Archive for the ‘Sports’ Category

Aircraft for Sale Online

Saturday, May 30th, 2009

My friend has just been advertising his aircraft for sale online. He is looking for a new one which has a few more features and so has been looking to sell his old one first. It is still in great condition, he just is one of those people that likes to have the latest things and so because it is a bit old then he wants to update it. He should be able to get quite a bit of money for it because it is so new and in such good condition.

He needs quite a bit for it because he is buying one that is really expensive and does not have that much money for it. He was hoping to borrow some money to pay for it but the bank won’t lend him any because they are not lending much money to anyone at the moment. He is hoping that his aircraft sale will raise him lots of money so that he will not need to visit all of the banks and try to borrow some to pay for the new one. He is asking more money for it than he needs and is hoping that people will not ask for too much of a reduction when they approach him asking for his best price.

Webber undergoes surgery after cycling accident

Wednesday, November 26th, 2008

Surgery to pin the broken right leg of Australian Formula One driver Mark Webber has been a success, his spokesman said on Sunday.

Red Bull driver Webber, 32, was riding a mountain bike when he collided with a four-wheel drive while competing in his own multi-sport charity event in Tasmania on Saturday.

Geoff Donohue, spokesman for the Mark Webber Pure Tasmania Challenge, said Hobart Private Hospital doctors had inserted rods to mend the breaks in his lower right tibia and fibula.

It was not known at this stage when Webber would be able to leave hospital, he added.

“He’s feeling sharp and spritely, all things considered,” Donohue said.

Police said no charges would be filed over the accident.

Donohue said Webber was expected to fully recover in time for the start of the Formula One season in Melbourne on March 29 but he is likely to miss the start of the testing in Europe.

“He may miss some early testing in the car — it’s a setback but it’s a minor setback,” Donohue said.

Sorenstam poised for emotional farewell on LPGA Tour

Tuesday, November 18th, 2008

Sweden’s Annika Sorenstam, the dominant figure in women’s golf for the past decade, is ready to make a poignant farewell appearance on the LPGA Tour at this week’s season-ending ADT Championship.

Sorenstam will also play in the Lexus Cup in Singapore this month before bringing down the curtain on her competitive career at the Dec. 11-14 Dubai Ladies Masters.

Although the 37-year-old Swede intends to retain her ties to the game away from tournament golf, she has prepared for an emotional send-off.

“I’m not really sure how I’ll feel or what the emotions will be,” Sorenstam told reporters in the build-up to Thursday’s first round at Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach, Florida.

“It’s been very different since I announced my stepping away,” added the Swede, who publicly announced in May she would be quitting the game.

“I’ve not played as well and I don’t know if it’s because I’ve been busy getting involved with tournaments, saying goodbye and engaging with fans and sponsors or unconsciously knowing I’ve made the decision and I’m having a hard time focusing.”

BITTERSWEET FEELINGS

Sorenstam, whose career tally of 72 LPGA Tour victories includes 10 major titles, has bittersweet feelings about this week.

“It’s a tournament that’s meant a lot to me throughout the years,” the four-times champion said. “It’s really going to summarise my career on the LPGA.

“So in a way I’m looking forward to it, in another way I’m not.

“Even though the ADT is my last LPGA (event), it’s not my last one as a professional. I think it will be different than when I fly home from Dubai when I’m totally finished as a professional.”

Sorenstam, a three-times winner on the LPGA Tour this season, has no regrets about moving on.

She wants to start a family and plans to pursue business interests, including her golf academy in Florida, charitable foundation and course design projects.

“I’ve achieved so much more than I thought I could and I’m ready to move on,” she said. “I didn’t know how long I was going to play. I was so motivated with short-term goals and long-term goals and winning majors. That was driving me.

“Then all of a sudden, I felt like I achieved what I wanted to. The motivation was not there anymore. I’m still playing good golf but I have achieved everything. I just felt the time was right.”

Sorenstam piled up a record eight Player of the Year awards on the LPGA Tour after making her debut in 1994. She won six Vare trophies for the lowest scoring average and was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 2003.

Mumbai’s Rahane, Muzumdar pile agony on Delhi bowlers

Sunday, November 16th, 2008

Ajinkya Rahane and Amol Muzumdar struck centuries to put Mumbai in a strong position against defending champions Delhi on the first day of the Super League Group ‘A’ Ranji Trophy match here Sunday.

Rahane (151) and Majumdar (78) with an unfinished stand of 207-run for the third wicket took the visitors to 279 for two at stumps at the Ferozshah Kotla here.

The duo played fluently as none of the Delhi bowlers could trouble them.

