sports

Bharat Ratna for Tendulkar?

2011-01-24T20:02:00.000-08:00

Bharat Ratna for Tendulkar?

Last updated on: January 24, 2011 21:02 IST

http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=8302678692017208162#editor/target=post;postID=7536420193052575165However, the batting maestro my soon be honoured with India's [ Images ] highest civilian decoration -- the Bharat Ratna.

A strong case to the effect has already been made, declared Mumbai [ Images ] MP Sanjay Nirupam at an initiative 'Support My School', a movement to build healthy, happy and active schools in Mumbai, which Tendulkar is the campaign ambassador.
"We have strongly recommended your name for the Bharat Ratna, and we should know the result in a few days," said Nirupam, speaking on the occasion.
The demand for the same had first been made way back in 2003 when the then Human Resource Development Minister, Murli Manohar Joshi [ Images ], had seconded Shiv Sena's [ Images ] claims to bestow the honour on the prolific batsman.
Earlier in March last year, the Maharashtra [ Images ] state government had announced its decision to recommend the Master Blaster's name for the country's highest civilian honour.
The demands from various quarters - including politicians and ex-cricketers -- had intensified after Tendulkar became the first player in the history of cricket to score a double hundred in One-Day Internationals -- achieving the feat against at Gwalior outh Africa in February last year.
The demand attained gargantuan proportion late last year -- after he recorded his 50th ton in Tests - when many renowned names in Indian sports -- Vishy Anand, Kapil Dev [ Images ], Gagan Narang [ Images ], Vijender Singh [ Images ] to name a few, supported claims of Tendulkar receiving the honour.
The Master Blaster had reacted to the demands in an expectedly modest tone. "It is a rare honour but I am focusing on cricket," Tendulkar had been quoted as saying last year. "If it has to happen, it will happen," he had added.
If the 37-year-old eventually receives the honour, it will mark yet another first for him -- for he will become the first sportsman to be awarded the prestigious honour.
And looking at the manner the demand is getting significant, it won't take long before the Master Blaster attains yet another milestone

Andre Agassi - 1990

2011-01-24T03:00:00.001-08:00

Andre Agassi | 1990

12 of 20

Jimmy Connors - 1991

2011-01-24T02:58:00.002-08:00

14 of 20

Next Andy Roddick - 2003

2011-01-24T02:58:00.000-08:00

17 of 20

Venus and Serena Williams

2011-01-24T02:57:00.000-08:00

18 of 20

Next Maria Sharapova - 2006

2011-01-24T02:55:00.001-08:00

Maria Sharapova

2011-01-24T02:54:00.001-08:00

Caroline Wozniacki shines, while fashion suffers in Australian Open grades

2011-01-24T02:52:00.000-08:00

Caroline Wozniacki has impressed on and off the court, but what's up with that Stella McCartney-designed dress?

Julian Finney/Getty Images

2011 Australian Open

Day 8

OPEN SCOREBOARD: Men's | Women's
GALLERY: Best photos from Monday
Soderling upset; Murray, Zvonareva cruise

Day 7

WERTHEIM: Handing out midterm grades
GRAHAM: Wozniacki's tall tale confuses
GALLERY: Best photos from Sunday
Schiavone outlasts Kuznetsova in epic

More Coverage

Our viewer's guide to the Australian Open
SEED REPORTS: Men's Draw | Women's
Nadal, Federer co-favorites once again
Time for Wozniacki to make statement
DRAWS: Men's Bracket | Women's Bracket
EXPERTS' PREDICTIONS: Men | Women
YOUR TAKE?: Who will win Down Under?
Complete Australian Open TV schedule

SI Photos

Fashion Statements	Fans and Fanatics
Best of Media Day	Classic Moments

As I write this there are 24 players left in the draw and there have been zero huge upsets. Which makes for a promising final seven days. Herewith, our 2011 Australian Open midterm grades All marks given on the "Gentleman's C" curve...

A:

Caroline Wozniacki: In one gutsy two-minute monologue, the top seed did more to endear herself than any million dollar marketing campaign ever could. Plus her tennis -- so shaky going in -- has been beyond reproach.
Francesca Schiavone: She beat Svetlana Kuznetsova 6-4, 1-6, 16-14 in a third-round marathon. Here is it mid-January and we have our match of the year, a nice reminder how exceptional women's tennis can be.
The Spanish Armada: At a time of relentless globalization, five of the 16 remaining players are Spanish, stating of course with Rafael Nadal, who's yet to drop a set. Now, if only they could play on clay.
Milos Raonic: Break out the Labatt's. The hard-serving Canadian had a breakthrough first week, reaching the round of 16 and leading the tournament in aces.
The courtside interview: Between Jim Courier jousting with Andy Roddick and Todd Woodbridge getting served by Kim Clijsters, these sessions have made for some of the tournament's best viewing so far.
Nicolas Lapentti: The South American veteran calls it a career at age 34.

