Extremely tough to win a Grand Slams now, says Murray

London, Sep.17 (ANI): World Number three Andy Murray is of the view that winning a Grand Slam title in the present day and age is far more tougher than it was before, given the kind of talent on show in the tennis circuit.

He said that when players are competing against the likes of Roger Federer, Raphael Nadal and now Juan Martin Del Potro, winning a title was not easy.

“It’s really, really tough to win the slams now so Del Potro’s effort was pretty good. There’s no question that Roger (Federer) and Rafa (Nadal) are two of the best ever. Roger’s people say he’s the best of all time; that’s not really up for debate. And Rafa, providing he stays healthy, I’d expect to get to double figures on slam wins,” The Telegraph quoted Murray, as saying.

“That’s better than any two rivals have managed together and then behind them the standard is very high. There are guys like (Andy) Roddick who’s only managed to win one slam right at the start of that career and he’s a great player,” he added.

Murray, who exited from the US Open in the fourth-round, also said that he wanted to take his mind off his disappointment and move on.

For the moment, he is only concerned about defeating a couple of Polish journeymen to provide Britain with the platform for a victory which would ensure they do not get demoted to the Davis Cup’s third tier for the first time in 13 years. (ANI)

Giant killer Del Potro believes he is the biggest tennis star on the circuit

New York, Sep.16 (ANI): Argentine tennis player Juan Martin Del Potro still can’t believe he has won this US Open, but now believes he is the biggest new star in tennis.

“It’s my best sensation,” he said. “Since my childhood I have dreamed of this trophy. I have realised my dream. It is an incredible moment. It’s amazing match, amazing people. Everything is perfect. Maybe tomorrow, maybe next week I will be believing in this. Now, I can’t believe it,” The Mirror quoted Del Potro, as saying.

The 6 ft 6in Argentine caused a massive upset by beating a fustered Roger Federer in five thrilling sets in the US Open final.

The world No.1, the reigning French Open and Wimbledon champion, was seeking his sixth successive title after winning 40 consecutive matches at Flushing Meadows.

But he was simply battered into submission by the 20-yearold with a murderous forehand making his first appearance in a Grand Slam final. Despite a horrible start, Del Potro triumphed 3-6 7-6 (7/5) 4-6 7-6 (7/4) 6-2 in four hours and six minutes – the longest US Open final for 20 years. (ANI)

Drought for Pakistan cricket is over : PCB

Karachi, Sep.16 (ANI): The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has expressed hope that the drought of international tournaments for the national squad would soon be over with several foreign tours and multi nation events scheduled for the next few months.

“The dry spell is finally over and that’s a good sign for our cricket,” PCB’s Chief Operating Office (COO) Wasim Bari said, adding, “A lot of positive developments are taking place. I must say that things are improving for Pakistan cricket.”

After virtually spending the last six months in hibernation, Pakistan has a packed cricket calendar in the forthcoming ten months.

Starting from the elite eight-nation ICC Champions Trophy beginning September 22, Pakistan would be touring three continents for a number of Test, one-day and twenty20 matches.

Pakistan is scheduled to ‘host’ New Zealand for four One-day Internationals and two Twenty20 matches in Abu Dhabi and Dubai next month. It will then fly to New Zealand to participate in a three match ‘home’ Test series against the Black Caps in November-December.

Then follows the tough tour of Australia, where they would be playing three Tests, five ODIs and a Twenty20 game. Later, in 2010, Pakistan would be seen defending their ICC World T20 Champions title in the Carribeans.

Bari also expressed hope that international cricket would soon return to Pakistan and claimed that the security scenario was getting better in the country with time.

“Our players will get plenty of cricket in the coming months.

It’s now time that they prove their worth. The security situation (in Pakistan) is getting better every day which is why I’m hopeful for an early return of international cricket here,” The News quoted Bari, as saying. (ANI)

Rachel Stevens wins ‘Rear Of The Year’ award

London, September 16 (ANI): British Singer Rachel Stevens has been named this year’s winner of the Rear Of The Year award.

The ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ star was voted as the favourite for the cheeky title, while tenor Russell Watson topped the men’s category.

“I’m very flattered and I’m now going to insure each cheek for a considerable sum of money,” the Daily Star quoted her as saying.

Watson also said: “For the past 10 years it’s always been about The Voice but, for the first time, I’m delighted to say it’s about my rear.”

Award organiser Tony Edwards said: “They’ve both been high on the list of contenders for the past few years but this year broke through with amazing support. This is the era of the well-toned rear when people are taking care of their bodies with work-outs, jogging, and aerobics. Rachel and Russell typify the look.” (ANI)

A docudrama plays a story of women cricketers’ struggle and triumph

Kolkata, Sep 9 (ANI): A docudrama titled ‘Indian Women’s Cricket team Poor Cousins of Million Dollar Babies’ highlights the disparity between men and women cricket players in India.

