All37

Robin Soderling Progressed to the Paris Masters

noreply@blogger.com (Biplob Kishore Deb) — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 15:58:00 +0000

Robin Soderling has kept his hopes of making it to the ATP World Tour Finals alive by defeating Nikolay Davydenko in three sets 6-3, 3-6, 6-4 in Paris on Thursday. With this victory, the Swedish has progressed to the quarter finals of the ongoing Paris Masters tournament.

He will now face either Novak Djokovic or Arnaud Clement in the quarter final in pursuit of clinching one of the two qualifying spots available for the year-ending tournament ATP World Tour which will be held in London. However, to quailify for the tournament, Robin Soderling must reach the final of the Paris Masters.

Well, it would be easy to make it to the final because Novak Djokovic has been in superb from recently and most probably he would have to face the Serbian in quarter final. Soderling has to give his best to reach the tournament final, and thus, ensuring his qualification into the prestigious ATP Masters Final.

Taragana.com

Maria Sharapova and Sasha Vujacic Seeing Each Other?

noreply@blogger.com (Biplob Kishore Deb) — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 14:16:00 +0000

Former world no. 1 Tennis star Maria Sharapova is now reportedly dating with Los Angles Lakers basketball player Sasha Vujacic. The two were recently seen hugging each other. So, speculation is rife in the media that the two are seeing each other. However, neither Sharapova not Vujacic has confirmed their relationship yet.

In the recent past, Lakers fans have seen another high-profile relationship when Lamar Odom, a Lakers player, married TV personality Khloé Kardashian. So, you can not rule out the possibility of Sharapova and Vujacic being involved in a romantic relationship.

Slovenian Sasha Vujacic is not as big a star as Sharapova has been through her success on the court as well as her appeal in the glamour world. The interesting thing is that both of them are currently struggling on their respective sports. Sharapova could not yet get her form back after coming back from shoulder injury. Similarly, Vujacic is not going through good time in terms of his recent performance. Now, let us see if this relationship affects their performances, be it positively or negatively.

hoopsvibe

Roger Federer Holds on to No. 1 in ATP Ranking

noreply@blogger.com (Biplob Kishore Deb) — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 19:21:00 +0000

Roger Federer is still the no. 1 male tennis player in the world. The updated ATP ranking publish on Monday shows that the Swiss tennis great has been successfully held on to his no. 1 position in the ranking, despite his failure to defend the hometown tournament Swiss Indoors, losing to Novak Djokovic in the tournament final. Federer has 10,340 points at this moment.

The second play is still occupied by Rafael Nadal with 8,845 points. However, he must be feeling the breath of Djokovic on his shoulder as the Serbian has decreased his difference with Nadal to only 545 points. Djokovic has now 8,300 rating points after winning his fourth ATP title in 2009 recently in Basel. Andy Murray and Juan Martin del Potro are occupying the fourth and the fifth place in the ranking respectively.

trak.in

New Zealand in Search of a New Coach

noreply@blogger.com (Biplob Kishore Deb) — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 09:16:00 +0000

New Zealand Cricket (NZC) is now looking for a new coach to appoint for the New Zealand national cricket team. Recently, Andy Mole stepped down as the New Zealand coach and the team is now being coached by his assistant. NZC chief Justin Vaughan has said that the board is not in a hurry to appoint a coach because they want to take time in order to ensure that the right person gets the appointment. He has also said that the board is now setting up the requirement they will be looking for from the new coach.

After that they will start having conversation from the probable coaches. Justin Vaughan has also added that a number of coaches have personally expressed their desire to take up the job, but NZC has not decided yet over the matter. John Wright, former India coach, has also revealed his wish to guide the Kiwis in international circuit.

tvnz

India vs Australia Sixth ODI: Will it be Another Run Feast Affair?

noreply@blogger.com (Biplob Kishore Deb) — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 17:34:00 +0000

You know that the fifth ODI of the ongoing seven-match ODI series saw almost 700 runs in Hyderabad. Now, the question is if the upcoming match scheduled to take place in Guwahati will be another run-feast. There is unpredictability over the nature of the wicket in Guwahati.

The pitch curator earlier said that team batting first could make a 300 plus total on the board. However, comments on the nature of the wicket have been different from the players. Indian captain Dhoni has said that it looks like a classic sub-continental wicket, while Australian batsman Michael Hussey finds it a slow wicket without having any bounce. So, he does not think that it would be another very high-scoring game in Guwahati. Moreover, there are some uncertainties over the selection of the teams on both camps.

