SPORTS WINGER

RAHUL DRAVID

2011-08-23T23:30:00.000-07:00

In the debris of India's 0-4 debacle against England in the recently-concluded Test series, Rahul Dravid was like gold dust. Where every other Indian batsman struggled to cope with swing, seam and pressure, the maestro from Bangalore showed superb technique and a core of steel.

His 461 runs in the series was fewer than what he scored in England in 2002, but this was a far greater performance for the difficult circumstances in which they were made. Of his three centuries, two came as stand-in opener. In the final Test at the Oval, he carried his bat through the first innings and was back on the field in 10 minutes to open again.

In this freewheeling two-part interview with AYAZ MEMON, taken in England, Dravid opens up about his cricket and his life: how he prepared for the tour, what Indian cricket needs to do to improve its stature, whether easy money is to the detriment of young cricketers, his other interests, and his future.

Lack of preparation of the Indian team has been touted as the biggest issue for India's debacle on this tour. You are the exception in this, having enjoyed a hugely successful series with three centuries. People want to know how you prepare for such big tours? Especially, since you are in and out of the side, like not playing the World Cup for instance...

That's been a bit of a challenge for me, to be honest, in terms of the long gaps that I've had between matches. But I've learnt to manage that better. Initially, when I was not playing one-day cricket and I had these gaps, maybe, I didn't manage it as well as I could have. If it's a long gap you wonder whether you should keep up batting practice or go for more fitness training.

- Harsh reality of the England debacle

It does help if you have some first class games and a few games to get ready and prepared. This time, leading into the tour of the West Indies, I saw this as a twin-series tour -- we'd had the IPL, so I played the IPL where I hit a lot of balls. After the IPL, it was a question of keeping myself physically fit, so I spent a bit of time at the NCA.

More than that, it was important to be refreshed in the mind, go to the West Indies and England, both physically and mentally fresh. I had to hit enough balls. I hit a lot of balls in the IPL, I practised a lot in the IPL even though it's a different format of the game. Still hitting balls, you know, I had that rhythm. The tour of the West Indies definitely helped. I played well there and came to England with a lot of confidence.

RONALDO C.KAKA

2011-06-27T01:59:00.001-07:00

In a recent interview to ESPN Brasil show "Bola da Vez", Kaká affirmed that Cristiano Ronaldo is better than Lionel Messi. For the Brazilian superstar, Cristiano Ronaldo is surely a more complete player, but he also reckonizes Messi is phenomenal.

Kaká is the first to admit that he didn't have a great season this year, but the Brazilian player is confident next season will be different. Kaká said that Barcelona is currently the strongest team in the world, but he also pointed a few things he didn't like to watch in the "Clasicos" between Real Madrid and Barça.

Kaká: "I think we did well against Barcelona this year. It's not easy to play against them, because they are a team who keeps the ball possession almost during the entire game, just passing it around. The way we managed to play against them, by pressuring their midfield, really created them some difficulties that no one else was able to accomplish this season."

Even though Kaká reckonized the immense value this Barcelona team has, he also added some negative points to Barça: "Whenever there's a foul during the game, the entire Barcelona team runs towards the referee. That sort of things is done to pressure the referee's decisions. I wonder what would happen if we started doing it as well? Just imagine how it would look like..."

Kaká also kept some kind words for his manager: "José Mourinho has a total different speech inside the locker room when compared to the one he has to media and newspapers. He helps us a lot by calling our attention to small details we have to be careful at in certain games and always defend us against the press comments, referees or anything else that comes in the way."

Kaká: "Mourinho is really different. He can motivate an entire team towards the same objective. Everyone was talking about the fact that Real Madrid couldn't get through the last 16 round in the Champions League and we made it to the semi-finals. The same thing about the Copa del Rey, which was a trophy that Real Madrid didn't win since the 90's and we won it this season. José Mourinho is a coach that really cares about details. What the common football fan sees as a colective analysis, he'll focus at the indivual level. He often takes a photo from some tactic display that the team had during a certain game and he talks individually about each player, to correct things."

Kaká: "I must also say that Mourinho helped me a lot during the period I've been injured. He told me that his office door would always be open. And I went there a few times this year, to talk about what I felt regarding my physical condition. I told him I didn't feel ready yet in order to help the team the way I know I can do. I told him I wanted to train more and harder so I could to get my old shape back, and I planned doing more specific speed exercises and other sort of drills."

The Brazilian player didn't forget to talk about the rivalry going on between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. If Kaká had to choose between both, he would pick his teammate. Kaká: "It's hard to pick one. But I would stick with Cristiano Ronaldo because he's more complete. Messi is a genius, but I definately prefer Cristiano Ronaldo because he's a more versatile player. Messi can't score goals with his head, he only does it from time to time, for example."

IPL ...SAURAV( KKR)

2010-03-16T02:17:00.000-07:00

A captain should never leave room for regret, says Sourav

- A TELEGRAPH EXCLUSIVE
- Back in the hot seat the icon on captaincy

Sourav Ganguly

Calcutta: Sourav Ganguly, the Kolkata Knight Riders’ captain (India’s most successful in Tests, by the way), spoke to The Telegraph specifically on captaincy.

Sourav is the franchise’s icon, too.

The following are excerpts

QYou have the credentials to talk about it... Who makes a good captain?

A Somebody who gets a good team, somebody who gets the team right... Somebody able to create the proper atmosphere.

Did any captain influence you in a big way?

I just did it my way, did what I felt was right for the team. As captain, Sachin (Tendulkar) helped my cricket blossom... He had a lot of faith in my abilities... Actually, both mine and Rahul Dravid's, at an important stage in our careers. When I became the India captain, I gave the same confidence to my players... In fact, I’m doing just that at KKR as well.

How did you approach the India captaincy?

Picked the right players (in the XI)... Did what was best for the team.

Don’t you think that a captain should have a vote, instead of merely being a co-opted member of the selection committee? His neck, after all, is on the line...

Captains do have a (big) say.

But the buzz is that Mahendra Singh Dhoni, for example, hasn’t always got the team of his choice...

I think Dhoni gets his team... I got my team when I was the captain... I’m sure Rahul had his team when he was captaining. There can be issues over one or two players, but you’ve got to deal with it. Look, on 85-90 per cent of the players, the captain will get his choice.

So, you don’t feel it’s necessary for the captain to actually have a vote?

He has a ‘vote’, even if it’s not there in writing. He gets his say.

Talking of Dhoni, how has he shaped up?

He has done very well... Of course, he is fortunate to have a very good team. So was I, really... Then, he’s himself playing well. That helps.

It’s incredible the way Dhoni remains calm even in tough situations...

He doesn’t show it, but I’m sure he feels the pressure... He’s bound to feel it as, after all, he’s only human... He wants India to win and wants to do well himself. So, there will be pressure. The good thing is that he absorbs it.

How should captains handle pressure situations?

Try and be positive... Not take a step backwards, for that will send the wrong signal.

Is Tuesday’s face-off then between you and Dhoni, too?

(Laughs) Not at all... He’s the current India captain, I’m a former captain... The clash is between KKR and Chennai Super Kings and one should leave it at that.

How much of your India captaincy was instinctive?

Eighty-five per cent was instinctive… I did have a plan, yes, but had to change it a number of times. Would depend on the situation.

Gut feeling or...

Gut feeling... As captain, you’ve got to adapt, be flexible.

During the time you led India, who is the captain you admired?

Nasser Hussain.

Why?

The tactics he employed, the fields he set... Stephen Fleming, too, was a good leader... Ricky Ponting is...

Your take on Ponting, specifically?

Australian cricket has had tough times in the last few years... However, that happens to every team, particularly when the rebuilding stage is on... Even without some big names, Ponting has done well.

What should captains do and shouldn’t do?

Do what the heart says, do what’s best for the team.

The don’ts...

Don’t regret. Indeed, don’t leave room for any regret at all. After a game, don’t say ‘I didn’t do this’ or ‘I didn’t do that’...

As captain, what has been your approach in this edition of the IPL?

Getting the players to play freely...I’ve tried to help create an atmosphere for the team to do well... With a bit of luck, which is needed, we will...

Thoughts after two wins on the trot?

Definitely feels good... It’s fun when the team is winning, not so when it isn’t... Depends on the moments.

The last one: Shane Bond has arrived... You must be delighted...

It’s great to have him with us... Bond will give the extra pace that’s needed, besides, he can bat. For KKR, he’s a good value addition.

india vs s.africa 1st test

2010-02-08T06:03:00.000-08:00

Top class Test cricket can be ruthless like a pack of hungry wild dogs. If you can’t outrun them, be ready to be hunted down and devoured. India’s depleted batting line-up realized that on day-three.

In one of the most devastating exhibitions of swing bowling, Dale Steyn flattened India's deprived batting line-up. After finishing with a figure of 7 for 51 in the first innings, he came back to remove Sehwag in the second. © AFP

Dale Steyn changed the course of the match with devastating swing bowling. He brought alive the same strip where Indian bowlers struggled and collared the host team with a career-best figure of 7 for 51 in just 16.4 overs. World’s top Test team was flattened for a sorry figure of 233 in just 64.4 overs. Steyn finished the day with an incredible haul of eight wickets.

Quite ironically, exactly 58 years ago India had scripted its first Test victory against England in Chennai.

With his wrecker-in-chief Steyn in murderous mood and a lead of 325 runs, skipper Graeme Smith promptly asked India to follow-on. The touring captain, who had marshaled his resources and field brilliantly, threw the challenge once again to the opposition. Made to follow on, the demoralized Team India finished the day at 66 for 2.

With Sachin Tendulkar unbeaten at 15 and Murali Vijay at 27, both have some firewalking to do on day-four if India have to escape to a draw.

In the second innings, shock and despair hung heavily in the air and the two openers Gautam Gambhir (1) and Virender Sehwag (16) were guilty of failing to shut them out and get on with the job. The result was disastrous — both perished in quick succession, leaving India at 24 for 2 after 4.4 overs. The Steyn-Morkel duo had struck again.

Earlier, just 11 overs into the day’s proceedings and South Africans had achieved what they had set out for — Gautam Gambhir, Murali Vijay and Sachin Tendulkar were packed off by the Dale Steyn-Morne Morkel duo. India were left numb at 56 for 3.

Amidst early ruins, there stood Virender Sehwag (109) — tall as ever. Unconcerned and unaffected by what was happening at the other end, he carried on the only way he’s been engineered to. It’s as much a pleasure as it is a mystery how this 31-year-old opener has kept his batting so simple and unrestrained. And now he has added another deadly ingredient to his batting — application.

For the period it lasted, Virender Sehwag epitomised defiance amidst ruins. He scored a fine century (109) but it wasn't enough on the day. © AFP

When Steyn and Morkel were breathing fire, he stood there like a monk but wielded his willow like a virtuoso composer with a baton in the middle of a concerto. And not surprisingly runs were flowing like music.

Balls that pitched slightly away from the off-stump were seen off with utmost care, and when they pitched in his zone, they disappeared to the fence. No half measures for Sehwag.

Steyn, Morkel and Parnell were compulsively cut and driven and quite often fielders didn’t have time to react. They only fetched it from the boundary.

On one occasion, Parnell was straight driven to the fence before he could finish his follow through. Some of the cover drives appeared to have been fired from Bofors howitzer gun, such was the power and precision. A few drives even left Steyn, who was on fire, nodding his head in sheer disbelief and admiration.

Second session is meant to be an extension of the first. The Sehwag-Badrinath combine that had bailed India out in the second hour of the first session couldn’t quite carry on the good work through the post-lunch session. After scripting a perfect counter-attack and going on to score a blazing century, Sehwag perished to a loose shot.

