Gosling knocks Liverpool out of FA Cup

LONDON: Teenager Dan Gosling was Everton's hero as they knocked city rivals Liverpool out of the FA Cup with a 1-0 extra-time fourth round replay win at Goodison Park on Wednesday.

There were only two minutes of extra-time remaining when Gosling, who only turned 19 on Monday, curled the ball past Pepe Reina to end the interest of Liverpool, currently second in the Premier League, in this season's FA Cup.

A miserable night for Liverpool was made worse by the sight of inspirational captain Steven Gerrard going off in the first-half with what appeared to be a hamstring injury while Lucas was later sent-off for a second bookable offence.

Everton, sixth in the top-flight, will face Aston Villa in the last 16 after the team fourth in the Premier League beat Championship side Doncaster 3-1 in a fourth round replay earlier Wednesday.

South Africa's Benni McCarthy was Blackburn's hero as they on with just two minutes of extra-time remaining in their 2-1 all Premier League replay victory over Sunderland. Blackburn now face 1987 Cup winners Coventry in the fifth round.

In another replay, Derby came from 2-0 down to beat East Midlands rivals Nottingham Forest 3-2 and so secure a glamour fifth round tie at home to English, European and world champions Manchester United.

At Goodison, the first-half was notable only for the sight of inspirational Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard limping off with what appeared to be a hamstring injury. Leon Osman with 20 minutes left in the match, had a chance to win the tie for Everton but his close-range shot hit the near post.

Villa scored twice in the space of four minutes against Championship strugglers Doncaster. Steve Sidwell put them ahead in the 15th minute when he followed up after Neil Sullivan blocked Craig Gardner's initial shot.

Former Wimbledon keeper Suliivan was then left stranded when Norway striker John Carew's 20-yard shot took a deflection and looped into the net. But Doncaster hit back on the stroke of half-time when Jason Price's miscued shot beat Brad Guzan in the Villa goal. However, Nathan Delfouneso settled the hosts' nerves by making it 3-1 with a header from Nicky Shorey's cross.

Sunderland took the lead when David Healy was ruled onside before beating Paul Robinson in the seventh minute. But South Africa defender Aaron Mokoena drew Blackburn level before half-time with a spectacular 25-yard strike before his compatriot McCarthy headed home the decisive goal.

A see-saw match at the City ground saw Forest build an early lead. Chris Cohen put the hosts in front in the second minute with a powerful shot before Nathan Tyson made it 2-0 from the penalty spot 12 minutes later after being brought down by Derby keeper Stephen Bywater, who avoided a red card.

But Derby, managed by former Forest favourite Nigel Clough, got back into the game before the break with a powerful Rob Hulse header.

And Clough, whose late manager father Brian won the English title with both clubs back in the 1970s, saw Paul Green draw Derby level on the hour mark before Kris Commons put the Rams in front against his old club.

The fifth round ties will be played on the weekend of February 14 with Arsenal's delayed fourth round replay at the Emirates against Cardiff taking place on February 16.

Source: http://sports.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Gosling_knocks_Liverpool_out_of_FA_Cup/articleshow/4078490.cms

Tendulkar, Zaheer rested as India elect to bat

Colombo: India rested Sachin Tendulkar and Zaheer Khan as captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni won the toss and elected to bat in the fourth one-day international at the SSC stadium on Thursday.

India have already clinched the five-match series 3-0 after handing a 147-run defeat to Sri Lanka in the third ODI.

India had already made it clear they would test their reserves in the next two fixtures and Irfan Pathan and Rohit Sharma got a look-in. Sri Lanka, on the other hand, benched Ajantha Mendis after his ordinary showing in the first three games, giving a chance to Angelo Mathews.

Teams:
India: Mahendra Singh Dhoni (captain), Virender Sehwag, Gautam Gambhir, Suresh Raina, Yuvraj Singh, Rohit Sharma, Yusuf Pathan, Irfan Pathan, Praveen Kumar, Pragyan Ojha, Ishant Sharma.

