Having endured their leanest world championships in a decade, China's shooters emerged all guns blazing at the Asian Games on Saturday to take five of the six shooting titles on offer on day one of competition.
Only South Korea returned fire on a sweltering day at Aoti Shooting Range, with Olympic champion Jin Jong-oh leading the men's team to gold in the 50 metres pistol category.
Yi Siling, nicknamed the "Shooting Beauty", got the ball rolling by anchoring China's women in the team 10-metre air rifle, before pipping compatriot Wu Liuxi for the individual title.
Yi was the only Chinese shooter to emerge from this year's world championships in Munich with a title and her form suggests she could eventually take the mantle from double Olympic champion Du Li, who has taken a break to start a family.
"To be honest, I felt a lot of pressure," Yi told reporters after edging out compatriot Wu Liuxi for gold under a baking sun.
"Firstly, I come from (local province) Guangdong and secondly this is the first gold medal for the China shooting team."
"I do (want to surpass Du). But I am still lacking in experience. I will just focus on myself."
All eyes were on South Korea's Jin, who broke through for gold in the 50 metres pistol at the 2008 Beijing Games, to see whether the 31-year-old could end his Asian Games curse.
Jin reaped two silvers and three bronzes in individual and team events at Doha four years ago and Busan in 2002.
An individual title proved elusive again in Guangzhou, with unheralded Chinese shooter Pu Qifeng mounting a stunning upset in the 50m pistol to hold off Jin by two points after the South Korean succumbed to nerves and sprayed his second-last shot for a score of 7.7.
"I felt very nervous in the final... I hoped I could get the gold medal for Korea, my motherland and my people."
India's Commonwealth Games hero and Games flag-bearer Gagan Narang staged a gripping shoot-out with 2004 Athens Olympic Games champion Zhu Qinan, but conceded the title to the Chinese with a 1.3 point gap.
After playing China's national anthem, the loudspeakers rang out a "Happy Birthday" song for Zhu who will turn 26 on Monday.
Zhu, who wept uncontrollably on the podium after losing his Athens title at the Beijing Games, was not all that enthused by his achievement.
"Today's performance was within my normal level," he said.
Saturday, November 13, 2010
Cricket-Sehwag flays bowling after N.Zealand total 350
* Zaheer and Harbhajan pick up four wickets apiece
* Sehwag (96) falls after 160-run opening stand
* India reach 178 for two at the close on day two
(Updates at close)
Openers Virender Sehwag and Gautam Gambhir gave India a flying start after the bowlers triggered a New Zealand batting collapse on the second day of the second test on Saturday.
The hosts were 178 for two at the close, trailing by 172 runs, with Rahul Dravid (7) and Sachin Tendulkar (11) at the crease.
Resuming on 258 for four after Tim McIntosh's opening day ton, New Zealand added just 92 runs for the loss of six wickets at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium.
Sehwag (96) then tore into the Kiwi bowling, and put on 160 for the first wicket with Gambhir (54), before being bowled by captain Daniel Vettori while attempting a slog sweep.
The swashbuckling Sehwag shifted gears after completing his half-century and hit 15 boundaries and a huge six during his 120-ball stay.
Gambhir, desperate for a big score after a recent poor run of form, compiled a gritty half-century. He fell soon after his opening partner, caught down the legside off paceman Tim Southee.
Earlier, in a fiery spell, left-armer Zaheer Khan (4-69) trapped Gareth Hopkins (4) and Kane Williamson (4) leg before as he swung the ball back from around the wicket.
Spinner Harbhajan Singh chipped in by removing Vettori (11), Jesse Ryder (70), Southee (10) and Chris Martin (3) to foil New Zealand's chances of a formidable first-innings score.
Ryder took the attack to India with 10 boundaries. He was particularly punishing on an erratic Shanthakumaran Sreesanth before edging Harbhajan to Vangipurappu Laxman in the slips.
The three-match series is tied at 0-0 after the opening test was drawn in Ahmedabad.
* Sehwag (96) falls after 160-run opening stand
* India reach 178 for two at the close on day two
(Updates at close)
Openers Virender Sehwag and Gautam Gambhir gave India a flying start after the bowlers triggered a New Zealand batting collapse on the second day of the second test on Saturday.
The hosts were 178 for two at the close, trailing by 172 runs, with Rahul Dravid (7) and Sachin Tendulkar (11) at the crease.
Resuming on 258 for four after Tim McIntosh's opening day ton, New Zealand added just 92 runs for the loss of six wickets at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium.
Sehwag (96) then tore into the Kiwi bowling, and put on 160 for the first wicket with Gambhir (54), before being bowled by captain Daniel Vettori while attempting a slog sweep.
The swashbuckling Sehwag shifted gears after completing his half-century and hit 15 boundaries and a huge six during his 120-ball stay.
Gambhir, desperate for a big score after a recent poor run of form, compiled a gritty half-century. He fell soon after his opening partner, caught down the legside off paceman Tim Southee.
Earlier, in a fiery spell, left-armer Zaheer Khan (4-69) trapped Gareth Hopkins (4) and Kane Williamson (4) leg before as he swung the ball back from around the wicket.
Spinner Harbhajan Singh chipped in by removing Vettori (11), Jesse Ryder (70), Southee (10) and Chris Martin (3) to foil New Zealand's chances of a formidable first-innings score.
Ryder took the attack to India with 10 boundaries. He was particularly punishing on an erratic Shanthakumaran Sreesanth before edging Harbhajan to Vangipurappu Laxman in the slips.
The three-match series is tied at 0-0 after the opening test was drawn in Ahmedabad.
