Wasim's Sports WARP

Wimbledon 2009 Men's Semi-finals Preview

wasimparkar@wasimparkar.org (Wasim Parkar) — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 15:23:00 +0000

Roger Federer vs. Tommy Haas

The battle of the single-handed backhands was the headline for a preview when these two met for the first time in a grand slam at the Australian Open in 2002. At the time Tommy Haas was world no.2 and Roger Federer wasn't even in the top 10. Fast forward seven years, and the script is completely different. Federer is on the cusp of history, while for Haas its already a huge accomplishment reaching the semis at Wimbledon.

The beautiful backhands remain as potent as ever. The difference being that for Federer it is often overshadowed by that brilliant forehand, while for Haas it is still the main weapon. Haas has used his backhand down the line to great effect. However, the factor that has really propelled Haas into the semi-finals at Wimbledon has been his spectacular serve and volley. Many of his opponents have been flummoxed by this approach including Novak Djokovic.

Federer credits his amazing comeback against Haas at Roland Garros as the catalyst for winning the French Open. Haas might very well be the toughest opponent that Federe has faced so far. However, as good a game that Haas played against Federer on clay, its a different thing altogether playing Federer on grass. There certainly will be some brilliant rallies, beautiful strategic play, but in the end Federer just has to many weapons to unlock Haas and will make them count to book his place in a historic final.

Andy Murray vs. Andy Roddick

Andy Murray played his best tennis against a challenging opponent in the quarters against Ferrero. The serve was impenetrable, the ground strokes were brilliant, and the approach shots and volleys were too beguiling for his opponent. If Andy Murray maintains this level of play, its hard to see who can stop him.

This match-up should be a potential stumbling block for Murray, as after all his opponent has made it two Wimbledon finals already. However, the Andy Roddick of 2009 is not the same player. Incredibly Roddick has made it this far with only one straight sets victory. His return game has been really poor throughout the tournament. He has been riding on his excellent serve, culminating with a record 44 aces against Hewitt in the quarters.

Unfortunately for Roddick, Murray's returning prowess means he is going to be under pressure on his service games like he has never been before. Furthermore, Murray's craft and intelligent pacing of shots are exactly the sort of tactics that can completely unravel Roddick's game. Throw in the deafening home support and Murray should also book his place in a historic final.

Wimbledon 2009 Women's Semi-finals Preview

wasimparkar@wasimparkar.org (Wasim Parkar) — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 04:12:00 +0000

Elena Dementieva vs. Serena Williams

If it wasn't for the Williams sisters, Elena Dementieva's dominating performances at Wimbledon this year would get more coverage. She has dismantled all her opponents easily and efficiently. Most surprising about her play has been the serve which has held up remarkably steady so far. The ground strokes continue to be brilliant.

Serena Williams is playing some exceptional tennis so far. Apparently facing her toughest test in the quarter-finals, it was scary how Serena just managed to change gears effortlessly just when Azarenka seemed to be challenging her. The serve remains as strong as ever, and the winners from the back seemed to have increased in frequency.

Hopefully Dementieva will at least manage to get Serena to a tie break. If this wasn't a match on grass, a case could be made for Dementieva on the basis of her baseline game. However, one just gets the feeling that Dementieva will be broken a few times, while its almost impossible to see Serena losing her service games. That essentially will be the difference.

Dinara Safina vs. Venus Williams

While it has been quite easy to lambast Dinara Safina for her mental frailty in the big matches, there is no denying the fact that the Russian is now a consistent performer who knows how to win matches against opponents she should be beating. Already a runner-up in the first two grand slams, Safina has shown tremendous character to make it to the semi-finals over here. While her tennis has hardly been of the highest standard, she has done amazingly well to win scrappy matches many didn't expect her to.

For the first time in the tournament, Venus Williams clearly did look to be the better player than Serena when she thrashed Radwanska in the quarter-finals. There didn't seem to be a single aspect of her play that was questionable. It could easily have been a double bagel for Venus, such was her authority. Her net play has been exquisite to say the least, and backed up by the power of her ground strokes, Venus is the clear favourite.

