Sports Star

F1- Force India make it into points

2010-03-17T07:40:00.003+03:00

Hello,

So Adrian disappoints again. But if you look at the fact that he jumped back to 12th after going low down to 21st you know that good news can not be far behind.
Liuzzi who started 12th came in 9th and earned the valuable 2 points for Force India.
People have already started noticing the speed of the car and good days seem to be round the corner.
In fact I will not be surprised that Force India (FI for F1) comes out with a podium finish soon.
Liuzzi is an excellent recruit and let us hope Adrian is able to get over his bad luck spell.
By the way, the most extraordinary result came from Filepe Massa, the guy who had the horrendous crash last season.
Karun Chandok did what can be expected from a rookie with an untested car. But these are early days for him.
Best regards,
Manoj

FORCE INDIA - READY TO TAKE ON THE WORLD

2010-03-14T14:20:00.002+03:00

Hello,

The Bahrain GP is going to start in a short while from now. Adrian Sutil is in 10th place and a disappointed Vitantonio Liuzzi is 12th. Adrian got in Q3 and it is a good start. Now counted amongst the best teams by none other than Lewis Hamilton the expectations are high and the guys seem to be ready.

The post qualification comments are as under:

Adrian Sutil (10th, Q3 - 1m 56.309s)

“I'm very happy. I think it was a great achievement to go into Q3 at the first race: our best start to the season for a long time. The team should be very proud of it, I am very proud of this, so let's see how it goes tomorrow. Our goal is now to finish in the points. At the moment I'm in tenth and hopefully we can make one or two positions up as I'm the only car on the hard tyre so it may be an advantage. I'm surprised that the others were on the soft tyres so our decision could pay off tomorrow. We are strong under heavy fuel loads but we were very fast in Q1 and Q2 when everyone was on soft tyres so there are a few more positions we could gain. We worked very hard over the winter and over the last four years and it's nice to see it giving dividends now.”

Vitantonio Liuzzi (12th, Q2 - 1m 55.653s)

“I am a bit disappointed as we didn't know what had happened to the car since free practice. In the morning it seemed to have a pretty good balance and we didn't change very much but then we went into qualifying and we had a problem with the traction. That was the main reason we couldn't go through to Q3. Now we have to work on this and understand what happened but we believe in the race that we should be really strong as yesterday we were quick on the longer runs.”

Dr Vijay Mallya, Force India chairman and team principal

“I think the whole team can be very proud of this result; it's a great start to the season and a mark of how much progress we have made over the winter. Last season we didn't get through to Q2 in this race and this year we've got both cars in the top 12. Of course that's not a precursor to getting points, which is what really matters, but it does give us a much better chance. Particularly positive is that Adrian is starting the race on the harder tyre, unlike the rest of the top ten, so should be well-placed to capitalise as the softer tyre degrades in the warm conditions. I can't wait for tomorrow's race now!”

The harder tyres of the Force India cars can really make a difference and I eagerly await for the race to begin.

The other India connection in the race is Karun Chandok. Can you believe that he went for the qualifying without a test run. Amazing.

His comments:

Karun Chandhok (24th, Q1 - 2m 04.904s)

“I still can't believe that we will be on the grid tomorrow. It was not looking good in the morning and I was not sure if we would make it to the qualifying session as well. I didn't expect to be driving the car for the first time in qualifying but as I have always said these are the circumstances and we made the best of it. For me it was just a string of installation laps and to finish just a second slower than Bruno is definitely a huge achievement. I think I might be the only driver in the history of F1 to go straight into a qualifying session of a race without even having done a shakedown of the car! Once again I think the team have done a brilliant job so am very grateful to them.”

Let's watch the Indian connection at F1 Bahrain.

Best wishes to Force India and Karun,

Manoj

POLITICS OF PAKISTANI CRICKET

2010-03-11T10:48:00.002+03:00

Hello,

How many times have we seen Pakistani Cricket get caught in ugly controversies of infighting.

To some people the repetition of the same mistakes may appear shameful but it seems that they take these events in their stride in Pakistan.

While it is not rare to have conflicting interests, bloated egos and divided camps in a team, it does seem that the Pakistanis are the easiest to succumb to the consequences of such conflicts.

If we analyze the reasons for such drama in the team we notice one very important difference between the Pakistani and the other teams. The difference is in the knowledge of English.

Concidently when Imran Khan, Wasim Akram and to some extent Inzamamul Haque lead the teams the divisive forces were kept in check.

So does it mean that 'Language' plays a role.

The fact is that most of the players are literally picked off the streets and are mostly into the team without completing basic school education.

If you have seen this kind of street cricket you will know how easily the teams get aggresive and pick up bats and wickets for a fight to decide the winner will realize that what we see on the international stage is just a watered down version of what they are used to doing in their growing up years. Bowling and batting are skills they have but they cheat automatically to improve on these skills and get ahead of the rest.

While they get away with all this on home grounds where it is accepted as part of life they fall apart when they face international opposition and better umpiring.

Therefore if I were the selector of the Pakistani team I would select an English speaking captain and force the entire team to take classes on basic english manners. This will go a long way in curbing their wild ways and make the team cohesive and strong.

Best wishes,

Manoj

F1- Indian makes it to the starting grid

2010-03-08T17:51:00.002+03:00

The new Hispania Racing F1 Team has been officially presented to the public in Murcia last Thursday, with the confirmation that GP2 Series race-winner Karun Chandhok will join former team-mate Bruno Senna on the driving strength for the Spanish outfit's maiden campaign of top flight competition – and in so doing become only the second of his countrymen ever to reach the very highest level in the sport.

Chandhok's recruitment means that all seats in the 2010 field have now been filled, whilst the popular 26-year-old will follow in the wheel tracks of groundbreaking compatriot Narain Karthikeyan, who made history when he became the first Indian to reach F1 by competing for Jordan Grand Prix five years ago.

Elena Dementieva - The Woman Tennis Player I am backing in 2010

2010-03-03T13:13:00.002+03:00

Hello,

I think I'm a bit late with this post but the delay was caused by the expectations of having another good news and title win.

However things do not always go strictly as per plans and Elena lost 3-6 2-6 to #4 seed Alisa Kleybanova in a rain-disrupted final at the Malaysian Open in Kuala Lumpur.

This is her third finals in 2010 and with two title wins and one runners up position out of four tournaments she played in (I do not count the Dubai open as she retired hurt) it looks really good.

Now that the season is gathering steam we can hope for some big results that will take this player to the top - a position she aspires for but a position she has to work hard for.

I back her to be there.

Best regards,
Manoj

FORCE INDIA - READY TO TAKE ON THE WORLD

2010-02-11T08:43:00.002+03:00

Hi F1 Lovers,

Looks cool and raises hopes:

The 2009 season saw Force India set a fastest lap, take a pole position and finish second in Belgium. They ended with thirteen points and it is great progress over 2008, their first year.

This year Force India is expecting to improve on the performance of the previous year. The 2010 challenger, the VJM03 was unveiled on Tuesday 9th February 2010 and Vitantonio Liuzzi took it to the track. Adrian Sutil will take over for Friday and Saturday and reserve driver Paul di Resta is due to drive on February 17.

The design evolution involves getting a larger gas tank that makes the car a bit longer and wider and the double diffuser is now placed at the back of the car.

Along with McLaren and the new Mercedes GP team, Force India is powered by a Mercedes engine, an arrangement carried over from the 2009 season.

"2010 is a really important season and we are very optimistic about going well. I think this year it’s important to be consistent from the first race. I’d like to be in the midfield and be competitive from Bahrain," driver Adrian Sutil said.

"It’s the first time we have been completely on schedule so I feel this will be the first season when I can show from the beginning to the end what is possible with the car and what I can do. Of course we will have updates and performance packages from this point on but I hope we will be strong from the first practice session rather than compromising at the start."

ANDY RODDICK - BROOKLYN DECKER

2010-02-10T13:52:00.001+03:00

Brooklyn Decker is the new model on the coveted Sports Illustrated Swimsuit cover this year.
She is the wife of Andy Roddick.
Although she can never be categorized with the other sultry models that have made the cover in the past, she does have the credit of being part of the magazine since 2006 when she was just 18.
She also has the magazine to thank for her husband who traced her out after seeing her in the 2007 edition.
Some relations keep getting stronger.

Decker says she is an avid sports fan, and, as a teenager in North Carolina, ran hurdles for the track team, played soccer and participated in competitive cheerleading. She has no great diet or exercise secret, she said, other than to be active and eat sensibly.
"I still don't know the formula for the cover," she added. "It's luck, the perfect suit and perfect storm to get it."
Decker said, though, that because Sports Illustrated encourages a natural look -- less makeup, toned muscles, curvy shape -- it's easier to get a great photograph. "This celebrates the girls and their personalities. I think it's why they get such beautiful pictures."

Paper Tigers - Washed away

2010-02-10T13:46:00.002+03:00

Hello,

The paper tigers show that they have claws of clay. When the actual fight happens the clay gets washed away.

An innings defeat at home! can it get more humiliating!

Sachin chalks up another useless century. So there is glory for the Tigers. This false sense of pride on performance of individuals when the team can barely keep its head above water is what has never made this team competitive.
As an ardent supporter I feel so let down.

I hope they pull up their socks and come up with something exceptional at Eden Gardens and give the ground something to remember.
Eden Gardens wil be hosting a Test after a long break and I hope that the ground gives the team a victory.

Best regards,
Manoj

Elena Dementieva - The Woman Tennis Player I am backing in 2010

2010-02-10T13:36:00.004+03:00

Hello,

Elena lost to Justine Henin 5-7 6-7 in the second round at the Australian Open. As the score line suggests it was a close match. By now all of us are also aware that Justine Henin landed up with the runners up position.

The winner of course was Serena Williams.

Here is a short interview Elena did after the loss.

Q. How disappointing a loss is that?

ELENA DEMENTIEVA: Oh, for sure there is nothing good about leaving the tournament in the first week. You know, I feel like, you know, I was in a good shape coming here. You know, it is disappointing.

Q. Were you really crossed when you saw your draw, saw what bad luck it was to have to face Justine in the second round?

ELENA DEMENTIEVA: No, I don't take it as a bad luck. There is never an easy draw. I came here not to pass the second round; I came here to be in the final. You have to be ready facing Justine if you want to win the whole title. So I don't take it as a bad draw.

Q. How did you find her on the court today?

ELENA DEMENTIEVA: I think she was playing very well. You know, she was moving well, hitting hard. You know, just doesn't feel like she had the break. Yeah, she was playing very well today.

Q. Did you feel like she was playing the same as the last time you played her?

ELENA DEMENTIEVA: I don't actually remember. It was long time ago. But she was as good as she was before.

Q. You had a chance to get back into the match late, a few chances. In the tiebreak, you perhaps picked a shot which wasn't the best choice. It was a volley which hit the net. Would you play that shot again if you had the chance?

ELENA DEMENTIEVA: Well, it's not about just one point. I think I just let her play that aggressively today. You know, I was not playing deep enough. So I just let her dictate the whole game. That's not the way I was planning to go, you know, on the court. I feel like I was not aggressive enough. I was not playing deep enough. You know, if you look at the statistic, I was not able to make a winners, which I usually do. I mean, she was playing well. But I feel like I gave her the opportunity to play that well.

Q. Is she in a way maybe a little bit intimidating in the way she puts pressure on you?

ELENA DEMENTIEVA: No, I don't feel any pressure playing against her. Well, I just think it's really interesting to play against someone like her. She's a great player. Playing against her, you really can learn a lot and improve your game. I really need these kind of players to increase the level of the game. So it's great to have her back here on the tour.

Q. After the disappointment, what could you learn from her or this game?

ELENA DEMENTIEVA: Well, for sure, I'm going to take a DVD and watch again where I was not aggressive enough, just to see some moments of the match. I was at lead in the first and second set. I had some opportunity that I could really take it today. I mean, for sure, there are a lot of things to learn about.

Start of the 2010 Tennis Season

2010-01-17T13:41:00.005+03:00

Hello,

The season is just started but Indian tennis fans have already heard some bad news.

Sania Mirza said that she will stop playing once she gets married.

So are we ready for the swan song from her.

Highly unlikely. Her performance in the beginning of the season does not appear promising.

This season the ladies event is likely to be dominated by the performance of the three stars who are on the comeback trail. Justin Henin, just started playing, Kim Clijsters, already into winning mode after making a comeback last year and Maria Sharapova, ready for the big guns again after a quiet last year.

These three are obviously going to be challenged in their quest for glory by the reigning queens, Serena and Venus Williams and Safina.

But for me the player who will reign supreme in 2010 is Elena Dementieva.

In the Mens wing the focus is already on four players. Roger Federer - for his ability to go beyond catching distance, Rafal Nadal - his ability to come back and get over the effect of the injury that has now made him a beatable player, Andy Roddick - his ability to get over the final chokes, especially as this time he may not meet Federer in the finals and Andy Murray - the perinnial England favorite. But it is 'Mr. Invisible' Nikolay Davydenko, who has the ability to upset the applecart.

All in all an appetizing feast for Tennis lovers.

Best regards,

Manoj

Start of the new season

2010-01-17T08:59:00.003+03:00

Hello,

Two sports events - Cycling and Tennis are about to start their new season from Australia.

Cycling is starting with Tour Down Under, which starts tomorrow with the standalone Cancer Council Classic street race at Adelaide's East End. This is a six day tour and has a lot of sprint sections. This makes it tough for Lance, who had ended up 29th in his visit here last year but that was his comeback race and since then he has done enough for the world of cycling and sportslovers to stand up and take notice.

The confidence of Lance is such that a few days back talking of his thrid place finish in the Tour de France he said that when people were congratulating him on his performance and expressing surprise at his thrid place finish he was surprised. He was surprised because he was thinking that he would win.

The re-emergence of Lance has made the sport exciting again as not only has he brought the required glamour (5000 cyclist followed him at the trial run on the Adelaide roads this morning) but he also brings in a new team 'Radioshack'.

At 37, he is still a force to reckon with and gives joy to all of us who get inpiration from him to continue our active involvement with sports.

Best regards,

Manoj

CRICKET - PAPER TIGERS - AT THE TOP OF THE WORLD

2009-12-15T15:04:00.003+03:00

Hello,

So are they trying to prove me wrong.

Chasing 206 in the T-20 match at Mohali and today defending 414 at Rajkot, both done like champions.

They showed the right attitude, aggression and desire to end up on top. Well done India.

I'll be greedy and ask for a bit of consistency. Let's see if I can get it.

Best regards,

Manoj

CRICKET PAPER TIGERS - FAILING TO ROAR

2009-12-10T12:17:00.003+03:00

Hello,

The proverbial ink had not dried out when the Paper Tigers proved me right.

The world's best Test Playing Team was outplayed in the T-20 game against Sri Lanka.

Look at the number of catches dropped!

Does it look like a performance that can be expected of the best team in the world?

