Cricket News
1)Pakistan crumble after Prior ton : Read in Detail
2)Asif claims massive improvement : Read in Detail
3)Anderson fifer wrecks Pakistan : Read in Detail
4)BCCI refuses to give 100 crore to CWG : Read in Detail
5)BCCI vs Modi soap opera set to resume : Read in Detail
6)'Raina has cemented his place' : Read in Detail
Football News
7)Hodgson asks Aurelio to return : Read in Detail
8)Allegri: No return for Beckham! : Read in Detail
9)Fergie: My players were tired! : Read in Detail
10)New rules affect United's transfers : Read in Detail
Motorsport News
11)Massa thanks life-saving surgeon : Read in Detail
12)Vettel races away in Hungary : Read in Detail
13)Vettel claims seventh pole in Hungary : Read in Detail
14)Red Bull dominates third practice : Read in Detail
Golf News
15)Lahiri zooms to tied 6th at Brunei : Read in Detail
16)Leong in share of lead : Read in Detail
17)Takayama shares lead : Read in Detail
18)Fisher has "Ryder Cup-itis"! : Read in Detail
Tennis News
19)Almagro sets up Gasquet clash : Read in Detail
20)Bopanna-Aisam duo in semifinals : Read in Detail
21)Sharapova reaches semis in California : Read in Detail
22)Davydenko, Melzer exit in Umag : Read in Detail
23)Murray battles into semi-final in LA : Read in Detail
Other Sports News
24)Narang qualifies for 2012 Olympics : Read in Detail
Showing posts with label sports news. Show all posts
Showing posts with label sports news. Show all posts
Sunday, August 1, 2010
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Latest Sports News of 22-7-2010
Cricket News
1)'Impossible to describe Murali' : Read in Detail
2)Murali scalps 800 as SL rout India : Read in Detail
3)Muttiah Muralitharan creates history : Read in Detail
4)Muttiah Muralitharan's records : Read in Detail
5)Warne hails all-conquering Murali : Read in Detail
6)WV Raman appointed Bengal coach : Read in Detail
Football News
7)Chhetri set to play against Man Utd : Read in Detail
8)Inter Milan eyeing Diego Forlan : Read in Detail
9)Bordeaux will play fair over Diarra : Read in Detail
10)Hodgson angling for Hyypia return : Read in Detail
Motorsport News
11)Fauzy given Friday practice spot : Read in Detail
12)Abu Dhabi to open Ferrari World : Read in Detail
13)Button eyes qualifying improvement : Read in Detail
14)Alonso: Maranello mood is good : Read in Detail
Golf News
15)Takayama leads as fog closes in : Read in Detail
16)Johnson learning from trials : Read in Detail
17)Casey looks to forget St Andrews failure : Read in Detail
18)Oosthuizen marks win with a tractor : Read in Detail
Tennis News
19)Riba knocks Montanes out in Hamburg : Read in Detail
20)Errani crashes out in Portoroz : Read in Detail
21)Marathon man Isner through in Atlanta : Read in Detail
22)Bacsinszky in Bad Gastein third round : Read in Detail
Other Sports News
23)Tri-Nations: Hodgson out of SA clash : Read in Detail
24)Rugby: Davies joins Worcester : Read in Detail
1)'Impossible to describe Murali' : Read in Detail
2)Murali scalps 800 as SL rout India : Read in Detail
3)Muttiah Muralitharan creates history : Read in Detail
4)Muttiah Muralitharan's records : Read in Detail
5)Warne hails all-conquering Murali : Read in Detail
6)WV Raman appointed Bengal coach : Read in Detail
Football News
7)Chhetri set to play against Man Utd : Read in Detail
8)Inter Milan eyeing Diego Forlan : Read in Detail
9)Bordeaux will play fair over Diarra : Read in Detail
10)Hodgson angling for Hyypia return : Read in Detail
Motorsport News
11)Fauzy given Friday practice spot : Read in Detail
12)Abu Dhabi to open Ferrari World : Read in Detail
13)Button eyes qualifying improvement : Read in Detail
14)Alonso: Maranello mood is good : Read in Detail
Golf News
15)Takayama leads as fog closes in : Read in Detail
16)Johnson learning from trials : Read in Detail
17)Casey looks to forget St Andrews failure : Read in Detail
18)Oosthuizen marks win with a tractor : Read in Detail
Tennis News
19)Riba knocks Montanes out in Hamburg : Read in Detail
20)Errani crashes out in Portoroz : Read in Detail
21)Marathon man Isner through in Atlanta : Read in Detail
22)Bacsinszky in Bad Gastein third round : Read in Detail
Other Sports News
23)Tri-Nations: Hodgson out of SA clash : Read in Detail
24)Rugby: Davies joins Worcester : Read in Detail
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Latest Sports News of 15-7-2010
Latest Sports News
Cricket News
1)“We’ve shown the world how to play T20” : Read in Detail
2)Wanderers to host Airtel CLT20 Final : Read in Detail
3)Mirzas upset over report on Shoaib : Read in Detail
4)New honour for Shane Watson : Read in Detail
5)Pakistan set 440 to win Lord's Test :Read in Detail
6)Aamer warned over future conduct : Read in Detail
7)Butt calls for batsmen to deliver : Read in Detail
World Football News
8)Now Busquets sings Cesc's praises! : Read in Detail
9)Giggs: Rooney & Co must recover! : Read in Detail
10)Torres, Hodgson in showdown talks : Read in Detail
11)Anelka: France were united! : Read in Detail
Motorsport News
12)Rossi poised for return to racing : Read in Detail
13)Horner to restore Red Bull harmony : Read in Detail
14)"Schumacher unlikely to stay in F1" : Read in Detail
Tennis News
15)Melzer eases into Mercedes Cup quarters : Read in Detail
16)Pennetta makes SNAI Open last eight : Read in Detail
17)Top seeds withdraw from Prague Open : Read in Detail
18)Ferrer opens with win in Bastad : Read in Detail
Golf News
19)Cink does clean-up job on Jug : Read in Detail
20)Woods to "get his game back" : Read in Detail
21)Champions Challenge cancelled : Read in Detail
22)Watson: Handling pressure the key : Read in Detail
Cricket News
1)“We’ve shown the world how to play T20” : Read in Detail
2)Wanderers to host Airtel CLT20 Final : Read in Detail
3)Mirzas upset over report on Shoaib : Read in Detail
4)New honour for Shane Watson : Read in Detail
5)Pakistan set 440 to win Lord's Test :Read in Detail
6)Aamer warned over future conduct : Read in Detail
7)Butt calls for batsmen to deliver : Read in Detail
World Football News
8)Now Busquets sings Cesc's praises! : Read in Detail
9)Giggs: Rooney & Co must recover! : Read in Detail
10)Torres, Hodgson in showdown talks : Read in Detail
11)Anelka: France were united! : Read in Detail
Motorsport News
12)Rossi poised for return to racing : Read in Detail
13)Horner to restore Red Bull harmony : Read in Detail
14)"Schumacher unlikely to stay in F1" : Read in Detail
Tennis News
15)Melzer eases into Mercedes Cup quarters : Read in Detail
16)Pennetta makes SNAI Open last eight : Read in Detail
17)Top seeds withdraw from Prague Open : Read in Detail
18)Ferrer opens with win in Bastad : Read in Detail
Golf News
19)Cink does clean-up job on Jug : Read in Detail
20)Woods to "get his game back" : Read in Detail
21)Champions Challenge cancelled : Read in Detail
22)Watson: Handling pressure the key : Read in Detail
Monday, July 12, 2010
Latest Sports News of 12-7-2010
Cricket News
1)Dhoni: India will miss Zaheer, Sree :Read in Detail
2)Zaheer to fly to J'burg for treatment : Read in Detail
3)ECB to continue Pakistan support : Read in Detail
4)Munaf to replace injured Sreesanth : Read in Detail
5)"Report on Modi by September-end" : Read in Detail
6)Lee targets 2011 World Cup as swansong : Read in Detail
7)'We must regain ruthless edge':Read in Detail
World Cup Football News
8)Iniesta: It's just incredible! : Read in Detail
9)Spain's Iker Casillas wins Golden Glove : Read in Detail
10)Del Bosque gives Selección praise : Read in Detail
11)Nadal: I cried like a little boy! : Read in Detail
12)Van Marwijk rues refereeing decisions : Read in Detail
Tennis News
13)James Ward gunning for top 100 : Read in Detail
14)Szavay: Experience was key : Read in Detail
15)Bloomfield: LTA are rubbish : Read in Detail
16)Fish wins Hall of Fame : Read in Detail
Motorsport/Golf News
17)Jeev Milkha Singh finishes tied 49th : Read in Detail
18)Molinari makes it to top 20 : Read in Detail
19)Mallya: Proud of Sutil, Liuzzi : Read in Detail
20)Alonso: I'm still a contender! : Read in Detail
Other Sport News
21)Armstrong: My era ended long ago : Read in Detail
22)Boxing: For boxers it's about choice : Read in Detail
23)Armstrong: My tour is finished : Read in Detail
24)Hockey: PHF to host Indo-Pak series : Read in Detail
1)Dhoni: India will miss Zaheer, Sree :Read in Detail
2)Zaheer to fly to J'burg for treatment : Read in Detail
3)ECB to continue Pakistan support : Read in Detail
4)Munaf to replace injured Sreesanth : Read in Detail
5)"Report on Modi by September-end" : Read in Detail
6)Lee targets 2011 World Cup as swansong : Read in Detail
7)'We must regain ruthless edge':Read in Detail
World Cup Football News
8)Iniesta: It's just incredible! : Read in Detail
9)Spain's Iker Casillas wins Golden Glove : Read in Detail
10)Del Bosque gives Selección praise : Read in Detail
11)Nadal: I cried like a little boy! : Read in Detail
12)Van Marwijk rues refereeing decisions : Read in Detail
Tennis News
13)James Ward gunning for top 100 : Read in Detail
14)Szavay: Experience was key : Read in Detail
15)Bloomfield: LTA are rubbish : Read in Detail
16)Fish wins Hall of Fame : Read in Detail
Motorsport/Golf News
17)Jeev Milkha Singh finishes tied 49th : Read in Detail
18)Molinari makes it to top 20 : Read in Detail
19)Mallya: Proud of Sutil, Liuzzi : Read in Detail
20)Alonso: I'm still a contender! : Read in Detail
Other Sport News
21)Armstrong: My era ended long ago : Read in Detail
22)Boxing: For boxers it's about choice : Read in Detail
23)Armstrong: My tour is finished : Read in Detail
24)Hockey: PHF to host Indo-Pak series : Read in Detail
Sunday, July 11, 2010
Latest Sports News of 11-7-2010
Cricket News
1)England make unwanted history : Read in Detail
2)Malcolm Marshall: Fast and furious : Read in Detail
3)Bell injury blow for England : Read in Detail
4)ICC slaps one Test ban on Sulieman Benn : Read in Detail
5)India reject UDRS for Lanka series : Read in Detail
6)Sri Lanka leave Mendis in cold : Read in Detail
World Cup Football News
7)Van Marwijk: Clash of the best! : Read in Detail
8)Dutch could go atop FIFA rankings : Read in Detail
9)Gullit: Forget sexy football, just win! : Read in Detail
10)Tabarez: Uruguay gave everything : Read in Detail
11)Khedira: It's a tribute to the squad! : Read in Detail
12)3rd/4th: Germany 3-2 Uruguay : Read in Detail
Tennis News
13)Bloomfield's winning run ends : Read in Detail
14)Smith relieved after win over Turkey : Read in Detail
15)Aravane Rezai wins Swedish Open : Read in Detail
16)Britain finally get Davis Cup win : Read in Detail
Motorsport/Golf News
17)Whitmarsh: We are fair to our drivers : Read in Detail
18)Schumi unimpressed by Silverstone : Read in Detail
19)Stricker not letting go of the lead : Read in Detail
20)Creamer leads from the front : Read in Detail
Other Sport News
21)England set for Sevens outing : Read in Detail
22)Thomas: I'm here for Wiggins! : Read in Detail
23)Tour could heat up in Alps : Read in Detail
24)Rugby: Falcons swoop for Henderson : Read in Detail
1)England make unwanted history : Read in Detail
2)Malcolm Marshall: Fast and furious : Read in Detail
3)Bell injury blow for England : Read in Detail
4)ICC slaps one Test ban on Sulieman Benn : Read in Detail
5)India reject UDRS for Lanka series : Read in Detail
6)Sri Lanka leave Mendis in cold : Read in Detail
World Cup Football News
7)Van Marwijk: Clash of the best! : Read in Detail
8)Dutch could go atop FIFA rankings : Read in Detail
9)Gullit: Forget sexy football, just win! : Read in Detail
10)Tabarez: Uruguay gave everything : Read in Detail
11)Khedira: It's a tribute to the squad! : Read in Detail
12)3rd/4th: Germany 3-2 Uruguay : Read in Detail
Tennis News
13)Bloomfield's winning run ends : Read in Detail
14)Smith relieved after win over Turkey : Read in Detail
15)Aravane Rezai wins Swedish Open : Read in Detail
16)Britain finally get Davis Cup win : Read in Detail
Motorsport/Golf News
17)Whitmarsh: We are fair to our drivers : Read in Detail
18)Schumi unimpressed by Silverstone : Read in Detail
19)Stricker not letting go of the lead : Read in Detail
20)Creamer leads from the front : Read in Detail
Other Sport News
21)England set for Sevens outing : Read in Detail
22)Thomas: I'm here for Wiggins! : Read in Detail
23)Tour could heat up in Alps : Read in Detail
24)Rugby: Falcons swoop for Henderson : Read in Detail
Friday, July 9, 2010
Latest Sports News of 9-7-2010
Cricket News
1)Sri Lanka leave Mendis in cold : Read in Detail
2)Miandad: PCB ruining Younus' career : Read in Detail
3)Strauss calm over expensive Anderson : Read in Detail
4)CA, NZC ponder over ICC nomination : Read in Detail
5)Bhajji bats for player retention : Read in Detail
6)Gavaskar seeks suggestion on auction : Read in Detail
7)Bombay HC sets July 14 for Modi : Read in Detail
World Cup Football News
8)Robben: I'll be fine with an ugly win : Read in Detail
9)Golden Ball nominees announced : Read in Detail
10)Van Marwijk backs Van Persie : Read in Detail
11)Marwijk: Spain are more attractive : Read in Detail
12)Nadal heading to World Cup final : Read in Detail
13)Puyol to decide future after final : Read in Detail
Tennis News
14)Ilhan seeks to humiliate Britain : Read in Detail
15)Dabul, Rochus battle for final spot : Read in Detail
16)Dulgheru makes Suez progress : Read in Detail
17)Pennetta moves into Bastad semis : Read in Detail
Motorsport/Golf News
18)Mickleson flubs chance to overtake Tiger : Read in Detail
19)Schumi: It can't get any worse! : Read in Detail
20)Stoner set to join Honda : Read in Detail
21)Senna dropped for Silverstone : Read in Detail
Other Sport News
21)Boxing: Vijender to skip Nationals : Read in Detail
22)Boxing: "I'm big enough for Pacquiao!" : Read in Detail
23)Athletics: Greene impresses Jackson : Read in Detail
1)Sri Lanka leave Mendis in cold : Read in Detail
2)Miandad: PCB ruining Younus' career : Read in Detail
3)Strauss calm over expensive Anderson : Read in Detail
4)CA, NZC ponder over ICC nomination : Read in Detail
5)Bhajji bats for player retention : Read in Detail
6)Gavaskar seeks suggestion on auction : Read in Detail
7)Bombay HC sets July 14 for Modi : Read in Detail
World Cup Football News
8)Robben: I'll be fine with an ugly win : Read in Detail
9)Golden Ball nominees announced : Read in Detail
10)Van Marwijk backs Van Persie : Read in Detail
11)Marwijk: Spain are more attractive : Read in Detail
12)Nadal heading to World Cup final : Read in Detail
13)Puyol to decide future after final : Read in Detail
Tennis News
14)Ilhan seeks to humiliate Britain : Read in Detail
15)Dabul, Rochus battle for final spot : Read in Detail
16)Dulgheru makes Suez progress : Read in Detail
17)Pennetta moves into Bastad semis : Read in Detail
Motorsport/Golf News
18)Mickleson flubs chance to overtake Tiger : Read in Detail
19)Schumi: It can't get any worse! : Read in Detail
20)Stoner set to join Honda : Read in Detail
21)Senna dropped for Silverstone : Read in Detail
Other Sport News
21)Boxing: Vijender to skip Nationals : Read in Detail
22)Boxing: "I'm big enough for Pacquiao!" : Read in Detail
23)Athletics: Greene impresses Jackson : Read in Detail
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Latest Sports News of 7-7-2010
Latest Sports News
Cricket News
1)'Only Harbhajan can match my record' : Read in Detail
2)MS Dhoni: Celebrating a legacy : Read in Detail
3)Looking at Dhoni in numbers : Read in Detail
4)Warne predicts tight Ashes battle : Read in Detail
5)Mumbai to kick off defence on Nov 1: Read in Detail
6)India A enter Tri-Series final : Read in Detail
World Cup Football News
