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India in Sri Lanka
Mendis blows India away

Colombo, July 14
Yuvraj Singh marked his return to form with a sparkling century but a batting disaster left India on their knees at close on an eventful second day of their warm-up game against Sri Lanka Board President's XI here today. Replying to the home team's mammoth first innings total of 514 for nine declared, the Indians were bundled out for 291 at the fag end of the day with mystery spinner Ajantha Mendis scalping six wickets at the Colts Cricket Club.

Hurt Australia strike back with vengeance
London, July 14
Australian all-rounder Shane Watson, primarily an opening batsman these days, earned a place on the Lord's honours board with his medium-pace bowling on Wednesday by running through the frail Pakistan batting. Watson returned his best test figures of five for 40 from 7.5 overs as Pakistan succumbed for 148 from 40.5 overs in their first innings on the second day of the first test, a deficit of 105.

Ministry’s surprise at IOA dithering
New Delhi, July 14
The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports has expressed surprise that the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) bid for the 2019 Asian Games without informing the Government, and it took the IOA four months to inform the Ministry about it. The decision to bid for the 2019 Asiad was taken at the Annual General Meeting of the IOA held on December 7, 2009, but the IOA informed the Ministry about it only on June 4, 2010.


On This Day

In 1979, switzerland’s football captain Alexander Frei was born.

EARLIER STORIES


More sting in the ring
New Delhi, July 14
Home advantage notwithstanding, Indian boxers will have their task cut out when they take the ring in this year's Commonwealth Games as a record 304 international pugilists are set to participate in the October 3 to 14 mega event. The bulk of the participation will come from the African region, which will have 118 boxers in fray, according to the continent wise entry list for the Games. Among the Africans, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria and Tanzania, are set to field full 10-member squads. In all, 18 African boxing teams will be seen in action at the Delhi Games. Europe and Oceania are a distant second in the entry list with 45 boxers each. European powerhouses England and Northern Ireland will have full 10-member squads in competition, while Scotland has so far committed to seven.

HI announces list of members
Four key States missing
New Delhi, July 14
Hockey India announced a list of 30 member units, which includes 26 States/Union Territories and four institutional/boards, who are eligible to attend and vote in the first Annual General Meeting and elections of Hockey India, to be held at a hotel here on July 28.


The cherry on top: Malika Menard, Miss France 2010, celebrates her birthday at the departure village of the 10th stage of the Tour de France between Chambery and Gap on Wednesday. — Reuters

India draw 3-3 with Belgium
New Delhi, July 14
Drag-flicker Sandeep Singh's twin strikes went in vain as India were held to a 3-3 draw by Belgium in the first hockey Test match at Temse, Belgium. Sandeep converted two penalty corners for India in the 26th and 28th minute of the match yesterday, while the third goal was scored by Vikas Pillay (58th).

Guardiola agrees new contract with Barca
Madrid, July 14
Coach Pep Guardiola has agreed a one-year contract extension with Barcelona, which ties him until June 2011, the Spanish champions said on Wednesday. Guardiola had refused to sign a new contract under former president Joan Laporta, simply giving his word that he would continue and he would complete a deal only after speaking with the club's new boss. Sandro Rosell swept to victory in the club's presidential election last month, promising to try to secure Guardiola's services for up to six years.

Chandigarh, Mumbai in semis
Bhopal, July 14
Chandigarh and Mumbai entered the semifinal of the 63rd Rangaswami Cup Senior National Men's Hockey Championship being played at the Aishbagh Stadium here. Chandigarh defeated the Madhya Pradesh State Hockey Academy (MPSHA), Bhopal 7-5 in a nail-biting finish through penalty shootout, while Mumbai defeated Punjab 4-2 yesterday.

 

 

 


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India in Sri Lanka
Mendis blows India away

Spinner claims six wickets
India shot out for 291
Yuvraj scores valiant 118
SL Board Prez’s XI declare at 514/9

Colombo, July 14
Yuvraj Singh marked his return to form with a sparkling century but a batting disaster left India on their knees at close on an eventful second day of their warm-up game against Sri Lanka Board President's XI here today. Replying to the home team's mammoth first innings total of 514 for nine declared, the Indians were bundled out for 291 at the fag end of the day with mystery spinner Ajantha Mendis scalping six wickets at the Colts Cricket Club.


