NEW DELHI: Congress on Tuesday came out with a low-key response to the fresh challenge from Anna Hazare, in a remarkable shift from the combative style it chose when the anti-corruption campaigner first upped his ante.
Even as the party, faced with Hazare's call to defeat Congress in the Hissar by-poll, asserted that it was scared of no one, it opted for a tone which seemed to signal a decision to shun confrontation with Hazare whose anti-graft movement has resonated with a chunk of the electorate.
The new approach of the party, which drew flak for its aggressive response to Hazare, was signalled by Congress general secretary Janardan Dwivedi. Cautioning that Hazare should not play into the hands of political players, Dwivedi said, "Anna has always maintained he has no political aspirations. We trust him and believe that he will not do anything that could be used by some other forces for political gains."
He went on to assure that Congress was committed to a strong Lokpal bill and urged Hazare to have faith in Parliament.
Congress spokesman Rashid Alvi regretted that Hazare was not ready to wait till the winter session of Parliament when it is to approve the Lokpal bill, saying the decision to take the field against Congress in Hissar pointed to a preconceived mind.
Although he asserted that Congress was not scared and stressed that its opponents in the Hissar arena included the BJP, Alvi desisted from accusing Hazare of being an RSS proxy: again a significant change of track.
Law minister Salman Khurshid spoke on similar lines, saying the BJP was against Congress and if Hazare too turned against the party, it would not matter much.
However, the apparent restraint could be misleading, considering the reasons why Hazare's decision may have turned the Hissar contest into more than a by-election to fill a vacancy in Lok Sabha. For one, it has brought forward the confrontation which many thought would have ensued after the Lokpal bill was drafted. It points to the realization among Hazare campaign that the draft ombudsman would fall far short of their expectation; possibly even that they miscalculated the government's intent when it got Hazare to call off his fast.
For another, while Hazare has not said whom he would campaign for, his "defeat Congress" call suggests that he is clear about his target.
Also, Hazare appears to have chosen his battleground shrewdly. The Hissar by-election was going to be a tight affair anyway. BJP has teamed up with the family of Bhajan Lal whose death has caused the vacancy. The partnership can lead to consolidation of non-Jat votes in favour of Bhajan Lal's son Kuldeep Bishnoi: a tactic that Bhajan Lal effectively used in the Jat-dominated politics of Haryana.
What toughens the task for Congress is the presence of Ajay Chautala, scion of the legendary Devi Lal and son of former chief minister Om Prakash Chautala. Last assembly polls demonstrated that the Chautalas have regained a significant part of their constituency among the Jats. A split in the votes of the dominant community can only work to Bishnoi's advantage.
A defeat for Congress in Haryana, if for mundane reasons of caste and community, will give Hazare an opening to proclaim victory for his campaign.
Importantly, by-elections in surcharged atmosphere have turned out to be trend-setters. Congress's defeat in the Jabalpur by-election in 1974, which was won by Sharad Yadav, aggravated the disadvantage it faced because of the agitation led by the late Jaiprakash Narain.
Rabu, 05 Oktober 2011
Murray Taken The Distance In Tokyo Opener
TOKYO: Second seed Andy Murray flirted with disaster before beating nemesis Marcos Baghdatis 7-6, 2-6, 6-4 in a cliffhanger to reach the last 16 of the Japan Open on Wednesday.
Briton Murray, fresh from winning his third title of the year in Bangkok, left it late to avoid a fourth defeat in five meetings against the Cypriot on his return to Tokyo.
Making his first appearance in Japan since 2006, Murray took the first set tiebreak 7-4 with a ferocious serve, which Baghdatis challenged in vain, the Scot marching off to his seat without bothering to look up at the slow-motion replay.
With the centre court roof closed because of heavy rain outside, Baghdatis caught fire in the second set, while Murray's temper looked like boiling over in the face of intense pressure.
Down 3-1 in the decider after another loose shot, Murray hit back for 3-3, letting out a roar after forcing Baghdatis to net a backhand and hauling himself back into the match.
Baghdatis, a former Australian Open runner-up, blinked first, saving one match point set up by an astonishing backhand lob from Murray.
It proved only a temporary stay of execution as Murray forced him into a wild backhand moments later, to secure a place in the next round, where American Alex Bogomolov awaits.
Sixth seed Janko Tipsarevic, who won his first ATP Tour title by beating Baghdatis for the Malaysian Open title at the weekend, came down to earth with a bump.
The Serbian was upset 7-6, 6-7, 7-5 by Russia's Dmitry Tursunov in a marathon first round match which lasted a shade over three hours.