B:

The tournament in general: A bit sleepy so far. No titanic matches or staggering upsets or sizzling controversies or exceptional weather. But this usually bodes well for Week 2.
Aggie Radwanska: Fair Pole advances to the second week. But she lost her head, while others were keeping theirs.
Venus Williams: A big disappointment, retiring in the third round with an injury. But credit her for going out and trying.
Justine Henin: Her tennis is as ravishing as ever. Alas, the blunted power and curious tactics have led to another short outing, this one a third-round defeat at the hands a Svelte-lana Kuznetsova.

C-plus:

Dinara Safina: OK, she got her Richard Mille cleaned 6-0, 6-0 by Clijsters, a brutal loss for a player ranked No.1 a mere 18 months ago. But you have to respect the withering self-assessment: "Embarrassing. To lose two tournaments in a row six-love, six-one, six-love, six-love, it's really to scratch the head and think what the hell am I doing?" Asked if she can return, she responds, "Can I clear up my mind?" Wish her luck on all counts.

C:

Former No.1's: Safina, Ana Ivanovic and Jelena Jankovic -- all recent inhabitants of the WTA's top spot-bounced early.
Sam Querrey: No disrespect to Cool Hand Luke Kubot, but that's a first-round match Querrey has to figure out a way to win.
Ernests Gulbis: Like Querrey, he's too good to abide by a first-round exit. He's beaten Roger Federer and climbed back to the top 25, but he hasn't won a round at a major in more than a yea

Read more: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2011/writers/jon_wertheim/01/23/australian.open.midterm.grades/index.html#ixzz1BwtNXR6a

Roddick slumps to Wawrinka defeat

2011-01-24T02:50:00.001-08:00

Roddick slumps to Wawrinka defeat

January 23, 2011 -- Updated 1622 GMT (0022 HKT)

Stanislas Wawrinka brushed aside the challenge of Andy Roddick in the fourth round at the Australian Open in Melbourne.

STORY HIGHLIGHTS

American records only his second straight sets defeat at Australian Open
Wawrinka's 6-3 6-4 6-4 win sets up all-Swiss quarter-final with Roger Federer
Defending champion Federer beat Tommy Robredo in four sets 6-3 3-6 6-3 6-2
No.3 seed Novak Djokovic eases into last eight with 6-3 6-4 6-0 over 14th seed Nicolas Almagro

(CNN) -- Andy Roddick has crashed out of the Australian Open in straight sets 6-3 6-4 6-4 to Swtizerland's Stanislas Wawrinka at the Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne.
The American was no match for the No.19 seed who hit an incredible 67 winners during their fourth round match.
"I played an unbelievable match and it was one of my best, for sure," Wawrinka said, AFP reported.
"To beat Roddick in three sets, it's really good for me. I am very happy with my game tonight." he said.

I played an unbelievable match and it was one of my best, for sure
--Stanislas Wawrinka

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Wawrinka broke Roddick's serve three times, while he only faced three break points on his own.
It was only Roddick's second straight sets defeat at Melbourne Park -- Roger Federer outplayed him in their semi-finals meeting two years ago.
The No.8 seed said he thought the cooler conditions on Sunday night hadn't helped his cause.
"I wasn't able to get the ball to jump much, so a lot of the shots he hit were in his pocket and I was having a hard time getting it out of that zone," Roddick said, AFP reported.
The victory sets up an all Swiss quarter-final -- a first in the Open era -- as Wawrinka takes on defending champion Roger Federer for a place in the last four.
Wawrinka's last grand slam meeting with Federer came in the fourth round at the French Open last year. The World No.2 won that match in straight sets and has beaten his compatriot six times in seven previous meetings.
Earlier, Federer made it to his 27th consecutive grand slam quarter final -- a feat which equals Jimmy Connors record -- after overcoming Spain's Tommy Robredo in four sets 6-3 3-6 6-3 6-2.
Third seed Novak Djokovic made lighter work of his Spanish opposition, beating 14th seed Nicolas Almagro 6-3 6-4 6-0 to book his place in the quarter-finals.

Sixth seed Tomas Berdych also recorded a straight sets victory over ninth seed Fernando Verdasco 6-4 6-2 6-3 to secure his passage into the last eight.

Injury-hit Williams claims Melbourne win

2011-01-24T02:48:00.001-08:00

Injury-hit Williams claims Melbourne win

January 20, 2011 -- Updated 1048 GMT (1848 HKT)

Despite having won Wimbledon five times and the U.S. Open twice, Venus Williams has never claimed the Australian Open.

