Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Latest Sports Buzz

Latest Sports Buzz

India Debuts in English Premiere League Football Through Club Acquisition

Posted: 27 Oct 2010 11:13 PM PDT

It's a new venture for V H Group of India to buy a football club, of English Premiere League, a one of its kind, for the first time by any Indian Corporate. Venkateshwara Hatcheries Private Limited (VHPL), situated in Pune has nothing to do with Football.

The main company of the V H Group, Venkateshawara Hatcheries is into poultry farming, nowhere near to the game of football. The brand Venky's by the company reportedly is the largest poultry farming group in Asia.

In an effort to expand, and mark their international presence the group decided to bid for Blackburn Rovers, the football club of English Premiere League.

The whole deal has been struck for around GBP 50 m. Almost in final stages, the deal will be formalized in few more days. The chief Executive Officer Anuradha J Desai is personally taking active part in the whole deal. With the acquisition of Blackburn Rovers, the group will be visible on international platform.

Why football? When asked, the reply came from the group that football is a very popular game in most part of the world. The craze of this game is astonishing in most of the countries especially in southeast, Middle East and European markets.

Once associated with the English Premiere Club, Blackburn Roves, the Venky's Brand owned by the company will not be difficult to popularize in those parts of the world. The aim probably is hitting two birds with one arrow. Blackburn Rovers in the league tally is fourth last.

India Paddlers Aim To Train At New Yamuna Complex

Posted: 27 Oct 2010 04:17 PM PDT

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AHN Sports Staff

New Delhi, India (AHN) – Fueled by its desire to boost the development of table tennis in its country, the Table Tennis Federation of India (ITTFI) is seeking the support of India’s sports leaders to approve the bid for turning the Yamuna Sports Complex into its new permanent training center.

The IITFI is reportedly planning to send a formal request to the Delhi Development Authority and India Sports Authority, asking the county’s sports authorities to provide a better training ground for its national table tennis team.

The Yamuna Sports Complex, which hosted the table tennis event in the just concluded Commonwealth Games, is a world-class facility that features up to 20 table tennis tables and a wooden flooring on the show and match courts.

The sports complex can also accommodate 4,297 people, making it a perfect venue for national and international table tennis tournaments.

“We do not have a permanent centre for our players here in Delhi. Now, we have a world-class facility and it will be a pity if it is not used. I have already spoken to SAI officials about it and they are keen on the issue as well,” a TTFI official told The Time of India Saturday.

India posted its most productive campaign at the CWG history, as they hauled five table tennis medals (1 gold, 1 silver, and 3 bronze) to place second behind Singapore with 12 medals (6 gold, 5 silver, and 1 bronze).

The official said once the proposal is approved, India will start organizing national camps and tournaments to discover more homegrown talents who can be trained for international competition.

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`Doc` Is Out: Unfinished Business For Phillies Ace Roy Halladay

Posted: 27 Oct 2010 04:17 PM PDT

Ed Condran – AHN Sports Correspondent

Philadelphia, PA, United States (AHN) – When Roy Halladay agreed to be traded by the Toronto Blue Jays to the Philadelphia Phillies last December, his goals were to make an impression with his new team and fans, reach the playoffs for the first time in his storied career and pitch in the World Series.

Two out of three isn’t so good, according to Halladay.

Despite making the National League Championship Series, pitching a perfect game during the regular season and hurling a no-hitter during the NLDS against the Cincinnati Reds, the season was a disappointment for the former AL Cy Young Award winner.

“It’s bittersweet because obviously the goals we had as a team, we came up short,” Halladay said. “That part’s tough. But what we accomplished as a team, it’s stuff that I’ll never forget.”

Halladay, 33, won 21 games but easily could have 25 victories if he received a little more run support. Bet on Halladay to become the fifth pitcher in baseball history to win the Cy Young in both leagues.

Halladay had a tremendous season personally. He went 21-10 with a 2.44 ERA with league highs in shutouts (4), complete games (9) and innings pitched (250 2/3). But whenever the light shined upon him, he deflected it over his teammates.

“He’s incredibly humble,” Phillies centerfielder Shane Victorino said. “With him, the team truly comes first.”

When he pitched the second no-hitter in post-season history, Halladay barely cracked a smile during the press conference following the game. It was always about the team.

When asked the highlight of 2010, almost any player would be expected to put the perfect game or playoff no-hitter at the top.

Neither hit the top of the chart for Halladay.

His two-hit shutout of the Washington Nationals, which clinched the division a week before the season ended gave Halladay the most satisfaction of the year and possibly his career.