Matches on outside courts were suspended due to bad weather.
Briton Murray, fresh from winning his third title of the year in Bangkok, left it late to avoid a fourth defeat in five meetings against the Cypriot on his return to Tokyo.
Making his first appearance in Japan since 2006, Murray took the first set tiebreak 7-4 with a ferocious serve, which Baghdatis challenged in vain, the Scot marching off to his seat without bothering to look up at the slow-motion replay.
With the centre court roof closed because of heavy rain outside, Baghdatis caught fire in the second set, while Murray's temper looked like boiling over in the face of intense pressure.
Down 3-1 in the decider after another loose shot, Murray hit back for 3-3, letting out a roar after forcing Baghdatis to net a backhand and hauling himself back into the match.
Baghdatis, a former Australian Open runner-up, blinked first, saving one match point set up by an astonishing backhand lob from Murray.
It proved only a temporary stay of execution as Murray forced him into a wild backhand moments later, to secure a place in the next round, where American Alex Bogomolov awaits.
Sixth seed Janko Tipsarevic, who won his first ATP Tour title by beating Baghdatis for the Malaysian Open title at the weekend, came down to earth with a bump.
The Serbian was upset 7-6, 6-7, 7-5 by Russia's Dmitry Tursunov in a marathon first round match which lasted a shade over three hours.
Matches on outside courts were suspended due to bad weather.
Eriksson Offers Beckham Coaching Role With Foxes
LONDON: Former England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson has offered David Beckham the chance to join him at Championship club Leicester City in a player-coach role.
Beckham's current contract with Los Angeles Galaxy expires later this year and he has yet to decide whether to continue his stay with the American outfit or accept one of several offers to return to Europe.
The 36-year-old former Manchester United and Real Madrid star is keen to play for Great Britain at the London Olympics next year and that could tempt him to return to England.
Tottenham and QPR are believed to be interested in Beckham, but Eriksson has always been close to the midfielder, who captained England during his tenure as manager, and he is trying to persuade him to join the ambitious English second tier club.
"I have already had that discussion with him. I spoke to him about Leicester," Eriksson told The Times.
"Beckham, he will never say no to me - he says, 'Sven, we'll see, we'll see'.
"The big thing is what he wants to do when his contract finishes in LA. Will he want to go on playing?"
Eriksson knows Leicester, who have substantial investment from their Thai owners, will face stiff competition from Paris St Germain, who are also reported to be interested.
But the Swede hopes the added incentive of a training role will help tip the balance.
"We will give him a whistle and he can go out (on the training pitch) straight away," he said.
Meanwhile Eriksson, who was the first overseas manager to take charge of England, believes Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger could be tempted to succeed Fabio Capello when the Italian steps down after Euro 2012.
Wenger has suffered a troubled time at Arsenal over the last year and Eriksson wouldn't be surprised if he was tempted to take the England job.
"Reporters talk about (Harry) Redknapp as the people's choice and I'm quite sure if they could get Wenger, they would take him," Eriksson said.
"Arsene Wenger can adapt to everything. He lives for football.
"You see how much it matters to him every game, but you also see when it's a European Championship or a World Cup, he is working on it, for French television, so he doesn't miss anything. That's his holiday."
Beckham's current contract with Los Angeles Galaxy expires later this year and he has yet to decide whether to continue his stay with the American outfit or accept one of several offers to return to Europe.
The 36-year-old former Manchester United and Real Madrid star is keen to play for Great Britain at the London Olympics next year and that could tempt him to return to England.
Tottenham and QPR are believed to be interested in Beckham, but Eriksson has always been close to the midfielder, who captained England during his tenure as manager, and he is trying to persuade him to join the ambitious English second tier club.
"I have already had that discussion with him. I spoke to him about Leicester," Eriksson told The Times.
"Beckham, he will never say no to me - he says, 'Sven, we'll see, we'll see'.
"The big thing is what he wants to do when his contract finishes in LA. Will he want to go on playing?"
Eriksson knows Leicester, who have substantial investment from their Thai owners, will face stiff competition from Paris St Germain, who are also reported to be interested.
But the Swede hopes the added incentive of a training role will help tip the balance.
"We will give him a whistle and he can go out (on the training pitch) straight away," he said.
Meanwhile Eriksson, who was the first overseas manager to take charge of England, believes Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger could be tempted to succeed Fabio Capello when the Italian steps down after Euro 2012.
Wenger has suffered a troubled time at Arsenal over the last year and Eriksson wouldn't be surprised if he was tempted to take the England job.
