Images of Day 6 at Wimbledon on Saturday.

Images of Day 5 of Wimbledon on Friday.

Super sub Fabregas ready to graduate

Spain's ready to win Euro Cup 2008, says Fabregas

London: Spanish and Arsenal mid-fielder Cesc Fabregas has said that his team will be all together, tight as a strong fist, against Germany in Sunday’s Euro 2008 final.

Fabregas who will replace David Villa for the finals, said: "We know Germany are a very competitive team, one of those national teams that we will have to give our all to beat.”

“We are all together tight as a fist, a very strong fist. I won’t get tired of saying that. We are a team that has a great unity on and off the pitch. Of course we haven’t achieved our objective yet. We don’t draw the line here, we want to go home with the cup,” The Sun quoted him, as saying.

Spain confident of ending title drought despite Villa injury

Vienna (Austria): Spain doesn't think the absence of injured striker David Villa will keep it from winning the nation's first title in 44 years when it takes on Germany in the European Championship final.

Midfielder Xabi Alonso said Friday that Spain has such depth of talent on the bench that losing Villa _ the tournament's top scorer with four goals _ isn't going to hurt the team's chances.

''I don't think it will be a big problem for us,'' said Xabi Alonso, a second-half substitute in Spain's 3-0 semifinal win over Russia on Thursday. ''Whoever is coming from the bench is doing a great job and that is as important as who is starting.''

Villa, who's scored the only hat trick at Euro 2008 against Russia in Spain's 4-1 win in the group stage two weeks ago, said he would likely miss the final after pulling a hamstring muscle while taking a free kick in the first half at Ernst Happel Stadium.

''I'm a little sad that I won't be there to take part, but it's better that a teammate who is fit plays instead of me, particularly as my injury has left me limping quite badly,'' Villa said.

Also read:
Spain trounce Russia; to meet Germany in final Fabregas likely to start for Spain in Euro 2008 final

Spain's team doctor Jesus Jimenez said Friday that Villa has a small rupture in his right hamstring that will take between five-to-10 days to heal.

''He's been ruled out of the final,'' Jimenez told reporters.

Midfielder Santi Cazorla said Spain had enough reserve talent to adjust to the situation.

''We have great players in every position. Whoever plays will do a good job,'' Cazorla said.

Coach Luis Aragones inserted Cesc Fabregas to replace Villa and boost Spain's midfield, leaving Fernando Torres as the sole attacker. The move worked, with Spain scoring three goals in the second half, two of them set up by Fabregas.

Aragones was confident his team could beat the Germans, saying he didn't think they played that well in their semifinal against Turkey.

''They were not that strong against the Turks, but they have great players up front,'' Aragones said Friday outside the team's hotel in Vienna.

Alonso said Spain was ''delighted'' with its performance against Russia.

''The result was brilliant,'' he said. ''Hopefully on Sunday, we will repeat another performance like that. Let's hope we can play a good match and lift the cup, which would be historic.''

Spain has only won one major title: the 1964 European Championship. It reached the final of the same tournament 20 years later, but lost to France.

Germany, on the other hand, has been crowned European champion three times and world champion another three. Furthermore, Spain has only beaten Germany once in seven competitive matches, with four victories for the Germans and two draws.

''They know how to win tournaments, they know how to play these games and we know we have be careful because they are the favorites,'' Torres said.

The Liverpool striker isn't having a great tournament. He has only scored one goal _ in the group stage against Sweden _ and was replaced by Dani Guiza in the second half Thursday after missing a string of chances.

Guiza scored Spain's second goal just four minutes after coming on, but refused to speculate on whether he would take Torres' spot in the lineup.

''It would be a dream to play the final with the national team,'' Guiza said Friday. ''But it's the coach who makes the decisions.''

Brazilian-born midfielder Marcos Senna said Spain will have to look out for Germany's counterattacks.

''They are fast and deadly in this kind of game,'' Senna said in a Euro 2008 online chat. ''I think both teams will try to do what they know. Spain will try to keep the possession of the ball and Germany will try to be a block and use the counterattacks to harm us.''

Will to win will bag Germany Euro 2008 crown: Ballack

London: German captain Michael Ballack has insisted that their ruthless will to win is why they will be crowned Euro 2008 champions on Sunday.

Germany was lucky to beat Turkey 3-2 in a dramatic semi-final, with only a last-gasp goal against the run of play getting them through.

But though Chelsea star Ballack admits his team is exhausted and emotionally drained after the victory, he reckoned that the German desire is stronger than ever.

He said: “We're happy to be in the final and that’s what counts. You can see what is possible when you have the will to win and we’ll be the same in the final, I’m sure of that."

Raina, Gambhir star in Indian victory over Bangladesh

Karachi, June 28 (IANS) Suresh Raina raced to his second century in four days as India demolished a spirited Bangladesh to win their first Super-Four match by seven wickets at the National Stadium here Saturday.
Bangladesh, riding high on Alok Kapali's (115) maiden century, scored a challenging 283 runs - Bangladesh's highest one-day international total against India.
Though in-form opening batsman Virender Sehwag was rested, India were never in a spot of bother and accomplished the target in the 43.2 overs.
Raina scored a defiant 116 not out while Gambhir struck 90 to see the team through. Bangladesh though will repent on the dropped chances they gave to both batsmen early in the innings well before their 139-run partnership could flourish.
Raina has been in top form in the tournament and scored his maiden century against Hong Kong before blasting 81 against Pakistan Thursday.
Electing to bat, Bangladesh got off to a sloppy start, losing opener Nazimuddin in the fourth over with only 19 runs on the board. Captain Mohammad Ashraful joined Tamim Iqbal to stabilize the innings and the two added 45 runs for the second wicket. But once Ashraful fell in the 12th over, Bangladesh were left meandering.
Their middle-order batsmen threw away their wickets with Raqibul Hasan (25) and then Mushfiqur Rahim (22) failing to capitalize on a good start.
But just when the Bangladeshi innings looked heading towards a predictable end, 24-year-old Kapali took charge and played a fighting knock.
He along with Mahmudullah (26) rescued Bangladesh with a 112-run stand for the sixth wicket. Kapali then cut loose in the slog overs feasting on Indian bowlers en route his maiden century that came in 86 balls and was studded with 10 fours and five sixes.
Indians too were lousy on the field with Gambhir dropping Kapali at long on and earlier slipping an easy catch off half-century maker opener Iqbal when he was on 11. India conceded 97 runs in the last 10 overs.
Debutant left-arm spinner Pragyan Ojha (2-43) impressed with his tight bowling and also took a couple of good catches to dismiss Nazimuddin (6) and Ashraful (20).
India began their chase on a wrong note, losing Robin Uthappa, who was promoted up in the order in place of Sehwag, for just two runs in the fourth over. But Gambhir played fluently at the other end and along with Raina scripted India's way to victory.
Raina hit 11 boundaries and three massive sixes while Gambhir's innings contained 10 fours and one six.
Both batsmen benefited from the generosity of Bangladeshi fielders. Gambhir was dropped when he was on 56 by Farhad Reza at point boundary and two overs later Raina, on 16, was given a life by Mahmudullah at fine leg after he top-edged a pull shot.
Raina made them pay for their slips, hitting a six and a four in the same over of Mashrafe Mortaza.
Raina was in a Midas touch and along with Yuvraj Singh, who made a quick fire 36 not out, took India to a comfortable victory.

