ICC delays contentious presidency debate

HONG KONG: Cricket’s world governing body announced on Wednesday that it had deferred until October its decision on whether to scrap its controversial rotational presidency.

The decision spares the blushes of officials hoping to avoid a divisive battle over the issue, with the International Cricket Council (ICC) keen to present a united front as it wraps up its first annual conference in Hong Kong.

“The board decided to defer the proposed constitutional amendment to the nominations process for election of the ICC president and accordingly withdrew its proposal to the annual conference in this regard,” the ICC said in a statement.

Any big changes would have met fierce opposition from Pakistan and Bangladesh, who are scheduled to nominate the body’s next-but-one leader to succeed New Zealander Alan Isaac in 2014.

Memories are still fresh of last year’s embarrassing meeting, when countries flatly refused to endorse former Australian prime minister John Howard as the next ICC president, despite his nomination by Australia and New Zealand.

The debacle is thought to be at the heart of moves, reportedly spearheaded by India and England, to scrap the two-year rotational presidency, although details of any new system remain unclear.

Isaac is to take over from incumbent Sharad Pawar of India next year.

The executive board, on the last day of its meeting, unanimously agreed on an urgent independent review of its structure and process, to be completed by the next board meeting in October.

“I wholeheartedly welcome an independent review of the entire ICC governance and regard this as a major step to meet stakeholder expectations and the high standards of a world-class organisation,” said ICC Chief Executive Haroon Lorgat.

Pakistan, which has not hosted a major international side since gunmen attacked the Sri Lanka team in 2009, requested to host an ICC event in 2018.

“We fully understand the… request and we will consider if it is possible to host an event in Pakistan subject to the standard safety and security clearances,” Lorgat said.

Bangladesh wins comfortably in World Cup qualifier

Pakistani player Faisal Iqbal (L) competes for the ball with Bangladeshi football player Mohammad Nilkon (R) in the rain during the first round 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifying football match between Bangladesh and Pakistan in Dhaka on June 29, 2011. Bangladesh scored 3-0. – Photo by AFP

DHAKA: Bangladesh scored in the opening minute to set up a 3-0 win over Pakistan in Wednesday’s first leg of their World Cup qualifier.
Host Bangladesh got the ideal start through Zahid Hasan Emily’s goal, and further strikes by Mohamed Zahid Hosain in the 22nd minute and Rethul Karim in the 56th completed the scoring.
Pakistan will attempt to make up the big deficit when it hosts Sunday’s second leg, with the eventual winner to meet Lebanon in the second round of Asian qualifying.

Special Olympics World Games in Athens

KARACHI: Pakistan received a huge honour on the eve of the Special Olympics World Games in Athens when it was selected to carry the Olympic Torch from among the 185 participating countries at the historic opening ceremony scheduled for Saturday evening.

Reliable sources from Athens said Pakistan’s talented young swimmer Farah Vohra have been chosen to carry the torch for the strong 82-member contingent which will be leading all the teams at the grand ceremony.

Farah Vohra who hails from Karachi has been swimming for the past six years and is competing in two events — the 25-metre backstroke and 25-metre freestyle — at the World Games.

Ronak Lakhani, the senior Pakistan official in the delegation, said: “We specially chose Farah to carry the torch because she has overcome her disability to become a confident, articulate young woman with the help of the Special Olympics of Pakistan (SOP) programme. Pakistan is very proud of all the mentally-challenged people on our programmes throughout the country.”

Having met with a warm welcome upon arrival in Athens last Monday, the Pakistan delegation have spent the last five days enjoying the historic city and training alongside the sea.

Pakistan will be participating in eight sports competitions, namely athletics, aquatics, badminton, basketball, bocce (a ball game for low ability athletes), cycling, football and table tennis.—Agencies

Olympic misery for Iran China and North Korea

SINGAPORE: China crashed out of London 2012 Olympics qualifying in controversial circumstances while Asian champions Japan survived a scare to make it safely through to the next stage.

Australia and South Korea also booked their places in the final qualifying round alongside resurgent Malaysia, while United Arab Emirates dashed North Korean hopes with a narrow 2-1 aggregate win.

But the biggest casualty of the night was China, who had a player sent off and a goal disallowed in Muscat before humble Oman scored three goals in extra time to run out 4-1 aggregate winners.

China, fighting to overturn a shock 1-0 deficit from the first leg in Shanghai, lost midfielder Zhang Linpeng to injury after just four minutes but managed to level the tie through Wu Xi deep into the second half.

But Cao Yunding was red-carded for a late tackle just three minutes later, before the linesman’s intervention ruled out a dramatic stoppage-time winner when Wu’s close-range strike was flagged offside.

During extra time in baking conditions, Hussain Al Hadhri scored twice and Yaqoob Abdul Karim added another to extend China’s miserable international football record.

“The weather was hot and the players are not used to this type of weather, and in extra time a lot of the players were suffering and we could not organise ourselves properly,” said assistant coach Li Bing.

“It is a shame we have lost the chance to play in the next phase, but we have learnt a lot from this match.”

Saki Oriki eased Japanese jitters in Kuwait when he netted first at Mohammed Al Hamad Stadium, extending their advantage to 4-1. But the nerves returned when Kuwait scored twice in the second half to run the Asian giants close.

A 1-1 draw in Jordan was enough for South Korea after they convincingly won the first leg in Seoul. But Australia had no concerns as they slotted four unanswered goals past Yemen to run up a 7-0 aggregate score.

Iraq overturned a 1-0 first-leg deficit to advance 2-1 at the expense of arch-rivals Iran, while Southeast Asian champions Malaysia beat Lebanon to go through.

Among other results, Saudi Arabia finished 6-1 winners against Vietnam, Qatar ousted India and Uzbekistan booted out Hong Kong.

This week’s 12 winning teams will be split into three groups of four for final qualifying, with the three top sides all gaining automatic entry to the London Olympics.

The second-placed teams go into a three-way round robin, with the winner playing off against a side from the African confederation for another ticket to the Games.

