captain and now a selector Zafar Iqbal said India won a title after a long time and it would certainly boost the morale of the team.

"Every victory brings a positive change. Indian hockey needed an international title to move forward. And Azlan Shah has come at the right time. But it is nothing to be boasted about. There is still a long way to go before we can truly say that we are back among the best," Zafar said.

Zafar said their main challenge is to put up a good performance in the World Cup, Commonwealth Games and Asian Games.

"We need to think ahead. Our main challenge is World Cup and the Commonwealth Games. Both the tournaments are being hosted by India and we have to put up a good performance. We do not have enough time to prepare. The mental strength of the players and their fitness will be tested in these events," he added.

Zafar felt that the team, which has a good mix of youth and experience, is the best possible combination at the moment.

"Let's be realistic. Our senior players like Dilip Tirkey are still performing so well in international meets. But what after they retire?"

"We do not have players of such calibre to replace them. Our junior team is doing well and we do have some good juniors in the rank but that's it. This is the best possible combination for us," he said.

World Cup winning captain and present selector Ajit Pal Singh said the team would have to play consistently well to make a mark at the international level.

"This team has done well in a couple of months. We were runners-up in the Punjab Gold Cup and now the Azlan Shah. They will falter in some matches and will have to work hard to overcome their weaknesses. But overall they have shown they are on the right track," Ajit Pal said.

"Next month's Asia Cup will be a good test for the team as we are the defending champions. It will be slightly more competitive than the Azlan Shah. We have to consistently play well in the continent before we move forward to challenge the world's best."
Olympian and former captain Gurbux Singh lauded the Indian team and hoped they would be able to repeat the triumph in the Asia Cup.

"It's a great win. At least they have done better than what they have been achieving over the last one year," said Gurbux, a member of India's gold medal winning 1964 Olympic team.

"This year they have done well in a few tournaments. The team is gaining in confidence," he said.

"I hope they will be able to replicate the performance in the Asia Cup where they will be up against the formidable South Korea, Malaysia and Pakistan."

Source:http://sports.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Azlan-Shah-win-a-small-step-in-right-direction-/articleshow/4396535.cms

Indian colts in front against Australia

HOBART, April 12 (PTI): Harpreet Singh (125) and Mandeep Singh (126) struck hundreds as Indian colts recovered from a mid-innings collapse to declare at 417 for seven and take a 111-run first innings lead over the Australian under-19 team on the second day of a three-day cricket match here today.

In reply, Australia scored one run in their second innings before the draw of stumps at Bellerive Oval.

Openers Mayank Aggarwal (68) and Manan Sharma (45) shared an 85-run stand before India found themselves at a precarious 148 for three at lunch.

However, Harpreet and Mandeep combined to add 242 for the fifth wicket and lift India into a potentially match-winning position with big centuries to both players. ASSAM TRIBUNE

Gagan fetches bronze at ISSF World Cup

New Delhi, Apr 10 (PTI) Indian shooting star Gagan Narang today won the bronze medal in the men's 10 meter air rifle event of the first ISSF World Cup of the year in Chongwon, Korea.

Narang fired an aggregate of 696.7 which included a score of 594/600 in the qualification. He entered the finals as the eighth and last shooter but made up the difference by shooting scores of 102.7 to finish on the podium.

Both gold and silver medals were clinched by China with Zho Qinan and Cao Yifei scoring 700.3 (597+103.3) and 698.6 (595+103.6) respectively.

Another Indian in the fray, Sanjeev Rajput also reached the finals at fifth place with a score of 595 but was relegated to seventh place with a poor final round of 100.4.

His compatriot PT Raghunath failed to qualify for the finals after shooting only 591.

As many as 38 Indian rifle and pistol shooters are competing in the April 9-15 event. They will then travel to Beijing for the second leg of the 2009 World Cup series from April 17-23.

