Richie Ramsay arrives too late for US Open play-off

 

Ramsay had assumed the play-off would take place the following morning

Richie Ramsay looks to have missed out on joining fellow Scot Stephen Gallacher in the 2011 US Open after turning up too late for a play-off.

Gallacher made it with a stroke to spare after two rounds of qualifying at Walton Heath in Surrey.

Ramsay finished in a tie with Swede Johan Edfors and Dane Andreas Harto.

But the Scot had already left the course headed for a wedding reception in Belfast and arrived back as Edfors beat Harto to claim the 11th spot.

"I can't believe they played when it was pitch dark," said Ramsay after being told that it was all over and he had been made a reserve for Congressional on 16-19 June.

Edfors won his place just as the disbelieving former US Amateur champion pulled into the car park.

Four hours earlier, having finished his fog-delayed two rounds at four under par, the 27-year-old from Aberdeen had decided to go to Heathrow to try to catch a to Belfast and attend the wedding reception of fellow Tour player Gareth Maybin.

However, not only did he miss the plane but he was then told he could be in a play-off.

The expectations all day were that it would take place on Tuesday morning because of the time lost, but when the last group finished, officials saw the opportunity to get at least one extra hole in.

Edfors and Harto were understandably keen, especially knowing that Ramsay was likely to be absent.

And, with it being switched from a par four to a par three to speed things up, Harto lost when he failed to get up and down from a bunker.

"As I left at 5.30, guys were teeing off the first hole, but they made the decision and I can't do anything about it," said Ramsay.

"It's not up to me to say it's right or wrong, but it's just been an horrific day - just an awful, awful day."

It also proved to be a bad day for compatriot Colin Montgomerie.

Last year's Ryder Cup captain will still be returning to the course where he was runner-up to Ernie Els - but only as a television commentator after rounds of 72 and 73 proved five strokes too many.

"If you don't enter, you can't win - I gave it a go," said Montgomerie, who had high hopes following his seventh place at the BMW PGA Championship on Sunday - his first top 10 for almost three years.

"That's hard work - it was miserable out there."

Still in with a chance at level par with two par-fives to come, the 47-year-old, back up from 462nd in the world to 305th with his efforts in the European Tour's flagship event, failed to birdie either the 14th and 16th and, in between, had one of seven three-putts during the day.

The qualifiers were led by Belgian Nicolas Colsaerts, whose nine-under finish headed Ireland's Shane Lowry and Dutchman Maarten Lafeber by a stroke.

France's Thomas Levet was one further back and English pair David Howell and Robert Rock six under, while their compatriot Robert Dinwiddie, Gallacher, German Marcel Siem and Swede Alex Noren also made it.

Double win for Qureshi as Indo-Pak

 KARACHI: Pakistan’s top tennis player Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi and his doubles partner India’s Rohan Bopanna kept up their winning ways with a second round 7-6 (7-4), 6-3, 6-4 victory over Argentine Maximo Gonzalez and Japanese Kei Nishikori at Roland Garros on Friday.

The fifth-seeded Indo-Pak Express have progressed to the third round where they will face Andrey Golubev of Kazakisthan and Denis Istomin of Uzbekistan.

Qureshi also won his first round mixed doubles match with his Czech partner Kveta Peschke 7-6 (7-4), 6-2 over Alexandra Dulgheru of Romania and David Marrero of Spain.

Previously, Qureshi and Bopanna defeated Andreas Seppi and Simone Vagnozzi in the first round 6-3, 6-2.

Talking to Dawn.com, Qureshi said he was hopeful that he and Bopanna will keep winning.

“We’re taking it one match at a time and we want to play to our strengths. All the players are excellent but we won’t rule ourselves out from winning the tournament.”

Qureshi’s parents are in Paris and are hoping to see him lift his first Grand Slam trophy.

Peoples Sports Complex in Karachi

Peoples Sports Complex in Karachi is one of the venues where matches of the PPFL will be played.

KARACHI: A Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) meeting decided that Pakistan’s major football event, the Pakistan Premier Football League (PPFL), will return in the first week of July.

 The 2011 edition of the PPFL will kick off in the first week of July and conclude in the last week of December, with a 42-day break in Ramzan. Sixteen teams will take part in the 242-match event which will include newly included teams Muslim FC and Police.

 The league will be played in Karachi’s KPT Football Stadium and Peoples Sports Complex, Rawalpindi’s Muncipal Stadium, Lahore’s Wapda Sports Complex Ground, Quetta’s Mali Bagh Ground and PMC Ground.

 In the previous edition of the PPFL, Wapda finished as champions while Young Blood FC and Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC) were relegated.

Pakistan’s second team beat Afghanistan

 Afghan bowler Mohammad Nabi (2nd L) and teammates succesfully appeal for the dismissal of Pakistan A team Batsman Umar Amin (3rd R) on the second One Day International match Between Pakistan A and Afghanistan at the Pindi Cricket Stadium in Rawalpindi on May 27, 2011. Afghanistan is the first foreign cricket squad to tour Pakistan since militants attacked the Sri Lankan team in March 2009, killing eight people and wounding seven Sri Lankan players and their assistant coach. – AFP Photo  Dawn News

RAWALPINDI: Pakistan’s second team beat Afghanistan in their second one-day game by 150 runs on Friday to secure victory in the three-match series.

Once Pakistan “A” scored a mammoth 327-7 in their 50 overs after winning the toss on a flat batting strip at Rawalpindi, they were on course for a big win.

The victory gave the Pakistanis an unbeatable 2-0 lead in the series — the first international contest in the country since terrorist attacks on the Sri Lankan team in Lahore in 2009.

Afghanistan were never on course to chase down the daunting target and were bowled out for 177 in 46.5 overs.

Openers Sharjeel Khan (64) and Babar Azam (63) put the home side on course for a big total with a 107-run stand. Khan, who made 47 in his team’s five-wicket in the first match on Wednesday, hit ten fours and a six.

Umar Amin chipped in with 63 and wicket-keeper Sarfraz Ahmed hit a fiery 26-ball 46 not out, while off-spinner Dawlat Zadran was the pick of Afghanistan bowlers with 3-82.

Left-arm pacemen Sadaf Hussain (4-46) and skipper Sohail Tanvir (2-23) then destroyed the Afghan batting, with only Samiullah Shinwari (61) offering any resistance.

The tourists will now look to the third and final match, to be played in Faisalabad on Sunday, to restore a measure of pride.

Afghanistan is the first international team to tour Pakistan since attacks on the Sri Lankan team in 2009, incidents which led to the suspension of international cricket in the country.

Pakistan’s interior minister Rehman Malik said his government was ready to give security to foreign teams.

“We promised full security for Afghanistan team and this series will give positive signals to other teams and we promise that we will do everything to revive international cricket in Pakistan,” said Rehman at the post-match ceremony.

Scores: Pakistan ‘A’ 327-7 in 50 overs (Sharjeel Khan 64, Umar Amin 63, Babar Azam 63, Sarfraz Ahmed 46 not out; Dawlat Zadran 3-82)

Afghanistan 177 in 46.5 overs (Javed Ahmedi 61; Sadaf Hussain 4-46)

Andy Murray saw off

PARIS: Andy Murray saw off a 29-year-old local who had only won one match on the main tour and China’s Li Na toiled through under cloudier skies in the French Open first round on Tuesday. 

British fourth seed Murray progressed 6-4 6-1 6-3 but was broken twice by Eric Prodon, who had only made three previous appearances in a grand slam, all at Roland Garros. 

