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Iqbal: Missing Games was a huge blow (Hockey )

true_frnd — Sun, 07 Sep 2008 08:26:08 GMT

The ad-hoc selection committee�s Zafar Iqbal feels missing one Olympic Games in 80 years has pushed Indian hockey back a lot.

The former Olympian hinted at a grave situation for Indian hockey post-Beijing Olympics, saying there has been a huge surge in the standard of the game at the world level even as the country is facing dearth of skilled players to match upto that level.

"After watching the competition at Beijing Olympics, we have realised that the standard of hockey has gone ...

Happy Birthay

+loudest-scream+ — Sun, 07 Sep 2008 21:03:08 GMT

Happy Birthday To

jamelucky7, jonkaizen, miles08, Ww1992

Bst OF Luck 2 U Ppl In Dis Day.....

Hamilton to make most of pole (Formula 1 )

true_frnd — Sun, 07 Sep 2008 08:16:41 GMT

McLaren driver Lewis Hamilton is determined to live up to a vow he made a month ago after Felipe Massa overtook him.

For the 11th time in his 30-race Formula One career, and fifth occasion this season, Hamilton will start on pole for Sunday's Belgian Grand Prix.

It was as comfortable as can be expected, but surprising in many respects as Felipe Massa had come into the race the man in form, and with many anticipating Ferrari to waltz away around Spa.

But Massa will start second on ...

All Blacks keep tabs on Williams (Rugby )

true_frnd — Sun, 07 Sep 2008 08:24:00 GMT

New Zealand will track Sonny Bill Williams' progress with Toulon with a view to bringing him into the All Blacks fold.

Graham Henry said Williams, who made a switch from rugby league to the 15-man code last month, was under consideration for future international honours.

But current New Zealand Rugby Union rules bar players who ply their trade overseas from selection.

Only two recent players - Dan Carter and Williams' Toulon boss Tana Umaga - have been granted exceptions.

Carter ...

India to host 2010 Hockey WC

true_frnd — Sun, 07 Sep 2008 08:27:41 GMT

The Federation of International Hockey has formally awarded the hosting rights of 2010 men's World Cup to India.

Confirming that hosting of 2010 World Cup hockey tournament in New Delhi in February will be a FIH-Indian Hockey Confederation joint venture, the world body on Thursday said the event would be managed by a governing body of eight persons appointed by them.

FIH President Els van Breda Vriesman, who met Indian Olympic Association President Suresh Kalmadi who is also the chairman ...

Cavaliers sign Forward Jackson (NBA )

true_frnd — Sun, 07 Sep 2008 08:30:48 GMT

The Cleveland Cavaliers signed Darnell Jackson, whose rights were acquired from the Miami Heat during this year's draft.

Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Jackson played for the Cavaliers' summer league team in Las Vegas, averaging 5.8 points and 5.4 rebounds in four games.

"Darnell has showed us he is a young, smart, hard-working player," Cleveland general manager Danny Ferry said. "We are excited to see his development continue now."

The 6-8, 250-pound ...

Victory 3 - 1 New Radiant: Champions Out! (Maldives Soccer)

true_frnd — Sun, 07 Sep 2008 08:33:47 GMT

Male', MALDIVES - New Radiant ended this year�s season after crashing out of President�s cup with a 3-1 defeat against rivals Victory. New Radiant beat Victory with the same score last year to lift the title but the reds appeared more deadly on counter attacks tonight and setup the semi final clash with VB on Wednesday.

New Radiant was strengthened with former Kalhaidhoo duo; Wahid and Zaad. Wahid went close to score on his debut in the 17th minute but his weak shot went out near the post.

In ...

Hamilton stripped of Belgian win (Formula 1)

true_frnd — Sun, 07 Sep 2008 18:56:45 GMT

Lewis Hamilton was stripped of victory in the Belgian GP after stewards imposed a 25 second penalty on the McLaren driver.

Hamilton had taken the chequered flag after a dramatic conclusion to the race at Spa but a stewards' inquiry was launched into an incident on lap 42 of the 44-lap race.