7)Van Persie: I want to emulate Maradona! : Read in Detail
8)De Zeeuw could miss final : Read in Detail
9)Kuyt: We can make history! : Read in Detail
10)Low: Villa better than Klose! : Read in Detail
Tennis News
11)McEnroe backs Nadal for US Open : Read in Detail
12)Safarova breezes past Woerle : Read in Detail
13)Mahut recovering from Wimbledon woe : Read in Detail
14)Bloomfield makes second round : Read in Detail
Motorsport/Golf News
15)Hill: Never count Schumacher out! : Read in Detail
16)Valentino Rossi back in action : Read in Detail
17)Mickelson eyes World No1 spot : Read in Detail
18)McDowell plays down Loch hopes : Read in Detail
Other Sport News
19)Thomas: Wiggins comes first in Tour! : Read in Detail
20)Athletics: Meadows happy to race Semenya : Read in Detail
21)Cancellara leads the Tour de France : Read in Detail
22)Schleck's Tour de France is over : Read in Detail
Cricket News
1)'Only Harbhajan can match my record' : Read in Detail
2)MS Dhoni: Celebrating a legacy : Read in Detail
3)Looking at Dhoni in numbers : Read in Detail
4)Warne predicts tight Ashes battle : Read in Detail
5)Mumbai to kick off defence on Nov 1: Read in Detail
6)India A enter Tri-Series final : Read in Detail
World Cup Football News
7)Van Persie: I want to emulate Maradona! : Read in Detail
8)De Zeeuw could miss final : Read in Detail
9)Kuyt: We can make history! : Read in Detail
10)Low: Villa better than Klose! : Read in Detail
Tennis News
11)McEnroe backs Nadal for US Open : Read in Detail
12)Safarova breezes past Woerle : Read in Detail
13)Mahut recovering from Wimbledon woe : Read in Detail
14)Bloomfield makes second round : Read in Detail
Motorsport/Golf News
15)Hill: Never count Schumacher out! : Read in Detail
16)Valentino Rossi back in action : Read in Detail
17)Mickelson eyes World No1 spot : Read in Detail
18)McDowell plays down Loch hopes : Read in Detail
Other Sport News
19)Thomas: Wiggins comes first in Tour! : Read in Detail
20)Athletics: Meadows happy to race Semenya : Read in Detail
21)Cancellara leads the Tour de France : Read in Detail
22)Schleck's Tour de France is over : Read in Detail
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Latest Sports News of 6-7-2010
Latest Sports News
Cricket News
1)Murali to retire after Galle Test:Read in Detail
2)'Reconstitute BCCI disciplinary panel' : Read in Detail
3)Biswal appointed Team India manager : Read in Detail
4)Dhoni and wife meet Rahul Gandhi : Read in Detail
5)CA confident of security measures : Read in Detail
6)BCB chief is new ACC president: Read in Detail
World Cup Football News
7)SF: Uruguay vs Netherlands Preview : Read in Detail
8)Kuyt: We've a fantastic opportunity! : Read in Detail
9)"Ballack injury good for Germany" : Read in Detail
10)"I never called Maradona an idiot" : Read in Detail
Tennis News
11)Dent defeated in first round :Read in Detail
12)Nadal gunning for career Grand Slam : Read in Detail
13)Sania slips further in rankings : Read in Detail
14)Murray: I need to work harder! : Read in Detail
Motorsport/Golf News
15)"Silverstone will be the best!" : Read in Detail
16)Hill: Never count Schumacher out! : Read in Detail
17)McDowell ready to rumble again : Read in Detail
18)Westwood in race against time : Read in Detail
Other Sport News
19)Netball: Singapore beat India : Read in Detail
20)CWG: Fraser confirms withdrawal : Read in Detail
21)Boxing: IBF issues warning to boxers : Read in Detail
Cricket News
1)Murali to retire after Galle Test:Read in Detail
2)'Reconstitute BCCI disciplinary panel' : Read in Detail
3)Biswal appointed Team India manager : Read in Detail
4)Dhoni and wife meet Rahul Gandhi : Read in Detail
5)CA confident of security measures : Read in Detail
6)BCB chief is new ACC president: Read in Detail
World Cup Football News
7)SF: Uruguay vs Netherlands Preview : Read in Detail
8)Kuyt: We've a fantastic opportunity! : Read in Detail
9)"Ballack injury good for Germany" : Read in Detail
10)"I never called Maradona an idiot" : Read in Detail
Tennis News
11)Dent defeated in first round :Read in Detail
12)Nadal gunning for career Grand Slam : Read in Detail
13)Sania slips further in rankings : Read in Detail
14)Murray: I need to work harder! : Read in Detail
Motorsport/Golf News
15)"Silverstone will be the best!" : Read in Detail
16)Hill: Never count Schumacher out! : Read in Detail
17)McDowell ready to rumble again : Read in Detail
18)Westwood in race against time : Read in Detail
Other Sport News
19)Netball: Singapore beat India : Read in Detail
20)CWG: Fraser confirms withdrawal : Read in Detail
21)Boxing: IBF issues warning to boxers : Read in Detail
Sunday, July 4, 2010
Latest Sports News of 4-7-2010
Latest Sports News
Cricket News
1)Modi defiant despite charges : Read in Detail
2)Dhoni set to tie knot tonight : Read in Detail
3)Tait wrecks England's chances : Read in Detail
4)Another close shave for Akhtar : Read in Detail
5)Howard refuses to blame India : Read in Detail
6)Yousuf mulling a return to cricket : Read in Detail
World Cup Football News
7)Only one game ban for Suarez : Read in Detail
8)'Dream team' Germany earn plaudits : Read in Detail
9)Gerrard: Time for goal-line technology : Read in Detail
10)Del Bosque: Toughest match ever! : Read in Detail
11)Fabregas: We haven't done anything yet : Read in Detail
Wimbledon News
12)Serena Williams reigns at Wimbledon : Read in Detail
13)Berdych: Closer to his coach than wife : Read in Detail
14)Serena's gunning for the greats : Read in Detail
15)No luck for Zvonareva at Wimbledon : Read in Detail
16)Yuki keen to make up for lost time : Read in Detail
Motorsport/Golf News
17)Yet another pole for Lorenzo! : Read in Detail
18)Button looks to break British duck : Read in Detail
19)Randhawa rises to tied 4th after Rd 3 : Read in Detail
20)Rose blooms in Newton : Read in Detail
Other Sports News
21)Hockey: Germany beat India 5-3 : Read in Detail
22)CWG: Wading through WADA? Forget it! : Read in Detail
23)First Tour day belongs to Cancellara : Read in Detail
24)Rain is a downer for Wiggins's Tour : Read in Detail
Cricket News
1)Modi defiant despite charges : Read in Detail
2)Dhoni set to tie knot tonight : Read in Detail
3)Tait wrecks England's chances : Read in Detail
4)Another close shave for Akhtar : Read in Detail
5)Howard refuses to blame India : Read in Detail
6)Yousuf mulling a return to cricket : Read in Detail
World Cup Football News
7)Only one game ban for Suarez : Read in Detail
8)'Dream team' Germany earn plaudits : Read in Detail
9)Gerrard: Time for goal-line technology : Read in Detail
10)Del Bosque: Toughest match ever! : Read in Detail
11)Fabregas: We haven't done anything yet : Read in Detail
Wimbledon News
12)Serena Williams reigns at Wimbledon : Read in Detail
13)Berdych: Closer to his coach than wife : Read in Detail
14)Serena's gunning for the greats : Read in Detail
15)No luck for Zvonareva at Wimbledon : Read in Detail
16)Yuki keen to make up for lost time : Read in Detail
Motorsport/Golf News
17)Yet another pole for Lorenzo! : Read in Detail
18)Button looks to break British duck : Read in Detail
19)Randhawa rises to tied 4th after Rd 3 : Read in Detail
20)Rose blooms in Newton : Read in Detail
Other Sports News
21)Hockey: Germany beat India 5-3 : Read in Detail
22)CWG: Wading through WADA? Forget it! : Read in Detail
23)First Tour day belongs to Cancellara : Read in Detail
24)Rain is a downer for Wiggins's Tour : Read in Detail
Monday, June 28, 2010
Latest Sports News of 28-6-2010
Latest Sports News
Cricket News
1)Cricket Australia lobbies for Howard :Read in Detail
2)Collingwood is reaping the rewards :Read in Detail
3)Pakistan edge past Ganguly's MCC :Read in Detail
4)Mumbai not to host Kiwi Test :Read in Detail
5)Mortaza named Bangladesh captain:Read in Detail
World Cup Football News
6)Lampard: I'm not quitting England :Read in Detail
7)Heskey: The lads are gutted :Read in Detail
8)Upson: I just cannot explain :Read in Detail
9)Maradona brushes aside controversy : Read in Detail
10)"Netherlands can be world champions" :Read in Detail
Wimbledon News
11)Federer cruises into quarter-finals :Read in Detail
12)Tsonga brushes Benneteau aside :Read in Detail
13)Querrey not worried by Murray factor :Read in Detail
14)Li Na clinches quarter-final place :Read in Detail
Cricket News
1)Cricket Australia lobbies for Howard :Read in Detail
2)Collingwood is reaping the rewards :Read in Detail
3)Pakistan edge past Ganguly's MCC :Read in Detail
4)Mumbai not to host Kiwi Test :Read in Detail
5)Mortaza named Bangladesh captain:Read in Detail
World Cup Football News
6)Lampard: I'm not quitting England :Read in Detail
7)Heskey: The lads are gutted :Read in Detail
8)Upson: I just cannot explain :Read in Detail
9)Maradona brushes aside controversy : Read in Detail
10)"Netherlands can be world champions" :Read in Detail
Wimbledon News
11)Federer cruises into quarter-finals :Read in Detail
12)Tsonga brushes Benneteau aside :Read in Detail
13)Querrey not worried by Murray factor :Read in Detail
14)Li Na clinches quarter-final place :Read in Detail
Sunday, June 27, 2010
Latest Sports News of 27-6-2010
Latest Sports News
Cricket News
1)Yuvraj Singh: India's comeback king? :Read in Detail
2)Yuvraj back, wait over for Ishant :Read in Detail
3)Pawar to take over as prez on July 1 :Read in Detail
4)'Pakistan will miss Younus' experience' :Read in Detail
World Cup FootballNews
5)Last 16: USA 1-2 Ghana :Read in Detail
6)Last 16: Uruguay 2-1 South Korea :Read in Detail
7)Last 16: Argentina vs Mexico Preview :Read in Detail
8)Last 16: England vs Germany Preview :Read in Detail
Wimbledon News
9)Nadal given another five-set fright :Read in Detail
10)Nadal dismisses gamesmanship claims :Read in Detail
11)Murray makes light work of Simon :Read in Detail
12)Victor Hanescu spits out apology :Read in Detail
Motorsport/Golf News
13)Vettel looks to break jinx :Read in Detail
14)First test for Red Bull pair :Read in Detail
15)Kerr won't rest on laurels :Read in Detail
16)Rose leads in Connecticut :Read in Detail
Cricket News
1)Yuvraj Singh: India's comeback king? :Read in Detail
2)Yuvraj back, wait over for Ishant :Read in Detail
3)Pawar to take over as prez on July 1 :Read in Detail
4)'Pakistan will miss Younus' experience' :Read in Detail
World Cup FootballNews
5)Last 16: USA 1-2 Ghana :Read in Detail
6)Last 16: Uruguay 2-1 South Korea :Read in Detail
7)Last 16: Argentina vs Mexico Preview :Read in Detail
8)Last 16: England vs Germany Preview :Read in Detail
Wimbledon News
9)Nadal given another five-set fright :Read in Detail
10)Nadal dismisses gamesmanship claims :Read in Detail
11)Murray makes light work of Simon :Read in Detail
12)Victor Hanescu spits out apology :Read in Detail
Motorsport/Golf News
13)Vettel looks to break jinx :Read in Detail
14)First test for Red Bull pair :Read in Detail
15)Kerr won't rest on laurels :Read in Detail
16)Rose leads in Connecticut :Read in Detail
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Latest Sports News of 24-6-2010
Latest Sports News
Cricket News
1)Sri Lanka reel as Maharoof falls :Read in Detail
2)Mohali, B’lore to host Oz Tests :Read in Detail
3)Scotland 'A' stun India 'A' :Read in Detail
4)Pak selection committee may resign :Read in Detail
World Cup Football News
5)Beckenbauer blasts 'stupid' England :Read in Detail
6)Olsen: Denmark will fight hard :Read in Detail
7)New Zealand out to test Paraguay :Read in Detail
8)Low fears the Rooney factor :Read in Detail
9)Italy vs Slovakia The champions are out! One of the biggest upsets ever sees Slovakia beat Italy 3-2! Paraguay and Slovakia through to the round of 16 :Read in Detail
Tennis News
10)The Lawn Mower - 02 :Read in Detail
11)Records fall in Wimbledon classic :Read in Detail
12)Bopanna-Qureshi pair down Somdev-Huey :Read in Detail
13)Sania, Paes win opening matches :Read in Detail
Motorsport News
14)Button hoping for special homecoming :Read in Detail
15)Lotus's Chapman eyes progress:Read in Detail
16)Brawn: Mercedes are almost there! :Read in Detail
Other Sports News
17)Sports fraternity mourns Digvijay's death:Read in Detail
18)Saina starts campaign with win: Read in Detail
Cricket News
1)Sri Lanka reel as Maharoof falls :Read in Detail
2)Mohali, B’lore to host Oz Tests :Read in Detail
3)Scotland 'A' stun India 'A' :Read in Detail
4)Pak selection committee may resign :Read in Detail
World Cup Football News
5)Beckenbauer blasts 'stupid' England :Read in Detail
6)Olsen: Denmark will fight hard :Read in Detail
7)New Zealand out to test Paraguay :Read in Detail
8)Low fears the Rooney factor :Read in Detail
9)Italy vs Slovakia The champions are out! One of the biggest upsets ever sees Slovakia beat Italy 3-2! Paraguay and Slovakia through to the round of 16 :Read in Detail
Tennis News
10)The Lawn Mower - 02 :Read in Detail
11)Records fall in Wimbledon classic :Read in Detail
12)Bopanna-Qureshi pair down Somdev-Huey :Read in Detail
13)Sania, Paes win opening matches :Read in Detail
Motorsport News
14)Button hoping for special homecoming :Read in Detail
15)Lotus's Chapman eyes progress:Read in Detail
16)Brawn: Mercedes are almost there! :Read in Detail
Other Sports News
17)Sports fraternity mourns Digvijay's death:Read in Detail
18)Saina starts campaign with win: Read in Detail
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Sports News of 20-6-2010
Cricket News
1)Gilchrist sunk by former team-mates:Read in Detail
2)India clinch Dambulla cliffhanger :Read in Detail
3)Openers set up England success :Read in Detail
4)Manohar to abstain from Modi's hearing :Read in Detail
World Cup Football News
5)"Portugal must win against N Korea":Read in Detail
6)Lippi not thinking of absent stars :Read in Detail
7)Evra: We must find the traitor! :Read in Detail
8)Verbeek proud of battling Aussies :Read in Detail
Motorsport News
9)Smile back on Hamilton's face :Read in Detail
10) Alonso looking for improvement:Read in Detail
11)Virgin eyeing tenth place windfall:Read in Detail
12)MotoGP: Lorenzo grabs Silverstone pole :Read in Detail
Golf & Tennis News
13)Elson holds the edge at Saint-Omer :Read in Detail
14)Georgina Smith on top in Swiss Open :Read in Detail
15)Murray empathizes with Rooney :Read in Detail
16)Nadal can't wait for Wimbledon! :Read in Detail
Other Sports News
17)Rugby: Robinson hails Scots' courage :Read in Detail
18)Kamal in the semis of Indian Open TT :Read in Detail
19)Saina Nehwal wins Singapore Open :Read in Detail
1)Gilchrist sunk by former team-mates:Read in Detail
2)India clinch Dambulla cliffhanger :Read in Detail
3)Openers set up England success :Read in Detail
4)Manohar to abstain from Modi's hearing :Read in Detail
World Cup Football News
5)"Portugal must win against N Korea":Read in Detail
6)Lippi not thinking of absent stars :Read in Detail
7)Evra: We must find the traitor! :Read in Detail
8)Verbeek proud of battling Aussies :Read in Detail
Motorsport News
9)Smile back on Hamilton's face :Read in Detail
10) Alonso looking for improvement:Read in Detail
11)Virgin eyeing tenth place windfall:Read in Detail
12)MotoGP: Lorenzo grabs Silverstone pole :Read in Detail
Golf & Tennis News
13)Elson holds the edge at Saint-Omer :Read in Detail
14)Georgina Smith on top in Swiss Open :Read in Detail
15)Murray empathizes with Rooney :Read in Detail
16)Nadal can't wait for Wimbledon! :Read in Detail
Other Sports News
17)Rugby: Robinson hails Scots' courage :Read in Detail
18)Kamal in the semis of Indian Open TT :Read in Detail
19)Saina Nehwal wins Singapore Open :Read in Detail
Friday, March 12, 2010
Sports News
Hockey News
Argentina drub sorry India
The South Americans beat India 4-2 to finish seventh in the hockey World Cup.
