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Sports News - Fri, May 25, 2012

 Rediff Sports - Cricket, Indian hockey, Tennis, Football, Chess, Golf - Torres looking forward to brighter future at Chelsea

Torres looking forward to brighter future at Chelsea
Chelsea striker Fernando Torres has put a difficult season behind him and is itching to be part of the European champions' future plans, the player said on Thursday following talks with the club's hierarchy.
Electronic tennis racket debuts at French Open
A tennis racket stuffed with electronic sensors capable of tracking a player's every slice, spin and smash made its public debut at the French Open on Thursday.
NBA: Wade takes charge as Heat reach East final
Dwyane Wade turned on the style as the Miami Heat clinched a place in the NBA Eastern Conference finals with a 105-93 win over the Indiana Pacers in Game Six on Thursday.

 Rediff Sports - Cricket, Indian hockey, Tennis, Football, Chess, Golf - Vijay Mallya does not want to justify party at Monaco GP

Vijay Mallya does not want to justify party at Monaco GP
Force India expect Paul Di Resta to stay with them next season but would be understanding if the highly-rated British Formula One driver wanted to move elsewhere, team owner Vijay Mallya said on Thursday.

 Rediff Sports - Cricket, Indian hockey, Tennis, Football, Chess, Golf - Ahead of King's Cup final, Guardiola calms waters

Ahead of King's Cup final, Guardiola calms waters
Outgoing Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola sought to make the succession of his number two Tito Vilanova as smooth as possible as he gave his last Nou Camp news conference on Thursday, ahead of the King's Cup final.
F1: Explosive detonated safely in Monaco paddock
Bomb disposal experts carried out a controlled explosion on a suspect package in the Monaco Grand Prix paddock on Thursday evening.

 Rediff Sports - Cricket, Indian hockey, Tennis, Football, Chess, Golf - France's Monfils pulls out of French Open

France's Monfils pulls out of French Open
World No 13 Gael Monfils has pulled out of the French Open because of a right knee injury, the French tennis federation (FFT) said on Thursday.

 Rediff Sports - Cricket, Indian hockey, Tennis, Football, Chess, Golf - Didier Drogba: The Ivory tower Chelsea will miss

Didier Drogba: The Ivory tower Chelsea will miss
Drogba's arrival at Chelsea coincided with the club's best phase, reaching its zenith with the recent Champions League triumph. His departure from Stamford Bridge, says Norma Godinho, will leave a void that will be hard to fill.
Sports News - Thu, May 24, 2012
Azlan Shah hockey: India thrashed by New Zealand
India began their campaign in the 21st Azlan Shah Cup hockey tournament with an embarrassing 1-5 defeat at the hands of speedy New Zealand, in Ipoh, Malaysia, on Thursday. In the opening match of the tournament, Pakistan defeated Argentina 4-2.
Anand held by Gelfand in Game 10
Defending champion Viswanathan Anand could not break the ice and settled for an easy draw as white against challenger Boris Gelfand in the tenth game of the World Chess Championship in Moscow on Thursday.
Sania-Mattek in summit clash of Brussels Open
Sania Mirza and her American partner Bethanie Mattek-Sands stormed into the title clash of the WTA Brussels Open after struggling past Anastasia Rodionova and Casey Dellacqua 6-3, 4-6, 10-5 on Thursday.

 Rediff Sports - Cricket, Indian hockey, Tennis, Football, Chess, Golf - Nadal clouds Djokovic's bid to match Laver

Nadal clouds Djokovic's bid to match Laver
Novak Djokovic will arrive at Roland Garros seven wins away from becoming the first man for 43 years to hold all four grand Slam titles concurrently -- the only trouble is one of his victims will probably have to be claycourt king Rafa Nadal.
Amit pulls out, Sushil unlikely for Indian GP Wrestling
Olympic-bound grappler Amit Kumar has been forced to pull out of the Hari Ram Indian GP Wrestling after being diagnosed with chicken pox while Beijing Games bronze medallist Sushil Kumar still remains a doubtful starter for the inaugural edition of the event, commencing on Friday.

 Rediff Sports - Cricket, Indian hockey, Tennis, Football, Chess, Golf - Qualifer Paramveer shocks fourth seed Gagan

Qualifer Paramveer shocks fourth seed Gagan
Qualifier Paramveer Bajwa from Chandigarh sent Rajasthan's fourth seed Gagan Sharma crashing out in the boys' singles quarter-finals round of the Cricket Club of India (CCI) 6th Ramesh Desai Memorial National Tennis Championship 2012, at the (CCI) courts, Mumbai on Thursday.

 Rediff Sports - Cricket, Indian hockey, Tennis, Football, Chess, Golf - Mourinho inspired by long-term challenge at Real

Mourinho inspired by long-term challenge at Real
Jose Mourinho said he was motivated by the challenges ahead at Real Madrid after agreeing a two-year contract extension on Tuesday which tied him to the Spanish champions until 2016.

 Rediff Sports - Cricket, Indian hockey, Tennis, Football, Chess, Golf - Many Brazil WCup projects still to take flight

Many Brazil WCup projects still to take flight
With little more than two years until the kickoff of the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, nearly 41 percent of the infrastructure projects planned by the government haven't left the drawing board, according to an official report released on Wednesday.

 Rediff Sports - Cricket, Indian hockey, Tennis, Football, Chess, Golf - UEFA mulls reviewing Champions League rule

UEFA mulls reviewing Champions League rule
The Champions League rule which has denied Tottenham Hotspur a place in next season's competition because Chelsea won Saturday's final could be reviewed by UEFA's executive committee, president Michel Platini said on Wednesday.
NYPD chief applauds London Games security
New York's police chief said on Wednesday he was impressed with security planning for this summer's London Olympics, rejecting suggestions that US officials were concerned about arrangements for the games which start next month.

