Wednesday, June 2, 2010

Latest Sports Buzz

Latest Sports Buzz

Zim vs Ind 4th odi: All Set For Another Nail Biter

Posted: 02 Jun 2010 10:01 PM PDT

Zim Vs. India.

Zim Vs. India.

Zim vs. Ind are all set to lock horns in the 4th Odi of the tri-series. Zimbabwe was flying high in the sky after shocking India in the opening match of the tournament. Whereas after receiving thumping humiliation in the first ODI match of the tri-series against the hosts Zimbabwe under the inspirational leadership of young and innovative captain Suresh Raina Indian team bounced back with distorting force in the second do or die encounter of the tournament to beat Sri lanka in destructive as well as morale thrashing modes-operandi and kept their hopes alive.

Indian team is still being deemed favorite for the match between Zim vs. India despite the humiliating defeat against the hosts Zimbabwe. This has become potential after Zimbabwe was brought down to earth and cut to size by islanders from Sri Lanka in the third match.

Despite flop movie like show of Indian openers Indian contingent has been able to put up a good show with the help of stubborn resistance of fluent stroke player Rohit Sharma and other defiant batsmen like Virat Kohli who is emerging as the perfect replacement of the Wall of India Mr. Rock solid Rahul Dravid. So far Murali Vijay has done nothing more than adding to the woes of the team on the front whereas middle order player Rohit Sharma has made the most of his both the chances given to him and he has smashed hypnotically mesmerizing tons at the time of urgency.

On the other hand Virat Kohli is perfectly filling the shoes of Mr. dependable Rahul Dravid and runs are flowing from his bat like free flowing water. So far he has scored one but convincing half century in the tournament. Although he has scored only one half century so far but it came when the team needed something special out of his young sleeves at the time of do or die encounter against strong and consistent Sri Lanka.

Moreover, He also did not disappoint the team and produced this innings of his life in a frantic style and took the team beyond the gate of victory in the clash of titans. His half century did not only help the nation in restoring the lost pride of the nation after the defeat to minnows like Zimbabwe rather it also restored the shattered confidence of the boys.

Now both the teams are all set to face each other. Both the teams are confident. Despite this thumping win over Sri Lanka India must be careful as Zimbabwe must be boiling hot after for beating the hell out of India once again after receiving thrashing defeat against Sri Lanka.

So all the cricket fans pull up your socks to witness something really special from the sleeves of these two excitingly young and talented teams in the match of Zim Vs. India.

Boxer and Future Rabbi: Orthodox Jew Yuri Foreman’s Unorthodox Careers

Posted: 02 Jun 2010 12:12 PM PDT

New York, NY, United States (AHN) – The first time Yuri Foreman seems different from other fighters is when he mentions his boxing role model.

"Abraham," he tells HBO in a promotional video for his upcoming fight with Miguel Cotto Saturday night at the new Yankee Stadium.

Foreman doesn't mean boxing Hall of Famer Abraham "Abe" Attell, who held the world featherweight title from 1904 to 1912. He's not referring to current fighter Arthur Abraham, who held the IBF Middleweight crown from 2005 until moving to super middleweight last year.

No, Foreman means the original Abraham, the father of the Israeli people.

The fighter with the unorthodox background is an orthodox Jew.

"I am the first Jewish world champion to be connected to my religion," Foreman told HBO. "When I'm going to fight, its always in my mind that Jewish history produced a lot of fighters. Maybe not prizefighters, but fighters, Biblically.."

"Abraham was very spiritual," continued Foreman, "and at the same time, he was not a stranger to the sword."

Foreman's day job is the next hint that he's not your average fighter. Before training to defend his WBA Light Middleweight title–he is the first Israeli world champion–he spends some quality time with the Torah.

Foreman is studying to become a rabbi. Currently, he's about halfway through a six year rabbinical studies program.

Even before entering the program, Foreman's religion has played a major role in his career.

Despite interest from ESPN's Friday Night Fights and Showtime's ShoBox boxing prospects showcase earlier in his career, Foreman has steadfastly refused to fight on Friday nights, in honor of the Sabbath.

Now, in preparations for the biggest showcase of his career, Foreman is answering questions about how he can balance his current and future careers.