Argentina overcame India 4-2 in the seventh-eighth play-off at the hockey World Cup in New Delhi on Friday.
Lucas Martin Vila scored twice for Argentina while Tomas Argento Innocente and Facundo Callioni added one each. For the hosts, Sandeep Singh and Shivendra Singh got on the scoresheet.
Argentina took the lead in the 28th minute. Fernando Oscar Zylberberg's long ball found Argento who put the South Americans in front.
Day's action in pics
Despite winning two penalty corners and enjoying most of the possession, India were unable to pull level and the first half ended 1-0.
They finally equalised in the 42nd minute when Sandeep scored off a penalty stroke. This was his fourth goal of the championship and he finished as India's topscorer.
But whatever hope India had of a comeback quickly vanished in the next few minutes. Vila scored a quickfire brace and Callioni added one more inside four minutes to give Argentina a three-goal advantage.
With the score at 4-1, the tie looked beyond India's reach and though the team fought resiliently, the stadium's sudden silence told the tale.
Shivendra pulled one back for India in the 49th minute granting some respectability to the scoreboard. But in the end, Brasa's men fell short again as the match ended 4-2.
The eighth-place finish for the hosts is their best at the World Cup in 16 years.
Kiwis stumble to ninth position
New Zealand held their nerves to beat South Africa on penalties and finish ninth in the hockey World Cup.
In a match where fortunes fluctuated from one side to another, it was New Zealand who held their nerves to beat South Africa 5-4 on penalty strokes at Dhyan Chand National Stadium on Friday.
The match had ended 4-4 after extra-time. Andrew Hayward struck a hat-trick for the Kiwis, while Hugo Inglis scored one. Justin Reid-Ross, Llyod Norris-Jones, Taine Paton and Thomas Hammond netted once each for the Proteas.
The Africans dictated most of the early play, making early in roads into the Kiwi circle and they were rewarded as early as the fourth minute. Ried-Ross slammed the ball into the top-right corner to make it 1-0 in favour of the Proteas.
The Black Sticks responded immediately, but Nicholas Winlson's shot was fended off by keeper Erasmus Pieterse.
Both the teams kept pushing forward but could not change the scoreline till the end of the first-half.
If the first session of play was a drought, the second was indeed a flood. The South Africans continued from where they had left in the first half. They were aggressive, but could not find the back of the net and saw the Kiwis equalize through Inglis in the 40th minute.
Two minutes later, Hayward converted a penalty corner to give Kiwis the lead. The Africans made it 2-2 in the 45th minute.
Jones-Norris capitalized on a defensive error and made a brilliant run in the New Zealand circle and struck from the edge of the circle to equalize for his team.
The Kiwis again had their noses ahead in the 49th minute. Hayward fired a drag-flick in the right corner to make it 3-2.
The Proteas got back in the level in the very next minute. Paton picked up the ball in the Kiwi circle and fired it into the bottom right corner.
Both teams used their energy they were conserving in the early part of the game with end-to-end attacks.
The South Africans, looking for their best finish at the World Cup, again got the lead 13 minutes from time through Hammond.
But the Kiwis were relentless in their attacks and found the equalizer in the very last minute. Hayward completed his hat-trick to push the game into extra-time.
The two sides were cautious in the extra period and made very few attempts on goal.
Both the teams could not find the golden goal, and the fate of the match was to be decided by penalty strokes.
The Kiwis held their nerves to win the match 5-4 on penalties.
"We did not live up to expectations"
New Zealand coach Shane McLeod believes his team has more potential than what their ninth-place finish at the World Cup shows.
By Anshul Baijal
New Zealand coach Shane McLeod was happy that his team beat South Africa to finish ninth in the World Cup, but he was not satisfied with his team's performance. "I am happy that we won the game today, but a ninth place finish is not what we were looking for," he said.
The Kiwis came into this tournament without some of their key players like Simon Child and Hayden Shaw and coach McLeod believes his team missed them in the tournament. "You will always miss such players," said McLeod.
Day's action in pics
He added: "Phil Burrows also got injured during the tournament. So we were basically without three of our first team players and it was difficult to fill these gaps."
Black Sticks captain Dean Couzins, meanwhile, preferred to see the positive side. "Some of our youngsters got a chance to play at the highest level. It will be good for New Zealand hockey in the long run," he said.
Couzins admitted that they were forced to try new combinations but unfortunately they did not work out for the Black Sticks. "Ryan Archibald had to play in the forward line. It is not always easy to change your position in middle of a tournament and we paid the price for it," said Couzins.
Meanwhile, South Africa coach Gregg Clark was disappointed after his team lost the game, but was happy with the way his team played. "We showed a lot of fighting spirit and the players showed commitment," he said.
Cricket News
Mathews storms to sensational fifty
Angelo Mathews blasted a fifty as Kolkata looked like cruising away to a challenging score against Hyderabad.
Owaish Shah is looking good too, approaching a half-century on debut for Kolkata. Hyderabad are bleeding runs here.
Hyderabad got off to a sensational start. Chaminda Vaas struck twice in the first over to send shivers through the Kolkata camp.
Kolkata lost Cheteshwar Pujara and Brad Hodge in quick succession just when the pair started to rebuild the innings against Hyderabad.
RP Singh struck in the fifth over to remove Cheteshwar Pujara who played it straight to Pragyan Ojha at mid-on, as Kolkata slumped to further trouble.
Jaskaran Singh was quick to join the party for the defending champions, seeing off Kolkata's most consistent batsman, Brad Hodge. Hyderabad are on top.
The Toss
Hyderabad have won the toss and elected to field in the opening match of the Indian T20 series against Kolkata.
After a sensational opening ceremony to the third edition of the Indian T20 series, focus will shift to hardcore cricket with defending champions, Hyderabad taking on Kolkata in the opening match.
Sourav Ganguly, back as captain for Kolkata, has a lot on his plate, what with a new set of coaches and a new uniform. Hyderabad, on the other hand, will look to replicate their performance in South Africa last year.
Both sides, however, have to do without their leading international players, engaged in various series for their national teams across the globe.
Teams
Hyderabad: AC Gilchrist (Captain & WK), HH Gibbs, A Symonds, VVS Laxman, RG Sharma, Anirudh Singh, TL Suman, Jaskaran Singh, WPUJC Vaas, RP Singh, PP Ojha
Kolkata: SC Ganguly (Captain), BJ Hodge, CA Pujara, MK Tiwary, OA Shah, AD Mathews, WP Saha (WK), LR Shukla, M Kartik, CK Langeveldt, I Sharma
Gear up for Tendulkar vs Warne battle
Excitement is in the air as Sachin Tendulkar-led Mumbai is set to start their Indian T20 series campaign against Shane Warne's Jaipur.
Both the teams had a disappointing season last year, so they would be more than keen to get off to a winning start.
Jaipur will miss some of its key players. Ravindra Jadeja would be a notable absentee. Jadeja has been slapped with a one-year ban by the Indian T20 Series Governing Council for breaching the player code of conduct.
Besides him, Jaipur will also feel the absence of South Africa's Johan Botha and Australia's Shane Watson and Adam Voges for the first match.
But South Africa captain Graeme Smith, Damien Martyn, Yusuf Pathan, Dmitri Mascarenhas and Swapnil Asnodkar will make up for the strong batting line-up.
The bowling department that consists of South African Morne Morkel, India's Munaf Patel, Kamran Khan and Siddharth Trivedi, has also been given a boost with the addition of the Aussie speedster Shaun Tait. Captain Shane Warne will lead the spin attack.
Meanwhile, Mumbai's batting will revolve around captain Sachin Tendulkar. the Master Blaster, who recently became the first batsman in the history of one-day cricket to hit a double century.
All eyes, though, will be on the new recruit Kieron Pollard, who was brought for a whopping USD 750,000 for the third edition of the Indian T20 Series. He along with another West Indian all-rounder Dwayne Bravo will prove vital to Mumbai's chances.
The pace bowling will be spearheaded by Zaheer Khan. Sri Lankan pacers Lasith Malinga and Dilhara Fernando will give him company.
Harbhajan Singh would lead the spin attack but other than him there isn't any regular slow bowler to support him. So Mumbai will have to depend on Sanath Jayasuriya's slow left arm bowling.
Pak release squad for ICC T20 WC
Pakistan’s selection committee today announced the squad for the ICC T20 WC but did not name the captain of the side.
The squad includes the trio of Shahid Afridi, Kamran and Umar Akmal, who were put under probation on the recommendation of a probe committee.
The selectors picked under-19 all-rounder Hammad Azam and also recalled Muhammad Hafeez and Misbah-ul-Haq in the national side.
"Malik and Rana were not eligible we didn't consider them at all," Mohsin said.
He also said that the new coach Waqar Younis was not part of the discussion today since he was already aware of all the players in contention.
Hafeez returns to the team after being ignored by the selectors for nearly three years. He last played in any form of the game for Pakistan in October, 2007 but has been impressive in recent domestic events including the just concluded National T20 Championship.
The selectors have also picked Misbah and Hammad on basis of their recent form and performances, Mohsin said.
He conceded that defending the title would be an enormous challenge for the side but was optimistic of team's chances.
"The past is now history and we need to prepare for the future," he said.
Speculation is high that ICL-returnee all-rounder Abdul Razzaq or opener Salman Butt could be handed over the reins of the team.
The tournament will be held in West Indies from April 30.
Squad: Muhammad Hafeez, Salman Butt, Khalid Latif, Misbah-ul-Haq, Shahid Afridi, Fawad Alam, Umar Akmal, Abdul Razzaq, Yasir Arafat, Kamran Akmal, Saeed Ajmal, Muhammad Asif, Muhammad Aamer, Umar Gul, Hammad Azam.
Reserves: Muhammad Sami, Sarfaraz Ahmed, Naved Yasin, Raza Hasan, Shahzaib Hasan.
Tennis News
Henman rejects Britain captaincy
Tim Henman has ruled himself out as Great Britain's Davis Cup captain because "it doesn't feel like the right time".
Incumbent John Lloyd is considering his future in the role after becoming the first GB captain to oversee five successive defeats when his side lost to Lithuania last weekend.
That defeat has left Great Britain on the verge of dropping into Europe/Africa Zone Group III, the lowest tier of the competition, and prompted calls for change within the team.
Henman, however, has ruled himself out of taking on the captain's role, although the 35-year-old admitted he would one day like to lead his country.
"Maybe in three years or in 13 years, sometime in the future, I might be interested in being the Davis Cup captain," the former world number four told the Daily Telegraph.
"But it doesn't feel like the right time. I'm enjoying my family and my golf - and not having any structure in my life.
"For 28 of the first 33 years of my life tennis was what I did. I wouldn't change that and I'm sure at some stage I'm going to get more involved and give back to British tennis.
"But at the moment I would not want the commitment or the responsibility of being Davis Cup captain."
Nadal to play at Queen's in England
Rafael Nadal is hoping to regain the Queen's Club title he won in 2008 after confirming his attendance at this year's event.
The Spaniard was unable to defend his crown last year after succumbing to a knee injury which also forced him out of Wimbledon.
But he is relishing the chance to play once again at Queen's, with the tournament now sponsored by AEGON.
"I always look forward to coming to England to play at The Queen's Club and Wimbledon but this year there is even more motivation because I could not defend my titles last year," said Nadal, who joins US Open champion Juan Martin Del Potro in making an early commitment to playing.
"No-one was more disappointed than me that I couldn't play because I love those tournaments," added Nadal.
"Queen's is a big, important tournament played at a very nice, traditional club and it was an amazing feeling to win it in 2008 and then to fulfil my dream by winning Wimbledon.
"To not defend my Wimbledon title last year was one of the toughest decisions in my career, but this is a new year and now I have the chance to go back to England and to compete on the grass again."
Henin wins opener at Indian Wells
Justine Henin breezed into the second round of the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells as she dispatched Magdalena Rybarikova 6-2 6-2.
Playing in only her second tournament since ending an 18-month retirement - and her first since the Australian Open in January - Henin looked a long way from her best but was nevertheless too good for Rybarikova.
Henin, one of six former champions in the field, is competing with a wild-card.
One other wild-card progressed today as Australian Alicia Molik ousted Tatjana Malek of Germany 6-1 6-3, but three others are on their way home already with American Christina McHale losing 7-5 6-3 to compatriot Vania King, Eleni Daniilidou of Greece falling 6-0 7-5 to American Jill Craybas, while Alexa Glatch lost to Britain's Elena Baltacha 6-3 6-7 (3-5) 6-4.
Elsewhere, Anna Chakvetadze fought back from losing the opening set to beat Britain's Anne Keothavong 2-6 6-3 6-1.
Also advancing were Polona Hercog, Kimiko Date Krumm, Tamarine Tanasugarn, Kirsten Flipkens, Olga Govortsova, Sorana Cirstea, Vera Dushevina, Patty Schnyder, Shuai Peng and Virginie Razzano.
Golf News
Rain stops play at Puerto Rico
The Puerto Rico Open got off to a slow start as rain halted play with the tournament barely under way in Rio Grande.
Only 18 players had teed off when heavy downpours persuaded organisers to suspend play and try again tomorrow.
The field at this US PGA event is led by South Africa's Rory Sabbatini and India's Jeev Milkha Singh.
Football News
Messi: Barcelona must be humble
Lionel Messi believes Barcelona must avoid Real Madrid’s mistake of being arrogant and keep their feet firmly on the ground.
Messi was speaking at a benefit for Unicef, and took time to respond to Real Madrid's disappointing exit from the Champions League.
"We have come here to speak about Unicef, but I will respond to your question," said Messi. "We have a match against Stuttgart in which nothing is definite and we need to take what happened at the Bernabeu as a warning.
"We have to have our feet on the ground and think of ourselves.
"We always try to approach each match with humility. Last year we had the fortune of winning everything, but this year we start at nothing and we have to work hard to win things".
Asked if he was needed to carry La Blaugrana during matches, Messi humbly denied these opinions.
"I do not go out with the team on my back and I didn't do it last year. It is very difficult for one player to win titles alone."
"We are playing well, but are not achieving results."
First it was 30, now Fergie wants 40!
Sir Alex Ferguson is hoping that Wayne Rooney will get him 40 goals this season. Two short of Cristiano Ronaldo's 42-goal haul.
After breaking the 30 barrier with his double in Wednesday night's incredible four-goal demolition of AC Milan at Old Trafford, Rooney is not setting himself any targets for the remaining two months of the campaign.
Even Ferguson has tended to be reluctant, insisting his only aim for Rooney was 30, despite United's number one striker being on 27 when the Scot last said it.
But, at a sponsorship announcement for Telekom Malaysia at Old Trafford, Ferguson did acknowledge Ronaldo's 42 - an achievement that helped earn him the world player of the year honour in 2008 - is a definite possibility.
"I am delighted he has got to 30," said Ferguson.
"That is what I wanted. But he is there now.
"We have nine league games left and hopefully five European matches, so that is 14 in total. If he gets a goal a game he will do it.
"But I am not greedy. I would be happy if he got to 40."
The sight of Ronaldo disappearing down the tunnel at the Bernabeu, clearly unhappy at Real Madrid's failure to reach the last eight, was a reminder of how well United have adapted to life without the Portugal superstar.
Ferguson would never say his side are better without such a unique talent.
But quite apart from Rooney, others are coming to the fore - including Park Ji-sung and Nani, who had largely been viewed as bit-part players at best.
Doing so much selfless running behind Rooney in an advanced midfield role, Park scored United's third last night, while Nani created the second with a brilliant pass with the outside of his foot.
It continued a remarkable transformation for a player who seemed certain to leave United, either during the most recent transfer window or in the summer, so ineffective had been his performances since arriving from Sporting Lisbon in 2007.
Now though, he is the one smiling. And he might even make a cheeky call to have a bit of fun at his illustrious fellow countryman's expense.
"Life is good at the moment," he said. "I am so happy because things are going well.
"I felt more was expected of me when Ronaldo left. I knew I could do more. I have done it. I hope in the future I can do even better.
"I am certainly happy we are still in the competition. Maybe I will ring Cristiano and speak to him about it."
On the eve of Wednesday night's encounter, Ferguson stated that United's first-leg win in the San Siro had been a 'landmark victory' for his club.
Although you only have to go back six years to Milan's hammering by Deportivo for a similar sized defeat for the Italians, the sheer enormity of the win will be spoken about almost as long as David Beckham wearing a 'protest' green and gold scarf as he made his way down the tunnel.
With the seven-times winners out of the way, plus the team that plays in the stadium May's final will be played - and either Chelsea or Inter Milan sure to fall when the remaining four last-16 clashes are concluded next week, United can look forward to the draw with confidence.