Olympic gold medallist Abhinav Bindra and Anjali Bhagwat have given the event a miss. PTI

Jeev misses cut at Masters, cherishes Woods' company

Augusta (Georgia), Apr 11 (PTI) Jeev Milkha Singh's cold putter left him in agony as the Indian missed the halfway cut at the Masters golf tournament by just one stroke on a wind-swept day at the Augusta National here.

Struggling to roll his putts in, Jeev brought home three-over 75 for a two-day total of 146 to miss the cut -- first time in three appearances -- by just one stroke and join the likes of Greg Norman and Ernie Els on the sidelines.

"My putting let me down. I didn't putt too well and three-putted three times. I didn't hole anything," lamented Jeev.

"It was one of those days when you hit good putts but they don't go in. I tried in the end and made a good birdie on 18 and hope that's good enough. If not, we'll try again," he said.

With winds swirling at Augusta National, Jeev was in for a torrid time. He turned in 36, with a birdie on five erasing the bogey on the previous hole. PTI

School cricket semifinals today

Sports reporter
GUWAHATI, April 10 – The semifinal matches of the Dinendra Nath Gohain and Dharmendra Sarma Memorial Inter School Cricket Tournament will be played tomorrow at the Dispur playground.

In the first match Delhi Public School will play against Srimanta Sankar Academy while in the second encounter Don Bosco will lock horns against Fairyland School.

India face arch-rival Pakistan in do-or-die tie

IPOH (MALAYSIA), April 10 (PTI:) With nothing less than a win required to make the final, India will have to guard against late defensive lapses when they take on arch-rivals Pakistan in their do-or-die league encounter of the Azlan Shah Hockey Tournament here tomorrow.

India has conceded late equalisers in two of the three matches they have played so far in the tournament and Sandeep Singh’s men, who were runners-up here last year, cannot afford such a lapse tomorrow against Pakistan.

No elected federation, no World Cup in India: FIH

New Delhi, Apr 9 (PTI) The International Hockey Federation (FIH) today threatened to shift next year's World Cup out of India unless the ad-hoc committee, running the sport in the country, puts in place a democratically elected federation within six months.

An FIH delegation, led by President Leandro Negre, is presently on a three-day visit to India to take stock of preparations for the 2010 World Cup to be held here from March 7 to 20.

Although the FIH President has expressed satisfaction over security issues and construction work of the stadiums, he warned that it won't be possible to host the mega event in India without a unified body -- Hockey India -- consisting of both the men's and women's federations under one roof.

He said that the FIH has prepared a plan 'B' in case officials running Indian hockey -- the IOA-appointed ad-hoc committee -- fail to abide by their recommendations.

In that scenario, the mega event might be shifted to Malaysia as they have already expressed desire to host it.

"The FIH is determined to host the World Cup in India. Our goal is to have the best World Cup in Delhi, but the event can't be held without a federation.

"India need a unified body to run hockey before the World Cup. It is essential. But we have received promise from the IOA that within six months everything will be set up," Negre told reporters here.
PTI

Woods calms his nerves, Jeev tied 28th after Rd1 in Augusta

Augusta (Georgia), Apr 10 (PTI) Playing partner Tiger Woods' comforting words calmed his nerves as Jeev Milkha Singh regained his composure to card a one-under 71 for a share of the 28th spot after the opening round of the Masters golf tournament here.

With large crowds following his group, Jeev conceded he was nervous playing with 14-time major winner Woods and Stewart Cink before a little help from the iconic American and Jeev's own solid play helped him settle down.

"It was tough when I was starting out and you're a little nervous. But after that it was fine. Tiger was very nice and made me comfortable," Jeev said.

"I'll try to better the score tomorrow and see what comes my way," said the Indian.

Jeev began on a strong note, with a flawless front nine where he birdied the sixth hole from five feet.

Things went little haywire on his way back but to his credit, Jeev never let things go beyond his control.

