Sachin Tendulkar has been conferred Indian Air Force's honorary rank of Group Captain.
India loses 0-1with Tailand in friendly tie match
India's return to international football was far from encouraging as it lost to Thailand by a solitary goal in a friendly tie at the Yamaha Stadium on Saturday.
Thailand, who failed to qualify for the 2011 Asian Cup in Doha, rode on experienced striker Sarayoot Chikamdee's 73rd-minute strike to emerge winners.
Fresh from their two-month training stint in Portugal, it was India's first international assignment since last year's Nehru Cup but for Bob Houghton and his boys, things didn't really pan out the way they had hoped for.
In the absence of regular skipper Bhaichung Bhutia, suffering from recurring Thyroid-related illness, Climax Lawrence led the team in a match that was also Mohammad Rafi's maideninternational appearance.
The former Mahindra United striker could have given India lead but his 68th-minute attempt was taken care of by the Thai custodian.
While Thailand had possession for a major part of the first half, there were sporadic attempts by the Indians as well.
Sunil Chhetri, back from his Major League Soccer stint at Kansas City Wizards, had a chance off Steven Dias's free kick at the stroke of breather but could not cash in.
Before that, in the 22nd minute, Surkumar Singh's powerful rightfooter was blocked by Thai goalkeeper Sinthaweechai Hathairattanakool.
Coached by former England and Manchester United legend Brian Robson, the hosts started on an aggressive note with their strikers showing a lot of enterprise. But India's defenders were equal to task, never allowing them to take a stranglehold.
India play the return match at the Ambedkar Stadium on September 8, before taking on Namibia a week later.
Thailand, who failed to qualify for the 2011 Asian Cup in Doha, rode on experienced striker Sarayoot Chikamdee's 73rd-minute strike to emerge winners.
Fresh from their two-month training stint in Portugal, it was India's first international assignment since last year's Nehru Cup but for Bob Houghton and his boys, things didn't really pan out the way they had hoped for.
In the absence of regular skipper Bhaichung Bhutia, suffering from recurring Thyroid-related illness, Climax Lawrence led the team in a match that was also Mohammad Rafi's maideninternational appearance.
The former Mahindra United striker could have given India lead but his 68th-minute attempt was taken care of by the Thai custodian.
While Thailand had possession for a major part of the first half, there were sporadic attempts by the Indians as well.
Sunil Chhetri, back from his Major League Soccer stint at Kansas City Wizards, had a chance off Steven Dias's free kick at the stroke of breather but could not cash in.
Before that, in the 22nd minute, Surkumar Singh's powerful rightfooter was blocked by Thai goalkeeper Sinthaweechai Hathairattanakool.
Coached by former England and Manchester United legend Brian Robson, the hosts started on an aggressive note with their strikers showing a lot of enterprise. But India's defenders were equal to task, never allowing them to take a stranglehold.
India play the return match at the Ambedkar Stadium on September 8, before taking on Namibia a week later.
Sharapova shows exit to capra dream run
Beatrice Capra could hardly have expected more from her WTA Tour main draw debut.
The 18-year-old American advanced to the third round of the 2010 US Open, defeating a top-20 player in the process, and had the opportunity to play 2006 champion Maria Sharapova in Arthur Ashe Stadium.
But her dream run came to an end Saturday as Sharapova overwhelmed the young Capra 6-0, 6-0 to advance to the fourth round against top seed Caroline Wozniacki.
"On a day like today, I just wanted to make sure I was consistent and did the right thing, and maybe didn't go for the lines as much and just played smart tennis," Sharapova said.
"I had some, not a lot, but I played two tournaments [in the Olympus US Open Series], and did quite well; could have done better," she said. "[Now] here we are. I think the more matches you play, the better you feel, [against] the different types of opponents.
"[Wozniacki] can run all day and get a lot of balls back and make you hit tons of balls," she added. "She changes the pace really well, and gets her opponents off balance. She does many things well. That's why she's at the top of the game."
The 18-year-old American advanced to the third round of the 2010 US Open, defeating a top-20 player in the process, and had the opportunity to play 2006 champion Maria Sharapova in Arthur Ashe Stadium.
But her dream run came to an end Saturday as Sharapova overwhelmed the young Capra 6-0, 6-0 to advance to the fourth round against top seed Caroline Wozniacki.
"On a day like today, I just wanted to make sure I was consistent and did the right thing, and maybe didn't go for the lines as much and just played smart tennis," Sharapova said.
"I had some, not a lot, but I played two tournaments [in the Olympus US Open Series], and did quite well; could have done better," she said. "[Now] here we are. I think the more matches you play, the better you feel, [against] the different types of opponents.
"[Wozniacki] can run all day and get a lot of balls back and make you hit tons of balls," she added. "She changes the pace really well, and gets her opponents off balance. She does many things well. That's why she's at the top of the game."
