Serena fine-tuning her curtsy for the Queen

June 21, 2010 By Leave a Comment

(Reuters) – Serena Williams has been working on her curtsy in anticipation of meeting the Queen at Wimbledon this week.

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“I was practicing it this morning,” the American champion told reporters on Sunday.

“I definitely don’t think I should take a bow, so I’ll probably curtsy.”

The Queen, who will attend the grasscourt championships on Thursday, has not visited Wimbledon since 1977, when she handed the women’s singles trophy to Britain’s Virginia Wade.

Williams, the 12-times grand slam winner, is expected to play her second-round tie on Thursday.

The 28-year-old said: “I found out she was coming to town … I thought, ‘Wow, I just got to make sure I’m here on Thursday’. Hopefully I have a chance to meet her.”

But Williams is already feeling the pressure of the occasion.

“(My curtsy) is a little extreme, so I’m going to have to tone it down,” she joked. “I get really low. I have a lot of arm movement. So, yeah, I’ll have to tone it down.”

Williams meets Portugal’s Michelle Larcher de Brito in the first round on Tuesday..

(Reporting by Stephen Wood, editing by Pritha Sarkar)

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Clarke defends Oz team’s achievement inspite of loss to England

May 20, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Sydney, May 20 (ANI): Twenty20 captain Michael Clarke, who was disappointed to lose in the final against England, has said the Australian team has made great strides in the Caribbean despite failing to lift the trophy.

“It was a wonderful achievement from the Australian Twenty20 team (to make the final),” he said.

“I thought we played fantastic cricket through the whole tournament, very exciting cricket,” The Sydney Morning Herald quoted Clarke, as saying.

“I think the semi-final against Pakistan was one of the greatest games of all our careers and one we’ll remember forever,” he said.

Clarke was doubtful about the impact that the result might have on next summer’s Ashes series.

“Obviously disappointed to lose the final but I think we’ve shown in this form of the game that we continue to improve,” he said.

“It hurts losing to England in any form of the game but there’s a lot of guys in both teams that won’t take part in the Ashes series,” Clarke added. (ANI)

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Spain is best team on planet, says Scholes

May 16, 2010 By Leave a Comment

London, May 16 (ANI): Manchester United footballer Paul Scholes has backed Spain as the World Cup favourites to lift the trophy.

Scholes has hailed Spain as the best team on the planet.

Scholes, who turned down the chance to go to South Africa this summer with England, said: “They play the best football in the world. They have the best players and Xavi is absolutely brilliant.”

England boss Fabio Capello’s general manager asked Scholes to end his international exile, The Daily Express reports.

But the midfielder, who won his 66th and last England cap at Euro 2004, asked for time to think about his decision, then said he preferred to stay at home with his family.

On his enduring fitness, Scholes said: “I’m not one for yoga. You just look after yourself as well as you can. Try to stay as fit as you can and make yourself available each week.” (ANI)

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We didn’t come here to make the final; we came here to win the final: Clarke

May 16, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Melbourne, May 16 (ANI): The Australian team led by Michael Clarke having several Twenty20 specialists is determined to set the record straight by winning the Twenty20 World Cup final.

Australia will go into tonight’s final against archrivals England in Barbados to win the one major title that has eluded them so far.

“I’m stoked we’re in the final. We have come a long way in this form of the game. But we didn’t come here to make the final; we came here to win the final,” The Herald Sun quoted Clarke, as saying.

“I think we have achieved a lot as a team, but it would be extra special tomorrow to top it off with a victory. It would be fantastic. There’s no doubt we’d be much happier leaving Barbados with that one last trophy we don’t have just yet,” he said.

Clarke stressed that victory tonight would be no consolation for Australia’s 2-1 Ashes series loss in England last year.

“It won’t make up for it, but it would be a fantastic start to what is going to be a great summer back at home. I’m certain every Australian and every English person loves seeing that battle. It’s always tough cricket, in any form of the game,” he said.

“I’m certain tomorrow will be no different. So for now, it’s about focusing on a huge game – a final – against a very good team,” Clarke said. (ANI)

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Superstitious Collingwood feels good omens are favouring him

May 16, 2010 By Leave a Comment

London, May 16 (ANI): Superstitious England captain Paul Collingwood believes that he has been blessed in the Caribbean over the past fortnight and is hoping that his good luck holds on during the World Cup Twenty20 final against Australia.