Premier League - United roar back to hold Villa
Aston Villa squandered a two-goal lead as Manchester United clinched a 2-2 draw in dramatic fashion in their Premier League clash at Villa Park.
Ashley Young broke the deadlock from the penalty spot in the 72nd minute, and Marc Albrighton swiftly doubled his side's lead as the hosts looked to have put a hefty dent in United's pursuit of Chelsea at the top of the table.
Sir Alex Ferguson threw on Federico Macheda, and within eight minutes of his introduction the Italian pulled one back, before Nemanja Vidic headed United level five minutes from time to salvage an improbable point.
Gerard Houllier was forced to field a side bereft of eight first-team players, with diminutive rookies Barry Bannan and Jonathan Hogg forming an unfamiliar central midfield partnership, while Ferguson reverted to 4-4-2 with Javier Hernandez in attack alongside Dimitar Berbatov.
One area of the field where experience was in abundance was in both goals, but neither keeper was troubled early on as Villa, in particular, were left to rue having just one forward as countless deliveries from outwide came to nothing.
The first clear-cut chance of the game was carved out by the visitors in the 17th minute: Berbatov beat the offside trap to meet Hernandez's through ball, but the forward fired wide in very shoddy fashion to hand the hosts a real reprieve.
Villa enjoyed an increased share of possession as the first half developed, and Edwin van der Sar was forced to make a sprawling save down low to his right to deny Ashley Young, whose rasping volley from the edge of the United box on the half hour mark looked destined for the corner of the net.
Just a minute later United should have broken the deadlock themselves as Nani found Evra with an incisive drill straight from the training ground from a regulation free-kick but, inexplicably, no United player made a run to convert the Frenchman's stunning delivery across the six-yard box.
Villa were on the front foot at the end of the half, and Stewart Downing was almost wheeling away in premature celebration two minutes before the break as his piledriver from the edge of the box was somehow deflected wide of the near post by Rio Ferdinand.
Villa began the second half with real purpose and passion: first Ji-Sung Park was bundled off the ball by Marc Albrighton, whose pinpoint cross was met by Agbonlahor's head inside the United box, albeit with insufficient power; then the forward had a shot deflected wide by Ferdinand seconds later.
There was a touch of acrimony in the 53rd minute as Nani was booked for leading with his elbow in a challenge with Warnock on halfway: the reaction was one of unbridled fury from the Villa players, and replays suggest the Portugese was perhaps fortunate to remain on the field.
Seconds later, the hosts were almost rewarded for their electrifying start to the second half as Downing forced his way down the left and picked out Albrighton at the back post with a pinpoint delivery, only for the winger to head wide from close range.
James Collins came within a few inches of netting the opener in the 67th minute as the forward rose imperiously to rattle the crossbar with a powerful header. And, if Houllier was rueing his side's luck after that, his frustration was compounded seconds later as Agbonlahor beat Ferdinand to a loose ball inside the United box and struck the near post with a fierce shot with Van der Sar comprehensively beaten.
But Villa's incessant pressure was finally rewarded in the 72nd minute as Young dispatched his penalty kick with aplomb after he was bundled over clumsily by Brown in the United box.
Ferguson swiftly responded with a double attacking change as the ineffectual Hernandez and Berbatov were hauled off to allow Macheda and Gabriel Obertan a chance to make an impact.
But it was Villa who inflicted further damage as Downing broke at pace down the left, before Albrighton capped off a stunning counter-attack with an opportunistic finish at the back post.
Macheda's introduction did force the desired effect for Ferguson five minutes later, however, as the Italian received a pass from Fletcher in innocuous fashion on the edge of the Villa box, then lashed an unerring strike into the top corner of the net.
Both sides pressed for the three points in an enthralling finale, but it was the hosts who were the more disappointed with the point after having seen their lead so swiftly eroded.
Villa remain unbeaten at home as a result of the draw, while United have yet to be defeated all season as Ferguson's side move to within three points of Chelsea, albeit having played a game more than the league leaders.
Ashley Young broke the deadlock from the penalty spot in the 72nd minute, and Marc Albrighton swiftly doubled his side's lead as the hosts looked to have put a hefty dent in United's pursuit of Chelsea at the top of the table.
Sir Alex Ferguson threw on Federico Macheda, and within eight minutes of his introduction the Italian pulled one back, before Nemanja Vidic headed United level five minutes from time to salvage an improbable point.
Gerard Houllier was forced to field a side bereft of eight first-team players, with diminutive rookies Barry Bannan and Jonathan Hogg forming an unfamiliar central midfield partnership, while Ferguson reverted to 4-4-2 with Javier Hernandez in attack alongside Dimitar Berbatov.
One area of the field where experience was in abundance was in both goals, but neither keeper was troubled early on as Villa, in particular, were left to rue having just one forward as countless deliveries from outwide came to nothing.
The first clear-cut chance of the game was carved out by the visitors in the 17th minute: Berbatov beat the offside trap to meet Hernandez's through ball, but the forward fired wide in very shoddy fashion to hand the hosts a real reprieve.
Villa enjoyed an increased share of possession as the first half developed, and Edwin van der Sar was forced to make a sprawling save down low to his right to deny Ashley Young, whose rasping volley from the edge of the United box on the half hour mark looked destined for the corner of the net.
Just a minute later United should have broken the deadlock themselves as Nani found Evra with an incisive drill straight from the training ground from a regulation free-kick but, inexplicably, no United player made a run to convert the Frenchman's stunning delivery across the six-yard box.