Australia is yet to take a final decision over the inclusion of Mitchell Johnson in the first eleven, while India is now planning to play an extra specialist spinner in Amit Mishra in place of pacer Munaf Patel, but it is not yet decided.

Australia is leading the series 3-2 with two matches left in the series. Another victory would ensure their series win, while India must win the rest of the two games in order to retain the title.

Rediff

Ijaz Butt: India and Pakistan Could Play in a Neutral Venue in 2010

noreply@blogger.com (Biplob Kishore Deb) — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 16:16:00 +0000

You know that there is a deadlock in the cricket ties between India and Pakistan at this moment. However, the situation could improve very soon and cricket fans could see India-Pakistan series again in 2010 at a neutral venue as it was indicated by PCB chairman Ijaz Butt. Upon returning from a eight-day India tour, Mr. Butt told the media that the current deadlock between the two cricket boards could melt down in the near future and indicated that a India vs Pakistan series at a neutral venue could be very possible in 2010. He also added that his talks with the BCCI officials were very positive and the outcome of his visit could result into Pakistani players being allowed to take part in Indian Premier League (IPL) from next year.

Sify.com reported:

"God willing a series between Pakistan and India will be held at a neutral venue next year as my meetings with the Indian cricket officials as well as government officials will bring good results," The News quoted Butt, as saying.

Butt said during his meeting with BCCI officials, he also urged them to let Pakistani cricketers participate in the Indian Premier League's (IPL) next season.

Butt also revealed that ICC had shown interest in organizing an India-Pakistan series in United States in an attempt to promote the game in the country. However, he is not yet sure if USA has enough facility to organize a series of this sort as the country has only one stadium in Florida.

Dinara Safina will participate in Brisbane International 2010

noreply@blogger.com (Razib Ahmed) — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 01:25:00 +0000

This is perhaps old news but I am writing it because at this moment, I could not find any new news about Safina. She is a good player and she has a good future. One thing that attracts me a lot about her is that she is focused on her game. While many of the top female players are concerned with being hot or sexy. Dinara is totally focused on being a better player. It is a nice thing to see her play. Anyway, she is going to take part in Brisbane International 2010 that would take place in first week of January just before Australian Open Tennis 2010.

Reuters

Tommy Haas Suffering from Swine Flu

noreply@blogger.com (Razib Ahmed) — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 15:56:00 +0000

Swine Flu became epidemic a few months ago in various parts of the world and many people became very afraid. Some people died and thousands of people across the world got infected. We have not seen any high profile or celebrity player getting infected by it. So, from this point of view Tommy Haas is perhaps an exception. I don’t know of any other Tennis player who got this disease.

BBC reported:

The 31-year-old consulted his doctor after suffering flu symptoms and was diagnosed with the H1N1 strain.

"I did a test because I suspected I had the swine flu and it was positive," this year's Wimbledon semi-finalist told the Bild newspaper.

Haas also withdrew from the Stockholm Open in October because of flu.

Let us hope that he will become ok quickly.

Serena Williams has broken Justin Henin’s prize money record

noreply@blogger.com (kamrul hasan) — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 07:30:00 +0000

American tennis player Serena Williams is in buoyant form. It seems that 2009 is perhaps the luckiest year in her tennis career. This year she has won the number one position in the WTA ranking. No doubt, she will feel lucky that she can finish the year 2009 with top position. Serena Williams has made a new record for single-season prize money. After getting $6.5 million in 2009 she has topped Justin Henin. Justin Henin earned 5.5 million from 2007.

As a fan of Serena Williams I feel happy for her success. I hope she will continue her success and give us more entertainment in the tennis court. The question is that how long she can continue her career.

Related article:

BOSTON Herald.com

James Hopes Ruled out for the Rest of the ODI Series against India

noreply@blogger.com (Biplob Kishore Deb) — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 14:08:00 +0000

Australia’s injury list seems to be getting larger day by day. Earlier, Tim Paine and Brett Lee fell in injury, and now, all rounder James Hopes has been ruled out of the remainder of the seven-match ODI series against India. The all rounder has picked up a hamstring injury recently and would have to return home.