“There have been a couple of good omens for me out here, the other day in the semi-final I walked out on to the pitch for the anthems with the young girl mascot I had to hold hands with,” Collingwood said.

“I said: ‘Hi my darling, what’s your name then?’ and she turned and said: ‘My name’s Lucky.’ So as soon as she said it I had a big smile on my face and thought what a great sign that is.

“I love those sort of things that happen along the way and it put a really good feel factor into my mind as soon as I heard that,” The Telegraph quoted Collingwood, as saying.

“I’m a little bit superstitious about things so I was supposed to get my hair cut out here, and I know it looks atrocious, but once we got on a roll I thought I can’t get it cut until we’ve got home and hopefully that will be with the trophy.

“I don’t want to lose my strength!” Collingwood added. (ANI)

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Ancelotti wants Torres to play for Chelsea

May 14, 2010 By Leave a Comment

London, May 14 (ANI): Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti has admitted for the first time that he would like to see Liverpool striker Fernando Torres playing for them.

Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich is willing to give 50 million pounds needed for Torres and Blues striker Didier Drogba is also keen to link up with the Spanish ace.

Ancelotti said: “It’s not only Drogba – I would like to play with Torres. He’s a very good player. But this is not an issue for now. He is a Liverpool player and is a good striker but we have two fantastic strikers and this is not for this moment.”

Ancelotti is on the brink of winning a second trophy in his maiden season, The Sun reports.

He praised the work of Portsmouth manager Avram Grant, while admitting that Chelsea’s victory at Fratton Park two months ago was the turning point of their season.

“That game was an important game for us because it was a difficult moment. At the time they didn’t have much motivation but, on Saturday, they have a lot of motivation in the final,” Ancelotti said.

“Avram is a very good coach. He was here in Chelsea for one year and did a very good job. And also this year, Portsmouth have had a difficult year but he did well to take them to the final and get his players to go out with strong, strong motivation,” he added. (ANI)

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Button hopes to repeat Monaco Grand Prix glory

May 12, 2010 By Leave a Comment

London, May 12 (ANI): Jenson Button recalls the time when he had to jog 300 metres, up to the Prince of Monaco to receive his Monaco F1 trophy.

After describing the winning of the Grand Prix as his most embarrassing moment, he doesn’t mind reliving it.

“It”s going to stay in my mind forever, running up to Prince Albert of Monaco and saying, ”I”m sorry I parked in the wrong place”,” The Sun quoted the F1 champ as saying.

Describing how the Monaco win had a special place in his heart, Button said, “As he handed me the trophy and I lifted it above my head, it really dawned on me what I had achieved.

“To hammer a car around that Monaco circuit, in between those walls, the armco barriers – it”s like driving a go-kart round your living room!

“Every lap gets more and more difficult because the barriers seem to get closer and closer. Mentally it is so, so draining.

“It”s such a special race. I think every driver will agree with me that it”s the first race you would love to win in a Formula One car,” he said nostalgically. (ANI)

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Chelsea must now dominate, says skipper Terry after title triumph

May 11, 2010 By Leave a Comment

London, May 11 (ANI): Blues skipper John Terry has said that Chelsea FC must now dominate Premier League football watching Manchester United dominate for three years.

“The last couple of years, we”ve pushed them a little bit closer. It”s hurt so, so deep inside. That”s how the Chelsea fans must be feeling after they had a taste of success. In the past few years, we”ve had success in the FA Cup and done really well there. But it”s been heartbreaking in the league. It”s horrible when you”re sitting there watching the other team pick up the trophy,” Terry said.

“It”s been three years and we thoroughly enjoyed it. That”s what it”s all about. We want to kick on again next year, year after year just keep winning the trophy back-to-back.”

Ancelotti will have the authority to shape the team even more in his own image after this success and as Terry paid tribute to the Italian he suggested Chelsea no longer need to apologise for the way they win trophies.

Terry added: “I”m proud of everything we have done this year. (ANI)

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Wenger against bidding for successful World Cup stars for Arsenal

April 29, 2010 By Leave a Comment

London, Apr 29(ANI): Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has said he will not be tempted to buy players who make an impact during the World Cup in South Africa.

“The World Cup will not affect our recruitment. It is dangerous to buy on the back of a World Cup. The prices are artificial and you have to bear in mind that anyone can have three weeks of glory,” The Sun quoted Wenger, as saying.