A good captain never stops plotting opposition’s fall. Graeme Smith epitomizes this trait. First he made Sehwag struggle to get to his century. With fielders flooding the on side, left-arm spinner Paul Harris bowled a negative line outside the leg stump to keep Sehwag silent on 99 for a couple of overs. And then Smith brought the innocuous looking left-arm pacer Wayne Parnell to have a go at Sehwag. The rookie speedster kept daring the centurion with a line wide outside the off-stump. Sehwag flashed hard twice and picked up two boundaries but soon after played a lofted shot, which was snapped up by JP Duminy at deep extra cover. Sehwag made that long walk back absolutely gutted, as Smith celebrated the dismissal. If only Sehwag had seen off Parnell…

Post tea, Smith yet again came up with a masterstroke and lobbed the ball to his trusted henchman. And Steyn opened the floodgates.

With an old ball, Steyn punched a hole into India’s lower batting order. He first removed the settled batsman Badrinath (56) with a fine reverse swinging delivery that came in sharply. The debutant failed to keep the ball down and was caught at short mid-wicket by Ashwell Prince. Next over, he accounted for another debutant Wriddhiman Saha who had no clue where his off stump was. He shouldered arms to Steyn’s delivery that came back sharply to disturb his timber. The world’s top-ranked bowler was not done yet. He came back to dismiss Zaheer Khan and Amit Mishra in quick succession and in the process pick up 13th five-for of his 37-Test career.

In one frenzied session, India lost its last six wickets in 42 deliveries, with Steyn picking up five of them. The fast bowler finished with an awe-inspiring figure of 7 for 51 in just 16.4 overs. The only other wicket was claimed by left-arm spinner Paul Harris, who had Dhoni caught behind. Indian innings folded at 233.

C.RONALDO

2010-02-01T09:28:00.001-08:00

Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo received a two-game ban after
striking Malaga's Patrick Jan Mtiliga during a game. (AP Photos)

Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo is fuming about his two-game suspension following Madrid's Jan. 24 match againstMalaga.

"The red card is a disgrace," Ronaldo, 24, told reporters Jan. 30. "I don't understand it."

Cristiano was fined $843 and was banned from playing two games after elbowing Malaga defender Patrick Jan Mtiliga(pictured below) in the face and accidentally breaking his nose.

As a result, Cristiano sat out Madrid's 3-1 win against Deportivo La Coruna on Jan. 30 and won't play in the upcoming match against Espanyol on Feb. 6.

Videos (see below) show that Mtiliga was struck in the face after repeatedly pulling on Cristiano's shirt while Ronaldo was dribbling the ball down the soccer field.

'IT WAS AN ACCIDENT'

Cristiano, who himself has been a frequent target of rough physical play on the pitch, says the occurrence was an accident, but the Spanish football federation concluded that Ronaldo engaged in "dangerous play that caused harm" to his opponent.

The 6'1" Portuguse international winger explained that because Mtiliga is much shorter than him, his flailing arm accidentally landed on Mtiliga's face instead of his chest.

Following the game, Cristiano reveals he approached Mtiliga and apologized, but Mtiliga said he knew Ronaldo didn't hit him on purpose.

"I've spoken with Mtiliga and he told me that I didn't need to apologize because he doesn't believe I hurt him intentionally," says Cristiano.

SETBACKS MAR FIRST YEAR

Ronaldo's first year with Madrid has been marred with obstacles. On Sept. 30, he suffered a severe ankle injury during Real Madrid's Champions League win over Olympique Marseille.

The injury flared up again during Portugal'sWorld Cup qualifying win against Hungary on Oct. 10.

Cristiano--who is known for his incredible work ethic--underwent extensive physical therapy and trained twice a day on his own to recover from the injury, only to receive the red card Jan. 24.

Meanwhile, the Portuguese international winger was recently named the new worldwide spokesmodel for Emporio Armani men's underwear and jeans. The hunky, superfit Ronaldo has already begun appearing in sexy new ads for the brand.

FEDERER

2010-01-31T05:34:00.001-08:00

World No. 1 Roger Federer is the Australian Open 2010 men’s singles champion, claiming his 16th Grand Slam title with a straight-sets victory over Andy Murray.

The top-seed’s ability to seize on vital opportunities proved to be the difference against the 22-year-old, as he fought off a late challenge to win the match 6-3 6-4 7-6(11) in two hours and 41 minutes before a capacity crowd at Rod Laver Arena on Sunday night.

Murray fought bravely against his more experienced opponent, but lacked the composure that aided Federer on the crucial points to eventually succumb to the Swiss.

The victory marks the fourth time Federer has won the Norman Brookes Challenge Cup at Melbourne Park, his triumph on Sunday adding to victories in 2004, 2006 and 2007.

Federer’s win was only his fifth against Murray in 11 matches, but it did mark the second time he had beaten him in a Grand Slam final after a straight-sets win in the 2008 US Open final.

Attempting to become the first British male to win a Grand Slam singles title in 74 years, Murray found himself down a break at 0-2 in the first set before rallying to break back and then level at 2-2.

Federer then saved three further break points to hold serve at 3-2, firing down two aces as the Scot threatened to grab the momentum.

However, it would be the Swiss who made best use of his opportunities in the first set. He produced a superb backhand winner down the line to convert a single break point against Murray’s serve in the eighth game to lead 5-3.

The 28-year-old then served out the set, sending down his fourth ace of the match in claiming it 6-3. Although the nine games had been tightly contested, the Scot was able to convert only one of his four break point chances, while Federer jumped on two of his three and hit 12 winners to Murray’s five.

Murray swapped his blue shirt for a white version in between sets, but his luck didn’t change as Federer’s momentum continued, breaking the world No. 4 in the third game and consolidating the lead with a strong service game. Murray held tough for the rest of the set, denying Federer six further break point opportunities – but with the break to his advantage, the Swiss was able to close out the set 6-4 in 46 minutes.

Despite losing the second set, Murray made fewer errors than he had in the first, and found a better rhythm with his first serve. Federer converted just one of seven break points, but his 16 winners – many of them spectacular – were enough to keep him ahead of an improving Murray.

The frustration grew for Murray early in the third set as he made an unforced error to miss a break point opportunity, slapping his racquet into the ground out of anger. But the Scot rebounded and lifted his intensity midway through the set, breaking Federer to take a 4-2 lead.

The Swiss then mounted a memorable comeback from 2-5 down to break back as Murray served for the set, taking it into what would be a thrilling tie-break.

The tie-break produced fine shots from both players, and intense drama for the 15,000 fans at Rod Laver Arena as Murray failed to convert four set point chances.

Federer missed two championship points, but at 11-12 in favour of the top seed, Murray clipped the net with a backhand, giving Federer his fourth Australian Open title.

The world No. 1 ended the match hitting 46 winners to Murray’s 29, but more crucially he converted four of his 12 break point chances, while Murray managed just two of eight.

Fast facts

- Federer served at 66 per cent on first serves, while Murray landed 57 per cent of his.

- Murray produced 36 unforced errors to Federer’s 42.

- The Swiss had 46 winners, 17 more than the Scot.

- Federer converted four of 12 break point chances, while Murray capitalised on two from eight

FEDERER

2010-01-31T02:29:00.000-08:00

Roger Federer is quite a man, but his campaign to win his fifth Australian Open and a record 16th Grand Slam title is very much a team effort. In keeping with the trend amongst the world’s top players to assemble a squad of physiotherapists, fitness trainers, coaches and agents, Federer will be using every seat at his disposal in the players’ box during Sunday night’s singles final against Andy Murray. Given the size of Murray’s entourage, it could be standing room only in his.

Federer’s close-knit band of supporters grew sizeably in August, when he and wife Mirka welcomed twins Myla and Charlene into the fold. With the babies came the nannies – two on this trip – in order to help make sure Daddy’s sleep patterns and daily routine are not disrupted too much by his girls. One of the more frequent sights of this year’s Australian Open has been one of the Federer twins being walked up and down the corridors that surround Rod Laver Arena.

Federer’s wife Mirka, whom Roger met at the Sydney Olympics in 2000, is always in the front row for her husband’s matches and, as a former player, probably understands better than most the strain he is under in competition. After nearly nine years together, they married in April last year, and though Mirka is often too busy with childcare these days to take as much of a hands-on role as she did earlier on his career when she managed his flights, hotels and media commitments, she is still his most ardent and valued supporter.

Federer’s parents Lynette and Robert are also in Melbourne, though they have not been sitting together at this year’s event. Lynette is South African by birth, and met Robert (who is Swiss) in 1970 when they both worked at the same pharmaceutical company. Just as Mirka did, Lynette has an active role in Federer’s career early on, though that has been scaled back and, as he has become busier, his management company IMG and the communications team inside the ATP tend to be more involved in the day-to-day details of his working life. Lynette has admitted that she once found watching her son’s matches difficult, though she is a good deal less nervous than she used to be. “He doesn’t have to win every match anymore,” she has said. “And if he does lose, my feelings are not as strong as they used to be. That’s why I am pretty calm, even if matches are getting close. I’m calmer than (husband) Roby, anyway.”

Federer does not currently have a full-time coach, but Switzerland’s Davis Cup captain Severin Luthi often travels with him and comes close to fulfilling that role. Federer also has a physio, Stefane Vivier, with him on this trip. Vivier, a former trainer for the ATP, is a recent addition to the team and only began working with Federer in October 2009. When he is not in tournament mode, Federer works closely with fitness specialist Pierre Paganini, who oversees his training regime but seldom travels with the team.

Federer’s agent and manager Tony Godsick plays an increasingly important role in his client’s life and is ever-present by Federer’s side during major tournaments. He is always in the players’ box during matches, and often brings his daughter Isobel to helping with the cheering. Godsick’s wife, former pro Mary Joe Fernandez, is working for US broadcaster ESPN, so is therefore often too busy to watch her husband’s boss in action.

Federer has strong links with Australia, and he often invites friends who live here to watch at Melbourne Park. When he played Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in the semi-finals on Friday, the parents of Federer’s Australian-born mentor Peter Carter (who was killed in a car accident in 2002) were there, leading the applause.

Whatever the outcome of Federer’s final against Murray, he is not likely to be short of cheerleaders, either in the players’ box or outside it.

FEDERER

2010-01-30T07:21:00.000-08:00

World No. 1 Roger Federer has made a mis-match of his Australian Open semi-final against Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, crushing the Frenchman in less than 90 minutes at Rod Laver Arena on Friday night.

The top seed produced some of his finest tennis as he outclassed Tsonga, winning 6-2 6-3 6-2 to book his place in Sunday’s final against Andy Murray.

With only 13 unforced errors in the match, Federer’s win avenged a defeat at the hands of Tsonga in Montreal last year, and advanced him into his record-breaking 22nd Grand Slam final.

After the match, Federer admitted everything had gone his way.

“I’m very happy. In these matches you always have to deal with how your opponent plays – but sometimes they play exactly how you want.

“I just think it’s easier with the top players if you get them in the first set. It’s nice going through like this,” the 28-year-old said.

Unlike Wednesday’s quarter-final against Nikolay Davydenko, the Swiss started strongly, and was finding the line with attacking shots off both forehand and backhand from the outset.

Tsonga competed well early, but at 2-1 down in the first set, he conceded his first of five service breaks to hand Federer a 3-1 advantage. Federer negotiated some close games through the latter part of the set, but as he played almost error-free tennis, the Frenchman crumbled again at the end of the set, gifting it to Federer by a margin of 6-2.

The 10th seed looked rejuvenated at the beginning of the second set, and fired down two confidence-boosting aces in a strong service game to level at 1-1.

At 3-2 to Federer in the second, the world No. 1 again showed the gulf in class between the two, creating a break-point chance with a sublime backhand down the line and a drop shot that caught Tsonga off balance. He took the break and served to make it 5-2. Though Tsonga held comfortably, it only delayed the inevitable as Federer served out the set, winning it 6-3 in just 31 minutes.