STORY HIGHLIGHTS

Venus Williams recovers from one-set down to beat Sandra Zahlavova in Australia
Caroline Wozniacki is also through after a straight-sets win at Australian Open
Justine Henin beats British number one Elena Baltacha in 61 minutes

(CNN) -- Former world number one Venus Williams came through an injury scare to defeat Sandra Zahlavova 6-7 6-0 6-4, in the second-round of the Australian Open on Wednesday.
The fourth-seed Williams had not lost a set to the Czech in any of their four previous meetings, but Zahlavova remedied that when she claimed the first thanks to a tie break.
After falling behind, the 30-year-old Williams required treatment in the locker room after picking up a groin injury and returned with the area heavily strapped to win the final two sets of the match.
Williams, who is playing in only her second tournament since the 2010 Wimbledon championships after struggling with a knee injury, recorded her win in three hours and one minute.
"I wasn't very happy, to say the least," the American said of her injury on the tournament's website.
"I mean, with an injury like that, you just don't know what to expect. I think what keeps me going is knowing that when I'm healthy I play really, really well and knowing that I have so much good tennis in my body keeps me motivated."

Knowing that I have so much good tennis in my body keeps me motivated
--Venus Williams

RELATED TOPICS

The seven-time grand slam winner -- who wowed the crowds with another head-turning outfit -- will face Germany's Andrea Petkovic in the third round after the 30th seed also came from behind to defeat Britain's Anne Keothavong 2-6 7-5 6-0.
The fashion verve of Venus Williams
Top-seed Caroline Wozniacki and 2004 champion Justine Henin had less complicated second rounds, with both winning in straight sets.
World number one Wozniacki dispatched America's Vania King in under an hour with a 6-1 6-0 win.
"I was playing aggressively," the Dane told the WTA Tour's website. "I took the balls early and made her run, and had a couple of good net approaches. In general I played solid."
Wozniacki will next play Dominika Cibulkova, the Slovakian who beat her in Sydney last week. Cibulkova eliminated Alberta Brianti of Italy 6-1 4-6 6-2.
Belgian Henin, seeded 11th, beat British number one Elena Baltacha 6-1 6-3 at the Rod Laver Arena.
The 28-year-old Henin has won seven majors and overcame Baltacha in 61 minutes, despite being troubled by an elbow injury.
The Australian Open should be in February!
Henin's next opponent will be former French and U.S. Open champion Svetlana Kuznetsova of Russia.
Kuznetsova, 25, ended the hopes of Dutch qualifier Arantxa Rus with a 6-1 6-4 win on Show Court Two
Russia's Maria Sharapova is into the next round after a hard-fought 7-6 (7-3), 6-3 success over Virginie Razzano.
Sharapova, a champion at Melbourne Park in 2008, lost the opening three games of the match to her French opponent but bounced back to seal victory in little over two hours.
"Looking back, obviously you want to play faster matches with an easier score line," Sharapova, 23, said.
"That would be great, but it's also good to play these types of matches where you're put in a situation where you have to find a way to win, especially when your opponent is playing really well."

The 14th seed will meet 22-year-old Julia Goerges in the last 32 after the German eliminated 20th-seed Kaia Kanepi 6-4 3-6 6-4.

Sydney by sail: A seafarer's guide to the 'harbor city'

2011-01-24T02:47:00.000-08:00

Sydney by sail: A seafarer's guide to the 'harbor city'

By George Webster for CNN

December 30, 2010 -- Updated 1111 GMT (1911 HKT)

STORY HIGHLIGHTS

As Sydney-Hobart yacht race draws to a close, we look at sailing Sydney the easy way
Lonely Planet author says sailing offers unusual perspective on Sydney's classic landmarks
Bondi beach, Sydney Aquarium and harbor-side restaurants among attractions

(CNN) -- The sun-soaked, beach-scattered metropolis of Sydney has a reputation as one of the world's most vibrant and livable cities.
Nicknamed the "harbor city," Sydney's seductive waterfronts bloom with sails, and never more so than on December 26, when Port Jackson, home of the dramatic Sydney Harbor, is the starting point for the Rolex Sydney to Hobart yacht race.
As the last remaining yachts cross the finish line, in what is widely regarded as one of the most difficult races in the world, we take a look at a more laid back and luxurious way of seeing Sydney by sailboat.
Where to sail
"Those interested in sailing Sydney should never miss cruising out of the main Sydney Harbor," says Shawn Low, Melbourne-based travel editor of the Lonely Planet guides.
According to Low, sightseeing by sailboat offers a unique perspective on Sydney's most famous landmarks. "As you head north, Sydney Opera House will loom on your right and the Sydney Harbor Bridge on your left," he said. "These are Sydney icons and simply shouldn't be missed."
From the main harbor take a cruise to the Sydney Heads -- the impressive headlands jutting out onto the Tasman Sea -- which act as signposts to Port Jackson, suggests Edward Penn, general manager of yacht chartering firm Sydney by Sail.
"First, stop off at the fish markets to stock up on fresh prawns, oysters and a bottle of bubbly," said Penn. "Along the way check out the 18th century penal site of Fort Denison, just past the Royal Botanical Gardens."

