Friday, August 6, 2010

Latest Sports Buzz

Latest Sports Buzz

Ind vs SL Live Score 3rd test: Visitors 70 runs away from victory

Posted: 06 Aug 2010 11:25 PM PDT

sri lanka

sri lanka

India has finally managed to get out of a mess after plunging into a miserable four for 37 in 15 overs. Sachin Tendulkar and VVS Laxman steered the visitors to a stable condition on the fifth day of the third test at the P Sara Oval, in Colombo. Earlier Lankan bowler Suraj Randiv had an outstanding stint where he routed four Indian batsmen.

Tendulkar and Laxman remain unbeaten with 28 and 14 runs respectively taking the score to 87 for four in 31 overs as per the latest update. The Indians were hard hit by Randiv's spell and were stranded at 53 for 3 in 18 overs while chasing a target of 257. India is now just 70 runs away from claiming victory in the third test. The first test was won by Sri Lanka while second ended up in draw.

Sri Lanka had scored 267 in the second innings with the help of spectacular knocks from Samaraweera and Mendis. Samaraweera scored 83 from 138 balls and was strongly supported by Mendis who claimed his maiden fifty by scoring 78 off 157 balls. This was the former's second century during the test.

SL vs India 3rd test: Vacillating 4th day finds SL firm

Posted: 06 Aug 2010 11:29 AM PDT

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SL vs India

SL vs India

The 4th day of the 3rd test match at P Sara Oval was a high tension one with SL losing 6 wickets in the first huddle and making a good comeback. This has led India into rethinking their strategy and only Sachin Tendulkar putting up a good fight.

The spinners were supposed to take the lead today and did well only till the ball was still new with Ojha making it bite and turn on well. But they struggled when they had to push it faster as it wore off; especially Amit Mishra failed to vary his pace, not taking advantage of the extra bounce and also ball not spinning well.

Thilan Samaraweera and Ajantha Mendis had put together a respectable score even on a bad pitch in the 2nd session and Randiv boosted the team morale taking 3 wickets including that of Sehwag to make his own contribution to the volte-face. India felt the stress when SL made a comeback from 87 for7 on the shoulders of Samaraweera and Mendis playing with unwavering defense, adjusting well to the turn and bounce and taking singles at every opportunity.

Samaraweera exhibited the same integrity with which he hit a ton on the first innings playing the ball late, excellent wristwork to turn the ball around. He has scored tons in some difficult circumstances before but this 83 run haul will certainly be counted in the exceptional ones. He successfully turned the game around before pulling a short ball fine and ended up caught by MS Dhoni. Mendis easily drove the pitched deliveries to the off side and struggled only when the ball hit the inside edge to pop up in the empty short-leg area.

Indian seamers toiled with their length and defensive field settings while Mendis added priceless runs with Ishant failing to bowl even a single Yorker as he scored some 4s on deliveries pitched on length from him but Mishra drove him to get caught by Suresh Raina to end the innings.

Offspinner Randiv was successful in beating Sehwag on the very first ball when he tried to make a cut. The next one was caught by Jayawardene when he opened the face of his bat. This was a huge one for SL and their jubilation echoed the fact. Just before the end M Vijay directing a shortish delivery to Jayawardene at leg slip, who was just there to take a low catch.

Rahul Dravid was the last victim as he dropped Randiv's ball close to his feet which spun back towards the stumps before he could react thus the series ended with disenchant.
At the SL v India 4th day of the 3rd test, SL ambushed the spinners to get to a decent score of 267 with DPMD Jayawardene and Kumar Sangakkara cutting, sweeping and stepping out to hit Ojha who ultimately took them down.

Successive deliveries by Mishra sent Angelo Mathews and Prasanna Jayawardene home while Raina nose-dived to catch Sangakkara who pulled long-hop delivery to square leg greedy for a four. Malinga risked his arm in a 38-run partnership with Samaraweera in retaliation and Mendis struggled to earn a wicket in the second session and also for an hour in the next. Till then final 3 SL wickets fell only after adding crucial 180 runs to the total and they now stand firm.

So the fateful 4th day of SL v India 3rd test at P Sara Oval came to end with India needing 204 runs with Sachin and others to beat SL which as of now is certainly at a comfortable position.