Barcelona are the obvious team to be avoided, whilst there are easier opponents than Arsenal despite United's recent successes against them over the past 12 months.
"You could throw a net over all the clubs and there would be nothing between them," said Ferguson. "The competition nowadays is so close.
"When the draw came out last time, and we were the final name, I said we had never beaten Milan in four attempts.
"Now we are in the last eight and I don't think it matters who we play.
"It is not as if there is an easy game. We have to play one of them and with the performance level we produced last night we are capable of playing against anyone."
Motorsport News
Vettel banking on Luscious Liz
Sebastian Vettel is hoping 'Luscious Liz' will carry him to title glory after going close last year with 'Kate's Dirty Sister'.
Vettel likes the personal touch with his Red Bull Racing cars and has developed a habit of providing them with names, starting off last season with the simply monikered 'Kate'.
However, after sending 'Kate' to an early grave when he wrote her off in the opening race in Australia, Red Bull provided the young German with a more aggressive model, hence 'Kate's Dirty Sister'.
The car carried Vettel to four wins, including the closing one in Abu Dhabi of a campaign in which he finished runner-up, 11 points adrift of champion Jenson Button.
For this season, 'Luscious Liz' will make her debut in Bahrain on Sunday, with Vettel naturally looking to her to take him one step further.
"Hopefully she doesn't need a sister," smiled Vettel.
"As to whether she can win, I can tell you after a couple of races hopefully, or on Monday would be even better.
"But generally I'm happy and confident. I think we have a good car.
"Winter testing has been good. We have never been as prepared as we are now, and we think we are up there.
"Tomorrow (qualifying) we will find out who is strong and who is not, and on Sunday we have the big unknown with everyone starting on lots of fuel.
"We don't yet know how the race will unfold. It could be exciting, crazy and everyone will enjoy it, or it could be very boring, and where you are after five laps is where you'll be at the chequered flag.
"So it's pretty unknown what is going to happen right now. We will see, but hopefully Luscious Liz will win."
Team principal Christian Horner this week hailed Vettel now as "a complete driver," believing last year's near miss has made the 22 -year-old much stronger as a person and on the track.
Vettel, however, feels one particular item is missing from his CV that will ensure he lives up to Horner's praise.
"Obviously I have a target in my life and the target is to be world champion," added Vettel.
"If I reach that target one day then I think I will be more complete than I am now, but I have learned a lot over the years, in particular a lot last year.
"I think the whole team and myself are in a good position. Last year was the first time for me and the team that we were in a position to fight for big points, race wins, pole positions.
"But the key now is to prove we deserve to be there. Last year was our first at the top, and now it is up to us to stay there."
Button craves flying start
Jenson Button believes he will have to make another lightning start to the season if he is to retain his F1 world title.
Last season Button stunned the sport by winning six of the opening seven races, building a platform which enabled him to become world champion with Brawn GP.
The 30-year-old's soaraway early success proved crucial as he only managed two podium finishes in the final 10 grands prix, doing just enough to hold off a charge from Red Bull's Sebastian Vettel.
Button has since switched teams to McLaren, believing he required the change to reignite his passion as he feared going stale with Brawn, and with the title in his pocket.
But with this season the most open for years, and with seemingly so many contenders for the crown, whoever gets a flier could again be in pole position to claim the championship.
Ahead of Sunday's season-opening Bahrain Grand Prix, a race he won last year en route to the title, Button admitted: "I feel I'll need a dominant start again this weekend.
"I think every championship, for any champion, it's important to be quick out of the blocks.
"If you look back, normally the guy that really fights for the championship and gets the championship is strong from the word go.
"So yes, it is important for all of us to be up there at the front here in Bahrain.
"The competition is very fierce, I must say, but that's why it is exciting.
"For a fan of Formula One, this season should really be electric. If it's not, we're doing something seriously wrong."
Button acknowledged the return of Felipe Massa after eight months out following his accident in qualifying for last year's Hungarian Grand Prix that resulted in him requiring life-saving surgery.
There was also special mention for Schumacher, with Button patting the 41-year-old on the shoulder as he said: "It's great to have Michael back because it makes me feel young again!"
Sitting in the main FIA media conference yesterday with fellow world champions Lewis Hamilton and Fernando Alonso also alongside him, it underlined the stellar nature of this year's field.
"Looking at this race, I don't think there have been so many competitive drivers in competitive cars for a long time, so it's great to see," assessed Button.
It is Button, though, who goes into the season with the coveted number one on his car, which means so much to him - although it is a feeling he concedes will not last for long.
"I can only look at that in a positive way, and stepping into the car and seeing the number one on it is a very special feeling," smiled Button.
"Especially here in Bahrain at the first race when, just before I put on my helmet and look at the car and see the number one, it's going to be an emotional moment.
"But the moment I step into the car and close my visor, last season is out of the window, and that's when I focus on this year."
Argentina drub sorry India
The South Americans beat India 4-2 to finish seventh in the hockey World Cup.
Lucas Martin Vila scored twice for Argentina while Tomas Argento Innocente and Facundo Callioni added one each. For the hosts, Sandeep Singh and Shivendra Singh got on the scoresheet.
Argentina took the lead in the 28th minute. Fernando Oscar Zylberberg's long ball found Argento who put the South Americans in front.
Day's action in pics
Despite winning two penalty corners and enjoying most of the possession, India were unable to pull level and the first half ended 1-0.
They finally equalised in the 42nd minute when Sandeep scored off a penalty stroke. This was his fourth goal of the championship and he finished as India's topscorer.
But whatever hope India had of a comeback quickly vanished in the next few minutes. Vila scored a quickfire brace and Callioni added one more inside four minutes to give Argentina a three-goal advantage.
With the score at 4-1, the tie looked beyond India's reach and though the team fought resiliently, the stadium's sudden silence told the tale.
Shivendra pulled one back for India in the 49th minute granting some respectability to the scoreboard. But in the end, Brasa's men fell short again as the match ended 4-2.
The eighth-place finish for the hosts is their best at the World Cup in 16 years.
Kiwis stumble to ninth position
New Zealand held their nerves to beat South Africa on penalties and finish ninth in the hockey World Cup.
In a match where fortunes fluctuated from one side to another, it was New Zealand who held their nerves to beat South Africa 5-4 on penalty strokes at Dhyan Chand National Stadium on Friday.
The match had ended 4-4 after extra-time. Andrew Hayward struck a hat-trick for the Kiwis, while Hugo Inglis scored one. Justin Reid-Ross, Llyod Norris-Jones, Taine Paton and Thomas Hammond netted once each for the Proteas.
The Africans dictated most of the early play, making early in roads into the Kiwi circle and they were rewarded as early as the fourth minute. Ried-Ross slammed the ball into the top-right corner to make it 1-0 in favour of the Proteas.
The Black Sticks responded immediately, but Nicholas Winlson's shot was fended off by keeper Erasmus Pieterse.
Both the teams kept pushing forward but could not change the scoreline till the end of the first-half.
If the first session of play was a drought, the second was indeed a flood. The South Africans continued from where they had left in the first half. They were aggressive, but could not find the back of the net and saw the Kiwis equalize through Inglis in the 40th minute.
Two minutes later, Hayward converted a penalty corner to give Kiwis the lead. The Africans made it 2-2 in the 45th minute.
Jones-Norris capitalized on a defensive error and made a brilliant run in the New Zealand circle and struck from the edge of the circle to equalize for his team.
The Kiwis again had their noses ahead in the 49th minute. Hayward fired a drag-flick in the right corner to make it 3-2.
The Proteas got back in the level in the very next minute. Paton picked up the ball in the Kiwi circle and fired it into the bottom right corner.
Both teams used their energy they were conserving in the early part of the game with end-to-end attacks.
The South Africans, looking for their best finish at the World Cup, again got the lead 13 minutes from time through Hammond.
But the Kiwis were relentless in their attacks and found the equalizer in the very last minute. Hayward completed his hat-trick to push the game into extra-time.
The two sides were cautious in the extra period and made very few attempts on goal.
Both the teams could not find the golden goal, and the fate of the match was to be decided by penalty strokes.
The Kiwis held their nerves to win the match 5-4 on penalties.
"We did not live up to expectations"
New Zealand coach Shane McLeod believes his team has more potential than what their ninth-place finish at the World Cup shows.
By Anshul Baijal
New Zealand coach Shane McLeod was happy that his team beat South Africa to finish ninth in the World Cup, but he was not satisfied with his team's performance. "I am happy that we won the game today, but a ninth place finish is not what we were looking for," he said.
The Kiwis came into this tournament without some of their key players like Simon Child and Hayden Shaw and coach McLeod believes his team missed them in the tournament. "You will always miss such players," said McLeod.
Day's action in pics
He added: "Phil Burrows also got injured during the tournament. So we were basically without three of our first team players and it was difficult to fill these gaps."
Black Sticks captain Dean Couzins, meanwhile, preferred to see the positive side. "Some of our youngsters got a chance to play at the highest level. It will be good for New Zealand hockey in the long run," he said.
Couzins admitted that they were forced to try new combinations but unfortunately they did not work out for the Black Sticks. "Ryan Archibald had to play in the forward line. It is not always easy to change your position in middle of a tournament and we paid the price for it," said Couzins.
Meanwhile, South Africa coach Gregg Clark was disappointed after his team lost the game, but was happy with the way his team played. "We showed a lot of fighting spirit and the players showed commitment," he said.
Cricket News
Mathews storms to sensational fifty
Angelo Mathews blasted a fifty as Kolkata looked like cruising away to a challenging score against Hyderabad.
Hyderabad got off to a sensational start. Chaminda Vaas struck twice in the first over to send shivers through the Kolkata camp.
Kolkata lost Cheteshwar Pujara and Brad Hodge in quick succession just when the pair started to rebuild the innings against Hyderabad.
RP Singh struck in the fifth over to remove Cheteshwar Pujara who played it straight to Pragyan Ojha at mid-on, as Kolkata slumped to further trouble.
Jaskaran Singh was quick to join the party for the defending champions, seeing off Kolkata's most consistent batsman, Brad Hodge. Hyderabad are on top.
The Toss
Hyderabad have won the toss and elected to field in the opening match of the Indian T20 series against Kolkata.
After a sensational opening ceremony to the third edition of the Indian T20 series, focus will shift to hardcore cricket with defending champions, Hyderabad taking on Kolkata in the opening match.
Sourav Ganguly, back as captain for Kolkata, has a lot on his plate, what with a new set of coaches and a new uniform. Hyderabad, on the other hand, will look to replicate their performance in South Africa last year.
Both sides, however, have to do without their leading international players, engaged in various series for their national teams across the globe.
Teams
Hyderabad: AC Gilchrist (Captain & WK), HH Gibbs, A Symonds, VVS Laxman, RG Sharma, Anirudh Singh, TL Suman, Jaskaran Singh, WPUJC Vaas, RP Singh, PP Ojha
Kolkata: SC Ganguly (Captain), BJ Hodge, CA Pujara, MK Tiwary, OA Shah, AD Mathews, WP Saha (WK), LR Shukla, M Kartik, CK Langeveldt, I Sharma
Gear up for Tendulkar vs Warne battle
Excitement is in the air as Sachin Tendulkar-led Mumbai is set to start their Indian T20 series campaign against Shane Warne's Jaipur.
Jaipur will miss some of its key players. Ravindra Jadeja would be a notable absentee. Jadeja has been slapped with a one-year ban by the Indian T20 Series Governing Council for breaching the player code of conduct.
Besides him, Jaipur will also feel the absence of South Africa's Johan Botha and Australia's Shane Watson and Adam Voges for the first match.
But South Africa captain Graeme Smith, Damien Martyn, Yusuf Pathan, Dmitri Mascarenhas and Swapnil Asnodkar will make up for the strong batting line-up.
The bowling department that consists of South African Morne Morkel, India's Munaf Patel, Kamran Khan and Siddharth Trivedi, has also been given a boost with the addition of the Aussie speedster Shaun Tait. Captain Shane Warne will lead the spin attack.
Meanwhile, Mumbai's batting will revolve around captain Sachin Tendulkar. the Master Blaster, who recently became the first batsman in the history of one-day cricket to hit a double century.
All eyes, though, will be on the new recruit Kieron Pollard, who was brought for a whopping USD 750,000 for the third edition of the Indian T20 Series. He along with another West Indian all-rounder Dwayne Bravo will prove vital to Mumbai's chances.
The pace bowling will be spearheaded by Zaheer Khan. Sri Lankan pacers Lasith Malinga and Dilhara Fernando will give him company.
Harbhajan Singh would lead the spin attack but other than him there isn't any regular slow bowler to support him. So Mumbai will have to depend on Sanath Jayasuriya's slow left arm bowling.
Pak release squad for ICC T20 WC
Pakistan’s selection committee today announced the squad for the ICC T20 WC but did not name the captain of the side.
The squad includes the trio of Shahid Afridi, Kamran and Umar Akmal, who were put under probation on the recommendation of a probe committee.
The selectors picked under-19 all-rounder Hammad Azam and also recalled Muhammad Hafeez and Misbah-ul-Haq in the national side.
"Malik and Rana were not eligible we didn't consider them at all," Mohsin said.
He also said that the new coach Waqar Younis was not part of the discussion today since he was already aware of all the players in contention.
Hafeez returns to the team after being ignored by the selectors for nearly three years. He last played in any form of the game for Pakistan in October, 2007 but has been impressive in recent domestic events including the just concluded National T20 Championship.
The selectors have also picked Misbah and Hammad on basis of their recent form and performances, Mohsin said.
He conceded that defending the title would be an enormous challenge for the side but was optimistic of team's chances.
"The past is now history and we need to prepare for the future," he said.
Speculation is high that ICL-returnee all-rounder Abdul Razzaq or opener Salman Butt could be handed over the reins of the team.
The tournament will be held in West Indies from April 30.
Squad: Muhammad Hafeez, Salman Butt, Khalid Latif, Misbah-ul-Haq, Shahid Afridi, Fawad Alam, Umar Akmal, Abdul Razzaq, Yasir Arafat, Kamran Akmal, Saeed Ajmal, Muhammad Asif, Muhammad Aamer, Umar Gul, Hammad Azam.
Reserves: Muhammad Sami, Sarfaraz Ahmed, Naved Yasin, Raza Hasan, Shahzaib Hasan.
Tennis News
Henman rejects Britain captaincy
Tim Henman has ruled himself out as Great Britain's Davis Cup captain because "it doesn't feel like the right time".
That defeat has left Great Britain on the verge of dropping into Europe/Africa Zone Group III, the lowest tier of the competition, and prompted calls for change within the team.
Henman, however, has ruled himself out of taking on the captain's role, although the 35-year-old admitted he would one day like to lead his country.
"Maybe in three years or in 13 years, sometime in the future, I might be interested in being the Davis Cup captain," the former world number four told the Daily Telegraph.
"But it doesn't feel like the right time. I'm enjoying my family and my golf - and not having any structure in my life.
"For 28 of the first 33 years of my life tennis was what I did. I wouldn't change that and I'm sure at some stage I'm going to get more involved and give back to British tennis.
"But at the moment I would not want the commitment or the responsibility of being Davis Cup captain."
Nadal to play at Queen's in England
Rafael Nadal is hoping to regain the Queen's Club title he won in 2008 after confirming his attendance at this year's event.
But he is relishing the chance to play once again at Queen's, with the tournament now sponsored by AEGON.
"I always look forward to coming to England to play at The Queen's Club and Wimbledon but this year there is even more motivation because I could not defend my titles last year," said Nadal, who joins US Open champion Juan Martin Del Potro in making an early commitment to playing.
"No-one was more disappointed than me that I couldn't play because I love those tournaments," added Nadal.
"Queen's is a big, important tournament played at a very nice, traditional club and it was an amazing feeling to win it in 2008 and then to fulfil my dream by winning Wimbledon.
"To not defend my Wimbledon title last year was one of the toughest decisions in my career, but this is a new year and now I have the chance to go back to England and to compete on the grass again."
Henin wins opener at Indian Wells
Justine Henin breezed into the second round of the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells as she dispatched Magdalena Rybarikova 6-2 6-2.
Playing in only her second tournament since ending an 18-month retirement - and her first since the Australian Open in January - Henin looked a long way from her best but was nevertheless too good for Rybarikova.
Henin, one of six former champions in the field, is competing with a wild-card.
One other wild-card progressed today as Australian Alicia Molik ousted Tatjana Malek of Germany 6-1 6-3, but three others are on their way home already with American Christina McHale losing 7-5 6-3 to compatriot Vania King, Eleni Daniilidou of Greece falling 6-0 7-5 to American Jill Craybas, while Alexa Glatch lost to Britain's Elena Baltacha 6-3 6-7 (3-5) 6-4.
Elsewhere, Anna Chakvetadze fought back from losing the opening set to beat Britain's Anne Keothavong 2-6 6-3 6-1.
