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Bolt completes golden treble
Netherlands eves win hockey gold
Cuban stops Vijender
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Relay team bows out
Spain, Germany pin hopes on coaches
US spikers clinch a thriller
S Africa pull out of Champions Trophy
India spend time at the nets
Sania pulls out of US Open
MAKA Trophy gets big hike
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Beijing ’08 Stephanie signs $800,000 deal with Channel Seven Aussie swimmer Stephanie Rice’s Olympic gold victory has apparently started to earn her moolah, for she has bagged a contract with Channel Seven. The glamour girl’s two-year deal with the television network is estimated to be worth $800,000. Rice, however, is said to have been pulled out of an expected appearance in a Channel Nine 60 minute Olympics special on the “heroes of Beijing”, scheduled for broadcast on Sunday, because it would clash with her Seven allegiance. The photogenic Brisbane swimmer has won three gold medals thus far. Her personal life is as famous as her achievements in the water. Photographs from her page were splashed across newspapers earlier this year. Her well-publicised relationship with fellow swimmer Eamon Sullivan earned the pair an advertising deal with an underwear label. Experts have predicted that Rice, who has been most successful female swimmer at Beijing, may make up to $450,000 per sponsorship deal. Olympic golden boy Michael Phelps has purchased a new 4,080-square-foot pad in Baltimore for $1.69 million, which has facilities like a pool and a Jucuzzi. The winner of a record eight gold medals at the Beijing Olympics will get to enjoy a great view from his new home on the rejuvenated Baltimore waterfront, the celebrity Web site TMZ reports. Phelps has also bought the Meadowbrook Swim Club & Northwest Ice Rink in Baltimore, which he and his coach Bob Bowman want to turn into an elite Olympic training centre. The ace swimmer has expressed his wish to buy a new car too. “My friend’s in the car business, so he’s going to help me,” the New York Daily News quoted him as saying on Wednesday, before leaving Beijing. “I've been looking at some Aston Martins and some Maseratis. It would be pretty sweet to get an old-school Aston Martin, some of the old-school (James) Bond ones.” he added. Slugger Lee Seung-yuop belted a two-run homer to help lead South Korea to a 6-2 semifinal win over Japan and then apologised to his Asian rivals for ending their Olympic baseball gold medal dreams. “I just want to say I’m sorry to the fans and players of Japan,” Lee told reporters. “But it is an important game and we’re all the same Asians.” While it was a welcome display of sportsmanship that has occasionally been lacking on the Olympic diamond, Lee’s regret might also have something to do with the fact he makes his living in Japan earning around $2 million a season playing for the Yomiuri Giants. Lee can expect something less than a hero’s welcome when he returns to work following the Games -- the last for baseball, which will be dropped from the Olympic program after Saturday’s gold medal clash. Known as the ‘Lion King’ by Korean baseball fans, Lee is one of Asian baseball’s most feared hitters. Beijing Games friendliest: OCA With curtains drawing closer to the 29th edition of the Olympic Games, the Olympic Association of Asia hailed the Chinese government and the citizens of Beijing for organising what they term as ‘most friendliest and outstanding’ Games. OCA president Sheikh Ahmad Al-Fahad Al-Sabah gave a congratulatory message just two days before the completion of the Beijing Games. He said, “The OCA would like to thank the Government of Peoples Republic of China for their uninhibited support in organising the most friendliest and outstanding sporting extravaganza. The support of the citizens of Beijing and other cities organising the games have been greatly instrumental in making the Games. The Games have provided possibly the best infrastructure and atmosphere for the athletes to flourish,” he added. Apple’s online music store, iTunes, has been blocked in China after more than 40 Olympic athletes downloaded a pro-Tibet album from the site. Consumers in China began inundating Apple help forums on Monday, saying that they could not access iTunes. The album produced by the Art of Peace Foundation and promoted by the ICT, features 20 songs from high profile artists including Sting, Moby, Damien Rice and Alanis Morissette. It was put on iTunes on August 5, three days before the opening ceremony of the Beijing Olympics. “We don’t know why the Chinese Government has blocked iTunes, but it seems the most logical explanation is that it is because of us,” Michael Wohl, the executive director of the Art of Peace Foundation, told The Times. Kate Saunders, from ICT, said that the hostile reaction was entirely predictable.
An emotional gold
Attila Vajda won Hungary's first gold in the men's canoe 1,000m single on Friday
and paid tribute to his friend and two-time Olympic champ Gyorgy Kolonics, who
died in July while training for Beijing.
