Sports News – Newsletter for February 11, 2011

Waqar Younis eyes redemption for Pak cricket by winning World Cup

LAHORE – Pakistan cricket coach Waqar Younis believes that his team’s victory in the ICC World Cup 2011 will lead to the return of international cricket to the country and also redeem Pakistan’s image in the cricket world.

“In the last two years, our isolation as a international cricket venue and the spot-fixing controversies have badly …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

South Africa no chokers any more: de Villiers

CHENNAI – There is no respite for South Africa as they continue to be plagued by the tag of chokers and AB de Villiers, their middle-order batsman also known for his electric fielding, had to again straight bat questions on this ticklish point during an open house interaction with the media here Friday.

Much as …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : South Africa no chokers any more: de Villiers.

India, South Africa outstanding teams: Ponting

BANGALORE – Australian cricket captain Ricky Ponting said Friday that India and South Africa were “outstanding teams” but his side too had the momentum with it to go for its fourth consecutive World Cup title.

He played down talk of Australia not being the favourites to win the 2011 edition beginning Feb 19.
“I don’t …. Original source  : India, South Africa outstanding teams: Ponting.

Oz players told not to drink beer during Ashes

MELBOURNE – Australian fast bowler Ryan Harris has revealed that players were asked not to drink alcohol during the Ashes.

“Drinking now is seen as not great. Guys are basically told not to drink. Heading into the Ashes it was said to them, ‘If you drink you put yourself at risk of injury and missing …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Oz players told not to drink beer during Ashes.

Stoke City star Carew teased for ‘My Life, My Periods’tattoo

LONDON – Football star John Carew has a tattoo that says he has monthly periods.

The Stoke City striker, 31, has the French slogan “Ma Vie, Mes R???gles” inked on his neck.

It is supposed to proclaim ‘My life, My Rules’.

“But it can be read as ‘My Life, My Periods’, reports the Sun. orwegian … Read more »»».

Umar Gul will have to spearhead Pak’s bowling attack in World Cup 2011: Akram

ISLAMABAD – Pakistan fast bowler Umar Gul will have to lead the team’s bowling attack in the forthcoming World Cup in the absence of disgraced pacers Mohammed Aamir and Mohammad Asif, who have been handed lengthy bans by the ICC on spot-fixing charges, former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram has said.

He said that Pakistan’s fortunes would, … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Umar Gul will have to spearhead Pak’s bowling attack in World Cup 2011: Akram.

Muhammad Ali’s pregnant daughter storms the catwalk in tight red dress

LONDON – Boxing legend Muhammad Ali’s daughter Laila, who is pregnant with her second child, walked the ramp in a figure-hugging dress at a charity fashion show in New York.

The former boxer joined celebrities Dita Von Teese, Denise Richards, Taraji P. Henson and Matthew McConaughey’s girlfriend, model Camila Alves, at the Heart Truth’s Red Dress …. Original source  : Muhammad Ali’s pregnant daughter storms the catwalk in tight red dress.

Dean Jones backs Australia to win fourth World Cup in a row

MELBOURNE – Former Australian batsman Dean Jones, a member of Allan Border’s team that first lifted the World Cup in 1987, believes that the fourth straight triumph should go down as Australia’s best-ever sporting achievement.

Jones said winning the World Cup is far tougher than claiming an AFL or NRL premiership, and backed Ricky Ponting-led team …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Dean Jones backs Australia to win fourth World Cup in a row.

‘Tainted’ Butt landing job as TV expert ‘mind-boggling disgrace for cricket’: Roebuck

SYDNEY – The hiring of disgraced Pakistani cricketer Salman Butt by a TV channel is a “mind-boggling development” and an “indication that sections of the cricket community do not care about its reputation”, noted cricket columnist Peter Roebuck has said.

Pakistan’s Channel Five, which has hired Butt as an expert commentator during the World Cup, considers … Read more >>>.

The betting odds for Warne, Hurley wedding

SYDNEY – Now that Elizabeth Hurley has met new flame Shane Warne’s parents and kids, chances are that her next appointment could be with the wedding celebrant.

