India-Sri Lanka ODI in Vizag is on
Amid rumours of cancellation of the India-Sri Lanka ODI in Visakhapatnam, the ACA said the match will be held as scheduled.
"The match is very much on. All arrangements are in place and we will start sale of tickets from Monday," Andhra Cricket Association (ACA) president Gokaraju Gangaraju told PTI from Vijayawada.
Gangaraju dispelled rumours that the match might get cancelled in view of the prevailing crisis over Telangana.
"We have spoken to the Joint Action Committee that is organising the protests and it has assured us that the match will not be disturbed," Gangaraju added.
Rumours started spreading that the second ODI would be cancelled after the scheduled sale of tickets for the India-Sri Lanka match was put on hold.
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Asked if the match is doubtful because of the ongoing agitation, Visakhapatnam City Commissioner of Police, N Samba Siva Rao said the information available with him was that BCCI is for going ahead with the match.
Samba Siva Rao said he was keeping a watch on the current situation and said additional forces would be required for maintaining security around the stadium apart from controlling the protesters.
"If the tendency of protests continues further, we will definitely request for more security forces as conduct of an international event also requires deployment of more number of police force," the top cop said.
Vettori puts New Zealand in control
A stand of 176 between captain Daniel Vettori and wicketkeeper Brendon McCullum put New Zealand in a commanding position.
The hosts had bowled their opponents out for 223 on day one but were reduced to 145 for five despite Tim McIntosh's 74.
But Vettori reached his century and McCullum fell just 11 runs short as the pair saw their side to 346 for six by the close of second day's play of the decisive third Test against Pakistan in Napier.
The Black Caps resumed on 47 for no wicket and seeking to build on Iain O'Brien and Daryl Tuffey's heroics.
It's all about numbers
O'Brien - in his final Test - took four for 35 and Tuffey cleaned up the tail with four for 52 in Pakistan's disappointing total, which was built around opener Imran Farhat carrying his bat for 117 not out.
But the second day did not start well for the hosts as Test debutant BJ Watling added just five to his overnight 13 not out before crashing Mohammad Aamer to Umar Akmal at backward point to end an opening stand of 60.
Martin Guptill was dismissed for just 13 when he was trapped lbw by Danish Kaneria's googly and Ross Taylor, who made 21, lost his patience and top-edged a slog-sweep at Kaneria to backward square leg, where Mohammad Yousuf took a fine catch.
McIntosh remained patient throughout, contributing just 17 runs and eight scoring shots - in a watchful morning session which saw 41 runs added in 25 overs.
He pushed on to his half-century in 147 balls, with just five boundaries, but picked up the pace somewhat thereafter.
However, he was another to depart sweeping as he top-edged Kaneria to keeper Kamran Akmal.
Daniel Flynn made just five before falling victim to a controversial umpire review decision. The caught-behind appeal was turned down but Akmal immediately called for a review and Flynn began walking.
Hot-spot technology showed nothing, but a noise as the ball passed the bat was enough to convince third umpire Simon Taufel to overturn the decision, leaving Kaneria with figures of four for 44.
McCullum was spared by Taufel having made just 15, a caught-behind appeal turned down as replays showed the bat made contact with only the pad.
He began to find his rhythm, taking 10 runs from a single Kaneria over and nine from one by Mohammad Aamer on his way to a 63-ball half-century.
Vettori made a steady start before stepping up his scoring rate with consecutive boundaries off Umar Gul.
His 50 arrived one ball quicker than that of McCullum, but the latter provided a highlight of the innings when he hoisted Mohammad Asif for a huge six over mid-wicket.
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Flower encouraged by Pietersen knock
Kevin Pietersen's first half-ton since his comeback from injury was the most encouraging aspect for coach Andy Flower.
Pietersen hit his first half-century since his comeback from injury as England piled up the runs at Buffalo Park.
Andrew Strauss made 100 while there were 50s for Pietersen (71), Alastair Cook (52) and Jonathan Trott (50) in a stumps total of 317 for five declared on day one of two against a South African Invitational XI.