Look at the number of stupid high shots they hit during the middle overs!

Did they expect the opposition to reciprocate their poor fielding effort?

The international press is already trying to point out the flaws in the way the ranking was awarded. But how does it matter. The cricketers have already got their bonuses and a few losses here and there does not matter to them. This is the attitude that will never let India become the true World # 1 team.

Pull up your socks. Perform like the champions you are made to be.

Best regards,

Manoj

CRICKET PAPER TIGERS - AT THE TOP OF THE WORLD

2009-12-09T11:23:00.002+03:00

Hello,

The Indian Test Team is now # 1.

I must admit that the performance in the last two victories were really well deserved. But can we say that it was thought out and execution of a strategy.

I doubt it. To begin with the victory in the second test was due to an exceptional bowling performance from the comeback spoilt kid Sreesanth. Nobody expected that performance and it can be safely said that except for this standout performance, the teams were at par.

In the third Test, Sehwag turned the match on its head. If you have a player hit almost 300 runs in one day and at the pace that he did it, the opposition is almost always going to find them out of the game.

Although I am proud to be Indian and be # 1 in the world, the performance needs to be analyzed to get the correct picture.

Against Australia, India lost the last series 2-1. Against South Africa the last series was drawn 1:1. Both these series were played at home.

Which are the teams that we have beaten on the way to # 1. England, Srilanka and New Zealand.

How did we perform against Australia and South Africa. Were our losses heavy or did we put up a good fight? When we won did we win comprehensively and when we lost were the tests exciting or was it one sided?

How did we win against the other teams? Were our victories conclusive? Did we recover from precarious positions?

Only our analysis of the answers to these questions can tell us if we really deserve the throne. Cricket is not like other games, like football, where the competition is close and we have several closely matched teams. Therefore to really celebrate our # 1 status we first need to find out if we are consistent, ruthless and determined as the teams of West Indies in the 80's and the Australian Teams then after. You need to be adaptive and aggressive.

Nobody can pretend to be the best player in the world even with the # 1 ranking (a la Safina and Mauresmo in Tennis)

To be the best Team in the World India needs to be consistent, win tournaments, beat the best and all challengers to the throne on a regular basis and be equally adept in all formats.

We do not want to be a Safina or Mauresmo. We need to be like Federer - demolish opponents, get out of tricky situations, win when the chips are down and win against the best.

Best regards,

Manoj

Best regards,

Manoj

TIGER WOODS IS HUMAN

2009-12-06T08:32:00.002+03:00

Hello,

Tiger Woods was never prone to mistakes on the golf course. He always picked up the right club. He never vacillated between a wood and an iron and his putter could pick up the hole from unimaginable distances.

He was perfect.

He then had the injury and people started wondering if he was human after all. The victories did not come back immediately and it seemed that the God of the Golf green was finally shoved off his perch.

But then Tiger decided otherwise and soon, too soon, one may conclude now, he was put back on the pedestal. He was now looking at records and victories that made people look at him with awe. Is he human? they asked.

A US$ 164 fine for a car crash and women is his closet. This is what it takes to make him Human once more.

Well, just because he is amongst the highest earning sportsman, an extremely talented golfer, a model Black American married to a Caucasian with a couple of kids, does not guarantee Godly behaviour. In fact it made him bold and audacious. It makes him Human.

The risks he took on the Golfing Greens made him famous. Small risks he took out of the playing area are now making him infamous.

Fickle world, Fickle worshippers, Fickle God.

TIGER WOODS IS ONLY HUMAN. Leave him alone.

Best regards,

Manoj

GOAL - Cheats, Frauds and just not football

2009-11-26T19:02:00.003+03:00

Hello Friends,
So what is wrong in the world of soccer.
Not that we were not battered enough coping with the market recession, terrorism, pollution, etc,etc that we now have to deal with this. Deviousness on the soccer field - a place where we thought things were still fair and square.
Henry' famous hand of God goal brings focus to what threatens the playing arena. The fact that one country is deprived of it's rightful place in the World Cup means nothing to FIFA as they hide behind rules on not allowing a replay.

This brings back memories of another incident not so long ago when Maradona, the god of the soccer field had to take God's help to scrape through an important encounter against England in the 1986 WC. He continues to shame the game that gave im everything, the latest being his two month ban for his tirade against critics who voiced concern over his plans to ruin Argentinian footbal by playing 70 players in about a little more than 12 months. Here again FIFA has shown the tendency to bend backwards to please all and allowed him to continue in his role as coach for the WC.

But the final straw is obviously the accusation of match fixing. It is believed that more than 200 suspected members fixed or tried to fix around 200 matches across Europe, including three in the Champions League.

Yes, cheating is everywhere.

So have we all, the passionate football fans been fooled till now or is it just an indication of the times we live in.

Best regards,
Manoj

ANDRE AGASSI - REVELATIONS

2009-11-03T08:01:00.003+03:00

Hello,

Agassi wrote in his soon-to-be-released autobiography Open that he ingested crystal meth and then lied to the governing body of men's tennis to avoid a suspension after failing a doping test.

Excerpts from the book revealed that eight-time Grand Slam champion Agassi admitted he used crystal meth in 1997 and said he had wriggled his way out of a suspension after a positive drug test. (he claimed in a letter to officials that he drank it out of his mysterious assistant Slim's soda can)

Besides admitting to using crystal meth in the book, Agassi also wrote that he swallowed a pill given to him by his father - apparently when he was a junior player - that may have been the amphetamine speed.

Other major revelations that could make the book a best seller includes his admission about using a wig in the 1990 French Open and how his relationship with Brooke Shields died out because of her not caring much about him.

An interesting revelation says that Brooke Shields, just before their marriage, had pinned Steffi's picture on her refrigerator for motivation to get in better shape before their wedding.

"It's a photo of the perfect woman, she says" Agassi wrote. "The perfect woman with the perfect legs — the legs Brooke wants."

Agassi, who is now married to tennis great Steffi Graf, is a former top-ranked player who won all four Grand Slam titles.

He has also raised tens of millions of dollars for at-risk youths in his hometown of Las Vegas and opened a preparatory academy there.

Agassi reportedly received at least $5 million for the book; the first printing is a half-million copies, a relatively high number in publishing.

Any reactions on why now.

Best regards,

Manoj

The Rumble in the Jungle

2009-10-30T13:20:00.006+03:00

The 'Rumble in The Jungle' that took place on October 30, 1974. The venue was Kinshasa, Zaire (Now called the Democratic Republic of Congo) and pitted then world heavyweight champion George Foreman against the former world champion and challenger Muhammad Ali.

The event was Don King's first venture as a professional boxing promoter. He managed to get both Ali and Foreman to sign separate contracts saying they would fight for him if he could get 5 million dollars to be their prize. However, King did not have the money. So he began looking for an outside country to sponsor the event. Zaire's flamboyant president Mobutu Sese Seko asked for the fight to be held in his country, eager for the publicity such a high-profile event would bring.

The rumble in the Jungle began with Ali starting the first round attacking Foreman. This was notable, as Ali was famed for his speed and technical skills, while Foreman's raw power was his greatest strength; close range fighting would, it seemed, inevitably favor Foreman and leave too great a chance that Ali would be stunned by one or more of Foreman's powerful haymakers. Ali made use of the right-hand lead punch (striking with the right hand without setting up with the left) in a further effort to disorient Foreman. However, while this aggressive tactic may have surprised Foreman and it did allow Ali to hit him solidly a number of times, it failed to significantly hurt him. Before the end of the first round, Foreman caught up to Ali and began landing a few punches of his own. Foreman had also been trained to cut off the ring, preventing escape. Ali realized that he would tire if Foreman could keep making one step to Ali's two, so he changed tactics. Ali had told his trainer, Angelo Dundee, and his fans that he had a secret plan for Foreman. Almost right away in the second round, Ali started lying on the ropes and letting Foreman punch him, without any attempt to attack Foreman himself (a strategy Ali later dubbed the rope a dope - used in Rocky III by Rocky against Mr. T). As a result Foreman spent all his energy throwing punches (in oven-like heat), that either did not hit Ali or were blocked in a way that would do little damage to Ali. This loss of energy is the key to the "rope-a-dope" technique. Ali seemed to do little to resist, except to occasionally shoot straight punches to the face of Foreman. (Although this quickly began taking a toll on Foreman's face and it was soon visibly puffy.) When the two fighters were locked in clinches, however, Ali consistently outwrestled Foreman, using tactics such as leaning on Foreman to make Foreman support Ali's weight, or holding down Foreman's head by pushing on his neck, a move which is both disorientating and which can heighten the effect of punches, since it causes a greater snap in the neck when a fighter is hit in the head, and which subsequently increases the chances of a knockout. Ali also constantly taunted Foreman in these clinches, telling Foreman to throw more and harder punches, and an enraged Foreman responded by doing just that. After several rounds, this caused Foreman to begin tiring. As Foreman's face became increasingly damaged by the occasional hard and fast jabs and crosses that Ali threw, his stamina looked to be draining from him. The effects were increasingly visible as Foreman was staggered by an Ali combination at the start of the fourth round and again several times near the end of the fifth, after Foreman had seemed to dominate much of that round. Although he would keep throwing punches and coming forward, after the fifth round Foreman was very tired and he looked increasingly worn out. Ali continued to taunt him by saying "they told me you could punch, George!" and "they told me you could punch as hard as Joe Louis." Finally in the eighth round, Ali landed the final combination, a left hook that brought Foreman's head up into position so Ali could smash him with a rock-hard right straight to the face. Foreman staggered, then twirled across half the ring before landing on his back. Foreman did get up at the count of 9, as Bert Sugar of ESPN Classics has maintained, and as films of the fight clearly show, but the referee inexplicably signaled a ten count. Foreman later claimed that the reason he took so long to get up was that he was looking over at his corner, waiting for their signal to tell him when to get up, and that they were slow to do so. Some argue this to have been among the greatest demonstrations of strategic planning and actual execution ever displayed in a heavyweight fight. Ali came into the fight with a tactical plan, executed it and achieved an upset for the ages, becoming only the second heavyweight ever to regain a championship. The fight made clear just how great Ali was at taking a punch and also highlights the different, perhaps dangerous, change that Ali had made in his fighting style, by adopting the rope-a-dope, instead of his former style that emphasized movement. This fight has since become one of the most famous fights of all time, both because it resulted in Ali's regaining the title, but also due to the fact that Foreman would himself one day regain the title and become a popular champion. It is shown several times annually on the ESPN Classic network.

PAPER TIGERS FALL APART - INDIA ALMOST OUT OF CT 2009

2009-09-29T19:09:00.003+03:00

BCCI - SAVE THE TIGERS

Hello,

A loss to Pakistan and a game washed out against Australia leaves India hoping that Pakistan win against Australia (a possibility if they play their best eleven) and India beating West Indies (a reversal is possible as they will be playing on the fast pitch of the Wanderers).

The paper tigers were taught a lesson by the Pakis who batted wonderfully and created enough pressure to bowl out India and win by 54 runs.

The paper tigers were struggling against Australia, who had amassed a huge score of 234 when rain stopped play. They were surely heading for a 300+ score and if the match had continued I am sure it would have been a lost cause for the paper tigers.

Gary Kirsten and his team have suggested a great way of getting through the WADA examinations.

No DRUGS just SEX and Testosterone is high.

I believe they are yet to implement it.

I envy the Paper Tigers,

Manoj

WHAT IS WRONG WITH CAPTAINCY - SEHWAG GIVES UP CAPTAINCY OF DELHI DAREDEVILS

2009-09-24T19:30:00.019+03:00

Hello Cricket fans,

Does batting actually get affected if the star batsman is chosen to be captain?

Ever wondered what makes star batsmen shun captaincy?

Sehwag is the latest example.

A player who once nurtured dreams of leading India gives up the captaincy of the IPL T-20 team of Delhi Daredevils.

Just months before him, another star batsman of the sub continent Mahela Jayawardane, gave up captaincy of Sri Lanka.

A couple of years ago Rahul 'the wall' Dravid gave up India captaincy.

Not to forget how Sachin Tendulkar stepped down as India captain several years ago.

We can also include Kevin Pieterson in the list.

However, in his case the reasons were different.

Does it actually mean that your skills as a batsman decrease when you are made to think of the other facets of the game as well?

All those who gave up captaincy suggest that they did so to put their entire concentration on their batting. But this appears to be just part of the story. In none of the cases was there any external compelling pressure to resign.

So why?

It will be interesting if somebody actually analyzes the phenomenon.

If we look at the history of cricket, many star batsmen have been great captains as well. Saurav Ganguly, the god of the off-side and Azzaruddin, the magician of the leg side are immediate examples of successful captains and star batsmen.

A case worth studying is Mike Brearly who is undoubtedly the most successful England captain.

A successful batsman in the county matches he never excelled as a batsman in test matches, but as a captain he was par excellence - Brearley captained England in 31 Test matches, of which they won eighteen and lost four; while, of nine series, seven were won, one drawn and one lost. In his eleven years as captain of Middlesex they won the County Championship three times and shared it once, against five and one shared in their previous 89 years in the competition. They were twice winners and once losing finalists in the Gillette Cup; once Benson and Hedges Cup finalists; once runners-up and twice third in the John Player League.

The crowning glory of his captaincy was the 1981 series against Australia - He took over of the 1981 England team, one down to Australia, which had all the look of a beaten side, and transforming it, almost incredibly, into the winner of the rubber by three to one.

But his batting was always below par. Throughout his career as captain of England he was deeply - often inhibitingly - concerned about his batting form. Clear-mindedly recognising his own potential, he was idealist enough to appreciate how far he often fell short of it. Had he played under a captain as sympathetic as himself, the problem might have been solved.

Although he often batted freely and fluently in county cricket, when he played for England anxiety drove him constantly into over-care. This frequently cost him his wicket and made him look inadequate to an extent that people would question his place in the winning side that he lead.

So why? Why does batsmanship and captaincy do not jell?
Interesting question, Is it not?

Respond,
Manoj

Davis Cup - New era of Indian tennis

2009-09-23T21:01:00.005+03:00

Hello Tennis fans,

India will play Russia in their first round in the Davis Cup World Group from March 5-7.

This is not the big news.

The big news is that India entered the 16 team world group for the first time in eleven years.

India beat South Africa 4-1 in the play-off and for the first time in many many years India won a Davis cup tie on the basis of victories in the singles.

Som Devvarman, the new rising star of Indian Tennis played his heart and guts out to win both his singles. The results in details show that India won the first two singles very easily but then they had to forfeit their doubles match due to the injury to Mahesh Bhupathi and then we had the magic of Somdev Devvarman unfold in full glory.

