CBI's third big arrest for CWG mess

NEW DELHI: The noose appears to be tightening around Suresh Kalmadi with the CBI arresting another top Commonwealth Games official, M Jeychandren, for his alleged role in the Queen's Baton Relay scam. Jeychandren, as joint director-general of finance and accounts, was part of the empowered committee that finalized the controversial deal with London-based AM Films.

Two other members of that committee – Sanjay Mohindroo and T S Darbari – have been arrested and are believed to have implicated Jeychandren. The CBI has seized laptops and documents from Jeychandren's office and residence.

The CBI is also questioning Sudhir Verma, deputy director general (communication) of the Games Organizing Committee and part of the empowered panel that picked AM Films to install video screens at the venue at exorbitant rates.

Jeychandran will be produced in the CBI court on Monday, where the investigators might seek his remand to unearth the money trail in the CWG scam, CBI officials said.

With his arrested aides beginning to sing, trouble is brewing for the Organizing Committee chief himself. Darbari and Mohindroo reportedly told CBI that it was Kalmadi who entered into the deal with AM films and AM cars during the QBR in October 2009. Kalmadi will be questioned by CBI after his return from China.

The CBI claimed to have seized several documents, laptops and bank account details from Mohindroo and Darbari during its weeklong probe. While the agency is likely to seek further remand of Mohindroo on Monday, officials said Darbari was no longer needed for questioning. Based on the interrogation so far, CBI officials said it was the empowered committee of the OC which took the decision for release of payment for the QBR deals at the behest of Kalmadi. No tendering process was followed and no contract papers were given. The CBI had earlier accused the duo of forging the emails that were sent to bag the deal, which was signed by by Mohindroo, Jeychandran and Verma.

The CBI has also contacted Interpol and is in the process of sending Letters Rogatory (LR) to the United Kingdom for questioning Ashish Patel, who owns AM Films and AM Cars.

Read more: CBI's third big arrest for CWG mess - The Times of India http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/CBIs-third-big-arrest-for-CWG-mess/articleshow/6966712.cms#ixzz15z0JcZmO

Spinner Hauritz left out of Australian Test squad

SYDNEY: Off-spinner Nathan Hauritz was the major omission when the Australian squad was reduced to 13 players on Saturday for next week's opening Ashes Test against England in Brisbane.

Hauritz made way for younger spinners, left-arm wrist-spinner Xavier Doherty and leg-spinner Steven Smith.

Hauritz has played 17 Tests and taken 63 wickets at an average of almost 35. If Doherty, 27, is chosen to play in next Thursday's match it will be his Test debut, while Smith, 21, has played in two Tests.

Selectors last Monday named an initial 17-man squad and said that four players would be cut from the selection this weekend after assessing the form of the contenders in England's tour match against Australia A and three Sheffield Shield games.

"Nathan Hauritz is one of these players omitted and he can consider himself unlucky as his Australian record has been very good over the past 12 months," chairman of selectors Andrew Hilditch said.

"However the panel believes the left-arm orthodox variety Xavier Doherty provides against a predominantly right-handed English batting middle-order is the better option in this game."

Batsmen Callum Ferguson and Usman Khawaja along with paceman Ryan Harris were the other players left out of the squad.

"Callum and Usman are both wonderful young players who we believe will play a big role for Australian cricket moving forward but on this occasion the experienced middle order has been preferred," Hilditch said.

"We felt Ryan Harris needed further time to recover from his knee injury and also believe the four fast bowlers we have selected are in good form and will be key weapons for us winning the Ashes Series this summer."

Hilditch said he believes his panel has chosen a strong and well balanced squad, selected specifically with the conditions in Brisbane in mind.

"The squad contains a number of experienced Test players and some exciting young talent and we firmly believe it has the ability to win the first Test of the Ashes Series in Brisbane," he said.

England regained the Ashes in last year's series in England, but have not won a series in Australia since Mike Gatting's team of 1986/87.

Australia: Ricky Ponting (captain), Michael Clarke (vice-captain), Doug Bollinger, Xavier Doherty, Brad Haddin, Mike Hussey, Ben Hilfenhaus, Mitchell Johnson, Simon Katich, Marcus North, Peter Siddle, Steven Smith, Shane Watson.

Read more: Spinner Hauritz left out of Australian Test squad - The Times of India http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/top-stories/Spinner-Hauritz-left-out-of-Australian-Test-squad/articleshow/6958290.cms#ixzz15nK0tonB

Wet outfield delays India-New Zealand Nagpur Test

NEW DELHI: The third and final Test of the three-match series between India and New Zealand has been delayed due to wet outfield at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium in Jamtha, Nagpur.

There's been plenty of rain over the past few days in Nagpur because of which the outfield is a bit wet, particularly around the boundary. The only good news is there was no overnight rain.

Umpire Simon Taufel said in his TV interview that the area from fine-leg to third man is quite damp and we will keep on checking the conditions with the groundstaff.

After not being able to break the deadlock in the first two Tests in Ahmedabad and Hyderabad respectively, the Indian team, led by Mahendra Singh Dhoni, will be looking to go all out for an elusive victory against the New Zealanders at Nagpur.

Even Daniel Vettori-led Black Caps would also be aiming to script a historic away series win against India. This will also be the last chance, before the World Cup, for Sachin Tendulkar to complete his historic 50th Test ton in front of his countrymen.

