LONDON: John Booth replaced Alex Tai as Virgin Racing team principal on Tuesday, less than a month after British entrepreneur Richard Branson launched the Formula One newcomers.
The team, whose entirely digitally-designed car has yet to turn a wheel on a racetrack, added in a statement that Graeme Lowden would take the role of chief executive.
Booth is the founder of British-based Manor Motorsport, who have a strong record in junior series and secured the original Formula One entry before doing a deal with Virgin, and was previously sporting director.
Virgin Racing said the change was “part of the planned evolution of the team and continued development of the business.”
“These appointments reflect our long-term commitment to fully addressing the complexity and challenges of the newbusiness and to creating a team with the appropriate skills and experience to ensure its sustainable success,” added team chairman Etienne de Villiers.
Tai will continue as director of special projects for Branson’s Virgin Group.
Virgin Racing are one of four new teams due to make their debuts when the season starts in Bahrain on March 14.
Tai said on December 15, at the formal launch, that Virgin Racing was fully funded for the season ahead. The team have signed Germany’s Timo Glock and Brazilian Lucas di Grassi as their drivers. Investors include the private equity arm of Britain’s bailed-out Lloyds Banking Group.
Friday, January 15, 2010
Schumacher must fear Alonso, says Ferrari boss
MADONNA DI CAMPIGLIO, Italy: Michael Schumacher could rue his departure from Ferrari because Fernando Alonso is perfectly placed to beat the German to the world title again, team boss Stefano Domenicali said on Wednesday.
The former Renault driver beat Schumacher to the 2005 and 2006 world titles and Domenicali is confident his new recruitcan repeat the trick.
“Let’s not forget Fernando is the only driver on the track who in his career has beaten Michael (to the world championship),” Domenicali told a packed news conference at Ferrari’s winter ski retreat.
“Fernando has everything to beat him.”
Ferrari fans around the world were upset by Schumacher’s exit, especially after he nearly returned for the Italian team last season as a temporary replacement for the injured Brazilian Felipe Massa.
A neck injury prevented the German from making a comeback on that occasion.
“Of course, it is right not to forget that what has happened has left its mark. Now we have to turn the page. We have to show Michael that this is a strong team. We want to win,” he added.
“We thought of Michael last year because he is an extraordinary and strong driver. But Fernando and Felipe are able to beat him even if Michael is still very strong.”
Schumacher is testing a GP2 car in Jerez this week and has caused controversy in Italy by wearing a red helmet, like the one he sported during his years of triumph at Ferrari.
“Obviously to leave a family is difficult. Some feelings clearly remain,” Domenicali added with a smile on his face.
A relaxed Alonso, who has replaced Kimi Raikkonen, has been enjoying himself at the annual ski retreat, his first official Ferrari engagement, and many fans and journalists have commented how natural he looks in the red uniform. But the cars themselves will make the difference and Domenicali acknowledged that fuel consumption, where Mercedes are expected to have an advantage, could be crucial for the coming season which starts in Bahrain on March 14.
“I believe this year consumption will be fundamental. We are working very hard with Shell on this. We have relative expectations but we are going in the right direction. Let’s not forget Renault too,” he said.
The former Renault driver beat Schumacher to the 2005 and 2006 world titles and Domenicali is confident his new recruitcan repeat the trick.
“Let’s not forget Fernando is the only driver on the track who in his career has beaten Michael (to the world championship),” Domenicali told a packed news conference at Ferrari’s winter ski retreat.
“Fernando has everything to beat him.”
Ferrari fans around the world were upset by Schumacher’s exit, especially after he nearly returned for the Italian team last season as a temporary replacement for the injured Brazilian Felipe Massa.
A neck injury prevented the German from making a comeback on that occasion.
“Of course, it is right not to forget that what has happened has left its mark. Now we have to turn the page. We have to show Michael that this is a strong team. We want to win,” he added.
“We thought of Michael last year because he is an extraordinary and strong driver. But Fernando and Felipe are able to beat him even if Michael is still very strong.”
Schumacher is testing a GP2 car in Jerez this week and has caused controversy in Italy by wearing a red helmet, like the one he sported during his years of triumph at Ferrari.
“Obviously to leave a family is difficult. Some feelings clearly remain,” Domenicali added with a smile on his face.
A relaxed Alonso, who has replaced Kimi Raikkonen, has been enjoying himself at the annual ski retreat, his first official Ferrari engagement, and many fans and journalists have commented how natural he looks in the red uniform. But the cars themselves will make the difference and Domenicali acknowledged that fuel consumption, where Mercedes are expected to have an advantage, could be crucial for the coming season which starts in Bahrain on March 14.
“I believe this year consumption will be fundamental. We are working very hard with Shell on this. We have relative expectations but we are going in the right direction. Let’s not forget Renault too,” he said.
Ecclestone proposes grand prix shortcuts
MADONNA DI CAMPIGLIO, Italy: Bernie Ecclestone wants to introduce “shortcuts” on race tracks to boost entertainment and allow the top drivers to do more overtaking, the Formula One supremo said on Wednesday.
The idea, which has yet to garner support from teams, would be another radical change to the sport with nothing similar ever having been adopted.
“I’ve tried to push the teams with a number of proposals. Imagine a shortcut which a driver can use five times every race. It would stop people getting stuck behind others. It would be good for TV,” the 79-year-old told reporters at Ferrari’s pre-season ski retreat.
Ecclestone also complained that brakes in Formula One cars were too efficient and reduced the amount of overtaking which fans like to watch.
In spite of believing the sport can be improved, the Briton reckoned this season would be among the best with Jenson Button, Lewis Hamilton, Fernando Alonso and the returning Michael Schumacher all on the grid.
Ecclestone, who laughed and joked with Alonso after a day’s skiing, repeated his belief that some of the new teams added to Formula One this season may struggle to race.
Elsewhere, seven-time world champion Michael Schumacher said he was satisfied with the crucial track time he secured on his second day of testing in Jerez in spite of rain restricting his programme.
Schumacher, who has come out of retirement to drive for Mercedes in the Formula One world championship on a three-year, 30-million-dollar deal, again drove a GP2 car as F1 testing is banned until February.
Schumacher’s first day on the track, Tuesday, was restricted by heavy rain, but he is due to drive again at the Spanish venue on Thursday.
The idea, which has yet to garner support from teams, would be another radical change to the sport with nothing similar ever having been adopted.
“I’ve tried to push the teams with a number of proposals. Imagine a shortcut which a driver can use five times every race. It would stop people getting stuck behind others. It would be good for TV,” the 79-year-old told reporters at Ferrari’s pre-season ski retreat.
Ecclestone also complained that brakes in Formula One cars were too efficient and reduced the amount of overtaking which fans like to watch.
In spite of believing the sport can be improved, the Briton reckoned this season would be among the best with Jenson Button, Lewis Hamilton, Fernando Alonso and the returning Michael Schumacher all on the grid.
Ecclestone, who laughed and joked with Alonso after a day’s skiing, repeated his belief that some of the new teams added to Formula One this season may struggle to race.
Elsewhere, seven-time world champion Michael Schumacher said he was satisfied with the crucial track time he secured on his second day of testing in Jerez in spite of rain restricting his programme.
Schumacher, who has come out of retirement to drive for Mercedes in the Formula One world championship on a three-year, 30-million-dollar deal, again drove a GP2 car as F1 testing is banned until February.
Schumacher’s first day on the track, Tuesday, was restricted by heavy rain, but he is due to drive again at the Spanish venue on Thursday.
Ferrari inspired by Schumacher challenge
ROME: Ferrari insisted on Wednesday that they are desperate not to be upstaged by Michael Schumacher’s high-profile Formula One return.
Seven-time world champion Schumacher, who enjoyed a 14-year association with Ferrari, has come out of retirement to drive for Mercedes in the world championship which gets underway in March. But Ferrari team principal Stefano Domenicali believes that his new signing, two-time world champion Fernando Alonso, can trump whatever Schumacher can produce.
“He (Schumacher) decided to accept this challenge so I think that he is convinced that he has the possibility to prevail, confirming the confidence we had in him,” said Domenicali. “Now he’s a competitor and we’ll give it our all to be ahead of him, as we do with all the others, too. For the whole team his decision is a further stimulus.
“Naturally, seeing him yesterday (at testing in Jerez) with the red helmet he wore when he was with us, it seems that also he has some difficulties drawing a line under the past.”
With Formula One in the middle of a winter testing ban, the 41-year-old Schumacher got behind the wheel of a GP2 car, which is close to F1 specifications, at Jerez in Spain on Tuesday.
The German legend, who signed a three-year, 30-million-dollar deal with Mercedes, was due to test again on Wednesday and Thursday.
Meanwhile, world motorcycling champion Valentino Rossi will test a Ferrari in Barcelona later this month.
The test on January 20-21 in an F2008 Ferrari will not be the first time Rossi has tested an F1 car.
Domenicali refused to rule out the possibility of Yamaha’s Rossi switching racing codes.
“Never say never. There has been a lot of discussion about a third car and this could be an interesting improvement,” said the Ferrari boss.
Domenicali also announced the season’s new car would be unveiled on January 28 and insisted that the team has worked extensively on reliability issues.
Seven-time world champion Schumacher, who enjoyed a 14-year association with Ferrari, has come out of retirement to drive for Mercedes in the world championship which gets underway in March. But Ferrari team principal Stefano Domenicali believes that his new signing, two-time world champion Fernando Alonso, can trump whatever Schumacher can produce.
“He (Schumacher) decided to accept this challenge so I think that he is convinced that he has the possibility to prevail, confirming the confidence we had in him,” said Domenicali. “Now he’s a competitor and we’ll give it our all to be ahead of him, as we do with all the others, too. For the whole team his decision is a further stimulus.
“Naturally, seeing him yesterday (at testing in Jerez) with the red helmet he wore when he was with us, it seems that also he has some difficulties drawing a line under the past.”
With Formula One in the middle of a winter testing ban, the 41-year-old Schumacher got behind the wheel of a GP2 car, which is close to F1 specifications, at Jerez in Spain on Tuesday.
The German legend, who signed a three-year, 30-million-dollar deal with Mercedes, was due to test again on Wednesday and Thursday.
Meanwhile, world motorcycling champion Valentino Rossi will test a Ferrari in Barcelona later this month.
The test on January 20-21 in an F2008 Ferrari will not be the first time Rossi has tested an F1 car.