Cricket Australia (CA) has called up Victoria pacer Clint McKay as Hopes’ replacement and would fly to India to join the Aussie squad. Well, Australia may not feel the absence of the all rounder as Moises Henriques will stay with the team for the rest of the series. India is currently leading in the series 2-1 as India won the third ODI by 6 wickets on Saturday. The fourth ODI of the series will take place on 2 November at Mohali.

Cricinfo

Serena Williams is the first semi-finalist player in Qatar

noreply@blogger.com (kamrul hasan) — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 18:46:00 +0000

Serena Williams is passing a glorious time in her career in 2009. Recently, she has become the number one tennis player in WTA ranking. This USA contestant is now participating in the W.T.A. Sony Ericsson Championships. Now, she has become the first player to make a place in the semi-final round of the ongoing tournament in Doha. She has beaten Elena Dementieva by 6-2, 6-4. It was her third straight victory in the round-robin league.

However, you should want to know about Venus Williams. Venus Williams is the defending champion in this tournament. Her first victory came against Svetlana Kuznetsova 6-2, 6-7 (3-7), 6-4. It remained her possibility to play in the next round.

Now let us come to see tennis fans can see another final match between these two sisters.

Related article:

The New York Times

Serena Williams will become top seeded player after 2009

noreply@blogger.com (kamrul hasan) — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 19:22:00 +0000

Soon we are going to see a change in the WTA ranking. Naturally one question can come up to your mind that who will take the top position in the ranking. Ranking has already been finalized where U.S. tennis star Serena Williams will be the top seeded player. It is really great that she can finish 2009 with top position. Even any defeat can not push her from top position. Serena Williams will feel happy because she can regain her position. She proves her dominance in tennis court. However, it has come after current top seeded player Dinara Safina of Russia withdrew his name from the Sony Ericsson Championships in Doha. She has been pulled out after suffering from back injury. She could play only 13 minutes against Serb Jelena Jankovic. Now, after 2009 Dinara Safina will loss the dominance in tennis court. May be her career is going to be faded.

Related article:

RIANOVOSTI

Roger Federer will get more Grand Slams: Pete Sampras says

noreply@blogger.com (kamrul hasan) — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 16:03:00 +0000

What is your opinion about the former world number one tennis player Roger Federer? Do you think he will take retirement from tennis? Some of his fans think that it is the right time for their super star to take retirement from tennis and do something for the rest of his life. However, one of the legendary tennis players Pete Sampras thinks that Roger Federer has still left to get some more Grand Slam titles. Despite being top favorite in the US Open, he failed to get one more title after being beaten in the final round at the hand of Juan Martin Del Potro of Argentina.

However, Pete Sampras is hopeful about Roger Federer. In this year, Roger Federer got his maiden Grand Slam in French Open and broke Sampras’s 14 major titles after winning a title in Wimbledon. He also hopes that Rafael Nadal will regain his top position and start dominance in tennis court.

I also support Pete Sampras’s suggestion. I think that Federer should continue his game and give us more entertainment. He is not much aged player. So, he has possibility to get some titles beside his name.

Related article:

Australian Tennis Star Mark Philippoussis gets Engaged with Actress Jennifer Esposito

noreply@blogger.com (kamrul hasan) — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 16:53:00 +0000

Jennifer Esposito and Mark Philippoussis are two super stars from two different worlds. Jennifer Esposito is a well known American actress. On the other hand, Mark Philippoussis is an Australian profession tennis player. The 32-year-old tennis player Mark Philippoussis proposed to Jennifer Esposito. Now, they are happily engaged and enjoying their couple life together.

Mark Philippoussis attended in a reality dating show on the NBC. Here he had to choose his life partner between kitten and cougar. However, he did not have chosen any of them rather then taking the 36-year-old Jennifer Esposito.

Jennifer Esposito is the host of three famous reality TV programs- Samantha Who?" and "Rescue Me," and the Oscar-winner “Crash”.

Related article:

DAILY NEWS

Sania Mirza: Coming Back from the Worst?

noreply@blogger.com (Razib Ahmed) — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 14:40:00 +0000

Sania Mirza is still perhaps the queen of Indian female tennis but she is more famous now for her glamour and beauty rather than her professional skill. Well, I think that Sania is trying to make a comeback in tennis. Now, her singles ranking is 58 and her doubles ranking is 38. Not bad ranking considering the fact that she has suffered a lot of setbacks in the last one year.

Many fans in India will be happy to see her making a strong comeback at Australian Open Tennis 2010 in January. At this moment, she is in good touch and I think that she has enough time to practice for Australian Open 2010.