Weary from two consecutive five-set encounters, Tsonga was again no match for Federer in the third set, as the Swiss again took control early with a service break in the third game. A member of the crowd humorously summed up the feeling in the stadium when he yelled, “Give him a chance, Roger!”

The world No. 1 was clearly in no mood to do so, and continued his barrage of quality winners – 33 in total - as he broke Tsonga for a second time in the set, eventually closing out the match with a 6-2 scoreline in the third.

The top seed now meets fifth seed Murray in Sunday’s final, after the Scot defeated Croatia’s Marin Cilic in four sets on Thursday night.

INTRESTING movements

2010-01-30T07:10:00.000-08:00

beijingOlympics spectacularly

2010-01-30T07:03:00.000-08:00

FEDERER

2010-01-29T04:56:00.003-08:00

Roger Federer will play in his 22nd Grand Slam final against Andy Murray at Rod Laver Arena on Sunday. Nobody in the Open era has played in as many.

Against Jo-Wilfried Tsonga on Friday night, Federer turned in a typically devastating display. At times toying with his opponent, Federer dominated the Frenchman from the outset and put the match to bed in just 88 minutes, with the third set lasting about the time it takes to watch a sitcom. But for Tsonga, this was no laughing matter.

After going down to the Swiss maestro 6-2 6-3 6-2 at Rod Laver Arena, Tsonga said he was surprised by how well Federer played - and that if he plays like that on Sunday, nobody can beat him.

Unfortunately for Federer’s opponent in the final, Great Scot Andy Murray, Tsonga was all out of ideas on how to deconstruct the world No.1’s game.

“I don’t know. I don’t know,” was all Tsonga could offer. When asked if he had any advice for Murray, Tsonga had some simple words of wisdom: “Be ready to run”.

Federer, speaking ahead of his fifth final in seven years at Melbourne Park, was a picture of calm.

“Obviously I feel good about my game, you know. I didn't expect something even close to this kind of scoreline, so obviously it feels great,” he said.

For Murray though, the pressure will be building. At every Grand Slam, Great Britain’s championship drought is dredged up and bandied about by players and media alike. And many are looking to Murray to end this barren run, something that Federer believes could be sitting heavily on the 22-year-old’s shoulders.

“That's the question he probably gets asked quite a bit. [I] wouldn't be surprised if he's a bit fed up by it. I think he's done really well, you know, handling the pressure and considering, you know, sort of the media in England is very strong. So I think he's done great, you know, under the pressure,” said Federer.

“I don't feel like the pressure's really on me having to do it again, because I did it before. I think he really needs it more than I do, you know. So I think the pressure's big on him.

“But we'll see how he's gonna handle it. It's not going to be easy for him, that's for sure.”

Federer is a Grand Slam final specialist. Out of the 21 he’s played, he’s won 15, a record. And just because Federer has won more majors than anyone doesn’t mean he’s going to start handing them out freely.

“I feel a need for myself that I spent three weeks here and I don't want to just give away a match,” he said.

“So I will make sure I will make it as hard, as tough as possible for my opponent. [I] hope I can play another good match.”

And Federer knows that he will need to be at his best against an opponent who has beaten him more often than not – a rarity.

“He's consistent,” he says of Murray. “He's one of the best return players we have in the game. He's been able to improve many things in his game that make it harder today to beat him.

“I'm really where I want to be. Being back in a Grand Slam final is always an amazing thrill for me.”

FEDERER

2010-01-28T09:42:00.000-08:00

Roger Federer and other top players have continued their fundraising efforts for Haiti with an auction of autographed racquets used in this year’s Australian Open.

Two days after the bidding opened, Federer’s racquet was easily the most sought after, with the latest of 87 bids offering $13,300. The next most-wanted racquet is Rafael Nadal’s, with a current bid of $4,150.

Novak Djokovic, Kim Clijsters and Jelena Dokic have also donated their racquets.

The eBay auction, which opened on Tuesday and closes after the men’s final on Sunday, follows “Hit for Haiti” - a charity match initiated by Federer on the eve of the tournament.

That mixed doubles match - where the public paid discounted prices and the players wore microphones to the enjoyment of the crowd - raised more than $185,000. The January 12 earthquake in Haiti killed an estimated 200,000 people.

FEDERER

2010-01-28T09:36:00.001-08:00

Roger Federer has fired a warning shot at his potential challengers in the Australian Open final four after a ruthless deconstruction of sixth seed Nikolay Davydenko in their quarter-final on Wednesday.

Despite a poor start that saw Federer lose the first set and face a double break in the second, the world No. 1 surged back into the match and finished off the Russian 2-6 6-3 6-0 7-5 in two hours and 36 minutes at Rod Laver Arena.

The win extends Federer’s remarkable Grand Slam semi-final run to 23 consecutive appearances in the final four. The last time he wasn’t in the semi-finals of a Grand Slam was at Roland Garros in 2004.

After the match, Federer said he was struggling with Davydenko’s intensity and the sun shining across the court early in the match.

“I just tried to stay positive. I knew that hopefully when the sun goes, it may be for the better. It was a surprise to come back that great,” he said.

Federer looked out of sorts in the first set, as he struggled to hold serve in the opening game of the match before dropping it in the third game.

The in-form Davydenko then managed to break the Swiss again to race away with the first set in just 34 minutes, with Federer hitting frequent errors and only managing to feed the Russian fairly straightforward balls up the centre of the court.

The second set looked to be a continuation of the first, as Davydenko broke Federer’s serve and threatened to break a second time at 3-1 up.

However, Federer fought off two break points to hold serve in what would be a turning point in the match.

The world No. 1 then went on a 13-game tear as Davydenko’s error rate increased markedly while Federer’s confidence grew.

After claiming the second set 6-3, the Swiss raced through the third 6-0 in a set where Davydenko managed only seven points.

A break up in the fourth and still feeding off the Russian’s errors, Federer looked like he would close out the match easily. However, Davydenko fought back to break Federer twice late in the last set, adopting a more aggressive style against the Swiss.

Federer was equal to Davydenko’s challenge, though, and broke back to lead 6-5 before serving out the match to love in the following game.

Fast facts

- Both players had 35 winners, while Davydenko had 50 unforced errors to Federer’s 43.

- Federer served nine aces to Davydenko’s one.

- Davydenko converted just five of 19 break-point chances (26 per cent), while Federer capitalised on eight of his 14 break-point opportunities (57 per cent).

INDIAN CRICKET

2010-01-28T09:31:00.000-08:00

RAFA NADAL

2010-01-03T07:51:00.000-08:00

Abu Dhabi, January 2, 2010

Rafa Nadal got 2010 off to a perfect start as he beat Robin Soderling 7-6(2) 6-4 in the final of the Abu Dhabi exhibition tournament this afternoon.

Rafa started the match on a high note and comfortably held serves to push the opening set into the deciding tie-break. With a dominant performance, he won the set by 7 points to 3.

The second set saw a service break in the sixth game when Rafa got the better of the Swede. However, Soderling bounced back immediately and broke the world No.2 to get back on serve. Finally, in the eleventh game, Nadal broke Soderling's serve one more time to begin 2010 with a title.

DADA

2009-12-05T11:00:00.000-08:00

SAURAV

2009-12-05T10:43:00.000-08:00

PATHAN

2009-12-05T10:18:00.000-08:00

YURAJ

2009-12-05T09:40:00.000-08:00

FOOTBALL

2009-12-05T08:22:00.000-08:00

FOOTBALL

2009-12-05T07:41:00.000-08:00

KEVIN PIETERSEN

2009-12-04T21:56:00.000-08:00

SAURAV

2009-11-21T02:52:00.001-08:00

SAURAV

2009-11-21T02:48:00.000-08:00

SAURAV

2009-11-21T02:45:00.000-08:00

BEST

2009-11-19T09:46:00.001-08:00

TENNIS 1-5

2009-11-19T09:42:00.001-08:00

TENNIS 6-10

2009-11-19T09:39:00.000-08:00

TOP PLAYERS

2009-11-19T09:36:00.000-08:00

RONALDINHO

2009-11-19T09:33:00.000-08:00

TOP PLAYERS

2009-11-19T09:28:00.000-08:00

YURAJ

2009-10-17T11:49:00.000-07:00

BEST OF YUVI

FEDERER VIDEO

2009-10-17T10:47:00.000-07:00

One of the best shot by the federer

ROGERFEDERER

2009-07-21T02:05:00.000-07:00

Roger Federer became tennis's greatest men's champion, watched by a legion of champions, as he beat Andy Roddick 5-7 7-6 (8-6) 7-6 (7-5) 3-6 16-14 in four hours and 16 minutes to claim his sixth Wimbledon crown. It was also a record 15th Grand Slam title for the Swiss master, overhauling the total of Pete Sampras who was in the Royal Box along with fellow legends Bjorn Borg and Rod Laver.
It was a truly momentous climax to the 2009 Championships as the 27-year-old Swiss became the most successful man in the sport. Sampras, previous holder of that title, had been an unannounced surprise visitor to Wimbledon – where he has not been seen since 2002.
The American arrived three games into the contest, but then sat as enraptured as the rest of the crowd as the two gladiators battled through 77 games, the most seen at any Wimbledon final.
In terms of match time, it was not quite as long as last year’s battle between Federer and Rafael Nadal, but it soon took on similarly epic proportions. And for much of the match, it seemed that Roddick would emulate Nadal's feat as he hammered away at his opponent. Federer wavered a few times, but never toppled and in the end won on merit. He returns to number one in the world, too, by way of yet another win bonus.
That this was going to be a contest between two big blasters was evident from the opening game, when Roddick slammed down two aces and in the next Federer replied with a couple of his own. That Federer had won 18 of their previous 20 matches was not a consideration on this day. For a start, Roddick, white cap pulled low over his eyes, was clearly a fitter and slimmer version of the man who had already lost to Federer in two Wimbledon finals, and he matched Federer stride for stride, shot for shot, ace for ace as they hurtled through the opening set, completing 10 games in just 25 minutes.
Four times Federer stood at break point, and on each occasion Roddick battled back
Then came the first sign of a falter. It was from Roddick, who fell 0-30 behind on serve, and Federer upped his level in pursuit of a break of serve which would have left him to serve for the set. He could not have tried harder, or played better. Four times he stood at break point, and on each occasion Roddick battled back to fend off the threat and was finally off the hook, courtesy of a pair of Federer forehand errors.Perhaps it was the inspiration of surviving such a crisis, but Roddick bounced back brilliantly and when Federer offered him a glimpse of success with a faulty cross-court backhand to go break point down, the American struck. A brilliant forehand down the line forced Federer to project a forehand wide and it was Roddick who went a set in front after 39 minutes.This was precisely the start Roddick needed to prove that he was a changed man from the opponent so frequently dominated by Federer in the past. Impressively aggressive and quick to close in on the net whenever the chance arose, he continued to stretch Federer in the second set with scorching serves of speeds beyond 135mph and a steadiness which was producing 80% of first serves on target.Federer's discomfort at being so brashly challenged on a court he has come to regard as his own was beginning to show as the second set moved into a tiebreak. As the Centre Court audience roared in disbelief, two errors by the Swiss left Roddick with four points for a two-set lead. Now was the time for Federer to unveil the genius that had stood him such good stead in previous Wimbledon finals - and he responded in brilliant fashion, winning the next six points in a row as, for the first time, Roddick's nerves betrayed him.Two volleying errors on his own serve let Roddick down before, on Federer's first set point, the American drove a forehand over the baseline and it was level pegging again after one hour 23 minutes.
In that second set Federer had conceded only five points on serve, with Roddick not far behind with seven. The third set followed the course of the second, with both men holding serve comfortably, except when Roddick escaped from break point down in the sixth game. Though the American's first serve began to shed some of its potency, the two men moved into another tiebreak. And this time it was Federer who not only moved into the driver's seat with a mini-break on the third point but cemented that advantage, growling "C'mon" as he went ahead by six points to three, holding three set points.
When Federer was offered the first Championship point he grabbed it eagerly
Would Roddick stage a similar fightback to Federer's in the previous set? He certainly gave it a go, rescuing two set points on his own serve before Federer struck, following a potent serve with a forehand put-away to move in front by two sets to one with the match two hours 11 minutes old.Roddick's indomitable attitude had its reward in the fourth set. He conjured two break points in the fourth game and though Federer saved one with his 24th ace, the American trapped the Swiss as he closed in on the net on the next point.
Steadily and impressively, Roddick built on the break, with the only scare coming when, at 5-2., he fell heavily. There were fears of a similar ankle injury to the one which had caused his withdrawal from the pre-Wimbledon event at Queen's Club, but this was not the occasion for something like that. He shook himself down, carried on, and held serve in the next game with that trusty weapon, a service winner. All square again after two hours 43 minutes.
So to the deciding set, with Federer threatening to strike early as he reached break point for the sixth time in the match, only to be frustrated again as the American pumped down his 20th ace at 138mph. With no tiebreak in the fifth set, this one had to be played out. And so it was, amid mounting excitement and with Federer beginning to show the first signs of uncertainty.
This reached a climax as Federer faced two break points at 8-8, only to serve his way out of trouble and as the games ascended into double figures for each man the set became the longest fifth set in Wimbledon's history.
Federer's ace count passed the 50 mark and then, finally, it was Roddick who cracked in the 30th game of the set. Three mishits off the frame indicated he was fatigued and when Federer was offered the first Championship point he grabbed it eagerly, leaping into the air with joy as another Roddick mishit sailed long.

