Sports News – Newsletter for February 18, 2011

Tait aims to win World Cup for second time to relive ‘indescribable fun’

SYDNEY – Australian pacer Shaun Tait has that he would like to win the World Cup for second time, as it’s hard to describe how much joy winning the trophy gives.

Tait was one of the stars of Australia’s unbeaten campaign in the Caribbean in 2007, taking 23 wickets at 20.30.

“The best memory of my career …. Original source  : Tait aims to win World Cup for second time to relive ‘indescribable fun’.

England giving ‘cheats’ Pak silent treatment: Broad

LONDON – England is giving Pakistan the silent treatment despite sharing the same hotel in Bangladesh as they fine tune their World Cup preparations.

Huge differences still exist between England and Shahid Afridi’s men after last summer’s spot-fixing scandal.

Salman Butt, Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Amir were all slapped with lengthy bans after an ICC tribunal found … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : England giving ‘cheats’ Pak silent treatment: Broad.

Lampard backs Torres, Luiz to ‘make a difference’ to Chelsea

LONDON – Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard has said that new signings Fernando Torres and David Luiz have “boosted” the squad.

“He’s made a huge difference. No, he hasn’t scored in two games, but all the spotlight is on him. There’s a huge responsibility, people are looking to him to do it instantly, but he will make … Original source on Gaea Times at : Lampard backs Torres, Luiz to ‘make a difference’ to Chelsea.

US issues ‘alert’ for citizens travelling to India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka during World Cup

WASHINGTON – The United States has issued a ‘travel alert’ for its citizens travelling to or living in India, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka in the wake of the ICC World Cup 2011 being hosted by the trio, saying that the mega event “can be targets for terrorist attacks”.

“While the US government has no specific threat …. Source article  : US issues ‘alert’ for citizens travelling to India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka during World Cup.

Pak team management fines Akhtar, Riaz for breach of discipline

DHAKA – The Pakistan cricket team management has fined two fast bowlers for breach of discipline ahead of the ICC World Cup 2011, which starts from February 19.

Pacers Shoaib Akhtar and Wahab Riaz were fined 5,000 rupees each for violating discipline, The Nation quoted sources, as saying.

This is not for the first time that 35-year-old …. Source article  : Pak team management fines Akhtar, Riaz for breach of discipline.

This India team is better than 2003: Kumble

NEW DELHI – Former India captain Anil Kumble feels that the current crop is better than the team which made the final of the 2003 World Cup in South Africa.

The legendary leg-spinner, who featured in just two group matches against Australia and Pakistan in South Africa, feels the team captained by Mahendra Singh Dhoni … Original article on : This India team is better than 2003: Kumble.

Away teams big winners in Europa League

BERLIN – Away teams were the big winners in Thursday’s first-leg matches in the round of the last 32 of the Europa League, with only three out of 15 home teams securing victories.

The only home sides to triumph on the night were Benfica, who came from behind to beat VfB Stuttgart 2-1, Lech Poznan … Original article on : Away teams big winners in Europa League.

ATP warns players of risks of playing in Mexico

BUENOS AIRES – The ATP is seriously worried about security at a tournament in Acapulco and has taken steps to improve conditions in Latin America’s biggest tennis event.

“The ATP’s warnings caused a little fear,” Uruguayan player Pablo Cuevas told the German Press Agency dpa in Buenos Aires.
The tournament in Acapulco, which starts Monday, …. Source  : ATP warns players of risks of playing in Mexico.

Ranchi stadium named after tainted lawyer Anand

RANCHI – Amid the profusion of heroes from Jharkhand after whom stadiums have been named for the National Games, one name is causing much consternation – that of tainted Delhi-based lawyer R.K. Anand.

A total of 13 stadiums were constructed for the games which began Feb 12. One is named R.K. Anand Lawn Bowl …. Original source  : Ranchi stadium named after tainted lawyer Anand.

Lampard warns of ‘disaster’ if Chelsea fail to qualify for next season Champions League

LONDON – Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard has said that it would be a “disaster” if his team fails to qualify for next season’s Champions League.

The defending champions are currently in the fifth place in the Premier League.

“We must finish in the top four and can never take our eye off the ball, it would be …. Original article  : Lampard warns of ‘disaster’ if Chelsea fail to qualify for next season Champions League.

I’m very misunderstood to a lot of people: Woods’ mistress Jaimee Grubbs

WASHINGTON – Jaimee Grubbs, one of Tiger Woods’ many mistresses, thinks that she was misunderstood.

