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Stabbed West Ham star Davenport takes his first steps

September 19, 2009 By admin Leave a Comment

London, Sep.19 (ANI): Looking gaunt almost a month after being knifed in his legs six times, West Ham star Calum Davenport took his first steps in public on Friday.

The unshaven ex-England Under-21 defender, dressed in a navy blue tracksuit and wearing slippers, hobbled on crutches outside hospital, reports The Sun.

He was allegedly attacked on August 22 by the boyfriend of his pregnant sister Cara following a row at her house.

Calum was found bleeding from a leg artery outside his mum’s house in Kempston, Bedford.

Doctors spent four weeks saving his limbs but there are fears he may never play again Yesterday he was greeted at Bedford Hospital by family members and wife Zoey. His loved ones have been by his bedside virtually every day. (ANI)

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Young age at first drink can turn under-15s into alcoholics

September 19, 2009 By admin Leave a Comment

Washington, Sept 19 (ANI): Drinking at young age may affect genes linked to alcoholism and make youngsters vulnerable to severe problems, says a new study.

The study led by Dr Arpana Agrawal, from Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, revealed that the younger an individual was at first drink, the greater the risk for alcohol dependence and the more prominent the role played by genetic factors.

“There seemed to be a greater genetic influence in those who took their first full drink at a younger age,” said Agrawal.

“That’s very consistent with what has been predicted in the literature and in the classification of types of alcohol dependence, but we present a unique test of the hypothesis,” she added.

During the study, the researchers studied 6,257 adult twins from Australia and measured the extent to which age at first drink changed the role of heritable influences on symptoms of alcohol dependence.

The study showed that when twins started drinking early, genetic factors contributed greatly to risk for alcohol dependence, at rates as high as 90 percent in the youngest drinkers.

The team also found that those who were 15 or younger when they started drinking tended to have a greater genetic risk for alcohol dependence.

However, some who were 16 or older before they took their first drink later became alcohol dependent, but their dependence was related more to environmental factors.

“Something about starting to drink at an early age puts young people at risk for later problems associated with drinking,” Agrawal says.

“We continue to investigate the mechanisms, but encouraging youth to delay their drinking debut may help.

“Some early-onset drinkers do not develop alcohol problems and some late-onset drinkers do – we are working on why that is the case, but it is important to note that this is one risk factor among many and does not determine whether a person will, or will not, develop alcohol dependence.

“But age at first drink is a well-known risk factor, and there have been two main hypotheses about why:

One has been that common genetic and environmental factors contribute both to the risk for alcohol dependence and to the likelihood a person will be younger when consuming their first drink,” she added.

The study will be published Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research. (ANI)

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Worst Brit footie team ends 90-match losing streak with victory!

September 17, 2009 By admin Leave a Comment

London, Sept 16 (ANI): Harraby Athletic, the worst football team in Britain, has finally tasted victory – after a losing streak of 90 matches.

The side has been on a losing spree since three years and was badly mauled in a 19-0 match in 2006.

The team concedes 10 goals a game on an average and their goalie has seen the ball netted over 400 times in less than three seasons.

The under-14 squad celebrated their first win after beating Edenvale Hawks 3-2 at their home ground, Hammond’s Park.

Sky News quoted coach Brett Preston as saying: “Pure determination has got us there and their faces after the game meant everything.

“All week I’ve had other managers phoning me up to congratulate us on our achievement.

“When we lost our first game 19-0, it could have even been a higher score as the opposing manager tried to help us by swapping players around and telling them to ease off.

“They just couldn’t help scoring against us. Gradually over time, the scores have come down, but we’re always bottom of the table and we’ve never even won a friendly match.”

Harraby has only one point in the Longhorn Youth Football League after the opponents did not play the game.

It consists of players who are either playing for the first time or have been rejected by other teams.he coach said: “They know that if they leave, they might not get the chance of a game as they might not get into another team.”

However, Preston also praised the determination of his boys.

