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Final heartbreak
‘Gill responsible for mess’
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Media ban at CWG training centres regrettable: Tarlochan
ICL Warriors beat Reebok Rollers
NADA fixes hearing dates for players
Schumacher wants new team orders rules
ICL Warriors beat Reebok Rollers Mumbai Indians lose opener
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Final heartbreak
New York, September 10 Bopanna and Qureshi, 16th seeds, did not look like a team playing their first ever Grand Slam final as they made the world number one pair work hard for points and played enthralling tennis for more than one-and-a-half hours. It was nevertheless a dream run for the two players as for the first time an Indian and a Pakistani player combined to reach the final of a Grand Slam event. They might have failed to win a title but Bopanna and Qureshi were successful in sending the message loud and clear that sport can help dissolve the boundaries and India and Pakistan can watch, play and earn glory. They wore the t-shirts with slogan — stop war start tennis — to send the message of peace in the two countries, at loggerheads since the partition days. Nadal in semis
Top seed Rafael Nadal advanced to the US Open semi-finals by defeating eighth-seeded Spanish compatriot Fernando Verdasco 7-5, 6-3, 6-4, stretching his Grand Slam win streak to 19 matches. Nadal, seeking his first US Open title to complete a career Grand Slam, will play tomorrow for a finals berth against Russian 12th seed Mikhail Youzhny, who outlasted Swiss 25th seed Stanislas Wawrinka 3-6, 7-6 (9/7), 3-6, 6-3, 6-3. World number one Nadal reached his third consecutive US Open semi-final but has never reached the championship match, losing to Britain's Andy Murray in 2008 and eventual winner Juan Martin Del Potro of Argentina last year. Nadal, 24, seeks his ninth career Grand Slam title and third in a row in 2010 after Wimbledon and the French Open. Only Roger Federer, Pete Sampras and Rod Laver have won three Slams in a row in the Open Era that began in 1968. Swiss second seed Federer, a 16-time Grand Slam champion, and Serbian third seed Novak Djokovic meet in the other semifinal. In blustery winds, Nadal connected on 66 percent of his first serves and made only 16 unforced errors compared to 41 for Verdasco. Nadal has a 7-4 career record against Youzhny, but has won four of their past five meetings, most recently in the 2008 fourth round at Wimbledon. Youzhny's four triumphs over Nadal have all come on hardcourts, including a 2006 US Open quarter-finals upset. The Russian could foil hopes for a Nadal-Federer final at the only Grand Slam where they have never played in the title match. Nadal had won all 10 prior matches against Verdasco, including a five-hour 2009 Australian Open semi-final thriller in their prior hardcourt matchup, but looked in for a fight at the start in windy Arthur Ashe Stadium. The showdown of left-handers began when Verdasco, seeking his first US Open semi-final, took the first service break of the tournament off Nadal to seize a 2-1 lead, Nadal netting a forehand to surrender his serve at love. Verdasco, 26, saved a break point in fourth game when Nadal sent a wind-blown forehand long. Verdasco double-faulted away a break in the eighth game to draw Nadal level. Qureshi loses in mixed doubles Pakistan's Aisam-Ul-Haq Qureshi was thwarted in his first attempt to win a US Open doubles title when he and partner Kveta Peschke lost to Liezel Huber and Bob Bryan in mixed doubles final. The US top seeds defeated Qureshi and his Czech partner 6-4, 6-4 at Arthur Ashe Stadium for the crown yesterday, Bryan's fourth US Open mixed doubles title in eight years, each of them coming with a different partner. "Too good. They were the better team," Qureshi said. Qureshi had hoped to win both the men's and mixed doubles titles in tribute to the 21 million flood victims in his homeland from a crisis that began six weeks ago. — AFP. |
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‘Gill responsible for mess’
New Delhi, September 10 However, he said despite the minister’s comments, the federation was willing to cooperate with the Government agencies for the successful conduct of the Games. “For us the Games are matter of National Pride but Gill seems to treat it as a party affair,” he said. Malhotra said though hardly three weeks were left for the games to start, a lot of work remains to be completed, and instead of seeking cooperation from sports federations in finishing the work, Gill was trying to start a blame game. Malhotra, who is also the senior vice-president of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), said the Prime Minister and Gill himself have time and again told the media that stadiums and all other infrastructure should have been ready at least a year ago. “All agencies involved in the construction of the infrastructure - DDA, PWD and CPWD - belong to the government, while the Union Urban Development Ministry, along with the Sports Ministry, were monitoring the progress of works and the sports federations were hardly involved in their scheme of things,” he said. “Connaught Place and several other areas were dug out for the benefit of the contractors and middle men. Are sports federations responsible for this mess also,” he asked. He said even the preparation of sportspersons for the Games were also in total disarray as a large number of them have failed the dope test. “Coaching and training of all sportspersons is done in the government-run SAI centres. Practically all coaches are SAI employees. If the players are found guilty of doping, the coaches and officials involved in their training are equally responsible,” he said. “The Sports Minister, to hide his failure and incompetence, has started blaming the federations. When practically all participating countries are concerned about the delay in completion of stadiums, dengue and security, the Sports Minister’s priority was criticism of NSFs and the IOA in the State Sports Ministers’ conference,” he added.