R1 - S.DEVVARMAN (IND) def. I.VAN DER MERWE (RSA)7-6(5) 6-3 6-4
R2 - R.BOPANNA (IND) def. R.DE VOEST (RSA)2-6 6-4 6-2 6-4
R3 - J.COETZEE / W.MOODIE (RSA) def. M.BHUPATHI / R.BOPANNA (IND)6-3 3-6 4-0 - Retired
R4 - S.DEVVARMAN (IND) def. R.DE VOEST (RSA)3-6 6-7(3) 7-6(5) 6-2 6-4
R5 - Y.BHAMBRI (IND) def. I.VAN DER MERWE (RSA)3-6 6-3 6-4

It is said that after being two sets and a break down in the reverse rubber Som went to the bench and said that he would not loose.

The fact that he did not loose speaks volumes about his confidence on his ability.

This is not the championship but it is an achievement that Indians can be proud of. The fact that Yuvi Bhambri won his debut match also augurs well for Indian Tennis.

Russia will be a tough nut to crack. The two countries have met thrice, in 1974, 1982, 1986, and India are 2-1 up head-to-head.

But things have changed and Russia, is a superpower who have advanced to the quarterfinals for the 10th time in 11 years in 2009 before losing to Israel in Tel Aviv in July. They have won the Cup twice (2002, 2006) and have an awesome record of winning 16 times at home since 1996.

Russia will be without Marat Safin but that should hardly affect the team’s chances as they have four players in the top 50 of the ATP rankings, Nikolay Davydenko being the highest at eight. Dmitry Tursunov (38), and Igor Andreev(43) and young Igor Kunitsyn (45) have all shown enormous promise in recent years.

"Russia is an extremely tough team to play in the first round. The task is daunting,” Somdev said.

“But having said that, I feel in Davis Cup everyone has a chance and we will have to prepare really well to take on one of the top Davis Cup nations. ‘We will have to play our best tennis if we have to beat the likes of Davydenko, Youzhny, Andreev in their own back yard.”

So best of luck to the Indian Tennis team.

Manoj

Caster Semenya - A scandal that rocks SA Sports

2009-09-19T20:10:00.003+03:00

Hello,

The president of Athletics South Africa has admitted that he lied about gender tests on runner Caster Semenya before her gold-medal win at the World Athletics Championships last month.

Till recently the national sports body has always denied that it agreed to the tests before the race in Berlin, Germany -- an event that kicked off international controversy over the 18-year-old Semenya's gender.

Now South Africa's Mail & Guardian newspaper reported on exchange of e-mails showing that ASA President Leonard Chuene was aware of the tests.

It is reported that after receiving the results of the tests, the South Africa team doctor told that Semenya should be withdrawn from the World Championship.

Chuene had refused because he felt he was protecting the athlete.

"If we did not let her run, we would be confirming that she is not normal," Chuene told the news conference in the capital, Pretoria.

A controversy has since erupted and after Semenya won the 800 meters in one minute, 55.45 seconds -- the best women's time in the world this year and IAAF ordered tests on her and a decision in the case will come in late November.

There was hue and cry over the test with South Africans rallying behind Semenya. Her relatives and the South Africa team manager have maintained she is female. So much so that the SA minister for women, children and people with disabilities complained to the United Nations about non adherence to international protocols on gender and quality.

Compare it with the case of Santhi Soundarajan of India, whose Silver medal was taken away within two days of the test and you know that the world of athletics is biased against the less powerful sporting nations.

Best wishes,

Manoj

FORMULA 1 - FORCE INDIA TO BECOME MORE INDIAN

2009-09-16T19:19:00.003+03:00

Hello F1 lovers,

Force India may acquire some Indian colour shortly.

Force India owner, Vijay Mallya, has confirmed that the team will evaluate both Karun Chandhok and Neel Jani in McLaren’s F1 driver simulator next week.

Chandhok, 25, is currently competing in the GP2 series with Ocean Racing Technology, where he currently lies in 18th position in the series rankings. The Indian received a vote of confidence from Bernie Ecclestone last week when the F1 supremo said that wished for him to take the then-vacant Force India seat.

“Karun is like a son to me. I have known him from when he was a little boy in shorts. If I can give him a chance, I’d be delighted,” Mallya told Reuters.

“But he has to prove that he is also capable. So I’ve told him I’ll put him in the McLaren driver simulator and let me see what you do. And based on that we’ll talk further.”

Mallaya also revealed that former A1Gp champion, Neel Jani, would also be tested on the F1 simulator. Jani, who is half-Indian, has recently expressed his desire to race for the Silverstone-based team in the future.

“He and his dad have been after me for the last one and a half years and he came to see me again,” said the team boss. “The guy is saying give me a chance. I can’t deny him a chance in the simulator so yes, he will also go in.”

However it is thought that Force India will retain both Adrian Sutil and Vitantonio Liuzzi for next season, after both drivers impressed at Monza.
“They are loyal and hard working.” Mallya added, ” They are with the team and part of the team, they are doing their best. Unless I have some compelling reason to change, I ask myself why should I change?

“As of now I am very happy with what I have and the only role open is a test driver role and we’ll see where we go from there.”

So atleast some Indian blood on the wheel at long last. Narain Karthikeyan was the last Indian to take the wheels at F1 as a test driver and we hope that Karun Chandok, who has racing in his blood comes through.

Best wishes,

Manoj

Buffalo Soldier - Serena and Obama

2009-09-15T19:21:00.008+03:00

The Pictures that scare the living daylights out of the whites.

Hello,

Back on Serena and the decision to award the penalty.
After hearing what Serena actually had to say to the linesperson the penalty looks justified.

But we should then look at what caused the outburst. When you look at the foot fault call, you realize that it was an atrocious mistake. Look at the fact that it was the semifinals and a crucial point in the match and you realize how untimely it was.

Now answer honestly. Do you think any American Linesperson would have called a questionable foot fault on Andy Roddick or Melanie Oudin on such a crucial juncture in the game? I am sure the answer would be 'no'. Anything different would have resulted in a riot.

Serena, alongwith Venus, has been a victim throughout her career, and this was onother similar instance. They have dominated the Game for a long time now but they are still not accepted as champions in their own country.

During her 2001 meeting with Clijsters at Indian Wells, Serena Williams was booed so badly that she and her family have never returned to the event. In 2004 a call cost Venus a wimbledon match (and cost the umpire in question his participation in the remainder of the tournament) and a series of questionable calls in the similar bad calls in the 2004 US Open led to Serena's loss. One call was so bad that former player and analyst Tracy Austin labeled "quite literally the worst call I've ever seen."

The Williams sisters are the true Buffalo Soldiers. They are proud of their background, do not slink in the shadows, look good and radiate confidence. This is what hurts the White American.

As former President Jimmy Carter said on Tuesday that racial politics played a role in South Carolina Rep. Joe Wilson's outburst during President Obama's speech to Congress last week and in some of the opposition the president has faced since taking office. "I think an overwhelming portion of the intensely demonstrated animosity toward President Barack Obama is based on the fact that he is a black man, that he's African-American," Carter told NBC News.

"That racism inclination still exists, and I think it's bubbled up to the surface because of belief among many white people -- not just in the South but around the country -- that African-Americans are not qualified to lead this great country. It's an abominable circumstance, and it grieves me and concerns me very deeply," Carter said. "The president is not only the head of government; he is the head of state. And no matter who he is or how much we disagree with his policies, the president should be treated with respect."

The White American is hurt when inspite of all the scorn and hurt they have hurled at the champions they have continued to bedazzle the world with their brilliance.

For another white player the same attitude would be called a passionate outburst. For another white player the linesperson would not have erred so badly at such a crucial point in the match.

But the Buffalo Soldier will stand to be counted. Serena proved it by winning the doubles.

Let them keep coming.

Best regards,

Manoj

FORMULA 1- FORCE INDIA ON THE ASCENDANCY

2009-09-13T18:57:00.003+03:00

Hello Fi Lovers,

Congratulations to all followers andfans of FORCE INDIA.

Adrian Sutil brings in the car at fourth place earning Force India another 5 points.

The low load meant that he had to make more pit stops and that helped the others take the lead. Early stops from Hamilton, Raikkonen and Sutil played beautifully into the hands of Brawn GP who were one-stopping both their drivers.

Barrichello and Button set a searing pace at the front and a long first stint from both drivers meant that when they rejoined after their pit stops, they were only 16 seconds behind Hamilton who still had to stop.

Hamilton was struggling and unable to build the gap he needed to pit and rejoin ahead and that gifted the lead back to the Brawn drivers for the final stint.

Raikkonen and Sutil ran slightly longer than Hamilton and both pitted at the same time for their final stops. But both drivers had problems!

Raikkonen had a gear selection problem getting away while Sutil over-cooked it into his pit bay forcing his mechanics to re-adjust.

A rejuvenated Rubens Barrichello established himself as Jenson Button’s main obstacle to becoming world champion after he outperformed the Briton in Sunday’s Italian Grand Prix to claim his third win. Kimi Raikkonen took third place for Ferrari ahead of Adrian Sutil.

Giancarlo Fisichella, who switched from Force India to Ferrari, came in ninth and Tonio Liuzzi in Force India was doing well before he had to retire.

Things are really looking good for FORCE INDIA.

Well Done,
What do you think they will do in the next race. Something better, special.
Best wishes,
Manoj

WORLD AGAINST THE BUFFALO SOLDIER - SERENA WILLIAMS

2009-09-13T18:31:00.006+03:00

Hello Tennis fans,

When we compare the laxity people adopt while dealing with pale skinned people and the strict adherence to rules for the Buffalo Soldiers in the USA we know that Bob Marley was right.

In a bizzare incident Serena Williams was disqualified from the US Open because of threatening a lineswoman. people who have seen John McEnroe rave and rant at linesperson all across the globe know the kind of laxity practiced by the officials. Compare it with the strict adherence to the code in the present case and see who makes the decion and you know what dark colored people are up against.

When the Buffalo Soldiers from good ol Jamaica start winning medals they raise the suspicion of drugs. When Caster Semenya, who is born differently, beats them by a margin in 800 meters they cry sex cheat.

In contrast the laxity for the pale skin can be seen in the fact that the East German records on the track which were obviously performed by drug cheats continue to be mentioned on record books.

Swimming which is still a sport dominated by whites has no restriction on Jaked and Arena aided cheats.

But as time has proved time and again it is the BUFFALO SOLDIER who will dominate sports. Never mind Serena, You'll be back.

Best wishes to all Buffalo Soldiers,
Manoj

TRUE INDIAN CHAMPIONS - VIJENDER SINGH - BOXING

2009-09-13T13:49:00.000+03:00

Hello Boxing fans,

India found a true champion in Vijender Singh. When he won the Olympics Bronze in Bejing, it was unique. But his achievement lost part of it's sheen by the Gold won by Abhinav Bindra in Shooting and the Bronze of Sushil Kumar in Wrestling.

In the World Boxing Championships in Milan he made the country proud by being the first Indian to stand on the podium.

His semifinal bout with Abbos Atoev was a case of lapse in concentration in between.The 7-3 score line was mainly made up of a 5-0 score in the second round. The first round going 1-0 to Vijender and the third being tied at 2-2. It should be added that Abbos just tried to stay away in the third. Vijender had earlier beaten Atoev in the Asian Championships in June in China.

So a Bronze it will be for Vijender once again, but whatever it is he is opening doors for Indian Boxers and we are proud of our young lad.

"Obviously, I am a disappointed. But I am glad that I managed to break the jinx for India," said the 23-year-old boxer.

We are sure that with the kind of attitude he has shown we will continue to hear more of him and his success will be replicated by several others.

Good Luck to Vijender and Indian Boxing.

FORMULA 1 - ITALIAN GRAND PRIX - MONZA

2009-09-12T21:56:00.002+03:00

Vitantonio Liuzzi and Giancarlo Fisichella

Hello F1 lovers,

The grid for Monza is now finalized and do you see any surprises here:

Lewis Hamilton, McLaren-Mercedes – 1′24.0662.

Adrian Sutil, Force India-Mercedes – 1′24.2613.

Kimi Raikkonen, Ferrari – 1′24.5234.

Heikki Kovalainen, McLaren-Mercedes – 1′24.8455.

Rubens Barrichello, Brawn-Mercedes – 1′25.0156.

Jenson Button, Brawn-Mercedes – 1′25.0307.

Vitantonio Liuzzi, Force India-Mercedes – 1′25.0438.

Fernando Alonso, Renault – 1′25.0729.

Sebastian Vettel, Red Bull-Renault – 1′25.18010.

Mark Webber, Red Bull-Renault – 1′25.31411.

Jarno Trulli, Toyota – 1′23.61112.

Romain Grosjean, Renault – 1′23.72813.

Robert Kubica, BMW – 1′23.86614.

Giancarlo Fisichella, Ferrari – 1′23.90115.

Nick Heidfeld, BMW – 1′24.27516.

Timo Glock, Toyota – 1′24.03617.

Kazuki Nakajima, Williams-Toyota – 1′24.07418.

Nico Rosberg, Williams-Toyota – 1′24.12119.

Sebastien Buemi, Toro Rosso-Ferrari – 1′24.22020.

Jaime Alguersuari, Toro Rosso-Ferrari – 1′24.961

Well if we can now actually call it a surprise is debatable. Adrian grabs second place after being fastest in Q1.

Force India is here to stay. I will not be surprised if, after Monza, Adrian Sutil also gets an offer from some bigger team.

Hoping that he does better than the last finish by Giancarlo Fisichella.

All the best to Force India, Adrian Sutil and Vitantonio Liuzzi who has shown remarkable temprament to be where he is on the grid. If the past performance of Force India is any indication I will not be surprised with two podium finishes in the same race.

Is it hoping for too much?

Lets wait and watch.

Manoj

Bigger than Drugs - Sex test of Caster Semenya

2009-09-12T12:05:00.004+03:00

Hello Fans of the Track,

If you watched the berlin championships then you would have realized that Caster Semenya, the 800 meteres champion from South Africa was different. She ran the fifth fastest of all times.

Well so what you would say; even Usain Bolt is different and if you were watching the finish line of the 800 meters for women and the 200 meters for men, the victory margin was similar. So why such a hullaboo about Caster Semenya.

Caster Semenya was accussed of not being 'woman'.

The gender test results are not yet officially declared but the leaks reveal that she has no ovaries and has got internal testes which is producing a large number of testosterone.

The runner underwent a gynecological examination, blood and chromosomes tests after her face domination in the world championship in Berlin last month. The family of Caster is now claiming that the gender test was done without permission and that they are contemplating legal action.

Gender testing for female athletes started after the blatant cheating of Nazi Germany in 1936, several former Communist bloc nations sending female athletes into competition with questionable external gender characteristics, and the East Germans feeding their female athletes with performance enhancing drugs for more than a decade.

The Caster Semenya case reminds fans of another 800m champion athlete and 2000 Olympic champion Maria Mutola of Mozambique was dogged throughout her illustrious decade long career by ‘that’s a man’ accusations despite passing test after test.