He said: “The boys have been prepared to stick at it and been willing to learn. They turn up for training in all weathers and really deserve a win at last.” (ANI)

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Ashes hero Trott is also a diehard Hotspur fan!

August 26, 2009 By admin Leave a Comment

London, Aug.26 (ANI): The signed England shirt and cricket stump will not be the only mementoes on the walls of Jonathan Trott’s Birmingham home.They will be given equal billing alongside his other most-prized sporting possession, his autographed Tottenham top from manager Harry Redknapp.

Trott, whose brilliantly assured second-innings century on his Test debut helped lay the foundations for the triumph, is not just a cricket lover – he’s a Spurs nut.

And he was gobsmacked that Redknapp, boss of the current Premier League leaders, sent him a shirt as a wedding present when he tied the knot with Abi in April.

Trott said: “The shirt says ‘To Trotty, Up the Spurs, Harry Redknapp’. Then there’s a card from him which says ‘To Trotty. Have a Great Day’.

“I love Spurs, I’m a massive fan and it would be fantastic if they could get into the Champions League to go with us winning The Ashes.

“Even during the Test on Sunday, I caught the TV at lunchtime and checked on the Spurs line-up for the game against West Ham, just to make sure Harry got it right. I wanted to know the final score while I was fielding but I never did and only found out after we had won The Ashes.”

Trott now looks a certainty to make England’s tour to South Africa having proved how cool he is under pressure – despite Aussie skipper Ricky Ponting’s claim he could crumble.

His Spurs allegiance was passed on from his English-born dad Ian and, growing up in Cape Town, he never missed coverage of them.

“I had loads of pictures on my wall and I’ve got tons of old Spurs shirts. I used to walk round with ‘Sheringham’ on my back. The first time I saw Spurs live was at Birmingham in 2003. I was in the Spurs end, we lost 1-0 to David Dunn penalty.

Despite being born and schooled in South Africa, Trott considers himself a proper Englishman.

He added: “I had a British passport from birth and can remember travelling to England in 1996 with the South African Under-15 side.

“Everyone else needed a visa and I just walked straight in. Mind you, I had more trouble getting back into South Africa than anyone else.

“My dad was born in England, my parents live in Surrey and my uncle and granddad live in Kent.

“I didn’t come here as a young guy just to try and take the cash back to South Africa. My home is in Birmingham, I’m an adopted Brummie and I’m very proud.”

Trott’s favourite memory of the triumph is not actually his ton.

He added: “For the rest of my life I’ll remember fielding at deep point to Michael Hussey when he hit it to Andrew Flintoff.

“I had a perfect view. Freddie’s direct hit was phenomenal and to run out Ricky Ponting was the defining moment of the game.” (ANI)

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Akhtar unlikely to get a chance even through ‘wild card’: Qasim

August 20, 2009 By admin Leave a Comment

Lahore, Aug.20 (ANI): Pakistan cricket chief selector Iqbal Qasim has ruled out ontroversial speedster Shoaib Akhtar’s chances of getting into the ICC Champions Trophy squad.

Qasim said there is only a ‘remote’ possibility of Akhtar getting a place in the team through a ‘wild card’.

“There is a committee of the ICC which follows a strict procedure in terms of a player’s replacement. If someone is to be replaced from the pre-announced side then a solid reason has to be presented,” Qasim said.

He, however, did not completely ruled out Akhtar’s chances, saying: “Anyone who is fit and performing will be considered for selection.”

Akhtar, who last played against Australia in the UAE series, has not even been included in the 30-member preliminary squad for the Champions Trophy.

When asked about the tainted fast bowler Mohammad Asif , Qasim said he (Asif) is physically fit and would be considered for the national squad.

“We got his positive medical report from the National Cricket Academy. He is attending the ongoing Under-23 emerging camp in Karachi. All I can say is that he is fit,” The Daily Times quoted Qasim, as saying.