While Safina certainly has dug in well so far, the fact of the matter is that against Venus the match isn't going to be a scrap. Venus will dictate play on most points, and her superior mobility and brilliant volleying should be enough to see off Safina in straight sets.

Wimbledon 2009 Men's Quarter-finals Preview

wasimparkar@wasimparkar.org (Wasim Parkar) — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 06:32:00 +0000

Roger Federer vs. Ivo Karlovic

The career Grand slam completed, the Swiss master is now playing with a relaxed mindset which he hasn't had for a while. The ease of movement and grace of play is as good as ever on grass. Even against really determined opponents such as Kohlschreiber and Soderling, Federer's level of play hasn't dropped. His serve hasn't looked this good in a long time.

Speaking of serve, if there is one player who epitomizes this aspect of the game it is the Croatian Giant Ivo Karlovic. For the longest time, Karlovic was considered a one-trick pony. However, over the past two years, Karlovic has certainly made a concerted effort to improve other parts of his game. This was certainly in evidence when he beat other big servers Tsonga and Verdasco in tight matches that featured a lot of tie-breaks.

As much as Karlovic's game has improved, it is still hard to see him beating Federer. The great serve might get him a tie-break or possibly even two, but Federer is no slouch with tie-breaks, and his level of returning is superior to any opponents Karlovic has faced so far. The Croatian's eccentric celebrations will end against the man who is poised to make history yet again.

Novak Djokovic vs. Tommy Haas

At the start of Wimbledon I wasn't sure about Novak Djokovic at Wimbledon. However, since the incredible masterclass that was executed against Mardy Fish in the third round, we have finally managed to get a glimpse of the real Djokovic. The serve is impenetrable, the ground strokes are heavy and the aggression in his play is paying huge dividends.

For Tommy Haas it has been a dream run. In an incredible tennis match against Croatian prodigy Marin Cilic, Haas finally showed some mental strength to come back from facing match points in a match where he was two sets up in the first place. The one-handed backhand is as effective as ever, and the surprising amount of serve-volley has certainly caught all his opponents off-guard.

This quarter-final is probably the toughest one to call. Haas absolutely outclassed Djokovic in the Halle final in the tune-up to Wimbledon. Although the Djokovic that is playing currently is a different animal altogether, there is a certain confidence and understanding of the surface that suits Haas well right now. One has to be believe that for the veteran to win, he is going to have start well and win it straight. However, if the match goes the distance, its advantage Djokovic.

Lleyton Hewitt vs. Andy Roddick

A few years ago, this match-up was a regular one during the latter stages of grand slams. While Andy Roddick has managed to stay in the top ten despite struggles, fitness issues and a lack of consistency has meant that Lleyton Hewitt has plummeted down the rankings.

Andy Roddick's tournament has been far from exceptional. Until his easy victory over Tomas Berdych, Roddick lost a set in each of his first 3 matches. In all his early matches, opponents managed to break his serve, while his return game barely threatened. If it wasn't for his mastery of tie-breaks the American might well have packed his bags already. However, the service winners and ace count remains as high as ever, and that always makes Roddick a tough opponent on grass.

Lleyton Hewitt put himself in the spotlight when nobody expected to, with a brilliant victory over Juan Martin Del Potro. All the old tricks were back, the backhand topspin lob, the working around of opponents. Add in some aggressive play, and pop on the serve, and there have been glimpses of why Hewitt was No.1 at one time. The never say die attitude also remains, as evidenced in the brilliant comeback from 2 sets down against Stepanek.

Roddick is the seed over here, and many people's tip to win. However, if Jurgen Melzer and Jeremy Chardy can trouble Andy Roddick with smart returning, then Hewitt is in a different class altogether. If Hewitt manages to keep going on his own serve, then there is the real possibility of an upset over here. If Roddick gets out quickly of the blocks, then he should be able to dictate the tempo.

