Bopanna-Qureshi lose tense opener in World Tour Finals
London, Nov 21 (IANS) India's Rohan Bopanna and his Pakistani partner Aisam-Ul-Haq Qureshi lost to third seeds Max Mirnyi and Daniel Nestor 6-7(2), 6-4, 9-11 in a gripping Group B round-robin match at the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals.
The Canadian-Belarusian pair, who are making their team debut at the season finale at The O2 in London, improved their win-loss record 43-19 with the victory here Sunday night. Both players are former champions - Mirnyi in 2006 (w/Bjorkman) and Nestor in 2007 (w/Knowles), 2008 and 2010 (w/Zimonjic).
Mirnyi and Nestor took 2-0 and 4-2 leads in the first set, but Bopanna and Qureshi worked their way back with breaks off the Nestor serve. Mirnyi saved one set point at sudden-death deuce at 4-5, then the Belarusian-Canadian duo took early control of the tie-break to clinch the 47-minute opener.
After Qureshi recovered from 0/40 in the second game, 'The Indo-Pak Express' grew in confidence and broke Nestor's serve for a third time a 3-2 lead in the second set. They maintained their advantage, by hitting 77 per cent of their first serves into court, to take the encounter to a Match tie-break.
In a tense finale, Bopanna ripped a forehand return winner past a net-rushing Nestor to open up a 3-1 lead in the Match tie-break. They went onto lead 6-3, before Mirnyi and Nestor started their comeback to level the score. Bopanna and Qureshi powered their way to 8-6, but Mirnyi and Nestor gained parity.
At 8-9, Qureshi saved one match point with a second serve ace out wide. But Mirnyi hit a finely placed lob winner for a 10-9 lead. Nestor closed out with a second serve ace to complete an eventful match in one hour and 41 minutes.
Bopanna and Qureshi had won previous meetings against Mirnyi and Nestor at the Monte-Carlo Rolex Masters in April and at the BNP Paribas Masters in Paris last week. The pair drops to a 38-24 season record, highlighted by three titles.
2011/11/9 9:50:40 Paris, Nov 9 (IANS) India's Mahesh Bhupathi and Leander Paes were knocked out of the Paris Masters tennis tournament here Wednesday after losing to Santiago Gonzalez and Christopher Kas 6-3, 1-6, 8-10 in the second round.
Fourth seed Bhupathi-Paes, who got a first round bye, started well in the match but lost points in key moments to suffer an early exit at the hands of the Mexican-German pair. The Indian duo has already qualified for the season ending ATP World Tour Finals in London.
The Indo-Pak express of Rohan Bopanna and Aisam-Ul-Haq Qureshi play their opening match against Britain's Coling Fleming and Jamie Murray Thursday. Bopanna-Qureshi are seeded seventh in the tournament.
Top 8 have equal chance of winning London Tour Finals: Federer
2011/11/12 3:33:33 Paris, Nov 12 (IANS) Defending ATP World Tour Finals champion Roger Federer has said the field is wide open for the upcoming edition, which begins at London's O2 Arena Nov 20, with all eight players having an equal chance.
The final eight was determined by results at this week's Paris Masters, with Tomas Berdych, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and Mardy Fish joining Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, Andy Murray, Federer and David Ferrer.
"I don't feel like 5, 6, 7, and 8 have no chance," commented the Swiss after claiming his 800th tour-level victory with a quarterfinal win over Juan Monaco Friday in Paris.
"I definitely think they have a chance to go deep, like it was in the year with del Potro and Davydenko making the finals. I definitely could see something happening as well like that this year.
"Fish and Djokovic at this point look a little bit weary. But then again, I think with a week's break everything can heal and they are maybe going to be in top shape. So let's assume that everybody is in great shape. I think it is going to be an interesting couple of groups, because everybody can beat everybody."
The 2010 edition of the world's biggest indoor tennis tournament saw the Big Four of Nadal, Federer, Djokovic and Murray coming out on top in the group stages to set blockbuster semifinal clashes. It was Federer who ultimately prevailed, defeating Djokovic and then Nadal to win the season finale for the fifth time.
"I do believe if Djokovic is fit, and Murray fit as well, which it seems like he is, they are also going to be difficult to beat," continued Federer.