Women’s sixth seed Li, who like Murray was runner-up in January’s Australian Open, began with an uninspiring 6-3 6-7 6-3 win over Czech Barbora Zahlavova Strycova with the early crowds also somewhat lacklustre after a busy and sunny Monday.

In contrast, Maria Sharapova, wearing striking yellow, stormed past Mirjana Lucic 6-3 6-0 to continue her good form. 

Queues at the entrances to the famous venue in western Paris were lengthening as the sun warmed up and anticipation rose for champion Rafa Nadal’s first match against John Isner. 

The Spaniard is seeking a sixth title in seven years but Australian Open champion Novak Djokovic, who easily won his first match, is threatening to break his dominance after a stunning unbeaten start to the campaign. 

American Isner is better known for his 11-hour epic match against Nicolas Mahut at Wimbledon last year but Nadal should wrap up victory in a fraction of the time with the galleries expecting a signal of intent. 

Murray did not need to produce his best against the slightly rotund Prodon, who broke in the first set with a drop shot after a series of half-hearted attempts. 

The Scot found more rhythm in the second but was broken again in the third set as Prodon’s remarkably laidback but occasionally successful volleys and smashes amused the fans. 

There was more laughs when it organisers announced that American Ryan Harrison, who threw his racket into a tree when losing in qualifying last week, had won a lucky loser berth and he will play last year’s runner-up Robin Soderling later. 

The feelings on Court Philippe Chatrier were completely different as France’s Virginie Razzano, whose coach and fiance died eight days ago after a brain tumour, lost her match to Jarmila Gajdosova 6-3 6-1 to warm and heartfelt applause. 

“I had a lot of emotion and pain,” she said tearfully. 

Number two seed Kim Clijsters returns from injury later against Anastasiya Yakimova.

Two more players includes in training camp By PHF

LAHORE: The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) has invited two more players to attend the training camp of national senior probables from May 30 at Naseer Bunda Hockey Stadium in Islamabad to prepare for different assignments in Europe in June and July.

“On the recommendations of the national selection committee and the team management, the PHF has included the names of two more players Mazhar Abbas (Goalkeeper) and Bilal Qadir (Forward) in the list of camp trainees,” said a spokesman of PHF here on Saturday.

He said previously, in the list of 26 players, there was a typing error and the name of Arslan Qadir was incorrectly mentioned as Faisal Qadir.

Pakistan on top=Tanvir shines with bat and ball to leave

BASSETERRE, St Kitts: Tanvir Ahmed scored a maiden 50 and then took a wicket in his first over as Pakistan wrested back the initiative from West Indies on the second day of the second test on Saturday.

Resuming on their overnight first innings total of 180 for six, Pakistan were eventually bowled out for 272 with tailender Tanvir hammering 10 fours in a 96-ball 57.

The 32-year-old then struck with the second delivery of the West Indies reply when Lendl Simmons, on the drive, was caught at second slip by Taufeeq Umar for no score.

Although Marlon Samuels, batting at number five, compiled a patient 57, the home side lost wickets at regular intervals before ending the day at 184-8, still 88 runs behind.

West Indies, who lead Pakistan 1-0 in the two-match series, were in control overnight and tightened their grip before lunch as they reduced the visitors to 194-9.

However, Tanvir and Saeed Ajmal (23) shared in a dogged 10th-wicket stand of 78 to guide Pakistan beyond the 250-mark before Tanvir was trapped in front by leg-spinner Devendra Bishoo for a test best of 57.

After the early dismissal of Simmons, teenage test debutant Kraigg Brathwaite (15), Darren Bravo (24) and Ramnaresh Sarwan (20) each established themselves at the crease for West Indies without going on to register a big score.

Samuels was the only batsman to provide sustained resistance before he was removed in the 56th over.

After hitting two sixes and seven fours in 123 balls, Samuels attempted another huge blow over the boundary off Saeed Ajmal’s off-spin but he was caught by a diving Taufeeq Umar at long-off.

Kemar Roach, 10 not out, and Ravi Rampaul, unbeaten on 15, then guided West Indies to the close.

Pakistan, who have never won a series in the Caribbean in six previous visits, lost the opening test in the two-match series.

Ronaldo celebrates record 40-goal haul,

MADRID: Portuguese star Cristiano Ronaldo broke the La Liga goal-scoring record with his 39th and 40th league goals of the season as Real Madrid hammered relegated Almeria 8-1 at the Santiago Bernabeu on Saturday.

Ronaldo poked home from close range on four minutes for his record-breaking goal to overtake the previous best of 38 set by Athletic Bilbao’s Telmo Zarra in 1951 and equalled by Real Madrid’s Mexican legend Hugo Sanchez in 1990.

Ronaldo struck again on 77 minutes with a brilliant run and finish to make it 40 league goals for the season and seal his first ‘Pichichi’ award for the league’s top-scorer.

It caps a fantastic season from the Portuguese sensation although he has just the Kings Cup trophy to show for his two seasons at Madrid.

“I would like to thank my team-mates for helping me get these 40 goals,” said Ronaldo.

“The Pichichi award is for them and the fans.

“The season didn’t go as we wanted but the coach wanted a lot of goals from us to start the next campaign full of hope.

“Scoring 102 goals in a season is difficult and although it is possible to repeat, it will be very difficult.”

Togo striker Emmanuel Adebayor, trying to persuade Real to make his loan move from Manchester City permanent, grabbed his first ever Madrid hat-trick and Frenchman Karim Benzema scored a brace as Real crushed hapless Almeria and went past a century of league goals this season.

Champions Barcelona ended their stellar league campaign with a 3-1 win at Malaga in a timely warm-up for next week’s Champions League final against Manchester United.

With the league already wrapped up, Barcelona have their eyes firmly on the Wembley date against Manchester United, and coach Pep Guardiola rested his array of Spanish World Cup stars and Ballon D’Or winner Lionel Messi.

“We are focused on the final and we have everyone available including (Gaby) Milito who will be back,” said Guardiola.

“We will see what Manchester United do and we will work on getting mentally right to try and stop them.”

Malaga took a 31st-minute lead but Barcelona’s collection of youngsters and fringe players came back with a 43rd minute Bojan Krkic penalty equalising before Dutchman Ibrahim Afellay (75) and 20-year-old Marc Bartra (84) scored their first league goals for Barca, who have taken three straight league titles.

In other matches, fallen giants Deportivo La Coruna were relegated from the Spanish top-flight following a 2-0 home loss against Valencia on Saturday.

Zaragoza were third from bottom heading into the final round of games but their 2-1 win at Levante on Saturday lifted them to safety and Depor joined Almeria and Hercules in being relegated.

Depor had spent 20 consecutive seasons in the first division winning the league title in 2000 and reaching the Champions League semi-finals in 2004.

Elsewhere Sevilla and Athletic Bilbao clinched fifth and sixth respectively with wins on Saturday to seal automatic qualification to the Europa League.

Alvaro Negredo took his season’s tally to 20 with a brace as Sevilla won 3-2 at Espanyol, while Bilbao triumphed 2-1 at Racing Santander on Saturday.

A hat-trick from Sergio “Kun” Aguero helped Atletico defeat Real Mallorca in a thrilling 4-3 win but despite having the same number of points as Sevilla and Bilbao, the capital side finish seventh on the head to head rule and must play a qualifier to get into the Europa League.

French Open begins Stosur sails past Benesova

PARIS: Australia’s Samantha Stosur said on Sunday that returning to the scene of last year’s French Open final defeat had inspired her to go just as deep into the competition again.