Foreman likes to turn the question on it's head. "How can (Cotto) hit a rabbi?" Foreman asked Jimmy Kimmel when he appeared on the ABC late-night talk show recently. "I'm a teacher. I'll tell him, 'Don't hurt your fellow man.'"

In a more serious moment, Foreman told ESPN, "Judaism teaches that the human person is spiritual and physical. In order to move into higher levels of spirituality, you have to delve into physical life."

There are few lives more physical than that of a boxer.

"You know, Judaism is not Christianity, where you're supposed to turn the other cheek when someone slaps you." Foreman's wife Leyla Leidecker, a former amateur boxer and current model, told AOL FanHouse. "It's definitely a religion that espouses peace, but boxing is a sport, like fencing or basketball or any sport. And what you do in sports, there is always a risk of injury."

Still, Foreman has struggled at times to balance the violence of the sport with the teachings he studies. He has only eight knockouts in his 28 career fights (all victories).

"He wants to win fights with skill, and he doesn't want to hurt anybody. After all, he's a future rabbi," promoter Bob Arum told ESPN.

"I'm still trying to figure out what my mean streak is. It's a work in progress," Foreman said at a recent open workout.

"My people are very good at finding loopholes," Foreman said on Kimmel, sounding more like a Jewish comedian than a fighter. "The two parties, me and my opponent, are aware of the risks involved in the game, and we've pre-signed a contract. We already know what's involved, so it's kind of a green light."

Time management would seem to present as big a challenge to Foreman as the conflicting teachings of his two passions. However, Team Foreman shrugs off the idea.

"It's just like going to school," Foreman told Kimmel.

"I don't see it as a challenge," Leidecker agreed. "He structures his day around it. First he studies, when he's fresh, then he goes to train."

Foreman also shrugs off the conflict that will come in a few years, when he finishes his studies and has to decide whether he's going to continue to serve his fans or a congregation.

"I started boxing way before I came to religion," he told Kimmel. "Boxing is my job, and right now, a rabbi salary is not that big."

He will have an advantage when he does make a career change, however. Few rabbis will be as persuasive as a former world champion. "They better show up in my synagogue," said Foreman.

Copyright © 2003 – 2010 AHN – All rights reserved.

Academic Troubles Sideline Gophers Linebacker Maresh

Posted: 02 Jun 2010 11:54 AM PDT

Minneapolis, MN, United States (AHN) – Minnesota linebacker Sam Maresh made a riveting return from heart surgery to play college football last year, but he’s now sidelined due to academic problems.

Maresh has left the school and enrolled at a local community college, according to the Star Tribune newspaper.

He was at spring practice with the Golden Gophers, but his problems in the classroom and two citations for underage drinking got him into trouble.

Maresh’s emotional comeback put him in the national spotlight, and he was expected to compete for playing time at linebacker, a weak link in the Gophers’ defense this season.

There’s a chance he could still play for the Gophers in the fall. A few of his grades are reportedly under appeal.

Even if that’s denied, he could attend junior college and return to Minnesota with two years of football eligibility remaining.

Minnesota has left the door open for Maresh to make another comeback.

“Sam has some personal issues that have led to a negative impact on his academics,” Gophers head coach Tim Brewster told the newspaper. “And, through getting the proper help he needs, we’ll be excited about him returning to the U and playing football.”

Copyright © 2003 – 2010 AHN – All rights reserved.

Aussie Stosur Stuns No. 1 Seed Williams In Quarterfinals

Posted: 02 Jun 2010 11:53 AM PDT

Paris, France (AHN) – Australian Samantha Stosur made the unexpected a reality Wednesday, stunning world No.1 Serena Williams 6-2, 6-7 (7-2), 8-6 in the quarterfinals of the French Open.

Stosur relied on crosscourt volleys and nifty net plays to shock Williams at Court Philippe Chatrier. The 26-year-old Stosur also compiled 117 points and committed only 24 unforced errors to duplicate her semifinal effort at Roland Garros last year.

Meanwhile, Williams scored 105 points – including 13 aces and 39 winners – but her 46 unforced errors provided the telling point of her loss.

Williams joined Roger Federer as top-seeded players ousted in the quarterfinal round of the Grand Slam tournament.

Federer suffered a 3–6, 6–3, 7–5, 6–4 defeat to No. 5 Robin Soderling Tuesday, ending the Swiss' 23 consecutive Grand Slam semifinals appearances.