 Rediff Sports - Cricket, Indian hockey, Tennis, Football, Chess, Golf - Doha, Baku out of running for 2020 Games

Doha, Baku out of running for 2020 Games
The chase to host the 2020 Summer Games was reduced to a three horse race between Istanbul, Madrid and Tokyo after Doha and the Azerbaijan capital Baku were dropped from the running by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) on Wednesday.
Sports News - Wed, May 23, 2012

 Rediff Sports - Cricket, Indian hockey, Tennis, Football, Chess, Golf - Barton banned for 12 games

Barton banned for 12 games
QPR midfielder Joey Barton has been banned for 12 matches by the FA for his behaviour after his red card at Manchester City.

 Rediff Sports - Cricket, Indian hockey, Tennis, Football, Chess, Golf - Anand manages to secure a draw in 9th game

Anand manages to secure a draw in 9th game
Defending champion Viswanathan Anand was stretched a little by challenger Boris Gelfand of Israel but the Indian ace found his way to a draw in the ninth game of the World Chess Championship in Moscow.

 Rediff Sports - Cricket, Indian hockey, Tennis, Football, Chess, Golf - India to test Olympics readiness in Azlan hockey

India to test Olympics readiness in Azlan hockey
Five-time champions India seek a return to the podium after a year's gap and boost their confidence ahead of the Olympic Games as they begin their campaign in the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup hockey tournament with a match against New Zealand, in Ipoh, Malaysia, on Thursday.

 Rediff Sports - Cricket, Indian hockey, Tennis, Football, Chess, Golf - Sania records 500th pro win at Brussels Open

Sania records 500th pro win at Brussels Open
Sania Mirza recorded the 500th win of her professional career when she, along with American partner Bethanie Mattek-Sands, advanced to the doubles quarter-finals of the WTA Brussels Open in Brussels, Belgium.

 Rediff Sports - Cricket, Indian hockey, Tennis, Football, Chess, Golf - Olympics: Hockey team's early start has Oz coach fuming

Olympics: Hockey team's early start has Oz coach fuming
Australia's men's hockey coach Ric Charlesworth has slammed London Olympic schedulers for lumbering his team with three early starts in their round-robin matches at the Games.

 Rediff Sports - Cricket, Indian hockey, Tennis, Football, Chess, Golf - EPL transfer news: Almunia to leave Arsenal

EPL transfer news: Almunia to leave Arsenal
Arsenal's former first choice goalkeeper Manuel Almunia, is one of seven players leaving, the club confirmed on Tuesday.

 Rediff Sports - Cricket, Indian hockey, Tennis, Football, Chess, Golf - Solskjaer rejects Aston Villa manager offer

Solskjaer rejects Aston Villa manager offer
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has turned down the chance of managing Aston Villa, a spokesman for the English Premier League said on Tuesday.

 Rediff Sports - Cricket, Indian hockey, Tennis, Football, Chess, Golf - Won't be able to get 100 percent fit for Euro 2012: Villa

Won't be able to get 100 percent fit for Euro 2012: Villa
Barcelona striker David Villa ruled himself out of the running for a place in Spain's squad for Euro 2012 on Tuesday after failing to fully recover from a broken leg.
Ukraine official sacked for selling Olympic tickets
The Ukraine National Olympic Committee launched an investigation on Tuesday and suspended a top official accused of offering to sell thousands of dollars worth of tickets for the London Olympics on the black market.

 Rediff Sports - Cricket, Indian hockey, Tennis, Football, Chess, Golf - Clijsters to quit tennis for second time after US Open

Clijsters to quit tennis for second time after US Open
Former World No 1 Kim Clijsters has confirmed that she will bring down the curtain on her second career at the end of this year's US Open, Belgian news agency Belga has reported.
Sports News - Tue, May 22, 2012

 Rediff Sports - Cricket, Indian hockey, Tennis, Football, Chess, Golf - Drogba to leave Chelsea at end of June

Drogba to leave Chelsea at end of June
Ivory Coast striker Didier Drogba will leave Chelsea when his contract expires in June, the Premier League club said in a statement on Tuesday.

 Rediff Sports - Cricket, Indian hockey, Tennis, Football, Chess, Golf - Mourinho to stay at Real Madrid till 2016

Mourinho to stay at Real Madrid till 2016
Jose Mourinho has agreed a two-year contract extension with Real Madrid which ties him to the club until 2016, the Spanish champions said on Tuesday.

 Rediff Sports - Cricket, Indian hockey, Tennis, Football, Chess, Golf - India to play Holland in Olympics hockey opener

India to play Holland in Olympics hockey opener
Eight-time hockey champions, India will open their campaign against The Netherlands on July 30 in the men's competition at the London Olympics.

 Rediff Sports - Cricket, Indian hockey, Tennis, Football, Chess, Golf - Psychological advantage for Anand in World C'ships

Psychological advantage for Anand in World C'ships
Having bounced back with an emphatic victory in the previous round, Indian Grandmaster Viswanathan Anand holds a huge psychological advantage in the crucial remaining four games of the World Championship match against Israeli Boris Gelfand in Moscow.

 Rediff Sports - Cricket, Indian hockey, Tennis, Football, Chess, Golf - Bolt wants to complete 100m in 9.7s at Ostrava

Bolt wants to complete 100m in 9.7s at Ostrava
Olympic champion Usain Bolt hopes to clock 9.7 seconds in the 100 metres at the Golden Spike meeting in the Czech Republic on Friday as he continues his preparations for the London Games.
Govt yet to give approval for U-17 football WC bid
The All India Football Federation will have to wait a little longer to make an official presentation to the FIFA to host the 2017 U017 World Cup as the government is yet to give its final approval to the bid.
AIFF to appoint Koevermans as new football coach
Former Dutch international Wim Koevermans is all set to take over as the chief coach of the Indian football team for a two-year term, ending a more than a year's search for a full-fledged occupant for the top job.