"And Rafa, regardless how he is going to be, he is always a tough customer. So I think it is going to be a really good World Championships. I am really looking forward to it. It is a strong year, and I am happy to be part of it."
2011/3/20 0:59:02 According to Central intelligence reports, 17 Pakistani terrorists have purchased the world cup final tickets in an attempt to massacre the cricket lovers and the players. Ever since, the world cup has commenced, US has been alerting India over a possible attack by Taliban’s and some other terrorist gangs, especially during the final match to be held at Vankade stadium in Mumbai on 2nd of April. Now, with the latest alert by Central Intelligence sleuths, Mahrashtra home department pressed the panic button and put all its forces on high alert. If, it fails to pick out the 17 terrorists out of thousands of people who are going to barge the stadium, undoubtedly it would lead another ‘jallianwala bagh.’ Hope, our sleuths will be able to nab the 17 member team who also wants play their game in the finals.
Pop icon Madonna has announced that she will launch her 27-date world tour in Cardiff on 23 August.
The Sticky and Sweet tour will start at the Millennium Stadium, winding up in Miami on 26 November.
Tickets go on sale from 0900 BST 16 May with prices for the Cardiff show, starting at £55.
The tour will stop in major cities across Europe including London and Paris, as well as cities in the US.
Her last tour was in 2006 and concert organisers said more than 1.3m people went to her shows at venues across the world.
It made her the highest-grossing concert tour by a female artist at the time.
Her recent album, Hard Candy, has debuted at number one at 27 countries so far including the US, UK, France, Germany, Japan and Australia, according to her record company.
The 49-year-old star is due to play BBC Radio 1's Big Weekend in Kent on Saturday.
CCL Finals between Chennai Rhinos v/s K’ Bulldozers
2011/6/12 0:23:28 The much awaited CCL final match will be played by Karnataka Bulldozers and Chennai Rhinos teams at Uppal Stadium, Hyderabad on Sunday. While, Bulldozers team has reached finals by surpassing the Warriors team with 6wickets in hand, Rhinos entered finals with rainy advantage. The semi final match played between Rhinos and Heroes on yesterday at Vizag was cancelled due to rain after Rhinos makes 165 runs in 17.5 overs. Rhinos got promoted to finals on match points basis.
Hence, Rhinos and Bulldozers will cross their bats to claim the CCL cup today at Uppal Stadium.
2011/11/8 10:28:48 TDP president Chandrababu has declared that, his next leg of tour will be in Telangana region. Reacting to his announcement Sirisilla MLA and senior TRS leader K.Taraka Rama Rao has welcomed him to tour across Telangana. "We need not to worry about his tour, because people of Telangana have forgotten him long ago. So, we need not to think about him and his tour in Telangana. In fact, Telangana people see him, Chief Minister Kiran Kumar Reddy and Chiranjeevi as Seemandhra representatives only. So, we won't take their tours serious anymore," said K.Taraka Rama Rao.
2011/10/1 11:33:55 TDP president N. Chandrababu addressing his party leaders at NTR trust Bhavan at Hyderabad has said he is not afraid to tour Telangana region. He said that he is getting requests from his Telangana leaders to tour in their region. "I am not afraid to tour Telangana region. When we are in politics we should be prepared to receive flowers as well as stones hurled at us. It is quite common in politics. So, I will tour across Telangana region soon after I complete my Seemandhra tour."
Reiterating his two eyes policy he said 'I am saying from the day one that it is Congress which has to take decision on this burning issue and not us. We stand by our statement and demand the Congress to resolve the problem at the earliest and bring normalcy in the state."
Federer becomes seventh player to record 800 career wins
2011/11/12 3:31:32 Paris, Nov 12 (IANS) Swiss tennis ace Roger Federer has become the seventh man in the Open era to record 800 career match wins after beating Argentina's Juan Monaco 6-3, 7-5 in 85 minutes Friday to book a place in the semifinals of the Paris Masters.
It was Federer's third win over Monaco this year.
The Swiss is still 424 victories shy of Jimmy Connors' all-time record of 1,242 match wins.
"I only heard about it," Federer was quoted as saying by Xinhua.
