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Siblings set up quarterfinal clash
Paes advances, Bhupathi out
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Afridi now trains guns on Malik
Afridi tones down but says VVS lacks aggression
Resist lure of lucre, Watson to Symonds
Symonds told to seek psychological help
KP and ‘Big Fred’ led transformation
Mahindra enter Durand semis
Joshi tops Group A
Eves go down by 10 wickets
Court stays ‘HOA’ election
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Siblings set up quarterfinal clash
New York, September 2 Fourth seed Serena routed French wildcard Severine Bremond 6-2, 6-2 while seventh-seeded elder Venus crushed Agnieszka Radwanska of Poland 6-1, 6-3 to book the rendezvous. The sisters are 8-8 in head-to-head matches during their career, and 5-5 against each other on the grand slam stage so this one will bring bragging rights as well as a slot in the semifinals of the year's last major championship. "It
is tough to play her because she is so good," said Venus, who won their last Serena rued the fact that the meeting between the two twice Open champions is coming so early in the championship. Rafael Nadal was one step away from his first semifinal in New York after taking The Spaniard, the top-seeded world number one for the first time at a major, dodged a bevy of bullets from 20-year-old American Sam Querrey, before capturing a 6-2, 5-7, 7-6, 6-3 win. In the last eight, Nadal meets unseeded American Mardy Fish who beat 32nd seed Gael Monfils of France 7-5, 6-2, 6-2. British sixth seed Andy Murray, 21, stormed into the quarters for the first time with a 6-1, 6-3, 6-3 demolition of Swiss 10th seed Stanislas Wawrinka. Murray next goes against Argentine 19-year-old Juan Martin Del Potro, who reached his first grand slam quarter 6-3, 6-4, 6-3 over Japan's 18-year-old Kei Nishikori in another tilt that underlined the advance of powerful young players on tour. Arranging another women's quarterfinals date were a worn out Dinara Safina and Italy's Flavia Pennetta. Safina, who complained of exhaustion, had enough pep to beat Germany's Anna-Lena Groenefeld 7-5, 6-0. Pennetta, the 16th seed, routed former world number one Amelie Mauresmo The prospect of another Williams sisters showdown had the feel of a New York heavyweight clash. Serena has dropped just 14 games from her four matches, and Venus has lost 15. "I feel like I can win the tournament if I play my best tennis and I don't feel like I've played my best yet," said Serena. Venus, who won their last Open encounter in the fourth round in 2005, said Serena is rounding into form. The Williams sisters, the only women left in the draw with grand slam singles titles, were headed for likely prime-time showdown at Arthur Ashe Stadium on Wednesday. Nadal said he hoped he got his "bad day" out of the way at Open against Querrey, who blasted in 20 aces and belted 52 winners before succumbing to the Spaniard. Nadal's tally of unforced errors was unusually high at 41, and his six double faults outnumbered his five aces. Yet when the dust cleared on a windy day at Arthur Ashe Stadium, Nadal had outgunned Querrey and matched his best Open showing by reaching the last eight. "Sam is a big player, a big server," Nadal, 22, said. "He has a great future." The future is now for the Spaniard, who has won 42 of his last 43 matches to extend a big event streak that has brought him French, Wimbledon and Olympic titles. He is aiming for his first grand slam triumph on hard court. — Reuters
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New York, September 2 Paes, already through to the men's doubles quarterfinals with partner Czech Lukas Dlouhy, teamed up with Zimbabwean Cara Black in the mixed doubles competition. The fifth-seeded duo defeated the Czech pair of Martin Damm and Vladimira Paes and Black will now take on the Swedish-Russian team of Jonas Bjorkman and Nadia Petrova in the last-four stage. Bhupathi, who was earlier ousted from the mixed doubles competition, crashed out of the men's doubles with a stunning third-round loss. The Indian and his Bahamian partner Mark Knowles, seeded fourth, squandered a set's advantage to go down 6-2, 4-6, 4-6 to unseeded Argentines Maximo Gonzalez and Juan Monaco in the third round of the season's last Grand Slam. There was disappointment in the junior section where fifth seeds Yuki Bhambri and Serbian partner Filip Krajinovic lost 1-6, 6-5, 7-10 to Zimbabwe's Takanyi Garanganga and Egyptian Karim-Mohamed Maamoun in the first round. — PTI
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Afridi now trains guns on Malik