Sri Lanka: Mahela Jayawardene (captain), Sanath Jayasuriya, Tillekaratne Dilshan, Kumar Sangakkara, Chamara Kapugedera, Thilina Kandamby, Farveez Maharoof, Nuwan Kulasekera, Angelo Mathews, Muttiah Muralitharan, Dilhara Fernando.

Source: http://cricketnext.in.com/news/tendulkar-zaheer-rested-as-india-elect-to-bat/38006-13.html

Michael Clarke pulls out of IPL

Michael Clarke, the Australian vice-captain, has pulled out of this year's Indian Premier League citing a hectic international schedule as his reason. Michael Clarke's base price was set at USD 1 million, the second highest after Kevin Pietersen.

Australia are currently playing New Zealand in a 5-match ODI series following which they will head to South Africa for a 2-month long tour. With an ODI series against Pakistan before the Ashes, Australian players would only have a two-week window to participate in the tournament.

"Speaking with my management, my family, my fiancee and the hierarchy of the IPL and for me this year I won't be going to the IPL," Clarke said.

"There's probably a number of reasons but the most important thing for me is we've only got a couple of weeks off, we've got a really busy schedule and I just think for where I'm at with my body and that time at home it's valuable for me."

"I'd love to take part in it one day. It's just about finding the right time for me to be a part of it."

"There's obviously a lot of great things about the IPL and that's why I say I certainly want to be a part of it at some stage. Every player is in a different position as well but for me - mentally, physically where I am - I just think those two weeks at home will be great for me to come home and see family and friends."

Asked whether he was surprised that so many Australians were taking part in the IPL, Clarke said that the tournament had its positives and it was a matter of personal choice.

"I think it's a wonderful thing for cricket. It's definitely improved Twenty20 cricket, certainly played a part in improving one-day cricket and the lead-up to the Twenty20 World Championship is the IPL, so it's pretty good preparation."

"It doesn't surprise me so many guys are going there. It's just a personal choice at this stage."

Clarke joins teammate Mitchell Johnson and England paceman Stuart Broad, both of whom also opted out of the Twenty20 tournament, keeping in mind the hectic international commitments.

Clarke was not part of the first edition of the IPL either after he wished to spend time with his family and his fiancee's ailing father.

Soruce: http://www.cricbuzz.com/component/latest_cricket_news/Story/10207/michael-clarke-pulls-out-of-ipl/

Zimbabwe complete 5-0 series annihilation of Kenya

Zimbabwe completed a 5-0 series clean sweep over Kenya on Wednesday, winning the fifth and final match by seven wickets at the Nairobi Gymkhana club.

Zimbabwe, propped up by an unbeaten third-wicket partnership of opener Hamilton Masakadza (84) and Sean Williams (63) easily surpassed their target with 15 overs to spare.

In a match dominated by seamers, Graeme Cremer claimed a career best 4-31 as Kenya were reduced to a paltry 199 after winning the toss.

Raymond Price and Masakadza weighed in with two apiece.

Kenyan all-rounder Collins Obuya was the Kenyan batsman to defy the Zimbabwean seam attack when he posted 75 off 108 balls. But it was all futile as the wickets fell around him.

Kenyan coach Andy Kirsten put a brave face on the series whitewash but he

knows there is growing pressure on his team to perform ahead of the 2011 World Cup qualifiers in South Africa.

"Today's result for us was very disappointing. Right now I am very disappointed. But when I look at the five matches as a whole, Zimbabwe came here as a very good outfit from their tour of Sri Lanka and quite simply outplayed us," said Kirsten.

"However before the start of today's game - after four matches- if things had gone our way a little bit here and there at the early stages of the first two matches, it could have been two each instead of 4-0 down,"he added.

"But I am looking at the positives. There were times in this series where we did compete very well but unfortunately we couldn't put it together at the vital stages."

"We will take a big learning curve out of these matches, and hopeful put those areas where we need to really fix up quite radically in place we get to South Africa."

Kenya will travel to South Africa later this month on an eight-day tour to play four warm-up matches.