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Media ban at CWG training centres regrettable: Tarlochan
Patiala, September 10 “Cutting players from the media would take away their chance to earn name and fame as it acts as a motivating factor and enhances their performance,” he added. Admitting that banning the entry meant inviting negative publicity, he said nothing should be hidden from the media, adding that he himself had sent written directions to the director general of SAI in the regard, but even then if they were not allowing media to enter, he could not say anything. He added that around 22,000 volunteers had enrolled themselves for helping in making all necessary arrangements before and during the championship. Also 30 volunteers from a UK university were also coming during the Games for their training. He said, “The committee has established a media centre in which around 2,000 journalists will work together. Around 700 foreign journalists have registered themselves with us for covering the Games and 1,200 journalists from all over the country will be present throughout the Games”. On players failing the dope tests, he said, “It’s not the fault of the athlete alone. Doctors and coaches attached with them are equally responsible, but when someone is caught, everyone throws blame on that one person, which is not fair”. He added, “But I don’t want to enter into this controversy now and just want to focus on the Games”. Seeking media support for the successful conduct of the Games, he said, “A lot of negative things has been written about the Games, but I assure you that these will be the best Games ever. “Let’s forget about the blame game now and work together for making it the best Games ever. We are totally equipped for fighting with various problems, including natural calamities and will not let our country down”.
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ICL Warriors beat Reebok Rollers
Sirsa, September 10 Batting first after winning the toss, the Reebok Rollers lost their opener Farman Ahmed for 5. Abhishek Sharma also departed when the score was 8. Helped by Sumit Kalia’s 45 of 33 balls, the Reebok Rollers could reach a score of 143. Replying the modest Reebok total, the ICL Warriors lost their opener Abhinav Kataria for a duck. Shahnawaz exhibited a fine stroke play in his 39 of 36. His innings was followed by an onslaught of Abhinav Bali and Ishan Malhotra, who made 38 of 18 and 42 0f 20 balls, respectively. The ICL Warriors tasted their triumph with six overs still remaining. In another match played today, the Pakistan Badshahs registered their second straight win, this time defeating JI Marathas by 29 runs. Pakistan Badshah skipper Babar Bhindara won the toss and elected to bat first. Both openers batted exceptionally well with Faizal Khan scoring 64 of just 36 balls. Taufiq Umar, too, chipped in with 36 of 28 balls. Asad Ali made 23 of 21 balls helping Badshahs reach to 172 in 20 overs. In reply, JI Maratha began well with openers Vishant More and Rohit Rane scoring 28 of 21 and 22 0f 9 balls, respectively. Rajiv Mehra later on did well with his 38 of 18 balls with 5 fours and two massive sixes. |
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NADA fixes hearing dates for players
Patiala, September 10 Director General of NADA Rahul Bhatnagar said these wrestlers include men’s freestyle wrestlers Rajiv Tomar (120kg), Sumit (74kg) and Mausam Khatri (96kg) and women’s freestyle wrestler Gursharanpreet Kaur (72kg), who were part of the Commonwealth squad. Rahul Mann (60kg) and Joginder Singh (120kg) were the other two wrestlers. He added that other players were swimmers Richa Mishra and Jyotsana Pansare and shot-putter Saurabh Vij and Akash Antil. He stated that Pune swimmer Amar Muralitharan, who too was found positive for methylhexaneamine, appeared before NADA today and his B sampling would be done tomorrow.