You have to feel for Semenya in this case. The case is attracting eyeballs, done in the most humiliatingly public way possible

Her future now rest on the results of the gender test and an IAAF Council meeting set to take place in Monaco November 20-21.

The case has resemblance to the story of Santhi Soundajaran of India, who went out of sight after her test showed similar results.

Till the offical version is out we are going to see a lot of speculation. However one thing in favor of Caster is that she never cheated. How can she help it if she is made that way.

Not like the drug cheats of a couple of decades back who came from behind the communist wall to create unbelievable records.

Don't you agree?

Best wishes,

Manoj

ARGENTINA - ARE THEY OUT OF WC 2010

2009-09-11T22:52:00.003+03:00

Hello Soccer fans,

Argentina under Maradona has played 6 games in the WC qualifiers and after the first two flattering victories they have lost the next six matches with a dismal 6-1 scorline against Bolivia and a 3-1 loss to Brazil.

The top four finishers in this continent automatically go to the World Cup, while the fifth-place team has to win a playoff.

With two games to go, Argentina is in the fifth spot, and there are three other teams breathing down their necks. If they make the fifth-place finish, they’ll play against the fourth North American team.

But first they have to win the home game against the eliminated Peruvians and then travel to Uruguay and win there to be assured of the fifth place.

If they fail it will be a shame for a team of such talented players and the fault will obviously lie on the shoulder of Maradona who has made experiments that defy all logic.

What do you think will be the fate of Maradona if they fail?

As I see it to succeed he has to once again depend on the hand of God.

Best wishes,

Manoj

US Open Tennis, 2009

2009-09-10T17:44:00.004+03:00

Hello Tennis fans,

It is India vs. India in the US open. Mahesh Bhuapthi and Leander Paes, wh o once formed the famous 'Indian Express' now clash against each other in the summit clash along with their respective partners.

Bhupathi and his Bahamian partner Mark Knowles, seeded third, eased into the final with a 6-4 6-2 semifinal win over fifth seeds Max Mirnyi of Belarus and Andy Ram of Israel.

Fourth seeds Paes and Czech Lukas Dlouhy upset top seeds Mike and Bob Bryan 6-3 3-6 7-6 (8-6) in the other semifinal.

This is a first in Indian Tennis history and the old warhorses, the several times written off champions are at the forefront.

Long live indian tennis.

With Somdev Devvarman and Sania Mirza already creating history by entering the second round of both men's and women's competition together for the first time, things are looking up for Indian tennis.

Way to go guys.

Best wishes,

Manoj

ATHLETICS JACKPOT - GOLDEN LEAGUE

2009-09-06T15:56:00.010+03:00

Hello fans,

The last leg of the Golden League meet concluded in Brussels on the 4th of September.
American Sanya Richards - 400 meters, Russian Yelena Isinbayeva - Pole Vault and Ethiopian Kenenanisa Bekele - 5000 meters picked up 333,333 dollars each as they shared the one-million-dollar jackpot on offer at the Golden League series after winning the same events at all six Golden League meets in one season. This is in addition to the one kilogram of gold they took home.

World Pole Vault record holder Yelena Isinbayeva managed to clear 4.70 with her first jump that won her the competition and 333,333 dollars. She later failed at breaking her own world record of 5.07 metres.Poland's Monika Pyrek and German Silke Spiegelburg took second and third place respectively with the same height that Isinbayeva cleared. This is the second time Yelena has shared the jackpot.

Richards won the women's 400m race - as she has in all five previous Golden League meets this season - and thus was the first athlete to be assured at least a share of the jackpot. It is the third time that she cracked the jackpot. Richards, who also won the gold at the world championships last month, took first place in a world-best time this year of 48.83 seconds, beating Britain's Christine Ohuruogu into second place by more than a second. Ohuruogu finished in 50.43. Jamaican Shericka Williams was third.

Bekele looked beatable at one stage in the men's 5,000m race at the Memorial Van Damme meet as he seemingly held back, but on the final straight he proved too strong for compatriot Imane Merga, who finished 0.35 seconds behind. Bekele's winning time was 12:55.31 seconds, while Vincent Chepkok took third place.

OLDEST WORLD RECORD BROKEN AT BRUSSELS

The men's Kenyan 4 x 1,500m relay team set a new world record, beating the 32-year-old previous best mark set by Germany in 1977. William Biwott, Gideon Gathimba, Geoffrey Rono and Augustine Choge won in a time of 14:36.23 minutes, to beat the oldest world record on book of the sport's governing body IAAF.

Best wishes,

Manoj

FORMULA 1 - FORCE INDIA IS MAGNANIMOUS

2009-09-04T17:52:00.003+03:00

Hello F1 lovers,

Is it Bad or Good news for Force India? Your guess is as good as mine.

The next race on 13th will show who is lucky.

Giancarlo Fisichella has left Force India to join Ferrari for the rest of the Formula One season as a for Luca Badoer, who qualified last and finished no better than 14th in his first two races since stepping in for the injured Massa.

He will be in Ferrari colours when they race at the Italian Grand Prix which takes place in Monza on September 13.

"I'm in seventh heaven,'' Fisichella told Ferrari's website. "I'm still having a hard time believing the fact that the dream of my life is coming true.
"In the last week incredible things have happened to me - the pole position and second place in Spa and now the call from Ferrari... I'm going to give my all to pay back Ferrari for such a great opportunity.''

Fisichella finished second in last weekend's Belgian GP, giving Force India its first points in Formula One.

Force India chairman and team principal Vijay Mallya released him without any financial exchange. "For any Italian driver, a Ferrari race seat is a long-held dream....No one should stand in the way of this". "The agreement will secure Giancarlo's long-term future with Ferrari and it would be incorrect to jeopardise this, particularly when Giancarlo has made such a vital contribution to Force India'' .

Force India said it will announce a replacement for Fisichella in the next few days.

If Force India can win points with Adrian Sutil and the new driver it is good news.

Best wishes,

Manoj

XIIth World Athletics Championship - MOVING IMAGES

2009-09-01T15:52:00.018+03:00

LIONEL MESSI - RECOGNITION FOR MESSIDONA

2009-08-30T20:17:00.003+03:00

Hello Football Fans,

Lionel Messi the guy who runs through any defence with the football tied to his bootlaces has been officially recognized as the "European ClubFootballer of the Year" and "European Club Forward of the Year".

When he won the Club Forward he was rated as better than Cristiano Ronaldo and Samuel Eto'o. Not an easy victory.

When he won the Club Footballer he was rated as better than Edwin van der Sar, John Terry and Xavi Hernandez. Once again tough competition.

The dimunitive forward has been mesmerizing the football world with his skills and humble attitude.

He is a real hero and an example to follow. His association with FC Barcelona is also worth reading.

Best wishes and many more recognitions,

Manoj

FORMULA 1 - FORCE INDIA

2009-08-30T19:39:00.005+03:00

Hello F1 lovers,

I always had a gut feeling that whatever the talent Adrian Sutil has it will be the foxy Giancarlo Fisichella, the man with the rugged Italian looks and brains to match who will get Force india the first break through.

What a day, if a pole position was not enough he has gladdened our hearts with a podium finish as well.

Yesterday when the news flash stated that he was on pole position it was difficult to believe and I had to restrain myself from jumping off my seat at the dinner I was having with few serious Bankers without any interest in Motor Sports.

The progress of the team has been stupendous and in all my earlier posts I have always noted how Fisichella would manage a better position after starting way behind in the grid.

Today he started first and maybe for the first time in 2009 ended at a position lower than his place on the starting grid.

Anyway I hope this is the breakthrough they have been looking for and we will surely have many more opportunities to celebrate.

The King of Good Times has once again proved that he has to be the best in the world.

Well done Vijay Mallaya. He is India's pride in many ways.

Best wishes for the future races,

Manoj

PS: I hope the rumors of Fisi moving to Ferrari are false.

BERLINO ANTICS - XIIth ATHLETICS WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

2009-08-29T12:19:00.014+03:00

HELLO,

BY NOW EVERYBODY KNOWS ABOUT BERLINO.

HERE ARE SOME PICS.

BERLINO - THE BREAK DANCER

BOLT FIRST - BERLINO SECOND

NO IT'S BERLINO FIRST - BOLT SECOND

GERMAN BEAR HUG - STEFFI NERIUS

ROBERT HARTING - DISCUS THROW

PICKS UP THE CHAMP- ANITA WLODARCZYK - HAMMER AWAY

HURDLES ON THE WAY - MELANIE WALKER

4x100 or 5x100. BOLT'S FAVORITE IN BLUE AND GREEN

WELL DONE BERLINO

YELENA ISENBAYEVA IS BACK

2009-08-29T10:53:00.005+03:00

Hello,

Thank God she is back.

Yelena who had departed in tears after the miserable no jump in Berlin is back with a bang.

At Zurich, Weltklasse meeting on 28th August, she won the competition with a jump of 4.81metres and then as if to prove something to herself she raised the bar to 5.06 meters and cleared it for her 27th world record.

If there is a superwoman in Polevaulting she is. I for one would have stopped watching women polevaulting if Yelana had not come back.

Congratulations and thank you for coming back. Pole vault would never be as glamorous in your absence.

Best wishes,

Manoj

FORCE INDIA - FORMULA 1 - A CASE OF SO NEAR YET SO FAR

2009-08-25T21:36:00.006+03:00

HELLO,

As usual a case of so near yet so far. Adrian Sutil finishes at 10th place and the old canny warhorse Giancarlo Fisichella finished 12th. Just outside the points you can say.

But now the aim for points looks feasible.

This finish is considered encouraging as it was achieved without the advantage of retiring cars. The fact that Adrian was right behind Mark Webber and just 13 seconds adrift the Brawn of Jenson Button speaks volumes about the improvement in the car.

Adrian was sixth fastest on Friday morning and again in the afternoon.
He was fastest when Saturday morning’s session. While the top teams tend to run heavier fuel loads in that session, it was clear that the update was working well.

He said “I think it was a strong race, and I’m really happy with it. I have done a few other races which were similar and maybe even had a better position in the end. But here almost nobody retired. And it was a dry race, and normally we’re strong in the wet races."

Attention now turns to Spa, one of Adrian’s favourite tracks and a place where he has shown well with much less competitive cars than he currently has. He’s looking forward to it.

So now on to 30th August. All Force India fans look forward to it.

Hoping to see the zero against Force India to make it's exit.

Best wishes,

Manoj

ASHES 2009

2009-08-23T20:41:00.005+03:00

Can't bat, can't bowl ... can throw. Andrew Flintoff's pain-filled body has weakened his main weapons but his right arm is one of the few major parts that hasn't been operated on and it was his bullet of a direct hit that shot the game back England's way.
With Ricky Ponting out of the way, half the battle was won and although Mr. Cricket did put in his best effort it was too late.
Lest we forget, the other turning moment was the run out of the man in form Michael Clark run out by an exceptional piece of response by Andrew Strauss.
So is it the end of Ricky Ponting's baggy green.
If yes, then it is an end of a glorious career, a career where Aussies have risen to the level of invincibles, given the world the joy of watching the best in the game. It is not surprising therefore that this slip begins with the exit of Hayden and Gilchrist, who had it in them to scare the living daylights of any opponent.

12th IAAF World Championships in Athletics

2009-08-23T18:52:00.008+03:00

Hello,
The IAAF World Championships closed today. After nine days of glorious events we had to bid goodbye to 'Berlino', who became a favorite with the crowd and the athletes.

I am sure everyone has thoroughly enjoyed the spectacle. The final day highlights were as below.

Kenenisa Bekele of Ethiopia won the 5000 metres. His second top finish for the championship. It was a slow race and Lagat of USA was always on his shoulder, going ahead of him on the final stretch for a moment but finally the experience of Bekele won the day. So now he the Olympic and World champion.

Drama in Women 1500 meters

Gelete Burka of Ethiopia was leading with 200 metres to run when Natalia Rodriguez, the spaniard, shoved her down on the track as she tried to push her way through the inside. She did manage to get through and was strongest in the straight. Defending champion Maryam Yusuf Jamal of Bahrain was behind her and just managed to hold off Dobriskey.

Later it transpired that not only had Rodriguez shoved Burka, she had also stepped out of the tracks. Her disqualification meant that Jamal had successfully defended her title, by just one hundredth of a second from Dobriskey, with Shannon Rowberry of the USA third. Brave Burka, who had tried to run differently, leading from the start was left to rue her lot.

Men’s Javelin Throw - Norway continue to hold sway

With a mighty throw of 89.59 metres on his second attempt in the Javelin Throw, Andreas Thorkildsen achieved something that even the great Jan Zelezny never did. The Norwegian became Olympic, World and European champion concurrently.

4x400 meters relays

Sanya Richards, Allyson Felix get their second gold in the championship with a comfortable victory in the womens relay and LaShawn Merritt and Kerron Clement getting their second gold in the Mens event. The men also scored an easy victory.

The win in the relays firmly put USA on the top of the medals tally.

The 13th IAAF championship will be held in Seoul, South Korea.

Happy racing till then,

Manoj

Australian heroes - Samuels Dani & Steven Hooker - Althletics at world championships

2009-08-22T22:14:00.009+03:00

========================================

Samuels Dani - Twenty-one-year-old Dani Samuels has become Australia's first gold medallist of the 12th IAAF world championships and the youngest world discus champion in history with a new personal best performance in Berlin.
Samuels recorded a best throw of 65.44m to claim Australia’s first ever female world title in the field, a massive 2.49m ahead of the career best 62.95m (Brisbane, 1/03/08) she took into the championships.
Sitting in 10th position after two rounds, Samuels needed to pull out a big throw with her third attempt to avoid elimination from the competition. Soaking up the pressure, she threw an impressive 62.71m to move into third place and secure herself another three throws.
Confidence growing, the 21-year-old let her fourth attempt fly, producing a personal best throw of 64.76m and moving up into second position.
Improving again with her fifth throw Samuels further extended her personal best with a massive throw of 65.44m to take the competition lead and held on throughout the final round to take out the gold medal.
In taking out the championship Samuels, a five-time national champion, became the youngest ever winner of the women's discus throw at a world titles, surpassing German Martina Opitz who claimed gold in 1983 at 22 years of age.
The result also launches the 2005 world youth and 2006 world junior champion to No. 3 on the Australian all-time list behind Daniela Costian (68.72m) and Lisa-Marie Vizaniari (65.86m).

Needless to add the WR at 76.80 m by Gabriele Reinsch of Germany set in 1988 was some distance away.

======================================

Steven Hooker - Steve Hooker won a remarkable gold medal in the men's pole vault final at the world athletics championships in Berlin .
Hooker, who suffered a thigh injury less than a week before the championships began. The 27-year-old had a painkilling injection prior to the final after the injury had flared up during qualifying on Thursday when he cleared 5.65m with his only attempt.

