| Laxman considering retirement after India-NZ Test series |
New Delhi, Aug 17: Veteran Indian batsman VVS Laxman is contemplating retirement by the end of the India-New Zealand two-match Test series, according to reports.
Laxman, who made his Test debut in 1996 against South Africa, is hurt by reports suggesting that by continuing to play for India he is blocking the chances of youngsters.
As per reports, the 37-year-old was not even kee... |
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| Love to see best cricketers playing both IPL and Tests: Dravid |
BANGALORE, Aug 17: He does not quite know how it can be worked out but former India captain Rahul Dravid wants an arrangement in which the world’s best cricketers can play in the Indian Premier League without compromising on representing their country in the Test arena.
“I’m not sure what the solution to it is exactly but I would love to be in a situation where the bes... |
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| Olympic medallists meet PM, Sonia Gandhi |
New Delhi, Aug 17: India’s Olympic medal winners, along with several other members of the contingent that participated in the London Games, met Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Congress President Sonia Gandhi at the PM’s residence on Friday.
Silver medallists - shooter Vijay Kumar and wrestler Sushil Kumar - and the bronze-medallists - woman boxer M C Mary Kom, shuttler Sai... |
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| Antony awards Rs 30 lakh to Vijay Kumar |
New Delhi, Aug 17: Defence Minister A.K. Antony on Friday presented a cash reward of Rs 30 lakh to Vijay Kumar, who won a silver medal in the 25-metre rapid fire pistol event at the London Olympics.
The minister, at a brief ceremony, congratulated Vijay Kumar who was Thursday promoted to the rank of Subedar Major in the Indian army.
The minister also lauded the armed forces for ... |
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| Yuvraj to go all out in World T20 opener |
Mumbai, Aug 17: Yuvraj Singh, who will make a comeback for India in next month's World Twenty20 in Sri Lanka, revealed he had doubts whether he would play international cricket again after being diagnosed with cancer.
"It feels good to be back. It has been a tough two months of training at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bangalore. I never thought I would get a chance again (to pl... |
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| Medal will motivate me to bigger things: Saina |
New Delhi, Aug 17: India’s Olympic bronze medallist Saina Nehwal on Friday said her medal at the London Games would motivate her to attain greater heights in badminton.
At a ceremony organised here by the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) and Samsung India to felicitate the 2012 Olympic medallists, she said she wanted to bring more laurels to the country and do one better in Rio fo... |
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| Shoaib Akhtar wants to be Pakistan bowling coach |
LAHORE, Aug 17: Controversial former fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar threw his hat into the ring on Friday to become Pakistan’s next bowling coach.
Pakistan have been hunting for a bowling coach since appointing Australian Dav Whatmore as head coach in March, with former Essex pacer Ian Pont the leading contender.
Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) set up a three-man committee to find... |
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| Bhupathi-Bopanna in Cincinnati quarters |
Cincinnati, Aug 17: Sixth seeds Mahesh Bhupathi and Rohan Bopanna moved into the men's doubles quarterfinal here at the Cincinnati Masters tennis after receiving a walkover.
Dutch Robin Haase and Juan Monaco of Argentina did not take the court giving the win to the Indian pair on Thursday.
They will next take on Poland's Mariusz Fyrstenberg and Marcin Matkowski, who are seeded t... |
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| Sania to give up singles events to play in doubles |
New Delhi, Aug 17: Winning an Olympic medal may remain an unfulfilled dream for Sania Mirza but the Indian tennis ace is not losing sleep over it and would continue to push her battle-hardened body to win one or two Grand Slam titles before ending her career.
A few things are certain to change in Sania's career, post Olympics as she will not be seen competing in the singles events on th... |
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| Dhoni to launch his personal line of fragrances |
KOLKATA, Aug 17: The essence of being Mahendra Singh Dhoni is set to cross the boundaries of cricket as the India team captain on Friday became the first Indian cricketer to announce his own signature brand of international perfumes.