Mike Modano abandons retirement plans to return to NHL season

Posted: 06 Aug 2010 05:34 AM PDT

mike modano

mike modano

Mike Madano has put aside his retirement plans after accepting a one year deal with the Detroit Red Wings. He had been playing for the Dallas Stars, but the forty year old's performance and career was on a fading path for quite some time. “I was leaning toward retirement after the last two years took a lot out of me. But the Red Wings convinced me that a change of scenery would be good for me, and that helped me get my drive and passion back”, said the player in an interview to the Associated Press.

The Red Wings on the other were only too happy to welcome the star forward to the team. “I think it’s going to be a great fit for him and for us. There’s not going to be pressure on him to carry the team", remarked Red Wings general manager Ken Holland.

Modano had steered Dallas to winning the Stanley Cup in 1999. He was also a part of the American team that won the silver in 2002 Olympics. He has an aggregate of 557 goals and 1,359 points spanning the career. The Michigan native was let free of his role with Dallas after the management decided not to sign him again.

Liverpool downs Rabotnicki 2-0 at Anfield

Posted: 06 Aug 2010 03:44 AM PDT

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Rabotnicki vs Liverpool

Rabotnicki vs Liverpool

The home turf game at Anfield saw Liverpool overcome the Rabotnicki threat with the help of two powerful goals from Captain David Ngog and Steven Gerrard. It was the day of Liverpool manager Roy Hodgson as he started off the stint with a victory.

The 21st and 28th minute goals from Ngog and Gerrard sealed Liverpool's dominance and Rabotnicki's fate. The five-time European champions have now got into the Europa League play-offs amidst speculations that the team is being eyed by the Chinese for a bid. The rumors even went to the level saying that a deal was about to be struck regarding the team.

However, these reports seemed to have hardly any impact on the performance of the Liverpool team. After earning another 2-0 victory at Skopje over the Macedonians, Liverpool appeared quite confident and calculative about the Anfield encounter.

Hodgson's choice of the strongest team including Jamie Carragher, Glen Johnson and Joe Cole along with Gerrard turned out to be super hit. "It was important to be disciplined and have a quality performance and we certainly did that. Obviously we're just delighted to be in the next round, I'm sure that round will prove tougher than this one", remarked an elated Hodgson after the match.

India vs Sri Lanka third test: Lanka makes a come back via Samaraweera and Mendis

Posted: 06 Aug 2010 03:21 AM PDT

Sri Lanka v India

Sri Lanka v India

Sri Lanka has made a gradual recovery on the fourth day of the third test after the Indian spinners wrecked havoc that led to a batting collapse for the hosts. From 143 for eight in 44 overs at the time of lunch, the Lankans managed to stretch score to 225 for eight in 68 overs with an overall lead of 214 runs. They had scored 425 runs in the first innings, while overcame the total by a weak margin of 11 runs. Samaraweera and Sehwag were the star performers at the Lankan and Indian side respectively during the first innings.

The morning session saw Pragyan Ojha claiming three wickets for 58 in 17 overs, while Sehwag dismissing 3 for 26. Mishra took two wickets. The middle order collapse was so severe that in a span of 28 overs Lanka lost 6 wickets. However, Samaraweera once again rose to the occasion came out to be the saviour. Giving him good company was Ajantha Mendis who made 45 from 114 balls. Samaraweera piled up an unbeaten 78 off 119 balls.

The post lunch session saw the Lankans putting up a brave front and gathering as much runs as possible. Samaraweera and Mendis this time fought the bowlers bravely without sacrificing their wickets. The effort showed results and Sri Lanka was able to accumulate 225 in 74 overs.

Haynesworth Waits For Knee Improvement Before Another Condition Test

Posted: 05 Aug 2010 11:51 PM PDT

Jojo Doria – AHN Sports Contributor

Ashburn, VA, United States (AHN) – Albert Haynesworth, who skipped the team’s mandatory conditioning test Tuesday due to a sore left knee after aborting his third attempt Monday, was on the field again, but only to watch his teammates practice Wednesday.

According to reports, the 29-year-old All-Pro defensive tackle, who reported to the Washington Redskins at about 30 pounds lighter than his listed weight of 350, will not retake the test until his knee improves.

Rather than retake the 300-yard time sprints, the two-time All Pro lineman was advised by the Redskins medical and training staff to continue receiving treatment on the knee which became irritated.

That may have occurred because of his attempts at the conditioning test early in training camp, according to the Washington Post.com.

Haynesworth, named to two Pro Bowls while playing for the Titans, is not allowed to practice until he passes the test.