Domenicali refused to rule out the possibility of Yamaha’s Rossi switching racing codes.
“Never say never. There has been a lot of discussion about a third car and this could be an interesting improvement,” said the Ferrari boss.
Domenicali also announced the season’s new car would be unveiled on January 28 and insisted that the team has worked extensively on reliability issues.
Qasim, Asif retained as PHF president: secretary
KARACHI: Congress of Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) met here on Tuesday at Hockey Club of Pakistan and has retained Qasim Zia as President and Muhammad Asif Bajwa as Secretary unanimously for the term of next four years.
Representatives from the country approved the proposed panel in the meeting of 46th Congress of PHF.
The other elected members are Vice Presidents Nawab Lashkari Raisani (Balochistan), Saeed Khan (NWFP), Wasay Jalil (Sindh), Barrister Shahida Jamil (Women’s Wing), Associate Secretary Rana Mujahid Ali and Treasurer Khalid Rasool.
Chief Election Commissioner Rao Iftikhar and Ejaz Gul conducted the elections proceedings. Congress also approved the amendment in the constitution of PHF.
However, the agenda of the meeting, which was circulated in Pakistan Olympics Association, Pakistan Sports Board and other different units, didn’t mention about any amendment in the constitution.
“Only notices were sent to PHF units, which was not the right way to make an amendment in the constitution. They should have informed POA, PSB and other units before making any amendment in the constitution,” a source told PPI.
According to the amendment, the members of the PHF Executive Board have been increased from 14 to 18. Now Executive Board members will be President PHF, four vice presidents, Secretary General, Associate Secretary, Treasurer, two representatives from the departments, three technocrats and four provincial secretaries.
PHF President Qasim Zia addressing the press briefing after the Congress meeting said that the Pakistan Hockey is moving in the right direction and new players are now hopeful of a secure future in the national game.
“After many years, Pakistan team has displayed brilliant performances and recently reached the final of Champions Challenge League final,” he said.
He said that Pakistani players are very talented and they only need proper guidance and direction to represent Pakistan strongly in the international arena.
“I don’t promise that Pakistan will clinch World Cup. But we are hopeful that that our team would make worthy achievement in the prestigious event and will not let down their fans,” he said.
He further said that their target is Asian Games title and they are preparing their team accordingly.
He said that international tournaments in the country are very important for the promotion of hockey in the country but the prevailing security issue is posing hindrance for holding of such event.
“It is good to see Pakistan Boxing Federation holding an international boxing event in which many countries are participating. But the story is different in hockey. Hockey needs a vast open ground which is difficult to secure whereas boxing is an indoor sport,” he said.
However, he said that PHF is making efforts to bring international events back to the country and the coming of FIH president to Pakistan is a proof of their efforts.
“We got some positive responses from international bodies and hopefully we would be able to host some international event in near future,” he said.
Representatives from the country approved the proposed panel in the meeting of 46th Congress of PHF.
The other elected members are Vice Presidents Nawab Lashkari Raisani (Balochistan), Saeed Khan (NWFP), Wasay Jalil (Sindh), Barrister Shahida Jamil (Women’s Wing), Associate Secretary Rana Mujahid Ali and Treasurer Khalid Rasool.
Chief Election Commissioner Rao Iftikhar and Ejaz Gul conducted the elections proceedings. Congress also approved the amendment in the constitution of PHF.
However, the agenda of the meeting, which was circulated in Pakistan Olympics Association, Pakistan Sports Board and other different units, didn’t mention about any amendment in the constitution.
“Only notices were sent to PHF units, which was not the right way to make an amendment in the constitution. They should have informed POA, PSB and other units before making any amendment in the constitution,” a source told PPI.
According to the amendment, the members of the PHF Executive Board have been increased from 14 to 18. Now Executive Board members will be President PHF, four vice presidents, Secretary General, Associate Secretary, Treasurer, two representatives from the departments, three technocrats and four provincial secretaries.
PHF President Qasim Zia addressing the press briefing after the Congress meeting said that the Pakistan Hockey is moving in the right direction and new players are now hopeful of a secure future in the national game.
“After many years, Pakistan team has displayed brilliant performances and recently reached the final of Champions Challenge League final,” he said.
He said that Pakistani players are very talented and they only need proper guidance and direction to represent Pakistan strongly in the international arena.
“I don’t promise that Pakistan will clinch World Cup. But we are hopeful that that our team would make worthy achievement in the prestigious event and will not let down their fans,” he said.
He further said that their target is Asian Games title and they are preparing their team accordingly.
He said that international tournaments in the country are very important for the promotion of hockey in the country but the prevailing security issue is posing hindrance for holding of such event.
“It is good to see Pakistan Boxing Federation holding an international boxing event in which many countries are participating. But the story is different in hockey. Hockey needs a vast open ground which is difficult to secure whereas boxing is an indoor sport,” he said.
However, he said that PHF is making efforts to bring international events back to the country and the coming of FIH president to Pakistan is a proof of their efforts.
“We got some positive responses from international bodies and hopefully we would be able to host some international event in near future,” he said.
Former Olympians requst SC to interfere in PHF matters
KARACHI: More than twenty former Olympians and hockey players have submitted an application to Chief Justice of Supreme Court of Pakistan requesting him to interfere in the bizarre running of Pakistan Hockey Federation.
According to sources, an application signed by 21 former Olympians and hockey players to the Chief Justice, requesting him to interfere and replace present PHF setup, that has been elected through absurd elections and induct an Adhoc body based on legendary Olympians in the best interest of hockey.
“We only want to see hockey on the right track and regain former glory. We have no personal vendetta with anyone and we have only come together in the best interest of hockey,” one of the applicant Olympian, on condition of anonymity said.
He said that the former Olympians and hockey players have realised that hockey need a thorough change and the present setup is not working in the best interest of hockey.
“We want to bring neutral and dedicated legends in the offices of PHF. Federeation posts should not be given on political basis and the criteria should be on merit base. Only the legendary players who are national heroes must occupy these offices in order to retain the lost glory,” he said.
“The elections held in the PHF Congress meting was a joke as former office bearers get themselves elected back, it is immoral and violation of PHF, FIH, POA and PSB constitutions,” he added.
According to sources, an application signed by 21 former Olympians and hockey players to the Chief Justice, requesting him to interfere and replace present PHF setup, that has been elected through absurd elections and induct an Adhoc body based on legendary Olympians in the best interest of hockey.
“We only want to see hockey on the right track and regain former glory. We have no personal vendetta with anyone and we have only come together in the best interest of hockey,” one of the applicant Olympian, on condition of anonymity said.
He said that the former Olympians and hockey players have realised that hockey need a thorough change and the present setup is not working in the best interest of hockey.
“We want to bring neutral and dedicated legends in the offices of PHF. Federeation posts should not be given on political basis and the criteria should be on merit base. Only the legendary players who are national heroes must occupy these offices in order to retain the lost glory,” he said.
“The elections held in the PHF Congress meting was a joke as former office bearers get themselves elected back, it is immoral and violation of PHF, FIH, POA and PSB constitutions,” he added.
Hockey team fined for hugging woman
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s parliament has fined members of it’s national hockey team Rupees 200,000 after photos surfaced of them hugging a female liaison officer at the Champions Challenge tournament in Argentina last month.
Player Rehan Butt was fined Rupees 100,000 while coach Shahid Ali Khan and manager Asif Bajwa have to pay Rupees 50,000 each.
Pakistan team members took pictures with the liaison officer during the official players’ night at the end of the tournament. The dinner was also attended by other participating teams and their officials.
“It is not our culture to hug a lady,” said Jamshed Dasti, chairman of Pakistan’s lower house standing committee on sports.
“The players are ambassadors of their country and they should remember this well.”
Coach Shahid Ali said that the Pakistan Hockey Federation had already taken a serious note of the pictures which were even uploaded on a popular website.
“The PHF has warned all the team players and officials to be careful in future,” Khan said. “It was an official players’ dinner and the lady requested us to have photos with her. But I agree with the committee members that some pictures were objectionable and it should have been avoided.”
Butt, who is due to compete in the World Cup in India next month, escaped a heavier punishment, as Dasti proposed to ban the forward from the national team.
“He is our key player for the World Cup and it would deal us a severe blow if you ban him,” pleaded Irfan Khokhar, chief coordinator of the PHF.
One of the female members of the committee Nasim Akhtar Chaudhry was furious after seeing the pictures.
“We live in an Islamic country,” she said. “We have our own traditions, our own culture which should be portrayed abroad.
Dasti instructed director general of the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) Amir Hamza Gilani to ensure the fine is paid, with receipts provided to the committee.
Player Rehan Butt was fined Rupees 100,000 while coach Shahid Ali Khan and manager Asif Bajwa have to pay Rupees 50,000 each.
Pakistan team members took pictures with the liaison officer during the official players’ night at the end of the tournament. The dinner was also attended by other participating teams and their officials.
“It is not our culture to hug a lady,” said Jamshed Dasti, chairman of Pakistan’s lower house standing committee on sports.
“The players are ambassadors of their country and they should remember this well.”
Coach Shahid Ali said that the Pakistan Hockey Federation had already taken a serious note of the pictures which were even uploaded on a popular website.
“The PHF has warned all the team players and officials to be careful in future,” Khan said. “It was an official players’ dinner and the lady requested us to have photos with her. But I agree with the committee members that some pictures were objectionable and it should have been avoided.”
Butt, who is due to compete in the World Cup in India next month, escaped a heavier punishment, as Dasti proposed to ban the forward from the national team.
“He is our key player for the World Cup and it would deal us a severe blow if you ban him,” pleaded Irfan Khokhar, chief coordinator of the PHF.
One of the female members of the committee Nasim Akhtar Chaudhry was furious after seeing the pictures.
“We live in an Islamic country,” she said. “We have our own traditions, our own culture which should be portrayed abroad.
Dasti instructed director general of the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) Amir Hamza Gilani to ensure the fine is paid, with receipts provided to the committee.
Indians end payment row
NEW DELHI: A bitter dispute between India’s leading hockey players and the game’s administrators over non-payment of match fees was resolved late on Saturday after a marathon meeting, a news report said.
Settlement of the dispute means the national team can resume their preparations for the upcoming hockey World Cup, which had been stalled after players boycotted a training camp in Pune because of the row.
Captain Rajpal Singh and five other senior players flew down from Pune to hold talks with top officials before an amicable solution was reached with both sides “promising to move forward”, a news agency reported.