Virender Sehwag is dismissed by Welegedara in Colombo on Wednesday. — Reuters

India were still trailing by 223 runs when stumps were drawn for the day and the home team has the option to enforce a follow-on when the third and final day begins tomorrow. Mendis gave away just 67 runs in his 17.2 overs and denied India a chance to redeem their pride after having failed terribly while bowling.

Gambhir (89) missed out on his hundred but Yuvraj Singh scored a measured 118 as the duo shared a 143-run stand for the fifth wicket to save India from a precarious 80 for four. But once the partnership was broken by Mendis, India just about managed to reach near the 300-run mark.

It was paceman Chanaka Welegedara who struck the early blows by accounting for dangerous Virender Sehwag (18) and dependable Rahul Dravid (11). Mendis then began weaving his spin magic and his first victim became Sachin Tendulkar (4), who fell leg before.

Stylish Laxman arrived at the crease but his stay was cut short as Mendis had him caught by Prassana Jayawardene behind the wicket, leaving India tottering at 80 for four. Gambhir, who had been holding one end brilliantly, found an able ally in Yuvraj and the two left-handers rescued India with their terrific partnership. Mendis was at it again as he separated the pair by scalping Gambhir.

Young off-break bowler Sachithra Sananayake then struck two telling blows when he dismissed India skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni and ended Yuvraj's entertaining innings. The left-hander, who came back to team after being dropped for poor form, hit six sixes and 11 fours in his 154 ball knock. Mendis then quicky wrapped up the innings by sending back Ishant Sharma and Pragyan Ojha.

Earlier, Sri Lanka resumed their innings at 432 for five and added 82 runs to their total before declaring. Overnight batsmen Dinesh Chanadimal, who was on five yesterday, remained unconquered on 47. Pragyan Ojha added two more wickets to take his tally to for 153. — PTI

Scoreboard

Sri Lanka BPXI's (1st innings):

Overnight 432/5

Tharanga c Laxman b Ojha 110

Thirimanne c Gambhir b Ojha 66

Kandamby st Dhoni b Mishra 101

Samaraweera c Gambhir b Ojha 102

P Jayawardene st Dhoni b Mishra 13

Chandimal not out 47

Silva b Ishant 19

Senanayake lbw b Mithun 11

Mendis b Ojha 10

Welegedara lbw b Ojha 0

Extras (lb-7, wd-2, nb-26) 35

Total (For 9 wickets dec, 104.3 ovrs) 514

Bowling: Ishant 23-3-104-1, Mithun 25-2-99-1, Mishra 26-1-125-2, Sehwag 2-0-15-0, Ojha 27.3-0-153-5, Yuvraj 1-0-11-0.

India (1st innings):

Gambhir c Tharanga b Mendis 89

Sehwag b Welegedara 18

Dravid b Welegedara 11

Tendulkar lbw b Mendis 4

Laxman c Jayawardene b Mendis 6

Yuvraj b Senanayake 118

Dhoni c Kandamby b Senanayake 10

Mishra lbw b Mendis 1

Ishant c Senanayake b Mendis 5

Ojha c Kandamby b Mendis 4

Mithun not out 9

Extras (b-5, lb-2, wd-1, nb-8) 16

Total (all out in 64.2 overs) 291

Bowling: Welegedara 10-1-45-2, Fernando 12-1-55-0, Senanayake 23-1-94-2, Mendis 17.2-3-67-6, Kandamby 2-0-23-0.

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Hurt Australia strike back with vengeance

Pak all out for 148
Watson gets five
Butt offers sole resistance

London, July 14
Australian all-rounder Shane Watson, primarily an opening batsman these days, earned a place on the Lord's honours board with his medium-pace bowling on Wednesday by running through the frail Pakistan batting. Watson returned his best test figures of five for 40 from 7.5 overs as Pakistan succumbed for 148 from 40.5 overs in their first innings on the second day of the first test, a deficit of 105.