ROGERFEDERER

2009-07-21T01:57:00.001-07:00

ROGERFEDERER

2009-07-21T01:31:00.000-07:00

Mr Nice Guy: Roger Federer with the French Open men's trophy, which was presented to him by Andre Agassi (right) Photo: REUTERS
Not because of his weird garb of Swiss shirt, Barca flag and revolutionary cap, but because he was apparently the only man on Earth determined to ruin one of sport's great lump-in-the throat moments.
Robin Soderling never threatened, the rain tried and gave up and the Spanish lunatic could only leave him a mite shaken, but not in the remotest stirred. Federer is so mellow, he just tried to shy away from the intruder instead of clocking him; one would liked to have seen the idiot try the same trick on Marat Safin.

Ultimately nothing was going to stop Federer gliding back to where he belongs. Not just again to the top of tennis but, beyond, at the summit of all sport as the world's pre-eminent athlete. The acclamation for his emotional landmark triumph here at Roland Garros could not have been more universal.
Yes, people are in awe of Tiger Woods's wizardry and resilience, they laugh open-mouthed at Usain Bolt's athleticism and marvel at Michael Phelps's greedy annexation of titles.
But yesterday, it was possible to sense from the reaction of everyone here something extra for an athlete who showcased all those trio's qualities so effortlessly again; that is, a deep affection bordering on adoration for a man who demonstrates, more conclusively than almost anyone, that nice guys can be winners. Supreme winners.
What better example of sporting grace under pressure than this fortnight? "I was in desperate situations and I handled it all," as he put it, insisting that he had never lost belief, even when people thought he had lost his "grip" on his career what with last year's illness, Rafa Nadal's supremacy and his own inconsistency.
He admitted, too, that his "mind kept wandering" through the match as he kept thinking "what if... what if" he actually won after all those near misses. Trying to serve out the match, the game, he said, felt almost "unplayable".
In that case, we are talking of a tennis swan because all you could see on the surface was utter serenity. When facing "the match I've been waiting for all my career", he played one of spellbinding quality in the most unhelpful conditions.
Even though his assailiant startled him in the second set, he recovered his lost rhythm later to strike four aces from four serves in a dazzling tie-break. In the third, as the wind swirled and the rains kept coming, he slid around with such facility that it was like watching Gene Kelly in a headband.
When Federer started blubbing again at the end, there was no 'here we go again' cynicism towards him, just delight that this time – instead of desperation after losing to Nadal at the Australian Open, it was now possible to share in his joy.
Because everyone loves a great comeback story. Andre Agassi, who presented him with his ultimate prize, said it was Federer's "destiny" as the arguments against him being the best player of all-time seemed to disintegrate.
From Los Angeles on Sunday night came a serious endorsement. Pete Sampras, having watched Federer on television equal his record of 14 Grand Slams, declared: "I think this just further solidifies his place in history as the greatest player that played the game."
And what did the man himself think? "I don't know if we'll ever know who is the greatest of all-time, but I'm very proud to be up there. How well did I do? Good, great, very great or medium, I don't know. It's for others to decide," he shrugged. Everyone laughed with him; medium seemed unlikely.
He reckoned he could retire happy tomorrow with the Coupe des Mousquetaires under his arm – he was clinging on to it so firmly for so long in the rain, you feared he might end up with a bad back for Wimbledon – but the ultimate judgment can wait as it will be fascinating to see whether Federer's victory becomes a launchpad for a second period of dominance.
Of course, that's doubtful in a game populated by not just the phenomenal Nadal and other hungry young talents yet, having achieved this career-defining victory, he noted how "my life's in great shape right now" as a newly-wed and soon-to-be dad.
"Change is coming in my life; it's going to be exciting in the next few years," he smiled. A rejuvenated and fulfilled Federer? His rivals' nightmare but Wimbledon's treat.

CRISTIANORONALDO

2009-07-21T01:14:00.001-07:00

A more apposite day could not be imagined for the unveiling of Real Madrid’s new galacticos, Florentino Perez’s stellar squad, than the anniversary of man’s first walk on the moon.
And, just as it tends to be Neil Armstrong who hogs the limelight when it comes to the matter of moon landings, so it was with Cristiano Ronaldo here.
Forty years after the first lunar landing, it should have been another day for one-man shows for those dressed in white. As it was, the most expensive player on the planet’s debut proved rather a forgettable affair: more Apollo 10 than 11.
To be fair, Ronaldo had only 45 minutes in his side’s friendly against Shamrock Rovers to impress before being substituted along with nine team-mates at half-time by coach Manuel Pellegrini, who was anxious to see all of his players – but one suspects that Ronaldo will be glad that it should all have happened in relative obscurity.
For you could not come across a more understated venue for the 24 year-old to fulfil his life dream of playing for the club than the Tallaght Stadium. Hunkered down in the shadow of the Dublin mountains, Tallaght is a charming ground, but not the majestic theatre in which Ronaldo must have dreamt of performing his first sporting soliloquy for Real.
He will have envisaged row upon row of fawning fans, not the 11,000 unimpressed spectators who gleefully heckled when his name was announced before kick-off and then cackled, “Who are you? Who are you?” when he fluffed two stock-in-trade free-kicks.
Before the game he had tried to deny that this match was all about the fulfilment of his childhood dream, latching on to a question about team chemistry and insisting that he was “trying to adapt to the group”. His message was clear: this is not the Cristiano Ronaldo show. Naturally, no one believed him.
He was not helped by the fact that Shamrock admitted that football was not the point of this exercise before it began. Michael O’Neill, the manager, disclosed that so desperate were his players to face Ronaldo that none of his players would own up if they were carrying a niggle.
O’Neill, clearly not romantic enough to expect an upset, told them not to worry about the result. “It doesn’t have any value from a football point of view,” he conceded. In fact, O’Neill’s side put in a sterling effort, scuppered at the last by a goal from Karim Benzema.
Real had certainly looked a daunting sight. An hour before kick-off they had sauntered out on to the pitch, every one of them a marquee name, to scope out the stadium.
Not Ronaldo, though. He is all about making an entrance; Hitchcock has nothing on this guy for suspense. Then, just before the match began, he had emerged, hair slicked back, boots regulation black, no name on his shirt, just the No 9.
Almost nondescript. From his first touch of the ball it was obvious that nondescript was not the look he was going for. Streaking inside, he adopted his Vegas card-sharp impression, bringing out a bag of tricks, sending Spanish commentators into orgies in the process.
But their reference to him as “Cristiano” reminded that it is another Ronaldo held dear at his club. Beyond those skewed efforts from the dead ball he provided little. There was no moment of magic. A few seconds of fancy footwork will not be enough to erase memories of that Brazilian.
And Real? Pellegrini insisted that he was not evaluating individual performances.
“We are concentrating on the collective at the moment,” he said. He was the only one that was. And most will have been left thinking that Ronaldo had better do better at the Bernabeu.

CRISTIANORONALDO

2009-07-21T01:02:00.000-07:00

Presentation of Cristiano Ronaldo

A packed Bernabeu gave the new Madridista a very warm welcome

Never in the history of any football club had the presentation of a player been so anticipated. Today, over 80,000 fans gathered at the Bernabeu to greet Ronaldo as a Madridista.
A stage was set on the north side of the pitch, with trophies and pictures of legendary Real Madrid players surrounding it. The first to take it were President Florentino Perez, Honorary President Alfredo di Stefano and guest of honour and legendary Portuguese player Eusebio. A spectacular video montage of Ronaldo's best plays and goals was shown just before the act began, and it was followed by another paying tribute to great Madridistas of recent times like Beckham, Raul, Casillas, Zidane, Figo, Ronaldo, Sergio Ramos, Guti, Robinho... Florentino Perez "Thank you all for being here. You represent the greatest symbol of Madridismo, which is the passion the Club Members and fans all around the world feel for this team. You are essential in making this the most admired and respected club in the world. What's happening tonight has no precedent and your massive attendance represents the essence of this Real Madrid. Thank you for being the stars in this unstoppable showcasing of strength, excitement and vision.""There are Portuguese fans here with us today to help us greet one of their own into this house. It is an honour for us to have here one of the best players of all times and a symbol of the best Portuguese football in history: the legendary Eusebio." "You must all be aware that here, on this stage, we have two friends that happen to be two of the best players in history: Eusebio and Di Stefano. Very few are privileged enough to reach greatness and we are greeting one of those people today. Real Madrid welcomes one of the chosen ones capable of making the dreams of football fans throughout the world come true. Today we welcome Cristiano Ronaldo."At that moment, the player came out from the dressing room amidst cheers of "Si, si, si. Ronaldo en el Madrid." (Yes, yes, yes, Ronaldo at Real Madrid).As soon as Cristiano reached the stage, the President finished off his speech. "Dear cristiano Ronaldo. This is your crowd now. It is the same crowd that put Real Madrid at the height of world football. Your talent has allowed you to see one of your dreams come true. We are very satisfied with knowing you wanted to play for Real Madrid. Football for you is a blessing and you are aware of the fact that the priority here is the success of the team as a whole. Cristiano, welcome to the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium. Welcome to the place where our legend was born. Welcome to Real Madrid." Cristiano Ronaldo "I am very happy about being here. This is a dream come true; as a child I dreamt of playing for Real Madrid. I didn't expect the stadium to be packed. This is unbelievable. Thank you all. Hala Madrid!"Following these brief words, Ronaldo got close to the stands and greeted many supporters.

CRISTIANORONALDO

2009-07-20T07:12:00.000-07:00

REALKILLER
"I tell them they are very beautiful in Portuguese and I sometimes put the accent on as well," `he` says. So they have a, well, liaison and in the morning, "I just say to them, `I`ve got something to tell you`." What? Well, he isn`t Ronaldo; he`s Jaime Wright from Eastbourne. Despite looking more like Gary Neville, Jamie earns £800 a day, his work so far "yielding" five women who thought Cristiano and themselves had become an item. "Luckily they always find it funny," said Jamie, who, if he had a heart, would lend them a few quid to buy contact lenses.