Hockey India president Ashok Mattoo told reporters the dispute was over but declined to elaborate on the financial details of the agreement.
The dispute came at a time when India have been struggling to revive their fortunes after failing to qualify for the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
Settlement of the dispute means the national team can resume their preparations for the upcoming hockey World Cup, which had been stalled after players boycotted a training camp in Pune because of the row.
Captain Rajpal Singh and five other senior players flew down from Pune to hold talks with top officials before an amicable solution was reached with both sides “promising to move forward”, a news agency reported.
Hockey India president Ashok Mattoo told reporters the dispute was over but declined to elaborate on the financial details of the agreement.
The dispute came at a time when India have been struggling to revive their fortunes after failing to qualify for the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
India pay row erupts after short truce
NEW DELHI: Indian hockey plunged into fresh crisis on Monday as its leading players resumed a strike, just weeks before the country hosts the World Cup.
A truce reached over the weekend after a marathon meeting between the players and officials of governing body Hockey India collapsed almost at once as the team refused to end their boycott of a training camp in Pune.
The tussle over pay and conditions has hit preparations for the World Cup to be held in New Delhi from February 28 to March 13.
“The amount being offered to us is peanuts,” Indian captain Rajpal Singh was quoted as saying by the Times of India. “We were given assurances at the meeting but nothing was put on paper. We discussed the matter with other team members and decided not to accept Hockey India’s offer.
“Until this issue is resolved, we will not resume training.”
Hockey India reacted sharply to the latest boycott.
“It’s really shocking,” Hockey India treasurer Narinder Batra told AFP.
“They agreed to our offer on Saturday and now they are back on strike. They can’t hold a nation to ransom. It is blatant blackmailing.
“They want a graded system of payment, better incentives and insurance cover but these things cannot be put into place overnight.
“We are not going to tolerate such behaviour and we will take disciplinary action against them.
A truce reached over the weekend after a marathon meeting between the players and officials of governing body Hockey India collapsed almost at once as the team refused to end their boycott of a training camp in Pune.
The tussle over pay and conditions has hit preparations for the World Cup to be held in New Delhi from February 28 to March 13.
“The amount being offered to us is peanuts,” Indian captain Rajpal Singh was quoted as saying by the Times of India. “We were given assurances at the meeting but nothing was put on paper. We discussed the matter with other team members and decided not to accept Hockey India’s offer.
“Until this issue is resolved, we will not resume training.”
Hockey India reacted sharply to the latest boycott.
“It’s really shocking,” Hockey India treasurer Narinder Batra told AFP.
“They agreed to our offer on Saturday and now they are back on strike. They can’t hold a nation to ransom. It is blatant blackmailing.
“They want a graded system of payment, better incentives and insurance cover but these things cannot be put into place overnight.
“We are not going to tolerate such behaviour and we will take disciplinary action against them.
Poonsawat defends boxing title
TOKYO: Thailand’s Poonsawat Kratingdaeng successfully defended his World Boxing Association (WBA) super bantamweight title on Monday, defeating Japan’s Satoshi Hosono.
Two US judges scored the bout 115-113 and 114-114, while the South Korean judge counted it 117-113 for the defending champion, giving him a 2-0 decision.
The 29-year-old Thai boxer, who took the title in September last year, stretched his record to 40 wins, including 28 KOs, against one defeat.
Two US judges scored the bout 115-113 and 114-114, while the South Korean judge counted it 117-113 for the defending champion, giving him a 2-0 decision.
The 29-year-old Thai boxer, who took the title in September last year, stretched his record to 40 wins, including 28 KOs, against one defeat.
DALLAS, Texas: Filipino superstar Manny Pacquiao will take on Ghana’s Joshua Clottey at Cowboys Stadium, the billion-dollar state-of-the-art home of the NFL’s Dallas Cowboys, promoters said Sunday.
Promoter Bob Arum and Cowboys owner Jerry Jones announced the deal a day after Arum attended the Cowboys’ NFL playoff victory over Philadelphia at the stadium on Saturday night.
Jones had put the facility forward as a venue for the anticipated fight March 13 between Pacquiao and unbeaten American Floyd Mayweather.
That super-fight fell through last week over a disagreement on the drug testing protocol, and Arum lined up Clottey for Pacquaio’s World Boxing Organization welterweight title defense.
“Jerry Jones knows exactly how big and important this event is which is why it was so easy to put this deal together,” Arum said.
“If Jerry could sell me on Cowboys Stadium and the North Texas market, you know he is going to have no problems selling out Cowboys Stadium on March 13.
“We are ready to roll up our sleeves and promote Manny’s debut as World Welterweight Champion.
Manny Pacquiao is the lone star of boxing. There isn’t a more appropriate place in the world for him to fight.”
Jones told ESPN.com he was thrilled to host a bout involving a fighter of Pacquaio’s stature, regardless of his opponent, and even if the fight with Clottey won’t be the mega money-spinner that Pacquiao-Mayweather promised to be.
The stadium won’t be configured for maximum 100,000 seating capacity. They’ll start out planning in the 40,000 seat range, but can increase that capacity if needed.
“Manny defending his title against Joshua Clottey is not just a great fight, it’s a great event, and one we can showcase to the fullest in Cowboys Stadium,” Jones said. “We’re going to promote this like it was the Super Bowl.”
The hard-hitting Clottey, who lives in New York, is coming off a controversial split-decision loss to Puerto Rico’s Miguel Cotto last June, a fight many thought Clottey won. Cotto was then pounded by Pacquiao in November in a fight stopped in the final round.
Promoter Bob Arum and Cowboys owner Jerry Jones announced the deal a day after Arum attended the Cowboys’ NFL playoff victory over Philadelphia at the stadium on Saturday night.
Jones had put the facility forward as a venue for the anticipated fight March 13 between Pacquiao and unbeaten American Floyd Mayweather.
That super-fight fell through last week over a disagreement on the drug testing protocol, and Arum lined up Clottey for Pacquaio’s World Boxing Organization welterweight title defense.
“Jerry Jones knows exactly how big and important this event is which is why it was so easy to put this deal together,” Arum said.
“If Jerry could sell me on Cowboys Stadium and the North Texas market, you know he is going to have no problems selling out Cowboys Stadium on March 13.
“We are ready to roll up our sleeves and promote Manny’s debut as World Welterweight Champion.
Manny Pacquiao is the lone star of boxing. There isn’t a more appropriate place in the world for him to fight.”
Jones told ESPN.com he was thrilled to host a bout involving a fighter of Pacquaio’s stature, regardless of his opponent, and even if the fight with Clottey won’t be the mega money-spinner that Pacquiao-Mayweather promised to be.
The stadium won’t be configured for maximum 100,000 seating capacity. They’ll start out planning in the 40,000 seat range, but can increase that capacity if needed.
“Manny defending his title against Joshua Clottey is not just a great fight, it’s a great event, and one we can showcase to the fullest in Cowboys Stadium,” Jones said. “We’re going to promote this like it was the Super Bowl.”
The hard-hitting Clottey, who lives in New York, is coming off a controversial split-decision loss to Puerto Rico’s Miguel Cotto last June, a fight many thought Clottey won. Cotto was then pounded by Pacquiao in November in a fight stopped in the final round.
Pakistan can hold international tournaments
KARACHI: Nieva Embuldenia, the technical delegate of Shaheed Benazir Bhutto International Boxing Tournament left on Monday for Colombo.
“Pakistan has hosted a major international boxing tournament successfully, which is a huge achievement and Asian Boxing Confederation (ASBC) and International Boxing Association (AIBA) both are satisfied with the arrangements of the tournament,” Embuldenia said.
“Newly elected PBF president Doda Khan Bhutto has been doing worthy efforts to uplift the game of boxing in the country. “PBF officials gave their fully cooperated with them and she also appreciates their friendly behaviour with them,” she said.
“PBF has convinced the world that they can hold international successfully with complete security of the sportsmen.” “The security measures taken during the tournament were also very satisfying,” she added.
“Pakistan has hosted a major international boxing tournament successfully, which is a huge achievement and Asian Boxing Confederation (ASBC) and International Boxing Association (AIBA) both are satisfied with the arrangements of the tournament,” Embuldenia said.
“Newly elected PBF president Doda Khan Bhutto has been doing worthy efforts to uplift the game of boxing in the country. “PBF officials gave their fully cooperated with them and she also appreciates their friendly behaviour with them,” she said.
“PBF has convinced the world that they can hold international successfully with complete security of the sportsmen.” “The security measures taken during the tournament were also very satisfying,” she added.
Mehrullah eager to make another comeback
KARACHI: Fighting against time and adverse circumstances, Pakistan’s star boxer and Asian Games gold medallist Mehrullah Lassi is still hoping to represent his country in this year’s mega assignments of India and China and has rubbished the rumours that his career is over.
“No, my career is not over yet. I want to play in the Commonwealth Games and Asian Games this year and I have been training hard under the supervision of Muhammad Siddiq Qambrani and as soon as I am match fit I will inform the Pakistan boxing authorities about my availability,” the star boxer, who had got a record purse of Rs5 million for lifting gold in the 2002 Seoul Asian Games, told ‘The News’ during a detailed chat on Wednesday.
Commonwealth Games are slated to be held in Delhi from October 3 to 14 while China will host the Asian Games from November 12 to 27.
A top official of the Pakistan Boxing Federation (PBF) informed the other day that Mehrullah’s career is now over.
“Last year, we gave him a chance to use his muscles in the World Championships, in Milan, but he could not prove himself and I believe that his career is now over,” the official said.
Mehrullah along with his teammate Faisal Karim was slapped with a life ban by the PBF in 2006 after both were tested positive for using cannabis at Colombo’s South Asian Games.
However, later it was converted into a two-year suspension as per International Boxing Association (AIBA) and World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) rules.
The two-year ban expired in August 2008 and after having gone through rigorous training both at home and abroad, the boxer was given a chance to play in the World Championships last September last year, but he failed to impress on his comeback, when he lost to Sandro Schaer of Germany 1-11 in his preliminary round bout.
“If I did not find myself capable of playing at the international level this year then at least I will be able to prepare few youngsters, also including my two brothers Samiullah (Navy) and Sanaullah (KPT) to represent Pakistan in these major competitions,” he said.
He admitted that he is facing problems to adapt himself to the new boxing rules, saying, unlike in the past, the game has become very fast and the boxers will have to be more accurate in both offense and defence.
