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I have found my rhythm back: Pathan
Afridi’s thumbs up to free hit rule
Lawson stresses on ‘mental development’
Title for Havret; Jyoti 32nd
Copa America
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Asian Cup Soccer
Russia’s Elena Vesnina (left) and Nadia Petrova celebrate after beating USA’s Venus Williams and Lisa Raymond 7-5, 7-6 in the Fed Cup tennis semifinal in Stowe, Vermont, on Sunday. Russia won 3-2 to advance to the final, where they will face Italy. — Reuters
photo
Beckham becoming a sideshow
Ferrer claims fourth title
Uttaranchal Cup soccer
Tour de France
Harmison ruled out of
first Test
Zimbabwe out of Test ranking list
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I have found my rhythm back: Pathan
''I had informed coach Greg Chappell and his assistant Ian Frazer about it. But, due to a packed international calendar they could not work on my bowling mid-way through the season,'' the Baroda all-rounder told a TV news channel. According to Irfan, there were times when he used to wonder and felt lost on what's going wrong. However, he is philosphical about his present misery and says life is bigger then cricket. Irfan takes positives from the fact that not too many has achieved what he has as a 22-year-old. Irfan admits it's a ''reality check'' for him now that he has to spend time with some of the younger trainers from all parts of the country at the MRF guesthouse, where he is sharing one room with others, while his collaegues in the Indian team are treated royally. However, Irfan credits his modest upbringing for still being able to keep his head on his shoulders although it's not easy to adjust from five-star luxury to the guest house. ''It’s difficult to see low after high but I have seen worse things in my life. Here I have to do everything on my own. When you play for county, there are always people around you to help. From picking your kit-bag to pick and drop facility at the airport... But, things dramatically change one when you are out of the Team India...,'' he painfully adds. He also admitted that he should have come earlier to the MRF pace foundation to work on his bowling action. After being left out from the England tour, he is naturally disappointed but says that he will make most of this forced-break. ''TA Sekhar has seen my bowling from close quarters and he is working with me. His advice and inputs are invaluable and I have found my swing and rhythm back. Sekhar showed me the glitches in my action from 2001 onwards. It's been eye-opener,'' he said. Denying that he was ever confused regarding his bowling, he said that he had shown his video to Greg and Frazer in Pakistan but ''by the time I realised it was a little problem, it got complicated and it became a bit complex. Also, didn't get much time to be mentally fresh during that period. ''However, I must say its only a temporary phase and I would definitely be out of this sooner and am confident of being top of the game,'' he added confidently. Irfan, who was once spearheaded the attack, says in a philosophical mood ''Of course, it is a critical stage of my career and I have learnt quite a few things not only about cricket but also life in general.'' He also dismissed talks of batting having a negative impact on his bowling, saying ''On the contrary, it has helped my game. I am a better cricketer because of it. Since, under-19 days I have been working on my batting. Before Chappell, John Wright too has worked on my batting. The critics would change their opinions once I am back to my best in bowling. They will appreciate my batting skill then.'' Justifying that pace alone cannot guarantee success in international cricket, he says ''Chaminda Vass is an ideal example and role model for us. Wasim Akram will remain my hero since idolised him from my childhood but I have never tried to copy anyone.''
— UNI
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Afridi’s thumbs up to free hit rule
Lahore, July 16 The hard-hitting Afridi spoke more like a batsman than a bowler in spite of his 'all-rounder' tag on the new rule announced by cricket's Governing body, which would allow the batsman to take a free hit after every no-ball bowled by a bowler in the one-dayers. The swashbuckling Afridi said he understood the apprehensions of fast bowlers Shoaib Akhtar and Mohammad Asif, who feel the new rule is loaded in favour of the batsman, but felt the two bowlers would not face any problem. ''Shoaib and Asif are two of the most accurate bowlers I have seen in one-day internationals. They bowl very few no-balls. So I don’t see them facing any problems,'' he said. He felt the new move would force the bowlers into being more discipline. Afridi, who has a reputation of going hammer and tongs even in legitimate deliveries, told 'The News', ''The new rule will make the other bowlers also more accurate and disciplined to avoid giving away bonus runs and that is a good thing as less wides and no balls means less time lost in a match.'' — UNI