Men’s football is played as an under-23 tournament at the Olympics, although the rules allow for three over-age players.

Aisam, Bopanna knocked out in Wimbledon first round

KARACHI: The pair of Pakistan’s Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi and Indian Rohan Bopanna was knocked out in the first round of the men’s doubles competition at the Wimbledon tennis championships on Thursday.
The Colombian duo of Juan Sebastian Cabal and Robert Farah fought back from a set down to turn the tables on their opponents 2-6, 6-2, 21-19.—Correspondent

Pakistan flay Kazakhstan in Junior Asia Cup

KARACHI: Pakistan’s junior hockey team outclassed Kazakhstan 12-0 in the third U-18 Junior Asia Cup in Singapore on Thursday.
Mohammad Umair scored four goals while Khurram Shahzad, Bilal Qadir and Arsalan Qadir got two each with Hafiz Rizwan and Mohammad Irfan adding one each.

Friday is a rest day in the championship with the first semi-final between Pakistan and South Korea to be played on Saturday.— Agencies

Pakistan to persuade India to revive Kirlosker Trophy

The Kirlosker Trophy features the top players from the two countries. -File Photo

KARACHI: Pakistan Golf Federation (PGF) is trying to persuade its Indian counterpart, the Indian Golf Union IGU, to revive the prestigious Kirlosker Trophy later this year.

The Kirlosker Trophy features the top players from the two countries and is an annual feature. However, it has not been played since the 2007 edition when India defeated Pakistan to retain the title at Islamabad Golf Club. India was to host 2008 edition but the tournament was called off after Mumbai terrorist attacks.

Taimur Hassan, while talking to The News, said that the Kirlosker Trophy was a great tournament and should be revived.

“It can once again provide a great platform to golfers from both countries to play against each other and promote healthier sporting ties.”

PGF hoped to use this October’s Indian Open as a launch pad for their top professionals.

“We have good relations with India’s golf fraternity as we keep meeting each other every now and then at international forums and competitions,” Taimur explained.

“I will meet a top representative from India in Geneva in August and will discuss the possibility of promoting stronger golfing ties between Pakistan and India.”

He said he would like to meet IGU official on sidelines of the Rolex Open in Geneva in August and try and get berths for Mohammad Shabbir and his compatriot Muhammad Munir on the 2011 Indian Open.

“I will see whether something can be worked out so that Shabbir & Munir can play in Indian Open. It will be a great platform for the duo.”

Pakistan to participate in Taekwondo World Qualification tournament

Pakistan taekwondo players will be encouraged by the international exposure. -Photo by APP

ISLAMABAD: A seven-member taekwondo team is participating in the World Qualification Tournament for the London Olympics from July 29 to June 3 at Baku, Azerbijan.

The contingent comprising Iftikhar Tabassum (president PTF), Rashid Mahmood Butt (head of team), Teo Kwang Loh (coach Male team), Murtaza Hassan Bangash, Arshad Atif, Kiran Bano and Samiya Naz will be participating in the event.

PTF, Secretary, Wasim Ahmed, has thanked the Pakistan Sports Board for support and cooperation for arranging the No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Ministry of Sports.

Waseem told APP that the participation in the championship will build the confidence of the players to show their skills and techniques at international level which will definitely help them gain better experience for the upcoming Asian Qualification Round for 2012 Olympics scheduled to be held in November 2011.

Pakistan to lock horns with India in polo World Cup qualifiers final

Pakistan qualified for the World Cup after a gap of eight years after they edged out Australia in the semi-finals. -AP Photo

KARACHI: Pakistan is set to meet India in the final of Polo World Cup qualifying tournament to be held at Royal Pahang Polo Grounds on Saturday.

The two teams have had a great run in the tournament and the final is expected to be a thrilling affair.

Pakistan qualified for the World Cup after a gap of eight years after they edged out Australia in the semi-finals by half a goal, winning the tie by 8 ½ goals to 8.

On the other hand, the Indians trounced defending champions South Africa by 9 goals to 5 to book a place in the final. For Pakistan Samiullah and Taimur Needen played a pivotal role in the semi-final clash against Australia, the two who scored five goals between them would be aiming to repeat their performance in the final.

Meanwhile, the officials of Pakistan Polo Association are delighted with the performance of the team. Speaking to Dawn News, a spokesman of the Association stated that the players were geared up for the showdown with their arch rivals.

They added that the team has done a commendable job by qualifying for the World Cup as the competition was stiff in tournament with teams like Australia, South Africa, New Zealand and India fighting for three spots.

The two finalists would be joined by either Australia or South Africa who would be fighting for the last spot from Zone D. The 2011 edition of the World Cup will be held in San Luis, Argentina from11th to 25th October.

‘Losing to France an eye-opener for PHF’

KARACHI: Former Olympian Shahnaz Sheikh on Tuesday said green-shirts’ thrashing at the hands of minnows France in the ongoing four-nation event in Dublin, Ireland is an eye-opener for the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF), emphasising they must not take the results lightly.

The Pakistan squad is on an extensive tour of Europe in order to prepare a strong team for this year’s Champions Trophy and the all-important 2012 Olympics in London.

In Dublin, Pakistan lost their first match of the tournament to France, who recorded a convincing 4-2 win over the former world champions.

“Perhaps the defeat may not be that ugly, which the result suggests. It may be only the weather factor and after an extensive training camp in sizzling Islamabad, the team might have failed to deliver in chilling cold of Dublin. However, if a team is preparing for an impressive show for the Champions Trophy and Olympics then such results are enough to raise many eye-brows,” Shahnaz, Pakistan’s former team manager, stated.

The reason for the defeat should be evaluated and they [PHF] should know the reason for the defeat. What it suggests to me is that Pakistan team might be complacent against lowly-ranked France. However, the age factor of the team might also have done the damage. I think France played a fast game while our ageing players may have failed to tackle the quick French,” he reckoned.

“What I have observed in Pakistan for some tournaments is that they have failed to perform well against European teams and they are good enough to give tough time to Asian teams only.