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Beijing, August 22 The 22-year-old Bolt, who had set the track ablaze by winning the 100 m and 200 m sprint titles earlier, added a third gold to his kitty as the Jamaicans took the honour in the men's 4X100 m relay event with a world record timing of 37.10 sec. There was no American representation in the relay events after both the men's and women's teams botched baton handovers in the heats, marking a nightmarish campaign for the formidable US track and field team. Bolt, the first athlete in 24 years to win the gold in 100 m and 200 m events, ended his brilliant campaign in the Olympics on the victory podium in what has been a remarkable show by the lanky Jamaican. With his teammates Nesta Carter, Michael Frater and Asafa Powell living upto expectations, the Jamaicans bettered the previous world record of 37.40 sec. But the Jamaican women's relay team, billed as the favourites, quite shockingly dropped the baton to fritter away a definite chance of a medal. While the Jamaican men's relay team hogged the spotlight, Dibaba also had her share of glory by clinching the gold in the women's 5000 run. Maurren Maggi of Brazil won the women's long jump with a best effort of 7.04 m. The 32-year-old took the coveted gold medal ahead of defending champion Tatiana Lebedeva of Russia (7.03m) while Nigerian Blessing Okagbare was third with 6.91m. Alex Schwazer of Italy won the men's 50 km walk to deny Russia a clean sweep of the Olympic titles gruelling event. The 23-year-old two time world medallist broke the 20 year-old Olympic record as he timed 3 hr:37.09 to take gold ahead of Jared Tallent of Australia, who had a personal best of 3hr 39:27, while Russian number one Denis Nizhegorodov won the bronze in 3hr 40.14. With just two days left for the curtains to come down on the sporting extravaganza, hosts China maintained their position atop the medals table with an unimpressive tally of 46 gold, 15 silver and 22 bronze medals for an overall haul of 83 medals. In another interesting development, The IOC also ordered an investigation into alleged age-fixing of Chinese gymnasts. "We have asked the gymnastic federation to look into what have been a number of questions and apparent discrepancies on this subject," said IOC spokeswoman Giselle Davies. In beach volleyball, Philip Dalhausser and Todd Rogers completed the United States sweep when they beat Brazil in the men's final a day after Misty May-Treanor and Kerri Walsh beat China for the women's gold. The Netherlands won the women's field hockey gold medal by prevailing over hosts Chima 2-0 in the final. Argentina retained the bronze with a 3-1 win over defending champions Germany. — PTI
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Netherlands eves win hockey gold
Beijing, August 22 Sixth-ranked China settled for silver, their first medal for the sport, while Argentina outclassed Germany to take the bronze for a second consecutive Olympics. The Dutch took the lead from a botched penalty “It’s really, really fantastic,” van As said after the match. “Scoring the winning goal is a dream come true.” Despite dominating the first 15 minutes the Dutch could not find a way past Chinese goalkeeper Zhang Yimeng, who successfully defended four scoring opportunities from penalty corners. China took heart from Zhang’s acrobatic saves and gradually worked their way back into the match to keep the score 0-0 at halftime. The Dutch took control as second half wore on and Maartje Goderie sealed the affair in the 62nd minute with a stunning reverse stick slam from the top of the circle. The Dutch, who previously won gold in Los Angeles in 1984, came into the meet as one of the favourites and did not drop a single point throughout. — Reuters
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Beijing, August 22 Cuban Emilio Correa Bayeaux simply outsmarted the Indian 8-5 to win the 75kg category semifinal in a comprehensive manner and the outcome meant Vijender had to be content with the bronze, which he was already assured of. The Cuban negated Vijender's height and reach advantages by playing from a distance. He simply did not allow Vijender land a single blow in the first, third and fourth rounds. Even two penalty points in the final round could not make any difference for the Cuban had tilted the game in his favour a long away. Surprisingly, barring the second round, Vijender held himself back throughout the bout and mostly sprayed his punches. Emilio, son of 1972 Munich Games gold medallist Emilio Correa Vaillant, was precise with his blows. He did not resort to wild arm swinging or uppercuts but relied mostly on straight punches, which paid him rich dividends. Clearly the faster of the two, Emilio led 3-0 early in the second round and though a desperate Vijender managed to reduce the gap to 4-3 by the end of the round, the Cuban proved his superiority again in the lop-sided third round that virtually sealed the fate of the bout. "Once he went 3-0 ahead, a comeback was always difficult. I tried my best and reduced the gap in the second round but could not really pull it off," a dejected Vijender said after the bout. "I'm very upset and want to say sorry to all for I could not win the bout. I promise to come back in 2012 Olympics and beat this guy and win gold," Vijender added. "I had prepared well for his right punches but his left proved equally strong and I often had no answer to that," Vijender said of his opponent. Union minister for steel Ram Vilas Paswan has announced a cash reward for all three Indian medal winners at Beijing, while Maharashtra CM Deshmukh announced a reward of Rs 5 lakh for Vijender. Spicejet airlines has also offered Vijender free travel for life. — PTI