Stosur came out firing early with forehand and baseline shots to quickly wrap up the opening set 6-2.

Williams responded with her bludgeoning style of play, launching powerful serves and passing shots to force a decider with a gutsy 6-7 (7-2) second set win.

Nevertheless, Stosur made some big shots down the stretch to complete a stunning victory over Williams.

No. 5 seed Stosur will face No. 4 seed Jelena Jankovic of Serbia in a semifinal showdown Friday.

Jankovic blasted unseeded Yaroslava Shvedova 7-5, 6-4 to reach her third career French Open semifinal.

Copyright © 2003 – 2010 AHN – All rights reserved.

Hurting Celtics’ Guard Rondo Says He’s Prepared For Game 1

Posted: 02 Jun 2010 11:45 AM PDT

Boston, MA, United States (AHN) – Boston Celtics starting guard Rajon Rondo said he plans to shake off muscle spasms Thursday when they play the Los Angeles Lakers in Game 1 of the NBA Finals.

Rondo has nursed the nagging pains throughout a physical Eastern Conference final series against the Orlando Magic. He first felt sustained spasms in Game 4 after a hard fall on his back following a collision with Magic center Dwight Howard.

The point guard said he's still recovering from his injuries but should be ready to play in Game 1.

“I’m about 67 percent today,” Rondo told ESPN Tuesday. “I won’t be 100 percent by Thursday, but I’ll be like 94.7.”

Rondo is averaging 16.7 points, 5.3 rebounds and 10 assists and has been one of the most efficient players this postseason, powering an aging Celtics team to its second NBA Finals appearance in three years.

Aside from Rondo, Glen Davis, Marquis Daniels (concussions) and Rasheed Wallace (back spasms) are also dealing with injuries.

“Right now, nobody in the Finals is 100 percent. If you find someone let me know who is, let me know. You can ask the Lakers, too. One of our rookies might be 100 percent,” Rondo said to ESPN.

Rondo lessened his activity Monday after a long-flight from Boston, but engaged fully in Tuesday's practice at UCLA’s Pauley Pavilion.

Copyright © 2003 – 2010 AHN – All rights reserved.

Rams Safety Atogwe Hits Free Agent Market

Posted: 02 Jun 2010 11:44 AM PDT

St. Louis, MO, United States (AHN) – St. Louis Rams safety O.J. Atogwe became one of this offseason’s top unrestricted free agents Wednesday after he was not re-tendered a contract.

Atogwe was seeking a multiyear deal with the Rams, but couldn’t reach an agreement and the team decided not to sign him to a one-year tender for approximately $7 million, according to media reports.

Atogwe, the Rams’ designated franchise player last offseason, missed the last four games in 2009 with a shoulder injury, and underwent a hernia surgery.

He’s free to negotiate with any team, although the Rams might still want to sign him, albeit at a lower salary.

Despite missing significant time, Atogwe was the team’s second-leading tackler and had two interceptions, a sack and two forced fumbles. He reportedly didn’t participate in offseason conditioning programs and wasn’t at OTA’s at Rams Park.

Atogwe, 28, was a third-round draft choice in 2005 from Stanford. In 72 games with the Rams, he racked up 19 interceptions, including a career-high eight in 2007, and forced 14 fumbles.

Copyright © 2003 – 2010 AHN – All rights reserved.

Tiger Practices, Sean Foley Watches; New Swing Coach?

Posted: 02 Jun 2010 11:43 AM PDT

Dublin, OH, United States (AHN) – It was a different routine for Tiger Woods at Muirfield Village. Normally, Woods heads out bright and early on Tuesdays when he’s entered in an event. He’s the dawn patrol. He’s out before any crowds can gather. He wants time to himself.

Woods showed up Tuesday afternoon, well past lunch hour and headed for the practice facility. There was an interesting observer during the session.

Sean Foley, from the Core Golf Academy in Orlando, Fla., was watching Woods, but not for the first time. Foley was at the Players Championship a few weeks ago and gave Woods a careful once-over.

Foley is the current teacher of PGA Tour members Sean O’Hair and Hunter Mahan, Justin Rose and Stephen Ames.

Could he be the next and newest member of the Tiger Woods camp?

It’s a strong possibility.