Also advancing were Polona Hercog, Kimiko Date Krumm, Tamarine Tanasugarn, Kirsten Flipkens, Olga Govortsova, Sorana Cirstea, Vera Dushevina, Patty Schnyder, Shuai Peng and Virginie Razzano.
Golf News
Rain stops play at Puerto Rico
The Puerto Rico Open got off to a slow start as rain halted play with the tournament barely under way in Rio Grande.
The field at this US PGA event is led by South Africa's Rory Sabbatini and India's Jeev Milkha Singh.
Football News
Messi: Barcelona must be humble
Lionel Messi believes Barcelona must avoid Real Madrid’s mistake of being arrogant and keep their feet firmly on the ground.
"We have come here to speak about Unicef, but I will respond to your question," said Messi. "We have a match against Stuttgart in which nothing is definite and we need to take what happened at the Bernabeu as a warning.
"We have to have our feet on the ground and think of ourselves.
"We always try to approach each match with humility. Last year we had the fortune of winning everything, but this year we start at nothing and we have to work hard to win things".
Asked if he was needed to carry La Blaugrana during matches, Messi humbly denied these opinions.
"I do not go out with the team on my back and I didn't do it last year. It is very difficult for one player to win titles alone."
"We are playing well, but are not achieving results."
First it was 30, now Fergie wants 40!
Sir Alex Ferguson is hoping that Wayne Rooney will get him 40 goals this season. Two short of Cristiano Ronaldo's 42-goal haul.
After breaking the 30 barrier with his double in Wednesday night's incredible four-goal demolition of AC Milan at Old Trafford, Rooney is not setting himself any targets for the remaining two months of the campaign.
Even Ferguson has tended to be reluctant, insisting his only aim for Rooney was 30, despite United's number one striker being on 27 when the Scot last said it.
But, at a sponsorship announcement for Telekom Malaysia at Old Trafford, Ferguson did acknowledge Ronaldo's 42 - an achievement that helped earn him the world player of the year honour in 2008 - is a definite possibility.
"I am delighted he has got to 30," said Ferguson.
"That is what I wanted. But he is there now.
"We have nine league games left and hopefully five European matches, so that is 14 in total. If he gets a goal a game he will do it.
"But I am not greedy. I would be happy if he got to 40."
The sight of Ronaldo disappearing down the tunnel at the Bernabeu, clearly unhappy at Real Madrid's failure to reach the last eight, was a reminder of how well United have adapted to life without the Portugal superstar.
Ferguson would never say his side are better without such a unique talent.
But quite apart from Rooney, others are coming to the fore - including Park Ji-sung and Nani, who had largely been viewed as bit-part players at best.
Doing so much selfless running behind Rooney in an advanced midfield role, Park scored United's third last night, while Nani created the second with a brilliant pass with the outside of his foot.
It continued a remarkable transformation for a player who seemed certain to leave United, either during the most recent transfer window or in the summer, so ineffective had been his performances since arriving from Sporting Lisbon in 2007.
Now though, he is the one smiling. And he might even make a cheeky call to have a bit of fun at his illustrious fellow countryman's expense.
"Life is good at the moment," he said. "I am so happy because things are going well.
"I felt more was expected of me when Ronaldo left. I knew I could do more. I have done it. I hope in the future I can do even better.
"I am certainly happy we are still in the competition. Maybe I will ring Cristiano and speak to him about it."
On the eve of Wednesday night's encounter, Ferguson stated that United's first-leg win in the San Siro had been a 'landmark victory' for his club.
Although you only have to go back six years to Milan's hammering by Deportivo for a similar sized defeat for the Italians, the sheer enormity of the win will be spoken about almost as long as David Beckham wearing a 'protest' green and gold scarf as he made his way down the tunnel.
With the seven-times winners out of the way, plus the team that plays in the stadium May's final will be played - and either Chelsea or Inter Milan sure to fall when the remaining four last-16 clashes are concluded next week, United can look forward to the draw with confidence.
Barcelona are the obvious team to be avoided, whilst there are easier opponents than Arsenal despite United's recent successes against them over the past 12 months.
"You could throw a net over all the clubs and there would be nothing between them," said Ferguson. "The competition nowadays is so close.
"When the draw came out last time, and we were the final name, I said we had never beaten Milan in four attempts.
"Now we are in the last eight and I don't think it matters who we play.
"It is not as if there is an easy game. We have to play one of them and with the performance level we produced last night we are capable of playing against anyone."
Motorsport News
Vettel banking on Luscious Liz
Sebastian Vettel is hoping 'Luscious Liz' will carry him to title glory after going close last year with 'Kate's Dirty Sister'.
Vettel likes the personal touch with his Red Bull Racing cars and has developed a habit of providing them with names, starting off last season with the simply monikered 'Kate'.
However, after sending 'Kate' to an early grave when he wrote her off in the opening race in Australia, Red Bull provided the young German with a more aggressive model, hence 'Kate's Dirty Sister'.
The car carried Vettel to four wins, including the closing one in Abu Dhabi of a campaign in which he finished runner-up, 11 points adrift of champion Jenson Button.
For this season, 'Luscious Liz' will make her debut in Bahrain on Sunday, with Vettel naturally looking to her to take him one step further.
"Hopefully she doesn't need a sister," smiled Vettel.
"As to whether she can win, I can tell you after a couple of races hopefully, or on Monday would be even better.
"But generally I'm happy and confident. I think we have a good car.
"Winter testing has been good. We have never been as prepared as we are now, and we think we are up there.
"Tomorrow (qualifying) we will find out who is strong and who is not, and on Sunday we have the big unknown with everyone starting on lots of fuel.
"We don't yet know how the race will unfold. It could be exciting, crazy and everyone will enjoy it, or it could be very boring, and where you are after five laps is where you'll be at the chequered flag.
"So it's pretty unknown what is going to happen right now. We will see, but hopefully Luscious Liz will win."
Team principal Christian Horner this week hailed Vettel now as "a complete driver," believing last year's near miss has made the 22 -year-old much stronger as a person and on the track.
Vettel, however, feels one particular item is missing from his CV that will ensure he lives up to Horner's praise.
"Obviously I have a target in my life and the target is to be world champion," added Vettel.
"If I reach that target one day then I think I will be more complete than I am now, but I have learned a lot over the years, in particular a lot last year.
"I think the whole team and myself are in a good position. Last year was the first time for me and the team that we were in a position to fight for big points, race wins, pole positions.
"But the key now is to prove we deserve to be there. Last year was our first at the top, and now it is up to us to stay there."
Button craves flying start
Jenson Button believes he will have to make another lightning start to the season if he is to retain his F1 world title.
The 30-year-old's soaraway early success proved crucial as he only managed two podium finishes in the final 10 grands prix, doing just enough to hold off a charge from Red Bull's Sebastian Vettel.
Button has since switched teams to McLaren, believing he required the change to reignite his passion as he feared going stale with Brawn, and with the title in his pocket.
But with this season the most open for years, and with seemingly so many contenders for the crown, whoever gets a flier could again be in pole position to claim the championship.
Ahead of Sunday's season-opening Bahrain Grand Prix, a race he won last year en route to the title, Button admitted: "I feel I'll need a dominant start again this weekend.
"I think every championship, for any champion, it's important to be quick out of the blocks.
"If you look back, normally the guy that really fights for the championship and gets the championship is strong from the word go.
"So yes, it is important for all of us to be up there at the front here in Bahrain.
"The competition is very fierce, I must say, but that's why it is exciting.
"For a fan of Formula One, this season should really be electric. If it's not, we're doing something seriously wrong."
Button acknowledged the return of Felipe Massa after eight months out following his accident in qualifying for last year's Hungarian Grand Prix that resulted in him requiring life-saving surgery.
There was also special mention for Schumacher, with Button patting the 41-year-old on the shoulder as he said: "It's great to have Michael back because it makes me feel young again!"
Sitting in the main FIA media conference yesterday with fellow world champions Lewis Hamilton and Fernando Alonso also alongside him, it underlined the stellar nature of this year's field.
"Looking at this race, I don't think there have been so many competitive drivers in competitive cars for a long time, so it's great to see," assessed Button.
It is Button, though, who goes into the season with the coveted number one on his car, which means so much to him - although it is a feeling he concedes will not last for long.
"I can only look at that in a positive way, and stepping into the car and seeing the number one on it is a very special feeling," smiled Button.
"Especially here in Bahrain at the first race when, just before I put on my helmet and look at the car and see the number one, it's going to be an emotional moment.
"But the moment I step into the car and close my visor, last season is out of the window, and that's when I focus on this year."
Sunday, March 7, 2010
World Cup Hockey News
At the Hero Honda FIH World Cup 2010, England booked their ticket for the semi-final by dominating the host India (3-2) in a fiery atmosphere in Delhi, South Africa achieved an historic win over Pakistan (4-3) and Australia rekindled their semi-final chances with a precious win over Spain (2-0).
Game 19 – Australia v. Spain: 2-0 (half-time: 1-0)
In this World Cup, Australia lost their opening game to England (2-3) but came back to beat India (5-2) and South Africa (12-0), while Spain beat South Africa (4-2) and India (5-2) but lost to Pakistan (1-2).
The game started under the Delhi blaring afternoon sun, but it did not seem to bother the Kookaburras who spent the first ten minutes peppering the Spanish goal. Grant SCHUBERT had a superb opportunity alone in front of the goal but lost the ball in his feet. Spain earned a penalty corner on their first counter-attack in the 7th minute, after intervention of the video-umpire, but the powerful high flick was wonderfully saved on the line by Kiel BROWN.
Both teams were keeping a tight marking in midfield and key players such as Jamie DWYER were kept under a close Spanish watch. Finally, Edward OCKENDEN forced a penalty-corner in the 20th minute and Luke DOERNER did not pass on the chance to open the scoring with a mid-height flick that beat Francisco CORTES in the Spanish goal. Spain scrambled two penalty-corners at the other end, then nearly scored when Eduard TUBAU stole a ball in midfield and arrived one-on-one with Nathan BURGERS, but the Australian keeper managed to push him aside enough for his shot to go off target.
Spain were given a penalty-corner in the dying seconds of the period, after another referral to the video-umpire, but it was saved again on the line, this time by Luke DOERNER, busy at both ends on penalty-corners. The Spaniards were saved by the post on a penalty-corner soon after the break, then scrambled two set pieces of their own. With time passing and the score still marginally in favor of the Kookaburras, Spain tried to push more but were repeatedly caught in the tight net thrown by the Australian midfield. Spain were also exposing more their defense to counter-attacks and Jamie DWYER ran 75m after stealing a ball; he set up perfectly Kieran GOVERS on the second post but the ball eluded him.
Spain picked up a yellow card on the play and were subsequently pushed back on their heels for a while and Glenn TURNER added a second goal for the Kookaburras in the 60th minute after a lengthy series of passes that mystified the Spaniards. Spain pushed in the final minutes, with Australia happy to just hit the ball up field. The Spaniards scrambled two more penalty-corner chances and Australia bagged the three points of the win, avenging in the process their loss against Spain in the semi-finals of the 2008 Olympic Games (2-3) and taking a serious option for a semi-final berth.
Match Facts (Australia v. Spain):
Glenn Turner (AUS) netted his fifth goal this tournament, to help Australia well on their way to a ninth successive WC semi-final berth.
Luke Doerner (AUS) is now on 6 (PC) goals at Delhi 2010, as is Taeke Taekema (NED).
The Australian record for most goals in a World Cup tournament is 12 by Ian Cooke in 1978 and Jay Stacy in 1998.
Ramon Alegre became the first Spanish player to be shown a yellow card this tournament.
Spain who were in the semi-finals in two of the last three WC tournaments (2006 and 1998) will find it extremely hard to reach the last four at Delhi 2010 with six points from four matches.
Spain failed to convert any of the eight PCs awarded to them in this match.
Game 20 – South Africa v. Pakistan: 4-3 (half-time: 0-1)
South Africa was up to a difficult task in the second match of the day. Having lost their first three encounters against Spain, England and Australia, they were pitted against a Pakistani team with their backs to the wall after losing severely to India (1-4) on opening day then to England (2-5). As in their first two games, South Africa nearly opened the scoring on a penalty-corner in the second minute of play, but it was Rehan BUTT who emerged from a wild scrum in front of Erasmus PIETERSE to score the first goal in the 6th minute.
Oddly, the Green Shirts seemed satisfied with the meagre lead and played at half-pace for a while, trying to show their individual skills but repeatedly losing the balls on unforced errors. South Africa boldly took their chances upfront and defended well a few penalty-corners, including a Sohail ABBAS low flick that went to video-umpiring referral for confirmation of the call then invalidation of the goal.
Taine PATON exposed the porosity of the Pakistani defense in the 31st minute, stealing a ball outside the 25m and running unchallenged before sending high in the stands his shot, that had Salman AKBAR stranded. South Africa had a long period of domination, dictating the pace to a Pakistani team definitely unimpressive. The final minutes of the period were all South Africa and the Green Shirts were clearly happy to pass the ball around to count down the clock and go into the break with their scanty one-goal lead.
South Africa picked up the game where they had left it, forcing a penalty-corner in the 38th minute and scoring by Gareth CARR after a well executed combination that sent the Pakistani runners in no-man’s-land. The crowd, now happy to support the underdog against the Pakistani neighbours, had more reason to erupt in wild cheers when Ian HALEY batted the ball into the empty goal after the shot from Thornton McDADE was deflected high up in the air by Salman AKBAR. Incredibly, South Africa added another goal shortly after by Taine PATON, taking advantage of a completely disoriented Pakistani defense gasping for air.
The rout continued in the 54th minute, when Salman AKBAR saw Marvin HARPER arrive alone in front of him and propel a missile in net. 4-1 for South Africa and twelve minutes to go! The South Africans (and the gamblers) in the crowd would certainly not have dreamed such a scenario one hour before. South Africa, on the verge of an historic feat, were now fighting with tooth and nail to defend their lead against Pakistani players who had lost all concept of team play.
Erasmus PIETERSE stood tall in goal to thwart some desperate final assaults. Muhammad IMRAN and Waseem AHMED scored on penalty-corners, including one that needed to be taken three times with no time on the clock, but it was too little too late and the Green Shirts left the pitch dejected while the African Champions enjoyed a deserved standing ovation from the capacity crowd.
Match Facts (South Africa v. Pakistan):
South Africa beat Pakistan 4-3 to end their 10-match winless streak in World Cup competition.
This is South Africa’s first WC win since 2002 when they beat Belgium 5-4 in the match for 13th place.
South Africa join Pakistan on three points in Pool B. India are also on three points but they are still to play England tonight.
Game 21 – England v. India: 3-2 (half-time: 1-0)
The marquis match of the day opposed England, still unbeaten in the competition after wins over Australia (3-2), South Africa (6-4) and Pakistan (5-2), to a an Indian outfit that gave hope to their whole country when they opened the World Cup with a decisive victory over arch-rivals Pakistan (4-1), only to fall to Australia (2-5) and Spain (2-5). The pundits were divided in the approach to take (more individual runs? More dribbles one-on-one? More passes?) but the crowd certainly did not worry about these technicalities and was cheering unconditionally for their heroes.
The first chance was for Sandeep SINGH on penalty-corner but his low flick did not fool the English runners. He has been harshly criticized by the powerful local media for his poor shows in defense and his inefficiency on penalty-corners, the main reason he is on the team. India committed the same basic defensive mistake as against Spain, leaving James TINDALL unmarked on the far post to quietly deflect a hard pass from Nick CATLIN in the 16th minute. Shivendra SINGH, back in the team after serving a two-game suspension for an incident against Pakistan, arrived on his own at the top of the circle, but English keeper James FAIR was waiting for him and showed his class by pushing the attacker aside until his retreating defenders could take charge of him.
Shivendra SINGH scrambled another chance a few minutes later, hurrying too much his shot. Meanwhile, the European Champions were playing their collective game with poise and speed, both in defense and counter-attack. They defended another penalty-corner successfully, this time with BHARAT officiating and they went into the break with a meager, but precious, one-goal lead.
Second period started in a corrida atmosphere, with feet stomping, flag waving, chanting, shouting and cheering. To its credit and unlike in other sports and other parts of the world, the crowd was supporting its team enthusiastically but without any jeering for the English opponents, although there was understandably little applause when Ashley JACKSON, officiating in replacement of injured Richard MANTELL, slotted a penalty-corner out of reach of Adrian D'SOUZA in the 42nd minute.
Rajpal SINGH and Sarvanjit SINGH tried to save the nation with deep solitary runs, but England scored again in the 47th minute by Ashley JACKSON, increasing their lead to 3 goals. Pushed by the roaring crowd, the Indian forwards finally scored by Gurwinder Singh CHANDI deflecting from close range a hard cross from the right wing, then shortly after by Rajpal SINGH on the post to collect the ball at the conclusion of a superb Asian style counter-attack that started with a save by their keeper D'SOUZA.
