Antigua, June 11
West Indies top order crumbled against the spin of Amit Mishra in the third ODI against India at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium here today and struggled to a total of 225 for 8. Mishra rocked the Windies innings with three wickets for just 28 runs from his ten overs and the rest of the Indian bowlers were also right on target as the home team batsmen found the going extremely tough. Only Andre Russell, who slammed an unbeaten 92 from just 64 balls coming low down the order at number nine, batted with authority.

Munaf Patel struck early when he removed Edwards caught behind by Parthiv Patel for a duck in his first over. Ramnaresh Sarwan and Simmons added 65 runs for the second wicket when the former was run out after scoring 28. And then Amit Mishra had Marlon Samuels stumped for 1 to leave the West Indies reeling at 70 for 3 in the 18th over. Debutant Danza Hyat followed soon afterwards foxed by a googly from Mishra after making just one and it all started falling apart for the home team.

Amit Mishra claimed his third wicket pretty soon when he dismissed opener Lindl Simmons who had played well for his 45. At that stage Mishra’s impressive figures read 7-2-18-3 and the Windies batsmen had no clue which way he was going to turn the ball. Next it was the turn of Harbhajan Singh to get inot the act as he got rid of Keiron Pollard. — Agencies

Antigua, June 11
A second-string India's dominance in the ODI series against the West Indies has raised questions about the quality of the host team, leaving visiting skipper Suresh Raina livid as he feels this amounts to belittling his young side's good show.

"Earlier you termed us a young (second-string) side. Now you are terming the opposition too weak," said Raina when asked whether India have been helped by the West Indies' shambolic performance. "The fact is that we all have played too well. Someone or other has put his hand up and we have prevailed," he added.

Equally agitated by these suggestions was new coach Duncan Fletcher, who was rather agitated when asked about the occasional slip-ups on the field. "These guys are players. They are not machines. There would be one or two slip-ups," he said.

"I don't think it (the West Indies) is a bad side. It's an international side. It has players who have performed well in the past," rebutted Fletcher on whether a tougher test awaits India when they tour England next month. — PTI

New Delhi, June 11
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has cautioned the Sports Ministry against ‘over-reach’ regarding the proposed new Sports Legislation, suggesting that “it should be compatible, in order to allow the national sports organisations to operate in accordance with the minimum principles and rules (one of them being the principle of autonomy) of the international sports organisations to which they are affiliated, if these national sports organisations wish to retain their affiliation and recognition at international level”.

In a detailed communication to IOC member in India, Raja Randhir Singh, a copy of which has also been sent to Sports Minister Ajay Maken, NOC (National Olympic Committee) Relations Director of the IOC, Pere Miro, said though it was not the IOC’s intention to interfere directly in the affairs of a country, it had to bring certain facts to the notice of the Sports Ministry as the sports federations “would be directly impacted and affected” by the proposed Sports Legislation.

The Justice Mukul Mudgal Committee will be submitting its report on the Draft Sports Development Bill to Maken tomorrow though the Minister had made it clear that he would not support any clause that interferes with the autonomy of the National Sports Federations (NSFs), while ensuring that these functioned in a transparent and democratic manner, with accountability to the funds received from the Government.

The Government had earlier ruled that the NSFs should adhere to the tenure and age limits proposed by the Ministry which was opposed vehemently by the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) and NSFs. Randhir Singh, who is also the IOA secretary-general, told The Tribune that the IOC communication had made it clear that it would not tolerate any interference in the democratic functioning of the IOA and NSFs, and the Government would have to tread very cautiously while formulating the legislation, “lest the country faces an IOC ban”.

In fact, when Dr. M.S. Gill was the Sports Minister, IOC president Jacques Rogge had written to him that the tenure-limit and age restriction on the NSF office-bearers “must not be decided or imposed by law or an external body’s decision, but must be decided freely and democratically by the competent organs of those organisations, on a case-by-case basis, and this must be reflected in their respective statutes/constitutions”.

The IOC had then warned the Ministry against imposing the guidelines “in a mandatory manner on the organisations of the Olympic Movement in India. Otherwise, we would unfortunately be obliged to consider the protective measures provided for in the Olympic Charter”.

In its latest communication to Randhir Singh and the ministry, the IOC has categorically stated its position vis-a-vis the legislation: “The IOC does not say whether the criteria mentioned in the new draft sports legislation are appropriate or not (given that there is not one single approach in these matters, but there may be different views and opinions), but says only that the national sports organisations - as autonomous legal entities - should be able to decide by themselves whether they shall adopt such criteria or not (on a case-by-case basis and in accordance with their own statues). Hence, these criteria might be proposed or suggested by the Government, but should not, however, be imposed.

“If not, India’s representation and participation in upcoming international sports events (in particular for qualification to and participation in the Olympic Games) might be threatened and subject to measures taken by the international sports organisations, and we would be obliged to present this case again at the next IOC Executive Board meeting,” warned the IOC letter.

“The IOC communication is clear as crystal that the Government should not meddle in the autonomy of the sports federations, through legislation or otherwise,” Randhir Singh observed.