As the title suggests, the docudrama shows how while men cricketers hog all the limelight and bask in the glory of success and money, women cricketers are way behind their male counterparts though they have been able to carve a name for themselves in the international sport arena.

The 25-minute audio-visual commentary narrates a story of the triumph of women’s cricket despite the disparities and differential treatment.

Former Indian Skipper Anjum Chopra said the docudrama has been able to mirror the women cricketers’ struggle, hard work and determination to reach the milestone they have achieved despite receiving far less attention of sports authority, sponsorship and media coverage as compared with their male counterparts.

“I really liked it. I think it’s very nice. It covers a lot of angels into the lives of women cricketers on and off the field. It’s a true depiction of the lives and struggles of Indian women cricketers go through,” Anjum Chopra added.

The The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI ) spends millions of rupees on men’s cricket and its stalwart players but women’s team, which has consistently done well in the context of world tournaments, has not received the same attention and promotion.

Sunil Yash Kalra, who has directed the documentary, said it’s time to tell the story of players engaged in the most popular and fast growing game in India despite their gender.

“It’s a sport which is a nerve centre of India, the subcontinent. And, it’s also included in the Asian Games next year. So, basically if you were to look at it… A, it’s the fastest growing game. B, there is a story that needs to be told about each individual member, that’s what the idea is to showcase the best to the rest of the world,” Kalra added.

The film also reveals interesting facts about women’s cricket in India. For example, women’s cricket in India can be traced back to early 20th century when an Australian school teacher Anne Kelleve made cricket a compulsory game at the Baker Memorial School in Kottayam, Kerala, in 1913.

The Women’s World Cup was initiated in 1973, two years before the men’s World Cup. And, Indian eves played T20 international cricket in 2006 while Indian men played their first match in 2007. (ANI)

Billiards champ Advani returns home after winning IBSF title

Bangalore, Sep 8 (ANI): World Billiards champion Pankaj Advani arrived here on Tuesday morning after pulling off a surprise win over nine-time winner Mike Russell in the final of the world championships in Leeds, UK.

On Sunday night, the 24-year-old Advani scripted a brilliant 2030-1253 win over Russell to win his maiden World Professional Billiards title at the Northern Snooker Centre in Leeds.

Former champions hailed Pankaj’s feat of becoming the second Indian cueist to clinch the world professional billiards crown in its 139-year history.

Advani has become the second Indian after Geet Sethi, to win the coveted title

After the win Pankaj said that the win is yet to sink in.

With this triumph, Advani has ensured that he has won all major billiards world titles. (ANI)

Advani becomes second Indian to win World Billiards title

New Delhi, Sep.7 (ANI): Pankaj Advani has become the second Indian after Geet Sethi to win the World’s Billiards Championship.

Advani beat defending champion Mark Russel 2030-1253 to win the World Professional Billiards Championship-2009.

Geet Sethi won the title in 1992.

Earlier, Advani notched up a thrilling win over compatriot Dhruv Sitwala in the semi-final to set up the title clash.

In the other semi-final, compatriot Rupesh Shah squandered a first session lead and succumbed to his elementary mistakes to go down 880-1366 against nine time-winner Russel.

Geet Sethi crashed out of the World professional billiards championship in a league match. (ANI)

Rooney confident of handling intense pressure

London, Sep 4(ANI): Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney has expressed confidence about handling the intense pressure at Manchester United as well as handling responsibilities of the national squad.

At the club level, after Cristiano Ronaldo’s exit, his responsibility at Old Trafford has doubled, while hopes and aspirations of the nation are on him to lead England to World Cup success.

“I started playing when I was 16 and there has always been expectation and pressure. I have no problem with that. I see it as a challenge,” the Daily Express quoted Rooney, as saying.

“I hope I can be the main man. I am probably playing the best football I have played for England, certainly over the last year. I am really enjoying myself with Manchester United,” he added.

The 23-year-old also said that Man U reckons Cristiano and Tevez’s exit as a big challenge to retain the league title and, personally it is a better opportunity for him to score more goals.

“I want to score more goals. I should be scoring more goals,” Rooney said.

Rooney further said that the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, will definitely be the biggest challenge in his career. (ANI)

Hamilton says he can still take the F-I title

London, Sep.4 (ANI): Lewis Hamilton says he has not given up hope of retaining his F1 title – even if people think he is crazy.