If Tendulkar fails to reach the three figure mark in Nagpur, he would still have a chance to reach the milestone in South Africa. But completing the half century of Test tons in front of his countrymen would surely be extra special.

Skipper Dhoni will also expect that he gets a strip where it won't take his team "10 days" to extract a result.

With the curator promising a sporting wicket, the bowling combination for India will be the bone of contention during the next five days. With team's pace spearhead Zaheer Khan ruled out due to injury, there will be an additional pressure on senior pro Harbhajan Singh to shoulder the burden of leading the attack.

Harbhajan may have had the most memorable time wielding his willow to good effect, having scored back-to-back centuries with a total of 295 runs in the series but he hasn't been able to bother the New Zealand batsmen with the ball.

Agreed he didn't get much purchase from the previous two strips but one can't deny the fact that his bowling nowadays lacks the bite he used to have earlier on sub-continent pitches.

With Zaheer not there, it will be Ishant Sharma who will be back in the playing XI sharing the new ball with S Sreesanth. Ishant, who has been very erratic of late with persistent problems of overstepping, did bowl a good spell on the fourth day morning against Australia in Mohali before he was ruled out for the next Test in Bangalore.

Left-arm spinner Pragyan Ojha has been one of the better bowlers for India in this series. Not only has he bowled long spells but also kept a tight check on the batsmen at times.

The batting department also has some worrying points. The skipper himself hasn't contributed anything with the bat in recent Test matches and he should be feeling the heat of trying to set an example by leading from the front with a solid performance.

Nor has Suresh Raina, who had an impressive debut in Sri Lanka and scored 80-plus in the first innings against Australia in Mohali, hasn't done much after that. Raina's weakness against short-pitched deliveries are now a well-known and teams are trying to cash in on that.

Among the top-order batsmen, only Virender Sehwag who has already scored 324 runs looks in ominous form. A lot will depend on the kind of start the Nawab of Najafgarh will provide. Another positive aspect has been Gautam Gambhir's half century in the Hyderabad Test.

The Delhi lad who hasn't been in the best of forms this season looked like getting back some of his touch which augurs well for his team.

VVS Laxman who is in sublime touch will also like to keep up the good work.

The New Zealand team, on the other hand, would be expecting to do the basics right, something they have done, showing exemplary discipline. That the Kiwis batsmen have done their homework was evident in the manner in which they have displayed remarkable application.

Brendon McCullum who scored a superb double hundred in Hyderabad Test, would like to do an encore in Nagpur.

The bowling sans skipper Vettori isn't something they would boast of but nevertheless, the two draws would definitely keep them in good stead.

Squad:

India: MS Dhoni(capt and wk), V Sehwag, R Dravid, G Gambhir, Harbhajan Singh, VVS Laxman, A Mishra, PP Ojha, CA Pujara, SK Raina, I Sharma, S Sreesanth, SR Tendulkar, JD Unadkat, M Vijay

New Zealand: DL Vettori(capt), BJ Arnel, JEC Franklin, MJ Guptill, GJ Hopkins (wk), BB McCullum, TG McIntosh, AJ McKay, CS Martin, JS Patel, JD Ryder, TG Southee, LRPL Taylor, BJ Watling, KS Williamson

Umpires: Nigel Llong and Simon Taufel.

Third Umpire: Sanjay Hazare.

Read more: Wet outfield delays India-New Zealand Nagpur Test - The Times of India http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/series-tournaments/new-zealand-in-india/top-stories/Wet-outfield-delays-India-New-Zealand-Nagpur-Test/articleshow/6958507.cms#ixzz15nJSyXCW

Advertisers bet big on IPL 4

MUMBAI: Despite numerous uncertainties surrounding the format of the Indian Premier League, advertiser interest seems to be intact in the Twenty 20 format. Multi Screen Media (MSM), the broadcast rights holder of the IPL which has been in the eye of a storm lately, says it has managed to close 9 sponsorship deals in 40 days for the fourth edition of the event scheduled to start from April 8 next year.

The broadcaster expects a 20% increase in advertising revenues in 2011 compared to the third edition. MSM had raked in around Rs 800 core from IPL 3.

World Cup advertisers paying less

Telecom service provider Vodafone and diversified group Videocon have signed on as presenting sponsors while Samsung Mobile , LG, Hyundai, PepsiCo, Tata Photon, Havells and Cadbury India have got on board as associate sponsors. MSM has sold around 50% of its inventory as bulk deals for Rs 5 lakh per 10 secs while the rest will be sold as spot buys at a slight premium.

On the other hand, ESPN Star Sports, which holds the rights for the World Cup, has signed on brands such as Nokia , Maruti and PepsiCo at a much lower cost of Rs 3.5 lakh per ten seconds, say media buyers. But that this could change as the World Cup on the subcontinent draws closer.

With only a week between IPL 4 and the World Cup, the saving grace for advertisers is that the two events fall in separate fiscals. But they are still up against each other for the marketing dollars. "There are large outlays involved in such big cricketing properties and what IPL offers is a risk-free option unlike the World Cup," Rohit Gupta, president, MSM said. IPL 3 had grossed an average rating of 4.6, clocking 143 million viewers. The risk in case of the World Cup would arise if India were to exit early.