“I will face no problem in defence but it could take time, even a year, to bring my attack upto the modern standards,” the boxer said.
Mehrullah is also not satisfied with the kind of training being imparted to the boxers during the national team camp.
“How can I join the camp, as here the coaches don’t provide training according to the temperament of the boxers and normally concentrate on only two or three boxers out of the 20 to 25 boys present at the camp,” he said.
Mehrullah also met light welterweight world champion Amir Khan on the closing day of the Shaheed Benazir Bhutto International Boxing tournament here last week and informed him about his resolve that he is still there and is determined to represent Pakistan in the twin major assignments this year.
“No, my career is not over yet. I want to play in the Commonwealth Games and Asian Games this year and I have been training hard under the supervision of Muhammad Siddiq Qambrani and as soon as I am match fit I will inform the Pakistan boxing authorities about my availability,” the star boxer, who had got a record purse of Rs5 million for lifting gold in the 2002 Seoul Asian Games, told ‘The News’ during a detailed chat on Wednesday.
Commonwealth Games are slated to be held in Delhi from October 3 to 14 while China will host the Asian Games from November 12 to 27.
A top official of the Pakistan Boxing Federation (PBF) informed the other day that Mehrullah’s career is now over.
“Last year, we gave him a chance to use his muscles in the World Championships, in Milan, but he could not prove himself and I believe that his career is now over,” the official said.
Mehrullah along with his teammate Faisal Karim was slapped with a life ban by the PBF in 2006 after both were tested positive for using cannabis at Colombo’s South Asian Games.
However, later it was converted into a two-year suspension as per International Boxing Association (AIBA) and World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) rules.
The two-year ban expired in August 2008 and after having gone through rigorous training both at home and abroad, the boxer was given a chance to play in the World Championships last September last year, but he failed to impress on his comeback, when he lost to Sandro Schaer of Germany 1-11 in his preliminary round bout.
“If I did not find myself capable of playing at the international level this year then at least I will be able to prepare few youngsters, also including my two brothers Samiullah (Navy) and Sanaullah (KPT) to represent Pakistan in these major competitions,” he said.
He admitted that he is facing problems to adapt himself to the new boxing rules, saying, unlike in the past, the game has become very fast and the boxers will have to be more accurate in both offense and defence.
“I will face no problem in defence but it could take time, even a year, to bring my attack upto the modern standards,” the boxer said.
Mehrullah is also not satisfied with the kind of training being imparted to the boxers during the national team camp.
“How can I join the camp, as here the coaches don’t provide training according to the temperament of the boxers and normally concentrate on only two or three boxers out of the 20 to 25 boys present at the camp,” he said.
Mehrullah also met light welterweight world champion Amir Khan on the closing day of the Shaheed Benazir Bhutto International Boxing tournament here last week and informed him about his resolve that he is still there and is determined to represent Pakistan in the twin major assignments this year.
Pakistan announce boxing team for South Asian Games
KARACHI: Pakistan announced a seven-member boxing team on Thursday for the South Asian Games penciled in for January 29 to February 9 in Bangladesh.
In the team, only Abid Ali and Mir Waiz have the experience of playing in the last South Asian Games held in Colombo in 2006 where Pakistan claimed five gold and three silver medals.
Initially, Pakistan had claimed seven gold but Mehrullah and Faisal Karim were stripped off their gold medals after they were tested positive for using cannabis.
Quetta-born Muhammad Waseem, who had to his credit two bronze medals in international circuit last year and another bronze in the Shaheed Benazir Bhutto International tournament held here recently will lead the side.
Interestingly, no one from the four finalists of the recently concluded Shaheed Benazir Bhutto International Boxing tournament has been inducted into the squad because the entries were sent before the historic spectacle to meet December 26, 2009 deadline for submission of entries.
“We had to send the final entries last month in order to meet the December 26, 2009 deadline for submission of entries. We had sent the names of those boxers who were picked by Cuban coach Francisco Roldan,” the secretary of the Pakistan Boxing Federation (PBF) Muhammad Akram Khan told ‘The News’ on Thursday.
He said that Pakistan’s biggest rival is India, who has sent its squad to Russia for training ahead of the event in Dhaka.
“India have two big names in the side in the shape of the middleweight world’s top boxer Vijendar Singh and Aaqil Kumar in the featherweight but the rest are very much beatable,” said Akram not discounting the fact that if Pakistan avoid India in the early stages, there would be a good probability for a Indo-Pak final.
“We have also good boxers in the shape of Muhammad Waseem, last SAG gold medallist Mir Waiz and the young Aamir Khan and I hope that they along with the rest of the boxers in the lot will give good news to the nation,” the official said.
Akram said that Shaheed Benazir Bhutto International Boxing tournament proved too good for the Pakistani boxers and the experience of playing in such a good tournament will help them in the South Asian Games. Roldan will serve as coach while Abdul Majeed Brohi will act as his assistant during the eight-nation show. Iqbal Hussain will accompany the squad as manager while Syed Ashraf Ali will go with the team as referee/judge.
Pakistan squad: Muhammad Waseem (51kg), Niamatullah (54 kg), Abid Ali (57kg), Aamir Khan (64kg), Nisar Khan (75kg), Yasir Javed (91kg), Mir Waiz Khan (91kg plus), Francisco Roldan (coach), Abdul Majeed Brohi (assistant coach), Iqbal Hussain (manager), Syed Ashraf Ali (referee/judge)
In the team, only Abid Ali and Mir Waiz have the experience of playing in the last South Asian Games held in Colombo in 2006 where Pakistan claimed five gold and three silver medals.
Initially, Pakistan had claimed seven gold but Mehrullah and Faisal Karim were stripped off their gold medals after they were tested positive for using cannabis.
Quetta-born Muhammad Waseem, who had to his credit two bronze medals in international circuit last year and another bronze in the Shaheed Benazir Bhutto International tournament held here recently will lead the side.
Interestingly, no one from the four finalists of the recently concluded Shaheed Benazir Bhutto International Boxing tournament has been inducted into the squad because the entries were sent before the historic spectacle to meet December 26, 2009 deadline for submission of entries.
“We had to send the final entries last month in order to meet the December 26, 2009 deadline for submission of entries. We had sent the names of those boxers who were picked by Cuban coach Francisco Roldan,” the secretary of the Pakistan Boxing Federation (PBF) Muhammad Akram Khan told ‘The News’ on Thursday.
He said that Pakistan’s biggest rival is India, who has sent its squad to Russia for training ahead of the event in Dhaka.
“India have two big names in the side in the shape of the middleweight world’s top boxer Vijendar Singh and Aaqil Kumar in the featherweight but the rest are very much beatable,” said Akram not discounting the fact that if Pakistan avoid India in the early stages, there would be a good probability for a Indo-Pak final.
“We have also good boxers in the shape of Muhammad Waseem, last SAG gold medallist Mir Waiz and the young Aamir Khan and I hope that they along with the rest of the boxers in the lot will give good news to the nation,” the official said.
Akram said that Shaheed Benazir Bhutto International Boxing tournament proved too good for the Pakistani boxers and the experience of playing in such a good tournament will help them in the South Asian Games. Roldan will serve as coach while Abdul Majeed Brohi will act as his assistant during the eight-nation show. Iqbal Hussain will accompany the squad as manager while Syed Ashraf Ali will go with the team as referee/judge.
Pakistan squad: Muhammad Waseem (51kg), Niamatullah (54 kg), Abid Ali (57kg), Aamir Khan (64kg), Nisar Khan (75kg), Yasir Javed (91kg), Mir Waiz Khan (91kg plus), Francisco Roldan (coach), Abdul Majeed Brohi (assistant coach), Iqbal Hussain (manager), Syed Ashraf Ali (referee/judge)
Wickmayer in qualification for Open
SYDNEY: Belgian world number 16 Yanina Wickmayer on Thursday missed out on a seeding for next week’s Australian Open and must go through qualifying to play in the year’s Grand Slam opener, officials said.
Wickmayer, who won last week’s Auckland Classic final, would normally have been awarded a seeding but was unable to register in time before the closing date for main-draw entry because of a doping ban.
She made an unsuccessful bid for a wildcard into the Open, and her only path into the tournament’s main draw will now be through qualifying, officials said.
Belgian seven-time Grand Slam winner Justine Henin, making a comeback after 19 months in retirement, has been granted a wildcard and will be unseeded when the tournament begins at Melbourne Park next Monday. The men’s and women’s singles draws will be held on Friday (today).
Wickmayer, who won last week’s Auckland Classic final, would normally have been awarded a seeding but was unable to register in time before the closing date for main-draw entry because of a doping ban.
She made an unsuccessful bid for a wildcard into the Open, and her only path into the tournament’s main draw will now be through qualifying, officials said.
Belgian seven-time Grand Slam winner Justine Henin, making a comeback after 19 months in retirement, has been granted a wildcard and will be unseeded when the tournament begins at Melbourne Park next Monday. The men’s and women’s singles draws will be held on Friday (today).
Serena reaches first Sydney final
SYDNEY: World number one Serena Williams called on all her signature fighting spirit to overhaul French opponent Aravane Rezai and reach her first Sydney International final on Thursday.
The American 11-time Grand Slam champion clawed back from a set and 2-5 down to defeat 27th-ranked Rezai 3-6, 7-5, 6-4 and will play defending champion Elena Dementieva in Friday’s final.
Fifth seed Dementieva, who downed Williams at this stage in last year’s tournament, was too strong for sixth seed Victoria Azarenka of Belarus in the other semi, marching to a 6-3, 6-1 victory.
Williams will be bidding for her 36th title, while Dementieva will be after her 15th. Williams leads 7-4 in their career matches.
Meanwhile, Richard Gasquet and Julien Benneteau will bid to become the first French finalist at the Sydney International for almost two decades when they play each other in a semifinal on Friday (today).
Former world top-10 player Gasquet, back after being cleared of doping last year, beat Italian Potito Starace 6-3, 7-6 (9/7) while Benneteau downed Argentine Leonardo Mayer 6-4, 6-7 (5/7), 6-0 in Thursday’s quarters.
It means a French finalist is guaranteed for Saturday’s tournament decider for the first time since Guy Forget played in the 1992 Sydney final.
Three Frenchmen have won the Sydney International in the post-1968 Open era — Forget (1991), Yannick Noah (1990) and Henri Leconte (1985).