Only opener Salman Butt provided any sustained resistance with a composed 63 in nine minutes short of three hours, alternating resolute defence with wristy elegance before he was clean bowled by Watson. Pakistan were uneasily placed at 75 for three, after the Tasmanian pair of Ben Hilfenhaus and debutant wicketkeeper Tim Paine had combined to dismiss Imran Farhat (4) and Azhar Ali (16), when Ricky Ponting invited Watson to bowl from the Nursery End.

The burly all-rounder responded by dismissing the two Akmal brothers in identical fashion within the space of four balls. Umar Akmal fell lbw for five from the fourth ball of Watson's opening over, shuffling across his stumps. In Watson's following over, Kumar Akmal completely misjudged another full-pitched delivery and was out lbw for a duck without playing a shot.

New Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi, scorer of the fastest century in one-day cricket and playing his first test for four years, opted to bring Twenty20 cricket to the test arena. He lofted Watson over the mid-wicket boundary and mid-off for two sixes in an innings of 31 from only 15 balls including four boundaries. After transforming Watson's figures from two for nought to two for 30 Afridi was caught at mid-off by Mitchell Johnson trying another big hit. Mohammad Aamer gave Paine his fourth catch of the innings when he was caught behind for a duck. — Reuters

Scoreboard

Australia (1st innings) 253

Pakistan (1st innings):

Farhat c Paine b Hilfenhaus 4

Buttb b Watson 63

Azhar c Paine b Hilfenhaus 16

Amin c Paine b Johnson 1

Umar lbw b Watson 5

Kamran lbw b Watson 0

Afridi c Johnson b Watson 31

Aamer c Paine b Bollinger 0

Gul c Watson b Bollinger 7

Kaneria not out 11

Asif not out 0

Extras (lb 2, nb 1) 3

Total (9 wickets; 39 overs) 141

Bowling: Bollinger 11-3-38-2, Hilfenhaus 12-2-37-2, Johnson 9-2-24-1, Watson 7-1-40-4.

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Ministry’s surprise at IOA dithering
Tribune News Service

New Delhi, July 14
The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports has expressed surprise that the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) bid for the 2019 Asian Games without informing the Government, and it took the IOA four months to inform the Ministry about it. The decision to bid for the 2019 Asiad was taken at the Annual General Meeting of the IOA held on December 7, 2009, but the IOA informed the Ministry about it only on June 4, 2010.

“Given the enormity of the factors involved in hosting such a major sporting event, it is not understood as to why it took nearly four months to inform this department of their decision to bid for the games. Further, the first communication received from the IOA on this matter was in the form of an abrupt email dated 28.4.2010 attaching a draft letter of guranatee to be issued by the Host Government”, the Ministry wrote to the IOA.

“Since the decision to bid for a major sporting event like Asian Games requires Government endorsement at the highest level, IOA was expected to submit comprehensive documentation, giving adequate lead time to the Government to hold inter-Ministerial consultations and if deemed appropriate , to place the matter before the Union Cabinet for favourable consideration.

“Unfortunately, in the instant case, IOA has neither provided the deaprtment with requisite documentation nor has it given the department adequate time to appraise the proposal in consultation with all concerned, including the Government of Delhi", the Department of Sports noted. It said despite six reminders, seeking specific details on various issues, "the IOA has failed to submit the required information and merely furnished a copy of their 2014 Asian Games bid document along with a formal estimate of the operational budget of Guangzhou Asian Games 2010.”

The Ministry had also sought IOA’s justification on the choice of Delhi for the 2019 Asiad Games bid, especially in the light of Delhi having lost out to Doha for the 2006 Asian Games, and the 2014 Asian Games at Incheon (South Korea).

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More sting in the ring

Record boxing entries for CWG
Bulk participation from African nations
Europe a distant second
Akhil, Vijender have won medals before

New Delhi, July 14
Home advantage notwithstanding, Indian boxers will have their task cut out when they take the ring in this year's Commonwealth Games as a record 304 international pugilists are set to participate in the October 3 to 14 mega event. The bulk of the participation will come from the African region, which will have 118 boxers in fray, according to the continent wise entry list for the Games.