Andy Murray vs. Juan Carlos Ferrero

Yet another feel-good veteran story in this year's draw. Juan Carlos Ferrero needed a wild card to participate in this year's Wimbledon. The All England Club must feel chuffed about their decision. Following a remarkable 5 set win against Fernando Gonzalez, Ferrero then demolished 8th seed Giles Simon. Ferrero seems to have recalled his spin and slice serves which were his hallmarks in his heyday, while his baseline game remains solid enough to trouble the best.

Andy Murray is carrying the hopes of a nation, and following the mesmerizing victory in the round of 16 against Stanislas Wawrinka under lights at Wimbledon for the first time, the momentum clearly is in his favour. Nonetheless, it should be acknowledged that Murray hasn't been at this absolute best on grass so far. The two easy victories against Gulbis and Troicki have masked some serious questions that were displayed against Kendrick and Wawrinka. Nonetheless, if the serve holds sway, then Murray is incredibly difficult to beat.

Its been a great run for Ferrero. The Spaniard appears to be very determined, and has even talked about being prepared for Murray. Yet despite his experience and craft, to really unsettle Murray one has to unleash power against him. This lack of power, coupled with the Murray's variety and home backing should enable the Scot to keep the nation hoping and dreaming.

Wimbledon 2009 Women's Quarter-finals Preview

wasimparkar@wasimparkar.org (Wasim Parkar) — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 02:41:00 +0000

Dinara Safina vs. Sabine Lisicki

I have to be honest, I wasn't expecting Safina to reach the quarter-finals at Wimbledon after her performance at the finals of Roland Garros. To her credit, the World No.1 has hung in there in some really uncomfortable matches on a surface that really doesn't suit her game, to make it this far. Her performance against Amelie Mauresmo in the round of 16 was a good boost to the Russian as she had to come back in the match from a set down and subsequently breaks in the following sets.

Sabine Lisicki is a name nobody would have expected to see in the draw for the second week. Yet this talented upcoming German seems to have a natural game for grass. She has a tremendous serve, so far being out-aced only by Serena Williams. In addition she generates power of either side with her ground strokes. The confidence that she showed in defeating Kuznetsova and Wozniaki, two of the most in form seeds was ominous.

Dinara Safina might be no.1 in the world, and she has performed admirably. Nonetheless, Lisicki is on a roll, and after beating two much better players on grass, I think the German will be too strong for Safina who might still be recovering from a tight battle against Mauresmo.

Venus Williams vs. Agnieszka Radwanska

It is almost impossible to believe this, but Venus Williams is actually playing even better tennis at Wimbledon this year than when she won it last year. Known to struggle a bit in the early rounds, Venus has absolutely demolished her opponents so far. Her movement on the grass is peerless in the women's game, and the variety she is currently displaying in her game is simply top-notch.

Agnieszka Radwanska is a teenager with huge potential. In an age, where power seems to be the mantra in the women's game, Radwanska's finesse and strategic play is a refreshing sight. Couple in the fact that she is extremely comfortable at the net, and you have a tricky opponent.

Regardless of the trickery and subtlety of the young Polish girl, the mastery of Venus on this surface should prove too strong. This will arguably be the toughest match for Venus at this year's Wimbledon so far, yet she should progress in straight sets.

Francesca Schiavone vs. Elena Dementieva

Francesca Schiavone is another name that not many would have expected to see at this stage of the tournament. However, the wily Italian veteran certainly has the game that should see her at least in the top twenty. Schiavone is an expert at playing within her limitations, with stable ground strokes and a topspin forehand the basis of her game.

Elena Dementieva has made it this far quietly under the radar. After a promising start to the season, the diminutive Russian suffered a blip in form. However, with her serve coming on unusually well so far at Wimbledon, Dementieva has looked extremely comfortable and commanding in her performances.

Schiavone is a fighter, however the overall game of Dementieva should be too strong for the veteran. In addition Dementieva's experience at this stage of a grand slam, means she should be able to handle any uneasy passages of play that Schiavone throws at her.