“They defeated Asian teams and New Zealand in the Azlan Shah Cup while collapsed against England and Australia. In the 2010 Guangzhou Asian Games, obviously there were only Asian teams. So, I think whenever they [Pakistan] face European teams they fail to deliver,” he said.

Shahnaz noted that the European teams play pressure game, which forces Pakistan to go defensive. “Defensive game had never been the green-shirts’ approach and therefore they would always fail miserably by playing in this fashion. They must always play belligerent hockey as it has been the natural style of Pakistani players,” he underscored.—Agencies

Federer off to flying start after Serena shows rare emotion

LONDON: Defending champion Serena Williams, who described her recent struggles against life-threatening blood clots as like being on her death bed, broke down in tears on Tuesday on her Wimbledon return.

The four-time winner, watched by US pop superstar Diana Ross and England’s Ashes-winning cricketers in the Royal Box, battled past Frenchwoman Aravane Rezai 6-3, 3-6, 6-1 in what was only her third match in 11 months.

“I usually don’t cry, I don’t understand it. It’s been so hard, I never dreamt I’d be here,” said Williams, whose traumatic year started with a foot injury and then continued with emergency surgery to removed blood clots on her lungs.

Meanwhile, six-time men’s champion Roger Federer barely broke sweat in clinching a 7-6, 6-4, 6-2 win over Mikhail Kukushkin of Kazakhstan.

Third-seeded Federer suffered a shock quarter-final exit against Tomas Berdych last year, but never looked in trouble against tournament debutant Kukushkin.

The Swiss star, holder of a record 16 Grand Slam titles, fired down 12 aces and unleashed 53 winners in his quickfire Centre Court win.

Three-time finalist Andy Roddick eased into the second round with a 6-4, 7-6, 6-3 over German qualifier Andreas Beck, while former US Open winner Juan Martin del Potro beat Flavio Cipolla 6-1, 6-4, 6-3.

On a day when 95 singles matches were due to be played because of Monday’s torrential downpours, second seed Novak Djokovic begins against Jeremy Chardy of France.

Women’s world No 1 Caroline Wozniacki raced into the second round as she routed Spain’s Arantxa Parra Santonja 6-2, 6-1, taking just 59 minutes to demolish the world No 105.

Former world No 1 Jelena Jankovic, the 15th seed, slumped to a first round loss, going down to Spanish left-hander Maria Jose Martinez 5-7, 6-4, 6-3.

Results (prefix number denotes seeding):

Men’s singles:

First round: 20-Florian Mayer (Germany) bt Daniel Evans (Britain) 7-6 (7-5), 7-6 (7-1), 3-6, 6-4; Karol Beck (Slovakia) bt Carlos Berlocq (Argentina) 4-6, 7-6 (8-6), 4-6, 6-2, 6-4; Andreas Seppi (Italy) bt Albert Montanes (Spain) 6-4, 6-4, 7-5; 13-Viktor Troicki (Serbia) bt Maximo Gonzalez (Argentina) 3-6, 6-0, 7-6 (7-3), 6-3; 3-Roger Federer (Switzerland) bt Mikhail Kukushkin (Kazakhstan) 7-6 (7-2), 6-4, 6-2; Xavier Malisse (Belgium) bt Mischa Zverev (Germany) 6-2, 6-3, 6-2; Lukasz Kubot (Poland) bt Arnaud Clement (France) 6-4, 6-2, 3-6, 5-7, 6-4; Bernard Tomic (Australia) bt 29-Nikolay Davydenko (Russia) 7-5, 6-3, 7-5; 21-Fernando Verdasco (Spain) bt Radek Stepanek (Czech Republic) 2-6, 4-6, 6-3, 7-6 (8-6), 9-7; Lu Yen-hsun (Taiwan) bt Tommy Robredo (Spain) 6-4, 6-4, 6-1; Ivan Ljubicic (Croatia) bt 27-Marin Cilic (Croatia) 7-6 (7-2), 3-6, 6-3, 6-4; Victor Hanescu (Romania) bt Jaroslav Pospisil (Czech Republic) 6-4, 6-3, 6-2; 24-Juan Martin Del Potro (Argentina) bt Flavio Cipolla (Italy) 6-1, 6-4, 6-3; 8-Andy Roddick (US) bt Andreas Beck (Germany) 6-4, 7-6 (8-6), 6-3; Tobias Kamke (Germany) bt Blaz Kavcic (Slovenia) 6-3, 7-6 (7-4), 5-7, 6-1; 26-Guillermo Garcia-Lopez (Spain) bt Andrey Golubev (Kazakhstan) 6-3, 6-3, 0-0 – Golubev retired; Ivo Karlovic (Croatia) bt 23-Janko Tipsarevic (Serbia) 7-5, 3-1 – Tipsarevic retired; 25-Juan Ignacio Chela (Argentina) bt Marinko Matosevic (Australia) 6-4, 6-4, 6-7 (6-8), 6-2; 15-Gilles Simon (France) bt Edouard Roger-Vasselin (France) 4-6, 6-4, 6-3, 7-6 (7-3); Sergiy Stakhovsky (Ukraine) bt Daniel Cox (Britain) 6-2, 6-4, 6-4; Robin Haase (Netherlands) bt Pere Riba (Spain) 6-4, 6-4, 6-4.