Karachi, September 2 Afridi denied senior players forming groups against Malik in the side but said there was a number of problems in the dressing room. "I don't want to say much because I am a centrally contracted player with the board but I think there is a need to have a culture in the team where more respect is shown to the few senior players in the side," Afridi said. "I think they are only two or three match-winners in the side and there is a need for the captain to give them encouragement and respect and consult them in team decisions on and off the field, because they are the ones who can win you matches," Afridi told Geo channel. Citing his own example, Afridi said he is consulted whenever he is in form but is conveniently forgotten at other times. "This should not happen. Even if a player is not performing, he must be backed and involved in everything," Afridi said. Asserting that he has nothing against Malik and his only concern was the team's well being, Afridi said the skipper should take the seniors into confidence. "He has done this in the past and he can do it again," he said. Afridi has not been among the runs of late but the hard-hitting all-rounder exuded confidence that he would regain his form soon. "The thing is that I am also not getting a chance to bat at the position I want I go to bat. At six or seven, when few overs are left, I just have to push for runs. But hopefully, I can play one good innings and get the confidence back and not let down my fans again," he said.
— PTI |
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Afridi tones down but says VVS lacks aggression
Karachi, September 2 The flamboyant all-rounder started a war of words with Laxman with his unflattering remarks that the Indian lacked both aggression and leadership qualities. Afridi also felt Adam Gilchrist would have been better skipper for Deccan Chargers who cut a sorry figure in the inaugural edition of the Indian Premier League. Stung by Afridi's remarks, Laxman said the Pakistani lacked team ethics and criticised him for his outburst without any provocation. Seeking to placate Laxman, Afridi said he was being misunderstood but maintained that Laxman was not aggressive enough. "Perhaps what I said about the Chargers team on the television show has come out a bit too strong but my only point was that Laxman needs to be more aggressive on the field," Afridi told PTI today. "There was neither any intention to demean Laxman's stature or contribution as a player and captain nor to create a controversy. I was asked a simple question and I answered it honestly," Afridi said. Making it clear that he was less than impressed by Laxman's captaincy, Afridi said, "I still maintain that Laxman needs to be more aggressive and push his players.” He made it clear that it was his personal opinion that Gilchrist was a better captain. "There is no question of me violating team ethics. I know I disappointed my fans and captain and management in the IPL and I aim to make amends in the next season. In fact I did say clearly that only Gilchrist, Rohit Sharma and Laxman had made some good contributions in the IPL but we didn't click as a team," said Afridi who himself was a big flop with the bat. — PTI
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Resist lure of lucre, Watson to Symonds
Melbourne, September 2 Watson reckons playing just two months a year and getting paid $ 1.5 million might tempt Symonds to abandon the baggy green for the IPL but feels it would be a waste if he falls for the lure. "As a player, I love watching him playing for Australia and for the general public as well," Watson said. "I hope that's (IPL) not the way he goes because I don't want this to be the last of the Australian public seeing Andrew Symonds playing," Watson was quoted as saying by the Australian Associated Press (AAP). "I personally think it would be a waste, because he's an amazingly talented player and I love watching him play," he added. Sent home back for preferring a fishing trip to a compulsory team meeting, Symonds is pondering his future and looks uncertain in the forthcoming India tour. Watson, however, is confident that Symonds would be back in the side. "I know Andrew Symonds well and I know deep down he's worked so, so hard and been through a lot of ups and downs throughout his career to play for Australia," Watson said. "I've got no doubt in my mind that he'll be back hopefully sooner rather than later when he knows his mind is exactly where he wants to be," he added. Pacer Stuart Clark also wants Symonds back in the side. "It's a great honour and he wants to put that baggy green (cap) back on," Clarke told 2KY radio station. "So my gut feeling, and I suppose there's a little bit of hope that he wants to do it as well, is that he wants to do it and he'll come straight back in," he added. — PTI
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Symonds told to seek psychological help