Victoria Azarenka vs. Serena Williams

Alongwith Caroline Wozniacki, Victoria Azarenka has laid down a marker as the new challengers to the top tier in women's tennis. The Belorussian has tremendous talent, and the confidence of her impressive season so far has elevated her game to top five level. Apart from an excellent challenge from a resurgent Nadia Petrova, Azarenka has looked at ease on the grass.

Serena Williams seems to be playing a consistent game of one-upmanship against her sibling. She has been almost as dominant as her sister, and her dismantling of Daniela Hantuchova, who has previously troubled Serena was as comprehensive a performance as one can expect from the two-time champ.

Azarenka will be a grand slam champion for sure. However, her time is not now. Similar to Venus, this will be Serena's toughest test. Similarly, she will come through it, as the Williams sisters move smoothly towards another final showdown

French Open Women's Quarter-final Preview

wasimparkar@wasimparkar.org (Wasim Parkar) — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 05:24:00 +0000

With the exit of her vanquisher in last year's final, Dinara Safina now stands as the firm favourite to win her first Grand slam. However, the experience of Serena Williams, Svetlana Kuznetsova and possibly even Maria Sharapova may still have a say.

Dinara Safina vs. Victoria Azarenka

The joke going around is that once Dinara is on court at the French Open, the players scheduled next are already in the waiting area after half an hour. Such has been the sheer dominance of World No.1, that she is the overwhelming favourite to win. Yet to lose more than 5 games in the tournament, simply no words can do justice to describe her game now.

What is certain though, is that Victoria Azarenka will probably win 5 games against Safina by herself. The Belorussian youngster is the rising star of Women's tennis, and her consistency in the first half of the season would suggest that her beating of the champion in the last round was hardly an upset. An intelligent mind coupled with the ability to string winners consistently makes Azarenka a treat to watch. Its just unfortunate that she is in Safina's half of the draw.

Prediction: Azarenka's time will come very soon at a Grand Slam. However, the current moment belongs to Dinara Safina. It won't be done in 50 minutes, but Safina will win in straight sets.

Dominika Cibulkova vs. Maria Sharapova

One player has confounded expectations by reaching this stage in a Grand Slam for the first time. The other has confounded expectations by reaching this stage in a Grand Slam despite being out of the game for more than a year.

For both, this tournament is already a huge success. Tactics are almost irrelevant in this match. It is the mental aspect, where this game is going to be won. Expect Cibulkova to be a bundle of nerves. Despite going the distance in all her matches so far, Sharapova should have the experience to pull through.

Prediction: Cibulkova seems to be another rising star in the WTA. Yet Maria Sharapova seems to have the mental tenacity and will power to win these matches, along with the momentum. It won't be a classic, but Sharapova to win in 3 again.

Sorana Cirstea vs. Samantha Stosur

Yet another match-up between two players who have done remarkably well just to get to this stage in the tournament. In beating Jelena Jankovic and Elena Dementieva, Cirstea and Stosur respectively have shown that they aren't afraid to play in the big games.

It seems only natural that there will be lots more seen from the Romanian teenager in the future. For the veteran Stosur, this is a phenomenal effort after years of success on the doubles circuit.

Prediction: Cirstea certainly seems to have the better all-round game. However, Stosur has the experience, and fatigue might also be a factor against Cirstea after her marathon against Jankovic. A calm Strosur to win in two tight sets.

Serena Williams vs. Svetlana Kuznetsova

While Dinara Safina has been gathering all the plaudits, Serena Williams has been doing her job quietly and effectively. While she struggled a bit in the early rounds, Serena's demolition of Alexandria Wozniak was an ominous sign for her opponents. Yet one can't help but feel Serena is most vulnerable on clay than on any other surface.

Despite a tricky encounter against Radwanska in the round of 16, Svetlana Kuznetsova has probably played the best tennis on the women's side after Safina. Kuznetsova's forehand remains as formidable as ever, and the ease with which she has moved forward to finish points has been excellent. For Kuznetsova, it really is a matter of holding nerves against Serena.