Women’s singles:

First round: 4-Victoria Azarenka (Belarus) bt Magdalena Rybarikova (Slovakia) 6-4, 3-2 — Rybarikova retired; Elena Baltacha (Britain) bt Mona Barthel (Germany) 6-2, 6-4; 1-Caroline Wozniacki (Denmark) bt Arantxa Parra Santonja (Spain) 6-2, 6-1; 25-Daniela Hantuchova (Slovakia) bt Vitalia Diatchenko (Russia) 4-6, 7-6 (7-5), 6-3; Petra Martic (Croatia) bt Vania King (US) 5-7, 6-2, 6-2; 7-Serena Williams (US) bt Aravane Rezai (France) 6-3, 3-6, 6-1; Maria Jose Martinez Sanchez (Spain) bt 15-Jelena Jankovic (Serbia) 5-7, 6-4, 6-3; Kateryna Bondarenko (Ukraine) bt Alize Cornet (France) 7-5, 6-2; Virginie Razzano (France) bt Sania Mirza (India) 7-6 (7-4), 2-6, 6-3; 14-Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova (Russia) bt Lesia Tsurenko (Ukraine) 6-4, 7-6 (7-3); Tamira Paszek (Austria) bt Ayumi Morita (Japan) 5-7, 6-3, 6-0; Barbora Zahlavova Strycova (Czech Republic) bt Aleksandra Wozniak (Canada) 7-6 (9-7), 6-4; 11-Andrea Petkovic (Germany) bt Stephanie Foretz Gacon (France) 6-3, 6-4; Anne Keothavong (Britain) bt Naomi Broady (Britain) 6-2, 6-4; Rebecca Marino (Canada) bt Patricia Mayr-Achleitner (Austria) 6-3, 7-6 (7-5); 29-Roberta Vinci (Italy) bt Vera Dushevina (Russia) 7-5, 6-2; Nadia Petrova (Russia) bt Vesna Dolonts (Russia) 6-3, 6-4; Marina Erakovic (New Zealand) bt Chang Kai-chen (Taiwan) 6-4, 6-2; Simona Halep (Romania) bt Bojana Jovanovski (Serbia) 6-1, 6-2; Stephanie Dubois (Canada) bt Irina Falconi (US) 6-2, 6-2; 8-Petra Kvitova (Czech Republic) bt Alexa Glatch (US) 6-2, 6-2; 32-Tsvetana Pironkova (Bulgaria) bt Camila Giorgi (Italy) 6-2, 6-1.

Monday’s remaining result:Men’s singles:

First round: 4-Andy Murray (Britain) bt Daniel Gimeno-Traver (Spain) 4-6, 6-3, 6-0, 6-0.—Agencies

London 2012 unveils ‘golden cheesegrater’ Olympic torch

The relay torch for the London 2012 Olympic games is seen as it is unveiled at St Pancras station in central London. -AP Photo /Dawn News

LONDON: The London 2012 Olympics has unwittingly acquired its first iconic image after unveiling an Olympic torch design which looks like a huge cheesegrater on Wednesday.

The gold-coloured aluminum torch has the meshed appearance of the useful kitchen implement due to the presence of 8,000 holes supposed to represent each person who will carry it on the torch relay.

Ignoring the unwelcome comparsions, the designers said its triangular shape symbolises the three times that London has staged the Games in 1908, 1948 and 2012, the faster, higher stronger motto of the Olympic movement and the sport, education and culture triple vision of the 2012 Games.

After having its flame ignited by sunlight at Ancient Olympia, the torch relay will begin next May at Land’s End, the most south westerly point of the country, and travel to the islands of the Outer Hebrides north of Scotland before finishing with the symbolic lighting of the cauldron in a yet-to-be-revealed location in the Olympic Park on July 27.

Organisers want half the 8,000 torch relay runners to be aged between 12 and 24 and the other half to be made up of people who have inspired others or made a contribution to their local community. The public can nominate people for the role.

A promise that the torch would be carbon-free failed to materialise and instead it will burn a traditional gas mixture.

“We were very close, we just didn’t get there,” said Games head Seb Coe.

Pakistan contingent to depart on 20th

LAHORE: A 90-member Pakistan contingent will be departing for Athens, Greece, on June 20 for the Special Olympics World Summer Games 2011.

Over 7,500 Special Olympics athletes from 185 nations will compete in 22 events, starting from June 25.

Five athletes denied visas to participate in Special Olympics

This is the first time ever that a visa has been rejected for the Special Olympics Pakistan team. -File Photo

KARACHI: The Greek Embassy in Islamabad has rejected five visas for the Special Olympics delegation heading for the Olympic World Games in Athens, Greece, on Monday.

“Three athletes, namely, basketball players Ayaz Ahmed and Sabah Ilyas and badminton player Mohammad Asif Khan Ghauri along with Global Youth Activation Summit (GYAS) team leader Sarah Alam and the contingent’s cameraman Nofil Naqvi have been refused the visas,” Head of the Delegation Ronak Lakhani told Dawn on Friday.

“Besides, having to leave without them, we are now also facing another problem of how to send back photographs and footage of Team Pakistan’s performance at the World Games,” she added.

Asked as to what was the reason for refusing visas, she said: “They have given us no reasons while flatly refusing to do the needful.”

According to a Special Olympics of Pakistan (SOP) Media Coordinator Saima Mohsin, this is the first time ever that a visa has been rejected for the Special Olympics Pakistan team.

“The Pakistan delegation has participated in six Olympic games all over the world since 1991. In 2007 in Shanghai, China, Team Pakistan won 15 gold medals, 20 silver medals and 16 bronze medals. The SOP had high hopes for these World Games too,” she said.

“Our athletes were due to participate in eight sports: athletics, aquatics, badminton, basketball, bocce [a ballgame for low ability athletes], cycling, football and table tennis.

“While the SOP office appreciates security and immigration concerns, it is deeply disappointed by the Greek Embassy’s decision,” she concluded.

Defending champions Army to face Police in final

10th National Men's Netball Championship. -White Star Photo

PESHAWAR: Police and Army reached the final of the 10th National Men’s Netball Championship-2011 at the Qayyum Sports Complex on Saturday.
In the first semi-final, Police beat Sindh 35-27 while the Army edged out Punjab 28-27.
The final will be played on Sunday after the third-position match between Sindh and Punjab.— Agencies

Afridi hopes to make fresh start

Shahid Afridi chats with a polio-afflicted child during a “Make A Wish” event in Karachi.—AFP

KARACHI: Former captain Shahid Afridi said on Saturday he hoped to make a fresh start playing for Hampshire following his clashes with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) which fined him Rs4.5 million for disciplinary breaches.