The reigning champ is a massive 45 points behind fellow Brit and championship leader Jenson Button, with just 50 to play for.

“I know it sounds crazy but I’m not going to put the title out of my mind until it’s mathematically impossible. I’ll still be going for it, trying to get every single point I can. We can keep attacking and the last five races should be good for us,” The Sun quoted 24-year-old Hamilton, as saying.

Meanwhile, Giancarlo Fisichella has been released by Force India to join Ferrari for the remaining races – and is set for the reserve driver role next year.

The Italian, 36, who scored Force India’s first points by finishing second at the Belgian GP last Sunday, replaces countryman Luca Badoer.

Ferrari moved for Fisichella after it was confirmed Felipe Massa would not be back until next season following his horror crash in Hungary. (ANI)

Angelina Jolie, Megan Fox to compete for Barbarella role

London, Aug 31 (ANI): In what could be the greatest showdown ever for the ultimate sex symbol tag, hotties Angelina Jolie and Megan Fox will audition for the role of Barbarella in a remake of the 1968 sci-fi classic of the same title, it has emerged.

“This will be the first time Angie and Megan have ever faced off for the same role,” the Daily Star quoted a studio insider as saying.

The source added: “Whoever gets the part will become the absolute number one Hollywood sex symbol on the planet.”

The original film had turned Jane Fonda into an international sex symbol overnight.

Now, whoever grabs the role will see herself as latex-suited blonde, and thigh-high-booted mercenary of the future.

Both Jolie and Fox have spoken about being compared to each other in the past.olie once said: “If it’s a comparison of looks, she can be the most beautiful but I have so much more going on.”

Fox said: “She’s a powerful human being. She could eat me alive.”

Dino De Laurentiis, who produced the earlier film, believes that only these two mega stars can guarantee that the 150-million-dollar project becomes a huge box office hit. (ANI)

Kanu backs Adebayor to be next King of Africa

London, Aug 29(ANI): Portsmouth striker Kanu, who has won two African Player of the Year awards, has said that Manchester City striker Emmanuel Adebayor is a serious threat to his reign as King of Africa.

Kanu is the most valued African footballer in footballing history, having won a UEFA Champions League medal, a UEFA Cup medal, three FA Cup Winners Medals amongst others.

Kanu further backed Adebayor to fire Manchester City to the Premier League title

“I am happy for Emmanuel. If he keeps playing well, as I am sure he will, City can win the league,” The Sun quoted Kanu, as saying.

The Nigerian faces Togo pal Adebayor when City visit Fratton Park on Sunday. (ANI)

Winona Ryder’s Heathers lined for small screen makeover

London, Aug 29 (ANI): Winona Ryder’s cult hit Heathers is all set for a new avatar, the flick will soon be to be made into a TV series.

The 1989 film’s small screen version will have all the original characters.

The Lakeshore Entertainment film company, which holds the rights to the black comedy, has confirmed that scriptwriters had already started work for the TV version of the flick.

The Daily Express quoted Lakeshore President Gary Lucchesi as saying: “We had the title, and talked about doing a film remake at times. But doing it for TV seemed like a fresh and original idea.”

According to the Daily Variety, Mark Rizzo and Sex And The City writer Jenny Bicks will write the scripts for the small screen version. (ANI)

Meet roach Heathcliffe, contender for World’s Heaviest Insect title

Melbourne, Aug 28 (ANI): Heathcliffe, a giant burrowing cockroach, could be the world’s heaviest insect.

The cockroach, 85mm in length and 40mm in width, gives birth to live young ones, unlike other members of its family who lay eggs.

The Australian giant lives in burrows and feeds on leaves.

The Daily Telegraph quoted Nathan Lo, senior biology lecturer in Sydney University as saying: “Native to western NSW and north Queensland, they can reach 30 to 35g and more than 85mm in length.”

He added: “They are the world’s heaviest cockroach and if not the heaviest of all insects, they are certainly a contender.

“They are different to other insects in a lot of ways and are totally unrelated to the American or German cockroaches found in Australian households.”

Speaking on the age and breeding habits of the Heathcliffe, Lo said: “Giants can live up to eight years, which is pretty amazing for an insect.

“When they give birth it’s to live young, not eggs, and they leave the babies in their burrows, come out in the evening to collect leaf litter and bring it back to the burrow for the young ones to eat.

“They look after them for several months.”

Heathcliffe will be displayed at the Sydney University this weekend. (ANI)

Button launches into f-word rage rant over title bid

London, Aug.28 (ANI): Jenson Button launched into a furious f-word rant over his title bid last night.

The Formula One championship pacesetter was fuming after his desire to win the title was questioned, reports The Sun.