Source: http://www.cricbuzz.com/component/latest_cricket_news/Story/10189/zimbabwe-complete-5-0-series-annihilation-of-kenya/

Pietersen saves England on Strauss's first day

KINGSTON (Reuters) - There was every side of Kevin Pietersen in his innings of 97 on the first day of the first test against West Indies at Sabina Park on Wednesday.

There was talent and desire, there was application, skill and patience, and in the end there was a burst of spectacular hitting leading to a rash dismissal.

Pietersen has been in the headlines over the past month as a result of his bitter dispute with the former coach Peter Moores -- which led to his resignation and Moores' sacking -- and he was glad to be back to talking about runs rather than rows.

"I love scoring runs and I love playing for England," he said. "If someone had said to me a month ago when everything was kicking off in England that I'd get 97 today I would have said 'thank you very much'."

On the first day of Andrew Strauss's captaincy, Pietersen rescued England from a poor start of 94-4, built a classy innings and then threw away the chance of a century when he tried to hit Sulieman Benn for six having taken him for 14 in the previous three balls.

"It's the way I play, I got to 97 playing that way so it just wasn't meant to be. No drama," Pietersen said after England closed at 236-5.

In truth, though, Pietersen had played with an uncharacteristic caution on a slow track.

"On that wicket you have to play situations and I think that's what I've done over the last few years instead of going out there and being dominant," he said.

"I tried to be, but I wasn't as forceful as dominant as I could have been on that wicket. I don't like to block all day."

The days when West Indian wickets were rock hard and dangerous for batsmen facing a wave of short-pitched pace bowling have long since gone, but it was still an unusual sight to have two spinners in operation on the first day of a test.

"It was tricky, it's a tricky situation but then you come to the West Indies expecting a barrage so to be facing spin from both ends is not a bad thing," said Pietersen.

In Monty Panesar, England have a spin-bowling threat of their own and Pietersen expects him to have an influential role in the outcome of the test.

"Monty is going to play a huge role in the game," he said. "The way he has been bowling in the last couple weeks, the new Monty Panesar, it's all good signs.

"Monty is bowling fantastically well, in the last few weeks he has impressed me.

"He was under pressure in India and maybe over the last six months he hasn't bowled as well as he could do. But I've had some long chats with Monty and he's in a real good place which is great".

Soruce: http://www.cricbuzz.com/component/latest_cricket_news/

Sachin yet again

Colombo, Feb 3: For the third time in a row, Sachin Tendulkar was today done in by poor umpiring in the current one-day cricket series against Sri Lanka, being declared leg before wicket in yet another dubious decision.Tendulkar was declared leg-before in the first ODI in Dambulla when the ball was clearly pitched outside the leg stump, he fell LBW against in the second ODI when the ball was missing the leg stump and was again ruled leg-before by Sri Lankan umpire Gamini Silva today when the ball was going down the leg side by an even wider margin. The three umpiring errors have meant that Tendulkar has made scores of 5, 6 and 7 in the series so far.True to his character, Tendulkar has not shown any dissent although his disappointment was palpable.India’s coach Gary Kirsten was seen shaking his head in disbelief after watching television replays of Tendulkar’s dismissal in the dressing room. The champion batsman, who had been in excellent form in the recent series against Australia and England, suddenly finds himself going through a lean patch for no fault of his. (PTI)

Singh, Indu Bhagat winners in amateur golf

Singh, Indu Bhagat winners in amateur golf: The 31st All Assam Amateur Golf Championship from January 30- February 1 in the picturesque Digboi Golf Course was well attended by more than 180 golfers from Asom and neighbouring States. The overall winner was 19 year old Surya Vijay Singh with a final score of 4 under par. The overall lady winner was Indu Bhagat.In the ladies category the winners were Indu Bhagat, Ritamoni Hazarika, Dr Jyoti Bora, Pronita Sarmah and Rukshana Khan. The winners in the 19-30 category were Lt Col J Dhiya, Jishu Rakshit, Master A Kholi, Sumit Singh Bhamprah, H Bhattacharjee, HN Shah, Dr Mukul Dutta, and D Nicholus. In the 13-18 category the winners were Akid Zaman, Nipon Kachari, Pankaj Deka, Col N S Chawhan, K J Baruah, Satya S Saikia, D P Prasad, R Badoni, Manash Baruah, RV Singh, TU Ahmed, A Talukdar, S Agarwal, and M Takuldar. The winners in the 0-12 category were SV Singh, Utpal Deka, VK Singh, Anurag Neog, GK Goyari, Surajit Goswami, Haseem Ahmed, S M Hussain, Mridul Shyam, Roop Chakraborty, Sunil Phukan, Sq Ldr N Rana, Arvind Daga, Puna Borgohain, S N Chowdhary, and Sq Ldr N Bhandari. (Staff Correspondent, Dibrugarh)