"Reporters talk about (Harry) Redknapp as the people's choice and I'm quite sure if they could get Wenger, they would take him," Eriksson said.
"Arsene Wenger can adapt to everything. He lives for football.
"You see how much it matters to him every game, but you also see when it's a European Championship or a World Cup, he is working on it, for French television, so he doesn't miss anything. That's his holiday."
Four Indian Boxers Seal Olympic Berths
NEW DELHI: After rookie boxer L Devendro Singh (49kg) and Commonwealth Games gold medallist Manoj Kumar (64kg) cemented their place in the 2012 London Olympics, it was time for Commonwealth Games bronze-medallist Jai Bhagwan (60kg) and Asian Games gold medallist Vikas Krishnan (69kg) to add to the tally.
Jai and Vikas advanced to the quarterfinals of the 2011 AIBA World Championships in Baku, Azerbaijan notching up contrasting victories in the round of 16.
19-year-old Vikas who was the last Indian to take the ring capped off a brilliant performance by the Indian team, with four of the five in the round of 16 powering through to the quarters and secure and Olympic berth.
Krishnan, making his welterweight debt at the world championship continued his winning spree beating Onder Sipal of Turkey in what was enthralling display of superlative boxing. The 2010 Youth world champion dominated the game with speed, agility and exceptional footwork.
The Turkish boxer failed to settle into a rhythm and challenge the Indian. Vikas led 5:3 in the first round, 5:2 in the second and emerged triumphant with a total score of 14:7.
Up against the European Championship quarterfinalist and seventh seed David Joyce of Ireland, Jai started strongly taking full advantage of his height and long reach. The 26-year-old took quick 13:8 lead in the first round, dominating the pace of the bout.
In the second Joyce came back strongly with some hard hitting combinations; he scored ten points as opposed to Jai's 7. With just two points separating Jai from the Irish boxer drama unfolded in the final round when both the boxers were given two warnings each. But to the advantage of the Indian boxer Joyce received his second warning with just 4 seconds left on the clock.
The 2009 Asian Championship silver medallist went on to secure his place in the quarterfinals of the championship and a berth at the London Games next year with a 32: 30 victory.
In the quarterfinals of the championships 19-year-old Devendro is expected to face his biggest challenge yet, when he takes on world number 2 and 2011 Asian Championships gold medal winner Shin Jong of Korea in the light fly weight class.
Manoj will battle against world number 12 Thomas Stalker of England in the round of eight of the light welter weight division. The 24-year-old Indian boxer will have to be on the top of his game to get past Stalker who bagged the gold medal at the 2011 European Championship and 2010 Commonwealth Games.
Jai Bhagwan will lock horns with Gani Zhailauov of Kazakhstan while Vikas Krishnan will fight Vasili Belous of Maldova for a place in the semis.
Jai and Vikas advanced to the quarterfinals of the 2011 AIBA World Championships in Baku, Azerbaijan notching up contrasting victories in the round of 16.
19-year-old Vikas who was the last Indian to take the ring capped off a brilliant performance by the Indian team, with four of the five in the round of 16 powering through to the quarters and secure and Olympic berth.
Krishnan, making his welterweight debt at the world championship continued his winning spree beating Onder Sipal of Turkey in what was enthralling display of superlative boxing. The 2010 Youth world champion dominated the game with speed, agility and exceptional footwork.
The Turkish boxer failed to settle into a rhythm and challenge the Indian. Vikas led 5:3 in the first round, 5:2 in the second and emerged triumphant with a total score of 14:7.
Up against the European Championship quarterfinalist and seventh seed David Joyce of Ireland, Jai started strongly taking full advantage of his height and long reach. The 26-year-old took quick 13:8 lead in the first round, dominating the pace of the bout.
In the second Joyce came back strongly with some hard hitting combinations; he scored ten points as opposed to Jai's 7. With just two points separating Jai from the Irish boxer drama unfolded in the final round when both the boxers were given two warnings each. But to the advantage of the Indian boxer Joyce received his second warning with just 4 seconds left on the clock.
The 2009 Asian Championship silver medallist went on to secure his place in the quarterfinals of the championship and a berth at the London Games next year with a 32: 30 victory.
In the quarterfinals of the championships 19-year-old Devendro is expected to face his biggest challenge yet, when he takes on world number 2 and 2011 Asian Championships gold medal winner Shin Jong of Korea in the light fly weight class.
Manoj will battle against world number 12 Thomas Stalker of England in the round of eight of the light welter weight division. The 24-year-old Indian boxer will have to be on the top of his game to get past Stalker who bagged the gold medal at the 2011 European Championship and 2010 Commonwealth Games.