The eighth seed, beaten by Italy’s Francesca Schiavone in the 2010 decider, swept past Czech Iveta Benesova 6-2, 6-3 on Court Philippe Chatrier to set up a second-round meeting with Romanian teenager Simona Halep.

Despite being broken in her opening service game, Stosur was rarely troubled in the 68-minute match and said she had high hopes of recapturing the form that took her to her first ever Grand Slam final 12 months ago.

“There weren’t quite as many people this time,” the 27-year-old quipped when asked about the differences between Saturday’s match and last year’s final.

“It was a nice feeling. I obviously thought of last year’s match, but it was nice to get out there again. Of course, if you could play on any court here, you’d want to play on that one.”

Stosur is bidding to reach the last four at Roland Garros for the third summer in a row but said she did not feel under any extra pressure to do so.

“I don’t think I have to necessarily prove anything,” she said.

“Having made the semis (in 2009) and the final, I think that proves that I’ve been able to back it up and that it wasn’t a fluke the first time.

“Of course I’d love to go a little bit further this year but I think it’s more just wanting to achieve that, rather than, ‘I have to do it,’ because of x, y and z.”

Beaten by Russia’s Maria Sharapova in the Rome Masters final earlier this month, Stosur says she is pleased with her current form on clay.

“Overall I’m getting better and better,” she said.

“I hope I’m becoming a better player, a more complete player as each year goes on. This time last year I played some of the best matches of my career and hopefully I can do that again this week.”

Stosur crossed paths with Halep in last year’s tournament, beating her 7-5, 6-1 in the first round.

The 19-year-old Romanian reached the second round in impressive fashion, however, thrashing Russia’s Alla Kudryavtseva 6-2, 6-1, and Stosur believes the world number 67 is likely to prove a more obdurate obstacle this time around.

“I haven’t seen her play since last year so I guess I’ll have to remember what that was like,” said the Brisbane-born star.

“She’s come a long way since that time. I think she was a qualifier last year and now she’s directly in. I think she’s around 60 or so (in the world ranking), so she’s improving. I’ll definitely have to be on my game.”

Pakistan Cancelled Afghan Cricket match

  The Afghan team, arriving in Islamabad on May 24, is being coached by former Pakistan captain Rashid Latif. - AP Photo

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan cricket authorities on Thursday pulled a one-day match against Afghanistan which had been scheduled to take place in the town where US forces shot dead Osama bin Laden.

The match, the third in a series between Afghanistan and Pakistan’s second team, attracted media attention for being hosted in Abbottabad, where US Navy SEALs killed the world’s most-wanted man on May 2.

The fixture has been relocated to Islamabad.

Afghanistan, the first international team to tour Pakistan in more than two years after militants attacked the Sri Lankan team in March 2009, will now play matches in Islamabad on May 25, Rawalpindi on May 27 and Faisalabad on May 29.

“The itinerary… has been revised and now the Abbottabad match will be played in Islamabad on May 25,” said the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).

No official reason was given for the decision which was taken at a meeting on Thursday between PCB chairman Ijaz Butt and Interior Minister Rehman Malik.

Sohail Tanveer will lead Pakistan’s ‘A’ team, comprising of young players who have either been left out of the first team or are being nurtured as future talent.

The Afghan team, coached by former Pakistan captain Rashid Latif, will arrive in Islamabad on May 24.

The war-ravaged nation has made rapid strides in international cricket, progressing in 2009 from ICC (International Cricket Council) division one to five, and securing one-day status the same year.

Afghanistan qualified for last year’s World Twenty20 in the West Indies and also won the ICC Inter-Continental Cup in 2010, meant for countries who are not full ICC members.

They beat Pakistan in the semi-final of last year’s Asian Games in China and went on to win a silver medal after losing to Bangladesh in the final.

Aqeel khan will get training in US

KARACHI: Aqeel Khan, one of Pakistan’s top tennis players, has said that he may proceed to the US in early June on a training tour provided he gets the visa in time.

“I’ve received invitation from an academy through the efforts of former player Zulfiqar Rahim and will apply for visa in a day or two,” he told Dawn.

He said the Pakistan Tennis Federation (PTF) has offered to bear the expenses of the trip to any country across the world where he intends to travel for training provided he (Aqeel) gets the visa.

Aqeel, 31, disclosed that his plans to visit India in May-June were shelved because it takes a long time to get the visa of the neighbouring country.

Pakistan take on South Korea in the Asia Oceania zone group two second round of Davis Cup on the latter’s soil from July 8 to 10.

The Pakistan No 1 said Samir Iftikhar, who was part of the national Davis Cup team that won the first round rubber against Hong Kong China 3-2 two months ago, has joined a university in the US and may not be available for the next tie.

Aqeel’s brother Jalil Khan, who finished fifth in the trials held for the first round tie, is likely to fill the vacuum. He has made it to four finals in Honda Cup, Khyber Cup, CDA Open and Sargodha Cup recently. Aisam-ul-Haq, Aqeel and Yasir Khan are the other members of the team.

“He replied in negative when asked whether he got hundred percent raise in the purse after the last Davis Cup triumph.

“I received $1,000 as appearance money plus the winning bonus and the amount was the same which I was getting earlier,” he added.

Aqeel pointed out that he was getting the Davis Cup appearance money for the last two years.

Similarly, he said Aisam used to get $2,000 appearance money in addition to the winning bonus.

Aqeel lamented that he has witnessed no significant improvement in terms of prize money or the daily allowance during the last 15 years. “In 1996-97 men’s singles winner used to get Rs35,000 and Rs500 daily but instead of enhancement in view of inflation, the daily has come down to Rs400”.

He went on to say that more and more juniors should be sent abroad for advance training in order to raise their level.

He said though he has many lucrative offers from abroad but he wants to serves his own country.

Pakistan, he said, has competent coaches who should be offered matching remuneration given to foreigners.

“The PTF should utilise the services of veteran Davis Cupper and coach Saeed Meer, Rashid Malik etc for grooming the youths,” he added.

He also called upon the PTF to invite a few present and past reputed players in the AGM as observers to listen their suggestions for the betterment of game.

Niall McDonnell called up by Ireland for Pakistan games

Strabane's Niall McDonnell is the only new face in the Ireland squad for the two one-day internationals against Pakistan later this month.

McDonnell, a 31-year-old school teacher, scored a century for Ireland A against the MCC last year.
George Dockrell is unavailable because of injury while the only other absentee from the World Cup is Andre Botha who has retired from Irish duty.
The games take place at Stormont in Belfast on 28 and 30 May.
"I can honestly say that I can't find a word to describe how I felt when Peter Gillespie rang me," said a delighted McDonnell.
"I suppose it was a mixture of excitement, raw nerves and a little trepidation at being involved at this level.
"It's a dream come true in many ways and the prospect of batting with the likes of Paul Stirling, William Porterfield or Ed Joyce is some motivation.
"I can't underestimate the role Adi Birrell and particularly Jeremy Bray have played in my development. "Jeremy is so focused on his new role as one of Cricket Ireland's high performance coaches that his determination and enthusiasm just rubs off on everyone he works with.
"Just being involved with this Ireland squad is an opportunity that I fully intend to make the most of."
Ireland coach Phil Simmons said that this team would prepare well for the two contests.
"We'll train hard in the build-up to the game, and hopefully the conditions at Stormont will suit us.
"The county players have been playing some excellent cricket, and most of them seem to be in really good form which is encouraging for Irish cricket.
"Everyone is aware of the importance of these games, not just in terms of ranking points, but also in the bigger scheme of things with a decision pending on a qualification tournament for the 2015 World Cup.
"Two more strong performances against Pakistan will help in that regard."
Ireland shocked Pakistan at the 2007 World Cup in the Caribbean and they have not met in a 50-overs contest since the clash in Jamaica.
Ireland: W Porterfield (capt) (Warwickshire), A Cusack (Clontarf), T Johnston (Railway Union), N Jones (Civil Service North), E Joyce (Sussex), N McDonnell (Strabane), J Mooney (North County), K O'Brien (Gloucestershire), N O'Brien (Northants), B Rankin (Warwickshire), P Stirling (Middlesex), A Van der Merwe (YMCA), A White (Instonians), G Wilson (Surrey).