 Rediff Sports - Cricket, Indian hockey, Tennis, Football, Chess, Golf - Drogba to visit India for Pepsi T20 Football

Drogba to visit India for Pepsi T20 Football
Ivory Coast and Chelsea striker Didier Drogba will visit India next month for the grand finale of Pepsi T20 Football event.
Fish, Soderling pull out of French Open
World No.10 Mardy Fish has pulled out of the French Open because of fatigue, organisers said.
Wife backs Gelfand to win against Anand
Boris Gelfand might have suffered a defeat at the hands of defending champion Viswanathan Anand in the eighth round of the ongoing World Chess Championship in Moscow, but the Israeli Grandmaster's wife, Maya is confident about her husband's triumph against his Indian opponent.
Drogba to leave Chelsea: Report
Ivory Coast striker Didier Drogba is leaving Chelsea after playing a leading role in their Champions League triumph, according to a report to be published in French magazine France Football on Tuesday.

 Rediff Sports - Cricket, Indian hockey, Tennis, Football, Chess, Golf - Grappling with gender bias, London beckons Geeta

Grappling with gender bias, London beckons Geeta
Wrestler Geeta Phogat says she is both excited and nervous about the Olympics in London, a city she has never seen before. But even if she does not win gold, her success has inspired girls in and around her village.
Blackrock, others buy $1.6 bln stake in Formula One
Private equity firm CVC Capital has sold a $1.6 billion stake in Formula One to three investors including BlackRock ahead of the motor racing company's planned $3 billion initial public offering in Singapore, sources said on Tuesday.
Sports News - Mon, May 21, 2012

 Rediff Sports - Cricket, Indian hockey, Tennis, Football, Chess, Golf - Olympic flame goes out for first time in 2012 relay

Olympic flame goes out for first time in 2012 relay
The Olympic flame went out on Monday for the first time during the torch relay around Britain ahead of the London Games because of a "malfunctioning burner", organisers said.
Anand beats Gelfand in 17 moves to draw level
Defending champion Viswanathan Anand struck back with vengeance and scored the much-needed equaliser against Boris Gelfand in the eighth game of the World Chess Championship in Moscow on Monday.

 Rediff Sports - Cricket, Indian hockey, Tennis, Football, Chess, Golf - Nadal beats Djokovic for Rome Masters crown

Nadal beats Djokovic for Rome Masters crown
Rafael Nadal enjoyed the perfect fillip ahead of his French Open defence with a commanding 7-5, 6-3 victory over world number one Novak Djokovic in the delayed Rome Masters final on Monday.

 Rediff Sports - Cricket, Indian hockey, Tennis, Football, Chess, Golf - My time at United is running out: Berbatov

My time at United is running out: Berbatov
Striker Dimitar Berbatov wants to leave Manchester United because he feels he has fallen out of favour with manager Alex Ferguson.

 Rediff Sports - Cricket, Indian hockey, Tennis, Football, Chess, Golf - Napoli win first trophy since Maradona era

Napoli win first trophy since Maradona era
Napoli won their first major title since the Diego Maradona era, denied Serie A champions Juventus the double and handed their captain Alessandro Del Piero an unhappy end to 19 seasons at the club by beating the Turin side 2-0 in the Italian Cup final on Sunday.

 Rediff Sports - Cricket, Indian hockey, Tennis, Football, Chess, Golf - Rome Masters: Sharapova beats Li for title

Rome Masters: Sharapova beats Li for title
Maria Sharapova saved a match point to beat Li Na 4-6, 6-4, 7-6 (7/5) in the Italian Open final on Sunday after a two-hour rain break effectively turned the match into a tiebreak shootout.

 Rediff Sports - Cricket, Indian hockey, Tennis, Football, Chess, Golf - British PM Cameron basks in Chelsea's CL triumph

British PM Cameron basks in Chelsea's CL triumph
Prime Minister David Cameron savoured Chelsea's win over German club Bayern Munich in the Champions League final on Sunday after watching the deciding penalty shootout with German Chancellor Angela Merkel at a summit in the United States.

 Rediff Sports - Cricket, Indian hockey, Tennis, Football, Chess, Golf - Champions League is all Cech wanted for his birthday

Champions League is all Cech wanted for his birthday
Petr Cech celebrated a perfect 30th birthday on Sunday after producing another exceptional goalkeeping performance to help Chelsea land their first Champions League trophy.

 Rediff Sports - Cricket, Indian hockey, Tennis, Football, Chess, Golf - Worst moments of my career with Chelsea: Torres

Worst moments of my career with Chelsea: Torres
Chelsea's Spanish striker Fernando Torres has said he has had the worst moments of his career with the club this season and needs clarity about his future role with the newly-crowned European champions.

 Rediff Sports - Cricket, Indian hockey, Tennis, Football, Chess, Golf - Bayern still waiting to crown 'golden generation'

Bayern still waiting to crown 'golden generation'
Another Champions League final another defeat, time is running out for Bayern Munich's home-grown talent to claim the top prize in European club football and cement their status as a golden generation.

 Rediff Sports - Cricket, Indian hockey, Tennis, Football, Chess, Golf - Drogba, man of the moment for Chelsea

Drogba, man of the moment for Chelsea
Didier Drogba scored Chelsea's goal and their winning Champions League penalty against Bayern Munich on Saturday and then solemnly appeared to say his farewells.

 Rediff Sports - Cricket, Indian hockey, Tennis, Football, Chess, Golf - Football legends... but no Champions League medal to show

Football legends... but no Champions League medal to show
Rediff.com takes a look at a few legends of the modern game who won titles galore but failed to win the competition that matters the most in club football.

 Rediff Sports - Cricket, Indian hockey, Tennis, Football, Chess, Golf - Photos: London turns blue as Champions Chelsea return

Photos: London turns blue as Champions Chelsea return
Images of the Chelsea's victory parade in London
Sports News - Sun, May 20, 2012
Anand shocked by Gelfand in seventh game
Indian Grandmaster Viswanathan Anand suffered a jolt in his title defence as he lost to his Israeli challenger Boris Gelfand in the seventh game of the World Chess Championship in Moscow.
Yuki wins first ever ATP Challenger singles title
A resurgent Yuki Bhambri won the first ever ATP Challenger singles title of his career after scoring a facile straight-set win over Israeli fourth seed Amir Weintraub in Fergana, Uzbekistan on Sunday.
Thunder silence Lakers to take 3-1 series lead
A late three-pointer by Kevin Durant capped a dramatic fightback by the Oklahoma City Thunder as they pushed the Los Angeles Lakers to the brink of playoff elimination with a 103-100 win in Game Four on Saturday.
Bhupathi-Bopanna out of Rome Masters
The seventh seed Indian pair of Mahesh Bhupathi and Rohan Bopanna crashed out of the ATP Rome Masters after suffering a straight-sets defeat at the hands of Marcel Granollers and Marc Lopez, in Rome.