“Being able to celebrate as a team, not only on the field but in the clubhouse was pretty special,” Halladay said. “That’s something I obviously won’t ever forget.”

Team comes first for Halladay, who beat the Giants with one leg during game 5 of the NLCS.

Halladay suffered a hamstring pull during the second inning. He couldn’t throw his fastball with much velocity but he gutted it out for six innings with curveballs and changeups leading the Phillies to victory.

Phillies fans appreciate his extraordinary talent. But the blue-collar town embraces athletes, who are as tough as those who live in the city,

Halladay has true grit. The fans love him and he appreciates their backing.

“I was really blown away from Day 1 to the very end by how much support we received,” Halladay said.

Even though the World Series, which he doesn’t plan to watch, has yet to start, Halladay can see the 2011 season on the horizon.

He will return to his Florida home in a few days. Halladay will take a week off and then start working out.

His goal remains the same, winning a World Series ring. He hopes the result in 2011 for he and the Phillies is different.

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PBA: South Carolina`s Ritchie Allen Paces Cheetah Qualifying

Posted: 27 Oct 2010 04:17 PM PDT

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AHN Sports Staff

Las Vegas, NV, United States (AHN) – Two-time Professional Bowlers Association Tour winner Ritchie Allen of Columbia, S.C., averaged 251.67 to win the Brunswick Pro Bowling Cheetah Championship qualifying round as the PBA World Series of Bowling got underway. Allen posted a 12-game total of 3,020 pins to top Lonnie Waliczek of Wichita, Kan., by 41 pins.

The top 16 players from Monday’s B!G Bs Cheetah qualifying round advance to a nine-game round-robin match play round next Monday. After 21 games, the top five will advance to the stepladder finals which will be conducted on Friday, Nov. 5, at South Point. Among those advancing is defending Cheetah champion Norm Duke of Clermont, Fla., who qualified sixth.

BRUNSWICK PRO BOWLING CHEETAH CHAMPIONSHIP

(After 12 qualifying games; top 16 advance to round-robin match play Monday, Nov. 1)

1, Ritchie Allen, Columbia, S.C., 3,020.

2, Lonnie Waliczek, Wichita, Kan., 2,979.

3, Ronnie Russell, Marion, Ind., 2,929.

4, Steve Jaros, Yorkville, Ill., 2,924.

5, Brian Menini, Brookfield, Mo., 2,922.

6, Norm Duke, Clermont, Fla., 2,911.

7, Joe Paluszek, Bensalem, Pa., 2,910.

8, (tie) Chris Loschetter, Avon, Ohio, and Mark Buffa, Canada, 2,893.

10, (tie) Parker Bohn III, Jackson, N.J., and Jeff Carter, Springfield, Ill., 2,891.

12, Michael Haugen Jr., Carefree, Ariz., 2,885.

13, Andy Patterson, Tyler, Texas, 2,881.

14, Eugene McCune, Munster, Ind., 2,874.

15, Bill O’Neill, Southampton, Pa., 2,865.

16, Dominic Barrett, England, 2,844.

ALLEN TAKES EARLY PBA WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS LEAD

The PBA World Series of Bowling is a dual event, with total pinfall for five days of 12-game qualifying rounds on five different PBA lane conditioning patterns determining the standings for the 2010 PBA World Championship. Allen also is the first-round PBA World Championship qualifying leader. After the first 12 games, defending PBA World Champion Tom Smallwood of Saginaw, Mich., was in 116th place,

averaging 218.42 for a 2,621 pinfall total.

The PBA World Championship standings, based on 60 games after the Cheetah, Viper, Chameleon, Scorpion and Shark qualifying rounds, will pay 63 places and the top eight will advance to the live, three-day television finals Jan. 14, 15 and 16.

After the first 12 games, PBA Hall of Famer Amleto Monacelli of Venezuela and former Exempt Tour player Randy Weiss of Columbia, S.C., were tied for 63rd place with 2,738 pins.

USA VS. THE WORLD

An additional battle taking place within the World Series qualifying rounds is a contest for berths in the USA vs. The World special event which will take place on Nov. 6 for delayed airing on ESPN. The top six United States players will meet the top six international bowlers in a one-game team match. Through Monday’s opening round, the U.S. held the top six positions.

The six leading international contenders were Canada’s Mark Buffa in eighth, England’s Dominic Barrett in 16th, Venezuela’s Luis Olivo tied for 37th, Finland’s Osku Palermaa in 42nd, Finland’s Jouni Helminen and Sweden’s Mathias Arup tied for 46th, and Finland’s Kimmo Lehtonen in 51st.