Jai Bhagwan will lock horns with Gani Zhailauov of Kazakhstan while Vikas Krishnan will fight Vasili Belous of Maldova for a place in the semis.
England Yet To Know About Their Warm-Up Game Opponents
LONDON: The England cricket team, which arrived in Hyderabad on Tuesday for a five-match ODI series against India, is yet to know who its opponents for Saturday's warm-up game will be, the British media reported.
England have two 50 overs warm-up games scheduled in Hyderabad before the ODI series that begins against the world champions October 14.
England stand-in coach Richard Halsall admitted that they are in the dark about whom they might play or even what team is called.
"I understand we're struggling to find a team to play against," Halsall was quoted as saying in British media.
With most of the top Indian cricketers either injured or involved in the Irani Cup or Champions League Twenty20 matches, the tourists are expecting to face a second string XI.
England's chief coach Andy Flower, who is delayed by shoulder surgery as well as Tuesday's OBE awards ceremony at Buckingham Palace, will reach Hyderabad on Thursday.
England, however, will be without their batting coach Graham Gooch, who is has recovering from an operation on his right wrist tendon.
India had beaten England 5-1 and 5-0 on their last two ODI trips here.
England have two 50 overs warm-up games scheduled in Hyderabad before the ODI series that begins against the world champions October 14.
England stand-in coach Richard Halsall admitted that they are in the dark about whom they might play or even what team is called.
"I understand we're struggling to find a team to play against," Halsall was quoted as saying in British media.
With most of the top Indian cricketers either injured or involved in the Irani Cup or Champions League Twenty20 matches, the tourists are expecting to face a second string XI.
England's chief coach Andy Flower, who is delayed by shoulder surgery as well as Tuesday's OBE awards ceremony at Buckingham Palace, will reach Hyderabad on Thursday.
England, however, will be without their batting coach Graham Gooch, who is has recovering from an operation on his right wrist tendon.
India had beaten England 5-1 and 5-0 on their last two ODI trips here.
War Vs Som: Somerset Beat Warriors By 12 Runs, Enter Clt20 Semifinals
NEW DELHI: Somerset booked their berth in the semifinals of the Champions League Twenty20 after registering 12 runs victory over Warriors on Wednesday.
Scorecard | CLT20 Points Table | CLT20 Match Centre
Chasing 147, Adam Dibble provided Somerset crucial breakthrough as he removed Colin Ingram.
Earlier, Craig Kieswetter scored a patient unbeaten half century as Somerset posted a fighting 146 for four.
Electing to bat, Somerset made a shaky start, losing opener Peter Trego (0) in the very first over but recovered well when Kieswetter (56 not out) got the game going.
Fast bowler Lonwobo Tsotsobe gave the Warriors an early breakthrough, removing dangerous Trego, who had also scored a half century against Royal Challengers Bangalore, in his first over to start off with a maiden over.
Tsotsobe's joy was short-lived when he was treated with disdain by Roelof van der Merwe. Van der Merwe took 17 runs in an over, laced with two boundaries and a six.
Thanks to van der Merwe's quick-fire 16-ball 32, Somerset recovered from early jitters. Kieswetter and van der Merwe stitched an impressive 29-ball 48 from 4.5 overs for the second wicket.
With wickets falling at regular intervals, the onus of bailing Somerset out of danger shifted to Kieswetter and he did it quite well by batting through the innings and taking the team score to near 150 mark.
Jos Buttler (30) and James Hildreth (21) chipped in with cameos for Somerset to post a fighting total.
Teams:
Somerset: Alfonso Thomas (captain), Peter Trego, Craig Kieswetter, Roelof van der Merwe, James Hildreth, Jos Buttler, Nick Compton, Arul Suppiah, Adam Dibble, Steve Kirby, Murali Kartik.
Warriors: Johan Botha (captain), Jon-Jon Smuts, Ashwell Prince, Colin Ingram, Craig Thyssen, Kelly Smuts, Athenkosi Dyili, Nicky Boje, Wayne Parnell, Rusty Theron, Lonwabo Tsotsobe.
Scorecard | CLT20 Points Table | CLT20 Match Centre
Chasing 147, Adam Dibble provided Somerset crucial breakthrough as he removed Colin Ingram.
Earlier, Craig Kieswetter scored a patient unbeaten half century as Somerset posted a fighting 146 for four.
Electing to bat, Somerset made a shaky start, losing opener Peter Trego (0) in the very first over but recovered well when Kieswetter (56 not out) got the game going.