Melbourne, September 2 A disillusioned Symonds, whose commitment to the side was questioned after he missed a mandatory team meeting to go fishing, is certain to sit out of the upcoming tour of India in October. The flamboyant all-rounder has also reportedly fallen out with his senior teammates, including one-time close pal Michael Clarke, who spoke out publicly against him. "It is understood the strife-torn cricketer has been asked to go on a rehabilitation programme, overseen by Cricket Australia medical staff, in which he would see counsellors about his state of mind," The 'Daily Telegraph' reported today. His teammates are reportedly feeling letdown by his actions after standing by him during the controversies that ranged from drunken brawls to frequent showdowns with opposition players. "There is no time limit on these things," a source said. "With an issue like this, it’s important to ensure that duty of care and responsibility is used. Nobody wants to go any further unless they are comfortable things are where they need to be," he added. All-rounder Cameron White said no one from the team has spoken to Symonds. "I don't think the team really knows. Obviously no one's really spoken to Andrew over the last couple of days so only Andrew will know what his mental state is and he'll take the time and work it out for himself, I guess," White said. — PTI
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KP and ‘Big Fred’ led transformation
Kevin Pietersen is rightly being credited with the remarkable upturn in England's cricketing fortunes. Since replacing Michael Vaughan and Paul Collingwood, England have convincingly won five consecutive matches against a good, strong South African side. It is a transformation nobody would have predicted. Pietersen's decisive and positive approach has played a major role in England's success, but the input of Andrew Flintoff should not be underestimated. In fact, it could be argued that "Big Fred's" return to fitness and top form has been as important as the appointment of Pietersen. Flintoff's input during The Oval Test - 20 runs and two wickets - was minimal but his contribution since has been immense. In five one-dayers against Scotland and South Africa he has taken 13 wickets at an average of 11.54, conceding just 3.88 runs per over, and been dismissed once while scoring 187 runs. These runs have been accumulated at a strike rate of 118 runs per 100 balls faced. The displays have underlined his huge value to the team, worth that has not been lost on Peter Moores, the England coach. Moores has been impressed not only with Flintoff's form on the field, but with the way he is handling situations and conducting himself in the dressing room. "He is a more mature player and sides around the world need those kind of players, players who have been around the block and who can keep things calm when you need to," said Moores. "He has taken everything he's learnt about international cricket and he has taken everything he has learnt about life and come back ready to make a difference. I think with him in that senior role it is fantastic for some of the younger players to have a role model like him. "Fred brings presence as a man. You need players with presence who believe totally in themselves and know they are going to win a game. On the field you see his passion and enthusiasm to want to play, but also that is linked to a calmness about him, and that mixture is what you need to win things. "A lot of sport at this level is about not making it a drama, taking things on the chin, working with it and moving forward. I think Fred is doing that, he knows he has missed a lot of cricket and is excited about playing, but is working hard. He is loving his cricket and he is supporting Kevin tremendously, which he needs. "In my time
now, it has been great to watch him operate and you can see him "Fred is a doer, he bats bowls and fields, and he has got some really good knowledge in there from all the cricket he has played and he wants to pass that on to young players." Flintoff's importance to the side is highlighted by Moores' decision to give him an extended rest after tomorrow's final international match of the summer in Cardiff. Even though he has not played as much cricket as many this season Flintoff is one of a number of centrally contracted players who have been given time off before England's next match, the $20m ((pounds sterling)10m) Twenty20 match against Sir Allen Stanford's All-Star XI on 1 November. "It has been a gruelling summer and it's important for those players involved in the Test and one-day squads to be rested ahead of what promises to be a hectic winter," Moores said. "It is important the players use that interval to refresh themselves mentally and physically ahead of a schedule that has little respite over the next 12 months." — By arrangement with The Independent