Asif, who has been included in the preliminary squad, stands a good chance of cementing a place in the final 15-man squad for the Champions Trophy.

Asif has not played any cricket since July last year and was banned last September by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) after testing positive for nandrolone during the Indian Premier League’s (IPL) inaugural season. (ANI)

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London police stopped five under-10s a day in 2008, says Scotland Yard report

August 19, 2009 By admin Leave a Comment

London, Aug.19 (ANI): Nearly 2,000 children aged under 10 were stopped by members of Britain’s largest police force last year, according to figures from Scotland Yard.

According to a report by The Independent, that means that at least five children aged ten or less were stopped for questioning.

Of the 1,954 stopped, 1,715 were boys and 239 girls.

Children under 10 are under the age of criminal responsibility in Britain.

The new statistics came to light after a mother, Sandra Shepherd, 40, complained that her nine-year-old son Jadan was stopped and searched by officers in Camberwell, south London, while out with his older brother and friends. A senior officer confirmed police are investigating a formal complaint about the incident.

Officers searched Jadan under section 60 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act (1994).

This allows police to search anyone they believe is carrying a weapon or anyone in the area of a violent attack.

A detailed breakdown of figures for 2008 revealed 115 under-10s were stopped and searched by officers using section 60 powers. Officers also used section 44 of the Terrorism act 2000 to stop 58 under-10s.

Jenny Jones, a member of the Metropolitan Police Authority, said police must tackle crime without alienating the public but questioned whether searching children as young as nine was an appropriate or effective use of police resources.

Lambeth Police Superintendent David Musker said: “I confirm this matter has been reported to the Directorate of Professional Standards and will be investigated.” (ANI)

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Asif inches closer towards Champions Trophy berth

August 18, 2009 By admin Leave a Comment

Karachi, Aug.18 (ANI): Tainted Pakistan fast bowler Mohammad Asif, who is eyeing a place back in the national squad, has impressed chief selector Iqbal Qasim with his form and fitness in a low-profile match.

Qasim along with other member of the selection committee, Saleem Jaffer, watched Asif play during a match between youngsters attending an Under-23 Emerging Players Camp, and looked satisfied with the speedsters performance.

“He (Asif) seemed to be fine today,” said Qasim.

Asif took a wicket giving away only 23 runs in his nine over spell in the match.

Qasim said Asif would be considered for the Champions Trophy, but the final decision in this regard will be taken only after holding talks with the captain and the coach.

“The final decision about the composition will be taken by the committee after we weigh all our options. We want to discuss each and every detail with the captain and the coach before taking a final decision on the Champions Trophy squad,” The News quoted Qasim, as saying.

The 26-year-old pacer, whose career had plummeted after he failed a dope test during the Indian Premier League’s (IPL) inaugural season, is hoping to find a place in Pakistani team after serving a one-year ban imposed by the PCB.

The PCB has already included the left hand seamer in the preliminary list of 30 probables for the Champions Trophy. (ANI)

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Relief, rehabilitation in Swat, Malakand to cost billions: UN

July 11, 2009 By admin Leave a Comment

Islamabad, July 11 (ANI): The rehabilitation and reconstruction work in the war ravaged Swat and Malakand Divisions would cost billions of dollars, the United Nations (UN) has said.

Talking to media persons at a press conference here, the UN Under-Secretary General and Emergency Relief Coordinator, John Holmes, said that it would require a mammoth effort from the Pakistan government to rehabilitate over two million people who have been rendered homeless due to the military operation in the North West Frontier Province (NWFP).

“As for rehabilitation and reconstruction, costs should be in billions of dollars for a year or so,” Holmes said.

He said that the displaced people should not be forced to return to their homes in the Valley, and added that the conditions must be made favorable before asking them to return.

“We would like them to be able to return to their home as soon as possible, but the process has to be voluntary. They need to be involved in those choices, the conditions need to be right. That means the security needs to be right, the basic services need to be there,” The Daily Times quoted Holmes, as saying.

