Somdev Devvarman qualifies for French Open

Somdev Devvarman qualifies for French Open

PARIS, May 21: Somdev Devvarman became the first Indian in 13 years to qualify for the men’s singles event of the French Open after scoring a 6-4, 6-1 win over Adrian Mannarino.

It took sixth seed Somdev one hour and 25 minutes to quell the challenge of his French rival in the third and final round and seal one of the 16 main draw spots up for grab.

Leander Paes was the last Indian to play in men’s singles event of the French Open in 1997 when he made the second round of the clay court Grand Slam.

This is for the second time that Somdev has qualified for the men’s singles of a Grand Slam tournament. He first played in a tennis Major at the US Open last year and had reached second round.

SA pip West Indies by a run

SA pip West Indies by a run

NORTH SOUND, May 21: Ryan McLaren kept his nerve in a tense final over to help South Africa formalise a one-run victory over West Indies, and sweep their two-match Twenty20 International series on Thursday.

McLaren fired in a low full toss very wide of off stump, as West Indies, chasing a modest victory target of 121, required three from the final delivery of the match.

But he conceded just one run, after South African point fielder Jean-Paul Duminy swooped on the ball, when West Indies tail-ender Jerome Taylor essayed a slog at it, and it trickled 15 yards away.

South Africa also won the opening match on Wednesday by 13 runs at the same venue to take a psychological boost into the five One-day Internationals between the two sides, which open on Saturday at the VRCG.

Newcomer David Miller had battled to the top score of 33 from 26 balls, and Johan Botha made 23 from 22 balls to add some respectability to the Proteas’ total of 120 for seven from their 20 overs.

BCCI issues show-cause notices to errant players

BCCI issues show-cause notices to errant players

MUMBAI, May 18: The BCCI on Tuesday issued show cause notice to six cricketers, including star players Yuvraj Singh and Zaheer Khan, for their alleged involvement in a pub brawl after India’s humiliating exit from Twenty20 World Cup in the West Indies.

Besides Yuvraj and Zaheer, show cause notices were served to Ashish Nehra, Rohit Sharma, Piyush Chawla and Ravindra Jadeja as well.

“Board secretary N Srinivasan signed the show cause notices served this afternoon,” a top BCCI source said.

Although details of the notices are not known, it is learnt that the players have been given seven days’ time to respond to the charge of getting involved in a pub brawl in St Lucia on May 11.

According to reports, six Indian cricketers were in the pub where the fans started taunting and abusing them for their failure to reach the semifinal and the cricketers reacted leading to the brawl.

Both Yuvraj and Nehra denied the brawl and even team manager Ranjib Biswal sought to play down the issue on his arrival from the West Indies.

But after Biswal submitted his report to BCCI President Shashank Manohar yesterday, its Chief Administrative Officer Ratnakar Shetty told reporters that the Board had conducted an inquiry into the incident and decided to crack the whip on the errant players.

“We conducted an inquiry over the incident in the West Indies that was widely reported in the media. After considering all the information that we have gathered, the President took the decision that the Board Secretary will issue show cause notices to those players,” Shetty said. (PTI)

Shoaib opts spiritual treatment for knee pain

Shoaib opts spiritual treatment for knee pain

KARACHI, May 18: Eager to make a comeback to the national team, Pakistan’s controversial fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar has approached a spiritual healer for the treatment of his chronic knee pain, which could not be cured even after a major surgery in England last year. According to sources close to the bowler, Shoaib went to see a spiritual/faith healer in Karachi who specialises in treating people with orthopedic and muscular problems. A source said the healer has attributed the pain to a nerve being trapped inside the knee resulting in blockage of normal blood circulation. According to the source Shoaib had admitted taking injections regularly and medications to fight the pain. (PTI)

BCCI serves show cause notice to six cricketers

STAFF WRITER 15:4 HRS IST

Mumbai, May 18 (PTI) The BCCI today issued show cause notice to six cricketers, including star players Yuvraj Singh and Zaheer Khan, for their alleged involvement in a pub brawl after India's humiliating exit from Twenty20 World Cup in the West Indies.

Besides Yuvraj and Zaheer, show cause notices were served to Ashish Nehra, Rohit Sharma, Piyush Chawla and Ravindra Jadeja as well.

"Board secretary N Srinivasan signed the show cause notices served this afternoon," a top BCCI source said.

Although details of the notices are not known, it is learnt that the players have been given seven days' time to respond to the charge of getting involved in a pub brawl in St Lucia on May 11.