Arup, Mathias and Olivo, along with Sweden B!G Bs Robert Andersson, bowled four of the 10 300 games bowled in the Cheetah round. Also bowling 300s on opening day were Mike Steil, Wheeling, Ill.; Alan Mojado, Pala, Calif.; Danny Wiseman, Baltimore; Chris Loschetter, Avon, Ohio; Joe Paluszek, Bensalem, Pa., and Eddie Graham, Centerville, Ohio.

XTRA FRAME COVERS 14 HOURS OF OPENING DAY ACTION

Bowling fans around the world were able to follow 14 hours of live action on Xtra Frame, the PBA B!G Bs exclusive video-streaming service, on Monday. Full-year, World Series only and one-day trial memberships are available by visiting www.xtraframe.tv.

PBA WORLD SERIES OF BOWLING NOTEBOOK:

$B!B South Point Casino, Hotel and Bowling Center on the south side of Las Vegas has provided tournament players, PBA staff, bowling fans and industry representatives an all-in-one place to settle in for the duration of the two-week event. With a variety of restaurants, movie theaters, swimming facilities, exercise and fitness center and more, the net result is more than 1,700 room nights at South Point have been booked by people associated with the World Series.

The Howard Stern Show’s Scott The Engineer Salem, an avid New Jersey league bowler making his first appearance in a professional tournament, averaged 183.5 for his first 12 games to finish 247th in the field of 252. Salem’s performances are being covered by HowardTV as well as Stern’s Sirius Satellite Radio show. Salem’s personal goal is to finish in the top 200.

The leading woman after 12 games was Liz Johnson of Cheektowaga, N.Y., who sat in 72nd place with 2,715 pins (a 226.25 average). Exempt Tour player Kelly Kulick of Union, N.J., was 14 pins behind Johnson in 80th place with a 2,701 total.

Robert Mushtare of Carthage, N.Y., who gained fame as the first bowler ever to be recognized by the United States Bowling Congress for bowling two 900 series, was in 45th place after 12 games, averaging 213.08 for a 2,773 total.

The youngest players in the field are 17-year-old Zack Hattori of Las Vegas and Morgan O’Brien of Lomira, Wis., who earned a chance to bowl with the stars as 2010 Teen Masters boys and girls champions. Hattori was in 74th place after the Cheetah round, averaging 226 for 2,712 pins. O’Brien was 234th with 2,278 pins, a 189.83 average.

Article © AHN – All Rights Reserved

TV, Sponsorship Deals Boost MLB Revenues For 2009-10 Season

Posted: 27 Oct 2010 04:17 PM PDT

Jojo Doria – AHN Sports Contributor

New York, NY, United States (AHN) – Despite the average per-game attendance drop during the 2009-10 season compared to the previous campaign, Major League Baseball reportedly expects to post record-breaking $7 billion in gross revenues for this season.

The projected hike in revenues for the season can be attributed to several factors which include the annual escalators in local television deals and the return of ads from the automotive and financial sectors.

“This is the golden era for the sport and given the (weak) economy this may be the most remarkable year we ever had,” MLB Commissioner Bud Selig told Sport Business.com.

“Every economic option in our business is up this year. We’re at numbers nobody ever thought possible,” Selig added.

According to Turner Sports President David Levy, significant increase in sponsorship revenue coming from automotive, financial sectors and insurance companies hiked the growth in advertising for baseball.

MLB registered $6.6 billion in revenues in 2009, an increase from the $6.5 posted in 2008.

Meanwhile, total attendance slipped to about 0.6 percent during the 2010 regular season compared to 2009.

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Struggling Flyers Hoping to Snap Skid Vs. Sabres; Lead 2-1 Midway

Posted: 27 Oct 2010 04:17 PM PDT

Ed Condran – AHN Sports Correspondent

Philadelphia, PA, United States (AHN) – The Phillies aren’t the only Philadelphia sports club that has trouble scoring. The Flyers have also been having difficulties lighting up the scoreboard.

But the Flyers anemic offense is finding its form once again. Nikolay Zherdev put the orange and black up 2-1 over the Buffalo Sabres thanks to his second goal of the season.

The Flyers other goal came courtesy of their top striker Danny Briere, who netted his sixth goal of the season.

Briere, who scored on his own rebound, and the Flyers took advantage of back -to-back penalties by the Sabres.

The Sabres lone goal was scored on the power play on a tip in by Thomas Vanek, his fourth of the campaign.