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Lawson stresses on ‘mental development’
Sydney, July 16 The Woolmer case was originally treated as a homicide before an autopsy revealed the Englishman died of natural causes. ''If there was any hint of foul play I don't think anyone would be taking the job,'' Lawson said. ''That (the cause of death) put my mind at rest,'' Lawson was quoted in the Australian media. When approached by the PCB in May, Lawson reportedly stated that ''1000 planets would have to align'' for him to consider filling the coaching vacancy created by Bob Woolmer's untimely death. Lawson was today appointed coach of the Pakistan cricket team, ending a long wait to fill up a post left vacant by the death of the high profile Bob Woolmer during the World Cup. Outlining the blueprint to be successful in a volatile territory, Lawson said, bringing the fractious Pakistanis together to produce the consistent cricket, they are capable of, would be a challenge. The Aussie emphasised the 'mental development' of the game and stressed the need to be mentally prepared to face any adversary. ''It's not a great exercise in skill development, it's an exercise in mental development,'' Lawson said. ''Australia never look on any game they run out on the paddock for as meaningless. ''That is a terrific attitude to have. Every day is 100 per cent and that's certainly not what a lot of sides do. ''If you've got the talent and you're well prepared and you take every game as if it's a grand final, there's a chance you are going to do well. The 49-year-old has also singled out the unpredictable nature of Pakistan cricket. ''Pakistan's inconsistency has probably got a lot to do with that- not approaching every game, or the next game, as the most important one they're going to play. ''I think that is the greatest challenge'' he added. Lawson, pipped fellow Australians Dav Whatmore and Richard Done to the job. Lawson doesn't have any previous experience but has worked extensively with the New South Wales team over recent seasons. The Aussie, who will be joining the Pakistan team at the latter stages of the Twenty20 World Cup, will have his task cut out when the Pakistanis take on arch-rivals India later this year before a three-Test home series against world champions Australia in March-April. The veteran of 46 Tests for Australia between 1980 and 1989 has apparently agreed to a two-year deal. His appointment would see him join Trevor Bayliss (Sri Lanka) and Bennett King (West Indies) as Australians coaching overseas teams. — UNI
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Title for Havret; Jyoti 32nd
Loch Lomond, July 16 Randhawa stumbles to a bogey on the third but recovered to strike birdies on the fourth and 17th holes for his one-under 70 to end with a four-round total of four-under 280. Jeev, who will be making his debut at the British Open this week, however, had a disappointing day with bogeys on fifth, seventh and 13th and a sole birdie on 14th for his 73. The seasoned pro finished with a total of one-under 283. Gregory Havret brought the event to thrilling climax, beating World Number three Phil Mickelson in a sudden-death play-off, to take the top prize of 500,000 pounds at the Loch Lomond Golf Club. The Frenchman took on the role of a silent assassin during the tumultuous final round on the bonnie banks, as Luke Donald, and then Ernie Els charged at Mickeslon during an unbelievable back nine. Havret also qualified for the British Open at Carnoustie after his victory as he took the last available spot at the open. After Els had surpassed Donald’s clubhouse lead with a final round 65, Havret and Mickelson were standing on the 17th tee, tied on 14-under facing Loch Lomond’s testing finish. Mickelson drained a 30-foot birdie putt to brighten his chances of a win, but the American gave that stroke back at the 18th and Havret’s par four took the final pairing of the day into extra time. Mickelson struck the first blow of the play-off and pushed his drive left, perilously close to the Loch and in some horrible rough, allowing Havret to relax, open his shoulders and send his drive sailing down the middle of the fairway. Mickelson hit a fine second shot out of trouble, but his third shot was struck too hard and as his delicate chip just missed the hole for par. Havret, who had found the greenside bunker with his approach and splashed out to five feet, was left with a five-foot effort to take the title. Els (65) ended third, while Donald (64) was tied with Pelle Edberg (66), Louis Oosthuizen (68) and Richard Sterne (64) for the fourth spot.