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Vijender puts boxing on a pedestal
New Delhi, August 22 Former national coach and Dronacharya awardee Om Prakash Bharadwaj said Vijender was lucky that he got to meet a very tough opponent like the Cuban only in the semifinal, which at least ensured that he secured a bronze medal. Bharadwaj said Emilio was a very powerful player and Vijender did well to lose the bout narrowly at 5-8. “Vijender put up a good effort, but he failed to cash in on his height as he should have gone for straight punches, instead of hard knocks, as Cuban boxers, as a rule, are very strong and powerful, and they have the stamina to last the distance without tiring out”,
Bharadwaj said. He is presently a national talent spotter with the Indian Amateur Boxing Federation (IABF), and runs a boxing academy in
Delhi. He said Vijender failed to use his “left and right” to score points and got hit too when he lowered his guard. |
Beijing, August 22 The team of Satti Geetha, Manjeet Kaur, Chitra Soman and Mandeep Kaur clocked 3:28.83s in the eight-team heat number one, bringing curtains down on India's overall campaign at the Games. India, who entered the race as 15th best timed team, could not better their 3:28.29s effort in Korat (Thailand) in Asian Grand Prix two months ago which booked a berth in the Olympics. They were also far behind their national record of 3:26.89s in 2004 Athens Olympics. The Indian girls were more than three seconds behind Germany (3:25.55s), who were the last qualifying team in the heat one. Russia (3:23.71s), Cuba (3:25.46s) and Britain (3:25.48s) were top three finishers in the heat. — PTI
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Spain, Germany pin hopes on coaches
Beijing, August 22 Spain's Dutch coach Maurits Hendriks was with the Netherlands when they won the title at the 2000 Sydney Games, while German Markus Weise masterminded the women's team triumph in Athens four years ago. Their wisdom will count as Germany contest their first final since winning the gold medal at Barcelona in 1992 and Spain bid for their first Olympic title after losing the deciders in 1980 and 1996. "It will be about strategy and how we put that into practice," said Spanish veteran Pol Amat. "I hope Maurits brings us luck. After all, he knows what it takes to win a gold." Hendriks, however, stressed the final was not about coaches, but the players. "This is for the boys, I am just going to sit and watch," the flamboyant coach said. "The team has done a lot themselves to get this far. They are a delight to watch." Spain, widely regarded as the best men's team not to have won the Olympic gold, will be wary of the Germans who beat them 1-0 in the preliminary league. "We played badly that day and did not deserve to win," said Hendricks. "Germany will be tough, but this is a new day, a new game. We will go in as equals." Weise, who took over the German men three years ago after head coach Bernhard Peters switched to football, remained wary of Spain despite his team's unbeaten record in the competition. "All the good work of the past will be of no use if we do not deliver when it counts the most," Weise said. "But the team is confident of finishing the job." Germany, who conceded the world number one ranking to Australia after failing to win the Champions Trophy in June, have won four of their six matches so far and drawn the other two. — AFP
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US spikers clinch a thriller
Beijing, August 22 In a match that evolved into a battle between Russians Alexander Korasev and Maxim Mikhaylov and Americans William Priddy and Clayton Stanley, the USA emerged with a 25-22 25-21 25-27 22-25 15-13 triumph. Stanley blasted serves of up to 118km/h, while Russia struggled to set up their quick offence in the opening
set. Priddy's left side spikes got the Americans off to a good start. Leading the American offence, Priddy and Stanley controlled the flow of the game. Russia adjusted their blocking to good effect in the third set, when Sergey Tetyukhim's quick middle attack sparked a Russian rally and Mikhaylov attacked from all corners. In the fourth set Russia took advantage of four service errors by the Americans to force the fifth set. The last set yielded an exchange of strong spikes from each side before David Lee gave America a set point. A double-block from Lee and Riley Salmon secured the match after two hours and 17 minutes. In Sunday's final, the United States will face either Italy or Brazil, who met in the second semi later today.