There was little pressure on any of the batsmen, other than that of expectation they would take their chance on a slow pitch against benign opposition for a confidence boost before next week's first Test.
Whether they achieved anything more substantial was very much open to question, on a pitch far removed from the pace and bounce they can expect to face from a much-vaunted South Africa attack at Centurion.
Flower, however, was satisfied, especially with Pietersen.
"The other guys have been in the runs recently, so that probably was the most pleasing aspect of the day," he said.
"Kevin has been out of cricket, and then not scoring heavily. Him getting in and getting that time in the middle was vital.
"You could see as his innings progressed that he looked more balanced and more assured at the crease. That's very important for him."
While Pietersen, Strauss and Cook all scored at a good rate, Trott did anything but - taking an hour over his first four runs.
When he finally reached a 135-ball 50, Trott was immediately retired out - like Strauss and Cook before him.
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But Flower explained: "He was obviously working through his own processes out there in the middle, and I didn't have a problem with him batting that slowly.
"If that gets him ready for the first Test then all well and good."
As for conditions which hardly simulated what England should expect for much of the forthcoming four-Test series, Flower is in no mood to complain.
"This is the preparation we were given, and I think we've made the most of it so far," he added.
"Obviously, we would have preferred a bouncier pitch - because that is what we are expecting in the Test series.
"But that was not to be, and they've done a really good job getting this ready for us."
South Africa are still hoping Jacques Kallis will be fit to play at Centurion next week.
The chances of the all-rounder being able to bowl as well as bat are receding, as he recovers slowly from the cracked rib which ruled him out of the recent one-day series.
But the hosts will pick him as a specialist batsman, as long as they are satisfied that activity will not hinder his improvement so far.
He had an escape when he was stranded halfway down due to Vettori tripping over Kaneria while setting off for a single - the throw was wayward, and Kaneria apologised to Vettori in any case.
But McCullum departed for 89 after being cramped by a Gul bouncer and lobbing an easy catch to Faisal Iqbal in the gully.
Vettori fired nine fours - and a six back over Kaneria's head - but was dropped by his rival spinner on 97, Kaneria injuring his hand spilling the sharp chance off his own bowling.
But three singles saw Vettori, promoted to number six, to his fifth Test century from 126 balls and he closed on exactly 100 not out.
Tuffey was 13 not out at the other end, dropping to one knee to launch Kaneria for an extraordinary six over mid-on but soon settling into defensive mode.
The Kiwis therefore lead by 123 runs with four wickets remaining going into the third day.
Ranji Trophy - Brief Updates
Here are brief roundups of the Ranji Trophy matches being played in various parts of the country.
Tamil Nadu vs Mumbai, at Mumbai
Aushik Srinivas grabbed six wickets for eleven runs to trigger a sensational Mumbai collapse which earned Tamil Nadu vital first innings lead and three points out of their drawn Ranji Trophy tie.
Mumbai resumed at solid 308 for three but Srinivas produced a sensational spell of spin bowling as the reigning champions folded for 366 on the fourth and final day of their Ranji Trophy Elite Division Group A match.
The 16-year-old bowler returned match figures of seven for 107, which included wicket of rival captain and top-scorer Wasim Jaffer (141), to give his side a lead of 135 runs.
In 49 balls left-arm spinner Aushik sent back Jaffer, who was Mumbai's main hope with an unbeaten 129 last evening, Abhishek Nayar, Ramesh Powar, Iqbal Abdullah, Dhawal Kulkarni and Usman Malvi as the hosts tumbled from 336 for four to 366 all out in only 13.2 overs in reply to TN's 501.
Medium pacer Chandrasekhar Ganapathy gave the breakthrough in the morning by dismissing overnight batsman Omkar Khanvilkar, who could add just four more runs to his total.
Then Aushik had Jaffer caught by slip fielder Murali Vijay, after the home side captain had batted for 15 minutes over six hours and struck 15 fours in 251 balls, to start the Mumbai slide.