The silver lining for the Flyers, who have lost four out their last five games, is the line of Danny Briere, Scott Hartnell and Ville Leino.

The trio is providing considerable energy and chances to Philly’s attack.

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Oklahoma State Wideout Justin Blackmon Arrested On DUI Suspicion

Posted: 27 Oct 2010 04:17 PM PDT

Jojo Doria – AHN Sports Contributor

Oklahoma City, OK, United States (AHN) – Oklahoma State star wide receiver Justin Blackmon was arrested early Tuesday on a misdemeanor DUI complaint after attending Monday’s Dallas Cowboys-New York Giants game.

Blackmon was with three friends in his vehicle on the way back to Stillwater from Monday Night Football game in Arlington, Texas when he was pulled over.

According to police, Blackmon was arrested at 3:45 a.m. after being clocked at 92 mph in a 60 mph zone along Interstate 35 in Carrollton, Texas.

The 6-foot-1, 207 pound sophomore from Ardmore, who has emerged as star this season for the Cowboys, was in Arlington to watch Dallas rookie and former Oklahoma State wide receiver Dez Bryant.

A field sobriety test was administered on the 20-year-old Blackmon, who was determined to have a “detectable amount” of alcohol, according to reports.

Under Texas law, drivers under 21 can be arrested for having any detectable amount of alcohol in his or her system.

Blackmon fell into that category.

Blackmon was released from jail Tuesday morning on a $375 bond. He is scheduled for a court appearance on Nov. 23.

Meanwhile, Oklahoma State officials, including football coach Mike Gundy, have yet to comment until the “matter is resolved.”

Gundy is expected to comment on Blackmon’s status as the Cowboys head into the final weeks of the season.

Blackmon leads the nation in receiving yards per game and ranks second in catches per contest. This season, he has 62 receptions for 1,112 yards and 14 TD.

He would be a big loss for the Cowboys if Gundy decides a suspension is in order.

The Cowboys (6-1, 2-1, Big 12), coming off their first loss of the season, will play Kansas State Saturday.

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Giants To Start Lincecum Vs. Rangers` Lee In World Series Opener

Posted: 27 Oct 2010 05:32 AM PDT

John Nestor – AHN Sports Correspondent

San Francisco, CA, United States (AHN) – San Francisco Giants ace Tim Lincecum will face Texas Rangers’ hurler Cliff Lee in Game 1 of the World Series, Giants Manager Bruce Bochy said Monday.

Lincecum will take on the Rangers for the first time on the game’s biggest stage when the Giants and Rangers begin the World Series Wednesday at AT&T Park in San Francisco.

Lincecum got San Francisco off to a fast start in the NLCS, besting Roy Halladay and the Philadelphia Phillies 4-3 in Game One. Lincecum took the loss in Game Five, sending the series back to Philadelphia, where San Francisco closed things out with a 3-2 triumph in Game Six.

Having already faced off with Halladay twice, Lincecum should be ready for the challenge that Lee will bring to the series.

Asserting himself as one of the top playoff pitchers of his era, Lee is 3-0 during this postseason and 7-0 with a 1.26 ERA for his career in the playoffs. He has done it in both leagues pitching in five series and making eight starts with the Phillies and Rangers.

Bochy also said right-hander Matt Cain will start Game Two followed by Jonathan Sanchez in Game 3 at Arlington. Bochy split up Lincecum and Cain with the lefthanded Sanchez in the NLCS. Madison Bumgarner will get the start for the Giants in Game 4.

After Lee, Rangers Manager Ron Washington is expected to send out C.J. Wilson in Game Two and Colby Lewis in Game Three.

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Cloud Nine: World Cup Organizers Thrilled About New Structure In Queens Wharf

Posted: 27 Oct 2010 04:38 AM PDT

Jojo Doria – AHN Sports Contributor

Auckland, New Zealand (AHN) – Organizers of the 2011 Rugby World Cup are optimistically predicting long-term benefits for the temporary structure planned for Queen’s Wharf even after the tournament next year.

The 6,000 capacity steel, glass and PVC structure, dubbed as “The Cloud” is reportedly worth $10 million.

Officials, including Rugby World Cup Minister Murray McCully, indicated that the temporary multi-purpose structure will be used for years after the Cup.

According to New Zealand Prime Minister John Key Monday, the Cloud will be a hub of activity for international visitors and New Zealanders for the duration of the cup.

Apart from providing rugby fans a place to watch games, the Cloud will also be a venue for live music and festival events.

The mezzanine space at the harbor end of the structure will be used as an international media lounge and for VIP hosting.