Sri Lankan player under ICC investigation
The ICC's anti-corruption unit has been monitoring the unusual activities of a
leading Sri Lankan player.
Sri Lankan players passed on their concerns to the captain, who followed ICC
protocol by contacting the anti-corruption unit. The player has since been
investigated by Sri Lankan police, although no charges have been laid, British daily
The Guardian reported today.
However, Sri Lanka Cricket has kept the entire matter away from the public spotlight
by concealing the entire police investigation surrounding the player.
The player concerned has been under the ICC's scanner since the Twenty20 World Cup
in England in 2009.
The officials from the ICC's anti-corruption unit are said to be dismayed at the
lack of progress.
"The (anti-corruption unit's) working is not that of a policing agency or a
newspaper. They have no power to arrest or seize, or carry out a sting operation.
"Getting international players to question the honesty of one of their own
team-mates is a considerable challenge, but it is essential if the ICC is to root
out corruption," Haroon Lorgat, the ICC's chief executive, said.
Meanwhile, Sri Lankan Cricket Board said they did not received any official report
regarding any player so far.
"Nothing has been reported to us so far, there is nothing for me to comment on this.
Nothing has been reported officially but there are media reports about various
allegations. So, the official report has to come from ICC," SLC secretary Nishantha
Ranatunga said.
The News of the World, which published its expose into cricket corruption a week ago
after a sting operation against the Pakistan players' agent, Mazhar Majeed, provides
further evidence on Sunday to support its allegations.
The newspaper claimed that the Pakistan players face 23 ICC charges between them and
that the Metropolitan Police have recovered between 10,000-15,000 pounds of bills
marked by the News of the World from Butt's room.
It also states Butt was warned five times that he must report any irregular
dealings.
Yasir Hameed, who was recalled for the final Test at the Lord's ? the Test that was
the subject of the British tabloid sting ? was quoted as saying: "They were doing it
[fixing] in almost every match. God knows what they were up to."
Hameed, however, denied that he had made the allegations and said he was "deeply
disturbed" by them.
leading Sri Lankan player.
Sri Lankan players passed on their concerns to the captain, who followed ICC
protocol by contacting the anti-corruption unit. The player has since been
investigated by Sri Lankan police, although no charges have been laid, British daily
The Guardian reported today.
However, Sri Lanka Cricket has kept the entire matter away from the public spotlight
by concealing the entire police investigation surrounding the player.
The player concerned has been under the ICC's scanner since the Twenty20 World Cup
in England in 2009.
The officials from the ICC's anti-corruption unit are said to be dismayed at the
lack of progress.
"The (anti-corruption unit's) working is not that of a policing agency or a
newspaper. They have no power to arrest or seize, or carry out a sting operation.
"Getting international players to question the honesty of one of their own
team-mates is a considerable challenge, but it is essential if the ICC is to root
out corruption," Haroon Lorgat, the ICC's chief executive, said.
Meanwhile, Sri Lankan Cricket Board said they did not received any official report
regarding any player so far.
"Nothing has been reported to us so far, there is nothing for me to comment on this.
Nothing has been reported officially but there are media reports about various
allegations. So, the official report has to come from ICC," SLC secretary Nishantha
Ranatunga said.
The News of the World, which published its expose into cricket corruption a week ago
after a sting operation against the Pakistan players' agent, Mazhar Majeed, provides
further evidence on Sunday to support its allegations.
The newspaper claimed that the Pakistan players face 23 ICC charges between them and
that the Metropolitan Police have recovered between 10,000-15,000 pounds of bills
marked by the News of the World from Butt's room.
It also states Butt was warned five times that he must report any irregular
dealings.
Yasir Hameed, who was recalled for the final Test at the Lord's ? the Test that was
the subject of the British tabloid sting ? was quoted as saying: "They were doing it
[fixing] in almost every match. God knows what they were up to."
Hameed, however, denied that he had made the allegations and said he was "deeply
disturbed" by them.
Roger Federer strong his path in U.S.open
Roger Federer continued his serene progress to remain on course for a showdown with the man who ended his Grand Slam streak.
Federer overcame strong winds to beat France's Paul-Henri Mathieu 6-4 6-3 6-3 in one hour and 39 minutes and is yet to drop a set in three matches at Flushing Meadows.
The five-time champion is looking to reach his seventh straight final in New York and regain the title after losing to Argentina's Juan Martin Del Potro 12 months ago.
But he looks set to face Sweden's Robin Soderling in the quarter-finals, the player he lost to at the same stage of the French Open this year to end his streak of 23 consecutive Grand Slam semi-final appearances.
Speaking about his win over Mathieu, Federer said: "I thought the first set was the key. He has some serious talent. We came through the juniors together and he used to toy around with me.