In the remaining time, captain Vijay slammed 154 in only 118 balls with 20 fours and five sixes in TN's second innings tally of 253 for three in 43 overs before the match ended in a draw with the visitors gaining three points and Mumbai one.
Tamil Nadu thus ensured they remained on top of the table with 23 points and also qualified for the quarter finals with a match in hand against Hyderabad from December 15-18.
Mumbai took their tally to 16 from six matches and need only a draw and one point in their last round robin tie against Gujarat at the Brabourne Stadium here to enter the knock out round.
Punjab (16 points) and Railways (13) are the only other teams with a chance to go through to the knock-out rounds from Group A and are to meet each other in the last round robin clash at Delhi.
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Delhi vs Maharashtra, at New Delhi
Delhi kept their quarterfinal hopes alive by notching up a comprehensive 10-wicket triumph over laggards Maharashtra in their fifth Ranji Trophy Super League Group B match.
Their second successive win gave Delhi six points, taking their overall tally to 15, and Virat Kohli's side now needs to beat Bengal in their final group engagement to be in the hunt for quarterfinals.
After Pradeep Sangwan's five-wicket burst left them 334 for nine at stumps yesterday, Maharashtra's innings folded up after adding just 25 runs to the overnight total.
Parvinder Awana had Samad Fallah (28) caught by Aditya Jain to bring down the curtains on Maharashtra's innings.
Needing just 109 runs to win the match, Delhi romped home in just 17.1 overs with Virat and Mithun Manhas combining for a 112-run unbeaten opening stand.
In-form Virat did most of the scoring, slamming 11 fours in his 58-ball 67. Manhas gave him good support with a 49-ball 38, which included five hits to the fence.
Railways vs Hyderabad, at Hyderabad
T P Singh slammed a brisk century while V Cheluvaraj missed his ton by seven runs as Railways boosted their quarterfinal chances with the three points they gained from their drawn Ranji Trophy Super League tie against Hyderabad.
Having posted 305 in their first innings, Railways managed to restrict the hosts to 303 and that wafer-thin two-run first innings lead proved crucial in the Group A tie which ended in a tame draw with Hyderabad getting just one point from the outing.
Resuming their second innings on 18 for no loss, Railways got some batting practice and were 363 for five at stumps on the final day.
Faiz Fazal (49) and skipper Cheluvaraj (93) added 145 runs for the opening stand but both had the misfortune of missing their individual landmarks.
Mohammed Khader first removed Fazal when the batsman was just one run shy of his fifty and got the better of Cheluvaraj also with Anirudh Singh taking his second catch of the day.
TP Singh and Yere Goud (72), however, made merry and remained not out.
Singh's unbeatean 105-ball 100 had eight fours and three sixes in it while Goud hit 12 boundaries during his unbeaten 86-ball knock.
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Orissa vs Punjab, at Chandigarh
Orissa earned vital three points on the basis of their first innings lead as their Ranji Trophy Super League Group A match against Punjab ended in a tame draw.
Set a target of near impossible 354 runs, Punjab ended the fourth and final day on 192 for four after 66 overs to get one point from the match at Sector 16 cricket stadium here.
Uday Kaul was Punjab's top-scorer with an unbeaten 73 which he made from 177 balls with the help of 13 fours.
Vishwas Bhalla also remained not out on 24 while captain Pankaj Dharmani contributed 40.
For Orissa, Debasis Mohanty took two wickets by conceding 39 runs while Alok Sahoo and Dhiraj Singh got one wicket apiece.
Earlier, Orissa added 51 runs in the 15.3 overs they faced today without losing any more wicket before declaring their innings at 247 for eight.
Halhadar Das (67 not out) added another 28 runs to his overnight 39 while Basanth Mohanty (27) added 16 to his yesterday's 11. The duo shared 74 runs for their unbroken ninth wicket stand.
Despite today's single point, Punjab now share second spot with holders Mumbai with 16 points in Group A.
Tripura vs Goa, at Agartala
Tripura qualified for the knock-out round of the Ranji Trophy Plate Group after playing out a draw against Goa.