Some traditional advertisers associated with cricket feel that the cost-efficiency is better with the Twenty20 format although they have not completely ruled out being on the World Cup yet.

Read more: Advertisers bet big on IPL 4 - The Times of India http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/Advertisers-bet-big-on-IPL-4/articleshow/6944895.cms#ixzz15bckXfnM

Zaheer is the source of my inspiration, says Unadkat

NEW DELHI: He is the newest among the breed of left-arm quicks that India have produced in recent years and no wonder Jaidev Unadkat idolises India's pace spearhead Zaheer Khan, whom he has replaced in the squad for the third Test against New Zealand, starting from Saturday.

If that's not all, he wants to bat like Harbhajan Singh, who has surprised one and all with his back-to-back centuries.

"Zaheer is my idol as I have learnt a lot by just watching him bowl. It is indeed a privilege for me that I got a chance to be in Test team. If I get a chance to play, I will try to prove my mettle," the 19-year-old Saurashtra speedster said.

Unadkat had replaced injured Ishant Sharma during second Test against Australia in Banglore last month but wasn't a part of the playing XI.

The lanky pacer rose to fame through his impressive performance in the previous edition of the Indian Premier League season and then for India A in their tour of UK. Incidentally, Unadkat got a match-haul of 13 wickets against West Indies A side during his debut first-class game in Leicester.

Playing for Kolkata Knight Riders he won the man-of-the-match award for his three-wicket haul against Shane Warne-led-Rajasthan Royals at Eden Garden. He has been praised by none other than the legendary Wasim Akram.

Unadkat also owes his success to KKR captain Sourav Ganguly and bowling coach Akram.

"Dada (Ganguly) taught me to be mentally tough. He gave me lot of tips about handling the pressure. Wasim bhai (Akram) also worked a lot on my bowling. I will be thankful to both of them for helping me become a better bowler," he said.

He said that he is here because of his performances at the first-class level and wants to continue that.

"I don't believe in comparisons. There is a healthy competition among the Indian bowlers which is good for Indian Cricket. I am here because of what I have done in the past. I would work hard to maintain that consistency," he said.

Unadkat also revealed that Harbhajan Singh inspired him to concentrate on batting as well.

"I have never worked on my batting earlier. But now I will consider that. I want be an all-rounder like Harbhajan. I will take tips from him for sure," he said.

He is also excited to be a part of Indian dressing room with legendary Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid.

"Just like millions of cricket lovers, I have also grown up watching them (Tendulkar, Dravid) on television. It is dream come true for me to share the dressing room with them," he concluded.


Read more: Zaheer is the source of my inspiration, says Unadkat - The Times of India http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/series-tournaments/new-zealand-in-india/interviews/Zaheer-is-the-source-of-my-inspiration-says-Unadkat/articleshow/6941341.cms#ixzz15bbyqzNz

IPL 4 starts six days after World Cup final

MUMBAI: The fourth edition of the Indian Premier League will begin from April 8 next year, six days after the conclusion of the 2011 Cricket World Cup, with the high profile players' auction to be held on January 8 and 9.

Like the first three editions, there will be eight teams participating in the Twenty20 event, with 60 matches to be played with the title clash to be held on May 22.

"The IPL GC met today to discuss matters related to next IPL. It was decided that the players auction will take place on January 8 and 9, 2011 in Mumbai. The IPL season will start on April 8 and end on May 22 but the opening ceremony will be held on April 7," BCCI secretary N Srinivasan said in a statement.

The dates were fixed at a meeting of the reconstituted five-member IPL Governing Council, headed by Chirayu Amin.

Even though the statement did not mention anything about troubled IPL franchisees -- Kochi and Rajasthan Royals-- it said that only eight teams will participate in the Twenty20 league next year.

"There will be a total of 60 matches, played by eight teams. The hosting venue arrangements were finalised and approved at the meeting," Srinivasan said in the release.

The committee also announced a new format to decide the finalists of the IPL on the basis of play-offs.

The play-offs will be played based on league standings with the Team 1 meeting Team 2 and Team 3 meeting Team 4 in the semifinals.

The winner of play-off 1 will automatically qualify for the grand finale.

However, the losers of play-off 1 will get a second chance as they will take on the victorious team of play-off 2 in a preliminary final, winner of which will progress to the grand finale.

BCCI vice-president and IPL Governing member Rajiv Shukla said the issue of Kochi IPL franchisee was not discussed during the meeting at all.

"Basically, today's meeting was about preparations for IPL 4. Because now the preparations for IPL 4 has started in full strength. We have to make IPL 4 a full success," Shukla told reporters after the meeting.

"The issue of the Kochi was not discussed at all during today's meeting. Because they have been given a notice of one month which expires on November 27. The issue was not in the agenda at all. A decision on the issue will be taken only after that," he said.

Kochi were given a 30-day notice by the BCCI last month to sort out their internal differences.

Speculation is, however, rife that the group of investors in the franchisee is not interested in running the franchisee and will soon ask permission of the Cricket Board to withdraw from it.

On retention of players in the IPL teams, Shukla said that it would stay the same as decided by the technical committee of Sunil Gavaskar, Ravi Shastri and Mansur Ali Khan Pataudi earlier this year.

"The same players' rules as decided by the technical committee will be implemented," he said.

A maximum of four players from each team, including a maximum of three Indian players, have been allowed to be retained by the franchisees, with $1.8 million to be deducted from their kitty for the first players and so on.