Today he gambled by sitting out the early heights and only came in at 5.85 metres, which he failed to clear. Relying on his talent he opted to raise the bar and nailed 5.90m at his first attempt, which was enough to add the world title to the Olympic gold medal he won in Beijing last year.
Romain Mesnil of France took silver with 5.85m and his countryman Renaud Lavillenie won the bronze with 5.80m.

Steven Hooker had earlier cleared 6.06m in an indoor competition at Boston in February 2009. His best outdoors was 5.90m in 2009. He had cleared 6.00m outdoors in 2008.

The WR (outdoor) is 6.14m by Sergei Bubka of Ukraine.

Two gold medals and one bronze in long jump is a good performance for Australia.

Well done Aussies,

Manoj

Hammer throw - Anita Wlodarczyk - first women world record at IAAF Berlin

2009-08-22T22:04:00.003+03:00

Hello,

Anita Wlodarczyk of Poland set a new World record in the Hammer Throw, throwing 77.96m at Berlin's Olympic Stadium at the 12th IAAF World Championships in Athletics.

The 24-year-old Pole broke the previous record of 77.80m set by Russian Tatyana Lysenko of Russia in 2006.

Her World record, is only the third of the World Championships. The other two as you know belongs to you - know -who.

Congratulations to Anita,

Manoj

Usain Bolt - When words are not required- pictures tell the story

2009-08-20T23:13:00.011+03:00

--------------------------------------------------------

USAIN BOLT - USAIN BOLT - USAIN BOLT

200 METERS

19.19 SECS

USAIN BOLT - USAIN BOLT - USAIN BOLT

The Drugs and Games - Sheri-Ann Brooks & Others

2009-08-20T16:45:00.003+03:00

Hello,

The drug scandal featuring the five Jamaican athletes refuses to lie low.

Women’s 4x100m relay runner Sheri-Ann Brooks, Yohan Blake, Marvin Anderson (both men’s 4x100m relay), Lansford Spence and Allodin Fothergill (men’s 4x400m) tested positive for the stimulant methylhexanamine at the end of June.

While Brooks was cleared because “of an irregularity in testing her B sample” the four others were absolved because of a disagreement over the exact status of methylhexanamine, which is not on the prohibited list.

After the athletes were cleared JADCO appealed this decision and sent the dossier to the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and to the IAAF.

It is now learnt that the Jamaican Sports body has withdrawn the named athletes from the ongoing world championship.

Once again for Jamaican sports and world sports we pray that they come clean.

Immediately afterwards a rumour that a 100 metre runner had tested positive. IAAF has rubbished it but if something ontoward happens I am sure people will start doubting the talent of Usain Bolt and Shelly Ann and that will be a sad day.

Best regards,

Manoj

Gender Bender- Caster Semenya

2009-08-20T16:25:00.003+03:00

Hello,

South African Caster Semenya powered to a 1minute 55.45seconds win -- the world's best this year -- shortly after the athletics governing body announced her gender was to be verified.

The South African's physique and powerful style have sparked speculation in recent months that she may not be entirely female. Semenya has come form nowhere this year to stamp herself upon the sport. She grabbed attention with a time of 1:56.72 last month, the quickest time in the world this year.

Similar allegations have dogged a series of athletes throughout the years, including Maria Mutola, the Mozambican 800m legend who won Olympic gold in Sydney and also triumphed at three World Championships. Another memorable case of gender confusion is Stella Walsh, the Polish sprinter who won a silver medal at the 1936 Olympics in the very same stadium . Walsh was a commanding figure who also won Olympic gold in Los Angeles in 1932 but when doctors examined her after her death in 1988 it was revealed that she had "ambiguous genitalia'' and was more male than female.

Days after her 1:56 time, it was widely reported/speculated that Semenya was born a hermaphrodite (having both male and female reproductive organs), and that she was cleared by testing done by Athletics South Africa (ASA). Both reports are unconfirmed and South Africans have now come out in large numbers in support of their sports star.

At present we don't know whether Semenya is "entirely female" (to quote from reports on the IAAF ruling).

We must wait before delivering judgment, because it's unfair on her to condemn her based on rumor. Meanwhile Caster Semenya is in a dreadful situation, and the medals may change if the test proves it conclusively that she is not completely 'female'. Time will tell.

But please, let's wait before "reaching a verdict"

Best wishes to Caster,

Manoj

END OF AN ERA - POLE VAULT - YELENA ISINBAYEVA

2009-08-17T23:21:00.015+03:00

TWICE IN A ROW.

YELENA HAS NEVER LOST TWICE IN A ROW FOR AS LONG AS ANYONE CAN REMEMBER. HER LOSSES ARE DIFFICULT TO REMEMBER.

A NO JUMP - NO WAY.

AFTER THE LOSS IN LONDON GP, THE EXPECTATIONS WAS THAT SHE WILL COME BACK STRONGLY.

BEFORE THE EVENT SHE PROMISED "I HAVE A SURPRISE."

NO ONE EXPECTED IT TO BE WHAT IT WAS. IT WAS A NO JUMP. TWO FOULS AT 4.70 AND ONE AT 4.80.

SERGI BUBKA WHO WAS WATCHING FROM THE STANDS COULD NOT CONTROL HIS EMOTIONS AS SHE FOULED THE SECOND JUMP. AS IF HE KNEW WHAT WAS COMING.

SO IS IT THE END OF AN ERA.

YELENA ISINBAYEVA, WHO HAS GIVEN US SO MANY WORLD RECORDS, MOST OF THE TIMES ENDING UP COMPETING WITH HERSELF AND PERFORMING FOR THE CROWD - CAN SHE DO IT AGAIN.

MAYBE THIS IS THE END OF AN ERA.

MANOJ

SHELLY ANN FRASER - ANOTHER JAMAICAN RUM

2009-08-17T23:01:00.005+03:00

Hello,

Yesterday we saw Usain Bolt do his antics at the start of his final race and break the world record.

Today we have Shelly Ann Fraser do something similar. She smiled coyly into the camera at the start and then blasted her opponents over the 100 metres in 10.73 secs.

Well I tell you it is Jamaican Ru(m)n.

They did one better on the men as the silver medal went to Kerron Stewart. (Asafa Powell won the bronze in the men's event)

They failed to repeat the 1-2-3 of the Beijing Olympics but Jamaica is there. No denying it.

Good luck to the rest.

Manoj

USAIN BOLT - USAIN BOLT - USAIN BOLT

2009-08-16T23:00:00.006+03:00

HELLO,

USAIN BOLT-USAIN BOLT-USAIN BOLT

9.58

AND STILL MUCH LEFT IN THE TANK.

JUST A FEW DAYS AGO THE SCIENTISTS HAD ANALYZED HIS ABILITY TO RUN FAST AND THEIR CALCULATIONS HAD SHOWN THAT THE FASTEST HE COULD GO WAS 9.65.

HE HAS MADE THEM LOOK FOOLISH. AT 9.58 WHEN HE CROSSED THE LINE HE HAD TIME TO LOOK BEHIND AND THE TIME.

USAIN BOLT-USAIN BOLT-USAIN BOLT

LET US CELEBRATE THE HUMAN CAPABILITIES. LET US CELEBRATE THIS WONDERFUL ACHIEVEMENT BY GOD'S BEAUTIFUL GIFT TO THE SPORTING WORLD.

USAIN BOLT-USAIN BOLT-USAIN BOLT

GOD LOVES HIM, WE LOVE HIM,

MANOJ

Mary Kom - Here she comes

2009-08-14T20:18:00.002+03:00

Hello readers,

The good news is that Women Boxing (three weight categories) have been included in the 2012 Olympic games.

While our dear Mary Kom is a someone you can always bet on the other girls are equally good.

So now has the time finally come when India will go beyond the 1 gold medal tally.

Best wishes to our athletes, sportspersons and players.
Manoj

He is not coming back - Formula 1

2009-08-13T09:10:00.002+03:00

Hello F1 fans,

Michael Schumacher calls off his comeback. The fans who had already dusted and dry cleaned their Dekra hats are disappointed. But age and injury finally did catch up. Schumacher said that neck pain stemming from a motorcycle accident in February had forced him to call off his Formula1 comeback.

Luca Badoer, Ferrari’s 38-year-old test driver, will step in for the injured Felipe Massa at the European Grand Prix later this month.

For Ferrari fans, this is a bittersweet conclusion to the Schumacher comeback.
I’m sure Schumacher comeback would have ended like the one of Louis Armstrong, somewhere on the points but not at the top, it would have juiced up eager fans watching the seven-time world champion battle the new generation of drivers, like Lewis Hamilton and Sebastian Vettel.

Badoer, the choice now, has always been a Ferrari fan favorite. As the team’s primary test driver for the last 10 years (after a racing career in backmarker cars), Badoer has had a hand in developing every car for Ferrari since 1999, including five championship-winning cars for Schumacher.

Best wishes,
Manoj

ASHES 2009

2009-08-09T21:55:00.004+03:00

Hello,

The Australian cricket team have the stuff that justifies their status as true champions of the game. Just when the obituaries are ready to be published they rise pheonix like and grab world attention with another ruthless display of excellent cricket.

England may well say that they missed the services of Andrew Flintoff and it may actually be true in the final analysis as he did show some heart when playing in the previous tests.

The magic with Australia is that even if they are missing players/ players are out of form you have someone who will raise their hand and get counted.

They said Michael Johnson is struggling and see what he has done.

They said that the test spot of Peter Siddle was doubtful and just look at the way he silenced the critics.

They said that they need an opening pair and Shane Watson puts up his hand.

Besides, what a series Marcus North is having.

He deservedly won the man of the match, but if I had adjudicated I would have given it to Peter Siddle who broke the heart and spirit of the Englishmen on the first day and made it easier for the Australian Batsmen.

So now the series is level at 1-1 and Australia who won by an innings and 80 runs. As they say the momentum is now with Australia as they move into the final test at Oval.

Let us hope for the return of Andrew Flintoff who has already declared his retirement from test cricket. England will hope that his return into the side will make it a more even contest.

Best wishes,

Manoj

Mary Kom - India's True Champion

2009-08-08T23:32:00.005+03:00

Hello,

Mangte Chungneijang Merykom (aka Mary Kom or MC Merykom)!!! -Have you heard of her.

She is from Kangathei Village, Moirang Lamkhai in rural Manipur, India.

She comes from a poor family, works as Deputy Superintendent in the Manipur Police Department.

This woman is India's pride. A tigress whose roar has been heard all over the world even though the Indian public is oblivious of her prowess.

So what does "Magnificient Mary" do to earn the accolades of the world press.

Well here is the list of her achievements.

Well we begin with the latest - Khel Ratna 2008.

National Championships (2000 onwards)

7th East open Boxing Championship: Gold medal
1st Women National Boxing Championship : Gold Medal
2nd Senior National Boxing Championship Gold Medal
National Women Sports Meet: Gold Medal
3rd Senior Women Boxing Championship: Gold Medal
4th Senior Women Boxing Championship: Gold Medal
5th National Women Boxing Championship: Gold Medal
6th National Women Boxing Championship: Gold Medal
32nd National Games: Gold Medal
9th Senior Women National Boxing Championships: Gold Medal

She did not participate for a few years as she was busy raising a family.

International Championships

First Asian Women Boxing Championship held at Bangkok. Thailand in 2001: She lost in the first round.
First World Women Boxing Championship held at Pennsylvania,USA in 2001: Silver Medal
Second World Women Boxing Championship held at Antalya, Turkey in 2002: Gold Medal
Witch Cup Women Boxing Championship held at Hungary in 2002:Gold Medal
Second Asian Women Boxing Championship held at Hissar Haryana,India From in 2003 : Gold Medal
1st World Women Boxing Tournament held at Norway in 2004:Gold Medal
Training Cum Competition held at Italy, Rome in 2003: Three Gold Medals
Arjuna Awardee in the Field of Boxing for the Year 2003
Padama Shree Awardee in the field of Sports for the Year 2005
Third Asian Women Boxing Championship held at Kachsiung City, Taiwan in 2005: Gold Medal
Third World Women Boxing Championship held at Podolsk,Moscow, Russia in 2005:Gold Medal
4th World Women Boxing Championship held at New Delhi , India in 2006:Gold Medal
The Asia Cadet Boxing Championships and Women Open Boxing Tournament held at Hanoi, Vietnam: Gold Medal and Best Women Boxer
Venus Cup Internationl Women Boxing Championship held at Veijle , Denmark in 2006:Gold Medal
Fourth Asian Women Boxing Championship being held in Guwahati, India: Silver Medal
5th World Women Boxing Championship held at Ningbo City, China in 2008:Gold Medal

Compare this with the performance of our sportmen in Cricket or any other sport and you will get few parallels.

It is actually a shame that she continues to struggle to find sponsors and is not rewarded enough for what she has done for the country.

She began boxing in 2000 and was a quick learner who preferred to be put through the same paces as the boys around her. "In just two weeks, I had learnt all the basics. I guess I had God-given talent for boxing."
"I still remember I was castigated by my father who said with a battered and bruised face, I should not expect to get married. He was furious that I took to boxing - a taboo for women - and he did not have the slightest idea about it. But my passion for the sport had got the better of me and I thank my cousins who coaxed and cajoled my father into eventually giving his nod. I'm happy that I did not let anybody down,"

On her way by train to the selection camp for her first Asian Women’s Boxing Championships in Bangkok, Thailand, she had all her luggage and her passport stolen. Her parents asked her to come home but she carried on her course. But she returned empty handed (from the meet in Bangkok). The stress following the loss of documents and luggage interfered with my training." Her solution was still more training. "We girls really worked hard. Women’s boxing was a very recent introduction, and we really wanted to excel."
Merykom's "international gold rush" finally began with the Second Asian Women's Championship in Hissar and has continued forever.

On her ring strategy, Merykom says "I simply try to cramp my opponents so that they don't get any chance to free their arms. 'My height (around five feet) is a problem but my fitness is my advantage. I make my opponents run a lot in the ring, which tires them.'

In 2005 she told a felicitation program organized by Indian Amateur Boxing Federation and YMCA: "I do not only rely on my technique or strength but also on my mind," adding that in her 46-kg weight category "I mostly meet different boxers in my weight category as the older ones change to higher weight category. But I have established myself here."
"To be a successful boxer one must also have a strong heart. Some women are physically strong but fail when it comes to having a strong heart. One also must have the zeal and the right fighting spirit,"says Merykom. "We work harder than men and are determined to fight with all our strength to make our nation proud. God has given me the talent and it’s only because of sheer grit and hard work that I have made it so far."
Merykom works out five to six hours a day to stay fit.

Her success as a world champion is a testament to her determination, perseverance and drive to succeed.

She has used her earnings from boxing to obtain a new house and land for her parents and savings deposits for her younger siblings but she bemoans the lack of sponsorship for Indian female boxers, saying "I guess that’s because I don’t play tennis or cricket. Seriously, are there no other sports in India?" She has said that she would eventually like to share her boxing experiences while grooming new sports talent in Manipur.

"Magnificient Mary" may win the first woman gold in Olympics for India.