Ballack injury threatens German final hopes

VIENNA (Reuters) - An injury to Germany captain Michael Ballack threatened to rob the Euro 2008 final of one its most exciting players on Saturday, just as soccer's great and good were drooling over the attacking play so far.
A calf problem meant the midfielder was doubtful for Sunday's showpiece in Vienna against Spain, who also looked poised to be without tournament top scorer David Villa through injury.
Ballack's driving runs and aerial ability were expected to test a Spanish defence which has so far been largely untroubled in their five games at the tournament.
"Our medical team will be working with him round the clock but we have to think seriously about alternatives," Germany coach Joachim Loew told a news conference.
The absences of Ballack and Villa would be a blow to fans of soccer, not just the thousands of Germans and Spanish who will descend on the Austria capital for the 1845 GMT kick off.
The three-week event has up to now produced flowing forward play rarely seen in the usually cagey international game.
Michel Platini, president of European governing body UEFA, said the tournament had thrived thanks to exciting games, good organisation and colourful fans.
"I am pleased and delighted that we've been able to convey this wonderful view of football broadcast throughout the world," he said.
"I thank Germany and Spain in particular and hope for a wonderful match with great goals, great saves and attacking football."
Former Germany captain Franz Beckenbauer, who won Euro 72, seemed pleased order had been restored following Greece's shock triumph four years ago with a series of dull 1-0 wins.
"I think everyone involved in the tournament can be very happy. The final is two classic football countries in Germany and Spain. It really is a big success," he said.
"I hope it will be an exciting final, an attractive and high scoring final. Maybe a draw, extra-time then penalties with Germany having the better nerves."
TEAMS INCREASED
Beckenbauer, speaking before the news of the injury, also said Ballack could make the difference for the three-times champions.
The only other clouds on the horizon were the ones that caused torrential rain in Vienna in recent days and the debate over the hosting of the next European Championship in 2012.
Ukraine and Poland are due to hold the next tournament but Platini said the event would be taken off them if stadiums were not completed in Warsaw and Kiev.
The 2012 finals look poised to be the last with 16 teams after a meeting of senior officials on Saturday recommended the tournament should be increased to 24 teams from 2016.
In between summits and news conferences, Platini found time to invite the Spanish goalkeeper he embarrassed in the Euro 84 final to be his guest at Sunday's game.
Platini scored the opening goal of France's 2-0 win over the Spanish with a free kick that squirmed under the body of keeper Luis Arconada in Spain's last appearance at a major final.
Goalkeeping errors of this kind are now universally known in France as an "Arconada".
"I was thinking while I was shaving this morning about how I took the trophy off the Spanish 24 years ago but could be handing it back to them tomorrow," Platini said.
"When we called Arconada up to ask if he wanted to come and watch the game, he asked if it was a joke. But I think it's nice to be able to invite a former rival."

Secured atmosphere makes me confident and successful: Gambhir

Karachi: Young opener Gautam Gambhir on Friday credited his success in Twenty20 and one-day cricket to captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni, who provided a secured atmosphere in the team and increased his confidence.

"I give the captain a lot of credit he has provided me and the other players a lot of confidence and I want to keep on improving," Gambhir told reporters in Karachi on Thursday.

"When you are secure in the team you enjoy your cricket and you are more confident," he added.

Gambhir also said he did not care about what the public said. "Ultimately it is you and your teammates that matter, you have to go out there and keep on performing," he added.

The Delhi cricketer said his ultimate dream remained to "play Test cricket and make a permanent place" for himself in the longer version side.

Gambhir has played in 14 Tests but has been a sure selection for Twenty20 and one-day cricket in recent times. He has so far appeared in 52 one-dayers for India.

Asked about his frequent sledging matches with Pakistani players, Gambhir said he wanted to retaliate when things come from other side.

The left-hander said opening and batting with Virender Sehwag, also his Delhi teammate, was a great feeling and experience.

Yuvraj Singh, also present on the occasion, said passion and the will to win against Pakistan made it a different thing and it worked well for him and kept him going. The exciting batsman to a question said he didn't like to compare himself with Pakistan's Shahid Afridi.

"The passion and following for boom-boom Afridi will never end. I do the big hitting occasionally and he does it consistently," he said.

Both the left-handers talking on the Indian Premier League said it was a great event.

"IPL provides a lot of opportunity and a lot of players have come forward after playing in the competition which is a good thing," Gambhir said.