Wenger, who has been reluctant on spending money and signing new stars, further said that he will add new players early in the summer.

“To have 10 years of success is quite different. With the season drawing to a close, people are inevitably looking to discuss our transfer targets,” Wenger said.

“I do have targets and have been talking to people, but I cannot mention any names at the moment. The earlier you settle your teams for the next season the better it is and the less anxiety you have,” he added.

Wenger’s transfer policy, based on nuturing young talent and not spending big on established players has been criticized, as Arsenal are on the verge of finishing the season without a trophy for the fifth year in a row. (ANI)

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Afridi says form in Pak’s warm-up games vital to ICC T20 World Cup title hopes

April 28, 2010 By Leave a Comment

St. Lucia, Apr.28 (ANI): Keen to retain the ICC World T20 Championship, Pakistan skipper Shahid Afridi is in no mood to let his team relax in the warm-up matches ahead of the important tournament.

Pakistan would kick start its campaign in the tournament against Bangladesh on May 1, but before that it has to play two practice games against the Windward XI (today April 28) and Zimbabwe (on Thursday, 29 April), and Afridi wants his side to win both the matches before the real test starts.

“We want to get off to a flyer and the importance of the warm up games should not be underestimated,” PakPassion.net quoted Afridi, as saying.

In 2009, although Pakistan took home the coveted trophy, its performance in the first two matches against England and India was ordinary to say the least, and Afridi knows that repeating the same mistakes again could dent hopes of lifting the championship for the second consecutive time.

“The Bangladesh match is the first match in the tournament for us and it is a vital game, so we must make sure that we are fully prepared, ready and in good form ahead of the first match. This is why the two warmup matches are crucial,” Afridi said.

He said he would want his squad to give its all in the warm-up matches and start the campaign with a bang.

“The matches against Windward XI and Zimbabwe will be used as vital practice for the real thing, We want to take the matches very seriously and ensure that our players make full use of the warm up fixtures. We dont want to start slowly and would much rather go into the tournament showing some decent form,” Afridi said. (ANI)

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I’ll always be an Arsenal fan: Henry

March 30, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Barcelona’s Thierry Henry admits that he will always be an Arsenal fan despite hoping to deliver a knock-out blow to his former club’s Champions League hopes this week.

Barcelona travels to the Emirates Stadium for the first leg of their quarter-final tie, with the 32-year-old French striker insisting it will be an emotional evening.

Henry has not had to face Arsenal since he joined the Spanish giants in June 2007 in a four-year deal.

“Since I joined Barcelona I have only been back to Arsenal on one occasion. It was when they played Blackburn three or four months ago. I don’t know how people will react,” he said, adding he sees himself as an Arsenal supporter.

“I will always be one. When Arsenal play and I can see the game you can be sure to find me in front of a television.”

Henry was the English league’s leading scorer on four occasions during his eight years in London.

He was voted the best player in the Gunners’ history in a recent online poll carried out on Arsenal’s official club website.

“When you play in a team your aim is to give everything and after the people can look back and judge,” he said when asked about the poll’s results.

“I have a special relationship with Arsenal fans. It is like a trophy. A trophy of affection.”

-AFP

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Winning Premier League more important than Golden Boot: Drogba

March 26, 2010 By Leave a Comment

London, Mar 26 (ANI): Chelsea ace striker Didier Drogba has said that beating his Manchester United counterpart Wayne Rooney to the Golden Boot will mean nothing if it does not come with a Premier League champions’ medal.

The Chelsea striker took his season’s haul to 30 with another double during Wednesday’s 5-0 win against a struggling Portsmouth.

He now has 24 Premier League goals just two behind Manchester United ace Rooney at the top of the league scorers” chart.

But, more importantly, it also means Chelsea is right back on United’s tail in what is being billed as the tightest title race in years, The Sun reports.

Drogba insisted: “You know what, if I don’t finish top scorer I won’t mind… as long as we win the league. I won the Golden Boot in 2007 and it would give me great pleasure to do it again but what is really important for me is the Premier League title.

“Football is a team sport. It is nice to have individual honours but much better when you share the medals with your friends and teammates. This season has been a long and difficult one. It would be a poor season if I finished top scorer but Chelsea didn”t win a trophy.”

Drogba, who turned 32 earlier this month, has now scored 124 goals in six seasons at Stamford Bridge, more than any other foreign player in the club’s history.