Fast bowler Lonwobo Tsotsobe gave the Warriors an early breakthrough, removing dangerous Trego, who had also scored a half century against Royal Challengers Bangalore, in his first over to start off with a maiden over.
Tsotsobe's joy was short-lived when he was treated with disdain by Roelof van der Merwe. Van der Merwe took 17 runs in an over, laced with two boundaries and a six.
Thanks to van der Merwe's quick-fire 16-ball 32, Somerset recovered from early jitters. Kieswetter and van der Merwe stitched an impressive 29-ball 48 from 4.5 overs for the second wicket.
With wickets falling at regular intervals, the onus of bailing Somerset out of danger shifted to Kieswetter and he did it quite well by batting through the innings and taking the team score to near 150 mark.
Jos Buttler (30) and James Hildreth (21) chipped in with cameos for Somerset to post a fighting total.
Teams:
Somerset: Alfonso Thomas (captain), Peter Trego, Craig Kieswetter, Roelof van der Merwe, James Hildreth, Jos Buttler, Nick Compton, Arul Suppiah, Adam Dibble, Steve Kirby, Murali Kartik.
Warriors: Johan Botha (captain), Jon-Jon Smuts, Ashwell Prince, Colin Ingram, Craig Thyssen, Kelly Smuts, Athenkosi Dyili, Nicky Boje, Wayne Parnell, Rusty Theron, Lonwabo Tsotsobe.
Csk's Early Exit Blessing In Disguise: Ms Dhoni
CHENNAI: Although disappointed with Chennai Super Kings' ouster from the Champions League T20, India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni feels that it will be a "blessing in disguise" ahead of his team's important ODI series against England which starts from October 14.
"That's the only blessing in disguise, a few days off, not that we have earned it, but a bit of rest will help us," said CSK skipper Dhoni.
Dhoni has been playing near non-stop cricket for a long time now, his only break coming during the five-match one-day series in the West Indies in June.
India play five ODIs and a Twenty20 international against England at home.
Apart from Dhoni, Suresh Raina and R Ashwin are two other Indian ODI players in the CSK squad.
Meanwhile, David Warner smashed a blistering unbeaten 69-ball 135 as 2009 champions New South Wales put up a determined show to beat the defending champions Chennai by 46 runs to join Mumbai Indians from Group-A in the semifinals of the Champions League here today.
Electing to bat, New South Wales posted an imposing 201 for two, riding on Warner's second Twenty20 ton. In their reply, Super Kings could muster just 155 before being all out in 18.5 overs.
"Getting 200 became a difficult task when our big-hitters departed. That is very important to get the big hitters out of the game, you don't want them to bat 15 overs but want to get them in the powerplay," said Dhoni.
Man-of-the-match Warner said that he has learnt a lot in the last few years and his efforts paid off today.
"Tonight was my night, I have been practicing the switch hit a long time now in the nets. It paid off today. I have learnt a lot in the last few years, that has come through playing more four-day cricket back home," he said.
NSW captain Simon Katich heaped praise on Warner and said, "the way he batted was simply outstanding, he constructed his innings superbly."
"That's the only blessing in disguise, a few days off, not that we have earned it, but a bit of rest will help us," said CSK skipper Dhoni.
Dhoni has been playing near non-stop cricket for a long time now, his only break coming during the five-match one-day series in the West Indies in June.
India play five ODIs and a Twenty20 international against England at home.
Apart from Dhoni, Suresh Raina and R Ashwin are two other Indian ODI players in the CSK squad.
Meanwhile, David Warner smashed a blistering unbeaten 69-ball 135 as 2009 champions New South Wales put up a determined show to beat the defending champions Chennai by 46 runs to join Mumbai Indians from Group-A in the semifinals of the Champions League here today.
Electing to bat, New South Wales posted an imposing 201 for two, riding on Warner's second Twenty20 ton. In their reply, Super Kings could muster just 155 before being all out in 18.5 overs.
"Getting 200 became a difficult task when our big-hitters departed. That is very important to get the big hitters out of the game, you don't want them to bat 15 overs but want to get them in the powerplay," said Dhoni.
Man-of-the-match Warner said that he has learnt a lot in the last few years and his efforts paid off today.
"Tonight was my night, I have been practicing the switch hit a long time now in the nets. It paid off today. I have learnt a lot in the last few years, that has come through playing more four-day cricket back home," he said.
NSW captain Simon Katich heaped praise on Warner and said, "the way he batted was simply outstanding, he constructed his innings superbly."
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