— AFP |
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S Africa pull out of Champions Trophy
Durban, August 22 A Cricket South Africa (CSA) statement said the decision followed a presentation from an International Cricket Council task force headed by the world governing body's chief executive Haroon Lorgat. "The decision was taken after assessment of the presentation as well as the information available from a number of other security reports, including one from the South African government," the statement said. South African Cricketers' Association chief executive officer Tony Irish said, "This was a difficult decision, but it was the right one. There is nothing more important than the safety of our national team.” CSA president Norman Arendse added that he hoped the ICC would be able to reschedule the tournament. "After extensive discussions and frank exchange of views, the board resolved not to send our team at this time to Pakistan. We respect the right of the Pakistan Cricket Board to stage the tournament and we would urge the ICC to reschedule the tournament as soon as possible." 3 more withdrawals expected
London: The hosts Pakistan expect England, Australia and New Zealand to join South Africa and withdraw from next month's Champions Trophy because of safety and security concerns. South Africa pulled out on Friday of the eight-nation tournament scheduled from September 12-28 despite assurances from an International Cricket Council (ICC) task force that acceptable security arrangements were in place. "Four countries have now decided against coming to Pakistan. I probably shouldn't bracket the other three (England, Australia and New Zealand) with South Africa as they have yet to announce their decisions but from what we are hearing they will probably do the same," Pakistan Cricket Board chief operating officer Shafqat Naghmi told Reuters by telephone. "We already know they have expressed their
apprehensions," he said. The ICC executive board will meet on Sunday to make a final decision on the fate "We know of Cricket South Africa's decision and we will not be making any further comment until the board has discussed Champions Trophy related issues on Sunday," an ICC spokesman said. Sri Lanka are the designated replacement hosts although ICC chief executive Haroon Lorgat told Reuters on Tuesday it was now too late to switch the competition. Australia, New Zealand and England players have expressed concerns about security in Pakistan after a spate of suicide bombings. In the latest incident, 67 people were killed on Thursday in a suicide bombing outside a defence industry complex 30-km (20 miles) northwest of Islamabad. Last week an ICC delegation met Cricket Australia as well as skipper Ricky Ponting and vice-captain Michael Clarke. The Australian Cricketers' Association (ACA) has told its members Pakistan is not safe to tour and also expressed concerns about Sri Lanka. An ACA spokeswoman said the players' union would wait for the ICC to makes its decision on Sunday. The England and Wales Cricket Board declined to comment.
— Reuters |
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Colombo, August 22 After the struggling on the low and slow Dambulla pitch in the first two ODIs, the two teams assessed the pitch which, barring assisting some late spin, was expected to play easy in the initial overs. As the Indian team concentrated on batting and fielding to tackle the likes of Ajantha Mendis and Muttiah Muralitharan, left-arm spinner Pragyan Ojha said the track seemed to be assisting the spinners. "It seems like the pitch has got turn for the spinners," the 21-year-old bowler However, it remains to be seen if either of the captains would choose to bat first after the experience in the first two one-dayers. Ojha, who did not figure in the playing XI of the second one-dayer, said he was prepared to perform his duties whenever the team required him. The team management is hopeful of Gautam Gambhir recovering on time from the stiff neck for the Sunday's crucial game but it was learnt that India could consider Irfan Pathan as the opening batsman option as the left-hander has given good starts and produced runs in this slot earlier. The good news for India has been the crucial discovery of Subramaniam Badrinath who stood like a rock while facing Mendis and Muralitharan and ensured a victory for India in the second ODI. The 28-year-old middle order batsman, who walked in when India were reeling at 75 for five, hardly looked troubled during his precious unbeaten 27 runs. Meanwhile, not willing to leave any opportunities go by, the Sri Lanka team chose to practice in the evening today to get tuned in for the three day-night one-dayers to be played in the Premadasa stadium. — PTI
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Sania pulls out of US Open
New Delhi, August 22 The fourth and last Grand Slam of the year kicks off from Monday.
India will go unrepresented in the singles events this year as both Prakash Amritraj and Sunitha Rao have also failed to qualify. Leander Paes and Mahesh Bhupathi will present Indian challenge in the doubles event at Flushing Meadows, although with different partners.
— PTI |
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MAKA Trophy gets big hike
New Delhi, August 22 The prize money will be Rs 10 lakh, Rs 5 lakh and Rs 3 lakh from the existing Rs 2 lakh, Rs 1 lakh and Rs 50,000 for first, second and third overall winners respectively. The MAKA Trophy will be awarded along with the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna, Arjuna and Dhyan Chand awards by President Pratibha Patil at Rashtrapati Bhawan on National Sports Day on August 29. |
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Vijender could not be the alchemist and turn his bronze into gold but today's semifinal defeat could not deny him the honour of being India's first Olympic medal winning boxer.