Stop off at the fish markets to stock up on fresh prawns, oysters and a bottle of bubbly
--Edward Penn, manager, "Sydney by Sail"

RELATED TOPICS

Ben Roberts, from Superyachts.com, recommends Darling Harbor, situated on the western outskirts of the Sydney central business district. "It's another gorgeous waterfront destination not to be missed," he said. "Near here you'll find the Sydney Aquarium, beautifully tendered parklands and some fabulously unique museums, including the Powerhouse, where creativity is the muse."
Where to swim
According to Roberts, no trip to Sydney would be complete without visiting the world-famous Bondi beach. The seven-kilometer sail east of Sydney Harbor is a must, says Roberts, adding: "One look at its perfectly golden sands melting into deep blue waves and there is no question as to why it is recognized as one of the best in the world."
But Penn notes that tourists need beware, the beach's south side has a famously powerful rip current, ominously known as the "Backpackers' Express" because of its adjacency to the local bus stop, and the reluctance of tourists to walk the length of the beach to safer swimming.
Further afield, Merewether Beach, in the neighboring metropolitan district of Newcastle, is the setting for Surfest. Held in March, this annual surfing competition is Australia's largest. Also around Newcastle is the 32 km-long Stockton Beach that Low says is one of the best places in the world to "rip across the dunes on a four-wheel drive, a dune buggy, or jump on a dune board."
Other particularly notable beaches around Sydney include the glamorous Tamarama, home to the world's first surf lifesaving club, and for soap-opera fans there's Palm Beach -- the site of popular Australian TV series "Home and Away."
Where to eat
"Top of the list would be Peter Gilmore's Quay Restaurant," says Low. "Quay has the advantage of a fine location across from the Sydney Opera House but diners might be too distracted by the seafood-focused food to enjoy the view."
So what's on the menu? "Think sea pearls and crab congee, slow-braised pig cheek with ginger milk custard, fresh palm heart, green-lipped abalone, Tasmanian wakame and chestnut mushroom consomme," he said.
While not exactly at the harbor, Low says that Tetsuya's is arguably Sydney's most renowned restaurant. "It's only a five-minute drive south of the harbor and you have to book early," he said. Visitors should also make sure to be in good company -- it's an 11-course degustation over four hours."
Roberts adds that the Victoria Room in Darlinghurst, an inner-city eastern suburb of Sydney, is full of colonial style and "serves up a combination of excellent drink, Mediterranean nibbles and of course, high tea."
Where to chill
Al-fresco dining, bike rides through the park and open-air music performances are all par for the course around the Rocks -- Sydney's historical harbor-side precinct.
According to Roberts, the region is "a maze of cobblestone streets and leafy courtyards lined with the city's oldest restaurants, pubs and cafes sitting alongside bustling markets selling local artworks and traditional Australian fare.

en-man Japan end Qatar's Asian Cup bid; History for Uzbekistan

2011-01-24T02:44:00.001-08:00

Ten-man Japan end Qatar's Asian Cup bid; History for Uzbekistan

January 21, 2011 -- Updated 1909 GMT (0309 HKT)

Japan's match-winner Masahiko Inoha, left, celebrates with teammate Shinji Okazaki at Doha's at Al-Gharafa Stadium.

STORY HIGHLIGHTS

Japan defender Masahiko Inoha scores last-minute goal to settle quarterfinal clash
"Blue Samurai" will next face either three-time winners Iran or South Korea
Hosts Qatar had twice led but Japan striker Shinji Kagawa responded with two goals
Group A winners Uzbekistan beat Group B runners-up Jordan 2-1 in second quarterfinal

(CNN) -- Japan recovered from having a player sent off to snatch a last-gasp 3-2 win over Asian Cup hosts Qatar in Doha and reach the semifinals on Friday.
Masahiko Inoha's late goal ended Qatar's hopes of qualifying for the last four of the competition for the first time, and maintained Japan's dream of earning a record fourth title.
Albert Zaccheroni's team will next face either Group D winners Iran or Group C runners-up South Korea, who face off on Saturday.
"After we lost a man we still had more possession," the Italian coach told the Asian Cup website. "It was a great comeback and I could see the good mentality from our players.
"Even though we were a man down, normally teams think about defense, but we didn't -- we had the bravery to keep attacking."

We frightened them and we were very skilful. We have shown the whole world that Qatar is a strong team
--Coach Bruno Metsu