India stun Germany in Punjab Gold Cup hockey

CHANDIGARH: After the 4-4 draw against the Netherlands on Sunday, India coach in-charge Harendra Singh had said that not earning a single penalty corner had cost them a win. On Tuesday, he was a happy man following India's 2-0 triumph over world and Olympic champions Germany in their final match of the first leg of the four-nation Punjab Gold Cup.

Reason: India earned two penalty corners in the match and scored in both.

However, the person whose stellar performance ensured that India go into the second leg with their morale high was man of the match Baljit Singh, who pulled off five stunning saves to fashion India's first victory over Germany after 2004.

The match started on a wrong note for India, as in-form striker Shivender Singh had to be stretchered off the field in the very first minute following a nasty collision with a German midfielder. However, the jolt didn't bog down the Indians, as they earned a penalty corner two minutes later.

After Rajpal Singh's push wasn't stopped cleanly, the ball went to an unmarked Dilip Tirkey — the highest capped player in the world — who hit a sizzling shot that beat German goalie Max Weinhold all ends up.

After conceding an early goal, the German squad pressed hard to restore parity and earned as many as seven penalty corners (7th, 14th, 15th, 20th, 22nd, 23rd, 34th). However, the man who rose to the occasion and denied the Germans from equalizing was India custodian Baljit Singh. The local lad came up with stunning saves to ensure India went into the breather keeping the lead intact.

With each of Baljit's saves cheered by a vociferous crowd, the Indians also staged couple of counter-attacks, but were denied by an alert German defence.

If Germany dominated the first half, it was the home side which took control of the proceedings after the breather. They came tantalizingly close to increasing the lead in the 49th minute when Vikram Pillay's rasping shot from the top of the striking zone missed the goal by a whisker. However, the orchestrated build-ups by Rajpal, Arjun Halppa and Vikram did yield result in the 53rd minute when India earned their second short corner.

After Weinhold blocked skipper Sandeep Singh's drag flick, an alert Prabhjot Singh sent home the rebound with a splendid reverse flick.

After having an ordinary first half, Vikram pulled up his socks and played superbly in the second. Besides playing a key role in the midfield, he also thwarted quite a few German attacks around the Indian striking zone.

Source: http://sports.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/India_stun_Germany_in_Punjab_Gold_Cup_hockey/articleshow/4071451.cms

Trust in Me" says Arsenal recruit Arshavin

LONDON: Arsenal's new signing Andrei Arshavin had a message for the Gunners' fans as he set off on his new career at the Emirates Stadium: "Trust in me and Arsenal."

Arshavin, who hopes to help bring silverware to the Arsenal sideboard after some barren years, also said it had been a "dream move" and told Sky television cameras he been a "Gooner," or Arsenal supporter, for some time.

Arsenal confirmed that the Russian playmaker had signed for the Premier League side on a "long-term" contract, believed to be three-and-a-half years.

The London club agreed a deal for the player with his former club, Zenit St Petersburg, just minutes before Monday's transfer deadline and had to wait until Tuesday for the move to be ratified by the Premier League.

Arsenal have not yet released information about Arshavin's fee, but it is believed to be around 15 million pounds.

The club have not won a major competition since they triumphed over Manchester United in the FA Cup final in 2005, one year after they went unbeaten to claim the Premier League title.