CRISTIANORONALDO

2009-07-20T07:08:00.000-07:00

Sri Lanka Cricket

2009-02-13T06:04:00.000-08:00

Sri Lanka Cricket gets new sponsor
7 hours ago
COLOMBO (AFP) — Sri Lanka's second largest mobile phone operator has agreed to a three-year deal worth nearly five million dollars to sponsor the island's cricket team, Sri Lanka Cricket said.

Sri Lanka Telecom Mobitel takes over as main sponsor of the national team from April.

The team is currently sponsored by Malaysia's Dialog Telekom, in a deal worth 89,000 dollars for a three-month period that ends in March.

Sri Lanka's national team includes Test and one-day cricket's leading wicket-taker Muttiah Muralitharan.

Sri Lanka Cricket called for fresh bids for a long-term sponsor in January after the national team failed to attract backers because of the ongoing economic slowdown in the country, Sports Minister Gamini Lokuge said.

Sri Lanka Telecom Mobitel had offered the highest bid of 4.85 million dollars, Sri Lanka Cricket said in a statement.

"Current sponsors Dialog Telekom and National Development Bank were also among the bidders," the statement said Thursday.

The previous team sponsor, Sri Lanka's Dilmah Tea, paid two million dollars over a three-year period.

The Sri Lankan team, led by outgoing captain Mahela Jayawardene, leaves for Pakistan on Saturday for a two-Test series, which begins on February 21

Muralitharan

2009-02-13T06:01:00.001-08:00

Muralitharan claims record 503rd 1-day wicket
Top Test wicket-taker Muttiah Muralitharan claimed a world record 503rd one-day international victim but finished on the losing side against India in Colombo on ThursdaySri Lanka star Muralitharan nudged ahead of Wasim Akram in the record books by dismissing Gautam Gambhir whose sparkling 150 was the foundation for India's 67-run victory at the Premadasa Stadium.

India have the chance of a 5-0 series whitewash when the sides meet again on Sunday after Sri Lanka faltered after being set a 332 victory target.

They were all out for 265 -- Kumar Sangakkara top-scored with 56 -- after play was temporarily halted when skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni led India off after one of his players was reportedly hit by a missile thrown from the crowd.

Dhoni earlier hit 94 as India -- they rested Sachin Tendulkar and Zaheer Khan -- set a formidable challenge Gambhir's career-best one-day return coming off 147 balls and including 14 fours and a six.

Tillakaratne Dilshan and Sanath Jayasuriya put on a quickfire 55 in reply before wickets began to tumble.

The end came after Irfan Pathan dismissed Farveez Maharoof and Muralitharan with successive balls in the 43rd over, Praveen Kumar wrapping up the win

Pathan brothers lead India to Twenty20 win

2009-02-10T21:17:00.000-08:00

Dilshan reached his fifty when he firmly drove Sharma past point for his sixth four. He also hit a boundary and a six off the next two balls before falling in the same over.

Jayasuriya went for big shots from the beginning, pulling Sharma for a boundary and then lofting over the covers and mid-wicket for two sixes in the same over.

His 18-ball knock ended when Sharma held a one-handed catch at mid-on off seamer Irfan.

The run-rate declined after Jayasuriya's dismissal as only 26 came in the next five overs, with spinners Yusuf and Jadeja bowling tightly.

Yusuf struck in his third over when he held a return catch to dismiss Mubarak (13). He took his second wicket in his next over when he had Chamara Kapugedera caught by Sehwag at point.

Sri Lanka scored 50 runs in the closing five overs, with Dilshan and Chamara Silva (21 not out) doing the bulk of the scoring.

"I thought a total of 171 was defendable," said Dilshan.

"We started well and picked some early wickets, but Yusuf and Irfan played really well. We also conceded too many extras."

Leg-spinner Malinga Bandara (3-32) raised visions of a Sri Lankan victory when he dismissed well-set Suresh Raina (35), Dhoni (13) and Ravindra Jadeja (five).

But the Pathan brothers shattered the hosts' dream with their bold stroke-making on a flat track in the day-night match.

Raina and Yuvraj Singh (32) propped up the innings when they added 67 runs off seven overs for the third wicket after openers Gautam Gambhir (13) and Virender Sehwag (one) had fallen in the opening two overs.

Yuvraj hit two sixes and three fours in his 21-ball knock before he was caught by wicket-keeper Dilshan while attempting to cut off-spinner Jehan Mubarak.

Sri Lanka got off to a brisk start after winning the toss as Sanath Jayasuriya (33) and Dilshan added 53 off just five overs.

Dilshan, dropped by Irfan at mid-off off paceman Zaheer Khan, held the innings together before falling in the 17th over.

The Sri Lankan captain cracked one six and seven fours in his 47-ball knock before being caught by Raina at mid-off while attempting a big shot off paceman Ishant Sharma.

Brothers Irfan and Yusuf Pathan plundered 59 runs off 25 balls as world champions India posted a thrilling three-wicket win over Sri Lanka in the one-off Twenty20 international match here on Tuesday.

India were struggling at 115-7 chasing a 172-run target before the Pathan duo steered their side home with four balls to spare in the first-ever Twenty20 game in Sri Lanka.

Yusuf, who had earlier taken two wickets with his off-spin, remained unbeaten with a 10-ball 22 with the help of two sixes and one boundary. He was named man of the match for his all-round display.

His younger brother Irfan finished the match when he swung paceman Lasith Malinga over mid-wicket for a six. He cracked two sixes and as many boundaries in his 16-ball 33 not out.

"There are a lot of youngsters in our team and stiff matches like these are a great learning experience. Their spinners bowled really well and made our batsmen struggle," said India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni.

Sri Lanka skipper Tillakaratne Dilshan (61) earlier smashed a maiden half-century to help his side set a challenging target after being dropped in the opening over. He had yet to open his account at that stage.

IPL

2009-02-07T22:34:00.000-08:00

BEAUTY AND BIG MONEY: On a day when fame and fortune were not in short supply, Rajasthan Royals’ Shilpa Shetty shares a laugh with IPL chairman Lalit Modi during the players’ auction

Panaji: The auction of players for the DLF-IPL second edition surpassed the first in many ways here on Friday with Chennai set to become the home for Andrew Flintoff for three weeks in April and Bangalore for Kevin Pietersen.

The Englishmen, in auction for the first time, had a good outing at the Taj Aguada with the two former captains turning out to be the top draw and commanding a price of $1.55 million each for 21 days of the competition from April 10.

Fortune favours Mortaza

The other big story of the day was Bangladesh seamer Mashrafe Mortaza being bought by Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at 12 times above his reserve price of $50,000.

Delhi Daredevils picked Owais Shah and Paul Collingwood for $275,000 each while Kings XI Punjab, after an initial round of fierce bidding between Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), ensured that Ravi Bopara will travel to Mohali.

Though Luke Wright and Samit Patil remained unsold, the franchises who have replacement rights can still rope them in because they are part of the initial list of 115 players made available for the auction.

Mumbai Indians picked up South African Jean-Paul Duminy ($950,000) while Rajasthan Royals took Duminy’s compatriot Tyron Henderson for $650,000.

CSK, which had bought Mahendra Singh Dhoni for $1.5 million last year, shelled out $600,000 in excess of Flintoff’s reserve price. RCB got the flamboyant Pietersen by paying $20,000 more than the reserve price.

However, Flintoff and Pietersen will receive much less because of their 12 per cent commitment to their agents and a possible 10 per cent disbursement to their respective counties. Moreover they will be paid by the number of matches they play for their team.

Franchise owners happy

“Flintoff is an outstanding cricketer and he will indeed improve the balance of the team,” said CSK’s N. Srinivasan.

“Pietersen and Robin Uthappa, whom we traded with Mumbai Indians for Zaheer Khan, will significantly strengthen our batting.

“I was prepared to pay more but how much I would be stretched is irrelevant now. The captaincy issue is wide open,” said RCB’s Vijay Mallya.

Both said they had consulted Dhoni and Rahul Dravid respectively.

The IPL Chairman and Commissioner, Lalit Modi, said the bidding for Duminy was aggressive.

Apart from Duminy, Mumbai Indians also picked Kiwi seamer Kyle Mills and Bangladesh’s Mohammad Ashraful.

The eight franchise owners filled all the 17 slots available from a lot of 49 (Shane Harwood withdrew from the auction) but what made six franchises mere spectators and chewing their nails was the way Kings XI and KKR sustained their interest for Mortaza.

Kings XI’s smart move

By being in constant touch with coach Tom Moody, Kings XI owners Preity Zinta and Ness Wadia outwitted KKR’s John Buchanan by making the latter loosen the purse strings for Mortaza and got a bargain in West Indian fast bowler Jerome Taylor for $150,000, who was unsold at the first round of bidding.

KEVINPIETERSEN

2009-02-07T22:30:00.000-08:00

Kevin Pietersen and Andrew Flintoff under pressure to deliver in IPL

Their combined $3.1million annual salaries have become emblems of national pride in India after the second IPL auction dominated the news agenda for another 24 hours on Saturday.

The auction, quickly becoming one of sport's great publicity stunts, was carried by live by five 24-hour news channels on Friday, and Saturday's newspapers were dominated by its results.

Two names stood out above all others. Flintoff and Pietersen are stars already in India but for 21 days in April their presence here will be monitored like no other English cricketers past or present.

"In soccer you might have 11 highly paid players on the field," said John Buchanan, the former coach of Australia and now head of cricket with the Kolkata Knight Riders. "With this it is different so there is a sense that you are paid big money to deliver. That is fair enough but if they don't deliver then questions will be asked about their contracts and their future at each club."

No pressure then. "This is a unique tournament," continued Buchanan when asked to compare it to the Ashes. "It is evolving the whole time and what it looks like now is not necessarily what it will look like in four or five years time.

"Packer changed the way the game was viewed, played and commercialised. This has the capacity to do that and more. It's an extravaganza but you also have a quasi-international tournament with eight teams with quality overseas and Indian players. It is a hectic time. It's only 40-odd days. It tests skills physical, technical and mental. KP can look forward to that. When you are here with England it is like you versus the country. Now they will be supported by huge sections of the country. It is like county or state cricket but elevated to a significantly higher level."

And not just on the field. A glimpse into the world Pietersen in particular will be entering was offered on the night of the auction. Vijay Mallya, the owner of Bangalore and now Pietersen, threw one of his lavish parties at his Goan holiday home – Kingfisher Villa. Mallya had reason to celebrate. He believes he has the "best batsman in the whole world." He also has a new commodity to add to his brewery and airline. "During 2008 we (the team) broke even and in fact made a small marginal profit and in 2009 that's our endeavour," he said. "So quite apart from the financial aspect, the branding aspect and the branding opportunity, the benefits that accrue USL (his company) are huge."

Despite the money spent on Friday and the insistence of its commissioner, Lalit Modi, the IPL is not immune to the financial squeeze. Sources indicate ad rates are being offered at huge discounts a year after broadcasters had companies queuing up to be associated with the league. Modi himself is in a spot of bother. Political ructions in his home state of Rajasthan threaten his position of influence on the Indian board.

AUSTRALIANOPEN2009

2009-02-01T23:14:00.000-08:00

MELBOURNE, Australia -- Rafael Nadal has beaten Roger Federer in the Australian Open final, putting on hold the Swiss star's quest to match Pete Sampras with 14 Grand Slam singles titles.

The top-seeded Nadal beat Federer 7-5, 3-6, 7-6 (3), 3-6, 6-2 Sunday at Rod Laver Arena.