According to reports, six Indian cricketers were in the pub where the fans started taunting and abusing them for their failure to reach the semi-final and the cricketers reacted leading to the brawl.

Azlan Shah Cup: India share title with South Korea

Azlan Shah Cup: India share title with South Korea

Ipoh (Malaysia), May 16: Defending champions India retained the Azlan Shah Cup hockey title, winning it for the fifth time, after they were declared joint winners with South Korea as heavy rains washed out the final on Sunday.

Only seven minutes of play was possible before rains came down heavily at the Azlan Shah Stadium. The teams were declared joint winners after over an hour following incessant rains.

“After discussions and consultations between Tournament Director Paul Richards, the organising committee, with the consent of His Royal Highness Sultan Azlan Shah decided that India and Korea will be joint champions for the 19th edition of the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup,” the organisers said in a statement.

BCCI bigwigs to meet IMG officials today

BCCI bigwigs to meet IMG officials today

MUMBAI, May 16: The BCCI top brass will meet officials of the sports management firm IMG on Monday to seek details of the financial dealings during suspended IPL Commissioner Lalit Modi’s tenure.

IMG conducts the Indian Premier League and recently hit the headlines for being part of Modi’s alleged plans of starting a rebel Twenty20 league in England.

The firm would be represented by its senior vice president Andrew Whiteblood and legal experts Paul Manning and John Loffhagen.

Michael Hussey guide Australia to World Cup finals

STAFF WRITER 1:15 HRS IST

Gros Islet (St Lucia), May 14 (PTI) Michael Hussey hit a 24-ball 60 to script a dramatic runchase as Australia snatched a three-wicket victory over Pakistan in the semifinals to set up a summit clash with England in the Twenty20 cricket World Cup here today.

Coming at number seven, Hussey added 53 runs off just 16 balls with Mitchell Johnson (5) and blasted three sixes and a four off Saeed Ajmal in the last over as Australia romped home with one ball to spare.

Earlier put into bat, brothers Kamran Akmal (50) and Umar Akmal (56) slammed blistering half-centuries as Pakistan amassed an imposing 191 for six.

Chasing 192 to win, the Australians were down in the dumps at 105 for five in 12.3 overs with David Warner (0), Shane Watson (16), Brad Haddin (25), Michael Clarke (17) and David Hussey (13) back into the hut.

Beckham confirms offer of England coaching role

Beckham confirms offer of England coaching role

ZURICH, May 14: David Beckham has confirmed he is keen to accept England manager Fabio Capello’s invitation to join his coaching staff at the World Cup. Beckham has been ruled out of the tournament in South Africa after rupturing his Achilles tendon while playing for AC Milan in March, but Capello wants the 35-year-old midfielder to play his part on the sidelines instead. Capello and his assistant Franco Baldini have given Beckham the chance to work as an intermediary between manager and players, as well as assisting on the training ground. Beckham, speaking on Friday at the presentation of England’s bid to host the 2018 World Cup, admitted he is hopeful his rehabilitation from the injury will have progressed far enough to allow him to make the trip to South Africa. “I’ve spoken to the manager and Franco Baldini and they have made it well aware that I have a role to play with the players and the team,” Beckham said. “We have not discussed specifics but I’m honoured that a manager of Fabio’s status feels I can be important. “I am hoping to travel with the team but obviously we’ll have to see how my therapy goes.” The former Manchester United and Real Madrid star is believed to have initially been concerned that his presence in the England camp could become a distraction. But Capello and Baldini have assured Beckham that he would be a valuable part of their bid to win the World Cup. Beckham is not expected to travel to England’s pre-World Cup training camp in Austria when the squad leaves on Monday, but he is set to be on the plane for South Africa on June 2. (Agencies)

Hussey powers Oz into final

Hussey powers Oz into final

Gros Islet (St Lucia), May 14: Michael Hussey scored a brilliant 60 off 24 balls to give Australia a thumping victory against Pakistan in the second semifinal of ICC World Twenty20 here today. Now Australia face England in the final on Sunday. Chasing a tough target of 192, the Australians were in trouble as they lost a few early wickets but Hussey did not allow the defending champions to gain the upperhand in the match with his masterful display. Cameron White also contributed 43 to the winning cause. Earlier, Pakistan rode on blistering half-centuries by Kamran Akmal (50) and Umar Akmal (56) to post a challenging 191 for six. Put into bat, Kamran and Salman Butt (32) shared a 58-ball 82-run opening partnership to set the tone, while Umar provided the late charge as Pakistan stunned Australia with their stroke-play in a sticky Beausejour wicket here. Inclement weather and wet ground conditions had earlier delayed the start of the match by half an hour but that did not bother the Pakistan openers as they went about their business.