— PTI
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Brazil rout Argentina 3-0 in final
Maracaibo (Venezuela), July 16 Roberto Ayala had an own-goal just before half-time and Dani Alves scored his first of the tournament in the 69th to secure Brazil's eighth title in the South American championship. It was the second straight time Brazil and Argentina had met in the final, with Brazil prevailing three years ago on penalties in Peru. This time, Argentina were intent on reclaiming the crown and winning a record 15th title. It brought its full national team while Brazil arrived with a second-choice side after several of its regulars, like Ronaldinho and Kaka, asked to be excused. "Lots of people criticised our team, but we're the champions," said Brazilian striker Robinho, who finished as the tournament's top scorer with six goals. It was the 10th meeting between the heavyweights of South America in the final, with Brazil winning for the just the second time. "Losing like this makes you angry, but there's nothing more we can do but wait for another final," Argentina's Lionel Messi said. Others were even more sombre. "We're totally ruined," Esteban Cambiasso said. "Losing like this penetrates your soul." Argentina dominated possession early, but the five-time World Cup champion capitalised on a more rapid counter-attack and sloppy defence to punish its long-time rival. Baptista put Brazil ahead on its first foray forward, hitting a ball into the far-side netting past stunned Argentine keeper Roberto Abbondanzieri. Argentina had a chance to equalise five minutes later when Juan Sebastian Veron redirected a cross from Messi, but an unmarked Juan Roman Riquelme slammed it off the left post. Ayala severely hurt Argentina's chances five minutes before half-time, sliding to clear a low cross by Alves but instead knocking inside his own right post. Alves, who replaced an injured Elano in the 33rd minute, all but secured the victory, finishing a counter led by Vagner Love and beating Abbondanzieri to his right. "My players demonstrated they're capable of great things," Brazil manager Dunga said. "Argentina was the press' and everyone's favourite, but the game is decided on the field over 90 minutes." Dunga dedicated the victory to Brazil's working families. "We came to rescue the self-esteem of the Brazilian worker, who wakes up in the morning and returns home late at night, whose only satisfaction in life is seeing Brazil win a football match." Argentina entered the Copa America and yesterday's final at sold-out Pachencho Romero stadium seeking to avenge its loss three years ago, when it took an 87th-minute lead only to allow an injury time equaliser and succumb on penalties. Manager Alfio Basile returned six veterans from that loss, along with a star-studded roster of European-based players, to claim Argentina's first Copa America title since 1993 when he last managed the side. — AP
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Japan demolish Vietnam, storm into quarters
Hanoi, July 16 “I’m still not satisfied,” Japan coach Ivica Osim told reporters. “If I was satisfied, then I might as well just quit as coach.” Keita Suzuki’s own goal after just seven minutes triggered riotous celebration among a crowd of 40,000 in Hanoi but it took Japan just five minutes to restore normal service. Celtic midfielder Shunsuke Nakamura found space on the left to float over a perfect cross for Seiichiro Maki, who had the simple task of chesting the ball into an open goal. Yasuhito Endo put Japan ahead just after the half hour, rifling a free kick into the top corner from the edge of the box to briefly silence Vietnam’s trumpet-blowing fans. Nakamura added a third seven minutes into the second half with a superb right-foot strike before Maki headed in his second from close range in the 59th minute. “That was a good time to score,” Maki told Reuters. “Shunsuke’s pass over was so good it was no room for me to miss it. You feel a responsibility to score as a striker.” When news of UAE’s win over Qatar in Ho Chi Minh filtered through, Hanoi’s My Dinh stadium erupted in a deafening roar as Vietnamese fans celebrated wildly. “It’s a sensation,” Vietnam coach Alfred Riedl told reporters. “Nobody expected us to be in the quarterfinals. It’s the first time in Vietnam’s history. “I’m extremely proud of my players and maybe Vietnam will surprise again,” he added. Japan, bidding for a third straight title, finished top of Group B on seven points with Vietnam runners-up on four. The UAE were third on three points with Qatar on two. The Asian champions play the runners-up in Group A in the quarterfinals in Hanoi, while Vietnam travel to Bangkok to face the winners. — Reuters
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Italy, Russia in Fed Cup final
Castellaneta Marina (Italy), July 16 The Italians will play Russia, who defeated the USA 3-2 in the second semifinal, which also came down to the final doubles rubber. The final will be held on September 15-16. Francesca Schiavione, who remained unbeaten throughout the weekend, teamed up with Roberta Vinci in the crucial doubles match to see off Nathalie Dechy and Severine Bremond 4-6, 6-1, 6-2. Amelie Mauresmo beat Mara Santangelo 6-7, 6-0, 6-4 in yesterday’s opening singles before Tatiana Golovin threw away a 5-2 final-set lead to crumble to a 6-4, 2-6, 7-5 defeat against Schiavone in the second singles rubber of the day. In Stowe, Vermont, Nadia Petrova and Elena Vesnina overcame doubles standout Lisa Raymond and Wimbledon champion Venus Williams 7-5, 7-6 to secure Russia’s place in the final. Venus was a last-minute addition in the do-or-die doubles, but to no avail. She had already delivered two points for the USA, including a quick 6-1, 6-4 victory over Anna Chakvetadze yesterday that put the Americans 2-1 up. But Petrova responded with a 6-1, 6-2 victory over inexperienced Meilen Tu to level the tie at 2-2. It was an easy win for Venus compared to Saturday, when she endured a nightmare match against Petrova but eked out a 7-6, 0-6, 6-4 win that saw the Americans finish the opening day level at 1-1. — AFP
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Beckham becoming a sideshow
Los Angeles, July 16 The column inches are still being devoted to his arrival, but the US sport staples of basketball, baseball and American football are back in place as headline news and back-page leads. And the soccer chat is fast being replaced by talk of Beckham's better-known wife Victoria, aka Posh Spice, not to mention celebrity chums, chat shows, shirt sales and Brand Beckham in general. David Beckham the footballer already seems to be something of a sideshow. Despite an impressive media charm session Friday when he did an incredible 65 TV interviews, his effort to bring the beautiful game to the seemingly apathetic American masses is already looking like a battle Beckham cannot win. The Los Angeles Times columnist Bill Plaschke remains to be convinced by the city's latest superstars. "He is clearly showing up, not as an athlete but as a celebrity... folks are viewing him not as a leader of men but as the husband of Posh," he wrote. David's other half has already started to take centre stage and her appearance on the Jay Leno Show - one of America's biggest chat shows - will have done little to help any attempts to keep the focus on football. Posh and Becks already seem entrenched in the celebrity community but it has little to do with
football. — IANS
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Ferrer claims fourth title
Stockholm, July 16 The world number 15 and second seed here was participating for the first time in Bastad and took just over one hour to despatch his rival. It was his second title this season after Auckland. The 25-year-old Ferrer made light work of his 21-year-old opponent and friend Almagro, whose game was riddled with unforced errors. Ferrer, speaking to the Swedish media, said he was pleased with his overall performance throughout the tournament. Newport (USA): Fabrice Santoro captured his first ATP title in five years here, defeating Nicolas Mahut in straight sets in an all-French final at the $416,000 Hall of Fame Tennis Championship. The 6-4, 6-4 victory saw fourth-seeded Santoro lift his fifth career title, but his first since he triumphed in Dubai in 2002. “I know I can play well on grass, and I played well for the past couple of weeks,” Santoro said. “But when you get older, the week seems longer.” Santoro denied compatriot Mahut, the fifth seed, his first ATP crown.