It was Nadal's third straight win over Federer in a Grand Slam final. He also beat Federer in the French Open and Wimbledon last year

Nadal crashes Federer at Australian Open final
World number one Rafael Nadal kept his winning record against Roger Federer after beating him at the Australian Open final on February 1 2009 in a five set match 7-5, 3-6, 7-6, 3-6, 6-2.

It was the first five set final at the tournament in 21 years and both players did their best to make it one of the most interesting ever. If nothing else this proved to be the fifth five set match between the two players, having won two each.

The fist set was a game of cat and mouse. Most predictions for the final expected that Nadal would save his effort after his five set semifinal match against his compatriot Fernando Verdasco while Federer had a day more to rest.

Nothing like this happened. From the first serve, Nadal chased Federer all over the court showing no signs of fatigue. Federer’s answer to Nadal’s pressure was to play close to the net often wining the balls. The other thing Federer tried was the long and deep first serves which Nadal had problems returning.

It worked on both occasions when Federer managed to break Nadal’s serve in the second and fourth set but when things reached the crucial fifth set both players had to show character.

Nadal proved to be the better one in this case. Having won the 2008 Rolland Garros and Wimbledon finals against Federer he had less on his shoulders to worry about. At 2-1 in the fifth set with Federer serving Nadal broke his serve.

Quickly it was Nadal leading with 5-2 and Federer on the serve. This was when Federer lost the game. At 0-15 he had a double fault leaving Nadal two points away from the title.

Amid the cheering crowd, Federer managed to get the match to 40-40 only to lose it two points later, making Nadal the first Spaniard to win the Australian Open final.

The trophy was presented by Road Laver himself who warmly greeted Federer who lost his breath amid spectators’ applause.

"Thanks for the support" Federer told the crowed "congratulations to Nadal, he had a an amazing tournament".

"Sorry for that Roger I know you wanted to win your 14th Grand Slam title but I m sure that it will happen soon" Nadal told Federer. "You are one of the bets players and it is always a pleasure playing against you" he said, cheered by the crowd.

MELBOURNE -- Roger Federer says he was overcome by the emotions of a major defeat when he broke down in tears on the presentation dais after losing the Australian Open to Rafael Nadal on Sunday.

The Spanish world number one downed the Swiss star in a thrilling five-set final 7-5, 3-6, 7-6 (7/3), 3-6, 6-2 in four hours and 23 minutes to continue his Grand Slam domination over the Swiss star
The loss meant Federer missed the chance to move equal with American Pete Sampras's world record 14 Grand Slam wins.

After being presented with the runner-up trophy by legendary Australian player Rod Laver, Federer said the realisation of the magnitude of the loss sunk in and he couldn't control his emotions.

"In the first moment you're disappointed, you're shocked, you're sad, you know, then all of a sudden it overwhelms you," Federer said.

"The problem is you can't go in the locker room and just take it easy and take a cold shower. You can't.

"You know, you're stuck out there. It's the worst feeling. So, I don't know, it's rough."

Federer said the emotions were even stronger because he thought the match was his for the taking - he had 19 break point opportunities but could only convert six.

Crucially he was not able to convert any of the six chances he had in the third set, which Nadal went on to win in a tie-break.

"It is, sure, one of the matches in my career where I feel like I could have, or should have, won you know," he said.

"But you can't go through your whole life as a tennis player taking every victory that's out there.

"You've got to live with those, but they hurt even more so like if you're that close, you know, like at Wimbledon or like here at the Australian Open.

"So that's what's tough about it, but I have no regrets, so it's all right." Federer and Nadal were meeting for the first time since last year's epic Wimbledon final, when the Spaniard ended Federer's five-year hold on the trophy before deposing him as world number one.

They have now contested seven Grand Slam finals with Nadal holding a 5-2 edge in the meetings and 13-6 overall.

Both were fortunate to make the final, Federer almost falling to Czech player Tomas Berdych in the fourth round and Nadal surviving a five hour semi-final against countryman Fernando Verdasco.

Federer appeared back to his best in the quarter-finals, where he thrashed rising Argentine star Juan Martin del Potro, and in the semis where he beat an in-form Andy Roddick, so it came as a surprise when he started nervously.

He sprayed errors and double-faulted on break point before handing over the first set.

Federer recovered to push Nadal all the way, but he had trouble with his serve throughout the match, which he said cost him dearly.

"I don't think I served particularly well, unfortunately, and I think that was the key to the match in the end," he said, adding that he just tried to hang in when his serve went off the boil.

"I mean, I won a set against Rafa serving, what, 30 percent first serves.

"I tried to kind of get the grip on my serve, but never really found the rhythm, which was a pity, you know, but it happens.

"I thought it was a good match, but, I had, I guess, many chances.

"I mean I was up a break in the first twice. Yeah, I had many chances. I missed them and they cost me dearly."

CRISTIANORONALDO

2009-01-30T22:40:00.000-08:00

Cristiano Ronaldo has just about exhausted all superlatives, except to say that having developed and matured from a young and inexperienced winger when he joined from Sporting Lisbon in 2003, he's now among the best and most dynamic attacking forces in the world.

Signed as a largely unknown 18-year-old for £12.24m, the story goes that Sir Alex was persuaded to sign him by his players on the plane home from a pre-season friendly against Sporting that summer. In truth, the boss had long been aware of his ability. The urgency to sign him stemmed from interest from other top European clubs. This was a target Sir Alex simply
couldn’t let slip through the net.

Ronaldo wasted little time in showing off his sublime skills with a stunning 30-minute debut against Bolton at Old Trafford in August 2003. After 39 appearances and eight goals – including the opener in the FA Cup final win over Millwall – he was named the Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year for 2003/04. His second season never quite lived up to his first. But some late season form saw him end the 2004/05 campaign with nine goals in 50 appearances. In 2005/06 Ronny again reserved his best form for the latter half of the season. Then came the 2006 World Cup finals in Germany, a truly

CRISTIANORONALDO

2009-01-30T22:33:00.000-08:00

ACCORDING TO THE SUN .Manchester United winger Cristiano Ronaldo needed heart operation to save career
Cristiano Ronaldo's footballing career could have ended before it had even began were it not for a heart operation when he was just 15 years old

doctors diagnosed a 'racing heart' when Ronaldo was in his mid-teens and it was feared the Portuguese winger, now the World Footballer of trhe Year, would have to give up playing.

He was playing for Portuguese side Sporting Lisbon when the problem emerged.

He underwent thorough medical examinations and it was decided to operate to solve his irregular heartbeat.

The condition is not uncommon and many high-profile footballers have suffered from heart difficulties.

Former Manchester City midfielder Marc-Vivien Foe died while playing for Cameroon in 2003, while France World Cup winner Lilian Thuram was forced to retire last year because of a heart problem.

Portsmouth striker Kanu is another with a history of heart concerns. However, fortunately for Ronaldo, delicate laser surgery cured his problem and enabled him to become the world's No 1 player.

Ronaldo's mother, Dolores Aveiro, said: "His heart raced a lot when he wasn't running.

"The people in charge at Sporting alerted me and I went to Portugal where I had to sign some papers and authorise him being treated in hospital.

"They used a sort of laser to cauterise the source of the problem. He was operated on in the morning and came out at the end of the afternoon.

"Before we knew exactly what he had I was worried because there was the possibility of him giving up playing football.

"But the treatment went well and after some days he was back at training again."

AUSTRALIANOPEN2009

2009-01-30T22:09:00.000-08:00

Five hours, fourteen minutes: that's the biblical epic of a tennis match just played by Rafael Nadal and Fernando Verdasco in the Australian Open. Nadal won the longest match in the history of the event 6-7 6-4 7-6 6-7 6-4, collapsing to his back in relief when Verdasco double-faulted to end a match that was half-tennis, half-Russian novel.

Now look for Nadal's trainers to place him on a bed of ice, jab IVs in both arms, and slip him five Ambien to begin a voluntary 24 hour hibernation period leading up to his match with Roger Federer on Sunday. The likelihood of Nadal recovering in time for his first hard-court final ever is slim at best: while Nadal was grinding out a five set mother with all pistons firing in the infernal Aussie heat, Federer sat in a chair being fanned by ten servant maidens "recovering" in the cool from his three set dispatching of Andy Roddick on Thursday.

In short: Nadal will need all the magical green wristbands in the world to beat Federer on Sunday. All he has to do is function at the far end of his physical capabilities while matched up against the most difficult foe imaginable in the most adverse conditions possible. Ignore all that, and it's in the bag, dude

Fernando Verdasco plays a backhand in his semi-final match against fellow Spaniard and fellow left-hander Rafael Nadal during their marathon match at the Australian Open in Melbourne. Nadal won 6-7, 6-4, 7-6, 6-7, 6-4 to set up another final meeting with Roger Federer. - (Photograph: Dita Alangkara-Pool/Getty Images).

AUSTRALIANOPEN

2009-01-25T06:24:00.000-08:00

Federer scare in pursuit of Slam record

(CNN) -- Roger Federer remains on course for a record 14th Grand Slam title after a fierce fightback saw him recover from a two-set deficit to defeat Tomas Berdych 4-6 6-7 6-4 6-4 6-2 and reach the Australian Open quarterfinals.

Swiss star Roger Federer celebrates a comeback victory to reach the Australian Open quarterfinals in Melbourne.

Swiss former world number one Federer needed almost three-and-a-half hours to overcome a dogged opponent and now faces eighth-seeded Juan Martin Del Potro

The 20-year-old Argentine also had to come from behind to oust Croatia's Marin Cilic 5-7 6-4 6-4 6-2 in Sunday's action.

American Andy Roddick, the seventh seed, is also through to the last eight after a 7-5 6-1 6-3 win over Spain's Tommy Robredo, the 21st seed.

Federer looked in serious danger of failing to reach the quarterfinals of a grand slam for the first time since the French Open in 2004, but insisted there had been no sense of panic.

"I wasn't thinking of losing, that's for sure," he said. "The finish line was still very far for Tomas. I knew that.

"I kind of felt after a terrible first set from my side that if I probably want to win this it's going to go to five sets -- that's what made me be so determined towards the end.

"It was nice being in a battle with him. It was fair play. It was tough, good tennis towards the end. I believed in it all the way, and I think that was key in the end."

There were 11 breaks of serve, with Federer hitting 61 winners to the Czech's 58. But the most telling difference was the number of aces with Federer firing down 20 and Berdych just eight.

Second-seeded Federer dropped serve in the opening game and was broken again in the fifth as Berdych made an immediate impact. Federer took the opening two games in the second, but his rival recovered and went 2-0 up on the tiebreak

Federer got the vital break of the third in the seventh game and won the set with an ace, but he had to battle in the fourth after Berdych took a medical time-out for treatment to a hamstring.

The world number two then raced to a 5-2 lead in the final set before sealing his great escape with two aces.

Del Potro, at 20 the youngest man in the top 10, had less difficulty against Cilic and after handing him the first set with a double fault.

Roddick stretched his run of victories against Robredo to 10 consecutive matches with his win.

A netted forehand by the Spaniard gave the American the opening set and from there it was plain sailing for Roddick, who fired 13 aces and 34 winners.

Roddick will play the winner of the night match between Novak Djokovic and Marcos Baghdatis.

In play on Saturday, world number one Rafael Nadal brushed aside Germany's Tommy Haas 6-4 6-2 6-2, while fourth seed Andy Murray was equally impressive in dispatching Jurgen Melzer of Austria 7-5 6-0 6-3.

But the match of the day in the men's draw was Chilean 13th seed Fernando Gonzalez's five set, four-hour victory over Richard Gasquet of France.

Gonzalez, who had to come from two sets down and a match point in the third to record a 3-6 3-6 7-6 6-2 12-10 win, will now face Nadal for a spot in the quarterfinals.

Gonzalez, the runner-up to Roger Federer in 2007, will have to be at his very best to test Nadal, who overpowered Haas with his strong groundstrokes.