 Rediff Sports - Cricket, Indian hockey, Tennis, Football, Chess, Golf - Give Di Matteo the job, say Chelsea players

Give Di Matteo the job, say Chelsea players
Chelsea players made it clear they wanted Roberto Di Matteo to be given the coach's job full-time after the Italian's whirlwind three months in charge ended with the Champions League trophy -- the prize owner Roman Abramovich had craved the most.

 Rediff Sports - Cricket, Indian hockey, Tennis, Football, Chess, Golf - Djokovic downs Federer to set up Nadal final

Djokovic downs Federer to set up Nadal final
World No. 1 Novak Djokovic beat Roger Federer in straight sets on Saturday and will play Rafa Nadal in the Rome Masters final for the second year in a row.

 Rediff Sports - Cricket, Indian hockey, Tennis, Football, Chess, Golf - Shootout win was never in doubt: Lampard

Shootout win was never in doubt: Lampard
Frank Lampard began to think there was no way back for Chelsea in the Champions League final as the minutes ticked down with Bayern Munich leading 1-0, but when the match went to a penalty shootout he had no doubts the trophy was coming to London.

 Rediff Sports - Cricket, Indian hockey, Tennis, Football, Chess, Golf - Chelsea, first London club to win Champions League

Chelsea, first London club to win Champions League
Post-match stats from the Champions League final between Bayern Munich and Chelsea at the Allianz Arena, Munich.

 Rediff Sports - Cricket, Indian hockey, Tennis, Football, Chess, Golf - Images: Chelsea cross final frontier to become Champions

Images: Chelsea cross final frontier to become Champions
Chelsea cleared the final hurdle in a season of never-ending challenges when they beat Bayern Munich 4-3 on penalties in the German team's Allianz Arena stadium to be crowned European Champions for the first time on Saturday.

 Rediff Sports - Cricket, Indian hockey, Tennis, Football, Chess, Golf - Drogba fires Chelsea to Champions League glory

Drogba fires Chelsea to Champions League glory
Chelsea stunned Bayern Munich to win the Champions League for the first time after a penalty shootout in the Allianz Arena after a tension-soaked final had ended 1-1 after extra time on Saturday.
Sports News - Sat, May 19, 2012
Impressive Sharapova reaches Rome final
Defending champion Maria Sharapova will take on Li Na of China in the Italian Open final after a confident 6-3, 6-4 victory over Germany's Angelique Kerber in Rome on Saturday.

 Rediff Sports - Cricket, Indian hockey, Tennis, Football, Chess, Golf - Ainslie sets the Olympic torch relay on the road

Ainslie sets the Olympic torch relay on the road
With the rolling Atlantic ocean behind him, yachtsman Ben Ainslie set the London Olympic torch relay on the road from Land's End in the extreme south-west tip of England.

 Rediff Sports - Cricket, Indian hockey, Tennis, Football, Chess, Golf - Sudha breaks national record but misses Olympic mark

Sudha breaks national record but misses Olympic mark
2010 Asian Games gold medallist Sudha Singh bettered her national record in 3000m steeplechase en route to her 11th place finish at the Samsung Diamond League in Shanghai.

 Rediff Sports - Cricket, Indian hockey, Tennis, Football, Chess, Golf - Flame for London Games arrives in Britain

Flame for London Games arrives in Britain
The flame for the London Olympics burned brightly on British soil on Friday after David Beckham stepped off a special flight from the Games birthplace of Greece to light a cauldron with a golden torch.

 Rediff Sports - Cricket, Indian hockey, Tennis, Football, Chess, Golf - Anand has lost motivation: Kasparov

Anand has lost motivation: Kasparov
Chess legend Garry Kasparov believes that reigning world champion Viswanathan Anand has lost motivation and the Indian, who is defending his title against Boris Gelfand right now, has been "sliding downhill" for the past few years.
Injured Serena hands Li place in Rome final
Tournament favourite Serena Williams withdrew from the Italian Open on Saturday with a lower back injury, the WTA said.
Bhupathi-Bopanna in semis of Rome tennis tourney
The Indian pair of Mahesh Bhupathi and Rohan Bopanna upset top seeds Max Mirnyi of Belarus and Canada's Daniel Nestor in a hard-fought battle to enter the men's doubles semi-finals of the Internazionali BNL D'Italia tennis tournament in Rome.

 Rediff Sports - Cricket, Indian hockey, Tennis, Football, Chess, Golf - Federer, Djokovic to clash in Rome semis

Federer, Djokovic to clash in Rome semis
Novak Djokovic and Rafa Nadal moved a step closer to another possible final showdown after recording straight-set wins in the quarter-finals of the Rome Masters on Friday.