The hosts earned bonus points on the virtue of their first innings lead and set up a semi-final clash against Haryana, scheduled at Rohtak from December 15-18.
Replying to Goa's 201 in the Group A tie, Tripura scored 280 for seven in the final day of the at the Maharaja Bir Bikram Stadium.
Tripura baged three points from the drawn match and, with 12 points from five matches stood second in the group behind Assam (13).
Heavy fog and bad light interrupted the entire four-day tie time and again. Today also, the play started after lunch.
Resuming from overnight 150 for 4, Tripura scored 208 for 7 at stumps.
Lower order batsman Tushar Saha made an unbeaten 53 (4X8) and skipper Rajib Datta scored 29 (4X5). Goa spinner Amit Yadav bagged four wickets for 60 runs.
Tennis News
‘Too early to think about Olympics’
Mixed doubles has been added to the 2012 London Olympics tennis programme but Sania Mirza is not thinking about it as yet.
After clinching her first Major title at the 2009 Australian Open in mixed doubles, Sania Mirza reveals to MobileESPN that she’ll team up with former doubles No. 1 Virginia Ruano Pascual. The Spaniard has 11 Grand Slams to her name, including 10 in women’s doubles. Excerpts from an exclusive interview.
Bhagya Ayyavoo: How will you remember the 2009 season, professionally as well as personally?
Sania Mirza: For Indian tennis, it was an extremely good year. Mahesh and I won the Australian Open mixed doubles title while Leander won two Grand Slams in doubles. Yuki Bhambri won a junior Grand Slam and we also reached the World Group in Davis Cup after several years. Personally, I am happy with the way things have gone for me despite some injury issues. I won my maiden Grand Slam title and finished in the top 100 for the fifth consecutive year.
BA: Which was the most memorable and satisfying match that you played this season?
SM: Beating world No.12, Marion Bartoli in Osaka in singles and winning the final of the Australian Open in mixed were memorable for me.
BA: You bagged the Lexington Challenger title this year, that too coming right after your engagement. How important was that success?
SM: Every title is important in building one’s confidence level and since it came right after my engagement, it helped in putting a stop to baseless rumours that claimed I had lost focus on tennis.
BA: With so many teenagers emerging and many other top players coming out of retirements, what will your philosophy be on your seventh year on the tour?
SM: The philosophy has been the same all through my tennis career - to keep working hard and to go on improving.
BA: Given the gruelling nature of the tour, will you be selective with the tournaments you play in 2010?
SM: Yes, I may need to be selective.
BA: Fitness is obviously key to your game. Do your injuries or your propensity to get injured haunt you at the back of your mind when you play top-10 players?
SM: Injuries are part of a sportsperson’s life. If you are injured, it will affect your game irrespective of whether you are playing a top-10 player or a top-200 player.
BA: In spite of you not being in the Top 20 you’re always a feared opponent. Does it make it any tougher or easier for you on court?
SM: I don’t look at it that way. When I enter the court, I always think positively and believe I have a chance to win - whether I am playing a top-20 player or a rank outsider makes no difference.
BA: Some say, one can’t prepare to play a top-20 player until you’re in the Top 30. How true is that in your case?
SM: For me, ranking is just a number and I believe whoever plays well on that particular day will be the winner.
BA: Speaking of Grand Slams, what are the odds for you to repeat the 2005 US Open Round 4 performance?
SM: I am a positive person and I think I can do well in future as well.
BA: You reached your career-best 27 in 2007, and you have always been quoted as a top-30 player. Now, 58 on the WTA singles list, have you set yourself some target for next year?
SM: My goal is always to work hard and to go on improving. If I can stay injury-free, there is no reason why I cannot better my ranking.
BA: Former India No.1 Nirupama Vaidyanathan made a short comeback at the Pune ITF in November this year. Do you think that will help India, at a time when there’s no one to support you at the top?
SM: It’s a great achievement by Niru and I feel very happy for her. However, it is disappointing that no new players seem to have emerged in Indian women’s tennis for a long time now.