Now he is eyeing his personal-best tally of 33 in a season to ensure Carlo Ancelotti’s team finish on a high. (ANI)

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No infighting in team, will defend T20 title : Afridi

March 24, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Karachi, Mar.24 (ANI): Rejecting reports about infighting and factionalism within the team, newly appointed Pakistan T20 captain Shahid Afridi has expressed the hope that his squad would defend their ICC T20 World Championship title in West Indies.

Afridi, who was appointed skipper for the upcoming tournament which would commence from April 30 in the Caribbean, said there is no truth on reports of rifts among players in the team.

“A lot of people have been talking about our team lacking unity but I don’t agree with them. I’m confident that all the boys will bond well together and as captain I’ll try to get the best out of them,” Afridi said.

“The Twenty20 World Cup is a very important assignment for us. I’m confident that we will defend the title,” he added.

The flamboyant all rounder said his team has got the talent to lift the coveted trophy once again and repeat the success of 2009.

“As captain and the senior most player, it will be my responsibility to lead from the front in the West Indies,” he said.I’m also confident that my team-mates will give their best because only by a team effort can you win a major title like the World Cup,” The News quoted Afridi, as saying.

Veteran all-rounder Abdul Razzaq, who was also in the running for the captaincy, backed Afridi, saying he has no ill-feelings for his skipper.

“There are no harsh feelings because I believe that Afridi is the best choice for captaincy.He has the skills to keep the boys united and get the best out of them,” Razzaq said. (ANI)

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Nicklaus backs Tiger to smash his record

March 19, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Golf legend Jack Nicklaus confidently expects Tiger Woods to beat his record of 18 majors when his disgraced American compatriot returns to the sport in April.

Woods will play The Masters in Augusta, where he won the first of his 14 majors, following a five-month lay-off over a sex scandal that wrecked his iconic image.

“I thought if he did not play this year it would make it more difficult, but I expect him to pass my record,” Nicklaus said.

“He’s still a young guy and such a great talent. I did what I did and I’m sure he’ll do what he can do.

“He’s going to return – that’s good for the game of golf and that’s good for Tiger because that’s what he is. He’s a golfer.

“He should play the game that he loves and the game he competes well at and dominates.”

Nicklaus was speaking at Dar Es Salaam Golf Club in Rabat, Morocco, where the European Tour’s Hassan II Trophy is due to get underway.

-AFP

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Arsenal should pray to avoid Man United in Champions League: Luyzhny

March 19, 2010 By Leave a Comment

London, Mar 19(ANI): Former Arsenal defender Oleg Luyzhny believes that the Gunners should avoid facing Premier League leader Manchester United in the Champions League quarterfinal draw.

“I think Arsenal would do better not to draw an English team,” The Mirror quoted Luyzhny, as saying.

“I think they do better against the continental teams because Manchester United are so strong right now,” he added.

Luzhny also reckons if Arsenal succeeds in sidestepping Sir Alex Ferguson’s men in the tie, which will also map out the route to the final, they can go all the way to lift the trophy.

“I think the favourites to win the Champions League are Arsenal, Barcelona and Inter Milan – I think two of these teams will be in the final. If Arsenal draw CSKA Moscow or Bordeaux they should go through and if Arsene would like tips on CSKA Moscow’s strengths and weaknesses he should call me,” Luzhny said.

“I can tell you now that they have a good defence. The defence and the keeper have played in the national team for a long time together – maybe six or seven years. But their striker [Wagner Love] is not good enough,” he added. (ANI)

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Ballack dismisses Mourinho as history ahead of clash with Inter Milan

March 15, 2010 By Leave a Comment

London, Mar 15 (ANI): Chelsea midfielder Michael Ballack has dismissed former boss Jose Mourinho as history and called upon his club to look to the future.

The Blues must overcome a 2-1 deficit at Stamford Bridge tomorrow to send Inter Milan and their former boss crashing out of the Champions League.

It was the only trophy Mourinho failed to win at Chelsea and Ballack believes they can go one better under Carlo Ancelotti, The Sun reports.

The German captain said: “You can only make history if you win something. Jose won two League titles, of course, that is why he is so popular here.

“But that is history and now we have a new coach, with new players as well. This competition is the one we couldn”t win until now. So that is why we are so hungry.”

Ballack signed in 2006 and played one season with Mourinho before the boss was sacked.