Pakistan one-day captaincy will be loses by Shahid Afridi

The Pakistan Cricket Board has removed Shahid Afridi as one-day captain for the forthcoming series against Ireland.Senior batsman Misbah-ul-Haq will lead the team in the matches against Ireland on 28 and 30 May in Belfast."Afridi has been retained as a player in the one-day squad but the captaincy has gone to Misbah," said the Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Ijaz Butt.

Afridi criticised Pakistan's team management after the team's recent one-day series in the West Indies.

Pakistan took a 3-2 win in the five-game series after reaching the semi-finals of the World Cup, where they were beaten by eventual winners India.

Butt did not elaborate on the reason for the decision to remove Afridi from the captaincy.PCB spokesman Nadeem Sarwar said that it is the "policy of the board to appoint a captain on a series to series basis".Afridi has been leading the T20 and ODI sides since early 2010.

Pakistan squad: Misbah Ul Haq (capt), Younis Khan, Taufique Umer, Muhammad Hafeez, Asad Shafiq, Azhar Ali, Shahid Afridi, Mohammad Salman (wk), Saeed Ajmal, Abdur Rehman, Umer Akmal, Umer Gul, Wahab Riaz, Tanvir Ahmed, Junaid Khan, Hammad Azam

Carlos Tevez struck a superb double as Manchester City

MANCHESTER: Carlos Tevez struck a superb double as Manchester City rose to third in the Premier League and closer to a guaranteed Champions League spot with a 3-0 win over FA Cup final opponents Stoke City on Tuesday.

The unsettled Argentine, who coach Roberto Mancini said had told him he wanted to stay at the club, showed his importance with emphatic finishes either side of a Joleon Lescott header.

The win saw City leapfrog Arsenal and boost their chances of avoiding a playoff to reach Europe’s elite competition.

The win moves Mancini’s in-form side into a coveted automatic Champions League place with 68 points while Arsenal are fourth with 67 also from 37 games with one remaining.

Tevez, who is now joint top scorer in the Premier League with 20 goals, has been dogged by rumours about his future since he submitted a transfer request in December.

But Mancini told a post-match news conference Tevez had reassured the Italian he would still be at Eastlands to spearhead their European campaign next season.

“Every time we say he is important and a fantastic player,” the City boss told reporters. “I think he will stay here next season. We don’t have a problem. He told me that he wants to stay, he has a five-year contract.”

TEVEZ DOUBLE

A pedestrian first half was brought to life after 14 minutes when Tevez fired City in front against the team they beat to lift the FA Cup at Wembley on Saturday.

The striker played a one-two with James Milner before beating twisting and turning past defenders Ryan Shawcross and Andy Wilkinson before firing into the top corner.

Lescott doubled City’s advantage eight minutes into the second half when he rose above goalkeeper Thomas Sorensen and headed into an empty net.

Tevez then wrapped up all three points with a ferocious curling freekick from 30 metres.

City visit Bolton Wanderers on Sunday knowing a win will clinch third and a spot in the Champions League group stage while Arsenal, who suffered a surprise 2-1 loss at home to Aston Villa last Sunday, must travel across London to play Fulham.

“It’s important now that we gather our strength for the game at Bolton,” Mancini told the City website (www.mcfc.co.uk). “We had a fantastic gift on Sunday from Arsenal and now everything is in our hands and we can’t lose this chance.”

Pakistan give women cricketers central contracts for the first time

Pakistan's national women's team won last year's T20 competition at the Asian Games. -File Photo

KARACHI: Nineteen Pakistan women cricketers have been awarded 12-month central contracts for the first time as an acknowledgment that their game is now becoming professional.

Last year the national women’s team won the Asian Games Twenty20 title and last month they finished first in a four-nation tournament in Sri Lanka which included the hosts, Ireland and the Netherlands.

“It now requires full time commitment and professionalism and there is a need to compensate the players,” Pakistan Cricket Board spokesman Nadeem Sarwar said on Tuesday.

Pakistan captain Sana Mir said the introduction of contracts would encourage more women to take up cricket.

“It is a great achievement for women cricketers in Pakistan because in recent years we have definitely shown improvement,” she said.

Mir said contracts would persuade more women to take up cricket.

“The board is now also having regular domestic competitions for women players and that is only improving our standards,” she said.

The leading women will get a retainer of 50,000 rupees, about $600, compared to 250,000 rupees ($2,950) for the top men players.

Pakistan women take part in a variety of sports but they have complained of a lack of encouragement and facilities in a socially conservative society.

Pakistani Boxers Will Got Training in England

PBF would be sending three boxers — M. Wasim (52kg), Aamir Khan (64kg) and Nisar Khan (75kg) to England for a month’s training.-Photo by AP

 KARACHI: The second Shaheed Benazir Bhutto international boxing tournament is set to take place in Islamabad from July 20 to 27, it was announced here on Tuesday.

“Following the success of the inaugural edition held here in January last year, the government has accorded necessary permission in this regard,” Doda Khan Bhutto, president of the Pakistan Boxing Federation (PBF) told Dawn.

He said the PBF would soon dispatch invitations to countries across the world assuring them of extending foolproof security during their stay here.

Bhutto, who was nominated vice-chairman of Youth and Athletes Commission of the world’s governing body AIBA, stated that approximately 200 pugilists from 24 countries besides delegates from six nations featured in the inaugural contest.

“It is an AIBA approved tournament,” he added.

The PBF chief disclosed that he had set a precedent when the Auditor General of Pakistan conducted audit of the inaugural Shaheed Benazir Bhutto boxing tournament to maintain transparency of approximately Rs42.5 million incurred on the event with the support of the prime minister.

“Consistent efforts has brought fruitful results for Pakistan boxing which came on the track following turmoil in the aftermath of electoral loss of AIBA chief Prof Anwar Chowdhury,” he added while recalling his two-and-a-half year stint since coming at the helm of affairs in December 2008.

Bhutto, 30, the youngest ever president of a sports body in the world, said the world and Asian boxing chiefs whom he met couple of times have assured their fullest support to the PBF.

“With some exceptions, we have picked up new faces and they have started bringing laurels to the nation he said adding there was medal drought from 2006 to 2008,” he said.

Bhutto, who was nominated vice-chairman of the Asian Boxing Confederation’s development commission at Almaty last year, said the PBF would be sending three boxers — M. Wasim (52kg), Aamir Khan (64kg) and Nisar Khan (75kg) to England for a month’s training in Bolton. They would be joined by two boxers having dual British as well as Pakistan nationality — Haroon Khan (49kg) and Hasan Mahmood Raja (56kg).

He said the estimated cost of the trip will be about Rs 3 million.

He explained a second batch of five to six pugilists will go to England after the first batch returns.