It has been an encouraging week for the 53rd-ranked Gasquet, who has beaten Spanish Davis Cup winner Feliciano Lopez, German eighth seed Benjamin Becker and now the 62nd-ranked Starace to reach the semis.
“This will be the third time I am in a semifinal in Sydney,” Gasquet said. “I’ve lost two times in semis, so I hope this year I will be able to go in the final. I will try my best.
“I think I’m playing good and I’m serving well, and most important I am happy to play and to be here.”
Gasquet won his only meeting with compatriot Benneteau in straight sets in this tournament three years ago.
The 2006 Australian Open finalist Marcos Baghdatis of Cyprus eliminated Australian four-time tournament winner Lleyton Hewitt in another quarter-final, 4-6, 6-2, 6-3.
It was the first time they had met since their epic third-round encounter at the 2008 Australian Open, which started just before midnight and ran for four hours 43 minutes and Hewitt won in five sets.
Baghdatis, ranked 42, will face American Mardy Fish, who won the night quarter-final against Australian Davis Cup member Peter Luczak, 7-6 (7/5), 6-2.
“I’m feeling fit, no injuries, no pain, so I guess I will need some more matches like this to start feeling my game coming slowly back,” Baghdatis said.
Hewitt said he was not totally disappointed in bowing out of the tournament early.
“I was trying a few different things out there today and mixing up the game a little bit,” he said. “And hopefully it’ll hold me in good stead for next week at the Australian Open.
“I didn’t quite hit the spots when I need to do, especially trying to consolidate that break early in today’s second set, which would have been good to try and to keep that momentum.
The American 11-time Grand Slam champion clawed back from a set and 2-5 down to defeat 27th-ranked Rezai 3-6, 7-5, 6-4 and will play defending champion Elena Dementieva in Friday’s final.
Fifth seed Dementieva, who downed Williams at this stage in last year’s tournament, was too strong for sixth seed Victoria Azarenka of Belarus in the other semi, marching to a 6-3, 6-1 victory.
Williams will be bidding for her 36th title, while Dementieva will be after her 15th. Williams leads 7-4 in their career matches.
Meanwhile, Richard Gasquet and Julien Benneteau will bid to become the first French finalist at the Sydney International for almost two decades when they play each other in a semifinal on Friday (today).
Former world top-10 player Gasquet, back after being cleared of doping last year, beat Italian Potito Starace 6-3, 7-6 (9/7) while Benneteau downed Argentine Leonardo Mayer 6-4, 6-7 (5/7), 6-0 in Thursday’s quarters.
It means a French finalist is guaranteed for Saturday’s tournament decider for the first time since Guy Forget played in the 1992 Sydney final.
Three Frenchmen have won the Sydney International in the post-1968 Open era — Forget (1991), Yannick Noah (1990) and Henri Leconte (1985).
It has been an encouraging week for the 53rd-ranked Gasquet, who has beaten Spanish Davis Cup winner Feliciano Lopez, German eighth seed Benjamin Becker and now the 62nd-ranked Starace to reach the semis.
“This will be the third time I am in a semifinal in Sydney,” Gasquet said. “I’ve lost two times in semis, so I hope this year I will be able to go in the final. I will try my best.
“I think I’m playing good and I’m serving well, and most important I am happy to play and to be here.”
Gasquet won his only meeting with compatriot Benneteau in straight sets in this tournament three years ago.
The 2006 Australian Open finalist Marcos Baghdatis of Cyprus eliminated Australian four-time tournament winner Lleyton Hewitt in another quarter-final, 4-6, 6-2, 6-3.
It was the first time they had met since their epic third-round encounter at the 2008 Australian Open, which started just before midnight and ran for four hours 43 minutes and Hewitt won in five sets.
Baghdatis, ranked 42, will face American Mardy Fish, who won the night quarter-final against Australian Davis Cup member Peter Luczak, 7-6 (7/5), 6-2.
“I’m feeling fit, no injuries, no pain, so I guess I will need some more matches like this to start feeling my game coming slowly back,” Baghdatis said.
Hewitt said he was not totally disappointed in bowing out of the tournament early.
“I was trying a few different things out there today and mixing up the game a little bit,” he said. “And hopefully it’ll hold me in good stead for next week at the Australian Open.
“I didn’t quite hit the spots when I need to do, especially trying to consolidate that break early in today’s second set, which would have been good to try and to keep that momentum.
Zvonareva to defend Pattaya title
BANGKOK: Russian world number nine Vera Zvonareva will defend her title at the Pattaya Open in Thailand next month, organisers said on Thursday.
The line-up will also include her compatriots Maria Kirilenko and Anna Chakvetadze, together with rising star Sabine Lisicki of Germany, last year’s Indian finalist Sania Mirza and veteran Jelena Dokic of Australia.
The line-up will also include her compatriots Maria Kirilenko and Anna Chakvetadze, together with rising star Sabine Lisicki of Germany, last year’s Indian finalist Sania Mirza and veteran Jelena Dokic of Australia.
DA Public win in inter-school tennis tourney
KARACHI: DA Public School defeated Beacon House (Jubilee Campus) registering a 2-0 win in STA Inter School Tennis Championship here on Thursday at DA Central Club.
Meanwhile, Beacon House (Defense Campus) overpowered Civil Aviation Public School recording a 2-1 triumph. Six schools of the city are featuring in this tournament.
Meanwhile, Beacon House (Defense Campus) overpowered Civil Aviation Public School recording a 2-1 triumph. Six schools of the city are featuring in this tournament.
Danial beats Bilal in Snooker Sindh Cup
KARACHI: Danial Ahsan recorded a formidable straight-set 3-0 win over Bilal in the 3rd Snooker Sindh Cup Phase II here Tuesday at Aly’s Snooker Club.
Haris also recorded a convincing 3-0 win over Owais in the ongoing junior tournament. Rizwan and Safwan registered 3-1 victories over Talha and Umer respectively.
Meanwhile, Ahsan Butt overcame Anian Arif 3-2 after a see-saw encounter.
Haris also recorded a convincing 3-0 win over Owais in the ongoing junior tournament. Rizwan and Safwan registered 3-1 victories over Talha and Umer respectively.
Meanwhile, Ahsan Butt overcame Anian Arif 3-2 after a see-saw encounter.
PSB asks financial details from PBSA
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) has instructed the Billiard and Snooker Federation to furnish all the details of the Rs 820,000 they have received in shape of annual and special grants recently.
An official of the PSB confirmed on Thursday that an amount of Rs 400,000 has recently been allocated to the federation on account of their participation in the even held in India. “We have released Rs 320,000 to the federation as a special grant for their participation in the Indian event. The remaining 80,000 would be released when the federation would furnish the details of expenditures.
“We have asked the federation to furnish details of the tour at the earliest,” he said. “We have given them Rs 400,000 as special grant for participation in the Junior event held a few months back in Iran while another Rs 400,000 for the just concluded Indian event.”
Apart from that the special annual grant of Rs 600,000 has also been approved for the federation. “Rs 200,000 from the annual grant have also been given to the federation while rest would be given in due course. In all, the billiard and snooker federation has so far got Rs 820,000 from the federation during the last four months.
An official of the PSB confirmed on Thursday that an amount of Rs 400,000 has recently been allocated to the federation on account of their participation in the even held in India. “We have released Rs 320,000 to the federation as a special grant for their participation in the Indian event. The remaining 80,000 would be released when the federation would furnish the details of expenditures.
“We have asked the federation to furnish details of the tour at the earliest,” he said. “We have given them Rs 400,000 as special grant for participation in the Junior event held a few months back in Iran while another Rs 400,000 for the just concluded Indian event.”
Apart from that the special annual grant of Rs 600,000 has also been approved for the federation. “Rs 200,000 from the annual grant have also been given to the federation while rest would be given in due course. In all, the billiard and snooker federation has so far got Rs 820,000 from the federation during the last four months.
Sohail, Ahsan crash out of Sindh Cup
KARACHI: Seventh seed Mubashir Sohail and eighth seed Ahsan Ali crashed out of the 3rd Junior Sindh Cup Snooker Tournament after losing their second successive game here at the Aly’s Snooker Parlour on Thursday.
Second seed Yasir Khan, fourth seed Asad Kamani and sixth seed Fahad Khan also suffered defeats in their second game but they still stood a chance of advancing to the quarter-finals by performing well in their third and final league outing on Saturday.
After a couple of days of action, on which eight matches were held each day, the organisers have decided to observe a rest day on Friday (today) and the last eight league matches would be held on Saturday (tomorrow).
A total of 16 cueists, divided equally in four groups, have entered the tournament. At the end of the league matches the top two cueists from each group will qualify for the quarter-finals. All the eight quarter-finalists will be allowed direct entry in the Junior National Snooker Championship 2010 scheduled to be held next month.
Top seeded Nazir Alam smashed Johnny in straight while third seed Abdul Rahman was equally ruthless in demolishing Ahsan Butt. Fifth seed Fayyaz Shafi had to bring all his expertise into play to tame Taha Kareem.
Second seed Yasir Khan, fourth seed Asad Kamani and sixth seed Fahad Khan also suffered defeats in their second game but they still stood a chance of advancing to the quarter-finals by performing well in their third and final league outing on Saturday.
After a couple of days of action, on which eight matches were held each day, the organisers have decided to observe a rest day on Friday (today) and the last eight league matches would be held on Saturday (tomorrow).
A total of 16 cueists, divided equally in four groups, have entered the tournament. At the end of the league matches the top two cueists from each group will qualify for the quarter-finals. All the eight quarter-finalists will be allowed direct entry in the Junior National Snooker Championship 2010 scheduled to be held next month.
Top seeded Nazir Alam smashed Johnny in straight while third seed Abdul Rahman was equally ruthless in demolishing Ahsan Butt. Fifth seed Fayyaz Shafi had to bring all his expertise into play to tame Taha Kareem.
Nazir makes Sindh Cup quarter-finals
KARACHI: The seeded quartet of Nazir Alam, Yasir Khan, Abdul Rahman and Asad Kamani cruised into the quarter-finals of the 3rd Junior Sindh Cup Snooker Tournament whose league matches concluded here at the Aly’s Snooker Parlour on Saturday.
The unseeded quartet of Johnny Thakur, Haris Nadeem, Mustafa Qayyum and Rizwan Hashmi also forced their way into the quarters with the seeded cueists Fayyaz Shafi, Fahad Khan, Mubashir Sohail and Ahsan Ali crashing out of the competition.