“The development of the new line builds on my own preferences for fragrances that remain fresh and have an international appeal,” Dhoni said in... |
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| Dipika enters semis of Australian Squash Open |
Canberra, Aug 17: Dipika Pallikal on Friday became the first Indian to enter the semifinals of a Gold Series event when she recorded a straight sets win over Amanda Sobhy in the Australian Squash Open, here. Dipika recorded a convincing 11-5, 11-7, 12-10 win over her American rival, who had earlier caused a major upset by beating world number three Jenny Duncalf.
“Yesterday, I sta... |
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| England 94/4 at tea after South Africa's 309 |
LONDON, Aug 17: Fast bowlers Morne Morkel and Dale Steyn reduced an England side without dropped star batsman Kevin Pietersen to 94 for four at tea on the second day of the third Test against South Africa at Lord’s on Friday.
That left England 215 runs adrift of the tourists first innings 309.
England, however, like South Africa, were staging something of a recovery from 5... |
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| Mary Kom: The tough and tender rolled into one |
NEW DELHI, Aug 17: MC Mary Kom's inspiring story, which she has had to script by fighting on several fronts, presents an endearing and enduring contrast in the ferocity of a boxer and the tenderness of a doting mother.
The two sides to her came to the fore even as she launched her campaign at the London Olympics earlier this month when she dedicated her August 5 win in the opening bout to her... |
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| Eto'o a doubt for Anzhi |
Moscow, Aug 17: Cameroon striker Samuel Eto’o is doubtful for Anzhi Makhachkala’s next Russian football league game against Zenit St. Petersburg Saturday after coming down with a cold, Anzhi coach Guud Hiddink said on Friday.
Eto’o skipped an open training session held Friday at Anzhi’s training base outside Moscow.
“He has a cold and we’ve de... |
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| Lee more than happy to mentor Blake in art of fast bowling |
Sydney, Aug 17: Australian pacer Brett Lee has said he will be more than happy to mentor Jamaican sprint star Yohan Blake in the art of fast bowling if he joins him at the Sydney Sixers for the Big Bash Twenty20 competition.
Blake is hopeful of getting a start in the Australia's Big Bash League with the Sydney Sixers, and would love to face Lee in the nets. Blake is the targ... |
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| MCC recommends India for hosting first ever D/N Test match |
LONDON, Aug 17: The world cricket committee of the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), who are English cricket's original law makers, has suggested that the first ever day/night Test match should be held in India , or in the Indian subcontinent, where attendance during Test matches is currently recorded as being on the lower side.
"The committee suggests that the first day/night Test Match s... |
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| Former Pak keeper Haider faces domestic ban |
Lahore, Aug 17: Pakistan's discarded wicketkeeper Zulqarnain Haider could be debarred from playing domestic cricket after his latest outburst against the national team stumper Kamran Akmal.
"The legal department in the board is having a look at Zulqarnain's message on his Facebook account and his subsequent comments in the media on Kamran Akmal," a source from the Pakistan Cricket Board... |
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| Bookies favour Manchester City to win EPL |
London, Aug 17: The English Premier League (EPL) kicks off its 2012-13 edition on Saturday and holders Manchester City start as the bookies favourite to retain their title.
EPL Chief Executive Richard Scudamore has no doubt that the Premier League will continue to capture people's imaginations around the world when the 21st season kicks off on Saturday.
"It will have its critics... |
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| Olympic champion Murray knocked out, Federer eases through to quarters |
CINCINNATI, Aug 17: Olympic champion Andy Murray was sent crashing out of the Cincinnati Masters on Thursday, going down to a shock 6-4, 6-4 defeat at the hands of French lucky loser Jeremy Chardy.
Murray, the defending champion at this US Open warm-up event, won just one match in Toronto last week before withdrawing with a knee injury but he looked impressive in his Cincinnati opener a... |
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| Nadal should be fit for Davis Cup semifinal: Coach |
MADRID, Aug 17: Rafael Nadal, who pulled out of the US Open due to injury, should be ready for the Davis Cup semifinal between Spain and the United States next month, the tennis ace’s coach and uncle said on Thursday.