WADA ‘whereabouts’ clause won’t create problem in World Cup: Shetty

WADA ‘whereabouts’ clause won’t create problem in World Cup: Shetty

MUMBAI, May 13: Stand off between cricket authorities and the World Anti-Doping Agency over the controversial “whereabouts” clause in the WADA Anti-Doping Code is unlikely to create any problem for the 2011 ICC World Cup, feels tournament director Ratnakar Shetty.

“I don’t foresee a problem. WADA has told ICC it’s their problem to get it resolved. BCCI (Indian cricket board) has expressed certain concerns only about the whereabouts clause, nothing more than that,” Shetty, who is also BCCI’s chief administrative officer, said in an exclusive interview.

“ICC, WADA officials and BCCI had a meeting three months back in Dubai. It went off very well where we made it very clear that India is not opposed to the dope test, it’s only about the whereabouts clause where 24 hours the sportsman has to file in the details. That could be resolved,” Shetty explained.

“We are seeking the support of other boards also. N Srinivasan (BCCI secretary) and Shashank Manohar (BCCI president) have been working with other cricket boards as well as with ICC to find an early solution to this problem.

England beat Lanka, in final

England beat Lanka, in final

Gros Islet (St Lucia), May 13: Once again Kevin Pietersen became the hero as he remained not out at 42 to see his team enter the final of the ICC Twenty20, beating Sri Lanka by seven wickets in the first semifinal here today. Craig Kieswetter was the other major contributor (39) as England easily chased down the target with 24 balls remaining.

Earlier, Angelo Mathews (58) stood among ruins with a fighting half century as Sri Lanka scored a modest 128 for six.

Mathews, who hit three fours and a six in his 45-ball innings, got little support from his batting colleagues as the next highest contributors were captain Kumar Saangakkara (16) and Chamara Kapugedera (16) after Sri Lanka elected to bat at a slow Beausejour Stadium pitch. Mathews was involved in two partnerships — 46 off 45 balls with Kapugedera for the fifth wicket and 33 off 20 balls with Thissara Perera for the sixth — which took Sri Lanka at least something to defend.

Broad was the most successful England bowler with two wickets for 21 while Bresman, Sidebottom and Swann chipped in with a wicket each. Except for calling the coin correctly, nothing worked for Sri Lanka as they lost their three key batsmen by the fifth over for just 26 runs.

Sri Lanka’s woes deepened with their best batsman in the tournament Mahela Jayawardene departing in the first ball of the fifth over off a beauty from Stuart Broad with the ball lifting and moving a shade away from the bat for wicketkeeper Craig Kieswetter to do the rest. Sangakkara and Angelo Mathews tried to repair the innings before the former was out in the ninth over for a 19-ball 16 to leave his side in deep trouble at 47 for four. Brief Score: Sri Lanka 128/6 England 132/3 (PTI)

Anand relieved after ending 'black' jinx against Topalov

NEW DELHI: It may not match the ecstasy of retaining the World Championship title but Indian chess wizard Viswanathan Anand is both delighted and relieved to have snapped a black jinx against his Bulgarian nemesis Veselin Topalov.

Both levelled at 5.5 after 11 rounds, Anand weaved a black magic in the decider, conjuring a stunning win over the local favourite to retain the world title in Sofia, Bulgaria.

It came as a fitting reply to Topalov's pre-match bragging that he would have the edge against the Indian because of his white pieces.

"I think I have lost my four or five games against Topalov with black but with white I won my last three. So it was very important to win this with black," a content Anand said.

"May be it is fitting in a way that finally I corrected this problem that I have been having with the black pieces," he said.

"In general, for the last four years we have been beating each other with white, so it was getting a bit one-sided," Anand said.

Graceful as usual, Anand lauded his opponent Topalov for showed great determination and fighting spirit to take the 12-game encounter down to the wire.

"He is one of the strongest players in the world. I think he is one of the grittiest and I feel a decade older after this match," Anand said.

Anand has triggered off a chess revolution in the country and asked how much effect his latest triumph would have on the mind of the Indian chess players, the champion chess player said, "Right now I can't think of any sort of legacy. I am just relieved that I am still gonna wake up tomorrow as world champion."