Best of luck to her and India,

Manoj

Return of a Champion - Michael Shumacher

2009-08-03T00:48:00.003+03:00

Hello F1 followers,

Michael is returning!!!

When Fillepe Massa got injured the only name Ferrari could think of was Michael and as consultant to the team Michael had a moral committment to respond to the need of the team.

He agreed to step in on a temporary basis from the European GP 2009.

As Massa may not be able to return to racing this season, it would mean Schuey competing in the final seven races of the 2009 season.

Although he has not had the benefit of extensive testing of the car this season, and his fitness levels may not be at the level of when he was competing - he has the advantage of not having raced the first half of the season so could be less fatigued than the rest of the field.

He is not resting on his past laurels and has already started training and following time in Fiat's static simulator in Turin, on Friday he completed 67 laps of the Mugello track in the F2007 Ferrari.

To give perspective to the return it is important to highlight that the German ace is widely recognised as being the world's best ever racing driver. In 1995 Michael became the (at that time) youngest double Formula 1 World Champion (1994 and 1995 seasons) ever. He is also the 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003 and 2004 World Champion. This phenomenal record speaks for itself. His sixth title in 2003 beat Juan Manuel Fangio's long standing record of five championships from the 1950s!

He also holds the F1 records for: most career wins (91), most wins in a season, most career pole positions, most points during a season (148 in 2004), most consecutive world championships (5), most consecutive race wins (2004), most podium finsihes (154), most laps leading, most fastest laps (76), plus several others!

Can a return get bigger than this?

It can become bigger than the return of Cassius Clay (Mohammad Ali) if he outshines the field in the remaining seven races of 2009.

Jenson Button:

"But he won't be getting into the car in Valencia thinking 'Oh God, I hope Felipe comes back soon'. He is going to get in and love the buzz of it all again, and it's going to be a busy weekend for him."

Lewis Hamilton:

"It will not only be fascinating to see how he readies himself for his grand prix comeback, but also an honour and a privilege to race against him for the very first time."

Best wishes and happy F1 racing,

Manoj

Swimming Championship or JAKED, ARENA & SPEEDO CHAMPIONSHIPS

2009-08-01T17:30:00.006+03:00

Hello,

Never has this happened and never will it happen again. The Championships have seen a record 35 records broken, written and rewritten.

With the superhuman swimsuits getting banned from January 1,2010 I fear that these records if allowed to remain inthe books will be difficult to erase.

To get an idea of what has been happenning take a look at the existing world records after day six of the championships.

Sunday July 26 (Six world records):
Monday, July 27 (Five world records):
Tuesday, July 28 (Four world records):
Wednesday, July 29 (Seven world records):
Thursday, July 30 (Seven world records):
Friday, July 31 (Five World Records):

MEN
100 mtrs freestyle 46.91 Cielo Filho , of brazil
200 mtrs freestyle 1:42.00 Biedermann , Paul of Germany
400 Mtrs Freestyle 3:40.07 Biedermann , Paul of Germany
800 mtrs Freestyle 7:32.12 Zhang Lin of China
200 Mtrs Backstroke 1.51.92 Aaron Peirsol of USA
50 Mtrs Breaststroke 26.67 Cameron Van Der Burgh of South Africa
100 Mtrs Breaststroke 58.58 Brenton Rickard of Australia
200 Mtrs Breaststroke 2.07.31 Chritian Sprenger of Australia
100 Mtrs Butterfly 50.01 Milorad Cavic of Serbia
200 Mtrs Butterfly 1.51.51 Michael Phelps of USA
200 Mtrs Individual Medley 1.54.10 Ryan Lochte of USA
4x 200 Mtrs Freestyle Relay 6.58.55 USA (Michael Phelps, Ricky Berens, David Walters and Ryan Lochte)

WOMEN
100 Mtrs Freestyle 52.07 Britta Steffen of Germany200 Mtrs Freestyle 1.52.98 Federica Pellegrini of Italy
400 Mtrs freestyle 3.59.15 Federica Pellegrini of Italy
50 Mtrs Backstroke 27.06 Zhao Jing of China
100 Mtrs Backstroke 58.12 Gemma Spofforth of Great Britain
100 Mtrs Breaststroke 1.04.84 Rebecca Soni of USA
200 Mtrs Breaststroke 2.20.12 Annamay Pierse of Canada
50 Mtrs Butterfly 25.07 Therese Alshammar of Sweden
100 Mtrs Butterfly 56.06 Sarah Sjostrom of Sweden
200 Mtrs Butterfly 2.03.41 Jessicah Schipper of Australia
200 Mtrs Individual Medley 2.06.15 Ariana Kukors of USA
4x100 Mtrs Freestyle Relay 3.31.72 Netherlands (Inge Dekker, Ranomi Kromowidjojo, Femke Heemskerk & Marleen Veldhuis)
4x200 Mtrs Freestyle Relay 7:42.08 China (Yang Yu, Zhu Qianwei, Liu Jing & Pang Jiaying)

With a couple of days still left and a few of the superstars still in the fray we are sure to get another good harvest so that we can declare it as the Bumper Crop of records.

The banning of the supersuits may indirectly help Michael Phelps who is at sea trying to explain why he is complaining when it was he who actually started it all by wearing the Speedo LZR.

Best wishes,

Manoj

Hamilton Wins Hungarian Grand Prix - F1

2009-07-27T21:42:00.006+03:00

Hello,

I was waiting for the finish of the race to post on the ugly incident that happened last Saturday. But before I get on to it let us celebrate the return of the McLaren Mercedes and Ferrari.

Hamilton who virtually dominated the races last year finally gets to pop the champagne and Kimi Raikkonen finishes second in his Ferrari.

While Red bull continue their strong showing with Mark Webber, who won the German Grand Prix two weeks ago, finishing third and moving into second position in the drivers’ series, the Brawn team who were almost running away with the title are struggling somewhat.

Jenson Button, finished only seventh in his Brawn, but still leads the championship with 70 points. Webber is second with 51.5, while his teammate, Sebastian Vettel, who failed to finish the race, is in third with 47 points. Hamilton is eighth, with 19 points.

Fernando Alonso, in a Renault, taking pole position for the first time since 2007. But his car was light on fuel and he would be the first to make a pit stop, after only 12 laps.

The race started with Alonso in pole position for the first time since 2007 but an early pit stop after the 12th lap and a costly mistake when he started from the pit even before his front tyres were fixed, left him stranded as the wheel fell off.

Felipe Massa

Felipe Massa, driving a Ferrari, crashed in qualifying on Saturday. He had, it appeared, driven straight off the circuit, hitting the tire barriers head-on. But video from his car showed that before going off-course he had been hit by debris, which turned out to be a spring that had broken off from Rubens Barrichello’s car. Massa was immediately airlifted to AEK hospital in Budapest. He was conscious at the arrival at the hospital and the medical examination revelaed that he had suffered a cut on his forehead, a bone damage of his skull and a brain concussion.

He was operated upon and is said to be in stable condition.Reports from Autosport on Monday morning indicate that Massa suffered damage to his left eye and there was a chance that he might never race Formula One again. Ferrari rumours are already on with talks of Alonso and also Michael Schumacher doing the rounds.

Felipe Massa has been a great sportsman and the damage is that of the sport. People are reminded of 1994, when three-time F1 champion and fellow Brazilian Ayrton Senna crashed and died at Imola. His death put the country into a prolonged state of national mourning and the entire country is joined in prayers by sportlovers all across the globe for a speedy recovery.

FORCE INDIA

Giancarlo Fisichella continues to impress. He climbed up 3 positions to end 14th. Adrian Sutil had a very disappointing outing getting out after the first lap.

So back to square one for the team. We look forward to Valencia for a better showing.

Best wishes to Filepe Massa.

Manoj

World Swimming Championship 2009

2009-07-27T20:17:00.006+03:00

Hello,

Keeping her promise of doing better in the finals Sjostrom swam an amazing 56.06 in the finale this evening. Australia's Jessicah Schipper also beat the former record with a silver-winning time of 56.23 to set an Australian record.

As predicted records are tumbling and in eight events on 26th half a dozen records were set up.

After Sjostrom, it was Biedermann, whose 400m free victory in 3:40.07 broke an iconic mark, the 3:40.08 set by Australian legend Ian Thorpe in 2002.

Record number three went to unheralded Kukors, who only got into the race when one of the two US women who qualified at trials pulled out. She clocked 2:07.03, to better a mark held by Australian

Stephanie Rice,who settled for the second fastest semifinal time.

The high point on Sunday was Pellegrini’s 400m free triumph, with a time of 3:59.15 that made her the first woman to break the four-minute barrier.

In the women’s relay, the Dutch quartet of Inge Dekker, Ranomi Kromowidjojo, Frederike Heemskerk and Marleen Veldhuis rallied from fifth after the first leg to win in 3:31.72. The next record was part of the same relay and went to Germany’s Britta Steffen for individual 100m freestyle who completed her lap in 50.22sec.

Today on 27th in the first race of the evening we had a world record Australian Brenton Rickard in the Men's 100m Breaststroke, setting the New World Record (58.58).

In between we had Sjostrom stamping her mark on the 100 mtrs butterfly.

Forty minutes later we already had the third record of the day as Rebecca Soni won her Women's 100m Breaststroke Semifinal, putting over the New World Record at 1:04.84.

Not to be left behind 15 minutes later Anastasia Zueva of Russia takes the 100 metres backstroke record at 58.48 in the semis. Stephanie Rice is also in the finals and fireworks are expected tomorrow.

However not everyone was smiling Aaron Peirsol the king of the 100m Backstrokedid not make it into the finals.

World Swimming championship 2009

2009-07-26T21:57:00.007+03:00

Hello,

As expected records have started to tumble
Swedish Teenager Sarah Sjostrom, a 15-year-old, raced home in 56.44 seconds in the 100 metres butterfly semifinals at the world championships Roma 2009. She beat Inge De Bruijn's 2000 Sydney Olympics mark of 56.61.

She promises to do better in the finals.

God bless the supersuits. She is wearing Arena.

Best wishes,

Manoj

Tour de France

2009-07-26T21:27:00.003+03:00

Hello,
The tour ended today at the Champs Elysees in Paris.

As expected since a few stages back Alberto Contador of Spain and Astana was declared the winner. His timing of 85hr48min35sec was +4.11 ahead of second placed Andy Schleck of Luxemborg who beat the old fart Lance Armstrong of USA by another +1:13. Andy's brother Frank was in fifth place just +6.04 adrift. They are the guys to watch out.

Britain had a good show with Brad Wiggins finishing fourth overall and Mark Cavendish who had his 10th stage win today and won the most coveted sprinter’s prize in road cycling.

The green jersey was however won for the second time by Thor Hushovd, the most consistent rider of the Tour.

Schleck, 24, won the white jersey as the Tour’s best young rider for the second consecutive year.

Franco Pellizotti had a second honour bestowed upon him in addition to his polka dot jersey as the king of the mountains. The Italian was also voted as the winner of the award for the most aggressive rider in this year’s Tour. He was involved in four breakaways, twice won the “Fighting Spirit” award as the stage’s most combative rider and judges agreed he was the rider who most animated the race.

The old favorite Armstrong appeared to suffer on several of the Alpine climbs, but he showed determination and some of his old power on the climb to the top of Mont Ventoux on Saturday to retain his place on the podium.

'It feels good' to be on the podium, Armstrong told France 2 television after the race. 'I felt like I came and did very well. I did my best.'

He will be back on the Tour in 2010 with a new team, sponsored by the Texas-based electronics giant Radio Shack.

'I hope to come back stronger next year,' he said. 'I'll do my best. Maybe I'll win.'

With Team politics robbing him a chance to actually attack Contador his thoughts maybe worth following.

Best regards,
Manoj

JAMAICA BUSTED

2009-07-26T00:02:00.003+03:00

Hello,

In a very sad development five athletes of Jamaica were found to have taken banned drugs. Gazzetta dello Sport reported this morning that athletes involved are Yohan Blake, the 19-year-old training partner of Bolt, 200m runner Marvin Anderson, Commonwealth Games 100m champion Sheri Ann Brooks, and 400m runners Allodin Fothergill and Lanceford Spence.

Of the names on that list, the first three are the most prominent. In his last two races, Blake has finished second to Bolt in the 100m, at both the Aviva London Grand Prix on Friday and at the Areva Golden League Meeting in Paris on July 17. Blake’s time of 9.93 seconds in Paris, a personal best, ranks as the fifth fastest in the world this season. Blake ran the second leg of the winning 4x100m relay at the London Grand Prix today.

Blake, along with Anderson, figure prominently in Jamaica’s 4x100m relay pool. Led by Bolt and Asafa Powell, Jamaica won gold at the Beijing Olympics last summer in a world-record 37.10 seconds. Brooks was a member of the Jamaican women’s 4x100m squad in Beijing. All five athletes were selected to Jamaica’s team for the World Championships in Berlin August 15-23.

Although the main athletes, Bolt, Powell Shelly-Ann Fraser who led the clean sweep in the women’s 100m, Veronica Campbell who won the 200m and Melaine Walker the 400m hurdles at Bejing are not involved this samll incident has brought the spotlight on them for the wrong reasons.

The sporting fraternity is praying hard that it is just a one off case and does not spell the doom of Jamaica Athletics.

Best wishes,

Manoj

SWIMMING REVOLUTION TO GO

2009-07-25T13:50:00.005+03:00

Hello,

The swimming revolution started by Speedo LZR Racer is on its last feeble legs. The Polyurethane suits which made its appearance in 2008 and till now has lead to a bumper crop of world records will not be allowed in competitive events starting 2010. But it will ignite the pool again beginning tomorrow when the swimming events begin at Rome 2009 XIIIth World Championships. The fact that 108 world records were broken 79 by Speedo LZR Racer powere swimmers indicate the kind of impact these suits have had. Jaked 01 and Arena have also entered the competition and the swimming pool now resembles a technology test arena.

While it is not clear what will be the fate of the several records set during this period and how the swimming world will judge these records it is clear that these records will now be linked to the technological doping.

Some of the records will remain for ever and this will keep memories of the suits alive for years and years to come.

Till the ban comes into play let us have one more show of the supermen and supewomen in their suits. Micheal Phelps, Alain Bernard, Federica Pellegrini, Oussama Mellouli, Stephanie Rice, Tae-Hwan Park, Cielo Filho, Filippo Magnini, Rebecca Adlington, Fred Bousquet and Alessia Filippi are there and it will be a feast for the lovers of the sport.

Happy swimming,
Manoj

World Swimming Championship 2009 - Guo Jingjing - Princess of Diving

2009-07-25T11:14:00.004+03:00

Hello,

There are so many things to write that I was finding it difficult where to start. I start with swimming as today we end the diving, open water swimming, synchronized swimming and almost the entire water polo competition and move on to swimming.The 2009 World Aquatics Championships or the XIII FINA World Championships are being held in Rome. It began on July 17 and will end on August 2. A record 2556 athletes from 185 countries are participating.