Urging the international community to donate more funds for the relief work, he said it will take time before peace and normalcy returns to the region.

“The security situation is not going to be 100 percent calm in these areas overnight and we must recognize that,” Holmes said. (ANI)

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England soccer ace struck with swine flu in Cyprus

July 11, 2009 By admin Leave a Comment

London, July 11 (ANI): England soccer ace Micah Richards is stranded on a holiday island after being struck down with swine flu.

The Manchester City defender was banned from flying back to the UK after falling ill with the bug during a break in Cyprus.

He is virtually trapped in his hotel room for fear of spreading the virus. On Friday, Richards was spotted blowing his nose on his balcony.

He fell ill last weekend while staying with 10 pals at a posh resort near party centre Ayia Napa, The Sun reports.

Richards was told to separate himself from friends after testing positive for the flu and moved into a five-star beach hotel nearby.

The star was due to jet back on Wednesday, but has been told he is not allowed to go until he gets a clean bill of health.

He is taking Tamiflu medication and now hopes to be well enough to fly tomorrow.

“At first I thought it was a really bad chest infection, or maybe alcohol poisoning. I felt so weak that I couldn’t move or eat. My friends had to bring me drinks in bed,” Richards said.

“When I was told I had swine flu all sorts of things started going through my mind. You see on the news people dying of it,” he added.

Richards, 21, flew out to Cyprus after representing England in the UEFA Under-21 Championships in Sweden. (ANI)

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Youngsters ready to ditch sex for gaming

July 2, 2009 By admin Leave a Comment

Melbourne, July 2 (ANI): Today’s gaming generation prefers sitting in front of a computer or games console rather than having some action between the sheets, revealed a survey.

The survey revealed that at least 75 per cent of the participants of legal age were happy to ditch the opportunity to have sex in order to live out their fantasies online.

The survey by online gaming community Fizzy.com was launched to celebrate its second birthday, and questioned 1200 members on what kind of an impact gaming had on their social lives.

According to Colin Cardwell, CEO of Australian developer 3rd Sense which owns Fizzy, the survey revealed “some surprising findings to say the least”.

Almost 43 percent of Fizzy users are under the age of 17, and the question regarding sex was dropped for those respondents once they qualified their age.

While nearly half of Fizzy’s male under-16 users still ticked the “high-score” box, 51 percent of the girls were simply not ready for the dating game, and instead preferred to cosy up with their keyboards.

“There’s clearly a demographic shift occurring when it comes to online behaviour. Many people are spending more time online discovering they are passionate about play and really enjoying themselves,” News.com.au quoted Cardwell as saying. (ANI)

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I feel I can win Wimbledon this year, says Murray

June 23, 2009 By admin Leave a Comment

London, June 23 (ANI): Britain’s No.1 tennis player Andy Murray has said that he is good enough to lift the Wimbledon title this year.

The World No.3 bid for glory begins on Centre Court today against American Robby Kendrick.

Murray, who lost in the quarterfinals to Rafa Nadal last year, said: “I now feel I can win the tournament. I am a much better player than when I was last at Wimbledon. I’ve had some good results with the highlight reaching the US Open final.”

“Now, I am looking to go one better. I have a lot more confidence in myself. When the big points and important moments come in matches, I feel like I am going to win them. I am just going into every match feeling and thinking exactly the same, not worrying about my opponents too much,” he added.

And the Scot says he won’t be underestimating World No.76 Kendrick, who he said was a tough grass court player, The Sun reports.

Murray said: “I’ve played him three times so I know a lot about him. He’s a tough grass-court player so there is no chance of me under- estimating him.” (ANI)

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North conquers territories once seemed impossible

June 21, 2009 By admin Leave a Comment

Sydney, June 21(ANI): Australian cricketer Marcus North, who scored a century on debut against South Africa, during Australia’s tour of South Africa in February this year, has expressed his views on how he conquered territories which once seemed impossible.