Coach Mike Shanahan, who was believed to not be on good terms with Haynesworth since assuming his coaching post, reportedly offered an olive branch to the player Monday.

Shanahan hinted the player could “possibly” practice without passing the conditioning test.

Although he had his helmet from time to time, but was not wearing pads and did not take part in any drills, Haynesworth has not been a total bystander.

He has been included in many drills and walk-throughs without pads.

Haynesworth, the only Redskins player subjected to the test, has continued to work separately with defensive coordinator Jim Haslett.

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Blackhawks Replenish Roster With Five Signings

Posted: 05 Aug 2010 11:48 PM PDT

Jojo Doria – AHN Sports Contributor

Chicago, IL, United States (AHN) – A day after securing right wing Igor Makarov to a two-year pact, the Chicago Blackhawks replenished their roster Wednesday with five signings, including veteran defenseman Jassen Cullimore.

The Stanley Cup champions inked the 38-year-old Cullimore, a veteran of 776 NHL regular-season contests, including two seasons with the Blackhawks, to a one-year contract.

The Hawks also signed goaltender Hannu Toivonen and forwards Evan Brophey, Nathan Davis and Hugh Jessiman to one-year deals.

Cullimore recorded 14 points and 117 penalty minutes during his first two seasons in Chicago (2005-07). He helped Tampa Bay capture the Stanley Cup in the spring of 2004.

In 2009-10, he tallied two goals, eight helpers, and 52 penalty minutes in 59 games while playing for Chicago’s AHL affiliate in Rockford.

Brophey, 23, who was selected by Chicago in the third round of the 2005 draft, also played for the AHL’s IceHogs.

He tallied 14 goals, 17 assists in 79 regular-season tilts for Rockford during the 2009-10 campaign.

Brophey amassed 89 points (34G, 55A) in 232 regular-season contests with Rockford over the last three years.

Davis, 24, also a 2005 draft pick by the Blackhawks, tallied eight goals, three assists in 23 regular-season games with Rockford before being sidelined for the last four months of the season due to an injury.

Jessiman, 26, originally selected in the 2003 NHL Entry Draft by the New York Rangers, registered a career-high 20 goals and 42 points for the AHL’s Milwaukee Admirals last season.

He has compiled 72 goals, 71 assists in 316 regular-season AHL tilts over parts of five seasons with Hartford (2005-08) and Milwaukee (2008-10).

Toivonen, 25, originally acquired by the Blackhawks last March in a trade with the St. Louis Blues, has appeared in six games for Rockford last year, registering 1-4-0 with a 3.44 GAA.

The native of Kalvola, Finland, also appeared in 61 career NHL games with the Bruins (2005-07) and St. Louis (2007-08), posting an 18-24-10 record with a 3.37 GAA and an .890 save percentage.

Article © AHN – All Rights Reserved

Red Wings Re-sign Forward Helm; Blues Ink Scatchard

Posted: 05 Aug 2010 11:48 PM PDT

AHN Sports Staff

Detroit, MI, United States (AHN) – Veteran forward Darren Helm will stay in Detroit next season after signing a two-year, $1.825 million pact with the Red Wings Wednesday.

Red Wings general manager Ken Holland confirmed that Helm will play for the Red Wings for two more seasons.

The 23-year old Helm will receive $825,000 in the upcoming season and $1 million in the final year of the deal.

Drafted fifth overall in 2005, Helm recorded two goals and two assists during the Red Wings Stanley Cup-winning campaign in 2008.

Red Wings coach Mike Babcock often lauded the forward for the speed and tenacity he showed every single game.

Helm played 75 games last season, recording 11 goals and 13 assists for 24 points.

Meanwhile, the St. Louis Blues acquired veteran forward Dave Scatchard to a one-year, two-way deal Wednesday.

Scatchard, 34, is expected to bring muscle and veteran presence in the Red Wings’ third or fourth-line.

Drafted 42nd overall in 1994, the 13-year veteran spent the first seven seasons of his career with the Vancouver Canucks and the New York Islanders before becoming a journeyman in the league.

Last season, Scatchard played with the Nashville Predators and their AHL affiliate Milwaukee Admirals.

In 13 seasons, Scatchard tallied 128 goals, 140 assists, and 268 points over 651 career games in the NHL.

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Report: Substance Abuse Sidelines Jets Quarterback Ainge

Posted: 05 Aug 2010 11:48 PM PDT

AHN Sports Staff

New York, NY, United States (AHN) – The New York Jets placed Erik Ainge on their reserved/non-injured list after learning the backup quarterback entered a rehabilitation facility for substance abuse, a major sports media outlet reported Wednesday.