"It is nice. It is a lot of matches, a lot of tennis I have played - I know that. But I know there are many other players that have played more tennis than I have. So it is just another win, but it is a special one nevertheless, because 800 is definitely a big number."
Third seed Federer, who also reached the Paris semifinals last year, goes on to meet ATP World Tour Finals qualifier and fifth seed Tomas Berdych.
2011/11/19 11:33:54 Bathinda (Punjab), Nov 19 (IANS) A spirited Canada pulled off a surprise win over Pakistan to set up a clash with hosts India in the finals of the second World Cup Kabaddi to be played at Ludhiana Sunday.
India reached the finals of the 20-day tournament easily, defeating the Italian team 74-15 in their semi-final match played at the flood-lit multi-purpose stadium here Friday evening.
But the big upset was in the second semi-final match between Pakistan and Canada late Friday. The Canadian side finally won 44-39 in a closely fought match.
The aggressive Canadian side kept up the pressure on the Pakistani side all through the game with both teams locked in a neck and neck fight. At half time, both teams were at 20-20 points.
The Pakistani side, which was the runners up in the first edition of the tournament last year, was expected to reach the finals this time also but the Canadian side, which also comprised Punjabi-origin youth settled in the country, got the better of them.
The final match of the men's Kabaddi, in which the winner team takes home the prize money of Rs.2 crore and the runner-up takes Rs.1 crore, will be played at industrial city Ludhiana's Guru Nanak Dev stadium Sunday evening.
In the women's section, in which four teams are participating for the first time, hosts India trounced the US team 57-7 in the last league match Friday evening.
Both teams have already reached the finals of the women's event. The finals will also be played in Ludhiana Sunday.
The India women's team overcame the trauma of Thursday evening's accident in which their team bus caught fire in an accident with an Army truck near Bathinda town.
The drivers of the bus and a Punjab Police gypsy piloting the bus were killed in the accident.
Some of the women team members also received injuries and burns in the incident as people broke the bus window-panes to rescue them.
The Unforgettable Tour by the Bachchans is in trouble again. Not so long ago, Akshay Kumar, who was supposed to be a part of the tour, opted out. The already delayed extravaganza now has a new problem – Lara Dutta too has walked out of The Unforgettable Tour.
Says a source, “Lara has a knee problem and cannot go for the tour with the Bachchans. She is quite disappointed.”When contacted, Lara confirms her exit from the tour. She says, “I have injured my knee and my doctors have asked me not to strain it further.”
She adds, “I am doing a film called Blue, which has a lot of action scenes. Hence, I need to get back to my feet as soon as possible. Going for the tour and then coming back to shoot for Blue will only aggravate my knee problem. I do regret withdrawing from The Unforgettable Tour.”
Akki and Lara were slated to be a part of the entourage along with Bipasha Basu, Riteish Deshmukh, Shiamak Davar and the Bachchans (Amitabh, Abhishek and Aishwarya) for the tour.
2006/11/2 5:01:26 Amitabh and Abhishek Bachchan live in concert — together! Wizcraft, the event management company, has pulled off a casting coup of sorts for their next series of global stage shows in 2007.
Bachchan Senior is forthright when he says, “Yes, we have been approached by Wizcraft.
We are in talks with them. Abhishek and I will be proceeding for a world tour together next year.”
Hush-hush project Though planning is still in the initial stages, the aim is to have the father and son together in a star-studded music and dance extravaganza. Details about the tour are hush-hush and Wizcraft is not willing to divulge much at this juncture.
Sabbas Joseph of Wizcraft says, “I cannot divulge anything on that front at the moment. We are still in conversation with them. The process is in the early stages.”
Incidentally, Bachchan Sr is the brand ambassador for the International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) Awards, the brainchild of Wizcraft, conceptualised in the year 2000. The IIFA awards are held annually in different countries to celebrate Indian cinema on a global platform.
Big-ticket show Though the Bachchans have performed on stage across the globe at various events, including the IIFA awards, this is the first time that the father-son duo will come together for a series of concerts. And as all such extravaganzas go, the logistics are mind-boggling.
Wizcraft has already taken the first few steps for their big-ticket show. The Bachchans are already taking time off from their shooting schedules next year for the tour.
For several years, Wizcraft has been organising stage shows across the world with Bollywood and international stars. So the thought of seeing the Bachchans together will surely be lapped up by star-struck NRIs the world over.