“I had a very laid-back attitude coming out of junior cricket. I’d been successful with the Australia under-19s and at the Cricket Academy and I felt bulletproof,” the Sydney Morning Herald quoted North, as saying.

“I was definitely a long way ahead of myself back then. The fact was that I was just beginning and had a whole lot to learn. It took a while to realise that, and I held myself back because of it,” North said.

In 2002, the Australian team was unbeatable, impregnable, and the queue to get in the squad was becoming longer.

North’s Western Australia captain Justin Langer helped him out at that situation by providing him some good advice.He said I had to have a much better attitude to working hard. It was about the whole lot – physical and mental work – I needed to lift and be consistent. I had to improve technically and spend many more hours training,” North said.

It was a wake-up call for North, which demonstrated him of what was required to become a successful cricketer.

Despite Langer’s advice things were not that positive in his life, as he enjoyed success in bits and pieces. The highlight of which was a domestic record third-wicket partnership with Chris Rogers of 459 against Victoria in October 2006, where North scored 239 not out.

Two years ago, when Langer stood down, North was appointed captain of WA. However, just as the impossible began to again look inevitable, North was struck by a knee injury that kept him out for months.

“I missed the Australia A tour that year and I thought that if I didn’t have a big season the next year the whole idea of playing for Australia would really be gone,” he said.

“Thankfully I got back onto the field and did well in county cricket in England and got selected for an A tour to India in the pre-season of last year. I haven’t looked back since,” he added.

North scored 117 on Test debut against South Africa at Johannesburg on February 5. Australia’s 409th Test player became the first West Australian and 18th Australian to score a century on debut, and the first to do so against SA. (ANI)

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Oz cricketers face burnout and Ashes defence compromise: Buchanan

May 7, 2009 By admin Leave a Comment

Cape Town (South Africa), May 7 (ANI): Australia’s most successful cricket coach, John Buchanan, says the selectors have risked compromising the Ashes defence by stacking the squad for next month’s Twenty20 World Cup with Test players.

Buchanan said the tournament had no place on the international stage.

“Given the ICC [International Cricket Council] have chosen to cash in on the excitement of Twenty20 and the potential revenues that can be made, then Australia or any country should treat it for what it is – it is a one-off tournament that will occur periodically in the world tournament schedule, and in my opinion has little to do with long-term developments of player squads, apart from the inclusion of possibly one or two under-19 or new players who are included for experience around an Australian environment,” the Sydney Morning Herald quoted Buchanan, as saying.

“As such, selections should be based on the best Twenty20 players of the time and be cognizant of tournaments before and after [the World Cup],” he added.

Buchanan clearly regards Hodge as one of those players but the Victorian again felt the ice-cold shoulder of the selectors when he was excluded from Australia’s 15-man squad.

“He offers an all-round package that should not be overlooked by Australian selectors,” Buchanan said.

“If I was a selector I would not be risking, wherever possible, key Ashes players such as Ponting, Clarke, [Michael] Hussey, Hughes, Haddin, Watson, Clark, Katich, Siddle, Johnson.

“Have them embark on a combination of rest, physical and then technical preparation for the Ashes while this tournament is under way,” Buchanan said.

“Selectors should have been talking with former players to make themselves available for this particular event.”

He said Matthew Hayden, Gilchrist and Warne should have been considered, along with specialists such as Shane Harwood, Cameron White, Shaun Tait and Moises Henriques. (ANI)

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Ex-India wicketkeeper Engineer to help Cricket Espana catch the spirit

April 24, 2009 By admin Leave a Comment

Dubai, Apr.23 (ANI): Former India wicketkeeper Farokh Engineer will help Cricket Espana and Madrid Cricket Club catch the spirit during ICC centenary year celebrations from April 25 to 27.