As per an earlier decision taken by the BCCI, the retention of players would result in reduced amount available with each franchise with amounts of $1.8 million per annum for the first player so retained, $1.3m, $0.9m and $0.5m for the other three players reduced from its kitty.

This is irrespective of the actual player fee paid to each of these players. If a franchise retains four players, its salary cap will be charged by $4.5 million in each of 2011 and 2012 seasons and it will have only $4.5m remaining to pay as player fees for the remainder of its registered squad.

The IPL has added a rider to player retention saying the franchisee and the player must mutually agree to it as well as the player fee to be paid for 2011 and 2012 seasons.

The two new franchisees -- Kochi and Sahara Pune -- who did not participate in the 2010 season were allowed to sign upto four players from the list of players who were not a part of the squad of any of the teams in the past three IPL editions.

TOI

Indian rowers script history, win two silver medals for first time in 12 years Read more: Indian rowers script history, win two silver medals for fir

NEW DELHI: Indian rowers scripted history after settling for two sliver medals for the first time in 12 years in the men's four and men's lightweight four events respectively on the sixth day of the 16th Asian Games in Guangzhou, China.

India's Anil Kumar, Saji Thomas, Ranjit Singh and Jenil Krishnan claimed the silver medal in the men's four event. China won the gold while Uzbekistan took the bronze.

In the lightweight men's four, Lokesh Kumar, Manjeet Singh, Rajesh Kumar Yadav and Satish Joshi finished second to win silver. Japan took the gold while Hong Kong settled for bronze.

Earlier in the day, India's Sania Mirza brushed aside Hong Kong's Chan Wing Yau in under an hour, showing no signs of the illness which forced her out of the women's team tournament, as she eased through her Asiad opener on Thursday.

Mirza, whose world ranking has slumped to 166 after a series of injuries, won 6-1, 6-0 and now tackles either Chinese sixth seed Zhang Shuai or Malika Rana of Nepal for a place in the quarterfinals.

With the addition of two silver medals, India's medal tally rose to one gold, seven silver and seven bronze but the collection could have been far better had the shooters lived upto their reputation on Wednesday.

Unheralded Sandhyarani Devi proved to be the saving grace for India by bagging a silver medal in wushu on Wednesday. The Manipuri lost 0-2 to Iran's Khadijeh Azadpour in the 60 kg final to fetch the second medal from the event.

Read more: Indian rowers script history, win two silver medals for first time in 12 years - The Times of India http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/16th-asian-games-2010/india-news/Indian-rowers-script-history-win-two-silver-medals-for-first-time-in-12-years/articleshow/6945510.cms#ixzz15bapdkmF

Ashish Kumar wins 1st Asiad gymnastics medal for India

GUANGZHOU: Gymnast Ashish Kumar on Tuesday opened a new chapter for India in the little followed sport by clinching the country's first ever medal, a bronze, in the Asian Games when he stood third in the men's floor exercise routine.

Kumar, who came to national limelight in last month's Commonwealth Games by winning a vault silver and bronze in floor, tallied 14.92 points to take the bronze in a bitterly fought contest in which China's Zhang Chenglong and Korea's Kim Soo Myun tied for the gold with identical 15.40 points.

"I am very happy because it is the first gymnastics medal in the history of Indian gymnastics (at the Asian Games)," said the Allahabad-based gymnast, whose performance is even more praiseworthy considering that the team's foreign coach Vladimir Chertkov deserted the squad before the commencement of the Games and returned to India.

Kumar said he did not have the time to practice for the tough event in which world class competition was in evidence with China, Korea and Japan in fray.

"It was very tough for me because I did not have much practice for the Asian Games. We have just had the Commonwealth Games in Delhi. And it is very tough with China and Korea (in fray)," said Kumar who began to take part in gymnastics in 1994.

"I started in 1994 when I was four years old. Now I am 19. It's a great experience. I won silver (on vault) and bronze (in floor) at the Commonwealth Games and now I have another bronze at the Asian Games," he said.

Team's national coach Ashok Mishra, who is with Kumar since January 2009 in a succession of camps to prepare the gymnasts for this year's CWG, said that the competition was very close and the gymnast did not feel the absence of Chertkov, who was miffed at not being given permission to take part in the opening ceremony in non-ceremonial dress.

"It (Chertkov's leaving) has not made a difference. He trained under a foreign coach as a child. We have trained the gymnasts for almost two years in a succession of camps which has paid dividends," he said.

Among those who were pushed out of the medal bracket in the floor apparatus were China's Feng Zhe who finished with 14.90 points, Hishashi Mizutori of Japan (14.82), Yoo Won Chul (Korea, 14.27), who got a penalty of 0.3, Uzbek Masharipov Otabek (14.00) and Ryotaka Deguchi (Japan, 13.42).

Gold medal winner Zhong Chenglong is the world horizontal bar champion while the man who tied for the number one spot, Korean Kim Soo Myun, was the member of the 2008 Beijing Olympics bronze-winning team in floor event.

Read more: Ashish Kumar wins 1st Asiad gymnastics medal for India - The Times of India http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/16th-asian-games-2010/india-news/Ashish-Kumar-wins-1st-Asiad-gymnastics-medal-for-India/articleshow/6936598.cms#ixzz15Vd7OcHD

Asian Games: Khade wins bronze in 50m butterfly

GUANGZHOU: Virdhawal Khade scripted history on Tuesday as he became the first Indian swimmer in 24 years to clinch an Asian Games medal by notching up a bronze in the 50m butterfly event.