Preity Zinta talks about her IPL experience and passes off Bret Lee singing for her as his usual spirit of masti
Preity left for the Cannes Film Festival on Wednesday morning at a time when she's neck-deep in IPL affairs. “Can't help it, yaar," she phoned and groaned groggily from Frankfurt airport. "It's been two years now that I've been the brand ambassador for Chopard and it requires me to be at Cannes every year, come what May… pun intended."
Understandably, she's exhausted. "But I'm also exhilarated," she's quick to add. "IPL has been a learning experience," remarked Preity.
IPL has evoked mixed response from the audience. In fact some people believe IPL to be confusing cricket. "Not at all," denies Preity vehemently. "Considering the fact that players of different age groups and varied nationalities are interacting on one platform, it's quite an eye-opener. Also, it's only here that the younger players get the golden opportunity to learn the ropes from senior and international players."
Ask about team player Bret Lee singing for Preity and she makes a disgusted noise. "This isn't even worth talking about. The man is married and has a kid. Besides, Bret sings for everyone on the team. He's always fooling around, singing and always up to some masti. All cricketers make an effort to keep the team spirit going. So there's nothing great about it."
Talking about team spirit, it is not a hidden fact that Preity has taken to her IPL town, Mohali in a big way. "People there are so warm and friendly that Ness and I have begun to care for the town," Preity justifies. "While other IPL team owners have got developed cities, we're the only ones who were given an upcoming town. We're proud to be part of that growth. Mohali is an air-force base so only army planes land there. However, thanks to IPL, there's already a talk of an international airport and several luxury hotels in the offing."
Preity has several events lined up in Cannes, but no movies. "I would have liked to bring my film Har Pal here, but it isn't ready as yet. If Rituparno Ghosh’s The Last Lear is screened, I'll go for it. But Chopard events are sure to keep me on my toes for the next three days. I've a red carpet event, a dinner, followed by a picnic. I will return to Mumbai on May 17 and immediately head for my IPL commitments."
Preity is also excited about accompanying the Bachchans in The Unforgettable Tour. "The Bachchans are my buddies. I'm joining them on their world tour in July and am really looking forward to it. I've been on a world tour with them earlier and had a ball. So I'm looking forward to this one as well," she concludes.
Sanjay Dutt, whose Lage Raho Munna Bhai is doing great at the box office, is too tense to go for shoots because of the impending judicial verdict over his alleged linkage with the 1993 Mumbai bombings.
The actor has refused to go for shoots or sign new projects till the TADA court gives its ruling. Sanjay is accused number 117 in the serial blasts case and his future rests on the judgment.
The special court, under the Terrorist and Disruptive Activities (Prevention) Act, has exempted Sanjay from personal appearance and has permitted him to fulfil his professional commitments.
But Sanjay is too tense to work. "Sanjay has informed his producers that he can't shoot till the verdict is out. He is not in the right frame of mind. He has also decided not to sign any new films," said a source close to Sanjay.
If Sanjay is in a dilemma, his producers are in a fix - especially those whose shooting is midway. According to sources, more than Rs.1 billion has been invested in movies featuring Sanjay. The minimum budget for a Sanjay starrer is said to be Rs.150 million.
"The films which are ready for release or are nearing completion will not lose much money. But films partly completed will definitely be affected," Komal Nahta, editor, Film Information, was quoted as saying.
The films in the lurch include Ajay Chandok's Nehle Pe Dehla, Astavinayak's Mr. Fraud, Indra Kumar's Dhamaal, and Sanjay Gupta's Shootout At Lokhandwala.
"If the court's verdict goes against Sanjay, it will definitely hit producers - except those whose films are insured," said sources. Sanjay has completed work on Vidhu Vinod Chopra's Eklavya and Raman Kumar's Sarhad Paar.
2011/9/8 11:33:26 Hyderabad Cricket Association (HCA) XI will clash with Tamil Nadu in the finals of the All India Moin-Ud-Dowlah Gold Cup. The two teams posted fluent victories in their respective semi-final outings in Hyderabad on Thursday.