Mumbai, after electing to bat first, started cautiously as Delhi used the morning conditions well.

Opener Sahil Kukreja (10) was the first to leave, caught behind off Parvinder Awana.

Skipper Wasim Jaffer (29) added 49 runs with Rahane before giving his wicket to Sumit Narwal.

Muzumdar and Rahane came together with the score reading 72 for two. They steadied the ship and as the day progressed piled agony on the bowlers.

Rahane, who is in fine form and also played a big knock in the last match against Gujarat, displayed strokes all around the wicket. He hit 22 fours in his 245-ball stay. Muzumdar’s 78 off 163 balls had nine fours.

Brief scoreboard:

Mumbai 279 (Ajinkya Rahane batting 151, Amol Muzumdar batting 78; Sumit Narwal 32-1)

Ganguly kept Ponting waiting during IPL

Thursday, November 13th, 2008

Sourav Ganguly likes to keep the Australians waiting. The retired former Indian captain got on Steve Waugh`s nerves by being late for toss on several occasions and during the Indian Premier League, he kept his Kolkata Knight Riders` teammate Ricky Ponting waiting at nets.

“There were couple of times when I was due to use his net straight after him but I was left standing there, waiting 20 or 30 minutes with my pads on, before I finally had my hit,” Ponting recalled in his `Captain`s Diary 2008` in the section which deals with IPL.
But far from taking offence, Ponting said he became an admirer of Ganguly`s focus after watching him in action. “Sourav is very driven in the way he trains and prepares, a bloke who will get into a net and bat and bat and bat,” Ponting said about his Kolkata Knight Riders captain.
Ponting, who played only four matches in the inaugural edition of IPL, said he enjoyed sharing the dressing room with players of different countries and would want to see Kolkata Knight Riders win the cash-rich Twenty20 tournament next year.
“I want the IPL to work and I really want my team Kolkata Knight Riders to win. I was in India for a fortnight before the first IPL game, working on my game everyday, and for two weeks. By the time the first Twenty20 ball was bowled. I was really excited about the game. “
“Sharing a dressing with blokes from different countries is something I haven`t done a lot of during my career. It was good fun, not so much because I suddenly confronted with a variety of cultures and different sense of humour. I love the team environment and being able to help people.”

Cricket community hails Kumble the fighter

Monday, November 3rd, 2008

The Indian and international Cricket community on Sunday paid glowing tributes to Anil Kumble, calling him a great competitor, role model and a true fighter and his decision to retire as an end of an era.Chief selector Krishnamachari Srikkanth summed up the reactions, saying he was an extraordinary cricketer and a role model not only for youngsters but also for future generations.

“He must have decided (to retire) during the course of the day. He spoke to me during tea time and said that he has decided to call it quits. It’s the end of an era,” he said.

“A lot of players in the team, I cannot tell you the names, were in tears when he told them his decision. “It was an emotional moment for the team and me. He was an extraordinary cricketer, a great role model, not only for the youngsters but also for the future generations,” Srikkanth said.Former India captain Kapil Dev described Kumble as a ‘true gentleman’ and a ‘true fighter’.

“Anil Kumble is a true fighter, always had this never-say-die attitude and is thoroughly a true gentleman,” Kapil said.

“He never got involved in any controversy and whatever he did he did it to the best of his abilities,” he said adding that he is ‘great ambassador of cricket’, he added.

Australian skipper Ricky Ponting lauded Kumble, saying that he was proud to have played against a celebrated opponent like him.

“I would like to congratulate Anil for his long and successful career. He is a great competitor and every single player of my team, who has played against him, is proud of the cricketer,” Ponting said after the third Test, which ended in a draw at the Ferozeshah Kotla ground in New Delhi on Sunday.

“I wish he will enjoy his time after the game,” Ponting added.

Meanwhile, Kapil rubbished suggestions that there was pressure on Kumble to quit.

“I think it is time when we talk about what he has done for the country. He played the game most professionally.”

On the void which will be created by Sourav Ganguly and Kumble’s exit, Kapil said one will have to wait and see what the future has in store.

Legendary off-spinner EAS Prasanna described Kumble as one of the finest spinners that India produced.

“He is a thorough gentleman, very strong minded, man of integrity and one not to be…influenced by external forces,” Prasanna said.”I think he pre-poned his decision in view of his injury problem,” the 68-year-old spinner said.

Former Australian captain Allan Border said the Kumble’s decision has come as a shock to him and described it as a sad day for Indian cricket.

“He is a fantastic a cricketer and a human being who played his game in the right spirit throughout his career. It is a sad day for Indian cricket. It actually came as a shock to us. We will have to wait and watch, how India copes up without Kumble,” he said.