Villa were on the front foot at the end of the half, and Stewart Downing was almost wheeling away in premature celebration two minutes before the break as his piledriver from the edge of the box was somehow deflected wide of the near post by Rio Ferdinand.
Villa began the second half with real purpose and passion: first Ji-Sung Park was bundled off the ball by Marc Albrighton, whose pinpoint cross was met by Agbonlahor's head inside the United box, albeit with insufficient power; then the forward had a shot deflected wide by Ferdinand seconds later.
There was a touch of acrimony in the 53rd minute as Nani was booked for leading with his elbow in a challenge with Warnock on halfway: the reaction was one of unbridled fury from the Villa players, and replays suggest the Portugese was perhaps fortunate to remain on the field.
Seconds later, the hosts were almost rewarded for their electrifying start to the second half as Downing forced his way down the left and picked out Albrighton at the back post with a pinpoint delivery, only for the winger to head wide from close range.
James Collins came within a few inches of netting the opener in the 67th minute as the forward rose imperiously to rattle the crossbar with a powerful header. And, if Houllier was rueing his side's luck after that, his frustration was compounded seconds later as Agbonlahor beat Ferdinand to a loose ball inside the United box and struck the near post with a fierce shot with Van der Sar comprehensively beaten.
But Villa's incessant pressure was finally rewarded in the 72nd minute as Young dispatched his penalty kick with aplomb after he was bundled over clumsily by Brown in the United box.
Ferguson swiftly responded with a double attacking change as the ineffectual Hernandez and Berbatov were hauled off to allow Macheda and Gabriel Obertan a chance to make an impact.
But it was Villa who inflicted further damage as Downing broke at pace down the left, before Albrighton capped off a stunning counter-attack with an opportunistic finish at the back post.
Macheda's introduction did force the desired effect for Ferguson five minutes later, however, as the Italian received a pass from Fletcher in innocuous fashion on the edge of the Villa box, then lashed an unerring strike into the top corner of the net.
Both sides pressed for the three points in an enthralling finale, but it was the hosts who were the more disappointed with the point after having seen their lead so swiftly eroded.
Villa remain unbeaten at home as a result of the draw, while United have yet to be defeated all season as Ferguson's side move to within three points of Chelsea, albeit having played a game more than the league leaders.
Friday, November 12, 2010
Brit Queen faces abusive comments on Facebook
British Monarchy Facebook account barred people to add the queen or other family members as their "friends", but it could not stop people to post abusive comments on the page.
While over 220,000 people have "liked" the page, the 28 photo albums became the target of abusive and inappropriate posts.
"...this outdated institution is a sham and is costing us a fortune, get a job, pay your taxes and be productive," and "The ugly day out" - these are some the instances that have been posted on the Royal Facebook page.
The royal family has over 75,500 followers on Twitter and uploads new photos to its Flickr account on a daily basis. It also has a channel on YouTube.
Most of the comments, however, have been deleted, attacked Camilla and Charles, a media report showed on Friday, Nov 12.
While over 220,000 people have "liked" the page, the 28 photo albums became the target of abusive and inappropriate posts.
"...this outdated institution is a sham and is costing us a fortune, get a job, pay your taxes and be productive," and "The ugly day out" - these are some the instances that have been posted on the Royal Facebook page.
The royal family has over 75,500 followers on Twitter and uploads new photos to its Flickr account on a daily basis. It also has a channel on YouTube.
Asian Games: Blow to Indian chess, Anand opts out
New Delhi, Oct 29: In a huge setback to India's prospects at the upcoming Asian Games, World champion Viswanathan Anand has cited prior commitments and decided to give the multi-discipline event a miss.
While Anand's potential to grab a medal stands unquestioned, Humpy had returned from 2006 Asian Games in Doha with two gold medals.
With these two players opting out the AICF has no option but to field the same team that represented the country in the recent Olympiad.
The Indian team is as follows:
Men: K Sasikiran, P Hari Krishna, Surya Shekhar Ganguly, GN Gopal and B Adhiban
Women: D Harika, Tania Sachdev, Eesha Karavade, S Meenakshi and Nisha Mohota.
Coaches: Lev Psakhis and Oleg Romanishin
Manager: Bharat Singh Chauhan
India is expecting to win at least three medals at Guangzhou in the team events for men and women apart from the two individual rapid events.
Besides Anand, Koneru Humpy has also declined to represent the country in the Games.The youngest female player in the history of chess to achieve a male grandmaster title reportedly replied to All India Chess Federation (AICF) invitation through the Petroleum Sports Promotion Board stating that she can not be a part of the two preparatory camps.
While Anand's potential to grab a medal stands unquestioned, Humpy had returned from 2006 Asian Games in Doha with two gold medals.
With these two players opting out the AICF has no option but to field the same team that represented the country in the recent Olympiad.
The Indian team is as follows:
Men: K Sasikiran, P Hari Krishna, Surya Shekhar Ganguly, GN Gopal and B Adhiban
Women: D Harika, Tania Sachdev, Eesha Karavade, S Meenakshi and Nisha Mohota.
Coaches: Lev Psakhis and Oleg Romanishin
Manager: Bharat Singh Chauhan
India is expecting to win at least three medals at Guangzhou in the team events for men and women apart from the two individual rapid events.
Premier League - Premier League previews
A look ahead to Saturday's Premier League games which include Manchester City against Birmingham.
Click on the links under the picture for video previews (UK only) plus match facts and team news for each game.
Manchester City enjoy flexing their financial muscles but if a title challenge is to materialise teams like Birmingham City, who visit Eastlands on Saturday, must start feeling the force on the field.