Among the Africans, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria and Tanzania, are set to field full 10-member squads. In all, 18 African boxing teams will be seen in action at the Delhi Games. Europe and Oceania are a distant second in the entry list with 45 boxers each. European powerhouses England and Northern Ireland will have full 10-member squads in competition, while Scotland has so far committed to seven.

“It is going to be one of the biggest Commonwealth Games as far as boxing is concerned. The size of draws is going to be huge. The participation is unprecedented for any Games,” the Tournament Director for boxing in this year's Commonwealth games, Lenny D'Gama, told PTI.

"The countries are yet to send the name-wise list for the Games but it won't be too long before they send that," he added. From Oceania, strong contender Australia will field boxers in all 10 weight categories, while New Zealand will participate in eight divisions. Given the huge number of entries, light weight (60kg) and welter weight (69kg) categories are set to have the toughest draws with 40 each. The super heavy weight (+91kg) category is expected to have the smallest draw as only 17 entries have been received so far. Indian boxers have a reasonably good record in the Games. Mohammad Ali Qamar (2002, Manchester) and Akhil Kumar (2006, Melbourne) won gold medals for India in previous two editions of the event.

In the Melbourne edition, Indian boxers fetched six medals. Apart from Akhil's gold (54kg), Olympic bronze medallist Vijender Singh, a welter weight boxer at that time, clinched a silver. The boxing competition of the Delhi Games would be held at the newly-constructed Talkatora Stadium. — PTI

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HI announces list of members
Four key States missing
MS Unnikrishnan
Tribune News Service

New Delhi, July 14
Hockey India announced a list of 30 member units, which includes 26 States/Union Territories and four institutional/boards, who are eligible to attend and vote in the first Annual General Meeting and elections of Hockey India, to be held at a hotel here on July 28. However, four key States are missing from the list - Karnataka, Tamilnadu, Andhra Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh.

According to Hockey India secretary-general Narinder Batra, elections will be held for president, senior vice-president, vice-presidents (4 - two men and two women), secretary-general, treasurer, joint secretaries (four - two men and two women) and five executive members. As per 4 (a) (ii) of rules and regulations of Hockey India “It shall be mandatory that out of a total of 17 members of the executive board, at least 40 per cent of the members shall be of either gender”.

Justice RC Chopra (retd) will be the returning officer for the elections while Election Commission official R.K.Mendittra will be the Government observer.

Batra announced that from the permanent State/UT members, one male and one female and only one member from either gender representing institutional/boards will be allowed to vote. The elections will be held through secret ballot.

Madhya Pradesh are currently hosting the National Hockey Championship, being held under the auspices of KPS Gill-led Indian Hockey Federation, whose suspension had been revoked by the Delhi High Court. Since most of the States/UTs participating in the IHF nationals also figure in the HI list, there are obviously parallell bodies in those States.

The affiliated member units of the Hockey India are: States/UTs: Hockey Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Maharashtra, Uttrakhand, Assam, Bihar, Mizoram,Kerala, Arunachal, Manipur, Orissa, Nagaland, Tripura Hockey, Andaman and Nicobar, Haryana, Meghalaya, Uttar Pradesh Hockey, Gujarat, Bengal Hockey Association, Chattisgarh, Jharkhand, Goans Hockey, Rajasthan, Puducherry, Delhi and Punjab.

Institutional/Boards: Services Sports Control Board, Railway Sports Control Board, Association of Indian Universities and Air India Sports Division.

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India draw 3-3 with Belgium


Sandeep Singh

New Delhi, July 14
Drag-flicker Sandeep Singh's twin strikes went in vain as India were held to a 3-3 draw by Belgium in the first hockey Test match at Temse, Belgium. Sandeep converted two penalty corners for India in the 26th and 28th minute of the match yesterday, while the third goal was scored by Vikas Pillay (58th). For Belgium Jeff Thys (13th minute), Jerome Truyens (48th) and Thomas Briels (59th) were the goal-getters. The second Test between the two sides will be played at Antwerp tomorrow.