HCA XI coasted ahead with a comprehensive eight-wicket win over HCA Colts in their encounter at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium. In the second match, played at Gymkhana Grounds, Tamil Nadu got past Karnataka by one wicket. Meanwhile, the three-day finals will begin at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium on Saturday.
Brief Scores-Semi-finals: HCA Colts 217 & 188/6 (K Sumanth 62,Benjamin Thomas 53,Paramveer Singh 4 for 28 ) lost to HCA XI 389/4 & 19 for 2- HCA XI won by 8 wickets; Karnataka 221& 299/8 (Bharath Chipli 140 ,L Vignesh 3 for 94) lost to Tamil Nadu 276 & 248/9 (RA Arvind 31,Y Sunny Kumar Singh 87,SL Akshay 4 for 69)- TN won by one wicket. (INN)
Okay, so Eklavya has been firmed as India's entry to the Oscars.
But there's a sub-plot. The Namesake, produced by Fox-Searchlight, will be in the running for the top Academy Award honours.. in fact, Tabu, Mira Nair and Sooni Taraporevala have just flown to Los Angeles for a promotional tour, mandatory for all movies aspiring to the top five nomination list.
The wow factor has been consistently strong for Tabu's s performance as a Kolkata woman who leads the sometimes-lonely-sometimes-resilient life in the US.
That Jhumpa Lahiri's book was a bestseller the world over and that its film version was directed by the feisty Mira Nair, gave the project a certain buzz from the moment it was shot in India and the U S.
The film's upbeat commercial performance globally also makes it a strong Oscar contender. Ironically Nair who was hoping for an Oscar nod at least in the nominations with the extravagantly-mounted Vanity Fair, has been lionised essentially for her ‘crossover' movies - the three toppers have been Salaam Bombay, Monsoon Wedding and now, The Namesake.
Tabu, Mira Nair and Sooni Taraporevala have just flown to Los Angeles for a promotional tour, mandatory for all movies aspiring to the top five nomination list.
Duds too In between, there have been disappointments, particularly the unintentionally chuckle-worthy Kama Sutra. The director, who hops between the US, Africa and India, is more than likely to be in the running this year.. after all, The Namesake created an infinitely stronger impact than Deepa Mehta's Water, which did get a nomination nod in the Best Foreign Film category last year.
Mira Nair, a whiz at marketing, is undoubtedly an articulate speaker. Earlier, Salaam Bombay made it to the nomination finals.
Tabu, who left Mumbai early Sunday morning, has been singled out for attention in reviews all over the world. We contacted her to tell her that the Oscar buzz about her performance was pretty high, to which she responded, "I am certainly nervous.. I have never been able to hype myself or my work." Point noted.
2011/8/4 1:14:48 YS.Jagan Mohan Reddy’s proposed tour in East Godavari district on 6th and 7th is postponed to 8th and 9th as he is leaving for New Delhi to take oath as Member of Parliament. Soon after he returns, he will tour across East Godavari district and meet the farmers who announced ‘Crop Holiday’ recently. He will address the people at a meeting to be held at Amalapuram on 9th of August.
2011/10/8 11:03:24 The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia may soon set up its consulates in Hyderabad and Kerela.
Addressing a press conference during his visit to the city here on Saturday, Saudi Ambassador Sagr Suleman Al-Qureshi said that the kingdom was considering setting up the consulates following repeated requests from many circles.
Al-Qureshi informed that the Saudi Government was keen to enhance business ties with India, particularly the Southern State. He informed that the government has launched a new scheme wherein businessmen would be issued multi-purpose visa for one year in just one day. He asked the Indian businessmen to avail the facility.
He said that the Saudi Government aims to promote investments from India particularly in sectors like food processing, steel, education and health. The government would provide all assistance to the Indian businessmen.
The Saudi Ambassador also clarified the new law 'Nitaqat' aimed at Saudisation or providing more jobs to Saudi nationals would not affect the Indian workers. He denied reports that nurses hailing from Kerela were retrenched due to the same programme. However, he said a delegation would soon visit India for fresh recruitment. He said the Indian workers have carved out a name for themselves with their hard work, dedication and honesty. That's the reason why the Saudi government respects the Indian workers a lot, he said.