All the eight quarter-finalists have qualified for the Junior National Snooker Championship 2010 expected to be held here later this month.
Reseeding was done for the quarter-finals before taking out the draws according to which Nazir Alam will be taking on Asad Kamani, Rizwan Hashmi will clash with Yasir Khan, Mustafa Qayyum will be confronting Johnny Thakur and Haris Nadeem will be pitted against Abdul Rahman. The quarter-finals as well as the semifinals will be held on Monday (tomorrow).
The performance of top seeded Nazir Alam has been particularly outstanding so far, having reached the quarter-finals without having dropped a single frame in his three league matches.
The unseeded quartet of Johnny Thakur, Haris Nadeem, Mustafa Qayyum and Rizwan Hashmi also forced their way into the quarters with the seeded cueists Fayyaz Shafi, Fahad Khan, Mubashir Sohail and Ahsan Ali crashing out of the competition.
All the eight quarter-finalists have qualified for the Junior National Snooker Championship 2010 expected to be held here later this month.
Reseeding was done for the quarter-finals before taking out the draws according to which Nazir Alam will be taking on Asad Kamani, Rizwan Hashmi will clash with Yasir Khan, Mustafa Qayyum will be confronting Johnny Thakur and Haris Nadeem will be pitted against Abdul Rahman. The quarter-finals as well as the semifinals will be held on Monday (tomorrow).
The performance of top seeded Nazir Alam has been particularly outstanding so far, having reached the quarter-finals without having dropped a single frame in his three league matches.
Japan proposes 13 venues for World Cup bids
TOKYO: Japan has 13 prospective venues should the country win the right to host the 2018 or 2022 World Cups, the country’s bid leaders said on Thursday.
Japan has bid for the 2018 and 2022 World Cups despite initially saying it would only do so if Tokyo won the vote to stage the 2016 Olympics. Rio de Janeiro was picked to host those Games.
The Japan Football Association (JFA) plans to use nine of the 10 venues from the 2002 World Cup which the country co-hosted with South Korea.
Tokyo, which did not host matches at the 2002 tournament, has put forward two stadiums with another in Toyota, near Nagoya, and another on the outskirts of Osaka.
Football’s governing body FIFA will announce the hosts for both the 2018 and 2022 World Cups in December.
New FIFA rules require World Cup host countries to build a stadium with a minimum capacity of 80,000 for the opening game and final.
The JFA had planned to use the proposed 100,000-seater waterfront Olympic stadium had Tokyo won the 2016 Olympic vote. Yokohama, venue for the 2002 World Cup final, has Japan’s biggest stadium with a capacity of 70,000. Osaka is planning to build an 80,000-seater venue to solve the problem.
Japan faces challenges from England, Australia, Russia, the United States and joint bids from the Netherlands and Belgium and Spain and Portugal for both 2018 and 2022. South Korea, Qatar and Indonesia are bidding for 2022 only.
Japan has bid for the 2018 and 2022 World Cups despite initially saying it would only do so if Tokyo won the vote to stage the 2016 Olympics. Rio de Janeiro was picked to host those Games.
The Japan Football Association (JFA) plans to use nine of the 10 venues from the 2002 World Cup which the country co-hosted with South Korea.
Tokyo, which did not host matches at the 2002 tournament, has put forward two stadiums with another in Toyota, near Nagoya, and another on the outskirts of Osaka.
Football’s governing body FIFA will announce the hosts for both the 2018 and 2022 World Cups in December.
New FIFA rules require World Cup host countries to build a stadium with a minimum capacity of 80,000 for the opening game and final.
The JFA had planned to use the proposed 100,000-seater waterfront Olympic stadium had Tokyo won the 2016 Olympic vote. Yokohama, venue for the 2002 World Cup final, has Japan’s biggest stadium with a capacity of 70,000. Osaka is planning to build an 80,000-seater venue to solve the problem.
Japan faces challenges from England, Australia, Russia, the United States and joint bids from the Netherlands and Belgium and Spain and Portugal for both 2018 and 2022. South Korea, Qatar and Indonesia are bidding for 2022 only.
Cup joy for Juve as Reds, Barca crash out
ROME: Juventus’ 3-0 win over Napoli qualified the Bianconeri for the Italian Cup quarterfinals and helped coach Ciro Ferrara hold onto his job on a day when Barcelona exited its first competition under coach Pep Guardiola when the defending champions dropped out of the Copa del Rey and Liverpool were eliminated from the FA Cup.
Diego put Juve in front in the 24th minute at Stadio Olimpico in Turin, captain Alessandro Del Piero found the target in the 77th and added a penalty in the 82nd following a foul on Diego.
Ferrara was under pressure after three losses in Juve’s last four Serie A games, a run that followed the team’s elimination from the Champions League.
Ferrara called the win “very, very important for all of us.”
“We played with humility and determination and we deserved to win,” Ferrara said. “I’m very happy, most of all for the lads.”
Juventus will next face Inter Milan, which advanced with a 1-0 win over Livorno last month.
AC Milan needed a late goal from midfielder Mathieu Flamini to beat third-division Novara 2-1.
Filippo Inzaghi put Milan ahead in the 12th minute at San Siro. Novara forward Pablo Andres Gonzalez equalized in the 47th before Flamini scored the winner in the 81st with a shot from the edge of the area.
Also, Gianvito Plasmati scored twice early as Catania eliminated nine-man Genoa 2-1.
A cross from Hasan Salihamidzic set up Diego’s goal before Del Piero made it 2-0 following a cross from Jose Caceres and Napoli defender Matteo Contini was shown his second yellow card for the foul on Diego that set up Del Piero’s penalty.
Elsewhere, Barcelona were eliminated from the Copa del Rey inspite of beating Sevilla 1-0. Sevilla advanced to the quarter-finals of the domestic cup on away goals after the two-leg series ended 2-2.
Barcelona’s unrelenting second-half pressure paid off in the 64th minute as Xavi Hernandez chested down Ndri Romaric’s weak clearance outside the area to curl a shot through a crowd and past the outstretched Andres Palop.
Barcelona had won every competition it had competed in since Guardiola’s arrival before the start of the 2008-09 season, lifting an unprecedented six major trophies along the way.
“It’s not a problem,” said Guardiola, who fielded a full-strength lineup.
“There are few things I can say to the team. We tried to come back, we played a great second half. We just have to recover going forward.”
Sevilla will play Deportivo La Coruna after the Galician club scored twice in the second half to draw 2-2 against Valencia and advance 4-3 on aggregate.
Third-tier Alcorcon, which knocked Real Madrid out in the last round, couldn’t maintain its good run as it drew 0-0 at Racing Santander to lose 3-2 on aggregate.
Racing will play Osasuna after Masoud Soleimani’s impressive 49th-minute strike gave Osasuna a 1-0 win over second-division leaders Hercules, which dropped out on away goals after the teams finished tied 2-2 overall while Roberto Soldado scored twice as Getafe routed Malaga 5-1 to easily advance 6-3.
Over in England, Liverpool’s troubled season took another turn for the worse when it was eliminated from the FA Cup on Wednesday night with a 2-1 loss to second-tier Reading in their third-round replay.
Steven Gerrard’s deflected shot off defender Ryan Bertrand put the Reds ahead in first-half stoppage time, but Reading tied the score in the fourth minute of second half stoppage time when Yossi Benayoun fouled Shane Long in the penalty area, and Gylfi Sigurdsson converted the penalty kick.
Reading, which had never won at Anfield, went ahead Long scored from six yards in the 100th minute.
Liverpool forward Fernando Torres left in the 29th minute because of a twisted knee inside the first 30 minutes and Gerrard departed at halftime with what was thought to be a strained hamstring.
The only trophy Liverpool realistically can win is the Europa League. Manager Rafa Benitez’s team already has been eliminated from the European Champions League and the English League Cup, and it is seventh in the Premier League at 10-7-3, in danger of missing next season’s Champions League.
“We have to think about the future,” a downbeat Benitez said after losing to a club with a 5-11-8 League Championship record, one place above the relegation zone. “We will try to do our best.”
Reading plays Burnley in the fourth round fixture.
In Wednesday’s other third-round replay, Newcastle beat Plymouth 3-0 and will go to West Bromwich Albion on January 23. Peter Lovenkrands scored three goals for the Magpies, who extended their unbeaten streak to 13 games.
Diego put Juve in front in the 24th minute at Stadio Olimpico in Turin, captain Alessandro Del Piero found the target in the 77th and added a penalty in the 82nd following a foul on Diego.
Ferrara was under pressure after three losses in Juve’s last four Serie A games, a run that followed the team’s elimination from the Champions League.
Ferrara called the win “very, very important for all of us.”
“We played with humility and determination and we deserved to win,” Ferrara said. “I’m very happy, most of all for the lads.”
Juventus will next face Inter Milan, which advanced with a 1-0 win over Livorno last month.
AC Milan needed a late goal from midfielder Mathieu Flamini to beat third-division Novara 2-1.
Filippo Inzaghi put Milan ahead in the 12th minute at San Siro. Novara forward Pablo Andres Gonzalez equalized in the 47th before Flamini scored the winner in the 81st with a shot from the edge of the area.
Also, Gianvito Plasmati scored twice early as Catania eliminated nine-man Genoa 2-1.
A cross from Hasan Salihamidzic set up Diego’s goal before Del Piero made it 2-0 following a cross from Jose Caceres and Napoli defender Matteo Contini was shown his second yellow card for the foul on Diego that set up Del Piero’s penalty.
Elsewhere, Barcelona were eliminated from the Copa del Rey inspite of beating Sevilla 1-0. Sevilla advanced to the quarter-finals of the domestic cup on away goals after the two-leg series ended 2-2.
Barcelona’s unrelenting second-half pressure paid off in the 64th minute as Xavi Hernandez chested down Ndri Romaric’s weak clearance outside the area to curl a shot through a crowd and past the outstretched Andres Palop.
Barcelona had won every competition it had competed in since Guardiola’s arrival before the start of the 2008-09 season, lifting an unprecedented six major trophies along the way.
“It’s not a problem,” said Guardiola, who fielded a full-strength lineup.
“There are few things I can say to the team. We tried to come back, we played a great second half. We just have to recover going forward.”
Sevilla will play Deportivo La Coruna after the Galician club scored twice in the second half to draw 2-2 against Valencia and advance 4-3 on aggregate.
Third-tier Alcorcon, which knocked Real Madrid out in the last round, couldn’t maintain its good run as it drew 0-0 at Racing Santander to lose 3-2 on aggregate.