In yesterday's encounter, Belgium began strongly with an attack by Greg Gucassoff after being set up with an overhead pass from his captain Truyens, but an alert Indian goalkeeper P Sreejesh waived-off danger momentarily. Shortly after, Belgium created a fast break through the centre but Cedric Charlier's short went wide off the target.

India also missed an opportunity to take the lead when Vikas Pillay fumbled on the edge of the Belgium circle after receiving a diagonal cross from Sandeep. Belgium too wasted another opportunity after Thomas Briels snatched the ball from Gurbaj Singh but his one-touch pass to Thys was hit wide. With both the teams struggling to control the ball in the new turf, India mounted an attack from the left flank through Dharamvir Singh, Danish Mujtaba and Ravi Pal. The trio penetrated into the Belgian striking circle but Dharamvir's well-taken shot was saved by goalkeeper Jeremy Gucassoff.

Belgium, however, took the lead in the 13th minute through Thys, courtesy a miscommunication between Indian custodian Sreejesh and Gurbaj. The goal came as a wake up call for the Indians who soon swung back into attack with one-touch passes and earned their first of the four penalty corners but Dhananjay Mahadik pushed the ball wide-off target from an indirect set up.

Sandeep was the bright spot in the Indian back line. Manning the defence in the absence of injured Sardar Singh, he came up with crisp passes to set up many Indian attacks. It was Sandeep who first found the equaliser for India in the 26th minute and then gave the visitors a 2-1 lead two minutes later from another set piece.

Belgium, however, restored parity in the 48th minute when skipper Truyens found the mark from a penalty corner. But India again surged ahead with Vikas Pillay finding the back of rival net 10 minutes later after being set up by Hari Prasad, only to witness Briels restoring the parity in the very next minute.

India too were little lucky not to have conceded another goal at the fag end of the match with Birendra Lakra Jr making a goal-line save. — PTI

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Guardiola agrees new contract with Barca

Madrid, July 14
Coach Pep Guardiola has agreed a one-year contract extension with Barcelona, which ties him until June 2011, the Spanish champions said on Wednesday. Guardiola had refused to sign a new contract under former president Joan Laporta, simply giving his word that he would continue and he would complete a deal only after speaking with the club's new boss. Sandro Rosell swept to victory in the club's presidential election last month, promising to try to secure Guardiola's services for up to six years.

The local media has reported that Guardiola did not want to be tied to a long-term deal. The former Barca midfielder has won seven titles in two years since replacing Frank Rijkaard at the helm in 2008, lifting the Champions League in 2009 and back-to-back La Liga trophies. — Reuters

Henry moves to New York Red Bulls

New York: France striker Thierry Henry has quit Europe to play for the New York Red Bulls, following players such as David Beckham into the Major League Soccer (MLS).

The 32-year-old Henry announced today that he had agreed to leave Barcelona to take up a "multi-year" deal with the Red Bulls. "This marks an exciting new chapter in my career and life," he said. The former Juventus and Arsenal forward will join England's Beckham and former Swedish international Freddie Ljungberg among the league's designated players who have most of their salary paid outside of their team's salary cap. Henry is expected to play his first match next week when the Red Bulls host the English Premier League team Tottenham at their new stadium.

"It is without question that Thierry Henry is one of the most successful and recognisable soccer players over the past 15 years," said Dietmar Beiersdorfer, head of New York's owners, Red Bull Global Soccer. "We are thrilled that Thierry has decided to come to New York to help the Red Bulls compete for championships this year and for years to come. His international pedigree is second to none and he is a proven winner." — Reuters

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Chandigarh, Mumbai in semis

Bhopal, July 14
Chandigarh and Mumbai entered the semifinal of the 63rd Rangaswami Cup Senior National Men's Hockey Championship being played at the Aishbagh Stadium here. Chandigarh defeated the Madhya Pradesh State Hockey Academy (MPSHA), Bhopal 7-5 in a nail-biting finish through penalty shootout, while Mumbai defeated Punjab 4-2 yesterday.