Manager Roberto Mancini's main concern against lowly Birmingham will a victory to consolidate their top-four position but fans of the club, despite the millions spent, could be forgiven for feeling short-changed in the entertainment stakes.
City have managed just seven goals in six home matches and have found the net only 15 times this season, a poor return and one that could undermine their hopes of barging into the title race.
Leaders Chelsea have scored 28, and second and third-placed Manchester United and Arsenal have bagged 24 each.
City ground out a timid 0-0 draw at home to United on Wednesday, wasting the perfect opportunity to lay down a marker against their illustrious rivals.
It was telling that United manager Alex Ferguson appeared disappointed that two points had been dropped while City's Roberto Mancini preferred to stress the fact that his side had avoided defeat.
"I thought Nigel de Jong played well, as did Gareth Barry," Mancini said of two of his defensive midfield shield. "It was good we did not concede any goals in stoppage time like we did last season".
For all the millions spent on players since City became the play thing of Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al-Nahyan in 2008 the club is struggling to throw off an inferiority complex and the team, while tough to beat, lacks personality.
Skipper Carlos Tevez has scored half City's goals this season and of the rest of the expensively assembled squad only Mario Balotelli, who is suspended for Saturday's clash with Birmingham, has managed more than one in the league.
England winger Adam Johnson was overlooked for a starting berth against United with Tevez again left to run himself into the ground.
Emmanuel Adebayor has looked a shadow of the player that used to terrorise defences at Arsenal and City get few goals from their defensively-minded midfield.
Despite City's caution, they remain well-placed on 21 points, seven behind leaders Chelsea, two behind Arsenal and three shy of United, none of the top three are firing on all cylinders.
Manchester United face Aston Villa on Saturday lunchtime knowing victory would close Chelsea's gap to a point but Ferguson will be wary of facing old adversary Gerard Houllier.
They crossed swords many times when Houllier was in charge of Liverpool and the Frenchman achieved the rare feat of five successive victories over United from 2000 to 2002.
Houllier's return to English football has been low-key with mid-table Villa struggling for consistency and Wednesday's last-minute win over Blackpool was their first in the league since September.
Chelsea, who host Sunderland on Sunday, have been the model of consistency at Stamford Bridge, winning all six home league games this season without conceding a goal and the champions hope to have Frank Lampard back.
The England midfielder has been sidelined since August with a groin injury and his return is timely in the light of Michael Essien's suspension after his red card in the 1-0 win over Fulham on Wednesday.
Arsenal are away to Everton on Sunday while at the other end of the table on Saturday time appears to be running out for West Ham manager Avram Grant to turn around the London's club's fortunes. Defeat at home by Blackpool could leave the Hammers dangerously adrift at the bottom.
Click on the links under the picture for video previews (UK only) plus match facts and team news for each game.
Manchester City enjoy flexing their financial muscles but if a title challenge is to materialise teams like Birmingham City, who visit Eastlands on Saturday, must start feeling the force on the field.
Manager Roberto Mancini's main concern against lowly Birmingham will a victory to consolidate their top-four position but fans of the club, despite the millions spent, could be forgiven for feeling short-changed in the entertainment stakes.
City have managed just seven goals in six home matches and have found the net only 15 times this season, a poor return and one that could undermine their hopes of barging into the title race.
Leaders Chelsea have scored 28, and second and third-placed Manchester United and Arsenal have bagged 24 each.
City ground out a timid 0-0 draw at home to United on Wednesday, wasting the perfect opportunity to lay down a marker against their illustrious rivals.
It was telling that United manager Alex Ferguson appeared disappointed that two points had been dropped while City's Roberto Mancini preferred to stress the fact that his side had avoided defeat.
"I thought Nigel de Jong played well, as did Gareth Barry," Mancini said of two of his defensive midfield shield. "It was good we did not concede any goals in stoppage time like we did last season".
For all the millions spent on players since City became the play thing of Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al-Nahyan in 2008 the club is struggling to throw off an inferiority complex and the team, while tough to beat, lacks personality.
Skipper Carlos Tevez has scored half City's goals this season and of the rest of the expensively assembled squad only Mario Balotelli, who is suspended for Saturday's clash with Birmingham, has managed more than one in the league.
England winger Adam Johnson was overlooked for a starting berth against United with Tevez again left to run himself into the ground.
Emmanuel Adebayor has looked a shadow of the player that used to terrorise defences at Arsenal and City get few goals from their defensively-minded midfield.
Despite City's caution, they remain well-placed on 21 points, seven behind leaders Chelsea, two behind Arsenal and three shy of United, none of the top three are firing on all cylinders.
Manchester United face Aston Villa on Saturday lunchtime knowing victory would close Chelsea's gap to a point but Ferguson will be wary of facing old adversary Gerard Houllier.
They crossed swords many times when Houllier was in charge of Liverpool and the Frenchman achieved the rare feat of five successive victories over United from 2000 to 2002.
Houllier's return to English football has been low-key with mid-table Villa struggling for consistency and Wednesday's last-minute win over Blackpool was their first in the league since September.
Chelsea, who host Sunderland on Sunday, have been the model of consistency at Stamford Bridge, winning all six home league games this season without conceding a goal and the champions hope to have Frank Lampard back.
The England midfielder has been sidelined since August with a groin injury and his return is timely in the light of Michael Essien's suspension after his red card in the 1-0 win over Fulham on Wednesday.
Arsenal are away to Everton on Sunday while at the other end of the table on Saturday time appears to be running out for West Ham manager Avram Grant to turn around the London's club's fortunes. Defeat at home by Blackpool could leave the Hammers dangerously adrift at the bottom.
