Sports News – Newsletter for February 21, 2011

Andhra Pradesh fans create cricketing replicas

VISHAKHAPATNAM – Cricket fans created a 40-feet-high cricket ball, a mini pitch, and the World Cup trophy replicas in Andhra Pradesh to wish the Indian Team luck.

These replicas have been displayed in a shopping mall in Vishakhapatnam.eerumama, one of the organisers, said that this effort would not go waste, as the Indian team is strong.

“And …. Source article  : Andhra Pradesh fans create cricketing replicas.

Never expected victory to be so easy against Kenya: Vettori

CHENNAI – New Zealand skipper Daniel Vettori has said that trouncing a limp Kenyan team by bowling them out for 69 and then chasing it down in eight overs was the sort of performance New Zealand was looking for.

New Zealand had an emphatic 10-wicket victory in their opening World Cup match against bowling Kenya on …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Never expected victory to be so easy against Kenya: Vettori.

Bahrain Grand Prix to be rescheduled for end of F1 season

DUBAI – The Bahrain Grand Prix, which was going to be held from March 11-13, is likely to be rescheduled to the end of the season, taking place after the Kuala Lumpur GP and before the final race of the season in Abu Dhabi.

Formula One boss Bernie Ecclestone has little choice other than to sacrifice … Read more : Bahrain Grand Prix to be rescheduled for end of F1 season.

World Cup: Australia to bat against Zimbabwe

AHMEDABAD – Australian skipper Ricky Ponting won the toss and elected to bat against Zimbabwe in a World Cup Group A match at the Sardar Patel Stadium here Monday.

Teams:
Australia: Ricky Ponting (captain), Shane Watson, Brad Haddin (wicketkeeper), Michael Clarke, Cameron White, David Hussey, Steve Smith, Mitchell Johnson, John Hastings, Jason Krejza, …. Original article  : World Cup: Australia to bat against Zimbabwe.

‘Stumpy’ makers hope to sell entire stock of cuddly mascot

NEW DELHI – ‘Stumpy’, the cuddly little blue mascot for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011, is set to become the newest rage among people, says manufacturing company Simba Toys which expects to sell all of the 160,000 pieces produced for the Indian market.

“We produced 160,000 units just for India. With millions of cricket … Read this article on Gaea Times at : ‘Stumpy’ makers hope to sell entire stock of cuddly mascot.

Bolton star Klasnic not be charged for rape

LONDON – Bolton Wanderers star forward Ivan Klasnic will not be charged over the alleged rape of a teenage girl, police have said.

According to The Sun, Klasnic was arrested last October after reports a 17-year-old had been assaulted at a Manchester city centre apartment.

The Croatian football international, 30, was not there when cops arrived just …. Read the original article  : Bolton star Klasnic not be charged for rape.

Hamilton, I playing catch-up with rivals due to new car glitches: Button

LONDON – Former Formula One champion Jenson Button has admitted that Lewis Hamilton and he are playing catch-up with rivals because of a series of new car glitches at McLaren.

The Woking team’s MP4-26, which carries the hopes of most British fans, was only introduced at the second of Formula One’s pre-season tests.

And since then …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Hamilton, I playing catch-up with rivals due to new car glitches: Button.

Sangram Singh of Maharashtra crowned Mr. India

BHOPAL – Sangram Singh of Pune bagged the ‘Mr. India’ title at the Bodybuilding Championship 2011 here.

A total of 250 bodybuilders participated in the qualifying rounds held across the country, and of them 70 were selected for the final round in different categories.
The championship was held at the Tatia Tope Stadium here late … Read : Sangram Singh of Maharashtra crowned Mr. India.

Ponting backs ICC on keeping minnows out of next World Cup

AHMEDABAD – Australian captain Ricky Ponting has supported the International Cricket Council’s decision to leave minnows out of the 2015 World Cup.

The ICC said unlike the current 14-nation format, the 2015 World Cup in Australia and New Zealand will feature just the 10 full member nations. Canada, Kenya, the Netherlands, Ireland and Zimbabwe are …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Ponting backs ICC on keeping minnows out of next World Cup.

Cricket Australia ‘deliberately stalling’ review of Ashes loss

SYDNEY – Cricket Australia is said to be ‘deliberately stalling’ the review of Australia’s disastrous Ashes campaign which is unlikely to be completed in time for their next Test series.