New Zealand won the bid to host the 2011 tournament in November of 2005.

South Africa is the reigning World Champion of the premiere international rugby union competition.

The South Africans trounced England, the 2003 World Cup Champions, at the Rugby World Cup finale in 2007 in France.

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Richie Allen Tops Brunswick Pro Bowling Cheetah Championship Qualifying

Posted: 27 Oct 2010 04:38 AM PDT

AHN Sports Staff

Las Vegas, NV, United States (AHN) – Richie Allen’s professional bowling career was hanging by a thread at the conclusion of the 2009-10 Lumber Liquidators PBA Tour season, but Monday, he was on top of the world as the Professional Bowlers Association’s World Series of Bowling got underway at South Point Bowling Center.

Allen, a 32-year-old two-time PBA Tour champion, averaged 252 for 12 games to top the field of 16 qualifiers who will advance to the Brunswick Pro Bowling Cheetah Championship match play round next Monday. Allen finished with 3,020 total pins after firing games of 289, 279, 279, 248, 235 and 249 in his second six-game bloc for a 41-pin edge over Lonnie Waliczek of Wichita, Kan.

Allen, who has a reputation of being one of the PBA’s most high-strung, emotional players, was surprisingly in control in his first appearance since coming up short in the 2009-10 competition points race and almost losing his PBA Tour exemption for 2010-11.

“I have a different mindset now,” Allen said. “My wife (Sarah) got pregnant. It’s our first and we just found out it’s going to be a little girl. I have a lot more on my mind now than bowling. My priorities are different.

“Things mean just as much from a bowling standpoint, but my mind accepts bad breaks differently,” he added. “It’s easier to accept a bad break. Don’t get me wrong; I’m not going to lose the intensity. When I feel it, I’m going try to win. But I’m not going to beat myself up if I get a bad break.

“The Cheetah is not one of my favorite lane conditions,” he continued. “I’m not a fan. I like to hook the ball and normally you need to play straight on the Cheetah, but today I could hook it. You actually wanted to hook it. There were spots where you had to go around oil, and that’s what I’m pretty good at “I figured if I could get through Cheetah, and have a decent day on the Viper condition (Tuesday), maybe I’ll hit my stride later in the week.”

The Brunswick Pro Bowling Cheetah Championship qualifying round was the opening event of the 2010-11 Lumber Liquidators PBA Tour season, and the first leg in the PBA World Championship. All PBA World Series of Bowling competitors will bowl four more 12-game qualifying rounds on the PBA’s Viper, Chameleon, Scorpion and Shark lane conditions over the next four days to complete the 60-game PBA World

Championship standings.

While accumulating pins toward the World Championship is a high priority, all players will face a fresh challenge over the next four days. Similar to stages in the Tour de France, the top 16 players each day will advance to the Cheetah, Viper, Chameleon, Scorpion and Shark Championship match play rounds next week.

In week two, the top qualifiers on each pattern will bowl nine additional round-robin match play games with the top five based upon 21 total games advancing to the stepladder finals.

Bowling fans around the world can follow the daily action live on Xtra Frame, the PBA’s exclusive video-streaming service. Full-year, World Series only and one-day trial memberships are available by visiting www.xtraframe.tv.

2010 PBA WORLD SERIES OF BOWLING

South Point Bowling Center, Las Vegas, Nev., Monday

BRUNSWICK PRO BOWLING CHEETAH CHAMPIONSHIP

(After 12 games; top 16 advance to round-robin match play Monday, Nov. 1)

1, Ritchie Allen, Columbia, S.C., 3,020.

2, Lonnie Waliczek, Wichita, Kan., 2,979.

3, Ronnie Russell, Marion, Ind., 2,929.

4, Steve Jaros, Yorkville, Ill., 2,924.

5, Brian Menini, Brookfield, Mo., 2,922.

6, Norm Duke, Clermont, Fla., 2,911.

7, Joe Paluszek, Bensalem, Pa., 2,910.

8, (tie) Chris Loschetter, Avon, Ohio, and Mark Buffa, Canada, 2,893.

10, (tie) Parker Bohn III, Jackson, N.J., and Jeff Carter, Springfield, Ill., 2,891.

12, Michael Haugen Jr., Carefree, Ariz., 2,885.

13, Andy Patterson, Tyler, Texas, 2,881.

14, Eugene McCune, Munster, Ind., 2,874.

15, Bill O’Neill, Southampton, Pa., 2,865.

16, Dominic Barrett, England, 2,844.

Article © AHN – All Rights Reserved
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