Two circuits from the end, Hamilton made a move on entry into the Bus Stop chicane, and collided with Kimi Raikkonen as the pair battled for the lead.

That pushed the Briton on to the run-off ...

Zola closing in on Hammer time (Premier League)

true_frnd — Sun, 07 Sep 2008 19:01:45 GMT

Former Chelsea forward Gianfranco Zola has moved into pole position in the race to be the next West Ham manager.

Zola had a second interview in Rome on Sunday and club officials are set to make him their top recommendation to the Hammers board on Monday.

Zola hugely impressed West Ham chief executive Scott Duxbury during today's interview, and also has the support of club technical director Gianluca Nani.

According to club insiders, Zola's enthusiasm, his experience of the Premier ...

Villegas ahead in BMW Championship (Golf)

true_frnd — Sun, 07 Sep 2008 19:12:17 GMT

Camilo Villegas picked up a birdie for a one-stroke lead over Jim Furyk in the third round at the BMW Championship.

Villegas, who had five holes left when competition was halted in fading light last night, was among 23 players who had to resume at 7.30am local time on a damp, gloomy morning at Bellerive.

The Colombian gathered three successive pars before making a 10-foot birdie at the par-five eighth, his 17th hole.

A gallery of close to 1,000 people watched Villegas, dressed ...

Agent reveals Robinho misery (Premier League)

true_frnd — Sun, 07 Sep 2008 19:17:39 GMT

Man City new boy Robinho told Ramon Calderon he would "rather be a travelling salesman" than remain at the Bernabeu.

Robinho joined the Eastlands club late on Monday in a shock deadline-day move having looked set for a transfer to City's Premier League rivals Chelsea.

The 24-year-old had been unsettled at Madrid ever since he was linked with a swap move with Manchester United star Cristiano Ronaldo at the beginning of the summer.

When a deal for Ronaldo failed to materialise, ...

United laugh off City's Ronaldo dream (Premier League)

true_frnd — Sun, 07 Sep 2008 19:19:40 GMT

David Gill has insisted he is treating suggestions of a US$270 million bid for Cristiano Ronaldo "with a pinch of salt".

Sulaiman Al-Fahim, the billionaire businessman at the centre of the Manchester City takeover by the Abu Dhabi United Group, said this week they could be willing to make a world record bid for the United star.

Manchester United chief executive Gill said faced with a serious offer of that size, any club would have to consider it.

But he told BBC Radio ...

Deco bewildered by Robinho move (Premier League)

true_frnd — Sun, 07 Sep 2008 19:22:10 GMT

Chelsea playmaker Deco admits he was left puzzled by Robinho`s shock move from Real Madrid to Manchester City.

Chelsea had looked favourites to sign the Brazil international but, after refusing to meet Madrid's US$57 million asking price, the mercurial winger ended up joining their Premier League rivals City just before the end of the transfer window.

Robinho`s switch from the two-reigning Spanish champions to a club who were playing second-tier football just six years ago raised ...

Banega eager to impress (Primera Liga)

true_frnd — Sun, 07 Sep 2008 19:24:16 GMT

Ever Banega admits he is desperate to show Atletico Madrid what he can do but concedes it will not be easy for him.

The midfield playmaker was drafted in on loan from Valencia just before transfer deadline day, having earlier this summer helped Argentina to win gold at the Olympic Games.

"I`m calm, I`m not going to rush things. First I want to be in the best form possible, and then help my team-mates, although I eager to make my debut in this shirt and in the Vicente Calderon," ...

Bracken slips in rankings (International Cricket)

true_frnd — Sun, 07 Sep 2008 19:26:37 GMT

Australian pacer Nathan Bracken has slipped off the top of the Reliance Mobile ICC Player Rankings for ODI bowlers.

The left arm seamer had a relatively disappointing series against Bangladesh.

In three ODIs, the 30-year-old took just two wickets at an average of 29 and, such is the competitive nature of the rankings, that was enough to knock him off top spot. His place is taken by New Zealand captain Daniel Vettori.