RELATED TOPICS

Qatar, ranked 105th in the world, had reached the knockout stage for just the second time in seven appearances and looked capable of going one better than 2000's last-eight showing when substitute Fabio Cesar made it 2-1 straight after Maya Yoshida's 62nd-minute dismissal.
Exiled Iran coach aims for historic goal
But Japan battled back as Shinji Kagawa equalized with 20 minutes to play, and the striker was also involved when Inoha scored at the death.
Qatar took the lead in the 12th minute when Uruguay-born striker Sebastian Soria beat the offside trap, cut inside past defender Inoha and fired past goalkeeper Eiji Kawashima.
Japan, the second-highest ranked team at the 16-team tournament behind fellow 2010 World Cup qualifiers Australia, leveled in the 28th minute through Kagawa.
The 21-year-old, who plays for German league leaders Borussia Dortmund, headed home a cross by Shinji Okazaki as the teams went to the break on equal terms.
But that balance of power was disrupted 17 minutes after halftime when Yoshida fouled Yusef Ahmed on the edge of the penalty area and Cesar curled in a low effort from the resulting freekick.
However, Kagawa claimed his second as he went past Mesaad Ali and beat goalkeeper Qasem Burhan, then his late burst into the box resulted in the ball running free to fullback Inoha for the goal that put Japan through.
Qatar coach Bruno Metsu said he would let his players recharge before the beginning of qualifiers for the 2014 World Cup in June.
"We will use the time to let the players rest and raise their morale, because they were disappointed to lose. We can be proud of how we played," the Frenchman said.
"We frightened them and we were very skilful. We have shown the whole world that Qatar is a strong team. We showed that we can play good football, although we still made mistakes and we conceded goals because of these mistakes."
Group A winners Uzbekistan beat Group B runners-up Jordan 2-1 in Friday's second quarterfinal in front of 16,000 fans at Doha's 40,000-capacity Khalifa Stadium.
Uzbekistan will next face either Australia or defending champions Iraq after reaching the semis for the first time, having made it to the last eight in 2004 and 2007.
After a goalless first half, the "White Wolves" scored twice in two minutes after the break as striker Ulugbek Bakaev netted on 47 and 49.
The 32-year-old, who played for Russain club CSKA Moscow earlier in his career, broke the deadlock with a header from captain Server Djeparov's free-kick and then stole in at the near post to convert a low cross.
Jordan, also seeking to reach the semifinals for the first time, hit back through Bashar Bani Yaseen in the 57th minute when the defender pounced on a loose ball to score from close range

Packers and Steelers to face off in Super Bowl XLV

2011-01-24T02:43:00.001-08:00

Packers and Steelers to face off in Super Bowl XLV

January 24, 2011 -- Updated 1014 GMT (1814 HKT)

Green Bay quarterback Aaron Rodgers celebrates as his team reach the Super Bowl for the first time in 13 years.

STORY HIGHLIGHTS

Green Bay Packers and Pittsburgh Steelers reach Super Bowl XLV
The Packers see off old rivals Chicago Bears 21-14 in NFC championship game
Pittsburgh beat New York Jets 24-19 to claim AFC title
Dallas hosts NFL's showpiece game on Sunday February 6

(CNN) -- The Green Bay Packers and Pittsburgh Steelers will contest Super Bowl XLV after securing narrow victories in the NFC and AFC championship games Sunday night.
The Packers beat the Chicago Bears 21-14 to claim the NFC title, with the Steelers joining them in grid-iron's showpiece game with a later 24-19 defeat of the New York Jets to claim the AFC honors.
The pair will meet at the Dallas Cowboys Stadium in Texas on Sunday February 6 with the Packers playing their first Super Bowl in 13 years.
"This is a dream come true, incredible feeling. I am at a loss for words," Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers told the official NFL website.

This is a dream come true, incredible feeling. I am at a loss for words
--Aaron Rodgers

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Rodgers scored a touchdown on the first drive of the game and B.J. Raji later crossed on a 18-yard interception return to put Green Bay 21-7 ahead.
Chicago's starting quarterback Jay Cutler struggled to make any impression as he was hampered by a knee injury.
Third string Caleb Hanie took up the mantle and set up Chester Taylor for their first touchdown, but it was his mistake that allowed lineman Raji to lumber into the endzone.
Hanie then picked out Earl Bennett to cut Green Bay's lead to seven points with nearly five minutes left on the clock, but he was again intercepted and the Packers held on.
The Steelers, inspired by quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, later sealed their third visit to the Super Bowl in eight years and eighth overall, but like the Packers had to survive nervous late moments.
Rashard Mendenhall, who ran for 121 yards, scored their opening touchdown with Roethlisberger and William Gay also crossing as they built a 24-0 lead.
The Jets battled back behind their star quarterback Mark Sanchez, who threw a pair of second half touchdown passes, the latter to Jerricho Cotchery that pulled them to 24-19 with just over three minutes left.

But Roethlisberger made sure the Steelers kept their lead as he connected with Heath Miller and Antonio Brown to seal a memorable victory.

Sehwag, Dhoni are India's game changers: Harbhajan

2011-01-24T02:39:00.000-08:00

Sehwag, Dhoni are India's game changers: Harbhajan

2011-01-20 19:24:22

Win a chance to watch all India World Cup matches LIVE. Enter Now!

Mumbai: Feisty off-spinner Harbhajan Singh has named dashing teammate Virender Sehwag and captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni as the two major game changers in the Indian squad due to their ability to dominate the opposition bowlers and hitting the ball with power.

"There are a number of players in our team who have the ability to change the game. Virender Sehwag is one of them. Every time he is batting we know that he will dominate all the bowlers. He has changed the game for us during difficult situations," Harbhajan has been quoted as saying by a media release.