Lowly-ranked Zheng dumps Ivanovic

World number one Ana Ivanovic's luck at Wimbledon ran out on Friday with the top seed, who survived two match points on Wednesday, hustled out in the third round by China's Zheng Jie.
It was business as usual for five-times champion Roger Federer [Images] who swept into the fourth round with the minimum of fuss after blitzing Frenchman Marc Gicquel 6-3, 6-3, 6-1.
WAGs @ Wimbledon 2008
But Spanish fifth seed David Ferrer went out 6-4, 6-4, 6-7, 7-6 to 2004 semi-finalist Mario Ancic, the last player to beat Federer at Wimbledon in 2002.
One day after third seed Maria Sharapova's [Images] shock exit, the French Open champion could not lift her performance against Zheng, who missed most of the 2007 season with an ankle injury and had never previously beaten a top 10 player.
Zheng, 24, ranked a lowly 133 in singles and better known for her prowess in doubles after lifting the Wimbledon title with Yan Zi two years ago, raced through 6-1, 6-4.
No one was more surprised than Zheng herself.
"I'm so happy. I didn't believe I could win two sets," she told reporters. "I felt today I had the best serve, the better backhand than her. I felt her serve today was just so so. That gave me the chance to play more aggressively."
Ivanovic's departure has opened up the top half of the women's draw, with twice champion Serena Williams [Images] stepping up her bid for a third Rosewater Dish by winning the battle of the former champions in a 7-6, 6-1 success against Amelie Mauresmo.
Two days after a netcord came to her rescue after staring defeat in the face against Nathalie Dechy, Serbian Ivanovic struggled to keep the ball in play.
In contrast to Sharapova's gloomy post-defeat news conference, a stoical Ivanovic, 20, said her loss was part of a "learning experience".
"Trust me, it's not easy to lose. Because I think every loss is disappointing," said Ivanovic after suffering the earliest exit by a top seed since Martina Hingis [Images] was blown away in the opening round in 2001.
"But you also have to realise that the world won't end. I'm still so young and have many tournaments in front of me."
CLOUDS GATHERED
After four days of sunshine and uninterrupted play, the rain clouds briefly gathered over south-west London [Images], forcing a 90-minute delay to the start of play on the showcourts.
Federer's 62nd consecutive win on grass proved one of his easiest.
Bidding to set a modern era record of six men's titles in a row, the Swiss now has two days off before returning on Monday to face Lleyton Hewitt [Images], the 2002 champion.
"It's always a challenge playing Lleyton," said Federer. He's a great player, a guy I really enjoy watching, as well. He's a great competitor.
Hewitt arrived at Wimbledon still battling a painful hip injury but after being taken the full distance in his opening contest by Dutchman Robin Haase, the Australian has enjoyed two trouble-free contests.
Italy's [Images] Simon Bolelli became his latest victim, trounced 6-1, 6-3, 7-6 as Hewitt reached the last 16 for the fifth year running.
Hewitt will have to lift his game again to trouble Federer. Their head-to-head record stands at 13-7 in favour of the Swiss, who has won their last 11 meetings.
Russian Marat Safin [Images] followed his second-round win over third seed Novak Djokovic, outlasting Italy's Andrea Seppi 7-6, 3-6, 7-6, 6-4 in fading light.
Sixth seed Williams polished off Mauresmo after coming through an intense opening set full of high quality tennis, taking her record against the 2006 champion to 10-2.
"I'm not playing my best but I'm thinking positive and there's so much more I can do. In the second week I will do a lot better," said Williams.
Fourth seed Svetlana Kuznetsova encountered few problems in defeating Czech Barbora Zahlavova Strycova 6-2, 6-4 and was joined in the last 16 by fellow Russian and eighth seed Anna Chakvetadze [Images] who motored past compatriot Evgeniya Rodina 6-4, 6-3.
Marion Bartoli's fairytale run to the final last year took the tennis world by surprise but the Frenchwoman's form deserted her on Friday, the 11th seed falling 6-4, 6-1 to Bethanie Mattek [Images]. The American's reward is a fourth-round meeting with Serena Williams.

Match-fixing claims are baseless: Sarjit Singh

Malaysian national hockey coach Sarjit Singh claimed that the match-fixing accusations on his players in an Azlan Shah match against India last month were "wild allegations" aimed at tarnishing the image of Malaysian Hockey Federation (MHF) and his charges.
Police had begun investigations on the scandal acting on MHF's complaint following allegations that India's 2-1 win over Malaysia on May 17 was fixed with some members of Malaysian team offering online bets to lose their own team.
India - Malaysia Azlan Shah match fixed: report
Sarjit said the police probe would clear his players of any guilt and he has also lodged a police complaint on Tuesday to cooperate with the authorities to reach to the bottom of the controversy.
"First of all, I believe in my players and I'm confident that they are not involved in illegal activities. That is why I have lodged a complaint (on Tuesday) to find out who sent the damaging e-mails," Sarjit said.
"My only concern is to clear MHF's and the players' name, and bring to book those who have thrown these wild allegations to tarnish the good name of the sport," he was quoted as saying by 'New Straits Times'.
India go down fighting in Azlan Shah final
"They (players) are equally disturbed with the allegations, and eagerly awaiting for the police investigation to reveal names of those who are out to tarnish their reputation," he added.
On Thursday, MHF had refused to comment on the authenticity of the match-fixing allegations, saying they would not comment on the matter till the police investigations are complete.
"We have sent the case to police and it is looking into it. We do not know if it is true or not," Hashim Mohammad Yusof, Secretary of the MHF had told PTI.
India beat Malaysia to enter Azlan Shah final
Asked if the allegations were true, Hashim had said, "We cannot comment until the final results are out and the police gives us approval."
The local police are yet to call Sarjit or any of the players for questioning and the coach said they would cooperate with the police in finding out the truth.
"My players and I are open to investigation, and we will cooperate with the police when they need our help. There is nothing to hide, and nothing to fear," he said.
"Three-quarter of this team has been training with me since the (2004 Rotterdam) Junior World Cup. They practically grew from boys to men under me. I know all of them like the back of my hand, and that is why it saddens me when some quarters have cast aspersions on them," Sarjit added.