BA: What do you enjoy most and least about life on the Tour? And how do you think that will change post engagement?
SM: I enjoy playing tennis and that’s what keeps me going. The travel is tiresome.
BA: You had reasonable success in the doubles events with Francesca Schiavone and Chia Jung Chuang this season. What’s the plan for 2010?
SM: I will be playing with Virginia Ruano Pascual in the Australian Open and if we do well, we’ll continue to play together.
BA: With the 2012 Olympics fast approaching, do you have any London dreams, especially that’s a venue where you will have a lot of support?
SM: 2012 is still a long way off.
BA: Now that you’re engaged, are you happy that the link-up stories and other rumours have stopped?
SM: Yes. But after a point, the stories had become so ridiculous that they had stopped affecting me.
BA: You certainly have many more years to go, but have you ever thought of life beyond that?
SM: I would like to remain associated with tennis after my retirement and want to give back to the game that has given me so much in life. Maybe, I would get into coaching.
Mixed doubles for London 2012
The IOC have revealed changes in the tennis and cycling programmes to promote gender parity at the London 2012 Games.
Mixed doubles tennis will take place at London 2012, after an IOC executive board meeting in Lausanne approved the suggestion made by the International Tennis Federation.
The event has been introduced alongside the men's and women's singles and men's and women's doubles without increasing the number of overall competitors.
An IOC statement read: "The changes reflect the IOC's desire to continually refresh the programme, as well as its commitment to increase women's participation.
"The inclusion of the tennis mixed doubles event will not increase the current number of athletes and will bring an added value to the Olympic programme by providing another opportunity for men and women to compete together on the same field of play."
The IOC ratified the International Cycling Union's proposed changes to the Olympic track cycling programme in full.
In a bid for gender parity, the UCI and IOC have agreed to a programme to begin at London 2012 which features five men's and five women's events.
The men's and women's individual pursuits, men's and women's points races and the men's Madison are to disappear in favour of sprints, keirins, team sprints, team pursuits and omniums for both sexes.
Andy Murray wins top award
Andy Murray has unsurprisingly been named British tennis' AEGON Player of the Year.
The Scot was given the top award at a ceremony at the National Tennis Centre in Roehampton after a year in which he has won six ATP World Tour titles and reached number two in the world in August.
Murray, now the world number four, did not attend the ceremony as he is currently training in Miami, but he said: "Thank you to everyone, it's an honour to win this award and it means a lot after a long season."
US Open junior champion Heather Watson won the AEGON Junior Player of the Year while Colin Fleming and Ken Skupski, who have enjoyed a rapid rise up the doubles world rankings and collected two ATP Tour titles, were named Team of the Year.
Watson said: "I am really excited and honoured. This has been a great year for me and I am looking forward to 2010 and playing on the WTA Tour more frequently."
Golf News
Tiger Woods decides to take a break
Scandal-hit Tiger Woods has decided to take an "indefinite break" from golf as he apologised for his "infidelity".
Posting a message on his website, the champion golfer said: "After much soul searching, I have decided to take an indefinite break from professional golf."
He added: "I am deeply aware of the disappointment and hurt that my infidelity has caused to so many people, most of all my wife and children. I want to say again to everyone that I am profoundly sorry and that I ask forgiveness."
The 33-year-old, who is married to Swedish former model Elin Nordegren, has been swamped by a series of affair allegations since crashing his car in mysterious circumstances on November 27.
Woods continued: "It may not be possible to repair the damage I've done, but I want to do my best to try.
"I would like to ask everyone, including my fans, the good people at my foundation, business partners, the PGA Tour, and my fellow competitors, for their understanding.
"What's most important now is that my family has the time, privacy, and safe haven we will need for personal healing.
"I need to focus my attention on being a better husband, father, and person.
"Again, I ask for privacy for my family and I am especially grateful for all those who have offered compassion and concern during this difficult period."
The number of women who have come forward with claims of a sexual involvement with the billionaire sportsman stands in double figures.