Malaysia stun India at Sultan Azlan Shah Cup

IPOH: Malaysia stunned India 5-2 at the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup on Wednesday to keep alive their chances of making the final on home soil.



It was the biggest margin of victory ever achieved by a Malaysian team over the Indians, who are the defending champions in the tournament being played in northern Malaysia.



India still lead the standings with 10 points and a win over Egypt on Saturday will give them a place in the final.



Malaysia's hopes will hinge on whether they win their next match, against China on Thursday, and also on the Australia-South Korea result in the round-robin event.



The first-half ended 1-0 in favour of the Malaysians with Mohamed Amin Rahim scoring off a penalty corner in the 27th minute.



The game came alive in the second-half, with Tengku Ahmad Tajuddin scoring in the 39th minute and Mohamed Razie on target in the 41st.



As Malaysia dominated, India wasted their chances, pulling a goal back in the 44th minute through Danish Mujtaba but failing to stop the home side's stampede.



Amin scored a fourth goal in the 48th minute followed by Azreen Rizal on the hour.



India's second goal was scored by Ravi Pal in the 68th minute.



Meanwhile, world champions Australia let slip a three-goal advantage to earn a 5-5 draw with Pakistan in an exciting match.



Both teams were parading a host of young players and Pakistan overcame a shaky start to share the points after scoring a last-minute goal.



Timothy Bates, Grant Schubert and Christopher Ciriello scored in the first-half for the Australians while Mohamed Rizwan replied for the Pakistanis.



It was 4-1 to the Australians by the 40th minute with Ciriello adding his second. But the cracks showed in the Australian game and Pakistan took advantage.



Skipper Mohamed Imran was on target twice while Mohamed Irfan and Mohamed Ummar Bhutta added the other goals.



Schubert was the scorer of the fifth goal for the Australians.



Pakistan coach K. M. Junaid said the result was a huge bonus for his team considering they are rebuilding.



"This shows we are on the right track in giving the youngsters a chance to gain valuable experience. They have a lot of potential," he said.



"We did not expect to get a draw after falling behind 1-4. The players have made me proud and we must give them all the opportunity to make the grade at the senior level."



The race for a finals berth is still wide open with five teams still in the hunt.



TOI

It's England's consistency vs Lanka's flair on May 13

GROS ISLET: England's new-found consistency will be pitted against Sri Lanka's characteristic flair when the two teams clash in the first semifinal of the Twenty20 World Cup on Thursday.

England's display in the tournament has been a revelation of sorts with Paul Collingwood and his men winning all three Super Eight stage matches with consummate ease.

With their maverick top order batsman Kevin Pietersen returning to the ranks after a brief break to watch the birth of his first child, England's batting order would have a formidable look about it.

Pietersen has been in sensational form but even without him, England hardly broke a sweat as they upended New Zealand to prove that they don't rely on an individual or two to see them through.

In Craig Kieswetter and Michael Lumb, England have an opening pair which scores at a brisk rate and with Pietersen, set to return at Ravi Bopara's expense, and Collingwood to follow, their batting line-up is quite capable of laying the foundation for a big total.

In the middle order, the exciting Eoin Morgan, Luke Wright and all-rounder Tim Bresnan have the penchant to assert themselves early which suits the team.

Their bowling department also has the necessary variety. Bresnan and his new-ball colleague Ryan Sidebottom have more often than not given the early breakthrough while Stuart Broad has been among the wickets as well.

In the slow bowling department, Michael Yardy has been parsimony personified while Graeme Swann has struck regularly.

England's might notwithstanding, it is not going to be a cakewalk against the Sri Lankans who are high on confidence after sneaking through to the last four stage.

Unlike England, consistency has not been Sri Lanka's strong point in the tournament and even after beating India, they had to wait for an Australian triumph over the West Indies before a semifinal berth could be theirs.

The islanders, however, would take heart from their success against India, especially with Tillakaratne Dilshan returning to form and youngsters like Angelo Matthews and Chamara Kapugedera coming to the party.

Captain Kumar Sangakkara also looked in fine touch against India and he would hope Mahela Jayawardene, who had a brilliant run in the tournament before it was punctuated by two poor outings, to hit form on Thursday.

In Lasith Malinga, Thissara Perera and Angelo Mathews, they have quite a potent attack and Sangakkara would expect them to trouble the English batsmen Thursday.