India look to seal the series in fourth ODI

"Another game changer for us is MS Dhoni who has got his own technique. He has a lot of power to hit the ball all around the field. These are the two guys who are the big game changers in our team," said the off-spinner for Pepsi's "Change the Game" campaign ahead of the upcoming World Cup.

Harbhajan also mentioned Pakistan off-spinner Saqlain Mushtaq as his inspiration for developing his "Doosra" that had helped him snare many a victim in his career.

"When I was a kid and used to practice in Chandigarh, I used to see Saqlain Mustaq who bowled a lot of Doosras. I keenly observed him and came up with my own ideas and thoughts to perfect the ball.

"I practiced hard along with my colleague, Arun Verma, a wicketkeeper, to apply my own technique and understanding to it. It took a lot of hard-work, dedication and time to develop this wicket taking ball. I mastered bowling the Doosra after over two years of practice and continue to do so," said the slow bowler who has two Test tons under his belt.

The fighting cricketer also recalled his successes with this type of delivery in which the off break bowler turns the ball the other way, especially his memorable hat-trick against Australia in the second Test in March 2001 at the Eden Gardens which India won after following on.

"I remember a lot of games where 'Doosra' has changed the game for not just me but for India. I remember a game in Kolkata where we were playing against Australia and they were hammering all our bowlers. I suddenly bowled one 'Doosra' to Ricky Ponting and got him out LBW.

Yusuf is going to be regarded as a game-changer: Gavaskar

"I went on to take my first hat trick (Ponting, Adam Gilchrist and Shane Warne) for India in that match. That was surely a game changer at that particular time," said the 30-year-old bowler, who is seven short of grabbing 400 wickets in Test cricket.

Harbhajan also commented on the changes seen in the game of cricket over the years while talking about the game changers that he admired.

"The game has changed dramatically over time. There are a lot of different and innovative shots played by the batsmen nowadays. It can be a nightmare for the bowlers as a batsman can hit the ball anywhere," he said

Dhoni, Sehwag to wear body paint to promote sponsor

2011-01-24T02:38:00.000-08:00

Dhoni, Sehwag to wear body paint to promote sponsor

2011-01-12 15:14:50

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Dhoni_Sehwag

Mumbai: India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni and dashing opener Virender Sehwag will sport body paints as part of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 campaign by soft drink manufacturer Pepsi.

Feisty off-spinner Harbhajan Singh, batsmen Suresh Raina and Virat Kohli would also be part of the soon-to-be-launched campaign for the mega event, a media release said on Wednesday.

Pepsi is one of the global sponsors for the World Cup 2011, commencing on February 19 and the body paint campaign is an attempt to bring alive the passion that these cricketers have for their game, the release said.

"With our innovative Cricket World Cup campaign we wanted to reflect the same fervour and energy that the fans and the players have. And what can be more passionate than wearing it on your body?," Sandeep Singh Arora, Pepsico India's Executive vice-president (Marketing), said

Former Pakistan players slam Afridi

2011-01-24T02:36:00.000-08:00

Former Pakistan players slam Afridi

2011-01-23 20:11:12

Be part of Pepsi Change the Game 11 & watch World Cup matches live Pepsichangethegame.com

â€‹KARACHI: Former Pakistan players have come down heavily on skipper Shahid Afridi after the team's embarrassing defeat in the first one-dayer against New Zealand in Wellington.

The series holds significance as it precedes next month's World Cup in the sub-continent and, if sources are to be believed, a group of former players are not too keen on Afridi leading the side in the mega event.

Afridi's post-match comments on Shoaib Akhtar and the batsmen left some of the former players like Aamir Sohail, Abdul Qadir and Zaheer Abbas surprised.

Yousuf fined and banned in Pakistan tourney

"How can a captain demand of his players to perform when he himself is not performing well," Qadir, a former chief selector, said.

"Afridi himself got out to a totally irresponsible shot and, before criticising others, he needs to first assess his own performances. I don't think players would like his critical remarks after the match," he said.

Sohail said the big defeat was a setback ahead of the World Cup.

"It is not the ideal preparation for such a major event and the team management needs to rethink its strategy and have a talk with the players," the former captain said.

Abbas, however, felt it's still early days in the series and a comeback cannot be ruled out.

"It is too premature to rule them out. There are five matches left and I think we have a strong one-day side that can win the series," he said.

One of the most elegant batsmen of his time, Abbas though agreed that the players, particularly Afridi, needed to show more responsibility.

"They must learn to adapt and adjust to all conditions; a seaming pitch is no excuse for such a shambolic batting display against a weak bowling attack," Abbas said.

Former opener Nazar said that he was concerned with the body language of the players in the first match.

"I don't know but I got a feeling the heads were down and the enthusiasm was missing from the team.

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"Perhaps the board has also added to the uncertainty in the team by holding back on announcing a captain for the World Cup. All other teams have done it, why can't we do it in a proper manner," Nazar said.