The man who played 46 Tests for his country between 1961 and 1975 will run three one-hour coaching sessions over the three days. These sessions will coincide with the Madrid Cricket Club hosting its second Solidarity Twenty20 Tournament at La Manga Club, Murcia in southern Spain.

Eight teams from Spain (Madrid Cricket Club, La Manga Cricket Club, Mojacar Cricket Club), the United Kingdom (Bank of England Cricket Club, Belsize Cricket Club, Milton Keynes Cricket Club) and the Netherlands (Amsterdam Cricket Club and The Hague Cricket Club) will be taking part.

Proceeds from the tournament will be donated to the Vicente Ferrer Foundation, a Spanish non-governmental organisation working to improve the lives of the people of Anantapur, India. The foundation also plans to set up a cricket academy for more than 1,200 children with disabilities.

And proceeds from Farokh’s coaching sessions, which start at around 11 a.m. each day and cost 20, will go towards his charity for homeless children in Mumbai and the tournament fund-raising effort.

The Catch the Spirit celebrations are aimed at promoting the ICC’s centenary, the great spirit of cricket and the wide appeal and diversity of the game. While the ICC’s Full Members including Australia, Bangladesh, the West Indies, South Africa, Pakistan and New Zealand have already celebrated their weeks, the spotlight will shine on Spain to showcase the spirit of the game and the collective commitment and values which are central to the sport.

The Catch the Spirit flag, an indicator of the ICC’s centenary year, will also be present at the tournament.

The Catch the Spirit celebrations will continue across the continent during the European summer. The events due to take place shortly include the Italian under-19 Championship from 1 to 3 May, women’s eight-a-side international tournament in Munich, Germany from May 2 to 3, the inaugural under-13 national training camp in Finland from 10 to 14 July, the Limerick World Cup in Ireland from July 12 to 24 and the Maccabiah Games in Israel from July 12 to 24.

Cricket España Chairman Phil Beal said: “I’m really pleased that Cricket España is playing its part in celebrating the ICC’s centenary and demonstrate the spirit of cricket in Spain.” (ANI)

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American Campbell maintains lead on day two; Woods struggling

April 12, 2009 By admin Leave a Comment

Augusta, Georgia – Chad Campbell kept his head to maintain his place at the top of the leaderboard midway through the second round of the Masters on Friday. The American, who led by one shot after the first round on 7- under-par, moved to 9-under after a 70, thanks in no small part to a birdie at the last hole.

His lead could and should have been more after four birdies in the first 10 holes took him to 11-under. But bogeys at 11, 12 and 17 dropped him back before his final-hole birdie took him back to 9- under.

The birdie could yet prove crucial for many of the field because the halfway cut line will be drawn to include the top 44, plus ties and anyone within 10 shots of the lead.

Former Open champion Todd Hamilton was his closest challenger in the clubhouse after a 70 left him 6-under-par.

On the course, another American, Kenny Perry, was 7-under-par through 13 holes, while tournament favourite Tiger Woods was 2-under- par after 12 holes of his second round.

Open champion Padraig Harrington was level for his round, 3-under- par for the tournament, one ahead of Irish teenager Rory McIloy, who picked up two early shots in his first 12 holes.

Two-time champion Phil Mickelson was just beginning his second round, with work to do to get back into contention after his opening- round 73.

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She wanted to give women edge with education

April 3, 2009 By admin Leave a Comment

Paramjit Kaur Gulshan is contesting the ensuing polls from Faridkot (reserved) Lok Sabha seat as Bathinda has been made a general constituency.

PROMISES GALORE: She promised to uplift the status of women in backward areas of Bathinda and Mansa districts through education. Her election agenda also included fight against female foeticide, setting up of an information technology institute and a modern hospital, improvement of economic conditions of farmers, weaker sections and traders and completion of Bathinda refinery to generate employment. Gulshan also promised to provide potable water to the residents, railway overbridges in Bathinda, Mansa, Rampura and Budhlada and revival of closed spinning and sugar mills.