Echoing the sentiment, another ex-Aussie captain Ian Chappell said the void left by Kumble would be hard to fill.”It is very difficult for somebody to get into his shoes. He is a cricketer who never compromised his dignity and always played with determination,” he said.

Former Indian all-rounder Ravi Shastri felt the timing of Kumble’s retirement is just perfect but the champion bowler would be missed.

“Kumble was a real, out and out professional. It is definitely a sad day for Indian cricket. You won’t realise the impact of his retirement now but when you won’t hear his name after some days, you will his void,” he said.

“He decided to retire absolutely at the right time. A few days back I wrote in a column that you don’t have to tell Kumble when to retire because being a true gentleman he knows when to take the call.”

“Kumble left the game with utmost respect. He showed his true sportsmanship in Australia,” he added.

Legendary Indian spinner Bishan Singh Bedi also felt that Kumble timed his retirement well and said the whole of country would be proud of his contribution to the game.

“I think the writing was in the wall. I could feel it was coming. It think he could have played the Nagpur Test but injury might have expedited his decision.

“Anyways, India is proud of you and I wish you happy retirement but I think although he has retired from International cricket, he has lots to offer in other aspects of the game,” he said.

Ex-India stumper Syed Kirmani said Kumble has been an exceptional servant of the game.

“It is the right time for him to retire, the best time that Kumble would have looked for. He has done a great job for India and… is leaving on a high,” he said.”He has made his debut under me in the state. He has been a dedicated, sincere, honest, disciplined and good thinking and a great champion cricketer and on the basis on these I can say that I have literally seen him grow and establish himself as a icon and a legendary cricketer both on the field and off it,” he added.

Former pacer Madan Lal, who was part of the 1983 World Cup winning team, said he was surprised by Kumble’s decision and did not expect him to retire in the middle of the ongoing Test series against Australia.

“It has taken me by surprise. He could have played the Nagpur Test and could have gone after winning the series against Australia or even after the England series. It is a difficult decision for any player and he has taken it.

Patriots move on without safety Harrison

Thursday, October 23rd, 2008

Rodney Harrison would race downfield with the kickoff team in practice, tackle the returner and stir up all kinds of mayhem.

As part of the group that mimics the New England Patriots next opponent on those plays, he showed the physical play and passion that was his hallmark until his latest, and probably last, injury as an NFL player.

“He goes on the scout kickoff team. He runs down there, makes the tackle every play, gets everybody in trouble,” tight end Benjamin Watson said Wednesday. “Everybody’s mad at him, but that’s Rodney.

“That’s just the kind of player he is.”

Or was.

Harrison’s season officially ended Wednesday when the Patriots placed him on injured reserve. Realistically, his career almost certainly ended two days earlier when he tore the quadriceps muscle in his right thigh, an injury that usually takes eight to 10 months to heal.

Harrison turns 36 on Dec. 15. He is in his 15th season, the final year of his contract. And he suffered his fourth serious injury in four years on the final play of the third quarter of Monday night’s 41-7 win over the Denver Broncos.

He wasn’t in the locker room during the 40 minutes reporters had access Wednesday, but his lessons were: work hard and move on.

“He would say the same thing about anybody else (being sidelined). We’re not going to sit here and have a pity party,” 25-year-old cornerback Ellis Hobbs said. “He’s a loyal and dedicated player to the game, and the way he played the game is really how all of us should play it, man, 100 percent all the way.”

Harrison, a two-time Pro Bowler and two-time Super Bowl winner, will be replaced by 2007 first-round draft choice Brandon Meriweather alongside safety James Sanders. The Patriots signed defensive back Antwain Spann to the active roster from the practice squad and added safety Mark Dillard to the practice squad.

“When tragedy falls upon you, we just keep on moving and just realizing that one person doesn’t make this machine,” Hobbs said. “Whoever’s filling that spot, we’re not asking to go out there and make miracles. Just do your job.”

Meriweather, who dropped several potential interceptions last year, already has three this year. The 24-year-old Sanders is in his second season as a starter.

“We’ll have to count on a lot of people to do some of the things that Rodney did,” coach Bill Belichick said. “Rodney had a lot of different roles for us defensively.”

Harrison is the third key Patriot lost for the season. Quarterback Tom Brady suffered a knee injury in the opener, and running back Laurence Maroney went on injured reserve Monday with a shoulder injury.

“Is there a breaking point?” Hobbs said. “Well, if there is, we haven’t found it.”

A few hours after Maroney went on injured reserve, the Patriots played their best game of the season by dominating Denver to improve to 4-2.