Ashes - Openers build after England bowlers thrive
Graeme Swann lived up to his billing as one of the keys to Ashes success for England this winter with four more wickets against South Australia.
The off-spinner bagged two tailenders among his latest successes at the Adelaide Oval. But if they were cheap statistics in the hosts' 221 all out, they were fair reward too for Swann's persistence and gradual improvement.
They helped England chalk up a first-innings lead of 67, bolstered by Andrew Strauss's second half-century of the tour out of 94 for none in 23 overs of batting up to stumps on day two of three in this second warm-up match before the first Test in Brisbane.
Swann, who has taken nine wickets in his three attempts on tour so far, and James Anderson shared seven this time to fare best among a hard-working England attack.
They chipped away at their hosts but were held up principally by left-handers Aiden Blizzard and Aaron O'Brien.
Swann (four for 68), Anderson (three for 62) were the stars but Stuart Broad and Steven Finn also put themselves in the wickets column as they seek to fine-tune their Ashes preparations.
England openers Strauss (56no) and Alastair Cook faced a potentially awkward session of batting under the floodlights in ever more murky conditions.
That they came through so impressively must have been a particular relief to Cook, who has had a notable struggle for runs in recent times but appeared in control throughout as the home seamers bowled too short.
They fed Strauss the pull, one of his favourite shots, and he took advantage by twice depositing Lang into the new Western Grandstand for six.
He added another slog-swept maximum off O'Brien's spin to add to five fours and complete a near run-a-ball 50 as England's serene progress extended through day five of this high-profile tour.
The off-spinner bagged two tailenders among his latest successes at the Adelaide Oval. But if they were cheap statistics in the hosts' 221 all out, they were fair reward too for Swann's persistence and gradual improvement.
They helped England chalk up a first-innings lead of 67, bolstered by Andrew Strauss's second half-century of the tour out of 94 for none in 23 overs of batting up to stumps on day two of three in this second warm-up match before the first Test in Brisbane.
Swann, who has taken nine wickets in his three attempts on tour so far, and James Anderson shared seven this time to fare best among a hard-working England attack.
They chipped away at their hosts but were held up principally by left-handers Aiden Blizzard and Aaron O'Brien.
Swann (four for 68), Anderson (three for 62) were the stars but Stuart Broad and Steven Finn also put themselves in the wickets column as they seek to fine-tune their Ashes preparations.
England openers Strauss (56no) and Alastair Cook faced a potentially awkward session of batting under the floodlights in ever more murky conditions.
That they came through so impressively must have been a particular relief to Cook, who has had a notable struggle for runs in recent times but appeared in control throughout as the home seamers bowled too short.
They fed Strauss the pull, one of his favourite shots, and he took advantage by twice depositing Lang into the new Western Grandstand for six.
He added another slog-swept maximum off O'Brien's spin to add to five fours and complete a near run-a-ball 50 as England's serene progress extended through day five of this high-profile tour.
Chelsea won't miss Wilkins
Ray Wilkins's removal as Chelsea's assistant manager is an odd one, alright.
Last night, he sat next to Carlo Ancelotti during the 1-0 win against Fulham, and today he watched a reserve team match at the Blues' Cobham training ground.
At half-time, he was reportedly called away and given his marching orders.
Hardly the most dignified exit for a man who brought a welcome touch of grace and humility to Chelsea.
Everyone in football agrees that Wilkins is a thoroughly nice man. Yet, whatever the circumstances of his sacking, his absence will not be keenly felt.
Not because there is anything wrong with Wilkins, you understand. But because the position of assistant manager simply isn't that important - especially for clubs with competent managers.
We like to imagine that number twos are actually the brains of the operation, the power behind the throne.
Brian Clough's assistant Peter Taylor is a case in point - the film version of The Damned United is basically a love story between the two, culminating in Clough's admission that he is nothing without Taylor.
But that is cinema. In any case, Taylor was a special case whose chief skill was actually as a scout, identifying players for Clough to bring in.
His importance was also increased by Clough's cavalier attitude to tactics and training.
The same slapdash trait does not exist in Carlo Ancelotti or any other of today's leading bosses.
Assistant managers might sit in the same dug-out as the gaffer, and do the odd post-match interview, but do not be fooled into thinking they are important.
Steve Clarke was hailed as Mourinho's training-ground general, yet remarkably the Special One has coped without the Scot at Internazionale and Real Madrid.
Clarke's so-called magic was not enough to keep Gianfranco Zola in a job at West Ham, and both men are now unemployed.
When Alex Ferguson's long-time assistant Brian Kidd left Manchester United in 1998, many predicted dire consequences.
A year later, United had won the treble and Kidd had got Blackburn relegated.
Steve McClaren, Jimmy Ryan, Carlos Queiroz (twice) and Walter Smith (briefly) all came and went without any appreciable effect on United's results. Mike Phelan now sits next to Fergie and talks to the BBC for him.
And what of Pat Rice, Arsene Wenger's trusty lieutenant? How much credit does he deserve for the Gunners' success?
I suspect Wenger had kept him on simply because he's good at putting out cones on the London Colney training pitch and he knows where the biscuits are kept.
As for Liverpool, Paco Ayestaran's departure in 2007 has been pinpointed by many as the beginning of the end for Rafa Benitez's reign.
But that didn't stop Benitez's Paco-less Reds finishing second in the Premier League two years later, losing just twice in 38 games.
What of Chelsea without Wilkins?
Ancelotti wrote in his recent autobiography: "Ray is a real blue-blood, Chelsea flows in his veins. Without him, we couldn't have won a thing."