Prediction: Serena has played just well enough to reach the quarters. There is no doubt that she has to raise the level of her game for this match. However, even that may not be enough, against an opponent who is certainly better on clay. Kuznetsova to win in 2 extremely close sets.

French Open Men's Quarter-finals Preview

wasimparkar@wasimparkar.org (Wasim Parkar) — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 04:37:00 +0000

With the shock exit of Rafael Nadal, the tag of favourite has now been transferred to Roger Federer. There is no doubt that Federer is the player with the best clay court pedigree. However, the last eight consists of a host of dark horses, and as the exits of Djokovic and Nadal proved, anything is possible this year.

Robin Soderling vs. Nikolay Davydenko

Unless we have a match or performance for the ages in the remaining 6 days at Roland Garros, the 2009 French Open will always be associated with Robin Soderling. The enigmatic Swede did the unthinkable by becoming the first man to beat Rafael Nadal on the clay of Paris.

However, after the euphoria of that victory dawns the reality that there are 3 rounds still to go. In fact, Soderling is as much of an underdog against his next opponent as he was against Nadal. There is no denying the effectiveness of Soderling's serve and powerful groundstrokes.

That being said, Nikolay Davydenko is unlikely to give Soderling the luxury of short balls, and the Russian has the sort of metronomic consistency from the baseline that can easily ruffle Soderling's brittle temperament. Furthermore, Davydenko has the crucial experience in these stages of a Grand Slam, and the unheralded yet extremely consistent veteran may even fancy being the favourite in this section of the draw to make it to the final.

Prediction: Soderling may have the momentum, but ultimately the biggest effect of his shock against Nadal, might actually have been to galvanize the other serious contenders. A fact that won't be lost on Davydenko, as he wins in 4

Andy Murray vs. Fernando Gonzalez

Andy Murray's startling progress over the past year shows no signs of abating. His maturity and intelligence are starting to be seen in greater evidence, as he has the reached the quarters of a grand slam on his least favourite surface. The most impressive facet of his play on clay has been his ability to transform his game to suit the surface, yet still utilize his major weapons, the backhand and serve.

Fernando Gonzalez meanwhile is in brilliant form himself. The Chilean can often have streaks at grand slams, whereby he is in a zone of his own, managing to hit winners consistently from any angle. His baseline game at this year's French, is reminiscent of his breathtaking play at the 2007 Australian Open. If Gonzalez maintains the accuracy of his groundstrokes, he has the ability to negate Murray's game by keeping him completely on the defensive.

Prediction: While there is no denying Murray has made huge strides on clay, the fact remains that he hasn't really played anyone in the tournament with a clay court pedigree. Gonzalez is certainly going to be his toughest opponent, and possibly a bridge too far. Speedy Gonzalez to nick it in 5

Roger Federer vs. Gael Monfils

A repeat of last year's semi-final when Monfils ran the Swiss master really close. As mentioned earlier, the expectation on Federer is now even greater after Nadal's exit. The good news for Roger Federer is that the bad match has already been dealt with in the round of 16 clash against Haas. In fact, Federer's amazing escape when facing a break in the third set, already 2 sets down, seemed to have the air of a seismic moment that can transfer momentum for a whole tournament.

It certainly was an important wake-up call because if Federer would have played the same level of tennis against his next opponent, then Gael Monfils would have decimated Roger Federer. While critics of the young French star quibble about his defensive game, there is no denying that his speed, movement and effective defence make him a genuine threat on the clay of the French Open. Expect the highly partisan crowd to be a big factor in this match.

Prediction: Despite easily dismantling Andy Roddick, Federer on clay is a different prospect. Even the French crowd might not be as vocal against Federer as they were against Roddick. Monfils will certainly give the crowd a lot to cheer, but ultimately lose in 4 close sets.