 Rediff Sports - Cricket, Indian hockey, Tennis, Football, Chess, Golf - Asafa Powell: Being relaxed key to winning Olympics 100m

Asafa Powell: Being relaxed key to winning Olympics 100m
Asafa Powell thinks he has pinpointed why he has so often failed to produce on the big occasion and believes that if he is at his best he will win the 100 metres at the London Olympics.
Sharapova ends Venus's run, Serena to face Li
Holder Maria Sharapova ended the encouraging run of Venus Williams to reach the semi-finals of the Italian Open on Friday, but Serena Williams enjoyed an easy passage through to the last four.
Flame for London Games arrives in Britain
The flame for the London Olympics burned brightly on British soil on Friday after David Beckham stepped off a special flight from the Games birthplace of Greece to light a cauldron with a golden torch.
Sports News - Fri, May 18, 2012

 Rediff Sports - Cricket, Indian hockey, Tennis, Football, Chess, Golf - I'll surely come back with an Olympics medal: Mary Kom

I'll surely come back with an Olympics medal: Mary Kom
Following her qualification for the Olympics, India's ace boxer MC Mary Kom tells Rediff.com's Laxmi Negi she is confident of clinching a medal at the London Games.
Anand, Gelfand in another insipid draw
Victory continues to elude defending champion Viswanathan Anand. The Indian Grandmaster failed to break the deadlock yet again and had to settle for a draw against challenger Boris Gelfand of Israel in the sixth game of the World Chess Championship in Moscow.

 Rediff Sports - Cricket, Indian hockey, Tennis, Football, Chess, Golf - Olympic slot confirmed, finally: Mary Kom

Olympic slot confirmed, finally: Mary Kom
Five-time world champion M C Mary Kom (51kg) on Friday added another feather to her already crowded cap by becoming the only Indian woman boxer to qualify for the London Olympics.

 Rediff Sports - Cricket, Indian hockey, Tennis, Football, Chess, Golf - Mary Kom qualifies for London Games

Mary Kom qualifies for London Games
India's ace woman boxer M C Mary Kom's qualified for the London Olympics after World No. 2 Nicola Adams got the better of Russia's AIBA World champion Yelena Savelyeva 11-6 in the semi-finals of the World Championships in Qinhuangdao, China, on Friday.

 Rediff Sports - Cricket, Indian hockey, Tennis, Football, Chess, Golf - Where the Champions League final will be won and lost

Where the Champions League final will be won and lost
A look at how the Chelsea and Bayern Munich teams compare tactically and where the game might be won or lost ahead of the Champions League final at the Allianz Arena.
Kavita misses Olympic berth but wins World C'ships medal
Kavita Chahal (+81kg) emerged the lone Indian woman boxer to clinch a medal at the World Championships after settling for a bronze in the semi-finals against Kazakhstan's Yuldus Mamatkulova in Qinhuangdao, China, on Friday. The Indian went down 9-15 and bowed out of the event, but was the only one from the 10-member team to fetch a medal.

 Rediff Sports - Cricket, Indian hockey, Tennis, Football, Chess, Golf - Manchester City to make more top signings: Mancini

Manchester City to make more top signings: Mancini
Newly-crowned Premier League champions Manchester City will strengthen their squad in the close season as the club target European glory next year, manager Roberto Mancini said on Thursday.
French Open: Hewitt handed a wildcard
Former World No. 1 Lleyton Hewitt, currently ranked 178th, has been granted a wildcard to enter the French Open main draw along with seven other players, tournament organisers said on Thursday.
Wigan manager Martinez to hold talks with Liverpool
Liverpool have been granted permission to speak to Wigan Athletic manager Roberto Martinez about taking over from Kenny Dalglish who was sacked on Wednesday.

 Rediff Sports - Cricket, Indian hockey, Tennis, Football, Chess, Golf - MotoGP: Stoner to retire at end of season

MotoGP: Stoner to retire at end of season
Twice MotoGP world champion Casey Stoner said on Thursday he had lost his love for the sport and would retire at the end of the 2012 season.
AC Milan sign midfielders Montolivo, Traore
AC Milan have strengthened their midfield with the signing of Italy's Riccardo Montolivo and Mali's Bakaye Traore who were both free agents, the Serie A runners-up said on Thursday.

 Rediff Sports - Cricket, Indian hockey, Tennis, Football, Chess, Golf - Rome Masters: Murray suffers setback

Rome Masters: Murray suffers setback
Ailing Briton Andy Murray suffered another setback to his French Open preparations as he was ousted 6-7, 6-3, 6-2 by Richard Gasquet in the third round of the Rome Masters on Thursday.
Sports News - Thu, May 17, 2012

 Rediff Sports - Cricket, Indian hockey, Tennis, Football, Chess, Golf - Flame for London Games formally handed over to Britain

Flame for London Games formally handed over to Britain
The flame for the London Olympics, which start on July 27 after a 70-day torch relay around Britain, was formally handed over at a ceremony in a damp Athens on Thursday.
Anand, Gelfand play fifth successive draw
Victory continues to elude defending champion Viswanathan Anand. The Indian Grandmaster failed to break the deadlock yet again and had to settle for a draw against challenger Boris Gelfand of Israel in the fifth game of the World Chess Championship in Moscow. This is the fifth successive draw in as many games and leaves the score tied at 2.5-2.5.

 Rediff Sports - Cricket, Indian hockey, Tennis, Football, Chess, Golf - CL: Depleted Chelsea hope to avoid turning to reserves

CL: Depleted Chelsea hope to avoid turning to reserves
Chelsea's caretaker manager Roberto Di Matteo is hoping to avoid what he described on Tuesday as the "worst-case scenario" with reserves and youngsters on the bench for the Champions League final against Bayern Munich on Saturday.

 Rediff Sports - Cricket, Indian hockey, Tennis, Football, Chess, Golf - Owen leaves United after injury-hit spell

Owen leaves United after injury-hit spell
Former England forward Michael Owen has left Manchester United after a frustrating three years at the club where he barely featured and his injury curse continued to strike.

 Rediff Sports - Cricket, Indian hockey, Tennis, Football, Chess, Golf - No pressure to select Beckham: Coe

No pressure to select Beckham: Coe
David Beckham will have to earn his place in Britain's Olympic soccer squad on skill and merit like any other player and can expect no special favours, London 2012 organisers said on Thursday.
South Korea drop Park for World Cup qualifiers
Arsenal striker Park Chu-young has been left out of the South Korean squad for next month's final round of 2014 World Cup qualifiers amid a backlash from fans over his controversial decision to delay his mandatory military service.