The 31-year-old locked horns with the PCB by announcing his retirement from international cricket after being dumped as one-day captain, and criticising the current management.

The PCB said Afridi violated the players’ code of conduct, suspended his central contract and revoked permission for him to play abroad, preventing him from joining Hampshire in the ongoing Twenty20 league in England.

Afridi challenged the decision last week but the matter was settled out of the court following a meeting with PCB chairman Ijaz Butt in Islamabad, which followed Afridi’s appearance before the disciplinary committee on Thursday.

The committee restored Afridi’s no-objection certificate (NOC) to clear the way for him to play abroad but levied a heavy fine.

Afridi said he would fly to England on Tuesday with a fresh mind.

“The last 15 days were very difficult for me, but I have got the NOC to play in England and hope to put everything behind me, “Afridi said.

The hugely popular all-rounder said he hoped to perform well for Hampshire in their title defence.

“I have no training for two weeks but hopefully I will start training and then do well for the county,” said Afridi, who will also feature in the inaugural Sri Lankan Premier League in July-August.

Afridi said he had decided not to appeal against the fine. “PCB took a decision which was acceptable to me, so it’s past for me now,” he said.

“I will play domestic cricket if I am available,” he added.—AFP

Stars of women’s game set for World Cup

Members of Mexico's national women's football team warm up before a test match in the northern German city of Goettingen. -AFP Photo

BERLIN: World Cup fever has gripped Germany as the stars of the women’s game prepare to chase the ultimate prize in football in the 2011 FIFA Women’s World Cup which kicks off here next Saturday.

Brazil’s five-time Player of the Year Marta and all-time World Cup top scorer Birgit Prinz of Germany are among the big names who will headline the 51-million-euro extravaganza which takes place over three weeks in nine cities.

Sixteen teams are battling for the top prize with over 670,000 tickets of the one million on offer sold.

Five years after the successful hosting of the men’s event, expectations are high that the German women can bring glory to the host nation and capture an unprecedented third successive title.

The tournament kicks off with Germany taking on CONCACAF champions Canada in Berlin’s 75,000-seater Olympic Stadium on June 26 with the final set for Frankfurt on July 17.

Germany will be joined by the United States, Australia, North Korea, Japan, France, Norway, England, Sweden, New Zealand, Canada, Mexico, Equatorial Guinea, Nigeria, Brazil, and Colombia.

Interest in women’s football is higher in Germany than in many other countries, and coverage for this year’s edition looks set to exceed all previous tournaments being broadcast to more than 200 countries worldwide.

“The World Cup in Germany is going to be spectacular,” said Brazil striker Cristiane.

“I played there and I know just how much passion they have for the sport and the structure they have at their disposal.

“The tickets for our opening game are already almost sold out. It’s going to be the best World Cup ever,” added the former Turbine Potsdam and Wolfsburg player.

Ridiculed in the past particularly for the poor quality of goalkeeping the women’s game has developed since the first World Cup in 1991 largely thanks to the technically sophisticated styles of players such as Marta, Prinz and former US star Mia Hamm.

The United States and Germany have traditionally dominated the tournament winning two titles each with Norway taking the honours in 1995.

Once again Germany and the USA, the two-time Olympic gold medalists, are among the favourites as Colombia and Equatorial Guinea make their World Cup debuts.

Germany start in Group A with Canada, Nigeria and France.

The USA, the top ranked team, have bounced back from their struggle through qualifying by winning the Algarve Cup in Portugal, and are in Group C with North Korea, Colombia and Sweden.

Japan, New Zealand, Mexico and England face off in Group B, while Group D matches 2007 runners-up Brazil with Asian champions Australia, Norway and Equatorial Guinea.

Hamm, who earned 275 caps in her 17-year career, believes Germany will be difficult to beat.

“I think they’re really looking forward not only to putting on a great show, but also to competing at the highest level in front of their home fans,” said Hamm.

“They’re very committed to the women’s side of the game, but they’re also the team everybody else will be trying to beat.”

Group matches run until July 6 with the top two teams advancing to the knockout rounds starting three days later.

Pakistan rugby team in Jakarta for Asian event

The Pakistan Rugby Union (PRU) has sent the team two days in advance so that the players could acclimatise and train at the venue of the event. -File Photo

KARACHI: The Pakistan rugby team arrived in Jakarta on Saturday for the HSBC Asian 5 Nations Division III Rugby Tournament which will be contested from June 21-26.

The Pakistan Rugby Union (PRU) has sent the team two days in advance so that the players could acclimatization and train at the venue of the event.

Team manager Khurram Haroon, reporting from Jakarta, informed the PRU the whole squad was really upbeat about the contest and the boys were gelling well together amid a positive atmosphere. “The real training will start tomorrow morning,” said Khurram.

The coaching duo of Mike Pirrit and Rizwan Malik will continue their good work on the tour. Commenting on the two-day camp in Jakarta, Rizwan said: “Thanks to PRU, we have had this chance of getting two full training sessions in Jakarta which will give us a little extra boost.”

Squad:

Abu Baker, Adnan Saeed Niazi, Ahmed Mumtaz, Anwaar-ul-Haq Zafar, Arsalan Zahid, Babar Mohammad, Kawar Ashraf, Khalid Mahmood, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Mannan Naseem, Umar Shafqaat, Salman Majeed Wyne, Shakeel Ahmed, Umar Islam, Umar Usman, Shahbaz Munir, Imad Nasir, Mansoor Rehan, Shuaib Aftab Javed, Sair Riaz, Saqib Murtaza, Haroon Jahanzeb Durrani, Amrez Hamid.—Agencies

Australia to face New Zealand

MELBOURNE: Australia will kick off their home cricket season in December with two test matches against trans-Tasman rivals New Zealand before taking on the world’s top-ranked test side India in a four-match series, Cricket Australia said on Tuesday.