Bradman's baggy green fetches US $425,000 at auction

A baggy green worn by the late Sir Don Bradman fetched a whopping US $425,000 at an auction in Melbourne.
The cap reportedly worn by Bradman in 1948 was the highest fund-raiser at the auction.
Another baggy green owned by legendary all-rounder Allan Border [Images] was sold at almost double its asking price, at US $29,000.
The cap, which is believed to be the first Border cap ever to be sold to public, was estimated at US $15,000 before the sale.
Auctioneer Charles Leski of Leski Auctions, which sold the cap, said it was bought by a private Australian investor.
"It was on the astonishing side of what we'd all expected," Leski told The Australian
Keith Atree, a former WACA employee who used to work as a dressing room attendant, had a large collection of the Sir Don Bradman's memorabilia and thus acquired the caps from Border by exchanging some old pictures of the cricket legend.
Atree worked at the WACA in Perth for more than 50 years as a dressing room attendant and "knew everyone" involved in Australian cricket, Leski said.
However, Atree suffered a stroke and decided to sell the cap to garner money for his family.
Cricket caps from India, England [Images] and the West Indies [Images] were also auctioned, along with other baggy greens caps, which included an unattributed baggy green.
The cap from the 1989-90 Test Series against Pakistan, was sold at US $9300, triple its pre-sale price.

Clarke guides Australia to victory

Australia steamrolled a listless West Indies [Images] team by 63 runs on Friday to claim a 2-0 lead in the best-of-five limited overs series.
Chasing Australia's 213 for five, the hosts managed a reply of 140 for eight from 41 rain-reduced overs under the Duckworth-Lewis scoring method, in what was by far their most disappointing outing of the tour thus far.
The West Indies must win the next one-day international at Grenada's National Stadium on Sunday to keep the series alive, or risk a whitewash at the hands of Ricky Ponting's [Images] side.
Australian paceman Brett Lee [Images] set the tone for the afternoon by removing Xavier Marshall with the first ball of the West Indian innings.
The dismissal provided debutant wicketkeeper Luke Ronchi, a replacement for the injured Brad Haddin, with the rare distinction of claiming a catch from his first delivery in one-day international cricket.
Wickets fell at a steady rate thereafter, eroding any hope of an upset home victory.
Michael Clarke [Images], following on from his resolute innings of 56 earlier in the day, finished with figures of 3-26, while Shane Watson (2-22), Lee (1-26), Mitchell Johnson (1-14) and James Hopes (1-19) rounded out the Australian wicket-takers' list.
Australia might well have closed out the West Indian innings sooner, if not for a rain delay and several decisions that fell the way of the hosts.
Replays suggested Johnson and Clarke were unfortunate not to have removed Chris Gayle and Patrick Browne although both bowlers returned to claim the batsmen's wickets later in the innings.
As was the case in the Test series, the task fell upon Shivnarine Chanderpaul [Images] to hold the West Indian innings together.
The determined left-hander led his side with an unbeaten 45 from 77 deliveries, but with wickets tumbling around him, his efforts were insufficient to save the match for the hosts.
RAIN DELAY
The West Indies had been set the revised total of 204 from 41 overs due to the mid-innings rain delay after fine opening spells from the pace duo of Jerome Taylor [Images] (2-47) and Daren Powell [Images] (1-29) had denied Australia a brisk start.
Taylor trapped Shane Watson for a duck lbw with the last ball of the first over and Australia were further reduced when Powell had Shaun Marsh [Images] caught behind for 12.
Taylor returned to remove Ponting, playing his 300th one-day international, for 13 to leave the tourists reeling at 53 for three before 10 overs had been completed.
But a steady 100-run partnership between Clarke and Michael Hussey steadied the ship.
Clarke eventually fell lbw to Sulieman Benn for 56 and Hussey was caught at long-on by Xavier Marshall off Dwayne Bravo [Images] for 62 but by then Australia were well on their way to building their winning total.

Sehwag sizzles as India trounce Pakistan

Karachi: Familiar Pakistan nemesis Virender Sehwag (119) slammed a brilliant century while Suresh Raina (84) too matched his aggression as India cantered to a facile six-wicket win with 7.5 overs to spare against the arch-rivals in the Asia Cup cricket tournament here on Wednesday night.

It was sweet revenge for the Indians who just two weeks ago were outclassed by Pakistan in the Kitply tri-series final in Dhaka.

With Sehwag and Raina on fire, India cruised to 301 for four in only 42.1 overs after Pakistan appeared to have set a competitive target by making 299 for four.

The hosts' innings revolved around 125 from captain Shoaib Malik and Younis Khan's 59 on a good batting track. Malik didn't field after retiring with cramps while pacer Umar Gul also went off with a rib cage injury after sending down just 1.2 overs.But under lights, Sehwag showed just how good the track was when he savaged the attack scoring his ninth hundred. He and Raina put on a record 198 runs for the second wicket from 149 balls before the stand was broken in the 28th over.

The stand was remarkable as it came after Pakistan's stand in captain Misbah-ul-Haq had brought off a spectacular one-handed catch at wide slip to get rid of Gautam Ghambir (9) in the third over and the players were on a high.

But it was Sehwag's day as he played some breathtaking shots to give India their fourth successive win over Pakistan at the venue. It was his first one-day hundred for India since he got one against Bermuda in the 2007 World Cup.

The second-wicket stand was also a new record for the Asia Cup, breaking the previous best of 154 between Sachin Tendulkar and Sourav Ganguly against Bangladesh in 2004.

India, by virtue of their victory, topped group B of the six-nation tournament and will play Bangladesh in the first match of the super four stage on June 28.

Yuvraj Singh (48 from 47 balls) and MS Dhoni (26 not out) shared a fourth-wicket stand o f63 from 66 balls to seal the victory after the fall of Raina and Sehwag.

Raina, who hit 10 boundaries and three sixes, faced only 69 balls and fell in the 28th over after he played a loose shot to Iftikhar Anjum and was caught at cover by Fawad Alam.

Sehwag was caught at long on by Younis off Afridi after a 95-ball innings.

Sehwag's 119-ball blitzkrieg was studded with 12 fours and five sixes. Raina was no less aggressive either as the left-hander smote 10 fours and three sixes for his 69-ball 84.