Khade, who topped his heat by clocking 24.56sec, finished third in the finals with a timing of 24.31sec.

Khazan Singh was the last Indian swimmer to win a medal at the Asian Games when he clinched the 100m freestyle silver in the 1986 Seoul edition.

"I am very happy to have won a medal for India after 24 years. I wanted to win after missing the bronze yesterday. It would have been better had it been a silver or a gold," Khade, who finished fourth in the 50m freestyle finals just 0.03 seconds behind the bronze-medallist yesterday, said.

"My start was bad but my swimming is better than all these guys. That is how I could catch them, I have to work on my start. It is not easy in 50m to recover after a bad start," he added.

The 19-year-old's timing was, however, not even his personal best which is 24.25sec which he managed at the Commonwealth Youth Games in Pune in 2008.

China's Jiawei Zhou clinched the gold by clocking 23.66sec, while Japan's Masayuki Kishida settled for silver 24.13sec.

Earlier, also in 50m butterfly, Anshul Kothari came out on top in his heat with a timing 26.08sec but it was just not enough to be among the final eight.

The flop-show continued in other events with Rehan Poncha and M Badrinath finishing sixth and seventh respectively in the men's 100m backstroke event.

While Poncha clocked 59.38sec, Badrinath managed a timing of 59.62sec.

In the men's 4x100m freestyle relay, the Indian team of Aaron Agnel Dsouza, Arjun Jayaprakash, Anshul Kothari and Khade finished fourth in the heats with a timing of 3:29.71secs.

The effort could only fetch them a place in the back-up list for the finals.

In men's 400m freestyle, Divase Mandar ended seventh in his heats after clocking 4:08.22sec.

Read more: Asian Games: Khade wins bronze in 50m butterfly - The Times of India http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/16th-asian-games-2010/india-news/Asian-Games-Khade-wins-bronze-in-50m-butterfly/articleshow/6935543.cms#ixzz15RvDPDiT

India-New Zealand second Test ends in a draw

HYDERABAD: Brendon McCullum completed a stylish double-century on Tuesday to help New Zealand draw the second Test against India, leaving the series locked at 0-0 going into the final Test.

McCullum's career-best 225 helped set an improbable 327-run target for India in the final session as the Kiwis declared at their tea score of 448/8.

Virender Sehwag (54) and Gautam Gambhir (14) were the not out batsmen as India reached 68/0 in its second innings when stumps were called.

New Zealand started the final day only 115 runs ahead with six wickets in hand, giving India hope of pushing for victory if it could take early wickets.

But a resolute McCullum denied the top-ranked Indians, who will go into the final Test in Nagpur desperate for a win to avoid being held to a tied home series by their eighth-ranked opponents.

McCullum justified being promoted as opener for the first time in his Test career during this series, measuring up to both the pace and spin attacks with confidence during a maiden double-ton.

The flamboyant 29-year-old batsman struck 22 fours and four sixes during his nine-hour stay at the wicket, during which he faced 308 deliveries. He got to the 200-run mark with a predetermined scoop to fine-leg off part-time spinner Suresh Raina.

He was not afraid to even jump out to the pace bowlers, although that led to his downfall. After advancing to hit pace bowler Shantakumaran Sreesanth for a four through the mid-off region earlier in the over, he tried to attack him once again, only to scoop up a slower delivery to Raina at mid-on.

McCullum improved upon his previous highest score of 185 against Bangladesh at Hamilton earlier this year.

He was involved in a 124-run stand for the fifth wicket with Kane Williamson which saw the Black Caps through the crucial opening session with ease as India's bowlers failed to threaten on a perfect batting strip. Williamson, who struck a century on debut in the first Test at Ahmedabad, scored 69 off 146 delivers with nine fours.

The 20-year-old, resuming on 12, was fluent against the seam bowlers and reached his 50 off only 77 deliveries. He could not show the same fluency against the spinners and was trapped lbw by Harbhajan shortly after lunch for 69 off 146 balls, with nine fours.

Williamson had earlier struck Sreesanth for three fours in an over shortly after the second new ball was taken.

Sreesanth and his senior new-ball partner Zaheer Khan, who suffered an abdominal strain and could not bowl for most of Monday, did little to pressure the batsmen on the final day. In fact, the runs flowed more freely after the new ball was taken at 259/4.

India started the series as firm favorite, coming off a home Test series win over Australia while New Zealand arrived off the back of a 4-0 one-day series loss to Bangladesh.

After the final Test, the teams will play a five-match limited-overs series.

Read more: India-New Zealand second Test ends in a draw - The Times of India http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/series-tournaments/new-zealand-in-india/top-stories/India-New-Zealand-second-Test-ends-in-a-draw/articleshow/6935651.cms#ixzz15RuznRHB

Zaheer ruled out of third Test against New Zealand

HYDERABAD: India were dealt a big blow ahead of the third Test against New Zealand with pace spearhead Zaheer Khan being ruled out of the final rubber because of a groin injury.

Young left-handed pacer Jaydev Unadkat has been drafted in the squad in place of him.