Juan Martin Del Potro vs. Tommy Robredo

A third successive grand slam quarter-final leaves no doubt that Juan Martin Del Potro is here to stay as a top 10 player. While the top 4 may yet be a bridge too far, Del Potro certainly has the consistency, power and all the right mental attributes to beat the rest of the field. He certainly knows how to use his forehand effectively, and most certainly does not gift his opponents easy points with unforced errors.

On the other side of the net, Spanish veteran Tommy Robredo has played some decent tennis of his own. Always a dangerous opponent on clay, Robredo has displayed many of his positive traits, and even some decent net play which has resulted in many quick points at the expense of confused opponents.

Prediction: On his day, Robredo certainly can cause an upset here, especially if he moves the big Argentine around. However, Del Potro is starting to show signs of maturity in his play and the way he dismantled home favourite Tsonga was quite exceptional. Del Potro's baseline game to carry him through to the semi's in 3 straight but tight sets.

Liverpool need better full-backs

wasimparkar@wasimparkar.org (Wasim Parkar) — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 21:02:00 +0000

Irrespective of whether Liverpool win the Premier League this season or not, Rafa Benitez has to make a few signings to strengthen his squad this summer in order to challenge on all fronts next season. Early indications are that there is going to be another chase for Gareth Barry, in addition to a signing in attack most probably from Benitez's favoured Spain. However, one area that can be certainly improved upon but is very rarely commented upon is the quality of Liverpool's full-backs.

Alvaro Arbeloa and Fabio Aurelio have been first choice at right-back and left-back for most of the 08/09 season. Many Liverpool fans appreciate both these players for their efficiency and stability. Aurelio has certainly developed a bit of a cult following with his recent free-kick prowess. Arbeloa has developed an excellent understanding with Dirk Kuyt on the right flank, which has resulted in him delivering a few assists. Despite these positives the reality of the matter is that Arbeloa and Aurelio would not be starters for any of the other big guns in the premier league or for that matter, the top teams in Spain and Italy.

Most pundits would vouch for their stability, and indeed against most teams that Liverpool face in the Premier League, their full-backs really don't need to be all that spectacular. However, when playing against top teams this deficiency is quite noticeable. It is of course very easy to overlook this deficiency when Liverpool have won an impressive 14 out 18 points in the mini league of the big 4.

When the situation arises that Liverpool are chasing a game against tough opposition, Aurelio and Arbeloa don't provide much of a threat in terms of their final ball or ability to beat defenders from the wings. Furthermore the two are equally capable of making mistakes under pressure, as was evident in the recent games against Arsenal and Chelsea. Another factor that hinders both of them against quality opponents is a lack of pace. This is crucial against the best teams, as it impacts their transition from defence to attack and conversely, from attack to defence. For evidence, one can see the goals that Liverpool have recently conceded. Almost all of them have been as a result of the opposition exploiting space when the two have gone forward to support the attack.

At the end of the day both players are certainly worthy of being in Liverpool's squad. However, now that Liverpool have finally proven themselves capable of challenging on all fronts, they need players who will take the team's play to a higher level. Its often said that the acquisition of better wingers to supplement their excellent midfield and Torres is the final piece of the puzzle for Liverpool. On deeper inspection, better full-backs to supplement their excellent centre-backs and goalkeeper is necessary as well.

Semi finals between Hamburg and Werder set to be classics

wasimparkar@wasimparkar.org (Wasim Parkar) — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 19:08:00 +0000

At the beginning of the season, if you asked any fans of German football to name one team that could possibly challenge Bayern Munich for the title, most would have answered Werder Bremen. If you would have asked them to name one team that would be languishing in mid-table but good enough to go on a few cup runs, for most the pick would be Hamburger SV. However, as we enter the final stretch of the season, these predictions have been reversed to the shock of many a pundit.

Hamburg under the stewardship of Martin Jol, are in with the possibility of capturing an amazing treble. They are just three points behind league leaders Wolfsburg, and are in the semi finals of the German Cup and the UEFA Cup. Werder on the other hand have been horribly inconsistent in the league, at times thrashing the table-toppers, only to lose at home to the bottom-dwellers the next weekend. It was the same story in the Champions League, whereby they were undefeated against Inter Milan, yet contrived to miss out on the knockout stages following horrendous performances against underdogs Panathinaikos and Anorthosis Famagusta. Yet, unbelievably they could be on for exactly the same cup double that Hamburg are chasing.