Ana Ivanovic Should Take a Break

noreply@blogger.com (Razib Ahmed) — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 01:03:00 +0000

Ana Ivanovic is passing through a tough time right now. She is not in a good condition and her ranking is only dropping. Yes, she has won a lot of fame and money as a beautiful, hot and sexy female player but at the end of the day, glamour becomes irrelevant if you cannot perform well in tennis court. The main problem for Ivanovic is that she has been suffering from a number of injuries continuously and this matter destroyed her physical and mental strength. I think that she should take a long break and focus on her health and mind and then make a comeback. It will be good for her.

ESPN

Ricky Ponting said his team will continue dominance in ODI cricket against India

noreply@blogger.com (kamrul hasan) — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 19:21:00 +0000

Australian Captain Ricky Ponting asks his teammates to continue their winning track against India. Ricky Ponting’s Australia will try their best to keep their dominant form in ODI format. It seems that their dominance form will be judged based on their performance against India if they can beat the host team or not. You should know that Australia’s dominance in ODI cricket has faded. So, it is a challenging game for the tourist team.

Australian cricket team is the winner of ICC Champions Trophy 2009. It was their second successive victory in this biennial ICC tournament. Though they lost the Ashes Test series to England but they could able to take the revenge after defeating the England team by 6-1 in a 7-match ODI series.

Australia last visited India two years ago where they beat the home side by 4-2 in ODI series. The 34-year-old Ricky Ponting is the most experienced player in his team. He has experienced to play in India. I think that his experience will help the young side to lead in a right way.

Indian cricket team is under huge pressure after getting early elimination from Champions Trophy. Now, India will have to perform well to prove their strength and dominance in home ground. It is a nice chance for Indian cricket team to precede their position in ODI ranking.

You should know that this time Australia will have to travel without their key legend players like Shane Warne, Matthew Hayden, Glen McGrath and Adam Gilchrist etc. Let us come to see how young player performs in India.

Related article:

THE CANADIAN PRESS

Rafael Nadal was beaten at the hand of Nikolay Davydenko in Shanghai Masters final

noreply@blogger.com (kamrul hasan) — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 12:38:00 +0000

Shanghai Masters tennis has finished with the final match between top seeded player Rafael Nadal and Nikolay Davydenko. In this match, Nikolay Davydenko beat Spanish opponent Rafael Nadal 7-6 (7-3), 6-3 to claim the title. This will boost him to find a chance of reaching the season-ending ATP World Tour Finals. It was his fourth title this year. He got $616,500 as a match winning prize money. However, Nadal earned half of the amount ($302,000) as runners-up.

The 28-year-old Nikolay Davydenko is a Russian player who is now in 8^th ranked by the ATP tour. No doubt, he showed his resistant form and earned the victory.

Rafael Nadal should seek his form and try to make dominance in tennis court. He is not in good form.

Related article:

Bloomberg.com

Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic has got place in the semi-final of Shanghai Masters

noreply@blogger.com (kamrul hasan) — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 15:18:00 +0000

Injury has taken a big role in the on going Shanghai Masters tennis and this matter has helped the top seeded player Rafael Nadal and veteran Novak Djokovic to get their place in the semi-final round of this tournament. Ivan Ljubicic’s leg problem pushed him taking retirement after a 3-6, 6-3 win against the top seeded Spaniard. Nadal have not won any big trophy since the Rome Masters in May. He will face unseeded opponent Feliciano Lopez in semi-finla.

However, Novak Djokovic got an easy win against Rainer Schuettler 6-4, 6-2. This victory leads him to get another big trophy.

Because of injury problem we lost many veteran players from this tournament. This matter has decreased the excitement of this tournament.

Related article:

AFP

Venkatesh Prasad and Robin Singh has been sacked as India coach

noreply@blogger.com (kamrul hasan) — Sat, 17 Oct 2009 11:20:00 +0000

I feel surprise when I heard that India’s cricket chiefs have sacked their bowling and fielding coach without any reason. Even these two coaches have not been noticed about the reason of their remove. Board members may take this decision after India’s poor performance and early exit in the recently concluded Champions Trophy in South Africa. It seems that board members can not depend on them.

Bowling coach Venkatesh Prasad involved with Indian cricket team since May 2007 in a tour series against Bangladesh. I think that he can not produce any good face bowler yet. Even his guidance can not help India team to get any big trophy.