Zaheer suffered an groin injury during the second Test, which ended in a tame draw at the Rajiv Gandhi International stadium.

"Zaheer Khan is injured and is unavailable for the Third Test against New Zealand, to be played at Nagpur from 20th November to 24th November," BCCI secretary N Srinivasan said in a release.

"The All India Selection Committee has chosen Jayadev Unadkat to replace Zaheer Khan in the squad," it said.

Zaheer was off the field for a good part of the fourth day. The left-handed pacer bowled just three overs during the fifth day.

19-year-old Unadkat was named in India's Under-19 squad for the 2010 World Cup in New Zealand. The left-arm fast bowler represents Saurashtra in the Ranji Trophy and has claimed 26 wickets in six first-class games at an average of 26.34.

Read more: Zaheer ruled out of third Test against New Zealand - The Times of India http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/series-tournaments/new-zealand-in-india/top-stories/Zaheer-ruled-out-of-third-Test-against-New-Zealand/articleshow/6936042.cms#ixzz15RukSzNw

New Zealand 339/4 at lunch

STAFF WRITER 11:31 HRS IST

Hyderabad, Nov 16 (PTI) New Zealand were 339 for four in their second innings at lunch on the fifth and final day of the second cricket Test against India here today.

New Zealand lead India by 217 runs.

Brief Score:

India 1st Innings: 472

New Zealand: 350 and 339/4 in 105 overs (Brendon McCullum 171 batting, Kane Williamson 66 batting, Pragyan Ojha 2/100).

McCullum, Williamson steer New Zealand to safety

STAFF WRITER 11:55 HRS IST

Hyderabad, Nov 16 (PTI) Brendon McCullum slammed a fluent 171 while Kane Williamson notched up his second half century on the trot as the second Test between India and New Zealand meandered towards a draw at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium here today.

Resuming at an overnight score of 237 for the loss of four wickets, both batsmen mixed aggression with caution and added 102 runs in the first session of the fifth and final day without losing a wicket, to give the visitors a lead of 217 runs.

At lunch, the visitors were 339 for four with McCullum and Williamson (66 not out) at the crease.

Luck, too, was on McCullum's side and he should thank substitute fielder Cheteshwar Pujara for that.

Pujara dropped a seemingly easy chance off Harbhajan Singh at forward short-leg when the opener was batting on 148.

Spot-fixing: ICC upholds suspension of Pakistani duo

DUBAI: The code of conduct commissioner of the International Cricket Council (ICC), Michael Beloff, on Sunday rejected the appeals of Pakistan cricketers Salman Butt and Mohammad Aamer against suspensions for spot-fixing.

The two, along with fast bowler Mohammad Asif, were provisionally suspended by the ICC over allegations they were involved in spot-fixing during Pakistan's summer tour of England.

All three appealed, but Asif later withdrew his application.

Beloff announced the decision after a two-day hearing which started early Saturday, saying the players will have to appear before another tribunal to further their cases.

"Salman (Butt) and (Mohammad) Aamer had appealed against the suspension imposed on them by the ICC on September 2 for various breaches of the code of conduct.

"Having considered every aspect of the case I dismiss their appeals and they remain suspended," Beloff told reporters outside the ICC headquarters.

The two cricketers arrived with their lawyers - Salman with Khalid Ranjha, a former law minister, and Aftab Gul, a former Pakistan player, and Aamer with his lawyer Shahid Karim.

Beloff said all three cricketers, including Asif, will have to appear before a ICC code of conduct commission which he will announce in due course.

"The players have denied the charges, but they will remain suspended before a code of conduct commission is formed to hear the case.

"It was not up to me to decide whether they committed any crime, the commission will establish their guilt and if they are found guilty then they will be given punishment as per the ICC code of conduct."

The scandal broke after a report by British tabloid The News of the World prompted Scotland Yard to launch an investigation into allegations of spot-fixing during the Lord's Test against England in August.

Police raided the team's hotel in London and questioned Salman, Aamer, Asif and bowler Wahab Riaz, but they have yet to formally level any charges.

Owing to their suspensions, the trio have been excluded from Pakistan's current tour of the United Arab Emirates, where South Africa is the opposition.

Pakistan Cricket Board legal adviser Taffazul Rizvi said the decision was under the ICC jurisdictions.

"The decision is within the ICC's jurisdiction but it will not affect the actual case which we hope will be heard soon," said Rizvi.

ICC in its brief statement said: "The chairman code of conduct commission heard the case in which players had challeneged the suspension under the ICC Anti-Corruption code. After considering all the evidence Beloff has rejected the challenges.

"As such, the players remain provisionally suspended from all cricket pending the outcome of the independent Anti-Corruption Tribunal which will hear their disciplinary case in due course."

The ICC said Asif also remained suspended.

"As Asif chose not to challenge his provisional suspension, he also remains suspended. The ICC will make no further comments."

The ICC code of conduct carries a minimum of five year punishment if corruption charges are proved. The maximum punishment is a life ban.

Read more: Spot-fixing: ICC upholds suspension of Pakistani duo - The Times of India http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/top-stories/Spot-fixing-ICC-upholds-suspension-of-Pakistani-duo/articleshow/6846306.cms#ixzz1402qrpls

Tiger Woods upbeat despite losing top spot

LOS ANGELES: A world golf rankings list without Tiger Woods atop it is an unfamiliar sight, but 2010 has been nothing if not "different" for the player who remains the game's undisputed superstar.