The Spaniard, chasing his first Australian Open victory, found himself 2-0 down early in the match, but broke back immediately and then in the fifth game to assume control -- which he never relinquished.

Murray next takes on Spanish 14th seed Fernando Verdasco, who was a comfortable 6-4 6-0 6-0 winner over Radek Stepanek of the Czech Republic.

On a good day for the leading seeds, fifth-ranked Jo-Wilfried Tsonga of France, the runner-up last year to Djokovic, beat Dudi Sela of Israel.

Tsonga, who had to fight hard for a 6-4 6-2 1-6 6-1 victory over the qualifier, will face American ninth seed James Blake.

Monfils will play fellow Frenchman and sixth seed Gilles Simon, who dismissed Mario Ancic of Croatia

brianlara

2009-01-08T06:11:00.000-08:00

PATHANBROTHERS

2009-01-05T03:08:00.001-08:00

yusufpathan

2009-01-05T03:04:00.000-08:00

Y Pathan
India

Full name Yusuf Pathan
Born Nov 17, 1982
Major teams India
Batting style right
Bowling style Right Arm off break
Teams played for India

Profile
Yusuf Pathan always harbored a dream of making it to the national squad, a place which came faster to his younger half-brother Irfan Pathan. A hard-hitting batsman, who wastes no time while at the crease and a handy off-spinner, the younger Pathan was a hit in the Indian domestic Twenty20 and Deodhar Trophies. He will always consider himself lucky for his rare International debut which came in the final of the ICC World Twenty20 in 2007 when India won. Pathan played the inaugural edition of the Indian Premier League for the Rajasthan Royals where he emerged one of the most successful players of the tournament with both the bat and ball. He scored the fastest half-century of the IPL in 21 balls and was a hit for consistently scoring runs at a brisk rate, relying mostly on boundaries. His success in the IPL led to a berth in the national squad.

Career Statistics

ODI Debut: vs Pakistan, On Jun 10, 2008 at Bangabandhu Stadium, Bangladesh
Last ODI played: vs England, On Nov 23, 2008 at M.Chinnaswamy Stadium, India
Test Debut: vs ..Not Decided
Last Test played: vs ..Not Decided
T20 Debut: vs Pakistan, On Sep 24, 2007 at The Wanderers Stadium, South Africa

YUSUFPATHAN

2009-01-05T03:00:00.000-08:00

Irfan Pathan

2009-01-05T02:54:00.000-08:00

Full Name: Irfan Khan Pathan
Born: October 27, 1984, Baroda, Gujarat
Major teams: India, Baroda, Middlesex
Batting style: Left-hand bat
Bowling style: Left-arm medium-fast

One-Days
Batting - Matches: 92 | Runs: 1243 | Avg: 23.90 | HS: 83 | 100s: 0 | 50s: 5
Bowling - Wkts Taken: 134 | Avg: 28.12 | Econ: 5.11

Tests
Batting - Matches: 28 | Runs: 1041 | Avg: 29.74 | HS: 102 | 100s: 1 | 50s: 6
Bowling - Wkts Taken: 100 | Avg: 31.41 | Econ: 3.27

Twenty20 Match
Batting - Matches: 21 | Runs: 142 | Avg: 14.20 | HS: 26 | 100s: 0 | 50s: 0
Bowling - Wkts Taken: 27 | Avg: 18.07 | Econ: 7.07

Achievements:First bowler to take a hat-trick in the first over of a Test match (first by an Indian in away match); ICC Emerging Player of the Year 2004

In his short international career, Irfan Pathan has shown promise of becoming the world-class all-rounder India have been looking for since the great Kapil Dev.

Pathan made his Test debut in Australia in 2003-04 following his impressive outing in the Under-19 Asian Championship in Pakistan. He quickly gained a reputation for providing India with vital breakthroughs and carried his good form to the subsequent VB ODI series as well, emerging as the highest wicket-taker.

Pathan's ODI performance has been particularly outstanding, quite often making early inroads into opposition batting line-ups. The bulk of this early success can be attributed to the most lethal weapon in Pathan's armory-the inswinger that nips back into the right-hand batsman catching him plumb in front of the wicket. Pathan is also capable of reverse swinging the old ball.

Apart from his bowling heroics, Pathan's more-than-useful batting skills have provided vital balance to the team. His first stint at No.3 position resulted in a spectacular 83 against Sri Lanka at Nagpur and since then, Pathan has made several useful knocks batting at the top order.

Like Zaheer Khan, Ashish Nehra and RP Singh, he is a left arm medium-fast bowler. His main strength is the ball that curves back into the right-hander. As soon as he made his mark in international cricket, comparisions began to be made to the great Wasim Akram. This was because of the fact that their actions were similar. It was really unfair for Irfan to be compared to one of the greatest in the games at such an early stage in his career. But he soldiered on nonetheless and he played an instrumental part in India’s overseas win over Pakistan in 2004. India had found a new gem who could rattle even the most technically correct batsmen with his lethal swing. Experts such as Sandeep Patil also went on to say that Pathan could also be a regular number seven batsman in the Indian-lineup. This claim was not put to test until much later.

Pathan bowled his heart out on the field and success befriended him. he became the heart throb of the youth and endorsements followed. From a regular middle-class boy he became a national hero by the time he turned twenty. But Pathan still remains a down to earth fellow who has not let his success go to his head.

In late 2005, the first signs became evident that Pathan could transform into a great all rounder for India and could step into the shoes vacated by Kapil Dev. He cracked half century after half century against the Sri Lankans but the ton always eluded him. Although he has dropped some pace from his bowling and now bowls at around 125 km/hr, he is still a force to reckon with. A handy 65 against the Pakistanis has shown that his batting displays were no fluke. Irfan, the bowler, is also doing well and Irfan, the batsman, is showing promise.

In the test series against Pakistan, he became the first bowler in the history of cricket to pick up a hat-trick in the first over of the game. With the bat, Pathan sparkled and played gorgous drives and cuts. He is now emerging as a genuine replacement to Kapil Dev. May God bless this all-rounder and help him to achieve previously unheard -of glories in the world of cricket.............

IRFANPATHAN

2009-01-05T02:48:00.000-08:00

ZAHEERKHAN

2009-01-04T01:31:00.000-08:00

Zaheer Khan appeals unsuccessfully for an lbw against Alastair Cook , India v England, 2nd Test, Mohali, 3rd day, December 21, 2008

Sachin Tendulkar and Zaheer Khan take part in a practice session a day before Mumbai's Ranji Trophy semi-final against Saurashtra, Chennai, January 3, 2008

Zaheer Khan
india

players profile

Full name Zaheer Khan
Born October 7, 1978, Shrirampur, Maharashtra
Current age 30 years 89 days
Major teams India, Asia XI, Asia XI, Bangalore Royal Challengers, Baroda, Mumbai, Surrey, Worcestershire
Batting style Right-hand bat
Bowling style Left-arm fast-medium

Profile

Like Waqar Younis a decade before, Zaheer Khan yorked his way into the collective consciousness of the cricket world: his performances at the ICC Knockout Trophy in Kenya in September 2000 announced the arrival of an all-too-rare star in the Indian fast-bowling firmament. He might just as easily have come from the Pakistani pace stable: well-built, quick and unfazed by a batsman's reputation, Zaheer could move the ball both ways off the wicket and swing the old ball at some pace. After initially struggling to establish himself as a new-ball bowler, he came of age on the 2002 tour of the West Indies, when he led the line with great heart. His subsequent displays in England and New Zealand - not to mention some eye-catching moments at the World Cup - established him at the forefront of India's new pace generation, but a hamstring injury saw him relegated to bit-part performer as Indian cricket scripted some of its finest moments away in Australia and Pakistan. After that, his pace has dropped and his attitude was questioned, as a new breed of pace bowlers pushed him aside to move to the front of the queue. Zaheer's response was to head to Worcestershire and take 78 wickets in the 2006 county season, a performance that earned him a recall for the tour of South Africa. He was the perfect foil for Sreesanth there, and he then regained his status as leader of the pack with a matchwinning display at Trent Bridge, as India won only their fifth Test on English soil.
Dileep Premachandran

ZAHEERKHAN

2009-01-04T01:23:00.000-08:00

cristianoronaldo

2009-01-02T03:11:00.000-08:00

Premier League - Ronaldo: Real link 'is a lie'

Ronaldo dazzled for United last season, scoring 42 goals in all competitions as the Red Devils won the Premier League and the UEFA Champions League.

That form led Spanish champions Real Madrid to pursue the 23-year-old during an unsuccessful summer transfer saga, which angered United manager Sir Alex Ferguson.

But Real Madrid director Pedro Trapote was quoted in December claiming that his club have a deal in place to sign the Ballon D'Or winner at the end of this season.

Ronaldo, though, has reiterated that the claim is false. "There's always speculation," he said, " not just about me, but about the future of players all around the world.

"People were speaking about me this summer but that was normal because of what I did during the season.

"What people are saying now (the recent speculation about an agreement with Real Madrid) is not true.

"Who says that is a liar because I am happy at the club, I want to stay here. I feel at home here. I feel very happy here."

Meanwhile, Ronaldo admits he felt under pressure to impress after a summer of rumours, but was not worried that fans would turn against him.

"I think the people don't forget quickly what you do for the club," he added. "When I arrived at the stadium, to play (my first game of this season) against Villarreal, I felt a little bit of pressure.

"But the fans were very good and this is why I feel the Manchester United supporters are amazing.

C.Ronaldo Quick Stats

Ronaldo Stats
→ Total Goals For Man Utd ≡ 102
→ Total Goals Season 07-08 ≡ 42
→ Goals THIS Season 08-09 ≡ 9
→ Premier League Goals 08-09 ≡ 8
→ European Cup Goals 08-09 ≡ 0
→ Total Matches Played ≡ 262
→ Current Fitness ≡ Match Fit
→ PremierLeague Scoring rank ≡ 9
→ Salary ≡ £120,000 per week

(last updated: 2nd Jan 2009

Latest Statistics

Year : 2008::
Games : 15
Starting Line-up : 14
Substitutions : 1
Goals : 8
Penalties : 1
Yellow Cards : 3
Red Cards : 1
Minutes Played : 1229

Edson Arantes Do Nascimento (Pelé).

2008-12-31T04:25:00.000-08:00

"It seems that God brought me to Earth with a mission to play soccer," Edson Arantes Do Nascimento (Pelé).

.
Related Info

Born Edson Arantes Do Nascimento (better known as Pelé) is known as a legend and the best soccer player to ever play the game. He was raised in a very poor family in Tres Coracos, Brazil and his parents, Dondinho and Celeste Nascimento called Edson "Dico," growing up.

He first learned the game of soccer from his father, Dondinho, who was a decent center forward until his career was halted by a fractured leg.

Pelé began playing soccer for a local minor-league club when he was a teenager. When he wasn't playing soccer he shined shoes for pennies. He was discovered at the age of 11 by one of the country's premier players, Waldemar de Brito. When Brito brought Pelé to Sao Paulo he declared to the disbelieving directors of the professional team in Santos, "This boy will be the greatest soccer player in the world."

He was right! Pelé's impact was immediate! On his first appearance for the team, against Corinthians F.C., he scored a goal right away. He was only 16.

Pelé went on to play in four World Cups with Brazil's National Team. At the 1958 World Cup in Sweden -- one he nearly missed because of a knee injury -- Pelé stunned the world scoring six goals, including two in the championship game to help Brazil win its first World Cup 5-2 over Sweden. He was only 17 years-old, but a legend was born.

An average-sized man, he was blessed with speed, great balance, tremendous vision, the ability to control the ball superbly, and the ability to shoot powerfully and accurately with either foot and with his head.