Chandigarh, June 11
In 1993, Meharban Singh Virk, all of 23 years old, hit the gym for the first time in his life. He was overweight, and felt the need to shed a few kilos. But what had started as a mere fitness regime, turned into a career and a pretty ‘solid’ one at that.

Today, at the age of 41, Virk is going stronger than before and recently won a silver medal at the Senior National Bodybuilding Championship in the 80-85kg weight category, in Bhilai. A Mr. Chandigarh winner and North Zone silver medallist, this was Virk’s third shot at the nationals.

Son of a retired Central Government employee, Virk had started his own health club in 1994, the Meharban Fitness Centre, in Chandigarh’s Sector 37. He never looked back and now he trains a selected group, under his own supervision, to take up the mantle of bodybuilding in the region.

But as is the case with most sportspersons in India, Virk faced many hardships when he had started out. The diet was too expensive, there was no expertise and no guidance on how to go about things. But his will found the way, or at least two people who could show him the way. Raji Rana, a physically challenged person, but a bodybuilder, and Ramakant inspired Virk to make it big.

“Raji Rana was my trainer at the gym where I began. When I saw him working out and how he never stopped short of trying to get a perfect physique, I knew I couldn't give up. I really feel that bodybuilding is one of the most misunderstood disciplines. People don’t know what a good physique is, and they don’t know how to go about getting one either.”

Virk also believes that people unnecessarily think that only drugs can bulk one up. “In today’s times, when the best supplements are available, one just has to work hard and eat right for the right physique. These other myths are not true, and I really want to create awareness about these things.”

While he made it through the tough times with his family firmly behind him, he knows many others are not so fortunate. “There is no support whatsoever from the Government. In this scenario, a youngster wanting to get into professional bodybuilding will find it hard to afford a diet that can support such strenuous work outs. I really hope that changes someday.”

Virk knows that there is hope, he has believed in it all his life. As his age-defying body keeps getting stronger, there is no reason why the mind and resolve won’t follow!

Melbourne, June 11
Australian opening batsman Simon Katich has criticized the ‘inconsistent’ policies of Cricket Australia's selection panel. It comes after Katich was dumped from the latest CA list of 25 contracted players.

"If you pay peanuts, you get monkeys," The Age quoted Katich, as saying. Slamming his dismissal Katich said that it was time CA employed full-time selectors who are made accountable for their decisions.

Katich said the naming of a 17-man squad on the eve of the Ashes had a destabilizing influence on the Australian team, which was crushed 3-1 by England earlier this year. He said there were several players who were left uncertain about their short-term futures.

"I've got no doubt that it did and I'm sure there'll be other players in the team saying the same thing because you've got so many guys looking over their shoulder about whether they would play or not," Katich said.

"If you were to compare it to how England prepared, they were settled, they played the same team in all their warm-up games and no surprise that they had a very good campaign."

"There needs to be more consistency. The facts are, a week or two before the Ashes, a squad of 17 was named. In my opinion, if you can't know what your best 11 is a week or so before our biggest Test series that we play, before the Ashes, that to me reeks of indecision," he added.

Chairman of selectors Andrew Hilditch had earlier said that Katich had been a fantastic player for Australia and a key and successful member of the Test team in recent years. "However, amongst other matters, the panel felt it was the right time now to start blooding our next opening partnership in preparation for the Ashes two years from now," Hilditch had said.

"The opening partnership is critical to the success of any team and takes time to develop the necessary experience at international level. We feel it is important this change is made now as we prepare for the challenges ahead," he had added. — ANI

Sydney, June 11
After making his Test debut last year, New South Wales middle order batsman Usman Khawaja could have taken the popular road to India and accepted a gilt-edged IPL contract, but did not, as he felt that his cricket education was incomplete and needed to fine tuned further with a stint in English county cricket.

He knows he would have been a popular signing, as he has a strong following on the subcontinent because of his Pakistani origins. He understands that it would have brought all manner of offers and endorsements. Instead, Khawaja thought about what he needed to do next and came to the conclusion that he was inexperienced. He went to English county Derbyshire to fill in some gaps.

''When I played for Australia I qualified to go over and I thought it would be silly of me not to take the opportunity because I could play against different players on different surfaces with different balls, a whole new style of cricket,'' Khawaja told The Saturday Age.

''I knew I was inexperienced and I didn't want to go to England, whether it was with the Aussie side or what-not, without having played there already . The IPL and all that jazz will still be around, but at the moment, I needed to do this,'' he adds.

While Khawaja has scored the bulk of his 2460 first-class runs at first drop, he is prepared to do his time down the order presently, if necessary. — ANI

London, June 11
Britain's Andy Murray swept into the final at Queen's with an imperious 6-3, 6-1 victory over four-time champion Andy Roddick in the semifinals on Saturday.

Murray, seeded second, was in sublime form as he demolished one of the top grass-court players of the last decade to set up a final clash against Jo-Wilfried Tsonga or James Ward.

This was arguably the most complete performance of Murray's career and the victory was especially sweet for the world number four as it went some way to avenging his 2009 Wimbledon semifinal defeat against Roddick.