The 27-year-old is adamant that he has joined one of the best clubs in the world and is sure he can help add silverware to the Gunners trophy cabinet.

The Russian revealed the prospect of playing under manager Arsene Wenger was one of many reasons why he had his heart set on the move.

Arshavin had been linked with a move to Barcelona after he shot to fame following his outstanding performances during Euro 2008, but the Russian said he was happy to join the Gunners, thanks partly due to Wenger.

Arshavin told Arsenal TV: "I moved because I like the Arsenal style, Wenger as a coach and I like some of their players."

The club are thought to have been locked in negotiations with Zenit over the switch since the transfer window re-opened.

"I followed each game and from the moment when I met Arsene Wenger," he added. "He told me every time I talked to him, he said: 'I want you to come to Arsenal.' He had confidence in me."

When asked if he had a message to the Arsenal fans, the 2006 Russian Footballer of the Year answered: "Trust in me and Arsenal."

Source: http://sports.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/eplarticleshow/4073291.cms

Phelps could face criminal charges: Report

RALEIGH (North Carolina): Record-breaking Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps could face criminal charges following the publication of a photograph purpor tedly showing him smoking marijuana, The State newspaper of Columbia, South Carolina reported on Tuesday.

A South Carolina law enforcement official said he would charge Phelps if he could prove the US Olympian smoked marijuana in his county.

"This case is no different than any other case," Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott told The State.

Lott's comments come after a British newspaper published a photograph purportedly showing Phelps smoking marijuana at a party being held by students at the University of South Carolina in Columbia in November.

Columbia, the South Carolina state capital, is located in Richland County.

"This one might be a lot easier since we have photographs of someone using drugs and a partial confession. It's a relatively easy case once we can determine where the crime occurred."

Phelps apologised on Sunday after publication of the photograph by the News of the World, calling his behaviour "inappropriate."

Both the University of South Carolina and Columbia police departments have said they would not pursue charges against Phelps, The State said.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) said it accepted his apology and US officials said the news was disappointing but stressed that smoking marijuana out of competition was not an anti-doping matter.

Possession of marijuana is a misdemeanour in South Carolina, punishable by up to 30 days in jail or a $570 fine, plus court costs, The State reported.

Source: http://sports.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Phelps_could_face_criminal_charges_Report/articleshow/4074308.cms

Not touring SA in best interest of Symo: CA

Melbourne: Cricket Australia on Wednesday justified its decision of not considering Andrew Symonds for the tour of Australia, saying that it was in the "best interest" of the controversial all-rounder.

"It is a tough stance but an appropriate stance in the circumstances," said CA chief executive James Sutherland.

"It can be looked at as a sanction but I would prefer to look at this as a decision in the best interests of Andrew Symonds as well. He will benefit from some concentrated counselling over this period before he goes on tour again with the Australian cricket team," he was quoted as saying in the local media.

Sutherland said the 33-year-old Symonds, who is undergoing rehabilitation, was in fact thankful to have escaped the sack, after his latest remarks to New Zealand wicketkeeper Brendon McCullum.

Symonds was fined $4000 for describing McCullum as "a lump of sh.." during a radio interview with comedians Roy and HG, during which the cricketer sounded as if he had been drinking.

"Whilst he is disappointed that he is not able to be selected for the South Africa tour, he is at the same time grateful that he is still a contracted Cricket Australia player," Sutherland said.

The CA Chief Executive hinted that Symonds's career will go on the line again before the ODI series against Pakistan in April, around the time the next round of CA contracts is announced.

Source: http://cricketnext.in.com/news/not-touring-sa-in-best-interest-of-symo-ca/37972-13.html

Dhoni to be bestowed with Youth Icon award

Ranchi: Indian captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni's alma mater St Xavier's College will confer its famous student with its first 'Youth Icon' award during the institute's three-day carnival begining on February 5.

"This will be the first-ever award being conferred to any student in the college's 49-year-old history to encourage all the students to show their prowess," college dean Jayant Sinha said here on Tuesday.

"We are trying to contact Dhoni's family to receive the award on his behalf," he said.