Al-Qureshi also informed that King Abdullah has increased the quota of Indian Haj pilgrims by 10,000 this year. This could increase the total number of Haj pilgrims from India to 1,75,000. He pointed out that in view of centuries-old relations, King Abdullah considers India as his second home and therefore, intends to strengthen bi-lateral relationship. (INN)
Shahrukh Khan threw a party on Saturday night at his residence Mannat where several celebrities from Bollywood came to watch the world cup finals and enjoy the party at the same time.
When Shah Rukh is the host, the guest list is obviously expected to be long. The world cup final match between Australia and Sri Lanka on Saturday evening was a reason to party and also catch up on cricket.
According to reports, a special projector was put in place at Mannat to screen the match. Drinks, snacks and other delicacies were on the table to please the taste buds. And music was playing in the background.
One by one, a number of guests drove in to join SRK, Gauri and gang.
The guests included the usual suspects like Karan Johar , Farah Khan , Shirish Kunder, Preity Zinta and Priyanka Chopra Also present were Salman Khan Katrina Kaif , Saif Ali Khan , Arbaaz Khan , Malaika Arora , Amrita Arora , Dino Morea , Tabu , Farhan Akhtar , Raveena Tandon , Kelly Dorji , designers Manish Malhotra and Surily Goel, socialites Queenie Dhody and Parmeshwar Godrej.
The party continued till late night as the guests watched the match and also danced to the music. A source says that Salman Khan was particularly in a very jolly mood. Instead of shaking hands with other guests, Salman hugged them.
With the Sri Krishna committee all set to submit its report in a couple of days the situation in the state particularly in Hyderabad and Telangana districts is tense.
The state government is gearing up for any eventuality with additional forces from the centre. KCR is getting ready to intensify the agitation from the first week of January if the report does not recommend separate Telangana.
The mood is very tense and not many people are happy that the New Year is round the corner. Everyone is worried what is in store in the New Year over the 'T' issue.
Chief Minister Rosaiah appeared before the media after a gap of a fortnight. He seemed to be in a hurry to prove to everyone that he was hale and hearty and that all stories about him in the media were false or over exaggerated.
Rosaiah said that law and order in the state was fine and the successful tour of Babu in Palamoor was a clear proof of this.
Rosaiah has in a way acknowledged that Babu has been successful in his tour to stand by the farmers who are struggling to get urea.
The much awaited CCL final match will be played by Karnataka Bulldozers and Chennai Rhinos teams at Uppal Stadium, Hyderabad on Sunday. While, Bulldozers team has reached finals by surpassing the Warriors team with 6wickets in hand, Rhinos entered finals with rainy advantage. The semi final match played between Rhinos and Heroes on yesterday at Vizag was cancelled due to rain after Rhinos makes 165 runs in 17.5 overs. Rhinos got promoted to finals on match points basis. 
TDP president Chandrababu has declared that, his next leg of tour will be in Telangana region. Reacting to his announcement Sirisilla MLA and senior TRS leader K.Taraka Rama Rao has welcomed him to tour across Telangana. "We need not to worry about his tour, because people of Telangana have forgotten him long ago. So, we need not to think about him and his tour in Telangana. In fact, Telangana people see him, Chief Minister Kiran Kumar Reddy and Chiranjeevi as Seemandhra representatives only. So, we won't take their tours serious anymore," said K.Taraka Rama Rao.
TDP president N. Chandrababu addressing his party leaders at NTR trust Bhavan at Hyderabad has said he is not afraid to tour Telangana region. He said that he is getting requests from his Telangana leaders to tour in their region. "I am not afraid to tour Telangana region. When we are in politics we should be prepared to receive flowers as well as stones hurled at us. It is quite common in politics. So, I will tour across Telangana region soon after I complete my Seemandhra tour." 
Hyderabad Cricket Association (HCA) XI will clash with Tamil Nadu in the finals of the All India Moin-Ud-Dowlah Gold Cup.
YS.Jagan Mohan Reddy’s proposed tour in East Godavari district on 6th and 7th is postponed to 8th and 9th as he is leaving for New Delhi to take oath as Member of Parliament. Soon after he returns, he will tour across East Godavari district and meet the farmers who announced ‘Crop Holiday’ recently. He will address the people at a meeting to be held at Amalapuram on 9th of August. 
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia may soon set up its consulates in Hyderabad and Kerela.