Vettori had surged to the top of bowling chart back in February ...

Juve dismiss City bid for Buffon(Serie A)

true_frnd — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 07:37:50 GMT

Juventus president Giovanni Cobolli Gigli has laughed off reports of a possible bid for Gianluigi Buffon by Manchester City.

City's new Abu Dhabi-based backers, the United Group for Development and Investment, broke the British transfer record to sign Brazil playmaker Robinho from Real Madrid on Monday and it is likely more big names will follow when the transfer window re-opens in January, but Gigli insists no amount of money would prise Buffon away from the Stadio Olimpico.

"It's ...

ICL targeting retired English players (International Cricket

true_frnd — Sun, 07 Sep 2008 19:28:33 GMT

The ICl is targetting over-the-hill England cricketers for an unofficial mini World Cup to be held in India later this year.

'The Daily Telegraph' reported that Graeme Hick and Mark Ramprakash are among those being courted by ICL. The 42-year-old Hick announced his retirement last week after 25 seasons with Worcestershire while Ramprakash completed 100 first-class hundreds last month.

The move comes in the wake of the England and Wales Cricket Board's (ECB) ruling that those signing ...

Mendis: MSD and Co. played me well (International Cricket

true_frnd — Sun, 07 Sep 2008 19:29:49 GMT

Ajantha Mendis reckons MS Dhoni and his boys, by and large, read him well in the recently-concluded ODI series in Sri Lanka.

However, the Sri Lankan mystery spinner claims he at least managed to straitjacket the aggressive Indian batsmen.

"It should be like that. Talented batsmen learn quickly and correct their mistakes," said Mendis, admitting that the Indians found him relatively east to read in the ODI series after fumbling in the Tests.

The spin sensation, however, ...

Beckam and Theo 'pick me' please..

true_frnd — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 06:59:58 GMT

ENGLAND came away with more than three points from the match against Andorra.

As he prepares his players for a much tougher test against Croatia on Wednesday, Fabio Capello has an important decision to make.

After an impressive 90 minutes in Barcelona, Theo Walcott looked every inch the right man for the right side of midfield.

Then again, the pressure of Zagreb may require older, wiser heads like David Beckham.

So who should Capello pick? Theo or Becks? Youth or experience?

Beckham ...

Rooney unconcerned by goals record

true_frnd — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 07:02:25 GMT

Wayne Rooney insists his international goalscoring record is not weighing on his mind as England take on Croatia.

Since scoring twice in Euro 2004 against Croatia, their opponents on Wednesday, the Manchester United forward has added five goals in an England shirt to take his overall tally to 14.

Observers have noted Rooney's other contributions aside from goalscoring, and the 22-year-old believes finding the back of the net is just one part of his game.

"I've no problem with ...

Carragher's Anfield worries (Premier League)

true_frnd — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 07:04:20 GMT

Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher has revealed his concern over the current structure of the Anfield club.

Carragher believes a lack of footballing knowledge within the Anfield hierarchy could prove damaging.

The 30-year-old Liverpudlian would like to see American owners George Gillett and Tom Hicks appoint a figure such as former manager Kenny Dalglish to a senior role to help with key decisions.

Hicks and Gillett last year revealed they had sounded out Jurgen Klinsmann with ...

Gallas questions Barton ban (Premier League)

true_frnd — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 07:13:28 GMT

William Gallas does not believe the FA handed out a long enough punishment to Newcastle United Joey Barton.

On Friday, Barton was handed a 12-game ban, six of which are suspended, for his training-ground assault on former Manchester City team-mate Ousmane Dabo.

Gunners skipper Gallas, who came up against Barton in the Gunners' 3-0 win over the Magpies last weekend, feels the FA failed to sanction a tough enough penalty on the 26-year-old.

The France international said in the Sunday ...

Koeman: I would rather play golf (Primera Liga)

true_frnd — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 07:25:45 GMT

Ronald Koeman has declared that he will rather play golf in Holland than accept a one year Barcelona coaching offer.