"I got a bit lucky in the first set, he had the first break point at 4-3 and after that I was able to break him back and maybe break his will a bit."
Federer announced before the championships began that he has hired Paul Annacone as his coach full time after a successful trial period and added: "He's a good guy and we have known each other a long time since he was working with Pete (Sampras) and Tim (Henman).
"We had a good test after Wimbledon, he's making me play a little more aggressive and it's good to hear from someone new. I haven't lost many matches on the hard-court season."
Royals beat Knights for first victory in IPL 3
Rajasthan Royals logged their first points in the Indian Premier League (IPL) with a convincing 34-run victory over Kolkata Knight Riders here Saturday.
Electing to bat, Rajasthan Royals scored 168 for seven and restricted Knight Riders to 134 for five in their 20 overs.
For Rajasthan Royals, Abhishek Jhunjhunwala made 45 off 36 balls while Naman Ojha (27), Faiz Fazal (31) and Adam Voges (37 not out) chipped in with useful contributions.
The bowlers were up to the task right from the start, not allowing Knight Riders to get off to a flier and then checking the run flow with regular wickets.
Yusuf Pathan (2-23) removed both the openers Manoj Tiwary (11) and Brad Hodge (36) while Munaf Patel and Siddharth Trivedi picked one wicket each. Australian Shaun Tait and Munaf kept it tight towards the end as Knight Riders could never accelerate despite having wickets in hand.
It was the first victory for the Royals in four matches. The winners of the inaugural edition were lagging behind with losses against Mumbai Indians, Delhi Daredevils and Bangalore Royal Challengers.
Knight Riders, on the other hand, after beginning their campaign this season with impressive wins against defending champions Deccan Chargers and runners-up Royal Challengers recorded their second loss, having lost to Super Kings at home four days back.
It was a bit of surprise that Knight Riders did not field Chris Gayle who was available for the match.
Knight Riders got off to a good start with Ashok Dinda (2-28) trapping Michael Lumb lbw with the first ball of the innings. Ojha and Fazal steadied the ship with a 42-run stand before Shane Bond (2-32) dismissed the latter. Fazal hit six boundaries in his 23-ball stay.
Ojha added 30 runs with former Indian Cricket League player Jhunjhunwala, before being run out.
Royals’ star batsman Pathan did not stay for long and Jhunjhunwala, who made 36-ball 45 with five fours, fell to Ishant Sharma (2-33).
Voges gave the late charge with two fours and two sixes in his 22-ball innings.
Knight Riders were too cautious at the start and after losing Tiwary off Pathan in the third over, Hodge and Cheteshwar Pujara (29) took their time in building up the innings without taking any risk.
They reached 65 for one in 10 overs and Pujara was out in the next over. With the asking rate going up and the slow nature of wicket making it difficult for the new batsmen, Knight Riders failed to accelerate.
Skipper Sourav Ganguly was out of sorts in his 29-ball 33 as Royals paceman used the short ball to good effect against the left-hander.
When Pathan rattled the stumps of Hodge, Knight Riders required 74 off 36 balls. Ganguly and Owais Shah (19 not out) looked to play the big shots but were tied down by some good bowling by the Rajasthan Royals with wily Shane Warne rotating them well.
Symonds breaks Chargers jinx against Kings XI
An all-round show by Andrew Symonds helped defending champions Deccan Chargers beat Kings XI Punjab for the first time in the Indian Premier League (IPL) by six wickets at their new found home base here Friday.
Symonds struck a brisk 53 off 38 balls as Deccan Chargers scored 170 for seven in 20 overs. The burly Queenslander, who was also adjudged as the Man of the Match, picked up one for 22 and also took an important catch to dismiss Irfan Pathan, who tried to steal a win with his brilliant 60, but still Kings XI Punjab fell short of the total and could muster 164 for eight in 20 overs.
For Deccan Chargers it was their first win at their home base of Cuttack, after IPL matches were moved out of Hyderabad due to security situations. It was also their maiden win against the Kings XI Punjab in fifth face-off.
Skipper Adam Gilchrist took the Chargers to a flying start with his 33 off 12 balls hitting four fours and two sixes and by the time he departed, they had 43 runs on board in the third over. V.V.S. Laxman (10) also made his way back to the pavilion soon after he was hit on the forearm by Shalabh Srivastav’s wayward throw.
Symonds and Herschelle Gibbs (23) then took the Kings XI bowlers to all parts of the ground with their 55-run stand for the second wicket. Symonds smashed three fours and three sixes during his whirlwind knock. Tirumalasetti Suman also contributed 26 valuable runs at the end as the Chargers put on a challenging total.
Kings XI made a poor start but opener Ravi Bopara (38) continued his good form. Pathan tried to pull off a sensational win with his 29-ball knock hitting five sixes and three fours, but by then the Chargers were on course to deserving victory.
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