 Rediff Sports - Cricket, Indian hockey, Tennis, Football, Chess, Golf - Maradona could be next coach of UAE

Maradona could be next coach of UAE
Diego Maradona could return to international soccer as the Argentine is being considered for the vacant United Arab Emirates head coaching job.
Barca's Alves out for up to eight weeks
Barcelona defender Dani Alves will be out of action for up to two months after having surgery on a fractured right collarbone sustained during training on Wednesday.

 Rediff Sports - Cricket, Indian hockey, Tennis, Football, Chess, Golf - Azarenka suffers injury blow, Federer advances

Azarenka suffers injury blow, Federer advances
World No. 1 Victoria Azarenka suffered a blow to her French Open preparations when she was forced to pull out of the Italian Open with a right shoulder injury on Wednesday, but an aching Roger Federer gingerly advanced to the third round.

 Rediff Sports - Cricket, Indian hockey, Tennis, Football, Chess, Golf - Livepool sack Dalglish as manager

Livepool sack Dalglish as manager
Kenny Dalglish's second stint in charge of Liverpool was ended by the club's American owners on Wednesday as the Anfield great paid the price for his side's worst Premier League finish for almost 20 years.
Sports News - Wed, May 16, 2012

 Rediff Sports - Cricket, Indian hockey, Tennis, Football, Chess, Golf - Gerrard to lead England at Euro 2012

Gerrard to lead England at Euro 2012
England manager Roy Hodgson included Chelsea's John Terry, Liverpool striker Andy Carroll and Norwich City goalkeeper John Ruddy in a 23-man squad with Steven Gerrard named as captain on Wednesday for next month's European Championship.

 Rediff Sports - Cricket, Indian hockey, Tennis, Football, Chess, Golf - Mary Kom loses, Olympic berth hangs in balance

Mary Kom loses, Olympic berth hangs in balance
India's ace woman boxer M C Mary Kom's Olympic ticket will be decided by fate now after she lost in the quarter-finals to world No 2 Nicola Adams in the World Championships in Qinhuangdao, China, on Wednesday.

 Rediff Sports - Cricket, Indian hockey, Tennis, Football, Chess, Golf - Beckham to bring Olympic flame to Britain

Beckham to bring Olympic flame to Britain
David Beckham will help bring the Olympic flame to Britain on Friday after he takes part in a formal handover ceremony in Athens, London 2012 organisers said.

 Rediff Sports - Cricket, Indian hockey, Tennis, Football, Chess, Golf - Chess World C'ship: Anand to play white in fifth game

Chess World C'ship: Anand to play white in fifth game
Defending champion Viswanathan Anand holds the edge going into the fifth game as white in his World Championship match against Boris Gelfand at the State Tretyakov Gallery in Moscow.
Blackout curtains will let London athletes sleep in
If the sun shines on the London Olympics athletes will not have to worry about being woken up early by its rays thanks to blackout curtains installed in every apartment in the Games village.

 Rediff Sports - Cricket, Indian hockey, Tennis, Football, Chess, Golf - Djokovic returns to form with Tomic win in Rome

Djokovic returns to form with Tomic win in Rome
Novak Djokovic was back on top form as he brushed aside rising Australian talent Bernard Tomic 6-3, 6-3 to reach the third round of the Rome Masters on Tuesday.

 Rediff Sports - Cricket, Indian hockey, Tennis, Football, Chess, Golf - Chelsea boosted as Luiz, Cahill start training

Chelsea boosted as Luiz, Cahill start training
Chelsea central defenders David Luiz and Gary Cahill are hopeful they will be fit for Saturday's Champions League final against Bayern Munich after completing their first training session following hamstring injuries.
Australian women's boxer Elmir banned for doping
Australian boxer Bianca Elmir's hopes of competing at the London Olympics are in jeopardy after she was slapped with a provisional ban for failing a doping test at national championships in February.

 Rediff Sports - Cricket, Indian hockey, Tennis, Football, Chess, Golf - Obama teases Beckham over his underwear ads

Obama teases Beckham over his underwear ads
US President Barack Obama poked fun at one of sport's biggest stars at the White House on Tuesday, remarking that British soccer player David Beckham had a knack for combining athletic prowess with commercial appeal.

 Rediff Sports - Cricket, Indian hockey, Tennis, Football, Chess, Golf - Ferdinand to be left out of England squad

Ferdinand to be left out of England squad
Defender Rio Ferdinand will be omitted from England's Euro 2012 squad which is due to be announced by new national team manager Roy Hodgson said, according to British media.
Sports News - Tue, May 15, 2012
Anand plays out 4th draw in World Chess C'ship
World champion Viswanthan Anand played his fourth draw in the world chess champion against Boris Gelfand of Israel as the deadlock continued in the prestigious contest in Moscow.
Pune FC win Under-20 I-League
Pune FC kept their winning run intact with a 2-0 verdict against Shillong Lajong FC to annex the Under-20 I-League title, their first-ever at any level since the club was established in 2007.

 Rediff Sports - Cricket, Indian hockey, Tennis, Football, Chess, Golf - Mary Kom closer to Olympics berth after another win

Mary Kom closer to Olympics berth after another win
Ace Indian woman boxer M C Mary Kom (51kg) continued to make strides towards booking an Olympic berth by entering the World Championships' quarter-finals even as L Sarita Devi's fate hangs in balance after she lost a close last-16 bout in Qinhuangdao, China, on Tuesday.
Four positive dope tests at Senior National athletics
The doping menace in Indian athletics continues. Four athletes were caught using banned substances during the Federation Cup Senior National Championships in Patiala last month. The 'A' samples of the four were found to have contained stanozolol, methandienone anabolic steroid and methylhexaneamine stimulant.

 Rediff Sports - Cricket, Indian hockey, Tennis, Football, Chess, Golf - 'Our athletes are well-prepared for the Games'

'Our athletes are well-prepared for the Games'
Manisha Malhotra, CEO, Mittal Champions Trust, is determined that the Indian athletes her organisation sponsors bring gold for India. She shares her plans with Rediff.com's A Ganesh Nadar.