WHAT SHE DELIVERED: Released liberal grants in education sector for infrastructural development from her MPLAD funds. Out of the sanctioned Rs 10 crore in five years, Gulshan released almost 100 per cent MPLAD funds, with only Rs 1 lakh being unutilised. She also released Rs 10.1-lakh MPLAD funds that were carried forward to her from her predecessor. Being member of the Railways Parliamentary Committee, she upgraded Bathinda railway station, was instrumental in starting Bathinda to Dhuri train and got Jammu-Ferozepur train route extended up to Bathinda. She also claimed to have got approval for railway under- and overbridges for Bathinda.Â Â

WHERE SHE FAILED: Information technology institute is nowhere in sight, modern hospital is still a distant dream and there has not been much improvement in the economic conditions of farmers and weaker sections. She did little to revive closed spinning and sugar mills.

ATTENDANCE IN LOK SABHA: Out of total 332 sittings in 15 sessions, Gulshan attended 226, which means her attendance was 68 per cent.

NUMBER OF QUESTION ASKED OR ISSUES TAKEN UP: Asked 21 questions on allocation of funds under the Prime Minister Rozgaar Yojana (PMRY), construction of ROBs, closure of industrial units, admission of SC/ST candidates to IITs and IIMs, filling of reserved quotas seats for SC/ST students, rural development projects, pending application for agricultural import,

subsidy on fertilisers, Bathinda refinery, payment of arrears to employees, funds under welfare schemes and grant for upgrade of urban

infrastructure.

OPINION: “She is an upright and honest person. The two politicians I admire are Paramjit Kaur Gulshan and Manpreet Badal. But at the same time I feel that they should be more expressive in airing their views,” says social activist Jagmohan Kaushal.

“Gulshan has done nothing for Bathinda. Cases of female foeticide are still being reported,” says Dr Vitull Gupta, human rights activist.

Votes secured by top three candidates in 2004 election

Paramjit Kaur Gulshan (SAD): 3,23,394

Kaushalya Chaman Bhaura of (CPI)-Congress alliance:Â 2,60,752

Sarabjeet Singh (SAD-A): 1,13,490

Total votes polled: 7,63,195

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Lofted shot can be Tendulkar’s downfall: Kiwi schoolboy cricketer

March 17, 2009 By admin Leave a Comment

Hamilton (New Zealand), Mar.17 (ANI): New Zealand cricket captain Daniel Vettori has reportedly received some tips from a schoolboy on how to get the wicket of Indian batting maestro Sachin Tendulkar.

According to the Waikato Times, Owen Robinson told the Black Caps skipper that Tendulkar is susceptible to the lofted drive after bowling to the cricket superstar in the nets.

The St Paul’s Collegiate bowler, however, was initially reluctant to offer an assessment after bowling to the Indian star in the Seddon Park nets yesterday, but after some persuasion reckoned Tendulkar might be susceptible to getting out to a lofted drive.

“I found Tendulkar likes to drive and drive on the up and put a few in the air but he might have just been toying with me though,” said Robinson, laughing at the prospect of tearing apart the form of a player who has scored more test centuries than any other cricketer.

Robinson was one of a handful of promising Waikato cricketers who helped the touring side with their batting practice.

He had no joy with swashbuckling opener Virender Sehwag at all.

“He smashed me,” said Robinson.

Vettori is the last St Paul’s old boy to play for the Black Caps and Robinson admitted that “the school still idolises him”.

But he predicted the New Zealand side would have their hands full trying to win the three-test series against India.

“I think they’ll go well in Hamilton but it’ll be tough in the other two tests,” Robinson said.

Leg spinner Jono Hickey, a New Zealand and Northern Districts under-19 representative, had more than just a prized scalp to take away from the session Indian opener Gautham Gambhir gave him one of his bats.

“It was a privilege to bowl to them pretty overwhelming really,” Robinson said. (ANI)

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Brit teens prefer reading to chatting online with friends

March 5, 2009 By admin Leave a Comment

London, Mar 5 (ANI): Reading a book is what appeals to UK teens more than speaking to their friends on social networks or other online sites, according to a new survey.