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New Delhi, September 2 Mahindra United have thus booked their place in the semifinals. They have finished the quarterfinal league with five points and are second in pool II. They will take on JCT who won all three matches to top pool I. Churchill Brothers, who have topped pool II with seven points, will meet Sporting Clube de Goa (six points), the second placed team in pool I, in the semifinals. Churchill Brothers dominated proceedings from the start with Mahindra United struggling to create chances upfront after leaving striker Edeh Chidi and Douhous Pieree out of the starting line-up. The Goans took an early lead after Reisangmi Vashum struck in the eighth minute. They almost grabbed another goal in the very next minute but striker Odafa Onyeka Okoli failed to beat Mahindra goalkeeper Amit Nandi. Churchill Brothers suffered a major setback when defender Gourmangi Singh was sent off for a foul on Sushil Kumar Singh. The defending champions, however, continued to have the better of the exchanges. Okoli could have doubled their lead just minutes before the break when he dribbled past a couple of defenders inside the penalty box. But the sturdy Nigerian shot just wide of the goal. Mahindra United coach Derrick Periera brought on Chidi and Pieree in the second half. The move paid rich dividends with Chidi adding the much needed thrust in Mahindra United's forward line. In the 64th minute, Okoli won the ball in the midfield and
then powered his way He was brought down by Justine Stephen and the referee had no hesitation to point towards the dreaded spot. But Okoli's shot hit the post much to the disappointment of the handful of spectators in the stands. Churchill Brothers were left to rue the missed opportunity when Chidi (75th min) headed in a cross from skipper KN Ajayan to bring Mahindra back on level terms. In an earlier match, Army XI beat Mumbai FC 1-0 to record their first
victory Mumbai FC, who had made as many as seven changes in their starting line-up, struggled to get going. The Armymen dominated throughout and could have won by a much bigger margin but were let down by poor finishing. The best chance of the first half, however, fell to the team from Mumbai when a hopeful cross from the right rebounded off army goalkeeper Robikanta Singh and came to Kuttimani. The Keralian shot wide of the open goal with Robikanta completely out of position. Army XI striker S Raleng (82nd min) scored the only goal of the match, shooting home on the rebound after the Mumbai FC goalkeeper Amit Singha Roy failed to collect a shot by Thirunavakarasu. Centre forward Ramachandran could have scored the second goal for Army XI just seconds before the final whistle but his powerful shot off a backpass by Raleng sailed just over the bar. — UNI
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Bangalore, September 2 Joshi, who had shocked defending champion Rupesh Shah in the second pool match yesterday, defeated Sri Lankan S.M. Shaharwardi 3-0 in the last encounter and maintained a clean slate in Group A. Both ensured their berth in the pre-quarters with two wins each, yesterday. In the keenly contested match, World Billiards and Snooker Champion Pankaj had to sweat it out against the New Zealander, who stretched the Indian ace for more than 180 minutes. After conceding the first frame at 101-151, Pankaj regained his concentration to win the second 151-98, but Gary bounced back to clinch the third frame at 117-151 to go 2-1 up. Proving his supremacy, the 23-year-old Bangalorean bludgeoned his opponent, winning the fourth at 152-0 to equal the scores. In the decider, Pankaj scored a century-break, which was countered by Oliver with a 107, but he missed a red pot. Without wasting the opportunity, Pankaj reached the magic figure to win at 150-107 to earn a hard-fought 3-2 win. B. Bhaskar overcame a marathon encounter against fellow countrymen Alok Kumar 3-2 (Group F) to register his berth in the pre-quarter-finals. Former IBSF Champion Geet Seethi cleared all his matches by 3-0 and topped his group D by an average of 3.0. After having won his two encounters yesterday, Geet trounced Sri Lankan cueist Mohammed Aslam 3-0 (150-69, 151-61, 150-23). — UNI
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Eves go down by 10 wickets
Taunton, September 2 Only a win in the third match here on Thursday would now see India stay afloat Brief scores: India: 102 all out in 45.1 overs (Mithali Raj 53 not out; K Brunt 3-14, H Colvin
4-20); England: 103 for no loss in 24.3 overs (S Taylor 75 not out).
— PTI |
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Court stays ‘HOA’ election
Chandigarh, September 2 The judge also fixed October 6 as the next date of hearing in the matter. The directions are being seen as a setback to the Haryana government. The HOA and Indian Olympic Association have all along been saying that the Haryana government is interfering with the functioning of HOA, illegally and in violation of Constitutions of these bodies, along with that of Olympic Charter. |
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Rafael Nadal one win
quarterfinals at Flushing Meadows.