Four years later he played on Brazil's World Cup team at in the finals in Chile, but an injury suffered in the first game of the tournament prevented him from helping Brazil win its second title.

Wealthy European clubs offered massive fees to sign the young player, but the government of Brazil declared Pelé an official national treasure to prevent him from being transferred out of the country.

At the 1966 World Cup in England, Pelé was the victim of some brutal tackles from Bulgarian and Portuguese defenders and left the finals injured and in tears. But the best of Pelé was still to come.

At the 1970 finals in Mexico, the 29-year-old Pelé, led one of the greatest teams ever assembled to win Brazil's third World Cup. In the 4-1 title triumph over Italy, Pelé, scored a glorious goal. It was Brazil's 100th World Cup goal, and the one he remembers the most.

"I have a special feeling for that goal because I scored it with my head," he said. "My father was a soccer player and once scored five goals in a game, all with his head. That was one record I was never able to break."

Pelé's statistics are staggering. During his career he scored 1,280 goals in 1,360 games, second only to another Brazilian, Arthur Friedenreich, who recorded 1,329 goals. He scored an average of a goal in every international game he played--the equivalent of a baseball player's hitting a home run in every World Series game over 15 years.

At the club level he shattered records in Brazil. He scored 127 goals for Santos F.C. in 1959, 110 in 1961 and 101 goals in 1965, and led the club to two World Club championships.

Pelé also holds the world record for hat tricks (92) and the number of goals scored on the international level (97). His statistics are all the more amazing when compared to today's top players who can barely score more that 30 goals in a season.

He retired from the game in 1974, but came out of retirement the following year to play in the North American Soccer League for the New York Cosmos for just over two seasons. A reported 7-million-dollar contract for three years made him the highest paid soccer player of the North American Soccer League.

His appearance in the NASL gave the American League instant credibility and made millions of Americans aware of the sport, he dubbed the "beautiful game." He said he came out of retirement, not for the money, but to "make soccer truly popular in the United States."

During his career he played in 93 full internationals for Brazil and in all first class matches scored a remarkable 1,280 goals, second only to Artur Friedenreich, another Brazilian, who holds the world record with 1,329.

In many ways, Pelé was the complete athlete. With his skill and agility, he could have played in any position on the field, but he chose on wearing the number-10 shirt as an inside-left forward. He had great balance, which enabled him to dribble effortlessly around defenders, and his heading ability was remarkable.

On Oct. 1, 1977, Pelé's mission in the NASL ended. His last match, an exhibition game between the Cosmos and Santos, was sold out six weeks beforehand, covered by 650 journalists and broadcast in 38 nations.
Muhammad Ali embraced him in the locker room before the match and said, "Now there are two of the greatest." In a speech to dignitaries, celebrities and more than 75,000 fans, Pelé urged his audience to pay attention to the children of the world. At his request, the assemblage shouted, "Love! Love! Love!"
Then he went out and played the first half for the Cosmos -- scoring a goal on a rocket from 30 yards out -- and the second half for Santos.

On Pelé's retirement, J.B. Pinheiro, Brazil's ambassador to the U.N., said Pelé had "spent 22 years playing soccer, and in that time he has done more for goodwill and friendship than all of the ambassadors ever appointed."

In addition to his great accomplishments in soccer, he published several best-selling autobiographies, starred in several documentary and semi-documentary films, and composed numerous musical pieces, including the entire sound track for the film 'Pelé' (1977). He was the 1978 recipient of the International Peace Award, and in 1980 he was named athlete of the century.

In 1993, Pelé was inducted into the National Soccer Hall of Fame and is the former ambassador of sports in Brazil. He has also done extensive work for children's causes through UNICEF.

In 2000, Pelé was named second for the "Sportsman of the Century" award. The legendary Muhammad Ali got the honors

Wayne rooney

2008-12-31T03:55:00.000-08:00

England's teenage star is the hottest prospect in the Premiership. The richly promising striker or playmaker announced his arrival to the world with his spectacular winner against Arsenal in October 2002, which also made him the youngest goalscorer in FA Premier League history - until he was surpassed by James Milner of Leeds. His reputation was enhanced by a trio of dazzling performances at Euro 2004 - before early injury and defeat against Portugal.

BIOGRAPHY
Wonder boy Wayne Rooney is the name on everybody's lips as Roo-mania sweeps across the country. At the tender age of 16, Rooney announced himself to the Premiership as a top prospect - scoring a seamless goal against Arsenal to earn his first victory for Everton in the last minute of the game.

Wayne Rooney is a born and bred Liverpudlian. The son of a working-class family, he grew up in the suburb of Croxteth. Brought up in a three-bedroom council house with his parents, Jeanette and Wayne, and his younger brothers, Graham and John, young Wayne had not much more than the dreams of every other little boy in his town. His mum Jeanette was a dinner lady at a local school. The family have always been Everton-mad, and Rooney's old bedroom window, which was visible from the street, was filled with Everton pennants.

Rooney was the talk of the town well before his international success. He was only nine when he was spotted by Everton scout Bob Pendleton playing for boys' club Copplehouse in the local Walton and Kirkdale Junior League. In his last season with them he scored 99 goals before joining the Everton academy. His progress was so swift that he was playing for the Under-19s side when still only 15.

His life now is very different, though his superstardom doesn't look like it's gone to his head, he still looks like the boy next door, and if you passed him on the street you wouldn't look twice, he certainly doesn't carry the glamour of Beckham, but who cares? As long as he keeps scoring the goals, he's a national hero.

Wayne Rooney is the top goal scorer in Euro 2004, and has been describes by England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson as the greatest teenage talent to emerge at a soccer tournament since Pele at the 1958 World Cup. Still at only 18 his career has just started, Liverpool-born Ronney is a boy that everyone wants to be.

Wayne Rooney joined Manchester United on Tuesday, 31 August 2004 despite a last minute holdup caused by his broken foot. Manchester United finalized the deal to acquire the 18-year-old striker from Everton at the transfer deadline date. The six-year deal is worth $48.3 million; with agent fees, the total soars to $54 million. "It was a tough decision to leave Everton, the club I've supported and played for all my life, but I'm excited to be joining a club as big as Manchester United," Rooney said in a statement released by his new team. "I feel this can only improve my career, playing with top players in top competitions like the Champions League and I can't wait to meet up with the team."

Profile
NAME Wayne Rooney
BIRTHDAY 24/10/1985
BIRTH CITY Liverpool, UK
HEIGHT 178 cm
WEIGHT 78 Kg
CLUB Everton
POSITION Striker
NUMBER 18
PREMIERSHIP DEBUT 17/08/2002 Tottenham
FIRST PREMIERSHIP GOAL 19/10/2002 Arsenal
ENGLAND DEBUT 12/02/2003 Australia
FIRST ENGLAND GOAL 06/09/2003 Macedonia
DID YOU KNOW? Rooney was the Everton mascot at a Merseyside derby in 1996/97

Wayne Rooney

2008-12-31T03:52:00.000-08:00

c ronaldo

2008-12-30T22:40:00.000-08:00

Cristiano Ronaldo had a head-to-head clash with Emanuel Pogatetz - but Dimitar Berbatov kept his cool to keep Manchester United in the title race.

Ronaldo was fuming at the Middlesbrough hardman for whacking him on the leg then grabbing his face off the ball at a corner.

The World Player of the Year had words with Pogatetz as they went off at half-time and they continued all the way up the tunnel. Ronaldo stuck his face into the Austrian's and got a forehead back at him as team-mates looked on.

Referee Martin Atkinson spoke to the duo before the second-half as tempers boiled at frosty Old Trafford.They are unlikely to be reported as Atkinson dealt with the incident on the spot.

Pogatetz has history against United. He was guilty of an X-rated challenge on Rodrigo Possebon when the clubs met in the Carling Cup and was sent off.

United laboured for the second game running with Ronaldo's golden touch of last season deserting him on a night of fluffed opportunities.

They were grateful to Berbatov, who poked in the winner in the 69th minute.

Cristiano Ronaldo Biography

Name : Cristiano Ronaldo

Birth Name : Cristiano Ronaldo dos Santos Aveiro

Date of Birth : February 5, 1985

Place of Birth : Funchal, Madeira, Portugal

Height : 6' 1''

Trade Mark : Much known for his fancy flicks and stepovers.

Nicknames : Cris, Ron, Ronnie, The Sultan of the Stepover

ms dhoni

2008-12-30T02:19:00.000-08:00

pele vs maradona

2008-12-30T01:16:00.000-08:00

Ronaldinho

2008-12-30T01:05:00.000-08:00

Ronaldinho
Milan AC Midfielders
Height: 1.82m. Weight: 76.00kg. Nationality: Brazil
Born: 21/03/1980 in
First professional match: Auxerre - Paris-SG : 1-1 on 04/08/2001

Bio, career, personal life, etc.
Ronaldo de Assis Moreira (born 21 March 1980) is a footballer more commonly known as Ronaldinho Gaúcho, due to his being from the Rio Grande do Sul state of Brazil, or more simply known as Ronaldinho.

His name Ronaldinho, Portuguese for "little Ronaldo", was originally devised as a means of distinguishing between himself and fellow Brazilian football star Ronaldo, with the additional title Gaúcho being used when the current Ronaldo was also known as Ronaldinho. Among his many achievements and accolades, Ronaldinho has been awarded the FIFA World Player of the Year award twice (2004, 2005), as well as the European Footballer of the Year award and the FIFPro World Player of the Year award (2005) and is regarded by many as the best player in the world. He has downplayed suggestions that he is the best footballer in the world, telling FourFourTwo magazine, "I don't even feel I'm the best at Barça."

In his childhood, Ronaldinho's skill in football began to blossom due to his particular interest in futsal and beach football, which later developed into a fondness for more standardised football. His first brush with the media came after a 23 goal flurry against a local team, at just 13 years of age. His reputation as a footballer was built up through his childhood, particularly since he was identified as a rising star at the Egypt 1997 under-17 world championship. He scored two goals in the tournament, both penalty kicks.

CRISTIANORONALDO

2008-12-29T23:59:00.000-08:00

MARIA SHARAPOVA

2008-12-29T23:50:00.000-08:00

SANIA MIRZA

2008-12-29T23:35:00.001-08:00

MICHAELJORDAN

2008-12-29T23:30:00.000-08:00

ANDREW

2008-12-29T23:28:00.000-08:00

andrew symonds

2008-12-29T23:08:00.000-08:00

PRINCE

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PRINCESOURAV

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SRTMASTER

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ROGER

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MASTERS RF.RN

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ROGER NADAL

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GRAEME SMITH

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KEVINPETERSEN

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YURAJ SING

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PRINCE

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PRINCE.SAURAV

2008-12-29T03:31:00.000-08:00

PRINCE.SAURAV

2008-12-29T03:30:00.001-08:00

SRT.MASTER

2008-12-29T03:18:00.000-08:00

SRT.MASTER

2008-12-29T03:17:00.000-08:00

SRT.MASTER

2008-12-29T03:15:00.000-08:00

R.NADAL

2008-12-29T02:36:00.000-08:00

R.FEDERER

2008-12-29T02:34:00.001-08:00

R.NADAL

2008-12-29T02:29:00.000-08:00

R.NADAL

2008-12-29T02:28:00.000-08:00

R.FEDERER

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R.FEDERER

2008-12-29T02:25:00.000-08:00

RONALDINHO

2008-12-28T23:40:00.000-08:00

RONALDINHO

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RONALDINHO

2008-12-28T23:38:00.000-08:00

RONALDINHO

2008-12-28T23:35:00.000-08:00

RONALDINHO

C.RONALDO

2008-12-28T05:27:00.001-08:00

CRISTIANO RONALDO

C RONALDO

2008-12-28T04:38:00.000-08:00

C.RONALDO

2008-12-28T03:25:00.000-08:00