The last ten minutes promised to be pure hell for England, with the whole Indian team in attack and the crowd acting as twelfth and even thirteenth player. England fought fiercely on every ball and managed to maintain their structure and strict individual marking. They got a reprieve when Sardar SINGH was showed a yellow card for a nasty tackle on Ashley JACKSON. The Indians were becoming totally desperate and unnecessarily rough and lost Gurbaj SINGH on another yellow card but nevertheless nearly equalized in the dying seconds of the match by Rajpal SINGH, missing a deflection tantalizingly close to the far post.
Match Facts (England v. India):
England beat India 3-2 to become the first team at Delhi 2010 to qualify for the semi-finals.
England have reached the semi-finals for the second time and for the first time since 1986 when they finished runners-up to Australia.
England have now won their last 7 WC matches.
Ashley Jackson’s 42nd minute PC goals marked the 150th goal for England in World Cup competition.
Jackson has now scored in each of England’s four matches at Delhi 2010.
India (-4), Pakistan (-6) and South Africa (-15) are all on three points from four matches, with one match to go in Pool B.
The Hero Honda FIH World Cup 2010 continues on Sunday in Delhi when Korea face Canada, New Zealand meet Argentina and Germany conclude the day against The Netherlands.
For additional information, pictures, video clips, official game sheets, and more, please check the special FIH event site @ http://www.worldhockey.org/worldcup/.
Hero Honda FIH World Cup 2010 (men) – Delhi, India
Results Day 7 - Saturday 6 March 2010
Australia v. Spain 2:0 (1:0)
AUS 20mn Luke DOERNER (PC) 1:0
AUS 60mn Glenn TURNER (FG) 2:0
South Africa v. Pakistan 4:3 (0:1)
PAK 6mn Rehan BUTT (FG) 0:1
RSA 38mn Gareth CARR (PC) 1:1
RSA 41mn Ian HALEY (FG) 2:1
RSA 46mn Taine PATON (FG) 3:1
RSA 54mn Marvin HARPER (FG) 4:1
PAK 68mn Muhammad IMRAN (PC) 4:2
PAK 70+mn Waseem AHMED (PC) 4:3
England v. India 3:2 (1:0)
ENG 16mn James TINDALL (FG) 1:0
ENG 42mn Ashley JACKSON (PC) 2:0
ENG 47mn Ashley JACKSON (FG) 3:0
IND 54mn Gurwinder Singh CHANDI (FG) 3:1
IND 57mn Rajpal SINGH (FG) 3:2
Pool Standings:
Pool A: 1) Netherlands 9 pts 2) Germany 7 pts 3) New Zealand 6 pts 4) Korea 4pts 5) Argentina 0 pt (-5) 6) Canada 0 pt (-13)
Pool B: 1) England 12 pts 2) Australia 9 pts 3) Spain 6 pts 4) India 3 pts (-4) 5) Pakistan 3 pts (-6) 6) South Africa 3 pts (-1
Korea keep last-four hopes alive
Korea have kept their hopes of a World Cup semifinal berth alive with a 9-2 rout of Canada.
Korea are very much in semifinal contention after drubbing Canada 9-2 on Sunday at Dhyan Chand National Stadium in New Delhi.
Jong Hyun Jang scored a hat-trick while Hyo Sik You and Hyun Nam Woo netted two each. Nam Yong Lee and Sung Hoon Yoon also joined the party with a goal each to make sure Phillip Wright's brace for Canada was just a formality.
Korea were slow to get off the blocks and were happy to control the midfield. The 2009 Champions Trophy bronze medalists soon picked up pace and went ahead in the 23rd minute, when Nam scored off a penalty corner.
The Koreans, looking for their second win of the tournament, kept applying the pressure in search of a second. Their persistence finally paid off when Jang converted a penalty stroke late into the first half.
In stark contrast to the first half, the Koreans picked up early momentum after the breather. They scored thrice in the first six minutes to push the Canadians out of the game.
The first of these goals came in the 38th minute after Lee's shot was deflected in by a Canada defender. Yoon made it 4-0 in the 41st minute and Korea had a five-goal advantage in the very next minute, when You scored off a Jong Ho Seo cross.
Wright pulled a goal back for the North Americans in the 42nd minute, but Korea restored a five-goal advantage three minutes later. Jang flicked it into the Canadian net to score his second of the game.
The Koreans kept pushing forward in order to improve their goal difference but Wright reduced the deficit against the run of play, when he deflected in a Mark Pearson shot.
The Asian side attacked the hapless Canadians from both flanks and they made it 7-2 in the 61st minute, when Jang converted a penalty corner to complete his hat-trick.
Two minutes later You made a brilliant solo run down the right flank to heap more misery on the North Americans.
Nam scored his second goal of the match in the 67th minute to complete the rout for the Koreans.
The win leaves Korea in with a chance to make it to the semi-finals. Canada, who are yet to earn a point in this tournament, are already out of contention.
The Asians will be up against The Netherlands in their next game, while Canada take on Argentina on Tuesday.
Cricket News
Bat makers adopting new strategies
The indigenous bat manufacturers have now started joining hands with some of the foreign names to survive the competition.
Initially it were the local brands, which were promoted by the Indian players but gradually these indigenous brands lost grounds to the big names and money played a big role with the cricketers switching over, said Ramesh Chander Kohli of sports goods manufacturer 'BAS' in Jalandhar.
Sitting in his small first floor office amid sounds of bats and hockey sticks being made in the factory downstairs, Kohli lamented that times have changed a lot and now the big brands like MRF and Reebok have left almost no place for them to promote their products.
"Recently we have tied up with three players of South Africa, including Hashim Amla, who are playing with our brand 'BAS'. Three West Indian cricketers have also agreed to use our bats," Kohli said.
Not only BAS, two other popular brands 'Renson' and 'PROTOS' have also roped in some of the Indian and foreign cricketers to use their bats.
While some of the Sri Lankan players are using 'RANSON' brand, Indian spinner Amit Mishra is using the bat branded with 'PROTOS', manufactured by city-based F C Sondhi and Company.
Most of the bats used in the Indian sub-continent and Zimbabwe are actually manufactured indigenously as in many places bat making is a small-scale industry.
Meanwhile, manufacturers like Ranson Sports Industry (RSI) are taking a three-pronged strategy to survive the competition and increase their business.
The company is shifting their base from the unorganised area in Jalandhar to a leather complex -? an area designated for manufacturers, and is also adding new machineries from England.
Besides, five international cricketers including West Indian Dale Richards and Sachith Shanaka of Sri Lanka have also been roped up by RSI to endorse the brand.
Brand logos like MRF, Britannia and Hero Honda are not only finding places on the bats of Indian players, but other cricket playing countries are also familiar to these names.
But there is no mention about the people who manufacture the bats, which are used by the star batsmen.
"It's wonderful to return to India"
There's going to be an extra buzz when the IPL is held in India, said KKR' owner and Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan.
The Indian Premier League II was held in South Africa last year.
"There's always a buzz in playing here and it's a wonderful feeling. The feeling one gets playing in front of 100,000 people at the Eden Gardens is incomparable," said Shah Rukh at a function to announce his franchise's continued partnership with Nokia India.
On replacing coach John Buchanan with another Australian Dav Whatmore, he said that communication with the players was the former's problem in the first two years.
"Buchanan was a good coach but we all partners took the decision to replace him in the team's interest. Communication with the players was his problem due to the language or age factor," he said.
Shah Rukh was optimistic about the team's chances in season 3 after it performed miserbly in the first two years.
"We will try to win the trophy this year. We have lots of promises to keep," the cine star said.
He hoped the stand-off between IPL authorities and the electronic news media.
Tennis News
Hantuchova reaches Monterrey final
Daniela Hantuchova booked her place in the Monterrey Open final before rain arrived to wash out the rest of the day's scheduled action.
Hantuchova, 26, is seeking her first WTA Tour title since beating Svetlana Kuznetsova in the Indian Wells final three years ago.
The former world number five, who is presently 24th in the WTA rankings, dropped the first set to her fellow Slovakian Dominika Cibulkova today but recovered to post a 4-6 6-3 6-0 victory.
Seeded second, Hantuchova has adopted the role of tournament favourite since Serbia's former world number one Jelena Jankovic made a first-round exit.
In the final she will play either 19-year-old Latvian Anastasija Sevastova - the player who knocked out Jankovic - or 18-year-old Russian Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova.
Sevastova and Pavlyuchenkova will play their semi-final tomorrow, ahead of the doubles final, with the singles final then closing the tournament.
United States keep hopes alive
USA kept their hopes of Davis Cup victory against Serbia alive with a crucial doubles win in the World Group tie in Belgrade.
The Americans had a terrible first day, with John Isner losing to Victor Troicki and Novak Djokovic beating Sam Querrey.
That put the pressure on Sunday's rubber, and for once they could not rely on renowned pair Bob and Mike Bryan.
Mike was absent with food poisoning so Bob teamed up with 6ft 9in Isner against doubles specialist Nenad Zimonjic and Janko Tipsarevic for the hosts.
In a very tight clash, the visitors came out on top in lengthy tie-breaks in the first and third sets and that ultimately proved crucial in a 7-6 (10/8) 5-7 7-6 (10/8) 6-3 victory.
Patrick McEnroe's team have been in the World Group since 1989 but they failed to reach the semi-finals for the first time in four years last season and defeat tomorrow would send them into a relegation clash.
In contrast, France gave notice of their intent by taking an unassailable 3-0 lead against Germany in Toulon.
Julien Benneteau and Michael Llodra wobbled in the third set against Christopher Kas and Philipp Kohlschreiber but recovered to triumph 6-1 6-4 1-6 7-5.
Benneteau was making his Davis Cup debut, and Llodra paid tribute to his partner.
The 29-year-old told www.daviscup.com: "He's good. He has a good spirit, that's the most important thing. When you play doubles, you have to be strong on the court - Julien proved he's a good guy on the court and a nice guy."
France will play either defending champions Spain or Switzerland in the quarter-finals, and it was Albert Costa's team that gained the ascendancy today.
A shock looked on the cards when Stanislas Wawrinka beat Nicolas Almagro yesterday but David Ferrer levelled the tie and today Marcel Granollers and Tommy Robredo beat Yves Allegro and Wawrinka 7-6 (10/8) 6-2 4-6 6-4 in Logrono.
The title holders now only need to win one of tomorrow's singles rubbers to reach the last eight.
David Nalbandian's last-gasp trip to Stockholm paid dividends as Argentina opened up a 2-1 lead over Sweden.
The former Wimbledon finalist only flew in on Thursday night after looking set to miss the tie with a leg injury, and he teamed up with Horacio Zeballos for a 6-2 7-6 (7/4) 7-6 (7/5) win over Robin Soderling and Robert Lindstedt.
It was Nalbandian's first appearance in the competition since the 2008 final.
The Czech Republic secured victory over Belgium without dropping a set as yesterday's singles winners Tomas Berdych and Radek Stepanek teamed up to defeat Steve Darcis and Olivier Rochus 7-6 (7/0) 6-0 6-3.
Croatia also wrapped things up against Ecuador with a day to spare in Varazdin. As they had in singles, Ivo Karlovic and Marin Cilic proved too strong for brothers Nicolas and Giovanni Lapentti, winning 7-6 (7/3) 6-3 7-5.
India kept their hopes alive as top doubles players Mahesh Bhupathi and Leander Paes easily saw off Russia's Teimuraz Gabashvili and Igor Kunitsyn 6-3 6-2 6-2.
India must now win both tomorrow's singles clashes in Moscow to complete an unlikely turnaround.
In the final match between Chile and Israel, which was delayed by a day because of the massive earthquake in the South American country last week, Nicolas Massu gave the hosts a 1-0 lead with a 4-6 6-2 6-2 6-4 victory over Dudi Sela.
Fernando Gonzalez then put Chile firmly in control of the tie in Coquimbo, coming from a set down to beat Harel Levy 2-6 6-3 6-4 6-4.
Golf News
Villagas moves clear at Palm Beach
Camilo Villegas will take a three-shot lead into the final round of the Honda Classic after maintaining his scoring with a 67.
The Colombian shared the lead with Anthony Kim at the start of play but, while the American Ryder Cup star struggled to three over par for his round, Villegas shot three under to move clear on 11 under.
Australia's Nathan Green shares second place with Vijay Singh on eight under, while American George McNeill equalled the best round of the day, 66, to join compatriot Matt Every at six under.
Villegas had shot back-to-back 66s on the first two days and continued his impressive form with birdies at the third, fourth, sixth and ninth on a blemish-free outward half.
He found it harder going after the turn, but counter-balanced bogeys at the 10th, 12th and 14th with birdies at 11 and 16 to give himself a more than useful cushion.
Kim's largely tidy round was ruined by two sets of miserable holes. Having birdied the third, he haemorrhaged three shots at the sixth and seventh with a double-bogey six followed by a bogey four.
Having regained his composure to birdie 11 and 13 and return to level par for his round, he then undid his good work by closing with three successive bogeys, including a horribly fluffed chip at the last, and is surely now out of the running at six shots back.
Green set off in great style with birdies at the first two holes and gained another shot at the seventh to make it an excellent front nine. A further birdie followed at 15 and his hitherto immaculate scorecard was only marred by a six at the par-five 18th.
Singh shrugged off the same fate as Kim at the sixth, a double bogey, and knocked in four birdies as a round of 69 left the Fijian well in contention.
Every failed to truly take advantage of his three birdies, scoring only one under, but McNeill made seven birdies to cancel out sixes at the sixth and 18th.
A nightmare back nine saw Northern Ireland's Graeme McDowell, nicely poised at five under at the start of the day, slip back after a 71. Out in 33, the Ryder Cup player dropped shots at 10 and 15 before a double-bogey at 16 and is a distant four under.
Two birdies in a solid if unspectacular round appeared to have boosted Englishman Paul Casey's challenge until a double-bogey five at the penultimate hole left him three under par, level with Swede Fredrik Jacobsen.
Rising star Rory McIlroy endured a terrible day, shooting five over, and only six players are now below him in the standings. He twice dropped shots on the front nine but came back to level par on each occasion - but bogeys at 14 and 17 sandwiched an horrendous six at the par-three 15th.
Padraig Harrington shot two over, managing just a solitary birdie at the 16th after three bogeys.
Further down the field there was disappointment for England's Oliver Wilson, who followed his opening 66 with a 73 to plummet down into a share of 23rd place.
Rory McIlroy moved to level par after a one-under 69, while Lee Westwood's 71 left him on the same mark.
Justin Rose and Padraig Harrington had rounds of 72 and 71, respectively, to be two over, while Sergio Garcia made the cut by just one shot after recovering well from his first-round 74 by going round in 69.
England's Greg Owen will have a free weekend though, after a 73 left him five over.
American Steve Flesch joined Owen in missing the cut, but the 42-year-old at least produced a gutsy 66 after yesterday's dismal 78 to progress to four over.
Kiradech leads in Malaysia
Thailand's Kiradech Aphibarnrat put himself in prime position to win his first Asian Tour title.
The Thai snatched the joint third round lead with Welshman Rhys Davies at the Maybank Malaysian Open on Saturday.
Kiradech, 20, brilliantly birdied three of his last four holes for a four-under-par 68 and a three-day total of 11-under-par 205 at the Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club. Davies tied the Thai rising star with a battling 71, which included three birdies against a double bogey.
The final round of the US$2 million co-sanctioned Asian Tour and European Tour event is poised for a photo finish as two-time champion Thongchai Jaidee of Thailand (69), Soren Hansen of Denmark (69) and Koreans K.J. Choi (69) and Noh Seung-yul (67) are a shot back on 206.
Maybank Malaysian Open Leaderboard
The hefty Kiradech, a former junior world champion, nearly sank the first hole-in-one of the tournament when his six-iron tee shot on the 15th ended an inch behind the hole. Although disappointed to not win a car on offer, it sparked a stunning finish as he went on to birdie 17 and 18.
"My ball striking has been improving and that has played a part in my good performance. I missed a couple of putts on the back nine but I'm happy with the way I finished," said Kiradech.
"My highlight has to be the 15th hole. I almost won the car! I couldn't see where my tee shot ended but heard the crowd shouting and when I walked over I saw the ball was about an inch from the hole. If I had won the car, I would have driven it back to Thailand," added the Thai.
The big-hitting Kiradech hopes it will be third time lucky on Sunday as he has led twice previously going into the final round of an Asian Tour event, only to miss out on winning with the finish line in sight.
"It wasn't my day (then). So I need to learn from those experiences and hope it will be better than my last two attempts," said Kiradech, who returned early on Saturday to finish up four holes of his second round.
Davies, who played 25 holes on Saturday, rallied with two birdies on the front nine. After a double bogey on 10 which was a result of an errant drive into the water hazard, he fought back with a birdie on 17 and then missed a makeable birdie chance on the last for the outright lead.
"When you are playing well and making birdies, you don't feel so tired but when a double bogey comes along you feel pretty shattered," said Davies, who played on the Asian Tour in the last two seasons and won twice on the European Challenge Tour last year.
"It's good pressure. If I shoot the best score tomorrow then I win. That's a good thing. There are a number of great players up there so it is up to me to worry about my own game and try not to worry about them. If I score lower than them then I will come out on top," he added.