Yuvraj, too, joined the run-feast though he fell two runs shy of his half century, Dhoni scored the winning run in style, hitting Younis Khan for a six.

Ganguly bags Asian Cricketer and Asian Batsman award

Karachi: Former captain Sourav Ganguly was adjudged the Asian Cricketer and Asian Batsman of the year for his fighting comeback into the Indian team at the Castrol Asian Cricket Awards here on Friday.

Sachin Tendulkar was named the Best ODI batsman while Gautam Gambhir grabbed the honour in Twenty20. Sri Lankan wicket-keeper batsman Kumar Sangakkara took away the best Test Batsman of the year award while compatriot Farveez Maharoof was chosen as the Best ODI Bowler. Pakistan's Umar Gul was named the Best Twenty20 Bowler.

Sri Lankan spin wizard Muttiah Muralitharan, not surprisingly, took away the Best Bowler award.

The surprise element was Pakistan wicket-keeper Kamran Akmal, who has been dropped from the Asia Cup squad because of his poor form, as he was conferred with the Best Fielder award.

But former Pakistan pacer Wasim Akram, who along with Sri Lankan batsman Sanath Jayasuriya and former India skipper Rahul Dravid picked the winners, said that Akmal was selected for his overall performances throughout the last two years.

Though Ganguly was not present at the ceremony, his wife Dona took the awards on his behalf. "I am proud and happy to be his wife. I don't think he needed to work so hard to prove himself. But he had a point to prove and when he wants to achieve something he does it. So these awards make me really proud of him as my husband," Dona told reporters after receiving the awards. She, however, refused to term the awards as redemption for her husband after his removal as captain and being dropped from the team in 2006.

"I don't see it that way. I just knew that he would achieve what he wanted. He is a introvert sort of person but my job was to be there to encourage and support him. As a family we were there for him always," she said.

The Bengal left-hander also expressed his happiness on receiving the awards in a video taped message.

Akram said that Asian cricket had produced some great performers from Hanif Mohammad to Tendulkar and it was good to see them being recognised for their achievements in a systematic manner.

Pakistan greats like Hanif Mohammad, Zaheer Abbas, Asif Iqbal and Wasim Bari graced the ceremony that was hosted by Akram and Rameez Raja with all the teams, including associate member Hong Kong, in attendance.

Hanif got a lifetime achievement award and said it was time for other companies and people to also come forward and recognise and reward the players.

Match-fixing claims are baseless: Sarjit Singh

Malaysian national hockey coach Sarjit Singh claimed that the match-fixing accusations on his players in an Azlan Shah match against India last month were "wild allegations" aimed at tarnishing the image of Malaysian Hockey Federation (MHF) and his charges.
Police had begun investigations on the scandal acting on MHF's complaint following allegations that India's 2-1 win over Malaysia on May 17 was fixed with some members of Malaysian team offering online bets to lose their own team.
India - Malaysia Azlan Shah match fixed: report
Sarjit said the police probe would clear his players of any guilt and he has also lodged a police complaint on Tuesday to cooperate with the authorities to reach to the bottom of the controversy.
"First of all, I believe in my players and I'm confident that they are not involved in illegal activities. That is why I have lodged a complaint (on Tuesday) to find out who sent the damaging e-mails," Sarjit said.
"My only concern is to clear MHF's and the players' name, and bring to book those who have thrown these wild allegations to tarnish the good name of the sport," he was quoted as saying by 'New Straits Times'.
India go down fighting in Azlan Shah final
"They (players) are equally disturbed with the allegations, and eagerly awaiting for the police investigation to reveal names of those who are out to tarnish their reputation," he added.
On Thursday, MHF had refused to comment on the authenticity of the match-fixing allegations, saying they would not comment on the matter till the police investigations are complete.
"We have sent the case to police and it is looking into it. We do not know if it is true or not," Hashim Mohammad Yusof, Secretary of the MHF had told PTI.
India beat Malaysia to enter Azlan Shah final
Asked if the allegations were true, Hashim had said, "We cannot comment until the final results are out and the police gives us approval."
The local police are yet to call Sarjit or any of the players for questioning and the coach said they would cooperate with the police in finding out the truth.
"My players and I are open to investigation, and we will cooperate with the police when they need our help. There is nothing to hide, and nothing to fear," he said.
"Three-quarter of this team has been training with me since the (2004 Rotterdam) Junior World Cup. They practically grew from boys to men under me. I know all of them like the back of my hand, and that is why it saddens me when some quarters have cast aspersions on them," Sarjit added.

Spain trounce Russia to enter Euro 2008 final

Spain reached the European Championship final for the first time in 24 years on Thursday after a convincing 3-0 victory over Russia [Images] to set up a meeting with Germany [Images] in Sunday's Euro 2008 [Images] decider.
Images: Spain-Russia semi-final
Xavi scored with a superbly taken opportunist volley at a rainswept Ernst Happel Stadium to give Spain a deserved 1-0 lead after 50 minutes and substitute Daniel Guiza made no mistake when he beat the off-side trap to make it 2-0 after 73 minutes.
Cesc Fabregas set up David Silva to make it 3-0 eight minutes from time.
The breakthrough in an absorbing match came five minutes into the second half when Andres Iniesta cut in from the left and found Xavi who had lost his markers.
He took his chance brilliantly to put Spain ahead and on the way to their first final since they lost to France [Images] in 1984.
Guiza replaced Fernando Torres up front after 69 minutes and took only four minutes to strike after being set up by midfielder Cesc Fabregas, who had a huge influence after replacing the injured David Villa [Images] after 35 minutes.
Spain, who stretched their unbeaten run to 21 matches, will be attempting to be crowned European champions for the first time since their only success in 1964.
Germany, who reached the final on Wednesday by beating Turkey 3-2, will be aiming for their fourth continental triumph.
Spain beat Russia 4-1 in the group stage two weeks ago and were the better side again on Thursday, totally deserving their triumph because their midfield dominated and created plenty of chances for the front men.
Russia, who improved enormously after that opening loss to Spain, never found the rhythm and verve that had seen off Netherlands in the quarter-final and Andrei Arshavin, the inspiration behind their revival, had a largely anonymous game.
Both teams made a lively start in the pouring rain with Spain creating the first two chances. Torres turned and shot straight at Igor Akinfeyev after six minutes and Villa forced the keeper into a good save five minutes later.
Russia's first serious chance came after 16 minutes when Roman Pavlyuchenko blasted a free kick just over Iker Casillas's bar. He also went close with a long-range shot after 31 minutes. However, the second half belonged to triumphant Spain.