TOI

India suffer 2-5 defeat against Malaysia in Azlan Shah

STAFF WRITER 20:24 HRS IST

Ipoh (Malaysia), May 12 (PTI) A lacklustre India suffered a disappointing 2-5 loss against Malaysia in a round-robin match to slump to their first defeat in the Azlan Shah Cup hockey tournament here today.

Despite the loss, India still topped the seven-team table with 10 points and they will have to beat Egypt in their last fixture on Saturday to make it to the summit clash.

Malaysia, on the other hand, jumped to the second spot with eight points after today's win, their biggest-ever against India.

Malaysia sounded the board through Mohamed Amin Rahim (27th and 48th minute), Tengku Ahmad Tajuddin (39th), Mohamed Razie (41st) and Nasir Azreen Rizal (60th minute) while the Indian marksmen were Danish Mujtaba (44th) and Ravi Pal Singh (67th).

India needed to beat Malaysia to secure their place in Sunday's final but they seemed complacent throughout the match.

India eliminated with defeat against Lanka

Joseph Hoover

St Lucia (WI), May 11 (PTI) India were today knocked out of the Twenty20 cricket World Cup after suffering third defeat in a row as they lost their last Super Eights match to Sri Lanka by five wickets here.

After putting on 163 for five, India needed to not only win the crunch rubber but by at least 20-run margin to give themselves an outside chance of sneaking into the semifinals.

However, Sri Lanka not only ended India's hopes with their thrilling win but also dented hosts West Indies' semifinal chances.

Chamara Kapugedara hit a six off Ashish Nehra in the last ball of the 20th over as Sri Lanka made 167 for five after a wobbly start.

Sri Lanka now have four points in group F and West Indies will have to win the next match against Australia with a considerable margin to remain in the competition.

Sri Lanka keep hopes alive, India bite the dust

Sri Lanka keep hopes alive, India bite the dust

St Lucia, May 11: Sri Lanka beat India by 5 wickets at a thrilling match of the Twenty20 cricket World Cup at St Lucia tonight. The last-ball sixer by islander Chamara Kapugedara proved to be the dampener for India’s race for a semifinal berth. Chasing a target of 164, Sri Lanka made 167 for the loss of five wickets in the stipulated 20 overs.

Earlier, Suresh Raina top scored for India with a 47-ball 63 as his team scored a competitive 163 for five in their crucial Super Eights match. India were 90 for one at half-way mark but could not accelerate much afterwards due to slow nature of the wicket.

If India manages to beat Sri Lanka by 20 runs, they will keenly watch the next match where an Australia win over the West Indies would clear their passage to the semifinals. Given the do-or-die situation, India batted aggressively and positively. Dinesh Karthik, who replaced Murali Vijay, started off with a bang by dispatching the first ball of innings off Angelo Mathews to the point boundary. Karthik (13) looked in good touch as he was striking the ball well but a leading edge off Lasith Malinga ended his stay at the crease, though India made a steady start.

Viswanathan Anand retains world chess title

Anand retains world chess title

Sofia, May 11: Viswanathan Anand held his nerve and focus way better than his opponent Veselin Topalov here on Tuesday to win the 12th and final game to retain his World Chess Championships title. The 40-year-old Indian beat local man from Bulgaria in the closing game with black pieces to emerge a 6.5-5.5 winner and seal his place as one of the dominant players of his era.

Anand first won the world title in 2000 and held it till 2002 when the chess world was still split. He became the undisputed World champion in 2007 and then retained the title in 2008 when he beat Vladimir Kramnik. This time around he beat Topalov to cement his place among one of the games’ all-time greats. Anand, who travelled more than 40 hours by road to reach the venue as flights in Europe were suspended due to the volcanic ash from Iceland, lost the first game. He, however, quickly hit back with wins in the second and third game.

India require to beat Lanka at least by 20 runs

STAFF WRITER 19:1 HRS IST

St Lucia, May 10 (PTI) A win alone is not sufficient for India to qualify for semifinals and they will have to beat Sri Lanka by a minimum of 20 runs on batting first and with 2.1 to three overs to spare on batting second in their last Super Eights clash of the T20 World Cup here tomorrow.

Not only India need to win big tomorrow but also require Australia to beat hosts the West Indies in the second match of the day.

And if Australia beat West Indies even by one run, India will be through.

India need to boost their net run-rate which is a dismal -1.578.

However, despite losing to Australia by a huge margin of 81 runs, Sri Lanka have a NRR of -0.600 while West Indies' NRR is -1.057.