The ascent of England's Lee Westwood to the world number one ranking as of Monday sees Woods' 281-week tenure at the top end.

The moment offered little drama, with both Westwood and Woods idle last week. And the American's No. 1 spot had already been under threat for much of the season.

"It has been a different year," Woods noted in September, as he reflected on a 2010 that started amid scandal over his extra-marital affairs and has left him -- so far -- in search of even one title.

Woods, 34, has only two top-five finishes in 12 PGA Tour events. His pursuit of Jack Nicklaus' record of 18 major titles has stalled at 14 -- his last coming at the 2008 US Open.

Until this year -- when Masters champion Phil Mickelson has challenged steadily, if unsuccessfully -- for the top spot since May, Woods had faced only one potential dethroning in two years.

Spain's Sergio Garcia had been in position to overtake Woods with a victory at Doral in 2009 largely because of Woods' lengthy injury layoff in the wake of his 2008 US Open victory.

Woods first assumed the number one ranking in 1998. Until this week he had been unseated only twice, by Vijay Singh and David Duval.

And Woods will no doubt do all in his power to insure Westwood's reign is short.

The two face off at the HSBC Champions in Shanghai this week, and Woods has made it clear that with three tournaments remaining on his schedule he still has hopes of putting at least one victory, if not more, on his slate for 2010.

"I like where my game is headed," Woods said this month as he promoted his Chevron World Challenge tournament in December. "I like the pieces of it and how they're falling into place.

"In particular at the Ryder Cup, and especially in the singles how I played, and that's the way I know I can play the game of golf."

Woods was 2-down early to Francesco Molinari in their Ryder Cup singles match but rallied to post his biggest ever Ryder Cup win.

Woods finished with seven birdies and an Eagle to win the match on the 15th hole.

For Woods, it was further proof that the swing changes he has been working on with Sean Foley are coming together.

"I don't have it all dialed in yet. But I figured if I could play the way I did in the singles match, which I hadn't done that all year, that's a positive sign," Woods said.

Woods has acknowledged that the personal turmoil of the year - which saw his marriage end in August and is reckoned to have cost him tens of millions in endorsement earnings - has been mirrored by his frustrations on the course.

"All in all it was a long, frustrating year, but in the end it turned out that everything's headed in a positive direction now," he said.

Read more: Tiger Woods upbeat despite losing top spot - The Times of India http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/golf/top-stories/Tiger-Woods-upbeat-despite-losing-top-spot/articleshow/6850057.cms#ixzz1402cialq

Maradona eyes Premier League coaching role

STAFF WRITER 19:0 HRS IST

London, Oct 29 (AFP) Argentina football legend Diego Maradona has revealed his desire to manage in the English Premier League.

Maradona is seeking a new challenge after parting company with the Argentina national side which he lead to the quarter-finals of the 2010 World Cup.

The former World Cup-winning captain, who will celebrate his 50th birthday tomorrow, is now seeking a return to management, and admitted he was attracted by England's top flight.

He told Sky Sports News: "Yes, I would like to manage in the Premier League.

"It has very good teams, an exceptional level and great players.

"The only problem is all the teams I like in England have good coaches.

"If any important job comes along I will accept it.

Advani out of World Pro Billiards C'ship, Geet in semis

LEEDS: Pankaj Advani's hopes of winning the World Professional Billiards title for the second consecutive time went up in smoke after compatriot Dhruv Sitwala registered a hard fought 723-608 win over the reigning champion in the quarterfinals of the event on Saturday.

Advani, who had last year created history by becoming the second Indian, after Geet Sethi, to win the elusive World Pro title, suffered an unexpected defeat at the hands of Sitwala, who compiled three century breaks (118, 109 and 161) in his 32 visits to the table to reign supreme at the green baize.

Advani, on the other hand, failed to score even a single century break during his two hour stay at the table with his highest break accounting for 91.

Dhruv played very confidently and with consistency. He went ahead 360 points when only 30 minutes left in the clock. Advani, known for his strong comeback, tried hard to cover the lead but fall short on a break of 184 and lost by 115 points when clock alarmed and failed to defend his title.

On Friday, the second day of the event, the 25-year-old Bangalorean Advani notched up his third straight victory in Group A after brushing aside the challenge of compatriot Devendra Joshi 818-469 to advance to the last-eight stage at the Northern Snooker Centre.

Earlier, in the final group battle to decide the pool winner from Group A, Advani had defeated team-mate Saurav Kothari 965-457 in 21 visits to the table with the help of three century breaks.

In the other quarterfinal of the day, five-time winner Geet Sethi, making his 19th appearance at the event, scored an emphatic 959-445 win over Singapore's Peter Gilchrist to sail into the semifinals of the event, where he is expected to meet Advani's tormentor Sitwala.

Sethi came out with two century breaks including one accounting for 267 in his 35 visits to the table while Gilchrist managed to score none.

Sethi had confirmed his berth for knockouts. With an all-win record in his Group B.

Other two Indians in the quarterfinal stage are Saurav Kothari, who will be up against David Causier of England, and Rupesh Shah, pitted against nine-time champion and title favourite England's Mike Russell.