The Spaniard withdrew on Wednesday from the US Open, the final Grand Slam of the season, which starts in New York on August 27, because of his continuing battle with... |
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| Froome, Contador to duel for Spanish Vuelta title |
BARCELONA, Aug 17: One cyclist will be chasing an elusive victory, another starting the long road back from doping disgrace when the Spanish Vuelta starts on Saturday in Pamplona.
Christopher Froome is seeking to go one better after finishing second in the Tour de France behind Sky teammate Bradley Wiggins. He was also runner-up in last year’s Vuelta.
“This race is d... |
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| Windies beat Zimbabwe to reach quarters |
TOWNSVILLE, Aug 17: The West Indies under 19 cricket team recovered quickly from an early slump against Zimbabwe to register their third straight win in the ICC Youth World Cup in Australia.
Skipper Kraigg Brathwaite scored a composed and responsible half century to lead a recovery and steer the young Caribbean side to a comfortable six wicket victory at Endeavour Park here on Thursday.... |
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| Pietersen faces extended wait over T20 squad |
LONDON, Aug 17: England batsman Kevin Pietersen has several extra days in which to discover if he will be a member of the defending champions World T20 squad. The International Cricket Council (ICC) had originally made this Saturday their deadline for all teams to announce their final 15-man squads for the tournament in Sri Lanka starting next month. However, the global governing body announced on... |
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| Trinidad & Tobago's $2m fund to track talent for Rio |
PORT OF SPAIN, Aug 17: A $2 million Athletic Development Programme has been unveiled in Trinidad and Tobago, targeting promising athletes likely to represent the country in the next 2016 Olympics in Brazil. State-owned oil company Petrotrin launched the programme in Port of Spain in the aftermath of the twin republic’s record four-medal haul in the recently concluded Olympics in London. The ... |
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| Now Blake keen on playing in Australia's Big Bash |
LONDON, Aug 17: Jamaican sprint sensation Yohan Blake says he bowls faster than Olympic champion Usian Bolt and that there is a “real possibility” that he could debut his international cricket career in Australia this summer.
“I bowl around 85-90 mph, which is definitely quicker than Usain,” said Blake.
“He would probably get more bouncers than me b... |
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| Rossi ready to ride with Lorenzo at Yamaha |
INDIANAPOLIS, Aug 17: Nine-time world MotoGP champ Valentino Rossi says he and Jorge Lorenzo can put their past differences aside and will have no problems coexisting as teammates with Yamaha.
“It will be interesting,” said Rossi, who is in Indianapolis to prepare for Sunday’s race at the historic Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
The 33-year-old Italian rider revea... |
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| Britain offers help to Brazil for World Cup, Olympics |
RIO DE JANEIRO, Aug 17: Britain has offered to help Brazil prepare for the 2014 World Cup and 2016 Olympic Games. In a letter issued on Thursday, the British consulate in Rio said it was ready to share its experiences from the London Games and help Brazil leave a lasting legacy. “We know that we can use our knowledge and experience to help Brazil as the World Cup and Rio Games draw nearer,&r... |
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| Van Persie completes move to ManU |
MANCHESTER, Aug 17: Robin van Persie became the latest big-name player to slip from Arsenal’s grasp when the Netherlands striker completed his move to Manchester United on a four-year deal on Friday.
Van Persie agreed personal terms and passed a medical examination to complete a transfer that is believed to have cost United about 24 million pounds ($38 million).
“I a... |
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| Vermaelen to replace Van Persie as Arsenal captain |
LONDON, Aug 17: Arsene Wenger has named Belgium defender Thomas Vermaelen as Arsenal’s new captain following Robin van Persie’s move to Manchester United.
Vermaelen has already skippered Arsenal at various times over the last two seasons and, with previous captain van Persie on the verge of completing his switch to Old Trafford, the centre-back will now wear the armband on a... |
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| Alex Song could be next to leave, admits Wenger |
LONDON, Aug 17: Arsene Wenger admitted on Friday that Cameroon midfielder Alex Song could be the next Arsenal star to leave the Emirates Stadium after Robin van Persie’s exit.
Asked if it was possible the 24-year-old could leave and if other players would arrive to replace Song and van Persie, Arsenal manager Wenger said: “Both can happen.