Former top dogs Australia have slumped to fifth in the world test rankings and new captain Michael Clarke faces a stiff challenge to salve home fans still smarting from the Ashes debacle, which concluded in January, with victory over the sub-continental power.

After playing December tests against New Zealand at the Gabba in Brisbane and Hobart’s picturesque Bellerive Oval, Australia play India in Melbourne for the traditional Boxing Day test before the series moves to Sydney, Perth and Adelaide respectively.

“With the commencement of the ICC World Test Championship we know that every test win is vital and the Australian team will be keen to start the home season positively against New Zealand,” Cricket Australia boss James Sutherland said in a statement.

Australia, who are in the throes of a comprehensive team performance review following their 3-1 loss to England in the Ashes, need to be ranked in the top four to qualify for the ICC’s first test world championship, slated for 2013.

Leading one-day international side Australia and World Cup holders India then play two Twenty20 matches in February before being joined by Sri Lanka for 12 ODI matches excluding finals, in the home side’s first tri-series in four years.

Australia play World Cup finalists Sri Lanka in three tests, five one-day internationals and two Twenty20 matches in a tour starting in August but are battling a raft of injuries, including finger complaints for former captain Ricky Ponting and wicketkeeper Brad Haddin.

The side has also been rocked by huge criticism of team selection policies after 35-year-old opening batsman Michael Katich was denied a central contract, signalling the likely end of his test career.

The Australian 2011-12 cricket schedule is as follows:

Test series:

Dec. 1-5 Australia v New Zealand (Gabba)

Dec. 9-13 Australia v New Zealand(Bellerive Oval)

Dec. 26-30 Australia v India(MCG)

Jan. 3-7 Australia v India (SCG)

Jan. 13-17 Australia v India (WACA)

Jan. 24-28 Australia v India(Adelaide Oval)

Twenty20 matches:

Feb. 1    Australia v India (Sydney Olympic Park)
Feb. 3    Australia v India(MCG)
ODI matches:
Feb. 5    Australia v India (MCG)
Feb. 8    India v Sri Lanka (WACA)
Feb. 10 Australia v Sri Lanka (WACA)
Feb. 12 Australia v India(Adelaide Oval)
Feb. 14 India v Sri Lanka (Adelaide Oval)
Feb. 17 Australia v Sri Lanka(SCG)
Feb. 19 Australia v India(Gabba)
Feb. 21 India v Sri Lanka (Gabba)
Feb. 24 Australia v Sri Lanka (Bellerive Oval)
Feb. 26 Australia v India (SCG)
Feb. 28 India v Sri Lanka (Bellerive Oval)
March 2 Australia v Sri Lanka (MCG)
March 4 1st Final (Gabba)
March 6 2nd Final (Adelaide Oval)
March 8 3rd final (Adelaide Oval)

Pakistani cueists gear up without coach

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan cueists, Mohammad Sajjad and Shahid Aftab are training without a coach here at Pakistan Snooker and Billiards Hall for participation in ENOC Snooker team International Championship.

The event is scheduled to be held in Dubai, UAE, from June 24-28 and Sajjad and Shahid will be participating in the team event.

A source in the Pakistan Billiard and Snooker Association (PBSA) told APP on Tuesday that “we do not have any financial assistance to hire any international or local coach who can give a bit more tips to these players.”

“We wrote a letter to the Director General of the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) last month to give us some grant so that we can hire a coach for the team.”

“We are still waiting for the PSB’s reply but there is not much time left as our cueists will be departing for Dubai on June 23 for participation in the event,” he told APP.

The source said that the PBSA had a couple of options in mind but they were ruled out since the camp had just a few days left.

“I’m confident that our players can manage without a coach and will bring laurels to the country when they return back,” the source added.

Afghanistan, India, Thailand, Malaysia, China, Singapore, Hong Kong, Syria, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar and hosts UAE are to participate in the event.

“The event carries a cash prize of US $5,000 for winners, US $2,500 for the runner-up and US $1500 for losing semi-finalists. The highest break performer will get US $500,” he concluded.

Afridi meet Chairman Ijaz Butt with Govt Officials

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pakistan’s former ODI captain Shahid Afridi and Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Ijaz Butt held a closed-door meeting in Islamabad amidst the presence of several members of the government, DawnNews reported.

According to a source within the PCB, the objective of the meeting was to thaw out a quick solution to the present crisis that is engulfing Pakistan cricket.

An out-of-court solution was also discussed, the source added.

Some sections of the media stated that Afridi was likely to be reissued clearance to play overseas after he withdraws his petition in the Sindh High Court.

PCB spokesman Nadeem Sarwar told The Associated Press the meeting took place on Tuesday, but declined to comment further.

It must be noted here that while the lawyers of Afridi and the PCB are preparing for a Sindh High Court hearing on 16th June, pressure from various political circles might force both parties to settle the issue out of court.

Afridi went to court after the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) punished him for allegedly breaching a code of conduct by announcing his retirement after he was dumped as one-day captain, and levelling allegations against the board.

It suspended his central contract and revoked all his no-objection certificates (NOCs), which would have allowed him to play in England – where he was due to represent Hampshire in the Twenty20 league – and Sri Lanka.

The Sindh high court in Karachi adjourned Afridi’s case until June 16, when PCB officials are expected to justify their sanctions against the all-rounder before a two-member bench makes a decision.

Pakistan’s Davis Cup tie against S. Korea

KARACHI: The training camp for Pakistan’s Davis Cup tie against South Korea next month begins on Wednesday in Islamabad.

US-based coach Jalil Riaz will supervise the camp which will not include Pakistan’s ace tennis player Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi who is set to take part in the Wimbledon Championship.

Qureshi will fly directly to Korea from England for the Davis Cup tie, Pakistan Tennis Federations Senior Vice President Irshad Bhatti told PPI.

Aqeel Khan, the current Pakistan’s No 1 would join the camp on 17th June after his coaching stint with Sri Lanka’s junior team.

Meanwhile, upcoming star Samir Ifikhar will also join the camp the same day as he is currently in the UK due to his academic commitments. The fourth member of the Korea bound team is Yasir Khan, the younger brother of Aqeel Khan.