Nawaz called for better display from senior players Afridi and Abdul Razzaq.

"Kamran (Akmal) got out in frustration while Afridi and Razzaq didn't apply themselves which is not acceptable. Afridi is the captain and must lead by example. He can't keep getting out in irresponsible manner," Sarfaraz said.

According to sources, the board is also not too happy with Waqar Younis's recent statements on captaincy, and is awaiting a reply from the former pacer on the notice sent to him

Pathan's heroics go in vain, India lose ODI series

2011-01-24T02:34:00.001-08:00

Pathan's heroics go in vain, India lose ODI series

Centurion: Yusuf Pathan struck a savage knock of 105 off 70 balls to give India a late hope but finally perished as the visitors lost by 33 runs to South Africa in a rain-curtailed fifth ODI and with it the closely-fought series 2-3 here Sunday.

Chasing 268 for victory as per Duckworth-Lewis calculations, India had all but lost the match at 119/8, but there was a final twist in the tale like it has been throughout the gruelling tour

Federer labours, Schiavone wins longest match

2011-01-24T02:33:00.000-08:00

Federer labours, Schiavone wins longest match

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MELBOURNE: Roger Federer made hard work of reaching his 27th consecutive grand slam quarter-final at the Australian Open on Sunday but it looked like a short shift after Francesca Schiavone's titanic tussle with Svetlana Kuznetsova.

French Open champion Schiavone took a gruelling four hours and 44 minutes to edge her Russian friend 6-4 1-6 16-14 in a Hisense Arena thriller and claim a place in the last eight after the longest women's grand slam singles match in the modern era.

Maria Sharapova would happily have played on longer in her fourth round match against Andrea Petkovic but the in-form German sent the former champion and world number one tumbling out of Melbourne Park 6-2 6-3 in just 79 minutes.
Text: Reuters
Images: AP

In Image: Switzerland's Roger Federer, left, shakes hands with Spain's Tommy Robredo after winning his fourth round match at the Australian Open

Second seed Zvonareva sweeps into quarter-finals

2011-01-24T02:31:00.000-08:00

Second seed Zvonareva sweeps into quarter-finals

2011-01-24 10:30:52

Russia's Vera Zvonareva returns the ball to Denmark's Caroline Wozniacki du...

Melbourne: Second seed Vera Zvonareva continued her quest for a first grand slam title with a commanding 6-4 6-1 victory over unseeded Czech Iveta Benesova to reach the quarter-finals of the Australian Open on Monday.

The Russian, who has lost in the finals of the last two grand slams at Wimbledon and the U.S. Open, sealed the victory on her second match point with a thumping forehand crosscourt winner.

The 26-year-old Muscovite started slowly and had to recover from two service breaks in the first set but stepped up her pace to end up a convincing winner over Benesova.

Zvonareva will face another Czech, Petra Kvitova, in the last eight as she looks to seal a place in the Melbourne Park semi-finals for the second time

In-form Kvitova grinds down Pennetta to make quarters

2011-01-24T02:29:00.001-08:00

In-form Kvitova grinds down Pennetta to make quarters

2011-01-24 09:29:21
Last Updated: 2011-01-24 14:34:47

Petra Kvitova of the Czech Republic watches her return to Serena Williams o...

Melbourne: Czech Petra Kvitova plays with her flaxen hair and flashes an awkward smile when asked about her giant-killing exploits at grand slams, but behind the shy demeanour and mouthful of braces are nerves of steel and a fierce desire to win.

The 20-year-old advanced to the quarter-finals of the Australian Open on Monday, grinding down Italian former top-10 player Flavia Pennetta 3-6 6-3 6-3 to notch her ninth consecutive victory.

That followed her humbling of local hope Sam Stosur, where she calmly silenced a parochial crowd at Rod Laver Arena's centre court and earned a congratulatory call from childhood idol Martina Navratilova.

"I met her yesterday and she said congrats, so it was nice to hear that from her," 25th-seeded Kvitova told Reuters in an interview at a player's lounge.

Second seed Zvonareva sweeps into quarter-finals

"She told me to keep going, and 'you can do it!'"

While the visit from the 18-times grand slam singles champion was appreciated, Kvitova wants to carve out her own place in the history books.

"When I was growing up she was my hero, but now I just want to play my own game," said the lanky six-footer, who caused a major shock last year when she reached the semi-finals of Wimbledon when ranked 62nd.

Kvitova is the second youngest player left in the draw at Melbourne Park behind top seed Caroline Wozniacki, who she thrashed at Wimbledon on the way to a gallant defeat by Serena Williams.

On her Wimbledon run she nervelessly saved five match points against Estonia's Kaia Kanepi in the quarter-finals.

"I'm not thinking about when my opponent has a match point, I'm just thinking that it's another point," she said.

Kvitova will face Vera Zvonareva in the quarter-finals at Melbourne Park, and said she would rather read a book or watch a comedy movie than study videos of the world number two.