The allegations have caused headlines around the world and affected Woods' previously wholesome family image.
Woods had previously not commented on the affair allegations or been seen in public since his car crash.
In a statement released last week he referred to "personal sins" and "transgressions" and apologised for letting his family down.
The world number one golfer was last due to play golf on Tuesday December 1 at the Chevron World Challenge title, but cancelled in the wake of his car crash.
He is the winner of 14 major golf events, with the first major of next year being the US Masters which starts on April 8.
A statement from PGA Tour commissioner Tim Finchem in response to Woods' announcement read: "We fully support Tiger's decision to step away from competitive golf to focus on his family.
"His priorities are where they need to be, and we will continue to respect and honor his family's request for privacy.
"We look forward to Tiger's return to the PGA Tour when he determines the time is right for him."
Woods crashed his car in the early hours of November 27, leaving him needing hospital treatment and immediately raising questions over the circumstances leading up to the accident.
It has been speculated that reports of an affair with New York socialite Rachel Uchitel led to a confrontation with his wife shortly before he got into his SUV that morning.
Earlier this week, Woods' mother-in-law collapsed at his Florida mansion and spent half a day in hospital.
Barbro Holmberg, mother of Elin, had arrived in the US from her native Sweden to be with her daughter.
Monty: Tiger has lost his aura
Ryder Cup captain Colin Montgomerie thinks disgraced World number one Tiger Woods has lost his aura.
Since his car crash in Florida two weeks ago, Woods has been dominating the daily headlines with sordid details of his affairs. He has since announced he will not be involved in golf for the time being in order to save his marriage.
As a result of this, Montgomerie reckons the American will lose his aura of invincibility due to his family problems.
Montgomerie told Sky Sports News: "It will impact on every tournament Tiger plays, I believe. Let's hope the tabloid press finishes quickly and we get on supporting good golf, but it will impact on every tournament that Tiger plays next year.
"I think the mystique has gone, the mysterious nature of the guy has gone. He is suddenly - I hate to say - more normal now - if that is normal! There is a mystique which has been lost now and let's hope that golf isn't damaged by that and it shouldn't be."
And with Woods' golf game potentially weakened by recent events, Montgomerie feels his fellow professionals could reap the benefits.
The Scot added: "There was an aura, and that wall if you like has been split slightly, so there are cracks and I feel that it gives us more opportunity of winning these big events now."
Tiger Woods' latest statement
Tiger Woods has issued a statement on his official website, admitting for the first time his recent infidelity and announcing he is to take an indefinite break from golf.
Here is the statement in full:
I am deeply aware of the disappointment and hurt that my infidelity has caused to so many people, most of all my wife and children. I want to say again to everyone that I am profoundly sorry and that I ask forgiveness. It may not be possible to repair the damage I've done, but I want to do my best to try.
I would like to ask everyone, including my fans, the good people at my foundation, business partners, the PGA Tour, and my fellow competitors, for their understanding. What's most important now is that my family has the time, privacy, and safe haven we will need for personal healing.
After much soul searching, I have decided to take an indefinite break from professional golf. I need to focus my attention on being a better husband, father, and person.
Again, I ask for privacy for my family and I am especially grateful for all those who have offered compassion and concern during this difficult period.
Football News
Benitez blasts Liverpool's critics
Rafael Benitez has delivered a withering riposte to his critics and dismissed Jurgen Klinsmann's managerial record.
The former Germany international attacked Benitez's record as Liverpool manager and the quality of the current squad.
Klinsmann took Germany to the semi-finals of their home World Cup in 2006, but his stint in charge of Bayern Munich lasted less than a season before he was sacked.
Speaking about Klinsmann's attack, Benitez said: "I think he was an expert in marketing. His management career? Short."
Klinsmann was at the centre of a storm two years ago when he was involved in talks with Liverpool's American owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett over the Anfield hot seat.
Former Liverpool manager Graeme Souness also warned of a potential "meltdown" at the club this week but Benitez said today: "There is always criticism but I don't listen. I turn off the volume on the TV."