Dhoni is presently leading Team India against Sri Lanka in the one-day series.

Dhoni had last year enrolled himself in the college to complete his degree course in office management.

Source: http://cricketnext.in.com/news/dhoni-to-be-bestowed-with-youth-icon-award/37963-13.html

India to field reserves in search of record win

Colombo: Having clinched the five-match series by taking an unassailable 3-0 lead, India will try out some of their reserve players when they take on Sri Lanka in an inconsequential fourth one-dayer here on Thursday, seeking to notch up a record-breaking ninth consecutive win.

Although the visitors would ideally like to make a clean sweep of the series, giving an opportunity to the bench players will be their priority in the remaining two games.

Everything has gone well for Mahendra Singh Dhoni and his men in the series and the team will be keen to keep the winning sequence going.

The Indian batting has been far superior than the home team and the bowling has also been quite disciplined to bring about the desired results.

Dhoni made it clear after Tuesday's win that giving reserve players a chance to prove themselves was more important than retaining the winning squad in pursuit of their record ninth straight ODI win.

"We are not looking at the record. Rather, we will give chance to players who didn't get a chance to play in the series so far," Dhoni said.

"We are 3-0 up and have already won the series. It gives us an opportunity to play those players. For us, this is the priority. The team is not looking at the record but giving chance to those players," he said.

India humiliated Sri Lanka with a 147-run win under floodlights at the R Premadasa stadium on Tuesday to seal the series. Sri Lanka, however, have only pride to play for in the remaining matches which are of mere academic interest now.

The home side, who are playing non-stop cricket for last five months, will be under pressure to regroup and rediscover their winning form.

Captain Mahela Jayawardene will have to ensure that his team executed the game plan well to win the next two matches and reclaim their confidence ahead of the busy season.

Jayawardene admitted his team was not up to the standard of Dhoni's India and there were some grey areas to be fixed, especially the bowling which was absolutely off the mark on Tuesday.

"There are certain areas we need to tighten up. Against a good opposition like India, certain things were not up to the standard," he said.

Source: http://cricketnext.in.com/news/india-to-field-reserves-in-search-of-record-win/37978-13.html

Yuvraj punishes Sri Lanka with hundred

Colombo: Explosive half-centuries from Yuvraj Singh and Virender Sehwag put India in a commanding position in the third one-dayer against Sri Lanka at the Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.

Electing to bat, India lost the wicket of Sachin Tendulkar early to another poor umpiring decision, before Gautam Gambhir was run out after a straight hit from Virender Sehwag ricocheted off Dilhara Fernando's hand onto the stumps.

Sehwag and Yuvraj, however, were in a brutal mood as the duo carted the Sri Lankan bowlers all around the park. India decided to take the batting powerplay in the initial overs and it turned out to be a good decision.

India retained the same eleven from the second ODI as captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni won the toss and elected to bat in the third one-dayer in Colombo on Tuesday.

Sri Lanka, who trail the five-match series 0-2, must win to keep the series alive. Captain Mahela Jayawardene made one change to his side, bringing in Dilhara Fernando in place of Thilan Thushara.

Teams:
India: Mahendra Singh Dhoni (captain), Virender Sehwag, Sachin Tendulkar, Gautam Gambhir, Yuvraj Singh, Suresh Raina, Yusuf Pathan, Zaheer Khan, Praveen Kumar, Pragyan Ojha, Ishant Sharma.

Sri Lanka: Mahela Jayawardene (captain), Tillakaratne Dilshan, Sanath Jayasuriya, Kumar Sangakkara, Thilina Kandamby, Chamara Kapugedera, Farveez Maharoof, Muttiah Muralitharan, Nuwan Kulasekara, Ajantha Mendis, Dilhara Fernando.

Soruce: http://cricketnext.in.com/news/yuvraj-punishes-sri-lanka-with-hundred/37943-13.html

Not Greg Chappell, 'others' behind my sacking: Ganguly

Kolkata: Former Indian captain Sourav Ganguly feels that Greg Chappell could have been "poisoned" against him and believes the former Australian coach played a very limited role in his ouster from the national team in 2005.