— AFP
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Uttaranchal Cup soccer
New Delhi, July 16 Tournament, to be held at the Air Force ground here from tomorrow. Garhwal Heroes will take on Paschim Heroes in the opening match in the evening. The tournament, to be organised by Uttaranchal Heroes, would be a warm-up event for the clubs ahead of the tougher B and A Leagues of the Delhi Soccer Association, which would commence immediately after Uttaranchal Cup.
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Rasmussen breezes through
Tignes (France), July 16 With the stitches in his knees still causing him unbearable pain, the Kazakhstan rider could not get anywhere close to Michael Rasmussen and just about managed to keep in touch with the other front-runners during yesterday's eighth stage. While Denmark's Rasmussen showed just why he is the two-time holder of the King of the Mountains jersey with a brilliant climb up three straight Category 1 ascents, Vinokourov and his Astana teammate Kloeden won over French fans over with bravery. Although Rasmussen has the yellow jersey and Vinokourov is 4 minutes, 29 seconds back, the Kazakh rider Vinokourov has not yet given up on challenging for the Tour. He may be right, seeing as today's rest day will give his battered knees a chance to heal and then he'll only have one more Alpine stage to get through tomorrow — albeit the toughest one — before the race resumes on flatter roads far easier on the body. — AP
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Harmison ruled out of
first Test
London, July 16 Harmison, who is suffering from a hernia injury, has been replaced by Hampshire bowler Chris Tremlett in the home side’s 13-member squad. The Durham pacer was re-examined at Horsham, where his county side played Sussex yesterday. Harmison is now expected to go under the knife, which could rule him out of the entire series. Chairman of selectors David Graveney said Tremlett was included as a precautionary measure. “We have taken the precaution of adding Tremlett to the squad following confirmation this morning that Harmison will not be available. Tremlett performed well in the recent England Lions tour match against India. He gives us additional options,” he said. Harmison, who sustained the injury during the fourth Test against the West Indies a month ago, had hoped to play in all three Tests against India but he broke down on Friday in the Sussex match. A decision on whether Harmison would need surgery would be taken after the player sees a specialist tomorrow.
— PTI
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Zimbabwe out of Test ranking list
New Delhi, July 16 Zimbabwe do not figure in the ICC’s annual list released today because they have played two Tests fewer than the minimum of 10 required for inclusion in the table involving only series completed after August 1, 2004. “One result of the update is that Zimbabwe has dropped off the main table as it has only played eight Tests since that date,” an ICC statement said. “The update is always scheduled to take place on August 1 each year but as no series are set to finish ahead of that date, it can be carried out now.” World champions Australia stretched their lead to 26 rating points with England placed second on the list, which is now down to nine teams. Sri Lanka and South Africa have jumped two spots to third and fourth, respectively, ahead of India and Pakistan. The Zimbabwe government withdrew the national team from Test cricket early last year and the ICC decided several weeks ago that they were not ready to return to the Test fold. They continue to play ODIs but have been a depleted side since April, 2004, when most seniors retired or opted to further their careers in other countries after a dispute with the board.
— Reuters
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From ''1000 planets would have to align'' for him to consider taking up Pakistan's coaches' post to a complete cosmic U-turn for coaching the same side, former Australia paceman Geoff Lawson has admitted that the autopsy report of Bob Woolmer put his 'mind at rest'.
Maracaibo (Venezuela), July 16
New Delhi, July 16