He added sarcastically: "Both have fantastic records as managers, so the fans ignore what they say.
"We have to win, we have a responsibility and we must concentrate on our job.
"If someone talks too much, it is their problem, but the fans know the record they both have as managers, fantastic."
Totti: Cassano's scared to face me
Roma captain Francesco Totti has taunted former teammate Antonio Cassano by saying he's 'scared' to face him.
According to football-italia.net, both players were initially good friends when Cassano was at Roma but their relationship turned sour and Cassano left the club.
Both of them will square-up at Marassi on Sunday when making the trip to challenge Sampdoria.
"Am I afraid of playing against Cassano? If anything, he's scared to face me, I'd expect," said Totti when asked about this showdown.
It will be the first time that Cassano has played against Totti since the row, as due to injuries, bans or poor form they never came face-to-face on the field.
The Giallorossi are flying high after the derby victory and back in the race for a European spot.
"I expected us to mount a comeback in Serie A, it had to happen," smiled the Roma captain.
"At this moment we are very calm and confident."
Hughes confident Robi will stay
Manchester City manager Mark Hughes has no doubts at all that Robinho sees his future at Eastlands.
The Brazil forward made it clear in a television interview he is staying put, maybe for five or 10 years.
Robinho's comments, though, have come as no surprise to Hughes, who continues to dismiss speculation linking the player with a move to Barcelona.
Hughes said: "I know Robi's feelings. He is very happy around the place and with life in Manchester. He always has a smile on his face.
"He is playing alongside good players in a good team. He knows he can be successful with the club and the players that are here already. He likes the way we play and wants to be a part of that.
"Robi was frustrated earlier in the season because he wasn't playing. Now he is playing perhaps people will start speaking about his performances."
Robinho has returned to full fitness after a three-month absence because of an ankle injury.
He is looking to retain his place in the team tomorrow against Bolton at the Reebok Stadium after helping City defeat league leaders Chelsea last weekend.
Hughes believes Robinho's knack of tricking the opposition will play a crucial role in the club's bid for a top four slot.
"We have a lot of players who have the ability to produce something out of nothing, " said the City boss.
"You need that if you have the ambition to be a top team.
"There are going to be occasions where you don't play particularly well and those type of players can win you games.
"They make their reputations by doing something out of the ordinary and certainly Robi is one of those type of players."
City are back on track after achieving successive victories against Arsenal in the Carling Cup and then Chelsea following seven draws in a row.
The upturn in fortunes came following a heated dressing room debate between management and players after they drew with Hull.
Hughes was pleased with the response and believes the players' Christmas party can only further improve team bonding.
He said: "We have a group of guys who enjoy each other's company and mix socially anyway. It is not something we discourage.
"People have to take responsibility for their own behaviour. They are grown men and should be responsible enough to know when to walk away when a situation develops. Our group does that."
Hughes remains wary of Bolton, however, even though Gary Megson's side are in the relegation zone.
He added: "They are probably in a better position than last year when we faced them there. They beat us 2-0 on that occasion and we don't want that to happen again.
"We feel we have improved significantly since then with the strength in depth we have. I would like to think we will give a better account of ourselves."
Motorsport News
Abu Dhabi handed final round slot
Abu Dhabi will now play host to the final round of the 2010 Formula One world championship.
Brazil was earmarked for the honour on the provisional calendar but organisers at the Yas Marina circuit have successfully negotiated a swap with their counterparts at Interlagos.
That is reflected in the official calendar released following a meeting of the World Motor Sport Council in Monaco.
The races, however, are now back to back, with Brazil on November 7 and Abu Dhabi on November 14.
Canada returns after a one-year absence, and carries with it a noon start local time.
Britain has its July 11 slot following confirmation of a 17-year deal between Silverstone and Bernie Ecclestone's Formula One Management.
Korea is set to make its F1 debut on October 24 dependent on the circuit currently being built in Yeongam, 220 miles south of Seoul, passing an FIA inspection.