The most intriguing aspect of both the cup challenges is of course, that Hamburg and Werder play each other in the semi-finals of both the DFB Pokal and the UEFA Cup. It would be fair to say that for neutral observers of German football, these two teams have been the most entertaining to watch. Martin Jol has always had a reputation for pursuing attacking football at the expense of defensive solidity. However, there are times when Bremen under Thomas Schaaf can make even Jol's teams look dull. Their emphasis on continuous attacking has led to some great victories over big names, and also some heart-breaking losses. Ideally it would be great if both these teams just split the cups, with Werder winning the UEFA Cup and Hamburg the German Cup.

Looking at matters practically though, the advantage might actually be in Bremen's favour. They don't have anything to play for in the league, and can thus muster all their effort and concentration towards the cups. Ever since their brilliant comeback in the San Siro to knock out AC Milan, Werder have been a team transformed. Diego is back to his diminutive best, scoring and creating in equal measure. One could also say that Werder Bremen have paid their dues in European football the past few years, consistently giving a tough time to many a giant in the Champions League, and thus merit at least a UEFA Cup final experience.

Hamburg on the other hand are team with more pressure to deliver. One can't rule out the positive energy and adrenalin as a crucial factor in their demanding conclusion to the season. However, chasing a treble can drain teams mentally and physically, and one gets the feeling that one loss in any of the competitions they are involved in, could possibly derail the dream. Furthermore, for all his charm and personality, Martin Jol doesn't seem to be the kind of manager who is ideally suited to keep his players focused consistently when faced with continuous string of high pressure games. For Hamburg, the key in the run-in is going to be the form of attacking triumvirate Trochowski, Olic and Guerrero.

There is always a huge risk when analysing these two teams. Unpredictability is the only thing that is predictable about Werder Bremen and Hamburger SV. In fact, it is quite conceivable that whoever wins, will eventually lose to Bayer Leverkusen and a Ukranian opponent in the German Cup and Uefa Cup finals respectively. Nonetheless, what is predictable is that these three semi-finals, and for that matter the league game at the Weserstadion will provide us exciting attacking football, defensive lapses and hopefully classics to remember.

Third Podcast

wasimparkar@wasimparkar.org (Wasim Parkar) — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 05:20:00 +0000

A quick review of the first leg of the Champions League quarter-finals in the third edition of Wasim's Sports WARP Podcast!

Second Podcast

wasimparkar@wasimparkar.org (Wasim Parkar) — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 04:46:00 +0000

Its a review of the tennis from Indian Wells and Miami in the second edition of Wasim's Sports WARP Podcast!

Dropping of Powell was long overdue

wasimparkar@wasimparkar.org (Wasim Parkar) — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 15:13:00 +0000

The West Indian squad to tour England has been announced. A quick glance through the list reveals the absence of Daren Powell, a player who has been in the starting eleven for a considerable period of time. While some may advocate that his experience can come in handy in what is bound to be a difficult tour, the hard facts suggest that it is quite a miracle that Powell hadn't been axed earlier.

In his last 14 tests Powell has managed only 25 wickets at a frankly awful average of 60.80. Considering his career average in the first place is a hardly inspiring 47.85, one has to ask why the selectors and team management have persisted with him for so long. Several other fast bowlers in the Caribbean might validly ask why they have been discarded on the basis of a few poor matches while Powell has been rewarded without consistent excellence.

It can't be forgotten that Powell did have his own contribution to the recent series victory over England. His excellent rearguard action in Antigua, as a night watchman in the first innings, followed by tremendous application in the last session on the final day ensured the West Indies got the draw that maintained the momentum for the West Indies in the series.