"It is a possibility that others poisoned him against me. There were others in the board and the selection committee who influenced him. I don't think Greg's role in that episode was more than 15 per cent," said Ganguly, whose spat with the Aussie cricketing legend made international headlines for long in 2005.

The left-hander conceded that he was very dejected for one and half months. "I was very upset. When one finds that he is wronged, obviously he gets more angry."

Asked why he never spoke out on the episode all these years, the cricketer said, "My bat and ball did all the talking."

"Greg lost his job as coach, while I staged a comeback under Rahul Dravid and fulfilled a personal goal - playing 100 Tests."

Source: http://cricketnext.in.com/news/not-greg-chappell-others-behind-my-sacking-ganguly/37934-13.html

Clarke gets clear ECB run for second term

London: Businessman Jonathan Marland withdrew on Monday from the election to become chairman of the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), giving incumbent Giles Clarke a free run for a second term in office.

In the two weeks since announcing his candidacy Marland, 52, became frustrated by the failure of several of the 18 first-class counties, who with MCC make up the electorate, to meet with him.

Now the member of the British House of Lords, who was the treasurer of Britain's main opposition Conservative Party from 2003 to 2007, has decided to pull out as he believes he has no chance of gaining the 10 votes out of 19 he would have needed for victory.

"It is now clear to me that I will on this occasion be unable to obtain a majority of the votes required and, faced with the continued refusal of several counties even to meet with me, it is with disappointment that I am announcing my withdrawal from the election for the chairmanship of the ECB," Marland said.

Former Somerset chairman Clarke, who became the head of English cricket's governing body in September 2007, had always been keen to serve a second two-year term in office when his current spell expires on March 31.

He now seems assured of being voted in again in next week's ballot.Nevertheless there was, and still remains, a degree of unhappiness within English cricket at the way the ECB was being run under Clarke's leadership.

This intensified following the sacking last month of England coach Peter Moores after a clash with Kevin Pietersen which cost the star batsman his post as England captain.

Soruce: http://cricketnext.in.com/news/clarke-gets-clear-ecb-run-for-second-term/37938-13.html

Jeev nominated for 'Johnnie Walker Asian Golfer of the Year'

NEW DELHI: Jeev Milkha Singh's stellar show last season earned him a nomination for the 'Johnnie Walker Asian Golfer of the Year' Award to be given a way on February 21 in Perth.

Jeev rose to a career-high 35th in the international rankings after bagging four titles last year and becoming the first player in Asian Tour's history to surpass the $1 million mark in a single season.

The others in contention for the 'Asian Golfer of the Year' award are Thais Prayad Marksaeng and Thongchai Jaidee and Chinese-Taipei's Lin Wen-tang, Jhonnie Walker said in a statement.

Marksaeng secured three victories on the Japan Tour, including the prestigious the Dunlop Phoenix tournament, and secured an invite to the US Masters.

Jaidee had two end-of-season victories which saw him equal Thaworn Wiratchant's record of 10 Asian Tour victories.

Wen-tang, on the other hand, enjoyed his finest year as a professional, winning two titles and finishing second on the Order of Merit.

Past Asian Golfer of the Year awardees include Thailand's Boonchu Ruangkit in 1995, Kyi Hla Han, the Chairman of the Asian Tour, in 1998, Korea's KJ Choi (2002 and 2007).

For the 'Asian Rising Star of the Year' award, Japan's Ryo Ishikawa, the 17-year-old who has been invited to Augusta Masters after becoming the youngest golfer to reach the top-100 in international rankings, faces competition from three others.

Koreans Noh Seung-yul and Bae Sang-moon and Malaysia's Ben Leong are the other contenders for the award.

The winners of the awards would be voted by a panel of judges from The European, Asian and Australasian Tours and Johnnie Walker.

Source: http://sports.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Jeev_nominated_for_Johnnie_Walker_award/articleshow/4069757.cms

Troubles galore in Delhi soccer

NEW DELHI: From allowing unregistered players to permitting alleged Tibetan footballers turning out for a club, Delhi Soccer Association (DSA) has al ready been hit hard by controversies.