He said the PBF has constituted a four-member national selection committee. Headed by Mohammad Farooq Ahmed of PAF, it consisted of Ali Akbar Shah (chairman referees and judges commission PBF), Major Nasir Tung (Army) and M. Yousuf Butt (Punjab).

Pakistan’s olympic winning boxer Syed Hussain Shah, while talking to a local newspaper, said that this was a very good opportunity for the pugilists and for Pakistan to qualify for the Olympics.

Indian blind cricket team will be touring Pakistan

PBCC met with an Indian delegation in the UAE to discuss the possibility of this cricket series. -APP Photo

ISLAMABAD: The Indian blind cricket team will be touring Pakistan in November for a series comprising three ODIs and T-20 each.

The Pakistan Blind Cricket Council (PBCC) met with an Indian delegation in Ajman, UAE to discuss the possibility of this cricket series.

The Pakistan delegation included PBCC (Chairman), Syed Sultan Shah, Kahlil Ahmad (Director International Affairs) and Maher M.Yousaf Haroon (General Manager Cricket Operations, Admin and International Affairs PBCC) while the Indian delegation included S.P Nagesh (President) and Mahantesh G.K (Secretary) of Cricket Association of the Blind India (CABI).

A PBCC official told APP on Saturday that both the counterparts have decided to resume sports ties and friendship through sports for peace and harmony between the two countries.

“The delegates also felt that this initiative would strengthen ties between both the nations.”

The official said that like regular cricket this form of cricket is much closely followed as there is cricket mania in both the countries.

“The delegations intend that such bilateral series would take place at least once a year,” he concluded.

Manchester United Won English champions

LONDON: Wayne Rooney scored the goal that gave Manchester United a record 19th English title in a 1-1 draw away to Blackburn Rovers at Ewood Park on Saturday.

United needed just a point from this game to regain the Premier League title from Chelsea and they got it when England striker Rooney scored from the penalty spot 17 minutes from time after Rovers keeper Paul Robinson brought down Javier Hernandez.

Australia’s Brett Emerton had fired Rovers, still not certain of top-flight survival, into a 20th minute lead before Rooney settled United’s nerves with a powerful spot-kick.

The result gave United, now in sole possession of a record they had shared with arch-rivals Liverpool an unassailable seven-point lead at the top of the English Premier League table, with closest pursuers Chelsea only able to win a maximum of six points from their two remaining matches.

At the other end of the table, Wolves climbed a point clear of the relegation zone after a 3-1 win away to Sunderland.

Former Sunderland defender Jody Craddock gave Wolves a 22nd minute lead on his return to the Stadium of Light before a failure to clear a corner allowed Stephane Sessegnon to smash home a 34th minute equaliser at the far post.

But Matt Jarvis, a half-time substitute, provided the cross from the right that allowed Steven Fletcher to head Wolves in at the far post.

George Elokobi sealed Wolves’ victory with a header 12 minutes from time.

Blackpool – who started the day in the bottom three – remained in the relegation zone despite a dramatic 4-3 win at home to Bolton Wanderers ahead of their final game of the season away to Manchester United next weekend.

But victory put them level on 39 points with Birmingham, ahead of the Blues’ match against Fulham on Sunday.

Five goals came in a frantic first half at Bloomfield Road with striker Kevin Davies firing visitors Bolton into a second minute lead only for Blackpool forward DJ Campbell to equalise seven minutes later.

Campbell then teed-up strike partner Jason Puncheon in the 19th minute as Blackpool went 2-1 in front.

But a defence that had conceded 71 league goals this season before this match kicked-off could not deny Bolton an equaliser through Matt Taylor’s angled shot.

However, on the stroke of half-time, Campbell scored his second when he turned in Charlie Adam’s cross.

Bolton though were back on level terms at 3-3 when Daniel Sturridge headed in Lee Chung-Yong’s cross in the 53rd minute.

There was yet another twist when Adam, who led a sweeping counter-attack, shot past Jussi Jaaskelainen from 15 yards to put Blackpool 4-3 in front with just under half an hour left.

Saturday’s other match saw West Brom beat Everton 1-0, Youssouf Mulumbu scoring the only goal of the game at The Hawthorns in the 10th minute before the Toffees’ Russian substitute, Diniyar Bilyaletdinov, was sent-off minutes after coming on for a challenge on James Morrison.

Basement club West Ham are away to second-bottom Wigan on Sunday where defeat for the Hammers will see them relegated.

Sunday also sees Chelsea at home to Newcastle while Arsenal, still not assured of third place, face Aston Villa as Europa Cup League place rivals Liverpool and Tottenham clash at Anfield.

Manchester City and Stoke, who meet in the FA Cup final at Wembley later on Saturday, face each other again in the league at Eastlands on Tuesday.

Serena in withdrawing from French Open

PARIS: Venus Williams has joined her younger sister, Serena, in withdrawing from the French Open due to injury, her agent confirmed on Saturday.
The 30-year-old seven-time Grand Slam champion has not played since January, when she pulled out of the Australian Open in the third round with an abdominal injury.
A knee problem meant Venus played just one tournament in the last half of 2010 but she still finished the year inside the top five in the world rankings.
Now number 19 in the world, Venus has not won a Grand Slam singles title since 2008, when she won Wimbledon for the fifth time.
Serena withdrew from Roland Garros on Thursday, having been out of action since last summer due to two foot operations and the discovery of blood clots in her lung.
Venus’s withdrawal means this year’s French Open, which begins on May 22, will be the first Grand Slam tournament without either Williams sibling since the 2003 US Open.

India topped the 9th South Asian Judo Championship

South Asian Judo Championship 2011. -APP Photo Dawn News Updates
ISLAMABAD: India topped the 9th South Asian Judo Championship by bagging 10 gold and two silver medals on Thursday here at Liaquat Gymnasium, Pakistan Sports Complex.
Pakistan came second with two gold medals, four silver and five bronze medals followed by Bangladesh with one gold, two silver and two bronze medals, Nepal with one gold, four silver and four bronze medals, Sri Lanka with two silver and two bronze medals and Afghanistan with 10 bronze medals.
At the closing ceremony Deputy Head of Public Affaisr, Japanese Embassy, Mayumi Tsubakimoto and Khyber Pukhtunkhawa Minister for Sports Syed Aqil Shah who were the chief guests at the occasion, distributed trophies and medals amongst the winners.
Results:
Male
Below 60 Kg: 1st Saroj Maharjan (Nepal); 2nd TGRN Jayawardana (Sri Lanka); 3rd Abdul Fahim Fazli (Afghanistan); 3rd MD Ramjan (Bangladesh).
Below 66Kg: 1st Harpreet Singh (India); 2nd Ramesh Magar (Nepal); 3rd RCN Daramawaradana (Sri Lanka); 3rd Rahmat Shah Mushkel (Afghanistan).
Below 73Kg: 1st Ram Asrey (India); 2nd Md Habibur Rahman (Bangladesh); 3rd Azmal Faizzada (Afghanistan); HMCJ Bandara (Sri Lanka).
Above 100Kg: 1st Jatindar Pal (India); 2nd MD Mamunur Rashid (Bangladesh); 3rd Rajan Joshi (Nepal); 3rd Muhammad Afzal (Pakistan).
Below 81Kg: Karamat Butt (Pakistan); 2nd Virender Singh (India); 3rd Syed Hussain Hussaini (Afghanistan); 3rd KHSK Hapuarachchi (Sri Lanka).
Below 100Kg: 1st Vikram Solanki (India); 2nd Pervez Khan (Pakistan); 3rd Asadullah Tajik (Afghanistan); 3rd FSK Wickramage (Sri Lanka).
Team Event: 1st Nepal; 2nd Bangladesh; 3rd Pakistan; 3rd Sri Lanka.
Female
Under-48kg: Naoren Santimala Chanu (India) first; D.G.C Wijerthne (Sri Lanka) second; Iraam (Pakistan) and Radha devi Rai (Nepal) third.
Under-57Kg: Aangon Anita Chanu (India) first; Ansa Bano (Pakistan) second; Habiba Bayat (Afghanistan) and Pramila Khadka (Nepal) third.
Under-70Kg: Chongtham Jina Devi (India); Fozia Mumtaz (Pakistan); R.D.C. Gunesekara (Sri Lanka) and Indirarai (Nepal) third.
Under-52 Kg:   Ningthoujam Gomit Channur (India) first; Sushila Adhikari (Nepal) second; Humaira Ashiq (Pakistan) and Hasiba Abdali (Afghanistan).
Under-63Kg: Garima Chaudhary (India) frist; Phupulhamu Khatri (Nepal) second; Fazilat Sardar (paksitan) and Fahima Razai (Afghnistan).
Female Team Event: Pakistan first; Nepal second; Afghanistan third.