Others to participate in the camp are Jalil Khan, M. Abid, Muzammil and Muddasir.

“This will be a top-class tennis training camp and therefore we have also called two youngsters Muzammil and Mudassir to get exposure and gain confidence by playing against top-class national players,” Irshad said.

Denied of home-advantage for some years, Pakistan defeated Hong Kong at their home earlier this year and they would now face South Korea in the Asia Oceania Group-II tie from 8th to 11th July. A win in the contest will ensure the teams promotion to Group-I.

Iranian football team banned for wearing Islamic dress

The row over what Iran's women players are allowed to wear has been brewing for more than a year. FIFA banned the team last April due to their plan to wear headscarves, in accordance with the Islamic dress code which requires all women in Iran to cover their hair in public. -Photo by AFP

TEHRAN: Iran will complain to world soccer’s governing body FIFA after its women’s team were banned from a qualifying game for next year’s Olympics due to their Islamic dress, the ISNA news agency reported on Sunday.

The Iranian team were banned from a match against Jordan shortly before the game was due to start in Amman on Friday, Iran’s state-run Press TV reported.

Jordan were awarded a 3-0 win in the second-round qualifying match.

“We will file a complaint to FIFA against the official in charge of the matches,” Ali Kafashian, head of Iran’s football federation, was quoted as saying by the student news agency ISNA.

The row over what Iran’s women players are allowed to wear has been brewing for more than a year. FIFA banned the team last April due to their plan to wear headscarves, in accordance with the Islamic dress code which requires all women in Iran to cover their hair in public.

The Iranian federation made changes to the kit and believed it had reached an acceptable compromise.

A photograph on Press TV’s website (www.presstv.ir) showed players at Friday’s match in white tracksuits and head coverings that concealed their hair and ears, kneeling around the Iranian flag on the pitch.

“Although it has been said in FIFA’s regulations that no country can play with Islamic dress, we had necessary negotiations with FIFA officials,” Kafashian said.

“Unfortunately, I do not know why the Bahraini official in charge of the matches refused to let our team play.”

News reports in Iran stressed the Bahraini nationality of the official. Iran has been a vocal critic of the Sunni Muslim Bahraini monarchy’s violent crackdown on democracy protestors from the Shi’ite majority in recent months.

Afridi returns home hoping for ‘justice’

Former Pakistani cricket captain Shahid Afridi greets supporters upon his return to Karachi, on June 5, 2011. Thousands of cheering fans greeted Afridi as he returned home on June 5, hoping to “get justice” in his battle with the country's cricket authorities. – Photo by AFP

KARACHI: Thousands of cheering fans greeted former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi as he returned home on Sunday hoping to “get justice” in his battle with the country’s cricket authorities.

The 31-year-old’s attempts to join Hampshire for the English Twenty20 season were halted when the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) revoked his permission to play following his decision to retire from international cricket last week.

Around 3,000 fans gathered at Karachi’s international airport in support of the all-rounder, chanting slogans against the PCB and its chairman Ijaz Butt.

“I will decide on my future course of action on Monday after consulting my lawyers and hope to get justice,” Afridi told AFP.

Afridi took the abrupt decision to retire in protest after he was replaced as Pakistan’s one-day captain last month despite leading the side to the World Cup semi-final earlier this year.

In a situation that will be all too familiar to Pakistan fans, differences had developed between Afridi and coach Waqar Younis, prompting the all-rounder to make his grievances public — which led to the PCB replacing him.

In announcing his retirement, Afridi accused the PCB of mistreating him and vowed not to play under the current set-up of the board, headed by Butt.

The PCB responded by suspending Afridi’s contract and revoking the so-called “No-Objection Certificate” that would have allowed him to play for Hampshire in the Twenty20 tournament.

The board also convened a three-man disciplinary committee to deal the case and ordered Afridi to appear before it on June 8.

Afridi said he was never bothered about the captaincy.

“It’s not a matter of being replaced as captain, it’s a matter of honour,” he said.

“A lot of other players also feel they were mistreated but they cannot go public fearing for dire consequences.” Since announcing his retirement Afridi has received political support, with opposition Pakistan Muslim League (N) and the Muttahida Qaumi Movement, an ally of the ruling Pakistan People’s Party, vowing to support him.

The PCB said it was concerned that Afridi’s case had turned into a political issue.

“PCB notes with great concern that an internal disciplinary action against Afridi is being converted into a political issue. A number of political functionaries are interfering in what is essentially an internal disciplinary matter of the PCB,” a statement from the Board said Sunday.

“PCB has been criticised for being ineffective in the past in the context of discipline. It would now appear an attempt by some forces to prevent the Board from implementing the code of conduct and their act may well damage Pakistan cricket,” the statement said.

Rafael Nadal 'honoured' to match Borg feat:French Open:

French Open final highlights - Nadal v Federer

Rafael Nadal said he is honoured to be compared to Bjorn Borg after equalling the Swede's record of six French Open titles with victory over Roger Federer.

Nadal won 7-5 7-6 (7-3) 5-7 6-1 to claim his 10th Grand Slam and retain the world number one ranking.

"It's very special to equal the six French Opens of Bjorn Borg - it's an honour to be compared to Borg," stated the 25-year-old Spaniard.

"But the most important thing is to win Roland Garros."

Nadal's 10 titles consist of six French Opens, two Wimbledons, one US Open and one Australian Open.

Federer, 29, still leads the way with 16 majors, but with Nadal almost five years younger than the Swiss, expectations are high that the Spaniard will pass that total.

However, he was keen to play down the hype, adding: "I'm not the best player in the history of tennis but I'm amongst the best and that's enough for me."

Nadal's coach and uncle Toni Nadal said Sunday's win was the most difficult of all his nephew's triumphs in Paris after he struggled for fluency in the opening week.

Nadal needed five sets to see off John Isner of the United States in the first round in Paris and complained that he did not feel as if he was playing well enough to win the tournament.