The former Barcelona great is currently unwinding back home in his native Holland after his traumatic and short reign as Valencia boss.

The ex Dutch star admitted that if the Catalan club offered him a two-year deal somewhere down the future, he would consider it but revealed that any one-year attachments will be turned down.

"I would prefer to spend a year ...

Real ready to pounce for Poldi (Primera Liga)

true_frnd — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 07:27:21 GMT

Real Madrid's dire lack of options up front has now seen them turn their sights to Bayern Munich striker Lukas Podolski.

The German hitman, who is a huge fan of Real coach Bernd Schuster, is currently considering his future at the club after falling behind the pecking order to Luca Toni and Miroslav Klose.

In fact, Podolski has already admitted that moving to Bayern has been a huge mistake and has already made his intentions of leaving clear to Bayern officials.

Now Spanish daily ...

Del Horno waiting in the wings (Primera Liga)

true_frnd — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 07:32:46 GMT

Asier Del Horno insists he still has the hunger and drive to succeed at Valencia despite being left out of the first match.

After a big money move to Chelsea in 2005, Del Horno returned to Spain to join Valencia during the 2006-07 but a campaign fraught with injury niggles saw him languishing on the sidelines more often than on the pitch.

His stock fell further when he joined former club Athletic Bilbao on loan but yet again, he failed to make much of an impact there, unable to break ...

Abbiati: Juve and Inter title rivals (Serie A)

true_frnd — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 07:39:15 GMT

Christian Abbiati has earmarked Juventus and Inter Milan to be the Rossoneri's main challengers to the Scudetto.

Goalkeeper Abbiati has been with AC Milan for a decade now, arriving from Monza in 1998, however, he has been on loan at Juventus, Torino and then Atletico Madrid in the last three years.

The veteran 31-year-old custodian has now made the number one jersey his own, wrestling it away from the likes of Zeljko Kalac and Brazilian Nelson Dida.

"I was already back for ...

Serena wins US Open (Tennis)

true_frnd — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 08:15:48 GMT

American Serena Williams has won her third US Open women's title with a 6-4 7-5 win over world number two Jelena Jankovic.

The 27-year-old overcame the second seed of the competition to win US$1.5 million in prize money in a final that was delayed for a day due to tropical storm Hanna.

The fourth seeded Williams endured 39 unforced errors to win in 77 minutes. With the win, Williams is now the world number one in the rankings.

Nadal: Murray can take title (US OPEN)

true_frnd — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 08:17:04 GMT

World number one Rafael Nadal insisted Andy Murray can win the title in New York on Monday night after losing to the Scot.

Nadal, who overtook Roger Federer as the world number one last month and won the French Open, Wimbledon and Olympic titles, never recovered from going two sets to love down to the British number one on Saturday before heavy rain halted play.

When the players returned on Sunday, the Spaniard took the third set and had a chance to level the match after going a break ...

Black and Huber win doubles crown(US OPEN)

true_frnd — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 08:18:51 GMT

Cara Black and Liezel Huber claimed the women's doubles title at the US Open after beating Lisa Raymond and Samantha Stosur.

The top-ranked pairing overcame 10th seeds Lisa Raymond and Samantha Stosur 6-3 7-6 (8-6) in the championship match to claim their eighth title this season.

Zimbabwean Black also won the the mixed doubles title on Thursday with Leander Paes of India.

It is the first US Open title for Black and Huber, who saved two set points in the decisive tie-break.

"I'm ...

Thrilling first for Villegas (Golf)

true_frnd — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 08:30:18 GMT

Colombia did not win a gold medal at the recent Beijing Olympics, but the South American country has a PGA Tour winner at last.

Camilo Villegas, a 26-year-old who played his way onto tour via the University of Florida, displayed composure beyond his 26 years to win the USD 7million BMW Championship on Sunday night.

Villegas, in his third season on the tour, did not surrender his lead over the final nine holes as he carded a two-under-par 68 at Bellerive.

He finished at 15-under ...