“This decision on Son... |
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| Maradona's son to play in Argentine fourth division |
BUENOS AIRES, Aug 17: Soccer legend Diego Maradona’s son has reportedly signed with Argentine fourth division side Porvenir.
Diego Armando Sinagra joins the club from ASD Quarto, a regional club near Naples in southern Italy. Porvenir coach Luis Ventura said the 25-year-old would have to earn his place in the team.
“It’s obvious that the Maradona name is an att... |
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| Stoke boss Pulis won't rule out Owen deal |
LONDON, Aug 17: Stoke manager Tony Pulis remains hopeful that former Manchester United striker Michael Owen will opt to move to the Britannia Stadium.
Owen is available on a free transfer after being released by United at the end of last season and Pulis has spent the last few months trying to persuade the former England, Liverpool, Newcastle United and Real Madrid star to join his team... |
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| Tevez ready to lead Man City's title defence |
LONDON, Aug 17: Manchester City striker Carlos Tevez says he is in the best condition ever ahead of the new season and is ready to help Manchester City defend its Premier League title.
Tevez said on Friday that “for the first time in four or five years I have had a full month of preseason training” because of national team duties with Argentina and so “I am feeling in ... |
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| Arsenal fans vent their fury against Van Persie's wife on Twitter |
LONDON, Aug 17: Angered over the transfer of Robin van Persie to Manchester United, Arsenal fans vented their fury on the striker’s wife.
Van Persie’s wife Bouchra, 28, was blitzed with abusive Twitter messages after the 24 million pound deal.
While some fans posted videos of them burning their van Persie shirts on YouTube, many directed their fury at Bouchra.
<... |
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| Messi and Ronaldo back as La Liga begins |
MADRID, Aug 17: The Spanish league season kicks-off this weekend with Barcelona star Lionel Messi insisting it is not just a battle between himself and Cristiano Ronaldo.
“With Cristiano I have absolutely no problem. All that is said about us is to do with the press who want us to have our own personal battle but I have never competed with him or fought him,” said the 25 yea... |
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| Liverpool set to beat Arsenal in race to sign Nuri Sahin |
LIVERPOOL, Aug 17: Liverpool are set to beat competition from Arsenal in the pursuit of Real Madrid midfielder Nuri Sahin. The Turkey international will put the finishing touches to a one-year loan deal once the Spanish champions have concluded the signing of Luka Modric from Tottenham. Sahin, 23, has found regular first team opportunities hard to come by since moving to the Bernabeu from Borussia... |
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| Luka Modric to fly to Spain to complete Real Madrid move |
MADRID, Aug17: Luka Modric is poised to fly to Spain on Thursday to finalise a £30 million move from Tottenham to Real Madrid. The midfielder will jet into the Spanish capital after appearing for Croatia in their friendly against Switzerland on Wednesday night. Sources reveal that Real have agreed a fee worth £30m with Spurs for Modric to finally bring an end to the long-running transf... |
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| Liverpool agree deal to sign Assaidi |
LONDON, Aug 17: Liverpool agreed a deal to sign Morocco winger Oussama Assaidi from Dutch club Heerenveen for an undisclosed fee on Thursday. Assaidi has to pass a medical before the transfer can be rubber-stamped, but if it is completed successfully he will become new boss Brendan Rodgers’ third signing since he took over from Kenny Dalglish in June. “Liverpool Football Club have reac... |
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| Uchida extends stay at Schalke till 2015 |
BERLIN, Aug 17: Japanese international Atsuto Uchida has extended his contract with Schalke 04 until 2015, the Bundesliga club announced on its official website on Thursday. “Atsuto Uchida is bubbling with enthusiasm. We are delighted about the contract extension because he is a very reliable player who identifies himself fully with the club,” said Schalke manager Horst Heldt. The 24-y... |
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| Joey Barton surprized by shirt snub |
LONDON, Aug 17: QPR midfielder Joey Barton admits he was surprized to discover he hasn’t been given a shirt number for the forthcoming campaign. Barton wasn’t allocated a number when his Premier League club announced their squad listings on Thursday ahead of their opening game of the season against Swansea on Saturday. The former Newcastle star has to serve a 12-game ban from the start... |
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