The swimming championships are on and China the superpower in diving have taken a lead with 17 medals. These include 6 golds with two coming from Guo Jingjing, 'the princess of diving' . The undisputed superstar at 3 metres the lady has just completed her 5th double at the world championships. Guo has won ten world championship titles and four Olympic golds 9record for diving wins at olympics). Her winning spree started in 1995 and although she had announced her Olympic retirement plans after the 2008 games, the way she is going it would not be a surprise if we see her take the springboard again in 2012.
She is a real superstar. She is only 28.

More on the World Cup in my next post.

DAVID BECKHAM - BOOED IN THE USA

2009-07-22T18:43:00.000+03:00

Hi,

I wondered if this post was at the right place as mostly it about a Sport star and a game. But it also has a lot to do with trust and honesty and therefore I decided that I would post it simultaneously on both my blogs.

When David Beckham joined the MLS his career was not in any great shape. His personal life had been hit by scandals and he was fighting a loosing battle to retain his place in the England team.

He was a prize catch for the LA Galaxy and for American soccer. They were sure that this charismatic player and play maker would bring the crowds into the stadiums and raise the quality of football in USA. They trusted him and payed him an exorbitant sum.

David Beckham made the right noises which created an impression that he was being honest about the proclaimed intention of doing somethin good for USA soccer.

However, he drifted off mid stream. Initially loaned to AC Milan for the off season in MLS, he stayed on and missed almost the entire first half of the season. Of course his move was motivated by the personal gains involved and as is usual honesty took a back seat. Betrayal of trust did not matter.

The booing by spectators of a player who was instrumental in getting both goals for the team they were supporting indicates how important trust and honesty is.

They may forget the betrayal in the long run but the thread of trust that has been snapped with always have a knot somewhere.

It will never be the same again.

Best regards,
Manoj

ASHES - 2009 - Flintoff's test - well almost

2009-07-20T20:20:00.002+03:00

Hello,

313-5 and Michael Clarke and Brad Haddin batting. Only a brave and optimistic Englishman would put all his money on the Lions.

But if someone had put their money there they have reaped in a good harvest. Andrew Flintoff, in his last ever Lord’s test, made sure of that - bowling for an hour and a half and taking five wickets. A famous and historic Ashes victory for England. The first at lords since 1934.

Flintoff’s five wickets is the first ever time at Lord’s, on the last possible occasion. Pure chance or class.

But to say it was Flintoff's game would belittle the other contributions. Andrew Strauss scored an impressive 161, James Anderson's allround performance in the first innings a vital 29 in a record breaking last wicket stand with Onions of 49 and four wickets. Swann's beauty in the second innings accounting for the dangerous Clarke. He took out Hussey and North before bowling out Mitchell Johnson, who is looking more dangerous with willow in hand than leather.

Australia was outplayed - their opening pair failed and the bowling is not good enough especially Mitchell Johnson who looks totally bereft of form

Test Cricket is live and kicking once again.

TOUR de FRANCE

2009-07-20T20:07:00.003+03:00

Yesterday the mountains in the Tour de France started in dramatic fashion and settled some long pending issues.

So we now know that Lance is playing second fiddle in Team Astana, and Thor Hushovd held on to the Green Jersey as controversy swirled around the competition.

Mark Cavendish appeared to have that jersey all locked up after claiming his fourth stage win this year and Thor Hushovd, had also appeared to have accepted the inevitable. But in a case of serious miscalculation Cavendish allowed Thor reclaim the jersey heading into the mountains. On Saturday, Cavendish messed it up further by trying to press Thor into the barriers. The penalty awarded sees him dropping him 18 points behind the "God of Thunder", which more or less assures him the Green on the Champs-Elysees.

In the General Classification, Rinaldo Nocentini had held on to the Yellow Jersey for more than a week. But as expected he fell beind on the climbs up Verbier.

Alberto Contador made his move and won the stage donning the Yellow Jersey for the first time here.
He showed that he is the guy to beat now.

The competition is likely to come from Andy Schleck, Cadel Evans, and last year's champion Carlos Sastre. Sastre had a great ride on Sunday and seems to be getting stronger as the Tour goes on.

Armstrong, is in second place but 1 minute, 37 seconds adrfit and just 9 seconds ahead of the third place Wiggins.

Following yesterday's stage, Armstrong conceded that Contador was the top rider on the team, and in the Tour itself, and that he wouldn't be able to beat him going into Paris.

So the miracle man is not running for the top position anymore. Sad but that is how team dynamics affect an individual.

Happy cycling

The Clarets Jug - Golf British Open

2009-07-19T21:57:00.003+03:00

Hello,

So finally the self doubt of age did bow down to the brashness and self belief of youth.
The last hole of the regulation play determined the winner.
Tom Watson had to play par to win the championship and he missed. Just ahead of him Stewart Cink calmly played a birdie and raised his clenched fist as if to say to the crowd "I've made it."

The play offs were a big let down and once Tom Watson hit his second shot in the bunker on the 5th it was all over for the grand old man who had mesmerized the golf fans over the last four days.

OK so he did not win the Clarets Jug but a runners up finish is not bad for a man just 40 odd days short of his 60th birthday.

Cink did play the age old trick just before the play off by making Watson wait at the tee off. But we cannot take away anything from the new champ. He did show nerves of steel through the last nine in regulation play today and was very confident from the tee for the play offs.
Well done Cink.

It seems we have seen the last of Watson in the majors. Bad luck sport.

It was real fun watching the golf at Turnberry. A wonderful golf course and some excellent play.
This and the fact that the players included one just over sixteen and one just about sixty was something people will remember for ages.

GOLF - BRITISH OPEN

2009-07-17T23:20:00.002+03:00

Hi,

Watched almost the entire evening of golf at Turnberry on the Television.
Excellent coverage. Wonderful setting. Windy conditions. Higher scores.

Small hillocks, raised tee offs, saucer shaped greens, the old airstrip, the sea and the rocky sea side with hand gliders. Is it a pretty picture or what??

Two important things:

Tom Watson, the likable 59 year old, five time champion still leads with a five under overall score.
Tiger Woods, the most followed player in modern golf in out of the open.

Two more days to go and predictions of a Tiger victory have already fallen flat.

The Claret Jug awaits the winner's sip. Let the best man win.

Best wishes to all golfers,
Manoj

Andrew Flintoff retires from Test Cricket

2009-07-17T15:12:00.003+03:00

Hello,

In a surprise and unexpected move, Andrew Flintoff announced his retirement from tests after the 2009 Ashes.

Just when there are talks of Test Cricket loosing its charm, one of the colorful characters decides to bid goodbye.

The fact that he continues to be available for one day cricket and T-20 cricket does in some way indicate to us where the charm for cricket and cricketers now lie.

Andrew Flintoff is best remembered for three events on the cricket field.

For taking off his shirt at Mumbai after winning the one dayer against India and for Saurav Ganguly's reply to him from the Lords balcony.
For single handedly wining the Ashes in 2005, becoming the captain and then getting whitewashed 5-0 in the 2007 Ashes series and
his drunken late-night escapade on a pedalo at the start of a notably unsuccessful 2007 World Cup campaign in the Caribbean.

Andrew Flintoff the 2005 Ashes hero is considered the best all rounder England has produced after Ian Botham.

Best regards,
Manoj

PS: He was a flop in IPL2 at South Africa.

THE CLARET JUG - GOLF

2009-07-16T18:56:00.005+03:00

Hi,

The Golf Aficionado

The 'Open Championship' or the 'British Open' as it is called started today, on 16th July 2009. With four days of golf, 18 rounds everyday over a par 70, 7000+yards course this is one of the four majors in the Golfing world. Add to it the picturesque setting of Turnberry and 100+ top golfers trying to lay their hands on the 'Claret Jug' and you have the concoctions for one of the biggest sporting events. The British Open was first played in 1860. 17 October and is the oldest of the four majors.

Turning round the clock is Tom Watson. The grand old man of Golf is 59 and had a score of 65 and currently shares the lead with Ben Curtis, another veteran on the tour. It is however likely that this lead will be short lived as Soren Hansen has tied them at 65 on his 15th hole.

If you have been following golf for long there is no need to introduce Tom Watson. One part of the 'Duel in the Sun' the epic battle for supremacy with the 'Golden Bear', Jack Nicklaus in 1977 at the same venue, Tom Watson has won the British Open five times and another victory here will tie him for the maximum number of wins with Harry Vardon (remember him - his last win was in 1914). Incidentally Tom Watson won the open on debut.

But Tom Watson is not the only one who is special this time.

Padraig Harrington will be trying to be the first golfer since 1956 to be the winner three times in a row.

Tiger Woods is trying to get his 15th Major. The great man Jack Nicklaus holds the record of maximum Masters at 18. Although he has had several victories in recent times Tiger is going through a Masters slump.

The Ignoramus

If you do not follow Golf and the names Tiger Woods, Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer mean nothing to you it is time you visited a golf course.

The game will mesmerize you and once you have the putter, iron or the wood in your hand with the ball on the green, fairway or the tee, you will understand the skills needed to play the game.

No my dear it is not a game for the oldies and the retired. It is a level playing field there and tests not only your strength but also your endurance, stamina, patience and intelligence.

No my dear it is not an elitist sport either. The records speak for themselves and all around the world we have examples of caddies learning the game to become champions.

The Rambagh Golf Club in Jaipur is a visitors delight. Located in the heart of the city almost every tee off has a view or the backdrop of one of the several historical and architectural wonders that make Jaipur a wonderful tourist destination. Visit it to get hooked to the game.

Best wishes,
Manoj

TOUR dE FRANCE - THE TEST OF ENDURANCE

2009-07-15T17:18:00.003+03:00

Hello,

If anyone has been a regular on the sports pages of the newspaper they would have wondered what is this hoopla over a bicycle race. I am sure that by now all of us know how important the yellow jersey is!
The cycle race we talk about is the Tour de France and one of the major sporting events of France. Today the race travels through six countries Monaco, France, Spain, Andorra, Switzerland and Italy.

The event made it's debut in 1903 when a young journalist Géo Lefèvre, on L’Auto persuaded his editor, Henri Desgrange, to back his audacious plan of a 471km cycle race from Nantes to Paris. Not to be left behind sixty adventure seekers started the race on July 1 1903 from Montgeron and after six grueling stages, Maurice Garin became the first winner of the Tour de France. It was not surprising that only 21 “routiers”, managed to complete this first epic.

The Tour de France 2009 started Saturday July 4th and will end on Sunday July 26th 2009. The 96th Tour de France will be made up of 21 stages and will cover a total distance of 3,500 kilometres. The race has 21 stages which allows for all kinds of racers to exhibit their skills. The race has ten flat stages, 7 mountain stages, 1 medium mountain stage, 2 individual time-trial stages and one team trial stage. The mountain stages were introduced in the race in 1936.

The 2009 Tour de France started with a 15.5 km individual time trial in Monaco (the shortest distance the cyclist race in the competition) and tomorrow (16th July) the racers will cover the longest stage of the flat stage Tonnerre to Vittel covering 211.5 km.
The race actually has several other jerseys and it is interesting to follow the green jersey which belongs to the top Sprinter, the climber jersey which is made up of red and white polka dots for the King of the mountains, The youth jersey which is white, the team jersey which is yellow with white sleeves and the combative jersey which is red with white sleeves. There are 180 participants representing 20 teams.

What brings me to the race

The race becomes magnetic with the return of Lance Armstrong, the seven-time winner from 1999 to 2005. The guy has survived testicular cancer, a tumor that metastasized to his brain and lungs, in 1996.

Born September 18, 1971, he started as a triathlete, winning adult competitions from the age of 13 and became national sprint-course triathlon champion in 1989 and 1990 at 18 and 19, respectively.In 1991, as a bicycle racer he won the U.S. amateur championship. In 1993, Armstrong finished number one in the world, winning 10 one-day events and stage races. He became one of the youngest riders to win the world road race championship, and took his first stage win at the 1993 Tour de France. At the USPRO championship, Armstrong sat up on his bicycle on the final lap, took out a comb, combed his hair and smiled for the cameras.

On October 2, 1996, at age 25, Armstrong was diagnosed with nonseminomatous testicular cancer and the doctor gave him 50% chance of survival after the operation.

Not only did the guy survive the operation but two years later started racing again and created history by taking the Tour de France seven times in a row. In 2008 he continued to dazzle the world with his prowess by impregnating his girlfriend Anna Hansen and becoming the father of Maxwell Edward "Max" Armstrong on June 4, 2009. It was widely believed that Armstrong could no longer father children, after having undergone chemotherapy for testicular cancer and he proved the world wrong once again.

He is not a favorite in Tour de France 2009 but he lies 3rd after stage 10 and you can never write off the miracle man.

Any bets.

Best wishes to Lance Armstrong.
Manoj

FORCE INDIA - FALTER ONCE AGAIN - BUT ALMOST THERE

2009-07-13T20:08:00.003+03:00

Hi,

The F1 racing is now in the second half of the season with 9 races of 17 completed.
Force India continues to be the only team without points.

They were having their best start of the season on Sunday's 12/07/2009 German Grand Prix with Adrian Sutil starting seventh on the grid. But he faltered and ended up a lowly 15th. Adrian had started from seventh, moved into second place, just 1.2secs behind the leader Rubens Barrichello by the time of his first pit stop on lap 27. He clashed with Ferrari’s Kimi Raikkonen on the exit of the first corner, causing damage to his front wing endplate that forced a return to the pits for a nose change.
Giancarlo Fisichella ended 11th and has been showing great consistency. He retired in Turkey but has a 9, 10 and 11 finishes in the last three races completed.

The points are for the first eight finishers and Force India have failed to be there in the nine races during the season.

Force India parted company with Ferrari after the end of the last season where they were pointless as well to go with Mercedes during 2009 but the association which had promised much has not yielded the results Vijay Mallaya was looking for.

But they seem to be happy with the progress they are making and let us hope that the bad luck that keeps them from a points finish has run it's course.

Let it be Jai Ho in the next race.

Best wishes,
Manoj

The Bulls at Pamplona - Tragedy on 10th July 2009

2009-07-11T08:15:00.005+03:00

The running of the bulls in Pamplona, Spain has it's first fatal goring since 2003.
Daniel Jimeno Romero, 27, a Spanish national was killed when Capuchino broke away from the main group and attacked a crowd of runners. Three other runners were injured.

Since the running of the bulls started in 1922, fifteen people have been killed, including one American, and hundreds injured.

In this week-long Festival of San Fermín, people traditionally dressed all in white and wearing red kerchiefs run through the streets toward the bullfighting ring, being chased by a herd of bulls. Later in the day matadors fight the animals.

The festival was made famous by Ernest Hemingway in his book 'The Sun also Rises' and attracts thousands of runners every year. It remains a controversial and dangerous event.