Podolski spark is lighting up Germany again

Lukas Podolski has put two frustrating years behind him to lead Germany [Images] to the semi-finals of Euro 2008 [Images] and prove his best young player award at the last World Cup was a promise of more to come.
Podolski, a centre forward by trade, lost his place in the team to Mario Gomez before the tournament but has reinvented himself as a midfielder to great effect, scoring three times and playing a key role in the quarter-final win over Portugal.
Russia's sleeping giant awakes
"The last two years have not been easy," Podolski said in the build-up to Wednesday's semi-final against Turkey in Basel.
"I didn't get too many games at Bayern Munich but I resolved to train as hard as possible, to claw my way back into the national team. Now I want to reach the final."
Dropping him would now be unthinkable for coach Joachim Loew, but for a long time it looked as though the 23-year-old would have to scrap it out for a place on the bench.
After his explosion on to the international scene at the 2006 World Cup, when he scored three goals and formed a deadly partnership with fellow Polish-born striker Miroslav Klose [Images], he found life back in the Bundesliga an altogether tougher affair.
After moving to Bayern he managed just nine league goals in two seasons and while he continued finding the net for Germany -- he bagged eight in the qualifiers -- his place came under pressure from the rapidly improving Gomez.
It was clear heading into Euro 2008 that Gomez would be Klose's strike partner but there was a gap in midfield and Podolski took his chance.
German players leave footprints at Euro
Apart from the goals, and a superb assist for Bastian Schweinsteiger's opener against Portugal, Podolski has tracked back diligently and formed a great partnership with Bayern team mate Philipp Lahm on Germany's left side.
His club future has been the subject of intense speculation in Germany but the player himself is happy to concentrate on helping the team make up for the disappointment of their World Cup semi-final defeat by Italy [Images] in 2006.
"I haven't had any contact with anyone at Bayern," Podolski said. "My only goal is to win Euro 2008 with Germany. Everything else comes later."

Relentless Germans turn tables on Turkey

Germany [Images] made all the mistakes they had promised to avoid in Wednesday's Euro 2008 [Images] semi-final against Turkey but they squeezed through 3-2 after learning a lesson from their devastated opponents.
For most of an error-strewn match at St Jakob Park in Basel, Germany were too casual on the ball, too predictable in their movements and lacked the sort of patience you need to find the space and time to hurt a side defending with such concentration.
They underestimated Turkey's ability in attack and made careless mistakes in defence, while creaking goalkeeper Jens Lehmann looked every one of his 38 years.
Turkey so near but Germany triumph Images
They got away with it because the one quality they did show was perseverance.
After an exchange of goals in the first half they took the lead with 11 minutes to go when Miroslav Klose [Images] headed in Philipp Lahm's cross, with goalkeeper Rustu Recber badly at fault.
Turkey had produced three increasingly unlikely comebacks to reach the semi-finals and, inevitably it seemed, they equalised when Semih Senturk nipped in ahead of the defence to convert a low cross at the near post.
Instead of bemoaning their luck and preparing for extra time, Germany showed that they too are capable of giving a game an unexpected late twist.
With the clock ticking down, Lahm took the ball forward down the left but instead of crossing immediately he played a one-two with Thomas Hitzlsperger and ran forward before calmly curling the ball past Rustu.
ECSTATIC GERMANS
For once it was Turkey who were left exhausted after an exhilarating finish, while ecstatic Germany can look forward to Sunday's final against Russia [Images] or Spain in Vienna.
"There were a lot of things wrong with the way we played," said Klose. "We didn't do at all what we set out to do. We were always standing too far away from them.
Podolski spark lighting up Germany
"[But] we showed that we can always come back, and also that we can score a lot of goals even when we have few chances."
For Turkey, it is impossible not to feel sympathy.
Despite all the injuries and suspensions, coach Fatih Terim had stressed before the game that they would not be simply looking for a miracle, and his players responded with a fearless performance.
"If we had made it to extra time we could have won," said Terim. "We should never forget that we gave the Turkish people a lot. We would have loved to have given our people a final."
German players leave footprints at Euro
Germany have done just that for their fans, who were so disappointed when a team then coached by Juergen Klinsmann went out in the semi-finals of their home World Cup in 2006.
Going a stage further is a great achievement for his replacement Joachim Loew. But if Germany are to land a fourth European Championship and their first major title since 1996 he will have to cut out this worrying tendency towards complacency.

Euro 2008: Germany vs Turkey

Turkish forward Semih Senturk (left) reacts after missing a goal opportunity next to to German defender Per Mertesacker during the semi-final at St Jakob-Park stadium in Basel on Wednesday.
The SK Fenerbahce striker, who emerged the highest scorer in the Turkish League this season with 17 goals, had also found the net on two occasions in Euro 2008.
The 25-year-old was at his attacking best against Germany but received a yellow card in the second half.

Turkish midfielder Hamit Altintop (centre) fights for the ball with German goalkeeper Jens Lehmann (left) and defender Philipp Lahm.
The Gelsenkirchen-born Bayern Munich player had a brillaint shot at the goal and it took an equally brilliant effort from Lehmann to save it.
The German squad in Euro 2008 has as many as five members from Bayern and Hamit's presence in the Munich club was considered as an advantage by the Turkish players.

Turkish midfielder Kazim Kazim (front) vies for the ball with German defender Philipp Lahm.
The English-born footballer, who plays for Fenerbahce in the Turkish Super League, was in his elements against Germany.
His run-ins down the flanks caused a great deal of trouble for the German defenders.

Ugur Boral of Turkey celebrates the opening goal with coach Fatih Terim.
For the 26-year-old Fenerbahce player, who made his first start of the tournament, it was also his first international goal.