Pakistan have beaten old adversaries India

 

Pakistan have beaten old adversaries India, South Korea and New Zealand but lost against both Great Britain and Australia. -AFP Photo Dawn News Updates

IPOH: Pakistan’s manager said on Friday that the Asian champions were seeing a return to form and eying victory in the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup, despite the relative youth of their side.

Pakistan and Great Britain each have nine points with one game to go to decide who will meet World champions Australia in Sunday’s final.Great Britain will first play South Korea on Saturday followed by Pakistan against Malaysia.“I have told my players that we must play to win no matter what the result of the other match,” Pakistan team manager K.M. Junaid said.“We are under no illusion of the task that awaits us. Malaysia have always been a tough team to play, and they will certainly want to win as well,” he said.“I also thank God almighty for what we have been able to achieve thus far after having come with a young team,” he said.

The Pakistanis have eight players under 21. So far Pakistan have beaten old adversaries India, South Korea and New Zealand but lost against both Great Britain and Australia.

Last November, Pakistan won the Asian Games gold medal, bolstering their confidence.

Junaid said another title win would be a major boost to efforts to create a top team for their 2012 London Olympic challenge.

“(The young players) are the future of Pakistan hockey, and I am glad that they are showing good form. We have to keep exposing them to tougher matches,” Junaid said.

Great Britain have vowed not to take South Korea for granted either. South Korea and India are both joint title holders for the cup, whose final was marred by rain last year.

“I have said that we are here to win the title,” Great Britain coach Jason Lee said. “We will go all out to do that against Korea but at the same time we have to be on our toes from the start.”

“Frankly it is in our hands to make the final and we have to get the job done,” he said.

Behind Great Britain and Pakistan, New Zealand have seven points meaning the Kiwis could sneak into the final if both Great Britain and Pakistan lose their games and New Zealand win their match against Australia on Saturday

India play down hype ahead of all-important match=Pakistan,

It will be the 149th meeting between the two giants of hockey since 1956, but Pakistan have the edge if records are anything to go by – they have 74 wins compared to India’s 49. —Dawn News Updates

IPOH: Pakistan and India are set to meet in a match that could decide their fate for the semi-final line up of the Azlan Shah Cup but officials of both teams believe it is ‘just another game.’

Both teams go into their crucial fifth match of the tournament needing at least a draw to stay in contention for the semi-final line up. However, the arch-rivals are looking to play down the pre-match hype in a bid to take pressure off their players.

Pakistan manager Khwaja Junaid said matches between the two teams are always tense, but any ill-feelings were irrelevant.

“We have to look at the hockey side and play the game to the best of our ability. It is God’s will if we win,” he said.

“But then again, the points are very crucial for us as well as them.

Pakistan, who started the tournament impressively with similar (4-2) wins against New Zealand and South Korea, were brought down by Great Britain in a 3-2 loss before being thrashed by Australia 5-1.

“Two defeats doesn’t mean end of the tournament, we have a lot to play for,” Junaid said.

Several changes were made to the Pakistan squad that won gold at last November’s Asian Games in Guangzhou but strike-force, including veterans Rehan Butt and Shakeel Abbasi, remained the same

“My young players are doing well and improving with each match. The Indians too have a young side with a lot of players playing at this level for the first time.”

“As a group, we have missed a lot of chances. We have been conceding a lot of soft goals and that’s something we must not repeat in the next game. We want to win tomorrow’s match and get our campaign back on track,” he added.

Meanwhile, India’s coach insisted that there was “no room for emotions” on the eve of the highly anticipated grudge match.

“Such sentiments can cost us the match as you will not be playing for the points. There is no doubt that this will be yet another good match-up, but we aim to take it as just another game,” Indian coach Harinder Singh said.

Going into Wednesday’s clash, India – the reigning joint champions – are third in the standings with seven points with two matches to go. Old foes Pakistan are one place and one point behind from the same number of games.

“We’ve not allowed Commonwealth Games final and Asian Games semifinals to play on our minds. Similarly, we won’t be looking back at last year’s matches against Pakistan,” said Harendra.

“What happened in last year’s matches is now history, just as earlier matches in this tournament. Boys are eager to perform well.” Harendra, who was brought back as India’s coach after resigning in wake of loss to Malaysia in Asian Games semifinal where he was deputy to Spaniard Jose Brasa, said young team had justified his faith in them.

“I have confidence in these boys, they have been wonderful,” he said.

India will also be looking to avoid jittery situation of second half against Malaysia, when they allowed hosts to dictate the pace of game and lay seize on Indian goal for first 15 minutes in second session. Indian defence managed to hold its ground, as it had done in match against Australia, where India’s ability to absorb pressure secured them a draw.

Matches between the neighbours in any sport are always fierce, but the showdown in Ipoh, in northern Malaysia, has taken on extra significance as both sides chase a place in the next round.

It will be the 149th meeting between the two giants of hockey since 1956, but Pakistan have the edge if records are anything to go by – they have 74 wins compared to India’s 49. A total of 25 matches ended in draws.

But the form is with India, who finished joint winners with South Korea last year after the final was washed-out and were the outright champions in 2009.

India lost to Korea 3-2 in their opening match, but then beat Great Britain 3-1, drew with Australia and hammered Malaysia 5-2.

Also Wednesday, New Zealand take on Malaysia and Australia face Korea.

Great Britain top the standings ahead of Australia in the seven-team competition.

Pakistan eye history in Test series against West Indies

PROVIDENCE: Pakistan are looking to become the latest international side to create history on Caribbean soil, when they begin their search for a maiden Test series victory against West Indies, starting on Thursday at the Guyana National Stadium.

On six previous visits, starting back in 1958, the Pakistanis have come awfully close, but they have failed each time.

The visitors share the unenviable record of being one of the two Test-playing nations not to hold a Test series victory in the Caribbean along with Sri Lanka.

Pakistan have won just four of the 21 Tests they have played in the Caribbean, but there is huge optimism that Misbah-ul-Haq's side, brimming with confidence having won the preceding One-day International series 3-2, can put this little matter to rest.

The Pakistanis have far fewer concerns about their line-up than their opponents. Though they have lost former captain Younis Khan to a family bereavement, there are strong signs that the batting still has backbone with the likes of Misbah, Mohammad Hafeez, and Umar Akmal.