She feels little need to change things for the Russian given that her game has delivered nine successive wins, including the warm-up Brisbane International earlier this month where she beat fellow quarter-finalist Andrea Petkovic of Germany.

"She's got that game to make it in the big tournaments," said Petkovic, seeded 30th here. "When she's on fire it's tough to get in the match. She serves well and she's a leftie, which is really tough."

Australian Open

Having collected A$210,000 ($208,000) for her efforts so far, Kvitova has her sights set on buying a second house in the Czech Republic where her Wimbledon exploits have thrust her reluctantly into the limelight.

"Of course, I became a little bit famous in the Czech (Republic), but I don't know if I'm changed after this," she said, twirling a lock of her hair. "I just want to be myself and nothing special."

Top 'Dolg' shoots down Soderling

2011-01-24T02:28:00.000-08:00

Top 'Dolg' shoots down Soderling

2011-01-24 09:58:07
Last Updated: 2011-01-24 10:55:17

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Melbourne: Ukrainian Alexandr Dolgopolov produced a stunning five-set upset over fourth seed Robin Soderling to reach the Australian Open quarter-finals on Monday.

The pony-tailed Dolgopolov completed a shock 1-6 6-3 6-1 4-6 6-2 win in Melbourne with a heavily whipped forehand to become only the second man from his country to reach the last eight of a grand slam.

Swede Soderling, French Open runner-up the past two years, took a medical timeout in the fourth set to treat blisters on his foot before going on to level a cliff-hanger fourth round match.

However, he was quickly staring down the barrel in the deciding set, Dolgopolov drilling another big forehand past the Swede to break for 3-1.

The 23-year-old was making only his fourth grand slam appearance but held his nerve to record his first win over a top 10 player and the biggest upset of the year's first major so far.

Murray through to Australian Open quarterfinals

2011-01-24T02:26:00.000-08:00

Murray through to Australian Open quarterfinals

2011-01-24 11:41:52

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Britain's Andy Murray plays a return to Spain's Rafael Nadal , during a sem...

Melbourne: A red-hot Andy Murray destroyed Austria's Juergen Melzer 6-3, 6-1, 6-1 to reach the Australian Open quarterfinals on Monday, firing an emphatic title warning with a performance of pure class.

The Briton, who lost to Roger Federer in last year's Melbourne final, produced arguably the best tennis of the tournament so far to see off Melzer in an hour and 44 minutes.

Fifth seed Murray had Melzer screaming furiously at himself, the 11th seed hurling his racquet to the court as the Scot powered into a two-set lead.

Murray capped an awesome display on a sun-baked Rod Laver Arena with his 13th ace to suggest he can finally end his wait for a first grand slam title

Paes-Bhupathi in Australian Open quarterfinals

2011-01-24T02:24:00.001-08:00

Paes-Bhupathi in Australian Open quarterfinals

2011-01-24 12:01:58

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Paes and Bhupathi stormed into the quarterfinal with a facile straight set ...

Melbourne: India's Leander Paes and Mahesh Bhupathi moved into the men's doubles quarterfinals of the Australian Open tennis tournament here Monday.

The third-seeded Paes and Bhupathi won 6-4, 4-6, 6-4 against the 13th seeded Spanish duo of Tommy Robredo and Marcell Granollers in the third round.

In the quarterfinals, the Indian duo will face the winner of the match between Indo-Pak pair of Rohan Bopanna and Aisam ul haq Qureshi and France's Micheal Lodra and Nenad Zimonjic of Serbia

Dhoni blames batting woes

2011-01-24T02:23:00.001-08:00

Dhoni blames batting woes

2011-01-24 09:25:53

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Centurion: Mahendra Singh Dhoni has blamed his team's fragile batting for the one-day series defeat in South Africa.

India, set 268 to win in 46 overs, lost the final one-day match by 33 runs after crashing to 119 for eight at Centurion on Sunday, losing the series 3-2 after being 2-1 ahead.

"The batting department has not been good in these one-day internationals and that was the main reason we lost the series," Dhoni told reporters. "We should have got 268 today.

"Batting has been a difficult task in this series, you want to take the opposition on, but then you can lose wickets. We weren't really able to see a prolonged slog because of the wickets that had been lost.

Series a big lesson for batsmen before World Cup: Dhoni

Dhoni said some of his batsmen had not had enough quality practice sessions.

"But they are experienced players and, playing 30-35 ODIs a year, they are used to handling up-and-down form. So I'm hopeful it won't be the same at the World Cup."

Yusuf Pathan blazed 105 off 70 balls for India and Dhoni said he was confident India would be able to chase down any total at the World Cup.

Second seed Zvonareva sweeps into quarter-finals

2011-01-24T02:21:00.001-08:00

Second seed Zvonareva sweeps into quarter-finals

2011-01-24 10:30:52

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Russia's Vera Zvonareva returns the ball to Denmark's Caroline Wozniacki du...