Where is 'PETA'???

Cristiano Ronaldo - The Unveiling at Real Madrid

2009-07-10T18:37:00.005+03:00

Cristiano Ronaldo had a dream unveiling at 'Bernabeu' on Monday 6th Jul 2009.
The star was overwhelmed by the record 80,000 attendance at the occasion but the security had a tough time handling the pitch invasions and finally had to whisk away the player to safety.

Cristiano will play wearing the # 9 jersey at Real Madrid. Earlier he had preferred # 7. He plays in # 7 for Portugal and also played in the same # 7 for Manchester United. He also has a clothing line with the moniker CR7.

Keep a watch on what happens to this.

Cristiano played down the number issue. He said "I wanted # 7 but 9 is also a mythical number, it always makes me happy. "
"The numbers do no play I will try to do the same things regardless of the number on my shirt."

In a dream transfer Cristiano has moved from Manchester United to Real Madrid who hope that he will get them the 'Champions Cup they last won in 2002.

This is a costly dream for Real Madrid who signed the superstar for 80 million Pounds. It better fructify.

Who wears # 7 for Real Madrid. Another superstar 'RAUL'

THE VARIOUS TYPES OF PLAYERS

2009-07-07T20:34:00.004+03:00

Hi,

If you look at your sporting heroes you will find that there are three basic types who get to the top

The first and the most common of all is the True Champion
The True Champion is naturally gifted. He moves with the ball like Pele, Maradona or Messi. He hits the ball like Rod Laver, Bjorn Borg or Roger Federer or glides through water like Mark Spitz, Michael Phelps or Ian Thorpe. Maybe he tees and puts like Tiger Woods or jumps and sprints or vaults like Carl Lewis, Sergie Bubka or Yelena Isinbayeva or cycles like Lance Armstrong. The true Champion lasts for ever and for ever.

The second and the most exciting type is the Maverick genius
This athelete is also naturally gifted but lacks in control over emotions and lets his talent go on a ride through peaks and dips. The examples for this kind would include John McEnroe and in Tennis, George Best in Football and Andrew Symonds and Abdul Qadir in Cricket. They are players who can create magic on the playing arena on their given day. But the maverick genius gives you joy for a few magic moments. The memories are exceptional and you always hope that it should have lasted longer.

The Third type is the Industrious.
Ivan Lendl and Vijay Singh are names which come to your mind immediately. They are people who reach the top by sheer hard work and will to excel. They are not very attractive to watch as they may neither have the grace of a true champion or the magic moments of a maverick genius but they have set goals and they achieve them come what may. They excel till their body permits or till a True Champion or a Maverick Genius comes to occupy the place at the top.

The rest are all also rans. These players/ athletes may have a lucky day some time in their life. Most Indians in sports fall in this category. (The exceptions like Sunil Gavaskar, Kapil Dev, Anil Kumble, Sachin Tendulkar, Vishwanathan Anand and PT Usha prove the rule)
One win and their life goal is achieved. So we have so many shooters and boxers who shine to deceive, Sania Mirza going through a graceless fall and Sushil Kumar goes overweight.

When will we have a true champion who will dare the world and make us really proud. Maybe Saina Nehwal. Just maybe.

Wimbledon 2009 - Winners and Runners Up

2009-07-06T20:44:00.005+03:00

Wimbledon 2009 - All the results in Wimbledon colors.

Centre Court - men's Singles - Finals

Roger Federer SUI (2) beats Andy Roddick USA (6)
5-7,7-6,7-6,3-6,16-14

Centre Court - Ladies' Singles - Finals
Serena Williams USA (2) Beats Venus Williams USA (3)
7-6,6-2

Centre Court - men's Doubles - Finals
Daniel Nestor CAN (2)/ Nenad Zimonjic SRB (2) beat Bob Bryan USA (1)/ Mike Bryan USA (1)
7-6,6-7,7-6,6-3

Centre Court - Ladies' Doubles - Finals
Serena Williams USA (4)/ Venus Williams USA (4) beat Samantha Stosur AUS (3)/ Rennae Stubbs AUS (3)
7-6,6-4

Centre Court - Mixed Doubles - Finals
Mark Knowles BAH (9)/ Anna-Lena Groenefeld GER (9) beat Leander Paes IND (1)/ Cara Black ZIM (1)
7-5,6-3

Court 1 - Boys' Singles - Finals
Andrey Kuznetsov RUS wins over Jordan Cox USA
4-6,6-2,6-2

Court 1 - Girls' Singles - Finals
Noppawan Lertcheewakarn THA (4) Wins over Kristina Mladenovic FRA (1)
3-6,6-3,6-1

Court 3 - Boys' Doubles - Finals
Pierre-Hugues Herbert FRA / Kevin Krawietz GER Win over Julien Obry FRA / Adrien Puget FRA
6-7,6-2,12-10

Court 1 - Girls' Doubles - Finals
Noppawan Lertcheewakarn THA / Sally Peers AUS Win over Kristina Mladenovic FRA (2)/ Silvia Njiric CRO (2)
6-1,6-1

Court 3 - Senior Gentlemen's Inv. Doubles - Finals
Jeremy Bates GBR / Anders Jarryd SWE win over Mansour Bahrami IRI /Henri Leconte FRA
6-4,7-6

Court 3 - Ladies' Invitation Doubles - Finals
Martina Navratilova USA / Helena Sukova CZE win over Ilana Kloss RSA / Rosalyn Nideffer USA
6-3,6-2

Court 1 - Gentlemen's Invitation Doubles - Finals
Jacco Eltingh NED / Paul Haarhuis NED win against Donald Johnson USA / Jared Palmer USA
7-6,6-4

Court 4 - Gentlemen's Wheelchair Doubles - Finals
Stephane Houdet FRA / Michael Jeremiasz FRA win against Robin Ammerlaan NED / Shingo Kunieda JPN
1-6,6-4,6-3

Court 4 - Ladies' Wheelchair Doubles - Finals
Korie Homan NED / Esther Vergeer NED win over Daniela Di Toro AUS / Lucy Shuker GBR
6-1,6-3

Roger Federer - The Ultimate Champion

2009-07-05T20:43:00.000+03:00

Andy Roddick tried his best and what good tennis he came up with but the Champion simply refused to buckle down under the immense pressure put by his opponent.

Today it may not be wrong to say that Roger was lucky. He was unable to do anything about the excellent service games played by Andy. But he is not a champion for nothing. Many people say that the absence of Nadal has helped him but it is far from the truth. He has beaten the best players time and again and I am sure he is not afraid of Nadal.

The turning point of the match was the second set tie break when Roger was about to go 0-2 down at 2-6. Then a nervous Andy messed up and lost seven points in a row to hand over the set to Roger. Although he did manage to get another chance by claiming the fourth set, Andy had opened the door for the champion in the second set and he just pushed in through the small opening.

The final set was epic. The longest set for the championship but the quality of tennis was limited to the service from both ends. Roger, I think, was lucky to have first serve in the set as Andy was always playing catch up and he finally had to give up as the Champion was ready to go at it for as long as it would take.

So it is 6 Wimbledon titles for Roger and more importantly 15 grand slams. Magnanimous Pete Sampras was in the royal box and saw his record go to the player he thinks is the all time best. Rod Laver who is considered the player comparable to Roger was also there and so was Bjorn Borg.

I could go on and on about the champions who have been but this moment is Roger's so I end with what he said that broke Andy's heart. He said he was not playing for records or being the number one in the world. He said he loved Tennis and would come back for more.

For record the score was 5-7, 7-6 (8-6), 7-6 (7-5), 3-6 and 16-14.

HISTORY OF WIMBLEDON

2009-07-04T23:17:00.000+03:00

It is important to read the history of the Wimbledon as it remains one of the few tournaments and the only grand slam event to be played on grass.

It is interesting to note that the club was founded as 'The All England Croquet Club' in 1868.

Tennis was added to the club activities in 1875 and the club changed its name to 'The All England Croquet and Lawn Tennis Club' The code of laws initially drawn by the Marylebone Cricket Club have stood the test of time and today's rules are similar except for details such as the height of the net and posts and the distance of the service line from the net.

The First Men's Champion

In 1877 was the Gentlemen's Singles was won by Spencer Gore, from a field of 22. About 200 spectators paid one shilling each to watch the final.

By 1882 activity at the Club was almost exclusively confined to lawn tennis and that year the word 'croquet' was dropped from the title. However, for sentimental reasons, it was restored in 1899 and the club has been known as 'The All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club' ever since.

The First Ladies Champion

In 1884 the Ladies' Singles was inaugurated and, from an entry of 13 players, Maud Watson became the first champion. That same year, the Gentlemen's Doubles was started, with the trophy donated by the Oxford University Lawn Tennis Club after the end of their doubles championship, played from 1879 to 1883.

Sibling Domination - A History

In the mid-1880s crowds the prowess of British twins Ernest and William Renshaw who, separately and as doubles partners, won 13 titles between 1881 and 1889 had drawn the crowds into Wimbledon. The boom in popularity of the game in this period became known as the 'Renshaw Rush'.

And in 1897 the legendary Doherty brothers, Laurie and Reggie, began their ten-year rule of the courts and the popularity of the tournament increased.

International character of Wimbledon and demise of British Tennis

By the turn of the century Wimbledon had assumed an international character and in 1905 May Sutton of the United States became the first Champion from overseas when she won the Ladies' Singles. In 1907, Norman Brookes of Australia became the first Gentlemen's Singles champion from overseas. However, this a also signalled the demise of British tennis. Only two players from Great Britain, Arthur Gore and Fred Perry, have managed to win the Men's Singles while there have been five British Ladies' Champions since Wimbledon moved to Church Road in 1922— Kitty McKane Godfree, Dorothy Round, Angela Mortimer, Ann Jones and Virginia Wade.

Move to Church Road - Changes introduced

Applications for tickets in the first year were issued by a ballot — a system that has been adopted for every Championship since.

The move to Church Road coincided with a break in tradition, whereby the Challenge Round was abolished in favour of the holder playing through each round.

1920's - The four Musketeers

France produced at least one singles champion almost regularly in the 1920's. The famous 'Four Musketeers' — Jean Borota, Jacques Brugnon, Henri Cochet and Rene Lacoste — appeared on the scene and during the next ten years won six Singles titles and five Doubles titles between them.

The 1920's saw the end of Suzanne Lenglen's reign and the beginning of the conquests of Helen Wills of the United States.

Some Consolation for the British

The years from 1934 to 1937 were a golden era for British tennis, when a total of 11 titles were captured, including three singles in succession by Fred Perry and two by Dorothy Round.

Donald Budge won all three events in 1937 and 1938, Helen Wills Moody captured the Ladies' Singles for the eight time and Alice Marble brought a new dimension to ladies' tennis with her serve and volley game.

Earlier in 1930 Wimbledon saw an old hero, Bill Tilden, return to centre stage with his third title at the age of 38.

The Championships were not played during the second world war.

The Post-War Period

Mens

Americans dominated at Wimbledon well into the fifties. Notable champions being Jack Kramer, Ted Schroeder, Tony Trabert,

Then from 1956 until the early 1970s, the men's Singles virtually became the property of Australia as Lew Hoad, Neale Fraser, Rod Laver, Roy Emerson and John Newcombe dominated.

Womens

Louise Brough, Maureen Connolly and the late Althea Gibson, the first black winner dominated in the 1950s.The sequence of American wins in the Ladies' Singles was not broken until 1959 when Maria Bueno of Brazil triumphed. In the 1960s, Margaret Smith became the first Australian to win the event, while Angela Mortimer and Ann Jones revived the British interest.

1968 - Professionals allowed

In 1968, Rod Laver and Billie Jean King became the first Wimbledon Open Champions.

Famous Records at Wimbledon

In 1980 Bjorn Borg of Sweden became the first player to win the men's Singles five times in the post-challenge round era; a feat replicated by Roger Federer between 2003 and 2007.

In 1985 Boris Becker, aged 17, became the youngest player, the first unseeded player and the first German to win the men's Singles.

In 1987 Martina Navratilova of the United States became the first player to win the Ladies' Singles six times in succession and in 1990 she attained the all-time record of nine victories in the event.

Pete Sampras of the United States registered his seventh win in 2000 and

In 2001, Goran Ivanisevic became the first wildcard to win the men's Singles.

Anniversary Celebrations and cause for the British to cheer

The Championships celebrated their centenary in 1977. The celebrations were made special for the British as the Ladies' Singles trophy went to Virginia Wade

The 100th Championships celebrations were held in 1986 and 1993 marked the 100th Ladies' Championships

Wimbledon 2009 - Women's doubles

2009-07-04T22:53:00.000+03:00

As expected Serena and Venus Williams are crowned the doubles champions at the Wimbledon 2009.

The sisters were the defending champions and are now four times champions at Wimbledon.

Interestingly the men's doubles which was played just after the women's singles was also defended by Daniel Nestor, Canada, and Nenad Zimonjic, Serbia, the number 2 seeds who defeated another pair of siblings (The Bryan bros - top seeds).

Serena started off colour and if Venus was disappointed over her singles loss it did not show in her game as she covered for the unforced errors of Serena for most part of the match. The 38 year old Renee Stubbs proved to be the weak serve for their Australian opponents and although she volleyed beautifully she was always under pressure while serving. She was broken once in both sets and that along with the fact that Serena was back to normal half way into the second set paved the way to their victory.

So the Williams love affair with Wimbledon continues.

Wimbledon 2009

2009-07-04T18:54:00.000+03:00

No better way to start the blog.

4th July, America's Independence and the finals of the women's played by two of their biggest women sporting stars.

The two best grass court players in the world meet in the finals and the woman with the stronger desire to win beats the better player of the tournament.

It may seem that the lack of competition in her earlier matches, the fact that she had been winning in easy straight sets went against Venus.

The way she had demolished Safina in the semis made her a favorite for the title but only she lost the first set in the tie break, her first set loss in 34 matches at Wimbledon, she was on the back foot. She was not prepared for it (losing a set) and it came as such a huge shock that he was off colour immediately. Her first serve deserted her completely and the second serve became weaker.

In contrast Serena had played close matches and had escaped from the jaws of defeat in the semis. She knew when to hammer in the nail and took full advantage of the lapses her opponent made in the second set to seal her authority over the match and win it in straight sets.

The ease with which she won the second set was sort of an anti climax but all credit to Serena for having grabbed her opportunity.

The domination of the Wimbledon by the Williams sisters continues and it will be no surprise if they also pocket the doubles.

My New Blog

2009-07-04T18:37:00.000+03:00

I start this new blog today dedicating it purely to sports and games.
The reason for starting this purely sports blog is that I have so many thoughts on games and sports that it may be confusing for readers of my other blogs to know what I am actually at as I keep jumping back to sports after every other post.

This exclusive blog will let me focus on my interest and the exclusivity will hopefully bring in a dedicated set of contributors.

Best regards,
Manoj