India is always poor in ground fielding. Except few players no one could show any resistance in ground fielding. So, we can say that Robin Singh can not develop the fielding line up.

However, board members will have to find someone for these places. Let us come to see who will be selected for these positions.

Related article:

Australia Network News

Rahul Dravid will Give Up ODI Format of Cricket Game?

noreply@blogger.com (kamrul hasan) — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 14:11:00 +0000

The exclusion of Rahul Dravid from ODI squad against Australia made former Captain Sourav Ganguly surprise. I also have become surprised when I have not seen his name in the 15-man squad. You should know that this matter has become one of the most talked topics among cricket fans. This experienced batsman failed to impress selectors. May be selectors are doing some experiment.

Rahul Dravid was one of the potential players in Indian cricket and involved in batting trio. However, it was past. Now, he is struggling hard to make his place in the national squad. The true fact is that he is not in prime form. His position in ODI cricket is under the threat of existence. Now, some of his fans raised question about his future career in Indian cricket. Do you think Rahul Dravid can make his return in the squad? I have doubt about it.

He is now 36 years old player and after few months he will turn 37. So, you can easily understand that he has become aged. I think that it is the right time for him to take retirement from all types of cricket game and give more effort to do something related about cricket.

Related article:

THE TIMES OF INDIA

Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic is in the quarterfinals of the Shanghai Masters

noreply@blogger.com (kamrul hasan) — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 18:55:00 +0000

Top seeded player Rafael Nadal has got a straight-set win and moved into the quarterfinals of the Shanghai Masters. He has beaten Tommy Robredo 6-1, 6-4. Nadal had to face a tough challenge in the second set. He is aiming to get his first title since Rome Masters in May. He has already won five tournaments this year. He got his major victory in Australian Open. He is going to face Ljubicic in the quarterfinal round.

Novak Djokovic is another player who secured his place in the quarterfinal round. He had to face and bet German qualifier Rainer Schuettler 6-4, 6-2. Djokovic struggled hard to get victory in the first set. He will play against Gilles Simon in quarterfinal.

Related article:

kentucky.com

Argentina will take on Uruguay in a do or die match

noreply@blogger.com (kamrul hasan) — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 19:00:00 +0000

Just after few hours later Argentina will take on Uruguay in an important match to be a qualified team for the next year’s FIFA World Cup 2010 in South Africa. It is an important match for both Argentina and Uruguay because one more victory can give them chance to make a place in the World Cup tournament. It is sure that no team wants to miss the chance to get benefit from this match. Argentina remains their hope of playing World Cup after beating Peru 2-1. Now, Argentine Coach Diego Maradona is going to face a tough challenge in this match. Now, his fans will be watching to see if his team can beat Uruguay or not.

Andrew Flintoff Wants to Play Australia’s Domestic Cricket

noreply@blogger.com (kamrul hasan) — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 16:51:00 +0000

English all rounder Andrew Flintoff has got much media coverage for the last few months. Recently, he has come under spot light after revealing his thought to play domestic cricket before the end of his career. This one of the best all rounders has already announced his retirement from Test cricket. He had to undergo surgery and now recovering from knee injury. He says that one more injury can end his cricket career. He is now worried about his injury.

Andrew Flintoff is the first freelance cricketer. That is why, he rejected ECB’s offer to play for national cricket team. He is now just 31 years old player. I also support his decision. He has taken the right decision. He can continue his career in cricket may be more than 5 years. So, it is the right chance to earn money.

Andrew Flintoff wants to be one of the best performances in the shortest version of cricket game. Let us come to see if he can give full effort in cricket after recovering from injury.

Related article:

AFP

Justine Henin has got wildcard to play Australian Open 2010

noreply@blogger.com (kamrul hasan) — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 15:31:00 +0000

Justine Henin has made her return to the tennis court after coming out of retirement last month. Her decision of taking retirement was her own decision. She took this decision in May 2008. At that time she was ranked No. 1. Now, her coach Carlos Rodriguez said that she will be in great shape in this competition.

Now, this 27-year-old former world number one woman tennis player has got wildcard to play in the 2010 Australian Open. She is the seven-time Grand Slam Singles champion. Last she won Australian Open in 2004 at Melbourne Park.

It is true that Henin is at the edge of her career. Then it is expected that she will give her best performance.

Related article:

Bloomberg.com