Racing will play Osasuna after Masoud Soleimani’s impressive 49th-minute strike gave Osasuna a 1-0 win over second-division leaders Hercules, which dropped out on away goals after the teams finished tied 2-2 overall while Roberto Soldado scored twice as Getafe routed Malaga 5-1 to easily advance 6-3.
Over in England, Liverpool’s troubled season took another turn for the worse when it was eliminated from the FA Cup on Wednesday night with a 2-1 loss to second-tier Reading in their third-round replay.
Steven Gerrard’s deflected shot off defender Ryan Bertrand put the Reds ahead in first-half stoppage time, but Reading tied the score in the fourth minute of second half stoppage time when Yossi Benayoun fouled Shane Long in the penalty area, and Gylfi Sigurdsson converted the penalty kick.
Reading, which had never won at Anfield, went ahead Long scored from six yards in the 100th minute.
Liverpool forward Fernando Torres left in the 29th minute because of a twisted knee inside the first 30 minutes and Gerrard departed at halftime with what was thought to be a strained hamstring.
The only trophy Liverpool realistically can win is the Europa League. Manager Rafa Benitez’s team already has been eliminated from the European Champions League and the English League Cup, and it is seventh in the Premier League at 10-7-3, in danger of missing next season’s Champions League.
“We have to think about the future,” a downbeat Benitez said after losing to a club with a 5-11-8 League Championship record, one place above the relegation zone. “We will try to do our best.”
Reading plays Burnley in the fourth round fixture.
In Wednesday’s other third-round replay, Newcastle beat Plymouth 3-0 and will go to West Bromwich Albion on January 23. Peter Lovenkrands scored three goals for the Magpies, who extended their unbeaten streak to 13 games.
Gabon upset Cameroon in Africa Cup of Nations
LUANDA: Gabon became the latest underdogs at the Africa Cup of Nations to punch above their weight when they claimed the scalp of continental giants Cameroon with a 1-0 win on Wednesday.
Later, in Lubango, 2004 champions Tunisia were unable to capitalise on Cameroon's slip up when they escaped with a 1-1 draw against Zambia to leave Group D wide open.
Angola 2010 is fast earning a reputation as a tournament of upsets, with Angola squandering a 4-0 lead to draw 4-4 draw against Mali, Algeria whipped 3-0 by Malawi, and Ivory Coast held by Burkina Faso.
Egypt, the two-time champions, are the only side to do themselves justice in the opening week with their 3-1 defeat of Nigeria on Tuesday.
On paper Cameroon, offically rated the best side in Africa, should have taken Gabon to the cleaners.
But Inter Milan striker Samuel Eto'o and his teammates were unable to respond to Gabon's Hull City striker Daniel Cousin who produced the only goal of the game to go top of Group D.
Veteran Cameroon central defender Rigobert Song became the first man to play in eight Nations Cup tournaments, but he would have surely traded his place in history for a different result.
Tunisia avoided embarrassment when five minutes before the break teenage striker Youssef Msakni tore the Zambian defence apart down the left, cutting the ball back to Zouhaier Dhaouadhi who slammed it into the roof of the net.
Zambia coach Herve Renard reckoned his side had let slip maximum points, especially after Gabon's win.
Thursday sees the second batch of matches in Group A in Luanda, with Angola facing giantkillers Malawi while Mali tackle Algeria.
Later, in Lubango, 2004 champions Tunisia were unable to capitalise on Cameroon's slip up when they escaped with a 1-1 draw against Zambia to leave Group D wide open.
Angola 2010 is fast earning a reputation as a tournament of upsets, with Angola squandering a 4-0 lead to draw 4-4 draw against Mali, Algeria whipped 3-0 by Malawi, and Ivory Coast held by Burkina Faso.
Egypt, the two-time champions, are the only side to do themselves justice in the opening week with their 3-1 defeat of Nigeria on Tuesday.
On paper Cameroon, offically rated the best side in Africa, should have taken Gabon to the cleaners.
But Inter Milan striker Samuel Eto'o and his teammates were unable to respond to Gabon's Hull City striker Daniel Cousin who produced the only goal of the game to go top of Group D.
Veteran Cameroon central defender Rigobert Song became the first man to play in eight Nations Cup tournaments, but he would have surely traded his place in history for a different result.
Tunisia avoided embarrassment when five minutes before the break teenage striker Youssef Msakni tore the Zambian defence apart down the left, cutting the ball back to Zouhaier Dhaouadhi who slammed it into the roof of the net.
Zambia coach Herve Renard reckoned his side had let slip maximum points, especially after Gabon's win.
Thursday sees the second batch of matches in Group A in Luanda, with Angola facing giantkillers Malawi while Mali tackle Algeria.
African football: Angola goes on top beating Malawi
LUANDA, Angola: The second game in Group A kicked off with hosts Angola taking on one of the surprise teams from the first round Malawi.
Angola made just one change from the side that started against Mali on Sunday with Djalma coming in for Dede in the midfield. Malawi meanwhile were forced into two changes, the most notable being the loss of Russel, who scored the opening goal for his country in the 3-0 win over Algeria.
In front of a noisy and expectant home crowd, Angola started the game at breakneck speed, but were unable to force clear cut chances despite seeing the majority of the ball. The tricky surface at the Estadio 11 de Novembro also didn’t make life any easier for the players with the ball bouncing away in unpredictable fashion and on other occasions rearing up. Nevertheless it was a high tempo beginning to the game, if rather low on outright quality,
Several half chances fell the way of midfielder Djalma for Angola, who timed his runs into the Malawian penalty area well, but couldn’t make any of his opportunities count. Whilst on 27 minutes the two-goal hero against Mali, Flavio could have done better with a chance he curled straight into the gloves of Swadic Sanudi in the Malawian goal from about 20 yards out.
Malawi very nearly gifted Angola a lead after conceding dangerous possession in their half on 33 minutes. Former Manchester United forward Manucho collected the ball and fired towards goal with a well placed effort. However Sanudi performed heroics in the Malawian goal to turn the effort behind via his fingertips for a corner.
In another match of the group, Rafik Halliche scored with a header Thursday to give World Cup qualifier Algeria a 1-0 win over Mali in Group A of the African Cup of Nations.
Algeria kept its hopes of reaching the quarterfinals alive after winning a tough physical contest and bounced back following its surprising 3-0 loss to Malawi.
Angola made just one change from the side that started against Mali on Sunday with Djalma coming in for Dede in the midfield. Malawi meanwhile were forced into two changes, the most notable being the loss of Russel, who scored the opening goal for his country in the 3-0 win over Algeria.
In front of a noisy and expectant home crowd, Angola started the game at breakneck speed, but were unable to force clear cut chances despite seeing the majority of the ball. The tricky surface at the Estadio 11 de Novembro also didn’t make life any easier for the players with the ball bouncing away in unpredictable fashion and on other occasions rearing up. Nevertheless it was a high tempo beginning to the game, if rather low on outright quality,
Several half chances fell the way of midfielder Djalma for Angola, who timed his runs into the Malawian penalty area well, but couldn’t make any of his opportunities count. Whilst on 27 minutes the two-goal hero against Mali, Flavio could have done better with a chance he curled straight into the gloves of Swadic Sanudi in the Malawian goal from about 20 yards out.
Malawi very nearly gifted Angola a lead after conceding dangerous possession in their half on 33 minutes. Former Manchester United forward Manucho collected the ball and fired towards goal with a well placed effort. However Sanudi performed heroics in the Malawian goal to turn the effort behind via his fingertips for a corner.
In another match of the group, Rafik Halliche scored with a header Thursday to give World Cup qualifier Algeria a 1-0 win over Mali in Group A of the African Cup of Nations.
Algeria kept its hopes of reaching the quarterfinals alive after winning a tough physical contest and bounced back following its surprising 3-0 loss to Malawi.
Under-19 World Cup: Pakistan beat Windies by 40 runs
WELLINGTON: Pakistan defeated West Indies by 40 runs in the ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup here at Palmerston North.
Babar Azam followed a century with two wickets from his right-arm spin to inspire a 40-run win for Pakistan over West Indies.
Azam continued his pre-tournament form with 129 from 132 balls while opening the batting after West Indies chose to field, and his century formed the crux of Pakistan's 297 for seven.
West Indies were given a very good start to their chase, with the openers Kraigg Brathwaite and Trevon Griffith posting a century stand, but Azam's twin strikes derailed them.
Griffith, having smashed his way to a stunning 84 from 55 deliveries, was bowled by Usman Qadir, son of former Pakistan great Abdul Qadir.
Azam then eliminated Evin Lewis and captain Andre Creary for ducks. West Indies folded to 257 in 46.5 overs with Brathwaite unbeaten on 92.
In another match played at the Bert Sutcliffe Oval in Christchurch, defending champions India strolled to an eight-wicket win over Afghanistan.
Babar Azam followed a century with two wickets from his right-arm spin to inspire a 40-run win for Pakistan over West Indies.
Azam continued his pre-tournament form with 129 from 132 balls while opening the batting after West Indies chose to field, and his century formed the crux of Pakistan's 297 for seven.
West Indies were given a very good start to their chase, with the openers Kraigg Brathwaite and Trevon Griffith posting a century stand, but Azam's twin strikes derailed them.
Griffith, having smashed his way to a stunning 84 from 55 deliveries, was bowled by Usman Qadir, son of former Pakistan great Abdul Qadir.
Azam then eliminated Evin Lewis and captain Andre Creary for ducks. West Indies folded to 257 in 46.5 overs with Brathwaite unbeaten on 92.
In another match played at the Bert Sutcliffe Oval in Christchurch, defending champions India strolled to an eight-wicket win over Afghanistan.
Australia declare 1st innings at 519-8 against Pakistan
HOBART: Captain Ricky Ponting has declared Australia’s first innings at 519 runs for eight wickets at tea on second day of the third and final Test against Pakistan here at the Bellerive Oval on Friday.
Resuming at 302 for three this morning, Ponting and his deputy Michael Clarke already completing their individual hundreds continued to put Pakistan's bowlers to the sword to add further 91 runs during the first session.
In the process both players reached the 150 mark as Ponting went to lunch not out on 180 - his highest score at his beloved home ground surpassing the 157 he scored against New Zealand in 2001 - while Clarke was unbeaten on 153.