Asked to react to claims his recent form suggested he did not want to win the drivers’ crown, Button lost his rag.

The Brawn GP star, who has seen his lead cut to 18 points after four races without a victory, blasted:

“I don’t think people are saying that seriously. Who would possibly say that? Does Jenson want to win the title or not? It is a pretty silly question isn’t it?

“Why the f*** am I here? That is not a question is it? Does he want to win the title? No, I want to finish second or third. What I would like to do now is stand up and walk away, have a good weekend and then we will talk about it afterwards. When you have one bad race there are always silly questions.”

Earlier Red Bull rival Sebastian Vettel had pumped up the pressure on Button by telling him: You have gone off the boil!

The German ace, 22 reckons Button’s losing streak proves he is feeling the heat of the title battle.

He declared: “I am not giving up on the title.

Button has managed just 11 points in the last four grands prix, after winning six of the previous seven. (ANI)

Mirren to star in big-screen remake of Graham Greene’s novel Brighton Rock

London, Aug 28 (ANI): Actress Dame Helen Mirren is set to star in new film Brighton Rock, adapted from Graham Greene’s classic 1939 novel of the same title.

The Oscar winner will play amateur detective Ida Arnold in the movie.

The plot revolves around teenager Pinkie, who seduces a young waitress after she stumbles on evidence linking him and his gang to a revenge killing committed by Pinkie.

Mirren will have the task cut out to find the truth behind the killing.

Rowan Joffe has written the script and will direct the film too.

And he intends to make it look as contemporary as possible.

“We’re making Brighton Rock as contemporary as we possibly can because the story feels ‘modern’. It’s too alive, too vibrant and too relevant to be contained in the late 1930s,” the BBC News quoted him as saying.

Also starring in the film, set in 1964, is Sam Riley, who will play the lead character Pinkie Brown apart from Pete Postlethwaite and Happy Go Lucky’s Andrea Riseborough.

Shooting is scheduled to start in October this year. (ANI)

Vidic vows to prove his commitment to Man U

London, Aug 25 (ANI): Star defender Nemanja Vidic has vowed that he will prove his commitment to Manchester United with his performances in the coming weeks.

Vidic’s advisor Paolo Fabbri was quoted last week as saying that the centre-back would welcome a switch to Barcelona.

It set alarm bells ringing at Old Trafford, as Vidic has become one of Europe’s top defenders since joining three years ago. His wife was also reported as being unhappy in Manchester.

But Vidic insists he is focused only on United’s title defence and Fabbri denied making the comments.

“I’ve never said anything about Barcelona, or Real Madrid or AC Milan – or any club. I never speak about my future so I don’t know why someone else does. I showed at Wigan on the pitch how happy I am at this club. Any fan of United only has to see how I played to know how committed I am,” The Sun quoted Vidic, as saying.

The 5-0 win at Wigan on Saturday was Vidic’s first game back after an ankle injury.

He spoke to Fabbri about the story to voice his concern at the timing of it, after United lost Cristiano Ronaldo and Carlos Tevez.

“I don’t want it to have an impact. I’m here and committed. I’ll show that with how I play. It’s not true that my wife is not happy. I don’t know how that rumour came out; she’s not what you’d call a famous wife. She’s never spoken to a newspaper,” he added. (ANI)

Gwalior opium farmers stage protest for re-allotment of their lands

Gwalior, Aug 25 (ANI): More than 100 opium farmers here took to the streets demanding their lands back.

Farmers from Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan gathered in front of the office of the local Narcotics Commissioner.

Their demands include the revival of their cancelled land deeds, raising minimum support price for their crop and license to grow upto 48 kilograms opium per hectare.

Some agitated farmers, squatting outside the Narcotics Commissioner’s office for two days, took off their clothes in protest after they failed to meet the narcotics commissioner for the second day.

“We are protesting for one justified demand…during 2001 to 2008 opium farmers have suffered a huge loss because of hailstorms, cold wave and other natural reasons… Despite our losses, the Narcotics Commissioner has cancelled our allotments, even though we produced the collector’s survey damage report… We demand the revival of the title of the lands,” said Saurabh Jain, Convenor, Opium Farmers Struggle Committee, Rajasthan.

India is one of the world’s top producers of opium and is the sole producer of licit opium gum utilized by the world’s pharmaceutical industries to produce codeine, morphine, narcotine, thebaine, papaverine and other medical products.

While remote mountainous areas like Kulu-Manali are more in the news as poppy cultivation areas, mostly due to the illicit crops destroyed, the highest yields come from the Indo-Gangetic plains constituting Uttar Pradesh and parts of Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan.