ESPN correspondent Jane McManus indicated Ainge is currently being treated in a rehabilitation facility for using prohibited drugs.

The 24-year old Ainge was already placed on the Jets reserved/non-injured list last week and could face an eight game suspension once activated.

Ainge, the former Tennessee Volunteers quarterback, has yet to play an NFL game since he was drafted 162nd overall by the Jets at 2008 NFL Draft.

Several sources indicated Ainge also had problems with prescription drugs last year, when he almost missed the entire training camp.

Although he refrained from giving comments about Ainge’s future with the Jets, coach Rex Ryan nevertheless expressed his disappointment about the quarterback’s situation.

Ainge also served a four-game suspension last season after testing positive for steroids and other banned substances following surgery on his right pinkie in 2008.

NFL followers believe the Jets will eventually cut Ainge from their roster, allowing Kellen Clemens to secure the team’s No.3 quarterback spot.

Article © AHN – All Rights Reserved

Edwin Jackson Pitches Out Of Trouble, White Sox Top Tigers

Posted: 05 Aug 2010 11:02 PM PDT

John Raffel – AHN Sports Correspondent

Detroit, MI, United States (AHN) – Edwin Jackson felt right at home as a pitcher for the Chicago White Sox.

Jackson blanked his former team, the Detroit Tigers, for seven innings, while Paul Konerko and Carlos Quentin smacked home runs in igniting the White Sox to a 4-1 victory Wednesday night at Comerica Park.

In making his first appearance for the White Sox, Jackson scattered nine hits in seven full innings but allowed just one walk and was assisted by two double plays while striking out six.

He was lifted after allowing a leadoff walk in the eighth inning to Detroit’s Miguel Cabrera.

Detroit out-hit Chicago 10-9 but left 11 batters on base.

“It wasn’t easy,” said Jackson. “It was a matter of getting out of big innings and having control.”

Chicago reliever J.J. Putz allowed an RBI single in the bottom of the eighth to Detroit infielder Brandon Inge.

But with runners on second and third and one out, Matt Thornton took over the mound duties and got Chicago out of the inning without any further damage.

Detroit put its first two batters on base in the third inning, Will Rhymes and Johnny Damon. But Jackson retired Cabrera, Brennan Boesch and Jhonny Peralta, in order, to get out of the inning.

“It was a matter of finding the strike zone and taking my chances and making them put the ball in play,” Jackson said. “It was a combination of that and making pitches. I wanted to play the odds and let the defense play behind me.”

“He threw pitches when he needed to,” said Detroit outfielder Don Kelly. “We didn’t get the big hit. He threw the ball real hard and had good stuff.”

Konerko had an RBI single in the first inning while Quentin belted a two-run blast in the fourth for his 21st home run of the season for Chicago.

Konerko smacked his 27th home run of the season, a solo blast, in the sixth inning, for a 4-0 lead.

Quentin, who has been struggling with a .237 batting average, now has 69 RBIs this season.

“A couple of games, he’s going to be back to where he was,” said Chicago manager Ozzie Guillen.

Chicago’s Bobby Jenks retired the side in the ninth inning for the save, his 23rd of the season.

Jackson was traded to Arizona last December by Detroit. He was 13-9 with a 3.62 ERA and recorded 161 strikeouts during 33 starts for the Tigers and was selected to the American League All-Star team.

He was traded by the Diamondbacks to Chicago last weekend for right-hand pitcher Daniel Hudson and southpaw David Holmberg.

Jackson allowed one run and nine hits in seven full innings, plus one walk, while striking out six.

Detroit starter Armando Galarraga took the loss in falling to 3-4. He allowed four runs on eight hits in 7 2-3 innings, walking five and striking out one.

The White Sox, who lead the American League’s Central Division, have a 61-46 record after winning their eighth game in their last nine outings.

They are 20-8 in their last 28 games and 37-13 in their last 50. The third-place Tigers fell to 53-54 and trail Chicago by eight games.

“There’s a lot of guys who had had big hits this year,” Kelly said. “You have to battle through it. Nobody feels we’re out of it. We’ve played teams tough.”

One piece of good news for Detroit was the return of Inge, who had been sidelined since July 20 with a hand injury. He had three hits for the Tigers.

Article © AHN – All Rights Reserved
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