 Rediff Sports - Cricket, Indian hockey, Tennis, Football, Chess, Golf - PHOTOS: Sun shines on City's victory parade

PHOTOS: Sun shines on City's victory parade
Even the sun shone for Manchester City as the Premier League champions celebrated their long-awaited and dramatic title win with a euphoric victory parade on Monday.
World chess: Anand plays out third draw against Gelfand
Indian Grandmaster Viswanathan Anand found himself in trouble before eking out a hard-fought draw against Boris Gelfand of Israel in a hotly-contested third round game of the World Chess Championship in Moscow on Monday.
Man United's Paul Scholes to play on another season
Manchester United midfielder Paul Scholes will play on for another season, the Premier League club's manager Alex Ferguson said on Monday.

 Rediff Sports - Cricket, Indian hockey, Tennis, Football, Chess, Golf - The best moments of the Champions League

The best moments of the Champions League
As Chelsea and Bayern Munich prepare to battle for honours in the final, here's a look at some memorable moments in this year's Champions League.
Sports News - Mon, May 14, 2012
India win four gold in Asian GP athletics
National record holder Renjith Maheswary won the men's triple jump as India bagged 12 medals, including four gold, in the third and final leg of the Asian Grand Prix Athletics in Chonburi, Thailand, on Monday. Maheswary's effort of 16.46 metres was, however, below his second leg gold medal-winning effort of 16.61 metres, at Kanchanapuri.
Malaga striker Van Nistelrooy retires
Malaga's Dutch striker Ruud van Nistelrooy announced his retirement on Monday, saying at the age of 35 his body could take no more.

 Rediff Sports - Cricket, Indian hockey, Tennis, Football, Chess, Golf - Australian triathlete hospitalised with chest pains

Australian triathlete hospitalised with chest pains
Australian Olympic-bound triathlete Brad Kahlefeldt has been isolated in a San Diego hospital with symptoms that could be tuberculosis, his national federation said on Monday.
Olympic Triple jump champion Olsson retires
Swedish Olympic triple jump champion Christian Olsson said on Monday he was retiring after injury put an end to his plans for a comeback at the London Games later this year.
Swapnali sixth in Asian Cup sub-juniors' triathlon
Mumbai girl Swapnali Yadav braved stiff competition to finish sixth in the sub-juniors' (13-15) age-group at the Asian Cup International Triathlon, held in Subic Bay, the Philippines, on May 6.
La Liga: Madrid hit 100-points mark, Villarreal relegated
Newly-crowned champions Real Madrid beat Mallorca 4-1 to break the 100-point barrier on the final day of La Liga season as Villarreal sensationally slipped through the relegation trapdoor.

 Rediff Sports - Cricket, Indian hockey, Tennis, Football, Chess, Golf - Sarita stuns world champ in quest for Olympic berth

Sarita stuns world champ in quest for Olympic berth
India's L Sarita Devi (60kg) stunned defending champion and world No 2 Gulsum Tatar of Turkey to enter the pre-quarter-finals in the seventh World Women's Boxing Championships in Qinhuangdao, China, on Monday and inch closer to qualifying for the London Olympics.

 Rediff Sports - Cricket, Indian hockey, Tennis, Football, Chess, Golf - Hero Aguero repays huge fee with title clincher

Hero Aguero repays huge fee with title clincher
Sergio Aguero was as good as his word on Sunday when he scored the stoppage-time winner against Queens Park Rangers that sealed Manchester City's first title for 44 years.

 Rediff Sports - Cricket, Indian hockey, Tennis, Football, Chess, Golf - Mancini's steady hand key for City in title race

Mancini's steady hand key for City in title race
There has been an inevitability about Manchester City's journey to the Premier League title since Abu Dhabi petro-dollars began flooding into the club in 2008 but they still required a steady hand at the tiller to navigate them to glory through one of the most unpredictable seasons for decades.

 Rediff Sports - Cricket, Indian hockey, Tennis, Football, Chess, Golf - Ferguson upbeat as United end empty-handed

Ferguson upbeat as United end empty-handed
Alex Ferguson remained defiantly upbeat after a 20th English title was snatched from Manchester United's clutches on Sunday but when the dust settles on a dramatic season the wily Scot will ponder long on where it went wrong.

 Rediff Sports - Cricket, Indian hockey, Tennis, Football, Chess, Golf - PHOTOS: Key moments in City's title triumph

PHOTOS: Key moments in City's title triumph
Manchester City claimed their first English title in 44 years in barely believable circumstances on Sunday as stoppage time goals from Edin Dzeko and Sergio Aguero snatched a 3-2 home victory over Queens Park Rangers.

 Rediff Sports - Cricket, Indian hockey, Tennis, Football, Chess, Golf - Phelps hopes he has not left training push too late

Phelps hopes he has not left training push too late
Michael Phelps said he hoped he had not left his push for the London Olympics too late as he tries to improve his times and form with the US Olympic trials coming next month.

 Rediff Sports - Cricket, Indian hockey, Tennis, Football, Chess, Golf - Serie A: Del Piero on target as Juve finish unbeaten

Serie A: Del Piero on target as Juve finish unbeaten
Alessandro Del Piero, almost certainly playing his last home game for Juventus at the age of 37, celebrated with a goal as the Serie A champions beat Atalanta 3-1 on Sunday to finish their campaign unbeaten.
Serena mocks complaining men as 'weenies'
Djokovic, Rafa Nadal and others who have complained about the blue clay at the Madrid Open are 'weenies', according to former Women's No. 1 Serena Williams.

 Rediff Sports - Cricket, Indian hockey, Tennis, Football, Chess, Golf - Madrid Open: Federer beats the clay blues to win title

Madrid Open: Federer beats the clay blues to win title
Roger Federer left a lasting impression on the Madrid Open's controversial blue claycourt by grinding out a 3-6, 7-5, 7-5 victory against Czech Tomas Berdych to match Rafa Nadal's record of 20 Masters titles on Sunday.
Sports News - Sun, May 13, 2012

 Rediff Sports - Cricket, Indian hockey, Tennis, Football, Chess, Golf - 'We wanted this title and we deserved it'

'We wanted this title and we deserved it'
Manchester City captain Vincent Kompany said he never stopped believing his side could beat Queens Park Rangers and win the English Premier League title even when they trailed 2-1 with the match into stoppage time.