Six weeks since Australia’s abysmal Test performance against England, officials back home are yet to put out a significant report on the Ashes review.

Cricket Australia will … Read more : Cricket Australia ‘deliberately stalling’ review of Ashes loss.

Prince William snubs Blatter, no Wills wedding invite

LONDON – Price William has given a royal snub to FIFA boss Sepp Blatter by not inviting him for his wedding.

Blatter was expected to get an invitation to Westminster Abbey on April 29 because of his close ties to Prince William.

The Sun reports that FIFA’s choice of Russia as 2018 tournament hosts bitterly disappointed the … Read : Prince William snubs Blatter, no Wills wedding invite.

Successful World Cup campaign would help revive Pak cricket: Waqar

DHAKA – Pakistan coach Waqar Younis has reiterated that a good performance from his players in the ongoing World Cup will help revive the state of cricket in their country.

“I have no doubt in my mind about the importance of this World Cup for the Pakistan team. It is a very big event in itself, … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Successful World Cup campaign would help revive Pak cricket: Waqar.

Warne’s relationship with Hurley doesn’t affect me, says ex-wife

SYDNEY – Shane Warne’s ex-wife Simone Callahan has said that she’s not bothered by the former cricketer’s latest exploits with Liz Hurley.

But it looks like Callahan is seeking revenge, posing on a magazine cover in a teeny white bikini and boasting about her new love.

A week after Hurley headed home to Britain following a very …. Read the original article  : Warne’s relationship with Hurley doesn’t affect me, says ex-wife.

Only three Chelsea players are in form, says coach Ancelotti

LONDON – Coach Carlo Ancelotti has stunned his Stamford Bridge bosses by admitting that he has only three outfield players in form.

He named skipper John Terry and defender Branislav Ivanovic and Frank Lampard as his most dependable stars, the Sun reports.

But he confessed the rest of his squad is at rock bottom.

That …. Read the original article  : here.

After renovation, Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium sports a new look.

MUMBAI – Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium, which will host the 2011 cricket World Cup final, now sports a new look after state-of-the-art renovations.

The new stadium features bucket seats for spectator comfort, lifts and staircases to facilitate movement and a plush ground that meets international standards.

The revamped infrastructure was shown to mediapersons on Sunday by … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : After renovation, Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium sports a new look..

Prior plans to be a hit in new finisher’s role for England during WC

NAGPUR – England wicketkeeper Matt Prior wants to transform himself into a lethal finisher for the team during the World Cup.

Prior is expected to bat at either six or seven, where he hopes to apply the gloss to big totals – or chase them down – during the tournament.

The Sun quoted Prior, as … Read more >>.

Marseille boss Deschamps reveals why he turned Liverpool coaching offer down

LONDON – Marseille boss Didier Deschamps has revealed that while he was immensely flattered to get an offer to be the coach of Liverpool, he had to turn it down because he still had a year on his Marseille contract left.

The former Juventus and Chelsea star said: “I was immensely flattered to receive Liverpool’s offer …. Read the original article  : Marseille boss Deschamps reveals why he turned Liverpool coaching offer down.

Becks, Posh get an invitation to Prince William, Kate Middleton’s wedding

LONDON – David and Victoria Beckham have been invited to the wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton.

The two are among 1,900 guests who have been issued a gold-embossed invitation to the event at Westminster Abbey on April 29, the Telegraph reported.

The Beckhams have been invited on account of David’s work with Prince William on … Read : Becks, Posh get an invitation to Prince William, Kate Middleton’s wedding.

Inzamam says Pak should win World Cup for Woolmer

ISLAMABAD – Former Pakistan captain Inzamam-ul-Haq has urged the national team to win the ongoing World Cup for late coach Bob Woolmer.

Inzamam said that Woolmer always believed in the team’s ability to be the best in the world.

“Pakistan should try to do well in this World Cup not only for the country, but also for …. Source article  : Inzamam says Pak should win World Cup for Woolmer.

Athletes, officials praise National Games complex

RANCHI – Athletes and officials participating in the 34th National Games here were all praise for the newly constructed Sports Complex, the main venue for the event.

The sports complex is situated in Hotwar area of Ranchi and has the distinction of being a unique structure. It is the first complex where six stadiums … Read more »»».