Read more: Advani out of World Pro Billiards C'ship, Geet in semis - The Times of India http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/more-sports/snooker/billiards/Advani-out-of-World-Pro-Billiards-Cship-Geet-in-semis/articleshow/6838931.cms#ixzz13oMtB57Q

14,000 Test runs, Tendulkar yearns for "next level"

LONDON: He has been hailed as one of the most accomplished players in world cricket but Sachin Tendulkar still yearns to reach the "next level" as a batsman.

Tendulkar, who made history earlier this month by becoming the first batsman to score 14,000 runs in Test cricket, says his desire to improve remains as intense as it has ever been.

"I'm really focusing now on how I can get to the next level as a batsman. How can I get even more competitive? How can I get even more consistent? How can I get better?" Tendulkar said, according the extract of an interview to 'The Guardian' to be published in full on Saturday.

Instead of struggling for form with advancing age, 37-year-old Tendulkar has had the most prolific year of his Test career in 2010 and he insists rather than considering retirement he has many more goals to fulfill.

"Life would be flat without dreams. I think it's really important to dream -- and then to chase those dreams. I really believe in this because it's this dreaming that makes me work so hard. I want to continue doing that because I've worked very hard the last couple of years on my batting," he said.

"(Coach) Gary Kirsten has been instrumental in this. Together we've worked hard in the last couple of years to improve my batting. He's given me the freedom to express myself, and to pace my innings as I see fit. I can slow down occasionally. Gary has helped me do this and it's because he's more a friend than a coach," said Tendulkar who is just one short of hitting 50 Test centuries.

He described 2010 as his "sweetest year" as he won his first ICC's Player of the Year Award and returned to the top of the world batting rankings for the first time since 2002.

In February, Tendulkar scored centuries in successive Tests against South Africa before becoming the first man to reach 200 in an ODI against the same opponents.

Tendulkar was the highest run scorer in IPL and also made a Test double-hundred against Sri Lanka before his remarkable performances against Australia which saw him reach the 14,000 landmark in the second Test at Bangalore while scoring 214 and an unbeaten 53 to complete India's 2-0 series victory.

The iconic but down to earth batsman conceded that his form subsided a few years ago, prompting critics like Australia's Ian Chappell to call for his retirement.

"There was a little dip for me, around 2005 and 2006. But I had a lot of injuries then. I had finger and elbow injuries, and then a back injury. All these upper-body injuries may have altered my back-swing a little. But, fortunately, all that is behind me now and I've been able to put in the hours of practice that I need," he said.

Tendulkar had earlier expressed his desire to win the 2011 World Cup and he said the cricket-mad Indian fans would be demanding to win the prestigious tournament at home.

"It's going to be massive. Everyone in India is already looking forward to hosting a mega tournament and although people haven't started talking yet about 1983 (when India won the World Cup) it will happen soon. But, given our recent form, people have a right to be excited and have extremely high hopes for us. There are going to be big expectations."

Tendulkar also talked about the influence of his late father, a novelist and poet, as well as his brother, Ajit, who remains his closest cricketing confidante.

He also revealed the surprise identity of the bowler who has troubled him most in Test cricket and reflects on the day he and Shane Warne visited Don Bradman on his 90th birthday.

Read more: At 14,000 Test runs, Tendulkar yearns for "next level" - The Times of India http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/top-stories/At-14000-Test-runs-Tendulkar-yearns-for-next-level/articleshow/6834965.cms#ixzz13kQcT8We

Cricket Australia approves Twenty20 private ownership

MELBOURNE (Australia): Cricket Australia has approved minority private ownership in a revamped domestic Twenty20 competition to start next season, paving the way for potential Indian-based investors.

A Cricket Australia board meeting on Friday gave the approval to an extended Twenty20 competition - to be called the Big Bash League - which will run over the December-January period starting in the 2011-12 Australian summer season.

It will initially feature teams based on the current six state associations, plus two further cities which will be decided over coming months

Read more: Cricket Australia approves Twenty20 private ownership - The Times of India http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/top-stories/Cricket-Australia-approves-Twenty20-private-ownership/articleshow/6833994.cms#ixzz13kQOGRKV

Anand, Humpy opt out of Asian Games

NEW DELHI: World chess champion Viswanathan Anand will not be available for next month's Asian Games in China due to prior commitments, officials said on Friday.

With the top woman player Koneru Humpy also opting out of the mega event, the Indian squad will be same that played in the Olympiad last month.

Humpy had won two gold medals including one in the team event in the last edition in Doha while Anand was absent there as well.

Both the players have already told the All India Chess Federation that they will not be available for the November 12-27 Games.

" AICF Secretary had approached Anand to play in the Asian Games. But he said he will not be available," Delhi Chess Association President Bharat Singh Chauhan, who has been named team manager of the 10-member squad said.

Medals will be up for grabs in the team events for men and women apart from the two individual rapid events.

Team:

Men: K Sasikiran, P Hari Krishna, Surya Shekhar Ganguly, G N Gopal and B Adhiban.

Women: D Harika, Tania Sachdev, Eesha Karavade, S Meenakshi and Nisha Mohota.

Coaches: Lev Psakhis and Oleg Romanishin; Manager: Bharat Singh Chauhan.

Read more: Anand, Humpy opt out of Asian Games - The Times of India http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/events-tournaments/2010-asian-games/Anand-Humpy-opt-out-of-Asian-Games/articleshow/6834528.cms#ixzz13kQ5W81N