 Rediff Sports - Cricket, Indian hockey, Tennis, Football, Chess, Golf - Nine hurt after fire guts Williams garage

Nine hurt after fire guts Williams garage
Nine people were hurt when the Williams garage was gutted by fire while the Formula One team were celebrating their first win in nearly eight years at the Spanish Grand Prix on Sunday.

 Rediff Sports - Cricket, Indian hockey, Tennis, Football, Chess, Golf - PHOTOS: Man City clinch title in dramatic finale

PHOTOS: Man City clinch title in dramatic finale
Manchester City claimed their first English title in 44 years in barely believable circumstances on Sunday as stoppage time goals from Edin Dzeko and Sergio Aguero snatched a 3-2 home victory over Queens Park Rangers.

 Rediff Sports - Cricket, Indian hockey, Tennis, Football, Chess, Golf - Manchester City win English Premier League title

Manchester City win English Premier League title
Manchester City were crowned English champions for the first time since 1968 when they won the Premier League title in thrilling fashion on Sunday.

 Rediff Sports - Cricket, Indian hockey, Tennis, Football, Chess, Golf - PHOTOS: Maldonado hands Frank Williams a late birthday gift

PHOTOS: Maldonado hands Frank Williams a late birthday gift
Pastor Maldonado grabbed an astonishing first Formula One victory in a Spanish Grand Prix thriller that handed former champions Williams their first triumph in 132 races and nearly eight years.
Parimarjan Negi bags Asian chess title
Grandmaster Parimarjan Negi won the Asian continental chess championship despite losing to A R Saleh Salem of UAE in the final round that concluded in Ho Chi Minh City on Sunday.

 Rediff Sports - Cricket, Indian hockey, Tennis, Football, Chess, Golf - Dortmund thrash Bayern in Cup final to win double

Dortmund thrash Bayern in Cup final to win double
Bundesliga champions Borussia Dortmund further challenged Bayern Munich's hold over German football on Saturday by crushing their rivals 5-2 with a treble by Poland's Robert Lewandowski to lift the German Cup.
Jr Asia Cup: Akashdeep's golden goal gives India bronze
Captain Akashdeep Singh came to his side's rescue with a golden goal as India defeated South Korea 2-1 to bag a consolation bronze medal at the Junior Asia Cup hockey tournament in Malacca on Sunday.

 Rediff Sports - Cricket, Indian hockey, Tennis, Football, Chess, Golf - Former Real striker Raul joins Qatar's Al Sadd

Former Real striker Raul joins Qatar's Al Sadd
Former Real Madrid striker Raul has joined Al Sadd of Qatar after leaving Schalke 04 at the end of his contract with the Bundesliga club.

 Rediff Sports - Cricket, Indian hockey, Tennis, Football, Chess, Golf - Spanish Grand Prix: Maldonado wins thriller

Spanish Grand Prix: Maldonado wins thriller
Pastor Maldonado grabbed an astonishing first Formula One victory on Sunday in a Spanish Grand Prix thriller that handed former champions Williams their first triumph in 132 races and nearly eight years.

 Rediff Sports - Cricket, Indian hockey, Tennis, Football, Chess, Golf - Madrid Open: Serena humbles Azarenka to win title

Madrid Open: Serena humbles Azarenka to win title
A fired-up Serena Williams sent out a warning to the young pretenders of women's tennis when she powered to a crushing 6-1, 6-3 victory over World No. 1 Victoria Azarenka to win the Madrid Open on Sunday.
Vidic on course for United return in August: Ferguson
Manchester United captain Nemanja Vidic should be fit to make his long-awaited return from injury in time for the new season in August, manager Alex Ferguson said on Sunday.
Om Prakash shatters shot put national record
Om Prakash Karhana on Sunday shattered Shakti Singh's 12-year-old national record in shot put on his way to achieving London Olympics qualification 'A' standard in a meet at Szombathely, Hungary.

 Rediff Sports - Cricket, Indian hockey, Tennis, Football, Chess, Golf - NBA: Lebron James named MVP winner

NBA: Lebron James named MVP winner
Miami Heat forward LeBron James was named on Saturday as the National Basketball Association's Most Valuable Player for the 2011-12 season.

 Rediff Sports - Cricket, Indian hockey, Tennis, Football, Chess, Golf - NBA: Lakers oust Nuggets, Celtics hold off 76ers

NBA: Lakers oust Nuggets, Celtics hold off 76ers
The Los Angeles Lakers finally put away the Denver Nuggets while the Boston Celtics got their series with the Philadelphia 76ers off to a nervous but successful start on Saturday.

 Rediff Sports - Cricket, Indian hockey, Tennis, Football, Chess, Golf - Boxing World C'ships: Mary Kom makes winning start

Boxing World C'ships: Mary Kom makes winning start
Star Indian woman boxer M C Mary Kom made a resounding start to her title defence and the quest for an Olympic berth by advancing to the pre-quarterfinals of the seventh World Women's Championships in Qinhuangdao, China on Sunday.
Madrid Masters: Bhupathi-Bopanna, Paes-Stepanek crash out
The Indian pair of Mahesh Bhupathi and Rohan Bopanna crashed out of the ATP Madrid Masters after losing their semifinal match to Robert Lindstedt of Sweden and Horia Tecau of Romania in Madrid.

 Rediff Sports - Cricket, Indian hockey, Tennis, Football, Chess, Golf - La Liga: Keita grabs late equaliser for 10-man Barca at Betis

La Liga: Keita grabs late equaliser for 10-man Barca at Betis
Seydou Keita scored a stoppage-time equaliser as 10-man Barcelona drew 2-2 at Real Betis to wrap up Pep Guardiola's last La Liga campaign as coach of the club on Saturday.
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