Vying for a third Maybank Malaysian Open title, reigning Asian Tour number one Thongchai mixed his card with five birdies against two bogeys to return with a 69 and was relishing the opportunity to win a record-equaling third Malaysian Open victory.
"It was hard work, a long day. I came back for two holes this morning. I need to rest up tonight and tomorrow, and get ready. I'll aim to play better tomorrow. I enjoyed it and had a good game plan. It was a bit hard as the pins were quite tough on the back nine but it was a good round. I'm pretty close now and I'm looking forward to tomorrow," said the former paratrooper.
Choi, aiming for a unique Malaysian double after his victory in the Iskandar Johor Open last October, was delighted to be in contention after firing five birdies against two bogeys.
"I put myself in a good position for the final round. I like where I am at. Yesterday and today, I just sweated so much and I feel weary now. Tomorrow, I just need to overcome the heat for one more day and try to close it out," said Choi.
Malaysia's M. Sasidaran returned a 74 for a 216 total in tied 44th place while compatriot Danny Chia shot a 78 to slip back to equal 72nd position.
Leading third round scores
205 - Kiradech Aphibarnrat (THA) 68-69-68, Rhys Davies (WAL) 65-69-71
206 - Noh Seung-Yul (KOR) 69-70-67, K.J. Choi (KOR) 67-70-69, Thongchai Jaidee (THA) 66-71-69, Soren Hansen (DEN) 70-67-69
207 - Johan Edfors (SWE) 69-69-69, Alejandro Canizares (ESP) 67-69-71
208 - Ignacio Garrido (ESP) 65-72-71
209 - Rahil Gangjee (IND) 68-75-66, Danny Willett (ENG) 72-69-68, Soren Kjeldsen, (DEN) 71-70-68, Scott Barr (AUS) 68-71-70, Kim Dae-Hyun (KOR) 66-73-70, Angelo Que (PHI) 70-67-72
210 - Fredrik Andersson Hed (SWE) 77-65-68
211 - Wu Ashun (CHN) 73-70-68
212 - Niclas Fasth (SWE) 69-73-70, Thaworn Wiratchant (THA) 70-72-70, Lu Wei-Chih (TPE) 74-70-68, Daniel Chopra (SWE) 71-70-71, Terry Pilkadaris (AUS) 73-71-68, Peter Lawrie (IRL) 69-72-71, Jason Knutzon (USA) 73-67-72
Football News
Ancelotti: Milan win almost impossible
AC Milan have a mountain to climb in their Champions League clash against Man United, having lost 3-2 at the San Siro in the first leg.
Their former coach, Carlo Ancelotti, has faith that Milan can put in a good performance, but says that it will take a monumental effort to come away with the win at Old Trafford.
"[Milan] will believe in achieving anything, even something on the limits of impossibility," Ancelotti told Tuttosport.
Roma coach Claudio Ranieri shared a similar assessment in his interview, stating that Sir Alex Ferguson is experienced enough to weather what the Rossoneri may throw at him.
"He will not play all-out attack to win. You'll see that he will wait for the right moment to deliver the knock-out blow. Milan will have to play the perfect game to get past Old Trafford," he said to Il Giornale.
Ferguson hails Old Trafford
Sir Alex Ferguson has reflected on his time with Man United and chose his best moments at Old Trafford ahead of the clash against AC Milan.
The Manchester United boss took up his position as manager in 1986 and never looked back, winning 34 trophies and becoming English football's longest-tenured tactician.
"Old Trafford is a special place on European nights, when the stadium's full, the floodlights are on and the fans are up for it," he told United's official website.
"It's an enormous lift to the players when the fans are really behind them - the Barcelona semi-final in 2008 is a great example."
The 68-year-old can still remember his first game with United and his home debut at Old Trafford.
"My first two matches as manager had been away from home, to Oxford United and Norwich City, so it was towards the end of November when I had my first game at Old Trafford [against Queens Park Rangers]," he added.
"We won 1-0, John Sivebaek scored from a free-kick in the first half and we should have maybe won by more.
"But getting my first win was the important thing. You certainly want to win your first home game, that's for sure.
"I don't think there was a big crowd at Old Trafford that day, but I was given a good reception by the supporters, I'll always remember that."
The Red Devils boss has sat through numerous goals at the 'Theatre of Dreams', and recalls one more than any other.
"My favourite goal at Old Trafford was the one Paul Scholes scored against Panathinaikos in 2000, when the team strung together 32 passes."
"I always remember a famous goal that Leeds United scored against Southampton with something like 38 passes, but the finish was nothing like Scholesy's.
"He chipped the goalkeeper from about 16 yards, it was fantastic. It was a special goal."
United's chief executive David Gill also loves the atmosphere of Old Trafford during a European game.
"I really enjoy Champions League nights here," he added.
"I think what sets them apart is people coming here after a day at work, perhaps after a visit to the pub so they have a drink or two inside them."
"It's also great to play against teams and players who you don't regularly see in the Premier League."
In this World Cup, Australia lost their opening game to England (2-3) but came back to beat India (5-2) and South Africa (12-0), while Spain beat South Africa (4-2) and India (5-2) but lost to Pakistan (1-2).
The game started under the Delhi blaring afternoon sun, but it did not seem to bother the Kookaburras who spent the first ten minutes peppering the Spanish goal. Grant SCHUBERT had a superb opportunity alone in front of the goal but lost the ball in his feet. Spain earned a penalty corner on their first counter-attack in the 7th minute, after intervention of the video-umpire, but the powerful high flick was wonderfully saved on the line by Kiel BROWN.
Both teams were keeping a tight marking in midfield and key players such as Jamie DWYER were kept under a close Spanish watch. Finally, Edward OCKENDEN forced a penalty-corner in the 20th minute and Luke DOERNER did not pass on the chance to open the scoring with a mid-height flick that beat Francisco CORTES in the Spanish goal. Spain scrambled two penalty-corners at the other end, then nearly scored when Eduard TUBAU stole a ball in midfield and arrived one-on-one with Nathan BURGERS, but the Australian keeper managed to push him aside enough for his shot to go off target.
Spain were given a penalty-corner in the dying seconds of the period, after another referral to the video-umpire, but it was saved again on the line, this time by Luke DOERNER, busy at both ends on penalty-corners. The Spaniards were saved by the post on a penalty-corner soon after the break, then scrambled two set pieces of their own. With time passing and the score still marginally in favor of the Kookaburras, Spain tried to push more but were repeatedly caught in the tight net thrown by the Australian midfield. Spain were also exposing more their defense to counter-attacks and Jamie DWYER ran 75m after stealing a ball; he set up perfectly Kieran GOVERS on the second post but the ball eluded him.
Spain picked up a yellow card on the play and were subsequently pushed back on their heels for a while and Glenn TURNER added a second goal for the Kookaburras in the 60th minute after a lengthy series of passes that mystified the Spaniards. Spain pushed in the final minutes, with Australia happy to just hit the ball up field. The Spaniards scrambled two more penalty-corner chances and Australia bagged the three points of the win, avenging in the process their loss against Spain in the semi-finals of the 2008 Olympic Games (2-3) and taking a serious option for a semi-final berth.
Match Facts (Australia v. Spain):
Glenn Turner (AUS) netted his fifth goal this tournament, to help Australia well on their way to a ninth successive WC semi-final berth.
Luke Doerner (AUS) is now on 6 (PC) goals at Delhi 2010, as is Taeke Taekema (NED).
The Australian record for most goals in a World Cup tournament is 12 by Ian Cooke in 1978 and Jay Stacy in 1998.
Ramon Alegre became the first Spanish player to be shown a yellow card this tournament.
Spain who were in the semi-finals in two of the last three WC tournaments (2006 and 1998) will find it extremely hard to reach the last four at Delhi 2010 with six points from four matches.
Spain failed to convert any of the eight PCs awarded to them in this match.
Game 20 – South Africa v. Pakistan: 4-3 (half-time: 0-1)
South Africa was up to a difficult task in the second match of the day. Having lost their first three encounters against Spain, England and Australia, they were pitted against a Pakistani team with their backs to the wall after losing severely to India (1-4) on opening day then to England (2-5). As in their first two games, South Africa nearly opened the scoring on a penalty-corner in the second minute of play, but it was Rehan BUTT who emerged from a wild scrum in front of Erasmus PIETERSE to score the first goal in the 6th minute.
Oddly, the Green Shirts seemed satisfied with the meagre lead and played at half-pace for a while, trying to show their individual skills but repeatedly losing the balls on unforced errors. South Africa boldly took their chances upfront and defended well a few penalty-corners, including a Sohail ABBAS low flick that went to video-umpiring referral for confirmation of the call then invalidation of the goal.
Taine PATON exposed the porosity of the Pakistani defense in the 31st minute, stealing a ball outside the 25m and running unchallenged before sending high in the stands his shot, that had Salman AKBAR stranded. South Africa had a long period of domination, dictating the pace to a Pakistani team definitely unimpressive. The final minutes of the period were all South Africa and the Green Shirts were clearly happy to pass the ball around to count down the clock and go into the break with their scanty one-goal lead.
South Africa picked up the game where they had left it, forcing a penalty-corner in the 38th minute and scoring by Gareth CARR after a well executed combination that sent the Pakistani runners in no-man’s-land. The crowd, now happy to support the underdog against the Pakistani neighbours, had more reason to erupt in wild cheers when Ian HALEY batted the ball into the empty goal after the shot from Thornton McDADE was deflected high up in the air by Salman AKBAR. Incredibly, South Africa added another goal shortly after by Taine PATON, taking advantage of a completely disoriented Pakistani defense gasping for air.
The rout continued in the 54th minute, when Salman AKBAR saw Marvin HARPER arrive alone in front of him and propel a missile in net. 4-1 for South Africa and twelve minutes to go! The South Africans (and the gamblers) in the crowd would certainly not have dreamed such a scenario one hour before. South Africa, on the verge of an historic feat, were now fighting with tooth and nail to defend their lead against Pakistani players who had lost all concept of team play.
Erasmus PIETERSE stood tall in goal to thwart some desperate final assaults. Muhammad IMRAN and Waseem AHMED scored on penalty-corners, including one that needed to be taken three times with no time on the clock, but it was too little too late and the Green Shirts left the pitch dejected while the African Champions enjoyed a deserved standing ovation from the capacity crowd.
Match Facts (South Africa v. Pakistan):
South Africa beat Pakistan 4-3 to end their 10-match winless streak in World Cup competition.
This is South Africa’s first WC win since 2002 when they beat Belgium 5-4 in the match for 13th place.
South Africa join Pakistan on three points in Pool B. India are also on three points but they are still to play England tonight.
Game 21 – England v. India: 3-2 (half-time: 1-0)
The marquis match of the day opposed England, still unbeaten in the competition after wins over Australia (3-2), South Africa (6-4) and Pakistan (5-2), to a an Indian outfit that gave hope to their whole country when they opened the World Cup with a decisive victory over arch-rivals Pakistan (4-1), only to fall to Australia (2-5) and Spain (2-5). The pundits were divided in the approach to take (more individual runs? More dribbles one-on-one? More passes?) but the crowd certainly did not worry about these technicalities and was cheering unconditionally for their heroes.
The first chance was for Sandeep SINGH on penalty-corner but his low flick did not fool the English runners. He has been harshly criticized by the powerful local media for his poor shows in defense and his inefficiency on penalty-corners, the main reason he is on the team. India committed the same basic defensive mistake as against Spain, leaving James TINDALL unmarked on the far post to quietly deflect a hard pass from Nick CATLIN in the 16th minute. Shivendra SINGH, back in the team after serving a two-game suspension for an incident against Pakistan, arrived on his own at the top of the circle, but English keeper James FAIR was waiting for him and showed his class by pushing the attacker aside until his retreating defenders could take charge of him.
Shivendra SINGH scrambled another chance a few minutes later, hurrying too much his shot. Meanwhile, the European Champions were playing their collective game with poise and speed, both in defense and counter-attack. They defended another penalty-corner successfully, this time with BHARAT officiating and they went into the break with a meager, but precious, one-goal lead.
Second period started in a corrida atmosphere, with feet stomping, flag waving, chanting, shouting and cheering. To its credit and unlike in other sports and other parts of the world, the crowd was supporting its team enthusiastically but without any jeering for the English opponents, although there was understandably little applause when Ashley JACKSON, officiating in replacement of injured Richard MANTELL, slotted a penalty-corner out of reach of Adrian D'SOUZA in the 42nd minute.
Rajpal SINGH and Sarvanjit SINGH tried to save the nation with deep solitary runs, but England scored again in the 47th minute by Ashley JACKSON, increasing their lead to 3 goals. Pushed by the roaring crowd, the Indian forwards finally scored by Gurwinder Singh CHANDI deflecting from close range a hard cross from the right wing, then shortly after by Rajpal SINGH on the post to collect the ball at the conclusion of a superb Asian style counter-attack that started with a save by their keeper D'SOUZA.
The last ten minutes promised to be pure hell for England, with the whole Indian team in attack and the crowd acting as twelfth and even thirteenth player. England fought fiercely on every ball and managed to maintain their structure and strict individual marking. They got a reprieve when Sardar SINGH was showed a yellow card for a nasty tackle on Ashley JACKSON. The Indians were becoming totally desperate and unnecessarily rough and lost Gurbaj SINGH on another yellow card but nevertheless nearly equalized in the dying seconds of the match by Rajpal SINGH, missing a deflection tantalizingly close to the far post.
Match Facts (England v. India):
England beat India 3-2 to become the first team at Delhi 2010 to qualify for the semi-finals.
England have reached the semi-finals for the second time and for the first time since 1986 when they finished runners-up to Australia.
England have now won their last 7 WC matches.
Ashley Jackson’s 42nd minute PC goals marked the 150th goal for England in World Cup competition.
Jackson has now scored in each of England’s four matches at Delhi 2010.
India (-4), Pakistan (-6) and South Africa (-15) are all on three points from four matches, with one match to go in Pool B.
The Hero Honda FIH World Cup 2010 continues on Sunday in Delhi when Korea face Canada, New Zealand meet Argentina and Germany conclude the day against The Netherlands.
For additional information, pictures, video clips, official game sheets, and more, please check the special FIH event site @ http://www.worldhockey.org/worldcup/.
Hero Honda FIH World Cup 2010 (men) – Delhi, India
Results Day 7 - Saturday 6 March 2010
Australia v. Spain 2:0 (1:0)
AUS 20mn Luke DOERNER (PC) 1:0
AUS 60mn Glenn TURNER (FG) 2:0
South Africa v. Pakistan 4:3 (0:1)
PAK 6mn Rehan BUTT (FG) 0:1
RSA 38mn Gareth CARR (PC) 1:1
RSA 41mn Ian HALEY (FG) 2:1
RSA 46mn Taine PATON (FG) 3:1
RSA 54mn Marvin HARPER (FG) 4:1
PAK 68mn Muhammad IMRAN (PC) 4:2
PAK 70+mn Waseem AHMED (PC) 4:3
England v. India 3:2 (1:0)
ENG 16mn James TINDALL (FG) 1:0
ENG 42mn Ashley JACKSON (PC) 2:0
ENG 47mn Ashley JACKSON (FG) 3:0
IND 54mn Gurwinder Singh CHANDI (FG) 3:1
IND 57mn Rajpal SINGH (FG) 3:2
Pool Standings:
Pool A: 1) Netherlands 9 pts 2) Germany 7 pts 3) New Zealand 6 pts 4) Korea 4pts 5) Argentina 0 pt (-5) 6) Canada 0 pt (-13)
Pool B: 1) England 12 pts 2) Australia 9 pts 3) Spain 6 pts 4) India 3 pts (-4) 5) Pakistan 3 pts (-6) 6) South Africa 3 pts (-1
Korea keep last-four hopes alive
Korea have kept their hopes of a World Cup semifinal berth alive with a 9-2 rout of Canada.
Korea are very much in semifinal contention after drubbing Canada 9-2 on Sunday at Dhyan Chand National Stadium in New Delhi.
Jong Hyun Jang scored a hat-trick while Hyo Sik You and Hyun Nam Woo netted two each. Nam Yong Lee and Sung Hoon Yoon also joined the party with a goal each to make sure Phillip Wright's brace for Canada was just a formality.
Korea were slow to get off the blocks and were happy to control the midfield. The 2009 Champions Trophy bronze medalists soon picked up pace and went ahead in the 23rd minute, when Nam scored off a penalty corner.
The Koreans, looking for their second win of the tournament, kept applying the pressure in search of a second. Their persistence finally paid off when Jang converted a penalty stroke late into the first half.
In stark contrast to the first half, the Koreans picked up early momentum after the breather. They scored thrice in the first six minutes to push the Canadians out of the game.
The first of these goals came in the 38th minute after Lee's shot was deflected in by a Canada defender. Yoon made it 4-0 in the 41st minute and Korea had a five-goal advantage in the very next minute, when You scored off a Jong Ho Seo cross.