His back nine journey began and ended in similar fashion, with a bogey, and he found the greenside trap on the 10th hole.

A glorious three-iron approach set him up for eagle on the par five 13th hole but he failed to build on the momentum, dropping a shot at the next despite having only a nine iron in hand from the middle of the fairway. PTI

Kaka wants to stay at AC Milan

MILAN: AC Milan's Kaka has denied holding talks with Real Madrid and said he wants to stay with the Serie A club.


Spanish media said prospective Real Madrid president Florentino Perez had agreed with Milan to sign Kaka in the off-season, having failed to attain the Brazilian when he was in charge at the Bernabeu.

"I think in recent days too many people have talked, now I'll speak," Kaka told Thursday's Gazzetta dello Sport.

"I have not had contact with Real, no one has tried to contact me and I think I have already made myself clear ... my wish is to stay at Milan."

Asked whether that would mean he would stay at the San Siro for life, Kaka said: "For the fifth time, it seems so to me."

Milan chief executive Adriano Galliani, who almost sold Kaka to Manchester City in January for a record fee, earlier said the former world player of the year was not for sale.

Kaka, who has been troubled by a foot injury in recent weeks, also said he would be happy to play under Massimiliano Allegri, amid media speculation the Cagliari boss may replace current coach Carlo Ancelotti.

Source:http://sports.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Kaka-wants-to-stay-at-AC-Milan/articleshow/4379870.cms

Dark clouds over India's hockey World Cup bid

NEW DELHI: India runs the risk of losing the 2010 Hockey World Cup to Malaysia if the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) does not put an elected federa tion in place before the event.

That was the strong message conveyed by the soft-spoken Leandro Negre - the president of the International Hockey Federation (FIH) - to the IOA’s ad hoc committee running hockey in the country.

"We very much want the World Cup to be held in India. But there are certain FIH guidelines which need to be followed. We have asked them to have a unique body (Hockey India, a federation to represent both men’s and women’s hockey in the country) in place before the World Cup. It is essential, or else we have a Plan B in place. Just in case we need (to), Malaysia is prepared," Negre said here at his first press conference since assuming office late last year.

"We are here to know the situation, meet our friends and advise them. This is India’s internal matter but we are ready to help them."

Negre, who is here with an FIH delegation since Monday, appeared far from happy with the fact that despite governing the game for almost a year, the ad hoc committee has failed to take substantial steps towards forming an elected hockey federation.

The ad hoc committee was formed after the IOA dissolved the KPS Gill-led Indian Hockey Federation. Gill has since moved court against the decision.

Negre’s ‘directive’ assumes significance in the wake of his recent meeting with JB Roy, the Bengal Hockey Association president and representative of several state units. Roy has pressed for the need to have an elected federation in place at the earliest.

Though committee member and IOA secretary general Randhir Singh said a new set-up would be in place in six months, he refrained from elaborating how it would come about with the matter pending in court. Sources, however, said that it would be possible to constitute Hockey India since the case in the Delhi High Court pertains only to the now-defunct Indian Hockey Federation.

The Spaniard also downplayed security concerns surrounding the World Cup. "Security is an issue whenever a big event is organised. It is important anywhere in the world, not only in India but in Germany, Holland or Spain. But the authorities here have assured us top security for the World Cup," Negre said.

The president also said he would love to see Pakistan in action in the World Cup in India but was far from forthcoming when asked about FIH’s stand in case the country is not allowed to participate. "We are not political guys, we are hockey players," Negre, a former Spanish goalkeeper, said.

"Please don’t ask us political questions."

Negre will be back in India next month to oversee preparations and is hoping concrete steps are taken towards making Hockey India a reality.

Source:http://sports.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Dark-clouds-over-Indias-hockey-WC-bid/articleshow/4382668.cms

Sania-Chuang enter quarter-finals in Florida

Florida (PTI): Sania Mirza and her Chinese Taipei partner Chia-Jung Chuang reached the doubles quarter-finals of the $220,000 MPS Group Championships here, but not before some late scares.