Bastian Schweinsteiger celebrates scoring Germany's equaliser.
Schweinsteiger, who also scored in the quarter-final win over Portugal, seems to have put his woeful form in the league phase behind him.
Germany have never lost a match in which the Bayern Munich player has scored.

Medical staff surround German midfielder Simon Rolfes after he collided with Turkish midfielder Ayhan Akman (bottom).
Germany were on the backfoot for most of the opening half but came back to win 3-2 and book a place in the title decider.

German forward Miroslav Klose jubilates after scoring his side's second goal.
It was also the second goal of the tournament for the Bayern Munich forward after his strike against Portugal in the quarter-final.

Turkish forward Semih Senturk (left), Gokdeniz Karadeniz (right, down) and defender Gokhan Zan celebrate after Senturk scores the second goal to level scores.
The goal brought Turkey level at 2-2 and was Senturk's third of the tournament.

German defender Philipp Lahm (left) celebrates with midfielder Thomas Hitzlsperger after he scores the winner.
Lahm's 90th minute strike ensured Germany won 3-2 and qualified for the final.

Euro 2008: Spain vs Russia Images

The teams line up for the national anthems ahead of the semi-final clash between Russia and Spain in Vienna on Thursday.
Spain reached the European Championship final for the first time in 24 years on Thursday after a convincing 3-0 victory over Russia to set up a meeting with Germany in Sunday's Euro 2008 decider.

Spanish forward Fernando Torres traps the ball.
Spain beat Russia 4-1 in the group stage two weeks ago and were the better side again on Thursday, totally deserving their triumph because their midfield dominated and created plenty of chances for the front men

Russia's Roman Pavlyuchenko looks at the ball after missing an opportunity.
Russia's first serious chance came after 16 minutes when Pavlyuchenko blasted a free kick just over Iker Casillas's bar. He also went close with a long-range shot after 31 minutes

Xavi scored with a superbly taken opportunist volley at a rainswept Ernst Happel Stadium to give Spain a deserved 1-0 lead after 50 minutes.
The breakthrough in an absorbing match came five minutes into the second half when Andres Iniesta cut in from the left and found Xavi who had lost his markers.

Substitute Daniel Guiza made no mistake when he beat the off-side trap to make it 2-0 after 73 minutes.
Guiza replaced Fernando Torres up front after 69 minutes and took only four minutes to strike after being set up by midfielder Cesc Fabregas

The flares go up as Spanish supporters sense victory.
Spain, who stretched their unbeaten run to 21 matches, will be attempting to be crowned European champions for the first time since their only success in 1964

David Silva celebrates with Cesc Fabregas, who was a great influence in the mid-field, after scoring the third goal.
Silva scored eight minutes from time to shut the door on Russia

Russian players look dejected after the match.
Russia, who improved enormously after that opening loss to Spain, never found the rhythm and verve that had seen off Netherlands in the quarter-final and Andrei Arshavin, the inspiration behind their revival, had a largely anonymous game.

Spain's captain Iker Casillas, who had a relatively uneventful day, celebrates as the final whistle goes off.
Casillas was instrumental in getting Spain to the final four as he saved two penalties in the shoot-out against Italy in the quarter-finals.

Spain players rejoice after making their first final in a major competition after a long time.
The take on Germany in the final.
Germany, who reached beat Turkey 3-2 on Wednesday, will be aiming for their fourth continental triumph