The visitors' bowling has been boosted with the arrival of Umar Gul, whose fast bowling will give the attack a greater edge, but the spin bowling of Saeed Ajmal and Abdur Rehman, as well as Hafeez could prove decisive against typically leaden-footed West Indies batsmen.

All of this means that West Indies will have their hands full trying to protect their cherished record at home against the visitors - and the internal turmoil that has bedevilled the side will not make things any easier.

The Windies have not won a Test series, let alone a Test, in just over two years, and it would require an amazing performance, or an incredible change of fortune for them to turn the tide against Pakistan.

The hosts trimmed their squad to 13 following a warm-up match over the weekend, and predictably, fast bowler Fidel Edwards has been recalled following a two-year absence, and veteran left-hander Shivnarine Chanderpaul has also been included.

Edwards was sidelined by a career-threatening back injury that required surgery, and returned to serious competitive action this year, taking 22 wickets for his native Barbados in the WICB Regional first-class championship.

He has not played a Test since the ill-starred tour of England two years ago, and is playing his first international match since the World Twenty20 Championship later that same year.

Chanderpaul has been embroiled in a public war of words with the West Indies Cricket Board, following his exclusion from the ODI series, which he claimed followed his refusal to retire from that form of the game.

The durable left-hander will have a major challenge though. He roundly criticised West Indies coach Ottis Gibson for interfering with his approach to batting, so the relationship between the two will be closely monitored.

Australia-born left-hander Brendan Nash, the vice captain, has also been included.

He has been pigeon-holed as a player for the longer format of the game, and has not played an international match since the weather-ravaged Test series in Sri Lanka last year.

The return of Marlon Samuels to Tests for the first time in three years, following a two-year international ban for inappropriate contact with an alleged Indian bookie, will also be closely followed.

He warmed-up for the task with a double hundred in the practice match over the weekend, but his batting during the ODIs seemed to betray him.

Since the ground opened four years ago just ahead of the 2007 World Cup, the pitch plays typically slow and low, but Sri Lanka, batting first, piled-up a big first innings total, and pressured West Indies for the remainder of the only Test that has been played here, resulting in a 121-run victory.

As always, the match will be contested with one eye on the skies due to Guyana's famously fickle weather, with a 60 percent chance of scattered thunderstorms predicted in the long-range weather forecast.

Squads:
West Indies (from): Darren Sammy (captain), Brendan Nash (vice captain), Devendra Bishoo, Carlton Baugh Jr, Darren Bravo, Shiv Chanderpaul, Fidel Edwards, Ravi Rampaul, Kemar Roach, Marlon Samuels, Ramnaresh Sarwan, Lendl Simmons, Devon Smith

Pakistan: (from): Misbah-ul Haq (captain), Abdur Rehman, Asad Shafiq, Azhar Ali, Hammad Azam , Junaid Khan, Mohammad Hafeez, Mohammad Salman, Saeed Ajmal, Tanvir Ahmed, Taufiq Umar, Umar Akmal, Umar Gul, Wahab Riaz, Younis Khan.

Umpires: Billy Bowden (NZL), Tony Hill (NZL)
TV Umpire: Asoka De Silva (SRI)
Match Referee: Ranjan Madugalle (SRI)

Djokovic stuns clay king Nadal in Madrid final

MADRID: A relentless Novak Djokovic dethroned clay king Rafa Nadal on the Spaniard's home soil and maintained his extraordinary season when he stunned the world number one 7-5 6-4 to win the Madrid Masters title on Sunday.

The Serbian second seed ground down the local favourite and defending champion during a succession of ferocious rallies to record his 32nd consecutive win of a defeat-free 2011, the best season start since John McEnroe's 42-match streak in 1984.

The defeat marked Nadal's first reverse on his beloved clay in 38 matches since he fell to Robin Soderling in the fourth round of the 2009 French Open and denied him a third title on the red dirt in under a month after he won back-to-back at the Monte Carlo Masters and Barcelona Open in April.

Djokovic, who had never beaten Nadal on clay in nine previous attempts, now has six titles this year, including the Australian Open and the Masters in Indian Wells and Miami, where he beat Nadal in both finals.

A fired-up Djokovic came out on top in most of the lengthy exchanges in the early stages and surged into a 4-0 lead that prompted nervous mutterings among the home support in the packed, 12,500-capacity arena.

Ever the fighter, Nadal clawed his way back to 4-5 with two breaks and saved three Djokovic set points on his own serve to draw level at 5-5.

However, it was all in vain as the Serb held confidently and then broke Nadal for a third time to move a set ahead.

The Spaniard picked himself up and began the second set strongly, conjuring an incredible shot on the way to breaking Djokovic in the opening game.

After the Serb lifted the ball over Nadal's head to the back of the court, he chased it down and played an audacious lob from between his legs and with his back to the net that looped over his opponent and landed just inside the baseline.

A bemused-looking Djokovic could only applaud as the crowd leapt to their feet as one.

Nadal indulged in some characteristic fist-pumping but the euphoria did not last long as he dropped his serve in the next game to make it 1-1.

With Real Madrid soccer players Cristiano Ronaldo and Iker Casillas watching from the stands, Real fan Nadal had to dig deep to stay in the match but was finally floored when he went wide with a sliced backhand after another mesmerising baseline rally on Djokovic's second match point.

After picking up his runners-up trophy and cheque for 275,000 euros, Nadal praised Djokovic's achievements and said he needed to analyse what went wrong in the match and move on.

World Best of 7 Football Stadiums

7. San Siro (Meazza Stadium) – Italy

With a multi-million army of fans around the world, soccer is considered the most popular game on the entire planet. For this game there is no weather and time frames. Each person at any time of year can come to your home stadium to watch it live and to support their favorite team. This is the main reason that during the world championships  the hosting countries do not have a lack of tourists from all over the world.

But for those who do have a specific team that stays in this or that part of the world, there’s a chance to go direct to that stadium and to have a look at the games of your favorite team. Well, surely if you get luck to have a look at their trainings it will be simply a miracle.It is no secret that for every football club and its fans the stadium is more like a home. Therefore, competition exists not only on the field but also outside it. Covert struggle for the possession of the best football arena in the world.Thus, we should begin our countdown of  teh seven best stadiums in the world.

San Siro stadium is located in Milan, the city which is also known for being one of the fashion capitals. It accommodates more than 85,000 fans. It is the home arena at once for two teams: Inter and AC Milan, who are among the most titled teams in Italy and even for the whole Europe. Thanks to the Italian fans watching  the matches at the San Siro turns into a theater performance. Everywhere you will find waving flags and banners with the symbol of commands, the thud of shells and fireworks do not fall silent song. The entire stadium is singing as one. Italian fans are among the most active fans around the world. As for the stay Milan has lots of interesting options for the trip reservations, so that you’ll not miss your match.

6.  Ibrox Stadium – Scotland

This stadium is located in Glasgow and is the home field for the football teams of Glasgow Rangers and their fans. The stadium has a range of seats for around  a half thousand people. The most important opponent of Rangers is a football club of Celtic, whose home arena is also located in Glasgow, but it does not go to any comparison with the stadium Ibrox. The last one is being well-appreciated not only among the fans of the team but also for the attentive work of the architects and designer. Scottish football fans are more disciplined than the Italians. During the match they are singing melodious songs, full of meaning and poetry. But while here you should keep in mind that Glasgow is a busy place thus you should start hotel booking long time in advance.