Last season, they overcame the adversity of Spygate — the fallout from the season opener when they taped New York Jets coaches’ signals during the game — and went 18-0 before losing the Super Bowl on a last-minute touchdown.

“We just seem to know how to stay focused,” Hobbs said. “We don’t worry about what we can’t control.”

The loss of Harrison had players reflecting on his emotional style of play, leadership ability and the respect he commanded from teammates. He holds the NFL record for defensive backs with 30 1/2 sacks and, with 34 interceptions, is the only player ever to have at least 30 of each.

“I wish I could be more like him on the field, someone that plays with his reckless abandon but still seems to find a way to be in control and make plays. I can’t say enough good things about him,” fullback Heath Evans said.

“This team always finds ways to rally around and finds ways to make plays and win ballgames when no one expects us to. So I’m sure that won’t change. But if you talk about replacing someone like 37 (Harrison), that just doesn’t happen.”

The Patriots practiced Wednesday for Sunday’s home game against the St. Louis Rams, 2-0 since Jim Haslett took over an 0-4 team.

They’ll have to deal with dangerous running back Stephen Jackson and veteran quarterback Marc Bulger without having Harrison on the field.

“He would be the first one to tell you that the train’s going to keep going,” Watson said, “and whoever goes and plays for him is going to play well and he’ll definitely be there cheering for us, and we’ll still be looking up to him.”

Laxman to play for Lancashire

Wednesday, October 22nd, 2008

Indian batsman V.V.S. Laxman will return to Old Trafford after two years for his second stint with Lancashire for the 2009 county season.

‘Laxman will bring star quality to our batting line-up for both Championship and one-day Cricket. His wealth of experience is perfect for our younger batsman to learn from and develop around,’ Lancashire Cricket Manager Mike Watkinson said.

‘His contributions both on and off the field during his short stay in 2007 were outstanding and left a lasting impact on the players. We all look forward to welcoming V.V.S. and his family back to Old Trafford next season,’ he added.

During his first stint with Lancashire in 2009 that lasted just four weeks, Laxman scored 541 runs in 8 matches, with a first-class average of 54.28.

But the deal is still subject to final approval from the Indian cricket board. Laxman is expected to be available one week after his Indian Premier League commitments and will remain with the club till the end of the 2009 season.

Laxman, who is currently playing in the home Test Series against Australia said that he enjoyed his short stay at Lancashire in 2007 and is thrilled to join the team again.

‘I am thrilled to be returning to Old Trafford next year. My last memory playing for the county was that heart-breaking loss at The Oval, but next year I hope to play a significant role in leading Lancashire to Championship success,” he said.

Zaheer fined 80 percent of match fee

Tuesday, October 21st, 2008

India’s fast bowling spearhead Zaheer Khan was fined 80 percent of his match fee for misconduct during the second Test against Australia at the Punjab Cricket Association (PCA) Stadium.

The incident happened Monday when Australia opener Matthew Hayden was dismissed by Harbhajan Singh. Zaheer ran from his fielding position towards Hayden and shouted at him.

Zaheer was charged with a Level 2 offence of International Cricket Council (ICC) for conduct contrary to the spirit of the game.

‘This sort of behaviour is not acceptable at any level of cricket. It showed a lack of respect for the player who had been dismissed. It was disappointing that Zaheer behaved in this way,’ match referee Chris Broad said after the hearing Tuesday.

The charge against Zaheer was laid by the umpires. At the hearing, Zaheer pleaded guilty to the charge.

‘I took into account the fact that Zaheer had a good disciplinary record. He also pleaded guilty at the first opportunity and was very apologetic while also promising not to repeat the offence,’ Broad said.

Tigers hunt down Champs

Sunday, October 19th, 2008

Mumbai Champs went down to Royal Bengal Tigers by 12 runs in Sunday’s first match at the Sardar Patel Stadium. Electing to bat, Tigers started off emphatically with openers Hamish Marshall (55) and Deep Dasgupta putting on 84 .

Dasgupta was deceived by Sridhar Iyer’s seaming delivery and was stumped by keeper Subhojit Paul for 32. Iyer then accounted for Marshall (55).

Lance Klusener and Rohan Gavaskar scored 30 apiece to help the Tigers to 170 for 4. In reply, the Champs folded up for 158, with a ball to spare.

Brief scores: Royal Bengal Tigers 170/4 in 20 overs (Marshall 55, Dasgupta 32, Iyer 2-32) beat Mumbai Champs 158 in 19.5 overs (Jadhav 39, Van Der Wath 35, Nechim 3-22 ) by 12 runs.