Kind words, but the fact the Italian was happy to lose Wilkins suggests he might have been exaggerating a touch.
Butch was a familiar and friendly face around the club, and perhaps an important figure in helping Ancelotti to bring the squad on side.
But the manager's English is now up to scratch, and the players trust him, making Wilkins expendable.
His removal is unexpected and ruthless, but don't expect the effects to be felt on the pitch.
At half-time, he was reportedly called away and given his marching orders.
Hardly the most dignified exit for a man who brought a welcome touch of grace and humility to Chelsea.
Everyone in football agrees that Wilkins is a thoroughly nice man. Yet, whatever the circumstances of his sacking, his absence will not be keenly felt.
Not because there is anything wrong with Wilkins, you understand. But because the position of assistant manager simply isn't that important - especially for clubs with competent managers.
We like to imagine that number twos are actually the brains of the operation, the power behind the throne.
Brian Clough's assistant Peter Taylor is a case in point - the film version of The Damned United is basically a love story between the two, culminating in Clough's admission that he is nothing without Taylor.
But that is cinema. In any case, Taylor was a special case whose chief skill was actually as a scout, identifying players for Clough to bring in.
His importance was also increased by Clough's cavalier attitude to tactics and training.
The same slapdash trait does not exist in Carlo Ancelotti or any other of today's leading bosses.
Assistant managers might sit in the same dug-out as the gaffer, and do the odd post-match interview, but do not be fooled into thinking they are important.
Steve Clarke was hailed as Mourinho's training-ground general, yet remarkably the Special One has coped without the Scot at Internazionale and Real Madrid.
Clarke's so-called magic was not enough to keep Gianfranco Zola in a job at West Ham, and both men are now unemployed.
When Alex Ferguson's long-time assistant Brian Kidd left Manchester United in 1998, many predicted dire consequences.
A year later, United had won the treble and Kidd had got Blackburn relegated.
Steve McClaren, Jimmy Ryan, Carlos Queiroz (twice) and Walter Smith (briefly) all came and went without any appreciable effect on United's results. Mike Phelan now sits next to Fergie and talks to the BBC for him.
And what of Pat Rice, Arsene Wenger's trusty lieutenant? How much credit does he deserve for the Gunners' success?
I suspect Wenger had kept him on simply because he's good at putting out cones on the London Colney training pitch and he knows where the biscuits are kept.
As for Liverpool, Paco Ayestaran's departure in 2007 has been pinpointed by many as the beginning of the end for Rafa Benitez's reign.
But that didn't stop Benitez's Paco-less Reds finishing second in the Premier League two years later, losing just twice in 38 games.
What of Chelsea without Wilkins?
Ancelotti wrote in his recent autobiography: "Ray is a real blue-blood, Chelsea flows in his veins. Without him, we couldn't have won a thing."
Kind words, but the fact the Italian was happy to lose Wilkins suggests he might have been exaggerating a touch.
Butch was a familiar and friendly face around the club, and perhaps an important figure in helping Ancelotti to bring the squad on side.
But the manager's English is now up to scratch, and the players trust him, making Wilkins expendable.
His removal is unexpected and ruthless, but don't expect the effects to be felt on the pitch.
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Premier League - Hargreaves out for five weeks
Luckless Manchester United midfielder Owen Hargreaves is set to be ruled out for five weeks with a hamstring injury.
He suffered yet more injury misery on Saturday when he trudged off shaking his head just five minutes into his long-awaited return.
More than two years since his last start, in which time chronic tendinitis in his knees has cursed his career, he was recalled to face Wolverhampton Wanderers after illness swept the Old Trafford club but the 29-year-old's joy turned to despair.
Now Sir Alex Ferguson has revealed the player, who cost £17 million from Bayern Munich in 2007 but has become the club's forgotten man, will be out of action until the middle of next month although it is possible Hargreaves could play some part in the Christmas programme.
"We were at the stage where we knew Owen's knee was okay," Ferguson told Key 103.
"His training performances for eight or nine days previously had been terrific.
"He had done really well, which is why we took the chance.
"But maybe the tension in the build-up for the lad was too much and he suffered because of it."
The former England midfielder's career has stalled at United as he battles the knee problems that have required surgery in the United States.
Before Saturday, Hargreaves last started a game in September 2008 against Chelsea and has since made just one brief appearances as a substitute at the end of last season.
Ryan Giggs has also been ruled out of Wednesday's Manchester derby and there is only an outside chance that Nani will recover from the groin injury he suffered in last week's Champions League triumph over Bursaspor.
The veteran Welshman was hoping to make a record 34th derby appearance at Eastlands but after feeling the hamstring injury that has kept him on the sidelines for all but one of United's last nine games in a session just prior to Saturday's win over Wolves, Ferguson has reluctantly ruled Giggs out of his plans.
Ferguson is crossing his fingers that the virus that has swept the camp since their return from Turkey last week does not wreck their bid for a derby-day win.
After losing several key players for the weekend win over Wolves, Ferguson had to send more home from training on Monday - reportedly as many as 10 players have had the bug at some point - and admits he has no idea what the make up of his side to face Roberto Mancini's men at Eastlands will be.
He suffered yet more injury misery on Saturday when he trudged off shaking his head just five minutes into his long-awaited return.
More than two years since his last start, in which time chronic tendinitis in his knees has cursed his career, he was recalled to face Wolverhampton Wanderers after illness swept the Old Trafford club but the 29-year-old's joy turned to despair.
Now Sir Alex Ferguson has revealed the player, who cost £17 million from Bayern Munich in 2007 but has become the club's forgotten man, will be out of action until the middle of next month although it is possible Hargreaves could play some part in the Christmas programme.