Kevin Lee, general manager of the circuit's strategic planning department, said: "It is totally on plan.
"We have a plan to finish the whole construction work at the circuit on July 5 next year, and up until now it is roughly 60% done."
2010 FIA Formula One World Championship:
Mar 14 - Bahrain (Sakhir)
Mar 28 - Australia (Melbourne, starting at 1700 local time)
Apr 4 - Malaysia (Sepang, starting at 1600 local time)
Apr 18 - China (Shanghai)
May 9 - Spain (Barcelona)
May 16 - Monaco (Monte Carlo)
May 30 - Turkey (Istanbul)
Jun 13 - Canada (Montreal, starting at 1200 local time)
Jun 27 - Europe (Valencia)
Jul 11 - Great Britain (Silverstone)
Jul 25 - Germany (Hockenheim)
Aug 1 - Hungary (Budapest)
Aug 29 - Belgium (Spa-Francorchamps)
Sep 12 - Italy (Monza)
Sep 26 - Singapore (starting at 2000 local time)
Oct 10 - Japan (Suzuka, starting at 1500 local time)
Oct 24 - South Korea (Yeongam)*
Nov 7 - Brazil (Interlagos)
Nov 14 - Abu Dhabi (Yas Marina, starting at 1700 local time)
F1 introduces permanent stewards
Formula One will have a permanent panel of stewards at each grand prix from next year, incorporating former Formula One drivers.
The decision, taken by the World Motor Sport Council at a meeting in Monaco, will hopefully result in a greater degree of consistency with regard to decisions at each race.
Three stewards will continue to be present at every grand prix, but with the trio to be selected from a permanent group, in conjunction with experienced former F1 drivers.
It is envisaged the permanent pool of stewards will number around eight to 10, with two or three drivers in addition to those.
Discussions are currently taking place between motor sport's world governing body, the FIA, and a handful of drivers being looked at for the position at present.
The role of Alan Donnelly as chief steward and non-voting chairman has been dispensed with, and instead each group of stewards will elect their own chairman amongst themselves for each race.
The WMSC have urged the stewards to continue to utilise video and radio exchanges in order "to reach decisions very efficiently."
The Council, spearheaded by new FIA president Jean Todt, has also agreed a recommendation made by the F1 Commission to alter the points format for next year.
The winner will now claim 25 points, runner up 20, third place 15, fourth place 10, fifth place will take eight, and then sixth to 10th will earn six, five, three, two and one point respectively.
That is in contrast to the system that had been in place since 2003 whereby the top eight won points on a 10, eight, six, five, four, three, two, one basis respectively.
Other decisions taken by the WMSC include the appointment of a new F1 ambassador for each grand prix, appointed from the membership of the World Council.
The ambassador will liaise with the National Sporting Authority (ASN) and organising team at the circuit.
That person will also meet with the ASN president, FIA VIP guests, Formula One Management, F1 teams and other stakeholders and act as an ambassador of FIA sport.
Another new initiative is the appointment of commissioners at the FIA World Championships, including World Rally and World Touring Car, not just F1.
The commissioners, appointed by the WMSC on the proposal of Todt, will report directly to the former Ferrari team principal.
They will be present at each event of the world championship for which they have been appointed, and will serve as permanent liaison for the various stakeholders - ASNs, promoters, organisers, manufacturers, teams, officials and suppliers.
However, they are not empowered to take decisions or perform any other act of a regulatory nature which may come under the remit of the officials of the event.
In a bid to encourage the participation of women in motor sport, the FIA has created a Women & Motor Sport Commission, with former World Rally star Michelle Mouton elected as president.
Virgin Racing set to become reality
One of Formula One's worst-kept secrets is due to be officially confirmed next week.
Sir Richard Branson is to announce a sponsorship deal with one of the sport's new teams from next year in Manor GP, with the marque to be rebranded Virgin Racing.
Branson, who this year sponsored the title-winning Brawn GP team, will reveal his plans at the Louise Blouin Foundation in Notting Hill, London, on Tuesday at 10am.