That being said, the reality is that Powell was in the team to win matches with his bowling, an aspect of his game that was unfortunately not up to the task. In fact one could say the quality and hostility of his bowling were both regressing. Furthermore, Powell had the alarming tendency of giving a four-ball or two every over, enabling the opposition batsmen to score at a fair quip. This particular tendency must have been especially infuriating for the Windies, in light of Jerome Taylor and Fidel Edwards troubling the batsmen to start the innings, through swing and pace respectively.

The baton now passes on to Grenadian Nelson Pascal, who has really impressed in regional competition with his pace and wicket taking ability. The inclusion of Darren Sammy is also a good option for the Windies, especially in light of the conditions that are prevalent in England at this time of the year. Lionel Baker and Andrew Richardson are the other seam bowling options in the squad.

There is no doubting that for the West Indies to succeed as a bowling unit, Taylor and Edwards will be expected to provide most of the damage. Nonetheless, it is imperative that the other seamers provide good back-up and are able to maintain pressure. Its now up to the likes of Sammy, Baker, Pascal and Richardson to seize their chance and ensure that the long overdue exclusion of Daren Powell was the right move.

West Indies cricketers stance disappointing

wasimparkar@wasimparkar.org (Wasim Parkar) — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 00:12:00 +0000

Considering the current enthusiasm that is returning to cricket in the Caribbean, the possibility of a strike affecting the final one day between West Indies and England is extremely disheartening. It seems that for every small step forward, West Indian cricket ends up taking two giant steps backward.

In the immediate aftermath of their first significant series victory in a long time, there was considerable talk of a realistic, albeit slow revival in the fortunes of this once great team. The test series display by the West Indians included one truly memorable innings victory in Kingston, coupled with two determined last day batting efforts that led to draws in the face of intense pressure by England. Although one might argue that the quality of pitches and the subsequent quality of cricket wasn't of the highest order, the West Indies were nonetheless deserving victors.

Following the test series the West Indies easily outplayed England in the only Twenty 20 game. Furthermore, were it not for Duckworth Lewis, it would be fair to say that the home side would have already wrapped up the ODI series as well. However, with the series tied, every cricket fan in the Caribbean, especially in St. Lucia was looking forward to the series deciding one-dayer.

Sadly, in the backdrop of what should be an exciting on-field climax, the WICB and WIPA have decided to take attention once away with their off-field shenanigans. For fans of West Indian cricket, such politics is nothing new. For the past few years, it had started to become a laughing matter, as it coincided with one of the worst standards of performance by the team on the field.

That the WICB have become a bi-word for organizational incompetence in cricket is nothing new, what with the pitiful hosting of the 2007 World Cup, and the recent Sir Vivian Richards stadium farce in Antigua. However, in the current scenario one has to ask some serious questions of the players. A fact made more galling, that some of the individuals who are the leading voices of dissent are supposed to be the bedrock of this team.

One would think that after a momentous test series win, the West Indian players would love nothing more than doing the double over England, a feat they haven't managed against significant opposition in a while. Of course, I do believe that players should receive the right amount of remuneration, and they have principles that should be adhered to, and demands that should be met. However, its only reasonable to expect them to put the pride of the team first above everything else, especially since there is only one deciding game left in the series.

Its easy enough to say both organizations are to blame for this incompetence, however it really is sad to see that instead of riding on the crest of a cricketing wave, the players themselves are willing to let down the thousands of fans in the region who only just started to enjoy the feeling of victory again.

Throughout this series many pundits have claimed that there is a genuine camaraderie and resilience in this West Indian team that hasn't been seen for a while. Through some difficult and at times humiliating experiences, certain players have fostered a mental toughness. Sadly, they don't seem to have realized that to have a complete winning mentality, the foundation stone has to be pride for team.

First Podcast

wasimparkar@wasimparkar.org (Wasim Parkar) — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 20:52:00 +0000

Hi Everyone. Welcome to the first entry on Wasim's Sports WARP. I am doing things a bit differently, because my first entry itself is a podcast. Hope you like the podcast. Written entries will follow soon. Enjoy the podcast here!