"We were at the stage where we knew Owen's knee was okay," Ferguson told Key 103.
"His training performances for eight or nine days previously had been terrific.
"He had done really well, which is why we took the chance.
"But maybe the tension in the build-up for the lad was too much and he suffered because of it."
The former England midfielder's career has stalled at United as he battles the knee problems that have required surgery in the United States.
Ryan Giggs has also been ruled out of Wednesday's Manchester derby and there is only an outside chance that Nani will recover from the groin injury he suffered in last week's Champions League triumph over Bursaspor.
The veteran Welshman was hoping to make a record 34th derby appearance at Eastlands but after feeling the hamstring injury that has kept him on the sidelines for all but one of United's last nine games in a session just prior to Saturday's win over Wolves, Ferguson has reluctantly ruled Giggs out of his plans.
Ferguson is crossing his fingers that the virus that has swept the camp since their return from Turkey last week does not wreck their bid for a derby-day win.
After losing several key players for the weekend win over Wolves, Ferguson had to send more home from training on Monday - reportedly as many as 10 players have had the bug at some point - and admits he has no idea what the make up of his side to face Roberto Mancini's men at Eastlands will be.
Copa del Rey - Mou pide que del carro tiren los españoles
Esta vez no hubo alusiones al Barça pero Mourinho lanzó un recado a sus jugadores. Asegura que deben ser los españoles los que tiren del carro en Copa, donde deben tener mayor sentimiento para reconquistar este título. Además, pide que al público del Bernabéu que sea más caliente y menos dormido.
Mourinho siempre tiene un mensaje en cada una de sus comparecencias. En esta ocasión no hizo alusiones al eterno rival, pese a que cada vez queda menos para que se dispute el Clásico más esperado de los últimos tiempos. Esta vez tuvo palabras para su afición a la que pidió más pasión: "Creo que es necesario ese ambiente, y aunque no soy nadie para decir nada, sí me gustaría un estadio más caliente".
Los españoles deben tirar del carro en Copa
El luso recordó que "en sus tiempos como técnico del Chelsea eran los propios jugadores ingleses los que tiraban del equipo en Copa porque soñaban con jugar la final en Wembley". Por eso espera que ese sentimiento nacional sea el que lleve a los españoles a volver a levantar la Copa del Rey.
Es por esto que confirmó la presencia de Casillas, Arbeloa, Sergio Ramos, Albiol, Canales y Granero en el once ante el Murcia junto a Marcelo y Benzema. Todo apunta a que los otros serán Xabi Alonso, Higuaín y Pedro León.
Precisamente sobre este último afirmó que "puede ofrecer su calidad al equipo, tiene virtudes y defectos que debe mejorar. Él tiene un gran potencial pero tiene a Di María y Cristiano por delante. Su dirección es aprovechar cada minuto que tiene. Demostrar que su cabeza está donde debe estar y no donde ha estado en meses pasados".
Un Bernabéu más caliente y menos dormido
Aunque hizo mayor hincapié en el choque ante el Murcia, se refirió a todos los encuentros. "Por ejemplo ante el Atlético necesitábamos un poquito más de esta pasión. No quiero un campo como San Siro ante Milan, porque son cuestiones culturales, pero si un poquito más caliente".
El portugués es consciente de la importancia del choque ante el Murcia en Copa y "cree que es el partido más importante de la temporada, ya que es el único donde puedes caer en una competición ya que en Champions si pierdes uno tienes cinco más y en Liga 37".
Está convencido en que dos goles serán suficientes para derrotar al equipo pimentonero. "Creo que con eso sería suficiente. El Murcia es un equipo con una defensa espectacular y teniendo el riesgo de que te metan uno necesitamos dos goles", al tiempo que lanzó otro mensaje a su público diciendo que "si el Bernabéu no está dormido y juega con nosotros, debemos ganar ese partido".
¿Provocación de CR7 con la espaldinha?
Volvió a sacar la cara por su jugador y antes las críticas que le están lloviendo al luso por su gesto técnico ante el Atlético afirmó que "otros ya la han hecho antes y cuando la hicieron fue espectacular, provocó que los niños en casa soñaron con hacer estas cosas". Es por esto que no entiende que antes fuera fantástico y ahora no. El problema es que tienes muchos jugadores pero sólo unos pocos pueden hacerlo. Y si estos pocos no lo hacen, nadie lo hace".
Fichajes invernales de excepción
Desveló cuáles serán los mejores fichajes del Madrid en el mercado de invierno. "Nosotros sin gastar un euro, tendremos dos fichajes de excepción en invierno, como Gago y Kaká. Esto es fantástico para nosotros y ellos serán importantes para nosotros".
Mourinho siempre tiene un mensaje en cada una de sus comparecencias. En esta ocasión no hizo alusiones al eterno rival, pese a que cada vez queda menos para que se dispute el Clásico más esperado de los últimos tiempos. Esta vez tuvo palabras para su afición a la que pidió más pasión: "Creo que es necesario ese ambiente, y aunque no soy nadie para decir nada, sí me gustaría un estadio más caliente".
El luso recordó que "en sus tiempos como técnico del Chelsea eran los propios jugadores ingleses los que tiraban del equipo en Copa porque soñaban con jugar la final en Wembley". Por eso espera que ese sentimiento nacional sea el que lleve a los españoles a volver a levantar la Copa del Rey.
Es por esto que confirmó la presencia de Casillas, Arbeloa, Sergio Ramos, Albiol, Canales y Granero en el once ante el Murcia junto a Marcelo y Benzema. Todo apunta a que los otros serán Xabi Alonso, Higuaín y Pedro León.