Harmanpreet scored the first goal in the eighth minute to give Chandigarh a 1-0 lead to his team but Upendra Pillai of the MPSHA equalised through a brilliant field goal 15 minutes later.

After five minutes, Gurjant Singh of Chandigarh through a controversial field goal made the score 2-1, although the MPSHA players raised objection against referee's decision. Soon the MPSHA equalised and both the teams were locked 2-2 after the stipulated time.The teams also failed to score during additional time.

Chandigarh converted all the five penalties, while MPSHA captain Shailendra Bundela missed his team's third attempt and the side exited from the tournament. In the other quarterfinal, Amit of Mumbai scored a brilliant field goal in the 21st minute to give a 1-0 lead to his team but Punjab equalised in the 45th minute by converting a penalty corner through Karanjeet Singh.

Later, Mumbai struck two goals in a span of three minutes by Gursev Singh (49th) and Laxman Rao (52nd) to make the score 3-1. In the 63rd minute, Mumbai consolidated its lead to 4-1 by putting the ball inside the net through Jayesh Jadhav.

However, Karanjeet of Punjab hit his second goal through penalty stroke in the 66th minute to reduce the margin 4-2. In another fixture earlier, SAIL defeated Orissa 5-3 and booked a berth in the quarterfinal. — PTI

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 BRIEFLY


Ballack signs for Bayern Leverkusen


(L-R) Bayer Leverkusen's manager Rudi Voeller, Michael Ballack and coach Jupp Heynckes. — AFP

Webb has no regrets
LONDON:
World Cup final referee Howard Webb arrived home in England on Tuesday, insisting he had done a tough job in difficult circumstances to the best of his ability. Webb has been flaked, notably from some Dutch players, over his handling of Sunday's final, one of the dirtiest in the history of the World Cup. He handed out a record 14 yellow cards and sent off Holland's Everton defender John Heitinga during Spain's fractious 1-0 win. — AFP

PCB returns fine
KARACHI:
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has returned the money it had deducted from the funds of four players after they were fined heavily earlier this year for indiscipline during Australia tour. According to details, the PCB's Finance Department in a show of great urgency returned the fine amount of Shahid Afridi, Kamran Akmal, Umar Akmal and Shoaib Malik, who were penalised in March by the board's inquiry committee set up to probe the national team's poor show in Australia. — PTI

Paul boosts octopus consumption
NEW DELHI:
Paul the psychic octopus is popular for different reasons these days, even though the World Cup is over. The octopus has boosted consumption of octopus in Chinese restaurants and has even become popular on the Web. By Tuesday, vendors had released more than 150 “Paul the octopus” products on taobao.com, - including furniture, toys, snacks, computer gadgets and clothes. — ANI

EPL: Rooney may be rested
LONDON:
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has said striker Wayne Rooney could miss the start of the season following his decision to give extended rest to World Cup players. “Winning is part of what we have to do here, but the main object is to get everyone game time and come back ready, fit to start the season. Even the Community Shield does not come into it in terms of a need-to-win game. It's the final part of our preparation,” The Sun quoted Ferguson, as saying. — ANI

Giggs wants stint with Becks
LONDON:
Manchester United defender Ryan Giggs, who is likely to retire from the Premier League at the end of next season, is considering a short stay in American Major League Soccer (MLS) with David Beckham. “Becks is probably the biggest footballer worldwide and he's still playing for England's national team. So, it's hard not to respect the quality of the MLS,” The Sun quoted Giggs, as saying. — ANI

QBR to arrive in Guwahati
GUWAHATI:
Queen's Baton Relay for the 2010 Commonwealth Games is scheduled to arrive here on July 20 from Sikkim where it will be received by the Assam government and the state Olympic Association officials. Assam Olympic Association General Secretary and Forest Minister Rockybul Hussain said he would receive the baton at the Nehru Stadium from where it would proceed to the state secretariat at Dispur. — PTI

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