Opium cultivation and processing in India is strictly regulated by the Central Bureau of Narcotics (CBN), as per provisions of Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act (India), 1985 and Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Rules (India), 1985.

Peasants are licensed to grow a certain area in poppy and government factories process the opium. The Ghazipur factory in Uttar Pradesh is about 150 years old while another plant at Neemuch in Madhya Pradesh was set up in the 1930′s. (ANI)

“Fear factor” fired me to score more frequently for Chelsea, says Lampard

London, Aug 22(ANI): Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard has said that the fear of being sold or knocked out of The Blues fired him up to score more frequently.

Lampard equalled Jimmy Greaves record in the club’s all time goal charts, when he scored a penalty in the 3-1 victory over Sunderland last Tuesday, taking his goals tally to 132 in his eight-year career at the club.

The 31-year-old further admitted that he never dreamed of such a strike rate when he first arrived in west London, but knew that he had to up his game when Roman Abramovich took control of the club in 2003.

“Abramovich’s first year was a big year for me, I started to score more frequently. I think it was the fear factor a bit as no one knew whether they would be sold or knocked out of the team,” The Sun quoted Lampard, as saying.

“I really took it on board,” he added.

Lampard achieved his feat in 429 matches, since joining Chelsea from West Ham United in 2001.

“It is a great honour to be up there with Jimmy Greaves, one of the all-time great goalscorers. I’m very proud. I would not have imagined I’d have got to that level when I came to Chelsea,” Lampard said.

“I’ve got my eye on who is above me. Peter Osgood and Roy Bentley are 150 – not that I’ve been looking at the stats! Kerry Dixon is 193 and Bobby Tambling is 202. That feels a long way off but I’ll keep plugging away,” he added.

Lampard has scored many memorable goals for the team, but his all-time favourite remains the strike which helped Chelsea win the 2005 Premier League title.

“My favourite goal was the one that won us the league at Bolton. It wasn’t technically the best, but it was such a special one for me and the club. I watch it now and again and when I do, it gives e shivers,” he said. (ANI)

Now, Bolt wants to be knighted by the Queen

Berlin (Germany), Aug.21 (ANI): Jamiacan sprinter and world record holder in the 100 meters and 200 meters dash, Usain Bolt, has set himself a new goal of being knighted by the Queen.

Bolt’s new goal was announced hours after he lopped off 0.11 seconds off his previous 200 meter mark to win in 19.19sec. Earlier, he had set a new 100 meter record of 9.58 seconds. Bolt said he like to also set a world record in the 4x100m relay.

“It would be a great thing for Queen Elizabeth to knight me and for me to get the title Sir Usain Bolt,” said the Jamaican, who is 23 today.

Bolt’s 19.19secs gave him gold by almost 10 metres – despite the first five men all going under 20 seconds.

“I can definitely say I didn’t expect it,” he said. “I was tired but thought, ‘What the heck, let’s try’.

In the space of a year and four days Bolt has won five major championship gold medals – all of them in world-record times. (ANI)

Pakistani beauty queen competes in the fifth largest beauty pageant

Toronto (Canada), Aug.19 (ANI): Defying all odds and unfavourable conditions, a Pakistani beauty queen is competing in the world’s fifth largest beauty pageant- Miss Tourism Queen International 2009 being held in Shanghai.

Ayesha Gilani, who hails from Lahore, is in Shanghai to compete with other 81 beauties from around the world.

The five feet seven inch tall beauty who has completed her Masters in English from Washington, said she is thrilled to represent her country on such a big platform.

” I am so honoured that I have got this title and am representing Pakistan, as it is today Pakistan needs a very moderate and liberal representation for the world to see,’ Gilani said.

Gilani said she wants to remove stereotypes about Pakistanis and represent the real picture of her country infront of the world.

“We are doing something different and hopefully whatever little I can do to contribute I will do so. Winning is not very important to me, but being there wearing my country’s sash is what I’m looking forward to,” she said.

Gilani is only the seventh Miss Pakistan to step out of the country and compete in an international event.

She is the fourth contestant from Pakistan since the pageant started five years ago.

Pakistani officials said it was important to send participants in such contests to keep the industry active in the country amid all the chaos.

“It is very important to keep Pakistan’s pageant industry alive amongst all the turmoil Pakistan faces on a daily basis. We are dedicated to prolonging the pageant industry and keeping it as active as possible. With Ayesha Gilani going to international beauty pageants, this shows that we are still going head strong,” said Sonia Ahmed, President of Miss Pakistan World.

Miss Tourism Queen International was founded by Mr. Charlie See in 1949. In 1993, the Miss Tourism Queen International Organization held the first world final competition in Sri anka.(ANI)