Precisamente sobre este último afirmó que "puede ofrecer su calidad al equipo, tiene virtudes y defectos que debe mejorar. Él tiene un gran potencial pero tiene a Di María y Cristiano por delante. Su dirección es aprovechar cada minuto que tiene. Demostrar que su cabeza está donde debe estar y no donde ha estado en meses pasados".
Un Bernabéu más caliente y menos dormido
Aunque hizo mayor hincapié en el choque ante el Murcia, se refirió a todos los encuentros. "Por ejemplo ante el Atlético necesitábamos un poquito más de esta pasión. No quiero un campo como San Siro ante Milan, porque son cuestiones culturales, pero si un poquito más caliente".
El portugués es consciente de la importancia del choque ante el Murcia en Copa y "cree que es el partido más importante de la temporada, ya que es el único donde puedes caer en una competición ya que en Champions si pierdes uno tienes cinco más y en Liga 37".
Está convencido en que dos goles serán suficientes para derrotar al equipo pimentonero. "Creo que con eso sería suficiente. El Murcia es un equipo con una defensa espectacular y teniendo el riesgo de que te metan uno necesitamos dos goles", al tiempo que lanzó otro mensaje a su público diciendo que "si el Bernabéu no está dormido y juega con nosotros, debemos ganar ese partido".
¿Provocación de CR7 con la espaldinha?
Volvió a sacar la cara por su jugador y antes las críticas que le están lloviendo al luso por su gesto técnico ante el Atlético afirmó que "otros ya la han hecho antes y cuando la hicieron fue espectacular, provocó que los niños en casa soñaron con hacer estas cosas". Es por esto que no entiende que antes fuera fantástico y ahora no. El problema es que tienes muchos jugadores pero sólo unos pocos pueden hacerlo. Y si estos pocos no lo hacen, nadie lo hace".
Fichajes invernales de excepción
Desveló cuáles serán los mejores fichajes del Madrid en el mercado de invierno. "Nosotros sin gastar un euro, tendremos dos fichajes de excepción en invierno, como Gago y Kaká. Esto es fantástico para nosotros y ellos serán importantes para nosotros".
Harbhajan makes Historic century in draw
India 487(Sehwag 173, Dravid 104, Harbhajan 69, Vettori 4-118) and 266 (Harbhajan 115, Laxman 91, Martin 5-63) drew with New Zealand 459 (Williamson 131, Ryder 103, McCullum 65, Taylor 56, Ojha 4-107) and 22 for 1
Harbhajan Singh realised every bowler's dream of making a Test hundred and VVS Laxman burnished his already lustrous second-innings record to steer India to safety on the final day of the first Test. Chris Martin and New Zealand couldn't replicate the venom with which they had bowled on Sunday and their chances of victory vanished with the 163-run association between Harbhajan and Laxman.
The injuries to Hamish Bennett and Jesse Ryder didn't help New Zealand either. A serious push for victory against the world's No. 1 side appeared difficult to sustain once Ross Taylor and Brendon McCullum, with 12 overs of international experience between them, were given the ball in the morning.
In his previous two Tests, Laxman had turned in contrasting match-winning efforts on the final day. In Ahmedabad, he showed his match-saving skills. It was hard to guess from his unperturbed demeanour and batting that India were battling for survival, and he repeatedly worked the spinners towards sweeper cover and deep point to make his runs. His first violent shot was a sweep that nearly carried to the midwicket boundary to bring up his half-century.
By lunch, India's lead had ballooned to 192, and much of the interest in the second session centred on whether the two batsmen could make their hundreds. Both carried on as they had in the morning: Laxman made unflustered progress with Harbhajan pulling off some enterprising strokes. New Zealand seemed resigned to a draw, with Vettori at one stage imitating Harbhajan's bird-like flourish during his run-up.
With the match meandering and Laxman in his 90s, two umpiring mistakes brought the UDRS, and its absence in this series, back into focus. Steve Davis missed a huge inside-edge from Laxman to give him lbw. Laxman was horrified, a reaction that was repeated next ball by Zaheer Khan, when Davis missed another nick to leave Vettori on a hat-trick. Davis' concentration had clearly slipped and he called 'over' when only five deliveries had been bowled.
There was still the matter of Harbhajan's hundred. He had reached his half-century with a Laxman-like flick and he brought up three figures with a Sehwag-like six, carving the ball over extra cover to move from 95 to 101. Cue generous applause from the dressing-room, and Harbhajan celebrated with a message to his close friend Sachin Tendulkar - imitating the master's signature crouch.
With MS Dhoni having no intention of declaration, Harbhajan continued to make merry, smashing Patel over long-off for six. He was finally dismissed mis-hitting a high full toss from Taylor, and India ended on 266 when Sreesanth feathered a Taylor delivery to the keeper.
There was little at stake in the match when New Zealand came out to bat, but questions over Tim McIntosh's suitability will return after he missed a Zaheer incutter to complete a pair. After a desultory bunch of overs that included Dhoni bowling, the match was called off with New Zealand having reached 22 for 1.
New Zealand started the day dreaming of a win, but though they couldn't break Motera's jinx of no team chasing down a target, they have proved to India that they are no pushovers. How New Zealand would take 20 wickets against the mighty Indians was the big question before the series; they have shown they can, even when they are one frontline bowler short, and their batting has shown the backbone that was sorely missing during the drubbing in Bangladesh last month. The match may be a draw, but there's no doubt which team will be happier with their performance in the game.
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