The survey has revealed that almost 50 percent of UK’s under-16s would rather read books than log on to websites to chat with their friends.

On the eve of World Book Day, the survey revealed an increased appetite for literature across all ages.

And British teens are equally interested in becoming authors, with 56 percent admitting that they would like to write a book and one in ten claiming they already had.

Commissioned by Sky Arts’ flagship programme The Book Show, the research also uncovered “a meteoric rise” in book club memberships.

Almost 47 percent of the people surveyed claimed that they had joined a book club in the last year.

“The fact is, reading is one of life’s simplest, cheapest pleasures, which is why we thought it vital to have the only programme dedicated entirely to that pleasure on our channels, ” Sky News quoted John Cassy, channel manager for Sky Arts, as saying.

He added: “It’s no surprise to us that the UK is a nation of undiscovered authors; if there’s one thing that The Book Show has taught us as a channel, it’s that there’s a consistent and fierce devotion among UK audiences to books and reading. It’s a universal pleasure – which is why it’s likely to continue to flourish, rather than recede.” (ANI)

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Top hockey nations to compete in Singapore in Men’s Junior Hockey World Cup

February 13, 2009 By admin Leave a Comment

Singapore, Feb 12 (ANI/Business Wire India): Singapore will host nine top hockey nations with former champions Australia, Germany and India headlining the list of illustrious teams coming to its shores when the 9th Men’s Junior Hockey World Cup group stages takes place during June 7-21.

The other countries include traditional hockey powerhouse Netherlands, who last finished 4th in 1993, New Zealand, Poland, Chile, Japan and South Africa.

The International Hockey Federation (FIH) announced the four groups for the 20-team competition, and the Republic has been drawn in Group D, which includes challenging ties against the Netherlands and 2001′s champion in India in its first two matches.

A major double-header hockey fans would be looking forward to on 11 June will be Group B’s tie between four-time champion Germany and 1997′s champion Australia after the Group A clash between the Netherlands and India.

Singapore Hockey Federation (SHF) president Annabel Pennefather-Dillon said: “We have some excellent matches to look forward to in the tournament with world-class teams coming to our shores. Our men’s team will be pitted against India, the Netherlands, New Zealand and Poland, and we know it will be tough. But then every Group will be, since these are the top Under 21 players in the world, some of whom are already playing in their national senior teams.”

“The International Hockey Federation representatives were in Singapore recently to inspect our venue and meet with our event management team behind the tournament, and we’re happy to share that they are very pleased with the progress of our preparations for this marquee event. We certainly aim to do our very best to make this a great and successful hockey and sporting event for Singapore,” added Annabel Pennefather-Dillon.

For the first time, the tournament will be jointly hosted by the SHF and the Malaysian Hockey Confederation, and the matches will be played at the Seng Kang West stadium in Singapore and at the Taman Daya stadium in Johor, Malaysia.

Other countries that will feature in the competition playing in Johor during the group stages of the event include Pakistan, the inaugural winner of the tournament in 1979, Spain who finished 3rd in 2005, as well as defending champion Argentina.

England, who finished 4th in 1997 and 2001 is expected to feature exciting young talents as they aim to play their country’s top juniors in June.

As a prelude to the highly-anticipated 2010 Summer Youth Olympic Games in Singapore, the Men’s Hockey Junior World Cup takes on special significance as a test event for hosts Singapore and also for countries looking to familiarise themselves with the country for the inaugural event in the Lion City in two year’s time.

The Men’s Hockey Junior World Cup is an international Under-21 field hockey competition sanctioned by the International Hockey Federation (FIH).

The 2009 tournament is the first co-hosted hockey tournament by Singapore and Malaysia and is also the first time the FIH has accepted a joint-bid for any of its major world level events. (ANI)

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