Pakistan again missed a chance to get rid of Ponting with another dropped catch - taking its total number of missed chances in the series to 15 - as Australia had all but batted the tourists out of the game by lunch having reached 3-393.
Ponting however succeeded in reaching his fifth Test double hundred after his partner departed on 166, bowled by leg-spinner Danish Kaneria. The pair made 352 runs for the fourth wicket partnership.
Later, Ponting also went on 209, caught by captain Mohammad Yousuf off fast bowler Mohammad Aamer.
Then wicketkeeper batsman Brad Haddin and middle-order batsman Marcus North made together 55 runs before Haddin was caught by Umar Gul off Kaneria for 41 and one run later, North also went for 21, caught by wicketkeeper Sarfraz off Mohammad Asif.
The declaration came as Mitchell Johnson was caught behind off Kaneria for eight.
Resuming at 302 for three this morning, Ponting and his deputy Michael Clarke already completing their individual hundreds continued to put Pakistan's bowlers to the sword to add further 91 runs during the first session.
In the process both players reached the 150 mark as Ponting went to lunch not out on 180 - his highest score at his beloved home ground surpassing the 157 he scored against New Zealand in 2001 - while Clarke was unbeaten on 153.
Pakistan again missed a chance to get rid of Ponting with another dropped catch - taking its total number of missed chances in the series to 15 - as Australia had all but batted the tourists out of the game by lunch having reached 3-393.
Ponting however succeeded in reaching his fifth Test double hundred after his partner departed on 166, bowled by leg-spinner Danish Kaneria. The pair made 352 runs for the fourth wicket partnership.
Later, Ponting also went on 209, caught by captain Mohammad Yousuf off fast bowler Mohammad Aamer.
Then wicketkeeper batsman Brad Haddin and middle-order batsman Marcus North made together 55 runs before Haddin was caught by Umar Gul off Kaneria for 41 and one run later, North also went for 21, caught by wicketkeeper Sarfraz off Mohammad Asif.
The declaration came as Mitchell Johnson was caught behind off Kaneria for eight.
Zaheer Abbas offers to head PCB
| KARACHI: Former captain Zaheer Abbas has offered to become the chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) in a bid to salvage the PCB’s sinking reputation in the country. "Pakistan cricket is facing problems because of variety of reasons and if the government asks me to head the cricket board I would be willing to do it as we need to set our cricket system right," Abbas said. The PCB is drawing flak for its handling of the game and a parliamentary committee on sports has even recommended that the Board officials be sacked. Meanwhile, Zaheer said the fielding standards of the team had plunged to new lows in recent matches and there was a need to have a professional fielding coach attached with the team. "When I say a fielding coach I mean someone like the Australian fielding coach the Indian team has appointed. |
Cricket Under-19 World Cup begins in New Zealand
Defending champions India strolled to an eight-wicket win over Afghanistan on the opening day of the under-19 cricket World Cup at the Bert Sutcliffe Oval in Christchurch today.
Indian captain Ashok Menaria's decision to field was fully justified by his bowlers against a jittery Afghanistan performance marred by terrible running between the wickets.
The result was a poor batting card that read 118 all out in 49.2 overs, and that target proved easy for India to chase down.
It was still a momentous occasion for the underdogs being the first game of any Afghan cricket team to be telecast live in their war-torn nation.
Afghanistan's innings never yielded any significant partnerships as Manan Sharma and Gaurav Jathar did an excellent job with their varieties of spin to strangle the lower order.
Only Afghanistan captain Noor-ul-Haq managed to pass 50 before he was ninth out for 61, with just under two overs left.
The chase proved comfortable for India, despite the loss of Mayank Agarwal for 10. Rahul Kannaur (35) and Mandeep Singh added 58, and Maneria and Singh finished off the job.
Canada pulled off a close win over Zimbabwe at the Village Green in Christchurch, defending a target of 201 by 10 runs.
At 129 for three after 34 overs, Zimbabwe appeared on course for victory but Canada stunned them by taking the last six wickets for 62 runs.
Canada's innings had been carried to 210 by Usman Limbada, who made 90 from 114 balls against a disciplined Zimbabwe attack.
In Queenstown, South Africa knocked down a target of 217 without too much fuss against Ireland.
Ireland's Ben Ackland and Lee Nelson posted half-centuries to bail the side out after the top order collapsed to 36 for four, adding 117.
Ireland's eventual 216 for six was nowhere near enough for a strong South African side.
Dominic Hendricks's 47 from 49 balls set the chase on the right path, along with Stephan Smith, who remained not out on 67 as the target was knocked down in the 44th over.
Indian captain Ashok Menaria's decision to field was fully justified by his bowlers against a jittery Afghanistan performance marred by terrible running between the wickets.
The result was a poor batting card that read 118 all out in 49.2 overs, and that target proved easy for India to chase down.
It was still a momentous occasion for the underdogs being the first game of any Afghan cricket team to be telecast live in their war-torn nation.
Afghanistan's innings never yielded any significant partnerships as Manan Sharma and Gaurav Jathar did an excellent job with their varieties of spin to strangle the lower order.
Only Afghanistan captain Noor-ul-Haq managed to pass 50 before he was ninth out for 61, with just under two overs left.
The chase proved comfortable for India, despite the loss of Mayank Agarwal for 10. Rahul Kannaur (35) and Mandeep Singh added 58, and Maneria and Singh finished off the job.
Canada pulled off a close win over Zimbabwe at the Village Green in Christchurch, defending a target of 201 by 10 runs.
At 129 for three after 34 overs, Zimbabwe appeared on course for victory but Canada stunned them by taking the last six wickets for 62 runs.
Canada's innings had been carried to 210 by Usman Limbada, who made 90 from 114 balls against a disciplined Zimbabwe attack.
In Queenstown, South Africa knocked down a target of 217 without too much fuss against Ireland.
Ireland's Ben Ackland and Lee Nelson posted half-centuries to bail the side out after the top order collapsed to 36 for four, adding 117.
Ireland's eventual 216 for six was nowhere near enough for a strong South African side.
Dominic Hendricks's 47 from 49 balls set the chase on the right path, along with Stephan Smith, who remained not out on 67 as the target was knocked down in the 44th over.
Pakistan in trouble after sound start in third Test
HOBART: After a solid opening stand of 63 runs, Pakistan lost four quick wickets and were reeling on 94 for four at stumps on second day of the third and final Test match here at Bellerive Oval on Friday.
Openers Imran Farhat and Salman Butt, both left-handers, were looking set to challenge Australia's formidable total of 519 for eight declared.
However, paceman Peter Siddle made a breakthrough, claiming two wickets in four balls to put Australia on top. He claimed Imran Farhat caught behind by Brad Haddin for 38. It was Haddin's 100th dismissal in Test cricket.
Just four balls later, Siddle dismissed Khurram Manzoo dismissed for a duck, caught by Ricky Ponting at second slip to be.
Later, two run outs put Pakistan into deep trouble. First captain Mohammad Yousuf was out taking third run from his off-drive and then young Umar Akmal was also runout. Yousuf made seven and Umar got eight with the help of two fours in an over.
However, opener Salman Butt still holds one end making a patient 34 while Shoaib Malik batting on four when the second day’s play ended.
Earlier, captain Ricky Ponting declared Australia’s first innings at 519 runs for eight wickets at tea after resuming at 302 for three this morning.
Ponting and his deputy Michael Clarke continued to put Pakistan's bowlers to the sword to add further 91 runs during the first session.
In the process both players reached the 150 mark as Ponting went to lunch not out on 180 - his highest score at his beloved home ground surpassing the 157 he scored against New Zealand in 2001 - while Clarke was unbeaten on 153.
Pakistan again missed a chance to get rid of Ponting with another dropped catch - taking its total number of missed chances in the series to 15 - as Australia had all but batted the tourists out of the game by lunch having reached 3-393.
Ponting however ccompleted his fifth Test double hundred before his partner departed on 166, bowled by leg-spinner Danish Kaneria. The pair made 352 runs for a record fourth wicket partnership.
Later, Ponting also went on 209, caught by captain Mohammad Yousuf off fast bowler Mohammad Aamer.
Then wicketkeeper batsman Brad Haddin and middle-order batsman Marcus North made together 55 runs before Haddin was caught by Umar Gul off Kaneria for 41 and one run later, North also went for 21, caught by wicketkeeper Sarfraz off Mohammad Asif.
The declaration came as soon Mitchell Johnson was caught behind off Kaneria for eight.
Openers Imran Farhat and Salman Butt, both left-handers, were looking set to challenge Australia's formidable total of 519 for eight declared.
However, paceman Peter Siddle made a breakthrough, claiming two wickets in four balls to put Australia on top. He claimed Imran Farhat caught behind by Brad Haddin for 38. It was Haddin's 100th dismissal in Test cricket.
Just four balls later, Siddle dismissed Khurram Manzoo dismissed for a duck, caught by Ricky Ponting at second slip to be.
Later, two run outs put Pakistan into deep trouble. First captain Mohammad Yousuf was out taking third run from his off-drive and then young Umar Akmal was also runout. Yousuf made seven and Umar got eight with the help of two fours in an over.
However, opener Salman Butt still holds one end making a patient 34 while Shoaib Malik batting on four when the second day’s play ended.
Earlier, captain Ricky Ponting declared Australia’s first innings at 519 runs for eight wickets at tea after resuming at 302 for three this morning.
Ponting and his deputy Michael Clarke continued to put Pakistan's bowlers to the sword to add further 91 runs during the first session.
In the process both players reached the 150 mark as Ponting went to lunch not out on 180 - his highest score at his beloved home ground surpassing the 157 he scored against New Zealand in 2001 - while Clarke was unbeaten on 153.
Pakistan again missed a chance to get rid of Ponting with another dropped catch - taking its total number of missed chances in the series to 15 - as Australia had all but batted the tourists out of the game by lunch having reached 3-393.
Ponting however ccompleted his fifth Test double hundred before his partner departed on 166, bowled by leg-spinner Danish Kaneria. The pair made 352 runs for a record fourth wicket partnership.
Later, Ponting also went on 209, caught by captain Mohammad Yousuf off fast bowler Mohammad Aamer.
Then wicketkeeper batsman Brad Haddin and middle-order batsman Marcus North made together 55 runs before Haddin was caught by Umar Gul off Kaneria for 41 and one run later, North also went for 21, caught by wicketkeeper Sarfraz off Mohammad Asif.
The declaration came as soon Mitchell Johnson was caught behind off Kaneria for eight.
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