The association got another blow to their already battered image, when a couple of clubs, which also included Tarun Sangha and Indian Nationals, protested against fielding an assistant referee Kamal Rakshit in a Super League match which pitted Sangha against Ahbab on Sunday. The match ended goalless.

Rakshit, the clubs claimed, is a goalkeeper coach with Hindustan Club and he shouldn't have got any postings in Super League. His presence on the lines possibly denied Sangha a goal and a win against Ahbab.

"While the referee allowed the goal, Rakshit disallowed it though it wasn't even called for an off-side," explained Tarun Sangha coach Anadi Barua.

Interestingly, referees' board secretary Joginder Singh was unavailable for comment because he is in Udaipur to 'officiate' in an event. It wasn't clear why he left his duty and officiating elsewhere when DSA has persuaded All India Football Federation (AIFF) not to assign any Delhi referees for I-League till the local league is over.

Meanwhile, the association was unable to decide on the fate of seven Tibetan footballers who allegedly turned out for Royal Rangers on Friday. The club claimed the players hold valid Indian passports but they haven't replied to DSA's showcause notice yet.

ND Heroes beat Rangers
Defending champions ND Heroes defeated Royal Rangers 1-0 in Super League while last year's runners-up Indian Nationals were held to a goalless draw by Simla Youngs.

Soruce: http://sports.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Troubles_galore_in_Delhi_soccer/articleshow/4067218.cms

Chelsea appeal against Lampard red card

LONDON: Chelsea have appealed against the red card shown to midfielder Frank Lampard in Sunday's 2-0 Premier League defeat by Liverpool, England's Football Association said on Monday.

England international Lampard faces a three-match ban after being sent off on the hour mark by referee Mike Riley for a tackle on Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso with the score at 0-0.

The FA confirmed on its website (www.thefa.com) that a regulatory commission would hear the appeal on Tuesday.

"I only ask that the referee and the men from the FA look at the video," Chelsea manager Luiz Felipe Scolari told the club's website (www.chelseafc.com).

Chelsea's Portuguese defender Jose Bosingwa may also face an FA inquiry, despite apologising on Monday for stamping on Liverpool's Yossi Benayoun in the dying minutes of Sunday's defeat, an act which went unpunished by Riley.

"I apologise for what I did and it was never my intention to hurt him. I know it was wrong and I apologise," Bosingwa told the club website.

"Bosingwa was not correct. He made a mistake and maybe he has punishment (to come)," Scolari added.

"But if Bosingwa has a punishment ... maybe they change Lampard's red card and maybe he plays the next games."

Sunday's defeat left Chelsea in third place, three points behind Liverpool and five behind leaders Manchester United, who also have a game in hand.

Soruce: http://sports.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/eplarticleshow/4066694.cms

Sania Mirza focused on recovery

BANGALORE: For Indian tennis ace Sania Mirza it's treatment after the triumph. Forced out of India's Fed Cup campaign in Perth with a torn abdominal muscle, the 22-year-old will focus on recovery and rehabilitation this week.

Sania, who along with Mahesh Bhupathi won the Australian Open mixed doubles crown in Melbourne on Sunday, returned home to a huge media reception.

"I have a program charted out for me. Also I've spoken and worked with Shyamal Vallabhjee (fitness trainer). There are a few things I need to do. First of all, I need to rest it for a couple of days. I also plan to go to Delhi to meet Jatin Chaudhari," she said.

Vallabhjee, who has been helping Sania with her fitness , said the Indian ace will be back at her best in a couple of weeks. "She's torn a muscle and she has been in some pain. We've chalked out a program for her and she should be on her way soon."

There was, however, little time for celebration for Sania, following her maiden Grand Slam triumph. "I've not had time for anything. After the final we had to rush to the airport and then our phones were going crazy," the Hyderabadi said. "When we reached Bombay, we had a small celebratory lunch at a friend's house."

Soruce: http://sports.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Sania_Mirza_focused_on_recovery/articleshow/4067227.cms