Wright pulled a goal back for the North Americans in the 42nd minute, but Korea restored a five-goal advantage three minutes later. Jang flicked it into the Canadian net to score his second of the game.
The Koreans kept pushing forward in order to improve their goal difference but Wright reduced the deficit against the run of play, when he deflected in a Mark Pearson shot.
The Asian side attacked the hapless Canadians from both flanks and they made it 7-2 in the 61st minute, when Jang converted a penalty corner to complete his hat-trick.
Two minutes later You made a brilliant solo run down the right flank to heap more misery on the North Americans.
Nam scored his second goal of the match in the 67th minute to complete the rout for the Koreans.
The win leaves Korea in with a chance to make it to the semi-finals. Canada, who are yet to earn a point in this tournament, are already out of contention.
The Asians will be up against The Netherlands in their next game, while Canada take on Argentina on Tuesday.
Cricket News
Bat makers adopting new strategies
The indigenous bat manufacturers have now started joining hands with some of the foreign names to survive the competition.
Sitting in his small first floor office amid sounds of bats and hockey sticks being made in the factory downstairs, Kohli lamented that times have changed a lot and now the big brands like MRF and Reebok have left almost no place for them to promote their products.
"Recently we have tied up with three players of South Africa, including Hashim Amla, who are playing with our brand 'BAS'. Three West Indian cricketers have also agreed to use our bats," Kohli said.
Not only BAS, two other popular brands 'Renson' and 'PROTOS' have also roped in some of the Indian and foreign cricketers to use their bats.
While some of the Sri Lankan players are using 'RANSON' brand, Indian spinner Amit Mishra is using the bat branded with 'PROTOS', manufactured by city-based F C Sondhi and Company.
Most of the bats used in the Indian sub-continent and Zimbabwe are actually manufactured indigenously as in many places bat making is a small-scale industry.
Meanwhile, manufacturers like Ranson Sports Industry (RSI) are taking a three-pronged strategy to survive the competition and increase their business.
The company is shifting their base from the unorganised area in Jalandhar to a leather complex -? an area designated for manufacturers, and is also adding new machineries from England.
Besides, five international cricketers including West Indian Dale Richards and Sachith Shanaka of Sri Lanka have also been roped up by RSI to endorse the brand.
Brand logos like MRF, Britannia and Hero Honda are not only finding places on the bats of Indian players, but other cricket playing countries are also familiar to these names.
But there is no mention about the people who manufacture the bats, which are used by the star batsmen.
"It's wonderful to return to India"
There's going to be an extra buzz when the IPL is held in India, said KKR' owner and Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan.
"There's always a buzz in playing here and it's a wonderful feeling. The feeling one gets playing in front of 100,000 people at the Eden Gardens is incomparable," said Shah Rukh at a function to announce his franchise's continued partnership with Nokia India.
On replacing coach John Buchanan with another Australian Dav Whatmore, he said that communication with the players was the former's problem in the first two years.
"Buchanan was a good coach but we all partners took the decision to replace him in the team's interest. Communication with the players was his problem due to the language or age factor," he said.
Shah Rukh was optimistic about the team's chances in season 3 after it performed miserbly in the first two years.
"We will try to win the trophy this year. We have lots of promises to keep," the cine star said.
He hoped the stand-off between IPL authorities and the electronic news media.
Tennis News
Hantuchova reaches Monterrey final
Daniela Hantuchova booked her place in the Monterrey Open final before rain arrived to wash out the rest of the day's scheduled action.
The former world number five, who is presently 24th in the WTA rankings, dropped the first set to her fellow Slovakian Dominika Cibulkova today but recovered to post a 4-6 6-3 6-0 victory.
Seeded second, Hantuchova has adopted the role of tournament favourite since Serbia's former world number one Jelena Jankovic made a first-round exit.
In the final she will play either 19-year-old Latvian Anastasija Sevastova - the player who knocked out Jankovic - or 18-year-old Russian Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova.
Sevastova and Pavlyuchenkova will play their semi-final tomorrow, ahead of the doubles final, with the singles final then closing the tournament.
United States keep hopes alive
USA kept their hopes of Davis Cup victory against Serbia alive with a crucial doubles win in the World Group tie in Belgrade.
That put the pressure on Sunday's rubber, and for once they could not rely on renowned pair Bob and Mike Bryan.
Mike was absent with food poisoning so Bob teamed up with 6ft 9in Isner against doubles specialist Nenad Zimonjic and Janko Tipsarevic for the hosts.
In a very tight clash, the visitors came out on top in lengthy tie-breaks in the first and third sets and that ultimately proved crucial in a 7-6 (10/8) 5-7 7-6 (10/8) 6-3 victory.
Patrick McEnroe's team have been in the World Group since 1989 but they failed to reach the semi-finals for the first time in four years last season and defeat tomorrow would send them into a relegation clash.
In contrast, France gave notice of their intent by taking an unassailable 3-0 lead against Germany in Toulon.
Julien Benneteau and Michael Llodra wobbled in the third set against Christopher Kas and Philipp Kohlschreiber but recovered to triumph 6-1 6-4 1-6 7-5.
Benneteau was making his Davis Cup debut, and Llodra paid tribute to his partner.
The 29-year-old told www.daviscup.com: "He's good. He has a good spirit, that's the most important thing. When you play doubles, you have to be strong on the court - Julien proved he's a good guy on the court and a nice guy."
France will play either defending champions Spain or Switzerland in the quarter-finals, and it was Albert Costa's team that gained the ascendancy today.
A shock looked on the cards when Stanislas Wawrinka beat Nicolas Almagro yesterday but David Ferrer levelled the tie and today Marcel Granollers and Tommy Robredo beat Yves Allegro and Wawrinka 7-6 (10/8) 6-2 4-6 6-4 in Logrono.
The title holders now only need to win one of tomorrow's singles rubbers to reach the last eight.
David Nalbandian's last-gasp trip to Stockholm paid dividends as Argentina opened up a 2-1 lead over Sweden.
The former Wimbledon finalist only flew in on Thursday night after looking set to miss the tie with a leg injury, and he teamed up with Horacio Zeballos for a 6-2 7-6 (7/4) 7-6 (7/5) win over Robin Soderling and Robert Lindstedt.
It was Nalbandian's first appearance in the competition since the 2008 final.
The Czech Republic secured victory over Belgium without dropping a set as yesterday's singles winners Tomas Berdych and Radek Stepanek teamed up to defeat Steve Darcis and Olivier Rochus 7-6 (7/0) 6-0 6-3.
Croatia also wrapped things up against Ecuador with a day to spare in Varazdin. As they had in singles, Ivo Karlovic and Marin Cilic proved too strong for brothers Nicolas and Giovanni Lapentti, winning 7-6 (7/3) 6-3 7-5.
India kept their hopes alive as top doubles players Mahesh Bhupathi and Leander Paes easily saw off Russia's Teimuraz Gabashvili and Igor Kunitsyn 6-3 6-2 6-2.
India must now win both tomorrow's singles clashes in Moscow to complete an unlikely turnaround.
In the final match between Chile and Israel, which was delayed by a day because of the massive earthquake in the South American country last week, Nicolas Massu gave the hosts a 1-0 lead with a 4-6 6-2 6-2 6-4 victory over Dudi Sela.
Fernando Gonzalez then put Chile firmly in control of the tie in Coquimbo, coming from a set down to beat Harel Levy 2-6 6-3 6-4 6-4.
Golf News
Villagas moves clear at Palm Beach
Camilo Villegas will take a three-shot lead into the final round of the Honda Classic after maintaining his scoring with a 67.
Australia's Nathan Green shares second place with Vijay Singh on eight under, while American George McNeill equalled the best round of the day, 66, to join compatriot Matt Every at six under.
Villegas had shot back-to-back 66s on the first two days and continued his impressive form with birdies at the third, fourth, sixth and ninth on a blemish-free outward half.
He found it harder going after the turn, but counter-balanced bogeys at the 10th, 12th and 14th with birdies at 11 and 16 to give himself a more than useful cushion.
Kim's largely tidy round was ruined by two sets of miserable holes. Having birdied the third, he haemorrhaged three shots at the sixth and seventh with a double-bogey six followed by a bogey four.
Having regained his composure to birdie 11 and 13 and return to level par for his round, he then undid his good work by closing with three successive bogeys, including a horribly fluffed chip at the last, and is surely now out of the running at six shots back.
Green set off in great style with birdies at the first two holes and gained another shot at the seventh to make it an excellent front nine. A further birdie followed at 15 and his hitherto immaculate scorecard was only marred by a six at the par-five 18th.
Singh shrugged off the same fate as Kim at the sixth, a double bogey, and knocked in four birdies as a round of 69 left the Fijian well in contention.
Every failed to truly take advantage of his three birdies, scoring only one under, but McNeill made seven birdies to cancel out sixes at the sixth and 18th.
A nightmare back nine saw Northern Ireland's Graeme McDowell, nicely poised at five under at the start of the day, slip back after a 71. Out in 33, the Ryder Cup player dropped shots at 10 and 15 before a double-bogey at 16 and is a distant four under.
Two birdies in a solid if unspectacular round appeared to have boosted Englishman Paul Casey's challenge until a double-bogey five at the penultimate hole left him three under par, level with Swede Fredrik Jacobsen.
Rising star Rory McIlroy endured a terrible day, shooting five over, and only six players are now below him in the standings. He twice dropped shots on the front nine but came back to level par on each occasion - but bogeys at 14 and 17 sandwiched an horrendous six at the par-three 15th.
Padraig Harrington shot two over, managing just a solitary birdie at the 16th after three bogeys.
Further down the field there was disappointment for England's Oliver Wilson, who followed his opening 66 with a 73 to plummet down into a share of 23rd place.
Rory McIlroy moved to level par after a one-under 69, while Lee Westwood's 71 left him on the same mark.
Justin Rose and Padraig Harrington had rounds of 72 and 71, respectively, to be two over, while Sergio Garcia made the cut by just one shot after recovering well from his first-round 74 by going round in 69.
England's Greg Owen will have a free weekend though, after a 73 left him five over.
American Steve Flesch joined Owen in missing the cut, but the 42-year-old at least produced a gutsy 66 after yesterday's dismal 78 to progress to four over.
Kiradech leads in Malaysia
Thailand's Kiradech Aphibarnrat put himself in prime position to win his first Asian Tour title.
The Thai snatched the joint third round lead with Welshman Rhys Davies at the Maybank Malaysian Open on Saturday.
Kiradech, 20, brilliantly birdied three of his last four holes for a four-under-par 68 and a three-day total of 11-under-par 205 at the Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club. Davies tied the Thai rising star with a battling 71, which included three birdies against a double bogey.
The final round of the US$2 million co-sanctioned Asian Tour and European Tour event is poised for a photo finish as two-time champion Thongchai Jaidee of Thailand (69), Soren Hansen of Denmark (69) and Koreans K.J. Choi (69) and Noh Seung-yul (67) are a shot back on 206.
Maybank Malaysian Open Leaderboard
The hefty Kiradech, a former junior world champion, nearly sank the first hole-in-one of the tournament when his six-iron tee shot on the 15th ended an inch behind the hole. Although disappointed to not win a car on offer, it sparked a stunning finish as he went on to birdie 17 and 18.
"My ball striking has been improving and that has played a part in my good performance. I missed a couple of putts on the back nine but I'm happy with the way I finished," said Kiradech.
"My highlight has to be the 15th hole. I almost won the car! I couldn't see where my tee shot ended but heard the crowd shouting and when I walked over I saw the ball was about an inch from the hole. If I had won the car, I would have driven it back to Thailand," added the Thai.
The big-hitting Kiradech hopes it will be third time lucky on Sunday as he has led twice previously going into the final round of an Asian Tour event, only to miss out on winning with the finish line in sight.
"It wasn't my day (then). So I need to learn from those experiences and hope it will be better than my last two attempts," said Kiradech, who returned early on Saturday to finish up four holes of his second round.
Davies, who played 25 holes on Saturday, rallied with two birdies on the front nine. After a double bogey on 10 which was a result of an errant drive into the water hazard, he fought back with a birdie on 17 and then missed a makeable birdie chance on the last for the outright lead.
"When you are playing well and making birdies, you don't feel so tired but when a double bogey comes along you feel pretty shattered," said Davies, who played on the Asian Tour in the last two seasons and won twice on the European Challenge Tour last year.
"It's good pressure. If I shoot the best score tomorrow then I win. That's a good thing. There are a number of great players up there so it is up to me to worry about my own game and try not to worry about them. If I score lower than them then I will come out on top," he added.
Vying for a third Maybank Malaysian Open title, reigning Asian Tour number one Thongchai mixed his card with five birdies against two bogeys to return with a 69 and was relishing the opportunity to win a record-equaling third Malaysian Open victory.
"It was hard work, a long day. I came back for two holes this morning. I need to rest up tonight and tomorrow, and get ready. I'll aim to play better tomorrow. I enjoyed it and had a good game plan. It was a bit hard as the pins were quite tough on the back nine but it was a good round. I'm pretty close now and I'm looking forward to tomorrow," said the former paratrooper.
Choi, aiming for a unique Malaysian double after his victory in the Iskandar Johor Open last October, was delighted to be in contention after firing five birdies against two bogeys.
"I put myself in a good position for the final round. I like where I am at. Yesterday and today, I just sweated so much and I feel weary now. Tomorrow, I just need to overcome the heat for one more day and try to close it out," said Choi.
Malaysia's M. Sasidaran returned a 74 for a 216 total in tied 44th place while compatriot Danny Chia shot a 78 to slip back to equal 72nd position.
Leading third round scores
205 - Kiradech Aphibarnrat (THA) 68-69-68, Rhys Davies (WAL) 65-69-71
206 - Noh Seung-Yul (KOR) 69-70-67, K.J. Choi (KOR) 67-70-69, Thongchai Jaidee (THA) 66-71-69, Soren Hansen (DEN) 70-67-69
207 - Johan Edfors (SWE) 69-69-69, Alejandro Canizares (ESP) 67-69-71
208 - Ignacio Garrido (ESP) 65-72-71
209 - Rahil Gangjee (IND) 68-75-66, Danny Willett (ENG) 72-69-68, Soren Kjeldsen, (DEN) 71-70-68, Scott Barr (AUS) 68-71-70, Kim Dae-Hyun (KOR) 66-73-70, Angelo Que (PHI) 70-67-72
210 - Fredrik Andersson Hed (SWE) 77-65-68
211 - Wu Ashun (CHN) 73-70-68
212 - Niclas Fasth (SWE) 69-73-70, Thaworn Wiratchant (THA) 70-72-70, Lu Wei-Chih (TPE) 74-70-68, Daniel Chopra (SWE) 71-70-71, Terry Pilkadaris (AUS) 73-71-68, Peter Lawrie (IRL) 69-72-71, Jason Knutzon (USA) 73-67-72
Football News
Ancelotti: Milan win almost impossible
AC Milan have a mountain to climb in their Champions League clash against Man United, having lost 3-2 at the San Siro in the first leg.
"[Milan] will believe in achieving anything, even something on the limits of impossibility," Ancelotti told Tuttosport.
Roma coach Claudio Ranieri shared a similar assessment in his interview, stating that Sir Alex Ferguson is experienced enough to weather what the Rossoneri may throw at him.
"He will not play all-out attack to win. You'll see that he will wait for the right moment to deliver the knock-out blow. Milan will have to play the perfect game to get past Old Trafford," he said to Il Giornale.
Ferguson hails Old Trafford
Sir Alex Ferguson has reflected on his time with Man United and chose his best moments at Old Trafford ahead of the clash against AC Milan.
"Old Trafford is a special place on European nights, when the stadium's full, the floodlights are on and the fans are up for it," he told United's official website.
"It's an enormous lift to the players when the fans are really behind them - the Barcelona semi-final in 2008 is a great example."
The 68-year-old can still remember his first game with United and his home debut at Old Trafford.
"My first two matches as manager had been away from home, to Oxford United and Norwich City, so it was towards the end of November when I had my first game at Old Trafford [against Queens Park Rangers]," he added.
"We won 1-0, John Sivebaek scored from a free-kick in the first half and we should have maybe won by more.
"But getting my first win was the important thing. You certainly want to win your first home game, that's for sure.
"I don't think there was a big crowd at Old Trafford that day, but I was given a good reception by the supporters, I'll always remember that."
The Red Devils boss has sat through numerous goals at the 'Theatre of Dreams', and recalls one more than any other.
"My favourite goal at Old Trafford was the one Paul Scholes scored against Panathinaikos in 2000, when the team strung together 32 passes."
"I always remember a famous goal that Leeds United scored against Southampton with something like 38 passes, but the finish was nothing like Scholesy's.
"He chipped the goalkeeper from about 16 yards, it was fantastic. It was a special goal."
United's chief executive David Gill also loves the atmosphere of Old Trafford during a European game.
"I really enjoy Champions League nights here," he added.
"I think what sets them apart is people coming here after a day at work, perhaps after a visit to the pub so they have a drink or two inside them."
"It's also great to play against teams and players who you don't regularly see in the Premier League."
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