David Leadbetter, one of the world’s best-known teachers, basically nominated Foley in a New York Times article.

Tom Jackson, the Core Academy director of instruction, has written what he knows on the Core Website:

“Have they (Foley and Woods) talked swing theories? Yes.”

Jackson added: “Over the past couple of years, Sean (Foley) has gotten to know Tiger and had swing conversations with him.”

There are other facts that suggest this could indeed be Woods’ future partnership.

Foley is a Nike guy. He’s big into fitness, lives in Windermere, not far from the Woods Isleworth mansion. He’s into physiology of the golf swing, a hot-button with Woods.

Foley’s even gone on record to say, “I’d have to understand what’s going on with his left leg, with his knee and his Achilles,” regarding Tiger.

As an individual, Foley is unlike most golfers, most instructors. He quotes Henry David Thoreau. He attended college at Tennessee State, an historical black institution in Nashville.

He’s a native of Canada, he’s a thinker and a talker on many subjects.

He’s 35-years-old, Woods is 34.

Will Foley fill the shoes vacated a few weeks ago by Hank Haney?

Only time will tell and only Woods knows.

Copyright © 2003 – 2010 AHN – All rights reserved.

Flyers Remain Confident Despite Pressure Of 2-0 Cup Deficit

Posted: 02 Jun 2010 11:42 AM PDT

Philadelphia, PA, United States (AHN) – The Philadelphia Flyers look to dig out of a 2-0 hole Wednesday as they play the streaking Chicago Blackhawks in Game 3 of the Stanley Cup Finals.

But the Flyers — their playoffs stoked by that come-from-behind series experience over the Boston Bruins in the second round — believe things are far from over.

The Flyers dropped three straight games against the Bruins, but won the last four games to reach the Eastern Conference finals.

Only 2 of 33 teams in NHL history (6.1 percent) had successfully rebounded from a 2-0 deficit and 2 of 161 teams (1.2 percent) had come back from a 3-0 hole.

Flyers left winger Simon Gagne said the 2-0 situation wasn’t a daunting task.

“We’ve been there before. We’ve been down 2-0. Even 3-0, so it’s not like it’s a new situation for us,” Gagne told reporters during a news conference Tuesday. “We went through it.”

The Flyers could easily have won one or two games on the road, but the Blackhawks scored at key moments for 6-5 and 2-1 victories.

With Game 4 and 5 scheduled at Wachovia Center, the Flyers hope that they can swing the momentum on their side.

Copyright © 2003 – 2010 AHN – All rights reserved.

Haile Gebrselassie to run in the National Running Day 2010

Posted: 02 Jun 2010 11:35 AM PDT

Excellent piece of news for all the Gebrselassie fans. He made it official today that he is surely going to take part in the upcoming National Running Day. He is scheduled to make his U.S. Marathon debut on November 7, 2010.

Hail Gebrselassie, who is presently 37 year old hails from Ethiopia and is undoubtedly one of the best runners in the world. He has set the marathon world record at the Berlin Marathon in 2008 in a record time of 2:03:59. He has won this race four times.Meb Keflezighi, the 2009 New York City Marathon champion from American will also be seen in the Ntional Runnin Day 2010.

The lottery tickets opening for the ING New York City Marathon has been closed though, there is still hope as people can still participate in the 26.2 mile race for charities and if in any case a runner cancels his/her ticket for this year he /she will be automatically liable to get a ticket for the coming year.

Aussie Football Player Suspended For Gay Comments

Posted: 02 Jun 2010 11:34 AM PDT

Sydney, Australia (AHN) – An Australian Rules football team has suspended one of its players for making disparaging remarks about gay people.

In a recent newspaper article, Jason Akermanis said gay football players should not reveal their sexual identity because it would be too controversial, and would sully the image of such a macho sport. Akermanis urged homosexual players to "stay in the closet," according to reports.

The 33-year-old was suspended for two games by his club, the Melbourne-based Western Bulldogs.

Australian Rules has one of the country's toughest sporting codes, and is rooted in custom and tradition.

As one of the game's most touted players, Akermanis' remarks immediately drew criticism.

Not only was he suspended and criticized, but his house and car were pelted with eggs.

His club issued a statement saying if they had known about the comments prior to them being printed, they would have never approved the article.

Copyright © 2003 – 2010 AHN – All rights reserved.
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