“I think I’m very misunderstood to a lot of people,” RadarOnline.com quoted Grubbs as saying.

“I tried to make people understand but I only go so far before people believe what they want to believe.”

It was previously reported that Woods sent numerous … Read this article on Gaea Times at : I’m very misunderstood to a lot of people: Woods’ mistress Jaimee Grubbs.

How Tiger Woods”mistresses’ turned their sex scandals into huge profits

WASHINGTON – Tiger Woods’ alleged mistresses have turned their shame into fame with the help of one publicity machine: Gina Rodriguez.

Rodriguez, a former porn star turned successful businesswoman, runs DD Entertainment in Los Angeles and said “bad girls” are good for business.

“I am managing the mistresses and all the people of the scandal,” ABC News …. Read the original article  : How Tiger Woods’ ‘mistresses’ turned their sex scandals into huge profits.

India are favourites to win World Cup: Zaheer Abbas

KARACHI – Former Pakistan cricket captain Zaheer Abbas believes co-host India has the best chance to win the World Cup.

The legendary batsman told ‘Life Illustrated’ in an interview that Indias stability makes it the hot favourite.
I believe that there are around four to five teams with genuine credentials of winning the World …. Read the original article  : India are favourites to win World Cup: Zaheer Abbas.

India seem superior, Bangladesh hoping for 2007 replay (Lead, World Cup Match preview)

DHAKA – Seemingly miles ahead in quality, particularly in batting, title favourites India will aim to turn the tables on Bangladesh – their nemesis of 2007 – in the inaugural match of the Cricket World Cup here Saturday.

While India could be gearing up for a grudge match before a full house at the 28,000 … Read more >>.

Flower’s gamble of playing Pietersen as opener may pay-off big for England: Selvey

LONDON – Former England fast bowler Mike Selvey reckons that coach Andy Flower’s late tactical switch of using Kevin Pietersen as an opening batsman in the World Cup will prove to be a winner.

England had promoted Pietersen to open the batting in Wednesday’s warm-up game against Canada, and later confirmed that he will stay there …. Original source  : Flower’s gamble of playing Pietersen as opener may pay-off big for England: Selvey.

FIFA likely to give go-ahead to proposed goal-line technology

LONDON – Asian Football Confederation (AFC) President Mohamed Bin Hammam, who could succeed FIFA President Sepp Blatter in May, has confirmed his support for the proposed goal-line technology.

Hammam’s backing comes just two weeks before the FIFA Executive Committee (ExCo) meeting which could give it the go-ahead.

“I’m a great supporter for the idea of goal-line technology,” … Original source on Gaea Times at : FIFA likely to give go-ahead to proposed goal-line technology.

‘No tickets’, so Khaleda Zia skips World Cup opening

DHAKA – Bangladesh opposition leader and former prime minister Khaleda Zia stayed away from the opening ceremony of the Cricket World Cup. Her office said she got only an invitation card and no tickets to attend matches.

She, however, expressed her best wishes for the Bangladesh team Thursday night and welcomed the foreign cricketers and … Read more >>>.

‘Proud father’ Swann to join England World Cup team ahead of opener

LONDON – England off-spinner Graeme Swann is expected to play his team’s World Cup opener against the Netherlands following the birth of his son.

The England squad flew to Bangladesh last week, but Swann stayed at home to attend the birth of his first child.

The 31-year-old is now set to join the team in Nagpur on … Read more »»».

Statistics make Brett Lee greatest bowler in World Cup history

MELBOURNE – In the 36-year history of the cricket World Cup, no bowler has taken wickets as consistently, as Australia’s Brett Lee, statistics indicate.

Lee, who will lead Australia’s attack during the World Cup, has taken 22 wickets in 10 matches at an average of 17.91.

He claims a wicket every 22.68 balls, or once every …. Original source  : Statistics make Brett Lee greatest bowler in World Cup history.

Strauss says struggling England must quickly adapt to slower subcontinent conditions

DHAKA – England captain Andrew Strauss has admitted that his side needs to improve fast if they have to make any impression in the World Cup, which starts tomorrow.

England, who were thrashed 6-1 in the recent ODI series against Australia, narrowly avoided being embarrassed by Canada in their warm-up game, when they laboured to a … Read : Strauss says struggling England must quickly adapt to slower subcontinent conditions.