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Bhullar tied second
Singapore, September 10 Bhullar's 65, which included six birdies and an eagle against just one bogey, took his total to 12-under 132, six strokes behind leader Peter Karmis (63) of South Africa. Among other Indians in fray, SSP Chowrasia also carded a seven-under 65 and was a stroke adrift of Bhullar at tied sixth. With darkness leading to an early end to the proceedings, 19 players were left with incomplete second rounds. The play was delayed for two hours earlier in the morning due to lightning and Bhullar said it was not easy to acclimatise to the course and the conditions. "To be honest it wasn't easy out there. It was raining and we had a two-hour delay after nine holes. I tried not to break the concentration and the tempo but I have been hitting and putting very well," he said. "We finished nine holes before the rain suspension and it was quite a shaky start in the beginning but after a while I started to get used to the weather and putting greens. Rain delays usually break your concentration but you have to remain focussed on your game," he added. "I have always hit the ball well but it has been my short game that has been letting me down. But my putting is good now." — PTI |
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Schumacher wants new team orders rules
Monza, September 10 Schumacher benefited from team orders during his time at Ferrari, most notably when Brazilian team-mate Rubens Barrichello pulled over to let him win the Austrian Grand Prix in 2002. He said, "Our sport has different interests and it is maybe at this moment in time necessary to find a very clear situation that is understood by everybody. — AFP
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ICL Warriors beat Reebok Rollers Sirsa, September 10 Batting first after winning the toss, the Reebok Rollers lost their opener Farman Ahmed for 5. Abhishek Sharma also departed when the score was 8. Helped by Sumit Kalia’s 45 of 33 balls, the Reebok Rollers could reach a score of 143. Replying the modest Reebok total, the ICL Warriors lost their opener Abhinav Kataria for a duck. Shahnawaz exhibited a fine stroke play in his 39 of 36. His innings was followed by an onslaught of Abhinav Bali and Ishan Malhotra, who made 38 of 18 and 42 0f 20 balls, respectively. The ICL Warriors tasted their triumph with six overs still remaining. In another match played today, the Pakistan Badshahs registered their second straight win, this time defeating JI Marathas by 29 runs. Pakistan Badshah skipper Babar Bhindara won the toss and elected to bat first. Both openers batted exceptionally well with Faizal Khan scoring 64 of just 36 balls. Taufiq Umar, too, chipped in with 36 of 28 balls. Asad Ali made 23 of 21 balls helping Badshahs reach to 172 in 20 overs. In reply, JI Maratha began well with openers Vishant More and Rohit Rane scoring 28 of 21 and 22 0f 9 balls, respectively. Rajiv Mehra later on did well with his 38 of 18 balls with 5 fours and two massive sixes.
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Johannesburg, September 10 Shane Burger picked up the crucial wickets of Sachin Tendulkar and Kierron Pollard to help the South African side to an unexpected win. Earlier, Jonathan Vandiar and Neil McKenzie smashed blistering half-centuries as Lions posted a challenging 186 for five. Vandiar cracked a 48-ball 71 at the top to set the tone for the innings, while McKenzie blasted a whirlwind 30-ball 56 down the order to power Lions across the 150-mark. Electing to bat first, Alviro Petersen and Jonathan Vandiar started off on a positive note but a terrible mix up between the two helped Mumbai Indians scalp the first Lions wicket in the fourth over. Cameron then joined Vandiar and brought his first four when he smashed Lasith Malinga over mid-on. But he couldn't stay longer as going for a big shot off Ali Murtaza he was caught by Zaheer Khan at mid-on. VB van Jaarsveld and Vandiar then joined hands and brought up the fifty in the eight over. Vandiar stepped on the gas and smashed Harbhajan Singh for a four at point, before blasting Zaheer Khan for successive boundaries in the eighth over. The opener then hammered J P Duminy over long-on for his first six of the day in the next over. Jaarsveld tried to give support at the other end and picked up ones and twos but Malinga send him packing in the 11th over. Looking to launch Malinga out of the park, Jaarsveld scooped it high in the sky only to be caught by McLaren as Lions reduced to 81 for three. Vandiar then brought up the hundred for the Lions with a single in the 13th over, before sending Rajagopal Sathish over extra cover to bring his fifty in the next over. He continued his blitzkrieg and blasted Pollard for a four before clobbering Malinga over midwicket to pick up another six in the 17th over. But another attempt for a big shot drew curtains on his innings as he tossed one straight to Tendulkar who pouched it without fuss. — PTI Scoreboard Lions:
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Guning for their first Grand Slam title, Rohan Bopanna and Aisam-ul-Haq fought their hearts out but had to be content with a runners-up trophy at the US Open as the Indo-Pak Express lost the men's doubles final 6-7(6) 6-7 (3) to Americans top seeds Mike and Bob Bryan here today.
General Association of National Sports Federations’ chief Prof Vijay Kumar Malhotra today criticised Sports Minister MS Gill for blaming national federations for the delay in completion of Commonwealth Games venues. “It is a shocking and unacceptable observation of Sports Minister MS Gill. The Sports and Urban Development Ministries are responsible for this mess and chaos. The federations were hardly consulted by the government when it went for massive constructions,” said Malhotra, who is also Archery Association of India’s president.
Tarlochan Singh, MP and chairman of the Media and Publicity Committee, Commonwealth Games, who was in the city to brief about the preparations for the upcoming Games, regretted the fact that the entry of the media was banned at all training centres of the Games and said this was the time when players required media support and exposure.
“Cutting players from the media would take away their chance to earn name and fame as it acts as a motivating factor and enhances their performance,” he added.
Despite a heroic 42-ball 69 by Master Blaster Sachin Tendulkar, Mumbai Indians went down to not-so-fancied Highveld Lions in the opening encounter of the Airtel Champions League T20 in Johannesburg here tonight. Shikhar Dhawan, JP Duminy and Kierron Pollard put up some fight, but eventually, fell short off the total by 9 runs.
Shane Burger picked up the crucial wickets of Sachin Tendulkar and Kierron Pollard to help the South African side to an unexpected win. Earlier, Jonathan Vandiar and Neil McKenzie smashed blistering half-centuries as Lions posted a challenging 186 for five. 
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