5. Olympic Stadium – Germany

The stadium was built in Munich in 1972 during the adoption of Germany Olympic Games. That’s the main reason that the stadium was built up to meet the requirements of being one of the best stadiums in the world with the multi-purpose usage opportunities. In consequence, in this arena there are many important football games, along with massive concerts of various celebrities. At the moment it’s home field for the German football club Herta BSC. Well, the team is not that popular with the game results, but the overall idea of having such a cool stadium is just superb. But most importantly, the Champions League Final 2011 will take place on this stadium, which means that you start the search for hotels and hotel reservations starting now, so that you will not be left without a hotel. Except that if you do not hurry you will not get a chance to have cheap hotel reservations as close to the date the prices will go extremely high.

4. Maracana – Brazil

The stadium was opened in 1950 in Rio de Janeiro for the World Cup. Here played its best matches the famous Brazilian team, including Botafogo, Flamengo and Vasco de Gama. In the final World Cup Maracana accommodated the nearly 199,854 fans, which was an absolute record for all stadiums in the world. Currently, the arena seats approximately 80,000 spectators, but it is being  increasingly used for various concerts and shows. In case if there will be another great event in this stadium you should definitely be here. Recall during the final World Cup game the fans made a typical for football wave, which is considered to be the biggest one in the world.

3. Bombonera Stadium – Argentina

Very carefully wading through the streets of the Boca district of Buenos Aires, you’re bound to stumble on the Bombonera stadium, which is home to the world-famous soccer club Boca Juniors. It does not stand out special beauty or size, but the Argentine fans create an unforgettable atmosphere during the match, which is simply impossible not to note. The fan spirit here is not that aggressive as in case of the British games: everybody is simply having fun, trying to support their teams. And in the end of the match even if their team doesn’t win, everybody’s leaving happily the stadium with the search of a local cafe to have fun.  As for the main plus in Argentina you’ll get a chance to find beach resorts and continue your rest in that form.

2. Stamford Bridge – England

Modest stadium, designed for 42,000 seats, it was built in London in 1904. The home team – world famous football club Chelsea. Loyal fans have become so accustomed to winning home team that knows that many come to see the feints of his favorites, and not on the outcome of the game. The stadium is considered to be one of the most elite stadiums. Even the game atmosphere here is much advanced that in the rest of the locations. The fans might seem to be a little more classy, but anyways if you’re a big fan of Chelsea you better not miss your chance.

1. Stadium Nou Camp in Spain

If you want to see real football, go to Barcelona. That there is this miracle Arena, home to the eponymous football club FC Barcelona. This team – one of the best in the world at the moment, plus the entire, FC Barcelona – current holder of the Champions League Trophy. The stadium accommodates about 118 000 people, making it the largest in Europe. You’ll be amazed at the passion with which the Spanish fans support their favorite players.Images:

Windsurfing Essentials need to concentrate at the choice of place

If you decide to windsurf, you will need a good physical preparation, time for training and a lot of money on equipment and instruction. But to start all of this you need to concentrate at the choice of place. For those who are just beginners we are offering a list of places to go for windsurfing and surely the most interesting and useful tips.

Plescheevo lake, Russia

This is a huge expanse of water 120 kilometers from Moscow in the ancient Russian town of Pereslavl-Zaleski. A place chosen by the windsurfers long ago. Now on windy days the whole surface of the reservoir is dotted with wooden boards. The Beach has everything you need for the followers of windsurfing: schools, rentals, cheap hotels, camping and parking.

Tips for Newcomers: do not try to immediately buy equipments. First, work out a week or two and then decide whether to continue: with any school must have a solid rental. If the answer is positive and the desire has not disappeared think about buying them out.

Istra Reservoir, Russia

To try to ride on a board, one does not necessarily have to go to distant lands. Windsurfing can de done even in the suburbs of Moscow. It’s convenient: if you do not like it – it would be easy to stop the lessons and to go home. Istra Reservoir is located so that even with the strong wave it’s always possible to find a place for training.

Tips for Newcomers: choosing a club, find out how many sessions are designed for beginners course, what programs are learned, how many people will be in the group, whether the cost of training includes equipment rental. Usually the cost of individual training is about 15-20 euros per hour, the group – about 7-10 euros per hour without equipment rental.

Lake Garda, Italy

This huge reservoir is situated in the north of Italy. Sometimes it’s called the analogue of Pleescheeva lake. The special combination of surrounding mountains and plains creates a real wind tunnel with a constant wind. The water is not hot, so the wetsuit is needed. If you are tired of training, you can rest, inspecting nearby Verona and Venice.

Tips for Newcomers: wetsuit – this is probably the first thing that is worth spending the money on for the beginner windsurfers. Even in warm countries, you will always be in the wind and quickly freeze to death! In addition, the suit protects your body not only from cold, but also on uneven planks of which are easy to scratch your body. Even if you decide to give up windsurfing, the costume is handy for snorkeling or just swimming in cool seas. A decent “dress” will cost around 100-200 dollars. Good idea to have it also in hydroparks. They will help you stay on board and save the legs, if the bottom will be sand which is not that soft and sharp edges.

Cyclades Islands, Greece

Centre for the Greek windsurfing – the islands in the Aegean Sea. Special wind rise provides a constant steady wind from the north. It is particularly strong in Paros and Naxos in the summer, when there are various international competitions in windsurfing are being held. Good conditions for surfing are also in the spring and autumn.

Tips for Newcomers: before you make your own board, decide the style of riding, since a simple slip on the surface need long free-rider board, for a super-speed – slalom, if you want to master the jumps – very easy free-sliders, and to overcome the waves – little wavings. Do not forget that not all airlines allow sporting equipments free of charge. If you go on a journey with your gear, find out about a specific airline.

Alaçatı, Turkey

On the west coast of the Turkish peninsula of Cesme is a great resort for windsurfers – Alaçatı. This place is ideal for beginners: shallow water extends hundreds of meters from the shore. The best time for surfing in the region of Anatolia – from June to August: summer north wind creates conditions for high-speed surfing on calm water, a little earlier or after the “high” season is good weather and accommodation prices with much lower prices. In winter, southern winds cause high waves, which will enjoy only experienced extreme lovers.

Tips for Newcomers: carefully choose a place for the first experiments with the board. For learning from scratch you need a constant wind and a huge shoal with a depth of no more than five feet with a good sandy bottom without protruding from the water huge stone blocks.

Hurghada, Egypt

The popular resort suits everyone – fans of the passive recreation on the beach lounge chair, and active individuals and enthusiasts of diving, snorkeling or windsurfing. Last draws a steady breeze and low prices for accommodation and rental equipment. Another well-known “surfboards” place in this country – Dahab. The best time for surfing here – fall and spring.

Tips for Newcomers: Hurghada – universal resort – this is an exception. Having decided to go on the coast for windsurfing, do not expect that in their spare time you will be to able to have a normal “beach” lifestyle. This sport needs wind, and then simply sunbathe and swim in the majority surfing spots will be uncomfortable.

Tarifa

Andalusian Costa de la Luz attracts windsurfers from all over Europe all year round. Strong wind, covered with beautiful soft sand beaches – a real dream of every enthusiastic sportsman. The most popular place – the town Tarifa is at the extreme southern tip of Spain and the entire continent. Here, in the Strait of Gibraltar, between the Mediterranean and the Atlantic Ocean, windsurfing is possible all year round.

Tips for Newcomers: this resort is best to go to those who already are well able to deal with a sail, because the rocky beach is not suitable for first lessons, at a depth of a strong wind you can easily carry away your board out to sea and return to shore with no experience will be very difficult. Thus this particular place is much better for more advanced surfers.