"It was the most complicated," commented Toni. "He played really badly in the first three rounds. I said to him: 'You won't win playing at this level, you must be more relaxed'. And I told him that winning or losing would change nothing.

"It was important for Roger to try to win another Grand Slam and for us it was crucial that Rafa did not lose as he wouldn't then be the best player on clay.

"Winning Roland Garros is an indication that 2011 is a good year. It'll give him peace of mind for what's ahead. If he loses at Wimbledon, we will always have the French Open."

Nadal won the 2010 tournament without dropping a set but this year it was not until his quarter-final success against Robin Soderling that he came close to hitting top form.

He then secured a straight-sets victory over Britain's Andy Murray in the semi-finals and proved too strong for Federer in the showpiece.

"To win this kind of title is always satisfying," explained Nadal. "But sometimes when you fight a lot to win, when you try your best in every moment to change the situation, it makes the title more special.

"For example, in 2008 I think I played better than ever, but I finished the tournament and I didn't feel that I won Roland Garros because I won in three sets every round."

Nadal rallied from 5-2 down to take the opening set and overcame a fightback from Federer to snatch the second on a tie-break.

Rafael Nadal celebrates after winning his sixth French Open title

A dramatic late surge enabled Federer to pick up the third set but Nadal saved three break points in game one of the fourth before breaking twice en route to a thrilling triumph.

"He was a little bit unlucky in the first set, and after that he came back fantastically well in the second," Nadal continued.

"In the third I had 4-2 but I think he played very, very well from that moment to the beginning of the fourth. When Roger plays like this, the opponent cannot do anything sometimes.

"I just waited for my moment, tried to be there all the time, tried to put him in difficult situations. Saving the 0-40 [in game one of the fourth set] was very important for me. That was a big turning point of the match."

Federer, contesting a Grand Slam final for the first time since the 2010 Australian Open, was pleased with his display but knew things could have turned out much better.

"I don't have huge complaints but obviously there were some missed opportunities, because you'll always have plenty against him on clay. So if you lose, you always look at those," reflected the Swiss.

"I'm the one that's playing with smaller margins, so obviously I'm always going to go through a few more ups and downs, whereas Rafa is content doing the one thing for the entire time.

"So it's always me who's going to dictate play and decide how the outcome is going to be. If I play well, I will most likely win. If I'm not playing so well, that's when he wins.

"But I thought Rafa played well. I think he dug deep to come back in the first set and get himself into the match. And also the second set.

"It was tough all the way through. I thought we played at a very high level and I was pretty happy with the way I played today.

"Overall I'm very happy about the tournament. Obviously you should be disappointed after losing in a Grand Slam final. I feel that a little bit today."

Federer, who ended Novak Djokovic's six-month winning streak to reach the final, said he was "feeling better physically than I have in a long time."

Having played some of his best tennis during the last fortnight, Federer now turns his attention to Wimbledon, where he has lifted the title on six occasions.

"That's obviously the huge priority right now, to win Wimbledon in a few weeks' time," he said. "That's always, for me, the sort of number one goal in the season."

Source -=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/tennis/13663138.stm

CLASSIC RIVALRY=2011 French Open

 

Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal have given us plenty of historic moments over the years. Relive the matches.

Either Rafa was tired, bored or sad. Normally chatty and amusing, he answered every question patiently but with a flat tone in his voice and an expression that offered no signs of happiness. Players often put themselves in an uncommunicative zone before big matches and at least Nadal agreed to talk to the media which Federer did not. But I sensed this was something more than that. I hope I'm wrong.

It was not that Nadal did not know his facts as he was grilled on Federer's record and whether or not he was surprised at having to face him in the final. "No surprise," he said. "You are more surprised than me, for sure. We know how good Roger is. Roger is having, in my opinion, a good season. He lost only against Novak in Australia, Dubai and Indian Wells; against me in Miami, against me in Madrid. Always there, in semifinals, finals, winning in Doha. So he's fantastic and no surprise for me. Always an honor to play against him, honor to play against the best player in history."

At this rate Nadal will be putting statisticians out of work. And he not only knows the facts — he watches when he can. "Was fantastic match to watch yesterday," he said of Federer's win against Djokovic. "I had a lot of fun watching that match. After that match he must feel very confident, no? I know he is going to play aggressive against me. I have to try to play long, to play consistent all the time and to try to be aggressive when I have the chance."

After two weeks of almost perfect weather, the forecast for Sunday is not good but Nadal is not going to be concerned with that.

"For me I prefer sunshine always. My game is better if the ball is fast and bounces higher," Nadal said. "But, seriously I don't have power to control the weather, so if rain, I'm going to think that is an advantage for me; if sunshiny I'm going to think is advantage for me. I have to think positive all the time."

He may be thinking it but he isn't looking it and we shall have to see what the five time champion produces on court as he tries to equal Bjorn Borg record of six French Open titles.

For Federer, the occasion will be special because the man with a record sixteen Grand Slam titles under his belt has not appeared in a Slam final since January 2010 in Australia. "You just have to accept these things (the losses) and continue to work," he said after his victory over Djokovic. "It's sometimes difficult to play the perfect match. Now I have another opportunity to beat Rafa here and get the French Open title. I've got to play some extraordinarily special tennis. I'm aware of that. But obviously I took a huge step forward today and I hope I can get everything together for the final."

Given their love for the man, there seems little doubt that Federer will have the majority of the crowd behind him. They like style in Paris and has there ever been a more stylish player? He is not a natural extrovert on court like the hugely popular three-time champion Gustavo Kuerten but he just does his thing and the crowd responds. "No I don't do anything special to win their support," he says. "I think people know how much I love Roland Garros, how dear this tournament is to my heart. I think that's enough. But then, we all have our ways of expressing our emotions and it's good in tennis to see that people are different."

Federer and Nadal are very different but they are good friends and great champions and, weather willing, Sunday should see another special day at Roland Garros as these two icons of the game meet for the fourth time in this clay-court final.