Betting agency Ladbrokes is offering odds of 8/1 that the couple will get married this year, and just 2/1 that they will wed in 2012, reports the Sydney Morning …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Kane Williamson to rejoin Kiwi world cup team

WELLINGTON – New Zealand batsman Kane Williamson has overcome a chest infection and will leave Auckland tomorrow for India and the upcoming cricket World Cup.

According to stuff.co.nz, the 20-year-old was due to fly out with the rest of the New Zealand team on Tuesday but had his departure delayed by medical staff.

He will not … Read more »».

Qatar Amir close to buying Manchester United

LONDON – Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani is understood to have made a bid for Manchester United.

According to the Daily Express, Manchester United’s owners, the Glazer family, are “only haggling over details” with a deal to sell the club to Qatar Holdings virtually done at 1.6 billion pounds.

If that deal is sealed, …. Source article  : Qatar Amir close to buying Manchester United.

Liz Hurley, a good catch for Warnie, says England pacer Tremlett

LONDON – Ashes hero and legendary Australian leg-spinner Shane Warne’s former Hampshire teammate Chris Tremlett has said that Warne has done “rather well” for himself by getting involved romantically with model-cum actress Liz Hurley.

“Shane’s always had a bit of a reputation.But looking at the stuff in Australia was quite surprising. He does seem to have … Read more >>>.

Ljubicic, Berdych reach quarters in Rotterdam

ROTTERDAM – Wimbledon finalist Tomas Berdych and Croatian veteran Ivan Ljubicic dispatched unseeded opponents to reach the quarter-finals of the ABN-AMRO World Tennis here Thursday.

Fourth seed Berdych held off a spirited effort from Russian qualifier Dmitry Tursunov 6-4, 4-6, 7-5 to gain a spot in his third quarter-final in as many events this season.
… Read : Ljubicic, Berdych reach quarters in Rotterdam.

New Force India car takes to track

JEREZ – Force Indias brand new 2011 model, the VJM04, completed its first-ever laps Thursday with Adrian Sutil behind the wheel at the Jerez de la Frontera circuit in southern Spain.

Sutil completed 28 laps with a best of one minute, 23.472 seconds that put him seventh on the unofficial time charts that of course … Read this article on Gaea Times at : New Force India car takes to track.

President and PM to skip National Games opening

RANCHI – The 34th National Games opening ceremony slated for Saturday will take place without the President, the Vice-President or the Prime Minister. Jharkhand Governor M.O.H.Farook will now inaugurate the Games.

Jharkhand Chief Minister Arjun Munda had personally invited President Pratibha Patil. But the state government was informed that the president could not attend the [..] Read the original article: here.

Sehwag to captain Delhi Daredevils in IPL-4

NEW DELHI – India’s dashing opening batsman Virender Sehwag will lead the Delhi Daredevils in the fourth edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL).

The 32-year-old Delhi opener has been part of the Delhi Daredevils since the IPL began in 2008. Under his leadership, Delhi Daredevils reached the semi-finals in the first two editions of … Read more : Sehwag to captain Delhi Daredevils in IPL-4.

Man City groundsman’s Facebook site closed for Man U diatribe on derby eve

LONDON – Manchester City has ordered the closure of the Facebook site of the club’s groundsman after the latter let loose an inflammatory expletive-laden post about Manchester United ahead of Saturday’s derby at Old Trafford.

Ged Coyne, employed by City as a groundsman for the past 15 years, posted foul-mouthed insults, none of which can … Read more >>>.

Secret of Barca’s success is its super star factory

BARCELONA – The secret of Spanish football club Barcelona’s unprecedented success in European football is out. It is its superstar factory, a production line that is the envy of the international football circuit.

According to Sun Sport, which was granted unprecedented access as the Catalan giants, football’s most successful youth system is nurtured at the La … Original article on : Secret of Barca’s success is its super star factory.

Escaping England duty can lead to Premier League ban: FA warning to players

LONDON – The Football Association has said that it will ban players from Premier League games if they refuse to play for England.ngland were rocked this week when 24 players withdrew from their four representative teams – the seniors, Under-21s, Under-20s and Under-19s.

FA chiefs said that they were ready to make an example of …. Original article  : Escaping England duty can lead to Premier League ban: FA warning to players.