The Indo-Taipei pair had to fight it out in a marathon three-setter to down Melinda Czink of Hungary and Lilia Osterloh of America 6-0 3-6 10-5 in the first round.

However, Sania-Chuang duo's route to the last four won't be a cakewalk as fourth seeded pair of Bethanie Mattek-Sands of America and Nadia Petrova of Russia awaits them in the next round.

Sania's campaign in the singles already came to a premature end with a straight sets defeat at the hands of seventh seed Alona Bondarenko in he opening round.

Somdev makes early exit from LA challenger

Baton Rouge (IANS): India's Somdev Devvraman faced a shock defeat by American wildcard Lester Cook in the second round of the $50,000 ATP tennis challenger.

Somdev, seeded eighth, went down fighting to Cook 6-7(5), 5-7 here Wednesday. Cook now plays American Rajeev Ram in the quarter-final.

Somdev, however, kept his hopes alive in the doubles, where he partnering Phillipines' Treat Conrad Huey advanced to the quarter-final.

Somdev and Huey beat Briton Alex Bogdanovic and Israel's Conor Niland 6-1, 6-2 to set up a clash with third-seeded Americans Todd Widom and Michael Yani.

Safina to become world number one in WTA rankings

Washington (Xinhua): Russia's Dinara Safina will replace American Serena Williams as world number one in the coming WTA world rankings, the organization said on Wednesday.

Safina, who has yet to win a Grand Slam event, has risen up the rankings thanks to four WTA singles titles in the past year -- at Montreal, Los Angeles, Berlin and Tokyo.

The Russian was also runner-up in five competitions including the 2009 Australian Open, where she was beaten by Williams, and the 2008 French Open.

"There's no question that while I am very proud of my results over the past year, I would have liked to reach this achievement in a different manner," said Safina.

"I hope to prove to everyone over the coming months that I merit the honour of being world number one.

"It's a great honour to reach the number one ranking and it is a dream that every girl who has ever wanted to play professional tennis shares."

Source:http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/007200904090951.htm

Azlan Shah hockey: India draws 2-2 with New Zealand

Ipoh, Malaysia (PTI): India drew 2-2 with New Zealand in their third round-robin match in the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup hockey tournament here on Thursday.

Sandeep Singh scored a brace for India in 27th and 48th minute while for New Zealand Richard Petherick (8) and Joseph Barth Holomew (63) sounded the board.

India blank Malaysia 3-0 in Azlan Shah Cup

IPOH (MALAYSIA), April 8 (PTI): A resurgent India blanked Malaysia 3-0 to put their Azlan Shah Cup campaign back on track and stay on course for a place in the final of the hockey tournament.

Arjun Halappa (19th minute) and captain Sandeep Singh (31) sounded the board to put India 2-0 ahead by breather and GS Chandi then rounded off the tally with his 62nd minute strike to complete the rout. After their 2-2 draw against a lowly Egypt in the opener, Harendra Singh’s wards badly needed a win to stay afloat in the tournament and it was not a cakewalk considering Malaysia had maintained a clean slate so far, having beaten Pakistan and Egypt.

In contrast, India’s performance in the drawn match against Egypt was nothing to write home about and Sandeep Singh and his men had their task cut out today.

To their credit, the Indians showed lot of purpose today and while they managed to bring down the Malaysian citadel thrice, their own defence did a tidy job, keeping the opponent strikers at bay. India play New Zealand in their next match tomorrow. ASSAM TRIBUNE

Rain stops play in third Test

Wellington, Apr 7 (PTI) Rain stopped play in the post-lunch session on the fifth and final day of the third Test between India and New Zealand with the visitors needing just two wickets to seal a 2-0 series victory here today.