'83 heroes relive World Cup win at Lord's

It was a journey down the memory lane as India's 1983 World Cup heroes relived the historic occasion by walking down the pitch and then victorious captain Kapil Dev [Images] opening a champagne bottle from the hallowed balcony of the Lord's pavilion on Wednesday, as he did exactly 25 years ago.
"It [the 1983 victory] was one of the greatest moments in history," both Kapil and BCCI president Sharad Pawar [Images] said.
Celebrating India's 1983 World Cup win
Later at a dinner hosted in honour of the 15 men who had created history, Pawar, along with liquor baron Vijay Mallya [Images], presented a replica of the Prudential Cup to each one of them.
Mallya, whose UB Group sponsored the event, unveiled a cricket bat adorned with 25-carat diamonds and a specially designed ball, encrusted with diamonds, which would be auctioned by Sotheby's with the proceeds to be presented to the 15 heroes equally.
Noting that the 1983 World Cup victory had given "self-belief" to all the Indians, Pawar told the packed gathering that both Mahendra Singh Dhoni, captain of the victorious World Twenty20 Cup team, and Virat Kohli, who led India to Under-19 World Cup title in Malaysia, were inspired by 'Kapil's Devils'.
'Dev'astating gem turns silver
Pawar said though an Indian team first visited England [Images] in 1932, "history was created by Kapil and his team mates by winning the World Cup in 1983".
Kapil, who has fallen out with the BCCI after joining the Indian Cricket League, thanked Pawar for honouring the cricketers.
"We are honoured and we would like to honour you with the same respect for looking after cricketers," he said, while also thanking Sunil Gavaskar [Images] for conceptualising the silver jubilee celebration of India's victory in London [Images].
Pawar, on his part, praised Kapil for leading from the front to win the World Cup.
"Kapil really changed everything," pointed out Pawar, who said he had watched India's matches against Zimbabwe and the final against West Indies [Images].
When the Cup came home
Noting that cricket is a religion in India, Pawar said, "Today the major news in my country is the silver Jubilee celebration of India's World Cup victory, though there is a political crisis in the country."
Gavaskar, who booked the venue of the celebrations at the Lord's after learning a year back that no cricket match was being played on June 25, was all praise for Kapil Dev's leadership.
"He showed how to play a captain's innings and rescue the team."
As in the celebrations in India, Kapil was the star attraction at the Lord's function also.
Asked when the team started believing that they could win the World Cup in 1983, Kapil said, "When we beat West Indies, the twice champions in Manchester in the league stage. It was then that we started believing in ourselves."
"The credit for the victory should go to everybody including the media," he said, adding that nobody gave India any outside chance to win the World Cup in 1983.
Perhaps that day was for me only: Kapil Dev
Asked about the prospects of India winning the next World Cup in 2011, the legendary all-rounder said, "Why not. Now we start believing that we have that capacity."
"India's victory also inspired Sri Lanka [Images] and Pakistan," he said, adding, "Today, we are much more closer to winning the Cup again."
Gavaskar concurred with Kapil saying, "Yes, We have plenty of options now. In 2011 India will be able to break the jinx of host countries not lifting the trophy."
Asked what he thought when he went to bat with India five down for 17 in their match against Zimbabwe, Kapil said, "I went in with the thought 'let me stay here'."
"Once we started getting runs, we consolidated our position and in the last 5-6 overs scored about 70 to 80 runs. India won the match by 31 runs."
Kapil revealed that he was reluctant to take up the captaincy at that time as there were other senior and worthy players. "Besides, because of lack of proficiency in English I was reluctant to face the media."
He said he is sorry if he had "disturbed anybody's peace of mind" as captain of the Indian team. "I remained cricket captain on the field. If I said anything which has disturbed anybody's peace of mind, I am sorry."
Asked whether there is any room to end rivalry between the Indian Cricket League (ICL) and Indian Premier League [Images] (IPL), Kapil Dev, who is chairman of the 'rebel' ICL group, quipped, "Let's see. Our job is to promote the game."
Kapil regaled the audience with a series of anecdotes about each of his team mates.
Introducing Balwinder Singh Sandhu, Kapil praised him for knocking down the wicket of much feared Gordon Greenidge early in the final match against the West Indies.
Greenidge's wicket made that delivery special: Sandhu
"Later when Malcolm Marshall bowled a bouncer at Sandhu, the normally quiet umpire Dickie Bird shouted at Marshal 'You can't bowl like that to a 11th batsman'," Kapil remembered.
He said Dilip Vengsarkar had scored three centuries in his three matches at the Lord's but he was not in the final because of an injury. "Otherwise, our score would have been 283."
"Kirti Azad and Mohinder Amarnath bowled 24 overs giving away 53 runs. How can England win if they could not face India's part-time bowlers," Kapil said of the heroics of Azad and Amarnath.
"Mohinder Amarnath was truly a champion all-rounder, totally underestimated by a lot of batsmen."
Kapil described Roger Binny as a "lovable character" who would do anything for the captain while introducing Sandeep Patil as a great cricketer and entertainer.
Everybody played to potential: Sandeep Patil
The legendary all-rounder wondered how Yashpal Sharma proved himself a strong cricketer despite being a vegetarian.
As for wicketkeeper Syed Kirmani, Kapil said, "He [Kirmani] was always late but was never late to take catches. He is one of the best wicketkeepers India has ever produced."
He described Madan Lal as hardest and toughest cricketer and Krishnamachari Srikkanth a great character.
"With a little more talent, Ravi Shastri, cricketer of the cricketers, would have been one of the best cricketers in the world," was how Kapil described the Shastri.
But, the best accolade was reserved for Gavaskar, whom Kapil said he was not qualified to describe.
"He played for India when there were hardly any pace bowlers at home. But he went to the West Indies and pulverised their pacers, scoring hundreds after hundreds without wearing a helmet. He taught us how not to lose a match. We love and respect each other. He is the most straightforward cricketer I have known," Kapil said of the legendary opener.
"We may have differences of opinion. That does not mean I don't respect him. I respect him more than anybody else."
Kapil did not forget the manager Peter Man Singh whom he thanked for "all good and bad things" he had done and described him as one of the finest men.
"He looked after every needs of every team member."
As for Mallya, who financed the event, Kapil said, "We sportspersons are proud of you and what you have done to sportsmen in the country."

Russia's sleeping giant awakes

Russia striker Roman Pavlyuchenko has woken from a footballing slumber to score three times and become one of the Euro 2008 semi-finalists' best assets.

Described as a "sleeping giant" by coach Guus Hiddink, who told him to wake up and get fit or risk missing the finals, the promising but sometimes frustrating 26-year-old has clearly been aroused by that alarm bell.
Having convinced Hiddink to include him in the squad, he lost weight and sharpened his game during an intense pre-tournament training programme. When striker Pavel Pogrebnyak pulled out injured days before the start, he was ready to take over in the starting line-up.

Even his team mates seem surprised at the impact their number 19 has had.

"I think Roman is the biggest revelation so far. He has always played well in the Russian league and was top scorer for the last two seasons, but I think nobody expected him to play like he is at the European Championship," Russia captain Sergei Semak told uefa.com.
"Pavlyuchenko, it seems, has become one of the leaders of this side."
His ability to score has always been evident, the double against England in a 2-1 qualifying win last October in Moscow is a case in point, and he has found the net a respectable nine times in 19 appearances.

It is the striker's attitude that has appeared to frustrate Hiddink, who admits he gets annoyed with players who do not perform to their full potential.
Pavlyuchenko's laid-back manner is both his friend and enemy, allowing him to drift unnoticed despite his height (1.88 metres) into dangerous spaces but it can also try the patience of his coaches.
"When I saw him move in previous games and in the league I sometimes got annoyed," Hiddink told reporters on Monday.
"If you are a well paid professional, you need to work like hell. You have to take this responsibility.
"We talked about this and he worked perfectly ... he got into physical shape, and if you get into physical shape your mental shape will get there as well."

Pavlyuchenko's performance against England made him an overnight hero at home and the media attention the usually shy player received seemed to send him on a downward spiral.
He featured on television talk shows, which led him to occasionally miss training. The goals started to dry up and he was dropped to the reserves by Spartak Moscow after being red-carded for dissent in a defeat by city rivals Dinamo in April.
Those days are now forgotten and Pavlyuchenko has a new swagger before Thursday's semi-final with Spain in Vienna.

Having the hugely talented playmaker Andrei Arshavin lurking just behind him has clearly helped and he has also been fed some excellent passes from midfielder Konstantin Zyryanov that have given him a clear shot at goal.
if Pavlyuchenko works out how to convert more of those chances as effectively as he has sorted out his other problems, Spain could have trouble on their hands.