Murray had won six of his nine meetings with Roddick but the loss at Wimbledon still rankles with the Scot.

The 24-year-old will have taken extra delight from the way he totally overwhelmed third seed Roddick here and he will now be heavy favourite to win this Wimbledon warm-up event for the second time.

Murray, who last won the title here in 2009, had an unexpected chance to rest his troublesome ankle injury on Friday when Marin Cilic was forced to pull out just before the start of their quarterfinal with an ankle problem of his own.

The Scot certainly seemed refreshed as he slammed down two aces in his first service game and then snatched the early momentum by breaking Roddick in the next game.

Roddick didn't help his cause with a couple of loose slices that flopped tamely into the net, but Murray was mixing up his game nicely to keep the American from settling into his rhythm.

As ever, Murray was looking to use the drop-shot at every opportunity and he caught Roddick with two exquisite efforts to move 4-1 ahead.

Murray's serve was in good working order and, with his sliced backhand causing the American no end of problems, Roddick began to wear an increasingly exasperated expression as the first set ended with another Murray ace. — AFP

New Delhi, June 11
A devastating bowling spell of 4 for 34 off 7.3 overs by Sanjay Gill powered Collage Group past Vidya Jain Academy by seven wickets to enter the final of the 35th Lala Raghubhir Singh Prize Money Hot Weather cricket tournament at the Modern School ground here today.

Sanjay was adjudged the Reebok man of the match. Collage Group will take on Hargopal Club in the final to be played on Monday.

Scores:

Vidya Jain Academy:

157 (Ankit Dabas 33, Ajeet Chandela 27, Sanjay Gill 4 for 34, Pradeep Parashar 2 for 30).

Collage Group:

158 for 3 in 31.3 overs (Parvinder Singh 61 not out, Mukul Dagar 38, Rameez Naiyamat 25, Pankaj Joshi 21 not out).

Chandigarh, June 11
Madhyapur Youth Association XI from Nepal will be the main attraction during 40th edition of the week long All India Hot Weather Football Tournament Commencing here from June 12 June to June 19.

Among the other Indian Prominent Clubs who will be seen in action are South Eastern Railway (Jharkand) Colaba Young Star Football Club (Mumbai) Cental Command (Luchnow) Punjab Police (Jalhandar) Shivaji Sports Academy (Kolhapur) & Army Junior Football Club (UP). The tournament will be played on knock out come league basis. Central Command (Lucknow) will meet D.F.A. Hoshiarpur in the opening fixture.

BRIEFLY

Lee-Hesh enter semis
London: Third seeds Leander Paes and Mahesh Bhupathi advanced to the doubles semifinals of the AEGON Tennis Championships after a hard fought 6-4, 6-4 win over Filip Polasek and Igor Zelenay. The Indian Express saved seven breakpoints in the second set and converted one, which proved decisive in their victory in the euro 694,250 ATP event in the run up to the Wimbledon. They will next face winner of the the quarter-final match between the pairs of Robert Lindstedt/Horia Tecau and Max Mirnyi/Daniel Nestor. — PTI

Jeev tied 15th
Turin: Jeev Milkha Singh overcame a minor blip on the front nine to return a card of two-under 70 and lie at tied 15th after three rounds in the Italian Open golf championship here today. Jeev's 70 took him to 11-under 205 and five behind the leader Robert Rock, whose steady 68 saw him at 16-under 200. Jeev, who arrived here only on Wednesday evening and played without a practice round, had a superb six-under 66 in his second round at the end of which he was tied 10th. In the third round, Jeev birdied third and sixth, but dropped bogeys on fourth and fifth. Over the next 12 holes, he had two birdies and rest pars for a 70. News, however was not good for Jeev's fellow Indians, Shiv Kapur (74-67) and SSP Chowrasia (73-73) who missed the cut. Rock carded a 68 with five birdies and one bogey as he took a two-shot into the final round. — PTI

American coaches to arrive in India next week
New Delhi: After the arrival of Kenny Natt, two more American coaches signed by the Basketball Federation of India — Pete Gaudet and Zak Penwell — will be reaching India next week to begin their term with the national teams. The three experienced coaches from the USA, who have been recruited to play a vital role in taking the sport to the next level, will join their respective national teams on Monday. While veteran National Basketball Association (NBA) coach Kenny Natt, guide of Miami Heat superstar LeBron James, will be the head coach of Indian men's basketball team, Gaudet will work as the head coach of the women's national team. Penwell will be the strength and conditioning coach, who will work with all national players. — PTI

Sharapova shows off her washboard abs
London: Tennis queen Maria Sharapova has long been known for her pretty face and her oomph factor so required for success in modeling, and the former world No. 1 used it to good measure to sizzle in her new Nike's 'Make Yourself' campaign, where she posed in a tiny sports bra alongside a bevy of fellow female sports stars. The stunning 24-year-old showed off her washboard stomach in tiny blue hot pants and a white sports bra while holding an abdominal crunch position. The advertisements will appear in upcoming issues of Seventeen, InStyle and Glamour magazines. — ANI