New Zealand were 281 for eight in their second innings when covers were brought in due to light rain with the hosts requiring another 336 runs in chase of an impossible victory target of 617.

Daniel Vettori was batting on 15 alongwith Iain O'Brien (19).
PTI

Indian men to clash for gold in Archery WC

KOLKATA, April 5 (IANS): The Indian men’s recurve team reached the final of the team championship in the World Cup archery meet (Stage 1) at Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic.

The top seeds drew a bye in the opening round and went on to annihilate Turkey 222-203 in the quarterfinals before overcoming a strong US 219-215 points in the semis Saturday, according to information received here.

Kevin Pietersen reaffirms commitment to team

London, April 1: Kevin Pietersen swears he is as committed to the England team as he was as captain, clarifying that his outburst was the culmination of an enduring summer and not that he wanted to leave the team midway through the West Indies tour. Pietersen said his frustration stemmed from the loss of his captaincy and the poor showing of the team. That was the time, he had said, he was “at the end of his tether” and wanted to go back to his wife. “Maybe I was a little too honest, but where the honesty came from was frustration. The frustration on two parts: the captaincy in the first half of the winter that didn’t go to plan - no victories there. Then coming into the last part also we didn’t get a victory.” “The frustration of not winning a game on the tour (West Indies) so far except for that mathematical error on the West Indies part (in Guyana) - that was hell of a frustration,” Pietersen clarified on Wednesday.

Indian hockey team leave for Malaysia

Bhopal, April 1: An 18-member Indian hockey team led by captaincy of Sandeep Singh today left for Malaysia to take part in the 18th Sultan Azlan Shah Cup Hockey Tournament to be played in Ipoh in Malaysia from April 5 - 12. Before leaving for Malaysia after a 12-day training camp held at Sports Authority of India (SAI) at Goragaon near here, Team India chief coach and former international player Harendra Singh said that five teams Malaysia, Pakistan, India, Egypt and New Zealand are taking part in the tournament.

Sania-Chuang stun 2nd seeds to reach semis

Key Biscane/Miami, Apr 2 (PTI) Continuing their dream run in the ATP and WTA tournament, Indian tennis ace Sania Mirza and her Taiwanese partner Chuang Chia-Jung humbled second seeded Anabel Medina Garrigues and Virginia Ruano Pascual 6-3 7-6(4) to sail into the women's double semifinal of the USD 4.5 million Sony Ericsson Open here.

On a day of upsets, Sania and Chuang made their presence felt by pulling the rug from under the feet of their seeded opponent whose last ditch effort for a fightback wilted in tie-breaks with the Indo-Taiwan pair seeing it through.

Sania and Chuang's semifinal opponents will be winner of the remaining quarterfinal match to be played between third-seeded Kveta Peschke and Lisa Raymond and Raquel Kops-Jones and Abigail Spears.

Sania and Chuang seemed to have struck the perfect chord and they had earlier stunned eighth seeds Maria Kirilenko and Flavia Pennetta in a gruelling three-setter in their previous encounter.
PTI

Paes-Dlouhy duo crashes out

MIAMI (FLORIDA), April 1 (PTI): Fourth seeds Leander Paes and Lukas Dlouhy crashed out of the Miami Masters with a shocking straight-set defeat at the hands of the unseeded Czech-Slovak pair of Frantisek Cermak and Michal Mertinak in the men’s doubles second round here. The Indo-Czech combine went down 3-6, 3-6 in the just over an hour-long contest.

Kiwis seek to save series

WELLINGTON, April 1 (PTI): With an unassailable lead in hand, India only have to guard against complacency and the notoriously seaming track of the Basin Reserve to notch their first Test win here in 34 years when they take on New Zealand in the third and final match of the series here on Friday.

Having won Tests at Adelaide, Perth, Trinidad, The Oval, Multan, Galle, Johannesburg and Hamilton, they are now faced with their biggest challenge of scoring a win at a venue where their last triumph came in 1975.