And he risked the further wrath of former boss when he suggested Ancelotti’s record of two Champions League titles is an advantage now.

Ballack said: “It’s a big plus because we have an experienced side but most of the players have not won the Champions League. But our coach has won it twice, that”s why we look up to him and that’s why we listen to him.” (ANI)

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Champions Trophy snub disappoints Razzaq

September 20, 2009 By Leave a Comment

Lahore, Sep.19 (ANI): Experienced Pakistan all-rounder Abdul Razzaq is disappointed over his non-selection for the ICC Champions Trophy in South Africa.

Razzaq said he was surprised at not being selected.

“It came as a huge setback to learn that I was not in the final team. Since my comeback to the national team, I had been working very hard to play in this elite tournament,” Razzaq said.

Razzaq said his attempts failed to convince the selectors

“It is a big tournament and you get a chance to prove yourself against the top teams. I was working hard to convince everyone I should be in the side,” The Daily Times quoted Razzaq, as saying.

The seven member selection committee of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) had controversially recalled paceman Mohammad Asif and opener Imran Nazir, but omitted all-rounder Abdul Razzaq from their 15-man squad for the Champions Trophy beginning September 22 in South Africa. (ANI)

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Champions Trophy snub disappoints Razzaq

September 19, 2009 By Leave a Comment

Lahore, Sep.19 (ANI): Experienced Pakistan all-rounder Abdul Razzaq is disappointed over his non-selection for the ICC Champions Trophy in South Africa.

Razzaq said he was surprised at not being selected.

“It came as a huge setback to learn that I was not in the final team. Since my comeback to the national team, I had been working very hard to play in this elite tournament,” Razzaq said.

Razzaq said his attempts failed to convince the selectors

“It is a big tournament and you get a chance to prove yourself against the top teams. I was working hard to convince everyone I should be in the side,” The Daily Times quoted Razzaq, as saying.

The seven member selection committee of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) had controversially recalled paceman Mohammad Asif and opener Imran Nazir, but omitted all-rounder Abdul Razzaq from their 15-man squad for the Champions Trophy beginning September 22 in South Africa. (ANI)

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Pak skipper Younis Khan fractures finger

September 19, 2009 By Leave a Comment

Benoni (South Africa), Sep.19 (ANI): Pakistan cricket team’s Champions Trophy dreams suffered a major set back when captain Younis Khan fractured his finger during a warm-up match against Sri Lanka here.

Doctors have advised Khan complete rest for the next three days. It is unsure whether he will be playing in the next two practice games on Saturday and Sunday.

Notwithstanding Khan’s injury, Pakistan, however, trounced Sri Lanka by 108 runs in the first warm-up match ahead of eight nation tournament.

The Pakistan team is staying in Johannesburg’s Santon Sun Hotel while in South Africa.

Team manager Yawar Saeed has expressed satisfaction over the security arrangement.

“Over half a dozen security guards have been deputed to guard the floor where Pakistan team is staying. I think in recent times this is one of the best security cover the team is provided with,” The News quoted Saeed, as saying. (ANI)

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Tim Paine is heir-apparent to Haddin, says Harrison

September 19, 2009 By Leave a Comment

Melbourne, Sep 18 (ANI): Tasmanian Cricket Association chairman Tony Harrison has said that Tim Paine’s match-winning one-day century for Australia against England should make all cricket followers aware of his class and potential.

“Wicketkeeper batsman Tim Paine’s first international one-day century scored against England overnight and his outstanding form behind the stumps have clearly stamped him as the heir-apparent Australian wicketkeeper,” Harrison said.

“Tim has easily fitted into international cricket and looks extremely comfortable in the Australian team,” he said.

Harrison said Paine was now clearly Australia’s second wicketkeeper behind Test incumbent Brad Haddin.

“But I am confident he can and will take the next step,” The Australian quoted Harrison, as saying.

Paine scored 111 runs giving Australia a 111-run victory over England in the penultimate match of their one-day series at Trent Bridge.

Australian selector David Boon today said that Paine was staking a claim for selection as Australia’s wicketkeeper for the domestic summer.

“It will be very important for him to continue to show this form and confidence through to the last game in England and then in the Champions Trophy,” Boon told ABC radio.

“Who knows? If he comes back to Australia and has a strong start to the domestic season his future is in his hands basically.” (ANI)

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